A grief-stricken Nathaniel
Safraz Nathaniel Matabheek struggles to find physical balance as he sits beside the coffins of his wife and three children on Friday.
...says$1millionminimumshouldbe providedforburialofeachvictim
...says$1Mminimumshouldbeprovided forburialofeachvictim ...wantssafetyreviewforallferries ...15attorneyseagertoassistfamilies
The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) on Friday demanded fair and adequate compensation for survivors and the family members of the persons who lost their lives in the tragic boatincidenton18thJuly
Up to the time of this report, 72 bodies were recovered following the capsizing of the MV Barima vessel on Saturday evening, while government reported that 76 persons, including childrenwererescued.Itstill remainsunclearexactlyhow manypersonswereonboard the vessel at the time the incident occurred as dozens of persons appeared who were never listed on the officialmanifest.
MP Saiku Andrews
The four caskets bearing Rachel Wells Matabheek and her three children
During its weekly press conference,APNUcalledfor the removal of Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill and Minister of Public UtilitiesandAviation,Deodat Indar,pendingtheoutcomeof anindependentprobe.
Member of Parliament (MP) Saiku Andrews who shadows the public works ministry called for compensation to be paid to the victims and survivors of thetragedy Andrewstoldthis newspaper, “It starts with an assistance for the funeral expenses and I believe that thereisnolessthan$1Mthat should abound to each (victim)totakecareofthose expenses.”
Continuedonpage7
A 49-year-old Brazilian
gold miner was on Wednesday charged with the murder of 53-year-old Antonio Pereira Figueredo, who was fatally stabbed at a mining camp at Rock Creek Backdam, Puruni River, RegionSeven.
Accordingtoinformation provided by the police, the accused Doroteia Castilho Maia of Manaus, Brazil appeared before Magistrate TeriqMohamedattheBartica Magistrate’sCourt,wherethe chargewasreadtoher
She was not required to enterapleatothechargeand was remanded to prison The matter was adjourned to 31st
August, 2026, for continuation It was reported that the incident occurred on Saturday,18thJuly ataround 23:00hrs.
According to the police report, the deceased and the suspectsharedarelationship. On the day of the incident they were involved in an argument at their mining camp. “It is alleged that
CHARGED:
during the incident, the man receivedastabwoundtohis abdomen,” the police reported.
Uponreceivingthereport, policeranksvisitedthescene, where the body of the deceased was found lying on thegroundnexttooneofthe campswithwhatappearedto be a stab wound to the abdomen The police also revealed that a kitchen knife suspected to have been used in the incident was recovered.
Thesuspectwasarrested and taken to Bartica Police Stationwhereshewasplaced incustody
Safraz Nathaniel Matabheek struggles to find physical balance as he sits beside the coffin of his wife and children on Friday
On Friday, after a tear-jerking ceremony attended by hundreds,RachelWellsMatabheekandallofherchildren werelaidtorest.Themotherofthreewasinterredalongside eight-year-old Nathaniel Matabheek Jr., seven-year-old Nathalia Matabheek, and three-year-old Ezekiel MatabheekattheBushLotCemetery,WestCoastBerbice.
That community supported the family in vast throngs and mourned besides Nathaniel Matabheek Snr, who was wedged between multiple caskets bearing the remains of hisimmediatefamily
WellswasraisedintheNorthwestDistrict,andreports indicatethatshewasjourneyingviatheMVBarimatovisit her parents, with her children in tow After three days of searchoperations,thebodiesofthefourwerediscovered.
In a moving moment of grief, her bereaved husband bemoanedtheshatteringloss,andventedhisregretthatshe decided to travel. He and his brother Adam managed to survivewhenthevesselsankonSaturdayevening,butwere unabletolocatehiswifeortheirchildren.
Minister of Education, Sonia Parag offered words of comfort on behalf of the government She reflected on her familiaritywiththefamilyandhervisitstotheareaonofficial ministerialduties Theministerurgedthecommunitytobear thegrievingfamilyupintheirmosttestingperiod
“It is something that would be anyone’s worst nightmare.Today,andperhapsfortherestofourlives,we keep them (the families) in our prayers, and we pray that they get the strength and the grace to go day by day,” she admonished. She was joined by Regional Chairman RecardoPhillips,RegionalExecutiveOfficer(REO)Mary Samaroo, Regional Vice-Chairman Kleon Lindey, and government member of parliament Faizal Jafarally The deathtollfromtheboatincidentcurrentlystandsat72.
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Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456
Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams
Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
For decades, Guyana’s Indigenous people have been asked to wait. Wait for proper roads. Wait for reliable healthcare. Wait for quality education. Wait for safe transportation. Wait for the development that successive governmentspromisedbutrarelydelivered.
Today,afterthehorrificsinkingoftheMVBarima,that waithasbecomeadeathsentencefordozensoffamilies.
The tragedy has ripped away the carefully crafted narrative of development in the hinterland that the governmentlikestoboastabout.
It has exposed a painful truth that no amount of government advertising can conceal: while Guyana has becomeoneofthefastest-growingeconomiesintheworld, too many Indigenous communities remain trapped in conditionsthatbelongtoanothercentury
WIN Member of Parliament Dawn Hastings-Williams, herself an Indigenous woman, articulated what countless hinterland residents have lived with for generations.There has never been a comprehensive review of transportation services connecting the hinterland to the coast. That is an astonishing indictment in a country earning billions from oil.
Thecontrastisimpossibletoignore.
Guyana can finance gleaming highways, hotels, stadiums and monumental infrastructure projects. It can boast about economic growth figures that attract international applause. Yet the citizens living in Regions One,Seven,EightandNinearestillforcedtorisktheirlives aboard ageing vessels because affordable alternatives scarcelyexist.
Flights remain prohibitively expensive for ordinary families.Rivertransportisnotachoice;itisanecessity When necessity becomes dangerous, government has failedinoneofitsmostbasicobligations.
For years, passengers reportedly travelled on the MV Barimasleepinginhammocksstrungbetweenrailingsoron cardboard spread across the deck. Such scenes would be unimaginable on transportation serving the coastal population.Yettheybecamenormalforhinterlandresidents because society gradually accepted that Indigenous communitiesdeserveless.
Thatacceptanceisperhapsthegreatestinjustice.
The MV Barima disaster is about an entire system that hastoleratedlowerstandardswheneverthevictimshappen tolivefarfromGeorgetown.
The Mahdia dormitory fire should have been the momentthenationresolvedneveragaintoallowIndigenous communities to suffer because of institutional neglect. Instead, another national tragedy has unfolded, again claimingadisproportionatenumberofIndigenouslives.
How many painful lessons must these communities endure before meaningful reforms replace official condolences?
Thedisturbingdiscrepanciessurroundingthepassenger manifesthaveonlydeepenedpublicconcern.Familiesstill struggle to determine exactly who boarded the vessel. Questions continue to surround compliance with maritime regulations, passenger registration procedures and emergencypreparedness.
Inanymaritimedisaster,accuratepassengerrecordscan meanthedifferencebetweenhopeanddespairforgrieving relatives. The apparent failure of these basic safeguards speakstoaculturewhererulesaretreatedasoptionaluntil catastrophestrikes.
Theconcernsextendbeyondthevesselitself.
If, as publicly acknowledged, the ferry required significantmechanicalattentionbeforereturningtoservice, then difficult questions must be answered about who authoriseditscontinuedoperationandwhetherpublicsafety wassubordinatedtooperationalconvenience.
Those answers cannot emerge from carefully choreographed press conferences or internal reviews designedtoshieldpoliticalembarrassment.
They require an independent, transparent investigation
DEAREDITOR,
Iamdeeplysaddenedbythenewsof therecentferrytragedy.
Our heartfelt prayers are with the affected families during this time of grief.
This tragic event highlights the critical need for stricter adherence to maritimesafetyrules.Hundredsoflives are lost annually in preventable
domestic ferry accidents. To protect human lives and maintain public trust, infrastructure modernisation must prioritisesafety
Keysafetystandardsmustbestrictly enforced, including limiting vessel l
ight distributions,ensuringpropervisibility, restricting late-night travel, and properly training crew members in
maintenance and emergency response. Furthermore, basic standards like providinglifejacketsforallpassengers arenon-negotiable.
Safety must be a collaborative, international effort. A ferry service should benefit the public, not cause harm.
Sincerely, DanielSingh
I do confess to always findingyourcolumnist,G.H. KLall,difficultandtiresome to read. He has a rambling, convoluted and often difficult- to-follow style of writing. There is an evident fascinationwithembellished language.
I find many of his sentencesvacuous,heavyon dramatic effect but light on analytical content. But that aside, his sheer literary output is astounding, even if toooftensuperfluous.
His column of 23rd July (Let Edgehill stay, those above him must go) is anything but a confused and contradictory attempt to indict an entire government. The column’s opening salvo –“The clamour is thunderous: EDGHILL MUSTGO!”—isperhapsits first and most glaring falsehood.
clamour There are certainly critics of Minister Juan Edghill.Therearelegitimate questions for him to answer ButtopretendthatGuyanais c o n v u l s e d b y a n overwhelming nationwide demandforhisresignationis simplyfiction.
What exists is a familiar chorus of the usual political suspects who seize upon every national crisis as another opportunity to prosecute old partisan battles They appear less interested in discovering what happened than in deciding beforehand who must be politically sacrificed.
Strangely, the column’s headlines are that that Minister Edghill should not go, only to spend the next
fewhundredwordsensuring that the minister remains permanently associated with the tragedy of the M V Barima.
O n e c a n n o t simultaneouslyargueagainst a resignation while constructing an elaborate case to politically execute the very person one claims shouldremaininoffice.
Even more troubling is the column’s breathtaking leap from communication failures to allegations of mass governmental culpability
The columnist behaves as though the only conceivable explanation for the disaster lies in the delayed commissioning of another vessel. That is far fromthetruth.
The comparison with Adolf Hitler and Adolf Eichmann represents
perhaps the lowest point of thecolumn.
I n v o k i n g t h e Holocaust the systematic industrial extermination of six million Jews to describe a maritime tragedy is grotesque and morally indefensible.
Likewise, the repeated references to “death boat,” “steel chamber” and suggestions that Guyanese were treated as an “undesirable”ishyperbole. Nor should anyone ignore the convenient political framing running throughoutthecolumn.
The predetermined conclusion is that the People’s Progressive Party government itself must fall becauseofthetragedy Isthat analysis or political advocacy?
Regards, RoopnauthHardyal
DEAREDITOR,
Members of the Macedonia Joppa Voluntary Committee (MJVC) of East Corentyne, Berbice, joined withthePresident,Dr Irfaan Ali,andtheGovernmentand people of Guyana to extend our profound sadness, our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy to each family member, relative and friendofthevictimswho,on theirwaytoPortKaitumaon Saturday, 18th July, 2026, perished during the sinking oftheMVBarima. Nowordscanadequately ease the pain and heavy burdenoflosingalovedone so suddenly and tragically during this unimaginably difficult time. Please know that your grief is shared by
ourentirecommunityinEast Corentyneandthecountryas you face this tremendous loss.
But you are not bearing the burden alone, for everywhere in Guyana, the Diaspora,theCaribbeanand in the wider world, candles are burning, and people are praying for every soul and family
In this time of your pain and suffering, we stand with youinunitytoliftyourhearts andstrengthenyourhopesas one Guyanese family in one Guyana.
As we mourn, weep and shed tears with you for the lostsouls,weknowthateach life lost was precious and eachfamilyaffectedisinour thoughtsandprayers.
thatfollowstheevidencewhereveritleads.
