Kaieteur News

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

Scenes from New Campbellville Secondary School polling station.

Presidential candidates share mixed reviews on voting process

A s p r e s i d e n t i a l candidates cast their ballots in Monday’s General and Regional Elections at various polling stations across the country, their reaction to the electoral processdiffered. While some expressed satisfactionwiththeconduct of the polls, others raised seriousconcerns,pointingto alleged breaches and irregularities.

A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Presidential Candidate, Aubrey Norton, speaking to the media after voting at PlaisanceSecondarySchool, raised objections regarding the placement of voting booths. “The law says that the scrutineers must see the body of the person who is voting.Exceptforoneofthe buildings, all the rest were wrong,soIhadthemchange

FGM Presidential Candidate Amanza Walton-Desir displays her inked finger after voting.

it,” he stated. However, he described the overall voting processas“normal.”

Reflecting on the significanceoftheelections, Nortonsaid,“Itmeansmore for the people of Guyana thanforme.Iwouldsaythat these elections are critical because it is an opportunity toensurethereisarelocation of the resources from oil to thepeopleofGuyana,rather than the present approach of choosingfamily,friends,and favourites.”

Throughout the day, Norton visited several polling stations and made multiple complaints He alleged incidents of voter intimidation and strongly objected to the presence of policeofficerswearingbody cameras inside polling stations, which he claimed v i o l a t e d G E C O M regulations. “The police are violating the law They are

We Invest in Nationhood Presidential Candidate Azruddin Mohamed shows his inked finger following the vote.

APNU Presidential Candidate Aubrey Norton seen outside his registered polling station at Plaisance Secondary School.

Presidential Candidate for Alliance For Change (AFC) Nigel Hughes, displaying his inked finger

seeking to inform on how many people vote at the pollingstationand,fromthe reports we are getting, they are estimating who they think is PPP and who they think is not. That is outside the confines of the law Secondly, they were going into polling stations with cameras, when cameras are p r o h i b i t e d . M y understandingisthattheyare supposed to maintain order, and if an issue occurs, the police can call in and at that time they can use the cameras to record it, but outside of that, it is a violationofthelaw,”Norton

asserted.

In contrast, People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Presidential Candidate, Dr Irfaan Ali expressed confidence in his party’s performance and the outcome. After casting his vote, he told reporters, “We did everything according to plan. We had a fantastic campaign based on track record, trust, and commitment, one that is based on unity and moving our country forward together Now the final part of this journey to victory is foralloursupporterstocome outandsealthisvictory Iam

very confident. The rallies speakforthemselves.”

When questioned about potentialsecurityconcernsif the election results are disputed,Alisaid,“Wehave said very clearly that these elections have been peaceful, and we must alwaysacceptthewillofthe people That is part of democracy The security forces have made it clear that, should anyone step out of line in terms of the law, they are prepared to deal withthat.”

Alliance For Change (AFC) Presidential Candidate Nigel Hughes reflected on the challenges and triumphs of the campaign and voting day “The campaign was a rough one,butwehavedonebetter than expected,” he stated. Hughes pointed to an incident at the Den Amstel CivicCentre,whereapower outage left the polling environmentuncomfortable.

“All the agents inside were hot; no fans, and ventilation was minimal,” he noted Despite this, he praised the conductofthepoll:“Therest of the process went flawlessly I have to commend the people at the pollingstation.”

Azruddin Mohamed, PresidentialCandidateofthe We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, also shared his experience. He noted a slow start to voting at his polling station, stating, “I arrived here at 05:59hrs and came out at 06:30hrs. There were only five persons ahead of me, yet it took 31 minutes. I think the process was a bit slow this morning ” Mohamed mentioned that complaintsregardingminor Continued on page 16

President Irfaan Ali and First Lady Arya Ali casting their votes at Leonora Secondary School.

Party with the most votes, wins the presidency -Jagdeo

As Guyanese anxiously

await the results of Monday’s General and Regional Elections, General Secretary of the PPP/C Bharrat Jagdeo reminded citizens that the party with the most votes will win the presidency His comments come

e

predicting a minority government - with the fledgling We Invest In Nationhood (WIN) party

s

o m statements of poll released thus far Jagdeo at the time wasspeakingwithaselected group of journalists at Freedom House Kaieteur Newswasnotinvited.

He was asked by the media to address the statement made by Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) in relation to a StatementofPoll(SOP)that was posted on the Team Mohamed’s Facebook page, that the organisation said was fake, and what he made of it at such a juncture. The VPurgedtheotherpartiesto desist from posting ‘fake’ documents as in a few days’ time, the country will be madeawareoftheresultsby GECOM. While posting of theSOP’smaygivepartiesa short-term advantage, he cautioned that they should

not by any means upload fakeones.

“ in this country, our v o t i n g s y s t e m i s proportional representation, and the party that gets the most votes, wins the presidency,andthepartyand depending on the votes that you get in relation to the number of voters who turn out, the seats in parliament areallocated,”heexplained. Jagdeo went on to say thatthesystemissimpleand at the end of the day, every single vote will be added up countrywide, for each party and then the results will be made public. He was also asked to speak on how the process went. The VP said that he is reluctant to comment this early, as the

…blamesAPNUforlow voter turnout

to GECOM by the different political parties and in his opinion, he thinks that the commission sought to accommodate the concerns raised.

process is ongoing. “Right now, as we’re speaking, there is a counting process, and that has not been completedasyet.Thereafter, GECOM,asforthenewlaw, would have to upload the SOPsandthenformallystart theprocessoftabulationand thedeclarationofresults,”he said.

J a g d e o a d d e d , “Nevertheless,Ithoughtthat I should give you the comments, since you requestedit.Fromtheparty’s perspective, we had a good day, and I think the country had a good day The formal process of voting went smoothly.”

He disclosed that there weresomeglitchesalongthe way,whichwerehighlighted

The politician assured the media that there was nothing fatal about the processandeverythingwent by peacefully, as every citizen who wanted to exercise their franchise, had the opportunity to do so in a peaceful manner “You saw many of the polling places didn’t have any crowds. As wegotclosertotheevening, peoplecouldhavegonethere and freely voted, in spite of theconcernsatthebeginning that the voting was very slow. The process, the vote, was a very slow one,” he added.

Nevertheless, the VP expressed that he is pleased

that the day went the way it did and now all that there’s left to do is await the declaration of results and hopefully, the country will continue to remain in this peacefulstate.”

JagdeoblamesAPNU

Jagdeo was asked what was his take on persons stayingawayfromtheballot.

Using the opportunity to shift blames onto the

Opposition,hesaidthatthere are many persons who may not want to support the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) openly, but theywillnotriskachangein governmentbecause there is no better alternative to the PPP/C.

On the other hand, “others may just, you know, haveoptedoutoftheprocess because APNU did not do enough work in my view in

thecityandsothosecouldbe justtwoconsiderations.”

Grapplingatsomebitsof confidence, the VP declared that,“APNUwillhaveavery difficult night APNU’s traditional supporters are goingthreeways:tothePPP, to WIN, and some will remain with APNU That partywillhavesomeserious introspectiontodo,(as)they

miscalculation ” In a last-

supporters, he urged the citizens of Guyana and PPP supporterstobepatient.“Itis goingtobealongnight,and results are going to come in little dribbles from different parts of the country…it’s hard to form an opinion based on what you see on individual statements of poll.”

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

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EDITORIAL

Keep the Peace

Thevoteshavebeencast,theballotboxessealed,andthe nationnowfindsitselfinthatanxiousinterludebetweenthe exercise of democratic rights and the pronouncement of official results. It is a period that tests not only the administrative capacity of the Guyana Elections Commission(GECOM),butalsothepatience,maturity,and civic responsibility of the Guyanese people. By now, the major political parties would have an inkling of how they performed,astheirpollingagentstransmitstatementsofpoll andrelaydatafromacrossthecountry Still,thelawrequires thattheofficialdeclarationscomeonlyfromGECOM.Until that moment arrives, citizens must guard against speculation, rumour, and premature pronouncements Above all, this is the time to demonstrate restraint, civility, andrespectforoneanother,regardlessofpoliticalloyalties. It is heartening that the leaders of GECOM on Sunday publicly urged calm, while reassuring the public that the elections would be conducted transparently Such assurancesarevitalinpreservingconfidenceinthesystem, particularly in a nation where political contests are often fierce and where the specter of distrust can easily unsettle social harmony While no electoral process is flawless, the reports from yesterday's election suggest that Guyana has onceagainmanagedtoconductitselfwithdignity However, there were incidents where persons were disenfranchised becausetheirnamesdidnotappearonthevoters'list,some votersstruggledtolocatetheirassignedpollingstations,and therewasatleastonecasewhereonevoterviolatedtherules byphotographinghisballot.Additionally,therewereafew skirmishes with opposing party agents, but these did not escalateintoanymajorconfusion

Peaceful elections are never to be taken for granted, especiallyinsocietieslikeourswherepoliticaldivisionsrun deep. The images of orderly lines, citizens exercising their franchise, and ballots being cast without disruption affirm theresilienceofGuyana'sdemocracy Thechallengenowis toensurethatthecalmatthepollingstationsextendsintothe days that follow Citizens must resist the temptation to engageinheateddisputes,provocativecelebrations,oracts of intimidation. Political leaders, too, carry a heavy responsibility to temper their rhetoric, guide their supporters, and ensure that no word or action inflames tensions. Yet amid this relative calm, lies a source of deep frustration:theglacialpaceatwhichresultsaredeclared.Itis disappointing and indeed troubling that in the year 2025, Guyana still struggles to deliver timely election outcomes Thedelayisnotmerelyaninconvenience;itcreatesavacuum that invites rumour, misinformation, and mistrust In that vacuum,mischiefcanthrive Citizensbegintospeculateabout hiddenagendas,transparencyisquestionedandconfidencein democraticinstitutionsareeroded Thismustchange Theworldtodayaboundswithtechnologythatcanmake the tabulation and dissemination of results both swift and credible.Otherdemocracies,withelectoratesfarlargerand landscapes far more complex, manage to announce preliminaryresultswithinhoursofpollsclosingandofficial results within a day or two Guyana needs not to lag so far behind.Whatisrequiredisnottechnologicalinnovation— that exists and is readily available but political will. Our leaders must agree that strengthening the efficiency and transparencyofelectionsservenationalinterestsaboveany partisangain.Asystemthatdeliverscredibleresultsquickly isnotaluxury;itisanurgentnecessity Itisintegraltopublic trust,nationalstability,andtheconsolidationofdemocracy. The longer results take, the greater the risk of disillusionment, division, and unrest. Conversely, a transparent, efficient system that produces results in good timereassurescitizensthattheirvoicesareheard,theirvotes are counted, and their will is respected. As we await the officialdeclaration,Guyanesemustremindthemselvesthat democracy does not end with the casting of ballots. It extends to how we treat one another in the aftermath with tolerance,patience,andrespect.Itisinthesetense,uncertain hoursthatthetruetestofourdemocraticmaturityisrevealed

“An Appeal to the People”

DearEditor,

Over the years, George Washington's “Let us raise a standard that only the wise andhonestcanrepair,forthe handofGodiswatchingus”, hasnotjustbeenahistorical lesson but a moral compass that guides the moral fabric ofmybeing.

For one, the historical lesson lies in the fact that then in 1776, in the heat of the summer in constitution hall of Philadelphia with no electricity back then, only ladies with manual fans, 13 colonies had an impossible task of mending a union whicheventuallybecamethe United States of America. Secondly, the consensus candidate among the delegates of the continental congress who could deliver “precedence,” key to the evolution of the word “President” was General Washington, a tall, robust commander whose victories secured the preservation of the union and eventually a nation. Almost 250 years later,inadifferentcontinent bounded by different ethnicities and cultural norms, a 59-year-old nation has demands synonymous with raising its standard for itscitizens.

Guyanaisatawatershed moment whereas a nation thathasbeenblessedwithsix major resources has struggled to deliver social, economic and political modernization similarly to Gamal Nasser's vision for Egypt at the advent of the Suez Canal in the 1950s. Now comes the seventh and complete sister, petroleum, that would accelerate the revolution of our nation's modernization like unto Nasser's Suez Canal but sadly the government has serendipitously rejected the pleasofitspeopletoliftthem out of poverty and social ill

but has retorted to its old ways of benefits for friends, familiesandfavorites.

Thenation'shealthcareis in a crisis. Currently, the country is experiencing a shortage of 6,000 plus healthcareworkersinclusive of nurses, specialist physicians and allied health professionals With no decisive plan on how to resolve this institutional deficiency, the current administration turned to what it knows best to do, building 12 additional hospitals with state of art equipment in the name of “healthcareadvancement”,a fool hardy solution which creates more contracting opportunities for its cronies and adding another 2,000 deficits to the healthcare worker crisis. There is no doubt that additional hospitals are not needed, particularly a new Diamond Hospital having served as chief executive officer for the first hospital for a brief stint.

