The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times –05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily
WEATHER TODAY
Light to thundery rain showers are expected during the day, with clear to partly cloudy skies at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.
Winds: North-Easterly to East North-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.47 metres.
High Tide: 13:13h reaching a maximum heights of 2.11 metres.
Low Tide: 06:40h and 19:31h reaching minimum heights of 1.26 metres and 1.04 metres.
20,000 acres of farmland to be opened in Region 2 to boost ownership, slash rental costs
President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has announced a transformative plan aimed at easing the burden on farmers—particularly those who are renting land—by opening 20,000 acres of land in three different agricultural clusters in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).
The announcement was made during a meeting with rice and cash crop farmers, and fisherfolk, at the Anna Regina Secondary School auditorium.
Speaking directly to hundreds of farmers and community stakeholders, President Ali said that the Government is taking bold steps to support both small and large-scale farmers who face mounting challenges,
nities through a massive investment in land development. He announced that
the Government will open up acres of new land in the region. This move is expect-
especially with land access and rental costs.
Many of these farmers are currently renting land under strenuous conditions, leaving them with little to no security or long-term control over their farming operations.
The President emphasised that a critical part of transforming agriculture in the region involves making land ownership a reality for farmers. He described land ownership as an “urgent matter” that must be addressed to empower those who feed the nation.
“Let me begin by talking about a critical issue facing Essequibo: that is land ownership... Many of our farmers, especially those planting 30 acres or less, over 1,000 of them do not own the land they cultivate. Instead, they are renting land from larger farmers or through arrangements tied to private entities. This is a problem we must address immediately,” the Head of State said.
President Ali noted that while the Government cannot arbitrarily reclaim lands already owned, it will instead create new opportu-
ed to greatly reduce farmers’ dependence on leased land, and provide a foundation for long-term success.
“We cannot simply take away land from existing owners, but we can create new opportunities. That’s why, in the coming months, we will be investing in opening up at least 20,000 acres of new land across three agricultural clusters in Essequibo,” he declared.
The President made it clear that this initiative goes beyond merely making land available. The Government will also invest in infrastructure and resources to make these new farmlands viable. This includes building access roads, installing irrigation systems, and providing planting materials to support farmers from day one.
President Dr Irfaan Ali addresses the gathering at the meeting on Saturday
A farmer thanks the Government for the initiative announced to help farmers
The news that the PPP government has accomplished its goal of distributing 50,000 house-lots within the five years they projected, must be acknowledged for what it is: a singular display of political will and execution skill to serve the ordinary people of Guyana. As a basis of comparison, it is instructive to note that only 7,089 lots were allocated over the five years the APNU/ AFC coalition was in office between 2015 and 2020. It is very easy to make promises, as for instance one previous government did to “feed, house and clothe” (FHC) the nation within a five-year plan, but left them well on the road to hungriness, homelessness and nakedness at the end of the plan period. When the PPP government was finally allowed to take office in August 2020, five months after it had won the elections, it immediately plunged into a whirlwind of activities directed at fulfilling its manifesto promises that had secured its win in the first place.
While the infrastructural drive has been tagged as addressing the overarching need of the country to facilitate the foundation for the economy writ large, the distribution of house lots along with incentives for building homes was directed at the Guyanese people to give them a foundation for their own personal wealth and security. The government invested some $244 billion in this sector. And part of that infrastructure served them also – wells and water lines; power generation and distribution; roads and bridges to improve commuting to and from jobs etc.
Housing for Guyanese reflects a need that goes back to our beginnings in slavery and indentureship when plantations provided primitive barracks and logies for the workers that were, in the words of one of the chairman of Bookers the largest plantation owner, worse than the stables for mules. At the abolition of slavery, the formerly enslaved Africans bought several abandoned plantations and allocated house lots among themselves. Others bought individual house lots in the front lands of functioning plantations to form “proprietary” villages. The indentured labourers who followed the slaves into the plantations also migrated out of the logies by purchasing house lots in the front lands from the plantation. The houses built on the house lots were the first concrete possession of peoples who had formerly lived in constant fear of being dispossessed by plantation owners.
In the 1940s the colonial government initiated several housing schemes for the urban poor, along with funds for concessional mortgages. In 1947, the sugar planters funded a Sugar Industry Welfare Fund (SILWF) that was to provide 12,000 house lots and funding for a like number of houses in what was dubbed ExtraNuclear Housing Schemes. In its 1972-1976 FHC program, the PNC had promised 65,000 houses but at the end of the plan program less than 5,000 had been built. Moving into the post-PNC era, the PPP focused on housing, and with Irfaan Ali as Minister of Housing from 2006 to 2015, great strides were made – and it is not coincidental that it is during his presidency, since 2020, this has accelerated.
From figures released late last year when house lots allotments had reached 40,290, Minister Croal revealed that an incredible 46 percent of those allocations were made to women, while 28 percent went to men. Youths also benefitted since 53% of the allottees were under 35. Reacting to criticism by the Opposition, back in 2022 PM Phillips had revealed that over 50% of allottees were of African Guyanese provenance.
But house lots are only stepping stone to house ownership, and in this area the government has also done yeoman service in facilitating the latter through mortgages. The latter is a form of long-term, forced savings for persons facing difficulty in saving directly from their pay checks or wages. Developing countries need savings for investments, and from mortgages banks can count on a steady investable income stream. Homeowners accumulate increasing equity in their houses, which historically, has always tended to increase. The ceilings on low-income mortgage rates at commercial banks and the New Building Society were increased to $30 million. Additionally, Value Added Tax (VAT) was removed on local produced building material, and a steel and cement subsidy introduced for first-time home buyers. To encourage young professionals to have a stake in Guyana’s development, 3,500 homes have been built in several areas at concessionary financing arrangements.
In Canada, Charles pushed the boundaries of politics as king. So far, he has got away with it
By Martin Kettle
It requires an effort to keep reminding yourself of the sheer historical oddity of monarchy’s healthy survival into the modern democratic age. Yet so rooted is the monarchy in the mental furniture of Britain that most people in our politics barely think about it. This week, however, the modern British monarchy has stood up and demanded to be counted, doing something new and perhaps genuinely consequential.
Judged by any yardstick, Charles III’s visit to Canada was an audaciously disjunctive event. The idea that a vibrant democracy such as Canada, with a highly sophisticated sense of its own complex identity, might summon an elderly hereditary monarch from across the ocean to provide a focal point for its resistance to Donald Trump’s existential threat takes some believing. Yet that was exactly what played out when the king travelled to Ottawa to open the new Canadian parliament.
No monarch had bothered to make this trip for nearly 50 years. During that time, however, Canada has transformed itself into a major global power and has decisively slipped its old colonial bonds. Yet Trump’s threat to Canada is such that the country’s prime minister, Mark Carney, judged a summons to Buckingham Palace would send a useful newsworthy signal about its national sovereignty that would help bind the nation while sending a shot across the US president’s bows.
At least as significantly, when seen from Britain,
King Charles was happy to oblige. Just as with the speech he delivers at Westminster at the start of a parliamentary session, Tuesday’s in Ottawa will have been scripted by the elected government. But the Ottawa speech had a far looser and more personal format than the Westminster version. This allowed the king to speak words that clearly mattered to him, and by which he will be judged.
Trump was not mentioned by name. Even so, he permeated the speech. The king endorsed Canadian national pride and said democracy, law, pluralism and global trade were on the line. He said Canada’s relationships with Europe would be strengthened and, speaking in French, he said Canada faces challenges unprecedented in the postwar era. He was proud that Canada was “an example to the world in her conduct and values, as a force for good”, and he ended, quoting from the Canadian national anthem, by saying “the true north is indeed strong and free”.
All this is an unmistakable rebuke to Trump’s rudeness, aggression and greed. The words are not neutral but committed. Whether the king sought approval from Keir Starmer for his visit and speech is not clear. His main adviser concerning the visit will have been Carney, who may have liaised with Downing Street. Starmer, committed to engaging with Trump, will have been content to keep his distance. The larger point, however, is that this was a willed act by the king. Charles did not have to travel and did not have to make the speech. But he did
both, even while continuing to be treated for cancer.
The contrast with his mother is impossible to miss. Elizabeth II’s hallmark throughout her 70year reign was a studied neutrality on public affairs. She was much praised for it during her lifetime, leading some commentators to assume that neutrality was now a precondition for monarchy’s survival, and others into infantile speculations about the symbolic messages that may, or may not, have been implied by what the queen was wearing. Even when Elizabeth did let slip a view – as in her “think very carefully about the future” comment during the 2014 Scottish referendum – the words could be as gnomic as they were rare.
During his long years as heir to the throne, however, Charles became a controversialist. He expressed views about a wide range of issues, from architecture to farming and the climate crisis. He lobbied ministers in handwritten “black spider” memos about them. This habit led some to predict that, when he succeeded to the throne, Charles would continue to be a protagonist on causes that mattered to him. In Mike Bartlett’s 2014 play King Charles III, the future monarch even abdicates rather than give his assent to a government bill restricting the freedom of the press.
In nearly three years as king, however, Charles has proved many doubters wrong. Monarchy watchers who suspected he would not change his ways now concede he has not overstepped any significant constitutional lines. Yet he has done the job his own way, not his mother’s. As the pal-
ace itself acknowledges, the king is walking a tightrope. Charles’s visits and speeches push the boundaries. Ottawa is now the most dramatic example, but it is not the only one. At home, Charles has championed the UK union against national separatists. He took Starmer and Angela Rayner to visit a housing project in Cornwall. He has made visits to EU capitals, most recently to Rome, which harmonise with Starmer’s attempt to improve relations with Europe. He very publicly hosted President Zelenskyy only days after Trump’s savage assault on the Ukraine leader in the Oval Office. His most recent Christmas message focused on praising health workers. So far, Charles has got away with it. Public concern for his own health, and for that of his family, has probably helped him. So has public sympathy over the behaviour of the Sussexes. To criticise Trump is also popular rather than risky. Amid all this, the public has cut Charles enough slack to be more himself. Those who warned that his more committed approach to public affairs could threaten the monarchy and boost republicanism have, at least at this stage, been proved wrong. But this benign circle may not continue indefinitely. Monarchy is still an oddity. The tightrope is still there. Charles is still balanced on it. His approach to the job has won him approval, including grudging acknowledgment from some who previously disapproved of him. But these things are not static.
Bull racing, Punjabi style. In rural Pakistan, bull racing draws crowds. In the Attock district of Punjab province, bull racing is a popular sport, drawing participants from across the country. Jockeys crouch low behind the bulls on their wooden planks, gripping the reins and relying upon experience and instinct to claim victory (Al Jazeera)
PPP heading for thumping majority
Dear Editor,
Some 59 years after independence and 52 years after the 1957 election in which the population began voting by racial identity and political affiliation, the country remains racially divided as ever. Racial voting is deeply institutionalised and re-
mains in the psyche of the population.
The PPP enjoys an advantage for victory, and remains the only organised party that has cross racial appeal. Travelling around the country, engaging many at random, people of all races and of all age groups, ed-
ucational backgrounds, and diverse classes, the conclusion is the population remains largely stuck in racial voting.
The population is imprisoned in racial identity and continuing to support a political party that they see as being affiliated with their race.
However, there is cross racial support for PPP from among traditional PNC base. There is no similar cross racial turnover from the traditional PPP base to the PNC or APNU. The AFC’s support is largely African and Mixed, with some cross ra-
Constructive criticism? Always welcome. Baseless attacks and name-calling? Not so much
Dear Editor,
I’ve been reading the recent flurry of commentary about GuySuCo’s First Crop 2025 performance and myself, with a mix of curiosity and amusement. It’s clear that some writers set out to critique the Corporation’s performance, but somewhere along the line, they took a detour into character assassination and fiction. So, allow me to bring a bit of clarity and perhaps a dose of reality to your esteemed readers.
Let’s start with the basics: yes, First Crop 2025 was not what we projected. But let’s not pretend that we operate in a vacuum. Rainfall this year broke records. Berbice estates saw 212 per cent above the long-term average and Demerara was not far behind. Fifty-three per cent of the available days were classified as “wet days.” That’s not politics; that’s weather. The decision to continue harvesting at Albion wasn’t made on a whim, it was made to reduce losses and protect our future crop. Leaving ripe cane in the fields to rot would have been a true disaster, financially and agronomically.
Now, on to the TC/TS performance and factory downtime. Albion hit as low as 11.38 on good days,
and downtime across the industry actually dropped by 22 per cent compared to 2024. Cane yields are up 11 per cent. Yet somehow, these gains were conveniently ignored while conspiracy theories about “quack parts” were pushed without a bit of evidence.
The narrative that “misled” the public about the G$13 billion allocation is not only disingenuous, it’s wrong! GuySuCo’s spending is subject to audits, parliamentary oversight, and, frankly, common sense. As of the end of First Crop, we’ve only used a portion of the funds – nowhere near the inflated G$9 billion figure being thrown around.
As for labour, we are in a situation faced by agricultural businesses worldwide – labour shortages. That’s not a “Cheong problem,” that’s a reality. In fact, GuySuCo offers some of the highest harvester wages in the global sugar industry. Still, people are moving away from agriculture. Our response? Mechanisation! Because building for the future requires adapting, not complaining.
On marketing, the claims being made are outdated. The price GuySuCo is fetching is higher than what’s being quoted in the media, and under my lead -
In Canada, Charles...
Charles’s role carries risks which, when faced with a less patient public mood or different circumstances, could cause trouble for him and for the monarchy.
Assuming that Charles remains in good health for years to come, how might he handle a change of government? If the current feeding frenzy about a Nigel Farage prime ministership really came to pass in 2028-29, Charles could be faced with a government that might embrace a Maga president in Washington, abandon European alliances, dismiss the net zero agenda, and go out of its way to antagonise
Scotland and Wales.
That would present Charles or the future King William with a very different Britain from the one with which they appear in sympathy. Yet it is a Britain that may be only three or four years distant. According to most evidence and most received wisdom, a generally well-disposed public is content to stick with the monarchy. Yet when so much else about the British state is struggling to adapt, and when monarchy remains historically improbable, why would the monarchy itself not struggle too?
(Martin Kettle is a Guardian columnist)
ership, we’ve started to diversify revenue, upgrade packaging, improve branding, and open up new market channels, including North America.
Looking forward, we’re not sitting still. Plans for Second Crop 2025 are well underway. We’re improving logistics, improving drone technology, remote sensing, and working with international partners like Brazil to improve yields and sugar content.
