Cabinet members’ expertise augurs well for national development agenda
Sophia mother of 4 dies days after gas tank explosion – as nephew recovers, family plans to take legal action
Miner fatally stabbed during drinking spree at Blue Mountain Backdam – suspect in custody Prison Service pushes rehabilitation over punishment
Agri Minister to meet rice farmers, millers as 2nd crop commences ...farmers express concern over paddy prices offered by millers
15-year-old Owen Cooper becomes youngest actor to receive Emmy award
The recently concluded Amerindian Village, at Sophia, Greater Georgetown, featured Amerindian crafts and cuisine, along with cultural presentations as part of Amerindian Heritage Month activities
DDL Group records $2.2B profit after taxation for 1st half of 2025
– Chairman cites adverse effects of US-imposed tariffs on markets
Local beverage giant, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) has reported a profit after taxation to the tune of $2.202 billion for the first half of this year. This figure represents an increase of $101 million when compared to the $2.101 billion that was recorded during the same period in 2024. As it relates to profit before taxation, the Group registered $2.962 billion during the first six months of the 2025 financial year, representing a growth of $117 million or four per cent over the $2.845 billion earned for the same period in the previous year. Moreover, the Group's Turnover for
the first half-year in 2025 was levelled at $14.585 billion, which was marginally ahead by $128 million, compared to a Turnover of $14,457 billion achieved for the same period in 2024. It was further reported that Turnover in the domestic market grew by almost 4 per cent, while Turnover in international markets declined by approximately 10 per cent.
Tariff uncertainty
The figures were reported by the Chairman of the DDL Group, Komal Samaroo, in his mid-year results for the period ended June 30, 2025.
In presenting the Group’s Interim Report 2025, which was published in the Sunday edition of Guyana Times, the Chairman noted that these results for the first half of the year came amid elevated uncertainty in international markets because of the implementation of the new tariff policy in the United States (US).
Back in April, a country specific tariff applicable to Guyana's exports to the US was raised to a whopping 38 per cent, however, this was subsequently reduced
to 15 per cent, following negotiations between the US and Guyana. But according to Samaroo, even the 15 per cent tariff rate is higher than the minimum 10 per cent that applies to exports to the US from most of DDL’s competitors in the region and elsewhere.
“The war in Ukraine, combined with the ongoing uncertainty about tariffs on European-manufactured exports to the United States, continued to have adverse economic effects in European markets, including a decline in consumer spending, particularly, in the premium and super premium segments of Europe's spirits market,” he stated.
The Chairman added, however, that “The Group will continue to pursue a strategy of widening as well as diversifying its international markets in the future.”
DSL branch in Lethem
Nevertheless, Samaroo went on to highlight some of the significant progress that were made in advancing several major capital projects undertaken by the Group during the reporting period. These include the newly remodelled and upgraded building
on High Street, Kingston, Georgetown, housing the World Trade Centre (WTC) Georgetown, which was officially commissioned in June. The Chairman stated that plans are afoot to officially launch the WTC Georgetown trade services and activities in October 2025. Also, during the last quarter of this year, Samaroo said the expansion of the Beverage Production Operations will be completed.
The DDL Group is also expanding its Distribution Services Limited (DSL) operations to Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo). Samaroo indicated that, “A DSL Lethem Branch, currently under construction, is also scheduled to be completed at the end of this year and will enhance the Group's presence in Region Nine.”
Another project that made “good progress” during the reporting period is the Demerara Dairy Project and according to the Chairman, this facility is scheduled for completion in the first half of 2026. In addition, the ongoing rehabilitation and upgrade of the Demerara Shipping Wharf facilities recommenced this
year and is scheduled for full completion next year. The Chairman ended his report by thanking all staff members for their continued commitment and hard work as they implement the goals of expansion and diversification in pursuit of the Group's growth strategy. He also expressed gratitude to the Board of Directors for their continued support, guidance and advice. This 2025 interim report comes nearly one year after the Group experienced a major setback to primary operations at the Great Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD) distillery. On September 27, 2024, DDL’s Central Power Station, which housed seven generators that had been the sole source of power supply to most of its manufacturing units and corporate services, was destroyed by fire. Temporary energy solutions were expeditiously deployed to restart some of the Group’s operations and minimise business interruption as far as possible pending medium and long-term power solutions for the Group’s Beverage Operations to be activated. Despite the quick action by manage-
ment to minimise impact, the fire resulted in a significant shortage of beverage supply to the market which, in turn, adversely impacted revenue in the last quarter of 2024. Nonetheless, to overcome all challenges within its control, the Group had implemented a medium-term plan for sustainable and reliable power to its operations while simultaneously reviewing the long-term energy strategy including alternative sources of energy. Despite this and other challenges encountered last year, the Group still managed to achieve a Turnover of $30.8 billion in 2024, compared to $33.3 billion in the preceding year – a decline of $2.5 billion or 7.5 per cent. Chairman Samaroo had disclosed in the Group’s 2024 end-of-year report that the Profit before taxation increased, albeit marginally, to $8.0 billion compared to $7.7 billion, a growth of just over $0.3 billion or just over 4 per cent. However, Profit after tax for the year reduced marginally to $5.824 billion compared to just below $5.969 billion in 2023 on account of higher taxation.
DDL Group Chairman Komal Samaroo
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, September 15 –23:15h–00:45h and Tuesday , September 16 – no retraction.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, September 15 –11:05h–12:35h and Tuesday, September 16 – 12:35h–14:05h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
WEATHER TODAY
Sunny skies are expected during the day, interrupted by late-morning to mid-afternoon thundery showers. Mostly clear skies are expected at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius.
Winds: East North-Easterly to Easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.47 metres.
High Tide: 10:35h and 22:59h reaching maximum heights of 2.05 metres and 2.13 metres.
Low Tide: 16:22h reaching a minimum height of 1.23 metres.
New PPP/C Cabinet Cabinet members’ expertise augurs well for national development agenda – Jagdeo
The new People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government has appointed a group of highly-skilled professionals from a number of key fields – something which the Party’s General Secretary (GS) Bharrat Jagdeo says augurs well for the administration since it can tap into that expertise to advance its impressive national development agenda. On Saturday evening, President Dr Irfaan Ali swore in his 25-member Cabinet for the next five years, which saw some familiar Ministers returning coupled with a batch of fresh faces. The Head of State also announced the appointment of several presidential advisors including Shyam Nokta, Dr Mahendra Carpen, Dr Kofi
Dalrymple and Mischka White-Griffith.
According to Jagdeo, who is the Head of the PPP/C’s List of Candidates and has returned as Vice President (VP) in the current administration, many of the highly-skilled individuals named in the party’s list, though successful in their respective professions, still wanted to make a contribution to the Government without having a political appointment. “Many of them have healthy, professional earnings and many of them did not want political positions too but they wanted to contribute, skills wise, to the success of the Government,” Jagdeo pointed out during a brief interview with the Guyana Standard on the sidelines of the swearing in ceremony of the new PPP/C Cabinet on Saturday. He went on to explain: “… we have achieved that by bringing in a number of people – Dr Carpen, Mischka White, Kofi Dalrymple, Thandi McAllister. All of them are coming in with their skills but they will still be functioning in their core jobs of service to the country.”
Nokta has been appointed as Presidential Advisor on Climate Change and Biodiversity; Dr Carpen, a renowned cardiologist,
Reform; White-Griffith as Chief Planning Officer in the Ministry of Education; and Geeta ChandanEdmond as Senior Advisor to the Government. White-
One Guyana Commission. Several Ministers in the last PPP/C Cabinet who are not returning to those offices were retained to offer expertise. These include
will be a senior advisor in the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning.
More key appointments, continuous assessment on performance Presidential Ali, who was re-elected alongside Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, for a second term at the September 1 General and Regional Elections, is expected to make other key appointments in the coming days as he streamlines the cohort of professionals to run his administration.
as Presidential Advisor on Science and Health Care Modernisation; Dr Dalrymple, as Advisor in the Ministry of Education on Tertiary Education
Griffith will also serve as Parliamentary Secretary for the Government alongside Thandi McAllister. Ruel Johnson was also appointed as advisor in the
Robeson Benn, who will serve as senior advisor in the Home Affairs and Natural Resources Ministries, while Joseph Hamilton
President Dr Irfaan Ali and the members of his new Cabinet
Editor: Tusika Martin
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The President and his Cabinet
As we know, the “Cabinet” consists of the Ministers who will lead the departments (Ministries) into which the executive functions of government have been divided to deliver services to the people with the greatest efficiency, under the direction of the President. Saturday evening, the President swore in 25 Ministers who will join the already announced Prime Minister and Vice President, in his Cabinet. With seven new faces and several switches of portfolios, the President is clearly balancing continuity with change in his second term.
In his remarks following his announcement, Pres Ali declared up front that the appointments are not cast in stone, but will change based on performance: “The new Cabinet today is put on notice that these are the measuring sticks. There will be continuous assessments, and there will be changes where such changes are necessary, because the foundation of this new government is about results, people, efficiency, transparency, and relentless hard work.” We are reminded of the President’s 5:30am meeting, where he was forced to read the riot act to several Ministers and department heads who allowed projects to drag out.
Addressing criticisms that some Ministers were prone to throwing their weight around in their interactions with the citizenry, the President warned, “This government is not about power, and I want to make that very clear. Those who wish to exercise power, you will find yourself out of the job very quickly. This government is the exercise of responsibility, service, and humility. No egos, no egos. It’s about service and responsibility.”
The standard, of course, is the President himself who has demonstrated an indefatigable work ethic and humility during the last five years as President and in the previous decade as a Minister of Housing.
Coming off a very hard-fought elections in which his party increased its majority while the major opposition A Partnership for National Unity/People’s National Congress (APNU/ PNC) splintered and a new political formation We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) stole their thunder, the President gave the charge that the Ministers must be committed to all Guyanese, regardless of their political affiliation: “The work (you’re) about to embark on is for all of Guyana – every citizen. It’s to reach every home, to reach every family, to reach every community, in upliftment, in prosperity, in transformation, in a better quality of life.”
While acknowledging that Cabinet divides up overall governmental functions and responsibilities for efficiency, he urged that the forest not be lost for the trees. “The future is about all the stakeholders – every level of Government – that must be involved and be part of this process of transformation. Our international representation, our international positioning, our security aspiration – all of these things form critical pillars of the journey ahead of us.”
As such, he cautioned his Cabinet on the need to work as a team to fulfil the pledges the Party had made in its manifesto for One Guyana. “In an age of rapid development and shifting global currents, the business of Government cannot be hampered by division, delay, or dissonance. The people of Guyana deserve leadership that is steady and unified, leadership that places service above self, and leadership that converts policy into tangible improvements in the lives of our citizens.”
“Each one of you shall be responsible and accountable for the delivery of our programmes, the delivery of our plan. Together with myself, the Prime Minister, the Vice President, and the rest of the Cabinet, the advisers, and the technical people that will form part of this team – including our Members of Parliament, we intend to deliver to the people of this country upon all the commitments and promises we would have made.”
This newspaper is not oblivious to the necessity for changes that will have to be made in several areas of governmental activity which have not performed and delivered to expectations. But we caution that as the President has demonstrated in his Cabinet selection, we cannot throw out the baby with the bathwater. We cannot and should not conflate symptoms with causes. We view the appointment of the present Cabinet as a necessary first step in securing our nation’s progress.
A failure of political integrity in the composition of GECOM
Dear Editor,
The ongoing debate surrounding the composition of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has laid bare a decisive test of political morality, propriety, principle, ethics, honor, and integrity for A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Forward Guyana Movement (FGM). It is a test of fidelity to democratic norms and of respect for the spirit, not merely the letter, of constitutional order. At the first asking, however, this test has been failed.
Experience cannot supersede democratic legitimacy
Much has been made of the “wealth of experience” of the incumbent opposition-nominated commissioners. While their service may be acknowledged, this argument misses the essential point. We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), having emerged as the constitutionally recognized offi-
cial opposition, is entitled by every measure of democratic equity to representation on GECOM. This entitlement is not a concession to be negotiated, nor a privilege to be withheld at the discretion of partisan actors; it is a right that must be respected in both form and substance.
Statesmanship demanded that the PNCR, acting with integrity, internalize the new parliamentary arithmetic and extend without hesitation an offer to WIN to occupy its rightful seat. To do otherwise is to corrode trust in the electoral machinery and erode the very legitimacy of the democratic framework. As James Russell Lowell warned, “Compromise makes a good umbrella, but a poor roof.” Expediency may provide temporary shelter, but it cannot sustain the edifice of a credible democracy.
