APNU/AFC lied about winning 2020 elections – fmr PNCR Campaign Manager
...says party fully aware that it lost the elections, continues to lie to nation
In explosive but unsurprising revelations, Region Four Vice Chairman Samuel Sandy, who was one of the several politicians to recently resign from the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R), has revealed that the party is fully aware that it lost the 2020 elections, but has continued to lie to the nation.
According to Sandy, he not only has evidence that the former Coalition Government lost the 2020 elections, but that he had long since provided this evidence to the party. The A Partnership for National
Unity /Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Coalition maintains to this day that it did not lose those elections, despite all evidence, a Commission of Inquiry (COI) and election fraud charges against key election staff, which all say otherwise.
Sandy served as the APNU/AFC’s Campaign Manager-Operations for the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) during the 2020 General and Regional elections.
In an interview on the ‘Starting Point’ podcast, Sandy explained that the evidence he had col-
lected in his capacity as PNC/R’s campaign manager, directly contradicted the results that had been read out by then Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, now one of nine charged for electoral fraud.
“In 2020, the APNU/ AFC lost the election. I was the Operations Manager for the East Coast campaign. I was responsible for collecting all SOP’s (Statements of Poll). And I did take it upon myself to record the scores of every SOP received.”
“I took pictures. I kept them. I still have them. I went to the Ashmin’s Building. I listened to the numbers being tabulated. I looked at my numbers and thought to myself, where might this be going?”
Sandy recounted.
According to Sandy, he had to make a choice between doing the right thing or going along with the charade. He noted that in addition to his youth and inexperience with senior leadership, other factors that forced him to stay quiet at the time was the fact that he lived in Golden Grove, a PNC/R stronghold.
However, he claimed that he wrote to the party leader, Aubrey Norton, urging him to be honest about APNU/AFC’s loss at the last election.
“I think at that point it was more making a decision between supporting hope of our large section of
society and that of personal integrity. I chose the former. And I challenge anyone to tell me different, because like I said, I have dated, photo evidence of what I submitted, as opposed to what Mingo declared.”
“I live in Golden Grove, a stronghold of the PNC. How can I go home and say hey, I just informed them of the numbers declared, weren’t the actual numbers I shared with the party. I have always been [scared to speak out]. But I’ve made peace with myself and I can say that now. So, it doesn’t matter where it goes,” Sandy added.
Meanwhile, Sandy was of the view that former President David Granger did not initially know that the elections had been rigged. According to him, if he had knowledge of the plot, he would not have agreed to the recount.
Election case
As it stands, nine individuals are currently before the court in connection with the March 2020 general and regional elections, among them senior former Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) officials.
The accused include Mingo, former Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield, and his former Deputy Roxanne Myers. Also charged are former PNC/R Chairperson Volda Lawrence, PNC/R ac-
tivist Carol Smith-Joseph, and former GECOM employees Sheffern February, Enrique Livan, Michelle Miller, and Denise BabbCummings. The election report of former CEO Lowenfield had claimed that the APNU/AFC coalition garnered 171,825 votes, while the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) gained 166,343 votes. How he arrived at those figures is still unknown, since the certified results from the recount exercise supervised by GECOM and a high-level team from CARICOM pellucidly showed that the PPP/C won with 233,336 votes, while the coalition garnered 217,920.
The recount exercise also highlighted that Mingo had heavily inflated the figures in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) – Guyana’s largest voting district — in favour of the then-caretaker APNU/AFC regime.
The nine defendants face a total of 33 counts of election-related fraud, centred around alleged attempts to manipulate the voting results. The trial, initially overseen by Senior Magistrate Leron Daly, began in July 2024 but was paused due to her extended medical leave. This led to the case being reassigned to Magistrate McGusty. When the matter was called on December 8, 2024, the defence requested a fresh start to the already delayed trial. In contrast, the prosecution contended that restarting the case was unnecessary and that the court should simply recall the previous witnesses.
Ultimately, Magistrate McGusty ordered that the election fraud trial be restarted. In January 2025, Magistrate McGusty ruled that the case would proceed summarily. All the defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Region Four Vice Chairman Samuel Sandy
Former President David Granger
According to Sandy, he had urged PNCR Leader Aubrey Norton to be truthful to the nation about APNU/AFC’s loss at the 2020 election… pleas that have so far gone unheeded
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, June 23 – 02:15h03:45h and Tuesday, June 24 –02:55h - 04:25h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, June 23 – 15:00h to 16:30h and Tuesday, June 24 –15:50h - 17:20h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
WEATHER TODAY
Rain showers with instances of thunder are expected during the day and at night, with lateafternoon sunshine. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.
Winds: North-Easterly to South-Easterly between 1.34 metres and 3.13 metres.
High Tide: 14:55h reaching a maximum height of 2.47 metres.
Low Tide: 08:25h and 20:41h reaching minimum heights of 0.59 metre and 0.76 metre.
US$20 million Courtyard by Marriott to be ready for August opening
At least 100 persons are expected to be employed at the US$20 million Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, which is preparing to open its doors in August – just a few months’ away. Located near the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) at Timehri, the six-storey hotel will have 150 rooms including five executive suites along with other modern amenities for which the world-renowned Marriott brand is known. It is being built by Cardinal Investments Inc on a 2.5 acres Government leased land and will be Guyana’s first major airport hotel, which will target airline crew, diplomats, business travellers and transit guests.
On Saturday, a job fair was held to fill key positions within the hotel’s various departments including kitchen, housekeeping, reception, security, events-planning, administrative, maintenance and others.
and opening [which will be] sometime in August,” Bassoo told this publication.
Currently, finishing touches are being executed to meet that deadline. These include
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cardinal Investments Inc, Roy Bassoo, told the Guyana Times that the turnout at the job fair was overwhelming.
“We were actually shocked with the turnout we got. We had a turnout of close to 225 persons who showed up for the vacancies that are available at the hotel. From that 225, we will start the selecting process for close to 100 staff for the hotel,” he noted. Already, a General Manager along with senior Human Resource Manager have been selected and they would be leading the staffing process which includes shortlisting the applicants and conducting interviews.
With the hiring process off the ground, the hotel is also embarking on sourcing suppliers especially for fresh produce such as fruits and vegetables for the kitchen.
According to Bassoo, working with locals is priority for the hotel.
“We’ve already started to speak to the local farmers. My plan is to engage local communities and farmers to improve their earnings,” he stated.
August opening
All of these arrangements are being finalised ahead of to the Courtyard by Marriott’s grand opening, likely in August.
“We’re close to completion
testing facilities like lighting fixtures, and outfitting areas like the kitchen and gym with world-class equipment – some of which are being shipped here.
The 150-room Courtyard hotel will feature a modern gym, a bistro restaurant and bar, a banquet hall to fit 250 persons, a pool and an executive conference room.
“It’s ideal for events and even executive or board meetings… Executives can come in at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and have meetings with officials here, who will just have to travel up [to Timehri], and they can even stay there for a few days with all the facilities being there at their disposal,” Bassoo explained.
This, he pointed out, would be ideal given the current construction works are underway along the East Bank Demerara (EBD) Road – the main corridor linking to the country’s main port of entry, the CJIA. The road is being expanded from a two-lane to
four-lane highway.
While the ongoing works have been causing frustrating disruptions to the travelling public, especially persons heading to the airport – some of whom have even missed their flights due to traffic congestion, the businessman believes that once completed, the new EBD roadway will significantly reduce travel time to the CJIA.
Nevertheless, the construction of the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel has not been without challenges – the major being the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had on the global supply chain, which not only saw massive delays in shipments of building materials but increased freight charges.
Ideal investment opportunities
Locally, the issues encountered were minimal and according to Bassoo, this was as a direct result of the systems that were put in place by the current People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration to foster local investments.
“The Government has created an ideal opportunity for these investments… All the systems that the Government put in place to help the investors, those worked good for us and fit right in… From Go-Invest (Guyana Office for Investment), GPL (Guyana Power and Light) to the Ministries and all the other agencies – all the Government machinery worked so it was easy for us,” the CEO declared.
Cardinal Investments CEO Roy Bassoo with President Dr Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips during a tour of the hotel in October 2024
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Widening Mid-East Conflagration
After maintaining plausible deniability on its involvement in Israel’s missile attacks on Iranian military sites, early Saturday morning, US President Donald Trump confirmed US strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities at Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. He announced: "Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated". American B-2 bombers carried out the strikes after travelling from an air base in Missouri, with sources confirming the deployment of 30,000-pound “bunker buster” bombs — marking the first known use in a combat operation. Trump warned that he could order further action if Tehran does not agree to a satisfactory peace agreement. "There will be either peace or there will be tragedy for Iran, far greater than we've witnessed over the last eight days."
The US has long insisted that Iran’s uranium enrichment programme was geared towards producing nuclear weapons and not for peaceful purposes such as power generation as the latter claimed. As Israel launched its initial missile barrage, the US and Iran had been engaged in negotiations towards a nuclear nonproliferation treaty. But with its decision to bomb the nuclear facilities, it is probable those negotiations were a diversion to keep Iran complacent.
The Iranian leadership has warned that the attack will have “everlasting consequences” and has called for an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council UNSC). Guyana is a temporary member of the UNSC and on Friday had participated in its briefing on “Threats to international peace and security” (Iran), following the Israeli missile strikes. Noting Israel’s claim that it was “neutralising the existential and imminent threat from Iran’s nuclear weapon and ballistic missile programmes” and Iran’s retort that it “reserves its right to self-defence to protect its sovereignty, territorial integrity, the Iranian people and its vital national interests”, our Representative Carolyn RodriguesBirkett emphasised: “Guyana firmly believes that dialogue, diplomacy, and adherence to international law are the only pathways to sustainable peace in the region. We call on all parties to immediately cease hostilities, de-escalate tensions, and return to the path of diplomacy.” We should continue to hold this line as the situation unfolds.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) declared, “war had started”. But rather than an immediate and direct attack on American bases – forced by domestic pressures to preserve national dignity – because of the US’s overwhelming military superiority, Iran may prudently opt for a more calibrated response, such as cyber operations, asymmetric warfare via proxies, or targeting US-aligned interests elsewhere in the region. For instance, it may leverage its strategic position along the Strait of Hormuz – a critical maritime chokepoint through which roughly one-fifth of the global oil supply passes. This will spike oil prices.
However, as mentioned above, Iran will also engage international institutions like the UN. By positioning itself as a victim of aggression, Iran could seek to rally global opinion against what it deems a violation of sovereignty, thereby placing pressure on Washington to justify its actions. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has stated: "I am gravely alarmed by the use of force by the US against Iran today. This is a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge – and a direct threat to international peace and security. There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control – with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world. I call on Member States to de-escalate and to uphold their obligations under the UN Charter and other rules of international law. At this perilous hour, it is critical to avoid a spiral of chaos. There is no military solution. The only path forward is diplomacy. The only hope is peace." Iran’s allies will be lobbied for support and a representative will be meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin today. China has signalled its diplomatic support while a clearly-rattled Venezuela, as expected, was more belligerent. Its Foreign Minister, Yvan Gil declared: " Venezuela firmly and categorically condemns the bombing carried out by the US military, at the request of Israel, against nuclear facilities in Iran.”
Trump has demonstrated he is not all bluff.
The Windrush generations
were proudly British. Yet immigrants are still fighting to be seen that way
By Diane aBBott
This week I went to a Windrush Day reception in the gardens of 10 Downing Street. Standing in the brilliant sunshine, with a steelband tinkling away in the background, it was great to see this generation of Caribbean migrants finally being honoured as their bravery and enterprise deserves.
The excited guests –Windrush-era Caribbean migrants, their friends and family – were thrilled to be at No 10, and the absolute highlight was being addressed by the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer. Fortunately on this occasion, he refrained from telling his guests that they were turning Britain into an “island of strangers”. In any case, it would have been nonsense.
Nobody identified more strongly with Britain than that generation, many of whom had a picture of Queen Elizabeth II on their living-room wall. When the <<<Empire Windrush>>> arrived at Tilbury docks in Essex, its occupants did not see themselves as “immigrants”, but citizens of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth come to help rebuild the “mother country” after the war. Most of the passengers gave their last country of residence as the Caribbean, including Jamaica, Trinidad, St Lucia, Grenada and Barbados. Some had served in the British armed forces, but others had responded to the British Government adver-
tisements for workers.
While it is good to see the contribution of migrants to Britain in the postwar period commemorated, it is possible to get too sentimental about the Windrush era and forget the brutality of the racism they faced when they disembarked from those ships. They had been so very proud to come, but Britain’s reception was cooler than they might have expected.
One issue was employment. The Windrush era spanned from 1948 to the early 1970s, but the first Race Relations Act was not until 1965. So, in the early years of the Windrush era, employers could brazenly refuse to employ someone because they were black and not even pretend there was another reason. Accordingly, most Windrush migrants went into sectors hit by postwar labour shortages like transport or factory work.