The MV Barima tragedy must become the catalyst for a complete transformation of hinterland transportation Guyana’soilwealthshouldguaranteemodernferriesbuiltto international standards, rigorous inspection regimes, professionally trained crews, comprehensive emergency response systems and affordable air links for remote communities.
Thesearenotextravagantdemands.
Theyaretheminimumexpectationscitizensshouldhave
During this incredibly difficult time, we are fully awarethatmost,ifnotall,of you are experiencing not only sorrow but also uncertainty and difficult questions.
Y o u r l o s s i s immeasurable,andwhilewe empathisewithyouandyour family, we know that you will be comforted by the Lord who made heaven and earth and with whom all thingsarepossible(Matthew 19:26).
In this sorrowful and grief-stricken time, we must pray for the dead, especially the children who have been denied the opportunity to growuptobeyoungmenand women and live as adults until their final moment on
earth.We must also pray for the bereaved families’ orphans and widows and hope that they will take solace in the consensus of Christiantheologythat“God will never give them more thantheycanbearorhandle” with the encouragement that they will seek His support duringthisdifficulttime. Again, we are deeply saddenedbythelossofyour loved ones, and may you findstrengthintheloveand cherished memories of the beautiful life you shared, and may their souls rest in eternal peace and may their families find strength, comfort and courage in the daysahead
Sincerestsympathies, DrAsquithRose
inacountryblessedwithunprecedentednaturalwealth. Thenationmustalsorecognisethatrecoverydoesnotend when the final body is found. Survivors, children, grieving parentsandentirecommunitieswillcarrypsychologicalscars foryears.Long-termtraumacounsellingcannotbetreatedas anafterthought.
The Indigenous people of Guyana have contributed enormouslytothenation’shistory,cultureandstewardshipof itsforests.Theyshouldneverhavetoquestionwhethertheir livesarevaluedlessbecausetheylivebeyondthecoastland
The devastating capsizingoftheMVBarima passenger ferry has brought profound sorrow to the people of Guyana and to families desperately awaitingnewsoftheirloved ones.
With lives lost, passengersstillunaccounted for and rescue and recovery operationscontinuing,thisis not a time for politics or empty regional slogans. It is a time for action, compassionandsolidarity.
Trinidad and Tobago’s
Government deserves recognition for responding quickly and practically to Guyana’s request for assistance Our Defence Forcedeployedanaircraft,a
Coast Guard vessel and 27 personnel, including seven divers, to support the difficultsearchandrecovery operations.
This was more than a ceremonial expression of sympathy It represented trained personnel entering a dangerous environment, specialised divers assisting in challenging waters, aircraft supporting aerial searches and a Coast Guard vessel carrying resources directlytotheaffectedarea. When tragedy strikes, condolences are important, but capabilities can save lives, recover the missing and help grieving families obtain some measure of closure.
For many years,
A night of quest when many went to rest
Oursincerecondolencesgoouttoallthosewhosuffered fromtheM.V Barima’stragedy “Anightofquest,whenmanywenttorest” Adark,troublingSaturdaynight, AtseainJuly’2026,therewasnolight. Asthewavesgrewinheight, Thewaterlashedwithallitsmight.
Itwasthe18th,manyfeltitright, ToboardtheMVBarima,whenitwasbright. LeavingGeorgetown,somewhatindelight, Familieslookedforwardtoarrivehome,alright.
Themoonhid,perhapsasignofblight, Unseenstars,theytoo,tookaflight. Nooneimaginedamomentoffright, When,fortheirlives,allhadtofight!
Asdangerstruck,itbecameaTitanicplight, Aboat,onceafloat,wasnolongerupright. Thewaterrose,itwasasorrowfulsight, Coldandcallous,fearanddespair,alight. Endangermentknewnothowtobepolite, Itdidnotprejudicethecolorofblacknorwhite. Dramanortrauma,noonedidinvite, Whatremainedwasadreadfulsite!
AnSOScall,adistresssignalultimatelyignite, NearIronPunt,anurgentresponsedidincite. Searchandrescueteams,inalltheirmite, Wentbravely,nottoquitbuttounite.
Manyasoullost,likeafallenkite, Manywillnotenjoyanotherdrinkorbite. Thistragedywillforeverexcite, Amournfulstorytowriteandrewrite.
Yoursrespectfully, JaiLall
Caribbean leaders have spoken about regional cooperation, shared responsibility and the bonds that unite our people
However, regional unity must be demonstrated when one country is facing a disaster that overwhelms its immediateresources.
Trinidad and Tobago’s response shows that CARICOM is not merely a collection of meetings, communiqués and official photographs It can also become a practical network throughwhichneighbouring countries support one another in moments of urgentneed.
Guyana is more than a regional partner Thousands of Trinidad and Tobago citizens have Guyanese relatives,friends,colleagues
and business connections. Our histories, cultures and economies have become increasinglyintertwined.
WhenGuyanesefamilies suffer, many families in Trinidad and Tobago feel thatpainaswell.
It was therefore
appropriate for the Government to act with urgencyandhumanity
The deployment also remindsusoftheimportance ofmaintainingacapableand properly resourced Defence Force.
Citizens sometimes see military vessels, aircraft, divers and specialised training only through the lensofnationalsecurity
Yet these resources are equally important for humanitarian assistance, disaster response, maritime
emergencies and regional rescueoperations.
The men and women participating in this mission represent Trinidad and Tobago with courage and professionalism.
Their work may not always receive the public attentiongiventopoliticians, buttheirwillingnesstoleave home and assist another nation during one of its darkest moments deserves thecountry’srespect.
There will eventually be investigations into the cause ofthistragedy,thecondition ofthevessel,theaccuracyof the passenger manifest and whether maritime safety procedureswerefollowed.
Those investigations are necessary, and anyone responsible for negligence mustbeheldaccountable.
For now, however, the immediate priority must remain supporting the search, assisting survivors and bringing closure to grievingfamilies.
The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has shown that regional leadership is not measured only by speeches It is measuredbywhetherweare prepared to deploy our people, equipment and expertise when our neighboursneedusmost.
In Guyana’s hour of grief, Trinidad and Tobago did not simply say that we stoodwiththem.
Wesenthelp.
That is what Caribbean unitylookslike.
Yourssincerely, ZahirKhan TrinidadandTobago
Timeline of the rescue effort for the MV Barima ferry sinking?
DEAREDITOR,
T h r o u g h y o u r newspaper, I ask some questions that many Guyanese and others are asking. I will number my questions, for ease of reference.
Could the Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre (MSRC)publishthetimeline for the rescue effort for the sinking MV Barima ferry? This MSRC Centre is coordinated through MARAD and the Prime Minister’soffice. Through the interviews conducted and published by WIN and journalist(s) with
Kiskadee Watch and KaieteurNews,Iunderstand thattheferrylostpowerfrom one engine after only four hours from leaving Georgetown on Saturday 18th July, and began to take on water on its lower deck. Either because of loss of power or for some other reason, the ferry became stuck in a mudbank offshore ofIronPunt,Pomeroon.
I ask the MSRC Centre and/orTimehriradiotosayif the ferry issued a Pan Pan distress call between 19:00
and23:00hours(7to11PM) on Saturday, following the SOLASnorm.
Guyana acceded to the International Convention on the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)on10thDecember 1997, and SOLAS became effective in Guyana on 10th March1998. Sopresumably all licensed ferry officers in Guyana are aware of the different international distresssignals.Accordingto some survivors, the ferry continued to take on water duringthosefourhours.
Cantherescuedcrewsay at what time the passengers were advised to put on the lifejackets stored on the ferry, and at what time the two lifeboats and six inflatable rafts were launched, and how many passengers were in each craft?
MV Barima issued its main distress call by radio, the Mayday signal, at 23:01 hours.
Maydaymeansthatthere isimminentdangeroflossof life. UnderSOLAS,allships hearing the Mayday have an international duty to respond.
At what time did the
MSRC Centre relay the Mayday call to the Exxon offshore supply vessels (OSVs) which run between Georgetown and the Stabroek Tract oilfields, and which vessels responded, as requiredbySOLAS?
At what time did the MSRC Centre relay the Mayday call to the Omni Helicopters Guyana Ltd base at Ogle and to their Gouveia partner to ask for immediate launch of the rescue helicopters? We know that Captain Gerry Gouveiahimselftookoff2½ houraftertheMaydaycall,at 01.36 hours in an Islander fixed-wing aircraft of his RoraimaAirwaysforthe20minutes flight from Ogle to Iron Punt, where he saw a
distressflareandreportedits GPScoordinates.
But what about the helicopters and their trained rescueswimmers?
At what time did the MSRC Centre relay the Mayday call to the police boat stationed close to the mouthofthePomeroonriver, and so perhaps the nearest water craft to the sinking ferry, and what was the response from the police boat?
At what time did the MSRC Centre relay the Mayday call to the Coastguardandwhendidthe two French-built MARAD Ocean Pilot boats (acquired in October 2025) leave Georgetownandwhendid Continued on page 6
Caribbean literary giant, Dr Ian McDonald has died. Hewas93yearsold.
McDonald was born on 18th April, 1933 in St Augustine, Trinidad, and described himself as Antiguan by ancestry, Trinidadian by birth, Guyanese by adoption, and WestIndianbyconviction.
He studied History at Cambridge, where he was
also a gifted tennis player who captained the Cambridge, Guyana and West Indies Davis Cup teams, before settling in Guyanain1955.
His only novel, The Humming-Bird Tree, first published in 1969, is considered a classic of Caribbean literature, and won the Winifred Holtby Memorial Prize from the
Royal Society of Literature for best regional novel; it was later adapted for BBC television.
Beyond his own poetry and fiction, he served for decades as a columnist with the Stabroek News and as editor of the literary magazine Kyk-over-Al, and co-edited several major anthologies of West Indian writing, including the
Heinemann Book of
CaribbeanPoetry
In 1997, he received an honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of the West Indies for his contributions to Caribbean sugar,sportandliterature.
In a message of condolence,PresidentIrfaan Ali said he was saddened to learn of McDonald’s death and described him as “a literary figure of worth and one of the Caribbean’s distinguishedsons.”
“Dr Ian McDonald was the Caribbean made flesh: Antigua’s blood ran in his veins, Trinidad cradled his firstbreath,Guyanaclaimed thefullnessofhisyears,and the West Indies claimed his soul,”PresidentAlisaid.
The head of state said that McDonald “was a poet of rare grace, a scribe of eloquence, a keeper of our fragile, fierce cultural flame Through the power of his pen, he projected the beauty of our flowers, our trees, our birds and our landscapes; he gave dignity to the toiling hands of our people; and celebrated the genius and majesty of our cricketers ”
“He showed us that language is the scaffolding upon which we build our tomorrows. His verses sang ofbothourfracturesandour wholeness, our anguish and our ecstasy, stitching the frayedtapestryofCaribbean lifeintosomethingluminous and lasting,” said President Ali.
The president noted that throughhisweeklycolumns, McDonald encouraged Guyanese not only to read buttoreadwell,“pointingus toward books, prose and poetrythatwouldenrichour mindsandtouchoursouls.”
“And oh, how he loved thegameofcricket—notas mere sport, but as the very rhythm of our regional soul. Hispassionforthegamewas but a mirror of his larger passion for life. His love for lawn tennis was equal to his love for cricket. He played thegamewithadistinction,” President Ali said while remembering McDonald for his years of service to the sugar industry — where he rose to become a senior executive with GUYSUCO and later Chief Executive Officer of the Sugar Association of the Caribbean, after starting out withthesugarconglomerate Bookers.
