Guyana Times - Monday, September 7, 2026. by Gytimes

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 6569

THE BEACON OF TRUTH MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2026

PRICE $100 VAT INCLUDED

Pres Ali begins Qatar 3-day State Visit, pursues new investment partnerships

WHAT'S INSIDE:

GECOM examines barriers facing voters living with disabilities P11

Sheet Anchor fisherfolk to get $80M landing P10 facility

See story on page 3

…“we never see an improvement like this” – fisherman

Guyana Amazon Warriors qualify for CPL play-offs

Govt explores schools’ role P15 in preserving Arawak language

Linden-to-Lethem Road Project

Contract inked for next 30km of road from P7 Mabura Hill to Kurupukari Amerindian Heritage 2026

Firefighters responded to a blaze at Ogle, East Coast Demerara on Sunday night. One house was completely destroyed

Issano bar row turns deadly, miner killed See story on page 9

Reah Henry crowned Miss Region 1 P12

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENING

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, September 7 – 13:50h–15:20h and Tuesday, September 8 – 14:45h–16:15h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Thundery showers are expected during the day, followed by clear skies at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East-North-Easterly to Easterly between 2.68 metres and 4.92 metres. High Tide: 13:49h reaching a maximum height of 2.22 metres. Low Tide: 07:11h and 19:40h reaching minimum heights of 0.91 metre and 1.00 metre.

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COMMODITIES Indicators Crude Oil

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Pres Ali begins Qatar 3-day State Visit, pursues new investment partnerships

resident Dr Irfaan on Sunday arrived in Doha for a three-day State Visit in the State of Qatar. The Head of State is accompanied by First Lady, Arya Ali, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd. They were welcomed by Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Qatar, Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, and Guyana’s Ambassador to the State of Qatar, Safraaz Ahmad Shadood. Upon arrival at Hamad International Airport, the Guyanese Leader received the Guard of Honour. While in the Middle Eastern State, President Ali is expected to participate in a series of high-level bilateral meetings. In fact, shortly after arriving in Doha on Sunday, President Ali met with Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), Mohammed Saif al Sowaidi. QIA, Qatar’s state-owned sovereign wealth fund, is undertaking a major hospitality and real estate project and is examining other investment collaborations with Guyana, according to the Office of the President on Sunday. Signed in August 2025, the US$350 million development will span an area of 30 acres (approximately 121,000 square metres) and will include a luxury hotel, commercial spaces, residential units, sports facilities, and public green spaces in Georgetown. President Ali was joined by Minister Todd for that first engagement in Qatar. This three-day State Visit comes months after the Guyanese Leader had discussions on a number of long-term initiatives between the two nations with His Highness, Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar. During an official phone call back in April, the two officials spoke about cooperation opportunities in areas such as investments, food security, energy security and technology – all aimed at expanding collaboration through partnership. President Ali had offered Guyana as an important destination from a geographic and market position for Qatar, while the Amir had expressed Qatar’s deep interest in broadening partnership in investment, human capital development, technology, food security and other critical infrastructure. That engagement earlier this year had come as Guyana continues to promote itself as a strategic logistics and storage hub in the Western Hemisphere, especially given the heightened tensions in the Middle East and the consequential disruptions to one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes – the Strait of Hormuz. The

President Dr Irfaan Ali met with CEO of Qatar Investment Authority Mohammed Saif al Sowaidi in Doha on Sunday

President Ali, First Lady Arya Ali and Foreign Minister Hugh Todd were received in Doha by Qatar’s Minister of State, Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi

Guyanese Leader last visited Doha back in May 2023 during which he had several high-level engagements including with

Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Minister of Finance, Ali bin

Ahmed Al Kuwari in Doha to discuss areas of mutual cooperation between the two countries. TURN TO PAGE 7

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2026

guyanatimesgy.com

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Industrial Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

At last, a law school

he proposal to establish a regional law school in Guyana was first raised in 1996 under the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Administration of then-President Dr Cheddi Jagan, who had always advocated autochthonous educational institutions to deal with our realities. It was officially introduced to the Caribbean Council of Legal Education (CLE) by Guyana’s Attorney General at the time, Bernard DeSantos, SC, who was acting on direct instructions from President Jagan. While it took nearly three decades of discussions, feasibility assessments, and council negotiations, the project reached a major milestone when the CLE formally approved it in September 2025, culminating in the recent groundbreaking ceremony at the University of Guyana’s Turkeyen Campus. This turning of the sod for a CLE law school then is not simply another government ceremony but evidence of something Guyanese Governments have too often struggled to demonstrate: the ability to turn a good idea into a physical institution. The present initiative follows a model under which the regional CLE will administer the school, with Guyana providing the land and building. This is contraposition to the proposal when the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government was in office and Attorney General Basil Williams raised the need for a local law school. In January 2017, he signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) connected to the proposed “JOF Haynes Law School of the Americas” and the People’s National Congress (PNC) Government announced that the school would be established locally. It was structured as a public-private partnership involving the Government of Guyana, the private Jamaica-based Law College of the Americas (LCA), and the University College of the Caribbean (UCC). Later that year Williams said that the remaining work, including construction, would take about two years. Luckily, no one held their breath, because here we are, a decade later, finally watching the sod being turned. But this is not an occasion to indulge in the usual partisan exercise of pretending that one political side invented the idea and the other opposed it. The proposal as we said has been around since the 1990s and has survived successive governments, committees, negotiations, disagreements, and false starts. The important question is not who gets the political credit but who finally got it moving and that is where the present Government deserves credit. Attorney General Anil Nandlall and the Government eventually pursued a model that secured the Council’s support and placed the institution firmly within the regional legal education framework. That distinction matters. The earlier proposal became bogged down amid questions about its relationship with the Council; the current arrangement is explicitly a Council-administered regional institution. For a country transforming as rapidly as Guyana, this kind of institutional development is indispensable. The oil economy may be producing billions, but barrels of oil do not produce lawyers. A growing financial sector does not regulate itself. International investment agreements do not negotiate themselves. Commercial disputes do not resolve themselves. An increasingly sophisticated economy requires an increasingly sophisticated legal profession. And Guyana should be producing those lawyers here. For years, talented young Guyanese who completed their LLB at UG faced the additional hurdle of securing admission and finding the money to complete their professional training abroad for entry to the bar. The cost of attending Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad via the 25 spaces allocated to Guyana became a significant barrier for many as it added considerable expense and inconvenience to what was already a demanding journey. Even Williams acknowledged the financial burden facing Guyanese students. A law school at UG, therefore, is not just another building on Turkeyen campus but an investment in access, opportunity and national capacity which signals something larger about the Government’s development philosophy. The test of a government is not how many promises it can make. Every government can promise. Every politician can cut a ribbon in his imagination. The test is whether, years later, there is something tangible to show for those promises that will demonstrate the difference between development as rhetoric and development as reality.

Hydroponically-grown lettuce thriving inside the greenhouse at VC Farms, Friendship, East Bank Demerara. This modern approach to agriculture is a reflection of how technology and innovation are helping to produce fresh, high-quality food right here in Guyana (President Dr Irfaan Ali/Facebook)

Why the global homicide rate can one day be achieved By Dr Jason McKay

he global homicide rate falls between 5.6 and 5.8 per 100,000. For Jamaica to achieve this, in actual numbers, would require a reduction to approximately 150 murders per year. My prediction for this year is sub500 — a figure not achieved since the early 90s. In the early 90s we had a smaller population, the deportee problem was not a fullblown crisis, and the Colonel Trevor Macmillan purge of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) had not yet begun. We still had the Suppression of Crime Act that allowed for indefinite detention, and there was no Indecom. The environment now, obviously, does not resemble the environment then. But if 150 murders per year is achieved it would be the greatest achievement, as a nation, in our history. It is ironic that at this point our greatest achievement is the reduction achieved in 2025. Some would say the 2012 Olympics was Jamaica’s greatest achievement, but to me, saving lives trumps everything else. To understand why one day we can achieve the 150 per year in a country that has recorded 1690 murders in a year, you need to understand the police force we were compared to, the force we are, and the force we will one day become. When I was sent to the St Catherine South Division by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Tilford Johnson decades ago to serve in the Special Operations Unit, I asked him what he would want me to do. He told me to create strategies to reduce the homicide rate and he would give me great men to lead my team – men just as solid to fight by my side. I had served un-

der his command on the Commissioner’s Task Force against illegal gambling. He always maintained that saving lives was the most important job with which the police force was entrusted. He made good on his word. I was given great leaders like Rodney Mathews, Carey Duncan, and Camendo Thoms, who are now all superintendents. I also had the privilege of fighting beside great warriors like Ainsley Johnson and Donald “Saddam” Thompson, whose courage still makes me marvel. Strategies were devised, plans were put into effect, and in some years we actually achieved the reduction. However, we had to watch the murder rate go right back up years later. It was really hard to achieve a reduction and then watch it escalate. I took it personally. I still can’t come to grips with 2009, when the murder rate peaked at 163 in my division, and honestly, I can’t imagine what I could have done differently. What I have learnt, though, and I can now tell you, is that a division can’t fight its crime in a vacuum. National factors impact divisional crime. The JCF, as an institution, is not the same as it was 15 years ago. We are over 15,000 strong, if you include both the JCF and the rural police force, all sworn Police Officers. The level of digital oversight is beyond your imagination. Deputy Commissioner of Police Warren Clarke can stay at his desk and know which team is on duty, where they are, and what they are actually supposed to be doing. He knows who did or didn’t do operations in specific time periods at area and divisional levels, and how crime was impacted by comparison in that zone. Then there is JamaicaEye

with technological capabilities you can’t imagine, capabilities I’m not going to share with you. There is also the Communication Forensics and Cybercrime Division, which handles phone evidence. Very importantly, there is legislation now that could make the Gestapo blush, with laws that can put you away for decades for gun offences. There is also legislation specific to what you can and can’t do with your phone, which ranges from sending inappropriate messages to a juvenile to having a photo of a gun. Unbelievable tools exist legislatively to fight crime. I have not even mentioned the anti-gang legislation. The technology is way ahead of where we used to be. Our forensics lab did a ballistic match that the majority of the world said couldn’t be done in the Jolyan Silvera case and they were correct. He confessed, didn’t he! It’s simply a better force than it was in respect of resources, and this makes a difference. It didn’t happen overnight. Many leaders have overseen improvements little by little till we are left with the product we now have. The passion and focus of so many committed leaders and officers on the ground are at a level I have never seen before. This, I think, is Dr Kevin Blake’s greatest achievement as Commissioner of Police. His ability to motivate the 15,000 plus members is the tool the gang leaders did not budget for. When a murder is committed now, I see the literal pain in the face of Superintendent Troyville Haughton and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Leighton Grey, my respective operational and divisional commanders. I expect a call from Assistant Commissioner of Police Howard Chambers

and SSP Tomielee Chambers expressing their genuine disappointment and concern. I see constables and sub-officers foregoing their private obligations to prevent reprisals, genuinely hurt because a murder has been committed. Once you consider this degree of passion, coupled with the resources we have now, I see the sub-500 as a reality for this year. However, to achieve the global homicide rate will require a lot more of everything, among them a total defeat of Jamaican criminal gangs. This would then allow the force to put in all necessary resources to stop brothers killing brothers. Don’t underestimate the impact of domestic murders on our statistics and how hard we currently combat it. The total defeat of the gangs will have to be a national effort from society, not just from the police force. The political parties, the human rights organisations, even the Church would have to say “No more”. The average citizen will have to believe it is their problem, and decide that they are going to stand up. History has recorded the courage of the average citizen in many conflicts when they were needed. Not every German citizen was a willing executioner of Jews in Nazi Germany. The White Rose resistance group was made up of German citizens who fought Nazi tyranny. The French Resistance in occupied France in World War II is well documented. Society, poverty, and political parties created our gangs. It will require a national movement to defeat them. We have the tools legislatively. We have the boots on the ground. We have the leadership, we have the political will, and we have Dr Blake. What we now need is you. (Jamaica Observer)

