Guyana Times - Monday, June 30, 2025

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Guyana’s best interest lies in re-election of Ali-

led PPP/C Govt – Thandi McAllister tells youth

...says PNCR didn’t do enough to keep young people

Former People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Executive, Thandi McAllister, who was one of the first group of persons to have switched sides, firmly believes that it is in Guyana’s best interest that the current People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), led by President Dr Irfaan Ali, be re-elected at the September 1 elections to continue the unprecedented development that has been taking place over the past near five years.

During an appearance on this week’s episode of the Starting Point podcast, McAllister said she recognised this since 2020. However, she noted that this became more apparent in 2021 when she joined the PPP/C and was closely exposed to President Ali and his philosophy as well as observing, first hand his ongoing sacrifices to ensure

“You cannot lose that connection with your base… and [former President Granger] has to wear that as a badge of dishonour. He lost touch with the base” – Former PNCR Executive Thandi McAllister

that the current transformation that is being witnessed in Guyana, continues.

“I would say …that a vote in Guyana’s best interest is a vote for the PPP, and to re-elect Irfaan Ali as the President… To listen to him not only passionately outline his plans for this country, but we have witnessed how with that same passion, he has brought to fruition, the plans he outlined previously,” she noted.

According to McAllister, like many others, she too was sceptical about the Aliled PPP/C Administration...

Like she did with herself, McAllister urges young people to also be honest with themselves and see the fantastic job that President Ali is doing.

“His work speaks for itself… We have seen vast development. This country is moving apace and I am happy that he has been able to steer this ship right. Yes, there have been and there will be storms but he has been steering this ship right,” she contended.

McAllister added that Ali’s commitment is also reflected in his Cabinet,

which is similarly on ground and engaging citizens – a hallmark of this current Government and a stark contrast with the previous David Granger-led A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Administration.

McAllister, a politician for over 20 years, started with grassroots leadership in the Guyana Youth and Student Movement (GYSM) –the youth arm of the PNCR, which is the largest party in the APNU faction of the former coalition.

Over the decades, she rose within the ranks of the PNCR and became a prominent youth leader, which earned her a spot in the party’s Central Executive Committee – a post she held until her resignation in June 2021.

According to her, it was not an easy decision to break ranks with the PNCR, but it

had to be done after what she described as a “heartbreaking experience” of helplessly witnessing young people being sidelined.

Only recently, Granger was quoted urging youth not to listen to rhetoric and empty promises from the PPP/C, but according to McAlister, the former President’s utterances would’ve held more weight if he had lived those words when he was in office and had the opportunity to

demonstrate to young people that they are important.

“Regrettably, he did not. Regrettably, what we saw was a geriatric movement, and it is that movement, in my most humble opinion, that has him where he is now – out of office. A former President fighting for a voice, fighting to be heard like we fought to be heard while he was at the helm of the PNCR,” she noted.

Former PNCR Executive Thandi McAllister

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, June 30 –20:55h-22:25h and Tuesday, July 1 – 21:55h-23:25h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, June 30 –07:15h-08:45h and Tuesday, July 1 – 08:00h-09:30h

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery showers and afternoon sunshine are expected during the day, and thundery showers are expected at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to Easterly between 1.79 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 07:51h and 20:21h reaching maximum heights of 2.44 metres and 2.33 metres.

Low Tide: 13:53h reaching a minimum height of 0.80 metre.

Guyana welcomes cont’d US support for fair, credible electoral process ahead of 2025 polls

on top officials in the country who were involved in attempts to subvert the March 2, 2020 elections.

Administration was finally declared the winner and sworn in to office on August 2, 2020.

(EUEOM) on June 11, was EU Ambassador to Guyana René van Nes and GECOM Chairperson, retired Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh.

“The Administrative Arrangement establishes the framework for the EUEOM’s deployment and operation in Guyana for the September 1, 2025 General and Regional elections,” a statement following the signing detailed.

Additionally, Canada has also signalled its intention to once again play its part in ensuring the integrity of the 2025 polls.

United States’ (US) continued

ible electoral process in the country.

Speaking at a recent reception hosted by the US Embassy in Georgetown to

Those rigging attempts by the then A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Coalition Government to stay in power had resulted in a five-month political deadlock before the current People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)

celebrate the US upcoming 249th Independence anniversary, the Head of State said Guyana recognises the importance of robust, sustainable and democratic institutions. As such, he welcomed US assistance to ensure that the country’s democracy remains intact at the upcoming polls on September 1 as was done at the last elections in 2020.

“As Guyana prepares for its upcoming General and Regional Elections in September, we welcome the continued support of the United States in ensuring a fair, transparent and credible electoral process, as was the case with your support eventually after the 2020 elections,” President Ali stated.

The US, along with the other members of the ABCE community – United Kingdom (UK), Canada and the European Union (EU) had played a crucial role at the 2020 elections in ensuring Guyana’s democracy was not derailed, and had even issued visa sanctions

The ABCE diplomatic missions in Guyana were at the time vocal in their calls for democracy to prevail and for the will of the Guyanese people to be respected.

Heading into the 2025 polls, these countries have already signalled their intention to field Election Observer Missions (EOM) to Guyana in order to monitor the activities here.

In fact, the EU has already signed an agreement with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to facilitate the process.

Signing the Administrative Arrangement for the European Union Elections Observation Mission

“…With the elections coming up in Guyana on September 1, Canada will work with the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities. We will work with the Organisation of American States, and we will work with the Carter Centre to ensure accessibility, transparency and fairness because a strong democracy makes for a strong nation,” Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Sébastien Sigouin, declared at the Canada Day celebration in Georgetown on June 25.

In addition to the ABCE community, several international bodies like the US-based Carter Centre – founded by the late former US President, Jimmy Carter – will also be sending observer missions to Guyana for the upcoming elections.

President Dr Irfaan Ali with US Ambassador Nicole Theriot at Friday’s reception

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Political fundamentals

The recent unsavoury breakdown in the coalition negotiations between the PNC and AFC illustrates a fundamental flaw in our Opposition parties and why they may be doomed to remain in the wilderness for the biblical forty years. They focused on divvying the spoils –which are non-existent at this point – rather than crafting a programme for the development of the country through coherent policies.

The French and Germans have a single word – “La politique” and “politik”, respectively – that encompasses what we describe separately in English as “politics” and “policies”. But it is clear that the Opposition refuses to acknowledge the distinction offered as they continue to focus on obtaining raw power. Politics, of course, is all about the pursuit and retention of power – deciding ‘who gets what, when and how’. Less glamorously, however, policies imply rolling up one’s sleeves to craft principles or rules to achieve goals that have also been outlined and articulated.

The Opposition could not care less about policies. They have, for instance, exhaustingly criticised the Government on ‘corruption”. But if we examine their pronouncements, they only attack individuals within the Government or those they claim are close to the Administration – the infamous “friends and families”, without taking the time to obtain and provide evidence of malfeasance. This is not getting the country anywhere – except to discourage men and women of calibre from entering public service. What are the policies of the Opposition to deal with corruption?

And we are not merely suggesting shouting “hang them high”. We have in mind what Max Weber called “a slow boring of hard boards”: a willingness to look behind a given phenomenon and discern its causes before coming up with the broad principles to deal with it, within an institutionalised framework. Returning to the vexed question of ‘corruption’, are there, for instance, deeper systemic causes operating within the neo-liberal order that was imposed on our economic system since 1989?

Is it just coincidence that the same rules of ‘liberalisation” and ‘deregulation’ that were developed and applied in the ‘advanced’ economies have also led to questions of moral laxity? Are markets the best arbiter of distributive justice, much less moral probity? Unless the Opposition are prepared to pose and then answer such questions that can lead to new and comprehensive policies, they are just spinning wheels. Or maybe worse: they are leading their supporters into believing there will be real change after their theatrics. When the latter discovers that it is the ‘same ole, same ole’ then frustration might lead to anger and explosions.

After the 2011 elections delivered the unprecedented situation of a government without a majority in the National Assembly – with the Opposition thus having control over legislation – the former were unable to execute their policies for the country’s development due to the brakes being applied by the Opposition. The Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Power Project, which had to be abandoned after all the pieces were in place – because of increased “political risks” occasioned by the Opposition insisting they would not honour the contract – well illustrates the point.

The APNU/AFC coalition government between 2015 and 2020 did not suggest any major, fundamentally new policy initiatives but rather reinforced their penchant for “pelf and power”. After criticising the previous PPP’s “fat cat” salaries, they raised Cabinet Ministers’ salaries by an astounding 50 per cent while increasing Public Servants’ salaries by a mere five per cent.. Their “tax and spend” profligacy was illustrated by the fact that they introduced 350 new taxes such as Value Added Tax (VAT) added on water, education, healthcare, data, electricity, and internal travel.

As highlighted by a 2018 FITUG report, “…more than $12 billion of the $17 billion in new tax revenues [by the coalition Government went] to shore up the Government bureaucracy instead of better aligning public investments with social and economic needs.” For instance, investments in infrastructure and agriculture fell by seven per cent and eight per cent respectively.

In contrast, since their return in 2020, the PPP has focused strategically on infrastructural development to facilitate the industrialisation of Guyana to create lasting progress.

Just when the world desperately needs wise elders, its fate is in the hands of old and

By DaviD van ReyBRouck

Let’s attempt something delicate: talking about age without slipping into ageism. Never before in modern history have those with the fate of the world in their hands been so old. Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping are both 72. Narendra Modi is 74, Benjamin Netanyahu 75, Donald Trump 79, and Ali Khamenei is 86.

Thanks to advances in medical science, people are able to lead longer, more active lives – but we are now also witnessing a frightening number of political leaders tightening their grip on power as they get older, often at the expense of their younger colleagues.

This week, at their annual summit, the leaders of NATO – including Emmanuel Macron and Mette Frederiksen (both 47), Giorgia Meloni (48) and Pedro Sánchez (53) – were forced to swallow Trump’s demand for increased military spending. The average age of NATO Heads of State is 60. Germany’s Friedrich Merz is 69, Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdo?an is 71.

All bowed to a new five per cent defence spending target – an arbitrary figure, imposed without serious military reasoning or rational debate, let alone serious democratic debate at home. It was less policy, more deference to the whims of a grumpy patriarch. NATO’s Secretary General, Mark Rutte – himself just 58 –

ruthless patriarchs

went so far as to call Trump “Daddy”. That’s not diplomacy. That’s submission. This generational clash plays out in other arenas. Ukraine’s 47-yearold president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is resisting the imperial ambitions of septuagenarian Putin. Septuagenarian Xi eyes a Taiwan led by a President seven years his junior. Netanyahu, three-quarters of a century old, is overseeing devastation in Gaza, where almost half the population is under 18. In Iran, an 86 year old rules over a population with an average age of 32. Cameroon’s Paul Biya, 92, has been in power since 1982 in a country where the median age is 18 and life expectancy just 62. There is no gerontocratic conspiracy at work here –no senior citizens’ club bent on global domination. But there is something disturbing about a world being dismantled by the very people whose lives were defined by its postwar architecture. Khamenei was six when the second world war ended.

Trump was born in 1946, the year the United Nations held its first general assembly. Netanyahu was born a year after Israel was founded. Modi was born in 1950, as India became a republic. Putin entered the world in October 1952, months before Stalin died. Xi in June 1953, just after. And Erdo?an was born in 1954, two years after Turkey joined NATO. These men are the chil-

dren of the postwar world – and as they near the end of their lives, they seem determined to tear it down. It almost looks like revenge. Dylan Thomas urged us to “Rage, rage against the dying of the light”. Rarely has the line felt so literal.

Yes, the rules-based international order was always messier in practice than on paper. But at least the ideal existed. There was a shared moral framework – shaky, yes, but sincere – built on the conviction that humanity must never repeat the atrocities of the first half of the 20th century and that dialogue and diplomacy were better. That conviction has now evaporated, not least in the minds of those who should cherish it most.

This is an unprecedented moment. The architects of the previous global disorder – Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin, Mao – were all in their 30s or 40s when they rose to power. A new generation built a new world, and lived with its consequences. Today, that new world is being unmade by an old generation – one that will not live to see the wreckage it leaves behind. It’s easier to shout “drill, baby, drill” when you’re statistically unlikely to experience the worst of climate collapse. Après nous le déluge, as the French say.

You might think that a generation so fortunate to benefit from longevity would leave behind a legacy of care, gratitude and glob-

al stewardship. Instead, we are witnessing the worst resurgence of repression, violence, genocide, ecocide and contempt for international law in decades – waged, more often than not, by ruthless septuagenarians and octogenarians who appear more interested in escaping prosecution than preserving peace.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

After leaving office, Nelson Mandela founded the Elders, a network of former world leaders working to promote peace, justice and human rights. Inspired by African traditions of consensus and elder wisdom, the Elders are an example of how age can bring clarity, compassion and conscience – not just clout.

The problem isn’t old age. It’s how some have chosen to wield it. The world doesn’t need more ageing strongmen clinging to power. It needs elders who are willing to let go –and guide. The kind who think about legacy not as personal glory, but as the world they leave behind. In this age of age, what we need is not domination, but wisdom. And that, in the end, is what separates a ruler from a leader. (The Guardian)

David Van Reybrouck is philosopher laureate for the Netherlands and Flanders. His books include Revolusi: Indonesia and the Birth of the Modern World and Congo: The Epic History of a People

On Saturday, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn visited the MB Tamakay, the Guyana Police Force’s floating police station located along the Waini River, North West District (NWD). According to the Home Affairs Ministry, the MB Tamakay is vital for maintaining law and order along Guyana’s borders, acting as a mobile base for policing operations in Region One (Barima-Waini) (Ministry of Home Affairs)

Ramkarran, Jonas quit ANUG after party secretly signed coalition deal with US-sanctioned businessman

Co-founders of A New and United Guyana (ANUG), Ralph Ramkarran, S.C., and Timothy Jonas, S.C., have resigned after it was announced that the party signed a coalition agreement with, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) – a new party founded by United States (US)-sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed.

On Sunday, hours after the news broke of the coalescing deal between the two small parties, Senior Counsel Ramkarran shared via Facebook a message that he sent to the current ANUG leader, Dr Mark France, informing him of his resignation.

