“Healthy families create healthy communities” – GDF Colonel tells ranks
17 persons living with disabilities complete plumbing training
GDF strengthens senior leadership capacity South Rupununi gets road equipment to drive development, jobs Young people urged to consider careers in law enforcement
“Build ecosystems, not just sales” –Head of State calls for
The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has concluded its Warrant Officers’ Development Programme, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening the leadership capacity of its senior non-commissioned officers and investing in the continued development of personnel responsible for maintaining standards, discipline and professional excellence across the Force.
Over a three-week period, 10 Warrant Officers Class Two from units across the GDF participated in the pro-
gramme, which was designed to enhance their effectiveness as senior leaders and prepare them for increased responsibilities associated with higher levels of military leadership.
The programme was directed by Major Oral Thom and facilitated by former Force Sergeants Major, Warrant Officers Class One (Ret’d) William Richmond and Raul Rodney. Drawing on decades of military experience and institutional knowledge, the facilitators provided practical insights into the demands of senior leadership
within the profession of arms. Training was delivered across four key areas: Leadership, Management, Policy and Accountability, and Military Systems, Procedures and Protocols. These areas were intended to strengthen participants’ capacity to lead and mentor subordinates, manage personnel and resources effectively, uphold accountability and professional standards and ensure the proper implementation of established military systems and procedures. Participants also benefited from presentations de-
livered by Force Sergeant Major Warrant Officer Class One Christopher Harmon and guest lecturers from several branches and departments within the Force, including Welfare, Medical, Finance, Intelligence, Legal Services and General Staff. The sessions provided perspectives on contemporary issues affecting military leadership and reinforced the broad range of responsibilities expected of Warrant Officers in today’s operational environment.
Delivering the feature address at Friday’s closing ceremony, Colonel General Staff, Colonel Kenlloyd Roberts, MSM, who is performing the duties of Chief of Defence Staff, spoke on the concept
of “stewardship of the profession,” highlighting the role of Warrant Officers in preserving the values, standards and traditions that underpin military service.
“Stewardship of the profession means accepting responsibility for the standards by which the Guyana Defence Force is judged. As Warrant Officers, you are the custodians of our discipline, our accountability, our regimentation and our professional ethos. The example you set today will determine the standard of leadership and soldiering that follows tomorrow,” he said. Colonel Roberts further encouraged Warrant Officers to lead by example in all aspects of military life, stressing that con-
duct, bearing, physical fitness and commitment to standards directly influence both subordinates and the wider culture of the Force. He noted that military institutions are strengthened when experienced leaders consistently embody the values and professional standards they are entrusted to uphold.
The GDF said the successful completion of the programme reflects its ongoing investment in developing competent, professional and adaptable leaders capable of mentoring future generations of soldiers, safeguarding institutional standards, and contributing to an operationally ready Force prepared to meet current and emerging challenges.
The South Rupununi District Council, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) has expressed appreciation to President Dr Irfaan Ali for fulfilling a commitment made through the Natural Resources Ministry to support development in the district with the provision of a dump truck and a grader. In a statement posted on social media, the South Rupununi District Council on Friday said the equipment is a key step in addressing long-standing challenges affecting roads and transportation infrastructure across the South Rupununi. The
ment. It said the equipment will assist in strengthening road networks and improving service delivery in remote communities. The council
council noted that the machinery will support ongoing infrastructure works and wider community development efforts, while improving access and mobility within the district. According to the statement, the investment also supports efforts toward greater self-reliance and sustainable develop-
further highlighted that the development positions South Rupununi Development Inc to bid for and execute contracts within the region. It said this will allow for greater use of local labour, skills development and retention of economic benefits within the district.
The group said its goal is to improve infrastructure, create employment opportunities, and support longterm growth driven by local resources and capacity within the South Rupununi.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, June 22 –09:45h–11:15h and Tuesday, June 23 – 10:55h-12:25h.
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
Early-morning sunshine is expected followed by thundery showers during the day and into the night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.
Winds: North-Easterly to East North-Easterly between 3.58 metres and 5.36 metres.
High Tide: 10:24h and 22:53h reaching maximum heights of 2.26 metres and 2.27 metres.
Low Tide: 16:21h reaching a minimum height of 0.95 metre.
go after large-scale opportunities
…says Govt ready to offer help
President Dr Irfaan Ali has called on the local Private Sector to come together and pool resources in order to go after large-scale opportunities, rather than complaining about foreign companies coming and taking away them. “We can’t sit down and complain on a newspaper front page every day that foreign investors are coming, building the company, showing the worth of the company and selling it the next day for greater money. That is how economies operate. That is how the global market operates….this is the time for action…not the time to complain,” the Head of State declared during the commissioning of Jags Aviation’s two new aircraft on Saturday evening. His remarks come as he challenges operators in the local aviation industry to get together and set up a regional carrier to tap into the market within the Caribbean. “I believe that our aviation players should come together to look towards developing a regional carrier, because Guyana’s ambitions now seem limitless. We have to get the heads together and come up with a plan that is viable and sustainable,” he stated during Saturday’s event. Only on Friday last, the Guyanese Leader expressed similar sentiments when he announced plans to establish a national mining company to allow Guyanese stakeholders to capitalise on large-scale opportunities in the mining sector. “We’re going to come together, create a consortium, buy the best technology, do all of the technical work and move towards creating a world-class mining company owned by Guyanese, built by Guyanese, in which every citizen [within the mining sector is involved],” Ali noted on Friday during the commissioning of Citizens Bank Guyana Inc’s new branch location at Bartica, Region Seven. The President had explained that this initiative will broaden financial participation and access to various mechanisms for many local large, medium, small-sized miners, thus enabling financial inclusion at every level. He added that it will also ensure that Guyanese retain ownership of the opportunities within the local mining sector instead of them being taken up by large foreign miners.
Ready to assist
According to President Ali during Saturday’s event, his Government is ready to assist Guyanese
businesses in going after these opportunities. “Our private sector must come together. We must use the private sector and go after larger scale opportunities. And if we wait too long, others will take the place, this is a time to put every shoulder behind the wheel and create the ecosystem. You have a Government that is ready to sit with you in a collective and help you to build this country,” he stated. The Head of State went onto point out that resources are being wasted when companies do not pool their resources together. For instance, he noted that there is no need to for 10 companies to each send their own trucks into interior locations such as Lethem to transport goods when they can create one logistics chain and send a long hauler instead with all the products.
“As a Government, our duty is to ensure national scale survival. And national scale survival requires us to bring all the participants together… The possibility of the market of Haiti opening up, the possibility of the market of Cuba opening up, present immense opportunity if we are ahead of the curve.”
“Are we willing to be ahead of the curve? Are we satisfied playing little hopscotch against each other? The scale of our country growth requires a different scale in the thinking of our people. It requires a different scale in the busi-
ness strategy in each corporate boardroom, so that we can apply our collective ambition for national development,” the President emphasised.
The Guyanese Leader contended that regional companies that export their goods to Guyana must also look into setting up manufacturing facilities here. He pointed out that the various incentives being granted by Government to investors coupled with the reduction in electricity costs that will become available when the Gas-to-Energy (GtE) Project starts operating later this year will create the conducive environment for industrial activities. “If we are not good enough for you to manufacture and produce your goods by investing in our economy, then we are not good enough to consume our goods too. We
have given all the incentives for agro-processing. We have given all the incentives for manufacturing. There is nothing or no other economy in the region that offers more policy-based incentives for agro-processing than Guyana. It is time the region manufacturers bring that manufacturing here, if they are going to continue to expand in this market,” he insisted. According to President Ali, his Government is already working with the Dominican Republic expand the local agro-processing industry in a major way. “We don’t only want the sausage fresh and nice and well-priced; we want it manufactured in Guyana. We cannot go forward without value creation and manufacturing in this country. And that is where our energy must be. And that is why this investment is critical,” he contended.
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In the race to succeed Secretary General António Guterres, Guyana has nominated our Permanent Representative to the United Nations for the position. This reflects both our country’s growing diplomatic profile and a broader desire for change within the UN. Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett, a former Foreign Minister who served on the UN Security Council, enters the contest at a time when the world body’s capacity to meet the challenges of an increasingly-divided international order is being questioned.
However, the organisation is likely to remain a central pillar of world affairs in the years ahead, not because it possesses extraordinary power, but because no alternative institution exists with comparable global reach and legitimacy. In a world marked by geopolitical rivalry, climate change, humanitarian crises, migration pressures, and emerging technologies, Governments still require a forum where nearly every nation has a seat at the table.
The UN’s role is, therefore, likely to remain what it has long been: a convener, coordinator, and mediator. It will continue to facilitate diplomacy, support humanitarian operations, promote sustainable development, and provide a framework for international cooperation. These functions may not generate headlines in the way military alliances or great-power confrontations do, but they remain essential to global stability.
Yet the organisation’s limitations are equally clear. The greatest obstacle to UN effectiveness is not bureaucratic inefficiency, although that certainly exists. It is the reality of greatpower politics. The Security Council’s permanent members – the US, China, Russia, the United Kingdom, and France – retain veto authority, ensuring that the UN can act decisively only when their interests broadly align. When those powers disagree, paralysis often follows. No Secretary General, regardless of talent or determination, can eliminate that structural constraint.
This reality should shape expectations about what any future UN leader can achieve. Meaningful reform is possible, but revolutionary change is not. The next Secretary-General is more likely to succeed by improving administration, strengthening coordination among agencies, increasing transparency, and enhancing the organisation’s responsiveness to crises than by attempting to rewrite the rules of international politics. That is where Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett’s candidacy deserves serious consideration.
Her background combines experience in diplomacy, Government, and multilateral institutions. As Guyana’s Ambassador to the UN and a former Foreign Minister, she understands both the concerns of developing countries and the practical realities of international negotiations. Coming from a small State may also prove advantageous. Candidates from major powers can sometimes face suspicion from rival governments; candidates from smaller nations are often seen as more neutral brokers.
Rodrigues-Birkett has emphasised multilateralism, climate action, inclusion, and institutional effectiveness. These priorities align with many of the issues likely to dominate the UN agenda over the next decade. Climate change, in particular, poses an existential challenge for many developing countries, and leaders from smaller States have often been among the strongest advocates for urgent international action.
At the same time, we should avoid overstating what her election could accomplish. Even the most capable Secretary General operates within narrow political boundaries. Success depends less on issuing directives than on persuading Governments, building coalitions, and maintaining dialogue among States with competing interests. The office derives influence from diplomacy and credibility rather than executive authority.
Within those constraints, the evidence suggests that Rodrigues-Birkett could improve the organisation’s functioning. Her experience demonstrates a capacity for consensus-building and a practical understanding of how international institutions operate. She can be a skilled manager, diplomat, and advocate capable of making an imperfect institution work more effectively.
Whether Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett ultimately becomes Secretary General remains uncertain. The selection process is heavily influenced by the Security Council, where geopolitical considerations often outweigh regional aspirations. Strong competitors from other regions are also seeking support. Nevertheless, her candidacy highlights an important truth about the future of the UN: its effectiveness will not depend on dramatic constitutional changes or sweeping declarations but on steady leadership, patient diplomacy, and realistic reforms that strengthen its ability to serve Member States.
In an era of growing international tension, that may be the most valuable form of progress available – and perhaps the most realistic measure of success.
By Dr Chris TufTon
If you spend any time on social media these days, you have probably stumbled upon them: the short clips of older folks that make you stop scrolling and smile. The grandfather dispensing life advice with a twinkle in his eye. The 80-something who still dances better than her grandchildren. The retiree who, after a lifetime of lessons, sums it all up in one sentence wiser than anything you will find in a self-help book.
