Guyana Times - Thursday, June 19, 2025

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reinforces military standards during muster at Base Camp Ayanganna

warns of

Autopsy confirms gunshot wound in Guyanese woman’s head

Man nabbed with over 1.4kg ganja in Lethem-bound minibus 800g ganja found stuffed in old fridge during Mahdia Police patrol

Hairdresser charged for attacking 4-year-old, dad

strengthens cybersecurity capabilities with US military exchange

GECOM to meet with political parties today ahead of Sept 1 polls

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is expected to meet with the various political parties that will be contesting the upcoming General and Regional Elections on September 1, 2025.

According to GECOM Commissioner Sase Gunraj, this briefing will be held today by the Elections Secretariat. He explained that it would be a general briefing on election-related matters as preparations continue for the holding of the upcoming polls.

This engagement comes mere days before political parties are required to submit their symbols to be approved by the Commission. Parties have until June 22 to submit their applications to the Chief Elections Officer, Vishnu Persaud. These symbols, once approved, will be included on the ballot paper to represent the respective politi-

cal parties.

Moreover, Nomination Day has been set for July 14, when political parties that will contest the upcoming elections are expected to submit their respective Lists of Candidates to GECOM for approval. The statutory forms for both the submission of symbol applications and the Lists of Candidates are accessible on GECOM’s website.

Only last week, the Elections Commission approved a modified version of the Nomination Form, which it said is designed to ensure accuracy and safeguard against misuse, es-

pecially in light of controversies surrounding the nomination process during recent elections.

GECOM has urged all political parties and contestants to use the modified form as part of their preparations for Nomination Day. On that day, the Chief Election Officer will accept submissions at the Umana Yana, Kingston, Georgetown, from 10:00hrs to 14:00hrs.

The timeline for related activities includes: July 15: Notification of any death or withdrawal of candidates and feedback on defects in the lists; July

17: Submission of corrected lists and further withdrawals; July 18: Issuance of approval or rejection notices by GECOM; July 20: Deadline for appeals to the High Court; July 21: Deadline for notifications of joinder of lists; and July 23: Publication (gazetting) of the approved Lists of Candidates.

According to the electoral body, using the updated form is crucial for avoiding disputes and ensuring that all lists are processed efficiently within the tight statutory timeline.

Meanwhile, ahead of the September 1 polling day, members of the Disciplined Services will be allowed to cast their ballots on August 22, 2025. Members of the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Defence Force and Guyana Prison Service are traditionally given the opportunity to vote in advance of Election Day since they are required to be on

duty.

Three persons have been appointed by GECOM as the ballot officer for each agency, that is, Areana Britton for the GDF, Sharon Jethu for the GPF, and Sadhna Boodhanlall for the GPS.

Back in April, the Joint Services held a working session with the objective of enhancing operational synergy and inter-agency collaboration ahead of the upcoming election period.

Meanwhile, during Tuesday’s statutory meeting at GECOM, the returning officers and supernumerary returning officers were approved for appointment. They are expected to be sworn in soon, and the location of their offices will also be published in the coming days.

These individuals will be under great public scrutiny, especially since the events that followed the March 2, 2020 elections.

After a nearly smooth polling day, Guyana was embroiled in a prolonged electoral impasse for five months following blatant attempts by former Returning Officer for Region Four – the largest voting district, Clairmont Mingo, and others to inflate the votes in favour of the then A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) coalition.

Mingo, along with other former senior GECOM officials and political activists, is currently before the court, facing electoral fraud charges.

On the other hand, the Elections Secretariat also undertook during Tuesday’s meeting to provide protocols for movement of Statements of Poll (SoPs) from polling stations to the intended recipients, including posting on the website.

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, June 19 – 23:25h00:55h and Friday, June 20 – No closure

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, June 19 – 10:30h - 12:00h and Friday, June 20 –11:40h - 13:10h

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.

WEATHER TODAY

Rain showers with instances of thunder are expected during the day until late afternoon, after which cloudy skies and sunshine are expected. At night, thundery showers are expected. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to East South-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 10:52h and 23:23h reaching maximum heights of 2.37 metres and 2.42 metres.

Low Tide: 16:51h reaching a minimum height of 0.84 metre.

Chances of coalition “marginal at best” – AFC leader admits as APNU rejects new proposal of 35/65 split

n the heels of a number of Alliance for Change (AFC) Members of Parliament defecting to A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), AFC Leader Nigel Hughes has admitted that a coalition between the two parties is looking increasingly unlikely, describing the chances of this as “marginal at best”.

The AFC had reportedly scaled down its proposed seat allocation from an initial 65 per cent to 35 per cent, a proposal that APNU has yet to approve. In an exclusive interview with this publication, Hughes acknowledged the ongoing stalemate in talks but reaffirmed that the AFC continues to operate as an independent party.

“I think effectively, any prospects of movement in a positive direction are marginal at best… [but] the AFC is an independent party and had indicated that we were running as an independent party when elections were held… and before that,” Hughes said.

On Wednesday, news had emerged that three AFC Members of Parliament (MPs), Juretha Fernandes, Sherod Duncan and Ricky Ramsaroop, would be joining the APNU list of candidates for the upcoming election. According to the AFC leader, he had not received any resignation letters from the trio as of Wednesday afternoon.

“I haven’t seen a resignation. I’m hoping that I will receive one. And I have also seen the press reports in relation to Mr Duncan and Ricky, but I hope we will receive their resignations. I wish them the very, very best in their new endeavours.” Hughes said.

Further, Hughes noted that he was completely unaware of Fernandes being tipped to be Norton’s running mate until he read the press reports.

Asked about the prospects of AFC entering into coalition talks with Forward Guyana, the new political party founded by former APNU MP Amanza Walton-Desir after her own shock resignation from that party, Hughes had this to say.

“We have talks with everybody. We have talks with all the willing, who share our vision for development,” Hughes said.

Cancelled membership

Meanwhile, in a subsequent statement issued by the party, the AFC noted that it had reached out

to the defecting trio, seeking answers on their status with the party. While they did not respond, AFC noted that they were able to verify that all three had officially subscribed to APNU membership, and as a consequence, they have been booted from the AFC party.

“The Alliance for Change, guided by its constitution and principles, considers that the three have chosen to forfeit their membership of the Party and has therefore formally cancelled their membership,” the AFC said, going on to wish them well in their future endeavours.

APNU rejects

On the matter of coalescing with APNU, the smaller party pointed out what their draft coalition agreement that they submitted to APNU looked like. Their proposal included a 35/65 split, with the lion’s share going to APNU,

as well as APNU being allowed to nominate the presidential candidate and AFC being given leeway to nominate the prime ministerial candidate.

Additionally, it was proposed that the representative of the list would be an independent nominee acceptable to both sides, while AFC would nominate a speaker who was acceptable to APNU. According to AFC, their proposal was rejected.

“We were informed that this proposal was rejected. On this occasion, APNU decided that they must also name the AFC’s PM candidate, contrary to the established protocol of the negotiations. This demand is totally unacceptable to the AFC.” AFC said.

“This last proposal gave APNU all they have been asking for to agree to a coalition, and the AFC decided at all costs it would play its role in response to public feedback and the nation’s desire for a unified opposition. It is now clear the APNU was and is not interested in a coalition.”

As the country readies for the September 1, 2025 elections, talks between the APNU and AFC about a possible coalition have started and then broken down on various occasions over the past few months.

In January, the two sides had set March 31 as the deadline for negotiations on a partnership.

However, the deadline passed and disagreements persisted. In a previous speech to his party members, Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton had declared that his party carries “the burden of the work”, and he will always put his party members first.

However, following one of the AFC’s announcements on the breakdown of the negotiations, the PNCR/APNU had issued a statement noting that they would be open to discussions if the AFC indicates they want to resume talks. There had been discussions in the public domain over who would be the presidential candidate if AFC were to reunite with its old coalition partner; Norton was designated as the People’s National Congress (PNC) presidential candidate last year.

PNCR Leader Aubrey Norton
AFC Leader Nigel Hughes

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Grassroots intervention & economic independence

In a world where gender disparities continue to permeate many aspects of life, initiatives that support women's empowerment are as commendable as they are essential. The recent commissioning of a sewing hub at the Cane Grove Craft Centre by the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) is a demonstration of the kind of grassroots intervention that holds transformative potential for women and, by extension, the broader community.

Located on the East Coast of Demerara, the new sewing hub is both a physical space furnished with sewing machines and thread, and at the same time, it is a launchpad for possibility, crafted deliberately to foster economic independence among women, particularly those in rural or under-resourced areas. With garment construction courses to be facilitated through WIIN, this initiative brings to the fore a tangible example of what meaningful investment in women can look like when purpose meets practicality.

