President Dr Irfaan Ali joined Global Super League (GSL) players and sponsors Saturday night as they sampled Guyanese cuisine at the Taste of Guyana event sponsored by Beharry Group of Companies on July 5, 2025
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Sunday, July 6 – 01:45h - 03:15h and 14:00h14:45h and Monday, July 7 – 02:15h - 03:45h
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Sunday, July 6 – 13:15h - 14:45h and Monday, July 7 – 14:10h - 15:40h
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times –05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily
More than US$500M investments ready for Enmore industrial park – Pres Ali
– dairy plant, brewery, universities, mall among proposals
The East Coast Demerara (ECD) corridor is pegged to undergo an exciting economic transformation led by multi-billion-dollar investments that will be injected into the industrial park at Enmore. Formerly a sugar-based community, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government had outlined plans to transformed the closed estate in Enmore into an industrial and commercial zone.
Addressing residents of Enmore and surrounding communities on Friday evening, President Dr Irfaan Ali disclosed that there is already more than US$500 million of investments ready to come in this new industrial park.
Just last month, it was reported that Government has received over 20 business proposals that could see industries, manufacturing and expanded production in the community.
“In the development that we are talking about in Enmore, we have already received plans for a dairy plant, brewery expansion, private universities, modern mall, and we're also investing in waterfront development, which is key and critical for this East Coast corridor. Because we believe the East Coast corridor also has tremendous entertainment, recreational and tourism potential, and if you see what we are doing on Unity foreshore now, we want to replicate that throughout the East Coast corridor,” the Head of State declared on Friday.
Only last month, local real estate developer, Buddy’s Housing Development, announced a US$25 million Shoreline Mall at Enmore. This new commercial and lifestyle centre will complement the company’s exclusive 89unit condominium project – Shoreline Estates, also at the same location.
As far back as in 2021, the Ali-led Administration had been making it clear that there are major plans to convert the Enmore Sugar Estate, which was closed under the administration of the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) regime, into an employment hub for the ECD.
The Private Sector has also come on board this venture, with an agreement signed with majority Guyanese-owned joint venture company Guysons K+B (GKB) Industries Inc in 2022 for that entity to acquire 55 acres of land in Enmore to establish a fabrication facility offering services to the local oil and gas industry.
On Friday evening, the Head of State told residents that more massive investments, both private and public, will come to the community as well as the wide East Coast corridor over the next five years.
Already, Government has undertaken a US$192 million Railway Embankment Road Expansion Project, transforming the ECD road into four lanes from Sheriff Street to Orange Nassau. Only last week, Government commissioned the highly-anticipated US$133.8 million Ogle to Eccles Highway, which links the East Coast to the East Bank Demerara (EBD) corridor.
Now, they are also examining the feasibility and possibility of a train/rail system that will connect Grove on the East Bank to Cane Grove on the East Coast.
These are being complemented by robust housing
development as well as critical investments to enhance utility services such as water and electricity supply.
On the private sector front, four new hotels are expected to be built along the East Coast corridor.
“All of this, what will it do? It will improve life, create employment, create opportunities, expand the economy, expand commerce. It's an exciting future here on the East Coast …to support all the residents on the East Coast, especially our young people,” the president stated.
In fact, the Guyanese leader further pointed out that there will be a special entrepreneurial support programme for East Coast, targeting women and young people, in areas of agro-processing, production facility, smart agriculture and co-investment opportunities.
Moreover, President
Ali also announced plans to assist livestock farmers not just with the development of pasture lands but also through infrastructure support, for which Guyana has turned to neighbouring Brazil.
“We are working with the State of Roraima, and we have decided that we are going to build a modern feed facility to support our livestock farmer on the East Coast corridor. But not only build a modern feed facility to support our livestock farmers, but more than that, we are going to set aside land through which we can build a modern support system, including the pens, so that we can have a more scientific way in which we do livestock in urban and sub-urban areas,” President Ali revealed.
These plans, he added, will commence before the end of this year.
Only recently, the Governor of Brazil’s State of Roraima, Antonio Olivério Garcia de Almeida, visited Georgetown and had discussions with the President as well as several Cabinet Ministers on strategic areas of cooperation between Guyana and Northern Brazil.
Among the areas focused on were agriculture and livestock and consequently, the two sides have decided to collaboration on developing a food and livestock processing hub at Lethem, Region Nine, to increase agriculture production and exports to the Caribbean region and beyond.
Against the background of the implications of Venezuelan gold being smuggled through Guyana, we offer the following, excerpted from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) 2021 report: Gold flows from Venezuela as background.
“As highlighted by the Financial Action Task Force, gold is a preferred medium for illicit finance. It is highly valuable, portable and capable of holding its value even during significant market shocks in markets around the world. As an element, it is very difficult to trace through chemical analysis. It can be reshaped in myriad ways or literally blended into anonymity. Perhaps most importantly, gold is not intrinsically illicit, so it can be laundered easily into legitimate supply chains, contributing to the greying of local, national and regional economies and even the global financial system. In this context, gold flows from Venezuela present serious challenges.
Since the nationalisation of Venezuela’s mining industry in 2011, criminals of various kinds have encroached on the country’s gold mining sector. In the five years since the 2016 decree establishing the Orinoco Mining Arc (AMO) in the south of Venezuela, gold mining has expanded beyond the confines of the AMO. Over the same period, the volumes of gold flows out of the country have only grown in scale. The risks linked with those flows extend beyond human rights abuses and environmental destruction and include criminal economies linked with various forms of trafficking and money laundering, as well as the financing of terrorism.
While it is extremely difficult to estimate gold production in Venezuela, processing capacity and reporting suggest that it could conceivably amount to as much as 75 t per year; as of July 2021, the market value of that production would exceed USD 4.4 billion (United States Dollars). Research suggests that actual current production throughout Venezuela amounts to a third to half that amount. Gold flows within Venezuela can be categorised under two broad headings: centralised and dispersed.
The centralised flows carry a portion of production from the country’s myriad small mining operations – there is no large-scale mining currently in Venezuela – to the government-monitored trading hubs in cities such as El Callao, where some is purchased by buyers representing Venezuelan elites. These flows also include the substantial and expanding trucking of gold sands and other crude material from shuttered and operational mines as well as alluvial deposits to cyanidation plants in Bolívar state. The production from those facilities appears to be divided between the Central Bank of Venezuela (BCV) and politically exposed persons (PEPs). While centralised flows of gold out of Venezuela might be considered legal, it is still necessary to carry out enhanced due diligence to ascertain whether conditions of extraction and trade are associated with actual or potential risks of severe human rights abuses, conflict financing and other financial crimes.
In contrast, dispersed flows are those that leave the country from mining areas by various other routes. The Venezuelan military and political elites, Colombian militant groups, and domestic gangs are reported to be key actors in both categories of domestic gold flows. While centralised flows reportedly include gold transfers from the BCV to foreign governments and other entities in Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Iran and elsewhere, transnational dispersed flows reportedly benefit a wider and more overtly criminal range of actors, including criminal cartels, Colombian Grupos Armados Organizados (GAOs) and designated terrorist organisations.
Gold from dispersed flows departing Venezuela appears to be laundered primarily within the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region, mainly in one or more key regional transit hubs. Currently, these have been identified as Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Brazil, Suriname, Guyana and Panama, and there are some reports of potential laundering elsewhere in Central America and in Mexico. Laundering networks can, however, extend across the globe, and actors connected with Europe, the US, China, the Middle East and possibly West Africa have also been implicated. Reports suggest that some gold laundering may involve informal value transfer systems that reach the Middle East and China.
Apropos an explicit Guyana connection, the report states, “Nazar Mohamed, owner of Mohamed’s Trading, has been characterised as aggressively pursuing Venezuelan gold, some of which originates with the ELN” (a Colombian guerrilla group that collaborates with the Maduro government).
Despite increasing scores on
the
National Grade Six Assessment
(NGSA),
we must dismantle this pernicious colonial system
Dear Editor, The Ministry of Education deserves credit for gains in the recent NGSA. We celebrate any and all gains and lament those areas needing progress. Notwithstanding the gains, we must move quickly to revamp, reimagine, reform, retool, redesign, and reinvent our education system.
Following the release of the 2025 results, there has been a flurry of comments calling for the abolishing of the NGSA. This is hopeful, as mindsets are beginning to change. Those who want to preserve this current system of privilege and status would resist change, and those whose children are victims of the NGSA would applaud change. In its new Education Sector Plan (2025-2030), our Ministry of Education can be the leaders of change and a model for Caricom if it sets out a transition timeline of probably 3 years to transform and redesign our approach to school assignment. This reform cannot wait! We must act with a sense of urgency.
Comments by “Eyewitness” (“Moving up… in education?”, June 27, 2025) in the Guyana Times make our case for abandonment of the NGSA. The Stabroek News, which has been giving good coverage of education, also makes that
case. (See “Elation, despair and the National Grade Six Assessment”, June 28, 2025).
“Eyewitness” did not mince words. That columnist said, “Well, it’s that time of the year once again!! That time when we became the only country on the planet to go ga-ga over the scores of our 11-year-olds in the exams that allow them to move from primary to secondary school. If you think your eyewitness is exaggerating, just tell him in which other country such scores make it to the FRONT PAGES OF EVERY NATIONAL NEWSPAPER!! See?? So, what does that mean? Simply, that in the education field – even though we came out of colonialism sixty years ago – we’re still at the lowest stage of development when it was a big thing for our children to get into “Queen’s College”!!”
Eyewitness continued, “After slavery – as a mark of great progress – primary schools were launched by the Church – and funded by the government. … Queen’s College had been created as the first secondary school just after slavery was abolished for the sons of the lily-white rulers – including some of their coloured ones from their slave concubines. Bishops ’soon followed for their daughters. Much later a “Common Entrance” exam
was launched in the primary schools for a small number of students in 4th Standard across the country to earn a “scholarship” to Queen’s or Bishops’!! And this is where we’ve been stuck ever since – even though secondary schools have been built in every community!! That doesn’t mean there haven’t been changes – but the fact we’re all so excited about who will get into “Queen’s” means that nothing’s really changed!”
So, if we get rid of the NGSA, what do we do with the top 6 schools? The students who usually get placed at the top 6 schools are mostly “academically gifted” or “gifted and talented”. They are the “in spite” of children who will do well regardless of poor teachers or poor schools. They are self-driven, capable of accelerated learning and advanced learning. They learn at a faster pace, and they can do college work earlier. We can convert the top 6 schools to “special focus” academies and ask only those students who want to get in to do an optional admissions test to be admitted to those special programmes.
For instance, we can create more “speciality” schools such as the recently opened St George's School of Science. There can be an Academy of
Medicine/Health Sciences, an Academy of Law, a STEM Academy or School of Science, Math and Engineering, a School of the Arts, an Oil and Gas Academy, or “Early College” High Schools. All these academies can award both a high school diploma and an associate degree at graduation.
This will require our education designers and experts to create new high school models. With the ongoing building of new schools and a new push to upgrade all existing high schools, students can automatically attend better-quality neighbourhood schools.
Additionally, as in the USA, we can implement “enrichment” programmes for all those “academically gifted” students in every high school. That will require the Cyril Potter College of Education Campus and its centres to introduce a course on how to teach gifted children.
So, let’s start the conversations and brainstorming and get public input on how we may restructure our education system. (See “Scrapping NGSA will be a tipping point for education reform in Guyana”, KN, Apr 27, 2025).
Sincerely, Dr Jerry Jailall
The Guyana Police Force’s 2025 march in observance of its 186th anniversary did not leave out its maritime vessel from the parade through the streets of Georgetown on Saturday morning, July 5, 2025
Addressing the Labour Shortage in the Sugar Industry: A Broader Look at a Global Challenge
By Paul Cheong, Ceo, guyana Sugar CorPoration (guySuCo)
Dear Editor,
Permit me to share my thoughts on a growing challenge that the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), like many agricultural entities around the world, is facing: a shrinking labour force, especially in the sugarcane harvesting sector. Over the past five years, GuySuCo has recorded a steady decline in the number of harvesters reporting to the fields, a trend that has serious implications for productivity. Simply put, fewer workers in the fields mean fewer canes to the factory and, ultimately, lower production.
In the 1st crop of 2022, 2,147 harvesters were on roll with 55% attendance – an average of 1,181 wor-
king daily. By the 1st crop of 2025, though 1,990 harvesters were registered, attendance dropped to 50%, with just 995 workers turning out. This downward trend in field turnout reflects a deeper shift in Guyana’s labour market, not one caused by poor wages, but by a wider transformation in the country’s economy.
It is important to understand that this phenomenon is not peculiar to GuySuCo, nor is it isolated to the sugar sector. Across Guyana, employers in construction, hospitality, agriculture, retail, and even government are grappling with workforce shortages. This is a reflection of the broader economic transformation currently taking place in the country. As Guyana continues to experience rapid development
and expanded opportunities, especially due to the growing oil and gas sector, the labour landscape has shifted significantly.
This trend isn’t unique to us. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), labour shortages in agriculture have become a global issue. In both developed and developing countries, rural outmigration, ageing populations, and changing employment preferences have contributed to a sharp decline in available farm labour.
A 2023 FAO report notes that countries from India to Brazil and from Thailand to South Africa are reporting critical gaps in harvesting labour, especially for crops like sugarcane that are labour-intensive and seasonal in nature.
Against this backdrop, it is important to address a common misconception that wages are the main reason workers are not taking up harvesting jobs. In fact, Guyana is among the highest-paying countries for sugarcane harvesters. At GuySuCo, cane harvesters average earnings range from US$19 to US$25 per day. This is higher than daily wages for similar work in many sugar-producing countries, including India and parts of Latin America.
For example, FAO data indicates that average wages for sugarcane harvesters in India fall between US$4 and US$7 per day, while in Brazil, one of the world’s largest producers, the average ranges from US$12 to US$25 per day depending on region and experience.
Therefore, the issue isn’t one of compensation, but rather availability and interest.
The demand for labour in Guyana has increased across all sectors, and younger generations are increasingly opting for jobs outside of traditional fieldwork. Many are pursuing education and training in new industries, and others are seeking opportunities in urban and offshore employment.
This new reality requires us to think differently. While GuySuCo continues to support and value its human workforce, we are also advancing our mechanisation programme to ease dependency on manual labour. The introduction of harvesting machines and
other technologies can help us mitigate the impact of low field turnout and ensure that we maintain consistent cane supply to our factories.
We recognise that sugar remains a vital part of Guyana’s heritage and economy. But to sustain this industry, we must embrace both the challenges and the opportunities presented by today’s labour realities.
The path forward lies in adapting through technology, efficiency, and closer collaboration with workers, communities, and stakeholders.
Yours sincerely, Paul
Cheong Chief Executive Officer
Guyana Sugar Corporation
Mountains that Azruddin Mohamed has to surmount
Dear Editor,
Except for motor racing and the exhibition of expensive vehicles, the name Azruddin Mohammed was an unheard-of personality. He was an obscure man, locked away from public scrutiny, as he became engrossed in gaining wealth and building an empire for himself. Now, when that same wealth-grabbing preoccupation became a cause for the USA to sanction him, at this stage that name jumped into prominence, and Azruddin Mohammed became a household name.
It began as an imperceptible, philanthropic individual who would turn up at places and people who were adversely affected by unfortunate circumstances to do his charitable work. However, his troubles continued as the sanctions weighed in heavily on him.
At this juncture his ambitions widened as he stepped out into the political arena – that is, to run for president. It started out as negative statements directed at the Government for projects they left undone. These accusations were his starting point because he highlighted those as instances of gross neglect by the PPP/C administration.
Vice President Jagdeo fired back: he said that his party was not the architect of his sanctions; therefore, the PPP/C would not be Mohammed's scapegoat; rather, Mohammed should work at clearing his name from the bad books of the United States Government.
So, we are forced to ask the presidential aspirant a few questions:
1. How was your wealth generated? Was it through fraud or honest means?
2. The Americans have concluded that you were under surveillance for the past four years now, so why accuse the PPP/C as the source of your sanctions?
3. As a presidential hopeful, what is your motive for running for high office? Is it an altruistic endeavour to help people or a means to save your pocket and keep your "business" alive?
