OAS Electoral Mission calls for peaceful, orderly elections
Bodybuilding Champion Kerwin Clarke throws support behind President Ali ahead of elections Miner chopped to death after fending off robbers
benefit from prosthetic limbs delivered to amputees
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Sunday, August 31 – 22:00h–23:30h and Monday, September 1 – No Closure.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Sunday, August 31 – 08:55h–10:25h and Monday, September 1 – 10:20h–11:50h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times –05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily
Trust us once more to deliver greater, better, faster, more efficiently –President Ali at massive
Lusignan rally
...delivers final message to supporters as PPP/C campaign wraps up for 2025 GRE
other assistance to voters in getting them to the polls.
Speaking before a sea of red-clad supporters at the party’s final campaign rally, dubbed the red tsunami during its campaign, President Ali appealed for another term in office, urging citizens, particularly young people, to take their votes seriously.
Do not squander your vote
A major focus of Ali’s message was directed toward the country’s young people, whom he described as the foundation of Guyana’s fu-
n a spirited and wide-ranging address at Lusignan on Saturday evening, President Dr Irfaan Ali issued a passionate call to Guyanese voters to re-elect the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) in the General and Regional Elections on Monday, calling supporters to turn out in overwhelming numbers. “We ask you to trust us once more to deliver greater, better, faster and more efficiently,” he said, urging citizens to reflect on the PPP/C’s performance over the past five years and the Government’s promise of even more transformative development in a second term.
“You gave us the chance to lead and we did not disappoint you. We fulfilled every single promise. We have a plan and a strategy and we have the leadership to deliver upon that plan, we have the experience and you can trust us to lead you into the bright prosperous future ahead of us,” the incumbent President, seeking re-election, stated.
The Saturday rally was the final event leading up to Monday’s E-Day.
Urges large turnout
“The smell of victory is in the air, victory for the PPP/C is within reach. Victory is within our grasp. Let us not take victory for granted. We can taste a victory, but we have not yet secured that victory. We have one final hurdle to cross. That hurdle is turning out in our numbers on Elections day and putting our “x” next to the cup. At the top and at the bottom,” the President also. The President urged voters to overcome logistical challenges and remain patient, even in the face of long lines or transportation issues on Monday, when they go out to cast their ballots.
"Your vote is more important than the frustration. If you have to wait in the line, be patient. Your vote is more important than that. If you have to walk a mile or
it was the PPP/C’s win after the 2020 elections that gave rise to new opportunities for youth, with their continued participation in shaping Guyana’s development remaining essential. Another key policy announcements from the rally was that the Government will co-invest in opportunities to ensure that families from all walks of life can share in the country’s economic growth.
Do not go down the wrong road
The President repeatedly emphasised the importance of national unity, inclusion
two, your vote is more important than that walk,” the President assured.
The President noted however that the PPP/C will be doing whatever it can to provide transportation and
ture prosperity. “Young people, do not squander the vote that you have. Sometimes when we have easy access to things, we believe that’s how it always was,” he noted.
The President reminded
and democracy, warning citizens against being misled by opposition forces signalling their intention to reject the outcome of the election.
The ‘red tsunami’ at the PPP/C’s final campaign rally
President Dr Irfaan Ali speaks at the Lusignan rally, Saturday August 30
Tomorrow will be one of the most significant days in the history of our country. As citizens of this land, we have been conferred by our constitution with our inalienable right to choose who will govern us. That right was won after centuries of struggle by our ancestors. While we know the right is inalienable, we also know to our cost that it was ripped from us by the PNC that blatantly and flagrantly rigged elections between 1968 and 1985. When they were not rigging, they weaponised our right by coming out into the streets after every subsequent election they lost to violently “protest” and create mayhem.
In the last elections of 2020, even those who will be exercising their franchise for the very first time would – and should – remember how the “kinder, gentler” PNC of David Granger attempted to rig the elections. This was from within the institution – GECOM – that was established to ensure our right to vote was implemented and secured. Several of the miscreants are still before the courts for their perfidious actions. This proclivity to subvert state institutions – not only GECOM – which are constitutionally, legally and morally supposed to protect our rights – has unfortunately been a feature of PNC governance. Understandably, it has corroded the public trust in almost all state institutions –egregiously so in the case of the Police Force, for which successive PPP Governments have had to take blame even as they attempt to rectify the damage.
Today all our citizens must reflect on Guyanese elections in general and these elections in particular. Democratic elections were devised to select Governments so that “we the people” can place those who we think are best suited to be in charge of our affairs. Sadly, because of our history – where our several groups were pitted against each other at elections – we tended to “vote for our own” since we did not trust “others” to treat us fairly. And when “our own” was in power, we expected them to “take care of us first”.
But this election is different. No party can win the elections “fair and square” any more by appealing to any one group since no one group constitutes a majority any longer. While the PPP has always pointed out it stood for the poor and the “working class”, the impoverished nature of the economy led those from outside its base to claim their lived experience of poverty was caused by the PPP. This is even though macro studies like Household Income and Expenditure Surveys (HIES) showed that most Guyanese were in the same boat.
At these elections, however, the PPP has had five years at the helm of Government while oil revenues flowed into the national coffers. Therefore, it could at long last fund its programmes as articulated in its manifesto so as to benefit all Guyanese equally across regions and social groups. As such, they have an actual record for us to examine when we consider the pledges they have made in their new 20252030 manifesto. The PNC also has a record from 2015 to 2020, and while they did not have the oil revenues, we can evaluate their pledges that could have been fulfilled from their revenue streams. As for instance, the “substantial salary increases” they promised public servants but only bestowed on their Ministers.
The completion of the world-class suspension Demerara Harbour Bridge is emblematic of the PPP creating an infrastructural revolution in our country that undergirds its sustainable, holistic development model. When the Opposition scoffs at the PPP’s focus on infrastructure at this stage, they expose their cynical tactic to fool our people by saying, “You can’t eat bridges and roads.” They know that without proper infrastructure, businesses that will provide well-paying jobs for our citizens to feed their families with dignity will not invest here. What the PPP has done, therefore, is to balance the infrastructural development with social programmes such as an explosion of hospitals, grants and social support for pensioners and the poor.
Guyana Elections – A call to conscience as we vote on Monday
My fellow Guyanese, Every election is important. But Monday’s election is not just another vote; it is a turning point in our nation’s history. For the next five years, we will be choosing leaders who will guide us through a new era, an era unlike anything Guyana has ever seen before. Oil and gas revenues are pouring into our land. By 2030, oil production will at least double to 1.8 million barrels a day. That is mind-boggling wealth! The question is: will this wealth uplift every Guyanese, or will it be squandered?
This is why I say to you today: elections have consequences. And this one will shape not just our lives, but the lives of our children and grandchildren.
I speak with the memory of 1973 etched in my heart, the year of stolen elections. I was there when ballot boxes were hijacked. I remember the blood of two young men from my own village, No. 64, Corentyne, gunned down by the GDF as they tried to stop fraud. They died for democracy.
For decades after, Guyana became a sad, broken example of what electoral fraud can do to a nation. We were ridiculed in the Caribbean and the world. Our people were robbed of their will. Hope was nearly extinguished.
But today, a new dawn has broken. Guyana has another chance.
And so, as you prepare to vote on Monday, I beg you to think deeply. Think of the sacrifices and progress made. Think of the kind of future you want for your children.
And ask yourselves these questions:
1. Which leaders will guarantee that Guyana never again returns to electoral fraud? That our elections remain free and fair, and that the results are respected with dignity and peace?
2. Who has the vision and strength to lead us into an era of increased prosperity, not just for a few but for every Guyanese?
3. Who will put the people first – the poor, the struggling, the forgotten –and ensure no one is left behind?
4. Who can manage the oil wealth with wisdom? Oil is not forever. Prices can collapse. Which leaders will invest in building a sustainable Guyana, including the protection of our pristine Amazonian environment for generations to come?
5. Who will protect our food security? Agriculture has always been our pride. Which leaders will ensure Guyana remains the food basket of the Caribbean?
6. Who will transform our education system so that every child, rich or poor, can rise – learning skills, knowledge, and values to thrive in this new Guyana?
7. Who will guarantee affordable, quality healthcare for every community, coast to hinterland?
8. Who will ensure fair and balanced development of land, housing, and infrastructure shared across all of Guyana, without racial or political division?
9. Who will serve selflessly, putting country above self, people above power, and servant leaders?
10. Above all, who will unite us? Who will bring
every creed and race together in our “Oh Beautiful Guyana, our lovely native land, our El Dorado”?
My brothers and sisters, this is not a time for tribal politics. This is not a time for empty promises but a time for those who can deliver. “Performance beats ole’ talk anytime!” as it’s said in our neighbouring country Trinidad and Tobago. This is a time for vision, for courage, for selfless leadership.
On Monday, let us vote not with fear, not with division, but with hope, with pride, and with wisdom. Let us show the world that Guyana continues to rise with pride. Let us honour the memories of those who gave their lives for democracy. Let us safeguard the blessings of our newfound wealth. And let us build a united Guyana – strong, prosperous, and just. The choice is yours. The future is ours. And the time is now.
Yours sincerely, Prof Clement K Sankat, PhD, CEng
One of the symbols of Guyana’s development, the new Demerara River Bridge will soon be open to vehicular traffic, providing improved transit for hundreds of thousands
Tomorrow we choose
Dear Editor,
Tomorrow we choose the political party to lead our country for the next five years, but even more importantly, we choose the leader of that party to be our President. What are those choices?
We will be choosing between Dr Irfaan Mohammed Ali, Mr Aubrey Norton and Mr Azruddin Mohammed. The other Presidential candidates are not to be taken seriously, and we should not waste our votes on any one of them.
Aubrey Norton, Leader of the Opposition and leader of the People’s National Congress, was appointed General Secretary of the PNCR but was then fired by President Desmond Hoyte and was subsequently expelled from the party executive and lost his seat in the National Assembly. Then, in 2014, he was defeated for the leadership of the party by David Granger.
In 2020, Joseph Harmon,
then the leader of the Opposition, made Norton the Executive Director of his office. The nation is familiar with the blatant attempt to rig the elections at that time and under those leaders. Neither Norton nor any of the leadership of the PNCR have ever apologised.
Norton was eventually installed as leader of the PNCR in 2021 and replaced Nicolette Henry in the National Assembly when she resigned and became Opposition Leader after the resignation of Joseph Harmon.
Norton had the audacity to question the legitimacy of the results of the 2020 elections, electing the PPP/C under the leadership of Dr Ali, and we all remember his behaviour in refusing to shake hands with the President.
So much for the hardly distinguished political career of the PNCR Presidential candidate, which leads us to Azruddin Mohamed, sanctioned by the
US Government, accused of gross criminal enterprise and currently before our courts for other criminal activity.
Irfaan Mohammed Ali presents a stark contrast to his opponents. From the time of his election, he has served our country with considerable distinction and has been hugely honoured as a global leader internationally, more so than any President of Guyana.
For instance, in January 2023, President Ali received THE PRAVASI BHARATIYA SAMMAN AWARD (PBSA) in India for his outstanding contribution to politics, community and welfare and was conferred an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy and Management Studies from his alma mater, the Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University in Delhi. Also in 2023, Doctor Ali received the Global Inspirational Leadership Award for his leadership and advocacy of
developing nations while he was attending UNGA, hosted by the International Forum on African-Caribbean Leadership.
Later, in 2023, Dr Ali’s leadership in agriculture and food security earned him and Guyana, as our President, the InterAmerican Institute for Cooperation (IICA) award, and later, in the same year, while attending Barbados’ 57th Independence Day celebration, he was awarded that country’s highest national award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to regional integration.
Then, in January 2024, President Ali was conferred with the Global African Leadership Award in Ghana, at a Presidential Gala dinner. In April, he received the Legacy Award Class from the American Foundation for the University of the West Indies 27th Annual Awards Gala for his leadership and vision. In September, while in London, Dr Ali, ahead of
several regional leaders, received the People’s Choice As A Caribbean Global Leader 2024: Caribbean Global Award, and, rounding off that year, the President received the Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service 2024 for his unwavering dedication to climate change action and biodiversity.
Most recently, our President was honoured with the University of California, Berkeley’s Global Leadership Award for innovative and motivational leadership.
Dr Ali has not merely earned these awards for himself; he has earned them for Guyana and its place in the world today. Beyond the awards and the ceremonies, however, there is a tangible and recognisable difference which our President’s leadership of our country has made to the lives of ordinary Guyanese.
Like no other President, President Ali has personally reached out across the
country, advancing his vision of “One Guyana”, challenging and overcoming the ethnic division of our politics which has haunted us before and since independence. As the President, he has shown himself to be not merely a politician and Head of State, but a leader who listens to his people, who cares and, above all, who acts in their interest.
So, tomorrow, when as citizens of our country, we make the choice for our future by electing Dr Mohammed Irfaan Ali, we can continue our country moving forward, progressing our development, under the leadership of a President who has not only earned the respect of the international community but who has demonstrated that he is the only right, fit and proper presidential candidate to become our next President in the next chapter of our history.
Yours sincerely, Kit Nascimento
Elections 2025: Interesting days are ahead
Dear Editor, Although opposition parties and groups have expressed optimism that the 2025 elections could produce a minority Government in Guyana, they are overlooking their own challenges. Additionally, while the results of the recent so-called scientific poll (of 8/27/2025) offered them encouragement, their confidence was quickly tempered by critical assessments of the poll’s methodology and findings by Professor Narayan Persaud, Professor Randy Persaud, and others.
The opposition prefers a minority Government, hoping to check the PPP/C’s power and oversee the nation’s treasury, which they believe is overflowing with oil revenues. In a country without a dominant ethnic group, it is unclear why any political party that is genuinely committed to development and territorial integrity would aim only for the opposition and not seek full leadership in Parliament
and in the Government.
The main opposition, APNU, has lost several leaders to the PPP/C and to the new WIN party; both (APNU and WIN) aim to form a minority Government. Like APNU, the WIN party seeks to undermine the PPP/C’s efforts at re-election, while its controversial leader, Azruddin Mohamed, refers to himself “as your President”.
The idea of minority Government has been advanced by former ANUG members as a political strategy to weaken the PPP/C in its Governmental functions. In the pursuit of this objective, Nigel Hughes, who became leader of the AFC, immediately went on a mission to challenge the PPP’s support base in the Amerindian communities. He felt that if AFC could get 2 or 3 seats from Amerindian communities, they would come closer to achieving a minority Government status.
Hughes’ political message failed to gain trac-
tion, and his party did not succeed in this regard. Alongside APNU, he supported Azruddin Mohamed’s involvement in politics, believing his financial resources could influence Amerindian communities and the PPPC base. Aligning with the opposition, Chris Ram glorifies WIN’s leader, Azruddin Mohamed, and compares him with eminent scholar and poli-
tician Dr Walter Rodney. Needless to say, that position of Ram stunned most Guyanese. Ram also asserts that Azruddin Mohamed would split Muslim and Amerindian votes, making religion a divisive factor in politics.
The opposition parties’ political calculation did not work. Azruddin’s WIN party has instead energised the PPP/C and its base while
disrupting APNU’s support. Instead, WIN’s growing influence has increased APNU’s political distress, positioning WIN as a rival to APNU among opposition parties. It remains uncertain whether APNU has managed to halt WIN’s momentum in the final days of campaigning.
There will be no minority Government. The PPPC is projected to win 36 seats,
aligning with figures from Prof. Narayan Persaud, Dr Ganga Ramdas, and Ravi Dev. APNU, WIN, and AFC (with one seat) will form the opposition, while FMG and ALP are not projected to secure any seats. Interesting days are ahead.
Yours sincerely, Dr Tara Singh
Page Foundation
Bone health is important for children as they grow, providing them with the strength and support needed for development and everyday activities. Strong bones work together with our muscles to help us move. Exercise and nutrition are critical for building and maintaining strong bones. Participating in activities and sports creates the necessary stress on our bones so they can grow and strengthen over time. Foods rich in calcium, vitamin D and protein provide the nutrients needed for bone development. While these factors contribute to bone health on their own, their combined effect is more powerful. Exercise stimulates bone formation, while proper nutrition provides the necessary resources for this process. Without adequate nutrients, bones cannot fully benefit from the stress of exercise, and without exercise, the body might not effectively use the nutrients we eat. So, regular physical activity and a balanced diet help children build and maintain strong bones – essential for their long-term health.
How do Bones Grow?
As kids and teenagers, our bones are in super-speed growth mode, with this rapid development occurring at the ends of our long bones in areas called growth plates Growth plates function like factories where new bone is produced. Inside these plates, cells called osteoblasts work to build new collagen. Collagen is an important protein in our bod-
ies that creates the structure of our bones, providing them with strength and flexibility. Collagen supports the accumulation of minerals like calcium, which harden bones and make them dense. So that new bone tissue can be built, bones constantly undergo a process called resorption, where old bone is broken down and new bone is created, ensuring continuous growth and a healthy bone structure.
Importance of Exercise in Bone Health
Exercise is one of the most important factors for bone health because it applies the necessary stress to stimulate bone formation. Two major categories of exercises can help make our bones stronger: those that build more muscle (resistance/weight training) and those that work against gravity (high-impact/ weight-bearing activities).
Muscle-building exercises help strengthen our bones. When we engage in
activities and sports that require our muscles to work hard, like lifting weights or doing push-ups, our muscles pull on our bones. This extra pull creates more stress on the bones, encouraging them to grow denser and stronger. Exercises that work against gravity include running, jumping, and dancing. These activities and sports are called 'high-impact' and 'weight-bearing' because our bones must support our weight as we move. Moving our bodies against gravity increases the impact and
stress on our bones, making them denser and more resilient. For example, when you run, your legs and spine support your body’s weight with each step, which helps make your bones stronger. In contrast, low-impact exercises and activities exert less force on the skeleton and require higher intensity and longer time to benefit our bones.
