The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Sunday, July 13 – 05:45h-07:15h and Monday, July 14 – 03:55h-05:25h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Sunday, July 13 – 5:50h-7:20h and Monday, July 14 – No Closure.
Parika and Supenaam departure times –05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily
he Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is currently finalising arrangements for the holding of Nomination Day on Monday, when political parties contesting the September 1, 2025, General and Regional Elections are expected to submit their lists of candidates.
On Monday, July 14, the parties are required to make
adhere and respect the established protocols.
“GECOM is coordinating all logistical and procedural arrangements to ensure a smooth, transparent and inclusive nomination process in line with the legal framework and established guidelines as planned for Nomination Day at Umana Yana,” Saturday’s statement detailed.
However, GECOM has since issued letters to the political parties informing them of their respective placement as to when they would be allowed to enter the Umana Yana to make their submissions.
Guyana Times was made to understand that the People’s National Congressled A Partnership for
metres.
their submissions to Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Vishnu Persaud, between 10:00h and 14:00h at the Umana Yana in Kingston, Georgetown.
Among the documents to be submitted are a Geographical Constituency List, a National Top-Up List and a Regional Democratic Council List.
So far, GECOM has approved the symbols of 21 political parties that have signalled their interest in contesting the upcoming elections.
According to GECOM in a statement on Saturday, Nomination Day is a critical milestone in the electoral calendar.
It noted that all political parties are encouraged to submit their lists during the designated period. The CEO will be on-site to receive submissions, verify documents, and provide guidance on any clarifications as required.
Upon the successful submission of a complete nomination package, GECOM said it will issue an acknowledgment to the parties.
The Elections Commission noted that the process will be conducted with strict adherence to electoral procedures, considering order of arrival, document verification, and stakeholder coordination.
“GECOM will provide a structured environment conducive to the peaceful and respectful participation of all contesting political entities. GECOM requests respect for the democratic process and contribution to a peaceful and dignified atmosphere throughout the day,” the missive stated.
To this end, the Elections Commission is encouraging all parties and supporters to
Smaller parties dissatisfied
But even as preparations are underway for the smooth flow, and GECOM’s calls for cooperation, several small political parties that are contesting the upcoming polls have expressed their dissatisfaction over the order in which they have been placed by the Commission to hand in their lists.
Since last week, several political parties had camped out outside the Umana Yana compound to secure their spot for Nomination Day.
National Unity (APNU) was given the first spot, while the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is second, the Alliance for Change (AFC) is third and the Assembly for Liberty and Prosperity (ALP) given fourth place.
“Having communicated formally with the Chairman and Commissioners on this matter, and in an attempt to give a semblance of orderly conduct on Nomination Day, the Chief Election Officer had decided to allocate second place to the party that laud claim to this spot,” the letter indicated.
But AFC Leader, Nigel Hughes; ALP Leader, Simona Broomes and Forward Guyana Movement Leader, Amanza Walton-Desir, held a press briefing on Saturday to complain about their placement lower in the order. They said this could disadvantage them, especially if there are defects in their lists, in which case, they would have less time to make the changes that could require them to having to travel to remote hinterland areas to correct. Parties will have until July 17 to submit their corrections to GECOM.
However, it was pointed out to these leaders that the same practice was used in 2020. But the leaders sought to defend their current objections despite it pointed out to them that the then APNU+AFC Coalition regime – of which they were all members of at the time and have since broken ties – was positioned in the first spot despite not being on site.
In the letter issued to the parties, GECOM explained that it does not have formal procedures on the order in which parties arrive to make their submissions. However, it was confronted with a situation where three parties had camped out outside the Umana Yana while one other party had submitted a photograph of its presence out the venue since Monday last to secure its second-place spot. That latter party, according to GECOM, did not stay at the venue after realising that GECOM had not yet taken possession of the facility.
Editor: Tusika Martin
News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544
223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 225-7761
Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707
Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Industrial Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown
Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com
With elections just a month and a half away, it is very evident that the premises of the politics of Guyana have changed significantly. Long described as “ethnic censuses”, the elections of 2011, 2015 and 2020 displayed an increasing degree of fluidity that suggests while the ethnic factor remains important, ethnicity is no longer “political destiny”. In the expansion of post-WWII democratic norms, ethnicity was one of several identity markers, like religion and tribal affiliation, that went against the individualistic premises of liberalism’s freefloating individuals who make rational choices to navigate their social world.
"Identity politics" posits there is no such thing as an "individual" personality outside of society. The feral children left on their own in jungles prove that even those “traits” assumed to be “human” have to be transmitted socially. “Individuals” are always the product of particular social environments that strongly influence the world views of those in those environments. In Guyana, the marker that was activated in the mobilisation for votes in democratic elections was “ethnicity”, which is related to culture and place of origin. “Ethnic politics” was born in Guyana, and by the 1960s we ended up with three major parties that represented the three major ethnic blocks –PPP (Indian Guyanese), PNC (African/Mixed Guyanese) and UF (Portuguese and Amerindians).
However, the same democratic imperative of agglomerating the highest possible numbers of voters to accede to office and power makes the size of the various ethnic groups in a society critical to the specific form of politics practised. If one ethnic group forms an absolute majority, as in Singapore, much smaller groups will pragmatically become accommodative to the larger group. In Guyana, however, the two major blocs approached each other in size, and the African/Mixed-backed PNC, with support from the key state coercive and bureaucratic institutions, never conceded legitimacy to the Indian majority-supported PPP. When, for its own strategic reasons, the US allowed the PNC to gain power, it turned a blind eye to the latter’s rigging elections – along with its supporters.
However, while the PPP returned to office in 1992 via “free and fair” elections, the demographic breakdown between the several ethnic groups inexorably changed because of massive but differential emigration since the 1960s. No single group controlled an absolute majority: Guyana had become a nation of minorities. As such, a new kind of politics was demanded – a politics of downplaying ethnicity and reaching across the divides. This was exemplified in the 2011 election, where the PPP could only muster a plurality of votes to secure the presidency and government, but the Opposition APNU and AFC controlled a majority in the National Assembly.
Logic dictated the latter two parties form a pre-election coalition, which they did to win the 2015 elections. However, APNU lost the new plot and, against all political logic, marginalised their AFC partner and alienated the Indian Guyanese votes they had brought in by shuttering four sugar estates. In the meantime, the PPP had intensified its historic courtship of “outside” votes and won the 2020 elections with 50.7% even though its Indian base had dwindled to less than 39%. From the word “go”, they showed that they understood the new political logic and, on a “One Guyana” platform, launched a developmental agenda that ostentatiously courted support from the PNC’s traditional African/Mixed constituency. Very high-profile and well-publicised direct injections of funds and projects were initiated in all communities.
In the meantime, the PNC/APNU and now the ATC have doubled down on the old racial/ethnic cleavages, even though they cannot obtain a majority to form a government without “outside votes”. The second factor playing out is the “non-ethnic” voter “swing voters” who vote on issues and governmental performance. They have now become significant on account of the new demographics where no single ethnic group commands a majority. Some believe that a new party by a US-sanctioned playboy tax dodger will pick up some of those crossovers but at best might hive off votes from the beleaguered APNU/PNC and AFC.
The PPP’s demonstrated equitable developmental programme will deliver victory.
Guyanese must unite and fight for free and fair elections! Draw inspiration from Ballot Box Martyrs!
Dear Editor, On July 16, we will be commemorating the brutal murder of our two exemplary comrades: Bholanauth Parmanand and Jagan Ramessar. These two young men were ruthlessly and brutally gunned down as they were among their villagers who were struggling for free and fair elections in Guyana.
On that fatal day, July 16, 1973, fifty-two years ago, Permanand and Ramessar were shot and killed by a Guyana Defence Force (GDF) officer.
Guyanese were fully aware of the People’s National Congress’ (PNC) wicked approach to national and regional elections, specifically, their heinous intentions to rig them.
Investigations by the Justice Dhanessar Jhappan Commission of Inquiry revealed the high likelihood of a PPP victory if the elections were run in a free and fair manner. The commission cited the massive public meetings held by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and the overwhelming public display of support for Dr Cheddi Jagan as evidence of this. The PNC, in order to ensure their victory by any means necessary, deployed the security forces, both army and police, to all parts of the country.
In addition to the regular strength at the police stations in Berbice, a battalion was deployed from the GD under Captain Johnson. The PNC was fully prepared to rig the 1973 national elections.
Captain Johnson had his headquarters in the compound of the Central Police Station in New Amsterdam. His men were further broken up into smaller groups, and a platoon under the command
of Lieutenant Henry was sent to the Upper Corentyne on June 7, 1973.
The section consisted of two sergeants, three corporals, five lance corporals and nine privates; that is twenty men, including Lieutenant Henry. The platoon pitched camp at No. 51 Backdam and remained there until the 19th of June, 1973. From there they went to Plantation Skeldon, remaining there until the 27th of June, 1973, when they moved on to No. 63 and bivouacked on the beach. On the 14th of July, 1973, they left No. 63 Beach and set up camp in the compound of the No. 51 Police Station.
They had with them self-loading rifles, submachine guns, tear smoke grenades and steel helmets.
Bholanauth Parmanand and 18-year-old Jagan Ramessar were shot by armed agents of the PNC dictatorship at No. 63 Village, Corentyne, during the 1973 elections while peacefully protesting the illegal removal of the ballot boxes from the place of poll at the end of voting. Berbicians were protesting the PNC/Army hijacking of the ballot boxes.
Yours truly worked on that polling day at West Demerara Secondary School in Pouderoyen, and as we were coming out at 5:30 a.m. I recalled seeing GDF soldiers crawling along the roadside with their guns.
A physical manifestation of the PNC’s heinous intention to terrorise the population was unleashed in the form of thugs, police and the army. It is not by chance that Private London of the GDF in 1999 was later known to Guyanese as “Blackie”! He was one of the masterminds
among the criminal gangs that terrorised the Guyanese people. “Blackie” was killed in a shootout with the police, and the PNC draped his coffin with the national flag and gave him a PNC farewell funeral.
On the 16th of July 1973, with Corporal Collins and Privates McKenzie, Layne and London (Blackie) of the GDF; Sergeant Ross and Police Constable Seecharran of the Police Force; Lieutenant Henry took along with him tear smoke, grenades, respirators, steel helmets, two submachine guns, rifles and bayonets. He himself was armed with one of the submachine guns. Corporal Collins had the other.
The PNC thugs, with all their armed might, descended on the Corentyne with the clear intention to take full control of the ballot boxes and remove the representatives of the other three political parties from around the ballot boxes.
Bholanauth Parmanand was killed, and his dear wife and four children had to endure the death of the breadwinner of their home as their loving husband and father was ripped from them in the most brutal manner possible.
Young Jagan Ramessar was shot and killed, and the army threw him in their vehicle and drove him around as he was kicked and stamped upon. He was paraded to send a message of fear and threats to the people in Berbice.
Approximately five hours later, after his corpse was unspeakably desecrated, he was taken to New Amsterdam Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Jagan Ramessar, only eighteen years old, was brutally murdered, and his parents
and other relatives are today still crying.
Parmanand’s immediate family and his comrades, fifty-two years later, still vividly recall the unbelievably brutal and monstrous debacle that was the 1973 elections. My dear comrade Rishi Ram Motie and his friends tearfully recounted for me what they witnessed on that fatal day. Motie suffered a broken nose. His body was black and blue as he was cuffed and kicked. Scores of persons were badly beaten and threatened. Families were humiliated and separated. Rishi Ram Mote was a genuine activist with the PPP.
During the campaign before July 16th, it was clear that the PPP meetings attracted massive support while the PNC had a sprinkling of people. Motie, as he sobbed, told me that when the election results were announced and the PNC was the winning party, nobody accepted the results.
The PNC terrorists continued to terrorise Berbicians, as hundreds of people fled their homes and went across to Suriname, while others went into hiding for weeks and months. As a result, thousands of Berbicians and other Guyanese were forced to leave Guyana.
Guyanese must never forget that many eminent persons, such as Dr Walter Rodney, were assassinated and murdered during the dark days of the PNC rule. Today, we must draw strength, unite and work together for the maintenance and further development of the democracy we now enjoy.
Dear Editor, The PPP/C swears, as the dear members proudly wear the colourful red, that they have nothing to fear as the election date gets near. Come Sunday, the panoramic Kitty Market Square will be transformed with the kaleidoscopic faces into an impressive view, outnumbering the poor, porous and petty turnout at the Cuffy Square. The thrilling turnouts at Leonora, Everest, the Arthur Chung Centre and Albion did send a chill down the spines of promising potential presidential possibilities.
But of course, September 1st will decide, dictate and de-
termine who will be the rooster to roost. Will the CCJ enjoy another round of paid, painful and pleasurable bellyfuls of laughs again? The PNC will need 34 seats (their maths) to walk away with the coveted prize. Ask any Guyanese, and she or he will tell you that it’s not about getting the first jump in the race or where you are during the race but how and where you will finish the race. The PNC (all peas of the same pod) launched their hope, aspiring to accomplish a dream. Looks like they were out at lunch instead. Some 7,000 votes will be required to win a seat. The
crowd fell short of that number, possibly refusing to be associated with the sore sight of a PNC miscreant in the background…. Durban Park, that colossal reminder of corruption representing the missing monumental $600 million! The PAC is cringing, figuring how to hide the PNC’s fingering with figures!
The PNC’s election campaign kicked off with hot air, water balloons and Kool-Aid. The executive forgot Haile Selassie’s advice: “A house built on granite and a strong foundation, not even the onslaught of pouring rain, gushing torrents and strong winds will be able to pull it down.” False ho-
pes, empty promises and illusive dreams are abstracts which will only distract and not attract conscientious Guyanese. A dismembered PNC is in disarray and has lost distinguished members who have disassociated themselves from poverty, nakedness and corruption. The leader has started off on the wrong foot with the other foot in his mouth.
Sugar is very close to Guyanese hearts. It sweetens the tongue and provides food for the stomach. It also swings the head and makes the foot wobbly. The PNC is singing the same tune from 2015, but again this time, Guyanese
Dear Editor,
Reading Henry Jeffrey’s letter “Ethnic Audit and Inclusivity” of 7/7/25 and Christopher Ram’s letter “Norton’s Resurgent APNU and Mohamed’s Challenge for the Presidency” of 7/8/25 leaves one with the impression that these are supercilious treatises in search of political acclaim and racist acquiescence.
