…urges
Vision outlined for developing Guyana as Region’s premier health tourism hub US
APNU candidate blames Private Sector for APNU/ AFC failures during 2015-2020
PPP/C to scrap common external tariffs on sanitary products, diapers for babies, elderly
Fleeing driver arrested at DHB hours after fatal hit and run
3 Police Stations commissioned in Region 7
Security guard remanded for fatal shooting of Cuban national …says “this is our
…Secretary of State condemns Venezuela’s Maduro regime as “a criminal enterprise” …Guyana supports US operations to curb drug trafficking in the Region
The United States has begun deploying naval and air forces to the Caribbean as part of a renewed crackdown on drug cartels and designated narco-terrorist organisations operating in the Western Hemisphere.
Washington has framed the move as both a counter-narcotics mission and a strategic security operation, with senior officials warning that criminal networks are using the Region’s air and sea corridors to funnel drugs
into the US.
Speaking at a recent briefing, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasised that these groups –some of which operate in international waters and airspace – pose a direct threat to American lives and security.
“There are designated narco-terrorist groups operating in the region, some of them utilising international airspace and international waters to transit poison into the United States, and those
groups will be confronted,” he stated. “The President’s made that clear from the time he operated.”
Rubio singled out Venezuela’s so-called Cartel of the Suns (Cartel de los Soles), describing it not as a legitimate governing authority but as “a criminal organisation masquerading as a Government.”
He asserted that the Nicolás Maduro regime has effectively turned the Venezuelan state into a criminal enterprise, using its control of national territory to facilitate illicit trafficking and threaten regional stability.
“The Maduro regime is not a Government. We’ve never recognised them as such. They are a criminal enterprise that basically has taken control of the national territory of a country,” Rubio said. “By the way, they are also threatening US oil companies that are operating lawfully in Guyana. So, the President’s been very firm –anything that’s a threat to the national security of the United States, he’s going to confront.”
Guyana’s support Meanwhile, Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo has declared Guyana’s support for the US’s decision to deploy air and naval forces to the Southern Caribbean Sea to counter the activities of powerful Latin American drug cartels, describing the move as a welcome step in the ongoing fight against narcotics trafficking.
Speaking at his weekly press briefing, Jagdeo said the US position on combating drug trafficking is consistent with longstanding American policy, noting that President Donald Trump had made it clear during his campaign and in office that drug smuggling into the United States would be met with “serious consequences.” He recalled that Trump has also engaged with Canada and Mexico on the matter and even threatened additional tariffs in response to the flow of fentanyl into the US
“I don’t see anything unusual in them deploying assets in the region to prevent drug traffickers from getting into the United States of America,” Jagdeo stated. “In fact, we welcome it, because we work in collaboration with them to stop this.”
The VP’s remarks came against the backdrop of confirmation from two sources, speaking to Reuters, that the Pentagon has begun ordering the deployment of US air and naval forces to the Southern Caribbean Sea. The operation is aimed at targeting specially designated narco-terrorist organisations, which Washington views as a direct threat to US national security.
President Trump has made cracking down on drug cartels a central plank of his administration’s security strategy, tying it to broader efforts to limit illegal migration and strengthen border security.
In February, the Trump administration formally designated several groups – including Mexico’s notorious Sinaloa Cartel, other Latin American criminal networks, and Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang – as global terrorist organisations.
US forces have already increased airborne surveillance over Mexican drug cartels to gather intelligence on trafficking operations, while at least two warships have been deployed in recent months in support of anti-drug and border security efforts.
The Southern Caribbean deployment represents an expansion of these measures, intended to disrupt trafficking routes that pass through or near Caribbean waters.
Guyana has for years worked closely with the US on counter-narcotics operations, including joint maritime patrols, intelligence sharing, and capacity-building for local law enforcement.
Jagdeo’s comments signal that the administration views the US presence in the region as complementary to Guyana’s own efforts to combat the transhipment of drugs through its territory and waters.
“But the US has made it clear that anyone involved in drug trafficking or as a threat – that they see drug trafficking as a threat to the United States of America – that anyone involved in it would face serious consequences. And they made it clear, President Trump, on his campaign trail, that he's going to do all that it takes to stop drugs flowing into the United States of America.”
“In fact, we welcome it because we work in collaboration with them to stop this,” he added.
The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce is urging the public and media to disregard recently circulated Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated videos falsely claiming that major airlines have suspended operations to Guyana.
These claims are entirely untrue, the Ministry declared in a statement on Thursday.
Guyana’s airlift remains strong, with all scheduled airlines continuing their regular service. No airline has
“pulled out” of Guyana, it stated.
According to the release, the country has in fact seen consistent growth in arrivals. In a release issued on August 10, the Ministry confirmed that Guyana recorded 242,655 visitor arrivals between January and July 2025, an 18 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024.
The Ministry stressed that the videos in question were fabricated using AI and did not reflect the reality of
Guyana’s tourism and aviation landscape.
Guyana continues to benefit from steady airline partnerships, ongoing route development, and strong interest from regional and international markets, it added.
The Ministry remains committed to transparency and encourages travellers to rely on official sources for accurate information about travelling to and from Guyana, its statement concluded.
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, August 15 – 20:55h–22:25h and Saturday, August 16 –22:00h–23:30h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, August 15 –08:30h–10:00h and Saturday, August 16 – 09:30h–11:00h.
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
Thundery showers are expected during the day and cloudy skies with sporadic showers are expected at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.
Winds: North-Easterly to East South-Easterly between 0.89 metre and 2.23 metres.
High Tide: 08:46h and 21:04h reaching maximum heights of 2.48 metres and 2.50 metres.
Low Tide: 14:36h reaching a minimum height of 0.80 metre.
In the next five years, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government intends to spend over $870 billion to construct turnkey homes and open up new lands for house lots.
This is according to President Dr Irfaan Ali on Thursday evening while addressing the opening ceremony of the International Building Expo 2025 at the Guyana National Stadium tarmac.
According to the Head of State, over the last five years, the PPP/C Administration was focused on delivering on its 2020 promise of distributing 50,000 house lots, which it has already surpassed, with the majority of these allocations going towards the young population – that is, persons below the age of 35.
In the next five years, the Ali-led Government will shift its focus from land ownership to homeownership. This will see direct support and the transfer of resources to families to build their homes as well as rehabilitate and extend existing homes.
In fact, President Ali dis-
not about driving around in a fancy car. This is careful planning… This is about precision. This is about continuous work around the clock.”
“So, whilst we are talking about 30,000 homes, we also have to develop 20,000 acres of land. When you add the two together… you get an investment of $870 billion –only for housing in the next five years,” he stated.
The Guyanese leader noted that his Government has already empowered locally-owned small, medium and large contractors who
will continue to benefit from these projects in the next term.
Savings
Over the past five years, the Government’s aggressive housing drive saw the allocation of nearly 53,000 residential house lots, along with 5000 commercial and industrial lots, with more than 21,000 leases, titles, and land transports processed.
Additionally, the current administration has already rolled out a number of initiatives to bring relief to
closed that the PPP/C plans to construct at least 30,000 homes over the next five years. With these homes costing an average of $15 million each, this will see a total investment of some $450 billion to be spent solely on the construction of homes and the creation of some 150,000 jobs.
“Your next Government will enable the construction of, at a minimum, these 30,000 homes, creating 150,000 jobs, an investment of more than $450 billion, and delivering 16 homes per day,” Ali declared.
While these homes will be built for persons who have already been allocated their house lots, the President disclosed that there are still almost 80,000 applications pending in the system. This, he explained, would require the development of some 20,000 acres of land – an investment of another $420 billion.
“That is the development that we must invest in to satisfy these additional 80,000 lots that are required. Now, that gives you an understanding of the scale of this undertaking. This is
Guyanese and make homeownership easier. The Government’s intervention has seen commercial banks lowering their interest rates – something that has resulted in billions of dollars in savings for citizens.
Mortgage interest rate cuts saw low-income families who took out a $4 million loan save almost $4 billion collectively in interest rates, while those with the $9 million loan saved nearly half on their interest payments, and for the high- and middle-income loans at $30 million, savings are pegged at some $40 billion.
“When you look at $40 billion plus the low-income savings, it is $43.8 billion that we give you back directly in your pockets in interest rate savings as a result of the policies of the Government,” the President outlined.
Further, he noted that under the PPP/C, non-performing loans in the housing sector moved from 11 per cent in 2020 to now less than two per cent. In addition, commercial and residential mortgages grew by 90 per cent from $136 billion to $258 billion, while lending to the construction sector more than doubled from $9.2 billion to $22.2 billion during this period – all of this demonstrating confidence in the local economy, the housing sector and the construction sector.
“There is no other economy of scale, by per capita, that can speak to this level of success in the construction sector…[and] this level of success in the housing sector,” President Ali declared.
Editor: Tusika Martin
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Access to essential sanitary products remains a critical issue with profound social and economic implications. In a recent clarification, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo outlined the Government’s intention to remove Common External Tariffs (CET) on female sanitary products along with baby and adult diapers. This policy move represents an important step forward in advancing public health, gender equity, and social welfare.
While the removal of VAT on female sanitary products was an important initial measure, the retention of tariffs on imported supplies continued to impact affordability for many women and girls. These tariffs, though seemingly minor in individual transactions, collectively contributed to higher prices in the retail market, disproportionately affecting low-income households. By seeking to remove these tariffs, the Government is tackling one of the key structural barriers that prevent equitable access to menstrual hygiene products. This initiative aligns with a broader recognition that menstrual health is not merely a personal concern but a societal issue, closely linked to education, employment, and overall well-being.
The positive implications for women and girls are immediate and tangible. Affordability of sanitary products enables regular use without financial strain, thereby reducing health risks such as infections and complications arising from inadequate menstrual hygiene. More critically, easier access ensures that girls do not miss school during menstruation, which historically has contributed to higher absenteeism rates and interrupted education. For women in the workforce, consistent access prevents disruptions in employment, reinforcing economic participation and independence. By removing tariffs, the state is effectively investing in human capital, strengthening the conditions for educational attainment and workforce productivity.
Beyond the sphere of menstrual health, the proposed tariff removal extends to diapers for both infants and elderly persons. This aspect of the policy has far-reaching social benefits. Families with young children or elderly dependants often face substantial costs for diapers, which are essential for hygiene and dignity. For pensioners and other senior citizens with limited mobility or health challenges, access to affordable diapers supports quality of life, reduces carer burden, and promotes health outcomes by mitigating risks of infections and skin conditions. Such measures demonstrate a holistic approach to social welfare, acknowledging that sanitary products are not solely a women’s issue but a broader public health concern.
Moreover, the planned removal of tariffs requires engagement with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), reflecting a commitment to regional cooperation and economic integration. By navigating the necessary diplomatic and trade mechanisms, the administration will be demonstrating foresight and pragmatism, ensuring that policy reforms are both sustainable and aligned with international trade obligations. Successful removal of these tariffs will serve as a model for other countries in the region, reinforcing Guyana’s role as a leader in progressive public health policy.
The broader social and economic dividends of this initiative extend beyond immediate affordability. Improved access to sanitary products reduces absenteeism, promotes educational continuity, and enhances workforce participation, thereby contributing to the national economy. For families, reduced financial pressure associated with purchasing diapers alleviates household strain, freeing resources for nutrition, healthcare, and other essential expenditures. Collectively, these measures strengthen family resilience, foster gender equality, and support the well-being of vulnerable populations.
It is important to recognise that such reforms carry symbolic weight. Removing financial barriers to essential sanitary items signals that the Government prioritises human dignity, equity, and inclusion.
By expanding access to menstrual hygiene products and essential care items such as diapers, the Government is fostering public health, supporting educational and economic outcomes, and enhancing the quality of life for families with children and elderly dependants. This comprehensive approach to social welfare underscores the interconnections between health, gender equity, and economic development and positions Guyana as a nation responsive to the practical needs of its citizens.
