Guyanese students receiving invoices due to “glitch” in system”
national charged in absentia with murder of Venezuelan woman in Guyana’s interior
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Sunday, August 10 – 04:45h–06:15h and Monday, August 11 – 03:55h–05:25h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Sunday, August 10 – 17:10h–18:40h and Monday, August 11 – 05:30h–07:00h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times –05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily
Pres Ali pledges new road links, mining lands, job creation for Bartica
...
calls on miners to maintain legal operations to help build communities
resident Irfaan Ali
Psays his Government has laid out an ambitious development plan to transform Bartica into a powerhouse for mining, forestry, agriculture, and commerce, while calling on miners across Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), to operate strictly within the law, selling their gold through licensed operators and the Guyana Gold Board.
“We don’t want leakages in the system. We don’t want our gold crossing borders. We will invest in you, but we want it here to help build your community, your country, and your future,” the President told the crowd, stressing that the Government was ready to provide the financing, equipment, and infrastructure needed to make small- and medium-scale miners more
culture, forestry, and mining.
President Ali noted that the bridges will “cut down travel costs” and make the region more accessible.
Vehicles that need to cross at Puruni and Kurupukari are transported across the river on a large barge pulled by a boat, which is an outdated process.
Already, the country is witnessing the construction of the Demerara River Crossing – a bridge that will revolutionise travel between Regions Three and Four.
President Ali said the region will also benefit from the creation of a special development fund, “to ensure you have access to capital and your interest rate will go down”.
In the same vein, he outlined plans to deploy modern technology to reduce environmental risks in mining and
profitable, while reducing their transportation costs.
The Head of State pledged significant road construction and rehabilitation to connect mining and forestry lands and promised that miners themselves would be empowered to help build and maintain these roads through direct Government support.”
Addressing a large gathering ahead of the September 1 General and Regional Elections, President Ali reaffirmed the People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) commitment to “practising national unity” through concrete action rather than rhetoric, contrasting his administration’s development agenda with what he described as the divisive politics of his opponents.
Ali further announced that the PPP/C Government would remove all remaining taxes on ATVs, lower taxes on four-door pickups, and eliminate taxes on outboard engines up to 150 horsepower, in addition to expanding access to affordable financing for small businesses in Bartica through a special development fund designed to reduce interest rates.
Puruni, Kurupukari to be bridged
He committed to major infrastructure upgrades such as the construction of the Kurupukari and Puruni bridges, a new ferry service, and the Sand Hill Road link, which together would open hundreds of thousands of acres for agri-
forestry while introducing a comprehensive safety plan for miners in the hinterland.
“That is why we will invest with you to find the best and most appropriate technology to give you the maximum
results in those industries that you explore. And mining and forestry and working in the hinterland is not only about taxes and equipment and land and roads and infrastructure and technology, but important to this is your safety, and we want to work with you, all the miners, on a comprehensive safety plan so when you're in the hinterland, when you're moving your gold, when you're going to the market, we can ensure that you are kept safe and that your production is kept safe.”
He announced that street lights and CCTV are to be installed in Region Seven, telling the thousands of persons present Saturday that “You must be able to live in a secure environment.”
The installation of CCTV systems is part of the government’s nationwide Safe Country Project that enhances national security and crime-fighting capabilities.
“We are not hiding away from the biggest issues. This is not a party and a Government that shy away from talking about the biggest issues. We confront them, and
we find solutions so that the people can continue to benefit,” the President outlined.
Beyond mining, the President stressed the need to reduce food imports into Region Seven, positioning Bartica as a supply hub for the mining and logging sectors while building an agricultural ecosystem that empowers single mothers, riverine communities, and Indigenous villages. This, he said, would create jobs, expand markets, and bring revenue directly into local communities.
The President also noted that the sound policies of his Government over the past five years have transformed the lives of citizens in every village of the country and decried those who would allow themselves to be bribed for their vote, saying that his Government practices inclusion with policies crafted for the benefit of the maximum number of Guyanese.
He told the crowd that his party will not “offer you $50,000 to wear a shirt and $10,000 to put up a flag and $50,000 to vote. We don’t do that, and whoever does that does not deserve your vote.”
President Irfaan Ali addressing a massive crowd at Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), on Saturday
A section of the thousands in the crowd that went to express their support for the PPP in Bartica
As the date for our General Elections draws inexorably closer, there has been quite a buzz in opposition circles over remarks made by US Ambassador Nicole Theriot. Some of them pertain to the candidacy of a local Guyanese businessman who was sanctioned by the US Treasury agency OFAC. This is as it ought to be, since a country’s ambassador is supposed to convey their country’s position on matters affecting them. But just as many questions concern the importance of democratic elections in legitimising Governments through the ballot box, where citizens can exercise their franchise under conditions that are free and fair as well as free from fear.
The US, after all, was the first country to institute democratic governance after its declaration of independence from Britain in 1776. Since then, notwithstanding some periodic hiccups, it has remained a beacon to those countries that aspire to follow that path. In view of the history of Guyana, one important point made by US ambassadors is that their country stands ready to work with democratically elected administrations, as seen in 2015 and 2020. The answer to what this means concretely is given by one US Government statement on “ELECTIONS”.
Expanding on “The Benchmark of Elections”, the statement declares, “Elections are the central institution of democratic representative Governments. Why? Because, in a democracy, the authority of the Government derives solely from the consent of the governed. The principal mechanism for translating that consent into Governmental authority is the holding of free and fair elections.”
But it cautioned that, based on its experience, “All modern democracies hold elections, but not all elections are democratic.” In answering the question, “What Are Democratic Elections?”, the statement pointed out that “Jeane Kirkpatrick, scholar and former US ambassador to the United Nations, has offered this definition: "Democratic elections are not merely symbolic....They are competitive, periodic, inclusive, definitive elections in which the chief decision-makers in a Government are selected by citizens who enjoy broad freedom to criticise Government, to publish their criticism and to present alternatives."
The US statement elaborated in more substantive terms on the non-negotiability of “free and fair elections” for democratic governance: “Democracies thrive on openness and accountability, with one very important exception: the act of voting itself. To cast a free ballot and minimise the opportunity for intimidation, voters in a democracy must be permitted to cast their ballots in secret. At the same time, the protection of the ballot box and tallying of vote totals must be conducted as openly as possible so that citizens are confident that the results are accurate and that the Government does, indeed, rest upon their "consent".
We saw this traduced post-March 2, 2020.
“When the election is over, the losers accept the judgement of the voters. If the incumbent party loses, it turns over power peacefully. No matter who wins, both sides agree to cooperate in solving the common problems of the society. The losers, now in the political opposition, know that they will not lose their lives or go to jail. On the contrary, the opposition, whether it consists of one party or many, can continue to participate in public life with the knowledge that its role is essential in any democracy worthy of the name. They are loyal not to the specific policies of the Government but to the fundamental legitimacy of the state and to the democratic process itself.”
As Sept 1st approaches, opposition parties are freely competing for power. “In addition, a pluralistic society, one in which the reach of Government is limited, tends to offer election losers alternatives for public service outside Government. Those defeated at the polls may choose to continue as a formal opposition party, but they may also decide to participate in the wider political process and debate through writing, teaching, or joining one of many private organisations concerned with public policy issues. Democratic elections, after all, are not a fight for survival but a competition to serve.”
Guyanese know who have violated these democratic rules and who have observed them and deserve their vote.
Is racism losing its potency?
B y D onal D R amota R
One of the enduring struggles that the PPP has waged since its inception was and is for racial and working-class unity. Over the years it has had successes and setbacks. In 1953 the entire country was united.
The split in the party and the use of race to divide the people by the British and their local allies in 1955 was a setback. However, in the 1957 elections, the PPP, led by Cheddi Jagan, won most of the African Guyanese votes.
It was in that period that the British Governor Sir Patrick Renison and his local allies, the Burnhamled group (which became the PNC in October 1957), intensified their efforts at dividing the working people.
Just before leaving his post as Governor of British Guiana, Sir Patrick Renison, in a letter to Lennox-Boyd, Secretary of State for the Colonies, dated 10 March 1957, reported that he had succeeded in the task of building up opposition to Jagan’s PPP. He noted that Burnham, even though “cynical, superficial, unreliable, prejudiced and irrational, was no longer unthinkable as a Chief Minister.”
Renison hailed his success in building opposition to the PPP and making Burnham an alternative to Jagan as his success of the
year. He, however, noted that the “dark edge” of the success “has largely been accomplished through racialism”.
In the years that followed (1957 to 1964), the British, joined by the CIA and the PNC, intensified their racial agitations. They used the 1962 budget, known as the Kaldor’s Budget (after Nicolas Kaldor, the UN economist who advised the Government), which was aimed at preparing the country for independence and was highly praised by specialists, to begin race riots in the city.
The PPP fought tooth and nail to counter racism. Progress had been relatively slow up to 1992. Since then we have seen much progress in forging national unity in our country. The PPP support in AfroGuyanese and Amerindian communities grew steadily.
The reasons for these positive developments are many. First and foremost is the fact that the PPP, from Jagan to Jagdeo, has never made any concessions to racism. Our position has always been staunchly against racism. The PPP is on record as expelling persons who tried to stoke racism in our country.
That was the real reason for the removal of Balwant Singh Rai and some of his followers.
Just after the party left office in 1964, Cheddi Jagan, clearly disappoint-
ed that the PNC had rejected its calls for a coalition Government, charged PPP activists to work to build back racial unity in Guyana. In the Thunder of April 1965, he wrote, “… We must work to achieve unity and social harmony. Racism is the greatest curse in our land…” He went on to say, “We have to win over the misguided workers in the urban areas and the Amerindian people. This is the only true and lasting solution to our problems.”
Well, it took a while, but the contours of that unity are taking shape. This could be seen by the composition of the crowds at PPP/C meetings and rallies; that there have been truly multi-racial crowds is unmistakable.
The racist propagandists of the APNU (PNC) and some of their supporters who are prominent in the press are becoming ineffective. This is because their talk of PPP discrimination does not correspond to the realities on the ground. Their propagandists, like Henry Jeffery, Lincoln Lewis and David Hinds, have lost much of their credibility, and their naked racism is being exposed as never before.
Another reason that helped to blunt the racist propaganda is the fact that the return of the PNC to power in 2015 exposed them to the new generation, who were not around before 1992 and therefore
had no knowledge of the PNC’s corruption, racism and anti-working-class positions, and were able to see them more clearly. In the five years between 2015 and 2020, they again displayed a great level of incompetence, corruption and gross arrogance.
They never think about the welfare of our people or the image of our country. Their main aim has always been to get rich quick and to perpetuate themselves in power by rigged elections. The shame that they brought to this nation in attempting to steal the 2020 elections while the whole world was watching was deeply felt by all patriotic citizens. We recall the words of Barbados’ late Prime Minister Owen Arthur, who was the head of an observer mission to those elections, when he said, “It was the most transparent attempt to rig an election…”
Yes, the APNU/AFC regime brought great shame to our nation.
The leadership of the opposition wants power to rule the country like monarchs and to enrich themselves at the expense of the people and the country. Recall the renting of a house (for a bond) for more than twelve million dollars per month.
Guyanese are now once again walking with their heads held high and rightly saying never again. (Former President Donald Ramotar)
The village of Karaudarnau celebrated World Indigenous Day 2025 on Saturday, August 9, with traditional dance and song. In its social media post for the occasion, the village also reminded that earth does not belong to man, but rather, man belongs to the earth, adding that man did not weave the web of life and is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself
(Photos: Karaudarnau Village Council)
Doesn’t know how to deal with
vendors at City Hall
but suddenly has all the answers and plans on the
Dear Editor,
Around the horseshoe table and in the mayoral chair, plans could not be laid out regarding vendors
and vending. But climb the political stage of a meeting, and in full flow, all sorts of plans and promises to improve and empower ven-
dors are laid bare.
How convenient!
What can’t be said and done around the table can suddenly, on the campaign
stage, unfold with all the answers.
Something is amiss.
The substantive portfolio cannot be realised in
Rhetoric vs reality
Dear Editor,
The Guyana Business Journal’s (GBJ) recent feature on Nigel Hughes presents a romanticised portrait of a man who, in reality, has consistently demonstrated a troubling pattern of political expediency, corporate allegiance, and legal manoeuvring that undermines the very principles of transformational leadership. Far from being a visionary, Hughes is a political opportunist whose actions betray the national interest he claims to champion.
Let us begin with the most glaring contradiction: Hughes’ unapologetic admission that if his client’s interests – namely ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL – conflict with the national interest, then his client’s interests shall prevail. This is not a misstep; it is a declaration of allegiance to corporate power over sovereign responsibility. In my June 2024 commentary, I argued that such a conflict of interest cannot be managed – it must be avoided entirely. Hughes’ continued presence on EMGL’s payroll, even while serving as a presidential candidate, violates the spirit of the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and EMGL’s own anti-corruption policy.
Hughes’ role in the wit-
hdrawal of the $4 billion counterclaim against Booker Tate – his client – by the APNU+AFC Government in 2015 is another example of his prioritisation of client interests over national accountability. As I detailed in my November 2024 analysis, the PPP/C Government had filed legal action against Booker Tate for the failed Skeldon Sugar Modernisation Project. Hughes, acting as Booker Tate’s attorney, facilitated the withdrawal of the case, allowing the company to escape liability despite documented breaches.