4. Guyanese are wary of politicians who cry corruption, but as soon as they get into office, they make a sudden U-turn and walk the same road they accused the ruling party of. A vivid reminder is the PNC-led coalition that, soon after getting into office, raised their sala-
ries 50%, amidst other atrocities. That coalition was the most corrupt ever, and at this stage of our development, we are not about to enter into another.
5. In light of the above, where we cannot see clearly into your acquisition of wealth, we are ever cautious of your hidden agenda running for office. You keep promoting the lies of a PPP/C sanction when verifiable evidence shows that this is otherwise the case. How can we trust an individual who lives in denial and cannot tell the nation the truth?
6. We hold such an individual as being in gross contempt for the people and one that cannot be trusted to hold high office. Holding the highest office in this country means that we as a nation will suffer sanctions
GPA extends condolences at passing of Guyana-born journalist Rickey Singh
Dear Editor,
The Guyana Press Association extends condolences to the family, friends and regional media colleagues of journalist and columnist Rickey Singh. Singh transitioned at his home in Barbados on Saturday.
Singh, a Guyana-born journalist, published his first story in 1957 at the Guiana Graphic. He swiftly moved from covering general stories and beats to political reporting covering various issues in Guyana and the Caribbean. Singh was also a columnist who wrote on politics and social issues in the region.
Rickey Singh contributed to several wire services and publications in the region, including Guyana, Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, the BBC Caribbean Report and Caribbean News Agency (CANA), as well as services in North America and Britain.
Singh was a recipient of an honorary doctorate from the University of the West Indies for his contributions as a journalist in regional affairs. In 2023, Singh was recognised with a Lifetime Achievement Award in Guyana.
Singh was also a founder and the first president of
the now-defunct Caribbean Association of Media Workers (CAMWORK). The Guyana Press Association
alike. We would not be another Venezuela, having our country sanctioned as its leader.
Until such time as our questions remain unanswered, we will treat every word, every gesture as highly suspicious! We will not be sanctioned with you, sir; we will proceed with a Government and party that can be trusted and one that has shown its respect for people by doing what it says; newcomers with a sordid history we'd rather keep at arm's length.
Yours sincerely, Neil Adams
Mangroves and coastal defence
Climate change is making tropical storms and cyclones stronger. It is also making them more common. We know tropical cyclones can cause a lot of damage to houses and buildings. But what about coastal ecosystems? We depend on coastal ecosystems for protection and food. It's important to understand how increasing storms could impact them.
Some storms force families and even whole communities to evacuate. These storms are likely a tropical cyclone. You might know them as hurricanes, typhoons, or just cyclones based on where you live. Tropical cyclones are rotating storms that form over the ocean. We classify them based on their wind speed (categories 1-5).
Categories 4 and 5 are very intense; they can have wind speeds of more than 130 miles per hour (209 km per hour). Tropical cyclones can cause billions of dollars in damage to property. But we don’t always think about the damage they can do to coastal ecosystems. Tropical cyclones can hurt organisms and habitats. A search of existing studies for North Atlantic tropical cyclones that made landfall with information about their impact on coastal ecosys-
tems was done, resulting in records for 97 landfalls. These had 891 separate data points about impacts.
Exploring data from five different ecosystems found that they were mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, salt marshes, oyster reefs, and coral reefs. Tropical cyclones harmed all five ecosystems, but they harmed mangrove forests the most; big storms can break coral or uproot mangrove trees.
Tropical cyclones can also cause sediment to move. They can even change the water quality.
To understand whether mangroves can help to reduce risk on a particular stretch of coast, it is first necessary to assess the risk context in the target area. Risk is a combination of the occurrence of hazards and the exposure and vulnerability of people to those
hazards. Coastal lands are subject to multiple natural hazards such as erosion, wave damage, tsunamis, storms and flooding, and over the long term, rising sea levels. Such hazards may threaten lives, livelihoods, property, health and economic development.
Exposure refers to the extent to which people and their property are situated in hazard zones and therefore face potential losses from extreme events.
Vulnerability can be defined as the characteristics of a community that make it susceptible to the damaging effects of a hazard.
Erosion refers to the removal of sediments from the shore, resulting in the loss of land and a retreating shoreline.
Mangroves reduce wave damage
Mangroves reduce the height and energy of wind and waves passing through them, reducing their ability to erode and to cause dam-
age. During rising tides, as the sea comes in, waves enter the mangrove forests. They lose energy as they pass through the tangled above-ground roots and branches, and their height is quickly reduced. As this happens, waves lose their ability to scour the sea
sive forces and to trap and bind soil particles together. Because mangrove soils are often waterlogged and so have very low oxygen content, much of this organic matter accumulates, forming a layer of peat that increases in thickness over time, which means...
bed and carry away sediments. Mangroves also reduce winds across the surface of the water, and this prevents the reformation of waves.
Wide areas of mangroves can reduce storm surge flood levels, while smaller areas can still reduce the impacts of large waves and high wind speeds during major storms.
Mangroves reduce erosion and bind soils together
The dense roots of mangroves help to bind and build soils. The aboveground roots slow down water flows, encourage deposition of sediments and reduce erosion.
On every coastline waves and currents create change, sometimes bringing sediments to the coast. Where mangroves occur they reduce erosion and enhance sedimentation.
The mangrove vegetation re -
Mangroves can keep up with sea level rise
These processes can allow mangroves to keep pace with rising sea levels. Some mangroves sit on top of deep layers of mangrove peat that may be 6 meters deep or more, that were built up over thousands of years as sea levels rose. These mangrove soils grew vertically at rates of up to 10 mm per year in sites from Australia to Belize, suggesting that mangroves may be able to keep up with similar rates of sea level rise into the future, where local conditions allow. While not all mangroves may be able to fully “keep up” with rising seas, even a small increase in soil surface height over time may help to reduce the impact of sea level rise on coastal areas.
Globally, sea levels are rising as a result of the melting of ice sheets and glaciers, and the expansion of the oceans as they warm with climate
duces wave energy and slows the flow of water over the soil surface, reducing the water’s capacity to dislodge sediments and carry them out of the mangrove area. The slower water flows can allow already suspended sediments to settle out from the water, resulting in increased deposition of sediment.
Typical mangrove soils are rich in organic matter produced by the mangroves themselves, including living roots but also dead leaves and woody materials. The dense network of fine roots helps to armour the soil from ero-
change.
In a healthy mangrove ecosystem, waves take sediment away and the tides bring sediment in. The mangroves’ aerial root systems help to dissipate the waves and to capture and stabilize the sediment. By contrast, hard structures, such as breakwaters and also the earthen or concrete dykes surrounding aquaculture ponds, only protect against wave impacts in the short term, and may need rebuilding frequently as they are undercut by erosion. (www.sciencejournalforkids.org, The Nature Conservancy)
Childcare centres for young professionals were born from conversations with young teachers – Pres Ali
…initiative aims to ease work-life balance, boost retention in the education sector
In a bold step to support the nation's young workforce, especially those in education, President Irfaan Ali announced that the Government will establish childcare facilities across the country, a move aimed at helping young professionals, particularly women, better balance career and family life.
Speaking at the com-
missioning ceremony of the new $940.7 million Christ Church Secondary School on Thursday, President Ali said the initiative was born from direct conversations with young teachers who have expressed concerns about delaying parenthood due to the lack of childcare support.
President Ali recounted that he’s heard this common
concern, which places emphasis on the fact that professional women are deferring motherhood in order to meet their teaching obligations, largely due to the unavailability of safe, affordable childcare options – something the Government has set out to address.
“Over the last three months I've heard a kind of
Drop in dengue cases in Region Six – RHO
Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) is reporting a drop in dengue cases. The Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr Vineshri Khirodhar, says that while the disease is still relevant in the region, the number of persons being hospitalised has been reduced but warns that if persons who display symptoms of the disease do not show up at medical facilities to get tested, authorities will not have accurate figures.
In April of this year, two children in Region Six died from dengue as the region recorded 332 cases for that month.
However, according to Regional Health Officer Dr Vineshri Khirodhar, there has been a drop in the number of reported cases.
While not providing figures to the media, she said having a decline in dengue does not mean that they have been able to eradicate dengue from the region.
According to the RHO, the situation is under control, and it required largescale resources throughout the region: from the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils, the health clinics, and health centres.
The Regional Health Officer says now they are getting results from interventions taken two months ago.
“We have started, and we still continue to carry out, fogging exercises throughout
each community, but this is done every 28 days. We are doing house-to-house IRS spraying, which is Internal Residual Spraying. We are doing this house-to-house. This means we are on foot with a tank strapped to our back, and we are going house-tohouse to do this type of exercise, which is the IRS spraying,” she noted.
The RHO said they have seen many results with the house-to-house exercise in the eradication of mosquito eggs and young mosquitoes.
The chemical being used, according to her, is safe for humans and pets but harmful to the mosquitoes.
“It means we can spray it in the house, and within an hour or two, you are okay. Of course, when we are doing the spraying, we do not encourage a lot of people to be around, but it is totally harmless to humans. We have seen massive results from the IRS spraying, so we are doing this through-
out the region,” the RHO said while noting that there is a central team at the Regional Health Service Office situated in New Amsterdam.
“But we also have smaller teams at each NDC, and we expect each NDC to take care of their community,” Dr Khirodhar added.
In May, it was reported by health authorities in the region that Skeldon and Port Mourant were considered hot spots for dengue in the region. The RHO said they have already completed sanitising about 90 per cent of the houses in those two communities and between 60 and 70 per cent of the houses at Albion, which was considered as another hot spot.
“I don't want to take this for granted; dengue is there. Once we have mosquitoes in the country, you will always have a rise in dengue. Our goal is to put an end to it, and in order to put an end to it, we need community involvement. I mean, my team cannot go into someone's yard and remove damaged receptacles like barrels, drums, old tyres and so on. We can't do that. We can only plead and ask the residents to take care of it. So, our jobs are not easy.”
Dr Khirodhar says the team have to deal with harsh elements, rain and sunshine, when they are on foot and working every day.
Nevertheless, she reiterates there are still admissions in the hospital, but they have decreased.
common theme throughout the conversation; that is, we are postponing our family life. We are postponing building our own family, and I sought to analyse what we can do to ensure that our teachers don't have to postpone an important part of living a quality life, and one of the big reasons is childcare facilities, because young teachers, especially females, cannot come up with a formula through which they can take care of their babies and children whilst they're in school.”
“So, we have decided that as we confront this challenge not only for teachers but for young professionals, we have to make a series of investments across the country in childcare facilities that will enable our young people –that would enable our young professionals to pursue their career and pursue their jobs without postponing other important aspects of a quality life,” he added.
According to the Guyanese leader, the childcare initiative is part of a broader national push to achieve universal secondary education by 2026 and ensure that 100 per cent of teachers are trained or in training by the end of 2025, without deferring motherhood.
President Ali stressed
that these are not isolated efforts but interconnected policies designed to build a stronger, more resilient education system while retaining talent and improving the quality of life for professionals.
“So that is something we have decided that we're going to make targeted and serious investment in: childcare and child-friendly environments to support our young professionals, especially women in our society. So, as I said, our target is clear: universal secondary education by the end of next year. 100% trained or in training teachers by the end of this year or teachers in training. Now you may ask, Why this investment? You may ask, Why this in-
vestment in achieving universal secondary education? Because secondary education is no longer a luxury, and I want us to understand this. It is a necessity. It is no longer optional. It is mandatory for survival and success in today's world.”
The Head of State further explained that the move is also expected to improve retention rates in the teaching profession, particularly among young women who often leave due to family pressures or childcare concerns. By offering institutional support, the Government hopes to make teaching – and other public service careers –more viable and family-friendly long-term professions.
President Irfaan Ali speaking at the commissioning
Region Six RHO, Dr Vineshri Khirodhar
Whistling…
…in the (PNC) dark
When asked about all the departures of a stream of executives and second-tier leaders of PNC (and APNU), leader Aubrey Norton brushed it off as having “no effect”!! None of them were “heavyweights –who are determined by our party based on, one, the work you do and not solely the position you hold”, he claimed!! Did he ever hear about death by a thousand cuts?? Many think he’s whistling in the dark!! You know – passing that graveyard and you’re scared shitless about a Jumbie attacking you and you start whistling loudly to work up some courage!!
He took the time, however, to go into great detail about a number of departees – signalling that they weren’t the bantamweights he was implying they were!! He saved some particularly vicious uppercuts for Jermaine Figueira – who, like him, is from Region 10, and so that departure might’ve gotten to him personally!! “In my opinion, Figueira is about the occupation of a seat, not a heavyweight. A heavyweight gets into the community, relates to people, and does what has to be done.” Now, c’mon now!! If anybody has been getting into his community and standing up for Reg 10 of late, it had to be Figgy – as he is known far and wide. And when folks start calling you by your nickname, it does suggest you’ve moved up in the weight category!! While Figueira might’ve been accused of whatever, Norton will now lose a lotta credibility by questioning his Reg 10 representation!!
And with the female member of the older Reg 10 dynamic duo, Vanessa Kissoon gone after accusing the comrade leader of sexual harassment – from the end of a gun at that!! – and the male member Sharma Solomon rather reticent in his support, it looks like Norton really oughta be concerned about what’s gonna go down in Linden come September 1st!! Speaking after the first wave of departures, his predecessor as party leader, David Granger, had warned about the “effect on morale”. “It would be a serious error to discount the possibility of the ‘copycat’ effect of the departures,” he said, while predicting “more shocking events are likely to occur over the next ten long weeks ahead until E-Day.” And lo and behold, as the Sanctimonious Gangster would say, Figgy “occurred”!! The respected elder statesman Carl Greenidge – who has no axes to grind as Granger might’ve – also stressed the impact of the departures on party “morale”.
Which in the end, the departures mightn’t lead erstwhile party members to vote for the PPP – they might rather stay at home come Sept 1st. In the close encounters that have come to typify our recent elections, this might cause Norton to stay in the Opposition Office AFTER Sept 1st!!
…for medical services
For the longest while, our medical services lagged as our medical professionals struggled because the facilities and the equipment just weren’t in place. The PPP had inherited a system where – with the now loquacious Hamilton Green as Health Minister – rats gnawed at the toes of new born babes! Even Burnham, the dictator, died on an operating table.
Well, over the years, the PPP administration struggled with those limited resources at its disposal – remember the PNC left a debt burden of US$2.1 billion?? – to rectify the situation by at least stabilising it. Had to stop the bleeding! But now with oil revenues flowing, two of six new worldclass hospitals in the pipeline have been opened at Diamond and Enmore!! The facilities – as the president noted – exceed those of many first-world countries! Not to mention Britain’s beleaguered NHS!! Our challenge, of course, is gonna be manpower – doctors and nurses.
This will only be solved in the free-market world we live in by raising salaries!!
…Dixie
Hamilton Green wrote that the Cricket Board head “publicly endorsing a particular leader of a particular party…has never happened before in all of my 70-odd years of public life in our country.”
How about the army and police chiefs swearing loyalty to the Kabaka and the PNC??
CARICOM leaders urged to recommit to shared purpose – Chair
…call made as integration efforts intensify for future generations
As the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) ushers in its 52nd anniversary, CARICOM Chair and Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has issued a powerful call for renewed commitment to regional unity, especially as the 49th Conference of Heads of Government convenes in Jamaica.
In a stirring address to CARICOM nationals across the region and diaspora, Holness highlighted the Community’s enduring relevance since its establishment in 1973 with the Treaty of Chaguaramas by Barbados, Jamaica, Guyana, and Trinidad & Tobago.
On this point, he emphasised the need for CARICOM to “continue to build a community that shines as a beacon of unity, shared purpose, and hope for both present and future generations”.
“As we look to the future, the valuable lessons and experience gained over the past half-century of integration will guide us in addressing new and emerging challenges. These include, but are not limited to, col-
lective efforts to tackle climate change, secure climate financing, strengthen food and energy security, combat transnational organised crime, and bolster our resilience to external shocks,” Holness said in a video address.
Further, Holness reaffirmed that while CARICOM has grown to include 15 member states and six associate members, there is still “more to be done” in strengthening the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME)—a critical pillar for promoting inter-regional trade, free movement of skills and capital, and economic resilience.
Nonetheless, he praised the Community’s institutions—such as the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC), the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), the Caribbean Implementing Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS), the Caribbean Agricultural Development Institute (CARDI), and the University of the West Indies (UWI).