“It is sad that he should leaveusnow,whenthehour is so dark and our nation longs for the wisdom that flowed from his pen.At this time when grief drapes our nation, we need more than ever his words to steady us, to console us, to remind us thateveninloss,thereisthe promise of renewal On behalf of the Government and people of Guyana, and onmyownbehalfandthatof my family, I offer my
Caribbean literary giant Dr. Ian McDonald
condolences to his loved ones,” the Guyanese leader said.
McDonaldalsohadclose ties to Guyana’s private sector and sporting bodies. The Institute for Private Enterprise Development (IPED) said “Dr McDonald served with distinction as a Director on IPED’s Board for 35 years. His dedicated service, compassion, and unwavering commitment to IPED will be greatly missed ” IPED extended sincere condolences to his family, loved ones, and all whomournhispassing.
The Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) also paid tribute, noting McDonald died in Canada, hailing him as “a toweringfigureinCaribbean sport and literature.” The GAPLF’s statement described “the GAPLF president, executive committee, and its members” as having “paid theirrespectstotheTrinidad and Tobago-born polymath, whose remarkable athletic and administrative contributions spanned tennis,squash,andcricket.”
Frompage5 theyarriveatIronPunt?
What other Coastguard and MARAD resourcesweredespatchedandwhen?
WastheMetalSharkfisherypatrolvessel sentout?
I note that Exxon has sent three of its OSVstoIronPuntandhascarriedoutasonar surveytolookforboatbitsandhumanbodies. ExxonortheFrenchhavealsosentateamof divers. As the sea is shallow and the wreck cannot be deep, we learned at 6.30 PM on 20th July about the recovery of 27 drowned passengers, and that 83 others are still missing. I was glad to see that the Leader of the parliamentary Opposition, Azruddin Mohamed, is leading by example, the only MPwhomIhaveseenoutonthewatertohelp
the rescue efforts directly Compared with Ministers sitting comfortably in the Umana Yama and providing almost no helpful informationtotheaffectedfamilies.
IunderstandthatthePresidentofGuyana hasbeenawayonbusinessinCanada,andon hisreturn,hehasmetsomeofthefamilies. It wouldbeconventionalinmostcountriesafter loss of life of this magnitude to declare officialdaysofmourning.
Mr.President, when will our flags fly at half-mast, and for how many days, as we continue to mourn this national tragedy that followsthreeyearsaftertheburningtodeath of20childrenwhileinthecareoftheStatein Mahdia,Region8.
Regards, JanetteBulkan
Guyana is among 60 tradingpartnersslappedwith anew125%US tariffafter the Trump administration imposed fresh duties on countriesitsayshavefailedto adequately enforce bans on goods produced with forced labour The measures, which also affect major economies including China and the European Union, took effect as a temporary 10%globaltariffexpired
This latest development would be seen as slap in Guyana’s face after the countrywasforcedtocutties with Cuba under a decadesold medical programme owing to Washington’s concernsaboutforcedlabour inthat
The new tariff places Guyanese exports to the United States under the higher duty category, reflecting Washington’s determination to rebuild President Donald Trump’s global tariff regime using Section301oftheTradeAct after the U S Supreme Court earlier struck down his previous “reciprocal” tariffprogramme
The move is the White House’slatestefforttorestore President Donald Trump’s campaign vision of a nearglobal tariff after the US Supreme Court in February struck down his “reciprocal” duties of 10% to 50% imposed last year under a nationalemergencieslawto try to shrink the U S trade deficit
The new tariffs, announced on Thursday in a Federal Register notice, opens new tab, cover 994% of US imports, but include numerous product exemptions, such as oil and gas,fertiliserandcertainfood items
Imposed under Section 301oftheTradeActof1974, the new duties allow the administration to maintain a tariff floor on virtually all U.S. imports despite the Supreme Court setback. The tariffs are also likely to face less legal risk than those
Frompage3
struck down in February, as Section 301 has survived priorcourtchallenges
Trump’s temporary 10% global tariff expired at 12:01 am EDT on Friday (0401 GMT) after 150 days The newdutiestookeffectatthat exact same moment, with goods in transit exempted until12:01am EDTonJuly 28
“The United States has had a forced labour import ban for nearly a century, and rigorously enforces it It’s wellpasttimeforourtrading partnerstodothesame,”US Trade `Representative Jamieson Greer said in a statement “Today’s action willbegintocorrectwhatis both a human rights abuse anddistortivetradepractice to improve the welfare of workerseverywhere ”
Greer has previously pledgedthatforcountriesthat havereachedtradedealswith Washington capping U S tariff rates, the new forced labourdutieswouldnotpush themabovethosecaps
TheU.S.imposeda10% duty on goods of Argentina, Bangladesh, Britain, Cambodia,Canada,Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan,SriLanka,Trinidad andTobago
The European Union, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea and Switzerland were assignedratesthat,combined with pre-existing mostfavoured-nation tariff rates, totaled10%or125%
The other 38 countries were assigned a 125% rate These include Vietnam, which issued a new decree this week that sets out more detailed rules banning imports of goods made with forced labour, and Chinaaccused by the U S of d e t a i n i n g U y g h u r minorities in work camps, whichBeijingdenies.
Trump administration officials have told Chinese counterparts they intend to rebuildTrump’ssecond-term tariffsonChinesegoodsback
The party pointed out that in some instances, the sole bread winner of families perished in the boat incident with families left worrying about being abletobury their loved ones and make ends meet.
Moreover,itwasexplainedthat some families have been offered a mere $300,000 for funeral expenseswhenthiswouldnoteven covertheburial.
uptothe20%thatwasagreed upon in a trade truce with Chinese President Xi JinpinginNovember2025but not exceed that level
Prior to Friday’s action, China’stariffratehadfallen to 10%, excluding the 25% imposed during Trump’s first term on industrial goods.
COUNTRIESPROTEST
The action drew immediate protests from sometradepartners
In the meantime, APNU revealed that it has put together a legal team but several other lawyershavecalledandexpressed concern that no pronouncement was made from the Guyana Bar Association to provide legal aid to the survivors which wish to also assistthefamilies.
To this end, Todd said, “I believe in another few days you are going to see anumber of legal teamswhichwillbepresentedand
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc viewed the new tariffs as a shock and Washington’s rationale did notmakesense
“If you compare our labourlawstotheonesofthe United States, I mean, we havepaidvacations, wehave very good labour conditions for our employees, so it’s not really grounded,” she told Reuters on the sidelines of ASEANmeetingsinManila.
assistingthefamilies ”
So far, 15 attorneys have expressed willingness to represent the families Todd pointed to the importance of this as he reminded of the Mahdia dorms fire where families were encouraged to sign off on compensation packages without independentlegaladvice
Meanwhile, to avoid such a disasterfromrecurring,APNUhas called for a comprehensive safety
outstanding issues, over the coming weeks to the mutual benefit of our citizens,” said Dominic LeBlanc, Canada’s minister in charge of U.S. trade.
Kelly Ann Shaw, a former White House trade adviser in Trump’s first term and a partner with the Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld law firm, said the new tariffs closelytrackedwhathadbeen telegraphed, although some changes had been made, including the addition of ‘some 471 products to an exclusionlist.
“I think this is more status quo in terms of the economic impact,” she said PartnersincludingtheEUhad negotiated tariff caps, which meanttheirnewtariffswould be lower than under their earlieragreement,shesaid.
A senior Trump administration official disputed suggestions that the forced labour tariffs were simply a direct replacement fortheexpiringleviesdespite the timing, similar duty rates andvastcoverageofnearlyall U.S.imports.
TheofficialsaidtheUS has stronger import bans on goods made with forced labour and enforces them more rigidly than any ‘other country, giving rivals an unfairtradingadvantageover theUS
Australia and Brazil described the new tariffs as unjustified and said they would seek to have them removed, while Norway said therewas“nobasis”forthem
Canada - hit on Monday with new Trump tariffs on $20 billion worth of goodsissuedamutedresponsetothe “unilateral”tariffs.
“We will continue engagingconstructivelywith the United States on this matter, as well as other
review to be conducted on all existing ferries operating in Guyana
MP Andrews said, “This is a systemicfailureandatsomepoint in time we have to be able to examine the entire system and how it functions it’s not only abouttheMVBarimabutthereare othervesselsthataretraversingour waterways and we cannot allow thistragedytohappenagain.”
The politician assured that the
Both Democrats and Republicans in Congress have been calling for the eradication of forced labour from global supply chains, “sowe’rereallyrespondingto thatcall,”theofficialsaid Ryan Majerus, a trade lawyer and former Commerce Department official, said the new tariffs couldbehardertochallengein courtbecauseSection301has withstoodpastchallengesand somejudgesmaybereluctant to enjoin actions to curb forcedlabour.
“Once the 301 dutiesare placed, they have a lot of flexibility to adjust them,” said Majerus, a partner at KingandSpalding “It’sa
Continuedonpage10
opposition MPs will continue their efforts in the national assemblytoensurethesemeasures can be put in place while they remain willing to “take whatever necessarycourseofactiontoforce the government to make these reviews.”
In fact, he called on all Guyanese to support the call for these reviews to be conducted as safety remains a priority not only forMPsbuteverycitizen
Almost a week since the MV Barima disasterclaimedthelivesofover70persons, including children, the National Toshaos Council(NTC)onFridayissuedastatement commending the government, emergency responders, medical personnel, members of the disciplined services, and volunteers who worked in the rescue, recovery, and supportefforts
Thestatementwasissuedattheconclusion of the NTC’s 2026Annual National Toshaos CouncilConference,heldattheArthurChung Conference Centre — a gathering that was itself disrupted by the tragedy The opening ceremony,originallyscheduledforMonday, was postponed after the MV Barima capsizedinthePomeroonovertheweekend whileenroutetoPortKaituma,RegionOne, with133personsonboard
In its statement, the NTC expressed profoundsorrowandextendedcondolencesto the families, loved ones, and communities of thosewhodied,describingtheincidentasthe singlelargestlossoflifeinGuyana’shistory
TheCouncilacknowledgedPresidentIrfaan Ali’s declaration of three days of national mourning,notingthatToshaosobservedthe period with solemnity and compassion throughout the conference, including dedicated prayer sessions offering comfort for bereaved families, strength for survivors,andhealingforthenation
“The NTC commends the emergency responders,medicalpersonnel,membersofthe disciplined services, volunteers, Our President Honourable Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Our PrimeMinisterHonourableRetiredBrigadier MarkPhillips,othermembersofcabinetand allthosewhoworkedtirelesslyintherescue, recovery,andsupportefforts.Theircourage, dedication, and selfless service have been a source of comfort in the face of immense tragedy,”theCouncilsaid.
The tribute comes as the government’s handlingofthedisasterfacesgrowingscrutiny
A joint investigative task force involving the Maritime Administration Department, the GuyanaPoliceForce,andtheGuyanaDefence Force is examining the circumstances of the capsizing,andVicePresidentBharratJagdeo has said those responsible for breaches will beheldaccountable.Oppositionfiguresatthe sameconferencehaveseparatelycalledforan independent probe into the vessel’s operation, including questions over whether itwasimproperlycarryingfuel.
Againstthatbackdrop,theNTC’sstatement alsopressedthegovernmenttoact Itcalledon authorities “to leave no stone unturned in conductingacomprehensive,transparent,and independent review of every aspect of this incident,” one that examines not just the immediate circumstances of the tragedy but the broader systems, policies, regulatory frameworks, operational procedures, and safety protocols governing maritime transportation,sothatlessonsarelearnedand reformsimplementedtopreventarepeat.