The Cane Grove sewing hub offers a structured environment where participants can acquire and refine marketable skills, laying the groundwork for sustainable livelihoods through selfemployment and small-scale enterprise. As Guyana’s economy continues to diversify and embrace digital transformation, the value of foundational, hands-on competencies remains significant, particularly in sectors such as fashion, tailoring, and craft production, where customisation, precision, and quality are paramount.

Empowerment, at its core, is about choice and control. By teaching sewing techniques and garment construction, this project gives women access to both. For many participants, this may be their first exposure to formal skills training, and for others, it will represent a stepping stone toward scaling up homebased operations into viable microenterprises. In either case, the implications are significant. Financial independence often leads to greater autonomy in household decision-making, improved confidence, and the ability to break cycles of dependence that too often characterise the lives of marginalised women.

There is also a multiplier effect to consider. Women who learn these skills will not only be able to earn for themselves, but they are also likely to train others, share resources, and inspire their daughters and neighbours. This communal transfer of knowledge is vital in strengthening the social and economic fabric of the community.

Hubs like the one at Cane Grove are vital in making rural women visible contributors to the national economy. Too often, development narratives focus on urban centres and largescale investment projects. But it is these micro-initiatives, often under the radar, that quietly create real change, building skills, generating income, and fostering dignity. The investment in such spaces sends a strong message that rural women matter, that their dreams and potential are worth supporting.

This is particularly important, as women in hinterland and coastal communities face unique challenges which often confine them to unpaid care roles. The Cane Grove hub disrupts that narrative. It asserts that women are not passive recipients of aid or social services; they are capable agents of change, provided they are given the right tools and support.

But it must also recognise that a hub alone does not solve systemic issues. Continued investment in follow-up training, access to markets, business mentorship, and micro-financing opportunities will be necessary to truly harness the potential being cultivated at facilities like this one. The success of such programmes should not be measured in the number of garments sewn but in the number of lives altered, as women who now send their children to school with their earnings, women who launch businesses, and women who discover their voice.

It is often said that when you empower a woman, you empower a nation. The WIIN sewing hub at Cane Grove reflects a broader movement toward inclusive development, where empowerment is not abstract or aspirational but practical, skillbased, and rooted in community needs.

As a society, we should celebrate and support such efforts.

Will the new Middle East

crisis rock

the world economy? The markets say no, but I fear they’re wrong

Financial markets picked up the clear message when Donald Trump cut short his stay at the G7 summit in the Canadian Rockies this week. Despite calls from fellow western leaders to de-escalate the crisis, the president’s early return to the White House was taken as a sign that the US is considering joining Israel in its military action against Iran. Trump says he wants Iran’s unconditional surrender.

This is where modern summitry came in half a century ago. In 1975, the first meeting of what eventually became the G7 was convened at Rambouillet in France in an attempt to work out a joint response to the oil shock that accompanied the Yom Kippur war between Israel and its neighbours.

Back then, the impact of higher crude prices was immediate and brutal. The cost of crude rose fourfold in a matter of months and killed off the post-second world war boom, leading first to higher inflation and then to recession. A second dose of stagflation arrived a few years later when the IranIraq war led to a further doubling of oil prices. Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in 1990 again led to higher oil prices and weaker activity. History suggests the Middle East can cause all sorts of problems for the global economy.

The response to the latest conflict has been much more muted. Oil prices have risen by about $10 a barrel but that will give only a modest upward jolt to inflation and certainly nothing to compare with the shocks of the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. At least so far. The region has form and given the risks, the financial markets are taking a remarkably sanguine view of events, even though there are reasons for a moderate degree of optimism.

The first oil shock of the mid-1970s

was triggered by an embargo orchestrated by Opec, a producers’ cartel that is less able to affect crude prices than it was half a century ago. Some countries – the US in particular – are much less dependent on imported oil than they once were. Wind and solar power provide alternatives to fossil fuels.

The war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has been raging for almost two years, with only a small and shortlived impact on oil prices.

All that said, it is less than three years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine led to a surge in global oil and gas prices, contributing to a cost of living crisis that is only just abating. The latest UK inflation figures released on Wednesday showed the annual increase in prices at 3.4% – well down on the recent 10.9% peak but still above the Bank of England’s 2% target.

The comparison between the start of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022 and Israel’s attacks in the past week is not exact. Russia accounts for 17% of global gas production, while Iran is responsible for just 4% of oil production and China is the biggest customer for its crude exports. That helps explain why the financial markets have been relatively relaxed, with the $10 a barrel boost to oil prices reflecting a sense that the conflict will be contained.

The US’s potential involvement raises the stakes. One possibility is that the deployment of US military firepower will quickly overcome Iran’s resistance and lead to regime change in Tehran. Another is that Iran will retaliate by seeking to close the strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage through which 20% of the world’s oil passes daily. That would send the price of oil rocketing from its current $75 a barrel to well over $100 a barrel. The shock would be more severe and longer lasting were Russia and China to get dragged into the conflict.

The markets are betting that none

of this happens. Oil prices are at their current level because dealers think Iran has had its military capability depleted by Israel’s attacks, that Iran would damage its own economy by seeking to close the strait of Hormuz, and that Russia and China will be wary of becoming involved.

Things may indeed pan out this way, but the call by the non-US members of the G7 for a de-escalation of the crisis highlights the real risk that it might not. Western economies are still feeling the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, higher energy prices and a cost of living crisis, and could well do without another setback. Petrol prices are already set to rise, the first evidence of higher inflation and a fresh squeeze on disposable incomes. It goes without saying that it would be better for the global economy to avoid yet another Middle East oil shock.

But if the financial markets have called it wrong and oil prices do start to spiral upwards, it is important that policymakers don’t panic. Higher energy prices are initially inflationary but are then deflationary because they add to business costs and leave consumers with less money to spend. Central banks should resist the temptation to respond by raising interest rates because that would only add to the risks of recession and higher unemployment. Likewise, finance ministers should avoid raising taxes or cutting spending if weaker activity pushes the public finances deeper into the red.

In the longer term, countries like the UK need to make themselves self-sufficient in renewable energy and thus reduce their exposure to the Middle East’s fossil fuels. The lesson to be drawn from the damage caused by the repeated oil shocks since the 1970s is that we have been here before and it doesn’t end well. (The Guardian) (Larry Elliott is a Guardian columnist)

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, who is the General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party, met with a group of secondary school & University of Guyana hinterland students on Wednesday at Freedom House, Georgetown (Office of the VP photo)

Remembering Adjodha Persaud, former FirstClass cricketer

Dear Editor,

I have just learnt sadly of the passing of Adjodha Persaud in Florida, USA, formerly of the Everest Cricket Club in Guyana, following closely after the demise of former national cricketer Milton Pydana.

Adjodha hailed from the West Coast of Demerara and was employed at the Toolsie Persaud Ltd Lumber sales department, where he worked until migrating to the USA in 1979. He joined the Everest Cricket Club in 1971 and represented it until departing these shores, playing for a very successful Case Cup (first division) side which won this cup and also the Rothmans Knockout Cup along with other competitions. He played under the captaincy of David Persaud and Lal Munilal before ascending to the captaincy of the club subsequently.

Adjodha was widely recognised by his peers as a top-class off-spinner and probably the best of his era, but for Lance Gibbs, whose long and enduring presence

in the West Indies team all but prevented Adjodha from possibly representing the W.I. Adjodha was a very competent batsman and made valuable contributions on many occasions. In his younger days he represented the West Coast Demerara under 16 side and was known as ‘Boy Wonder’. He excelled in his various encounters with opposition throughout the country and decided to join the Everest to try and climb the steep ladder to get onto the national team, which he managed to do. He played firstclass cricket for Demerara, Guyana, and the West Indies President’s eleven (1977 and 1978) as well as representing Warwickshire's second eleven in the UK circa 1972. Adjodha’s performances earned him a place in Guyana’s national team versus England in 1974, Pakistan in 1977 and Australia in 1978. On one memorable occasion in the 1976 Jones Cup finals, Adjodha, along with Keith Glasgow (Ball Oil), set a

West Indies first-class batting record for the eighth wicket.

Prior to migrating, Adjodha was offered a contract to play in the Yorkshire Cricket League in England; however, this offer was turned down since he decided to proceed to the USA with his family.

Some names of cricketers still residing in Guyana who would have faced Adjodha and would be aware of his tremendous skills as an off-spinner are Lloyd Harper, Eddie Nicolls, Ovid Glagow, Paul Chan-ASue, and Mark and Roger Harper.