Each, apparently bent on cultivating in the minds of AfroGuyanese, a bigoted adherence to political partisanship that derides moral and ethical neutrality. In treading this path, Henry Jeffrey went further than Christopher Ram with his advocations of Afro-centric racism, incitement of hostilities, and virulent attack on the PPP. Supportive evidence for these assertions finds authenticity in the following content analysis of Jeffrey’s and Ram’s letters.
Henry Jeffrey, in his thirteen-paragraph letter laced with Afro-centric racism, claims that the PPP is an ‘oligarchy’ that has “deliberately suffocated every area of social life over which Africans have had meaningful control” and “severely decapitalised African Guyanese”. And that “… in 2020, the PPP restarted its programme of pauperising Africans and enhancing the financial position of its own supporters.”
To support his claims, Jeffrey failed to provide validating information on the numeric and ethnic composition of individuals constituting the oligarchy, nor did he present any verifiable factual and substantive evidence of the current PPP/C’s government ‘suffocation or severe decapitalisation’ or ‘pauperisation’ of Afro-Guyanese.
Jeffrey did present some data on wages. However, if he
considers his analyses of wage and GDP figures as evidence of the PPP’s “suffocation and decapitalisation of Afro-Guyanese”, that would be tantamount to analytical absurdity. Here is why: Jeffrey presented figures on “money wage” increases for the years 1980 to 1989. During these years the PNC government was in office. And, while he claimed “money wages” increased from $11.55 in 1980 to $35.89 in 1989, Jeffrey omitted that the daily wage increases during this period amounted to an average of $2.43 when annualised over the ten-year period.
Furthermore, if Jeffrey considers his comparison of Guyana’ teachers’ salaries with those of the U.S., Saudi Arabia, Portugal, and Lithuania, then it may be a poignant reminder that one must be mindful of comparing non-equivalent groups – in this case, countries – due to problems of internal validity (bias), not to mention the variability in the years of his comparison, for example, Guyana (year unknown), Saudi Arabia (2023), and Lithuania (2024).
Admittedly, Henry Jeffrey is a very intelligent individual. This, however, is not reflected in his incendiary statements that the “… governments must come to understand that they cannot, without serious consequences [my emphasis], illegally use the state to punish sections of the population that do not succumb to their political will.” And that, “The PPP must not, in this 21st century, be allowed to get away with its deliberate efforts to pauperise modern African Guyanese …”
Furthermore, in his promotion of Afrocentric racism, Jeffrey made clear his distaste
for Indo-Guyanese. He spouted, “Indians control the private sector and gain the bulk of government contracts. Therefore, what the Indian community loses by being a part of the public service is more than compensated for by their being dominant in the private sector.”
Could it be that Jeffrey’s own racism obscures the obvious reality that private sector Indo-Guyanese do not share their wealth with members of their communities, though some do occasionally assist needy friends and family members?
This brings me to Christopher Ram.
In the opening paragraphs of his letter, Christopher Ram appears to glamorise his support for Afro-Guyanese racism by hailing Norton’s revival of the PNC as if it is the “Coming of an Afro-Guyanese Messiah”.
Ram claims, without providing any evidence, that Norton has the support of the 217,920 Afro-Guyanese. And, after lavishing Norton with praise for selecting Juretha Fernandes as his “prime ministerial candidate”, Ram proclaims that the ticket “has the capacity to organise, mobilise and galvanise its support base.”
This, he did, while launching an incoherent negative attack on current Prime Minister Mark Philips. Suddenly, in contrast to his lauding of the Norton-Juretha ticket, Ram seems conflicted, for he said, “The ticket made some expansive promises … premised on higher petroleum … [and that] it will need to rely on more than production.”
This is like a backhanded slap to the face after heaping praise on the “Ticket”. Having
praised Norton, Ram focused his attack on the PPP/C for its distribution of cash grants, followed by a feeble-minded attempt to discredit Vice President Jagdeo, whom he claims drifted “from being a critic” to being an “enabler” of Exxon.
Turning to Azruddin Mohamed, Ram compared him to Walter Rodney – a preposterous comparison of the world-renowned and respected historian with a politically inexperienced wealthy individual known for his possession of fast expensive cars unsuited for Guyana’s roadways and whose distribution of gift donations makes one wonder if it indicates a distorted behavioural expression of Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People”.
In toto, Jeffrey’s and Ram’s presentations reek with overt racism and ethnic indifference. Perhaps both individuals may benefit by heeding the consequences of racist clamours from Uganda’s late president Idi Amin, who mercilessly disenfranchised Indians, which resulted in crippling his country’s economy and retarding its development.
Given this reality, one wonders whether Jeffrey and Ram think that Afro-Guyanese stand to achieve greater social and economic success through the disenfranchisement of IndoGuyanese.
Perhaps both men would gain from pondering the message of Dr Martin Luther King’s sermon on Gandhi in which he said: “[Gandhi] was a man of love [who fell] at the hands of a man of hate”.
Yours sincerely,
Narayan Persaud, PhD Professor Emeritus
We must ensure that Bholanauth Parmanand and Jagan Ramessar are remembered, that their sacrifices, which inspired us to rally with Comrade Cheddi Jagan’s People’s Progressive Party, continue to motivate us to protect the hard-won democracy we enjoy today.
We must never forget that the Guyana Elections Commission was fully under Burnham/PNC control. Several attempts were made to rig the elections by the PNC rulership in the year 2020. However,
through the stewardship and guidance of Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, our country united, and with the assistance of international observers, democracy prevailed, and the PPP obtained its rightful position as the ruling party of our country to date. As we are preparing for national and regional elections this year, let us work resolutely to ensure free and fair elections.
All the alleged riggers who are before the court for the shameful events that unfolded after the 2020 elections
must face the full force of the law. It is indeed most shameful to know that the PNC/APNU riggers who kept their knees on our peoples’ throats for five long months are still awaiting trial for their attempt to steal the Government.
Guyanese must be united against rigged elections. We must, with one voice, call upon the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to ensure that these unscrupulous riggers are placed before the court and face lawful justice for their heinous acts against democra-
will not dance to their rhythm and fall for their tongue-twisting tricks. The PNC destroyed some 40,000 lives when they broke the backs of sugar workers between 2015 and 2020. It took a PPP/C government to repair the damages and provide relief to the sugar industry and the workers. The PNC will never allow the sugar industry to thrive in Guyana and can never be trusted to secure, sustain or save sugar workers in any form or shape for them to survive. The envious PNC will always unreservedly begrudge the sugar workers, unhesitatingly nurse a callous vendetta and unendingly pursue a programme to punish sugar workers. That is not their puerile but their promised purpose, simply because the PNC is sour and not sweet news for sugar workers.
The AFC is “dead meat”, and the members are flagging a dead horse. When you have forked tongues who speak in a foreign language, aloof of Guyanese sacrifices and the struggling way of life of our fore-parents, their ideologies cannot synchronise with the subtleties subjected to the man in the street. A latrine is aberrant to the person with a silver spoon, and the sweat on the rice farmer’s face goes unnoticed and unappreciated. The AFC’s polished shoes cannot afford to get muddy in the back lands of those pulling the cassava and the eddoes.
The AFC now wants to renegotiate the oil contract, the worst agreement they signed in the history of the industry. Were they “spaced” out when Nassau was calling? Who pulled the string, and who authorised the finger to do the dirty work in Texas? Guyanese will not forget who “colonised” this country for a second time. It was the AFC’s “Harvard Law School-trained negotiator” who took the wind out of Guyana’s sail when he leashed Guyanese
to the chain with his own hand.
According to the PNC government mouthpiece of Dec. 30th, 2017, the then Minister of Natural Resources disclosed in his confession, “What Exxon enjoys, others are not going to enjoy….” Yes, the AFC led us back into history when we had to slave once again for a new master. Who is having the last laugh? Stuck with the sanctity of the contract, these hypocritical controversial tongue-twisters now want Guyanese to give them a chance to redeem themselves when they have already syphoned off the hog of the meat.
Standing by silently was the legal expert for our new “King and Queen”, who was part and parcel of the ridiculous deal. He is holding Guyanese at ransom. Either make him “King President”, or he crawls back into his comfort zone and will ensure that Guyanese will never get their true worth from any oil deal. A man sitting on top of a wall with his feet on either side is not grounded and can never represent Guyanese interests genuinely, except his own.
Guyanese are not getting younger but growing older in this fast-paced developing world of technology with advanced interventions and modern applications. When the winds of change shift, Guyana will need to fall back on a matured and experienced versatility that is accustomed to seasonal exposure, essential to anchor its stability. The answer lies with a tried and tested professional PPP/C to guarantee such a necessary foundation, despite the number of bricks thrown at them.
A free bird, fearless of any foes, come Sunday, the famous PPP/C will firmly flap its wings to soar in the sky to make the other 20 parties “see red”.
Yours respectfully, Jai Lall
cy and the Guyanese people. Five years of waiting for justice is far too long. This unacceptable delay defaces the memory of these brave Guyanese that gave their lives for democracy. The JSC must act now.
Let us never forget the Ballot Box Martyrs! Guyana must unite to ensure that our democracy, won with the lives of many brave souls, remains forever strong.
Yours sincerely, Neil Kumar
What does the water do for you? Whether you live on the coast or not, oceans and rivers provide us with many important things and supports all of life on earth. Worldwide, the most populated areas are along the coastline, but oceans benefit all of us by providing us with food and water and by regulating the climate. They also provide us with opportunities for tourism and recreation, and they protect shorelines from storms and floods.
But how does our use of the ocean affect marine ecosystems?
Healthy marine ecosystems provide habitats for plants and animals. Human uses harm these habitats, which could bring an end to the benefits they provide.
There are several factors which harm the waters around us, the more urgent of them being:
1. Fishing and aquaculture – farming the ocean
2. Human Activity –specific events impacting coastal and marine habitats, including everything from pollution to marinebased recreation
3. Land-based Impact – impacts originating from the land, such as power plants and sources of pollution
Fishing and aquaculture
How many times do you think you have eaten fish this year? Fish is delicious, and it’s really good for you, but we need to make sure that we don’t overfish our seas and oceans. That way there are enough fish left to feed us for all
may become unstable as the fish can’t carry out their roles as prey or predators. Overfishing is causing big changes in ocean ecosystems. It's also threatening some species with extinction. This makes it harder for oceans to provide food, store carbon, and support economies.
to grow and thrive!
Many fisheries all over the world are declining and need protection. But it is hard. Fishery species don’t stay in one place. In fact, many fishery species use many habitats over their lifetime. MPAs help protect marine ecosystems and fisheries. They restrict
the years to come.
Governments all over the world have created laws to reduce the impact of fishing. Their main goal is to make sure we always have enough fish in our seas and oceans. Not only are we facing a problem with food, but we are also in a biodiversity crisis. This means that many different kinds of animals and plants are in danger of disappearing. Fishing shouldn’t reduce fish populations to below half of their natural levels (the levels they had before we started fishing them). If populations fall below this level, ecosystems
There is a solution to this problem called Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). These are special zones in the ocean where fishing is limited. This gives fish a chance
fishing or ban harmful fishing equipment.
Many MPAs are fully protected, with no fishing allowed. In these areas, the fish catch outside the MPAs was
bigger in 76% of studied cases. Plus, no studies reported a decreased catch. The size of the fish also increased outside the MPAs in 25% of studied cases. Fisheries near MPAs had catches up to 40 times higher than fisheries far away did, and fishery benefits from MPAs that allowed some fishing were rare. This supports previous studies that showed partly protected MPAs do not result in ecological recovery.
Human Activity
Chemicals are added to plastics to give them a variety of shapes and flexibilities. Plastics degrade very slowly. Unlike a piece of paper dropped in the ocean, a piece of plastic will remain in the ocean for centuries. During this time, the sun and ocean will break the plastic into smaller and smaller pieces. In addition, some
weight of plastic waste that we produce every year. And the COVID-19 pandemic has only made this worse!
Many industries empty effluents directly into creeks and rivers leading to the sea or directly to coastal waters. Untreated sewage, chemicals, and heavy metals from factories, refineries, and urban centres flow directly into rivers and streams, particularly in more populated areas. Mining , particularly gold extraction, has a profound effect on water quality in Guyana. The use of toxic chemicals like mercury in mining operations, along with the physical alterations to the land caused by mining, contribute to water contamination. Mercury leaches into water sources, posing long-term health risks to
of the chemicals added to plastics to give them their shape and function are also toxic. Thus, eating plastic is bad for wildlife (and human) health.
You might have seen photos of turtles accidentally eating plastic bags or with plastic straws stuck up their noses. Shocking, right? Many countries today have bans on some plastic products.
We already have an out-of-control global plastic waste problem. Imagine the weight of every single human on the planet put together. It’s about 300 million tonnes – close to the
the population and the environment.
Agriculture , particularly the use of fertilisers and pesticides, is another major source of water pollution. Rainfall and irrigation wash these chemicals into nearby rivers and groundwater, contaminating water supplies. The fertilisers contribute to nutrient pollution, leading to algae blooms and fish kills, while pesticides harm aquatic life and water quality. (www. sciencejournalforkids. org, www. olympianwatertesting. com)
promises will leave nothing for social and developmental programmes
misleading public with unrealistic proposals
The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has once again called out A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) for making “extravagant” campaign promises, specifically the party’s proposed public sector salary hikes, which he noted are economically reckless, dishonest, and unsustainable.
During their campaign on July 6, party leader and presidential candidate Aubrey Norton proposed to spend an additional $400 billion in its first budget, should it be elected to office after the September 1, 2025, general and regional elec-
tions.
He explained that of the $400 billion, $100 billion will be spent to raise salaries; $40 billion to raise the income tax threshold to $400,000; $53 billion to increase the old-age pension from $41,000 (current sum) to $100,000; $9 billion for the student stipend programme for tertiary institutions; and $25 billion for the childcare allowance programme. This, therefore, means that APNU will present a $1.33 trillion budget.
Addressing the proposal during his weekly press conference on Thursday, Jagdeo dismissed what he described as “wild, uncoordinated promises” that could
Aforeman working on a road project at Bhagwandas Street in Queenstown, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) was tragically killed on Saturday after he was crushed by an excavator.