The infamous 33 vs 32 parliamentary majority argument, widely seen as a legal farce, was orchestrated by Hughes to delay elections and secure EMGL’s production timeline. My November 2024 rebuttal clarified that former President Donald Ramotar never solicited the legal opinion Hughes cited; it was unsolicited and rejected. This manoeuvre allowed the APNU+AFC Government to remain in office unconstitutionally, locking in the 2016 Petroleum Agreement and complicating future renegotiation efforts.
Hughes’ claim that the Government spends 97% of oil revenues is demonstrably false. As I outlined in
my December 2024 rebuttal, the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) held a balance of US$3.2 billion as of September 2024, with only 40% of earnings spent, which means that 60% of the oil revenues remained untouched in the NRF. This reflects fiscal discipline, not recklessness. Moreover, my analysis of non-oil revenues – US$7.4 billion from 2020 to 2024 – shows that Hughes’ obsession with oil earnings ignores broader fiscal realities.
Despite two decades of existence, the AFC under Hughes has failed to produce a national development strategy. In my June 2025 commentary, I noted that Hughes publicly pleaded with other parties, including the PPP/C, to help develop a 15-20 year strategy – an admission that the AFC lacks policy capacity. This contradicts the GBJ’s claim that Hughes offers a comprehensive blueprint for governance.
Hughes’ racially charged contract award study, presented on an opposition-controlled podcast, was exposed in my January 2023 rebuttal as methodologically flawed and politically motivated. His attempt to validate opposition narratives of AfroGuyanese marginalisation lacked empirical rigour
campaign stage
your day-to-day routines, but suddenly you know what needs doing and how to get it done on the campaign stage.
Is it loyalty to the campaign stage rather than the city?
and was designed to inflame ethnic tensions.
Under Hughes’ leadership, the AFC has been marked by internal disarray and strategic miscalculations. His failed coalition negotiations with APNU, rejection of practical education trends, and criticism of the GOAL scholarship programme reveal a leader out of touch with national priorities and youth aspirations.
Finally, Hughes’ refusal to take responsibility for the AFC’s failures during the 2015–2020 administration, despite earlier promises to do so, underscores his lack of integrity. As I argued in my November 2024 oped, transformational leadership requires honesty, accountability, and patriotism – qualities Hughes demonstrably lacks.
In sum, the GBJ’s portrayal of Nigel Hughes is a carefully curated illusion. His legal entanglements, corporate loyalties, and political manoeuvres betray the very institutional integrity he claims to champion. Guyana deserves leadership rooted in evidence, ethics, and national interest – not corporate servitude and rhetorical flair.
Yours Sincerely, Joel Bhagwandin
Take a failed person of a bygone time and place them in a position of power; don’t expect a different outcome.
Yours Sincerely, Shamshun Mohamed
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SUNDAY, AUGUST 10, 2025
Page Foundation
DWhat is culture?
o you often notice that you have certain similarities with other kids who go to your school? Or maybe you have noticed that your family does things differently from some of your friends’ families? These similarities and differences could be anything from the restaurants you go to, the type of music you enjoy, the movies you watch together… and the list goes on.
Although many of these similarities and differences are due to personal choice, as individuals we are influenced by the people, society, and practices that surround us, which, taken together, are called our culture.
Culture is often based on a particular region or specific location (Mediterranean, East Asian, North European, etc.). Over the course of history, humans all over the world have created many cultures, which have shaped what people think, feel, wish, and value and how they behave. Culture is a very broad and complex concept that includes many aspects of human existence and daily life. It refers to the shared beliefs, values, traditions, social norms, and behaviours of a group of people who share the
same living environment in a specific region of the world.
Culture does not stay the same—it changes and evolves over time. New beliefs, values, customs, traditions, and practices continually replace older ones. The process of cultural change is faster for societies that are open to outside influences, such as societies that engage in cultural exchange activities with other cultures (e.g., study abroad programmes, hosting an international student), trade with many other countries, or have high levels of immigration.
A key characteristic of culture is that people are not born with it. Culture is learnt starting at birth, and the learning continues throughout an individual’s life. Culture is passed down from one generation to the next through socialisation.
Socialisation occurs through interactions with our family members, friends, teachers, and role models, and also through TV, the internet, and other forms
even if they are living in a rapidly changing world.
It is important to emphasise that culture is not the same across any one society. There
gists. Anthropologists have found that certain parts of culture are universal. This means that all people all over the world share these behaviours. All societies have ways of dealing with relatives, telling good from bad, making art, playing games, choosing leaders, and raising children. However, each culture does these things in different ways.
Why Understand Other Cultures?
You may ask, “Why do we spend so much energy trying to understand culture?”
of communication. Socialisation helps our culture to shape our personalities and our identities.
Additionally, culture gives people a sense of belonging and fitting into the world. It shapes the way people understand the world and helps them to find stability in their lives,
are subcultures within a larger culture, each with its own distinct beliefs, values, and practices. For example, within a country, there may be unique regional cultures, ethnic cultures, and age-related cultures.
Scientists who study human culture are called anthropolo-
The short and simple answer is globalisation. Look around you. Do you find that your school, classroom, or sports team has people from diverse cultures?
The answer is most likely yes, and this is true for many other aspects of society besides school. To thrive in a
beliefs.
These cultural differences can often lead to misunderstandings and conflicts if not handled with respect, appreciation, and open-mindedness. Discrimination and prejudice often stem from a lack of understanding of cultural diversity. When people respect cultural differences and value cultural diversity, they are empowered to communicate and interact with one another successfully and to build positive relationships with individuals from other cultural backgrounds.
Glossary
Culture: The way of life, traditions, and customs that a group of people share, including their beliefs, values, norms, and how they treat each other.
Socialisation: It is a process through which we learn certain behaviours, beliefs, and values of the society in which we live.
Globalisation: The connection of people across the world to each other that makes us feel closer. This can happen through things like technology, trade, and culture.
Discrimination: When a person is treated unfairly or differently because of their race, gender, religion, or oth-
globalised world, we must understand each other’s cultures.
When people from different cultures share the same living environment, workplace, school, classroom, or sports team, it is natural to see differences in customs, values, and
er characteristics. This behaviour is unfair and very hurtful.
Prejudice: When a person has unfair opinions about a group of people or judges a person based on things like stereotypes or biases. This is also not right and unfair.
PPP/C only party to trust for Guyana’s development– PM Phillips
says "Things were looking brown, dead but Bartica alive and kicking again under PPP/C"
Prime Minister (PM)
Brigadier (Ret’d)
Mark Phillips, says the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is the only party that can be trusted to continue the development and transformation that has been seen across Guyana over the last few years. Addressing thousands of supporters at the party’s Elections Rally on Saturday at Bartica, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), Phillips reminded the crowd of the state of the township five years ago.
“When we took office [in 2020], Bartica, things were brown. It de looking dead… Now, Bartica is alive and kicking again because of the PPP/C,” the PM declared. Reminding of the APNU+AFC (A
Not only did the current administration rehire the CSOs in hinterland communities but increased their salaries, as well as removed the taxes that saw communities like Bartica coming alive again. “We want Bartica to continue living and continue growing. We want our miners to do what they do best, keeping on mining. Keep on mining and come and spend their money right here in Bartica and make Bartica a better place,” the PM stated.
Phillips, who is seeking re-election alongside President Dr Irfaan Ali for a second term in office, said over the last five years, the country has benefitted from the transformative and visionary leadership of the PPP/C.
The country has seen a
ICT (Information and Communication Technology) connectivity that we spent billions of dollars investing in, you could stay in your villages and you can pursue your education. If you didn’t fin -
Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change) Coalition regime’s “uncaring” actions that saw over 2000 Community Services Officers (CSOs) being fired, widespread sectorial neglect and the imposition of over 200 taxes and fees that burdened citizens, Phillips noted that it was the PPP/C Administration that reversed these.
Government that has delivered on all of its promises, including distributing more than 50,000 house lots including over 500 house lots issued in new housing schemes right in Bartica. In addition, a 1-megawatt (MW) solar farm has been built and is now servicing Bartica and the surrounding communities.
“Because of the
ish high school, you can do it now… you can have your certificate, you can have your diploma, you can have your first second and third degree right in your village. Who did that for you? The PPP/C Government… Are you gonna risk that?” he asked the crowd.
According to the PM, the opposition parties are running scared because of
the growing support that the ruling PPP/C is getting from every region across the country. But even with this growing number, he cautioned supporters not to be complacent. “Now is the time for you to maintain the focus…right down to the September 1…vote for the PPP/C and for the Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali to be the President for another five years… Let’s keep the focus and re-elect the PPP/C,” Phillips declared. Bartica has traditionally been a stronghold of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) – the leading party in the APNU opposition. However, APNU’s support base in the mining town has been dwindling in recent years. This is evident in the fact that former
PNC member and Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshall, broke ranks with the party in July and endorsed President Ali for a second term in office.
Securing a future
Meanwhile, expectant father for the first time, David Daniels, has declared that he has chosen the PPP/C to ensure a secure future for his child.
“As an expecting father for the first time, I have chosen the People’s Progressive Party for a secure future for my child when he is born, and you should support and vote solidly for your child, your future, your Guyana,” he told supporters at Saturday’s Bartica Rally. Daniels, who is the current President of the
Small Miners Association, recalled that under the previous administration, from 2015 to 2020, the mining industry witnessed the imposition of taxes and burdens that affected small operators. Those hardships, like VAT on machinery and fuel, were removed under the PPP/C so that miners can have more money in their pockets.
According to Daniels, it is only under the PPP that the mining industry can thrive. To this end, he urged residents of the mining town of Bartica and the wider Region Seven to ensure that the Dr Irfaan Aliled PPP/C return to office for a second term to continue the development that was seen over the past few years.
Prime Minister Brigadier Ret’d Mark Phillips
Supporters at the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Elections Rally in Bartica, Region Seven on Saturday
Former Bartica Mayor, Gifford Marshall
12-year-old Mainstay girl found safe after being reported missing
Relief swept through the home of a 12-yearold girl on Saturday afternoon when police confirmed that the child, who had been reported missing, was found alive and is now back in the care of her family.
The girl, identified as Vevini Fredericks, had been the focus of an urgent missing person report filed by her mother, 47-year-old Maylene Fredericks, after she failed to return home on Friday night. According to the police, Vevini was last seen on Friday dressed in blue pants, a red top, and black slippers.
Once the report was lodged at the Suddie Police Station, officers in Regional Division #2 initiated swift action. A description of the child was circulated to nearby villages, and police ranks began working with residents to track her possible movements.
Vevini Fredericks
By late afternoon, officers confirmed that the search had ended successfully and that Vevini was safely reunited with her mother. The exact details of her whereabouts during the period she was missing have not yet been disclosed.
The case adds to an un-
settling series of recent reports involving missing teenagers across the country. In the past week alone, police have been actively searching for two East Bank Demerara schoolgirls, 13-year-old Aneeza Bangatt and 15-year-old Shavine Russell, who disappeared
on August 4. Both girls are students of Soesdyke Secondary School and residents of Supply, East Bank Demerara.
Investigators say the pair were last seen together leaving their homes at about 10:30 in a black 192 Toyota motor car bearing registration number PJJ 1933. They are described as slim-built, about four feet seven inches in height, with shoulder-length hair and brown complexions.
Despite multiple public appeals and the release of photographs showing both girls and a man reportedly last seen in their company, there has been no confirmed sighting of them since.
The East Bank case, combined with several other incidents reported in recent months, has intensified public concern over the vulnerability of teenagers and the circumstances leading to their disappearance.
Regurgitating…
…the same ole GT BS
As your Eyewitness read the reports on the APNU meeting at Stabroek Market Square last Friday evening, all he could say (to himself) – as he lifted his hands to the heavens like the prophets of yore – was, “How many more times, Jah??!!” Here was the present PNC Mayor of Georgetown – and they go back all the way to Forbes Burnham of the newly formed PNC, who played that role between 1959 and 1964!! – promising to not only assist vendors in general but the ones in Stabroek “Big” Market in particular!!
Under Burnham, of course, Guyana got “independence” to do what he wanted – without the whites interfering. And it would appear that what the PNC wanted was for the city to evolve (devolve?) from the “Garden City” of the Brits to the “Garbage City” of the PNC!! By 1992, when Hoyte handed over power in the Central Government to the PPP, even hardcore GT party members reminisced – in private, of course!! – about the “good old days” under the Brits!! Your Eyewitness remembers listening to then Deputy Mayor Robert Williams – at the same spot where Mentore screamed out his promises – promising to do the very same “renewal” of the Big Market and vending!!
The one blip in PNC control of GT came two years later when Hamilton Green – expelled by Desmond Hoyte from the PNC – formed the Good and Green Party and seized control of the M&CC!! Didn’t change anything about the Garbage City rap though – they were Tweedledum to the PNC’s Tweedledee! In fact, matters got worse as Green intensified his usual rants about vendors getting the short end of the stick – versus store owners whom he claimed were “pampered”! Every M&CC since – all PNC controlled, of course – has promised to straighten out the mess – in and around the Big Market – into which it has been allowed to sink.
So you gotta excuse your Eyewitness when he tells you his eyes started to glaze over before they rolled – when he heard Mentore’s promises. He’s gonna build two additional stories on top of the present structure – and so triple the stall capacity to 3000!! He announced, “So, over time, everybody will not be all over the street. We’ll be able to centralise vending where vendors are supposed to be, and the streets will become freer and easier for the other businesses to also exist.”
