CJIA warns public about fake video; renews caution on online scams Berbice bridge commuters happy with toll-free crossing
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Sunday, August 3 – 11:45h–12:30h and Monday, August 4 –00:45h–02:15h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Sunday, August 3 – 11:05h–12:35h and Monday, August 4 – 12:40h–14:10h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times –05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily
Toll-free support, cheaper electricity for Region One – President Ali
Just one day after the toll-free travel across the Demerara, Berbice, and MackenzieWismar bridges came into effect, President Irfaan Ali also announced the removal of tolls at Four Miles in the Matarkai Sub-Region of Region One (Barima-Waini).
The Head of State was speaking at a public meeting hosted by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) on Saturday, where he was joined by Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, and Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal.
According to the President, Minister Croal has been lobbying for months now to have the toll at Four Miles removed – something
up vehicles – all of which are aimed at enhancing travel in the region.
Cheaper electricity
Moreover, Ali also disclosed plans to inject more subsidies into Region One, allowing its largely Amerindian residents there to benefit from cheaper electricity, as was recently done for parts of Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).
Currently, Port Kaituma is benefitting from 15 kilowatts of free electricity that is subsidised by the Government to the tune of some $110 million.
“With the effect from the 1st of August, just like we have given other communities, we will reduce your elec-
In addition, he promised residents that efforts are being made to enhance the quality of water across the region.
According to the President, he has already
that would bring enormous relief to the small loggers and miners, especially within the Northwest District (NWD) township of Port Kaituma.
“From the 1st of November, we will subsidise that toll at the value that it is today, and we already have the number so that it will be free of charge. That toll will be removed so your equipment, your tractor, your trucks, your ATVs (All Terrain Vehicles), your goods – all of that will come through toll-free, and we want that cost, that reduction, to be to the benefit of the consumer… That is what your Government is about, making real decisions,” he told a massive gathering of supporters.
Similarly, Ali further assured residents of efforts by his administration to bring down the high cost of transportation for the region. He revealed that the Government has recently completed the negotiations to have another ferry added to Region One to increase travel within the next year.
These, coupled with the new landing strip under construction, will be further bolstered by the removal of all duties and taxes on all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and on boat engines up to 150 horsepower, as well as lowering the taxes on four-door pick-
tricity rate by 30 per cent, and we will do it by increasing the subsidy on your behalf here in Port Kaituma… That is 30 per cent that you now pay, going right back in your pocket from the 1st of August,” the President declared.
directed Minister Collin to come up with a plan to protect the hinterland waterways from pollution, having recognised the importance those waterways play in the daily lives of residents there.
“We have to protect it from pollution, and we will
have a special initiative in which we will clean up the river and clean up the waterway so we can restore that water to the quality, and also by putting mechanisms in place to safeguard the waterways. But we also want you to enjoy the same quality of service like anywhere else; that is why we'll be investing in micro water treatment facilities, bringing in the latest technology so that at your central areas, your children, the women, and your families can have access to high-quality water that they will be able to drink from the tap,” he stated. Ali, who is seeking re-election for a second term along with PM Phillips at the upcoming September 1 General and Regional Elections, recalled that it was five years ago, on August 2, that the current PPP/C Administration was sworn into office after a tumultuous five-month impasse and kickstarted the unprecedented development that is being witnessed countrywide, including in Region One.
President Irfaan Ali at the PPP public meeting on Saturday at Matarkai, Region One
Scores of supporters at the People’s Progressive Party public meeting on Saturday at the Port Kaituma Sub-Region of Matarkai
As we close out this year’s commemoration of Emancipation, we must not forget the abominations that preceded it, especially what was callously called “the slave trade.” The European ‘remarkable’ solution to the moral dilemma posed was the beginning of an anti-African racism that remains as a central pillar in the European cosmology to this day. As Eric Williams wrote, “Slavery was not born of racism – rather, racism was the consequence of slavery.” The African was now a chattel, a thing, an object to be bequeathed and inherited, sold and bought.
European enslavement of Africans predated the need for cheap labour in the New World. It actually began in 1442 when two very Christian captains of the Portuguese Prince Henry returned with a dozen Africans they had captured. It started a trend. Soon every pretender to nobility had to have his own African slave, and Lagos in Portugal became the prime slave port. Africans were “heathens,” and the staunch Portuguese Christians asserted that they were saving their souls.
The Spaniards, therefore, simply turned to a known supply of humans to fill the labour breach when the Indigenous Indians ‘inconsiderately’ died off like flies when they were enslaved in the newly “discovered” colonies after 1492. The Portuguese could not keep up, and contracts (“asientos”) were issued to other nations. The British entered the trade in 1562 when John Hawkins became a subcontractor – with Queen Elizabeth as a silent partner. His ship was named “Jesus,” and one can be sure Hawkins prayed for the salvation of his cargo. He was knighted by the good queen after ten years of ferrying souls. The Dutch, French, Danes, and other Europeans also rushed in to save souls.
By the beginning of the 18th century, Britain had emerged – and was acknowledged – as the official trader of Africans, which by then had now grown to gargantuan proportions. In the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht, Spain signed off on the British monopoly, and the expansion of African slavery became one of the major commercial policy goals of Britain. They were not just a nation of shopkeepers: they played the pivotal role in the international trade in human beings. British ships dominated the market for slaves in the Americas and supplied African captives to Dutch, French, Portuguese, and Spanish colonies, as well as to the parts of the world controlled by the British Empire. In some 12,000 trips, British ships transported 2,300,000 African souls across the Atlantic.
By the 18th century, when the European “Enlightenment” dawned, the light did not appreciably extend to the preconception of who the African was. The Enlightenment thinkers conceded that the African “may” be a species of man. For instance, in 1753 the Scottish Enlightenment philosopher David Hume declared, “I am apt to suspect the Negroes and in general all the other species of men (for there are four or five different kinds) to be naturally inferior to the whites.” The services of “reason” were soon dragooned in a host of social and natural sciences to prove the inferiority of the African in the great “chain of being.” The famous question posed by the chained, kneeling African in the Wedgwood medallion in the anti-slave campaign, “Am I not a man and a brother?” has not really been answered by the Europeans. And the canker of racism has spread into other peoples through the hegemony they established during the colonial period. We natives are supposed to fight over which of us is closer to the white ideal.
Another side of the story that is usually glossed over is the ubiquity of the wealth that was built on the backs of the slave trade. Institutional investors in slavery included the royal family, who followed in Elizabeth's footsteps; numerous colleges of Oxford and Cambridge universities; and even the Church of England. In 1773 the Heywood brothers founded a bank in Liverpool to fund slave expeditions and deposit their profits. Today the firm is part of the Royal Bank of Scotland. The Barclay brothers were involved in the slave trade from 1756.
Transformative power of the teacher
The classroom is more than just a physical space in which instruction takes place; it is a dynamic microcosm of society where social, cultural, emotional, and intellectual interactions are constantly negotiated. Central to these interactions is the teacher, who holds a unique position of authority, influence, and power. This power can be both constructive and destructive.
The teacher wields the ability to be a transformative force – one who inspires, nurtures, and empowers learners – or one who stifles curiosity, silences voices, and impedes growth. Understanding the power dynamics inherent in the classroom is critical to appreciating the tremendous responsibility and opportunity that educators hold.
Power dynamics in the classroom are shaped by several intersecting factors, including institutional hierarchies, curriculum mandates, cultural expectations, and socio-economic disparities. Teachers, by virtue of their role, are vested with both explicit and implicit power.
Explicit power manifests through grading, classroom management, and control over instructional content. Implicit power, on the other hand,
is embedded in the teacher’s language, tone, gaze, and even the silences they choose to maintain – in other words, in their interactions with students.
Transformative teachers recognise the moral and ethical dimensions of their work. They understand that teaching is not merely the transmission of content but the shaping of human beings. Such teachers affirm the worth of every student, cultivate a sense of belonging, and foster resilience and agency. They create environments where learners feel safe to explore, fail, question, and dream. Transformation is achieved not through control, but through care; not through authority, but through authenticity.
A transformative teacher does not fear difference but embraces it. They affirm the cultural identities and lived experiences of their students, using these as foundations for learning rather than barriers to be overcome. This is particularly significant in diverse societies where language, race, class, and religion intersect in complex ways.
A teacher who validates the linguistic and cultural heritage of their students sends a powerful message: “You belong. You matter. You have something valuable to contribute.” Such affirmation can be life-changing.
Furthermore, transformative teachers model critical thinking and reflective practice. They do not impose their views but rather invite dialogue, encourage dissent, and cultivate intellectual humility. In doing so, they prepare students not just for examinations but for life. They ignite curiosity, nurture compassion, and inspire commitment to justice. The echoes of such teachers often resound in the lives of their students long after the school years have ended.
Conversely, when teachers are unaware of or indifferent to the power they hold, the consequences can be deeply damaging.
A dismissive comment, a public reprimand, a biased assumption – all of these can wound the psyche of a young learner. Teachers who misuse their power – whether through overt authoritarianism or subtle microaggressions – can crush hopes, silence voices, and instil a fear of failure. Such experiences are not easily forgotten. Many adults can still recall with clarity the teacher who made them feel small, incompetent, or invisible.
Moreover, the failure to recognise and counteract systemic inequalities in the classroom perpetuates educational injustice. If a teacher’s expectations are shaped by stereotypes, students from marginalised
groups may never be given the opportunity to demonstrate their full potential. The teacher’s gaze, therefore, must be one of possibility rather than deficit. To ignore the responsibility that comes with power is to abdicate the core ethical responsibility of the profession.
Every teacher enters the classroom with power. The question is not whether power exists, but how it is used. The teacher can be the architect of dreams or the agent of disillusionment. Recognising the weight of this role requires deep self-reflection, ongoing professional learning, and a commitment to equity and justice.
In the final analysis, teaching is an act of hope. To teach is to believe in the potential of others. It is to plant seeds whose fruits one may never see. When teachers choose to be transformative, they not only alter the trajectory of individual lives – they contribute to the remaking of society itself.
In the words of Brazilian educator Paulo Freire, “Education either functions as an instrument which is used to facilitate integration… or it becomes the practice of freedom.” The classroom, then, is a place of profound possibility. And the teacher? A steward of dreams. (Trinidad & Tobago Newsday)
B y L isa i B rahim -J oseph
Whatever it takes – walking, wading, or riding – field staff from the Guyana Livestock Development Association (GLDA) and the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) regularly collaborate on visits to remote farms in the Central Rupununi sub-district to assist small crop and livestock farmers (Agriculture in Region 9)
GABI supports banks decision to cut ties with USsanctioned Azruddin Mohamed's WIN candidates
...says move aimed at protecting Guyana’s financial system integrity
The Guyana Association of Bankers Inc (GABI) has defended the decision by local financial institutions to sever ties with several We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party candidates, emphasising that the move is critical to safeguarding the country’s financial system. This follows heightened scrutiny over the presence of Azruddin Mohamed, the party’s primary backer, who was recently sanctioned by the United States (US) Department of the Treasury for alleged financial crimes and gold smuggling. In an
official statement issued on Saturday, the association reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining robust compliance systems that protect against illicit financial flows, noting that banks must operate within risk-based frameworks and adhere to international sanctions regimes.
“Banks adhere to strict regulatory obligations, including Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) requirements, as well as global risk management practices.
These standards are essential to maintaining financial system integrity, protecting depositors and ensuring continued access to international financial markets. GABI reaffirms its commitment to a strong, inclusive and compliant banking sector that serves the interests of the Guyanese people and economy”. Several banks, including the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI); Citizens Bank and Demerara Bank, have already confirmed the closure of personal accounts linked to WIN candidates, with others
expected to follow suit. The move, GABI asserts, is not political—but a matter of financial survival and legal necessity.
“The Guyana Association of Bankers Inc reminds the public that all licensed commercial banks in Guyana operate under national laws and international standards. The association expressed gratitude to the public for their continued confidence in the banking system and reiterated its commitment to professionalism, transparency, and national development”. In
We must remain free!
Dear Editor, CRG extends warm wishes to all those who celebrated Emancipation Day. It was a time of reflection, togetherness, and hope. Hope for a future where slavery in its other forms will not take hold of the Guyanese people. Hope for a future free of convicts, con men, and criminals. A future where being free means being able to take care of oneself and one’s family without fear of losing one’s loved ones and one’s possessions due to the wicked.
Wickedness brought slavery upon many of our ancestors, and the wicked must never be given the
opportunity to enslave the Guyanese people again. Whether it be slavery due to poor health, economic difficulties, or a destroyed environment to live in. We must remain free of the intent of the wicked, who would take advantage of our lives for their own ill-gotten gains. We as a people know how difficult wicked people with the ability to implement their evil plans can make the lives of everyone. They enjoy bringing misery upon the land. Our freedom is ours, and those desiring our time and energy must respect our freedom and must respect our collective will. Too many have come
The call to boycott businesses is unpatriotic for a
Presidential contender
Dear Editor,
The wannabe Presidential contender is calling for the boycott of local businesses and, by extension, associated products and services. Is he a friend or foe? Is he living in La-La Land?
Is this the unpatriotic manifesto: to demand of consumers and pressure businesses, which seek to protect their interests – because the contender got ensnared in an international scandal?
The resort to threats and demands is not the hallmark of a Presidential contender.
Must businesses be made the scapegoats and
suffer collateral damage all because they chose not to ignore the very clear consequences of the imposed sanctions on the contender?
It has to be wondered if, elected to the office he seeks, these businesses would be closed or a demand made for the reinstatement of the account holders even though the sanctions might be in force.
The right to associate is guaranteed. But such a right comes with responsibilities. To ignore or disregard for a specific purpose those responsibilities is to court outcomes of such actions.
Yours sincerely, Shamshun Mohamed
into our midst with greedy intentions, lies, and deceit. Remember, slavery takes many forms, and we must remain a strong people who will reject those that try to enslave us again. Our economic freedom is before us, and those unwilling to keep us free must not be given the opportunity to decide for us. Those who refuse to stamp out corruption and ensure a fair oil contract do not wish for us to remain free. We must demand more of those who choose to lead. Our future is not in a hospital bed because our environment
was destroyed due to dangerous chemicals and climate change. Our future is not to be in debt due to poor management of our resources. The time we have is a time for us to enjoy life. We, the Guyanese people, have no need for new shackles of slavery. Our voices must collectively demand that freedom and emancipation remain in place for all! On September 1st we must send a clear message that Guyana must and will remain free.
Yours Sincerely, Jamil Changlee
WIN leader, United States-sanctioned Azruddin Mohamed 2024, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) had announced that it sanctioned members of one of Guyana’s wealthiest families, Nazar Mohamed and his son, Azruddin Mohamed, several of their companies and a Guyanese Government official, Mae Thomas, for their roles in alleged public corruption in Guyana. According to a statement from OFAC, this is related to the evasion of taxes on gold exports noting that between 2019 and 2023, Mohamed’s Enterprise omitted more than 10 thousand kilograms (kg) of gold from import and export declarati-
ons and avoided paying more than $50 million in duty taxes to the Government of Guyana. Subsequently, Nazar Mohamed resigned as a councillor for the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) on one of the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDC) while Thomas resigned from her post of Permanent Secretary and also as a member of the party. As the Government awaits feedback from the US on the matter, Mohamed’s Enterprise Cambio licence was suspended while all Government agencies have stopped conducting business with the Mohameds and their related companies.
Evening News (RB)
Indian Movie - Shehzada (2023) 11:00 David Persaud Religious Program
Indian Movie - Raees (2017)
Maths is Fun
PPP/C Linden Rally
Page Foundation
Earth’s climate is changing, getting warmer and more extreme and unpredictable, leading to ever more frequent catastrophes like hurricanes, floods, and wildfires. These changes result from the big increase in human-caused greenhouse gas emissions since the Industrial Revolution. Climate changes will get much worse if there is no action.