As thousands more teenagers scramble for university places, I have to ask – why?
AChinese economist once asked me to explain British universities. "Why do you take your young," he said, "at their most creative age, lock them in a monastery for three years and make them drunk?" Each August I recall this question when hundreds of thousands of British teenagers scramble to enter university. They must perform utterly archaic feats of memory in their exams and then embark on an academic experience that has almost nothing to do with real life. Their reward may be a higher income, but perhaps not higher than their innate ability would have gained them anyway.
England's present university system is in a terrible mess, chronically in need of a royal commission. Between 1997 and 2010, university student numbers increased by 68 per cent. Then, under the coalition government, universities were offered £9000 a year for each of an unlimited number of students. It was an open invitation to lower standards and increase overcrowding.
Some cities found themselves with two, if not three, universities, with multiple campuses, student residences and overheads to match. The waste was ludicrous. Their vice-chancellors received crazy sums. The average for the Russell Group is now £400,000.
The government supposedly recouped the cost
of all this by treating fees and maintenance grants as borrowed. This allowed university extravagance to appear not as public spending but as debt, on the thesis that the students would repay it with interest one day. Until recently no more than a quarter of graduates were expected to fully repay their loans - small wonder, as they averaged £50,000 a head.
The accumulated student debt is enormous. It has reached more than £250bn and is said to be heading for £500bn by the late 2040s. Quite why higher education should be so privileged as not to count as current spending has never been clear. As with HS2, the Treasury likes to treat certain sorts of posh spending as "investment" rather than hard cash.
The reliance on fees from overseas studentsnow covering nearly a quarter of university incomecaused the present crisis. As this income has fallen, in part through recent immigration and visa changes, 40 per cent of England's universities are set to be in financial deficit. Jobs and courses are being cut back.
Meanwhile, every bit of news out of the university sector seems grim. Employers are disregarding not just classes of degree but degrees at all. It is 10 years since the large accountancy firm EY started disregarding A-levels and degree classes in recruitment, while PwC said it would rely on aptitude and behaviour tests. I know of
no job that ever depends on a class of degree. The Office for National Statistics records that more than a quarter of graduates in England are now in medium- or lowskilled jobs. Another survey shows the graduate "premium" is plummeting. This is not just a British issue. Across the US and the EU, graduate unemployment is almost on a par with non-graduate.
Students seem miserable. The two-thirds who leave home to go to college report soaring mental illness, with 90 per cent suffering from loneliness.
The Boston Consulting Group last year found ex-students the fastest group of young people going straight into long-term sickness. The solution is glaring: cut back. The thesis that university courses require a minimum of three years, each with barely six months of teaching, is absurd. For most courses, two years should be enough, as the former universities minister, Jo Johnson, has proposed. The number of institutions claiming fully-fledged university status should be slashed. The practice of almost every city hosting two universities - or 40 in London - should end in a mass of mergers. There should be a return to vocational colleges, with an emphasis on contact with local employment.
This was proposed by James Dyson in setting up just such a college in Wiltshire, the Dyson Institute, in 2017.
Another, the New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering in Herefordshire, was started by the Tory MP Jesse Norman. It is simply absurd that a large number of graduates should be doing work supposedly not requiring a degree, and yet the welfare state is chronically short of trained medical and care staff. This is a serious failure of education planning.
Higher education should be free at the point of use; not, as now, free only to those whose parents can pay their fees upfront. But those completing a university course should repay the privilege with a modestly higher rate of tax throughout their working life. Loans should cover only maintenance.
Of course, university is not just a preparation for work, even if for 18-yearolds that is the primary issue at hand. A university is more than a start in life. It is also an experience of liberal education that goes far beyond the young who are its current beneficiaries.
A true university should promote breadth of thought and freedom of speech to old as well as young. It should not turn in on itself as its resources shrink. It should make its courses and work accessible to people beyond its walls and across the community. Universities are costing us dear. We should not feel they are wasted on the young. (The Guardian) (Simon Jenkins is a Guardian columnist)
Dear Editor, I refer to the letter by Mr Ubraj Narine dated August 7th, 2025, in which he defended APNU’s refusal to sign the Ethnic Relations Commission’s (ERC) Code of Conduct for the 2025 elections. Far from being a principled stand, this refusal once again reveals APNU’s true intentions for the election period and the days after.
On August 3rd, 2025, a video featuring Mr Aubrey Norton was widely circulated on social media via his public Facebook page. In the video, he stated that he told the European Union observers that if the PPP rig the elections, “they won’t like the outcome.” He also sought to promote the false narrative that the only way the PPP could win is through rigging. This is not a matter of suspicion or debate; it is a deliberate political strategy aimed at undermining the credibility of the elections and setting the stage for APNU to reject the results. APNU knows that a PPP victory in 2025 is imminent. After watching that video, it becomes even clearer why APNU would not commit to the Code of Conduct, as they are already preparing to reject the results and cause unrest.
The refusal to sign the Code of Conduct is therefore not about distrust of the ERC, as Mr Narine tries to convey. It is about APNU avoiding a public commitment to peace, respect for the law, and acceptance of the democratic process.
This is the same kind of pre-election posture that in the past led to the destruction of property, the intimidation of communities, and the division of our society under the PNC, now APNU
banner. International observer missions are already in Guyana in large numbers, and they are well aware of the history of political unrest instigated when APNU does not get the electoral outcome it wants.
Mr Norton’s words in the August 3rd, 2025 video are not the language of unity. When Ubraj Narine says he supports APNU’s refusal to sign the Code of Conduct, it aligns him fully with Mr Norton’s destabilising approach, likely in the hope of securing personal political relevance and possibly an APNU seat in Parliament.
Even APNU’s own leaders and supporters have recognised the party’s decline under Aubrey Norton. The likes of Amanza WaltonDesir and Simona Broomes have both walked away, as the party continues on its self-destructive path. APNU’s once loyal support has steadily eroded, as its sparsely-attended rallies and public meetings clearly indicate.
It is evident to anyone honest and in tune with the realities of Guyana today that there has been transformation in every sector, from infrastructure to education, job creation, and industry, benefiting Guyanese of all ethnicities.
The opportunities available today are unmatched in our country’s history. Training, scholarships, business support, and expanded services are accessible to anyone willing to take advantage of them. As the saying goes, “You can give a man a fish and feed him for a day, or you can teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime.” The PPP’s record shows it is equipping citizens to build sustainable livelihoods, regardless of
race or political background. Yet APNU continues to cry marginalisation and victimisation of Afro-Guyanese, clinging to the outdated notion that they alone speak for African Guyanese. The truth is evident in the PPP’s broad support base, which spans every ethnic group, because people from all communities can point to tangible improvements in their lives and the lives of their families.
In refusing to sign the Code of Conduct, APNU is not taking a moral stand; it is signalling that it does not intend to commit to peace, lawfulness, or acceptance of the democratic process. One would expect that, as a religious leader, Ubraj Narine would want to uphold the principles of Shanti, Ahimsa, and Dharma, which are core tenets of his faith that promote peace, non-violence, and ethical conduct. Yet he places politics above his religion by refusing to sign a Code of Conduct that is fully consistent with the principles of his faith and with the principles of all religions in our dear country.
Guyana deserves better than the politics of sabotage and division being pushed by APNU.
Yours sincerely, Ron Smith
Dear Editor,
During the last five years, Dr Irfaan Ali has been the President of Guyana, and prior to 2020, was the Minister of Housing and Industry. In both portfolios he did not only conduct the affairs of the country excellently and carried out his duties without fear or favour, his performance was above and beyond the call of duty and there were no insinuations or the slightest accusations of corrupt practices by him from anyone, either private or public, the media included. Throughout his 28 years as a public servant, President Dr Ali has always taken a keen interest in his work and has always been an avid listener to the people and was eager and willing to help them. More than that, he is eternally grateful to them for their continued loyalty and support. He is very rational and sensible to the needs of the people and has never made promises to them that he did or cannot fulfil. If there is one fault that President has, it is that he does not know how to say no to his fellow citizens. He will do everything in his power to solve their problems. Known for his wisdom and brilliance, His Excellency has taken Guyana to new heights on the international stage and has made most, if not all Guyanese, proud to know that Guyana is fully recognised globally and is a leading country in the Caribbean and the Western Hemisphere. His Excellency
is a visionary leader with imaginative, creative and original thoughts. Despite the prestige and luminaries that are bestowed upon him as President, His Excellency, Dr Ali is a down-to-earth person who lives a very simple life. This is evident in the manner and the way he interacts, meets, greets and hugs every citizen regardless of their status, ethnicity, religious beliefs and/or political affiliation. Simply put, he is a people’s person, a dedicated patriot who loves people and our beautiful Guyana.
Apart from his parents and brother, a very small coterie of his friends knew him very well to be a decent, fair and honourable man. Therefore, it is baffling to his parents and his close friends, to hear some of the scandalous things that are being parading on social media about His Excellency, which are far from the truth. It must be told to all and sundry that at no time has President Dr Ali’s name been mentioned or even linked in any illegal activities, corrupt practices or bribery. But those who are responsible for making
these false, bogus and reckless claims know that this is the election period and will fabricate stories to damage and impugn the President’s character, thus preventing him from winning a second term. They are totally wrong and are disconnected from people. And to include his mother in their concocted falsehoods and blatant lies show that they are desperate, wicked, atrocious and disrespectful to his innocent mother, a respected senior citizen. However, President Ali, PM Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips and Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo’s records of achievements in just under five years speak for themselves, and clearly indicate that they will be re-elected to office for a second term. It will take more than a few scoundrels, evil-doers and societal outlaws to derail President Dr Irfaan Ali, a devoted, selfless, courageous, spirited and judicious leader, and his cabinet from developing and defending Guyana and lifting its citizens up.
Yours sincerely, Dr Asquith Rose
FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2025
Volume is the amount of space something takes up.
Imagine filling a box with water — the volume tells you how much water fits inside!
Units we use
• Cubic centimetres (cm³) – for small things like dice or marbles.
• Cubic metres (m³) – for bigger things like rooms.
• Litres (L) – for liquids like juice or milk.
How to find volume
• Cube/cuboid volume = length × width × height
• Cylinder volume = π × radius² × height
Formula
• Volume of a cube = a3
• Volume of a cuboid = a x b x c
• Volume of a cylinder = πr²h
Examples
1: The juice box
A juice box is 6cm long, 4cm wide, and 10cm tall.
Find its volume.
Cuboid volume = a x b x c
= 6 × 4 × 10
= 6 × 4 = 24
= 24 × 10
= 240cm3
Answer: 240cm³
2: The birthday cake
A cylindrical cake has a radius of 7cm and a height of 10cm
Find its volume (use π ≈ 3.14).
Cylinder volume = π × radius² × height
= 3.14 × (7 × 7) × 10
= 7 × 7 = 49
= 49 × 10 = 490
= 3.14 × 490 = 1538.6cm³
Answer: 1538.6cm³
1. The Lego brick
Practice:
A Lego brick is 2cm long, 1cm wide, and 1cm high What is its volume?
2. The water tank
A rectangular water tank is 8m long, 3m wide, and 2m deep
Find its volume in cubic metres and litres.
3. The can of soup
A can has a radius of 5cm and a height of 12cm
Find its volume (use π = 3.14).
4. The water bottle
A water bottle has a radius of 4cm and a height of 15cm
Find its volume (use π = 3.14)
By Kevin young
Quiet then, we fetched my luggage orbiting the conveyor belt, unspooling its rosary. We drove home in snow deep as silence. This little living light. Even now how to name just how bright the sky looked that night & most the next day? Hard to believe one instant you could be beyond the earth’s reach— the next, marveling at our singed, wounded wings.
If you were in charge of the whole world, what would you do to make the world a happier place?
…says “this is our territorial integrity and sovereignty at stake”
General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), Bharrat Jagdeo, said the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) will move to thoroughly investigate and question businessmen Azruddin and Nazar Mohamed after the September 1 General and Regional Elections. He stressed that the choice to wait until after voting day is intended to prevent the process from being politicised or used as a distraction in the closing weeks of the campaign.
