India-Guyana bond celebrated through Ramleela, Ravan Dahan in Georgetown
Stewartville teen killed in alleged cutlass attack – stepfather in custody
Trio charged after Freeman Street family dispute escalates into violence “Awareness with action can lead to cure,” says UK High Commissioner …as GCF hosts tree-wrapping ceremony
of threatening 12-year-old granted
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Sunday, October 5 – 15:30h–16:30h and 18:30–19:30, and Monday, October 6 –03:55h–05:25h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Sunday, October 5 – 15:00h–16:30h and Monday, October 6 – 15:30h–17:00h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times –05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily
WEATHER TODAY
Cloud coverage followed by midday thundery storms and afternoon sunny skies are expected during the day, and clear skies are expected at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius.
Winds: East North-Easterly to Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.
High Tide: 15:24h reaching a maximum height of 2.70 metres.
Low Tide: 08:58h and 21:18h reaching minimum heights of 0.55 metre and 0.46 metre.
OCTOBER 5,
“Your jobs are secured” –President Ali says DHB staff to be offered new opportunities
– as Govt prepares to open modern bridge
resident Dr Irfaan
Ali on Saturday assured workers of the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) that they have no reason to worry about their future, as the Government transitions from the old floating bridge to the new state-of-the-art, cable-stayed Demerara River Bridge.
Speaking directly to the staff, the President gave a firm commitment that no one will be displaced, their benefits will remain intact, and that new opportunities for growth are already being prepared.
“I do not want you to believe that this new bridge displaces your work or your contribution,” the President said. “Your contribution to the development of this country, to the Ministry of Public Works, and to the upkeep of our bridges will continue unbroken. Not a single one of you has to worry about your placement or the security of your job.”
He assured workers that all their benefits and salaries will be preserved and that the Government’s human resources team will be conducting a full skills assessment to identify and match staff with new roles and training opportunities.
“I came here this morning to say thank you,” President Ali told the workers. “Thank you to all those who laboured for decades to keep this old bridge going – to the engineers, welders, divers, toll clerks, technicians, and everyone who ensured the people of Guyana could cross safely every single day. That was no ordinary task.”
The Head of State praised the staff for their dedication to maintaining what he described as one of the most important pieces of national infrastructure. He emphasised that their years of service have played a vital role
“You know this: your jobs are secured, your service is secured, your time is secured, and the opportunities ahead of you will be as any other contributor in the Ministry. And some of you, based on your skill set, will be even offered other opportunities that are even better than the ones you have today. So we have an HR team that will be assessing also all of the skill sets to offer you those uplifting opportunities – because we want you not only to stay where you are but also to continue to grow.
Once again, to the management and the staff, I want to thank you sincerely. I want-
the opportunities ahead of you will grow with the country,” the President reiterated.
The President also highlighted the expanding role of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC) in supporting national development, pointing out that it is being transformed into a multi-faceted infrastructure entity that will handle technical, accounting, auditing, and maintenance functions for several new projects.
As part of the transition, the Government is finalising plans for the relocation and possible repurposing of the existing DHB, while
in Guyana’s growth and connectivity, particularly between the East and West Banks of Demerara.
ed to do this myself,” he explained.
“Your service will continue, your time is secured, and
the new bridge’s operations and maintenance structure are being set up to ensure a smooth handover.
President Dr Irfaan Ali speaking to the DHB workers Saturday
Today the spanking new, iconic US$262M Demerara Harbour Bridge will be inaugurated by President Irfaan Ali. It should be seen as one aspect – albeit an outsized one – of the PPP/C’s focus on transportation infrastructure, which is widely accepted as a threshold developmental initiative that is critical for sustainable long-term prosperity for any nation. After all, the movement of goods and services is essential for economic growth. Without transportation, there would be no mass production, no economies of scale, and nothing would be accessible outside of what could be grown or produced in the local marketplace. Transportation allows equilibrium of supply and demand at a higher level. A company can produce the most desired product in the world, but if it doesn’t get to market, it won’t benefit the consumer, and it won’t generate revenue.
Because of the happenstance of climate and geography, we are a “land of many waters” on the Guiana Shield, with the waters flowing in creeks and rivers that criss-cross our 83,000 square miles generally from our interior into the Atlantic Ocean. While these rivers might have facilitated the movement of early settlers inside the country for taking labour and supplies for their farming and mining endeavours and for the gold and agricultural produce to the coastal harbours, they proved to be barriers when they needed to be crossed. This was especially true on the coastland, which was the last to be settled since the mouths of the rivers and creeks are widest at the point of confluence with the Atlantic.
The first roads on the coastland followed the Atlantic Ocean, and they had to be constructed and maintained by the plantations that abutted it going inland. Government ferries at the intersection of these roads and rivers transported people and goods across the rivers while bridges were constructed over creeks. The floating Demerara Harbour Bridge, built in 1978 by the PNC Government, was conceded by all to have long exceeded its promised 25-year lifespan. Sections of the purported “longest floating bridge in the world” were floating down the river long before the PNC Government demitted office in 1992. In the 33 years since, it was only through an expensive, rigorous, continuous retrofitting and maintenance schedule by the PPP/C Government that kept it afloat and viable.
In 2013, a pre-feasibility study done by a local team assembled by the PPP/C administration had recommended a fixed, high-level four-lane concrete structure to replace the floating structure. But when the PNC/APNU/AFC coalition took office, this was shelved, and they proposed a low-level, threelane structure, of which a portion would have to be hydraulically lifted to allow passage to ocean-going ships. Since one of the biggest bugbears of commuters across the structure was that their lives were governed by its “openings and closings”, the Government would have summarily dismissed this objection. The design was “sole sourced” rather than “competitively bid for” to a company, LIEVENSE CSO, for US$250,000. It had to be soon abandoned, however, when it was even mocked by the Chinese Ambassador, who was forced to diplomatically remark it was backward.
Be that as it may, the new DHB is now complete and should not only reprieve the millions of man-hours lost by the occupants of the 13,000 vehicles that now cross the Demerara River daily through the interminable delays but should also permit ships to ply the river 24/7 under its high span. With the “West Side” developing by leaps and bounds, agriculturally and manufacturing-wise, the transportation of goods will become more efficient at relatively lower costs. This will have a feedback effect for companies since they would be able to ship their merchandise to export locations and on to international markets much easier. The ease or difficulty with which companies can transport goods within Guyana can affect their competitiveness in global trade, which is needed for us to generate foreign exchange to develop our country.
The Government has already announced that construction of a similar fixed-span bridge across the Berbice River will start imminently.
The City Hall Restoration Project, said to have begun in 2021, is reported to be in its final stages. The Georgetown City Hall is an iconic landmark in the city and an example of one of Guyana’s finest architectural buildings Its restoration marks an important achievement in preserving our national heritage amid the country’s modernisation development
Subryanville and Farnum Community Ground – Abuse of power
Dear Editor,
This concerns the ongoing matter of the Mayor & City Council (M&CC) purporting to give permission since March 2025 to David Sugrim as “Owner” of Mae’s Schools to “use the Farnum Ground” for one year.
This happened shortly after the fire of a wooden and concrete building which was uninsured and on 3 lots of land.
The Farnum Playfield is an open green grass community ground located in the residential area of Subryanville, Georgetown. The permission is vague. It did not identify the details of the “use”. It did not define the area of usage of the ground consisting of 24 lots. No reasons were given for the permission.
The Mayor and 2 City Councillors admitted on 9th September 2025 that:
1. There was no consultation of residents before giving permission to use Farnum Ground;
2. There was no written application by David Sugrim seeking permission to use Farnum;
3. The permission was for temporary tents and did not include prefab structures.
Permission was given to David Sugrim as owner of Mae’s Schools. However, he does not have any valid business or corporate registration in his name for Mae’s Schools, and secondly, the
transports for properties of the burnt school are not in his name.
Prefabricated buildings
In or around late August 2025, construction commenced using almost half of the playfield. The green grass was removed and replaced with sand, concrete steel columns, prefab structures and building materials. Welding was used. Heavy-duty trucks and other vehicles drive freely across the ground even while the schools are in session.
Despite being told no permission was granted for prefab buildings, Mr Sugrim continued the buildings. Mae’s Schools are privately owned. They consist of four categories of fee-paying schools. If, as reported, 2000 students attend the four schools, it follows that the owners are in receipt of fees for profit for classes during school hours in addition to lessons. Mr Sugrim completed the one storey of the prefab structures and is in the process of adding a second storey.
Regulatory agencies
In the meantime, the M&CC have delayed their statutory meeting to October 13, 2025, to discuss what action to take, challenging residents to take the matter to court. The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) and the Ministries of
Housing & Water, Education, Public Works (Electrical) and Labour have not responded to enquiries from residents concerning breaches; whether approval was given for prefab structures; whether Mae’s Schools were licensed for 2024 and 2025; whether they are satisfied with children being on an active construction site with materials strewn all over and with vehicles driving on the ground; whether the electrical supply and hanging wires attached to a tree have been approved; and whether all health and safety standards are observed.
Time for Reset – New Residential Building on Third Avenue, Subryanville
The second aspect is the regulatory roles of M&CC and CHPA and the grant of building permits. On one of the three burnt lots, the damaged concrete three-storey building was fixed and is being used by the children. The front wall of this building extends right on the front boundary of the land, leaving no space for a fence. The back of the building has structures that extend up to the back fence of adjoining neighbours. The side of the building is just a few feet away from an adjoining neighbour.
This is in breach of the by-laws of the Municipal District and Councils Act. There are no parking facilities within the property and
no substantial open space.
It appears that M&CC and CHPA have now received a plan for a six-storey building which is undated. Residents have requested from CHPA, the mayor and relevant bodies to be informed and consulted before any application is considered. Residents have not been informed.
The main issue that the M&CC, City Engineer, CHPA, Ministry of Education, and Environmental Agency must consider is that Subryanville is a residential community with restrictive covenants listed on the transports, stating that no business must be carried on. It would be difficult to argue that four categories of schools for private fee-paying are not four businesses.
The effects of businesses, be they schools, hotels or other businesses, which involve the presence of a large number of persons in a small residential community, include the creation of vehicular chaos, inconsiderate parking, blocking of driveways, entrances and access roads, littering, noise nuisance, creation of one-way streets and extension of buildings which obstruct the line of sight, increasing foreseeable dangers of accidents of vehicles and pedestrians exiting onto the main road, as happened to the writer herein.
(Photo credit: Pt Ubraj Narine)
The nit-picking and rumour-mongering continue
Dear Editor,
They go to great lengths to highlight an occasional crack in the road or to explain why a blackout occurred; it is the preoccupation of the opposition and its acolyte media personnel. They desperately crave attention with their nit-picking – like a broken record, they keep repeating the
narrative over and over again.
However, they would never stop to give a sensible explanation as to the source of the troubles that they speak about, because if they do, the finger would automatically turn inwards on them, but they persist.
The most recent of their empty rhetoric is the
statements made by the Government as regards a cash grant pay-out to citizens of this country. They are contrasting the campaign promise made by Prime Minister Phillips and by the President against the statement made by the natural resource Minister as diametrically opposed to each other. The truth of the matter
Road/land ownership
Dear Editor,
It is with much interest that I learnt that there will be a road link from Wales on the West Bank of Demerara to Sand Hills, also on the West Bank, and beyond. Also, that the road from Timehri via Alliance and beyond on the East Bank of Demerara reaches opposite to Sand Hills. Hence, part of the old Demerara Floating Bridge will be used to bridge the two banks.
This is great news, especially for people who have been removed from the riverine villages between Wales and Sand Hills. To name a few: Princess Carolina, Hermanstein, La Harmonie and others. These were farming villages that had been abandoned by the generation after the farmers.
Most of the lands that were owned by the farmers are now owned by their offspring. There are a few cases where the farmer divided the plot of land to his children, but
because the transport documents were submitted to the surveyor (?) and not returned, the divided portion could not be processed for the beneficiaries to be legally entitled.
There are quite a few cases of land issues, not disputed cases, where these offspring that would have inherited a portion of land have no document to show.
I am one of the aggrieved inheritors who accompanied my father when the transport document was submitted. I was about fourteen years old then; now I am in my early seventies.
Like others who left the old village, I am wondering what the outcome would be when the proposed road is passed through the village.
Some time ago, an open letter was sent to the newspapers with a plea to the Ministry of Legal Affairs to arrange a meeting with the aggrieved citizens. A meeting where solutions can be sought
and steps can be taken to alleviate the troubling and daunting matter. No one in the relevant government service seemed to bother with some nobodies, or so it seemed.
A legal outreach with the people from the Legal Ministry and people from Region Three who have land issues would be a great beginning to a solution.
Many times during chance meetings between and among aggrieved people, indications are they tend to lose interest and hope in their land matter.
We are small people, poor people with little or no connection to anyone BIG. This also added to our frustration, as when one attempts to see a private lawyer, the fees start from the reception desk.
I am sure that with a compassionate and caring government, our matter will be given some needed attention.
Yours sincerely, R Udho
Subryanville and Farnum
Before building permits are granted for the remaining two lots on Third Avenue, Subryanville, it is imperative that the M&CC and the City Engineer carry out their statutory duties and ensure the Georgetown Building and Planning laws are complied with; CHPA must adhere to the fact that Subryanville is zoned residential with restrictive title covenants. There must be compliance with bylaws on boundaries and other matters. The rights of residents and the need to maintain the value of their properties must not be cast aside and ignored.
Questions for the authorities
1. What is the basis of Mr Sugrim’s power to continue to build the prefab structures and add a second storey despite being expressly told by the mayor that no permission was given for the construction of prefab buildings?
2. Why is it that after a month’s notice, the regulatory bodies, M&CC, the City Engineer and the CHPA have failed to stop the construction of the prefab structures on Farnum’s community ground?
3. Why are all Governmental agencies non-responsive to the enquiries of residents who are affected and who have been financially maintaining and weeding Farnum Ground for years?
4. Has anyone approved the two-storey prefab structures, the occupancy, the health, fire safety and sanitation protocols, as well as the environmental effects on the children of the different levels of schools being all together? Given that the structures are air-conditioned, was approval given for the increased electrical load in a residential community and the effect of emissions from so many ACs?
5. Did the owners of the private schools and those concerned with the welfare of children explore any alternative accommodation, including the advertised Mae’s Schools Extension at Farm?
6. With regard to the Third Avenue property, did M&CC, the city engineer and CHPA grant approval to construct the three-storey concrete building in its present form or for additional storeys? If yes, for what purpose, and what are the reasons for ignoring the bylaws concerning boundaries?
The above breaches are not isolated. It is concerning how building and other laws can be breached and how the regulatory authorities can neglect their duties and obligations with impunity, all to the detriment of citizens.
The view that laws can be breached, that there is an entitlement to treat community open green space as private property for personal use or as an extension of profit-mak-
is, they are not opposites.
What the President and Prime Minister said are factual statements: that citizens will be the recipients of a cash grant, the exact amount of which will be announced shortly. Now, the seemingly contrasting statement made by Minister Vickram Bharrat is also a factual statement which should be taken in context; that is, we would not be lulled into a sense of dependency or one in which Guyana becomes a welfare state; that will not happen!
Citizens must realise that the PPP/C promotes development and progressive-thinking people and not the indolence and crass laziness that some envision.
Some in society behave as if everybody, especially the Government, owes them
something, and the culture of hard work and developmental ideals is not part of their psyche. Well, I am happy to disappoint by telling these persons that they will be left behind while the rest of our One Guyana moves into the future.
I have written extensively on this subject of being dependent on handouts, wherein I highlighted the pitfalls of such an outlook: we just have to review the fortunes of sister Caricom country Trinidad and learn from their mistakes. At the height of the oil boom, Trinidad instituted a welfare plan of Cost-ofLiving Allowance (COLA).
The sums that citizens earned from COLA were significant, in that they could have taken care of a household and a “Jabal” at the side comfortably. Of course, many jumped
on it with gusto, especially men of a certain ethnicity who left their jobs just to live on COLA.
I say we must run away from that train of thought. Guyanese cannot, and I repeat, cannot develop themselves solely on the help of handouts. We must develop the attitude of progressive thinking and progressive upward living.
Simply put, both statements are in order: yes, we will be given cash grants; however, we will not, I repeat again, we will not be lulled into a dependency syndrome.
In conclusion, Guyana is on an upward trajectory, and all of us will be part of that grand movement.
Yours sincerely, Neil Adams
Remembering Sidnauth Singh
Dear Editor, Invariably, when one learns of the death of an exceptional public figure such as the late Sidnauth Singh (known generally as Sidnauth), there is that duality of mortality and profundity – valued in human terms.
Almost certainly, future histories of Guyanese who have contributed immensely to the struggle for independence will find it necessary to place Sidnauth on the pantheon of Renaissance and Culture.
...
FROM PAGE 4
ing businesses, must be put to rest. A community ground or similar open space must not be used to support businesses on a permanent basis, whether for parking, to build structures or to be used for paid services, to the prejudice of citizens.
Is the use and abuse of power, the inaction and the silence due to neglect of duty, implied approval, poor governance, reluctance to act against powerful interests or administrative inaction?