“Today, CARICOM
stands as a testament to what can be accomplished when we transcend our differences and work together for the common good. At its core, CARICOM continues to provide invaluable opportunities for growth in trade, coordination of foreign policy, and functional cooperation in areas such as health, education, culture, and the environment.
The CARICOM single market and economy remain a powerful vehicle for advancing regional economic integration. It offers our people new opportunities, promotes competitiveness, builds resilience, and fosters inclusiveness. While we have made progress, there remains more to be done to unlock the potential of the CSME, particularly in driving inter-regional trade, facilitating movement of skills and capital, and creating sustainable economic growth for all member states. Our commitment to this objective must be steadfast and unwavering,” the CARICOM Chair added.
Every year on the first Monday in July, CARICOM Day is observed to commemorate the signing of
the Treaty of Chaguaramas in 1973, which established the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
Guyana, one of the four founding members of CARICOM alongside Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago, has played a central role in shaping the direction of the community. As host of the CARICOM Secretariat headquarters in Georgetown, Guyana is seen as a key driver of regional unity and integration. Over the decades, Guyana has championed food security, climate resilience, and equitable development across the bloc, while also pushing for greater cooperation in trade and infrastructure.
In fact, since assuming office in August 2020, President Dr Irfaan Ali has driven major initiatives that are reshaping integration, food security, and climate policy across the Caribbean.
From spearheading the 25 by 2025 food import reduction strategy to championing sustainable energy and regional infrastructure, Guyana has emerged as a forceful advocate for a stronger, more self-reliant Caribbean.
The administration backed its commitments with action: Guyana’s agriculture budget more than doubled, moving from $13.3 billion in 2019 to over $32.2 billion in 2023. The government has driven growth in
critical sectors such as corn, soybeans, coconut, cocoa, and aquaculture while expanding shade-house farming and livestock production.
Beyond food, Guyana has also pushed for energy transformation and regional logistics. A 250 km gas pipeline and major hydropower and solar projects are underway, with the aim of cutting electricity costs by half by 2025.
President Ali has also promoted critical infrastructure to support integration, including the Corentyne River bridge to Suriname and a highway to Brazil— both expected to enhance trade, energy cooperation, and food exports.
Kitty Welder remanded for attempted murder after scissors attack
A26-year-old welder was on Friday remanded to prison after being charged with attempted murder in connection with a brutal stabbing that has left a man hospitalised and fighting for his life.
The accused, Alvin Grannum, of Lot 175 Da Silva Street, Kitty, appeared before Chief Magistrate (ag) Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, where he was formally charged with wounding 32-year-old Dennis Narine with the intent to murder him.
The charge stems from an incident that occurred on July 1, on Republic Street, Kitty, where Grannum is alleged to have stabbed Narine multiple times in the chest during a violent altercation.
According to the police prosecutor, the two men were reportedly involved in a scuf-
fle when Grannum, who was armed with a pair of scissors, inflicted several stab wounds to Narine’s upper body. The victim was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where
he was admitted to the male surgical ward in critical condition.
The prosecution further disclosed that Grannum admitted to committing the act during a video- and audio-recorded interview conducted by investigators.
In court, the prosecutor strongly objected to bail, citing the severity of the offence, the nature of the weapon used, and the current medical condition of the victim.
“The virtual complainant remains hospitalised in a very critical state,” the prosecutor told the court.
Magistrate McGusty, after enquiring about Narine’s condition, agreed with the prosecution and denied bail, stressing that the seriousness of the allegations and the victim’s fragile state warranted remand at this time. She added that should the victim’s condition improve, the defence may be allowed to apply for bail at the next hearing.
Grannum was not required to enter a plea to the indictable charge. The matter was adjourned to August 8, when updates on the victim’s condition are expected to be provided.
Alvin Grannum
It is war
On June 24, Chief of Staff of the GDF, Brigadier Omar Khan, was the inaugural guest on a new weekly state social media program that spells out its theme in its name, “Safeguarding the Nation”. Asked about the present threat from Venezuela, which – after years of hostile acts that included massing its navy and army near our border – had recently purported to annex Essequibo and elect a governor and legislators to administer it, Brigadier Khan said flatly, “Venezuela and their claim to the Essequibo are more political theatre than military threat. We, however, are being cautious. As a defence force, we’re operating within our defence policy. Of the DIME construct.”
While as a commentator on the Venezuelan Border Controversy for over three decades, I am pleased that the government is ratcheting up its informational operations, I am concerned about the Brigadier’s assertion that Venezuela’s actions are “more political theatre than military threat”. Firstly, as head of our military, it is not within his remit to pronounce definitively on our overall national strategic posture. In our democratic polity, this is for his civilian overseers, headed by the president, to say since in the DIME construct he mentions, these instruments of power – Diplomacy, Information, Military and Economic – are all within the latter’s bailiwick. Secondly, while he heads the military instrument, his assessment of Venezuela’s actions evidently considers only an armed invasion by Venezuelan military forces as a “military threat”.
However, I have been emphasising for two years that while Maduro’s action may be motivated by domestic imperatives of political survival, he has long gone beyond rhetoric and launched a hybrid, grey zone war to actually annex Essequibo. Rather than the old “kinetic wars”, today, military establishments now discuss, prepare for, and engage in “hybrid wars”. These are fought not on battlefields but in a “grey zone encompassing all domains and societal institutions using a range of different methods to attack an enemy. These include the aforementioned “DIME construct”, which has now been extended to “DIME-FIL” to include financial, intelligence and legal instruments.
In its hybrid war against us, Maduro has extended those instruments by using propaganda, criminal networks, infiltration by fifth columnists, narcotics and gold smuggling, etc. But what is ironic about the claim of “no military threat” is there have been “kinetic” encounters between members of the Sindicatos and our GDF, where the latter have been shot at and injured. These Sindicatos are criminal gangs that control illegal gold mining in Venezuela’s Bolivar state that adjoins Essequibo across the Cuyuni River and work hand in glove with Maduro’s civilian authorities, in addition to his military commanders.
Then there is the mass migration out of Venezuela, which we have to accept has been and will continue to be weaponised. Among the migrants or refugees, there are members of criminal gangs such as the Tren de Aragua, who have been planted to conduct disruptions within our country. As one analyst has argued about their modus operandi in other countries: Critical infrastructure would be the most obvious target—power grids, transportation systems, and water supplies. Disruptions in any of these areas could cause widespread public alarm and paralyse emergency response. Large public gatherings like sporting events or political rallies are vulnerable as well. So are economic centres such as ports and supply chains, where a well-timed act of sabotage could have ripple effects across entire regions. A sudden attack could cripple local emergency services, delaying responses or causing panic and confusion.” Tren de Aragua already operates in Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and the US, and now we have the instances of a police outpost at East Ruimveldt and a nearby GPL substation attacked by Venezuelans.
We cannot claim to be misinformed of Maduro’s intentions. After satellite images showed Venezuelans building a bridge to our half of Ankoko Island, which they have occupied since 1966, the Venezuelan Strategic Operational Commander of its National Armed Forces (FANB), Major General Domingo Hernández Larez, revealed that the move was the start of operations to implement the annexation of Essequibo: “Engineers of the territorial defensive system complied, crossing the Cuyuni River through the campaign bridge to bring harmony and progress to our territory of the Guyana Essequibo State. Machinery will pass; we will build schools, universities, health centres, supply centres, interconnection tracks, commerce and many other productive projects in favour of our fellow Essequibans.”
I hope that the National Intelligence & Security Agency (NISA) is keeping our civilian authorities informed.
Ravi Dev
GPF’s security command centre commissioned at Anna Regina –
part
of $1.5B
investment in modernising security sector
The Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, on Saturday officially commissioned the Anna Regina Guyana Police Force (GPF) Security Command Centre in Region Two (Pomeroon–Supenaam), marking another milestone in the administration’s push to modernise the country’s security infrastructure. The commissioning cer-
emony was attended by Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, Deputy Commander of Operation Errol Watts, Commander of Region Two Superintendent Khemraj Shivbaran, engineers within the Ministry of Home Affairs, Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Home Affairs Andre Ally, senior police officials, regional authorities, and residents.
The command centre is now positioned to serve as a central hub for surveillance, real-time monitoring, coordinated responses, and crime analysis on the Essequibo Coast.
The facility is housed next to the newly constructed Anna Regina Headquarters, which was completed at a cost of $215 million. The command centre itself is part of a broader strategy aimed at boosting
operational efficiency and safety across Region Two.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, PS Andre Ally, has revealed that the Government has invested more than $1.5 billion in capital assets for the securi-
ty sector between 2020 and 2025. These investments include critical resources such as buildings, vehicles, equipment and the deployment of modern body cameras.
Ally noted that the newly opened headquar-
ters facility was completed at a cost of $215 million, while reconstruction of the Henrietta Police Station is also underway, signalling the Government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening infrastructure in Region Two.
“This is a major transformation in the sector... We are seeing heavy investment to improve services, modernise operations, and bring greater accountability to law enforcement,” Ally said.
The PS further commended the regional police for their efforts, noting that serious crimes in Region Two have decreased by 18 per cent. However, he expressed concern about the rise in serious traffic accidents along the Essequibo Coast, emphasising the need for public cooperation and road safety awareness.
Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn addressing residents at the commissioning ceremony in Anna Regina
Minister Benn and Home Affairs Ministry Permanent Secretary Andre Ally at the unveiling of the plaque at the commissioning ceremony
GPF’s security command centre commissioned...
“This is not just police work—this is everyone’s work...Talk to your families; wear helmets, wear your seatbelts. Let us try to reverse this very bad trend. It starts with us,” he advised.
Additionally, Minister Benn, during his remarks, reiterated the Government’s unwavering commitment to transforming the national security sector through sustained investments in infrastructure, training and equipment.
“We sat down when we came back into Government and we mapped out our programmes. I am proud to say, after five years, that we are keeping our promises to the people of Guyana,” the Minister stated. He said the commissioning of the command centre is part of wider efforts aimed at delivering safety and order to all communities through improved policing facilities, upgraded technology and professional service delivery. Minister Benn underscored that national development is fundamentally linked to the strength and reliability of the country’s security forces. He stressed that no amount of infrastructure— regardless of how modern
or expansive—can fulfil its purpose without the presence of well-trained, wellequipped, and trusted law enforcement personnel. The Government’s focus therefore, is not only on building state-of-the-art police facilities and command centres, but also on ensuring that these investments are matched with high standards of professionalism, integrity and public trust. In his view, peace and security are not side components of development—they are its very foundation. “You can build all the fancy buildings you want—but without trusted, well-equipped security forces, there will be no development,” he said.
He added that national progress depends heavily on peace, law and order, and underscored the importance of professional conduct and empathy by security ranks.
“We are working on building trust, integrity, and pride within our forces. That’s the foundation of everything else.” According to Deputy Commander of Operations, Errol Watts, the Anna Regina facility is just one of many under the Government’s strategic police infrastructure expan-
sion. He noted that over the past five years, 23 new police stations were built and 75 other projects were completed across Guyana to improve police infrastructure and working conditions for ranks. “In the last five years, we’ve built 23 new police stations and completed 74 additional projects across Guyana. Officers are now better accommodated and better resourced than ever before,” Watts shared. He urged the ranks to care for and respect the assets provided to them and maintain the facilities through proper use and cleanliness.
Superintendent Khemraj Shivbaran, in his address, described the commissioning as a “simple but significant ceremony”, marking a major milestone for Region Two and the Guyana Police Force.
“Minister, the buildings that stand before us—this Regional Police Headquarters and the new Command Centre—are both essential to the transformation of our national security sector and the Guyana Police Force,” Shivbaran stated.
“These facilities were not easy to fund. Let’s show the people and the Government that we’re using them for the purpose intended— with pride and professionalism,” Watts concluded. Meanwhile, Senior
He explained that the new headquarters bring several positive changes to the region, including decentralised services previously only available in Georgetown. These include the Immigration Department and the Traffic Certification Unit, which now allow residents of
Region Two to access these services locally. The new building, he noted houses multiple specialised departments, including the Commander’s Registry (which handles firearm licences and other documents), the Finance Department, the Court Superintendent’s Office, the Regional Operations Room, the Detective Officer’s Office, the Gender-Based Unit, the Traffic Department, and the Office of Professional Responsibility. There is also a conference room that supports staff development and training. He concluded by expressing gratitude for the development work ongoing within Regional Division Two and reiterated the force’s commitment to public service and innovation in policing.
Home Affairs Minister Benn attends to the ribbon-cutting event
Teen’s almost-$1.4M embezzlement charge dismissed after full repayment
A19-year-old former office assistant, who once faced public scrutiny over accusations of embezzling more than $1.3 million from her former employer, had the charge dismissed in court on Friday.
Serena Samuels of Good Intent, West Bank Demerara (WBD) appeared before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where the embezzlement charge brought against her in April was formally withdrawn.
The decision came after her former employer con-
firmed that the full amount of money had been repaid. Samuels, a former employee of Beacon Roti Café on Sheriff Street, Georgetown was first charged after the café’s owner conducted an internal audit and discovered major discrepancies in the daily cash sales and petty cash records. Samuels had been entrusted with handling financial transactions at the business, including submitting daily cash reports, responsibilities which she allegedly neglected.
The employer, upon no-
ticing inconsistencies in the books and realising that a large sum was unaccounted for, contacted the police. An investigation was launched, and Samuels was arrested and charged shortly thereafter. At the time, she appeared in court unrepresented and was granted $600,000 bail.
During her first court appearance, the teen expressed a desire to make amends and had indicated her willingness to repay the funds. She reportedly told the Magistrate that she was unemployed and was facing
financial hardship, but still wanted to pursue a resolution through compensation.
On Friday, as she reappeared before the court, Magistrate McGusty inquired about her progress in settling the matter. Samuels then presented a letter confirming the repayment of the funds. Also, during the proceedings, a representative from Beacon Cafe appeared virtually via Zoom and confirmed to the court that the company had received the full amount owed.
With the complainant satisfied and no objection raised to the matter being withdrawn, Magistrate
officially dismissed the charge.
McGusty
Serena Samuels being escorted by a Police Officer
Guyana to create life science park for biotech development
– emerging as regional powerhouse in healthcare, biotechnology
The Guyana Government is fast positioning itself as a regional powerhouse in the health sector, and is now looking to enhance its medical innovation capacity with the establishment of a life science park – a facility that would foster biotechnology development here.
President Irfaan Ali made this announcement at the commissioning of the Enmore Regional Hospital on Friday evening. He explained that Guyana is not waiting for the future of medicine but is building it by taking a bold leap into the world of predictive, personalised and precision medicine.
“At the centre of this transformation will be the creation of a Life Science Park, a sprawling high-tech hub of medical innovation that will anchor Guyana’s emergence as a regional powerhouse in healthcare and biotechnology.”
“It will be a laboratory where breakthrough ideas
are born and lives are saved through science. This park will house bio-bank, storage facilities. It will be home to a Tropical Medicine Institute. Within it will be established centres for drugs and diagnostic development and state of the art vaccine and biologics, and manufacturing plants,” the Head of State posited.
A science park is a commercial facility designed to promote research and development and innovation in the fields of medicine, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology, bridging the gap between science development and business excellence.
Discussions underway with Belgium President Ali disclosed that his Government is already in discussions with a Life Science Park in southern Belgium, with support from the European Union (EU) to establish strong global partnerships and ensure that Guyana is plugged into the world’s most advanced medical networks. “The goal is nothing less than making Guyana a world-class health provider and a Caribbean hub for bio-
tech innovation, a place where AI (artificial intelligence) meets medicine, where science meets service...” he noted.
According to the Guyanese leader, the life science park will be the engine of a new economy, one driven by research innovation and healing, belonging to the people of Guyana and powered by the highly-anticipated Gas-toEnergy (GtE) Project, which is slated to come onstream mid2026 and slash electricity prices by half.
He went on to note that his Government is not just stopping at infrastructure but also forging collaborations with
global leaders in smart care and medical innovation.