Nutrition for Strong Bones
Proper nutrition is also a very important factor in building and maintaining strong bones. Essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and protein are vital for developing dense and resilient bones.
Calcium is one of the most important nutrients for bone health because, combined with phosphorus, it is the mineral that makes up ~65% of bone tissue. So, calcium helps build bone density, which makes our bones stronger and less likely to break. Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yoghurt are excellent sources of calcium. Research studies have shown that kids and teens who consume plenty of dairy products have higher bone density and growth. But dairy is not the only source of calcium. Foods like leafy green vegetables, almonds, orange juice, and lentils also provide the calcium our bones need. Including these foods in our diets helps ensure that we get enough calcium to support healthy bone development. The recommended daily intake of calcium is 700 mg for children aged 1–3, 1000 mg for children aged 4–8, and 1300 mg for children aged 9–18. Foods for strong bones are those that include (A) calcium, (B) vitamin D, and (C) protein
Glossary
Growth Plates: Soft cartilage area at the ends of bones where new bone forms, allowing them to grow longer.
Osteoblasts: Types of cells that help build and strengthen bones by producing new bone tissue.
Collagen: A protein that forms a supportive framework in tissues like skin, bones, and cartilage. It strengthens and supports bones, keeping them durable and flexible.
Protein: A nutrient found in foods like meat, beans, and dairy that helps build and repair tissues, including bones. It is essential for overall growth and bone health.
Calcium: A mineral found in many foods, especially dairy products, that is essential for strong bones and teeth. It helps bones stay strong and healthy.
Resorption: Process where the body breaks down and absorbs old bone tissue to make way for new bone growth.
Bone Markers: Special signs in the blood that show how the bones are growing and changing. They help doctors understand how healthy a person’s bones are.
Bone Density: A measure of how strong and dense bones are. Higher bone density means stronger bones.
(Adapted from kids.frontiersin.org)
(A) Healthy/young bone is strong and dense, with tightly packed structures (B) Unhealthy/old bone is weak and fragile, with fewer structures that are more spread out
“Do not take any risk on September 1” – Jagdeo advises voters
...expresses strong confidence in PPP/C victory at the polls
Taking to the stage on Saturday in Lusignan at the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) final rally in the lead-up to the General and Regional Elections on Monday, General Secretary Dr Bharrat Jagdeo warned citizens not to take any risks at the polls on Monday, calling on supporters to remain vigilant and turn out in large numbers.
Speaking to a massive crowd gathered at Lusignan Market Tarmac, Dr Jagdeo expressed confidence in the party’s position but warned supporters not to become complacent. He urged voters to remain alert for attempts to create disruption or confusion that could suppress turnout on election day.
“Do not take any risk on 1 September… We are not going to take a single risk,” he said.
He said that Guyanese need to be on high alert for fake news circulating from Saturday straight through to Monday afternoon.
“Be vigilant because they always try to deter people from voting. Watch out for the fake news from tonight [Saturday] all the way to Monday afternoon. They will come up with a lot of lies that are intended to keep people at home.
He cautioned that opposition-aligned and paid social media activists will attempt to spread lies, create confusion, and divide Guyanese along ethnic lines – all in an effort to stop support for the PPP/C.
Dr Jagdeo emphasised that these tactics are not new and are typically used to create fear or sow doubt in voters’ minds.
“Don’t allow fear or any rumour to deter you from voting. You are voting for
your own lives, your family, your children, and our future as a country; you are voting for the unity of our people. Recognise the power that you have in your hands,” he said.
Winning the elections
Dr Jagdeo affirmed that he is confident in the party’s ability to secure another major win at the upcoming polls, not out of arrogance, but based on the overwhelming support that the party has received and the growth that the party has experienced since being re-elected at the 2020 elections.
“Tonight I am even more confident than in 2020 that we will win the elections,” he declared, “that confidence is justified because look how much we have grown from 2020 to now. People who campaigned against us are here in large numbers, walking the streets of Guyana carrying our message. Our party has grown. I am telling you here tonight I am vastly more confident that we will have a sweeping majority come September 1.”
Dr Jagdeo emphasised that the PPP/C’s growing support is not accidental but earned through five years of governance, delivery on promises, and a clear, detailed plan for Guyana’s future.
Strong leadership
He noted that he could list 100 compelling reasons why citizens should vote for the PPP/C; however, he zoned in on just three core reasons, starting with the party’s leadership and planning capabilities.
Jagdeo, who is also the country’s Vice President, noted that “in any country, you need strong leadership”
to take the country forward.
“Don’t take any risk; leadership matters,” he added, reminding that the PPP/C has “worked through the tough times in our country, and we stood strong.”
“You need strong leadership to take our country forward. We have crafted and laid out a more detailed plan than any other political party for the future for every Guyanese to see progress. No other political party has that planning capability. We have done it, and we have the people to implement the plan. We have demonstrated that in the last five years. These are the things you are voting for on 1 September,” he noted.
He referred to the party’s political opponents, particularly the APNU and its Presidential candidate Aubrey Norton, and WIN and its Presidential candidate, US-sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed.
Noting that Mohamed fails to properly articulate his thoughts, does not engage the press and is only
running a social media campaign, Jagdeo questioned, “How will he keep us safe from Venezuela?”
Norton, on the other hand, “spends most of his life in Bam Bam Alley” and is incapable of managing anything, Jagdeo added.
A vote for either of them will put the entire country at risk, he warned.
“You’re risking your entire future. Can you imagine the day after? You have a Government headed by one of these individuals; you’re not just putting the promises at risk; you’re putting what we have already achieved at risk. Your children’s money could go back to zero. And Venezuela and Maduro could have a very compliant gentleman here
in the Government,” the PPP GS cautioned.
Bridging the racial divide
Dr Jagdeo also cited the party’s continued work to bridge Guyana’s racial divide.
“This is the only party that is seeking to bridge the racial barrier in Guyana. A party that is working day and night to unify our people, a party that treats people like family once they come to us, a party that wants to look like Guyana, and we have worked hard at this,” he said.
He warned that while the PPP/C is focused on unity, “others are still spreading fear.”
Keeping promises Dr Jagdeo highlighted the PPP/C’s record of keeping promises, noting the rarity of political parties who not only commit to ideas but also work hard to implement them.
“You can trust us to deliver because we are a trustworthy party,” he said.
In his remarks, Jagdeo paid special attention to young voters, encouraging them to recognise the power they hold and the difference their participation can make.
“We have to make sure that the young people, the young men and women, know that their lives will change for the better under the PPP,” he said.
He urged party activists and supporters to continue mobilising their communities right up until polls close, emphasising that every effort must be made to get out the vote.
Dr Jagdeo also took the moment to thank party supporters and volunteers for their hard work over the campaign period.
“I want to use this opportunity to thank all of you and all the supporters of the People’s Progressive Party. I want to thank all the activists who have been working, taking our messages to the people of Guyana. I want to thank everyone who has helped to carry the strength of this party,” he said.
PPP General Secretary and Guyana’s Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, speaks to the massive crowd at the Lusignan Rally on Saturday
Bartica excavator operator, 5 women charged with assault
Six residents of Byderabo Road, Bartica, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), have been brought before the court on charges of Assault Causing Actual Bodily Harm committed on Grace James. According to police, on Wednesday, they arrested 24-year-old excavator operator Alec Ault in connection with the incident. He was formally charged two days later by a detective from the Bartica Police Station under Section 30(a) of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act, Chapter 08:01. Ault appeared before Magistrate
Teriq Mohammed at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court on Friday. The charge was read to him, and he pleaded not guilty. He was granted bail in the sum of $10,000, and the case was adjourned until October 3, 2025, for continuation.
That same day, five female residents of Byderabo Road were also charged in relation to the same offence against Grace James. They have been identified as 47-year-old Evelyn Dalgetty, 54-year-old Pauline Smith, 26-year-old Alicia Ault, 22-year-old Atalya Dalgetty, and 22-year-old
Serina Williams. The women were arrested on Wednesday by a Detective Corporal attached to the Bartica Police Station and later charged on Friday under Section 30(a) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 08:01. They appeared before Magistrate Teriq Mohammed at the Bartica Magistrate’s Courts at approximately 10:15h on Friday. The charge was read to them and they each pleaded not guilty. Unlike Ault, they were released on self-bail. Their case has also been adjourned to October 3.
Miner chopped to death after fending off robbers - one arrested
Junior Williams, 36, from Pamela Road, Mahdia, Region Eight was on Saturday chopped to death at 14 Miles Issano Landing, Middle Mazaruni River after fending off two robbery suspects.
One day…
…more
Well, with just one more day to go – and all the big rallies done – your Eyewitness knows that some of these politicians might be getting withdrawal symptoms!! Yep!!! Jumping on that stage with thousands of faces – well, at PPP rallies!! Hundreds at PNC’s and WIN and tens at AFC’s – can become addictive with all that adrenaline rushing into your head!! But all good things must come to an end – and so has Campaign 2025 today!!
So what has stood out for your Eyewitness?? He’s been around the block – and some! – but can truly say in this campaign, the PPP has risen to new heights in so many ways. Right off the block is their fulfilment of Dr Jagan’s dream of having Guyanese of all stripes – and strata, as he would say! – stand shoulder to shoulder to support the Cup!! He’d been heartbroken when Burnham selfishly split the national movement. Your Eyewitness believes there can be no turning back – now that the fences keeping our peoples apart have been breached.
Then there are the youths. Even without a Progressive Youth Organisation, there have been more youths on PPP platforms than when there was a PYO!! What this tells your Eyewitness is the PPP’s gonna be around a long, long time to lend their shoulders to the wheel to steer our nation into the waters of perpetual peace and prosperity where old men shall dream dreams, and young men shall see visions!! Yup!… It’s been a long time comin’, but the PPP has stuck to the vision of a young man named Cheddi who passed it on to another young man named Bharrat who passed it on to another young man named Irfaan and so on…!!
And what of the PNC, you ask, Dear Reader?? Well, that’s a sad, sad story which proves that karma’s a bitch!!
The PNC was created on the fears of our African Guyanese that they were being passed by on the good life by their fellow Indian Guyanese citizens. But rather than having faith in the people who’d created this country that they could do as well as anyone else in the world, they continued to cripple them by nursing their grievances – even creating some when there was none!! Well, oil has enabled the PPP to demonstrate concretely what African Guyanese can do!! And sadly, if this sounds like a requiem for the PNC – it is!!
The AFC was formed to stand between the PPP and PNC. So if there’s no PNC, what’s the reason for the AFC?
So it’s bye-bye, AFC!! And the new kid on the block, WIN?? They’ll pick up the PNC’s scrapeheads this time – until the PPP develops them in the next five years!!
Police stated that the victim was imbibing alcohol at the landing when he was accosted by two male suspects in an attempted robbery. The victim, who was armed with a knife, managed to fend off the initial attack.
“Do not be misguided, do not be led down the wrong road,” he warned. “Ask yourself why someone would encourage you to do something wrong or illegal. They don’t value you as a citizen.” At least two political parties have indicated their intention to reject the results and have threatened electoral peace. Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken has already warned that “any attempt to create disorder, intimidate others or break the law, will be dealt with swiftly.
The President described the PPP/C campaign as one rooted in “love, unity and ideas” and emphasised that the party conducted a respectful campaign.
However, the suspects left the scene but returned with a cutlass and dealt the victim several chops about his body before flee -
“We ran a clean campaign… You should all be proud of the campaign that we ran. We ran a campaign of love, ideas, a campaign of unity, a campaign that showed Guyana we are responsive and ready,” he said. Meanwhile, President Ali also addressed undecided voters and those who still do not support the PPP/C. He said, “we love you…you inspire us to work harder because we want to win your love and we will work harder and harder and harder to win your love.”
President Ali assured that the PPP/C Administration is one that will continue to embrace every citizen and work to ensure their lives are always
ing the scene.
A nearby resident was alerted by the commotion and discovered the injured man lying on the ground, and immediately reached out to other residents for assistance.
He was transported to the Mahdia District Hospital where he was pro -
improving.
One Guyana
As he closed, President Ali reiterated the PPP/C’s commitment to building out his “One Guyana” vision that speaks to a united country where every citizen, regardless of race, creed, or background, has equal access to opportunity. “The Guyana that we are building is the Guyana where all are included. A Guyana of shared prosperity. A Guyana where no one will be left behind,” he declared.
As the rally drew to a close, Ali expressed deep gratitude to the supporters, party members, and his own family for their sacrifices and loyalty over the past
nounced dead. Upon examining the body, there were two gaping chop wounds on the right hand as well as bruise marks on the shoulder area.
Meanwhile, one of the suspects was arrested and is currently assisting with the investigation.
five years.
“The PPP civic has proven itself as the party of progress, the party of prosperity. Together, we have come this far. Together we can still go further. Let us secure our future, our children’s future. Let us secure Guyana’s future. On election day come out early, come out strong, come out in numbers, finish the job, seal the victory and protect tomorrow by voting for the cup at the top and at the bottom. Bring home this victory,” he said. Voting on Monday will commence at polling stations across the country at 06:00hrs and all polling stations will be opened throughout the day until 18:00hrs.
…back then with PNC
Nothing explains the PNC’s demise better than the failure of the African Business Roundtable– founded under their government in 2016 for “the sustainable development of Guyana’s economy; the economic revitalisation of African villages in Guyana; the nurturing of African entrepreneurship, especially among youth; the establishment of partnerships for sustainable growth; the establishment of business linkages with African-Guyanese businesses in the diaspora; and the hosting of business expos from time to time.”
The nurturing of Caribbean trade linkages for AfricanGuyanese businesses and the nurturing of south-south trade linkages with the Caribbean, Latin America, and Africa; The fostering of joint ventures with other ethnic and business groups in Guyana; Working with PSC, the GCCI and the GMSA to build bridges; The provision of think tank position papers, incubator and business services to the Guyanese community in partnership with other groups and stakeholders, and the development of competitive, sustainable, job-creating African businesses across Guyana and in the diaspora.”
They claimed to already have “a full-service banking licence; nurturing of an Association of African-Guyanese Construction Companies which meets at the headquarters weekly.”
…no tolls
John Donne had advised, “...send not to know for whom the bell tolls. It tolls for thee.” Well, Pressie’s ensured our bridges will toll for no one!! Vote him back!!
own and do not necessarily reflect Guyana Times’ editorial policy and stance
From left: 47-year-old Evelyn Dalgetty, 54-year-old Pauline Smith, 26-year-old Alicia Ault, 22-year-old Atalya Dalgetty, and 22-year-old Serina Williams
OAS Electoral Mission calls for peaceful, orderly elections
As Guyanese head to the polls on Monday, September 1, to cast their ballots, the Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) of the Organisation of American States (OAS) says is it looking forward to a peaceful and orderly elector-
al process.
Led by former Prime Minister (PM) of Jamaica Bruce Golding, the OAS had fielded an EOM comprising 27 experts and observers from 18 countries to monitor the upcoming polls in Guyana. In a statement on Saturday, the OAS EOM stated that the strength of a democracy is rooted in citizens’ free and active participation in their country’s elections. It added that any disputes regarding the results should be resolved through the mechanisms established by law, in order to provide certainty to all parties involved. “The Mission therefore urges all political parties, candidates and citizens to act responsibly and with a shared commitment to strengthening their democratic systems and safeguarding the future of Guyana,” the missive de-
ing Government officials, GECOM, political parties, civil society representatives and the international community. “These efforts have helped to provide a comprehensive perspective on the electoral process and complement the Mission’s direct observation,” the organisation stated. Only recently, the OAS EOM met with incumbent President Dr Irfaan
throughout Guyana’s electoral process. Meanwhile, the OAS Mission on Friday also met with the European Union’s Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) 2025 to discuss the electoral process in Guyana as part of their shared commitment to democracy around the world and supporting free and fair elections in Guyana.
tailed. This call by the OAS comes on the heels of the organisation playing a major role in condemning the blatant efforts during the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections to undermine democracy in Guyana.
At the 2020 elections, Golding had also headed the OAS mission here and had said in his preliminary report that he “has never seen a more transparent effort to alter the results of an election.” This was after the senior officials of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) attempted to inflate voting figures from Region Four –Guyana’s largest voting district – in favour of the then A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) Coalition regime.
Golding had said in his statement at the time that, “It takes an extraordinarily courageous mind to present fictitious numbers when such a sturdy paper trail exists.” Nevertheless, since its deployment to Guyana to observe the upcoming election, the new OAS Mission has held meetings with key stakeholders, includ-
Ali and several Cabinet Ministers at State House.
Golding, along with core members of the team including Deputy Chief of Mission Melene Glynn, Specialists Coordinator Clarissa Ribeiro and Press Officer Diego Paez attended the engagement. President Ali briefed the team on electoral legislative amendments to prevent the reoccurrence of the attempted rigging that occurred in 2020. He explained that the changes were also based on recommendations from previous electoral observer mission reports. Moreover, the incumbent Head of State further shared that the Government is committed to the constitutional reform process to promote democracy. During the meeting, Dr Ali was joined by Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall; Governance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Gail Teixeira; and Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha. Together, they underscored the Government’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and highlighted the critical role of the OAS in safeguarding transparency and integrity
On Monday, the OAS EOM team will observe electoral activities, from the setup of polling stations to the counting of votes and the presentation of the results. The organisation, in a previous statement, explained that it will focus on electoral organisation and registries, electoral technology, political-electoral financing, electoral justice and the political participation of women – all of which will allow the team to analyse the process in a structured and technically rigorous manner. The OAS EOM was deployed on August 19 and arrived in Guyana just in time to observe the Disciplined Services vote on August 22. In the days after the September 1 Election, the OAS EOM will present its Preliminary Report with observations and recommendations that seek to strengthen the country’s democratic and electoral processes. This is the seventh Mission that the OAS has deployed in Guyana, and it is made possible thanks to the financial contributions of Brazil, Canada, Chile, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Morocco, Peru, Spain, and the United States (US).
