Elections set for September 1 – Pres Ali
"Dishonest and desperate" – Guyana’s VP condemns Venezuelan Govt for using fake border-crossing video
US rejects Venezuela’s sham elections over Guyana’s Essequibo territory
disturbances – GDF Head; border communities secure, calm
“Maduro is punishing them... they come to Guyana for a better life — now they proudly fly our flag" – Baramita official
Govt never neglects farmers, will continue working to find markets – Agri Minister
Independence is a time to reflect
6 men granted bail after initial remand on terrorism charges
President Dr Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips along with Head of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan; Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Charles Ramson Jr at Guyana’s 59th Independence Anniversary
Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne)
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, May 26 – 03:15h-04:45h and Tuesday, May 27 –03:55h-05:25h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, May 26 – 16:10h-17:40h and Tuesday, May 27 –17:00h-18:30h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
WEATHER TODAY
Rain showers with instances of thunder are expected during the day and at night, with sunshine in the late afternoon. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.
Winds: East North-Easterly to Easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.02 metres.
High Tide: 16:02h reaching a maximum height of 2.67 metres.
Low Tide: 09:34h and 21:48h reaching minimum heights of 0.37 metre and 0.58 metre.
Elections set for September 1 – Pres Ali
…“We are ready to win it for the people of Guyana” – Jagdeo ...vows to build on PPP/C’s record of progress
resident Dr Irfaan Ali has announced that the official date for the 2025 General and Regional Elections will be September 1, 2025, effectively setting a target for political parties to aim and campaign towards for the next four months.
The Head of State made the significant and highly anticipated announcement during his speech at the 59th Independence Flag Raising ceremony at Albion, East Berbice-Corentyne, Region Six on Sunday night.
President Ali noted that the date for elections was arrived at following consultation with Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), (Ret’d) Justice Claudette Singh, on the readiness of the elections agency to conduct elections.
“In keeping with the tenets of democracy and the construct of our constitution, I've had discussions with the Chairwoman of GECOM. And having been assured of their readiness, I've decided to name (September 1st), 2025, as the date for national and regional elections,” the President announced.
“In this election year, I call upon all Guyanese, wherever you live, whatever your history is, to stand for the Defence of our democracy. Let us reject the voices that divide, and any attempt to silence the will of the people,” he added.
According to President Ali, the citizens of Guyana must show, not just through words, but through actions and votes, that the democratic will of Guyanese is not only alive, but strong and unshakeable.
Campaign on vision, track record not hate speech, division
He also sounded a stark warning to political parties that they must campaign on vision and track record, not hate speech and division, in this election year.
“The elections must not
be of two or more sides. It must be about the Guyanese people peacefully making their choice. It must not be about hate, division and indignity. It must be about performance, ideas and vision. It must be about track record, not empty rhetoric. These elections must be marked with love, unity, strength of character, dignity.”
“And after the ballots are cast and the results are announced, it must be about one Government governing for one Guyana. It is about a parliamentary democracy. Debating with purpose. And representing their constituents. It is about healing, love and moving forward with peace and fulfilment,” the President also said.
Ready for elections
Meanwhile, Vice President (VP) and People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo, made it clear that his party was ready for the upcoming polls and would be hitting the ground running, having already done significant grass roots work. He also made it clear that the PPP/C is fully prepared to win. “I welcome President Dr Irfaan Ali’s announcement of September 1st, 2025 as the date for General and Regional Elections. As the General Secretary of the PPP, I am proud to say that we are ready to deliver our message of continued progress to the people of Guyana in the upcoming election campaign,” he said in a statement.
“Importantly, we did not just deliver on our 2020–2025 manifesto — we exceeded it by listening to the needs of our people and taking decisive action. We implemented initiatives that ensured all sections of society benefited — from miners and farmers to public servants, youths, entrepreneurs and ordinary families in every community.”
Jagdeo cited a number of examples of how the PPP has taken care of the people of Guyana since 2020, such as in the case of COVID-19, where they expanded testing, secured life-saving vaccines, reopened the economy, and restored essential public services.
“Within just 40 days, we passed an emergency budget to remove burdensome taxes, support vulnerable groups, and revive critical sectors of the economy. And we did far more than that. In just under five years, we have restored confidence in the economy and created thousands of jobs for the Guyanese people.”
“From agriculture and infrastructure to energy, ICT (information and communications technology) and tourism, we have driven broadbased, inclusive growth. We invested heavily in healthcare, education, affordable housing, social welfare, and built stronger, safer communities. Over this period, thousands of house lots have been distributed, putting land and home ownership within reach for ordinary Guyanese families.”
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Guyana’s Independence Day 2025
Independence Day this year is being commemorated under a cloud occasioned by Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro. He insists he has conducted elections of a governor and eight deputies to their National Assembly to represent Essequibo, which that Assembly had unilaterally declared two years ago was the 28th State of Venezuela. But as an independent nation, we have to look at this effrontery as a challenge that is testing our independence, and use it as an opportunity to help forge us into a nation and so become better equipped to deal with the new, evolving world order.
When we interrogate older nations that have withstood the vicissitudes of centuries-long challenges, we see that to a large degree they used external threats to forge the abovementioned feeling of nationalism to act most effectively to protect and project their national interests. As a matter of fact, the sentiment that Venezuelans were robbed of their birthright by the British – “perfidious Albion” – and its successor state of Guyana over Essequibo has been one of the major nation-building tools by Venezuelan governments long before Maduro. The latter is merely using the issue opportunistically with Venezuelans that want him out, to “rally them around the flag” and overlook his Government’s shortcomings. Venezuelans of all political persuasions, ethnicity, or residence agree that “Essequibo is theirs” and en passant, it is for this reason we have to be very circumspect in allowing the Venezuelans to enter as refugees. They can easily be converted into fifth columnists who will support a new government in Caracas in the future.
At this time, therefore, as Maduro ratchets up the pressure on our sovereignty, Guyanese must emulate the Venezuelans and be as one on the border controversy. It is for this reason that it was quite unfortunate – to say the least – for the Opposition in the National Assembly to not support the bill that declares our stand that the 1899 Arbitral Award was full and “final”. This is tantamount to aiding and abetting the enemy. However, this anomaly may be rectified very soon since the general election is due within months.
Gandhi once said in reference to the problematic of leadership that “There goes my people. I must follow them, for I am their leader.” Meaning that supporters of the Opposition can signal their rejection of the unpatriotic stance of their erstwhile leaders by voting for the party that has never wavered in their support of a national position against Venezuela’s presumptions on their border controversy. The Opposition Leaders would then be forced to follow their supporters on this issue and in this manner possibly wider areas of commonality could emerge with the present government, which the former claim they desire.
Ironically, this move by the Opposition to ignore the sentiments of their supporters on the most pressing national issue comes at a point of our history when, for the first time since independence, we have the economic wherewithal to deal with the bread and butter issues that have challenged us since 1966. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs have long shown that man’s physiological needs must first be taken care of. The Opposition must be honest to accept that thousands of jobs are going abegging that can fulfil those physiological needs, while many claim they are “unemployed”. They must also be honest to educate their supporters that all development takes time and that in the early stages we are presently in, there may be some supply and demand mismatches in labour.
The news that Guyana is the only country in the world that can be self-sufficient in food production should be welcomed in view of concerns that we may experience Trinidad’s sorry history when our oil is depleted as theirs is presently. What that factoid suggests is that the government’s decision to diversify our economy in the production of food – crops, livestock, fish etc – is very salutary, and will deliver us into real independence. The news that Trinidad had to accept food from India as aid should be an object lesson for our leaders.
Uniformed groups and civic responsibility
Dear Editor,
Have you noticed there has been a decline in the number of students who are members of uniformed groups? There was a time in our recent history where groups such as Cadets, Brownies, Girl Guides, Pathfinders, Boys Brigade and Scouts were among the most sought after for extracurricular activities.
A uniformed group is a collection of individuals, typically associated with a specific organisation or institution, who wears a distinct uniform to distinguish them from others. These groups often have a structured hierarchy as well as rules and sanctions.
For example, the Scout Association of Jamaica's mission statement focuses on developing young people into responsible citizens. This is achieved by promoting character development, instilling skills, and fostering a sense of loyalty and thoughtfulness. The aim is to assist boys to become resourceful community members through mental, physical, and spiritual development. Uniformed groups are known to build self-confidence, resilience, discipline and teamwork.
Sadly, a significant number of today’s youths are not interested in volunteerism. The answer is not that complex; most youngsters are reluctant to give their time and resources without some tangible re-
turn. The society has become deeply materialistic. To a large extent success is solely measured by material possessions. Values such as honesty, responsibility, integrity and empathy are not as valued any more.
The society has moved beyond such idealistic virtues to a culture of what can be seen, touched and bragged about. Our youngsters are not to be blamed given that the wider society also operates on this modus operandi. It is rather unfortunate that with the emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education the society has lost focus on non- STEM issues which are also critical pillars to the overall development of the student. The aim of a responsive education system is one that ensures that our youngsters develop into responsible citizens.
Irresponsible youths often times become irresponsible adults. In recent times we have heard of a number of disturbing instances where children have been attacked, sexually assaulted and murdered. Additionally, gender-based violence is obviously on the increase. All is not well in the society and measures must now be created and implemented to target that section of the population.
Responsible citizenship is more than a label. Responsible citizenship
means acting responsibly towards peace, justice, human rights, good values, and social justice. Responsible citizenship refers to an individual's awareness of their community and active participation in civic activities, such as voting and community service.
Some studies indicate that participation in uniform groups can improve social and behavioural outcomes given that this is a channel for the promotion of good values and attitudes. The classroom experience can be a rather toxic journey. The school itself often times is a site of conflict and this is problematic. Regrettably, so many of our urban communities are in a state of physical and social decay. Responsible citizenship is a learnt behaviour and as such the society must be intentional about the society we wish to have. It is instructive that the society has Vision 2030, however, the society needs to revisit the ways to achieve such a development plan.
Vision 2030 Jamaica is the country’s first longterm strategic development plan, and covers the 21-year period, 2009-2030. It embodies the plans and processes for the realisation of a collective vision, encapsulated in the statement: “Jamaica, the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business.”
The teaching of Civics should be compulsory across both the primary and secondary levels of the education system. All Jamaicans students should be required to set a national grade Nine test on Responsible Citizenship. Too often what happens is that Civics is not done at the traditional high schools; however, the society must now be deliberate regarding subjects being offered to our students.
Of course, we would like all students to pass Eight or Nine Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) subjects, however, we should be aware of the challenges and disconnect across the various levels of the education system which undoubtedly impacts student outcomes. In fact, being part of a uniformed group should be a prerequisite for graduation at both the primary and secondary levels.
In order to create a gentler society, the society must be calculated regarding civic responsibility. The society must return to a time when students get involved in various uniformed groups in order to facilitate this societal transformation. As a result it is important that partnerships be formed so as to foster a society where social justice takes centre stage.
Yours sincerely, Wayne Campbell
President Dr Irfaan Ali rallies with Essequibo residents on Saturday evening, May 24, at the National Patriotic Concert, which showcased national unity and patriotism during the run-up to Independence Day
The PPP/C's motto, mantra and manifesto is to serve all carefully, consciously and competently
Dear Editor, Guyana’s policies and principles are protected by a Parliament; rules, regulations, laws and orders are entrenched through its constitution, freedom of speech is guarantee but guarded by governance; freedom of movement is not manipulated but is manifested by mobility, and her sovereignty is sustained and secured by her fortified forces and foreign friends.
Led by youth, vigour and vitality from a vibrant PPP/C Government, this young nation is at a crucial juncture of its historic economic recovery, progressive development, prosperous transformation, political and social integration. Its global acknowledgement, acceptance, recognition and endorsement as a leading nation transgressing from poverty to prosperity, has become the apple of the eye in the Southern Hemisphere. On this unprecedented journey, she is envied by a few greedy ones but also found sound support, especially from her proud Caribbean sister islands, and also from the rest of the international community.
As this country observes her 59th year of
Independence, Guyana’s jurisdiction over Essequibo is once again challenged by her ambitious Western neighbour, The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Venezuela is led by an authoritarian dictator, Nicholas Maduro, who is not accepted as the legitimate President among the rest of the world except for her allies, Russia, China, Iran, Bolivia, Cuba, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
This external threat has seen Guyana garnering immense reinforcement from her friends to avow her defence. On the eve of her celebration, Guyana is worried about a proposed election for governorship of the Cinderella County, Essequibo, from Maduro. A border dispute raised by Venezuela is currently awaiting a decision from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in Hague. Guyana has maintained respect for the Court’s patience as she awaits to abide by the decision.
Meanwhile, the ICJ has issued an order refraining Venezuela to perpetrate, penetrate or provoke any action which is deemed contradictory to the Provisional measures as indicated by its December 1, 2023 Order.
One of the clauses include, “Pending a final decision in the case, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela shall refrain from conducting elections, or preparing to conduct elections, in the territory of dispute, which the Co-operative Republic of Guyana currently administers and over which it exercises control.”
Of great concern to Guyana, the Government, the citizens, more so, sympathisers to the PNC Party, is the recent walk out by that Party and its members, led by an irascible person, who continues to dig a hole for himself and take down his associates. Daily he fades into the twilight of irrelevance as he acts irresponsibly much to the ire of those who helped to give him prominence.
At a time when the ship needs all hands-on deck, the Opposition chose to abandon ship and leave their mates to sink or face the heat by themselves. How can Guyanese put their trust and fate in the PNC when they refuse to stand in solidarity to pass important legislations in defence of the nation? Little boys and girls cannot do the job that’s meant for big men and women.