Whatever the reason, it undermines credibility, trust and independence, not to mention [underscores] the perception of bias, corruption and selective enforcement.
It also sets a precedent for breaches by others. This blatant disregard of laws is compounded when the said M&CC, CHPA and relevant bodies refuse to disclose information and documents to residents, displaying a lack of transparency.
The conversion of green space is contrary to the Presidents’ stated policy of biodiversity, promoting and developing green spaces. It is encouraging that he has recently reiterated this policy.
It is time for a RESET. Past illegal conduct cannot be used as a precedent. Previous wrongs must be corrected.
Yours sincerely, Jamela
Ali
(Creighton, Al, Prashad, Vijay, Carter, Martin, and Márquez, Gabriel García)
One of the attributes he most likely cultivated from his association with other modern educationalists and organic intellectuals was his ability to transcend obstacles one would expect to encounter in any post-colonial underdeveloped society.
For example, under this mentorship, Annandale Secondary School became the ramparts of the village community. Additionally, the village extended to exemplify, for want of a better term, a veritable peace centre.
Annandale itself, with its peripheral Lusignan/Buxton communities, provided literally hundreds of cadres with access to opportunities supportive of transformation and human upliftment. Holiday observations, the People’s Progressive Party delegates’ congress, and regional conferences, as well as fundraisers, featured prominently in terms of school designation and transfer options, as well as parent-teachers association activities.
These were all part of Sidnauth’s vocational and organisational vision as a progressive intellectual.
Listening to him articulate the aims and objectives of the Guyana Friendship Association itself was an educational experience; did he memorise these details?
Détente and Guyana
One aspect of his summaries was an understanding of
the need to analyse critical, international agreements as these became strategic at the level of nuclear arms control or, more broadly, the process of détente between the then Cold War major powers.
Often his advice proffered to young progressives and others – identified to travel to the then USSR for medical specialist support treatment and care – was invaluable.
Though not considered a gifted orator, Sidnauth Singh preferred to align his ideas as part of good guidance. Examples of how influential this approach would have been could be cited in terms of the ideological trust of working-class “executives”, such as the late EMG Wilson, Richard Bactawar, Darsan Omrow, and Sher Ally.
These intermediate working-class stalwarts would also include the late Albert Boodoo, Komal Chand, Feroze Mohammed, Faisal Khan,
Fazal Ally, Roger Luncheon, Odeen Ishmael, Navin Chanderpal, Premchand Dass, Dr Motilall, and David Westmaas, as well as Isack Bashir.
Others still with us would include Methulall Mangal (?), Neil Kumar, Dr Bheri Ramsaran, Harripersaud Nokta, Clement Rohee, Donald Ramotar, John Silas, and Eddi Rodney, to mention just these generational participants in the struggle for peaceful coexistence, free and fair elections, and a democratic society. Similar to others in his peer group, Sidnauth Singh strove to advance human development; he always would advise “Accabre” students to persevere in becoming knowledgeable in the 1917 Russian Revolution – and the historical significance this event implied for all humanity.
Yours sincerely, Lawrence Rodney
00:00 Sign Off 06:00 Cartoons 07:00 Evening News (RB) 08:00 TVG Devotional Hour 09:00 Indian Movie - Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015)
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Page Foundation
Have you ever played shadow puppets to make shadow pictures on the wall? When you do, your hand is stopping the light rays from the lamp from reaching the wall. X-ray images are a little like that.
Try putting a flashlight up against your hand and seeing how some light passes through the skin of your fingers.
Some light doesn’t shine through. That’s because some of the energy has been removed from the beam, and some has managed to make its way through your skin, and you can see it.
X-rays are like light rays, but the difference is that they can pass through more stuff. Skin and fat don’t block much of the energy in the x-ray beam. Muscle blocks more, but even more energy is blocked by bone, which is why you can see bones so clearly on x-rays.
An x-ray image (radiograph) shows shades of grey, which is just how much of the x-ray beam manages to get through your body. If the part is very dense (like bone), it
will come up white; if it is less dense (like your lungs), it will come up as a darker shade of grey.
Radiographers can control the amount and strength of the x-ray beam (just like you can make light dimmer or brighter) so that the body parts they want to see come up on the images.
X-rays are used in hospitals to help diagnose and treat many injuries and illnesses. Radiographers use x-ray images in the operating theatre to help guide the surgeons.
Issues that can show up on X-rays include:
• Arthritis.
• Broken bones.
• Bone changes or
abnormalities.
Herniated discs in your spine. Infections. Kidney stones. Scoliosis and other spine curvature conditions. Tooth cavities. Tumours.
While certain abnormalities can show up on X-rays, they don’t always. In other words, things like kidney stones and tumours aren’t always visible on an X-ray, even if they’re there.
Having too many x-ray scans can be dangerous. They can damage the cells in your body (which is why the radiographer leaves the room while you get your x-ray done). The amount of x-rays used for
each picture is tiny though, so if your doctor thinks you need an x-ray picture, don’t worry.
of a chest X-ray) or blend in with normal tissues.
Dentists use X-rays too! Dental X-rays are imag-
tive plate or film by X-rays, gamma rays, or similar radiation, and typically used in medical examination.
Sometimes the damage to cells is a good thing; a treatment called radiotherapy uses x-rays to kill bad cells (like cancer cells). X-rays can show cancer, but it’s not the primary way that providers look for or diagnose most cancers. This is because tumours in your organs can be small or hidden behind other structures in your body (like your ribs in the case
es of your teeth and jaws. Dentists use them to see parts inside that aren’t visible during a regular exam – like your jawbone, nerves, sinuses and tooth roots. A dental X-ray machine captures these images during your visit.
Dental X-rays help your dentist find a wide range of oral health issues, including:
Cavities, especially between teeth
Decay under existing fillings
Bone loss in your jaw
• Unerupted or impacted teeth
• Abscesses (infections at the tooth root or between gums and teeth)
• Cysts and some tumours
Dentists also use X-rays to determine if you’re a candidate for treatments like implants, braces or dentures. X-rays help track healing after procedures like bone grafts or root canals.
Glossary:
Radiographer: A person working in a hospital whose job is to take X-ray photographs to help with medical examinations.
Radiograph: An image produced on a sensi-
Radiotherapy: The treatment of disease, most commonly cancer, using X-rays or similar forms of radiation
Arthritis: A disease that causes one or more joints of the body to become painful and swollen.
Herniated disc: A painful condition caused when one of the discs between the bones of the spine in a person's back moves out of place.
Scoliosis: A condition that somebody is born with or that is caused by disease or injury in which the spine curves from side to side.
Tumours: A mass of cells growing in or on a part of the body where they should not, usually causing medical problems
Kidney stones: Hard objects made of minerals and salts in urine. They form inside the kidneys.
Cavities: Decayed parts of a tooth/teeth.
Abscesses: Swollen areas within body tissue, containing an accumulation of pus.
Cysts: Growths containing liquid that form in or on a person’s or an animal’s body and may need to be removed
(Adapted from theconversation.com, my.clevelandclinic.org)
Guyana, France deepen ties with establishment of French Embassy in G/town
Bilateral relations between Guyana and France have been strengthened with the opening of the French Embassy in Georgetown.
The official opening of the Embassy was commemorated with an inauguration ceremony on Lama Avenue on Friday evening. The new Embassy, which takes over from the French diplomatic office that opened in Georgetown in September 2023, makes France the first European Union country to have such a level of diplomatic representation in the country.
President Dr Irfaan Ali joined French officials for the commissioning, which he says is a proud moment that reflects the deepening partnership between Guyana and France.
“This decision [to establish an Embassy in Guyana] underscores the primary objectives of our countries, which are to strengthen our diplomatic partnership
said Guyana and France are united by the fundamental principle of respect for democracy, human rights, and each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
It is upon these shared values and mutual respect, President Ali noted, that Guyana and France have been able to move to transform their partnership into practical cooperation through new and structured engagements, building on the foundation for enhanced diplomatic presence and shared priorities.
He added that they have also taken a fourth step in formalising this cooperation through the Guyana-France joint working group.
“The joint working group serves as a platform for the coordination of our collaborative endeavours and for consistent progress in priority areas such as defence, infrastructure, technology, agriculture and tourism; the areas of cooperation between Guyana and France
the value of collaborating to develop joint strategies, enhance maritime surveillance capabilities and share intelligence to address emergent security threats.”
According to President Ali, this partnership presents an excellent oppor-
and create opportunities for closer connections between our economies and people… With the opening of the Embassy here in Guyana, we envision a deepening of mutual understanding and closer people-to-people ties through education and cultural exchange. The French language and cultural influence have long been present in our region, and we look forward to expanding academic and cultural exchanges between our two countries,” he stated.
According to the Head of State, the occasion reminds us of the rich history and culture that the two countries have shared, despite being geographically distant. He
will provide opportunities for knowledge sharing, capacity building and joint initiatives that can drive meaningful progress for both our nations.”
“Today, Guyana and France are actively engaged in matters of defence and security cooperation at both the bilateral and regional levels. This strategic partnership was developed in response to extant security challenges. Through the Guyanese Shield Strategic Dialogue, we’ve established an invaluable platform for addressing shared security concerns, including transnational threats that challenge our sovereignty and regional stability. We recognise
tunity to fortify regional security frameworks by leveraging Guyana’s strategic location in South America and France’s extensive international experience.
Turning his attention to climate change, the Guyanese leader noted that the Paris Agreement serves as a cornerstone for building climate-resilient nations through mitigation and adaptation strategies. He said Guyana’s vast rainforest, combined with France’s leadership in combating climate change, creates a powerful alliance.
Moreover, the Head of State pointed out that the establishment of the French Embassy in Georgetown
will create a link between Guyana and a wider Europe and lay the groundwork for broader cooperation, setting the stage for even greater collaboration in the years ahead.
For the opening of the Embassy, French Senator Cédric Perrin, Chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Armed Forces, led a delegation to Georgetown.
Previous discussions
On Friday prior to the opening of the Embassy, Senator Perrin and French Ambassador to Guyana Olivier Plançon were at the State House for discussions with Government officials aimed at advancing Guyana–France relations.
According to a statement from the President’s office, the meeting underscored the significance of the newly established French Embassy
in Georgetown. President Ali noted during the meeting that bilateral ties between the two countries have grown over the past five years, and he pointed to new areas of cooperation in tourism, trade, agriculture, defence, security, and energy. He added that the Embassy’s presence would serve as a platform to deepen strategic collaboration.
Senator Perrin was joined by Senators André Guiol and Olivier Cigolotti, Jeanne Mengotti from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Colonel Emmanuel Rigault, and other French officials. The delegation expressed appreciation for Guyana’s commitment to environmental protection and the hospitality shown during their visit.
Several Government Ministers attended the meeting, including Senior
Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance Dr Ashni Singh, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hugh Todd, and Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation Zulfikar Ally.
Meanwhile, earlier in the day, the delegation met with Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan, MSS, and senior officers of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) at Defence Headquarters. In a statement, the GDF said Brigadier Khan outlined key national and regional security concerns, including migration, drug trafficking, and other transnational challenges affecting the Guiana Shield. He stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation with France to address these issues, noting the long-standing security collaboration between the two countries.
Senator Perrin also reaffirmed France’s respect for Guyana’s sovereignty and reiterated support for the peaceful resolution of the border controversy with Venezuela before the International Court of Justice. Senator Cigolotti also highlighted the importance of closer collaboration, given the geographic proximity and shared strategic interests of Guyana and French Guiana. The visit comes as Guyana and France continue to expand diplomatic, security, and economic partnerships, with the Embassy in Georgetown expected to play a key role in supporting these efforts.
The President addresses the gathering at the opening of the French Embassy in Georgetown
President Dr Irfaan Ali joined officials for the opening of the French Embassy in Georgetown on Friday evening
A leader…
…for all seasons
There’s this criticism of leaders – such as Norton –that they’re “disconnected” from the people they’re supposed to be leading. Well, you can accuse President Ali of any number of things, but THAT ain’t ever gonna be one of them!! The man is here, there and everywhere, 24/7, mixing and mingling with the folks here and in the diaspora. Today, he’ll be walking across the New Demerara Harbour Bridge, leading thousands from all walks of life!!
He’s even broken the biggest barrier of all – the ethnic enclaves claimed by the Opposition as being their transported property!! Linden? Mocha? Golden Grove, Buxton? Been there, done that – and then some!! And we saw the results in the elections as Pressie leads the PPP to inexorably widen its base!! The “some” being all sorts of problems getting fixed and all sorts of initiatives launched to “bring Government to the people”!! Governments are chosen by the citizenry to serve their needs, but once in office the tables are usually turned. From the amount of bowing and scraping that goes on when ordinary folks meet those who’re now called “big ones”, you’d think the citizens had anointed them Kings of Kings!!
And to your Eyewitness, if nothing else, this will be President Ali’s biggest contribution to the political culture of Guyana. That Government officials have to be accessible to the citizen who put them into office!! They must EARN their respect by serving those people and not DEMANDING it because they’ve been given a title. The latter simply describes the job they’re supposed to be doing for the people. Minister of Social Services?? Well, just ensure that such services get delivered to the target group!! For instance, there shouldn’t be a single person on public assistance who doesn’t get their cheque every month. And from even a cursory walkabout, your Eyewitness knows that plenty such folks are falling through the cracks.
As your Eyewitness had complained before – he thinks it’s a positive step for the Minister of Home Affairs to’ve requested a halt to sirens and flashing lights for public officials’ private vehicles – much less private ones. From what we saw with Naga’s five years, those are simply used to emphasise how SPECIAL these officials are!! If there are traffic jams – let the officials experience them! And maybe they’d urge their colleagues in Public Works to fix bottlenecks more expeditiously!! It’s noteworthy that President Ali’s use of outriders and sirens is waaay below the mark set by Granger!!
While some perennial critics are complaining that Pressie’s “usurping” the position of his Ministers and local officials, they miss the point that the President’s forays wouldn’t have been necessary if those worthies had been doing their jobs!!
These officials – and Opposition – are getting dizzy!!
…in obesity
With the launch of a new US fast food joint – this time Wendy’s – your Eyewitness continues to be taken aback at the pace of new restaurants, cafes, grills, etc. being opened. Especially fast foods. Now, don’t get your Eyewitness wrong; he’s had (more than) his fair share of fast food!! So he can offer testimony as to their success in engineering their recipes to ensure you come back for more – and more and more…!!
The problem, however, is that in their foods’ “engineering”, most stuff we crave – apart from sugar –hits our taste buds when they’re dissolved in fats. Wendy’s Pretzel Bacon Pub Triple delivers a not-so-cool 1520 calories in one serving – which even beats KFC’s 1458-calorie Zinger Stacker Burger Box!! And imagine these chains encourage us to “supersize” everything – including sodas that are packed with sugar!!
Can you imagine what these foods gonna do to our obesity index – and their accompanying ailments such as diabetes and heart disease?? Ouch!!
…in trouble
Well, the Yanks hit another drug boat in the Caribbean Sea coming out of Venezuela, where Mad Maduro’s Cartel of the Sun has monopolised their drug trade. Won’t someone step up to collect that US$50 million bounty for the madman??
Democracy is now rooted in Guyana
T“Your jobs are secured...
oday being October 5th, it would be almost transgressive not to at least allude to the “return of democracy” on that date in 1992 after the four previous elections between 1968 and 1985 were massively rigged by the PNC, which they have never officially acknowledged. Since then, we have had seven elections that the PNC invariably disputed, sometimes violently, save the one they won in 2015. In the aftermath of the massive inroads into their traditional African-Guyanese base by WIN in the Sept 1st elections, they have continued to accuse the PPP/C of manipulating the results. They have sought to deny legitimacy to the PPP/C Government conferred by the Guyanese people according to the rules of democracy.
These rules go back to two issues raised in the colonial era when the question of democratic political participation arose –who were “the people”, and once selected, how were they to rule? On the first question, by the 19th century the British had stipulated that middle-class men were “the people”. However, there had to be a period of tutelage in the colonies so that governance could be exercised “responsibly” by us “natives”. So we note a long and painful process of the disenfranchised to win the vote against a determined rear guard action by the British to deny the same. In 1891, new constitution rules enabled the newly enfranchised and growing Coloured/African/Portuguese middle class to gradually outnumber the White planters in the Combined Court. In 1928, when the former demonstrated they had an agenda of their own, the British switched gears and imposed a Crown Colony form of Government where the Governor could effectively outvote the elected representatives. As late as 1947, only about ten percent of the population were counted as “the people”; after 1953, it became everyone over twenty-one, and finally, in 1968, it was changed to include everyone over eighteen.
A second problem arose when a country such as ours incorporated several “nationalities”, forming what would today be called “culturally plural societies”. JS Mill, for instance, speaking from a United Kingdom sure of its “British” national identity in spite of incorporating Scots, Welsh, Irish and English, pronounced definitively that democratic institutions were “next to impossible in a country made up of different nationalities”. There are undoubtedly numerous issues that the institutionalisation of democracy would pose for Guyana, the most important being the implications of our ethnic divisions for the question of who “the people” are to govern.