A new sugar dryer, syrup clarifier, and additional packaging machines are also on the way—including expansion of packaging to Albion Estate, not just Blairmont.
We’re building a new line specifically targeting the North American market. Our factory staff are being trained in predictive maintenance, so we can move from reactive to proactive operations. And yes, we’re focused on value-added products like ex-
panding packet sugar and mini packs lines, because that’s where growth lies.
Constructive criticism? Always welcome. Baseless attacks and name-calling? Not so much. I’m not “bubbling on the job.” I’m navigating a century-old institution through climate change, labour shifts, destruction of infrastructure by the last APNU/AFC Administration and structural reform. That’s a big job, but someone’s got to do it and I’m proud to lead that effort.
We invite our critics to shift gears from tearing down to building up. GuySuCo is not perfect, but we’re moving forward with focus, transparency, and resolve. Let’s work together, not trade barbs in the press.
Sincerely,
Paul Cheong Chief Executive Officer Guyana Sugar Corporation
cial appeal among Indians and Amerindians. All other small or minor parties have limited appeal, struggling for traction.
The Opposition is deeply divided, and people are turned off by their internal squabbling and inability to put up a strong force. The
people feel the PPP will run away with the elections if things remain the same until Election Day. If the forces are the same as in 2020, the PPP will win a thumping majority, gaining seats.
Yours sincerely, Vishnu Bisram
Stronger together with the People’s Progressiave Party/ Civic
Dear Editor, I am writing as a proud citizen of Guyana to declare my support for the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic leadership and to express my intent to vote in their favour at the upcoming 2025 General and Regional Elections.
Under the party’s stewardship, Guyana has experienced remarkable progress in areas such as infrastructural development, healthcare expansion, education, job creation and national unity.
The vision for a modern, inclusive, and prosperous Guyana has inspired many, including myself, to believe in the promise of our nation’s future.
The commitment to equity and development
across all regions and ethnic groups is a testament to its integrity and dedication to service. I am confident that a second term under President Irfaan Ali will further propel Guyana on a path of sustainable growth and social upliftment.
As a voter and citizen, I fully endorse President Ali’s candidacy and General Secretary Dr Bharrat Jagdeo’s leadership. The PPP/C will continue to lead Guyana into a brighter tomorrow. With best wishes for a successful campaign.
Yours sincerely, Rajiv Kadarnauth Regional Councillor Essequibo Islands/ West Demerara
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SUNDAY, JUNE 1, 2025
Foundation
Major initiatives coming for agri sector
...new fertiliser plant, co-investment fund to boost Guyana agriculture – Pres Ali
President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has announced two major initiatives set to transform Guyana’s agricultural landscape, with the construction of a state-of-the-art local fertiliser plant and the establishment of a co-investment fund to support farmers with financing and access to capital. These efforts, according to the President, are part of a broader strategy to modernise the sector, reduce dependency, and promote long-term sustainability for farmers across the country.
During a recent engagement with farmers
and stakeholders, at Anna Regina Secondary School's Auditorium, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), President Ali revealed that within the next two years, Guyana will have its own fertiliser facility to serve the needs of the entire local farming community. This local production capability, he noted, will end the country's reliance on volatile global markets and supply chains for fertiliser.
President Ali said that the establishment of a local fertiliser plant will allow Guyana to produce region-specific fertilis-
er blends, tailored to the unique soil types found across the country.
He added that this customisation is crucial because different soils require different nutrient compositions to maximise crop growth. By providing fertilisers that are specifically designed for each region’s soil, farmers can apply nutrients more efficiently, reducing waste and lowering costs. This targeted approach, he emphasised, will not only help farmers save money but also significantly increase agricultural productivity, leading to bet-
farmers.
ter yields and stronger food security for Guyana.
“Within the next two years, Guyana will have its own fertiliser facility to
FROM PAGE 3
20,000 acres of farmland...
Farmers and fisherfolks at the meeting held at the Anna Regina Secondary School auditorium
“This initiative goes beyond creating physical access... We will identify farmers as the main beneficiaries—our key partners. The Government will make capital investments to prepare these lands, provide seed paddy, and create a sustainable foundation for long-term farming success,” he added.
In addition to eliminating rental costs, the programme is designed to instil a deeper sense of ownership and economic empowerment. The President assured farmers that this approach would allow them to become landowners, not just tenants—ultimately giving them more control, security, and dignity in their work.
“This will eliminate rental costs, provide land ownership, and give our farmers the dignity and opportuni-
ty of owning and cultivating their own land... This is the first urgent matter we are tackling,” he said.
The President also announced that machines such as combines, tractors, ploughs, and other equipment in these land clusters, would operate under a new model of farmer-managed systems, where farmers can work collectively to manage the equipment and resources for shared benefit. This cooperative approach aims to build resilience, increase productivity, and reduce dependency on private millers or external operators.
Farmers across Region Two shared their appreciation for the President’s announcement, highlighting that high rental costs have long affected both small and large-scale cultivators. Many said the proposed opening of thousands
of acres of land in different agricultural clusters will not only ease the financial burden but also allow them to better plan and invest in their farms.
“This move will bring real relief... When you’re paying high rent every crop, it’s hard to expand or even break even. Owning the land we farm will give us more money in our pocket and a chance to grow,” said Ravi Persaud, a cash crop farmer.
Also attending the meeting were Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha, Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva, Regional Vice Chairman Humace Oodit, Regional Executive Officer Susana Saywack, Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture Ricky Ramraj, among other regional officials.
meet all local needs. This will eliminate dependency on global prices and supply chains... More importantly, it will allow us to produce region-specific blends, tailored to different soil types across Guyana. This will significantly reduce costs and increase productivity,” the President noted.
Farmers have long expressed concern over the rising cost and inconsistent supply of fertiliser—both of which have impacted yields and profitability. By establishing a domestic plant, the Government aims to ensure a stable, affordable supply, while introducing scientifically tailored fertiliser blends designed for local conditions. This strategic move is expected to result in increased output, healthier crops, and improved competitiveness for Guyanese
Co-investment fund
Alongside this, the President also announced the creation of a new co-investment fund that will allow the Government to partner directly with farmers, thereby easing their access to loans and improving their financial resilience.
The fund, which was born out of public consultations, is designed to tackle long-standing challenges in agricultural financing—particularly the high-risk profile often associated with farming.
“You, the people, gave us an idea over the last five years...the need for a special fund to support agriculture. We listened—and we are acting...We will establish a co-investment fund where the Government can partner
directly with farmers. This reduces the risks for banks, lowers interest rates, and helps you get better loan terms,” he said By reducing the burden on traditional lending institutions, the co-investment fund is expected to unlock new opportunities for small and medium-scale farmers. It will also allow more farmers to invest in improved technologies, irrigation systems, and equipment—key components in building a resilient and profitable sector.
Farmers praised the initiatives announced by His Excellency, saying they will improve their livelihoods.
"Having a local fertiliser plant means we won’t have to rely on expensive imports any more. Fertilisers tailored to our soil will help our crops grow better and stronger,’ a farmer said. Another farmer said that the co-investment fund will make it easier for them to get loans and invest in their land.
"This will assist us tremendously we won't have to wait long long, and it will make us easier for us to get loans and invest more... This support gives us hope for a better future,” another farmer added.
Many agreed these steps will reduce their costs and give them more control over their farms.
President Ali arrives for the Saturday meeting with farmers, fisherfolk and other stakeholders at Anna Regina Secondary Schoola
The Presidents speaks to the audience of Government’s plans for agriculture in the region
Some of those gathered to hear the President speak of Government’s initiatives
Miner sentenced to two years in prison for fatal backdam chopping
...after multiple deductions off sentence, likely only months remaining
A28-year-old miner who fatally chopped another miner, Sherman Phillips, 40, called ‘Sunno’, at Sandhill Backdam, Cuyuni River, Region Seven, has been sentenced to two years behind bars. The sentence was handed down recently by Justice Navindra Singh at the High Court in Essequibo.
Sean Lindore, also known by the aliases “Samuel,” “Leather,” and “Tallman”, had initially faced a murder charge but instead opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter. Lindore, formerly of Three Miles Bartica, Potaro Road, will have his pre-sentencing time in custody deducted from his total sentence.
Justice Singh began with an 18-year sentence but applied significant reductions due to several mitigating factors. A total of
sixteen years were deducted from Lindore’s sentence for various mitigating factors. Six years were subtracted for his early guilty plea, which not only saved the court’s time but also spared witnesses from the trauma of reliving the incident. The court further reduced the sentence by four years, acknowledging what it deemed to be genuine remorse expressed by Lindore. Another four years were deducted based on favourable probation and prison conduct reports.
Additionally, two years were deducted due to the provocative conduct of the deceased, who had reportedly initiated the attack by chopping Lindore with a cutlass and throwing sand in his face.
These deductions brought Lindore’s final sentence down to two years, with the time he already spent on remand also to
be credited. As a result, Lindore is now expected to serve only a few remaining months in custody before his release.
Representing the State was Prosecutor Caressa Henry, while Attorneyat-Law Tonza Sarabo appeared on behalf of the accused. According to the prosecution’s presentation, the incident took place
during an argument on October 8, 2023, at Sand Hill Backdam.
Both Lindore and the victim, 42-year-old Sherman Phillips—known as “Sunno Sherman,” “Sunno,” or “Sunno Boy”, were miners stationed on nearby dredges. Phillips, who lived at Red Hill, Karau in the Lower Mazaruni area, reportedly confronted Lindore around 5:30 p.m. on the day of the incident.
The confrontation stemmed from a dispute over the proximity of Lindore’s operations to Phillips’ dredge. When challenged, Lindore reportedly laughed, which appeared to aggravate the situation.
In response, Phillips armed himself with a cutlass and inflicted two chops on Lindore before allegedly throwing the weapon at Lindore’s chest.
Lindore later told police that Phillips also tossed sand into his eyes. He retaliated by grabbing the same cutlass and delivering several blows to Phillips. During the violent exchange, Phillips reportedly begged Lindore not to kill him. Lindore allegedly told him to “roll out”, after which Phillips walked away from the scene.
Soon after, another fellow miner, Lawrence Basdeo, and his wife, Indra Singh, came to Phillips’ aid. They transported him from the backdam to Itaballi Landing, and then to the Bartica Regional Hospital.
As his condition deteriorated, he was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Although initially treated for non-fatal wounds, Phillips succumbed to his injuries on October 25, seventeen days after the altercation. A post-mortem examination conducted by Government Pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh, determined that the cause of death was septic shock triggered by meningitis and bronchopneumonia, both of which were linked to multiple infected wounds sustained during the attack.
Lindore was arrested at Sand Hill Backdam. Upon being informed of the murder allegation, Lindore reportedly claimed he was attacked.
At the time of arrest, Lindore had a number of visible injuries, including a 12-centimetre laceration on his left arm and a four-centimetre wound on his chest. He was subsequently treated at the Bartica Regional Hospital.
The (electoral) pomp…
… and the glory
At the announcement that the PNC has coalesced with the WPA to contest the Sept 1st General Elections, your Eyewitness is reminded of the old Aesop tale of the mountain and the mouse. Remember that one?? “A Mountain was once greatly agitated. Loud groans and noises were heard; and crowds of people came from far and wide to see what was the matter. While they were assembled in anxious expectation of some massive occurrence, out came – a Mouse!! The moral, of course – and all of Aesop’s tales had a moral, didn’t they? – was “much ado about nothing”!!
So here we are with the Opposition going on at a rate for five years about a coalition to take on the PPP and this is the best “ado” they can come up with?? Sheeesh! Cause this is exactly what a PNC-WPA coalition is – nothing! And as we know out of nothing can only come nothing!! At the end of WWII in a meeting of the Allied leaders, FDR mentioned that perchance the Pope should be invited to the upcoming conclave of world leaders to work out how peace could be achieved going forward. Stalin asked him a simple question that quashed THAT discussion – “How many divisions does the Pope have?”!
The point of the matter when we talk about forming coalitions for elections; the question that gotta be asked is: what’s the prospective partners bringing to the table?? And here the question that should be asked by the PNC is: what does the WPA bring to the table?? And the answer is zero…zilch! Now some may say that the WPA –which Burnham once famously called the “Worst Possible Alternative” – has a bunch of “intellectuals”. But from what your Eyewitness has seen in the last couple of elections all of that supposed intellectualism ain’t worth even a bucket of warm spit!!
In coalition politics, the goal is for the parties coming together to bring votes from their different constituencies. So what’s the WPA’s constituency?? Back in the day when Rodney straddled the party like a colossus, the WPA was able to pull huge multiracial crowds. But that never translated to votes at elections after free and fair elections were returned in 1992. Why? Cause the WPA’s constituency was just small subset of the PNC’s constituency – Afro Guyanese who liked their “gyaaf”. And all the WPA does nowadays is work up African Guyanese racially.
But those “WPA folks” especially ain’t gonna “split their votes” - they all return home to the PNC! And it’s for this reason the PNC-WPA coalition’s like a whale and the barnacles that cling on to it.
The barnacle don’t do nothing for the whale, but gets a free ride!!
…of Nomination Day
The wheels of the electoral machinery are turning inexorably – Nomination Day was announced to be July 14 and the submission of symbols, June 22. First about those symbols – which used to be necessary because back in the day most folks were illiterate – couldn’t even read the name of the parties. Well, we know the PPP’s symbol – they’ve had the cup since 1950!! But what’s gonna be he symbol of he PNC-WPA?? A whale with a barnacle??! And that new kid on he block?? A Lamborghini??
But what your Eyewitness looks forward to is Nomination Day!! That’s like a mini Mashramani every five years!! The Parties gonna be out with their supporters decked out in their party colours – marching, sashaying and tramping to the party song all the way to City Hall to submit their candidates’ names – along with the necessary nominators’!! The size of the crowd behind each party’s banner signals their support?? Will he AFC even show??
Oooh what a sight it will be!!
…of house lots distribution
So there you have it – the 50,000 house lots goal by the PPP achieved within the five years – as they had promised!! Now that alone’s gonna be a game changer in this election!! History’s being created!!
Sean Lindore
Motorcyclist killed in Essequibo hit-and-run
...truck driver arrested hours later
Ahorrific accident on Saturday afternoon at around 14:45h, claimed the life of a 27-yearold motorcyclist after he was struck down by a speeding truck along the Queenstown Public Road, Region Two (Pomeroon- Supenaam).