Dead is 36-year-old Mervin Lochan, of Sparta, Essequibo Coast. Lochan was a father of four and had recently been promoted to foreman on the road construction site.
Reports indicate that the excavator was revers-
ing when it allegedly struck Lochan, crushing his head. His body was later found buried under sand. Workers rushed to help but were unable to save him.
During an interview with Guyana Times , his mother, Yolanda Lochan said that she was at home when she received the shocking phone call. She added that her son left for work around 07:45h the morning in good spirits.
"I was at home, and I received a phone call. This morning, he leave to go to work, and like around quarter to eight, he leave home. He tell me he going... you know, with a good spirit. He say, ‘Mom, I leavin’ now," she recalled.
Expressing her frustration and grief, the mother questioned how such an incident could have occurred.
“How come an excavator operator can't see a worker if he was around or whatever?” she asked.
She described her son as a devoted family man.
“My son is 36 years old, and he has his family, he has his wife, he has four kids. And now he's got only four kids to suffer without a father. And this is just not fair, this is unfair,” the
grieving mother said.
The excavator operator has since been taken into police custody as investigations continue.
Construction work at the site has been temporarily halted.
push the national budget into a fiscal black hole, leaving no room for education, healthcare, infrastructure, or growth.
“So, one person (Aubrey Norton) on the campaign launch said we'll give everyone a million dollars per year... So, if there are 600,000 of us, that will be $600 billion. Now, in the budget now, we have about $512 or $514 billion in oil money. So that's more than all the oil money in the budget; that alone – one promise”.
“It's designed to mislead people… They said they will give the public 35% immediately. So, they couldn't mean 35% for the five years if they win… So, 35% per year. So, in 2026, our current budget for employment costs is $246 billion. So, if you give 35%, in the first year, 2026, it becomes $312 billion. In the second year, $448 billion, because you're compounding. Third year, $605 billion. Fourth year, $817 billion. And by 2030, the end of your term, $1.1 trillion, only on wages.”
“Now we have half of that we are collecting as oil money. So that means you're going to pay in wages alone in the public sector twice as much money as we have in the budget from the oil and gas sector and almost the entire 2025 budget. All of the money we have in the budget will go to wages. Nothing for anything else in the country. Nothing for education, nothing for health care, nothing for building roads, bridges, or anything else,” the Vice President explained.
Jagdeo further criticised APNU’s approach of basing promises on speculative oil revenues, warning that oil prices are volatile and cannot be the sole pillar of fiscal planning.
He cited the 2015 oil
price crash when global prices fell from $120 to $30 a barrel, significantly affecting revenues.
“So, what if oil prices fall... say next year or this year? What are they going to do if you base the implementation of all your promises only on oil money? So, what happens when it goes? But let's go to a practical example. In 2015, early 2015, oil prices moved from $120 a barrel to about $30 a barrel. And it – for the entire 2015 or so, it was around that level. So APNU saved nearly 400 million US dollars in the fuel import bill at that time because of lower prices. So, if oil prices were $100, they went to $80 and dropped to $60 now or somewhere there. What if it falls to $30 for two years? That's $30 for two years, which has happened before… You can't even implement the current promises, much less those of the APNU's promises, much less build a whole campaign around something that is not certain,” he said.
The vice president described the opposition’s proposals as fiscally irresponsible and politically unserious, warning voters not to be swayed by “feel-good slogans” that have no foundation in reality.
“You have to be taken from a madhouse to make some of these promises. They are not just unsustainable – they are delusional,” Jagdeo said.
He also accused the APNU of allowing “any maverick” to take the stage and make up figures, in contrast to the PPP’s centralised and disciplined approach to manifesto development.
“Here in the PPP, we vet every promise. It goes through multiple reviews because we actually plan to implement them,” he said. “We’re generous – but we’re responsible.”
The CoP made a critical announcement when he revealed that the Adriana Younge case was still open. If nothing else, while it was seized by political opportunists later, it revealed in living colour over social media that something was wrong in the state of the GPF. This isn’t just a question of bumming beleaguered civilians for fried rice no mo!! No siree Bob!! This is an institutionalised breakdown that is played out in the living culture of ordinary police ranks defined by corruption and violence.
Well, the legendary management guru, Peter Drucker, once famously declared, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast”. He, of course, was talking about business culture and its impact on management strategies for achieving their companies’ goals and objectives. But the observation holds true for all institutions, innit?? Unless you change the culture of the institution you want to be successful, even if you concoct the best strategy in the world, it’s gonna fail. And so your Eyewitness turns his (troubled) eyes to our challenged Police Force – one of our oldest institutions, being formed way back in 1839.
And that in itself tells the whole story about the gap between whatever strategy we’ve been coming up with –seemingly annually!! – to make the GPF become professional in performing its mission to “serve and protect” we the people of Mudland. At the time of its launching, they were to serve and protect the Europeans and their allies – not AGAINST the newly freed slaves and those who arrived later.
Unlike their British Bobbies – who smiled cherubically at errant kids and only wielded batons against lawbreakers – our police were armed to the teeth with real GUNS. And were zealously trained to use them against those who broke the laws the whites made!! The culture inculcated into the police FORCE was therefore that citizens were basically savages who’d “riot” – not “protest” – at the least opportunity. As such, the RIOT ACT could be read whenever the whites so decided, and the ranks had to open fire at will!! That’s a whole lotta power – and you know what they say about power and corruption!!
This culture of violence and corruption has remained ingrained in the police – who’d become the most ubiquitous arm of the state to the ordinary citizen!! When we hear “government”, we see police!! Now, while there’ve been periodic reforms after egregious abuse, the militarised orientation stubbornly persists. There’s been talk for decades of renaming the police as the “Police Service” rather than “Police Force” to remind them daily of their mission. Also changing their Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to operationalise the “kinder, gentler” approach. But the latest outrage doesn’t suggest success, does it?
The police SERVICE’s top brass should spend more time changing their culture than eating fried rice!!
…still for Aubrey?
Your Eyewitness has been holding his breath waiting for the Committee of Elders – headed by Elder in Chief Hamilton “Bilal” Green – to announce their findings on the accusations made by Linden PNC stalwart Vanessa Kissoon against the PNC leader – and now presidential candidate – Aubrey Norton!! Since the accusation was last June and the elders stepped in to find out the TRUTH, this means your Eyewitness (and the rest of the country??) have been holding their breaths for over a year!! Your Eyewitness is afraid that when these collective breaths are released, we may unleash a hurricane!!
But seriously, folks… The PNC Committee of Elders ain’t doing their party any favours by dragging their feet on an issue that women – who’re half of the electorate – are mightily het up about!! Old heads have been telling your Eyewitness about some similar foot-dragging that took place long ago by a now prominent elder and a female Education Minister!
History repeating??
…to global morality
Who woulda thought that the Israeli army would’ve been allowed their genocidal killing wave from October 2023 to now – with hardly a murmur from the Western leaders??
How can they preach morality to us going forward??
In 2001, a Goldman Sachs banker analysing the then “emerging markets” of Brazil, Russia, India and China predicted they would challenge, if not surpass, the US and other Western economies in the coming decades. If the banker’s serendipitous acronym BRIC did not convince the said countries to launch a group by that name in 2009, it certainly publicised their potential in the wake of the 2008 market crash. Initially, BRIC attempted to isolate their economies from the crash but widened their gaze towards reforming multilateralism, improving South–South trade, redistributing voting rights in the IMF and World Bank, and expanding local currency settlement.
With South Africa’s membership in 2014 making it “BRICS”, the group ambitiously launched institutions mirroring the western-controlled Bretton Woods institutions – the World Bank and IMF – with the New Development Bank and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement. The capitalisation of these institutions, however, was never large enough to challenge the status quo – which was anchored to the US dollar as the de facto global reserve currency. This reality gave the US a tremendous instrument of national power since not only could they finance their multitrillion foreign debt (now Congressionally authorised to US$5 trillion) by printing greenbacks, but those holding the said greenbacks do so in “safe” US Treasuries, which pay interest through the same mechanism.
During the first Trump administration, he became convinced that unfair trading practices and theft of intellectual property rights were behind the US's humongous trade deficit (then US$375 billion) with China. His decision in 2018 to slap higher tariffs on a slew of Chinese-made goods marked a more aggressive US posture towards China that was continued by Biden after 2020. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 deepened this posture, especially after the US and EU imposed sanctions against Russia while China increased trading by utilising their local currencies. Russia then placed de-dollarisation explicitly on the BRICS 2023-24 agenda, and the group – now expanded by five new members, Iran, the UAE, Indonesia, Ethiopia and Egypt – was considered “anti-West”.
Trump’s return as US president this year and his scorchedearth tariff war not only against Russia and China in BRICS but against erstwhile allies in Europe and across the world, especially in the Global South – stirred new interest in BRICS. This is due to Goldman Sachs’s initial assessment of a reordering of the world order on account of the US and the West’s comparative decline should its hegemonic role be challenged. As such, China’s President Xi's decision to not attend this month's BRICS summit in Brazil, combined with Russia’s Putin’s absence – because of a possibility of being arrested – placed a damp squib on the event.
Nonetheless, under Brazil’s Lula chairmanship, BRICS+ issued a statement that was quite critical of a number of US initiatives, including its support of Israel’s bombing of Gaza, its own bombing of member Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities (with no evidence of Iran going nuclear), and its unilateral imposition of massive tariffs, etc. Though there was no mention of any de-dollarisation initiatives, Trump immediately dubbed these criticisms “anti-American” and threatened an additional 10% tariff increase over previous levels. For Brazil’s exports to the US, Trump announced their tariff increase could go as high as 50%, to which Lula defiantly announced that he would reciprocate on Brazil’s US imports. Since the US imports most of its coffee, orange juice and sugar from Brazil, a 50% tariff would be felt immediately by US consumers. In this test of wills, we shall have to see who blinks first.
BRICS has always been weakened by the rivalry between China and India, which is both tactical and strategic. They have a border issue going back to old British boundaries in the Himalayas, and in what was seen by India as a Chinese betrayal, the latter invaded and has since occupied the disputed territory. China is also a firm ally of Pakistan, the perennial opponent of India for ownership of undivided Kashmir. Strategically, even though it would appear to be unrealistic, India has aspirations of rivalling China’s economic rise. As such, India has hedged its bets on de-dollarisation and positioning BRICS as an overt counterweight to American unipolarity since, in the near and medium term, this will benefit China most of all.
Ironically, with BRICS as a group punching below its weight, China will also benefit most from Trump’s tariff war as they rush to fill demands that would be too expensive to source from the US.
In the face of growing threats to the country, President Irfaan Ali has declared that Guyana will not give up an inch of the sovereignty territory nor any of its natural patrimony. Speaking at the commissioning of a new aircraft for the Guyana Defence Force’s Air Corps on Thursday, the Head of State pointed out that this is a new age where the lines between traditional threats and new-age dangers have blurred.
“The threats we face are not only on our borders; they’re above us, around us, and beneath our seas. Our natural resources – our oil, our gas, our gold, our bauxite, our forests, our fisheries, and our biodiversity – have made Guyana the envy of many. Let’s not pretend otherwise. The eyes of the world are upon us, not just watching but watching closely,” the Guyanese leader posited.
Against this backdrop, President Ali, who is Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, noted that more than having resources is the ability to develop them safely and sustainably, and sovereignty is key to doing this.
“That is why we must safeguard what is ours, because we cannot develop what we cannot defend. We cannot grow what we cannot guard. We cannot produce what we cannot protect. We cannot build prosperity on a foundation of vulnerability… We shall not surrender our territory and its resources to foreign aggressors. That will never happen under my watch; not while this Government is in office, not while the people of this nation are standing together in defence of our patrimony. We are going to protect our national sovereignty,” the Head of State stressed.
On this note, President Ali assured that the protection will come through enhanced operational capacity, with defence diplomacy and by building strong, credible security partnerships with countries that share the same values, respect Guyana’s independence, and are willing to help repel any foreign threat.
“I want to make it very clear that Guyana is nobody’s soft target. And the Government is not blinking; we are vigilant – which
is why the Air Corps is not some add-on or afterthought; it is front and centre in our national security strategy,” the President noted.
In addition, President Ali underscored the importance of the GDF Air Corps, now equipped with six aircraft over the past five years, in protecting Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), where over 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent have been discovered and production activities are ongoing in the Stabroek Block by United States oil major ExxonMobil and its partners.
“The Air Corps has a critical role to play in protecting our Exclusive Economic Zone, our vast maritime assets, our hydrocarbon resources, and yes, our fisheries. This is why we need a strong and impregnable Air Corps. The Air Corps is our eyes in the sky, our aerospace investment, our wings across the sea, and our safety net when nature threatens. It is the difference between being vulnerable and being vigilant,” the Head of State noted.
Since the discovery of oil offshore Guyana in 2015, Venezuela has heightened its claims to Guyana’s sovereign territory. The Spanishspeaking nation is laying claims to more than twothirds of Guyana’s landmass – the mineral-rich Essequibo region – as well as the oil-rich EEZ.
Diplomatic defence
While Guyana has approached the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for a final settlement of the decades-long border controversy with its neighbour and the matter is still pending, Guyana continues to face heightened aggression and threats from Caracas.
The Ali-led People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has been pursuing a ‘diplomatic defence’, and one of its major allies in these efforts is the United States.
The US’s longstanding support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity has been further bolstered by the fact that the oil-rich Stabroek Block operator is a US-based company.
During a visit to Georgetown back in March,
President Irfaan Ali
US Secretary of State Marco
Rubio had declared that, “It will be a very bad day for the Venezuelan regime if they were to attack Guyana or
attack ExxonMobil or anything like that. It would be a very bad day, a very bad week for them. And it would not end well for them.”
Over the years, Guyana has been strengthening military cooperation with the US, as well as several other countries around the world – something that has upset the Nicolás Maduro regime.
In fact, during Rubio’s March visit, Guyana and the US signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen collaboration in areas such as countering narcotics and the fight against transnational organised crime and strengthening security and defence cooperation.
Security Co-operation
Under that security cooperation, the US recently raised concerns about how illicit activities such as gold smuggling pose threats to the region by funding the Maduro regime.