“The Life Science Park will be co-housed with worldleading academic institutions, making it a hotbed for cutting edge research in translational science, clinical trials and data analytics. Our natural gas resources will power the park, giving us a low-cost energy advantage for data warehouses and AI labs, because we know that in the future, health care is powered not just by compassion, but by computation,” the President stated.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 28
President Irfaan Ali
The design of a life science park in Belgium
Home Affairs Minister, Commissioner of Police receive salutes as GPF marks 186th Anniversary
Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn was on Saturday honoured with the traditional ‘eyes right’ salute in front of the Ministry’s Brickdam office as the Guyana Police Force (GPF) demonstrated their exceptional marching skills during the annual route march parade.
The parade, after meandering through several streets in the city, turned west into Young Street for the Commissioner’s salute in front of the Police Headquarters.
The July 6 event marked the celebration of the Force’s 186th anniversary, highlighting a proud legacy of service and commitment to the nation.
The minister was joined by permanent secretary Andre Ally, commissioner of police Clifton Hicken, and assistant superintendent Lall, who all witnessed the impressive display of discipline and unity, the GPF’s social me-
dia post noted.
This year’s parade, which moved off from TSU Square early Saturday morning, saw a significant increase in participation, with more than 2,300 participants representing police ranks this year, includ-
ing Community Policing Groups (CPGs), the Credit Union Department, and the Scouts Association.
The growing numbers reflect the Force’s ongoing dedication to excellence and its expanding role in national security, the GPF said. The parade route de-
parted the Tactical Services Unit (TSU) Drill
Square, proceeding east into Young Street, south into Parade Street, east along Lamaha Street, south into Camp Street, then west into Brickdam, where there was the salute in front of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
It then proceeded north along Avenue of the Republic, east into Lamaha Street via Main Street, north into Camp Road, and west into Young Street for the Commissioner’s salute in front of Police Headquarters, which marked the end of the parade as it returned north into the Tactical Services Unit Square.
The annual route march parade remains a powerful testament to the Guyana Police Force’s dedication, discipline, and unwavering commitment to serving the nation with distinction, celebrating both its rich history and its ongoing pursuit of excellence in public service, the GPF noted.
Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn, Permanent
Secretary Andre Ally, Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken, and Assistant Superintendent Lall during the salute in front of the Ministry of Home Affairs
The parade turned into Young Street for the Commissioner’s salute in front of Police Headquarters
President of GGDMA endorses President Irfaan Ali for 2nd term
Ronaldo Alphonso a gold miner for more than 20 years and the current President of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) says he is proud to announce his unequivocal endorsement of His Excellency, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, for a second term as President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.
According to Alphonso, he arrived at this decision having taken into account the benefits he has seen the sector receive over the past five years.
Alphonso noted that this endorsement “reflects my firm belief that the current administration has not only listened to the needs of the
mining sector but has acted decisively to ensure its growth and prosperity.”
“Under President Ali’s leadership, the mining industry has witnessed a transformative period of engagement and a Government that has consistently delivered on its promises. The administration has implemented a suite of policies that have directly and positively impacted every level of our sector, from the smallscale miner to larger operations. These measures have provided tangible benefits, reduced operational burdens and spurred new investment,” he noted.
Over the past five years, Alphonso said that miners, including his company, have benefited from
President
a series of critical concessions and initiatives, which he listed as including, tax and VAT relief, where there was the complete removal of VAT and taxes on AllTerrain Vehicles (ATVs).
Elimination of VAT on essential machinery, equipment and lubricating oils, and the removal of the burdensome Excise Tax on fuel.
Another benefit for miners he pointed put were more streamlined operations with the abolishment of the police clearance requirement for miners to transport their own fuel, and the removal of the mandate to register and obtain road licences for mining equipment, along with the elimination of VAT on hinterland travel, which reduced costs for miners’ workforce.
Alphonso also listed the direct financial gains from a significant reduction of the Final Tax from a sliding scale with a maximum of 3.5 per cent down to a flat 2.5
per cent and the complete removal of the 10 per cent Tributor’s Tax, which he said, put more money back into the pockets of miners.
Landmark investment agreements, he added, such as the establishment of a crucial Investment Development Agreement (IDA) between the Government of Guyana and Miners, allows miners producing over 200 ounces of gold annually to import a duty-free Double Cab Open Back Pickup, provided they are tax compliant. A further IDA has also been secured for other vehicles and essential spares.
“These actions speak louder than words. They represent a Government that understands the vi-
tal contribution of the gold and diamond mining sector to Guyana’s economy and is committed to its sustainable development,” he asserted.
“There are still challenges to address within the sector, but the open-door policy and the collaborative spirit demonstrated by President Ali’s Government gives me great confidence. We have a partner in progress who is willing to listen and work with us to find solutions.
Therefore, I, wholeheartedly endorse President Irfaan Ali for a second term and look forward to continuing this productive partnership and building a brighter, more prosperous future for the mining sector and all of Guyana,” Alphonso stated.
Promote peaceful conduct ahead of elections – ERC tells political leaders
– says Code of Conduct to be signed
The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC)
is calling on all political leaders contesting the 2025 General and Regional Elections on September 1, to act responsibly and ensure that their conduct promotes national harmony and good relations across Guyana’s multi-ethnic society.
In a statement on Saturday, the Commission expressed concerns over recent incidents reported in the media that have increased tensions among supporters of
various political parties.
According to the missive, “In light of this, the ERC reminds all political leaders of their duty to set a tone of respect, restraint, and unity, before, during, and after the elections.”
To this end, the ERC urges political leaders to denounce and refrain from all forms of violence, incitement, and intimidation, including threats or harassment at rallies, meetings, or any public engagement.
It also asked politicians to
consistently urge their supporters against acts of provocation, intimidation, or hostility toward others.
The ERC added that political leaders must also avoid language that incites division or violence, especially along ethnic or political lines.
Meanwhile, in order to maintain peace and order during this election season, the ERC intends to have a Code of Conduct, which all political parties contesting the elections are expected to sign onto, declaring their consent to
uphold these and other values during the period of General and Regional Elections 2025.
Notably, all parties that contested the 2020 elections had signed the ERC’s Code of Conduct aimed towards maintaining electoral peace.
“The Commission firmly opposes and rejects any form of violence or intimidation throughout the elections period. Specifically, the ERC urges against threats, harassment, or disruptions at political activities or in any public space, and urges against language intended to incite violence or hostility toward candidates, agents, or supporters of any group,” Saturday’s statement detailed.
Moreover, ERC reiterated that elections are a democrat-
ic right and must be conducted in an atmosphere of peace and mutual respect. It went onto to urge political leaders to lead by example and help ensure a safe, inclusive, and respectful electoral process for all Guyanese.
Ahead of the upcoming elections, 22 political parties have indicated their interest in contesting the September 1 polls and have since submitted symbols to the Guyana
Elections Commission (GECOM) – 19 of which were initially approved. This was done in preparation of the July 14 Nomination Day, when the political parties contesting the upcoming polls will have to submit their Lists of Candidates and Nominators to the Elections Commission.
The ERC Code of Conduct signing will be held after Nomination Day.
of GGDMA,
Ronaldo Alphonso
$144M Charity Fire Station commissioned to strengthen emergency response on Essequibo Coast
— Minister Benn reaffirms Govt commitment to security, service, and safeguarding Guyana’s future
Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn on Saturday commissioned a modern, state-of-the-art fire station at Charity, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), constructed at a cost of $144 million to enhance fire and emergency response services along the Essequibo Coast.
ergy, education, or infrastructure – are all directed at improving the state of our people. Security is the foundation. Without it, there can be no real development...
We have spent 62 times more than our predeces-
and keeping sand buckets in commercial spaces.
Reflecting on the Mahdia tragedy that claimed the lives of 22 girls, Minister Benn said fire prevention is not optional but a national responsibility.
Additionally, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Andre Ally, highlighted the Government’s strong commitment to improving fire and emergency services on the Essequibo Coast.
He said the new Charity Fire Station is a major addition to the region, which previously had only one station at Anna Regina. Another station is also being developed, which will triple the fire coverage in the area.
Ally noted that over $1.5 billion has been invested in the security sector in Region Two over the past five years, compared to just $25 million between 2015 and 2020. This major increase shows the Government’s focus on upgrading infrastructure and improving public safety. He added that the fire de-
The newly completed facility is expected to significantly enhance emergency response and fire prevention capabilities in the northern part of the region.
He pointed to the tragic fire at the Charity Market as a pivotal moment that underscored the urgent need for a local fire station in the community.
“I remember coming here the very day the market was on fire and witnessing the devastation. Everything was destroyed. It struck us then that we must widen our foot-
happen without security, which goes beyond policing to include the fire and prison services, the Guyana Defence Force, and other key institutions.
The Home Affairs Minister stated that the newly commissioned fire station is one of many capital investments being made by the Government to improve infrastructure and services across the country. He reaffirmed that the Government’s use of oil
print—ensure every community, including Charity, has quicker access to emergency support,” Minister Benn recalled.
He emphasised that national development cannot
Addressing residents at the commissioning ceremony, Minister Benn said the Government’s investments in the fire service and wider security sector are part of a broader commitment to national development, safety, and the betterment of citizens’ lives.
revenues is geared toward bettering the lives of all Guyanese, particularly the youth and future generations.
“Our focus, our vision, our efforts – whether in en-
sors on critical infrastructure to ensure that the people of Guyana are protected and prepared,” the Minister stated.
He also spoke of the broader roles played by the Guyana Fire Service and the Emergency Medical Services (EMS), noting their tireless work rescuing people trapped in vehicles, responding to structural fires, and even delivering babies.
He revealed that more fire trucks, ambulances, and even a fireboat are expected to be added to the national fleet, along with a new maintenance and management system to account for all emergency equipment and ensure readiness.
He called for more enforcement and public education and urged communities to support fire prevention efforts, including installing basic fire alarms and fireballs
“This is not what we want for our children or our country. That pain still lingers. That’s why awareness, education, and inspection are so critical,” he stressed.
Minister Benn also called on men in society to lead by example, to model respectful and responsible behaviour for the youth, and to work collectively to foster unity and national pride.
He reiterated the PPP/C Government’s commitment to keeping its promises, reminding the public that every commissioned facility, whether a road, school, or fire station, reflects a promise fulfilled.
“We are promise-keepers... We will keep our promises not for ourselves, but for our young people, for the generations to come, and for a stronger, united, and sovereign Guyana,” he declared.
partment has received some of the highest investments in equipment, vehicles, and facilities. Fire officers were encouraged to take care of the new resources and continue serving the region with professionalism and dedication.
Regional Chairperson of Region Two, Vilma De Silva, expressed gratitude to the Government of Guyana for the establishment of the Charity Fire Station, noting that it will greatly enhance the ability to respond swiftly to fires in Charity and surrounding cossssmmunities along the Essequibo Coast. Also attending the commissioning ceremony were Deputy Commander of Operations Errol Watts, Commander of Region Two Superintendent Khemraj Shivbaran, Division Officer (Ag) Suresh Persaud, engineers, and other regional officials.
Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn and Regional Chairperson of Region Two Vilma De Silva take part in the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon
Minister Benn unveils the plaque at the ceremony with other officials
The Fire Truck at Charity Fire Station
The Minister and officials toured the newly constructed fire station during the event
What started off with pointed toes and pounding hearts in the early days of their journey to create a dance school has now grown into one of Guyana’s top-tier dance institutions.
The Unique Arts Dance School, once a humble collective of passionate dancers, has transformed into a vibrant movement that spans continents and generations—captivating audiences with every beat and body roll.
schools, auditoriums, and hearts across Guyana.
He also added that the dance school has served as a compass for many individuals, guiding them toward success and self-discovery.
“Under this direction, we’ve nurtured and mentored countless children. Dance became our transformative tool—instilling discipline, creativity and pride in identity. Our footprints stretch beyond Guyana’s borders.”
As Unique Arts Dance School
munity to move, connect and
To mark the occasion, Unique Arts is launching a cultural celebration like no other—a true “mixtural cultural bubbling pot” at Queen’s College. The event promises to blend traditions, sounds and movements into one electrifying Caribbean
Speaking excitedly about the initiative, Jennings who is also a teacher at Queen’s College, shared that one of the most powerful aspects of the celebration is the launch of a workshop at Queen’s College for both current students and recent graduates. “Well, I’m a teacher at Queen’s College currently and we have a programme happening where we are hosting a workshop for students who just left school and those currently
enrolled. We’re teaching them folk dances from Jamaica.”
He mentioned that Jamaican nationals are currently in Guyana to help facilitate the workshop.
“We’re teaching them traditional Jamaican folk dances—which is why we’ve brought Jamaican nationals here to Guyana. The workshop starts next week.”
But this is about more than choreography—it’s about cultural connection and shared experiences.
“The results of the workshop will be featured in a production showcasing the students. It’s a true Caribbean cultural exchange. The students will learn Jamaican culture, and we will teach them ours. That’s how we grow—by learning from each other.”
He emphasised that this anniversary is not just about marking time—it’s about celebrating transformation.
“Our anniversary is not just about years for us. It’s about lives we’ve changed, barriers we’ve broken, and a legacy built on love, re-
silience and rhythm. We’ve faced challenges—but together, we conquered them all. To every dancer who has passed through our studio doors, every parent who trusted us, every supporter who clapped in the audience—you are part of this movement. And we thank you.” Jennings went on to describe how Unique Arts has played a central role in promoting regional cultural exchange. It began with the school sending 30 young people from Guyana to Jamaica to work in the entertainment industry. Some stayed in Jamaica for up to two years, and a few are still there. Others returned to Guyana, bringing back valuable experience and renewed inspiration.
He later expanded these efforts by building relationships in Trinidad, where he connected with local talent and brought some Trinidadians to work in Jamaica as well. Some of them stayed, while others returned home—each contributing to a growing network of regional cultural exchange.
The Unique Arts Dance School
The director Kelton Jennings
–
SPresentation Brothers College choir aims to inspire with
music, faith, culture and
weet symphonies of music are set to flow throughout each of the ten administrative regions, as 50 voices from Grenada prepare to sing in unison.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Georgetown, through St Pius X RC Church-Guyana, is honoured to welcome the Presentation Brothers College Choir (PBC Choir) from Grenada, who will be visiting Guyana from July 24 to August 3, 2025.
The PBC Choir is an allmale ensemble comprising over 50 current and past students of Presentation Brothers College in St George’s, Grenada.
This special visit promises to be a time of fellowship, worship, hope, cultural exchange, and inspiring music.
Speaking to this publication, Musical Director Halim Brizan shared how the choir began and how they have since progressed to performing internationally.
According to Brizan, what began as a small school initiative has blossomed into a vibrant musical movement that champions discipline and hope.
For 17 years, they have distinguished themselves through musical excellence, Catholic witness and a deep commitment to preserving and promoting Caribbean culture. He explained that Presentation Brothers College is a Catholic secondary school known for its high academic standards and values-based education.
In keeping with the charism of the Presentation Brothers, the school encourages holistic development—intellectual, spiritual and creative. The choir is one of its most visible and impactful Ministries, providing a platform for boys to express themselves while upholding Catholic and
Caribbean values.
Offering his perspective on why they chose Guyana as a destination, Brizan said that a main part of this is due to the fact that he is here serving as a great connection for the team to showcase their talent in Guyana.
“First and foremost, I’m also a
years was considered a time for freedom of captives, rest for the land, debt forgiveness and a return to justice and mercy, this is why”
He described the choir members as “pilgrims of hope” coming to spread messages of love, peace, unity, endurance and faith
Caribbean pride
eve of the Emancipation holiday, promises an evening filled with powerful harmonies, Caribbean rhythms and messages of hope and liberation. The concert invites the wider community to come together in celebration of freedom, faith and cultural heritage through the inspiring voices
part of the St Pius community— the Catholic Church. And this year is particularly significant.
The Church is celebrating the Universal Jubilee Year of Hope.
A Jubilee Year is a special year of grace, traditionally occurring every 25 years. It dates back to Old Testament times, where every 50
in God—bringing spiritual upliftment wherever they go.
Following their concert at Our Lady of Fatima, the PBC Choir will also perform at the Echoes of Freedom Concert on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 7:00 PM at the National Cultural Centre.
The special event, held on the
of these talented young men. As they bring their voices to Guyana in July 2025, the PBC Choir continues its mission: to be a shining light for others, to represent Grenada and CARICOM with pride, and to empower young men to use their gifts in service of something greater. Under
the leadership of Administrator Olympia Lewis and supported by a strong network of alumni, the choir has captivated audiences both locally and internationally.