We share those videos, tag our friends, and feel something warm. And for good reasons. There is a particular kind of joy in watching someone who has lived a full life still find delight in it. It reminds us, if only for a moment, that growing old is not something to dread but a gift many people never receive.
On Father’s Day, that thought feels especially close. We celebrate the fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and elder figures who shaped us, many of them now in the season of life we call old age. It is a fitting moment to ask ourselves a simple question: when our turn comes, and it will come for all of us, how do we want to be treated?
We are all growing older Jamaica is an ageing nation. There are now roughly 350,000 of us aged 60 and above, and that number keeps climbing. Around the world, the population of older people is expected to reach two billion by 2050. This is not a crisis to fear; in many ways, it is a triumph. People are living longer. But it does mean the society we build must work for those who have already given so much to it.
We do not talk about this enough, but ageing can be lonely. The children grow up and move away. Old friends pass on. The phone rings a little less each year. For too many of our seniors, what hurts most is not the aches or the slower step. It is the quiet long days spent alone, feeling forgotten by the very people and the very society they spent their lives serving. That is something we can change. Good medical care matters tremendously, but ageing with dignity asks for more than that. It asks for connection and purpose, and for the simple assurance that you still count for something. It asks, too, for a society willing to grow kinder rather than colder as its people grow older.
What we are building
I will not pretend that every senior in this country is treated with the love they deserve. We have all heard the painful stories, they trouble me and they should trouble us. But I would rather use this space to talk about what we are building than to dwell only on what has gone wrong, because the answer to neglect is a community that shows up.
That is the spirit behind the work underway at the Ministry of Health and Wellness. We are advancing a community-based model of geriatric care that brings services closer to the people who need them, instead of waiting for them to arrive at a hospital. We will open pilot geriatric clinics in St Ann and St Catherine, offering comprehensive assessments and specialised care for older adults. And we are expanding homebased care, with community health aides making structured home visits under the supervision of public health nurses, so
that help reaches our seniors right where they live.
But the Government cannot do this alone, nor should it try to. I am inviting the Private Sector and our communities to imagine what ageing well could look like in Jamaica. Daycare centres for older people, where a working son or daughter can leave a parent in good company rather than alone at home. Retreats and social activities designed with our seniors in mind. Spaces where they can gather, share their stories, and pass on the very wisdom we so love to watch on social media and to remind them that they are still very much part of the life of this nation.
A quiet promise
Our success will not be measured by how many clinics we build or programmes we announce. It will be measured by whether our mothers and fathers, our grandparents and neighbours, can grow old with dignity, independence, and joy.
So this Father’s Day, as we honour the older men in our lives and all the seniors who have carried us this far, let us make them a quiet promise: that we will not let them grow old alone, and that we will build a Jamaica that grows kinder as it grows older. Because if we are blessed to live long enough, we will each one day be the face in the photograph, the voice in the video, hoping the world still has a warm place for us.
How would you want to be treated? Let us treat them exactly so. (Jamaica Observer)
(Dr Chris Tufton, CD, MP, is Jamaica’s Minister of Health and Wellness)
The Caribbean’s future prosperity depends on safe, secure and sustainable shipping, with regional cooperation remaining essential as the maritime sector undergoes rapid transformation, according to a senior official of the
International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
Speaking at the opening of the Fifth Regional Meeting of Directors and Heads of Maritime Administrations (DMAR5) in Georgetown, on Sunday, Head of the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC)
Dear Editor,
I am extremely pleased that, as a matter of Government policy, Senior Minister with responsibility for finance, Dr. Ashni Singh addressed the issue of salaried employees and whether they can benefit from the development bank loan facility and, more broadly, pursue alternative and legitimate business endeavours.
We have had outdated rules for a long time that have been prohibitive, especially around outside work, entrepreneurship, and this broad-brush treatment of conflict of interest.
We are in a different era now, and these rules have to adapt. Conflict of interest can be managed and regulated. It should not automatically be used as a blanket prohibition
against people earning legitimately, building businesses, teaching, consulting, investing, or pursuing complementary sources of income.
People should be able to earn legitimately outside of their main employment, once it is properly disclosed, managed, and does not compromise their official responsibilities. Alternative and complementary legitimate sources of income need to be encouraged and promoted across both the private and public sectors.
The economy has changed. The labour market has changed. The entrepreneurial environment has changed.
The policy framework must now change with it.
Yours faithfully, Joel Bhagwandin
Section within the IMO’s Technical Cooperation and Implementation Division, Carlos Salgado, said maritime affairs have become a strategic priority for countries throughout the region.
He noted that maritime development is closely linked to economic growth, trade, connectivity, environmental sustainability, energy security and national resilience.
“For the Caribbean, the sea is not a shared geography. It is a shared future,” Salgado told delegates gathered for the regional meeting. According to the IMO official, the prosperity of Caribbean countries depends on safe, secure, efficient and sustainable shipping, supported by strong maritime institutions, modern ports and effective regulatory frameworks. He pointed out that the global maritime sector is currently experiencing one of the most signif -
icant periods of change in its history, driven by digitalisation, emerging technologies and the transition towards decarbonisation.
At the same time, he said climate change continues to place additional pressures on small island developing states and coastal nations. “These developments require more than technical solutions. They require vision, leadership and coordinated action,” Salgado stated. He explained that the IMO continues to support member states through technical cooperation programmes and strategic partnerships aimed at strengthening governance, building institutional capacity and developing human resources. Salgado noted that the DMAR forum has become an increasingly important platform for Caribbean maritime leaders to identify common priorities and develop practical solutions
to shared challenges. “It brings together maritime leaders to identify common priorities, strengthen national cooperation and advance practical solutions to shared challenges,” he said. Over the next several days, delegates will discuss issues including institutional strengthening, legal and policy reform, maritime facilitation, environmental protection, decarbonisation, capacity building, resource mobilisation and the development of future maritime leaders. The discussions, Salgado said, are not solely about meeting international obligations but about creating conditions for sustainable economic development, protecting marine resources and strengthening regional resilience. He further noted that the Caribbean is uniquely positioned to demonstrate the benefits of collaboration among small developing states
facing similar challenges. “The Caribbean has a unique opportunity to demonstrate how regional cooperation can accelerate progress and how small island developing states can successfully navigate the complex challenges of the 21st century,” he said. Salgado reaffirmed the IMO’s commitment to supporting maritime development throughout the region and encouraged participants to use the meeting to deepen cooperation and advance a safer, more sustainable and prosperous future for the Caribbean maritime sector.
The DMAR5 meeting has brought together directors and heads of maritime administrations, representatives of regional and international organisations and industry stakeholders from across the Caribbean to discuss the future of maritime governance and cooperation in the region.
Dear Editor,
At the home game of Knicks versus Spurs at Madison Square Garden a week ago that was attended by President Trump, he made a brief spontaneous on the spot comments about Guyana. It was carried live on TV and social media. There was a female who sought a photo op with the President as he engaged the media. Trump agreed.
When the female went up
to the President, he asked her where she is from. She responded, Guyana. The President commented something like Jim Jones, connecting the country with that notorious incident in 1978 that took hundreds of lives in a mass suicide or murder in the jungle of our then unknown country. Then Trump stated, I love Guyana. Trump’s comments suggest that the President has good memory about some knowledge of
Guyana. He met President Ali last March in Miami and knows about our issues with Venezuela and security. Guyana should strengthen ties with the USA, even becoming some kind of ally.
Under this presidency, we could get visa waivers to travel to America if we cultivate a strong relationship.
Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram
MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2026
TVG Devotional Hour
Week-in-Review (RB)
Food Network
Movie - Love at Sea (2018)
Movie - Astro Boy (2009)
Cartoons
KTLT (RB)
Indian Soaps
The Young & The Restless
Documentary: Nat Geo Animals
House of Cards
A ratio compares two numbers by using division.
Example:
Four persons want to share one pizza. Of course, each person wants a slice of the same size. To find out what part of the pizza each person gets, set up a ratio.
Divide: 1 pizza ÷ 4 persons.
Step 1: Express the problem as a fraction:
Step 2: Remove the words:
By using a ratio, you found that if you cut one pizza into four equal parts, each person gets of the pizza. 1pizza 4 person 1 4 1 4
Exercises: Solve
1) Eve has 10 dollars to share among four friends. What is each person’s share.
2) Paul drive his car 60 kilometres in 30 minutes. How many kilometres did he ride every minute?
Ultraviolet light can damage DNA molecules. If a cell's DNA repair mechanisms can't keep up with the damage, mutations are the result. As harmful mutations accumulate, the cell eventually dies. How much ultraviolet light is too much for a bacterial cell?
Ultraviolet (UV) light is invisible to our eyes, and has higher energy than visible light. "When considering the effect of UV radiation on human health and the environment, the range of UV wavelengths is often subdivided into UVA (400–315 nm), also called Long Wave or 'black light'; UVB (315–280 nm), also called Medium Wave; and UVC (< 280 nm), also called Short Wave or 'germicidal'." (Wikipedia, 2006a) Short-wavelength UV light has enough energy to damage chemical bonds in DNA molecules, which are very stable under most conditions.
3) 2 loaves of bread need 13 ounces of butter. How much butter does each loaf require?
4) A 23-litre tank with was filled two 2-gallon drums of gas. How much of the tank was filled?
5) 12 pizzas are shared among 20 persons. If there are 4 slices in each pizza, how many slices does each person get?
bases (such as thymine and cytosine in DNA), opening the bond and allowing it to react with neighbouring molecules. If it is next to a second pyrimidine base, the UV-modified base forms direct covalent bonds with it. The most common reaction forms two new bonds between the neighboring bases, forming a tight four-membered ring (see Figure 1). Other times, a single bond forms between two carbon atoms on the rings, forming a '6-4 photoproduct.' These reactions are quite common: each cell in the skin might experience 50-100 reactions during every second of sunlight exposure." (Goodsell, 2001)
Cells have mechanisms to repair this damage, but if the duration of exposure to UV light is sufficient, the repair mechanisms are unable to keep up with the rate of DNA modification. Short wavelength UV light can thus serve as a germicide.
Terms and concepts
You should do research that enables you to understand the following terms and concepts:
Ultraviolet (UV) light
UVA
UVB
UVC
DNA structure
Pyrimidine
DNA replication
Questions
What are the differences between UVA, UVB, and UVC radiation? How does UV light damage DNA molecules? (Andrew Olson, Ph.D., Science Buddies)
By Eduardo C Corral
in a Tex-Mex restaurant. His co-workers, unable to utter his name, renamed him Jalapeño. If I ask for a goldfish, he spits a glob of phlegm into a jar of water. The silver letters on his black belt spell Sangrón. Once, borracho, at dinner, he said: Jesus wasn’t a snowman. Arriba Durango. Arriba Orizaba. Packed into a car trunk, he was smuggled into the States. Frijolero. Greaser. In Tucson he branded cattle. He slept in a stable. The horse blankets oddly fragrant: wood smoke, lilac. He’s an illegal. I’m an Illegal-American. Once, in a grove of saguaro, at dusk, I slept next to him. I woke with his thumb in my mouth. ¿No qué no tronabas, pistolita? He learned English by listening to the radio. The first four words he memorized: In God We Trust. The fifth: Percolate. Again and again I borrow his clothes. He calls me Scarecrow. In Oregon he picked apples. Braeburn. Jonagold. Cameo. Nightly, to entertain his cuates, around a campfire, he strummed a guitarra, sang corridos. Arriba Durango. Arriba Orizaba. Packed into a car trunk, he was smuggled into the States. Greaser. Beaner. Once, borracho, at breakfast, he said: The heart can only be broken once, like a window. ¡No mames! His favorite belt buckle: an águila perched on a nopal. If he laughs out loud, his hands tremble. Bugs Bunny wants to deport him. César Chávez wants to deport him. When I walk through the desert, I wear his shirt. The gaze of the moon stitches the buttons of his shirt to my skin. The snake hisses. The snake is torn.