Dead is Ghanesh Chris Raghubir of Adventure, Essequibo Coast. He was a pharmacy technician attached to the Suddie Hospital.
According to eyewitnesses, Raghubir was riding his
motorcycle when a speeding truck collided with him, flinging him several feet away.
The impact was so severe that brain matter was scattered on the roadway. The truck driver reportedly fled the scene without stopping.
Police arrived at the location shortly after the incident. An investigation was launched, and efforts to locate the driver of the truck led to his arrest several hours later.
Kamal Ramkarran re-elected Bar Association President
Attorney-at-Law Kamal Ramkarran, who contested unopposed, was re-elected as President of the Bar Association of Guyana.
The 46th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of The Bar Association of Guyana was held on Friday, May 30, 2025, via Zoom Online Platform.
As part of the proceedings, the Bar Council for the 2025-2026 fiscal year was elected.
This is the second time Ramkarran was elected to serve two terms. He returned to the helm of the Association in June 2024 after previously serving two
Attorney-at-Law Kamal Ramkarran
terms from 2017 to 2019. Meanwhile, Attorneys Teni Housty and Arudranauth Gossai were elected, also unopposed, as Vice Presidents of the Association.
Attorney Yashmini Singh was also re-elected, unopposed, as Secretary of the Association for a second term.
Also during Friday’s AGM, Attorney Chevy Devonish was elected, unopposed, as the new Assistant Secretary, while Attorney Gabriel Benn, who served during the last term as Assistant Secretary, was elected, unopposed, to the post of Treasurer.
Dead: Ghanesh Chris Raghubir
The nation-state and positive democracy
IJagdeo slams Opposition refusal to support sovereignty motion
...says there was room for amendments
Vn the three months to the elections, there is the perennial challenge that mobilization tactics and strategies may once again further polarize our country as in so many previous elections. Form dictates function in politics as much as biology, and this is a lesson our politicians must take to heart. The unitary “nation-state” is one such form that encourages us to act in ways that may engender conflict when its inhabitants identify as distinct ethnic or religious groups. The concept of the “nation-state” has become such a ubiquitous international norm, that it is difficult for us to realize that the modern state was only born in the last few centuries. and that its premises may be problematic for some societies.
While the state and nation are usually conflated, in reality the state can never become identical with the people living within its territory. The state may represent the people but the people inevitably will identify easier with their “nation” - as constructed by their lived experiences than their state. This does not mean that the state cannot be a site of identification for the people, but since the values promulgated by the state being more abstract and “drier”, these will have to be transmitted independently. And it is here that our politicians on the hustings have a responsibility to protect the state they are competing to govern. They cannot delegitimize, for instance as recently with the Venezuelan Border controversy, the party then may win the elections to such an extent that the state loses not only domestic credibility but also in the international arena.
However while the concept of the “nation state” has become a central pillar of the dominant political paradigm in modern politics, it is but a contingent moment in European-generated history that definitionally insisted on the “societal consensus” and the “melting pot” theory of assimilation. But today, the “established” democratic paradigmatic nation states in the US and Europe are experiencing the challenges of that premise. National unity is always ultimately impossible if it means homogeneity, since such a unity will have to be created by a suppression of differences – which the later governments now seek to impose.
The contradictions and challenges of the nation-state were compounded after those imperialistic European states – during their 19th century consolidation phase – partitioned the world into empires and "spheres of influence". They arbitrarily divided these into colonies for administrative convenience, where the multitude of ethnic groups within each enclave were suddenly told they had to become cohesive "nations". The onus was even greater in those colonies, such as we in the West Indies, where the “native” groups were practically wiped out, ensuring there were no “natural” cultural strains as in the European model, to evolve into any “national” culture. The society had to be created almost sui generis – patterned on the European ideal, of course.
Our local politicians who inherited governance of the colonies adopted this imperialistic homogenising arrogance and insisted on even utilizing force, when necessary to create homogenous "nation-states" such as based on one religion – in our case, Christianity. We are reaping the whirlwind right now where some “partisans” of poor Adriana are certain that she was murdered by someone practising some alleged Hindu rite demanding human sacrifice. The Hindu remains the “othered”, despised outsider in a state founded on Christian axiology.
The reasons for this are complex but essentially lay at the heart of the nature of power, the potential for its abuse, its relationship to status, the power of the modern state and the fact that the group that controls that power is invariably from, or perceived to be, from one section. In a culturally plural society then, power always has an ethnic/religious contour and will be challenged along that parameter. In ethnically heterogeneous states, ethnicity becomes a dominant cleavage along which mobilization takes place even though the politicians strained mightily to claim “multiracialism”. In Guyana, whether the PNC or PPP ran the government, it was seen by the group on the outside as the “other” ethnic group dominating the government. The challenge has always been how we can continue with democratic elections for choosing our government while not allowing its agglomerating imperative to tear us apart.
However, with us now having become a nation of minorities, finally our parties competing for office can create a stable nation state by following the logic of crafting and executing platforms that solicits, as best as possible, all groups to gain a governing majority.
ice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo has blasted the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) opposition, led by Aubrey Norton, for their refusal to support a parliamentary motion reaffirming Guyana’s sovereignty over the Essequibo region and condemning Venezuela’s holding of the May 25 elections. After expressing their non-support for the motion tabled on May 23, the party walked out from the National Assembly.
During his weekly press conference on Thursday, Jagdeo described the walkout by the opposition as a political stunt rooted in “dishonesty” and “opportunism,” aimed at undermining national unity during a time of heightened international scrutiny.
“So, the motion was to show solidarity by reaffirming the 1899 Arbitral Award. Now, everyone, that’s non-controversial. Secondly, the motion was to condemn Venezuela’s defence of the ICJ (International Court of Justice) provisional orders, which were very, very clear that these elections must not be conducted. So, that was the second purpose of the motion, which was clearly enshrined in the motion. And the third was to seek international solidarity for the ICJ position and Guyana’s position on the 1899 award”.
“Norton walked out of the parliament, did not support the motion. He and his AFC and APNU did not support the motion in parliament, and they blamed the lack of consultation on the motion as the main reason for this walkout,” Jagdeo said.
Jagdeo also rejected claims by Opposition figures that the motion was flawed for failing to outline Guyana’s defence strategy against Venezuela.
In fact, he revealed that the Opposition was given the motion on May 14, well ahead of Venezuela’s elections, and were invited to co-sponsor it in a show of bipartisan unity.
“So, he could have stood up in parliament and said, I will vote for this, because that’s in the motion, these elements. However, I have the following concerns…But this is complete nonsense. This is defending PNC’s incompetence. On the 14th of May, this motion was sent to the Chief Whip in parliament for the opposition, Christopher Jones, with an understanding that they could get back... I told him, let’s sponsor the motion jointly, that we’ll go forward with. It had to be put to the parliament, because there is a timeline. You had to get it done before the elections in Venezuela,” he clarified.
Meanwhile, the Government has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding Guyana’s territorial integrity and sovereignty,
while also seeking accountability through diplomatic channels.
Earlier this month,
reaffirmed that the GDF is mobilised and prepared to defend the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity amid ongoing tensions with Venezuela.
The Head of State emphasised that security operations are actively underway, particularly in light of Venezuela’s upcoming unlawful elections and continued claims over Guyana’s Essequibo region — claims which Guyana has consistently rejected and challenged through international legal avenues.
After years of failed good offices process through the United Nations (UN), and based on the recommendation of the-then UN Secretary General, Guyana
approached the World Court in March 2018, seeking a final and binding settlement of the 1899 Arbitral Award, which determined the land boundary between Guyana and Venezuela. The case is currently pending before the ICJ, which has already established its jurisdiction to hear the matter. Guyana has already filed two written pleadings on the merits, and Venezuela has filed one, with its second pleading due in August 2025.
Oral hearings are expected in the first half of 2026, following which the Court will deliberate on the case and issue its final judgment on the Merits, which will be binding on the parties.
Ravi Dev
President Dr Irfaan Ali had
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo
Cuban national remanded over fatal stabbing of stepdaughter
A39-year-old Cuban man was on Thursday remanded to prison for the brutal killing of his stepdaughter during a domestic dispute at their Kitty, Georgetown residence.
Luis Poey Alfonso, of
Lot 56 Pike Street, Kitty, appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where he was formally charged with the murder of 21-yearold Dabelis Miranda
Morales. The incident occurred on May 23, 2025, at the family’s Pike Street home.
The charge, which is indictable, was read to Alfonso, who was not required to enter a plea. He was unrepresented during the brief hearing.
Prosecutors asked for the matter to be adjourned for six weeks, citing the need to complete investigations and out of consideration for the emotional trauma still affecting the victim’s relatives.
“The mother, who is hospitalised, is still traumatised,” the court was told.
The case was adjourned
to July 9, 2025. Initial investigations revealed that the fatal confrontation erupted during a dispute involving Alfonso and his partner, who is also the mother of the deceased.
Reports indicate that Alfonso allegedly attacked both women with a chopper knife, inflicting fatal wounds on Morales.
Following the incident, Alfonso reportedly walked into the Kitty Police Station carrying the bloodied weapon and was promptly taken into custody by police ranks.
Investigators are continuing their probe into the circumstances surrounding the deadly altercation.
Luis Poey Alfonso
Marics ‘Elevate’ Honda vehicles align with Govt’s goals on low carbon emissions – Edghill
Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill has lauded Marics and Company Limited for the launch of the new Honda Elevate SUV, emphasising that its fuel efficiency, affordability, and compact 1500cc engine align well with the Government of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and broader environmental goals.
At the unveiling ceremony on Friday, Minister Edghill called the new model a practical and progressive option for Guyanese drivers, particularly public servants, noting that its specifications make it eligible for duty-free concessions.
“If you can get a new ve-
hicle, 1500cc, with three years warranty, for the same price you would pay for a reconditioned one, that’s a game-changer,” Edghill stated. “This is the kind of upgrade that helps citizens elevate their quality of life.”
“We’re no longer just dreaming of the Guyana we want to see. It’s unfolding before our very eyes,” he said. “Initiatives like this one help drive that vision forward.”
Key features of the Honda Elevate include a 1500cc engine, making it eligible for duty-free concessions; its fuel-efficiency and reliability; reducing environmental impact; spaciousness, collision-safe design, with ample legroom and a smooth ride, and a three-year warranty for added value and consumer confidence.
Edghill tied the launch directly to Guyana’s longterm vision of modernisation under the LCDS 2030, which aims to foster economic development while reducing emissions.
“I think it’s a good deal, and it is something that somebody should be studying a little bit more about how we can make it work. But more importantly, as we continue our journey towards modernisation and transformation in Guyana, you will know that we are driven and guided by a number of strategies and policy documents, and
one of those strategies is a low-carbon development strategy. And in our green pathway, where we want to ensure that everybody affords, or everybody can afford their own vehicle,” Edghill explained He also emphasised that while the Elevate is not currently available as an electric vehicle (EV), the Government continues to support EV adoption through tax incentives and infrastructure, including more charging stations nationwide.
Marics and Company was commended for its decades-long contribution to Guyana’s automotive industry and for offering high-quality, affordable vehicle options that meet the evolving needs of the population.
Meanwhile, Director at Marics Jonathan Permaul, during the brief launch ceremony held at the Pegasus Corporate Suite, Georgetown, said the company is continuously striving to deliver exceptional services.
“Honda products are known for being of high quality and eco-friendly.
“The Honda Elevate is a perfect design to match your modern lifestyle, it is always ready for adventure, you get the old and stylish design offering keen performance, a premium interior, advanced technology, and safety,” Permaul said.
Director at Marics Jonathan Permaul
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill
Adrianna Younge case
Reg. 3 Commander remains on administrative leave- GPF
– Canadian investigator says police investigation competently done
While the Canadian investigator who was brought in to provide expert oversight of the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) handling of the Adrianna Younge case has said the investigation was a competent one, the Region Three Commander who initially oversaw what started as a search for a missing person, remains on administrative leave.
Head of the GPF’s Corporate Communications Unit, Mark Ramotar, confirmed, when asked by members of the media, that Commander of Regional Division #3, Assistant Commissioner Khalid Mandall, remains on administrative leave more than a month after he was placed on it to facilitate investigations into Adrianna Younge’s death.
Days after the discovery of Younge’s body in the now gutted Double D hotel pool,
Mandall was sent on administrative leave. This occurred after the Force had claimed that the child was seen on video leaving the hotel in a vehicle – something which the family insisted was not true based on neighbouring footage they reviewed.
It was subsequently revealed that a female civilian staff at the command
centre had misled the police. She and several police ranks were also sent on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Moreover, another rank was also been identified for passing on false information. The investigations revealed that a sergeant from the Special Constabulary Unit misled her colleagues when she claimed that she was on duty in the Region’s Operation Room, and an anonymous male caller informed her that the 11-year-old girl was seen leaving the hotel after joining a black (Raum) motor vehicle.
Canadian investigator
Meanwhile, in a further development, it was revealed by retired Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) investigator Leonard McCoshen, who was brought in by Government to review the
investigative work done by the GPF in the case, that the work done by local law enforcement was “exceptional”.
Following a comprehensive investigation in which he reviewed 400 pages of documents, as well as numerous digital forensic evidence, McCoshen had handed over a report on his findings to the GPF. Among those findings is that no foul play was detected in Younge’s death.
“McCoshen revealed that after reviewing all of the material, “it is very apparent to me that members
who investigated this incident took the utmost time and considerable effort to speak to any and all persons that had any information to provide, relative to the incident,” the police said in a statement on the report McCoshen handed over.
“The facts surrounding a great deal of care in documenting the movement of the body of Adrianna Younge, after she was taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital is exceptional and something that I have not seen before.”
According to the GPF in its statement, McCoshen was able to verify that the GPF spoke with all witnesses who were willing to cooperate. Further, extensive efforts were made to speak to those witnesses who were unwilling.
“According to McCoshen, if a thorough search had been done of the pool by properly trained and properly equipped people at the onset, “this investigation would have very likely not garnered the international attention and political pressure that it finds itself in today”,” the force also ob-
served in its statement. Adrianna, who was last seen by her grandmother around 13:01h on April 23 in the hotel’s swimming pool, was found dead in the same pool the following morning. Her disappearance and delayed recovery led her family to question the circumstances of her death, raising concerns that she might have been lured, assaulted, drowned elsewhere, and placed back in the pool.