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2026

You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, Queens Atlantic Investment Estate, Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Leadership with a human touch Dear Editor, The recent Government outreach across Linden and Region Ten represents an important and commendable approach to democratic governance that cannot be overstated. His Excellency taking his government directly to the people, listening to citizens where they live, and creating opportunities for communities to engage with policymakers without the usual layers of bureaucracy is most noteworthy. I was particularly pleased to see the large number of residents who seized the opportunity to attend meetings within their communities and engage Ministers and other government officials directly. Citizens came not merely to complain, but to participate. They raised personal concerns, identified community challenges and, importantly, offered ideas and recommendations for improving the delivery of public services for their benefit. That is democracy at its

most practical. In several instances, residents received immediate assistance or answers to matters affecting them. In others, commitments were given for follow-up and resolution. This kind of direct engagement helps to narrow the distance between government and governed and it reinforces an important principle of public administration: government must not only formulate policies for people; it must continuously listen to the people those policies are intended to serve. I must note that the two recurring concerns were particularly evident in the reliability of electricity and the quality and delivery of water across Linden and other communities in Region Ten. Residents were right to raise these issues. Reliable electricity and access to safe, dependable water are fundamental to household wellbeing, business development and the overall economic advancement of our communities. What was encouraging

was that these concerns were not simply heard; residents were provided with information on immediate and shortterm interventions, as well as the longer-term direction for addressing these challenges. The real measure of success, naturally, will be the timely implementation of those commitments and the improvements residents experience in their everyday lives. President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s approach to governance deserves particular recognition in this regard. His willingness to leave the confines of offices and formal meetings and engage ordinary Guyanese directly has become a distinctive feature of his leadership. Whether speaking with a businessperson, a young person seeking an opportunity, a pensioner, a parent, a farmer or an ordinary resident concerned about conditions in his or her community, the President demonstrates an understanding that leadership must ultimately have a “human touch”. There is something valu-

able about a President being prepared to stand among citizens, hear their concerns firsthand, ask questions, demand answers from officials and seek practical solutions. It sends a powerful message that public office should never become disconnected and aloof from the everyday experiences of the people. This hands-on approach also strengthens accountability. When Ministers, technical officers and other decision-makers are brought directly before communities, citizens can articulate their concerns without having their voices diluted or lost as information passes through multiple administrative layers. Government officials, in turn, gain a clearer appreciation of conditions on the ground. Equally encouraging was the confidence and boldness demonstrated by the people of Linden and Region Ten. Residents engaged their elected representatives and government officials respectfully, firmly and constructively. They did not surrender

their right to question government; rather, they exercised it responsibly. That is precisely the relationship a mature democracy should encourage. The people must speak, government must listen, and where legitimate problems exist, practical solutions must follow, this is what the Ali administration is about. President Ali’s philosophy of taking government directly to communities therefore deserves support, not simply because it brings Ministers closer to citizens, but because it encourages a more responsive model of governance, one in which people increasingly become participants in national and community development rather than spectators. For Linden and Region Ten, this engagement should therefore be viewed not as the conclusion of a process, but as another important step in an evolving partnership between government and the people. President Ali’s down-toearth engagement with ordinary Guyanese, his prac-

tical and hands-on approach to problem-solving, and his willingness to take government beyond Georgetown and directly into communities represent a leadership style worthy of commendation. The last time the majority of Guyanese had experience with this type of engagement was with then President Jadgeo more than 20 years ago and President Ali has taken it to a new level. Ultimately, government is at its best when it is closest to the people. Leadership must listen. Leadership must engage. Leadership must act. And when government goes directly to the people not merely to speak, but to listen, understand and deliver it gives genuine meaning to the principle that development must be with the people, for the people and ultimately felt by the people. Yours respectfully, Jermaine Figueira Former Member of Parliament

Azruddin Mohamed does not enjoy any kind of legal exemption Dear Editor, I am very ‘up-to-date’ as regards Opposition Leader, United States sanctioned and indicated Azruddin Mohamed’s presence near President Irfan Ali’s private Leonora home.” And as well know, it was not his presence as such, but the ‘heavily’ tinted and armoured vehicle and a drone, allegedly being flown in forbidden proximity of the residence. This is what is the crux of the matter on hand. First, readers need to be au fait with the fact that in Guyana, it is ‘illegal’ to fly a drone, take pictures, or film/ record over a private residence without ‘explicit’ and prior permission from the property owner. This is as fundamental as we can get. Secondly, the derivative is that one can ‘absolutely’ face legal consequences under Guyanese law, for any ‘deliberately’ and ‘repeatedly’ walking about or driving around ‘close’ to a neighbour’s property, if that behaviour borders across and starts to constitute harassment, intimidation, or interference. This is so, even if and when one stays on a public road or sidewalk, but is deliberately targeting someone’s home with repetitive, hostile and suspicious conduct. The forgone is neither new nor hidden information. That is why I add my voice to the chorus of concerned Guyanese, who are raising alarms over ‘Mohamed’s presence near President Ali’s Leonora home. This kind of thing is almost totally unheard of, and the few instances of such occurrences were dealt with in a most legal, swift and condign manner. I leave those in doubt to do their research and find out firsthand what normally obtains. The bottom line is that Azruddin Mohamed does not enjoy any kind of legal ‘exemption.’

Editor, I want people to know that internationally, at no time are unauthorized individuals allowed to enter restricted and guarded physical perimeters or airspace near any presidential residence. No! Not at all! All over the world, there is ‘Perimeter Security’ for government agents and by default there is always strict physical security zones around their official and private homes. President Ali for sure heads this list, in person and property, where high level pre-emptive security measures mut be in place and be swiftly enforced in any case of a mere suspicion. In many counties, it is a known and accepted reality that there are also ‘airspace restrictions to guard against any suspected incursion by air or waterways. Enforcement personnel ensure compliance regarding permanent or temporary ‘no-fly’ zones mandates, and always act to preclude and prevent ‘rogue’ drones or unauthorized air or water vessels from nearing the property. Check if you wish, and find out that in any ‘suspicion of breach,’ how the response is a total package that encompasses alacrity and adequacy of personnel and machinery. This ‘tightness’ was lacking when Jovenel Moïse, was gunned down in his own home on July 7, 2021, as part of a complex, well-funded political conspiracy, aimed at seizing power and securing lucrative government contracts. Need I say more? Now regarding the incident after interception, Azruddin Mohamed, as expected was legally detained and questioned by the police. The reason is simply that his vehicle was intercepted near President Irfaan Ali’s private residence. The details, now quite public, show that on September 3, 2026, the members of the Guyana

Police Force stopped a black Toyota Land Cruiser along the Windsor Forest Public Road, West Coast Demerara, near the President’s home in Leonora. (And get this) Inside the trunk, officers discovered a DJI drone and four cellular phones. This is serious! It has elements of criminal intent. The specifics of the incident are worth emphasizing, as Mohamed was using a driver and accompanying the lot was a technician who admitted ownership of the device, though he noted his operator’s license had expired. What is this? Editor, this is more than enough to institute arrests and lay charges. The whole thing wreaks of suspicion, treachery and some kind clandestine operation. I cannot treat this as another of Mohamed’s many acts of provocation, to have the upper end on the GPF, if he can only get them to do the irrational and illegal. This then led to Special Prosecutor Glenn Hanoman raising alarms regarding Mohamed’s presence near the residence at night, suggesting the investigation could touch on severe security implications. Hanoman subsequently petitioned the court to revoke Mohamed’s bail, that had already ensued. However, Chief Magistrate, Judy Latchman, denied the prosecutor’s application to remand Mohamed. This is where the matter is as investigations are ongoing, with the Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed on selfbail. I must point out that Azruddin Mohamed seems oblivious of what it really means to be the official Leader of the Opposition. His conduct and general deportment have descended to that which is wild, boisterous and messy. Overall, Mohamed’s behavior represents a pattern of

intimidation and lawlessness, and this ‘drone incident’ typifies what I am saying. I do not think that anyone needs convincing that ‘an unauthorized drone,’ allegedly seen flying over President Irfaan Ali’s private residence is tantamount to a security threat. The chronic pattern set out by Mohamed leaves me wondering if he is simply trying to create as mush mess as he can, since he feels hopeless regarding his ‘11-count U.S. federal criminal indictment for gold smuggling and money laundering.’ We are talking here about his conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud, money laundering, tax evasion, and customs violations. I do recall that In June 2023, Taylor Taranto actually streamed himself in Washington, D.C.,. He claimed that he was searching for “secret tunnels” outside the neighborhood of former President Barack Obama’s residence. He was spotted walking into the woods near the property and was arrested by the Secret Service because his vehicle contained firearms, ammunition, and materials to make a Molotov cocktail. He was subsequently convicted of menacing and sentenced to time served plus supervised release. He was a private citizen, and not a political opposition leader, and by implication, Mohamed, being of a high-profile status, must be handled in a more stringent manner. Bear in mind that one of Mohamed’s associates admitted owning a drone, but with expired licence. This has its own element of laughter, as I recall that only recently, the said Opposition Leader’s boat, the Prince AZ II, was detained by a joint police-coast guard patrol in Guyana, and it was revealed that its licence and certificate of inspection had expired seven years prior, on

September 10, 2018. A joker? Certainly not. I see him as an utter demagogue. I see him as someone who recognizes that WIN, under him cannot win, so he selfishly

choosing go down in a spectacular, uncompromising manner. Yours truly, Hargesh B Singh

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2026 00:00 Sign Off 06:00 Islam for Guyana 06:30 TVG Devotional Hour 07:00 Week-in-Review (RB) 07:30 Cartoons 08:00 Stop Suffering 08:30 HGTV 10:00 Food Network 12:00 Movie - Secret Summer (2016) 13:30 Movie - Rock Dog (2016) 15:00 Cartoons 16:00 KTLT (RB) 16:30 Indian Soaps 17:00 The Young & The Restless 18:00 Documentary: Nat Geo Animals 19:00 The Evening News 20:00 Indigenous Herbal Life Clinic with Sister Lynn 21:00 Movie - Getting Even with Dad (1994) 23:00 House of Cards S5 E12

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2026

Foundation ◄

Page

guyanatimesgy.com

Area

Area of a composite shape A composite shape can be split into two or more smaller shapes and the area of these shapes can be found. The total area of the composite shape can be found by adding the smaller areas together. You can also find the area of composite shapes by breaking them up into triangles and rectangles and using the formulas.

By CA Conrad

hearing all bells at once instructs the final exhale Camelot in thimble of the gods Marilyn Monroe’s ambulance lost on the way to the palace of temperament a branch of government for the magical arts punch wall of forest for an oaken desk another dream we needed agitating the sentence as it rows across a newly destroyed heart folding following tormenting one another we were all once young and beautiful squandering everything it’s what we came here to do cut off engines to the child registering disposition of the cat in the dark as the size of the darkness

Composite Shapes (composed of triangles and rectangles)

Materials:

A large balloon Water Water beads (Orbeez) Funnel Optional – Hand sanitiser

Instructions:

Use the funnel and add about 1/4 cup of water beads to the large balloon. Still using the funnel, add about a gallon of water to the large balloon. Optional – add a squirt or two of hand sanitiser to the balloon. This will help reduce the chance of the water get-

ting mouldy after several days. Tie your jumbo water bead balloon and let the water beads absorb the water over night. Enjoy playing with your jumbo water bead balloon!

How it works:

The water beads are a super absorbent polymer and as they absorb the water they grow and expand in the balloon.

Make this a science project:

What happens if you double or triple the amount of water beads? What happens if you use a liquid other than water? What happens if you use a smaller balloon? (sciencefun.org)

(Source: Poetry [October 2013])

Write a poem praising starlight. WORD SEARCH

WATER

NEWS

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Linden-to-Lethem Road Project

Contract inked for next 30km of road from Mabura Hill to Kurupukari A

s works on the first section of the Linden to Lethem Road Project near completion, the Guyana Government is already moving towards the next phase with the signing of a contract to advance the Mabura Hill to Kurupukari section. This was revealed by Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, during the recent two-day Cabinet Outreach led by President Dr Irfaan Ali in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) last week. Addressing residents at Coomacka Mines along the Demerara River on Wednesday last, Edghill indicated that the second phase of the major road project will see some 30-kilometres (km) being upgraded. “We are 80 per cent completed with the LindenMabura Road, and we’ve just signed a contract to continue another 30 kilometres beyond Mabura to go to Kurupukari,” the Public Works Minister disclosed. Currently, works are ongoing on Phase One of this major hinterland transport corridor with some 121 km of asphalt road being built from Linden to Mabura Hill in Region 10. These works are being carried out by Brazilian-based contractor, Álya Construtora – an international infrastructure company specialising in civil works, heavy infrastructure projects and road development in complex environments. Guyana Times was reliably informed that the contract for this new phase of works on the Linden to Lethem Road

A fully-paved section of the first phase from Linden to Mabura Hill

was awarded to the same Brazilian company.

80 per cent

Meanwhile, just last week, it was reported that works on the Linden to Mabura Hill section is nearing its 80 per cent overall completion status. “With overall progress now at 79 per cent, works continue toward the completion of the remaining components of the project,” the Public Works Ministry stated. “This significant advancement along Guyana’s main hinterland corridor accounts for the completion of pavement construction, earthworks, subgrade preparation and asphaltic works,

with substantial sections of the roadway now at an advanced stage of completion.” With the project now moving beyond its major earthworks phase, the new focus is that of finishing works and the installation of associated road infrastructure and signage. Phase One was initially expected to wrap up by the end of August 2026. However, no date has been given for the full completion of the project. The upgraded corridor is expected to support economic activity and improve transportation links to the country’s interior regions. Linden to Mabura Hill Road Project is the first phase of the much larger Linden to Lethem Road Project, which also includes bridging the

Pres Ali begins Qatar 3-day...

FROM PAGE 3

President Dr Irfaan Ali receives the Guard of Honour upon his arrival in Doha, Qatar on Sunday

During that visit more than three years ago, President Ali had also engaged the Guyanese diaspora living in Qatar, updating them about Guyana’s development drive, its lead-

ership quest in the areas of climate, energy and food security, and of plans to make the country a global provider of education and health services. He had noted that Guyana is ad-

vancing its global reach and its relationship with Qatar has been bolstered. The Guyanese Leader had also hinted at a great deal of activism from the private sector in Qatar in the areas of hospitality, eco-tourism, energy services and infrastructure. The President also invited the diaspora to become a part of the developmental process. “We are at a very critical stage of the development of our country and every single Guyanese, whether you are in Qatar or any other part of the world, we want you to be an active participant in this transformation,” Ali had told Guyanese in Doha. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations since 1996, bilateral ties between Guyana and Qatar in recent years have been deepened through high-level engagements, the opening of diplomatic offices, the signing of agreements in areas of economic and technical cooperation and increased Qatari commercial interests here.