This short tribute contains information provided by two of his best friends, Robin Barry and Mohamed Rahaman, both residing in Canada.

May his contribution to first-class cricket be long remembered.

Om Sadgati

Sincerely, Christopher Persaud

GAWU condemns a misleading and insensitive ad against sugar workers

Dear Editor,

Our attention was drawn to an advertisement on the social media pages – Village Voice. The seemingly ‘paid’ post, aimed at cane cutters, was highly disrespectful and disparaging, seeking to castigate them, from all impressions, as living in a backwards manner. We find the post deeply disturbing and affronting all sugar workers and their families.

We see the putrid attempt to denigrate sugar workers as reflective of the highly insensitive and dim view held by the promoters of the advertisement and the editorial board of the Village Voice, which, for all intents, accepted and approved the post. Of course, given Village Voice’s previous posts and articles, we should not be surprised. The outfit and intellectual authors have long held disdainful views against the sugar industry, its workers, and those who depend on it.

While the ad attempts, shamelessly in our mind, to paint work in the sugar industry as seemingly indecent, it would appear that the Village Voice endorsed the treatment meted out during the Coalition’s sojourn

The Walter Rodney I came to know

Dear Editor,

Within the last few days, I mulled whether to pen my thoughts on Walter Rodney, whom I first learnt about in 1974. At the time, I was pursuing doctoral studies at Kent State University, Ohio, where, one Friday afternoon, my friend Subash handed me a copy of Rodney’s book “How Europe Underdeveloped Africa”. Subash knew Rodney briefly while both taught in Tanzania. While reading the book, I gradually developed a profound respect and admiration for the author, who eloquently presented the dynamics of development and underdevelopment and did so with commanding analytical scrutiny and persuasiveness that left a reader in awe.

In 1977, as fate would have it, while employed as a lecturer at the University of Guyana, I was fortunate to have Patricia Rodney as a student in my Research Methods course. From her, I requested an introduction to her husband. Reluctantly, Pat agreed, but only after I persisted. This then led to a brief meeting one day when Rodney drove Pat to the UG campus for her classes. After this initial meeting, I met Rodney almost every week as he went to pick up his son Shaka, and I, my nephew Andrew, both of whom were students at Queens College at the time.

As we became increasingly acquainted, Rodney told me that the Burnham government was monitoring his whereabouts twenty-four hours a day and that I needed to be careful of being seen with him. Since I had recently returned home upon my recruitment by UG, I was dismissive of his caution and continued to engage him in discourse in full public view near Queens College.

While lecturing at UG, Cheddi Jagan and I met frequently at his request to discuss Burnham’s nationalisation and authoritarian policies. Prior to that, I had met Cheddi a few times through my brother-in-law, the late Diah Singh, who

was a PYO organiser in the 1960s and who, along with C.V. Nunes and others, was incarcerated in Sibley Hall for almost three years. Since I had written a few articles published by the Mirror under a pseudonym, Cheddi asked if I would tackle the issue of National Front Government – power sharing – because of his interest in this issue. Upon agreeing, I mentioned the request to Rodney, who, without hesitation, said Burnham would reject any form of power sharing. Rodney reiterated his respect for Cheddi, whom he said was an “honest politician who cared for the wellbeing of all Guyanese.” Burnham’s “ego” and lust for “absolute political power” would not acquiesce to any form of power sharing. Rodney assured me. Despite my disagreement with Cheddi on the composition of such a government, I wrote the article “National Government is Essential”. After publication in the Mirror, Rodney cautioned me, “Be careful, Burnham’s spies are everywhere.” He also forewarned me about the scheduled anti-Burnham meeting at Bourda Market, which he said his reliable sources informed him of as having pre-planned violence. As reported afterwards, Father Bernard Darke was stabbed and killed at this event.

Hurriedly leaving Guyana, I took up an appointment with the University of the Virgin Islands in St Thomas. While there, the university’s student body invited Rodney to give a lecture on the history of Blacks in the Caribbean. During his speech, the room suddenly turned into utter darkness. Without a moment’s pause, Rodney continued to deliver his address while integrating the darkness with the frequent electrical blackouts in Guyana. At the end of his speech, the students stood up in what seemed like five minutes of thunderous ovation.

The day after the speech, aware that the university had not prepared for Rodney’s extended stay, Dennis – an elec-

trical engineer of Guyanese background – and I agreed for him to lodge with us. During the day, Rodney spent time with my family and me, and at night he slept at Dennis's, who was alone in a two-bedroom apartment across the parking lot from us. During his week’s stay, before dinner, Rodney regularly played with my two sons, Shashi and Shiv, who at the time were two and four years old, respectively. One evening, on hands and knees on the floor, he had Shashi on his back chasing after Shiv, telling them he was the “horsie”. Whenever he stopped and pretended to kick, Shiv and Shashi burst out laughing uncontrollably.

Throughout his stay, Rodney, my wife and I engaged in after-dinner conversations late into the nights. Struck by his humility and grace, my wife and I spent much time talking about him after he left our apartment to go over to Dennis to sleep. On a few occasions during our conversations, I probed him on assassination, knowing that Father Bernard Darke was stabbed to death, Josh Ramsammy was shot and nearly died, and Vincent Teekah died mysteriously from a bullet wound. Without trepidation, Rodney acknowledged such possibility, almost always saying, “If dat happens, wah can you do?”

Rodney and I spoke that day I drove him to the airport for his trip to the U.S., where he travelled to deliver a speech at a university and arrange for the publication of his book, “A History of the Guyanese Working People”. Awaiting the announcement for his flight, we chatted about the future of Guyana. “The unity of Afro- and Indo-Guyanese is critical to the country’s development,” he said with conviction. And, as he stood to leave, I asked him when I would see him again. He stared out into the ocean as if in deep thought and softly said, “I am not sure, brother.”

Regards, Narayan Persaud, PhD

in office. His Excellency, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, on Enmore Martyrs Day 2025, reminded us of some noteworthy findings of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) report on the socio-economic impact on the workers following the closure of estates between 2016 and 2017. That report highlighted:

1. Alcoholism, crime and suicide went up in the communities of the closed estates.

2. Income levels fell drastically, by over 70 per cent.

3. The former workers reported that their lives were worse off as a result of the closures.

4. Across the board, workers' anxieties increased about the future.

5. Children’s educational pursuits were cut short.

6. Households and communities became worse off. While the Village Voice wants to promote a decent life for sugar workers, the reality remains, from all impressions, they support groupings and individuals who did quite the opposite. These facts are empirically grounded and were felt by thousands and seen in the villages in the sugar belt. The workers shall not be deceived by cheap talk and rhetoric; they are conscious and know who has their backs.

Sincerely, Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU)

Bail sum makes offence seem inconsequential

Dear Editor, Forty-five thousand ($45,000) bail is a slap on the wrist and makes the offence seem inconsequential and of no significance. It has to be seen as a slap in the face to the magistrate.

Persons charged in the recent unrest were given substantial bail for offences.

The offended community would feel the law has mocked them and belittled their goddess.

Sincerely, Shamshun Mohamed

◄ Page Foundation

Subtracting mixed numbers with unlike denominators

To subtract mixed numbers, first subtract the whole numbers, then subtract the fractions.

Example:

Subtract

Step 1: Subtract the whole numbers: 6 - 3 = 3

Step 2: Change the fractions with unlike denominators to fractions with a common denominator. The lowest common multiple of 8 and 10 is 80. In this case, 8 x 10 = 80. The best common multiple is the higher number.

Step 3: Subtract the fractions

Reduce if necessary

Step 4: Add your two differences:

Exercises: Subtract

Has any one supposed it lucky to be born? I hasten to inform him or her it is just as lucky to die, and I know it. I pass death with the dying and birth with the new-wash’d babe, and am not contain’d between my hat and boots, And peruse manifold objects, no two alike and every one good, The earth good and the stars good, and their adjuncts all good. I am not an earth nor an adjunct of an earth, I am the mate and companion of people, all just as immortal and fathomless as myself, (They do not know how immortal, but I know.)

Continued To be continued

Every kind for itself and its own, for me mine male and female, For me those that have been boys and that love women, For me the man that is proud and feels how it stings to be slighted, For me the sweet-heart and the old maid, for me mothers and the mothers of mothers, For me lips that have smiled, eyes that have shed tears, For me children and the begetters of children. Undrape! you are not guilty me, nor stale nor discarded, I see through the broadcloth and gingham whether or no, And am around, tenacious, acquisitive, tireless, and cannot be shaken away.

