as new CCJ President
St. Lucian teen arrested for possession of unlicensed firearm Charity gets new $144M fire station Justice Winston Anderson sworn in labour
PresidentDr.IrfaanAli(left)andhisCARICOMcolleagues:PrimeMinisterof Barbados,MiaMottley (centre)andPrimeMinisterofBelize,JohnAntonioBriceño onthemarginsoftheCARICOMHeadsofGovernmentMeetinginJamaica.
PrintedandPublishedbyNationalMedia& PublishingCompanyLtd. 24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.
Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456
Editor:NIGELWILLIAMS
Tel:225-8465,225-8491. Fax:225-8473,226-8210
Guyana joined the rest of the Caribbean in celebrating the52ndAnniversaryoftheestablishmentoftheCaribbean Community(CARICOM).
In her speech at the opening of the summit held in Jamaicaovertheweekend,CARICOMSecretaryGeneral, Dr Carla Barnett acknowledged that despite the progress that has been made over the years, the community is still grapplingwithchallenges.
She noted that unprecedented global uncertainty, economic pressures and technological innovations have challengedtheregion’scapacitytokeeppacewiththerest oftheworld. Shementionedthatthesechallengesaswellas the needs of the region’s youth “compel us to act collectively,withcourageandwithconviction.”Shesaidas much as the regional bloc remains committed to the aims and objectives set out in the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas,“wemustalsoremaincognisantthatmoving forward is more difficult for some of us. In the spirit of family,weshouldseektoaddresstheconcernsofallifwe aretobeaCommunitythatbenefitseveryoneintheRegion. As several of our regional statesmen have been known to say,“IfCARICOMdidnotexist,wewouldhavetoinvent it”.
Asabody,CARICOMhasgrownfromagroupingofa few states into a regional integration movement encompassing 15 member states; and has had both its failures and successes. CARICOM has had a start-stop history There was time when the regional integration movementwasatadeadstop.
CARICOMhasalsobeenadividedhouse.Itwascertain CARICOM Head, namely Eugenia Charles and Tom AdamswhosupportedandeveninvitedtheUSinvasionof Grenadain1983.AndEugeniaCharleswasevenplottingto have Burnham expelled from CARICOM for rigging elections.
However, there have been some noteworthy achievements by the Caribbean Community The most noteworthyhasbeenthesinglemarket–concernedwiththe movement of goods. Despite having the most uncommon commonexternaltariff,thesinglemarketremainsoneofthe mostdefiningachievementsofCARICOM.
Regrettably,whenitcomestothesingleeconomy,there hasbeentoolittleprogress.Freemovementofgoodsunder the single market exists but only limited progress is being made in respect to the free movement of capital. Persons still complain about administrative hassles in rights of establishmentinsomeCaribbeancountries.Whileinrecent times, there has been additional categories of workers allowedfreemovementwithintheCommunity,thereneeds to be much more in regards the liberalization of the free movementoflabour.
The CSME has been a victim of slothfulness and appearstolackaworkablemodel.Butthegreatestbugbear has been the diverse national interests of the 15 member states. Often when faced with crises, member states view regionalintegrationasaluxuryratherthananecessityand national interests takes precedence over regional integration.
But there are also practical considerations that have hindered regional integration. The region has diverse economic structure and countries at different stages of development.Thispresentsaproblemwithharmonization, especiallythetaskofhavingasinglecurrencywhichcanbe usedinallmemberstates.Somecountriesalsoarenotkeen onliberalizingthefreemovementofpersonsforfearofthe socialcostswhichmayhavetobebornebytheirnationals. CARICOM’s decision-making processes have faced criticism for being slow, bureaucratic, and lacking enforcementmechanisms.Theconsensus-drivenapproach, whiledesignedtoaccommodatediversenationalinterests, hasattimesimpededtimelyanddecisiveaction.Despitethe relaxation of the unanimity rule, leaders appear to be illprepared for rapid and decisive decision-making at
economicinclusion,
The Guyana Public ServiceUnion(GPSU)joins communities across the Caribbean in celebrating the 52nd Anniversary of the establishment of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and in honouring the cultural richness,unity,andenduring spiritthatbindustogetheras oneregion.
The GPSU also extends heartfelt congratulations to Dr The Most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP, Prime Minister of Jamaica, on his assumption o f t h e C A R I C O M Chairmanship, effective July1,2025 Inhisremarks, Prime Minister Holness remindedus:“CARICOM’s distinction as the oldest surviving integration m o v e m e n t a m o n g developing countries is worthy of celebration and commendation ” He also statedthat“Wearestronger together, capable of overcoming adversity and achievinggreatprogress”
We commend his bold and visionary leadership, particularly his emphasis on youth empowerment, which aligns seamlessly with the region’s commitment to inclusive growth and transformative development. In a special engagement preceding the 49th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, scheduled to take place in Montego Bay, Jamaica, from July 6–8, 2025, Prime Minister H o l n e s s p l a c e d youth who comprise nearly 60% of the CARICOM population, at the center of the region’s development agenda He
described them as the “architectsofthefuture”and called on them to become “co-creators of the Region’s progress.”
He emphasized their pivotal role in shaping the Caribbean of tomorrow: “Youaretheinnovatorswho will create new industries, the entrepreneurs who will define our economies, and the leaders who will advocate for climate justice andsustainability.”
He further challenged young people to: “Remain bold, confident, and visionary to create a region where ideas are valued, contributionsarecelebrated, and your future is secured.”
He also assured them:”We will not just listen to your voices; we will act on your ideas.”
Hismessageisclear:the future of the Caribbean depends on how we respect, educate, engage, and empower our young people, and that a secure and sustainable future for our region can only be achieved through coordinated efforts. This vision aligns fully with GPSU’s own advocacy for investmentinQualityPublic Services, Education, and Decent Employment, as we support the next generation in building a strong and promisingfuture.
This commitment also aligns with the foundational mission of the Caribbean PublicServicesAssociation; a regional organization rooted in the same spirit of cooperation and integration thatgaverisetoCARICOM. As a founding member, the GPSUcontinuestoadvocate for regional solidarity and emphasizes the ongoing need for a unified voice
summits. These summits are often commonly described as “talk-shops”.
Decisions are made and then allowed to languish. The problemsassociatedwithdecisionmakingareworsenedby the implementation gap. This gap has hindered the full realizationoftheintendedbenefitsofintegration.Therehas beenasignificantgapbetweentheformulationofpoliciesat the regional level and their effective implementation at the national level. Member states often face challenges in aligning their domestic legislation and administrative frameworks with the CSME provisions, resulting in delays andinconsistenciesinimplementation.Thisimplementation gaphasbeenamajorobstacletorealizingthefullpotentialof theCSME.
Regionalintegrationtheorypositsthatintegrationshould beabletoclosegapsineconomicdisparitiesamongmember states. By promoting economic cooperation, integration is supposed to increase trade, investment, and resource allocationefficiencyamongmemberstates.Andalongwith these, the elimination of trade barriers, harmonization of policies,anddevelopmentofcommoninstitutions,canhelp reduceeconomicdisparities
representing Public Sector Workers across the Caribbean.
While the dynamics of nationalrepresentationsmay evolve, the GPSU remains steadfast in its commitment totheprinciplesthatuniteus, safeguarding labour rights, advancing professional development, empowering youths, and fostering inclusive governance, ensuringthatthesepriorities are kept at the forefront securing sustainable regionaladvancement.
As a union, we also underscore the significance of regional institutions established under CARICOM, including the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), not only as the legal guardian of the CARICOM SingleMarketandEconomy (CSME) but also as a defender of the rights, mobility, and protection of workersacrossborders.
The CCJ’s rulings have significantly strengthened the legal and institutional frameworks within which labour unions operate, reinforcing the principles of fairness, equity, and accountability that lie at the heart of Caribbean Trade Unionism We further reassert the message of CARICOM SecretaryGeneral Dr Carla Barnett, who emphasized that this year’s theme “People, Partnerships, Prosperity: Promoting a Secure and Sustainable Future” , reflects CARICOM’s strategic focus on safeguarding the wellbeing of both current and futuregenerations
The 49th Heads of GovernmentMeeting,2025, will address some of the
most urgent challenges of our time: security, food systems,climatechange,and shifting geopolitical dynamics. These challenges are interr
d and significantly influence the daily lives, stability, and economic conditions of CARICOM citizens. As we markCARICOMDay2025, the GPSU reaffirms its commitment to advancing youth engagement and workforcereadinessthrough targeted public service training and innovation. We r
ed to promoting food security, confronting climate challengesfacingourregion, and strengthening regional safety through sound governance and crossbordercollaboration.
The GPSU continues to advocate for labour rights, public sector reform, economicinclusion,andsocial justice as foundational pillars ofCaribbeanProsperity
We actively support the strengthening of partnerships between governments, trade unions, and civil societies to shape inclusive, futureoriented policies. We are resoluteinreinforcingthevital role of Public Servants and Trade Unions in realizing the broaderCARICOMvisionfor a unified, secured, and prosperousregion
As one of the voices of labour in the region, the Guyana Public Service Union believes that CARICOMDayobservance is symbolic and represents our shared destiny as Caribbeanpeople.Itreminds us that the success of our region lies not in nostalgia, butinourcollectivecapacity tobuild,reform,andthrive
(Continuedonpage06)
Within CARICOM this has not happened and the disparities have widened. Disparities in GDP per capita, unemploymentrates,andaccesstoessentialservicespersist, hampering inclusive growth and social development. Factors contributing to this state of affairs are structural weaknesses, limited economic diversification within the region and of course the fact that external shocks have historicallywreakedhavocinregionaleconomies. ButthereisamorefundamentalflawwithinCARICOM. CARICOM is patterned after the European Union (EU) integrationmodel.CARICOMisacopycatmodel.TheEU’s freemovementofgoods,services,capital,andlabourandthe harmonizationofregulations,withintheEU,hasservedasa blueprintforCARICOM’sdevelopment.TheEU’smodelof regionalintegrationhasbeenthemostsuccessfulintegration model. What has made it so successful is the presence of supranational institutions However, the leaders of CARICOM have failed to have such supranational institutions.
Theyfeartheerosionofnationalsovereignty Unlessthis is reversed, there is only one place that the regional integrationmovementwillgo:downwards.
I am convinced that GECOM is on track with all other tasks as its work plan indicates
,
In the midst of Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM) pursuit to implementitsWorkPlanfor e l e c t i o n s 2 0 2 5 , Commissioner Vincent Alexander continues with hisrecklessPRcampaignto bring GECOM into disrepute.Somuddledishis politics, that little does he realizethatheisdoingmore harm than good for his principalslocatedatSophia.
Since the Commissioner has opted once again to misinform and to mislead readers, I consider it necessarytorespondandnot l e t t h i s w e b o f misinformation, published in the July 4th edition of mainstream media pass untangled.
Mr.Alexander starts out by shedding crocodile tears over what he described as thepostponementof‘crucial meeting’ of GECOM. So enthusiasticwashetoprove himself‘ontopofthegame’ that he forgot that Thursday meetingsofGECOMarenot Statutory Meetings. From my recollection, Thursday meetings are Special Meetings convened to discuss ‘time sensitive issues’ meaning, tasks that must be completed on the very day they are scheduled for completion so as not to jeopardize GECOM’s work planfortheelections.
Inmyview,therewasno ‘time sensitive issue’ slated fordiscussionfollowinglast Tuesday’s July 1, Statutory Meeting of the Commission that warranted a Special Meeting on Thursday July 3,2025. Furthermore, I do not recall receiving any noticeforthatdaynorwasan agenda for such a meeting circulated Commonsense would tell us; no notification, no agenda, no meeting.
As regards his sudden awakening; ‘whether the incarcerated will vote;’ this matter was raised ad
nauseam at commission meetings by Commissioner Alexander
In response, the Chair has always maintained that; ‘Section55ofthePrisonAct Cap 11:01, makes it ‘an offenceforapersonwithout a lawful excuse to speak or communicate with any prisoner.’
The Chair is on record stating that ‘due to the said prohibition, no contact can be made with prisoners without legislation so authorizing it ’Now that parliamentstandsdissolved, Commissioner Alexander is left, as if standing at a cross roads pondering which road hemustnowtaketocontinue his campaign against GECOM.