Windrush-era women often went into the National Health Service (NHS). It was not an easy way to make a living. Nurses, in particular, were often on permanent nights or put into grades where there was plenty of backbreaking work but no promotion. Instead, they had to train younger white nurses and watch them climb the ladder. Despite all that, they were hugely proud of their jobs. Some people nowadays like to talk about the pressure immigrants put on the public services. But my mother’s generation helped to build the
NHS.
Another problem was housing. Windrush-era migrants owned their own homes to an extent that might seem remarkable now. But it was not because they earned a lot of money. They had little choice. Before the 1965 Race Relations Act, many councils simply would not let to black people. The private sector was even worse. A notorious slum landlord of the time was Peter Rachman, who would charge double or treble the normal rent. He specialised in Caribbean tenants because they could get so few mainstream landlords to rent to them.
My father, like very many Caribbean migrants of the time, bought a house in what was then a shabby part of west London. He accumulated the deposit using an intra-community saving scheme called “pardner”. But he paid the mortgage by having a tenant or a family in every room. We ourselves were in one room in that house with a cooker on the landing. When my father bought his house, there was an Irish family, headed by “Uncle Jimmy”, as sitting tenants in the basement. I don’t think Uncle Jimmy had encountered a black baby before. When I was born, he promptly fell in love. Every morning, my mother would give me breakfast. Then she would take me down to Uncle Jimmy and he would give me another breakfast. In the Windrush era, black people were often the
victims of violence by bad actors such as teddy boys or fascist organisations such as the BNP. There was a backdrop of fear. The Notting Hill race riots were the culmination of years of teddy boys attacking black people. My mother used to tell a story about teddy boys storming down our west London road. They knocked on every door and if they found a black family inside, they beat them up. My parents waited petrified as the noise of the teddy boys grew nearer. Then out from our basement emerged Uncle Jimmy. He said very firmly “they are not getting our Diane” and when the teddy boys knocked on our door, he opened it. Seeing a white man, they assumed a white family lived inside and moved on to the next house. No one should ever underestimate the courage of the Windrush generation. Travelling from the Caribbean countryside to one of the biggest cities in the world in order to build a new life was an act of extraordinary daring. Nor could my parents, and that whole wave of Caribbean migrants who came here in the 1950s on the Empire Windrush and all the other ships, have ever guessed that their achievements would one day be celebrated with so many splendid events. Including a reception in the garden of 10 Downing Street. (The Guardian) Diane Abbott has been the Labour MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington since 1987
Farm visits and farm verification by National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) field staff provide vital support for farmers of Deep South Rupununi villages such as Awarewaunau and Maruranau, but are not without challenges (Agriculture in Region 9)
Adriana Younge laid to rest
– hundreds gathered to witness a farewell swathed in pink
Eleven-year-old
Adriana Younge was laid to rest on Sunday during a solemn, well-attended funeral service, following weeks of unrest and disquiet.
Her funeral began with a viewing at Sandy’s Funeral Home on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD) and continued at the Vergenoegen tarmac, where hundreds gathered. Mourners were dressed in red and lined the streets and service grounds to pay their final respects.
Adriana’s body was placed in a small pink casket, dressed in a pink gown with a large bow at the front. A silver crown rested on her head. Floral arrangements, balloons, and framed photo-
nity members gathered in tearful tribute.
From the tarmac, her body was taken to the Vergenoegen Cemetery, where the casket was lowered into the ground. The burial proceeded peacefully, in keeping with the family’s request for a dignified farewell.
Adriana was found dead in the swimming pool of the Double Day Hotel in Tuschen on April 24. Her death sparked national outrage, with many questioning the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The first post-mortem was conducted in Guyana on 28 April by three international pathologists — one of whom was selected
(Barbados), and Dr Gary Collins (United States). The doctors unanimously determined that the cause of death was drowning. No evidence of physical violence or
graphs were set around the venue, as family members, schoolmates, and commu-
sexual assault was found.
Despite the findings, protests erupted across parts of the country. Demonstrations in Georgetown and along the WCD escalated into violent clashes. Roads were blocked, tear gas was deployed, buildings were damaged, and at least two people were reported dead. The Government imposed a nationwide curfew to restore order. In the days that followed, Adriana’s family arranged for a second autopsy to be conducted in the US, Dr Carol Terry, the Chief Medical Examiner for Gwinnett County, Georgia, reviewed the case.
Her report confirmed there was no evidence of trauma or sexual assault and noted that Adriana’s lungs showed signs consistent with drowning.
With both autopsy reports supporting the orig-
inal cause of death and no
further delay from the family, Adriana was finally laid to rest nearly two months after her passing. Her death sparked one of the most emotionally charged periods in recent memory, but Sunday’s service was a moment of reflection and clo-
by
family
joyful, kind-hearted
who loved to dance and play with her cousins. As the sun set over Vergenoegen, her family and supporters stood in quiet remembrance, with the hope of bringing a painful chapter to a close.
by the family — Dr Glenn Rudner (United States), Dr Shubhakar Karra Paul
sure. Adriana is remembered
her
as a
child
Adriana Younge
◄ Page Foundation
Dividing whole numbers by fractions
To divide a whole number by a fraction, you have to remember that a reciprocal is a fraction turned upside-down. For example, is the reciprocal of , and is the reciprocal of . To divide a whole number by a fraction, multiply the whole number by the reciprocal of the fraction.
Example:
Divide:
Step 1: Find the reciprocal of the fraction. The reciprocal of is .
Step 2: Multiply the whole number by the fraction′ s reciprocal.
Remember:
A whole number can always be expressed as a fraction, with 1 as the denominator. So 2 = 2 . When you divide a fraction by a whole number, you are really multiplying the fraction by the whole number’s reciprocal. So can be reduced to .
Exercises: Multiply
By Walt
Alone far in the wilds and mountains I hunt, Wandering amazed at my own lightness and glee, In the late afternoon choosing a safe spot to pass the night, Kindling a fire and broiling the fresh-kill’d game, Falling asleep on the gather’d leaves with my dog and gun by my side. The Yankee clipper is under her skysails, she cuts the sparkle and scud, My eyes settle the land, I bend at her prow or shout joyously from the deck. The boatmen and clam-diggers arose early and stopt for me, I tuck’d my trowser-ends in my boots and went and had a good time; You should have been with us that day round the chowder-kettle. I saw the marriage of the trapper in the open air in the far west, the bride was a red girl, Her father and his friends sat near crosslegged and dumbly smoking, they had moccasins to their feet and large thick blankets hanging from their shoulders, On a bank lounged the trapper, he was drest mostly in skins, his luxuriant beard and curls protected his neck, he held his bride by the hand, She had long eyelashes, her head was bare, her coarse straight locks descended upon her voluptuous limbs and reach’d to her feet Continued To be continued
PPP/C had to reclaim land APNU/AFC gave away, to redistribute to ordinary Guyanese – Jagdeo
...says land at Wales Estate was given out by APNU/AFC to close associates
After it got into office, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government was forced to reclaim land that had been given out by its predecessor A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) to a few, so that as many ordinary Guyanese as possible could benefit.
This was the case in par-
(GuySuCo) land at Wales, to its friends and cronies.
GuySuCo land, which APNU/ AFC gave away at Wales, all the GuySuCo lands. I think they sold the estate houses. And all the land at Wales, they gave away to a few individuals, most of them associated with the PNC,” Jagdeo said.
“We now have to take those lands back, to build houses and (allocate) house lots to people. Which we’re
ticular in Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara), with Vice President Bharrat (VP) Jagdeo noting that his party found that APNU/AFC had given out large tracts of Guyana Sugar Corporation
The Wales sugar estate was one of four estates that were closed by the APNU/ AFC coalition after it took office in 2015. And not only were machinery from the estate sold by the former Government, but thousands of acres of land either sold or leased to private individuals. According to Jagdeo, this had forced the PPP/C to take back the land after it returned to office, so it could be distributed in a more fair and equitable manner.
“GuySuCo land – they should be ashamed to talk anything about GuySuCo.
doing. Or else we wouldn’t have been able to fulfil our plan to give everyone who needs them, every Guyanese a house lot.”
According to Jagdeo, the Government is developing 14,000 house lots at Wales,
as part of the overall goal of 50,000 house lots by 2025 –a goal the party has already reached. He noted that had the PPP/C not reclaimed that land, they would have been unable to distribute those house lots at Wales to thousands of ordinary Guyanese in need.
“If we didn’t take that back, we wouldn’t have had land. Because when you think about beyond Uitvlugt, most of those lands are private. Most of Region Three, we’ve had very limited amounts of land. If we didn’t take that back… they should just go quiet on these matters. But you will see, no doubt, that they will be talking about this again,” he said.
The former APNU/AFC Government has been heavily criticised for the multiple breaches of land policies that occurred between 2015 and 2020, including land transactions that bypassed public processes, lacked board representation, and failed to meet payment and development obligations.
In one instance, some developers paid less than 10 per cent of the purchase price for prime land, and in others, the developers were given 90 months to complete the development, with no significant payment made upfront.
Earlier this year, President Dr Irfaan Ali had pointed out that many of the land deals entered into by the previous administration were
conducted without public tenders or expressions of interest, leading to concerns over transparency.
“There was no public tender or expression of interest. The 23 transactions were entered into after the APNUAFC Government was defeated by a vote of no confidence on the 21st of December 2018 in the National Assembly. More importantly, they were finalised mere days and hours before the general elections of 2nd of March 2020, and they were vested after the general election date as well.”
“It gets worse. Most of these transactions, they collected less than 10 per cent of the total purchase price…this is the highest land, the highest value land in the country. In our agreement, we collected 30 per cent as a down payment with a series of conditions that must be satisfied,” Ali had also said.
According to President Ali, under his Government any breaches to Guyana’s overhauling land policy by private developers will result in the repossession of land. In outlining the terms of agreements with private developers, President Ali had made it clear that strict conditions are attached to the sale of land for development. Among these are requirements for the installation of drainage systems, roads and street lighting within 18 months, and the completion of at least 70 per cent of residential construction within three years.
Last month, it had been announced that the Ministry of Housing had surpassed its target of 50,000 house lot distribution for 2020-2025. In its last manifesto, the party had promised 50,000 house lots during its first five years in office.
US$20 million Courtyard by Marriott to be ready...
The Dr Irfaan Ali-led government had announced certain initiatives to encourage investments in the hotel industry to fill the high-accommodation demand that existed when the current administration took office nearly five years ago.
Construction is not a new area for Bassoo, whose company – R. Bassoo & Sons Construction has been one of the country’s leading construction firms for nearly 30 years. Cardinal Investments Inc. is a special purpose company created by the businessman to secure the license to construct the hotel.
Over the past three decades, Bassoo’s construction company has worked major projects in Guyana including for international agencies such as the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the World Bank. It has also constructed government buildings such as schools, hospitals and police station as well as road projects.
But according to the businessman, this hotel project was much more complexed.
“Those other projects are not as distinct as the hotel where are so many finishes and thousands of items that
had to put in place for this hotel, from the cutlery to the outfitting of the rooms with the beds, lamps, refrigerator, carpets, ornaments, fire alarm system, water supply, backup generator system [etc]. So, it’s a totally different project than a normal school or road project.”
“This Marriott will be one of the 21st century Courtyard Marriott that is equipped with solar systems for the hot water. It’s part of a green project as well in keeping with the government’s [energy transition] initiative,” he added.
The Courtyard Hotel was
in accordance with the Marriott brand’s inter
be approved by Marriott as well as the architect.
“So, six or seven months ago, we would’ve completed the model room…
Currently, 75 per cent of the rooms have been furnished and we’re now waiting on a few of the furnishings to come in to wrap that up,” Bassoo stated.
Last October, President Dr Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister, Brigadier Ret’d Mark Phillips, were given a tour of the hotel and were impressed with the progress and quality of work done.
The Wales Sugar Estate
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo
A group of the persons who attended Saturday’s job fair at the hotel’s location in Timehri
The new Courtyard by Marriott Hotel near the CJIA is preparing for opening
Gunfire at teen ‘social’ triggers Police probe
— 19 spent shells recovered after shots fired
Acelebration among teenagers who had recently completed their Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) exams was disrupted on Saturday night, after a man fired several rounds from a moving vehicle along Sugar Cane Road, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown.
The incident occurred around 20:10h, while a social gathering was underway at the home of 69-yearold businessman Richard Austin, whose 16-year-old son hosted the event for classmates and friends who
had written the regional examinations.
Police say that during the gathering, an unidentified male, believed to be driving a black MercedesBenz, fired multiple shots into the air before speeding away from the area.
Preliminary investigations revealed that shortly before the shots rang out, the suspect was seen on the roadside embracing a 15-yearold female student who had been attending the party. Moments later, the man entered the vehicle and drove off at high speed, pointing a
handgun out of the driver’s side window and discharging several rounds while heading west.