The imperative of good faith Democracy does not flourish on constitution-
al text alone. It thrives on the spirit of fairness, honor, and integrity that animates those provisions. WIN’s status as the principal opposition must, therefore, be mirrored in the structure of GECOM to ensure that its deliberations reflect the full and current spectrum of parliamentary representation. Anything less amounts to the deliberate exclusion of legitimate voices and undermines the inclusivity upon which democratic governance rests.
To resist this adjustment is to reveal a deeper malaise: a preference for procedural manipulation over principled governance. Such a stance signals that the calculus of power has taken precedence over the obligations of integrity. In the words of Louis D Brandeis, “Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants.” Transparency and inclusion, not exclusion and expediency, are the foundations upon which trust in
Conclusion
The measure of true leadership is not in rhetorical homage to ethics but in the consistent practice of ethical conduct. In refusing to align GECOM’s composition with the political reality established by the electorate, APNU and FGM have squandered a straightforward opportunity to demonstrate principle. They have instead chosen expediency over honour, thereby setting a troubling precedent that will reverberate throughout Guyana’s democratic order.
History will record that in this defining moment, integrity was not upheld but sacrificed, and that the consequences, erosion of legitimacy, alienation of citizens, and deepened public cynicism, were entirely self-inflicted.
Yours sincerely, Prof Dr Stanley Anthony Vivion Paul
It can become very busy on the Rupununi River between the villages of Yupukari and Katoka when cattle, horses, motorbikes and people take the crossing during their daily travels (A Path to Travel photos)
GECOM must be built.
Some things wouldn't change for the PNC and Norton
Dear Editor, Dr. Wayne Dyer once lectured, "When we change the way we look at things, the things we look at change." Changes are inevitable just as death is. Tax is no longer one of the inescapable necessities in life. Some know how to dodge the taxman.
Peter D'aguiar on the 1964 Election - I should have seen what's gonna happen…… I shouldn't have been so naïve…"A seizure of power by fraud, not an election." The sociopolitical students and Guyanese wary of Guyana's history would recall the name and person, in some cases, of Peter D'aguiar, the Portuguese leader of the United Force Party that was responsible for collating (colluding?) with Burnham, the PNC,
the British and the CIA to help keep Dr. Cheddi Jagan and the PPP were out of power in 1964 until 1992.
Is there déjà vu for Terrence Campbell, the business magnate? Is he dangerously traversing the daunting route D'aguiar once took with the devious PNC? Is he being used or set up by the deceptive PNC disguised as the APNU? Will it be a matter of time before he realises that he is doing the dirty work for a disoriented party which cannot diffuse their electorate anger? Some things don't change, they just become different. D'aguiar was also a business entrepreneur who managed a prosperous and profitable company that has survived to be one of the most flourishing busi -
ness enterprises to date. D'aguiar was appointed as Finance Minister but it was only a matter of time before he refused to cooperate with Burham in his election rigging schemes and reigned in 1967. Disgusted with Burham's corruption, D'aguiar joined Jagan and walked out of Parliament in 1968. That was the end of his political love affair with Burnham and Guyana.
Aubrey Norton has been booted as LOO, having lost to the Sanction Man from WIN who now becomes the new Leader of the Opposition. The man who refused to shake the President's hand will no longer occupy a seat in Parliament but will maintain the reign over APNU. Will this member of the MCC be able to stand
Gordon's "guts", play second fiddle and take his orders? Will he retaliate and be objective to reality and not subjective to biasses? Now that the rain has gone, will the new APNU faces be able to see clearly?
Aubrey Norton wants some to be close to his heart. There are still a few who see through his eyes. "Lick bottom" shares the same podium with him and will now be his mouthpiece in parliament. The worst possible alternative will occupy the seat to remind Guyanese that some things don't change and Burnham's racial aptitude and violent attitude will relive again in voice that will speak volumes for the old stalwarts from the old PNC. Guyana is again getting into muddy water.
Aubrey Norton perhaps
realised the strengths, weaknesses, abilities and threats posed by his internal competitors and has silenced them through the process of elimination. Many will not be seen in Parliament. The street fighter knows how to survive by playing dirty. Many ran from him for their own health and not with tails between their legs! Retreating from a dangerous situation was a wise decision which enabled some to survive, fight another day and present more opportunities.
The old monster's head is not ready to submerge.
Aubrey Norton is insisting on his three blind mice to continue sitting, serving and serenading the sinister sanctity of the PNC as GECOM Commissioners.
The APNU and AFC had
occupied 31 seats in the last Parliament and were the only Opposition. Now, APNU will occupy 12 seats and AFC none. WIN will have 16 seats and Amanza-Desir will occupy 1 seat. Yet, the bombastic, barbaric and besmirched APNU wants to have the whole hog and not share. Will the green, greedy and grouchy Norton not change the way he looks at things? Where is the honest Ranger and his soul search for integrity? Guess the old watch dogs and war lords for the PNC are still sleeping! If APNU continues in the same trend as the past porous PNC, there will not be the compliment for a complete cricket team for the next series!
Yours sincerely, Jai
Lall
The dangers of populism
Dear Editor,
Populism is widely used term, but one that is also widely misunderstood. The most elementary error is to derive the meaning from the adjective “popular”, where the latter refers to a person or thing that is well-liked. By contrast, we should understand populism as a distinctive way of practising politics. I shall demonstrate that Azruddin Mohamed (AZM hereafter) is a populist.
In what follows, I outline the key elements of populism.
(a) populism is based on a politics of mobilisation rather than a politics of aggregation. While democratic politics work by aggregating interests and developing policies and program to address the same, populist politics focus on recruiting or mobilising sections of the population who are told that they are the REAL people, but who have been abandoned, ignored, and forgotten.
(b) populism is leader dominant. The top man, such as AZM, presents himself as someone who is above society. He stands above the fray, and will only intervene to save the ‘people’, who in fact, are only a segment of the population. In this case, the populist leader emits messianic waves.
(c) the populist leader (AZM again) uses images and other signifiers to portray himself as a ‘strongman’ who is unafraid of those who hold political and economic power. Max Weber, used the term charisma to specify
this strongman quality.
(d) the populist leader makes promises to the poor, knowing fully and well that these promises are not realistic and won’t be delivered. The message is if you are a faithful follower, you will be rewarded, one way or another, but nothing really specific. The trick is to make belonging to the movement itself, the key reward.
In aggregative (democratic politics) citizens make requests that governments respond to in ways set out in the governing principles, institutions, and capabilities.
The work of Amartya Sen is indicative of how this works at an aspirational level.
The populist, by contrast, converts all requests into demands.
Ernesto Laclau and Chantal Mouffe explain the differences here. While a request is the product of a civic process, a demand politicises the ‘thing’. For instance, if a trench is clogged resulting in flooding, a community can request that NAREI clears it up. If that fails, a call might go to Lionel Wordsworth. Still in the ambit of ‘request’, the matter can climb the governance ladder all the way to OP. Nothing political so far.
A demand occurs when a request is transformed into something political. The populist leader can take the same trench, call a meeting, and say something like, “look how they take their eyes and pass you.” He then calls for a march to an iconic political location (perhaps OP). The task and strategy of the populist leader is to
transform a matter of mundane governance, into a political crisis. The underbelly of the crisis is the elite versus the people.
The danger of populism is that this strategy can be enacted quite easily at an operational level, and with practically no political costs to the populist movement.
The worst the crisis, the higher the populist leader rises.
The ruling party in these instances, must worry about the proclivities of the middle class whose political identity is highly unstable, and can shift tactically if and when the streets become crisis prone.
The populist model is based on constantly finding ways to divide the country. Simple differences are regularly transformed into implacable confrontations. The leader of the movement is more like a field commander who issues the order and the infantry goes out because of the movement patriotism, based as it were, on a world divided between the Saved and damned, a Manichean world cultivated, constructed, and reproduced through endless rhetorical performances.
Yours sincerely, Dr Randy Persaud
Double-Line Graphs
A double-line graph often compares how information changes for two or more persons, places or things as time passes.
Example:
In which year were the most dolphins seen in Guyana and Suriname?
Step 1: Look for the highest point on the graph for the Guyana data (80)and then the Suriname data(100).
Step 2: Look along the horizontal axis for the time that point relates to: 1999 (Guyana) and 1997 (Suriname).
Gather six to eight stems of long grass and bind one end with a small length of twine – double knot to prevent slipping.
Plait (braid) the long end of the straws to 4-6”. Tie the end with a double knot. Fold the whole length of stems in half.
From the folded top, tie both parts of the stems together. Pull this tie tightly to form the head. Repeat steps 1-2 to form arms.
Exercises: Interpret
1) What can you say about the supply and demand of ice cream from the double-line chart?
2) What conclusion can you draw from the double-line graph about students’ grades and how much TV they watched?
Open the frame of the body you made (the part with the head) and insert the arm piece up inside so that it protrudes from each side horizontally. If the arms look too long, either trim them or fold them in half.
Secure the arms with another string tied just underneath them, around the body. At this point, look at your doll and decide what’s missing. Then add. (homesteadlady.com)
By Elly NilaNd
Sea. Place of grace. Intoxicates. Wool and swishing silk. Tasted the sweetness Of true liberty. Younger then, I felt the pull of the tide. Consoling. Changed my life Under sun’s fire blades. Left the world Of reason behind. Sweet damp. Folds, falls of water Whiffs of mortality. Ganga got no radio flare or lifeboat out deh. It dangerous
Agri Minister to meet rice farmers, millers as 2nd crop commences
...farmers express concern over paddy prices offered by millers
Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, has agreed to meet with rice farmers and millers as harvesting of the second rice crop has commenced across the country, while rice farmers have expressed concern over the price being offered by millers for
each bag of paddy being sold to them. Minister Mustapha, along with senior officials from the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), is expected to be consulting with rice farmers and millers across the rice-growing regions of the country during the course of this week. According to the
Ministry of Agriculture, the engagements are part of the Ministry’s continued efforts to promote open dialogue and collaboration with stakeholders in the rice industry. The Ministry said the meetings will focus on matters related to the current crop as it remains committed to working closely with all
Cabinet members’ expertise...
In his address at Saturday’s swearing-in of the new Cabinet, the Head of State cautioned the newly appointed Ministers that they will be continuously assessed with their performance measured by delivery and humility rather than power. Asked about this, President Ali told the Guyana Standard that he was clear in his charge to his Cabinet.
“They have to deliver on their programmes. They’ll be assessed on delivery, on the quality of service they’re giving our citizens, on attitude and responsibility. And if you don’t pass the assessment then you make rooms for others, so it is as simple as that. This is about efficiency, it’s about delivery, it’s about standards, it’s about service to the people and if you don’t cut the fit then there will be changes,” he declared. This message was supported by his VP, who noted that since the party has a huge plan for the transformation of the country and to deliver benefits to every citizen, there is a need to act swiftly on this agenda.
“The Cabinet, therefore, that was appointed… [the President] made it clear that he’s gonna focus on efficiency and how hard they work and whether they’re fulfilling their responsibility. And should anyone not achieve those standards, that there shall be chan-
ges. It’s a long five years and there will be many other opportunities for the President to make those changes should people not be able to do their work,” VP Jagdeo stated. The 25-member Cabinet that was sworn in on Saturday includes: Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, returning as Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs; Gail Teixeira as Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance; Hugh Hilton Todd as Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; Dr Ashni Singh as Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance; Dr Frank Anthony as Minister of Health; Vickram Bharrat as Minister of Natural Resources; Vindhya Persaud as Minister of Human Services and Social Security, and Kwame Mc Coy as Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister.
Also returning as Minister of Public Works is Juan Anthony Edghill, who will be supported by Madanlall Ramraj; Zulfikar Mustapha as Minister of Agriculture with Vickash Ramkissoon as his junior Minister; Collin Croal as Minister of Housing with Vanessa Benn as his junior Minister; and Charles Ramson as Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports with Steven Jacobs as his
junior Minister. There were also a few reshuffles of Ministers who served the last cabinet. This saw Priya Devi Manickchand reassigned to the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, while Sonia Savitri Parag takes the helm at the Ministry of Education. Oneidge Walrond is now the new Minister of Home Affairs, while Susan Rodrigues will now serve as Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce.
Meanwhile, some new faces have been introduced to the Cabinet with at least one new Ministry named, that is, the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation, which will be headed by Deodat Indar. Among the new faces is Zulfikar Ally, who will serve as Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation; Sarah Browne-Shadeek as Minister of Amerindian Affairs, and Keoma Griffith as Minister of Labour, Manpower Planning. These 25 Ministers will be joined in the Parliament by James Bond, Zamal Hussain, Seepaul Narine, Bagmatie Veerasammy, Suresh Singh, Vishwa Mahadeo, Jennifer Westford, Alister Charlie, Anand Persaud, Lenox Shuman, Peter Ramsaroop, Sanjeev Datadin, and Sonia Latchman.
stakeholders in the rice industry to support a successful and productive crop, and to advance the Government’s broader food security agenda.