Majoritarian politics was born in the Greek city-states, but their direct method of voting had to be abandoned in favour of “representative democracy” due to the larger number of citizens and their wider geographical dispersion in countries like Britain that adopted democracy two millennia later. The representatives were supposed to “re-present” those who elected them.
A further innovation was introduced by the British to accommodate local sensitivities by ensuring that residents of “counties” selected their own representatives. This was a procedural basis of the “Westminster” system of democracy, where several candidates compete within a constituency for a seat in Parliament, and one of them could win with a plurality of the votes cast. Guyana practised the constituency system up to the 1961 elections, but in 1964, in a move to remove the PPP, the British imposed Proportional Representation (PR), where the entire country was one constituency and a majority PNC/UF coalition formed the new Government.
Another problem presented by our majoritarian democracy is that even if the party winning the elections were to obtain an absolute majority, why would the minority go along with the majority? The answer is that the minority should know it always has the opportunity of becoming the majority in elections – they simply have to persuade enough fellow citizens that their stance on critical issues coincides with theirs. An early challenge to this “valency politics” was when our ethnic groups voted as blocks, and Indian Guyanese formed a near majority to raise fears of a “tyranny of a majority”.
However, we have become a confirmed nation of minorities since the 2012 census, and to agglomerate a majority of votes, parties have to run on and execute platforms that attract votes from all constituencies. Racial/ethnic exhortations on voting became non-rational. A new fluidity entered Guyanese politics since the 2011 elections, and this reached new heights in the Sept 1st elections after the PPP/C practised and WIN preached this new politics while the PNC vacillated. Democracy has finally taken root in Guyana.
“Thank you to the dedicated team of the Demerara Harbour Bridge for their commitment, resilience, and professionalism through the years. As we transition to the new Demerara River Bridge, your service to the people of Guyana will continue with purpose and pride,” the President later posted on his social media page.
“Safe and ready”
The highly anticipated new Demerara River Bridge was recently declared “safe and ready” for public use after clearing a series of load testing exercises, which showed that the structural integrity of the fixed-high span, cable-stayed bridge exceeded required specifications.
Load testing commenced on September 15 on the western approach of the bridge. The eastern side was tested the following day, and the 50-metre-high span cable-stayed section on September 25. During this process, 20 fully loaded trucks, each weighing 40 tonnes, were utilised to complete eight distinct loading scenarios to ensure that the cables can bear the weight and that all dimensions meet international requirements.
The grand opening ceremony for the new US$262 million Demerara River Bridge will take place to-
day at 17:30h at the abutment of the eastern end of the bridge, and members of the public are advised to wear comfortable shoes for the walk.
The much-anticipated superstructure is constructed to facilitate the continuous flow of vessel and vehicle traffic, which will boost the transportation of products and services throughout the nation, drastically cut down on travel time and improve connectivity between Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Four (Mahaica-Berbice).
This landmark project,
launched in 2022, forms part of the Government’s wider vision of national transformation.
The new four-lane, 2.6-kilometre (km) bridge stretches from Nandy Park on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) to La Grange on the West Bank of Demerara (WBD).
With a fixed-high span of 50 metres (m), it will allow Handymax vessels to pass unobstructed beneath. The bridge is designed with a lifespan of 100 years and will operate toll-free, 24/7, with a maximum speed limit of 80 km/h. Its design will
also feature the Cacique Crown of Honour (CCH), the country’s second-highest national award.
The bridge will replace the ageing Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB), a floating structure that has long struggled with congestion and frequent closures. The DHB will be removed and repurposed to bridge other waterways across the country.
The new Demerara River Bridge project was undertaken by China Railway Construction (International) Limited with Politecnica as the supervisory consultant.
Ravi Dev
The President with the DHB Traffic Police
No immediate plans for Corentyne Block – Natural Resources Minister
– says Govt is open to working with CGX but it will have to be with a new licence
With CGX Energy Inc.’s prospecting licence for the Corentyne Block offshore Guyana having expired earlier this year, the Guyana Government is yet to decide on how to proceed with the block that has now become available.
This is according to Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat, who recently told the Guyana Times that there are “no immediate plans” for the Corentyne Block.
“We haven’t made a decision as to how we will move forward with the Corentyne Block with the CGX licence being up,” the Minister related.
Back in March, it was announced that the petroleum prospecting licence for the Corentyne Block, which was held by Canadian-based CGX and its joint venture partner, Frontera Energy, had expired since June 2024.
The Guyana Government had, in February 2025, given the Canadian joint venturers a 30-day notice that they would once and for all be evicted from the Corentyne Block, where they had made two oil discoveries offshore. This was after the two companies previously benefited from an extension and requested another one to do more work on the block.
The administration and this CGX/Frontera partner-
ship have been in disagreement over the status of the Corentyne Block, which the partnership had initially undertaken to develop but failed to do before the licence period ran out. While the Government has said the partners no longer hold
The laws in Guyana allow the Government to issue 10year exploration contracts, and if, in the event, there is a discovery and the company indicates to the Government that there is a discovery of commercial interests, then the Government is obligat-
a licence for the block due to a lack of development, the companies have asserted otherwise.
ed in a way to extend the time for additional appraisal work to determine or to quantify the amount of hydrocarbon that is there and to determine whether it can actually lead to production.
CGX was given a licence for ten years, as well as the additional time given for fur-
ther appraisal work to determine whether they could produce oil in that block at that point in time.
In fact, CGX and Frontera continued to reject the Government’s claims that the licence expired in June 2024, saying in an August 1, 2025, statement that a meeting is likely to be held this month (October) between the Government and the JV partners on the matter.
But Minister Bharrat told this newspaper last week that such talks would not see a renewal of the Corentyne Block licence.
“The Government of Guyana maintains its position that the licence has come to an end. It’s not that we severed the licence… or relations with CGX; it’s just that the licence came to an end, unfortunately. We would love to work with every company, including CGX. We don’t have any issue with CGX, but it’s just that the licence came to an end,” he stated.
According to the Natural Resources Minister, “The only talks [between the Government and the JV partners] can be for the application for a new license because there is no provision in the law for an extension to the current license, unfortunately. So, the only thing that they can do is to reapply for a new licence.”
However, Minister Bharrat could not say whether CGX/Frontera would be able to get back the Corentyne Block even if they reapply for a new prospecting licence.
“That’s a tough position for me to say,” the Natural Resources Minister told the Guyana Times recently, adding, “…But once they reach the criteria, I guess they would be considered like any other company. And taking into consideration, they were already in the block too. But yeah, they would have to go through the process like any other company.”
Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat
Govt creating environment for local investment in crude marketing – VP Jagdeo
...says Guyana moving toward premium pricing, stronger private sector role
Vice President (VP) Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has announced that the Government is working to create the right environment for local investors to participate directly in the marketing and trading of Guyana’s crude oil–an important step toward capturing premium prices and developing homegrown expertise in the global petroleum market. Speaking at his weekly press conference on Thursday last, the VP said the administration’s approach is not for the state to control every aspect of the sector but to build an “enabling regime” that empowers Guyanese businesses to invest and thrive. “The Government cannot do all of these things,” Jagdeo said. “What the Government is doing is creating an enabling regime for these things to happen. Through skill training and targeted infrastructure investment, we can encourage the private sector to invest in areas that will generate sustainable income for the future.” He explained that the Government’s broader goal is to diversify the economy and create new “growth poles” that will sustain jobs and revenues beyond oil and gas. Jagdeo said the administration wants to ensure Guyana does not become overly dependent on oil but instead leverages it to build modern industries–from data centres and financial services to crude marketing and digital infrastructure. Citing President Irfaan Ali’s recent remarks about attracting investment in data centres, Jagdeo said that initiative reflects a growing global competition among energy-rich nations to host major digital infrastructure. “We don’t want to be excluded,” he emphasised, “Energy-rich countries are positioning themselves for significant advantages in the digital world, and Guyana should be part of that transformation. The private sector has to run with these ideas–and the Government stands ready to support them.”
Institutional capacity
Turning specifically to the oil sector, the VP noted that Guyana currently markets its crude through public tenders, allowing pre-qualified international companies to bid for one-year contracts to trade the country’s entitlement barrels. The process, he stressed, has been fully transparent and has protected the country from scandal or favouritism.
“We’ve operated this way for five years,” Jagdeo said. “It’s transparent–whoever gives you the best price and meets the standards, that’s the one you take. But we may be able to get a premium if we trade our own crude.” The VP revealed that Guyana is now taking the first steps toward developing the technical and institutional capacity needed to eventually market its own crude. This would allow
the country to capture higher prices on the international market, similar to how major national oil companies in the Middle East and Asia manage their exports. However, he cautioned that crude trading is a complex business requiring deep market knowledge, analytical skills, and global experience. “It’s not going to happen tomorrow because we don’t have that capacity yet,” he said. “But the private sector itself may be able to develop that capacity and sell technical expertise and services to the Government in this regard.”
Jagdeo underscored that the administration’s role is to enable – not replace – the private sector. “In Guyana, every time the Government speaks, people think it means the Government is investing directly,” he said. “But Government also has a role as an enabler of investment, and that’s what we’ve been pushing.” The initiative to build local capacity for crude marketing comes as Guyana’s oil output continues to climb, with three producing offshore projects and a fourth set to come online in 2025. Developing local expertise in the commercial side of the industry, Jagdeo noted, will ensure that Guyanese professionals and companies share in the value chain beyond production.
He said the move represents another key step in the Government’s broader economic transformation
strategy–one that balances fiscal prudence, national ownership, and private sector dynamism. “We’re building a future where Guyana not only produces oil,” Jagdeo said, “but understands the market, manages it wisely, and benefits fully from every barrel.”
Oil sector
Based on the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) for the oil-rich Stabroek Block, Guyana receives a 50 per cent share of the profit oil from offshore operations. Since production started in December 2019 with United States (US) oil giant ExxonMobil as the operator, the country has been hiring international companies via a competitive bidding process to market its share of crude. Last October, British firms BB Energy Trading Limited and JE Energy were
contracted to market crude oil from the Liza Destiny, Unity, and Prosperity Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels for a 12-month period starting in 2024. These two companies, which had previously marketed Guyana’s crude from the 2023-2024 period, were selected from among 27 bids submitted. The bidding process was divided into several lots: Lot 1 – Liza Destiny FPSO Vessel, Lot 2 – Liza Unity FPSO Vessel, Lot 3 – Payara Prosperity FPSO Vessel, Lot 4 – Any two (2) Lots combined, Lot 5 – Combined Lots One, Two and Three. At the time of the award of the contract, the Natural Resources Ministry had highlighted that the Government secured a US$1.85 premium per barrel for the sale of its crude oil, a 93 per cent increase from the pre-
vious year. “The combined premium per barrel to be received by the Government of Guyana from these two companies for the crudes from these three FPSOs amounts to US$1.85, reflecting a substantial 93 per cent increase compared to the US$0.96 premium secured in the previous period (20232024),” the Ministry had said. For 2025, Guyana is entitled to 31 of the 246 lifts of profit oil from the Stabroek Block. Back in July, it was reported that Guyana received payments for 13 of its 31 lifts during the first half of this year. In fact, Guyana has earned just over US$1.05 billion from crude oil sales so far this year. This, combined with royalty payments, has seen the country’s total oil revenues earned in the first half of 2025 reach some US$1.22 billion or G$255 billion – monies that are being held in the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) at the New York Federal Reserve Bank, where it is earning interest. The Government is projected to earn an estimated US$2.2 billion in profit oil and US$340.6 million in royalties for 2025.
Exxon projects in Guyana Exxon, through its local subsidiary Esso Exploration Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), is the operator of the Stabroek Block and holds a 45 per cent interest in the block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30 per cent interest, and China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC)
Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds the remaining 25 per cent interest. The Liza Phases One and Two and Payara Projects, all of which combined are producing over 600,000 barrels of oil per day, account for the three FPSO vessels operating in Guyana’s Stabroek Block in waters offshore. Just last month, however, Exxon started up its fourth FPSO, the One Guyana vessel from the Yellowtail Project. With these four FPSOs, the company anticipates growing production to more than 900,000 barrels of oil per day by the end of this year. Meanwhile, Exxon has already received approvals for, and is advancing preparatory works on, its fifth and sixth projects, Uaru and Whiptail. Uaru is anticipated to start production in 2026, and Whiptail is anticipated to start up in 2027, taking Guyana’s production to over 1.2 million barrels of oil per day by 2027. In addition to at least these six projects offshore Guyana, Exxon is also eyeing the possibility of having 10 FPSOs being operational by 2030. Only last week, the Guyana Government approved US oil major’s seventh development in Guyana’s waters – the Hammerhead Project, which is targeting a 2029 start-up with an FPSO vessel that will produce approximately 150,000 barrels of oil per day.
Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo
India-Guyana bond celebrated through Ramleela, Ravan Dahan in Georgetown
The vibrant staging of Ramleela and the traditional Ravan Dahan in Georgetown on Thursday evening was a performance that reaffirmed the living bridge of shared culture and traditions connecting India with its diaspora.
The event was a collaborative effort between the High Commission of India, the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), Surabhi – an Indian community ladies’ group affiliated with the High Commission –and members of the Indian
community and diaspora in Guyana.
Together, they presented a magnificent portrayal of Ramleela, an artistic depiction of scenes from the Indian epic Ramayana.
Based on Ramcharitmanas, a trea-
tise by Goswami Tulsidas, Ramleela is a well-known folk tradition across northern India, usually staged to coincide with Dussehra, a major Hindu festival celebrated every year at the end of Durga Puja and Navaratri.
Its roots run deep in India, where many IndoGuyanese and IndoCaribbean communities trace their ancestry.
Though the performance has evolved over time, it remains a strong cultural practice in countries such as Fiji, Mauritius, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, and Guyana – nations that were shaped by the migration of
tured the Ravan Dahan –the burning of an effigy of demon king Ravana – symbolising the triumph of good over evil and marking the
Indian indentured workers during the 18th and 19th centuries.
In recognition of its significance, Ramleela was inscribed as part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008.
Alongside the performance, the celebration fea-
culmination of Dussehra festivities.
The event received an enthusiastic response from the Indian community, diaspora members, and representatives of the diplomatic and international community in Georgetown.
Hon. Gail Teixeira, Minister of Parliamentary
Affairs and Governance, performing the duties of Prime Minister, and HE Brig. (Ret’d) Mark Anthony Phillips presided over the celebration, commending the High Commission and SVCC for their efforts to revive and preserve these traditions in Guyana.
In a statement, the High Commission of India and SVCC expressed gratitude to the diaspora and wider community for their support. They also acknowledged the contributions of sponsors – Bank of Baroda, Shamdas Kirpalani, Broadway Fashions, and Shri Maa Ambe Indian Cultural Organization – who played a key role in making the event a success.
“The High Commission will continue to work with members of the Indian community and diaspora to forge closer people-to-people ties and strengthen the deep bonds of friendship between India and Guyana through such community-orientated cultural activities,” the release noted.
No immediate plans for...
CGX Energy Inc, a Canadian-based oil and gas company, had said in 2021/2022 that it had successfully drilled the Kawa1 well in the eastern channel sand complex of the northern segment of the Corentyne block. In 2023, the joint venture partners had successfully drilled the Wei-1 well, the second well in the Corentyne Block, as part of their appraisal programme for the Kawa-1 discovery, which ended on June 28, 2024. That drilling exercise had fulfilled the operators’ obligation under Phase Two of the Second Renewal Period of the original 10-year licence. However, the company has since not progressed towards fully developing the potential of the block.
Back in June 2024, CGX and Frontera had announced that they had submitted a “Notice of Potential Commercial Interest” for the Wei-1 discovery to the Guyana Government, which preserves their interests in the Petroleum Prospecting Licence for the Corentyne Block, offshore Guyana.
However, that move was seen by some as a lastditch effort to avoid having to relinquish their acreage in the Block. In 2024, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had also pointed out that if the joint venture partners wanted to pursue a development offshore in Guyana, then they needed to detail that project and prove financing prospects.
Already, CGX has had to give up two other blocks offshore Guyana, along with parts of the Corentyne Block, after failing to develop them as per its agreement with the Guyana Government.
Meanwhile, in its financial statements and Management Discussion and Analysis for the second quarter of 2025 issued on August 13, 2025, CGX reported an impairment loss of $56.4 million on its exploration and evaluation assets related to the Corentyne Block.
“Although all contractual requirements of the Company have been met and an external legal assessment determined that the Company’s interests in the licences and agreements
for the Corentyne block remain valid, the GoG’s [Government of Guyana] positions…have restricted the Company’s ability to develop activities under those licences and agreements. This situation has led to uncertainty regarding the asset’s future development and constituted an impairment indicator. Consequently, the company recognised an impairment of $56.4 million in its income statement, and the Corentyne E&E asset’s carrying value as of June 30, 2025, is $Nil (December 31, 2024, $56.2 million),” the statement detailed.
Nevertheless, the Joint Venture said, “…it remains firmly of the view that its interests in, and the licence for, the Corentyne block remain in place and in good standing and that the Petroleum Agreement has not been terminated. The Joint Venture remains committed to working with the GoG to resolve these issues amicably, while preparing to assert and protect our legal and contractual rights through all available legal remedies, as necessary.”