At his weekly press conference on Thursday, Jagdeo argued that state agencies should “put things on pause until after the elections and then thoroughly investigate these claims,” adding that if investigators “find them credible, they charge.”
He linked the timing to national sensitivities, noting, “This is our territorial integrity and sovereignty at stake.” According to Jagdeo, there is “evidence” that Nazar Mohamed visited the Venezuelan Embassy in Georgetown, and, he alleged, the visits were not a one-off occurrence. “Why would people want to go for a Venezuelan visa at this time?” he asked, calling on the family to publicly deny the visit or explain its purpose.
Jagdeo’s remarks follow comments by Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd, who said he had summoned Venezuelan Ambassador Carlos Amador Perez Silva and was told that members of the Mohamed family had applied for visas.
Todd said the Government views the development as troubling amid elections and heightened tensions with
Venezuela, framing it as a potential sovereignty and election-interference concern that Guyana must treat “with grave concern”.
The controversy has grown since United States (US) Congress members Carlos Gimenez and María Elvira Salazar described Azruddin Mohamed as “Maduro’s puppet” earlier this year, an accusation the businessman, who is sanctioned by the US and now leads the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, has denied. He has also denied visiting the Venezuelan Embassy or seeking a Venezuelan visa.
“A family enterprise”
Jagdeo, however, maintained that the issue involves “a family enterprise”, insisting that public clarifications are warrant -
ed given the allegations and the sensitive geopolitical climate.
"If you're so quick with the denial about Azruddin, why not now publish the denial today and post it on Team Mohamed that it's not true, Nazar Mohamed never went to the embassy, and it's another PPP lie. Or alternatively, say yes, he went there, but he went there to take a vacation, to get a visa to have a vacation in Venezuela, of all places. So that's why I'm saying, I'm giving them a chance now to deny this too, and this is a family enterprise,” he challenged the Mohamed family.
“So let them issue the denial that Nazar Mohamed never went there, or if he did go, tell us what he went there for, given that the United States senators said that the Mohameds are Maduro's puppets and that they work closely with them. And now we're hearing through some of these leaked things that there may have been generals, Venezuelan generals who were involved with smuggling sanctioned gold through Guyana. That's an even further link that is very dangerous now,” he said.
”Prove me a liar”
The General Secretary went as far as to challenge the Mohameds to prove him wrong, maintaining that there is evi-
“Prove me a liar now,” Jagdeo said. “I am willing to stake my entire political career on the fact that he did go to the Venezuelan Embassy,” he added.
Jagdeo also reminded of the controversial visit of Mohamed to Barbados, in what has since been widely speculated as a meeting with US prosecutors.
“They claimed they were in Barbados for a vacation; every single Guyanese knows differently,” Jagdeo said.
He contended that intelligence suggests that the meeting with the prosecutors was to attempt to work out a plea bargain. However, according to Jagdeo, the meeting did not
go well.
“Since then, they have been looking for an exit strategy,” he said.
This is why, just weeks before the upcoming national elections in Guyana, at least one family member has visited the Venezuelan Embassy, Jagdeo suggested.
“They all know that he [Nazar] did visit the embassy, and they know the purpose of the visit,” Jagdeo noted, reminding that there is no extradition treaty between Venezuela and the US.
President Irfaan Ali had
previously explained that the US-sanctioned businessman is a risk and a threat to Guyana’s financial stability, sovereignty and diplomacy.
At least three local banks have cancelled the personal accounts of individuals on the candidates lists of WIN. Meanwhile, in addition to the US sanctions for smuggling 10,000 kilograms (kg) of gold and avoiding the payment of more than US$50 million in duty taxes, Mohamed is charged locally with tax evasion for amounts totalling some $900 million.
If, as they say, “two’s a couple and three’s a crowd”, your Eyewitness supposes we can say there was a “big crowd” at the PNC/APNU’s campaign meeting at Kitty Market Square!! After all, he counted ELEVEN persons –including a couple of vendors guarding their fruits and vegetables – who would’ve been listening to all the reasons why they should vote for that graffiti-laden hand!! From the newspaper account of the meeting, it appears that the speakers OUTNUMBERED the listeners!! Maybe it would’ve been more persuasive if each speaker spoke personally to a single listener? One on one – so to speak?? Pun intended!!
The paucity of Kittians showing up brought to your Eyewitness’s (febrile?) mind the relationship between numbers at campaign meetings of particular political parties and numbers who’ll vote for the said parties. Apart from the general proposition, there’s the specific instance that Kitty was the birthplace of Burnham – the PNC’s founderleader (as he insisted he be called!)!! Aren’t there even sentimental reasons – for Auld lang syne?? – why Kittians would give the PNC a hearing?? AAAH…how the mighty has fallen in the eyes of the masses. No wonder the PPP took the seat in the Municipal Elections!!
But back to the question posed above. Your Eyewitness does verily believe that crowds at least demonstrate how organised the parties are in getting out their supporters – if they’re bussed in as alleged whenever there are big crowds. Like with the PPP’s red tsunami at their rally at the same spot. If the party could schlep bodies to meetings, they can also get them to the voting booths on Sept 1st! And, we know historically, the PPP’s always out-mobilised the PNC in getting out the votes!!
Another effect of crowds is psychological – especially when a party may already be challenged. Like with the PNC and Norton’s leadership that has driven away so many of the new blood that’s necessary to keep an out-of-power party alive. The fistful of faithful at Kitty – replicated in other strongholds – would reinforce suspicions that there’s no point in even showing up on Sept 1st!! And while the voters mightn’t vote for other parties, this translates to a larger chunk of folks staying at home.
Lastly, the effect of single-digit “crowds” on the new candidates for the PNC – and there were at least five on the stage in Kitty – has to be extremely demotivating!! Imagine they’ve entered politics from professions like law and business in which they were successful and are now confronted by abysmal failure staring them in the face!!
So yes, Dear Reader, while it may not be one-to-one, there’s a definite correlation between campaign meeting crowds and votes. And so, it sure doesn’t look too good for the PNC!!
As US Pres Trump roils the world (including Guyana) with his unilaterally imposed tariffs – which is his right! – some may be asking where the heck is the WTO that was formed back in the day to regulate this aspect of the international order?? After all, remember when the EU was allowed to unilaterally cut our preferential price for sugar to their markets because of complaints by sugar producers like Brazil, etc – and the WTO agreed with them?? Well, as with all multilateral institutions formed after WWII – up to and including the UN – they’ve all been consigned to oblivion in the new dispensation as the US and China duke it out for bragging rights on who’s numero uno!!
It used to be said that whether elephants make love or fight, it’s the grass that suffers!! But in Trump’s tariff impositions, he’s been willing to treat some countries who thought they were mighty oaks like grass!! Like the EU that humiliated us over sugar and ruined the industry!!
Payback’s a bitch!!
…asylum
Your Eyewitness thinks the Venezuelan Embassy’s mamaguying us. Sanction Man wasn’t looking for no visa – he wanted assurances on asylum in case the US noose tightens!! Unlike with us, the US doesn’t have an extradition treaty with Venezuela!!
...says “I’m tired of the excuses”
Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo has expressed frustration over the performance of the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) management, stating that the Government must ensure it receives full value for the significant investments made in the utility company.
Speaking during his weekly press conference, Jagdeo emphasised that GPL’s current leadership must be strengthened to deliver on the administration’s ambitious energy transformation plans.
Jagdeo said that while the Government has pumped substantial resources into GPL in recent years, the results have been unsatisfactory, citing persistent technical failures and power disruptions.
“I’m tired of the excuses,” he declared, pointing to recent reports that a lightning strike had caused a system trip. “We have to get value for money from GPL management,” he insisted, stressing that the state cannot afford mismanagement at a time when the country is embarking on the most comprehensive overhaul of its power infrastructure in decades.
Investments
Since 2020, the Government has invested more than $28.1 billion into expanding the power company’s generation, transmission and distribution system, adding 127.7 megawatts of generating capacity to the GPL grid
to keep pace with the 64 per cent increase in peak demand and a 19 per cent increase in customer base since 2019.
These investments in the electricity sector by the current People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration included the expansion and upgrade of the distribution network and substations, the installation and replacement of more than 100,000 meters, as well as close to 4000 transformers, the laying of almost 2800 kilometres of distribution network, and the expansion and upgrade of three substations.
Over the past four years, 27 communities were also powered for the first time, and there has been no increase in electricity tariff despite substantial hikes in fuel prices.
According to Jagdeo, the Government’s transformation agenda also includes the development of a stable and smart national grid by the next election cycle. This involves integrating the much-anticipated Gas-to-Energy project, which is expected to add 300 megawatts of electricity to the system, and completing additional projects to bring another 300 megawatts on stream.
Other planned projects include the resumption of tendering for a hydropower facility, the construction of a massive transmission network using steel towers to extend supply to Berbice, Linden, and Parika, and the installation of major sys -
tems along the Essequibo Coast. “We are putting in major systems in the feeders right across the country,” Jagdeo explained, outlining plans to replace old lines, upgrade transformers, and build circuit redundancies to prevent entire system shutdowns when a single feeder trips.
Competent management
However, Jagdeo
stressed that such massive infrastructural works must be supported by competent oversight and efficient operations. He said independent firms will be hired to supervise projects to ensure quality control, proper execution, and value for public expenditure.
“We also have to get value for money from the management,” he reiterated. “Strengthening GPL’s
management is another important task – without that, it would be stupid of us to proceed.”
The Vice President made it clear that the Government’s vision for a modern, stable, and reliable power system hinges not only on technology and investment but also on effective leadership at GPL.
“We cannot afford to have a management team
that cannot lead this transformation,” Jagdeo said, underscoring that the stakes are too high given the scale of planned reforms.
Further, adequate and proper management will play a vital role in the Government’s 2030 plans –a time Guyana’s power demand is expected to triple.
Hours after fatally striking 23-yearold Alex Persaud of Timehri Base Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD), with his motor lorry, the fleeing driver was arrested at the overpass in the vicinity of the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB).
According to police reports, Persaud had exited motor lorry GAK 9080 when it was struck by another lorry, GAC 5784, driven by the suspect, David Ragnauth of Kalicharran Road, Soesdyke, EBD.
As a result of the impact, the truck driven by the suspect collided with Persaud, who was at the time speaking with his boss on the corner of the road. Persaud sustained injuries to his head and body and was later pronounced dead at the
Diamond Regional Hospital.
The lorry involved in the hit-and-run accident was later found locked and abandoned at Sarah Johanna, EBD. On Thursday, the Guyana Times caught up with the dead man’s widow.
Selina Lumelino, who was inconsolable, related that at the time of the accident, she and her husband were heading to Georgetown, and it was on their way that Persaud’s boss contacted him to collect his payment.
As such, she explained that they stopped at Supply, where Persaud exited the vehicle and crossed the public road to meet with his employer. While they were conversing, she stated that the speeding truck driven by the suspect collided with GAK 9080 and then struck her husband.
“We done reach over the road and stand up till in the corner and the truck know he down and pitch he into a car and then land facing upwards…By the time I come out and run over the road,
he didn’t respond when I call out to he… he turned over an cough out blood and that was it… we carrying he to the Diamond Hospital but he was already gone…” the aggrieved wife stated in the presence of her mother and other relatives.
She believes that her husband was targeted by the suspect with whom her husband had an ongoing court case. She recalled that the two men had known each other through work, but things turned sour after Persaud was given the task of supervising other workers, including Ragnauth.
The suspect was reportedly not happy about taking instructions from Persaud and started to give him a hard time. However, Persaud subsequently left the job but soon after was accused of theft.
“When Alex left the work, he parked the truck at Kwakwani, where he used to work, but Javid (allegedly) stole some parts from the truck and blamed Alex. Alex didn’t say anything; he just stayed quiet… Every time Alex wants to see him, he does run and hide.”