The development of the East Bank corridor demandedanewandmodern hospitalalmost10yearsago when I had assumed the position after the current administration being kicked out of office leaving the hospital with horrendous physical impairments (almost all the toilets were nonfunctioning, lack of air conditioning ventilation in patient care, laboratory testing and a haphazard s u p p l y c h a i n f o r medications). One of my initialrecommendationswas to build a new hospital, having made assessments in line with my healthcare experience and to have a focus on women and children. I am glad that the current administration heeded my advice and are building a separate hospital

dedicated to vulnerable populationsinhealth.

New hospitals in this current healthcare crisis, is not a moment to celebrate accomplishments masked in ribbon cutting ceremonies and meaningless platitudes by an inexperienced President and a less than enthusiastic Minister The problems within the healthcare sector run deeper thannewandstate-of-the-art buildings. Mental Illnesses, the resurgence of infectious diseases (malaria, HIV/AIDSandtuberculosis) andtheexpectedriseofnoncommunicable diseases (NCDs) commonly referred to “chronic diseases” account for 90% of all new diagnosis and 80% deaths occurring yearly Guyana once named the 'suicide capitaloftheworld'andstill bears the distinction for being the top 5 in rates of self-harm while the government's response admirably has been a dedicated915hotline.

Questions around effectiveness of the hotline to be reliable to 24/7 crisis management,confidentiality and the utilization of the whole person approach leavesmuchtobedesiredof a government where financial resources are boundless As mentioned above, chronic disease, particular diabetes, hypertension, kidney and heart disease, which have now unprecedentedly accounted for the most deathsinrecentyearsamong Guyanese.

Accepting these challengingissuesarenoone person,singleentityoraone size fits all approach but rather utilizing an adaptive approach, yours truly commissioned the “working group of 9” with over 120 years of expertise in mental

health, chronic diseases, infectious diseases, supply chain management and cancer prevention with experts from within Guyana and the diaspora. The goal was to examine current and future healthcare issues facing our country and derive prescriptions that are grounded in best practices, research and futuristic technological advances that would transform the Guyanese healthcare sector and delivering world class servicesbetterthanourLatin America and Caribbean counterparts.

We believe that the scourge of mental health crisis needs interventions based on the “whole-person approach” and the need for dedicated healthcare institutions around the country to be trained in methodologies The initiation of a mental health corpsthat'strainedtodeliver this evidence base approach acrossallhealthposts,health centers, district hospitals, regional hospitals, schools and community centers will createmuchneededaccessto mental health services. The working group envisions allocating funds to create a separate programme for mental health (Programme 9) and a community-based campaigntargetingstigmato create an open environment to discuss issues that are challengingourpeople.

We believe that a robust familyandpreventivehealth policy to mitigate chronic diseases should include making medications, laboratories and diagnostics available across all healthcare facilities and ensuring free dialysis regardless of employment statusisparamounttoaccess treatment and care for chronicdiseases.

(Continuedonpage6)

PSC Condemns Cross-Border Attack, Praises GDF for Defending Democracy

DearEditor,

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) strongly condemns the unprovoked aggression and attack against the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and Guyana Police Force patrol on the UpperCuyuniRiver,Region 7, while escorting GECOM officials and ballot boxes today This act of hostility, launched from the Venezuelanshore,isadirect affront not only to Guyana's sovereignty but also to the

democraticprocesscurrently underwayinournation.Any attempt to threaten or undermine the safe and fair conductofelectionsmustbe denounced in the strongest possibleterms.

The PSC highly c o m m e n d s t h e professionalism, courage, and swift response of the GDF and Police ranks, whose bravery ensured the safety of nine GECOM officials and the security of all ballot boxes in transit.

Their decisive actions p

materials, and guaranteed that the ballots reached their intended polling stations withoutcompromise.

The PSC expresses its deepest gratitude to the men and women of the Joint Services for their unwavering commitment to protecting Guyana's democracy, even in the face of grave danger. Their service is a reminder of the

vital role they play in preserving peace, stability, and the integrity of our electoralprocess. The Commission reaffirms its support for the Joint Services and GECOM andcallsonallstakeholders, nationalandinternational,to recognizethesignificanceof this incident as a test of our nation's resilience and commitmenttodemocracy Regards

P r i v a t e S e c t o r Commission

The PPP/C's Broken Promises, Failed Leadership and Divisive Politics

DearEditor,

When the PPP/C returned to office, they promised transformation, prosperity,developmentand equitable treatment for all Guyanese – in a “One Guyana” message. Nearly five years later, Guyanese areaskingwhathaschanged to make a difference in their daily lives? And what is being done to assure equitable sharing of the windfall oil wealth in the proclaimed fastest growing economyintheworld? The sad answer is - very little. Instead of progress, citizens areburdenedwithblackouts, corruption,collapsingpublic services, and rising costs.

The government has governed not with t r a n s p a r e n c y a n d accountability, but with excuses and racist rhetoric. ThisistheverdictonPPP/Cpromises made with promisesbroken,andalarge segment of the nation left behind.

DarknessInsteadof Development-The EnergyCrisis

Electricity is the lifeblood of a modern economy Yet under PPP/C, Guyana remains trapped in rolling blackouts Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo once boasted of “surplus power,” but factories shut down, businesses lose revenue, and households sit in darkness The muchtouted 300 MW Gas-toEnergy project at Wales, pitched as transformative, is already years behind schedule, plagued by secrecy, questionable contracts, and ballooning costs. No revised timeline, no tr

ency, no accountability Guyana has seen this movie before, another Skeldon-style debacle in the making Insteadofintegratingprivate generators or embracing net metering, PPP/C clings to expensive rental power contracts.Theresult-higher costs, lower reliability, and an economy strangled by energy failures Without affordable power, Guyana cannot diversify, cannot industrialize, and cannot growtoitsfullpotential.

OilWealthBetrayedCorruptionandCronyism Guyana's oil boom should have been a turning point.Instead,underPPP/C, it has become a cautionary tale of corruption and elite

procurement deals, and inflated infrastructure projects funnel wealth to political insiders while ordinary Guyanese are told to “be patient.” The NICIL scandals, Skeldon factory fiasco, Marriott deal — all past reminders and are now beingrepeatedonafarlarger scalewithoilrevenues.This is not just mismanagement; it's a betrayal of national trust. Instead of building schools, hospitals, and moderninfrastructureforall, PPP/Cisenrichinganarrow elite Investor confidence

collapses, and Guyana risks squandering the greatest opportunityinitshistory HealthcareinCollapse Healthcare, too, tells the story of PPP/C's neglect.

H

underequipped. Doctors and

nurses are overworked and underpaid, forcing many to migrate. Rural communities are left with empty clinics, whilecitizenswaithoursfor

basic medicine and diagnostics that often never arrive The government

boasts of “modern hospitals,” but these are empty promises without the staff, training programs, or resources to sustain them.

M

diseases, maternal health crises, and mental health

remain da

ously underfunded The result? Families going bankrupt paying private healthcare

b

ty plummeting, and Guyanese dying from preventable conditions. Oil wealth should have built a 21stcentury health system, not just physical facilities Instead, PPP/C has left the nationsickandunderserved.

Education:AGeneration atRisk

Nonationcanrisehigher than its education system. YetGuyana'syoutharebeing asked to climb with broken ladders Teachers remain underpaid, classrooms

under-resourced, and dropout rates alarming. The government talks of “digital transformation,” but many schools still lack reliable internet,functioninglabs,or v

unprepared for technology, advanced manufacturing, or global services The oil boom was supposed to fund world-class education Instead,PPP/Chasdelivered stagnation and lip service, failingtheverygeneration

(Continuedonpage6)

This is not mere political banter; this is a deliberate attempt to misrepresent history

DearEditor, Asatradeunionistandas a Guyanese, I respect without reservation the constitutional right of every citizen to freedom of political association. That includes the right to support the political party of one's choice This is a right e n s h r i n e d i n o u r Constitution, and one which every Guyanese must both claimandrespect.ButwhatI cannot, and will not, accept is when individuals in high office abuse that right as cover to denigrate the African race, distort its proud history, and insult the very legacy upon which this nationstands.

It is in this context that I take serious umbrage to Attorney General Anil Nandlall's disgraceful statement that Cuffy, Guyana's national hero, was a“proudhouseslave”—and that African Guyanese who support the People's Progressive Party (PPP) are like Cuffy This is not mere political banter; this is a deliberate attempt to misrepresent history, to belittle the African experience,andtojustifythe PPP's ongoing policy of marginalisation and discrimination against African Guyanese Nandlall's 'eyes pass the Africanrace.'

Let me say this to Nandlall in no uncertain terms: Cuffy was no proud house slave Cuffy was a proud African He was captured on the shores of Africa, subjected to the inhumane horrors of the Middle Passage, and enslaved in Guyana He

survived years of the most brutal and dehumanising systemknowntomankind. He laboured under conditions no human being should endure, yet he resisted.Andin1763,heled thefirstmajorslaverevoltin this country and the Slave Society The Berbice Revolution (1763) predates the Haitian Revolution (1794).Itwasarevolutionto reclaim dignity, humanity, and freedom for his people. That is not the legacy of a “house slave.” That is the recordofafreedomfighter,a visionary, and a leader whose example remains etched in our national consciousness So, I challenge Nandlall: identify oneAfricanGuyaneseinthe PPP with a comparable record of sacrifice, bravery, and leadership for the dignityoftheirpeople.Show this nation two instances where their deeds mirrored Cuffy's spirit — not just in skin colour, but in courage, vision, and revolutionary commitment to justice Showus!

And let me make it very clear: Your apology, Anil Nandlall, is not accepted. It ishollow,insincere,andpart of a pattern of reckless rhetoric and contempt for African Guyanese that have cometocharacteriseyouasa leaderinthissociety

Let me remind this nation, this is the sameAnil Nandlall who, at an Arrival

Day event, sought to denigrate Africans by boasting of the “kings and queens” status of IndoGuyanese, while sneering at the socioeconomic conditions of Africans Conditions that the PPP through its policies, programmes and disrespect for the African race, as a people,haveplacedus.

Think Mocha Arcadia, extrajudicial killings, job loss in the public sector, mistreatment of bauxite workers, the dismantling of theBauxiteWorkersPension Plan, then worth in the excess of $2.5 Billion, the singlelargestpoolofmoney owned by the African workers that has caused me torefertothePPP'spolicyas EconomicGenocide.

ThisisthesameNandlall whose hands are not clean when it comes to the coveting of African-owned lands, lands purchased by freed Africans in the i m m e d i a t e p o s temancipation period. These are lands our ancestors- like my forefather Cudjoe McPherson who bought Kingelly in 1851- sacrificed blood, sweat and tears to secure,onlynowtobeeyed

(Continuedonpage6)

Guyana needs a Parliament that can uphold the rule of law, enforce the Amerindian Act and respect and protect Amerindian land rights

DearEditor,

The last five years saw various instances of the PPP/C government undermining the rule of law in the face of public outcry. In relation to the Oil Pollution Prevention, Preparedness Response and Responsibility Act which was secretly assented to by Irfaan Ali, national outcry was surpassed by regional andinternationalcriticism.

But one area has been relatively uncontested – the violationofAmerindianland rights through the PPP/C government's carbon credit dealwithHessCorporation.

Under the Amerindian Act 2006 Amerindian Village Councils own the forestsontheirland,thetrees whichmakeupthoseforests, andeverythingrelatedtothat tree including the tree's

removal of carbon from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. This carbon removal is regarded as a 'carbon service' and is the basis of carbon credits. When the government purported to sell carbon credits to Hess from Amerindian forests, they breached the Amerindian Act2006.

The carbon service is also a 'property right' which belongs to the Amerindian communities who own the land Property rights are p r o t e c t e d b y t h e Constitution.

The government's carbon credit scheme with Hess Corporation deprived Amerindian landowners of this property and was an unconstitutional breach of the fundamental right to propertyheldbyAmerindian communities.

And yet, Amerindian Village Councils failed to stop the National Toshaos Council when it illegally purported to approve the carbon scheme; they failed to object when Amerindian interest groups attempted to weaken Amerindian land rights by advocating for consultation and free prior informedconsent.

More worryingly Amerindian Village Councils failed to challenge the government's illegal actions. This does not bode wellforthefuture.

Guyana needs a Parliament which can uphold the rule of law, enforce the Amerindian Act 2006andrespectandprotect Amerindianlandrights.

Frompage4

“An Appeal to the...

A d d i t i o n a l l y, w e recommendarobustplanfor healthcare screenings from nursing to university, preemployment and yearly medical checkups for members of the public sector To alleviate the current workforce shortage, we call on the current oppositionpartiesandnewly elected government to immediately recruit 1,000 nurses from the diaspora, Caricomandcommonwealth countries with increased emoluments and benefits packages for the current workforce A sustainable r

y is imperativetothesurvivalof this plan. Building of three Nursingschoolsinregions1, 7, 9 and integrating the nursingcurriculumintohigh schoolsisthemostfuturistic proposal for ensuring attraction and sustainability

Commissioning two dental schools will increase access for oral and maxillofacial services. It is our view that thekeytomaternalandchild health lies in addressing childhood malnutrition through the creation of nutritional program for childbearing women and children up to five years old to access vouchers for essentialfooditems.