AFC splinters as 3 MPs cross over to PNC

…Juretha Fernandes tipped to be the Opposition leader’s running mate

Members of the Alliance for Change (AFC) Juretha Fernandes, Sherod Duncan and Ricky Ramsaroop have signed onto the list of candidates for the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) to contest the upcoming elections, with Fernandes tipped to be the prime ministerial candidate.

In addition to Fernandes and her fellow AFC colleagues in Parliament, well-placed sources have indicated that Attorney-atLaw Dexter Todd and former Deputy Commissioner of Police Paul Williams are also on the APNU candidate slate.

Todd, a former member of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) who was first admitted to the bar in 2012, is known for his legal advocacy. His most well-known clients include PNC/R Scrutineer Carol SmithJoseph and the 15-year-old girl who was charged with starting the 2023 fire at the Mahdia dorm that killed 20 persons. He is also currently the legal representative of the family of the late 11-year-old Adriana Younge.

Meanwhile, Williams is a retired career police officer who was appointed as deputy commissioner in 2018

by former President David Granger and was head of the force’s administrative division. Prior to that appointment, he served as Deputy Commander, Commander, Force Training Officer and Crime Chief.

The news of these massive party shifts comes on the heels of PNC MP Amanza Walton-Desir’s resignation from the party. In her resignation, she cited the fact that the party had been side-lining her from critical meetings and campaign events. Further, she had gone on to launch her own party, Forward Guyana.

According to a senior member of the PNC, Walton-Desir’s resignation,

Chances of coalition

“marginal at...

FROM PAGE 3

Following his election as leader, Norton had said that PNC was considering contesting the 2025 General and Regional Elections independently. And while he had indicated that he would be willing to step aside as the party’s presidential candidate, he had made it clear that any new presidential candidate must be someone from within the PNC.

It was announced earlier this year that Hughes had been designated as the presidential candidate of the AFC after the party concluded the first meeting of its National Executive Committee (NEC) for the year.

APNU, whose largest member is the PNC, had merged with the AFC in 2015 for the elections that year. The two parties had also jointly contested in the 2020 elections. However, AFC formally broke its coalition with APNU back in December 2022.

The revised Cummingsburg Accord, a political agreement between the two organisations, had provided for this separation. At the time, former AFC leader Khemraj Ramjattan had indicated that the two political organisations would do their political work separately but work in parliament jointly.

while a blow to the party, particularly with elections around the corner, would ultimately not hinder them. Under the condition of anonymity, the well-placed source noted that the PNC has a track record of bouncing back from such turmoil.

“The timing is important. It's still early in the campaign, especially for Nomination Day. It is a blow because of the people she attracts. But I think in the coming days, definitely the party will now up its game to counter that. The PNC always becomes stronger when there’s an internal issue. It serves to energise the base,” the source said.

However, Duncan did make a social media post in which he implied that he had no intention of resigning from the AFC, despite being an APNU candidate and credible reports that he had subscribed to membership of the party.

“As I was saying, my membership in the AFC is paid up until 2029, and I do not intend to determine my membership be-

fore that time. I have been working with our Coalition partners for the last ten years, and I intend to further lend my energies to the APNU Coalition to win the September 1, 2025, General and Regional Elections,” he said on his page.

Membership cancelled However, even as Duncan claimed that he had no intention of resigning from the AFC, the party issued a statement saying that the AFC had reached out to the defecting trio, seeking answers on their status with the party. While they did not respond, AFC noted that they were able to verify that all three had officially subscribed to APNU membership, and as a consequence, they have been booted from the AFC party.

“The Alliance for Change, guided by its Constitution and principles, considers that the three have chosen to forfeit their membership of the Party and has therefore formally cancelled their membership,” the AFC said, going on to wish them well in

their future endeavours.

APNU is a coalition grouping which comprises the Peoples National Congress (PNC) as its major stakeholder, as well as the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) headed by Dr David Hinds. Over the past few months, APNU’s efforts to reach another coalition agreement with AFC, its coalition partner when it contested the 2015 election, have floundered.

The 2025 general and regional elections are set for September 1. Nomination Day has already been announced for July 14, 2025, which will allow for the submission of Lists of Candidates for the upcoming General and Regional Elections.

On the designated day, the Chief Election Officer (CEO) will be available to receive the lists between the hours of 10:00 (10am) and 14:00 (2pm) at the Umana Yana, High Street, Kingston, Georgetown.

Several important deadlines accompany the submission of these lists. The

following day, July 15, is reserved for notifying the CEO in writing of any death or withdrawal of a candidate. Also on this day, the CEO will inform representatives and their deputies of any defects found in submitted lists.

By July 17, corrected lists must be submitted, and further notification of any withdrawals must also be made. On July 18th, the Guyana Election Commission (GECOM) will issue notifications regarding the approval or non-approval of the candidate lists.

Parties dissatisfied with disapprovals may lodge appeals with the High Court by July 20th.

On July 21, representatives and their deputies must inform the CEO in writing of any joinder of lists. The entire process culminates on July 23 with the gazetting of the approved lists. The notice was issued under the hand of GECOM Chairperson, Justice of Appeal (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, and dated June 2nd, 2025.

AFC MP Juretha Fernandes AFC MP Sherod Duncan AFC MP Ricky Ramsaroop
Former Deputy Commissioner of Police Paul Williams
Attorney-at-Law Dexter Todd

Still… …making up?

Back in the day, there was a fantastic R&B band out of Philly – the Stylistics – who featured the bestever falsetto voice in the business. One of their greatest hits was “Break up to make up” – which your Eyewitness was reminded of when he read the AFC leader saying there is still a chance for him and the PNC leader to make up and form an alliance/marriage of their parties to contest the Sept 1 elections! Granger had tied the knot with Nagamootoo and Khemraj even though – more than anyone else around in the political arena – he had his nose firmly stuck in the air!!

While it may strain credulity, your Eyewitness could just hear PNC’s Aubrey hitting the high notes and crooning in falsetto, “Tell me what’s wrong with me now. Tell me why I never seem to make you happy, though heaven knows I try. What does it take to please you? Tell me just how I can satisfy you Nigel; you’re drivin’ me wild. Break up to make up; that’s all we do. First you court me, then you dump me. That’s a game for fools!” In a (Guyanese) word, Aubrey wanted to know if “goat bite he”!!

After the end of the long and drawn-out marriage negotiations, the AFC leader baldly claimed that any coalition with Aubrey at the head was doomed to failure!! How’d he know that? Divination?? Didn’t Aubrey win the leadership of the largest party in the Opposition – fair and square?? Was it his looks – as some have unkindly claimed?? Poor Aubrey… They want to have it both ways. First, they insist the PPP gotta be managed by a tough leader – yet they insist Aubrey’s face is too ferocious!! Over in Uganda, Idi Amin, who’d dealt condignly with his “recalcitrant minority”, wasn’t about to win no beauty contest, was he?? Poor Aubrey just can’t win – no pun intended!!

But with the AFC’s leader presumably more wholesome mug at the head of their ticket, they were a sure bet to kick the PPP out and ensconce themselves in charge of all that oil money!! They’re so sure of themselves they not only demanded “anybody but Aubrey” – including a rank neophyte outsider – but also a majority of the Parliamentary seats any coalition would garner!! Talk about counting chickens before they’re hatched!! So, it’s no wonder Aubrey retorted that the said chickens were coming home to roost!! The AFC on its own is gonna lose corn and husk!!

Knowing this, the AFC fella should now be forced to eat humble pie – crawl on his knees to Aubrey and beg pardon!! But even then, Aubrey would know he’ll be courted only to be dumped later!!

That’s a game for fools!!

…war break

Israel’s war against Iran is now over a week old – and if nothing else – is demonstrating the latest variation of hurling missiles from slingshots and catapults – raining down bombs from drones!! We’re getting our news from Western sources; we gotta be cautious. We should’ve learnt after bitter experience that “truth is the first casualty of war!!” So, when we read about all the successes of the Israeli war machine against the Persians, we should remember there’s a blackout against showing what damage the latter are wreaking on Israel.

But one thing the Israelis seem to have forgotten is Shiites are historically willing to suffer… They’re not fighting an enemy obsessed with life and selfies. They’re confronting a civilisation built on martyrdom, memory, and mission. Tehran’s message is clear: we’ve survived Pharaohs, Crusaders, and Empires. We’ll survive this too, will you? For years, Israelis have believed that nothing could hurt them, that they are invulnerable.

Now, that belief is dying — one explosion at a time.