The PNC has once again shamed the nation, embarrassed their supporters and let down the young people. Guyanese will remember them when election time comes around.
After fifty-nine years of independence, the PNC still remains handcuffed in an abyss of blindness, blind-sided by a visionless prospectus and shackled in the domain of tyranny. As they continue to sideline national issues and attempt to stray the innocent with propaganda, the PPP/C Government persists with its upward trend to take this country from rags to riches. Currently embroiled in the Younge fiasco, the PNC is struggling to gain poor political mileage in impoverishing the family with false hopes, lies and absurdity.
Under the mantle of the PNC, that Party for thirty-three years has consistently led this country and its people down the “Road to Perdition.” A party that is notorious for stealing and rigging referendums and elections, the PNC is bold, brazen and bare-faced to stop at nothing in order to grab control through the back door to gain power! It’s an established fact and
Elections set for September 1...
FROM PAGE 3
now the international community has relinquished any affinity with their demonic behaviour, severed any affiliation with their systemic corruption and refused to be blindfolded with their lies, dishonesty and dishonour.
From the conceptualisation of the PNC Party, a devious Burnham has sired Satanic influence to lay the foundation of doom and gloom, characterising the epitome of violence, vengeance and vulgarism as arteries of poisonous offsprings. Although the brave Hoyte ventured into some courageous endeavours, he was short lived by the first free and fair election in 1992, which saw the PNC catapulted into twenty-eight years of being frustratingly side-lined! But they did not stay quiet. Rather, in the interim, they sowed the seed of cutthroats, pirates and buccaneers, to reap the benefit of a victory by a challenged one-seat majority at the 2015 election.
A puerile Granger was no match as a ranger to harness an existential proclivity to win the mother of all elections in 2020.
Thanks to the astute presence of an array of observers at all levels, a vigilante ABCE persisted to be proactive and coherently concerned for democracy. The international community was conscious of an attempted rigging mechanism by the PNC to indulge in defrauding the result of the election and forge a win for themselves. It has been fifty-nine years of freedom from British Imperialism as an independent country, including fifty-five years as a Republic state since Guyana has relinquished the British Monarchy as the head of this nation. Through the translucent lens of a telescope for a fulfilled future and under the transparent lens of a microscope for current conditions, the PPP/C Government remains steadfast in accountability, responsibility and productivity. Their motto, mantra and manifesto is to serve all carefully, consciously and competently. Happy 59th Independence Anniversary fellow Guyanese.
Yours respectfully, Jai Lall
The VP also recalled that the PPP/C was able to temper the impact of the global increase in the cost of living by increasing disposable income across both the private and public sectors. They also introduced measures like water and electric subsidies, tax waivers on fuel and a more liberal telecommunications sector to reduce the cost of data and other services.
“We also reduced mortgage interest rates and implemented a range of additional measures aimed at putting more money into people’s pockets. At the same time, we tackled rising living costs through targeted interventions for the elderly, unemployed, women, youth, and vulnerable communities, while safeguarding jobs and incomes nationwide.”
The way forward
“As we look ahead to 2025–2030, our re-election campaign will focus on our plans to build on this strong foundation. We will modernise education by embedding STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), AI (artificial intelligence) and digital skills in classrooms, increasing scholarships, and growing a Digital Guyana.”
“Housing development will accelerate with the distribution of 5,000 house lots annually, alongside new climate- resilient communities like Silica City. Major infrastructure projects — including new bridges, high-
The General Secretary also mapped out the way forward, shining a light on what Guyanese can expect from another PPP/C Government. This will include creating thousands more jobs across new and traditional sectors, expanding healthcare services with over 6,000 new jobs in that sector alone, and establishing hubs for medical tourism, biotech, and information technology.
ways, deep-water harbours, modern airports, and waterfront developments — will reshape our national landscape, boost connectivity, and support economic diversification.”
Jagdeo emphasised that Guyanese can expect more pro-business reforms and Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) financing, and the continuation of work in a number of key areas.
“These include improving garbage collection and community drainage systems to foster cleaner, healthier neighbourhoods, expanding street lighting and other initiatives to enhance community safety, and making more land available for small miners and farmers, to boost productivity and support sustainable livelihoods.”
Opposition
Jagdeo also took aim at the opposition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change
(AFC), who he noted had no track record to campaign on. Jagdeo highlighted the fact that the Opposition has sustained itself by continuing to sow division.
“Needless to say, throughout our term, we have faced relentless obstruction from the Parliamentary Opposition, whose political games have done the country a disservice. The PNCR/ APNU/AFC/WPA, in whatever form they present themselves to the electorate, have no track record to stand on – no record of delivering for the Guyanese people – and nothing credible to offer the electorate. As such, Guyanese can expect their characteristic campaign of lies, racism and division to continue, along with the usual long list of unrealistic, lofty, populist promises, which they have no intention of fulfilling. Our Party anticipates this and we will meet this challenge head-on, exposing their deception at every turn.”
Page Foundation
No election activities in Guyana's Essequibo region by Venezuela
…"dishonest and desperate" – Guyana’s VP condemns Venezuelan Govt for using fake border-crossing video …no disturbances – GDF Head; border communities secure, calm …“Maduro is punishing them... they come to Guyana for a better life — now they proudly fly our flag" – Baramita official
By Vahnu Manikchand
Several frontline indig-
enous communities at Guyana’s border with neighbouring Venezuela were buzzing with patriotism, peace and calm on Sunday May 25 –a day when the Nicolás Maduro regime had set for so-called elections to appoint a Governor and legislative council for the Essequibo region – a territo-
of the video.
"Dishonest and desperate"
These actions by the Maduro regime were described by Guyana’s VP Dr Bharrat Jagdeo as a sign of desperation in Caracas.
“It is dishonest and a sign of desperation when the Vice President of Venezuela has to use a fake video to support their false claims that persons
ry that is internationally recognised as Guyana’s. However, there were no such electoral activities held in any of the communities on local land, as Guyana’s borders remained intact. In fact, Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Omar Khan, confirmed this to the Guyana Times on Sunday evening, noting that the bordering communities were largely uneventful throughout the day.
“No reports of any disturbances. All quiet,” the Army Chief indicated in a brief comment to this newspaper.
This was witnessed firsthand during a Governmentorganised trip to Region One (Barima-Waini), one of Guyana’s regions that shares a border with the Spanishspeaking nation. The visit was organised not just to allay fears among Guyanese over Venezuela’s threats and its spurious claims to the resource-rich Essequibo, which is two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass, but also to combat misinformation being peddled by Caracas.
This was proven to be necessary after Venezuelan Vice President (VP) Delcy Rodrigues, falsely shared a video, purporting to show persons boarding a boat to travel from Guyana across the Essequibo River into Venezuela to vote in Sunday’s elections. However, that video was in fact taken at the Stabroek Market Wharf in Georgetown, where persons were crossing the Demerara River to the Vreeden-Hoop Wharf. It was deliberately misrepresented by several Venezuelan Government officials despite the renowned Stabroek Market could be clearly seen in the background
are crossing the border to vote in their elections, when in fact it was a boat operating via the Demerara River, taking passengers from Georgetown to Vreed-en-Hoop,” VP Jagdeo told this publication on Sunday evening.
During Sunday’s visit, several private and state media houses were taken to various frontline communities, mostly indigenous areas, within and surrounding the Region One of Port Kaituma, Matthew’s Ridge and Mabaruma.
One of the areas visited was Imbotero, a remote frontline community in Guyana where a Venezuelan army base is just across the Barima River, which separates the two neighbouring South American nations. With a Police Station and GDF ranks stationed at the border location – a roughly 25 minutes boat ride from Mabaruma, residents there went about their routine activities amidst peace and calm throughout the day. Police Commander of Regional Division One, Senior Superintendent Krishna Ramana, explained that there is regular patrolling of that border location both by the police and army.
“The area is safe and calm, and we’ve seen no aggression [on Sunday]. And it will remain this way because we’ve been observant… It is very quiet. The residents are going about their daily lives… no one is in fear… and we’ve not seen strange movement or any strange activity that is happening,” the Police Commander told reporters during Sunday’s visit to Region One.
Another location visited was the indigenous community of Baramita in Region One, which also shares the border
with Venezuela.
Not frightened
Residents there also went about their normal routine, heading to church in the morning and then gathering throughout the community to display their defiance of Venezuela’s attempt to drive fear and intimidation among Guyanese.
Deputy Toshao of Baramita, Yonita James, told reporters that the Village Council has been working with residents to assure them of their safety and security.
“We encourage them not to be scared… They [used to] get scared many times and then people go away. They (Venezuela) just frightening us but we are not frightened. We does encourage [villagers] to stay strong because we done know Essequibo is ours,” James contended.
Home to just over 1000 Guyanese, mainly from the
come a Guyanese but it’s difficult for them,” she related.
The Deputy Toshao also told reporters that leading up to Sunday, no one from Venezuela came into their village to campaign for those elections.
“Let me make in known clearly that Essequibo belongs to Guyana and we all should feel safe and secure in Baramita,” James declared.
While confident of the Government’s, including the military, efforts to protect cit-
Amerindian Carib tribe, Baramita is about three hours from the border with Venezuela. According to the Deputy Toshao, Venezuelans usually travel to their village to buy ration – some have even settled there after fleeing hardships in the neighbouring Spanish-speaking nation.
“I think [the Venezuelans here] want to be citizens of Guyana… We have Venezuelans in we village right now. We went yesterday [erecting flags everywhere] and even their house, we put the flag and we explained to them that they’re in Guyana and this Guyana’s flag, and if they take it down, we gonna charge them or deport them. They didn’t say anything. They keep asking for more flags.”
“Maduro is suffering them”
“Maduro is suffering them and punishing them, make they come over into we country and they living a better life here...They (Venezuelans) proud of the Guyana flag,” the Baramita official stated.
According to James, there are approximately 100 Venezuelans living in Baramita. On Sunday, the Village Council official indicated that there were no reports of any of these migrants travelling back to Venezuela to vote in Maduro’s elections.
“Most of these Venezuelans here right now want try to get their Guyanese ID (identification) cards. They want to be-
izens there, the Baramita official expressed her desire to see an increase in the number of army personnel in the border village.
Domain awareness
However, National Security Advisor, Captain Gerry Gouveia, explained that there is domain awareness all along Guyana’s borders with Venezuela and boots on the ground is reflective of the level of threat being faced.
“Military deployment and police deployment is directly proportional to the threat we feel and if there are imminent issues. Fortunately, at this
the area quickly, if such a need arises.
“We have soldiers at Port Kaituma and Mabaruma, and we constantly have patrols. Even though you see these [soldiers] here, we have patrols at the borders and patrols through the jungle all the time. This is a big jungle area so this is not about having large volumes of troops, this is about having domain awareness of what is happening around us.”
Captain Gouveia was part of the team that travelled to the frontline community, where he interacted with residents and reassured them that all 83,000 square miles of Guyana is safe.
The National Security Advisor subsequently told reporters that there were no unusual reports from the ground in the region.
“The place is very very quiet, very calm. I think the residents in this area are also alert based on what Venezuela was saying but we’ve had no unusual reports or anything to be concerned about. [This visit] was basically to reassure the citizens and to ask them for their support. But we didn’t have to do that because all of them are very very gung-ho about the territorial integrity of Guyana.”
Captain Gouveia was at the speaking to the reporters at the Baramita Multipurpose Building, where scores of patriotically dressed residents had gathered. Among them were several Venezuelan citizens who are now residing in the community.
“Make me get vex and cry”
One young man, Christopher Alfonso, told reporters that he moved to Baramita about two years ago
time, the strengthening of our military on the ground here is indicative of the assessment of the threat by the military high command.”
In the same breath however, Captain Gouveia declared there is capability to reinforce
in search of betterment after fleeing hardship in his homeland. Despite being taught otherwise for his entire life in Venezuela, he recognised that Essequibo is not Spanish territory.
“This is your culture, your
people… This is not Venezuelan people [in Essequibo]. We, Spanish people, come from Venezuela for better life. This is not we country, we know it’s not we country but we come [here] for better life, for work,” the 28-year-old Venezuelan national told reporters.
Another Venezuelan national, who has been living in Pakera Village near Matthews Ridge for several years now with her husband and even gave birth to her four-yearold child here, declared that Essequibo belongs to Guyana. The woman was very emotional while speaking with reporters and recalling the difficulties she faced in Venezuela. She completely rejected Maduro’s claims to Guyana’s Essequibo territory.
“I don’t want the President Maduro come here and destroy this country at all. This is something that make me get vex and cry because I don’t want this man come here and destroy [Guyana] like what he do my beautiful country,” the woman said tearfully.
“The man aint make no sense to come and fight for land here [or] for the oil because it’s the only thing he want come and fight for …the money, the gold. How much gold Venezuela didn’t get? Venezuela get nuff gold, diamond, nuff money, nuff nature, nuff thing, and we done with all of that and he want come destroy here now.”
Meanwhile, another indigenous community that borders Venezuela, Arakaka – about 12 miles away from Port Kaituma, was also calm on Sunday.
Chairman of the Arakaka District Council, John Phillips, made it clear that there have been no attempts by Venezuelan officials to hold elections in that village.
“We don’t have no problems as far the elections are concerned. Everything is quiet… All the residents feel secure because no one trouble anybody here. We’re just going about our daily work and everything,” he related.
Arakaka is home to about 67 residents. According to Phillips, there are a few Venezuelans who have settled there but they got along well with the locals.
In addition to two-thirds of Guyana’s resource-rich landmass, Venezuela is also laying claim to Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) where nearly 11 billion barrels of oil have been discovered. Venezuela’s spurious claims to Guyana’s territory, including its elections, have been widely condemned by the international community.