“Good Morning Mark. As you know I have not been active in ANUG for about five years now and I have paid no membership dues. I am therefore unclear of my status. In the event that I still remain on the books as a member, I hereby formally tender my resignation,” Ramkarran indicated to the party leader.

It was reported on Sunday that Ramkarran had advised France against coalescing with WIN. He explained that his resignation came because he did not want to be seen as supporting the coalition deal with WIN – something which he does not want to be associated with.

Shortly after, Senior Counsel Jonas, who pre-

viously served as ANUG’s Chairman, also indicated via a Facebook post that he, too, has resigned from the party.

“This serves to inform that today I resigned as a member of A New and United Guyana,” Jonas stated in the social media post.

It is unclear whether any of other founding members who were there at the formation of ANUG are still members of the party at this stage.

Among the key individuals at the party’s launch in January 2019, apart from Ramkarran and Jonas, were Beni Sankar and Akanni Blair – both of whom have long resigned from ANUG. In fact, Blair has since returned to the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

The status of two other founding members, Kian Jabour and Henry Jeffrey, within ANUG is unknown, though they were not listed on the party’s new Executive body following its election earlier this year.

Based on a Facebook post in March 2025, ANUG revealed its Executive Body, which will serve until 2026. In addition to France as Chairman, Jonathan Subrian was named General Secretary, Joel Ramesh Assistant Secretary, Stephen Patterson Finance Secretary (Treasurer), and Javeed Ally as Organising

Secretary.

Additionally, 10 Committee Members were also listed, namely: Mary Ann Correia, Laura Singh, Maria Fraser, Niall Stanton, Kurt Anderson, Javis Charles, Mohamed Esau Shaheed, Akeem McDonald, Dexter George, and Arron Austin.

Secret signing deal

Nevertheless, Ramkarran and Jonas’ resignation from the party comes after what is being called a secret signing ceremony on Saturday between ANUG’s France and WIN’s Mohamed to coalesce. A missive to this effect was sent out in the wee hours of Sunday, stating that ANUG will be “under the WIN banner” to contest the upcoming General and Regional Election on September 1, 2025.

In fact, there has been criticism of these parties failing to talk about their policies and plans for Guyana – something which they avoid being questioned on by having a secret signing ceremony, which was held at WIN’s Headquarters on Lombard Street. However, in a Facebook post on Sunday, France said, “Now, those who want to see a manifesto with policies reaching the people, for the people and by the people will understand why I've kept my cards close to my chest.”

On the other hand, WIN’s Leader is being called out over this deal, which is being referred to by the parties as a collaboration and not a coalition, for back-pedalling on his previous position that he would not be coalescing with any other parties.

GYIXP is a start. Now we must back local entrepreneurship

Dear Editor,

The launch of Guyana’s first Internet Exchange Point (GYIXP) is an important moment in our national digital story. As Prime Minister Mark Phillips stated, it improves speed, reduces latency, cuts bandwidth costs, and allows local data to stay local. This is all essential groundwork for the connected and productive society we say we want.

The country has made visible progress in digital infrastructure. We have seen the liberalisation of the telecoms sector and the expansion of broadband access, including to hinterland communities. Yet in practice, our posture toward technology remains cautious. Many of our organisations, institutions, and citizens still

make decisions that reflect outdated assumptions about our capacity and context.

This is not simply a cultural lag. It is structural. Entrepreneurs who are ready to solve real problems often encounter financial systems that remain risk-averse and rigid. Commercial banks continue to demand collateral equal to the size of the loan requested, even for productive ventures. Cumbersome compliance requirements, often justified under anti-money laundering rules, are frequently based on interpretations rather than hard rules. This has been acknowledged at the regional level, including during recent hearings before the United States House Committee on Caribbean de-risking.

As a result, capital remains underutilised, talent is discouraged, and new productivity is delayed.

We cannot build a digital economy with analogue mindsets. The issue is not only that we have lacked infrastructure, but that we still behave as though we do.

The Prime Minister rightly stated that GYIXP can exponentially increase internet-based entrepreneurship and national development opportunities. That is not a hopeful idea. It is a statement of fact. Entrepreneurship is the mechanism through which infrastructure becomes services, savings become investments, and aspirations become jobs.

We must now ask seri-

ous questions. Who is building with this infrastructure? Who is supporting those builders? What must change for our financial, business, and public institutions to take full advantage of the systems we now have?

This is not about praising or opposing any administration. It is about alignment. Our investments in digital infrastructure must be matched by a posture of urgency, innovation, and coordinated action.

If we are serious about development, then we must change the way we make decisions.

The infrastructure is here. The question now is what we will do with it.

Yours sincerely, Emille Giddings

WIN founder

WIN’s founder, Mohamed, is currently facing sanctions from the US over gold smuggling and public corruption allegations.

Back in June 2024, the US had sanctioned Guyanese businessmen Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed, along with their businesses: Mohamed’s Enterprise; its subsidiary, Hadi’s World; and Team Mohamed’s Racing Team, over gold smuggling and public corruption allegations.

According to the US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC),

Mohamed’s Enterprise smuggled some 10,000 kilogrammes (kg) of gold out of Guyana between 2019 and 2023, thus avoiding paying more than US$50 million in duty taxes. Shortly after the sanctions, Guyana had requested the relevant information and documentation from the US Government to conduct its own investigations.

In March of this year, local law enforcement agencies, including the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), received a ‘sufficient volume’ of evidence to take action against the businessmen. Those investigations are ongoing.

Senior Counsel Ralph Ramkarran has resigned from ANUG

Senior Counsel Timothy Jonas has resigned from ANUG

ANUG’s leader, Mark France, signing the secret deal on Saturday to be absorbed under the banner of WIN – the party founded by US-sanctioned Azruddin Mohamed

◄ Page Foundation

Problem-solving with proportions

There are many kinds of proportion problems that you may run across in the real life. Just remember the basic steps:

Example

Step 1: Express your proportion problem using two ratios. Step 2: Use your proportion problem to set up an equation. Then cross-multiply.

Step 3: To find the unknown number, divide both sides of the equation by the same known number.

Exercises: Solve

1) Joe wants to expand his catering business. He currently serves three businesses with 3 workers. How many workers will he need if he plans to serve 40?

2) How far can a car travel on 4 litres of gasoline if it can travel 100 kilometres on 5 litres?

3) Each mango tree in Farmer Lall’s farm bears 30 kilograms of fruit each harvest. If there are 10 trees, how many kilograms will he expect each harvest?

4) It takes 15 minutes to bake 20 cookies. How long will it take to bake 20?

5) Jamela plans to save the money her mother gives her to take the bus to and from home every day, to buy a bicycle. If the bicycle costs $30,000 and she gets $360 in bus fare per day, how long will it take her to save the money needed?

The pure contralto sings in the organ loft, The carpenter dresses his plank, the tongue of his foreplane whistles its wild ascending lisp, The married and unmarried children ride home to their Thanksgiving dinner, The pilot seizes the king-pin, he heaves down with a strong arm, The mate stands braced in the whaleboat, lance and harpoon are ready, The duck-shooter walks by silent and cautious stretches, The deacons are ordain’d with cross’d hands at the altar, The spinning-girl retreats and advances to the hum of the big wheel, The farmer stops by the bars as he walks on a First-day loafe and looks at the oats and rye,

To be continued

The lunatic is carried at last to the asylum a confirm’d case, (He will never sleep any more as he did in the cot in his mother’s bed-room;) The jour printer with gray head and gaunt jaws works at his case, He turns his quid of tobacco while his eyes blurr with the manuscript; The malform’d limbs are tied to the surgeon’s table, What is removed drops horribly in a pail; The quadroon girl is sold at the auction-stand, the drunkard nods by the bar-room stove, The machinist rolls up his sleeves, the policeman travels his beat, the gate-keeper marks who pass, The young fellow drives the expresswagon, (I love him, though I do not know him;) The half-breed straps on his light boots to compete in the race, The western turkey-shooting draws old

AFC rocked by allegations of sexism, racism, homophobia as 2 youth members resign

– tell party leaders “Better Must Come”

Two top youth leaders have broken ranks from the Alliance For Change (AFC) amidst allegations of sexism, racism and homophobia within the Nigel Hughes-led party. Vice President (VP) for the Youth for Change (YFC) – AFC’s youth arm – Onix Duncan, who also served as Chairman of the East Coast Demerara (ECD) Regional Management Committee, tendered his resignation from the party on Sunday.

One day prior, Advisor to Youth for Change, Dillon Mohamed, who previously served as President of the party’s youth arm, resigned from the positions of PR Director of the YFC and Executive of the East Bank Regional Management Committee. Duncan, in his resignation letter, explained that his decision follows a period of deep reflection and growing discontent with the AFC's current trajectory.

“The leadership has failed to create a space of genuine inclusion and internal engagement, particularly following the creation of a faction/group called the "Better Must Come", this failure is an opportunity squandered for broader unity and reform,” he stated. Moreover, the former youth leader also cited the AFC’s “continued tolerance of disrespectful and homophobic behaviour towards members” that has been tolerated from the inception of the current leadership.

Duncan added that his continued calls for a Disciplinary Action Committee to be set up have been ignored and with a leadership style that invites indecision and disorder by allowing everyone to speak while no one leads, has further eroded the party's credibility and effectiveness.

“These are not the principles I joined to uphold. I remain committed to a political culture rooted in accountability, discipline and justice, values the AFC once championed but now struggles to embody. I wish the remaining members well as they chart the course ahead. Better Must Come,” Duncan’s resignation letter detailed.

Meanwhile, similar sentiments were expressed by Mohamed, who served as Guyana’s first openly LGBTQ youth politician through AFC – something which he says came with many challenges.

He cited “great uproar of homophobic sentiments that were vile in nature from some members” within the AFC, after he became one of two leaders of Guyana’s only LGBTQ-affirming church back in December 2019. He noted that there was gradual understanding and tolerance growing within the YFC.

Mohamed went onto cite years of frustration over the AFC’s blatant side-lining of its youth activists especially during the period when it was elected into office in coalition with A Partnership for

National Unity (APNU).

“In 2016, the youths of the party experienced one of the greatest travesties in the history of the YFC. Some of our leaders who were Ministers in Government turned their backs on the youth who worked tirelessly to get the coalition into Government, and shut the door of opportunities on them,” he recalled.

According to the former YFC President, following the 2020 defeat at the polls, there were talks of the AFC severing ties with its coalition partner but most members felt that coalescing again was the right thing to do to.

Mohamed said many members, especially the youth arm were hurt by the Hughes-led AFC leadership’s decision to not coalesce, leaving lots of them to question the motive of the party. He went on to describe the par-

ty’s shift to anti-coalition as self-serving.

“The party has now evolved into a hijacked, creeping anti-coalition dictatorship, and as such is losing much support. This conundrum is of no good to the people of Guyana, and is certainly not something I wish to be a part of…”

“I want it to be clear that my support for the leader Mr Nigel Hughes was largely based on his progressive policies on law, infrastructure, human rights and social development. However, most of the persons verbally attacking pro-coalition members on our chat forums constantly resort to racist, sexist, homophobic, and xenophobic, an occurrence that stands in stark contrast to what the leaders say they stand for and that received no reprimand from any of the lead-

Guyana welcomes cont’d US...

The governing PPP/C Administration has already indicated that it will invite as many of the reputable international observer mission to monitor the September polls.

Defending democracy

Meanwhile, during Friday’s reception, the US Ambassador underscored the importance of actively upholding democracy.

“Democracy is not a gift granted once and forever secured—it is a living commitment that must be nurtured and defended by every generation,” Ambassador Theriot stressed.

The US Government is also likely to field an observer mission, through its Embassy in Georgetown – as

was done previous years for Guyana’s elections.

Only back in March, Ambassador Theriot had disclosed that her Government plans to field a technical expert to assist GECOM with elections preparations.

“Our hope is that we’ll be able to embed an advisor – a Chief Technical Advisor who is incredibly skilled and experienced in elections support – with GECOM to sit with them, to sit the Commissioners and the Chair and the CEO (Chief Elections Officer) to help them as they start to do more in terms of preparation for elections… This person would just be an objective assistant advising GECOM on how to move forward in the various capaci-

ties, because there is a lot to do,” she had told reporters.

According to the US Ambassador at the time, election support, including financial aid, is a high priority for her office. This commitment came as the Donald Trump Administration was cutting foreign aid for most countries, including Guyana but the Ambassador had assured this impact is minimal for Guyana since it did not have a lot of US-funded programmes.

Moreover, at a subsequently press conference on November 22 last, CEO Vishnu Persaud told reporters that the international development partners had agreed to respond to the needs of GECOM based on a needs assessment.

Previously, British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller, had also indicated the UK’s readiness to work with Guyana to avoid a recurrence of the 2020 events at this year’s polls.

The British diplomat, who only took up her posting in Guyana in 2021, had told this publication back in October that the UK Government is keen on ensuring, as it has in the past, free and fair elections in Guyana.

“The UK Government doesn’t want to see a repeat of 2020; and throughout the world, we’ve worked with countries on free and fair elections. And we’re doing the same here,” she stressed during an interview with this publication.

Mohamed and Duncan’s breakaway from the ranks of the party comes amidst mass exodus from both the AFC and the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led APNU. The two former coalition partners, which have both decided to contest the 2025 General and Regional Elections on September 1 solo, have been bleeding members – most of whom have joined the governing People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C).

In fact, APNU has named AFC’s Juretha Fernandes, as its Prime Ministerial Candidate to run alongside leader Aubrey Norton as the Presidential Candidate – a deal that blindsided the AFC and formally severed coalition negotiations bet.

Since then, the two parties have submitted their respective symbols to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), signalling their intention to contest the upcoming polls independent.

The AFC was recently hit by a major political blow when two of its current Members of Parliament (MP) agreed to be on APNU’s slate for the upcoming polls.

Vice President of AFC’s youth arm, Onix Duncan resigns

Former AFC Youth Leader Dillon Mohamed resigns ers, despite complaints being penned to the leadership,” Mohamed posited.