Kurupukari crossing. It was also reported in August that preparations are advancing for the construction of the Kurupukari Bridge across the Essequibo River. According to Edghill previously, 48 bridges have already been completed along the Linden to Lethem cor-

ridor, while the proposed Kurupukari Bridge is expected to span between 700 and 800 metres. Previously, there were talks of using sections of the now decommissioned Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) to connect the Kurupukari crossing. However, subsequent studies have found that this is not feasible. Taking into consideration the heavy rapids, rocks and the need to accommodate extra-long grain trucks and trailers from neighbouring Brazil, the Government has since decided that a new high-span fixed concrete bridge will have to be constructed at Kurupukari. The Linden to Mabura Hill phase is being done to the tune of US$190 million and is funded through the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) via a US$112 million loan, a grant of £50 million (US$66 million) from the United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Fund (UKCIF), and an input of US$12 million from the Guyana Government. President Dr Irfaan Ali had previously hinted at tapping into the £3 billion available under the United Kingdom

Export Finance (UKEF) to possibly fund the remaining section of all-weather road upgrade to Lethem. In fact, back in January, former British High Commissioner to Guyana Jane Miller had revealed that the Guyanese Government was already in discussions with a number of British companies on this critical road project. Currently, this road network is being utilised by an estimated 50,000 travellers who transport goods from the coast to the inland regions of Guyana and even into neighbouring Brazil. The previous condition of this road had posed significant challenges for commuters and transport operators. Heavily laden lorries frequently toppled off the roadway, and deteriorated bridges required manual alignment of boards for crossings, often with unsafe outcomes. However, when completed into an all-weather road, this pertinent piece of infrastructure would significantly improve connectivity, reduce travel time and open up new commercial and trade opportunities especially between Guyana and Brazil.

8 NEWS

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Kitty man slapped with attempted robbery charge

CASE OF… Y

Charged: Naipaul Basdeoram

Charged: Adrian Greenidge

Charged: Earl Grant

Charged: Yohance Carroll

3 6 - y e a r - o l d Georgetown man was on Friday remanded to prison after appearing at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court #2 in connection with an alleged attempted robbery under arms. Naipaul Basdeoram, of David Street, Kitty, Georgetown, was charged with attempt to commit a felony, “robbery under arms”, contrary to Section 36 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01. Basdeoram was arrested on August 29 in relation to the offence. He appeared before Magistrate Omadatt Chandan on Friday where the indictable charge was read to him. He was not required to enter a plea. The court subsequently remanded Basdeoram to prison and the case was adjourned to October 9. Basdeoram’s charges are

in relation to an attempted robbery at the home of a Director of Projects attached to the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA). Last week, three persons had also been charged with the attempted robbery. Yohance Carroll, 22 and Earl Grant, 23, from Tucville Squatting Area, Georgetown, along with Adrian Greenidge, 23, a security guard from Cane View Squatting Area, Georgetown, appeared before Magistrate Omadatt Chandan at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court on August 31. In addition, Greenidge and Grant were individually charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition. At court on Monday last, they were not required to plead to the charges and were remanded to prison. The case is set to continue on

October 9. It was reported that on August 28, the victim was at his home when he exited through the western door to dispose of garbage, and as he returned inside and proceeded to checked his security cameras and observed four males entering his yard. They were all wearing masks and approached the door, attempting to open it, but the victim immediately contacted the police and raised an alarm. However, acting on separate information received, police intercepted three males at Fisher Dam, Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo (EBE). During a search, they found a black firearm with three matching rounds of ammunition in a haversack that was allegedly being carried by Grant and as such, he was taken into custody. Police

added that a further search was conducted on the other suspects, during which another firearm with three matching rounds of ammunition was allegedly found concealed on Greenidge. Basdeoram is also no stranger to the law. In 2015, he was charged for possession of a firearm and ammunition. In November 2015, he was granted $75,000 bail on a charge of receiving a stolen Guyana passport. During the same court appearance, Basdeoram pleaded guilty to illegally departing Guyana through Springlands, Berbice, an unofficial crossing, and was fined $30,000. The status and outcome of these matters could not be confirmed up to press time. He had previously faced allegations of manslaughter in Canada some years ago.

5 dead after Amazon cargo plane crashes at Miami airport A n Amazon cargo plane crashed at Miami international airport in Florida on Sunday afternoon after the flight, which was arriving from Puerto Rico, overshot the runway, striking several vehicles and resulting in at least five deaths. The plane erupted in flames as dark smoke billowed into the sky, bringing operations at one of the busiest airports in the US to a halt. The pilot and copilot were trapped in the cockpit as a result of the crash, said the Miami-Dade rescue fire chief Ray Jadallah. The mayor Daniella Levine Cava of Miami-Dade county said at a news conference on Sunday that in addition to the five people who were killed, five others were injured. Miami-Dade fire rescue confirmed during the same conference that ten total people were involved, with five deaths, three people in critical condition and two taken to a local hospital. Jadallah, described the incident as a “very complex situation” where the plane crashed into multiple vehicles as it ran off the tarmac, trapping several people inside their vehicles. The National Transportation Safety Board has assembled a team to investigate, the agency said in a social media post on Sunday evening. They are scheduling a media briefing for Monday. Videos posted online show

The Amazon cargo plane after it crashed at Miami international airport on Sunday, in Miami, Florida (Photograph: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

heavy plumes of smoke surrounding an aircraft bearing the Amazon arrow logo on its tail. Unconfirmed reports suggest there may be casualties, but details about injuries or fatalities remained unclear. The plane was a Boeing 767 flying for Amazon Prime Air. The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) confirmed the crash in a statement to the Guardian, saying: “21 Air Flight 7598 overran the runway after landing at Miami International Airport around 2 pm local time on Sunday, September 6. The Boeing 767300 cargo aircraft departed from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The FAA will investigate.” The plane overran the airport’s diagonal runway and was disabled at the northwest end of the airport, a spokesperson for Miami inter-

national airport said. An air and ground stop has been issued at the airport, preventing all other flights from landing or taking off at the busy south Florida hub. Fire crews were still dealing with a fuel leak on the plane several hours after the crash, Jadallah said. “All runways and taxiways at MIA are currently closed as of 3pm and a ground stop is in effect,” the airport said, adding: “Miami-Dade Fire Rescue has responded to the scene.” About 250 flights were delayed at the airport late afternoon on Sunday, according to FlightAware, a website that tracks flight disruptions. More than 60 units from the Miami-Dade fire rescue services appeared on scene, with units arriving “to find an airplane that had caught on fire as a result of this crash, with heavy flames and smoke showing”, the fire department

said, with the post adding that the plane had struck multiple vehicles near the airport. Firefighters were “working on extinguishing the fire and assessing patients”, the post said. US transportation secretary Sean Duffy said on social media that responders would “assess the scene after an Amazon cargo plane overran the runway”. “If you’re traveling through the area, please expect significant delays and potential cancellations,” he added. Meanwhile, the MiamiDade sheriff’s office announced street closures due to the crash, saying: “NW 67th Avenue between NW 25th Street – NW 36th Street is currently closed. Expect delays and seek alternate routes.” Kelly Nantel, an Amazon spokesperson told the Guardian in a statement: “We can confirm that an Amazon Air plane operated by 21 Air experienced an incident while attempting to land at Miami International Airport today.” Amazon said in a statement that it would cooperate with any investigation. “We’re heartbroken to learn that five people lost their lives in today’s incident at Miami international airport,” the company said. “Our deepest sympathies go out to the families, loved ones, and all those affected by this devastating loss.” (The Guardian)

… the missing Facebook page

our Eyewitness is a die-hard mystery and whodunnit fan – but with some recent developments involving Sanction Man he gotta say - move over Sherlock Holmes!! Guyana’s got a mystery worthy of Scotland Yard - The Case of the Missing Facebook Page!! Nabbed by the Police for surveilling President Irfaan Ali’s residence with a drone – a mere stone throw from the Leonora Police Station!! – Sanction Man claims the Government deleted the WIN Facebook page after the drone and his and two colleagues’ phones were seized!! Sounds like one of those Le Carre novels about spycraft behind the Iron Curtain in Communist East Germany, eh?? Three men…a drone…phones seized and then a Facebook page disappears – allegedly!! And of course, this being taken from the WIN playbook, the Government gets the blame!! The script practically writes itself in the secret Cabinet operation - “Comrades, we’ve seized the phones”; “Excellent…What about the drone?’ – “Grounded!!”; “And the Facebook page?” “Gone with the wind!!” Clearly the Government’s acquired powers even the CIA would envy – not just being able to investigate people - but to reach into cyberspace and erase Facebook pages at will!! Now as your Eyewitness said, he’s an old mystery buff – so he knows that there’s three elements necessary to pin this crime on the government – motive, opportunity and means – MOM!! Well for the motive, Sanction Man’s sisters - who runs WIN’s PR machine say the Govt fears their 500,000 followers – even though everybody knows these are generated by bots!! For “opportunity”, they say the police – which they equate with the government!! – has Sanction Man’s phones, Fair enough!! But there’s the not-so-small matter of HOW – the method! – the Facebook page was deleted. Cause even if Sanction Man ain’t the brightest bulb in the room – he knows the page’s Administrator’s password is needed to do the dirty!! And not being the brightest bulb, we can safely assume Sanction Man didn’t come up with the password – since he’d have used something obvious like his birthday!! But of course, this being WIN and Sanction Man, it gotta be that Government did it - “Look at the timing!!!” And there we have WIN’s Law of Political Causation - if A happens after B, then it’s a cert that B must’ve caused it!! So, as we’ve seen before, Sanction Man gets a traffic ticket after leaving court, the magistrate ordered it!! And for sure, if his Facebook page vanishes after his phone’s seized, President Ali personally pressed the button!! But Your Eyewitness sees an even more delicious irony – Sanction man was using a drone to watch the President’s residence and now complains Pressie’s the baddie!! It’s like being caught peeping through his neighbour’s window and then demanding an investigation into why the neighbour noticed him!!

…mutual backscratching Your Eyewitness finds something refreshingly oldfashioned about the Yanks and us discovering the diplomatic value of mutual backscratching!! Washington wants to get rid of folks it no longer wants via its immigration system while we have a rather different challenge - an economy expanding faster than its pool of suitably skilled manpower!! So why not see whether the two problems can solve each other? The first six—four Cubans and two Afghans—have now arrived, after being vetted as skilled and without criminal backgrounds. Furthermore, the arrangement’s temporary - with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) handling the programme and with the yanks, covering the costs – here US$10M!! If properly managed - no criminals, no troublemakers, no burden on the Guyanese taxpayer and preferably people with skills this is a win-win situation!! America gets to say it’s deporting - we get an opportunity to recruit!! Your Eyewitness says, let’s continue saying - Send the résumés along with the deportation papers!! …inauthenticity In this Amerindian Heritage Month, let’s acknowledge that we’re still bowing to Euro-centric notions of “proper” by avoiding the reality that Amerindian men and women wore only woven cotton (not grass) wrapped around their waists – plus decorative tattoos and feathers! The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Guyana Times’ editorial policy and stance

Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

9 Issano bar row turns 18-year-old makes GDF history deadly, miner killed with UK Sandhurst selection E NEWS

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

miner died early Saturday morning during an altercation at 14 Miles, Issano, Middle Mazaruni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni). Dead is Shawn Abrams of Charity, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam). Police said the incident occurred at about 12:45h on Saturday. Reports are that a 31-yearold miner of Canje, Berbice, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) has been identified as the suspect and is being sought by police. According to investigators, Abrams, three friends and the suspect were consuming alcohol at a bar in the 14 Miles Backdam area when an altercation de-

veloped between Abrams and the suspect. One of the men reportedly intervened and separated the two, but during the intervention, he observed what appeared to be bloodstains on Abrams’ vest. Police said the suspect subsequently ran from the shop, while Abrams walked a short distance before collapsing. Detectives later visited and processed the scene, where Abrams’ motionless body was found on the ground in front of the counter. Police have also conducted checks at several camps in the 14 Miles Backdam area in an effort to locate the suspect. He has not yet been found. Investigations are ongoing.

ighteen-year-old Officer Cadet Fianna Maria Tading has become the first woman in the history of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) to be selected for training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom (UK). Tading, who is originally from Moruca, Region One (BarimaWaini), and now resides at Strathspey, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was selected five months into the GDF’s Standard Officer Course Number 58 (SOC #58). According to the GDF, Tading joined the Force seeking a challenge and an opportunity to improve the future of herself and her sisters. She completed her secondary education at Bladen Hall Multilateral School. Her interest in a military career developed after a teacher recognised her potential and encouraged her to apply for the Standard Officer Course (SOC). “Life was a bit tough for us growing up, and I always wanted a better future for myself and my sisters. When I learnt how challenging the officer course was, I de-

cided that it was a challenge I wanted to take on,” Tading said. After successfully completing the initial assessments for prospective officer cadets, she began training on SOC #58. Five months later, her performance earned her consideration for further training at Sandhurst. “The opportunity was unexpected, but I am extremely grateful. I see it as an important step to-

“The opportunity was unexpected, but I am extremely grateful. I see it as an important step towards becoming a military officer. I intend to give my best, learn as much as I can and return better prepared to serve the GDF and share what I have learnt” – Officer Cadet Fianna Maria Tading wards becoming a military officer. I intend to give my best, learn as much as I can and return better prepared to serve the GDF and share what I have learnt,” she said. Tading also credited

her sisters, particularly her older sister, Jarilene Henry, whom she described as her “rock and constant support”, for helping her throughout her journey. As she prepares to begin training in the UK, Tading hopes her achievement will encourage

18-year-old Officer Cadet Fianna Maria Tading (GDF photo)

other young Guyanese, particularly women, to consider a career in the GDF. “I am grateful to the GDF for affording me this opportunity, and I am happy that I made the decision to join. I would encourage young people who are willing to work hard, challenge themselves and serve Guyana to consider a career in the GDF,” she said. Her selection is a milestone in her military career and makes her the first female GDF officer cadet chosen to train at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, the GDF said.