The Organisation of American States Electoral Observation Mission (OAS/EOM) in Guyana engaged European Union EOM
OAS EOM’s Chief of Mission Bruce Golding and his team convened a working meeting for Diplomatic Missions resident in Guyana
President Dr Irfaan Ali recently met with the Bruce Golding-led OAS EOM at State House in Georgetown
Why the PPP will win tomorrow
T“We're not taking
votes for
people's
granted” – Jagdeo
...highlights PPP/C achievements, including cost-of-living relief
Gomorrow’s elections will represent an important inflection point in our politics for several reasons, the major one being the most significant shift from the racebased voting that has dominated since 1957. As we have pointed out ad nauseam for over a decade, a differential emigration rate for our “six peoples” has resulted in Indian-Guyanese inexorably losing the majority they possessed in 1980. The early victory of the PPP in the elections of 1957 confirmed Jagan’s 1956 assessment that most Africans had followed Burnham’s PNC after he split the PPP in 1955. The formation of the United Force (UF) in 1960 provided a vehicle for the Portuguese and Amerindians – the latter because of the influence of the Portuguese-dominated Catholic Church.
The British conspired to oust the PPP Government by facilitating the PNC and UF forming a winning coalition after they imposed Proportional Representation (PR) for the 1964 elections. PNC’s election rigging between 1968 and 1985 negated the PPP’s numerical advantage, and the latter’s victory in the 1992 “free and fair” elections was a surprise only to the WPA, which boasted they had overcome racial voting with their “multiracial” leadership. Multiracial support was also the claim of the PPP and the PNC even as they pragmatically accepted their respective Indian and African bases. Amerindians were courted by all parties and have adopted a transactional approach to politics.
The results of the 2011, 2015 and 2020 elections reflected the racial demographic shifts, with the PPP only securing the Presidency and Executive in 2011 with a plurality; the APNU/AFC coalition winning in 2015 by one seat brought in by the AFC, mainly from their Indian Guyanese supporters. APNU/AFC’s shuttering of four sugar estates with 7000 mostly Indian-Guyanese jobs lost cost them that constituency along with the 2020 elections, to the PPP. The inflow of oil revenues by then, however, allowed the PPP to change the economic relations between racial/ethnic groups from a zero-sum game to a win-win one. The PPP jettisoned Marxism as their guiding ideology, overtly accepted the salience of race in making political choices and campaigned heavily in African-Guyanese communities – along with Amerindians –while pointing to their just as determined efforts to include them in economic development. The African-Guyanese community – especially youths – has responded positively in significant numbers. The PNC, however, which, because of their historic minority status, should have appreciated the importance of crossracial votes, gave it short shrift. This might be so because election rigging had made it irrelevant. Tomorrow, the PPP will definitely pull a significant chunk of African-Guyanese votes, which would have traditionally gone to the PNC.
One feature of Guyanese politics has been the presence of “third parties” which assert they are the “true” multiracial alternative to the PPP and PNC. However, they appear, burn brightly for a while, then fade like the WPA. This seems to be the fate of the AFC, which appeared in 2006 and pulled significant votes from the PNC when an ex-PNC African executive was head of its slate and from the PPP in 2011 and 2015 when an ex-PPP executive was leading. Dissatisfaction with the larger parties and not “non-racial” voting appeared to have played out.
For tomorrow’s elections a new “third force” – WIN – has replaced the AFC but with a twist. Unlike its ideologically driven predecessors, it has taken a totally populist approach to politics. While there are several variants of populism, there is always a maximum leader who claims to represent “the common people” against a corrupt elite – whether political, economic or social. Here, Azruddin Mohamed, who was sanctioned by the US OFAC, has had a meteoric rise, as his populist message to promise them all the things they want, combined with generous giveaways, bought out our self-defined “scrapehead” underclass from the PNC, along with some of the traditionally disaffected. Even though the PPP has worked strenuously to develop Amerindians, their position as the most dispossessed and ostracised, combined with their transactional approach to politics, has given WIN’s populist strategy traction in their communities. It should be pointed out that one of the features of populist leaders is they do not speak in the bland language of educated professionals but that of the underclass. Significantly, even the major parties have been forced to affect this language.
By my estimate, it would seem that the PPP, with credibility based on its record, will obtain a comfortable majority of some thirty-six seats, with PNC twenty-three, WIN 5 and AFC 1.
eneral Secretary (GS) of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has assured citizens that the governing party is not complacent heading into the upcoming elections. Speaking during an interview on “The Afternoon Lockdown” on 94.1FM, Dr Jagdeo emphasised that the PPP/C is actively engaging voters and delivering on its promises. “In 2015, the difference between us and APNU (A Partnership for National Unity) was 4600 votes, and we walked away from executive power without violence. We rebuilt our party and came back victorious in 2020. Now, anyone following this campaign knows the PPP will win these elections hands down. This is not arrogance – we have kept faith with the people,” Jagdeo declared. He stressed that the PPP/C has not taken its supporters for granted, emphasising that the administration has paid keen attention to the requests and recommendations from its supporters.
“We’ve been going into communities, making calls to homes and sharing flyers that show what we’ve accomplished over the last five years. We are working fiercely to secure people’s confidence,” he added.
Tackling
cost of living
Turning to the issue of the rising cost of living, Jagdeo pointed to a combination of global shocks – including the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions and the RussiaUkraine war – that have driven up prices. To cushion citizens, he explained that the Government targeted six critical cost areas, including electricity and water, fuel, internet and mortgages. “So, we looked at six areas that affect people’s costs and we said, what are the ones under the control of the Government? Electricity prices. So, we are subsidising your electricity bill now, to the tune of $80 million per year. So that from 2020 to 2025, there’s been no increase in electricity prices. And so, nobody can claim there’s a cost-of-living increase because they had to pay higher electricity rates. Secondly, water rates came down by 5 per cent. We cut the rates by 5 per cent. But we’re subsidising water rates across billions of dollars of subsidy. So, there’s been no increase in water rates. We have the cheapest diesel and gasoline in the Caribbean now,” the GS said. Further, Jagdeo highlighted massive increases in food production, but despite higher local food production, he admitted that prices of staples like cassava, chicken and plantains remain in-
flated because of middlemen and rising demand.
“So, the normal rule is that when you increase production, then you get, you know, you supply the market more, prices should come down. That’s economics for you. So even when we increase production here, we’ve seen an escalation in price because of the middlemen in the market… but any politician who tells you they can control the market price of
squash or plantain is lying. What we can do is strengthen people’s ability to afford food – through higher wages, pensions and public assistance,” he pointed out.
Housing
Since assuming office in August 2020, Government has surpassed its 2025 manifesto promise of distributing 50,000 house lots. Looking ahead, Jagdeo pledged that all outstanding house lot
applicants will be accommodated, while 40,000 new homes will be built over the next five years. He explained that this move aligns with the PPP/ C’s strategy to prevent “Dutch disease” – a common pitfall in oil-rich economies.
“We will assist people to get a house lot in the next term, all of those people who are waiting for their house lots will get their house lots. They will complete the infrastructure for the ones that we’re doing now. A lot of people are waiting; they have the letter of allocation. And we’ll build 40,000 homes in the next term, 8,000 per year. We have been unable to build a lot of homes now because we promised house lots. But we also give people a grant to build and a grant poor people to improve their homes”.
“Our greatest challenge will not be depreciation of the Guyana dollar but its appreciation. We must prevent the exchange rate from rising too much, which could cripple manufacturing and agriculture. Only the PPP has a plan rooted in a strong macroeconomic framework to balance oil revenues with sustainable growth,” he asserted.
Ravi Dev
General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo
Vote for PPP/C to take control of Regs 4, 7 & 10 for collective development – PM Phillips
Prime Minister (PM)
Mark Phillips of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is urging citizens across the country to ensure they vote for the party, not only in the national elections, but also to give their support at the regional polls so they can take control of Regions 4, 7, and 10.
The PM made the remarks at the party’s grand and final rally before Monday’s elections in Lusignan, East Coast Demerara.
Those regions are currently controlled by the Peoples National Congressled A Partnership for National Unity (APNU). But the PM referred to those leaders as “a pack of jokers” who fail to bring development at the regional level.
Phillips urged citizens to vote for the PPP/C in those regions in order for collective development to take place across the country.
“We want the entire Guyana to move forward,”
he said, “when you vote for the PPP/C you vote for five more years of progress, five more years of development,” he assured.
According to PM Phillips, “now is not the time to take chances.” He said, “Now is the time to be focused.”
The PM also underscored the importance of everyone coming out to vote to ensure the PPP/C gains a superma-
jority in Parliament.
“We have to have that supermajority to pass all the bills in Parliament to bring a better standard of living to you,” he reasoned.
“Get up early, join the line, and put your ‘X’ next to the cup,” PM Phillips encouraged.
Referring to the party’s competitors, he con-
Wtended that the APNU is “drowning” while the AFC is “dead”. The WIN party, he reminded, is headed by a US-sanctioned businessman who will bring nothing but doom for the country.
“So, the only man you’re left with is the real man, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali,” PM Phillips declared, as he encouraged citizens to carefully examine each of the Presidential candidates’ track records.
Noting that the PPP/C is the only true national party in the country, Phillips also reminded of all the promises kept by the party over the last five years.
“When you vote for us, you vote for an action-orientated Government,” he assured.
The PM also assured supporters of continued development under a People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government, citing the Government’s proven track record of delivering development that benefits every citizen.
City Councillor says APNU’s oildependent promises risk Guyana’s future …“not grounded in economic reality” while paying “lip service to transformation”
City Councillor and businessman
Alfonso De Armas has warned that the opposition APNU’s manifesto is dangerously over-reliant on oil revenues, with little emphasis on building lasting wealth for Guyana.
Speaking on the Starting Point podcast, De Armas described APNU’s economic blueprint as fragmented and unsustainable.
“There is one fatal flaw in it, in that there is not a cohesive macroeconomic framework. It’s clear that each section was written by different people who perhaps had different ideas or outcomes in mind. And so there is no cohesive macroeconomic framework that ties everything together,” he observed.
He argued that while the opposition speaks of transformation, their spending promises are not grounded in economic reality.
“It is very heavy on consumption and spending. And while they do pay lip service to transformation, so to speak, it is not clear how that is going to happen,” De Armas noted.
According to him, many of the opposition’s proposals would deplete the country’s revenue base.
“A lot of their propos-
als would, for example, if you cost them… they would wipe out the tax revenue base of the Government, in addition to more than doubling the required inflows from the national resource fund,” he stated.
De Armas also criticised APNU’s tendency to tie its promises to fluctuating oil prices, warning of the risks of such an approach.
“They essentially propose to tie all this consumption, all this spending, to oil, which is, as you know, a very volatile and finite resource. What happens if there’s an oil shock? What happens if there’s a war? What happens if OPEC suddenly decides that they’re going to have a glut of oil in the market and the oil price drops?” he questioned.
Diversification and responsible planning
By contrast, de Armas stressed that the PPP/C’s approach is built on diversification and responsible planning.
“Our manifesto, our plans – because they’re not even promises, they’re plans – are tied together through a very cohesive microeconomic framework. And by that I mean we pro-
pose to take all the revenues, not oil wealth; it’s not wealth yet, right? All the revenues, invest it in lowering the cost of energy, which I think is crucial,” he explained.
He further outlined the PPP/C’s strategy to use revenues to build a sustainable economic base beyond oil.
“Without that, it is difficult to diversify our economy in terms of building out our diversifying our agri-sector and investing in fourth industrial tech, for example, like biotechnology and AI and all these things, and investing in our youth. These are ways in which we can actually create a wealth base for Guyana that does not rely on oil. Oil is not going to be there forever,” de Armas
said.
He also criticised APNU’s dismissive rhetoric about financing their promises, pointing to a comment made by one of their leaders.
“It’s funny, I heard Ganesh Mahipal say – well, somebody asked him, ‘Well, how are you going to pay for all of these things?’ Well, he said one thing: ‘FPSOs are coming online all the time.’ It’s crazy to me,” de Armas remarked.
Concluding, the councillor said APNU’s manifesto is “heavy on consumption, heavy on spending” and lacks the focus needed to build lasting wealth.
“There’s not enough focus on how you are going to build lasting wealth postoil. It’s crazy,” he declared.
The Environmental Impacts of Mining and Deforestation Activities
hile the world often praises Guyana for its pristine rainforests and low deforestation rates, a less visible reality is unfolding: mining is now the leading driver of forest loss. This silent threat risks undermining the very reputation that gives Guyana its global environmental standing.
As mining expands deeper into the interior, particularly in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), where gold and diamond mining are prevalent, it has become the leading driver of deforestation and environmental degradation in the country, despite national deforestation rates remaining relatively low.
Mining: Economic Backbone with Environmental Costs
Mining remains one of Guyana’s most lucrative industries, significantly contributing to the national GDP and providing employment across remote hinterland communities. However, this economic lifeline comes at an environmental cost.
The Environment Protection Agency (EPA), in collaboration with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), has highlighted that activities such as river dredging, land clearing, and the use of hazardous chemicals, including mercury, are having increasingly visible impacts on biodiversity, water quality, and public health.
Though regulations under the Environmental Protection Act Cap 20:05, the Mining Act of 1989, and the Mining Regulations of 2005 exist, enforcement remains a challenge, especially in more remote areas.
Environmental Fallout: EPA Monitoring Key Impacts
Officers have been monitoring environmental compliance at mining sites along the Essequibo River. Their recent assessments have identified several major areas of concern:
Soil Degradation
Excessive excavation leads to erosion and loss of fertile topsoil.
Sediment runoff clogs rivers and impairs agricultural viability.
Water Pollution
Discharge of heavy metals and suspended solids threatens aquatic ecosystems.
Mercury and cyanide use in processing has led to contamination of drinking water and fish stocks.
Improper waste disposal contributes to rising health concerns in mining communities.
Biodiversity Loss
Mining disrupts critical habitats and forces wildlife migration.
Mercury bioaccumulation threatens both wildlife and human health through the food chain.
Air Pollution
Dust and open burning of mercury amalgam have been linked to respiratory illnesses.
Prolonged exposure to airborne pollutants poses long-term health risks.
Visual and Aesthetic Damage
Deforestation and unregulated mining operations scar the natural landscape.
Abandoned mining pits and man-made structures affect the ecotourism potential.
Deforestation: A Growing Threat Beyond Mining
The EPA warns that deforestation, driven largely by mining and logging, carries broader consequences for Guyana’s climate and biodiversity. Forest loss is contributing to:
• Soil erosion and increased sedimentation in rivers.
• Loss of carbon sinks, increasing carbon dioxide emissions.
• Disruption of rainfall patterns and risk of desertification in heavily mined areas.
• Threats to Indigenous lifestyles and forest-related livelihoods.
These changes pose significant threats to Indigenous communities and others whose livelihoods depend on healthy, intact forests.
Communities Bear the Social and Cultural Burden
Beyond environmental degradation, mining activities are taking a significant social and cultural toll, particularly on Indigenous and forestdependent communities. Occupational hazards at mining sites remain high, while Amerindian villages face displacement, cultural disruption, and rising health risks.
Diseases such as malaria and dengue have also increased in mining regions, and land conflicts involving agriculture, forestry, and ecotourism are becoming more frequent. While mining has brought economic benefits and improved infrastructure to some areas, the EPA emphasises that sustainable practices are essential to prevent long-term harm to both communities and ecosystems.
Policy and Restoration Efforts Underway
To combat these environmental threats, the government, through the EPA and GGMC, has launched several initiatives:
Land Reclamation Projects: A 23-hectare site at Dakoura is undergoing restoration, with native species such as Tauroniro and Bloodwood being replanted to revive the ecosystem.
Reforestation Target: GGMC is leading an ambitious project to reforest 200,000 hectares impacted by mining, agriculture, and infrastructure development.
Mineral Mapping Investment: A GY$400 million initiative, funded in the 2024 national budget, will provide more accurate geological data to reduce unnecessary land clearing.
The EPA continues to advocate for responsible mining practices, urging miners to adopt environmentally sound techniques and comply with existing regulations. While economic development remains a national priority, the environment is not an infinite resource. What we do today will determine the sustainability of our future.
As Guyana moves forward with balancing development and environmental stewardship, the EPA remains a key player in shaping a greener, more resilient future.
Alfonso De Armas on the Starting Point podcast
Prime Minister Mark Phillips of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) speaking at the party’s final rally before the Sept 1 elections
FGM appeals High Court ruling on ballot case
The Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) political party on Saturday filed an appeal with the Court of Appeals to challenge Acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh’s Friday ruling which dismissed FGM’s case against the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for omitting the party from ballot papers in Regions Seven, Eight, and Nine due to its failure to submit Geographical Constituency Lists of Candidates in those regions.
The application is calling for the overturning of the “whole decision and order of the High Court delivered on 29th August, 2025” citing that the Judge erred in ruling that the placing of the party on the ballot paper would “defeat the constitutional objective of inclusivity and representation of smaller or distant communities”, and that the omission of parties in constituencies where they have no Lists of Candidates is lawful.