…carpetbagging

Here it is; Aubrey Norton worked FIFTY YEARS to help build the PNC. Yet one prima donna just resigned because she wasn’t made leader after five years of being an ornament brought in by the Sanctimonious Gangster Granger!!

Sod turned for construction of $979M modern secondary school at Vreed-en-Hoop

…500 students to benefit

Students from Region Three (Essequibo Islands–West Demerara), particularly those living in Vreed-enHoop and surrounding communities, will soon benefit from improved access to education with the construction of a brand-new, state-of-theart secondary school.

On Wednesday the Education Ministry hosted a sod-turning ceremony for the state-of-the-art Vreeden-Hoop secondary school in Region Three (Essequibo Islands–West Demerara).

The school, which will be constructed at Crane, West Coast Demerara, represents a major investment in the ministry’s commitment to delivering improved and universal secondary education across Guyana.

Delivering remarks at the ceremony, Education Minister Priya Manickchand emphasised the significance of the new facility in expanding access to quality education in the region.

With a projected cost of over $979 million, Manickchand noted that the school will benefit hundreds of youths in Region 3, providing them with modern classrooms and resources to support their academic success.

“So, this is the turning of the sod for the new Vreed-

en-Hoop Secondary School, or I think Crane Secondary School; the name doesn't matter. It's going to hold, it's expected to accommodate 500 children, and it's being built at just over $900 million.”

In fact, the minister highlighted that many children were forced to attend "primary tops", a situation she attributed directly to the APNU/AFC coalition’s failure to adequately address the country’s expanding educational needs.

“But these areas also had children in primary tops, which is a primary school accommodating secondary school, and that's really because the APNU and AFC in their time in office didn't start or finish a single secondary school in this country, and because of their failure to do that, we had a lot of children who couldn't be accommodated in secondary school. We have since finished in Region 3; the Parfaite Westminster Secondary, De Willem Secondary, and Nismes Secondary are finishing off, and we hope to get that in July.”

The construction of the new secondary school has been strategically divided into four separate lots, a move aimed at ensuring greater efficiency and coordination throughout the build-

ing process.

Lot One covers the substructure, superstructure, electrical works, plumbing, fire safety, and finishing for administrative areas, the library, and classrooms and will be carried out by K&S General Construction for $323,500,000.

Lot Two, which includes similar works for the science labs, mechanical labs, technology drawing labs, and classrooms, has been awarded to D&S Construction for $279,800,000.

Lot Three, which involves external works, will be executed by Ele’s Trading and Hardware for $269,110,500.

Lot Four, which involves furnishing, has been awarded to PS23 Construction for $107,210,400.

This phased approach is intended to allow multiple contractors to work simultaneously on different aspects of the project, thereby minimising delays and accelerating overall completion. By segmenting the construction into manageable components, the ministry and its partners hope to maintain high standards of quality while adhering to tight deadlines.

Moreover, the modern facility has been designed as a fully reinforced concrete structure featuring transparent roof sheeting and a cir-

cular building outline. The school will include more than 20 classrooms, a science centre equipped with physics, chemistry, and biology laboratories, and a TVET centre furnished with industrial and home economics labs.

Students will also benefit from a multi-purpose hall, a canteen and cafeteria, and an international library or document centre. The building’s layout supports both functionality and aesthetics, allowing for enhanced student engagement.

Additionally, a sanitary block will be constructed to serve both the student body and teaching staff. Safety has been a key consideration

in the design, with fire escape exits, alarms, extinguishers, escape doors, fire-retardant panels, limited use of timber, and metal ceilings forming part of the fire prevention system. Outdoor recreational spaces will also be included, enabling students to participate in sports such as basketball and cricket, which form an important part of the school’s wider curriculum.

The construction period is expected to last nine months, with many components being developed concurrently to meet the projected timeline. Notably there will be a nine-month defects liability period for some components, ensuring quality and allow-

ing for any necessary adjustments or corrections during that time. GR Engineering will serve as the consultant for the project, overseeing all technical and supervisory aspects.

This new secondary school forms part of the ministry’s broader mission to close the education access gap, particularly in rapidly expanding communities. In Guyana's 2025 budget, the Education Ministry received a significant allocation of $175 billion. This includes a substantial $36.2 billion for the construction and rehabilitation of educational facilities, aiming to create an additional 20,000 student spaces.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand and others turning the sod for the new secondary school

AG warns of jail time, $5M fines for election obstruction, voter intimidation

Attorney General and Legal Affairs

Minister Anil Nandlall has warned that any person found obstructing a citizen’s right to vote or misleading a voter on Election Day will be charged in accordance with the Representation of the People’s Act (ROPA).

“Those who are being encouraged to create these kinds of obstructions and interference, the law lays out very clearly the consequences that will flow from your actions.” He noted during his programme ‘Issues in the News’ on Tuesday.

The attorney general was at the time responding to utterances by Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton, who reportedly said he will advise his party’s polling agents against allowing any person speaking a foreign language to vote come September 1.

other materials, the counting of votes cast at an election and an elections officer exercising his/her functions.

Section 78(b) specifically states that any person who, without due authority, obstructs or otherwise interferes with the voting at an election by any person registered as an elector has committed an offence.

The penalties for any of the above include a $5M fine along with three years’ imprisonment and the disqualification of being elected to the National Assembly.

language speakers, Nandlall pointed out that any attempt to bar persons who are eligible voters based on a language barrier will be an act of discrimination and a manifestation of xenophobia “which is an international crime”.

In fact, it must be clarified that Section 72(10) of the ROPA, Chapter 1:03, makes provision for this category of voters at the place of poll.

be the means of communication between the presiding officer and the elector with regard to all matters required to enable the elector to vote.”

Therefore, Nandlall emphasised, “Anyone who thinks that they can get persons to obstruct and interfere with electors who are registered and qualified to vote from exercising their right to vote – well, they have legal consequences of a highly punitive nature that will come their way.”

Nandlall pointed to section 78 of the ROPA, which criminalises obstructing or interfering with access to or egress from a polling place, the voting process, the conveyance of documents and

“That is a highly irresponsible and reckless statement for a political leader to make,” Nandlall said, “we have a serious history of misbehaviour at elections from party officials and officials manning the elections.”

Misleading an elector by providing misleading information or making a misleading statement to the elector is also a crime, and the offender is liable to a fine of $5M and imprisonment for three years.

Relating to the foreign

Specifically, the law stipulates that “whenever, in the opinion of the presiding officer, an elector does not understand the language spoken to him, he may appoint and swear, in Form 20, an interpreter; and the interpreter, so sworn, shall

GECOM is currently conducting claims and objections which will pave the way for the publishing of the Official List of Electors ahead of the July 14, 2025 Nominations Day.

GDF strengthens cybersecurity capabilities with US military exchange

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF), in collaboration with the Florida National Guard and US Air Force South, has strengthened its strategic defence partnership with the United States through a recent Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) focused on cybersecurity and cyber defence.

In a social media post, the GDF said that the exchange, hosted by the GDF’s Signal Corps, brought together officers and ranks from the GDF’s Cybersecurity and Information and Technology Departments with cyber specialists from the Florida National Guard.

The multi-day engagement featured a series of collaborative presentations, discussions, and hands-on exercises designed to enhance cyber resiliency and operational effectiveness within the digital domain.

According to the army, this cybersecurity-focused SMEE is part of a broader series of bilateral military exchanges between the GDF and the US military,

aimed at strengthening defence cooperation, improving interoperability, and supporting the professional development of cyber personnel from both nations.

The sessions addressed key areas of modern cyber defence, including defensive cyberspace operations, cyber domain awareness, workforce development, and overall cyber resilience. Both GDF and US experts delivered presentations that highlighted real-world tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), creating opportunities for mutual learning and the exchange of operational insights. This initiative aligns with the GDF’s ongoing transformation agenda, which prioritises the development of a more adaptive, technologically capable force ready to meet the complex challenges of the digital age. The army stated that by engaging in capacity-building efforts like this SMEE, the GDF continues to strengthen its national security posture and institutional knowledge in the cyber domain.

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall
Ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) along with ranks from the Florida National Guard and US Air Force South during the training

US$18M agreement

Over 4000 local farmers, women, youth to benefit from nationwide agri push

More than 4,300 farmers across all 10 regions in Guyana will benefit from an US$18 million financing agreement inked between the Guyana Government and the Caricom Development Fund (CDF) to kickstart the Agricultural and Infrastructural Development Programme (AIDP).

Forty per cent of these beneficiaries will be women and youth, who are engaged in cultivation and swine farming, as well as agro-processing. The programme will allow for a further boost to Guyana’s agriculture sector in the form of support for compliance with food safety,

nomic opportunities for producers and processors of coconuts, cocoa, coffee, peanuts, pigs and pork products, honey and associated by-products and vegetables,” he explained.