Millers, farmers and paddy prices
In Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) on Friday two mills announced that they will be offering $2800 per bag of rice. This compares with $3700 offered by millers' last crop, to which the Government added a further $300, making it $4000 that farmers received for each bag of paddy produced and sold to the mills. The recent drop in world rice prices has directly translated into lower prices being paid to Guyanese rice farmers for their paddy, squeezing their margins and threatening their livelihoods.
Millers have cited global market trends — with rice once selling at over US$700 per tonne, now hovering around US$400 to $420 as a justification to pay less for paddy locally. Meanwhile, operational costs (for fuel, fertiliser, and labour) remain high, and in many cases rising, meaning the gap between production cost and revenue is widening.
At $2800 per bag, some farmers say they are selling at a loss. However, with
The notice that farmers say informs them of the new prices
world prices dropping, one official in the industry said farmers need to focus on reducing production costs. Global rice prices have experienced a decline in recent months due to a combination of factors affecting supply and demand dynamics. One key driver is the resumption of exports from major rice-producing countries such as India and Vietnam, following earlier restrictions and tight supply in 2023 and early 2024. Improved weather conditions have also contributed to higher yields in parts of Asia,
leading to increased global supply. As a result, international buyers are seeing more options and negotiating lower prices, pushing down the average price per tonne. Additionally, inflationary pressures in many importing countries have dampened demand, as buyers seek to manage their food import bills more conservatively.
The decline in global rice prices has posed challenges for rice-exporting nations like Guyana, where farmers are vulnerable to international market shifts.
Berbice motorcyclist, pillion rider die after crashing into car
…driver arrested; alcohol found in system
Amotorcyclist and his pillion rider are now dead after crashing into a motorcar on at Hermitage Village, East Coast Berbice (ECB), Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), in the wee hours of Sunday morning.
Dead are Kris Ramphal, aged 29, a packaging plant worker of Chesney New Housing Scheme, Corentyne, and Malcolm Pirtan called “Malie”, 18, a painter of Fyrish Village, Corentyne.
Police say the crash occurred at about 01:40h on Sunday. At the time, Ramphal was driving motorcycle CP 8880 with Pirtan as the pillion rider heading west allegedly at a fast rate, with both the motorcyclist and pillion rider not wearing safety helmets. The motorcar, HC 4710, which was heading in the opposite direction, was at the time being driven by a 48-year-old man from Lancaster Village, Corentyne.
According to the police, the driver of the car alleged that the motorcycle was without a headlight and was proceeding in his lane, approaching from the opposite direction. Upon seeing this, the driver said he tried to swerve right to avoid a collision, but despite his effort, the motorcy-
cle collided with the left front portion of his car on the northern drive lane. Both Ramphal and Pirtan fell onto the road, where they received injuries. They were picked up by public-spirited citizens in unconscious conditions and were taken to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital, where they were both pronounced dead on arrival. Meanwhile, the motorcar driver was contacted at the scene. He was later arrested and taken to the Central
Police Station. A breathalyser test was conducted, which revealed he had 4 and 5 micrograms of alcohol. He remains in custody, assisting with the investigations.
Ramphal’s mother, 46-year-old Kamlawattie Mohan, said her son left home for work on Saturday evening but stopped at her home in Fyrish and began imbibing with other relatives and his good friend Pirtan.
“He was there in front, waiting for me to sit down and take another drink. So, after I told him, I want him to go to work… he left and said that he was going to Number 1 and coming back. But I did not know that he left and went to Number 19 Village.”
Mohan said it was her daughter-in-law who told her that her son was involved in an accident. She said she was told that her daughter-in-law was calling her son’s phone, and a woman answered it and informed her of the crash. “So I called his phone and the lady told me that my son ride into their car and now he lying on the road. I asked her what happened to him and she said how he dead already.” The woman, who is now experiencing the death of a second of her six children, said on Saturday evening during her last moments with Ramphal, he was showing her video clips from his phone of himself working at the Albion Estate Sugar Packaging Plant.
Meanwhile, Pirtan’s brother, Edmond Franson, said his younger brother was hanging out with his best friend but said Pirtan does not consume alcohol.
Police are continuing their investigations.
Miner fatally stabbed during drinking spree at Blue Mountain Backdam
– suspect in custody
A28-year-old miner was fatally stabbed during a confrontation at Blue Mountain Backdam, Region Seven (Cuyuni- Mazaruni), in the early hours of Sunday morning, following a night of drinking with co-workers. The dead man has been identified as Fitrawle McLeannon, called “Cripple,” of Lot 106 Ocean Garden, Meten-Meer-Zorg, East Bank Essequibo (EBE). Police have arrested the 24-year-old suspect, Shamer Tobin, called “Shortman,” a gold miner of Moruka, North West District, Region One.
The incident unfolded between 23:45h on Saturday and 12:30h on Sunday. Investigations revealed that McLeannon and Tobin, along with other workers employed by dredge owner Frankie Wessel of Meten-Meer-Zorg, had gone over to the mining camp of Davan Melville earlier that night. There, the men drank alcohol and en-
gaged in conversation until about 23:45h, after which Wessel’s workers, including the now-deceased man and the suspect, returned to their camp.
It was shortly after their return that one of Melville’s employees, who had been lying in bed, was startled by a loud scream. Curious, the worker got up and looked outside. He reportedly saw McLeannon lying on the trail near the kitchen area of the camp, bleeding profusely, while Tobin was seen walking away from the scene.
According to investigators, it was alleged that McLeannon had slapped Tobin three times, after which the younger miner retaliated by stabbing him three times. A co-worker later told police that Tobin returned to the camp after the stabbing and confessed to what he had done, reportedly saying that after being struck by “a one hand man” at Junior’s camp,
he stabbed the man and left him lying on the ground.
When police and investigators arrived at the scene, they observed McLeannon’s left hand was disabled. A close examination of the body revealed a stab wound to the centre of the abdomen, measuring about one and a quarter inch in length, another stab wound to the left hip, and a third stab wound to the middle of the back near the spinal area. Investigators also noted tattoos on McLeannon’s right shoulder and left hand.
The crime scene was processed in detail. A black rubber slipper was discovered about three feet from the deceased, while a small pink-handled pair of scissors was found on the trail near his body. Blood samples were collected from the deceased and from stains at the scene using cotton swabs. The area was photographed and video recorded, while the items recovered were packaged,
sealed, and lodged as evidence. Following the discovery, police launched a Cordon and Search operation at Marawah Backdam, Cuyuni River, which lies about two hours from the site of the stabbing. During the operation, Tobin was spotted, pursued, and arrested. He was later interviewed by investigators and voluntarily gave his version of events under video recording. On Sunday afternoon, between 15:20h and 15:31h, a formal video and audio interview was conducted with Tobin. He was told of his rights and informed of the allegation against him, to which he openly admitted, stating in his own words: “Me and the man was drinking, and I was high, and de man box me, and I bore him about three times. Afterward, I went back to camp and put on my long boots, and I roll out.” The suspect is currently in custody, assisting with the ongoing investigation.
Creating…
…his
team
If it’s one thing we know about Prezzie is he’s absolutely bonkers about cricket!! He just doesn’t wear that on his sleeve – as they say – but on his entire persona. Now the Brits who used to rule half of the world back in the day won one of their most famous battles against the French – the Battle of Waterloo –under the Duke of Wellington to end Napoleon’s career!! Reflecting on the event later, Wellington said famously, “The battle of Waterloo was won on the playing fields of Eton.” Meaning that the values inculcated on the cricket field of that famous school he attended were what made him carry the day!!
And as your Eyewitness listened to Prezzie’s remarks following his swearing-in of the Cabinet that’s gonna work with him to fulfil his Party’s manifesto’s pledges, he could glean the values of cricket streaming thru!! A bunch of specialists – the best in various facets of the game – brought together, but must be absolutely willing to work as a team with him as the captain?!! Some new players were brought in because you always need “new blood” to bring up the energy level!?! A willingness to play the role given without looking at the other fella –and keeping egos in check!!? That’s cricket!!
And so Pres Ali’s ready to play his second innings to win one for our beloved Mudland!! Your Eyewitness suspects that some of Prezzie’s picks – and some of his retentions – might’ve surprised some folks; So let’s look at a few. There’s Oneidge Walrond – former Minister of Tourism who’s now in charge of the critical Ministry of Home Affairs!! Yep…that’s the Ministry in charge of our nation’s security through its various departments – Police, Prison Service, Fire Service, CANU, etc.!! In a word, it’s all about Law and Order!!
So the question is what does Oneidge Walrond know about Law and Order?? Well…PLENTY!! Did you know she’s a lawyer and was a Magistrate for quite a while?!!! Well, she was – and as such, has an insider knowledge about the law and its application to keep order!! And since 2020, she’s been managing a governmental bureaucracy to achieve its goals!! The principles of management are quite portable!! Good luck to Min Walrond!!
Then there’s that switch of Priya – only one name needed!! – from Education to Local Government with Sonia Parag! Some may say that Priya performed quite credibly in Education – and if it ain’t broken, it don’t need fixin’!! Well, we should now appreciate after the last elections that there’s a certain amount of alienation of the Party from certain grassroots elements.
And this is where Priya’s gregariousness and downto-earth mannerism comes in!! Remember her “taste and buy” metaphor at Stewartville??
…rapprochement?
Even before his Cabinet was announced – and just after the ink on his swearing-in was dry! – Prezzie made a quick one-day trip to Suriname to meet THEIR new President. It wasn’t just a meet and greet, because there’s quite a lot of unfinished business between our two nations – in spite of the fact that Prezzie and Suriname’s past president Santokhi got along like a house on fire!!
There’s the vexed issue of our fishermen being denied licences to fish in the mouth of the Corentyne River – which belongs to Suriname. But if they’re gonna break a lance – and our shield!! – over that, why do we want to share the expenses of building a bridge across THEIR River?? And of course, there’s our New River Triangle they’re claiming by playing as a tag team with Mad Maduro and Venezuela over in Essequibo!!
We could’ve easily checkmated their entry into Caricom – which has benefited them immensely! – but we didn’t!! Where’s the quid pro quo??
No more, Mr Nice Guy!!
…elitism
WIN’s Sanction Man used the populist strategy of championing the cause of “the ordinary people” –in Guyana read scrapeheads! – against the “elites” of the PPP and PNC. But now he hasn’t sent a single scrapehead to Parliament!!
Elitist!!
Dead: (L-R) Kris Ramphal and Malcolm Pirtan
Sophia mother of four dies days after gas tank explosion
– as nephew recovers, family plans to take legal action
ASophia family has been plunged into mourning after 36-year-old Harriet George of 122 C Field South Sophia, Greater Georgetown, succumbed to severe burn injuries sustained in a gas tank explosion earlier this month. George, a mother of four, passed away at 12:15h on Saturday, September 13, at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where she had been warded in critical condition since the incident. Her 13-year-old nephew, Jadon Jarad, who was also injured in the blast, sustained second-degree burns but was discharged on Thursday.
Doctors have advised that he will need time to recover fully. On the morning of September 4, George and her nephew were preparing to open the family’s shop when they detected the smell of gas. Moments later, the regulator on a Massy Gas bottle reportedly popped off, triggering an explosion that blew the roof off the business.
Although no flames were present, the pair was left screaming in pain as their clothes ignited and melted onto their skin. According to family members, after the explosion, the duo plunged into a barrel of water to soothe the burns on their skin. Both were rushed to
GPHC, where doctors immediately classified their cases as critical. In an interview with Guyana Times on Sunday, George’s sister, Annette George, described the ordeal as one that brought not only physical suffering for the victims but also emotional turmoil for the wider family.
“All the time I’m crying for my sister because it’s like I can’t believe she is in a fridge. I can’t come to grips that she is really dead. You always hear people talk about how it hurts to lose a loved one, but it is different when you lose a loved one. That is when you know how painful it is”, Annette said. She claimed that while their grief has been compounded by what she described as a lack of transparency and compassion from hospital
staff. “I truly feel the hospital didn’t do much to save her life…”Annette said tearfully. The grieving family also levelled harsh criticism at staff in the Burn Care Unit, describing them as “rude,” “hoggish,” and “piggish” not only toward relatives but also to schoolmates and teachers who came to visit Jadon.
According to Annette, Harriet begging to be taken out of there.
Doctors later told the family that Harriet’s organs would eventually shut down and that no intervention could save her, a disclosure Annette believes came far too late.