GCCI lauds Govt’s intervention to curb forex challenges
President of Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) Kathy Smith, has welcomed the recent interventions by the Guyana Government to stabilise the local financial sector, including the implementation of a new foreign exchange monitoring mechanism. During an engagement with the heads of commercial banks and other stakeholders on Monday last, President Dr Irfaan Ali outlined a new series of measures aimed at tightening oversight, reducing capital flight, and ensuring transparency in foreign exchange transactions. According to the GCCI President, these decisive actions to address
eign exchange currency in the local market and has repeatedly called for interventions by the state. However, the Government has maintained that there was no shortage, with sufficient reserves available at the Bank of Guyana (BoG) to meet rising local demand for foreign currency. In fact, the Central Bank has injected some US$1.2 billion into the local financial system so far this year – more than triple the US$332 million provided in the entirety of 2024.
Credit card scrutiny
President Ali, on Monday last, pointed to an extraordinary surge in credit card transactions as one of the drivers of foreign ex-
Guyana’s foreign exchange challenges reinforce the Aliled administration’s commitment to macroeconomic stability as national development is scaled up. “They show that we are not only building physical infrastructure but also strengthening the financial architecture that underpins sustainable growth. And I know as Guyanese, we all would welcome some forex [foreign exchange] in the country. So, we are grateful that His Excellency has listened to us, he has heard us, and he has decided to put measures in place that will benefit Guyanese,” Smith said while addressing industry stakeholders at a breakfast event hosted by the GCCI on Thursday last. In recent years, the local private sector has complained about an apparent shortage of for-
change outflows. According to the Head of State, credit card clearances rose from US$91.3 million in 2023 to US$347.5 million in 2024, and so far this year, transactions have already reached US$252 million even before the year-end holiday period – something which the President contended must be analysed to ascertain whether personal credit cards are being used to settle business transactions. To deal with these pressures, President Ali has announced a series of interventions that will reshape how foreign exchange requests are processed. Going forward, importers seeking foreign currency will be required to provide commercial invoices before their banks can release funds. Once goods arrive in Guyana, those invoices, along with bills of lad-
ing, will have to be submitted to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and to the commercial banks, ensuring that the shipments match the forex requested.
If importers fail to comply with this documentation process, they will not be able to access foreign currency for future requests. To streamline verification, commercial banks will now be required to forward invoices and bills of lading to the BoG, effectively creating a central clearinghouse that will monitor and reconcile all transactions. The President also signalled stricter rules for credit card use. Commercial banks will have to ensure that personal credit cards are not being misused for large business transactions or for importing goods, which he noted was becoming a loophole in the system. Entities found to be inflating invoices or engaging in related-party over-invoicing with the intent of moving money out of the country will face penalties.
Additional safeguards
Additional safeguards will also be implemented at Guyana’s borders. Persons leaving the country with large sums of foreign currency will have to declare not just receipts from commercial banks but also the source of funds obtained from Cambios and other licensed dealers. Meanwhile, companies registered under the local content framework must hold local bank accounts and ensure that oil and gas service payments are remitted in foreign currency to those accounts.
In a bid to promote transparency and discipline, a new single-window reconciliation system will also be established at the BoG to ensure that records from commercial banks, the central bank, and the GRA are properly aligned before any new foreign exchange request is approved. This measure will close gaps that currently allow some companies to use duplicate invoices at multiple banks, creating artificial demand for foreign currency. Only last Thursday, Vice President (VP) Dr Bharrat
Jagdeo assured that these new measures will not burden ordinary Guyanese or small businesses but will instead target loopholes that allow non-Guyanese entities, like the Chinese-owned supermarkets, to exploit the system and evade taxes.
During a press conference, VP Jagdeo pointed out that the measures being rolled out by Government are aimed primarily at largescale foreign currency users whose transactions are not always reflected in Guyana’s formal financial system.
“We’re not going to restrict Guyanese from purchasing foreign currency. In fact, we will make sure that we provide adequate amounts from the Central Bank to meet domestic demand. But we’re going to try to close the loopholes on some of those who have been abusing the system… For example, the Chinese supermarket that you are seeing, where most of these supermarkets don’t have a bank account. They don’t have a bank account, the owners don’t have a bank account, and they’re importing a lot of goods to sell in their supermarkets. How are they getting the foreign currency? So, closing these loopholes would allow us to collect more taxes from these foreign entities, mainly, who are operating here, or if they are using our foreign currency on credit cards to meet demand in another country,” Jagdeo said.
Chinese Embassy advises its citizens
Following this, the Chinese Embassy in Georgetown on Friday called on Chinese-owned
and Chinese-operated shops in Guyana to engage in lawful business operations.
In a notice, the Chinese Embassy reminded the local Chinese business community to ensure they “… apply for business licences, residence permits, and ID in accordance with the relevant laws of Guyana; open bank accounts; and conduct business activities within the scope permitted by the relevant law of Guyana.” Chinese businesses are also urged to standardise daily business practices. Specifically, the Embassy implored that they “…strictly control product quality; do not sell expired, unidentified-origin or counterfeit goods. Strictly adhere to relevant laws; do not engage in money laundering, smuggling, commercial fraud, or similar activities. Strictly comply with tax regulations; invoice customers accurately and pay taxes regularly; contribute social insurance for employees
legally.” Additionally, the Embassy called on Chinese businesses to actively shoulder social responsibilities in Guyana, ensuring that they hire Guyanese employees legally and make positive contributions to local economic development. Moreover, Chinese business operators are encouraged to “…cooperate fully with law enforcement inspections. Should you encounter unfair treatment, handle the situation calmly and rationally while gathering evidence to protect your legitimate rights afterward.”
According to the Chinese Embassy, Chinese businesses should also enhance safety awareness and strengthen risk prevention. “Equip your premises with necessary security devices, minimise on-site cash reserves, and hire security guards if necessary. In emergencies, call the police immediately and seek assistance from the Chinese Embassy,” it told business operators.
President Dr Irfaan Ali engaging representatives from the local commercial banks on Monday last
GCCI President Kathy Smith
For decades, it groaned beneath the weight of cars, trucks, and time itself – a steel spine holding two of Guyana’s major coasts together. But as plans for the new Demerara River Bridge come to fruition, the old one now stands like a weary veteran at sunset, watching its younger replacement on the horizon.
Stretching some 2 kilometres (km) across the Demerara River, the floating bridge connects Peter’s Hall on the East Bank to Schoonord on the West Bank. It has long served as both a lifeline and a landmark for Guyanese commuters, traders, and travellers. As the new bridge promises faster travel and greater safety, for many, the transition marks the end of an era and the beginning of bittersweet memories.
reflected on the emotional connection she has with the old bridge – one that many also share.
“Honestly, it’s a mix of emotions for me. That old Demerara Harbour Bridge has been a huge part of my life. I crossed it every single day going to school and later to university. So many mornings started there, sitting in long lines of traffic, sometimes for hours, and even watching the sun rise or set as I made my way to or from home.” Singh recalled the frustrations of daily travel, describing the traffic at times as “hell”.
“Despite the traffic, the bridge felt like part of our daily story. It connected us, gave us access to opportunities, and for so long it was something we were proud of, especially knowing it held the title of the longest floating bridge in the world.
A chapter closes
a modern bridge, “But at the same time, I’m relieved we’re moving toward some-
“It’s a mix of emotions for me…”
Speaking to this publication, Guyanese Leza Singh
It’s like watching a piece of our history fade.”
Amidst these feelings, Singh expressed relief that Guyana is finally getting
thing safer and faster. After all those years stuck in that endless line, I think we’ve earned an upgrade. I know a new bridge won’t magically fix all our traffic problems,
but it’s definitely going to ease the pressure tremendously. But I do hope the old bridge is remembered properly; it deserves respect for how much it served this country.”
“It’s kind of sad to see a legacy go…”
Meanwhile, Amrita Khoshall, a resident on the East Bank who frequently travelled across the bridge, shared similar sentiments.
“So, I think we can all agree that the new Demerara Harbour Bridge is the most progressive bridge Guyana has ever seen – and a lot of people have even gone so far as to say that. But for some of us, it comes with a wave of emotion. The old Demerara Harbour Bridge is the only one we’ve ever known, so it’s kind of sad to see such a legacy go.”
Providing context about the historical bridge, she recalled a touching childhood memory that she holds dear, “It’s one of the longest floating bridges in the world, and I’m sure it will serve another purpose in the future – but still, it’s emotional. I remember when I was a child, every time we crossed the bridge, my mother would give me a coin to throw into the river. That was a core memory for me. Now, when I look at the new bridge rising in the distance, I can’t help but feel emotional while driving by. It’s progress, yes – but it’s also the closing of a chapter we’ve all lived.”
“It’s been a long wait…”
Another resident, Patricia John, expressed relief and optimism about the Government’s efforts to modernise the country’s in-
frastructure. “Because it’s been so long that we’ve been waiting for this new bridge, and having the Government take this initiative to give us this – also knowing that we wouldn’t have to pay –it’s absolutely a great initiative that the Government has undertaken.”
Though her words were simple, they capture a wider public sentiment: a quiet gratitude that progress has finally arrived, coupled with hope that the new bridge will bring greater convenience and opportunity for all. For decades, the Demerara Harbour Bridge has done more than connect two points – it has connected people, livelihoods, and dreams. It carried schoolchildren and workers, lovers and vendors, all crossing its metal planks as the river below reflected Guyana’s changing skyline.
3 arrested, confess to 2023 murder of elderly Port Mourant mechanic
After more than a year of relentless investigative work, Police in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) have arrested and secured confessions from three men in connection with the brutal killing of Kamaludein Abrahim, a 73-year-old mechanic from Port Mourant, known in the community as “The Brown Clothes Man”. The breakthrough follows an intelligence-led investigation into the disappearance and subsequent discovery of Abrahim’s body in July 2023. Abrahim, who resided at Lot 111 Free Yard, Port Mourant, was reported missing on July 1, 2023, by his son, Shazad Abrahim, after family members were unable to contact him and
found his home unusually empty.
Just two days later, on July 3, 2023, the decomposed body of the elderly mechanic was discovered by a fisherman in a clump of bushes on the Rose Hall Town foreshore. The remains were later positively identified by his son. However, a post-mortem examination could not confirm the cause of death due to the advanced state of decomposition.
Despite early arrests in the days following the discovery, no charges were laid at the time due to lack of evidence. One of the eventual confessed killers was among those initially questioned and released.
However, renewed effort and perseverance by
detectives – led by a senior officer in the region – has now led to a breakthrough, using a combination of re-interviews, site revisits, forensic re-evaluation, and newly surfaced evidence.
Those in custody assisting with the investigation are Darwin Trim, 45; Premchand Ramsohai; and 29-year-old Rajendra Balkaran.
All three suspects reportedly confessed to the murder during Police interrogation, providing detailed accounts of their actions on the night of June 30, 2023.
According to their confessions, the men, who were all acquainted with Abrahim, visited his home and saw a sum of money on his table. After request-
ing some and being denied, they became enraged and assaulted him until he lost consciousness.
They then stole approximately $45,000 before transporting his unconscious body to the Rose Hall foreshore, where they continued beating him until he died.
The crime occurred on a rainy night, which the suspects believed helped conceal their movements.
The three are expected to be arraigned during the week for the capital offence of murder.
Meanwhile, authorities are urging the public to continue cooperating with investigations, as many other unsolved cases hinge on witness information and community assistance.
The outgoing Demerara Harbour Bridge was commissioned in July 1978
Considered the 4th longest floating bridge in the world, the DHB retires at 47 years
Deceased: Kamaludein Abrahim
“Awareness with action can lead to cure,” says UK High Commissioner
…as GCF hosts tree-wrapping ceremony
In observation of Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2025, the Guyana Cancer Foundation (GCF) on Friday observed its annual Tree Wrapping Ceremony along Main Street, Georgetown.
For two decades, the event has served as a visual and symbolic reminder of the importance of early detection, treatment, and community support in the fight against breast cancer. Pink ribbons wrapped around trees now transform the cityscape into a testament to resilience, hope, and awareness.
Among the attendees was British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller, who
emphasised the life-saving impact of early detection. She noted that timely identification of cancer not only improves treatment outcomes but also safeguards families and communities.
“It means your treatment will be less aggressive. It means that the treatment can be provided on time. It means that people can survive. And it’s so important, not only for the individual, but also for the family and for communities.”
Ambassador Miller highlighted the broader significance of the event as a public reminder.
“Throughout the month of October, as we come through Main Street, this
becomes a reminder. It touches us. It reminds us not only of remembering for ourselves but also our families and our communities.”
Reflecting on her years of involvement with the ceremony, she praised the dedication of organisers and participants.
“... I’d like to say a huge congratulations... also for all the people here. You’ve become my friends over the years… every single year I’ve been to this event. And I think it’s important because you are there for one another. You’re there to support one another.”
She went on to underscore the holistic nature of cancer care.
“Cancer is more than requiring just treatment. It’s also about a family and a community, and it’s a support structure. It’s more than just the medicine. It’s also the psychology and the help, the friendship, and the kindness that you want to provide for one another.”
The High Commissioner also stressed the need for continued focus on breast cancer screening, treatment, and research.
“In the month of October, we particularly think about breast cancer. Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer in the UK, and I believe here also in Guyana. But one in five of all cancers is breast cancer. And now we know that we can detect it so early. So early detection saves lives. Yes, we
should be self-examining. Yes, we should also be going for the mammograms. There is great treatment available these days. I’m also a huge supporter of research. We should be understanding new treatments and new ways in which we can have early detection but also treatment.”
Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs, emphasised that the Tree Wrapping Ceremony is more than just a symbolic decoration; it is a reminder of resilience, unity, and hope.
“[To all cancer patients and survivors] we want you to know that we will be with you every single day. This [ceremony] is not merely about decoration – it’s about sending a powerful message of unity and hope and remembrance.”
Minister Jacobs reflected on the struggles faced by survivors and their loved ones, highlighting the global impact of cancer.
“Our survivors would remember what they went through and what their families went through. This is a global challenge that touches every single home and community. We hear you, and we have you in mind.”
He also urged the public to maintain compassion and awareness, stressing the deeper purpose behind the ceremony.
“It’s important that we recommit ourselves to show
compassion to cancer survivors and remember the persons that have passed. I want us to remember why we are wrapping these trees – to honour and remember every single soul that left us.”
Meanwhile, Kayla King, Miss Cosmo Guyana 2025, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of community and collective advocacy. She emphasised this year’s theme, “Empower, Eradicate, Educate”.
“I count it a privilege being here to stand in solidarity with you all for this very important cause. This year’s theme is Empower, Eradicate, Educate. And the month of October is recognised globally as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. And I think that this in itself is a call to action that re-
minds us that it’s important to have more conversations surrounding early detection, treatment, and long-term support.”
Kayla also commended attendees for their presence, noting the power of community strength.
“But before I go any further, I must commend everyone for being here today because your presence represents something incredibly powerful. And that is how strong we can really be when we stand together as a community. And I believe that it’s this kind of strength that empowers survivors, and it’s this strength that will one day lead us to a cure for future generations of women to come.”
She urged the public to extend their advocacy beyond October and make it a year-round commitment.
Mexico, Paraguay endorse Guyana’s bid for IICA leadership
Guyana’s bid to lead the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) received major support this week as Mexico and Paraguay officially endorsed agricultural engineer Muhammad Ibrahim, the country’s candidate for Director General of IICA.
Mexico and Paraguay, two countries with Governments of different political leanings but with significant agricultural development in common, officially announced their decision to support Guyana’s candidacy for the Director General position.
The support of these two countries for the candidacy of Muhammad Ibrahim joins that of 13 other leaders of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), who have expressed their support for the candidate presented by President Irfaan Ali and Minister of Agriculture Mustapha Zulfikar.
With the backing of Mexico and Paraguay, in addition to the 14 CARICOM countries that are also members of IICA, Guyana is on the verge of obtaining the
votes needed to win the election. The heads of Government of Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada,
Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago announced in July their support for Guyana to
lead the specialised agency for agricultural and rural development during the 2026-2030 period.
Mexico’s support for Ibrahim, meanwhile,
was announced in a letter addressed to Guyana’s Ministry of International Affairs and International Cooperation.
Mexico’s note was followed by another from the Paraguayan Foreign Ministry, signed by that country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rubén Ramírez, who, on October 1, stated that “considering the extensive experience and training of the Guyanese candidate and the excellent bilateral relations,” the Paraguayan Government “will support the candidacy proposed by His Excellency, President Ali, for the position of Director General of IICA.”
Ramírez’s note was addressed to Hugh Hilton Todd, Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
During the recent Caribbean Agriculture Week, held in Saint Kitts and Nevis and attended by representatives from countries in the region and foreign delegations, Guyana’s candidate for IICA met with Ministers from a dozen countries, all of whom
expressed their full support for him to become the next Director General of IICA.
Ibrahim also met with a delegation of senior Argentine Government officials who were present at the meeting. Argentina has a long history of agricultural cooperation with the Caribbean.