Police were called to the scene and processed the area, recovering nineteen (19) 9mm spent shells from the roadway.
No one was injured in the incident, but the reckless use of a firearm in a public space, particularly during an event attended by minors, has sparked concern among residents and law enforcement.
The identity of the suspect remains unknown.
Investigators have not yet located the black Mercedes Benz, and the 15-year-old girl who was seen with the suspect has refused to reveal his identity. The registration number of the vehicle was not observed. Police say efforts are ongoing to identify the shooter and recover the weapon.
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has since condemned the incident and is urging members of the public with information to come forward. Investigations are continuing.
Albouystown gold miner arrested in connection with murder
Police are investigating the alleged murder of Rayon Lall, a 23-year-old 'truck porter' of Port Kaituma, North West District, which occurred on Sunday at the Port Kaituma waterfront, in Region One. Investigations revealed that at approximately 05:00 h on Sunday, Lall was brought to the Port Kaituma Police Station by Ewart Mingo, a 26-year-old porter. Lall sustained a stab wound to the left side of his chest.
A Police rank promptly escorted Lall to the Port Kaituma Hospital for medical attention. However, while receiving treatment, the victim succumbed. The
body was subsequently placed in the Port Kaituma Hospital Mortuary, awaiting a post-mortem examination.
Acting on information received, Police proceeded to
Train Line, Port Kaituma, at around 16:30hrs on Sunday afternoon, where they arrested the suspect, Mark Junior George, also known as 'Killa', a 24-year-old gold miner of
Albouystown, who had previously served a three-year sentence for a narcotics offence.
Investigators noted that he was still wearing the same clothing he allegedly had on during the commission of the crime.
The suspect was informed of the allegation against him, cautioned and informed of his rights. Nevertheless, in response to the Police, he claimed the deceased “violated” him.
He was arrested and taken to the Port Kaituma Police Station, where he was processed and placed in custody.
The investigation is ongoing.
Man gets 2 years' imprisonment for simple larceny
Alle Dash, a 24-yearold resident of Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was arrested by a rank from the Bartica Police Station and charged on Friday with simple larceny, committed against Clifton Cooper.
The matter was called at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Teriq Mohammed, where the charge was read to him. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two (2) years' imprisonment. Jailed: Alle Dash
Money…
…and
elections
While there’s been a whole lotta attention given on the impact of particular faces being in particular parties – to garner those Xs in the Sept 1 general elections – without downplaying the importance of that angle, in your Eyewitness’s not-so-humble opinion, he believes that financing – money – may be just as critical for success!! Money, we’re told, makes the world – including (or especially!) the world of politics – go round!! After observing so many elections, your Eyewitness would say if “no money, no love”, it’s also true that “no money; no vote”!!
And it makes sense, doesn’t it?? You may have the best ideas; the most attractive candidates; the deepest sympathies for the electorate’s needs but if you can’t convey all of that to the electorate, then you’re politically doomed!! If a great campaign is launched, but no one was there to see or hear it – was there a campaign?? And in the modern world, it costs money – BIG MONEY – to get your message out to the folks out there. One politician who folks thought might’ve bucked that money rule was Gandhi who was called a “Naked Fakir” – a Naked Beggar! – by Churchill. But it has been pointed out just as firmly, that it took millions to keep Gandhi poor!! All his activities traipsing around the country and fasting to death so many times – were funded by some of the largest industrial business families in India such as the Birlas!
The proof of this (money) pudding is in the campaign of AzMo – who’s got no programme; no charisma – save dark glasses; no supporting heavyweight staff – and yet his money has given him all this mileage!! Some say the growth of “social media” allows politicians – and political hustlers like AzMo – to reach thousands by just using apps like Facebook on smartphones that aren’t out of the reach of ordinary folks. The possibility of such reach is there – but as to how effective it will be to get folks to actually commit their futures to disembodied voices is yet to be proved. Politicians gotta be out there getting personal with voters by pressing the flesh or wowing them from a stage where they can be eyeballed – if folks are to “believe”!! AzMo has done the flesh-pressing bit, so we’ll just have to see what happens come September. After all, there’s that third element in politics – the voters themselves!! They aren’t exactly the blank slates most people think they are – everybody got some opinion on who can get things done and which political party is closer or further away from what they believe should be done in the world. And money enters the picture once again – to do what needs to be done!!
…and fundraisers
Some folks are wondering why the PPP’s paying so much time organising fundraisers all over the place. Last week they had a massive one on the West Side that snarled traffic for miles – and another at Everest Ground in GT that also garnered some 10,000 attendees. The Opposition’s been claiming for five years now that the billions and trillions the PPP Govt’s been spending from the oil gusher funds going to their “family and friends”.
Can’t they then just ask those “family and friends” –some allegedly made billions! – to kick back some of the largesse to get their party re-elected?? After all, they’d be feathering their own beds!! But here it is, the PPP leaders are taking donations from ordinary Joes and Janes. Can they really go all the way, this way?? Well, look at the numbers. If 10,000 attendees contribute $5000 each –that’s a cool $50,000,000. Multiply it by 100 events and you’re up to $5 BILLION – and THAT’S real money!!
And of course, there’ll be some whales!!
…and teachers
There’s been some complaints from a GTU official that a US group’s been recruiting teachers – at salaries and benefits that we just can’t match!! What to do?
Just remind teachers of how immigrants are treated over there!!
PNCR’s Natasha Singh-Lewis resigns from party, parliamentary seat –
cites her “deep-seated conviction” and “duty to the people”
The exodus of members from the People’s National Congress/ Reform (PNCR) continues. This time, Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Natasha Singh- Lewis has resigned with immediate effect from the PNC/R, citing her “duty to the people” as a key factor in her decision.
According to the letter she sent to the leadership of the party, Singh, who shadowed the social services sector since she became an MP in 2020, her decision was made after consultations with those in her inner circle.
“It is with profound regret, but driven by deep-seated conviction and an unwavering duty to the people who entrusted me with their vote, that I tender my immediate resignation. This was a very difficult decision for me, but after consultation with my family, key stakeholders, my constituents, and my mentors, this is my position,” SinghLewis states in her letter.
Singh-Lewis cited former party leaders David Granger and Joseph Harmon in her letter, thanking them for the opportunity to serve. According to her, she is resigning not only from the PNC/R, but also resigning her parliamentary seat.
“Therefore, effective immediately, I resign my membership in the People’s National Congress Reform and consequently, pursuant to the relevant provisions of the Constitution of Guyana, I also resign my seat in the National Assembly,” the politician added.
Resigned: Natasha Singh-Lewis
Her resignation comes just days after her fellow opposition colleague, Amanza Walton-Desir, resigned from the PNCR. At a subsequent at times tearful press conference, Walton-Desir had revealed that her decision to exit the PNC/R came after her repeated exclusion from
campaign activities and key meetings, even those that concerned her field of foreign relations. She had also announced the launch of a new party, Forward Guyana.
These resignations are the latest in a series of resignations to hit the PNC/R.
Additionally, since May 2025, MPs Geeta ChandanEdmonds and Region Four Chairman Daniel Seeram have not only resigned from the PNCR, but also joined the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C).
Former PNCR executive, Dr Richard Van West-Charles, and former Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and VicePresident under the coalition Government, Sydney Allicock, have also declared their allegiance to the PPP/C.
Even before then, however, the PNC/R had been bleeding members. As a matter of fact, several prominent members of the PNC/R have resigned from the party since 2020. In 2021, Thandi McAllister, a longstanding member and Central Executive Committee (CEC) member, resigned.
McAllister, who in addition to former PNC/R Parliamentarian and Attorney-at-Law James Bond have since joined the PPP/C platform, had cited that the leadership’s direction was not aligned with the aspirations of young people, party supporters, and national development. Since her departure, other members also resigned, including former PNC/R Treasurer Faaiz Mursaline, and former General Secretary (GS) Dawn Hastings-Williams.
Additionally, the late Amna Ally, who was a former GS and Minister for the Opposition party, also resigned earlier this year.
At the time she had resigned, Ally had been scathingly critical of Opposition and PNCR leader Aubrey Norton and his lack of leadership abilities… a criticism that was further compounded when Norton was a no show at her funeral in May 2025.
The 2025 General and Regional Elections are set for September 1. Nomination Day has already been announced for July 14, 2025, which will allow for the submission of Lists of Candidates for the upcoming General and Regional Elections.
The following day, July 15, is reserved for notifying the Chief Election Officer
(CEO) in writing of any death or withdrawal of a candidate. Also on this day, the CEO will inform representatives and their deputies of any defects found in submitted lists. By July 17, corrected lists must be submitted, and further notification of any withdrawals must also be made. On July 18, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) will issue notifications regarding the approval or non-approval of the candidate lists. Parties dissatisfied with disapprovals may lodge appeals with the High Court by July 20. On July 21, representatives and their deputies must inform the CEO in writing of any joinder of lists. The entire process culminates on July 23 with the gazetting of the approved lists.
PPP/C represents a coalition of people coming together, united and strong – Pres Ali
...not power seekers
President Dr Irfaan Ali
says that the ruling
People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is not a power-seeking party but one that works to unite the people of Guyana, enhancing their lives and developing the country.
Addressing supporters at a concert hosted by the party on Saturday night, Ali, who will be leading the PPP/C for a second term at the up-
“Just look around this crowd tonight… you see love, you see unity, you see togetherness, you see the People’s Progressive Party in all of Guyana,” he posited.
According to Ali, never before has any political party had this level of national unity. He noted that a unified Guyana, where people are each other’s keepers and up-
resents a national unified front of Guyana. The PPP today represents a coalition of the people; a coalition of the hearts, minds and souls of the Guyanese people – not a coalition of power seekers but the coalition of people coming together, united and strong under the banner of the People’s Progressive Party,” he stated.
The Head of State further added that the people are what matters most to the
lift each other, is what is most needed for the country’s development – something that can only be pursued by those who philosophically and fundamentally understand this which is the PPP.
“The PPP today rep-
coming General and Regional Elections on September 1, declared that this is the only truly national party in the country. This, he pointed out, was reflected in the vastly diverse crowd at the Everest Cricket Ground, where the party’s family fun day and concert were held.
PPP/C, motivating the current administration to work hard for their betterment and the country’s development.
Ali said the PPP/C has already demonstrated over the last five years what honouring trust and commitment
looks like – something that they are ready to do once again.
“We’ve shown you what love and service, looks like and feels like… You will continue to give us the opportunity to lead… We’re are not an elections party; we are your partners every single day of the year. We’re not a seasonal friend, we are here with you the people in every single season – in the good time, the bad time, every single time. The People’s Progressive Party stands with you.”
“Ask yourself, who can you trust to keep their commitment? Who can you trust to do whatever they say they will do? And every time you ask that question, there is only one honest answer and that is the People’s Progressive party… We are asking for the responsibility to work harder for the pensions, to work harder for the children, to work harder for the men and women in uniform, to work harder for our farmers and public servants, to work harder for every woman, every man and every child, and to work harder always in the interest of this beautiful country – Guyana,” he declared.
The President went onto outline that the responsibility to lead the country and its
people is an enormous task and not something to gamble with or risk. He added that the upcoming elections are more than just electing the leaders and political parties, but about ensuring the safety and security of Guyana and its people.
It is about moving forward, ensuring that we invest to make our people and every community safe, invest moving forward to bring prosperity to your home and make home ownership easier, to make owning a business easier, to bring interest rates for loans, to give you world class education and
healthcare, give you best infrastructure and to give you a life of honour and dignity, Ali stressed.
He further highlighted that Guyana is recognised today in every single capital around the world and this is as a result of the PPP/C’s aggressively pushing for progress, development, investment and leadership across all sectors including the environment, energy, food security and on the global stage.
According to Ali, the work is far from done and the PPP/C is ready to move forward together for a better Guyana.
WCB driver, pedestrian killed after speeding car crashes into stall, bus shed, utility pole
Two persons are now dead after a speed -
ing car crashed into a bus shed, after hitting a vegetable stall, then splintering a utility pole on Sunday morning at Belle Vue, West Coast Berbice (WCB), Region Five.
Those dead are the driver, Davin Daniels, 29, a carpenter/mason of Onderneeming, WCB and pedestrian Mark George, a 49-year-old labourer of Belle Vue.
One eye witness told this publication that George and a work colleague were at the bus shed but the colleague left to do something at his home which was a minute away.
According to the police, Daniels was driving PAD 9544 which first hit a vegetable stall then crashed into the bus shed. The accident occurred at about 5:40h on Sunday.
George was sitting in the bus shed waiting to be picked up to go to work.
What’s
“The car was proceed - ing east along the northern side of Belle Vue Public Road at a fast rate when the driver lost control of the vehicle, swerved to the southern side of the road, and collided with a vegetable stand. The car continued further east and collided with a bus shed where the pedestrian was sitting on a wooden seat. The car continued further east and collided with a utility pole on the southern side of the road, where the vehicle came to a halt. As a result of the collision, the light pole broke and fell, in the process crushing a wash bay shed”, the police release stated.