Understanding how our planet’s climate is changing because of human actions is super important if we want
When the younger people who will inherit the planet come together and demand action on climate change, they can have a big impact. It helps when young people combine these demands with personal action to show others that they, and lots of others, care about this issue by eating less red meat, using transportation wisely, pushing for changes in how businesses operate, and voting for leaders who care about the environment.
The climate crisis requires two types of action. One is to find ways
or factories; it is also about where we live, how we get around, and even what we eat. Some of us walk to school; others take a school bus or the subway; still others get there in a chauffeured car. Some of us have never left the area we live in, even for vacations; others expect to travel regularly with family and friends to faraway places for fun or education. Some of us live in huts in rural villages without regular electricity and running water; others live in apartments or mansions in big cities.
to keep living here. To fix things, we need to figure out which human activities are making the climate act this way and how we can change those activities. Everyone has a part to play – companies, engineers, and citizens. Small things like changing how we travel or use energy can help a lot.
to slow down or stop the changes, and the other is to figure out how to adapt to the unavoidable changes we are already experiencing. These two goals require action from everyone. Young people like you also have an important role to play!
It is not just about the emissions from our cars
We eat differently, sometimes by choice and sometimes due to financial and cultural circumstances. Some of us barely have enough to eat; for others, overeating leads to obesity and poor health. What we eat, and specifically how much red meat we consume, has impacts on the climate, as
the farming of cows and other livestock emits many more greenhouse gases per calorie than growing grains and vegetables does.
All these lifestyle factors add up and can change the average temperature and rainfall around the globe, making extreme weather like droughts, floods, hurricanes, and cyclones happen more often.
Does it seem like individuals – and especially children and teens – cannot make much of a difference? As a child, your ability to take action is limited because most housing, transportation, and even food decisions are made by your parents or other adults. But things may be better than they seem. Parents are often influenced by their children’s concerns. Greta Thunberg is a great example. As a teen, she convinced her whole family to change the
way they were living. Her mother, an opera singer, no longer flies to engagements, and her father fully supports Greta’s climate activism as her manager.
Personal activism is a way to express your hopes and fears, to find others who share your values and concerns, and to let the world know about your feelings through physical actions and social media. Leading by personal example is a good thing and often has major effects.
Your generation could significantly con-
ing the use of fossil fuels. You could also consider getting involved in local groups or projects centred around protecting the environment. In those groups, you will meet other people with the same views and learn new ways to help save the climate.
But please note that the best actions are positive, peaceful, and respectful. Refrain from joining groups or protests that may cause harm to people or objects – such protests can push away the people you need to help your cause.
tribute to shaping a sustainable future by supporting actions and lifestyles that are good for the climate. You can be a leader, too! Start by taking simple but impactful steps, like cycling or walking to school, reducing air travel, and eating less meat and more plantbased foods.
You can also involve your family and friends by sharing information about sustainable practices – like installing solar panels, adjusting the temperature settings for cooling or heating your home, and avoid-
By actively participating in positive efforts, you can contribute to the collective effort to build a world where both nature and humanity thrive. Together, through collaboration and dedication, we can forge a more sustainable future.
Glossary Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Gases like carbon dioxide and methane released into the air from activities like burning fossil fuels, which trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to global warming.
Govt to re-engage Chevron following Hess-Chevron merger developments
The Government of Guyana is expected to re-engage US energy giant Chevron in the wake of its merger agreement with Hess Corporation, which has direct stakes in Guyana’s lucrative offshore Stabroek Block.
Under the terms of the merger, Hess shareholders are set to receive 1.0250 shares of Chevron for each Hess share held, with Chevron poised to issue approximately 301 million shares of common stock to complete the transaction. This move significantly reshapes the corporate structure behind Guyana’s Stabroek Block, which includes partners ExxonMobil, Hess, and CNOOC.
Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo had previously indicated that the Government is closely monitoring the merger to ensure that Guyana’s national interest is protected, particularly regarding local content obligations, production timelines, and profit-sharing arrangements.
The re-engagement signals Guyana's intent to review and clarify how the merger could affect existing agreements and regulatory approvals tied to its petroleum sector.
“We have to meet Chevron. They came here once to meet with us when Hess had just made the decision to sell his shares to them. And I suspect now that if they are going to be
a partner in the consortium, then we'd have to engage them too. Again, again, and talk to them about our expectations of the company and get them more involved in socially responsible activities,” the VP said during his weekly press conference last Thursday.
Chevron, one of the world’s largest oil companies, finalised its $53 billion merger with Hess after clearing all regulatory hurdles and winning a pivotal arbitration ruling over Hess' rights in Guyana.
With the merger complete, Chevron officially enters Guyana’s energy sector – and not just in name. The Stabroek Block, now jointly operated by ExxonMobil (45 per cent), Chevron (30
Toll-free support, cheaper...
Poverty Reduction Strategy
The Head of State went on to assure that under the next PPP/C Administration, residents all across the entire Barima-Waini region can look forward to continued transformative development aimed at improving living and economic conditions there.
He further detailed plans for sector-specific enhancements, including in agriculture, to restore industries like cocoa and coffee, upskilling of various categories of citizens, improving education and healthcare services, and housing support for the Barima-Waini region.
In fact, Ali touted a special program, the Poverty Reduction Strategy, that will focus on addressing poverty across the region. This, he explained, will see “…through direct support, direct involvement, bringing people together, leveraging the experience of the private sector that we have operated in these communities to work with the community themselves to create an en-
vironment in which we can develop and prosper. That is the future – unlimited possibility.”
In fact, the President stated that the governing PPP/C is the only party that can be trusted to continue bringing prosperity and dignity to every home and community across Region One.
“You’ve seen the development in your region. You've seen the development in your sub-region, and this is just the beginning of what will be the most transformative development path of our country. I assure you that you cannot begin to imagine the future that is before you, the type of prosperity and investment that will be made here in Region One, here in Matarkai, in every single community.”
“Our Amerindian brothers and sisters know… The People's Progressive Party has always been faithful to you, faithful to your communities, and faithful to your development. Whether out of office or in office, this party has consistently stood by the side of our Amerindian
brothers and sisters,” Ali stressed.
To this end, he cautioned residents not to be swayed by those who come with seasonal and a ‘one-day goodie,’ believing they can remove or rewrite 65 years of struggles and leadership of the PPP.
“Let us not believe for a moment that our future is defined by some people promising handouts and grants… those things are guaranteed under the People's Progressive Party/Civic. But the future we are planning for you is much more exciting. It is much more comprehensive. The future is about empowerment and enabling. It's about building prosperity. It's about removing and reducing poverty to the ultimate lowest level. It's about social investment and development. It's about building the family. It's about giving our children the best possible opportunity. That is what the future is about… and who in this country has been tried and tested? It is your party – the People's Progressive Party/Civic,” President Ali declared.
per cent), and CNOOC (25 per cent), is among the most prized oil discoveries globally, boasting over 11 billion barrels of recoverable resources.
According to Chevron, it expects to achieve transaction benefits, which include accretion to cash flow per share in 2025 after achieving synergies and starting up the fourth floating production storage and offloading vessel in Guyana and increases to Chevron’s estimated five-year production and free cash flow growth rates.
Oil production
Guyana’s daily oil pro-
duction is set to increase by 37 percent with the imminent start-up of its fourth offshore development, the Yellowtail project, operated by ExxonMobil. The project will add 250,000 barrels per day (bpd) to national output, raising production from June’s estimate of 664,000 bpd to over 900,000 bpd.
ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods made the announcement during the company’s second-quarter earnings call on August 1, confirming that the Yellowtail development is on track to achieve first oil next week.
“Our fourth development is the largest to date. Yellowtail is next in line
and anticipated to achieve first oil next week, delivered four months ahead of schedule and under budget,” Woods said.
The project is being brought online through the ONE GUYANA floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessel, which was built by SBM Offshore. The Dutch company has now delivered multiple FPSOs for Guyana’s offshore developments, consistently ahead of schedule. Yellowtail will mark a major milestone not only for Guyana but also for the region. With its start-up, Guyana will become the world’s largest oil producer per capita.
Yellowtail is the fourth project in this series. Three prior developments – Liza Phase 1, Liza Phase 2, and Payara – are currently producing. Two more 250,000 bpd developments are expected to begin production between 2026 and 2028, while another two are undergoing the application process with potential startup between 2029 and 2030. These future projects are expected to broaden the production space beyond oil to include natural gas and condensate.
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo
Crossing…
…Bridges
To most of us in the British Caribbean, Aug 1st is “Emancipation Day” – the day back in 1838 when the whites had to start paying Africans to work in their fields. And when they brought in indentured folks from across the globe to undercut the African wages!! But from this year onwards, it’s also gonna be remembered by us in Guyana that we got another type of freedom –freedom to cross our bridges FREE!! Right now it applies to the Berbice, Demerara and Wismar Bridges – but from the announcement it appears that this might be the policy on all new bridges also!!
Now, your Eyewitness hopes so, and he ain’t complaining – since he crosses over to Corentyne fairly frequently, and the tolls there cost a pretty penny!! If he uses his (old!) car it sets him back some $2,200, and worse yet, if he jumps into his pickup, that reduces his beer money by $4,000!! So he ain't too happy about the constant complaints folks –especially from the Opposition benches – make about being unable to make ends meet in our dear ole Mudland!!
It seems to him that almost every day since late 2020, when the PPP got to finally take the reins of Government, they’ve been introducing all sorts of measures to get those ends closer to each other. So that at the very worst, a little tug would do the trick!! There’s been an increase in minimum wages; an increase in wages for Government workers and sugar workers; an increase in pensions; cash grants for all sorts of reasons, like school supplies, glasses, and eye tests; loans to start small and medium-sized businesses; grants to farmers for fertilisers and other inputs; lower mortgage rates; and so on and so forth, almost ad infinitum!!
Now, as our private sector officials tell us, they find it almost impossible to hire folks for even unskilled jobs –at rates waaaay above the poverty rates. Your Eyewitness can personally attest to this – since he’s been trying to get someone to fix some leaks in his roof for over a year!! He speaks to fellas (and felines) hanging out at street corners –but they inform him in no uncertain terms they don’t want “those kinda jobs”!! This “ends don’t meet” claim needs to be examined in concrete terms when made!!
Now this doesn’t mean that things can’t get better. But that’s only gonna happen if we cultivate a mindset that “we’re the captains of our fate and masters of our destiny!!
Don’t tell your Eyewitness no hard luck stories when Venezuelans are streaming in to grab the jobs we don’t want!! And because of that, they very well might soon outnumber not just those complaining about “ends nuh meeting” – but all of us!!
…bitching
Yesterday, your Eyewitness wrote about some folks blaming the Government for not taking on US President Trump on his unilateral increases on tariffs on his country’s imports. He looked at the matter from a “real politik” perspective by reminding you, Dear Readers, of the old rum shop wisdom on why “Lil Bottles” and “Big Bottles” are placed on different shelves – the latter being always higher!! Trump is a “Big Bottle”!!
But there came this accountant fella who took the Govt to (some heavy!!) task for Trump slapping our goods –along with T&T – with a 15 per cent tariff – when St Lucia, Suriname, and Haiti only attracted 10 per cent!! Why are we then playing footsies with Trump? He trumpeted!! You’d think an accountant would’ve looked at the figures!! St Lucia exports $7.5M to the US while importing $582M, while for Suriname exports are $87M versus imports of a whopping $454M! See the trend that holds for all the Caricom countries with 10 per cent?? They have no “trade imbalance” with the US!!
We have one – save it’s Exxon’s oil. The Govt talking!! …the line
WIN leader says citizens should boycott the banks protecting their assets against US sanctions. His party should be boycotted for poking Uncle Sam’s eye by smuggling Venezuelan gold!!
WIN’s call for boycotting businesses “dubious,
self-serving,
divisive, dangerous” – GCCI
...PSC reaffirms that companies operate fully within framework of Guyana’s laws, international regulations
The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has strongly condemned a recent call by We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) for citizens to boycott several businesses operating in Guyana, branding the move as “dubious, self-serving, divisive, and dangerous.”
The move to boycott two commercial banks, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), the Beharry Group, KFC, and Pizza Hut, was announced by leader of the party and United States (US)-sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed, following the closure of bank accounts held by WIN candidates.
In a sharply worded statement, the GCCI accused WIN of attempting to weaponise the private sector in pursuit of narrow political goals, warning that such tactics threaten to undermine national unity and economic confidence.
On this point, the Chamber of Commerce reminded that businesses are not political battlegrounds and clarified that the closure of WIN accounts by financial institutions was not politically driven but rooted in the June 2024 US sanctions levied against WIN’s presidential candidate, Azruddin Mohamed, by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
Under OFAC regulations, financial institutions that conduct business with sanctioned individuals or entities risk enforcement actions and legal penalties.
“The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry strongly rejects and condemns calls from the “We Invest in Nationhood” party to boycott several local businesses,” the release stated.
GCCI affirmed that the financial institutions acted appropriately to protect themselves from the risks associated with dealing with sanctioned individuals.
The Chamber described the WIN party’s calls to boycott banks and businesses as “dubious and self-serving”, as well as “reckless, divisive and dangerous”. It warned that such actions threaten private sector and national development, investor confidence, livelihoods and democratic values.
Adding its voice, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) issued its own firm rejection of WIN’s actions, reaffirming that all the companies under WIN’s attack operate fully within the legal framework of Guyana and in compliance with international financial regulations. Warning of the consequences for national stability and employment, the PSC reminded Guyanese that the affected businesses collectively support
thousands of jobs and maintain longstanding relationships with US and international stakeholders. Against this backdrop, PSC also called on political actors to act responsibly and avoid stoking division in a fragile political and economic environment.
“The Private Sector Commission (PSC) strongly condemns the recent abhorrent public call by the WIN Party to boycott several private companies operating lawfully in Guyana. This call is reckless, inflammatory and both politically and economically irresponsible. The greatest threat to democracy is not lawful private enterprise; it is the dangerous weaponisation of political rhetoric to incite divi-
sion, erode trust and destabilise our economy and society,” the release stated.
“Many of our member companies maintain longstanding economic relationships with the United States and other international partners. Threatening these businesses for making responsible, lawful decisions is not only misguided but also reckless, with potential consequences for the thousands of Guyanese whose livelihoods depend on them,” it added.
Closed accounts
Less than a week ago, the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) closed over 20
accounts of candidates affiliated with the political WIN party, which is led by US-sanctioned Azruddin Mohamed, an action driven by elevated risk concerns and compliance with policies set out by the US Treasury Department’s OFAC regarding dealings with sanctioned individuals. While GBTI has not disclosed any specifics on the closed accounts, a source close to the bank confirmed that several accounts were shut down following a review of the clients’ risk profiles. GBTI’s decision now mirrors similar action previously taken by Demerara Bank. Among the candidates who have publicly said that their accounts were closed are Duarte Hetsberger and Natasha Singh-Lewis, who is a former A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) member of parliament, while Hetsberger is a former personal assistant of former Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield. Banks have been compelled to review their compliance measures in line with international banking regulations, particularly those mandated by Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) laws, which are designed to prevent the use of illicit funds.