Source: Poetry (April 2012)
Write about someone whose time is running out.
As efforts continue to enhance capacity and efficiency at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), the new Terminal Two building, currently under construction, is expected to improve the travel experience for passengers. This is according to President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who was speaking at the commissioning of Jags Aviation’s two new aircraft on Saturday eve-
zones, retail opportunities, rental offices and lounges.
With this new building the CJIA will be able to dedicate separate buildings for arrivals and departures.
According to the Guyanese Leader, “Terminal two is a new state-of-the-art terminal that will be unmatched in this region. It will celebrate our heritage, our culture, our biodiversity, our ecosystem. It is not just a terminal, it is built as an experience.” “The design
ning. The Head of State outlined a 10-point plan aimed at improving the local aviation industry and strengthening Guyana’s role as a regional transportation hub.
Chief among those plans is the development of the necessary infrastructure, something the President noted is already underway with the construction of the new Terminal Two building at the country’s main port of entry. The modern 150,000-square-foot building will showcase Guyana’s natural and cultural beauty as well as feature duty-free
of Terminal Two is to create not only a gateway and a passageway for passengers; it is experiencing something different. Every country that is worth itself in modern day must be able to create experiences. It is one thing to host a major event, but when those who attend the event leave, they leave with the experience of what was offered.”
The sod for the CJIA Terminal Two Building was turned last August and construction commenced earlier this year by BHM Construction Inc out of the United Kingdom (UK) in
collaboration with the largest airport group known for world-class operations within the global aviation sector, Manchester Airport Group Ltd – both of which are teaming up on the facility’s design and construction.
The project is being financed in part by the United Kingdom Export Finance (UKEF), which has offered Guyana a credit loan ceiling up to a whopping £3 billion. In Budget 2026, the Guyanese Government had set aside some $3.2 billion to advance the construction of Terminal Two, which is slated to be completed before the end of 2028. Complementing the construction of Terminal Two are several other major projects currently underway at the airport. These include relocating the air traffic control tower to the opposite side of the airfield, a move that will free up valuable space for additional aircraft parking. The airport is also set to benefit from a new inline baggage handling system equipped with additional scanners and cameras, as well as the introduction of off-site check-in services. Further developments include a modern VIP lounge, upgraded tarmac facilities and expanded administrative offices. These upgrades are intended to streamline operations and provide a more seamless experience for travellers. The expansion comes in response to
the airport’s rapid growth and increased traffic since 2020. Between 2020 and 2025, CJIA recorded sustained double-digit growth, with passenger movements increasing by 433 per cent. In fact, last year, the airport processed 973,016 passengers, a 14 per cent increase over the 856,831
passengers in 2024. Just last month, another milestone in passenger movement was recorded with over 56,000 travellers –48,500 of those arrivals being processed at the CJIA.
This unprecedented influx represents a 16 per cent increase in passenger traffic compared to
the same period in 2025. During May, thousands of diaspora members and international tourists flooded into the country to partake in Guyana’s 60th Independence Diamond Jubilee Celebrations which was observed with a series of events across the country.
tion of new technology, and expanded professional development programmes. Students were also briefed on entry requirements, Police Academy training, specialised units and pathways for promotion within the organisation. Information was further shared on the benefits available to ranks, including job security, leadership development, overseas training opportunities and support for higher education. Kelly, who has served in the Force for more than 30 years, encouraged students to view policing as a stable and meaningful ca -
More than 50 students were engaged, during a career outreach session hosted by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) aimed at promoting opportunities within the organisation. The session was led by Human Resources Officer of Regional Police Division Six, Assistant Superintendent C. Kelly, who was accompanied by
Woman Constable Arthur, a student of the New Amsterdam Technical Institute. The engagement is part of ongoing efforts to encourage young people to consider careers in law enforcement. During the interactive presentation, Assistant Superintendent Kelly outlined the Force’s modernisation initiatives, including improvements in training, the integra -
reer option. She also noted that the GPF recognises both academic and technical qualifications, highlighting that vocational skills such as plumbing, carpentry and masonry are valued in recruitment and career advancement.
Regional Police Division Six said the outreach is part of its efforts to engage young people and promote careers that contribute to national safety, security and development.
Yesterday being “Father’s Day”, your Eyewitness received two bottles of his favourite vino - -which of course, he had to immediately test for quality control! He remembered during his schooldays, being forced to plough through DH Lawrence’s “Sons and Lovers” and quickly realised it could’ve well been named, “Sons, Mothers and Fathers”. What with Paul’s intense relationship with his mother –- which supposedly prevented him from ever “committing” to his girlfriend! Your Eyewitness had a blast regurgitating Freud’s “Oedipus Complex” theory and nodding knowingly!! Even though he thought the supposed desire to kill one’s father ridiculous – and Freud a loony!! And his mind kept wandering over the supposedly seminal relationships in his life. Note that we dub these “seminal” rather than “germinal”. You didn’t get that? “Seminal” from dad’s “semen” – male and authoritatively assumed to be the “foundational” element in life while the female “germ” needs to be “seeded” to produce anything!!
In Guyana, life is only now progressing beyond Hobbes’ “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short” life that was slavery and indentureship – which emasculated the male. Our Independence was supposed to change all of that, but actually made it worse with the hunger, homelessness and nakedness Burnham delivered!! Fathers became more frustrated. If kids didn’t do their chores with alacrity, they earned some (well-deserved) slaps behind their ears! Your Eyewitness suspects that with the new “woke” insistence on denouncing those blows as “child abuse” – things are different for fathers? The present generation ain’t experiencing Freudian turmoils that make them hate their fathers because they’re “competitors for their mothers’ love”? Yes, your Eyewitness always found Freud to be a fraud!
But seriously folks, aren’t the “hands that rock the cradle” supposed to “rule the world”? Meaning if mothers rear children, aren’t they the ones who can have the greatest influence on how they behave later in life? Even if we concede that nature (inheritance) also plays a role…surely fathers’ influence is quite diffuse. Will he go back to the cave-man days and start bopping folks over their heads with clubs!? And maybe this is what is going on with all the wife abuse, choppings and beheadings going on?
So, how exactly does Father’s Day improve relations within the typical Guyanese family – when fathers are still absent or deadbeats? How different are these husbandwife dynamic from the ones in “Sons and Lovers”? Like Mrs Morel, do Guyanese wives have real respect for their husbands – who’re forced to demean themselves in their everyday lives to cope with the “big ones” in society?
Well, with all the development the Government’s delivering, fathers can deliver a better life with savoir faire. And if they do, respect will follow!!
…Enmore
As your Eyewitness predicted, not much attention was paid to the Enmore Martyrs this year. Some will say sugar is gone from Enmore – and ain’t doing so well elsewhere – but that completely misses the point, innit?? Cuffy fought those Dutchmen 263 years ago in the Canje coffee plantations, but we still commemorate his feat annually at his monument, don’t we? What’s the connection, you ask, Dear Reader? Well, even though the rebellion was defeated – and we don’t grow that much coffee any longer – they set an example for us through the ages that we should stand up for our freedom.
And isn’t this what was done at Enmore? The workers there were standing up against the sugar barons – who were the power behind the Guyanese colonial state. By taking that stance – even though they knew they were gonna be shot – they forced Britain to send the Waddington Commission that eventually led not just to improvement in sugar workers’ living conditions, but to the universal franchise and our Independence!!
Let us all now praise Enmore!!
…Lebanon
If Iran found a new leverage to project itself among the world’s power elite – and bring the US to the table to sign a favourable MoU – well so has its arch-enemy Israel. They’ve just torpedoed the MoU by bombing Lebanon!!
trol vessels.
Guyana is positioning itself to become both a maritime and aviation hub as the Government continues to modernise the country’s transport infrastructure and strengthen its role in regional and international trade. This was outlined on Sunday by Public Utilities and Aviation Minister Deodat Indar during the opening of the Fifth Regional Meeting of Directors and Heads of Maritime Administrations (DMAR5), being hosted in Guyana for the first time.
Addressing maritime leaders and officials from across the Caribbean, Indar said the Government has been pursuing a deliberate strategy to transform Guyana into a major logistics and transportation centre.
“Because we want focus, we want Guyana to become a maritime hub, as well as an aviation hub,” the Minister stated. According to Indar, maritime transport remains critical to global commerce, noting that more than 80 per cent of goods traded worldwide are moved by sea.
He said the maritime sector influences economic growth, food security, environmental steward-
ship and regional resilience, making cooperation among Caribbean states increasingly important.
The Minister noted that Guyana’s geographical position and growing economy place it in a unique position to contribute to regional development while strengthening its own maritime capabilities. To support that vision, he said the Government has embarked on a series of initiatives aimed at improving efficiency within the shipping and logistics sectors. Among those initiatives is the planned construction of a deepwater port and the digitisation of port operations. “The President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, has outlined a comprehensive reform agenda that includes the construction of a deepwater port and digitisation of port processes to reduce bottlenecks and turnaround time for trade operations,” Indar said.
Port infrastructure
He also highlighted significant investments in the country’s port infrastructure, including dredging works along the Demerara Channel.
“In our drive towards in-
creasing port efficiency, our Government, through the Maritime Administration Department, has invested in excess of six billion Guyanese dollars into dredging the Demerara Channel,” he disclosed. The Minister explained that the investment is intended to accommodate larger vessels and lower shipping costs by improving access to Guyana’s ports. He further revealed that work is ongoing to develop modern port legislation and establish an independent national port authority to ensure the sector operates in keeping with international best practices. According to Indar, the Government is also investing in maritime technology and security infrastructure, including radar systems, satellite monitoring capabilities and high-speed pa-
Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre
Additionally, he announced that the Maritime Administration Department will soon commission a Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre equipped with modern technology and built to international standards. The Minister said Guyana is also expanding its capacity to monitor and protect its maritime domain, including efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. As discussions continue over the next several days, Indar urged delegates to focus on finding practical solutions to the challenges facing the sector. “We gather to discuss challenges and to develop solutions, not just
the challenges,” he said. The DMAR5 meeting has brought together directors and heads of maritime administrations from across the Caribbean, representatives of the International
Maritime Organisation (IMO), regional agencies and industry stakeholders to discuss maritime governance, safety, environmental protection and regional cooperation.
President Dr Irfaan Ali has called for a shift in the local private sector model from simply selling products to building complete industrial ecosystems. He said that Guyana’s ambition must extend beyond retail and distribution towards assembly, manufacturing and value creation.
The Guyanese leader was at the time delivering the keynote address at the launch of CAM Motors and the official introduction of FOTON and JETOUR vehicles to the Guyanese market at Railway Courtyard, Lamaha Street in Georgetown, on Saturday.