So why wasn’t his done before?? Money isn’t the constraint. Didn’t the PPP buy land from Toolsie Persaud back in 2009 for $300 million and hand it over?? It’s now the Vendors Market – which is a bigger eyesore than Big Market Square – and causes even greater congestion and more of a traffic hazard!!
…square pegs
Another third-tier PNC leader (not necessarily “third rate”!!) speaking at The Big Market that attracted some 200 persons – at a spot where usually thousands congregate spontaneously to “buss a lime” – was businessman Terrence Campbell. He owns a number of fast-food joints in GT. He was one of the original middle-class, middle-aged men in the throes of some sorta midlife crisis who’d plunged into dilettante politics. He lasted about a week in his first foray in ANUG.
Five years later, it seems his one-week stint in ANUG qualified him to be floated as a “consensus candidate” for a unified Opposition to take on – and out! – the big, bad PPP. That drowned, and he drifted into the rump-AFC – where he was delegated to broker a deal with the PNC for the AFC leader to replace Norton!! Not ready to commit political suicide, we learnt at Big Market that Norton co-opted and charged him – with no experience in developmental economics – to implement the PNC’s development plans!! Jokers!!
…Burnham’s superstition
Burnham evidently believed the act of naming something would actually make the thing real. Like his “Feed, House and Clothe the Nation” plan’.
AFC’s followed suit and would rename the Ministry of Agriculture the “Ministry of Food Security”!!
Against rabblerousing politics
AMajor boost for agri, jobs, infrastructure – Jagdeo tells Corriverton
The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) is promising more support for the agriculture sector should they be returned to office.
s usual, our democratic practice of political parties going on the hustings (where candidates in an election address potential voters to convince them of their suitability for office) has increased the simmering polarisation of our society into antagonistic camps with ethnic cores. This is inevitable because it has been shown that once we “choose sides” – as partisans of the several parties would have done – some rather atavistic instincts kick in as we struggle for “our” side to win. Ours up to now has been ethnicity.
In the modern era, these proclivities were supposed to be tempered by democratic institutions and practices, especially in their liberal variant. But they have stubbornly persisted because humans, pace liberalism’s premises, do not only act out of cold, rational calculus. Some leaders exploit the extant predispositions, feelings, and emotions that coalesce in group solidarities, exclusions, and antagonisms. All societies are therefore “plural” to a lesser or greater degree, leading to the introduction of political parties to represent the “parts” of the society. In our Guyanese plural society, where our divisions are not just around economic class issues but include ethnicity and religion – going to the very heart of ascriptive identities – the emotional effects are with us in spades because of some competing values.
Consequently there remains the latent tendency for our political struggles – and all the other struggles are ultimately over questions of power and so “political” – to careen out of control and spill into violence, which the democratic institutions were supposed to obviate. There is now a school of thought that accepts this tendency of humans to cleave into groups that manifest hostility towards each other: it is called “agonism”. Here, rather than treating each other as enemies to be obliterated, the “other” is to be considered as adversaries with positions we cannot agree on but yet respect. Agonistic politics aim to challenge and channel competition in non-destructive, institutionalised ways. If this is not done, then violence will erupt periodically, or large sections of some subaltern groups will have to be locked away. The goal is not to find consensus at any cost but to manage dissensus.
Against that background, we repeat our warnings that those in the Opposition reject the logic of our changed demographics that have presented us with the happy circumstance that we are now a nation of ethnic minorities, where no single “part” and its representative “party” can agglomerate a majority to take office on its own. Parties must now reach across the various divides with policies, programmes and personnel that are inclusive rather than exclusive. As such, it was rather disheartening to hear the extremist anti-Indian rhetoric of David Hinds and Tacuma Ogunseye that not only eschewed such an approach for the opposition parties but also condemned the PPP for overtly practising it.
With their rump WPA now coalesced with the major opposition party – the PNC – there is the inevitable tendency for the latter to adopt their exclusionary stance. This is especially likely when PNC leader Norton not only refused to reject Hinds’ derogatory term “BT lickers” for African Guyanese who joined the PPP but also described the demagogue as “intelligent”. Additionally, the overall thrust of the major Opposition party’s campaign is very incendiary and visceral, focusing on describing the African Guyanese condition in very dire, apocalyptic terms rather than stressing the opportunities that abound to be seized. And if there are instances of discrimination, which are sure to exist even if they are systematic, then there are the judicial institutions with constitutional imprimatur that can be resorted to rather than using Scrapeheads to create mayhem.
Thus far from saying that we should have a love fest going, I am suggesting the ever-present simmering hostility ought not to be fanned but given expression institutionally. Worse, it ought not to be moralised as a struggle between “good” and “evil” as is presently the case. This reinforces the feeling that the “other” is the “enemy” to be eliminated. No one gains when there are explosions. More pertinently, for peaceful political change, open hostilities scare away key constituencies that can secure victory of the “other”.
The experience with our democratic institutions in 2011, 2015 and 2020 shows the promise that any of the parties of the “parts” can assume office. Let us reject the rabble-rousers and enjoy our democratic peace.
The assurance was given by General Secretary (GS) of the PPP/C, Bharrat Jagdeo who is also the Vice President (VP) of the country. Addressing a rally in Corriverton, Corentyne hosted by the PPP on Friday evening, Jagdeo compared the support given to the agriculture sector, mainly
farmers, by the previous administration with the support the sector received from the current administration over the past five years.
He said between 2015 and 2020, the treatment meted out to farmers by the Government was harsh.
Between 2015 and 2020, under the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition Government, the agricultural sector in Guyana experienced significantly diminished Governmental attention and investment.
In fiscal terms, the annual budget allocation shrank from approximately GY$15.4 billion in 2014 – the final full year under PPP/C – to around GY$13.1 billion by 2019; indicating a decline rather than growth in support. Agriculture was largely seen as a private sector issue, and inefficiencies were common – such as GY$14 million spent on maintaining just seven vehicles over two years, according to the Auditor General (AG).
In contrast, Jagdeo highlighted the PPP/C’s achievements since 2020: the agriculture budget rose from G$18.4 billion in 2020 to G$97.6 billion in 2024, with a record G$104.6 billion allocated in 2025. These increases were matched by expanded infrastructure, drainage and irrigation work, and strong institutional support.
Starting in 2020, the agriculture sector received approximately G$18.4 billion, marking the beginning of a sustained push to revitalise the industry.
By 2024, the budget for agriculture jumped dramatically to GY$97.6 billion, compared to around GY$60 billion in 2023. In 2025, the
Government further stepped up support with a historic GY$104.6 billion budget allocation. Jagdeo said there will be more support given to the agriculture sector in a major way. However, he
told residents of the Upper Corentyne, that it was not only agriculture that will be further boosted if the PPP/C is re-elected to Government, but also there will be more jobs available.
“In this region alone, the project that Ashni [Finance Minister] mentioned that we are doing, the canals would open up 30,000 acres of land that we will be able to give to new people to go into farming right here where we have 26,000 acres at Skeldon, the old GuySuCo (Guyana Sugar Corporation) project. And we have maybe another 40,000 acres among some of the co-ops in the Crabwood Creek area. We intend to build a road from Moleson Creek all the way to Orealla to open up more lands and then get all of these lands into agriculture. About 100,000 acres of land right here; generating jobs, doing agro-processing maybe building a warfare to ship right out from the Corentyne,” he announced. Jagdeo told the thousands at the rally that there is more investment in infrastructural development. While noting that some have already commenced, he said almost US$500 million will be on a project that has already been awarded to build the new 4-lane road from Moleson Creek and the new high-span Berbice River Bridge, which is to be constructed.
He said too that the overall objective is to expand all sectors, including the tourism sector.
Ravi Dev
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo speaking at the rally
Thousands of supporters attended the rally
Choose democracy, development, choose the PPP/C – Dr Singh tells No 63 residents
Residents of Number 63 Village turned out in large numbers to hear a passionate speech by Senior Minister in the Office of the President, responsible for Finance and the Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh. During his address, Dr Singh credited the present-day success of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government to its founder, Dr Cheddi Jagan.
“Sometimes there are some very obvious things we take for granted without giving it a thought. Freedom House – the name – there
ing, how much that party would grow over the decades to become the embodiment of the name that he had given to the headquarters of our party,” he reflected.
Dr Singh highlighted Dr Jagan’s lifelong struggle for the people of Guyana, including Universal Adult Suffrage – guaranteeing every Guyanese the right to vote. He recalled that this fight was critical because only the wealthier segments of society had the right to vote.
Dr Jagan also devoted himself to the fight for political independence and free-
leading the country into a dark 28-year period of political and economic stagnation.
During this time, democracy was arrested by the dictatorial Burnhamled Government, where elections were not free and fair. Dr Singh praised Jagan’s role in restoring democracy but noted it came at a high price. He referenced the Ballot Box Martyrs, who were gunned down in 1973 after protesting the illegal removal of ballot boxes in No. 63 Village, Corentyne. Dr Singh acknowledged elderly Berbician, Arnold Rampersaud, who was in the audience, who was wrongfully accused, charged and imprisoned.
“And those of you who do not know this history, I urge you to read about the story of Arnold Rampersaud and the behaviour of the Burnham dictatorship, and the manner in which the PPP under the leadership of Dr Cheddi Jagan fought that dictatorship and championed the cause of Arnold Rampersaud,” he said to loud applause.
When democracy was restored by the PPP/C in 1992,
are Freedom Houses across the country and one cannot help wondering whether Dr Jagan, visionary though he was, had fully grasped how much the party he was found-
dom from the shackles of colonialism. Dr Singh described how the People’s National Congress (PNC) machinery led by Forbes Burnham wrestled its way into Government,
Dr Ashni Singh explained that the country was bankrupt. He emphasised how the PPP/C had to lead Guyana from abject poverty to a po-
sition of solvency and viability. Dr Singh also highlighted that basic rights had been severely restricted, with people criminalised for merely consuming certain foods.
“The senior comrades amongst us will tell you how the people of Berbice were not only pauperised but criminalised for eating what they wished to eat. Imagine being jailed not because you had cocaine or marijuana or ecstasy but because you had a hot plate of roti and fried aloo,” he said, adding, “No schools nor hospitals were being built.”
During the 1970’s the ruling PNC Government banned flour, and those who smuggled flour across the porous borders into Guyana were jailed for simply wanting to feed their families. Dr Singh recalled that the PPP/C worked to rebuild what the PNC Government had broken down – reviving the country’s economy, restoring public services and increasing opportunities for people.
But in 2011, Dr Singh noted, the PNC “realised by then that nobody would vote for them (ashamed by their disgraceful legacy) rebranded and formed a coalition called APNU/AFC (A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change), used their one seat majority to block the anti-money laundering law, to
block the Amaila Falls project, to cut development projects from the budget, all designed to hurt the Guyanese people” by deliberately stalling progress.
“Did they go to Parliament to pass any law to help the Guyanese people?” Dr Singh asked. The crowd responded with a loud “No!”
A distressed resident in the crowd shouted that school cash grants were taken away and her husband’s job at the sugar estate under the APNU.
In October 2016, the coalition Government closed the Wales sugar estate, devastating thousands of Guyanese families, leaving them without a source of income and pushing them into hardship without a plan.
By the end of 2017, Enmore, Rose Hall and
Skeldon estates were closed, marking a perilous time for over 7000 Guyanese who were pushed to the breadline. Dr Singh asked the audience for some introspection, asking why APNU would do these things to citizens. Providing the answer he said: “The answer was simple, as if they don’t feel they have to win your vote, then they don’t have to do anything to win your heart and mind, because a Government that is a dictatorship does not believe in democracy nor respect the will of the Guyanese people. It is a Government that will never care about the people.” He left the audience with a clear message: “This is what sets the PPP apart… it is a party that is committed to democracy, and this has been demonstrated in all of our country’s history.”
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh, speaking to residents of No. 63
The audience gathered at Number 63 Village, Berbice
A section of the audience gathered to listen to Dr Singh
Dr Singh shared a light moment with a resident at the meeting
UG says Guyanese students receiving invoices due to “glitch” in system
...confirms free tuition for Guyanese students
The University of Guyana (UG) has clarified that any invoices received by Guyanese students for the 2025/2026 academic year were issued due to a glitch in the institution’s changeover process. These invoices are not billable, as the Government announced in January 2025 that tuition for Guyanese students is now free. According to the university’s statement, though it is the state and not the students who are paying the cost for the tuition and facilities fees, invoices still need to be generated in the Student Records Management System (SRMS); however, students are not supposed to still be
able to see the invoices.
“A glitch in the changeover process has allowed some students to somehow still see this invoice, which is not billable to them. The university appreciates the error being flagged and regrets any inconvenience that may have arisen as a result. The technical team has since moved to correct the glitch. We deeply appreciate the consideration and gracious patience of our students as the necessary changes to the new system are made and tested in the coming weeks,” the university said.
“In compliance with the Government of Guyana’s directive that tuition for Guyanese students admitted
to the University of Guyana be funded by the state from January 2025, the University has been working assiduously to adjust its invoicing modules in the Student Records Management System (SRMS) in time for the new academic year beginning September 2025.”
Guyanese students who have been accepted into the university are currently in the process of preparing themselves for the commencement of the university’s 2025/2026 year, with the semester commencing on August 25.
The university is currently in the process of early registration, which will run until August 31, and the first day of classes is set for September
1. Late registration ends on September 26, while the deadline for the payment of fees is October 17.
The rollout of free tuition at UG is in keeping with a manifesto promise from the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) when they ran for Government in 2020.