Emancipation from African Security Dilemma
WEnsure PPP/C returns to office to continue development – Croal tells Reg 1 residents
ith this piece written one day after Emancipation Day and one month before Elections Day, the question of how African Guyanese will be voting to choose the next Government inevitably poses itself. Just over a hundred years ago, after Indian indentureship ended, the explicit argument by a leader of that group on behalf of the sugar plantocracy that immigration should be continued so that an Indian majority could control the colony precipitated a reaction in the African/Coloured community that has influenced their political behaviour into the present. They saw their interests in common against the foreign British rulers but pertinently also against the local Indians, who were not only becoming a numerical majority but also rising economically from their toehold in rice and retailing. The perceived threat from this group led to an attenuation of the salience of not only intraclass difference when it came to politics but also the historical inter-group difference with the Coloured/Mulatto, who affected a superior social status. By the 1950s, there had developed what we have called a “Black Ethnic Security Dilemma” (BESD) that persuaded most to aspire towards common goals defined by their “linked fate” against being “swamped and subordinated” by the numerically and economically resurgent Indians. Forbes Burnham used this dilemma to convince Africans/Coloureds to go along with his gutting of democratic practices through election rigging between 1964 and 1992.
That the BESD was alive in 1992 when “free and fair elections” returned was illustrated by the PNC receiving the same percentage of votes as in 1964, even though a 1992 Household and IncomeExpenditure Survey (HIES) showed the African/Mixed standard of living had plummeted below that of Indians in an economy that was just above the poorest in the hemisphere – Haiti’s. Ever since the 1950s elections, however, political parties had overtly maintained that a “multiracial” political culture that included all our “six peoples” was the ideal and insisted they were practicing that culture.
The question at all elections following 1992’s – 1997, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2015, and 2020 – was whether ethnicity remained political destiny. The PPP, with its larger Indian base, won the first three handily. But with a confluence of incumbent fatigue and a shrinking base due to emigration, it only secured a Parliamentary minority in 2011. It snagged the Presidency, however, through our idiosyncratic constitutional stipulation that the largest party secures the presidency and there can be no post-electoral coalitions. This election was a watershed for the BESD since it removed one of its pillars – a built-in Indian majority.
While the PPP had always maintained it was “multiracial” – and its leader’s communist ideology buttressed this posture –its defeat in 2015 gave it a do-or-die incentive to court “outside” votes. It dropped its previously coy posture towards race and ethnic categorisations, especially Africans. With its return to Government in 2020 coinciding with the inflow of massive oil revenue, it aggressively and concretely addressed the historic fear of economic marginalisation of the African Guyanese to court support.
On the other hand, even though the PNC started out with a numerically challenged group – even when “African” and “Mixed” were conflated – they have not taken an aggressive position to court “outside” votes. In fact, David Granger alienated Indians who had been brought over in 2015 by the AFC to pip the PPP when he threw 7000 mainly Indian sugar workers out of work. In the process, he destroyed the AFC. His successor, Norton, appears to have been persuaded by his coalition sidekick, WPA’s David Hinds, that it was futile to court Indian votes and they should aggressively concentrate on solidifying the African/mixed blocks that approach 50% of the populace. But this “solidification” has been based on negatively condemning Africans/Mixed who gravitate towards the PPP as “BT lickers.” Strategically, it made more sense to positively reorient their program away from the PNC’s traditional downplaying of individual economic success, which has now become the mantra of the age. This contrasts with the PPP’s strategy to explicitly jettison socialism and its collective ethos from its constitution.
The new party WIN has expanded its founder’s clientelism – the targeted exchange of goods and services for political support – and judging from its mobilisation activities, appears to be resonating more heavily in African and Amerindian communities. With the attenuation of the AFC and the PNC ironically assisted by the WIN gesture – not a “movement” as claimed – the PPP appears headed for a solid majority on Sept 1st.
Having witnessed transformation over the last five years, residents of Region One (Barima-Waini) are being urged to ensure that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) return to office after the September 1 General and Regional Elections to continue the development across the region.
The reminder was made by Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal at a public meeting on Saturday at Port Kaituma’s Fitzburg Recreational Ground, sharing the stage with President Irfaan Ali, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, and enthusiastic young candidates of the party.
Croal encouraged the large crowd at the meeting to go back to their communities and share messages of the progress under the PPP/C with their fellow neighbours so that, altogether, they can ensure the development can continue beyond September 1.
“We have less than one month,” the Minister declared, urging residents to “look around, look at the villages right here and around Matarkai, and see the prog-
ress we have achieved to date.”
From 2020 to date, the PPP/C Government has invested over $67 billion in communities across the Barima-Waini region, including the Matarkai sub-district in Port Kaituma, which benefited from billions of dollars to enhance basic services there.
According to Minister Croal, residents of Matarkai have a lot to be proud of, from improved road infrastructure to enhanced potable water access and quality healthcare.
“You said to him [President Irfaan Ali], ‘We want you to fast-track for us to have permanent roads… [to go to] Matthew’s Ridge now and you will see construction work ongoing for concrete roads,” the Minister said in his remarks.
Access to water has seen improvement as the
Government has invested over $5 billion to drill more than 100 wells in the hinterland region since 2020, delivering clean and safe water to thousands of residents in remote villages, including thousands in Region One.
This year, the Ministry plans to drill 51 new wells in Region One to provide potable water to residents.
“In under four years, over 21 wells have been drilled here in Baramita, Matthew’s Ridge …Sibai…Canal Bank [etc.],” he said while announcing that the Fitzburg Community Development Council (CDC) will benefit from a new water well. In healthcare, communities across the region are benefitting from the telemedicine initiative, a transformative network that allows remote communities to access reliable, quality healthcare.
Ravi Dev
Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal speaking at the PPP’s public meeting at the Fitzburg Recreational Ground in Port Kaituma on Saturday
PPP/C Govt ensures shared prosperity by investing billions across Reg 1 – PM
– tells residents they will not be left out of Guyana’s development
With an investment of more than $67 billion across Region One (Barima-Waini) over the last five years, the People Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government has demonstrated its commitment to inclusive development.
This is according to Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, who
was addressing residents at a PPP/C public meeting on Saturday at Port Kaituma, Region One on Saturday ahead of the upcoming September 1 General and Regional Elections, where he, alongside President Irfaan Ali, is seeking a second term in office.
According to Phillips, the PPP/C Government has delivered on its promise by en-
suring that no community is left behind, regardless of political allegiance, and it will continue to do so.
“This is a Government that delivers, not just promises… This is a Government that ensures you share in the prosperity in Guyana,” he said.
Over the last five years under this administration, Region One has seen unprecedented development that has transformed lives through education, health, and infrastructure, while driving growth of the local economy.
The Prime Minister noted that his Government has ensured that the wealth generated from oil and gas is reaching communities countrywide, including Port Kaituma.
“We have ushered in five years of sustained development for all the people of Guyana; and when it comes to development, there are no stepchildren, there are no cousins – we are all one PPP/C family bringing development to all the people of Guyana, including the people that did not vote for us, and the people at Matakai, the people of Arakaka, the people at Matthews Ridge,
the people at Port Kaituma. You will never be left out of any development plan that the PPP/C has in store for Guyana,” Phillips declared.
In education, the Prime Minister noted that 814 young people from Region One are currently enrolled in the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarship programme, while
320 teachers have also received training in the last five years.
To support the development of the region’s human resources, new nursery, primary and secondary schools have been constructed, offering students modern, comfortable and engaging learning environments.
Beyond education, the
Prime Minister highlighted extensive road construction across the region as part of the Government’s commitment to improving the region’s road networks. To further boost accessibility, the Government acquired a new Indian Vessel, MV Ma Lisha, to ply the Port Georgetown to Region One.
Port Kaituma residents at the PPP meeting in Region One on Saturday
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips speaking at the PPP public meeting in Port Kaituma on Saturday
GMSA condemns boycott call: "Our business community must not be politicised"
The Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), in a press release Saturday, strongly condemned a recent statement by the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party that called for a public boycott of several longstanding Guyanese businesses.
The GMSA described the call as “a dangerous assault on private enterprise and national stability.”
The organisation reiterated that political competition must never come at the cost of economic sabotage.
“Our business community must not be politicised, and attempts to weaponise the private sector are destructive to national progress. We have always championed efforts for the Guyanese business environment to be seen as a credible economy, and statements such as these serve only to introduce uncertainty,” it asserted.
According to the GMSA, the businesses named in WIN’s boycott are among the largest manufacturers in Guyana’s private sector. They collectively sustain
thousands of jobs, contribute significantly to national revenues, and provide goods and services essential to everyday life.
Several of these companies are publicly traded and have a legal and fiduciary responsibility to their shareholders, many of whom are ordinary Guyanese citizens with savings and investments tied to the success of these institutions.
Echoing the general sentiments of the Guyanese business community, the GSMA pointed out that
commercial banks have a legal obligation to manage risk and uphold compliance with international standards, including Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions and anti-money laundering regulations.
They also carry a fiduciary responsibility to safeguard the interests of depositors, shareholders, and the country’s financial stability, the GMSA added.
“The GMSA stands in firm solidarity with all law-abiding businesses that have contributed tirelessly to Guyana’s development. We call on all political actors to exercise restraint, act responsibly, and put the interest of the nation above partisan ambitions. Let us not undermine the private sector, the very engine of Guyana’s economic future.” the release concluded.
PPP/C “very serious” about Guyana’s development, no “lip service” – Komal Singh
Investor, former Chair of the Private Sector Commission, and Managing Director of GAICO Construction Incorporated Komal Singh has declared that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic is not engaging in "lip service" when it comes to Guyana’s transformation, stressing that the Government is deeply committed to real, tangible progress for all citizens.
During an appearance on this week’s edition of the Starting Point podcast, Singh praised the PPP/C Administration for its aggressive infrastructure agenda and its adherence to promises made during the 2020 General Elections, noting that the Government has not only met but exceeded its manifesto commitments.
According to the GAICO Head, there are physical
and tangible examples of infrastructural work executed by the current Government across Guyana over the past five years, including the
landmark Gas-to-Energy (GtE) project and New Demerara River Bridge.
Against this backdrop, Singh explained that the
Government’s investments are not just reactive or piecemeal – they are part of a broad, interlocking vision.
“The private sector is indeed the engine of growth in any economy. And most importantly, we also make sure that the environment that we operate in is one that will create an opportunity and have longevity. We don't want to invest in an environment where you come and invest today, and a year from now the economy doesn't have growth potential. When you look at Guyana over the last five years, we have seen significant growth potential, and those growth potentials were backed by a Government that was very, very aggressive in terms of their infrastructure development and the building out of the infrastructure that is necessary
CJIA warns public about fake video; renews caution on online scams
The Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) is alerting passengers and the general public to a fake video currently circulating on YouTube, which falsely claims that new measures have been implemented at the airport.
In a public advisory issued on Saturday, the airport clarified that the video is completely false, misleading, and unauthorised.
for the development of this country,” he noted.
“The Government of the day is very serious about growth and development in this country. It's not just with lip service. It's about making sure that whatever they promise, they're backed by a proper execution plan. And they're also making sure that the private sector plays a pivotal role in those developments,” Singh said.
With the 2025 General and Regional elections looming, Singh urged Guyanese to look beyond campaign-time handshakes and soundbites and encouraged voters to scrutinise the party promises through the lens of performance and track record.
On the other hand, while Singh welcomed signs that opposition parties recognise the value of major infrastructural projects, he warned that political instability or withdrawal of bipartisan support could threaten continuity.
With this in mind, he called on all political leaders to rally behind development
initiatives that benefit every Guyanese, regardless of political affiliation.
“We need to put our political differences aside when it comes to national projects. A national project doesn't affect just a political party; a national project benefits every single Guyanese. So, for that reason, we need to make sure political parties –and as long as political parties are pulling and talking when it comes to national projects, definitely as an investor, we'll have question marks around it. If there are changes, what will happen? We have seen some of this in the past. Some national projects that were pretty much out there – when the Government changed, those projects were no longer given the attention that they deserve. So, we need to be very careful about that. Not that you don't have confidence, but you need to start proving to the nation that you're supporting some key infrastructure development and national projects that will benefit all of our people…” he added.
and rely only on
Airport authorities stressed that the claims made in the video do not reflect any operational changes at CJIA and are not supported by official sources. They have urged travellers, stakeholders, and citizens to disregard the contents of the
Former Chair of the Private Sector Commission, Managing Director of GAICO Construction Incorporated, and investor Komal Singh
video
the verified CJIA platform, including its website, social media pages, and press re-
leases, for accurate and upto-date information.
The Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA)
Berbice bridge commuters happy with toll-free crossing
As of Friday, tolls on the Berbice River Bridge – along with the Demerara Harbour Bridge and Wismar/ McKenzie Bridge – have been officially abolished, delivering financial relief to more than 50,000 daily commuters and representing approximately $3.5 billion in annual savings for the population.
The removal of the tolls across the Berbice River Bridge will see some vehicle operators saving $1900 every time they cross. This was another promise by President Irfaan Ali that is now fulfilled.
Many commuters took the opportunity to be the first to benefit from the new arrangement.
However, 30 minutes prior to the toll-free initiative
“Why we had to close for the half hour is to integrate the software system to capture all the information while printing zero receipts. Basically it is toll free for all vehicles, trucks, vessels that cover under the toll order. All the information that would have been captured when the pedestrians were paying to cross the bridge, all that information would still be captured. All the safety protocols would still remain the same. The wait limit for the bridge would still remain the same,” he explained.
Relief
Meanwhile, one hire car operator, Matthew Profit, who crosses daily, claims that he has already paid in excess of $7 million in tolls to the Berbice Bridge
day I use the bridge, one and two times a day.”
Truck operator, Budnarine Deochand, explained that he doesn’t have to use the bridge daily and only does so when he has to take merchandise from one side of the river to the other. But he noted that it would have been quite expensive for truck operators who have to pass on that fee to the person or company they are hired by.
“We have some trucks, we have bigger ones, we have smaller ones. The smaller ones, it would be like $3000, $4000. The big ones will be $10,000, $30,000, $20,000 or so. Different trucks have different rates for it,” he recalled.
Kyler Rollins is a media worker who lives in region Five but works in Region
taking effect, the bridge was closed to vehicular traffic.
Deputy General Manager of the Berbice Bridge Company, Inc. Amernauth Singh explained that the closure was needed.
Company, and joined others in welcoming the initiative.
“I feel pleased about what the Government did because I spent over $7 million –over $7 million, by crossing the bridge every day. Every
Six. The savings, he told this publication, will be used vehicle maintenance.
“As a resident of Region Five and working in Region Six, this will definitely mean a lot to me because every day
I am driving, I would pay $1900 to cross the bridge and now that the bridge will be toll-free, I wouldn’t be paying a cent. This would be beneficial, I would be able to use this money in other areas, in other aspects of life, like savings and car maintenance and so on.”
Rollins said he spent in excess of $45,000 monthly to cross the bridge. “Annually, over $500,000. I will be able to save now that this toll has been abolished,” he noted.
Other benefits
With the removal of the bridge toll, agriculture produce entering Georgetown from Region Six will be cheaper, so too will be construction material, agriculture equipment and other commodities entering Region Six. It would also reduce the cost for transportation for school children and university students.
The removal of the toll is also expected to see more persons from Region Six visiting Rosignol, which is a
commercial hub, and vice versa – more consumers from Region Five visiting the commercial centres in Region Six. The tourism sector is also expected to see a boost in the two regions that the bridge connects.
One of the bridge company’s directors, Faizal Jaffarally, says the bridge company fully supports the move by the Government to remove the toll, which will ultimately allow more persons to utilise the bridge.
“There will be significant benefits for all those categories of vehicles using the bridge. Obviously, you will know how many buses normally charge $300 from Rosignol to New Amsterdam, because they had to pay a toll. And we hope with the toll-free crossing, commuters will now be able to benefit. And we hope that the minibus operators, taxi operators will pass on that saving to the people,” he said.
Public transportation response
However, hire car operators plying the New Amsterdam-Georgetown route have refused to drop their fares in the light of this development. The fares, which increased from $1500 to $2500 during COVID, never returned to preCOVID levels.
Some drivers have been demanding $3000 after dark.