A s r e g a r d s h i s lamentation over; ‘how the names of the those reported dead, by the Commissioner of Police and the Chief Medical Officer, will be deletedfromthevoters’list;’ Mr Alexander knows that since May 6,2025 this matter has been under consideration at the Commission.Heknowsalso that as a result of those discussions, GECOM’s CEO undertook to compile the contributions and recommendations of all six commissionersincludingthe Chairman’s and to submit sametotheCommission.
A discussion on the CEO’s submission was held onMay12,2025resultingin a decision to share the contributions and recommendations made by commissioners with the AG’s Chamber and to seek guidance on the application of the provisions of Section 8B and 8C of the National RegistrationAct,Cap.19.08
On Friday, July 4, 2025, by way of a memo, circulated to commissioners via the Chair, the CEO reported that he was unable to formulate a ‘concise version’ of all the c o m m i s s i o n e r s ’
contributions and recommendations for
submission to the AG’s c h a m b e r s I n t h e circumstances,hesuggested that the Commission itself formulateitsdesiredversion or send the entire document with the contributions and recommendations from all commissioners to the AG’s chamber with a request for guidance.
As a Commissioner, Mr Alexander is aware of all these happenings, yet he refuses to tell ‘the whole truth and nothing but the truth’ about GECOM’s readiness to fulfill its constitutional mandate Alexander’s posture clashes with the public statement made by his party leader Aubrey Norton on June 22, 2025 that he is ‘satisfied with planned “mechanisms”
by the international community to ensure free, fairandtransparentelections onSeptember1.’
As regards his query about ‘how the non-resident ballotswillbecounted;’
The Commission has recognized that there appearstobeaconflictinthe law about this particular matter Ononehand,thelaw says that the ballots will be treated in the same manner as Disciplined Forces ballots. On the other hand, there is provision that the ballots be counted by the CEO. During discussions at the Commission on the Manual for Returning Officers (ROs)and Supernumerary Returning Officers(SROs), it was proposed, and agreed that we treat with non-resident ballots in the same way as has been done historically with the DisciplinedForcesBallots.
As a consequence, the Secretariat prepared and submitted for consideration by the Commission, a draft ‘Non-resident Order.’it was agreed that the draft Order besenttotheAG’schamber
foradvice.TheCommission awaits advice on the matter Continuingwithhisfrolicto frame GECOM’S pathway fortheimpendingelectionas faltering, Alexander claims thattheCommissionisyetto be advised on the ‘procurement of the sensitive and non-sensitive items;’ The Commissioner seemstobea‘LoneRanger’ onthismatter
It is obvious that ‘Sensitiveandnon-sensitive items’must be procured for the conduct of the elections. In this regard, the commission was informed that ballot boxes, seals and indelible ink etc; have been ordered from an Indian firm that has been supplying GECOM with such items since 2016. Printed ballots designed by GECOM with security features will be supplied by CBN. And containershavealreadybeen procured. As regards his reference to ‘other outstanding critical tasks.’ Commissioner Alexander failed to elaborate on what these ‘critical tasks’ are. As far as I am aware, there are nocriticaltasksoutstanding, save and except for internet connectivity for some RO/SOROffices.Otherthan that, and contrary to Commissioner Alexander’s frolicking, I am convinced that GECOM is on track with all other tasks as it’s workplanindicates.
Yoursfaithfully, ClementJ.Rohee GECOM Commissioner
DEAREDITOR, Regarding your news
report on renowned journalist Rickey Singh’s death, his demise is a great loss to the journalist fraternity For decades, he has been considered as an icon of Caribbean journalism During his tenurefromthe1960s,heset very high standards He served Guyana and the region well during his long innings. No one has done more for journalism or servinglongerthanhimfrom the1950stothe2020s.
Iwasfortunatetoengage him in Guyana and several countries around the region at CARICOM summits and during elections since the late 1980s, learning a lot about the field as well as aboutpoliticsinGuyanaand the region Journalists around the region always spoke highly of him at various conferences and Caricom summits and at press conferences. He was considered as the dean of Caribbean journalists. He was sympathetic with severalcauses.
And he was associated with several movements or struggles against the dictatorship in Guyana and with struggle for workers’ rightsandwomenequalityin Trinidad, Barbados, and around the region. He was among the earliest voices a g a i n s t B u r n h a m authoritarianism.
There was or is no other like him and no one has come close to filling his shoes. There is a dearth of journalists, editors, and
writers like Rickey Singh. He was a voracious reader and incisive writer, known for his sharp and critical commentary on politics and social issues. He wrote with simplicity and clarity His unbiased and ethical reporting is a reflection of his commitment to the profession. He had guts to expose hard truths, expose politicians, raise difficult questions, and remain committed to journalistic principles. His dedication to thefieldandprofessionalism h a v e m a d e h i m a distinguished name in the profession.
Rickey Singh was a journalistparexcellenceand o f e x c e p t i o n a l organizational and writing s k i l l s , o b j e c t i v e , professional, emphatic, warm, intelligent, graceful, unflappable, authoritative, and fearless in his reporting and commentaries. His reporting was characterized by meticulous analysis. His writings or reporting have madehimacelebratedfigure in the field of investigative journalism.
He never shied away fromexpressinghisopinions andexplainedthemwithreal investigation.
He dealt with Caribbean mandarins professionally Caribbean leaders always call him out for they value his reporting He never compromised his principles even when he was deported from Barbados by Tom Adams following the US invasion of Grenada. Other journalistsandeditors
(Continuedonpage06)
,
As a young Guyanese whofollowsGuyana’sfiscal and development trajectory closely, I am compelled to express my deep concern and disapproval over the Government of Guyana’s recent decision to spend substantial public funds on an overseas lobbying firm, all while continuing to pour resources into the long-
failed Amaila Falls HydropowerProject.
Theuseofstatefundsto hire foreign lobbyists —
reportedly to shape international perception or curry favour abroad raises serious ethical and economic questions. In a time when essential public services such as healthcare, education, and local infrastructure face underinvestment, diverting millions to Washingtonbased firms does not represent prudent fiscal management. It reflects a prioritization of image over substance — an indulgence
in politics rather than an investmentinthepeople.
Even more troubling is the government’s parallel decisiontocontinuefunding t h e A m e l i a F a l l s
Hydropower Project, which has languished for over a decade without producing a single watt of electricity
This project has already consumed vast sums of taxpayer money with no m
Independent audits and feasibility studies have repeatedly highlighted its economicrisksandtechnical shortcomings, yet the administration insists on propping it up, driven more by political legacy than practicalvalue.
The economic cost of these missteps is twofold: first,thedirectwasteofstate resources, and second, the opportunity cost of what those funds could have achieved if redirected towards viable energy solutions or communitydriven development. With
global energy markets
alternatives, clinging to a dead-end project suggests either willful ignorance or political obstinacy The Guyanese people deserve a government that exercises discipline,transparency,and long-term vision in its
Lobbying firms abroad and failedmegaprojectsathome are not hallmarks of good governance they are warnings of misaligned priorities.
Icalloncivilsociety,the p
independent institutions to
expenditures and demand accountability Guyana standsatacrucialeconomic juncture, and its leaders must choose development over display Fancy gallop don’tWINrace.
Sincerely,p
JoelRamesh FounderandChairman VJMFoundation
The PPP’s policies combine to make $5000 per day unlivable for many
GUYSUCO’s chief executive officer in another section of the media on Sunday July 06/25 edition sought to clarify that the corporation’sproblemswent beyond poor wages and salaries.
Observing the decline in labour in the agricultural sectorglobally,hewentonto point out that wages of Guyana’s sugar workers were among the highest globally
Mr Paul Cheong cannot however misunderstand that the PPP’s massive annual budgets coupled with government ministers’, for example Irfaan Ali’s investment in poultry production, combined to drive up food prices on the one hand, and strategically limit the much needed investmentandexpansionof crops and livestock nationally, particularly in
ruralareasandtownssuchas Parika, Charity, Corentyne, Linden,tokeeppoultry(Mr Ali’s products) and other food prices rising. These ultimately combined to makethoseverysamewages of G$4,000-G$5,000/day he pointstounlivableformany Guyanese. All of this is beyond the point that GuySuCo has long ago
b e c o m e g l o b a l l y uncompetitive, beyond recovery, and has for some time been maintained as the PPP’s voting farm come electiontime.
P o v e r t y a n d insufficiency are not a new phenomenon in rural communities which I have maintained have been government-sponsored Consider for example if either the PPP or PNC administrations had embarked on expansive national agricultural programmes aimed at
dramatically increasing outputofchicken,beef,pork and other agricultural crops fifteen or twenty years ago. Rural communities for one would have gained a strong, stable, growing economic footing, means of income that would have virtually seen them out of poverty Prices would have remained low due to the increase in output of agricultural products. Our agricultural outputwouldmostdefinitely have made it into the Caribbean also, another strong source of demand, and foreign revenue for our ruralcommunities. Butthat was not to be, and probably neverwillbeundereitherthe PPPor PNC. Because after fifty, sixty years of success conningGuyanesewiththeir economic plans, they aren’t going to change because of oneletterwriter.
YoursFaithfully, CraigSylvester
Frompage05 shouldfollowhispath.
IsubscribedtoCaribbean Contact that he published during the 1980s out or Barbados.
He was high revered for his balanced yet impactful views in that publication as
wellasinotherpaperswhere he was a columnist around the region and in Guyana also.
Academicians and political thinkers continue to reference his works to thisdate
Rickey Singh will be remembered for years to come
UWI and or UG should hold discussions to establish a journalism instituteinhismemoryand legacy
Yourstruly, VishnuBisram
Frompage04 together through unity, purposeful action, andtransformation,guidedbytheprinciples embedded in sustainable and inclusive growth. Let us embrace this day as a call to leadershipatalllevels,especiallyamongour
youth, and as an opportunity to deepen our partnerships, protect our shared future, and advancetheCaribbeanintegrationdreamfor generationstocome.
Regards
GuyanaPublicServiceUnion
It is a fiction of modern politics that violence erupts suddenly The truth is that violence has a genealogy, anditsearliestancestoristhe spokenword.
In Guyana, a small country with its long memory and short temper, one only has to examine the tragiceventsofthepastweek to understand the quiet progression from voice to violence. A young man is dead,thevictimofroadrage. Buthedidnotdieinsilence. There were words—sharp, petty, and hostile words exchanged before the fight, before the fall, before the death. Violence, therefore, did not begin with the blow Itbeganwiththemouth,with language. This small drama onaGeorgetownstreetisbut a microcosm of the greater theatre that is unfolding, again, with terrifying familiarity, in Guyana’s election campaign. Already, in this early hour, the signs are there hooliganism, disruptions, verbal abuse. The political arena has become a bazaar of invective, a carnival of insult. And curiously, the chiefactorsarenotwhothey oncewere.
ThePeople’sProgressive Party,oncevictimofamore brutaleraofsuppressionand state-sponsored menace, now seems eager to trade places with its former tormentors. It is no longer contenttorule;itwishesalso toridicule,torepress,andto r e d u c e i t s challengers especially those, like Azruddin Mohamed and his WIN
party, who dare to plant banners in the PPPdominated areas. But again, itisnotthephysicalact—the jeering, the taunting, the tearing down of flags, the disruptionofmeetings—that shouldconcernusmost.Itis the language The press conferencesofthePPPhave become festivals of contempt. The microphones are not instruments of communication. From the head table, the assaults are launched—not with knives or bricks, but with words, spat and sharpened Ad hominem becomes doctrine. Character assassination becomes strategy And it is notjustpoliticalfoeswhoare the objects. It is also the media and anyone who dare becritical.
The supporters absorb this language They internalize it, echo it. The crowd takesits cuefrom the pulpit. The insult becomes the chant. And soon, the chant becomes the shove, and the shove the strike. Violence,likesomecolonial inheritance, is passed on with ease because its source this broken language, this permanent anger goes unexamined andunchecked.
ThePPPisnotuniquein seeking to preserve its strongholds.ThePNCR,too, when it feels threatened, becomes defensive, and territorial But the PPP, perhapsbecauseithastasted victimhood, now practices vengeance with a peculiar satisfaction.
Historically it has never suffered rivals in its
strongholds Ask Paul Tennassee of the DLM, whose efforts in PPP territories were met with open hostility Ask C N Sharma,oncecuffedinaPPP stronghold. Ask Ravi Dev, whose party’s banner was taken down by a PPProgue. The message is ancient and unrepentant.