A three-member team of internationally-recognised pathologists had concluded from their post mortem examination, which was conducted in Guyana on April 28, that 11-yearold Adrianna died from drowning, with no signs of foul play or physical assault. Just a few days ago, a fourth pathologist, United States (US), Gwinnet County, Georgia Medical Examiner, Carol A Terry, MD, conducted a second autopsy on Younge’s body at the behest of the family and confirmed there was no sign of trauma on the body, echoing the findings of the first autopsy.
Region Three Commander Khalid Mandall
RCMP investigator Leonard McCoshen
Body of missing soldier recovered in Cuyuni River
The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) on Saturday confirmed the recovery of the body of 24-year-old Lance Corporal Stefon Tudor, who had gone missing two days earlier after falling overboard during a routine patrol along the Cuyuni River in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).
Lance Corporal Tudor, who was attached to the 1st Infantry Battalion, and stationed at Eteringbang, reportedly fell into the river sometime between 14:00 and 15:00 h on Thursday, May 29, in the vicinity of the Makapa Rapids near the Guyana-Venezuela border.
Despite immediate rescue attempts by his patrol team, the soldier could not be located, prompting a large-scale search operation spearheaded by the GDF with support from local partners. That sustained effort ended Saturday when Tudor’s body was found approximately 800 metres downstream from where he was last seen. In a statement issued by the military, the GDF expressed deep sorrow at the loss of one of its ranks, and extended heartfelt condolences to the fallen soldier’s family, friends, and fellow troops.
“Lance Corporal Tudor served with professionalism, discipline, and commitment,” the Force said, adding that support continues to be provided to his family during this period of grief.
“The GDF stands in solidarity with all ranks as we mourn the loss of a soldier who died in the line of duty.”
The GDF has launched a formal Board of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
Tudor’s disappearance sent shock waves through the ranks and among the public, as troops stationed at both Eteringbang and Makapa had immediately mobilised in search of their missing comrade.
The GDF had earlier re-
assured that no resources would be spared in the efforts to find him, and affirmed its continued commitment to the safety of all personnel deployed across the country.
The young soldier is remembered for his dedication and service in one of the country’s most challenging frontier locations. The results of the inquiry into his death are expected to help improve operational safety for future river patrols in the area.
The discovery of Lance
Corporal Stefon Tudor’s body comes just months after a similar tragedy claimed the life of police Lance Corporal Jermaine Batson, who drowned during a routine river patrol in the Puruni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).
Batson’s body was recovered at around 14:00h, four days after he went missing. It was found about 100 yards from where the boat he was travelling in had sunk.
The incident occurred during a patrol on a Tuesday morning and involved Lance Corporal Batson, Constable Quincy Marks, and 30-yearold boat captain Ransdale Melville of Third Avenue, Bartica. The men had departed Puruni Landing around 09:00h.
At about 11:45h, while heading upstream, the engine suddenly cut off, caus-
ing water to flood the vessel. As the boat began to sink, Batson jumped into the river while Marks and Melville scrambled to a nearby rock and secured the boat to a branch. Batson was last seen holding onto a branch on the opposite side of the river, confirming during a brief conversation that he was safe and checking on
the others. While Marks and Melville worked to bail water from the boat and restart the engine, Batson vanished from sight. After a brief search proved futile, the two men proceeded to a nearby camp to access WiFi and report the incident. The officer’s body was found some time later.
Lance Corporal Stefon Tudor
Govt mulls legislation to ensure all supermarkets dedicate shelves to local produce
– Pres Ali says expanding market access for cash crop farmers a priority
In an effort to expand the access that cash crop farmers have to market spaces, President Dr Irfaan Ali has announced that the Government is considering the introduction of legislation that will compel supermarkets to dedicate shelf space for local produce.
During a recent engagement with cash crop farmers in East Berbice, President Ali discussed various initiatives that will be implemented to support agricul-
ture expansion in Guyana. For instance, President Ali spoke of plans to invest in cold storage and modern packaging facilities.
“We have to build in this region, cold storage facilities to support cash crop farmers, so that their produce will have longer shelf life. We have to invest in modern packaging facilities so that we can have your produce into the supermarkets here and throughout the Caribbean. Just as
Massy is bringing in produce from overseas, they have to be able to take our produce and market it to the rest of the region,” the President said.
The Head of State also spoke of considerations for legislation to be brought that would mandate supermarkets to stock local produce in dedicated shelves.
While some supermarkets have taken the initiative to dedicate shelves to strictly Guyanese produce, there are many that do not.
“We have to bring specific legislation that mandates supermarkets operating in Guyana, to carry special shelves with produce, agriculture produce and other agro-processing produce produced right here in Guyana.”
“So that when you walk in any supermarket, you can go through shelves in which Guyanese production is showcased and sold. These are the things that will help us expand market, create sustainability,” the Head of State said.
He also referenced a special development fund that would provide vital capital funds to farmers.
According to the President, they must explore how such a fund would be used to mitigate risks to the farmers, through co-investment mechanisms.
“Sometimes farmers are halfway into the second crop, and now receiving payments for the first crop. So that is why we have to find this partnership. We have to find this partnership between the sector and the Government.”
“To ensure that we create the mechanism. I speak about co-financing. I speak about a special development fund. But in a partnership- remember the word is partnership. What is the most important element in partnership? Trust,” the President further said.
Among the initiatives that the President had recently announced, was a fertiliser support initiative for farmers. In cases where they have 30 acres of land, they could also opt to receive the cash equivalent of the fertiliser.
According to the Head of
State, the initiative will target farmers across various communities in the region, grouping them together to provide access to financial facilities and equip them with resources such as machinery. The aim is to enable them to take charge of critical services, including drainage and irrigation.
Key to all of these initiatives, however, is the new Hope-like Canal project in Region Five – an investment of about $18.4 billion. Also known as high level canals, this facility will be built to drain excess water from the land especially where farms are located to avoid flooding. Additionally, replicas of the Hope Canal, located at Hope Village/Dochfour on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) are being built in Region Six (East Berbice/ Corentyne) and Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara).
The Hope Canal, or Northern Relief Channel, is a multi-component channel that allows excess water from the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) to be drained into the Atlantic Ocean via an eight-door sluice, so as to avoid overflowing and possible flooding.
That canal, which cost some $3.6 billion, was conceptualised under the then Bharrat Jagdeo-led People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government, and was constructed following the 2005 floods.
At the time, excessive rainfall, compounded by a breach in the embankment, had resulted in Regions Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and Five experiencing massive flooding, causing significant damage to agricultural and residential areas. After several delays, the Hope Canal project became operational in 2016.
Noting its climate mitigation benefits, the Government wants the project replicated in other regions. As far back as 2021, President Ali had said the Hope Canal was instrumental in preventing massive flooding along the ECD during the unprecedented May-June floods that year.
President Dr Irfaan Ali
No new COVID variant detected in Guyana – Health Minister
…debunks rumours of new cases, says no need to panic
inister of Health
MDr. Frank Anthony has denied the emergence of any new COVID-19 variant in Guyana, urging the public to remain calm and avoid spreading misinformation. This response follows a social media post alleging a confirmed COVID-19 case at the West Demerara Regional Hospital.
In an interview with this publication, Dr. Anthony explained that while a new COVID-19 variant known as NB.1.8.1 has been identified in parts of Asia and the United States, it has not been detected in Guyana.
However, in keeping with global trends and out of an abundance of caution, medical institutions in Guyana have been advised to remain vigilant, especially with patients presenting flu-like symptoms.
“We’ve told our hospitals to keep testing, especially when patients have flu symptoms, to catch any-
thing early,” he said.
“So, when people come in, if they test positive for COVID, then we would then do analysis for variants. But as it is, since this year, we have been getting maybe one, two cases here and there”.
Nevertheless, a designated area has been established in West Demerara Regional Hospital adjacent to the Emergency Room to accommodate all stable COVIDpositive inpatients, including prenatal mothers.
In this regard, staff on duty will be assigned to this area as needed to ensure proper care and coverage.
Cold and flu
Further, the Minister acknowledged that Guyana is currently experiencing its seasonal rise in cold and flu cases, which is typical around May and June. Common viral infections such as influenza and other respiratory viruses are being monitored at ten senti-
nel sites across the country.
“We’ve seen some influenza and respiratory virus cases. These aren’t typically severe and most people recover in a few days,” Dr. Anthony explained.
“So, there are many different – there are other viral infections that circulate around this time. Among the things that we see is influenza. And we have ten
sites where we are monitoring for the influenza virus. So, that’s one. And we have been seeing cases of influenza.”
Status of vaccination and testing
While COVID-19 vaccinations have slowed due to decreased demand, Dr. Anthony confirmed that testing continues. Vaccination
campaigns could resume if there’s a rise in hospitalizations or if a new strain enters the country.
“We stopped bringing in the latest vaccines like Pfizer for new variants because we haven’t needed them. But if things change, we’ll adapt… Because depending on the strains, they sometimes make, like the Pfizer vaccine, to coincide with the newer strains. So, we don’t have that. And we didn’t bring those in because we’re not seeing the cases. But if it is that we find this particular variant that is now circulating, and if we’re seeing an increase in hospitalization, well then, maybe we’ll do that. But at this point, there’s no need for any panic,” he assured.
Guyana recorded its first COVID-19 case in March 2020 – that of a 52-year-old woman who had travelled from New York. The woman died at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) while receiving treatment.
Just three days later, three additional positive cases were detected.
Meanwhile, in October 2022, an analysis of Guyana’s coronavirus numbers showed that 31,329 persons contracted the virus for the year. It was reported that January 2022 saw the highest spike, at 19,900 cases. By February, the number dropped to 2570 cases. The following months showed 379 in March; 267 in April; 1686 in May; 2715 in June; 2456 in July; 1032 in August; 287 in September and 37 for October.
As of March 2023, the country had recorded a total of 73,114 Covid cases with over 1000 deaths.
Symptoms of the coronavirus include fever, cough, tiredness, diarrhoea, pains, sore throat and loss of taste or smell. The more serious symptoms are difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain and loss of speech or movement.
TNM Leader & Deputy Speaker, Dr Asha Kissoon, joins PPP/C -cites APNU/AFC refusal to support sovereignty motion as
the last straw
The New Movement (TNM) and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Asha Kissoon, has become the latest political figure to throw her support behind the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government’s re-election efforts for the upcoming September 1 polls. In a statement she released on Saturday, Dr Kissoon laid out Guyana’s development since the PPP/C returned to office in 2020, also hailing President Dr Irfaan Ali’s leadership on critical matters such as the Guyana/ Venezuela border controversy. “I am proud to join the PPP/C because they have not only promised progress—they have delivered
it. The commitments made in their 2020 manifesto have been substantially fulfilled. From job creation and infrastructure expansion to health care improvements and youth development, the PPP/C Government has honoured the promises it made to the people.”
“Moreover, President Ali’s response to the Venezuela border contro-
versy has demonstrated the kind of statesmanship and steady leadership this moment demands. But during the most recent sitting of the National Assembly, I was appalled and deeply disturbed by the Opposition’s lack of unity at such a pivotal time. When Guyana needed one voice in defence of its sovereignty, the Opposition chose silence, partisanship, and division,” Dr Kissoon said. This comes with reference to the Opposition’s recent refusal to support a landmark motion reaffirming Guyana’s sovereignty over the Essequibo region, with calls of their walkout from the National Assembly as “shameful” and “unpatriotic.”
CONTINUED ON PAGE 25
Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony
The New Movement Leader, Dr Asha Kissoon, and her relatives with PPP General Secretary, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo
Pres Ali, Agri Min visit Fort Wellington Hydroponic Farm, processing facility
On Friday, President Dr Irfaan Ali and Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, visited the state-of-the-art Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme (AIEP) Hydroponic Farm at Fort Wellington, West Coast
underscore the administration’s commitment to transforming agriculture into a critical driver for national growth.
During the 2023 AgriInvestment Forum and Expo, President Dr Irfaan Ali along with officials from ExxonMobil and its Stabroek Block partners,
farms in Regions Two, Five, and Ten.
The three projects project will empower more than 1000 youths to advance their experience in sustainable agribusinesses. Arriving at the Fort Wellington processing facility on open day, the President and Agriculture
Berbice (WCB) along with the Ministry of Agriculture’s Fort Wellington Processing facility.
The facilities represent a significant investment in sustainable agriculture, food security, and youth empowerment. The Fort Wellington Hydroponic Farm is expected to become fully operational soon, contributing to the Government’s efforts to modernise the agricultural sector.
The facility forms part of the Government’s efforts to reduce the regional food import bill, produce quality high-value crops and have more young people involved in agriculture.
The hydroponic facility’s advanced technology and focus on youth involvement,
Hess Corporation, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, launched the AIEP Hydroponic Project, investing US$4.5 million for the construction of hydroponic
Minister engaged with agro-processors and highlighted Government’s continued support for agricultural innovation and rural development.
IDaniella Chase’s journey of creativity and conviction has led her to publish her first book
terview, Chase shared insight into the path that led her to publishing.
Born and raised in the riverine town of Bartica, she later moved to the coast after sitting the Common Entrance exam in 2008 to attend President’s College.
After completing high school, Daniella enrolled at the University of Guyana (UG) in 2013 to study Communication Studies. Her original goal was to pursue law—following in the footsteps of her brother. However, the journey took a detour when she discovered a love for communications and storytelling. With encouragement from her hard-working mother—a single who emphasised the importance of education above all—Daniella pressed
“My mom always said if anything happened to her, we must have our education. So school was not optional—it
t’s not every day that someone leaves the security of a full-time job and the comfort of familiarity to venture into the unknown in pursuit of purpose.
Yet for Daniella Chase, a proud daughter of Bartica, Guyana, taking flight—literally and metaphorically—was not a risk, but a necessary step toward uncovering her truest self. That bold decision would later lead her to write and self-publish her book –‘Becoming Bolder with every step’ that has already begun to shift the mindsets of many. Her deepest aspiration is that, with each chapter readers explore, they will discover the courage to let go of their fears, wholeheartedly embrace the
like, ‘Daniella, what kind of white-woman behaviour is this? Who quits a good job to travel?’” she recalled, laughing.
Still, her gut feeling never wavered. Once the moment felt right, she submitted her resignation letter on a Monday and was out of the country by the next Monday—committed to a new path with only a vision board that read: “If it’s going to be, it’s up to me.”