FROM PAGE 3

Mon Repos men charged in separate robbery cases

Two men from Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara (ECD) were on Friday charged in connection with two separate robbery incidents that occurred earlier this month. The charges were laid by ranks attached to the Beterverwagting Police Station and both accused appeared before Magistrate Abigail Gibbs at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court. One of the men was remanded to prison, while the other was granted bail. Suraj Isaac, called “Nicholas”, a 20-year-old fisherman of Mon Repos, was charged with Robbery with Violence, contrary

to Section 222(a) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 08:01. The charge stems from an alleged robbery committed on June 16, 2025, at the Triumph, ECD home of Vannie Jagmohan, a 47-year-old businesswoman of Plantain Walk. Police said the victim was attacked in her home during the incident, though specific details of the violence used were not disclosed in the charge sheet. Isaac was arrested on June 24, following investigations. On Friday, June 28, he appeared at court at about 10:00h, where the charge was formally read to him.

Isaac pleaded not guilty, and Magistrate Gibbs denied bail, after which he was remanded to prison until July 31, 2025, when the case will be called again for a report. In the other separate matter, Emran Mohamed, a 23-year-old construction worker, also of Mon Repos, was charged with Robbery Under Arms, contrary to Section 222(c) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 08:01. He is accused of committing the offence on Kevin James, a 20-year-old construction worker, also from Mon Repos.

According to the police,

Mohamed allegedly used a knife to rob James during an incident that took place on June 23, 2025, at the Martyrs Ville Squatting Area, also located in Mon Repos. He was arrested the same day and later charged.

Mohamed appeared before Magistrate Gibbs at around 09:50h on Friday morning. He too pleaded not guilty to the charge. However, unlike Isaac, he was granted bail in the sum of $200,000. His matter was also adjourned to July 31, 2025, for report.

Both matters are being prosecuted by the police as investigations continue.

Prisoner found dead at Lusignan Prison

Aprisoner who was on remand for murder was found dead in

#3 at the Lusignan Prison, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Saturday afternoon, officials confirmed.

The inmate, identified as Feroze Bhagwandin of Lot 3617 Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), was discovered at around 14:15h.

Prison officers on duty raised an alarm and rendered immediate assistance before summoning medical personnel.

Medical staff at the facility responded promptly and confirmed that Bhagwandin was unresponsive.

The police were called to the scene, and the inmate’s body was subsequently escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where he was officially pronounced dead by Dr Baksh.

Authorities have since reported that no marks of violence were found on Bhagwandin’s body.

According to the Officerin-Charge of the Lusignan Prison, Bhagwandin underwent a medical and psychological assessment when he was first admitted on August 8, 2022. He was not deemed at risk for self-harm or suicide, and there were reportedly no concerns for his welfare at the time.

Police and prison officials have launched an investigation into the cir-

Leaving…

…a sinking PNC?

The expression “leaving a sinking ship” has been around for centuries – starting out with the more pointed “like rats leaving a sinking ship”. Back when all ships were wooden contraptions – even the ones like Columbus’s that attempted to cross oceans with waves higher than their masts – sinking ships were quite common. And fatal!! It was noticed that rats – which were standard non-paying passengers in the holds of these ships – somehow were able to sense in the nick of time – when a ship would sink. And would rush en masse on deck to then plunge into the waters to save themselves!! So while some may’ve thought being compared to “rats leaving a sinking ship” was somewhat disparaging (“rats” and all that!), it wasn’t really. Rats just had an early warning system that gave them an edge to survive treacherous waters!! The expression came to your Eyewitness’s attention when it was used to describe one of the rising stars in the PNC – Jermaine Figueira – handing in his (rather terse) resignation to PNC chief Aubrey Norton. Now, against a background of a steady stream of departures from the party since Prezzie announced that General Elections were scheduled for Sept 1, the news wasn’t really unexpected to your Eyewitness. Figueira was a high-profile PNC MP from Reg 10, who’d taken a rather independent position from his party in representing his constituency’s interests. But more significant was his early signal that he’d do things “his way” when he shook Prezzie’s hand at a time when his party leader Norton had truculently refused to do so!! Was he deliberately showing up his party leader? Or was he just well-mannered and was observing the forms??

Now as we saw, rats leave ships because those ships are doomed. So it would appear they’re rather prudent since even the captain isn’t expected to go down to Davy Jones Locker – but merely be the last one to jump!! So has Figueira sensed the PNC is doomed in the coming elections?? One report on social media claimed he wasn’t placed on the PNC’s list of candidates. If this is true, he may be merely reacting to his snubbing – and not necessarily leaving a sinking ship. It’s widely considered that while the PNC may take in some water, it retains enough core support to ensure it’s gonna stay afloat!!

cumstances surrounding his death. A post-mortem examination is scheduled for next week to determine the official cause. The inmate’s sister-in-law has since been contacted and is expected to notify other relatives.

In a statement, the Office of the Director of Prisons expressed condolences to Bhagwandin’s family. The Inmates’ Welfare Department, along with the prison’s administration, will be offering support to the grieving relatives during this period.

This time last year, a similar incident occurred which claimed the life of Lindon Lamaizon, who was convicted of ‘causing death by dangerous driving’ in 2021. He was found dead in his cell, Unit #3 at the Lusignan Prisons.

According to a statement from the Guyana Prison Service (GPS), officers on duty were conducting a routine check when they observed that Lamazon was unresponsive during the roll call.

The nurse on duty immediately examined him for blood pressure and pulse but was unable to obtain readings. Doctors later pronounced the inmate dead.

So the question that arises is whether he’s “jumped ship”!! This totally different expression suggests he might be leaving the PNC for ANOTHER party where his prospects might be better!! The PPP? That is, while the PNC might remain afloat, it mightn’t be able to reach shore to capture the Government – and thus be handing out ministries and outriders and suchlike!!

Get out your popcorn!!

…a rigging stench

With all the comings and goings in and out of parties for the Sept 1 elections, the ongoing trial of GECOM and PNC officials for attempting to rig the 2020 elections seemed to’ve slipped under the radar!! And this is a travesty because some of these PNC officials are in place for the coming elections – and we don’t have to guess as to what they’ll be doing after the PNC loses once again!!

Apart from RO Mingo switching from spreadsheets (containing fake figures in PNC’s favour rather than original SoPs as mandated) on the order of the CJ to (soiled) bedsheets with blurred, unreadable images of SoPS, the behaviour of one PNC rep was graphically described by the ANUG Rep. “She began threatening Ms. Pauline Chase, (an observer) saying she would stomp on her face!! She also threatened to spit on Mr. Hinds (another observer) and directed similar abuse at others in the room.”

And imagine the PNC lawyer was allowed an end-July delay!! A conspiracy of silence?

…the formalities

In 2021 – as PNC/APNU floundered for survival – JFAP coalition partner MP Jailall Sharma had to quit his party. He promptly launched the Equal Rights and Justice Party (ERJP). He’s resurfaced to question whether the elections date was “proclaimed”!

Emran Mohamed Suraj Isaac

the washroom of Building

Linden labourer found dead outside home, bruises found on body

The body of a 67-yearold labourer was found lying motionless outside his home early Saturday morning. The deceased has been identified as Calton Jacobs, also known as “Country,” of Obama Drive, South Amelia’s Ward, Mackenzie, Linden.

It was reported that Jacobs, who reportedly lived alone in an unfinished two-storey wooden and concrete home, was

found dead in his yard sometime around 6:40h on Friday. Investigators believe the incident occurred sometime between 16:10h. on Thursday, and the time of discovery the following morning.

According to police, Jacobs was known to suffer from asthma. He resided in a partly fenced yard and had no immediate relatives living with him. His death was reported by Collin Ceres, a

40-year-old contractor from the same community, who told investigators he had visited Jacobs around 16:00h on Friday and had spent about ten minutes with him. Ceres said he brought Jacobs a small Coca-Cola and a Smalta, and during the visit, he observed that his friend looked unwell. He also noticed that Jacobs had visible bruises, including swelling around his left eye, as well as bruises on

his forehead. Ceres claimed he offered to take Jacobs to the hospital, but Jacobs declined.

When Ceres returned to the home the following morning, he said he discovered Jacobs lying motionless on his back, about five feet from the front door, which was open. He immediately notified the police.

Ranks who responded to the scene observed that Jacobs’ body bore abrasions

on his swollen left eye, and older bruises were visible on his forehead, left hand, and left side of the abdomen. The scene was processed, photographed, and video recorded by crime scene personnel. Police said no blood stains were observed in or around the house or yard.

During a search of Jacobs’ home, officers discovered 269 grams of cannabis in a storeroom located on the property. It is unclear at

this stage whether the drugs have any connection to the circumstances surrounding his death.

The body was removed from the scene by police and taken to the Linden Hospital Complex, where it was examined by a doctor and officially pronounced dead. It has since been transported to Pensioner Funeral Home, where it is currently awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Over 2.4kg of marijuana found near Mazaruni Prison

Police in Bartica, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) are investigating the discovery of over 2,400 grams of marijuana near the Mazaruni Prison, following a tip-off that led prison officials to a hidden stash believed to have been intended for smuggling into the facility.

According to reports, the discovery was made on Sunday, at approximately 10:30h, after the Officer-in-Charge of the Mazaruni Prison received a phone call from an unidentified caller. The caller allegedly informed him that narcotic had been dropped off near the Solar Farm area within the prison compound, with the aim of smuggling it into the facility. Acting on the information, the Officer-in-Charge dispatched a Prison Officer to conduct checks around the location. Between 10:35h and 11:15h, while searching an area about 100 feet west of the Solar Farm, and roughly 300 feet from the Mazaruni River, the officer stumbled upon two multi-coloured haversacks, bearing a distinct ‘Bob Marley design’, hidden among thick vegetation ranging from one to five feet in height.

Upon opening the bags, the officer discovered 14 bulky parcels containing what appeared to be leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis. He immediately reported

the find to his superior, who then contacted the Bartica Police Station.

Police ranks responded and took possession of the two haversacks. A further search conducted by police revealed that the bags contained 17 bulky parcels in total. Additionally, two pairs of slippers were found inside, each with unusually thick soles. When officers examined the soles more closely, they discovered four transparent parcels concealed inside, also containing suspected cannabis.

The entire haul was weighed in the presence of the Prison Officer and amounted to a total of 2,432.8 grams of cannabis. The narcotics were placed in a transparent evidence bag, sealed, marked, and lodged at the Bartica Police Station as part of the ongoing investigation.

No arrests have been made as yet, and authorities continue to pursue leads into who may have been responsible for dropping off the narcotics. Statements were taken from the responding officers, and both prison and police officials are working jointly to determine how close the smugglers may have come to breaching the secure perimeter. Investigations are ongoing.

Only a few months ago, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) found 1,048 grams of mari-

juana along with other prohibited items during a police raid at the Mazaruni Prison. According to a press statement the raid was conducted from 06:00h and 09:15h in the Sibley Hall section of the prison. Police reported that 15 officers conducted the raid, when they found 15 plastic bags containing 1048.1 grams of suspected cannabis, 40 improvised weapons, 29 lighters, four scissors, two pocket knives, and two cellular phones.

Also, in January, prison officer Walter Benn was arrested and later sentenced to two years and five months in prison after pleading guilty to trafficking 856 grams of marijuana. The drugs were discovered in Ensure bottles during a routine search at the

residence. Three others,

puted wife, Tecina Angel Willis (a firewoman), Melissa Allen (a vendor), and Rhon Smith (a construction worker), were also charged in connection with the scheme. They pleaded not guilty and were each granted $80,000 bail.

Police investigations revealed a chain of distribution involving the trio, culminating in the recovery of additional drugs and cell phones hidden in bushes near Smith's home. The case is ongoing.

Mazaruni Prison gate as Benn returned to duty. Further searches led to more marijuana being found in his quarters and

Benn’s re-

The illegal drug and slippers found during the search

The area where the drug was found

SC Murseline Bacchus laid to rest; deemed an inspiration to colleagues

Prominent Attorneyat-Law Murseline Bacchus SC was on Sunday laid to rest after a home going ceremony fittingly held at the lawns of the Berbice High Court, where Bacchus was deemed an inspiration to all of his colleagues.

Tributes were paid to him by the Berbice Bar Association, the Guyana Bar Association, and the Judiciary.

Widely regarded as one of Guyana’s foremost criminal lawyers, Bacchus was a prominent and influential member of the Berbice Bar for nearly five decades. His legal career was marked by fierce advocacy, deep legal knowledge, and a commitment to justice that earned him respect among colleagues and clients alike.

An old African (attributed) proverb states, “When an Elder dies, a library burns to the ground,” and this was maintained when Attorney-at-law Mirza Sahadat, representing the Berbice Bar Association, re-

ferred to the late Attorney as being someone knowledgeable in almost all aspects of the law.

“...Including maritime law, and what he did not know, he would research quickly and competently. He was always up-todate with the latest cases and legislation… You could send to his office at any time for a copy of any case, and he was free to do it. He was a walk-in library, citing cases. He had a wealth of knowledge, which he was willing to share with any lawyer who asked,” Sahadat said about the late Bacchus, who is said to be one who thought quickly on his feet, and an excellent cross-examiner, especially in criminal matters. Meanwhile, President of the Bar Association of Guyana, Kamal Ramkarran, referred to him as a stalwart and a lion of the legal profession.

He said the late Bacchus was a fierce attorney.

“Behind that fierce demeanour, Mr Bacchus had

the mental strength of an elephant and the physical stamina of an ox to be doing those trials one after the next. All the thousands of people in need of a good defence over the many years of his career, were carried by him and his strong shoulders through their cases. They handed their fate to him, and he took charge of it,” he pointed out.

Representing the judiciary, Justice Damone Younge said Bacchus, when he appeared before her, was always respectful to the court, helpful with cases, and provided advice to the court when needed.

“He is going to be missed,” she said.

His daughter Patricia, who followed in his footsteps, pointed out that the late attorney was not

known to use unkind words.

Referring to a conversation she and her father had two years ago, on her 40th birthday, she said she was told that he was lucky to have a daughter like her. She said it was the greatest honour of her life to hear those words.

“To reciprocate that honour in equal measure: Father, I will call him father, and he will say, yes,

lady. Father, to the arrogant, you showed humility. To the afflicted and the downtrodden, you showed kindness. In the face of adversity, your integrity never faltered. When the load became too heavy for those around you, you gave them strength. When there was sadness and grief, you showed compassion. For the things that were left undone, and the things that were broken, you were there to fix, to mend, to nurture, and of what was best. Never expecting anything in return,” the attorney said.