But political soil is not p r i v a t e p r o p e r t y Constituencies are not ancestral lands. Ideas, like religion, must be free to travel This is what demo
: mobility of thought, not the fossilizationofpower When oneparty,anyparty,claimsa monopoly on an area or a people, it has already begun to corrupt democracy’s grammar
This corruption is made worse by the erosion of language itself. The public square, once imagined as a forum of reason and debate, hasbecomeaplaceofinsult. The campaign does not begin with policies, with programs, with purpose. It begins with the casual b
ssal, contempt, demonization Once spoken, these words are not harmless They linger They poison. And eventually,theyincite.
To stop the violence, then, is not simply to increase the police presence or to plead for peace. It is to reform the language. It is to temper the tongue. At party press conferences, where one leader now uses the occasion to degrade his party’s opponents, there
Dem boys seh Guyana officially nowinderainyseason.Notlike weevercomeoutofitfuhlong. But now de rain falling like it vex with everybody Back in de days, when bicycle waskinganddewholecityusedtoridelike Tour de France, once rain fall, everybody finddemselfundersomeshopcanopy
Back then, Rain used to mek strangers talk—man under de canopy discussing politics, sports, and who mek baby with who. It used to be a kind of community shelter, free of charge, sponsored by de shopmanandstoremancanopy
But nowadays? Try dat same thing and see wah gon happen. De only ting yuh gon findondepavementisplantainchips,fake Nike slippers, and one lady selling cellphone case while frying eggball at de sametime.
De pavements done gone. Vendors tek over like is dem own inheritance. Yuh walkinganddodgingtablelegs,tentpoles, and two-three big plastic barrel full of
must instead be civility Not for show, not for pretense, but because democracy dependsonit.
Aconstitutionmaygrant the right of association and expression, but no constitution can save a country whose leaders treat rivals not as adversaries but as enemies, not as participants but as pests. This language tribal, vengeful, personal—is not the language of governance. Itisthelanguageofwar
InacountrylikeGuyana,
where memories of political unrest are not distant and wherethesocialfabricisstill tender from its many wounds, one would think restraint would be the norm. But power, once obtained, does not learn from history It rewrites it. And in doing so, it forgets that violence, once unleashed, has no master It consumes not just itstargetsbutitsoriginators.
If the election is to be more than a ritual, if democracy is to mean more thanitsslogans,thenitmust
begin where all things begin—with language. Let that language be civil, thoughtful,andgenerous.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
coconut water If rain ketch yuh now, yuh eithergottoswimorprayfuhdivinecanopy fromabove.
DemboyssehdemodernGuyanesegot twochoices—getwetorbuyatentandwalk wid it. Long time you coulda say, “Boss man,lehmeshelterlilbit.”Nowdevendor watching you like yuh interfering with de profits.“Buyormove!”isdenewmottoof depavementrepublic.
Onemansehhetrytoshelterunderone stall and end up wid a $500 bill fuh a lime andtwopepper Rainain’tcheapnomore.
So dem boys seh prepare yuhself. Rain deh,butshelterscarce.
Eitherwalkwidabigumbrellaorbring yuh raincoat and yuh patience.And if yuh really get desperate, just ask de vendor if you could tek shelter if yuh buy one lil coconutwater Maybedecanopycomewid customerservice. Rain fallin, but shelterin’gettin harder thanfindingwukindegovernment. Talkhalf.Leffhalf
It’s a crowded field of 19 headingintoSeptember1elections horserace. Istandastheunofficial small man’s GECOM and pronounce on some of them, from symbolstostandingtostomachfor theugly USlobbyanybody?
On the inside is the Gold Cup with odds of 1-2. Yes, for every vote cast for the PPP, two are recorded. No steward’s review Fromanenamelcuptoagoldcup, that’sthePPP Itscuprunnethover with love and care for Guyanese. Just ask Exxon how much! Right next to the very well-received PPP (at the official GECOM) is the plant, the Palm Tree of the PNC. Whydidtheseguyshavetogoand spoil the landslide by competing? Isthisarealcompetition,withreal competition serious about winning? I am still not sure about thePNC,andthisisJuly Thereis this puzzle, the PNC might be the onlyplantthatisnotaplant. Ofthe PPP Iamnotsosure,forthereare those foreigners. Americans they call themselves, and they are
known to be good at planting in national elections. On the far outsidewithaclearrunaheadisthe animal people First, it was mistaken for a jaguar, but has now changedstripes. It’saleopard. For those who never heard of a striped leopard, and in an election contest of all things, welcome to Guyana. Dohaveanicedayattheraces,and don’tstaytoolong.
Of the others, there are some namesthatIknowfromthemedia, one or two that I have had the privilege of sharing a podium and microphone. Most of them I have never heard of, which has to be a mystery also for voters. I feel for the voters. They are ripe for change, and now they have more than they can manage. All these names, all these symbols and manifestoesandplatformstowade through. Best wishes, folks. The Guyanese voter is in for a good time. An oath taken by the man controlling the purse strings, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, who should be announcing a cash grant
of$200,000aftertheelections,but beforeXmas,asawarmthankyou to Guyanese for returning the PPP back to power Power is money AndDr Jagdeohasbothbytheoil tanker Expect the announcement in August in the final push to overpowerundecided,fencesitting voters Dissatisfied Guyanese would have 200,000 incentives to vote. Jagdeocouldpromisedollars forhehasthem. ThePNCcanonly promise, because that’s all it has. Timeschange.
As I went through the parties and the names of the principals, I weighed a private question now made public. How many of them are PPP (Jagdeo’s moles)? How many are Exxon’s sleepers? It is the kind of Guyana from past elections, and the Guyana that flourishestoday AllforExxonand America, even if that means Guyanesearethesacrificiallambs. Exxon gets to eat mutton, while survivingGuyanesegetalambskin coat or gown, which is just the ticketfortheheat.
BY GHK LALL
Imustbefrank. Whatarethese electionsabout,whennotoneofthe contestants, all patriots and all for Guyanese, refrain from making oil the spearhead and centerpiece of theirelectionsprogram? Oilisthe thunderbolt that hit Guyana, and lookwhatthepoliticiansaredoing. Instead of making their ears rings with the sound of cash registers, it incineratedthepoorpeople. Their hopes. Theiraspirations. Whohas made, or will be making the greatest national patrimony by miles the highlight of their campaign? Everyone will be jawboning the Guyanese public about cost-of-living, how citizens deservebetter,andtheprosperityto come under their watch, if given a chance. Excellent! Not one of them, from Jagdeo to Norton to Hughes to the new man to newer newpeopleintheelectionsfieldis sayinghow Grabaholdofthatsmoothness. It’s like the Queen of England (sorry, the king) gushing about riches, but scrupulously s i d este ppin
g referring to the crown jewels. Guyana’sKoh-I-Noorisoil,butnot one of the elections contestants wish to make Alistair Routledge develop heartburn and report them toMr Trump. So,theysteeraway fromthatminefieldandattackeach other PPP,PNC,andtheseductive leopardman. It’sarealcircus,the electionsofthisseason. TheWINS leopard barking up the PNC tree andwaitingtospringandupsetthe PPPcup. ItiswhatIcallthebeauty of symmetry Whoever takes offense can argue with Jagdeo and Norton. I am not competing, thoughIamtempted. Bestwishes to all parties, whether they are for Guyana, or for Exxon. For the Guyanesepeopleorforthemselves. Votewisely,Guyanese. Once. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Sugar Corporation, Paul Cheonghasdisclosedthatoverthe pastfiveyears,thecorporationhas recorded a steady decline in the number of harvesters reporting to the fields, a trend that has serious implicationsforproductivity
AndheadmittedthatGuyanese have virtually abandoned the industry with the younger generation increasingly opting for jobs outside of traditional field work, while others pursuing education and training in new industries.
The ailing sugar corporation has, over the years seen a continuous decline in performance intermsofproductionbuthasseen billionsofdollarsfromthenation’s coffersbeingpluggedannuallyinto the industry Back in 2017 the Coalition Government had unveiled what it termed a ‘State Paper on the Future of the Sugar Industry’,whichitthensaidwould focus on the poorly-performing estates and have them shift from sugar to diversification. The plan was to amalgamate Wales Estate with Uitvlugt Estate and reassign its cane to the Uitvlugt factory, since the estate is operating at 50 percent capacity Sixty percent of its drainage and irrigation infrastructure is in a dilapidated condition.
The corporation furthermore seekstodivestitselfoftheSkeldon Estate. The estates of Albion and RoseHallweretobeamalgamated andthefactoryatRoseHallistobe closed.”TheCoalitionhadsaidthat the industry would then consist of three estates and three sugar
factories. The estates would be Blairmont on the West Bank Berbice, Albion-Rose Hall in East Berbice and the Uitvlugt-Wales estateinWestDemerara.Thethree estates will be complete with factories and will have cane suppliedfromallfivelocations.By virtue of the amalgamation, the Enmore, East Coast Demerara (ECD) and Rose Hall, Berbice factories were to be closed. The PPP/C had criticised the move and made a central theme of its 2020 electionscampaigntoreopenallof theshutteredestates. However,fiveyearsafterbeing in office, the government has not been able to turnaround the industry and recently President Irfaan Ali spoke about plans to diversify the operations of the corporation.
workforce shortages. This is a reflection of the broader economic transformation currently taking place in the country As Guyana continues to experience rapid development and expanded opportunities,especiallyduetothe growing oil and gas sector, the labour landscape has shifted significantly,”Cheongclaimed.
Meanwhile, in a letter to the press,Cheongsaidinthefirstcrop of 2022, 2147 harvesters were on roll with 55% attendance- an average of 1,181 working daily, however by the first crop of 2025, though 1,990 harvesters were registered, attendance dropped to 50%,withjust995workersturning out.
“This downward trend in field turnout reflects a deeper shift in Guyana’s labour market, not one caused by poor wages, but by a wider transformation in the country’s economy,” Cheong said. He reasoned that this phenomenon isnotpeculiartoGuySuCo,norisit isolatedtothesugarsector.“Across G
p
y, agriculture, retail, and even government are grappling with
He said according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), labour shortages in agriculture have become a global issue. “In both developed and developing countries, rural outmigration, aging populations, and changing employment preferences have contributed to a sharp decline in available farm labour.” Cheong said a 2023 FAO report noted that countries from IndiatoBrazilandfromThailandto South Africa are reporting critical gaps in harvesting labour, especially for crops like sugarcane that are labour-intensive and seasonalinnature.
“Against this backdrop, it is important to address a common misconception that wages are the mainreasonworkersarenottaking upharvestingjobs.Infact,Guyana is among the highest paying countries for sugarcane harvesters.
At GuySuCo, cane harvesters average earning ranges from US$19 to US$25 per day. This is higherthandailywagesforsimilar work in many sugar-producing countries,includingIndiaandparts ofLatinAmerica.”
The GuySuCo CEO said, FAO
dataindicatethataveragewagesfor sugarcane harvesters in India fall between US$4 and US$7 per day, while in Brazil, one of the world’s largest producers, the average ranges from US$12 to US$25 per day depending on region and experience. “Therefore, the issue isn’t one of compensation, but ratheravailabilityandinterest.The demand for labour in Guyana has increased across all sectors, and younger generations are increasinglyoptingforjobsoutside oftraditionalfieldwork.Manyare pursuing education and training in new industries, and others are seeking opportunities in urban and offshoreemployment.”
Cheong said this new reality requires “us to think differently While GuySuCo continues to support and value its human workforce, we are also advancing our mechanization programme to easedependencyonmanuallabour The introduction of harvesting machines and other technologies can help us mitigate the impact of lowfieldturnoutandensurethatwe maintain consistent cane supply to ourfactories.”
Noting that sugar remains a vital part of Guyana’s heritage and economy, Cheong admitted to sustain this industry, “we must embrace both the challenges and the opportunities presented by today’s labour realities. The path forward lies in adapting through technology, efficiency, and closer collaboration with workers, communities,andstakeholders.”
The Caribbean
Development Bank’s (CDB)
f l a g s h i p S p e c i a l Development Fund (SDF)
has garnered strong international and regional support, with partners
s t e p p i n g u p t h e i r
commitments for the renewal of the financing facility for an 11th Cycle (SDF 11), which will run from2025to2028.