Their notable appearances include three CARIFESTA events, a royal performance for Prince Harry, and performances at high-level CARICOM meetings, including the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government (July 2024) and the 2nd Caribbean Heads Meeting on Climate Change and the Environment (2023).
In 2022, the choir received a standing ovation at the wedding of Hollywood actress Aisha Hinds and was featured in a viral video post by R&B singer MAJOR.
Over the years, the PBC Choir has become a national symbol of youth excellence in Grenada, frequently called upon for high-profile state events, national celebrations, and community outreach. Their appearances at events such as National Independence Day celebrations, state funerals and interfaith services underscore their role not just as performers, but as ambassadors of hope and unity.
The choir’s rich and diverse musical repertoire includes classical, gospel, folk, reggae, calypso, R&B, and traditional Caribbean music—reflecting their commitment to musical and cultural richness. They often collaborate with local Grenadian artists and perform at the island’s top venues, especially during festive seasons.
The PBC Choir will grace Georgetown, Guyana, with a special concert hosted by St Pius X Roman Catholic Church. The performance is scheduled for Sunday, July 27, 2025, at 5:00 PM at Our Lady of Fatima RC Church, Bourda.
The Presentation Brothers College (PBC)
Veteran Guyanese journalist Rickey Singh dies
Guyanese-born veteran Caribbean journalist, Rickey Singh, passed away at the age of 88 on Saturday.
“Singh transitioned at his home in Barbados on Saturday,” Guyana Press Association (GPA) indicated via a statement in which it extended condolences to the family, friends and regional media colleagues of the journalist and columnist.
Singh published his first story in 1957 at the Guiana Graphic, now Guyana Chronicle. He swiftly moved from covering general stories and beats to political reporting, covering various issues in Guyana and the Caribbean. He was also a columnist who wrote on politics and social issues in the region.
According to the GPA, Singh contributed to sev-
eral wire services and publications in the region, including Guyana, Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, the BBC Caribbean Report and Caribbean News Agency (CANA) as well as services in North America and Britain.
Singh was a recipient of an Honorary Doctorate from the University of the West Indies (UWI) for his contributions as a jour-
Man dies in Mahaica crash
ATularam. The accident occurred at Mahaica on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD).
nalist in regional affairs. He was also a founder and first President of the now defunct Caribbean Association of Media Workers (CAMWORK).
On Saturday, the Association of Caribbean MediaWorkers (ACM) also joined in mourning the loss of “…a political journalist who, in the words of veteran Trinidadian journalist Tony Fraser, was “was born in Guyana but belonged to the Caribbean”.
In 2023, Singh who migrated in 1975 over press freedom issues, was recognised with a Lifetime Achievement Award in Guyana.
Another veteran regional journalist, Earl Bousquet, in a March 2023 column, described Singh as “fearless.” He said Singh’s professional life was “… dotted with colourful stories…” and “hair-raising exchanges” with largerthan-life political figures both at home and across the Caribbean.
According to Bousquet, Singh was the “most-harassed and politically-punished Caribbean journalist.”
Despite living in Barbados, Singh had been writing columns for the state-owned Guyana Chronicle since 1992 but eventually pulled the Sunday feature in September 2015 under A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC).
This was after one of his columns, which was criti-
cal of the David Grangerled Administration and then Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, was not published. In severing relations with the newspaper, where he started his journalism career, the columnist had expressed that the Chronicle “…seems to have fallen victim to a most negative policy of the interferences by the new APNU/AFC coalition Administration.”
“As a journalist of the Caribbean region for a pretty long period of years, I am aware of charges of partisan political interferences by Governments in various states of our Caribbean Community, Guyana being among them—previously and currently. But the haste to do so by the current Prime Minister of Guyana [Nagamootoo] and the raw, arrogant tactics being pursued by him to ensure crippling [of] the Chronicle’s independence, is most disgusting and shocking”, Singh had stated in a letter to the newspaper back in 2015.
Guyana to create life science park...
Guyana is already positioning itself to lead the way in this age of smart care with the build out of a digitally integrated health ecosystem that is supported by global experts and the harnessing of AI. In this regard, discussions have commenced with experts at a top New York-based healthcare network.
This publication understands that Tularam had attended a funeral earlier today and was heading home when the horrific crash occurred.
This story will be updated as more details come in.
“We were sitting with some specialists from Northwell a few nights ago, and they were telling us that, now they can [place] a few robots in Guyana, and their specialist from Northwell can perform surgery here with the robots, with their specialist sitting at
Northwell and supervised by our local doctors here; that is where medicine is going, and it’s not guesswork. It is precision medicine,” the Guyanese leader related.
Noting that AI will help guide complex clinical decisions and assist in early diagnosis of life-threatening conditions, the President added that the country is already exploring AI-assisted interpretation of medical images such as X-rays, CT scans and ultrasounds.
“Guyana will emerge as a regional leader in smart care health services through a bold and forward-thinking health
agenda. The country is rapidly integrating digital technology into public health infrastructure. We’re ushering an era where data driven decisions, telemedicine, electronic health records and AI-assisted diagnostics are no longer futuristic ideas, but everyday realities,” he posited.
Additionally, Guyana is working with Northwell Hospital, using their expertise to develop a fully integrated emergency medical services system to revolutionise emergency response and ensure faster, more efficient pre-hospital care and coordinated hospital transfer.
Moreover, in seeking out the best minds in global medicine, Guyana is also working with renowned Mount Sinai Hospital to develop an advanced oncology centre here, which will bring cutting edge cancer diagnostics, treatment and resource to local shores thus reducing the need for patients to travel abroad for care.
“With this facility, we’ll offer hope, healing and highquality oncology services that meet international standard. This is cancer care redefined. This is treatment with dignity,” he noted.
The Head of State further detailed plans to set up a specialised stroke rehabilitation centre, a first its kind in the country. The centre will focus on restoring quality of life to those affected.
“We are not just raising the bar. We are raising it with the help of the best in the world… In rolling out this transformed health ecosystem, excellence will be our partner… Guyana will be a country where help meets hope, where research meets results, where the future begins now… We are not merely making improvements, we are building a system that will be second to none – a healthcare system that is modern, responsive, compassionate and world class,” President Ali posited.
Veteran regional journalist, the late Rickey Singh
man is now dead after the motorcar he was driving crashed into the back of a truck moments ago.
Dead is Kevindra
GSL stars unite at Taste of Guyana
The Global Super League (GSL) stars on Saturday enjoyed a Taste of Guyana as they sampled Guyana’s most
popular and delicious dishes, joined by President Dr Irfaan Ali, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, and ExxonMobil officials,
among other invited guests. The occasion was held at CPL building, Camp and Quamina Streets, and sponsored by Beharry’s Group of
Companies. GSL teams – defending champions, Rangpur Riders of Bangladesh, Central Stags champions of New
Zealand’s Super Smash, Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) champions, Hobart Hurricanes XI, Guyana Amazon Warriors,
and DP World International League T20 (ILT20) winners, Dubai Capitals, will now embark on their countrywide tour.
GPF recognises Inspector Ameer Mohamed as fingerprint and handwriting expert
– nicknamed “the guy with the microscopic eyes” by colleagues
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has officially recognised Detective Inspector Ameer Mohamed as one of its leading experts in fingerprint and handwriting analysis.
According to the GPF, Mohamed, a member of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), is among a select few in Guyana with such highly specialised expertise. His technical knowledge and dedication have made him an invaluable asset to the Force.
With thousands of signatures identified and hundreds of forgery cases solved, Mohamed’s expertise has supported numerous high-profile investigations across the country. His skills have also been sought by regional counterparts in St Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, and St Martin, where he assisted in suspected forgery cases.
Mohamed noted that his
The village of Moraikobai, in Region Five, has been earmarked for an influx of development that will ultimately transform its current trajectory and make eco-tourism more accessible. President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Saturday announced that his Government is in talks with the King Charles Foundation to establish an ‘Estate of Harmony’ in the Amerindian village, a Department of Public Information (DPI) news release stated.
The Estate of Harmony focuses on the creation of sustainable, inclusive and equitable environments that foster a sense of community.
President Ali explained that Guyana is partnering with the King Charles Foundation in the United Kingdom (UK) to build an eco-lodge in Moraikobai to help boost the village’s tourism experience. This ecolodge will mirror the one already created in Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD) which is proving to be successful.
job is deeply engaging and emotionally rewarding.
“It is an exciting field. When you understand both sciences, and especially when you solve a crime involving handwriting or fingerprints... it’s an amazing feeling,” he said.
Mohamed’s precision and knowledge have earned him widespread respect. He was named RunnerUp Best Detective for CID Headquarters in both 2021 and 2024 and has received the Top Performer Award in the Crime Laboratory for six consecutive years.
As the GPF modernises with advanced equipment such as forensic comparators and comparison microscopes, Mohamed — nicknamed “the guy with the microscopic eyes” by his colleagues — remains one of the few who can still manually classify and compare fingerprints with exceptional accuracy.
“You will have a worldclass eco-lodge that you will own; that your young people will own. The eco lodge will be harmoniously integrated with a natural environment. With the beauty of this natural environment that will create jobs, create income and revenue,” President Ali stated.
Through the King Charles Foundation, Moraikobai will also benefit from waterfront development. Sloping beaches will be created with benabs and walkways leading to and from the eco-lodge. President Ali further announced that youths will be supported in
With fifteen years of service — twelve of them spent in the CID — Inspector Mohamed has helped solve countless complex cases. Since 2016, he has headed the Handwriting and Fingerprint Analysis Unit within the Department’s Crime Laboratory, a testament to his expertise and commitment.
Looking back at the early days of his career, Mohamed enlisted in the GPF on June 14, 2010. After completing his initial training, he was first posted to the Tactical Services Unit (TSU) and deployed to Essequibo for anti-crime patrol duties.
In 2012, he attended a Crime Scene Investigation course, where he was first introduced to fingerprint examination — a field that would come to define his career. Upon completing the course, then-Constable Mohamed was assigned to the American Embassy for a brief period before transferring to the CID’s Crime Laboratory.
Under the mentorship of former Deputy Superintendent Rafeek Alli, Mohamed began honing his fingerprint examination skills, working closely with seasoned experts. A At the time, fingerprint classifications were done manually due to the lack of specialised equipment. Nevertheless, Mohamed processed hundreds of prints daily, driven by a growing passion for forensic science.
Recognising his talent and commitment, his superiors selected him to attend
areas such as textile, arts and crafts, honey production, and agro-processing.
They will be supported by an international marketing platform which will place their organic products into high-value organic stores abroad.
Moraikobai resident, Garfield John, was elated with the President’s announcement.
He believes eco-tourism will be the key driver of his village’s transformation.
“Doing that project would boost that sector a lot, and knowing that this village in particular has been identified, chosen from every other area of this country, that of itself is really beneficial to this village,” he said.
Last September, President Ali toured the Royal Dumfries Estate in Scotland, also known as the ‘Estate of Harmony’, one of many owned by King Charles.
During a dinner hosted by King Charles for leaders attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2024
an Advanced Fingerprint Examination course in North Carolina, USA, in 2016. There, he impressed international experts with his remarkable ability to make fast, accurate identifications using only a magnifying glass — often outperforming others equipped with advanced forensic tools. Upon his return, he was promoted to the rank of Corporal.
About a year later, with the then long-serving handwriting expert nearing retirement, Mohamed and two colleagues were cho-
sen for specialised on-thejob training. Given his aptitude in fingerprint analysis, Mohamed was encouraged to take up handwriting examination as well. He later received additional training in questioned document examination from the Canadian Security Services.
A “questioned document” refers to any document whose authenticity or origin is disputed — from handwritten letters to typed contracts. According to Inspector Mohamed, some of the most commonly forged documents in Guyana in-
clude last wills and testaments, cash vouchers, contracts, powers of attorney, agreements of sale, promissory notes, threatening letters, cash receipts, and cheques.
To further strengthen his expertise, Mohamed has attended numerous Forcesponsored training programmes in India, the USA, and Dubai. Notably, he earned both a diploma and a postgraduate diploma in the scientific examination of questioned documents.
As part of his role, he introduced a more detailed approach to preparing comparison charts and sketches that clearly illustrate similarities and differences in handwriting — a method pioneered within the GPF, making his findings easier for courts to understand.
Beyond his analytical work, Inspector Mohamed actively shares his knowledge. He has trained hundreds of crime scene ranks across Guyana in fingerprint processing techniques, ensuring that the next generation benefits from his expertise.
Outside of his professional life, Mohamed is also an accomplished cricketer within the police force and is passionate about improving police cricket overall. He captains the Headquarters team of the Guyana Police Force and led them to backto-back victories in the Annual Commissioner’s T20 Cricket Competition in 2024 and 2025 — an achievement unmatched in the tournament’s history.
in Samoa, President Ali had the honour of proposing a toast and said the following: “I believe that, as a Commonwealth family, if we can all visit that estate and learn about the contribution of that estate to the transformation of that community and witness for ourselves the innovation, we would all
want to have such an estate of harmony and innovation in each of our countries.”
During a meeting with representatives of the Latin American Conservation Council last November at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), the President outlined a comprehensive overview of the Government’s approach to eco-tourism. He said then that Guyana in partnership with the King Charles Foundation, is aiming to rejuvenate the city of Georgetown and promote nature-based tourism that would transform the city into a more family and pedestrian-friendly space.
GPF’s Inspector Ameer Mohamed poses with his forensic certificate
GPF’s Inspector Ameer Mohamed
President Ali with young villagers during his engagement
President Dr Irfaan Ali
Camille’s Academy to introduce international certificate programme for robotics, coding, AI
– as school signs MOU with RoboChamps India
Camille’s Academy Inc (CAI) is set to benefit from an internationally recognised curriculum and certification programme, courtesy of RoboChamps.
The academy in Guyana recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with RoboChamps India (RoboChamps.in), a globally recognised training company that helps establish dynamic robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) labs for schools worldwide.
Under this new partnership, a group of Guyanese students will receive worldclass training in robotics, coding, AI and drone technology. The MoU was signed at Oxford University during the World School Summit UK held on June 28. Dr Camille DeokieGorakh, Academic Director of Camille’s Academy, at-
tended the Summit and met with representatives of RoboChamps India. During the event, CAI was commended for promoting holistic education in Guyana and was one of fifty awardees worldwide, representing Caribbean schools for innovation in education.
According to the Principal, the collaboration will introduce robotics training for Grades 4–11, an introduction to coding and programming, AI education, and drone technology into the curriculum. Dr DeokieGorakh expressed excitement about the partnership, noting Guyana’s readiness for this advancement.
“We are very excited to announce that we are bringing this curriculum to Guyana. It is globally recognised; RoboChamps India even holds a Guinness World Record for hosting the larg-
est robotics classroom.”
She also emphasised that this programme represents the future of education and innovation. “We are preparing our students for the future, where workspaces and organisations will rely heavily on artificial intelligence and other technologies. We can’t run from it—we must prepare them, or they will be left behind.”
The rollout begins soon. This July and August, RoboChamps India will train CAI’s teaching staff in robotics, AI, and drone technology. After two months of intensive preparation, the courses will be offered to students at four CAI locations beginning in September. Several courses will be piloted during the school’s annual summer camp programs in July and August.
Dr Deokie-Gorakh also announced that
RoboChamps India will establish a state-of-the-art robotics lab on CAI’s campus in September: “RoboChamps India will build and equip the lab. We will only provide the space.”
RoboChamps India is trusted by over 100 schools in India, has impacted more than 200,000 students, and expanded into 10+ countries with custom robotics and AI labs. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the edtech startup launched online courses in robotics and coding available in Hindi, Gujarati, Punjabi and English.
The initiative also provided free courses to children aged 6–17 in rural areas. RoboChamps quickly received 3 million visits within a month of launching its English courses, and demand for its vernacular programmes continues to grow, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities across India.
Amerindians represent 60% of nursing, nursing assistant trainees
More than half of the persons enrolling in the Nursing and Nursing Assistant training programmes which are being offered to all Guyanese are Amerindians, President Ali disclosed during a Saturday visit to the village of Moraikobai in Region Five.
“Today, more than 60 per cent of our nursing and nursing assistants’ intake are from our Amerindian brothers and sisters,” President Ali noted.