The group of experts considers that the current technological advancements in Guyana's healthcare sector is well below the international standards and out of line with the 21st century innovations, so we propose another programme (10) dedicated to health information technology and research utilizing tools such aselectronicmedicalrecords and artificial intelligence (AI).Today, healthcare does notexistwithoutmeaningful considerations for facilities

both new and old to be SMART outfitted to address theeffectsofclimatechange. These are not back-room recommendations but represents timely planning, organization and research that represents “Our moment has come when we need to decide whether to chooseagovernmentthatfor over28yearscontinuestobe infatuated by greed and corrupt practices or a newly electedgovernmentfromthe opposition that will transform healthcare to ensurethat“wiseandhonest standards” are mitigating diseases and creating healthier lifestyles. This is our appeal to the people of Guyana come Monday, September1stasweheadto thepolls.

Regards Collin Haynes MPH MBA Coordinator

of the WorkingGroupof9

The PPP/C's

Broken Promises, Failed...

Frompage5 by the powerful with legal manoeuvres McPherson's Transport dated July 1851 for the village of Kingelly WestCoastBerbice,isstillin the possession of his family, and stands as testament of lands that were never sold, leased,ortitledtoanyone. It is the same Nandlall who, as Attorney General, continues to frustrate workers' organisations like the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) and the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) by refusing to respect the 2024 court directive on union dues,dueswhichsustainthe very organisations that protectworkers,themajority of whom are African Guyanese. And it is the same Nandlall whose utterances todaycontinueacoordinated PPP strategy One we have seen before in the lewdness of Prime Minister Mark Phillips and party supporter Lenno Craig to insult and demean African Guyanese. These are not isolated slips of the tongue; they are deliberate,systematicefforts to push Africans to the margins of society and justifytheirexclusion. Guyanamustunderstand this for what it is: an attack not only on African Guyanese, but on the moral foundation of our society If those entrusted with the Constitution and the law have such contempt for our

YoursSincerely Melinda

Janki

This is not mere political banter; this is

shared history and dignity, whatfuturearewebuilding? Enough is enough. We mustdrawtheline.Wemust tell those in power, particularly those who hold the high office of Attorney General, that respect for all Guyaneseisnon-negotiable. We must demand that our leadersmeasuretheirwords, their tone, and their actions against the responsibility they carry to unify, not divide.

Cuffy's legacy is not up for distortion. His struggle wasnotinvain.AndnoAnil Nandlall, no matter his office, will be allowed to rewrite that proud African chapterofGuyana'shistory

Regards

LincolnLewis

Frompage5 that should be leading Guyanaintothefuture. TheCost-of-LivingCrisis andRisingInequality

Perhaps nowhere is PPP/C's failure more visible than in the daily lives of citizens. Food prices climb every month Rent and transport costs crush working families Utility bills rise even as blackouts worsen. Meanwhile, a small elite, connected to political power, grows fabulously wealthy from land deals, contracts,andinsideraccess. The government points to skyscrapers and road projects as proof of “progress,” but ordinary Guyanesecannoteatasphalt or pay bills with GDP statistics. The oil boom was supposed to lift all boats; instead, PPP/C has widened inequality and left most Guyanese struggling to stay afloat.

DivisiveRacistRhetoric

Guyana's fragile democracy rests on unity across its diverse peoples. Yet recent comments by Attorney General Anil Nandlall have ripped open old wounds, exposing once again the PPP/C's troubling record of race-baiting and condescension towardAfroGuyanese. Speaking at a recent campaign rally, Nandlall stunned the nation when he declared, “But I want you to tell them that a nationalheroofthiscountry is Cuffy, and Cuffy was a proudandupstandinghouseslave—nothingwrongwith being a house-slave.” To makemattersworse,hewent further, invoking degrading

referencestoAfro-Guyanese by remarking on the phrase “bigbattyAfrican,”brushing it off as though such slurs were matters of lament rather than serious insults that demean an entire community Nandlall's words were not accidental. Inpolitics,languagematters, and leaders know the power of words in shaping perceptions By calling Cuffy, one of Guyana's greatest symbols of resistance and freedom, a “house-slave,” Nandlall not only distorted history but also belittled the legacy of a national hero who led the 1763 Berbice Rebellion

against slavery The subliminal messaging was clear, Afro-Guyanese who align with the PPP/C are to be seen, at best, as “houseslaves.”

Thatis,theyaretolerated for their usefulness, but never respected as equals or freeagents.Itwasastunning admission, cloaked in rhetoric but soaked in disrespect For many observers,itconfirmedwhat they have long suspectedthe PPP/C views AfroGuyanese not as partners in governance, but as instruments to be managed, mocked,andminimized.

AGovernmentofExcuses, NotResults

For nearly five years, PPP/C has responded to criticismwithexcuses.They

blame predecessors,

circumstances, or “sabotage,” but never themselves. The pattern is clear - big promises, flashy headlines, and no delivery. Electricity is still unreliable.

Healthcareisstillcollapsing. Education is still underfunded. Cost of living isstillunbearable.Witheach oftheseturns,thePPP/Chas failedtomeetthemostbasic expectationsofgovernance. Conclusion-Timefor Change

TheAttorney General of Guyanashouldbeavoiceof unity, fairness, and justice. Instead, Anil Nandlall has become a symbol of racial insensitivity and political arrogance His comments cannot be excused, ignored, or swept under the rug Guyanese deserve better than leaders who divide and demean They deserve leadership that respects every community equally and honors the sacrifices of heroes like Cuffy without distortionorinsult.Untilthat standard is met, PPP/C's rhetoricwillcontinuetocast a long shadow over the promiseofnationalunity

Coupled with the racist rhetoric, the PPP/C has failedthepeopleofGuyana. September1,2025,mustnot be just another election, it must be a referendum on failed leadership. Guyanese deserve better leadership that delivers reliable electricity,affordableliving, quality healthcare, empowering education, and prosperity that is truly shared.

Anything less is more excuses. Anything less is more broken promises. The choice before Guyana is clear. The PPP/C has squandered its chance. It is timeforchange.

Respectfully, ColinWelch

BLUNT BLUNT

Brazen Attack

Sunday's assault on a ballot escort in the Cuyuni River by armed men from the Venezuelan side of the border is nothing short of a direct attack on Guyana's sovereignty, its servicemen, and the democratic process itself.

These were not random criminals but elements of the notorious Sindicato gang, that has from time to time, terrorised Guyanese civilians and lawmen along our frontier. This latest act is a blatant provocation that cannot be minimised or ignored.

The escort targeted was not carrying treasure or contraband, but ballots— the sacred instruments of the people's will. This was an assault on democracy itself. It is an intolerable outrage, one that strikes at the heart of our nation's right to choose its leaders free from intimidation or external interference.

Guyana has long exercised restraint in the face of cross-border criminality. But enough is enough. The state must respond with firmness, securing our border communities, increasing patrols, and ensuring that those who dare to attack our people pay the price.

Sumud Flotilla for Gaza departs Barcelona again

after delay due to storm

(Al Jazeera) The Global Sumud Flotilla carrying aid to the Israeli-blockaded Gaza Strip departed Barcelona again on Monday evening, several hours after poor weather forced it to return to the Spanish port, according to a journalist travelling on one of the boats. Earlier on Monday, the flotilla – which had set off from Barcelona on Sunday–saidinastatement on X that strong winds of more than 30 knots (55.6 kilometres per hour, or 34.5 miles per hour) on the Mediterranean Sea could have posed a problem for smallerboatsintheconvoy

The flotilla said that it conducted a sea trial and made the decision to return toportinBarcelonatoallow the storm to pass. Mauricio Morales, a journalist reportingforAlJazeerafrom onboardtheAlmaboat,said that the flotilla began moving out from the port again at about 7:30pm local time (17:30 GMT) on Mondayfollowingageneral meetingofallvolunteers.

The flotilla comprises dozens of small civilian vessels carrying volunteers andhumanitariansupplies.It planned to meet up with a second wave of vessels in TunisiaonThursday,butthat plan has now been slightly delayed.Thisisthethirdaid

flotilla of its kind in recent months to attempt to break theIsraelisiegeonGaza. Previous attempts have been unsuccessful, with Israeli naval forces illegally intercepting the boats in international waters

Organisers said the Global Sumud Flotilla is the largest maritime mission to Gaza, bringing together more than 50 ships and delegations from at least 44 countries. Other than the 20-some boats leaving Barcelona, more are expected to join f

m

c

h e Mediterraneaninthecoming days,includingfromTunisia andSicily

The volunteers

This flotilla is organised byfourmajorcoalitionsthat haveparticipatedinprevious landandseaeffortstoGaza: the Global Movement to Gaza, Freedom Flotilla Coalition, Maghreb Sumud Flotilla and Sumud Nusantara. Volunteers hail from countries that include Australia, Brazil, Colombia, South Africa and numerous European states. According to organisers, participants are unaffiliated with any government or political party On board the flotilla are Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, Brazilian activistThiagoAvila,former Mayor of Barcelona Ada Colau Ballano, Irish actor

Liam Cunningham and Spanish actor Eduard Fernandez Many of the people involved have been part of past flotilla efforts. The coalition's steering committee includes a number of high-profile activistsandfigures,suchas Palestinian activist Saif Abukeshek, human rights activist Yasemin Acar, historian Kleoniki Alexopoulou, activist Marouan Ben Guettaia, human rights activist Torkia Chaibi, physicist Maria Elena Delia, activist and social researcher Hayfa Mansouri, social scientist

K a r e n M o y n i h a n , humanitarian Muhammad Nadir al-Nuri, activist Wael Nawar,politicalscientistand lawyer Melanie Schweizer, AvilaandThunberg.

Previous flotillas have largely been blocked, although in 2008, two boats from the Free Gaza Movement reached Gaza. The movement, founded in 2006 by activists during Israel's war on Lebanon, went on to launch 31 boats from 2008 to 2016, five of which reached Gaza despite heavy Israeli restrictions But since 2010, all attempts have been intercepted or attackedbyIsraeliforces.In 2010, Israeli commandos raided the Mavi Marmara in international waters The

Crowds gather around the flotilla's boats as they are about to set sail from Barcelona. One supporter holds a sign in Spanish that reads: '+19,954 children killed' [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]

assaultkilled10activistsand injured dozens, leading to globaloutrage.Theshipwas carrying humanitarian aid and more than 600 passengers.

Thunberg, Avila and other prominent activists were stopped by Israeli commandos in June when theMadleenwasintercepted about 185km (100 nautical miles) from Gaza in

internationalwaters.

Gaza's desperate need

Thelatestattemptsbythe activists come as the humanitarian situation in Gaza worsens rapidly Last month, the United Nationsbacked Integrated Food

S e c u r i t y P h a s e Classification officially declared famine in areas of the enclave, an assessment that Israel has denied

Meanwhile, the Israeli army has placed forced displacement orders on residents of Gaza City, which is under heavy bombardment after the governmentapprovedaplan to seize it. According to Gaza'sMinistryofHealth,at least 63,557 people have been killed and 160,660 others wounded since the warbeganinOctober2023.

‘Orderly,peaceful'-Int'lmissionsoutline E-DAYobservation

…notes lack of clarity with positioning of voting booths

Businessman killed during brawl at Coomacka Mines …two suspects

A 4 9 - y e a r - o l d businessman from New York, USA and Coomacka Mines, Linden was on Sunday killed at Coomacka Mines,Linden.

DeadisCourtneyEvans. According to police, Evansalongwithhisbrother and a friend were at the Coomacka Mines Beach, hanging out and consuming alcohol.

“Whentheyarrivedatthe beach, they saw four males and a female (who were unknown to them) also drinking beers. The female allegedly called Tyrone Otis Evans (brother of the deceased) a derogatory name An argument subsequently ensued between Tyrone Evans and thefemale,andtheychucked each other. The matter escalated into a brawl between the two groups, after which the female and her group left the scene in a white minibus,” a statement from the Guyana Police

Dead: Courtney Evans

Force(GPF)said. Evans, who received wounds to his right lower back,right-sideheadandleft elbow, was taken to the Linden Hospital Complex and died while receiving treatment.

In addition, Tyrone Otis Evans (brother of the deceased), a 47-year-old truckdriverfromCoomacka Mines was taken to the

arrested

Linden Hospital Complex with a wound to the forehead;JoelHarding,a28year-old construction worker from Coomacka Mines, Linden also received wounds to his left arm and right elbow and Evan Herman, a 28-year-old from Coomacka Mines, Linden. He received two wounds to hisleftsidehead. Evans and Joel Harding were treated and sent away while Herman received surgery and his condition is listedasstable.

Courtney Evans' body was taken to the G.Jestco Funeral Home where it awaits a post mortem examination.

Meanwhile, the female suspect (a 22-year-old teacher of mixed ancestry) andoneofthemalesuspects were arrested and are assisting with the investigation.