The eulogy was delivered by long time friend Attorney-at-Law Leo Robertson, who studied law with Bacchus and graduated at the same time in November 1978.

Bacchus is survived by his wife, Pamela Bacchus, and four children, including his daughter, Patricia Bacchus, an Attorneyat-Law and CEO and Chairperson of Caribbean Containers Inc., and his son, Blayne Bacchus, a medical doctor.

Elderly motorcyclist dies in crash at Long Creek

– 78-year-old was not wearing helmet

An elderly motorcyclist lost his life Sunday afternoon following a crash at Long Creek along the SoesdykeLinden Highway. The victim has been identified as 78-year-old Winston Hibbert of Lot 181, Long Creek Village. The fatal incident oc -

curred around 15:30h, and involved a black and red motorcycle bearing registration number CG 8545, which was owned by Alwin Hibbert and being ridden at the time by the now-deceased.

According to police investigations, Hibbert was heading north along the

western lane of the highway at a fast rate when he reportedly lost control of the motorcycle and collided with a concrete kerb on the western side of the road. The impact flung him from the motorcycle, causing severe injuries to his head and body.

Residents of the area told police that Hibbert had earlier attended a funeral in the community, where he was seen consuming alcohol before leaving for home. They also confirmed that he was not wearing a safety helmet at the time of the crash.

He was picked up from the scene in a semi-conscious state by passers-by and transported to the Linden Hospital Complex, where he was examined by a doctor. Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical treatment.

The body has since been taken to the Linden Hospital Complex Mortuary, where it is being held pending a post-mortem examination.

Police investigations are ongoing.

Murseline Bacchus died June 24 at the New Amsterdam Hospital, after a brief illness. He was 83

65 graduate from GLI programmes sponsored by Board of Industrial Training

– Minister Hamilton urges graduates to use education in service of the nation

Sixty-five individuals were officially certified on Saturday after completing training programmes offered by the Guyana Learning Institute (GLI) under the sponsorship of the Board of Industrial Training (BIT). The graduation ceremony was held at the Umana Yana and marked a significant milestone for the institution and its newest cohort of graduates.

Among those gradu-

The ceremony was attended by several distinguished guests, including the Minister of Labour,

Joseph Hamilton, who delivered the feature address.

ating was valedictorian Christopher Rambarran who along with his colleagues, completed certification in several key areas including Supervisory Management, Psychology, Occupational Safety and Health, and Tourism Management. The programmes were tailored to equip participants with skills that match the evolving demands of Guyana’s expanding workforce.

In a passionate speech, Minister Hamilton congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to see education not just as a personal accomplishment but as a national calling.

He told the graduates that the true purpose of education is not only to help yourself, but to uplift your fellow citizens and contribute to the development of your country. He emphasised the importance of using acquired knowledge and skills to serve the wider Guyanese society.

Reflecting on recent Government achievements, the Minister noted that over the last five years, more than 83,000 Guyanese have re-

“Elections Preparedness” training continues with Immigration Department session

Superintendent Delon Fraser, Attorney at Law and state prosecutor attached to the chambers of the Director of Public Prosecution, on Saturday continued ‘Elections Preparedness’ training session with ranks of the Central Passport and Immigration Office.

According to the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the main aim and focus of these sessions is to highlight and empower ranks on their roles and functions for the upcoming General and Regional

ceived training through programmes offered by the BIT, GLI, and the University of Guyana (UG). He stressed that these initiatives are designed to be inclusive, reaching not only young people but also persons with disabilities and those from underserved communities.

The Minister told the students that they are now an important part of the workforce transformation taking place in Guyana. He also reiterated the Government’s commitment to human resource development as a critical compo

nent of national progress.

Also delivering remarks at the event was Chitra Singh-Samaroo, former Director and Principal of GLI, who praised the graduates for their dedication and spoke about the growth of the institution over the years.

Current Principal, Dr Surrender Boodhoo, Directors Saliema Singh

and Dr Ganga Persaud, and facilitators Deonarine Hardat, Collis SpencerDrakes, and Dr Situs Edwards were also present and recognised for their

grammes.

Elections. Election offences and legislative framework were among some of the topics discussed. In addition, the protection of fundamental rights and free-

dom of individuals; human rights and the Constitution of Guyana, were also discussed. Further discussions looked at the Presentation of the People’s Act Chapter 1:03; functions of Elections; the Electoral System; Good Public

Order; and the need for free and fair elections. Deputy Chief Immigration Officer, Senior Superintendent Stephen Telford was also present. Concerns raised were addressed by Fraser.

Scenes from the graduation

Persons at the training session

Discussions aimed to inform ranks on roles and functions for the Sept 1 Elections

Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, at the graduation ceremony

-

contributions to the pro-

In his valedictory ad-

dress, Rambarran reflected on the group’s shared journey and the skills they had gained. He expressed gratitude to the instructors and programme partners and

encouraged his fellow graduates to step boldly into their next chapter.

MONDAY, JUNE 30, 2025|

2nd ferry for Essequibo route in September – Pres Ali

...Govt ready to “push the gears into overdrive” in next 5 years

At the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Grand Mega Concert in Anna Regina, President Dr Irfaan Ali announced the introduction of a new ferry service on the Essequibo route, expected to commence by September. This initiative forms part of his administration’s intensified efforts to enhance transportation, agriculture, and overall development in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

In front of a massive Essequibo audience, President Ali revealed that the ferry contract was already signed just days prior, and he assured residents that the vessel will soon begin serving the route—bringing much-needed relief to communities that rely on riverine transport.

“Only a few days ago, we

signed a contract for another ferry to come to Essequibo. And by September, you will have another ferry servicing

Essequibo,” President Ali announced, to loud applause.

The President emphasised that this new investment forms part of a broader, long-

term commitment to Region Two and the Essequibo area, including two new state-ofthe-art rice storage facilities

and a rice stabilisation mechanism to support farmers and secure better pricing.

“Essequibo rice farmers,

nism to guarantee you a minimum price and guarantee your success in this industry...And when the PPP guar-

assist local businesses, farmers, manufacturers and other industries in Essequibo, adding that processing facilities and job-creation initiatives will also follow.

He reminded citizens of the achievements already delivered under the PPP/C, including increased old age pensions, children’s grants, and enhanced healthcare and education services.

“If you care about rice farmers, women, children, better salaries, better healthcare and the future of Guyana—then the only choice is the People’s Progressive Party Civic,” he asserted. The President also addressed the ongoing threats to Guyana’s territorial sovereignty, referencing the Venezuelan Government’s renewed claims

antees you something, you know it will be done,” he declared.

The President further re-

to the Essequibo region. He assured the public that the PPP/C will defend the re-

know that we intend to develop a rice stabilisation mecha-

vealed plans for a special co-investment fund that will

gion vigorously and maintain strong international alliances. He pointed to the United States of America (USA) as one of Guyana’s steadfast allies in preserving national sovereignty and security.

President Ali urged citizens to safeguard Guyana’s democracy and dignity by turning out in strong numbers at the polls and upholding national unity. “Your vote is your dignity. Your vote is your honour...If you love your children and those who fought for our democracy, you must stand firm,” the President advised.

President Dr Irfaan Ali addressed a huge crowd at the Essequibo Mega Concert, held Saturday, June 28

Mega crowds attended the mega concert in Region 2

The audience was treated to world-class entertainment

The President with proud supporters who attended the event

St Peter’s Roman Catholic Church “has remained true – to Christ, to community,

and to calling” – Pres Ali ...as institution observes its 150th anniversary

President Dr Irfaan

Ali on Sunday joined the hundreds in the congregation at St Peter’s Roman Catholic Church in Beterverwagting (BV), East Coast Demerara (ECD) on the occasion of its 150th anniversary. As a special invited guest, the President arrived to join in the celebration of the momentous occasion, the Church noted on its social media page. Speaking at the event at the end of the Service, the President said that the St Peter’s Roman Catholic Church in Beterverwagting is a jewel in the national crown and a proud part of Guyana’s architectural and spiritual patrimony.

“Institutions come and go. But few stand the test of time.

reshaped generations, and re-imagined its mission for changing times. And through it all, it has remained true — to Christ, to community, and

Few remain relevant, revered, and radiant after 150 years. St Peter’s has done all that and more. It has weathered storms — both literal and metaphorical. It has outlived regimes,

to calling.”

According to Jonathan Yearwood on the church’s social media page, the President gave “a short but wonderful speech”, stayed after Mass

and met with parishioners, took photos with them, and donated Tablets for the school children.

He also made a donation to the church’s Building Fund to assist in repairs and maintenance of the building.

President Ali then sat with the congregation and had a traditional St Peter’s breakfast of saltfish and bake, chased down with a bottle of water, he added “This was completely unexpected but much appreciated. This is what makes him the "People" person he is.

Once again, on behalf of the St Peter’s congregation, I say Thank You President Ali,” Yearwood said.

To ensure that the church and other religious institutions across the country continue unhindered, the President reminded the public that his Government will

soon launch a programme to support religious institutions throughout Guyana.

According to the Guyana National Trust, St Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, located on Beterverwagting Main Road and St. Peter’s Street in the community of Beterverwagting (BV), was on June 29, 1875, opened, and dedicated to St Peter. The bell

whereby the structure was extended to accommodate an apse and an aisle with Gothic arches between it and the nave.

Additional work was done on the building in 1948 which led to the Lady Altar and the altar of St Teresa being included into the structure.

Sometime later, the roof was replaced and in 1974,

once again the church was rehabilitated.

Sometime in the latter part of the 19th century, a primary school was opened next to the church. In 2008, the single-storey timber edifice underwent restoration work which was completed in time for its observance of St Peter’s feast day on June 29, 2008.

and its tower were donated by Mr Francis Faria sometime in the late 19th to early 20th century.

Circa 1920, the church underwent rehabilitative works

Guyana’s best interest lies in...

McAllister is among several longstanding PNCR members who have since switched alliance to support the progressive and inclusive vision of the ruling PPP/C government. Other prominent members to break ranks include former PNC parliamentarian, James Bond; and former PNC General Secretary and Opposition Parliamentarian, Geeta Chandan-Edmond.

Reflecting on her crossover to the PPP/C four years ago, McAllister recalled that this decision was brewing for a while and she had only campaigned the 2020 elections for the APNU+AFC co-

alition out of loyalty to the PNCR.

“At some point between 2015 and 2017, there was a feeling of lack of inclusion of the youth. And there were efforts to bridge that gap but the young people, we recognised that there is non-inclusion of our role in governance and this is what we worked for. The party campaigned on the inclusion of youth and the importance of the youth to vote and the youth voice...[but] that voice was muzzled when they spoke up.”

According to McAllister, at one meeting, they were advocating for greater in-

clusion of young people in the governance system, in the party and the prioritisation of the rebuilding of the GYSM but it was largely felt that they were not heard and that enough was not being done to hear them.

“There isn’t much you can do when you are seen by young people as an influencer – somebody who is there to represent your interest, and you cannot say to them ‘I do not yield the measure of influence you think I do’ because there is a part of you that says you have to represent the best interest of the party. So, you want to protect the party and the party’s

FROM PAGE 2

image because we still want to grow the party. We still want to attract young, bright minds to the party but I don’t think the party did enough to keep, to retain the young bright minds it had then,” she contended.

Despite being out of office, the former PNC youth leader says that the status quo within the party did not change and the lack of youth inclusion persists…

“If you are serious about your personal development and growth, that of young people and the country, then that is not a movement you want to be aligned with,” she surmised.

President Dr Irfaan Ali delivers a speech to mark the 150th anniversary of the St Peter’s RC Church, BV

The President sat with the congregation for its traditional St Peter’s breakfast of saltfish and bake, with water

The President donated tablets for students

A donation was made to the church’s Building Fund

GNBS revises milk standard to ensure production and processing quality

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), through the Technical Committee on Foods has recently revised the Guyana Standard Specification for Milk to ensure that its requirements are more applicable to current food safety and hygienic practices, which are crucial for quality.

By incorporating the latest industry practices and aligning requirements with international standards, the newly revised standard ensures that customers receive a product that is not only safe for consumption but also consistent in quality.

Additionally, the standard provides guidance to suppliers, manufacturers and consumers on safe practices pertaining to the production and distribution of milk products, the GNBS stated. The scope of this revised national stan-

Guyana

dard covers the production and processing of raw to heat-treated milk and factory milk for human consumption. It also covers the composition and labelling of fluid milk, and fluid milk products such as pasteurised, flavoured, condensed and evaporated milk.

The document does not include requirements for the sale of raw milk directly to the end consumer.

Requirements for dairy herd

Regarding the specific requirements, included in the document are requirements for the dairy herd. Cows, sheep, goats and buffaloes from which milk is collected shall show no signs of contagious diseases, diseases of the reproductive organs with discharge or any detectable inflammation of the udder or skin of the udder. These may cause contamination of the milk. Additionally,

herds shall not consume contaminated feed, spoilt feed or feed with added antibiotics or hormones.

Dairy farms and rooms where dairy animals are kept must also satisfy specified requirements. These include sufficient space for dairy animals to move freely and adequate separation from sources of contamina-

tion. Spaces must allow for easy disinfection.

Requirements for persons involved in milking, handling of milk

The standard also specifies requirements for persons involved in milking and the handling of milk. Importantly, persons working in any capac -

ity involving the production, handling, storage or transportation of raw milk should not have any communicable diseases. Good personal hygiene must be practised at all times.

Meanwhile, containers used in the transport of milk must be made of stainless-steel material that is smooth, non-corrosive and easy to clean and disinfect. To preserve quality and prevent spoilage, all milk must be delivered to a collection centre or processing facility within sixteen hours of milking. Vehicles used to transport milk shall not be used to transport animals, the GNBS added.

Milk and milk products in processing facilities

The revised milk standard also provides specific requirements for the handling of milk and milk products in processing fa-

cilities. It also offers procedures to follow before the heat treatment of milk, general labelling requirements, and the composition and identity of milk and milk products. This national standard was diligently developed to preserve the quality of milk produced in Guyana. Maintaining milk quality is crucial for public health, the dairy industry, and consumer satisfaction. High-quality milk is essential for producing safe and nutritious dairy products and for ensuring consumer confidence.