The CEO added that under the AIDP, the foundation for a safer, more competitive agricultural sector will be laid with the construction of a modern swine abattoir, 13 new or upgraded agro-processing facilities, and eight enhanced surveillance outposts to enable officers to execute their duties under conditions which are more conducive and should yield better results in combating the prevalence of the caram-

in relation to the achievement of food security for the Caribbean region more broadly, noting that this project and others like it have a very important role to play in ensuring the country realises this achievement.

Dr Singh also outlined various agricultural projects supported by the CDF over the years, including farmto-market roads, highlighting that this project, which will be implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture under the leadership of Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha, also aligns closely with Guyana’s and the Caricom Region’s food security agenda.

“This project is in a sector that is extremely important, and it aligns closely with our national development priorities and with the regional agenda on food security,” he concluded.

With President Irfaan Ali being Caricom’s lead representative for agriculture in the region, the project’s proposed activities have notably satisfied several aspects of Caricom’s goal of reducing the region’s food import bill, as well as in the areas of food and nutrition security, implementation and operationalisation of sanitary and

sanitary and phytosanitary standards in the sector.

The agreement was signed on Tuesday at the Ministry of Finance in Georgetown by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh, and CDF’s Chief Executive Officer, Rodinald Soomer.

According to the CDF Head, the US$18 million programme is a bold and strategic investment in the fulfilment of the Caribbean Community and Guyana’s shared vision for a resilient, productive and inclusive agricultural sector that not only feeds the nation but nourishes the region and reinforces Guyana’s leadership role in advancing food and nutrition security in Caricom.

“This programme is intended to enrich lives, uplift local communities and regions, and create new eco-

bola fruit fly.

Meanwhile, Minister Singh thanked the CDF for its support over the years, noting that Guyana is proud to be a founding member of the institution and to have benefited from the fund’s activities over the years.

“As a government, led by His Excellency President Irfaan Ali, we recognise the importance of a strong and competitive non-oil economy, and I want to assure you that we consider agriculture and agricultural products to be a principal pillar of our non-oil economy, and we anticipate that long into the future, agriculture will remain an important source of economic growth and an important contributor to livelihoods, in particular rural and hinterland livelihoods,” Dr Singh explained to CDF’s CEO. He added that Guyana will long maintain and further enhance its position

phytosanitary-related policies, and increased production and climate-smart agriculture.

The programme will contribute to the government’s broader diversification strategy, including through the further development of agriculture, one of the country’s main non-oil sectors. With most agriculture concentrated on the coast facing challenges such as climate change risks and reduced availability of water and suitable land, Guyana’s Ministry of Agriculture aims to increase production and value addition in selected commodities. Through projects such as this, the ministry will be in a stronger position to propose policies and investments that generate the highest return for the country, in line with Guyana’s National Strategy for Agriculture (2020–2030).

Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh and CEO of Caricom Development Fund Rodinald Soomer signing the US$18 million financing agreement
Tuesday’s agreement signing was witnessed by representatives of the Ministries of Agriculture and Finance in Georgetown

GDF reinforces military standards during muster at Base Camp Ayanganna

Troops from various units at Base Camp Ayanganna gathered on Wednesday for a routine flag-raising ceremony and base muster, reaffirming key pillars of military professionalism, discipline, turnout, and operational readiness.

The event, which included a full inspection of uniforms and gear, brought together unit commanders, senior non-commissioned officers (SNCOs), and other ranks. The inspection focused on dress standards, the serviceability of field equipment, and adherence to the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) operational regulations.

In a social media post, the GDF said that addressing the assembled ranks, Base Commander Lieutenant Colonel Gordon Nedd underscored that the foundation of a mission-ready force lies in the meticulous attention to detail, military bearing, and unwavering adherence to standards. “Being a soldier is a patriotic calling that requires discipline, resilience, and commitment,” he told the troops. “Readiness must be constant, and standards

maintained without compromise.”

Commanders and SNCOs were instructed to immediately correct any identified deficiencies and to enforce regulations stringently at the unit level. Lieutenant Colonel Nedd reiterated that accountability and discipline are critical to the success of the Force, and he called on leaders to lead by example.

“The success of the Force depends on consistent discipline and accountability,” he said. “Leaders must continue to uphold the standards expected of a professional military.”

The muster served as a reminder of the continuous vigilance and preparedness required in military service.

Routine inspections, such as this one, play a vital role in ensuring cohesion, efficiency, and operational capability.

According to the post, the exercise aligns with the overarching priority of Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, MSS, who has consistently emphasised the importance of maintaining a combat-ready force that is well-equipped and aligned with the mission and values of the GDF.

Ranks at the muster at Base Camp Ayanganna

Amanza Walton-Desir quits PNC, claims she was

“silenced and sidelined”

...forms political party

Following on the heels of her resignation from the People's National Congress/Reform (PNC/R), former Parliamentarian Amanza Walton-Desir has revealed that a culture of being side-lined and disrespected pushed her to make the decision.

Political circles were, on Wednesday, rocked by WaltonDesir’s resignation from the People’s National Congress (PNC). At a subsequent, at times tearful, press conference, Walton-Desir revealed that her decision to exit the PNC came after her repeated exclusion from campaign activities and key meetings, even those that concerned her field of foreign relations.

“I submitted a letter of resignation, with immediate effect, to the leader of the PNC/R, Mr Aubrey Norton. I have also written to the representative of the list, informing him of my resignation from the party. After being repeatedly omitted from most campaign activities and key meetings within my des-

ignated portfolio, I sought and was granted a meeting with the leader of the Opposition.”

“My intention was to clarify what role, if any, I was to play in shaping the future of the PNC/R. There was not sufficient clarity for me on the way forward in the PNC/R. While I appreciated the opportunity to engage, it became clear to me that in good conscience I could not remain where my contributions are undervalued and my voice silenced.” Walton-Desir said.

She noted that she reached this decision after much soul searching and agonising pointing out that her grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles all served the PNC/R. But branding her decision as an act of principle, Walton-Desir made it clear that she was committed to making a difference, even outside of the PNC/R fold.

With that being said, the former MP announced that she was founding a new political party called Forward Guyana, which will contest the upcoming election. According to her, a

manifesto will be launched, and all her proverbial ducks are in a row to ensure the party can meet the statutory deadlines to contest the elections.

Asked about funding and the possibility of her coalescing with United States sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohammed, who claims that he will be contesting the upcoming elections, she said, “What I am encouraged about is that over the next days, the people of Guyana will see and be motivated to give not only of their time but of their resources. And so, we have to believe that what we offer will be sufficient to attract people willing to give their time, talent and treasure.”

“As it relates to collaboration with Team Mohammed, any collaboration will be based on shared values and principles and policies. I do not know Mohammed. I met him once. So, I’m not aware of what his values are, where he sees this country going, what his policies will be. So, for me to even suggest or comment on the possibility of a

collaboration will be very irresponsible.”

While Walton-Desir shied away from providing details on who she would be collaborating with, there were a number of familiar faces present at the press conference. They included former Minister of Communities under the David Granger-led APNU government, Ronald Bulkan. Also present were V-PAC founder Dorwain Bess; Chartered Accountant Nigel Hinds, who was once a prime ministerial candidate of the Robert Badal-headed Change Guyana party; and A New and United Guyana (ANUG) Chairman Mark DeFrance.

PNC and Walton-Desir

In a statement on Wednesday, the PNC said that on June 7, Norton met with Walton-Desir to discuss her involvement in the 2025 General and Regional Elections.

According to the party, David Hales accompanied Norton to the meeting in a supportive capacity, while WaltonDesir was informed that she could bring an additional person to the meeting, but she declined to do so.

“During the meeting, Ms Walton-Desir enquired wheth-

er she could be guaranteed extraction from the list to become a member of the next Parliament. In response, Mr Norton assured her that she will be extracted to be a member of Parliament. She was also informed of the role she would play in the APNU government,” the PNC statement said.

According to the party, she then asked about her role in the campaign, and Norton informed her that she would be a member of the campaign management team. The party claimed that Walton-Desir then stated that she needed to consult her team and would revert. However, no response was received; instead, she submitted a letter of resignation.

Walton-Desir’s resignation is the latest in a series of resignations to hit the PNC. Since May, MPs Geeta ChandanEdmonds and Region Four Chairman Daniel Seeram have not only resigned from the PNC but also joined the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).