Despite operational costs now dropped by $1900 as a result of the toll-free bridge, those operators have refused to pass the benefits on to commuters, saying that the price for spare parts have increased.
However, buses plying the Number 56 bus route – New Amsterdam to Rosignol, have agreed to drop fares from $300 to $200 per passenger. They have also expressed concern that with the bridge toll free, cars will begin taxiing persons across the bridge, which is likely to negatively impact their earnings.
GDF officer graduates from prestigious French military, academic institutions
...first GDF officer to complete combination of military and academic training
Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Lieutenant Colonel Jaime Castello has become the first GDF officer to successfully complete a suite of advanced military and academic programmes in the French Republic. In a congratulatory post on its social media page, the GDF announced that Lieutenant Colonel Castello graduated from the esteemed École de Guerre (War College) in Paris, having completed the Brevet d’études militaires supérieures (BEMS), a senior officer programme reserved for individuals demonstrating exceptional command capabilities, leadership and strategic thinking in complex military environments. In addition to the BEMS, he earned the Répertoire National des Certifications Professionnelles (RNCP) Level 8 Certification, issued by the French Ministry of the Armed Forces, confirming his mastery in strategic leadership, management, and command, it added.
In addition, Lieutenant Colonel Castello graduated with distinction from Université Paris-PanthéonAssas, earning the Diplôme National de Master (Master’s degree) in Law, Economics, and Management with a specialisation in International Relations.
Lieutenant Colonel Castello also completed the Cours élémentaire de Langue française 2025, attaining Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française (DELF) A1 level proficiency in French, a reflection of his commitment to cultural and linguistic adaptability in modern defence diplomacy.
His achievement marks a historic first for the GDF, as no other officer has previously undertaken or completed this combination of French military and academic training. It underscores the Force’s commitment to building a globally competent Officer Corps capable of navigating complex strategic environments.
Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, MSS, praised Lieutenant Colonel Castello’s performance, stating that it is also a proud moment for the GDF.
“Lt Col Castello’s success at one of the world’s most respected military institutions reflects the high standards we expect within our Officer Corps. He has flown the flag of Guyana with distinction, and we look forward to the valuable expertise and global perspective he brings to the continued advancement of our Force.”
This milestone stands as a symbol of the GDF’s deepening international military partnerships and unwavering
through education and
Drivers at the Berbice River Bridge awaiting the midnight hour on Thursday
A driver’s first toll-free trip across the bridge on Friday
investment in excellence
leadership development, the post concluded.
Lieutenant Colonel Jaime Castello
Govt to distribute over 2000 land titles at Int’l Building Expo 2025
The International Building Expo is set to open its doors in grand style at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, from August 14 to 17, 2025.
Housing and Water Minister Collin D Croal on Thursday conducted a site visit, expressing satisfaction with the advanced preparations for what promises to be a transformative event for the country’s housing and construction sectors.
Croal highlighted the intensive efforts of the team working day and night to ensure everything is ready for the expo. Despite the challenge of coordinating with ongoing cricket events at the stadium, progress has been swift. “The tents are going up, the various pavilions, etc.,” he noted, confirming that the venue will be prepared on time.
The demand for exhibition space has been exceptionally high, with 95 per cent of booths already booked. This leaves a small
Preparations are underway for the hosting of the exhibition
window of opportunity for a few remaining smaller booths.
This year’s expo will place a significant emphasis on Guyana’s ongoing transformation and its commitment to biodiversity. Following the nation’s recent hosting of a Global Biodiversity Conference, at-
tendees can expect to see a dedicated focus on environmental sustainability upon entering the expo.
The event will also leverage digital technology, featuring large monitors displaying Guyana’s evolving landscape and the significant transformation occurring across the country.
Counter-trafficking
These displays will highlight the path to “Guyana 2030,” showcasing the ripple effect of the housing and construction sector on national development.
He emphasised that the networking opportunities will be a primary highlight of the expo. Visitors will be able to connect with new
and experienced players in the industry, gaining insights into the rapid changes taking place in Guyana’s infrastructure.
A cornerstone of the expo will be the “Dream Realised” initiative, focusing on land ownership and title distribution. Over 2000 land titles for new areas, including East Coast of Demerara developments.
The signing of Agreements of Sale and the processing of titles will take place simultaneously throughout the August 15 to 17 event.
The International Building Expo aims to be a family-friendly event. Beyond serious business engagements with institutions like banks, insurance companies, construction firms, and consultancy services, there will be increased entertainment options.
While the opening night on August 14th will be formal, subsequent evenings will feature diverse entertainment from 6:00pm on-
wards, with a different focus each night. For families with children, additional space has been allocated on the southern side, including food courts.
Addressing past concerns, Croal confirmed that significant improvements have been made to traffic management and parking facilities. Attendees will have more space for parking, and a smoother flow of traffic is expected. Additionally, exhibitors are being encouraged to adhere to high standards in their presentations, ensuring a valuable experience for all visitors.
The opening ceremony will commence at 5:00pm on Thursday, August 14th. The expo will then be open to the public until 11:00pm on subsequent days, offering ample opportunity for interaction and exploration.
International Building Expo 2025 is being held under the theme “The Road to Success, Guyana 2030 and Beyond.”
tools, resources help protect vulnerable Guyanese from human trafficking
...as
over 5000 officials trained in past 5 years by TIP Unit
Acritical factor in combatting human trafficking in Guyana has been the introduction of counter-trafficking tools and resources, which have led to enhanced victim protection, awareness, and public engagement.
These tools include a series of Trafficking in Persons (TIP) stories, a reader-friendly booklet of the Trafficking in Persons Act, a QR code for reporting suspicious activities, and a standard operating procedure (SOP) for identifying, reporting, and assisting vic-
tims of human trafficking.
According to a Department of Public Information report, during an event to observe World Day against Trafficking in Persons at the Palms Geriatric Homes on Wednesday, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security disclosed that more than 2000 victims received direct assistance in the last five years.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr Vindhya Persaud believes that without public awareness, trafficking in
persons will continue to destroy the lives of vulnerable individuals.
She pointed out that there has been an increase in fines of at least one million dollars when children are involved, and stiffer jail sentences.
“We have seen the increase in fines to at least a million dollars when it involves children. We have seen not only fines, but we’ve seen jail sentences, and these harsh measures are intended to send a strong signal to perpetrators that there will be con-
CJIA warns public about...
CJIA’s management emphasised that misinformation of this nature can pose serious risks to travellers and damage public confidence in airport procedures. The airport has encouraged persons with questions or in need of clarification to contact the Customer Service Department directly via its official telephone lines.
This latest incident comes just a few months after the airport had issued another warning about an online immigration scam that targeted unsuspecting travellers. At that time, CJIA had flagged the unauthorised website Guyanaform. com for falsely advertising immigration services and charging fees to complete the country’s electronic immi-
gration form, which is otherwise free of cost. The official immigration form can only be accessed through the legitimate Government website: ed.gpf.gov.gy. Authorities explained that the Guyanaform.com website was not affiliated with the Government of Guyana, the Guyana Police Force, or the Immigration Department, and was unlawfully collecting personal travel information.
In response, the airport implemented several measures to safeguard passengers, including the placement of QR codes throughout the terminal to allow travellers to securely access the legitimate form.
CJIA continues to urge all travellers to exercise cau-
tion when submitting personal or travel information online. Passengers are reminded to verify the legitimacy of websites, confirm secure connections by checking for a padlock symbol in the browser, and when in doubt, seek guidance from their airline or travel agency before entering any sensitive details.
The airport has made it clear that it bears no responsibility for any losses or consequences arising from the use of fraudulent websites or false digital content.
Airport authorities say they are actively monitoring the situation and encourage the public to report any suspicious activity related to airport services or immigration procedures.
sequences for what they do to people out there, and they must hear that loud and clear.”
More than 5000 officials have been trained in the past five years by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s CounterTrafficking in Persons Unit to help combat human trafficking and to teach frontline workers how to identify and offer help to victims.
The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, along with the Ministry of Home Affairs, has been taking significant steps to achieve its goal of awareness training. This has led to the establishment of a National Action Plan, which extends for five years.
A Ministerial task force is also in place, which is
spearheaded by the two Ministries. It also involves agencies and civil society members, who meet to discuss, recommend, and craft plans for citizens’ safety.
Dr Persaud said that this is an important step because it helps the government create systems.
“We want to chart a course for our country to get to the point when we will not see trafficking anywhere across the length and breadth of our country… But to do that, people have to recognise the signs of trafficking,” the Minister said.
Guyana shines at Festival de Guianas 2025 stage
History was made as Guyana left a resounding impression at the Festival de Guianas 2025, which was held from August 1–3 in Nickerie, Suriname.
The Festival de Guianas brought together delegations from Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana, in a vibrant display of regional unity and cultural exchange. Guyana’s presence was a bold showcase of its rich heritage, creativity and diversity, leaving a lasting impression on regional and international audiences.
The Guyanese delegation, led by the Together We Win Business Network, in collaboration with Unique Art Entertainment, overcame last-minute preparations and logistical challenges to deliver a truly outstanding performance.
Speaking in a recent telephone interview, visionary leader Kelton Jennings, who spearheaded the team, shared the journey of leading a cohort of artists to another country to proudly showcase Guyanese culture through art.
“My passion has always been to travel the world and
entertain – to let people see the talents of our youth, to kick down doors so others can walk through. My goal is to develop and enhance hidden talent. That has been my passion since I was a teenager,” he said. Jennings emphasised that the entire production was a team effort involving all participants.
“We express ourselves on stage. We create. We live in creation. We literally enter our own world where we build ideas and illusions. This production wasn’t just my doing – everyone sat together to brainstorm our next moves. The majority of the work was done by the youngsters, teenagers between the ages of 15 and 18, from Queen’s College and the Riverside Angels,” he shared.
One participant Adriel Thompson amongst others, was also highlighted.
“We have a supporter, Mr Thompson, who is doing all of our writing. We also have our own camera guy and a stilt walker with us. To be honest, the experience has been amazing.”
Two dedicated parents also joined the journey, lending their unwavering
support.
“We had two parents on board – the parents of the Queen’s College students. They’ve been helping with costumes and cooking our meals here.”
Despite the tight timeline, the Guyanese team rose to the occasion.
Unique Art Entertainment took the lead in curating and delivering powerful cultural performances that wowed audiences – from traditional music and dance to theatri-
PPP/C Govt ensures shared...
“You said to us you had no proper ferry service, so we brought one for you, and now we are saying that even with the increased service, there is a need for additional ferry service, that is because of the growth in your community. A growth that is only made possible under the PPP/C Government of Mohamed Irfaan Ali,” he stated.
In addition to oil revenues, Phillips reminded that hinterland communities are also benefitting from the sale of the country’s carbon credits. Guyana has secured a US$750 million deal with US-energy major, Hess Corporation and has committed part of the revenue earned to be disbursed di-
rectly to Amerindian villages to fund projects of their choice.
“Many of the Amerindian villages collected their money last year, the year before, this year and every year they will be collecting money to ensure that development and development of your choice is decided on and managed by you in your villages.”
Added to the perks of receiving carbon credit support, Amerindian villages, like coastland communities, are benefiting from the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant initiative and various medical assistance programmes, such as the spectacles voucher, $10,000 medical examination vouch-
er, among others.
Importantly, PM Phillips said that the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant was introduced before Guyana’s oil production, but was discontinued between 2015 and 2020.
He noted that the PPP/C Government restored it shortly after returning to office in August 2020.
Speaking of promises, the Prime Minister stated that the PPP/C Administration promised to increase the Old Age Pension when they resumed office in 2020, and now it has doubled.
“When you vote for the PPP/C, you vote for continued growth, you vote for the development of Guyana,” he declared.
cal and visual presentations that reflected the nation’s identity and pride.
The event offered a platform to promote cross-cultural collaboration, tourism and regional friendship.
Guyana’s participation was hailed as one of the high-
lights of the festival. Amidst all of the positive remarks the delegation experienced, behind the scenes weren’t easy. The Guyanese delegation’s resilience, passion and professionalism stood out as a testament to the strength and spirit of the
creative sector. Their successful representation underscored Guyana’s commitment to cultural diplomacy and its readiness to command the regional stage – even under pressure. Representatives included: Elizabeth Davis from Leonora, West Coast Demerara (WCD); Jenesia Rodney and Adriel Thompson from Linden; Kelsey Vyphius from Little Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD); Makala Glasgow from Bagotstown, EBD; Leahna Emmanuel from Leonora, WCD; Jahzarra Ramdat from Farm, EBD; Inezi Emmanuel from Leonora, West Bank Demerara (WBD); Janae Seepersaud from Parfaite Harmony, WBD; Omali Adams from New Amsterdam; stilt walker Abdul Waddle from Zeelugt, WBD; photographer Kelton Jennings; creative director Venus Seepersaud from Georgetown; and Zoisa Fraser from Farm, EBD.
country’s
Participants of the event
Olympian Keevin Allicock endorses President Ali for second term
Guyanese Olympian boxer Keevin
Allicock has endorsed President Irfaan Ali for a second term.
Allicock, who became the first Guyanese boxer to compete at an Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020 since John Douglas in 1996, praised the Government for its investment across sectors and noted the administration’s commitment to moving the country forward.
According to a Newsroom report, Allicock is the second from the sport of boxing to support President Ali’s sec-
ond term bid, after Guyana’s only Olympic medallist, Michael Parris, last week.
“I support His Excellency for a second term. I believe in his leadership,” Allicock, a Commonwealth Youth Games silver medallist stated. “What a time to be alive, to see the massive transformation and growth in my country.”
“A couple of years ago it was never like this, but now we’re seeing it and I’m truly honoured and grateful to be a part of the growth.”
Allicock praised the leadership of President Ali, Vice-
President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo and Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips for delivering on their promises over the last five years, adding that they have a great vision for the country.
He also highlighted the “tremendous job” of Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr and his team at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, the Newsroom reports.
“I know of a lot of athletes who have been getting assistance to further their careers. At this point in time, it’s far better than
where we were and I know it will get even better over the next five years,” Allicock said.
“The money that Government has been injecting in sports, you’re seeing where it’s going, you’re seeing the development, you’re seeing the changes, you’re seeing young people from those areas that didn’t have opportunities are now getting opportunities.”
The national boxer is encouraging fellow Guyanese to make the right decision on September 1 when they go to the polls.
Clean energy, brighter futures: LCDS brings solar power to remote communities
For as long as she can remember, Swarsattie Singh lived in total darkness due to a lack of access to electricity – a service most would consider a luxury in Guyana’s remote communities.
Singh lives in Susannah’s Rust, a village in the Demerara River off the Soesdyke-Linden Highway with a population of approximately 120 residents.
For about 15 years, life without electricity affected everything she did. She couldn’t easily charge her phone, there were no lights after dark, and there weren’t many ways to keep kids occupied after school.
“Usually we [have to] traverse the river to come to the school because only the school has solar [energy where we can] charge our phones,” she explained
in an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI).
With the rollout of the Government’s 30,000 Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Home Energy Systems (SHE) project in communities like Susannah’s Rust, households are now enjoying clean, renewable energy for the very first time.
“It’s going to impact us greatly, especially at night,” Singh expressed after she collected her photovoltaic (PV) system at a distribution exercise earlier this year.
She was among hundreds of residents to receive two 9-watt LED lamps and a 12-watt stand-alone fan. The system also comes with a USB port for charging portable electronic devices, including mobile devices.
ically Para, the solar systems mean that children in the community are now able to study in comfort at night.
Senior Councillor of Para, Kester Fredericks, shared that the village will no longer be required to buy fuel for generators.
