The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, September 29 –21:30h–23:00h and Tuesday, September 30 – 23:15h–00:45h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, September 29 –08:20h–09:50h and Tuesday, September 30 – 09:50h–11:20h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
WEATHER TODAY
Sunny conditions are expected during the day. Clear skies are expected at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 22 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius.
Winds: East North-Easterly to Easterly between 2.68 metres and 4.92 metres.
High Tide: 08:45h and 21:00h reaching maximum heights of 2.11 metres and 2.15 metres.
Low Tide: 14:30h reaching a minimum height of 1.16 metres.
Govt to sign PSA with 4 oil companies in October – Minister Bharrat
Nearly two years after awarding several oil blocks offshore Guyana in the country’s first auction, the Guyana Government is gearing up to finally sign the Production Sharing Agreements (PSA) with four companies next month. “We are looking to sign the agreements in October with those four companies,” Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat revealed during an appearance on the latest edition of the Starting Point podcast, which was aired on Sunday. According to the Minister, “The negotiation took some time, but I'm happy to say that we have wrapped up... I think, about four of those PSA will be signed in a month time or so… We have already made contact with those companies. They know themselves by now.”
Previous auction In October 2023, Government had announced the award of eight deep and shallow-water blocks, which were auctioned off during the 2022 Licensing Round.
That first bidding round, which was launched in December 2022, closed off in September 2023 with six companies bidding on eight of the 14 blocks offshore that were up for grabs. In total, there were 14 offers made on those blocks –two deep-sea blocks and six shallow-area blocks. Among those awarded oil blocks during the bid round was a Guyanese female-led company, Sispro Inc, which received a shallow block (S3) and a deep-water block (D2). Other shallow blocks were awarded to Total Energies EP Guyana BV in consortium with Qatar Energy International E&P LLC and Petronas E&P Overseas Ventures SDN BHD (Malaysia), which got Block S4; Liberty Petroleum Corporation of the United States (US) and Ghanabased Cybele Energy Limited, which got Block S7, and International Group Investment Inc of Nigeria, which got two blocks – S5 and S10. Another shallow block, S8, was awarded to the Stabroek Block partners – ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, Hess New Ventures Exploration Limited, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited. The second deep-water block – D1 – was awarded to Delcorp Inc Guyana, which comprises Watad Energy and Communications Limited and Arabian Drilling Company of Saudi Arabia.
October signing
Since then, Government has been in negotiations with these oil block awardees, and earlier this year, the Natural Resources Ministry indicated that they were moving ahead
with four of these companies. Among the bidders the Government will be signing PSA’s with are the consortium of TotalEnergies, Qatar Energy, and Petronas for block S4; International Group Investment Incorporated for block S5 and S10, and Cybele Energy for block S7. But during Sunday’s podcast, Minister Bharrat confirmed that Sispro Inc, the all-Guyanese women company, will also be signing an oil contract with the Government for one its awarded blocks.
“To date, we have successfully negotiated a PSA for the block in the shallow water [block S3] with Sispro. So, we're moving ahead with that. And then at some point in the future, once we conclude the negotiation for the deep-water one, we will move forward with that,” the Minister noted. According to Bharrat, the PSA signing with the all women-led oil and gas company is especially significant for the country.
“I'm very proud that it's a Guyanese company, especially our women folks, get-
ting involved in the oil and gas sector. It shows that we're expanding the way we think and taking a risk… It is part of our Government's policy to ensure that young people and women are given opportunities in this space. They're given the leverage and they're supported to be engaged in investment, to be engaged in businesses.
Today, we're very proud to say that we'll be signing a PSA with an all-women's Guyanese group of investors, and that should be a very proud moment for all Guyanese,” he contended.
Model PSA
Meanwhile, the delays in signing the oil contracts from Guyana’s first bid round was partially rooted in efforts by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government to update the PSA to ensure that the country gets more benefits from new oil deals. This saw the introduction of a series of stringent terms and conditions for new oil deals that the country will sign. These include the increase of the royalty from a mere two per cent to now a 10 per cent fixed rate; the imposition of a 10 per cent corporate tax, and the lowering of the cost recovery ceiling to 65 per cent from the previous 75 per cent, while maintaining the retention of the 5050 profit-sharing after cost recovery.
Our One Guyana is a multi-religious country par excellence. The three major world religions of Hinduism, Islam and Christianity all have a significant presence in our country. Newer religions such as Rastafarianism and Baha’ism are also represented. This fortuity presents Guyanese with the opportunity to deepen their spirituality by becoming familiar with the tenets of religions other than their own; while simultaneously developing a deeper understanding of their neighbours. This can only lead to heightened societal harmony: it is what we do not know that we fear and sometimes attack.
Founded as a colony by European Protestant Christian countries Netherlands and Britain, the spiritual and religious impulses of the native peoples and those brought as slaves (and later indentured servants) were denigrated as ‘pagan’ and ‘heathen’. In fact, African slaves were horribly tortured if caught practising their own religion. That they could see the Divine in trees and other aspects of nature was derided as ‘animism’ – even as they were told that God was ‘here, there and everywhere.” Some who were Moslem were treated in like manner. Almost all were “converted” to the official approved Christian religion.
While the Roman Catholic variant of Christianity brought by the indentured Madeiran Portuguese was considered infra dig by the authorities, it was tolerated. It soon found a place as the latter entrenched themselves in the towns and villages as businessmen. The small number of Chinese, who also followed the Portuguese off the sugar plantations into business, had already been converted to Christianity before their indentureship. The fact that very few women were brought from China and the men had to marry into the wider Christian population might have been a significant factor in their religious assimilation.
The Indians, however, presented a different proposition. The compulsion to forcibly convert ‘pagans’ had been transmuted into institutionalised measures such as education and employment. However, they doggedly maintained their native practices. That they were brought in large numbers – 239,000 – and forced to live in logies with each other on the sugar plantations certainly contributed to their cultural and religious retention.
The Indians were primarily from North India (94%) and were practitioners of Hinduism (86% overall) and Islam (14%). There were only a handful of Christians among their numbers even though by the time of their indentureship, India had been conquered by Britain for a century. And even though in subsequent years the pressure to convert to Christianity continued, Hinduism and Islam continue to flourish in Guyana. In recent years, there has been a significant return of many Africans to Islam even as many Hindus converted to Christianity.
And so we return to our religious diversity which should be seen as part of our national patrimony. It is to be hoped that if there is greater awareness of our history, there would be a greater appreciation of the need to cease the denigration of the religious practices and in fact move towards an acceptance to learn about those practices. And in that spirit it might be apposite to explain why Hindus are in the midst of their second of their bi-annual nine-nights of worshipping the Divine as female – Sharada (Autumn) Nauratri.
Against the dominant mode of worship of that Divine as male, Hindus believe that a ‘Being’ that transcends at the minimum the entire universe and – if modern science is to be believed – multi-verses, has to also transcend our categories of “male and female”. They posit that Brahman, as they name “It”, is gender neutral. Within human comprehension, they give names to the various functions and powers of God. Interestingly, for each of the Gods, they have His feminine counterpart who actually possess the ‘power’ to effectuate the specific function. So, from a human perspective, for the three main functions -- to project the universe, to maintain it and finally take it into dissolution in unending cycles – there are three major Goddesses that are the “power” or Shakti. This Nauratri is devoted to their worship and ends in Dussera or Vijayadashami.
Are we preparing students to tackle white-collar crime?
By Dr Deneil D Christian
When news broke that millions of US dollars had gone missing from the investment accounts of Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt, it once again highlighted the devastating impact of white-collar crime on our society.
This is not an isolated incident, it is a reminder that white-collar crime is one of Jamaica’s most pressing threats. Yet despite the seriousness of these crimes, we are not doing enough to prepare the next generation of justice professionals to address them.
The term “white-collar crime” was first introduced in 1939 by criminologist Edwin Sutherland to describe crimes committed by people of respectability and high social status in their occupations. Today, the phrase covers everything from fraud, embezzlement, and corruption to environmental offences and unsafe labour practices.
Unlike street crime, these offences don’t always make sensational headlines about violence. But their consequences can be far more damaging: victims lose life savings in Ponzi schemes; workers face unsafe conditions because of corporate negligence; and communities suffer when companies pollute rivers and destroy the environment.
National economies are destabilised when fraud, money laundering, and corruption are left unchecked.
A major US study estimated that the financial cost of white-collar crime is as high
as
US$1.7 trillion annually. In Jamaica, while official numbers are smaller, the damage is no less profound. Between 2010 and 2022, nearly 400 incidents of white-collar crime were recorded. Offences such as larceny by servant — where employees steal from their employers — reveal how breaches of trust undermine businesses and institutions alike.
Recently, I published a study in the Journal of Criminal Justice Education titled “Assessing the Representation of White Collar and Corporate Crime in Jamaican Undergraduate Criminology and Criminal Justice Programs”. It examined how Jamaica’s universities and colleges are preparing students to confront these crimes. I analysed course catalogues and programme descriptions from nine criminology and criminal justice programmes across the island.
The findings were striking. Most associate degree programmes offered by community colleges include some discussion of white-collar crime, but only as part of a broader “technology-based crime” course. This means students learn about fraud mostly in the context of cybercrime. At the bachelor’s level, the picture is worse. Out of all the programmes reviewed, only one — University of the Commonwealth Caribbean — requires students to take a dedicated white-collar crime course. Other bachelor’s programmes either integrated the subject superficially or omitted it altogether. Critical
areas such as environmental crime, elite corruption, and non-technological forms of corporate misconduct were rarely mentioned. In other words, the very issues dominating Jamaican headlines are largely missing from our classrooms.
Jamaica’s criminal justice education system still focuses heavily on street crime, gangs, and traditional policing. Of course, these issues remain urgent. But when curriculum design neglects white-collar crime we risk producing graduates who are ill-prepared to address the kinds of scandals that devastate our economy and erode public trust.
Think about the cascading effects: investment frauds that wipe out retirement savings; corruption that diverts funds away from schools, hospitals, and roads; and environmental crimes that destroy fisheries and rivers. These harms disproportionately impact the poor and vulnerable, even though the perpetrators are often people in positions of privilege. If we want a justice system that reflects Jamaica’s real challenges, our universities must equip students with the tools to investigate, prosecute, and prevent corporate wrongdoing.
There are clear steps we can take. Universities should:
• introduce dedicated courses on white-collar and corporate crime at both the associate and bachelor’s levels rather than relegating the subject to a single lecture in a broader class.
• use Jamaican and Caribbean case studies — Cash Plus, Olint, Stocks and
Securities Limited, etc — so students see the relevance to their own society, not just to US or European contexts.
• address the full range of crimes: fraud and corruption, yes, but also environmental offences, occupational crimes, and abuses by powerful institutions.
• train faculty and provide resources to ensure instructors are comfortable teaching these often complex and politically sensitive topics.
Ultimately, strengthening our curricula is about crime prevention. Jamaica will be better positioned to safeguard its economy, environment, and people if tomorrow’s criminologists, lawyers, policymakers, and law enforcement officers graduate with a deep understanding of white-collar crime.
White-collar crime is not victimless. It robs us of our money, natural resources, and trust in institutions. Jamaica has paid a heavy price for failing to take it seriously. If we do not act now to prioritise this subject in our classrooms, we will continue to produce graduates trained for yesterday’s crimes while leaving tomorrow’s crises unsolved.