President Ali said the launch represented more
than the introduction of new vehicle brands and should be viewed as an opportunity to create supporting industries that encourage innovation, strengthen services and expand local capabilities. “Our ambition must never be the buying and selling of things. Our ambition must be to develop an ecosystem around ev-
ery single business initiative that we pursue,” the President stated, explaining that, “It’s not about launching the sale of a new brand tonight. It’s about the building of an ecosystem…that will support creativity, innovation and service delivery,” the head of state is quoted as saying in a Department of Public Information (DPI) report.
President Ali has already challenged the company’s leadership to explore positioning Guyana as an assembly hub for emerging automotive brands. According to Ali, Guyana’s expanding market, deeper integration with northern Brazil and future opportunities in the wider Caribbean create conditions for higher levels of manufacturing and assembly. He said the Government’s policy framework, including incentives in taxation, energy and technology, is designed to support industrial growth and reduce dependence on traditional sectors. “That is what is going to take our country beyond the shores of oil and gas. That is what is going to take our country beyond the shores of
sustainability, and that is what we have to build,” DPI quoted him as saying.
President Ali reaffirmed his Government’s support for stronger regional and international business partnerships, adding that local knowledge, regional expertise and international brands can collectively create greater economic opportunities. Speaking on the introduction of FOTON
and JETOUR vehicles, the President described it as another sign of the growing maturity of Guyana’s automotive market and increasing consumer purchasing power. He said more Guyanese are now owning vehicles as incomes rise and opportunities expand, describing the growing demand for new vehicles as an indicator of improving living standards.
The Human Services and Social Security Ministry has expanded its Learning Lab for Persons with Disabilities as part of ongoing efforts to promote inclusion and economic empowerment. According to a social media post from the Ministry, 17 participants from East Bank Demerara (EBD) Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) successfully completed a
plumbing course held from June 8 to June 17. The eight-day programme provided hands-on training in basic plumbing skills, including the identification and sizing of PVC pipes, the use of plumbing adhesives and materials, measuring and cutting techniques, reading labels, and the installation of simple pipe fittings and plumbing structures. The Ministry said the initia -
tive is designed to equip persons living with disabilities with practical, marketable skills that can support employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. It added that the Learning Lab is part of efforts to strengthen pathways toward self-sufficiency and to promote greater inclusion for persons with disabilities in society.
Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Susan Rodrigues has highlighted the continued growth of Guyana’s tourism sector, while recognis-
ment, preserving cultural identity and promoting the country internationally. Rodrigues made the remarks during the Tourism and Hospitality Association
ing the role of creatives, entrepreneurs and cultural ambassadors in supporting economic develop-
of Guyana (THAG) Annual Awards Dinner and Auction 2026, which brought together stakeholders from across
the tourism and hospitality sector to honour individuals, businesses and organisations contributing to the industry’s development. Themed, “Fashion Forward with a Touch of Drama,” the event focused on the intersection of tourism, culture and creativity and underscored the role of the Orange Economy in enhancing visitor experiences and strengthening Guyana’s
tourism product. The Minister said the continued expansion of the tourism industry presents opportunities to further integrate fashion, arts, entertainment and cultural expression into the visitor experience, creating offerings that help distinguish Guyana as a destination. The programme featured a keynote address by Melissa Noel, who examined the links be-
tween fashion, culture and tourism and explored opportunities to elevate Guyana’s creative identity internationally. Additionally, THAG President Mitra Ramkumar also addressed attendees, reflecting on the
progress of the tourism and hospitality industry and reaffirming the association’s commitment to collaboration and the advancement of the sector. During the evening, Rodrigues was presented with the 2026
Tourism Impact Award for Culture, Sport and Entertainment in recognition of the successful return of the Guyana Festival in May. The Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry in extending congratulations to THAG, all nominees and award recipients, said it looks forward to continuing its partnership with stakeholders to advance Guyana’s tourism sector and strengthen its contribution to national development.
The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) honoured fathers serving within its ranks as part of its annual Father's Day observance, recognising their contributions to both military service and family life. The observance at Base Camp Ayanganna was led by Colonel General Staff Colonel Kenlloyd Roberts, MSM, who acted in the capacity of Chief of Defence Staff on Friday. Addressing fathers from units un-
der the purview of Defence Headquarters, Colonel Roberts commended them for the example they set through their commitment to both family and country. He noted that fathers have a profound influence on the development of their children and the strength of their communities, emphasising that their guidance, support and presence are critical in shaping responsible citizens and future leaders. Colonel Roberts also encouraged the
ranks to remain steadfast in the values that define military service. He urged them to continue demonstrating discipline, integrity and professionalism not only in uniform but also within their homes and communities.
The senior officer further highlighted the importance of fathers serving as positive role models, particularly for young people who may be without strong male influences in their lives. Speaking on the impact of fatherhood, Colonel Roberts underscored
the connection between strong family structures and national development, stating that "healthy families create healthy communities, which in turn create a healthy country." As part of the observance, Inspector General Lieutenant Colonel Natasha Stanford-Francis, Colonel Administration and Quartering Commander Roger Nurse, together with senior officers and warrant officers, presented hampers and cash vouchers to fathers as a token of appreciation
For Dr Akesha Murray, the journey to medicine began in Matthew’s Ridge, Region One (BarimaWaini), a small community in Guyana’s North West District where access to healthcare was limited. Growing up, she witnessed many patients’ requiring emergency medical evacuation to Georgetown because specialist care and doctors were not readily available in the community. The loss of a primary school colleague to a condition that may have been prevented with timely medical care played a significant role in her decision to become a doctor and serve communities with limited access to healthcare. Dr Murray went on to study at Texila American University
(TAU), earning an associate degree in Premedical Sciences and a Doctor of Medicine degree. During her training, she completed clinical rotations at Jose R. Reyes
Memorial Medical Centre in the Philippines and graduated in 2020 as Valedictorian, receiving awards for Best Graduating Student and Best Clinical Science
Student. She later completed a Master of Public Health in 2025, expanding her understanding of healthcare systems, prevention, screening and the importance of improving access to care for patients across Guyana. Interestingly, her path to urology was unexpected. Following internship, the only available Medical Officer position was within the Urology Department. Although initially hesitant, she soon discovered a specialty that combined surgical skill, patient interaction, and the opportunity to make an immediate difference in patients’ lives. Since joining the Urology Department at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) in 2023, she has
for their dedication, sacrifice and service. According to the GDF, the activity forms part of the Force's annual observance of Father's Day. Similar presentations are being conducted at GDF bases and locations across the country in recognition of the contributions fathers make both to the organisation and to the nation.
The Force said the annual initiative is its continued acknowledgement of the role fathers play in supporting family life while carrying out their responsibilities in national service.
been actively involved in inpatient and outpatient care, emergency management, surgical procedures, research and community outreach. She also participates in prostate cancer screening initiatives and urology outreach clinics through the Men’s Health Unit and Guyana Cancer Foundation, helping bring specialist care closer to communities across the country. Her commitment to research has earned regional recognition, including the Best Research Presentation Award at the 26th Annual Caribbean Urological Association International Conference and the Best Presenter Award at GPHC’s 3rd Annual Surgery Research Conference 2026.
When asked what she finds most rewarding about her profession, she points to the impact on patients' lives. "Seeing patients improve and regain their quality of life is the most rewarding part of my work. I believe in listening carefully, educating patients, and encouraging people—especially men—not to delay seeking medical care." As she continues her training as a first-year DM Urology Resident, Dr Murray hopes to contribute to the continued growth of urological services in Guyana, strengthen research within the specialty, and improve patient outcomes through education, early detection and accessible care. (Feature produced by GPHC)
The High Commission of India in Georgetown, Guyana and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) commemorated the 12th International Day of Yoga on Sunday at the National Exhibition Center, Sophia. The event was organised under the global theme, “Yoga for Healthy Aging”. (India in Guyana/Facebook)
Ranks from the Turkeyen Police Station carried out a Father’s Day hamper distribution exercise within the Turkeyen Police Station district on Sunday
Ranks from the Turkeyen Police Station, carried out a
aimed at recognising fathers for their contributions to their families and communi-
a father of nine and grandfather of 30. His long-standing role within his family was
Father’s Day hamper distribution exercise within the Turkeyen Police Station district on Sunday as part of the station’s ongoing community engagement efforts.
According to a social media post, the exercised was
ties. Police ranks said the activity was intended to show appreciation and support for fathers who continue to make sacrifices in their daily lives.
During the exercise, special recognition was given to 73-year-old Trevor Batson,
highlighted as an example of dedication and responsibility. The hampers were provided through contributions from Five C’s Construction and Transportation Services and M and D Poultry.
Education Minister Sonia Parag on Sunday visited Branch Road in Mahaicony, where she spearheaded the distribution of 450-gallon water tanks to 74 households, acting on a directive from President Dr Irfaan Ali. According to a Department of Public Information (DPI)
of intense rainfall had left hundreds of acres of farmland and scores of households along the creek severely affected. During that visit, President Ali had met with farmers and residents at Branch Road and other communities to hear their concerns and assess conditions firsthand.
installing culverts.
Additionally, 18 farmers were engaged to use their own tractors to drain floodwaters, while pumps were relocated and new units installed to improve drainage in affected lands. President Ali had also committed to rehabilitating kokers, increasing pump capacity and
report, the distribution delivers on a commitment the President made during an assessment visit earlier this month to several flood-af-
The visit resulted in a broader package of relief measures for the area, DPI reported, noting that the National Drainage and
clearing the main drainage canals at Branch Road. The tanks, the DPI report stated, now give affected households greater capaci-
fected agricultural communities in the Mahaicony Creek area, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice). Weeks
Irrigation Authority (NDIA) deployed five excavators to assist farmers in raising dams, clearing runways and
ty to store water as families in the farming community work to recover from recent flooding.
he Division of Health
Tis expressing alarm over “high rates” of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Tobago, particularly HIV, among the 2029 age group.
In an exclusive interview with Guardian Media, Onika Henry, senior programme coordinator for sexual health and youth development at the Department of Wellness, Prevention and Health Promotion, said HIV infections are rising on the island. Apart from unacceptable HIV levels, Henry said gonorrhoea and syphilis are also soaring on the island and globally.
“We are monitoring those closely in Tobago because it seems to be an international trend,” she said, adding there is a new drug-resistant strain of gonorrhoea.
“HIV remains a priority because those rates seem to be increasing over a number of years. I remember coming back in 2016 after studying abroad; there was an increase happening even then.”
Henry said while the STI transmissions remain a big concern, she said the division is still analysing the data to get a clearer picture.
“We’re seeing an interesting pattern in terms of a particular age group. From 20-29, they seem to have consistently high rates when it comes to STIs. What we can’t do is draw any firm conclusions about whether that means we have STIs increasing or whether more
people are coming forward to be tested.”
She said data from private institutions remains inaccessible to the division, but it is working to address this.
Henry, a clinical sexologist, said the main hindrance to combating new infections is shame. She said the Division of Health is formulating a workplace policy to remove discrimination and stigma surrounding HIV. It also intends to strengthen public trust in their information remaining confidential at public facilities.
While HIV is now considered a chronic disease owing to advances in treatment, Henry acknowledged it remains a tremendous financial burden on the division.
“It is not about us just wanting people to be well and having a healthy labour force, but there is also
the challenge of budgetary allocations; the challenge of finding funding if you find your rates are increasing every year and if you have to provide free medication for a growing population of positive folks.”
She said there are complications involved in living with HIV, adding that an ageing population that is not well is problematic.
The sex educator believes early intervention and education are key, stressing the importance of incorporating sexual education into the school curriculum.