This has been made possible because of the opportunities being presented to Amerindians, in riverine, far-flung and remote areas, and Amerindians are seizing all the training opportunities being offered, especially in the health sector.
One of the participants of the Professional Nursing training is Anastasia Bonaparte, who will be graduating in 2026. She is making the most of the opportunity presented.
“I’m so grateful that the Government has given us the scholarship, the Amerindian people. You know we are the first people to be pleased in such a nursing programme is
Ministry of Health’s Professional Nursing programme
really, really inspiring. I am grateful and willing to serve Moraikobai,” the young woman said. Back in April 2023, Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony announced a major plan to have scores of trained nurses in the local health system by 2026.
“I can assure you that everyone interested in doing this now, we will have a space for you on this programme…Over a threeyear period, we are hoping to attract at least 3,000 persons to come and do nursing with us,” the Health Minister stated.
Over 1,000 persons have already registered for the professional nursing training programme with hundreds to join this year.
At the same time, more than 900 persons are entering their final year in the Ministry of Health’s hybrid training programme. These opportunities in the health sector folds directly into the wider plan of the Government to improve healthcare services across the country. When these trainees graduate, they will support the major health infrastructures that are being built.
Only on Friday, one of six state-of-the-art hospitals was commissioned in Enmore on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD).
That marked the completion of the second of six regional hospitals being erected. The first that was commissioned a few weeks back was the Diamond Regional Hospital.
President Ali would have announced on Friday that before the end of August, the Government will commission “the regional hospitals at Bath, De Kinderen, Number 75 Village and Lima.” The Government aims to increase the complement of healthcare workers with the requisite infrastructure and has been executing it well.
Mahaica teen charged with breakand-enter, larceny from relative
A19-year-old from Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was earlier this week brought before the Mahaicony Magistrate’s Courts where he was formally charged for allegedly breaking into the home of a female relative and stealing from her.
The accused, Prakash Ramnauth, also known as ‘Bobin’, was arrested by police on March 17, in connection with the incident, which reportedly took place between March 10 and March 11, 2025, at Unity, Mahaica.
The virtual complainant has been identified as 25-year-old Anjalie Ramnauth, a housewife and poultry farmer who resides in the same community.
Following his arrest and subsequent investigation, Ramnauth was charged on April 7, 2025, with the offence of Break-and-Enterand-Larceny, contrary to Section 229 (a) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 08:01.
On the day of his court appearance, he stood before Magistrate Allan Wilson at the Mahaicony Magistrates’ Courts, where the charge was formally read to him. The accused pleaded not guilty to the allegation. He was granted bail in the sum of $50,000, and the matter was then adjourned to July, when it is expected to be called again.
Dr Camille Deokie-Gorakh, Academic Director of Camille's Academy following the signing of the agreement with RoboChamps India
Anastasia Bonaparte, trainee nurse under the
Prakash Ramnauth known as “Bobin”
Soesdyke woman found murdered in home
– partner hospitalised, suspected of ingesting poison
A50-year-old woman was found dead in her home late Friday night in what police believe is a domestic violence-related murder. Her common-law partner was discovered nearby, semi-conscious and foaming at the mouth, after allegedly ingesting poison.
vestigators that he and his brother had just returned home when they heard Ram groaning in the yard. With rainfall earlier that evening, the yard was covered in shallow puddles. Persaud said he called out repeatedly for his mother, but there was no response. Alarmed, he entered the wooden house and found her lying motionless on the floor with her throat slit. Police were summoned to the scene, where they found Ram on the ground with a green substance around his mouth, believed to be pesticide. Officers also discovered a bloodied kitchen knife on the floor inside the house, along with a bottle of suspected poison near the door.
lowed a heated argument. According to her son, the couple frequently quarrelled, often over accusations of infidelity.
ning, the suspect appeared in her yard and she asked him to leave.
Home construction has become significantly easier for another 40 families from Linden, located in Region Ten, following the latest distribution of steel and cement vouchers, according to a report by the Department of Public Information (DPI).
The initiative, the DPI noted, forms part of the Government’s broader effort to assist individuals in starting the construction of their homes, whether on Government-allocated plots or privately owned land.
The vouchers, each valued at $225,000, were handed over during the ‘Dream Realised’ housing drive at the Watooka Guest House in Linden on Friday.
Dead is Bibi Salima Persaud, a housewife of Lot 193 Ivan Road, Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara (EBD). Her partner, 38-year-old Dinesh Ram, known as ‘Paul’, is currently hospitalised under police guard at the Diamond Regional Hospital.
The gruesome discovery was made just after 23:00h by Persaud’s son, Sankar Persaud, who lives in a separate house on the same property. He told in -
Persaud’s body bore multiple visible injuries, including stab wounds to the forehead, mouth, neck, wrist and face. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators believe the killing may have fol -
Police said Ram was immediately transported to the hospital, where he remains under close monitoring. He is yet to be questioned formally as investigations continue.
Meanwhile, a neighbour told this publication that earlier in the eve -
“He was in my yard around 6 o'clock, and when I saw him, I asked him what he was doing in my yard, and I told him to get out of my yard. He sucked his teeth and he left. Around 12 something, I hear her son scream, and then I hear she was murdered. That is all I know”, the woman said.
40 Linden families receive steel, cement vouchers
The exercise was led by Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal, Minister within the Ministry Susan Rodrigues, and Permanent Secretary Bishram Kuppen.
The subsidy is a key element of President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s broader effort to promote homeownership and raise living standards across Guyana.
The vouchers cover the cost of steel and cement for homes valued up to $6 million, while larger homebuilders, with estimates between $6 million and $25 million, receive additional support in the form of two slings of cement.
Beneficiaries have up to six months to redeem the vouchers at one of four designated suppliers in Linden. Importantly, in the mining town alone, more than 130 vouchers worth an estimated $30 million were distributed last year.
This latest round provided support to 28 families, injecting approximately $6.3 million into the local economy.
In 2023, 97 vouchers
were issued in Linden under the same initiative.
The Government has introduced several additional measures to make homeownership more accessible. These include the removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) on building materials, an increased ceiling for low-income mortgages, and targeted programmes such
as the Lethem Housing Support Programme and the Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme (AHUAP).
Persons who are interested in benefiting from the steel and cement subsidy must submit their Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), proof of identification, marriage
certificates where applicable, and approved house plans from the relevant municipal authorities. Meanwhile, the Government remains committed to expanding and extending affordable housing opportunities countrywide for the overall development and improved livelihood of Guyanese.
The house where the Bibi Persaud was murdered
Dead: Bibi Salima Persaud
A resident of Linden receives his voucher from Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal at the event
Residents of Linden applying for the Steel and Cement Housing Subsidy
Attorney-at-Law Saphier Husain dies
Guyanese Attorneyat-Law Saphier Husain has died.
According to a social media post Saturday night, Attorney General Anil Nandlall announced his sadness in learning of Husain’s death.
According to the AG, Husain was admitted to the Guyana Bar in June, 1987, having completed studies in law at the University of Guyana, the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Barbados, and the Hugh Wooding Law School, Trinidad and Tobago.
Mr Husain had a mixed practice. In the early days he practised criminal law, but eventually his practice consisted largely of civil litigation with a heavy emphasis on public and constitutional law.
In this latter field, he participated in a number of cases that raised constitutional and public law issues of high importance. He considered himself an expert in the field of constitutional law, and with his experience and practice, perhaps he was, the AG wrote.
PNCR's Natasha Singh-Lewis joins forces with Azruddin Mohamed's WIN
Former PNCR
Opposition Member of Parliament (MP)
Natasha Singh-Lewis, who resigned in June with immediate effect from the PNC/R, citing her “duty to the people” as a key factor in her decision, is reportedly joining forces with the US-sanctioned Azruddin Mohamed's party, WIN.
On Saturday, SinghLewis said that she decided to add her voice and strength as a woman in politics to Mohamed.
Mohamed, who is sanctioned by the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) for links to alleged gold smuggling and drug trafficking, was recently labelled a “Maduro-puppet” by US congressman Carlos Gimenez.
According to the US Government, Azruddin and Mohamed’s enterprise evaded Guyana’s tax on gold exports and defrauded the Guyanese
Government of tax revenues by under-declaring their gold exports to Guyanese authorities.
Between 2019 and 2023, Mohamed’s Enterprise omitted more than 10,000 kilograms of gold from import and export declarations and avoided paying more than $50 million in duty taxes to the Government of Guyana, ac-
cording to the US. Mohamed’s enterprise has bribed customs officials to falsify import and export documents and facilitate illicit gold shipments. Mohamed’s Enterprise paid bribes to Guyanese Government officials to ensure the undisrupted flow of inbound and outbound personnel that move currency and other items on behalf of Azruddin and Mohamed’s Enterprise.
Mohamed is also currently embroiled in local charges of tax evasion and false declaration regarding a Lamborghini.
It is under these alleged criminal activities that Mohamed has since formed a party to contest Guyana’s General and Regional Elections due September 1 this year.
Singh-Lewis said that her decision to join WIN comes after what she described as a careful review of WIN’s manifesto and leadership team.
Mr Hussain was a man of many dimensions. In addition to being a lawyer, he was a farmer and had a career in politics spanning several decades. He was the leader of the National Independent Party and
24
contested several General and Regional Elections. He was also a pastor and presided at churches in Region 5, in particular, where he lived all his life, he added.
He began and ended his career at the famous First Federation Insurance Building at the corner of Croal Street and Magnet Place, Stabroek. In fact, he had been the sole occupant of that building for over a decade until his demise.
Indigenous youths graduate in garment construction
Twenty-four indigenous youths from Regions One, Nine and Ten have graduated from the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs’ garment construction training programme, marking a pivotal step towards empowering hinterland communities.
The three-week training programme is part of the government’s wider Community Service Officers (CSOs) programme and saw 13 participants from Region One, Nine from Region Nine and Two from Region Ten.
Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, congratulated the participants for successfully completing the three-week skills development programme during the simple graduation ceremony held at the Amerindian Village in Sophia on Friday.
“Garment construction is still a useful talent, a useful skill in every remote community. It is also useful for those who are desirous of making a profession out of it,” the minister said.
“We are in an era in this country where becoming skilled, specialised in certain trades is so important because our country is not only based on the technological era, but it is also based on highly specialised skills that will become in demand.”
Minister Sukhai further
highlighted the government’s ongoing commitment to youth development, noting that the CSO initiative was revived by the current administration to build human capacity among the indigenous population.
Just last month, a similar graduation was held for CSOs trained in tractor repairs and maintenance.
Today, our country is placing special focus on the development of our human resources, and you are part of that human resource group that we are investing in.
Guyana’s government, under the stewardship of His Excellency, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, has made it abundantly clear that Guyana will spare no opportunity to invest in our young people, women, farmers and professionals.
Launched in 2012, the CSO programme was de-
signed to offer opportunities to indigenous youths who were unable to complete their formal education due to limited access in remote areas. It encourages youths to contribute to their community’s development while receiving stipends, providing financial support and practical experience.
Despite the termination of the programme by the Opposition in 2015, upon resuming office in 2020, the PPP/C Administration has expanded it to include over 2,700 young people from across the hinterland.
The Amerindian Affairs Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding these opportunities even more to ensure that indigenous communities are active participants in Guyana’s growing economy.
Natasha Singh-Lewis
Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai handing over the certificate to graduands (DPI)
Regional Colombian police capture suspect in attack on Senator Uribe, sources say
Colombian police have captured a fugitive accused of involvement in last month’s gun attack on Senator Miguel Uribe, a potential presidential candidate; two sources with knowledge of the matter said on Saturday, marking the fifth arrest in the case.
Elder Jose Arteaga, known as El Costeno, was arrested on suspicion of inducing the 15-year-old charged with shooting the politician at a rally in Colombia’s capital, Bogota, on June 7, to commit the crime, the sources said.
Arteaga, who the two sources said has a long criminal record, was detained in a neighbourhood in western Bogota, a day after Colombian police said Interpol issued a red notice for his arrest.
for “aggravated attempted homicide; manufacture, trafficking and carrying of firearms or ammunition; and use of minors for the commission of crimes.”
Uribe – a 39-year-old presidential pre-candidate for the conservative opposition Democratic Centre party – was shot twice in the head and once in his left leg, according to state prosecutors. He has undergone several serious surgeries since the attack, which left him in critical condition.
Reuters was not immediately able to reach Arteaga for comment.
Colombian police chief Carlos Fernando Triana said in a post on social media on Friday that he was wanted
Four other suspects have since been arrested, including the 15-year-old alleged shooter who was detained minutes after the attack. In a video of the event, independently verified by Reuters, he can be heard shouting that he had been hired by a local drug dealer. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Barbadian businessman sues owners of Facebook
Barbadian businessman Charles “Charlie Spice” Lewis has filed a lawsuit against Meta Platforms Inc., seeking US$50 million in compensatory damages.
The online publication Barbados TODAY reported Wednesday that Lewis and his US-registered digital company, Spice Holdings, are seeking the damages after the owners of Facebook and WhatsApp abruptly suspended and deleted several of Spice Holdings’ key business accounts, causing major disruption to global operations.
Lewis, represented by Inn Chambers in Barbados, said the affected accounts were tied to InstaJobs Live
(InstaJobs.Live), a real-time livestream platform connecting job seekers with employers and recruiters.
“This action by Meta has also affected other platforms owned by Spice Holdings — InnPos.com and KotoExchange.com,” Lewis is quoted as saying by Barbados TODAY.
The lawsuit accuses Meta of tortious interference with prospective economic advantage, breach of implied contract and good faith, unfair and deceptive trade practices, and negligent infliction of economic and reputational harm.
“Meta’s actions have caused severe disruption to a lawful enterprise, resulting in serious financial loss, reputa-
tional damage, and emotional distress,” said M. Adrian King KC, lead counsel for the plaintiffs.
“Our clients’ commercial success and credibility were tied to their presence on Meta platforms, which were taken down without cause, warning, or due process.”
Lewis said multiple appeals to Meta were unsuccessful, and there has been no explanation or reinstatement.
A legal notice dated July 1, 2025, gives Meta 14 days to respond in writing. If no engagement occurs, Lewis said legal proceedings will move forward in a US federal court or another competent jurisdiction. (Loop Caribbean News)
Jamaica expected to be hit by US tax on remittances
Effective December 31 this year, Jamaicans in the United States sending money to their relatives back home will have to pay a 1% excise tax on such transactions.
The tax is set out in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed by the US Congress, expected to be signed by President Donald Trump on Friday.
By charging senders 1 per cent, the bill raises the cost of remittances.
This could lead some migrants to send less money or send money less frequently, negatively affecting recipients’ spending power in countries like Jamaica.
Jamaica is expected to experience a direct economic downturn from the new US remittance tax, as it rep-
resents a transfer of resources to the US Treasury. The tax is projected to raise roughly US$10 billion in revenue across all countries.
Jamaica currently receives roughly US$3.3-$3.5 billion in remittances annually, the majority of which comes from Jamaicans in the United States.
Remittances currently account for 17-20% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).
The Bank of Jamaica has already flagged US policy changes on remittances as a downside risk to Jamaica’s economic outlook. Therefore, any reduction in remittance inflows could constrain household consumption, education and healthcare spending, as well as small business support.
In the original version of the bill passed by the US House of Representatives, the tax on remittance was set at 5%, but the US Senate reduced it to 1%.
The new tax will be imposed on remittances sent as cash, money orders, cashiers’ cheques, and similar such instruments.
Funds sent by debit or credit cards or bank wire transfers will not attract the new tax.
According to the provisions of the bill, the new tax will be limited mainly to green card holders or permanent residents and visa holders.
US citizens sending money to relatives in Jamaica will not be subject to the new tax. (Source: Radio Jamaica News)
Modi invites Trinis to India; says 6th-generation children will soon get overseas citizenship privileges
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has told members of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad & Tobago that they will soon be eligible for Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI), as he praised the strong cultural and historic ties between Trinidad and Tobago and India.
In an address to a crowd of hundreds at the National Cycling Centre in Couva last night, his first official event after arriving Thursday afternoon, Modi encouraged more people of Indian descent to visit India. He expressed appreciation for the efforts of the diaspora in fortifying the connections between T&T and India.