To learn more or to acquire your copy of the Specification for Milk, contact GNBS Standardisation Department.

Notably, GNBS has a wide range of food and agriculture-related standards which can be implemented to guide and support farmers and other stakeholders.

to expand global tourism footprint with medical, sport, eco-tourism – President Ali

Guyana will no longer be the “best kept secret” of South America, according to President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali.

Speaking at the commissioning of the King’s Hotel and Residences in Georgetown on Friday, President Ali said the nation is now poised to emerge as a dynamic new frontier for global tourism. He stated that Guyana is actively targeting niche and high-value segments, such as medical tourism, wellness and spa retreats, agro-tourism, sports, and entertainment.

“We are now talking to some of the top-notch medical tourism facilities to establish their footprint here,” the President disclosed, adding that local investors are also being encouraged to help shape this future.

“We must be known as a destination for wellness and spa tourism, and we will have to bring people in because we want to create, in the rainforest of Linden, the best wellness experience,” he said.

According to a Department of Public Information (DPI) report, from luxury eco-lodges in Pakuri to marina develop -

ments along the Demerara River and a port at Parika, Guyana is positioning itself as a tourism destination deeply connected to its natural landscape. But, the President said, the Government is thinking even bigger.

Plans are underway to construct a world-class indoor stadium with a 15,000 capacity, designed to host boxing matches, concerts and even Mixed Martial

Arts (MMA) championships.

“The facility we want to build must be able to host the NBA playoffs,” he said, stating that a proposal was made to regional leaders to form a Caribbean NBA team, taking advantage of the region’s close proximity to the United States (US).

“These are the things we are thinking about, because we are in a season [of bold ideas],” President Ali

said.

With these plans in motion, the head of state stressed that his administration is not offering ‘vague promises,’ but executing a clear and cohesive agenda to drive demand, attract investment, and reshape the economy.

The vision includes welcoming three million people through Guyana’s ports in the future, supported by

world-class infrastructure, professional services, and a public-private ecosystem ready to deliver.

2

“We are not stopping. The journey has just begun,” the President declared.

arrested after miner found dead with stab wounds at Baramani Backdam, Reg 7

Police in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) are investigating the murder of a male miner at Baramani Backdam, Cuyuni River, who was found dead with several stab wounds to his body.

The dead man has so far been identified only as Riley.

According to the police, the alleged murder occurred sometime between 00:30hrs and 02:00hrs on Saturday, June 28, 2025, near a mining camp at Baramani Backdam.

The victim’s body was discovered naked with multiple stab wounds. The discovery was made by another miner and a police report was made.

A team of police ranks responded, visited the scene and carried out an investigation.

Preliminary investigation led to the arrest of the two suspects: Rovel

Santiago, a 21-year-old male Amerindian from Khan Hill, Mabaruma, Region One, and Shawn Williams, a 20-year-old male Amerindian from Kuru Kururu Village, Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

Police say both suspects (Santiago and Williams) were arrested on Saturday after admitting involvement during police questioning at the mining camp.

“The suspects led investigators to the crime scene, where significant evidence, including suspected murder weapons (knives) and the victim’s blood-stained clothing, was recovered,” police said.

A post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted to determine the exact cause of death. Witness statements have been taken, and the suspects remain in police custody as the investigation, led by Bartica Police, is ongoing.

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali at the opening of the King’s Hotel and Residences in Georgetown. (DPI photo)

Global environment creates opportunity for Caricom, Africa to achieve common goals–SG

The current global environment provides an opportunity for Africa and the Caribbean to build on shared values and interests, and forge a path towards collective action, Dr Carla Barnett, CARICOM SecretaryGeneral (SG) said Friday.

SG Barnett was at the time addressing the 32nd Annual Afreximbank Meeting being held in Abuja, Nigeria, 2528 June. The theme of the 2025 meeting was ‘Progressive Unity in a

Fractured World: Building a Global African Coalition for Development’.

“… geopolitical and geo-economic developments require careful handling. There needs to be positive alignment between economic and political interests, and redefinition of global partnerships into mechanisms that foster inclusive growth, sustainable development and economic and climate resilience for developing countries. Building such resilience requires that

Africa, like the Caribbean, retain access to affordable, long-term, concessional financing from multilateral development institutions.

The Bridgetown Initiative version 3.0 provides a common platform for joint advocacy on the reform of the multilateral financial system, whose governance model continues to mirror outdated political alliances and economic constructs.

More than anything else, this situation serves as a basis for common cause between Africa and the

Region 1 commissions $231M

regional Police headquarters

On Saturday, Region 1 (Barima-Waini)

Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley, joined Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn to commission its $213 million state-of-the-art Mabaruma Divisional Headquarters, marking a significant advance for law enforcement in the region. According to Ashley, services at the facility will include specialised units for handling domestic violence and sexual offences, with child-friendly interview places.

The new facility also boasts upgraded administrative offices, among other critical operational areas, all designed to en-

Among those present at the commissioning were Andre Ally, Permanent Secretary of

Education Officer (REO), Cliva Joseph; Senior Superintendent Krishnadat Ramana,

hance police effectiveness in the region, and foster stronger community engagement, he noted.

the Home Affairs Ministry; Deputy Commissioner of Operations, Errol Watts; Mabaruma Mayor, Trevi Leung; Regional

Commander of Regional Police Division 1; other senior and junior ranks of the regions police force, and regional officials.

Caribbean,” the SG said. While the current realignment of global geopolitical and geo-economic interests will continue to pose significant challenges, Dr Barnett said it creates opportunities for Africa and the Caribbean to strengthen cooperation

to achieve common development goals.

“As I noted during the first CARICOMAfrica Summit, hosted by Kenya and held virtually in September 2021, CARICOM is committed to strengthening this cooperation, and build-

ing a mutually beneficial and stable partnership. Opportunities exist in areas such as trade and investment promotion, development finance, climate change, reparatory justice, mass media and increased people-to-people contact. Moreover, a strong and mutually beneficial partnership between Africa and the Caribbean, underscored by the principle of progressive unity, can become the springboard for broader South-South cooperation that leverages comparative advantages, thereby creating strong economic growth and development trajectories,” Dr Barnett said.

Interfaith Service held to launch Labour Ministry’s National Cooperative Week

The Ministry of Labour on Sunday officially launched “National Cooperative Week”, with an Interfaith Service held on the Ministry’s Brickdam, Georgetown, forecourt.

The service marked the start of a week dedicated to celebrating and revitalising Guyana’s cooperative spirit, the Labour Ministry noted.

This year’s theme, “Cooperatives are making good and timely solutions for the world”, is a timely reminder of the cooperative spirit Guyana was built on, it added.

Delivering the feature address, Chief Cooperative Development Officer, Janaknauth Panchu, re-

minded attendees that this week leads up to the United Nations (UN) International Day of Cooperatives, observed on the first Saturday of July.

Panchu highlighted that cooperatives remain a powerful tool to build stronger communities, fairer economies and a more sustainable future.

While he acknowledged the challenges faced by the country’s cooperative sector, he emphasised that immense potential still existed.

“Let us not give up on that dream,” he urged. “Let us rebuild it, reform it, and reignite it – for our farmers, fisherfolk, small businesses, youths, and hinterland communities.

Chief Cooperative Development Officer Janaknauth Panchu delivering the feature address at the launch Sunday

Minister Benn, Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley and senior police ranks at the ribbon cutting ceremony

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn unveils the plaque at the commissioning ceremony on Saturday

Govt, Ruby squatters meet on relocation efforts

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal and Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, met with informal settlers at Ruby Backdam, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) on Saturday to advance the structured relocation process.

The meeting, according to a Department of Information (DPI) press release was part of the Government of Guyana’s ongoing efforts to transition the households into safer, more sustainable housing through its structured relocation and resettlement programme.

Also present was

Mr Gladwin Charles, Director of the Community Development Department (CDD) within the Central Housing & Planning Authority (CH&PA), along with staff who assisted with the processing and verifica-

tion of residents’ documentation.

The ongoing engagement follows recent commitments by His Excellency, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali.

Currently, approximately 54 households are

Caricom SG backs Caribbean climate change centre efforts as Region tackles climate change

Secretary-General (SG) of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), Dr Carla Barnett has commended the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) for its pivotal role in strengthening the region’s resilience to climate-related shocks. She emphasised the Centre’s critical efforts in helping Caribbean nations confront the escalating threats posed by climate change.

The CCCCC celebrated its 20th anniversary on June 25, 2025, with a banquet and award ceremony. In a message to mark the occasion, Dr Carla Barnett, Caricom Secretary-General noted that since its establishment the CCCCC has played an essential role in coordinating and driving the Caricom’s response to climate change and in building climate resilience in the face of rising sea levels, intensified storms and economic vulnerability.

“The five Cs has been a leader in capacity building, conducting regional training programmes and workshops for Government officials, technical staff and civil society organisations. These initiatives strengthen institutional capacity, improve public awareness and build a community of practice around climate resilience.”

ternational climate finance mechanisms, the Centre has empowered countries to implement adaptation and mitigation projects critical to their survival and development.

“The Five Cs has also played a critical role in mobilising climate finance for the region through its accreditation to various international climate funding mechanisms, including the Green Climate Fund.”

“The centre supports cur-

She further noted that the organisation has played a crucial role in regional climate financing, serving as a key conduit through which Member States can access much-needed funding to address climate-related challenges head-on. By facilitating access to in-

riculum countries as they prepare project proposals to meet eligibility criteria and access resources for mitigation and adaptation projects. This has helped to unlock millions of dollars in funding for renewable energy, water security, agriculture, and disaster risk reduction initiatives, there-

by contributing in a direct way to the region’s capacity to respond to the impacts of climate change by acting as an intermediary,” she added. The Centre is at the forefront of the Caribbean’s climate resilience movement, working with Governments, communities, international and regional partners to advance sustainable development and strengthen the Region’s capacity to adapt to the ever-evolving impacts of climate change.

The CCCCC coordinates the Caribbean region’s response to climate change, working on effective solutions and projects to combat its environmental impacts and global warming. It provides climate change-related policy advice and guidelines to Caricom Member States through the Caricom Secretariat and to the United Kingdom (UK) Caribbean Overseas Territories. It is an archive and clearing house for regional climate change data and documentation.

Some of the Ruby households at the meeting occupying the reserve at Ruby Backdam. The community consists mainly of Guyanese, with a small number of Venezuelan migrants. Residents were reminded that, in accordance with the national housing policy, only Guyanese citizens are eligible for CH&PA’s housing programme.

The CH&PA, through its CDD, has been working with the community for over a year to support a humane and organised relocation process. Several residents have already received pre-qualification letters for turnkey homes, and efforts are ongoing to complete the processing of the remaining households for turnkey houses or land in the coming days.

“For those who have already pre-qualified, once you finalise the process with the bank, we will work to move you immediately,” Minister Croal assured the gathering.

He further reminded residents of the illegality of

squatting and emphasised that no new structures erected on the reserve would be recognised. Residents were urged to cooperate with the housing authority and to ensure that their documents are in order.

Minister Indar cautioned against further construction and occupation by persons not presently on the reserve.

“Do not continue to build and do not continue to occupy the

reserve,” he stated. “If you continue to build it will complicate this entire process.”

The Ministry of Housing and Water, the DPI release noted, remains committed to providing sustainable housing solutions and improving the quality of life for families transitioning from informal settlements to structured communities equipped with essential infrastructure and public utilities.

Farmers to benefit from drainage works at Canal Number Two

Farmers from the Conservancy Dam at Canal Number Two in Region Three will soon benefit from drainage improvements, which will improve irrigation and boost agricultural production.

Planting materials and fertilisers will also be provided to approximately 40 farmers residing in the area.

Minister of Agriculture

Zulfikar Mustapha made the commitment on Saturday during a meeting at the Conservancy Dam. The engagement follows several requests made by farmers for various agricultural interventions, since the flooding of their farmlands significantly affected crop productivity.

Minister Mustapha said an amphibious excavator will be deployed to the area in one week to carry out the works on the trench along the Dam.

These interventions, he noted, will bring immediate relief to the affected farm-

ers.

“We will fix the door [at the Koker] when the trench is cleared,” Minister Mustapha assured the farmers, noting that this will help to prevent the water from overtopping, which can result in flooding.

Acknowledging the land dispute issues in the area, he explained that a surveyor will visit to conduct an assessment to identify the landowners.

Region Three has been

earmarked for major investments in the agriculture sector, which will boost crop production and improve livelihoods.

The Agriculture Minister revealed that the Government will soon be allocating $50 billion to construct six farm-to-market roads in Region Three. Looking ahead, the Minister noted that more investments will be made to help increase crop yields in the agriculture sector.

Caricom Secretary General Dr Carla Barnett

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin D Croal, and Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar at the meeting Saturday

Efforts are ongoing to transition the households into safer, more sustainable housing

Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha during the meeting on Saturday. CEO of GuySuCo, Paul Cheong, and other representatives from the Ministry were also present

Dr Tariq Jagnarine Fam meDicine, enDocrinology/ DiabeTes

Acanker sore, or aphthous ulcer, is an open and painful mouth ulcer or sore. It’s also the most common type of mouth ulcer. Some people notice them inside their lips or cheeks. They’re usually white or yellow and surrounded by red, inflamed soft tissue. Anker sores aren’t contagious. They usually heal within 1 to 3 weeks without treatment, although the pain normally goes away in 7 to 10 days. Serious canker sores may take up to 6 weeks to heal.

Causes and risk factors

Your risk for developing canker sores increases if you have a family history of them. Canker sores have various causes, and the most common ones include:

o Viral infection

o Stress o Hormonal fluctuation

o Food allergy

o Menstrual cycle

o Vitamin or mineral deficiency

o Immune system problem

o Mouth injury A deficiency in certain vitamins, such as B3 (niacin), B9 (folic acid), or B12 (cobalamin), can make people more prone to getting canker sores. Zinc, iron, or calcium deficiencies can also trigger or worsen canker sores. In some cases, the cause of a canker sore can’t be determined.