“Given the numbers, the STI reports we are hearing, it would be a grave injustice to not give young people the skills and knowledge they need to protect themselves. Sexuality is health; it is part of one’s wholeness and wellness.”
Henry said the intention is to collaborate with the
Division of Education to design age-appropriate messages for children. While anticipating some resistance from religious groups, Henry is eager to get all stakeholders involved, including various parents’ and teachers’ associations (PTAs).
“I am hopeful that they would see, based on the figures, numbers and research, that what we have been doing is clearly not working, and if we really care about our young people’s health, that we would do something about it in ways that are evidence-based.”
She believes religious groups preaching abstinence should embrace sexual education in schools from an early age.
“Abstinence is a skill, it is not a talent we are born with. Abstinence and refusal skills are part of sex education.” (Excerpted from T&T Guardian)
The Trump-admiring far-right millionaire lawyer and selfstyled “outsider” Abelardo de la Espriella has won Colombia’s presidential runoff, defeating the leftwing senator Iván Cepeda.
With 99.93% of ballots counted in the preliminary vote tally, De la Espriella had secured 12.95m votes, or 49.65%, just 247,686 more than Cepeda, who received 12.7m votes, or 48.7%. A further 1.6% of ballots were cast blank.
The margin was narrower than in the first round three weeks ago, when De la Espriella had beaten Cepeda by 673,000 votes.
De la Espriella’s victory marks a sharp swing back to the right after four years under Colombia’s first and only leftwing president, Gustavo Petro, who was barred by the constitution from seeking re-election and therefore backed Cepeda as his successor.
The result is also being seen as further evidence of a wave of far-right candidates sweeping presidential elections across Latin America, after recent victories by Nasry Asfura in Honduras and José Antonio Kast in Chile, while Keiko Fujimori currently leads the vote count in Peru.
Like them, De la Espriella also received the endorsement of the US president, Donald Trump – although only after winning the first round.
In a live address broad-
cast on his social media channels, De la Espriella said his victory would “change the course of Colombia’s history forever”.
He added that he had just spoken by phone with the US president: “He [Trump] has expressed his support and his recognition of our victory.”
In a video posted by the US Republican congresswoman María Elvira Salazar after the result, De la Espriella said: “To solve Colombia’s problems, we need to build a very close alliance with the US, which is not only our main trading partner but also our most important strategic ally in the fight against organised crime.”
When Petro leaves office in about six weeks, only Mexico, Brazil – which will hold elections in October –Uruguay and Guatemala
will remain under leftwing governments in the region.
In a post on social media, Petro alleged irregularities in the preliminary vote count released by the National Civil Registry, the independent public body responsible for organising Colombia’s elections. Without providing evidence, the president claimed that the registry was allegedly “uploading forms … without the signatures of election jurors” and said that “those polling stations must be immediately challenged”. Petro also wrote that he would only recognise the outcome of the official scrutiny process, which is expected to take about two more days. “No president can be declared yet. It is the scrutiny process that determines who the president is,” he said.
In the first round, the
president also alleged fraud in the preliminary count without presenting evidence, drawing widespread criticism from election experts. The difference between the preliminary count and the official tally was less than 0.1%.
Following Petro’s lead, Cepeda declined to recognise the preliminary results and, likewise without presenting evidence, said in his speech that a team of lawyers from his party was “proceeding to challenge 33,000 polling stations across the country”. He added: “Once the final scrutiny result is produced and the corresponding verifications have been carried out, we will recognise the official result that emerges from that scrutiny process.” (Excerpted from The Guardian)
Ahuge fire at a luxury beach resort in the Dominican Republic killed one woman and forced nearly 1,700 guests to be evacuated on Friday.
The woman was a 46-year-old Italian tourist, the DAEH emergency services said in a statement to local media. It added that three people were taken to medical facilities and six others were treated on site.
Drone footage shows how widespread the fire was, with buildings spanning the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach in the town of Bayahibe on fire, and thick black smoke billowing into the air.
The cause of the early-morning blaze is not yet known, but an initial investigation found the flames spread quickly due to wind conditions and the flammable thatched roofs on some buildings.
The country’s Emergency Operations Center (COE) said the
fire had been brought under control and guests had been moved to other hotels.
It added that tourist activities in the town and surrounding area were not affected.
Italian news agency Ansa reported that the Italian ambassador to the Dominican Republic met the deceased woman’s husband at the hospital. The embassy is helping around 285 Italian tourists who were staying at the resort or nearby, issuing emergency passports to those whose travel documents were destroyed in the fire and arranging flights home.
Bayahibe, a popular re-
sort town on the Caribbean coast, is known for its clear blue waters and sandy beaches.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, which franchises about 8,400 hotels around the world, said in a short statement to the BBC that while “hotel teams safely evacuated guests and staff,” one guest died.
“We send our thoughts to the family while we await autopsy results to determine the cause,” it said. It said the hotel, which is independently owned and operated, is closed and will remain so until further notice. (BBC)
By Dr Tariq Jagnarine Fam meD, enDocrinology, gloBal HealTH
Few things cause concern for parents more quickly than seeing a painful rash on their baby’s skin. One of the most common reasons for paediatric visits during infancy is diaper dermatitis, commonly known as diaper rash.
While diaper dermatitis is usually not a serious condition, it can cause significant discomfort for infants and anxiety
than just a rash
..Understanding, preventing, and managing one of the most common skin conditions in infants
treatable. However, understanding why it occurs and when it requires medical attention is important.
What is diaper dermatitis?
Diaper dermatitis refers to inflammation of the skin in the diaper area. It typically affects:
. Buttocks
. Groin
. Inner thighs
. Genital region
The rash develops when the skin is exposed to prolonged moisture, friction, urine, stool, or irritants trapped within the diaper.
Nearly every infant will experience some degree of diaper rash during the first few years of life.
Why does it occur?
The skin of infants is delicate and sensitive.
Diarrhoea
Frequent stools increase skin irritation and inflammation.
New foods
Introduction of solid foods may change stool composition and increase the risk of rash.
Antibiotic use
Antibiotics can alter normal skin and intestinal bacteria, increasing the likelihood of fungal infections.
What does diaper rash look like?
Common signs include:
. Redness
. Mild swelling
. Tender skin
. Irritability during diaper changes
. Small bumps or patches
. Bright red rash
. Skin folds involved
. Small red “satellite” spots around the main rash
.Rash that persists despite routine treatment
Candida diaper dermatitis often requires antifungal treatment prescribed by a healthcare professional.
Prevention is key
Preventing diaper dermatitis is often easier than treating it.
Change diapers frequently
Avoid prolonged exposure to wet or soiled diapers.
Keep the area clean
Gently clean the skin using water or mild fragrance-free wipes.
than a few days
. The rash becomes severe
. Blisters develop
ing, and barrier creams, often make a tremendous difference.
for parents. Fortunately, most cases can be prevented and effectively managed with proper skin care and early intervention.
As a physician, I frequently reassure parents that diaper rash is common and often
Several factors contribute to diaper dermatitis: Moisture
In mild cases, the rash is limited to areas directly exposed to moisture.
When is it a yeast infection?
Prolonged exposure to urine and stool softens and damages the skin barrier. Friction
Rubbing from diapers can irritate already sensitive skin.
Sometimes diaper dermatitis becomes complicated by infection with Candida, a common yeast.
Signs of a yeast-related diaper rash include:
Allow air exposure
Giving babies short periods without a diaper can help keep the skin dry.
Use barrier creams
Products containing zinc oxide or petroleum jelly help protect the skin from moisture and irritation.
Avoid harsh products
Perfumed wipes, soaps, and powders may worsen irritation.
When should parents seek medical advice?
Medical evaluation is recommended if:
.The rash persists for more
. Fever occurs
. Pus is present
. The rash spreads beyond the diaper area
. The baby appears unwell
These signs may indicate infection or another skin condition requiring treatment.
As a family physician, I often remind parents that diaper dermatitis is not a sign of poor parenting. Even the most attentive caregivers can encounter diaper rash.
The goal is not perfection, but early recognition and proper skin care.
What I have learnt over the years is that simple preventive measures, such as frequent diaper changes, gentle cleans-
Parents should also remember that babies communicate discomfort through crying, fussiness, and changes in behaviour. Paying attention to these signals can help identify skin problems early.
Diaper dermatitis is one of the most common skin conditions of infancy, but it is also one of the most preventable.
Good diaper hygiene, early treatment, and proper skin protection can help keep babies comfortable and healthy.
If a rash does not improve or appears unusual, seek medical advice rather than trying multiple home remedies.
Healthy skin is an important part of a healthy start in life.
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) says its Board of Executive Directors has approved a PolicyBased Programmatic Loan (PBP) of US$150 million to strengthen energy security in Barbados.
The Washington-based financial institution said the programme will help modernise Barbados’ electricity sector through reforms that foster a “more competitive, resilient, and sustainable energy market, supported by coordinated regulation and Private Sector participation.”
The programme will also contribute to improving system stability and reducing energy imports.
More than 135,000 elec-
tricity customers will directly benefit from the programme through reduced exposure to international price fluctuations.
According to the IDB, independent power producers, lenders, and project developers will face lower investment risks and reduced financing costs.
“The population of Barbados, as well as the broader economy, will also
benefit indirectly from reduced dependence on energy imports and from progress toward achieving national energy targets,” the IDB said.
“The operation will accelerate the integration of new technologies into the electricity sector, and promote competitiveness and private investment in energy generation and storage,” it added. (CMC)
Authorities in Bolivia report no active road blockades in the country, the day after President Rodrigo Paz declared a state of emergency in response to weeks of protests.
Early on Sunday, the South American country’s Legislative Assembly approved Paz’s decree, which prohibited “blocking streets, avenues, roads and highways in ways that affect transportation and supplies”.
The order also permitted Bolivia’s armed forces to support Police “in restoring order, reopening roads and protect-
ing the population”.
The signs of calm on Sunday coincided with several other breakthroughs with protesters, who launched demonstrations calling for Paz’s resignation after he imposed austerity measures that included cutting fuel subsidies earlier this year.
In Santa Cruz, officials and protest leaders signed an agreement to lift a critical blockade in the town of San Julian.
A federation of groups representing rural and Indigenous residents announced a pause in protests in La Paz, while
maintaining they had not abandoned their demands.
Five weeks of road blockades have stranded trucks and choked supplies of food, fuel and medicines to many areas.
Bolivia’s ombudsman’s office and human rights organisations have said that at least 17 persons have died, many linked with disruptions to medical care caused by the blockades.
Violent confrontations between demonstrators and Riot Police have led to 365 arrests and 37 injuries, according to authorities.
(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Jamaican MP urges immediate action for courts, slams TCN migrant agreement
Member of Parliament (MP) for St Elizabeth North East, Zuleika Jess says the Government needs to address issues affecting non-functional courts in the parish, stressing that the situation is affecting access to justice for residents.
“We don’t have a court in Savanna-la-Mar, the parish court mash up, we don’t have a court in Black River and yet they go around and boast that they are doing all things great but nobody on the ground can feel it,” she said.
Jess was speaking at the Norman Gardens Divisional Conference on Saturday at Rennock Lodge Primary and Junior High School, where she called for urgent action to restore proper court operations in the parish.
The Opposition MP also addressed the recent announcements that the
government has signed an agreement to receive third-country nationals (TCN) from the United States.
“Look at the state of Jamaica with prisons already overflowing, overcrowded, filled to the brim to capacity, we are battling crime and violence, and yet we sat in Parliament just a few days ago, and we hear the Minister say that Jamaica
has agreed to accept the rejects from the United States of America,” she said.