As the Bolt scandal has shown, white-collar crime is not just a theoretical problem, it is a lived reality. Let us ensure that our education system reflects that reality and prepares our students to meet it head-on. (Jamaica Observer)
(Dr Deneil D Christian is a Jamaican-American criminal justice professor and researcher)
President Dr Irfaan Ali and First Lady Arya Ali pose at an event with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and his wife, Diana Fox Carney
Applauding the Government’s eID initiative
Dear Editor,
The government’s eID initiative deserves applause. A secure, universal digital identity can do for today’s public services what roads and power lines did for earlier generations: make everyday life faster, fairer, and more reliable. If implemented with strong privacy safeguards and inclusive design, eID can streamline access to benefits, cut fraud, boost financial inclusion, and help the state respond quickly in emergencies.
Other countries offer useful lessons. Estonia is the clearest example: with
nearly all public services available online, residents sign documents, fill prescriptions, and interact with agencies in minutes instead of weeks. That time saved translates into real economic gains, while transparent audit trails have strengthened trust. Singapore’s SingPass and its MyInfo system show how pre verified personal data can reduce paperwork across government and banking, speeding up approvals without sacrificing security. Denmark’s national login (NemID/MitID) underpins routine interactions from taxes to healthcare,
and digital post has sharply reduced costs and delays.
Large, diverse countries also illustrate the scale of impact. India’s Aadhaar program enabled direct benefit transfers to hundreds of millions, reducing leakage by verifying the right person at the right time. It also made e KYC cheap and fast, lowering barriers to opening bank accounts and mobile services – an important step for financial inclusion.
In Pakistan, the national ID system has supported targeted cash assistance during disasters, demonstrating how robust identi-
ty infrastructure can be lifesaving when crises hit. The European Union’s eIDAS framework, meanwhile, shows the value of interoperability and privacy by design, paving the way for cross border recognition and a digital identity wallet for credentials such as licenses and diplomas.
The benefits are straightforward. For citizens, a single secure login means less time in queues and more predictable service – applying for benefits, pulling health records, or paying taxes becomes a matter of minutes, not days. For gov-
ernment, stronger verification helps eliminate ghost beneficiaries and duplicate claims, making every unit of public money go further. For businesses, digital signatures and standardized identity checks reduce compliance costs and speed up onboarding, encouraging entrepreneurship and formalization.
If we pair this rollout with the right guardrails –privacy, oversight, security, interoperability, and inclusion – the eID initiative can pay for itself through reduced leakage, lower transaction costs, and productiv-
Supporting farmers isn’t a handout, it’s an
ity gains felt across society. The international evidence is clear: digital identity, done well, is not just new technology – it is essential civic infrastructure that makes government work better for everyone.
Applauding the eID initiative is not about embracing novelty; it is about choosing a proven path to more efficient services, stronger accountability, and broader opportunity. That is a smart bet – and one worthy of public support.
Yours sincerely, Philip Inshanally
investment in Guyana’s food security, rural livelihoods, and national stability
Dear Editor, I read with concern the recent article by former Minister Winston Jordan, “Subsidies to rice farmers, a misuse of taxpayers’ money.” While we can all agree Governments must be prudent with public funds, the argument that supporting our agricultural producers is wasteful overlooks both
CRG
what rice farming means for Guyana now and what it has meant historically under Governments that neglected rural producers. It is absolutely essential and critical that Guyana supports its farmers, rice growers, sugar workers, the entire farming community in a sustained and meaningful way. Agriculture is not a lux-
supports the stockpiling of rice during this period of potential conflict
Dear Editor,
The rice glut on the world market is a blessing in disguise. During this period of heightened tensions and potential war, we as a nation have an opportunity to build our grain reserves in anticipation of supply chain disruptions and shortages. For this reason, the stockpiling of our local grain should be encouraged. CRG supports this effort and would encourage the Government to do so in a way where the quality of the grain is preserved. We should also be ensuring that our farmers are able to meet break even targets for their production. Maintaining the viability of the industry during this period of potential war is essential to ensuring that our citizens have the food needed for future consumption during wartime.
The opportunity to pursue aged basmati rice pro-
duction does also provide the added benefit of increasing the value of the grain if not used during the period of storage. We must also look at other areas of the agriculture sector, such as the area of legumes for additional stockpiling opportunities. Hopefully, Guyana will be instrumental in helping to reduce regional tensions and aid in removing the current threat of conflict. Once this has been accomplished free market forces should be allowed to continue with the minimum food reserves maintained. The positive impact of a free market economy on the cost of living should not be overlooked.
Yours sincerely,
Jamil Changlee Chairman The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana
ury, it is a backbone of food security, employment, rural livelihoods and national stability. When farmers receive subsidies, whether in the form of free fertiliser, duty free machinery, insurance premium support, or price supports for paddy, it is not handouts so much as investments in the food supply chain, in rural communities, in poverty reduction, and in maintaining domestic production capacity. These are not costs to be lightly dismissed they are foundational to a balanced, inclusive, and resilient economy.
To say that subsidies are a “misuse” of taxpayers’ money misses context. Under the APNU administration too many rice farm-
ers and sugar workers were left without dependable support. Many communities felt ignored and underserved. The policies of the previous Government often undercut rather than uplifted agricultural producers. If current subsidies are criticized now, I dare to ask where was the concern then, when those producers had little or nothing?
Furthermore, Winston Jordan’s critique must be measured against the reality that those who now voice concerns about what the PPP/C Government is doing had little to say or did little to act when farmers and sugar workers were suffering under neglect. The newfound voices of concern are more
than ironic and in many cases, they ring hollow. Those critics have been booted from legitimate representation or marginalised because their policies and values simply do not align with what a growing, flourishing agricultural economy demands. We should not pit taxpayer interest against farmer wellbeing. A smart, forward-looking Government and citizenry sees that investing in agriculture returns dividends allowing more stable food prices, reduced import dependencies, better rural incomes, and social stability. If subsidies are mismanaged, yes, they ought to be monitored, audited, and optimized but not thrown out as inherently wasteful.
I therefore urge the public, the media and policymakers to recognise that support for farmers is not a luxury but rather a necessity for economic diversity, food security, and social justice. Historical neglect under the APNU administration cannot be used as cover for criticism when efforts are finally being made to do right by the agricultural sectors. It should also be taken into account that subsidies must be transparent, well-targeted and efficient but the alternative, the abandonment of our rural producers is far costlier in terms of social, economic, and political repercussions.
Yours sincerely, Stephen Felix
Page Foundation
What is a set? Well, simply put, it's a collection.
First, we specify a common property among "things" and then we gather up all the "things" that have this common property.
Set of clothes: For example, the items you wear: hat, shirt, jacket, pants, and so on.
I'm sure you could come up with at least a hundred.
This is known as a set.
Or another example is types of fingers.
This set includes index, middle, ring, and pinky.
So it is just things grouped together with a certain property in common.
Notation
There is a fairly simple notation for sets. We simply list each element (or "member") separated by a comma, and then put some curly brackets around the whole thing:
The curly brackets { } are sometimes called "set brackets" or "braces".
This is the notation for the two previous examples: {socks, shoes, watches, shirts, ...} {index, middle, ring, pinky}
Notice how the first example has the "..." (three dots together).
The three dots ... are called an ellipsis, and mean "continue on".
So that means the first example continues on ... for infinity. (Just imagine there were an infinite variety of things you could wear)
So:
The first set {socks, shoes, watches, shirts, ...} we call an infinite set; the second set {index, middle, ring, pinky} we call a finite set.
But sometimes the "..." can be used in the middle to save writing long lists: Example: the set of letters: {a, b, c, ..., x, y, z}
In this case it is a finite set (there are only 26 letters in the alphabet, right?) (mathsisfun.com)
Have a blast with some firework-themed art! There’s no right or wrong way to do it so just have lots of messy, sparkly fun! Use craft sticks to create colourful bursts of paint across the page, making it look like real fireworks in the night sky.
Add some star sequins for a sparkly finish.
Step 1: Pour different colours of paint onto a plate or a sheet of cardboard.
Step 2: Dip the ends of the craft sticks into the paint colours.
Step 3: Stamp and spread the paint onto black cardboard using the craft sticks to create firework patterns.
Step 4: While the paint is still wet, sprinkle or carefully place star sequins onto the artwork for a sparkly finish. Mix a little white paint into each colour to help your fireworks really pop on the paper! (Adapted from bakerross.co.uk)
By Elly NilaNd
Mason.
Grave marks. Symbols of human fragility. Evocative ties with past generations; Mounds of spoil guarded and caretakered; Neatly mown lawns of ruin. Conservation.
Heritage centre, car parks and chapel. Paths cut and walked, Everyone laid out tidily in lush colourful decay. Preservation Treasures, trees, surveyors, sites. Historic monuments. Immovable. Quarry-stone, marbles, cement stabilised. Cracks filled in.
God made his statement; laid down his terms. But is this sometimes a place of celebration? Do people embrace and fly free
GtE Project to use gas from Hammerhead Project
– pipeline to be filled with over 120 million cubic feet per day
Approximately 120 million cubic feet per day (mcf/d) of natural gas will be piped from offshore operations in the Stabroek Block to the site of the Gas-to-Energy (GtE) Project at Wales, West Bank Demerara, following plans now to utilise the rich gas from the Hammerhead Project –ExxonMobil’s seventh offshore development in Guyana.
Early last week, the Guyana Government granted approval for the US$6.8 billion Hammerhead project which will include 18 production and injection wells. This latest development of the United Statesbased oil major is set to come online in 2029, utilising a floating production storage and offloading
(FPSO) vessel with a capacity to produce approximately 150,000 barrels of oil per day.
However, in addition to its oil resources, the Hammerhead field also has bountiful gas resources. In fact, the project can produce as much as 95 million cubic feet per day of gas but only about 10 million of these will be needed to fuel the FPSO.
According to Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat, the remaining gas will be piped onshore for the GtE project, which comprised a 300-megawatt (MW) Combined Cycle Power Plant and a Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility.
“Hammerhead field actually has a lot more gas than the other fields. And
we have been told by Exxon, confirmed by our technical teams, that unlike the other developments, they will not use the gas to re-inject in order to optimise production, like they do in the other fields.
“The Liza 1 and Liza 2 [offshore projects] will not be able to fill that pipeline, and that is why Hammerhead is so critical and important because rather than re-injecting the gas to optimise production, that gas now would go to the Unity and Destiny FPSOs, and then through that pipeline, [from] offshore to the Wales Development Area,” Bharrat explained during an appearance on the Starting Point podcast, which aired on Sunday.
As part of the GtE project, ExxonMobil – the operator of the oil-rich Stabroek Block – has already laid the 250 kilometres of 12-inch pipelines that will bring the gas onshore. However, only 40 per cent of the pipeline’s capacity will be used to gas up the current power plant and NGL facility at Wales, bringing 50 million cubic feet per day of dry gas onshore.
But with the pipelines having the capacity to push as much as 130 mcf/d
Govt to sign PSA with 4...
The 2016 oil contract for the Stabroek Block signed between the ExxonMobilled co-venturers and the then A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition Government for production in the oil-rich Stabroek Block had been heavily criticised for low royalty, lack of ring-fencing provisions and cost oil claims that saw Guyana losing billions, among other issues. Minister Bharrat explained during the podcast that not only was Government’s focus on ensuring that they bring better benefits to Guyana and Guyanese in the new PSAs moving forward but they also had to deal with the complexities that this first
bid round brought.