The 2025 General and Regional Elections are set for September 1. Nomination Day has already been announced for July 14, 2025, which will allow for the submission of Lists of Candidates for the upcoming

General and Regional Elections.

The following day, July 15, is reserved for notifying the CEO in writing of any death or withdrawal of a candidate. Also on this day, the CEO will inform representatives and their deputies of any defects found in submitted lists.

By July 17, corrected lists must be submitted, and further notification of any withdrawals must also be made. On July 18, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) will issue notifications regarding the approval or non-approval of the candidate lists.

Parties dissatisfied with disapprovals may lodge appeals with the High Court by July 20.

On July 21, representatives and their deputies must inform the CEO in writing of any joinder of lists. The entire process culminates on July 23 with the gazetting of the approved lists.

Former APNU MP Amanza Walton-Desir

Police outpost, GPL bombings National security risks cited as prosecution opposes bail for minibus driver

The prosecution on Wednesday strongly objected to the release of 35-year-old minibus driver Seon Carmichael, who is accused of facilitating two acts of terrorism in connection with the recent bombings at the East Ruimveldt Police Outpost and a Guyana Power and Light (GPL) substation. Prosecutors cited the grave nature of the crimes and national security implications, despite claims that Carmichael acted under threat from a feared international gang.

Carmichael of Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara, was denied bail for a second time when he appeared before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. Unlike his initial appearance, when he was represented by attorney-at-law Everton Lamy Singh, Carmichael on Wednesday retained de-

fence counsel Mikel Puran, who mounted an impassioned plea for his release.

The prosecution maintained that the alleged offences were “too serious and too severe” in the current national climate. They pointed out that the acts targeted two key elements of the country’s infrastructure, a police outpost and the power grid, both vital to public safety and order.

They further contended that Carmichael’s release would present an unacceptable risk, not only due to the severity of the charges but also because the key suspects remain at large. Police have issued wanted bulletins for two Venezuelan nationals and a Brazilian man known as Flavio Tasso, believed to be the orchestrators of the bombings. The prosecution emphasised that these foreign suspects are still evading law enforcement and that releasing Carmichael

could either jeopardise his own safety or risk further interference with the investigation.

Carmichael’s alleged connections to the other alleged suspects were central to the prosecution’s argument. They suggested that his knowledge of the operation and relationships with the suspects make him a flight risk, even in the absence of his passport, which was seized upon.

In response, attorney Mikel Puran painted a picture of a man who became entangled in a dangerous situation not of his own making. He told the court that Carmichael was contacted in May by Tasso, the Brazilian man believed to be one of the masterminds behind the attacks. According to Puran, Tasso is the former partner of Carmichael’s cousin, Indira Melville.

He said Carmichael was initially led to believe that

Body in French Guiana

Autopsy confirms gunshot wound in Guyanese woman’s head

…decomposed body to be buried in French Guiana; husband allegedly released on bail

The mystery surrounding the death of 34-year-old Coretta Blair Sandy has deepened following the results of an autopsy conducted in French Guiana on Wednesday, which confirmed that the mother of one died from a gunshot wound to the head.

Sandy’s mother, Tricia Sandy, told this publication that her daughter’s father, who is currently in French Guiana working with police and finalising funeral arrangements, called her shortly after the post-mortem to deliver the devastating news. “He said a bullet was found lodged in her head,” the grieving mother disclosed.

The young woman’s body, which was discovered on Sunday in a swampy area near Cayenne, was in an advanced state of decomposition. Due to the condition of the remains, the family has been advised that her body cannot be transported back to Guyana. Instead, she will be laid to rest in Cayenne.

Meanwhile, Coretta Blair Sandy’s husband, who had travelled with her to French Guiana and later returned to Guyana alone, has been released from police custody. According to

Tricia Sandy, they visited the Cove and John Police Station and were informed on Wednesday that the man was placed on bail and is now required to report to the station every morning.

Coretta Blair Sandy was reported missing earlier this month after she travelled to Suriname on May 29 with her husband. The woman was expected to return to Guyana within a few days. However, Coretta stopped communicating with her family, prompting her mother to raise an alarm.

According to relatives, her husband later returned to Guyana alone and allegedly gave conflicting accounts about her whereabouts. He reportedly claimed they were ambushed in Suriname and that Coretta was shot in the head, but he was unable to say exactly where the incident occurred.

A missing person’s report was filed, and the story gained public attention after her mother spoke out about the lack of urgency from authorities. “We usually talk every day. Something wasn’t right,” she had told the media.

On June 16, Tricia’s worst fears were confirmed

when authorities in French Guiana found her daughter’s decomposing body near the residence she had been staying at.

The discovery intensified pressure on law enforcement in French Guiana to determine what led to her death. According to Tricia, she was told that her daughter’s husband would be held for 72 hours until there is communication from French Guiana. She claimed that she pleaded with police to hold the man and to make contact with French Guiana authorities. The family is now calling for a thorough and transparent investigation. The mother has expressed concern over the suspect’s release.

his services were needed for benign purposes, transporting mining equipment and groceries for interior operations. On May 14, Carmicheal was allegedly hired to drive around Georgetown in search of storage space for mining parts. The following day, Carmichael reportedly helped Flavio transport equipment, including an excavator part, which was shipped via Ogle to the interior.

However, during the evening of May 15, Flavio allegedly revealed to Carmichael that the Venezuelan nationals accompanying him were part of a gang sent to carry out bombings, specifically targeting the Subway fast food outlet, the East Ruimveldt Police Outpost, and GPL’s substation. Flavio is said to have threatened Carmichael, warning him that if he reported anything to the police, “the Sindicato gang” would kill him and his family. To prove the threat was credible, Carmichael later received a chilling photo of his children at school sent from an overseas number. The lawyer claimed that two Spanish-speaking men even showed up at his home to question his son about his wife’s whereabouts.

Attorney Puran argued that from that point on, Carmichael was operating out of fear and self-preservation. He stressed that there is no evidence placing Carmichael at the scenes of the explosions on May 17, nor is there surveillance showing him driving the suspect vehicle at the time of the attacks. The vehicle used, the defence claimed, is not registered to Carmichael but rather to a man named Richard James. Carmichael’s own minibus, which he was driving at the time of his arrest, was never used in the alleged bomb plot, except to transport an excavator part unrelated to the explosions.

The defence also noted that Carmichael has no prior convictions and did not attempt to flee. He was arrested on May 23 while in his minibus with his three children and complied fully with police instructions. His passport had already been seized, and he remained at his fixed address.

Magistrate Azore ruled against bail, citing the broader implications for national security. “These allegations are serious,” the magistrate said. “They involve attacks on critical infrastructure. For those reasons, bail will be refused.”

Death in lock-ups

The court acknowledged the argument about threats to Carmichael’s safety but noted that, ironically, his current detention might offer greater protection, as his cooperation with authorities could make him a target.

Carmichael entered not guilty pleas to the two terrorism charges. The case has been adjourned to June 25, 2025, for partial disclosure. Prosecutors indicated they are ready to proceed with the matter in an expedited manner.

Meanwhile, the hunt continues for the three wanted suspects. Law enforcement is urging members of the public with any information to come forward as they investigate what has been described as one of the most brazen acts of domestic terrorism in recent years.

Police file on Delon Lawrence’s death sent to DPP for advice

The police file of the death of Delon Lawrence, who died in custody in April under suspicious circumstances, has been officially sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice. This follows the conclusion of an investigation by the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR).

Lawrence, a 38-year-old labourer of De Kinderen, West Coast Demerara, was arrested on the night of March 15 after allegedly stabbing a woman aboard a Route 31 minibus. He died hours later while in police custody.

Police on Wednesday confirmed that one suspect has since been arrested and questioned in connection with his death. According to the post-mortem, conducted on April 14 by government pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh, Lawrence died from a subdural haemorrhage due to blunt trauma to the head, compounded by multiple fractured ribs, injuries consistent with a beating.

The events that led to Lawrence’s death began on March 15, when he allegedly launched an unpro-

voked knife attack aboard a minibus heading to Wales.

The victim, Fiona Jones, a 21-year-old security officer attached to the United States Embassy, told police she was sitting at the back of the bus when Lawrence pulled a knife from his waistband and began stabbing her and other passengers.

The driver stopped the vehicle, and the other passengers fled, leaving Jones trapped with the armed man. She eventually escaped, and members of the public intervened, beating Lawrence before handing him over to the police.