Ibrahim faces candidates proposed by Honduras, Laura Suazo, and Uruguay, Fernando Mattos, both of whom are agricultural engineers.
IICA, a key agency for agricultural policies and animal and plant health in the Americas, is currently headed by Argentine veterinarian Manuel Otero, who is completing his second term as Director General. The election of his replacement will take place on November 4, when the Ministers of agriculture of the countries of the Americas meet in Brasilia.
The nations of the Caribbean Community unanimously endorsed Guyana’s candidacy at the last meeting of their heads of Government, held in July in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Steven Jacobs
British High Commissioner to Guyana Jane Miller speaking at the event
Agri Ministry expends $14M to procure seine nets for Corentyne fisherfolk
Sixty-six fisherfolk from Albion and Port Mourant on the Corentyne Coast, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), received seine nets on Saturday from the Government to assist with their operations at sea.
The intervention represents an investment of just over $14 million and follows a commitment made by His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali during a meeting with fisherfolk last May.
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha met
with the fisherfolk to deliver the seine nets on behalf of the Head of State.
While offering remarks, Minister Mustapha stated that each fisherfolk will receive seven bundles of seine.
“When we met with fisherfolk at the Albion Sports Complex, they said they needed help with nets. We’ve been in constant contact with your representative here, and today, fisherfolk from Albion, and some from Port Mourant, will each receive seven bundles of seine from
the Government, your Government,” he said.
Minister Mustapha also assured the fisherfolk that, over time, they will continue to benefit from additional interventions, as the Government increases budgetary allocations to the sector. He noted that a number of other initiatives have already been implemented to support fisherfolk since the Government took office in 2020.
“We have been increasing budgetary allocations to the sector every year. We’ve been resuscitating
all the fisherfolk organisations. We’ve been procuring GPS systems so that fishermen can track their boats while at sea. We’ve also been working with partners both around the country and in neighbouring countries to ease piracy,” he informed the gathering.
“I know that the Guyana Police Force has been working diligently to address that. We’ve also removed the taxes placed on fishing inputs and made adjustments to the tax structure, making
outboard engines of 1500 horsepower and under duty-free,” he explained.
Minister Mustapha further stated that the other agencies within the Ministry will work along with fisherfolk to empower them to supplement their income.
“If you look at our 2025 to 2030 manifesto, you will see that we have a lot of plans for the fisheries sector. We don’t want fisherfolk to depend on artisanal fishing alone. We have to diversify the sector. From the Ministry’s perspective,
we are looking to get you involved in additional activities so that you can supplement your income.” He said too that in the coming months, persons will see officials from the different agencies working along with them to get involved in additional activities so that they can supplement their income. Additionally, the Government will be investing in cold storage facilities and putting systems in place to link fisherfolk directly to markets.
Trio charged after Freeman Street family dispute escalates into violence
Afamily dispute that escalated into a violent confrontation at Freeman Street, La Penitence, Georgetown, has landed three women before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, each facing a series of assault and damage to property charges stemming from an early morning altercation.
Twenty-four-year-old Amaya Haywood, her mother-in-law Alicia Melville, and 19-year-old sister-inlaw Congalisa DeSantos appeared before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty, where they all entered not guilty pleas to their respective charges.
Haywood was charged with unlawful wounding and maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm on her mother-in-law, Melville. She had been placed on station bail, while DeSantos is accused of damaging several household items, including a refrigerator valued at $75,000, as well as other household items belonging to Haywood, totalling $452,000.
She was also jointly charged with her mother, Melville, with unlawfully assaulting Haywood with the intent to cause her grievous
bodily harm.
Haywood’s attorney, Stacy Goodings, in her submissions to the court, said her client had been enduring frequent verbal and physical abuse from her mother-inlaw and relatives long before the altercation. She claimed that on the day of the incident, Haywood went to visit a neighbour when she was abused by the family.
The attorney further told the court that Haywood “had been suffering tremendously” at the hands of her inlaws, and that on that same day, the situation spiralled after Melville confronted her outside the yard, shouting at her to “come out and deal with me.”
Goodings claimed that Haywood ignored the provocation, went home, and began preparing her children for school. While ironing and making tea, Melville allegedly entered the house and began verbally abusing her. The situation escalated when Melville allegedly lashed Haywood across the head, causing her to fall to the ground. Each time she attempted to get up, she was struck again, sustaining injuries to her leg, forehead,
and the back of her head.
The attorney said her client had photos of her injuries and explained that in the midst of the assault, the only thing she could have done to protect herself was to grab the pot of hot water that was on the fire. In doing so, Haywood reportedly burnt her own hands before the scalding water splashed onto Melville.
As the altercation continued, Haywood told her attorney that she tried to flee the scene, but Melville chased her out of the house, overpowered her, and dragged her by her hair.
“Your worship, my cli-
ent’s hair is missing…” Goodings said. The attorney alleged that DeSantos joined in, pinning her client’s neck to the ground with a spade. She claimed that upon seeing this, a relative of Haywood intervened to stop the attack.
The violence, however, did not end there. Haywood told her attorney that when she attempted to leave for the station to make a report, her brother-in-law, Melville’s son, arrived on a motorcycle. In a fit of rage, he reportedly threw a concrete block at the side of her car, smashing the glass, and then rode his motorcycle onto the back of the vehicle, further damaging it.
Following the incident, Haywood made an official report and was later charged.
Police have since launched an investigation into the actions of the son and other family members allegedly involved.
Goodings also revealed that upon returning home with her partner, Shawn DeSantos, everything in their home was destroyed by fire.
Attorney Kiswana Jeffords represented Melville and DeSantos and said that her clients told her something completely different, but it can be disputed at the trial. Jeffords claimed that
she was advised that there is a live recording of the incident and that days before the altercation, Haywood made threats to the family through a video recording.
She also claimed that the home in which Haywood and her partner lived is Melville’s home.
After listening to both sides, Magistrate McGusty granted all three women bail. Haywood was released on $250,000, Melville on $75,000 for assault, and DeSantos on $150,000 for the assault and damage to property charges. The matter was adjourned until October 17 for report and fixture.
Minister Mustapha hands over the seine to the Chairman of the Albion Landing Site, Veeram Ramsarran
Some of the seine that was handed over to the fisherfolk
Amaya Haywood
Congalisa DeSantos and Alicia Melville
Teacher’s career a noble one; shapes destinies – Pres Ali on World Teacher’s Day
Joining the international community in observing World Teacher’s Day today, President Dr Irfaan Ali says teachers do not just teach but shape the soul of the nation.
“The career of a teacher is a noble one, perhaps the noblest of all. It does not make headlines, but it shapes destinies. It does not raise skyscrapers, but it builds character. Those who spend a lifetime shaping our children must themselves be assured of dignity, honour, and respect,” the Head of State said in his message to mark the occasion.
“As a Government, we will ensure that a career in teaching is made worthwhile. We are committed to better pay, improved allowances, grants to support teaching and learning, more opportunities for training and greater morale. We are working to ensure improved working conditions today and a dignified retirement tomorrow.”
President Ali gave special recognition to
Guyanese teachers, whom he said stand at the front of classrooms and at the heart of our nation’s future.
On this day, he said the country recognises and heralds all teachers, acknowledging that every success story in this country begins with a teacher.
“Our teachers are the hands that lift up entire generations. But in celebrating our teachers, we must also face the truth that our children deserve not just education, but quality education. And quality comes from trained teachers. It is not enough to place a person in front of a blackboard; we must place skill, care, and professionalism there. Our children deserve no less than the best,” he stressed.
According to the Guyanese leader, it is for this reason that his Government has set a clear and firm goal to have every teacher either be trained or in training by the end of 2026. “When I speak about the need for trained teachers, it comes from both policy and personal expe-
rience. I know the sacrifices behind the title ‘teacher,’ because I saw them lived out in my own home. Both of my parents were teachers. I grew up watching them prepare lessons late into the night, marking papers, and carrying their commitment far beyond the classroom. And doing all of this while juggling the responsibilities of parenthood and family life. From them, I learned that teaching is more than a job; it is a labour of love,” the President noted.
Teachers, he added, do not just pass on knowledge; they light the flame of possibility in young minds. To this end, the Head of State posited that preparation matters.
“Preparation is respect for the subject, for the classroom, and for the child. Students know when their teachers are ready, and they respond with energy and curiosity. Timely marking of scripts and assignments is just as important. It tells students that their work matters and their effort counts. Feedback is the bridge be-
tween effort and improvement. When feedback comes quickly, it builds confidence, corrects mistakes, and keeps learning alive. Marking is not simply grading; it is part of guidance, and it shapes the pace of a student’s growth,” he added.
President Ali went on to say that the true power of feedback is realised only when the teacher is there, day after day, guiding, en-
couraging, and inspiring persons. Nothing, he outlined, replaces the regular and consistent presence of a teacher in the classroom.
“Presence should be the first promise every teacher makes to every child. To be present is to show commitment, reliability, and love for the children entrusted to you. Technology may assist, textbooks may guide, but the living voice of a teacher cannot be sub-
stituted. It is in that daily presence – in the patience, the guidance, and the example that the deeper truth of teaching is revealed: teachers do not just instruct; they transform lives.”
“On this World Teachers’ Day 2025, I extend my warmest and genuine thanks and best wishes to every teacher across our nation,” the Head of State noted.
Ministry of Local Government gets new logo
After more than 200 entries in the Ministry of Local Government & Regional Development’s logo competition, Reon Devonish emerged as the premier choice that caught the eyes of the Judges. According to the Ministry in its social media post, Devonish’s design captures its vision and mission with its powerful symbolism.
It went on to explain that the handshake reflects partnership and collaboration between the Ministry, local authorities, and citizens all over Guyana.
At the heart of the logo, the puzzle pieces represent the interconnected pillars
of the environment, agriculture, sustainability, infrastructure, health, education, and the people of Guyana.
The map underscores our responsibility to every corner of Guyana and to every citizen, while the use of gold signifies the high standards of quality and service we are committed to upholding, the Ministry added.
The Ministry congratulated Reon Devonish and expressed its gratitude and appreciation to all the participants for their creativity and contribution to the competition.
Special arrangements in place for water-top viewing of bridge commissioning ceremony
With the Sunday, October 5, commissioning of the New Demerara River Bridge, ship and boatowners and cruise operators who wish to view the commissioning from the river are asked to take note of special requirements needed to do so. The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) will be coordinating and regulating all activities in the river, and requirements include that all vessels shall be seaworthy; all vessel operators must be competent, and life jackets must be worn by all individuals on water taxis and small open boats. MARAD is also to be informed of the place
of boarding and disembarkation. Additionally, at 17:30 hours (5:30 pm), the tide will be ebbing (falling); therefore, vessels are required to be in position so as not to drift into the bridge. All vessels approaching the New Demerara River Bridge from either the southern or northern direction must remain outside the one-mile buffer zone.
The intended route must be communicated to MARAD before the event, and there must be no overloading of vessels. All vessels are asked to sound their whistle/horn immediately after the cutting of the ribbon to formally open the bridge.
Compliance with this di-
rective is mandatory and necessary to facilitate the smooth flow of marine traffic and ensure safety within the river.
For any further information, kindly make contact with any of the following officers:
Director of Maritime Safety–623-4936 River Navigation Officer–610-2349 Harbour Master–710-8901 Chief Pilot–711-5390 Public Communication Officer–624-2585 Lighthouse–623-5933 (VHF 16). Or, visit the Maritime Administration Department Guyana Facebook page to view their notice.
“We want to ensure that this fishing industry remains vibrant” – Minister Mustapha
...reaffirms Govt commitment to strengthening fishing industry, addresses Corentyne River fishing licence issue
Fisherfolk along Guyana’s Corentyne Coast continue to face mounting challenges due to long-standing complications surrounding the acquisition of fishing licences from the Surinamese Government, a requirement that many consider both restrictive and unfair. The issue has not only disrupted livelihoods but also raised concerns over sovereignty, maritime rights, and regional cooperation.
However, Guyanese fisherfolk can expect continued Government support as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen and modernise the local fishing industry. This assurance came from Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, during a meeting with fisherfolk at the Albion Landing Site, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) on Saturday. He pointed out that the challenges faced by fisherfolk are not being ignored. Instead, the Government is taking a multi-pronged approach to improve infrastructure, reduce operational costs, and ensure safety at sea.
“We want to ensure that this fishing industry remains vibrant. We have been working very closely with you,” he emphasised to the gathering. The meeting follows a series of direct
engagements between the Ministry of Agriculture and fishing communities across the country, reflecting the administration's focus on inclusive, ground-level governance.
Fishing licences issue
Addressing dozens of fishers from Albion, Port Mourant, and surrounding areas, Minister Mustapha acknowledged both the opportunities and challenges facing the sector, particularly regarding licensing issues related to operations in Surinamese waters.
Speaking on the long-standing issue of fishing licences required by Suriname for Guyanese vessels operating near the Corentyne River, he reminded the gathering that a commitment had been made several years ago by Suriname’s former administration to issue 150 licenses to Guyanese fisherfolk, a promise that remains unfulfilled.
“You all know that some of you sometimes fish in Suriname waters. And we have been having serious problems in terms of licences for our fisherfolks.”
Minister Mustapha said.
“A few years ago, the former Government in Suriname made a commitment that they would licence 150 Guyanese fish -
erfolk. But they reneged on that.”
Mustapha expressed cautious optimism following President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s recent visit to Suriname, where the issue was reportedly raised once again at the diplomatic level.
“I am very optimistic and hoping that the new Government that is there, we can realise that commitment that the previous Government would have made, in getting licences for our fisherfolk, so that you are fishing hassle-free.”
For decades, Guyanese fisherfolk operating off the Corentyne coast – particularly those from communities such as Albion, Port Mourant, Rose Hall, and No. 66 Village – have depended on access to rich fishing grounds that lie near or within the disputed maritime space between Guyana and Suriname. However, to legally operate in these waters, they are required to obtain licences from the Surinamese authorities, a process fraught with bureaucratic obstacles, political sensitivities, and allegations of corruption. While the Corentyne River and surrounding waters have been a shared fishing zone for generations, Suriname maintains strict control over the li-
Stewartville teen killed in alleged cutlass attack – stepfather in custody
A15-year-old boy was killed on Friday afternoon during a violent altercation with his stepfather at their Stewartville, West Coast Demerara (WCD) home. The deceased has been identified as Sudesh Singh, also known as Joel, of Lot 71 Last Street, Stewartville. Reports indicate that the fatal encounter occurred around 14:30h, following an argument between the teen and his 50-year-old stepfather over a bicycle. According to information gathered, the disagreement began af-
ter Sudesh used the man’s bicycle, causing its chain to slip. The confrontation quickly escalated, and the suspect allegedly ran into the kitchen, armed himself with a cutlass, and attacked the boy. Sudesh was reportedly struck three times about the neck before collapsing under the house. After the incident, the suspect allegedly walked to the Leonora Police Station, where he reported what had happened. He was immediately taken into custody as investigators launched an inquiry into the killing. When offi -
cers arrived at the scene, they discovered the teenager lying motionless, face up, with deep wounds to his neck. A cutlass, believed to be the weapon used, was found nearby. Police processed the area and interviewed several persons in the neighbourhood. The teen’s body was taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival, before being transferred to the Ezekiel Funeral Parlour. A post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted soon as investigations continue.
Mustapha speaks to fisherfolk during the meeting on Saturday censing regime, often issuing permits to a select group of vessel owners who, in turn, “rent” or “sublet” them to Guyanese fisherfolk at exorbitant costs. This informal arrangement, though technically illegal under Surinamese law, has become a lucrative black market, leaving Guyanese fishermen vulnerable to exploitation. The Suriname Government issues the li-
cences at US $150 per year. Many of the licences are not granted to the actual boat operators, but to Surinamese brokers, some of whom demand payments of US $3000 to US$5000 per licence per year. Without valid Surinamese licences, Guyanese fishing boats risk being intercepted by Surinamese authorities, which has happened numerous times over the
years. In some cases, boats have been seized, and crew members detained, often without timely legal recourse. As the region continues to face evolving challenges – from maritime jurisdiction issues to rising operational costs – fisherfolk in Berbice say they are hopeful that promises made at the national and regional levels will soon translate into real, lasting solutions.
...Guyana’s UN envoy reiterates call for sustained international support, protection of vulnerable groups
Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, on behalf of the African members of the UN Security Council (the A3+) – Algeria, Sierra Leone, Somalia, and Guyana – has lauded the Government of Colombia for its continued progress in implementing the 2016 Peace Agreement, while urging greater acceleration in land reform, rural development, and the protection of ethnic and vulnerable groups.
Delivering the statement on October 3 at the UN Security Council’s meeting on the situation in Colombia, Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett reaffirmed the A3+’s support for Colombia’s journey toward lasting peace and stability, noting that although nearly nine years have passed since the signing of the accord, “this remains a relatively short period giv-
en the decades of conflict that preceded it.”
“The A3+ commends the progress made in the implementation of the Peace Agreement and encourages the Government of Colombia to continue pressing forward toward achieving the goal of lasting peace and stability,” Rodrigues-Birkett said.