The decades-old border controversy between the two countries are currently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which Guyana has asked for a final and binding settlement of the 1899 Arbitral Award which demarcates the boundaries between the two neighbours. Earlier this month, the World Court barred Venezuela from conducting any elections in Guyana’s Essequibo region.
The video taken at the Stabroek Market Wharf in Georgetown that was deliberately misrepresented by Venezuelan Government officials
A quiet Arakaka Village near Port Kaituma in Region One on Sunday
Calm at Imbotero, where Guyana (left) and Venezuela (right) have a military presence along the Barima River
A Venezuelan migrant who has settled in Guyana’s Pakera Village near Matthews Ridge speaking with reporters on Sunday
6 men granted bail after initial remand on terrorism charges
SCourt.
The accused—18-yearold Marvin Sears of Lot 1 Smythe and Durban Streets,
Georgetown; 23-year-old Jamal Cornette of Lot 77 Farm Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD); 25-year-old Kevin Thomas of Lot 63 Fourth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown; 38-year-old Dion Norville of Sussex Street, Charlestown, Georgetown; 21-year-old Shamar Ross of Lot 1667 Westminster Street, West Bank Demerara (WBD); and 21-year-old Shane Burnette of Lot 1791 Parfaite Harmonie, WBD—were each granted bail in the sum of GY$250,000.
Their initial court appearance was held on May 2, 2025, during which they were not required to enter a plea. However, on Wednesday, all six pleaded not guilty.
The allegation before the court is that on April 28, 2025, the men committed a terrorist act in Georgetown by dangerously manoeuvring their motorcycles in traffic. According to the charge, they rode in large groups, at high speeds, weaving between vehicles and occupying both lanes of the roadways.
Prosecutors had previously objected to bail, citing the serious nature of the charge. The state’s case claimed the defendants’ actions led to widespread disruption, including school and business closures and flight cancellations due to public fear.
At the initial hearing, Attorney Domnick Bess represented Sears, while Darren Wade appeared on behalf of Cornette, Thomas, Norville, Ross, and Burnette. Bess told the court that his client had been arrested alone on Smythe Street and was not part of any group. He argued that Sears was innocent of the charges.
Wade too, challenged the terrorism charge, questioning how riding in two lanes could be deemed an act of terror. He suggested the incident, if anything, merited traffic-related charges instead and asked that the men be released on self-bail.
At Wednesday’s hearing, Bess and Wade jointly represented Burnette. Bess also represented Sears and Cornette alongside Attorney Dexter Smartt, while Wade remained the legal representative for Thomas, Norville, and Ross.
The defence attorneys maintained that the charges lacked foundation and that there was no evidence to support claims that the men incited public terror. Bess further emphasised that his clients had been arrested individually — Sears near his home on Smyth Street, and Burnette alone at Stabroek Market.
After considering the bail applications, Magistrate Azore granted bail with conditions. Each defendant must report to the Ruimveldt Police Station every Monday at 9 am. Magistrate Azore warned that failure to comply with this condition would lead to revocation of bail.
Free…
…at last??
Well, here we are…we made it to Independence Day #59!! Not bad for a country birthed under the curse that it was “a state and not a nation”!! We got the flag, the national motto and the national anthem – not to mention a national hero. But sadly, we’d become even more divided than the “land of six peoples” we’d boasted about in the lead-up to Independence. Some thought that it was the White Man who’d kept all that hostility directed at them – and once they were gone, we turned against ourselves. It’s a dog-eat-dog world, innit??
Anyhow, a happy Independence Day to you Dear Readers!! And let’s be thankful we aren’t in as bad a shape as some other countries out there!! Look at Trinidad whose leader once sneered to our President that “Trinidad ain’t no ATM machine”!! Well, they just had to accept a care package in food from India – once the poster child for poverty!! While it ain’t good form to kick folks when they’re down, your Eyewitness thinks it’ll be good for their (national) soul if they were to apologise to us for treating us like dirt for so many years.
So, what about us?? We’re hosting an “all-parliamentary” delegation from India that wants to “convey India’s strong message of zero-tolerance for terrorism in all its forms and manifestations”. It’s good for us that we’re important enough to warrant a visit from the two old rivals India and Pakistan. We’ve great bonds with both India and Pakistan –the country their anti-terrorism message is directed against – so it’s nothing personal for us to declare that we also denounce terrorists. And here let your Eyewitness add –this goes against both the domestic and foreign varieties!! We just experienced the former type in a comparatively milder eruption with the looting, burnings and beatings reprising our experience from two decades ago with some self-styled “freedom fighters”!! We gotta deal condignly with terrorists of all stripes and provenances!!
Another lesson we can learn from our parliamentary visitors is from the fact that they were willing to not only bury the hatchet over their fierce domestic political divides – but when it came to their country’s benefit vis-a-vis the outside world, they were more than willing to work together!! Your Eyewitness really believes we’ll only be qualified to call ourselves “independent” when we can free ourselves from our petty parochial compulsions – and stand shoulder to shoulder for our beautiful land of Guyana!!
We don’t want to belabour all the threats our country face…a madman in the west; a global struggle for dominance in which we can be caught afoot and crushed -- or an Armageddon by nuclear powers.
Let’s quit with bickering, shall we??
workers?
The cussed topic of Chinese workers in our country has cropped up again – this time because of a blurb on the status of the new Demerara Harbour Bridge. We were informed that out of the 1133 workers slogging away to finish construction for an August opening, a mere 134 were Guyanese. And that’s the typical ratio on all the Chinese projects sprouting across the landscape like Jumbie Umbrellas – ever since the Marriott was slapped together back in 2013.
Now we’re being told the ratio is what it is, ‘cause there ain’t enough local workers – but your Eyewitness knows that’s only because there’s a mismatch between where the projects are going up and where bodies are twiddling their thumbs. Your Eyewitness suggests that just as the Chinese workers are housed in temporary quarters near their worksites – these same can be done for Guyanese from different parts of the country.
There will be creation of jobs – but with the added feature of creating skilled construction workers who’re gonna remain in our country!!
…Canuck support
Canada has added its voice to that of America in warning Mad Maduro to quit with the nonsense of “electing” officials for Essequibo. But was it necessary since they’ll soon be the 51st state of America?
ix men who were previously remanded on terrorism-related charges were granted bail
on Wednesday, following an appearance before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’
The men who were granted bail
$28.7B approved to advance upgrades to electricity transmission system
– Canadian consultant on board for project; GtE for 2026 completion
Asupplementary sum of $28.7 billion, to advance necessary upgrades and expansion to the electrical grid, was among the overall $57.4 billion that was approved by the National Assembly on Friday.
Meanwhile, it has also been revealed that the Gasto-Energy (GtE) Project will have an overall completion date of next year.
On Friday, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government approached the National Assembly to have supplementary funds approved for a number of projects. One such project will go towards advancing the US$422.2 million in upgrades and expansion of the DemeraraBerbice Interconnected System (DBIS) transmission system.
PowerChina International Group Limited had been allocated Lots one and three of these projects, while Kalpataru Projects International Limited was awarded Lot two. According to Prime Minister (PM), (Ret’d) Brigadier Mark Phillips, the requested $28.7 billion will ensure these projects can be completed.
“The requested sum of $28.7 billion is to facilitate mobilisation advance payments and interim payments projected to December 2025, in accordance with the signed EPC (Engineering, procurement, and construction) contracts. This project will be done in three lots,” he said.
The projects will involve the construction of approximately 155 kilometres (km) of double-circuit, 230-kilovolt (kV) transmission lines, the upgrade of the Kingston substation, the installation of distribution feed-
ers at Enmore and Victoria, and the construction of new substations at La Bonne Intention (LBI), Trafalgar, and Williamsburg.
PM Phillips noted that the works are expected to be completed within one year of the disbursement of the 15 per cent advance payment. He further stated that Canadian firm Method4 Engineering will provide consultancy services across all three project lots, at a total cost of US$7 million.
“The consultancy is all embedded in the amount here for the three lots. And it amounts to US$7 million. That is the total sum for the consultancy associated with all three lots… the name of the company that was allocated the consultancy contract is Method4. It’s a Canadian company.”
“GPL (Guyana Power and Light Inc) has an expansion plan. Every year, they prepare expansion plans for five years. So, everything here is linked into GPL’s overall expansion plan. What we’re doing is identifying work to be done, in keeping with the expansion plan.”
GtE Project
When it comes to the GtE Project, which will have to be integrated into the DBIS system, the PM, under questioning from the Opposition, revealed that this would be completed in the second quarter of 2026… thus between April and June. The PM also committed to providing the percentage completed at a later time.
The PPP/C Administration’s flagship GtE initiative is divided into five components: the pipeline from offshore production activities to Wales, the building of the power plant and Natural Gas
Liquid (NGL) facilities, the transmission main to move power generated at the power plant, a new control centre at Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD) and upgrading the national power grid.
LNDCH4 was awarded the US$759 million contract in November 2022 to build the 300 Megawatts (MW) Combined Cycle Power Plant and an NGL facility at Wales, West Bank Demerara (WBD) – key components of the GtE Project.
Upon completion, the project is expected to substantially lower electricity generation costs, which have significant implications for the Guyanese economy, fostering more competitive production costs and stimulating broader economic growth.
The Government has said that the GtE Project will provide the fiscal space to cut the cost of power by 50 per cent and replace imported heavy fuel oil (HFO) with Guyana’s natural gas as the main source of electricity generation will significantly reduce emissions.
The country also experiences power instability, partly due to rising demand outpacing supply. GtE will boost generating capacity by more than 100 per cent, and is part of a larger strategy to reduce power outages.
ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) has already finished constructing the gas pipeline, and the transmission lines and substations required for integration of the project are significantly advanced.
GPL’s Executive Management Committee (EMC) Head, Kesh Nandlall; Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), Alfred King and Prime Minister (Retired) Brigadier Mark Phillips, during questioning on Friday
Regional Chairman of Region Three, Ayube Inshaan; regional officals and members of the Disciplined Forces were among those gathered for the Region 3 flag-raising ceremony at the Vreed-en-Hoop regional office
Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd took part in the Independence flag-raising ceremony in Linden, Region 10.
The Bartica Community Centre on Sunday saw a gathering of regional leaders, residents and members of the Disciplined Forces for their flag-raising ceremony, which was held under the theme, "National Unity and Reflection"
Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal attended the Moruca, Region One flag-raising ceremony on Sunday
On Saturday, Toshao of White Water, Andrew Cox and a team journeyed to the Amacuro River border, where the international boundary marker that distinguishes between the territory of Guyana and Venezuela
EMC Foundation launches "Arya Takes a Swim" audio series, audiobook
On May 23, the Environmental Management Consultants (EMC) Foundation launched the "Arya Takes a Swim" audio series and audiobook, at the Umana Yana in Georgetown.
The pioneering English and Arawak audio materials are based on the groundbreaking children’s book "Arya Takes a Swim". The event, celebrated by prominent personalities and enthusiastic attendees, marked a significant step in promoting marine conservation and education among Guyana's youth.
The "Arya Takes a Swim" audio series and audiobook is a heartfelt tribute to First Lady Arya Ali, in recognition of her unwavering commitment to environmental conservation. The central character, a green turtle, was named in her honour.
The launch, hosted on World Turtle Day, brought together speakers who shared their insights and praised the initiative. First Lady, Arya Ali, expressed her joy and support for the project, “I commend the EMC Foundation and its partners for this inclusive and imaginative approach to education and conservation. You are not only educating our nation's children; you are empowering them. You're providing them with tools that inform and inspire them to learn more about the environment,” she stated.
The First Lady added that the audiobook addresses causes close to her heart, including environmental protection, youth empowerment, and literacy. She noted that the project is a beautiful example of what can be achieved when Government, Non-Governmental organisations, and international partners work together.
British High Commissioner, Jane Miller, underscored the British High Commission’s support for projects like "Arya Takes a Swim" audio series and audiobook, stating,
“We've really enjoyed our collaboration with the EMC Foundation – a great example of a catalytic and innovative project that brings Guyana's beauty and the blue economy to life, and highlights the importance of a sustainable and healthy ocean environment.”
Founder and Director of the EMC Foundation, Shyam Nokta, in his remarks, highlighted that "Arya Takes a Swim" –Guyana’s first children’s book on turtle tagging – is once again making waves, as the first Arawak children’s audiobook on marine turtle conservation in Guyana. He also expressed excitement for future projects aligned with the Foundation’s mission of raising environmental awareness through education.
“We obviously would like to continue to take this initiative forward. Our dream is to see this audio series featured on the Ministry of Education's channel so it can be accessed by communities across the country. We also hope to see "Arya Takes a Swim" available in Arawak in schools and Indigenous communities throughout Guyana,” he noted.
Deputy Commissioner of the Protected Areas Commission (PAC), Fitzroy Sealey, shared updates on turtle conservation efforts in Guyana, noting encouraging trends in nesting and hatchlings at the Shell Beach Protected Area. He commended the EMC Foundation and Environmental Management Consultants Inc for their vital role in the Turtle Telemetry Programme, and expressed the PAC’s eagerness for future collaborations.
Toshao of St Cuthbert’s Mission, Alvoro Simon, offered insights into the community's cultural and conservation efforts, emphasising how pivotal a project like this is in preserving Indigenous languages. He pointed out that his community has faced challenges in maintaining their language,
The "Arya Takes a Swim" audio series and audiobook project was implemented by the EMC Foundation with support from the Blue Social Challenge Fund Pilot, part of the United Kingdom’s (UK) Sustainable Blue Economy Programme. It is part of the EMC Foundation’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness and foster a collective commitment to marine turtle conservation in Guyana.
but with plans to teach it in schools; this project will play a vital role in that initiative.