Nonetheless, a few days ago, one of Alex’s cousins was working on the truck when he was physically assaulted by Ragnauth. This led to a heated argument and ultimately a scuffle between the two men.
Lumelino stated that the matter was reported and both her husband and Ragnauth were charged. In light of this development, Persaud was threatened several times. The duo was expected to return to court on Monday, August 18. It is under this pretext that the widow believed that her husband was murdered. She described the now dead man as a husband anyone would want to have. “He was loving and kind, and he was everything to me.”
Meanwhile, the suspect who reportedly failed to stop after the collision fled the scene but was apprehended during a police operation. He remains in custody as investigations continue.
While there is currently no Value Added Tax (VAT) on female sanitary products, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has clarified that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration will be moving to also remove the common external tariffs on these and other categories of sanitary products.
Recently, President Irfaan Ali announced that the PPP/C will be removing all taxes on sanitary supplies. But some sections later pointed out that VAT on sanitary napkins and panty liners was already removed.
During his press conference on Thursday, Jagdeo was asked to clarify the matter. In response, he explained that while female sanitary supplies are VATfree, tariffs are still applied to the products.
To remove those tariffs,
Ayet-to-be-identified pedal cyclist lost his life on Thursday after he was struck down by a motor car along the Blankenburg Public Road, West Coast Demerara (WCD).
Preliminary investigations revealed that the accident involved a motorcar bearing registration number PNN 289, which was at the time being driven by a 28-year-old male from Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), and the pedal cyclist.
the Guyana Government would have to engage the Caribbean Community
plained.
Additionally, he noted that the commodities that will be impacted by this
measure will include all types of sanitary products, including diapers for babies and pensioners.
He was picked up in an unconscious state by the driver of the motorcar and taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, where he was treated and admitted but later succumbed to his injuries.
The body was taken to the Ezekiel Funeral Home, awaiting identification as investigations continue.
Police disclosed that the motorcar was driving along the roadway when the pedal cyclist allegedly rode across the road, thus resulting in a collision. As a result, the pedal cyclist fell onto the roadway and sustained injuries about his body.
President Irfaan Ali has detailed a vision to position Guyana as a leading health tourism destination in the region, with a healthcare system designed not only to serve Guyanese citizens but also to attract patients from across the region.
Speaking at a recent public meeting on Wednesday evening, the head-ofstate emphasised that the Government’s investment in the health sector is aimed at creating the best medical system in the region, one that can contribute to both economic growth and job creation.
“We are building a healthcare system to be a contributor to economic wealth and job creation,” the president stated.
“We are not just creating infrastructure to manage talent but to harness it and to build a healthy ecosystem that will encourage health tourism and medical tourism – positioning our country as the destination.”
President Ali explained that the vision involves developing facilities and services that will make Guyana a go-to location for a wide range of medical treatments, from advanced procedures like cardiac surgery and stroke rehabilitation to cosmetic and plastic surgeries.
“Whether you want cardiac surgery, stroke rehabilitation, a nose job, a face job, plastic surgery, or cosmetic procedures – whatever you want – Guyana will be the destination for those services. That is where the world is going. That is the future,” he said.
According to the President, this strategy will require state-of-the-art infrastructure, world-class medical talent, and a robust ecosystem that supports both local and international patients. He stressed that the approach is part of a broader national plan to diversify Guyana’s economy and create sustainable industries that generate longterm benefits for the population.
The move to promote health tourism builds on Guyana’s ongoing transformation in infrastructure, investment, and human capital, with the Government aiming to make the country a competitive player in global medical services.
In 2020, this publication reported that Guyana still had a long way to go in relation to the development of its medical services; however, there are several doctors within the healthcare system that are actively working to expand their knowledge and bring world-class services to the Guyanese people. Notably, these doctors are performing procedures that one never knew that Guyana had the capability to offer.
Commander of Regional Division One (Barima-Waino), Senior Superintendent Krishna Ramana, led election preparedness training for police officers assigned to polling stations ahead of the General and Regional Elections on September 1, 2025.
The sessions, held at Number One and Number Three Sub-Divisions in Mabaruma and at Acquero Police Station from Tuesday to Thursday, focused on ensuring that ranks were fully prepared to carry out their responsibilities on Election Day. Commander Ramana emphasised the importance of discipline, professionalism, and impartiality, high-
lighting the police’s critical role in maintaining law and order throughout the electoral process. Officers were trained on their specific duties at polling stations, proper conduct, crowd control, conflict de-escalation, communication protocols, and the chain of command. They also received guidance on responding to breaches of the peace or electoral offences, co-ordinating with GECOM officials and other agencies, and respecting human rights while safeguarding voters’ rights.
“This is not a retail market” – President Ali tells foreign businesses – urges investors to partner with locals and bring manufacturing plants to Guyana
President Dr Irfaan Ali has sounded calls for foreign companies to partner with Guyanese businesses and shift their operations here, telling them that Guyana is not just a retail market.
The Head of State made these remarks on Thursday evening at the opening of the International Building Expo that is being held at the National Stadium.
The expo features some 389 booths, including 29 international companies from Suriname, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Brazil, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, the United States (US), and India.
“For the international exhibitors who are here, this is not a retail market. If you’re serious about doing business, get into partnership with the local Private Sector and bring your manufacturing plant and your industrial plant here to Guyana, [and] we will give you the incentive to bring it here so that jobs will be created here, the income will be created here, and the revenue will be created here,” President Ali asserted.
The Guyanese leader was at the time speaking about the construction boom Guyana has experienced over the last five years, even during the COVID-19 pandemic period when most of the global economies were struggling. As a matter of fact, from 2020 to 2025, cement imports in Guyana grew by nearly 200 per cent, while paint imports increased by almost 300 per cent, and steel imports skyrocketed by an unprecedented 2600 per cent.
According to President Ali, “If this level of demand is there for cement, paint and steel, then we have to work with the Private Sector to expand their capacity to produce these important input materials right here in Guyana.”
With the cost of electricity in the country expected to be significantly slashed by half when the Government’s
model Gas-to-Energy (GtE) Project comes on stream mid next year, the Head of State stressed, “…that steel will be produced here, that paint… that cement – all of it will be produced here. And that is where we are leading the economy, into a mass manufacturing and industrial base, to satisfy these demands.”
Over the last four years, the demand for construction material has significantly increased across the country. Local paint production has moved from 2.9 million litres in 2020 to almost six million litres in 2024.
“When you look at the total paint production in the last four years, it is more than 40 million litres of paint locally,” he stated, adding that the same trend is seen in sand and stone production.
According to Ali, the increase in local production not only expands business operations but also opens up opportunities for job creation and reduces prices.
“These are the stories that we are very proud of… When you look at private growth in the last four years, the growth of opportunities, more jobs, the expansion of the quarrying sector, and the mining sector – when those expand… demand for heavy equipment increases. When demand for heavy equipment increases, what happens? More need for mechanics, more need for heavy-duty operators, and more need for servicemen and women [and these lead to] higher-quality jobs and higher-paying jobs. That is how the economy is integrated,” the President stated.
Economic engine
Similar sentiments were expressed by Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal during Thursday’s opening ceremony of the International Building Expo. The Minister pointed out that his Ministry’s housing and water programme is an
“economic engine” that has generated jobs for contractors, masons, carpenters, engineers and suppliers while also creating opportunities for young entrepreneurs and small businesses.
According to the Minister, the Building Expo provides a platform for the stakeholders in the construction sector to explore more opportunities.
“This Expo will once again bring together developers, contractors, engineers, architects, suppliers, banks, insurance companies and policymakers in one venue. It is here that ideas will be exchanged, partnerships will be formed and the foundations for the next wave of construction development will be laid. We expect to see some of the latest innovations in housing designs, green-building technologies and sustainable infrastructure… You will witness first-hand how technology, engineering and creative thinking are transforming the way we build,” Croal stated.
Under the theme “The Road to Success: Guyana 2030 and Beyond”, the International Building Expo 2025 will run from August 14 to 17 at the Guyana National Stadium, and according to Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues, the Expo creates a platform for small- and medium-scale businesses to network and showcase their products and services.
“We will witness another remarkable gathering of professionals, builders and stakeholders that provides incomparable opportunities for networking among industry leaders and also provides Guyanese with affordable options driven by competition,” Minister Rodrigues noted.
The Expo will highlight all of the Government’s successes and progress over the last five years in housing, water, infrastructure, agriculture, health, and education.
The Guyana Police Force officially commissioned three new police stations in the #2 Sub-Division of Region #7 (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) on Wednesday between 11:30h and 18:00h.
Eteringbang Police Station, Kamarang Police Station, and Imbaimadai Police Station are the newly commissioned facilities, reconstructed to boost security in the region.
The commissioning cer-
emonies were led by Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn, accompanied by Ministry of Home Affairs Permanent Secretary Andre Ally; Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) Errol Watts; and Regional Commander of Region 7, Assistant Commissioner Dion Moore.
Eteringbang Police Station
The first ceremony, chaired by Assistant Commissioner Moore, was
held at Eteringbang Police Station. Remarks were delivered by Permanent Secretary Ally and Deputy Commissioner Watts, with the feature address presented by Minister Benn.
The event concluded with the official ribbon-cutting and plaque unveiling. Approximately 40 persons attended, with full police coverage.
A total of $40 million was spent on the reconstruction of the
Eteringbang Police Station, marking a major milestone in enhancing safety and security for the community.
Strategically located in a vital border community, the modernised facility is equipped with upgraded infrastructure and stateof-the-art resources, enabling the Guyana Police Force to enhance crime prevention, improve emergency response times, and strengthen collaboration with the community.
Kamarang Police Station
Between 13:30h and 16:00h, the team proceeded to Kamarang Police Station for the second commissioning ceremony,
Sgt 19599 Porter offered the vote of thanks before the ribbon-cutting and plaque unveiling.
Approximately 50 persons attended, with full
cluded with the official ribbon-cutting and plaque unveiling, with some 40 persons in attendance and full police coverage.
Commander Moore,
chaired by Inspector David Hunte.
The programme began with a prayer by Elder Rudolph Wellington, followed by a cultural dance and a poem performed by Woman Constable 26555 Anselmo.
Brief remarks were made by Assistant Commissioner Moore, Permanent Secretary Ally, and Deputy Commissioner Watts, with Minister Benn delivering the feature address.
police coverage.
Imbaimadai Police Station
The final commissioning ceremony was held at the Imbaimadai Police Station from 16:20h to 18:00h, chaired by Assistant Commissioner Moore.
The event included remarks from Permanent Secretary Ally and Deputy Commissioner Watts, followed by the feature address from Minister Benn.
The ceremony also con-
Inspector Hunte, and the ranks extended appreciation to the Government of Guyana, Minister Benn, the Guyana Police Force, stakeholders, residents, and officers, who contributed to the successful hosting of the events.
These new facilities are expected to enhance law enforcement capabilities, improve community policing services, and strengthen public safety in the #2 Sub-Division and Region #7 as a whole.
In just over 36 months, Guyana’s Ministry of Education has trained more than 9000 teachers, significantly enhancing the quality of education nationwide.
Moving closer to universal education, Education Minister Priya Manickchand announced the milestone during the commissioning of the new Waramuri Secondary School, noting that it reflects the government’s commitment to fulfilling its promise to improve education across the country.
Highlighting the scale of progress, the Minister noted that this number of trained teachers is unprecedented in Guyana’s history.
“In the last three and a half years, we have trained
or are training more than 9000 teachers nationwide.
To put that into perspective, in any other three-year period in Guyana’s history, we’ve only managed to train about 1500 teachers.
When we took office in 2020, there were just over 7000 teachers in the system. Today, in 2025, there are just under 15,000.
Minister Manickchand also reminded the audience of promises made when the government was in opposition.