It noted that the George
was pinned under the bus shed while Daniels was pinned in his vehicle. They both received injuries to their heads and bodies and were picked up by public-spirited citizens and taken to Fort Wellington Public Hospital, where they were pronounced dead on arrival.
George’s wife, Nelta George told this publication that at about 5:45h she received a telephone call that her husband was killed by a car at the bus shed.
“I put on my clothes and go out… he was lying there in the bus shed. I couldn’t look.”
The woman said the
driver was also pinned in the car, which was in a canal.
Meanwhile, Daniels’ 74-year-old father said his son might have been on his way home after visiting his sister. According to Mekrey Stanford Daniels, he was only informed that his son crashed while returning home and died.
“My wife told me that when she went she met him he was lying dead,” he said.
Daniels was a father of two.
Both bodies are at Bailey’s Funeral Home, awaiting post-mortem examinations.
left of the bus shed where Mark George was waiting
The splintered utility pole after the collision
Aerial view of the site of the tragedy
President Dr Irfaan Ali
PM Phillips spotlights Guyana’s tourism boom and strategic roadmap at THAG 2025 Awards
Prime Minister (PM), Brigadier (Ret’d), the Honourable Mark Phillips outlined the substantial progress the Guyana’s tourism industry has made over the last five years, and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to building a worldclass, sustainable tourism product. In his address to stakeholders during the feature address at the Annual Awards, Dinner and Auction of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), held Saturday at the Marriott Hotel, the PM described tourism as “a tool to create jobs, to earn foreign exchange, to develop rural areas, to protect our patrimony, and to tell our story — the Guyanese story — to the world”. He acknowledged that Guyana’s journey in the tourism industry has not been without its challenges, referencing how the country
once turned away from the sector altogether. However, he noted that under the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government, beginning in 1992, tourism was deliberately integrated into the National Development Strategy as a pillar of national development.
“When we sat down to craft Guyana’s National Development Strategy all those years ago, we didn’t just think about bauxite, sugar, rice, gold, timber and diamonds. We thought about people. We thought about place. And we thought about promise — the kind of promise this country holds, including our amazing natural attractions and the unmatched hospitality of our people.”
He explained that the strategy emphasised tourism that is authentic, sustainable, and inclusive, placing value on protect-
ing Guyana’s natural beauty, empowering Indigenous communities, and promoting investments in infrastructure, safety, and service excellence. PM Phillips recounted that among the first steps taken in building the tourism industry from the ground up was the establishment of institutional structures within the Ministry of Tourism,
Industry and Commerce, as well as the creation of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA).
Major infrastructure projects that initially faced criticism, such as the construction of the Marriott Hotel and the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) were highlighted as foundational investments that have positioned
Guyana to accommodate rapid growth and diversification in the tourism sector.
Additional developments, such as the construction of the Ogle municipal airport (the Eugene F. Correia International Airport) and the promotion of nature-based, cultural, and events tourism, were cited as critical components of the sector’s early development. Over the past five years, the tangible results of
ongoing efforts have become increasingly evident. In 2024, Guyana recorded its highest-ever visitor arrivals, reaching 371,272— a remarkable 329 per cent increase over the 2020 figure of 86,503. This surge in tourism was complemented by a major boost in global connectivity, with nine international airlines commencing service to Guyana during this period.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips
Scenes from PPP/C's Family Fun
Iwokrama’s new Board Chair visits Iwokrama River Lodge
The new Chairman of Iwokrama’s International Board of Trustees (IBOT), Fareed Amin, along with senior management, visited the Iwokrama River Lodge (IRL) on June 20, 2025.
According to an Iwokrama press release, Amin met with IRL staff, expressing his deep appreciation for their continued commitment to ensuring the outstanding work of Iwokrama continues. He toured the Lodge and the Iwokrama Mill Site where he got first-hand insight into Iwokrama’s operations.
He also met with the executives of the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB), which represents the 21 communities of the North Rupununi, and the Village Council of Fair View Village, the only community within the Iwokrama Reserve.
In his discussions with staff and community representatives, the release noted, he lauded the importance of Iwokrama in global and national conservation efforts and further emphasised the contributions and great value
that Indigenous traditional knowledge has played in the successful development of Iwokrama’s operations and programmes.
Iwokrama noted that Amin is an accomplished public servant with over 30 years of experience at the provincial and municipal levels in Canada, having served as
Ontario Deputy Minister and City of Toronto Deputy City Manager. He brings expertise in non-profit leadership, Government, international relations, and community engagement.
Since assuming the role, Amin has held several high-level engagements, including a recent meeting with the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt. Hon. Shirley Ayorkor
Botchwey. He has committed to strengthening Iwokrama’s visibility and advancing its work in conservation, research, and sustainable development, it stated.
“Yoga is a way of life, not just a single occasion” — Health Minister …as yoga practitioners observe 10th International Day of Yoga
The High Commission of India and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, in collaboration with the United Nations (UN) Guyana, the CARICOM Secretariat, and the Government of Guyana, commemorated the 10th International Day of Yoga on Saturday morning with a vast gathering of yoga practitioners, fitness enthusiasts, and special guests at the Cliff Anderson Sports hall.
The event, which featured interactive yoga sessions and wellness activities, was held under this year’s global theme — “Yoga for
us to slow down, breathe, and take charge of our well-be-
Earth,
In his keynote address, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony emphasised yoga’s timeless role in improving both physical and mental health.
“Yoga is an ancient practice that has proven itself across centuries. More than ever before, in our fast-paced world filled with stress and chronic illness, yoga reminds
ing. Even 10 to 15 minutes a day can help improve focus, calm the mind, and reduce anxiety.”
He noted that yoga’s global influence continues to grow, especially as mental health and non-communicable diseases rise.
“People often wait until they’re sick to look for solutions,” Anthony continued. “But yoga is something you
can do every day to prevent illness, manage stress, and cultivate resilience. If you integrate yoga into your daily routine, whether for a few minutes or an hour, you will see your quality of life improve immensely.”
Also speaking at the event, Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr Amit Telang, recalled the journey that led to International Yoga Day becoming a reality in 2014.
“This is a milestone for all of us…Back in 2014, with the unanimous support of nearly every member of the United Nations, June 21st was officially declared as International Yoga Day. Every year since then, millions of people around the world have united in the practice of yoga. Today, as we mark the tenth anniversary right here in Guyana, I am filled with pride to see so many people gathered — a true testament to the friendship and cooperation between India and Guyana.”
Dr Telang also spoke about yoga’s broader purpose.
“When we practice yoga, we do much more than stretch our bodies; yoga nurtures our mental health, enhances environmental awareness, and promotes peace and harmony. Especially at a time when the world is facing conflicts and climate crises, yoga is a path that reminds us of our deep connections — to one another, to nature, and to ourselves.”
He extended his appreciation to the Government of Guyana, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, and all other partner agencies that contributed to making the event a success.
“Let us continue to nurture this tradition. Yoga is one of India’s greatest contributions to the world, and by making it a part of our daily lives, we embrace a practice that connects humanity. Let this morning belong to all of us — as we celebrate health, unity, and peace,” he urged in his closing remarks.
Also present was Secretary-General of the CARICOM, Dr Carla Natalie Barnett, representative from the CARICOM Secretariat, who noted the regional relevance of this global tradition. “The practice of yoga is expanding rapidly across the Caribbean, and that is not surprising, given its proven health and wellness benefits. CARICOM has always placed strong emphasis on
public health and encouraging active lifestyles. Our initiatives like CARICOM MOVES, which aim to reduce non-communicable diseases by promoting fitness and balanced diets, align perfectly with the principles of yoga.”
She also highlighted the vital role that community-based fitness practices play in achieving these goals.
She stated that finding balance through simple, accessible exercises like yoga is critical as the Caribbean works toward healthier and more resilient communities.
She also urged that persons should continue to embrace activities like this which contribute to personal well-being and national development.
Fareed Amin, new Chair of the Iwokrama IBOT
Chair Fareed Amin with Iwokrama’s CEO and Director, and community leader reps from NRDDB and Fair View Village
One
One Health.”
Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr Amit Telang, speaking at the event
Scores of persons participating in the event
Public and Private Sector leaders gather to strengthen Guyana’s disaster readiness
More than 70 representatives from Guyana’s emergency services, business community, and tourism sector gathered this week for a disaster management workshop designed to improve the country’s resilience in the face of natural catastrophes. The half-day session, hosted by Tropical Shipping, focused on strengthening public-private partnerships – a vital step, officials said, in preparing for and responding to hurricanes and other large-scale emergencies.
“As a shipping company, we recognise the essential role that strong private-public partnerships play in effective disaster management,” said Glenis Hodge, Country Manager of Tropical Shipping.
“Prior to a natural disaster, close coordination with Government agencies enables us to anticipate disruptions, strategically position resources, and support preparedness efforts. In the aftermath, this collaboration becomes even more critical, facilitating the swift reopening of ports, restoring supply chain operations, and ensuring the timely de-
livery of essential goods such as food, water, and medical supplies to affected communities.”
But the workshop wasn’t just about logistics, it was about collaboration, planning, and creating a safety net for the communities most vulnerable during disasters.
The event drew participation from several key national associations and agencies,
including the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) Guyana Manufacturing & Services Association (GMSA), the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), and the Civil Defence Commission (CDC).
“Partnerships are critical for effective disaster preparedness and response,” noted Major Lakshman Persaud, Preparedness &
Response Manager of the CDC.
“In pre-disaster preparedness, useful networks can be identified or built with key persons trained for specialist roles in disaster management. In response to a disaster, the private sector can mobilise resources and finances for the response, including specialists such as medical, aviation, technology, etc., who will aid re-
sponse actions in the affected areas.”
Stakeholders say that when emergencies strike, minutes matter. The workshop was especially useful for building connections before the crisis moment comes.
Participants included Komal Singh, Chairman of the Shipping Association of Guyana; Kathy Smith, President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Rafeek Khan, President of GMSA; Dee George, President of the THAG; Chandradat Chintamani, General Manager of Muneshwers Ltd; Mr Shane Ram, CEO of Shane Ram Coaching & Consulting; and Professor Roy Watlington (Ret’d) of the University of the Virgin Islands.
Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, Deputy Executive Director of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), described the importance of these partnerships not just for Guyana, but across the region.
“This powerful partnership ensures more effective preparedness, rapid
response, and resilient recovery efforts, ultimately saving lives and speeding up rehabilitation and reconstruction for sustainable development,” Craig said.
Tropical Shipping, headquartered in Riviera Beach, Florida, has hosted annual disaster preparedness workshops across the Caribbean for over 25 years. These forums help communities build recovery plans so businesses, schools and Governments can resume operations more swiftly after major events.
“Part of our company’s mission is to support the health and well-being of the Caribbean, and Central and South America before, during and after a natural disaster,” said Tropical Shipping President Tim Martin. “Our commitment to the communities we serve is to strengthen them, and these workshops are tools for resilience.”
With more workshops scheduled across the region this year, the company hopes the growing network of regional partners will lead to faster, more coordinated responses, and ultimately, better outcomes, when disaster strikes.
“It's a symbol of confidence in our city's future” – Georgetown Mayor …as World Trade Centre opens
Mayor of Georgetown, Alfred Mentore on Friday lauded the official opening of the World Trade Centre in Georgetown (WTCG) as a landmark achievement in the city’s developmental journey. He described it as a transformative milestone that not only marks a new chapter in the capital’s economic and infrastructural advancement but also highlights the city’s immense untapped potential.
According to Mayor
Mentore, the establishment of the WTCG signals a gateway to increased global connectivity, trade facilitation, and investment opportunities, positioning Georgetown as a growing hub for international business and innovation. He emphasised that this development reflects the city’s readiness to embrace modernisation and economic diversification, while offering a plethora of opportunities for local entrepreneurs, investors, and citizens to thrive in a dy-
namic, forward-looking environment.
“This building is far more than a new addition to the city's skyline. It's a symbol of confidence in our city's future, a bold celebration that Georgetown is open for business, ready for global engagement, and committed to sustainable growth. It reflects the kind of visionary investment that will help position Georgetown and by extension Guyana as a more modern hub for commerce, trade, and innovation in the region and beyond,” he noted.
The Mayor highlighted that the newly established WTCG will serve as a vital conduit for international trade and investment, creating meaningful connections between Guyana and previously untapped global markets. He emphasised that the facility is poised to enhance economic engagement by providing a platform for local businesses to access international opportunities and partnerships.
Moreover, Mayor Mentore noted that the
WTCG will stand as a critical pillar in shaping Georgetown’s future civic and economic stature—solidifying the city’s role as a rising centre for commerce, diplomacy, and innovation in the Caribbean and beyond.