“Only [June 27, 2025], the US reminded all of its
partners about the serious threat with Venezuela, as it relates to gold smuggling. And we have received that advisory… And we want you to know that we are putting enormous resources into ensuring that the threat of illicit gold smuggling that could help to empower or safeguard undemocratic forces is uprooted with our partnership,” President Ali stated at a reception hosted by the US Embassy in Georgetown last month.
Local authorities have long suspected that Venezuela is smuggling gold into Guyana to be laundered through various networks here.
In recent years, there has been a widespread crackdown on gold smuggling in Guyana with a series of operations targeting foreign nationals suspected of being involved in unlawful mining activities here.
In a stunning show of confidence in Guyana’s agricultural future, Blumberg Grain has announced plans to construct a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in the country – a move that will revolutionise regional agri-processing, slash post-harvest losses, and make Guyana the central hub of the company’s operations in the Caribbean Community (CariCom) and northern South America.
Speaking at the recent signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of Guyana and Blumberg Grain, Executive Vice President Jeff Speaks unveiled an ambitious multi-phase plan to deepen collaboration with the Guyanese Government and farmers.
At the heart of Blumberg Grain’s mission is a commitment to drastically reduce post-harvest losses, a long-standing challenge in Guyana’s agricultural sector where significant volumes of crops perish between the farm and the market. Speaks noted that
minimising these losses will lead to higher export volumes, better incomes for farmers, and a stronger food supply chain across the region.
“I wanted to talk about our company's goals here in Guyana. The first step towards what we're doing is to reduce post-harvest loss. While it's a self-sufficient country, we can reduce post-harvest loss, which is the loss farmers sustain from their field to the market. It will only in-
crease the exportable products in the agriculture sector. And we are focused on CariCom and northern South America as we make our investments. That means more income for farmers. If there's a more marketable volume of agricultural goods, it's a better world for your farmers and our farmers,” Speaks disclosed.
Blumberg Grain also announced its intention to build a high-tech manufacturing plant in Guyana, not
for food processing alone, but to produce next-generation shade houses and agriculture technologies for distribution across CariCom and beyond.
“We will invest… The President's challenged us with creating a brand that can be exported to the US, a very large market in North America, and we will do that. Secondly, as our work continues here, Minister, we will look to invest in a manufacturing plant, and you may say an agriculture company manufacturing plant? Yes, because we don't just do food security. We do the full spectrum of the agri-chain. And the manufacturing plant will be to produce the most advanced shade houses, not only for Guyana but for export throughout CariCom and even in South America. As our work grows, we want to designate Guyana as our hub, and that means our home in the Caribbean and in Northern South America,” he explained.
According to Speaks, Blumberg Grain stands as a dominant force in the global commodities market, serving as the grain-focused component of the Blumberg Commodity Index (BCOM)—one of the most widely followed benchmarks for investors and analysts worldwide.
With nearly a quarter of the index weighted toward key agricultural futures such as corn, wheat, and soybeans, Blumberg Grain reflects both the volatility and strategic importance of the world’s food supply chains.
This grain subindex is driven by a blend of liquidity and global production metrics, ensuring balanced representation of the most actively traded and economically significant crops. As global weather events, trade policies, and food security concerns increasingly shape commodity markets, Blumberg Grain offers critical insight into price movements and market trends.
Its influence extends beyond investment circles, with Governments, agribusinesses, and trade negotiators alike closely monitoring its performance. In a world facing rising demand and climate uncertainty, Blumberg Grain remains a powerhouse indicator of agricultural resilience and economic stability.
Executive Director (ED) of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Mr Kemraj Parsram, has unreservedly praised staff of the regulatory body for their dedication, innovation, and leadership, saying the past 12 months turned out to be not just a “busy year but also a defining one.”
Mr Parsram made the comment at the Agency’s 29th Anniversary Dinner and Awards Ceremony, held on June 6 at the Royal International Hotel, Georgetown.
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Honourable Mark Phillips also spoke at the ceremony and featured in the presentation of awards to staff. Among other guests were members of the Cabinet, members of the Diplomatic Corps, and senior Government officials.
Making a Difference
In his address, Mr Parsram recalled that, a few weeks ago, he visited Iwokrama, where some EPA officers were undergoing training in biodiversity assessment.
“Amid Iwokrama’s natural beauty and our protected forest landscape, one of our officers turned to me and said, with genuine excitement, ‘Sir, this is the kind of work I’ve always dreamed of doing. I finally feel like I’m building the skills to really make a difference’.”
The ED said that very moment reinforced in him that the EPA is not just working to regulate and enforce environmental guidelines but also to empower staff to grow and build the kind of capacity that enables them to contribute meaningfully to Guyana’s sustainable future.
“Tonight, what you see around this gathering aren’t just coworkers or awardees. You see a movement. You see resilience, innovation, and a shared sense of purpose,” he said. “This is what happens when people show up for something bigger than themselves.”
Work of Team EPA
Mr Parsram noted that the EPA has grown not only in numbers but also in mindset, capacity and courage. “As a national institution with 180 professionals, we are no longer just a regulator. We are a force for environmental transformation,” he said.
The ED pointed out that the staff of the EPA have helped shape and enforce smarter, risk-based environmental permits, which protect the environment and public health, support sustainable development, and ensure compliance in sectors ranging from oil and gas to mining and infrastructure.
“Your analyses, your oversight, your integrity. This is what made all of that possible. We responded to hundreds of complaints, protecting lives before environmental risks escalated. And behind every response was a dedicated officer, a quiet act of bravery,” said Mr Parsram.
He noted that the EPA is no longer “only about regulation” but rather “leaders in environmental intelligence”. These include expanded real-time water and air quality monitoring in communities and satellite technology detecting flaring, forest loss, fires and oil spills.
Mr Parsram added that monitoring turbidity in rivers and biodiversity are soon to come.
“And who can forget the joy of our green walks? You brought environmental consciousness into the heart of Guyana. These were not side events. They were statements of who we are,” he said.
Mr Parsram used the opportunity to announce the launch of the EPA’s new strategic plan. “This plan is not just a document; it’s a declaration. It is a roadmap of bold commitments, built by you, for you and with you,” he said.
There are seven pillars which form the basis of the strategic plan. According to Mr Parsram, these are:
* World-class environmental authorisation, which is risk-based, science-driven and legally sound.
* Robust compliance, which means ensuring every citizen and company respect environmental obligations.
* Strong enforcement and response capacity, where polluters are held accountable and citizens feel protected.
* Technology and data-driven decisions, which will enhance credibility and impact.
* National leadership in biodiversity, aligned with all multilateral commitments.
* Emergency environmental readiness, which saves lives and protects ecosystems.
* Organisational excellence, with motivated, high-performing staff at the core.
“Let me be clear, this plan is not mine alone. It doesn’t belong to management alone. It belongs to every officer, whether in communications, finance, admin or technical,” he said. “It’s about a shared mission. A contract with the people of Guyana and a promise to ourselves.”
He explained that the EPA will be rolling out implementation teams soon and called on staff to step forward and be part of these efforts.
– as INTERPOL to hold conference in Georgetown next year
The Guyana Government
has been investing heav-
ily in the country’s security sector, and according to President Dr Irfaan Ali, this has positioned local security agencies in the global spotlight.
Speaking at the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) Air Corps recent commissioning of a new US$117 million Tecnam P2012 aircraft, the Head of State noted that the investments – both in assets and human capacity building – have already positioned the GDF as ‘the first responders of the region’ when Caribbean countries are hit with natural disasters.
Similarly, President Ali also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, pointed out that investments made to strengthen the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is gaining attention both locally and regionally. He pointed to recent recruitment advertisements by private security firms, where it was noted that advantage would be given to personnel from the various security agencies.
“And that is because people are looking on and they are seeing the investments that we are making to transform our human capital. And our human capital is also not disappointing us,” the Guyanese leader posited.
He added that during his attendance at the Caribbean Community’s (CariCom) Head
of Government meeting held just last week in Jamaica, he was approached by several leaders across the region, who are interested in having the GPF not only train their new recruits but also source human capital in Guyana, train them here and then deploy them to the agencies in those countries for five years.
“This was not the case five years ago and our men and women in uniform must not take this for granted. The type of investments this Government has made in you and the infrastructure that we’ve invested in, is setting you apart. It’s now positioning you in global spotlight. And every aspect of your development, we’re going to continue to invest in,” President Ali declared.
Interpol conference
An example of that global spotlight is the fact that the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) is scheduled to hold a major conference in Guyana next year. In fact, during the recent CariCom meeting in Jamaica, INTERPOL’s SecretaryGeneral, Valdecy Urquiza, addressed regional leaders.
A CariCom communique detailed that Urquiza reported on data shared by INTERPOL member countries and regional analysis, which showed that the rise of criminal networks, nar-
cotics trade and a surge in firearms trafficking are three of the most pressing security threats confronting Caribbean nations. He reported that the IMPACS/ INTERPOL partnership agreement now guarantees the continued presence of INTERPOL’s Liaison Office in Barbados, representing a renewed and sustainable framework for longterm collaboration.
Heads of Government expressed their appreciation for the INTERPOL official’s presence and perspectives. They acknowledged the existing and potential benefits of increased collaboration to deal effectively with major organised crime, as well as requested further assistance of INTERPOL with technology deployment and monitoring mechanisms to support border protection measures.
According to CariCom, it was also indicated during the meeting that Guyana would be hosting the scheduled INTERPOL Conference in 2026.
This news, however, was first shared by President Ali back in February when he announced that Guyana will be hosting INTERPOL’s Americas Regional Conference in 2026.
“We’re investing in the best technology, the best assets and then soon, this year, we’ll have the annual Commissioners of Police Officers’ Conference in Guyana – the ACCP (Association of Caribbean
Commissioners of Police) …and then next year, we will have the INTERPOL Annual Conference in Guyana. This is not by accident. The global system must have had to see the improvement; they must have had to have confidence in our system before they made these decisions,” President Ali had stated at the opening of the GPF’s
Annual Officers’ Conference earlier this year. The Head of State had pointed out that partnership and collaboration – at the national, regional and international levels – are key to the development and future of the GPF.
In addition to partners across the Caribbean, Guyana already has strong cooperation
with police forces in the United States
and
Kingdom
Meanwhile, only recently, Guyana’s Police Academy received international accreditation – something which regional partners are also benefitting from. Additionally, the GPF is expect to establish a Tourism Department, Behaviour Unit and an Oil and Gas Unit, as well as a unit to deal with Artificial Intelligence (AI), and boost its digital, forensic and cyber capabilities this year.
The Guyana Technical Training College Inc (GTTCI) at Port Mourant marked a milestone on Friday when it hosted its second graduation ceremony for trainee technicians, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to developing a locally skilled workforce for Guyana’s thriving energy sector.
The latest cohort, consisting of 33 trainees, recently completed the fi -
nal phase of an 18-month training programme. They received their certification following six months of intensive hands-on instruction at GTTCI’s state-ofthe-art Facility Simulator (FacTor) unit at Port Mourant, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).
The GTTCI initiative, backed by the Government of Guyana alongside ExxonMobil, SBM
Offshore, Hess, CNOOC, and other partners, aims to foster a fully Guyanese-led offshore workforce.
With plans underway to relocate all training–from theoretical segments to onthe-job simulator exercises–to Guyana by October, national capacity-building is poised to reach a new level. A diverse group encompassing mechanical, electrical, production, in-
strumentation and cargo technician disciplines. These students were expertly guided by experienced instructors and expatriate mentors throughout their training.
Director of GTTCI Professor Clement Sankat pointed out that the handson training received prepares them thoroughly for technical roles onboard offshore vessels.
General Manager of SBM Offshore Guyana, Martin Cheong, underscored the pivotal role of education and training in securing Guyana’s future in the energy industry.
“Investing in education and training lays the foundation for long-term development and meaningful progress,” he affirmed.
The feature address was delivered by Minister of Finance Dr Ashni Singh, who commended the trainees for being selected from over 600 applicants and encouraged them to leverage their elite training to make a significant impact in Guyana’s energy sector. The best graduating student was Krystal Trim, a production technician in the cohort. The valedictorian referred to the training as being comprehensive.
“The knowledge we have gained here goes beyond technical skills… we also learned perseverance, professionalism and the power of collaboration.”
Meanwhile, starting in October, the full 18-month curriculum–currently split between Canada (12 months) and Guyana (6 months)–will be conducted entirely within GTTCI’s Port Mourant campus.
The institution is expanding its infrastructure, adding classrooms, labs and administrative spaces, with completion expected by the third quarter of 2026.
Professor Sankat noted that GTTCI is on track to earn international accreditation, ensuring that its graduates are recognised globally and will continue diversifying programmes to include construction and project management disciplines.
This second graduation marks not just another ceremony but a significant step in Guyana’s journey toward self-reliance in technical capacity.
As graduates step into roles on Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels, GTTCI’s programme serves as both a springboard for fulfilling careers and a blueprint for long-term national development.
Tossed to and fro by the unpredictability of everyday life, many young people are searching for footing, for grounding, for purpose.
It’s that very reality that inspired Misadventures –a new local drama series created by young director Anastacia Shako-Van Tull – also known as Annie, who
live in a country that doesn’t always support those dreams.”
The show follows a young woman determined to become a fashion designer, despite societal pressures that push her toward more “acceptable” professions. As she navigates relationships, ambition, and personal growth, Misadventures shines a light on the tension between pursu-
alongside a team of eight cast members, has set out to deliver a heartfelt production rooted in Guyanese experiences.
“I wanted to create a show that reflected the youth of Guyana,” Annie shared. “People like us who have dreams and aspirations, but
ing passion and surviving the present.
In Guyanese culture, Annie shared, young persons are either expected to be a doctor, lawyer, engineer – or else they’re viewed as mere waste, “But our main character wants to do more, to be
more. And through her, we tell a wider story.”
Bringing the show to life has been anything but simple. She expressed that all of the cast had to come from various far parts of Guyana to film on the East coast.
“None of us live on the East Coast,” one cast member explained, so just getting to the set took effort.”
Long commutes, back-toback filming days, and limited resources became the rhythm of the project. Full-day shoots sometimes stretched for 12 hours or more – and not always under ideal conditions.