The application included a total of nine grounds of appeal including the awarding of $1 million in costs each to GECOM and the Attorney General (AG). The applicant is calling on the court to rule that the omission of parties is unlawful, unconstitutional and in
breach of Articles 13, 59, 149 and 160 of the Constitution. The applicant is also calling on the Court of Appeals to declare any election held without the inclusion is unconstitutional, null and void, as it denies the applicant’s right to ballot access and to contest free and fair elections. Guyana is set to go to the polls for the General and Regional Elections on Monday, September 1. The applicant in the case is FGM Region Nine candidate,
Krystal Hadassah Fisher. Fisher is being represented by Attorney Vivian Williams. GECOM was represented by Attorney Arundranauth Gossai, while AG Anil Nandlall was granted leave to join the proceedings.
Following presentations by the Attorneys on Tuesday and Wednesday, on Friday Justice Singh ruled that the applicant had put forth no evidence to support her challenge that the practice violates her rights under Article 13, and 149 of the Constitution.
The Judge noted that the applicant has not built out a case for discrimination, describing the applicant’s assertion as “malicious”.
“The applicant’s argument that GECOM is discriminating against voters from particular regions is malicious in that no evidence has been provided to show that GECOM has in any way limited or restricted the participation of any party in the upcoming elections. The applicant has not shown in any way that GECOM unlawfully determined which party appears or not appears on the ballot paper of any geographical constituency,” the Judge said. The Judge ruled that Guyana’s electoral system was deliberately set
up to favour participation of persons from disadvantaged regions. According to the Judge, the provisions of both the Constitution and the Representation of the People’s Act (ROPA) are set up to ensure that political parties source their candidates from within the region/geographical constituency from which they want the voters to vote for them, allowing for voters within respective regions to select Parliamentarian representation that comes directly
from their Region. In Guyana’s electoral system in order to qualify to contest in the General Elections, and vie for seats in the National Assembly, a political party must submit a National Top Up List of Candidates, as well as Geographical Constituency Lists of Candidates to contest in at least six of the geographical constituencies. In the 65 seat National Assembly 25 of the seats are awarded based on results in the votes in geographical constituencies while 40 of the seats are awarded based on the results of the popular vote.
“The system is essentially a compensatory proportional representation system. As such, parties not fielding a Geographical List of Candidates from any respective geographical constituency defeats the aim of diverse representation that provisions in Guyana’s Constitution attempts to create,” the judge noted.
“Logically, placing a party on a geographical constituency list, despite the fact that they are not fielding candidates in that constituency would defeat what the system is built to achieve, which is inclusivity and a voice for distant, smaller communities.”
FGM Leader Amanza Walton-Desir
Attorney General Anil Nandlall
PSC reaffirms commitment to democracy ahead of elections
As Guyana goes to the polls on September 1, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) has reaffirmed its support for democracy, the rule of law, and electoral integrity, while urging political leaders and citizens alike to ensure that the upcoming General and Regional Elections are peaceful and transparent.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the PSC, which is serving as an accredited observer mission, said it is confident in the ability of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to deliver credible results. “We reiterate our confidence in the Guyana Elections Commission and its ability to conduct these elections in a free, fair, and transparent manner,” the PSC declared.
“Having engaged directly with GECOM and reviewed
their operational readiness, we are satisfied that the necessary systems are in place to deliver a credible process worthy of the Guyanese people.”
The PSC noted that it has been working closely with international and diplomatic observer missions, including the United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), Canada, and the European Union (EU) as well as other accredited partners.
“We commend the invaluable contributions of the embedded International Missions that have been working alongside GECOM over recent months to strengthen its technical capacity and institutional preparedness,” the statement continued. “We extend our appreciation for their continued support of democracy, peace, and stability in
Guyana.”
Security and stability were also highlighted, with the PSC commending the preparedness of the Joint Services and National Security Agencies.
“We fully support their zero-tolerance position on violence, intimidation and any attempt at unrest,” the
body said. “We echo their message that any such actions will be effectively confronted under any circumstance.” At the same time, the Commission issued a strong call to political leaders, urging them to act responsibly in guiding their supporters. “We therefore call on all political leaders
to demonstrate the highest level of integrity, accountability and leadership during this time,” the PSC said. “Leaders must hold themselves accountable for the actions of their supporters.
We reject any suggestion that leaders cannot control their base. If you wish to lead the nation, you must first lead by example.”
The statement went on to condemn recent remarks promoting violence, warning that such rhetoric undermines the country’s democratic process.
“We condemn, in the strongest possible terms, recent remarks promoting that party supporters should resort to violence. Such rhetoric has no place in our democracy,” the PSC stressed. “Leaders who incite unrest or deny responsibility for their supporters must be held ac-
countable.” Emphasising its call for a peaceful process, the Commission reminded all stakeholders that Guyana’s international reputation is at stake. “Guyana’s future rests on our collective commitment to democracy, the rule of law and the peaceful expression of political will,” the PSC underscored. “On September 1, let us show the world that Guyana’s democracy is resilient, that our people are united in peace and that our leaders are worthy of the trust placed in them to govern the continued development and progress of Guyana.” The PSC said it will continue to monitor and report on the electoral process in collaboration with its international partners, ensuring that the results reflect the will of the Guyanese people.
MoE commissions Bartica’s first Special Needs School
Bartica inaugurated its first Special Needs School, the Diverse Learning Centre in Region Seven with a formal commissioning by Minister of Education Priya Manickchand on Saturday. A Department of Public Information (DPI) report noted that the facility stands as a bold ad -
vancement in the quest to broaden inclusive education throughout Guyana.
Catering for 25 children, the facility will be staffed by two trained teachers, with three additional teachers to be appointed shortly.
According to the DPI, Minister Manickchand stated that the goal is to make sure every child, no matter
their challenges, can access nursery, primary, secondary and tertiary education that will provide them with equal chances to learn and succeed.
“I want to assure parents with special needs children that we are going to be building special needs schools. This is one…We are currently building a special
needs school and an autistic school in Region Three,” the Minister announced.
She also confirmed that Region 10, where parents have requested this facility for a long time, will get a dedicated special needs school.
Meanwhile, construction is progressing on Guyana’s first state-of-the-art School for the Deaf at Cummings Lodge on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD).
Sod for the construction of the school costing over $194 million was turned in January 2025. It is being constructed by Superior Supplies and General Construction, and is scheduled to be completed within nine months.
It will serve as a resource hub for 30 learners, providing specialised learning opportunities.
Minister Manickchand also highlighted ongoing
efforts to make traditional schools more inclusive. The Minister said that her Government will work to ensure that traditional schools have special classrooms for children with needs who are integrated into the regular schools. She also noted that teachers will be better trained and will receive “better compensation when working with special needs students..
Education Minister interacts with students at the Diverse Learning Centre
Education Minister Priya Manickchand with students and staff unveil the plaque at Saturday’s commissioning
$1.5B La Parfaite Harmonie Water Plant to deliver safe supply to 36,000 residents
More than 36,000 residents across La Parfaite Harmonie and surrounding communities will now benefit from a reliable supply of safe, treated water, following the com-
ter that meets World Health Organisation (WHO) standards.
It is the fifth such plant constructed under the Government’s ongoing programme to expand ac-
and of the water produced, half was lost to leakage and wastage,” she said. “The infrastructure was porous, decrepit, unreliable. Was this acceptable for a people who deserve the best? No. We in-
missioning of the $1.5 billion La Parfaite Harmonie Water Treatment Plant on Friday by President Irfaan Ali, who was joined by Minister within the Ministry
cess to treated water countrywide. Delivering the feature address at Friday’s commissioning ceremony, Minister Rodrigues, reading President Ali’s speech
of Housing and Water Susan Rodrigues. The modern facility will serve households in Canal No. 1, Schoonord, Westminster, Lust-en-Rust, Onderneeming, La Grange, Bagotville and nearby villages, delivering potable wa-
at the event, described the opening as a “historic milestone” for the community and the wider region. “Do you remember? At that time, the water sector was in shambles. Access to safe water was only 50 per cent
herited a crisis and turned it into a success story,” she declared.
The Minister pointed out that many families in the area were forced to contend with discoloured water and high iron content that stained tanks, buckets, and bathroom walls. That, however, she said, is changing.
“By the end of this year, more than 90 per cent of the population will have access to treated water,” Rodrigues affirmed. “This treatment plant tells the people of this community that they matter. It tells the people of Guyana that no community will be left behind.” She underscored that safe water is not only about convenience but also about public health and prosperity. “Every glass of clean water is a dose of prevention,” Rodrigues said. “By ensuring safe, treated and reliable water, we are not just providing a service, we are protecting lives.
Water is also the hidden engine of economic growth.” Once considered unsuitable swampland, La Parfaite Harmonie has transformed into a thriving community through strategic housing and infrastructure development.
In the past two years, over 4000 service connections have been installed by Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), bringing first-time access to clean water for families in Clarke Dam, Belle West, and Parika backdam. “These things are not promises, [they are] results,” Rodrigues stressed. “From 2020 to now, we have
provements. “In 2020, only 46 per cent of those communities had access to safe wa-
streams – that is progress you can see,” Rodrigues asserted. She added that the
been working for you and delivering on our commitments.”
ter. Today, that number has leaped to 91 per cent. And by
Meanwhile, Minister Rodrigues highlighted the strides made in expanding access to water nationwide. “Today, some 98.3 per cent of our country has access to water. And by the end of this year, we expect universal access to safe water. Can any nation ask for more than that? From scarcity to universality, this is transformation,” she said. Turning her attention to riverine and hinterland communities, the Minister noted that these areas, once largely neglected, have seen remarkable im-
the end of next year, it will be 100 per cent. From rust and stains to clean, clear
new La
Harmonie facility represents more than just infrastructure. “This plant is not only about pipes and filters. It is about dignity, development and a better quality of life for every family it serves.” The Minister noted that Region Three’s water sector has received more than $8.8 billion in investments since the Government took office, benefitting some 89,000 people. Nationally, over $65 billion has been invested in expanding access and improving quality. Meanwhile, two new water treatment plants are under construction in Leguan and Wakenaam at a combined cost of $1.53 billion.
Parfaite
The newly commissioned La Parfaite Harmonie Water Treatment Plant
President Dr Irfaan Ali, along with Minister Susan Rodrigues and Shaik Baksh, Chief Executive Officer, GWI at the unveiling of the plaque to mark the occasion
A section of the new water treatment plant
Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues
GECOM agrees to accept polling agents of four political parties despite late submissions
The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has indicated that approval was given to four of the six political parties that are contesting the upcoming General and Regional Elections on Monday, September 1, to make a last-minute submission for the appointment of party agents after they failed to meet prescribed deadlines.
In a statement on Saturday evening, GECOM said the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), Alliance for Change (AFC), Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) and Assembly of Liberty and Prosperity (ALP) political parties had missed the statutory timeline for the submission of the appointment of Assistant Agents, Polling Agents and Candidates to the Poll and to the Count. Section 24 (2) of the Representation of the People Act (ROPA) requires that such notification be given to the respective Returning Officers no later than seven (7) days before election day.
After failing to meet this deadline, the four parties had publicly called on and submitted written appeals to the Elections Commission to grant approvals for the appointment of their respective poll-
ing agents. Consequently, GECOM held a special sitting of a statutory meeting on Saturday during which the requests were approved by the seven-member Commission in the interest of fairness and transparency, and to ensure the integrity of the upcoming electoral process.
“As a consequence of the Commission’s decision, Chief Election Officer (CEO) Mr Vishnu Persaud, immediately notified all the concerned political parties’ representatives, informing them of the development and urging them to pur-
sue accreditation of their Agents and Candidates with respective Returning Officers as soon as possible, given the timeframe that is available for this to be done,” GECOM stated. Only Friday evening, the Election Commission had to clarify a misrepresentation from the WIN party, which had issued a statement earlier that day, blaming GECOM for its late submission. But GECOM indicated that the CEO Vishnu Persaud, though not required to, had informed all parties via email that they were required to submit in writing the details of all their agents no later than seven days before Elections day to the Returning Officer (RO), which the WIN party did not comply with.
GECOM says the party’s attempt to cast blame on the Commission was “inaccurate” and “misleading”.
Moreover, the Commission noted that despite the late submission, it was prepared to be flexi-
ble and discuss the matter to ensure that all parties including WIN have polling agents in place on Monday. However, that meeting on Thursday ended after the Opposition-nominated Commissioners walked out and was rescheduled for Saturday. Nevertheless, GECOM urged all political parties to comply with the law and act responsibly in their public communications, noting that spreading misleading claims risks undermining public confidence in the electoral process, which is unacceptable at this crucial time.
“The Commission reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that the General and Regional Elections on September 1, 2025 are free, fair, transparent and credible. This is to guarantee transparency and to ensure that no doubts are cast on the credibility of the elections before polling day,” the Elections Commission cautioned in Friday’s missive.
“No other Govt has put more money in pockets of ordinary Guyanese” – James Bond ...thanks Afro-Guyanese for standing with him in support of the PPP/C
Former People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R)
Executive and Member of Parliament James Bond, on Saturday delivered a powerful message of unity and transformation as he took the stage at the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s (PPP/C) final campaign rally ahead of Monday’s General and Regional Elections. Bond, who has spent the past several months on the campaign trail actively supporting the PPP/C, thanked his fellow Afro-Guyanese colleagues for their courage in walking beside him and rejecting the narrative of political loyalty dictated by ethnic lines.
“I want to salute my fellow Afro-Guyanese sisters and brothers that have walked with me that have campaigned with me. I love you, we know we can trust this party. We know we can rely on this party. We know we can trust this President because this President has given us the ability and the empowerment to live our true selves,” Bond said.
“I want to salute my fellow Afro-Guyanese sisters and brothers that have walked with me, that have
campaigned with me. I love you,” Bond declared to a cheering crowd in Lusignan.
“We know we can trust this party. We know we can rely on this party. We know we can trust this President because this President has given us the ability and the empowerment to live our true selves.”
Bond’s endorsement of the PPP/C marks a significant political shift, considering his prominent role within the PNC/R, a party historically backed by AfroGuyanese communities. Bond reflected on his own political journey, his past criticisms of PPP/C leaders and the inclusivity he says he has now found within the governing party.
“Nobody here has cursed Dr Bharrat Jagdeo more than me. Nobody has cursed President Dr Irfaan Ali more than me,” Bond admitted.
PPP/C supporter and former PNCR MP, James Bond speaking at Saturday’s rally
“How did a little Afro Guyanese from humble beginnings get here? I have to thank the People’s Progressive Party/Civic that welcomed me like family. I have to thank you, the members, that welcomed me, James Bond, a former PNC and Afro Guyanese into this PPP/C family.”
Bond reminded the crowd of the many benefits that the PPP/C has brought to the Guyanese population over the past five years.
“No other Government has put more money in the pockets of ordinary Guyanese than the
People’s Progressive Party Civic,” Bond noted. Bond is among a wave of high-profile Afro-Guyanese figures and PNC/R members that have broken ranks with the opposition to join or support the PPP/C over the past few years. Other prominent Afro-Guyanese
include former APNU Member of Parliament (MP) and Region 10 Regional Chairman Lindener Jermaine Figueira, former PNC/R Youth Activist Thandi McAllister, PNC/R executive Van WestCharles, former APNU Georgetown Councillors Trichiria Richards and Malcolm Ferreira, former Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase-Green, and Vice Chairman for Region Four, Samuel Sandy. The trend has also extended beyond Afro-Guyanese supporters. Several IndoGuyanese PNC/R members have also crossed over, including former PNC/R General Secretary (GS) Geeta Chandan-Edmond, Treasurer Faaiz Mursaline, and Region Four Regional Chairman Daniel Seeram. Additionally, a number of PNC/R-affiliated figures have formed new political movements in protest of internal dysfunction and divisive politics within APNU. This includes Amanza Walton-Desir, who founded the Forward Guyana Movement (FGM), and Simona Broomes, who launched the Assembly of Liberty and Justice Party
(ALP). The wave of crossovers has not been met without controversy. AfroGuyanese who have chosen not to support the PNC/R have faced public ridicule and character attacks, with some opposition figures labelling them as "sell-outs" and "clowns."
Among the most vocal critics is Dr David Hinds, executive of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) and a key APNU figure, who has sparked outrage for referring to Afro-Guyanese defectors as “lick bottoms,” “house slaves,” and “sell-outs.” He also singled out ChandanEdmond as a “slave catcher” and accused Seeram of benefiting from “ethnic favouritism.” The derogatory commentary has drawn sharp rebuke from across the political divide and civil society, with many condemning it as divisive and counterproductive to national unity. Urging voters to see beyond historical divisions, Bond has called for a second term for President Ali, saying, “I have to conclude by saying in this race there is only one thoroughbred running. In this race, we have only one heavyweight.”
The Guyana Elections Commission
“All Guyanese benefitted from policies of the PPP/C Govt” – PM Mark Phillips
Prime Ministerial candidate for the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Philips, has urged Guyanese not to lose focus as the country votes for a President and Government to lead them for the next five years.
This call was made while he was addressing a meeting at Adelphi in East Canje ahead of Monday’s General and Regional Elections.
The incumbent Prime Minister took the gathering back to the past ten years, during which there were only two Governments –the PPP/C and the APNUAFC (A Partnership for National Unity – Alliance for Change).
He stated that the PPP/C is the only national party and one that welcomes persons from all ethnic backgrounds who have equally benefited from Guyana’s resources.