“What didn't happen in the past [with the 2016 PSA], we had to now ensure that there is a PSA for shallow-water development and a PSA for the deep-water development… So, at the same time, we were doing all of that. And then we started the negotiation with these companies, which took a while too because it goes back and forth. Most of these companies are not in Guyana so most of the time it's virtual, most of the time it's based on their availability.” “And we could have moved ahead with a few of these companies already, but what we wanted is to have a single Production Sharing Agreement for all compa-
nies in shallow and all the companies in the deep. We didn't want a PSA for X company, a PSA for Y company, a PSA for R company. We wanted a PSA that will be signed by all companies… that is industry standard, and that is world class, and that will bring better benefits to Guyanese in comparison to the 2016 Stabroek Block PSA. So, that took some time, as you would imagine,” Bharrat noted. The Natural Resources Minister went on to say that there may very well be a need to review that model PSA to further update it to include near-shore or onshore development if those projects are found to present potential in the future.
of gas, Government is now moving ahead with Phase Two of the Gas-to-Energy project that will utilise the remaining 60 per cent capacity of the pipeline to bring an additional gas onshore for a second power plant and NGL facility at the Wales project site.
“Hammerhead now will help us to fill that Wales pipeline…because that gas is guaranteed right now… 50 million cubic per day is already available, which is enough for the first power plant and which will come on stream in a couple months from now. And then with Hammerhead being tied into that, it is guaranteed now that we will full that pipeline with over 120 million cubic per day, which will now accommo-
date a second power plant, another 300 megawatts of power,” the Natural Resources Minister stated.
Meanwhile, the additional gas from the Hammerhead field will also be used to for a small fertiliser plant at the Wales Development Site, which will be developed into a massive industrial zone.
With 600 megawatts of power to come onstream, Minister Bharrat says this will be a game-changer for economic activities across Guyana providing cleaner and cheaper electricity.
The GtE Project is expected to reduce the country’s high electricity prices, which is a hindrance to large-scale industrial operations, by 50 per cent when the first power plant comes
onstream, likely by midnext year.
Over the past few years, Guyana has been undergoing unprecedented development which has seen the demand for power at peak hours more than doubling from just over 100 megawatts in 2020 to now over 250 megawatts.
According to Bharrat during the podcast, “That is the increase in demand over such a short period of time, and that translates to the development that is taking place in the country… That Gas-to-Energy project will be the single most transformational project in the history of our country because that project is going to touch every single Guyanese in some way or the other.”
Map showing location of the Hammerhead Development offshore Guyana
Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat
Govt implements full use of body cameras for ranks at ports of entry
...as Police Officers under investigation for alleged extortion at CJIA
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has launched a full investigation into allegations that police ranks stationed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) demanded money from a passenger in order to release her lawful items.
According to a statement issued by the GPF, CCTV footage and other evidence support the claim, and the officers implicated have since been placed under close arrest. The matter is being probed by the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR).
The Government has since responded swiftly, an-
nouncing that from Monday, September 29, 2025, all law enforcement officers operating at ports of entry, in-
cluding airports and border crossings, will be required to wear body cameras.
Officials say the move is
intended to strengthen accountability and transparency within the ranks.
“The GPF has zero tolerance for corruption. Any officer found guilty of extortion or bribery will face the full force of the law,” the Force emphasised.
Authorities also reminded the public that no payments are required to clear lawful items at CJIA or any other port of entry. Citizens are urged to report immediately if they are asked for money by any officer.
The case comes amid broader efforts to rebuild public trust in the police and clamp down on misconduct within the force.
Fatal shooting of Guyanese-heritage teen in Queens
Teen’s donated organs save 4 lives
The tragic shooting death of 13-yearold Sanjay Samuel in Queens, New York, has brought new life to four people after his family agreed to donate his organs, according to a report by Daily News, New York. Sanjay Samuel was shot on September 22 while on his way to school. Despite doctors’ efforts, he succumbed to his injuries at Cohen Children’s Medical Center. His family later chose to donate his organs; a decision that has since saved the lives of four individuals.
The recipients are a boy of the same age who received Sanjay’s heart; a 15-year-old who received his liver: and two adults in their 50s who received
Sanjay Samuel was being described as "an organ donor hero"
his lungs, pancreas, and a kidney. Sanjay’s father, Theophilus Samuel, described the choice as painful yet meaningful. “It’s very hard, this loss. But at least he saved four people,” he
told reporters. LiveOnNY, the nonprofit organisation that facilitated the donation process, praised the family’s generosity. Its President and CEO, Leonard Achan,
said Sanjay had become “an organ donor hero” and that his gifts provided patients with a second chance at life. Authorities said the recipients of the organs are based in New York, Ohio, and Washington, D.C. Meanwhile, a 16-yearold suspect accused of carrying out the fatal shooting has been charged and was ordered held without bail in Queens Criminal Court. Police believe the killing was gang-related. According to investigators, the gunman approached Sanjay on a scooter while the boy was outside a Dunkin’ Donuts with schoolmates. The suspect allegedly struck him before shooting him in the back of the head.
Mabaruma Police investigate Facebook post involving student and cop
The Gender-Based Unit of Mabaruma Police Station has launched an investigation following a Facebook post involving Corporal 25126 Shazim Khan and a 15-year-old Grade 11 student. According to police reports, a preliminary interview with the student was conducted in the presence of her mother. Both
the student and her mother stated that no sexual relations took place between the officer, who is a family friend, and the student. Written statements were provided by both parties to support their account.
Regional Division #1 (Barima-Waini)
Commander also engaged Rehanna Chan, the School Welfare Officer for the re-
gion, to conduct an interview with the student and her mother. They reiterated the account that no sexual misconduct occurred.
The student’s mother, however, declined to allow a medical examination, stating that the Facebook post was intended to embarrass her daughter. The School Welfare Officer noted that her investigation
could not proceed further without consent for a medical examination. Despite these limitations, police have invited Blossom Inc. to conduct a forensic interview, which was scheduled for 11:00h on Sunday. Authorities have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and will be expedited.
Ousting…
… Mad Maduro
Looks like the US has made up its mind to get rid of Mad Maduro. Surely, they’re not gonna be losing face by pulling back those fully-loaded eight warships –with long-range missiles, drones and Marines! – that been deployed since end-August!! Blowing three fishing boats out of the water – even if loaded with cocaine – ain’t gonna cut it with the red-blooded Americans who’ve been alerted to Mad Maduro’s nefarious plan to destroy America through flooding it with drugs!!
So, how might it be done? We don’t have to look far for the model!! In 1989, the US faced an identical drug-dealing Latin America leader – Manuel Noriega of Panama – who refused to step down after a decade of American pressure. He even stole elections like Mad Maduro!! Under the command of General Colin Powell, the US military invaded Panama in December 1989. As he rapidly ran out of options, Noriega took refuge at the Vatican Embassy in Panama City.
In deference to diplomatic protocol, US forces didn’t enter the embassy. But they did concoct a plan to smoke out Noriega. The plan – by the PSYOPS [Psychological Operations] team from Fort Bragg [NC] – involved music, mostly heavy metal and rock, with a few ballads thrown in!! US Gen Maxwell "Mad Max" Thurman had ordered speakers placed as a "musical barrier" around the perimeter of the Vatican Embassy and turned them to deafening volumes, around the clock!! Here's a small sampling of the playlist designed to send Noriega a musical message: "Give It Up," by KC And The Sunshine Band, "No More Mister Nice Guy," by Alice Cooper, and "Paranoid" by Black Sabbath. You get the drift?
Noriega was reportedly partial to opera. What he got was "Panama" from Van Halen, "Danger Zone" from Kenny Loggins, and "Refugee" courtesy of Tom Petty. And remember, this was the '80s. So the strongman also got an earful of Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up" though that may have been intended more for Noriega's hosts at the embassy. On Jan 3, 1990, Noriega surrendered to the US forces, though not until after he'd been treated to a version of "I Fought The Law". Noriega was flown to Miami, tried and convicted of drug trafficking, and spent nearly two decades in US prison!!
Now your Eyewitness knows the US went into Panama with 20,000 troops – but the US fleet blockading Venezuela only has 4500 troops to face the 100,000 Venezuelan armed forces. But this is the age of drones and long-range smart missiles that can be guided to within three feet of a target!!
Mad Maduro, better watch out – it ain’t Santa Claus comin’ to town in the early Christmas he declared!!
…Norton
Here in old Mudland, forces in the PNC have evidently assembled not a fleet like the US, but going back to medieval warfare, a formidable number of insiders who’re committed to ousting Aubrey Norton. One strike against Mad Maduro that favours the Yanks is the upheaval in his support base that saw millions fleeing their country. And here, a just-as-formidable strike against Aubrey is the tens of thousands who fled the PNC for the allure of Sanction Man’s WIN!!
Maybe if they’d gone over to Nigel Hughes’s AFC he coulda been forgiven. After all, Nigel had committed professional suicide by proposing a phantasmagoric mathematical theory on majorities in a desperate attempt to keep the PNC of Granger in power!! But having the PNC of the wordsmith Burnham losing that badly to a fella who can’t even string together two sentences is unforgivable!!
So when’s the assault comin’?? Your Eyewitness don’t think Norton’s gonna agree to any emergency Congress!!
A wall of speakers around Congress Place blasting “I shot the Sheriff”??
…complacency
While it may appear that the flurry of activity by the new Cabinet is a case of new brooms sweeping corners, your Eyewitness hopes the new czar of efficiency will be cracking his whip – à la Musk!!
Cheddi Jagan International Airport
“Cameras don’t lie” –Police to reckless drivers
...as technology aids Police in making motorists accountable
The rise of surveillance technology is changing how traffic laws are enforced in Guyana, with police officials warning reckless drivers that “the cameras don’t lie.”
Speaking on a recent Road Safety and You programme, Superintendent Ron Clarke, Officer in Charge of Traffic for Regional Division 4A (Georgetown), highlighted how CCTV footage has become a game-changer in road policing. “I am happy with the advent of the CCTV footage because the cameras don’t lie. So once the accident or incidents have been recorded, it will be there to
confront you as the evidence in court,” Clarke said. One recent case involved a motorist who lost control while speeding along the University of Guyana (UG) Road, flipping over a median and killing another man. “We saw the footage with that accident at UG Road where that guy with a speed flipped over the medium and caused the death of that guy… he went and pleaded guilty,” Clark explained, adding that the court will decide on sentencing. The officer also revealed that offenders are often shocked when multiple tickets arrive by mail. “A lot of times they don’t realise that
they’re being recorded until when they’re served with the tickets,” Clark noted. “I could recall someone called me and told me that they got like about 17 tickets.”
Clarke emphasised that the system makes it harder for drivers to escape penalties.
“You will not be seeing the police as you normally see the police under the tree… but the cameras are there and the cameras are doing their work,” he said. Police are now calling for stricter deterrents beyond flat fines. Along with the assistance from technology however, National Road Safety Council (NRSC)
MoU signed to develop Hope Town as tourism destination
TChairman Earl Lambert said more should be done for enforcement. “If you have one ticket, the next ticket will not be the same seven five [$7,500.00]. Like in the US… if you get from the second to the third ticket, the fine will go up and then you will also be facing a situation where your licence could be suspended,” he suggested.
With fatalities mounting, officials urged motorists to take personal responsibility rather than blaming law enforcement. “If you don’t want to be ticketed, the onus is on you to make sure that you’re driving within the speed limit,” Lambert warned.
he Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, the Chinese Association of Guyana, and tour company Wild Adventures, on Saturday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop Hope Town, Guyana’s first Chinese settlement, as a new tourism experience. The agreement was inked by Tourism Minister, Susan Rodrigues, President of the Chinese Association of Guyana, Stephen Su and Shabana Daniels of Wild Adventures. Minister Rodrigues in her remarks commended the partnership, describing Hope Town as a site of “profound historical and cultural significance.” She noted that the initiative would not only help preserve Guyana’s heritage but also create new op-
portunities for tourism and community engagement.