The free tertiary education extends to existing and future Guyanese students at UG.
The initiative continues the administration’s advancement of the country’s human capital, especially the young generation and their families
who will benefit from the tuition-free tertiary education. In excess of 11,000 current students of UG thus far benefit from this measure in addition to the future entrants.
The initiative is expected to cost the treasury around $18 billion. This is in addition to some $203.7 million in student loans that have already been written off by the state. This debt write-off benefitted approximately 346 students.
Also part of the Government’s drive to enhance education delivery across the country and advance and innovate education delivery has also seen the establishment of a digital school.
Works progressing on access road to new Demerara River Bridge
With less than a month before the scheduled deadline for the completion of the new Demerara River Bridge, workers are accelerating efforts on the access road that is being built to take the traffic on and off the bridge.
During a recent site visit to check on the progress, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill also inspected the ongoing road construction on the eastern side of the new bridge. There, a fourlane road is being built out to take the bridge traffic directly to the Heroes Highway where a roundabout is being built.
Minister Edghill subsequently told the Guyana Times that efforts are being made to have the road works completed at the same time as the bridge.
“We are working towards having the road completed by August 31,” the Public Works Minister noted, adding that “There are six different contractors that are working and all are at differ-
ent stages of readiness, and they are working.”
Only last week, President Irfaan Ali told this newspaper: “We’re hoping…the roads coming on and off of the bridge, that all of that would be completed.”
Similar assurances, the Head of State noted, were given for the completion of new Demerara River Bridge by the August 31 deadline. “From everything the Minister [Edghill] would have told me, the sealing of the bridge which is the completion of the bridge [surface] will be done and the structural completion will be there… So, that’s what we’re working on.” The fourlane fixed high-span cable-stay bridge is yet to be fully linked with three sections currently remaining to be connected on the structure. Following the site visit on Thursday last, the Public Works Ministry noted that the bridge would be fully connected in the coming weeks.
According to the
Ministry, “Works on the New Demerara River Bridge are moving apace with the full 2.9-kilometre (km) concrete structure to be completely connected by August 25.” During the site visit, Minister Edghill was briefed on the progress of the works by the contractor and consultant. He also witnessed the paving of asphalt and other ongoing installation works. “All efforts are being done to ensure the completion of the bridge for its August 31 timeframe,” the Ministry indicated.
The new bridge would be a 2.65-km fixed four-lane, high-span, cable-stayed structure across the Demerara River with the width of the driving surface being about 23.6 metres. With features like a bicycle lane, the new bridge will replace the ageing floating Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) and would bring an end to the closure of vehicular traffic with a 50-metre fixed-high span to cater for the free and uninterrupted flow of vessels. The river would be dredged along a 13.5-km stretch to accommodate large vessels.
Once completed, the new bridge and extensive road upgrades along the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) are expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion and travel time. The bridge will connect Regions Three and Four, improving economic activity with accommodation for vehicles of all sizes and a speed limit of 80km/h.
Designed to last at least 100 years, the new Demerara River Bridge will also feature the Cacique
Crown of Honour (CCH), Guyana’s second-highest national award, as part of its design. Moreover, the new bridge is expected to not only enhance travel experience and ease traffic congestion but also offer toll-free crossing.
In fact, as of August 1, the Guyana Government has re-
moved the tolls at the three major bridges across Guyana – the Demerara Harbour Bridge, the Berbice River Bridge and the MackenzieWismar Bridge. With the removal of the tolls, President Ali has already assured that the toll booth workers will not be placed on the breadline. “Not a single employee
would lose their job. We’ll be upskilling, retooling and redeploying. There is enough space in the system for the deployment and integration of everyone. So, we have absolutely no issue in relation to any worker being under-utilised or losing their job,” the Head of State noted.
As a matter of fact, President Ali explained that the workers would be upskilled to take up roles in managerial positions, accounting, auditing and in the technical area as well. “We’ll still need service personnel on the new bridge and also with the expanded nature of the Ministries – the widened area of service and responsibility, we need more people. So, everyone will be absorbed in the system. There is absolutely no worry about that,” the Guyanese Leader assured.
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill recently inspected the road work
Works are progressing on the access road to the new Demerara River Bridge (Juan Edghill Jr photo)
No formal CARICOM proposal before Guyana Govt on crude oil sale – Jagdeo
Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo has confirmed that the Government of Guyana has not received any formal proposal from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) regarding the sale of Guyana’s crude oil.
His remarks follow a recent announcement that CARICOM may be seeking a deal to access Guyana’s oil resources.
Speaking during his weekly press conference on Thursday, Jagdeo clarified that while the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has provided financial support for Guyana’s crude oil exports through a facility with JE Energy Limited, there has been no CARICOM-brokered arrangement.
He also noted that past discussions with Trinidad and Tobago on possible gas cooperation were exploratory and have not materialised into formal agreements.
“So far, we have not received any joint proposal from CARICOM about the sale of our crude and then refining that crude to supply refined products to the region. There’s no such thing. So, I think maybe the president of the African Bank is saying that given we’re a producer, a major producer, that may be an option, but there’s no formal proposal before us,
and if and when it’s made, we will then examine it on its merit. But right now, there is no proposal,” Jagdeo noted.
Addressing the gas sector, the VP explained that Guyana’s current gas-to-energy project will utilise all available gas resources to meet domestic needs. The first phase of the project is expected to produce 300 megawatts of power, eventually expanding to 500–600 megawatts. Plans also include a fertiliser plant designed to allow broad Guyanese participation through an inclusive shareholding structure.
Jagdeo also highlighted ongoing discussions with Suriname and key industry stakeholders, including ExxonMobil and Fulcrum Energy, to explore ways of monetising offshore associated gas reserves. Options
under consideration include a floating Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plant, onshore pipelines for industrial use, and power generation for sale to Brazil.
Trinidad and Tobago’s proposal to procure gas from Guyana for its refinery remains one of several possibilities, but no decision has been made.
On the matter of crude oil sales, Jagdeo reiterated that Guyana currently prefers to sell its crude openly on the international market to secure the best prices. While the Government is open to evaluating proposals, including the potential for discounted arrangements within CARICOM, he emphasised that such decisions would only be made based on concrete submissions.
“That is something we
have to examine only when we have a specific proposal. I don’t want to deal with hypotheticals here... I just pointed out earlier about how we can get the price of refined products done in Guyana, even when we don’t refine crude, by procuring in larger quantities and investing in storage capability in the country.”
“If there is a proposal... where you may sell your crude at a particular price but then get the benefit in refined products, then that is something we are exploring. In fact, we’ve been exploring that with US compa-
nies. We’ve been exploring that with a US company where we would sell a quantity of our crude, and then they would resell us; they would refine or supply us back with the refined products at a lower cost than we are now procuring globally, which will result in a significant lower cost to our consumers here in Guyana,” he explained.
Only on Friday, ExxonMobil Guyana commenced production at Yellowtail, its fourth oil development in Guyana’s offshore Stabroek block.
Yellowtail’s ONE
GUYANA floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel is now the largest production unit operating offshore with an initial production capacity of 250,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) and a storage capacity of two million barrels. Oil produced from this FPSO will be marketed as Golden Arrowhead crude. Starting up four months ahead of schedule, the One Guyana vessel will join the Destiny, Unity, and Prosperity FPSOs, bringing total installed capacity in Guyana to above 900,000 bpd.
GuySuCo, unions to begin negotiations on wages
The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has said that it will commence formal negotiations with the relevant Trade Unions this week, with a meeting with the Guyana Agricultural and Workers Union (GAWU) set for Thursday, August 14.
In a press release, GuySuCo noted that it is fully engaged in addressing the issue of wages/salaries’ bunching.
It added that the matter has also engaged the
attention of the respective Trade Unions representing the employees, as it is a “general question,” which is of interest to employees
Two-thirds of part-time workers are women
issue
across the industry and not specific to a single Estate. Management met with the employees of Albion Estate who were on strike on August 5 and 6, and they were assured that the issue will be resolved, it also informed. Both GuySuCo and the Unions remain committed to resolving the matter swiftly, recognising that workers are valued partners and central to the continued success of the sugar industry, the Corporation noted.
–
Parag urges skills training for permanent employment
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Sonia Parag, has revealed that women account for approximately two-thirds of Guyana’s parttime jobs workforce, underscoring the need for targeted training and upskilling initiatives to transition these workers into permanent employment.
Speaking about the Government’s national parttime workers programme, which currently employs close to 18,000 Guyanese, Minister Parag noted that an estimated 12,000 of these workers are women. The programme, she said, plays a critical role in lifting households out of poverty and cushioning the impact of the rising global cost of living by allowing members of a household to earn an income.
Participants work 10 days per month and earn $40,000, providing an important source of financial stability for many families.
Minister Parag pointed out that this arrangement not only provides immediate relief but can also serve as a stepping stone to greater economic independence. She noted that through the initiative, young women can use their monthly earnings to pay down a mortgage, enabling them to become homeowners at an earlier age.
“So, the pathway programme is a very significant programme for us and for quite a few reasons. One is that we want to be able to lift people out of poverty. That’s the first reason. Secondly, with us knowing that globally there is a rising cost of living, the Government would have to try to put several measures in place... to be able to cushion the consequences of the rise of cost of living,” she explained.
“We are working with the banks to ensure that the interest rate for housing and home ownership reduce. And that is going to
[happen] if your mother’s working and you, as a young woman, don’t have a job, but you want to be able to get to places, you want to be able to move up in life. You can start at the parttime programme earning your $40,000. Your $20,000 from that $40,000 can go towards your mortgage payment. You become a home-
owner at the age of 25, or whatever the case may be,” Parag added. Beyond providing short-term support, the programme is designed to facilitate long-term career development. Minister Parag emphasised that the ultimate goal is to transition part-time workers into fulltime, permanent employment by providing access to
Government-backed training programmes. These include the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) Scholarship initiative, the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN), and other technical and academic courses.
“This is not just a temporary measure. It is something to be able to move people from one level to the next in terms of training, in terms of acquiring qualifications to move into permanent jobs, to be able to acquire a skill set, a different skill set. So, the part time workers, we want to be able to position them through two years from now, three years from now, in a different space in life. So, they can be able to – if you know, if you have CXC (Caribbean Examinations Council) qualifications now, you can be able to utilise the training that we have with Government, whether it be through the GOAL Scholarship, whether it be
through WIIN, whether it be through one of these; empower yourself to move to another level. So that’s what we also want to see transition some of them, if not most of them to permanent positions as well,” she said. While there is no set timeline for transitioning all participants, the Government is making these training opportunities widely available and actively encouraging workers to take advantage of them. Minister Parag also expressed concern that the abundance of such programmes might lead some to take them for granted, noting that in her own experience, opportunities for free tertiary education were not as accessible as they are today.
“Our human resource is our most valuable asset,” she said. “We want our people to move forward alongside the nation’s transformation and be in a position where their skills match the growing demands of our economy.”
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo
Local Government and Regional Development Minister Sonia Parag
Businesses capitalise on innovation at 2025 Business Expo
More than 50 small businesses from various sectors converged at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) for this year’s business expo, where innovation took centre stage as forward-thinking enterprises unveiled cutting-edge technologies and creative solutions to expand Guyana’s business landscape.
The event was held under the theme “Building a Sustainable Future for
initiative focused on building the capacity of Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), helping them enhance operations and optimise performance.
Visitors saw a range of benefits, including expert consultations, business advisory sessions and other forms of strategic support throughout NSBW 2025.
Speaking about the expo, President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and
MSMEs.” The week-long programme features seminars, workshops and an exposition.
National Small Business Week (NSBW) is an annual
Industry (GCCI) Kathy Smith expressed pride in the diversity and growth of the event. “This is the expo where we get to see what our small businesses are
displaying. We have close to 50 small businesses showcasing their products and services. This is our third National Small Business Week at the GCCI, and it has become one of our major staple events.”
She added that these businesses span various sectors, contributing greatly to the business landscape.
“You might think that it’s just traditional arts and crafts that are on exhibition, but there are businesses involved in logistics, dentistry, construction, and janitorial services. It’s great to see such a wide cross-section of small businesses and we’re committed to making this an annual event to ensure small businesses get the visibility and tools they need to thrive.”
She further stated, “You're seeing some in dentistry… you're seeing persons in construction… you're seeing those involved in janitorial operations. So, it’s good to see such a wide cross-section of small businesses, and we’re just happy to be executing this. We want to ensure that small businesses are seen and supported.”
Meanwhile, an innovative business at the expo was Vista Services, which showcased prefab infrastructure – a new model of construction offering faster, more efficient and cost-effective building solutions of prefab.
Prefab broadly refers to parts of a structure that have been manufactured off-site. Once completed, the parts are transported to their final destination for assem-
Major boost for agri, jobs...
FROM PAGE 11
“More support to agriculture in a major way. More support to training, as Ashni told you about the training college we built here at Port Mourant so that many young people and others can be trained even in the hospitality sector to staff the twelve new international hotels that are being built now in Guyana – that will need about 6,000 new people to work in those hotels. This is what will happen in the
next term,” the GS pointed out. Meanwhile, Minister with responsibility for Finance Dr Ashni Singh also speaking at the meeting noted that the PPP/C has kept true to int 2020 manifesto promises. “When we return to Government we immediately set about delivering on the promises that we made in that manifesto. You would recall that under VP Jagdeo’s leadership we moved immediately to present an emergency
budget and in that emergency budget we moved, we wasted no time in starting to deliver our promises.