The Council further urged that comprehensivesupportbeextendedtoaffected families and survivors well beyond the immediate aftermath including sustained psychosocial care, financial and social support where appropriate, educational assistance for affected children, and any other interventions needed to help families rebuildtheirliveswithdignity
As leaders of Guyana’s Indigenous communities, the NTC reaffirmed its commitment to standing with the affected familiesintheirtimeofgrief
“May the souls of those who have departed rest in eternal peace, and may God continuetoblessandstrengthenthefamilies they leave behind, the survivors, and our belovednation,”thestatementconcluded.
Lead Member of Parliament (MP) for the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Dr.Terrence Campbell on Friday submitted a correspondence to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, ahead of Monday’sSitting,requesting an adjournment of the Assembly to discuss the Terms of Reference (ToR) foraCommissionofInquiry (CoI) into the sinking of the MVBarima.
The 87-year-old vessel capsized off seven miles offshore,nearIronPuninthe vicinity of the Pomeroon River, with almost 200 passengers and crew members, along with over 200 tonnes of cargo on Saturday night. The vessel was heading to Port Kaituma,RegionOne.
Describing the tragedy on 18th July,2026 as “the worst maritime disaster in Guyana’s recent history” with a death toll already surpassing 70 persons, the APNU stated the immediate need to establish a fully independent CoI with clear terms of reference to probe the circumstances, causes and consequences of the incident.
In the letter to the Speaker seen by this publication, Dr Campbell soughttoqualifythegrounds forhisrequestas“urgentand of public importance” underscoring that the
Lead APNU MP, Dr. Terrence Campbell
incidenthasnotonlyresulted in substantial damage to property,butalsosignificant loss of lives, causing acute public concern and distress tofamiliesandwidercircles.
Notonlythat,buttheMP stressed that concerns abound regarding the sea worthiness of vessels, regulatory compliance, oversight by maritime authorities, search and rescue response, the availability of other vessels and measures to prevent recurrence.
Consequently, Dr Campbell suggested, “An immediate, transparent, parliamentary discussion of proposed terms of reference willassistinensuringpublic confidence, facilitate timely establishment of an independent commission and allow the Assembly to give direction on scope, i n d e p e n d e n c e a n d resources.”
APNUMOTION
In the Motion for leave under Standing Order 12, APNU calls for the Assemblytobeadjournedto consider the ToR for the establishment of an independent CoI into the 18th July MV Barima tragedy to debate and adopt thesaidToR.
The Opposition party submitted a proposed ToR for debate and adoption identifyingeightkeyareasof focusincluding:(1)establish the facts surrounding the incident, including timeline, passenger and manifest records, cargo, weather and navigation conditions; (2) d
qualifications and training, compliance with national maritimelaws,licencesand Continuedonpage10
In the painful days following the tragedy involving the MV Barima, manyGuyanesehaveaskeda question that has echoed throughhistory:“Wherewas God?” Others have prayed thatGodshouldinterveneto protectourcountry,saveour people and prevent disasters fromhappening.
These questions come fromaplaceofdeepsorrow
When parents lose children, when children lose parents, when families wait in anguish for news that never comes, the human heart naturally searches for an explanation.
It is understandable that people ask why God did not intervene and save more lives.Itisaquestionthathas been asked after every great tragedy, whether caused by the sea, the earth, war, diseaseorhumanactions.
Butperhapswemustfirst ask what we mean when we say we want God to intervene. Do we mean that God should prevent every accident, stop every storm, remove every danger and override every decision madebyhumanbeings?
Ifthatisthecase,thenwe must also ask what kind of world that would create Would it be a world where human beings have no responsibility because every mistake is corrected before
harmisdone?
The tragedy of the MV Barima is a reminder that humanbeingsliveinaworld governedbynaturallawsand human choices. Ships float because of engineering principles, storms develop because of atmospheric conditions, and vessels remain safe because people makecarefuldecisions.
God gave humanity intelligence, knowledge and theabilitytobuild,maintain and operate machines. He a l s o g a v e u s t h e responsibility to use those giftswisely
Whenpeoplefailintheir responsibilities, tragedy can follow A bridge collapses because of engineering failures, an aircraft crashes because of mechanical or human failures, and a vessel can be lost because of a c o m b i n a t i o n o f circumstances.
This does not mean God abandonedthosewhodied.It does not mean God ignored their prayers or did not care abouttheirfamilies.
Sometimes we look for God to prevent tragedy, but perhaps God’s presence is also found in how people respondaftertragedystrikes. We see it in the courage of rescuers, the compassion of strangersandthewillingness of communities to stand together
During the MV Barima disaster, many people ran toward danger while others were running away Fishermen, members of the Joint Services, medical personnel, volunteers and ordinary citizens risked themselvestosaveothers.
Was God not present in those acts of bravery? Was Godnotpresentinthehands that reached out to pull survivors from danger? Was God not present in the prayers, tears and support offeredtogrievingfamilies?
The difficult truth is that faith does not promise that believers will never suffer TheBibleitselfisfilledwith storiesoffaithfulpeoplewho endured hardship, loss and tragedy
Job lost his family, his wealthandhishealth,yethis suffering did not mean God had abandoned him. The lesson was not that good people would never experience pain, but that even in suffering, they were notalone.
When we ask why God did not save more lives, perhaps we must also ask why human beings sometimes fail to prevent tragedies that they have the ability to prevent Faith should never become an excuse to avoid examining humanresponsibility
If there were mistakes,
Bob Marley and Elvis sitting next to each other
Dem boys seh some people guard dem personalinformationlikeitisdelastpieceof black cake at Christmas.Ask dem fuh dem name,andsuddenlydembehavinglikedem applyingfuhwitnessprotection.
Demboyssehifyuhevertekoneofdem long ferry crossings, yuh know de routine. De ticket seller look up and ask, “Name?” Not one ID card. Not one driver’s licence. Not even a squint in yuh face to see if yuh lying.Just“Name?”
Well, buddy, some passengers does immediately become internationally famous. One minute is Tom Jones. Next minute is Michael Jordan. Before de ferry pull off, Elvis Presley done buy two tickets andBobMarleytravellingineconomyclass.
Demboyssehdeticketsellerdon’teven blink.He/shejustwritedownwhateveryuh say like he compiling de national census. If somebodytellhe/shedemnameisSuperman Singh, he probably ask, “How yuh spell Superman?”
It ain’t only pon de ferry, though. Walk into some government office and de first thingyuhgetisonebigregisteratdesecurity hut. Name. Address. Telephone number
Right dey where everybody behind yuh couldreaditwhilewaitingindeline.
Dem boys seh some people ain’t studying dat at all. Dem does confidently write de address where dem granny used to
they must be identified. If there were failures, they must be corrected. Seeking God’s comfort does not meanabandoningourdutyto seektruth.
A nation can pray and investigateatthesametime. A nation can mourn and demandaccountabilityatthe sametime.
The greatest respect we can show those who died is not only to remember them in prayer but also to learn from what happened. Their livesshouldleadustobuilda safer society where every possible measure is taken to protectothers.
Perhaps God did not intervene by stopping the tragedy from happening
Perhaps instead God intervened through the courage, kindness and humanity that appeared in the middle of our darkest moment.
The question is not only “Where was God?” The questionisalso“Wherewere we, and what must we do now?”
live in 1948 and put down one landline number that disconnect since Jagdeo first term.Isnotthatdemforget.Isthatdemdon’t want every Tom, Dick and Harry knowing where dem live or getting dem cellphone number
Dem boys seh nowadays information is gold. Some people collecting personal data faster than tax collectors. Before yuh know it, yuh getting calls about miracle investments, miracle slimming tea and miraclejackpotsyuhneverplay Which bring dem boys to one serious point.Asauthoritiescontinueexaminingde terribleferrytragedy,theyshouldremember that some names on de passenger manifest may not be de real names of de people who boarded. Likewise, if a victim’s name is absent from de manifest, it should not automatically mean that person never bought a ticket. It may simply mean they travelledunderoneofdemfamous“privacy names” that Guyanese have been inventing foryears.
Dem boys seh when people don’t trust how personal information is collected or protected, dem create dem own data protection law with imagination And judging from some ferry manifests over de years, Guyana has had more aliases than a Hollywoodspymovie.
Talkhalf.Leffhalf.
In moments like these, faith does not remove our tears. Faith gives us the strength to wipe those tears, stand together and continue forward.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper)
For those who lost loved ones, there may never be a complete answer that removes their pain. But we can offer compassion, justice, honesty and a commitment that their loss willnotbeforgotten.
King Charles shocked at
“appallingly tragic loss of life” in MV Barima disaster
Britain’sKingCharlesIII has expressed profound sorrow over the devastating lossofliferesultingfromthe capsizingoftheMVBarima, extending heartfelt condolences to President Irfaan Ali, the people of Guyana and the families grievinglovedones.
In a personal message signed“CharlesR,”theKing said he and Queen Camilla were “most profoundly shocked and saddened” to learn of the maritime disaster, which has become oneofthedeadliesttragedies inGuyana’shistory
Recalling his visit to Guyana, King Charles said he retained “the fondest memories” of the country and was therefore writing with “particular sorrow” to conveythecouple’s“deepest
possible sympathy and heartfeltcondolences”tothe nation.
“My wife and I were most profoundly shocked and saddened to learn of the appallinglytragiclossoflife following the capsizing of the M V Barima,” the monarchwrote.
He added that his thoughts were especially with the families who have lost loved ones in the tragedy
The King also paid tribute to the emergency personnel, members of the searchandrescueteams,and volunteers who have continued recovery efforts under extremely difficult conditions.
“We also pay special tribute to the courage and dedication of the search and
rescue teams who continue their efforts under such difficult circumstances,” the messagestated.
Concluding the letter, King Charles assured Guyanesethattheyremainin the thoughts and prayers of both himself and Queen Camilla “The people of Guyanaremainverymuchin ourheartsandourprayersat thistimeofdeepanguishand loss.”
The royal message adds to the growing list of international expressions of sympathy received by Guyana since the MV Barima disaster, with regional governments, CARICOM and other international partners also offering condolences and solidarity as the nation continuestomourn.
Ittakesanationaltragedy for revelations to emerge. Unwelcomed revelations. They crawl from some dark hole Leave frightening footprints across wide acreages. Nothingrelatedto a farm. Only how this countryisrun. Worsethana cornercakeshop. Worsethat a low-class grogshop Acreage in this situation is about the location of the national leader Essequibo called The souls of Pomeroon cried. Where, pray?
American intelligence, Israeli technology, and German machinery were all needed to unveil the whereabouts of Guyana’s leader Now back in the saddle. Before, during the throes of a crisis of unprecedented proportions, there were senior officials sharinghalf-bakedstories.
Seemingly, they themselves were halfway underwater. Storiesgyrating from side to side, in the manner of a drunk trying to navigate a straight line Guyaneseneededtheheadto beinattendance,inaction,in command. Harshrealisation visited. The got pretenders and gameplayers (not those in New Jersey last Sunday). Iknowsomethingaboutthis, being a follower of Manchester United since boyhood.
Consider Confidence flows from awareness that the head is home, around, in charge. Advisersadvise. He decides. Leaders do so during national catastrophe and agonies. Leaders lead. From the front. But they have to be around, in the flesh. In the middle of matters. Ontopofthem. An inspiringstatement.