“It also sends a clear signal that Georgetown is open for business not just regionally but on the world and international stage. Beyond commerce, this facility will serve to elevate the civic and economic stature of our capital. It will also support local businesses, attract multinational corporations.”
Located on High Street
in Georgetown, the WTCG – the first of its kind in the CARICOM region – is a state-of-the-art multi-storey building that is outfitted with advanced technologies, integrated security systems and other environmentally friendly features – all aimed at providing a modern commercial space that is critically needed in Guyana’s rapidly growing economy.
In fact, Chairman of Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), Komal Samaroo, disclosed during the opening ceremony that since acquiring the licence for the WTCG in March 2022, extensive work has been undertaken
to promote Guyana and its investment opportunities at major international forums. WTCG has since signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with several sister centres in Panama, India and the United States (US) for collaboration in areas such as information exchange, regulation and market access, business training and exchange of trade missions. Under this partnership with WTC Miami, three major Guyanese manufacturers were given the opportunity to participate in the American Food and Beverage Show.
Participants at the workshop held to strengthen Guyana’s disaster readiness
Georgetown Mayor Alfred Mentore
Nations react to US strikes on Iran, with many calling for diplomacy
Several close United States (US) allies urged a return to the negotiating table in the wake of American strikes on Iran that fuelled fears of a wider conflict, while noting the threat posed by Tehran’s nuclear programme. Some countries and groups in the region, including those that support Iran, condemned the move while also urging de-escalation.
US President Donald Trump had said Thursday that he would decide within two weeks whether to get involved in Israel’s war with Tehran. In the end, it took just days. Washington hit three Iranian nuclear sites early Sunday.
While the amount of damage remained unclear, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the US had “crossed a very big red line,” the time for diplomacy was over, and Iran had the right to defend itself. Some have questioned whether a weakened Iran would capitulate or remain defiant and begin striking with allies at US targets scattered across the Gulf region. Here is a look at reactions from Governments and officials around the world.
United Nations
Unites Nations (UN)
Secretary General Antonio Guterres said he was “gravely alarmed” by the use of force by the US.
“There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control — with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world,” he said in a statement on the social media platform X. “I call on member states to de-escalate.”
“There is no military solution. The only path forward is diplomacy.”
United Kingdom
British Prime Minister (PM) Keir Starmer warned of escalation beyond the Middle East as he called for all sides to negotiate a diplomatic end to the crisis, saying stability was the priority in the volatile region. The UK, along with the European Union (EU), France and Germany, tried unsuccessfully to broker a diplomatic solution in Geneva last week with Iran. Starmer said Iran’s nuclear programme posed a grave threat to global security.
“Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and the US has taken action to alleviate that threat,” Starmer said.
Russia Dmitry Medvedev, who
serves as deputy head of President Vladimir Putin’s Security Council, said several countries were prepared to supply Tehran with nuclear weapons.
He didn’t specify which countries, but said the US attack caused minimal damage and would not stop Tehran from pursuing nuclear weapons. Russia’s Foreign Ministry said it “strongly condemned” the airstrikes and called them “a gross violation of international law, the UN Charter, and UN Security Council resolutions.”
Iraq
The Iraqi Government condemned the US strikes, saying the military escalation created a grave threat to peace and security in the Middle East. It said it poses serious risks to regional stability, and called for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis.
“The continuation of such attacks risks dangerous escalation with consequences that extend beyond the borders of any single state, threatening the security of the entire region and the world,” Government spokesman Bassem al-Awadi said in the statement.
Egypt
President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi warned of “grave repercussions” for expanding the Middle East conflict, and urged a return to negotiations.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia, which previously condemned Israel’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and military leaders, expressed “deep concern” about the US airstrikes, but stopped short of condemning them. “The Kingdom underscores the need to exert all possible efforts to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, and avoid further escalation,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Qatar
Qatar, which is home to the largest US military base in the Middle East, said it “regrets” escalating tensions in the Israel-Iran war. Its foreign Ministry in a statement urged all parties to show restraint and “avoid escalation, which the peoples of the region, burdened by conflicts and their tragic humanitarian repercussions, cannot tolerate.”
Qatar has served as a key mediator in the IsraelHamas war.
Hamas and the Houthis
Both the Houthi rebels in Yemen and Hamas condemned the US strikes. The Houthi Political Bureau
in a statement called on Muslim nations to join “the Jihad and resistance option as one front against the Zionist-American arrogance.”
Hamas and the Houthis are part of Iran’s so-called Axis of Resistance, a collection of pro-Iranian proxies stretching from Yemen to Lebanon that for years gave the Islamic Republic considerable power across the region.
Lebanon
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said the US bombing could lead to a regional conflict that no country could bear, and called for negotiations.
“Lebanon, its leadership, parties and people, are aware today, more than ever before, that it has paid a heavy price for the wars that erupted on its land and in the region,” Aoun said in a statement on X. “It is unwilling to pay more.”
Pakistan
Pakistan blasted the US strikes as a “deeply disturbing” escalation just days after it nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his diplomatic intervention with the India-Pakistan crisis. “These attacks violate all norms of international law,” the Government said in a statement. “Iran has the legitimate right to defend itself under the UN Charter.”
China
China condemned US strikes on Iran, calling them a serious violation of international law that further inflamed tensions in the Middle East. In a statement, the Chinese Foreign Ministry urged all parties — especially Israel — to implement a cease-fire and begin dialogue. “China is willing to work with the international community to pool efforts together and uphold justice and contribute to the work for restoring peace and stability in the Middle East,” the Ministry said.
European Union
The European Union’s
top diplomat said Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, but she urged those involved in the conflict to show restraint. “I urge all sides to step back, return to the negotiating table, and prevent further escalation,” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said in a post on social media.
Italy
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Iran’s nuclear facilities “represented a danger for the entire area”, but hoped the action could lead to de-escalation in the conflict and negotiations.
European Council
President Antonio Costa said he was “deeply alarmed” by the bombings and called on all parties to “show restraint and respect for international law and nuclear safety”.
“Too many civilians will once again be the victims of
a further escalation,” Costa added. “The EU will continue engaging with the parties and our partners to find a peaceful solution at the negotiating table.”
Netherlands
Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp, whose country is hosting a summit of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) leaders including Trump on Tuesday and Wednesday, said the Government’s national security council would meet later to discuss the issue.
He said the US attacks amounted to “a further escalation of a worrying situation in the Middle East”.
Japan
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba told reporters on Sunday that it was crucial to calm the situation as soon as possible, adding that the
Iranian nuclear weapons development also must be prevented.
Ishiba, asked if he supports the US attacks on Iran, declined to comment.
The Vatican Pope Leo XIV made a strong appeal for peace during his Sunday Angelus prayer in St Peter’s square, calling for international diplomacy to “silence the weapons”.
After an open reference to the “alarming” situation in Iran, the first American pontiff stressed that “today more than ever, humanity cries out and invokes peace and it is a cry that demands reason and must not be stifled.” Pope Leo urged every member of the international community to take up their moral responsibility to “stop the tragedy of war before it becomes an irreparable abyss.” (Source: Loop Caribbean News)
Police to pursue extradition of Rickford Burke
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has signalled its intention to initiate extradition proceedings against political activist Rickford Burke, who is currently residing in the United States (US) as it seeks to bring him before the court on new allegations of extortion. The announcement by the Police came one day after Acting Chief Justice Roxane George declared the charge of criminal defamation libel to be unconstitutional. In a statement on Saturday, the Force said: “The ruling of the Chief Justice in the legal challenge filed by Rickford Burke notwithstanding, the Guyana Police Force maintains resolutely that it is in possession of cogent, compelling, and irrefutable evidence that Rickford Burke has engaged in the conduct of extorting money from a local businessman.”
According to the re-
lease, the matter is under review and the Police are “awaiting further legal advice in relation to the institution of fresh charges.”
The GPF added that “since Mr Burke remains outside of the jurisdiction of Guyana, extradition proceedings will be pursued under the Fugitive
Offenders Act in keeping with the ruling of the Chief Justice.”
The accusations against Mr Burke originate from claims that he used his social media platforms to amplify complaints from dissatisfied customers about vehicles purchased from BM Soat Auto Sales, located in Lusignan.
In dismissing the criminal defamation charge, the Acting Chief Justice pointed out that Mr Burke has resided outside of Guyana and has not set foot in the country for the past 27 years, a fact that was not contested by either the Police nor the Immigration Department.
The Acting Chief Justice further clarified that the proper legal route for returning individuals facing criminal charges lies within the Fugitive Offenders Act, which includes adherence to all required legislative procedures.
US President Donald Trump
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei
New-York based Guyanese political activist Rickford Burke
Dr Tariq Jagnarine Fam meD, enDocrinology/ DiabeTes
Atopic dermatitis (AD), also known as eczema, is an inflammatory skin condition that may cause dry, itchy skin. Flareups are periods when symptoms of AD worsen. They typically occur after exposure to a trigger. These are things that cause your skin to react, making it dry and flaky.
Causes Atopic dermatitis flareups are typically a result of triggers. Internal triggers like stress or food allergies come from inside your body. External triggers come from something your body has been in contact with, such as environmental allergens, irritants, or dry air.
If you’re unsure about what’s causing your flareups, ask yourself:
Did I spend time in a new environment where I may have been exposed to new allergens or irritants?
Did the flare-up happen during a specific activity, like cleaning or exercising?
Did the flare-up happen when changing into a specific item of clothing, like a sweater or a new pair of socks?
Did I eat something differ-
ent today?
HEALTH TIPS
SKIN FLARE-UPS – ATOPIC DERMATITIS
Was I stressed or anxious about a specific event or relationship?
Having the answers to these questions may help you narrow down your list of possible AD triggers.
Understand triggers
Being aware of AD triggers, and taking measures to avoid them is key to preventing AD flare-ups.
• Physical irritants
When the skin touches physical irritants, it may immediately start to itch, burn, or swell. People with lighter skin tones may experience redness, while people with darker skin tones may experience purple or greyness. Many common household and environmental irritants may trigger AD flares. These may include: Some clothes’ materials, such as synthetic fibres and wool
Soaps, detergents, cleaning supplies
Dust
• Cigarette smoke Some fruit juices
People may experience an AD flare-up when they are in a new environment with different irritants. For example, if staying at a hotel that uses harsh detergent to clean the linens.
Allergens
Some common allergens could trigger an AD flare-up. These may include: Pollen
• Animal dander
• Mould
Dust mites
Try to keep the home and work environments as free from allergens as possible. This may involve daily vacuuming and washing fabrics, like blankets and sheets, often. Some places like book-
A36-year-old gold miner from Farm Village, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) was arrested on Saturday after police allegedly found over 100 grams of marijuana concealed in his clothing during a routine stop at the Itaballi Checkpoint in Region Seven. Reports are that at around 13:00h, a Police Inspector on duty at the checkpoint intercepted a motor car bearing registration number PMM 1186. The vehicle was en route to Puruni Landing and was being driven by Errol Roberts. On board were three passengers: Winsley Danardo Richards known as “Rattie”, Carl Alleyne Wren, and Terrianna Nedd.
A search of the vehicle revealed nothing illegal. Officers then conducted personal searches on Wren and Nedd but also found nothing unlawful in their posses-
sion or belongings. However, police said Richards was observed behaving in a suspicious manner, prompting a more thorough search. During that search, ranks discovered two transparent parcels containing what appeared to be cannabis leaves, seeds, and stems concealed in the crotch area of his pants. The suspected narcotics
stores, libraries, and vintage shops trigger flare-ups. If you can’t spend time in a library without scratching your skin, you might need to find a new place to work or study.
• Food Food allergies and food intolerances don’t cause AD. However, they could trigger a flare-up, especially in children. Nine foods are responsible for 90% of food allergies, according to the Food and Drug Administration. These include:
Cow’s milk
• Eggs Sesame
• Shellfish
• Fish Wheat
• Peanuts
Tree nuts
• Soybeans
Some common food intolerances include lactose, gluten, histamine, and fructose.
Gold miner nabbed with 101.8 grams of marijuana at Itaballi Checkpoint – found hiding cannabis in crotch area
were seized, and Richards was told of the offence. The items were weighed in his presence and amounted to 101.8 grams.
Richards was taken into custody and escorted to the Bartica Police Station, where he is assisting with the investigation.
This is not the first time Richards has found himself before the court. On January 27, 2022, he, along with three other men, Imran Mohamed, Ryan Wilson, and Roberto Lewis, was charged with an armed robbery committed at Malgre Tout, West Bank Demerara (WBD).
The group was accused of robbing Altaz Mohamed of $500,000 while armed with a dangerous weapon. They appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Vreeden-Hoop Magistrate’s Court and were remanded to prison, but there were later released.
It may be difficult to identify a food allergy or intolerance as the cause of an AD flareup. However, a healthcare professional could help determine the cause by testing for allergies. To help them, make a list of any suspected foods and bring this to your appointment. It’s also important to speak with a doctor before eliminating foods from your diet, as this may lead to nutritional deficiencies.