“We told you we wanted to increase access across all levels – so that every single child could attend nursery school, primary school, and secondary school and then go on to the University of Guyana for free. We told you
we wanted to improve quality by ensuring all your teachers were trained, that more teachers would be trained, and that any young person with the qualifications would have the opportunity to be trained by us.”
She added that the government had also pledged to remove hidden costs in education – such as food, uniforms, textbooks, classroom resources, chalk, cardboard, and even bleach – costs that she said were burdensome for families and have now been eliminated.
“Today, I can say, with great pride and humility, that President Irfaan Ali and the PPP/C have fulfilled every single promise – and have even gone beyond them.”
Addressing criticism from the opposition, the Minister said, “Recently, I heard the education shadow Minister for the APNU-AFC – who also happens to be the president of the teachers’ union – saying not to worry about these teachers being trained, because ‘they aren’t ready yet.’ Nowhere else in the world would a president of a teachers’ union fail to celebrate the training of teachers wherever it can be done.”
According to Minister Manickchand, the initiative has significantly boosted the percentage of trained teachers in hinterland and river-
ASophia-based security guard, Kelvin Belgrave, was on Thursday remanded to prison after being charged with the murder of Pedro Alexander Frometa Slonchak, a 34-year-old Cuban national.
Belgrave appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Fabayo Azore, who did not require him to plead to the charge.
Court documents revealed that on August 10, 2025, Belgrave, employed at Real Value Supermarket on Church and Thomas Streets, allegedly confronted Slonchak after noticing him attempting to conceal two store labels under his shirt.
A scuffle reportedly broke out, during which Belgrave allegedly armed himself with a knife and stabbed Slonchak before firing multiple rounds from his service pistol, rendering Slonchak motionless.
According to police reports, the incident occurred around 09:47h at the supermarket. Investigators stated that Belgrave, employed with KGM Security Service, was armed with a
service pistol loaded with eight rounds of ammunition.
Police said Slonchak repeatedly entered and exited the store, prompting the security guard to approach him. A physical altercation ensued, during which Slonchak reportedly wielded a knife.
Belgrave allegedly disarmed the Cuban national before stabbing him once in the right shoulder and once in the head. He then fired six rounds, striking Slonchak four times: once in the right side of the chest, twice in the left side of the abdomen, and once in the left knee.
Slonchak collapsed at the scene and was later pronounced dead.
Belgrave was immediately arrested and remains in police custody.
During Thursday’s hearing, the prosecution also raised concerns over Belgrave’s age, citing his birth certificate, which indicates he was born in 1995, making him 30 years old, despite previous reports listing him as 25.
The case was adjourned to September 17, 2025.
ine areas, moving from 43 per cent to 86 per cent, with the goal of reaching 100 per cent by 2027.
Regarding the coastland, she said that the government has broken a 15-year stagnation in which trained teacher rates hovered at 63–65 per cent. By 2025, that figure had risen to 98 per cent of teachers either trained or currently in training – a clear indication, she noted, of the “expansion of quality” taking place in Guyana’s education system.
Only in May of 2025, some 1502 pre-service and in-service teachers graduated from the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE),
which stood out as the second largest group of teachers to graduate from the institution throughout its 96 years in existence.
The 90th graduation exercise was held at the Guyana National Stadium and saw over 1500 educators receiving certificates and awards in several educational disciplines. Of this year’s graduating batch, 86 per cent were females and 14 per cent were males.
Oma Ramdin, Director of the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD), speaking on behalf of Education Minister Priya Manickchand, urged pro-
spective teachers enrolling in the college’s programme to consider careers in the hinterland.
Noting that more schools are being built in those far-flung communities to serve children living there, Ramdin said the demand for teaching staff in those areas would dramatically increase over the next few years. As such, in order to encourage more educators to relocate to hinterland communities, the Ministry of Education has developed a three-point promotional strategy which supports and rewards teachers who work in those regions for a minimum of four years.
A32-year-old man was arrested by Police on Thursday in Little Diamond, East Bank Demerara, following the discovery of construction equipment suspected to be stolen.
Andrew Anthony Adolphus, a resident of the Little Diamond Squatting Area, was taken into custody
Some of the suspected stolen items
after Police found him in possession of five cement mixers and a quantity of steel rods during a search at his home. The operation, conducted by ranks from the Diamond Police Station, was initially aimed at locating arms, ammunition, drugs, and other stolen articles.
During the search,
Adolphus was questioned about the ownership of the items but remained silent. He was subsequently informed of the offence of unlawful possession, cautioned, and arrested.
The recovered cement mixers and steel rods were photographed and lodged at the Diamond Police Station as investigations continue.
Candidate for A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) for this year’s General and Regional Elections, attorney Dexter Todd, on Thursday attempted to shift responsibility for the party’s economic failures during their tenure in Government squarely on the shoulders of the Guyanese private sector, telling supporters to blame any disappointments that they had with the party’s performance during their 2015–2020 time in Government on the business community.
Addressing one of the party’s public meetings held at Gilhuys Square in West Ruimveldt, Todd told the sprinkling of attendees that APNU and its coalition partner, the Alliance for Change (AFC), were undermined by the business community since those who “own the businesses” were not aligned with the APNU/AFC.
“There are some disappointments with how many of you were treated from 2015 to 2020. They are disappointments, and I understand those disappointments,” Todd said.
“When Granger took over under the APNU/AFC in 2015, it was easy for them to set the stage for David Granger and the APNU/ AFC to fail.”
Granger, head of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), served as Guyana’s president during the APNU+AFC tenure.
According to Todd, Granger’s inability to give a satisfactory performance was spearheaded by the party’s main political opponent, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic
(PPP/C), which is currently in Government.
It is also the PPP/C’s fault, he claimed, that the APNU/AFC Government had to raise taxes, something the public sector and Guyanese in general complained bitterly about during the APNU/AFC’s time in Government.
“They shut down the economic activities in this country. So the only thing that remained was taxes to run this country. And that is why when you see that the APNU wanted to give public servants more and wanted to do more in terms of infrastructure. One of the things that you had to go back to was to see if you could get a little more tax money,” Todd reasoned.
Todd also told the gathering to stop concerning themselves about money, or lack thereof, and focus on issues.
He did not specify which issues needed focus, however.
“If 90 per cent of Guyanese were more concerned about issues rather than materials, things like money, the PPP/C would have never been in power,”
Todd argued.
The period from 2015 to 2020 was marked with issues such as high taxes, unpredictable policies, and infrastructural delays
One of the most contentious policies was the implementation of a 14 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on electricity and water, mobile internet, and private health and education services, which sparked widespread disgruntlement from consumers and business owners alike.
The private sector frequently accused the APNU/ AFC of creating significant barriers to investment through heavy taxation and bureaucratic inefficiencies.
Concerns about the high cost of doing business in Guyana, compounded by power outages, poor road infrastructure, and limited access to credit, were cited as major obstacles to private sector growth.
Business leaders also complained of delays in public sector procurement and a slow approval process for major projects. Construction firms, in particular, expressed frustration with red tape and a lack of timely decision-making, which, they argued, prevented the industry from expanding and creating more jobs.
Ordinary Guyanese consumers, meanwhile, were left burdened with mounting taxes, unemployment and a high cost of living under the APNU/AFC Government’s policies.
Both the APNU and the PPP are currently in full campaign mode as they prepare for the September 1 General and Regional Elections.
The Guyana Oil Company Limited (GUYOIL) on Thursday hosted its annual Bursary Award Ceremony at its Georgetown Head Office, celebrating the academic accomplishments of students whose parents or guardians are employed with the company.
According to a GUYOIL press release, 23 students received bursaries in recognition of their exceptional performance at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examinations this year. The students are added to the current list of continuous bursary award students and will be rewarded annually.
This year, 63 students were awarded continuous bursary awards through financial aid and school supplies for their outstanding performance. Both the new and continuous bursary award students will receive GUYOIL’s support until they complete high school.
Delivering the feature address, General Manager of GUYOIL, Ms Molly Hassan, congratulated the awardees for their hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
“At GUYOIL, we believe that investing in education is one of the most powerful ways to shape a brighter future for our country. Today’s recipients have shown that excellence is possible through commitment, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements,” she stated.
Hassan encouraged the students to use the bursary as a stepping stone to aim higher, dream bigger, and push past every challenge they will face.
“Remember, success is not a destination but a journey. Go for it! Reach for the stars, and continue to make your parents, your community, and yourselves proud. You are the future leaders of GUYOIL and, by extension, Guyana. We believe in you, and we are committed to standing beside you every step of the way.”
The General Manager also lauded the parents and guardians for the dedication, sacrifice, and support they provided to their children to ensure they excel. In fact, today’s awards ceremony reflects their effort and sacrifice.
In addition to the bursary awards, the ceremony featured words of encouragement from company executives, including Human Resource Manager Ms Ramona Rahat-Dalchand, who emphasised the importance of reading. Ms RahatDalchand noted that “when you read, you expand your horizon, build your knowl-
edge base, and travel the world without booking a plane ticket.” She congratulated the students for their performance and wished them a
successful future. For a number of years, the bursary programme has been a proud tradition at GUYOIL, the release noted.
Held under the theme “Skills to Success – 115 Years of Journey of Technical Excellence and Workforce
Development”, the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) hosted a poetry competition to celebrate its remarkable 115-year journey.
Blending creativity with craftsmanship, the event formed part of the agency’s year-long anniversary celebrations, with its main
commemorative activity on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
Launched on Thursday, April 24, 2025, the competition invited entries from
the Children’s Category (ages 10–15) and the Adult Category (ages 16 and above).
The deadline for submissions was Wednesday, May 14, 2025.
Participants competed for a 1st prize of GY$140,000, a 2nd prize of GY$100,000, and a 3rd prize of GY$60,000.
A total of eight entries were received in the Adult category, while the Children’s category saw only one submission, making that entrant the automatic winner.
After careful judging based on theme and message, structure and form, language and imagery, tone and mood, originality and creativity, sound and rhythm, and technical accuracy, Romeena Lall emerged as the 1st prize winner in the Adult cate-
gory; Stephen Dan earned 2nd prize and Sapphire Roberts the 3rd prize. The lone entrant and winner in the Children’s category was Angel Joseph. In attendance at the award ceremony were Chief Executive Officer Richard Maughn, Administrative Officer Indira Singh, Procurement Officer Kendy Cummings, Alicia Mearns, Technical Officer Deborah McBeth, the receptionist, Data Management Officer Kimberley Chance, along with other key officials.
The BIT noted that the competition served as a powerful reminder that its mission goes beyond training programmes and is about building hopes and dreams, inspiring individuals to believe in themselves, and equipping them with the skills to transform their lives.
The Iwokrama International Centre (IIC) for Rain Forest Conservation and Development has announced that it has signed an MoU with Sophia Point Rainforest Inc. to collaborate on biodiversity conservation and climate change work.
In a press release, the IIC noted that the MOU, signed June 26, 2025, will allow for the strengthening of scientific research capacity, enhancing education and knowledge sharing, promoting biodiversity conservation and facilitating staff and technical exchange initiatives.
Sophia Point is a UKregistered charity and a Guyanese-registered notfor-profit, established to support rainforest research, education, and community development in Guyana.
“[T]he Centre is especially pleased to have partnered with Sophia Point to promote biodiversity conservation and research in
Guyana,” Iwokrama’s CEO, Dane Gobin, noted at the signing.
“Iwokrama has been recognised globally for decades for its science and sustainable conservation practices and is happy to collaborate with research institutions around the country and have existing MoUs with EMC Foundation/Saxacalli Rainforest Centre, GMCS/ Imbotero Research Centre and the University of Guyana,” he added.
“This MoU with Sophia Point will help to strengthen this partnership between the institutions, which also lends support to Guyana’s environmental efforts, including the Low Carbon Development Strategy.”
Sophia Point Chair of Trustees and Co-Founder, Nicola Green, stated, “We at Sophia Point are pleased to sign this Memorandum of Understanding with Iwokrama at such a critical time for Guyana. Together, we have a unique opportunity to deepen scientif-
ic research, protect our rich biodiversity, and build national capacity in support of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy.”