Sheila Francis, a resident of Karaburi, told DPI that her daughter-in-law, a teacher by profession, can now prepare her lessons with greater ease because of the photovoltaic systems.
lies across all administrative regions, who were not connected to the electricity grid, are enjoying life with a limited supply of electricity for the first time. Since its rollout of the initiative in 2023, it has impacted 37,230 Guyanese living in the riverine, hinterland, and remote parts of Guyana.
Singh acknowledged the strides being made by the Government to improve livelihoods, stating that, “Ever since the president visited us, he has fulfilled all of his promises, and I am very excited for the future.”
Similar sentiments were expressed by Ramlochan Narine, a resident of Low Wood, another community
situated on the Demerara River. He shared his appreciation, stating, “Since I was born and grew up in this river, we used to use lanterns and flambeau, and [now] I am grateful for the solar we get now.”
In Region One, specif-
Over in Kuru Kururu, Denise Williams, a mother of two, shared how difficult it was to support her children’s education using lamps and candles to complete school assignments.
She added, “I am so thankful for this solar, and it will be of good use for me.”
These stories are not limited to these communities. Thousands of fami-
It fulfils a commitment made by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration in its 2020-2025 manifesto. Importantly, it aligns with the vision of achieving equitable energy access, as outlined in Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, and contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7, which aims to ensure the availability of affordable, reliable, and modern energy supply for all. (DPI)
WIN’s call for boycotting businesses...
In fact, when asked recently for comment regarding the bank’s recent decision, Demerara Bank’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dowlat Parbhu revealed in an interview with Demerara Waves that the decision was made to ensure the bank complies with international financial sector rules governing relations with sanctioned individuals. He was quoted saying, “I don’t think it should be unclear. If they had read all the provisions of international compliance legislation and protocol dealing with an individual that was sanctioned by OFAC, then they should be very clear. If those who are interested go and read it, they will find the reason why Demerara Bank had to take such a decision.”
Banks justified
Last week, during his weekly press conference General Secretary (GS) of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) and the
country’s Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo had rubbished claims by candidates of the WIN political party, founded by USsanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed, that the Government is influencing commercial banks to close their accounts.
While the candidates have alleged discrimination by Demerara bank, Jagdeo explained that all banks will be forced to de-risk their services to protect relations with US banking facilities.
In 2024, the US Department of the Treasury’s OFAC announced sanctions against Nazar Mohamed, his son Azruddin Mohamed, several of their companies, and a Guyanese Government official, Mae Thomas, for their alleged involvement in public corruption in Guyana. According to a statement from OFAC, this is related to the evasion of taxes on gold exports, noting that
between 2019 and 2023, Mohamed’s Enterprise omitted more than 10 thousand kilograms (kg) of gold from import and export declarations and avoided paying more than US$50 million in duty taxes to the Government of Guyana.
Maduro puppet
Recently, US Congressman Carlos Gimenez expressed that “in the US Congress we are alarmed by the regime in Venezuela’s attempt to undermine Guyana through its pro-Maduro puppet candidate Azruddin Mohamed, who is sanctioned by OFAC.”
Additionally, US Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar recently cautioned that “individuals sanctioned for illicit activities must not be allowed to jeopardise” the important Guyana-US relations.
Local tax evasion Mohamed is current-
ly before the local court charged with allegedly fraudulently under-declaring the value of a Lamborghini Aventador, which is currently at the centre of the dispute between him and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).
The US Department of Justice (DOJ), under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT), provided an original invoice for the Lamborghini Aventador, which was billed to Azruddin Mohamed himself, to the tune of US$695,000.
However, in his previous declarations to the court, Mohamed claimed to have spent US$76,000 on the luxury car. A difference of some US$619,000.
In April, GRA officials, backed by police, attempted to seize several luxury vehicles – including a Lamborghini Roadster, Ferrari, Rolls Royce and Land Cruisers – from the Mohamed’s residence in Houston, Greater
Georgetown. The operation was aborted after a hostile crowd, reportedly paid by Mohamed, blocked access to the premises. GRA has said that the vehicles were imported under the remigrant scheme but failed to meet key requirements, including residency status and proper declaration of value. The total tax liability in the matter is estimated at nearly
$900 million. Among the outstanding amounts are: $479.7 million for a 2020 Ferrari registered to Hana Mohamed; $371.7 million for the Lamborghini tied to Azruddin Mohamed; $320 million for a 2023 Rolls Royce registered to Bibi Mohamed; and additional millions linked to a Range Rover and Toyota Land Cruisers under various family names.
Residents in Region Nine receive solar panels
Olympian Keevin Allicock with President Irfaan Ali (Newsroom photo)
Out of the 365 days in a year, Athalyah Yisrael chose one of the most symbolic –Emancipation Day – to launch a book aimed at restoring what she believes has been broken for generations: the soul of the African family and a true understanding of the holidays celebrated in Guyana. With the sun high over the festive spirit of Main Street, drums beating and flags waving, Yisrael stood not only in celebration but with the conviction that many families in Guyana are unaware of the history and true meaning behind popular holidays such as emancipation. This conviction prompted her to title her book “The Creator’s 7 Appointed Holy Seasons.” The book made its debut amid cultural performances, African prints and ancestral pride standing out amongst other book launches. “Emancipation is a beautiful thing – it should also be a day for families, a time for them to bond in
their culture,” she stated. Yisrael, the second-to-last child in a family of four siblings, also has an unwritten story that echoes the resilience her book preaches.
From the tight grips of financial hardship in 2015, when her small business, Fun Park Rentals,
The name Kira Devine may already be synonymous with arts and culture in various spaces around the world, but now she’s set to take the stage in Guyana and infuse her skills into the Guyanese cultural landscape.
Many may have heard her name in artistic circles across the globe, but now she’s dancing her way back home – bringing all her cultural fire to the land of the 592.
Kira Devine (born Shakira Marshall) is a cultural artist of Guyanese ancestry, born and raised in Queens, New York. A true icon of the arts, Kira is a professional singer, songwriter, actor, choreographer, writer, model, and dancer – trained in tap, jazz, ballet, modern, ac robatics, Afro-Caribbean, tra ditional West African, hip hop, voice, and piano.
With deep roots in Caribbean dance, Kira has been a cultural lead and choreographer for Soca artists like Machel Montano, Alison Hinds, Elephant Man, and Blaxx – and has also worked with global icons such as Lauryn Hill, Nas, Jill Scott, Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams, and Pharrell Williams.
Emancipation weekend with rhythm, roots, and revolutionary love – and she’s doing it through free dance classes.
Speaking to Guyana Times on Main Street during the emancipation celebrations, she shared her excitement for the upcoming event.
struggled to stay afloat, she has since climbed her way into stability – launching her now-thriving business, Outliners Zone Empowerment.
But her story is about more than profit.
While patrons at the
“I came all the way from the
– Yisrael family launches book on Emancipation Day
Emancipation Day event soaked up the day’s significance, Yisrael explained that Emancipation to her is more than remembering freedom from physical chains. It’s about breaking free from spiritual confusion and generational chaos. Raised by a single mother, Yisrael knew the longing for structure. Her husband, she says, grew up with an extended family and brought into their marriage the order and discipline she never had – a union she credits as the foundation of their transformation.
“All I grew up seeing was my husband doing it all,” she reflected.
“And I realised I needed a father figure – a husband who follows divine structure. Through our union, we now practice those values as a family.”
That return to structure forms the heart of her book, which highlights seven holy seasons outlined in the Bible – including the Sabbath, the Feast of Trumpets,
and the Feast of Tabernacles. According to Yisrael, these seasons are not just rituals, but keys to rediscovering identity.
“When you really think about it,” she said, “most of our confusion is tied to the slavery we inherited. But when we trace it back – where did we get our identity from?
The Creator.” She also pointed out that her family’s presence on Emancipation Day wasn’t just for celebration but rather a sign for other families.
Her book, she says, is a guide for those ready to rebuild from the inside out – spiritually, structurally and culturally. “We need strong African families,” she said passionately. “And that comes through returning to the Creator; let’s return to order, rebuild our families and remember who we are.”
Copies of “The Creator’s 7 Appointed Holy Seasons” are available through direct contact at 623-4386.
giving back to her people in the best way she knows how – through movement.
Afro Soca – a term she coined and created – blends the infectious grooves of Soca music with African and Caribbean dance influences, creating a soul-stirring, hip-moving celebration of identity and rhythm.
From New York to Essequibo, Afro Soca’s firebrand creator and all-round creative force, Kira Devine, is here to light up Guyana’s
writer, dancer, model, actor, and choreographer – you name it, I do it. I’m a creator.” And true to her word, Divine is
her work is a living, breathing love letter to her roots.
Fresh off a recent trip to Ghana, Kira reflected on the deep ancestral ties between Africa and the Caribbean:
“I created and coined a term called Afro Soca, and that is the style that I teach. I focus on the influences in Soca music and dance. We’ll just be having fun, paying respects to our ancestors, and at the same time, getting our bodies in shape. It feels so good. I mean, I travel all over the world, but there’s nothing like coming home – because my parents are Guyanese. And the energy that you guys bring when you show up is unmatched.
I enjoy teaching here. Every time I come, I teach – and anyone in the dance community here can attest to that. I just love giving back and sharing that energy, exchanging those vibes.” Whether performing or teaching,
“From the food to the music to the dancing – the connections are there,” she said. “And the fact that we were able to hold on to so many pieces through out slavery and colo nialism is a bless ing.”
Kira is pas sionate about the preservation of cul ture and is urging all Guyanese, young and old, to take pride in their her itage.
“This is our culture. Come out. Wear your clothes. Celebrate. Pour into the com munity. Preserve this for future generations. We are still here – we’re surviving, and we’re thriv ing.”
Shakira Marshall, aka “Kira Devine”
The Yisrael Family
Nandlall rebukes APNU member for denying 2020 election rigging attempt
Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall, SC, strongly rebuked Attorney-at-Law and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) member Dexter Todd, over his recent public denial of the widely condemned attempt to rig Guyana’s 2020 General and Regional Elections.
Speaking on Tuesday during his weekly ‘Issues in the News’ programme, Nandlall labelled Todd’s remarks as dishonest, deeply disturbing and disconnected from reality.
“When a person can say this, you know that something is mentally wrong with them,” Nandlall, who is also the Minister of Legal Affairs, asserted, responding to Todd’s claim that the APNU+AFC Coalition did not attempt to rig the 2020 elections.
Todd, who recently joined the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R)-led APNU, made his political debut during a campaign event in Bagotville, West Bank
Demerara (WBD). There, he dismissed longstanding allegations of electoral fraud, stating, “They want to say that APNU rigged the last elections.
“Bring your facts. The lies they’ve been telling you is that APNU must account to you for robbing this country of democracy. That is a lie. We must be bold enough to tell them, ‘If they have the facts, bring the facts,” Todd added.
However, Nandlall emphasised that the issue was not about whether APNU+AFC succeeded in rigging the elections, but that they clearly and deliberately attempted to do so. He was incredulous, noting that Todd was not merely questioning the outcome but denying the well-documented and widely condemned attempt to subvert the electoral process. “We don’t have to bring the facts. We saw that you [APNU+AFC] attempted to steal the elections. We are the eyewitnesses,” Nandlall declared.
He said that the events unfolded publicly, were recorded on video and were observed by both local citizens and international stakeholders. “Guyana, the people of Guyana, are eyewitnesses. Eyewitnesses don’t bring facts—they say what they saw. And it was shown to the world via social media. The videos are
there,” he added. He pointed to the statement by former Jamaican Prime Minister (PM) Bruce Golding, who led the Organisation of American States (OAS) observer mission and described the Region Four tabulation process as “one of the most transparent efforts to alter an election outcome” he had ever witnessed. Nandlall further reminded the public that condemnation of the APNU+AFC’s post-election conduct came not just from the OAS, but from a broad coalition of international observer teams, diplomatic missions, and nearly 100 Governments around the world.
SoP
The APNU+AFC has never released its Statements of Poll (SoP) to support its claims of victory. The AG reminded of the recent revelations by the Regional Vice-Chairman of Region Four and former PNC/R member, Samuel Sandy. During a revealing interview on the Starting Point Podcast, Sandy unequivocally stated that the APNU+AFC coalition lost the 2020 elections.
“I’ll categorically state that in 2020, the APNU+AFC lost the elections,” Sandy asserted. Sandy explained that he was tasked with collecting all the SoP during the 2020 elections, which he photographed and kept in his possession. He said he was present at the Ashmins Building during the tabulation process for Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), where he compared the official numbers being announced with his own records, but found that they did not match. As the country heads into another electoral cycle, he was asked whether he believes it is incumbent on the part of the current opposition leader, Aubrey Norton, to face the nation and admit that for five years they have been fooling their support base about what transpired in 2020.
In his response, he said that the leader would not do so.
Sandy recently announced his endorsement of the governing People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) ahead of the 2025 elections set for September 1st.
The Guyanese electorate, after casting votes on March 2, 2020, endured a five-month wait for the results as they witnessed alleged unlawful acts and a slew of legal challenges. Currently, nine individuals—including senior former Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) officials and APNU+AFC affiliates—face charges related to electoral fraud. Among them are former Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield, former Deputy CEO Roxanne Myers, former Region Four Returning Officer (RO) Clairmont Mingo, former APNU+AFC Minister Volda Lawrence, and APNU member Carol Smith-Joseph. In light of this, Nandlall expressed disbelief that Todd would choose to defend APNU+AFC’s post-election conduct, stating the stance revealed a troubling disconnect from the reality witnessed by the entire nation and the international community.
(Source: Ravi Kumar Singh report)
Attorney General Anil Nandlall
Remembering Matilda, the last survivor of the transatlantic slave trade
On a cold December morning in 1931, a short, elderly black woman set out on a 24km (15-mile) walk from her homestead in Alabama, United States (US) on a quest for justice. The long trek to the court in Selma was no small undertaking for a person in her mid-70s. But Matilda McCrear was determined to go and make her legal claim for compensation for the horrors that she and her family had been through.
Until her death 85 years ago on January 13, 1940, Matilda was the last surviving passenger on the last-ever slave ship bound from the West African coast to North America in late 1859. Her story began many decades before and thousands of miles
little Abake was captured along with her mother (later renamed Grace), her three older sisters and some other relatives, by troops of the Kingdom of Dahomey, located in what is now Benin. Torn away from the rest of their family, they were victims of an age-old regional warfare which underpinned an equally ancient but persistent trade in slavery reaching across North and East Africa, the Ottoman Empire and eventually the Americas.
The precise details of her capture are unknown. Abake and her family members were sold as part of a consignment of slaves to one Captain William Foster of Canadian origin.
the US (and in parts of South America), the importation of slaves had been prohibited since 1808. The Clotilda set sail from Ouidah late in the year, purportedly carrying lumber – the 11-man crew being promised double their normal wage to keep quiet about the true contents, as per an entry in Foster’s journal.
Their route across the Atlantic was known as the “Middle Passage”, making up the second part of a triangular trade route connecting Europe, Africa and the Americas. Ships carried weapons and manufactured goods from Europe to the “slave coast” of West Africa on the first part of the round trip; in the Middle Passage,
away from that sharecropping homestead. Originally named Abake – “born to be loved by all” – the girl later renamed Matilda by her American “owner” came into the world circa 1857, among the Tarkar people of the West African interior.
In 1859, at the age of two,
Foster’s ship, Clotilda –a two-masted schooner, 26 metres (86 feet) in length –is now infamous as the last ship known to have carried slaves across the Atlantic to North America. By this time it was an illegal journey, for while slavery continued across the southeast of
that cargo was traded for enslaved Africans who were transported to the US and South America, where they were usually sold by auction; and on the final course, the vessels returned to Europe usually laden with cotton, tobacco and sugarcane.
sister Sally escaped from the plantation to a nearby swamp where they were scented out by the overseer’s dogs and returned to their quarters. Matilda was still a small child when the Civil War broke out in the US in April 1861. President Abraham Lincoln made his Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, declaring that all enslaved people in the Confederate states were free.