“We built 67 nursery schools, 45 primary schools, and 42 secondary schools throughout the length and breadth of Guyana. In the five years that we were in office. We had to deal with COVID; we had to bring relief to you from COVID. We
had to bring relief to you from the floods of 2021, and yet, we were able to deliver on the promises made to you. Always a Government that will continue to deliver on all our promises to you…
The opposition, at this critical stage, wants to introduce race into the whole political debate. We had some speakers recently who tried to address our people, especially our African Guyanese, and tell them that they should vote for their own on September 1st. But, African Guyanese, Indian Guyanese, Amerindian Guyanese, the Chinese Guyanese, the Portuguese Guyanese, and the Mixed Guyanese – all Guyanese – benefited from the policies of the PPP/C, PM Philips noted.
He called on Guyanese, regardless of their ethnic background, to support the PPP/C at the polls.
“Because when you vote for the PPP/C, you vote for development. When you vote for the PPP/C, you vote for improvement in the livelihood of your family,” Philips added.
Philips also mentioned that when the PPP/C came to office, there were some 40,000 persons who would
have lost their jobs during the APNU-AFC regime.
“Today, 60,000 Guyanese got employed in the five years that we were in office. Many of them were the pathway workers… Our President already mentioned that there will be more pathway workers and there will be increases in the allowances that the pathway workers get.”
PPP/C support grew
On that note, Guyana's Ambassador to Switzerland, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, addressing the same meeting on Friday evening, pointed out that since taking office in 2020, many who previously supported both the main opposition party and others are now throwing their weight behind the PPP/C.
Many of them, Dr Ramsammy stated, are now being referred to as soup drinkers.
“And we in the PPP, we say that all Guyana loves soup, and we got plen-
sions by the then coalition Government, which ruled between 2015 and 2020 and closed the Rosehall Sugar Estate, among others, putting hundreds on the breadline. The impact was also felt in the town of New Amsterdam and was severe.
Ramsammy said all that should be put behind our backs while not being forgotten, as it is a time for Guyanese to be united as a people. Unless this happens, Ramsammy said the country will not be able to reach its true potential.
“Unity of our people is a prerequisite, and it is not negotiable. We must be one Guyana. The texture of our hair and the colour of our skin must not matter because we are all one. There is only one political party that talks about unity, and that talks about bringing our people together, and speaks and walks the talk of one Guyana.”
Ramsammy called on all to support the political party
ty soup for everybody, and we say that of all the lovely and delicious soup that the Guyanese people make, the healthiest and sweetest soup is in the PPP pot, and the pot is big enough for everybody…”
East Canje, where the meeting was held, was severely impacted by deci-
that makes no false promises and that works for the interest of all.
He called on residents of East Canje and the entire Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) to join the other ten administrative regions in supporting his party so that it can have its largest ever victory at the polls.
“On the west, we have New Amsterdam, and I say to New Amsterdam that you have been loyal, you have been faithful to the PNC [People’s National Congress], and every time you show your loyalty, they betray you. We are saying to our sisters and brothers in New Amsterdam, let us hold hands together and work together,” the Ambassador appealed.
PNC not democratic
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh called on Guyanese to analyse the history of Guyana. In doing so, the Finance Minister said persons will see a very clear pattern emerging.
“On no occasion in the entire history of Guyana has the PNC been able to win a democratic election. On every occasion that they have had the opportunity to come into Government, it has been the result of an opportunistic partnership that they formed with somebody.
In 1964, they formed an opportunistic coalition with a party called the United Force because they could not win a democratic election on their own.
In 2011 and 2015, they could not get into Government, and they formed an opportunistic coa-
lition with a party called the Alliance for Change. On that occasion, they sent out people who were posing as AFC with yellow shirts. They sent them out into communities where PNC people could not go. And they attempted to deceive the Guyanese people by making all sorts of false promises. And through that opportunistic and deceptive strategy, they were able to secure a majority in the parliament. But as soon as they got into Government, once again they showed their deceptiveness and their destructiveness and their incompetence,” the Finance Minister explained.
September 1
On Monday, some 750,000 Guyanese are expected to cast their ballots in favour of the most suited candidate, who will be given the responsibility to lead the country for the next five years. These include incumbent President Irfaan Ali for the PPP/C; Aubrey Norton for A Partnership for National Unity; Nigel Hughes for the Alliance for Change; Azruddin Mohamed for We Invest In Nationhood; Simona Broomes for Assembly for Justice and Prosperity; and Amanza Walton-Desir for Forward Guyana Movement.
Prime Ministerial candidate and incumbent Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Philips, speaks to a massive audience at the event
Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh speaking at the meeting
Guyana's Ambassador to Switzerland, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, also speaks at the public meeting
PPP/C to mandate hiring of Guyanese truckers by foreign companies
The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government, in its next term, will expand the Local Content Act to include persons employed in the trucking sector, an initiative that will allow more Guyanese to benefit from even more opportunities, says a Department of Public Information (DPI) report. According to the report, President and the PPP/C’s Presidential Candidate Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali gave his assurance during his address at Lusignan on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) to wrap up its 2025 political campaign.
“Just like we have local content legislation, we are saying that when big builders and contractors come into the country, they must give our truckers the job to do the trucking services,” he announced. Passed in 2021, the Local Content legislation is one of the flagship laws of the PPP/C Government.
This law, the first-of-itskind, allows Guyanese businesses to benefit from employment and contractual opportunities that supply a variety of goods and services to the oil and gas sector. The Act defines 40 sub-sectors that include transportation, accommodation, legal services, marketing and public
relations and mandates that a percentage of these goods and services must be provided by Guyanese citizens.
“Over the last five years, we have been able to invest in our own asset base and the local content law must now provide for every segment of the investment,” the President explained. The PPP/C Government previously expressed commitments to overhauling the legislation to expand opportunities for Guyanese businesses and address lessons learned from its implementation.
In the first half of 2025, more than 6000 Guyanese were employed in the oil and gas industry.
Bodybuilding Champion Kerwin Clarke throws support behind President Ali ahead of elections
With General and Regional Elections just around the corner on September 1, Guyanese bodybuilding icon Kerwin Clarke has publicly thrown his support behind President Irfaan Ali, offering a high-profile endorsement that underscores the incumbent’s appeal to diverse segments of the electorate. Clark, a celebrated athlete with a distinguished competitive record, is a fivetime Mr Guyana National Champion and multiple gold medallist at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Championships. In June 2022, he earned his professional bodybuild-
ing card after triumphing at the World Natural
Come Sept 1, we will break back of racial voting in Guyana – Nandlall
Attorney General (AG)
Anil Nandlall, an executive member of the Peoples Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), has declared that the party will be sweeping the polls in a massive victory. He made the remarks at the PPP/C’s grand rally at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara (ECD) –the final campaigning event before Monday’s elections.
“We have had a long, hard, but historic campaign and you have stood with us in your hundreds and you have stood with us in your thousands at our meeting and at our rallies and no doubt, on the first of September, you will be standing with us once again,” Nandlall expressed.
He added that, “Come September 1, we will be breaking the back of racial voting in this country.” Nandlall said the party’s founders Cheddi and Janet Jagan would be proud today “to see that we have made their party in the greatest multiethnic movement in the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.”
According to Nandlall, the party’s political opponents are “trying desperately to break this national unity” but he asserted that the PPP/C and its supporters will prove them otherwise.
“We will tell them on September 1, we will show them that we will take Region Four,” he noted. Nandlal reminded voters that when they vote for the PPP/C, they are voting for
a party that will keep its promises to the people.
These include promises of increased cash grants for children, increases in pension and public assistance and more initiatives that will increase every citizen’s disposable income.
“You cannot gamble at these elections,” Nandlall said, as he urged everyone to come out on Monday to vote for the PPP/C.
Bodybuilding Federation, sanctioned Hercules Classic in the United States (US). His competitive success was further highlighted when he captured gold in the light middleweight division at the 46th CAC Championships in 2019.
In announcing his endorsement, Clarke reflected on his personal journey. “I began thinking not just about my personal goals, but about the kind of country that I would like my children and grandchildren to grow up in,” he said. He spoke of a nation where “the economy is stable, education is accessible and free, health care is reliable and entrepreneurship is encouraged. A Guyana where dreams aren’t just possible, but they are supported.” Clark credited President Ali’s leadership for delivering tangible outcomes rather than just
lofty promises. “We’ve seen massive infrastructure development, strong bilateral partnerships and a renewed focus on economic growth and stability. Roads, bridges, schools, hospitals. These aren’t just projects, they’re foundations for a better future,” he asserted.
He also praised Ali’s hands-on approach, calling him a leader “who’s everywhere, meeting with communities, listening and acting,” whether on youth employment, education access or innovation in agriculture and technology.
Guyana’s upcoming September 1 elections are being described as the “mother of all elections”, taking place as the country transforms into a petrostate on the back of a booming oil economy. The nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) has expanded from about US$5
billion in 2019 to approximately US$25 billion in 2024.
President Ali, who assumed office in 2020, is seeking a second and final term and his People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is aiming to maintain its slim parliamentary majority. His administration’s record on infrastructure, economic diversification and public services appears to have bolstered support among some voters. Against this backdrop, Clarke emphasised continuity. “I’ve watched Guyana evolve, and I felt proud, knowing that the vision I had for my family’s future is being shaped by someone who genuinely cares about the people,” he said. “Progress deserves continuity… I am proud to endorse President Ali for a second term. Forward together for a better Guyana.”
Kerwin Clarke
Executive member of the PPP/C and Attorney General Anil Nandlall at Saturday’s Lusignan rally
GDF brings career opportunities to children at Children’s Conference
The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) recently participated in the National Children’s Conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), engaging over 200 young participants at the event, which was organised by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security (MHSSS) in collaboration with UNICEF.
In a post on its social media page, the GDF noted that as part of a career exhibition, it presented its diverse roles and opportunities, ranging from technical and engineering support, medical services, communications, aviation, to infantry operations.
The Force emphasised that a career in the military extends beyond defending the nation, it’s about serving in a broad spectrum of professional fields.
Through interactive sessions, soldiers engaged directly with the children, introducing them to specialised skills and career pathways within the GDF.
The Force’s goal was to present itself as a viable and multifaceted career choice, planting seeds of opportunity early, even though many of the attendees are not yet old enough to enlist. For the GDF, such outreach is essen-
Pedal cyclist crushed to death by truck at Ogle roundabout
AGuyana Police Force (GPF) statement says that it is investigating a fatal accident that occurred at about 13:39h Friday at the Ogle Roundabout, East Coast Demerara.
The accident involved motor lorry GAF 968, driven by Mr Fabian Rampersaud, age 32, and a pedal cyclist whose identity is still unknown.
Enquiries disclosed that the lorry was proceeding south along the eastern drive lane of Ogle public road, while the pedal cyclist was also proceeding south along the same lane.
As they approached the Ogle Roundabout, the left side of the lorry came into contact with the cyclist, causing him to lose control and fall onto the roadway.
The left front tyre of the lorry then ran over the cyclist’s head.
As a result, he sustained severe injuries to the head and body.
The ambulance service was summoned, and the cy-
clist was pronounced dead on arrival. The body is at the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, awaiting a post-mortem examination.
The lorry driver is in police custody assisting with the investigation.
GCCI expresses alarm at insinuations of violence at September 1 polls
The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) in a statement noted with strong consternation the insinuations of intended violence based on unfounded speculation of interference attempts in the General and Regional Elections 2025.
According to the statement, the Chamber called on the public to maintain peace and stability during this democratic process and respect the rule of law.
“Acts aimed at destabilising society and creat-
ing chaos serve no purpose in a country that is rapidly developing and only aim to disrupt the advancement of Guyana,” it added.
The GCCI urged all con-
tial. It helps foster an early awareness and interest among the nation’s youth,
positioning the Force not only as guardians of security but also as an institu-
tion where meaningful careers can be forged when the time is right.
testing parties to maintain peace and to urge their supporters to respect the process and outcome of the election, and reject any attempt to incite unrest.
The Chamber stands firm on its position that it supports a free, fair, and transparent election that is accompanied by timely results, the missive concluded.
The GCCI made their statement Saturday, in support of the maintenance of peace and stability during the 2025 elections.
Through interactive sessions, soldiers engaged directly with the children
By Dr. Tariq Jagnarine – Family meDicine, enDocrinology / DiaBeTes
What Exactly Is a Migraine?
Amigraine isn’t “just a headache.” It’s a complex brain condition that can bring pounding head pain, vision changes, nausea, and even days of fatigue. Migraines often come in stages, beginning with warning signs (called an aura) and ending with what many call a “migraine hangover.”
They’re surprisingly common, affecting 1 in 7 people worldwide. Women are nearly twice as likely as men to suffer, often between the ages of 18 and 44, though even children can experience them.
Why Do Migraines Happen?
Doctors don’t have all the
HEALTH TIPS Understanding Migraine Headaches
answers yet, but research suggests migraines may result from:
● Changes in brain chemicals and nerve signals
● Altered blood vessel activity.
● Genetics – family history raises your risk.
Common Triggers
Migraines can be set off
by everyday things such as:
● Hormonal shifts –especially around menstruation
● Stress and strong emotions
● Foods and drinks – alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, aged cheese, citrus fruits, and foods with tyramine
● Triptans (e.g., Sumatriptan) to reverse brain changes.
● Antiemetics for nausea
● Newer drugs: Gepants and Ditans Tip: Don’t overuse painkillers—they can cause rebound headaches.
Home Remedies
● Resting in a quiet, dark room
● Applying cold packs
● Relaxation techniques, acupuncture, or gentle neck stretches
Prevention
If migraines are frequent, doctors may prescribe:
Getting a Diagnosis
Doctors often use the “5, 4, 3, 2, 1 rule” for migraine diagnosis:
● 5+ attacks lasting 4 hours–3 days
● At least 2 features: one-sided, pulsating, moderate-to-severe, worse with activity
● At least 1 symptom: nausea, vomiting, light or sound sensitivity Scans may be ordered to rule out other causes.
Treatment Options
There’s no permanent cure—but migraines can be
● Topiramate (anti-seizure)
● Propranolol (blood pressure medication)
● Antidepressants
● Botox injections
● Lifestyle tweaks: staying hydrated, sleeping well, and avoiding known triggers.
Migraines may be unpredictable, but they don’t have to control your life. By knowing your triggers, seeking treatment early, and making simple lifestyle adjustments, you can reduce their grip and reclaim your day.
Scientists breathe new life into climate website after shutdown under Trump
Earlier this summer, access to climate.
gov – one of the most widely used portals of climate information on the internet – was thwarted by the Trump Administration, and its production team was fired in the process.
The website offered years’ worth of accessibly written material on climate science. The site is technically still online but has been intentionally buried by the team of political appointees who now run the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Now, a team of climate communication experts – including many members of the former climate.gov team – is working to resurrect its content into a new organisation with an expanded mission.
Their effort’s new website, climate.us, would not only offer public-facing interpretations of climate science but could also begin to directly offer climate-related services, such as assisting local Governments with mapping increased flooding risk due to climate change.
The effort is being led by climate.gov’s former managing editor, Rebecca Lindsey, who, although now unemployed, has recruited several of her former colleagues to volunteer their time in an attempt to build climate.us into a thriving non-profit organisation.
“A lot of federal employees are grieving over the
sense that they’ve not just lost a job, but a vocation,” said Lindsey. “None of us were ready to let go of climate.gov and the mission.”
In the first few weeks after the Trump Administration ended their work, Lindsey’s new team has received a steady flow of outside support, including legal support, and a shortterm grant that has helped them develop a vision for what they’d like to do next.
“The things that were most popular on climate.gov were things that basically just taught people about climate, both natural climate and climate change,” said Lindsey. “There is a need for content that helps people achieve basic climate literacy independent of an agency.”
As multiyear veterans of the federal bureaucracy, at times they’ve been surprised by the possibilities that the new effort might offer.
“We’re allowed to use TikTok now,” said Lindsey. “We’re allowed to have a little bit of fun. We have a group chat. We’re diving into things that are not part of our wheelhouse.”
The climate.us team is also in the process of soft-launching a crowdsourced fundraising drive that Lindsey hopes they can leverage into more permanent support from a major foundation. Lindsey also set up an email address to contact the team to offer in-kind support.
“Someone bought our domain name for us,” she said. “And we have somebody that’s volunteered web-hosting space for this phase. But we do not yet have the sort of large operational funding that we will need if we’re going to actually transition climate.gov operations to the non-profit space.”
In the meantime, Lindsey and her team have found themselves spending the summer knee-deep in the logistics of building a major non-profit from scratch.
“We’ve all had to let go of the 9-5 mentality and basically try to do things as
quickly as possible,” said one member of Lindsey’s new team who previously worked with her at climate.gov but asked not to be named for fear of retribution.
“By carrying on the legacy of climate.gov and actually trying to republish the most vital parts of climate.gov, we hope that we can be a cornerstone,” said Lindsey. “We hope that it will provide a critical mass that will attract other partners who want to be part of the effort.”
Given the context of why Lindsey is doing this work at this time and in this way,
it has been an emotional summer. The effort has the sheen of equal parts science journalism and a cathartic personal vendetta against an administration that has all but declared war on federal science efforts.
“We’ve been optimistic and alternating between being energised and feeling like this is a good thing and we’re on the right path and then, of course, being terrified that we’re not going to be able to pull it off and six months are going to have passed and we all should have been looking for new jobs and we didn’t,” said Lindsey.
“What’s happening can feel so overwhelming that it’s easy to feel like you’re powerless to do anything about it,” said Lindsey’s team member. “But sometimes you have to just look out and see what’s within your reach. And this problem is within our reach, so we just see it as sort of doing our part.”