10 NEWS

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Sheet Anchor fisherfolk to get $80M landing facility … “we never see an improvement like this” – fisherman

The meeting with fisherfolk at Sheet Anchor, East Canje, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne)

isherfolk at Sheet Anchor, East Canje, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), are poised to benefit from an $80 million landing facility that will provide improved mooring, security and other amenities once ongoing revetment works at the site are completed. Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha announced the project on Saturday after meeting with fisherfolk under the Canje Bridge, where he told engineers and Fisheries Department officials to begin preparing the Bill of

Quantities for the development. “Upon completion of this project... we’ll be spending approximately $80 million here to do a shed, fence the area, do a proper landing site so that the fisherfolk can get a proper place to moor their boats when they come out here and get proper security, put in a washroom and things like that,” Mustapha said. The facility is intended to address longstanding concerns raised by fisherfolk who operate from the area, while creating a more organised system for vessels using the landing site.

Structured mooring

During Saturday's meeting, concerns were also raised about boats from the Canje Creek being moored indiscriminately, with loose vessels sometimes creating problems for water traffic. Mustapha said a structured mooring system will be introduced, with the Canje Creek and Sheet Anchor fishing communities expected to work together in managing the area. He said the fisherfolk's cooperative, working alongside the Fisheries Department, will oversee the facility after it is completed.

“The fisherfolk, the coop, will be responsible for the maintenance and the supervision of this project that we'll be doing here together with the Fisheries Department,” he said. He noted that Government has invested heavily in fishing infrastructure across the country and urged users to protect the new facility so it does not fall into disrepair. A veteran fisherman with more than four decades in the industry welcomed the announcement, saying it marks the biggest improvement he has seen at the location. “I am a fisherman for about 43 years, and we never see an improvement like this, and I think this is a good way going forward,” he said. He added that the facility would provide a safer place to secure boats, sell catches and conduct business, while expressing hope that everyone who uses the site will help maintain it. The Sheet Anchor project is one aspect of investments in fishing infrastructure across Guyana. Mustapha pointed to upgrades at several landing sites and wharves, including a recently awarded $106 million contract for rehabilitation works at the Albion wharf in Region Six. He said

The revetment works ongoing

the fishing industry employs more than 15,000 people and continues to receive increased budgetary support, describing improved landing facilities as part of the Government's effort to better support those who risk their lives at sea to supply affordable protein for Guyanese families. Meanwhile, Mustapha

announced that the second set of cheques under the Government's fisherfolk cash-grant programme has been completed and will soon be distributed by the Fisheries Department to eligible beneficiaries across the country, including those in Region Six who missed the first tranche.

NEWS

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GECOM examines barriers facing voters living with disabilities

GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh along with staff from the Commission, in recent consultations with persons living with disabilities (GCOPD photos)

he Guyana Elections C o m m i s s i o n (GECOM), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has renewed discussions on making the electoral process more inclusive and accessible to persons with disabilities. According to the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD) in a post on its social media page, the consultation, which was held recently, brought together members of the disability community and their representatives to share experiences, concerns and recommendations on improving their participation in elections. The discussions come against the backdrop of concerns raised during the September 1, 2025 General and Regional Elections, when observers identified continued physical and procedural barriers

affecting persons with disabilities and reduced mobility. The European Union (EU) Election Observation

on voters by sex, age and disability to better support electoral inclusion. The GCOPD also identified

Mission reported that 59 per cent of polling stations it observed lacked independent access for persons with reduced mobility. The Commonwealth Observer Group, meanwhile, recommended that GECOM gather disaggregated data

shortcomings in voter assistance, reporting that only 7.8 per cent of polling stations had functional information clerks, despite 85.6 per cent of poll workers receiving inclusion training. The findings echo concerns raised on election day last

year, when several persons with disabilities reportedly encountered difficulties accessing polling stations. At a September 2, 2025 press conference, GECOM Public Relations Officer (PRO) Yolanda Ward apologised to members of the disability community, acknowledging the difficulties some voters faced. Ward explained that GECOM is required by law to assign voters to polling stations within their respective electoral divisions or sub-divisions. As a result, some persons with disabilities were assigned to buildings that were difficult to access or did not have facilities such as ramps. She said Presiding Officers were instructed, as far as possible,

to provide the assistance necessary to enable affected voters to cast their ballots. The issue was also raised by then incumbent People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) General Secretary (GS) Bharrat Jagdeo, who said he had received photographs showing elderly persons and persons with disabilities being assisted upstairs to reach polling stations. Jagdeo said the issue should be examined ahead of future elections, particularly where polling stations are located in multi-storey buildings without elevators. Prior to the 2020 General and Regional Elections, the GCOPD made recommendations to GECOM aimed at improving the voting ex-

perience for persons with disabilities, including measures to facilitate independent voting. During the 2025 elections, Head of the Organisation of American States (OAS) Electoral Observation Mission, Bruce Golding urged GECOM to avoid placing polling stations on upper floors where possible. Golding said persons unable to climb stairs could otherwise have to be physically lifted to reach polling stations. However, he also noted that the mission observed persons with disabilities being given priority at some polling locations, including a wheelchair user who was allowed to proceed to the front of the line.

12 NEWS

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Reah Henry crowned Miss Region 1 Amerindian Heritage 2026 …champions indigenous youth in environmental protection

New Miss Region One Reah Henry, along with runners-up Rafeza Mohamed and Rose Conyers, shares a photo with Housing Minister Collin Croal, Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley and other officials following the pageant (Barima-Waini RDC/Facebook)

eah Henry of Parakese, Santa Rosa, Moruca, was crowned Miss Region One Amerindian Heritage 2026 following a six-delegate competition that celebrated Indigenous culture, traditional knowledge and youth advocacy. The pageant was held on Saturday evening at the Mabaruma Settlement Ground, Region One (Barima-Waini) where Henry emerged ahead of Rafeza Mohamed of Barimanabo, who was ad-

New Miss Region One Reah Henry (sitting) along with Rafeza Mohamed of Barimanabo, who was adjudged first runner-up and Rose Conyers of White Water who was the second runner-up (Barima-Waini RDC/Facebook)

judged First Runner-Up. Rose Conyers of White Water placed Second Runner-Up, while Shania Dan of Santa Jose, Santa Rosa, Moruca, secured the Third RunnerUp position. Henry entered the competition with a platform centred on “Promoting environmental stewardship among Indigenous youth,” advocating greater involvement by young Indigenous people in protecting their environment and the natural resources upon which their communities depend. Her advocacy also highlighted the importance of Indigenous knowledge in environmental protection and the role young people can play in ensuring that traditional approaches to caring for the environment are carried forward. The competition featured six segments, testing the

delegates in areas including cultural knowledge, confidence, stage presentation, talent and intelligence. Contestants had also participated in Indigenous challenges ahead of the coronation night, placing traditional skills alongside their performances on stage. Mohamed, in addition to finishing first runner-up, captured the Best Introduction and Best Traditional Wear awards. Conyers added the Best Talent prize to her Second Runner-Up finish after delivering a dramatic presentation titled “Bring Back We Culture”, which focused on the erosion of traditional practices and challenged Indigenous youths to preserve their languages, foods, craft and other aspects of their heritage. “Young youths, practise Indigenous culture, practise Indigenous languages,

craft, arts, so that we can keep them for future generation to come,” Conyers urged during her presentation. Dan, meanwhile, added the People’s Choice Award to her Third Runner-Up finish. Alana Edwards of Baramita also distinguished herself during the competition, winning the Indigenous Challenge for Cassava Processing and being named Miss Congeniality. Celena Callisto of Mabaruma Settlement completed the six-member field. Cultural preservation was a recurring theme throughout the competition. Mohamed used

Reah Henry of Parakese, Santa Rosa, Moruca, was crowned Miss Region One Amerindian Heritage 2026 (Barima-Waini RDC/ Facebook)

her spoken-word talent presentation to address leader-

ship, the role of young people and the importance of maintaining Indigenous traditions, while Dan presented a dramatic poem celebrating Amerindian heritage and the responsibility of passing it to future generations. The pageant was interspersed with performances by Indigenous cultural groups, including the Whitewater Cultural Group, while Indigenous foods and other cultural elements added to the Heritage Month atmosphere at the Mabaruma Settlement Ground. Organisers announced a total of $3 million in cash and prizes for contestants.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Amerindian Heritage Fitness Walk 2026 (Photos: Amerindian Affairs Ministry/Facebook)

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt explores schools’ role in preserving Arawak language T

he Government is exploring the possibility of introducing the Lokono (Arawak) language into the primary-school system as part of efforts to preserve Indigenous languages and traditions that are disappearing in some communities. Amerindian Affairs Minister Sarah BrowneShadeek disclosed that her Ministry is currently working with the Education Ministry to determine how the language could be incorporated into the formal education system, possibly beginning at the primary level. Speaking during an appearance on the Starting Point podcast, Browne-Shadeek said greater connectivity, social media and other outside influences have contributed to the erosion of aspects of Indigenous culture in some communities. “As a Ministry, we have acknowledged that, in some

Amerindian Affairs Minister Sarah BrowneShadeek (Starting Point photo)

villages, whether it’s by outside influence, social media or us being more connected to the outside world, our culture in some areas is, it’s sad to see, dying,” she said. The Minister pointed to Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) as an area where Indigenous culture remains particu-

larly strong, with communities continuing to practise traditional ways of life and speak their languages. “We find that Region Nine, for example, is still very deeply rooted in culture, in traditions, and continues to practise our way of life, speak our language. But there are other areas

and other nations that… our culture is seemingly dying,” Browne-Shadeek said. She identified the Lokono or Arawak nation as an area of particular concern, noting that many Lokono communities are situated in locations with easy access to the coast. For Browne-Shadeek, the threat to the language is also personal. “I am Lokono, I grew up in one of the largest Amerindian villages, and I can’t speak my language. It’s sad to see, not by choice, but because the people around me didn’t speak it and growing up, nobody taught me the language,” she related. The Minister said the challenge extends beyond language to the passing down of traditional skills and stories within families, drawing on her own experience as a mother. Browne-Shadeek said efforts are underway to bring the language into a formal

setting. She disclosed that the Amerindian Affairs Ministry is working with the Education Ministry to examine how Lokono could be incorporated into the primary-school curriculum as a starting point, rather than relying solely on informal efforts to keep the language alive. The Minister also pointed to the role of cultural groups in preserving traditions, saying her Ministry continues to support groups that are actively promoting Indigenous culture. She noted that in some areas only a small number of such groups remain. In one Region One sub-district, she said, there are approximately three cultural groups among some 11 villages, while similar challenges exist in parts of Region Eight. Browne-Shadeek also used an experience involving her son to illustrate the impor-

tance of making Indigenous traditions visible and giving younger people opportunities to see their culture being openly embraced. “I took my kids and I dressed my son in a traditional outfit… and he didn’t want to wear it. He was ashamed. So, when he went there and… saw the performers, the males in that outfit, he felt more comfortable that this is something that I can wear,” she recalled. She said such experiences demonstrate the importance of providing support and spaces in which Indigenous children can see their culture practised and celebrated by others. The discussion comes as Guyana observes Amerindian Heritage Month throughout September, with activities showcasing the traditions, achievements and contributions of the country’s First Peoples.

Govt Service Centres process over 204,000 transactions since December …customer service training coming for public servants – Minister

ore than 204,000 Guyanese have completed transactions through the Government service centres now operating in six regions across the country, sparing them the time and cost of travelling to Georgetown to conduct business at key state agencies like the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and General Register Office (GRO). The rollout of these service centres began in Leonora, Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) last December and has since expanded to Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo). This was highlighted by the Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation Zulfikar Ally during a recent interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI). “It saves them time and money,” Minister Ally said. He added that the centres provide “reliability and predictability in the everyday movement of our citizens.” The centres are a one-stop

shop where citizens and residents can access a wide range of public services, official documents and administrative support from different Government departments under one roof. In addition to the GRA and GRO, the centres also offer services by the Central Immigration and Passport Office (CIPO) as well as handle enrolment and issuance for the national electronic identification (E-ID) card programme. Following Leonora, service centres launched in Fort Wellington, Region Five in February; Anna Regina, Region Two in April; Port Mourant, Region Six in May, and Lethem in July. A sixth centre in Bartica, Region Seven was launched last week. Minister Ally said the Ministry is now working to extend coverage to remaining gaps, including in Region One (BarimaWaini) and Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

Public service training

Meanwhile, as the Government work on taking services to the people, the Ministry of Public Service is rolling out customer ser-

vice training for public servants across all regions with the aim of improving the quality of service citizens receive at public offices. During the recent interview with DPI, Minister Ally explained that the training is a major priority, particularly for public servants who interface directly with citizens. He noted that the initiative forms part of the Government’s effort to ensure citizens are treated with respect, dignity, understanding and patience when accessing public services. “We are embarking now on a customer service training for all of the public servants who have to interface with the public,” Minister Ally said. The Minister further pointed out that customer service training will also become a mandatory component for new public servants whose duties require them to interact with the public. He stated that the objective is to transform the culture of public service delivery and ensure citizens leave Government offices satisfied with the assistance they receive. Minister Ally noted that while many public servants consistently go beyond the call of duty, poor

Minister Zulfikar Ally interacts with staff of the newly-opened Government Service Centre at Bartica, Region Seven

interactions by a few officers can undermine the work of others. The public service Minister stressed too that repeated complaints about an officer should also prompt reflection and corrective action. “We’re going to issue that public service training to every single public servant until we change the culture of our country, we change the culture of service delivery, and we ensure that people

are at the forefront of the development of our country,” he said. Meanwhile, the Minister disclosed that more than 3,480 public servants have been trained over the past year in various areas, including professionalism and ethics, information and communications technology (ICT) literacy, project management, digital transformation and customer service. The expansion of customer service

training comes alongside Government’s wider efforts to modernise public service delivery, including the establishment of service centres in the regions and the digitisation of Government services. Ally stressed that modern infrastructure and digital systems would have limited impact if citizens are not treated with the respect and dignity they deserve when interacting with public servants.