The Fund, which representstheBank’slargest
pool of concessional financing, plays a critical role in reducing poverty and a d v a n c i n g h u m a n development across CDB’s Borrowing Member
Countries (BMCs). Contributors have approved
a US$460 million programme for SDF 11, representing a significant increase over the US$383 million for the 10th Cycle, which concluded in December2024.
Senior Executives of the Caribbean Development Bank and Contributors to the Bank’s Special Development Fund share a celebratory moment to mark the start of the 11th Cycle of the financing facility (SDF 11). Contributors approved a US$460 million programme for SDF 11, which will run from 2025 to 2028. The Fund, which represents the Bank’s largest pool of concessional financing, plays a critical role in reducing poverty and advancing human development across CDB’s Borrowing Member Countries.
Canada, the top contributor, has reaffirmed its commitment with a pledge of CA $81.4 million (US$59.9million).Regional supporthasalsosurged,with several BMCs increasing or m a i n t a i n i n g t h e i r contributions for the new cycle. Among them are Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago,whichhavepledged
US$16 5 million and
U S $ 11 3 m i l l i o n , respectively, while the Bahamas and Guyana will each provide US$9.2 million. Other BMCs have also stepped up with enhancedpledges,reflecting a united front in advancing
the region’s development agenda. Similarly, international and regional partners continue to play a vitalrole.Chinahaspledged US$6.9 million, and Brazil announced a US$5 million
allocation at the BrazilCARICOM Summit held lastmonthinBrasília.Inthe case of China and Guyana, pledges are subject to adjustment.
Hailing the scale and significance of the pledges, CDB President, Mr Daniel Best said, “At a time of global uncertainty and economic headwinds, the commitment of our partners speaks volumes. Many have increasedtheircontributions
over the last cycle,
demonstrating real confidence in the region’s potential and in the results wecandelivertogether.”
He added, “The Caribbean’s development needs are urgent People across the region face food
insecurity, outdated infrastructure, education gaps, escalating climate risks, and fragile energy systems every day There is no time to waste. These funds will be deployed rapidly and effectively to help address these pressing challenges.”
SDF 11 will focus on buildingamoreresilientand sustainable Caribbean. Key prioritiesinclude:
E n v i r o n m e n t a l Resilience with at least 35% of funding earmarked for climate action, including sustainable energy, adaptation and mitigation, disaster risk management, andpost-disasterrecovery Institutional Resilience with emphasis on
s t r e n g t h e n i n g implementation capacity in BMCs to accelerate and improveprojectexecution.
Social Resilience to targetinterventionsdesigned toenhancesocialprotection, education and training, food security, water and sanitation, and citizen security Also, the Basic Needs Trust Fund, CDB’s flagship poverty reduction initiative, will continue to receivesupport.
Production Resilience is to be mainly achieved through promoting private sector development and investing in resilient infrastructure to boost economic competitiveness andsustainability
SDF11willalsoprovide targeted assistance to Haiti, aimed at maximising development impact and fostering long-term resilience.
Since its inception in 1984, the SDF has invested more than US$2.1 billion in C a r i b b e a n s o c i a l development.
Between2013and2022, SDF-financed projects enhancededucationformore than 343,000 students, trained over 11,000 agricultural stakeholders in modern production technologies,improvedroad networks benefiting nearly 932,000 people, and provided more than 94,000 households with access to safe water and sanitation services.
TheMinistryofHomeAffairsonSaturdaycommissioned the newly constructed $144.8 million Charity Fire Station in RegionTwo.
According to information provided by the ministry, the state-of-the-art facility which was commissioned by Minster ofHomeAffairsRobesonBennandhisteamisthesecondof itskindintheregion.
The station, which was built by contractor - Gavko Construction, is designed to meet a broad spectrum of operationalneeds.Amongitsmanyfeaturesareawelcoming waiting area, offices for the station officer and subordinate staff,anEMSofficeandstorageroom,ITandfinanceoffices, a gym, a training room, laundry facilities, a fire prevention officer’soffice,conferenceandcontrolrooms,andbothsenior andjuniorlivingquarters.
The comprehensive suite of amenities ensures that the station is well-equipped to serve both the immediate community and the wider region with professionalism and efficiency
Minister Benn, who delivered the feature address, described the commissioning as part of a broader national renewal. “We are in a season of new hope and great excitement,atimewhenwecanaccomplishthingsthatonce seemedimpossible,”hestated.
Theministeralsohighlightedthecriticalroleofsecurityin national development, stating, “security is not just about the police.Itincludesthefireservice,theprisonservice,andthe army,thosewhobravelystandonthefrontlinestoprotectour sovereignty Isayitunabashedlywithoutsecurity,therecanbe nodevelopment.”Healsonotedoftheinvestmentsmadein
Continued on page 15
(JAMAICAOBSERVER)Inapartingsalvoashertimeat the helm of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) ended, Prime Minister of the Republic of Barbados Mia Mottley madeafreshappeal,Sundayevening,forregionalleadersto make the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) their final appellatecourt.
Shewasspeakingduringtheopeningceremonyofthe49th RegularMeetingoftheConferenceofHeadsofGovernment ofCaricom,heldattheMontegoBayConventionCentreinSt James. “Having been the one who was the chair of the preparatorycommitteefortheestablishmentoftheCaribbean CourtofJustice,youwillforgivemeifInowmakeyetanother appeal for the citizens of this region to allow their governmentstoknowthatthereoughttobeasingularpurpose fortheCaribbeanCourtofJusticetobetrulythelastCourtof Appealforthestates,”Mottleystated.
“Weareawarethattherearesomecountriesthathavethe requirement of referendum. But this, like everything else, oughttobethesubjectofpubliceducation.Andifwecanso do, then I believe we can finally start to move the needle generationallyforusrecognisingthatthisoughttobeourfinal court,”sheadded.
Her appeal came hours after newly installed CCJ president, Justice WinstonAnderson, during his swearing-in ceremonyatJewelGrandeMontegoBayResortandSpainSt James, expressed hope that during his time leading the institution more Caribbean countries will engage the CCJ as theirfinalappellatecourt.
TwelveCaribbeancountrieswerepartofthestart-upofthe CCJ,andtheinstitutioninitsoriginaljurisdictionactsasthe final court for all matters arising from the interpretation and application of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas which governstheCaricomSingleMarketandEconomy However, onlyfivecountriesintheregionhavesofarmadetheCCJtheir final appeal court: Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Guyana and SaintLucia.
JusticeWinstonAnderson was sworn in as the fourth President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in MontegoBay,JamaicabyGovernorGeneral ofJamaica,SirPatrickAllenonSaturday The ceremony was held ahead of the Opening of the 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and
was attended by the Secretary-General of CARICOM, CARICOM Heads of Government, regional Heads of Judiciaries, Government Ministers, and former CCJ Presidents.
In his remarks, President Anderson, a nationalofJamaicaandthefirstJamaicanto be appointed to the CCJ bench, noted, ‘As I assumetheofficeofPresidentoftheCourt,I do so not in isolation, but as part of a broader regional movement of national judiciaries dedicated to delivering accessible justice, ensuring respect for andadvancingtheruleoflaw,protecting and promoting human rights, and supporting sustainable development in ourcountries.’
President Anderson was appointed a Judge of the Court in 2010. Prior to joiningtheCourt,heservedasalecturer atTheUniversityoftheWestIndies(The UWI) Cave Hill from 1988 until 2003. During his tenure he served as Deputy Dean, Head of the Teaching Department ofLaw,andUWISeniorLecturerinLaw HehasalsoservedasGeneralCounselof CARICOM on secondment from The UWI.
Justice Winston Anderson, fourth CCJ President, takes the oath of office during his swearing-in ceremony
CCJ President, Justice Winston Anderson holds the CCJ seal during his inauguration ceremony held over the weekend
Speaking of the role of the President in the region, Dr Carla Barnett, CBE, CARICOMSecretary-General,remarked ‘the Office of the President carries not onlythehighestresponsibilitywithinthe judicial system, but also embodies the trustandconfidenceofthepeople.Itisa
role that calls for wisdom in judgment, integrity in conduct, and leadership in times of challenge and change.The CCJ President not only presides over judgments, but also shapes the tone, integrity, and institutional strength of the Court itself. This leadership willbecrucialaswenavigatecomplexlegal issues in an era defined by technological change, social transformation, and global interconnectedness.’
Mr Justice Anderson will serve as President for no longer than the statutory periodofsevenyears.HereplacesMr Justice AdrianSaunderswhowasalsoinattendance at the swearing-in ceremony Speaking of PresidentAnderson at the event, Mr Justice Saunders stated, ‘Throughout his time at the CCJ, Mr Justice Anderson fully demonstrated that he is an extremely hardworkinganddynamicJudge.Sincehejoined
theCourt,hehassatonallthecasesthathave comeourwayinwhichwehavebeentasked with interpreting and applying the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. He has also sat on over200appealsfromthevariousstatesthat sendtheirfinalappealstous.Hehaswritten orco-authoredsome32opinions,andinmost ofthese,hehasdeliveredtheleadingopinion oftheCourt.’
In his remarks, Dr Andrew Holness PrimeMinisterofJamaica,andChairmanof the 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government congratulated President Anderson stating: “Your appointmentisamomentofpridenotonlyfor Jamaicabutfortheentireregion.Youbringto this office a distinguished legal mind, profound commitment to Caribbean Jurisprudence, and decades of service groundedinscholarshipandvision.”
New Chair of the Caribbean Community
(CARICOM), Prime Minister Dr Andrew
Holness, has urged his regional counterparts to think strategically and remainfocusedonthevalues and interests that unite the Caribbean.
Holness was addressing the opening plenary session ofthe49thRegionalMeeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government, in Montego Bay,Jamaica.
“We are vulnerable not just to the global economic shocks and natural hazards, but to being marginalised in a world where power and
influence often outweigh genuine need. And that is why we must think s t r a t e g i c a l l y, a c t collaboratively and remain focus on the values and intereststhatuniteus.”
The Jamaican head-ofstate continued “…Many of the threats which we face which as small countries we grapplewithandoftentimes asleadersaswecontemplate thesechallengesandwelook atoursizerelativetotherest oftheworld.”
“It can be daunting and sometimes,wemayhavethe expectation that exceptions will be made for us that our case will be treated with difference and differential
favour ButIthinkthataswe enter upon the new order whichseemstobeemerging intheworldthatwemustbe strategic We must strengthenourinstitutions.”
He said, “we must take responsibility for our own destiny because that is the only way we are going to onlyreallygetitifwereally want it. It means we must focus on people because humandevelopmentmustbe the center of the integration mission.Itmustbethecenter of the development mission.”
He lauded the cooperative efforts among member states to meet challenges in the face of
Frompage13 recent years to boost emergency response capabilities, such as the acquiring of new water bowsers, fire trucks, and will soon acquireafireboat.
Speaking also was Permanent Secretary (PS), Andre Ally who said the station will help support the works alongside the Anna Regina Fire Station which was the only fire station serving the region. This publication understands that a third fire station is being constructedatOnderneeming.
The PS also urged firefighters to be responsible stewards of the new assets, stating, “Firefighters, we urge you to take care of these facilities and vehicles. They mustserveuswellforyearstocome;weneed to ensure we get true value for our investment.”
Meanwhile, Divisional Officer (ag), Mr Suresh Persaud in his address said, “the ceremony signifies more than just the openingofabuilding,itrepresentsaboldstep forward in strengthening the emergency
response capability of the Guyana Fire Servicewithintheregion.”
Pledging that the station would be operated with excellence and integrity, the officer said, “As officer in charge, I pledge thatthisstationwilloperatewiththehighest standards of professionalism, readiness, and service.MyteamandIarefullycommittedto workingwithourpartners,residents,schools, and businesses to promote fire prevention, preparedness,andcommunityresilience.We understand the trust placed in us, and we accept this responsibility with humility and determination.Thisstationisnotjustours;it belongstotheentirecommunity.”
Also delivering brief remarks was regional chairwoman, Vilma DeSilva who welcomedthenewstation.
The ministry said the commissioning of the Charity Fire Station marks a major milestone in the government’s broader plan to modernise Guyana’s emergency infrastructure and build safer, stronger communitiesacrossthecountry.”
globalissues.
“It has been a period of geopolitical and socioeconomic uncertainty, but we have been able to work even more closely to ensure that our movement remains vigilant and united in its response to the challenges thatconfrontusasaregion,” hetoldthegathering.