Lindsey also told the Guardian that all the content for climate.gov is still up if you know where to look, which, when she found that out, made her even more upset.
“This is information that the taxpayers have already paid for,” said Lindsey. “This administration is trying to hide it and take it away from us. It’s an abuse of Government. It’s a waste of resources. People should be indignant. That’s not the way the Government should work.”
“I think it’s important for this initiative to persist even past this crowdfunding phase,” said another parttime contributor to the project, who also wished to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation.
“Whether people realise it or not, climate change impacts everyone, regardless of the current political environment. And climate science is the only way to understand and adapt to what is happening on our big beautiful planet.” (The Guardian)
The swollen Los Angeles River after a powerful storm in February 2024
Sod turned for $440M Company Road Primary School at Buxton
…as new $300M Massara Secondary School to boost hinterland education access
Staff of the current Company Road Primary School and officials of the Ministry of Education, led by Deputy Chief Education Officer (Administration) Tiffany Harvey, and Regional Education Officer (REdO) for Demerara-Mahaica Keane Adams turned the sod for the $440 million reconstruction of the school at Buxton, East Coast Demerara (ECD), on Saturday. This comes following a request made by the parents and school's teachers and administration as a result of overcrowding and internal structural issues that aren't conducive to learning.
Some 300 pupils from the Buxton Company Road catchment area are expected to benefit. The contract for the reconstruction of the school was awarded to R&J construction through a competitive bidding process in accordance with the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) Public Procurement Act. Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, expressed her happiness over this de-
velopment while noting that every school that needs to be rehabilitated or rebuilt will be so done over the next five years
Hinterland education access
Earlier, on Thursday, the new $300 million
ondary school to be built under the Government’s ongoing push to expand access to quality education across Guyana’s hinterland communities. The school will provide a modern, fully equipped learning environment for 250 students,
ture of education in mind, featuring 16 well-designed rooms, including 10 classrooms and five specialised laboratories, which will support a diverse range of subjects. The labs include facilities for Information
Officials and students during the sod turning ceremony
Massara Secondary School in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) was officially commissioned, marking the 14th new sec-
helping to meet the growing demand for educational facilities in the hinterland.
The school’s infrastructure is designed with the fu-
Technology (IT), Science, Home Management and Food & Nutrition, Visual Arts, and Industrial Technology, providing students with hands-on learn-
ing opportunities that align with the demands of the 21st century workforce.
The school also holds a library, which will serve as a hub for student research, reading, and extracurricular learning. The investment in education aligns with the Government's overarching policy to achieve universal access to secondary education across the nation, ensuring that every student is able to complete their secondary school education in a safe, supportive environment.
In particular, the expansion of schools in Region Nine is a critical part of the Government's strategy to bridge the education gap between urban and rural areas, which has historically left hinterland communities at a disadvantage.
Minister Manickchand, speaking at the inauguration ceremony, emphasised that the Massara Secondary School is a symbol of the Government’s continued investment in the future of the nation’s youth, noting that the school stands as proof of the Government’s
commitment to ensuring that every child regardless of their geography has access to a sound and quality education. Furthermore, she highlighted that the commissioning of Massara Secondary School is part of a broader national strategy to tackle issues such as educational equity, teacher quality, and student success. The Ministry of Education is committed to ensuring that students in every region of Guyana have access to the tools, resources and trained educators needed to excel. With the opening of Massara Secondary School, Region Nine is poised to become a stronger hub of academic excellence, empowering youth to achieve their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities and the nation.
The Education Ministry remains steadfast in its mission to provide all Guyanese children with access to quality education, recognising it as the key to long-term socio- economic growth and national prosperity.
Second Lieutenant Nicol Gomes excels in prestigious UK Naval training
Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, MSS, along with the officers and ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), have congratulated Second Lieutenant Nicol Gomes on her successful completion of the Initial Naval Training (Officers) Course at the Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC), Dartmouth, United Kingdom (UK) in a recent GDF press release. According to the release, the prestigious programme, conducted from January 13 to August 14, 2025, is internationally recognised for developing officers of the highest calibre. Over the 29-week period, Second
Lieutenant Gomes underwent rigorous training designed to test leadership, seamanship, navigation and command under pressure.
The course was delivered in two phases, Militarisation and Marinisation blending academic instruction, with demanding practical exercises. These included Exercise HAVOC, Green Endeavour, Initial Sea Time, and the capstone Final Endeavour. Each stage reinforced discipline, resilience and leadership, while equipping participants with the essential skills to serve effectively both at sea and on land. Her achievement, the release noted, is particularly
noteworthy as she was the only international student in her division and one of
only two female participants of the division to successfully complete the course. Her
commitment and perseverance stand as a testament to her professionalism and dedication to excellence.
This milestone reflects the GDF’s continued commitment to professional military education and the cultivation of leaders who meet international standards. It also underscores the value of the Force’s partnerships with allied nations, which provide personnel with access to world-class training and exposure to global best practices that enhance Guyana’s defence capability.
Second Lieutenant Gomes’ success is both a personal triumph and a national honour, serving as an
inspiration to all ranks, particularly female and as a reminder of the GDF’s dedication to excellence in military education and leadership.
Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Khan, commended Second Lieutenant Gomes’ determination and perseverance, and reaffirmed the GDF’s commitment to developing and investing in its personnel, while also extending sincere appreciation to the UK Royal Navy and all partner armed forces for their invaluable guidance, support, and collaboration in providing these world-class training opportunities, the release stated.
A section of the newly commissioned school
Second Lieutenant Nicol Gomes
Wife of GWI worker fatally stabbed at Vreed-en-Hoop pleads for killer to be found
Just days after Police issued a wanted bulletin for a Venezuelan national accused of fatally stabbing 30-year-old Guyana Water Inc (GWI) employee Toralpher Simon Harry during an altercation at Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara, his common-law wife is now pleading for justice.
"Investigators said Harry and a friend were returning home after attending the Car and Bike Show at the Leonora National Stadium last Sunday when they stopped at a hotdog stall along the Vreeden-Hoop Public Road. There, Police said, an argument erupted between Harry and a 40-year-old Venezuelan national, Johnathan Mahadeo. The confrontation escalated into a scuffle. Mahadeo, reportedly armed with a knife, stabbed Harry on the left side of his neck.
Harry collapsed and was rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The suspect allegedly boarded a minibus and escaped. Detectives confirmed Harry sustained one stab wound.
Police have since launched a manhunt and issued a wanted bulletin on August 26.
Mahadeo’s last known address is Lot 51 New Road, Vreed-en-Hoop. Police are urging anyone with information to contact 227-1147, 225-
8196, 333-3876, 911, or the nearest station.
No news, no answers
While the Police continue their investigation, Harry’s partner, Rehana Jaisingh, said she has been left with no answers. Speaking with this publication on Saturday, she said she has not been contacted since the day of his death. “Nobody’s calling me and giving me any update, nothing,” she said. “I'm just holding my head and hoping I get a call that they find this man.”
Jasingh recalled how she first learnt of the incident: two men came to her home that night, a neighbour and a friend of Harry’s. She claimed that they told her to go to the hospital but offered no explanation. “I asked them ‘What really happened?’. Nobody is talking to me,” she said.
At the hospital, she said she found one of Harry’s friends in tears before rushing to her partner’s side. Nurses were trying to stem the bleeding. “When I removed the nurse’s hand trying to stop the blood, [that’s] when I saw the hole in his neck. He was stabbed in the vein, his main vein,” she recalled. “When I saw, I fell down, and I screamed as hard as I could. I kept asking his friend, 'How could you allow this to happen to Harry?' He has family; he has children.”
The woman said that the family later learnt from
Dead: Toralpher Simon Harry
Harry’s friend that the confrontation began while Harry was waiting for food. According to Jaisingh, her partner was standing at the hotdog stall when “a man was looking at [him] funny.” Words were exchanged, and the man allegedly drew a knife initially on her husband’s friend and later turned and threatened her husband, saying, “You want to fix you too?”
Jaisingh said she later saw a video of what unfolded. She claimed that it showed Harry walking across the road with the man following behind him. “Nobody didn’t shout at him… nobody didn’t alert him,” she said. In the clip, Harry tried “to kick away”, but then fell. “That is when he get stabbed in the
neck,” she explained. He fell against a car belonging to a former teacher, then ran across the road before collapsing. Relatives later noticed a boot print in the mud at the spot where he had fallen.
Family shattered
The mother of two said the killing has shattered her family. She said Harry was the household’s sole breadwinner. “We have been together nine years, and he works, he provides; he buys groceries. “I don’t have anybody else who gives me something,” she said. She described herself as a “10-day worker” and said she will now apply for public assistance to support their children because she cannot afford to take care of them on her own.
The couple’s daughters, ages five and three, are struggling to understand the loss.
“The older child is crying a lot,” Jaisingh said. “I’m trying to talk to her and tell her that… he might [be] gone, but he’s inside your heart.”
Jaisingh remembered Harry as a man who avoided conflict. “He wasn’t a public person… he was always peaceful,” she said. “If people said something [about him], he ain’t have time with them.”
She said he had been saving toward buying a car to help take the children to school and that she had seen the papers and a quotation he had gathered.
“Now everything is gone; we had plans and things that we were working on, and someone just came and took that away,” she said.
As she grieves, Jaisingh said she has been paying attention to other families’ experiences with the justice system.
Migrant crime
Within the past three years, Guyana has seen a troubling rise in violent incidents involving foreign nationals, including Venezuelan migrants, fuelling public concern over escalating crime and challenges in law enforcement response.
In August 2024, a 33-year-old Guyanese man, Ken Sukhdeo of Mocha, East
Bank Demerara, was fatally stabbed during a robbery by two Venezuelan teenagers, one of whom also wounded his Venezuelan girlfriend in the assault.
That same year in November, four Venezuelan men were arrested after allegedly stabbing and assaulting a plain-clothes Policeman who had intervened in a dispute involving a Spanishspeaking woman on Cornhill Street in Georgetown.
In another tragic case the following year, a 25-year-old Venezuelan woman, Yuni Zamora Castro, was murdered in a domestic dispute in Kitty, a case investigators attributed to a jealous partner. It’s not only Venezuelans. Earlier this year, Guyanese authorities sought INTERPOL’s help with a Red Notice for Brazilian national Fernando Teles Pereira, wanted for the murder of 21-year-old Venezuelan national Miguelys Centeno Gerdez in Timehri, East Bank Demerara. Pereira reportedly fled Guyana after the February 5 killing, and the Red Notice – issued in August – aims to facilitate his arrest and extradition.
In addition, a Cuban national is now in custody after killing his stepdaughter and critically injuring his common-law wife at their Pike Street, Georgetown, apartment in May 2025.
The Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) on Saturday held what they described as their final briefing at Burnham Court, Middle and Carmichael Streets, Georgetown as the September 1 elections day nears.
All containers with ballot boxes moved at daytime – GECOM
The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), in a Saturday press release, noted that it has seen “a mischievous video post which appears to have been made by ‘Bryan Max’ circulating on Facebook.”
According to GECOM, that video “is a FALSE alarm and clearly designed to create mischief and confusion.”
According to the release, the level of disinformation from the political candidate is reckless and irresponsible and must be rejected, especially since all political parties are engaged in GECOM’s operations.
This level of disinforma-
tion is not only a dishonest, vile and malicious publication, but it was clearly intended to undermine confidence in the Commission, it noted.
In this regard and for the sake of clarity, it must be noted that none of GECOM’s containers with ballot boxes were moved at night. All of the containers arrived at their respective destinations during bright daylight and have been under Police guard ever since.
GECOM, through its Secretariat, will continue to fulfil its responsibilities in compliance with the relevant laws, and with total transparency and integrity, the statement concluded.
Health Ministry to introduce influenza vaccine for seniors
Influenza (flu) vaccines will soon be made available to all senior citizens across the country. Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony made the announcement at the commissioning of the state-of-the-art Number 75 Regional Hospital on Thursday, a Department of Information (DPI) report stated.
“Very soon, we will also introduce the influenza vaccine for all our seniors,” the Minister declared, underscoring that prevention is a cornerstone of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government’s health strategy.
According to the DPI, the introduction of the vaccines further strengthens Guyana’s prevention-focused approach to healthcare.
The vaccine is important because studies have shown that people 65 years and older are at higher risk of developing serious flu complications when compared with younger and healthier adults. The increased risk is due in part to a decline in one’s immunodeficiency as a result of age.
While flu seasons vary in
severity, people 65 years and older bear the greatest burden of severe flu complications. In recent years, the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that between 70 per cent and 85 per cent of seasonal flu-related deaths have occurred among people 65 years and older, and between 50 per cent and 70 per cent of seasonal flu-related hospitalisations have occurred among people in this age group.
The introduction of this vaccine in Guyana would help prevent flu-related illnesses and deaths, it added.
Expanding vaccination programmes
Minister Anthony stressed that the expansion of vaccination programmes goes hand in hand with the Government’s broader vision of strengthening primary healthcare and ensuring early intervention.
In addition to children’s vaccines, the Government has already introduced the nine-valent HPV vaccine, one of the most advanced of its kind in the region, aimed at eliminating cervical can-
cer in Guyana.
“We want to practice good, preventative medicine. Because to fight disease, you have to start with healthy people,” he said.
The health sector has also seen major advancements in technology, with the rollout of electronic health records at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, telemedicine platforms in hinterland communities, and pilot programmes for online appointments. Artificial intelligence is also being introduced to assist with diagnostic imaging.
Highlighting the broader impact of reforms, Dr Anthony said, “We are also ensuring that hearing aids,
prosthetics, wheelchairs, spectacles, and dialysis services are free for the people of Guyana. This is what it means to be a caring Government.”
He further noted that Guyana is leading the Caribbean in programmes such as Hepatitis C treatment and is on the verge of eliminating diseases like filaria, leprosy, and Chagas by 2030.
Minister Anthony acknowledged President Ali’s vision and leadership as the driving force behind the remarkable investments and reforms that are transforming Guyana’s healthcare system into a modern, resilient, and people-centred model.
BIT launches first heavy-duty equipment operation programme in Mahaica ...4 females, 19 males enrolled to date
Some 23 trainees, comprising four females and 19 males, have enrolled in the Board of Industrial Training’s (BIT) first-ever HeavyDuty Equipment Operation Programme at the Skills Development & Certification Centre in Mahaica – with registration still ongoing. The training programme was officially launched on Friday, August 29, 2025.
The launch ceremony was attended by Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton; Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard Maughn, of BIT; and Chairperson of the Unity Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) Basmattie Singh, along with several senior officials, instructors, and staff of BIT. In his feature address, Minister Hamilton emphasised the importance of
self-discipline, perseverance and responsibility among the trainees. He encouraged them to remain committed throughout the four-month programme, reminding them that their future success depends on their ability to complete what they have started. The Minister also highlighted that, besides gaining practical knowledge, participants will graduate with a licence to oper-
ate heavy-duty machinery – an essential requirement for employment.
Meanwhile, CEO Richard Maughn, described the launch as the realisation of an initiative long in the making. He noted that the programme became possible through significant Government investment, which provided excavators and a skid-steer loader for hands-on training. Maughn further pointed out that technical skills development is critical to Guyana’s con-
tinued growth, as national development in infrastruc-
ture and road building depends on having skilled and licensed operators. Also addressing the gathering, Unity NDC Chairperson Basmattie Singh welcomed the initiative, noting its timeliness and importance to the Mahaica community. She stressed that the farming district relies heavily on machinery, making the programme especially relevant to the area’s needs. The Heavy-Duty Equipment Operation Programme will run for four months and is free of cost to participants. It will equip trainees with the technical skills, certification, and licensing needed for employment.
Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony speaking at the opening of the Number 75 Regional Hospital on Thursday
Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton interacts with the audience during the launch
Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton speaking at the event
Chief Executive Officer Richard Maughn noted the significant Government investment in the programme
Election 2025
GDF pledges support to Police in maintaining public safety & order
...as GAWU expresses confidence in GECOM preparedness to execute Sept 1 polls
The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in maintaining public safety and order during the September 1, 2025, General and Regional Elections. Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan, MSS, gave the assurance during a meeting with the Private Sector Commission (PSC) held at Camp Ayanganna. The engagement formed part of the PSC’s independent observer mission activities.
Brigadier Khan emphasised that the GDF remains an apolitical and professional body, fully guided by the Constitution. He noted that while the GPF holds primary responsibility for security, the GDF will provide necessary support to ensure peace and stability throughout the election period. “Our ranks are vigilant and resolute in defending Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial
integrity. At the same time, we are working with national stakeholders to guarantee a safe and secure environment for every Guyanese during and after elections,” Brigadier Khan stated.
The Guyana Elections
Commission (GECOM) has confirmed that a total of 757,690 electors are registered to cast their votes for the September 1 General and Regional Election. A regional breakdown of the official list of electors shows
that District one has 24,453. District two 42,596, District three, which is divided into three sub-districts, caters to 116,876, District four, which has four sub-districts, 323,436, District five 50,796, District six, with
three sub-districts, 111,554, District seven, 17,846, District eight, 9,192 and District 10, 38,460.
On August 22, some 10,481 ranks of the Disciplined Services – the GPF, GDF and Guyana Prison Services (GPS) cast their ballots ahead of the upcoming elections. As customary during any elections, members of the disciplined services are required to vote 10 days prior to the polling day so that they are available for posting at the various polling stations and other strategic locations as required by law without disenfranchising them. The ranks were facilitated for voting at 87 balloting stations across the country using ballot papers in accordance with the district that the ranks are from.