Policearelookingforthe other suspects as investigationscontinue.

International observers have described Monday's elections as peaceful and orderly based on their observations of the voting process.

There are about 200 international observers presently in the country to observe the 2025 General and Regional Elections While citizens exercised their democratic right and voted for a party of their choice, international observersheldseparatepress briefings to give updates on their observations of the electoralprocess.

The Chief of the

Organization of American States/ElectoralObservation Mission (OAS/EOM) in Guyana, Bruce Golding, former Jamaican Prime Minister disclosed that the

mission visited 342 polling stations at the time of his pressengagement.

He said the process was moving smoothly but noted thattherewasanissueatone of the polling stations visited.Henotedthatpolling stations encountered issues that resulted in the polling station opening after 6 a.m., the designated time to start thevotingprocess.However, Golding noted that the issue wasquicklycorrectedandall the polling officials, the presiding officer, the assistant presiding officer, the poll clerk, and the ballot clerk were all in place. “So generally, we were satisfied that the polling exercise started out and up to the last visit that we made, and the last report that we got, everything has been

proceeding in an orderly fashion, I was particularly impressed,”Goldingsaid.

He added, “I myself visited 62 of those 342 polling stations since morning, and I was particularly impressed at how professional, how well trained the polling officials appeared to be. They knew what they were doing. They werenothesitantinapplying the relevant rules and guidelinesandallpollthings havebeengoingwell.”

Further, he noted that at some polling stations, the voting compartment was fixed differently He explainedthatitwasfixedin such a way that it faced the wall,leavingthevotersback towardstheothersinline.

“Insomeofthepolling (Continuedonpage16)

ChiefObserveroftheEuropeanUnionElectionObservation MissiontoGuyana,RobertBiedroń(thirdfromleft)andteam

Thegiftthatkeepsonaccumulating

There are two kinds of parents inthisworld.The first kind, spend months debating the type of wrist band or bangle to have the goldsmith make, whether it should have embedded diamonds,whetheritshould be made of 14 or 18 carat gold and whether it should weighhalfapoundandhave the child’s name engraved onit.

The second kind quietly goes to the bank, opens a savings account for their newborn, and deposits ten thousand dollars Guess which parent actually gives their kid something that might matter in twenty years?(Hint:it’snottheone whose bangle costs more than a used Toyota Fielder Wagon.)

Now, I understand the hesitation Opening a savings account these days feels about as thrilling as watching a snail crawl acrossawetsidewalk.

Banks pay so little interest that your money would probably grow faster if you stuffed it under the couch cushions and wait for a coin to roll under there during Christmas cleaning. Parents look at those microscopic interest rates

andthink,“Whybother?I’ll justbuythekidagoldchain the size of a bicycle chain andcallitaninvestment.”

But here’s the thing: jewelleryisshiny,butitalso comeswithabuilt-infeature called disappearing. It gets stolen,lost,ortradedinhigh school for a video game console. But a savings account, while not very sparkly, is safe, boring, and persistent.

In fact, it’s supposed to be boring. That’s the whole point. Boring is what you want when it comes to protecting money, not excitement. Excitement is what you get from video gamesorpoliticians selling youon promises.

The real value of a savings account isn’t the interest rate; it’s the habit. Whenyouopenthataccount for your child, you’re teachingthemtheancientart of setting something aside forlater

Humansarenotnaturally goodatthis.Ifcavemenhad discovered ice cream, we’d allbeextinct,becausethey’d have eaten it immediately instead of saving some for winter

Saving is unnatural, like flossingorreadingtheterms and conditions. It has to be

practised.

That’swhystartingearly matters. Even if you’re only tossing a few thousand dollars into that account every month, you’re buildingmusclememoryfor yourkid.

They grow up knowing that money isn’t just for spending on shiny things, butalsoforpreparingforthat inevitable “rainy day”, the one where the phone gets dropped in the toilet, or when they need to make a down payment on that vehicleorhousetheydesire.

And let’s not forget compounding interest, which sounds like a boring mathtermbutisactuallythe universe’swayofrewarding youforbeingpatient.

The idea is that your moneyearnsalittleinterest, thenthatinterestearnsalittle more interest, and

eventually, after 30 years, you’ll have a balance large enoughtobuyamodestsofa. Okay,maybenotamansion, butitaddsup.

Older generations knew this Remember when schools had little savings programmes where kids would bring in coins to deposit?

Orwhenworkplaceshad credit unions that

DEM BOYS SEH

De older de better

Demdoescalloleagedegolden age. Is true. Nuff ah dem ole people mekking money like if isgold.

De older yuh get, de bigger de job yuh getting Ole people nailing dem big position. Deh gat some ah dem dat can hardly walk, dem eyesight going and dem handshaking.Butdemstillwantwuk.

Demoldpeoplenahknowboutdeword call retirement. Is not like long ago, when yuhhadtoretirewhetheryuhbincapableor not. Dese days people wukkin’ till dem drop And dem believing dat dem indispensable.

Demboysdoeswantknowwatsomeah demdoesbedoingpondejob.Itmekdem boysremembadestoryboutdeoldwoman wah call she neighba and ask fuh help tuh fix a puzzle. She tell de neighba how she

can’tfigureouthowfuhstart. Sheneighbaaskshe,“Wahitsupposeto bewhenitdone?”

De old lady seh, “Accardin’ to de picture on de box, it suppose tuh be a roosta.”

Deneighbawentovertuhtryhelpwith depuzzle.Deoldladyletdeneighbainand show de neighba how she had de puzzle piecesspreadoverdetable.

De neighba study de pieces fuh a minute, look at de box, den turn to de old lady and seh, “No matter wat we do, we can’t assemble dese pieces into anything resemblingaroosta.”

Deoldladylookatdeneighbasurprise. But de neighba tell she fuh relax and say, “Let’s put all ah de corn flakes back in de box.”

Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

encouraged thrift instead of pushing credit cards with 29%interestrates?

Somewhere along the line, society decided saving was for chumps, and now we’re shocked when people can’t handle a $200 emergency. It’s because we traded “save now, spend later” for “spend now, panic later.”

Soyes,buythebangleor the wrist band. Yes, buy the teddy bear with Bluetooth. Butifyoureallywanttogive yourchildaheadstart,open thatsavingsaccount.

Make it the first line in their biography: “Born on Tuesday Given a bank account on Wednesday” Thenkeepaddingtoit,little bylittle,likefeedingapiggy bankonlifesupport.

The balance won’t look like much at first, but fast-

forwardadecadeortwo,and yourkidmightactuallyhave something to cushion them through life’s bumps—or at leastpayforextralessons.

The bottom line is that life is unpredictable. Fun is fleeting.

Jewellery can vanish. Toys break. But that boring, unglamorous savings account? That’s the gift that keeps on giving, or at least sitting there quietly, compoundinginitsdulllittle way And one day, when yourchildwithdrawsmoney forhouse,acar,ortobailyou out of your own retirement crisis, they’ll thank you

Maybe not with words

Maybe with a birthday card thatactuallyhascashinside. Butthey’llthankyou.

So if you’re wondering what to give your newborn then skip the diamond

earrings.Skiptheoverpriced stroller

March into that bank, open a savings account, and drop in the first deposit. It’s not flashy It won’t go viral on Instagram. But one day, when your child has the cushion they need, you’ll look like the wisest parent alive.

And that’s better than anystrollerortricycle!

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

H@RD TRUTHS

September 2 - the morning after

Rather than call this the morningafterSeptember1,I thinkthatitisbettertotitleit Elections 2025 -the first postmortem. So how did Guyanesedo? Again,itmay be more meaningful to question what did eligible votersdo?

The insistent word that hovered over this season's election environment was that there are only eligible voters. In the spirit of elections, let's all agree to disagree quietly and peacefully, and move on. Don'tknowaboutothers,but assaidhere,itisdonehere. Here is the first

consideration. After all the columns, commentaries, stats, graphs, tables, charts, frommenwhoknowtothose who fall under the classification of conmen, what did Guyanese do on Monday, September 1?

After all the narratives from naysayers aka noisemakers, and the great men and women in the service of Guyana, how did voters conduct themselves electorally, in the voting pit, withthatfatefulballotpaper staring unblinkingly, maybe evenaccusatorily,rightback at them? Did they comport themselves soberly and in

the manner of a visionary, one that's concerned about individual and family destiny?

Speaking for myself, the hope was that it was a referendum on the dispositionofoilmoney,and not dealt with as a test of leadershipfidelityandtribal loyalty Myantennaisgoing furiously Oilmoneyfellout offavorandpoliticalloyalty took over There isn't a single Guyanese alive or dead, who does know the identity of the twin to political loyalty To call a spade a spade, did E-Day decline to that old standard

of Ethnic-Day? My short paperis:yes,itdid. IfI'mon the right track, and I would prefer not to be, then what should have been a referendum on what happened to the oil money, who got oil money by the donkey cart full (in US dollars, what else?), and whatisreallygoingtooccur with incoming oil money in the next five years, all collapsedintoanirreversible coma.

Hereisthesecondspotof thinking. Elections all over are an opportunity for the people to hold the feet of their political leaders and ministers and legislators to the fire. Did Guyanese voters make the best use of that opportunity? To send a message To look at themselvesinthemirrorand find that they could still do that,andstillfeelgoodabout themselves. Here is why Because they can then look at their children and elderly dependents and say in all honesty to them that a sacrificewasmadeforthem, andthatjusticewasdonefor them. Onceagain,theearly warning signals are flashing (no colors, please) at high intensity My brutal assessment is that most

Guyanese have either stoppedlookingdirectlyinto their mirrors, or threw them away, or hung a black veil over them that they kept.

Short and sweet: Guyanese don't want to look at themselves anymore. For fear that there's nothing that is positive that will come back from that exercise

Consciences may be shredded in the towns and villages of this country, but they still possess the lingering power to haunt theirowners.

My last slice of the scalpel to this first Election 2025 postmortem is the essence of the unscientific, duetohavingsomuchofthe unprecedented and unexpected about it. In Guyana, supporters have a tendency to gloat in the sunlight of elections victory withachant:'isweturnnow! Is we turn now!' This time around, jilted and disappointedvotershavethe opportunityandthepowerto turnthetablesontheabusers of their freely given trust, thosewhoturnedtheirbacks onthelongstandingloyalties of their own voting base. The rank-and file voter has stood firm over the years, and through thick and thin.

He and she now had the opportunity and power for a little of what I will call the Guyanese political version of Montezuma's revenge

Havingbeenpromisedmuch before and then cast aside, the little people of Guyana hadthemomentbeforethem todeliverakicktothosewho running back to them

Whether they did or didn't, will be known shortly My instincts are telling me that they didn't. Foreign voters had no such incentive. But Guyanese did have all that power in their hands to be agents of influence in their owndestinies. Theyhadthe power But like always, when all the chips were on the line, Guyanese took the easy way out. They did not havethewill. Iopenmystall and I make my call. Take it or leave it. Postmortems number two and three are takingshape. Here'sasneak preview: Champagne dawn ortequilasunrise.

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

Lowvoterturnoutrecordedacrosscountry

Despite September 1, 2025, being declared a national holiday, theturnoutatmanypollingstations, across the country appeared low with voters trickling in by the handfuls to cast their ballot for the GeneralandRegionalElections.

Kaieteur News visited several polling stations across coastland where clusters of voters were seen at the polling stations, waiting in line to exercise their franchise. As personsfiledintothepollingstation locatedalongtheWestCoast,West Bank and East Bank of Demerara, many of them had to be assisted in locatingtheirvotingstationstocast theirballot.

The publication was told that the process at polling stations was generally smooth with minor hiccups, but the lay out at the polling stations was problematic for some voters particularly the elderly, those with mobility issues, insomecasesstruggledtofindtheir designatedvotingbooths.

At the Crane Primary School, West Coast Demerara (WCD), an elderly gentleman who had to be assistedtowalkrelatedthathewent tothreedifferentclassroomswithin the school compound before he could find his correct station Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand who visited the pollingstationatCraneintervened, and assisted the gentleman. She said that she was visiting the West Demerara polling areas to ensure that the voting process was going smoothly

“Iwentupstairs,downstairsand all around until the minister come andassistme,”theelderlyresident toldthisnewspaper

There were complaints among residents as they were being shuffled around to find the correct booths. Several persons expressed

…citizens anxiously await results of elections

At Crane, the voters were seen in short lines

their frustration about having to “move up and down,” in search of theircorrectplacesofpoll.

Kaieteur News also visited pollingstationsattheschoolsatLa Jalousie, Leonora, Cornelia Ida, and the West Demerara Secondary on the West Bank Demerara (WBD) and farther afield. Voters trickled in at those locations, the lines appeared shorter than usual althoughsomepersonscomplained about the waiting in line for a long period.

“Itismovingatsnail’space…is notplentypeopleinlinebutwestill waitingquitealongtimetocastour ballot,” a resident explained Nelissa Singh, a first-time voter at the Cornelia Ida, WCD told this newspaperthatherexperiencewas smoothandflawless.