Comfort-inducing moments. The MV Barima disaster may not have been predictable. But it was a floatingtimebombwithfuse pulled. A barge almost withoutbottom,longpastits lastlegs.
Inthiscontext,Guyanese shouldn’t need to be palm readers or soothsayers to know the coordinates for their national leader At least, an outline. Again, coordinates have no relation to any damn farm; that smellystorywillberevisited whentimely
A quick aside: nagging thought not easily shaken. How opportune the tragedy oftheMVBarima! Despite so many lives lost! With so much pain left in the last poignant bubbles of its sinking! The MV Barima wipes all other Guyanese considerations and
controversies from the mediamap.
All, whether of green rolling farmlands, or the beasts that fill it. Miracles are known to happen during disasters. Justaskthosewho comeoutaheadfromthem.
I return to the tragedy; what bewilders a multitude of Guyanese What happened to the national leader? One canned message that belatedly tried to convey the heartfelt. It delivered the antiseptic. A
craftsmanship of clinical minds in motion The robotic amid the chaotic: an
ck Message sent. Duty done. Many Guyanese-public servants, teachers, religious leaders-are obligated to inform their superiors they will be travelling overseas.
Protocols to follow. Forms to fill out.
Even at the lower levels, there are times when a handover is demanded. So that there’s seamlesscontinuity Sothat everyone in an organisation isonthesamefooting. They have some knowledge, however limited, fleeting. At the national level, when national leaders are on the move, and out of national spaces, there has to be some requirement within applicable protocols that dictates the nation has to be informed. Is there such a requirement? What was done? What, maybe, not followed? For one, Guyanese are in the dark. Return, please, to my earlier assertion of Guyana being run worse than a corner cakeshop,alowrum-shop.
involved. Not for a ball that’s airborne. Not for the company kept. Not for the dress of distant lands and cultures that now have to be switched. Iwillendorsethe following. Leaders need space. Leadersneedtimefor themselves.
Leaders also need to know that they must respect all Guyanese. In how they deliver what is due to them. Especially, during traumas inflictedbynationaltragedy, Guyanese found out the last thing they desired to know Aheadlessstateinoperation. Ihopethattheunbecomingis not defended by the unsavory
Some aspects of a national leader’s travels do not,andshouldnot,arisetoa national security concern. Not when the ordinary is
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper
Frompage8
safetystandards;(3)examinetheadequacyandtimelinessof thesearch-and-rescueresponseandactionstakenbyrelevant agencies; (4) assess the regulatory framework, oversight, inspection regimes and enforcement practices of maritime and port authorities, and identify any systemic failures; (5) examine any allegations of negligence, misconduct, corruption or breach of statutory duties by any individual or entity and recommend any appropriate legal or disciplinary action; (6) recommend measures to improve passenger and crew safety, emergency preparedness, regulatory oversight, and to prevent recurrence; (7) require documents and witnesses and a full public report with findings and recommendationswithinaspecifiedtimeframeand(8)adopt interim measures as necessary to protect the public interest andsafetypendingfullinquiryoutcomes.
Dr Campbell has also suggested that the Assembly discussaspecifictimeframe,membershipcriteria-including independence and expertise - as well as budgetary arrangementsforthecommission.
Guyana hit with 12.5%...
Frompage7
sledgehammer It’salsointendedtokeepthe...10%baseline inplace,andtheythinkthey’rewellprotectedwhenthisgoes tocourt.”
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Other goods that comply with the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement on trade will also be exempted because of the highly integrated North American supply chain and high levelsofU.S.contentintheseproducts. SafetyRulesforPedalCyclists
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Firefighters responded to a house fire at Section ‘C’Christenburg, Wismar, Linden.
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“Theyimmediatelywentintofirefighting operations and worked swiftly to bring the blazeundercontrol.Despitetheirefforts,the buildinganditscontentsweredestroyed,”the statementsaid.Investigationsareongoing.
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REPUBLIC OF GUYANA COUNTY OF DEMERARA
LEGAL NOTICE TO ATTESTINGWITNESSES TO: LEONARD BHOLA, Justice of the Peace (JP) of Lot 71 Grove Village, East BankDemerara,Guyana.
TAKE NOTICE that within fourteen (14) days from the publicationofthisNoticeyou are hereby required to attend the High Court of the SupremeCourtofJudicature, in Georgetown, Probate Division or the Chambers of MS. SHELLON BOYCE, Attorney-at-Law, Guyana Legal Aid Clinic, “Maraj Building”Lot185Charlotte& KingStreets,Georgetown,
Guyana, in order to sign the Affidavit of Attesting Witness to the Last Will and Testament of SURUJ PERSAUD,deceased,ofLot 1 Section “C” Block “Y” Golden Grove Village, East BankDemerara,Guyana,who died on the 21st November, 2014 at Diamond Diagnostic Hospital, EBD, Guyana, testate, which Will you have witnessed.
Dated at Georgetown, Demerara.This 21st day of July,2026.
REPUBLIC OF GUYANA COUNTY OF DEMERARA LEGAL NOTICE TO ATTESTINGWITNESSES TO:DINDIALPERSAUD,of 56 Covent Gardens, East BankDemerara,Guyana.
TAKE NOTICE that within fourteen (14) days from the publicationofthisNoticeyou are hereby required to attend the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature in Georgetown, Probate Division or the Chambers of MS. SHELLON BOYCE, Attorney-at-Law, Guyana Legal Aid Clinic, “Maraj Building”Lot185Charlotte& King Streets, Georgetown, Guyana, in order to sign the Affidavit of Attesting Witness to the Last Will and Testament of SURUJ PERSAUD, deceased, of Lot 1 Section “C” Block “Y” Golden Grove Village, East BankDemerara,Guyana,who died on the 21st November, 2014 at Diamond Diagnostic Hospital, EBD, Guyana, testate, which Will you have witnessed.
Dated at Georgetown, Demerara.This 21st day of July,2026.
described herein attached. Any person intending to opposethesaidPetitionmust within one month after the dateofthefirstpublicationof thisnoticefileintheRegistry oftheHighCourt,intheCity ofGeorgetown,Noticeofhis/ her Opposition and an Affidavit or Affidavits in Support upon the said Petitioner ThesaidPetitionis accompaniedbyaplanofthe said property, which may be inspected at the Registry during office hours.
SCHEDULE In a matter of Sublot ‘G’, being portion of NorthhalfofLot10,Southof Central Dam of Plantation Klien Pouderoyen situate on the West Bank of Demerara, County of Demerara, Republic of Guyana, the said Sublot ‘G containing an area of 0.0712 (nought decimal nought seven one two) of an acre,beingshownanddefine on a plan by G. Samaroo, Sworn Land Surveyor dated the1st dayofApril,2026and recorded in the Guyana Land and Survey Commission on the16th dayofApril,2026as plan numbered 94917. The address for service of the PetitionerattheChambersof MohamedS.G.F.Khanand Kashir A. Khan Attorneysat-Law of 215 King Street, Lacytown, Georgetown, Demerara.
2026–HC–DEM–CIV–P–INTHEHIGHCOURTOFTHE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICA TURE DECLARATION OF TITLE
BIBIJEANETTEKHANof Sublot ‘B’ of Lot 10 Swan Street, Pouderoyen, West BankDemerara,Guyana has presented a Petition for Declaration of Title by Prescription of the property described herein attached.
Any person intending to opposethesaidPetitionmust within one month after the dateofthefirstpublicationof thisnoticefileintheRegistry oftheHighCourt,intheCity ofGeorgetown,Noticeofhis/ her Opposition and an Affidavit or Affidavits in Support upon the said Petitioner ThesaidPetitionis accompaniedbyaplanofthe said property, which may be inspected at the Registry during office hours.
half of Lot 10, South of Central Dam of Plantation KlienPouderoyensituateon theWestBankofDemerara, County of Demerara, Republic of Guyana, the saidSublot‘B’containingan area of 0.0712 (nought decimal nought seven one two)ofanacre,beingshown and define on a plan by G Samaroo, Sworn Land Surveyor dated the 18t day ofApril, 2026 and recorded in the Guyana Land and Survey Commission on the 16th day of April, 2026 as plannumbered94918. The address for service of the Petitioner at the ChambersofMohamedS.G. F.KhanandKashirA.Khan, Attorneys-at-Law of 215 King Street, Lacytown, Georgetown,Demerara.
2026-HC-DEM-CIV-PINTHEHIGHCOURTHIGH OFTHESUPREMECOURT OF JUDICATURE DECLARATIONOFTITLE
AHMADKHANofsublot‘F’ of Lot 10 Swan Street, Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara, Guyana, has presented a Petition for Declaration of Title by Prescription of the property described herein attached. Any person intending to oppose the said Petition mustwithinonemonthafter the date of the first publicationofthisnoticefile in the Registry of the High Court, in the City of Georgetown, Notice of his/ her Opposition and an Affidavit or Affidavits in Support upon the said Petitioner The said Petition is accompanied by a plan of thesaidproperty,whichmay be inspected at the Registry during office hours.
FIZRODEEN KHAN of Sublot ‘G’ of Lot 10 Swan Street, Pouderoyen, West BankDemerara,Guyana,has presented a Petition for Declaration of Title by Prescription of the property
SCHEDULE In a matter of Sublot ‘B’, being portion of the South half and the North
SCHEDULE In a matter of Sublot ‘F’, being portion of North half of Lot 10, South ofCentralDamofPlantation KlienPouderoyensituateon theWestBankofDemerara, County of Demerara, RepublicofGuyana,thesaid Sublot‘F’containinganarea of 0.0712 (nought decimal noughtsevenonetwo)ofan acre, being shown and define on a plan by G Samaroo, Sworn Land Surveyor dated the 1st day ofApril, 2026 and recorded in the Guyana Land and Survey Commission on the 16hdayofApril,2026asplan numbered 94916. The address for service of the PetitionerattheChambersof MohamedS.G.F.Khanand KashirA.KhanAttorneysat-Law of 215 King Street, Lacytown, Georgetown, Demerara.
LEGALNOTICE LEGALNOTICE
2026-HC-DEM-CIV-P INTHEHIGHCOURTHIGH OFTHESUPREMECOURT OF JUDICATURE DECLARATIONOFTITLE
FAIZIEKHANoflot10Swan Street, Pouderoyen, West BankDemerara,Guyana,has presented a Petition for Declaration of Title by Prescription of the property described herein attached. Any person intending to oppose the said Petition mustwithinonemonthafter the date of the first publicationofthisnoticefile in the Registry of the High Court, in the City of Georgetown, Notice of his/ her Opposition and an Affidavit or Affidavits in Support upon the said Petitioner The said Petition is accompanied by a plan of thesaidproperty,whichmay be inspected at the Registry during office hours.
SCHEDULE In a matter of Sublot ‘E, being portion of theSouthhalfandtheNorth half of Lot 10, South of Central Dam of Plantation KlienPouderoyensituateon theWestBankofDemerara, County of Demerara, RepublicofGuyana,thesaid Sublot‘E’containinganarea of 0.0712 (nought decimal noughtsevenonetwo)ofan acre, being shown and define on a plan by G Samaroo, Sworn Land Surveyor dated the 1st day ofApril, 2026 and recorded in the Guyana Land and Survey Commission on the 16dayofApril,2026asplan numbered 94918. The address for service of the PetitionerattheChambersof MohamedS.G.F.Khanand KashirA.Khan Attorneysat-Law of 215 King Street, Lacytown, Georgetown, Demerara.
fileintheRegistryoftheHigh Court, in the City of Georgetown, Notice of his/ her Opposition and an Affidavit or Affidavits in Support upon the said Petitioner ThesaidPetitionis accompaniedbyaplanofthe said property, which may be inspected at the Registry during office hours.