It is inspired by the real-life Turtle Telemetry Programme at Shell Beach, and follows the journey of a green turtle named Arya. Through immersive narration and rich sound design, the series encourages children and families across the country to explore and protect the marine environment – making marine conservation more accessible, engaging, and inspiring for all.
Following the launch, the audio series and audio-
book will be distributed to schools and communities across Guyana, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, to embed the values of conservation in the educational curriculum.
The audiobook will also feature prominently on radio stations across Guyana, further emphasising its role in conservation awareness.
EMC Foundation ex-
tended its gratitude to all the speakers, attendees, and supporters who contributed to the success of the launch. Special thanks were extended to First Lady Ali, the British High Commission, PAC, REEL Guyana, the residents of St Cuthbert’s Mission, and all partners and collaborators for their support and dedication to marine conservation.
"Arya Takes a Swim" books on display at the event
First Lady Arya Ali; British High Commissioner Jane Miller; Founder and Director of the EMC Foundation, Shyam Nokta; Toshao of St Cuthbert’s Mission, Alvoro Simon and Deputy Commissioner of the Protected Areas Commission, Fitzroy Sealey, among others, at the launch
Guyanese pride on display at Essequibo dawn flag-raising ceremony
As dawn broke over the Essequibo Coast, hundreds of Guyanese gathered at the Anna Regina Car Park, Supenaam, and Charity on Sunday morning to commemorate the nation’s 59th Independence Anniversary with a vibrant and patriotic flag-raising ceremony.
The event featured a rich cultural programme, showcasing national pride through poetry, dance, calypso, and renditions of na-
tional songs. Dressed in matching T-shirts, attendees waved flags proudly as the Golden Arrowhead soared into the morning sky.
Delivering the feature address was Local Government and Regional Development
Minister Sonia Parag, who paid tribute to the struggles of Guyana’s foreparents in securing the country’s independence from colonial rule in 1966.
“We are gathered for our 59th Independence Anniversary, which means that 59 years ago – and before then – Guyanese fought and struggled for their freedom... Today, we’re not going to stand and allow any country or any external force to take that independence from us – for all the
visible, citing packed motels during events, and improvements in schools and hospitals.
Minister Parag also underscored the importance of national unity by reminding citizens that their identity transcends ethnic la-
83,000 square miles that belong to Guyana,” Minister Parag declared.
She reaffirmed Guyana’s sovereignty stating, “It doesn’t belong to Venezuela. It belongs to Guyanese and
Guyana.”
Minister Parag also referenced the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling, urging Venezuela to refrain from any actions within Guyana’s lawfully administered territory.
Reflecting on the infrastructure upgrades across Region Two, she added that the community’s growth was
bels. She emphasised that regardless of heritage – be it Indo-Guyanese, AfroGuyanese, Amerindian, Portuguese, or British –what binds everyone together is their common nationality as Guyanese. A formal inspection of the Guard of Honour was conducted by Minister Parag, Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva, Vice Chairman Humace Oodit, Regional Executive Officer Susana Saywack, and Prime Minister’s Representative, Arnold Adams.
Local Government and Regional Development Minister Sonia Parag speaks at the flag-raising ceremony
Members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) march during the flag-raising ceremony
Pledging allegiance as the flag is raised
Minister Parag watches as the flag is raised at the event
A cultural performance at the 59th Independence flag-raising ceremony
Linden sees major rehab
...as approximately 95% of road works completed – Town Clerk
The mining town of Linden in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) is currently receiving a massive infrastructure face-lift with hundreds of roads being rehabilitated and constructed; a significant number of which have been completed to date.
Last December, small contractors from Linden signed an additional 94 contracts to upgrade roads across the mining
town. The signing, held at the Watooka Guest House, followed the awarding of 325 contracts valued at $4.2 billion for road upgrades.
The landmark initiative is part of the Government’s ongoing community road improvement initiative aimed at enhancing infrastructure while creating employment opportunities.
Providing an update on
these projects during a recent edition of the Municipal Matters programme, Town Clerk Lennox Gasper revealed that more than 90 per cent of these projects have been completed so far, with the remaining projects expected to be completed shortly.
“In December, there was a number of contracts that was given out, over 500 lots of road contracts that were given out to
various residents of Linden… and I am happy to report that approximately 95 per cent of those works have been completed. There were a number of delays, some persons...for some they had issues with the supply of materials, for others they were labourers...work – because at some point they began to get more work than they had labourers available to be able to get these works done.”
Moreover, on the topic of infrastructure, the Town Clerk also referenced the new US$35 million Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge that is also being constructed in the region.
According to Gasper, these projects will serve as a crucial avenue that will promote tourism and commerce within the region.
“Once there is the free flow of transportation and access to businesses, we're talking economic boom, economic growth. We have our nightlife, the hotel industry. We have the tourism sector – all these areas where persons now will want to make Linden a destination, a place to come, a place to want to overnight.
He added, “And as the country moves into decentralising some of the key sectors and com-
panies or organisations, then persons don't have to journey all the way to Georgetown, because we do have gas stations here in Linden. So when you come out of the interior, you can be able to gas up and go back into the interior right here in Linden.”
The Ministry of Public Works was allocated $209.1 billion in the 2025 budget for infrastructure projects, including road and bridge construction and rehabilitation. This allocation is part of a larger national budget of $1.382 trillion, which is 20.6 per cent greater than the 2024 budget.
UG Money Week returns June 3-5
…strong focus on tech, investing, innovation
The University of Guyana (UG) on Sunday announced the return of its financial fulfilment initiative, Money Week. The annual series, which was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, is a dynamic mix of engaging and informative activities from films to discussions and workshops.
Money Week 2025 will be held from Tuesday, June 3 to Thursday, June 5, from 10:00h to 17:00h (10 am to 5 pm) daily at the UG's Turkeyen Campus.
Since its inception in 2017, Money Week has been dedicated to empowering students, faculty, alumni, and the wider
public, particularly young people, with essential knowledge and skills in financial literacy.
The event is face to face, free of charge and open to the public.
Under the theme: “Building Your Prosperity: Dollar by Dollar,” the goal is to support the path to prosperity for anyone willing to learn and work towards their success. Money Week orients attendees on important aspects of money management, highlighting new and emerging trends, showcasing exciting opportunities, introducing practical tools through workshops and iconic industry leadership conversations, and
providing access to free, valuable training sessions.
This year, Money Week promises to be exceptionally insightful, with a strong focus on technology, investing, and innovations such as crypto currency.
The University is excited to host key forums led by distinguished organisations including the Guyana Stock Exchange and the Jamaica Stock Exchange. Attendees will also benefit from the expertise of local investment brokers, prominent local banks, One Communications, Action Coach Guyana, Her Venture and the dynamic and upcoming local company Wallet
Wisdom, among others. Furthermore, the event will feature interactive conversations with inspiring local business icons, offering unique perspectives and practical advice for entrepreneurs.
Money Week is a free in-person only event and open to all members of the public. It represents a fantastic opportunity to learn, network, and gain a deeper understanding of the evolving financial land-
scape. Participants will also have an opportunity to access “UG Recruit”, the University’s home-grown application that links job seekers with employment.
Buxton bids farewell to 112-year-old matriarch –
one of
Guyana’s oldest citizens
Just 22 days short of her 113th birthday, Buxton lost one of its most treasured matriarchs – Ms Evadney Talbot, a seamstress, community pillar, and centenarian who lived through eras of change while never abandoning the roots that made her who she was. She passed away on April 18, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, wisdom, and service that continues to ripple through the village of Buxton and beyond. Her birthday would have been celebrated on May 10.
journalist Jarryl Bryan, shared fond memories and reflections on a life so deeply interwoven with the fabric of her community.
Her great-grandson,
"Actually, she was my great-grandmother," he shared. "She was born in Buxton and lived there all her life. She was a seam-
stress; the glue that held my family together – the matriarch, if you want to call it that."
Talbot had five children and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was well-known throughout Buxton and regarded as part of the village's golden age – "the last
of an era," as Bryan puts it.
When asked about how the community responded to her passing, Bryan described a sense of loss that went beyond family.
"Not just her own, it was a very social level of contribution she made. She was very community-oriented, very active socially, and her death definitely left a void."
He noted that despite not having a specific 'recipe' for her longevity, there were certainly habits that helped her live such a full life.
"I remember her as somebody who ate healthy and cooked her own food. She and her husband had their own farm in the Buxton backlands," he recalled. "She took walks and was very active, even up to her 90s."
Her educational journey began at Buxton Congregational School. And her community involvement extended to several local institutions.
"She was part of the St Augustus Anglican Church – that’s actually where the funeral was held – and she was a big part of the Golden Age social club that takes care of the elderly in the village."
Bryan reflected on the emotional weight of losing someone who was so deeply entrenched in his formative years. "I had been visiting her and staying in touch, so I knew she wasn’t doing too well. But when she passed, it was profound sadness. I grew up with her. I remember watching Young and the Restless with her... it felt like closing a chapter in my life," Bryan stated as his eyes teared up remembering his beloved great grandmother.
Community members also paid tribute, noting her steadfast presence and years of service.
“She was just always there – whether it was in church, in the community or with her family,” Bryan noted. “And being a part of that centenarian club... that’s an achievement in and of itself. Not many people make it that far.”
With the reported death of Lilian Elliott of Mashabo Village, Essequibo Coast, in March of this year, said to be at the age of 115, it is believed that Mrs Talbot at the time of her passing on April 18, was the oldest living Guyanese.
Evadney "Sister Vadney" Talbot
From left: Mrs Talbot, shortly after her 110th birthday in 2023, along with her great-grandson Jarryl Bryan and her son Raymond Talbot. Mr Talbot passed away in November of that same year of natural causes while on a visit to Guyana
Govt never neglects farmers, will continue working to find markets – Agri Minister
Amid concerns over falling rice prices internationally, some rice farmers in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) are questioning whether they should go back into the next crop. Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, however, says Government will continue to assist them.
Earlier, rice millers were unable to pay farmers the $4,000 price per bag during the second crop in 2024. This prompted the Government to step in, and an agreement was reached whereby the miller would pay $3,700 per bag and the Government would subsidise $300, ensuring that rice farmers were able to get $4,000 per bag of rice for this crop. However, rice farmers have continued to express concern as prices on the world market continue to drop, with the projection that prices will drop even further.
While not committing to any arrangement with farmers, Mustapha told
this publication that the Government is seeking sustainable ways to address the issue.
“Well, you know the Government never neglects farmers and we will continue to work to find markets; more lucrative markets for farmers’ paddy. I am hoping that by the next crop we can have a better price. As you said that farmers are expressing some issue that they don't want to go back, but we have been advising them to go back because I am hoping that the price can be maintained or we can get more market like in places like the Dominican Republic and other places around the Caribbean and around the world. We are hoping to get a more lucrative market,” he said.
President of the Rice Producers Association (RPA) Leeka Rambrich is urging rice farmers to pay careful attention to their investments. He says there is a need for those farmers to seek maximum output from minimum investment.
Rambrich, who is both a rice farmer and miller, said farmers must be able to produce rice below $48,000 a tonne. One way to do this is for farmers to be careful when taking loans.
“The minimum cost would come when farmers have to look for lower interest costs rather than going to the millers and obtain high interest rates. A miller would take an overdraft from a bank and buy fertiliser and chemicals, and, give them to farmers at a
high interest rate and make a profit from you, when you sell your rice to him, he will make a profit as well,” he disclosed.
According to the RPA official, some millers would acquire loans from financial institutions at seven per cent simple interest and then provide cash, and other inputs to the farmer and twelve per cent compound interest.
“So we as farmers have to stand up and step consciously. Before going to a miller and take fertiliser, seeds, or whatever you take from them – please, I advise you, as the price of rice is trickling down internationally, please look at your cost,” he emphasised, noting that this is one way of cutting cost.
Meanwhile, Minister Mustapha noted that the interventions implemented by his Ministry for rice farmers on the Essequibo Coast has brought tremendous benefits to farmers there.
Even though the Government is already working with the millers to ensure farmers benefit from $4,000 per bag of paddy, rice farmers from the Essequibo Coast had been incurring additional transportation costs.
However, following consultations with stakeholders, a decision had been made to forgo those costs. Hence, truck drivers who are transporting paddy or rice will no longer have to pay to cross on the ferry.
“The millers were unable to give the farmers the
price that they gave last year, that was $4000 a bag for paddy. And with the Government's intervention, we are now contributing for every bag of paddy sold to the rice miller, we are contributing $300 and that is a tremendous amount because if the projection is that what they gave me: nine million
bags, we will have to contribute almost $2.7 billion to the price to help the farmers with prices.
Plus, the President announced another $2 billion in fertiliser distribution and every acre of land farmers are cultivating they will receive a bag of fertiliser this time. So this will be tremen-
dous help for the farmers; plus, the GRDB (Guyana Rice Development Board) is giving them extension services and also, input like seed paddy at a reduced cost, and some of them – we are giving them these paddies free to seed; paddy so that they can plant in the field,” the Minister disclosed.
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha
Former AFC Minister Valerie Garrido-Lowe dies – hailed
for
dedication to party,
hinterland legacy
Former Minister, Valerie GarridoLowe, who served as Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs from 2015 to 2020, has died, with the Alliance For Change (AFC) announcing that she died on Sunday due to a heart attack.
The party announced the death of their former executive in a statement in which it also praised her role as a stalwart of the party from its early days. According to the AFC, not only was she a fearless advocate for the
people, but she was one of its most dedicated party members.