“By supporting sites like Hope Town, we preserve an essential piece of our history. This agreement represents a commendable step in ensuring our heritage is celebrated, shared, and sustained for generations to come,” the Minister stated. Hope Town, which lies along Kamuni Creek with access to the Santa Aratak villages, is widely regarded as a landmark of Chinese history in Guyana. Through the MoU, the three parties have committed to developing tourism experiences that showcase the settlement’s history and cultural importance while enhancing the wider community’s offerings.
Superintendent Ron Clark and National Road Safety Council (NRSC) Chairman Earl Lambert
The signing of the MoU
Pres Ali, Mount Sinai, Hess Corp meet, discuss modern Oncology Centre in Guyana
President Dr Irfaan Ali recently led discussions between the Guyana Government, Mount Sinai Health System and Hess Corporation on the national healthcare initiative to transform the country’s public health system so that world-class healthcare services can be accessible to every Guyanese citizen.
The Head of State recently travelled to New York for the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) last week.
On the sidelines of the UNGA, President Ali led the Steering Committee meeting with Mount Sinai, one of the largest academic medical institutions in New York, and United States energy major, Hess Corporation.
During the engagement,
system, and the establishing an Oncology Centre in Guyana.
Back in February, the Guyanese leader had announced plans to set up a modern oncology centre here to enhance cancer treatment and care. He had noted that Hess Corporation – one of the partners operating in the oil-rich Stabroek Block offshore Guyana that has since sold its shares to Chevron – agreed to continue financing Guyana’s partnership with Mount Sinai for another three years.
“They will be coming in to help us in the building out of a modern oncology centre that will treat cancer. We’re not only looking at diagnostic but building facilities for treatment,” the President had explained.
Construction of the oncology centre in Guyana is expected to start this year and it is slated to be completed by 2027.
National Heath Care Initiative
This collaboration between the Government, Hess and Mount Sinai was first launched in July 2022 with the rollout of the national healthcare initiative that aimed to enhance the country’s public health system. Since then, Mount Sinai supported Guyana’s Ministry of Health in rolling out the Government’s health system innovations, including over 35,000 child health screenings, the Ministry’s training programs that will graduate nearly 900 nursing assistants in 2025, and a new state-of-the-art pathol-
discussions were held on the collaboration on primary health care initiatives, the electronic medical records
An oncology centre is a medical facility that specialises in the diagnosis, treatment and research of cancer.
ogy lab.
In March of this year, this collaboration was extended for another five years
until 2030. Key goals for this next phase include the establishment of a national cancer centre, continued modernisation of national health facilities including Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, and the implementation of one of the world’s most advanced digital health systems.
The establishment of a first-in-class national cancer centre will see the screening and treatment of breast, cervical, prostate and other common cancers that cause the most deaths in Guyana. The first phase of cancer services will expand much-needed access to cancer screening, diagnostic and treatment options; the second phase will offer advanced tertiary oncology services to the entire community in Guyana.
Additionally, Mount Sinai will also play a role in ensure Guyana’s new Paediatric and Maternal Hospital at Ogle, East Coast Demerara, meets interna-
tional quality standards, is well-managed, and ready to provide high-quality care for all of Guyana’s women and children.
Moreover, they will also complete the transformation of health systems across Guyana’s 10 regions to ensure everyone, especially youth and vulnerable people, can receive health screenings, primary care treatment, and supportive services – creating a supportive health ecosystem across the country.
The implementation of a national programme is also on the cards to improve the quality, safety, and delivery of health services – from Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), the country’s largest hospital, to regional hospitals to every health centre and post. These initiatives will provide a strong foundation for the growth of a high-quality, modern health system that provides unparalleled care for all.
When it comes to digitisation, Mount Sinai will support the implementation of Guyana’s first national electronic health records system and complete the foundations for one of the most advanced digital health systems in the region and the world by 2030. It will also continue work to ensure critical health workforce needs are met by continuing capacity building in health workforce development, resource planning, management, and financing.
As part of efforts to modernise healthcare delivery in the country, the Guyana Government is also working with a number of other major health institutions in the US including Northwell Health.
In fact, during his recent visit to New York, President Ali and his team also engaged Northwell officials on the modernisation of emergency management systems in Guyana, among other areas of collaboration ongoing.
MoU signed to develop Hope ...
The Government of Guyana has been placing strong emphasis on developing hinterland and riverine communities as part of its broader tourism strategy. In recent years, the Ministry of Tourism and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) have partnered with Indigenous villages and community groups to create sustainable tourism products that highlight culture, history, and the environment. Communityled projects in places such as Wakapau, Moraikobai, Paruima and Shulinab have been introduced, al-
lowing residents to showcase their heritage while earning income through tourism. The administra-
tion has also invested in infrastructure, including airstrips and road upgrades, and launched grant programmes to help villages establish small businesses linked to tourism, agriculture, and craft. These initiatives have not only attracted international recognition, with Guyana receiving awards for fostering Indigenous tourism, but also aim to ensure that interior communities benefit directly from the country’s growing tourism sector.
President Dr Irfaan Ali and other Guyana Government officials during the Steering Committee meeting with representatives from Mount Sinai Health System and Hess Corporation in New York last week
21st China Medical Team to work in Guyana’s 2 main medical centres
The 21st Chinese Medical Team (CMT), an elite group of high-
ly trained professional doctors, arrived in Guyana last week, to complete the work
handover from the departing 20th CMT, and begin their news duties here. The dedicated team of specialists will be working alongside local staff across various departments for the next year at both the Georgetown and Linden Hospitals—Guyana’s two main medical centres.
The team is made up of doctors covering multiple medical fields such as nephrology, surgery, anaesthesia, traditional Chinese medicine, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, ophthalmology, radiology and pathology.
Each member has a solid
foundation of medical theory and rich clinical practical experience and can skilfully use advanced medical technology and equipment to provide high-quality medical services for Guyanese.
During the handover pe-
riod, the outgoing CMT and incoming CMT teams met with various Government institutions to be commended and welcomed respectively, and began to acclimate themselves to the work in the local health sector.
For more than thirty years, the Chinese medical team has served Guyana, helping to lift the quality of healthcare in the country and has also become a bridge of the friendship between China and Guyana.
The incoming CMT pose for a photo on their arrival at the CJIA
The team of specialists work to complete handover
The new CMT will be working in various departments over the year (China Medical Team for Guyana)
Heritage Day celebrations
Hotoquai Primary School Karaudarnau Village
celebrations across the hinterland
Village Sand Creek Village
St Cuthbert's Jared Ambrose photos
BIT BV Centre exhibition showcases trainee skills, creativity
Guided by the inspiring theme, “Every expert was once a beginner. Embrace the journey,” the Board of Industrial Training
(BIT) Beterverwagting (BV) Centre held its Final Exhibition last Wednesday, on the tarmac of the Beterverwagting Practical Instructional Centre. The
exhibition featured a wide array of trainee projects from various programmes offered at the centre, including Furniture Making, Electrical Installation,
Plumbing, AgroProcessing, Commercial Food Preparation, and Information Technology.
Highlights included cocktails, wines, other agro-processed products, and finely crafted furniture pieces.
Trainees also demonstrated hospitality and event preparation skills, such as napkin folding, menu design, bed-making, table settings, and decora-
tions, reflecting the diverse competencies developed during their training. Soon, these trainees will officially receive their certificates, marking a significant milestone and the start of a new chapter where they will apply their skills to create opportunities for themselves and contribute meaningfully to their communities. The event brought together the BIT leadership team, Presidential
Advisor, Labour and Manpower Planning, Joseph Hamilton; Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Richard Maughn; Senior Monitoring, Evaluation and Research Officer, Nateica Garraway; Monitoring, Evaluation and Research Officer, Marcel Watson; and Technical Officer, Quinola Legall, alongside staff and trainees to celebrate the achievements of the graduating class.
A trainee explains her work to Presidential Advisor, Labour and Manpower Planning, Joseph Hamilton at the exhibition
The exhibition featured a wide array of trainee projects, including plumbing
Highlights at the exhibition also included finely crafted furniture pieces
"My
colleague was assassinated in plain sight":
The writer documenting
Haiti’s descent into hell
...Gang violence and social media meet in an urgent novel from Emmelie Prophète, Haiti’s former Justice Minister
The sound of gunshots used to frighten Emmelie Prophète. The 54-year-old writer, poet and former Justice Minister of Haiti, who would be awoken by them every night, at around 3am. “At first, I was panicked. But these days, I imagine I’m on a plane and there is turbulence. I just have to keep my seat belt attached and carry on. There’s nothing you can do.”
Gunfire has been a daily reality in Haiti for years. The country was hit by a devastating earthquake in 2010; since then, the state has effectively collapsed. Poverty is widespread, as is famine, gangs control the capital, Port-au-Prince. Last year, more than 5,600 people were killed on the streets; since 2023, there has been a tenfold rise in sexual violence against children. Sexual violence is endemic, and so are abductions. On the morning that Prophète and I spoke, just around the corner, nine people, including an Irish missionary were taken from an orphanage.
“We have witnessed a complete descent into hell since the President [Jovenel Moïse] was assassinated by gangs in 2021,” says Prophète. We’re speaking on Zoom; behind her, on the walls of her sitting room, is a magnificent portrait of herself, a gift from a local artist who loves her books. Though her English is perfectly good, for ease we speak in French, her mother tongue. Prophète, who was both Minister of culture and interim Minister of justice between 2022 and 2024, is an award-winning writer in Haiti. Her sixth and most
recent novel, Cécé, named after its fictional protagonist, has just been translated into English, and has already been picked out by Zadie Smith as a must-read. When it was first published in French in 2023, it was praised as essential reading for anyone who wanted to understand how the world’s first sovereign black republic descended into such horror.
Cécé
Cécé is a young woman living in Port-au-Prince. Amid the chaos of daily life, she resorts to sex work to make a living. That is until she buys a smartphone and starts posting onto Facebook pictures of the dead bodies she regularly sees on the street. She soon finds herself a macabre kind of celebrity influencer, courted by gang leaders, politicians and journalists alike. Cécé is a slim book, around 200 pages, small enough to fit in your coat pocket. Yet, its gripping story of how brutality can be commodified in our desensitised social-media age will leave you with a heavy heart. When I ask Prophète, who was born and studied in Port-au-Prince, whether she has met a Haitian gang leader, or an influencer like Cécé, she laughs. “No, I’ve never met a gang leader, although everyone who reads the book thinks I must have. However, the reality is often worse than fiction.”
These fictitious gang leaders seem drawn from life: angry and cruel, yet rendered human by their own fear of inevitable death.
In Prophète’s novel, on a near-monthly basis the reigning gang leader is murdered and replaced by a rival, forcing Cécé to cleanse her Facebook page of the past allegiance and make way for the new. In return, she receives sacks of rice to sell at the market. When she reaches enough followers, she is paid by brands to promote their products: photos of skin-lightening creams alternating with those of decomposing bodies. These details are made all the more disturbing by Cécé’s detailed yet dispassionate narration. Surely, I ask Prophète, Cécé’s daily uploads of corpses to her Facebook account doesn’t actually happen? “It’s very normal, actually,” she replies. “A former colleague of mine was assassinated in plain sight. Young people who witnessed it thought not to take pictures of the vehicle’s registration plate. Instead they took pictures of the body and put it on social media. They will know it will get lots of likes, lots of views.” In fact, Prophète tells me that the only unrealistic part of her novel is the idea that Cécé would be working with brands. “That was inspired by the type of influencers you have in Europe. In Haiti, our influencers deal only with gangs and politics. There are a huge number of influencers who defend the gangs, and that’s how they make their money.” Was she worried about gangs reading her novel? She lets out a delighted laugh. “No, because they can’t read! If I’d released it as a video, yes.” But, in a country where half
of the population are illiterate, “the truth is best concealed in a book.”