“There must be something magical in the doubles and dhalpourie because you have doubled the success of this great nation,” Modi said.
He recognised President Christine Kangaloo, Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar and the late Prime Minister Basdeo Panday as distinguished members of
the diaspora for their contributions. Additionally, he paid tribute to the late eminent scholar Rudranath Capildeo, the late music icon Sundar Popo, and retired cricketer Darren Ganga.
“Just consider the impact that you all have on this beautiful nation,” he stated, noting that having been shaped by the adversities of the indentureship programme that brought Indians to Trinidad and Tobago, people of Indian descent are now defined not by struggle but by their successes, stories, and values.
He announced that the government of India has embarked on a programme aimed at documenting the villages and cities in India from which the diaspora has originated.
In this regard, he extended a special gift to the segment of the diaspora gathered here in T&T.
“Today, I am delighted to announce that OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) cards will now be
made available to the sixth generation of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago. We are not only connected by blood or surname; we are united by a sense of belonging. India cares for you, India welcomes you, and India embraces you,” Modi said amid loud applause.
An OCI card is a distinctive type of visa that allows individuals of Indian heritage to live and work in India indefinitely. While it does not equate to dual citizenship, it confers many of the same rights and privileges as Indian citizens, such as the ability to own property and make investments.
He urged T&T nationals to come to India, indicating that it was an opportunity for them to “visit the villages of their ancestors and walk on the soil they once walked.”
“Bring your children and your neighbours. Invite anyone who enjoys chai and a good story,” he noted. (Excerpt from Trinidad & Tobago Guardian)
Bloody week tests St Lucia police chief as border crisis fuels gun violence
Last week’s eruption of violence in St Lucia—eight gun-related killings across multiple communities in just days—has further exposed what Police Commissioner Verne Garde calls Saint Lucia’s “greatest challenge”: porous borders that allow firearms to flood the island unchecked.
“We’ve gone a long way with border security – our drones, our CCTV, our marine interceptors, our staffing at the Marine Unit and airport,” Garde said in an interview with St Lucia Times. “We’ve added 11 immigration offi -
cers and are recruiting 15 more. But porous borders will continue to be our greatest challenge.”
The recent bloodshed comes amid heightened efforts to stem the flow of illegal weapons. Police have seized over 4,200 rounds of ammunition this year alone, with more than 4,000 recovered through the work of Tyson, a specialised K-9 officer who died suddenly recently under unexplained circumstances.
While Garde declined to comment further on Tyson’s death pending the outcome of an internal investigation, the po -
lice commissioner openly acknowledges institutional corruption, revealing that drug syndicates have attempted to infiltrate the police force by funding recruits. International investigators are currently vetting 200 officers, a necessary measure, Garde insists, noting that societal problems inevitably seep into law enforcement. Beyond firearms, Garde warns of rampant smuggling that’s draining national resources, from trafficked humans to illegally exported seafood such as lobster and conch. (Excerpt from St Lucia Times)
The alleged mastermind of the attack against the Democratic Centre senator and presidential candidate was captured Saturday morning (Photo: BBC News)
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets members of the audience after delivering an address in Couva, T&T
OPEC+ speeds up oil output hikes, adds 548,000 bpd in August
OPEC+ agreed on Saturday to raise production by 548,000 barrels per day in August, further accelerating output increases at its first meeting since oil prices jumped –and then retreated – following Israeli and US attacks on Iran.
Around
China tells EU it can’t accept Russia losing its war against Ukraine, official says
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told the European Union’s top diplomat that Beijing can’t accept Russia losing its war against Ukraine, as this could allow the United States to turn its full attention to China, an official briefed on the talks said, contradicting Beijing’s public position of neutrality in the conflict.
change, which was first reported in the South China Morning Post, and reaffirmed Beijing’s long-standing position on the threeyear war.
“China is not a party to the Ukraine issue,” Mao said. “China’s position on the Ukraine crisis is objective and consistent; that is, negotiation, ceasefire and peace. A prolonged Ukraine crisis serves no one’s interests.”
The group, which pumps about half of the world's oil, has been curtailing production since 2022 to support the market. But it has reversed course this year to regain market share, and US President Donald Trump demanded the group pump more to help keep gasoline prices lower.
The production boost will come from eight members of the group – Saudi Arabia, Russia, the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Iraq, Kazakhstan and Algeria. The eight started to unwind their most recent layer of cuts of 2.2 million bpd in April.
The August increase represents a jump from monthly increases of 411,000 bpd OPEC+ had approved for May, June and July, and 138,000 bpd in April.
OPEC+ cited a steady global economic outlook and healthy market fundamentals, including low oil inventories, as reasons for releasing more oil.
The acceleration came after some OPEC+ members, such as Kazakhstan and Iraq, produced above their targets, angering other members that were sticking to cuts, sources have said.
Kazakh output returned to growth last month and matched an all-time high.
OPEC+, which groups the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies led by Russia, wants to expand market share amid growing supplies from rival producers like the United States, sources have said.
With the August increase, OPEC+ will have released 1.918 million bpd since April, which leaves just 280,000 bpd to be released from the 2.2 million bpd cut. On top of that, OPEC+ allowed the UAE to increase output by 300,000 bpd.
The group still has in place other layers of cuts amounting to 3.66 million bpd. The group of eight OPEC+ members will next meet on August 3. (Reuters)
Trump’s immigrant deportations ‘morally repugnant’, senior US Catholic leader says
Aprominent Catholic Church leader and ally of Pope Leo XIV has strongly criticised the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, describing the rounding up and deportation of immigrants as “inhumane” and “morally repugnant”.
In a wide-ranging interview with CNN, Cardinal Robert McElroy, the Archbishop of Washington, DC, also voiced strong opposition to Trump’s major tax and spending bill, warned of the risks of US and Israeli strikes on Iran, and discussed his view of the role of women in the church.
“It’s right to be able to control our borders. However, what’s going on now is something far beyond that,” the cardinal told CNN on Tuesday. “It is a mass, indiscriminate deportation of men and women and children and families which lit-
erally rips families apart and is intended to do so.”
McElroy was appointed to lead the archdiocese in the US capital by Pope Francis in January, the month of Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration. He was among the more than 100 cardinals who took part in the conclave that elected the first American pope in May.
McElroy, who spoke to CNN in Rome on the same day that Trump visited a migrant detention centre in Florida known as “Alligator Alcatraz”, said the “mechanism” being used was the “creation of fear” among 10 million undocumented people in the US – “the great majority” of whom had worked hard and contributed to society.
“This is simply not only incompatible with Catholic teaching; it’s inhumane and is morally repugnant,” he added. (Excerpt from CNN)
The admission came during what the official said was a four-hour meeting with EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas on Wednesday in Brussels that “featured tough but respectful exchanges, covering a broad range of issues from cyber security and rare earths to trade imbalances, Taiwan and the Middle East.”
The official said Wang’s private remarks suggested Beijing might prefer a protracted war in Ukraine that keeps the United States from focusing on its rivalry with China. They echo concerns of critics of China’s policy that Beijing has geo-
politically much more at stake in the Ukrainian conflict than its admitted position of neutrality.
On Friday, at a regular Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs briefing, spokeswoman Mao Ning was asked about the ex -
China has also rejected growing accusations it is providing near-military support to Russia. Ukraine has sanctioned several Chinese companies for providing Russia drone components and technology for use in missile production.
(Excerpt from CNN)
Australian actor Julian McMahon dies aged 56
Australian actor Julian McMahon, famed for roles in popular series like Nip/ Tuck and Charmed, has died aged 56.
His wife said the actor passed away in Clearwater, Florida, on Wednesday. He had been diagnosed with cancer.
"Julian loved life. He
loved his family. He loved his friends. He loved his work, and he loved his fans. His deepest wish was to bring joy into as many lives as possible," Kelly Paniagua said in a statement carried by Deadline.
McMahon's career took off with the hit supernatural television series Charmed before he gained
Death toll at 27 as floodwaters recede in central Texas
Some 27 people, including nine children, have been confirmed dead after flash floods in central Texas, authorities said on Saturday, as rescuers continued a frantic search for survivors, including dozens still missing from a girls' summer camp.
The sheriff's office in Kerr County, Texas, said more than 800 people had been evacuated from the region as floodwaters receded in the area around the Guadalupe River, about 85 miles (137 km) northwest of San Antonio.
"We will not stop until every single person is found," Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said at a news conference.
At least 23 to 25 people from the Camp Mystic summer camp were missing; most
of them were reported to be young girls.
The river waters rose 29 feet rapidly near the camp.
The US National Weather Service said that the flash flood emergency has largely ended for Kerr County, the epicentre of the flooding, following thunderstorms that dumped as much as 15 inches of rain – half of the total the region sees in a typical year. A flood watch remained in effect until 7 p.m. for the broader region.
Camp Mystic had 700 girls in residence at the time of the flood, according to Patrick. Another girls' camp, Heart O' the Hills, said on its website that co-owner Jane Ragsdale had died in the flood, but no campers had been present as it was between sessions. (Excerpt from Reuters)
wider recognition with Nip/ Tuck, the medical drama in which he played the role of plastic surgeon Dr Christian Troy.
McMahon also played Doctor Doom in two Fantastic Four films in 2005 and 2007 and later appeared in three seasons of FBI: Most Wanted.
McMahon was the son of
a former Australian prime minister and went on to play an Australian prime minister's role in Netflix's The Residence – one of his recent appearances. McMahon married three times – the first to Australian singer-actress Dannii Minogue, sister of Kylie Minogue. (Excerpt BBC News)
UK police arrest over 20 supporters of now-banned pro-Palestine group
British police arrested over 20 people on suspicion of terrorism offences after they showed support for the newly banned Palestine Action group in London on Saturday, hours after the proscription came into effect.
The government moved to ban Palestine Action under anti-terrorism laws last month after its activists broke into a Royal Air Force base and damaged two planes in protest against what the group said was Britain's support for Israel.
Late on Friday, the campaign lost an urgent appeal against the parliamentary vote to proscribe it as a terrorist organisation, with the ban coming into force from midnight.
Under UK laws, offences include inviting support, expressing approval, or displaying symbols of a banned
group and are punishable by up to 14 years in prison and/ or a fine. Britain has proscribed 81 groups under anti-terrorism laws, including Hamas, al-Qaeda and ISIS. On Saturday, supporters gathered in Parliament Square in Westminster, some holding placards that said "I OPPOSE GENOCIDE. I SUPPORT PALESTINE ACTION." Sky News footage showed some being led away in handcuffs from a statue of Indian independence hero Mahatma Gandhi in the square, as they shouted their support.
United Nations experts have accused Israel of carrying out "genocidal acts" against Palestinians in the conflict in Gaza, which began after Palestinian militant group Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. Israel has repeatedly dismissed such accusations. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Rescue workers along the Guadalupe River in the wake of a flooding event in Kerrville, Texas
Police made arrests on Saturday at protests in support of the proscribed group
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi speak to the media following talks on July 3, in Berlin
TAURUS (April 20May 20)
GEMINI (MAY 28June 20)
VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22) (March 21April 19)
The time you spend on home and domestic matters will pay off. Participating in an event or cause with loved ones will bring you closer together. Don’t donate cash; volunteer your skills.
You are overdue for a change. It’s essential to stretch your mind and let your creativity take the lead. Attend an event or engage in an activity that motivates you to try something new. Pay attention to detail. Observe how others respond. Recognize when someone is trying to scam you. Protect your money, your identity and your reputation. Stick close to home and to the people you trust.
Give yourself credit for being unique and having insight into what works for you. It’s time to please yourself and let others do their own thing. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Refuse to let your emotions interfere with rationality. Social and domestic matters will lead to controversy. Let your choices take others by surprise. Gain momentum and lead the way.
Participate, and your actions will set you up for plenty of options. You must choose what you can afford and where to make the most significant impact. Be open to suggestions.
Emotions are high; ignoring what requires attention will lead to unnecessary setbacks. Make physical changes to your domestic environment to satisfy your needs and appease anyone within your sphere.
Be careful not to overextend yourself financially or physically. Being too generous with your time will lead resentment. Put your needs first and pace yourself.
Emotional situations will bring you closer to a loved one. Commit to something that will improve your life. Sharing ideas and expenses with someone special will help you achieve your goals. Pay attention to what’s going on in your community. A change of scenery will lead to playful action and a change of heart. An investment will pay off. Changing your attitude, helping others and being part of the solution will stir up emotions. Personal and physical upgrades to your surroundings will be rewarding.
Expand your interests and friendships. What you say will impact others, but your actions will drive home the validity of your aspirations. Don’t hesitate; act now.
Peanuts
Calvin and Hobbes
Pickles
AQUARIUS
CANCER
CAPRICORN
PISCES
India needs seven fifthday wickets to beat England at Edgbaston and head to Lord’s with the series level. It would be a first Test win as captain for Shubman Gill, who followed his 269 in the first innings with 161 in the second, declared at drinks to set a world-record target of 608, then watched Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep prise out England’s top order.
The fourth day was dominated by intrigue about the timing of India’s declaration, which arrived far later than many expected and left England facing an ideological problem. After a single draw – and that one prompted by two days of rain – in the last three years, would they finally tone down their approach with the bat and accept that winning was off the table?
The answer will only become clear tomorrow, with two of the three wickets that fell on Saturday evening owing to Akash’s skill rather than their batters’ attacking intent. By the close, Ollie Pope was clinging on after a working-over from India’s seamers, and the notion that England could score more than 500 runs on the final day seemed academic.
Siraj had Zak Crawley to thank for his early strike. Crawley endured a miserable day, dropping a catch to reprieve Rishabh Pant,
and after playing out a maiden in the first over of England’s second innings – as though setting the tone for a more watchful approach – he was suckered into a hard-handed drive which flew to slip.
Deep was sublime with the new ball, adding two second-innings wickets to his four in the first. He cramped Ben Duckett for room with a ball that angled into the left-hander from around the wicket and then decked him off the seam to induce a chopon, then found late movement away to beat Root on the outside edge and clean him up.
India came close to a fourth wicket, with Pope characteristically frenetic early in his innings, and the only blemish on their bowling effort came in the form
and eighth overall – came wrapped in gift wrap and adorned with a gold bow.
of two burnt reviews in the first ten overs. But if Gill is still getting to grips with the DRS, he has proved across these first two Tests that he is a far, far better player than his average heading into this tour might have suggested.
Gill’s latest hundred – his third of the series
He scored more than half of his runs off England’s spinners, who hardly turned a ball
between them on a lifeless pitch, milked singles at will with the field spread, and treated occasional bouncer barrages with utter disdain.
He seized his opportunity to reassert his dominance after grinding England into the dirt in the first innings and broke a number of records along the way. Gill is the first player in the format’s history, spanning more than 2,500 matches, to score 200 and 150 in the same match; only once has a batter scored more than his 430-run aggregate in a single Test.
Gill had walked in to the backdrop of gloomy skies on the fourth morning, after Brydon Carse had induced an outside edge from Karun Nair and survived an lbw review off his sixth ball thanks to an inside edge. But he was soon into his work, playing late to steer boundaries away behind square on the off side, and after a sharp first spell, the stiff Carse was not seen again.
After KL Rahul, who batted fluently for 55, was cleaned up by Josh Tongue’s full outswinger, Pant made his intentions
clear by charging down the pitch to slap his fourth ball back over Tongue’s head for six. Dropped on 10 by Zak Crawley, Pant threw his bat – quite literally, twice losing grip of it – during his 65, flogging both Tongue and Shoaib Bashir.
Ben Stokes ran out of ideas – and fit bowlers – as the same pair toiled away after the lunch break. The wisdom of Tongue’s shortball ploy to Gill was proven by a flurry of six, four and four off consecutive balls, followed by another six and a flat bat for four in his next over, which took him past 50.
Pant’s dismissal – caught at long-off, while his bat flew to midwicket – brought some respite, with Ravindra Jadeja curiously ponderous after a promotion to No. 6. But Gill marched relentlessly on, nudging Bashir off his hips to reach his third hundred in four innings before
hitting Chris Woakes’ first three balls after tea for six, four and four. Jadeja had 25 off 68 at tea but switched gears straight after, skipping down and launching his first ball of the evening session back over Bashir’s head for six. He celebrated with his trademark sword-swish after cutting Joe Root for four to reach fifty, while Gill freed his arms by launching Root and Bashir into the stands.