“There were days when we showed up and had to cancel because of poor lighting or a sudden blackout from GPL (Guyana Power and Light),” another member added. “And other times, we’d knock out multiple scenes in one day because everyone knew their lines and we were in sync.”
Despite the challenges, the team pressed forward, building a family-like culture rooted in sacrifice and care.
“One of our team members started cooking meals for everyone – not because it was their job, but out of kindness,” Annie said. “If people are going to be on set all day, the least we can do is make sure they eat well.”
The cast of Misadventures came together through a blend of connection, conviction, and chance. Some were discovered through open casting calls, while others joined the project through personal relationships and past collab-
orations.
Yet, assembling a cast was just the beginning. What truly brought the show to life was the atmosphere they created together – a space where everyone, from seasoned performers to first-time actors, felt safe to grow and take creative risks. The production environment fostered trust and vulnerability, allowing cast members to make mistakes, learn and evolve.
Director Annie made it a point to go beyond the traditional role of leadership. She was intentional about building a supportive team culture, checking in on her cast not just as performers, but as people.
For her, it wasn’t just about getting the job done –it was about ensuring that everyone’s well-being was prioritised. On days when someone was facing personal struggles, she didn’t hesitate to pause production to give them space. That commitment to empathy and mental health played a key role in shaping the show’s unique energy and chemistry.
More than acting. A real-life lesson in sacrifice
For Annie and her team, Misadventures is not just a show – it’s a labour of love and resilience. “You have to want it,” she said frankly. “It’s not about glamour or red carpets. Behind every final edit is stress, sweat, sleepless nights, and sacrifice.”
She gave credit to her cast members who stepped into
multiple roles: acting, producing, helping with logistics, even handling equipment. One of them, the lead actress, also helped manage production.
“I don’t know how she does it,” Annie said. “It’s tough. And yet she shows up, builds her character out, supports others on set. That’s the kind of passion that keeps a project alive.”
Even when filming wasn’t in order, the team adapted. “The last scene we filmed is for an episode that’s way down the line,” Annie noted. “Things don’t always go to plan, but we make it work.”
Annie didn’t hesitate when asked what advice she had for others hoping to build a show or a team.
“Put your ego aside,” she said. “Let your director fill you like an empty vessel so
you can bring the character to life. That’s how you grow.”
The team agrees: chemistry doesn’t happen by accident. It takes humility, communication and effort.
“Get to know your cast. Make them feel like they belong,” one actor said. “We all have things going on, but when we’re on set, we’re locked in. And that takes trust.”
Another added, “Be intentional with your energy. If the vibe is right, the project will reflect that.”
Viewers can catch the show on YouTube via the @ anniematedproductions7134 channel. The first five episodes premiere on August 18, with the remaining five releasing on September 1, rounding out a 10-episode season packed with drama, twists, and raw emotion.
SUNDAY, JULY 13, 2025 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
“My
Matthew Zaman was just seven years old when he was struck by a speeding Route 44 minibus in front of his home on December 18, 2017.
The accident left him paralysed, unable to speak, and fully dependent on machines. He required surgery, known as tracheostomy, which created an opening in his neck to allow air into the windpipe for breathing, and was fed through a tube.
Over the years he remained bedridden, unable to move or respond as he once did.
Then, on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, nearly eight years after the accident, the now 15-yearold Matthew died at his Felicity, East Coast Demerara, home.
His death has left his family even more desolate.
Inconsolable, his mother, Bibi Shanaz Khan, who had spent every day since the accident caring for him and fighting, unsuccessfully, for justice, remembers how she gave up everything to be by his side, clinging to hope even as doctors warned that her little boy had suffered irre-
versible brain damage.
She had left her job as a domestic worker shortly after the tragedy to care for him full-time.
In interviews over the years, despite the heartbreak, she graciously shared how, with help from charitable organisations like Saving Hands Emergency Aid and the support of kind-hearted members of the public, her son was able to acquire his medical supplies and limited physiotherapy.
However, though a grim medical prognosis, Matthew did show slight improvements over time. He was able to sit up with
assistance and slowly flex his limbs. Still, he remained completely dependent on his mother’s care and the generosity of others over the past almost eight years.
Sadly, Matthew’s apparent progress came to its end on the Wednesday July 9 morning when, after completing her usual routine of cleaning and feeding her son, Khan stepped outside around 7:00 to water her plants.
“A sudden feeling told me to go back inside,” Khan recalled to Guyana Times. “When I did, I saw his eyes rolling backward in his head. I immediate-
ly called for help, and my daughter rushed in, and Matthew started staring blankly at me before closing his eyes.”
The family contacted the police, and an ambulance was summoned. When emergency responders arrived, he was pronounced dead.
The tragic and painful end of Matthew’s life renewed the deep wounds that had never healed for his mother, who said that she never received justice for what happened to her son.
The man accused of causing the accident, 38-year-old Andrew Ernest Albert, a former police officer, had been charged with dangerous driving and released on $100,000 bail shortly after the crash.
But over the years, the case never reached trial and never would.
In September 2022, Albert and a female passenger died in an accident along the Good Hope Public Road, East Coast Demerara.
The minibus he was driving collided with another vehicle, then crashed into a lorry and a horse cart. Several other passen-
gers were injured.
With his death, the case surrounding Matthew’s accident ended without legal resolution.
According to Khan, Albert never meaningfully contributed to her son’s care, but Matthew’s tragic story had touched the hearts of many across the country. Donations came in from both local and overseas supporters.
Medical equipment, bedding, nappies, and physiotherapy services were provided over the years, and many hoped he would one day recover more of his strength.
Now, with his passing, Khan says her only prayer is for the strength to carry on. “I took care of him for years and never got any justice until the driver crashed up and died. I am praying to Allah to hold me up and keep me strong… This October he would have celebrated his 16th birthday,” she lamented. Now, instead of spending time with her son, she will be attending to funeral arrangements which were being finalised, as Matthew will be laid to rest today, Sunday.
Guyana’s largest exposition – International Building Expo – is expected to kick off on August 14 to 17 at the Guyana National Stadium tarmac, under the theme “The Road to Success: Guyana 2030 and Beyond”.
According to Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, the expo continues to cement its global reputation, with foreign companies already making early bookings to showcase in its 2025 edition.
ing entrants from Africa and the Middle East, and this year’s event is shaping up to be even larger in scale and scope.
Speaking during the televised programme ‘Guyana Dialogue’, the minister highlighted that last year’s expo saw participation from over 20 international firms, includ -
“The Expo has earned a reputation, an international reputation. So, companies start contacting us from the beginning of the year about how they can participate in the Expo and how they can enter the lo-
cal market… So, all of our designs and all of our exhibitors will be coordinated around the development and the transformation that have taken place in Guyana within the last five years from all of the sectors. So, we’re not just focusing on housing; we’re focusing on health, on education, on the security sector, and on infrastructure generally, because all of these sectors have seen remarkable achievements in the last five years: the building of new schools, the new hospitals, and all of the new highways and bridges that are under construction,” the minister said.
This year’s International Building Expo is expected to focus on sustainable community models and cutting-edge technology on
display at the more than
370 booths, of which some 268 of those are already reserved, with 122 booths fully paid for.
The highly anticipated event is focused on building the architecture for an inclusive, resilient, innovative and sustainable future – one that outlines the vision for Guyana’s pathway to 2030 and beyond.
To this end, the Government outlined its commitment to realising smart and sustainable communities that are designed with integrated digital infrastructure, renewable energy systems, and climateresilient buildings.
With over 100,000 visitors, Minister Rodrigues explained that the expo is also expected to boost the financial sector.
“All of the local companies, especially the banks, usually give us feedback on the hundreds of mortgages that they would have approved over the four days at the Expo. It’s usually a wonderful experience for the banks because a lot of people feel more comfortable approaching one of these banking institutions in an informal setting like at the Building Expo, as opposed to walking into their commercial offices. So, they usually increase their customer base by hundreds, each bank, over the four days of the International Building Expo. So, one of the sectors that it impacts tremendously is the banks,” she explained.
This year’s Building Expo will feature a 3D replica of Guyana’s first modern, sustainable and resilient city – Silica City – on display.
Conceived in 2009 by then Housing Minister Irfaan Ali, now President, and located on the LindenSoesdyke Highway, Silica City forms part of the Government’s climate change mitigation initiatives under the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).
Additionally, there will also be a Dream Realised exercise, where house lots will be allocated and land titles distributed.
After confirming that no elections were held by Venezuela in Guyana’s Essequibo region, the Caribbean Community (CariCom) is now calling on the Spanish-speaking nation to comply with the order of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and file its pleadings next month.
Back in January, the Nicolás Maduro regime had announced plans to elect a governor and legislative council of “Guayana Esequiba State”, which is the name Venezuela has given to Guyana’s Essequibo region, on May 25, 2025 – a plan that was previously condemned by CariCom.
Last week, CariCom held its 49th Heads of Government Conference in Jamaica, where regional leaders were updated on the latest developments regarding the Guyana-Venezuela controversy.
“They noted that although Venezuela purported to have held elections on 25 May 2025 for a ‘Governor’ and ‘Legislative Council’ in the so-called ‘Guayana Esequiba State’, in defiance of the May 1, 2025 order of the International Court of Justice, in fact no elections were held by Venezuela in the Essequibo region of Guyana,” a communique from the regional bloc detailed.
Against this backdrop, the CariCom leaders encouraged Caracas to submit its rejoinder, the final written pleading in the case, by August 11, 2025, in compliance with the scheduling order of the ICJ.
“Heads of Government reiterated their full support for the ongoing judicial process as the means for resolving the controversy
peacefully, finally and in accordance with international law,” the statement added.
It went on to say too that the Caribbean leaders also “…reiterated and underscored their unequivocal and unwavering support for the maintenance of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana.”
Venezuela is claiming more than two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass – the resource-rich Essequibo region – and a portion of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), where over 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent (boe) have been found and production as well as other exploration activities are currently being undertaken offshore.
After years of failed good offices processes through the United Nations and based on the recommendation of the then UN Secretary-General, Guyana approached the ICJ in March 2019, seeking a final and binding settlement of the 1899 Arbitral Award that determined the boundary between the two South American neighbours.
Guyana has already filed two written pleadings on the merits, and Venezuela has filed one, with its second pleading due in August 2025. Oral hearings are expected in the first half of 2026, following which the Court will deliberate on the case and issue its final Judgement on the Merits, which will be binding on the parties.
Guyana has pledged to accept the World Court’s judgement, whatever it might be.
President Irfaan Ali had previously stated that Guyana’s case has been robustly presented be-
fore the ICJ, and the country also “successfully enjoyed widespread support for the respect for our sovereignty and territorial integrity” from the international community, including the Commonwealth and the Organisation of American States (OAS).
Continued aggression
However, despite the matter still pending before the ICJ, which had already warned Venezuela in a December 2023 order to not take any actions that would alter Guyana’s control of its territory, and the two South American neighbours signing the historic Argyle Declaration – a December 2023 peace pact –Venezuela continues to use aggressive tactics against Guyana, including the illegal elections.
In fact, the ICJ had barred Venezuela back in May from conducting any elections in Guyana’s Essequibo region.
On May 25 – the purported day of those so-called elections – several frontline indigenous communities at Guyana’s border with Venezuela were buzzing with patriotism, peace and calm.
Chief of Defence Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Omar Khan, had told the Guyana Times that the bordering communities were largely uneventful throughout the day.
This was witnessed firsthand during a Governmentorganised trip to Region One (Barima-Waini), one of Guyana’s regions that shares a border with the Spanish-speaking nation. The visit was organised not just to allay fears among
Guyanese over Venezuela’s threats and its spurious claims to the resource-rich Essequibo, but also to combat misinformation being peddled by Caracas.
This was proven to be necessary after Venezuela’s Vice President, Delcy Rodrigues, had falsely shared a video purporting to show persons boarding a boat to travel from Guyana across the Essequibo River into Venezuela to vote in those elections.
These actions by the Maduro regime were described by Guyana’s Vice President Dr Bharrat
Jagdeo as a sign of desperation in Caracas.
“It is dishonest and a sign of desperation when the Vice President of Venezuela has to use a fake video to support their false claims that persons are crossing the border to vote in their elections when, in fact, it was a boat operating via the Demerara River, taking passengers from Georgetown to Vreed-en-Hoop,” VP Jagdeo had told this publication back in May.
Moreover, earlier this year, there was an incursion into Guyana’s waters on March 1 by Venezuelan
naval vessels which threatened several oil vessels operating there – something which was widely condemned by the international community, including the United States.
Weeks prior, on February 17, a heavily armed group of suspected Sindicato operatives from the Venezuelan territory opened fire on a Guyana Defence Force vessel, injuring six troops –all with gunshot wounds. Fortunately, there were no fatalities, but some of the wounded soldiers had to be evacuated to Georgetown for medical treatment.
The Ministry of Housing and Water through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) is accelerating efforts to address land regularisation and critical infrastructure development in the Charity area and other surrounding communities along the Essequibo Coast as part of its broader housing expansion programme in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).
During the allocation of house lots in Anna Regina, Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal disclosed that while many residents in Charity have already been allocated house lots, access to the land has been delayed due to persistent flooding issues. However, targeted interventions are now be-
ing implemented to ensure those lands become construction-ready.
“There are persons who have been allocated in Charity, and you’re obviously asking when you’ll have access to your land... We can show you your lot today, but that’s not the issue. The issue is the condition of the land due to flooding.” Croal told residents
To address this, Croal explained that a two-pronged approach is being undertaken by the Government.
The Drainage and Irrigation Authority is installing new drainage pumps to improve water removal in low-lying sections of Charity, while the Sea and River Defence Department is executing revetment works along the Charity riverfront
to prevent water encroaching in residential areas.
“This issue is being dealt with from two fronts. Additional drainage pumps will be installed to serve the entire Charity area, and sea defence work is being done to protect the riverfront,” he said.
He emphasised that the Government is committed to ensuring that once residents are shown their lots, they can begin construction immediately, without delays caused by flooding or poor infrastructure.
“We don’t want to just show you your lot and leave you with a dream... When we show you your lot, you must be able to start building tomorrow. That's the kind of responsible Government you have,” Minister Croal asserted.