Keep your skin moisturised Dry, cold weather may trigger AD flare-ups and cause the skin to become itchy and cracked. This could be painful. Taking a hot bath or shower may also cause moisture loss by making the skin’s oil break down faster. It’s important to have a daily skin care routine and take measures to keep the skin moisturised. The American Academy of Dermatologists
Association recommends applying a cream or ointment after bathing or swimming whenever your skin is dry. They also suggest specifically using “fragrance-free” moisturisers. If you’re experiencing an AD flare-up, apply a wet wrap like a cloth or gauze after putting on moisturizer. This is to help retain the moisture. Other tips to help keep your skin moisturized include:
Taking baths with added oatmeal, baking soda, salt, or a 1/2 cup of bleach per 40 gallons of water
• Staying hydrated
Protecting your skin when swimming
Protect your skin from UV light
Some tips may also help you prevent AD flare-ups during exercise, such as:
Taking short breaks out of the sun and drinking water to lower your body tem-
perature
Wearing loose clothing to prevent irritation
• Moisturising your skin before and after exercise
• Reduce stress levels
Stress causes the release of hormones like cortisol that affect your immune system. This may lead to inflammation, which could be manifested as eczema flare-ups. Some methods may help reduce your stress levels, including:
Trying mind-body therapies, such as mindfulness, meditation, and hypnotherapy
• Practising yoga and deep breathing techniques
• Minimising your screen time
Engaging in moderate-intensity exercise for at least 150 minutes weekly or high-intensity exercise for at least 75 minutes weekly If these methods don’t help relieve stress, speak with a healthcare professional. They could offer other stress-relieving options for you.
Duration The duration of an atopic dermatitis flare-up depends on several factors and will vary for each person. Flareups may last from a few days to several weeks. You may also experience flare-ups two to three times per month. Treatment for atopic dermatitis may include medications, topical ointments, light therapy, lifestyle and dietary changes, and natural remedies. Speak with a healthcare professional if you’re experiencing frequent flareups. They could help develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.
PM Phillips spotlights Guyana’s...
Looking ahead, projections indicate that visitor arrivals will exceed 420,000 by the end of 2025. To meet this growing demand, the country’s accommodation capacity is rapidly expanding, with over 600 new hotel rooms expected by year-end.
The PM also spoke of the dynamic growth in the types of experiences now available to visitors, with more than 65 new tours and products introduced since 2020. Guyana’s standing on the international stage continues to rise, with eleven international awards earned between 2020 and 2025, and five eco-lodges achieving certification under the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).
Recognising that a growing tourism sector must be matched by skilled human resources, the PM emphasised the importance of training and workforce development in sustaining momentum.
The development of the
Hospitality and Tourism Training Institute (HTTI), scheduled to launch in 2026, he explained, will play a critical role in upskilling the local workforce and ensuring service excellence across the sector.
These efforts are being matched by an aggressive marketing and branding push to promote Guyana as a premier destination for both leisure and business travel.
As a result of ongoing training efforts, more than 8,000 Guyanese have already received certification in hospitality and tourism, contributing to an estimated 22,000 individuals now directly or indirectly employed across the sector.
PM Phillips also outlined the country’s push into emerging and niche tourism markets. These include medical tourism, which leverages cost-effective healthcare services; health and wellness tourism, capitalising on Guyana’s natural settings;
and agro-tourism, which offers both economic benefits for rural farmers and unique visitor experiences. He also highlighted the potential for the development of cruise tourism infrastructure and the growing success of sport and entertainment events such as Cricket Carnival and Global Super League, which have contributed significantly to increased visitor arrivals.
The PM stressed the importance of strong partnerships across Government, the private sector, local communities, and international stakeholders.
He congratulated the evening’s awardees, noting that their commitment and leadership have helped elevate the industry and inspire others.
“Together, with shared vision and relentless effort, Guyana’s tourism sector is poised to shine brighter than ever on the world map. The journey has only just begun, and the best is yet to come.”
Arrested: Winsley Danardo Richards, known as “Rattie”
Regional
St Vincent’s PM says OECS may have to re-evaluate engagement with CSME
Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves of St Vincent and the Grenadines has assumed the rotating chairmanship of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), using the occasion to raise pointed concerns about the bloc’s relationship with the wider Caribbean Community (Caricom).
Speaking at a recent meeting of the OECS Assembly, Gonsalves suggested it may be time to re-evaluate the sub-region’s engagement with Caricom, particularly the Caricom Single Market and Economy
(CSME), citing persistent inequalities affecting OECS member states.
“The OECS is far more integrated than Caricom,” Gonsalves said, as he underscored the importance of deeper cooperation within overlapping regional frameworks.
He argued that the benefits of broader regional integration risk being eclipsed by structural disparities that leave smaller states at a disadvantage.
The Prime Minister criticised Caricom for failing to implement special accommodations tailored to
the OECS’s unique circumstances.
He recalled a study conducted prior to the OECS’s accession to the CSME, which found that Caricom’s arrangements had negatively impacted the sub-region’s manufacturing sector.
Gonsalves called for fairer decision-making processes within regional institutions and reiterated the need for collective action among small states to ensure balanced development and shared prosperity across the Caribbean.
(Source: Antigua Newsroom)
T&T Minister hurt in 3-car highway collision
T&T Minister in the Ministry of Housing,
Anil Roberts narrowly escaped serious injury after he was involved in a multiple car accident on the Beetham Highway early on June 21.
In a Facebook video post issued hours after the incident, Roberts said the accident occurred 5.23 am as he was heading east on the highway to get to a junior national swim team practice session at the Aquatic Centre, in Couva.
He said he was driving in the right lane when a white BMW in the middle lane tried to overtake a grey sta-
tion wagon by cutting into the left lane.
However, the BMW encountered a white car driving slowly on the left lane and swerved to pass, Roberts said.
The minister said the driver of the grey wagon swerved away from the BMW and collided with his SUV. Roberts said the impact caused him to hit the median and stop on the right lane.
He said he looked in the rear-view mirror and saw a car racing towards him and he braced for impact.
Roberts said even though his seat belt was on, the
force of the second impact cause him to hit his head.
He said he had a few bruises and his back was hurting but he was fine.
He added that there were three people in the car that hit him, and one was taken to the hospital.
He expressed the hope that everyone involved in the accident were well but expressed annoyance at the BMW driver.
Roberts said he had made a report at the Police Station and called on the driver of the BMW to do the same. He said he was driving his personal SUV. (Excerpt from T&T Newsday)
Jamaica records historic 14-week decline in murders
Jamaica is experiencing a sustained period of reduced violence, with weekly murder counts remaining below 15 for 14 consecutive weeks since March 2025, the longest such stretch in 25 years.
According to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr. Horace Chang, the current quarter – spanning April to June 2025 – is projected to record the lowest number of murders since the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) began collecting structured, disaggregated data nearly 25 years ago.
“Based on current projections, Jamaica is expected to close this year with a murder rate of approximately 24
per 100,000 population. This would represent the lowest rate since 1991. To put this in perspective, it means that more than half of our population – that is persons, 34 years old and younger – is now living in a Jamaica that is safer than at any other time in their lifetime.”
He was speaking during the opening ceremony for the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) ‘Transformations – People, Quality and Technology Expo 2.0’ earlier this week.
Chang acknowledged the dedicated efforts of police personnel islandwide, highlighting, in particular, the significant reduction in murders recorded in St. James and across the wider Area
One Police Division.
“Today, we have seen a 75 per cent reduction, and during the month of May, there was only one homicide in the entire St. James Division,” he indicated.
The Minister emphasised that these are not merely statistics to be recited but, rather, historical benchmarks that reflect a pivotal shift in Jamaica’s public safety landscape.
Chang noted that the Government has undertaken deliberate policy decisions and strategic interventions aimed at transforming Jamaica’s national security apparatus into a more modern, intelligence-driven, and community-focused system.
(Excerpt from Nation News)
Authorities launch probe as Bolivia’s Labour Minister dies
Bolivian Labour Minister Erland Rodriguez Lafuente has died, prompting authorities to open an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death, the gov-
ernment said on Saturday in a statement shared on social media.
President Luis Arce said on Facebook that Rodriguez had always showed his commitment to the Bolivian peo-
ple. Rodriguez, appointed Labour minister in August last year, had previously worked as a lawyer and in the Attorney General’s Office. (Reuters)
Brazilian comedian jailed for 8 years for offensive jokes
ABrazilian comedian has been sentenced to more than eight years in prison for telling offensive jokes.
Léo Lins was found guilty of inciting intolerance with a 2022 stand-up routine that made fun of black people, indigenous people, fat people, gay people, Jews, evangelicals, disabled people and those with HIV.
During the performance, which was uploaded to YouTube and has more than three million views, Lins told a 4,000-strong crowd in Curitiba, in southern Brazil: “Prejudice, to me, is a primitive thing that shouldn’t exist any more. Just like indigenous people. Enough already.”
Wearing a bright red shirt and yellow trousers, he warned the audience that he “jokes about everything and everyone”.
He told them: “What show could be more inclusive? I even hired a sign language interpreter just to be able to offend the deafmute.”
However, a judge in the São Paulo state criminal court last week found that his act amounted to “practising” or “inciting” racism and religious intolerance, as well as being discriminatory towards disabled people.
Judge Barbara de Lima Iseppi said that “freedom of expression is not absolute nor unlimited” and “when there is a confrontation between the fundamental precept of liberty of expression
and the principles of human dignity and judicial equality, the latter should win out”.
The judge imposed a total jail sentence of eight years and three months, which Lins intends to appeal against.
The comedian remains free pending the appeal, and continues to post messages and videos to his more than 4.5 million followers on social media.
His legal team has described the sentence as a threat to freedom of speech and an attempt to “criminalise comedy”.
“It seems like people have lost the ability to interpret the obvious,” said Lins.
“We’re living through one of the biggest epidemics of our time: rational blindness. Judgments are now based
entirely on emotion – no one listens any more, they only want to impose their own truth.”
On top of the prison sentence, he has been ordered to pay a fine of 300,000 reais (£40,000) in collective moral damages.
Lins’s conviction has been criticised by sections of Brazilian society, including journalists, free speech advocates, conservative politicians and other comedians.
But others have defended the decision to jail him. Fábio de Sá Cesnik, a lawyer with the Brazilian law firm CQS/F, told the Folha de S.Paulo newspaper that there must be some limits on free speech.
“Harming the dignity of someone else is equally important,” he said. (Excerpt from The Telegraph)
Hyper-realistic baby dolls spark moral panic and legislation in Brazil
Even as a former president stands trial for attempting a coup and the current leader grapples with the worst popularity crisis of his three terms, many Brazilians have spent recent weeks focused on a very different subject.
On social media, in soap operas, and in newly proposed laws, it seemed that hyper-realistic baby dolls were everywhere.
About 30 bills concerning these figurines, known as “reborn” dolls, have been introduced across Brazil, including proposals to ban them from receiving public healthcare or to prohibit collectors from using them to claim priority in queues for public services.
Videos of collectors bathing their dolls, tucking them into bed or pushing them in prams spread widely across social media – often accompanied by critical commentary or ridicule, such as a
satirical rap song encouraging people to kick the dolls in the street.
The controversy reached a disturbing peak on 6 June, when a man slapped a fourmonth-old baby on the head, claiming he had mistaken the infant for one of the dolls. He is out on bail, and the baby is reportedly doing well.
“I can’t recall any other issue that, in such a short period, managed to spark
so many bills across different levels of government like this,” said Isabela Kalil, a political science and anthropology professor at the FESPSP university.
The “reborn community” has been trying to understand why such an intense backlash has emerged against a type of collecting that has existed in Brazil since at least the early 2000s. (Excerpt from The Guardian)
Reborn dolls in Sao Paulo, Brazil
Léo Lins
Around the World
OOIL NEWS
Oil to open higher as US strikes on Iran boost supply risk premium
Senior Trump officials say US attacks on Iran "not about regime change"
- as Iran says US attacks will get "response"
United
States Vice President JD Vance and Defence
il is likely to rise by $3-5 per barrel when trading resumes on Sunday evening after the US attacked Iran at the weekend, market analysts said, with gains expected to accelerate only if Iran retaliates hard and causes a major oil supply disruption.
“An oil price jump is expected,” said Jorge Leon, head of geopolitical analysis at Rystad and a former OPEC official. “Even in the absence of immediate retaliation, markets are likely to price in a higher geopolitical risk premium.”
Global oil benchmark Brent crude could gain $3 to $5 per barrel when markets open, SEB analyst Ole Hvalbye said in a note. Brent settled at $77.01 a barrel on Friday and U.S. West Texas Intermediate at $73.84.
Ole Hansen, analyst at Saxo Bank, said crude could open $4 to $5 dollars higher, with potential for some long positioning being unwound.