“Why didn’t they tell us from the beginning? Why wait until the end to say nothing could be done? In other countries, burn vic-
tims survive. Why at this stage in Guyana, people are dying… in other countries they can save people,” the grieving woman questioned? Annette said her sister had been a hard-working single parent who never asked for help, slowly extending her home so her children could be comfortable. With the children’s fathers absent from their lives and the extended family already stretched caring for other orphaned relatives, her death leaves them in a desperate situation. As it relates to her nephew Jadon, Annette said that he is in excruciating pain and they are planning to take him back to the hospital.
“While at the hospital, he said they were yelling at him to move his foot. But just a few days before he
was burnt, he had a surgery on his foot, and we told them that. He is in so much pain, they told us to bring him in Thursday, but I will take him tomorrow (Monday) because he is in too much pain”, she said.
Following the incident, Massy Gas Products Guyana Ltd expressed sympathy to the injured family and said it is investigating the Sophia explosion while cooperating with fire officials. In a subsequent statement, they blamed a faulty regulator. However, Annette accused the company of dishonesty, claiming that when the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) inspected the cylinder, gas was still escaping.
“Massy came, checked, and wanted us to sign papers, but we refused. My brother told them he can-
not read or write. I don’t know why they are lying. GEA came after, tested, and proved that gas was leaking from the bottle. So Massy wasn’t telling the truth,” she alleged. Annette argued that incidents like these seem to occur specifically with Massy cylinders and accused the company of failing to provide support to victims’ families. Her family is now consulting lawyers and considering legal action against Massy, arguing that her death was preventable. “They didn’t even bring a care package for the children, nothing. Families are left to grieve and bury their loved ones with no help. I am hoping to get on to other victims and see if we can come together and do something about this. We [their family] are currently trying to talk to a lawyer to send them [Massy] a letter.” George had cooked with gas bottles since she was 18 years old, according to her family, as part of her small business without incident.
“This was untimely and uncalled for,” Annette said firmly. “She was working to raise her children, not asking anyone for anything. Now four children are motherless, and the company responsible is silent. We need justice for my sister. My sister could have been alive today.”
The shop where the explosion occurred
Dead: Harriet George
Condolence messages for the late
Caricom extends condolences on death of Ambassador Elisabeth Harper
Caricom on Sunday expressed a message of condolence on the passing of Guyanese career diplomat, Ambassador Elisabeth Harper, Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. CARICOM noted that the Secretary General (SG) and Staff were deeply saddened by her passing and extended their deepest sympathies
to the family, Government and people of Guyana.
“Ambassador Harper was a consummate diplomat who embodied the highest standards of professionalism, grace and efficiency. Her trademark quiet but firm approach, as she contributed invaluable insights from her extensive foreign service experience, will be missed. Her deep knowledge and unwavering commitment made her
a central figure in advancing the goals of our community. The Secretariat relied on her guidance, particularly in navigating complex regional and international affairs.
Her legacy is an enduring one, and a blueprint for all on service with dignity, dedication and professionalism. Guyana and the Region have lost a stalwart, and we are poorer for her absence,” the message read.
“A friend, mentor, patriot” –Foreign Secretary of Guyana
Guyana’s Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud, on Sunday acknowledged the recent passing of Ambassador Elisabeth Harper via his social media page, where he described her as a friend, mentor, patriot. “Guyana
we’ve lost a gem. A patriot, a true soldier without any guns. I urge all students of international relations to do a deep dive into her work and commitment to her country. She was a friend, a mentor and the fond memories of her
joy and pain will remain etched in my memories forever. Liz, the work and service you gave to our country, your countrymen and women will in time fully appreciate,” he noted. “You served Guyana beyond the call of duty.”
“She represented Guyana with competence, integrity, quiet dignity” – Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation
The Foreign Affairs Ministry on Sunday expressed its profound sadness upon learning of the death of Guyana’s Ambassador and Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry Elisabeth “Lis” Harper. In its Facebook post, the Ministry reflected on the late Ambassador’s work within the halls of Government, from her beginnings at the Ministry in 1976 up until her recent passing Saturday. She was acknowledged as a patriot
with a passion to serve her country, and remembered as “humble and accessible” in every position she attained as she rose through the Ministry’s ranks from clerk to Director General.
“Ambassador Harper was unassuming, a servant leader, and genuine people's person. Anyone who called on her was assured of her attention even in the minutest detail. She had a command of every aspect of the work of the Ministry and was accordingly able to
guide staff in their diverse assignments with the wisdom of her years.” According to the Ministry, her service was truly a lifetime to the Ministry and Guyana, even as she battled her illness.
“She leaves an unparalleled legacy in the scope of her selfless service to the Ministry over five decades,” it added.
The Ministry extended its condolences to her family and loved ones during their time of profound loss and grief.
Ambassador Harper left indelible mark on GuyanaChina bilateral relations – Chinese
Embassy expresses condolences on the passing of Elisabeth Harper
The Chinese Embassy in Guyana via its Facebook page on Sunday expressed condolences to the family, colleagues and friends of the late Ambassador Elisabeth Harper.
According to the post, her “professionalism, wisdom and commitment to mutual understanding left an indelible mark on our bilateral relations”.
It described the ambassador as “an exemplary diplomat whose dedication to Guyana’s foreign service inspired all who knew her.”
“She is a true friend and partner in strengthening the ties between Guyana and China. Her significant contributions to the diplomatic cause will be long remembered and cherished.”
“Region has lost one of the best examples of a true public servant” – Barbados PM
Mia Mottley, Prime Minister (PM) of Barbados, has expressed her heartfelt sorrow at the passing of Ambassador Elisabeth Harper. In her message she declared that Guyana “has lost a true daughter of the soil and the region has lost one of the best examples of a true public servant,” on the passing of the career diplomat with over four decades of service.
“Lis was the consummate professional and diplomat;
someone who understood that effective diplomacy combines both competence and genuine human connection. My relationship with her started at the turn of the twenty-first century while I was Minister of Education, Youth and Culture and often attended COHSOD (Council for Human and Social Development) meetings in Guyana. She was always pleasant and jovial and greeted everyone with a warm smile. Lis' advocacy for Caribbean integration
was a vision that extended beyond national boundaries to regional cooperation and solidarity. Her loss will be felt not only in Guyana but across the entire Caribbean Community,” Mottley stated. She also extended condolences to the family and the President and people of Guyana: “May her family, President Ali, and the people of Guyana and CARICOM find comfort in knowing how deeply respected and appreciated she was by her colleagues across the region.”
“We will greatly miss her valuable contribution to strengthening India-Guyana partnership”
The India in Guyana Facebook page on Sunday posted its tribute to the late Ambassador Elisabeth Harper, expressing their
deep sadness at her passing.
“We will greatly miss her erudition, warmth, genial disposition and her valuable contribution
to strengthening IndiaGuyana partnership. We stand in solidarity with her family and friends and pray that her soul rests in peace,” it stated.
“Finish this or come off the project” – Manickchand tells overdue Bamia School contractors
Less than 24-hours after being sworn in as the new Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Priya Manickchand hit the ground running on Sunday with a site visit to the incomplete Bamia Primary School in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice) where she admonished the contractors over the prolonged delays.
The $346 million contract for the construction of the Bamia Primary School, which is located just outside Linden, was awarded to St8tment Investment Inc in November 2021 under the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry.
The 20-month project had an initial completion deadline for July 2023. However, the project had encountered a number of delays with several deadline extensions – the most recent being in time for the September 2025 reopening of the new school year but
this was not done. On Sunday, Minister Manickchand conducted a site visit during which she engaged the contractors and cautioned them that they either finish the project in accordance with the newly set timelines or someone else will be given the project to finish. “The contractors have been told that it’s either they finish this or come off the project. So, we’re very clear about what we want for the children who are going to attend here,” the new Local Government and Regional Development Minister said via a video statement posted to her Facebook page.
Manickchand, who previously served as Education Minister in the last Government, lamented on the impact these delays have on the children from that catchment area. “Right now, what’s happening is the children are on shift or sitting three and four on a bench even when they’re on shift but we can’t
continue that. So, we’ve just had a meeting with the contractor and their subcontractors and gone through all the things that need to be done and we’re going to be putting someone here fully to make sure that these finishing works will be finished because for the longest while I’ve been reading that they are close to finishing but I’ve also seen other schools, where there isn’t a push and other buildings [where] that last leg of finishing take forever.” “We can’t afford that here. These children have to come into this school and we’re looking at a date in October to begin this. So, we’re going to make sure we put a project manager on the premises and run down the things that have to finish… That’s serious business for us,” Minister Manickchand stressed.
In a statement back in April, the contractor, St8tment Investment Inc, had said the school was now in its
final stage of completion. With only minor electrical installations, lighting fixtures, and limited plumbing work remaining, the company indicated that the school was on the verge of being handed over.
“The state-of-the-art facility is expected to be fully operational in time for the September 2025 academic year,” the company noted in the April missive, adding that an inspection conducted by
regional authorities and the project consultant confirmed that construction is progressing at a satisfactory standard.
According to St8tment Investment Inc, since the award of the contract, the project has experienced several delays due to a range of challenges, including labour shortages, increased material costs, and unfavourable weather conditions. These setbacks, the company stat-
ed, collectively impacted the original timeline and contributed to extensions. The expansive campus is designed to accommodate a growing student population and will include 44 classrooms, a fully equipped gymnasium, an auditorium, a science laboratory, a music room, a library, smart classrooms, and modern restroom facilities – all aimed at delivering a well-rounded educational experience.
Newly-appointed Local Government and Regional Development Minister Priya Manickchand cautioned contractors during a site visit at the incomplete Bamia Primary School on Sunday
The Bamia Primary School
Scenes from the swearing-in ceremony who took their oath of office on
ceremony for the PPP/C Cabinet members
Saturday, September 13, 2025
Longstanding PNCR Executive resigns during party’s live programme
Longstanding member of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) – the largest party in the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Coalition, Mervyn Williams, has resigned from the party – an announcement he made during a live programme. Williams was the host of Nation Watch, a political talk show which is usually streamed live on the PNC/R’s Facebook page. During the latest live programme on Sunday morning, Williams announced his resignation.
“I've had a good run and I, with a heavy heart, announced my resignation from the Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the People's National Congress Reform,” he declared. At the time of what is being described as a dramatic announcement, Williams was joined on air by this week’s guest, Terrence Campbell, who will be the minority APNU Opposition’s lead parliamentarian in the National Assembly.
Williams, who had secured the second highest number of votes at the last Biennial Congress in order to be elected to serve one the PNC/R’s CEC, cit-
ed “unfortunate occurrences” for his decision. “Forgive me for not saying this before, but I now announce regrettably my resignation from the People's National Congress Reform. It was a difficult decision, but the circumstances dictate that I take this decision. It was one that I contemplated in a run-up to September 1, in fact, but my duty, commitment, and loyalty to my party did not allow me to do that. And I held my hand, and there were unfortunate occurrences after September 1 that in fact, one of those two occurrenc-
es’ pre-dates September 1, but came to my attention after. I have, in regard to those sets of circumstances and recognising the need for the party to go through its rebuilding process, [resigned],” Williams stated.
Losing members
This resignation by Williams, who previously served as an APNU parliamentarian in the last National Assembly, comes as the party continues to bleed scores of its longstanding members – many of which had cited issues with the PNC/R leadership.
In fact, the Norton-led party churned out a dismal performance at the recently held September 1 General and Regional Elections during which the PNC-led APNU lost many of this traditional stronghold areas including Linden’s Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice) and Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica).
The party lost Region 10 as well as Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) to newcomer the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), led by United States (US)sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed. The WIN party has ousted the PNC-led APNU as the main parliamentary opposition having secured 16 seats. APNU only managed to pick up 12 seats in the 65-member National Assembly.
The remaining 36 seats will be occupied by the Peoples Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) which won the 2025 elections by a landslide; the party secured 242,498 votes. Meanwhile, former APNU parliamentarian Amanza WaltonDesir’s breakaway party called Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) won one seat and she will be occupying that bench in the National Assembly. In the
last parliament, the APNU and its former Coalition partner, the Alliance For Change (AFC) had held 31 seats in the National Assembly, forming the main parliamentary opposition. Of these, the AFC itself occupied 9 of those seats, while the remaining 22 were held by APNU politicians. PNCR and APNU Leader Aubrey Norton on Friday last confirmed that he will not be returning to parliament but will remain at the helm of the party. “I will work to continue the rebuilding of the party,” he said at a press conference. “I will preside over the party and ensure that I put the mechanism in place so that by the time we arrive at the next elections, we are well structured, we will be ready and the new blood in the party will take over the party. I hope that is an indication that I have no intention of running for the presidency in the future,” added Norton, who ran as the party’s Presidential Candidate in this year’s elections. The results of the September 1, 2025 polls show that APNU only secured 12 seats in the National Assembly – a significant decline, which has resulted in the party no longer holding the title as the
main parliamentary opposition.