The collaboration, according to the release, underscores Iwokrama’s commitment to strengthening collaboration in support of science-based conservation and sustainable development in Guyana.
The IIC was established in 1996 under a joint mandate from the Government of Guyana and the Commonwealth Secretariat to manage the Iwokrama forest, a unique reserve of 371,000 hectares of rainforest.
The Centre, guided by an international Board of Trustees, is unique in providing a dedicated, well-managed and researched forest environment.
The IIC collaborates with the Government of Guyana, the Commonwealth and other international part-
ners and donors to develop new approaches and forest management models to enable countries with rainforests to market their ecosystem services whilst carefully managing their resources through innovative and creative conservation practices.
In more recent years, the Centre has received support from corporate partners such as Exxon Mobil (Guyana) Limited, which has funded the development of its Science Programme and continues to provide an annual contribution to the implementation of this programme.
Iwokrama brings together 20 local communities who are shareholders and participants in the IIC’s sustain-
able activities; scientists and researchers engaged in ground-breaking research into the impacts of climate change on the forest and measuring the scope and value of its ecosystem services; and a portfolio of sustainably managed and certified business models using innovative governance systems, which include participation of the private and public sectors and the local communities.
Sophia Point
Situated on the lower Essequibo River, Sophia Point works in close partnership with the University of Guyana, providing an accessible and affordable permanent research station for
Guyanese students and researchers to undertake vital field-based learning.
Completed in May 2024, the new state-of-the-art research and education centre serves as a hub for scientific inquiry, training, and collaboration.
Sophia Point plays an active role in advancing Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy by supporting biodiversity research and monitoring, as well as the protection of its unique and biodiverse rainforest ecosystems.
It also works in close partnership with the neighbouring Amerindian village of Rivers View to support the delivery of its Sustainable Village Plan.
Suspected gang members imprisoned under a sweeping Salvadoran state of emergency imposed since March 2022 could be held for another two years without trial under action taken by a congressional security committee on Thursday.
The changes to the Central American country's Law Against Organized Crime aim to give prosecutors until August 2027 to build cases against those detained since then.
Lawmakers from the ruling party majority who voted to advance the measure said it was necessary to gather evidence and streamline legal proceedings against al-
leged gang members and prevent detainees from being released.
The proposal, introduced 10 days before a previous two-year deadline was set to expire, still requires a vote by the full legislature, which like the commission is controlled by the ruling party and very likely to pass the proposal.
"This committee will continue working to combat crime and the gangs, ensuring these terrorist groups never return to our streets," said Caleb Navarro, a lawmaker from the ruling Nuevas Ideas party.
Attorney General Rodolfo Delgado called the measure advanced on Thursday
a "very important" tool, enabling the country's 44 organized crime judges to process roughly 600 collective cases involving the 88,750 people arrested.
In July 2023, El Salvador's Congress approved group trials for the tens of thousands of people arrested during President Nayib Bukele's crackdown on criminal gangs, which has given the country one of the world's highest incarceration rates.
Opposition politicians and rights groups said group trials risked depriving detainees of their right to due process and their individual presumption of innocence. (Reuters)
T&T: Nude body of Jamaican amputee found tied to gate in Chaguanas
The nude body of an unemployed Jamaicanborn amputee was found tied with an extension cord to the front gate of his home in Chaguanas early on August 12.
Police investigators said the victim, George Keeling, 63, of Crown Trace, Enterprise, was found in a crouched position with an electrical cord wrapped around his neck and tied to
the gate. Keeling, who was bald-headed, was a diabetic and had his right foot amputated.
A male relative made the discovery around 05:00h.
Emergency Health Services (EHS) personnel and Police from the Central Division were alerted. Among the first responders were PCs Singh and Rooplal of the Chaguanas Police Station.
Police from the Homicide Bureau of Investigations, Region Three, were also called in. They visited the scene and gathered evidence.
An autopsy is expected to be performed at the Forensic Science Centre in St James.
No one has been arrested, and investigations are ongoing. (Trinidad & Tobago Newsday)
As many as 96 people are now thought to have died in Argentina after being treated with medical-use fentanyl that was tainted with bacteria.
The official death toll stands at 87, and a judicial source has told the Buenos Aires Herald that nine further deaths are under investigation.
The alarm was first raised in May, when dozens of hospital patients suffered serious bacterial infections. Strains of the bacteria Klebsiella pneumoniae and Ralstonia pickettii – some of which were resistant to multiple antibiotics – were detected in the patients.
Investigators said the source was fentanyl, which it traced to the pharmaceutical company HLB Pharma and its laboratory, Laboratorio Ramallo.
Tests carried out by Argentina’s drug regulator, Anmat, confirmed bacterial contamination in the deceased and in ampoules from two fentanyl batches prepared by the company –one of which had been “widely circulated”, according to the federal Judge Ernesto Kreplak, who is leading the investigation.
In an interview with La Nación, the owner of HLB Pharma, Ariel García Furfaro, denied that the deaths could be directly at-
tributed to his product, said his company pulled it from the market itself, and claimed that if the ampoules were contaminated, someone had “planted” the contaminant.
The patients had been hospitalised for unrelated conditions and were given the drug for pain relief or anaesthetic, before becoming infected with the multidrug-resistant bacteria.
No charges have yet been filed, but the court has named 24 people involved in the manufacture and sale of the opioid as suspects. They have been banned from leaving the country and had their assets frozen. (Excerpt from The Guardian)
Barbados-based beverage conglomerate Banks Holdings Limited (BHL) has been sold as part of a US$186 million deal involving its subsidiaries and affiliated Caribbean companies.
On August 1, BHL chairman Luis Alvarez and country manager Shafia London announced in published notices by the group and its subsidiary Barbados Dairy Industries
Limited (Pine Hill Dairy) that Coca-Cola entity KOSCAB Holdings Ltd “acquired majority ownership of SLU Beverages Ltd” on July 31.
Recalling that conclusion of the deal followed a January 20 agreement to purchase, they noted that SLU Beverages Ltd, which is part of the global beverage company AnheuserBusch InBev SA/NV group, is a majority sharehold-
er of BHL and St Vincent Brewery Limited (SVBL), among other companies.
Alvarez and London said the sale “means that BHL, Barbados Dairy Industries Limited, Banks (Barbados) Breweries Limited and Banks Distribution Limited have officially joined the KOSCAB Holdings Ltd family and will come under the direction and management of KOSCAB”.
(Excerpt from Nation News)
Over 1400 destroyed firearms were encased in concrete at the Internal Security Division of the Police force in The Bahamas on Wednesday.
Bahamas Minister of National Security, Wayne Munroe, called the act a deeply significant event and a first of its kind in the region.
“It’s about ending the life cycle of a firearm,” Munroe said at the encasement ceremony at the Police College.
“A firearm comes into being by creation...Well, to terminate the life cycle, you not only destroy it, but you have to, as you see there, encase it in concrete so that it could never ever live again in any way... We disrupt and avert the progression of future violence and send an unequivocal message that violence fuelled by firearms has no place here in the Bahamas and, by extension, our region.”
United States (US) Charge d’Affaires Kimberly Furnish emphasised the national issue of gun trafficking into The Bahamas.
“We know that firearms trafficking and illegal use of firearms harms both the United States and the Bahamas,” Furnish said at the ceremony, “It’s a grave issue. Criminal groups and drug traffickers continue to illicitly spread small arms and ammunition throughout the Caribbean. [It’s] threatening our collective security, undermining regional stability, and driving irregular migration across the region. It’s an urgent issue that we must continue
to address together.”
The US donated millions of dollars to law enforcement agencies throughout the Caribbean to manage state-held ammunition stockpiles.
Government officials, law enforcement officers and other personnel gathered around the foundation for the new armoury.
Program Coordinator Daniel Jemmott said The Bahamas sets an example for other law enforcement agencies to follow.
“The Bahamas is one of the first countries in the region to put this into practice, setting an important precedent and demonstrating leadership for others to follow,” Jemmott said at the ceremony.
Jemmott added, “This activity is also the first practical implementation of the policy framework to sustainably dispose of destroyed firearms and ammunition components in the Caribbean.” (Source: The Nassau Guardian)
J’ca: Main suspect in shooting of cop’s family killed; suspected mastermind in custody
The main suspect in the August 9 attack on a Policeman attached to the lottery scam unit task force, his wife and son, has been killed by lawmen.
He has been identified as 24-year-old Orlando Thomas, also called “Ninja”.
Reports indicate that Wednesday evening, members of a Police team encountered two armed men in Salt Spring, St James, who opened fire on the cops.
An alleged shootout ensued, and one of the men managed to escape on foot
while the other collapsed along the roadway with gunshot wounds. He was reportedly taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead. A firearm with ammunition was allegedly taken from him.
Thomas is believed to have been involved in the Saturday night shooting that resulted in the death of the lawman’s wife and serious injuries to the cop and his young son.
The Observer has also learned that a woman has been taken into custody regarding the shooting.
According to a source familiar with the matter,
the woman, said to be a business associate of the Policeman, was picked up by a Police team at a guest house in Hanover.
“About 2pm yesterday, a team acting on information went to a guest house where a female was taken into custody,” the Police officer revealed. It is expected that the woman will be charged in due course but the Police, he explained, are still carrying out their investigations.
“There is no doubt that she will be charged,” he declared. (Source: Jamaica Observer)
to 1-week high as Fed rate cut, TrumpPutin talks loom
Aserious nuclear incident took place at the Faslane naval base in Scotland earlier this year, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has admitted.
A “category A” event took place at HMNB Clyde, on Gare Loch, between January and April.
Category A events are defined as those which carry “actual or high potential for radioactive release to the environment”.
il prices climbed about 2 per cent to a one-week high on Thursday after US President Donald Trump warned of “severe consequences” if his talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Ukraine fail, and on optimism that a likely US interest rate cut next month could spur oil demand.
Central banks, like the US Federal Reserve, use interest rates to control inflation. Lower rates reduce consumer borrowing costs and can boost economic growth and demand for oil.
Brent crude futures rose US$1.21, or 1.8 per cent, to settle at US$66.84 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose US$1.31, or 2.1 per cent, to settle at US$63.96.
Those price gains pushed both crude benchmarks out of technically oversold territory for the first time in three days, and led Brent to its highest close since August 6.
On Tuesday, Brent closed at its lowest price since June 5 and WTI closed at its lowest price since June 2 due in part to bearish inventory and supply data from the US Energy Information Administration and the International Energy Agency.
Trump has threatened to enact secondary tariffs on buyers of Russian crude, primarily China and India, if Russia continues its war in Ukraine.
“The uncertainty of US-Russia peace talks continues to add a bullish risk premium given Russian oil buyers could face more economic pressure,” Rystad Energy said in a client note.
Some analysts, however, remained skeptical that Trump would take action that could significantly disrupt oil supplies.
Expectations that the Fed will cut rates in September also propped up oil prices. Traders mostly believe a cut will happen next month after US consumer prices increased at a moderate pace in July.
In Europe, Norwegian oil and gas investments are expected to peak this year and start declining in 2026 as major projects are completed, a statistics office survey of industry players showed on Thursday.
Norway produces about 2 per cent of global oil. It became Europe’s largest supplier of pipeline gas after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. (Excerpt from Reuters)
The revelation will raise serious concerns about how the Trident nuclear submarines in Scotland are being maintained. It is also likely to prompt questions over transparency and why the incident was not known about until now.
The MoD declined to offer specific details of the incident, which was first re-
ported by the Helensburgh Advertiser.
This means it was unclear if any radiation was leaked into the environment or if there was a risk of this taking place.
It emerged last week that radioactive water from
the Coulport and Faslane bases, which are situated near Glasgow, was allowed to leak into the sea after several old pipes burst.