Once abroad, the idea of writing a book began to take root. A lifelong lover of writing, Daniella started sharing blog posts—little pieces of her travel adventures, personal stories, and reflections.
The reception was immediate. Friends and followers reached out, relating deeply to her anecdotes. One post in particular, about being kicked out of a dance group in school, resonated strongly with readers.
“Even adults messaged me saying the story brought back memories of their own rejection and growth,” she shared. Yet even as her writing gained traction, doubts lingered. She hadn’t serious-
Midway through her studies, she began working; juggling both academic and professional responsibilities. Yet by 2021, a growing sense of dissatisfac-
She described the feeling as being “stuck”, recognising that her life had to be more than sitting behind a desk. The dream of travelling began to stir in her, but she was hesitant to
“Even when I told friends, some of them were
ly considered writing a book, and the thought of making a living through writing seemed far-fetched.
“I wanted to be rich,” she said frankly. “And I didn’t see how writing a book would get me anywhere close. I never saw Guyanese writers as financially successful. It always felt like being an artist was a side hustle, not a career.”
Still, she continued writing—blog after blog—until 2019, when she found herself stuck in Colombia during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
While teaching English as part of a volunteer programme, the world shut down, and so did her plans to return
home. As countries arranged humanitarian flights for their citizens, she—a Guyanese national—had no such option.
“I was frustrated. I was asking God why I couldn’t go home,” she said. But in that stillness, a deeper calling emerged.
It was during those months of isolation that she received what she described as a divine assignment: to write a book. At first, she was unsure of what to write or how to structure it. But when she sat down at her computer, much of the content came from her blogs— already written pieces that she polished and expanded.
At the time, she was living
off the income from her small business, Stiletto Fetish, a shoe brand she founded after leaving university.
Publishing the book, however, came with a hefty fee.
Fortunately, through a series of events Daniella attributes to divine provision, she found an American publisher and managed to raise the necessary funds. A key part of the process, she emphasised, was the transformation of her blog into a book.
“I remember sitting at the computer thinking, ‘Well, I’m going to write a book, but then what is the book going to be about? What am I going to write about? How are the
chapters going to come together?’ - Most of it came from the blog. In terms of what I was going to say—I was already saying it on the blog and in terms of the funding, God provided.”
Now that the book is completed, many people are beginning to witness the long road it took to get here. From the banks of Bartica to the hills of Colombia and back into the hearts of Guyanese readers, her story is one of resilience, self-belief, and the courage to follow conviction over convention. Interested persons who would like to buy a copy of the book can contact her at +592 684 3856.
Guyana and the African ExportImport Bank (Afreximbank) have concluded a two-day roadshow aimed at promoting local access to a US$1 billion oil services financing facility. The initiative, first announced during the Guyana Energy Conference in February, seeks to accelerate local participation in the country’s expanding oil and gas industry.
Held from May 21 to 22 in Georgetown, the event brought together key stakeholders from the oil and gas, finance, and Government sectors under the theme “Empowering Local Content Participation for Sustainable Prosperity Through
the Implementation of Afreximbank Mandate.”
The roadshow underscored Afreximbank’s commitment to supporting local content development in Guyana, in line with its broader mandate to promote economic integration across the African continent and its diaspora, which includes the Caribbean.
Guyana’s economy, fuelled by offshore oil discoveries, is projected to grow by 14 per cent annually over the next five years. In response, the Government enacted the Local Content Act in 2021 to maximise national benefits from oil production by prioritising local labour, services, and goods.
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh, commended Afreximbank’s leadership and its commitment to facilitating development through financial access.
“There is a deep and profound historic tie between Africa and the Caribbean… but there are also remarkable economic opportunities between us that have remained untapped,” Dr Singh said. “I urge members of the business community in Guyana to interrogate and
ise; it is an initiative we intend to fully implement,” Ihejirika said.
“We are here to listen, to
analyse the products offered by the Bank to take full advantage of the opportunities they present.”
Afreximbank’s Acting Regional Chief Operating Officer for the Caribbean, Okechukwu Ihejirika, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to operationalising the financing facility.
engage, and to chart a path towards sustainable and shared prosperity.”
Guyanese business representatives, including small and medium enterprises (SME), financial institutions, and intermediaries, had the opportunity to directly engage with Afreximbank of-
Industry and newly elected Vice-Chairperson of the Private Sector Commission, and Nafeeza Gaffoor, Chairperson of the Guyana Association of Bankers.
The Bank introduced a comprehensive package of financial and trade tools to support local businesses. These include loans, letters of credit, guarantees, and trade facilitation platforms such as the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) and the Afreximbank Trade Payment Services and Facilitation Programme.
The roadshow concluded with the identification of priority areas for immediate collaboration, including national infrastructure development, capacity building, and financial support for intermediaries in the oil and gas value chain.
This initiative marks a significant step toward ensuring that Guyana’s economic transformation ben-
“Our
billion oil servicing finance facility for local content players in Guyana is not just a prom-
ficials. Notable participants included Kathy S. Smith, President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and
efits its citizens through stronger local content engagement and increased private sector participation.
US$1
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh (left) and Afreximbank’s Acting Regional Chief Operating Officer for the Caribbean, Okechukwu Ihejirika, at the event
Dr Ashni Singh addresses the gathering at the event
‘Digital babysitters’ hurting children
Rokhaya Fall Diawara, Global Early Childhood Education Advisor at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), has warned that increasing reliance on digital devices in early childhood settings is undermining vital human interaction.
Delivering an address at the Early Childhood Commission’s Annual Professional Development Institute (PDI) at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, Diawara stressed that essential developmental skills such as empathy, language, and executive function are built through real world engagement, not screen time.
“Now, we have a new layer which is digitalisation. More and more children are behind hundreds of screens at home, along with ECCE
(early childhood care and education) settings — not everywhere but in some [cases]. Tablets are becoming digital babysitters, replacing the rich human interaction children need. However, children do not build empathy, language, or executive function from screens, they make it from people — and this is why we still need to have people interaction,” the early childhood expert argued.
Diawara noted the ongoing conversation, in various segments of society, about the advantages and disadvantages of digital tools in early childhood education.
“I know even at UNESCO, all the time when we are talking about the digitalisation. It’s coming also in two ways: one is the pro and the other one is the cons,” she said.
She was, however, quick to add that the goal should
Managing Director of Republic Bank
Guyana resigns
Managing Director of Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited, Stephen Grell, has resigned.
This was announced in a statement from the Bank’s Corporate Secretary, Christine McGowan, today.
“Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited advises the resignation of Mr Stephen Grell, Managing Director effective May 29, 2025. The Bank is especially grateful for Mr Grell’s leadership and service during his tenure in Guyana,” the missive detailed.
Grell, a career banking professional, was appointed to the post in April 2021. Prior to his appointment at Republic Bank, Mr Grell served as Vice President –
Capital Markets and Advisory at Citibank (Trinidad and Tobago) Limited.
be regulation, not elimination, of digital tools.
“We cannot stop AI (Artificial Intelligence), we cannot stop digital tools, but we must regulate what will happen when children are faced with these types of tools. [We must look at] how it can be beneficial for the parents, how it can be beneficial for the professionals, how it can be even beneficial for a category or a group of children — but you will agree that before three [years old] it’s really risky to leave the children with that,” said Diawara.
She argued that there needs to be a change in the thinking that has resulted in ECCE remaining the most neglected area of our education systems and development agendas.
“The answer is not about budgets or logistics only — it’s about mindset. Too many still see ECCE as babysitting, a private household concern, or a warm-up for real education rather
than as education, as development trajectory. We must flip that narrative,” she urged, “because ECCE is not the preface — it is the first chapter of the lifelong learning journey. It sets the foundational learning pathways.
“When it is high-quality, inclusive and equitable, it becomes more than a developmental service — it becomes a societal transformation strategy,” added
Diawara.
She argued that many ECCE administrators and decision-makers often lack the specialised expertise needed for effective policy leadership, system planning, quality assurance, and financing.
“This is something that is important also. We are always talking about the professionals forgetting about the leadership. The leader-
ship must understand what is happening; the leadership is the one taking certain decisions. We must ensure they have the expertise; that they know what they are talking about. They must know also what they are taking decisions for, and in that sense they can be more enlightened and take proper decisions,” she explained.
Diawara pointed out how all these issues impact financing.
“We all know that ECCE remains one of the least-funded segments of education budgets. Many countries allocate less than two per cent of total education spending to pre-primary. Programmes for children zero to three [years old] receive even less and are often excluded from public financing altogether,” she added. The conference, took place from May 19 to 23, under the theme: ‘HighQuality Early Childhood Care and Education — A Child’s Right, Not a Service’.
Reg 3 Chamber of Commerce elects first female President
A
statement from the Region Three Chamber of Commerce has announced that in a landmark vote held on May 30, 2025, business leader and Managing Director of West Central Mall, Bhabita Albert, was elected President of the Essequibo Islands–West Demerara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (R3CCI)—becoming the first woman to lead the Chamber since its initial formation in 2000.
According to the release, Ms Albert’s election ushers in a bold new direction for the Chamber focused on transparent governance, inclusive growth, and strategic regional advocacy.
“We are not here to take sides—we are here to take action,” said Albert. “Region Three deserves a Chamber that shows up—locally, regionally, and nationally— with clarity, courage, and competence.”
Albert previously served as Vice President (VP) of R3CCI and is best known for spearheading the development of West Central Mall, Region Three’s first commercial and entertainment complex. Her leadership is grounded in both entrepreneurial experience and deep community ties.
“We must become the Chamber that walks the roads with the farmer, supports members to sign export deals with investors, and an-
swers the call of every small business trying to survive and thrive,” she added.
The newly elected 2025–2026 Executive Committee comprises a mix of seasoned business leaders and emerging voices: VP Premendra Parsan (Semakiah Supercenter); Secretary Theon Alleyne (EICCIO Advisors); Treasurer Joshua Hammichand (MJM Accounting and Management Institute Inc.); Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer Bharat Basdeo (Basdeo Engineering Services); Committee Member Lalta Digamber (Countryside Agri Centre); and Committee Member Davendra Rampersaud (Dada’s Realtor & Marketing
Inc.).
Region Three is in the midst of historic growth, driven by multi-billion-dollar investments in infrastructure, housing, and industry. With new highways, agro-processing zones, and private port developments reshaping the landscape, Albert’s leadership comes at a critical juncture.
“We’re committed to ensuring R3CCI becomes a credible partner in Guyana’s development—and a Chamber that works for everyone,” said Albert.
The newly elected team thanked Dr Haimwant Persaud, outgoing President, and the past executive members for their contributions, noting that
their continued involvement through committee service will be key to a smooth and productive transition. Mr Nayteram Ramnarine, Executive Director of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) of Guyana officiated the elections.
Albert campaigned on a platform to modernise R3CCI’s bylaws and governance structures; champion women entrepreneurs and small businesses; aggregate regional services to meet oil and gas sector demand in coordination with the Centre for Local Business Development (CLBD); and reclaim the Chamber’s role in national and regional decision-making, the statement noted.
Rokhaya Fall Diawara, a Global Early Childhood Education Advisor at UNESCO, speaking during the opening ceremony of the Early Childhood Commission’s Annual Professional Development Institute (PDI) 2025 at Montego Bay Convention Centre (Jamaica Observer)
The UNESCO official has warned that before three years old it’s really risky to leave children with digital devices (Jamaica Observer)
Banking,
Stephen Grell
The newly-elected Executive of the Essequibo Islands–West Demerara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (R3CCI)
In an ever-evolving world where the cry for community development, youth empowerment, and active citizenship grows, one organisation in Guyana has continued to answer that call with unwavering commitment.
JCI Guyana, also known as Junior Chamber International Guyana, is that organisation, and its set to celebrate its 61st anniversary with a Week of Activities from June 1st to 7th, under the theme “Fuel the Legacy: Accelerate the Impact.”
The week begins on Sunday with a Thanksgiving Church Service and Fellowship Potluck. Monday features Media Day and a Merch Pop-Up Shop; Tuesday is Community Impact Day, with a Hot Meal and Clothing Drive, and Brand Awareness Campaign; Wednesday is Skills Development Day; Thursday hosts a Blood Drive for Human Duties Day; Friday includes a Tree Planting Exercise and JCI Funday; the week concludes on Saturday with a Peace
Walk.
For more than six decades, this youth-led non-profit organisation (NGO) has quietly but powerfully shaped the landscape of volunteerism and leadership in Guyana. Affiliated with JCI West Indies and ultimately with JCI World — a global network that spans over 5,000 chapters in nearly every corner of the world — the Guyana chapter remains rooted in its mission: to provide development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change.
Speaking with Kenisha Lashley, the 2025 President of JCI Guyana, one is quickly reminded that this is no ordinary service group. It's a movement. And under her leadership, that movement is gaining fresh momentum.
“Many people might not recognise the name JCI,” Lashley explained. “But when you say JSC — the Junior Senate Chamber — especially to older generations, that rings a bell. That’s what we were first known as in McKenzie, Linden, before evolving into
Since its founding in 1964, JCI Guyana has been the springboard for initiatives that would later be institutionalised across the nation — from blood drives and beauty pageants to what is now the Marshmallow Celebration, a signature event that began in Linden. But while the past is rich, it’s the present and future that Lashley is most passionate about.
With 2025 marking not just another anniversary, but a recommitment to deeper community outreach, Lashley’s leadership theme “Formulate to Accelerate” speaks volumes.
“We are taking the time to plan, to refine, and to expand our reach,” she noted.
Moving from Georgetown to the Hinterlands
Though currently headquartered in Georgetown, JCI Guyana is determined to shed its centrality and revive its footprint in under-represented areas such
ing where the need is greatest, the organisation can remain truly inclusive — bringing training, leadership development, and service to all corners of Guyana.
JCI Guyana’s dual-focus on financial and non-financial projects ensures its sustainability. Its Cancer Awareness Dinner, a flagship event where proceeds go to a cancer survivor via the Cancer Institute, has touched many lives. Then there are food and clothing drives, pedestrian crossings, back-to-school campaigns, and barbecues that not only fund these missions but also build solidarity among members and partners.
Corporate partnerships with entities like Bank of Guyana, SPF Offshore, Ramps Logistics, and most recently, community-based collaborations in areas such as Stretch Creek, amplify the impact.
But perhaps one of the most moving plans for the future stems from a moment of reflection while driving
of clothing?”