SCHEDULE In the matter of Sublot ‘C’, being portion of NorthhalfofLot10,Southof Central Dam of Plantation Klien Pouderoyen situate on the West Bank of Demerara, County of Demerara, Republic of Guyana, the said Sublot‘C’containinganarea of 0.0712 (nought decimal nought seven one two) of an acre, being shown and defined on a plan by G Samaroo, Sworn Land Surveyordatedthe1stdayof April,2026andrecordedinthe Guyana Land and Survey Commission on the 16th day of April, 2026 as plan numbered94915.Theaddress forserviceofthePetitioneris attheChambersof Mohamed S.G.F. Khan and Kashir A. Khan, Attorneys-at-Law, of 215 King Street, Lacytown, Georgetown,Demerara.
by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of the Family DivisionoftheHighCourtat Georgetown,Demerarawhere you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents.ANDFURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desiretodefendthisPetition, then upon receipt of the certifiedcopyofthePetition, you must file a Notice of Intention to Defend (forms are available at the Registry) and an Answer in the Registry of the Family DivisionoftheHighCourtat Georgetown,Demerarawithin 35(thirty-five)daysfromthe date of the second and final publication of this Notice.
...Govt.,
–IN THE HIGH COURT OF THESUPREMECOURTOF
JUDICA TURE
DECLARATIONOFTITLE
WAZIR KHAN of Lot 10 Swan Street, Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara, Guyana, has presented a Petition for Declaration of Title by Prescription of the property described herein attached. Any person intending to oppose the said Petition must, within one month after the date of the first publication of this notice,
2025/602-FD-PET-DEM 2026/07/10 09:14 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MA TRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISIONPetitionNo.602 BETWEEN:-(HOPKINSON) LASHAWNA nee KING Petitioner/Applicant -and(HOPKINSON) CARL Respondent NOTICE OF PROCEEDINGSTO:CARL HOPKINSONFormerlyof, Lot144SouthBetterHope, East Coast Demerara, Guyana.TAKENOTICEthat onthe12thdayofJune,2025 aPetitionforDivorcewasfiled againstyoubyLASHAWNA HOPKINSONneeKING,the Petitioner in the Family DivisionoftheHighCourtin Georgetown,Demerara.AND FURTHERTAKENOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 15th day of October, 2025 the Petitioner was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publicationofaNoticeintwo consecutive Saturday issues of Kaieteur News, a daily newspaperprinted,published and circulated in and around Guyanaandontheworldwide web.ANDFURTHERTAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or
TAKE NOTICE that the PetitionisfixedforDirections Hearing on Wednesday, the 2nddayofSeptember,2026 at 9:00 a.m. before the Honourable Madam Joy Persaud-Singh,attheFamily DivisionoftheHighCourt at Georgetown IN DEFAULTof you filing a Notice of Intention to Defend and/or Answer, the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts, Georgetown, Demerara.Theofficeisopen to the public between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Mondays toThursdaysand8:00a.m.to 2:30 p.m. on Fridays, except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed. Dated the 29thdayofJune,2026.
INTHEHIGHCOURTOF THESUPREMECOURTOF
JUDICA TURE
JURISDICTION:FAMILY COURTCASENUMBER: 2026/65-FD-PET-ESS
PARTY’S NAME: ATESA
SANCHAR(nee)
PRAHALAD PARTYTYPE: PETITIONER-and-PARTY’S NAME: RAMESH SANCHAR PARTY TYPE: RESPONDENT TO: RAMESHSANCHAR Last Known Address Lot 494 Parika Façade East Bank Essequibo, Guyana. TAKE NOTICEthatonthe16thday of July, 2026, a Petition for Divorcewasfiledagainstyou by ATESA SANCHAR nee PRAHALAD,thePetitioner in the Family Division of the High Court in Suddie, Essequibo Coast, Guyana. AND FURTHER TAKE
NOTICEthataspartofan
Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark PhillipsconfirmedFridaythat the search for victims of the MVBarimacapsizinghasexpanded, with recovery crews nowcombinganadditional32 square miles stretching west to Waini Point and east to Adventure. Seventeen state assets—threeaircraftand14 maritime vessels — remain engaged around the clock, backed by continuous aerial surveillance.
Divers completed five dives on Friday, each lasting 45 to 60 minutes. One recovered a body from the vessel, bringing the number of bodies found to 73, of whom 69
Order made on the 16th day of July, 2026, the Petitioner wasdirectedtoeffectservice of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive publications on two Saturdays in Kaieteur Newspaper, a daily newspaperofwidecirculation inGuyana,totheRespondent. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorizedagentorAttorneyat-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents circulated inandaroundGuyanaandon the worldwide web. AND IT ISFURTHERORDEREDthat the Respondent be and is herebygrantedthirty-five(35) days after the date of the second and final publication of the said Notice of Petition to file an Acknowledgement ofService,NoticeofIntention to Defend, anAnswer and/or Cross Petition. AND IT IS FURTHERORDEREDthatan Affidavit of Publication sworn to by the Petitioner/ Applicant with copies of the advertisement exhibited thereto be deemed sufficient proof of service of the Petition herein. AND IT IS FURTHERORDEREDthat theDirectionsHearingisfixed forMonday,the19thOctober, 2026at1:15p.m.beforethe HonourableMadamJustice SherdelIsaacs-Marcusatthe EssequiboHighCourt.
have been positively identified. Of those, 63 have been releasedtotheirfamilies,and sixmorearebeingtransported totheirhomecommunitiesfor burial. Twenty-two funerals have been held so far
PMPhillipssaidtheeffort would continue “as long as necessary to ensure that every possible effort is made to account for those affected, with the utmost care, dignity, and respect.”
Diving teams also cut away tarpaulins and debris around the hull to improve access, work Phillips described as serving two purposes: continuing the search and laying groundwork for a possible attempt to right the vessel.
“The water is not only murky, but muddy,” he said, noting visibility remains a major obstacle and that specialists will judge when conditions allow further diving. No additional bodies were spotted during Friday’s dives, but officials cautioned that righting the vessel “may lead to us finding some more bodies.” Several vessels are standing by near the wreck for that next phase, though Phillips stressed no attempt tomovetheferryhasyetbeen made.
Questioned about passenger counts, Phillips reminded that people had boardedtheferrywithoutappearing on its manifest. Using boarding-area surveillance footage, authorities settled on a working total of 179people:76rescuedand73 recovered so far, with the remainderstillbeingreconciled. Officialssayidentifiedvictims will continue to be added to the public list as confirmations come in.
Tombs have been built at Mabaruma and White Water forvictims,includingVenezuelan nationals, and PM Phillips maintained that all burials are being carried out “in keeping with the family’s wishes” and in accordance with religious requirements. That account is contested: Venezuelanrelativessaysome family members were buried inearthengravesagainsttheir explicitwishes.
Built in 1938, the MV Barima was used in the Georgetown-to-PortKaituma route because the newer MV MaLishacouldnotbeaccommodated there. The Prime Minister said the wharf upgradesatPortKaitumameant to handle the Ma Lisha are behind schedule, so that vessel continues to sail only to
Kumaka.Pressedonwhether the construction delay contributed to the deaths, PM Phillips conceded: “The delay has contributed to us not being able to use the MV Ma Lisha to journey from GeorgetowntoPortKaituma.”
Separately, MARAD Director General Captain Stephen Thomas could not explain when or why the Barima’s certified capacity changedfromitsoriginal1938 rating of 120 tons of cargo and 150 passengers, saying only,“Idon’thavethatinformation.” The PM noted that MARADisaregulatorybody distinct from the Transport and Harbours Department, which operates the ferries themselves.
Asked whether safety enforcement had lagged comparedwithpastdisasterssuch astheMahdiadormitoryfire, Phillipssaidbreachesarecorrected once identified and that a forthcoming inquiry would yield recommendations the government intends to act on.
“Enforcingsafetyregulations is always a priority because, as the name implies, it brings some level of confidence and reassurance to the people who are using the facility,”Phillipssaid.“Veryimportant, when there’s any breachordeviationfromregulations, once it comes to our knowledgewearecommitted to correcting those breaches to taking corrective action. The inquiry coming out of this unfortunate incident obviously will not only report but offer recommendations, and I can assure you that we willutilizethoserecommendations and seek to make service better from a standpoint of safety.”
Regarding specialised maritimesupport,PMPhillips confirmedthattheKalliopeN Continued on page 18
(Reuters) - U.S.missilesstruck targets across Iran on Friday and President Donald Trump vowed “major military punishment” for Tehran and its Houthi allies in Yemen, though he once again left open the door to a diplomatic deal withIran.
Twoweeksafterthecollapseof an interim truce meant to end the war, the Iranian armed forces respondedbyfiringatU.S.basesin neighbouring Arab countries and warningpeopletherethattheymay strike non-military used by U.S. personnel.
“Wearetalkingtothem.Ithink they’rebeingserious.Ithink they are being by far the most serious that we’ve seen them, but that doesn’tmeanwegetthere,”Trump toldreportersattheWhiteHouse.
Asked what is the exit strategy for the Iran war, Trump said: “There’s a military exit where we justkeepgoingjustthewayweare, and we can even make it a heavier dose, and it’s knocking out everything they have. Or there’s a smarter strategy that you make a deal.”
But he added: “We’re locked andloaded.We’rereadytogo.”
AftertheHouthissaidtheyhad struck two Saudi tankers on Thursday, Trump said he would hold Iran accountable for any furtherattacksbythefighters.
TheentrancetotheGulfhasso farbeenthefocusofawarthathas killed thousands in almost five months,stokedglobalinflationand fanned fears of an economic downturn.
The Houthis, who control northern‘andwesternYemen,have announced a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, which has diverted millions of barrels of oil each day by pipeline to the Red Sea to skirt Iran’s near-total blockade of the StraitofHormuz.
Several strikes hit Yemen’s Hodeidah port, eyewitnesses said. Houthi-affiliated Al Masirah TV said Saudi Arabia had carried out theattacks.
The U.S. military launched air strikesonIranlateonThursdayand early on Friday, for a 13th consecutive night of attacks, prompting Iran to fire at neighbouring Arab countries that hostU.S.bases.
U S missiles struck a Revolutionary Guards Navy headquartersintheZibaKenararea of the Caspian Sea province of Gilan, according to a security official in Gilan quoted by Iranian media. Provincial authorities said U.S.projectileshadalsostruckthe port city of Bandar Anzali, according to the ILNA news agency
Four people were killed and five injured in a U.S. attack on the Iranian city of Ahvaz, the state broadcasterIRIBsaid.
In a statement carried by Iran’s Fars news agency, the Revolutionary Guards warned the populations of Gulf countries of potential strikes against U S
Smoke rises from an explosion at an unknown location, during what the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) says are strikes on Iranian military targets, in this screengrab taken from a handout video released on 23rd July, 2026. U.S. Central Command/Handout via REUTERS
military personnel who may be using “buildings in cities as locationstodirecttheircrimes”.
Trump toldAxios on Thursday he was considering re-launching major combat against Iran. “They haven’treceivedenoughpainyet,” theU.S.newsoutletquotedhimas saying.
InastatementonX,theIranian health ministry said 59 people had beenkilledand666woundedsince theresumptionofclasheswithU.S. forcesinlateJune.
Iranian media cited the head of ‘s top joint `military command as sayingIranwouldkillamemberof the U.S. forces for every Iranian killed.