Gill miscued a return catch to Bashir on 161, but the declaration was still on ice: Nitish Kumar Reddy walked to the crease to pantomime boos from the Eric Hollies Stand, then a chant of “boring, boring India”. After Reddy holed out on the second ball, Washington Sundar lofted over cover to take the lead to 600; when the clock ticked past five, the signal finally arrived.
(ESPNcricinfo)
Just Rishabh Pant doing Rishabh Pant things
Akash Deep left Ben Duckett’s stumps in a mess
Ravindra Jadeja brings out the familiar celebration for his unbeaten half- century
Shubman Gill walks off after a majestic 161
Ollie Pope was quick off the mark
Trinidadian FM Joshua Johnson suffered his first defeat by checkmate to Surinamese FM Jason Yeung in Round Seven on Saturday, July 5, 2025, in the Caricom Classic Team Chess Tournament underway at the Pegasus Hotel. In a marathon fighting match that lasted four hours, Yeung closed in on Johnson’s monarch with his rook, while a knight and passed pawn prevented the escape of the hapless king.
Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname, both Caricom nations, ended their round with an even score of two wins and two draws apiece. Trinidadian FM Kevin Cupid defeated his youthful Surinamese opponent Ethan Tjin Kon Kiem to balance the Round Seven fortunes of the Trinidadian team.
Female Trinidadian players WFM Ysvett Hermoso Rodriguez and WCM Zara La Fleur drew with their Surinamese counterparts WCM Victoria Kaslan and WCM Alexandra Kaslan.
Other Round Seven Highlights Guyana Team B was paired with Dominica in Round Seven last Saturday.
CM Sachin Pitamber’s match ended in a loss for his Dominican counterpart, CM Nigel Francis.
The two opponents
reached an endgame with Pitamber’s knight and six pawns versus the Dominican’s bishop and four pawns. Pitamber’s extra pawns, marching to the promotion and supported by his Knight and active King in the fight, successfully staged a breakthrough to overwhelm Francis with the material edge.
Guyana’s Sandiford, in an endgame with four menacing pawns, defeated Edger Berridge in 32 moves. The pawns, somewhat restricted at the beginning of the match, became Sandiford’s formidable endgame resource as foot soldiers to dominate his opponent. In the same round, Guyanese female player Aniyah Couchman was on the verge of skilfully delivering a smothered checkmate using her queen and knight when her Dominican counterpart Liudmila Domennova resigned on the 28th move. WCM Sasha Shariff drew her match with Dominican Ayani Casimir. Round Six Highlights In Round Six, Guyanese Team B players CM Sachin Pitamber, Keron Sandiford, Aniyah Couchman, and WCM Sasha Shariff lost to Jamaicans FM Joshua Christie, FM Shreyas Smith, Amy Stephenson, and Kaia Gayle. CM
Pitamber’s confrontation with FM Joshua Christie concluded in the endgame as Christie began marching his unchallenged extra two pawns to promotion for a convincing win.
Pitamber resigned on move 50.
Sandiford faced FM Shreyas Smith, where he had to contend with a battle on two fronts; Smith’s passed pawn occupied the sixth square on the verge of promotion, coupled with an immobile bishop about to be captured. In a losing position, Sandiford gave up the fight on move 34.
On the distaff side, Aniyah Couchman, in a severely restricted position, lost to her Jamaican counterpart Amy Stephenson. Stephenson aimed her unchallenged queen and rook to pursue Couchman’s king, which was only defended by a weaker rook and bish op. Couchman conceded the loss soon after to avoid
The Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) has announced what it describes as a formidable squad to compete at this year’s Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Boxing Championships, scheduled for August 1–3 in St Lucia.
Leading the six-member team is Abiola Jackman, last year’s Best Elite Female Boxer, who made history by becoming the first Guyanese— male or female—to win gold at the Americas Boxing Confederation (AMBC) Elite Championships.
She will be one of two female boxers representing Guyana, alongside
Junior Championships.
The remainder of the squad features Caribbean standouts Shakquain James, Teevin Wintz, Emanuel Pompey, and Juel Williamson, who are all expected to deliver strong performances as they aim to match or surpass Guyana’s showing at last year’s tournament in St Lucia.
In a statement, GBA President Steve Ninvalle stressed the association’s strategic focus on developing young, up-and-coming talent through international exposure.
“We want to ensure that our next generation of boxers are not only well-trained but also well-exposed.
to give the best boxers and those with real potential the opportunities they deserve, not just to compete but to be seen globally,” he added.
At last year’s edition of the OECS Championships, held at the Vigie Sports Complex in Castries, Guyana finished second overall in the invitational category, despite fielding a relatively small team of six boxers.
checkmate.
Shariff was paired with Kaia Gayle, who invaded Shariff’s vulnerable King’s haven with a rook on move 37, pinning Shariff’s queen to the king. Faced with the loss of a powerful queen, the Guyanese player resigned on the next move.
Guyana’s Team A, comprising CM Taffin Khan, Kyle Couchman, WCM Aditi Joshi, and Ciel Clement, had a strong per-
Persistent inclement weather has forced Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast and FL Sport organisers to postpone the
formance against Dominica on Friday, securing three wins and a draw.
Khan, Couchman, and Joshi captured wins from Francis, Berridge, and Domennova, respectively.
Clement drew her encounter with her counterpart Casimir.
After seven rounds of the nine-round event, the team points standings are Trinidad & Tobago 13 (24 game points), Jamaica 12 (24.5 game points), Suriname 11 (20.5 game points), Barbados 11 (19 game points), Guyana 10 (18.5 game points), Cayman Islands 4 (10.5 game points), St Lucia 6 (11.5 game points) and Dominica 0 (1.5 game points).
The Under-16 individual category sees a tight race after seven of nine rounds, with Barbadians Mileke
Sinckler and Noah Clarke and Guyanese Alexander Zhang all tied for the lead at 5.5 points. Just half a point behind are Suriname’s ThieYen Fung and Barbados’s Aaron Jaikarran, both with 5 points.
Results for Rounds Eight and Nine will be finalised as the tournament concludes. The event features forty players competing in the team categories and forty-eight vying for the individual under-16 title.
The FIDE-rated tournaments are being monitored by FIDE Arbiters IA Kelvin Daniel from Barbados, Guyanese John Lee, Reyna Frijde from Suriname, and Jessica Callender from Guyana. National Arbiters Kim Shing Chong and Treskole Archibald are also assisting.
Beyond the prestige of reaching the national final, the zone champion will be rewarded with a significant prize of GY$300,000 and a spe-
million in the national finals.
of Companies, Kris Jagdeo Construction Company, Montra Restaurant and Lounge, Windsor Estates, The New Doctor’s Clinic, GuyOil, ANSA McAL, SuperBet Guyana, Digital Technology, Camille’s Academy, Navin Construction, Demerara Mutual Life Insurance, Continental Transportation, and Environmental and Technical Solutions.
The runner-up in the zone final will also receive a substantial prize of GY$100,000.
Tournaments like the OECS Championships provide another platform for our athletes to gain valuable international experience,” Ninvalle said.
Ninvalle further underscored the GBA’s commitment to creating pathways for promising boxers to showcase their skills on the international stage.
“Our goal is
Guyana tallied an impressive 14 points, securing four gold and two silver medals. The much larger Trinidad and Tobago contingent, with 16 boxers, topped the table with 33 points, while Barbados placed third with 13 points. Among the standouts were Abiola Jackman (Elite) and Ryan Rogers (bantamweight –Schoolboys), who captured the Best Female Boxer and Best Junior Boxer awards, respectively.
The full 2024 team also included Alesha Jackman (middleweight – Elite, gold), Shakquain James (lightweight – Junior, gold), Angelina Rogers (bantamweight – Junior, silver), and Junior Madray (31–33 kg –Schoolboys, silver).
The team was led by national coach Lennox Daniels and the late Terrence Poole MS.
way to play some round-of-16 matches on Monday, July 7, provided conditions improve. Alternate dates of Saturday, July 12, and Saturday, July 26, are also on the agenda to crown a zonal champion before the national finals on Sunday, August 3, 2025.
“The inclement weather has been a jolt to proceedings today, but we have options to ensure all zones are completed before the finals on August 3,” explained John Ramsingh, Co-Director of the organising committee.
Sixteen teams are slated to compete in the East Bank Demerara/West Demerara zone, all vying for a coveted spot in the national finals. These teams include Diamond Gunners, Soesdyke XI, Eccles All-Stars, 592 Gunners, Hyde Park, Young Guns, Laluni, Timerhi Sports Club, Visionary Vipers (from Saxacalli), Trendsetters, The Guard, Stripling Warriors, Tourism Guyana Titans, Young Steppaz, CJIA Warriors, and K&B All-Stars.
The stakes will be even higher at the national finals, where the runner-up will take home GY$700,000, along with a trophy and medals, while the two losing semi-finalists will each receive GY$300,000.
The tournament will continue with the Georgetown/ East Coast Demerara zone scheduled for July 19-20, followed by the Essequibo zone on July 26-27. The grand national finals are slated for Sunday, August 3.
The Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast has garnered support from Kares Engineering Inc., the Office of the President, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, KFC Guyana, Star Rentals, Banks DIH, ENet, the Guyana Lottery Company, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Impressions, Avinash Contracting and Scrap Metal, Shawn’s Mini Mart, the Giftland Group
The action is on pause due to the rain in the zone
AMBC Gold medallist Abiola Jackman will lead Guyana’s team
FM Joshua Johnson (L) and Jason Yeung
Smith’s 71 and Green’s 52 build Australia’s lead to 254 with three wickets in hand on a tricky batting surface.
Australia 286 and 221 for 7 (Smith 71, Green 52, Greaves 2-22) lead West Indies 253 (King 75, Campbell 40, Lyon 3-75, Hazlewood 2-43, Cummins 2-46) by 254 runs.
A pristine innings from Steven Smith and Cameron Green’s first half-century at No. 3 put Australia in control of the second Test in Grenada on a day limited to 58.3 overs by three rain inter-
self, when he fell lbw to Justin Greaves for 71 shortly after tea – the DRS confirming the ball had struck pad first – leaving the series still waiting for its first century.
Greaves became the somewhat unlikely figure to keep West Indies’ hopes alive when he then had Beau Webster edge to a lone slip. After a third shower briefly suspended play, Travis Head was cleaned up by Shamar Joseph, defeated by the angle from round the wicket, leaving Alex Carey the key figure in terms of how
ruptions, a lethargic over rate and, latterly, bad light. But regular breakthroughs after tea kept West Indies in touch, although the surface remained a challenge for batters.
Smith, playing with the lingering effects of the dislocated finger he suffered in the
many more Australia could add. After the second day’s play, Roston Chase said the West Indies would be confident chasing anything under 200 – they are now going to need considerably more than that.
There remained regular signs of an uneven bounce –
tween Green and Smith in taking the sting out of the attack.
Green, who had done the hard work in the first innings but couldn’t take advantage of being given a life, brought up his first half-century as a Test No. 3 with a perfect straight drive. However, he was again left furious when he chopped on the next ball, dropping his bat to the ground in anger before trudging off.
Overall, though, it was a step in the right direction. He nearly fell for West Indies’ short ball plan when he top-edged short of deep square leg, but he defended solidly and waited for any-
clung on with a juggle.
Lyon had joked in a preplay interview that Smith thought he should retire to let him bat straightaway.
Smith received a brutal first ball from Alzarri Joseph, which took the glove of his injured hand but looked in the zone. He did well to keep out a delivery from Anderson Phillip that kept low, from which point on, he limited his trigger movements to remain stiller at the crease. He collected back-to-back boundaries off Shamar Joseph – a straight drive and one through the covers – as his game looked in top working order.
As the ball got soft, West
bounce, the pitch does not have great pace, which made a bouncer-barrage hard work.
Smith’s fifty came up from 79 balls with a leg glance, and he greeted the introduction of Greaves by stepping out of the crease and clubbing him straight down the ground. Chase’s offspin was then sent straight for six as Australia sensed a chance to cash in on their hard work.
Australia 1st Innings
Sam Konstas c †Hope
b Phillip 25
Usman Khawaja lbw b AS Joseph 16
Cameron Green c Chase b Seales 26
Steven Smith c Phillip
b AS Joseph 3
Travis Head c †Hope
b S Joseph 29
Beau Webster run out
(Carty/†Hope) 60
Alex Carey † c Brathwaite
b Greaves 63
Pat Cummins (c) b AS Joseph 17
After Green’s dismissal, Head came out and threaded his first delivery through the covers with a rasping drive. Another crisp drive, this time off Greaves, took him into the 20s at better than a run-a-ball. He went down a gear after tea amid the loss of Smith and Webster, but Carey was swiftly into his work. Australia’s bowlers will hope he can give them a cushion of another 50 runs. (ESPNcricinfo)
(b 10, lb
Mitchell Starc c †Hope
thing with a hint of width to put away through the off
Australia had resumed on 12 for 2 after a difficult finish to the second day where
Indies went for a bouncer strategy with, at times, three on the leg-side rope, a deep third and a short leg, but Smith was rarely bothered by it. While vari
Cameron Green got to fifty with the ball before he was dismissed
Steven Smith ramps one away
Cameron Green dropped his bat in frustration after being bowled by Shamar Joseph
Travis Head square drives with power
Steven Smith was trapped LBW by Justin Greaves
Steven Smith and Cameron Green added 93 off 153 balls for the fourth wicket
Steven Smith and Travis Head chugged along from the time they joined
Amixed teams table tennis tournament, 3x3 basketball and criterium cycling will be on the cards, beginning next weekend, for Edge Sports Management as they kick off this year’s Edge Series.
This year’s multi-sport production will be an improvement upon the solitary table tennis event that Edge successfully hosted in 2024.
During the Edge Series official launch at the Sleep In Hotel on Friday evening, founder Chelsea Edghill shared the vision behind the event.
Edghill divulged to the gathering, “Our mission was clear: to elevate the standard of sport in Guyana and the wider Caribbean with professional management, innovation and collaboration. The Edge Series is a testament to what can happen when you believe in that mission and commit to delivering excellence. This series is about opportunity; it is about giving our athletes, from juniors dreaming of their first medals to senior competitors, the stage to showcase their
talents. It is about inspiring the next generation.”
The tournament has already received considerable corporate backing, with KFC and Republic Bank undertaking title sponsorship for the table tennis and 3x3 basketball competitions, respectively.
As such, their representatives Charmaine Farnum and Jonelle Dummett spoke of their company’s willingness to support the initiative.
KFC’s Marketing Representative, Farnum, shared, “As always, at KFC Guyana we look for meaningful ways to give back and be part of initiatives that inspire. We believe in the power of sport to uplift communities, inspire youth and promote healthy competition. The Edge Series embodies that bold spirit and drive for excellence that we value as a brand, pushing limits, embracing challenges and celebrating achievements.”
Meanwhile, Republic Bank’s Marketing and Communications Manager, Dummett, remarked, “When
Edge Sports Management came to us, we took this as an opportunity because we felt it was a well-presented initiative that warrants our support, and we are very happy to support Chelsea in this venture. I must say that our aim, through ‘Power to make a difference’ within the last few years, is to ensure that we partner with entities where we see the
opportunity for a long-term collaboration.”
The table tennis competition will have a mixed team concept with two senior male players, one junior and one female comprising a team. 8 teams will compete, including international challengers.
On the other hand, basketball will see 16 teams in action, including two from
neighbouring Suriname.
With all to play for, Edghill gave some insight into the prizes for the various tournaments.
“In table tennis, the prize pool is $1 million. First prize, $500,000; second prize, $300,000; and third prize, $200,000. In basketball, the prize pool again is $1 million. The first place is $500,000, the second place is $300,000 and the third place is $200,000.
And in cycling, the prize pool is about $430,000. The reason for it being much less is because it is an individual sport, and therefore, whoever wins, they take all of the first prize, etcetera,” the two-time Olympian informed.
The Edge Series will get going next weekend, July 12 and 13, at the National Gymnasium, with the 3x3 basketball competition taking centre stage.
Chelsea Edghill is flanked by representatives of SQ Apparel, What’s Happening Guyana, KFC and Republic Bank, who are all supporting the tournaments