Beyond Charity, the Housing Minister also provided updates on land ownership and survey work in several communities across the coast, including Lima Sands, Paradise, Jib, Mariah’s Lodge, Walton Hall, and Good Hope Reserve.
In Lima Sands, Croal reported that a full block and occupation survey has already been completed, and a cadastral survey is now underway to facilitate legal ownership.
“We have numbered all the buildings and created an inventory of residents, and sometime by the end of August, those who have not
yet received titles in Lima Sands will be able to receive ownership,” he announced.
In Paradise, Jib, Mariah’s Lodge, and Walton Hall, similar work is ongoing, with cadastral surveys near completion. Approximately 60 lots are being processed for ownership in these areas.
“Those persons who have been waiting in these communities will also receive their titles soon. These are not empty promises; we are working through the system,” Croal said.
The Minister noted that many of these issues stem from old alignments and informal occupation, but the Ministry, alongside the Attorney General’s Chambers and the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, is working col-
lectively to resolve them.
“Every area has its unique challenges, and all agencies – Housing, the AG’s Chambers, and Lands and Surveys – are collaborating to fix these longstanding issues,” he explained.
At Good Hope Reserve, approximately 40 lots are currently under review for regularisation, with land plans being updated to determine rightful ownership before any progress can be made.
Croal shared that between 2011 and now, over 226 lots have been regularised across Region Two, and an additional 190 are currently being processed for title issuance.
These efforts are part of the Ministry’s broader vision to move informal settlers
into formal, legal homeownership structures.
“Ownership is equally important. You can’t build a future on uncertainty, and that’s why we’re investing in these surveys and legal processes,” Croal said.
The Minister reminded residents that occupying land without formal allocation complicates the development process and affects other families who are waiting for their chance at homeownership.
“When you go and occupy a land that does not belong to you, you’re affecting not just yourself, but the development that was intended for someone else,” he cautioned.
Minister Croal also revealed that the Government has so far invested over $3.3 billion in housing infrastructure along the Essequibo Coast, including roads, drainage systems, and utilities.
He stated that further investments will follow to support new and existing housing areas, particularly those affected by environmental or legal challenges.
Also attending the distribution exercise were Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva, Region Two Housing Officer Kavindra Persaud, representatives from the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), representatives from Guyana Water Inc. (GWI), banks and insurance companies, among other regional officials.
The Government of Guyana on Saturday officially commissioned the newly reconstructed Leonora Fire Station, a critical move aimed at boosting emergency response capabilities across Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).
The facility, which was rebuilt at a cost of $159,270,255, was declared open during a ceremony led by Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn. He was joined by Permanent Secretary Andre Ally, Divisional Officer (Operations) Andrew Holder, Acting Station Officers Delbert Pitt and Jermine Fraser, Deputy Commissioner ‘Operations’ Errol Watts,
Regional Commander #3
Assistant Commissioner
Mahendra Siwnarine, and Deputy Commander Senior Superintendent Kevin Das. Senior and junior fire-
fighters, EMT officers, and other special invitees were also present.
Strategically located, the Leonora Fire Station will serve communities stretching from Parika to Vreed-enHoop, significantly improving the Guyana Fire Service’s (GFS) ability to respond to fires, medical emergencies, and natural disasters.
Minister Benn, in his remarks, said the commissioning forms part of the government’s ongoing efforts to modernise the country’s public safety infrastructure and ensure a well-coordinated, well-equipped emergency response system is in place.
The facility is part of a broader expansion plan spearheaded by the Ministry
of Home Affairs. A new fire station is currently under construction in Parika, and the Wales Fire Station on the West Bank of Demerara is also expected to be commissioned soon. These, along with the La Grange facility, will serve as supplementary support units for the region.
Built to meet modern standards, the Leonora Fire Station includes several administrative, operational, and residential facilities designed to enhance both emergency service delivery and personnel welfare.
The station houses dedicated offices for key roles, including the sub-officer, finance officer, station officer, officer-in-charge, administrator, and fire prevention of-
Some fire officers who were present at
ficer. It also features a control room and an information technology (IT) room to support real-time surveillance, incident tracking, and rapid mobilisation. Personnel readiness has also been prioritised. A training room will facilitate ongoing education and simulations, while a fully equipped gym will help ensure firefighters remain physically prepared for duty. Additional facilities include a kitchen, canteen, and laundry room, which provide comfort and self-sufficiency for staff during shifts.
Comfortable accommodations are also available with both male and female barracks, as well as senior officers’ quarters. The station also includes an EMS Office to ensure smooth integration of emergency medical services into its daily operations. The opening of the Leonora Fire Station follows closely on the heels of other key infrastructure upgrades in Region Three, including the commissioning of the Vreed-en-Hoop and Den Amstel Police Stations and the Region Three Command Centre.
Former Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshall, has publicly declared his support for President Dr Irfaan Ali and the governing People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) for a second term in office.
Marshall had previously served consecutive terms as Bartica Mayor under the APNU+AFC (A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance for Change) Coalition regime. In a post on his Facebook on Saturday, the 44-yearold reflected on his personal journey and Guyana’s remarkable transformation, which he says requires leaders that can adapt to the changing times to continue the country’s global success story.
Former Bartica Mayor, Gifford Marshall
“Earlier this year, I had the privilege of speaking with President Ali at length. What struck me most was his genuine passion for fostering unity among all Guyanese, his commitment to religious tolerance, and his ambitious vision for infrastructure development. His dy-
namic energy, deep love for our country, and pragmatic approach to governance are truly commendable qualities,” Marshall stated.
The former mayor believes Guyana needs leadership that can harness its tremendous potential while navigating the
Regional leaders have thrown their full support behind Dr Muhammad Ibrahim, Guyana’s candidate for the position of Director General of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), during the Caribbean Community (CariCom) Heads of Government Conference held this week in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
In a strong display of regional unity, CariCom leaders described Dr Ibrahim as “eminently qualified” to lead the hemispheric organisation, which plays a critical role in advancing agricultural development, innovation, and rural well-being across the Americas.
Dr Ibrahim, a highly respected agronomist with more than three decades of global experience, was nominated by President Irfaan Ali, who currently chairs the CariCom Food and Nutrition Security Cabinet. His candidacy has been praised for aligning with the region’s push to modernise agriculture, strengthen food systems, and boost climate resilience.
“We believe Dr Ibrahim brings the experience, vision, and leadership needed to take IICA into a new era of transformation for agriculture in Latin America and the Caribbean,” the CariCom leaders stated in their final communiqué.
The election of the next IICA Director General will take place in Brasilia this November, during the meeting of the Inter-American Board of Agriculture (IABA), which
brings together ministers of agriculture from across the hemisphere. Ibrahim’s main opponent is the outgoing Director General, Manuel Otero of Argentina.
IICA, founded in 1942, is the specialised agency for agriculture of the InterAmerican System, with 34 member countries, including Canada, the United States, Brazil, Mexico, and all CariCom states.
With food and nutrition security now high on the regional and global agenda, CariCom’s endorsement signals a strategic push to elevate Caribbean leadership in international institutions.
“We are confident that Dr Ibrahim’s leadership will strengthen IICA’s support for small states, sustainable agriculture, and the integration of innovation and technology in farming,” the communiqué concluded.
Guyana’s Ministry of Agriculture is expected to intensify its diplomatic outreach in the coming months to garner additional support ahead of the decisive vote in November.
The Forty-Ninth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CariCom was held in Montego Bay, Jamaica, from 6 to 8 July under the chairmanship of Dr Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica.
The 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CariCom convenes at a pivotal time for the region.
Set against the backdrop of mounting climate threats, global economic instability, and rapid technological change, this year’s
complexities of a rapidly changing world. According to Marshall, President Ali has consistently demonstrated the vision and dedication required to guide Guyana through this crucial period in its history.
“I am convinced that given our nation’s bright future and the opportunities before us, he is uniquely qualified and prepared to lead our beautiful country for the next five years. His distinguished record of public service stands as a testament to his capabilities. I applaud his achievements during his tenure and extend my best wishes for continued success in the 2025 elections and beyond. Therefore, I endorse President Dr Mohamed Dr Irfaan Ali for a second term as President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana,” he stated.
Dr Muhammad Ibrahim
meeting places strong emphasis on resilience, innovation, and regional integration. Discussions are expected to centre on food and nutrition security, the CariCom Single Market and Economy (CSME), energy security, climate financing, the situation in Haiti, and youth and digital transformation.
CariCom has made significant strides in recent years in pushing for climate justice on the international stage, advancing regional food production goals under the “25 by 2025” initiative, and mobilising support for vulnerable member states.
The Heads of Government Meeting provides a forum to review these efforts and craft coordinated strategies moving forward.
The meeting also marks continued efforts to deepen collaboration with international partners, bolster intra-regional trade, and strengthen mechanisms for disaster preparedness and security cooperation. With global uncertainty on the rise, CariCom’s ability to speak with one voice and act with unity remains critical.
At the last local Government elections, held in June 2023, the PPP won the majority of the votes in the Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) town, securing 1784 votes against APNU’s 1,601 votes. The PPP also controls the Bartica Town Council.
Nevertheless, Marshall’s endorsement comes on the heels of the Ali-led PPP Administration also receiving support from key stakeholders of Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice) – another stronghold of the PNC-led APNU, which has since severed coalition ties with the AFC.
On Friday, Chairperson of the Linden Agriculture & Forest Producers Coop Society, Lynette Benn, placed her support behind President Ali for a second term in office.
Marshall’s endorsement of President Ali and the PPP is seen as crucial, especially as Bartica is traditionally seen as a People National Congress (PNC) – the leading party in the APNU faction – stronghold.
In fact, apart from 2023, the township had voted solidly for the APNU+AFC coalition at previous local Government elections during Marshall’s tenure in office.
In a statement on Friday, Benn said this endorsement comes in the wake of the significant interventions made in the forestry sector by the Aliled Government. She pointed out that under the previous Administration, the forestry sector was in a decline due to the poor policies that were introduced to this sector – all of which were reversed in the last five years, resulting in the forestry sector seeing tre-
mendous growth.
“President Ali’s endorsement for a second term is significantly influenced by his administration’s proactive approach to the forestry sector. These initiatives foster economic development and community engagement and have created a pathway towards a brighter future for the forestry sector,” Benn stated.
These endorsements from known strongholds of the APNU come as the opposition party’s support base continues to dwindle, with several of its senior members breaking ties – many leaving to join the PPP.
Among those crossovers are former Member of Parliament and PNC General Secretary Geeta Chandan-Edmond; former PNC Executive James Bond; Regional Chairman and Vice Chairman for Region Four Daniel Seeram and Samuel Sandy; and Dr Richard Van-West Charles, who is the sonin-law of former President and founder of the PNC, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham. Moreover, former Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and VicePresident under the coalition Government, Sydney Allicock, has also declared his allegiance to the PPP.
The Guyana National Reserve (GNR) on Friday welcomed its first female Commandant, Colonel Lorraine Foster, who officially took over command from Colonel Lloyd Souvenir during a formal Change of Command Parade held at Base Camp Seweyo. The historic event saw Colonel Foster receiving the Regimental Colour and the Instrument of Command, officially confirming her appointment.
The handover marks the first time in the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) history that a woman has been appointed to lead the GNR, a milestone moment in the military’s ongoing efforts toward inclusivity and modern leadership.
The ceremony was witnessed by Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, MSS, along with several senior officers and ranks of the GDF.
Colonel Souvenir, who held the position since September 2023, will now take up a strategic staff role at Defence Headquarters. Reflecting on his tenure, he thanked the officers and ranks of Base Camp Seweyo for their unwavering support
and dedication. He also expressed confidence in his successor’s ability to lead the GNR forward.
Colonel Foster, the most senior female officer currently serving in the GDF, previously held the role of Adjutant General at Defence Headquarters, among other key appointments throughout her career. She brings with her
extensive operational knowledge and decades of institutional experience. Her appointment is being hailed as a progressive step for the GDF and a moment of inspiration for women across the military. It is also expected to usher in a new era of excellence and renewed commitment within the National Reserve.
An intelligence-led eradication exercise on Friday in Moriah, Tobago, resulted in the destruction of approximately $5 million worth of cannabis.
Acting on information received, Police Constable Antoine led a group of officers approximately 900 metres into a forested area near the Springs of Castara in Castara. There, the officers detected a strong scent of cannabis.
A search of the location
uncovered approximately 626 growing cannabis trees and 1500 grams (g) of dried plant-like material resembling cannabis.
The estimated total street value of the discovery is $5,012,800. The officers destroyed the cannabis trees and the dried material on site by cutting and burning them.
In an official statement on the exercise, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service reiterated its continued commitment “to re-
ducing the availability of illegal drugs, disrupting drug-related operations, and ensuring the safety and security of citizens.”
The operation, conducted between 5:45 am and 7:25 am, involved personnel from the Tobago Divisional Task Force – Area North, West and East, officers of the Police Canine Unit, and members of the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment. (Excerpt from Trinidad & Tobago Guardian)
The Marriott International Group is partnering with Trinity Recruitment Services to headhunt Barbadians to work at the Four Points by Sheraton in Georgetown, Guyana.
The 172-room luxury hotel has been under construction for the past two years and is scheduled to be completed by September.
On Friday, general manager Joerg Delin was in Trinity’s Broad Street, The City, offices, where he was screening potential employees.
He said he had already talked to about 20 people in Guyana concerning working at Four Points but also wanted to select talent here, as Barbados had a great reputation.
“You have a great legacy in hospitality. You have fantastic service on the island, and Barbadians are known for world-class service. Some of the best hotels in the Caribbean are here on the island, so there must be a lot of talent here,” he said.
Delin said it was a dif -
ficult task to identify and select talented individuals to work in the industry, as there was a shortage.
“I’m just starting the selection process. [Securing] talent is the hardest task to accomplish because there are a lot of offers and not enough talent in the hospitality industry. In Guyana, with the economic boom and the growth in hospitality, there is a huge shortage of talent, so you need to be very creative in your selection process,” he said. (Excerpt from Nation News)
Ecuadorean gang leader Jose Adolfo Macias, known as “Fito”, on Friday accepted a court’s request to be extradited to the United States to face drug and gun charges.
Macias, who escaped from prison in January 2024, was recaptured in late June by security forces in the coastal city of Manta and transferred to a maximum-security prison.