The prime minister nonetheless called for more focus to be placed on ensuring food security, access to decent work, climate protection, and opportunities youth that make up 60 per cent of the regionalpopulation.
“We must focus on people. We must also focus on partnerships because global progress is built on networks of trust. We must e n s u r e t h a t t h e developmentalaspirationsof member states are advanced in a way that enhances the prospect for a secure and sustainable future,” Dr. Holnessadded.
He stressed the need for stronger ties within CARICOM and strategic global partners in Africa,
North and South America, Europe, Asia, the Pacific, andtheMiddleEast.
“Inthenewdispensation whichisemerging,itisclear thattheworldisnotunipolar and that there are opportunities that we must explore There are gains which we have left on the table unexplored and as a
We
cooperation withAfrica and we must strengthen our internalcooperation.
He emphasised that the resources in CARICOM are sufficient to provide for the
needsofthepeople.
“We have Guyana with energy and land; Suriname with energy and land and Trinidad, Jamaica with i n c r e d i b l e h u m a n resources.”
“Whathasstoppedusfor these many years? We have been saying we really want to get it. Did we really want it? I think that the emerging global situation must now push us to really get it. We cangetitbecausethetimeto get the prosperity for our people is now But that prosperitymustbeinclusive. Itcan’tbeforsome.Ithasto beforeveryoneinthis
Continued on page 17
Wanted one Maid. Call: 6801282.
Live in waitress to work in a bar. Contact: 221-2785 / 6591930.
Handyboys, one Welder & Domestic. Living accommodation and meals provided. Call: 627-5043 / 639-1315.
Aracari Hotel, WBD (Versailles, Vreed-en-Hoop)
- A/C, all amenities & breakfast included. From $78 US. Call: 264-2946.
One Unregistered Nissan X-Trail 2016 model, Mode Premiere. Call: 649-0956.
1 Honda CRV, includes TV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, spoiler, low mileage PTT Series (first owner). Call: 649-0956.
T RUCK TIRES 295/ 75R22.5 $40K EACH. CALL/WHATSAPP: +592-688-3201.
For Sale 6 used American made Dental chairs excellent condition contact Mr Vino on 661-3030 or 626-8918
Rice equipment sale 110-90 fiat 290 Massey tractor 132 lavarda combine Call / WhatsApp: 4168248300
GOAL Graduates! Start your career at Aracari Resort- great pay, growth, perks. Apply now! Call: 264-2946-9.
Experienced Hair Colorist, Hair Cutters, Nail technicians, Barbers & Masseuse required. Please Call/ WhatsApp: 6096259 or 6495005.
Desk staff, front Desk Agent & Room Attendant 24-45 years old.@ 233 South Road Lacytown. Call: 225-0198. One night Watchman needed. Call: 612-2125.
Vacancy for Elderly Caregiver @ Republic Park. Please Call or WhatsApp: 656-1875/ 233-5160/6096952.
VISA Application for USA, Canada, UK, ETA, ETC. Natrualisation guidance + application filling, ECT. Tel: 626-7040.
Elevate your brand with our professional Graphic design services. Call: 619-0007, 6295526.
Prime land @ Agricola Public road. 275 x 25, fence, sand filled, steel gate, etc. Call : 629-7426.
Carmichael Street, Tucan Drive, Friendship, Craig 10 acres, Yarrowkabra, Long Creek & Silver Hill. Call: 6279685. PROPERTY FOR SALE
Grove East Bank, Durban st, Bent Street, 2 Br House in long creek, 3 storey building Evans Street. Call: 627-9685.
“We have weathered heavy storms, but we have also experienced moments of pride.” This is how President Chandrikapersad Santokhi looked back on his period as head of state in the National Assembly on Sunday. During a special public meeting, Jennifer Geerlings-Simons and Gregory Rusland were elected as the country’s new president and vice president based on a number of nominations. Their inauguration will take place on July 16 in the Anthony Nesty Sports Hall.
Santokhi wished Geerlings-Simons and Rusland wisdom, strength and steadfastness in governing the country. “The path that lies ahead of them is not easy. But it is a path that we must all walk together. In unity, with respect for our differences and with love for the country that belongs to us all.” “Leadership is not just claiming successes. It is also acknowledging shortcomings” President Santokhi Heavy storms Santokhi said he would bear his responsibility until the end. “The past five years, I, together with my government, have served the country with everything I had.
President Santokhi on his way to the special public meeting of DNA on Sunday [photo DNA-CDS]
With dedication, with conviction and with a deep sense of responsibility.”
According to him, it was not an easy period. “We have weathered violent storms: economic, political and social. We have had to deal with international economic crises, the Covid-19 pandemic, internal political divisions and the challenges of a changing, geopolitical world order. We have also experienced moments of pride. Moments in
which we have shown as a people that we are resilient.
That we do not bow to adversity. That, despite everything, we continue to build.”
No grudge The president said he was aware that not everything went as hoped.
“Decisions were made that could have been done differently in retrospect. Expectations were raised that were perhaps not always fully met.
And we take responsibility for that. Because leadership
is not just claiming successes. It is also acknowledging shortcomings. It is the ability to reflect, to learn and to make room for others.”
Santokhi called on the new government to govern with an open mind. “Not to govern in resentment or division, but to build trust. To listen to the voice of the people, even when it is critical. To do justice to the promise of democracy and not to exclude anyone.”
New A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) member
Ravoldo Birbal said that the coalition is a safe haven for all Guyanese regardless of their race, culture or religion.
Birbal appeared on the APNU’s political stage during the launch of the party’s campaign on Sunday evening at the Square of Revolution, D’Urban Park.
A fresh young face on the scene, Birbal said the coalition stands for good governance, accountability, inclusion and a future where no “Guyanese is judged by race, religion or political affiliation.”
“We see a country where Indo-Guyanese like myself are told to shut up if we do not support the PPP, I see victimisation, fear and division, and that is not the Guyana we deserve,” Birbal declared to the huge crowd.
&
Newly constructed 2 bedroom apartment in a safe & Healthy environment. Call: 698-6496 / 707-0225.
Birbal added that the People’s Progressives Party does not care about empowering Guyanese and policies; they care about power, photoops and enriching themselves. However, he said, a
new Guyana is rising with Aubrey Norton and the APNU who are going to rebuild trust, restore fairness and reignite hope for all.
The youth highlighted that change is possible and coming “but change will only come if we stand together, African, Indians, Amerindians, Chinese, Portuguese all of us Guyanese.”
“Change will come when we vote not out of fear but out of hope, when we vote not for race but for results, when we vote not for handouts but for honour,” Birbal proudly stated.
He encouraged youths to not allow old ways to define their future, but to join the APNU and raise their voice and be the generation that puts an end to division, build unity, and say no to corruption and yes to competence.
“I am proud to say that I am a part of a new generation of young people who are not afraid to speak out, who are not afraid to stand up, and who are ready to take our county forward,” the young man said.
Th e G u y a n a
Energy Agency ( G E A ) h a s received four bids from companies interested in designing, supplying, i n s t a l l i n g a n d
commissioning solar photovoltaic(PV)systemsat 17 schools/ dormitories in thehinterland.
Attheopeningoftenders recentlyfortheprojectatthe National Procurement and Tender Administration
Board (NPTAB) Office it was disclosed that the bidders are: Green Energy Electrical Services$564,993,290; Excel Guyana Inc, Suncolombia S.A.S (J.V) - $931,390,238; Jars & Jo
s Inc$1,781,169,057; and 2020 FMCGInc.-$580,080,288. Thesolarsystemswillbe installed at the Matthew’s Ridge dormitory, Hosororo SecondarySchooldormitory and living quarters, North-
Below are the companies and their bids:
GuyanaEnergyAgency
Design,supply,installationandcommissioningofsolar photovoltaicsystemsat17locationsintheHinterland.
MinistryofEducation
Supply,deliveryandtestingoffurniture andequipmentfornurseryandsecondary schools,DepartmentofEducation.
GuyanaLands&SurveysCommission
Supplyofonenewcranetruck.
West Secondary School, Port Kaituma living quarters, and Santa Rosa SecondarySchoolinRegion One, and Aurora dormitory inRegionTwo.
GEAwill also install the PV solar systems at Bartica Three Miles dormitory,
Secondary School and
Secondary School and Waramadong dormitory in
Region Seven. More solar systems will be installed at KopinangSecondarySchool and dormitory, Monkey Mountain Secondary and dormitory and Paramakatoi Secondary and dormitory in RegionEight. Sand Creek Secondary and dormitory, Aishalton Secondary and dormitory andSt.Ignatiusdormitoryin Region Nine will also benefit from the solar systems.
GuyanaLivestockDevelopmentAuthority ExtensionofHatcheryFacilityatGLDAmainoffice.
Pesticides&ToxicChemicalsControlBoard
Supplyandinstallationofone200KVASilentType DieselGeneratorsetwithengineandalternator
SmallBusinessBureau
Supply,deliveryandinstallationofone50KVA threephasegeneratortoBelvedereBusiness IncubatorCentre,atCorentyne,RegionSix.
(CMC)–TheCaribbean Community (Caricom) on Monday described the late veteran journalist, Rickey Singh, as “a Caribbean son ofthesoilandjournalistpar excellence” as it joined in extending condolences to his family following his death.
The Guyanese-born Singh, who died in Barbados on July 5, will be buried on July 16 in Barbados, where he lived forseveralyears
In a statement, Caricom said that for more than five decades, Singh, “served as a pillar of journalism in the region” and that “his unwavering dedication to his craft, and his sharp analyses and fearless pursuit of truth, earned h
n d admiration across the region
“Rickey, as he was popularly known, was a passionate advocate for our regional integration movement.
His work facilitated a deeper understanding of t h e C a r i b b e a n Community
He had a profound understanding of the region’s political landscape and provided perspectives that were both insightful and instructive.
This was invaluable to the peopleoftheCommunityin the early days of our integrationmovement.”
Caricom said that “his was a strong and consistent voice in defence of press freedom, championing the vital role of ind
democracies.
“ The Community mourns the loss of a committed regionalist and media titan May his legacycontinuetoinspire future generations of Caribbean journalists,” it added.
Singh had received an honorary doctorate from the University of the West Indies (UWI)
government in 2023
Frompage15 region, including our brothersandsistersinHaiti,” Dr Holnessstated.
Meanwhile, outgoing chair, Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Motley called on leaders to embark on efforts that are sustainableandresilient.
“Sustainability and resilience are the two new buzzwords now that every government must focus on.
And so it is that the policies that we will pursue in CARICOM, whatever it is, whetheritistheinstitutional structuresthatwewillhave to re-examine, the trade policies that we will have to pursue, the security policies that we will have to pursue, they must be pursued through the prism, through the lens of sustainability and resilience ”
(AL-JAZEERA) The HealthMinistryinGazasays at least 105 bodies and 356 wounded people have been brought to hospitals across the besieged enclave over thepast24hours.
Israeliforcescontinueto pound Gaza, including attacks on aid seekers and medicalclinics,withatleast 42 Palestinians killed so far today
US President Donald Trump says there is a “good chance” that a ceasefire
agreement between Israel andHamascouldbereached thisweek.
Citing the report, the Wafa news agency reported Israeli forces have killed 10 Palestinians, detained 404, and carried out 186 demolition and bulldozing operations.
The governorate also documented 33,634 illegal settlers storming the AlAqsa Mosque compound under Israeli police protection. The governorate
alsosaidIsraelstillholdsthe bodies of 47 Palestinians from East Jerusalem, some for decades The report further detailed 143 settler attacks, including 26 physical assaults – one of which led to a death – and 128injuriesfromraids.
Philippe Lazzarini, head oftheUnitedNationsRelief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), has renewed his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza as
momentum gathers around anotherpotentialtruce.
Lazzarini pointed out that more than 17,000 children, 1,500 healthcare workers, 600 starving Palestinianslookingforaid–and a record-breaking 320 UNRWA staff – have been killedbyIsraelsincethestart ofthewar
Meanwhile, Israeli forces have started carrying out demolitions of Palestinian homes in the alMurabba’a neighbourhood
inside the Tulkarem refugee camp in the occupied West Bank as part of a plan targeting more than 100 residentialbuildings.
The Popular Committee of Tulkarem Camp told Al Jazeera Israeli bulldozers have started demolishing a number of homes in the camp.