The substance was released into Loch Long because the Royal Navy inadequately maintained a
network of around 1500 pipes on the base, a regulator found.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency, the pollution watchdog north of the border, found up to half the components at the base were beyond their design life.
David Cullen, a nuclear weapons expert at the Basic defence think tank, said attempts to hide previous serious incidents from the public had been “outrageous”.
Keith Brown, the deputy leader of the SNP, accused the Government of a cover-up in relation to the incident at Faslane.
Mr Brown said: “Nuclear weapons are an ever-present danger and this new information is deeply worrying.
(Excerpt from The Telegraph UK)
First Lady Melania Trump has threatened to sue Hunter Biden for more than $1bn after he said she was introduced to her husband by sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Lawyers acting on behalf of the first lady, who married President Donald Trump in 2005, described his claim as “false, disparaging, defamatory and inflammatory”.
Biden, son of former US President Joe Biden, made the comments during an interview this month. He defended them on Thursday and did not seem willing to
At least 34 persons died and more than 200 are missing after heavy rain caused a flash flood in Indian Kashmir, officials said on Thursday.
The incident occurred in the town of Chashoti in Kishtwar district, a stopover point on a pilgrimage rout up to the Himalayan shrine of Machail Mata.
Many of those washed away by the sudden cloudburst are thought to be pilgrims who were about to trek to the temple
“A large number of pilgrims had gathered for lunch and they were washed away,” an official said.
A cloudburst, according to the Indian Meteorological Department, is a sudden, intense downpour of more than 100mm (4in) of rain in just one hour that can trigger sudden floods, landslides and devastation, especially in mountainous regions during the monsoon. (Excerpt from The Guardian)
back down in the face of the lawsuit threat.
A letter from the first lady’s lawyers and addressed
to an attorney for Hunter Biden demands he retract the claim and apologise, or face legal action for “over
$1bn in damages”.
It says the first lady has suffered “overwhelming financial and reputational harm” because of the claim he repeated.
It also accuses the youngest Biden son of having a “vast history of trading on the names of others”, and repeating the claim “to draw attention to yourself”.
When asked during an interview on the YouTube show Channel 5 with Andrew Callaghan if he would apologise, Biden said “not going to happen”. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Florida follows up Alligator Alcatraz with “Deportation Depot”
Ron DeSantis, Florida’s governor, has announced plans for a second new migrant detention centre for his state nicknamed “deportation depot” following the opening of “Alligator Alcatraz”.
Mr DeSantis said the new facility is to be housed at the Baker Correctional Institution, a state prison about 69 kilometres (km) west of downtown
Mexico’s Sheinbaum says former Pemex CEO arrested in US, to be deported
Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Thursday that Carlos Trevino, former CEO of state oil company Pemex, had been arrested in the United States and would be deported to stand trial in Mexico for corruption charges.
“It’s an extradition request that has been ongoing for about five years. He has finally been located and will be deported in the coming
days. His trial will take place in Mexico,” Sheinbaum said during her daily news conference.
The President added that the arrest stems from a complaint filed by Emilio Lozoya, also a former Pemex director, who accused Trevino of receiving approximately 4 million pesos in bribes in exchange for authorizing a contract for the Ethylene XXI plant, linked to Odebrecht’s Braskem subsidiary.
Trevino was appointed CEO of Pemex in November 2017, during the administration of former President Enrique Pena Nieto, and served until the end of that administration in late 2018.
Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office had accused Trevino of criminal association and operations with illicit proceeds. An arrest warrant was first issued in September 2021 after he failed to appear in court. (Reuters)
Jacksonville.
It is expected to hold 1300 immigration detention beds, though that capacity could be expanded to 2000, state officials said.
After opening Alligator Alcatraz on an isolated airstrip in the Florida Everglades last month, Mr DeSantis justified building the second detention centre, saying Donald Trump’s Administration needs the additional capacity to hold and deport more immigrants.
Kristi Noem, the Department of Homeland Security Secretary, has
trumpeted efforts to expand immigration detention capacity, calling Florida’s partnership a model for other state-run holding facilities. It could take two to three weeks to get the facility operational, according to Kevin Guthrie, the director of the Florida division of emergency management, the agency in charge of building the immigration facilities.
Staffing at the site will be handled by the National Guard and state contractors “as needed,” Mr DeSantis said. (Excerpt from Telegraph UK)
Reorganize your thoughts about your professional direction. Refuse to let negativity cause you to disengage. Get involved, take on problems and be true to yourself.
Decline invitations that don't appeal to you, cost too much or involve indulgent practices. The peace of mind you gain from wiping your slate clean will be well worth it.
Listen, verify information and focus on victory. You have plenty to gain if you are willing to make changes on the fly. Be the powerhouse you are and soar to the forefront.
Take an interest in what's happening in your neighborhood and volunteer to help. The people you meet and the information you gather will help you make better lifestyle choices.
Set the stage for success and dominate situations that require leadership. To stay in control, you must first take hold of whatever you face and combat problems with solutions.
Compromise if necessary, and you will make headway. Lending a helping hand will position you for a pleasant surprise or reunion with someone special. A trip, seminar or networking event looks promising.
Pick up the pace and apply what you know to get things done on time. Set a budget, get organized and work diligently to ensure you achieve the success you desire.
Pay more attention to what you do and how you do it, and less to conversations that tug on your emotions and throw you off course. Personal improvements that lead to knowledge, growth and validation are favored.
Spend more time at home; fix up your space to suit your needs, declutter and lower your overhead by upgrading and replacing faulty equipment. Avoid emotional drama.
Domestic changes will place you in a better financial position. Make special plans with someone you adore, and it will bring you closer together. Don't shy away from opportunities.
Your interest in money will mount as you focus more on investing in something you want to pursue. A change at home can lead to positive results and increased financial flexibility.
Sit tight and watch. A social event that allows you to reconnect with people from your past will offer insight into how to use your skills more effectively to boost your finances.
London Spirit held off the charge of Trent Rockets under lights at Lord's to register their second win and throw The Hundred men's competition
wide open.
The win takes them into a five-way tie at the top, while for Rockets, their hopes of peeling off a third consecutive run-chase to go
outright top were dashed as Spirit held their nerve to clinch it by 21 runs.
Despite the final winning margin, at the midway point of the Rockets' chase, the game was beautifully poised. Tom Banton and Joe Root had carved out 69 for the first wicket, with Banton having just launched Dan Worrall for an 89-metre six.
But when Jamie Overton removed Banton in eccentric fashion, the opener angling a dab onto his own stumps to depart for 46, Spirit got to work. The next set, delivered by Worrall, swung the game decisively – David Willey and then Rehan Ahmed falling in the space of three balls, the latter clean-bowled by a beautiful away cutter.
Five balls later, when Root mistimed his sweep shot against Liam Dawson to fall for 27, the Rockets had lost four wickets in 14 deliveries, all but ending their chances of hauling in a record chase at Lord's in the Hundred. Some muscular hitting from Marcus Stoinis at the death was too little too late.
Spirit's pace attack of Overton, Worrall, Luke Wood and Richard Gleeson, who sent down this year's fastest tournament delivery to date – a 94.1 mph yorker – hunted brilliantly as a pack.
With the bat, Jamie Smith was the star man for Spirit. Promoted to open, he was irresistible, going to his half-century in 32 balls and sharing a 73run partnership with Kane Williamson, the pair laying the platform for Ashton
Turner to pump a quickfire 16-ball 30 at the death.
Meerkat Match Hero Smith said, "It's been difficult at times at home for us, so to come out here and get a win here in front of a fantastic crowd is really important and sets us up for the next few games we've got coming up here.
"Our seamers took the pace off, and we used the ground dimensions really nicely, and most importantly, we kept taking wickets,
which stemmed the flow for them.
"It's nice to get some runs, especially on a new ground and playing for a new team. It's good to start well, and we've got a quality team. I just need to keep building the relationships with the guys at the top of the order, David Warner and Kane Williamson, and the players we've got throughout."
(ESPNcricinfo)
AUGUST 15, 2025
Afirst of its kind in Guyana, the Vurlon Mills Football Academy (VMFA) this morning unveiled their all- girls football camp, powered by Republic Bank.
The camp will cater to girls between the ages of 8-15-years- old, with and without prior football experience.
During the brief launch on Thursday morning at the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) National Training Center (NTC) at Providence; Founder of the VMFA, Vurlon Mills shared their vision for inclusivity in the sport whilst thanking the title sponsors.
“The VMFA through strategic partners with corporate Guyana has remained committed to investing in female athletes’ development. Our mission is to promote inclusivity and demonstrate that football is a sport that can be played by everyone regardless of your race, gender and nationality. Women sports has often been overlooked but we strongly believe that empowering young
women through sports, ca shape a more inclusive and progressive future,” mills shared.
The former Golden Jaguars international further expressed, “This all- girls camp stands as a testimony to our ongoing commitment to female development and this was only made possible through the unwavering support of Republic Bank Guyana through their power to make a difference initiative and we are happy to collaborate with Republic Bank to have this all- girls camp.”
On the other hand, Republic Bank’s Financial
Planning and Control manager Vanessa Thompson spoke to the uniqueness of the initiative and why
Republic Bank chose to support it.
Thomspon shared, “At Republic Bank, we believe in more than just financial, we believe in empowering people, building stronger communities and creating opportunities for our young people to shine, that is why this camp is now part of our social investment programme, the power to make a difference, because it truly has the power to change lives.”
“To the VMFA, our part-
ner in this special journey, congratulations on bringing such a bold and inspiring to life, we are honoured to stand with you and can’t wait to watch these young athletes kick it, own it and inspire the next generation of girls in sport,” she further noted.
The camp will run until Saturday, August 16 when the players will get to face off in age- group games and receive certificates, amongst other prizes.
Guyana’s National Under-14 Girls’ team will hunt success, beginning tomorrow, in the Caribbean Football Union’s (CFU) U14 Girls’ Challenge series.
The event will run from Friday, August 15, to Monday, August 25, in Trinidad and Tobago, with Guyana’s 20-member team touching down in the twin-island republic on Thursday.
The tournament will be contested in two tiers – eight teams in Tier I and 15 teams in Tier II – bringing together nearly 500 young female footballers for ten days of competitive action and cultural exchange.
Guyana will compete in Group C of Tier II, alongside Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, the Cayman Islands and Turks and Caicos.
Matches will be played
think that we have a great bunch of young ladies.”
at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Hasely Crawford Stadium, and Larry Gomes Stadium. Meanwhile, prior to their departure, the Guyana Times Sport caught up with the team whose staff and players are both oozing confidence.
Coach Nichola Argyle told this publication about the team’s preparation, which was carried out at the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) National Training Centre. “We had weeks of preparation with the girls from different parts of Guyana; we had like 45 females in the camp, so the camp had to break down. We were working constantly, daily training, like double sessions, so we’ve been working on all the different areas, defence and attack. We were working with our goalkeepers, and I’m confident that the girls can do it. They’re working hard, so I
On the other hand, forward Sabana Simon, though admitting there are areas the team can polish up on, is quite confident in the junior Lady Jags’ chances.
“My team just needs to work on more communication and proper passes. I’m not saying that they can’t pass, but they’re my teammates, and I have confidence that we can do much better in that area,” Simon expressed.
The forward added, “I’m 100 per cent confident in my team. I think that we have a really good team to win this competition that we’re going into Trinidad to play.”
Guyana will take on Antigua & Barbuda in their first match on Saturday, August 16. Thereafter, the junior Lady Jags battle Turks & Caicos on August 17, Anguilla on August 18 and the Cayman Islands on August 19.
At the National Cricket Centre in Trinidad and Tobago, the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Rising Stars Men's Under-17 2-Day Championship began with Guyana taking on the Windward Islands.