Crude had settled down on Friday after the U.S. imposed fresh Iran-related sanctions, including on two entities based in Hong Kong, and counter-terrorism-related sanctions, according to a notice on the U.S. Treasury Department website.
Currently stable supply conditions and the availability of spare production capacity among other OPEC members have limited oil’s gains. Risk premiums have typically faded when no supply disruptions occurred, said Giovanni Staunovo, analyst at UBS.
“The direction of oil prices from here will depend on whether there are supply disruptions – which would likely result in higher prices – or if there is a de-escalation in the conflict, resulting in a fading risk premium,” he said.
A senior Iranian lawmaker said on June 19 that the country could shut the Strait of Hormuz as a way of hitting back against its enemies, though a second member of parliament said this would only happen if Tehran’s vital interests were endangered.
About a fifth of the world’s total oil consumption passes through the strait.
SEB said any closure of the strait or spillover into other regional producers would “significantly lift” oil prices, but they saw this scenario as a tail risk rather than a base case given China’s reliance on Gulf crude.
Ajay Parmar, oil and energy transition analytics director at consultancy ICIS, said it was unlikely Iran would be able to enforce a blockage of the strait for too long.
“Most of Iran’s oil exports to China pass through this strait and Trump is unlikely to tolerate the inevitable subsequent oil price spike for too long – the diplomatic pressure from the world’s two largest economies would also be significant,” he said. (Excerpt from Reuters)
India says it will ‘never’ restore Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan
India will never restore the Indus Waters Treaty with neighbouring Pakistan, and the water flowing there will be diverted for internal use, says federal Home Minister Amit Shah.
Despite a ceasefire agreed upon by the two nations last month, Shah said his government would not restore the treaty, which guaranteed water access for 80 percent of Pakistan’s farms through three rivers originating in India.
“It will never be restored,” Shah told The Times of India newspaper in an interview on Saturday.
“We will take water that was flowing to Pakistan to Rajasthan by constructing a canal. Pakistan will be starved of water that it has been getting unjustifiably,”
he added, referring to the northwestern Indian desert state.
Pakistan has not yet responded to Shah’s comments. But it has said in the past that the treaty has no provision for one side to unilaterally pull back, and that any blocking of river water flowing to Pakistan will be considered “an act of war”.
“The treaty can’t be amended, nor can it be terminated by any party unless both agree,” Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said last month.
Legal experts told Al Jazeera in April that the treaty cannot be unilaterally suspended, and that it can only be modified by mutual agreement between the parties. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Secretary Pete Hegseth have said that the US is not seeking to topple the government in Iran via “regime change” and is not at war with the country in the wake of its unprecedented surprise attack overnight on three of Iran’s nuclear sites.
The comments on Sunday followed Washington, DC joining Israel’s strikes on its arch-foe, which have been met by daily retaliatory strikes from Iran and are now in their 10th day.
Vance said on Sunday that the US had successfully set back Iran’s nuclear programme, adding that US President Donald Trump now hopes to pursue a diplomatic solution.
Speaking on the NBC News show Meet the Press with Kristen Welker, he maintained his country was “not at war with Iran, we’re at war with Iran’s nuclear programme”.
“We do not want to protract this or build this out any more than it’s already been built out. We want to end their nuclear pro-
gramme,” Vance said, adding: “We want to talk to the Iranians about a long-term settlement here.”
Meanwhile, Hegseth claimed the series of US strikes against Iran “devastated” its nuclear programme, as he asserted Washington was not seeking “regime change” in Tehran.
Hegseth told a Pentagon press briefing that the operation “did not target Iranian troops or the Iranian people”.
“This mission was not, and has not, been about regime change,” he said.
On the details of the operation, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen Dan Caine, said the bombers set off from the US, with some heading west into the Pacific as a “decoy”.
Caine said around 75 “precision guided weapons” were used, including 14 “Massive Ordnance Penetrators” - also known as “bunker busters”.
Hegseth said no shots
were fired at the US during the operation, adding that the bombers were on their way back to the US.
Also on Sunday, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian says the US “must receive a response for their aggression”, after it bombed the three Iranian nuclear sites.
“Our nation will never surrender to bullying and oppression,” Pezeshkian added.
“We have always stated that we are ready to engage and negotiate within the framework of international law, but instead of accepting logic, the other side has demanded the surrender of the Iranian nation,” he said in a statement released on the Iranian presidency’s website.
Pezeshkian said the US attacks showed the country is “the main instigator behind” Israeli strikes against Iran.
Shortly after the US strikes, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Trump and America had “acted with a lot of strength”. (Source: Al Jazeera, BBC)
20 killed in suicide bombing at Damascus church
At least 20 people were killed and dozens injured when a suicide bomber blew himself up at the Mar Elias Church in the Dweila neighborhood of Syria’s capital Damascus on Sunday, health authorities and security sources said.
It was the first suicide
bombing in Damascus since Bashar al-Assad was toppled by an Islamist-led rebel insurgency in December.
Syria’s interior ministry said the suicide bomber was a member of Islamic State. He entered the church, opened fire and then detonated his explosive vest, a
3 dead, dozens injured after fall from upper stand in Algeria
Three spectators died and more than 70 others were injured after falling from the upper stand of a stadium, following MC Alger’s win in the Algerian top-flight league for the second season in a row, the Algerian ministry of health said on Sunday.
“The Beni Messous University Hospital received 38 injured people, while three deaths were recorded,” the Algerian ministry of health said in a statement via Facebook, adding: “Ben Aknoun Hospital also received 27 injured people, while Bab El Oued Hospital
received 16.”
The club has yet to comment on the additional fatalities.
Local media reports said the spectators fell after a fence in the upper stand broke, with El Heddaf TV’s Facebook page posting a video showing part of a railing collapsed onto the lower tier.
The injured spectators were rushed to hospital, where MC Alger players, staff and administrators also went to donate blood as the trophy presentation ceremony was postponed, the reports added. (Excerpt from Reuters)
ministry statement added. A security source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said two men were involved in the attack, including the one who blew himself up.
Syria’s state news agency cited the health ministry as saying that 52 people were also injured in the blast.
A livestream from the site by Syria’s civil defence, the White Helmets, showed scenes of destruction from inside the church, including a bloodied floor and shattered pews and masonry. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Destroyed buildings at Isfahan nuclear technology centre after it was hit by US airstrikes. Entrances to tunnels used to store part of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile at the sprawling Isfahan nuclear complex were hit in US military strikes overnight, the UN nuclear watchdog said on Sunday
Pictures from inside Mar Elias Church showed a heavily damaged altar, pews covered in broken glass and bloodied floor and walls
SUDOKU
Choose discipline over temptation. Look out for emotional traps that point you in the wrong direction. Say no to excess and indulgence, and yes to positively impacting your life and others.
Put your energy into expanding your mind and personal growth and enhancing your life and the lives of those you encounter. You can make a difference if you are positive and productive.
Don't waste time and energy networking in the wrong room. Pitch in and help where it will make a difference, and you'll find your comfort zone and personal happiness.
Stick to the facts and refuse to let your emotional attachments lead you to believe everything you hear. Go the distance and trust yourself; everything will fall into place.
Be observant; listen, learn and look for the best possible choice before you leap into action. Protect your reputation, position, possessions and your cash.
Steady your emotions before you raise issues that can influence your position or advancement. You may seek change, but how you go about it will determine the outcome.
Pay attention to what affects you personally. Don't venture into other people's business if you want to make the most of your day. Concentrate on what will make your home, family and decisions work.
Address money management, investments and spending habits. Prioritize communication, personal growth and romance, and you'll gain insight and approval from those who matter most.
Influential people will pull you in different directions. Tame your emotions, offset anger and proceed with a positive attitude and a plan you can do alone if necessary.
Make fitness, comfort and convenience a priority at home and in public. How others perceive you will influence your success. Volunteer your time, not your money, and you'll maintain control.
Tally up what things cost before discussing the changes you want to make. Buckle up when facing opposition and prepare to respond with facts and figures that others cannot deny.
Keep the changes you want to implement to yourself until you have things well underway. Take precautions when dealing with the costs and contracts you negotiate.
Harry Brook threw his head back in despair after picking out long leg, but his innings of 99 set up a tantalising one-innings match at his home ground. India had three first-innings centurions to England’s one and Jasprit Bumrah completed a dazzling five-for to prove he is a class above any other bowler on show, yet only six runs separated the two teams after eight sessions.
Reprieved before he had scored a run on the second evening thanks to Bumrah overstepping, Brook made India pay for their profligacy. He was dropped twice – on 46, then 80 – but played several outrageous shots as he approached his first Headingley Test hundred, only to fall into a short-ball trap by pulling Prasidh Krishna down Shardul Thakur’s throat.
But England’s lower order ensured that they raced towards parity. Where India had lost
their last five wickets for 24, England added 189 in 35.5 overs, with Chris Woakes pulling back-toback sixes to reach 2000 Test runs. Bumrah cleaned up his stumps, then Josh Tongue’s, to clinch his third five-wicket haul in England and a slender, single-figure lead.
It meant the first Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy would be determined by both teams’ second innings, and KL Rahul batted with characteristic class to lay the early foundations for a steep England target. But Ben Stokes’s late wicket of B Sai Sudharsan, three overs before rain brought an early close, left the match in the balance heading into the final two days.
After his near-miss on Saturday night, Brook made his intentions for Sunday morning clear by cutting Prasidh for four then swiping him over midwicket for six in the very
first over, then charging down to slap Bumrah’s first ball through cover. It was audacious batting, but underpinned by Brook’s trust in the reliable bounce of his home pitch.
Ollie Pope could only add six runs to his overnight 100 not out, fiddling Prasidh behind off a short, wide ball, but Jamie Smith joined Brook and matched his attacking tempo. India rotated their seamers from one end while Ravindra Jadeja kept things tight at the other, and it was Jadeja who had Brook put down first, Rishabh Pant failing to gather an outside edge.
Smith was given out in single figures, but successfully reviewed an lbw decision after being hit on the shin by a full toss; Thakur thought he had dismissed him, but remained largely anonymous and leaked 38 runs in the six overs he
bowled. After three days, Shubman Gill must rue the decision to leave Kuldeep Yadav carrying the drinks.
India resolved to test England’s patience with a bouncer barrage, and Smith could not resist the temptation. He crunched Prasidh over square leg for six with a vicious pull, but miscued a wider short ball two balls later and fell to a smart relay catch as Jadeja parried the chance up to Sai Sudharsan in the deep. It was an ill-timed brain fade: the new ball was due at the end of the over.
Brook resolved to use it to his advantage, blazing consecutive boundaries off a fired-up Mohammed Siraj, who let him know what he thought of his aggression. Bumrah covered his eyes in frustration when Yashasvi Jaiswal shelled Brook at gully, and Siraj soon backed off
England 1st Innings
Zak Crawley c Nair
b Bumrah 4
Ben Duckett b Bumrah 62
Ollie Pope c †Pant
b Prasidh Krishna 106
Joe Root c Nair
b Bumrah 28
Harry Brook c Thakur b Prasidh Krishna 99
Ben Stokes (c) c †Pant
b Mohammed Siraj 20
Jamie Smith † c Sai Sudharsan
b Prasidh Krishna 40
Chris Woakes b Bumrah 38
Brydon Carse b Mohammed Siraj 22
Josh Tongue b Bumrah 11
Shoaib Bashir not out 1
Extras (b 8, lb 18, nb 7, w 1) 34
Total 100.4 Ov (RR: 4.61) 465
Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Zak Crawley, 0.6 ov), 2-126 (Ben Duckett, 28.3 ov), 3-206 (Joe Root, 46.3 ov), 4-225 (Ollie Pope, 51.1 ov), 5-276 (Ben Stokes, 64.5 ov), 6-349 (Jamie Smith, 79.3 ov), 7-398 (Harry Brook, 87.3 ov), 8-453 (Brydon Carse, 94.5
when Brook launched him over long-on for a towering straight six.
On 99, Brook lined up his opportunity to reach three-figures with a boundary; instead, he was left to drag himself off the field. That prompted Woakes to become the aggressor, taking only 36 balls to add 50 for the eighth wicket with Brydon Carse before Siraj and Bumrah (twice) left the stumps splayed.
Woakes held his back hip while receiving treatment during his 38, and his average speed with the new ball dipped below 80 miles per hour (mph). But Carse cranked it up to 90mph running up the hill, and struck an early blow with a snorter to Jaiswal which angled in from around the wicket, bounced steeply and took the outside edge.
To the backdrop of a boisterous Western
Terrace, much livelier than it had been through the first two days, Rahul was the calmest man at Headingley. He drove Carse for two fours in three balls: the first down the ground and the second pinged through cover, and seized on Shoaib Bashir’s early drag-down.