Adalah,theLegalCenter for Arab Minority Rights in Israel, confirmed to Al Jazeera that the Israeli Supreme Court had issued a
temporary order to freeze demolition operations in the campbutlateramendeditto allowthemtoresumeifthere was an urgent security or military need.The Houthis say they have attacked the vesselMagicSeasintheRed Sea and it is now at risk of sinking.
Since Israel broke the ceasefire with Hamas on March 18, at least 6,964 Palestinianshavebeenkilled and more than 24,576 wounded.
(Reuters)-IsraeliPrime
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was due to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, while Israeli officials held indirect talks with Hamas aimed at securing a U S -brokered Gaza ceasefire and hostagereleasedeal.
Netanyahu’s visit follows Trump’s prediction, on the eve of their meeting, thatsuchanagreementcould bereachedthisweek.
Before heading to Washington, the right-wing Israeli leader said his discussions with Trump could help advance negotiations underway in QatarbetweenIsraelandthe Palestinianmilitantgroup.
ItwasTrump’sthirdtime hosting Netanyahu since returning to office in January,andcomesjustover two weeks after the president ordered the bombing of Iranian nuclear sites in support of Israeli air strikes. Trump then helped arrangeaceasefireinthe12dayIsrael-Iranwar Trump and his aides appearedtobetryingtoseize on any momentum created by the weakening of Iran, whichbacksHamas,topush b o t h s i d e s f o r a breakthrough in the 21monthGazawar.Hesaidhe also wants to discuss with Netanyahu the prospects for a “permanent deal” with Iran, Israel’s regional archfoe.
Netanyahu, who arrived overnight in Washington, was scheduled to meet Trump’sMiddleEastspecial envoy Steve Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday in preparationforhistalkswith
U.S. President Donald Trump welcomes Israeli Prime MinisterBenjamin Netanyahu at the entrance of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 7, 2025. REUTERS/Leah Millis/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
thepresident.
The two leaders will haveaprivatedinner,listed by the White House as closed to the press, instead
of formal talks in the Oval Office where Trump has usually hosted Netanyahu and other visiting dignitaries.
It was not immediately clear why Trump was taking a lower-key approach with Netanyahu thistime
Israeliofficialsalsohope the outcome of the conflict with Iran will pave the way f
ma
sa
on of relations with more of its neighbors such as Lebanon, Syria and Saudi Arabia, anotherissueexpectedtobe ontheagendawithTrump.
Ahead of the visit, Netanyahu told reporters he wouldthank Trump for the U.S. air strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, and said Israeli negotiators were driving for a deal on Gaza in Doha, Qatar’scapital.
Witkoff, who played a majorroleincraftingthe60dayceasefireproposalatthe c
e Qatar negotiations, will travel to Dohathisweektoengagein discussions there, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reportersonMonday
Yahoo Sports - Things looked shaky early, but Novak Djokovic eventually found his form in a fourthround win over Alex de Minaur at Wimbledon on Monday
After dropping the first set 6-1, Djokovic rallied to winthenextthreesets6-4,64, 6-4 to advance to the quarterfinals.
It looked like Djokovic could be in for an early exit
after the first set. Djokovic managed to take only a single game during the set, falling into an early hole afterlosing6-1.
Following the match, he saidhedidn’t“feeltheball” and couldn’t adjust to de Minaur’spaceinthefirstset.
From there, though, Djokovic figured it out. He and de Minaur played some strong, back-and-forth tennisoverthenexttwosets.
While Djokovic still had some uncharacteristic misses, he made up for that with a blazing serve that registeredsixacesduringthe match.
His serve, combined with his return to form after the first set, led to Djokovic taking both the second and thirdsets6-4,6-4.
That set up a scenario whereDjokoviccouldputde Minaur away in the fourth
ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)
Overall,theforecastfortoday is fairly good. The aspects seemtofavorfiguringoutthe meaning of all that's transpired over the past several weeks It's an opportunity for you to take a leisurely
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)
Have you felt somewhat lost forthepastfewdays?Thefog maylifttodayandenableyou to situate yourself at last. You'reprobablyeagertosettle a question that has nagged at you and interfered with your judgment.
GEMINI(May21–June20)
You may have been feeling somewhat disillusioned. Perhapsyoulostsightofyour goals or misplaced your faith in yourself. You'll feel some reliefbeginningtoday
CANCER(June21–July22)
Youmightbetemptedtosettle certain matters by radical means. The visionary part of you means you're painfully aware of the world's wrongs. You see no reason not to take actiontocorrectthem.
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
Today will be fairly calm in terms of outside events, but yourinnerworldislikelytobe in a rush of activity Today you wish you could find the solutiontoyourheartachesas well as your career predicaments.
VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)
You have a lot of thinking to do about your professional goals, Virgo. You'll go over the elements to see if there isn't some way to approach thingsdifferently
LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)
Youjustcan'tdoeverythingat once, Libra. How do you expect to reduce your stress and recuperate while at the same time continue to be a superstar performer in every areaofyourlife.
SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)
Thisisagoodmomenttoadapt your logic and reason to reality, Scorpio. If you don't, you're going to run into some
Everyone knows that you find newideasplentiful.
SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)
It'sgoingtobealittledifficult t
u
y, Sagittarius. You, who can be easily influenced by others, will be listening to and criticizing everything that peoplesay
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)
Haveyoubeenreviewingyour
m
y
y
tely, Capricorn? Of special interest is your cultural background. What educational, social, and religious environment were you born into? What are its values?Intheend.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) It's time to elevate your senseofself,Aquarius.You're justasgoodasanyoneelse,so why don't you believe it? The problem is that you're very sensitiveabouthavinganego. Even though you know everyonedoes.
PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)
Today your intellectual and expressive abilities should receive a boost from the planets.It'sanexcellenttimeto organize your thoughts about presentingaproject.
set.Butwithhisbackagainst the wall, de Minaur rallied, taking a 4-1 lead in the set, mostly due to Djokovic’s sloppyplay Inthemiddleof thefifthgame,Djokovichad alreadymadeeightunforced errorsintheset.DeMinaur’s lead wasn’t just due to Djokovic’s struggles De Minaur played an excellent defensive game, making Djokovic work for each return. Just when it looked likedeMinaurwouldforcea fifth set, Djokovic suddenly came alive He played impeccabletennistherestof the way, winning the next three sets with long rallies and well-placed shots, tying things up at 4-4. He then expertly returned de Minaur’s serves to take the next game, setting up a possible match-winning gameinthefourthset.
De Minaur failed to return the first two serves from Djokovic, and barely managed to get to the third, which Djokivic easily returned for another point. Thesamethinghappenedon matchpoint.
Djokovic hit a fantastic servewhichwasreturnedby deMinaur,butlefthimoutof position.
Djokovic easily placed his shot on the other side of the court, taking the game, set and match to advance to thequarterfinals.
After the match, Djokovic took note of a special guest: eight-time Wimbledon winner Roger Federer, who watched DjokovictakeondeMinaur
Djokovic even joked that it might be the first match he’s won with Federer in attendance
Federer laughed and nodded at that remark “Good to break the curse,” Djokovicquipped.
The win marked the 16th time Djokovic has m o v e d i n t o t h e quarterfinalsatWimbledon
The event has been his second-best Grand Slam over his career Djokovic h
ns at Wimbledon, and has played in the final at the event in e
x Wimbledons.
He’ll look to continue that streak Wednesday, when he’ll take on Flavio Cobolliinthequarterfinals
Thetwohavefacedoffonly once, with Djokovic taking thatmatch.
In a spectacular display ofskill,BushLotSecondary representing Region Five, emerged victorious at the Third Annual National Junior Golf Championship,
dethroning defending
champions Leguan Secondary at the Nexgen GolfAcademy on Woolford Avenue.
This year’s tournament saw229participantsfrom14 schools and four individual golfclubsfromRegions2,3, 4, 5, 6, and Georgetown participating with players putting on exceptional
performances across multipleagecategories.
Despite intermittent rain and overcast skies, the course remained in pristine condition thanks to the support and contributions of Fixit Hardware Depot and Comfort Sleep, who provided essential maintenance equipment to
ensure the championship proceededwithoutahitch.
Trophiesandprizeswere presented by Region 5 REO Sadiek Ishmael, and made possible by the generous support of our valued sponsors:PegasusHoteland S
Guyana, Guyana Tourism Authority, Regal Stationery & C
C
Sunshine Snacks, Guyana Beverages Inc., Shangri-La
G
ExecutiveSecurityServices, UGViceChancellorPaloma
M
Ms Bibi
Bissessar,Vic Oditt,Toolsie Persaud Ltd, Trophy Stall, TMK 2000 Inc , Telco
Solutions & Mobile
Advertising, Dustin Spivey, TriStone Auto, Comfort Sleep, and Fixit Hardware Depot.
IndividualFinalResults:
• Under-13 Boys: Aviel Bonie (1st), Adam Arjune
,
(2nd)
• Under-13 Girls: Ariel Bonie (1st), Adina Arjune (2nd)
• Under-15 Boys: Justin Singh (1st) Isiah Bailey (2nd)
• Under-15 Girls: Bebi Salim(1st),PrincessBowen
• Under-18 Boys: Milan Moore (1st), Isiah Rigsby (2nd)
• Under-18 Girls: Latesha Ross (1st), Hema DeviLall(2nd)
N a t i o n a l T
Champions: Bush Lot Sec
Secondary (2nd), Anna R
Secondary (3rd), Berbice Educational Institute (4th), LowerCorentyneSecondary (5th)NovarSecondary(6th), Queen’s College (7th), Zeeburg Secondary (8th), Belladrum Secondary (9th), TucvilleSecondary(10th).
“This is the third
National Championship that theGuyanaGolfAssociation (GGA) has successfully hosted in just four years of existence. It has grown to become arguably the largest juniorgolftournamentinthe Caribbean region,” said
HOUSTON, Texas, (Reuters)-Mexicodefeated theUnitedStates2-1atNRG Stadium in Houston, Texas on Sunday to successfully defend their CONCACAF GoldCupcrownandcapture their10thtitleinapulsating final that delivered drama fromstarttofinish.
TheU.S.wentaheadjust four minutes in when Sebastian Berhalter’s freekick found Chris Richards, whose powerful header struck the underside of the crossbar and cannoned straight down, with the referee confirming the goal wasgood.
Mexico found the equalizer through Raul Jimenez in the 27th minute after the striker converted fromcloserange.
He then dedicated the goal to the late Diogo Jota , his former Wolverhampton Wanderers teammate, by holding up a Mexico shirt with the Portuguese forward’snameonit.
“We came from behind
and are leaving with the title,” Jimenez said. “It’s greatandreallyimportantto clinch the crown a summer
before the World Cup. It’s something we’ve been trying to do since the tournamentbegan.”
GGA had a massive turnout at this year’s National Junior Golf Championship.
GGA President Aleem Hussain. “A special thank you goes out to all our sponsors and supporters especiallyMr AlkeyStanley and his team from CPCE, Philip Haynes, Dave from ERSmallEnginesandSteve
Mohitram, whose tireless efforts helped make this championship a tremendous success. We now turn our attention to the Summer camp which starts on July 14th and caters to all ages from3andup.”
Despite Mexico’s firsthalf dominance they struggled to capitalise on n u m e r o u s g o l d e n opportunities.
Roberto Alvarado and 16-year-old Gilberto Mora both tested U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese, with Mora’s venomous long-range effort requiringacrucialsavefrom theAmericanshot-stopper
The U S created chances through the slick combinationplayofMalik Tillman and Berhalter but couldnotbreachMexico’s resolutedefenceagain.
Alex Freeman came closest when his header struck Mexico goalkeeper Luis Malagon in the face andDiegoLunablazedthe reboundoverthecrossbar
Mexico cranked up the pressure after the break and got the crucial second goal when Edson Alvarez powered home a header, though there was a nervouswaitduetoaVAR review for potential offside
However, the goal stood and the Mexican contingent erupted with wild celebrations.
“I’m speechless We spent 35 days in intense training, away from our families, with the intention ofwinning.There’scertainly room for improvement, but we’re leaving happy and with our feet firmly on the ground,”midfielderAlvarez said.
“When they first disallowed the goal, it was crazy. It threw me off balance, but I was really happy to see that it was valid.”