Separated and sold – a brutal but common fate
Grace would later tell her daughters how she had witnessed her nephew and others from her Tarkar village being simply thrown overboard when they became unwell, apparently to prevent any contagion.
Foster navigated the Clotilda, now carrying 108 slaves, into the port of Mobile, Alabama under cover of darkness in early 1860. He had it towed up the Mobile River to Twelvemile Island, where the captive Africans were transferred to a river steamboat. Foster wrote in his journal that the Clotilda was then burned to destroy any evidence.
Foster was ultimately prosecuted in 1861 for illegal slave importation, but the case was dismissed for lack of evidence from the ship or its manifest. It was not until 2019 that researchers found the remains of the Clotilda in the Mobile River, confirming its existence and location. At Twelvemile Island, Abake, her mother and her 10-yearold sister were handed over by Foster to one of the financial backers of Clotilda, a wealthy plantation owner by the name of Memorable Creagh.
In another heartbreaking separation, Abake’s two other sisters (whose names are unknown) were sent elsewhere, never to be seen again – a typically brutal fate for so many of those regarded as a mere commodity.
Abake, her mother and her sister soon found themselves on Creagh’s plantation near Montgomery, Alabama. There, Abake was given the new forename Matilda, her mother was renamed Grace, and her sister as Sally. Grace was forcibly married to a fellow survivor of the Clotilda, who had been renamed Guy.
Because the couple were classed as “property”, their marriage was not recognised by law; it was simply a means of producing more slave offspring. Even the intimacy of a man and a woman was subject to the absolute control of slave-owners. Grace and Guy were given the surname of their new owner and put to work in his cotton fields.
The adult Matilda had only a hazy recollection of those early years, but later recalled one episode when, aged three, she and her
This had no immediate effect on Matilda and her family, as the Civil War continued to rage. But when the Confederates were defeated on June 19, 1865, Matilda and her family were liberated. Matilda would have been about seven years old at this time. Her family headed north and settled in Athens, Alabama. It is not known how they supported themselves. Matilda later related how she learned English quickly as a small child and would help interpret for her mother and stepfather, who faced challenges with this new language.
Slavery in all but name
Upon her emancipation, Matilda and her family thus became supposedly free peo-
a sharecropper, living in the vicinity of Selma, Alabama, for most of her working life. At some point, she changed her surname from Creagh to McCrear, perhaps to distance herself from her enslaver and as an assertion of her own identity. Over the generations, the family surname has seen a number of further variations, including Crear, Creah, Creagher and McCreer.
Waiting all her life for justice that never came In 1931, Matilda heard a rumour that people like her were receiving compensation for being illegally smuggled as slaves into the US. That was when she decided to embark upon the 15-mile journey on foot to the Selma court in Alabama to make her claim.
The judge declared the rumour to be “false” and dismissed her case. But fortunately for modern historians, an account of her lawsuit was published by the Selma Times-Journal. This was the article discovered by Hannah Durkin, a Newcastle University historian specialising in the transatlantic slave trade and author of the 2024 book,
ple. But, as Martin Luther King Jr pointed out in a 1968 sermon, “Emancipation for the Negro was only a proclamation. It was not a fact. The Negro still lives in chains: the chains of economic slavery, the chains of social segregation, the chains of political disenfranchisement.” Such were the harsh conditions in which Matilda grew up. Her childhood ended abruptly at the age of 14, when she first gave birth, likely as the result of rape, given the prevalence of white male sexual violence towards Black girls and women in the south at that time.
Matilda later entered a common-law partnership with a German-born man called Jacob Schuler and had a total of 14 children, 10 of whom survived into adulthood. What befell the other four is unknown. Whether she was prevented from marrying her partner by the ban on interracial marriage, or chose that arrangement, is also not known.
In any case, Matilda appears not to have benefitted financially from the relationship, as she remained
Survivors: The Lost Stories of the Last Captives of the Atlantic Slave Trade.
The Selma Times-Journal news story provides a vivid description of Matilda: “She walks with a vigorous stride. Her kinky hair is almost white and is plaited in small tufts and with bright-coloured string … Her voice is low and husky, but clear. Age shows most in her eyes … yet her … skin is firm and smooth.” Matilda fell ill after a stroke and died at the age of 83 on January 13, 1940.
One participant at Matilda’s funeral was her little grandson, John Crear. “I was about three years old and I got away from my parents and almost fell in the grave,” he told National Geographic in 2020.
John Crear, a retired hospital administrator and community leader now in his late 80s, was born in the house Matilda resided in, and her funeral is one of his earliest memories. His grandmother’s strong character apparently passed into family lore. “I was told she was quite rambunctious,” he said. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Matilda McCrear, originally named Abake – “born to be loved by all”
Clotilda’s cargo hold was a hellish dungeon for 108 African captives brought to Alabama in early 1860 (National Geographic image created by Thom Tenery)
A drawing of a similar ship, the Liverpool slave ship Brooks
Yarrowkabra Nursery gets major expansion, Swan Nursery commissioned
In a major push to ensure equitable access to early childhood education, the Government of Guyana on Thursday commissioned the new Swan Nursery School and unveiled a newly completed classroom block at the Yarrowkabra Nursery School, both located along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.
These developments form part of a sweeping national programme by the Ministry of Education to improve infrastructure
reconstructed 13 and significantly extended another 39. At Yarrowkabra, the newly added six-classroom block is expected to ease overcrowding and better serve the growing number of learners in the community. “If you speak to your head teacher or any of your teachers, you will find out that we were trying to hold eight classes in this building with 140 children,” Education Minister Priya Manickchand shared at the simple yet significant commissioning ceremony.
want our children to live.”
The Minister noted that the Government’s philosophy is rooted in the understanding that “wherever you put a school down, children will go.” She explained that the growth of the education infrastructure at Yarrowkabra, from nursery to secondary has already resulted in increased enrolment and community engagement. Manickchand described the country’s nursery programme as a strategic blend of infrastruc-
and expand access to nursery-level education across the country. Over the past four and a half years, the Government has built 54 brand-new nursery schools,
“Eight classes in this building sounds impossible… But the teacher said they would come outside, they would hold class outside. And that’s not a way that we
ture, curriculum reform and teacher training. “While we have seen untrained teachers do amazing work, it is more likely that your children will get a solid educa-
tion if the person standing in front of their classroom is a person who went to school and learned how to teach,” she stated.
Between 2020 and 2025, the Ministry moved the percentage of trained teachers in Guyana from 63 per cent to 98 per cent and increased the total number of teachers from under 7,000 to nearly 15,000. The Minister also touched on the upcoming launch of a national literacy programme aimed at ensuring that every child can read and write by Grade Four.
“We are intervening even as you are in the school. Or you already went over to secondary and couldn’t read. We’re intervening at the secondary level also to make sure that no Guyanese child ever leaves the school system again within the next two years being unable to read and write.”
At the newly commissioned Swan Nursery School, Manickchand recalled how education delivery had to be improvised during the pandemic, with classes held outdoors and worksheets distributed to students due to a lack of internet access.
“While the Caribbean and the world were talking about going online… we knew for places like Swan, places like Kuru Kuru… we would have problems going online because there was no internet connectivity,” she explained. “Or if people
acts.”
The new Swan Nursery School follows the earlier establishment of the Swan
Primary School, an addition the community had long requested. According to the Minister, this was done to reduce the long walking distance to other schools and to foster a seamless transition from nursery to primary.
At Swan, the four nursery teachers, two trained
other, y’all treat this school thing as though it’s a mother thing… So, to the daddies who are here, I want to congratulate you for being models in your community.”
Both ceremonies ended with heartfelt wishes from the Minister.
“May every child who
could get internet connectivity, they didn’t have devices. Or if they had devices, they had nobody to stay home and supervise children.”
Swan’s development as a formal community was another focal point of the Minister’s remarks. She noted that the area grew organically through migration and farming and is now being supported with vital infrastructure.
“A few years ago… this wasn’t even a community. People started migrating from different regions… and next thing you know, you have a community that’s evolving. And that’s where a responsible Government re-
and two in training, have a class size of just 10 students per teacher, well below the national standard of 15. Manickchand urged them to use this advantage to deliver high-quality, personalised instruction. Parents, too, were reminded of their vital role in the success of the education system.
“To bring in the children here at nine o’clock in the morning when the school starts at 8:30 is to make them lose half an hour every single day… and that’s your responsibility,” she asserted. “We could bring the trained teachers, but we can’t come into your home and wake them up and comb their hair and bring them to
walks into these classrooms walk in and be safe, be blessed, and come out with more knowledge than they had,” she said at Yarrowkabra. A similar blessing was offered at Swan: “May every teacher who comes into these classrooms be inspired to do their very best every single day… and may you thrive in your individual lives.”
The expansion of Yarrowkabra and the commissioning of the Swan Nursery School reflect the Government’s larger goal of transforming access to education, from the nursery level and beyond, ensuring that no child, regardless of location or circumstance, is left behind.
school. That’s still your job.” She also praised the presence of fathers at the event. “Too often somehow or the
The commissioning of the Swan Nursery School
The commissioning of the block at the Yarrowkabra Nursery School
Trinidad teenager among two found shot dead in suspected ‘payback’
ATrinidadian teenager and a man were shot and killed Wednesday night. The shooting left a third with minor injuries.
Police said the deadly incident occurred at Demerara Road, Arima, sometime after 11pm, in what homicide officers suspect was “payback” for the robbery of a vehicle allegedly belonging to a known drug dealer.
Investigators identified the victims as Kershawn Edwards, 21, and Kirmanie Dyer, 17, both of Zone 8, Mount Zion, Arima.
Dyer was a former member of the Arima North Secondary School
football team.
A 25-year-old man of the same address managed to escape with only a gunshot wound to the right hand.
The injured man arrived at the Arima General Hospital around 11:48pm, following which police officers were notified of the crime.
The officers were told by the man’s relatives that he had accompanied two friends on a hunting trip at Punette Extension, Arima, and whilst in the bushes, they were ambushed by a group of men.
Although officers mounted a search for the two missing men, it proved
unsuccessful.
However, acting on information received around 2:05am yesterday, officers went to a farm located along Demerara Road, Arima, and followed a dirt road into a bushy area, where they found the bodies of Dyer and Edwards a short distance away from a white Nissan AD waggon.
A total of 35 spent shell casings were found at the scene.
Police said the car, which was towed to the Special Evidence Recovery Unit (SERU), had been reported stolen during a robbery in Arima on July 29 (Source: Trinidad & Tobago Guardian)
J’ca: 23-year-old transgender influencer Trish Doll found dead in suspected suicide
Arenowned TikTok influencer of Jamaica, Kevon Hamilton, was found dead at a residence on Sixth Street, St Andrew, in Jamaica. According to the information, the 23-year-old transgender was popularly known as “Trish Doll” online, and police suspect that she committed suicide.
It is reported that around 10pm on August 1, police officials from the St Andrew South Police Division were called to a residence located on Sixth Street. Upon arrival, they found the suspended dead body of 23-year-old Kevon Hamilton.
It is not yet clear what led the influencer to commit suicide, and as of now police said that her dead body is lying at the mortuary, awaiting post-mortem examination.
Protesters demonstrate against Trump’s steep tariffs in Brazil
Protesters have gathered on the streets of Brazil to denounce United States (US) President Donald Trump for the steep tariffs he imposed on the country’s exports.
The demonstrations on Friday erupted in cities like Sao Paulo and Brasilia, as residents voiced their anger on the first day of Trump’s latest tariff campaign.
On the streets of Sao Paulo on Friday, protesters burnt a pair of effigies – one representing Trump, the other Bolsonaro, positioned together in an embrace – as well as a sign bearing the US flag.
Placards waved, some featuring Trump with devil horns protruding from his forehead and cartoons of de Moraes flicking Trump his middle finger.
Demonstrators also burnt fake dollar bills that featured Donald Trump’s face outside the US embassy in Brasilia.
Brazil is slated to see some of the highest US tariffs in the world.
Last month, on July 9, Trump announced he planned to hike the import tax on Brazilian products to 50 percent in response to a list of political complaints, chief among them the pros-
ecution of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.
A far-right leader and former army captain who served as president from 2019 to 2023, Bolsonaro faces trial for allegedly attempting to orchestrate a coup d’etat against his successor, current President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who had denounced Bolsonaro for spreading false information about the 2022 election process, ultimately oversaw the investigation into Bolsonaro’s alleged coup attempt, making him a prominent target for Bolsonaro’s supporters.
Trump counts himself among them. In his July 9 letter announcing the tar-
iffs, he drew a line from his tariff hike to Brazil’s treatment of Bolsonaro, alleging that the prosecution was politically motivated.
To defend Bolsonaro, Trump has gone so far as to sanction de Moraes, freezing his US-based assets and revoking his visa.
But critics have accused Trump of seeking to interfere with Brazil’s judicial process. Some have described the tariff hike and the sanctions against de Moraes as a pressure campaign to force Brazilian prosecutors to drop the case against Bolsonaro. De Moraes himself issued a statement, saying Trump’s sanctions would not interfere with his duties.
(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Major drug bust in Cap-Haïtien exposes growing Caribbean trafficking network
Public transportation between Port-de-Paix and Port-au-Prince in Haiti has resumed, but only under the control of those armed gangs who charge steep ransoms at unauthorised checkpoints.
Drivers pay between approximately $400 and $3,000 for one-way trips – ransom fees that now determine access or danger on the 140-mile journey to the capital.
“We may travel again – but from what I saw on the road, it’s not peace of mind we’re buying. It’s a ticket through a war zone,” Manise Renard, a shopkeeper, told The Haitian Times as she arrived in Portde-Paix from Port-au-Prince.
Following her death, locals assumed that Trish Doll, in her last live on July 30, 2025, was referring to her not being treated well after she became transgender, which is why she allegedly committed suicide.
As the investigation into the incident continues, police are questioning everyone who was in close contact with the Jamaican influencer. (Excerpt from WIC News)
Road transport resumes in Haiti’s northwest as gangs ‘tax’ drivers to reach Port-au-Prince
The suspension, which began amid Haiti’s security collapse in 2021, crippled movement and regional trade.
Gangs took over key stretches of National Roads No. 5 and No. 1, halting bus and freight traffic, attacking vehicles, kidnapping passengers, and setting up heavily armed “toll booths” that remain in place today.
Despite these conditions, drivers and transport operators are slowly returning to the roads – many out of economic desperation.
“It’s better to drive again than stay unemployed,” said Myilove Jean-Baptiste, a 35-year-old bus driver and native of Ouanaminthe – a
border town in Haiti’s northeast. “Once we pay what they ask, we can pass without violence.”
Yet for passengers like public market vendor Dina Charles and shopkeeper Daphca Tilus, travel is still an anxious ordeal, despite feeling a sense of relief.
“Every time we stop at a gang checkpoint, we wonder if this is the time they’ll attack,” 28-year-old Tilus, who has been making the road trip to Port-au-Prince to buy beauty products, shoes, and clothes for resale for nine years, said. “They’re armed with high-calibre rifles. We pray as drivers pay.” (Excerpt from The Haitian Times)
Haiti’s Cap-Haïtien police detained three people and seized 425.9 kilograms (kg) of cannabis and 525,245 gourdes, or roughly US$4,000, during a 3:00am raid on a residence in the northern Petite-Anse coastal community on July 27, marking one of the largest cannabis busts in the area this year.
The suspects – Somane Etienne, 60; Guerda Pierre, 38; and Myrlande Fils-Aimé, 34 – were arrested inside the residence, police said. Officers also confiscated three motorcycles, a bicycle, a solar panel, a television, and several cell phones.