The main parliamentary opposition will now be the WIN party which picked up 16 seats. WIN’s founder and leader, USsanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed, has indicated that he will take up the constitutional position of Opposition Leader. Reflecting on the party’s poor performance at the recent polls, Norton said the APNU is conducting a review but indicated that the findings may not be made public. However, he indicated that among other things, APNU will have to review how it operates in the political landscape when new parties emerge.
“In the 1957 elections we did well, then came the 1961 elections in which the United Force emerged as a new party and we lost seats to them. In 2006, the AFC came as a new party and we lost seats to them again. In 2025, WIN came as a new party and we lost seats to them. I think we have to review how we operate with new parties…to understand the phenomenon of why when new parties emerge, our support base seems to go in another direction,” Norton said.
Crabwood Creek man hacks wife to death after repeated threats, commits suicide
– recently released from prison for her assault
Awoman and her husband are now dead after he chopped her several times almost severing a leg, before commiting suicide.
Dead are Alisha Narine, called “Tito”, 36, a domestic worker of Vishal Singh and Sons Sawmill, and Ram Singh, a labourer of the sawmill at Grant 1780, Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).
The incident occurred on Sunday morning at about 9:15h at the sawmill where the couple had been living. While they had two children, ages 4 and 8-yearsold together, and the woman had a child prior, only the 4-year-old lived with the couple.
It is understood that Singh had returned home three weeks ago after spending three months in prison for assaulting Narine, when on Sunday morning, he reportedly told family members that he was going to take her life. It was reportedly not the first time he had made those treats. Police say there was a heated argu-
ment between the couple before the incident and subsequently, the body of Narine was found in the yard with several chop wounds. An overseas relative of the woman said Narine video-called her via WhatsApp while seated under a coconut tree in the sawmill compound. During the call, Joseph observed Ram Singh
approach from behind, holding a cutlass in his hand. He took the phone away and told her, and said, “Today, today I will murder her,” and the call ended, the relative related to the police.
Meanwhile, Mahendra Deyanarayan said he was in the vicinity when he saw Singh in a chopping motion and initially thought he was
chopping coconuts. He said it was when he heard Narine shouting for help that he realised what was happening. He recalled that when he approached, he saw Singh running away with the cutlass in his hand. “The lady beg me to bring a bottle of water for [her]…by the time I bring the water and come back she gone - she passed
away.”
Dayanarayan said there were several chops about Narine’’s body, one leg was almost severed. Family members and the police were then contacted.
“We found him in the bush by the trench, he drink poison – he hollering ‘Ow, ow ow” after we take him and put him in the vehicle, the poison coming out of his mouth – it green green,” Dayanarayan recounted. Meanwhile, the now-dead woman’s daughter, Felisha Narine, said she received a call from neighbour informing her that Singh was assaulting her mother. She then took a taxi and went to the Sawmill Compound, and when she arrived, her mother’s body was lying motionless with what appeared to be chop wounds. “I just see she there, I never see her like that – bare blood. She get chop on her foot, her knee, her hand, all over. Her whole skin get blood,” the daughter told this publication. Narine’s mother, Rosina Ali said her daughter was living in an abusive relationship. “He always just
beats her and insults her and things,” she stated, added that her daughter would have made several reports to the police about domestic violence being perpetrated by her husband.
“He came out on lockup the other day. He beat she in the market,” the mother said, explaining that it was last month that Singh was released from prison after serving a 3-month sentence for his violent behaviour.
“I can't take it… It's very hard for me. I can't bear to see my daughter like this. I barely see her face. How am I going to live without me pickney? It's very hard for me,” the woman cried. Meanwhile, Narine's daughter after learning that her stepfather had passed away, had no sympathy.
“I am glad that happened to him. My mother is the only person I had,” she said.
Police described Singh as someone known to law enforcement officers in the Port Mourant-Tain area, where he was arrested on several occasions for the use of illegal substances.
PNCR Executive Mervyn Williams resigned from the party during a live programme on Sunday
Dead: Alisha Narine and Ram Singh
Prison Service pushes rehabilitation over punishment
The Guyana Prison Service (GPS) says it is moving away from the idea of prisons as purely punitive institutions, highlighting a shift toward rehabilitation and reintegration programmes that officials believe will transform the system into a true correctional service.
Speaking on the latest edition of Prison in Focus, a monthly programme produced by the service, the Officer-in-Charge [OIC] of Lusignan Prison, Deoraj Gyandat, stressed that the country is at a turning point in the way it views incarceration.
“Sent to prison is the punishment, not sent to prison for punishment,” he declared. “We are transitioning to a correctional service.”
The programme pointed to investments in voca-
tional workshops, a new training wing, and spaces designed for skills-building as examples of this new approach. These additions are part of broader plans to help inmates return to society with the ability to work, support families, and reduce the likelihood of re-offending.
“The real focus is rehabilitation, not just incarceration,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Deputy Director of Prisons, Kevin Pilgrim, also stressed the importance of maintaining family ties, noting that reconciliation initiatives and structured visits form part of the correctional push.
“Family plays a critical role…we teach them the importance of maintaining that family unit,” an administrator said, adding that support networks outside the prison walls are es-
sential to long-term reintegration.
The transition is not only about inmates. The service has opened new training classrooms, designed to reorient prison officers themselves to-
ward correctional values rather than penal control. According to officials, these spaces are aimed at “building a correctional culture” among staff, ensuring that officers are equipped with the skills to mentor, train,
and support rehabilitation.
The push comes at a time when the prison system continues to face challenges, including overcrowding and contraband. But administrators insist that the billions spent on modernisation since 2020 have laid the groundwork for a shift that is about more than bricks and mortar.
“We are adapting the Nelson Mandela role, which focuses on rehabilitation, humane conditions for prisoners, allowing them to have access to legal services and health care services within the prison,” Elliot explained.
He also said that the goal is to ensure the prison service operates with international human rights standards, while its systems are in keeping with modern-day correctional best practices.
“Those buildings were built specifically in keeping with all the international best practices,” Pilgrim noted, underscoring that rehabilitation requires both physical facilities and a new mindset. Speaking during a recent episode of the ‘Safeguarding Our Nation’ programme, Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot, stated that prisoners are now enrolled in accredited training programmes in areas such as carpentry, joinery, and masonry, among others. These programmes are delivered by qualified facilitators, equipping inmates with practical skills for reintegration into society. Taking it a step further, the prison director underscored that the prison is currently reviewing its laws, standing orders, and strategic plans to further modernise its service.
15-year-old Owen Cooper becomes youngest actor to receive Emmy award
British actor Owen Cooper, 15, who had his breakout role in Netflix miniseries Adolescence, becomes the youngest ever male Emmy winner in the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards for Best Supporting Actor in a drama series for Adolescence.
The 15-year-old Cooper was already the youngest ever to be nominated for an Emmy Award when he was chosen for Best Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or TV movie.
"It's just so surreal," he said on stage. "Honestly,
Owen Cooper accepts the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie award for Adolescence at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards
when I started these drama classes a couple years back, I didn't expect to be even in the United States, never
mind here. So I think tonight proves that if you listen and you focus and you step out your comfort zone, you can
achieve anything in life."
"It means some much to me. It means so much to me, my family, people back home. So, you know, it's just, yeah, it just means a lot to me," he said backstage, and when a journalist asked him how his friends would react
to his win. Cooper said they might not be awake yet "because it's four in the morning at home", before adding: "They'll be all over the moon, yes."
Adolescence has also won most of the categories it has been nominated in, including
Best Supporting Actress for Erin Doherty, Best Directing for Philip Barantini, Best Writing and Best Lead Actor for Stephen Graham, who is also the show's co-creator. It won the Best Limited or Anthology Series of the year. (Excerpt from BBC News)
The Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of Lusignan Prison, Deoraj Gyandat, and Deputy Director of Prisons, Kevin Pilgrim
(L-R) Stephen Graham, Ashley Walters, Owen Cooper, Christine Tremarco and Erin Doherty cast, of Adolescence
Caribbean Week of Agriculture 2025 set for Sept 29-Oct 3
Caribbean Week of Agriculture 2025 (CWA) is to take place in St Kitts and Nevis under the theme “Sowing Change, Harvesting Resilience: Transforming Our Caribbean Food Systems for 2025 and Beyond”. According to Dr Wendell Samuel, Senior Economic Adviser and Acting Assistant Secretary-General (SG) at the Caricom Secretariat, “The Caribbean Week of Agriculture continues to serve as the premier regional platform for raising awareness and promoting investments in agriculture and food and nutrition security…It plays a pivotal role in reshaping public perception, stimulating meaningful engagement and supporting the growth of the region’s food systems.”
The event is expected to promote the exchange of innovations in climate-smart agriculture, the sharing of lessons learned and the forging of purposeful partnerships across the region, says Caricom. Feature events
will include Open Day & Marine Expo, award ceremonies, technical presentations and exhibitions, and the 3rd Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Honey Show, among others.
The week will also
have a daily thematic focus such as ‘25 by 2025: Youth and Women’ on Sept 29 and ‘Agri R&D for Climate Resistance and Survival’ on Oct 1.
A virtual launch of the Caribbean Community’s premier agricultural conference was held Tuesday, July 15. In his feature address at the launch, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources of St Kitts and Nevis, Samal Duggins, juxtaposed the challenges facing the region’s agriculture sector occasioned by extreme weather events, high shipping costs and logistical hurdles with the resilience of farmers, officials, scientists, policymakers and entrepreneurs. Ambassador David Prendergast, Director of Sectoral Programmes in the
Directorate of Economic Integration, Innovation and Development (EIID), had noted that the event will bring together a wide cross-section of stakeholders.
These include agricultural planners, policymakers, farmers, producers, private sector actors, development partners, academic and research institutions, and regional organisations. Their collective participation, he said, underscores the region’s shared commitment to inclusive dialogue and transformational change in Caribbean agriculture.
Outlining the youth agenda at CWA 2025 during the launch, Chair of the Caricom Youth Advisory Body, Ms Teesha Mangra said that the event will spotlight themes that matter most
to her generation, including circular agriculture, the youth economy, digital market access, agri-innovation, inclusion of marginalised youth in food systems, agri-education, transitioning into entrepreneurship and regional youth collaboration for climate and food resilience. Director General of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), H.E. Dr Manuel Otero, noted that this year’s theme for CWA is both timely and appropriate and reflects the spirit of innovation and urgency needed to renew the Region’s commitment to securing a sustainable future for the agricultural sector, while also showcasing the very soul of the Caribbean, rooted in resilience.
Cholera kills more people for 2nd consecutive year despite prevention, available treatment
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has published its global cholera statistics for 2024, showing an increase
in both the number of people who fell sick and died from the disease. Reported cholera cases rose by 5 per cent and deaths by 50 per cent
in 2024 compared to 2023, with more than 6000 people dying from a disease that is both preventable and treatable. While these numbers
are themselves alarming, they are underestimates of the true burden of cholera. Conflict, climate change, population displacement, and long-term deficiencies in water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure continue to fuel the rise of cholera, a disease caused by the bacterium, Vibrio cholerae, which spreads rapidly through faeces-contaminated water.
Sixty countries reported cases in 2024, an increase from 45 in 2023. The burden of the disease remained concentrated in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, which collectively accounted for 98 per cent of all reported cases.
The scope of cholera outbreaks continued to expand in 2024, with 12 countries each reporting more
than 10 000 cases, seven of which experiencing large outbreaks for the first time in the year. The resurgence of cholera in Comoros after more than 15 years without reported outbreaks, underscores the persistent threat of global transmission.
The case fatality ratio for Africa increased from 1.4 per cent in 2023 to 1.9 per cent in 2024, revealing critical gaps in the delivery of life-saving care, and signalling the fragility of many health systems, along with challenges in access to basic health services.
One quarter of deaths occurred in the community, outside of health facilities, highlighting serious gaps in access to treatment and the need to strengthen work with communities.
Preliminary data show that
the global cholera crisis continues into 2025, with 31 countries reporting outbreaks since the beginning of the year.
To combat cholera, Governments, donours and communities need to ensure people have access to safe water and hygiene facilities, have accurate information on how to protect themselves, and rapid access to treatment and vaccination when there are outbreaks. Strong surveillance and diagnostics will help guide these responses. Further investment in vaccine production is also needed, WHO stated.
A new, innovative oral cholera vaccine (OCV) was prequalified in early 2024 and entered the global stockpile. Its addition helped to maintain average stockpile levels above the emergency threshold of 5 million doses for the first 6 months of 2025. However, due to the continued high demand for OCV, the temporary change from a twodose to a single-dose regimen remained in effect throughout 2024 and into 2025.