16 NEWS

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

PM pledges continued push for a smarter, safer digital Guyana P

rime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips, performing the functions of President, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to building a smarter, safer and more connected country through continued investment in digital transformation, innovation and the development of Guyanese talent. The acting President made these remarks today while addressing the closing ceremony of the sixth edition of the Innovation Challenge, held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre (ACCC). The Challenge, an initiative of the Office of the PM through the Industry and Innovation Unit, was held under the continuing theme, “Transitioning through Innovation”. A release from the Office of the PM stated that Phillips said the initiative reflects the Government’s focus on building human capital, encouraging entrepreneurship and creating opportunities for Guyanese ideas to be developed into practical solutions. He explained that digital transformation remains central to the Government’s development agenda, with Information and Communications

Technology (ICT) playing an increasingly important role across education, healthcare, agriculture, public safety, energy, manufacturing, commerce and public administration. Highlighting the progress made, the PM noted that high-speed internet is now available at more than 3,800 public locations across the country. At the same time, services have been extended to all 253 hinterland, remote and rural communities through Government buildings and public spaces. Additionally, 97 per cent of schools, 92 per cent of health facilities and all fire stations are con-

nected to high-speed internet. He went on to note that between 2021 and 2026, close to $1.8 billion was invested in ICT hubs across hinterland communities, with more than 3,000 persons from 200 communities receiving training, approximately 75 per cent of whom were women. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to modernise public services through the national electronic identification system, the My Guyana Citizen Portal, Citizen Connect and artificial intelligence (AI)-supported platforms such as AskGov, alongside investments in digi-

tal skills through the One Guyana Digital Initiative. PM Phillips stressed, however, that expanding digital infrastructure must be accompanied by investments in skills development and safeguards that build public confidence in emerging technologies. “A digital economy can only be strong if its people have the skills to participate and if its systems have the security to earn their trust... It is also why cybersecurity, data protection, resilient infrastructure and responsible governance remain central pillars of our Digital Guyana agenda.” According

to the Phillips, this year’s Innovation Challenge introduced a refreshed format which placed greater emphasis on problem analysis, research, design thinking, rapid prototyping, collaboration, user testing, responsible use of AI and realistic implementation planning. For the first time, the competition also included a Junior Category, which PM Phillips described as an important pathway for young people to become more involved in Guyana’s innovation ecosystem. “This category establishes an earlier pathway into the national innovation ecosystem and

tells our young people that their ideas play an important role in solving the challenges confronting their communities and country.” SBM Offshore Guyana partnership Phillips also recognised SBM Offshore Guyana for its continued partnership with the Innovation Challenge, noting the importance of private-sector collaboration in supporting mentorship, practical exposure and the development of innovative solutions. The Honourable PM challenged the participating teams to look beyond the competition and focus on developing solutions that are practical, sustainable and responsive to the needs of citizens, communities and industry. “Think beyond this year’s competition. Your prototype may become a pilot, a startup, a public-interest solution or a service capable of reaching regional and international markets.” He reaffirmed that the Government will continue to invest in connectivity, digital public infrastructure, skills development, innovation, cybersecurity and partnerships to ensure that more Guyanese can participate meaningfully in the technology-driven economy.

T&T Govt to pay $2.5M to woman sexually abused by female prison officer in jail

he State has been ordered to pay over $2.5 million in compensation to a woman who was subjected to a campaign of cruel and unusual punishment, including being repeatedly sexually assaulted by a female prison officer, while serving a 12-year sentence for manslaughter. High Court Judge Robin Mohammed ordered compensation for Nadia Pooran on Friday as he upheld her landmark constitutional claim pursued by her lawyers, led by Senior Counsel Anand Ramlogan, of Freedom Law Chambers. In upholding Pooran’s case, Justice Mohammed found that she had been failed by servants and agents of the State at every level. “That failure was not the product of malice. It was the product of institutional indifference, administrative incompetence, and a culture within the prison system that has been the subject of judicial and public commentary for decades,” Justice Mohammed said. He expressed hope that his judgment in the case, highlighting the severe constitutional breaches endured by Pooran, would lead to reform in the prison system. “That culture cannot

Nadia Pooran

be allowed to persist. The Constitution demands better. The Claimant deserved better,” Justice Mohammed said. “It is the hope of this Court that the findings made herein will serve as a powerful signal to the State that the constitutional rights of prisoners must be respected, that those who are entrusted with their custody bear a serious legal and moral responsibility to uphold those rights, and that the Courts of this jurisdiction will not hesitate to hold the account where that responsibility is not discharged,” he added. Pooran, Shelly-Ann Anganoo, Nicholas Ali, and Tesfa Jones were accused

of murdering 41-year-old teacher Ralphy Ramcharan on March 25, 2003. According to the evidence presented during their trial, the women were liming with Ramcharan at a bar in Curepe and agreed to leave with him. When they got into the car, Ali and Jones entered the vehicle. Ramcharan was robbed of his cash and restrained before one of the men drove the group to a lonely area of Barataria. Ramcharan was beaten with a wheel spanner and repeatedly stabbed with a pair of scissors before being thrown into a nearby river. The group was eventually allowed to plead guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter and each was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Pooran’s three co-accused won their appeals over the severity of their sentence and received fiveyear reductions. Pooran pursued her appeal several years later and her sentence was eventually reduced to 12 years in 2016. Pooran was immediately released as she had already served more than a year over her sentence when the Court of Appeal upheld her appeal. The lawsuit before Justice Mohammed centred around the harsh prison

conditions Pooran endured while on remand awaiting trial, after entering the guilty plea, and while appealing the sentence she received. In her lengthy affidavit submitted for the lawsuit, Pooran claimed that she and other inmates at the Women’s Prison in Arouca were subjected to overcrowding, poor ventilation and sanitation. She claimed that they were subjected to long periods of confinement to their cells as they were given infrequent airings, especially during the rainy season. She claimed that in 2005 she joined prisoners in a hunger strike as she suffered severe food allergies from the meals being served by the prison. Despite what she endured, Pooran still participated in numerous rehabilitation, educational and life skills programmes while in prison and left with nine CXC passes and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) diploma. Pooran provided explicit details of her repeated sexual assault by inmates and a particular prison officer, who abused her repeatedly over a four-year period. She claimed that the attacks were particularly traumatic for her as she

was forced into prostitution and sexually exploited at a young age before being incarcerated. “There was one particular officer who repeatedly exploited and abused me and turned me into her personal sex slave,” she said. “I was punished when I rejected these sexual advances and overtures,” she added. She claimed that in one incident the officer forced her to perform oral sex on her while she was assigned to clean the toilet area of the prison. The officer allegedly recorded the incident on her cellphone. “I was crying for part of the time as I felt disgusted, ashamed and humiliated,” she said. She claimed that she was placed in solitary confinement when she reported the attacks by the officer. She claimed that while isolated, the officer visited her with a set of white lingerie and forced her to model in it for her to take photographs. She claimed the attacks stopped in 2010 after she fought back and professed her willingness to die to preserve her dignity. “I told her that I did not care if I die but that she would have to kill me,” Pooran said. In determining her case,

Justice Mohammed found that her right not to be subjected to cruel and unusual punishment was breached. In assessing the appropriate compensation for Pooran, Justice Mohammed ordered $2 million in general damages, which was calculated at $450 a day for the period of her incarceration. He also ordered $450,000 in vindicatory damages to highlight the constitutional breaches Pooran endured. Pooran learned of her legal victory in the case in the United Kingdom (UK), where she is currently seeking asylum. Several years after being released from prison she witnessed the murders of her cousin Kerron Rampersad and his girlfriend Crystal Herralal, who were shot dead in front of her at their home. She said that she decided to seek asylum in the UK as homicide detectives could not provide witness protection for her. Pooran was also represented by Renuka Rambhajan, Ganesh Saroop, Jayanti Lutchmedial, and Natasha Bisram. The Office of the Attorney General was represented by Monica Smith, Maria BelmarWilliams, and Savitri Maharaj. (Excerpted from T&T Guardian)

FEATURE

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

HEALTH TIPS Common skin infections: know the signs and act early and may need oral medication. Avoid using steroid creams on an undiagnosed rash, because steroids can worsen or disguise ringworm. Antibiotics will not treat a fungal infection.

Protect your skin

2.Impetigo

By Dr Tariq Jagnarine Fam Med, Endocrinology

ur skin is the body’s first line of defence. However, cuts, insect bites, scratching, excessive moisture, and certain medical conditions can weaken this protective barrier and allow bacteria, fungi, or parasites to cause disease. In Guyana and across the Caribbean, heat, humidity, sweating and close contact can make some skin conditions especially common. Most are treatable, but

using the wrong cream or delaying medical care may allow an infection to spread.

1.Ringworm and other fungal infections

Despite its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm. It is a fungal infection that may appear as an itchy, dry or scaly rash, sometimes with a raised circular border. The same group of fungi can cause athlete’s foot, jock itch, scalp ringworm, and fungal nail infections. Fungal infections spread through direct skin contact and by sharing towels, clothing, bedding, footwear or grooming equipment. They may also spread from infected animals or contaminated floors. Keep the affected area clean and dry and use an appropriate antifungal treatment as advised. Scalp and nail infections usually require medical assessment

Impetigo is a contagious bacterial infection that is particularly common in children. It usually begins as itchy sores or blisters, often around the nose, mouth, arms or legs. These may break open and develop a characteristic yellow or “honey-coloured” crust. The infection can spread through touching the sores or sharing towels, clothing, and bedding. Keep the area clean, discourage scratching, and avoid sharing personal items. A healthcare professional should assess suspected impetigo, because prescription antibiotic treatment may be required.

3.Folliculitis, boils, and abscesses

Folliculitis is an infec-

tion or inflammation around hair follicles. It may appear as clusters of small, itchy or tender bumps resembling pimples. Shaving, tight clothing, sweating, and friction may contribute. A boil is a deeper, painful lump containing pus. Several connected boils may form a larger infection called a carbuncle. An abscess is a collection of pus beneath the skin. Do not squeeze, cut or puncture a boil at home. This can force bacteria deeper into the tissues or spread the infection. Some abscesses must be professionally drained, and antibiotics are not always sufficient on their own.

4.Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection involving the deeper layers of the skin. The affected area may become painful, warm, swollen and

increasingly discoloured. On brown or dark skin, redness may be difficult to see, so increasing warmth, tenderness, swelling, or a change from the person’s usual skin colour may be more noticeable. Cellulitis can spread quickly and may cause fever, chills or general weakness. It requires prompt medical assessment and antibiotic treatment. Untreated cel-

lulitis can enter the bloodstream or damage deeper tissues.

5.Scabies

Scabies is technically a skin infestation rather than a bacterial or fungal infection, but it is frequently mistaken for one. It is caused by a tiny mite and produces intense itching – often worse at night –with small bumps or thin burrow-like lines. Common areas include between the fingers, wrists, waist, armpits, buttocks and genital region. Scabies spreads mainly through prolonged skinto-skin contact. It is not a sign of poor personal hygiene. Treatment requires a specific prescribed medicine, and close household or intimate contacts may need treatment at the same time to prevent reinfection.

Who is at greater risk?

Skin infections may be

more serious or slower to heal in people with: • Diabetes, especially when blood glucose is poorly controlled • Poor circulation or reduced sensation • Eczema, chronic swelling or damaged skin • Obesity or excessive sweating • A weakened immune system • Chronic wounds or recent surgery • Recurrent scratching, insect bites or skin injuries People with diabetes should check their feet daily. Even a small blister, crack, or cut can develop into a serious infection without causing much pain.

Several simple habits can reduce your risk: • Bathe regularly and dry carefully between the toes and within skin folds. • Change damp or sweaty clothing promptly. • Avoid sharing towels, razors, clothing, footwear, and hair-grooming equipment. • Wear slippers or sandals in communal showers and changing areas. • Clean minor cuts with safe running water and cover them with a clean dressing. • Keep fingernails short and avoid scratching bites or rashes. • Wash towels, bedding, and clothing used by someone with a contagious condition. • Maintain good blood-glucose control if you have diabetes. • Do not use leftover antibiotics or another person’s skin medication. • Seek advice before applying steroid-containing combination creams to an undiagnosed rash.

When should you seek medical care?