Minister of National Security, Dr Horace Chang has said that those with criminal antecedents will not be considered for the programme, which he said will see no more than 25 persons sent to Jamaica at any one time.
(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)
Air Peace Management is stating that it has no involvement in any advertisements, social media campaigns, or online promotions encouraging pregnant women to travel to Barbados for the purpose of giving birth or obtaining citizenship benefits.
In a clear-the-air statement, the airline’s management said since the launch of its Barbados service, Air Peace had consistently promoted the route as a gateway for business, tourism, trade, education, cultural exchange and legitimate travel between Africa and the Caribbean.
“At no time has the airline advertised, endorsed, or facilitated travel for the purposes suggested in recent online publications and social media posts. Like all commercial airlines, Air Peace tickets are sold through travel agencies, online booking platforms and our official sales channels.
The airline does not have prior knowledge of a passenger’s personal circumstances, including pregnancy status. . . .
“We further wish to clarify that the individual featured in the article currently circulating online is not an Air Peace ambassador,
influencer, representative, employee or affiliate. Any advertisements, videos, social media posts, or promotional content that may be circulating on Facebook or other online platforms regarding this matter have not been authorised, endorsed, sponsored or approved by Air Peace.”
The airline stated that such content has not been published on its website or official social media platform and “should not be interpreted as reflecting the airline’s policies, values or marketing strategy”.
(Nation News)
The T&T Police Service (TTPS) has sought to justify its polarising decision to charge social activist Alyssa Phillip and her mother Camille Caresquero after they participated in Labour Day celebrations in Fyzabad on Friday.
In an uncharacteristically lengthy press release, the TTPS announced that the mother and daughter had been slapped with three charges each and explained the rationale for their prosecution.
The release stated that Phillip had been charged with being the leader of a march and failing to call on such a march to disperse, disorderly behaviour, and resisting arrest. Casesquero was charged with being present at a march and failing to disperse, obstructing a Police Officer, and resisting arrest.
Their arrests and the charges came while they were already on bail, having been charged with disorderly behaviour and influencing public opinion in a manner that is prejudicial to public safety under the Emergency Powers Regulations for the ongoing State of Emergency (SoE) in relation to a demonstration in Port-of-Spain, late last month.
The demonstration was related to a Police-involved shooting on January 20, which
claimed the life of Joshua Samaroo and left his partner Kaia Sealy paralysed. Sealy was eventually slapped with eight charges, including for Samaroo’s unlawful killing and shooting at the Police Officers and made her first court appearance last week.
Explaining the alleged reasons for the duo’s arrest and subsequent prosecution on Friday, the TTPS said that while trade union organisations applied for and received the requisite permission to engage in their celebrations, a group led by Phillip did not. It claimed that its officers checked with trade union leaders to verify whether Phillip and her group were part of their procession and based on the response, they advised them (Phillip and the group) to disperse.
“Despite this clear explanation, the group proceeded to form and participate in an unauthorised procession at the rear of the lawful march,” it said. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian
Caricom EPG to visit
The Caribbean Community (Caricom) Eminent Persons Group (EPG) says it will schedule a visit to Haiti “as soon as possible” as it continues to follow closely the evolving political situation in the French-speaking Caribbean Community (Caricom) country.
In a two-paragraph statement, the EPG comprising former St Lucian Prime Minister Dr Kenny Anthony as its chairman, along with former Jamaica Prime Minister Bruce Golding and his Bahamas counterpart, Perry Christie, said that their monitoring of the situation in Port au Prince is being done through “ongoing virtual en-
gagements with a wide range of Haitian stakeholders including Government, political and civil society sectors.
”Fully aware of the importance of fine-tuning its perceptions through a visit to the country, while encouraging the Haitian stakeholders to resolve issues amongst themselves, the Eminent Persons Group will schedule its visit to Haiti as soon as practicable to hold in-person meetings with political and civil society stakeholders and with government officials,” the statement said.
Caricom had established the EPG in May 2023 to broker dialogue and help Haitian stakeholders navigate the country’s severe political, se-
curity, and institutional crises. It was formed to achieve several goals, including facilitating Haitian-led solutions by bringing together Government officials, political parties, and civil society to establish a peaceful transitional framework toward free and fair elections as well as assist in developing strategies to counter gang violence, restore public order, and ensure citizen security.
Since its inception, the EPG has played a crucial intermediary role, including its efforts to help establish Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council and manage subsequent leadership transitions.
(Excerpt from CMC)
Oil prices rose today after shipping through the Strait of Hormuz slowed while talks between US and Iranian officials in their first meeting under an interim peace deal were off to a bumpy start.
Brent crude futures climbed 54 cents or 0.67 per cent, to US$81.11 a barrel by 0030 GMT, after touching a high of US$82.30 at the start of trading.
West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at US$78.62 a barrel, up US$2.02, or 2.64 per cent ahead of the contract’s expiry later today. The more active August contract rose US$1.43 to US$77.28 a barrel. There was no settlement in the US market on Friday due to a holiday.
The number of ships that passed the Strait of Hormuz fell sharply on Sunday after Iran announced it had again closed the waterway, citing Israeli and US violations of the interim peace deal, shipping data showed.
”The market’s expectation of the opening of the Strait has been premature,” MST Marquee head of energy research Saul Kavonic said.
”Iran is likely to continue to find pretexts to stymie flows through the Strait, as that remains their only point of leverage into the mid-terms which they are unlikely to let go of.”
US President Donald Trump threatened to resume attacks on Iran even as US Vice President JD Vance met Iranian officials on Sunday for the first talks under an interim peace deal, while Tehran said the US had failed to meet its commitment to halt fighting in Lebanon.
Israeli strikes in Lebanon killed at least 20 persons on Saturday, Lebanon’s State news agency NNA said, one day after a ceasefire with Hezbollah took effect, aimed at halting months of escalating violence.
”The situation in Lebanon continues to pose a serious ongoing threat to both the ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait,” IG market analyst Tony Sycamore said in a note.
Still, oil prices fell more than eight per cent last week on expectations of more supply from the release of cargoes stranded inside the Gulf and the potential lifting of US sanctions on Iranian oil as part of the US-Iran deal.
More than 25 million barrels of Iranian oil have passed through the virtual blockade line since last Monday, the head of the National Iranian Oil Company, Hamid Bovard, told State TV on Sunday.
The United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Iraq have offered more oil to customers in the past week.
Iraq plans to restore crude oil production gradually to between 4.2 million and 4.3 million barrels per day, Iraq’s Deputy Oil Minister for upstream affairs said in a statement on Sunday. (Reuters)
Supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party,
a Gen Z political movement born out of a joke and despair, have camped in the Indian capital to demand the resignation of the Education Minister, defying Police orders.
The June summer heat is sweltering in New Delhi, where dozens of protesters slept overnight on roads and pavements, with more people joining on the second day amid a heavy Police presence.
Abhijeet Dipke – the viral movement’s leader, who recently graduated from Boston University in the United States – returned to India earlier this month to escalate the protests from online to the streets, addressing the simmering anger among Indian youth.
Nearly half of India’s 1.4 billion population is under 25. Frequent leaks of exam papers and discrepancies in
Iran-United States peace talks in Switzerland stretched into their second day today, after a tense opening marked by Tehran’s announcement it had again closed the Strait of Hormuz and US President Donald Trump repeating his threats to resume attacks on Iran.
Vice President JD Vance negotiated with Iranian officials on Sunday in the Qatariowned Swiss mountain resort of Buergenstock to open talks under the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) reached last week to extend a tenuous ceasefire from April for at least another 60 days.
Just before talks officially began on Sunday, Fox News reported that Trump said he told Iranian officials
Vessels at the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, June 18, 2026 (Reuters/Stringer)
”you won’t have a country” if they tried to close the Strait again. Trump also reiterated an earlier threat that the US would take over the waterway and possibly charge a toll of its own, Fox News said.
US and Iranian sour-
ces provided separate accounts of the discussions in Switzerland.
Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency, citing an informed source, said that after Trump’s threats became public, the Iranian delegation refused to re-
turn to the room where talks were held, though messages were still being traded via Pakistani and Qatari mediators.
According to Tasnim’s source, Iranians said that the start of negotiations on nuclear matters required the delivery of other parts of the MoU, including the release of frozen assets and US waivers authorising Iranian oil exports.
“The Iranians never left and are still here meeting and negotiating deep into the night,” a US diplomat involved in the talks told Reuters. ”We’ve talked about the Strait, Lebanon, nuclear issues, and details of implementing the MoU, among other topics.”
(Excerpt from Reuters)
Russian troops have infiltrated the strategic city of Kostyantynivka in eastern Ukraine and are now trying to surround it.
The entire city is now effectively in a ”grey zone”, no longer controlled by anyone, Ukrainian soldiers have told the BBC.
”They get into areas behind our backs and in urban conditions it’s extremely difficult to push them out,”
says a Ukrainian drone pilot who operates in that area and prefers to remain anonymous.
Kostyantynivka is a gateway to the rest of the Donbas region.
If it falls, Russian forces would be able push towards Ukraine’s last remaining strongholds in the east, the cities of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, and move closer to seizing Donbas completely, one of the Kremlin’s key
objectives in this war.
For months Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine has stalled along the front line, and Ukrainian commanders say they have recaptured more territory this year than they have lost, disrupting Moscow’s crucial supply lines between the Russian border and occupied Crimea. On Sunday, Russian-appointed authorities in Crimea suspended fuel sales to the public because of the shortages. And Kyiv’s repeated strikes on oil refineries in Moscow, St Petersburg and other cities have also sought to bring the conflict to the attention of Russians far from the front line. But in Kostyantynivka, Russian soldiers have advanced from the south and have even been spotted at the other end of the city, on the city’s northern outskirts. (Excerpt from BBC News)
United Kingdom
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is weighing up his political future as pressure grows on him to announce his resignation.
exam scores have caused widespread outrage among young people already stressed by the pressures of studying and seeking jobs.
Dipke’s Cockroach Janta Party (Cockroach People’s Party, or CJP) has been channelling that anger and frustration, demanding that the federal Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, resign.
Until recently, it was all jokes and digs on social media. In May, the Indian Chief Justice’s comments equating the youth with cockroaches drew widespread ire. Dipke casually wrote on X at the time: “What if all cockroaches came together?”
Soon, it went viral — and Dipke set up an official website, and its Instagram followers breached the 22 million mark, double that of India’s ruling party in power for the last 12 years.
(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
It comes as Cabinet ally Peter Kyle said the Prime Minister was considering ”political realities” after Andy Burnham’s victory in the Makerfield by-election last week cleared a path for him to challenge for the Labour leadership.
In the wake of the re-
sult, the Prime Minister has faced fresh pleas from senior Ministers to effectively make way for Burnham by setting out a timetable for his departure.
And in a further blow to the embattled Labour leader, US President Donald Trump said Sir Keir ”will resign as Prime Minister”, as he attacked his record in office.
In a social media post, Trump said Sir Keir had ”failed badly” on immigration and energy policy, as he
repeated his calls to ”open North Sea oil”. He added: ”I wish him
well!”
No 10 told the BBC the two leaders, who last saw each other at a G7 summit in France last week, had not spoken over the weekend. In the immediate aftermath of Burnham’s victory, Sir Keir continued to insist he would fight any formal leadership bid, meaning a contest in which Labour members and affiliated trade union supporters decide on the party’s future would be needed. (Excerpt from BBC News)
At least 30 people have died since the start of May in one camp for displaced civilians in northeastern Congo, a death rate that camp officials said was unprecedented, with some confirmed to have died from Ebola in a sign the disease could be spreading fast there.