We immediately repealed 200 hardship taxes that APNU had brutally placed on the people of Guyana and who was bearing the brunt of those 200 plus taxes but the people of Guyana. You were bearing the brunt of those 200 plus taxes,” Minister Singh emphasised referring to Berbicians.
bly or installation. Speaking to this publication, business representative Orsun Ferguson highlighted how this business can change the traditional path for housing in Guyana. “Our business is Vista Services, and what we do is provide pre-fabricated solutions for accommodation across multiple sectors, including tourism, construction, health, education and residential projects.
One of the main reasons we entered this business is that we understood how difficult it is to build traditional structures – both in terms of cost and especially time,” Ferguson explained. He added that traditional construction often faces delays due to a shortage of skilled labour and machinery, making the process challenging. “The opportunity is to provide solutions for people or businesses wanting to improve
their remote offices, build schools – one of our customers is building a school – or expand eco-resorts. We also cater to customers who want apartments or other investment properties.
“Our goal is to work with pre-set designs that can be modified or create original designs. Customers can bring their own floor plans or designs, and we can replicate them using our materials.”
Small businesses were not left out of the action. A mother and daughter duo came out in full force at the expo. Speaking with the daughter, Saskia Tull, she described the experience as a great learning opportunity for their business venture.
“It’s just been a blast, and we’ve learned so much. It’s been really, really good today. We specialise in cheesecakes, cookies, brown-
ies, pies, tarts – you name it. My mom’s business is called Radiance Gems, and she makes all of these.”
Her mother highlighted how this experience has been valuable and encouraged others to take similar opportunities.
“I feel at ease when I sit down to create these unique pieces. So far, the response from my customers has been overwhelming. I’m really excited and looking forward to more support. You can check out my business, Regal Radiance Gems, on Instagram,” Ms Tull shared. She also had words of encouragement for aspiring businesspersons: “Don’t be afraid to go out there and do something you love, especially if you’re excited about getting things done. Just go out there and do it, and make it a success.”
GECOM awaiting police advice on fraudulent ID application
The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is still awaiting advice from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) before determining how to move ahead and deal with the irregular registration transaction that was discovered last month, whereby a voter fraudulently applied for a Guyanese Identification Card.
Speaking with the Guyana Times on Friday, GECOM Public Relations Officer (PRO) Yolanda Warde noted that GECOM has left the investigations in the Police’s hands and awaits the outcome before moving forward. “GECOM is not investigating. The matter was handed over to the Police,” Warde explained. “The Police are investigating. When they conclude, they will know what to do and advise GECOM accordingly.”
Warde would not say if GECOM has taken any internal disciplinary action against the involved registration officers who were implicated in the discrepancy, or if action has been taken against the person who fraudulently applied for the ID card replacement. It was last month that GECOM ac-
knowledged the discovery of a situation involving the processing of an application for a replacement ID Card and change of address, by one person using the registration particulars of another registrant/elector. This led to the registration records of the legitimate registrant/elector being altered without his involvement.
The issue was discovered after the affected registrant noticed the unauthorised change to his particulars on the Official List of Electors (OLE) and reported the incident to GECOM. The GECOM Secretariat launched an investigation into the incident. An in-person discussion was held with the involved registration officials.
In a subsequent statement, GECOM said following an investigation by the Secretariat, it was determined that the situation
was due to non-compliance with established procedures at the level of the concerned registration offices.
The occurrence happened at a registration office in Region Four.
According to GECOM “it was determined that there was a breach of the standard operating procedures by registration staff throughout the system”, while “the staff who interacted with the person who visited the office to make the applications could not provide logical explanations for his actions in the matter.”
As such, GECOM contacted the Police and invited them to carry out investigations to determine whether actions of the concerned registration officials amount to a criminal offence. GECOM said that the necessary remedial action was taken, which is statutorily permissible during the prescribed 21-day period for the display of the Registered Lists of Electors (RLE), and the unlawful transactions were reversed.
The fraudulent ID card that was prepared was still in the Commission’s possession and the Commission noted that the Card was scheduled to be destroyed.
GCCI President Kathy Smith
More support to agriculture in a major way, Jagdeo assured the crowd
Brazilian national charged in absentia with murder of Venezuelan woman in Guyana’s
interior ...warrant issued for his arrest
ABrazilian national has been charged in absentia with the murder of 21-yearold Venezuelan woman, Miguelys Centeno Gerdez, whose February disappearance led to an extensive Police search and the discovery of suspected skeletal remains in Guyana’s interior. The accused, 37-yearold Fernando Teles Pereira of Boa Vista, Brazil, was on Friday charged with the offence of murder, contrary to common law and an arrest warrant was issued. Police allege that Pereira murdered Centeno on February 20, at 9 Mile Trail, Mabura, in Region 10. Although Pereira was not present in court, the matter was called before Magistrate Rhondel
Weaver at the Mackenzie Magistrate’s Court. The case was adjourned to October 22 for report. Police have stated that an application will be made to INTERPOL for a Red Notice to be issued for the fugitive’s arrest. Centeno was first reported missing on February 20 after she was last seen in Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD) boarding a truck driven by Pereira. The young mother of one, who was employed at a bar in Eccles, was last observed wearing a pink striped top with dark blue jeans and was known to wear braces on her teeth.
She had been in the area awaiting transportation when the vehicle of the accused approached. Two weeks after her disappear-
ance, Police ranks on patrol at 9 Mile Trail, Mabura, discovered skeletal remains alongside clothing and personal items matching what Centeno had last been seen wearing. The remains were found with braces on the teeth, consistent with her description. DNA testing is being carried out by the Guyana Forensics Laboratory to confirm the identity.
Initial investigations linked Pereira to the woman’s disappearance and death. In early March, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) issued a wanted bulletin for him in relation to both abduction and murder. His last known addresses are in Guyana and Brazil. Relatives of Centeno have said that she was not known to have had any prior relationship with the accused. Law enforcement officials are now working with international agencies to locate Pereira and have him extradited to Guyana to face trial.
Reg 1 boat collision leaves 1 dead, 1 critical
One man is now dead while his sister remains in a critical condition following a boat collision along the Aruka River, Region One (Barima-Waini) on Friday.
The dead man has been identified as 20-year-old Ken Wells, a farmer from Barima River. His sister, Loraine Wells, remains hospitalised in critical condition.
205 grams of cannabis found at Mahdia Arcade
More than 200 grams (g) of suspected cannabis were discovered abandoned behind the Mahdia Arcade, in Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) on Thursday, during a Police operation in the area. According to Police, ranks from the division were conducting searches in and around the arcade when they came across a black plastic bag hidden behind a zinc fence at the back of the premises. Inside were leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis. The suspected narcotics were photographed at the location and later taken to the Mahdia Police Station, where they were weighed and found to total 205g. No one was in the immediate vicinity when the drugs were found, and investigators believe the bag may have been left there to avoid detection. The matter remains under investigation as authorities work to trace its origin. Law enforcement in Region Eight has been maintaining increased patrols and targeted searches in recent weeks as part of wider efforts to disrupt the distribution of illegal substances in the Potaro district.
Just three days ago, a couple was nabbed with marijuana and methamphetamine at their Puruni Landing, Region Seven (Cuyuni–Mazaruni) prem-
ises.
Police Headquarters reported that ranks conducted a cordon and search operation that night, leading to the discovery of the narcotics.
During the exercise, conducted between 20:10h and 20:30h, the ranks received certain information which led them to the residence of Hudley Khan, called Allan, located at Puruni Landing. Upon arrival at the premises, Khan was contacted along with his reputed wife, Yolimar Del Valle Rivas, a 32-yearold Venezuelan national. The ranks requested to conduct searches for illegal firearms, narcotics and ammunition, after which Khan indicated that he had narcotics in his room.
Khan thereafter pointed out a multi-coloured bag which, when opened,
contained 23 bulky parcels and one transparent plastic bag, all containing a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis. Additionally, one plastic bag containing a whitish rock-like substance suspected to be methamphetamine was found. Khan admitted ownership of the suspected narcotics during a video- and audio-recorded interview with the Police. He and his wife were both informed of the offences committed, after which they were arrested, cautioned and placed into custody along with the suspected narcotics. The entire search was videoand audio-recorded using the Force’s video camera. Police are yet to ascertain the weight of the suspected narcotics.
Further investigations are in progress.
"Soulja Boy" remanded on seven counts of armed robbery
OAccording to reports received, on the day in question, a 150-horsepower (hp) wooden boat, captained by 20-year-old Tirisa Allen, collided with a 15-hp balahoo, which was transporting seven passengers and captained by Andrea Albert.
At about 15:00h, Allen left the Kumaka Waterfront and was heading to Imbitero when heavy downpours resulted in restricted visibility thus causing the collision.
Allen reportedly rendered assistance and all occupants were retrieved from the water. They were subsequently taken to the Mabaruma hospital where Ken Wells was pronounced dead.
In light of the boat accident, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) has launched an investigation.
rlando Scott, also known as "Soulja Boy", a 27-year-old man of Lot 1337 ‘E’ Field Cummings Park, Sophia, Greater Georgetown, was remanded to prison after appearing before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court.
Scott faces seven counts of robbery under arms, all of which he pleaded not guilty to during the August 8 hearing. The charges relate to multiple armed robberies allegedly committed by Scott, including four offences that took place on July 12, at Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara (ECD). The victims in these incidents were Erwin Walcott, a 45-year-old construction worker; Shailo Walcott, a 22-year-old technician; Bernice Walcott, a 42-yearold housewife; and Jada Hughes, a 17-year-old audit clerk, all residents of Golden Grove.
In addition to these, Scott is charged with robbery under arms committed on June 18, against
Orlando Scott
Nikesha Makardajh in Enmore, ECD. He also faces two other counts stemming from separate incidents on June 27, involving Chandradai Singh and Balchan Singh, both of Enmore, ECD. During the hearing, bail was refused in all cases. The court adjourned the matters to September 23 for the submission of reports and witness statements.
This is not the first
time Scott has been before the court. In 2023, he, along with another man, was charged with the offence of robbery with aggravation.
In his remarks to the court Friday, the Police prosecutor pointed out that Scott had previously twice been charged with armed robbery, but those matters were concluded after he had opted to compensate the victims.
The illegal drug that was found in Region 8
Dead: Miguelys Centeno Gerdez
Fernando Teles Pereira
PPP/C stresses record for Indigenous, Hinterland development
...as former Bartica Mayor says time to work together rather than live with racism, division
People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) General Secretary (GS) Bharrat Jagdeo, speaking alongside the President at Saturday’s PPP/C rally in Bartica, emphasised his party’s record of delivering for Indigenous communities and advancing mining development.
He recalled that under the previous administration, a coalition between A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC), more than 2,000 Amerindians lost their jobs, the land titling programme stalled, and some Government leaders reportedly described Amerindians as “too greedy” to benefit further
In contrast, Jagdeo said, the PPP/C has re-employed nearly 5,000 Amerindians, resumed and expanded the land titling programme and distributed $14 billion to 242
$225M
Tvillages for community-led development projects.
He also highlighted the installation of Wi-Fi in hinterland villages, enabling students to access university education without leaving their communities.
Jagdeo also credited the current administration with revitalising the mining industry, accusing the previous Government of crippling it by raising royalties, increasing tributary rates and imposing value-added taxes on equipment.
“They promised to remove all taxes from mining. They increased the royalty, they increased the tributaries rate, then put the value-added taxes on machinery and equipment. Even to bring gas or to take gas into the interior, you had to get a special permission. People had to bring out their equipment to get the licence for it. Mining practical-
ly died”.
“Under the PPP, we promised to reverse all of those. The first thing we did, we removed the tributaries tax totally. We removed the taxes on machinery and equipment. And we reduced the royalty rate back. And today, the mining industry is prospering. So how can they go to any miner now, today and make any promise? How would believe them? Which miner, in his right sense, would believe anything that APNU says?” he added.
Meanwhile, former Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshall, says he is ready to work with President Dr Irfaan and the PPP/C over the next five years for Bartica’s development.
Speaking for the first time on the PPP/C platform, Marshall recalled that when he broke ties with the PNCled APNU and publicly announced his endorsement of President Ali for a second
term in office in July, he was called all sorts of names.
However, he said, he remains strong and is ready to work with the Ali-led PPP/C. Marshall said that for too
long, Bartica has struggled with racism, division and divisiveness, but now it is time to work together.
“My children and your children should not have to
endure the struggles and the division and the racism that we have seen in the past …we have to work together,” he declared.
The former Bartica Mayor added that he is even more motivated after having worked with PPP members over the last few weeks such as the Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat, who asked for them to work together for the betterment of the country.
“So even as we have persons right now spewing the hate and division, we have persons who are committed to…a united Guyana, committed to a better country and those are individuals we have to join shoulders with and improve our country… Barticians, let’s take the love to every home and every community and ensure we have a united Guyana,” Marshall noted.
he Government of Guyana has officially commissioned the newly constructed Regional Police Division Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) Headquarters, marking a significant step in strengthening law enforcement capacity in the hinterland.
The commissioning ceremony was held on Saturday and was presided over by Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn. He was joined by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Andre Ally; Deputy Commissioner ‘Operations,’ Errol Watts; Commander of Regional Division Seven, Dion Moore; Deputy Commander, Superintendent D. Handy; as well as senior and junior officers of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and other guests.
prove operational efficiency, enhance investigative capabilities, and deliver improved policing services to the people of Region Seven.