Minister of Culture
Promoting literacy and Haitian literature was one of Prophète’s key duties as Minister of culture. As acting Minister of Justice, meanwhile, she was concerned with the declining powers of the police. The problem, she tells me – in a commanding yet compassionate tone – “is that the gangs are more powerful than the police. They are better armed and better organised. These young boys have been armed by politicians. They have been armed by shopkeepers paying them to protect their businesses. And now it has become uncontrollable.” Earlier this year, Haitian gangs stormed a prison in central Haiti and released 500 inmates, while the United Nations (UN) described gangs as having “near-total control” of the capital. Prophète would go further: she no longer believes Port-au-Prince even exists. “There are no institutions left. The palace was destroyed in the earthquake. The hospital has gone. The lawyers’ offices have gone. If a town is a series of symbols, and there are none left, how can it exist as a town?” What’s left of the capital, she goes on, is ordered by gangs. “They are creating laws. They have tribunals. And everyone has gravitated around the order that they have created. It’s like a republic. And what can you expect when the state has abandoned them? When most people in Haiti
don’t have identifying documents or even an official date of birth?”
The problem too is that Haiti’s lifestyle of violence is the only one that seems accessible. As Cécé herself puts it: “In truth, there wasn’t a single teenager in the Cité who didn’t dream about becoming a gang leader.” Prophète nods wearily when I read the sentence aloud. “Gang members are flaunting their wealth on social media, giving money to the poor, wearing Gucci, providing for their families. So of course everyone wants to be a gangster. And now, no matter how many the police kill, there will always be more to fill the ranks.”
Prophète knows that even to go outside in Port-au-Prince is dangerous. But she tries to live something like a normal life. “I’m never scared. I know danger exists. I know that lots can happen to me. But I leave the house alone every day, I drive around my neighbourhood. I don’t go very far – but I am not scared.”
Still, the never-ending violence is what prompted her to resign from both Ministerial posts in 2024. “I have often called myself a
‘prophet’ in my country, because of my name and what I write about. But increasingly I feel like I no longer have a place here. It has gotten too loud. It’s just too violent.” She tells me about a gang leader who recently slaughtered 200 “old people” simply because he was superstitious and his son was sick.
After resigning, she went back to writing; in January, she’ll be publishing a new book, P’tit Cheri (meaning Little Darling). It will be about Haitian women who form a cooperative together. Can feminism exist in a country in which sexual violence has become the law? “Yes, it does. There are women like Cécé here – audacious, full of desire to live and to change things. They give me hope. There is hope. There’s a reason I haven’t left all these years. Haiti inspires me. I owe a lot to this country.”
Yet Prophète is dreaming of new borders. “Not Europe or America, like so many people here. I dream of Benin, Cameroon or Mali. Of working at a bar somewhere.” She smiles. “I just want a little break from it all.” (The Telegraph)
"We don’t believe in giving up", deputy UN chief tells New York festival crowd
Deputy United Nations (UN) Secretary-General (SG) Amina Mohammed thanked the crowd at New York’s Global Citizen Festival on Saturday for using their voice for justice and “refusing to give up on a better world.” “The UN doesn’t give up. We faced a few shots fired this week, but we’re not giving up.” Deputy UN SG spoke to the crowd at the Global Citizen Festival on Friday, inspiring them to help deliver the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) for a fairer planet. The music event, which took place in Central Park on the last weekend of high-level week of the General Assembly, is the flagship event from Global Citizen, the world’s largest movement to end extreme poverty. This year’s lineup included international stars such as Shakira, Cardi B and Rosé.
Mohammed took to the stage to thank the festival-goers and remind them that there are just five years left to make the SDGs – a blueprint for a fairer future for people and the planet – a reality. “We still have ways to go,” she told the crowd. “We're moving, but it's just not fast enough and the clock is ticking really loud.”
As Special Advisor to former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, Mohammed was instrumental in shepherding through the Goals and securing consensus from the UN Member States in 2015. Speaking on Friday, she reiterated that $4.3 trillion is needed every year to finance the Goals and leave no one behind.
“What really matters is
to give peace a chance for the women in Sudan, for the children in Gaza, for the people in Ukraine. We need peace everywhere,” she declared, calling for measures to ensure that artificial intelligence (AI) does not create new divides, for women to be included at every table where decisions are taken, for quality education and for the planet, “from the Amazon to the Congo and to
every corner of the world.”
The deputy UN SG exhorted those in attendance to see solutions where others see dead ends and to use their voice to “cut through the noise, demanding for everyone to do better and not accepting the globalisation of indifference.”
A crowd of 60,000 people enjoyed the 2025 Global Citizen Festival on the Great Lawn in Central
Park, New York City. The event mobilised $280 million in commitments to protect 25 million hectares of the Amazon rainforest; over $30 million raised for access to education and sports for children in over 200 communities worldwide through
Cardi B performs during the Global Citizen Festival on Saturday, September 27, 2025, in New York (CBS)
Emmelie Prophète no longer believes the Haitian capital Port-auPrince exists: "There are no institutions left"
Global Citizen Festival stage 2025
Charity small businesses gain insight from Community Business Clinic initiative
Thirty-three small business owners in
Charity, Region Two, have benefited from capacity-building training under the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce’s Community Business Clinic initiative. The programme is designed to empower entrepreneurs in local communities and villages by providing tailored advice, mentorship, and resources to strengthen their skills and promote sustainable business growth.
Minister of Tourism,
sion, commended them for their commitment to learning and development. She noted the Government’s focus on building small business capacity.
“We have engaged experienced business coaches to help you not only improve your enterprises but also equip you with leadership, financial management, and accounting skills. These are critical tools for managing and expanding your businesses effectively,” Minister Rodrigues said. She also encouraged participants
range of support offered by the bureau.
“Managing your books and improving your entrepreneurial skills will bring tremendous benefits to the success and sustainability of your businesses,” the Minister added.
The Charity session was the 11th Community Business Clinic hosted since the programme’s launch in 2024. Additional sessions are scheduled for Port Kaituma, Parika, Rose Hall, Bush Lot, and Mon Repos in October.
Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, who spoke with participants at the ses-
to register with the Small Business Bureau (SBB) in order to access a wider
was
itated by business coach, Marlon George.
Tourism Ministry hosts tree planting exercise on World Tourism Day 2025
The session
facil
Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Susan Rodrigues speaking at the event, commended participants for their commitment to learning and development
The initiative provides experienced business coaches during training
The session was the 11th Community Business Clinic hosted since the programme’s launch in 2024
planting exercise at the new Hampton Court Play
Council, Mayor Devin Mohan; Chairman of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC)–Region Two, Velma DeSilva; Regional Executive Officer
(REO), Susanah Saywack; Assistant REO, Yvette Tafres; members of the Region Two Tourism Association; and all other stakeholders for their
Dr Tariq Jagnarine Fam meD, enDocrinology/ DiabeTes
Tylenol is one of the most common medicines in the world. Doctors often recommend it for pain or fever, and millions of pregnant women have used it safely for decades. But recently, Tylenol has become the focus of a heated debate: could taking it during pregnancy be linked to autism in children?
Why the concern?
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently said it would review new studies suggesting that using Tylenol (also called acetaminophen) in pregnancy might be connected to a slightly higher risk of autism or ADHD in children. The agency plans to update the drug’s warning label to reflect this possibility.
At the same time, law-
HEALTH TIPS
TYLENOL (PANADOL) AND AUTISM: WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW
suits have been filed against Tylenol’s manufacturer, arguing that families weren’t properly warned. This has added politics and legal battles to an already emotional health issue.
What the science says The research so far is mixed:
Some studies suggest that taking Tylenol often, or for long periods during pregnancy, might raise the chance of autism or ADHD in children.
Other studies with very large groups of children show no clear link at all.
Many experts believe the problem could be ***confounding factors**— for example, fever, infections, or genetics might explain the results, not the medicine itself.
Importantly, none of the studies prove that Tylenol causes autism. They only show associations that still need more research.
What to do
Most medical groups, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, say Tylenol is still the safest pain and fever medicine for pregnant women. Alternatives like ibuprofen are not recommended in later pregnancy because they carry
higher risks for the baby.
I am stressing that untreated fever or pain can also harm both mother and child. That’s why you should use Tylenol only when needed, at the lowest dose, and for the shortest time possible.
The World Health Organisation has also stated that there is no conclusive evidence linking Tylenol to autism, though more studies are underway.
What should parents do?
For expectant mothers, all of this can feel overwhelming. Here’s the simple advice :
1. Don’t panic Tylenol has been used safely for many years.
2. Talk to your doctor. Before taking any medicine in pregnancy, check with a healthcare provider.
3. Use wisely. If you need Tylenol, take the low-
est effective dose for the shortest time.
4. Don’t stop suddenly. Avoiding treatment for high fever or severe pain may do more harm than good.
Non-medication options for common pregnancy pains
• Rest and hydration: Fatigue and headaches often improve with proper sleep and more water.
• Warm compresses: For body aches or back pain, a warm (not hot) compress or bath can soothe sore muscles.
• Massage and stretching: Gentle prenatal massage, yoga, or simple stretching can relieve tension.
• Diet adjustments: Eating smaller, more frequent meals and cutting back on caffeine can ease
headaches and stomach upset.
Cold packs: A cool cloth or ice pack may help with migraines or joint pain.
When fever strikes
Fever is one of the biggest concerns in pregnancy because high temperatures can affect the baby. To help prevent fever:
Boost immunity naturally: Wash hands often, eat fruits and vegetables, and get enough rest.
Avoid sick contacts: Stay away from people with flu or infections when possible.
Vaccinations:
Staying up to date on flu and recommended vaccines lowers the risk of dangerous fevers.
If a fever does occur, doctors usually still recommend Tylenol, as an untreated fever can be more harmful than the medicine itself.
Safe medical alternatives
Most painkillers (like ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen) are not safe in later pregnancy That’s why acetaminophen (Tylenol) remains the go-to drug.
In some cases, doctors may suggest:
• Low-dose topical creams (like menthol rubs or lidocaine patches) for local pain.
• Physical therapy
for persistent back or hip pain.
Prenatal vitamins and supplements (like magnesium) that may reduce cramps or migraines.
Prevention is the best medicine
The fewer medicines needed, the better. Pregnant women can lower their risks by:
1. Planning regular check-ups – catching small problems before they grow.
2. Managing stress – through deep breathing, meditation, or walking.
3. Staying active safe exercises like swimming or walking improve circulation and reduce aches.
4. Eating balanced meals – iron, folate, and other nutrients strengthen both mother and baby.
Autism is a complex condition influenced by many factors, including genetics, pregnancy health, and environment. Even if Tylenol does play a role, experts say it would only explain a very small part of autism cases.
For now, the story of Tylenol and autism is unfinished. More studies are needed, and health agencies are being cautious. Parents should stay informed, but also remember: one medicine is unlikely to be the single cause of autism.
Thousands protest livestreamed murder of 2 women, young girl in Argentina
Clashes have erupted between demonstrators and police as thousands protested in Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires, to demand justice over the torture and killing of two young women and a teenager, which was livestreamed on social media by a purported drug gang.
Thousands of protesters took to the streets on Saturday to denounce the killings that shocked Argentinians after it was revealed that the murders were perpetrated live on the Instagram platform and watched by 45 members of a private account, officials said.
Police discovered a video of the triple murder after a suspect in the disappearance of the three revealed it under questioning, according to Javier Alonso, the security minister for the Buenos Aires province.