It was not possible to confirm the causes of all the deaths because patients or their relatives in Kigonze camp in
Bunia – the epicentre of the Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo – had until Thursday refused testing, a camp spokesperson and aid organisation Caritas said. However, all had symptoms including headaches, fever and vomiting, which are associated with Ebola, a camp spokesperson, a bereaved father, three aid sources and a civil society leader told Reuters. “People didn’t just die like
this before,” camp spokesperson Desire Grodya Bapi told Reuters.
The deaths in Kigonze, which has more than 15,000 residents, raise fears that Ebola may be circulating undetected among eastern Congo’s over five million displaced people, with resistance to testing compounding the ?challenge posed by severely-limited sanitation measures.
Camp President Dz’djo
Ndrutsi Etienne said 10 persons were buried this week alone. Grodya said the camp typically recorded between one and three deaths per month. Justin Zanamuzi, director of Catholic aid organisation Caritas, which helps Kigonze’s residents, said his team on Wednesday saw several bodies covered in sheets, including a pregnant woman and children. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Verify facts and take notes. Be open to suggestions, but do what’s best for you. A professional move or changing how you handle money will offer an incentive to save for something special.
Keep the momentum flowing when dealing with self-improvements, but apply caution regarding physical risk when you venture outside your domain. A healthy exercise and dietary program will make you feel good.
Welcome change. Adopting and adapting to what’s available can help you turn your aspirations into something tangible. Refuse to let your emotions lead you astray or stand between you and what’s meant to be yours.
Follow through; procrastinating won’t get you where you want to go. Aim high and refuse to let emotions interfere with completion. Take a unique approach to how you earn your cash.
Reach out, gather information and put a plan in place. Preparation is everything. Show your willingness to pull your weight as well as the uniqueness you bring to any venture you pursue.
It’s time to pick an expert’s brain. Summarize what you want to achieve and start a dialogue. The information will lead to unexpected help that increases your enthusiasm and helps you see beyond your expectations.
It’s one step forward and three steps back. Don’t rush. Pay attention to detail, and don’t embellish what you can do. Overthinking or promising too much will make you look bad.
An open mind will lead to learning and preparing yourself for what’s to come. Arm yourself with information, and connect yourself to those who can help you make your dreams come true.
Shuffle things around at home to boost your productivity. Following the rules will pay off and change how others perceive you. Personal improvements will enhance your appeal.
Sit tight with eyes wide open and observe what’s unfolding around you. Hold on to the information you digest until you can back up your claims. Put your energy into self-improvement.
The pressure is on. It’s time to take notice and to unleash your plans. Participation is in your best interest. Get involved in what excites you, and you’ll connect with someone you can share concepts with.
Get in the game, speak up, share concepts and go where the action is, and you’ll connect with an opportunity you won’t want to miss. Refuse to let the changes others make drag you in the opposite direction.
West Indies Select XI pulled off a heist for the ages on Sunday, defeating Sri Lanka by 15 runs in the first and only warm-up match ahead of the visitors’ two-
match Test series against West Indies’ senior men.
Sri Lanka looked poised for victory at stumps on Saturday afternoon, on 30-1 chasing 124 for the win. However, a masterful bowl-
ing display from Guyana Harpy Eagles’ Nial Smith and Alzarri Joseph gave the Select team something to cheer about.
Skipper Tevin Imlach entrusted his go-to pacer,
Lamine Yamal said he had realised a childhood dream after scoring in his first World Cup start against Saudi Arabia at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday.
The 18-year-old was brought into the Spain XI by Coach Luis de la Fuente and needed just 10 minutes to score the opener in Atlanta.
Yamal tapped in Mikel Oyarzabal’s cross at the back post before the Real Sociedad striker scored twice himself as Spain bounced back from their goalless draw with Cape Verde to thrash Saudi Arabia 4-0.
“It’s special,” Yamal, whose goal made him the eighth-youngest scorer in men’s World Cup history, told DAZN.
“I’ve always dreamed about being at a World Cup and being able to score in my first start is a dream. I watched the last World Cup in class at school. Being here is great. I’m very proud for my mother and my family.”
Yamal was restricted to just the last 19 minutes against Cape Verde as the teenager continues to build up his fitness following a hamstring injury.
He was substituted at halftime against Saudi Arabia with the score already 3-0, but afterward De la Fuente allayed fears about the Barcelona forward’s physical condition by insisting he could have stayed on.
“He would have played
for longer, but considering the result and the match was under control we considered his contribution was enough,” De la Fuente told reporters.
“The next game we could have him for a full match. He’s back and he’s fit.”
Added Yamal to TVE: “I have a very good relationship [with De la Fuente]; there is complete trust. He asks how I’m doing and how I’m feeling, and I told him I’m ready to play – I’m here for Spain and will always give 100 per cent.”
Spain were heavily criticised following the draw with Cape Verde, in particular for their inability to break down the team ranked 67th in the world.
But they had no trouble finding a way through Saudi Arabia, who drew 1-1 with Uruguay in their first game.
De la Fuente said afterward that the negative reaction to the result with Cape Verde “was unfair” and admitted it had “hurt” his team.
“When I said they were fired up, I was talking about a natural reaction,” De la Fuente, who led Spain to the Euro 2024 title, said.
“Their pride was hurt. The remarks they hear makes them react and that’s good. When your work is being questioned, if you have the courage, you always react and try to respond to the criticism.
“It’s human. It doesn’t mean that the criticism
bothers us. It just motivates people to give their best version of themselves.
“I think it’s crazy to question this team. We’ve been unbeaten for 33 games in a row. You can have better days, but doubting this squad of very young players, I think it’s unfair.”
Oyarzabal was the subject of particular criticism for not touching the ball at all in the first 30 minutes of Spain’s draw with Cape Verde. But he insisted he had nothing to prove on Sunday.
“Prove myself? No, because I’ve said that I’ve always felt loved and valued by the people who matter –my teammates, the coach, and everyone we work with day-to-day,” he told TVE.
“That’s what I need to focus on, and that’s what I’m taking away from this.
“People on the outside will always talk – we know how the football world works – but we remain calm on the inside.”
Spain are now in pole position to clinch a place in the knockout stage ahead of their final group game against Uruguay in Zapopan, Mexico, on Thursday. Uruguay and Cape Verde were scheduled to meet in their second games of the tournament later on Sunday.
Saudi Arabia will go into their final group fixture against Cape Verde still with a chance to make the round of 32. (ESPN)
Smith with the new ball on Sunday morning and was richly rewarded as he struck early, trapping Dinesh Chandimal lbw for 19 from 38 deliveries.
Smith’s excellent run of form in the practice match continued in the 17th over, when his double- wicket strike began to give the West Indies Select XI hope of defending the small total.
The set batsmen in Nishan Maduska and Captain Dhananjaya de Silva had to return to the dugout for 30 off 42 deliveries and 1 run from 3 balls respectively as Smith continued his rout.
Joseph, who had taken the first wicket before stumps on Day 3, joined the party soon after, as the pace pair chipped away at the visitors’ middle order.
Later on, Milan Rathnayake (6 off 23) and Prabath Jayasuriya (10
off 17) attempted some resistance, but Joseph and Smith knocked them down, respectively, to do away with Sri Lanka’s batters.
They were eventually routed for 108 in 29.5 overs, 15 runs short of the target.
Smith eventually finished with a five-wicket haul, 5-30 from 10 overs, while Joseph claimed 4-41 from 10.5 overs. Ojay Shields accounted for the remaining wicket.
All eyes will now be on the Test teams as they head into their first battle from June 25-29. The
second and final Test in the series is scheduled for July 3-7.
…“His contributions will forever remain part of the fabric of Linden basketball”— LABA President
“On behalf of the Executive Committee, members, players, coaches, officials, and the entire Linden basketball community, I extend sincere condolences to his family, relatives, and friends. We pray that they find comfort in the remark able legacy he leaves behind and strength in the cher ished memories they shared with him.”
Those were the words of Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) President Dawn McCammonBarker during a special cer emony at the Community Hard Court in Retrieve, Linden as the Association took time to salute late for mer LABA President Al McDonald Chapman, for his contribution to the develop ment of the sport in Linden.
In her statement, McCammon-Barker re marked, “His vision trans formed basketball in Linden from a pastime into a re spected and organised sport, fostering discipline, team work, sportsmanship, and community pride. The count less players, coaches, offi cials, and supporters who have been part of the basket ball fraternity over the years are beneficiaries of the leg acy he worked tirelessly to
build.
“Al’s contributions extended far beyond the game itself. He was a mentor, an advocate for youth development, and a steadfast sup-
mid-1970s until 1984, when he left these shores to cover the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Al died after being badly burnt in a fire on May 10 at his home in Florida, pitalisation and mise on May 25. His ashes after cremation in Florida were brought back to Guyana this past
West Indies spin-
ners set up a third straight victory as they strangled Sri Lanka’s batters before Stafanie Taylor steadied a nervy chase to see them home by five wickets in Bristol. The result brings the West Indies joint-top of Group 2 with England – only trailing on net run rate – while Sri Lanka’s hopes of progression took a bashing.
Hayley Matthews was central to West Indies’ effort, arguably setting up the win inside the opening power play. Having put Sri Lanka in to bat, the West Indies reduced them to 24 for 4 inside the power play, a position from which Sri Lanka never truly recovered. Mathews picked up innings best figures of 3 for 15.
Then with the bat, Matthews did her part in a 28-run opening stand with Deandra Dottin, and while Sri Lanka plugged away with wickets through the middle overs, a combination of poor catching, excess extras and Taylor’s stewardship ensured West Indies’ chase was never truly under threat.
Profligacy costs SL
Even on a surface where batting is not the easiest, any opportunities need to be grabbed when defending a sub-par total – which is precisely what Sri Lanka had managed having been bowled out for 98.
Sri Lanka, however, struggled to capitalise on the opportunities afforded to them, while simultaneously gifting too many free runs. Twenty-three extras were given away across the innings, with 13 of those coming in wides.
Moreover, Sri Lanka dropped three catches across the innings – two of them coming shortly after the fall of a wicket; momentum is everything in a low-scoring game, and Sri Lanka were guilty of giving it up too easily. There were also a handful of close run-out chances that went begging. It meant that West
hiccups. Her six off a free hit was the only six of the game, but highlighted her ability to capitalise on the situation at hand. Fittingly, she struck the winning runs – tellingly, dropped at midwicket.
WI nail the match-up Sri Lanka average barely over 6 an over against spin since the end of the last
Indies, who had looked uneasy across their chase, were not punished for their mistakes – which in itself was a result of mistakes induced by the pressure created by the Sri Lankan bowlers and fielders outside of their costly errors.
Cool Taylor sees it through Having someone with the experience of Taylor in the middle order would be a boon for most any side, and she showed her value once again on Sunday. After a solid opening stand, West Indies had slipped from 2 for 36 to 5 for 70. Another couple of wickets and those remaining 29 runs might have felt closer to 50.
However, Taylor offered just the calmness required in such a situation, content to deftly rotate the strike and ensure there were no further
T20 World Cup, and West Indies were well-suited to exploit that potential weakness with a team stacked with spin options.
First on that list was skipper Matthews, who opened the bowling and struck three times in a three-over spell inside the power play. On a surface
that was tacky, she cleverly did not attempt to do too much, simply keeping her lines and lengths tidy.