“I was able to cast my ballot withoutanyproblems,”shesaid.

Secondary, the voting process was generally smooth with minor hiccups experienced by voters looking for their polling booths. This was the general sentiment from election observers in various sections of the country In

Commissioner Desmond Trotman shared his observations during the opening of polls. He described the turnout of the electors as “disappointing.”

He noted in some places, the exercise went pretty smoothly in oneortwocases,therewasabitof hiccup.Oneofthemostinteresting thingstomeistheturnandtheturn outIgatherhasbeendisappointing. It was fairly and so people’s expectationwillnotberealised.He explained that as it relates to the

hiccup, there were complaints amongthevotersaboutsomeofthe new rules implemented by GECOMbutoncetheyunderstood, theydidn’thaveaproblem.

“A lot people came here with the understanding that their cell phones were not allowed in the pollingstationandsomestillcame with their phones They later conformed to the instructions,” Trotmansaid.

AtMochaAracadia,EastBank Demerara, villagers said that the process was generally smooth as they exercised their voting franchise Jamaine Thomas, a resident of Mocha declared, “The process was smooth and I am votingforachange.”

At the Diamond Primary and Secondary Schools voters stood in line to cast their ballots. Kaieteur News understands that there some

objections to a busload of commonwealth [Bangladeshi] citizensvotingatthelocationbutit waslaterclarifiedbyGECOMthat the commonwealth citizens were legally entitled to vote once they have been resident in the country foroveroneyear

Along the East Coast corridor, thispublicationobservedrelatively short lines at several polling stations, although a steady stream of voters turned out to cast their ballots.AtthePlaisanceSecondary School polling station, there was a noticeable turnout, including several prominent politicians such as APNU leader Aubrey Norton, former President Donald Ramotar, Minister of Health Dr Frank A n t h o n y, M i n i s t e r o f Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira, and Minister of Finance Dr Ashni Singh.

Notably, there appeared to be a larger crowd gathered at the opening of the polls compared to later in the day AlexAllicock, 22year-old,wasafirst-timevoter He voted at Ogle Community ground. Heexplainedhedidn’tfeelnervous in any way “The process was simpleandsmooth;Ibasicallyhad nodifficulty.”

Kaieteur News visited several pollingstationsacrossRegionFive spanningfromMahaiconytoBath. Arriving at the Calcutta Primary School at 06:00hrs, there was a handfulofvoterslineduptoverify theirnameswereonthelist,waiting tobedirectedtocasttheirvotes.

One resident told the Kaieteur News that the process was smooth and he “got through very fast.”At Belladrum Primary, Little Treasures Primary, Lichfield Primary,andothervillages,there Continued on page 17

Region Six records smooth process, but lagged in voter turnout

ByShermonHawker

Countrywide voting got underway on Monday,September1,andresidentsofNew Amsterdamandadjoiningvillages,aswellas communities along the Corentyne coast turnedoutattheirrespectivepollingstations toexercisetheirfranchise.

Forthemostpart,theprocesswassmooth and hassle-free, as admitted by many voters who engaged this publication from the early hours of voting, well into the winding down period. By some observations, voter turnout wasatadbelowexpectations.Insomeareas, many caught the immediate opening session at6:00amandleftquickly By8:00am,many polling places from the East Bank-Berbice strip right along the Corentyne corridors experiencedaslothfulpaceinvoterturnout. This reality was highlighted by New Amsterdam Mayor and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) candidate, Wainwright McIntosh, who commended the general stream of activities. He did bring to lightapotentialthreattothestablecourseat the New Amsterdam Secondary School

wherehevoted.“Someofourpollingagents, they were refused (entry) in the polling stations at first, even though as a party, they would’vebeenissuedwithletters.”

He said the issue arouse due to those letters not having a GECOM stamp. He further condemned, what he said was the indifference displayed, as agents were opening ballot boxes at the exclusion of his partyreps.

“Assoonasthisissuewasbroughttoour attention,wecontactedthenecessarypersons responsible,andouragents,theywereableto get into the polling stations,” the NAMayor toldthisnewspaper Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) candidate and regional representative, Antacia Thomas also summed up the day’s processaspositive.TheFGMasanewparty, did not have polling agents for all polling stationswithintheregion,Thomasandother party members have weaved a network through coordinated movements and communication for the purpose of staying

updatedonbehalfoftheFGMledbyAmanza Walton-Desir.

“ B

discrepancies where they had spoiled ballots, where they (voters) made a mistake, they would’ve had to reissue ballots and so on, but generally it has been a smooth process. I haven’t heard or received any information that is worrying from the areas thatIwould’vevisited,”Thomasconfirmed. Shealsodisclosedthatthevoterenergyin theFortOrdnanceareawasimpressive.From apoolof290eligiblevoters,alreadythe Continued on page 17 Voters at the Tutorial Academy Secondary School in New Amsterdam, Berbice

Mayor of New Amsterdam, Wainwright McIntosh

‘No provisions for voters with disabilities’

…OAS other stakeholders raise concerns

On Monday, across polling stations in Georgetown, there were complaintsofpersonsliving with disabilities turning up at their designated polling stations to vote but encounteringchallengesdue tosystemsnotbeinginplace to make them easily accessible.

During a briefing with media operatives, Chief of the Organization of American States/Electoral Observation Mission in Guyana, Bruce Golding, former Jamaican Prime Minister,notedthatwhatthe OASteamobservedwasthat persons with disabilities were given priority He explainedthatwhenpersons living with disabilities turned up to vote, they did not have to stay in line and were allowed to go straight totheheadoftheline.

However, he noted that what he thinks caused a problemisthatsomepolling stations were held on upper floorsofbuildings.“Atsome ofthelocationsthatwewent where polling stations were on the upper floor, persons who were physically unable to climb stairs would have had to be lifted up, because there would not have been anyothermeansforthemto access the polling station. I thinkit'simportantwherever possible, to avoid locating polling stations on an upper floor, if it is at all possible, keep those polling stations onthelowerfloor,becauseit isarealproblemfordisabled persons,”hesaid.

Notably, Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) candidate Holly-Anne

Bristol on Monday encounteredissueswhenshe turned up at her polling station to vote. FGM had complained that proper measures were not in place to facilitate voting for

FGM candidate HollyAnne Bristol being assisted on Monday in order to cast her ballot

disabilities Subsequently, Bristolhadtoreturnhometo switch from her electric wheelchair to a manual one so she could be lifted up the

stairs at the Church of the Transfiguration on Mandela Avenuetovote.

At a news conference afterpollswereclosed, (Continuedonpage16)

ERC says election was conducted professionally

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) said from its observation Monday's general and regional elections were conducted professionally and transparently by the G u y a n a E l e c t i o n s Commission(GECOM).

The ERC in a press release said that it deployed

approximately 200 observersacrossthecountry for the polls. “The ERC notes that the electoral process was free, fair, and carriedoutinanatmosphere devoid of fear or intimidation, the polling stations were generally well organised, with procedures being followed, and that GECOM staff displayed professionalism and courtesy in the execution of their duties,” the release stated.

TheERCemphasisesthe importance of the ballot counting and verification of Statements of Poll (SOPs) being conducted with the same level of transparency andprofessionalism,andthe official results to be made public within the shortest possibletime. “The Commission commends the people of Guyana for their peaceful participation in the process and for their collective contribution towards ensuring credible elections. In anticipation of the results from GECOM, the ERC calls on all Leaders of PoliticalParties,toappealto their supporters to remain calm, respect and avoid actions that would build tensions in our society Let harmony and good relations prevail.”

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Presidential candidates share mixed reviews...

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Presidential Candidate of the Forward Guyana Movement (FGM), Amanza WaltonDesir, also raised several concerns after visiting polling stations and receiving reports from agents across the country. One significant issue involved a police officer allegedly standing directly at a counting table and communicating over a radio. According to a statement issued, “Agents of the Forward Guyana Movement in Linden have raised strong objections to the presence and conduct of a police officer positioned directly at the counting table. The officer was observed standing in close proximity to the ballots and transmitting information over a radio as the process unfolded,” she stated. “This action has been deemed inappropriate, as the officer appeared to be functioning in a role outside of his remit, almost as though he were part of GECOM’s counting team. The party has formally noted its objection and calls on GECOM to immediately address the matter to safeguard the integrity, transparency, and independence of the counting process.”

Walton-Desir also highlighted an accessibility issue involving the party’s differently-abled candidate, Holly Ann Bristol. Bristol, who uses

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a wheelchair, arrived at her assigned polling station at 09:20hrs., only to discover it was located on the upper flat of a building with no accommodations for persons with disabilities. By 11:20hrs., she had still not been able to vote. “According to officials, GECOM suggested that two

‘Orderly,

of their staff lift her up the steep staircase. Ms. Bristol declined this option, citing safety concerns.

Returning Officer indicated that the matter was referred to GECOM’s CEO, who confirmed that the commission could not provide any other accommodation apart

peaceful’ - Int’l

From page 8 stations, we noticed that it was the opposite where it was turned around and when I inquired why that was so, I gather it was in relation to this effort to prevent voters from photographing their ballots where it was put in such a way that the officials and the party agents would be able to see whether anybody was, you know, fiddling with a smartphone,” he noted. In relation to this observation, Golding said that there was also some lack of clarity in the instructions given. In the instances where the voters’ backs were facing everyone else, Golding said it was impossible to see how the person voted. “So, I believe that where that occurred, it was more out of an abundance of caution, rather than any attempt to circumvent the process,” Golding noted.

Further, he said that at all the polling stations the OAS/ EOM team visited, agents for the parties were present and vigilant in scrutinizing the process.

“We did see some lines, not very long, but I would think in some of the cases that I visited, there perhaps would have been close to 20 persons in the line. But I didn’t get the impression that any of them were growing impatient. They seem to have been waiting patiently,” Golding said.

He noted that the mission will continue to visit as many polling stations as possible and will also observe the

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from the unsafe option presented. Ms. Bristol has remained on-site, in what has now become a standoff with GECOM, as she awaits a workable solution that would allow her to cast her ballot with dignity and without compromising her safety,” Walton-Desir stated.

missions outline... tabulation of the votes.

Golding then congratulated the voters on the “peaceful, disciplined” way in which they exercised their democratic right and said he expects the rest of the process to attract discipline, orderliness, and professionalism.

Meanwhile, Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission to Guyana, Robert Biedroñ, said that the EU had 50 observers in several villages and towns across the country. “In all regions our observers are present today, observing this important part of Guyanese democracy,” he stated.

At that point, he noted that the mission is still observing and would be limited in what is disclosed at this stage. Biedroñ said the EU was present from the opening of polls and will continue that presence until the very end of the electoral process. He explained that the data gathered by the 50 observers will give the mission a very clear picture of the voting process for all ten regions.

He noted too that this is the biggest component of observers and said they will follow the tabulation process across the country to ensure they have a clear picture.

Further, Biedroñ stressed, “We are here to observe the elections, we provide impartial factual reports which are very valuable I believe for this country, our presence aims to contribute to a better understanding of the electoral

process…and support its improvements.”

“We are here not to interfere in any processes. I want to stress this,” he said. He further noted that the EU mission will share its findings in a very transparent way. He disclosed that September 3rd will be the first time the mission comments on the 2025 electoral process, at a press conference to be held in Georgetown.

Moreover, Jason Carter of the Carter Center reminded during a media briefing that the Center has been present in Guyana for several elections. He noted that the mission has observers in every region across the country to observe the voting process from the opening of polls to the tabulation of the results and the days that follow.

Carter said the Center has been coordinating with the other international observer groups present in Guyana and that its observers have been in the country for several weeks to witness the entire electoral process.

“We’re not going to draw any conclusions, of course, until after the day is over, and then after the tabulation process is complete, we do plan to issue a preliminary statement on Wednesday, September 3, where we can reflect on the Election Day and the tabulation process and then we issue a full report once we have a chance to really compile all of that information and observe the whole process to its completion,” Carter said.

provisions for voters with disabilities’...

From page 15

Guyana Elections Commission Public Relations Officer (PRO) Yolanda Ward apologised for the inconvenience.

Ward said the Commission continues to receive recom-

mendations in this regard, but noted that it may require legislation.

“It’s quite unfortunate that the training that our staff were given is probably not adhered to at those specific polling stations, because, on the other hand, I’ve seen images even witnessed at some polling stations today, presiding officers facilitating persons with disabilities. I don’t know if those issues were resolved…,” she said.

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Israel committing genocide in Gaza, world’s leading experts say

(BBC NEWS) - The world’s leading association of genocide scholars has declared that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.

A resolution passed by theInternationalAssociation of Genocide Scholars (IAGS) states that Israel’s conduct meets the legal definition as laid out in the UNconventionongenocide.

Across a three-page resolution, the IAGS presents a litany of actions

undertaken by Israel throughout the 22-monthlongwarthatitrecognisesas constituting genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity

The IAGS is the world’s largest professional association of genocide scholars and includes a number of Holocaust experts Out of its 500 members, 28% took part in the vote and 86% of those who voted supported the resolution.