The building houses a range of specialised offices and functional areas, including the Traffic Office, Special Constabulary Office,
Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Offices, Special Branch Offices, Operational Room, Conference Room, Finance Office, Commander’s Office and Registry, Deputy Commander’s Office and the Court Superintendent’s Office and Registry.
The facility, which was built at a cost of $225,824,943, is described as a state-of-the-art headquarters designed to im-
Certifying Officer’s Office, Community Policing Group Office, Human Resources Office, Data Room, Lunch Room, Waiting Area,
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, each section of the headquarters was purpose-built to allow the GPF to better coordinate op-
erations, strengthen administrative systems, and provide timely and effective law enforcement across the division. Region Seven, which plays a key role in Guyana’s economic development, particularly in mining and commerce, previously lacked a policing facility of this scale. Authorities said this posed significant challenges in meeting the security needs of its vast and rugged terrain.
The commissioning of the new headquarters is expected to address these challenges by improving working conditions for officers and modernising policing infra-
benefit from effective safety and security services.
The project forms part of the Ministry of Home Affairs’ strategic vision to equip the GPF with modern resources, enhance its presence in remote areas, and ensure that security services remain equitable across the country.
Nationwide reconstruction of police infrastructure
Only a week ago, the Ministry of Home Affairs commissioned two newly reconstructed police stations at Sparendaam and Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD) valued at a total of $255.9
(CID) offices, living quarters for senior and junior ranks, and male lock-ups.
The Mahaica station additionally includes female and juvenile lock-ups, as well as a ZARA Computer Centre. The GPF reported that the new facilities will enhance crime reduction efforts, service delivery, and the handling of gender-based violence and juvenile cases in private, secure settings. The commissioning coincides with a reported 24 per cent decrease in serious crimes in the Division.
In addition, a $25 million Police Living Quarters was
structure in the hinterland.
The Ministry stated that the facility will serve as the central hub for law enforcement activities in the region, allowing for more responsive, professional and community-oriented policing. This investment, it added, is in keeping with the Government’s commitment to ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their location,
million. The Sparendaam facility cost $112.4 million, while the Mahaica station cost $143.5 million.
Both stations feature upgraded infrastructure, including witness and identification parade rooms, armouries, evidence rooms, child-friendly areas, domestic violence interview spaces, traffic and Criminal Investigation Department
opened at Cove and John to improve officer welfare, providing accommodation with three bedrooms, a kitchen, laundry and living space.
The Home Affairs Ministry said these developments are part of a broader strategy to modernise the Force’s infrastructure, improve working and living conditions for officers, and strengthen public trust in law enforcement.
VP Jagdeo speaking to the crowd at Bartica
The commissioning of Regional Police Division #7 (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) Headquarters
Haiti replaces Police Chief with former head of palace security
Inspector General André
Jonas Vladimir Paraison was appointed interim director general of the Haitian National Police (PNH) on August 8, replacing Normil Rameau after just over a year in the post.
The decision, announced during a Council of Ministers meeting and formalised at a ceremony at the Villa d’Accueil, is the first major action by the newly installed president of the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT), Laurent Saint-Cyr.
Paraison, who most recently served as the Head of Security at the National Palace, has decades of policing experience and was on duty during the assassination of former President Jovenel Moïse.
Legal issues and scandals have also overshadowed his career.
In November 2018, Saint-Marc investigating judge Dieunel Luméran issued an arrest warrant accusing him of involvement
in a September 2016 arms trafficking case, but the charges never resulted in prosecution.
In his first speech as Police Chief, Paraison vowed to intensify operations against gangs, pledging arrests “while respecting the law and human dignity.” He cited urgent needs for more personnel, field-adapt-
ed training, stronger intelligence operations and better logistics.
Paraison takes over as Haiti faces deep insecurity, the deployment of an ineffective Kenya-led multinational Police mission and mounting pressure to hold elections by February 7, 2026. (Source: Reuters, The Haitian Times)
T&T: Woman at centre of investigation into national security threat
Apreventive detention order (PDO) in Trinidad & Tobago (T&T) has been issued for Neisha/Nisha Ramkissoon, who has been described as the “love interest” of Resistance Gang leader Robert “R Man” Paul.
Although the legal notice, signed by Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander under the current State of Emergency powers, was dated July 30, it was only listed in the Gazette on Friday.
It also remained unclear up to last evening if Ramkissoon, who was alleged to be connected to the kidnapping for ransom of Anisha Hosein-Singh in May 2024, had yet been detained by law enforcement agents. According to the gazetted notice, Ramkissoon, also called “Hoggie”, was identified as Paul’s romantic love interest, “who has operational control and leadership of an organised criminal group”, also referred to as the Resistance Gang.
The notice claimed, “She has been identified as a trusted member of the gang who is planning, directing, procuring and supervising gang activity for the gang, wherein she has recruited and armed gang members with firearms and provided instructions from the gang leader to engage in acts of kidnapping against the business community and to kill state officials, including members of the TTPS, prison service and the judiciary.”
It added that Ramkissoon “has been implicated in the kidnapping of a doubles vendor’s daughter for ransom, the killing of a coconut vendor on more than one occasion and the extortion of several businesses in her area”.
“She has been receiving instructions from the incarcerated gang leader to plan and execute criminal enterprises, specifically, to kidnap members of the business community to fund the gang leader’s bail application. She was recently a participant in a communication
with others who are planning a coalition of forces to imminently kill public officials, namely Police officers, prison officers and members of the judiciary,” the gazetted notice said.
The notice also stated she had armed young members of the gang with weapons, and they were now awaiting the instructions of Paul to begin carrying out elements of the plan to execute persons in public with high-powered rifles.
“She recently attempted to get narcotics and communication devices into the Teteron Barracks, where the gang leader is being held. Her detention has, therefore, been deemed critical to disrupting these planned acts of violence,” the notice said.
The PDO for Ramkissoon’s detention comes days after a senior Resistance Gang member appeared in court charged in connection with a reported plot to kill two defence attorneys. (Excerpt from Trinidad & Tobago Guardian)
Suriname Police officers’ detention extended
Chief Inspector MT and a sub-inspector of the CP Police force have been arraigned on suspicion of embezzlement and aggravated theft of over SRD 1 million.
Bus collision with truck kills 11, injures 45 in Brazil
Acrash between a bus and a truck in Brazil’s centre-western state of Mato Grosso killed 11 people and injured another 45 late Friday, the toll road operator and Brazil’s federal highway Police said on Saturday.
The injured were sent to nearby hospitals, firm Nova Rota do Oeste and the highway Police said in separate statements.
Among the injured, 11 were in critical condition, 26 in moderate condition and eight had only minor injuries, they added.
Initial information indicates that a bus collided head-on with a truck transporting cottonseed near the city of Lucas do Rio Verde, according to the firm, which said it had been notified about the crash at 9:40 p.m. local time on Friday (0140 GMT Saturday).
According to witnesses, the vehicle attempted to illegally overtake and ended up colliding head-on with the truck.
The front of the bus was destroyed, as was one of its sides. Several bodies were scattered across the road.
Nine victims died instantly, and two others died while being treated, according to the local website “O Mato Grosso”. The truck was left stranded across the road and partially destroyed. The Civil Police opened an investigation into the case, with the main focus being the illegal overtaking made by the bus. Rio Novo Transportes published a note on social media lamenting the incident and providing a customer service number for information and support.
(Source: Reuters, O Dia)
Caribbean central banks testing payment system to reduce reliance on US banks
Four Caribbean central banks are launching a pilot project to develop an alternative payment system aimed at reducing reliance on the US dollar for trade and remittances.
Spearheaded by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), the initiative seeks to transform cross-border payments and will eventually link it to Africa’s system, which created the service three years ago.
cross-border payment system in local currencies.
It mimics the PanAfrican Payment and Settlement System, PAPSS, a centralised financial infrastructure developed by Afreximbank and the African Union to enable secure, real-time cross-border payments in local currencies across Africa.
banks, particularly from the US,” Antoine noted.
Using CAPSS, transactions, say from Grenada to Guyana, can be settled in Eastern Caribbean and Guyanese dollars, respectively, with central banks and the African ExportImport Bank acting as settlement agents.
“In day-to-day transactions, traders will be trading in local currencies. That, we believe, is a potential breakthrough,” Antoine said.
Their remand in custody has been declared lawful by the examining magistrate.
“Preliminary investigation has shown that the suspects voluntarily became involved in a civil case. Furthermore, it has been established that this case was not reported to the Public Prosecution Service.
The investigation into this criminal case continues, and the suspects’ remand in custody has been extended by thirty days,” reports the Public Relations Unit of the Public Prosecution Service. (Star News)
The pilot for the socalled Caricom Payment and Settlement System, CAPSS, will initially include Barbados, The Bahamas, ECCB member states, and one additional country to be confirmed, ECCB Governor Timothy Antoine announced at the Africaribbean Trade and Investment Forum held in Grenada last week.
“I’ll leave the other country to confirm when it is ready to do so,” said Antoine. “Once we complete the pilot, we’ll look at scaling up,” he added.
CAPSS is designed as a real-time, low-cost
Launched in 2022, PAPSS connects central banks, commercial banks, and payment service providers to streamline transactions and reduce reliance on foreign currencies.
The countries currently involved in PAPSS include Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Gambia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Djibouti, Tunisia, Egypt, Comoros, Malawi, Algeria, and Rwanda. And now the platform has been adopted by Caricom.
The goal is to facilitate trade and remittances within the region using local currencies, bypassing costly and often unreliable correspondent banks in the United States.
“We cannot continue to rely on correspondent
Phase two will expand the system to African countries, enabling direct currency exchanges between Caricom and Africa.
“Charity begins at home –phase one. Then in phase two, we pivot to the motherland,” he added.
The pilot builds on a successful proof-of-concept earlier this year between the Central Bank of Barbados and the Central Bank of The Bahamas. The ECCB is now collaborating with the Committee of Central Bank Governors to scale the initiative across the region – and eventually beyond. (Excerpt from Bank of St Lucia)
9 victims died instantly, and two others died while being treated (Photo: O Dia)
André Jonas Vladimir Paraison, new director general of the Haitian National Police, during his installation speech at the Villa d’Accueil, Port-au-Prince, on August 8, 2025 (Haitian Times photo)
Lula, Putin discuss peace in Ukraine before US summit
Before Trump-Putin talks, Ukraine rules out “gifting land to occupier”
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio “Lula”
da Silva spoke with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin on Saturday for about 40 minutes, the Brazilian Presidential palace said, adding that Putin shared information about his discussions with the United States (US) and “recent peace efforts between Russia and Ukraine”.
The leaders also discussed their co-operation in the BRICS group of emerging countries and “discussed the current international political and economic scenario”, according to the statement.
The conversation with Lula is the latest of a flurry of calls between Putin and foreign leaders in recent days, ahead of the Russian President’s expected meeting with US President Donald Trump this week.
Putin spoke to the leaders of China and India, both also part of the BRICS group of developing nations, and other Presidents from Central Asia and
Europe on Friday to brief them on his contacts with the US about the war in Ukraine.
Lula has been in a public spat with Trump since the US imposed a 50 per cent tariff on the imports of Brazilian goods, which Trump linked to an alleged “witch hunt” against his ally and Brazil’s former right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro.
Lula told Reuters on Wednesday he planned
to call the leaders of the BRICS countries, which also include South Africa, to discuss a joint response to Trump’s tariffs on US imports. The Brazilian leader spoke with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday.
Trump threatened BRICS nations with additional 10 per cent tariffs last month, as the group gathered in a summit in Rio de Janeiro in July.
(Source: Reuters)
US National Weather Service to restore hundreds of jobs cut under Trump
The Trump Administration is allowing the US National Weather Service (NWS) to restore most of the hundreds of jobs eliminated by the cost-cutting Department of Government Efficiency once led by Elon Musk, several members of Congress said on Tuesday.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), parent agency of the NWS, plans to hire 450 weather service meteorologists, hydrologists and radar technicians, US Representatives Nebraska Republican Mike Flood and Illinois Democrat Eric Sorensen said in a joint
statement on Thursday.
Musk was originally named by President Donald Trump to spearhead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) programme, but the billionaire entrepreneur resigned from the administration months later.
CNN, which broke the news before statements emerged from lawmakers on Capitol Hill, reported that the new hiring figure included 126 positions previously approved by NOAA, a US Commerce Department agency. Representatives of the NWS and NOAA could not immediately be reached for comment.
Thursday’s announcement of a reversal comes during a summer of weather extremes, including flash floods that ravaged Texas Hill Country last month, claiming at least 137 lives.
The devastation raised questions about whether job vacancies at local NWS offices were a factor in the scale of the disaster.
In May, the National Weather Service chief Ken Graham said large staffing and budget cuts at NOAA, including his agency, would not hinder the Government’s ability to forecast devastating storms and warn the public. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Trump’s Environmental Agency terminates contract with
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) moved to end its contract with unionised employees, according to the union’s President, the latest action in President Donald Trump’s push to weaken collective bargaining across the federal Government.
The union, which represents 8000 EPA employees, is planning a legal response to the decision, said Justin Chen, President of the agency’s chapter of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), in a statement on Friday.
The decision gets Trump closer to his goal to strip hun-
unionised employees
dreds of thousands of federal workers of the ability to collectively bargain with US agencies. Eliminating union deals would allow agencies to more easily fire or discipline employees, according to attorneys representing federal workers.