In a period that crippled the Sri Lankan innings before it had even truly begun, Vishmi Gunaratne offered up a leading edge – one spectacularly plucked out of the sky by Matthews – before Chamari Athapaththu went far too early on a pull and saw her left bail dislodged.
Harshitha Samarawickrama, meanwhile, was done in by some extra bounce, which meant she struggled to keep down a cut straight to point.
When Chinelle Henry had Imesha Dulani caught at mid-on, Sri Lanka had lost their fourth wicket inside the power play with just 24 runs on the board.
Ashmini Munisar –drafted into the XI to add even more spin options –and Karishma Ramharack picked up three wickets between them as well, as Sri Lanka lost seven of their 10 wickets to spin, eventually being bowled out for 98 with two balls to spare.
Nilakshika provides sole spark
With the top and middle order offering little by way of impetus, a rescue job for the ages was needed and Nilakshika de Silva set about her task.
Her 30 off 26 came largely came across two stands of 34 and 23 with Kavisha Dilhari and Kawya Kavindi. Those were two of just three double-digit partnerships across the Sri Lankan in-
nings, as Sri Lanka stuttered.
But once Nilakshika fell, looking to take on the fielder at deep square leg, the innings once more ground to a halt. Sri Lanka managed 60 for 3 in the middle overs, but without Nilakshika the death overs fetched just 15, as West Indies’ spinners solidified their hold on the game. (ESPNcricinfo)
Sri Lanka Women (20 ovs maximum) Vishmi Gunaratne c & b Matthews 1 Chamari Athapaththu (c)
b Matthews 2 Imesha Dulani c Glasgow
b Henry 17 Harshitha Samarawickrama
c Claxton b Matthews 0 Kavisha Dilhari c & b Alleyne 21 Nilakshika Silva c Dottin
b Fletcher 30 Kaushini Nuthyangana † lbw
b Munisar 0 Kawya Kavindi st † Campbelle
b Ramharack 17 Sugandika Kumari st †Campbelle b Ramharack 2 Mithali Ayodhya run out (Ramharack/†Campbelle) 3 Nimasha Meepage not out 1
Extras (b 1, nb 2, w 1) 4
Total 19.4 Ov (RR: 4.98) 98 Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Vishmi Gunaratne, 0.5 ov), 2-9 (Chamari Athapaththu, 2.3 ov), 3-9 (Harshitha Samarawickrama, 2.6 ov), 4-23 (Imesha Dulani, 5.5 ov), 5-57 (Kavisha Dilhari, 9.6 ov), 6-58 (Kaushini Nuthyangana, 10.2 ov), 7-81 (Nilakshika Silva, 15.1 ov), 8-87 (Sugandika Kumari, 17.2 ov), 9-96 (Mithali Ayodhya, 18.5 ov), 10-98 (Kawya Kavindi, 19.4 ov) Bowling O-M-R-W Hayley Matthews 4-0-15-3
The Guyana Horse Racing Authority is calling on horse owners to present all two-yearold horses for inspection ahead of the Caricom Cup on July 5.
Horses will be inspected on Saturday, June 27 from 12:00h at Port Mourant Turf Club, and on Sunday, June 28 from 12:00h at Bush Lot United Turf Club, West Coast Berbice.
“All owners are required to present their horses for inspection, microchipping, and registration on the designated dates and times.
“Any two-year-old horse that is not properly registered, microchipped, and vetted will be refused entry into all future race meetings and race cards until these requirements have been satisfied.
“Owners are further advised that a fee will be charged for the veterinary examination, microchipping, and registration process.”
“Your cooperation is appreciated as we continue to strengthen the identification, integrity, and welfare standards of horse racing in Guyana,” the Horse Racing Authority informed.
Importantly, veterinary inspection will be done by a team from the Agriculture Ministry.
to guide his side to 91 for 2 with three balls to spare.
The final block of group matches had earlier set up the afternoon’s narratives.
In the first semi-final, Lima Sands executed a flawless chase against CV Nunes, tracking down a target of 69 in just 6.1 overs on the back of Watson’s 16-ball 26* and Margow’s 19*.
he grassroots tapestry of Guyanese cricket found its latest chapter of high drama at the Anna Regina National Stadium on Sunday, as Charity Primary clinched the Essequibo Zone title in the Future Warriors Tapeball Tournament, powered by ExxonMobil Guyana.
In a clinical display of modern, short-format chase management, Charity overhauled Lima Sands Primary’s total to secure their spot in the coveted national finals.
Chasing a target of 74 after Lima Sands posted 73-3 from their eight overs, Charity Primary showcased the tactical composure that defined their tournament campaign.
Rovaldo Campbell anchor-dashed his way to an unbeaten 32, anchoring the innings with precision, while the tournament’s eventual Most Valuable Player (MVP), skipper Troy Boston, provided an essential injection of momentum with a fluent 22.
Despite tidy, solitary breakthroughs from Lima Sands’ Miguel Marcus (116) and Kevin Margow (125), Charity cruised across the line at 78-2 with an over to spare, completing an authoritative eight-wicket vic-
Charity bowling unit. Margow (22*) and Marcus (16*) fought hard to inject late impetus into the death overs alongside an opening hand of 11 from Nameuel Watson, but Charity’s frontline options gave away nothing.
Boston led from the front with a stifling spell of 1 for 7, supplemented by Hafeez Yazidyudin (1-8) and Campbell (1-15), to keep the target within manageable territory.
While the final was a masterclass in control, the third-place play-off earlier in the day provided the tournament with pure theatre.
In a breathtaking high-scoring heist, Mainstay Lake Primary stunned the 2025 champions CV Nunes Primary.
Driven by a spectacular blitz from Anthony Garraway, who hammered a tournament-high 68 off just 20 balls – laced with eight sixes and four boundaries –CV Nunes appeared to have put the game out of reach with a formidable 90 for 2.
Yet, Mainstay Lake scripted a remarkable counter-narrative.
Jared Charles matched Garraway’s aerial fireworks almost stroke for stroke, blasting an unbeaten 59 off 26 deliveries, including eight maximums of his own,
In contrast, Charity’s passage to the final was a standard template of defensive dominance; they restricted Mainstay Lake to a meagre 40 before strolling to 41 for 1 in 5.4 overs courtesy of Nickel Garraway (15*) and Boston (13).
The tournament’s individual charts reflected a high standard of junior talent.
Lima Sands’ Watson finished as the zone’s premier accumulator, finishing with 94 runs across four matches at an impressive average of 47.00 and a scoring rate of 174.07.
However, the definitive individual impact belonged to Charity’s skipper, Boston.
His 10 wickets across four outings came at a staggering average of 2.50 and an economy rate of 3.12, sending down 32 dot balls –equivalent to more than five overs of unscoreable deliveries.
Paired with his 70 tournament runs, his Most Valuable Player (MVP) accolade was a formality.
Beyond the immediate silverware and competitive fires, the tournament’s broader architecture emphasised a progressive shift toward modern development.
The top four finishing institutions were outfitted with comprehensive equipment bags and agility kits, alongside electronic scoring
Suri Trading has once again batted for Albion Cricket Club with another sponsorship. This sponsorship came with significant focus on grassroots cricket, and identifying talents.
Five schools within the Lower Corentyne area battled for supremacy at the weekend in the Suri Trading/ Albion Inter-Primary School Cricket Competition.
The five-over round-robin competition, organised
by the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club and sponsored by Suri Trading, was played at the historic Albion Community Centre Ground, and was deemed a success.
Courtland Primary, Fyrish Primary, Cropper Primary, Albion Primary and Belvedere Primary were the participating Teams.
In the preliminary stages, the respective teams battled each other, with the top
tablets.
The inclusion of digital scoring infrastructure marks an institutional push to introduce grassroots players to digital match metrics, effectively bridging the gap between recreational tapeball and data-driven talent identification.
With the Essequibo
crown secured, Charity Primary now advance to the national Champion of Champions tournament scheduled for August/ September.
There, they will join Berbice’s St Therese Primary and Demerara’s West Ruimveldt Primary to battle for the ultimate prize:
and Suddie Primary.
By Michelangelo JacoBus
The juggernaut that is Briton John returned to Guyana’s roads on Sunday morning and reclaimed the Elite Men’s National Road Race title as the Guyana Cycling Federation’s 2026 National Championships came to a close along the LindenSoesdyke Highway.
John, riding for We Stand United, won the feature Elite category after covering 167.3 kilometres in testing conditions that included rolling hills, some heat and even storm-like rainfall during part of the race. The victory marked his return to the top of the national road race podium after he missed the 2025 edition and surrendered the crown last year.
Kaieteur Attack Racing Cycle Club’s Andre Greene produced a strong ride to finish second in the Elite category, while his clubmate and veteran cyclist Alex Mendes completed the podium in third.
While John took the senior title, rising Kaieteur Attack cyclist Ajani Cutting confirmed his recent form by winning the Under-23 category. Cutting wrested the title away from last year’s overall and U23 champion Aaron Newton of KFC Evolution, who had to settle for third this time around.
four advancing to the semi-finals.
Over the years, the competition has served as an important platform for the club to identify and attract young cricketing talent.
Albion is one of the most respectable cricket clubs in Guyana, producing a host of international talents. The likes of Gudakesh Motie and Veerasammy Permaul among others are products of the club.
Cutting’s clubmate Sidwell Sandy finished second in the U23 category, giving Kaieteur Attack Racing Cycle Club the top two places in that division.
Speaking to Guyana Times Sport after the race, Cutting said the conditions and the return of John made the contest especially difficult.
“Today’s race was quite hard due to Briton being back and with the severe weather conditions even racing through a storm, eventually I had succumbed to
some cramps, but I pulled through regardless,” Cutting said.
In the female category, Denise Jeffery of KFC Evolution took first place, while Tandiea Noel of Kaieteur Attack Racing Cycle Club won the junior female category.
The Masters 35+ category also produced a competitive battle, with newcomer Kristian Jeffrey of KFC Evolution mounting an impressive ride to take first place. His clubmate Seagun Hubbard finished second, while unattached rider Devendra Sahadeo placed third.
In the Junior category, Newton of KFC Evolution edged defending champion Alexander Leung of Continental in a close finish. The two riders stayed together for most of the contest before Newton launched a late attack and pipped Leung by inches at the line.
Kevin Stephen of Velocity finished third.
The Masters 50+ category was won by Nigel London of We Stand United. Ray Harlequin of Flying Stars finished second, while Shurland Sue-Hang of Carlton Wheelers placed third.
Sunday’s road race was contested on a course that
began at the roundabout before entering Linden, proceeded to Netsurf Park, and returned to the starting point to complete one lap. The female category covered one lap for 41.8 kilometres, while the Juveniles were scheduled to ride one and a half laps for 62.7 kilometres. Juniors and Masters 50+ riders covered two laps for 83.6 kilometres, while the U23 and Elite Men completed four laps for 167.3 kilometres.
The National Championships began last Sunday with the Individual Time Trials at the inner circuit of the National Park. Marcus Keiler dethroned Aaron Newton to win the Elite time trial crown, while Alexander Leung in the Juniors, Newton in the U23 category and Denise Jeffrey in the Women’s Elite category all repeated as champions. With the road race now completed, the GCF will turn its attention to finalising youth team selections for upcoming overseas duties, with Sunday’s performances likely to play a key role in those decisions.
The Junior Caribbean Championships are slated for Belize in August while the Elite U23 Caribbean Road Cycling Championships are usually held later in the year.