In a summary of Israeli policies and actions, the declaration notes the widespread attacks on both the personnel and facilities

needed for survival, including in the healthcare, aid,andeducationalsectors.

Among many other elements,itnotesthe50,000 children killed or injured by Israel,ashighlightedbyUN aid organisation Unicef, which impacts the ability of Palestinians in Gaza to survive as a group and regenerate.

The resolution also highlights the support amongIsraelileadersforthe forced expulsion of all Palestinians from Gaza, alongside Israel’s near-total demolitionofhousinginthe territory

The IAGS notes the statementsbyIsraelileaders dehumanising Palestinians inGaza,characterisingthem all as the enemy, alongside promises to “flatten Gaza” andturnitinto“hell”.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry said the report was based on “Hamas lies” and poor research, calling it an “embarrassment to the legal profession”.

A spokesperson added thatitwasIsraelitselfwhich is the victim of genocide. Israel has regularly denied

that its actions in Gaza amounttogenocideandsays theyarejustifiedasameans ofself-defence.

The IAGS scholars state that while the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack - in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others taken hostage - was itself a crime, Israel’s response has not only been directed against Hamas but has targeted Gaza’s entire population.

The 1948 UN Genocide Convention, which was adopted following the mass murder of Jews by Nazi Germany, defines genocide as crimes committed “with

Region Six records smooth process...

Frompage14 number of individuals who cast their ballots stood beyond180.

22-year-old Beena (only namestated),whoexercised her franchise for the first time, shared that she was eager to reach the age to vote. She cast her ballot at the Rose Hall Primary SchoolinCorentyne.

F o r m e r G u y a n a Teachers’ Union (GTU) president Mark Lyte,

appearing now as a People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) candidate endorsed the “smooth process” as shared by many from the region

Hailing the efficiency o f t h e p o l l i n g arrangements, he said, “It took less than three minutes to complete the process And I went early of course, so there wasn’t a verylongqueue,butsofar everything has been going well,” he stated, in his capacity also as candidate of poll for East Bank Berbice (Edinburg to Mara) Hecommendedthe presence of all party polling agents as a “good sign,” as it adds to c r e d i b i l i t y a n d

transparency Further up at Lightown Village, East Bank Berbice, another first-time elector enjoyed the hassle-free activity Brandon, 22, arrivedattheprimaryschool in the village and observed that “everything was smooth…I see my vote as important,” the first-timer declared.

Experienced voter, 29year-oldEzekielalsojoined in on praising the ease at which voting was facilitated A Rose Hall, Corentyne resident told this publication that “the voting experience for today was quite fast and not like the usualtimelikebefore...when Iwentintothepollingstation justnow,itwasfast.”

A l l t h e w a y t o Lesbeholden, Black Bush Polder, 66-year-old Mr Isaacs (only name given) returned to Guyana mainly toparticipateintheelection. Hegavetheprocessaperfect tenrating.

No reports of major disturbanceswerereceived Atthesametime,therewas

a lingering hint of foreboding in some sections of the region, the most compelling evidence of which was seen by the closure of almost all

communities visited by this newspaper Most business establishments closed their doors in harmony to accommodate the national holiday declared for the holding of the general and regionalelections.

However, it was rather unusual for the owners of Chinese businesses to close shop, since they almost neverclosetheirdoors,even onnationalholidays.

Deputy Commissioner ‘Operations’ofPoliceErrol Watts had sounded a caution last week, that any form of unrest or illegal engagements in Region Six would be dealt with accordingly by the Guyana PoliceForce.

East Berbice-Corentyne (District Six) retains 435 polling stations, and an overall 111,554 eligible voters. It is spilt into three

Sub-Districts:

Sub-District 1 - East Bank-Berbice/Canje,which has149pollingstationsand 36,384electors

Sub-District 2 - Upper Corentyne, with 140 polling stationsand36,025electors.

Sub-District 3 - Lower Corentyne, with 146 polling stationsand39,145electors.

intenttodestroy,inwholeor in part, a national, ethnical, racialorreligiousgroup”.

A number of leading rights organisations, including two Israeli organisations, have also declared they believe Israel iscommittinggenocide.

TheUNandanumberof Western nations have said thattheywillonlyconsidera ruling by a court that genocide is taking place as authoritative.

The UN’s top court, the International Court of

Low

y

considering a case brought bySouthAfricain2023that argues that Israel is committinggenocide.

TheICJhasnotyetmade a determination on the subject and has granted Israel an extension until January 2026 to present its defence.

Israel has accused the case of having antisemitic motivations, calling it a “bloodlibel”,inreferenceto historic allegations that Jewish communities ritually

murder Christian children. The IAGS say their resolutionhasnobearingon any case put forward to an internationalcourt.

On Monday, the Hamas-run Ministry of Health said that 63,557 people had been killed and 160,660 injured during the warsofar.

Theministry’snumbers are widely considered reliable yet they do not distinguish between civiliansandfighters

In August, the UNbacked food monitor, the IPC,confirmedthatfamine wastakingplaceinpartsof Gaza Israel is accused of causingthefaminethrough ongoing restrictions on food and medical aid enteringGaza Israel controls all border crossings into the Gaza Strip, and as the occupying power bears responsibility for protecting civilian life under international law, which includes the preventionofstarvation.

voter turnout recorded across country...

Frompage14

wereahandfulofpersonsandinsomecases, one or two persons lining up to cast their ballot.Thispublicationwasinformedthatit was the norm for the residents to come out aftertheheatofthesunsubsidestovote.

As the close of polls drew near, this publicationvisitedtheNovarNursery,Novar Secondary and Mahaicony Secondary School.Thecompoundswereempty,asstaff awaited the close of polls in less than 30 minutes. In Region One, the voting process was described as smooth by political party representatives. A representative of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Ronald Cox who resides in Mabaruma, told this publication, “I voted very early this morning.Iwasthefirstpersoninlineatthe MabarumaPrimarySchoolthatisincentral Mabaruma. When I was there, it probably hadaboutseventoeightpersonsintheline. So, the process was really slow in terms of voters turn out, very trickling, and everythingwentsmoothlyatthatstation.”

He said the other polling stations recorded a similar trend, with no major issuesexceptforonestation,whichwaslater resolved. He explained that at the Wauna voting area, there was a language barrier issuewiththeVenezuelanWarraumigrants.

According to him, “Venezuelan Warrau migrantswerebeingbroughttherebyaPPP activist, the activist was seen close to the polling station, showing them where they needtomarktheirX,usingatemplateballot paper Onepersonwasattemptingtopresent himselfastheinterpreterforallofthem.”

He noted that with no approval from GECOM for the interpreter to be there, his partyagentobjectedandlodgedacomplaint withGECOMandthepolice.

Inadditiontothat,headded,“Itwasalso reportedthatsomeofthemjustmarkedanX onthepapernotnecessarilyintheboxandso

whentheyreturnedtoplacetheballotpaper in the ballot box, the Presiding Officer noticed it and rejected the ballots then and issuedanewballot.Myagentalsoobjected, stating that it is not a rejected ballot, it is a spoiled ballot which supposed to go in the ballotboxandduringtheprocessofcounting after six this evening, only then that ballot wouldbeconsideredaspoiledballot.”

Henotedtheissuestherewerehowever, resolvedandtheprocesswenton.“Fromall the reports we got at this time, average of 50% turnout at all polling stations, which is considered very low,” Cox told this newspaper on Monday afternoon Meanwhile, representing the We Invest in Nationhood(WIN)party,candidatesShawn James and Maria Basheer told Kaieteur Newstheprocesswentwellintheirareas.

“It went well, however, there were some small challenges, but as they come, we were abletodealwiththem,”Jamesnotedwhocast hisvoteintheMatakaisub-district

Briefly,hesaidvoterscomplainedaboutthe slow process in the morning hours but after lunch,thepacebegantopickup Otherthanthat, he said there were no other challenges occurring In her update, Basheer noted that she voted at the Kumaka Extension Centre, andtheretheprocesswas“good”. Shesaid, “The process was smooth at most polling stations,exceptforsomewherethePresiding Officertoldsomeofouragentsthattheyhad to get another letter to do the count, but we would have clarified that with the RO (Returning Officer), so all our agents remainedatthepolls.”

AtRegion10,MayorofLinden,Sharma Solomon said that he was satisfied with the turnout at the One Mile School and the Linden Foundation “The process was smoothandtheturnoutwasquitesignificant. By midday, 20 percent of the vote was alreadyinplace,”hesaid.

The genocide scholars cited, among other elements, Israel’s attacks on Gaza’s healthcare, aid, and educational sectors

Israeli forces kill pregnant woman and her unborn baby in Gaza City assault

…59 people were killed in attacks across the Strip on Monday.

(AL Jazeera) - The Israeli military has killed a pregnant woman and her unborn baby near the Shati refugeecampasitcontinued its large-scale assault on Gaza City, with several strikestargetingcivilians.

Medical sources at Gaza City’sal-ShifaHospitalsaid that another child was also killed in the attack on a house near the camp on Monday, according to the Wafa news agency. The military also continued to pummel the Zeitoun and Sabraneighbourhoodsinthe southofthecity,wheremore than 1,000 buildings have been levelled since Israel began its push to take over the urban centre last month, killing 10 people on Monday

Earlierintheday,scenes of chaos played out at a crowded market on Gaza City’s Nasser Street, with locals scattering in all directions amid the debris afteranIsraeliattack,which killed at least four people and wounded dozens of others.

Reporting from the scene,AlJazeera’sMoathal-

Kahlout said people were panic-stricken.

“They don’t know what to do and where to go.They are trying so hard to find a safer place, but the Israeli army keep attacking every corner in the city,” he said.

Further south, in Deir elBalah, Israel targeted a group of citizens inside AlMazra’aSchool.

Later, Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital announced the death of Anas Saeed Abu Mughsib, Wafe reported Medical sources said that in total,atleast59peoplewere

killed in Israeli attacks acrosstheStriponMonday

‘Man-made famine in the21stCentury’ Already displaced by war multiple times, Gaza City residents now face the twin threats of war and famine. Hunger caused by Israel’s months-long blockadeledtothedeathsof three infants on Monday Children account for more thanathirdofthenearly350 deaths from hunger and starvation in the enclave since Israel’s war began in October2023.

Authorities say the number of humanitarian aid trucksthatIsraelhasallowed into the Strip in the last month has only met 15 percent of the starving population’sneeds.

Yet, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a report in August from the world’s leading authority on food crises, the Integrated Food Security Classification (PIC),thatfaminewasunder way in Gaza City, calling it an“outrightlie”.

On Monday, United

Kingdom Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs David Lammy acknowledged the United Nations-backed IPC declaration, saying he was “outraged” by Israel for not allowingenoughaidtoenter Gaza. “This is not a natural disaster, it’s a man-made famine in the 21st century,” hesaid.

“We need a massive, massive humanitarian response to prevent more deaths, crucial NGOs, humanitarians and health workers allowed to operate, and stockpiles of aid on Gaza’sbordersreleased.”

‘Power-hungryruler’ Meanwhile, in Israel, mourners gathered for the separate funerals of Idan Shtivi and Ilan Weiss, captives taken from Israel during the October 2023 Hamas attack, whose remains were recovered in an Israeli military operation in Gaza last week. Some expressed anger at the governmentfornotreaching adealwithHamastoendthe fighting and return the remainingcaptives.

“It’s a horror, it’s profound sadness and grief

beyondwordstodescribethe anger, the insult to the hostages, the insult to the fallen, the insult to the soldiers sent once again to Gaza,” mourner Ruti Taro told The Associated Press newsagency

“No one knows why, exceptforthepower-hungry ruler,”hesaid.

Israeli news site Ynet reported on Monday that Israeli army chief Eyal Zamir had warned of the implications of Netanyahu’s intention to take over Gaza without making any postwarplans.“Youareheading to a military government,” Zamir reportedly told a meeting of the Israeli security cabinet late on Sunday. “Your plan is leadingusthere.Understand the implications”. Israel’s waronGazahassofarkilled more than 63,000 Palestinians About one million inhabitants of Gaza City, many of whom have already been displaced multiple times, are now being forced out under sustained Israeli attacks, with no safe zones to flee to intheenclave.

More than 800 killed after strong quake hits Afghanistan

(BBC NEWS) - More than 800 people have been killed - and nearly 3,000 injured - after a 6 0 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan just before midnight on Sunday, the United Nations’ humanitarian agency has said.

Most of the deaths occurred in Kunar province, officials say, warning that the death toll may rise significantly as entire

villages have been destroyed. The epicentre w a s i n a r e m o t e mountainousarea,makingit difficult for rescue operations to be carried out.

“The scale of devastation is unimaginable,” a Taliban officialsaid.

The disaster comes as Afghanistan reels from a severe drought, aid cuts and what the World Food Programme describes as an unprecedentedhungercrisis.