Canker sores vs cold sores

Cold sores are like canker sores. However, unlike canker sores, cold sores can appear outside of your mouth. Cold sores also appear first as blisters, not inflamed sores, and become sores after the blisters pop. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. This virus is carried within your body and can be triggered by stress, exhaustion, and even sunburn. You can also get cold sores on your lips, nose, and your eyes.

Symptoms

Canker sores can cause several symptoms, which may vary depending on the specific type.

Minor canker sores

Minor canker sores are the most common type of canker sore. Although they can be painful, they generally heal on their own without any scarring around 1 to 2 weeks after onset. Some of the most common symptoms associated with minor canker sores include: small, oval-shaped bumps inside the mouth a tingling or burning sensation pain when eating, drinking, or speaking

Major canker sores

Major canker sores are

HEALTH TIPS

MOUTH SORES

less common than minor canker sores and can also cause more severe symptoms. They can take up to 4 weeks to heal and may cause scarring. Symptoms of major canker sores include:

o Large, round bumps inside the mouth

o Tingling, burning, or inflammation

o Severe pain

o Difficulty eating, drinking, or speaking

Herpetiform canker sores

Herpetiform canker sores are very uncommon. Among people who develop canker sores, only about 5 percent are affected by this type. In rare cases, they can merge together and form clusters. If this occurs, it could take several weeks to heal and may increase the risk of scarring. Some possible symptoms of herpetiform canker sores include:

o Small, pinhead-sized bumps inside the mouth, which could form in clusters

o Tingling or burning in the mouth

o Pain, which may be worse when chewing, drinking, or talking

Diagnosis

A doctor can usually diagnose a canker sore by examining it. They may order blood tests or take a biopsy of the area if there’s a severe breakout. A cancerous lesion may appear as a canker sore, but it won’t heal without treatment. Some symptoms of oral cancer are like those of canker sores, like painful ulcers and swelling in the neck. But oral cancer is often indicated by unique symptoms, including:

o Bleeding from your mouth or gums

o Loose teeth

o Trouble swallowing

o Earaches If you experience these symptoms along with canker sore symptoms, see your doctor right away to rule out oral cancer as a cause.

Treatment

Canker sores usually heal without treatment. However, there are many helpful lifestyles changes to make to treat canker sores.

Brush and floss your teeth regularly to prevent a bacterial infection and avoid spicy foods to speed up the healing process.

Pain can sometimes

be severe. Lessen the discomfort by gargling with mouthwash or salt water. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but it may help reduce pain. Some ingredients in over-the-counter topical products can help relieve and heal sores, including:

o Benzocaine (Orabase, Zilactin-B, Kank-A)

o Hydrogen peroxide rinses (Peroxyl, Orajel)

o Fluocinonide (Vanos)

o Antimicrobial mouth rinse, such as Listerine or mouth rinses with chlorhexidine (Peridex, Periogard)

o Antibiotics, such as mouthwashes or pills with doxycycline (Monodox, Adoxa, Vibramycin)

o Corticosteroid ointment, such as hydrocortisone hemisuccinate or beclomethasone

o Prescription mouthwash, especially one that contains dexamethasone or lidocaine for inflammation and pain

Home remedies for canker sores

o Applying ice or tiny amounts of milk of magnesia to the sores can help relieve pain and promote healing.

o Rinsing your mouth with a mixture of warm water and baking soda (1 teaspoon per 1/2 cup of water) can also help with pain and healing.

o Honey has been shown to be effective in treating canker sores as well.

Complications of canker sores

If the canker sore does not resolve in a few weeks, you may experience more serious complications, such as:

o Discomfort or pain

while talking, brushing your teeth, or eating

o Fatigue

o Sores spreading outside of your mouth

o Fever

o Cellulitis

See a doctor if the canker sore is causing unbearable pain or interfering with your life, and if home treatments aren’t working. Consider doing this even if the complications have developed within just a week or two of the sores developing.

Bacterial infections can spread and create more serious issues, so it’s important to stop a possible bacterial cause of a canker sore quickly.

Prevention

People can prevent the recurrence of canker sores by avoiding foods that may have previously triggered the outbreak. These often include spicy, salty, or acidic foods. Also, avoid foods that cause allergy symptoms, such as an itchy mouth, a swollen tongue, or hives.

If a canker sore appears due to stress, try out stress reduction methods and calming techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation.

Practise good oral health and use a soft toothbrush to avoid irritating your gums and soft tissue.

Talk with your doctor to determine whether you have any specific vitamin or mineral deficiencies. They can help design a suitable diet plan and prescribe individual supplements if you need them.

Seek medical care if you’re unable to eat or drink or the canker sore hasn’t healed within 3 weeks.

Regional

Caribbean storm forecasting hit by US data cut

The Caribbean faces greater uncertainty this hurricane season after the US Department of Defense announced it will stop supplying key weather satellite data used in tropical storm forecasting.

Meteorologist Dale Destin warned the decision could undermine storm tracking across the region.

“This is a US defence move, but its ripple effects are global—especially for the Caribbean,” he said.

The change, confirmed

in a NOAA service notice on Wednesday, halts real-time microwave data from three weather satellites jointly operated by NOAA and the Department of Defense. The shutdown takes effect today, June 30.

Destin said the loss of microwave data, which penetrates clouds to monitor a storm’s core, could hinder the detection of rapid intensification—something forecasting models often miss ahead of landfall.

“With fewer satellite in-

puts, forecasts may become less precise. Our small islands rely on accuracy to guide evacuations and preparations,” he said.

The move also threatens long-standing coordination between Caribbean meteorologists and US agencies like the National Hurricane Center.

“Gaps in data mean warnings could be riskier, delayed, or miss key developments for communities across the region, including Antigua and Barbuda,” Destin added.

(Source: Antigua Newsroom)

T&T Minister orders audit of US$60 million project

Trinidad & Tobago Minister of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence, Dominic Smith, is warning the Opposition that an independent audit has been ordered into what he described as a questionable project under the former administration that was set to cost taxpayers over USD 60 million.

Speaking late on Friday evening as the Senate debated the Finance Bill 2025, Smith said he uncovered a list of expenditure items that caused him great concern.

“One particular project, Mr President, was parcelled nice and neat as an upgrade under the Ministry of Public Administration. I am told, Mr President, that this project has been running for over 24 years,” he told the Upper House.

Smith continued, “I am told that over the last administration, there was an upgrade. And that upgrade, Mr President, would you believe, would cost the taxpayers over 60 million US dollars, Mr President? Mr President, I want you to juxtapose that against the environment

Minister of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence, Dominic Smith

where forex is apparently scarce.”

The revelation of the financial figure drew noises of shock from his government colleagues.

Smith said he was flabbergasted that the former administration would engage in a project of this size and quantum.

“And when we dug further, Mr President, would you believe that this 60-plus-million US dollars was meant to be spent over a four-year period to end in 2026?” he added.

The Minister said in addition to the hefty foreign exchange bill, the state faced a further invoice.

“The Ministry of Public Administration had begun and initiated with a vendor, would you believe that in addition to that, the people of Trinidad and Tobago were also meant to pay 50 million TT dollars to operationalise?”

He warned that this would be thoroughly investigated.

“All I can say is that an audit is coming, and that audit, independent of me and this government, will reveal all. All will be revealed, Mr President, not by us, but by an independent audit. And then, maybe colleagues on the other side will be satisfied, because they weren’t satisfied enough pillaging the Treasury,” Smith declared.

A member of the Senate on the opposite bench asked for further clarity on the project in question, but Minister Smith told them to direct those queries to former Public Administration Minister Allyson West.

Guardian Media attempted to contact West but was unsuccessful. Likewise, attempts to reach Minister Smith for further details were unsuccessful. (Trinidad & Tobago Guardian)

Brazil’s nuclear bomb proposal gains Senate attention as global tensions rise

Brazil’s Senate is now reviewing a citizen-backed proposal that would allow the country to build a nuclear bomb.

This idea, first submitted in 2020 by Vito Angelo Duarte Pascaretta, a doctor from Paraná, gained almost 21,000 signatures from people across Brazil.

The main argument is that a nuclear weapon could help Brazil stop foreign interference, especially in the Amazon region.

The Senate’s Human Rights and Participatory Legislation Commission will first decide if the proposal should become a formal bill.

If approved, it would then need to pass both the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies.

The proposal’s progress has been slow.

Senator Marcos Pontes recently took over as the official reviewer, but there is no sign yet of strong political support.

This debate comes as the world faces new nuclear threats. The U.S. recently bombed Iranian nuclear sites, and China, North Korea, and Russia have all increased their nuclear activities.

Some European and Asian countries are now talking about building their own nuclear weapons, worried that the U.S. might not always protect them.

In Brazil, the proposal uses the Amazon’s vulnerability as its main reason.

Brazil’s nuclear program focuses on peaceful uses. The country enriches uranium for its two nuclear power plants and is developing technology for a nuclear-powered subma-

rine.

It can enrich uranium to 3-5% for energy and aims for up to 20% for submarines, but it does not make weapons-grade uranium or have missiles or bombers to deliver nuclear weapons.

Brazil once had a secret military nuclear program between the 1970s and 1990s, but it ended when Brazil joined the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons in 1998.

Today, the country’s constitution allows only peaceful nuclear activities, and international inspectors monitor Brazil’s nuclear sites.

However, Brazil’s laws, international agreements, and public opinion make it unlikely the country will build nuclear weapons soon. (Source: The Rio Times)

Nigerian President arrives in Saint Lucia for Caribbean, South America tour

Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu kicked off his state visit to Saint Lucia with a courtesy call on the GovernorGeneral and Prime Minister Philip Pierre.

Tinubu landed at Hewanorra International Airport, Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, on Saturday at 5.30 pm. local time, for the first leg of his two-nation tour to the Caribbean and South America.

In a statement signed by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President was received by the Governor-General of Saint Lucia, Cyril Errol

Melchiades Charles, and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre after a brief military honours.

According to the President’s itinerary, Tinubu is expected to address a special joint session of the Senate and the House of Assembly of Saint Lucia at William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande, Gros Islet on Monday.

Tinubu will also hold a high-level working luncheon with the Heads of Government of OECS after the joint session of the Parliament of Saint Lucia.

He will visit the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Castries to

strengthen educational ties between Nigeria and Saint Lucia.

“President Tinubu’s visit underscores Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic relations with Caribbean states, particularly within the African Union’s Sixth Region framework, which recognises the African diaspora as a vital partner in the continent’s development,” Onanuga said. The President will head to Brazil to participate in the 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro from July 6 to 7 at the invitation of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil. (The Guardian Nigeria News)

Barbados condemns another fake US travel advisory

Barbados authorities have described as yet another “fake report” aimed at deliberately attempting to tarnish the country’s image: a false claim that the United States had issued its highest travel advisory warning Americans not to visit the Caribbean island.

“There is no basis for this fake news story going around. It is deeply unfortunate that these types of things happen. People obviously go out of their way to try to destroy the image of the country,” Foreign Affairs Minister Kerrie Symmonds said.

The United States Embassy in Barbados has also issued a formal statement indicating that Barbados remains at Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions, the lowest level of its four-tier travel advisory system.

Earlier this month, the

Barbados government described an online video commenting on the country’s foreign policy with the United States as containing information that is “false, misleading, and wholly fictitious.”

In the latest fabricated report circulating on social media, the fake advisory claimed that the US State Department had escalated its advisory due to a “significant deterioration in the security environment,” citing a surge in violent crime, disruptions to critical services, and limited access to emergency medical care.

The message, which bore formatting similar to official US government notices and claimed to have come from the US Embassy in Bridgetown, was widely circulated on social media and private messaging apps such as WhatsApp. It claimed that armed robber -

ies, home invasions, and organized criminal activity were targeting foreigners, and urged American citizens to consider leaving Barbados by commercial means if safe to do so. However, the US Embassy advised that official updates on consular matters are only issued through trusted platforms, including the Smart Traveler Enrollment Programme (STEP), which allows Americans to register their travel for real-time alerts and assistance during emergencies. Meanwhile, the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) said it wanted to “extend sincere thanks to the U.S. Embassy in Barbados for promptly addressing and correcting misinformation recently circulated on social media regarding travel to Barbados.” (Excerpt from Loop CaribbeanNews)

Nigerian President Bola Tinubua arrived Saturday to brief military honours

Canada orders China’s Hikvision to close Canadian operations

The Canadian government has ordered Chinese surveillance camera manufacturer Hikvision to cease operations in Canada over national security concerns, Industry Minister Melanie Joly said late on Friday.

Hikvision, also known as Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co, has faced numerous sanctions and restrictions by Canada’s neighbor, the United States, over the past five and a half years for the firm’s dealings and the use of its equipment in China’s Xinjiang region, where rights groups have documented abuses against the Uyghur population and other Muslim communities.

“The government has determined that Hikvision Canada Inc’s continued operations in Canada would be injurious to Canada’s national security,” Joly said on X, adding that the decision was taken after a multi-step review of information provided by Canada’s security and intelligence community.

Her statement did not mention China or Xinjiang or specify how Hikvision would harm Canada’s national security.

“We strongly disagree with this decision and view it with deep concern, as we believe it lacks a factual basis, procedural fairness, and transparency,” a Hikvision spokesperson told Reuters.

“Instead of evaluating our technology on its cybersecurity merits, the decision appears to be driven by the parent company’s country of origin, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions and an unjustified bias against Chinese companies.”

China’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Canada said last year it was reviewing an application to impose sanctions against Chinese surveillance equipment companies, including Hikvision, after rights advocates alleged the firms were aiding repression and high-tech surveillance in Xinjiang. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Iran holds state funeral for military leaders killed in Israel conflict

Astate funeral has been held in Iran for about 60 people, including military commanders and nuclear scientists, killed during the 12-day conflict with Israel.

Coffins draped in the Iranian flag, bearing portraits of deceased commanders, were flanked by crowds near Tehran’s Enghelab Square.

The conflict ended with a ceasefire earlier this week, after the US became directly involved by bombing key nuclear sites in Iran.

Huge crowds of mourners dressed in black chanted slogans, waved Iranian flags and held portraits of those

killed.

Ahead of the event, a media campaign urged people to participate, with authorities providing free bus and metro rides. Government offices were shut for the day.