The Guyanese diplomat congratulated Miroslav Jenča on his appointment as Special Representative of the Secretary-General and new Head of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia and expressed appreciation to outgoing head Mr Carlos Ruiz Massieu for six years of dedicated service. She also commended the work of the Verification Mission’s team and welcomed Colombia’s Permanent Representative, Her Excellency Leonor Zalabata Torres, to the Council’s deliberations.
Land reform pivotal to lasting peace
Addressing key aspects of the Secretary-General’s report, the A3+ emphasised that comprehensive land reform remains “a central pillar of rural transformation” and is crucial for consolidating peace.
Rodrigues-Birkett highlighted the Government of Colombia’s efforts to facilitate land access for peas-
Nurse accused of threatening 12-year-old granted
bail
A33-year-old nurse was granted bail on Friday after appearing before Chief Magistrate (ag) Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where she faced a charge of threatening behaviour towards a 12-yearold girl. The accused, Tiffany Adams, who is employed by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Protection as a caretaker for the elderly and works at The Palms in Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to her. The incident allegedly occurred on September 20 at Campbellville Housing Scheme. According to the prosecution, the case originated from a report made by the mother of the minor. The woman claimed that while her daughter had been left in the care of Adams, the defendant would frequently threaten the children in the home.
When the mother was given an opportunity to address the court, she explained that the 12-yearold had complained on several occasions of being threatened by Adams. The two families, she said, live on the same property, and the relationship between them has been strained for some time.
The woman told the court that constant dis-
putes take place between Adams and her children. She alleged that the nurse often physically assaulted her kids and even claimed that on one occasion Adams stabbed the child on her foot with a knife. Attorney Earl Daniels, representing Adams, told the court that his client’s account of the events was different from the one presented by the prosecution. He requested bail on her behalf and said that Adams had been performing her duties as the caretaker of the children’s grandmother. According to the defence, the grandmother’s health deterio-
rated due to the behaviour and retaliation of the children, which allegedly created ongoing tension in the household. Daniels argued that his client was being unfairly blamed.
The Magistrate was informed that the mother of the 12-year-old had already moved out of the shared premises with her belongings and children to prevent further confrontation. After listening to both sides, Magistrate McGusty placed Adams on a bond to keep the peace and granted her $20,000 bail. The matter was adjourned to October 17.
ants, rural women, and victims of conflict, noting that approximately 33,000 hectares were adjudicated during the reporting period and over 125,000 hectares were formalised – nearly half of the seven-million-hectare target under the Final Agreement.
However, she cautioned that progress must be accelerated, pointing out that 66 per cent of definitive land titles remain pending.
“The A3+ urges the Government to further accelerate the process of rural reform,” she said.
The A3+ also commended the commitment of former combatants to the reintegration process, noting that 95 per cent have completed their individual plans and that 17,000 hectares of land have been allocated to support their transition.
However, RodriguesBirkett called for stronger gender inclusion, observing that while more than 90 per cent of productive projects for former combatants have been approved, only a small fraction – 20 projects – are led by women.
“We encourage the provision of greater support and funding in this regard,” she urged.
Further, the envoy also expressed the A3+’s “grave concern” over the limited implementation of the ethnic chapter of the peace agreement, which is designed to address the historical marginalisation of Afro-descendant and Indigenous communities. While noting recent momentum, RodriguesBirkett reiterated that “greater progress is urgently needed.”
She also called for the removal of barriers impeding the implementation of the gender provisions of the agreement, emphasising that full inclusion is vital for long-term peace and equity.
The A3+ condemned continued violence against human rights defenders, social leaders, former combatants, and vulnerable communities and urged stronger state presence in affected regions.
Rodrigues-Birkett
stressed that the National Commission on Security Guarantees, which has not convened in over a year, must resume its work to dismantle armed groups and criminal organisations.
“Ending the recruitment and use of children by illegal armed groups, and the immediate release of all children from within their ranks, must also be of foremost priority,” she said.
On this point, the Guyanese diplomat reaffirmed the group’s conviction that “dialogue is the pathway to peace,” expressing concern over the suspension of talks between the Colombian Government and the National Liberation Army (ELN). She urged both sides to resume negotiations and prioritise discussions likely to yield tangible results.
Rodrigues-Birkett also welcomed progress made by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (SJP) in issuing its first long-awaited sentences, while encouraging enhanced coordination among Government and judicial actors to ensure full implementation.
She underscored the need for legal certainty for those under the SJP’s jurisdiction, saying it remains critical to building trust in the justice process.
Sophia teen remanded on cybercrime, sexual offences charges
A19-year-old labourer from ‘D’ Field, Sophia, Greater Georgetown was remanded to prison after appearing before the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Courts, where he faced several cybercrime and sexual offences involving a minor. The accused, Jeremiah James, was arrested on September 28 by ranks from the Turkeyen Police Station and later charged by a Detective Sergeant attached to the Cybercrime Unit.
The court heard that James was accused of possessing and procuring child pornography, using a computer system to lure a child, and causing a child under the age of 16 to watch a sexual act. The offences were said to be in contravention of the Cybercrime Act of 2018 and the Sexual Offences Act, Chapter 8:03.
James appeared before Senior Magistrate Clive
Nurse on Thursday, where the charges were read to him. He pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography and to causing a child under 16 to watch a sexual act, but denied the allegations of child
luring and procuring child pornography. After listening to the case, Magistrate Nurse remanded the teen to prison. The matter was adjourned to October 16, 2025, for report and continuation.
Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett
Tiffany Adams
Jeremiah James
Duo nabbed with cocaine, ganja during Police Bagotstown operation
Forty-four-yearold David Jesus and 21-year-old Rolex Vigilance, both of Bagotstown Squatting Area, East Bank Demerara (EBD), were arrested early Saturday with a quantity of cocaine and cannabis during a police “raid exercise”.
Caribbean’s “first all-purpose” dictionary aims to close classroom linguistic gaps
Two Caribbean lexicographers have embarked on a mission to compile the region’s first general-purpose English dictionary and bridge linguistic gaps in education – 30 years after Richard Allsopp’s pioneering but more specialised Dictionary of Caribbean English Usage.
The dictionary project is being described as a landmark effort to validate Caribbean language and ensure schoolchildren are not disadvantaged.
Dr Joseph T Farquharson, senior lecturer in linguistics and coordinator of the Jamaican Language Unit at the University of the West Indies at Mona, and Dr Jason F Siegel, research fellow in lexicography at UWI Cave Hill, are leading the project.
which was published in 2022 by UWI Press.
with” alongside the everyday English used worldwide.
The operation was conducted from 03:00h–07:00h by ranks attached to Regional Division 4B, with the aim of combing the area for wanted persons, stolen articles, guns, drugs, and ammunition.
The homes and shops of several people were searched, leading to the arrest of the two men. Jesus, at the time, had four grams (g) of cocaine, while Vigilance had 10g of cannabis. They were placed in custody pending charges.
Judge blocks Trump administration from deploying national guard to Portland
Afederal judge has blocked the Trump administration from deploying the national guard to Portland, Oregon, according to court documents.
Donald Trump had announced on 27 September that he would deploy troops to Portland, “authorising Full Force, if necessary”, ignoring pleas from local officials and the state’s congressional delegation, who suggested that the President was misinformed or lying about the nature and scale of a single, small protest outside one federal immigration enforcement office. A coalition of 17 mayors in the state had opposed the deployment. Oregon’s Attorney General (AG), Dan Rayfield, filed a lawsuit on Monday fighting the activation of 200 federalised members of the Oregon national guard.
In the restraining order released on Saturday, United States (US) District Judge Karin Immergut –nominated by Trump – concurred with Oregon’s assertion that Trump deploying federalised national guard troops to Portland would likely inflame rather than calm protests, just as it did in 2020. The plaintiffs say the deployment would violate the US constitution as well as a federal law that generally prohibits the mil-
itary from being used to enforce domestic laws.
The stark divide in how the two sides described the situation on the ground in Portland was evident at a Friday court hearing before Immergut.
US Department of Justice (DOJ) Attorney Eric Hamilton said “vicious and cruel radicals” had laid siege to the Portland headquarters of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The decision to send 200 troops – just 5 per cent of the number recently sent to respond to Los Angeles protests – showed restraint, Hamilton said.
Caroline Turco, representing Portland, said that there had been no violence against ICE officers for months and that recent ICE protests were “sedate” in the week before Trump declared the city to be a war zone, sometimes featuring fewer than a dozen protesters.
“The President’s perception of what is happening in Portland is not the reality on the ground,” Turco said. “The President’s perception is that it is world war two out here. The reality is that this is a beautiful city with a sophisticated police force that can handle the situation.” For years, Trump has promoted an inaccurate narrative that Portland is a “war-ravaged” city with an-
archists engaging in chronic chaos. In late September, the President designated antifa as a “major terrorist organisation”. Antifa, short for anti-fascist, is not a centralised organisation in the US but closer to an ideology with a loose network of activists.
“Today’s ruling validates what Oregonians already know: justice has been served, and the truth has prevailed,” Oregon’s Governor, Tina Kotek, said after the restraining order was granted. “There is no insurrection in Portland. No threat to national security. No fires, no bombs, no fatalities due to civil unrest. The only threat we face is to our democracy – and it is being led by President Donald Trump.”
The ruling by Immergut in Portland is a setback for Trump as he seeks to dispatch the military to cities he describes as lawless over the objections of their Democratic leaders.
Trump has deployed or threatened to deploy troops in several US cities, particularly ones led by Democrats, including Los Angeles, Washington, Chicago and Memphis. Speaking Tuesday to US military leaders in Virginia, the President proposed using cities as training grounds for the armed forces. (The Guardian)
In an interview with Barbados TODAY on Thursday, Dr Siegel explained the significance of the initiative, particularly in light of last month’s announcement that the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) had added 12 Caribbean words to the world’s authoritative dictionary of the English language.
Dr Siegel, who also heads the Richard and Jeannette Allsopp Centre for Caribbean Lexicography – named for the pioneering linguists who produced the first full dictionaries of Caribbean English – noted that while the OED’s additions generated headlines, “these words have been in our dictionaries of the Caribbean for decades at this point.”
Dr Siegel could not confirm a publication date but suggested the project was vital both symbolically and practically: “When you have your own dictionary, it validates [your dialect] in the eyes of the public. Not in any sort of scientific way, because scientifically, the language is already valid… There’s some kind of racist discourse that tries to suggest that there’s something wrong with the way Caribbean people speak, but if you don’t buy into the racism, it all kind of falls apart.”
The development follows the 1995 Dictionary of Caribbean English Usage –compiled by Guyanese-born, Barbados-based linguist Richard Allsopp and published by Oxford University Press – which remains an authoritative reference capturing unique Caribbean terms and idioms. It was followed by his wife and fellow lexicographer, Jeannette Allsopp, who published The Caribbean Multilingual Dictionary of Flora, Fauna, and Foods in English, French, French Creole, and Spanish in 2003.
She also co-edited a school edition of the Dictionary of Caribbean English Usage,
The current project sets out to create a comprehensive, all-purpose dictionary tailored to daily Caribbean English, including regional vocabulary and the standard English used alongside it. This new endeavour seeks to serve as a single trusted reference for both local colour and international communication. Siegel and Farquharson said their dictionary represents a broader approach than Allsopp’s pioneering, usage-focused work.
Dr Siegel argued that the OED was only now catching up with the latest additions from the Caribbean.
“At this point, the OED is really trying to make a historical correction where they didn’t have contributions from as many parts of the English-speaking world as they should have,” he said. “They’re really just trying to get their world English contributions up to snuff to match what they have from the large majority white countries.”
Unlike specialised glossaries, a general-purpose dictionary seeks to capture a broad range of everyday words in a language. For the Caribbean, that means recording regional words such as “cou cou” or “walk
Dr Siegel said this would have immediate benefits for education: “It’s important because kids shouldn’t have to go looking everywhere to find what their words mean… They should be able to count on one, maybe two, sources that can help them find what a word means in an easy-to-access kind of way. And Google isn’t going to do that. Google isn’t going to tell you what ‘cou cou’ means in any sort of reliable way… Google isn’t going to tell you what “walk with” means in any sort of reliable way, because Caribbean people use ‘walk with’ to mean ‘bring’, to mean ‘carry’, and to mean ‘take’.”.
He also drew on his personal experience to highlight the inequity faced by Caribbean students: “I was taught in my dialect of English; nobody tried to teach me in some other country’s dialect of English. I learnt American English… Caribbean kids have to look up their own words in a separate dictionary.”
The general-purpose Caribbean dictionary is still in its early stages, with funding and planning yet to be secured, but Dr Siegel insisted that it is a high priority for the Allsopp Centre. (Barbados Today)
Arrested: David Jesus
Arrested: Rolex Vigilance
Research fellow in lexicography at UWI, Dr Jason F Siegel
The narcotics seized
Antigua cop jailed for firing at vehicle in dispute with occupants
Antigua Police Officer
Karim Warner has been sentenced to one year in prison after being found guilty of discharging his firearm in a public place, Senior Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel ruled Friday morning.
The 37-year-old officer was convicted on Wednesday in connection with a violent incident that occurred on December 3, 2023, near Emerald Cove Resort in Willikies.
According to evidence presented in court, Warner fired 12 rounds at a white Toyota Mark X occupied by two persons during a dispute over a vehicle he
owned but had leased out. When the occupants refused to surrender the car, Warner blocked their path with his Lexus and ordered them out using profanities.
The female complainant suggested they resolve the matter at the Police Station, but Warner refused. He then retrieved his firearm and discharged multiple rounds at the vehicle, hitting the rear door, trunk, and front wheel.
The woman testified that she was so frightened during the incident that she urinated on herself. Her account was corroborated by a taxi driver who witnessed the confronta -
tion.
Warner denied firing 12 rounds and claimed he was acting to protect his property. However, Magistrate Emanuel rejected his defence, stating that while one to four bullets might be sufficient to immobilise a vehicle, firing 12 rounds was “highly excessive”.
The officer broke down in tears after the guilty verdict was delivered on Wednesday.
Magistrate Emanuel had been hearing the case for several months and handed down the one-year prison sentence on October 3rd. (Source: Antigua Observer)
The Bahamas launches manhunt for escaped accused killer
The Bahamian Police have launched a manhunt for an accused killer who escaped from the Magistrates’ Court Complex on Thursday afternoon.
The circumstances concerning 35-year-old Deangelo Culmer’s escape remain under investigation.
According to a press release, Culmer escaped around 15:30h.
Sources have confirmed that the escapee was remanded to prison on February 16, 2024, on a charge of murder and two
counts of attempted murder.
The charges stem from an incident on January 31, 2024, where Culmer is alleged to have fired shots at a group of people, killing Rudishka Bethel and injuring Lorenzo Sands and Carla Bain.
The victims were near a bar on Ragged Island Street and Cordeaux Avenue when the incident happened.
Culmer has been denied bail multiple times in the interest of public safety.
(Excerpt from The Nassau Guardian)
Ecuador revokes environmental licence for Canada’s DPM to develop gold project
Ecuador’s Government has revoked the environmental licence granted to Canadian mining company DPM Metals for the development of Loma Larga, a gold project in an environmentally sensitive area, the Government said on Saturday.
The decision follows strong opposition from residents and local authorities in Azuay province, where Loma Larga is located, who argue that its development would affect the Quimsacocha water reserve, posing significant health risks to local communities.
Ecuador’s Environment and Energy Ministry said in a statement the decision resulted from technical reports submitted by authorities in Cuenca and Azuay that are responsible for the area’s drinking water and irrigation systems.
DPM, which acquired the project in 2021, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Loma Larga project was expected to receive investments of $419 million for an average annual production of about 200,000 ounces of gold during its first five years of op-
eration, according to DPM.
In August, the Ecuadorian Government had already suspended activities related to the project until the company released an environmental management plan, despite having granted it a licence a month earlier to begin construction.
Despite having significant gold and copper deposits, Ecuador has halted mining projects due to recent legal rulings and local opposition. Currently, only two mining companies operate in the country. (Excerpt from Reuters)
US Naval Officer dies by suicide in T&T
The staff at the US Embassy in Port-ofSpain, Trinidad & Tobago (T&T), are mourning the loss of a Naval Officer, who reportedly died by suicide on Thursday night.
While the identity of the officer as well as the circumstances remained unknown, senior local Police officials said they were aware of an incident at an apartment in St Clair.
The incident reportedly occurred on US soil in T&T,
and according to the principle of international law, diplomatic immunity grants foreign diplomats legal protection from the jurisdiction of the host country.
A senior official within the Port-of-Spain Division confirmed, “We are aware that something happened, but we have no information.”
Guardian Media reached out to the US Chargé d’Affaires, Dr Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz, who said, “The US Embassy community is
Garvin Medera resigns
as Caribbean Airlines CEO after eight years
After eight years at the helm, Garvin Medera has stepped down as Chief Executive Officer of Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL), making him the longest-serving CEO in the carrier’s history.
According to the Trinidad Express, Medera’s resignation comes months after Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar issued an ultimatum to the airline’s
management, warning them to “sort out the mess” within two years or face replacement.