“She served with distinction as Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs from 2015 to 2020, where she worked tirelessly to empower Amerindian communities and protect their rights and livelihoods. Her passionate voice, unwavering commitment, and sincere compassion earned her the respect and admiration of all who worked alongside her,” AFC also said.
Meanwhile, AFC Leader
Nigel Hughes also announced Garrido-Lowe’s passing in a statement on his social media page and paid tribute to her, describing her as one of the party’s “best and most faithful members.”
“To the family of Ms Valerie Garrido-Lowe we extend our most profound sympathies at this devastating loss. We would like to express our deep and sincere gratitude to you for having shared her with us. Her contribution both to the party and the country will be recorded. Val travel safe-
VP Jagdeo meets visiting Indian parliamentary delegation
Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, on Sunday met with the visiting Indian Parliamentary delegation. The high-level All-Party parliamentary delegation, led by Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament, is on an official visit to Guyana from May 25 to 27, 2025. The delegation comprises prominent members from both houses of the Indian
Parliament. In a pre press release it was noted that the delegation will be visiting to convey India’s strong message of zero-tolerance for terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
Taxi driver gets one-year jail term for sexual activity with a minor
Ain prison for touching a young girl’s private parts, following his appearance before Magistrate Annette Singh in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
Gregory Gordon, also known as “Isiah,” of Lot 24 Duncan Street, Newtown, Kitty, was found guilty of engaging in sexual activity with a child under the age of 16. The offence took place between January and March 2023 at a Georgetown residence.
During the sentencing hearing, Gordon’s attorney requested the minimum sentence, describing his client as shocked by the verdict and pleading with the court for leniency. However, Magistrate Singh imposed a custodial sentence of one year.
Gordon was initially charged under the Sexual Offences Act of 2010, which makes it a criminal offence to engage in or incite sexual activity with a child under the age of sixteen, even where there is no sexual penetration. The child involved in the case is currently undergoing counselling.
Gordon, who had previously been granted $200,000 bail, was also under court orders not to contact the virtual complainant or approach within 300 feet of her. The police prosecutor made no objection to bail being granted to the accused at the time, but asked that those conditions be applied to bail.
ly. May your wonderful soul soar over us,” Hughes said.
Cathy Hughes, a senior executive of the AFC and former Cabinet colleague of Garrido-Lowe under the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition Government—which held office from 2015 to 2020— spoke of the lasting impact Garrido-Lowe made in hinterland communities during her tenure.
“We’ve lost my dear friend Valerie GarridoLowe former Minister in the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs 2015-2020. She worked tireless during her tenure and left us with the Paramakatoi processing plant in region Eight, the Lapidary in Monkey Mountain and the coffee processing plant in Moruca. Val darling your work is done. Sleep with the angels,” she said.
AFC’s former coalition partner, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) from APNU also issued a statement in which they expressed condolences at her passing.
“The PNCR and APNU mourn the passing of Valerie
Garrido-Lowe, former Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs in the APNU+AFC Coalition Government, who died this morning (Sunday 25th May). Our heartfelt condolences to her family, relatives and friends. May her soul find Eternal Peace,” PNC said.
A businesswoman for many years, GarridoLowe has also played various roles in the fields of Education, Health Journalism, Advertising, Computer Graphic Design and Insurance. A sports enthusiast, she also served on the Guyana Boxing Board of Control and on
the Hinterland Youth and Sports Development Association. As a politician, she was a member of The United Force (TUF) for fifteen years. She joined the AFC in 2011 and served as within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs from 2015 to 2020 and in 2019, received the highest votes for the 12 member AFC executive. Her death comes mere weeks after the death of another former cabinet colleague of hers, Amna Ally, who also served in the former APNU/ AFC Government, but as Minister of Social Cohesion and Social Protection.
Gregory Gordon
Former AFC Minister Valerie Garrido-Lowe
Independence is a time to reflect
...reflecting on the past shows how much we have developed – AG
Guyana’s 59th Independence celebrations is a time to reflect on where we were in the past.
Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall, Guest Speaker at the Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) flag raising ceremony to usher in Guyana’s 59th indepen-
dence, said a country’s independence anniversary is the most important day on the calendar of any nation.
There is much to celebrate, but in doing so, we must pay attention to the numerous struggles, he charged.
“In celebration, we must reflect upon the journey that we travelled... that our fore-parents travelled to arrive at this destination where we are. Our struggles and the struggles that our fore-parents waged were many-fold. We fought in the battle to free ourselves from the chains of servitude and slavery. Then we had to fight for our democratic freedom,” Nandlall said.
Focusing on the GuyanaVenezuela border controversy, the AG reminded that British Guyana existed long before there was a country called Venezuela.
“The Dutch were here long before Venezuela was even born as a country. Essequibo existed as part of Guyana long before it had a country called Venezuela. The place that is now Venezuela used to be called Grand Colombia.
It was not even Venezuela.”
Speaking of the arbitration tribunal, which was set up to settle the dispute, he explained that it did not rule in favour of Guyana.
“British Guyana lost more land than the whole of Guyana currently. We lost more land because Guyana had extended all the way very close to Caracas. That was the size of British Guyana at that time. So we lost a lot of territory when the arbitral award was handed out and, Venezuela celebrated. Because they won.”
In 1962, Venezuela laid claims to the Essequibo and halted Guyana's Independence. An agreement was signed between the two countries, referred to as the Geneva Agreement, which paved the way for Guyana to be granted its independence.
It is as a result of
that agreement that Guyana has approached the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to have the issue settled, while Venezuela will not stand by any ruling of that court.
The AG however, feels that the international community will support Guyana.
“We have the Organisation of American States (OAS), we have the United Nations (UN), we have the European Union (EU), we have the Commonwealth, we have the United States (US) Government, we have the British Government, we have the Canadian Government. All the powerful voices in the world are on our side. We have international law on our side,” the Legal Affairs Minister affirmed.
Also addressing the gathering Sunday morning
at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal said that only a few years ago, in Region Five, things were not as they are today.
“We know of the disruption that has existed. We know of the many development projects that were put down, and the struggles and sacrifices our people went through. And today, we can gather here and say how proud we are as a region, knowing that Region Five is being transformed. Development is knocking at the doors of every citizen in this region and across all communities in Region Five, and that is because of how far ago and where we are today,” Ramphal noted. He pointed out that there are a lot of things that are taking place in that region that should be appreciated.
US rejects Venezuela’s sham elections over Guyana’s Essequibo territory
In the face of Venezuela’s planned so-called elections Sunday to appoint a Governor for Guyana’s Essequibo region, the United States (US) once again reiterated support for Guyana’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs in the US Department of State, Michael Kozak, in a brief statement on Sunday, May 25, 2025, denounced the actions of the Nicolás Maduro -led Venezuelan regime.
“The United States re- jects all attempts by Nicolás Maduro and his illegiti-
mate regime to undermine Guyana’s territorial in-
tegrity, including this latest sham election in the Essequibo region,” Kozak said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
The US has been a strong supporter of Guyana’s territorial integrity.
Only back in March, the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, was in Georgetown and issued a stern warning to the Maduro regime.
More recently, however, US Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, reaffirmed her Government’s willingness to support the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) to com-
bat growing threats from Venezuela.
Earlier this month, the GDF reported multiple armed attacks on its river patrols between May 13 and 15 by men in civilian clothing on the Venezuelan side of the Cuyuni River, between Eteringbang and Makapa – areas that form part of the border between Guyana and Venezuela.
Ambassador Theriot described the gang’s recent attacks on GDF patrols as “acts of aggression” by criminals and declared that the US is fully aligned with
Guyana in ensuring peace, security, and the protection of its territorial integrity.
The incidents have heightened tensions in a region already strained by Venezuela’s escalating rhetoric and controversial plans to hold so-called elections in Guyana’s Essequibo region on May 25, a move the US and international community have roundly condemned. In fact, visits to several hinterland communities in Guyana along the border with Venezuela showed that there are no election activities happening.
Michael Kozak, Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs
The Golden Arrowhead being hoisted at Fort Wellington to usher in Guyana’s 59th Independence celebration
AG Anil Nandlall addresses the gathering at the flag-raising ceremony
Let us recommit to the values that underpin our independence – PPP
On May 26, 1966, the Golden Arrowhead was raised for the very first time. That moment marked not only the end of colonial rule, but the birth of a sovereign nation filled with hope, pride, and determination. It was the culmination of long and difficult strug-
gles, during which brave and selfless individuals made tremendous sacrifices to secure the freedom we now enjoy.
Our attainment of Independence brought with it the promise of self-governance and the opportunity to chart our own course as a people united under one
flag. It was a moment of tremendous joy and national pride—one that lives on in the collective memory of all Guyanese.
Over the fifty-nine years since that historic day, our nation has been tested on many fronts. We have faced political, economic, and so-
Let us build a nation that can collectively defend its territory, achieve national unity – PNCR
Fellow Guyanese,
On this momentous occasion of our 59th Independence Anniversary, we come together as a nation to celebrate our hardwon sovereignty and autonomy. Today, we honour the sacrifices of those who fought tirelessly and heroically for our freedom (Cuffy, Atta, Damon, Burnham, Jagan, to name a few) and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to continue their work in building a strong, just, equitable, and prosperous Guyana for all its citizens.
As we reflect on our journey this year, we stand firmly in solidarity with the brave members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the
residents of Essequibo, and indeed all Guyanese, as we stand up for our country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We echo the sentiments expressed by our Party Leader, the Hon. Aubrey C. Norton MP, in Parliament on May 23, 2025, in reaffirming the finality of the 1899 Arbitral Award and condemning the antics and acts of aggression by Venezuela against our peaceful nation. Essequibo belongs to Guyana, and the PNCR stands ready to defend our land and the Guyanese people against any form of aggression or intimidation… As the Opposition, we will continue to defend the rights, freedoms, and entitlements
of the Guyanese people. We can and must rescue this nation. Those who fought for our independence demand no less from all Guyanese.
Today, as we commemorate our independence, let us renew our commitment to building a nation that can resolutely and collectively defend its territory that can entrench and enhance the principles of good governance that can uphold the rights and dignities of each citizen, that can achieve national unity, and that can guarantee happiness and shared prosperity to all Guyanese.
Happy Independence Day, Guyana! Long live our sovereignty! Long live our unity!
Independence must deliver for the workers who fought for it – GTUC
As Guyana celebrates its 59th Independence Anniversary, the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) honours the workers—past, present, and future—whose sacrifices, struggles, and leadership paved the way for our country’s freedom on May 26, 1966… Independence must mean something—especially for those who made it possible. The Labour Movement, beginning with the founding of the Trade Union Movement in 1926, was central to the strug-
gle for self-determination. It is workers who marched, organised, and agitated to break the chains of colonial rule…
In 2025, Guyana boasted a $ $1.38 trillion (US$6.63 billion) and projected oil revenues of US$2.8 billion. Despite these figures, the average worker continues to struggle… This is not a mixed anniversary for Guyana’s working class…
The Trade Union Movement remains committed to fighting for a just and equitable Guyana—for a nation where workers are re-
spected, their rights protected, and their contributions rewarded…
On this 59th Independence Anniversary, GTUC urges every Guyanese to reflect on the journey we’ve made—and the battles yet to be won. Our ancestors fought for our freedom. We must honour them not just in word, but in action—by continuing the fight for justice, dignity, and shared prosperity.
Happy Independence, Guyana. Let us make it mean something—for all.
Use Independence anniversary to bridge divides, strengthen bonds – ERC
The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) extends its warmest felicitations to all Guyanese at home and in the diaspora as the nation collectively observes the 59th Anniversary of Guyana's Independence.
On this momentous occasion, we reflect with pride on the journey we have undertaken as a nation, from the dawn of our freedom to the present day. Fifty-nine years ago, our forebears, through unwavering determination, agitation and a shared vision to remove colonial domination, secured our independence, charting a course for self-determination and national sovereignty.
This anniversary serves
as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made and the dreams that were kindled for a united, prosperous, and harmonious Guyana. As we celebrate this significant milestone, the ERC reaffirms its unwavering commitment to fostering an environment where every Guyanese, regardless of their ethnic background, feels valued, respected, and empowered.
Our diversity is our strength, a vibrant tapestry woven from myriad cultures, traditions, and perspectives. It is this rich mosaic that truly defines us as a nation. The ERC recognises that building and sustaining national unity is an ongoing process, one that re-
quires continuous dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect. We encourage all citizens to embrace the principles of inclusivity, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence.
Let us use this occasion to bridge divides, strengthen bonds, and work collaboratively towards a future where ethnic harmony is not just an aspiration, but a lived reality for all.
May this 59th Independence Anniversary inspire us to renew our dedication to the Guyanese ideal – a nation where peace, progress, and prosperity are shared by all.
Happy Independence Day, Guyana!
cial challenges that have, at times, threatened the very fabric of our unity. Today, we are confronted with yet another serious challenge— Venezuela’s spurious and unlawful claim to a large part of our sovereign territory. This threat strikes at the heart of our national integrity and identity. Yet, as we have done in the past, the Guyanese people continue to stand resolute—united in purpose, unwavering in our defence of our territorial sovereignty, and confident in the justice of our cause. Our resilience, courage, and indomitable spirit have always seen us through adversity, and they will once again guide us forward as we pursue peace, justice, national development, and equity for all.
As we mark our 59th
Independence Anniversary, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) extends warmest greetings to all Guyanese, both at home and in the diaspora. This occasion is not only a time for celebration, but also one for reflection. We must never forget the efforts and sacrifices of those who came before us, those who bravely fought for selfrule, who endured hardships, and who laid the foundation upon which modern Guyana stands today. Their legacy must continue to inspire pride, unity, and a deep sense of patriotism in all of us.