PatrickAgyemanghad the chance to equalise in the dying minutes but his finish just missed the mark in a tense finale as Mexico held firm to securetheirtriumph Mexico’s victory secures back-to-back Gold Cup triumphs and brings them a recordextending 10th crown Mexico also won the CONCACAF Nations Championship, the Gold Cup’s predecessor, three times.
‘One Guyana’ King and Queen of the Sand Football – Finals dye cast Goal IQ to battle LA Ballers (Kings);
Earning the right to contest finals of the 3rd edition of the One Guyana KingandQueenoftheSand Football championships were female defending champions, Speightland who toppled the GDF in a humdinger of an encounter while their opponent, Iconic StrikerseasedpastHururu.
The male showdown for championship honours will see Goal IQ and LABallers who both defeated their opponents by identical 4-2 margins at the People’s Progressive Party Office Ground, located at Five Corner,IndustrialArea.
Action in the female segmentwaspredictedtobe very fierce in the second semifinal between defending champions, Speightland and the GDF It turned out to be exactly a ding-dong battle with the former reinforcing their artillery with the acquisition of USA based Annalisa Vincent and this master move was the difference betweenthetwosides,onthe night.
completedherdouble.
Jalade Trim then inked her name on the score sheet for the GDF in the 16th minute with the first of her brace but one minute later thatadvantagewascancelled out whenVincent netted her third goal, and it was a tied affairagainat3-3.
Vincent completed her fourgoalsinthe20thminute to give Speightland the lead yet again but four minutes later, that too was cancelled outwhenTrimscoredforthe second time and the scored waslockedagain,4-4.
Iconic Ballers continued theirunbeatenrunwhenthey easilybrushedasideHururu, 3-0.Thankstotwogoalsoff the boo of Akeelah Vancooten in the 15th and 27th minute, Amanda McKenzie tucking in the otherinthe29thminute. In the battle for the championship places amongstthemaleteams,LA Ballers have continued their impressive run as the only undefeated male team when they turned back the challengeofHardknocks,42.
GDF drew first blood when one of their leading players, Glendy Lewis scoredthefirstofadoublein the 4th minute. But they {GDF} could have hardly settledwhenVincentbanged in the first of her helmettrick,anditwasgameon.
SportsMax - Andre Fletcher signed off Major League Cricket 2025 in style,crackingascintillating 118 to lead Los Angeles Knight Riders to a thrilling 11-run (DLS) victory over San Francisco Unicorns in the final league game at LauderhillonSunday
It was only Knight Riders’ second win of the tournament, but it proved to be a decisive blow to the Unicorns’hopesofatop-two finish, condemning them to third place and a spot in the Eliminator Fletcher,whobroughtup his second century of the tournament,wasathisbrutal best, smashing his way to 118 off just 58 balls, laced with an array of punishing strokes that included multiple sixes and boundaries. He shared two vitalpartnerships—94runs
Enjoying the end to end
actionwerethemanyfanson hand as they knew that Speightland had to bring theirA+ game to the park if they wanted to be in the championship match which hasatstake$800,000forthe champions.
Neither team relented as the goal exchanges ebbed and flowed as the game matured. Vincent was on targetagaininthe9thminute which handed Speightland a slim lead but that was neutralized in the 14th
Andjustwhenitseemed that the match was destined forextratime,Speightland’s Nikita Wayne fired past the GDFcustodianinthe27thto seal a memorable and hardfoughtwinandaplaceinthe final where they will no doubt start as favourites to defend their title. What also makes them win sweet for the defending champions is thefactthattheyendedasthe second-bestteaminGroupA which was won by their opponents, on Saturday, an opportunitytosettherecord straight.
They were always in control of proceedings despite Hardknocks holding out for 20 minutes, but once their defence was breached, LA Ballers raced to a 4-0 advantage before their opponent could have responded. TyricMcAlister broke the deadlock in the 21st minute after which, Marcus Tudor fired in three goals (23rd, 24th, 27th) minute. Colwin Drakes in the 30th minute and Deon Charter three minutes later scoredforthelosers.
Goal IQ were also large and in charge of their clash
withAlex Hales (58 off 26) and 97 with Sherfane Rutherford(49off28)—as theKnightRiderspiledupa mammoth243for3inarainshortened19-overinnings.
Thecarnagebeganearly, withKnightRidersracingto 76 in the powerplay without losing a wicket Hales, finding form at last after a lean stretch, was the early aggressor before Fletcher tookfullcommand.
Once Hales departed, Fletcher and Rutherford maintained the pressure on the Unicorns’ attack, punishing anything loose and finding the boundary withrelentlessfrequency
The assault hit a peak in the18thoverwhenFletcher, batting on 79, smashed Brody Couch for three sixes andafourtosurgepastthree figures.
He continued the
onslaught with two more sixes in the final over from Hassan Khan before falling offthelastballoftheinnings for a spectacular 118. His innings was the bedrock of what became the highest team total at Lauderhill in
the tournament — a venue where 188 had previously beentheceiling.
In response, the
Unicornslaunchedaspirited chase.SanjayKrishnamurthi was sensational at the top, hammering 92 off just 40
balls with seven fours and seven sixes to give the Unicorns a real shot at the massivetarget.Hisblitzhad the Unicorns needing 68 fromthefinalfiveovers,but JasonHolderstruckacrucial b l o w , r e m o v i n g Krishnamurthi with the first ball of the 15th over to turn thetide.
DespiteXavierBartlett’s fireworksinthe16thover— including three sixes and a four off Corne Dry — the Unicorns fell short, ending on233.
The absence of Romario Shepherd, who injured his ankleearlywhileattempting a boundary catch, proved costly as the batting effort ran out of steam in the closingstages.
Karthik Gattepalli was thestandoutwiththeballfor Knight Riders on his MLC debut, taking 3 for 31 and
breaking the back of the Unicorns’ top order He removedMatthewShortand Jake Fraser-McGurk in a pivotal second over after Dominic Drakes had earlier dismissedFinnAllen. FortheUnicorns,itwasa bitter end to the league phase.
Thelossseesthemslipto third on the table and into a do-or-die Eliminator clash against MI New York Meanwhile, Washington Freedom and Texas Super Kings, who finished in the top two, will contest Qualifier1,withadirectspot inthefinalontheline.
As for Fletcher and the Knight Riders, their campaign may be over, but the Grenadian power-hitter ensureditendedonanoteto remember one that reshaped the playoff landscapeintheprocess.
“Brian Lara keeping that record is exactly the way it should be”
SportsMax - Most batsmen would salivate at the opportunity to surpass Brian Lara’s record for the highest score in Test cricket history
T h e l e g e n d a r y Trinidadian set the record with his magnificent 400* off 778 balls during the first innings of the fourth Test against England at the Antigua Recreation Ground in2004,breakingAustralian MatthewHayden’srecordof 380setagainstZimbabwein October2003.
On Sunday, South Africa’s Wiaan Mulder had theopportunitytoeclipsethe 21-year-old mark during his team’s second Test against Zimbabwe at the Queens SportsClubinBulawayo.
The all-rounder,
captaining his country for the first time in the absence of regular Test skipper Temba Bavuma and vice-
Brian Lara kissing the pitch after breaking Matthew Hayden’s record.
captainKeshavMaharaj,got up to 367* off just 334 balls on day two before declaring 33 runs short of Lara’s record.
Mulder, 27, is now the owner of the highest Test scorebyaSouthAfricanand
the fifth-highest Test score ever
SouthAfrica ended their first innings 626-5 declared after 114 overs before bowlingthehostsoutfor170 in 43 overs in reply At stumps, they were 51-1 followingon,stilltrailingby 405runsagainstthereigning WorldTestChampions.
Mulder’s knock came after he hit a brilliant 147 in thesecondinningsofthefirst Test that South Africa won byamammoth328runs.
In an interview with South African great Shaun Pollock at the end of the second day’s play he explained his decision to declareshortofthelandmark score.
“First things first, I thought we had enough and
we need to bowl and secondly, Brian Lara’s a legend,let’sbereal,”Mulder said.
“He got 400 against Englandandforsomeoneof that stature to keep that record is pretty special. I think if I get the chance again, I’d probably do the same thing Speaking to Shuks (Shukri Conrad), he kind of said to me let the legends keep the really big scores. You never know my fate or what’s destined for me but Brian Lara keeping thatrecordisexactlytheway itshouldbe,”headded.
One thing’s for certain, that is a remarkable display of humility and paying homagetooneofthegreatest players the game of cricket haseverseen.
Matthews, Fletcher among ICC Women’s Player of the Month nominees for June
West Indians Hayley Matthews and Afy Fletcher were named among the nominees for the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for June.
SportsMax - West Indians Hayley Matthews and Afy Fletcher were, on Monday, named among the nominees for the ICC Women’s Player of the MonthforJune.
Matthews, the West Indies skipper, scored 104 runs in the three ODIs against South Africa, including a half-century in thethirdmatch.
She also chipped in with four wickets before elevating her performances in the three T20Is, scoring 147 runs at a strike-rate of 120 49, with two half-
centuries Matthews also grabbed two wickets. She wasnamedthePlayerofthe Series in the T20Is as the WestIndieswon2-1. Fletcher, 38, was the leading wicket-taker in both the ODI and T20I series againstSouthAfrica, She finished with nine wicketsinODIsduringJune, which included one in a precedingseriesinEngland. Her eight wickets in the series against South Africa included a four-wicket haul in the second ODI and three in the final match. She also scored a total of 30 runs in
theseODIs.IntheT20Is,she claimed five wickets from three outings at an economy rate of 6.75. South Africa’s Tazmin Brits, who had a memorable tour of the Caribbean showing fine form in both ODIs and T20Is, was the third nominee. She struck 184 runs at a strike rate of 87.61 in three ODIs including a 101 off 91 balls in the final match.
In the subsequent T20I series,shescored132runsat astrikerateof122.22which includeda98notoutfrom63 deliveriesinthefirstmatch.
BBC Sport - Tim Merlier pipped Jonathan Milanonthelineinasprint finishtowinacrash-marred stage three of the Tour de France.
The Belgian edged the Italian by the slenderest of margins with Germany’s Phil Bauhaus in third on a day when Mathieu van der Poel retained the race leader’s yellow jersey and stage one winner Jasper Philipsen was forced to abandon.
“Itwasdifficulttobein position in the battle before the last corner and I must say, my team did an incredible job to the last 5kmandthentherealbattle started,”saidMerlier
“I was able to get some slipstream next to Milan. It’s always difficult to beat himbutI’mhappyIcantake todaymysecondwininthe TourdeFrance.
“At first I was sure [I hadwon]andputmyhands in the air but then I was not sure anymore so I was waitinguntilIwas.”
Belgian Philipsen, who wouldalmostcertainlyhave contested the race to the
finish line, fell heavily around 60km from the end of the 178.3km route from Valenciennes to Dunkirk when Frenchman Bryan Coquard unintentionally divertedintohispath.
Philipsen’s team
Alpecin later said the 27year-old had sustained a fractured collarbone that will require surgery and hadbrokenatleastonerib.
There were three more crashes including two in the final 5km of the stage with Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel and Geraint Thomas seemingly involved.
The two main general classification favourites, Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard, finished safely in the main pack and remain in second and third place overall behind VanderPoel.
Meanwhile, the 11 bikes stolen from the Cofidis team truck on Sunday morning were all found before the stage concluded
Five of them had been abandoned in a forest with the others being located by
thepolicelateronMonday Tuesday’s fourth stage is a rolling 174.2km run from Amiens Metropole to Rouen, with five categorised climbs in a demandingfinale.
General classification afterstagethree
1.MathieuVanderPoel ( N e d - A l p e c i nDeceuninck) 12hrs 55mins 37secs
2. Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) +4secs
3. Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) +6secs
4. Kevin Vauquelin (Arkéa-B&B Hotels) +10secs
5 Matteo Jorgenson (Visma-LeaseaBike)Same time
6 Enric Mas (SpaMovistar),Sametime
7 Joseph Blackmore (GB-Israel-PremierTech) +41secs
8 Tobias Halland Johannessen (Nor - Uno-X Mobility)Sametime
9.BenO’Connor(AusJaycoAlUla)“
10.EmanuelBuchmann (Ger/Cofidis)+49secs
Members of the newly elected Board of Directors.