The earthquake hit at 23:47 local time (19:47 GMT) on Sunday, some 27km (17 miles)eastofJalalabad-the country’s fifth-largest city, in eastern Nangarhar province. Faridullah Fazli was fast asleep at home in Asadabad, on the banks of the Kunar River, and the tremorjoltedhimawake.

“Therewasaverystrong earthquake,accompaniedby sounds that were very scary,”hetoldtheBBC.“We didn’t sleep until morning. After the earthquake, there were small tremors, and therearestill.”

Fazlisaidhewenttothe clinic in town, helping transport the dead and woundedintoambulancesto betakentoahospitalfurther south in Nangarhar province.

“It was a very scary situation,justanatmosphere of fear and terror,” Fazli said. A resident of Mazar

Hospitals - already under strain - are reported to be overwhelmed

Dara, in the Nurgal region, said 95% of the village had beendestroyed-withfiveto 10 injured people in every household. The worst damage was in Kunar - a rugged, mountainous region withlimitedfarmland.

Roads in the area are often mud tracks winding around mountains - while homes are made of clay,

stones and mud. The region has also seen massive flooding and landslides in the past few days, blocking access to many areas. With roads blocked, rescue operations can only be carriedoutbyair,andteams wereunabletoreachthearea until the morning as helicopterscouldnotlandin themountainsatnight.

However,morethan100 flights have since been conducted in clear weather since. “Entire villages are flattened, roads to deep mountainous areas are still closed.

So now, for us, the priority is not finding dead under the rubble, but rather reaching out to those injured,”aTalibanofficialin Kunar province said. “Most ofthedeadareunderrubble. Wearedoingeverything,but it doesn’t seem possible soon,”hesaid.

Therearecasesofpeople trapped under the rubble for hours and reportedly dying as they awaited rescuers.

Syed Raheem - one of those takingpartinrescueeffortssaid that even though many had been saved, there were fears others were still trapped.

“Some people sent us messages that there are houses that are destroyed,

and some people are still undertherocks,”hetoldthe BBC Jalalabad’s main

overwhelmed,beingrightat the centre of the crossing pointforthetensofthousand Afghans being deported fromborderingPakistan.On Monday,itwasquitechaotic - with injured, helpless relatives looking for their loved ones, volunteers and rescue teams still running aroundtheplace.

An inconsolable woman said she had lost family membersinthequake,while an old man appeared dazed and lost, unable to speak to anyone.

Adoctorsaidaround460 victims had been brought in since the earthquake - 250 admitted, the others treated anddischarged.

Internet connectivity in those areas is very limited, making communication and co-ordinationdifficult

Israeli air strike hits busy market in Gaza City, killing four and injuring dozens

Auger-Aliassime’srevivalrollsonat USOpenwithclinicalwinoverRublev

NEW YORK, (Reuters)

- FelixAuger-Aliassime said stepping back onto Arthur Ashe Stadium “felt even better than the first time” as he returned to the U.S. Open quarter-finals with a composed 7-5 6-3 6-4 win over Andrey Rublev on Monday

The25-year-old,reaching his first major quarter-final since the 2022 Australian Open, kept his cool to notch

his second victory in nine meetingswiththeRussian.

The Canadian admitted the moment carried extra weight after battling injuries and dips in confidence since his 2021 breakthrough semifinal run at Flushing Meadows.

“Today is my first time playingArthurAshe in a few years.Itfeelsevenbetterthan the first time,” AugerAliassimesaid.

“In ’21 I was on my way back and had a few setbacks and injuries, struggles with confidence To come back here for the second time, it feels better and more deserved I’m soaking in everymomenthere.”

The25thseed,comingoff a stunning win over world number three Alexander Zverev, credited his mental approach for back-to-back statementvictories.

“Itisalwaysabattleandit was important for me to stay ahead and keep putting pressureontothelastpoint,” hesaid.

“In those tight moments, you want to come with the right state of mind.There’s a lot of excitement around in our world today but on the court we need to be calmheaded in those big pressure moments.”

The result sends AugerAliassime into his fourth career major quarter-final, as he looks to mirror his 2021 runtothesemis,wherehefell to eventual champion Daniil Medvedev

H

Tuesday September 02, 2025

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

Difficult predicaments could arise today if you try to exert your will over others without having the most honorable intentions, Aries. It could be that you're using someone else's fear of you to control himorher

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

The fire within you is raging today,Taurus, and you should be careful how you wield this power Be proud and triumphant. Walk with your shouldersbackandheadhigh. Freedomisimportant.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

There may be a great deal of fuss over something that seems quite insignificant to you, Gemini. Try to see the beauty and importance of everythingaroundyou.

CANCER(June21–July22)

Thingsarecomingtoacritical point for you today, Cancer, and you may find that other people openly object to your actions. It's OK to be a bit selfish if the situation is appropriate.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Feelfreetospeakmoreloudly today, Leo. You'll find that things fall into place more easily if you speak your thoughts outwardly and directly in the presence of others. Bring your internal powerunderyourcontrol.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

Youshouldbaskinaglorious splendor today,Virgo.There's a great deal of power at your disposal. You'll find your ego is healthy, charged, and ready forthebattlefield.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Addmoresunshinetoyourday, Libra. It may be time to stir up your inner passion and let it speak with greater confidence than you have been lately Makesureyouhealyourselfby letting the people around you hearyourtruth.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov 21)

You'll find that your spark can easilyturnpotentialenergyinto kinetic energy, Scorpio. Don't underestimate the power of your words Realize the profound impact they have on othersandtakeresponsibility

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

Don'tdwellonyourfluctuating moodstoday,Sagittarius.Look at the larger trends and how positive elements are coming togetherinyourfavor

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

This is your day to shine in all your glory, Capricorn. There's noneedtoholdanythingback. You'llfindthatyouhaveagreat dealoflovetoshare.Yourheart islikelytogotoextremestoday inordertoproveitslove.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)Trynottolosesightofyour own projects or desires, Aquarius. There's a great deal of power and manipulative energy in the air today that could throw you off course if youaren'tcareful.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Recharge today by getting outside and stretching your arms to the sky, Pisces. Be proud and courageous. You have the power to turn an unhealthy situation into a positiveone,

Australian eighth seed Alex deMinaur.

yesterday at the hands of Jamaica, coupled with some bad weather which further helped ruin the seasonforthelocallads,as they went down by 6wickets(DLS)yesterdayat the National Cricket Center

After posting 118-6 in their match that had some overs shaved due to bad weather, Guyana were indebted to the likes of ShamarApple(31),Adrian

ParmeshwarRam(16),the primary scorers for their team.

starred with three wickets for Jamaica, who finished on 122-4 to help seal a convincing win after a brilliant half-century from Odane B

(57*) coupled with knocks from DanzaHyatt(20)andRyan Littleton(22).Bowlingfor Guyana was led by Feaaz Baskhwhograbbed2-24. Leeward Island and WindwardIslandhadtheir game squashed without a b

Meanwhile, Trinidad & Tobago notched up a 23run win over Barbados aftertheformerposted194 all out before knocking overtheBajansforjust171 allout,thussealingawin.

Taylor Townsend fails to convert 8 match points, falls to Barbora Krejcikova at the US Open

NEW YORK (AP) — Taylor Townsend couldn’t converteightmatchpointsin a second set that ended with a 25-minute tiebreaker and was eliminated from the U.S.OpenonSundaywitha 1-6, 7-6 (13), 6-3 loss to BarboraKrejcikova.

With fans chanting

“Let’s go Taylor! Let’s go Taylor!” for a player who becameafanfavoriteduring the tournament after her confrontation with Jelena Ostapenko following her second-round victory, Townsend was repeatedly a pointawayfromwhatwould have been her first Grand Slamquarterfinal.

But Krejcikova, a twotime Grand Slam singles champion, erased seven match points in the t i e b r e a k e r, b r o k e Townsend’s serve twice in

thethirdsetandadvancedto face No 4 seed Jessica Pegulatoday,Tuesday

“It just stings, because I literally gave everything,” Townsend said. “She came

up with some really, really great tennis in moments where she was down, and I

thoughtIhadit.”

Townsend hugged Krejcikova at the net after the match, then sat in her sideline chair and began crying before leaving the courttoastandingovationas she dabbed her eyes with a towel.

“To be honest, I’m totally enjoying this crowd. Even though it’s not for me, it’s for the Americans, it’s fine,”Krejcikovasaidinher interview on the Louis Armstrong Stadium court afterthematch.

“I’m looking forward to seeing you again in my next match I think against anotherAmerican.”

In her first 31st Grand S l a m a p p e a r a n c e , Townsend had never been closer to reaching the last eight. She lost to eventual c h a m p i o n B i a n c a Andreescu in 2019 in her only other fourth-round appearance

Townsend remains in the women’s doubles tournament as the No 1seededteamwithKaterina Siniakova who won a career Grand Slam in doubles with Krejcikova duringtheirpartnership Krejcikova won the 2021 French Open and 2024 Wimbledon titles, but missed nearly five months to begin this season with a back injury and has worked hard to r e a c h h e r s e c o n d quarterfinal in New York She rallied late to knock off 10th-seeded American Emma Navarro in 2 1/2

hoursinthethirdround,then went 3 hours, 4 minutes Sunday—98minutesalone forthesecondset.

Townsend was first in position to win that when had a break point on Krejcikova’s serve at 5-4 in the third, 1 1/2 hours i n t o t h e m a t c h Krejcikova won that game and the next one to go up 6-5 before Townsend broke to force the marathontiebreaker

Krejcikova hit a backhand into the corner that landed on the line to erase the fifth match point, and Townsend never had a betterchance

ItwasafterTownsend’s victory over Ostapenko that the Latvian told her she had “no class” and “no education” in an argument at the net. Ostapenko later apologized in a social mediapost

Townsend then upset No 5 Mirra Andreeva in the third round and took the first set Sunday in just 28 minutes, looking on the verge of her major breakthrough that came agonizingly close

“I’m glad that I was able to win (the fans) over, and for people to be able to find out who I am, and even more so play some of my best tennis and put on a great show and just give the fans what they deserve, which is some great tennis,” Townsend said “I gave everything that I could ”

Barbora Krejcikova, of the Czech Republic, returns a shot against Taylor Townsend, of the United States, during the fourth round of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

Taylor Townsend, of the United States, returns a shot against Barbora Krejcikova, of the Czech Republic, during the fourth round of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

Osaka sails past Gauff in highly anticipated US Open fourth round

NEWYORK, (Reuters)

- Naomi Osaka produced a commandingperformanceto knock out third seed Coco Gauff 6-3 6-2 in a highly anticipated fourth round showdown between two formerU.S.Openchampions onMonday

Four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka showed flashes o

ld brilliance as she took control of the match from the start, while the 2023 champion Gauff struggled with her forehand and her serve

T

Osaka into the Flushing Meadows quarter-finals for the first time in five years and she will next play either Czech 11th seed Karolina Muchova or 27th seed Marta Kostyuk ofUkraine

“It’sreallyspecial.Ilook up to her a lot, the way she conducts herself is really special.

Tobesucharolemodelat

such a young age, I have respect for her,” said Osaka, who triumphed in NewYork in2018and2020.

Monday’s showdown markedthefirsttimethatthe two fan favourites met in New York since their memorable2019tusslewhen the then 15-year-old Gauff losttoOsaka.

The fans who had kept on chattering through the earlier match on Ashe fell silent as the two began their battle, with Osaka breaking Gauff from the baseline in the first game inasuperbfirstset

Gauff has spent many months trying to rebuild her serve and was let down by it yet again as she produced a double fault on setpoint,oneoffiveacross thematch

The mistakes began to pile up for the American, who handed Osaka another

break point with an unforced error in the sixth game of the second set and

turned helplessly to her box during the final game,

telling her coaches:

“Nothing’sworking ”

The pair embraced briefly at the net after Gauff bowed out with a shot into the net on match point and Osaka smiled in a subdued celebration.

“I’m a little sensitive

I don’t want to cry I had so much fun out here,” said Osaka, who has recaptured some of her bestformthisyearwitharun tothefinalinMontreal.

“A big thank you to my team We’ve been through a lot, it hasn’t been easy but they have been by my side I love you ”

SwiatekbreezespastAlexandrova intoUSOpenquarter-finals

NEWYORK,(Reuters)Alaser-focused Iga Swiatek barely broke sweat as the former U S Open champion methodically dismantled Russian 13th s e e d E k a t e r i n a Alexandrova 6-3 6-1 and booked her return to the quarter-finals of the Grand SlamonMonday.

The 24-year-old’s crushing win on Louis Armstrong Stadium meant

that she became the youngest woman to reach atleastthequarter-finalsof all four Grand Slams in a single season since 18-yearold Maria Sharapova managedthefeatin2005.

Swiatek was typing away furiously on her phone as she waited for her on-court interview afterwards and said she was sending a message to her coach Wim Fissette

“I asked him to book a practice court for 10 minutes, if possible,” the

world number two said, before she explained what worked well in helping her reach her 13th major quarter-final

“I would say the intensity and focus In the beginning I felt like she playedfastandthecourtis different I wanted to find my rhythm afterwards and Iwasinmybubble.