Full confidence
Speaking of GECOM’s preparedness to execute the September 1 polls, the Guyana Agricultural and
General Workers Union (GAWU) has expressed full confidence in its ability to conduct free and fair elections in keeping with the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act (ROPA).
In a statement, the union encouraged voters to cast their ballots “early, patiently, and peacefully,” while underscoring that democracy must prevail at all costs.
“We recognise that peaceful elections, particularly the post-count transition period, must not be marred by attempts to thwart the will of the people, as in 2020. This is critical to maintaining the rule of law and ensuring that our democracy and future development as a nation are not harmed or reversed,” GAWU stressed. The union called on all Guyanese to exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation, reaffirming that the legitimacy of any Government rests squarely on the will of the people.
100 benefit from prosthetic limbs delivered to amputees
...as MoH collaborates with India Govt in prosthetic camp at Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre
The Ministry of Health’s Disability and Rehabilitation Services, in collaboration with the Government of India, Jaipur Foot and Kalpataru Projects International Limited, has successfully concluded the Artificial Limb Donation and Fitment Camp at the Ptolemy
Reid Rehabilitation Centre benefiting some 100 patients.
Throughout the duration of the camp, a total of 105 prosthetic limbs were fitted and distributed to amputees from across Guyana, significantly enhancing their mobility, independence, and quality of life.
The initiative reaffirms Guyana’s commitment to strengthening its healthcare system through international partnerships and improving access to vital rehabilitation services.
Director of Disability and Rehabilitation Services, Dr Ariane Mangar said the fabrication of 105
prosthetic limbs where 100 persons benefitted is a remarkable milestone for rehabilitation in Guyana.
“This achievement reflects our commitment to improving mobility, independence and inclusion for persons with disabilities,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Ministry’s Public Relations team spoke to several recipients, many of whom expressed deep gratitude and joy. Benedict Cyril from Region Nine, shared his appreciation: “I am
very excited to receive my new prosthetic leg. I want to thank the Government for giving me this opportunity.”
Elizabeth Gudge, from Region Two, also praised the initiative: “I feel very happy and privileged to receive this prosthetic leg at no cost. It’s a great help.”
The Ministry of Health, in its social media post, extended its sincere gratitude to all partners involved in making the life-changing project a success.
GDF meeting with members of the PSC at Camp Ayanganna
Some of the recipients of the prosthetic limbs who now have improved mobility for more independence, inclusion
Dr Ariane Mangar (third from left) spoke of the fabrication of limbs and the persons who benefitted, as a milestone for rehabilitation in Guyana
Regional
T&T’s Kamla rejects talk of US plot to depose Venezuela leader
Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar is stressing that her Government has no evidence to suggest that the United States’ (US) declared clampdown on narco-terrorists in the region is a façade to depose Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
The claim has been proffered by both Venezuela and Cuba in recent days as US warships continue their journey to the Caribbean to wage a “war on drugs”. The two countries claimed that the US has a history of creating false narratives to interfere in the affairs of sovereign states.
Speaking with reporters after a brief bilateral meeting with Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann’s, yesterday, however, Persad-Bissessar said, “I don’t agree with them. I do not agree with that. Again, there are those who are for and those who are against. There will always be those who will say yes and no. There’s one narrative coming from one side; the other narrative is coming. I have no evidence, again I say, that the things that they’re alleging are in fact happening. I have no such evidence,” Persad-
Bissessar said.
She added, “What Cuba is saying and what Venezuela is saying – give us evidence. We will consider.”
Also asked if this T&T had entered into any formal alliance with the US and other countries, after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday said the US is building an international coalition against drugs, PersadBissessar responded, “We are in alliance with anyone, anywhere who will help us fight drugs, crime, guns, and criminals. We are in alliance with any such countries and persons anywhere in the world.”
Guardian Media asked if any agreement was formalised with the US. But Persad-Bissessar said while T&T stands ready to assist in the war against drugs and guns, there is no ratified alliance.
“We have given support for the intervention, as far as we are aware, for these ships and military and whoever to be here. But there’s no alliance saying that I’m going to give Teteron Barracks, I’m going to give Staubles Bay. No facilities in Trinidad and Tobago have been pledged to anyone else,”
she clarified.
Persad-Bissessar was also asked to respond to Venezuela’s ruling party, the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), which said her support for the US naval presence and offer of T&T as a base to the US, if Venezuela moves on Guyana’s Essequibo region, was “shameful”. The PSUV also added that it is sure the people of T&T do not stand by her.
In response the PM said, “I stand by what I’ve said before. Having the US intervention in the Caribbean waters is beneficial to Trinidad and Tobago. I have no quarrel with Venezuela. We maintain good relationships. If the Minister has said those things, I’m not provoked, and I’m not worried.”
Venezuela’s UN mission is accusing the US of “nuclear intimidation” in the Caribbean and is demanding an end to the US military deployments. It wants Washington to provide guarantees against deploying or threatening nuclear weapons in the region and is urging UN member states to uphold Latin America and the Caribbean’s status as a denuclearised “Zone of Peace”.
RBDF vessel crashes into jetty after mechanical failure
ARoyal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) vessel crashed into a jetty in Matthew Town, Inagua, on Saturday morning after experiencing mechanical failure, officials confirmed.
The RBDF said HMBS Durward Knowles lost control of its controllable pitch propeller system at 7:54am
while approaching alongside. Despite the bridge team ordering the engines astern, they unexpectedly surged forward, causing the vessel to strike a nearby jetty.
No injuries were reported, and other RBDF craft moored nearby were not affected.
The RBDF noted the vessel underwent technical
work at Fort Pierce earlier this summer to resolve the same issue, but the malfunction recurred.
A full technical review and assessment has been launched to determine corrective measures, the RBDF said, adding it remains committed to safety, accountability, and operational readiness. [The Tribune (Nassau)]
Dominica officials credit decrease in burglaries in capital to community patrolling
Dominica’s acting Chief of
Police
Lincoln Corbette is reporting a decrease in the number of burglaries in the capital city of Roseau.
Corbette, who was addressing a press conference recently, said this is due to the increased presence of police officers patrolling the city. According to him, patrolling is the bedrock and backbone of policing, and by doing so, the police are able to meet the members of the
communities, listen to their concerns, and immediately address some of these concerns.
“So the officers have been deployed 24-7, that is 24 hours a day, and they’re out there patrolling. And it’s not about just giving tickets, but ensuring that the officers are there again in case the public needs [consultations]; they’ll be there on the spot,” he stated. “And we’ve seen, as I said, results. And we’ve also seen, significantly, a reduction of crime in the city.
Burglaries in the City of Roseau are almost non-existent.”
He continued, “One –maybe every two weeks –we see a report on burglary. Again, I strongly believe it’s because of the presence of the police in the city and the work of the police on the ground.”
Additionally, he said each police station will be sending out officers daily to patrol in uniform, not just drive around. (Excerpt from Dominica News Online)
Bomb hoaxes cripple several J’ca entities days before elections
Amajor high-level police probe is now under way as investigators try to find the person or people behind a series of bomb threats which crippled operations at several public and private sector entities across the island on Friday.
At the close of the workday, head of the Jamaica Fire Brigade Commissioner Stewart Beckford told the Jamaica Observer that his team responded to 26 incidents across the island – the vast majority in the Corporate Area, with offices of the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency seemingly particularly targeted.
In its initial report, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) said, while its probe found the threats were hoaxes, “We remind the public that such actions are not only reckless and disruptive but also criminal. We strongly warn any individual or group contemplating these activities to desist immediately.”
The police added, “The
JCF will pursue every lead to ensure that those responsible are identified and held accountable under the law.”
While several entities resumed services after being given the all clear by the police and the fire brigade Friday afternoon, Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) shuttered its locations island-wide at 2:00 pm.
Major private sector entities, the Jamaica Manufacturers and
Exporters Association, the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, and the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica, in a joint media release, condemned the bomb threats “and any other actions intended to disrupt or undermine the democratic process of voting in Jamaica”, despite the police not confirming any motive for the seemingly coordinated e-mail sent to the entities. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)
JCC distances itself from ‘blessing’ of rural school buses with white rum
The Jamaica Council of Churches (JCC) is distancing itself from a move by Transport Minister Daryl Vaz to use white rum during an event on Wednesday to bless the buses assigned to the Government’s rural school bus system.
The organisation says while it is aware of the religious cultural significance of such an act, it does not support the ritual, arguing that it falls outside of Christian principles.
It is not uncommon as part of Jamaica’s African ancestry and religious practices for some Jamaicans to use white rum as a mark of blessing during some events.
JCC outlined that its President, Bishop Christine Gooden Benguche, and other members of the clergy par-
ticipated in the formal blessing ceremony, during which prayers were offered for the dedication of the buses using holy water to symbolically bless them.
It said they subsequently left the event as their duties had ended.
The JCC said it was afterwards that it became aware
of images showing Minister Vaz using white rum as a ritual at the event.
The organisation said while it appreciates Jamaica’s rich and diverse culture in general and its understanding of the country’s historical retentions in particular, it does not embrace these practices in its Christian liturgy.
Tobago teacher gets bail on seven sex charges
ATobago, T&T, Signal Hill Secondary School teacher appeared in the Scarborough Magistrates’ Court charged with seven counts of sexual harassment against minors.
The accused has served for more than ten years in the teaching service.
Police confirmed the alleged victims are not students of Signal Hill Secondary, although one incident is reported to have taken place near the school
compound.
The teacher was arrested last Sunday and later charged. He was granted
$350,000 bail and is scheduled to reappear before the court. (Trinidad & Tobago Guardian)
Transport Minister Daryl Vaz sprinkles white rum on a rural school bus during an event on Wednesday to bless the vehicles
Traffic gridlock on Waterloo Road in St Andrew was indicative of the state of several roads in the Corporate Area on Friday as corporate entities closed early following a series of bomb threats
Police killing sparks Indonesia unrest; President cancels China trip
As days of protests spread further outside Jakarta, with several regional Parliament buildings set ablaze, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Saturday cancelled a planned trip to China.
Prabowo had been due to attend a “Victory Day” parade in China on September 3 to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two following Japan’s formal surrender.
The protests, the first major test for Prabowo’s nearly year-old Government, began in Jakarta this week over lawmakers’ pay and worsened after a police vehicle hit and killed a motorcycle rider.
“The President wants to continue monitoring (the situation in Indonesia) directly, and seek the best solutions,” Presidential spokesperson Prasetyo Hadi said in a video statement on Saturday, “therefore, the President apologises to the Chinese Government that he could not attend the invitation.”
In light of the protest, short-video app TikTok, which is owned by China’s ByteDance, said on Saturday it had suspended its live feature in Indonesia for a few days.
Earlier on Saturday, protesters caused fires at regional Parliament buildings in three provinces – West Nusa Tenggara, Pekalongan city in Central Java and Cirebon city in West Java, local media reported.
Local media Detik.com said protesters had looted Parliamentary office equipment in Cirebon, and police
fired teargas to disperse protesters in Pekalongan and West Nusa Tenggara.
Three persons were killed on Friday in an arson attack on a Parliament building in Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi province, Indonesia’s disaster management agency said.
State news agency Antara said the victims had been trapped in the burning building, and the disaster management agency said two people were injured after jumping out of the building to escape the fire.
Investigation launched into ‘horrific murder’ of Ukrainian politician
Amurder investigation has been launched after a Ukrainian former Parliamentary speaker was shot dead in Lviv on Saturday, authorities said, as European foreign Ministers met to discuss increasing pressure on Moscow to end its war against Ukraine.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the killing as a “horrific murder” and said “all necessary forces and means” would be used in the investigation.
Ukraine’s Parliament and the Government, praising Parubiy’s contribution to Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty and independence.
In a statement on Telegram, foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described Parubiy as “a patriot and statesman” who “rightfully belongs in the history books”.
Yemen’s Houthis confirm Prime Minister killed in Israeli strike on Sanaa
AHouthi official has vowed “vengeance” against Israel after the Yemeni group confirmed that an Israeli air strike earlier this week killed the Prime Minister of the Houthis’ Government in the capital, Sanaa.
Ahmed al-Rahawi was killed in a Thursday strike on Sanaa along with “several” other Ministers, the Houthis said in a statement on Saturday.
Al-Rahawi, who served as Prime Minister in areas of the divided country that the group controls, was targeted along with other members of the Houthi-led Government during a workshop, the statement said.
The Houthis did not specify how many other Ministers were also killed in the Israeli attack.
Israel’s attack on Sanaa, which the Israeli military had said struck “a Houthi terrorist regime military target”, came as tensions in the region continue to escalate amid Israel’s war on Gaza.
Israel has repeatedly targeted Houthi positions in recent months as the Yemeni group has launched attacks on Israel and on Western vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, in what it says is a show of support for Palestinians in Gaza.
In its statement on
Saturday, the Houthi presidency said its Government and institutions would still be capable of carrying out their duties after the deadly Israeli attack.
It remains unclear how many people were killed in Thursday’s air strike on Sanaa.
Quoting unnamed sources, Israeli media reported on Friday that the Israeli army attacked the entire Houthi cabinet, including the Prime Minister and 12 other Ministers.
The Israeli military said it had targeted Houthi military sites and the Presidential palace in that attack. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
AI stethoscope could detect major heart conditions in seconds
SBy Saturday afternoon, tributes had come in from colleagues in
Andriy Parubiy, a member of Parliament who served as Parliamentary speaker from 2016 to 2019 and a key figure in Ukraine’s 2013 pro-European Maidan revolution, was shot dead, prosecutors said.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko called it “a profound loss” for the country. Police were still searching for the shooter but have not mentioned possible motives at this stage. (Source: The Guardian)
Egypt rounds up teenage TikTokkers in crackdown on social media
Egyptian authorities have been rounding up teenaged TikTokkers with millions of followers, detaining dozens in recent weeks on accusations ranging from violating family values to laundering money.
Police have announced dozens of arrests, and prosecutors say they are investigating at least 10 cases of alleged unlawful financial gains. They have imposed travel bans and asset freezes and confiscated devices.
Critics say the escalation fits into a broader effort by the state to police speech and codify conduct in a country where social media has long served as one of the few alternatives to traditional media largely controlled by the state.
Many of those who have
been detained were only small children when activists used Facebook to mobilise the 2011 protests that toppled long-serving President Hosni Mubarak.
Lawyers say indecency laws are vague. The authorities can go through a TikTokker’s entire back catalogue of posts, and if they find even a single post they consider indecent, they can declare influencers’ income illegal and charge them with financial crimes over their earnings.
The Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR) earlier this month urged the Interior Ministry and the public prosecution to halt “an aggressive security campaign” based on what morality provisions it described as
vague.
The prosecutions rely on a broadly worded article of a 2018 cybercrime law that criminalises infringing on “any of the principles or family values in Egyptian society”, said EIPR lawyer Lobna Darwish.
Darwish said the campaign has widened from targeting female TikTok users to including people with dissenting religious views or LGBT Egyptians.
Some people had been investigated over private content that had not been publicly shared but had leaked from their phones, she said.
The State Information Service did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. (Excerpt from Reuters)
tethoscopes powered by artificial intelligence (AI) could help detect three different heart conditions in seconds, researchers say.
The original stethoscope, invented in 1816, allows doctors to listen to the internal sounds of a patient’s body.
A British team conducted a study using a modern version and say they found it can spot heart failure, heart valve disease and abnormal heart rhythms almost instantly.
The tool could be a “real game-changer”, resulting in patients being treated sooner, the researchers say – with plans to roll the device out across the United Kingdom (UK) following a study involving 205 GP (General Practitioner) surgeries in west and northwest London.
This replaces the traditional chest piece with a device around the size of a playing card. It uses a microphone to analyse subtle differences in heartbeat and blood flow that the human ear cannot detect.
It takes an ECG (electrocardiogram), recording electrical signals from the heart, and sends the information to the cloud to be analysed by AI trained on data from tens of thousands of patients.
The study by Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust saw more than 12,000 patients from 96 surgeries examined with AI stethoscopes manufactured by US firm Eko Health. They were then compared to patients from 109 GP surgeries where the technology was not used.
Those with heart failure were 2.33 times more likely to have it detected within 12 months when examined with the AI stethoscope, researchers said.
Abnormal heartbeat patterns, which have no symptoms but can increase stroke risk, were 3.5 times more detectable with the AI stethoscopes, while heart valve disease was 1.9 times more detectable.
Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan, clinical director at the British Heart Foundation
(BHF) and consultant cardiologist, said, “This is an elegant example of how the humble stethoscope, invented more than 200 years ago, can be upgraded for the 21st century.”
Such innovations are vital “because so often this condition is only diagnosed at an advanced stage when patients attend hospital as an emergency,” she said.
“Given an earlier diagnosis, people can access the treatment they need to help them live well for longer.”
The findings have been presented to thousands of doctors at the European Society of Cardiology annual congress in Madrid, the world’s largest heart conference.
There are plans to introduce the new stethoscopes to GP practices in south London, Sussex and Wales. (Excerpt from BBC News)
A fireball rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike in Sanaa, Yemen
Andriy Parubiy (2019)
Demonstrators burnt road barriers outside the Jakarta police headquarters
TAURUS (April 20May 20)
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SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)
A change to your schedule will position you for an adventure. Short trips, getting together with old friends and revisiting dreams will change your perspective and your direction.
Be precise regarding what matters to you, but also be willing to compromise. Balance, integrity and feeling good about an agreement you reach will make a difference in how you feel about yourself.
Stick to the script. If you keep waffling or changing your story, you’ll lose the confidence of those you count on for support. Giving back, sharing and caring go hand in hand with achieving success.