In the footage, a gang leader is heard saying: “This is what happens to those who steal drugs from me.”
Argentinian media reported that the torturers cut off fingers, pulled out nails, and beat and suffocated the victims.
While most of the pro-
Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Buenos Aires on Saturday to denounce the killings of Morena Verdi and Brenda del Castillo, cousins aged 20, and 15-year-old Lara Gutierrez, by a suspected drug gang
testers who took part in the demonstration on Saturday marched peacefully, some confronted police who responded by aggressively pushing them away using their batons and shields, according to video clips and images posted by the La Izquierda Diario online news site.
The protesters also banged on drums as they marched and denounced the “inaction” of the administration of President Javier Milei against what they called the growing “narco”
influence in the country.
An image posted on social media showed protesters burning an image of Milei and other political allies of his administration.
Authorities have also released a photograph of the alleged mastermind, a 20-year-old Peruvian, who remains at large.
Meta, the parent company of Instagram, has disputed that the livestream occurred on its platform, according to the AFP, citing a company spokesperson. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
A&B experiences excessive heat warning as ‘feels like’ temperatures soar to 109OF
The Antigua and Barbuda (A&B) Meteorological Service (ABMS) on Friday issued an Excessive Heat Warning for the nation, and cautioned residents to prepare for dangerously high heat index values that could reach 43OC (109O F).
The warning, which was issued by the ABMS at
8:30 am Friday, remained in effect until 4:30 pm. Sunday.
The Met Office had stated that the combination of high temperatures, high humidity, and light winds contributed to the hazardous conditions over the past weekend.
The ABMS specifically identified several seg-
ments of the population as being most at risk for heat-related illnesses under these conditions.
The warning implied that dangerously hot conditions were expected, significantly raising the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke across the islands. (Source: Antigua Observer)
Venezuelan armed forces gun found in T&T Police operation
Trinidad police arrested two people after finding a black Fuerzas Armadas de Venezuela gun, a quantity of ammunition and marijuana in a targeted intelligence-led operation in the Central Division between 7 pm on September 25 and 3 am on September 26. According to the police, officers from the National Special Operations Unit (NSOU) received information about illegal guns and ammunition. They intercepted a white Nissan AD Wagon along Caroni South Bank Road, St Helena.
The vehicle was driven by a 27-year-old labor-
er from El Carmen Village, St Helena. The lone passenger was a 19-year-old unemployed Spanish national from Ross Trace, St Helena.
The officers then searched the driver’s residence under Section 12 of the Emergency Powers Regulations, 2025.
The police found a black Fuerzas Armadas de Venezuela (Armed Forces of Venezuela) pistol, two loaded magazines containing a total of 22 rounds of 9mm ammunition and a quantity of marijuana.
The marijuana weighed 1.5 kilogrammes and had an estimated street value of $30,000
BVI Governor orders top cop to retract vetting message
Governor Daniel Pruce issued a stern directive to acting Police Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool last week, instructing her to correct a message she sent her officers about the controversial police-vetting process — and warning that disciplinary action would follow if she failed to comply.
In a Sept. 15 letter obtained by the Beacon, Pruce accused Vanterpool of “incorrectly stating that the entire vetting process had been suspended” in an Aug. 22 message to officers, despite a High Court order that he said paused only the enforcement provisions of the vetting regulations.
“The vetting process itself remains ongoing, and officers may continue to submit forms and obtain clearance,” the governor wrote, reiterating public statements he made at an Aug. 26 press conference.
Vanterpool and Pruce declined to comment, and neither have said if Vanterpool followed the directive.
The police-vetting regime at the centre of the dispute is the subject of a pending judicial review brought by Police Welfare Association
Chairman Sean McCall, who has argued that the process violates officers’ constitutional rights and improperly centralises power in the Governor’s Office.
A High Court order is-
sued on Aug. 11 suspended related disciplinary measures in the amended Police Regulations — but, according to the governor’s interpretation, left the rest of the vetting process in place until a final judgment is reached. Pruce has repeatedly defended the process — which allows the United Kingdom Home Office to vet local officers — as a necessary measure to ensure the integrity of the BVI police force. (Source: BVI Beacon)
St Lucia conducts toxicology review on police K9 Tyson, rat bait poison dismissed
Rat bait poisoning in K9 Tyson has been ruled out as a cause of death, according to toxicology findings confirmed by the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF).
The update brings clarity to months of speculation but leaves lingering questions about what ultimately caused the police canine’s death.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Luke Defreitas told reporters at the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force’s (RSLPF) monthly briefing that forensic tests revealed no traces of rodenticide in samples taken from Tyson’s body.
Tyson, officially registered as K9 Officer 642, died earlier this year under
circumstances initially described as suspicious.
A pathologist’s preliminary findings indicated fatal internal bleeding and suggested four possible causes: rat bait poisoning, a severe blood-clotting disorder, a low platelet count, or a bacterial infection.
The toxicology results now eliminate one of those possibilities. However, Defreitas emphasised that the investigation is not closed.
Tyson’s sudden death has been the subject of significant public attention and earlier speculation. Initial reports suggested he may have been poisoned.
That theory was later tied to wider concerns over national security, with
analysis in one report pointing to potential vulnerabilities in port and border systems.
Tyson’s service and sacrifice were honoured at his funeral.
The new toxicology review now shifts the investigative focus away from poisoning and back to other possible medical or pathological causes.
As a member of the K9 Unit, Tyson was a visible and valued part of the police force, frequently deployed in narcotics detection and tactical support. His sudden passing stirred speculation about possible foul play and heightened concerns over threats facing law enforcement operations. (Source: UnitedPac St Lucia)
US, Mexico launch joint initiative to tackle cross-border gun trafficking
TThe passenger’s home was also searched under Section 12 of the Emergency Powers Regulations.
No illegal items were found at his premises. However, he was detained pending further enquiries.
The exercise took place in the Las Lomas police post district, as part of the ongoing effort to rid the streets of illegal guns and ammunition and restore public safety.
The suspects are in custody at the Arouca and Freeport police stations. PC Juman of NSOU is continuing investigations.
(Source: Trinidad & Tobago Newsday)
he United States and Mexico launched a new bilateral initiative aimed at disrupting the flow of illicit firearms across their shared border, the U.S. State Department said on Saturday.
The announcement came during the inaugural
meeting of the U.S.-Mexico Security Implementation Group, formed earlier this month during Secretary Rubio's visit to Mexico to enhance joint action against narcotrafficking and arms smuggling.
As part of the new initiative, Mexico will expand
its use of U.S. tracing tools such as eTrace and ballistic imaging technology to all 32 states, while both countries will increase joint investigations, prosecutions, and intelligence sharing, the department said. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Bahamas Environment Minister found unconscious, dies in hospital
The Office of the Prime Minister of Bahamas has confirmed the death of 64-year-old Environment and Natural Resources Minister, and Golden Isles MP Vaughn Miller, an ordained pastor. Police reported around 1:30
am that a man was found unconscious in a vehicle on Sears Hill, New Providence. He was transported to hospital, where he died.
Officials confirmed the individual was Minister Miller. No cause of death has yet been officially listed. Miller was elected in 2017 as a member of the Free National Movement and re-elected for Golden Isles in 2021 as a member of the Progressive Liberal Party. (Source: Nassau Guardian)
Acting Police Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool and Governor Daniel Pruce
Netanyahu prepared to offer Hamas immunity as part of Gaza ‘peace plan’
Israeli Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu
said he would grant amnesty for Hamas if it releases the remaining hostages and are willing to leave Gaza.
Mr Netanyahu has previously said that crushing Hamas in its entirety, including its leaders, was the only outcome that would end the war in Gaza.
However, on Sunday he appeared to confirm leaked details of a peace plan drawn up by the United States president Donald Trump, stating that Hamas could receive immunity.
“If Hamas leaders, for example, are escorted out of the country, yeah, if they finish the war, release all the hostages, we’ll let them out,” he told Fox News.
“All of that, I think, is part of the plan. I’m not going to pre-empt it, because we’re having these discussions exactly right now.”
Plans leaked to Arab media on Sunday said Mr Trump would be willing to give Hamas leaders safe passage out of Gaza if the 48 hostages being held in the
Strip are released within 48 hours of Israel publicly accepting the deal.
In return, Israel would free several hundred Palestinian security prisoners serving life sentences and more than 1,000 Gazans arrested since the start of the war, along with the bodies of several hundred Palestinians, according to the Times of Israel’s readout of the plan.
Hamas members who commit to “peaceful coexistence will be granted amnesty while members who wish to leave the Strip will be granted safe passage to receiving countries,” the plan says.
The Trump peace plan also calls for Gaza to be de-radicalised, redeveloped for the benefit of its people, and for its residents to be allowed to stay in the enclave if they wish.
Israel will also agree to the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) halting all operations and gradually withdrawing from the Strip, a step Mr Netanyahu has also repeatedly opposed in the past two years.
Should Israel and Hamas agree to the plan, it would also mean the terror group having no role in Gaza’s governance while the US would work with Arab and other international partners to “develop a temporary international stabilisation force that will immediately deploy in Gaza to oversee security in the Strip”.
As for who will rule Gaza the day after the war, the plan states that the enclave will be administered by a “temporary, transitional government of Palestinian technocrats who will be responsible for providing dayto-day services for the people of the Strip”.
Asked if he plans to declare support for the plan on Monday, Mr Netanyahu told Fox News: “We’re working with President Trump’s team, actually, as we speak, and I hope we can make it a go because we want to free our hostages, we want to get rid of Hamas rule and have them disarmed, Gaza demilitarised and a new future set up for Gazans and Israelis alike”. (Excerpt from The Telegraph)
3 dead, several injured after shooting at US waterfront bar
Three people have died and several others were injured after a shooter opened fire from a boat at a crowded waterfront bar in Southport, North Carolina, officials say.
The attack happened on Saturday evening outside the American Fish Company at the Southport Yacht Basin.
City spokesperson
ChyAnn Ketchum said a boat pulled up to the dock around 21:30 local time (01:30 GMT) before the attacker opened fire. The assailant then fled by boat towards the Intracoastal Waterway.
Officials said a suspect matching the description was arrested half an hour later by the US Coast Guard in nearby Oak Island, around 12 miles (19km) west
of the scene.
Nigel Edge was arrested Saturday on charges including first-degree murder in what police are calling a premeditated attack.
Southport Police Chief Todd Coring said that possibly six people were injured, who are now being treated in hospital. The deceased have not been identified by the police. (Source: BBC News)
Australia to pay US private prisons operator US$790M to hold 100 people on Nauru island
AUS private prisons operator will receive $157m a year to run Australia’s offshore processing regime in Nauru – currently holding just over 100 people – after the government quietly expanded its contract by more than $350m to threequarters-of-a-billion dollars.
The two-year extension without prior public notification, or scrutiny of the contract, has raised allegations of “gross mismanagement” and a process “run out of control” from parliamentarians and government integrity experts.
MTC Australia is a subsidiary of US-based Management and Training Corporation, which runs hundreds of for-profit prisons in the US and UK.
MTC’s amended contract with the Australian government to run offshore processing in Nauru will lift its value by US$365M to US$787M and extend it to 2027 (Composite: AP/Australian Government)
MTC’s amendment will come into force just weeks after Australia announced a separate $2.5bn deal with the government of Nauru over 30 years for the island nation to accept non-citizens forcibly re-
moved from Australia. Allegations of corruption within Australia’s offshore processing regime on Nauru pre-date MTC’s contract. (Excerpt from The Guardian)
Aman drove his vehicle through the front doors of a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and shot at least 10 people, killing two of them, local police said on Sunday.