After winning the toss, the Windward Islands Under-17s decided to bat first, and skipper Theo Edwards led them admirably in their opening innings. Edwards scored an incredible 139 off 133 balls in his innings. Before being removed by Micah Amsterdam, he hit 19 fours and four sixes in his innings. Another important contributor was Tyler Venner, who made a patient knock of 47. With figures of 5 for 58, Micah Amsterdam was Guyana's top bowler, and Windward Islands ultimately declared on 281 for 9. Gibran Yacoob provided help while taking three wickets. At the end of day one, Lomar Seecharan and Emmanuel Lewis fell cheaply as the score was 26 for 2.
After winning the toss, the Windward Islands Under-17s decided to bat first, and skipper Theo Edwards led them admirably in their opening innings. Edwards scored an incredi-
ble 139 off 133 balls in his innings. Before being removed by Micah Amsterdam, he hit 19 fours and four sixes in his innings. Another important contributor was Tyler Venner, who made a patient knock of 47. With figures of 5 for 58, Micah Amsterdam was Guyana's top bowler, and Windward Islands ultimately declared on 281 for 9. Gibran Yacoob provided help while taking three wickets. At the end of day one, Lomar Seecharan and Emmanuel Lewis fell cheaply as the score was 26 for 2.
Navendra Sankar fell without scoring with the Guyanese at 30 for 3, putting Guyana in early danger as they resume the game from 26 for 2 and 255 runs behind. Parmeshwar Ram 15 and Captain Romario Ramdehol 2 would fall cheaply, but Shamar Apple's outstanding counterattack –which saw him score 123 in a calm and focused innings – kept his team in the game. During his innings, Apple hit three sixes and thirteen fours. Richard Ramdehol scored 31, and Adrian Hetmyer scored 43, provid-
ing him with crucial support as Guyana were bowled out for 264 in precisely 67 overs. For the Windward Islands, Elran Glasgow claimed 3 for 45, Desron Mitchell 3 for 41, Tyler Venner 2 for 26, and Bjorn Fanis 2 for 32. At the end of play, the Windward Islands had batted a second time and were 84 for 2. Jordan Charles scored the most runs (47), followed by Jonathan Daniels (seven) and Captain Theo Edwards (13).
The Guyanese will look to recover before their next match after the Windward Islands took first innings points. On Saturday, August 16, Guyana will play Trinidad and Tobago at the Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain.
The Guyana Amazon Warriors will get their first taste of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025 tonight, when they battle the hosts, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots.
In anticipation of their opening game, Head Coach Lance Klusener sat down for a virtual media engagement on Thursday where he shared updates on the team’s preparations, describing it as productive.
Klusener related to Guyanese media operatives, “I think, like most teams, we’ve had a really productive bit of a pre-season camp back in Guyana. So, the boys got here yesterday [Wednesday] and most of our West Indies contingent arrived yesterday and one or two will dribble
in today. So, we should be all in by this evening. So, yeah, it’s been really productive, it’s just a matter of inducting the newcomers and the people that have joined us for the first time so, that’ll take a little bit of time but hopefully we’ll have all that completed by practice today and be good to go tomorrow [today].”
The Head Coach was quizzed about what the team’s lineup will look like, especially it’s middle order, but did not have too many concerns singling out the likes of Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer and Iftikhar Ahmed in a group of versatile players.
for us, in terms of managing our players, is that ideally if we can select from a full squad for as many games as possible, that will be something that we’ll be aiming for.
to add, “For me, it’s a great thing; I thought we had shopped pretty wisely in the off-season and competition’s going to be tough for that position but the good thing is that we’ll be having an opportunity of some of those breakout players, some will get game time and some probably won’t get game time but there’s lots of opportunities off the field that we can grow those youngsters as well.”
“Competition will be stiff to find that one spot.”
He divulged, “We’ve been blessed to have Shai, that’s come in and played really well for us in that number 3 position so, you know, that’s been something that’s worked really well for us and we’ll probably try and do that again. You can throw Hetty in there as well. We’re lucky, we’ve got Iftikhar here, Moeen is here also – we’ve got a whole bunch of guys who can fill that whole middle order, probably just shift them around, left and right combinations.”
“Without giving too much away, there’s quite a few versatile players that we’ll try and settle in, and try and find a rhythm as soon as we can.
TBut just to answer your question upfront, I thought Shai was outstanding for us last couple of seasons and coming off some good form in the recent games against Pakistan so, that’s good for us,” the former South Africa international–turned Coach added.
Coming off of two backto-back West Indies tours, Klusener admitted that the workload is something that the team’s management will be paying attention to.
He explained, “That is, if not the most important part
The likes of Shep, Shai and Shamar and those guys that have played a lot, that’s more about us making sure that they’re fresh for the games. We’re not too stressed on how much gets done in terms of preparation, as long as they’re mentally and physically ready to go on game day, that’s the most important.”
Singing the praises of the Breakout League, Klusener expressed eagerness at seeing those players, which include Kevlon Anderson, Quentin Sampson and Riyad Latif, compete for their spot.
“First of all, I think it’s a great initiative. I do a lot of franchise cricket and this is the only league that places a big emphasis on not only having those people in your squad, but making sure they get game time as well.”
The GAW Coach went on
playing, and Sunil (Narine) and Andre (Russell) are here too. That's a lot of experience I can bank on. To lead them on the field – it means a lot to me.”
He continued by saying, “I started my career at the age of 17 right here, playing for T&T Red Steel, where Bravo was my captain. Then, after recovering from a career-threatening accident I suffered in 2015, Pollard picked me in the Barbados franchise, where he was my captain. All three of us finally ended up together at TKR a couple of years back, and even though we haven't won a title together yet, I’m hopeful that we can do it this year.”
rinbago Knight Riders (TKR) have announced Nicholas Pooran as their new captain for the upcoming Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025. Pooran will take over the mantle of leadership from the legendary Kieron Pollard, who has led the side with distinction since 2019, guiding them to their record fourth title in 2020.
Accepting the leadership role, Nicholas Pooran said, “It means a lot, first and foremost, to represent Trinbago Knight Riders. It is a privilege that I'm getting the opportunity to lead this franchise. I want to give it my best shot and hopefully make as many correct decisions as I can. It's a responsibility that has been passed on from Dwayne Bravo (2013–2019) to Pollard (2019–2024) and now to me. For me, the most satisfying thing is that Pollard is still
Pollard’s reign as captain was marked by consistency and tactical brilliance. Between 2019 and 2024, Under his leadership, the Trinbago Knight Riders not only clinched the 2020 CPL title – their fourth trophy in the competition – but did it with a record unbeaten season (12 out of 12 wins), before making two more playoff appearances, cementing their status as the league’s most consistent team.
While handing over the reins, Kieron Pollard said, “I got an opportunity to lead my home franchise for the last six years, and it has been special walking out leading the Trinbago Knight Riders in front of packed stadiums around the Caribbean. I believe grooming the next generation is very important. With Bravo coming on board this year as the new head coach, we felt this is the right time to get a new captain in.
Pooran is homegrown, and I think this is the right opportunity for him. We've actually been preparing him for this over the years. I don't know how much longer I'm going to be playing for, but I'm happy for the opportunity to still be on the field and help Nicholas ease into this role. He's someone who we've seen grow in front of us, and he understands our values and principles. He understands how we want to play cricket, he understands the winning culture that we want to create, and he shares a lot of respect with a lot of players around the world. So for me, it was an easy decision to hand over the captaincy to Pooran.”
Pooran, the wicketkeeper-batter, has long been regarded as one of the best T20 players globally. He holds the record as the youngest player to debut in the CPL, making his first appearance in 2013 at the age of 17. Since then, he has carved an exceptional career, becoming one of the most destructive batters in the game, amassing over 9000 runs across global T20 leagues with a strike rate hovering around 149.
Commenting on the development, Venky Mysore, CEO of Knight Rider Sports, said, "We are delighted that Nicholas Pooran will carry the leadership baton forward in a smooth transition from Kieron Pollard. Our sincere thanks to Pollard for his leadership & contributions. Pooran understands our winning culture and the responsibility that comes with leading this franchise. As he teams up with Head Coach (Champion) Bravo, we are excited to see them
teaming up for, hopefully, another successful season for TKR."
In the 2024 season, Pooran was at his brilliant best for TKR, smashing 504 runs in 11 matches at an average of 56.00, reaffirming his ability to dominate any attack. His fearless approach, coupled with His sharp cricketing brain makes him the ideal successor to carry forward the TKR winning culture this time under the guidance of head coach Dwayne Bravo.
Sharing his thoughts on the transition, Dwayne Bravo said, “When it comes to leadership, it's important to plan for the future. Once I felt I had achieved enough as the captain of Red Steel (2013, 2014) and TKR (2015 to 2019), I wanted to see who is the next best person to take over, to make sure that the legacy continues
and the franchise remains in safe hands. At that time, Pollard was the best. person for that role. Until I retired (in 2024), it was good to play under his captaincy, someone I regard as one of the best leaders in this format. Pollard and I share similar values in life, on and off the field.”
The 2025 GAW squad reads: Captain Imran Tahir, Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer, Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie, Ben McDermott, Moeen Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed/Hasan Khan, Shamar Joseph, Keemo Paul, Dwaine Pretorius, Shamarh Brooks, Kemol Savory, Jediah Blades, Kevlon Anderson, Quentin Sampson and Riyad Latif.
The clash between the Amazon Warriors and Patriots will bowl off at 19:00hrs this evening.
“In that same way, we are now transitioning to Pooran, who is someone who has been playing and learning a lot about cricket from us as players. He's the right choice, and this is the right time. Just like I did six years ago; Pollard has now decided to hand over the leadership to someone who we think is on the verge of being one of the greatest T20 players. We want to make sure that we’re there to Support him and give him everything he needs to embark on this journey.”
TKR will begin their 2025 CPL campaign against the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots at Warner Park on August 17.
The Antigua and Barbuda Falcons have announced all-rounder Imad Wasim as team captain and local star player Rahkeem Cornwall as vice-captain for the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League.
The announcement was made by the franchise at the St Kitts Marriott Resort on Wednesday as the team prepared for the start of the upcoming season. An animated video featuring the all-rounder with a Captain
America theme was posted by the Falcons on their official social media accounts to announce the news to the public.
Imad, an experienced player in T20 leagues across the globe, is in his second season with the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons. He brings a wealth of leadership and experience to the team, with over 400 T20 matches and 130 international appearances for Pakistan. Imad has featured in seven CPL editions, playing 64 match-
es in which he has picked up 70 wickets at a decent average of 20.22. He has also scored 802 runs with the help of two half-centuries. The Antigua and Barbuda Falcons started their CPL 2025 campaign against the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots on Thursday evening.
Six teams. Six venues. 34 matches. Only one eventual winner. The 13th edition of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) got underway in Basseterre on Thursday night as the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots de-
vived a shaky start to post his maiden T20 half-century; his 61 off 34 balls helped to stitch the visitor’s batting effort together and saw the Falcons post 121 all out.
Patriots skipper Jason Holder won the toss and elected to insert the Falcons; this turned out to be a shrewd move, as only Karima Gore made a score of note for the latter. Gore sur -
On a sticky pitch that helped the bowlers, the batters found it hard to time all their shots, but the Falcons’ target was below par and hauled in with relative ease by the Patriots.
The experienced hands of Alick Athanaze (37 off 28) and Jason Holder (18 off 14) saw Patriots over the line with five overs to go to cap off a commanding performance to start this year’s campaign.
It was an allround performance from Holder’s side; the bowlers impressed earlier in the evening – left-arm wrist spinner Waqar Salamkheil was the star bowler for the Patriots and was
named the Player of the
Pacemen Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naseem Shah ably supported by bagging a couple of wickets each to keep the Falcons constantly pegged back and under pressure. The low total posted by the Falcons did not give their bowlers enough to work with, and the Patriots were never in any danger despite Rahkeem Cornwall pocketing two wickets in one over. (CPLT20)
Smith, 13.4 ov), 8-103 (AM Ghazanfar, 14.3 ov), 9-110 (Imad Wasim, 15.5 ov), 10121 (Jayden Seales, 17.1 ov) • DRS Bowling O-M-R-W