“EPA is working to diligently implement President Trump’s Executive Orders with respect to AFGE, including ‘Exclusions from Federal LabourManagement Relations Programs’, in compliance with the law,” an EPA spokesperson said in a statement, referring to the executive order Trump issued in March.
The order involves removing collective bargaining rights at more than 30 federal agencies, including the EPA, and is currently being challenged in court by unions who say it violates free speech and obligations to bargain with workers.
Unions are suing to stop Trump’s effort to dismantle collective bargaining agreements. A federal appeals court on August 1 said the administration could move forward with exempting certain federal agencies from their obligation to negotiate with unions. AFGE, which represents the EPA workers, is a plaintiff in that lawsuit. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has ruled out ceding land to Russia and demanded his country take part in negotiations aimed at ending the war between the neighbours, just days before planned talks between the leaders of Russia and the US.
In a video shared on social media on Saturday, Zelenskyy said Ukraine was ready for “real decisions” that could bring a “dignified peace” but stressed there could be no violation of the constitution on territorial issues.
“Ukrainians will not gift their land to the occupier,” he said, warning that “decisions without Ukraine” would not bring peace.
“They will not achieve anything. These are stillborn decisions. They are unworkable decisions. And we all need real and genuine peace. Peace that people will respect,” added Zelenskyy, whose country has been fighting off a full-scale Russian invasion since February 2022.
His comments came hours after US President Donald Trump said a peace deal would involve “some swapping of territories” as he announced a meeting on Friday with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, in the US state of Alaska to discuss the war.
(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
North Korea dismantles propaganda speakers at border
South Korea’s military says North Korea has begun removing some of the loudspeakers used to broadcast propaganda across the border between the two countries.
North Korea’s move appears to be a positive reaction to the overtures from newly elected South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung, who had campaigned on improving inter-Korean ties.
South Korea dismantled some of its own loudspeakers earlier this week. It had halted broadcasts along the demilitarised zone shortly after Lee took office in June – prompting a similar response from its neighbour.
South Korean broadcasts had often featured K-pop songs and news reports, while the North played unsettling noises, such as howling animals.
The speaker broadcasts had been suspended on previous occasions. But after a six-year pause, they resumed in June 2024 in response to Pyongyang’s campaign of sending rubbish-filled balloons to the South.
Ties between North and South Korea had deteriorated under former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was more hawkish towards Pyongyang. Both countries are technically still at war since the Korean War ended in 1953 without a peace treaty. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Pete Hegseth reposts video that says women shouldn’t be allowed to vote
The US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth recently shared a video in which several pastors say women should no longer be allowed to vote, prompting one progressive evangelical organisation to express concern.
Hegseth reposted a CNN segment on X on Thursday that focuses on pastor Doug Wilson, a Christian nationalist who co-founded the Idaho-based Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches (CREC). In the segment, he raises the idea of women not voting.
“I would like to see this nation being a Christian nation, and I would like this world to be a Christian world,” Wilson said.
Another pastor interviewed by CNN for its segment, Toby Sumpter, said, “In my ideal society, we would vote as households. I would ordinarily be the one to cast the vote, but I would cast the vote having discussed it with my household.”
Hegseth reposted the nearly seven-minute report with the caption “All of Christ for All of Life”.
Later in the video, Wilson says he does not believe women should hold leadership positions in the military or be able to fill high-profile combat roles.
A statement from Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell on Saturday said Hegseth “is a proud
member of a church affiliated with” the CREC.
“The secretary very much appreciates many of Mr Wilson’s writings and teachings.”
Hegseth and his family were in attendance at the Wilson church’s inaugural service in Washington in July, according to CNN. Doug Pagitt, a pastor and the executive director of the progressive evangelical organisation Vote Common Good, told the Associated Press that the ideas in the video are views that “small fringes of Christians keep” and said it was “very disturbing” that Hegseth would amplify them. (Excerpt from The Guardian)
North Korea’s loudspeaker is seen at North Korea’s propaganda village Kaepoong, Oct, 2024 [Reuters]
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says “decisions without Ukraine... will not achieve anything.”
Russia President Vladimir Putin greets Brazil President Luiz Inacio “Lula” da Silva, May 9, 2025
(March 21April 19)
TAURUS (April 20May 20)
GEMINI (MAY 21June 20)
LEO (July 23Aug. 22)
VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)
LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)
Actively search for new ideas, concepts, and ways to use your skills and experience to get ahead. Networking events can pay off and provide connections to groups that lead to profits. A change in how you present and position yourself will encourage interest, valuable suggestions, and potential partnerships. A domestic change requires financial restrictions.
Declutter your life from people, projects, and pastimes that consume your time with little return. Arguing is a waste of time. Give others the same benefits you want for yourself. Stick to those who share your agenda, give your best, and send those heading in a different direction on their way.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)
SAGITTARIUS
(Nov. 23Dec. 21)
CAPRICORN (June 21July 22)
(Jan. 20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19)
PISCES
(Feb. 20Mar. 20)
Rely on information, research, and conversations that offer an inside view of a situation. Refuse to get involved in someone else’s drama or pay for their mistake. Separate yourself from situations that conflict with your ethical beliefs. You’ll make the most progress if you follow your intuition and work alone. Set high standards. Take the guessing out of situations that appear to have a hidden agenda by asking direct questions. It’s up to you to gather sufficient information before participating. Acting in haste or taking on more than you can handle physically or financially will lead to conflict and regret. Focus on personal appearance and meaningful relationships.
Keep your finances, feelings, and plans to yourself. Sharing too much information will make you vulnerable. Let your thoughts, plans, and research lead the way, and your brute force helps you finish what you start. Avoid emotional spending and trying to buy love or favors. Your best return will come from discipline.
Spend more time with someone you love or those who are working toward a similar goal. Sharing will result in a better understanding of what you can accomplish. Don’t be shy; a bold voice will help you grab the attention of someone special. Partnerships and personal growth, love, and opportunity are favored.
Chase your dreams, secure your position, and use your connections to advance. Don’t let your guard down or give someone else an opportunity to capitalize on what you have strategically built to suit your needs. You can be helpful without paying the price. Don’t take unnecessary risks with your reputation, health, or finances.
Short trips, reunions, and research will all help you get a better understanding of yourself, what you want, and how to go about achieving your goals. A physical change will lift your spirits and attract attention. Let your actions speak for you, and you’ll avoid a confrontation with someone trying to damage your reputation.
Home improvements or preparing to host an event will encourage creativity and a marked improvement as the day progresses. Your insight into investments and situations that concern you will lead to awareness and change your perspective regarding hope for a brighter future. Personal gains and positive modifications are favored.
Take nothing for granted. Shape your future by identifying opportunities that align directly with your goals and aspirations. Refuse to let outsiders interfere. Get agreements in writing and verify the information you receive before you sign on the dotted line. Allow ample time to cultivate meaningful relationships. Romance and makeovers are favored.
Take charge and get things done. Be the one to make a difference and push for those who can’t fend for themselves. Someone will recognize your input, and an unexpected reward will follow. Altering your lifestyle, home environment, or position will lead to lower overhead or an influx of cash.
Let your emotions play out and your feelings be known. Direct your energy into personal improvements, social activity, and spending time with someone you love. A change of scenery will tweak your creativity and offer insight into something you want to pursue. Pay attention to your personal needs; a little pampering is encouraged.
Peanuts
Calvin and Hobbes
Pickles
Zakary Foulkes picked up the best figures by a New Zealand player on Test debut as New Zealand recorded their biggest Test win. Their innings and 359run victory over Zimbabwe emphasised the massive gulf between the two sides as Zimbabwe capitulated for their fourth-lowest score against New Zealand to suffer their heaviest defeat in the format.
After New Zealand declared overnight, with a lead of 476, Zimbabwe were bowled out in 28.1 overs in an extended first session. They have now lost their last six tests and have been dismissed for under 170 in all four innings in this se-
ries.
New Zealand finished their tour of Zimbabwe unbeaten, after winning all their matches in the T20I tri-series, including the final, and both tests.
Foulkes, who was called into the XI after injuries to Nathan Smith and Will O’Rourke, showed the wealth of New Zealand’s bowling depth with an incisive eight-over spell headlined by devastating inswing. He ensured Zimbabwe had no let-up after Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy made the opening incisions and that stand-in captain Mitchell Santner was not required at all.
For Zimbabwe, technical questions over their batting remain. Their inability to cope with the moving ball, or genuine pace, was exposed, more so when the two are in operation together. As has been the case throughout this series, only one batter made a score of note –Nick Welch’s 47 – there was only one other player who
got into double figures and the highest partnership was just 25.
The damage started as early as the third ball when Brian Bennett walked straight into the trap set for him. After two balls that moved away, Henry brought the ball back into him. Bennett played down the wrong line, and his middle stump was uprooted. Brendan Taylor scored the first runs when he guided Duffy’s delivery between point and gully but only lasted until the fifth over, as he was caught in the crease to a fuller ball from Henry and edged to second slip.
Duffy, also on debut, found some extra bounce, and Sean Williams could only get a leading edge as he tried to turn him leg-side. The ball went high and gave Duffy enough time to take the catch off his own bowling for his first Test wicket.
Welch and Craig Ervine showed some fight against the short ball before Ervine pushed at a full ball from Matthew Fisher and edged to third slip. He was dismissed in almost identical fashion in the first innings, which suggests a pattern that Zimbabwe needs to address. Similarly, Sikandar Raza’s glaring problem against the short ball continued. For the fourth time in the series, Raza was undone by one, this time as he fended off a delivery from Foulkes and was caught at gully. Raza was brought
back into the squad after missing the South Africa Tests for the MLC and recorded scores of 2, 5, 5 and 4. Foulkes had Tafadzwa Tsiga caught behind, playing at a ball that straightened on him, and then produced two absolute peaches to bowl Vincent Masekesa and Trevor Gwandu. Both were clueless against deliveries that landed outside off, shaped back in and beat their defences to hit the stumps. It’s difficult to choose between them on quality, and both could easily be labelled the best deliveries of the game. Blessing Muzarabani became Foulkes’ fifth when he top-edged him to square leg, where Santner took a comfortable catch. That wicket gave Foulkes match figures of 9 for 75.
Duffy thought he had wrapped up the innings when he had Tanaka Chivanga caught in the cordon, but he had overstepped – the only mistake New Zealand made all morning. In his next over, Chivanga was caught at gully by Devon Conway, who is also the series’ leading run-scorer, to end the match five minutes before a delayed lunch would have been taken. The defeat ends a long run of Test cricket for Zimbabwe for now. They have played eight Tests in 2025 and won one against Bangladesh but have lost all their games at home. They will turn their attention to the T20 World Cup Qualifiers, which Zimbabwe will host in September.
New Zealand leaves Zimbabwe with a problem of plenty. Conway, Henry Nicholls and Rachin Ravindra all scored centuries while all their seamers were among the wickets. Henry’s 16 wickets in the series were the standout, and he has established himself as a leader in the attack. New Zealand do not play any Tests until NovemberDecember this year, when they host the West Indies to start their 2025-2027 World Test Championship campaign. (ESPNcricinfo)
Matthew Fisher 6.5-1-16-1 Mitchell Santner 1-0-4-0
New Zealand 1st Innings
Devon Conway b Muzarabani 153 Will Young b. Gwandu 74
Jacob Duffy c Bennett
b Masekesa 36 Henry Nicholls not out 150 Rachin Ravindra not
Jacob Duffy got his maiden Test wicket (Zimbabwe Cricket)
The New Zealand players walk off after registering a thumping 2-0 win (Zimbabwe Cricket)
Nick Welch top-scored for Zimbabwe in the second innings (Zimbabwe Cricket)
Hope Hopeful for improved batting in 2nd ODI against Pakistan
– as Nawaz-Talat 104-run stand gives Pakistan edge in ODI series
Following a five-wicket win by Pakistan over the West Indies on Friday evening at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Captain Shai Hope related that it was tough conditions to bat first under the hot sun with the pitch spinning.
When it comes to his bowling unit at the back end of the game, he stated, “It is always tough as a bowling group to bowl in those types of conditions when the ball is very wet… tough for the spinners to get a good grip on the ball and make that ball turn and get some purchase in the middle overs.”
Now that the Pakistanis have taken the lead in the 3-match ODI series, Hope is hoping that his batters convert their starts.
“It’s something that we
always talk about; if someone gets in it, it’s important for them to go as big as possible and as deep as possible. Something I must say, we didn’t do as well as we could have, especially Evin Lewis in that situation; he got out at a crucial time and played really well in the conditions, but if he had gone on to score a hundred there, it would have changed the context of the game.”
Nevertheless, an unbeaten 104-run stand between debutant Hasan Nawaz and the returning Hussain Talat rescued Pakistan from a precarious position to seal a five-wicket win over the West Indies in the first ODI. Chasing 281, Pakistan stumbled repeatedly before Nawaz (63*) and Talat (41*) guided them home with sev-
SCOREBOARD
West Indies (50 overs maximum)
Brandon King, Babar Azam, and Shaheen Shah Afridi 4
Evin Lewis c Shaheen Shah Afridi
b Saim Ayub 60
Bowling O-M-R-W Shaheen Shah Afridi 8-0-51-4 Naseem Shah 8-0-55-3
Saim Ayub 10-1-48-1
en balls to spare, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead in the threematch series.