As we look ahead, we are reminded of the vast potential of our beloved country. Through careful and prudent management of our resources, and by fostering inclusive growth and equal
opportunity, the PPP is committed to the task of building a Guyana where every citizen has a fair chance to thrive. The road ahead will not be without obstacles, but with continued resilience, unity, and hope, there is no limit to what we can achieve together.
Let us recommit ourselves to the values that underpin our independence— justice, freedom, equality, and national unity. Let us honour the sacrifices of our forebears not only in word, but through action and service to our country.
Happy Independence Day to all Guyanese! May our Golden Arrowhead continue to fly high, symbolising the strength, pride, and aspirations of a people determined to shape a brighter future.
Honour our Independence by promoting quality public service, justice & dignity for all workers – GPSU
The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) extends warm greetings to all Guyanese, at home and abroad, as we commemorate 59 years as an Independent Nation, a journey defined by the unrelenting will of a people determined to govern themselves with dignity, justice, and self-determination.
The GPSU embraces the National Theme, “Guyana: A Future of Unity and Progress,” as both an aspiration and a responsibility. We must recognise that without genuine national unity, grounded in respect, justice, and inclusion, all that we have achieved, positively since Independence in 1966 can be undermined. Our internal division weakens collective resolve at a time when Guyana’s sovereignty is threatened. Guyana's firm stance against Venezuela’s unfounded claim to a large portion of our country’s resources and, by extension, its people demands that we stand together. Unity is not optional, it is essential to defending our borders, our dignity, and our future.
On May 26, 1966, Guyana proudly raised its Golden Arrowhead and stepped onto the world stage as an independent nation. More than a flag, the Golden Arrowhead embodies the essence of who we are. Its bold colours represent our vast forests, mineral wealth, mighty rivers, and the courage, endurance, and perseverance of our people. It is not merely a national emblem; it is a promise to future generations and a pledge to protect the values for which our fore-parents fought.
The road to Independence
was neither short nor easy. It was paved by the unwavering leadership of Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham and Cheddi Berret Jagan, along with the invaluable contributions of Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, the Father of Trade Unionism in Guyana, and many other Trade Unionists. Though they came from different racial and ideological backgrounds, they shared a common vision for a free, just, and united Guyana.
Supporting that vision were thousands of Public Servants, nurses, doctors, engineers, surveyors, teachers, clerks, technicians, law enforcement officers, and revenue workers, who kept the machinery of the colonial state functioning, even as they were denied justice. In the shadow of the empire, they laid the groundwork for nationhood…
As one of the oldest and most resilient institutions in Guyana, the GPSU reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that progress is people-centred, that workers’ rights are protected, and that public service remains a cornerstone of democracy and national development. We believe that true progress must be anchored in justice, equity, strong institutions, and unwavering respect for the contributions of public servants and workers across this nation…
As Guyana enters a new chapter, fueled by a growing oil and gas economy— serious challenges emerge. The very vision that united us at Independence is now tested… To truly honour our Independence, we must rekindle the spirit of purpose and solidarity that brought
us this far…
Let us restore trust and confidence, rebuild unity, and shape a national identity rooted in equal opportunity and shared prosperity for every citizen, regardless of background or ethnicity… As we continue to modernise and develop our beloved country, let us honour and safeguard the gains of our Independence by promoting quality public service, justice, and the dignity for all workers. We must remain resolute in our pursuit of national unity and steadfast in our demand for full adherence to our Constitution, the Rule of Law, and the International Conventions of the United Nations (UN) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) ratified by the Parliament of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana. To every Public Servant and Worker, from hospitals to schools, courtrooms to borders, mining fields to administrative offices, factories, farms, and urban or rural centers, we recognise your hard work and contributions, and we salute you. Your labour is the light that never went out, not during colonialism, not during crisis, and not during division. You are the enduring stewards of Guyana’s democracy. Let this 59th Independence Anniversary inspire us to reflect deeply, act boldly, and live with integrity, in full alignment with this year’s theme: “Guyana: A Future of Unity and Progress” and our national motto: “One People. One Nation. One Destiny.” Happy 59th Independence Anniversary, Guyana.
Regional
Trying to defend mother from domestic abuse, T&T teen fatally stabs man
A36-year-old man was fatally stabbed by a teenager during a violent domestic altercation at a home in Isaac Settlement, Couva, Trinidad, on Friday afternoon.
The deceased has been identified as Akil Sylvester of Old Trainline Marabella.
According to T&T police reports, the incident occurred around 4:30pm when the suspect’s mother, a 35-year-old driver, reportedly returned home with Sylvester, who had earlier met her in the
Couva area.
An argument erupted upon arrival, during which the man allegedly choked and assaulted the woman while armed with a cutlass.
The woman’s 16-yearold son, witnessing the attack, armed himself with a knife and stabbed the man several times. The deceased collapsed in the living room and was found unresponsive in a pool of blood with multiple wounds to the head and back.
The woman and her son went to the Couva Police Station and reported the
incident. Officers responded and confirmed the man’s death. The District Medical Officer visited the scene and authorized the removal of the body for a post-mortem at the Forensic Science Centre.
Investigators recovered a cutlass and a black-handled knife from the scene. The teenager was detained and later taken for medical attention along with his mother. He is expected to be moved to a secure facility as investigations continue. (Source: Loop Caribbean News)
B’dos cough syrup racket uncovered
Barbadians are attempting to smuggle cough syrup containing codeine linctus into North American countries such as Canada where they can fetch as high as $1 000 to $3 000 for a bottle which sells in Barbados for around $20.
Troy Wickham, Deputy Manager of the Barbados National Council on Substance Abuse, told the Sunday Sun this was one of the new money-making ventures which it had recently uncovered, adding this had once again led to discussions about making such drugs prescription-only medication.
“We have recognised a lot
of persons are actually purchasing cough syrups containing codeine linctus. It is starting to present a lot more reports of entry where persons are attempting to export it to North America where it’s controlled. There’s a huge market for it in North America. You can get close to $1 000 Canadian or $3 000 Canadian for one bottle, while you can get one cough syrup in Barbados for $20, in some instances, or less,” he said, pointing out that codeine was a precursor chemical for methamphetamine.
Research has shown that while cough syrups such as Dimetapp-C, Robitussin AC and acetaminophen with codeine were sedating pain re-
lievers, some people have been taking them in greater amounts than prescribed in order to get high.
Wickham noted: “Basically, persons use it as a precursor chemical to manufacture methamphetamine. Therefore, persons are willing to pay a huge amount of money for it.”
In 2018, Canada banned the non-prescription sales of codeine, as it was becoming a widely used opioid that was linked to abuse and dependency.
However, in Barbados, such medicines are easily available from pharmacists, supermarkets, shops and service stations. (Source: Nation News)
Argentina reeling from poverty, pensioner hardship, says archbishop in sermon
The Archbishop of Buenos Aires used his pulpit on Sunday to voice criticism of Argentine President Javier Milei’s policies addressing poverty and support for pensioners.
At the Te Deum religious ceremony for the anniversary of the May Revolution of 1810, where Milei, a libertarian, and his cabinet were present, Archbishop Jorge Garcia Cuerva told the congregation that in Argentina “fraternity, tolerance, and respect are dying.”
He called for support for the poor, young people who are victims of drug trafficking and pensioners.
“Retirees deserve a dignified life with access to medicine and food, a wound that has remained open and bleeding for years, but as a society we must heal it soon,” Garcia Cuerva said.
Milei has implemented sweeping public spending cuts since taking office at the end of 2023 in a
bid to control the country’s years-long economic crisis. Pensioners, who have been badly hit by the cuts, protest in the streets every Wednesday and often face police repression.
Garcia Cuerva also referred to the “constant aggression” on social media and called for a “stop to hate.”
“We have crossed all boundaries.
Venezuelans vote amid boycott calls and fears of government repression
Venezuelans are casting their ballots in legislative and regional elections under the shadow of a heightened government crackdown and opposition leaders calling for a boycott.
Sunday’s elections are the first to allow comprehensive voter participation since last year’s disputed presidential vote, which President Nicolas Maduro claimed to have won despite contradictory evidence.
It is also taking place two days after the government detained dozens of people, including a prominent opposition leader, and accused them of being linked to an alleged plot to hinder the vote.
In the first hours after the polls opened, members of the military reportedly outnumbered voters in some voting centres in the
capital, Caracas. No lines formed outside the polling stations, including the country’s largest – a stark contrast with the hundreds of people gathered around the same time for the July 28 presidential election.
Many people appeared to have lost faith in the electoral process. “I am not going to vote after
they stole the elections last year. For what? I don’t want to be disappointed again,” Caracas resident Paula Aranguren said. Meanwhile, the ruling party is touting an overwhelming victory across the country, just as it has done in previous regional elections. (Excerpt from Reuters)
El Chapo’s former lawyer, ex-drug smuggler on ballot to be Judges in Mexico
When residents in the state of Durango vote in Mexico’s first judicial elections next weekend, Leopoldo Chavez will be on the ballot for federal judgedespite the nearly six years he served in a U.S. prison.
Chavez was convicted on drug offenses: for smuggling over 4 kilograms of methamphetamines in 2015. Durango is part of Mexico’s Golden Triangle, a cartel-controlled region growing marijuana and opium poppies.
“I’ve never sold myself as the perfect candidate,” Chavez said in a video he shared on Facebook. He said he had nothing to hide and had served his time. He declined to comment to Reuters.
In the nearby Pacific
coast state of Jalisco, Francisco Hernandez is running to be a criminal magistrate even though the last time he served as a judge he was dismissed by the Federal Judiciary Council after an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse and corruption. He told Reuters the accusations were “slander and defamation.” “Let the people judge me,” he said.
And in Nuevo Leon, Fernando Escamilla is hoping to become a federal criminal judge and says the legal work he did advising lawyers for members of the ultra-violent Los Zetas cartel should not be held against him. His knowledge of extradition law, on which he advised the capos, made him an asset, he told Reuters in an interview.
Ahead of the elections on June 1, civil organizations, judge associations and some Mexican lawmakers are raising serious concerns about a vote that critics warn could jeopardize the country’s rule of law.
The controversial judicial overhaul was proposed by leftist former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and supported by his protege, President Claudia Sheinbaum. Both said it would root out corruption in Mexico’s flawed judiciary and allow the people to decide who should be a judge.
Around 5,000 candidates are vying for more than 840 federal positions, including all Supreme Court justices. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Key cartel member with US $1 M DEA bounty on his head killed, says Mexican govt
JDuring Garcia Cuerva’s comments, Milei was seen listening with a stern expression.
Milei’s government frequently uses social media to refer to politicians, economists and journalists who question its policies as “baboons,” “degenerates,” “underachievers,” and “mongoloids.” (Excerpt from Reuters)
Disqualification, constant aggression, mistreatment, and defamation seem to be commonplace,” the archbishop said.
orge Humberto Figueroa Benítez, identified by the United States government as a key member of the “Los Chapitos” criminal organization, died during an operation aimed at capturing him in the Mexican state of Sinaloa, the country’s Secretary of Security
and Citizen Protection Omar García Harfuch said Saturday.
The operation against Figueroa Benitez, known by the nickname “El Perris,” took place in Navolato, 32 kilometers (19 miles) from Culiacán, the state’s capital, according to local media.
The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was offering up to $1 million for Figueroa Benitez, who was wanted for alleged federal crimes, including conspiracy to import and traffic fentanyl, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and money laundering conspiracy. (Source: CNN)
A man casts his vote in Venezuela’s legislative elections in Caracas
Argentine President Javier Milei listens at the ceremony
Russia launches war's largest air attack on Ukraine, kills at least 12 persons
Russian forces launched a barrage of 367 drones and missiles at Ukrainian cities overnight, including the capital Kyiv, in the largest aerial attack of the war so far, killing at least 12 people and injuring dozens more, officials said.
The dead included three children in the northern region of Zhytomyr, local officials there said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called on the United States, which has taken a softer public line on Russia and its leader, Vladimir Putin, since President Donald Trump took office, to speak out.
"The silence of America, the silence of others in the world only encourages Putin," he wrote on Telegram.
"Every such terrorist
Russian strike is reason enough for new sanctions against Russia."
It was the largest attack of the war in terms of weapons fired, although other strikes have killed more people.
Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said 12 people had been killed and 60 more wounded. Earlier death tolls
given separately by regional authorities and rescuers had put the number of dead at 13.
"This was a combined, ruthless strike aimed at civilians. The enemy once again showed that its goal is fear and death," he wrote on Telegram. (Excerpt from Reuters)
North Korea detains officials over warship accident, state media says
North Korea has detained shipyard officials responsible for a recent major accident during the launch of a new warship, state media said on Sunday.
The failed launch that crippled the 5,000-tonne warship was witnessed by leader Kim Jong Un who said the accident damaged the country's dignity and vowed to punish those found responsible.
The mishap likely occurred in front of a large crowd at the northeastern port of Chongjin, increasing the public humiliation for Kim who tried to show off military might, experts say.
Around the World
Leader
of neo-Nazi 'murder cult' extradited to the US from Moldova
The leader of an eastern European neo-Nazi group has been extradited to the United States from Moldova following his arrest last summer for allegedly instructing an undercover federal agent to dress as Santa Claus and hand out poisoned candy to Jewish children and racial minorities, prosecutors said.
Michail Chkhikvishvili, a 21-year-old from the republic of Georgia, was arraigned Friday before a federal judge in Brooklyn on multiple felonies, including soliciting hate crimes and acts of mass violence.