Don’t get caught in someone else’s crossfire. Avoid volatile situations or those who exhibit excessive behavior. Let go of what no longer works for you, and start dancing to the beat of your drum.
Engage in what and with who excites you. Social events, travel and reconnecting with old friends you miss will brighten your day. Choose simplicity over complexity, and you’ll win every time.
Consider the outcome before you start the process. Take the initiative to shape your surroundings to suit your needs, and it will make reaching your goals much easier.
A passionate plea will lead to outstanding results. Speak up, and your persuasive outcry will be heard. A change of plans will lead to an interesting and unexpected encounter.
Take better care of your mental and physical well-being. Refuse to let stress filter into aspects of your life that require common sense and immediate attention.
Savor the moments that matter. Share your experiences, thoughts and feelings. Focus on doing your best and helping those around you meet their expectations.
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Keep life simple. Surround yourself with helpful people who offer sound advice and support. Consider healthy choices and fine-tune your lifestyle to suit your needs.
Reach out to those in a position to help you, and you’ll get a sense of what and how you can invest efficiently in your future. Be bold and brave, and you’ll benefit from doing your best to stand out.
Kindness is a blessing, but also a vulnerability if you are too eager to please. Know your worth and set boundaries and limitations with those who are anxious to take advantage of you.
Peanuts
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Pickles
AQUARIUS
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CAPRICORN
Paki -
stan’s top-order firepower, led by Saim Ayub and Hasan Nawaz, proved too much for the United Arab Emirates as the visitors claimed a 31run victory in Dubai – their second win in as many days.
The pair's half-centuries did the lion's share of the work as cameos around them kept Pakistan's momentum ticking along through the first innings. A burst at the end from Faheem Ashraf and Hasan Ali carried them to 207, their joint third-highest T20I total.
UAE's chase was highly dependent on what their captain, Muhammad Waseem, could do during the powerplay. Sure enough, a blistering start kindled brief optimism as he raced along to 33, but his innings was cut down in its prime after a horrible mix-up towards the
end of the powerplay.
Another wicket fell the following ball as the innings petered out as Mohammad Nawaz and Ayub squeezed the home side in the overs that followed, rendering the contest uncompetitive long before the outcome was made official.
Asif Khan, UAE's lower-order power hitter, looked destructive in his innings, a 35-ball 77, but, like Rashid Khan's the day before, it had come about far too late.
Perhaps this was the innings closest to the mould of a vintage Ayub knock since he returned from his injury at the start of the year. It all began in a 22-run third over where he carted Junaid Siddique for two sixes and a four. Boundaries were sprinkled through the powerplay but carried on even as the fielding restrictions lifted, as left-arm quick Muhammad Jawadullah found out. He hit a four and a six, and then the same off the first two balls of the following over as Ayub sped to a 25-ball half-century. While his teammates were curiously unable to cash
Saim Ayub, Hasan Nawaz fifties hand Pakistan commanding win over UAE
in to the same degree from the other end, his innings, which ended after being contentiously given out caught behind for a 38-ball 69, had helped Pakistan maintain a run rate above nine.
The smaller contributions
Hasan Nawaz took Ayub's baton and ran with it, becoming the destroyer-in-chief during the second half of the innings. It culminated in a thrilling dismantling of the UAE's best bowler, spinner Haider Ali, who until then had gone for just 12 in three. The first three balls of his final over were dispatched for 18 runs before Nawaz miscued one,
getting an inside edge to see a brilliant knock come to an end after he had plundered 38 off 22.
But Pakistan was still in a slightly precarious situation. They had lost their sixth wicket with the score at 163, and there were still 26 balls left to utilise. Mike Hesson has made no secret of his desire to have batters deep down the innings to squeeze every last drop of run-scoring potential, even if it comes at the cost of specialist bowling. Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf and Hasan Ali each chipped in during this time with 25, 16 and 9, respectively. It all combined for 45 in the final four overs to take Pakistan beyond 200 and truly secure their position in case the UAE did something remarkable with the bat.
Asif Khan's brutal counterattack
Asif Khan is the only UAE batter to boast a superior strike rate to his captain Waseem this year, and he showed why in a mauling
of Pakistan's bowlers late on in the game. That the contest was effectively over by this time felt cruel, because an innings of such power should not go to waste. Pakistan's intensity may have dropped with spinners and seamers alike repeatedly bowling into his arc, but that wasn't to detract from how consistently he dispatched them. He scored just 11 off the first 12 balls, but after smashing Sufiyan Muqim for 17 in the 14th over, he unleashed beast mode. Hasan Ali, poor with the ball for much of the day, fed him in the slot and paid for it with another 19 runs,
and the hits just kept coming. Muqim conceded another 17, and Salman Mirza 18 more. None of it ever threatened to overturn the outcome; the UAE had needed 122 in seven overs by the time Asif hit his stride. But it does take UAE above Afghanistan on net run rate, having lost to Pakistan by a smaller margin than Rashid Khan's men did on Friday. When Hasan returned in the final over and bounced him out, Asif had a wry smile on his face. His last 22 deliveries had produced 66 runs, and even with this outcome, he was entitled to a bit of satisfaction. (ESPNcricinfo)
Saim unleashes
Hasan Nawaz celebrates his half-century
Hasan Ali claimed 3 wickets
Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub punch gloves in the middle
Saim Ayub top scored with 69
Draws all round as Women’s Division One League continues
Another night of drama unfolded at the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) National Training Centre (NTC) at Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD), on Friday, as both matches in the Women’s Division One League ended with the points shared.
The evening opened with Den Amstel FC seeking redemption after a heavy loss to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) the week prior, but it was debutants Ann’s Grove United FC who struck first.
In the 23rd minute, Angelina Lall sliced through Den Amstel’s defence before calmly slotting past the keeper. Just three minutes later, she repeated the feat almost identically, this time tucking the ball into the left corner to give Ann’s Grove a 2-0 halftime lead.
But Den Amstel roared back after the break. The introduction of national U-14 striker Kellyann Ellis changed the tempo immedi-
ately. Ellis powered her side forward and pulled one back in the 49th minute with a thunderous strike from inside the 18-yard box.
The comeback was complete ten minutes later. From a set-piece, Lisa Charles sent a shot goalward that looked routine for the keeper, but a fumble saw the ball slip through her hands and into the net for the equaliser.
Despite both sides pushing for a winner, the final whistle came with the score locked at 2-2.
Fruta Conquerors and Western Tigers FC faced a similar fate when they faced off in the following game. However, there were no goals on offer to thrill the vibrant spectators gathered as the encounter ended in a goalless draw.
The Women’s Division One League will continue on Friday, September 5 with another two games.
In game one at 18:00hrs, Fruta Conquerors will take on Den Amstel FC while in game 2 at 19:30hrs, Guyana Police Force Women and Western Tigers will do battle.
The Women’s Division One League continues on Friday, September 5 with another double-header:
18:00 hrs – Fruta Conquerors vs Den Amstel FC
19:30 hrs – Guyana Police Force Women vs Western Tigers
With ten Elite Women’s clubs competing for a historic $1 million grand prize, every point could prove crucial as the league intensifies.
West Indies edge Sri Lanka
West Indies Under-19 edged out the Sri Lankans by 12 runs in a thrilling contest at the Coolidge Cricket Ground, with Guyanese
middle overs, breaking partnerships and applying pressure with his clever variations.
The innings was steadied by Guyanese lower-or-
TThe workshop was facilitated by Senior Lead Instructor Candidate Jessica
behalf of the Guyana Chess Federation.
At the conclusion of the workshop, eight chess sets were donated through the Gift of Chess Program to further develop chess within the community.
Rose Hall Town Youth Cricket Club defeats Albion to claim U-13 title
The visitors were revived further by a magnificent 112-run partnership between Gamage and Adam Hilmy. Kavija Gamage was the star, playing a sparkling innings of 123 from 104 balls, decorated with 14 fours and 3 sixes.
Just as Sri Lanka appeared in control, Pollard struck again, removing Gamage and Hilmy (41) before running out Tharusha Navodya without scoring in quick succession.
The collapse continued with another run-out, leaving Sri Lanka nervous at 244 for 9 with two overs left.
Aadian Racha sealed the victory, delivering the final blow as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 244 in 48.2 overs.
The Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, sponsored by Poonai Pharmacy, emerged champions of the BCB/Singh Brothers Construction Under-13 cricket tournament after defeating rivals Albion Sports Club by 10 runs in Saturday’s keenly contested final.
Winning the toss, Rose Hall Town chose to bat and posted a competitive 130 for 8 in 30 overs. While no batter went on to play a big innings, the contributions came in crucial bursts: Dishan Lacruz (18) led the way, while Jayden Ganpat, Khemraj Adesh Bharrat, Videsh Singh, and Randy Williams chipped in with steady knocks to keep the scoreboard moving.
For Albion, their bowling was spearheaded by N
Khemappadoo, who picked up 4 for 32, supported by A Ali with 2 for 28. Their efforts ensured Rose Hall Town never completely ran away with the innings.
Chasing 131, Albion’s hopes rested on their top order, and S Gajnabi stood tall with a well-played 27. He received support from N Lachigadu, J Garner, and N Madramootoo, but Rose Hall Town’s disciplined bowling attack ensured wickets fell at regular intervals.
The star of the show was left-arm spinner Khemraj Adesh Bharrat, who turned the game with a match-winning spell of 4 for 17. His breakthroughs in the middle overs tilted the balance back toward Rose Hall Town just when Albion looked to build momentum, but they eventually closed
on 120 for 8 in their 30 overs, falling 10 runs short. For his decisive performance with the ball, Bharrat was named Man of the Finals. The championship trophy was presented to Rose Hall Town by Poonai Bhigroog, who also handed over a special contribution to the victorious team.
The winning team with its sponsor
Man of the Finals Khemraj Bharrat collecting his prize
Action between Western Tigers and Fruta Conquerors
Jonathan Van Lange top scored with 83
Kavija Gamage made a brilliant century
Action between Den Amstel FC and Ann’s Grove Untied
he Guyana Chess Federation wrapped up its chess workshop at Queenstown Village, Essequibo, Region Two, with participants from the Cotton Field Secondary and Queenstown Primary.
Callender on
GMRSC’s final round of Dakota 100 endurance championship on today
The curtain comes down on the 2025 Dakota 100 Endurance Championship today, Sunday, August 31, as the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMRSC) stages the much-anticipated final round at the South Dakota Circuit, Timehri, East Bank Demerara (EBD).
After a season of fierce battles across the track, today’s showdown promises to deliver high drama as both cars and bikes take to the grid with championship titles on the line.
Among the leading contenders heading into the finale are Azaad Hassan in the 1500cc Class; Saifudeen Roshandin in the 1600cc Class; Mark William in the 2000cc Class; Mohamed Ali in the Unlimited Class; Shan Seejatan in the Vitz Cup and Adrian Mohan along with Fitzpatrick Augustus in the bike classes.
True to tradition, the endurance races in the car categories will span 100 demanding laps, pushing both drivers and machines to their limits. Each team will field two drivers, making strategy and pit work just as crucial as outright speed.
Competitors in line
The crowd-favourite Vitz Cup will feature a shorter but no less intense 20-lap battle, while the motorcycle riders will go wheel-to-wheel in a 15-lap showdown. Racing begins at 12:00h, and in a major boost for motorsport fans, the GMRSC has announced free spectator entry for today’s event.
Officials are expecting a vibrant turnout at the South Dakota Circuit as supporters get a chance to witness the climax of the 2025 season with trophies, bragging rights, and reputations at stake.
One Movement Entertainment, in collaboration with Ciarra B Enterprise Entertainment, will host the much-anticipated Flair Under-21 T20 Cricket Tournament at the Malteenoes Sports Club on September 27 and 28, 2025.
The competition will feature four dynamic teams – Blazing Brigade, Forest Fusion, Emerald Warriors, and Bartica East Bank Warrior – which are all vying for glory in an action-packed weekend of cricket.
With a top prize of $150,000 and $65,000 for the runners-up, fans can expect intense battles on the pitch as some of the region’s brightest young talents showcase their skills.
Organisers have emphasised that this tournament is more than just about trophies and prize money, as it’s about developing cricket at the youth level, providing a platform for future stars, and fostering sportsmanship, teamwork, and excite-
ment within the sport.
Organiser of the tournament Royal Melville stated, “The Flairs Under-21 Cricket Tournament is built on a bold and inspiring vision – one that seeks to nurture young talent while driving the growth of cricket across the country. At its heart, the tournament provides a competitive platform for aspiring cricketers to showcase their skills, gain valuable experience, and take their first steps toward higher levels of the game.”
This event is proudly supported by an outstanding group of sponsors who are committed to youth cricket development: Ciarra B Enterprise, Shondell Fresh Produce, SS Green King, Busbox Investment Inc, Crescendo, Kefa Naughton Contracting Services, and One Movement Entertainment.
The tournament squads are subject to adjustments depending on player availability at the scheduled dates.
Blazing Brigade
Jonathan Van Lange (C), Isai Thorne (VC), Myhiem Khan, Rivaldo Phillips, Sanjay Algoo, Inderjit Nanan, Kumar Deopershad, Nityanand Mathura, Romario Ramdeholl, Devon Wharton, Adrian Hetmyer, Joshua Persaud
Flairs U-21 Cricket Tournament: A vision for growth, opportunity
Coach: Martin PestanoBelle | Manager: Kefa Naughton
Bartica East Bank Warriors
Ronaldo Schouten (C), Renaldo Jeffrey (VC), Rajindra Rambalie, Ronaldo Singh, Amos Carlos, Justin Sutton, Nicholas Lovell, Ricardo Williams, Elisha Ramdat, Ashton Simmons, Shazim Mohamed, Delroy Brown, Teddy Wong, Francis Gurahoo, Quasen
Charles, Ronaldo Harris
Coach: Delroy Jacobs | Manager: Leroy Browne
Caribbean Junior Cycling Championship
Leung, Newton secure 4th, 5th spots in time trials
Guyanese cyclist Alexander Leung of the Continental Cycling Club secured fifth place in the time trial of the Junior category as the Caribbean Junior Cycling Championship got underway on Saturday in Barbados.
In the Juvenile category, Alex Newton of the Evolution Cycle Club delivered a solid ride to finish fourth. Both Leung and Newton have earned frontrow starts for Sunday’s road race.
Meanwhile, Sidwell Sandy of the Kaieteur Attack Cycle Club, though unplaced in the time trial, will also line up for Sunday’s race. The course will run between the Garfield Sobers Roundabout and the Edwy Talma Roundabout (Kendal Hill), covering a distance of 5.7 kilometres (km).
The championship has attracted riders from 17 nations, competing for eight titles. Participating countries include Guyana, Barbados, Anguilla, Antigua, The Bahamas,
Belize, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Grenada, Curaçao, Jamaica, Martinique, Puerto Rico, St Maarten, St Lucia, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Sunday’s road race will
be contested in four categories: Juvenile Females (15–16) – 12 laps; Juvenile Males (15–16) –
Alexander Leung and Alex Newton after the time trial on Saturday
Captain of the Blazing Brigade Jonathan Van Lange
Meeting with competitors ahead of race day
In front of a sold-out Brian Lara Cricket Academy, the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) put on a dominant display to hand the Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) a six-wicket defeat in Match 17 of the 2025 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League.
Chasing 164, TKR came out blazing. Colin Munro and Alex Hales tore into the Warriors’ bowling attack, rocketing to 77 without loss in the powerplay. Munro was the aggressor early on, but it was Hales who lit up the crowd, smashing Imran Tahir for back-to-back sixes. In doing so, Hales etched his name in history, becoming only the third player after Chris Gayle and Kieron Pollard to surpass 14,000 T20 runs.
By the halfway mark, TKR were cruising at 115-0
and the match seemed all but wrapped up. But then came the Tahir twist. The veteran leg-spinner turned the game on its head in a sensational 11th over – removing Munro for 52, Nicholas Pooran first ball, and Keacy Carty for a duck. In his final over, Tahir struck again, this time claiming Hales for a brilliant 74 off 43 (7 sixes, 3 fours). He walked off with magical figures of 4-27, reminding everyone of his enduring class.
However, there was no stopping TKR. Andre Russell and captain Kieron Pollard steadied the chase, cruising to victory at 164-4 in just 17.2 overs to maintain their spot at the top of the table.
Earlier, asked to bat first, the Warriors struggled from the outset. An experiment with Gudakesh Motie at the top failed immediately, while
Ben McDermott and Moeen Ali offered little resistance.
Shai Hope (39) tried to hold the innings together but fell in bizarre fashion – hit wicket off Terrance Hinds.
Hassan Khan and Hope added 35 runs together. Khan’s luck ran out at 64-4, when he survived a leg-before shout, but the next ball he was caught for 17.
Shimron Hetmyer slammed Akeal Hosein for
a six on the first ball, but he was removed the very next ball. Hetmyer fell for the trap and was caught at the familiar mid-wicket by the impressive Andre Russell.
The Warriors were in shambles at 70-5 after nine overs. Romario Shepherd looked threatening, but he was undone by the wizard Sunil Narine for 19. After a 38-run partnership, the Warriors were 108-6 from
13.4 overs. Sampson then showed his power and propped up the Warriors’ innings with some late hitting. The Essequibian, Sampson, along with Dwaine Pretorius, added 48 runs together, but Russell ended the stand in the final over of the Warriors’ innings.
Imran Tahir swung for the hills and finished the
Warriors’ innings on 163-9 from their allotted 20 overs. Hosein was the pick of the bowlers with 3-27. With the win, TKR stamped their authority on the league, while the Warriors were left to regroup ahead of their clash against the Barbados Royals in Bridgetown on Thursday, September 4.