Macias accepting the extradition request will speed up the process, now moving on to the presidency for confirmation before authorities can coordinate with their US counterparts to negotiate the handover.
Rejecting the extradition request would have kicked off a potentially months-long process before the head of the National Court of Justice ruled whether or not to hand him over.
In Ecuador, Macias was serving a 34-year sentence for various crimes, includ -
ing drug trafficking, organised crime and murder.
Macias will face seven charges, including for drug and arms trafficking, in a US federal court in Brooklyn, New York. These charges were announced months before his recapture.
The US Department of Justice has stated that under Macias’ direction, the gang Los Choneros
committed violent acts against law enforcement, Ecuadorian politicians, lawyers, prosecutors and civilians.
Ecuadorian authorities have accused the criminal group of extortion, murder and drug trafficking and allege it exercises vast control over Ecuador’s prisons, which are plagued by crime and overcrowding. (Excerpt from Reuters)
J’ca: Air quality issues trigger staff sickout at Administrator-General’s Department
Hazardous environmental conditions triggering respiratory problems and other health conditions on Friday morning forced some workers at the Administrator-General’s Department (AGD) in downtown Kingston to abandon their duties and seek fresh air.
Staff at the AGD walked off the job over toxic conditions they say are triggering serious respiratory issues for workers on the third and fifth floors of the building.
All operations have been affected, including customer service and legal services.
The Jamaica Civil Service Association (JCSA),
which represents some of the workers, told Radio Jamaica News that the toxic conditions have been a matter of concern for almost 10 years, starting in 2016.
A strident JCSA
President Techa ClarkeGriffiths, who is now pressing for the staff to be relocated, said since 2024, the staff have been reporting challenges operating in the space, citing worsening air quality and increased health issues.
More than 50 per cent of the more than 100 employees are members of the JCSA.
The JCSA head said management has agreed to
remote working for some; however, with the worsening conditions, remote work is the only option.
She said management had confirmed the presence of mould; however, they had indicated that the threat to workers was not severe. But the workers have indicated otherwise.
Meanwhile, Mrs Clarke Griffiths said the union will be lobbying for compensation for occupational safety and health hazards in the ongoing wage talks.
She argued that too often, the buildings housing government workers are plagued with issues. (Excerpt from Radio Jamaica News)
Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne has reiterated that the push for reparations is a matter of justice, not charity, for the descendants of enslaved Africans.
Speaking at a recent Caricom leaders’ summit, Browne said enslaved people were never compensated for their labour, and the wealth they generated was used to develop Europe and North America, leaving Caribbean nations without key institutions.
“We must fight for justice,” he said, citing the lack of hospitals, schools and infrastructure that followed centuries of exploitation.
Caribbean leaders have united in support of
Jamaica’s formal petition to King Charles, which Prime Minister Andrew Holness described as a “watershed moment” for the global reparations movement.
The petition urges the King to seek legal advice from the UK Privy Council on whether the forced transport of Africans to Jamaica amounted to a crime against humanity.
If affirmed, Holness said, the UK would be legally obliged to provide reparations to Jamaica and its people. (Antigua Newsroom)
Canines from a Bogotá Metropolitan Police unit discovered a shipment of rifle magazines at one of Bogotá’s land terminals, which police say were about to be transported to another region of the country.
The discovery was made during a search and seizure operation, where Rocco and Milan, as these police dogs are called, issued an alert that was promptly detected by the officers who guide them. The police inspected the package and found the illegal items.
Twenty rifle magazines for 5.56 ammunition were found in a package that came from the municipality of Ocaña, in Norte de Santander, and was destined for the municipality of Cartago (Valle del Cauca), police say.
“This result is part of the preventive and operational actions carried out by the National Police at terminals and messaging centres, with the aim of countering the trafficking of firearms, ammunition, narcotics, and other illegal items,” the police said. Following the discovery, an investigation was launched to try to determine who was behind this order and the origin of the suppliers of these longrange weapons. (Source: El Tiempo)
Azule Energy, a partnership between BP and Eni in Angola, discovered gas in its first gas-specific exploration well off the country’s shores, the national oil and gas agency ANGP said late on Friday.
Found in block 1/14, the Gajajeira-01 well drilled in the lower Congo Basin encountered gas and condensate-bearing rock, with preliminary estimates suggesting gas volumes could exceed 1 trillion cubic feet and up to 100 million barrels of associated condensate.
“This is a landmark moment for gas exploration in Angola,” Adriano Mongini, CEO of Azule Energy, said in a joint statement.
“The Gajajeira-01 well is the first dedicated gas exploration well in the country, and its success reinforces our confidence in the potential of the Lower Congo Basin.”
The block is operated by Azule Energy (35 per cent) in association with Equinor (30 per cent), Sonangol E&P (25 per cent), and privately owned Angolan company Acrep SA (10 per cent). (Reuters)
One dead, hundreds arrested in US farm raid as judge orders pause to aggressive
ACalifornia farm worker died on Friday after US immigration agents raided a cannabis nursery and arrested hundreds of workers, a worker advocacy group said, while a federal judge ordered the Trump Administration to temporarily halt some of its most aggressive tactics in rounding up undocumented immigrants.
Dozens of migrant-rights activists faced off with federal agents in rural Southern California on Thursday during the operation, the latest escalation of President Donald Trump’s campaign for mass deportations of immigrants in the US illegally.
A California judge on Friday blocked the Trump Administration from racially profiling immigrants as it seeks deportation targets and from denying immigrants’ right to access lawyers during their detention.
The Trump Administration has made conflicting statements about whether immigration agents will target the farm labour workforce, about half of which is unauthorised to work in the US, according to government estimates.
The Department of
Homeland Security said approximately 200 people in the country illegally were arrested in the raid, which targeted two locations of the cannabis operation Glass House Farms.
Agents also found 10 migrant minors at the farm, the department said in an emailed statement. The facility is under investigation for child labour violations, Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott posted on X.
The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The scene at the farm on Thursday was chaotic, with federal agents in helmets and face masks using tear gas and smoke canisters on angry protesters, according to photos and videos of the scene.
Several farm workers were injured, and one died on Friday from injuries sustained after a 30-foot (9-metre) fall from a building during the raid, said Elizabeth Strater, national vice president of the United Farm Workers.
The worker who died was identified as Jaime Alanis on a verified GoFundMe page created by his family, who said they were raising money to help his family and for his burial in Mexico. (Reuters)
Donald Trump announced on Saturday that goods imported from both the European Union and Mexico will face a 30 per cent US tariff rate starting 1 August in letters posted to his social media platform, Truth Social.
The tariff assault on the EU came as a shock to European capitals, as the European Commission and the US trade representative Jamieson Greer had spent months hammering out a deal they believed was acceptable to both sides.
The agreement in principle put on Trump’s table last Wednesday involved a
10 per cent tariff, five times the pre-Trump tariff, which the bloc already described as “pain”.
EU trade ministers will meet on Monday for a pre-arranged summit and will be under pressure from some countries to show a tough reaction by implementing 21-billion euro (US$24.6 billion) retaliatory measures which they had paused until midnight the same day.
In his letter to Mexico’s leader, Trump acknowledged that the country has been helpful in stemming the flow of undocumented migrants and fentanyl into the United States.
But he said the country has not done enough to stop North America from turning into a “narcotrafficking playground”.
The higher-than-expected rate has dealt a blow to the EU’s hopes of de-escalation and a trade deal and could risk a trade war with goods of low margins, including Belgian chocolate, Irish butter and Italian olive oil.
The EU was informed of the tariff hike ahead of Trump’s declaration on social media.
In a letter to the EU, Trump menacingly warned that the EU would pay a price if they retaliated: “If
for any reason you decide to raise your tariffs and retaliate, then whatever the number you choose to raise them by will be added onto the 30 per cent that we charge.”
The European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, said the 30 per cent rate would “disrupt transatlantic supply chains, to the detriment of businesses, consumers and patients on both sides of the Atlantic”.
She said the bloc was one of the more open trading places in the world and still hoped to persuade Trump to climb down. (Excerpt from The Guardian)
The US has resumed military supplies to Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said, after Washington halted some shipments of critical arms last week.
US President Donald Trump told NBC News on Thursday that he had made a deal with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) for the US to send Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine via the alliance after a surge of Russian aerial attacks.
Zelenskyy had raised concerns about the impact the pause would have on Ukraine’s defences, with supplies of Patriot systems and precision artillery shells among the armaments reported to have been stopped.
Russia has stepped up
drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities in recent weeks, causing record civilian casualties.
In the wake of these attacks, Zelenskyy requested 10 Patriot systems. Patriot batteries detect and intercept oncoming missiles and are regarded as one of the
world’s best air defence systems.
The latest deal announced by Trump will see NATO buy Patriot systems from the US and then distribute them to Ukraine.
He said the alliance would “reimburse the full cost”. NATO is funded
through the contributions of its members, including the US.
Zelenskyy said in Rome on Thursday that Germany was ready to pay for two of the Patriots and Norway one, while other European partners were also prepared to help.
He touted “new European defence packages” in his Friday evening message, adding that Ukraine’s military would be working with US envoy Keith Kellogg in the coming week. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters on Friday that he had urged allies including Germany and Spain to hand over some of their existing Patriot batteries, as they could reach Ukraine faster. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Fuel control switches to the engines of an Air India flight that crashed shortly after take-off last month were moved from the “run” to the “cut-off” position moments before impact, according to a preliminary report.
The report, issued by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) early on Saturday, did not offer any conclusions or apportion blame for the June 12 disaster that killed 260 people in the plane and on the ground but said the shift occurred three seconds after take off.
After the switches flipped, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner immediately began to lose thrust and sink down, according to the report.
One pilot can be heard on the cockpit voice recorder asking the other why he cut off the fuel. “The other pilot responded that he did not do so,” the report said.
It did not identify which remarks were made by the flight’s captain and which by the first officer, nor which pilot transmitted “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday” just before the crash.
The preliminary report also does not say how the switch could have flipped to the cut-off position on the London-bound flight from the
Indian city of Ahmedabad.
United States aviation safety expert John Cox said a pilot would not be able to accidentally move the fuel switches that feed the engines.
“You can’t bump them, and they move,” he told the Reuters news agency.
Flipping to cut-off almost immediately cuts the engines. It is most often used to turn
engines off once a plane has arrived at its airport gate and in certain emergency situations, such as an engine fire. The report does not indicate there was any emergency requiring an engine cut-off.
Boeing did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The company previously faced scrutiny around production and safety measures of its separate 737 MAX programme following previous incidents of deadly crashes.
There were 242 people on board the plane, including passengers and crew. Only one, Viswashkumar Ramesh, survived.
The plane crashed in a residential area called Meghani Nagar, and 19 people on the ground were also killed.
The AAIB, an office under India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation, is leading the probe into the world’s deadliest aviation accident in a decade.
(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
TAURUS (April 20May 20)
GEMINI (MAY 21June 20)
(June 21July 22)
VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22) (March 21April 19)
Reconsider your options before you move forward with a home improvement project, move or change. Acting on impulse will lead to regret, but biding your time and negotiating will lead to peace of mind.
Stick to what you know and do best. Making a change to appease someone will cost you, but putting your time and energy into self-improvement will make you feel better.
Live in the moment, enjoy life and turn your surroundings into a playground. Put the people and the things you love most at the forefront and enjoy the peace and gratitude they provide.
Take time to reminisce. Reach out to old friends, attend a reunion or tidy up loose ends to ensure you can move forward without strings attached. Take control and gain power.
LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)
SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)
SAGITTARIUS
(Nov. 23Dec. 21)
(Jan. 20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19) LEO (July 23Aug. 22)
(Feb. 20Mar. 20)
Pledge to make the most gratifying moves, and you’ll feel your energy mount and your happiness surge. Do what’s best for you, and everything will fall into place. Love is in the stars.
Movement is necessary for your health, but overdoing it will set you back. Moderation is the key to satiating your body, mind and soul. Embrace what fulfills you.
Talks can be fortuitous if you are willing to meet halfway and contribute equally to the outcome. Don’t miss a romantic opportunity or a chance to don a new look.
Count your money, protect your possessions and invest smartly. Concentrate on revamping your resume or looking for new outlets to apply your skills, experience and knowledge.
Travel, reunions and doing or learning something new will promote happiness and encourage new friendships. Chase your dreams and enjoy what life can offer.
Once you have your mind set on something and your plan ready, you will find it easy to parlay your preparation into something that gives back more than you anticipate. What you contribute, you will get back twofold.
Keep your money and possessions separate. Dismiss joint ventures, shared expenses and untrustworthy offers. Concentrate on your living space; make changes that add to your comfort.
Distance yourself from anyone using persuasive tactics to promote indulgence. Temptation will surface and emotions will swell. Choose a pastime you enjoy, and head in a direction that offers gains and growth.
India was in the middle of a careful, painstaking build. Then they got distracted by something shiny and spent the rest of the day paying for it. Cricket may be a team sport, but the events leading up to lunch on the third day at Lord’s epitomise how much individual records matter – for better or worse.
KL Rahul offered a sheepish look after his clattering of a short and wide delivery proved insufficient to beat deep point. So now he was on 98 instead of 101 and facing the prospect of a nervous 40 minutes inside the change room. Rishabh Pant wanted to spare his teammate that trouble and went for a risky single. Ben Stokes pounced.
That moment coloured the rest of play on the third day, which ended with India drawing level with England’s 387. There were ten minutes left. England dragged their feet. Tempers began to flare. Shubman Gill had some choice words and sarcastic claps as Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett’s delay tactics allowed for only one over until stumps.