He pleaded not guilty through an attorney, Samuel Gregory, who requested his client receive a psychiatric evaluation and be placed on suicide watch while in custody. Gregory did not immediately return a message seeking comment.
Prosecutors described Chkhikvishvili, who also
goes by “Commander Butcher,” as the leader of the Maniac Murder Cult, an international extremist group that adheres to a “neo-Nazi accelerationist ideology and promotes violence and violent acts against racial minorities, the Jewish community and other groups it deems ‘undesirables.’”
Since 2022, Chkhikvishvili has traveled on multiple occasions to
Brooklyn, where he bragged about beating up an elderly Jewish man and instructed others, primarily through text messages, to commit violent acts on behalf of the Maniac Murder Cult, according to court papers. He was arrested last July in Moldova, where he was held until this week’s extradition. (Excerpt from NBC News)
Australia begins cleanup
after floods kill 5, strand thousands
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced the start of a cleanup operation in eastern Australia after record-breaking floods killed five people and stranded tens of thousands of people.
Damage assessments are under way for the coastal region of New South Wales in the east, where at least 10,000 properties are thought to have been damaged, the state’s emergency services agency said on Saturday.
Conditions have eased since Friday after days of relentless rain isolated towns, swept away livestock and destroyed homes, the agency added.
Satellite imagery shows the warship, covered in blue tarps, lying on its side, with the stern swung out into
As the investigation into the case intensified, law enforcement authorities arrested the chief engineer of the Chongjin Shipyard among others, state KCNA news agency reported on Sunday.
the harbour, but the bow remaining on the side slipway, according to the U.S.based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). (Excerpt from Reuters)
French authorities investigate 2nd blackout in 2 days
French authorities have launched an investigation into a power blackout blamed on sabotage that affected at least 45,000 people, just a day after a similar outage disrupted the final day of the Cannes film festival.
Authorities in Nice said an electrical transformer had been set on fire in the west of the city in the early hours of Sunday, with power restored later in the day.
A day earlier, a separate
blaze, believed to have been started by arson, contributed to a power cut that hit Cannes.
The first power cut affected 160,000 households, knocking out traffic lights and cash machines throughout the French Riviera. Broadcaster BFMTV reported that the incident was made worse as three of the four pillars of an electricity pylon in the region had also been cut with a saw. Writing on social me-
dia on Sunday, the mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, said he strongly denounced the “malicious acts”. He said power had been quickly restored, with local and national police mobilised. He added that the city would make surveillance camera images available to investigators and would reinforce the camera network around the city’s strategic electric sites. (Excerpt from The Guardian)
“We’re continuing to work closely across federal, state and local governments to make sure Australians get the support they need now and through recovery,” Albanese posted on X.
Despite improving conditions, hundreds of residents remain in evacuation centres with 52 rescues made overnight, State Emergency Services commissioner Mike Wassing said.
At their worst, the flooding isolated about 50,000 people and submerged roads in the country’s most populous state.
worth of rain in three days.
Train services, including airport services, were affected by flooded tracks. Sydney airport shut two of its three runways for an hour on Friday morning, delaying flights.
(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Over 400 Rohingya feared drowned in 2 shipwrecks off Myanmar coast – UN
At least 427 Rohingya, Myanmar’s Muslim minority, may have perished at sea in two shipwrecks on May 9 and 10, the United Nations said, in what would be another deadly incident for the persecuted group.
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees(UNHCR) said in a statement on Friday that –if confirmed – the two incidents would be the “deadliest tragedy at sea” involving Rohingya refugees so far this year.
“The UN refugee agency is gravely concerned about reports of two boat tragedies off the coast of Myanmar earlier this month,” UNHCR said in the statement, adding that it was still working to confirm the exact circumstances surrounding the shipwrecks.
According to the agency, preliminary information indicated that a vessel carrying 267 people sank on May 9, with only 66 people surviving, and a second ship with 247 Rohingya on board cap-
sized on May 10, with just 21 survivors.
The Rohingya on board were either leaving Bangladesh’s huge Cox’s Bazar refugee camps or fleeing Myanmar’s western state of Rakhine, the statement said.
Persecuted in Myanmar for decades, thousands of Rohingya risk their lives every year to flee repression and civil war in their country, often going to sea on board makeshift boats. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Satellite image taken on May 23 shows a general view of a new North Korean warship at the harbour after its launch accident in Chongjin (NBC News)
The US Courthouse in Brooklyn, NY
Coastal areas were left littered with debris and dead animals after a powerful storm system dumped months’
(Photo from the Guardian)
(ALMOST: OL-moste: Very nearly, but not exactly or entirely.)
Average mark 13 words Time limit 20 minutes
Can you find 17 or more words in ALMOST? The list will be published tomorrow. LAST PUBLISHED WORD -- GREMLINS
WORD -- GREMLINS
If you want something, be creative and invest in whatever helps you achieve your heart’s desire. Less talk and more action will pay off. Size up situations and do your part.
Refuse to let negativity consume you. If you don’t like something, change it; if you want something, make it happen. Pursue opportunities that energize you and make you feel good about yourself and your choices.
Changing your environment or lifestyle will lift your spirits and enrich your mind. Learning, conversing and interacting with people will help you gain momentum. Physical activities are in your best interest.
Redirect your energy to avoid encounters that can harm your reputation or jeopardize your position. Take time to rethink your strategy and finetune your plans to ensure you achieve your goals.
Maintain stability; now is not the time to move, decide or show your true feelings. Put your energy into self-improvement. Creative thinking, stamina, determination and finishing what you start will help you gain recognition.
Take a breather and consider your options. Don’t risk your money or health. Time is on your side, and research will pay off. Distance yourself from tense situations.
Your curiosity will be sparked if you participate in events, talks and activities. Taking short trips and getting together with people who share your concerns will prove valuable. A partnership is favored.
It’s positive change that will make a difference, not bullying or pressure tactics. Map out a solid and easy-to-understand plan, and you’ll gain support. Networking events will be eye-opening.
Avoid going overboard. A steady pace and a clear picture of your end goal will help you get what you want. Change only what’s necessary. Be frugal, and you’ll get your desired results.
Finish what you start and honor your promises. Do your best to avoid controversy by being as upfront as possible. Leave nothing to the imagination, and do not let anyone take advantage of you.
Look over your financial situation; if necessary, talk to an adviser, and make adjustments to suit your lifestyle. Making home improvements or sharing expenses will lead to an interesting arrangement.
Rely on yourself. You’ll regret giving someone else the power to act on your behalf. A straightforward approach and will pay off. Work hard and have fun.
Brevis, Mhatre, Urvil help CSK sign off gloomy season on bright note
Dewald Brevis, Ayush Mhatre and Urvil Patel were not even part of the Chennai
bright.
After the 17-yearold Mhatre and local boy Urvil set the platform with blazing 30s, Brevis
straight of mid-on for four.
In the next over, he clattered left-arm seamer Arshad Khan for a sequence of 6, 6, 4, 4, 6.
(CSK) squad at the start of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Picked as mid-season replacements, the trio played bright knocks in CSK's final
cracked a 19-ball half-century on a hot afternoon in Ahmedabad. The upshot was CSK finishing with 230 for 5, their highest total in IPL 2025, and sign -
in that top gear. In all, he faced 23 balls and sent nine of those to or over the boundary with a rare mix of explosive power and T20 invention, which CSK were lacking earlier in the season.
When Rashid tossed one up wide of off, Brevis used his reach and tonked the ball over his head for six. He then left jaws on the floor when he reverse-lapped Arshad for four, damaging his figures even further. In the penultimate over of the innings, he crashed Siraj for two
By the end of that over, Mhatre had charged to 33 off 12 balls. Prasidh Krishna, however, cut Mhatre's innings short on 34 off 17 balls in the fourth over with a slower varia -
CSK were not short of attacking enterprise, though. Urvil got cracking with an M Vijay-esque six off Siraj and, along with Devon Conway, took CSK to 68 for 1, their joint-highest powerplay score this
Having come into the IPL with the reputation of being a pace-hitter in domestic cricket, Urvil took on the spin of R Sai Kishore and Rashid Khan as well. He moved to 37 off 19 balls before Sai Kishore changed his angle to over the wicket and drew a misConway, becalmed in the early exchanges, exploded when he carted Rashid for two sixes before the wristspinner had him bowled for 52 off 35 balls in the 14th over. By then, Shivam Dube had already been dismissed by the part-time offspin of M
Brevis started in fifth gear when he drilled Shahrukh down the ground for four and stayed
dragged his length back and had an advancing Gill nicking off to slip for 13
sixes and a four on his way to a 19-ball fifty. By the time he was dismissed off the last ball of the innings, CSK had touched 230. Brevis finished the season with 225 runs in six innings at an average of 37.50 and a strike rate of 180.00.
GT's powerplay malfunction
In 12 of 13 matches before Sunday, GT had lost either one or no wicket in the powerplay. Against CSK in Ahmedabad, they lost all of Shubman Gill, Jos Buttler and Sherfane Rutherford in the first five overs. GT's middle order then crumbled under scoreboard pressure. When Shahrukh and B Sai Sudharsan fell in the 11th over, GT were 86 for 5. Gill had thrown the first punch at Anshul Kamboj when he charged at the bowler and crunched him over his head for six. Kamboj, though, hit back the next ball when he
Chennai Super Kings (20 ovs maximum)
Ayush Mhatre c Mohammed Siraj
b Prasidh Krishna 34
Devon Conway
b Rashid Khan 52
Urvil Patel c Shubman Gill
b Sai Kishore 37
Shivam Dube c Coetzee
b Shahrukh Khan 17
Dewald Brevis c †Buttler
b Prasidh Krishna 57
Ravindra Jadeja not out 21
Extras (lb 7, w 5) 12
Total 20 Ov (RR: 11.50) 230/5
Fall of wickets: 1-44 (Ayush
Mhatre, 3.4 ov), 2-107 (Urvil Patel, 9.2 ov), 3-144 (Shivam Dube, 12.3 ov), 4-156 (Devon Conway, 13.3 ov), 5-230 (Dewald Brevis, 19.6 ov)
Bowling O-M-R-W
Mohammed Siraj 4-0-47-0
Arshad Khan 2-0-42-0
Prasidh Krishna 4-0-22-2
Gerald Coetzee 3-0-34-0
Sai Kishore 2-0-23-1
Rashid Khan 4-0-42-1
M Shahrukh Khan 1-0-13-1
Gujarat Titans (T: 231 runs from 20 ovs)
Sai Sudharsan c Dube
b Jadeja 41
Shubman Gill (c) c Patel
b Kamboj 13
Jos Buttler † c Kamboj
off nine balls. In the next over, Buttler charged at Khaleel Ahmed only to be caught in the deep by Kamboj. When Kamboj hit a hard length and had Rutherford flapping a catch to mid-on, GT were 30 for 3. Shahrukh and Sai Sudharsan flickered briefly in a 55-run partnership for the fourth wicket, but the powerplay damage was irreparable. Had CSK limited GT to 121 or fewer, they could have avoided the wooden spoon. But it was not to be. A difficult season, however, ended on a happy note for CSK, with MS Dhoni taking the winning catch and celebrating with his team-mates. (ESPNcricinfo)
b Ahmed 5 Sherfane Rutherford c Mhatre b Kamboj 0 M Shahrukh Khan c Pathirana
b Jadeja 19
Rahul Tewatia c Dube
b Noor Ahmad 14
Rashid Khan c Patel
b Noor Ahmad 12
Gerald Coetzee
b Pathirana 5 Arshad Khan
b Noor Ahmad 20
Sai Kishore c †Dhoni b Kamboj
Chennai Super Kings ended their season on a high
Shubman Gill walks back after a rare low score
Dewald Brevis impressed once again
Super Kings
Ayush Mhatre played a belligerent little innings
Klaasen’s 105* the highlight as SRH finish IPL 2025 in style
Heinrich Klaasen’s batting heroics were the centrepiece of Sunrisers Hyderabad’s innings in Delhi, as his unbeaten 39ball 105 set up a comfortable 110-run win against
SRH’s win, that ended a five-game losing streak to KKR, lifted them temporarily up to sixth (Lucknow Super Giants could overtake them if they win their last league match). KKR are eighth and both teams
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). His breathtaking century – the joint-third fastest in Indian Premier League (IPL) history –came off just 37 balls and left KKR chasing an improbable 279 to win.
KKR’s fall was swift, barring a few big hits from Sunil Narine, Manish Pandey, and Harshit Rana along the way. SRH stifled them with Jaydev Unadkat’s change-ups earning him 3 for 24, leftarm spinner Harsh Dubey grabbing 3 for 34 and Eshan Malinga finishing with 3 for 31.
completed their IPL 2025 campaigns for the season on different notes.
Klaasen owns the KKR bowlers Klaasen’s innings was a study in clean striking. He smashed nine sixes and seven fours, reaching his fifty in just 17 balls at a strike rate of 300 –his fastest in T20 cricket. From there, he did not let up, punishing anything short or full and driving straight with conviction to finish unbeaten on 105 off 39 balls.