Keacy Carty c Agha Salman
b Sufiyan Muqeem 30
Shai Hope (c)† c †Mohammad Rizwan
b Shaheen Shah Afridi 55
Sherfane Rutherford c Saim Ayub
b Agha Salman 10
Roston Chase c Babar Azam
b Naseem Shah 53
Romario Shepherd c Abdullah Shafique
b Shaheen Shah Afridi 4
Gudakesh Motie and Naseem Shah 31
Shamar Joseph b Shaheen Shah Afridi 8 Jayden Seales not out 1
Abdullah Shafique lbw b Joseph 29 Babar Azam st †Hope b Motie 47 Mohammad Rizwan (c)† lbw b Joseph 53
Salman Agha c & b Chase 23 Hasan Nawaz not out 63 Hussain Talat not out 41 Extras (lb 4, nb 2, w 17) 23
Total 48.5 Ov (RR: 5.81) 284/5 Fall of wickets: 1-16 (Saim Ayub, 2.6
Earlier, West Indies posted 280 on a tricky surface, with half-centuries from Evin Lewis, Roston Chase, and Shai Hope. Pakistan’s spin trio of Saim Ayub, Agha Salman, and Sufiyan Muqim kept scoring in check through the middle overs, before Shaheen Shah Afridi (4 for 51) and Naseem Shah (3 for 55) wrapped up the innings with a reverse-swing masterclass.
Pakistan’s chase began with familiar fragility. Saim Ayub, so often the spark at the top, edged behind early to Jayden Seales. Abdullah Shafique looked elegant but fell to a low bounce, and the partnership between Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan stalled as they played out 16 consecutive dot balls at one stage. Though they recovered to push the run rate down, both fell in quick succession – Babar (47) misreading Motie’s turn and Rizwan (53) trapped in front by Joseph – leaving Pakistan needing 101 with five wickets in hand.
At that point, with two ODI rookies at the crease, West Indies had the upper hand. Nawaz struggled early, scoring just 3 off his first 12 balls, and was dropped twice – once by keeper Shai Hope. But as the dew set in and the ball became tougher to grip, Pakistan began to regain control.
The turning point came in the 39th over, with Talat striking consecutive bound-
aries off Roston Chase, and a poor over from Joseph that included five wides and 17 runs helped tilt the balance. Nawaz gained fluency and composure, and with the
off the 49th over, and Nawaz sealed the win a few balls later.
West Indies had earlier made a promising start after being put in to bat, with
West Indies leaking runs and missing chances – including a sitter dropped by Motie with Nawaz on 49 –the outcome became inevitable. Talat added the finishing touches with 15 runs
Lewis and Carty settling into a solid powerplay. Shaheen and Naseem struggled early on, prompting Rizwan to introduce spin inside the first ten overs. That decision paid off: Ayub, Agha, and Muqim
combined to choke the middle overs, reducing the run rate and regularly picking off wickets.
Lewis reached 60 before holing out off Ayub, and Rutherford’s brief stay ended with a tame shot to cover.
A rebuilding stand of 64 between Chase (53) and Hope (55) provided some stability, but with little pace on offer and boundaries hard to come by, their partnership never truly threatened to explode.
Once Seam returned in the final ten overs, reverse swing came into play. Afridi and Naseem targeted the base of the stumps, taking out the lower order with precision. A brutal yorker from Naseem even clipped a leg stump without dislodging the bails – but there was little luck beyond that for the West Indies, as they lost their final wickets with an over left unused.
Despite Pakistan’s frequent stutters with the bat, their ability to claw back into the game with calm heads and steady partnerships continues to serve them well. For the West Indies, it was a missed opportunity – they had Pakistan under pressure multiple times, but dropped chances and a lack of control at the death cost them dearly.
The second ODI promises another intriguing contest, but Pakistan will take confidence from the resilience shown by two of their least experienced players – Nawaz and Talat – who finished the job in style.
(Revised from ESPNcricinfo)
An unbeaten 104-run partnership between debutant Hasan Nawaz and Hussain Talat
Shaheen Shah Afridi claims 4 wickets
West Indies woes continue
Mohammad Rizwan scored 53
The Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry/ National Sports Commission’s “Learn to Swim” programme was hailed a resounding success.
More than 150 participants completed the programme at the Albion Estate Swimming Pool, where they walked away with a great deal of knowledge on swimming.
Regional Sports Officer for Region Six, Randy Mangru, was delighted with the results from the programme, and he also noted that this programme will return next year.
“Many people think we have swimming programmes to teach them to swim so they can show off in the area. No, it is a lifesaving technique. Once you keep practising, you
will be able to save yourself or save someone else,” Mangru said.
Additionally, several participants hailed the programme and praised the coaches for their patience shown across the three weeks.
Beginner and advanced swimmers were happy at the end of the programme and are now able to impart the knowledge of swimming to prospective swimmers.
This programme promoted water safety and provided basic swimming education while nurturing competitive swimmers in Berbice. Each of the participants received a certificate upon completion of the programme.
The “Teach Them Young” swimming programme has been an annual event during the school break across
Barbados Royals have bolstered their squad with two new inclusions. The Royals have roped in South African all-rounder Eathan Bosch and Australia’s Daniel Sams for the upcoming Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025 season.
Bosch is the brother of Mumbai Indians (MI) all-rounder Corbin Bosch, while Sams is a former MI player. The announcement came from Barbados Royals via social media posts on Friday last.
Eathan Bosch is also the son of the late Tertius Bosch, who himself was a fast bowler in the early 1990s. His brother Corbin Bosch has already taken major strides in both international cricket and franchise leagues.
Eathan Bosch came into the limelight for the first time in the 2022 SA20 League, where he enjoyed success with the ball. The right-arm pacer took 15
Guyana. More than 2000 individuals (kids and adults) benefited from these programmes.
These programmes are usually held nationwide. In addition to the Albion Estate swimming pool, the other venues are the Aquatic Centre, the Colgrain Swimming Pool in Georgetown, and the Watooka Swimming Pool in Linden.
The swimming programme, which had a hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, was reintroduced in 2022. It has developed into a national policy under the NSC and is tailored to children and individuals aged 18 and under.
This swimming programme could return at Albion for the Easter and August holidays next year.
wickets in 12 matches for Pretoria Capitals at an impressive economy of 8.02. This performance earned him the SA20 Rising Star award.
The 24-year-old continued to work on his allaround skills. He was rewarded with a One Day International (ODI) debut by South Africa during the tri-series between the hosts and Pakistan, which also featured eventual winners New Zealand. He picked up a wicket in his seven-over spell and scored an unbeaten seven runs on his debut.
The inclusion of the South African all-rounder is a tactical one. He bowls at an average speed of 138 and strikes the ball long.
With Azmatullah Omarzai potentially leaving for national duty, Bosch can be his perfect replacement. He offers nearly similar skills, with lower-order batting and pace bowling. In short, his in -
clusion will provide the balance in the squad.
Bosch also boasts decent domestic experience across all formats, having scored 1200 runs in 42 first-class matches with one hundred and eight fifties. He also has 702 runs to his name in 49 List A games and 556 runs in 67 T20 matches.
On the bowling front, the right-arm pacer has taken 103 wickets in 42 first-class matches, which includes three five-fors. He also picked up 52 and 64 wickets in List A and T20s, respectively.
The Barbados Royals will commence their CPL 2025 campaign on Sunday, August 17. The franchise will lock horns with the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
The Barbados-based franchise has won the CPL title twice, once as the Tridents and once as the Royals.
In a meaningful gesture of support to the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) Sports Section, Regal Sports on Friday donated a wide range of sporting equipment, aimed at enhancing both indoor and outdoor sports activities within the Force.
The donation was handed over by Regal Sports Manager Ian John to Deputy Commissioner (Administration) Ravindradat Budhram during a brief ceremony held at the Police Sports Club Ground.
John noted that the contribution is intended
to strengthen the GPF’s sports programme and promote physical fitness among ranks. He expressed confidence that the equipment will be effectively utilised, especially given the Administration’s commitment to developing sports across the Force.
According to John, the donated items span multiple sporting disciplines and are designed to not only improve performance but also encourage broader participation in physical activity within the GPF.
Deputy Commissioner Budhram, a dedicated sportsman and cricketer,
warmly welcomed the donation. He highlighted that the new equipment will bolster the Force’s ongoing efforts to support and maintain a diverse range of sporting disciplines.
He also extended gratitude to Regal Sports for the timely and valuable donation, acknowledging the company’s longstanding support of the GPF’s sporting initiatives.
The donated equipment includes gear for cricket, football, boxing, basketball, volleyball, badminton, table tennis, hockey, as well as chess and dominoes sets, among other items.
Ethan Bosch and Daniel Sams
Regal Sports Manager, Ian John, hands over the equipment to members of the GPF
One of the trainers presenting a certificate to a participant
CWI holds emergency strategic meeting to tackle performance issues
At the request of Cricket West Indies (CWI) President Dr Kishore Shallow, an emergency summit of the Cricket Strategy & Officiating Committee will be held from August 10–11, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad.
The two-day meeting aims to urgently address pressing challenges within West Indies cricket and implement immediate structural reforms.
The summit will gather committee members, including former West Indies players Dr Desmond Haynes, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, and Ian Bradshaw, alongside special invitees Sir
Clive Lloyd and Sir Vivian Richards. Senior men’s team players and coaching staff, led by Head Coach Daren Sammy, will also be present.
CWI Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe emphasised the importance of the gathering.
“This summit represents a critical turning point for West Indies cricket. “We hope to engage in frank, honest and solutions-orientated discussions with coaches, former and current players, and administrators,” said Bascombe. “What we hope will emerge is a unified vision and a clearly defined, comprehensive framework designed to correct systemic
inadequacies and close the performance gap at the elite level. This is not about quick fixes but about identifying the structural reforms necessary across our development and high-performance systems and the strategic short- and long-term initiatives required to drive the necessary change.”
Day One will centre on “High Performance Strategy and Structural Reform”, featuring broad panel discussions around current team performance and immediate corrective strategies.
Day Two will shift focus to “Player-Centred HighPerformance Solutions”, with active input from cur-
Slingerz FC is currently undefeated and at the top of the league and made several additions during the recent transfer window to strengthen its squad. These seven signings include Jorman Salina Ayala, a talented Colombian youth player who joins Slingerz FC from Pele FC, bringing with him a strong reputation for his defensive awareness, tactical discipline, and sharp eye for creating goal-scoring opportunities from deep.
Michael Joseph, a talented National U17 defender who joins Slingerz FC from Rising Star Football Club in Bartica and is a product of President’s College, where he stood out during his high school football career. Earlier this year, Joseph represented Guyana at the CONCACAF U17 Championship and U17 World Cup Qualifiers in Costa Rica.
Neeiaz Baksh is a 17-year-old who joins
Slingerz FC from Pele Football Club and is currently a standout student-athlete at Chase
rent players and coaching staff. Daren Sammy will lead a session on coaching feedback and tactical issues, while players will share first-hand insights and concerns.
This initiative is CWI’s direct response to ongoing performance concerns, with implementation of outcomes set to begin immediately. Progress updates will follow as restructuring efforts roll out across all levels of West Indies cricket.
Chief Executive Officer of CWI, Chris Dehring, underscored the urgency and intent behind the summit.
“This emergency strategic meeting is not simply a
reaction but a necessary intervention. The performance of our senior men’s team has raised legitimate concerns among our fans, stakeholders and partners, and we could not afford to continue with business as usual,” he said. “We expect deep, transparent conversations with the people closest to the action, such as our players, coaches and selectors, and what we hope to emerge is a serious, organisation-wide commitment to change. As administrators, we are determined to support these reforms with the necessary resources, infrastructure and leadership. West Indies cricket deserves no less.”
Academy, where he’s played a pivotal role in his school’s football dominance.
a
commanding Brazilian defender that arrives from Morvant Caledonia United, where he enjoyed an exceptional run in the Trinidad and Tobago Pro League.
Solomon Austin is one of Guyana’s brightest defensive talents. The 19-yearold midfielder, a former National Youth Team Captain, has consistently proven himself as one of the top players in the country.After leading Guyana’s youth sides with distinction, Austin earned his senior national team de-
A press briefing will be held at the conclusion of the summit on Monday, August 11, at 3:00 PM in the Hyatt Meeting Room. It will be streamed live on the Windies Cricket YouTube Channel and feature a moderated Q&A session open to both in-person journalists and online viewers.
Panellists for the briefing will include CWI CEO Chris Dehring, Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe, former captain Sir Clive Lloyd, and Cricket Strategy & Officiating Committee Chair Enoch Lewis. Bascombe will present key strategic outcomes and long-term plans emerging from the summit.
but against Trinidad and Tobago last year.
Slingerz FC also welcome on board Jean-Heim Mc Fee, a dynamic 23-yearold forward from Athletic Club Port-of-Spain in the Trinidad and Tobago Pro League.
Derrell Garcia, the 18-year-old attacking sensation, joins Slingerz from San Juan Jabloteh in the Trinidad and Tobago Pro League and has already turned heads across the region. Recently earning a callup to the Trinidad and Tobago National Team, Garcia was praised by none other than Manchester United legend and T&T Head Coach, Dwight Yorke, who hailed his talent and work ethic. With these new additions, Slingerz FC would hope to continue their dominance after their minor blip against Western Tigers as the game drew 1-1.
Kayo De Souza is
Neeiaz Baksh Kayo De Souza Solomon Austin Jorman Salina Ayala