It’s a dream that aligns with JCI's creed: "Service to
as Berbice, Linden, Bartica, and Essequibo.
“We’ve already re-engaged Berbice and Bartica through sensitisation campaigns,” said Lashley, who proudly hails from Berbice herself. “Essequibo and Linden are next.”
She believes that by go-
through Georgetown.
“I saw a man living in one of the parks — his belongings, his chair, everything was there — but no washroom facility,” Lashley recounted. “That’s when it hit me. What if we created a clean, managed space where the homeless could bathe and receive a change
humanity is the best work of life." Lashley knows it won’t be easy. “We can’t do this alone. But with the help of stakeholders, we believe it’s possible.”
Whether it’s empowering female supervisors with seminars during International Women’s Day, partnering with the Guyana
and Candies” to children every Easter, one thing is clear: JCI Guyana is not simply celebrating years — they’re counting the lives changed.
“We’re not just here to volunteer,” she affirms. “We’re here to make a difference. And we’re just getting started.”
JCI Guyana.”
Police Force (GPF) to host defensive driving workshops, or providing “Kites
The JCI undertaking community works in the past
JCI Officials
New Oil Pollution Bill deemed a cornerstone for environmental accountability
The recent passage of the Oil Pollution Prevention, Preparedness, Response and Responsibility Bill 2025 marks a pivotal moment for Guyana’s environmental future. This legislation, which sets a national legal framework for managing oil spill risks and liabilities, is not merely a formality but an essential safeguard for our rapidly expanding oil and gas sector, a Department of Information (DPI) report has stated.
According to the report, Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Mohabir Nandlall, SC, in a recent interview, stated, “This bill…is long overdue. We have been pumping oil now for several years. It started under the previous Government. They did not enact a single piece of legislation for the sector, not one, although they presided over the country for about three to four years while we were producing oil on a commercial basis.”
Before this legislation, Guyana had no comprehensive legal framework to address the risks and liabilities associated with oil production. This Bill establishes clear protocols for prevention, preparedness, response, and liability.
It ensures that responsible parties bear the full cost
of environmental restoration and compensation for damages.
The standards, as outlined in the Bill, explicitly state that a ‘responsible party is liable for all damages caused by an oil spill incident, removal and removal costs, and restoration of the environment as far as practicable, and for any costs arising therefrom or connected therewith.’ This includes ‘damage to real or personal property, and economic losses resulting therefrom,’ and ‘damage related to impairment of the environment.’
The Bill is explicit that there will be ‘no cap in liability’ and that ‘an indemnification or any like agreement shall be invalid to transfer the liability of a responsible party under this Act.’
Such provisions meet, and in many respects, exceed international best practices.
Contrary to some criticisms, the legislative process itself was transparent and robust. The Bill was published in the Official Gazette, left on the parliamentary order paper for several weeks, and subjected to extensive debate in the National Assembly.
Every member of the Assembly had the opportunity to scrutinise and propose amendments to any clause. The claim that the Bill was ‘rushed’ or not properly ex-
amined is false.
“A bill, first of all has to be published in the Official Gazette so the whole world sees the bill before it reaches the parliament, then it is read in the parliament for the first time and it is left on the order paper…for two to three weeks,” The AG explained.
He added that the procedure of considering the Bill’s provisions ‘en bloc’ is a longstanding parliamentary practice used only when no amendments are proposed, a testament to the Bill’s thorough prior scrutiny.
Some critics have also alleged that the Bill is unconstitutional, specifically regarding Article 149J, which guarantees the right to a clean environment. It is im-
TNM Leader & Deputy Speaker...
The motion, tabled by Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd, sought to reaffirm Guyana’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and support for the ongoing case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), while condemning Venezuela’s planned “elections” in the Essequibo and its defiance of binding ICJ orders.
However, Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton and members of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition walked out of the debate, refusing to support the motion, which they claimed lacked enforceability.
According to Dr Kissoon, it was at that moment that she decided to remove herself from her alliance with the Opposition, since at a time of a national challenge they refused to put Guyana first.
“That moment made it impossible for me to remain aligned with those who, in the face of a national challenge refuse to put Guyana first. In good conscience, I cannot stand with an Opposition that continuously chooses political expe-
diency over patriotism and progress,” Dr Kissoon said.
“The track record of the APNU+AFC Coalition speaks for itself—marked by electoral misconduct, a blatant attempt to rig the 2020 elections, and a legacy of siphoned public funds, broken promises, and failed leadership. Their time in office was defined by chaos and neglect—not service or achievement.”
According to Dr Kissoon, “leadership must be purposeful, people-centred, and rooted in accountability”. She further noted that the PPP/C’s priorities align with her own and that they have delivered on much of the things she campaigned for as leader of the TNM.
“This is not merely a political choice—it is a principled one. I stand with the PPP/C because I believe in a Guyana that rises together, where no one is left behind, and where promises are not just made—they are kept,” she further explained.
Her endorsement adds political momentum to the PPP/C’s campaign ahead of the September 1 elections, and signals a potential realignment among smaller parties, particularly those
with strong Indigenous constituencies.
On Wednesday last, Leader of the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP), Lenox Shuman, himself a former Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and former Vice Chairman of the National Toshao’s Council (NTC), had formally declared his party’s endorsement and support for the ruling PPP/C and President Ali.
Citing what he described as APNU+AFC’s refusal to support Indigenous advancement, highlighted by an official’s refusal to issue land titles—Shuman had argued that the PPP/C had demonstrated real commitment to Indigenous development since regaining office in 2020.
His endorsement has been accompanied by those of other significant figures like former Central Executive Member of the People’s National Congress (PNC), Dr Richard VanWest Charles, son-inlaw of the late and former President Forbes Burnham; and current APNU appointed Region Four Chairman Daniel Seeram.
portant to note that it was the current administration that enshrined this right in the Constitution in the first place.
Far from undermining it, the Oil Pollution Bill is the first comprehensive legislative step to give effect to that constitutional guarantee in the oil and gas sector. Prior to this Bill, there was no such framework, and the absence of regulation was itself a violation of Article 149J. The Bill now provides the legal tools necessary to protect the environment and the public interest.
The AG confirmed that, “Before this bill, we had nothing… So we were, in a sense, in violation of Article 149 before this bill. This international lawyer never said that.”
The Bill establishes a
clear administrative framework, designating the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) as the Competent National Authority responsible for supervising and coordinating oil spill responses. It also outlines supporting roles for the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
It also mandates the development of a ‘National Oil Spill Contingency Plan’ and requires responsible parties to develop ‘facility contingency plans’ or ‘shipboard oil pollution emergency plans.’
The legislation lays the foundation for further regulations, that will detail the operational and enforcement mechanisms. It is well understood among legal draft-
MoM hand over
ers that not all operational details should be incorporated into primary legislation. Instead, these matters are typically addressed in subsequent regulations, which reflect standard practices on a global scale.
The Oil Pollution Bill is a necessary, carefully crafted, and internationally aligned piece of legislation. It strengthens Guyana’s environmental safeguards, upholds constitutional rights, and ensures accountability in the oil sector.
Minister Nandlall said, “In short, this bill captures all those indispensable prerequisites that are necessary for this sector and that meet international standards.” This is a crucial step towards responsible resource management and the protection of our nation’s natural heritage.
new home to Essequibo mother of two
Abrand-new home was officially handed over to Ms. Kuntie Kissoon, a devoted mother of two from Unoo Creek/Cullen Sand Top, Essequibo Coast, a moment that marked the realization of a long-held dream and a symbol of the
porate sponsor Ali Khan, and the dedication of Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Ricky Ramraj, who was accompanied by Member of Parliament, Tandika Simone Smith and Regional Vice Chairman, Mr. Humace Oodit, Prime
government’s commitment to inclusive development.
This heart-warming and life-changing gesture was made possible through the unwavering support of cor-
Minister’s Regional Representative, Mr. Arnold Adams, and other regional officials.
Community members and neighbours also joined in
the simple yet deeply meaningful handing-over ceremony that reflected the spirit of unity and progress.
The journey toward this moment began when Ms. Kissoon shared her plight during a routine House-toHouse outreach by members of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic – Cluster 3, Region #2.
Icela, Nalini, and Hansoutie played pivotal roles in capturing the needs of the community and escalating them for swift resolution. Their hands-on approach is a powerful example of grass-roots politics in action, where no citizen’s concern goes unheard.
Kissoon expressed her profound gratitude to the Government of Guyana, the corporate sponsor, and all those involved for transforming her life and fulfilling her dream of home ownership.
Through the visionary "Men on Mission" initiative, championed by His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, yet another life has been transformed.
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall
Regional
Cops destroy half a million worth of marijuana in Tobago
Tobago police destroyed a marijuana field worth an estimated $525,000, in Tobago on Friday.
In an update, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) said approximately 300 cannabis plants were destroyed by officers in the Tobago Division.
The TTPS said between 5-8 am on May 30, 2025, a team of officers from the Tobago Divisional Task Force and Special Investigations Unit (SIU), led by PC Antoine, proceeded through a forested area off Belle River Road, Belle Garden.
There, the officers locat-
ed a cannabis field containing approximately 300 marijuana plants on a ¼-acre plot of land, along with one camp and a drying rack. The field, which had an estimat-
ed street value of $525,000, was successfully destroyed.
Police said investigations into the discovery are ongoing. (Loop Caribbean News)
Police protection provided to new J’ca FID head
...as controversy reigns over appointment
Dennis Chung, the incoming Financial Investigation Division (FID) chief technical director, has been assigned police protection following threats and undue pressure for him not to assume the role.
The Jamaica Observer has learnt the rhetoric associated with opposition to Chung’s appointment also influenced security officials’ determination of the threat level.
Controversy has greeted Chung’s appointment which becomes effective June 2, 2025. He will replace Selvin Hay, who demitted office in July 2024.
On Thursday, after Chung’s appointment was announced by Finance Minister Fayval Williams, the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) objected, claiming that Chung is compromised and not qualified to serve in the post.
The PNP had also given the Government 72 hours
to rescind Chung’s appointment or face island-wide action.
According to PNP President Mark Golding, Chung has already publicly stated positions in relation to the matters that the FID ought to be investigating, “and which seek to undermine or belittle the impact and importance of the findings that the Integrity Commission (IC) has made”.
Golding’s reference was to comments made
by Chung in the wake of the commission’s report into the finances of Prime Minister Andrew Holness.
The report raised several red flags about the prime minister’s accounts and referred the matter for additional investigations by the FID. However, Chung, a chartered accountant, had, in his capacity as a public commentator, questioned the findings of the IC.
“He clearly is a biased person on this matter; he clearly would have a conflict leading the FID to investigate this matter. That is why we’re saying he should resign that position if he’s accepted it, or the appointment should be rescinded and revoked forthwith,” said Golding.
However, on Friday, the finance minister chided the Opposition while pointing out that Chung’s appointment was a recommendation of the Public Services Commission (PSC), and not a government insertion into the process. (Source: Jamaica Observer)
Rihanna’s father passes away, report
Rihanna’s father, Ronald Fenty, has died, according to a new report. He was 70.
The patriarch passed away early Saturday morning in Los Angeles.
An official cause of death was not immediately known. However, it was reported Fenty died following a “brief illness”.
Sources say family members have gathered in California to commemorate his life.
Rihanna’s representative did not immediately respond to Page Six’s request for comment. The “Diamonds” singer has
also not yet publicly commented on her father’s passing. The sad news comes as
long-time boyfriend, A$AP Rocky. (Barbados Today)
Guatemala jails ex-paramilitaries for 40 years over rapes during 80s civil war
Atop Guatemalan court has sentenced three former paramilitaries to 40 years each in prison after they were found guilty of raping six Indigenous women between 1981 and 1983, one of the bloodiest periods of the Central American nation’s civil war.
The conviction and sentencing on Friday mark another significant step towards attaining justice for the Maya Achi Indigenous women, who were sexually abused by pro-government armed groups, during a period of extreme bloodshed between the military and left-wing rebels that left as many as 200,000 dead or missing.
Former Civil Self-
Defence Patrol members Pedro Sanchez, Simeon Enriquez and Felix Tum were found guilty of crimes against humanity for sexually assaulting six members of the Maya Achi group, Judge Maria Eugenia Castellanos said.
“The women recognised the perpetrators, they recognised the places where the events took place. They were victims of crimes against humanity,” she said, praising the women’s bravery in coming to court to testify on repeated occasions.
“They are crimes of solitude that stigmatise the woman. It is not easy to speak of them,” the judge said.
Indigenous lawyer
Haydee Valey, who represented the women, said the sentence was “historic” because it finally recognised the struggle of civil war survivors who had demanded justice for decades.
Several Maya Achi women in the courtroom applauded at the end of the trial, where some dressed in traditional attire and others listened to the verdict through an interpreter.
The convictions were second in the Maya Achi women’s case against former military personnel and paramilitaries. The first trial, which took place in January 2022, saw five former paramilitaries sentenced to 30 years in prison. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
PBS sues Trump to reverse funding cuts
PBS sued Donald Trump on Friday over the U.S. president’s executive order to cut its federal funding, calling it an unconstitutional attack that would “upend public television.”
In a complaint filed in the Washington, D.C. federal court, PBS and a public TV station in Minnesota said Trump’s order violated the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment by making the president the “arbiter” of programming content, including by attempting to defund PBS.
The May 1 order “makes no attempt to hide the fact that it is cutting off the flow of funds to PBS because of the content of PBS programming and out of a desire to alter the content of speech,” PBS said. “That is blatant viewpoint discrimination.”
PBS is short for Public Broadcasting Service.
Its programming has included “Sesame Street,” “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” “Frontline” and several Ken Burns documentaries including “The Civil War.” Member stations also broadcast public affairs shows such as “Washington Week.”
Trump’s order demanded that the taxpayer-backed Corporation for Public Broadcasting cut federal funding to PBS and NPR, short for National Public Radio. All three entities are nonprofits.
In a statement, White House spokesperson Harrison Fields said the Corporation for Public Broadcasting was “creating media to support a particular political party on the taxpayers’ dime. Therefore, the President is exercising his lawful authority to limit funding to NPR and PBS.”
NPR filed its own lawsuit on May 27 to block Trump’s order.
The executive order was part of Trump’s effort to sanction entities he believes are opposed to his political agenda.