Sai Sudharsan walked out on a pair and guided his first ball to the boundary, playing late and building a substantial partnership with Rahul for the second wicket. But he fell to Stokes for the second time in the match, chipping an inswinger to short midwicket and failing to punish Ben Duckett for a drop in the gully.
Light but persistent rain brought the day to an early, anticlimactic ending, but with the sense that another Headingley classic was brewing. (ESPNcricinfo)
Heartbreak for Harry Brook as he fell on 99
Jasprit Bumrah has three Test match fivewicket hauls in England
Hayley Matthews’ unbeaten 63 and two wickets each from Afy Fletcher and Karishma Ramharack helped West Indies beat South Africa and level the series 1-1 ahead of the decider today.
Six of South Africa’s batters got to double figures, but no one scored more than 21, which helped West Indies keep the score down to 113 before Matthews iced the chase at the Three Ws Oval
Matthews, Fletcher star in WI’s series-levelling win
ing South Africa to 113 for 6. Qiana Joseph started the West Indies chase with two boundaries off Nonkululeko Mlaba. Matthews, with 9 off 17, was slow to start, but saw off Kapp’s three-over opening spell. Ayabonga Khaka came on in the eighth to get Joseph for 17 and end the 41-run opening stand.
in Barbados.
Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits got South Africa off to a good start after being put into bat. Wolvaardt hit Jahzara Claxton and Shawnisha Hector for boundaries in a 30-run opening stand before being dismissed for 16. Matthews, who had opened the bowling, returned in the sixth over to knock over Marizanne Kapp for a duck.
Fletcher, the pick of West
and put on 29 off 26 balls for the fourth wicket with Karabo Meso, taking South Africa to 69 for 3 in the 13th over.
Fletcher got de Klerk’s wicket in her final over, which caused another slump of 3 for 10 as Ramharack got wickets in successive overs.
Annerie Dercksen joined Meso and they had an unbeaten 34-run stand, which picked up pace gradually. Both boundaries in the stand came in the final two overs that went for 18, tak-
One Guyana King and Queen of the Sand Football…
Teams for knockout round confirmed following end of group stages
The line-up for the knockout rounds are now confirmed following the completion of the group stages of the third edition of the One Guyana King and Queen of the Sand football competition in the bauxite mining town of Linden.
Goal IQ, ahead of their final group D game, were languishing in third place on six points behind Bomberz (nine points) and YMCA (six points) in that order and put in a blistering display to trounce YMCA 3-1, knocking them out of the next round and taking over the top group spot based on a better goal difference of +6 to +4 ahead of Bomberz, the two ending on nine points each.
Also booking a place in the knockout round having found themselves in third going into their final group match were HH Ballers, who shoved out One Syde also on goal difference, +4 to +3. Turf President were scheduled to face HH Ballers in their last match, but failed to show up which handed Ballers three points and 3 goals, this was enough to upstage One Syde and send them out of the competition.
The final two matches in the queens competition went as anticipated with the GDF ending as the top side in Group A with a perfect record of three wins from as many matches while defending champions Speightland have also gained their place in the next round as the second-place team in group B, following a huge 11-0 hammering of Rockstone.
The quarterfinals will kick off on Friday and this will see only winners advancing from this stage. The semi-final line-up amongst the queens has already been
confirmed, with matches to be played on July 5. Iconic Ballers will take on Hururu while defending champions Speightland will face their toughest op-
ponents yet in the GDF as they seek to earn a place in the final.
Following are the results of the final group-stage matches.
Matthews was stable in the middle overs, but her partners either got stuck or fell cheaply. Mlaba and Khaka contained Hector before she was dismissed by Masabata Klaas for 3 off 12 balls. Matthews hit three fours in the next six balls before Mlaba, the pick of South Africa’s bowlers, got Shemaine Campbelle (7) and Chinelle Henry (3) in successive overs to leave West Indies on 77 for 4, needing 37 off 35 balls.
Jannillea Glasgow and Matthews kept West Indies ticking despite there being no boundary between overs 13 and 18. With 16 needed off 12, Matthews – fresh off a run-a-
NBA star Durant to join Rockets in blockbuster trade
Two-time NBA champion Kevin Durant will join the Houston Rockets in a blockbuster move from the Phoenix Suns.
The 36-year-old forward will join the Rockets at the start of July in a deal involving eight other players.
In exchange, guard Jalen Green and small forward Dillon Brooks will move to Phoenix – who will also gain the 10th pick in Wednesday’s NBA Draft and five future second-round picks, according to reports in US media.
Speaking at a media event in New York on Sunday, Durant told reporter Kay Adams: “Being part of the Houston Rockets, I’m looking forward to it.
“Crazy, crazy last couple weeks, but I’m glad it’s over with.
“They had a great season last year. Love their leadership. I felt like I’d be a good addition.”
Durant is a four-time Olympic champion with the United States and was the NBA’s Most Valuable Player in 2014.
Last season, the Suns could only finish 11th in the Western Conference, with Durant averaging 26.6 points, six rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.2 blocked shots a game.
The Rockets finished second in the Western Conference, but were knocked out of the play-offs in the first round.
They are coached by Ime Udoka, who signed a longterm
last week to
Durant and Udoka previously worked together with the Brooklyn Nets and on the US Olympic squad.
Durant is the seventh highest-scoring player in NBA history and won his two NBA titles with the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and 2018, taking the NBA Finals MVP award on both occasions. (BBC Sport)
Kevin Durant
Hayley Matthews led West Indies home with 63*
From right: GDF’s Jalade Trim, Shenessa Cornelius and Glendy Lewis
MCYS/ANSA McAL June Madness Futsal…
Sparta Boss, Back Circle A, Road Warriors, Gold Is Money to battle for the c/ship spots
An almost capacity crowd at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall got more than they bargained for when the quarter-finals of the inaugural June Madness Futsal championship were contested on Saturday night into Sunday morning.
Two very close encounters and an equal amount of not-so-nerve-racking wins permeated the night’s proceedings as Gold Is Money, Sparta Boss, Road Warriors and Back Circle A booked the four semi-final spots and were assured of earning from the prize pot of over $4 million.
The night also saw the continuation of the female segment of June Madness, and saw Iconic Ballers recording their second win in as many matches in the round-robin competition among six teams. The top four will move on to the semis.
Iconic Ballers, assured of a final-four slot, defeated Tucville Terrorists 3-0; with Akeelah Vancooten (9th), Shanic Thornhill (11th) and Tynesha Thorne (17th), the players on target for the winners. The other female match ended with Avacado Ballers trouncing Pouderoyen 6-2.
Leading Avacado Ballers was Lezandra Henrito with a helmet-trick (4th, 7th, 14th, 15th), with one each for Anna Frank (1st) and Gabriela Jimenez in the sixth minute. Pouderoyen’s response came from a well-executed free kick off the boots of Sasha Johnson with the yellow ball in the
16th minute of the 20-minute encounter.
The night’s main attraction between Gold Is Money and giant slayers Bomb Squad saw the latter’s dream run coming to a screeching halt with the former winning 4-1. For all of 25 minutes of the 40-minute clash, Bomb Squad and their supporters were in high spirits as the score was locked at 1-1.
Gold Is Money took the lead after 11 minutes of play, William Europe knocking in the first of his hat-trick. Six minutes later, Kemar Beckford drew Bomb Squad level as the first half ended with much hope for both sides.
Three minutes into the second half, Gold Is Money restored their advantage when Randolph Wagner
converted. It took a yellow-ball strike in the 26th minute to seal the win and a final-four place for Gold Is Money, Europe slotting home what can be termed a golden strike.
Back Circle A rolled over Z Tekk 5-1, thanks to a Chris Macey double (13th, 33rd) and one each from Stephan McLean (19th), Ravin Naughton (29th) and Simeon Moore (38th). Z Tekk’s consolation goal was scored by Neron Barrow in the 35th minute.
The other two matches were humdingers in their own right. First up, the highly-fancied Road Warriors, who ran over their first two opponents, were held tightly throughout their clash with Bent Street B, who lost by a single goal, 4-3.
Slingerz Racing’s Galo White finishes 5th at historic Brazil Grande Premio debut
Guyana’s Slingerz Racing Stable made history as its standout colt, Galo White, crossed the wire in fifth place at the 93rd running of the Brazil Grande Premio (Grade 1), Brazil’s most prestigious horse-racing event.
Breaking from post position 15 in a highly-competitive international field, Galo White showed early speed and took command from the break, setting the pace through the opening stages.
However, with approximately 120 metres to the finish, the Guyanese runner began to tire, ultimately holding on gamely to secure a respectable fifth-place finish.
This marked the first time a horse representing Guyana competed in the elite South American classic – an historic feat for the nation’s racing fraternity.
The Brazil Grande Premio annually attracts world-class entrants, and Galo White’s qualification and performance under-
score the rising prominence of the Vergenoegen-based Slingerz Racing Stable on the global stage.
The stable, fresh off dominating the Guyana horse-racing scene behind Olympic Kremlin and John Bull, continues to build a formidable reputation both at home and abroad.
Galo White is expected to return to Guyana following his impressive international debut, where he will headline the 2025 Guyana Cup on August 17 at the Rising Sun Turf Club, along with last year’s winner, Olympic Kremlin.
Road Warriors were virtually sailing to victory having enjoyed a 3-0 cushion for more than half of the game. Mattheus De Souza (10th, 15th penalty) and Arckson Andreazza in the 26th minute laid the platform for what was looking like an easy walk in the park.
But things changed and got scary for them when Bent Street B scored their first in the 32nd minute through Tyric McAllister, but seconds later, Road Warriors restored their three-goal cushion when Ricardo Silva found the
back of the nets.
The game was a very physical encounter with both teams finding themselves in foul trouble. Late goals from Orin Moore (39th penalty) and Samuel Garnett (40th) made the Road Warriors players and fans sweat, but time was certainly not on Bent Street B’s side, with the final whistle being blown moments after Garnett’s strike.
Sparta Boss, once a popular unit, seem to be losing their flair and support but somehow still find a way to notch up wins. A classic
case was their showdown with North East which they went on to win 4-3.
Like the Road Warriors, Sparta Boss raced to a comfortable 3-0 lead by the 15th minute with goals from Curtez Kellman (6th, 15th), who has scored in all three of their matches so far, and Kelsey Benjamin in the eighth minute.
The busybody Lennox Cort reduced the advantage of Sparta in the 22nd minute when he scored North East’s first. A bold move was then made by the North East Coach who requested the yellow ball around the 23rd minute.
The move paid dividends with Tyler Lyle scoring a huge goal in the 24th minute which sent the crowd into a frenzy, underscoring the level of support North East enjoyed among the majority of fans. The goal levelled the score 3-3. When it seemed like the game was headed for extra time, the North East side lost their focus in the final minute and paid the price when Ryan “Bum Bum” Hackett was left unmarked in front of goal and he accepted a crisp pass to slot home in the 39th minute, sealing a semifinal place and a date with Back Circle A on Tuesday night. The other semi-final clash brings together Road Warriors and Gold Is Money.
Guyana to compete at Caricom 10K in Jamaica
…Government covers full cost of participation
Jelicia Wright, Cleveland Thomas, and Timothy Smith will represent Guyana at the Caricom 10K Road Race, set for July 5 in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Jonathan Fungudes will accompany the team as Coach.
Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) President Amanda Hermonstine confirmed the country’s participation following a recent meeting of Caricom Directors of Sport, which included Guyana’s Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle.
Ninvalle confirmed that the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission (NSC) will be covering all expenses associated with Guyana’s participation in Jamaica.
The 10K and 5K races, along with a 5K walk, will begin at 6:30 am (East Caribbean Time) from the Montego Bay Convention Centre, Rose Hall, St James.
The road races are being held as one of the fringe events in conjunction with the 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads
of Government of Caricom, under the chairmanship of Dr Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica.
The winner of the Open 10K Race will walk away
with US$1000, while the second and third-place finishers will receive US$500 and US$250, respectively.
Additionally, top male and female athletes in the 10K will vie for the Caricom Chairman’s Trophy (male) and the Caricom Secretary General’s Trophy (female). The 2024 edition of the Caricom Road Races was cancelled due to Hurricane Beryl’s impact on Grenada. At the 16th Caricom Road Races in 2023, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago dominated the podium.
Guyanese distance runner Attoya Harvey won the overall female category and secured the Caricom Secretary General’s Trophy.
Samantha Shikla (Trinidad and Tobago) and Laura Lynn Limery (Saint Lucia) took second and third, respectively.
Trinidad and Tobago swept the men’s division, with standout Nicholas Romany claiming the Caricom Chairman’s Trophy. His compatriots, Donnel Francis and Tafari Waldron, secured the second and third spots.
Experienced campaigner Cleveland Thomas will be apart of the Guyanese team in Jamaica
Slingerz’s Galo White
Gold Is Money (red) comfortably got past the threatening Bomb Squad
Sparta Boss (grey) sneaked past North East after a tense game