His exit is the latest in a string of leadership changes at state enterprises following the United National Congress’s general election victory on April 28, which prompted the resignation of the former CAL board.
The resignation comes at a time when Caribbean Airlines
is facing heightened scrutiny. Leadership reshuffles have also intensified in recent weeks. Last week, executive manager of finance Kern Gardiner was dismissed just before completing his probationary period.
Chief financial officer Varuna Kuarsingh was placed on leave until October 10, with Neera RamaiWilliams appointed as acting CFO. (Excerpt from CNW)
T&T cop charged for missing drugs at Police Station
APolice Officer has been arrested and charged with misbehaviour in public office after a quantity of drugs seized during a raid went missing from the Barataria Police Station.
The officer is expected to appear in court on October 6.
A release on October 4 said Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro ordered an immediate investigation after packages comprising 89 packets of suspected cannabis were discovered missing.
The estimated street value of the narcotics was $1.3 million.
DR seizes
According to Police, marijuana was removed and replaced with other objects in the confines of the property room. (Source: Trinidad & Tobago Newsday)
liquid cocaine in products destined for US, Europe
The Dominican Republic (DR) National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD) confiscated several containers, said to be beauty products, filled with liquid cocaine, as well as a document holder concealing nearly 400 grams (g) of the same substance destined for the U.S. and Europe, at Las Américas International Airport (AILAJFPG) and the Postal Institute (IMPOSDOM), respectively.
The anti-drug agency reported that during the operations, a total of seven containers of liquid cocaine were seized at the AILA-JFPG, the weight of which will be deter-
mourning the death of a colleague. We are deeply grateful for the constant and caring support of the Government and people of Trinidad and Tobago. We respectfully ask everyone to honour the privacy of our colleague’s family and the embassy community at this difficult time.”
Several calls and messages to Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Sean Sobers went unanswered Friday.
(Source: Trinidad & Tobago Guardian)
mined in the coming hours by the National Institute of Forensic Sciences (INACIF).
In a second operation, carried out at Inposdom, DNCD agents, supported by inspectors, seized a package containing a plan holder that hid 385g of cocaine, according to preliminary weight. The intended recipients of the packages are said to reside in Antwerp, Belgium, and Hazleton, Pennsylvania, US. Authorities indicated that they are deepening their investigations to arrest and bring to justice those involved in this drug trafficking network. (Source: El Dia)
Hoping for a “clean Christmas”,
CapHaïtien youth take on trash near airport
Just minutes from the city’s airport, piles of garbage stretch along the roads, shaping the first impression of Cap Haïtien for visitors.
Tired of waiting for change, dozens of young residents spent a recent weekend clearing the streets themselves –determined to give their city, and its visitors, a cleaner start to the holiday season.
The effort, dubbed Okap
Pwòp (Clean Cap-Haïtien), was led by the social media blog T Son Promo and the film crew Koray Production.
About 100 persons took part in the three-day cleanup in Aviation, a neighbourhood near the airport.Volunteers worked from 08:00h to 16:00h, using shovels to gather trash and wheelbarrows to transport it to collection sites.
Municipal sanitation workers are expected to remove the
piles with heavy equipment. The Cap-Haïtien town hall, under new Mayor Angie Bell, donated 10 wheelbarrows, 10 shovels, 10 rakes and two dozen brooms to support the initiative.
Bell, appointed in August after her predecessor was removed for failing to tackle the trash problem, has pursued additional collaborations with the Private Sector. (Excerpt from The Haitian Times)
The containers that concealed the liquid drug
Packages of compressed marijuana seized by Police on September 6 during a raid at Macoya Industrial Estate. Some of the packages went missing while in storage at the Barataria Police Station
Deadly fighting erupts between Hamas, Palestinian clan in Gaza
The southern Gaza city of Khan Younis has witnessed one of the fiercest internal confrontations since the war began, between a Hamas security force and gunmen from the al-Mujaida clan – one of the largest families in the south.
According to Hamas, its forces raided the neighbourhood to detain individuals accused of collaborating with Israel.
Local accounts, however, described an armed assault by about 50 men riding in five pickup trucks, armed with assault rifles and a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) launcher, who stormed the al-Mu-
jaida quarter and killed five members of the family.
Armed relatives quickly fought back, sparking hours-long clashes with heavy gunfire.
Reports circulating on social media – difficult to independently verify – claim that more than 11 Hamas members were killed, with some of their bodies dragged through the streets.
Videos widely shared online, which the BBC has not verified, appear to show several bloodied bodies in military fatigues, alongside a voiceover alleging they belonged to Hamas's "Sahm Unit".
Another clip captured bursts of gunfire and an
RPG hitting a residential building in the neighbourhood.
Local elders later intervened to mediate between the two sides, leading to an exchange of bodies aimed at containing the escalation.
While the exact motives remain unclear, the incident has heightened anxiety among Palestinians.
Many fear that widespread weapons, tensions between powerful families and Hamas's grip on power could spiral into scenes resembling civil war in a territory already gripped by displacement, destruction, and fear of further lawlessness. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Israel orders military to halt Gaza City campaign, continues strikes on territory
The Israeli military has been ordered to halt its campaign in Gaza City by its political leadership, Israeli army radio reported on Saturday, while it was preparing for the first phase of Donald Trump’s plan to end the war in Gaza and release all hostages.
In a statement, the Israeli military said it was directed to “advance readiness” for the first part of the Trump plan. Army radio reported that operations in Gaza would be reduced to “the minimum”, with troops meant only to carry out defensive strikes.
The orders came as the United States (US) President, Donald Trump, demanded Israel stop bombing Gaza late on Friday night after welcoming Hamas’s partial acceptance of his proposal to end the nearly two-year war in Gaza.
Despite Trump’s demands, Israel continued striking the Gaza Strip and besieging Gaza City on Saturday.
At least six Palestinian civilians, including two chil-
People inspect the damage in a residential neighbourhood of Gaza City on Saturday
dren, were killed in Israeli strikes on a house in Gaza City and a tent housing displaced people in al-Mawasi. Drones also targeted a gathering of people near a bakery in central Gaza City, killing “dozens” of people, according to Wafa, the Palestinian news agency.
Israeli military Arabiclanguage spokesperson Avichay Adraee warned residents not to return to
northern Gaza or Gaza City, where Israeli troops are still operating, in a post on X on Saturday morning.
Hamas agreed to release all 48 remaining hostages and surrender governing power of the Gaza Strip while calling for negotiations on other parts of the proposal. Trump said that based on Hamas’s response, it was ready for peace. (Excerpt from The Guardian)
Trump to cut refugee admissions to record low
Donald Trump is planning to slash refugee admissions to a record low. The United States (US) President is preparing to set a new admission cap of 7500 refugees per fiscal year that prioritises white South Africans, sources told Reuters.
The target is a climbdown from the 125,000 ceiling on annual refugee admissions set by the Biden Administration and would effectively close the door on thousands of families fleeing war and famine from across the world.
Democratic senators have condemned the move, claiming that Mr Trump is “betraying” American values.
On his first day back in office, Mr Trump signed an executive order suspending the
US Government’s refugee programme, claiming it was “detrimental to the interests of the United States”.
He has also attempted to introduce an asylum ban on the US-Mexico border that has been blocked by judges.
The new limit on refugee admissions would halve the previous record low of 15,000 arrivals, set by Mr Trump before leaving office in 2020.
After returning to the White House in January, he froze the refugee programme, claiming the country does not have the resources to take in the record number of migrants who entered the country under Joe Biden. As a result, around 130,000 refugees who were in the process of moving to the
Japan poised to get first female PM after Sanae Takaichi wins ruling party leadership
Japan is poised to get its first female Prime Minister after Sanae Takaichi was elected as leader of the governing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) – a victory that should lead to her being installed as the country’s new leader in the middle of the month.
Takaichi, a right-wing politician who has voiced admiration for Margaret Thatcher in her quest to build a “strong and prosperous” Japan on the international stage, beat her moderate rival, Shinjiro Koizumi, in a runoff election at the LDP headquarters in Tokyo on Saturday.
The election for party President was held after the outgoing prime minister, Shigeru Ishiba, announced his resignation after just a year in office. Ishiba, a moderate whose election last year had angered the right of his party, said it was time to find a successor to lead a “new LDP”.
Takaichi, 64, inherits a party that has endured two bruising elections in the past year as voters punished it over a funding
scandal and its failure to address the cost of living crisis.
Although the LDP-led coalition no longer holds a majority of seats in parliament, Takaichi is widely expected to be approved as Prime Minister when MPs vote, with October 15 the most likely date.
To deny her the Prime Ministership, opposition parties would have to unite behind their own candidate – a scenario observers agree is unthinkable.
Each of the LDP’s 295 lawmakers voted in the first
round of Saturday’s vote, with an equal number of votes distributed based on the preferences of just over 1 million grassroots members who had already cast their votes.
After none of the candidates secured an overall majority in the first round, Takaichi and Koizumi went head-to-head, with each of the LDP’s 295 lawmakers getting one vote and the membership’s share dropping to 47 votes, one for each of Japan’s prefectures. (Excerpt from The Guardian)
India probes possible cough syrup link to deaths of nine children
Indian authorities said on Saturday they are investigating if contaminated cough syrup caused the deaths of nine children in a central state after a batch of the medication was found to contain dangerous levels of a toxic chemical.
the permissible limit," the Ministry said in a statement.
DEG, a toxic solvent used in industrial products, has been linked to fatal poisoning in several countries.
tamination, the Ministry statement said.
US remain in limbo, according to figures from The New York Times.
Instead, Mr Trump has refocused resettlement efforts on Afrikaners, whom he claims have been racially persecuted by the South African Government. After scrapping refugee admissions, the President signed an executive order stating that an exemption would be created for Afrikaners.
The first group of 59 Afrikaner refugees arrived in May and were resettled to New York, Alabama and North Carolina, among other states. A total of 138 more have arrived since, according to Government figures. (Excerpt from The Telegraph)
The Health Ministry said samples of Coldrif Cough Syrup, manufactured by Sresan Pharma in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, were tested by state authorities and found to contain diethylene glycol (DEG) exceeding permissible limits.
"The samples are found to contain DEG beyond
The statement comes after media reports suggested that the recent deaths of nine children in the central state of Madhya Pradesh could have been linked to cough syrup consumption.
The Madhya Pradesh Food and Drug Administration (MPFDA) also analysed three of 13 samples collected, which were found free of con -
However, Tamil Nadu's drug regulator later confirmed DEG contamination in samples taken directly from Sresan Pharma's manufacturing site in Kanchipuram, it said. Sresan Pharma did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent by email.
Authorities have launched inspections of 19 drug manufacturers across six states to identify quality control lapses and recommend improvements to prevent future incidents, the Ministry said. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Death toll from Indonesia school collapse rises to 14 as more victims found
The death toll from the collapse of a boarding school in Indonesia’s East Java province has risen to 14, according to officials, as rescuers battle to recover dozens of students believed still buried under the rubble.
Hundreds of students, most of them teenage boys, were inside the Al-Khoziny Islamic Boarding School in
the town of Sidoarjo when it collapsed on Monday, initially killing at least five students and injuring about 100.
National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) chief Suharyanto told reporters on Saturday that rescuers found nine bodies on Friday, raising the death toll to 14.
“As of today, we are
still searching for 49 people who are still missing,” said Suharyanto, who goes by one name, as reported by broadcaster Kompas TV. Suharyanto said victim identification had been complicated by the fact that most of the victims were under 18 and did not have Government identity cards or fingerprint records.
(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Sanae Takaichi
ARIES
TAURUS (April 20May 20)
GEMINI (MAY 21June 20)
CANCER
(June 21July 22)
LEO (July 23Aug. 22)
VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22) (March 21April 19)
LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)
SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)
Don’t air your troubles in public. Social events can help ease your stress, allowing you to reconsider what you’re up against. Distancing yourself from drama and dilemmas will allow you to find healthier alternatives. Nothing is as bad as it appears; have patience and give such matters a chance to dissipate before addressing concerns.
You’ll regain your equilibrium if you take time out to pamper yourself or to rearrange your surroundings to suit your needs. Taking care of what makes you happy will help you reset your mind as you let go of old, worn-out theories you harbour. Patience and compromise can do wonders to get you back on track. Pick a lane and stay on course. Today is not the time to cause disruptions or to test your strength or courage. Be social, have fun, and refuse to take on situations that aren’t in your jurisdiction. Know your place, bring fun and laughter to whatever event you attend, and avoid being pegged as a troublemaker.
Act and get things done. How you go about your day and what you accomplish will set the stage for what’s next. Don’t give anyone ammunition to ruffle your feathers or push you to the dark side. A positive attitude, extending happy thoughts and niceties, and showing kindness and compassion will work wonders. Avoid taking sides; moderation is a better approach. If you join the fight, you’ll invite discord and make enemies. Be the one to offer suggestions, compromise, and promote positive outcomes, and you’ll become the go-to person in your circle. Learn as you go, and you’ll discover a talent that can help you get ahead.
Take a moment to consider what’s working for you and what’s a waste of time and money. Channel your energy into learning, discovery, and tuning in to what brings you joy. Extend a hand to someone you want to get to know better and see what transpires. Love and personal growth are yours to discover.
Listen, gather information, and explore the possibilities, but don’t make premature decisions or promises. You may desire change, but if it’s not in your budget or time doesn’t allow you to proceed, you are best to retreat until your timing is more conducive to success. Stick close to home and put together a realistic plan.
You win if you remain cool, calm, and collected. Taking time to reflect will offer positive alternatives. Turn your attention to pastimes that satisfy your soul, whether it’s reconnecting with nature or utilising a creative outlet that eases stress and boosts your self-esteem and sense of accomplishment. Love and romance are favoured.
(Jan. 20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19)
Mixed emotions can cost you dearly. Be cautious when handling loved ones or making personal changes that alter your appearance, emotions, or interactions with others. Caution is in your best interest regarding health, finances, and verifying facts. A mistake will have consequences you can avoid with a bit of thought and patience. Look at your options, consider partnerships, and come up with a plan that ensures you maintain equality and good relations with those you encounter. Be sure you understand the consequences of promising too much or expecting others to live up to your expectations. Timing, integrity, and fairness are mandatory. Get what you want in writing.
AQUARIUS
PISCES
(Feb. 20Mar. 20)
A lifestyle change can lower your overhead and stress. Learn a new skill or revamp your resume to better align with available positions in your area. Put your energy where it will do some good and refrain from letting anger and frustration take over. Take the initiative, and something good will come your way. Keep the momentum flowing. Participate, make a difference, and utilise your skills to create a positive impact. The people you connect with will open your eyes to a multitude of ideas that you can tailor to your needs. It’s time to put you first and turn your dreams into a reality. Romance and self-improvement are favoured.
Peanuts
Calvin and Hobbes
Pickles
CAPRICORN
Mitchell Marsh led from the front with a magnificent maiden T20I century to carry Australia to a 2-0 series victory over New Zealand after they had suffered a major stumble against James Neesham.
At 62 for 1 in the seventh over, Australia were comfortably placed chasing an underwhelming 157, but Neesham claimed four quick wickets to leave the game in the balance. Marsh, though, remained unstoppable, continuing his recent surge in form, bringing up his century from 50 balls and joining the group of those with centuries across all formats, in an innings where the nextbest score was 14. Sean Abbott showed his calmness and experience by helping get the job done, unbeaten on 13.
Australia's three frontline quicks had all impressed after Marsh followed his usual route of bowling when winning the toss. Josh Hazlewood set the tone and was well backed up by Xavier Bartlett and Abbott as the trio shared seven wickets, while Marcus Stoinis claimed the important figure of Daryl Mitchell with his first ball.
This early-season Chappell-Hadlee series was played across just four days in chilly, damp conditions –with the second match mostly lost to the weather – and
New Zealand will now prepare to face England in white-ball cricket. Australia, meanwhile, return home to play India in ODIs and T20Is ahead of the Ashes.
Marsh's lone hand Marsh joked after the second T20I's abandonment that he'd never felt such pressure being 1 off 5 balls in a nine-over slog. Today he was 4 off 5 when he got into top gear with consecutive fours and a pulled six off Matt Henry. Then in the final over of the powerplay, he took down Ben Sears, starting with a perfect lofted ondrive for six before showing extraordinary power to loft six over cover off the back foot – in all, the over cost 21.
Marsh lost Matt Short,
flicking Neesham into the deep, but consecutive sixes against Ish Sodhi – the second taking him to a 21-ball fifty – continued Australia's momentum. Then the wheels threatened to come off. Tim David swung a big outside edge to deep third, Alex Carey was brilliantly caught at deep point by Mark Chapman – who held the catch horizontal to the ground – and Neesham put himself on a hat-trick when Stoinis drove to mid-off.
He nearly claimed it, too, as Mitchell Owen got an inside edge into the pads. Owen launched a mighty six over long-on to suggest he might hurry the game to a conclusion but soon skied into the off side. Marsh scored 22 of the 23 added
with Bartlett, but 24 were still needed when the seventh wicket fell, although there was never any runrate pressure.
Marsh moved to 97 with his seventh six, muscled over the leg side when he didn't middle a pull off Neesham, and brought up three figures when a top edge landed safely.