Visit a healthcare facility promptly if: • The affected area is

rapidly spreading, increasingly painful, hot or swollen. • Pus, foul-smelling discharge, red streaks or fever develops. • A rash involves the eyes, face, genitals, hands, or feet. • There is severe pain, blistering, blackened skin or skin breakdown. • The person has diabetes, poor circulation, or a weakened immune system. • A child has widespread sores or appears unwell. • The condition repeatedly returns or does not improve with appropriate treatment. Seek emergency care for rapidly spreading swelling accompanied by severe pain, fever, confusion, faintness, breathing difficulty or marked weakness. Not every rash is an infection, and infections caused by bacteria, fungi and parasites require different treatments. A cream that helps one condition may worsen another. Early recognition, good hygiene, and appropriate medical care can prevent a minor skin problem from becoming a serious illness. Healthy skin is not only about appearance – it is an important part of protecting your overall health.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2026

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Regional

Jamaica to bring Brazilian court suspends slavery reparations petition to King Charles licences for Sigma Lithium mine

Jamaica’s culture minister, Olivia Grange (right) will be leading the delegation to the United Kingdom. King Charles (left) said in a 2024 speech that leaders should commit to “finding creative ways to right inequalities that endure” [Getty Images]

he Jamaican Government will highlight to King Charles a petition over slavery reparations today, the country’s culture minister Olivia Grange has said. It will ask the King, who serves as Jamaica’s Head of State, to refer three questions to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, the country’s highest court, over the legality of the enslavement of Africans in Jamaica. Grange said it could pave the way for a “long outstanding settlement for the hundreds of years of the most horrific abuse that our African ancestors endured”. She will also meet with British Museum officials to discuss the repatriation of artefacts taken during the colonial era. The three questions which the Jamaican Government is asking the King to refer to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (JCPC) are: whether the enslavement of Africans in Jamaica was legal

under English law, whether it broke international law, and whether Britain now has a legal duty to provide redress. The petition, which is not a demand for payment, goes to the King who then refers it to the JCPC. King Charles has no personal discretion in deciding whether to make a referral. Grange said: “Once we get the answers, or once we get a response to those questions, then the next steps will be determined.” Buckingham Palace has been working closely with the Governor General of Jamaica to ensure the petition is correctly lodged. A Palace spokesperson said: “His Majesty has on many occasions expressed his personal and wholehearted commitment to promoting greater understanding around the issue of slavery and finding ways to address historic wrongs for the benefit of communities today.” When slavery was abolished across most of the em-

pire in 1833, the British Government paid £20 million to slave owners in compensation. The loans taken out to raise the money were paid off in 2015. Grange said: “Up to 2015, Britain was paying the slave masters, because we were being considered property. “The question really should be: if in modern times we’re still paying back the slave masters for the property that was our people, our ancestors, for property that was because of the abolition of slavery, then why shouldn’t we be pursuing some remedy at this time?” Grange will also meet with British Museum officials to “advance discussions on the repatriation of artefacts” taken from Jamaica during the colonial era. She said: “They are priceless, they are significant to the story of Jamaica and we are working to bring them home.” In 2015, David Cameron, who was Prime Minister at the time, ruled out making reparations for Britain’s role in the historic slave trade, while visiting Jamaica. Speaking to Members of Parliament (MPs) in Jamaica’s parliament, Cameron said slavery was “abhorrent in all its forms”. He added that he hoped they could “move on from this painful legacy and continue to build for the future”. (BBC News)

T&T PM tells parents to do their part before children end up in court

T&T Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar

Kamla

rime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar has warned parents that they must take responsibility for disciplining and guiding their children before they grow into adults who run afoul of the law. In a message marking the start of the new academic year, PersadBissessar told parents not to leave their responsibilities to teachers, saying discipline, respect, and responsibility must first be taught at home. “Do not dump your parental responsibilities onto

teachers, that is your job, you made your children, it is not the teachers’ or anyone else’s responsibility to mind them,” she said. Persad-Bissessar urged parents to ensure their children are properly cared for and prepared for school, while monitoring their behaviour, academic progress, and what they are learning. She also called on parents to listen to their children’s concerns and work closely with teachers. The Prime Minister warned that parents who fail to do their part could face more serious consequences later. “Do your part now with your children so that in years to come when they become adults, you won’t have to be at the courthouse in your old age trying to secure bail to get them released from incarceration,” she said. Persad-Bissessar also had a message for teachers and principals, urging them to take a zero-tolerance approach to disre-

spectful and misbehaving students and parents. She said educators should not be expected to tolerate abuse, intimidation or harassment and urged them to contact the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service if they are threatened or abused. The Prime Minister also warned students that failing to take their education seriously could leave them facing a difficult future. She urged students to attend classes, respect their teachers and staff, remain disciplined and take responsibility for their progress. “Life is tough without an education, it will grind you down until you end up just surviving day to day and not actually living a satisfying wholesome life,” Persad-Bissessar said. She said a good education gives people options to navigate difficulties and overcome challenges. (Trinidad Guardian)

Brazilian Judge ordered the suspension of environmental licences and mining activities at Sigma Lithium’s Grota do Cirilo mine, a court document seen by Reuters showed. The decision w ‌ as made on Friday in a civil suit brought by the Federation of Quilombola Communities of Minas Gerais, where the group said the miner’s project was within the direct area of influence of the Bau Quilombola Community. Quilombolas are traditional communities of African descent, which were created by people who escaped slavery. Their territories are protected by

the state, with more extensive licensing for projects that could impact them. Judge Antonio Lucio Tulio de Oliveira Barbosa said there was sufficient evidence that the Bau territory fell within the project’s area of influence, triggering obligations for procedures including a free, prior and informed consultation with the community. The Judge said there was risk of harm to the community, as Sigma’s mining complex carried out “constant blasting and ‌earthmoving activities just a few kilometres from the traditional territory.” The Judge cited studies indicating the territo-

ry is about 2.7 kilometres (1.7 miles) from the project’s directly affected area, well within the eight-km threshold that triggers the more extensive process. Sigma has argued the project lies outside the impact zone. The court ordered an independent georeferencing expert review to determine the exact distance between the project and the Quilombola territory. Beyond suspending environmental licences the decision bars Minas Gerais state from granting new ones, and establishes a fine for Sigma if it continues its operations. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Jamaica commits US$6.6M to help hurricane victims rebuild

he Jamaican Government has signed J$1.05 billion (US$6.6 million) in contracts to begin construction of 268 semi-permanent housing units for families severely affected by Hurricane Melissa. The contracts, signed this week, form part of the Shelter Recovery Programme (SRP), with the initial phase targeting Westmoreland and St Elizabeth. DT Brown Construction Limited will build 143 units in Westmoreland, while Southland Construction Limited will build 125 units in St Elizabeth. The housing solutions will include National

Housing Trust (NHT) two-bedroom semi-permanent units and Chinesebuilt semi-permanent structures. The project is scheduled for completion within 12 months, with tangible results expected within the first two months. Minister with Responsibility for Land Titling and Settlements, Robert Montague, described the initiative as a beacon of hope for families severely affected by Hurricane Melissa. “At the end of today, the success will be measured when a child has somewhere safe to lay their head, and [a place] to do their studies rather than [living] in a classroom or

in a hurricane shelter. We want to move our people out of the shelters into their homes,” Montague said. He was speaking during the contract-signing ceremony at the ministry’s offices in New Kingston. Montague said the project is being implemented in collaboration with the National Housing Trust; the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM); the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF); the Ministry of Labour and Social Security; and the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development. (Excerpt from CMC)

At least 10 killed in central Mexico fireworks blast during festival

t least 10 persons have been killed and at least 60 wounded in Mexico when fireworks detonated during a village festival, according to the local government. Video showed revellers carrying a bull made of straw, with fireworks spouting out of the effigy in Santa Maria Canchesda in the Temascalcingo municipality in central Mexico. The AFP news agency reported that the celebration on Saturday was part of a local ritual. The burning bull apparently ignited a larger store of fireworks in the

village church. The explosion knocked down walls and ignited a fire in the town square, according to the news agency. Local media reported that some persons were trapped under falling debris from the blast. The diocese of the nearby municipality of Atlacomulco said two priests were injured but are expected to survive. “We join together in prayer for those who have lost their lives, their families and loved ones, as well as those who were injured and all those who are experiencing moments of pain and worry today,”

the diocese said in a statement on social media. Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office said the cause of the explosion has not been determined and an investigation has opened. Firework mishaps have previously been deadly in Mexico. In July 2018, an explosion killed 24 persons at a fireworks factory in the city of Tultepec, north of Mexico City. Two years earlier, 42 persons died in another fireworks explosion in a market in the city. (Al Jazeera)

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2026

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OILNEWS OIL NEWS OPEC+ keeps oil output policy unchanged for October

he Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies (OPEC+) kept its oil output policy unchanged for ‌October at a meeting on Sunday, it said in a statement, as the producer group needs to agree new quotas before deciding its next output steps. The meeting of seven core OPEC+ members – Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, Kuwait, Algeria, Kazakhstan and Oman – comes as the Iran war continues to disrupt oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz, limiting OPEC+’s influence over prices and market share. In August, OPEC+ agreed its production boost for September, completing a phased rollback of a 1.65 million-barrel-per-day supply cut first agreed in 2023. Despite the agreed production increases, the group still produces far below its targets because of the war.

OPEC’s power limited by Iran conflict ”OPEC+ currently has very limited power over the physical oil market,” said Jorge Leon of Rystad Energy. ”The group can change production targets on paper, but it cannot guarantee that those barrels will be produced or ‌actually reach the market.” ”The focus now shifts away from monthly production adjustments and towards the much more consequential debate over 2027.” OPEC+ still has another layer of production cuts in place, covering most members of the 21-country group until the end of 2026. Before the group decides how to unwind the cuts and return production to the market, it needs to review members’ oil production capacity to set 2027 output baselines, which form the basis for quotas. This debate will likely happen later in 2026 and hence OPEC+ is likely to pause its output increases for the fourth quarter, sources earlier told Reuters. The statement on Sunday made no mention of policy beyond October. Only the seven OPEC+ members who met on Sunday, plus ⁠the United Arab Emirates (UAE) until it left OPEC in May, have been involved in monthly output decisions in recent years. The seven countries will hold their next meeting on October 4. (Reuters)

Around the World

Iran to tackle economic issues, says further attacks will be “more painful”

ran said it will step up efforts to tackle problems created by US sanctions that are crippling its economy, while a senior Iranian official warned of a ”painful response” if it comes under further attack. Six months after US-Israeli strikes o‌n Iran launched the war, the conflict appears to be at a stalemate. A preliminary ceasefire accord reached in June has unravelled, and little progress has been made in diplomatic efforts to get the peace process back on track. After a pause in military action for much of August, tit-fortat strikes have resumed with US Central Command saying it hit three Iranian tankers on Saturday after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched ballistic missiles at two US Navy ships. Following the attacks,

Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz near the beach of Bandar Abbas, Iran, September 5, 2026 (Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters)

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said on Sunday that the US should understand that the rules of the game have changed ”before

it is too late”. ”From now on, any attack against Iran’s interests and security will receive a faster, heavier and more painful res-

residential building in the Indian capital Delhi has collapsed with dozens of students feared trapped inside. Eyewitnesses told local media that as many as 50 persons were inside the five-storey building in the Satya Niketan neighbourhood of south-west Delhi when it came down around 13:30 local time (08:00 GMT) on Sunday. At least three persons were killed and three others are in critical condition, news agency PTI reports, citing local Police. At least eight persons were said to have been rescued so far, according to reports. There had been construc-

tion work going on in the basement of the building, Hostel Daze, which sits a short distance from the Delhi University campus. Many of the students staying there were thought to be in their rooms at the time of the collapse as there were no lessons on Sunday. A legislative assembly member said at the scene that some of the trapped students had been making calls from under the rubble. Eyewitnesses told local media that another building beside the hostel had also collapsed. One told news agency ANI that the other building had also been a hostel. (Excerpt from BBC News)

ponse,” he said in a speech published on his Telegram channel. A restricted zone will ⁠be announced outside the Strait of Hormuz in coming days, Mohsen Rezaei, the Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said on Sunday, according to state media. He added that the zone would include areas in the Gulf. Few details were provided on the plan initially, but Rezaei said any ship entering the new zone would be added to a sanctions list. Tehran has shown it retains the capability to attack US interests in neighbouring countries and to shut down oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of global oil supplies flowed prior to the conflict. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Zelenskyy says he expects war to continue into winter after talks with US envoys

krainian President V o l o d y m y r Zelenskyy has said he expects the war with Russia to continue into the winter, following talks with Donald Trump’s top envoys in Kyiv. The discussions finished without an announcement of a major breakthrough, after Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner travelled to

Ukraine for the first time since Russia’s full-scale invasion. The previous day, the pair had held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Witkoff said he was ”encouraged” by what he called ”substantive” and important talks in Kyiv. Zelenskyy stressed that he wanted a just peace with no opportunity for renewed aggression by Russia.