Ishan Kishan added a crucial 29-ball 40, rotat -
SCOREBOARD
Sunrisers Hyderabad (20 ovs maximum)
Abhishek Sharma c Singh
b Narine 32
Travis Head c Russell
b Narine 76
Heinrich Klaasen not out 105
Ishan Kishan † c Nortje
b Arora 29
Aniket Verma not out 12
Extras (b 2, lb 7, nb 1, w 14) 24
Total 20 Ov (RR: 13.90) 278/3
Fall of wickets: 1-92 (Abhishek Sharma, 6.5 ov), 2-175 (Travis Head, 12.4 ov), 3-258 (Ishan Kishan, 18.3 ov)
Bowling O-M-R-W
Vaibhav Arora 4-0-39-1
Anrich Nortje 4-0-60-0
Harshit Rana 3-0-40-0
Sunil Narine 4 -0-42-2
Varun Chakravarthy 3-0-54-0
Andre Russell 2-0-34-0
Kolkata Knight Riders
(T: 279 runs from 20 ovs)
Quinton de Kock † c Manohar
b Malinga 9
Sunil Narine
b Unadkat 31
Ajinkya Rahane (c) c Abhishek Sharma
b Unadkat 15
Angkrish Raghuvanshi c
ing strike intelligently and finding gaps along the way too. The Klaasen-Kishan pair brought up a fif - ty partnership for the third wicket in just 20 balls, maintaining the momentum as the innings surged towards what looked like a re -
Chakravarthy could not stop the flow in the middle overs. Narine’s 13th over provided a rare moment of calm – dismissing Head and conceding just a single, the only over without a boundary since the opening one. But that was short-lived, as Klaasen launched Narine for backto-back sixes in his final over to bring up
cord-breaking total. Klaasen’s century arrived off the final ball of the 19th over, and SRH ended on a mammoth 278 for 3 – the third highest total in IPL history. Aniket Verma’s late flourish, with 12 in six balls, helped too.
Head does the groundwork
SRH’s 200 in the 15th. Nortje ended up conceding 60 in his four overs, Chakravarthy went for 54 in three as SRH posted 278 for 3, the third-highest IPL total of all time.
KKR’s top order fizzles out Narine gave KKR’s
Nitish Kumar Reddy b Malinga 14 Rinku Singh c Nitish Kumar Reddy b Dubey 9 Andre Russell lbw b Dubey 0 Manish Pandey c Manohar b Unadkat 37
Ramandeep Singh b Dubey 13
Harshit Rana c & b Malinga 34
Vaibhav Arora run out (Unadkat) 0
Anrich Nortje not out 0
Extras (b 1, lb 1, w 4) 6
Total 18.4 Ov (RR: 9.00) 168 Fall of wickets: 1-37 (Sunil Narine, 3.3 ov), 2-55 (Ajinkya Rahane, 5.3 ov), 3-61 (Quinton de Kock, 6.5 ov), 4-70 (Rinku Singh, 7.5 ov), 5-70 (Andre Russell, 7.6 ov), 6-95 (Angkrish Raghuvanshi, 12.2 ov), 7-110 (Ramandeep Singh, 13.5 ov), 8-162 (Manish Pandey, 17.3 ov), 9-162 (Vaibhav Arora, 17.4 ov), 10-168 (Harshit Rana, 18.4 ov) Bowling O-M-R-W Pat Cummins 2-0-25-0 Jaydev Unadkat 4-0-24-3
Harshal Patel 2-0-21-0
Eshan Malinga 3.4-0-31-3
Harsh Dubey 4-0-34-3
Nitish Kumar Reddy 1-0-6-0 Abhishek Sharma 2-0-25-0
Before Klaasen’s fireworks, Travis Head had laid the foundation with a commanding 76 off 40 balls. Head started superbly against Vaibhav Arora, someone he has struggled previously against, and raced to his fifty in 26 balls. That drove SRH to 79 without loss in the powerplay. Abhishek Sharma’s quick 32 from 16 balls ensured SRH capitalised fully on KKR’s early struggles. By the eighth over, SRH were already 109 for 1.
Forgettable evening for KKR’s bowlers
The KKR bowlers never found a consistent length. Anrich Nortje and Arora leaked runs early, while even Narine and Varun
chase a spectacular start, hammering three sixes and a four off Pat Cummins’ first two overs. But Unadkat turned the tide, deceiving Narine with a slower ball to rattle his leg stump. The wicket also meant KKR became only the third team – after Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2008 and Deccan Chargers in 2010 –to finish a season with no fifty-run opening stands.
Ajinkya Rahane’s brief 15 off eight balls showed promise, but he too fell to Unadkat, while Quinton de Kock’s struggles persisted. De Kock’s 13-ball nine ending tamely against a full toss from Malinga.
Dubey then took centre stage, removing Rinku Singh and Andre Russell
in consecutive deliveries
in the eighth over. Russell did not even wait for the umpire’s decision after being trapped lbw first ball,
leaving KKR in tatters at 70 for 5. Unadkat, Malinga wrap it up With Angkrish Raghuvanshi’s laboured 18 and Ramandeep Singh also falling in the middle overs, the game looked beyond salvage for KKR. But Rana and Pandey provided a late spark. Rana smashed three sixes in his first seven balls, while Pandey rediscovered some fluency with a few crisp shots. They took 21 runs off the 16th over, briefly denting Malinga’s tidy figures. However, the late surge only delayed the inevitable. Pandey was out for 37 to an Unadkat slower ball in the 18th over, and next ball Arora was run-out by Unadkat owing to his lazy running. Rana was the last to fall for 34 off 21 balls, with Malinga completing a caught-and-bowled effort to wrap up the innings at 168. (ESPNcricinfo)
Heinrich Klaasen struck a 37-ball century
Travis Head scored 76 runs
Harsh Dubey struck twice in two balls to dent KKR
Kolkata Knight Riders had a disappointing campaign
Carty’s 170 headlines West Indies' massive series-levelling win
Keacy Carty's career-best 170 and supporting acts from Shai Hope and Justin Greaves helped West Indies hammer Ireland by 197 runs via the DuckworthLewis-Stern (DLS) method in the third One-Day International (ODI) to draw the three-match series 1-1.
Carty hit his second
363.
Barry McCarthy was once again the star with the new ball for Ireland as he removed both openers by the fifth over. But Carty and Hope, for the second match in a row, stood firm for West Indies. Carty began with a flurry of confident cover drives and flicks, in contrast to his nervous start a couple of days ago.
brought into the attack and Hope welcomed him with a six over square leg.
Liam McCarthy created a few chances with his extra bounce. Carty's cut off him went low to Tector at backward point, but he was slow to react. Two balls later, Hope got an outside edge through the vacant slips cordon.
Hope kept the tempo
ball and lofted the next ball over long-on to reach his highest ODI score.
McBrine nearly had Greaves caught at deep midwicket, but Dockrell lost his balance and went over the boundary rope as he grabbed the catch.
A sliced boundary over short third rubbed salt in the wound for McBrine.
A pulled four from Greaves took West Indies to 300 with five overs to go. Carty reached 150 off the first ball of the 46th over as Greaves kept attacking from the other end with two more boundaries off Liam McCarthy.
did begin with a revised target, Seales made immediate impact. With movement on offer, he got an inswinger to sneak in the gap between Andy Balbirnie's bat and pad to crash into the stumps.
Paul Stirling continued
er, Seales drew a top edge off an attempted cut to end Stirling's cameo before getting the ball to seam in from well outside off as Tector looked to leave, only to hear the death rattle. The double-wicket maiden all but ended any hopes of a fightback from Ireland.
before a fiery opening spell from Jayden Seales all but
cutting his debut short. When play resumed
pull one that was not short enough from Andy McBrine, and substitute fielder Thomas Mayes took a good catch diving in front from long-on.
There was a period of pressure from Ireland that saw them give away just 18 runs in five overs. But Amir Jangoo, who was stuck on 7 off 23 till then, lofted Liam McCarthy over his head for a six to release some pressure before Carty topedged a pull for a six that took him into the 90s.
A cover drive off Tector in the next over took him to 97 before he edged a cut to bring up his hundred in the 38th over.
Carty kept going and milked Barry McCarthy for two boundaries in the next over. But Jangoo's struggles came to an end as he tried to take on an arm ball from George Dockrell and holed out to long-off.
There was another rain delay with eight overs left. When play resumed, Carty dispatched Dockrell back over his head for a six first
Carty smashed sixes off three consecutive legal deliveries off Barry McCarthy after Greaves hit one of his own in a 28-run 47th over. The last of those, by Carty, injured a cameraman at long-off, forcing another break in play.
When play resumed, Carty tried to go big again, but picked out the deep-midwicket fielder, giving Liam McCarthy a much-deserved wicket.
Greaves continued to attack, reaching his half-century off 22 balls, but chipped one to cover next ball to give Barry McCarthy his third wicket. While Barry McCarthy finished the series as the leading wicket-taker, he became the first Ireland bowler to concede 100 runs in a men's ODI.
From there, Matthew Forde, Gudakesh Motie and Roston Chase delivered a few more blows to take West Indies to a mammoth total. West Indies scored 132 runs in the last eight overs, the third-most by any team in a men's ODI, where ball-by-ball data is available.
More rain delayed the restart, but once the chase
Two overs later, howev-
Cade Carmichael and Lorcan Tucker put on a 72-run stand, with the former impressing in his second ODI innings, and he looked especially good pulling away the short balls, but Alzarri Joseph and Greaves sent them both back in the space of 10 balls. From there on, it was just a formality for West Indies as they avoided back-to-back series defeats against Ireland, who were also two batters short with Neill and Little injured during the first innings. (ESPNcricinfo)
Forde and Jayden Seales
Forde for two sixes in the fifth over amid a flurry of boundaries, reaching 6000 ODI runs in the process.
Keacy Carty hits his second hundred in as many games
rewards rising Berbice boxing stars
In a move lauded by the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), Queensway Security Service on Sunday rewarded three of its employees for their exceptional performances while representing Guyana at the recently-concluded Caribbean Boxing Championships in St Lucia.
Jamal Eastman, Joel Williamson, and standout performer Terron Wintz were recognised at Queensway’s Canje, Berbice office with monetary incentives, underscoring the company’s commitment to supporting local talent.
Wintz emerged as the most decorated among the trio, pocketing a total of $350,000. Of that sum, $100,000 was designated to support his ongoing training and nutrition, while the remaining $250,000 was a reward for clinching the coveted Best Youth Boxer award at the Championships.
Competing in the youth division, Wintz dominated his 67kg final bout against St Lucia’s Denzel Stephens, with the referee stopping the contest two minutes and 36 seconds into the second round.
Williamson and Eastman were each awarded
$100,000 for their efforts in the ring, with Guyana Boxing Association (GBA )President Steve Ninvalle expressing hope that the gesture by Queensway Security would set a precedent for other companies that employ athletes.
“This kind of corporate involvement is critical,” Ninvalle said. “Queensway has shown they understand what is needed for our athletes, not just in boxing but
in any sport. to excel. These young men train tirelessly, and support like this goes a long way.”
Ninvalle also took the opportunity to highlight the GBA’s intensified focus on youth development in recent years, pointing to the surge of interest in boxing among the nation’s youth, especially in regions like Berbice.
“We’re investing heavily in our youth programme,” Ninvalle emphasised. “Our aim is to expose more young boxers to elite competition, regionally and internationally, so that they have the platform and experience to one day transition into successful professional careers.
The GBA, under Ninvalle’s leadership, has been instrumental in nurturing grassroots talent across Guyana.
The Association’s recent efforts have borne fruit, with Guyanese boxers making their mark on regional stages and earning accolades.
“Time and again we have proven that with the right structure and support, our amateur boxers can rise to any occasion,” Ninvalle said.
The presentation, Ninvalle noted, not only celebrated the young pugilists’ achievements but also marked a progressive step forward in corporate-GBA collaboration.
King and Queen of the Sand
…March pass and six matches set to ignite Bauxite Mining Town
The 2025 edition of the One Guyana King and Queen of the Sand Football championships – which were set to kick off on Sunday, May 18 but were curtailed by rain – will now kick off on Independence Day at the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Linden office ground.
As the excitement ramps up among the teams in what is anticipated to be a fiercely-contested tournament, a total of 20 male teams and eight female teams will be matching skills over the next few weeks as they seek to be the top two in each group and so advance to the next round and the overall top four.
Following the opening match, a queen’s clash from 17:30h between Iconic Strikers and Rockstone, there will be a colourful march past of all contesting teams, both female and male.
petition between Avocado Ballers and Hururu from 19:00h.
from 20:10h. Next up will be UDK Victors against Lil Ballers from 21:00h.
feature clash between HH Ballers and Avocado.
Speightland will be defending the queen’s title while a new king will be crowned as last year’s champions, DC Ballers are not in the reckoning this time around. Over $4 million in cash, trophies, and other incentives will be up for grabs. The action will continue on Friday at the same venue.
Teams in the queen’s segment of the competition:
Group A – GDF, Hururu, Circuitville Strikers, Avocado Ballers
Group B – Iconic Strikers, Rockstone, Fearless, Speightland
King’s segment:
Group A – Hard Knocks, HH Ballers, Avocado Ballers, One Syde, Turf President
Group B – Young Gunners, Spaniards, UDK Victors, Foundation Family, Lil Ballers
Group C – LA Ballers, Team Mineral, Swan FC, Fearless, Speightland
This would be followed by another match in the queen’s segment of the com-
Thereafter, the kings will take centre stage, and the first match will see Team Mineral matching skills with Swan FC
Rockstone will throw down the gauntlet to Hardball Management in the main supporting match from 21:50h, with the
Group D – Goal IQ, YMCA, Rockstone, Hardball Management, Bomberz
In this photo, Queensway’s Chief Operations Officer Lancelot Khan (second from left) hands over a cheque to Jorl Williamson. Others in the photo are (left to right) Coach Gregory “Chassis” Cort, Jamal Eastman, Terron Wintz, Steve Ninvalle and Coach Jeff Roberts
Speightland, defending queen of the sand champs