The Guyana Sport
S h o o t i n g Foundation Inc (G.S.S.F.), an incorporated non-profit entity under the Companies Act 1991 and holder of charitable status, hosted its Annual General MeetingonThursday,July3, 2025, at the National Resource Centre, Woolford Avenue.
The meeting was wellattended by members in the shooting sports fraternity, who gathered to review the Foundation’s achievements, financial health, and strategic direction for the coming term The Foundation’s Annual report was delivered by Mrs VidushiPersaud-McKinnon, Asst.Secretary/Treasurer
Another highlight of the AGM was the presentation ofFinancialStatements.The
externally audited financial statements for the year ending 2024 were presented by Treasurer Mr Ray Beharry, who provided a detailed breakdownoftheFoundation’s income, expenditure, and reserve balances.The GSSF expressed sincere appreciation to Mr Harryram Parmesar of Parmesar Accounting Firm for his continued professional and efficient auditingservices. Four proposed motions for constitutional amendmentsweretabledand carried unanimously by the membership.These changes aim to strengthen the Foundation’s governance structure and align it with best practicesinsportadministration
E l e c t i o n s w e r e conducted under the impartial oversight of Mr
Javin Singh, Press and Information Officer at the Delegation of the European UniontoGuyana,Suriname, and with responsibility for Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St. Eustatius, and St. Maarten The G S S F. welcomed the presence of Mr Kame Prashad who served as an independent observer In his address to members,Dr PraveshHarry, who now begins his second andfinalconsecutivetermas President, reaffirmed the Foundation’s dedication to integrity, innovation, and inclusion in the sport shooting community He also thanked his fellow outgoing and incoming executive members for their service, with a call to members to “step forward with ideas, energy and action.”
Advanced Cycles of Orlando Florida has made a tangible donation to Guyanese cyclists The donorssuppliedcyclinggear which was given to the Flying Ace Cycle Club of Berbice through Coach RandolphRoberts.
Roberts stated, that on behalf of the Flying Ace Cycle Club of Berbice, we would like to say thank you to Veteran Cyclists Randolph Tousant, Linden Dowridge among others, who would’ve made this possible for our cyclists to gettheseopportunities.This donation is very welcome and we are looking forward for other cycle clubs like Advanced Cycles to come onboardtosupportourlocal cyclists.
Cycling Coach Randolph Roberts (left) makes a presentation to three young riders.
F o l l o w i n g t h e conclusion of formal proceedings, members were invited to enjoy light refreshments. The meeting provided an opportunity for fellowship, strategic discussions, and renewed commitment to the Foundation’s mission of advancing responsible and
disciplinedsportshootingin
Guyana The following individuals were elected to serveforthenewterm:
o President: Dr Pravesh Harry
o Vice President: Mr RyanMcKinnon
o Secretary: Mr David DharryoTreasurer:Mr Ray Beharry
o Assistant Secretary & Treasurer: Mrs Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon
o Chairman – Steel
Challenge:Lt.Col.Lancelot
KhanoChairman–Practical
Shooting:Mr SadiqRahato Chairman – Trapshooting: Mr Matthew Phang o Internal Auditor: Mr RaphaelDeGroot
– Stuns two-time Defending Champions Leguan Secondary Goal IQ to battle LA Ballers (Kings); Speightland to face Iconic Ballers (Queens) for championship glory on Saturday
HOUSTON, July 7 (Reuters)Chevron is laying the groundwork to swiftly close its planned acquisition of smaller oil producer Hess,accordingtotwosourcesand an industry analyst, including by preparing a severance programme forsomeHessworkers.
The preparations come as both companies await a decision in a legal challenge from larger rival Exxon Mobil that will make or breaktheUS$53billiondeal.
Completing the Hess acquisitioniskeytoChevronCEO Mike Wirth’s strategy Chevron would gain Hess’ 30% interest in the Stabroek oilfield block in Guyana, which is operated by Exxon and holds more than 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent, providing a critical addition to Chevron’s declining oil and gas reserves.
Chevron has assigned roles in its information technology team to work on the Hess integration, according to an internal organizational chart that Reuters reviewed.
Membersofthatteamhavemet regularlywithcounterpartsatHess in recent months to prepare logistics of combining the two companies, said one Chevron employee and a second source
familiar with the meetings. Both sourcesdeclinedtobenamedwhile discussingtheconfidentialwork.
Representatives from Chevron have also held several town hall meetings with Hess staff, the second source said Hess employees were informed they could request a severance package if they are not interested in a position with the combined company, according to a written notice to staff that was seen by Reuters.
Chevron is in the midst of a restructuring that includes laying offupto20%ofitsworkforce,and
Hesshadabout1,800employeesat theendof2024.
The preparations are intended to help Chevron with ambitious targets for closing the deal. The company aims to legally close the acquisition within 48 hours of resolving the arbitration and complete operational aspects of absorbing the company within 45 days,oneofthesourcessaid.
It can typically take several months for companies to close an acquisition after a deal is announced. Exxon, for example, announced it planned to acquire Pioneer Natural Resources in
October2023andclosedthedealin Maylastyear “We look forward to completing the transaction and welcoming Hess to our company,” a Chevron spokesperson said in a statement.
Hessdeclinedtocomment. It gave the outlook on Monday aheadofsecond-quarterresultsdue laterthismonth.
Chevron initially expected to close the Hess acquisition in the firsthalfof2024.Thatwasdelayed due to arbitration claims from Exxon and CNOOC (600938.SS), the other minority partner in the
Guyana joint venture, who argue thattheyhaveacontractualrightof firstrefusaltopurchaseHess’stake in the Stabroek block. Hess and Chevron argue the clause does not apply to the sale of the whole company
Iftheylosethearbitrationorare unable to agree on an acceptable resolution with Exxon and CNOOC, the acquisition would fail, according to the terms of the deal. Biraj Borkhataria, an analyst with RBC Capital Markets, met with Chevron Chief Financial OfficerEimearBonnerinJuneand said the executive acknowledged that the lengthy arbitration dispute has weighed on the company’s stock price, but also said the time has allowed for integration planning.
Bonner indicated Chevron could close the deal quickly after resolving the arbitration dispute, Borkhatariasaidinaninterview
A three-member arbitration panel that reviewed the dispute over the Stabroek block has reached a decision, Reuters reportedonThursday
The Paris-based International Chamber of Commerce, which is overseeing the arbitration case, is now reviewing the decision before itisreleasedtotheparties.
What is going on without interruption in Gaza with the Palestinians being used as a shooting gallery, as if they serve as targets for practice, human targets? What can that be called, how should that be branded, other than those doing so are war criminals.
When schools are blown up and children are killed, or their minds deliberately traumatised for the rest of their lives, then that is a war crime, every instance of it.When hospitals overloaded with the sick and wounded, the weak and invalided, are destroyed in a rain of steel and fire, then there is something very sick at work.We at this paper see a series of war crimes directed at Palestinians, and maybe even for the fun of it.
How can anyone in the civilized world, a world that is watching but largely hanging its head in shame (and with the ugly odor silence standing as a pall over the hypocrites), not see what we see, war crimes?
Fifty-three days remain beforeGuyaneseheadtothe polls to elect a new government.
Yes 53 days before this one finger decides if you continue to live like beggars sitting on an ocean of oil, or you stand up and demand a minimum 25% royalty on thatballotpaper
Because what I have been witnessing ever since we started pumping that oil, is a set of leaders who just don’t give a damn what comes our way, or how we live from that massive oil blessing.
It’s true, they are tricksters Deceivers Boldfaceliars.Conmenand women,allbentnot to serve us,buttoservethemselves.I can’tbeclearerthanthat.
Bynow,everyGuyanese knowsthatExxondidn’tjust gangster us with that criminal oil contract, they also gangstered us with the StabroekBlocktoo.
These are facts, since October 2023, Guyana was legally entitled to collect 20% of the Stabroek Block
— yes, that same massive 6 6-million-acre oil-rich blockthatstretchesfromthe Suriname border straight to the Venezuelan border But instead of collecting back whatbelongstothepeopleof this country, what did the PNCandPPPdo?Theygave ExxonMobil a full one-year extension.
Yes,anentirebonusyear to sit on it, sleep on it, study it, suss it out, identify the best portion, the most oilrich section, keep for themselves, and then hand back the dried-up, leftovers toGuyana.
You really understand what those parasites did to thiscountrythere?Themhad a golden opportunity to take backthat20%,auctionitoff, and pull Guyana out of poverty,buttheyleftitinthe hands of ExxonMobil to cherry-pickthebestpart,and dumpthejunkonus.
Butwait—hearthis. That one-year extension expired in October 2024. Andsincethen,myreporters have been grilling Jagdeo and Vickram Bharrat over
andover:Whereisthedamn 20%? All the reporters got was one lie, one twist, one excuse after another, and never a straight, honest answer
When last week, Kaieteur News combed through one of the oil
companies’ financial statements, and bam, right there in black and white it said: Awaiting government approval to relinquish the 20% Yes, they are still waiting for the government tocollectthat20%.
And guess what happened, the very next day after that headline hit the nation? Vickram Bharrat suddenly jump up and say, we already collected it, that headline is there too. Now, let me be real with you Guyana, I don’t believe a single word that man says. And here’s why: If Guyana hadtrulycollectedthat20%, Bharrat Jagdeo would have been boasting non-stop — week after week — at every oneofhispressconferences. But what we hearing? Nothing but silence. You
know what that means? We ain’t get back a damn thing. Or if we did, it’s pure dry rocksanddeadzone.Letme paint that clearer: Imagine a crookgangsteryourfamilya huge rich gold field. And even though the family had the legal rights to reclaim 20% of it, the parents, instead of stepping in, gave the thief more time to walk around and pick the best areas. Then, the thief hand backapiecewithnothingbut bushandstone.Whatkindof parents would do that? You call that leadership? Or you callthatbetrayal?
Now, another year almost gone, and still, no properupdate,noclearmap, no audit. Nothing to show wherethis20%isorwhatis init.AndfromwhatIknow, and from what Guyana is NOTbeingtold,ifwedidget anything back, prepare to suck salt. Because Exxon donegonewiththecreamof thecrop.
What is left for Guyana can’t even light a flambeau or a lamp for us to see what these Parasites doing to our
future.Andguesswhat?The same dirty trick these parasites played with the StabroekBlock,boyohboy, they have also played with the owners of the Kaieteur OilBlock.
Guyana was set to take back a major portion of that blocktoo,sincelastyear But hear what Jagdeo, that parasite did. Quietly behind our backs, handed the owners of that block an extension all the way to 2026. Yes, another wideopen door for them to do exactly what Exxon did — drill,search,locatethesweet spots, take the cream, and then hand back Guyana the dried-upendswithstalemilk insidetofeedon.
This is what these
parasites are doing to your future Selling out the country one oil block at a time, while calling it “investment ” Now you understand why these chaps don’twantrealoilexpertsto help us? Because real experts would expose their parasitic moves and games. Real experts would protect me and you, yes protect G u y a n a , a n d n o t ExxonMobilandtheowners ofthatKaieteuroilBlock. 53daysleft,Guyana.53. This finger in your hand is not just for voting—it’s yourpower,yourvoice,your future.GodBlessyouwithit, demand that 25% royalty on the ballot paper And if it’s not there, you know the rest —givethemthis…
A19-year-old
woman from St. Lucia was on Sunday arrested after an unlicensed firearm was foundinherhome.
A statement from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) revealed the suspect as Condoleezza Henry who resides at Guyhoc Squatting Area with 29-year-old KristoffNicholson.
Henry was arrested between03:30and04:30hrs while police were conductingasearchexercise in the Guyhoc Squatting Area.
“Based on information received, a search was conducted at the home of Kristoff Nicholson, a 29year-old labourer and Condoleezza Henry, a 19year-old female St. Lucian national, both residing at GuyhocSquattingAreawho are wanted for a robbery under arms/attempted murder committed on Claudius Fraser, a 69-yearold operations manager at
Caliber Security Service,’ policesaid.
According to the police, during the search, one .32 revolver, one live 32
The firearm that was removed from Henry’s homes
ammunition and one 32 spent shell were found in a speaker box in the house. Henrywasaskedifshehada license to carry the firearm, which she responded in the negative.
She was then told of the offencescommitted,arrested and cautioned and escorted to the East LaPenitence Police Station, along with thefirearm,ammunitionand spentshell.
Meanwhile, efforts are being made to locate Nicholson.