Requests for 61 million OCV doses were made to the global stockpile in 2024, and a record 40 million were approved for emergency use in reactive, single-dose campaigns in 16 countries. However, supply constraints continued to outstrip demand in 2024, and into 2025.
Dr Wendell Samuel, Senior Economic Adviser and Acting Assistant Secretary General at the Caricom Secretariat
BY Dr Tariq Jagnarine Fam meDicine, enDocrinologY/ DiaBeTes
Never choose indifference – choose to fight. This September, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Awareness Month promotes further research and knowledge of this terrible disease. Affecting as much as 20 per cent of women between the ages of 18 and 44, PCOS is one of the leading causes of
HEALTH TIPS
POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME (PCOS) Part 1
And it can contribute to long-term health problems like diabetes and heart disease. Birth control pills and diabetes drugs (which combat insulin resistance, a PCOS symptom) can help fix the hormone imbalance and improve symptoms.
Many women have PCOS, but don’t know they have PCOS. In one study, up to 70 per cent of women with PCOS hadn’t been diagnosed.
PCOS affects a woman’s ovaries, the reproductive organs that produce oestrogen and progesterone — hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. The ovaries also produce a small number of male hormones called androgens. The ovaries release eggs to be fertilised by sperm. The release of an egg each month is called ovula-
poor fertility, and while there is currently no known cure, treatment can significantly reduce the risk of long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and endometrial disease. Arm yourself with education about PCOS, and as we continue to learn more, the closer we get to understanding this disease and eliminating it.
PCOS is a condition that affects a woman’s hormone levels. Women with PCOS produce higher-than-normal amounts of male hormones. This hormone imbalance causes their body to skip menstrual periods and makes it harder for them to get pregnant.
PCOS also causes hair growth on the face and body and baldness.
tion.
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH), which are produced in the pituitary gland, control ovulation. FSH stimulates the ovary to produce a follicle — a sac that contains an egg — and then LH triggers the ovary to release a mature egg.
PCOS is a “syndrome”, or a group of symptoms that affects the ovaries and ovulation. Its three main features are: Cysts in the ovaries
• High levels of male hormones
• Irregular or skipped periods
In PCOS, many small, fluid-filled sacs grow inside the ovaries as the word “polycystic” indicates. These sacs
are actually follicles, each one containing an immature egg. The eggs never mature enough to trigger ovulation. The lack of ovulation alters levels of oestrogen, progesterone, FSH, and LH. Progesterone levels are lower than usual, while androgen levels are higher than usual. Extra male hormones disrupt the menstrual cycle, so women with PCOS get fewer periods than usual.
Causes
The exact cause of PCOS is still unknown. It is believed that high levels of male hormones prevent the ovaries from producing hormones and making eggs normally.
• Genes, insulin resistance, and inflammation have all been linked to excess androgen production.
• Genes: Studies show that PCOS runs in families. It’s likely that many genes — not just one — contribute to the condition.
• Insulin resistance: Up to 70 per cent of women with PCOS have insulin resistance, meaning that their cells can’t use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that the pancreas produces to help the body use sugar from food for energy. When cells can’t use insulin properly, the body’s demand for insulin increases. The pancreas makes more insulin to compensate. Extra insulin triggers the ovaries to produce more male hormones.
• Obesity is a major cause of insulin resistance. Both obesity and insulin resistance can increase your risk for type 2 diabetes.
• Inflammation: Women with PCOS often have increased lev-
trigger headaches in some women.
Having higher-than-normal androgen levels can affect a patient’s fertility and other aspects of their health.
els of inflammation in their bodies. Being overweight can also contribute to inflammation. Studies have linked excess inflammation to higher androgen levels.
Common symptoms of PCOS
Some women start seeing symptoms around the time of their first period. Others only discover they have PCOS after they’ve gained a lot of weight or they’ve had trouble getting pregnant.
The most common PCOS symptoms are:
• Irregular periods. A lack of ovulation prevents the uterine lining from shedding every month. Some women with PCOS get fewer than eight periods a year or none at all. Heavy bleeding. The uterine lining builds up for a longer period of time, so the periods can be heavier than normal.
• Hair growth. More than 70 per cent of women with this condition grow hair on their face and body — including on their back, belly, and chest. Excess hair growth is called hirsutism.
• Acne. Male hormones can make the skin oilier than usual and cause breakouts on areas like the face, chest, and upper back.
• Weight gain. Up to 80 per cent of women with PCOS are overweight or have obesity.
• Male pattern baldness. Hair on the scalp gets thinner and may fall out.
• Darkening of the skin. Dark patches of skin can form in body creases like those on the neck, in the groin, and under the breasts.
• Headaches. Hormone changes can
Infertility: To get pregnant, a woman has to ovulate. Women who don’t ovulate regularly don’t release as many eggs to be fertilised. PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility in women.
• Metabolic syndrome: Up to 80 per cent of women with PCOS are overweight or have obesity. Both obesity and PCOS increase your risk for:
High blood sugar
• High blood pressure
• Low HDL “good” cholesterol
High LDL “bad” cholesterol
Together, these factors are called metabolic syndrome, and they increase the risk for:
• Heart disease
• Diabetes • Stroke
• Sleep apnoea: This condition causes repeated pauses in breathing during the night, which interrupt sleep. Sleep apnoea is more common in women who are overweight — especially if they also have PCOS. The risk for sleep apnoea is 5 to 10 times higher in women who have both obesity and PCOS than in those without PCOS.
• Endometrial cancer
During ovulation, the uterine lining sheds. If
increase their risk for endometrial cancer.
Depression
Both hormonal changes and symptoms like unwanted hair growth can negatively affect a person’s emotions. Many with PCOS eventually experience depression and anxiety.
Diagnosis
Doctors typically diagnose PCOS in women who have at least two of these three symptoms:
• High androgen levels
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Cysts in the ovaries
Also, symptoms like acne, face and body hair growth, and weight gain are explored as part of the diagnosis.
A pelvic exam can look for any problems with the ovaries or other parts of the reproductive tract.
Blood tests check for higher-than-normal levels of male hormones, cholesterol, insulin, and triglyceride levels to evaluate the risk for related conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
An ultrasound uses sound waves to look for abnormal follicles and other problems with the ovaries and uterus. If someone is coping with PCOS or any of its symptoms, they may feel frustrated at times. Taking proactive steps regarding one’s health can improve one's mood as well as reduce one's symptoms. "You Are Not Alone"
women don’t ovulate every month, the lining can build up. A thickened uterine lining can
Theme: "You Are Not Alone"
16 dead in Mexico highway crash; 5 identified
The death toll for Friday’s crash on Mexico’s MeridaCampeche Highway rose to 16 Sunday, with only five persons able to be identified so far. Reports say three persons have also been injured.
Campeche Governor Layda Sansores said efforts are underway to contact the families of the victims.
Reports say that according to witnesses, the multiple collision occurred Friday
when a public transport vehicle transporting construction workers, collided with a passenger vehicle on the highway. After the impact, the passenger vehicle lost control, crossed into the oncoming lane and was struck head-on by a double-trailer truck.
Fourteen passengers, including the driver of the public transport vehicle, were burned to death or crushed between the met-
al frames after the vehicles caught fire. The death toll was later revised to 15 until Sunday when it was announced that the toll had risen to 16.
The three injured were rescued and taken to nearby hospitals after emergency personnel arrived to extinguish the blaze.
The incident was described as one of the deadliest in the region in the last 50 years. (Source: Debate)
Venezuela says US intercepted, boarded Venezuelan tuna vessel in "hostile" manner
The Venezuelan government announced on Saturday that a U.S. destroyer intercepted, boarded and occupied a Venezuelan tuna fishing vessel for eight hours in the waters of the South American country's Special Economic Zone on Friday.
In a statement read by Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil, the government stated that the tuna vessel was boarded in
an illegal and hostile manner, and that it was crewed by nine "humble" fishermen and was "harmless."
Tensions have been mounting between Washington and Caracas. Last week, a U.S. military strike in the Caribbean killed 11 people and sank a boat from Venezuela that U.S. President Donald Trump's administration claimed was transporting illegal narcotics.
The Venezuelan government identified the U.S. vessel as the USS Jason Dunham (DDG109), "equipped with powerful cruise missiles and manned by highly specialized marines."
It demanded that the U.S. immediately cease targeting vessels, which it said puts "the security and peace of the Caribbean at risk." (Excerpt from Reuters)
J’ca: 14 imitation firearms seized; businessman, accomplice in custody
Abusinessman and a woman accomplice were arrested on Saturday in connection with the seizure of 13 imitation rifles and an imitation pistol in White River, St Mary on Saturday, September 13.
The identities of the individuals have not been revealed. Superintendent of Police Victor Barrett of C-TOC highlighted the significance of the arrests, saying, “There are criminal groups intent on undermining the safety and stability of our communities. They will use imitation firearms as a deliberate tactic to intimidate citizens and commit crimes. It remains our duty to ensure they are removed from our streets and the perpetrators are brought to justice.”
According to the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), the arrests are linked to an ongoing multi-million dollar fraud investigation led by detectives from the CounterTerrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC).
The two suspects are facing charges of breaching the Firearms (Prohibition, Restriction and Regulation) Act and the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Reports are that C-TOC personnel, joined by members of the Specialised Operations Branch, were on operation between 6:00 am and 10:00 am, when a premises was searched and the imitation firearms were seized. (Source: Jamaica Observer)
Trinidad teen duo arrested for robbery
TMexico megachurch leader, mother indicted on sex trafficking, racketeering charges
Six leaders of the Mexico-based La Luz del Mundo megachurch — including its current "apostle," Naasón Joaquín García, his mother and four associates — are facing federal charges of racketeering, child pornography and sex trafficking, under a recently unsealed indictment. Maximum penalties for some of the offenses include life in prison.
García, 56, has been serving a 16-year, 8-month prison sentence in California, after reaching a plea deal in 2022 on state sex abuse charges.
García was moved into federal custody on Wednesday, authorities said as the indictment was unsealed. On the same day, his mother, 79-year-old Eva García de Joaquín, was arrested in Los Angeles. His attorney says that García is innocent.
"We categorically deny these charges," García's defense attorney Alan Jackson said in a statement to NPR. "We reject the grotesque portrait painted by the government and its allies."
Prosecutors claim the family that has led La Luz del Mundo — or "Light of the World" — for nearly 100 years also used it to facilitate sexual abuse across successive generations. The indictment alleges that García, his late father, Samuel Joaquín Flores, and grandfather Aarón Joaquin Gonzalez, who founded the church, systematically
Naasón Joaquín García, the leader of the La Luz del Mundo, and other key figures in the church are charged with federal crimes that carry penalties up to life in prison. He is seen here in 2019 in a Los Angeles courtroom, where he faced state charges
abused their followers, aided by relatives and employees.
"On at least one occasion, [Samuel's wife Eva García de Joaquín] held down a minor victim so that Samuel could rape the victim," the indictment alleges.
In many cases, girls and women abused by one leader remained in the church and became the mothers of the next leader's victims, prosecutors claim.
In federal court filings, prosecutors claim García engaged in depraved and unspeakable acts against minor boys and girls and women, including rape, forced incest and what are
described as "sadistic sexual rituals for his sexual gratification."
Arguing against bail for those in custody, prosecutors said in a memo that García, widely called Naasón, and others "victimized at least dozens of minor and adult LLDM Church members in Mexico, the United States, and elsewhere."
Some victims were as young as 13, the document stated. It added that the leaders trafficked victims on international trips to Asia, Europe, Africa, Mexico, and the U.S. — and used the victims to help smuggle money.
Along with García and his mother, the indictment lists four other defendants: Joram Núñez Joaquín, 37, a relative and law school graduate. He's accused of posing as a practicing lawyer, silencing victims and witnesses, and destroying evidence; Silem García Peña, 43, who led the church's public relations arm and allegedly worked to prevent victims from reporting abuse; Rosa Sosa, 59, and Azalia Rangel García, 46, both accused of "grooming" victims and abusing minors and young women.
Jackson, the defense attorney, says the allegations against García are unfounded and part of a "reckless campaign of government overreach." He says the charges stem from disgruntled former congregation members, and predicts that they will be disproven in court. (Source: NPR)
Gun violence a primary crime concern in Virgin Islands ahead of Anti-Crime Summit
Crime in the Virgin Islands has risen by 13 percent over the past year, based on a comparison of the period from January to July, according to acting deputy commissioner of Police (DCP) Kenrick Davis, who confirmed that gun violence remains a major concern, but domestic violence is the leading contributor to the overall increase in reported crimes.