The shooter got out of his vehicle firing an assault-style weapon, Grand Blanc Chief of Police William Renye said. He added that hundreds of people were in the church, which was set on fire when the vehicle smashed into it.
Smoke billowed from the building as firefighters sprayed the blaze with water while fire trucks and emergency vehicles were parked nearby, footage on social media showed.
Taliban
An American citizen who had been detained in Afghanistan since December has been released through Qatari mediation.
The release of Amir Amiri, who was on his way back to the United States on Sunday, is the fifth US citizen to be freed by Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers, who returned to power in August 2021 after the withdrawal of US-led forces from the country after 20 years of occupation and war.
Negotiations lasted several months after Qatari officials secured an initial meeting between Amiri and the US special envoy for hostage affairs, Adam Boehler, sources with knowledge of the matter told Al Jazeera. The breakthrough that secured his release was reached this weekend, they said.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed Amiri’s release, saying it marked the US govern-
US pop star and actress Selena Gomez has married music producer Benny Blanco in a ceremony in California.
Gomez posted pictures to Instagram of her wearing a white halter-neck wedding gown and Blanco in a dark tuxedo, alongside the caption "9.27.25" bookended by love hearts.
The couple exchanged vows in Santa Barbara on Saturday in front of around 170 guests, including singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, actor Paul Rudd, and Gomez' Only Murders in the Building
Authorities believe they will find additional victims in the ruins, the chief said.
Police did not immediately release the name of the suspect, who died at the scene in an exchange of gunfire with two officers who rushed to the church, the chief said.
Renye described him as a 40-year-old man from Burton, Michigan. Further details were not immediately available. (Source: Reuters)
US citizen
ment’s determination to protect American nationals from wrongful detention abroad.
Rubio did not provide details as to why or where Amiri was detained.
The other four American citizens released this year are Ryan Corbett, William McKenty, George Glezmann and Faye Hall.
Qatar, a member of the
Gulf Cooperation Council, also helped in the release of a British couple on September 19. They were imprisoned for months.
Qatar has been assisting the Trump administration in mediating the release of captives since Taliban forces seized Kabul on August 15, 2021, after the US-backed government collapsed and its leaders fled into exile.
(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Amir Amiri, far left, on board a plane in Kabul with Adam Boehler, third from left, the US special envoy for hostage response, and a Qatari diplomat, far right [Handout/Qatari diplomat]
A 40-year-old man rammed his pick-up truck into the church before firing at worshippers
co-stars Steve Martin and Martin Short, according to fashion magazine Vogue. Gomez, 33, and Blanco, 37, became engaged in December
2024 after a year of dating, having previously collaborated on several music projects together. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Honesty is the best policy, especially when you are looking inward and need to give yourself a reality check. Trust your instincts, believe in yourself and follow through with a positive attitude.
Take advantage of any opportunity you get to deal with institutions or people in a position of power. Engage with others and share your message, and you can make a difference.
Change requires your input. Focus on what you want to modify with a “learn as you go” attitude as you connect with those who can guide you. Participation is in your best interest.
It is best to do less but deliver more. The impression you leave will make a difference when you want something in return. Avoid hasty decisions or engaging in joint ventures.
You have choices, and it’s essential to look out for your welfare. Be kind to yourself; avoid self-criticism and reach for the stars. Choose peace and love over negativity.
Concentrate on health, diet and physical fitness. A positive change of attitude will stimulate your need to feel and do your best. Let positive actions lead the way.
Before you jump into something of interest, do your research. Taking a chance will ultimately prove to be a valuable learning experience. Keep your overhead low and your plans simple.
Arguing is a waste of time. Actions are the quintessential route to getting the results you want. Mix a little discipline with ingenuity, and something good will transpire.
If you need change, think outside the box, and don’t be afraid to do things differently. Learn how to accept the inevitable and protect what’s important to you.
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Pay attention, study trends and work to keep up with the times. Enhance your skill set, refine your resume and position yourself to capitalize on opportunities that arise while networking.
India blinked. They were 20 for 3 chasing 146. Their world-beating batting line-up was panicking as Pakistan came at them –this time for every reason because there was a title on the line.
A collapse of 9 for 33 had left Salman Agha's men with no room for error and for the most part they coped with it. They got rid of Abhishek Sharma early. That sent jitters through a middle order that was upended to accommodate Shubman Gill.
A straightforward chase was going pear-shaped. And Tilak Varma felt all of this out in the middle. The quiet of the stands. The belief among the Pakistan players. The doubts of a billion people back home. Somehow he absorbed it all and produced a really special half-century.
Concentrating as hard as he had to, there was not a single moment through the innings where Tilak showed emotion. But once it was done, he yelled, he punched, he made little heart signs with his hands and basked in the glory of winning India their ninth Asia Cup title.
Tilak seals thriller to give India 9th Asia Cup title
This entire Asia Cup has been a referendum on Pakistan's decision to move on from Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. There is credence to the theory that they do not push hard enough when they bat up the order, and the power play is not a time to be shy.
Sahibzada Farhan took that to heart and although he did not always come up with the goods, he never stopped swinging. A series of slogs took him to 26 off 21. And those same series of slogs –when they started connecting – brought him 50 off 35.
The Pakistan collapse Farhan and Fakhar Zaman were able to put one of India's bankers – Kuldeep Yadav – under pressure. The left-arm wristspinner's first two overs went for 23. That prompted Suryakumar Yadav to turn to Varun Chakravarthy, whose mystery Pakistan have just not been able to solve. As if on cue, he took down both of Pakistan's top scorers. Farhan and Fakhar were the only two to cross 15. On the back of Varun's incisions, his team-mates came into their own. Axar Patel took two wickets in back-to-back overs. Kuldeep took three in one single over. Pakistan were 107 for 1 with 44 balls to play. They were bowled out with five balls re-
maining. A large part of their innings involved the batters going for slogs. In the front 10, they either made good contact or just plain missed. So just one wicket fell. In the back 10, the big hits were all mis-hits. So nine wickets fell.
Tilak's method
Where all his team-mates tried to force the issue, Tilak found ways to trust himself. He was 24 off 26. But he did not seem to care. Early in his innings, he hit a back-foot punch though extra cover for four off Faheem Ashraf. There was no pace on that ball. The only way he could find the boundary was if he timed the ball perfectly. And for that to happen, he had to have the measure of this pitch down pat. He did. That confidence fuelled the rest of his innings, reminding him that he need not over-exert himself. India had to settle for either singles or dots through the eighth and ninth overs of the chase as Abrar Ahmed and Saim Ayub stuck to the basics – keeping the stumps in play and asking India to take risks if they wanted to score quickly. Tilak rose to that challenge, but even then, he was careful to go after the full one, the one that he could get to the pitch of and negate the turn. All that good work meant even with long-on in play, the ball went for six.
In the 15th over, Tilak did another cool thing. With wickets falling around him, he had shown he was ready for a fight. In rebuilding
India's innings with barely a false shot, he showed he was in the zone. Now, seeing Haris Rauf running in, he showed a mind for problem-solving. He had seen how hard it was to hit with pace off the ball. Now that Pakistan were offering pace, he took full toll. Seventeen runs came from that 15th over and changed the complexion of the game. From needing 64 off 36, India needed 47 off 30.
Dube cameo India were without their first-choice seam-bowling all-rounder. Hardik Pandya was nursing a quad niggle and could not make the XI. Shivam Dube did, after resting the last game. He was responsible for two absolutely vital sixes. The first of those showcased his spin-hitting ability as he tonked Abrar down the ground. The second exemplified how well he reads the game. He had faced, and watched from the other end, as Ashraf in the 19th over, tried to hide the ball outside off stump. So, when he got back on strike, he indulged in an exaggerated trigger movement across his stumps to get closer to the ball and launch it over wide long-on. Dube contributed 33 off 22 to a momentum-shifting, match-winning, fifth-wicket partnership that yielded 60 runs off 40 balls. He also had to open the bowling for the first time in any format of cricket, finishing with 3-023-0. It was a splendid day's work.
The finish These three IndiaPakistan games have taken place under the shadow of far greater events. The two countries were in military conflict earlier this year. The two teams have not shaken hands. The two captains have even been avoiding eye contact. Rauf was fined for making gestures that seemed
Sahibzada Farhan c Tilak Varma
b Varun 57
Fakhar Zaman c Kuldeep Yadav
b Varun 46
Saim Ayub c Bumrah
b Kuldeep Yadav 14
Mohammad Haris † c Singh
b Patel 0
Salman Agha (c) c †Samson
b Kuldeep Yadav 8
Hussain Talat c †Samson
b Patel 1
Mohammad Nawaz c Singh
b Bumrah 6
Shaheen Shah Afridi lbw
b Kuldeep Yadav 0 Faheem Ashraf c Tilak Varma
b Kuldeep Yadav 0 Haris Rauf b Bumrah 6 Abrar Ahmed not out 1
to point to those cross-border tensions. Jasprit Bumrah used the same gesture –hand pointed down, arcing to the floor – to give it back to Rauf after bringing down his stumps with a yorker.
The highly-charged atmosphere that has been taking focus away from the cricket now added to it. The two coaches – Mike Hesson and Gautam Gambhir – would not accept being left on the sidelines, sending out messages to help the teams as the equation grew tighter. 30 off 18. 17 off 12. 10 off 6.
With eight to get off five, Tilak launched a six over square leg – once more showcasing just how well he had grown accustomed to tough batting conditions and Rauf once again falling short by putting pace on the ball. Everything that happened after that will be turned into a meme. Tilak making the heart sign. Rinku Singh haring off into the distance. Gambhir banging a desk. This was an India-Pakistan classic worth the 41-year wait both teams needed to make the final of the Asia Cup. (ESPNcricinfo)
Farhan's opening salvo
Kuldeep Yadav got three wickets in an over
India won their ninth Asia Cup title
Tilak Varma is pumped up after taking India to victory
GBF shortlists 20 ahead of FIBA
Women’s Caribbean Championship
ith the FIBA Women’s Caribbean Championship set for the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, November 9-17, the Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) has unveiled a 20-player shortlist, with President Michael Singh expressing confidence that Guyana can defend home court and claim the nation’s second women’s Caribbean title, after the first
“We believe we have a roster capable of going all the way, especially with the championship being played right here on home soil,” Singh said.
The GBF has turned to former national standout Abdullah “Zico” Hamid to lead the charge from the Hamid, who represented Guyana as both a player and coach, will be flanked by Assistant Coaches Willon Cameron and Warren
Wilson, both bringing years of local and regional experience to the bench.
The squad, the GBF said in a release, represents a balance of homegrown talent and overseas reinforcements.
Headlining the list are the Ramlall sisters (Amisha, Arshia, and Asha), all based in the USA, alongside seasoned Europe-based professional Joy Adams, and exciting newcomer Brooklyn McDavid, who Singh hailed as a key figure in the GBF’s expanding overseas pipeline.
“Brooklyn represents the growth of our programme internationally. She’s a welcome addition who we expect will bring a new dimension to Guyana’s game,” Singh noted.
The core of the roster also includes players who featured earlier this year against Suriname in the historic Women’s International Series, staged under the patronage of President Dr Irfaan Ali.
Caribbean Championship is expected to feature sev eral of the Region’s top national teams, with spots at the FIBA Women’s CentroBasket Tournament on the line, a crucial qualifier for the prestigious FIBA Women’s AmeriCup.