Among those laid to rest on Saturday was Mohammad Bagheri, the highest-ranking military officer in Iran who was chief of staff of Iran’s armed forces.

Bagheri was to be buried with his wife and daughter, who were killed in an Israeli strike. In total, Iranian authorities said 627 people were killed in Iran. Israeli officials said 28 people were killed in Israel following missile attacks by Iran.

scientists and others

Hossein Salami, commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards, and nuclear scientists including Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi – head of Azad University in Tehran –were also among those laid to rest.

The funeral was attended by prominent figures including Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani – an advisor to the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei – state television showed. Shamkhani was injured in an Israeli strike earlier this month. (Excerpt from BBC News)

At least 38 person killed in Tanzania bus collision, subsequent fire

Nearly 40 people have been killed after a bus and a minibus collided in Tanzania, sparking a fire that engulfed both vehicles.

The crash occurred on Saturday evening in Sabasaba in the Kilimanjaro region after one of the bus’s tyres was punctured, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

“A total of 38 people died

in the crash, including two women,” a statement by the presidency said on Sunday.

“Due to the extent of the burns, 36 bodies remain unidentified.”

The nationalities of the victims were not immediately known.

Twenty-eight people were injured, six of whom were still in hospital for treatment, the presidency added.

In recent years, the gov-

Around the World

Ukraine loses F-16

pilot, jet while fighting one of Russia’s biggest-ever aerial attacks

AUkrainian pilot was killed and his F-16 fighter jet crashed after Russia launched a huge aerial assault involving hundreds of drones and scores of missiles overnight, the Ukrainian military said on Sunday.

The airman, named as 1st Class Lt. Col. Maksym Ustymenko by the Ukrainian air force, was the third F-16 pilot killed since the Ukrainians began flying the jets last summer, and his plane was the fourth F-16 Ukraine has lost since then.

The air force said Ustymenko “did everything he could to steer the aircraft away from a populated area, but he did not have time to eject.”

Ustymenko’s death is a major loss for Ukraine. Only a small number of the country’s top pilots have been trained to fly F-16s, the most advanced of Ukraine’s fighter jets. The training is highly specialized and takes months to complete.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ustymenko destroyed seven targets before being killed, praising him and the Ukrainian air force for “heroically protecting” the country’s skies.

Zelensky said Moscow launched 477 drones and 60 missiles towards six different locations overnight into Sunday – one of Russia’s largest ever aerial assaults in terms of weapons deployed, according to a CNN tally.

Russia has ramped up its airborne attacks against Ukraine in recent weeks, launching hundreds of drones and missiles nearly every night.

These assaults are not just bigger and more frequent; they are also more concentrated and executed in a way that makes them a lot more difficult to combat – as they are flown at higher altitudes, out of reach of

machine guns.

Zelensky said on Sunday that more than 114 missiles, over 1,270 drones, and nearly 1,100 glide bombs were launched by Russia against Ukraine just this week.

The Ukrainian leader pleaded with Kyiv’s Western allies to provide more aerial defenses for his country, saying Russia will continue to attack Ukraine for as long as it can.

“This war must be brought to an end — pressure on the aggressor is needed, and so is protection. Protection from ballistic and other missiles, from drones, and from terror,” Zelensky said. (Excerpt from CNN)

UK Police assess footage of Glastonbury acts over anti-Israel chants

British police say they are reviewing comments made on stage by rap punk duo Bob Vylan and hip hop trio Kneecap at this year’s Glastonbury Festival.

Rapper Bobby Vylan took to the festival’s third-biggest West Holts Stage on Saturday shouting “Free, free Palestine,” before leading crowds to chants against the Israeli military.

Video showed the rapper shouting into the mic, “Alright, but have you heard this one though? Death, death to the IDF (Israel Defense Forces).”

The artist also performed in front of a screen that displayed a message which read: “United Nations have called it a genocide. The BBC calls it a ‘conflict,’” referring to the UK’s public broadcaster that has been showing the festival live.

denied, relates to a London gig in November 2024 where he allegedly displayed a flag of Hezbollah – a proscribed terrorist organization banned under UK law. Ahead of the festival at Worthy Farm, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said it was not “appropriate” for the group to perform.

Kneecap have been vocal critics of Israel’s war in Gaza but have previously said it has never supported Hamas or Hezbollah.

Police in Somerset, where the festival is held, said the force was “aware of the comments made by acts” and that “video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation.”

ernment has made repeated calls to curb road accidents, which continue to plague the country despite various road safety campaigns.

In a 2018 report by the World Health Organization, an estimated 13,000 to 19,000 people in the country were killed in traffic accidents in 2016, significantly higher than the government’s official toll of 3,256 people. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

The Israeli Embassy in the UK said it was “deeply disturbed” by what it called “inflammatory and hateful” rhetoric at the festival.

It said that when chants such as “Death to the IDF” are said in front of tens of thousands of festivalgoers, “it raises serious concerns about the normalisation of extremist language and the glorification of violence.”

Glastonbury Festival said in a statement that it was “appalled” by Vylan’s remarks.

“Their chants very much crossed a line and we are urgently reminding everyone involved in the production of the festival that there is no place at Glastonbury for antisemitism, hate speech or incitement to violence,” organizers said.

Kneecap after band member Liam O’Hanna –who performs under the stage name Mo Chara – was charged last month with a terrorism offense following an investigation by London’s Metropolitan Police.

The charge, which he has

UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting slammed the performance as “appalling” in an interview with Sky News on Sunday morning. He said that the BBC, which broadcast the set live, and Glastonbury “have got questions to answer.”

A BBC spokesperson said that some of the comments made during Vylan’s performance were “deeply offensive,” and added it had no plans to make the performance available on demand through its iPlayer streaming platform. (Excerpt from CNN)

Bobby Vylan performs during day four of Glastonbury Festival 2025 at Worthy Farm in Glastonbury, England, on Saturday

People attend the funeral procession of Iranian military commanders, nuclear

killed in Israeli strikes, in Tehran, Iran, June 28, 2025 (chinadaily)

This residential building in Odesa was hit by a Russian drone on June 28, 2025

SUDOKU

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Mickey Arthur will next month oversee Rangpur Riders’ Global Super League (GSL) title defence even though he would not be present in Guyana, the venue of the tournament. Arthur will be 7500 kilometres away in Derbyshire, from where he will do the job remotely, according to Rangpur’s team director, Shanian Taneem.

Arthur had a similar arrangement with Pakistan where he oversaw strategies remotely during his stint as team director while he also fulfilled his responsibilities as Head Coach of Derbyshire in 2023.

Rangpur will return as defending champions in the GSL’s second season, which

begins on July 10. The other teams in the tournament are Dubai Capitals, Central Stags, Guyana Amazon Warriors, and Hobart Hurricanes.

Arthur was Rangpur’s Head Coach when they won the inaugural edition of the GSL last year. Since he will be concurrently coaching Derbyshire in Division Two of the County Championship, he will not be physically present at the GSL this time around.

“As the English County Championship is ongoing and Mickey is coaching Derbyshire County Cricket Club, he is unavailable at the moment,” Team Director Taneem said during a jersey unveiling ceremony in

Dhaka. “Therefore, we are appointing Greg Smith as our Head Coach. He is someone Mickey fully trusts. Mickey will stay connected with the players and continue to offer his input. Greg will lead the team under Mickey’s guidance.

“Mickey Arthur was our Head Coach during the previous Global Super League and the last edition of the Bangladesh Premier League. We have strong confidence in his abilities. While forming our squad, we remained in constant touch with him and discussed which players would perform well on Guyana’s pitches.”

Rangpur will be led by Nurul Hasan, who has been their Captain since

PSG beat Messi’s Inter Miami to reach quarter-finals

Joao Neves scored twice as Paris St-Germain demolished Inter Miami to reach the quarter-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup.

The European champions were always expected to brush off the team who sit sixth in Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference – and so it proved.

Neves stooped down to head Vitinha’s free-kick in from close range for their sixth-minute opener in Atlanta.

The Portugal midfielder got the second goal too in the 39th minute when he slotted in to cap off a fine passing move involving Bradley Barcola and Fabian Ruiz, who also had a goal disallowed himself for offside.

PSG added two more before half-time as Desire Doue’s cross was turned into his own net by Tomas Aviles, before Achraf Hakimi slammed a fourth in added time after his initial effort had been deflected on to the bar.

The French champions eased up in the second half, shutting out their old boy Lionel Messi, who had a couple of chances for Inter Miami.

PSG will play Bayern Munich or Flamengo in Saturday’s quarter-final.

What was the main talking point?

Can anyone stop Paris

St-Germain? It’s not looking like it.

The best European club are de facto the best club in the world – proven by the 5-0 Champions League final win over Inter Milan – but Luis Enrique’s side would like that in writing.

When Hakimi bagged in first-half injury time it felt as if PSG could have gone on to score eight or nine. But they took the sensible option by bringing off two key players – Ruiz and Marquinhos at half-time –and conserving their energy for Saturday’s tie against tougher opposition. They were also boosted by the second-half return of top scorer Ousmane Dembele following the injury which kept him out of the group games.

Which player stood out?

The 20-year-old Neves is

to oversee Rangpur’s GSL title defence remotely

2023. They have also retained Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Kamrul Islam Rabbi and Harmeet Singh from their 2024 squad. Their overseas contingent includes West Indies batter Kyle Mayers, South Africa wristspinner Tabraiz Shamsi, Pakistan all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed and Afghanistan opener Ibrahim Zadran.

one of the world’s best young midfielders – but he is not prolific on the goal front. He had only scored nine in his career before this double –his first club strikes since March. If he can add scoring to everything else he does, there will be no stopping him.

Neves is also bidding for a remarkable trophy haul this summer, having already lifted the French league and cup, Champions League, and Nations League with Portugal.

And a special word for footballing great Messi, who may have been playing in front of a global audience for the last time in his career.

The 38-year-old Argentine, who has not yet committed to playing on until next summer’s World Cup, showed flashes of his best at times and had four efforts, two on target. (BBC Sports)

They have not picked Shakib Al Hasan, however, even though the tournament is taking place in the West Indies. Shakib, a former Awami League Member of Parliament, has not travelled to Bangladesh since the fall of the Awami League Government last year. He now resides in the USA.

“Shakib Al Hasan is still one of the most valuable players not only in

Bangladesh but in any franchise league of the world,” Taneem said. “It is not that we did not want him in the squad, but we know the situation of the country at this moment. Shakib still can feature in the starting XI of any franchise team. But keeping the current situation in mind, we were not able to take him in the squad.”

Rangpur will start the tournament against the

Jones and Hetmyer give Orcas 2nd win, push Knight Riders to the bottom

For the second game in a row in Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025, Shimron Hetmyer took charge of the Seattle Orcas innings at a critical stage and smashed his way through to victory.

He did it off the last ball against MI New York just about 24 hours ago even as he cramped up, but did not show any signs of discomfort when he did it again. This time, against Los Angeles Knight Riders, who were on top at different stages of the game, but came unstuck in the end.

The base for Hetmyer had been set by Aaron Jones.

After Josh Brown had been sent back for a two-ball duck by Jason Holder in the first over, Jones and Shayan Jahangir put together 119 for the second wicket in 11.1 overs. Jahangir’s contribution was 42 from 29 balls, while Jones scored 73 in 38, a strike rate close to 200.

But the innings needed something more if Orcas, after losing their first five games of the season, needed to make it two in two. That came from Hetmyer, who walked out at number five with 77 still needed in just under eight overs.

Two fours came off Ali Khan in the 14th over. Tanveer Sangha was then sent for two sixes in the 15th, and 48 from 30 balls looked very gettable for Orcas.

There was a little blip as Andre Russell, who had earlier smashed 65 not out from 39 balls, bowled a five-run over, but it was business as usual for Hetmyer after that, as he took two more sixes off Holder in the 17th, and another off Ali Khan in the 18th.

Still, after Russell had bowled an eight-run 19th over, Hetmyer had a bit left to do. And when the fifth ball of the last over, bowled by Shadley van Schalkwyk, went straight down the ground, it was all done and dusted. and having reached 15 from 13, took off at that point. With Saif Badar for company, Russell took 16, 15, 10 and 21 runs off the next four overs, and suddenly Knight Riders were in business. Even after Badar fell for a 21-ball 41, Waqar Salamkheil getting his second wicket of the game, the big-hitting did not stop. In fact, the entry of Rovman Powell made it worse for the Orcas bowlers. Russell, not as belligerent as he usually is, ended with 65 from 39 balls with six fours and four sixes, but Powell was anoth

Guyana Amazon Warriors in the evening match on July 10, the opening day.

Rangpur Riders squad: Nurul Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Mohammad Naim, Mahidul Islam, Kamrul Islam Rabbi, Mohammad Saif, Abu Hider, Rakilbul Hasan, Yasir Ali, Kyle Mayers, Tabraiz Shamsi, Ibrahim Zadran, Akif Javed, Iftikar Ahmed, Harmeet Singh, and Khawaja Nafay. (ESPNcricinfo)

Mickey Arthur's obligations as Derbyshire Head Coach will keep him away from Guyana, the venue of the tournament

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami were eliminated from the Club World Cup

Joao Neves scored two goals in a game for the first time in his career

Shimron Hetmyer did it for Seattle Orcas for the second game in a row

thump to clinch title

Canaimas cruised past Iconic Ballers 5-0 on their way to the women’s championship. Sandra Johnson led the charge with goals in the second and 10th minutes, while Glendy Lewis (1st), Naomi Williams (12th) and Glengy Lewis (20th) netted one goal each.

receive their prize from organiser Frank “English” Parris

Brazil’s Road Warriors, in the wee hours of Sunday, put on a show in front of an over-capacity crowd at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) Homestretch Avenue, on their way to grabbing the inaugural “June Madness” futsal championship.

Touted as one of the most anticipated futsal clashes of the year thus far, the fi-

nal encounter between the Road Warriors and Guyana’s Sparta Boss did not disappoint with thrills from minute one to 40.

Thalyson Dos Santos got the final off to a thrilling start, getting past Sparta Boss’s goalkeeper Omar Jones in just the fourth minute of the game. Six minutes later, the crowd went into a frenzy as Luis Silva made it

a 2-0 affair in Road Warriors’ favour, much to the delight of the fans.