“This year alone, we have already recovered 16 firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition,” he announced, adding, “and if we consider that neither of these things is manufactured here, we don’t make guns, we don’t make bullets, but so much of it is around, then it is a serious cause of concern”. This indicates that there is a gun problem in the Virgin Islands, he declared.
The Ag. DCP Davis observed that the proliferation of guns and ammunition has contributed to incidents of robberies, burglaries, and murders. He recalled earlier years when the Territory would go as long as two years without a murder, noting that the present trend is at least one murder each year.
“If I could just point to one subset of this, which is domestic-related crimes, that’s up by 21 percent in the same period,” the acting deputy commissioner of police revealed. “That is a serious cause of concern.” The Anti-Crime Summit is scheduled for September 24-26, 2025. (Source: Caribbean News Global)
wo teenage boys were arrested in connection with a robbery, when officers intercepted a white Nissan B15 over the weekend. The 15-year-old from St Paul Street, Port of Spain, and a 16-year-old of Laventille, were taken to the St Claire Police Station. During the multi-agency exercise, three sets of police tactical uniforms were also discovered in a separate incident.
A police release stated that officers discovered three blue tactical jackets with police patches, three
black tactical pants, a pair of tactical boots, and one police cap hidden in a partially buried plastic drum in some bushes off Grenado Street, Barataria, during the exercise. Investigations are ongoing into both incidents.
(Source: Newsday)
Suriname politician arrested for fraud, embezzlement
Suriname police have arrested Rendel Feller, a prominent ABOP member and former NDP executive, on suspicion of fraud and embezzlement. Feller was arrested and remanded in custody after an official summons. According to preliminary
information, he allegedly accepted significant sums of money from several people under various pretenses. The victims state that they never received the money back and that it was a case of deception.
The investigative team has received several reports and is investigating whether there is a systematic pattern of fraud. A police spokesperson confirmed that the case is being processed and that the suspect will remain in custody for the time being.
(Source: Suriname Herald)
Global press freedom suffers sharpest fall in 50 years, report finds
Press freedom around the world has suffered its sharpest fall in 50 years as global democracy weakens dramatically, a landmark report has found.
According to the Stockholm-based International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), democracy has declined in 94 countries over the last five years and only a third have made progress.
“Democracy faces a perfect storm of autocratic resurgence and acute uncertainty, due to massive social and economic changes,” Kevin Casas-Zamora, the secretary-general of the thinktank, said.
“To fight back, democracies need to protect key elements of democracy, like elections and the rule of law, but also profoundly reform government so that it delivers fairness, inclusion and shared prosperity.”
The International IDEA’s survey – the Global State of Democracy Report 2025 – is published annually and considered the most comprehensive of its kind, covering 174 countries and measuring democratic performance from 1975.
The survey found that the freedom of the press had worsened in a quarter of the countries, marking the
At least 193
broadest deterioration since the beginning of the dataset.
The three largest declines were seen in Afghanistan, Burkina Faso and Myanmar, all suffering historically high levels of civil conflict, poverty and political instability. The fourth-largest took place in South Korea, where the former president, Yoon Suk Yeol, repeatedly targeted critical media and his government used defamation lawsuits to silence journalists before being ousted earlier this year.
The report described greatly differing contexts for problems facing the media. In New Zealand, it said, a crisis has been marked by the shrinking of the media landscape, leaving four out of five journalists working for one of only five employers. In Palestine, it said, nearly 200 journalists have been killed since October 2023, and Israel has imposed a blockade on international press entering the Gaza Strip independently.
Chile recorded the largest improvement in freedom of expression since the International IDEA’s last report in 2021, owing in part to landmark draft legislation aimed at enhancing the safety of journalists, as well as their families.
The thinktank high-
killed
lighted some positive developments: Africa recorded a large share of the global advances in democracy, accounting for 24% of the countries making progress –most notably Botswana and South Africa. Parliamentary elections in Jordan in 2024 were praised for increased fairness and Poland saw improvements too.
But the US, though a country long regarded as a leading advocate for democracy worldwide, has significantly reduced both its diplomatic engagement and its financial support for international democracy assistance this year, the report’s authors wrote.
“These developments have contributed to a weakening of international democratisation efforts. In less than six months, US domestic political institutions have also lost much of their symbolic sheen, increasingly serving as a reference point for executive overreach and offering more encouragement to populist strongman leaders than to pro-democracy hopefuls,” they said.
In 2021, International IDEA added the US to its list of “backsliding” democracies for the first time, pointing to a “visible deterioration” that it said began in 2019. (Excerpt from The Guardian)
in 2 separate boat accidents in northwestern DR Congo
Two separate boat accidents midweek in northwestern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have killed at least 193 people and left dozens missing, authorities and state media said.
The accidents happened on Wednesday and Thursday, about 150km (93 miles) apart in the Equateur province.
One boat with nearly 500 passengers caught fire and capsized on Thursday evening along the Congo River in the province’s Lukolela territory, killing 107 people, DRC’s Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs said in a report.
The report said 209 survivors were rescued follow-
ing the accident, involving a whaleboat near the village of Malange in Lukolela territory.
A memo from the Ministry of Social Affairs, seen by the Reuters news agency, said 146 people were missing.
A day earlier, in a separate accident, a motorised boat capsized in the Basankusu territory of the province, killing at least 86 people, most of them students, state media reported.
Several people were missing, but the reports did not give a figure for how many.
It was not immediately clear what caused either accident or whether rescue operations were continuing on
Around the World
Romania becomes 2nd NATO country to report Russian drone in its airspace
Romania says a Russian drone has breached its airspace – the second NATO country to report such an incursion.
Romanian fighter jets were in the air monitoring a Russian attack in Ukraine on Saturday and were able to track the drone near Ukraine’s southern border, the defence ministry said in a statement.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the incursion could not be a mistake - it was “an obvious expansion of the war by Russia”. Moscow has not commented on the Romanian claims.
On Wednesday, Poland said it had shot down at least three Russian drones which had entered its airspace.
In its statement, Romania’s defence ministry said it detected the Russian drone when two F-16 jets were monitoring the country’s border with Ukraine, after “Russian air attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure on the Danube”.
The drone was detected 20km (12.4 miles) southwest of the village of Chilia Veche, before disappearing from the radar.
But it did not fly over populated areas or pose imminent danger, the ministry said.
The EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, called the incident “yet another unacceptable breach of an EU member state’s sovereignty”.
Poland also responded to concerns over Russian drones on Saturday.
“Preventative operations of aviation - Polish and allied - have begun in our airspace,” Prime Minister Donald Tusk said in a post on X.
“Ground-based air defence systems have reached the highest state of readiness.”
Earlier this week Russia’s defence ministry said there had been “no plans” to target facilities on Polish soil.
Belarus, a close Russian ally, said the drones which entered Polish airspace on Wednesday were an accident, after their navigation systems were jammed. (Excerpt from BBC News)
UK’s Sainsbury’s ends talks to sell Argos to China’s JD.com
British supermarket group Sainsbury’s said on Sunday it has terminated talks with Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com over selling the Argos general merchandise retailer, a day after confirming discussions were underway.
“JD.com has communicated that it would now only be prepared to engage on a materially revised set of terms and commitments, which are not in the best interests of Sainsbury’s shareholders, colleagues and
Friday evening.
River transport is a lifeline in DRC’s vast rainforest regions, where old, wooden vessels are the main form of transport between villages. It is also often cheaper than travelling on the few available roads.
However, the vessels are poorly maintained and crumbling under the weight of passengers and their goods, and accidents are frequent.
On such trips, life jackets are rare, and the vessels are usually overloaded.
Many of the boats also travel at night, complicating rescue efforts during accidents and leaving many bodies often unaccounted for.
(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
broader stakeholders” the company said in a statement.
JD.com declined to comment.
Sainsbury’s, which has been focusing more on food since Simon Roberts became CEO in 2020, had on Saturday confirmed it was in talks with JD.com for the sale of Argos.
Argos, which Sainsbury’s bought in 2016 for 1.1 billion pounds, is Britain’s second-largest general merchandise retailer, with the third most-visited retail
website in the country and more than 1,100 collection points.
Sainsbury’s in July sold off its Sainsbury’s Bank’s travel money business to Fexco Group.
This has followed last year’s sale of Sainsbury’s Bank’s personal loan, credit card and retail deposit portfolios to NatWest Group, the disposal of its cash machines business to NoteMachine and the sale of the Argos Financial Services cards portfolio to NewDay Group. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Pakistan security forces kill 35 militants in raids on Pakistani Taliban
Fierce clashes broke out in Pakistan near the border with Afghanistan when Pakistani security forces raided two hideouts of the Pakistani Taliban, killing 12 soldiers and 35 militants, the military said on Saturday.
Twenty-two militants were killed in the first raid in Bajaur, a district in north-western Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Thirteen more were killed in a separate operation in South Waziristan district.
The incidents underline the struggles Pakistan faces
as it tries to contain the resurgence of militant groups.
The country has faced a rise in attacks in recent years, most claimed by the Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP.
The TTP calls itself the world’s biggest jihadist front, and has committed a number of high-profile attacks including the attempted murder of the peace activist Malala Yousafzai, the murder of Pakistan’s former prime minister Benazir Bhutto and the attempted bombing of Times Square in New York.
The Pakistani military urged the Taliban government in Kabul to “to uphold its responsibilities and deny use of its soil for terrorist activities against Pakistan”. Saturday’s attack was one of the deadliest in months in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where the TTP once controlled areas of territory. Last month the Pakistani military launched a “targeted operation” against militants in Bajaur, a former stronghold, which displaced tens of thousands of people. (Excerpt from The Guardian)
At least 86 persons, mostly students, died after a boat sank in northwestern Democratic Republic of the Congo Friday, Sept 12 (Photo: Bahrain News Agency)
F-16 aircraft detected a Russian drone in Romanian airspace, while monitoring the country’s border with Ukraine
SUDOKU
Look at every angle and push yourself above and beyond the call of duty, and what transpires will help you fulfill your goals. You can dream, but it’s your actions that will make the difference.
Tap into your emotions and broaden your awareness regarding what’s important to you. Dealing with friends, family and colleagues can be overwhelming due to inconsistencies or inflated facts.
Do your best to keep up. Ask questions, show interest and maintain good relationships. Being well connected help you succeed when opportunities arise.
Set higher expectations and use your skills differently to suit each task you pursue. Ingenuity will get you where you want to go. Be bold; believe in yourself and your ability to thrive.
Make choices that align with how you envision your life unfolding. Incorporate a lifestyle change that focuses on health and well-being. Take care of yourself instead of burning out.
Plan with care and responsibility. Establish a budget and explore innovative ways to achieve your goals. The support you drum up will encourage you to claim a position that allows you to call the shots.
Slow down: take a breather and reconfigure your routine to suit your well-being. Live life to accommodate what’s important to you, and you will discover the happiness you deserve.
Volunteer and raise your qualifications to match your demands. It’s time for a fresh perspective and to shoot for the stars. Trust your instincts; be bold and act.
Be careful who you let influence you. The input you receive from loved ones will be in your best interest. Listen and act accordingly to avoid poor choices.
Put your head down, focus on what you must do and refuse to let anything get in your way. Your reputation is at stake, so move forward with pride and dignity, and leave nothing to chance.
Put more energy into the things that make you happy. Set a budget that can sustain the lifestyle you desire. Time is precious, and being able to accommodate your dreams is the way forward.
Keep your money in a safe place. People you encounter today will be eager to take advantage of you, and others will inspire you to take control of your life and prospects.
ARCHIE
India dominated from start to finish to extend their dominance over Pakistan to 11-3 in T20Is India 131 for 3 (Suryakumar 47*, Abhishek 31, Tilak 31, Ayub 3-35) beat Pakistan 127 for 9 (Farhan 40, Afridi 33*, Kuldeep 3-18, Axar 2-18, Bumrah 2-28) by seven wickets India extended their
took three wickets, Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel two each, and Hardik and Varun Chakravarthy one apiece in a performance with no letup.
Hardik, Bumrah strike, but Farhan fights Taking the new ball ahead of Bumrah, Hardik started with a loose delivery,
dominance over Pakistan to 11-3 in T20 Internationals (T20Is) with a comfortable seven-wicket win in the first of three possible meetings at the Asia Cup. It was one-way traffic right from the time Hardik Pandya removed Saim Ayub with the first legal ball of the match. India’s superior bowling attack proved to be too much for Pakistan, who were frequently forced to play low-percentage shots to be able to score at a respectable pace. Still, 63 balls went unscored off, the scoring rate went past a run a ball only in the last over of the innings, and 128 was hardly a target for a power-packed India line-up.