Following rounds of talks on Sunday, which lasted several hours behind closed doors, Zelenskyy told reporters they had agreed officials from Ukraine, Europe and America would meet in the near future to continue discussions. He also called for a trilateral meeting with Russia and the US. ”We’re confident there’ll be a good resolution here,” Witkoff said, adding the ne-

gotiators had ”made a lot of progress in Moscow”, referring to the pair’s discussions on Saturday. When asked about the talks in Moscow, Kushner said the US team ”went through a lot of the ideas that hadn’t worked to date” and ”tried to think about” what elements are needed for ”durable peace”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Volcano eruption leaves 170,000 passengers stranded in Indonesia

Dozens feared trapped in collapsed A building in Delhi

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel look on at a building collapse in Delhi, while a crushed car is pulled by a digger from the rubble [Reuters]

round 170,000 passengers have been left stranded after a volcanic eruption forced Indonesian authorities to temporarily suspend operations at eight airports. Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport was the first to be closed on Sunday morning after ash from Anak Krakatau was detected in airspace near the airport. The Transport Ministry said 1558 flights have been delayed with airports remaining closed until 09:00h local time on Monday morning. The volcano had started erupting late on Friday night,

Mount Anak Krakatau spewing volcanic materials into the air following an eruption in Sunda Strait, Indonesia [EPA]

generating continuous seismic activity, lava fountains, and booming sounds across surrounding regions. Two more eruptions happened early on

Sunday, authorities said. The Transport Ministry said the pause in operations mainly affected flights to and

from Singapore, also other international routes including Doha, Sydney, and Kuala Lumpur. Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi said the decision to temporarily close more airports was made after tests found that volcanic ash had spread towards West Java. He urged airlines to speed up processes for refunding tickets for passengers who have been affected by flight cancellations, and for airlines to provide timely information to those with upcoming flights to avoid overcrowding at airports. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Germany’s far-right AfD set for big win in eastern state, just short of majority

ermany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) is heading for a dramatic victory in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, far ahead of its mainstream rivals. Although it is projected to fall short of a majority, the AfD says it has won a mandate to govern. The far-right AfD is on course to win a record 44 per cent of the vote, well ahead of the conservative CDU on 17 per cent, with most interim results counted.

Charismatic leader in the state, Ulrich Siegmund, said it was ”sensational” and they wanted to start governing as soon as possible. No far-right party has won control of a German state since World War Two, and governing at state level would mean powers over policing, local education, and culture. Saxony-Anhalt has a small population of 2.1 million and the AfD in the state is assessed by domestic intelligence as ”right-wing extremist”,

a classification rejected by Siegmund, 35. He along with joint national leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla were overjoyed as exit polls revealed they were on track to score more than double the party’s result in 2021. Commentators and political opponents spoke of the outcome as a watershed and break with the past. Main TV channel Das Erste cancelled its legendary crime drama Tatort to focus on what the re-

sult meant. ”This isn’t just about Saxony-Anhalt,” Siegmund told supporters. ”It’s a signal for the whole of Germany - a self-confident signal.” US President Donald Trump posted a screenshot of the German TV projection on his Truth Social platform, and then Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev took a screengrab of Trump’s post and praised a ”historic win for the pragmatic AfD”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2026

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ARCHIE

DAILY HOROSCOPES Turn your dreams into a reality. Use your imagination and discipline, and participate in events that connect you to people who can be helpful. Refuse to let disappointment or anger set in.

(March 21-April 19) Choose the power of thought over action. Taking on too much will cost you. Misdirected emotional energy will leave you in an awkward position. Don’t back yourself into a corner.

PICKLES

(April 20-May 20) Change begins with you. Improve your qualifications. By learning something new or developing a skill you enjoy using, you will gain the confidence to branch out and do your own thing.

(May 21-June 20) Keep busy in order to avoid disputes. Having a negative attitude will stifle your ability to get things done. Walk away from people trying to control you. Use your voice constructively.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

Proceed with caution. The wrong move will lead to illness, injury or an emotional dispute. Concentrate on becoming the best version of yourself instead of trying to change others.

(July 23-Aug. 22) A change will require more thought. Address the issues that can stand between you and what you want. Facts and the cost necessary to enjoy your pursuit need to be in place before you begin your journey.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Emotions and professional choices will clash. Step back from whatever situation you face and give yourself a chance to breathe and observe. Clarity is your best route forward.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

If you turn everything you encounter into a learning experience, you’ll gain momentum and insight into how and what to do next. Emotional journeys may not be welcome, but they will help you.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Listen, but don’t jump on demand. Dig deep and get the lowdown. See what is necessary to participate in someone else’s plans. Don’t feel compelled to help when you have your own dreams to conquer.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Being organized will help you. Refuse to let what others say or do interfere with your plans. Take care of your concerns before you extend help to others. Researching will save you from mistakes.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

How you earn your living or improve your qualifications to gain financial stability looks promising. Make decisions for the right reasons; if you allow emotions to interfere with common sense, you will falter. Plan to get moving. Whether it’s a social event, an outlet or just trying to get back in shape, having the right mindset and discipline will be necessary if you hope to achieve your goal.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2026

U13 Youth Ensemble…

VMFA cruise past YMCA to become inaugural champions T

he Vurlon Mills Football Academy (VMFA) was crowned national champions of the inaugural Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Under-13 Youth Ensemble after a commanding 3-0 victory over Upper Demerara’s YMCA in the championship final at the GFF’s National Training Centre (NTC), Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on Saturday. The historic triumph marks the culmination of several months of structured youth competition under the GFF’s newly-established Youth Ensemble Programme, a FIFA-supported initiative designed to transform the organisation and delivery of youth football across Guyana. Braving the Saturday morning sun, four clubs representing different Regional Associations (RAs) battled for national honours in the concluding U13 championship matches. The national finals brought together the leading teams emerging from the programme’s regional competitions, providing young footballers with an opportunity to compete on a national stage after months of organised play. In the third-place playoff, Plaisance FC of the East Demerara Football Association and Potaro Strikers FC played to a 1-1

VMFA’s U13s celebrate their title victory

draw in regulation time. Anthwon Robinson scored for Plaisance while Kriston Chandler found the net for Potaro Strikers. With neither side able to break the deadlock, the match proceeded to a penalty shootout, where Potaro Strikers prevailed 3-0 to secure the bronze medal and finish third nationally. Plaisance FC finished fourth. The championship final saw VMFA establish its authority early against Upper Demerara YMCA. The Georgetown-based academy applied sustained pressure and took a first-half lead, carrying its advantage into the interval. VMFA continued to control the contest after the break and eventually sealed a comprehensive 3-0 victory. Dean Vancooten, Dontay Kowlessar, and Nash

Moe were the goal-scorers as VMFA secured its place in the history books as the first-ever GFF Youth Ensemble U13 national champions. The victory caps a strong year for VMFA, which had earlier captured the Georgetown Football Association’s U13 Youth Ensemble title after finishing at the top of the regional standings. The Academy also won the Georgetown U15 competition, demonstrating the strength and depth of its youth development programme. GFF President Wayne Forde was present at the national finals and extended congratulations to the participating teams, players, coaches, parents, RAs and other stakeholders who contributed to the success of the

YMCA out of Linden had to settle for second place

inaugural programme. He also acknowledged FIFA for its support and the clubs and RAs for embracing the new national youth competition framework. “Today represents much more than the crowning of a national champion. It is the culmination of a new approach to youth football in Guyana. The Youth Ensemble Programme was created to give our young players meaningful, structured competition and to ensure that talent can be identified and developed wherever it exists in our country. I want to congratulate Vurlon Mills Football Academy, all of the finalists and every club, coach, parent, Regional Association and stakeholder who contributed to making this inaugural champi-

onship a success. This is an important first step, and we are committed to building on this foundation in the years ahead,” Forde stated. The inaugural Youth Ensemble championship is the culmination of a landmark initiative launched by the GFF in partnership with FIFA in May 2026. The Youth Programme was first announced by the GFF in February following approval by the Federation’s Congress, with the programme formally launched at the NTC on May 9. Competitive action officially commenced on May 16. The initiative was established to introduce a more structured and predictable national youth football calendar, with competitions at the Under-13, Under-15 and Under-17 levels across

Guyana’s nine RAs. The programme represents one of GFF’s most ambitious investments in grassroots football, with approximately $44 million being invested annually over four years. It was deliberately designed to strengthen the pathway from community football to national-team representation by giving young players more consistent competitive opportunities while enabling coaches and technical personnel to identify emerging talent from across the country. The conclusion of the inaugural U13 championship represents an important milestone in the GFF’s broader strategy to strengthen youth development and create a clearer pathway from grassroots participation to elite football. Over several months, young players from communities across Guyana competed regularly for their clubs, gaining valuable experience in technical development, tactical awareness, discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship. With the first national Youth Ensemble U13 champions now crowned, the GFF will look to build on the momentum generated by the inaugural programme and further strengthen opportunities for young footballers across the country.

Antonelli takes stunning Monza win from 19th on grid

ercedes’ Kimi Antonelli took a breathtaking victory in an incident-packed Italian Grand Prix from 19th place on the grid. The Italian caught and passed his team-mate George Russell, who started second, with three laps to go to extend his championship lead to 66 points. Antonelli’s performance is the second furthest back a driver has ever come from to win a grand prix after John Watson’s victory from 22nd on the grid in the 1983 United States Grand Prix West. It was a statement performance from the 20-yearold, who remarkably was on Russell’s tail and challenging for victory within 16 laps of the start. Antonelli looked capable of winning any which way, but decided to stop for fresh tyres under a virtual safety car mid-race and narrowed a

15-second gap to nothing before carving past Russell. The Italian fans, who usually support Ferrari, rose to acclaim their new hero after a sensational drive as he crossed the line to take the chequered flag. “I did not expect,” Antonelli said. “Unbelievable. I am so happy, I could never imagine being here today.” Red Bull’s Max Verstappen took the final podium place ahead of the McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri with Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton sixth. The key stories of a gripping race at Monza were: Antonelli’s compelling and spectacular win, the best of a stand-out season from the Italian A desperately disappointing day for Russell, who knew he needed to try to use this day to make up points on his team-mate

A disappointing home race for Ferrari, with Charles Leclerc crashing out early A good recovery from McLaren Antonelli again comes out on top of Mercedes battle The day started with Antonelli looking to limit the damage inflicted on his points lead by Russell as he started at the back of the grid because of a penalty for using more than his permitted number of engine parts. An early stint of cautious, measured attacking lifted Antonelli up to 12th place on the third lap when Leclerc lost control at the Parabolica after getting slightly wide defending from Piastri, smashing deep into the barriers and bringing out the red flag. Leclerc was unhurt and the race was stopped while the marshals rebuilt the barriers at the famous final corner. By this time, Russell had

taken the lead from shock pole winner Pierre Gasly’s Alpine and looked in control of the race. But the restart saw a compelling series of laps as the leading drivers ran nose to tail and Antonelli picked his way through the pack and into contention. Four laps after the restart, Russell was leading a six-car train with Antonelli at the rear. Gasly started to drop back and the Italian moved past the Frenchman, Hamilton, and finally Piastri before joining a three-car battle for the lead with Verstappen. The Dutchman briefly took the lead from Russell on lap 11, before the Briton repassed him three laps later, Antonelli overtaking the Red Bull into the second chicane. From laps 17 to 24, the Mercedes battled hard, the two passing and re-passing each other as they played

with the boost and overtaking modes in the new hybrid engines as Verstappen sat right behind them with the best seat in the house. Antonelli was then told that Russell had been asked to push and build a gap to Verstappen, and the tension was betrayed in Antonelli’s response, when he asked if they wanted him to sit back and not challenge. Shortly afterwards, a virtual safety car was called when Lance Stroll’s Aston Martin broke down at the first chicane and Antonelli’s side of the garage decided to risk a stop for fresh tyres. Russell stayed out, needing to nurse his tyres to the end, and Verstappen followed Antonelli in. Antonelli rejoined in sixth place and 15 seconds behind his team-mate, but he moved past Gasly, Norris, Hamilton, and Piastri as he closed in on his team-mate.

Russell began to struggle with his tyres as Antonelli homed in and with five laps to go, the two were nose to tail. An initial attempt into the first chicane on lap 50 came to grief when Antonelli got on to the rubber debris off line turning into the second part of the first chicane and slid into the gravel. But such was his pace advantage that he soon closed the 1.7-second gap that had opened up and easily breezed past Russell on the run between the Lesmo corners and Ascari. A resigned Russell said: “When I looked at the leaderboard a few laps after the restart and saw he was already in P5/6 I knew he would be in the mix. I was just struggling with the tyres at the end. “I will take it. It has been more positive than before summer break, but of course I would have loved to be P1 today.” (BBC Sport)

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2026

Limacol Women’s CPL…

Henry heroics snatch victory from GAW Women

Realeanna Grimmond hit a valuable 45

then produced the moment hinelle Henry of magic, smashing backpulled off a to-back sixes to seal a stunning remarkable victory last-ball heist and cap a contest that at Kensington swung from one side Oval, powerto the oth- e r ing Jamaica Empress to a nail-biting one-wicket victory over Guyana A m a z o n W a r r i o r s (GAW) in their Limacol Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) debut. Chinelle Henry slammed Needing 17 runs three sixes in the final over from the final over with to get her side over the line Henry well set and just three wickets in hand, the Empress found themselves staring down the barrel. With the match hanging in the balance, the drama intensified as two wickets fell via run-outs, with the Empress desperate to score off Warriors Captain Chloe Tryon while keeping Henry on strike. Eight runs were still required from the final two deliveries. Henry

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Stafanie Taylor had the prized wicket of Shemaine Campbelle

throughout the game. Earlier, the Warriors were sent in and endured a subdued power play, losing two wickets while scoring just 19 runs. Experienced campaigner Shemaine Campbelle and opener Realeanna Grimmond then steadied the innings in emphatic fashion, combining for 97 runs from 63 balls for the third wicket. The pair appeared completely untroubled as they attacked the bowling, but their partnership was finally broken by a spectacular one-handed catch from Zaida James, who sent Grimmond back for 45 from 46 balls. Campbelle continued to drive the innings for-