The White House separately accused PBS and NPR of using taxpayer money to spread “radical, woke propaganda disguised as ‘news.’” In its complaint, PBS said Trump’s order “smacks of retaliation for, among other things, perceived political slights in news coverage.”
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting receives funding from Congress two years in advance, to shield it from political interference. It sued Trump last month after he sought to fire three of its five board members. (Excerpt from Reuters)
‘Unfriendly and meddling’: Cuba reprimands US
diplomat amid rising tensions
Cuba’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement of protest against the head of the United States mission to the island, Michael Hammer.
In a news release published on Friday, the Foreign Ministry accused Hammer, a career diplomat, of “unfriendly and meddling behaviour” since his arrival in Cuba in late 2024.
“By inciting Cuban citizens to commit extremely serious criminal acts, attacking the constitutional order, or encouraging them to act against the authorities or demonstrate in support of the interests and objectives of a hostile foreign power, the diplomat is engaging in provocative and irresponsible conduct,” the Foreign Ministry wrote.
“The immunity he enjoys
as a representative of his country cannot be used as cover for acts contrary to the sovereignty and internal order of the country to which he is assigned, in this case, Cuba.”
Friday’s statement is the latest indication of increasingly rocky relations between Cuba and the US, particularly since President Donald Trump began his second term in January.
President Biden – who formerly served as Obama’s vice president – removed Cuba from the US’s list of “state sponsors of terrorism” in the waning days of his term in January. But upon taking office for his second time on January 20, Trump reversed course once more, putting Cuba back on the list that very same day.
The Cuban government, meanwhile, has continued to
accuse the US of attempting to destabilise its leadership.
In Friday’s statement, the Cuban Foreign Ministry accused Hammer of “public and insulting manipulation” for his recent visit to the tomb of a 19th-century national hero, Jose Marti. The US Embassy to Cuba posted a video of the visit with a voiceover of Marti’s words, “Respect for the freedom and thoughts of others, even of the most unhappy kind, is my passion: If I die or am killed, it will be for that.” Critics have interpreted that citation as an implied endorsement of dissent on the island.
But in the face of Friday’s reprimand, the State Department indicated it was undeterred and would continue to support dissidents against Cuba’s “malign influence”.
Rihanna is expecting her third child with
Incoming FID chief technical director, Dennis Chung
OIL NEWS
OPEC+ oil producers stick to their guns with another big hike for July
The world’s largest group of oil producers, OPEC+, stuck to its guns on Saturday with another big increase of 411,000 barrels per day for July, as it looks to wrestle back market share and punish over-producers.
Having spent years curbing production – more than 5 million barrels a day (bpd) or 5% of world demand – eight OPEC+ countries made a modest output increase in April before tripling it for May, June and now July.
They are spurring production despite the extra supply weighing on crude prices, as group leaders Saudi Arabia and Russia seek to win back market share as well as punish overproducing allies such as Iraq and Kazakhstan.
"Today’s decision only goes to show that market share is on top of the agenda. If price will not get you the revenues you want, they are hoping that volume will," said analyst Harry Tchilinguirian of Onyx Captal Group.
The eight countries held an online meeting on Saturday to set July production. They also discussed other options, an OPEC+ delegate said. On Friday, sources familiar with OPEC+ talks had said they could discuss an even larger hike.
In a statement OPEC+ cited a "steady global economic outlook and current healthy market fundamentals, as reflected in the low oil inventories" as its reasoning for the July increase.
Its increased supply is weighing on crude prices, squeezing all producers, but some more than others, including a key group of rivals – U.S. shale producers, analysts say.
"Three strikes from OPEC+, and none were softballs. May warned, June confirmed, and July fires a shot across the bow," said Jorge Leon, head of geopolitical analysis at Rystad and a former OPEC official.
Higher summer oil demand favours increasing output at this time, OPEC+ officials including Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak have said.
Global oil demand is expected to grow by an average of 775,000 bpd in 2025, according to a Reuters poll of analysts published on Friday, while the International Energy Agency in its latest outlook saw an increase of 740,000 bpd. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Hamas responds to US plan for Gaza ceasefire, repeats call
Hamas on Saturday said that it has responded to a ceasefire plan put forward by President Trump’s envoy on Gaza, repeating its call for an end to the war.
In a statement, Hamas said that its “proposal” to the mediators – Qatar and Egypt — “aims to achieve a permanent ceasefire, a comprehensive withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and ensure the flow of aid to our people and our families in the Gaza Strip.”
“As part of this agreement, ten living Israeli prisoners held by the resistance will be released, in addition to the return of eighteen bodies, in exchange for an agreed-upon number of Palestinian prisoners,” the statement said.
It comes after a senior Hamas official told CNN
for end of war
earlier this week that the group had sent back a three-pronged counterproposal requesting US assurances that the negotiations over a permanent ceasefire will continue and the fighting will not resume after the pause; that humanitarian assistance be carried out through the United Nations; and that the IDF pull back to the positions that they held on March 2.
An Israeli official told CNN on Saturday that they saw the militant group’s latest response as having “effectively rejected the latest Witkoff proposal and put forward a new offer with its own conditions.”
The back-and-forth between Israel and Hamas comes as famine conditions worsen in the Gaza Strip. (Excerpt from CNN)
Around the World
US calls for Asia allies to boost defenses in face of China’s ‘imminent’ threat, Hegseth tells top defence forum
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Saturday delivered a dire warning to the Asia-Pacific region and the world: China’s designs on Taiwan pose a threat to global peace and stability that requires “our allies and partners do their part on defense.”
“There is no reason to sugarcoat it. The threat China poses is real. And it could be imminent,” Hegseth said in a speech to the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia’s premier defense forum, in Singapore.
“Beijing is credibly preparing potentially to use military force to alter the balance of power in the
Indo-Pacific,” with People’s Liberation Army (PLA) forces training daily to take military action against Taiwan, Hegseth said.
He noted that Chinese leader Xi Jinping has or-
dered his military to be prepared by 2027 to invade Taiwan, the democratic island of 23 million people that the Chinese Communist Party claims as its sovereign territory de-
spite having never ruled it. He said US President Donald Trump has pledged not to let Taiwan fall to China on his watch, and he called on US allies and partners in the region to band together to stand up to Beijing, both on the Taiwan issue and other regional disputes where China aggressively pursues its agenda, such as in the South China Sea.
Hegseth’s call for allied cooperation in deterring China is a carryover from the Biden administration, but the Trump administration seems more strident than its predecessor.
(Excerpt from CNN)
UK steelmakers call Trump doubling tariffs 'another body blow'
UK steelmakers said US President Donald Trump's decision to double import taxes on steel and aluminium to 50% is "yet another body blow" to the industry.
Trade group UK Steel warned some orders could be delayed or cancelled, with uncertainty surrounding some shipments which are already halfway across the Atlantic.
Trump's new 50% import tax will come into effect on
Wednesday. It will replace the 25% import tax that the US president announced earlier this year.
A UK government spokesperson said it was engaging with the US on the implications of the latest tariff announcement to provide clarity to the industry.
The US agreed on 8 May to drop import taxes on UK steel as part of a trade deal with the UK, but the original 25% tariff has been kept in place while the details of
Vietnam seizes fake Rolex, Prada items in counterfeit crackdown, state media reports
Vietnamese authorities have seized thousands of fake products, including imitation Rolex watches and Prada handbags, during a raid at a shopping mall in business hub Ho Chi Minh City, state media reported on Friday.
The raid at Saigon Square Shopping Mall comes as Vietnam steps up its fight against counterfeits and digital piracy, after the United States accused the country of being a major hub for these illegal activities and threatened crippling tariffs.
Earlier in May Reuters reported fake luxury goods were on display in the mall, which is on the list of "notorious markets for counterfeiting" published in January by the U.S. Trade Representative.
The items seized also included alleged fake products of other brands, including Longines, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Dior and Hermes, state radio broadcaster VOV reported.
"All of these products show signs of counterfeiting genuine goods, seriously affecting the interests of consumers as well as the reputation of protected brands in Vietnam," the report cited the trade ministry's market surveillance department as saying.
An employee of the mall on Friday confirmed the raid.
"We lease the space to the sellers and are not aware of the origins and authenticity of the products they sell," the employee, who declined to be named, said by phone.
(Reuters)
the deal are worked out.
UK Steel director general Gareth Stace said: "The deal that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and President Donald Trump struck just a few short weeks ago is yet to be finalised, so this doubling of tariffs plunges the UK steel industry further into confusion...it is yet another body blow for all UK steelmakers in this torrid time.
The Guardian reported on Saturday that UK business secretary Jonathan
Reynolds will meet his US counterpart Jamieson Greer at an OECD meeting – a global policy forum – in Paris next week, where they will seek to agree a timeline for exempting the UK from the US steel tariffs.
The UK exports a relatively small amount of steel and aluminium to the US –about £700m-worth a year in total – but it is an important market. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Russia seizes more Ukrainian territory amid fears of fresh ground offensive
Ukrainian officials issued evacuation orders on Saturday for 11 more villages in the northern Sumy region after continued Russian gains led to fears that Moscow could be gearing up for a fresh ground offensive.
Russia advanced deeper into Ukrainian territory on Saturday, taking control of two more villages in Sumy and killing two people in a missile and drone barrage.
More than 200 settlements in the region were already under evacuation orders.
The attacks came as Ukrainian diplomats continue to discuss participat-
ing in a fresh round of peace talks proposed by Moscow in Istanbul next week.
The Ukrainian president, Volodymr Zelenskyy, has said that about 50,000 Russian troops were gathered on the border near the Sumy region, which he said was a sign that Moscow is preparing a renewed offensive.
The Russian ministry of defence said on Saturday that it had taken control of the village of Novopil in the eastern Donetsk region, as well as the village of Vodolahy in the northern Sumy region. (Excerpt from The Guardian)
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
Fresh Russian drone and missile attacks also hit a residential area of Sloviansk in the Donetsk region
TAURUS (April 20May 20)
GEMINI (MAY 21June 20)
(June 21July 22)
LEO (July 23Aug. 22)
VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22) (March 21April 19)
LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)
SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)
SAGITTARIUS
(Nov. 23Dec. 21)
(Jan. 20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19)
PISCES
(Feb. 20Mar. 20)
Keep your plans doable and your costs within budget. preparation is essential. Refuse to let anyone talk you into something you can’t afford or don’t need. Emotions, romance and passion are on the rise.
Take a breather. When you have doubts or have not received pertinent information, implementing change will set you back. Refuse to let anyone back you into a corner or pressure you.
Personal and home improvement projects are in your best interest. Join groups with something to offer, and they will update you on what’s new and exciting. Romance looks promising.
You’ll be fed false information that can disrupt your life, putting you in a vulnerable position. You may desire change, but first go through the proper channels.
Recycle old ideas, make updates and reach out to anyone able to help fine-tune your concepts. It’s essential to keep the momentum flowing. Attend events that can broaden your horizons.
An open mind, research and fact-checking will help you avoid being manipulated by people intent on making fast cash. A change of scenery will ease stress.
You have plenty to gain if you tune in to what’s happening around you and find ways to use your skills to help others. Invest time in partnerships that show potential due to shared interests and long-term goals.
Tidy up loose ends before you face penalties. Expect the unexpected and make moves to protect your rights, belongings and prospects. Letting anger or emotions surface will work against you.
Take the plunge and get things done. Don’t waste time on trivial matters or people spinning their wheels and accomplishing little. Be a mover and a shaker and set high standards.
Take time to relax, set your mind free and examine your options. Visit a place that you find serene. Mull over your situation, and you’ll gain perspective regarding what you want and how to make it happen.
Sit back and watch the world unfold around you. Consider your options and the changes necessary to find your happy place. Look for holistic alternatives to ease stress.
Rethink your current qualifications and what you enjoy doing, and seek alternative ways to use your attributes to get ahead. Use your imagination, but refrain from taking an unnecessary risk.
ARIES
Peanuts
Calvin and Hobbes
Pickles
AQUARIUS
CANCER
CAPRICORN
Bumrah-powered MI take on PBKS for a spot in the final
Big picture: A mouth-watering knockout
After 72 matches and two gruelling months of play-travel-play, with a break in between, only three teams are left standing in IPL 2025: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI). While RCB have already qualified for the final, MI will meet PBKS in another crunch game on Sunday to identify the other finalist.
Five-time champions vs a team that is in quest for its first title. Hardik Pandya vs Shreyas Iyer. Jasprit Bumrah vs Arshdeep Singh. Suryakumar Yadav vs Josh Inglis. Trent Boult vs Kyle Jamieson. It promises to be a mouth-watering knockout.
Both teams have had contrasting paths to Qualifier 2. Around mid-April, MI were second from bottom, with just a solitary win in five games. But they went on to do MI things to storm into the playoffs and knock out Gujarat Titans (GT) on Friday. As for PBKS, they were the form team in the league phase, topping the points table before they suffered a rude jolt in Qualifier 1 against RCB in New Chandigarh.
The reward for finishing in the top two is another crack at the final. PBKS had earned that reward after beating MI in Jaipur earlier this week. Another win against MI on Sunday will guarantee a first-time
IPL champion.
It’s quite unusual for an IPL team to have four uncapped Indian batters in their top seven, but Ricky Ponting and Iyer have unlocked their potential, transforming PBKS into an explosive batting line-up that has posted 200 in seven of their 15 innings. While their style of play fell flat on a New Chandigarh surface that offered substantial seam movement and variable bounce, it could work on the truer pitches in Ahmedabad.
In contrast, MI’s batting revolves around battle-hardened internationals, with just one uncapped player in their top seven. After Ryan Rickelton’s departure, Jonny Bairstow seamlessly slotted into the opening slot on his franchise debut, his salvo setting the base for a 200-plus total on Friday.
Suryakumar Yadav and Pandya have been reeling off the big hits in the middle order, but it is Bumrah who continues to be their potent point of dif-
have hitting depth, which has perhaps allowed Shreyas and Hardik to bat with greater freedom this IPL.
Team news and likely XIIs: Chahal set to return Yuzvendra Chahal, who missed PBKS’ last three games, including the Eliminator, with a wrist injury, bowled on the eve of the Eliminator and looks set to return and strengthen the attack. If PBKS bat first, Chahal might come in as Impact Player in the sec-
In the Eliminator, MI were without Deepak Chahar (hamstring niggle) and were even hindered by dew, but nothing could stop Bumrah from yorking Washington Sundar. Can PBKS find a way to stop him on Sunday?