The score remained at 2-0 for quite some time, until Ryan “Bum Bum” Hackett was finally able to find the back of the net after several near-misses. He netted in the 24th minute to put Sparta Boss within one goal of equalising, but Road Warriors’ Joao De Souza wasted no

time in handing his team the two-goal lead again in the 28th.

Hackett would score again in the 31st minute and Road Warriors’ Samuel Harrinadan in the 33rd. Sparta Boss finally found their rhythm in the dying minutes of the game, but it was all a little too late and they were unable to find the net again.

Contrastingly, Lady

Meanwhile, Back Circle A rebounded from a crushing loss in the semi-finals to claim the third-place honours with an 8-5 victory over Gold Is Money. Simeon Moore (6th, 20th) and Fabian Abrams (22nd, 37th) netted braces for Back Circle while Chris Macey (11th), Amos Ramsay (13th), Stephon Reynolds (21st) and Ravin Naughton (24th) added one each to their massive tally.

In response, Randolph Wagner had a brace for Gold

Is Money in the 20th and 38th minutes, assisted by one apiece off the boots of Shamar Koulen (21st), Jamal Pedro (27th) and Stephon Jupiter (32nd).

Road Warriors’ Luis DaSilva received the highest goal scorer award for his 10 goals in the competition, while their Captain, Wrendrecky De Souza was adjudged the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP). Their goalkeeper was also hailed as the best in the tournament.

Road Warriors carted off a $2 million cash prize while Sparta Boss had to settle for $1 million. Back Circle A received $400,000 and Gold Is Money $200,000 for their fourth-place finish. The women’s champions, Lady Canaimas pocketed $200,000.

Chase boys, Marian girls dominate as

ExxonMobil

The ExxonMobil Boys’ and Girls’ Under-14 school football tournament got underway at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground on Saturday, with a number of secondary school teams from across the country enjoying contrasting, opening wins.

One such team were Marian Academy’s girls who sent a statement with a 7-0 victory against Bush Lot Secondary in the first game of the competition. Kaleigh Todd (2nd, 6th); Skylar DeNobrega (8th); Haley Haberkorn (9th, 10th, 14th) and Ashley Walton (12th) all found the back of the net in the victory.

A Janicia Rocke strike in the eighth minute made the difference between winners New Central High and Annandale Secondary.

An Ariel Adamas hattrick (4th, 7th, 27th) led St Joseph High to a 4-1 win in the girls’ competition. While Dena Pablo scored St Joseph’s other goal in the 20th minute, Kellyann Ellis netted Charlestown’s consolation in the ninth.

Jhanvi Henrito (8th) and Azaria Persaud (19th) scored in a 2-0 win for Westminster Secondary against West Ruimveldt. Then, another close girls’ encounter saw Chase’s Academic Foundation coming away with a 2-1 win over East Ruimveldt.

Leandra Henrito (21st) and Diana Edwards (24th) accounted for Chase’s two while Rodelisa Collins netted East Ruimveldt’s lone goal.

Goals from Tyan Cox (28th) and Leanna Jonas

U14

off to exciting start

(22nd) resulted in a 1-1 draw for Good Hope and Vreeden-Hoop Secondary. Then Gabrella Taylor netted a brace for Vryman’s Erven 2-0 victory over Dolphin Secondary to close out the girls’ action for the day.

Defending champions for the boys, Chase’s Academic Foundation also sent a warning to the competition with a thumping 6-0 victory over Good Hope Secondary. Trevon Glasgow (2nd); Jadan Christian (8th); Aaron Vasconcellos (14th); Jashan Haynes (17th) and Orlando Wharton (20th), as well as an own goal accounted for their goals.

Also pulling off a massive victory were St John’s College, thumping North Ruimveldt 7-0. Robinho Abrams was the chief marksman with goals in the 2th, 11th and 26th minutes accompanied by one strike each from Jasiah Nedd (8th); Omarion Motayre (22nd); Shangi Welch (28th) and Chindu Obi (31st).

East Ruimveldt cruised past Brickdam Secondary 3-0, with goals from Omari Chase (16th); Josiah Norton (22nd) and an own goal, while West Ruimveldt found it similarly easy, defeating Hope Secondary 4-0. Emmanuel Mordel (15th, 19th), Dominic Lesperance (21st) and Joel Griffith (25th) netted for West.

West Demerara later got past Charlestown Secondary 3-1. Shaquan Harding (5th); Jaden Sumors (20th) and Kymani Taylor (29th) were the goalscorers for West Demerara. Daymetrian Budhan (13th) netted Charlestown’s consolation.

A nail-biting encounter saw Lodge and Leonora Secondary settling for a 2-all draw. Jayden George (5th) and Shameer Persaud (28th) netted for Leonora while Deshawn Thomas (14th) and Gilbert Frank (29th) had the replies for Leonora.

A Darwin Lyte strike in the 28th minute helped

Waramuri Secondary past Annandale while goals off the boots of Abdou Dawud (8th) and Tyler Abrams (11th) lifted Dolphin Secondary to a 2-0 win over Mackenzie High.

Another close encounter saw St Joseph’s High narrowly getting past Marian Academy’s boys 3-2. Joal Stephen produced a hattrick for St Joseph in the 9th, 20th and 28th minutes while Lucas Pinal (11th) and Gael McPherson (12th) responded for Marian.

A Jayde Caesar (11th, 18th) brace and one off the boots of Nkosana Smith (17th) led New Amsterdam Secondary to a 3-1 victory against Christ Church Secondary whose lone goal came from Raheem Gill in the 19th.

Ronaldeo Parkenson’s 28th minute goal made the difference between winners Abram Zuil and New Central High.

Three Miles Secondary also pulled off a major win, defeating Vreed-en-Hoop 7-0. Joshua James (3rd, 10th); Adriano Stoby (5th, 8th); Simeon Martindale (15th); Aron King (23rd) and Akeem DaSilva (27th) were the goalscorers.

An exciting clash saw Charity getting the better of L’Aventure Secondary (42). Christion Smith (1st); Micknon Duke (12th) and Micah James (16th, 30th) netted for Charity while Tyquan Figueria (13th, 17th) scored for L’Aventure.

Then, Cotton Field narrowly got past South

Ruimveldt Secondary 2-1. While Hamilton Fraser (8th, 22nd) accounted for Cotton Field’s two, an own goal on their part handed South a goal. The ExxonMobil U14 action will continue next weekend with more group stage action.

A look at some of the ExxonMobil U14 action on Saturday

Back Circle A receive their prize from Public Works Minister Juan Edghill

A glimpse of the “June Madness” final between Road Warriors and Sparta Boss

Women’s champions Lady Canaimas

and ticket bundle goes live today

Cricket fans in Guyana are in for a season of double the excitement! Starting today, Monday, June 30, supporters attending the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL) will have an exclusive opportunity to secure early access to tickets for the highly-anticipated Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Trinbago Knight Riders clash at the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) on September 6.

As part of a limited-time

ticket bundle, fans who purchase four tickets to either of the first two GSL home matches featuring the Guyana Amazon Warriors will unlock the ability to purchase two tickets for the CPL showdown in the same stand (red, orange, or green) while supplies last. Availability is limited, and fans are encouraged to buy early to avoid missing out.

– July 10, 19:00h.

Guyana Amazon Warriors v Central Stags –July 11, 19:00h.

CPL match eligible for early access:

ed at 223-224 Camp Street, Georgetown, from Monday, June 30 to Wednesday, July 3.

Guyana Amazon Warriors v Trinbago Knight Riders – September 6, 19:00h.

(Maximum of four CPL tickets per person.)

Eligible GSL matches:

Guyana Amazon Warriors v Rangpur Riders

Tickets for the bundle promotion will be available in person only at the Amazon Warriors box office, locat-

Hetmyer and Ramsammy blast Sip & Play into Berbice final of Kares T10

Zeynul Ramsammy and Seon Hetmyer made belligerent half-centuries as Sip & Play Warriors made a powerful statement of their intentions to win the Berbice zone in the third edition of the Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast.

Ramsammy struck a superb 89 from 24 balls, hitting nine sixes and three fours while Hetmyer, the elder brother of Shimron Hetmyer, made an unbeaten 82 (2x4s, 10x6s) from 25 balls as Sip & Play piled on 209-3, the highest total in the history of the tournament.

In response, The Organisation folded for 98-5 in their allotted 10 overs at the Port Mourant Community Centre Ground on Saturday.

Sip & Play will now await the winners of Montra Jaguars and Name Brand Titans match-up to play one of the two semi-finals today.

The star-studded Montra overcame a spirited effort by the youthful New Amsterdam unit, as they successfully chased 76 in 6.4 overs after some early jitters.

Sachin Singh (27*), Jonathon Foo (20), and Raymond Perez (14*) got them over the line after Richard Ramdeholl (24) and Adrian Hetmyer (21) showed their immense talent.

Name Brand Titans defeated Tucber Park by 15 runs after they posted 1155. Over at Number 48 Ground, only two of the five matches were contested due to persistent rain in the afternoon.

The morning winners in the round of 16 were The Organisation over D’Edward Sports Club and Corriverton Spartans against Line Path Raptors.

The remaining roundof-16 fixtures are Ethan XI against Line Path Select XI and Team Legacy against Cotton Tree Die Hard.

Beyond the pitch, GSL delivers an unforgettable fusion of cricket and culture. Fans will enjoy world-class musical performances from Caribbean stars, including Patrice Roberts, Ravi B, Mical Teja, and Nadia Batson – all included in the GSL ticket price.

Sir Clive Lloyd, Chairman of the GSL, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are excited to partner with CPL to offer this amazing bundle package to cricket fans. And with the addition of incredible music acts like Patrice Roberts and Nadia Batson also taking the stage, it truly is a dream package of sport, culture, and entertainment at GSL.”

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unique celebration of Caribbean cricket and entertainment. Get your tickets early and experience the best of both leagues – all in one unforgettable bundle. The Camp Street box office will be open from 08:30h-16:30h (8:30am to 4:30pm) Monday to Friday and 09:00h-13:00h (9:00am to 1:00pm) on Saturday.

Beharry Group launches Little Champions initiative

The Beharry Group on Sunday announced its sponsorship of the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL), marking its inaugural partnership with the premier international cricket event. Through its flagship brands, Champion and Indi, the company steps onto the global stage to support a tournament that celebrates sporting excellence and cultural unity.

Beharry Group Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Suresh Beharry said: “The Beharry Group is proud to support the Global Super League as a first-time sponsor through our Champion and Indi brands. This partnership reflects our commitment to celebrating excellence, uniting communities, and elevating Guyana’s presence on the global stage. We look forward to an exciting tournament that brings together world-class cricket and unforgettable experiences for fans at home and abroad.”

the game and showing them what’s possible through dedication, commitment and teamwork.”

As one of Guyana’s most recognised conglomerates, the Beharry Group has long championed national pride and community development. This new alliance with the GSL exemplifies the Group’s enduring mission to contribute meaningfully to initiatives that bring people together and put Guyana in the international spotlight.

The Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast has garnered support from: Kares Engineering Inc; the Office of the President; the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport; KFC Guyana; Star Rentals; Banks DIH; ENet; Guyana Lottery Company; Regal Stationery and Computer Centre; Impressions,

On Sunday, the organiser, FL Sport, aimed to use three venues – Port Mourant, Number 48, and Jai Hind, to ensure the zone could be concluded on the day. The zone winner will receive $300,000 and a spot in the national playoffs on August 3 at the National Stadium.

Avinash Contracting and Scrap Metal; Shawn’s Mini Mart; Giftland Group of Companies; Kris Jagdeo Construction Company; Montra Restaurant & Lounge; Windsor Estates; The New Doctor’s Clinic; GuyOil; ANSA McAL; SuperBet Guyana; Digital Technology; Camille’s Academy; Navin Construction; Demerara Mutual Life Insurance; Continental Transportation, and Environmental & Technical Solutions.

As part of this collaboration, the Beharry Group is also launching the Little Champions competition – a school-focused initiative in partnership with the Global Super League which will see children from across Guyana invited to attend the GSL as the Beharry Group’s guests. The programme is designed to engage youth across the country and foster a deep connection with the sport at a formative age.

Beharry Group Chief Marketing Officer Malissa Sylvester said: “Through the Little Champions competition, the Beharry Group in partnership with Global Super League are giving schools across Guyana the opportunity to experience the excitement of world-class cricket live at the Guyana National Stadium. This initiative is about inspiring the future generation of cricketers, igniting their passion for

The Global Super League, a multi-national cricket event attracting elite talent and a worldwide audience, is poised to deliver high-octane action and festive engagement across the Caribbean and beyond. With the Beharry Group’s involvement, fans can expect dynamic brand experiences and impactful community outreach programmes that reflect the spirit and flavour of Guyana.

About the ExxonMobil Guyana GSL

The Global Super League is an annual T20 cricket tournament hosted in Guyana, bringing together teams from top cricketing nations. The 2025 tournament will feature five teams competing in 11 thrilling matches, all held at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, from July 10 to 18, 2025. The competing teams for the 2025 tournament will be Central Stags from New Zealand; Dubai Capitals from the United Arab Emirates (UAE); the Guyana Amazon Warriors from the West Indies; Hobart Hurricanes from Australia and Rangpur Riders from Bangladesh. With a focus on delivering high-quality cricket and unforgettable fan experiences, the GSL aims to promote the sport while enhancing Guyana’s reputation on the global stage.

Global Super League Director Jamie Stewart said: “It’s a great pleasure to welcome one of Guyana’s most pre-eminent business houses, Edward B Beharry & Co, as a sponsor of this groundbreaking event. The Group has long connected Guyana to the world and the world to Guyana, via its fully-diversified business activities, as well as being a producer of some of the nation’s most beloved brands. We are delighted that two of those brands, Indi and Champion, will help schoolchildren from around the country attend their first international cricket match as part of their Little Champions initiative.”

Beharry Group Executive Chairman and CEO Suresh Beharry celebrates the partnership with Global Super League Director Jamie Stewart

Gudakesh Motie in action for Montra Jaguars

Zeynul Ramsammy on the attack during his 89

Seon Hetmyer goes big during his blazing 82*

Guyana Amazon Warriors enthusiasts can cash in on a sweet deal beginning today