The war has killed 18 U.S. service members. The Pentagon said on Monday that 100 service membershadbeeninjuredsince7th Julyand96%havereturnedtoduty Officials have told Reuters that more than 500 U.S. troops have beeninjuredsofar
TheattackontheSauditankers on Thursday in the Red Sea’s Bab el-MandebStraitboostedoilprices 7% to top $100 per barrel for the firsttimesinceMay
However,byaround1600GMT onFriday,Brentfuturesweredown morethan$4toalittleover$96.
Sources said Pakistan was exploring a path towards a resumptionofstalledtalksbetween the U.S. and Iran over ending the war, following a push initiated by China Exploratory discussions took place during a ‘visit by Iran’s InteriorMinisterEskandarMomeni to Islamabad this week — his secondwithinthelast10days,three Pakistanisourcessaid.
Allthreesourcescautionedthat the obstacles to any talks with the U.S.remainedhigh.
Meanwhile, the Houthi attacks forcedseveralothertankerstoturn around and head north through the Suez Canal, potentially using a muchlongerroutetoreachAsiaby sailingaroundAfrica.
Shipping insurance costs through the southern Red Sea doubled for some companies on Thursday,sourcessaid.
Still,halfofthe18shipsexiting Bab el-Mandeb on Thursday were carrying crude ‘oil, including two
Frompage17 was deployed into the operational areaasaplatformtosupportsearch andrecoveryeffortsandhassince returnedtoGeorgetown. He confirmed Cabinet did not meet formally this week because ministers were occupied with search, recovery, and funeral support across the country, and said an independent Commission ofInquirywillbeestablishedonce the active recovery phase winds down,withtermsofreferenceand panel members still being finalised. No foreign nationals have been officially confirmed among the dead, though authorities are checking the residency status of Spanishspeakingvictims. On calls for Public Works Minister Juan Edghill to resign,
Chinese supertankers.The number of tankers crossing through the StraitofHormuzfelltojustoneon Thursday,thelowestsince7thMay
The Iranian army said it had attacked U.S. military equipment depotsatAl-Adiri,officiallynamed Camp Buehring, in northern Kuwait, and the positions of U.S. troopsatCampArifjanandatCamp Doha,nearKuwaitCity
In the early evening, Kuwait said its air defences were intercepting “hostile” targets launchedfromIran.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they ‘had significantly damagedasurveillancetowerused bytheU.S.FifthFleetinBahrain. They also said they had attackedaU.S.barracksandfighter jets in Jordan, and a U.S. barracks and spy balloon as well as Patriot air defences in Erbil in Iraq’s Kurdish region, according to the semi-officialTasnimnewsagency Jordan’s army said it had downedsevenIranianmissilesand six drones, state TV reported, and that the attack had caused no materialdamageorcasualties.
The U.S. embassy in Baghdad saidU.S.citizensintheMiddleEast shouldexercisecautionandremain onheightenedalert.
Phillipssaidthedecisionrestswith President Dr Irfaan Ali, not with him: “I am tasked with prime ministerial duties… That decision lies with Minister Edghill and the PresidentofGuyana.” Herejectedattemptstoreframe the political question around personal faith, emphasising that the situation must be kept strictly withintheframeworkofanational searchandrecoveryoperation.
PM Phillips also pushed back on reports that the Transport and Harbours Department staff connected to the vessel had been fired, saying they were instead placed on administrative leave pending a formal investigation. Policeareinvestigatingseparately, and crew members who tested positive for prohibited substances havebeendetained.
The St Kitts & Nevis
Patriots yesterday announced their overseas player roster ahead of the 2026 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) season, bringing together genuine pace, world-class spin and all-
round international experience as the franchise
builds its squad for the campaignahead.
The overseas signings confirmed for the upcoming campaign are Naseem Shah, Dasun Shanaka, Waqar
Salamkheil, Wanindu Hasaranga and Nikhil Chaudhary
ThePatriots’recruitment for 2026 is headlined by a
potent spin-bowling core and proven pace, giving the squad match-winning options with the ball across everyphaseoftheinnings.
Naseem Shah brings g e n u i n e p a c e a n d international pedigree to the new-ball attack. One of the fastest bowlers to emerge from Pakistan in recent
years, he has been a consistent wicket-taker acrossformatssincemaking his international debut as a teenager.Dasun Shanaka adds proven leadership and all-round experience to the middleorder TheformerSri Lanka captain is a dependablefinisherwiththe batandahandypaceoption, having led his side through multipleICCevents.
ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)
Today is a very powerful day for you, Aries. You may find yourself going to extremes in certain areas of your life, especially when it comes to yourromanticnature.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)
Youmaynotunderstandwhat all the fuss is about today, Taurus.Suddenlythere'safire burning all around and you may be left questioning the motivations behind others' actions.
GEMINI(May21–June20)
Get your broom out of the closet today Your job is to brush away the cobwebs from the corners of your emotional b e d r o o m U s e t h e transformative energy of the daytosaygoodbyetostaleand unsatisfactoryrelationships.
CANCER(June21–July22)
There may be a great deal of charge in your battery today, butyoucouldbeunsureabout where to put all this energy Get up and do some exercise. Giveyourbodytheworkoutit needs. Remember what it's liketosweat.
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
Let your love light shine today, Leo. There's a great deal of passion in your heart thatneedstobeexpressed.Let your romantic nature take the reins, and allow your creative naturetoblossom.
VIRGO(Aug 23–Sept 22)
People might be a bit argumentative when it comes toromanticissuestoday Your instincts could be telling you to restrain yourself and hold back, while the prevailing windsareurgingyoutostrike outfornewground.
LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)
Considergoingonatripwitha closelovedone,Libra.Alongterm break from the current reality may be just the thing neededtoinfuseanewblastof romanceintoyourlife.
SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)
Today is one of those days in which if you want love, you need to go out and get it, Scorpio.Don'twasteyourtime sittingathomeandsulking.Be adventuresome and take that firststep.
SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)
Things should flow extremely wellforyoutoday,Sagittarius, especially when it comes to anything having to do with loveandbeauty Throwaparty, or at least invite some close friendsoverfordinner
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)
You might have to do a bit of adjusting today in order to experience a harmonious understanding with the people around you, Capricorn. Adopt a feistier and more aggressive attitude toward love and romanceifyouwanttoreceive anyattentioninthatarea.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)
Yourlovelifeisakaleidoscope of shapes and colors today, Aquarius, full of complicated patterns and ever-changing displays of beauty A new perspective is revealed everywhereyouturn.
PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)
Turn up your aggressive nature regarding your romantic life
Youmayfindthatasmallspark isallthat'sneededtorekindlea smoldering fire You may be going through a period of transformation right now when itcomestothisareaofyourlife
Waqar Salamkheil joins thePatriots’spinattackasan unorthodox left-arm wristspinner who has become a regular across global franchise leagues, including previous CPLstints, the IPL andMajorLeagueCricket.
Wanindu Hasaranga roundsoutaformidablespin department, the Sri Lankan leg-spinning all-rounder having established himself as one of the most feared bowlers in world T20 cricket, capable of also contributing lower-order runs.
Nikhil Chaudhary completes the overseas quintet, the batting allrounderhavingmadehistory as the first India-born male cricketer in 60 years to represent Australia at international level, after building his career through Australian domestic cricket with Tasmania and the HobartHurricanes.
Combinedwithacoreof West Indian talent led by Jason Holder, Johnson Charles, Kyle Mayers and AndreFletcher,thisoverseas group gives the Patriots a well-rounded squad across pace, spin and batting depth aheadofthe2026campaign.
Frompage22 up absorbing clashes in recent history, especially in the Caribbean. West Indies’ one-wicketvictoryin2021is oneofthegreatTestmatches thisdecade,whilePakistan’s Yasir-Shah-inspired 2-1 win indyinglightin2017capped off a series whose drama made up for its relative modestyofquality
Four of the last seven series between these two teamshaveendedupdrawn, and while West Indies and Pakistan don’t challenge the very best anymore, they certainly challenge each otherrightdowntothewire.
The President, Executive and members of the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation(GAPLF)havejoinedtherestof GuyanaincelebratingthelifeofthelateDr Ian McDonald, one of Guyana’s distinguished sons in sports and the literary arts.
Dr McDonald, who was named Sportsman of the Year in 1957 jointly with anotherdistinguishedGuyanese,Athleteand Trade Unionist George DePeana, passed awayinCanada,wherehewasresiding.
Hisaccomplishmentsinthesportsarena are well-documented Besides being a lifelong cricket lover, writer, and author, he alsoservedasamemberoftheCommitteeon the Governance of West Indies Cricket in 2008, alongside members PJ Patterson and AlisterMcIntyre.Additionally,heplayedat Wimbledonin1952,1953,1954,and1959.
He captained Guyana for many years, including winning the Brandon Trophy in 1957,thesameyearhecapturedtheSingles andDoubleschampionships.
Dr McDonald was the West Indies Captain in the Davis Cup in the late 1950s andplayedcompetitivelyuntil1985.Healso served the sport administratively in the 1960s and 70s as Secretary of the British LawnTennisAssociation.
Thisdistinguishedsonofthesoil,bornin Trinidad and Tobago, introduced Squash to
Guyana along with Edgar Readwin at the Georgetown Club in the late 1960s and represented the Golden Arrowhead in the 1970s.
Dr McDonald’s legacy in sport will continue to live on through one of his sons, Jamie McDonald, Owner and Manager of Fitness Express and Jamie’s daughter, national squash player Zoey McDonald, who just won the silver medal at the Caribbean Area Squash Association Junior Championships held in the British Virgin Islands.
May Dr Ian McDonald’s soul find eternalrestinthearmsoftheAlmighty
The Guyana Olympic Association
(GOA) has announced the selection of Arun Singh (Athlete Archery),TesiannaHarris(AthleteAthletics) andCrystalPersaud(ChaperoneAthletics)to representGuyanaattheOlympicSolidaritysupported 2026 Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Youth Camp, which will be held from 23–28 August 2026 at the Tropical PleasureResort,Plymouth,Tobago.
Arun Singh and Tesianna Harris will attend as Guyana’s youth participants, while CrystalPersaudhasbeenselectedtoserveas theteam’schaperone.
TheTrinidadandTobagoOlympicYouth CampisoneoftheCaribbean’spremieryouth development initiatives and has been successfully delivered for more than two decades Supported through Olympic Solidarity, the programme seeks to inspire and empower young people through sport while promoting the core Olympic values of Excellence,Respect,andFriendship.
The week-long camp provides participants with a unique opportunity to engage in leadership development, Olympic education, cultural exchange, team-building activities, and personal growth, while fostering lasting friendships with young athletesfromNationalOlympicCommittees acrosstheCaribbean.
The 2026 edition will bring together participants from throughout the region, strengthening collaboration among Caribbean National Olympic Committees whilehelpingtodevelopthenextgeneration
of athletes, leaders, and ambassadors for the OlympicMovement.
Participants were selected based on their demonstrated commitment to sport, leadership potential, teamwork, and willingness to embrace and exemplify the Olympic values both on and off the field of play Chaperones are expected to serve as positive role models who are responsible, enthusiastic,open-minded,andcommittedto supporting the development and well-being ofyoungathletes.
GOA President Godfrey Munroe and executive committee wish congratulate the three nominated representatives on their selection.
“TheOlympicYouthCampismuchmore than a sporting programme It is an investment in developing future leaders for sportandsociety WearedelightedthatArun, Tesianna, and Crystal will have this opportunity to learn, grow, and build friendships with young people from across the Caribbean while proudly representing GuyanaandtheOlympicvalues.”