Hazlewood's four in a row
For the second time in the series, Hazlewood struck in the first over of a match when Devon Conway skewed a catch to mid-off after Tim Seifert had scooped his third ball for six. Three overs later, with New Zealand having made decent progress, he produced a superb delivery which nipped and climbed
In an attacking move, with the ball nibbling around, Hazlewood was given his four-over spell on the trot by Marsh – the first time he had bowled all his overs straight through in his T20 career. His top-class spell was somewhat dented in his last over when Seifert and Mitchell took a boundary apiece.
David's catch, Stoinis maiden Australia were poor in the field during the opening match, but they caught safely in this one. Their
at Tim Robinson to graze the edge, although the DRS was needed after the on-field umpire didn't hear the nick.
highlight was David's terrific effort, running back from mid-on to take Chapman's
lofted drive over his shoulder, managing to hold onto the ball as he landed and leaving New Zealand three down inside the powerplay. Another notable contribution was Stoinis' opening over. He started by finding Mitchell's outside edge with a delivery that moved considerably and ended up completing a wicket maiden. It was his first maiden in a full T20 match, although earlier this year he completed two maiden 'sets' in the Hundred, which are categorised among T20 statistics. In the end, Stoinis would end up Australia's most expensive bowler, as his last three overs went for 43, with Neesham taking 16 off him in the space of four balls in the 15th over, including two sixes. Neesham and captain Michael Bracewell tried to rebuild from 99 for 5, but it felt like New Zealand were someway short, although with the ball, Neesham nearly proved it otherwise. One player stood in their way. (ESPNcricinfo)
Tim Seifert scored four
James Neesham picked up four wickets
Mitchell Marsh smash a century
Ravindra Jadeja has been building a case to be one of the best all-rounders in the game. A four-for to follow a hundred against the West Indies to start the new home season was just the latest evidence he offered in favour of that argument. On the back of his 104 not out and 4 for 54, India completed an innings win with two-and-a-half days to spare.
A proud record stood tall between February 22, 2013, and October 25, 2024. It buckled 24 hours later. India lost a Test series on home soil for the first time in nearly 12 years. Many of the players who had contributed to that run are now retired, including Virat Kohli, R Ashwin and Cheteshwar Pujara. But Jadeja remains.
He was there when India began that run against Australia in Chennai. He was there when New Zealand broke them last year in Pune. And he was there once again, lifting them back up against the West Indies now. At 36 years old, it is unclear how much cricket is left in him, but it was poetic that in the first of 66 Tests that India had to play at home without
Jadeja, Siraj shine as WI crumble; India win 1st test by innings & 140 runs
and one sumptuous cov er drive for three highlighted his process. All of those scoring shots were against half-volleys that were well wide of the stumps. This is the judgement and the competence that convinced the coach, Daren Sammy, and the management to bring him back into the Test side. India, though, kept placing new threats in front of Athanaze. Jasprit Bumrah hit him on the helmet.
Washington Sundar tested him with the ball turning
SCOREBOARD
India 1st Innings
Yashasvi Jaiswal c †Hope
b Seales 36
KL Rahul c Greaves
b Warrican 100 Sai Sudharsan lbw b Chase 7 Shubman Gill (c) c Greaves
b Chase 50
Dhruv Jurel † c †Hope
b Pierre 125 Ravindra Jadeja not out 104
Washington Sundar not out 9
Extras (b 12, lb 3, nb 1, w 1) 17
Total 128 Ov (RR: 3.50) 448/5d Fall of wickets: 1-68 (Yashasvi Jaiswal, 18.2 ov), 2-90 (Sai Sudharsan, 24.5 ov), 3-188 (Shubman Gill, 56.6 ov), 4-218 (KL Rahul, 67.5 ov), 5-424 (Dhruv Jurel, 122.6 ov) Bowling O-M-R-W
Jayden Seales 19-2-53-1
Johann Layne 15-0-38-0
Justin Greaves 12-4-59-0
Jomel Warrican 29-5-102-1
Khary Pierre 29-1-91-1 Roston Chase 24-3-90-2
West Indies 2nd Innings
John Campbell c Sai Sudharsan
b Jadeja 14
Tagenarine Chanderpaul
c Nitish Kumar Reddy
b Mohammed Siraj 8
Alick Athanaze
c & b Washington Sundar 38
Brandon King c Rahul b Jadeja 5 Roston Chase (c) b Kuldeep Yadav 1 Shai Hope † c Jaiswal b Jadeja 1
away. They were waiting for Athanaze to be just slightly off with his process, and eventually, after 73 balls, he was, closing the face of the bat, baited by an off break that pitched on middle. Washington took a simple catch, which then led to
a symbolic representation of the West Indies' batting in this Test.
Jomel Warrican tried to impose himself on Mohammed Siraj, swinging as hard as he could, only for his bat to fly out of his grip and land at square leg.
The ball, meanwhile, settled in mid-off's hands. The West Indies is a side still building its best batters. Ahead of this tour, they were shorn of two of their best bowlers. This informed the challenge they could pose. They are struggling to find a better opener than John Campbell, 32, who is the third-most experienced player in this XI.
He has 23 caps, and in all that time, he has no centuries. Even in first-class cricket, after 101 matches, he has only nine centuries. In Ahmedabad, he fell for 8 and 14. The only slightly younger Tagenarine Chanderpaul finished with 0 and 8. Top-order returns like that just won't do.
Jadeja is sometimes accused of being that left-arm spinner who just fires the ball in and lets the pitch do its work. But he knows how to work batters out too. He saw Brandon King
lunging forward to try and smother the turn, and that helped him once. He hit a crisp cover drive for four. It also led to his downfall as Jadeja recalibrated his flight. It was still full, so it triggered King's instinct to get on the front foot. But he had no way of getting to the pitch of this one.
Having committed to the shot, he ended up vulnerable to the turn and presented a straightforward catch to slip. All this happened in the space of two overs. In that small period of time, Jadeja turned what the batter thought was a strength into a weakness.
Siraj was the other bowler among the wickets, taking five or more over the course of a home Test for the first time.
The West Indies lost 10 wickets in two sessions on the first day. They did it again on the third day. Only two players got into the 30s. Only two faced 50 or more balls. They have five days to address these problems before the start of the second game in Delhi. The wait to win a Test match against India in India, which is in its 31st year, continues. ( ESPN cricinfo)
Kuldeep Yadav celebrates after taking the wicket of Roston Chase
Alick Athanaze scored 38
India took a 1-0 series lead
Ravindra Jadeja
The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) and the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) have taken a historic step toward advancing cricket’s role on the international stage, following a high-level meeting between the two bodies.
Discussions centred on Guyana’s participation in cricket at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, USA, where the sport has been officially added to the programme.
With its rich and accomplished cricketing heritage, Guyana has long been recognised as a stronghold of the game in the Caribbean. Both organisations expressed confidence that the nation’s tradition, talent, and passion for cricket provide a solid foundation for Olympic representation and potential success.
During the meeting, extensive dialogue was held on creating a framework to integrate cricket into Guyana’s Olympic structure.
It was agreed that the GCB
will apply for formal membership within the GOA by submitting the required documentation in accordance with the GOA Constitution. Once approved, the GCB will be formally recognised as a member body of the GOA.
GCB President Bissoondyal Singh and GOA President Godfrey Munroe described the collabora-
tion as his-
toric, emphasising that it represents not only an opportunity for Guyana to compete in cricket at the Olympic level but also a broader vision to strengthen national sports development.
As part of this process, the
Regal, Ariel Knight Riders Steal
Spotlight in Inaugural Unification
One Guyana Softball Cup
The historic inaugural Unification One Guyana Softball Cup wrapped up in grand style on Sunday last at the Georgetown Cricket Club Ground, Bourda, as four teams from different divisions were crowned champions after a weekend of exhilarating competition.
Twenty-six teams, including six fierce female squads, participated in the tournament, which featured three days of intense softball action.
In the Female 15-over knockout, the Rising Stars blazed their way to victory, overpowering No. 64 Knight Riders to claim the crown.
each zoomed away on a motorcycle.
Brenda Steven (female category) added elegance to her home with a three-piece
Over in the Legends (Over-50) category, fan favourites Regal triumphed over Fisherman XI, while the Ariel Masters stunned Regal in the Over-40 (Masters) showdown.
In the high-energy Open division, the Ariel Knight Riders outpaced the mighty Speed Boat to secure the title.
The stakes were high –and so were the rewards –as each winning men’s team walked away with a whopping $1 million, while the women’s champions collected a handsome $400,000.
The spotlight shone on the tournament MVPs, which saw Uniss Yusuf (Legends) drive off in a brand-new Toyota Vitz, while Richard Latif (Masters) and Quintin Sampson (Open)
living room suite. The event – an exciting collaboration between title sponsors Regal Stationery
– was a true celebration of sport, unity, and community spirit.
All finalists proudly received trophies courtesy of Trophy Stall, adding to the festive atmosphere of the closing ceremony.
President of the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc, Ian John, extended heartfelt congratulations to the victorious teams and sincere thanks to all participants.
Special commendation was reserved for the CEO of Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Anil Hardyal, whose unwavering support helped bring this Unification Softball Extravaganza to life.
The Unification One Guyana Softball Cup has set
and Computer Centre, the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc, and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport
a high bar – and promises to become a staple on the nation al sporting calendar for years to come.
GCB will nominate two representatives to serve within the GOA, ensuring close cooperation and alignment moving forward.
Attendees at the meeting included Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) President Bissoondyal Singh; Vice President Dr Cecil Beharry; Secretary Ronald Williams; Treasurer
Dr Brian Sukhai; Assistant Secretary Davteerth Anandjit; Competition Chairman Shaun Massiah; Marketing Manager Rabindranauth Saywack; Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Claude Raphael; and Cricket Operations Manager Anthony D’Andrade.
The Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) was represented by its President Godfrey Munroe; Vice Presidents Steve Ninvalle and Cristy Campbell; and Secretary General Vidush Persaud-McKinnon.
Both the GCB and GOA reaffirmed their strong commitment to this partnership, underscoring it as a landmark moment for sport in Guyana.
The organisations pledged to work hand in hand to ensure that when cricket makes its return to the Olympic stage in Los Angeles 2028, Guyana’s players will be fully prepared to represent the nation with pride and distinction.
Thrilling Superbike Showdown Expected at South Dakota
The stage is set for a thrilling finale at the Caribbean Clash of Champions, as Guyana’s two top superbike riders, Matthew Vieira and Kevin Persaud, prepare to go head-to-head for the national championship title at the South Dakota Circuit.
What makes this battle even more electrifying is the international twist: British Superbike ace Dan Linfoot will return to Guyana, this time bringing a teammate from the UK, adding worldclass firepower to an already loaded grid.
For years, Vieira has been the benchmark of local superbike racing. Leading the championship heading into the final round, he’s determined to defend his title and cement his dominance.
"Everyone raised their game this year, so I had to push a lot harder – both physically and mentally," Vieira said. Focused and fitter than ever, he's been shaving down his lap times in practice and plans to secure the champion-
ond race of the day. "I want to wrap it up early so I can go all out in the final race,” he added confi dently. But standing firmly in his way is Kevin Persaud, who has been clos ing the gap with every event. Known for his calculated aggression and improved consistency, Persaud has transformed himself this season through relentless prepara-
"I bought new performance parts, dropped eight pounds, and worked on speed and fitness," Persaud shared. "Everyone wants to beat Matthew, but I'm coming prepared. I'm not counting out anyone – even Nicholas Boodram and Dan Linfoot –but I'll be ready.”
The rivalry between Vieira and Persaud represents the very heart of Guyanese motorsport –two homegrown talents moulded by grit, passion, and an unyielding drive to be the best. Vieira’s experience and precision make him a master of race craft, while Persaud’s determination and recent improvements have made him a genuine contender for the
been higher. The British riders’ participation brings not only international attention but also a new level of competition. Vieira sees it as an opportunity to measure local talent against global standards, while Persaud views it as motivation to push even harder. With over 20 superbikes expected to roar off the line, fans can anticipate wheel-towheel action and championship drama from start to finish.
Whether it’s Vieira defending his legacy, Persaud aiming to make history, or Linfoot proving why he’s a British Superbike veteran, the final round at South Dakota promises to be the most intense superbike showdown Guyana has ever seen.
Yet, with Linfoot and his UK teammate joining the grid, the stakes have never
Cricket Board President Bissoondyal Singh
Olympic Association President Godfrey Munroe
Ace riders Kevin Persaud and Matthew Vieira
High-level action among super bikers at South Dakota
Regal Legends men’s team
Ariel Masters' team
Rising Stars team
British super biker Dan Linfoot
pected to join the grid, this debut will be a crucial test not only for the GMRSC but also for other teams across the region, who will be watching closely to see how the new class unfolds.
The Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMRSC) is preparing to revolutionise regional motorsport with the introduction of a GT3-spec class at the South Dakota Circuit.
While Group Four will remain unchanged, this move addresses the long-standing challenge of stagnant growth in the Caribbean’s top tier.
For years, the region has struggled to attract new Group Four machinery, limiting both competitiveness and fan excitement. In 2023, the GMRSC shifted its focus beyond the Caribbean to Latin America and the broader motorsport world, where GT3 has become the global benchmark.
Featuring iconic machines such as Lamborghinis, Ferraris, McLarens, Audis, and Porsches, GT3 racing
attracts fans worldwide and delivers consistent, worldclass competition.
A headline battle is already in the making, as Trinidad and Tobago’s Franklyn Boodram is set to go head-to-head with Guyana’s Mark Vieira in GT3 machinery at the Caribbean Clash of Champions.
Joining them on the grid will be AJM’s Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, adding even more excitement to what is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated races in recent memory.
This clash of GT3 titans – Vieira’s Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, Boodram’s Renault Sport RS 01, and AJM’s GT3 entry – will serve as the headline race of the event, marking a new chapter in Caribbean motorsport.
One of the significant strengths of GT3 racing is its regulation under FIA standards, which provide detailed technical rules for
will fea-
every car.
With a few more cars ex-
President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Wayne Forde, on Friday assured that despite delays in finalising tender docu-
This makes GT3 racing far easier to manage compared to Group Four, where balancing performance (BoP) between different vehicles has been a constant challenge.
Unlike traditional six-
ture longer distances, allowing these high-performance machines to properly warm up their tyres and deliver peak performance.
Teams will also bring full trackside engineering crews, as the complexity of GT3 operations makes short
sprint races less attractive. This shift will introduce fans to the authentic endurance-style racing environment that defines GT3 worldwide.
With growing interest in the GT3 Americas Series, Guyana could soon host a leg of the championship. The introduction of GT3 is not just about adding a class;
it’s about proving that the South Dakota Circuit and the GMRSC are capable of staging international-grade motorsport.
For fans, the future looks thrilling: the roar of GT3 engines, longer wheel-to-wheel battles, and the promise of Guyana being firmly placed on the international racing map.
Construction of Blue Water Stadium to Commence by year’s end – GFF Boss Assures
ments for the Blue Water Stadium, construction will commence before the end of the year.
The Blue Water Stadium is an international-standard football stadium planned for Georgetown, Guyana, and is expected to be constructed at D’Urban Park, Georgetown. This multi-purpose facility is a partnership between the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and the company Blue Water Shipping. The project includes plans for accessibility features, locker rooms, and a main pitch, with the first phase focusing on developing mini
pitches for immediate use.
The sod was turned for the project in October 2024, with construction expected to begin in phases following a tender process scheduled for August 2025.
However, speaking on Friday, Forde acknowledged that the original August 31, 2025, deadline for the tender documents was not met due to unforeseen challenges faced by the Federation’s engineering partners. He explained that while the delays were disappointing, the complexity of the design process requires patience and precision.
“We had agreed timelines with our engineering partner, and unfortunately, they weren’t able to meet that timeline,” Forde said.
“It’s a very complex design process, and they are being very careful with everything. It’s better to go back and look at different elements of the design before we just hastily try to meet the timeline. We’ve been assured that within a matter of days, we will have that.”
Once the documents are
finalised, the GFF president stated that a series of meetings will be held with key stakeholders. This will include a FIFA-appointed expert who will review the designs before discussions with the Blue Water team move forward on the business and financial aspects of the project. The tender
process is expected to follow shortly thereafter.
“My team and I are really pushing to have construction commence this year,” he affirmed. He also dismissed suggestions that the proposed site is being neglected due to thick vegetation.
“Anyone with a practical sense would know if I went and weeded this today, next week it will be the same thing,” he said, emphasising that the real focus is on ensuring the stadium project advances according to plan.
The Blue Water Stadium, once completed, is expected to serve as a landmark facility for football development in Guyana, providing both players and fans with a modern venue that meets international standards.
lap sprint races at South Dakota, GT3 races
Mark Vieira’s Porsche 911 GT3
AJM’s Porsche 911 GT3
Franklyn Boodram’s GT3
Franklyn Boodram, Mark Vieira, and Nasrudeen Mohamed
An artistic impression of the Blue Water Stadium for D’Urban Park
President of the Guyana Football Federation Wayne Forde