The Cap-Haïtien operation comes just nine days after two Haitians – Shelande Dorelien, 27, and Wisler Laveis, 25 – were arrested in Toms River, St Andrew, Jamaica, with over 3,000 pounds of cannabis worth approximately US$58,100, according to the Caribbean National Weekly.
Authorities charged them with trafficking, dealing, and conspiracy to export cannabis.
On July 13, Haitian police seized 1.05 tonnes of cocaine off the northern coast of Tortuga Island – Haiti’s
largest-ever cocaine bust. A Jamaican man was killed and a Bahamian wounded in the operation, authorities confirmed.
The recent uptick in drug trafficking cases suggests Haiti is playing an increasingly central role in Caribbean smuggling routes.
The cannabis and cocaine intercepted over the past two weeks point to growing ties between Haitian operatives and regional networks such as Jamaica’s Shower Posse and other transnational crime syndicates.
Experts warn that increasing youth cannabis use in Haiti, combined with weak border security and widespread corruption, has made the country an ideal hub for trafficking.
Human rights groups have also voiced concerns about drug profits being channelled to gangs controlling large swaths of the capital, the Artibonite Department – a bridge to the north – and the Central Plateau near the border with the Dominican Republic to the east. (Excerpt from The Haitian Times)
Protesters burn effigies of Donald Trump and Jair Bolsonaro outside the US consulate in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on August 1
Trish Doll, TikTok personality
OIL NEWS
India to maintain Russian oil imports despite Trump threats, Government sources say
India will keep purchasing oil from Russia despite US President Donald Trump’s threats of penalties, two Indian Government sources told Reuters on Saturday, not wishing to be identified due to the sensitivity of the matter.
On top of a new 25 per cent tariff on India’s exports to the US, Trump indicated in a Truth Social post last month that India would face additional penalties for purchases of Russian arms and oil. On Friday, Trump told reporters he had heard that India would no longer be buying oil from Russia.
But the sources said there would be no immediate changes.
“These are long-term oil contracts,” one of the sources said. “It is not so simple to just stop buying overnight.”
Justifying India’s oil purchases from Russia, a second source said India’s imports of Russian grades had helped avoid a global surge in oil prices, which have remained subdued despite Western curbs on the Russian oil sector.
Unlike Iranian and Venezuelan oil, Russian crude is not subject to direct sanctions, and India is buying it below the current price cap fixed by the European Union, the source said.
The New York Times also quoted two unnamed senior Indian officials on Saturday as saying there had been no change in Indian Government policy.
The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Around the World
Ex-Mali PM charged over X post supporting jailed critics of military rulers
Aformer prime minister of Mali has been charged with “undermining the credibility of the state” following a social media post about his visits to political prisoners, according to a prosecutor.
Moussa Mara held the post of prime minister for a brief eight months from 2014 until 2015. He was previously summoned for questioning following a July 4 post on X in which he spoke of visiting the prisoners and promising to ensure them justice.
Mara remains in jail with a trial scheduled for September 29. His lawyers condemned the proceedings
in a statement on Friday. Mara’s arrest is the latest in a crackdown on dissent by Mali’s military rul-
ers following the country’s first pro-democracy rally since soldiers seized power nearly four years ago.
Abdoulaye Yaro, a close associate of the former prime minister, told The Associated Press news agency that Mara was arrested after a cybercrime prosecutor ordered his detention pending trial for expressing compassion for people jailed for political beliefs. His lawyer, Mountaga Tall, said on X that the former prime minister faces charges including undermining state authority, inciting public disorder, and spreading false information.
Mara’s legal team is contesting the charges and detention, Tall said. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Republicans slam Trump’s firing of Bureau of Labour Statistics chief
Senior Republican lawmakers are condemning the decision of their party leader, Donald Trump, to fire the leading US labour market statistician after a report that showed the national econo-
UK Man, 76, remanded over ‘drug-laced sweets’ at kids camp
A76-year-old man has appeared in court facing charges related to sweets allegedly laced with sedatives after children fell ill at a summer camp in Leicestershire.
Jon Ruben was arrested as part of a Leicestershire Police investigation after eight children and one adult at the camp at Stathern Lodge, Stathern, were taken to hospital on Monday. All have since been discharged.
Mr. Ruben, of Wayte Court, off Landmere Lane in Ruddington, Nottinghamshire, has been charged with three counts of wilful ill-treatment of a child, relating to three boys, aged eight to 11, between 25 July and 29 July.
Jon Ruben appeared at Leicester Magistrates’ Court on Saturday
The defendant gave no indication of pleas to the charges during the short hearing at Leicester Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.
Mr. Ruben faces charges that he wilfully assaulted, ill-treated, neglected, abandoned, or exposed three boys to unnec-
essary suffering or injury to health.
He was remanded in custody and will appear at Leicester Crown Court on 29 August.
Police said it first received a report that children at a summer camp on the site had become unwell on Sunday. (BBC News)
US appeals court keeps bar on Los Angeles federal immigration arrests
Afederal appeals court late on Friday affirmed a lower court’s decision temporarily barring US Government agents from making immigration-related arrests in Los Angeles without probable cause.
Rejecting the Trump Administration’s request to pause the lower court’s order, the three-judge appeals panel ruled that the plaintiffs would likely be able to prove that federal agents had carried out ar-
rests based on people’ appearance, language, and where they lived or worked.
President Donald Trump called National Guard troops and US Marines into Los Angeles in June in response to protests against the immigration raids, marking an extraordinary use of military force to support civilian police operations within the United States.
The city of Los Angeles and other Southern California municipalities
joined a lawsuit filed in June by the American Civil Liberties Union accusing federal agents of using unlawful police tactics such as racial profiling to meet immigration arrest quotas set by the administration.
A California judge last month blocked the Trump Administration from racially profiling immigrants as it seeks deportation targets and from denying immigrants’ right to access to lawyers during their detention. (Excerpt from Reuters)
my added just 73,000 jobs –far fewer than expected – in July.
The disappointing figures – coupled with a downward revision of the two previous months amounting to 258,000 fewer jobs and data showing that economic output and consumer spending slowed in the first half of the year – point to an overall economic deterioration in the US.
Trump defended his decision to fire US Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS) commissioner Erika McEntarfer.
Without evidence to back his claims, the president wrote on social media that the numbers were “RIGGED in order to make the Republicans, and ME, look bad” and the
US economy was, in fact, “BOOMING” on his watch.
But the firing of McEntarfer, who had been confirmed to her role in January 2024 during Joe Biden’s presidency, has alarmed members of Trump’s own party.
“If the president is firing the statistician because he doesn’t like the numbers but they are accurate, then that’s a problem,” said Wyoming Republican senator Cynthia Lummis. “It’s not the statistician’s fault if the numbers are accurate and they’re not what the president had hoped for.”
Lummis added that if the numbers are unreliable, the public should be told –but firing McEntarfer was “kind of impetuous.”
North Carolina senator
Thom Tillis, a Republican, said, “If she was just fired because the president or whoever decided to fire the director just … because they didn’t like the numbers, they ought to grow up.”
Kentucky senator Rand Paul, another Republican, questioned whether McEntarfer’s firing was an effective way of improving the numbers.
“We have to look somewhere for objective statistics,” he said. “When the people providing the statistics are fired, it makes it much harder to make judgements that, you know, the statistics won’t be politicised.”
According to NBC News, Paul said his “first impression” was that “you can’t really make the numbers different or better by firing the people doing the counting.”
William Beach, a former BLS commissioner appointed by Trump in his first presidency, posted on X that McEntarfer’s firing was “totally groundless.” He added that the dismissal set a dangerous precedent and undermined the BLS’s statistical mission.
(Excerpt from The Guardian)
Hamas denies it expressed willingness to disarm
Hamas has rejected reports that it expressed a willingness to disarm during Gaza ceasefire negotiations with Israel, stressing that it has a “national and legal” right to confront the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory. The Palestinian group responded on Saturday to recent remarks purportedly made by US President Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve
Witkoff, during a meeting with relatives of Israeli captives held in Gaza.
Citing a recording of the talks, Israeli news outlet Haaretz reported that the US envoy told the families that Hamas said it was “prepared to be demilitarised.”
But in a statement, Hamas said, “The resistance and its weapons are a national and legal right as long as the [Israeli] occupation persists.”
That right “cannot be
relinquished until our full national rights are restored, foremost among them the establishment of a fully sovereign, independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital,” it said.
Witkoff met the Israeli captives’ families in Tel Aviv on Saturday, one day after he visited a US- and Israeli-backed aid distribution site run by the controversial GHF in Gaza.
(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Erika McEntarfer
Former Mali Prime Minister Moussa Mara
TAURUS (April 20May 20)
GEMINI (MAY 21June 20)
(June 21July 22)
VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22) (March 21April 19)
Take charge before someone else dictates what you can and cannot do. Discipline and ingenuity will help you outmaneuver anyone who challenges you. Concentrate on what demands the most attention.
Someone in your circle has a hidden agenda. Dealing with issues that concern home, family and children will require your undivided attention. Refuse to let anyone pressure you into making a snap decision.
Pay attention to what’s happening at home and work. Mix business with pleasure, and you’ll multiply your chances to advance personally or professionally.
Take a moment to think before you act. Spontaneity will lead to mistakes and misunderstandings. A change of attitude will encourage better relationships.
LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)
SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)
SAGITTARIUS
(Nov. 23Dec. 21)
(Jan. 20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19) LEO (July 23Aug. 22)
PISCES
(Feb. 20Mar. 20)
Keep an open mind and prepare to act quickly to bring about positive change. It’s up to you to participate if you want to have a say. Your passion will inspire others to lend a hand.
Be careful what you sign up for. Someone will take advantage of you if you are too accommodating. Refuse to let love cost you financially, physically or emotionally.
Look at the job market. Don’t rely on secondhand information or trust someone else to look out for your interests. Take control and do whatever it takes to achieve your desires.
It’s what you do that counts. You can make a difference if put in the effort. Talk is cheap, but actions speak louder than words. Dig in and get to work.
Emotions will surface. Recognize your feelings and use them to instigate what you want to see happen. A positive attitude, combined with a push to move forward, will help you discover who’s in your corner.
Opportunities are apparent, but not all are equal. Listen carefully, but don’t rely on what you hear. Adjust an idea you come across and turn it into something that suits your needs.
A change looks promising. Home improvements will make you want to spend more time in the comfort of your home with the people you love. The sky’s the limit when you believe in yourself.
You can have fun without going overboard. Emotions will escalate if someone shares personal information about you with associates. Anger will lead to regret. Choose peace over discord.
ARIES
Peanuts
Calvin and Hobbes
Pickles
AQUARIUS
CANCER
CAPRICORN
The fate of this Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy will be sealed at The Oval on Sunday. England needs another 324 runs to pull off the second-biggest run chase in their history and win 3-1; India needs eight wickets –or nine, in the improbable event that Chris Woakes walks out to bat one-handed – to square the series. A draw is no longer on the table.
India are the favourite and owe that status to four men: Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored his sixth century and the first of the match; Akash Deep, the night watcher whose maiden Test fifty wore England’s seamers down; Ravindra Jadeja, who passed 500 runs for the series; and Washington Sundar, whose late blitz took the target from 335 to 374 inside five overs.
England has been here before. They chased 371 in the first Test of this series with five wickets in hand and cruised to 378 against India at Edgbaston three years ago without breaking a sweat. A punchy opening stand between Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett shaved 50 runs off the target as the shadows lengthened, and England will not be overawed by scoreboard pressure.
But Crawley’s dismissal in the final over of the day swung the pendulum firmly in India’s favour. It was Mohammed Siraj, the last seamer standing in this series, who delivered a moment of high skill and high drama. With two balls remaining, Siraj pushed Jaiswal back to deep square leg, a bluff to mask the searing 84 mph/135 kph yorker that followed,
and crashed into off stump. It will be a huge test of both teams’ character, skill, and resilience as the series heads into its 24th – and
sence, this was a brutally tough day for their three greenhorn seamers, Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, and Jamie Overton, who
surely final – day. A draw would be a superb achievement for India under new leadership, not least from being 2-1 down and on the ropes in Manchester; for England, a series win would be their first against a “big three” opponent under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum. In Woakes’ ab -
bowled 79 out of 88 overs between them in India’s second innings. Ollie Pope did his best to rotate them, but the workload was immense, particularly without a specialist spinner. Their cause was not helped by six dropped catches, and India profited from their profligacy.
Akash Deep was the unlikely
protagonist of the morning session, seizing an opportunity to chance his arm after seeing out two balls as night watcher on Friday evening. He popped the third ball of the day over mid-on for four and decided to keep on swinging, punching the air and thumping his chest when he reached 50 for only the second time in his professional career. England could have had him twice in two balls: they were convinced that Tongue had trapped him lbw, only for the DRS to uphold umpire Ahsan Raza’s not-out call, and Crawley dropped Tongue’s follow-up at third slip. By the time his leading edge was pouched by Atkinson at point off Overton, Akash Deep had added 107 in partnership with Jaiswal.
Akash Deep’s gleeful hitting cast Jaiswal in an unfamiliar role, playing in his partner’s slipstream. But he continued to inflict death by a thousand cuts on England’s seamers, scoring heavily behind square on the off side and seizing on any width offered. He reached his hundred after lunch by pinching a single into that very same region, bookending his first tour of England with centuries. By that stage, he had lost another partner. Shubman Gill’s fine series ended with the first ball after lunch, which nipped back off the seam and thumped into his knee roll to give Atkinson his seventh of the match.
His overall aggregate – 754 – was second only to Sunil Gavaskar among Indian batters
in a Test series, but his highest score in four innings in London was just 21.
Karun Nair soon became Atkinson’s eighth victim of the Test, edging behind for 17. Nair was struck on the glove first ball and dropped by Harry Brook –whose view was obscured by Crawley diving across him – on 12 before failing to account for Atkinson’s extra bounce. It seems sadly inevitable that his Test comeback will also prove to be his farewell.
Dropped twice on Friday evening, Jaiswal got a third life from Duckett at leg gully but holed out to deep point for 118 soon after.
But India’s lead continued to swell: Jadeja successfully overturned an lbw decision after being struck flush on the right boot and added exactly 50 for the seventh wicket with Dhruv Jurel, as England finally resorted to their occasional spinners.
The pitch had clearly flattened out from the first two days but still offered something to work with. Overton managed to get a 76-over-old ball to swing away and trap Jurel
lbw, and Tongue threatened to end the innings quickly: Brook finally held onto one when Jadeja steered to him on 53, and Siraj was distraught when given out lbw off the inside edge, with India out of reviews.
But Washington went down swinging, as though Brook’s advice in Manchester to “get on with it” was ringing in his ears. He hauled four leg-side sixes in 12 balls, the last of which brought up a 39-ball fifty. By the time he miscued to Crawley at midwicket to give Tongue his fifth wicket, he and Prasidh Krishna (0 off 2) had put on 39 vital runs for the 10th wicket.
Duckett and Crawley were left with 14 overs to lay a foundation for England, and Gill was clearly desperate to avoid a repeat of their freewheeling stand in the first innings, posting a deep point from the outset to stem the flow of runs. If it initially seemed curious that Siraj was held back to first change, then his crucial strike vindicated Gill’s decision to give him a single, late burst. (ESPNcricinfo)
Gus Atkinson trapped Shubman Gill in front on the first ball after lunch (Getty Image)
Zak Crawley reacts to being dismissed (Getty Image)
Sai Sudharsan, Mohammed Siraj, and KL Rahul celebrate Crawley’s wicket (Getty Image)
Some 54 Guyanese athletes are gearing up to represent Guyana in six disciplines at the upcoming Junior Pan American Games in Paraguay, billed for August 9 to 23, 2025.