President, “with the blend of youth, experience, and international exposure, we believe Guyana is ready to make a deep run. The players know what’s at stake, win ning at home in front of fans would mean everything.”
be chasing history, hoping to repeat the feat of 1996, when Head Coach Linden “Sancho” Alphonso guid ed the side to a 67–55 victory over Jamaica in the final of the Caricom Basketball Championship in Portof-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. believes the stars are aligned for an other golden moment.
TRhe 2025 edition of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Under-13 Inter-County Tournament bowled off on Saturday with two thrilling encounters at the La Bonne Intention (LBI) Ground and the Lusignan Community Centre Ground. Young talents from Demerara, Berbice, Essequibo, and the GCB Select XI displayed energy, skill, and determination as they competed for early bragging rights in the competition. At the LBI Ground, Demerara took on arch-rivals Berbice in a match filled with momentum shifts. After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Demerara’s opening pair Nathaniel Ramkhelawan and Lomar Seecharran laid a solid foundation with a 42-run stand. Seecharran contributed a brisk 19 before being trapped lbw by Kelvin Henry, while Ramkhelawan compiled
28, which he was unable to convert into a big score. Contributions in the middle order from Afraz Khan (20) helped push Demerara to 167 all out in 39.4 overs.
The Berbice bowlers shared the spoils, with Afraz Ali, Khemraj Bharrat, and Kelvin Henry each picking up two wickets.
Chasing 168 for victory, Berbice’s hopes rested heavily on Ali, who produced a fighting 55 from 75 balls. However, he lacked support as wickets tumbled around him. Berbice were eventually bowled out for 112 in 27.3 overs, falling short by 55 runs. Demerara’s spin duo of Deshawn Ramnauth ( two wickets) and Ramkhelawan (three wickets) were instrumental in sealing the win. Meanwhile, over at the Lusignan Community Centre Ground, Essequibo won the toss and decided to bat first against the GCB Select XI. Early pressure came from the
Select XI’s opening bowler Tyler Nedd, who struck twice to leave Essequibo struggling. However, a counter-attacking innings from Timothy Ramdat, who smashed 59 off 47 balls, with five fours and four sixes, swung the momentum back. He received support from Captain Marcus Thomas (36) and Marcanthony Obermuller (30), guiding Essequibo to 196 all out in 33.1 overs.
For the Select XI, Aaron DaCosta stood out with the ball, taking 4 for 36, while Nedd and Andrew Narine chipped in with two wickets apiece.
In reply, the Select XI faltered against disciplined bowling, with Essequibo’s at tack delivering a dominant performance. Eshwar Tillack was the chief destroyer with figures of 3 for 8, as the Select XI were skittled out for just 76 in 25.1 overs, handing Essequibo a commanding 120-run victory.
Lewandowski seals comeback win as Barcelona go top
minute on the counter-attack when Alvaro Odriozola slid in to turn home Ander Barrenetxea’s low cross.
But the hosts levelled two minutes before half-time when defender Jules Kounde met Marcus Rashford’s corner with a thumping header.
nodded in a second-half winner as Barcelona came from behind to beat Real Sociedad and top the La Liga table.
With the scores locked at 1-1, Barca Manager Hansi Flick brought on Ballon d’Or runner-up Lamine Yamal in the 58th minute.
Just seconds later, the 18-year-old beat a defender before dinking in a perfect cross which an unmarked Lewandowski headed in.
Real Sociedad had taken a shock lead in the 31st
Rashford had another fine game for the hosts, regularly carving out chances down the left and had dipping shots well saved by Sociedad keeper Alex Remiro either side of halftime.
The Manchester United loanee was brought off in the 78th minute, with Flick presumably having one eye on his side’s Champions League tie with Paris StGermain on Wednesday.
Sociedad had a late opportunity to level after Kounde dawdled and had the ball pinched off him, but Takefusa Kubo was unable to finish off the move, instead clattering the crossbar.
end with Yamal setting up Ferran Torres, who found Lewandowski, but the Pole’s effort bounced off the underside of the bar, down on to the goalline, but stayed out. Ultimately though, the miss was not costly as the defending champions held on for their sixth win in seven league matches and move a point clear of Real Madrid, who lost 5-2 at Atletico Madrid on Saturday. (BBC Sport)
About 30 seconds later, Barca went up the other
Barcelona have won nine points from losing positions in La Liga this season, more than any other team
Defending champions Essequibo got their campaign off to a winning start (file photo)
Ruth Adams
Brooklyn McDavid
Jules Kounde had earlier equalised for Barcelona
Slingerz Racing Stables returned to winning ways at the Clash at the Big Yard in Port Mourant. Piloted by Jockey Ronaldo Appadu, Ritorna Vincentori was in a sprint home, and finished ahead of Loyal Company and Spankhurst, who finished second and third respectively. Stat finished fourth.
The feature race, which had a purse of $4 mil-
Ritorna Vincentori edge to nail-biting win at Port Mourant
the top four.
Firebird won solo in race three, leading the pack by five lengths in the two-year-old Guyana and West Indian bred maidens. Miracle Boy finished second while Its my Time came third and All the Time finished fourth.
Traveller finished third while Emotional Damage ran fourth.
lion, ran at 1600 metres. Spankhurst, in usual fashion, took to the front, and showed some aggression while Ritorna Vincentori was heading to front at the homestretch. The West Side horse stopped the clock at one minute, thirty-four seconds on a cool and cloudy afternoon in Berbice. Earlier, there was no stopping Donald Trump in the opening race of the day.
The day began with the L Class Open. Bin Laden displayed a good effort, but had to settle for second while Sarkar finished third and Kiss finished fourth.
In the second race of the day, Easy Bella stormed to a thrilling victory in the J/K/L Maiden First Time starters. In a closely-contested race, Jetline ran second while World Boss and Top Ranking rounded out
GFF supports launch of “PE Fridays” in schools with national players and coaches
The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has thrown its full support behind the Government’s new “PE Fridays” initiative, which will see Friday afternoons in the country’s public schools dedicated exclusively to physical education, recreation, and sports.
At the rollout, national team players Jeremy Garrett and Ryan Hackett joined GFF Coaches in delivering football sessions to students from the South Ruimveldt Secondary
School and the St George's Secondary School, giving them the opportunity to learn from the country’s top talents and role models. The Federation’s leadership, including President Wayne Forde, General Secretary Pushpargha Chattopadhyay, and Technical Director Bryan Joseph, were also in attendance to witness the historic launch.
The “PE Fridays” programme, spearheaded by President Dr Irfaan Ali
in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, is being rolled out in both primary and secondary schools. It is designed to foster healthy lifestyles, discipline, and teamwork while encouraging students to move away from device-driven habits and embrace more active routines.
From 13:45h to 15:00h every Friday, students will participate in structured sporting and recreational activities. These will include basketball, cricket, football, volleyball, archery,
table tennis, golf, gymnastics, aerobics, chess, novelty games, and dance, with activities varying across schools.
The Federation’s involvement comes on the heels of a recent meeting with Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steve Jacobs, where discussions were held on a range of areas for collaboration, particularly in promoting grassroots development, youth engagement, and national health through football.
“The GFF strongly supports this initiative as it aligns perfectly with our mission to use football as a tool for education, development, and nation-building,” the GFF President noted.
“We are proud that our national players, coaches, and technical officials can be actively involved in giving students the best possible experience through sport,” he added.
The GFF wishes to reaffirm its commitment to working closely with the Government, schools, and other stakeholders to ensure that football continues to play a central role in shaping the lives of young Guyanese, helping to nurture not just athletes, but well-rounded citizens.
Soca Harmony was back in her element as she displayed a masterclass with Jockey Nobel Abrego. Red Ruby ran second to cement Jagdeo Racing Stables’ dominance in the G Class and Lower Open to F Class West Indian bred non-winners of 2025. American
In race five, Amicable Kate surprised many in the F Class Open to threeyear-old imported horses to clinch victory. Here Comes Heidi, Mulan and Sydney rounded out the top four finishers.
It was Oy Evy from gate to pole in the F Class Open to three-year-old imported horses. That win marked back-to-back victories for Jagdeo Racing Stables at that point in the day. Barbara ran second while Prince Joaquim and
Morning Colors made up the top four. The eighth and final race of the day was won by River Dance Second, while I will Have Another ran second. Three D Movie and Enemy Maker were the other top four finishers in the J3 and Lower Open to three-yearold Guyana-bred horses. Horse-racing action will return to Port Mourant on Sunday, October 26. It will be the grand hosting of the President’s Cup and all the top horses, including Guyana Cup champion Data Man, will be out for glory.
Defending champions Santa Rosa Primary, St John the Baptist, West Ruimveldt and Leonora Primary were among the big winners on Saturday, when the Courts Optical Pee-Wee Under-11 Boys’ football tournament kicked off.
St John the Baptist Primary brought up the first win of the day, with a 6-0 drubbing of St Theresa’s Primary. Aaron Christian (1st, 14th, 24th) and Neymar Edwards (3rd, 16th, 27th) both netted hattricks for the victorious teams.
Santa Rosa, SJTB win big as Boys’ Pee-Wee tournament kicks off
strike in the 30th minute. A close clash was wit-
One goal each off the boots of Marek Timmerman (25th), Raheem Persaud (30th) and Ramario Smith (31st) handed Potaro Primary a 3-1 victory over Winfer Gardens Primary. Omari St Hill netted Winfer Gardens’ consolation in the 32nd minute.
Then, Santa Rosa matched St John the Baptist’s energy with an identical 6-0 win, this time against Good Fortune Primary. Taz Larose registered a helmet-trick with goals in the 5th, 16th, 20th and 26th minutes while Michael Harris secured a brace in the 13th and 21st minutes.
A Yanique Cadogan hattrick in the 4th, 7th and 9th minutes led West Ruimveldt
Primary. Ceon Rajkumar had earlier opened the scoring for West Ruimveldt in the first minute.
Another hat-trick was witnessed when Jhonathan Melvin found the back of the net in the 3rd, 11th and 29th minutes, lifting Leonora Primary to a 4-1 victory over Clonbrook Primary. Akeem Johnson had also netted for Leonora in the 21st minute, while Maxton Adams found Clonbrook’s lone strike in the ninth minute.
Tucville Primary cruised to a comfortable 2-0 win over Stella Maris Primary, owing to a Dominic Dickson brace in the 26th and 30th minutes of their encounter while Santa Rosa edged North Georgetown Primary 1-0, owing to a Taz La Rose
nessed between Redeemer and Smith Memorial Primaries, with the former coming out on top 3-2. Orlanzo Webster (10th) and Aaron Lall (7th, 21st) netted for Redeemer while Derick Holder (12th) and Xavier Herrajes (14th) were responsible for Smith Memorial’s reply.
Nathan Ville (4th), Zion Hickerson (25th) and Simon Devon (28th) netted one each in St Gabriel’s Primary’s 3-0 beating of St Stephen’s Primary.
Meanwhile, drawn encounters on the day saw St Pius and Agatash Primary playing to a stalemate while a similar result was witnessed when Marian Academy and Georgetown International Academy butted heads.
Also, Genesis and Ann’s Grove Primary had a 2-all draw. Joshua Sparman (8th) and Josiah Archer (19th) netted for Genesis while Kevon Wickham (6th, 13th) responded with a brace for Ann’s Grove.
The Pee-Wee tournament will continue at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground on Saturday when the second round of the group stage will be held.
Primary to a 4-0 win when they took on St Aloysius
Scenes from the Petra-organised Pee-Wee tournament on Saturday (Jemima Holmes photo)
GFF President Wayne Forde shares a light moment with Golden Jaguars defender Jeremy Garrett during PE Fridays
GFF President Forde gets in on the ‘warmup’ action during PE Fridays
Ritorna Vincentori won the feature event at Clash at the Big Yard