“I forced the ball to go in. I’m happy with the quality.” After an early exchange of breaks, Swiatek pounced again in the seventh game when Alexandrova’s attempt at a cheeky shot at the net misfired and allowed the 2022 New York champion to bag the opening set shortlyafterwards

Six-times major winner Swiatek never looked back from there as she took control of the second set to see off Alexandrova and continue her bid to become thefirstwomansinceSerena Williams in 2012 to win

Poland’s Iga Swiatek in action during her round of 16 match against Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova. (REUTERS/Kylie Cooper)

fourFrenchOpenwins.

“NowIlikeallofthem,” second seed Swiatek said of the different surfaces, addingitfeltabit“weird”.

“The clay season has always been my favourite but people make it pretty hard for me with the p r e s s u r e a r o u n d Sometimes it’s just easier to enjoy the surfaces where it’s harder to play but you have more freedom tomakemistakesandaccept them.

“Every month is different I can play on every surface if I feel good in my game and in my head I feel confident I’ll try to play good throughout the whole year

” Up next for the Polish player is either American ei

Coco Gauff (USA) serves against Naomi Osaka (JPN) (not pictured) on day nine of the 2025 US Open tennis championships at Billie Jean King National Tennis Center (Geoff Burke-Imagn Images)

Naomi Osaka (JPN) serves against Coco Gauff (USA) (not pictured) on day nine of the 2025 US Open tennis championships at Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. (Geoff Burke-Imagn Images)

Coco

Albion Community Centre

whip Port Mourant in Lalsa Second Division 40 Overs

Cricket competition

- Cecil brothers outstanding

Opening batsman

Damion Cecil scored a composed 106, while his brother, off-spin Leon Cecil picked up 5wickets as Albion Community Center Cricket Club defeated Port M o u r a n t A l b i o n Community Centre Cricket

Club registered a comfortable 139 runs victory over Port Mourant Cricket Club in their match oftheLalsaSecondDivision cricketcompetition.

Inthematchplayedatthe Port Mourant Cricket ground, Albion batted first and rattled up and imposing 259 for 9 from their allotted 40 overs. Their assault was led by a brilliant century from opener Damion Cecil

whomade106. Hereceived good support from fellow opener Ari Afrizal Kadir with 56, while Leon Cecil scored44. Bowling for Port Mourant, spinners Joshua Harrichan and Madhan Budhram picket up three wicketseach.

Port Mourant in their turn at the crease were dismissed for 120 in 29.2 overs Vishal Williams scored 40, while Balram Chapellemade21. Doing the damage for Albion, off spinner Leon Cecil had a good all-round performance as he grabbed 5-25. He was supported by Devendra Latchman with 2 wickets. (SamuelWhyte)

Kevin George slams unbeaten 110 in Canada

Former Guyana youthplayerKevin George slammed a pugnacious, unbeaten 110 to help G H Reno beat Panthers by 5 wickets in a semifinal fixture of the Gold Cup T20 division in the 2025 Ontario RoundArm Softb

Associationtournament

Brampton,theright-handed George cracked 12 sixes and 5 fours as G.H Reno reached 190with31toballstospare. Panthers had made 1855 at the expiration of the 20-overs after taking first strikeattheinvitationofG.H. Reno. George also featured in

a flamboyant, 180-run fifth-wicket stand with AseebKhanwhocontributed a fiery 58 which contained 8 toweringsixes.

F

Hemraj Persaud took two wicketseachforPanthers.

When their team batted, opener Arshdeep Saini struck a blazing 113 to lead theway

Saini, another righthander, clobbered 7 sixes and5fours.

Ravindran Sukhu collected two wickets for the victoriousside.

Meanwhile, G.H. Reno willclashwithPhoenixX1in the final on Sunday at Dixe/407 ground also in Brampton.

FritzreachesUSOpenquartersasTownsendlosesepic

NEWYORK,(Reuters)

-Dreamsdiedbyfractionsof an inch and were reborn through sheer determination onapulsatingSundayatthe U S Open, with Taylor Townsend’s heartbreaking exitcontrastingsharplywith Taylor Fritz’s steady march onward.

Townsend’s three-hour odyssey against Barbora Krejcikova provided the day’s most compelling drama, the mother from Chicago saving eight match points before finally succumbing 1-6 7-6(13) 6-3 inathrillerthatleftevenher four-year-old son A J offeringgentleconsolation.

“It was literally like a point here and there that made the difference,” said Townsend, tears still fresh after the longest tiebreak of thetournament.

“Thebackhanddownthe line on the match point where it barely clipped the line,whatdoyoudointhose moments?”

The 29-year-old’s anguish provided a stark contrast to Fritz’s businesslike 6-4 6-3 6-3 dismissal of Czech Tomas Machac,toflytheAmerican flag as the country’s sole male survivor from the 23 whobeganthetournament.

The Californian will carry the nation’s hopes of

ending a 22-year major drought since Andy Roddick’s2003triumph.

“It’s been a tough week fortheguys,”Fritzadmitted after reaching the quarterfinalsoftheU.S.Openfora thirdyearinarow

“I wasn’t expecting that.

I’m happy to be here and happy to be the last one standing Hopefully the crowd will get behind me andwillmethroughit.”

The day’s narrative of perseveranceandheartbreak extended beyond American borders, with former champions showcasing the mental fortitude that separates the great from the nearlygreat.

Carlos Alcaraz beat Arthur Rinderknech 7-6(3) 6-3 6-4, while Aryna Sabalenka continued her imperiousformwitha6-164 victory over Cristina Bucsa.

“I think the key was balancing on-court and offcourt life,” said Sabalenka, extending her remarkable streakofreachingatleastthe quarter-finals in her last 12 GrandSlams.

“I feel like I’m really enjoyingmyjourneyandmy life. I think that’s the main thing.”

HISTORYMAKER

At 38, Novak Djokovic made history by becoming

the oldest man to reach GrandSlamquarter-finalsin all four majors in a single season, dispatching JanLennard Struff 6-3 6-3 6-2 despite requiring treatment on his right shoulder during thematch.

These 10-month-old foals are the world’s first genetically edited horses –clonedcopiesofapoloprize winner named Polo Pureza,

orPoloPurity

“Idon’tknowhowmany more I’m going to have, so obviously each one is very special,” said the Serbian, who extended his all-time record to 64 major quarterfinalsandnowawaitsFritz. Djokovic leads their head-to-head10-0.

American hopes in the women’s draw were carried by Jessica Pegula, who

cruised past Ann Li 6-1 6-2 to reach her eighth Grand Slamquarter-finalandsetup a blockbuster clash with BarboraKrejcikova.

“I felt like I played a reallycleanmatch,”saidthe fourth-seeded Pegula, who has now reached at least the quarter-finals in three of her last four U S Open appearances.

But it was Townsend’s near-miss that encapsulated the tournament’s central theme of fine margins between triumph and devastation

After breaking her own “three-minute sulking rule”

- “I took 10,” she smiledTo w n s e n d s h o w e d remarkable composure despite what she called the toughest singles loss of her career

“I’m exactly where I need to be,” she said with conviction “I’m playing the tennis I need to play to be inside the top 20, top 10, towinaGrandSlam ”

The drama reached fever pitch in a 25-minute second-settiebreakthathad other players pausing practice to watch on screens, Townsend holding multiple match points only toseeKrejcikovaclawback with what the Czech called “very brave and a little lucky”tennis

“Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t,” said Krejcikova, who admitted she would have been “searching for flights” had onepointgonedifferently “I wasjusttryingtoputtheball onherside,inthatspace,and hopingthatI’mgoingtosave it.”

For Fritz, the weight of American expectations brings both pressure and opportunity as he prepares to face Djokovic, drawing confidence from their recent battles despite the intimidating head-to-head deficit

“I’m not thinking about all the losses I had to Novak five years ago,” Fritz said “I was nowhere nearthelevelofplayerthat Iamnow

In those tight moments, youhavetogooutandtake itfromthem ”

For Townsend, whose son sat through the entire ordeal before offering his simplewisdom-“It’sokay, mom” - followed by an energetic suggestion to “work out together,” the d e f e a t e n d s h e r breakthrough singles run, but her tournament continuesindoubles

“The show is not over,” she declared. “I’m going to do everything I can to hoist thetrophyhere.”

Kevin George

Taylor Fritz (USA) celebrates after match point against Tomas Machac (CZE) (not pictured) on day eight of the 2025 US Open tennis championshipsat Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. (Geoff Burke-Imagn Images)

Melee, spitting incident mar end of Leagues Cup final

Reuters - The Seattle Sounders’ dominant home victory in the Leagues Cup final on Sunday night was marred by a melee at the final whistle, with tempers flaring and the apparent instigator, Inter Miami

striker Luis Suarez, appearing to spit on a Soundersstaffer

Suarez,whohasahistory of losing his temper, rushed Seattle midfielder Obed Vargaswhenthe3-0shutout becamefinalandputhimina headlock That set off players from both sides

yelling, pushing and scuffling and others, including staff members, tryingtobreakitupandpull players away. Inter Miami’s Sergio Busquets punched Vargas on the chin, according to a USA Today report, which led to the Sounders’ Cody Baker getting into a heated exchangewithhim.

When Inter Miami’s Maxi Falcon tried to pull BakerawayfromBousquets, heendedupputtingBakerin a headlock, per the USA Todayreport.

Suarezatonepointwent to the ground at Lumen Field. He was on his feet later and was yelling at a Sounders staff member when Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari got betweentheminaneffortto breakitup.However,Suarez appeared to be caught on cameraspittingatthestaffer in video that went viral on socialmedia.

Sinner repels Shapovalov to reach US Open last 16

AFP - Reigning champion Jannik Sinner came through a testing encounter with Canadian 27thseedDenisShapovalov on Saturday to book his placeintheUSOpenlast16. WorldnumberoneSinner ralliedfromasetdowntobeat Shapovalov5-7,6-4,6-3,6-3 and keep alive his bid to becomethefirstmantoretain the title in New York since Roger Federer in 2008. “A very, very tough match today I’veknownDenisfor quitealongtime.Iknewthat I had to play at a very high level,”said Sinner, who lost his previous meeting with Shapovalov at the 2021 AustralianOpen.

“Weektwoiscompletely different It’s always a great sight that I’m still here It’s getting tougher and tougher, also physically and mentally,”saidSinner

The Italian made serene progress through the first two rounds but dropped his first set of the tournament

against a resurgent Shapovalov,aformertop-10 player whose career was stalledbyinjury AUSOpen quarter-finalist in 2020, Shapovalov signalled his

(Timothy A. Clary/AFP/AFP)

intent with a break in the fourth game and raced 5-2 aheadinthefirstset.

Sinner broke to get back on serve but Shapovalov produced a gutsy hold, saving a break point for 6-5 before taking the next game and the set.Top seed Sinner punished a slack service gamefromShapovalovat33 in the second set as he dragged himself back into thematchatasetapiece.

Shapovalov responded bybreakingearlyinthethird set and surging into a 3-0 lead, but he couldn’t sustain hislevelandadefiantSinner

hit back by winning nine gamesonthespin.

The Canadian offered some belated resistance but by then it was too late as Sinner sealed his 24th successive Grand Slam matchwinonhardcourts.

Sinner has reached the final of all three Grand Slams this season, winning the Australian Open and Wimbledon either side of a defeat to Carlos Alcaraz at theFrenchOpen.

Federeristhelastmanto successfully defend the US Open,winningthetitleeach yearfrom2004-08.

Asked after the match about his players’ behavior, Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said: “I have nothingtosaybecauseIwas farawayanddidn’tseewhat happened. Nobody likes for there to be these types of actions. Maybe there was provocation, but I don’t knowwhathappened.”

“Unfortunately, that is going to take some of the attention away from a great performance by the Seattle Sounders,” Seattle coach Brian Schmetzer said afterward of the melee “Their players were frustrated and that led to some things happening on the field that shouldn’t happenonthefield.

“I’m going to shut that down, because that shouldn’t be the story. The storyofthegameisnotwhat happened after the game. I had a quiet moment with (Inter Miami superstar Lionel) Messi on the field (after the game) and we talkedandwetriedtopushit aside.

The Leagues Cup is a tournament held jointly by MLS and Liga MX with Concacaf sanctioning, and thus has a disciplinary committee independent from both leagues or the continental federation Presumably, it would be responsiblefordecidingany discipline from the incident, though potentially MLS couldalsogetinvolved.

“That’sthestory.” (FieldLevelMedia)

Seattle Sounders FC and Inter Miami CF push and shove after the game at Lumen Field. (Steven Bisig-Imagn Images)

Jannik Sinner has won his last 24 Grand Slam matches on hard courts.

Japan’s Naomi Osaka embraces Coco Gauff of the U.S. after winning their round of 16 match.

Munoz)

FelixAuger-Aliassime (CAN) hits toAndrey Rublev (not pictured) on day nine of the 2025 U.S. Open tennis tournament at the USTABillie Jean King National Tennis Center (Robert DeutschImagn Images)