The Junior Pan American Games, an international multisport competition for athletes in the Americas between the ages of 17 and 22, is in its second edition and is run by PanAm Sports.
The young athletes will compete in swimming, weightlifting, badminton, hockey, archery, and athletics.
At an event on Saturday, the president of the Guyana Olympic Association, Godfrey Munroe, outlines his expectations for the Guyanese team’s participation in this year’s competition.
“In terms of expectation of what we believe, it is commendable that these athletes and we have such
a big delegation representing multiple disciplines representing Guyana. It shows that the sport is truly progressing because, as you know, it’s the continental championships, and all this bodes well for the future because these are the future representatives of athletics
that will transition to the senior level, so from the association point of view, we’re keen to support them. All logistical arrangements are in place, like uniforms, travel, and things of that nature.”
Munroe added that the welfare of the athletes remains a top priority at the
Young Reg 9 footballers benefit from sensitisation training
More than 50 children – along with coaches representing clubs that collectively reach more than 120 children – 446 players recently participated in a dynamic two-day sensitisation training focused on child protection, child safeguarding, and the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA).
The sessions saw participants from St Ignatius, Nappi, Moco Moco, Culvert City, Tabatinga, and a Venezuelan migrant community in Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo).
Led by UNICEF in collaboration with the Rights of the Child CommissionGuyana (RCC) and the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), the sessions represent a significant milestone in the ongoing Youth Empowerment Strategy through Football Initiative, first launched in Georgetown in April 2025.
From consent to reporting, these sessions are building safer fields and stronger futures, as every child has the right
have Miss Garraway, who has an educational background.”
Coach of the Athletics Association Mark Anthony Scott outlines some of the areas his team will be participating in at the Pan American Games.
against some of the world’s best in the upcoming tournament.
event. “So, for this edition of the games, I think PanAm Sports wanted to introduce, and we were given the task of selecting a representative and a welfare officer, and we
“We have 10 members of the athletics team that are going to PanAm in Paraguay for various events. Anisca will be doing the javelin, and Malachi will be doing the 400m. We also have Shamar, who will be doing the 200m, and Trevon Hamer, who will be doing the long and triple jump, and there will be a 4×4 men’s team and a 4×4 mixed team.”
Captain of the Female Field Hockey Team, Sarah Klautky is very enthusiastic about her side going up
“My preparations for this tournament have been quite different from the ones I had before because I know I live abroad and have experience playing in England, so my skills have developed, and my thought process thinking during the games has developed.”
She further stated that “as for the team here, training with the girls has been a wonderful experience; they work really hard, they all push themselves, and it really has been a good experience leading up towards the tournament.”
Guyana is expected to depart shortly for a tournament that is slated to begin on August 9 and end on August 23.
Pakistan’s home series against Ireland postponed to 2027
Pakistan’s home series against Ireland has been postponed to 2027 due to scheduling concerns. The white-ball series, which comprises three T20Is and three ODIs, will no longer be held in its current September-October window.
While it was initially expected to be moved further out in the season, ESPNcricinfo has learnt it will instead be removed from this home season altogether and moved to the next one, with both boards looking at alternate dates in 2027.
The series, which would have been the Irish men’s first visit to Pakistan, was initially announced in May 2024. At the time, it was expected to take place in the early part of Pakistan’s home season in 2025. When the PCB released its official season schedule, the series against Ireland was slotted in for September-October. At the time of writing, that remains the official schedule for the series on the PCB website.
However, that window has become increasingly congested for Pakistan, who are currently playing a white-ball series against the West Indies. At the end of this month, they take part
in a tri-series involving the UAE and Afghanistan.
More significantly, the Asia Cup, the schedule and status of which were increasingly uncertain following a brief skirmish between India and Pakistan in May, was announced last week; it runs from September 9 to 28. With South Africa touring Pakistan for two tests in early October, the window for the series against Ireland shrunk untenably.
“We wanted to balance content and planning better across the two seasons,” PCB’s international cricket department told ESPNcricinfo. “It made more sense for us both to spread the fixtures further out, as we already have substantial content leading into the Asia Cup and then the World Cup.”
Pakistan have a busy white-ball schedule this season with the T20 World Cup early next year. They have made little secret of their desire to play as much T20 cricket as possible, initially increasing the number of T20Is to a home series against Bangladesh at the expense of ODIs before scheduling concerns resulted in their scrapping.
They were also under-
stood to be keen to turn the ongoing series against the West Indies to be T20-only, though ESPNcricinfo understands there were other considerations behind that move. In addition, the T20I series against Afghanistan will now be a tri-series, adding further short-form fixtures to their calendar.
Ireland do not have a fixture clash around the time the series was set to be played, though ESPNcricinfo understands the decision to postpone is mutual. (Cricinfo)
Facilitators engaging young athletes
Pakistan National Team
GOA Members and Guyana Athletes
Meeting between GOA members and Athletes
Stage set for grand finale as 4 teams eye Kares T10 2025 Championship
The third edition of the Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast reaches its crescendo today, Sunday, August 3, as the national finals are staged at the National Stadium, Providence. The action-packed day is set to crown a new champion from four formidable teams, each boasting the quality to lift the coveted trophy.
The intensity of the competition is palpable. All four remaining sides have navigated a path through approximately 80 teams across Guyana to reach this ultimate stage.
The zone champions – Mahdia (Movements Family) from Essequibo, Titans All-Stars from East Coast Demerara/ Georgetown, Montra Jaguars from Berbice, and Eccles All-Stars from East Bank/West Demerara – are all vying for national supremacy.
The cricketing spectacle begins with the first semi-final at 15:30h, pitting defending champions Titans All-Stars against Mahdia (Movements Family). This will be followed at 17:00h by the Montra Jaguars taking on the 2023 champions, the Eccles AllStars.
The grand finale, which will determine the ultimate champion of the Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast, will commence at 19:30h.
Adding to the day’s excitement, a female exhibition match will take place at 13:30h, showcasing the growing talent in women’s tapeball cricket. Later, at 18:30h, a star-studded exhibition match will feature prom-
inent figures, including Minister Charles Ramson Jr, Kerwin Bollers, West Indies player Tevin Imlach, DJ Stress, Rawle Ferguson, and WR Reaz.
The stakes are considerably higher in the national final, with teams vying for a massive $1.7 million grand prize in addition to the $300,000 zone prize they have already collected.
with a host of prizes up for grabs, including MVP ($150,000 + motorcycle), Most Runs ($100,000 + trophy + TV), Most Wickets ($100,000 + trophy + TV), Man-of-the-National Final ($75,000 + trophy + TV), Highest Strike Rate ($35,000), and Best Economy ($35,000).
More than 60 horses to battle at Kennards' Memorial horse race today
Some of the top horses in the country will assemble on the Corentyne Coast at Kennards’ Memorial Turf Club, Bush Lot, East Berbice, today, Sunday, August 3. Organisers have confirmed more than 60 horses will be battling it out on the six-race programme.
Fans should expect a gripping contest with the modified track being in pristine condition.
The feature event is the E Open, with horses running one mile, and more than five million in cash and prizes will be up for taking.
The top horse in the E Open will bag GY$500,000. Other races on the card include the H & Lower race, the K & Lower race, the L Open, the two-year-old Guyana bred open, and the three-
year-old Guyana bred.
Horses in the H and Lower will run seven furlongs, and the top prize is GY$400,000. The K and Lower horses will run five furlongs, and the winning horse will walk away with GY$300,000. The L Open race is a six-furlong battle, and the winning prize is similar to the K and lower events.
The two-year-old racers will run five furlongs, and the three-yearold racers will run seven furlongs. For both races, the top cash prize is GY$300,000.
These races are being run under the rules of Kennards’ Memorial Turf Club.
If there are less than five horses entered for any event, the club reserves the right to cancel or reframe the said event or reduce the prize money
after consulting with the horse’s owners.
Five horses are to start before a third prize will be paid. Seven horses are to start before a fourth prize is to be paid. If only four horses start, the prize money will be reduced by 25 percent. If only three horses start, the prize will be reduced by 40 percent.
Historically, Kennards’ Memorial Turf Club boasted a fast-drying surface, and as such, a lot of horses have been working out ahead of this race and the Guyana Cup. The Guyana Cup is set for Sunday, August 17, at Rising Sun Turf Club.
Importantly, the organisers at Kennards’ Memorial Turf Club will host the Boxing Day race, which is set for December 26, 2025. The race starts at 13:00h local time today.
The national runner-up won’t go home empty-handed, pocketing $700,000 with a trophy and medals, while even the losing semi-finalists will be rewarded $300,000 each.
Individual brilliance won’t go unnoticed either,
While admission is free, the organisers have indicated that coolers, firearms, and glass bottles are not allowed into the stands.
The main seating area will be the Green Stand, overflowing into the Red Stand. Parking is also free, and patrons are asked to access gate two for parking.
Titans All-Stars: Leon Johnson (captain), Christopher Barnwell (vice-captain), Kemol Savoury, Keemo Paul, Jonathan Van Lange, Nkosi Barker, Paul Wintz, Trevor Benn, Daniel Ross, Quentin Sampson, Sachin Singh, Shemroy Barrington, Clinton Pestano, and Ronaldo Alimohamed Mahdia (Movements Family): Raydon Austin (captain), Ricardo Adams, Ershaad Ali, Suresh Dhani, Deonarine Seegobin, Ryan Adams, Gavin Moriah, Nizam Khan, Andy Lall, Floy Joseph, Andre Gibson, Mark Gonsalves, Martin Singh, and Tyrone Narine Montra Jaguars: Jonathan Foo (captain), Anthony Bramble (vice-captain), Ramnaresh Sarwan, James Kimai Jr, Nial Smith, Raymond Perez, Devendra Latchman, Kevlon Anderson, Parmesh Parsotam, Gavin Singh, Kevin Warner, Joshua Persaud, Rivaldo Philips, Sachin Singh, and Imtiaz Ghanie Eccles All-Stars: Keshan Persaud (captain), Akeim Vieira (vice-captain), Jonte Thomas, Kevon Joseph, Deion Thomas, Quazim Yusuf, Ayodha Joseph, Rajendra Dhanraj, Troy Gonsalves, Devon Paul, Nandkumar, Ramanan, Oscar Joseph, Damion Vantull, Dhaniram Ramkhlawan, and Anthony Antonio.
Raekwon Noel set 2 new national records at World Aquatics Championships
Raekwon Noel wrapped up his campaign at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore with standout performances, setting two new national records for Guyana.
Competing alongside teammate Aleka Persaud, Noel represented Guyana at the international meet, which featured elite swimmers from around the
world. Already holding the national records in the 100 metre (m) and 200m butterfly, Noel continued to raise the bar.
In the 200m butterfly, he shattered his previous mark of 2:02.52 – set at the PanAm Aquatics Championships – by posting a time of 1:59.89. Although he won his heat, the time fell just short of semi-final qualification.
In the 100m butterfly, Noel again broke his own record, improving from 54.00 seconds to 53.91, earning a fourth-place finish in his heat. Noel, who is a student-athlete at Indiana University in the United States, in May clinched gold in the 100m and 200m butterfly, 400m freestyle, and 100m backstroke at the Pan Aquatics Championships in Colombia.
Raekwon Noel
Some 60 horses will be out battling at Kennards’ Memorial Turf Club
The calm before the storm: The four captains pose with the Kares T10 Championship Trophy
With the highly anticipated Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) set to bowl off on August 14, the Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) have made strategic adjustments to their squad in light of an injury setback and a short-term player absence.
New Zealand all-rounder Glenn Phillips has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury.
Phillips, known for his explosive batting and versatility with the ball, was expected to play a crucial role in the Warriors’ campaign. His absence is a significant blow to the side, but GAW have acted swiftly to reinforce their line-up.
In his place, the franchise has signed Ben McDermott, a powerful top-order batsman from Australia. McDermott is coming off a strong performance with the Hobart Hurricanes in the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSLT20), where he
showcased his destructive hitting and com posure under pressure.
With 2,782 runs in 99 Big Bash League (BBL) innings at an impressive strike rate of 138.41, including a career-best 127, McDermott brings both experience and firepower to the Warriors’ batting unit.
In addition to McDermott’s inclusion, the Warriors have made a temporary replacement to cover for the absence of Hassan
first three matches. Stepping in is seasoned Pakistani all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed.
Iftikhar is no stranger to the CPL atmosphere and brings a wealth of experience across T20 leagues worldwide. He recently represented the Rangpur Riders in the Guyana Super League, where he impressed with his consistent performances.
A dynamic middle-order batter and capa-
Exxon’s Future Warriors Tapeball Tournament
Cropper Primary, located in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), delivered a commanding performance to emerge as the Champions of Champions in the ExxonMobil’s Future Warriors Tapeball tournament, which concluded on Saturday at the National Stadium in Providence.
Saturday’s national finals saw the three county champions – Cropper Primary (Berbice), Grove Primary (Demerara), and CV Nunes Primary (Essequibo – battle for national supremacy.
The display of budding talent from all three teams was a pleasing sight, showcasing the depth of youth cricket in Guyana. Cropper Primary was the dominant force, winning both matches to claim the title deservedly.
In their opening encounter, Cropper Primary posted a formidable 117 for no loss in eight overs against C.V. Nunes Primary. The innings was spearheaded by Jayden
ble off-spinner, Iftikhar is especially known for his aggressive stroke play, boasting a career strike rate of 130 in international T20s. His presence will add much-needed depth and balance to the squad during Khan’s brief absence.
The updated Guyana Amazon Warriors squad for CPL 2024 is as follows: Imran Tahir (Captain), Shimron Hetmyer, Romario Shepherd, Shai Hope, Ben McDermott, Gudakesh Motie, Moeen Ali, Shamar Joseph, Keemo Paul, Dwaine Pretorius, Shamar Brooks, Kemol Savoury, Hassan Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Jediah Blades, Kevlon Anderson, Quentin Sampson, and Riyad Latif.
With the CPL drawing closer, the Warriors will be eager to build early momentum and capitalise on the strength of their revised squad. The blend of seasoned internationals and emerging local talent positions them as strong contenders for this year’s title.
Cropper Primary storms to Champions of Champions title
Garner, who hammered an eye-catching 66 not out off just 22 balls, including six maximums and five fours.
He was ably supported by Anthony Fagelal, who contributed an unbeaten 37 off
23 deliveries, striking three fours and three sixes. In response, CV Nunes struggled to keep pace, reaching 53 for 4 from their allotted eight overs, with Kaysean Doodnauth top-scoring with
19. Khusal Seepaul was the pick of the Cropper bowlers, claiming 3 for 6 from his two overs. Against Grove Primary, Cropper continued their aggressive batting, racking up
another imposing total of 93 for 3.
Fagelal was once again a key contributor, making 48 off 35 balls, while Tejpaul Persaud added a quickfire 24 off 11 deliveries.
Roles Melville bowled well for Grove, taking 2 for 8, but his team›s batting faltered in the chase. Despite a spirited 32 off 17 balls from Joshua Ramotar, Grove could not reach the target. In the other match of the day, CV Nunes Primary posted a strong 122 for no loss against Grove Primary, with Zach Madholall (41*) and Vidal Narine (39*) leading the charge. Grove gave a spirited effort in response but fell short at 75 for 6, with Wayne Green (26), Sherwin Bunbury (15), and Daniel France (14*) making contributions. Kavroy Garrway took 2 for 9, and Madholall returned to claim 2 for 15 for C.V. Nunes. As champions, Cropper Primary has earned a unique opportunity: they will now face the Guyana Amazon Warriors in a novelty match during the home leg of the Caribbean Premier League, scheduled from September 6 to 14.
Australian power hitter Ben McDermott
Pakistani all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed
The victorious Cropper Primary, along with officials from ExxonMobil Guyana and FL Sport