SCOREBOARD

Guyana Amazon Warriors Women (20 ovs maximum) Realeanna Grimmond c Zaida James b Mlaba 45 Tazmin Brits b Mair 1 Eboni Brathwaite c Zaida James b Henry 3 Shemaine Campbelle † c Henry b Taylor 56 Chloe Tryon (c) not out 21 Nadine de Klerk run out (†Williams) 2 Erin Burns c Bryce b Taylor 2 Shabnim Ismail c Zaida James b Mlaba 1 Sheneta Grimmond not out 1 Extras (lb 4, nb 1, w 1) 6 Total 20 Ov (RR: 6.90) 138/7 Did not bat: Ashmini Munisar, Shamilia Connell Fall of wickets: 1-3 (Tazmin Brits, 2.4 ov), 2-7 (Eboni Brathwaite, 4.4 ov), 3-104 (Realeanna Grimmond, 14.5 ov), 4-112 (Shemaine Campbelle, 15.5 ov), 5-114 (Nadine de Klerk, 16.2 ov), 6-123 (Erin Burns, 17.6 ov), 7-126 (Shabnim Ismail, 18.5 ov) Bowling O-M-R-W Rosemary Mair 4-0-19-1 Chinelle Henry 4-0-28-1 Nonkululeko Mlaba 4-0-15-2 Aaliyah Alleyne 2-0-27-0 Syeda Aroob Shah 2-0-21-0 Stafanie Taylor 4-0-24-2

Jamaica Empress Women (T: 132 runs from 19 ovs) Rashada Williams † c Ismail b Burns 31 Meg Lanning c SS Grimmond b Tryon 31 Djenaba Joseph c Brits b Burns 19 Stafanie Taylor (c) run out (Tryon/SS Grimmond) 1 Chinelle Henry not out 41 Abigail Bryce c Connell b Ismail 2 Aaliyah Alleyne c Tryon b de Klerk 0 Zaida James c & b Ismail 0 Rosemary Mair run out (Brits/Tryon) 0 Syeda Aroob Shah run out (de Klerk/Tryon) 0 Nonkululeko Mlaba not out 0 Extras (lb 1, w 10) 11 Total 19 Ov (RR: 7.15) 136/9 Fall of wickets: 1-48 (Meg Lanning, 4.6 ov), 2-88 (Rashada Williams, 11.3 ov), 3-89 (Stafanie Taylor, 12.3 ov), 4-94 (Djenaba Joseph, 13.1 ov), 5-98 (Abigail Bryce, 15.5 ov), 6-104 (Aaliyah Alleyne, 16.5 ov), 7-115 (Zaida James, 17.6 ov), 8-117 (Rosemary Mair, 18.1 ov), 9-124 (Syeda Aroob Shah, 18.3 ov) Bowling O-M-R-W Shamilia Connell 2-0-22-0 Shabnim Ismail 4-0-29-2 Sheneta Grimmond 3-0-13-0 Chloe Tryon 4-0-39-1 Nadine de Klerk 2-0-15-1 Ashmini Munisar 2-0-14-0 Erin Burns 2-0-3-2

momentum alongside the lower order, finishing unbeaten on 21 from 16 balls. But the Warriors lost their final five wickets for just 22 runs, closing on 138 for 7 and giving the Empress the advantage at the interval. Meg Lanning wasted little time putting the chase on track, racing to 31 from 21 balls with five boundaries. When she was dismissed at the end of the fifth over with the score on 48 for 1, the Empress appeared firmly in control. But the Warriors refused to surrender. A brief rain delay reduced the

game to a 19-over chase and either side of this the Warriors produced a stunning fightback in the middle overs, claiming five wickets for just 16 runs to turn the contest into a tense finish. With the Empress wobbling, Henry took matters into her own hands. The powerful lefthander launched four sixes in a match-winning unbeaten 41 from just 21 balls, ultimately dragging Jamaica over the line in spectacular fashion. Erin Burns and Shabnim Ismail were the Warriors’ leading wicket-takers, claiming two wicke t s apiece, but it w a s Henry who had the final say as the Empress snatched victory with Shemaine Campbelle the very smashed a half-century last ball.

Lopez stars as Barcelona put 5 past Valencia

Fermin Lopez scored his fourth goal of the season for Barcelona

ward, bringi n g up her second W C P L half-century. However, she was dismissed shortly afterwards for a team-high 56 from just 33 deliveries. The two quick wickets triggered a collapse, with Empress Captain Stafanie Taylor and left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba combining to claim two wickets apiece. The Warriors slipped from 104 for 2 to 114 for 5, losing three wickets for just 10 runs in eight deliveries. New Warriors Captain Tryon tried to restore some

arcelona maintained their perfect start to the season with a rampant 5-0 win against bottom-placed Valencia. Hansi Flick’s side broke the deadlock after just five minutes when Lamine Yamal ran in behind the Valencia defence and converted a perfectly-weighted through ball from Fermin Lopez. Lopez doubled the lead when he rifled Anthony Gordon’s lay-off into the bottom left corner of Stole Dimitrievski’s goal. It was Lopez’s fourth goal and Gordon’s fourth assist in as many matches this season. Barcelona began the second half as ferociously as the first when Raphinha tapped in his sixth goal of the season. Lopez, Barcelona’s best player on the afternoon, sprinted the length of the attacking half to set up the former Leeds winger for his 50th goal in the Spanish top

flight. Midfielder Pedri combined with Dani Olmo for a one-two and neatly slotted home to score Barca’s fourth, before Olmo slithered between Valencia midfielders to slip Lamine Yamal through for his fourth goal of the campaign. The match at the famous Mestalla stadium saw debuts for former Premier League players Harvey Elliot and Gabriel Jesus, who both appeared as second-half substitutes. It was Rodri’s first start for Barcelona since his 65 million move from Manchester City. Barcelona capitalised on Real Madrid’s shock loss to Real Betis on Friday and now sit three points clear at the top of La Liga. The Catalan side have scored 17 goals in four matches this season, conceding just two. Valencia have earned just one point and scored one goal in four matches this

season. There were signs of unrest from the home support, most notably a planned protest which saw a section of Valencia fans delay their entry to the stadium before flooding to their seats in the 19th minute. This is in reference to 1919, the year the club was founded. Barcelona now turn their attention to the Champions League when they host Feyenoord on Wednesday in the first group stage match of the campaign. Up next for Valenica is a trip to Sevilla on Friday. (BBC Sport)

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2026

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“Warrior Nation” brave sunshine as GAW go 6-in-6

Blistering sunshine and hot conditions were not a hindrance for the Guyana Amazon Warriors’ dedicated fanbase on Sunday afternoon as they, once again, turned up in their thousands at the Guyana National Stadium for the home franchise’s sixth match. Their encouraging cheers, matching outfits and intimidating presence to the opposition were richly rewarded as the Amazon Warriors put on a show to maintain their unbeaten record

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2026

Sport is no longer our game, it’s our business

Nabi, Shepherd bowl Amazon Warriors into CPL playoffs Holder caught at deep midwicket for 7 off 13 deliveries while Wanindu Hasaranga had his stumps rattled for 4. In contrast to the wickets falling all around him, Alick Athanaze appeared to be playing in different conditions, operating from a place of comfort. Athanaze dispatched the likes of Tahir, Joseph and Shepherd over the ropes for the rare boundary. The hope of the Patriots came and went in that time, Dasun Shanaka only able to pitch in a run- a-ball 20 before offering Shepherd his third scalp of the afternoon. Switching ends, Nabi again roughed up the visitors w i t h a dou-

from 3 overs. A calm chase from the hosts followed as they closed out their sixth consecutive win this season. Gurbaz was the only man feeling any sense of urgency, hitting five fours and two sixes in his brisk 39 off 25 deliveries. His party was ended, however, with the introduction of Hasaranga, who rattled the Afghan international’s stumps after he tried to play across Mohammad Nabi picked the line. up a four-for in what is

likely his last match of the 2026 season with GAW

Rahmanullah Gurbaz gave the Amazon Warriors a brisk start

he Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) have secured their spot in the 2026 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) early, following a comfortable seven-wicket victory over the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on Sunday after-

Romario Shepherd’s promotion to the power play proved valuable for the

noon. I t was hot and sweltering at Providence, but the hosts were unfazed, snapping the Patriots’ previous good run of form. After winning the toss and curiously electing to bat first, Kyle Mayers started

confidently for the Patriots, hitting three fours and one six in a 34-run first-wicket partnership.

Romario Shepherd was the man with the breakthrough, responding well to being hit over the long-off boundary for a maximum by Mayers. The very next delivery, Mayers had his off stump sent cartwheeling by the Berbician, as he departed for 20 off 12 deliveries. Shamar Joseph came in breathing fire from the next end, indicated by the 143.3 kilometre-per-hour delivery he served up at the start of the over. An early opportunity came two balls later as a slim edge off Andre Fletcher’s bat zipped past Rahmanullah Gurbaz at slip. Gurbaz though, not being tall enough, could not get hand to it as he leapt to his left. Joseph finally got his re-

ward on the last ball of the over. Fletcher, unable to get Joseph away, finally got bat onto ball, but could only loft it to Shimron Hetmyer at mid-off, who took a comfortable catch. Shepherd was dealing in stumps, rocking back Johnson Charles’ middle stump for 13 off 15 balls in the ensuing wicket maiden. The Guyana Amazon Warriors were well on their way. The spinners came to the party soon after and between Captain Imran Tahir and Mohammad Nabi, the runs slowed for the Patriots. Nabi struck gold in the ninth over and again in the 11th, having Jason

Navin Bidaisee made the GAW batters uncomfortable at times (CPLT20 photos)

ble-wicket strike in the 18th over. However, local boy Ashmead Nedd avoided the hattrick ball. A t h a n a z e brought up his half-century in the 19th over, dispatching Dwaine Pretorius over the long-on boundary to bring up his second C P L fifty. Athanaze slammed four sixes and two fours in his 52 off 39 deliveries, but could not press on, going for the scoop in the 20th over, but only getting it as far as Shai Hope’s gloves behind the stumps. The Patriots ended on a meagre 128 all-out in 19.3 overs. Nabi was the pick of the Amazon Warriors bowlers, claiming 4-17 from 4 while Shepherd picked up 3-16

Mavendra Dindyal tried to pick up where Gurbaz left off, clearing the boundary twice, but a forward shot off Navin Bidaisee’s bowling had just enough air time for the bowler to take the catch, sending the young Guyanese

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batsman back for 17 off 16 deliveries. Hetmyer’s stay was brief, b u t

Hope p u t up his hand after, joining with Nabi for a 54-run partnership that would see the Amazon Warriors over the line in 18.3 overs. Hope ended on an unbeaten 38 from 44 deliveries while Nabi was also unbeaten on 25. Bidaisee was the pick of the Patriots bowlers, snaring 2-20 from 4 overs.

SCOREBOARD

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots (20 ovs maximum) Johnson Charles b Shepherd 13 Kyle Mayers b Shepherd 20 Andre Fletcher † c Hetmyer b Joseph 4 Alick Athanaze c †Hope b Joseph 52 Jason Holder (c) c Rahmanullah Gurbaz b Mohammad Nabi 7 Wanindu Hasaranga b Mohammad Nabi 4 Dasun Shanaka c Dindyal b Shepherd 20 Navin Bidaisee b Mohammad Nabi 1 Jeremiah Louis c & b Mohammad Nabi 0 Ashmead Nedd b Pretorius 1 Naseem Shah not out 1 Extras (lb 3, nb 1, w 1) 5 Total 19.2 Ov (RR: 6.62) 128 Fall of wickets: 1-34 (Kyle Mayers, 3.5 ov), 2-39 (Andre Fletcher, 4.6 ov), 3-39 (Johnson Charles, 5.2 ov), 4-56 (Jason Holder, 8.5 ov), 5-64 (Wanindu Hasaranga, 10.6 ov), 6-109 (Dasun Shanaka, 16.4 ov), 7-114 (Navin Bidaisee, 17.4 ov), 8-114 (Jeremiah Louis, 17.5 ov), 9-115 (Ashmead Nedd, 18.1 ov), 10-128 (Alick Athanaze, 19.2 ov) Bowling O-M-R-W Dwaine Pretorius 3-0-28-1

Khary Pierre Romario Shepherd Shamar Joseph Imran Tahir Mohammad Nabi

2-0-16-0 3-1-16-3 3.2-0-22-2 4-0-26-0 4-0-17-4

Guyana Amazon Warriors (T: 129 runs from 20 ovs) Rahmanullah Gurbaz b Hasaranga 39 Mavendra Dindyal c & b Bidaisee 17 Shai Hope † not out 38 Shimron Hetmyer c Holder b Bidaisee 1 Mohammad Nabi not out 25 Extras (b 4, lb 1, w 7) 12 Total 18.3 Ov (RR: 7.13) 132/3 Did not bat: Quentin Sampson, Romario Shepherd, Dwaine Pretorius, Khary Pierre, Shamar Joseph, Imran Tahir (c) Fall of wickets: 1-58 (Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 5.3 ov), 2-74 (Mavendra Dindyal, 8.3 ov), 3-78 (Shimron Hetmyer, 10.3 ov) Bowling O-M-R-W Ashmead Nedd 4-0-23-0 Jason Holder 2-0-31-0 Naseem Shah 3-0-15-0 Wanindu Hasaranga 4-0-23-1 Navin Bidaisee 4-0-20-2 Jeremiah Louis 1.3-0-15-0

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