Three players earned the opportunity to take this game by the scruff of its neck. Jofra Archer summoned fire and brimstone during a four-over spell right after lunch. Lord’s lived every ball, clapping him on
Kumar Reddy couldn’t appreciate any of this. It was all they could do to survive. Archer unleashed at this ground is addiction. On a slow pitch, with an old ball, he was generating an average speed of 150.3 kph/90.3 mph. He had never bowled quicker in Test cricket. But England couldn’t break through. It was a feeling they had to get used to on Saturday morning. Stokes didn’t care for it. He had been functioning as less than himself over the last two years, his body coming in the way of his myth. The England captain used to be known for his feroc-
bouncers, or back-of-alength deliveries, many of them aimed at Pant, who was nursing an injured finger which seemed to behave itself except when Stokes was close and cranking his own pace up to 90 mph. It was at the tail end of this little skirmish that India’s focus shifted from the team’s needs to an individual’s, and Stokes could feel it happening. He was hyperalert to Pant trying to pinch a single to cover and help Rahul get to his century before lunch. There was anger in the celebration of that run-out – itself an homage to Stokes’ athleticism as he
was natural that he charged down the track to Archer in the first over of the day. Or that he was irked by a stretch of 25 dots and tried to break it with a reverse scoop. Or that he turned the first ball of spin he faced into his 88th six, which means he is only two short of Virender Sehwag, who holds the India record. Frenetic. Unpredictable. Captivating. Even
India’s all-rounders into the tail just in time for the second new ball. But Jadeja wouldn’t budge. He made 72 off 131 balls. His technique – particularly the ability to discern between the balls he needs to play and those he doesn’t – is underrated. When he’s in form, he’s as good as a top-order batter, and he seemed to be the final play, a decisive shift in the game, until he
to extrapolate that he had learnt that lesson the hard est way possible. Obsessing about his lack of success and doubling down on his prep work in search of a change.
At some point, though, Rahul realised he needed to let go, which is funny be cause, one time, in South Africa, he started speaking about how letting go of the ball was where his joy was. Bit by bit, his focus turned from scoring runs to just be ing the best batter he can be. Well, in this series, he has made two hundreds in three Tests, and as he scurried to this one, he took time for himself, running practical ly all the way to the bound ary as he completed a quick single and then looking up at the sky with closed eyes. Once again, it was tempting to imagine him looking back at all the struggle and telling himself it was worth it.
does so, it is tempting
All of these stirring performances, and yet the third Test of this series remains evenly poised.
Stokes tried to sway it again – this time with the new ball – during a seven-over spell where a dead pitch came to life just for him and helped England break the 72-run JadejaReddy partnership that had been immune to their own abysmal running.
Pant had tried to sway it earlier, braving time in the middle, even though he was far from 100%. But injured or not, he was still him, so it
The ExxonMobil Boys’ and Girls’ Schools’ Under-14football competition is heading towards a boiling point with the quarterfinal and semi-final rounds scheduled to kick off today, Sunday, July 13, at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground, Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown.
The excitement will get going with a girls’ clash between Marian Academy and Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary at 10:00 hrs. Also, at 10:00 hrs, Bushlot Secondary will take on Chase’s Academic Foundation, while West Ruimveldt and St John’s
College’s boys also duke it out at the same time.
The final quarterfinal clash of the day will see Dolphin and Waramuri Secondary’s boys going
head-to-head from 12:00 hrs.
Thereafter, it will be on to the final four in each division. The girls’ semi-finals are billed for 14:00 hrs, to
Though the Frank Worrell Trophy is no longer up for grabs, the stakes remain high for West Indies captain Roston Chase and his team as they gear up for the historic pink ball day/night Test at Sabina Park, which bowls off on Saturday.
With Australia holding an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, this final encounter is one about pride and vital World Test Championship (WTC) points that could shape the team’s long-term prospects.
While the Caribbean side has shown flashes of competitiveness in both Barbados and Grenada before they succumbed to batting collapses, this Test represents a chance to extend those moments across a full fiveday match and finally get points on the board. With this being the first-ever day/ night Test at Sabina Park –and only the second in the Caribbean – conditions remain a wildcard, and, as such, Chase pointed out that they are yet to decide on the starting team.
“The wicket has some grass, and it looks hard. In practice, the ball’s been moving around a bit, so it looks like a good cricket wicket. We still haven’t settled on our eleven. There are still some ongoing discussions about the top order being a bit of a concern, obviously not getting those good starts that we’ve been looking for, and then we are looking at the extra seamer going out and probably a spinner coming back in,” Chase told reporters in a pre-game conference.
Chase admitted that the pink ball presents a fresh challenge, but in the same breath, he believes his squad is prepared.
“The guys are accustomed to playing with the pink ball. We had some firstclass games with the pink balls, so the guys had a bit of experience playing with
the pink ball, but the Test match is something different – different pressure, different style of play. But the guys are comfortable with it,” Chase declared.
“I think the bowlers have held their own, so I’d like to commend them on that. We’ve been hitting the marks, and we’ve been getting wickets early on, so that’s a plus for us. But it’s just for us to keep that momentum going through the middle, especially with Steve Smith back and Travis Head and [Alex] Carey... these guys are the main batters on their side. So if we can just find a way to get them all as quickly as possible and stop that momentum and that aggressive batting style that they’re bringing in that lower middle order, I think we’ll find ourselves in a better position,” he added. However, the lights have drawn mixed feelings from Chase.
“I think they’re a bit low for my liking. They seem a bit low, but it’s what we have to work with. So we can’t really come and complain about it; whatever is put in front of us, we have to deal with,” he noted.
Still, this Test match will also offer the Jamaican fans their first opportunity in years to see Test cricket at home – and their first ever under lights. It is an atmosphere Chase says the players relish.
“We always enjoy playing in Jamaica. There’s energy, there’s music, and there’s excitement. Wayne Marshall came and greeted us – it’s a vibe. So it’s a good feeling. Obviously, it’s the first pink ball Test, so the guys are really looking forward to that, and we hope that the crowd will come up and support the team,” Chase shared.
Meanwhile, Australia will enter the match chasing their own history, as Mitchell Starc is set to play his 100th Test and is just five wickets away from becoming the eighth Australian to reach 400 wickets. Josh Hazlewood needs eight to reach 300, while Nathan Lyon is just two away from surpassing Glenn McGrath’s 563 on the all-time Australian list.
If Hazlewood gets there, this quartet – Starc, Cummins, Lyon, and Hazlewood – would be the first in history to all play together with 300 wickets apiece. But the West Indies are determined not to let history be written entirely in Australia’s favour.
“Yeah, every game is important because there are points for the game. So it’s not only about winning the series, but you have to win matches to get that percentage up so you can be in contention to go forward in the table,” Chase ended. (Sportsmax)
be played simultaneously, while the boys will battle at 16:00 hrs. The winners of those games will move on to the grand finale, one step closer to claiming a $400,000 grand prize for their school’s use.
Second place will re-
ceive $200,000, third place
$100,000 and fourth place
$75,000, all for a school project of their choosing.
For individual prizes, the boys’ and girls’ Most Valuable Players (MVPs) and highest goal scorers will receive a $60,000 school supplies voucher, a trophy and a pair of football shoes, while both tournaments’ best goalkeepers receive a similar reward alongside goalkeeping gloves instead of shoes.
Chase’s Academic Foundation’s boys and President’s College’s girls are the tournaments’ defending champions.
Associated Construction, one of Guyana’s leading construction firms, proudly reaffirms its unwavering commitment to local sports and community development through its continued sponsorship of the prestigious Guyana Cup & Super Concert. Under the leadership of founder and owner Peter Lewis, the company has been a proud sponsor of the event since its inception in horse racing. Associated Construction has earned a reputation for excellence in residential, commercial and civil construction projects across Guyana. With a focus on quality, reliability and community investment, the company is dedicated to building a better Guyana, “one project at a time”. Over the years, Associated Construction’s support has tremendous ly enhanced the event’s visibility through in- creased attendance both locally and from the wider Caribbean region. The company’s philanthropic efforts through the years have supported initiatives that foster development, unity, and national heritage.
of the sport.
The high-stakes event is set to gallop into action on Sunday, 17th August, 2025, at the iconic Rising Sun Turf Club from 9am, with the first race carded to run at 11am.
The Guyana Cup continues to be the cornerstone of national sporting pride and a major attraction for fans and horse racing professionals throughout Guyana and the region. This year is expected to surpass previous years with the largest purse in the history of horse racing in Guyana with a price tag of over $50,000,000. The record-breaking purse is guaranteed to attract all of the elite horses and jockeys from across the region.
For the past 17 years, the Guyana Cup has stood as one of the most anticipated events in the country’s horse racing calendar, fusing top-tier competitors and horse racing enthusiasts while creating an atmosphere of celebration and cultural pride. From the beginning, Peter Lewis and Associated Construction have played a pivotal role in the racing fraternity that transcends into growth, development and the success
When contacted, business owner Peter Lewis explained, “Sponsoring the Guyana Cup is more than just a business decision; it’s a way of giving back to the community that has supported us for years. We believe in the power of sport to unite people, uplift communities and promote national pride. As the Guyana Cup continues to grow, so does Associated Construction’s role in enhancing the brand. It’s extremely challenging to carry the burden of funding these mega events out of pocket without corporate intervention. We understand that these events create employment, increase revenue for vendors and unite communities throughout Guyana through sport. My team is honoured to continue this longstanding partnership with Jumbo Jet Events and the Guyana Cup.”
Things are looking up for local franchise Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) following their first win of the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL) T20 on Friday night.
The Amazon Warriors pulled off a roaring 66-run victory over New Zealand’s Central Stags to rebound from a heart-breaking 8-run loss the night prior to the tournament’s defending champions, the Rangpur Riders of Bangladesh.
Not only did his team pull off a victory, but Captain Imran Tahir was able to contribute heavily to the result with a 4-wicket haul. As such, the Amazon Warriors’ skipper was a beaming one following the conclusion of the match.
“You can see that I’m smiling, so it’s nice to have a smile on your face. But look, we wanted to play a game like that; we had a camp, and like I said to you yes-
The ticketing box office of the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL) T20 will be open today, Sunday, July 13, from 8:00 hrs to 16:00 hrs.
This was revealed in a missive from organisers on Saturday.
Tickets are on sale now at the 233-234 Camp Streetbased office, starting at just $1,000, giving fans affordable access to the thrilling final fixtures of the GSL, including the highly anticipated GSL Super Concerts with local and regional stars taking to the stage.
Among those entertaining fans at the National Stadium, Providence will be Nilah Blackman, Ravi B, Mical Teja and more!
Guyana Amazon Warriors will be in action on Sunday evening as they
Friday night’s win
game, but good thing that we came back and did what we had to do to win the game,” an ecstatic Tahir told local media operatives on Friday night.
Quizzed about the 84run partnership between Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Jewel Andrew, the captain identified it as one of the most crucial parts of their win.
Tahir explained, “That was the most important thing in this game, you know, the way they ran. There were a lot of 2s, which you wouldn’t see because we have power hitters on our team, and I think this is not the kind of pitch where you just go and start playing your shots, so I think the message to them was they had to bat the way they did, and they did really well; they listened to the message.”
“I’m very impressed with Andrew, the way he played; you know, he’s a youngster,
he’s full of talent, and I’m a big fan of him,” he went on to add about the teenaged West Indian sensation.
Responding to enquiries of whether or not they have gotten everything right in Friday night’s game, Tahir answered in the negative, highlighting where there is still room for improvement.
The Amazon Warriors captain noted, “No, look, there is still room to improve. I think in the last five overs we only got 33 runs, and we lost 3 wickets. Like I said, this is not the easiest wicket; you come in and start playing your shots and stuff; you have to be there a long time. Obviously, our youngsters Gurbaz and Andrew did the job for us, so, obviously, the rest of the guys didn’t have much pressure, but I still want to see us run a ball at least. At least, we can get 40-50. We’ve seen all the results; the 10-15 runs can be very crucial in these games, especially playing at Providence.”
Sharing his passion
take on ILT20 Champions, Dubai Capitals, from 19:00 hrs. Earlier in the day, defending champions, the Rangpur Riders, will go up against Australia’s Big Bash League winner, the Hobart Hurricanes XI, from 10:00 hrs.
The Hurricanes are back in action on Tuesday, facing the New Zealand side,
Central Stags, who will look to get off the mark from 19:00 hrs.
On Wednesday, Riders will clash with Capitals in the morning, followed by Warriors going up against Hurricanes in the evening. The penultimate fixture will feature Riders and Stags at 10:00 hrs before the final on Friday at 19:00 hrs.
for the Guyana Amazon Warriors badge, Tahir shared his appreciation for the numerous GAW fans.
“What keeps me going is the shirt I’m wearing, representing Guyana. It’s an honour; I played cricket all my life with passion, and I don’t
take things for granted. I always say that every opportunity for me is an absolute honour.”
“Again, I just want to be very grateful to the crowd and everybody who’s watching and supporting us from their homes. Thank you very much because without their support we won’t be able to
do what we have been doing over the years,” Tahir stated.
The Guyana Amazon Warriors will be back in action tonight against the Dubai Capitals from 19:00 hrs; prior to that, the Hobart Hurricanes will take on the Rangpur Riders at 10:00 hrs today.
President Irfaan Ali recently met with athletes from various sports disciplines, predominantly young players, to discuss the future of their sports in what were described as candid conversations with the head of state.
For the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA), discussions included priorities for the growth of table tennis throughout Guyana. A social media post from the Office of the President elucidated, “The officials, including President of the GTTA, Godfrey Munroe, shared their aspirations for establishing a dedicated headquarters, enhancing coaching programmes, and fostering career development for athletes. The association also proposed the integration of sports science, including artificial intelligence and virtual reality technology, to elevate coaching techniques and support athletes in their recovery."
Emphasis was placed on expanding the table tennis programme for schools across Guyana, with a particular focus on the primary education realm. This initiative aims to strengthen grassroots engagement and identify young talent early.
Additionally, discussions highlighted the enhancement of coaching development and the reinforcement of the national team’s structure and support mechanisms. Proposals were made to increase both domestic and international exposure through competitive opportunities and advanced training support systems.”
On the other hand, the Guyana Squash Association (GSA) shared its ambition to expand squash across all ten administrative regions of the country.
The social media post further revealed, “President Ali committed to developing the infrastructure required to facilitate this expansion, including communal spaces throughout the regions.
The talks also covered training and sponsorship for five local coaches to pursue elite coaching certifications at levels three and four in the Cayman Islands.
A top priority for the Association is to engage
a full-time elite coach to overhaul the current programme, with the goal of enhancing the training quality and performance of national teams.
President Ali further pledged support in providing training and tournament kits, facilitating participation in international competitions, and completing the installation of air conditioning at the National Racquet Centre.”
The Honourable Charles Ramson, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, also attended both of the meetings alongside President Ali.