The Guyana Olympic Association also expressed its appreciation to Olympic Solidarity and the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee for their continued commitment to youth development and regional cooperation through the Olympic Movement..
The GOA wishes Arun Singh, Tesianna Harris,andCrystalPersaudeverysuccessas they prepare to represent Guyana at this prestigiousregionalyouthcamp.
The Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club on Wednesday last, hosted a Day of Sportsinobservationofthe40thanniversary of its founder, the St. Francis Community DevelopersattheArea‘H’Ground.Theday activities included a special 20/20 cricket match between the Rose Hall Town Pepsi Under19 team and their CottonTree Cricket Club counterpart, a football match, athletics events and numerous fun events like sack race, tug of war, eating race, Musical chairs andlimeandspoonamongothers.
The visiting Cotton Tree team won the toss in brilliant sunlight and elected to bat first.Theywereneverallowedtoscorefreely asthehometeambowlingattackkeptthemin check. Theywerebowledoutforameagre56 runs in 17 overs with only R. Sarjoo 14, R. Dhanessar 12 and C. Baldeo 11 reaching doublefigures.NationaljuniorplayersRaffel McKenzie2for13,JaydenCampbelle2for1, and Leon Reddy 3 for 4 were the main destroyers. They received support from Berbice Under 19 player Asif Marimuthoo who took two wickets for no run in his only over
Needing to score 57 runs from 20 overs, thehometeamreached60for3fromtwelve overswithMatthewPottaya14,LeonReddy 16notoutandNicholasCameron10notout been the principal scorers Christopher Baldeo 1 for 3 and Simeon Soffor 2 for 10 wereCottonTreemainbowlersinthelosing cause. Leon Reddi was declared man of the match for his brilliant allround performance and received a trophy. The Rose Hall Town PepsiteamcarriedhometheST.Francis40th Anniversary Trophy while the visitor receivedtherunneruptrophy
The St. Francis Community Developers formerly the ST Francis Xavier Roman CatholicYouthClubiscurrentlyobservingits 40thanniversary TheGroup,whichhaswon threeCommonwealthYouthServiceAwards, founded the Rose Hall Town Youth and SportsClubin1990.TheRHTYSChassince goneontowin134CricketTournamentsatall levels while producing 133 players for Berbice, 76 for Guyana and 13 international players.
Archery Guyana’s athletes Devin Permaul and Roshini Boodhoo, who will represent Guyana in archery at the XXV Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games as part of the Guyana Olympic Association’snationaldelegation,havebeen accompanied by National Head Coach Ryan McKinnon.
The Central American and Caribbean Games remain one of the oldest and most prestigiousregionalmulti-sporteventsinthe world,bringingtogethertheCaribbean’sand Central America’s finest athletes in a celebrationofsportingexcellence,unityand friendship For Guyana’s archers, qualificationtocompeteatthislevelreflects dedication, disciplined training and unwavering commitment to representing the GoldenArrowheadwithpride.
Archery Guyana extends its sincere appreciationtothePresidentGodfreyMunroe and the executive committee of the Guyana Olympic Association for its continued leadership and support in facilitating the participationofTeamGuyanaattheseGames The Federation also acknowledges the guidance of Chef-de-Mission Kenisha HeadleyandDeputyChefRogerCallenderfor their commitment to ensuring that Guyana’s
athletes are afforded the opportunity to competeontheregionalstage.
President Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, on behalf of Archery Guyana, stated “Representing Guyana at the Central American and Caribbean Games is a tremendous achievement and an honour earned through commitment, perseverance and hard work. Devin and Roshini have demonstrated exceptional dedication throughout their preparation, and we are immenselyproudofthem.Wealsocommend CoachRyanMcKinnonforhistirelessefforts in developing our athletes. We know Team Guyana will wear the Golden Arrowhead with pride and exemplify the values of excellence,respectandsportsmanship.”
TheAssociationencouragesallGuyanese to rally behind Devin Permaul and Roshini Boodhooastheytaketothecompetitionfield and proudly represent Guyana at the CAC Games Archery Guyana wishes Team Guyana every success and looks forward to celebrating their performances throughout theGames.AttachedisaphotooftheArchery delegationatthearcheryvenueattheOfficial Practiceyesterday Today,Qualificationswill be held for the archers in Recurve Men and RecurveWomen.
It’s hard to believe this now about the 1980s, but like cassette tapes, smoking on airplanes, and mullets, West Indies against Pakistan in Test cricket was actually considered cool. These two sides were as closetomust-watchasTestcricketwasinthat decade,thebestplayerscompetinginsomeof themosticonicseries.Butthe80smovedon and left a lot of things behind in their wake, including, in a lot of ways, West Indies and Pakistancricket.
Thirty-eight years on from the greatest series between these sides, West Indies and PakistantakeeachotheronintheCaribbean again.Thistime,it’sabasementbattlerather than a championship clash; these two sides arethetwolowest-rankedsidesinthecurrent World Test Championship cycle, with West IndiesnarrowlyaheadofPakistanoneighth. Pakistan have lost 12 of their last 16 Tests, whileWestIndieshavewonjustoneoftheir previousten.Itisasustainedrotratherthana snapshot; in the last cycle, too, West Indies and Pakistan finished eighth and ninth, respectively
For the hosts, this represents a rare opportunity to put points on the board in a serieswheretheyareclear,ifnotnecessarily outright,favourites.WestIndieshavebuiltup a deceptively good repertoire of seam bowlers, even if it has not necessarily reflected in their Test results of late. Their paceattackisonethat,withShamarJoseph’s blistering pace, Jayden Seales’ impressive record against Pakistan, and Kemar Roach’s agelessness, should withstand the blow of AlzarriJoseph’sunavailability
Thehostscomeintotheserieswithasolid homewinoverSriLanka,onethat,withAmir
Jangoo’sdouble-hundred,offerstheprospect of batting talent that may scale up to the internationalstage.Thequalityofthebatting orderiscomparable,atleasttoPakistan’s,and withJomelWarricanandRostonChase,West Indies should be able to match Pakistan for spinshouldthepitchesleanthatway
The headline for Pakistan is a little more rearrangingofthedeckchairs.ShanMasood is out as captain after a miserable 30-month stint,withBabarAzamretakingthearmband initially taken off him. Whether that can overhaul the more tangible aspects of Pakistan’s Test decline remains to be seen; muchoftheirTestsidehasnotseenmuchof anoverhaulinthattime.Itmaynotbeahuge surprisetofindthesamepeoplethrowingup thesameresults.
AamerJamal’sreturnisapointofinterest for a Pakistan side in search of a two-in-one cricketer of the kind Faheem Ashraf ultimatelyfailedtobeinTestcricket.Aseambowlingallrounderwithaseriescomingupin Englandnextmonth,Jamalathisbestoffers Pakistan balance in the lower order That should especially come in handy when they’re unsure of the best bowling combination, as, perhaps, is the case with a Test on a ground that has never seen Test cricketbefore.
The Brian Lara Cricket Academy in TaroubawillmakeitsdebutonSaturdaywith this game, and though there is a vague expectation it might favour slower bowling, having that seam-bowling allrounder to hedgewithisacosypositiontobein.
While these may not be vintage West IndiesandPakistansides,theyhavethrown Continued on page 21
Lahore Qalandars maintained their unbeaten start to the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League, defeating the Desert Vipers by 38 runs at the Guyana National StadiumonFriday
Driven by a late-over rescue act from Michael Bracewell and Parvez Hossain Emon, the Qalandars set a formidable 176 before leg-spinner Usama Mir tore through theVipers’middleordertosealthecontest.
Having won the toss and elected to bat, theQalandarsstumbledearly
Left-armspinnerKharyPierre(2for14) struck vital blows in a highly economical three-over spell, holding onto a return catch to dismiss Abdullah Shafique (8) shortly after Shamyl Hussain (9) had holed out to mid-off.
Opener Shayan Jahangir (28) and the aggressive Farhan Yousaf (22)—fresh off a record-breaking half-century in the tournament opener against the Perth Scorchers—provided brief stability, but the Qalandarsstillfoundthemselvesawkwardly placedmidwaythroughtheinnings.
Theturnaroundcameviaablistering83run fifth-wicket stand between Qalandars skipper Bracewell and Emon as the pair needed just 37 deliveries to shift the momentum, punishing the Vipers’ death bowling. Bracewell blasted an unbeaten 49, clearingtheropesthreetimesalongsidefour boundaries, while Emon matched the intensity with a 33-ball 47 (3x4, 3x6) to
propelthescoretoacompetitive176for4.
In response, the Vipers started brightly Kyle Mayers (30) and Andries Gous laid a solidfoundation,puttingona70-runopening stand that extended just beyond the powerplay
Gous looked in command, striking a fluent 56 laced with seven boundaries and twosixes.
However, once the opening pair was separated, the Vipers’ chase dramatically unravelled.Mirwasthechiefarchitectofthe collapse,rippingthroughthemiddleorderto finish with outstanding figures of 4 for 23 fromhisfourovers.
He bowled Saiteja Makkamalla for a duck and stifled the scoring rate as the requiredrunrateclimbed.
Rilee Rossouw fell for 9, and while the Vipers’ skipper managed a battling 13, the lower order folded quickly under pressure, underscoredbyBevonJacobsdepartingfora goldenduck.
Mir was expertly supported by Mehran Mumtaz (2 for 28) and Shahab Khan, who deliveredatightthree-overspellof2for16.
Theinningsconcludedonthefinalballof the20thoverwhenRaymondSimmonswas trappedlbw,leavingtheVipers38runsshort at138allout.
The five-team tournament continues on Saturday evening as the Vipers face defending champions Guyana Amazon Warriorsfrom7:00pm.
ByRawleToneyin Glasgow,Scotland
TravisBelgravedelivereda moment of history for GuyanaonFriday,sinking the game-winning basket as the nationalmen’s3x3teamdefeatedthe CaymanIslands21-17toregisterthe country’s first-ever victory in 3x3 basketball at the Commonwealth Games.
Thewincameafterachallenging starttoGuyana’sdebutappearancein the event, with the team opening its campaign in a 21-14 defeat to hosts Scotlandbeforesufferinga21-3loss toNewZealand.
Needing a positive response in their final match of the opening day, the quartet of Anish Ramlall, Travis Belgrave, Christian Hinckson and Kevin Mickle rose to the occasion with a composed performance to securethelandmarkwin.
Ramlall, who endured a difficult outingagainstNewZealand,bounced back in impressive fashion, leading allGuyanascorerswithninepoints.
Belgrave added seven points, including the decisive basket that sealedthevictory Mickle continued his solid debut
at the Commonwealth Games, contributing four points while playing a key role on the defensive end, controlling the boards and helping Guyana limit the Cayman I
opportunities.
Hinckson also played an important supporting role as Guyana maintained its composure in the closingstages.
The victory marks a significant milestone for Guyana, which is makingitsfirstappearanceinthe3x3 basketball competition at the CommonwealthGames.
Guyana will return to action on Sunday to conclude the group stage with matches against Nigeria and Australia as they continue their pursuit of a place in the knockout rounds.
Federation pays tribute to esteemed, fallen Guyanese sportsman extraordinaire, Dr. Ian McDonald Travis Belgrave’s game-winner hands Guyana historic first Commonwealth Games 3x3 victory
Anish Ramlall goes to the basket to score against the Cayman Islands at the Commonwealth Games. (Getty Images)
Mir and Bracewell secure second straight win for Lahore Qalandars