Kuldeep, Axar and Abhishek lead India to thumping win
but Ayub hit him straight to Bumrah at backward point. In the next over, Mohammad Haris tried to impose himself on Bumrah, and managed only to hole out to Hardik at long leg.
Sahibzada Farhan, though, went on to do something no Pakistani had ever done: hit a six off Bumrah in an international match. He then hit another in the final over of the powerplay, making him only the sixth batter to have hit more than one six off Bumrah in all T20Is.
However, 42 for 2 was still only a strictly fighting score for a power play. It was to be Pakistan’s last bit of joy in a long time.
India’s spin strangle
The trio of Varun, Kuldeep and Axar immediately shut out all the scoring after the power play. It took Pakistan 31 balls to hit their first boundary after the power play. In the intervening period, they scored just 12 runs for the loss of two wickets. Both were shots borne out of desperation, resulting in the wickets of Fakhar
Zaman and Salman Agha. These two wickets came off slogs, but Kuldeep now began to go past defensive shots as well, his wrong’un to consign Mohammad Nawaz
ly by Abhishek Sharma, who charged at Afridi first ball and hit it back over his head for four. He then hit the second for a six over long-off. Shubman Gill then hit suc-
to a golden duck leaving him on a hat-trick.
Pakistan’s struggles were summed up by their best-looking batter, Farhan, going into the death overs on 40 off 43, and getting out off the first ball of that
Pakistan (20 ovs maximum)
Saim Ayub c Bumrah
b Pandya 0 Sahibzada Farhan c Pandya
b Kuldeep Yadav 40
Mohammad Haris † c Pandya
b Bumrah 3
Fakhar Zaman c Tilak Varma
b Patel 17
Salman Agha (c) c Abhishek Sharma
b Patel 3
Hasan Nawaz c Patel
b Kuldeep Yadav 5
Mohammad Nawaz lbw
b Kuldeep Yadav 0 Faheem Ashraf lbw b Varun 11
Shaheen Shah Afridi not out 33
Sufiyan Muqeem b Bumrah 10 Abrar Ahmed not out 0
Extras (nb 1, w 4) 5
Total 20 Ov (RR: 6.35) 127/9
Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Saim Ayub, 0.1 ov), 2-6 (Mohammad Haris, 1.2 ov), 3-45 (Fakhar Zaman, 7.4 ov), 4-49 (Salman Agha, 9.6 ov), 5-64 (Hasan Nawaz, 12.4 ov), 6-64 (Mohammad Nawaz, 12.5 ov), 7-83 (Sahibzada Farhan, 16.1 ov), 8-97 (Faheem Ashraf, 17.4 ov), 9-111 (Sufiyan Muqeem, 18.6 ov) •
cessive boundaries off Ayub. Even though Ayub got his own back with the wickets of both openers, India had raced away to 41 for 2 in 3.4 overs. India themselves struggled to score freely once their second-best power play against Pakistan ended, but the quality difference between the sides was still palpable. Pakistan’s bowling did not ask as many questions as India’s did, and India’s batting was able to keep finding runs. The seven overs immediately after the power play produced just 39 runs and Tilak Varma’s wicket, but India were still comfortably placed. All it took was a small final push from Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube to seal the win with 4.1 overs to spare. (ESPNcricinfo)
Kuldeep Yadav
Salman Agha walks off, with his teammates behind him, after the defeat
Tilak Varma accessed most parts of the ground
It did not take long for Varma to unleash the reverse sweep
Abhishek Sharma came out all guns blazing
Suryakumar Yadav picked his spots against spin
Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav ran through Pakistan’s middle order (AFP/Getty Images)
TRoyals \ snatch dramatic \ last-ball win over Warriors
he fifth game of the Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) saw a preview of this year’s final as Guyana Amazon
Warriors took on Barbados Royals at the Providence Stadium.
A see-sawing match went down to the final over with Warriors needing 11 runs to pull off a calculated chase. A thrilling last six balls were delivered by Aaliyah Alleyne and she got rid of the dangerous and set Amy Hunter lbw for 63 to tilt the match the Royals way.
as she picked up 3-28 as the Royals’ top order, other than Athapaththu, made slim pickings before Captain Chinelle Henry hit a crucial 46 off 34 balls to get them up to 132-6.
Athapaththu then got to work with the ball and duly picked up 3-25 including bowling out Realeanna Grimmond and Shemaine Campbelle.
Ashmini Munisar hit the penultimate ball for four to leave four runs required off the final ball, but Munisar could not find the boundary for a second time and her partner Nyia Latchman was run out to leave the Warriors short by just three runs.
Earlier, Shemaine Campbelle won the toss and the Warriors elected to field first. Chamari Athapaththu scored a patient 37 off 42 balls at the top of the order after the early loss of her partner, the aggressive Qiana Joseph for eight.
Laura Harris was among the wickets once more for the Warriors
Hunter battled through until the final over, but could not see her side over the line as other than 40 from Captain Campbelle the rest of the Warriors batters failed to make double figures.
The Royals narrowly came out on top, but the sides were evenly matched
SCOREBOARD
Barbados Royals Women (20 ovs maximum)
Chamari Athapaththu b Latchman 37
Qiana Joseph c Harris
b Fraser 8
Georgia Redmayne st †Hunter
b Harris 10
Courtney Webb c †Hunter
b Harris 1
Kycia Knight † c & b Harris 15
Chinelle Henry (c) not out 46
Aaliyah Alleyne lbw b Millington 1 Afy Fletcher not out 1
Extras (lb 1, w 12) 13
Total 20 Ov (RR: 6.60) 132/6
Did not bat: Sheneta Grimmond, Shreyanka Patil, Shamilia Connell
Fall of wickets: 1-26 (Qiana Joseph, 2.4 ov), 2-53 (Georgia Redmayne, 6 ov), 3-55 (Courtney Webb, 6.3 ov), 4-77 (Chamari Athapaththu, 12.2 ov), 5-108 (Kycia Knight, 16.6 ov), 6-111 (Aaliyah Alleyne, 17.6 ov) • DRS
Bowling O-M-R-W
Cherry-Ann Fraser 3-0-31-1
Plaffiana Millington 3-0-21-1
Ashmini Munisar 4-0-16-0
Laura Harris 4-0-28-3
Nyia Latchman 4-0-24-1
Chedean Nation 2-0-11-0
Guyana Amazon Warriors Women (T: 133 runs from 20 ovs)
Amy Hunter † lbw b Alleyne 63
Realeanna Grimmond b Athapaththu 4
Shemaine Campbelle (c) b Athapaththu 40
Laura Harris c Connell b Athapaththu 8
Britney Cooper b Joseph 3
Dane van Niekerk c Henry b Fletcher 0
Cherry-Ann Fraser c Patil b Fletcher 0
Ashmini Munisar not out 7
Nyia Latchman run out (†Kycia A Knight/Alleyne) 1
Extras (w 3) 3
Total 20 Ov (RR: 6.45) 129/8
Did not bat: Chedean Nation, Plaffiana Millington
Fall of wickets: 1-16 (Realeanna Grimmond, 2.1 ov), 2-89 (Shemaine Campbelle, 14.1 ov), 3-97 (Laura Harris, 14.5 ov), 4-103 (Britney Cooper, 16.3 ov), 5-104 (Dane van Niekerk, 17.2 ov), 6-104 (CherryAnn Fraser, 17.3 ov), 7-122 (Amy Hunter, 19.1 ov), 8-129 (Nyia Latchman, 19.6 ov) • DRS
Bowling O-M-R-W
Shamilia Connell 2-0-16-0
Sheneta Grimmond 3-0-20-0
Chamari Athapaththu 4-1-25-3
Qiana
in
an exciting game and the Warriors will get the chance to exact revenge in Wednesday’s final.
Laura Harris was again among the wickets
Shemaine Campbelle missed out on a half-century
Chamari Athapaththu had an all-round performance
Chinelle Henry ended the Royals’ innings with big hitting flair
he Guyana Amazon Warriors fans came out in their numbers on Sunday night as the local franchise took on the Barbados Royals in the final league phase game before the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) play-offs. Clad in national colours, “Warrior Nation” was a sea of patriotism at the Guyana National Stadium
caught by Quinton de Kock. Together, Sampson and Hope added 69 for the second wicket, laying the foundation for a strong total.
Quentin Sampson’s fine form continued
The Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) produced a commanding all- round performance in the final league-stage clash of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL), defeating the Barbados Royals by 64 runs at Providence and securing a coveted top-two finish, heading into the play-offs.
In the final game of the league stage, the GAW were asked to bat first against the Barbados Royals. The innings began shakily when opener Ben McDermott was run out for just two in the second over after a mix-up with partner Quentin Sampson, with Kofi James inflicting the early blow.
Sampson, however, quickly turned the tide with a counter-attacking display of clean hitting. He peppered the boundary and cleared the ropes four times at the beginning of his innings, ensuring the Royals’ bowlers never settled during the power play. His intent-driven batting kept the scoreboard moving and the Warriors in control.
Wicketkeeper-batter
Shai Hope then joined the charge, extending his run of good form with a fluent 31 from 19 balls. Mixing placement with power, Hope struck a four and two sixes before being dismissed by Zishan Motara, well
At the halfway mark, Shimron Hetmyer had just begun to settle in alongside Sampson.
With two proven finishers at the crease and plenty of depth still to come, the Warriors looked poised to push towards a commanding score.
Hetmyer and Sampson continued to play positively, targeting the Royals’ spinners to keep the pressure on. Sampson, in particular, looked assured as he brought up his second consecutive half-century, a fine reflection of his growing form and confidence at the top. His 50 came from 36 deliveries at a strike rate of 138, featuring three fours and four sixes that thrilled the Providence crowd. Their stand reached 50
before the Royals struck back through Sherfane Rutherford’s well-directed bouncer, which forced Sampson into a mistimed pull that de Kock pouched safely. The dismissal ended another promising innings from the young opener, but the Warriors remained in a strong position.
With two local power hitters, Hetmyer and Romario Shepherd, now together at the crease, the stage was perfectly set for a late surge. At 126 for 3 after 15 overs, the Amazon Warriors looked primed to launch into the final five overs and post a daunting total.
Shepherd provided the late-innings spark with a brisk 20 from 13 balls before Daniel Sams claimed his wicket to pick up his first of the night. Dwaine Pretorius, the hero of the previous match, was unable to replicate his form, falling cheaply for two after mistiming a lofted shot to long off.
Amid the quick wickets, Hetmyer stood tall, guiding the innings with a blend of power and placement. He brought up his second half-century of the Republic Bank CPL, delighting the home fans with eight fours and three sixes in a spar-
kling 68 from just 38 deliveries. His innings finally came to an end in the final over, caught on the longon boundary while searching for another big hit. The Warriors closed their innings strongly, finishing on an imposing 189 for 6 from their 20 overs.
The Royals’ reply began on shaky ground as the Warriors struck early with the new ball. Pretorius removed de Kock for 12, before following up with a sharp bouncer that forced Kadeem Alleyne into a miscued shot on 11. Shamar Joseph then made an immediate impact, uprooting Rassie van der Dussen’s stumps with his very first delivery, leaving the Royals in deep trouble.
By the end of the power play, Barbados had slumped to 32 for 3, their chase already faltering against a disciplined Warriors attack.
The middle overs brought little relief for the Royals as the Warriors’ bowlers maintained tight lines and lengths, cutting off the scoring opportunities. With boundaries hard to come by and the pressure mounting, the Barbados batters failed to inject any momentum into the chase. At the halfway stage, they
had limped to 58 for 3 after 10 overs, leaving a daunting task ahead with the required rate climbing steadily. Joseph struck again to claim his second wicket, trapping Rutherford lbw for a laboured 27 from 32 deliveries. The Royals’ hopes suffered another blow soon after when Captain Rovman Powell’s stay was cut short; he managed just a single run before falling to Imran Tahir while attempting a big hit. At the end of 14 overs, Barbados were struggling at 86 for 5, still requiring a daunting 104 runs for victory.
Gudakesh Motie then joined the wicket-taking party, dismantling the Royals’ lower order with precision. He first account-
ed for Shaqkere Parris, who scratched his way to 15 off 18 balls, before clean bowling Sams for just one. Motie’s third strike came courtesy of an excellent running catch by Joseph to remove Chris Green for 10. By the end of the 17th over, the Royals had collapsed to 110 for 8, their chase all but over.
Motie’s outstanding night reached its peak as he cleaned up the tail, claiming the final two wickets to complete a brilliant five-wicket haul. He finished with figures of 5 for 21, capping off a clinical display from the Warriors’ attack. The Barbados Royals were bundled out for 125 in 18.2 overs, handing the Amazon Warriors a commanding 64run victory.
Amazon Warriors secure a top-two finish