In the spotlight: Shreyas Iyer and Hardik Pandya
In Qualifier 1, Shreyas Iyer tried to slog-pull a Josh Hazlewood delivery that was neither short nor full, and ended up nicking it behind. His dismissal precipitated PBKS’ slide in New Chandigarh, where he has managed only 27 runs in five innings this season. A potentially flatter pitch in Ahmedabad could suit his - and PBKS’ - attacking approach. Iyer has hit 31 sixes in 302 balls this season. Only Suryakumar (35), Mitchell Marsh (37) and Nicholas Pooran (40) have struck more.
When he was captaining GT, Hardik Pandya was more of an anchor than a hitter, but this season as MI’s captain, he has been less of an anchor and more of a hitter, giving their innings the finishing kick. Between overs 17 and 20, he has clattered 109 off 53 balls at a strike rate of 205.66, the second highest among 16 batters who have faced at least 50 balls in this phase. Only Heinrich Klaasen is ahead of Pandya with a strike rate of 237.03.
Both PBKS and MI
ond innings when they bowl. Punjab Kings (probable): 1 Prabhsimran Singh, 2 Priyansh Arya, 3 Josh Inglis (wk), 4 Shreyas Iyer (capt), 5 Nehal Wadhera, 6
11 Yuzvendra Chahal, 12 Vyshak Vijaykumar Deepak Chahar and Richard Gleeson are nursing hamstring issues, and it remains to be seen if
they are fit for Qualifier 2. While Chahar missed the Eliminator, Gleeson left the field midway through the final over on Friday. He will have a short turnaround before Qualifier 2 on Sunday. If he doesn’t recover in time, his England compatriot Reece Topley is likely to replace him.
Mumbai Indians (probable): 1 Rohit Sharma, 2 Jonny Bairstow (wk), 3 Suryakumar Yadav, 4 Tilak Varma, 5 Hardik Pandya (capt), 6 Naman Dhir, 7 Mitchell Santner, 8 Raj Bawa, 9 Richard Gleeson/ Reece Topley, 10 Jasprit Bumrah, 11 Trent Boult, 12 Ashwani Kumar Pitch and conditions Sunday’s match will most likely be played on a red-soil pitch that hosted Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR). Six of the seven games in Ahmedabad have been won by teams batting first this season. There were spells of mild drizzle during PBKS’ training session on the eve of Qualifier 2.
Key stats
Chahal has the wood over both Bairstow and Suryakumar in the IPL. The legspinner has dismissed Bairstow four times in six IPL innings while keeping him to 29 off 35 balls. Chahal has also limited Suryakumar to 83 off 71 balls while dismissing him three times in the IPL. Bumrah has dominated Marcus Stoinis in the IPL. The match-up reads: 28 runs, 36 balls, three wickets. Rohit Sharma has made four 50-plus scores in an IPL season for the first time since 2016.
Iyer is one away from 50 wins as IPL captain. (ESPNcricinfo)
A spot in the IPL final will be on the line today
Jasprit Bumrah will be a key figure in today’s qualifier
Yuzvendra Chahal is likely to be back for Sunday’s game
Mumbai will hope Rohit Sharma can bring the fireworks again
England seek the same again as West Indies go west in search of answers
Big picture: England lay down their marker
Edgbaston 2015 was the scene of England’s original white-ball reboot, when Eoin Morgan’s unfettered underachievers shed the reticence and blazed their way to a then-record total of 408 for 6 against New Zealand. Ten years later, the same venue produced a similar onslaught, an even 400 against West Indies, after a remarkable run of 30-plus scores from each of the top seven, with Jacob Bethell’s 82 from 53 balls the stand-out.
There, for the time being, however, the parallels end. Because, while there was plenty in this latest performance for England to take pleasure in, the standard of the challenge wasn’t quite on a par with the Brendon McCullum-inspired Kiwis who had reached their first World Cup final only months earlier.
West Indies have missed each of their last two ICC 50-over tournaments - the 2023 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy - and on Thursday’s evidence, it’s not hard to see why. A guileless bowling display bled into a batting performance that lacked body or substance, and had it not been for an unlikely top-score of 29 not out from Jayden Seales at No.11, this would have been the heaviest defeat in their once-proud ODI history.
It doesn’t augur well for the remainder of the series, though England - it should be stressed - will not mind a jot if the one-way traffic continues. A win is a win is a win, especially when you have come into the contest off the back of seven consecutive defeats, their worst run since the dog days of 2001. That includes a Champions Trophy display so bad that they might have preferred the West Indies option of watching on helplessly from the sidelines, rather than the middle.
Jamie Overton’s finger injury is the only lasting cloud from that contest - he has now been ruled out of the rest of the whiteball series after being diagnosed with a fracture. Saqib Mahmood’s impeccable command of line and length once again marked him out as a real asset in the powerplay, while Brydon Carse’s successful return from a gruesome toe injury was no less significant given his likely workload across formats this summer.
In the batting stakes, Jamie Smith’s promotion to open proved an immediate success. He’ll face more challenging new-ball spells, no doubt, but the power and placement of his stroke-
play brooked no argument. And talking of which, Harry Brook’s happy knack of rising to the responsibility of leadership shows no sign of abating. His sixth match in charge, and first in an official capacity, produced a fourth consecutive half-century, and it took a fine catch to dislodge him when well set.
West Indies haven’t got a lot to write home about just yet. Gudakesh Motie was the pick of their bowlers at Edgbaston, though 7-0-390 is not exactly tearing up trees, while Seales’ 4 for 84 from nine overs at least provided some reward for his willingness to go to the well. Their batting, however, never got started. Maybe Evin Lewis’ recovery from a groin injury could offer some more impetus at the top. But, with the IPL’s latter stages having taken Sherfane Rutherford and Romario Shepherd out of contention for this campaign, it’s clear the issues that beset West Indies cricket aren’t simply related to individuals.
In the spotlight: Jacob Bethell and Shai Hope The golden child was at it again on Thursday. Bethell has still not made a century in his brief professional career, but already he’s one of the most sought-after all-format players in England’s ranks. His Test-best 96 in New Zealand came amid a run of three half-centuries at No.3 that have stirred the pot ahead of India’s visit next month, while his cam-
eo for IPL finalists RCB impressed no less a figure than Mr Aura himself, Virat Kohli. And now, an effortlessly competent 82 from 53 balls in only his tenth ODI. All of England’s new-look team are learning the format on the hoof. He’s got to grips with it as quickly as anyone.
A lot has happened since that famous Headingley Test in 2017, when Shai Hope’s twin hundreds secured an extraordinary win against the head (straight after a shellacking at Edgbaston, no less). And if his role in Test cricket
recent times, then it’s worth remembering it wasn’t so long ago that he was teaching England a few lessons in how to pace an ODI innings. In consecutive winters in 2023 and 2024, he produced superb centuries in Antigua. The former secured a memorable 326-run chase, the latter required the rarely-seen best of Liam Livingstone to outgun it. If anyone is to provide some traction to their batting, Hope must spring eternal.
Team news: Overton out, Potts in There was never any danger of wholesale changes
batting is in fine order, and Gujarat Titans’ IPL elimination removes any threat of Jos Buttler negotiating an early release to take on RCB in the final. Overton’s finger injury gives Matthew Potts a chance to feature after being named in every squad so far this summer, even though they may have been tempted by the point of difference offered by Luke Wood’s left-armers.
England: 1 Jamie Smith, Ben Duckett, 3 Joe Root, 4 Harry Brook (capt), 5 Jos Buttler (wk), 6 Jacob Bethell, 7 Will Jacks, 8 Brydon Carse, 9
Potts, 11 Saqib Mahmood Evin Lewis was struck in the groin while batting on the eve of the first ODI, so assuming he’s recovered, he’s likely to slot back in at the top, potentially at the expense of Jewel Andrew, who nevertheless looked as competent as anyone in his brief stay at Edgbaston. Justin Greaves opened in Lewis’s absence, and may slip back down the order. Seales’ four expensive wickets may keep him ahead of Shamar Joseph.
West Indies: (possible) 1 Brandon King, 2 Evin Lewis, 3 Keacy Carty, 4 Shai Hope (capt & wk), 5 Amir Jangoo, 6 Justin Greaves, 7 Roston Chase, 8 Matthew Forde, 9 Alzarri Joseph, 10 Gudakesh Motie, 11 Jayden Seales
Over $5M up for grabs in ‘June Madness’ Futsal
Another product under the renowned ‘Kashif and Shanghai’ brand, ‘June Madness’ will be a sight to behold at the National Gymnasium and Cliff Anderson’s Sport Hall (CASH).
The brand-new Futsal tournament, with an entertaining twist, will run from June 3 to 28, with over $5M in cash and prizes up for grabs.
The very Homestretch Avenue venue was the location for the tournament’s launch on Saturday morning where Co- Director of the Kashif and Shanghai organ-
Tonight, the team to represent Bartica in this year’s National Championship of the beverage giants Banks DIH’s Guinness ‘Greatest of The Streets’ football competition, later this year will be known.
A third night of scintillating play is anticipated following play last night and Friday night, where, among the sixteen teams vying for supremacy, were defending champions Mighty Ruler.
Tonight, the semifinals will be played to decide two teams to contest the final which has at stake $500,000 for the winner with the loser collecting $300,000.
In the opening night of the tournament Friday last, Jones Avenue showed great form to knock out the challenge posed by Almanac Kings, by a 4-1 score.
That victory for Jones Avenue came behind goals by Neil Martindale, Ian Gomes, Ashton Dutchin and Troy Parris.
New Modern Crew took care of Police 1-0, with Cyprian Collison scoring the decider for the victors.
Bad Boys Friday night also won, getting past River’s View, 2-0 via the penalty kicks route. Both scores were wrapped up 2-2, after open play ended.
Goal Raiders came away winners 3-2 on penalty kicks, after they were deadlocked 0-0, when the final whistle was blown after regulation play ended.
Batavia playing to gain a spot in the 16 team knock out tournament, won their eliminator against Hill Top Strikers, with a 3-1 victory.
But Misdeamor advanced after their opponents Agatash, failed to take the field.
Matches which were scheduled to be played last night (Saturday) in the quarterfinals were Misdeamor against Bad Boys, New Modern Crew were to face Jones Avenue and Goal Raiders opposed the victor of
isation, Kashif Muhammad shared the rationale behind the tournament and why organisers continue to invite Brazilian teams.
Muhammad shared, “The whole idea of this June Madness came up because we know that you youngsters are playing a lot of ball and we want to keep it nicely organised, give y’all an opportunity for a number of things, 1 stay healthy, 2 showcase your talents and 3 and everybody can make a little smile in this situation.”
“And that’s why we bring them, because we want our
the Batavia versus Spanish Man match.
And the team which won when the reigning champions Mighty Ruler faced Ruler Top Form, will battle the winner between Sterling Crew and Ghenosyde, which was played last night.
Those winners will play in the semifinals to-
night (Sunday). The thirdplace team gets $200,000 and fourth place finishers $150,000.
The teams which were knocked out at the quarterfinal stages are expected to battle for $100,000 in a specially arranged Plate tournament which takes place before the semifinals at 19:00hrs.
football to rise. We don’t want our football to stay at our level that we got here, then when we go somewhere else now, it’s new to us cause it higher than we. Our youngster going and play Futsal in Suriname, we does go and lose, Inter Guiana games even, we go and lose to Suriname, we don’t want that. So, we got to try to make the football better by brining a little better quality,” the Kashif and Shanghai Co- Director went
on to reveal.
While June Madness is expected to go above an beyond in excitement with regard to Futsal tournaments; one new introduction to the game will see added tension, as explained by Franklin Wilson.
“One of the new features would be, we haven’t decided on the colour of the ball as yet, but within a twominute period; four minutes after the game has started and four minutes before the game concludes, you will be able to request this ball and if you score, you get two goals. Any team could
request it and once either team scores it would be two goals rather than one. Only one time you could request it,” Wilson excitedly disclosed.
The 48 teams in the June Madness competition will be competing for a $2M grand prize, with the second, third and fourth- place finishers pocketing $1M, $500,000 and $250,000 respectively. Further, individual accolades will attract a cash prize. The tournament is being supported the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and Ansa McAl.
Archery Guyana Welcomes New Club, ‘Archers Paradise’ …Expanding the reach of
Archery across the River
Archery Guyana marked a significant milestone in its continued mission to grow and decentralise the sport across the country with the official launch and affiliation of Archers Paradise, the newest addition to its family of clubs. The modest but meaningful ceremony was held on the evening of May 29, 2025, symbolising an exciting step forward in widening accessibility to the sport.
Delivering remarks at the event, President of Archery Guyana, Mrs. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, expressed her delight at the club’s establishment, stating, “It brings me great pride to witness the emergence of Archers Paradise at Lot 49 North New Road, Vreed En Hoop. The Federation remains steadfast in its vision
to make archery available across Guyana, beyond the capital and into our thriving communities. Today, we welcome a club that represents opportunity, inclusion, and a new generation of archers.”
The ceremony was attended by a small gathering of supporters and Federation stakeholders. Notably present were Mr. Kenrick Cheeks, Head Coach and Vice-President of Archers Paradise, and Mr. Ganesh Somrah, President of the newly launched club, who both shared their excitement for the club’s future. According to President Ganesh Somrah, he is enthused at the potential of the club’s role in nurturing local talent and building a strong archery culture on the West Coast of Demerara.
Also representing the na-
tional governing body were Archery Guyana’s Directors Mr. Ryan McKinnon and Mr. Saeed Karim, who congratulated the club’s leadership and pledged ongoing support to ensure successful integration and growth within the national framework.
Archers Paradise will now join the ranks of affiliated clubs under Archery Guyana, participating in competitions, development programmes, and coaching certification initiatives, bringing the sport closer to aspiring archers in outlying areas. With Archery Guyana continuing to promote Olympic values and provide structured opportunities for athletes, the addition of Archers Paradise signals a promising trajectory for archery in Guyana.
A look at the event’s draw, which also took place on Saturday
Kashif and Shanghai Co- Director Kashif Muhammad
A look at what to expect when the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Bartica action continues tonight
The Jones Avenue goal scorers
From left to right: Mr. Ryan McKinnon, Mr. Saeed Karim and Mrs. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon from Archery Guyana handing over Certificate of Affiliation to President of Archers Paradise, Mr. Ganesh Somrah. On far right is Vice-President Mr. Kenrick Cheeks of Archers Paradise.