When officers arrived on the La Grange Public Road, they reportedly found Lawrence being chased and assaulted by civilians. Police said he resisted arrest and allegedly lifted one constable off the ground in a chokehold before being subdued with assistance from other ranks and bystanders. He was then transported to the La Grange Police Station. Due to continued disorderly behaviour, Lawrence was transferred to the Parfaite Harmonie Police Station, where he was placed in the walkway of the lock-ups and monitored. According to police, he appeared responsive during routine checks.

However, around 01:57h on March 16, officers claimed they found Lawrence unresponsive. Emergency medical technicians were summoned, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The circumstances surrounding his death quickly sparked public outrage, especially after video screenshots surfaced online showing Lawrence lying motionless. The incident prompted an immediate investigation by the OPR.

Further remanded: Seon Carmichael
Dead: Coretta Blair Sandy
Dead: Delon Lawrence

AG slams Opposition’s last-minute push for prisoners to vote

Mere months before the 2025 General and Regional Elections, opposition-nominated commissioners on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) have been pressing for prisoners to be allowed to vote.

However, their calls have been deemed “obstructionist” by Attorney General Anil Nandlall, who on Tuesday evening reminded that while in government from 2015 to 2020 and previously from 1964 to 1992, this same group of politicians never pioneered a policy to allow prisoners to vote.

“They governed the country for 28 years and then another five [2015-2020]; they never championed the cause of prisoners voting for all those years. The laws have never changed. “How come, three months before elec-

tions, this is an issue of sudden contention?” he questioned during his weekly programme “Issues in the News”.

“They didn’t know they wanted prisoners to vote when they were in government?” he added.

Noting that the commissioners pushing this agenda “have been in politics since before I was born”, Nandlall said the matter could have been dealt with at any other time.

Historically, prisoners in Guyana do not vote. While the AG said he is unclear of the exact reason this system was passed down from the British, it may be related to the loss of freedom for those incarcerated.

“I suspect that philosophically, it may have been felt that that part of their freedom, the right to vote…

would have been curtailed by your imprisonment.” He explained.

“The Constitution that confers the fundamental rights and freedoms on the citizens also subjects those rights to restrictions. These restrictions include persons who lost their liberty and are in custody due to sentences and orders of courts of competent jurisdiction. Therefore, the same way that prisoners lose their right to liberty, it includes their right to vote. Prisoners generally lose a number of freedoms by virtue of the imprisonment. These will obviously include the right to vote. This is provided for by the Constitution, the very instrument that gives them the freedom,” Nandlall added.

To change this, he said a policy has to be formulated and the law adjusted. This too must be accompanied by administrative and logistic arrangements for inmate voting to be made possible.

“You can’t spring that on a population and spring that on the elections commission three months before elections. You clearly want to frustrate the holding of elections; you want to obstruct elections from taking place, and that will not happen,” he affirmed.

800g of ganja found stuffed in old fridge during Mahdia Police patrol

Aroutine police foot patrol in Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), on Wednesday led to the discovery of 800 grams of marijuana concealed in an abandoned yard.

The find was made between 11:10hrs and 13:15hrs, while two police ranks were conducting searches in the Central Mahdia area and around the Mahdia Arcade. It was reported that during the operation, the ranks stopped and searched several individuals for ille-

gal firearms, ammunition, narcotics, and wanted persons. However, no illegal items were found on any of the persons searched.

The operation then extended into the surrounding area of the Mahdia Arcade, where the officers came upon three bulky plastic bags. Two of the bags contained a total of six transparent parcels and several small Ziplock bags, each filled with what appeared to be leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis.

The third bag also contained a quantity of the sus-

pected drug. Additionally, police discovered another bag containing more suspected cannabis along with a package labelled “Gummy Cannabis Flower”.

All of the items were found stashed inside an old refrigerator and a black garbage bag in the abandoned yard. The suspected narcotics were photographed at the scene and transported to the Mahdia Police Station, where they were weighed and confirmed to total 800 grams.

Investigations are ongoing.

Hairdresser charged for attacking 4-year-old, dad

A28-year-old hairdresser from Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara, was on Tuesday charged with two counts of inflicting grievous bodily harm in connection with an incident involving a man and his four-year-old daughter.

Tawana Hamlet was arrested on Sunday and later charged by ranks from the Cove and John Police Station. The charges stem from an alleged assault on 26-year-old Tyrese Brandon Boucher and his

four-year-old daughter, which reportedly occurred on Sunday in Ann’s Grove.

The charges were laid under Section 50 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01.

Hamlet appeared before Magistrate Orinthia Schmidt at the Cove and John Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. She pleaded not guilty to both charges and was granted bail in the sum of $80,000 on each count.

The matter was adjourned to July 13.

Man nabbed with over 1.4 kg ganja in Lethem-bound minibus

The drugs that were found in the Lethem-bound minibus

A24-year-old man is in police custody after ranks at the Lethem Police Station discovered over 1.4 kilograms of marijuana in his possession during a routine search on Wednesday.

According to police, the discovery was made around 14:00 during a stop-andsearch operation along

the Annai-Lethem Trail, prompted by intelligence received earlier that day.

Officers intercepted a minibus, BAD 6117, which was en route to Lethem.

The vehicle was transporting six passengers, one Guyanese woman and five men, four of whom were Brazilian nationals, while the other was Guyanese.

Taxi driver charged with receiving stolen items

Marlon Jones, a 38-year-old taxi driver of Lot 106 Third Avenue, Bartica, was arrested by police on June 15 and charged with the offence of 'receiving stolen articles' that belonged to Chinese national Jianmei Qiu.

The charge was filed under Section 237(1) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01. The accused appeared at the Bartica Magistrate's Court on Wednesday before Magistrate Teriq Mohammed, where the charge of receiving stolen articles was read to him.

38-year-old Marlon Jones

The accused pleaded not guilty and was placed on $80,000 bail. The case continues on July 21.

After receiving information suggesting that illegal items may be onboard, officers informed the driver and passengers of their intent to conduct a search. The passengers consented but requested that the procedure be carried out at the Lethem Police Station, citing fatigue and extreme heat conditions on the trail.

The minibus was subsequently escorted to the station by two detectives. Upon arrival, passengers retrieved their belongings, and a detailed search was conducted.

During the search, officers discovered three plastic-wrapped parcels hidden inside a blue and grey haversack belonging to one of the passengers, identified as Sedney Aubrey Johnson, also known as "Cooliebai", a construction worker from Hope Estate, East Coast Demerara.

The parcels contained leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis. Johnson was cautioned, arrested, and taken into custody. The suspected narcotics were weighed and amounted to 1,478 grams (approximately 1.5 kilograms).

Police said investigations into the matter are ongoing.

The ganja that was found in Mahdia
Charged: 28-year-old Tawana Hamlet
Attorney General Anil Nandlall

Guyana’s coconut industry soars with over 32,000 acres cultivated …record

growth in seedling production

Guyana’s coconut industry has seen a massive expansion over the year and continues to flourish with more than 32,000 acres cultivated at the end of December 2024.

This was revealed by the Ministry of Agriculture in a statement on Wednesday, in which it sought to highlight the various initiatives implemented by Government to improve agricultural productivity across various fields.

Focusing on coconut, the ministry explained that as a result of its National Coconut Decentralisation Programme (NCDP), production of coconuts has grown significantly over the past four years.

According to the Agriculture Ministry, the total acres cultivated as of December 2024 is approximately 32,556 acres. An additional 2,000 acres is expected to be cultivated this year.

In 2024, Hope Coconut Industries Limited, or Hope Estate, also performed exceptionally well, having produced approximately 51,320 coconut seedlings by the end of December last year.

Presently, Guyana has 10 coconut nurseries that produce coconut seedlings for distribution and sale. These are located in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica, Five (Mahaica-Berbice), and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

Since 2020, some 7,113 new acreages for coconuts were created.

Today, coconut is said to be ranked as the third-highest income earner in Guyana’s agriculture sector.

Back in December 2020, Government had launched the decentralized programme with the commissioning of a $1.1 million coconut nursery at Kairuni on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway to address accessibility of future coconut plants to meet farmers’ needs amidst growing demand

Earlier this month Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha said that, “Farmers on the East Bank and Region 10 will no longer have to travel to the East Coast to purchase coco-

nut plants.”

In the first year of the current PPP/C administration, Guyana exported $2.5 billion worth of coconuts and related products.

To further increase productivity, 13,000 Brazilian dwarf coconut seed nuts were imported by the Ministry’s Hope Coconut Industries Limited (HCIL) in 2023, at a cost of $12 million – an investment that promises faster maturity and higher yield per annum with lesser chances of diseases.

Some 3,000 more Brazilian coconut seedlings were subsequently given to approximately 120 farmers in Pomeroon, enabling them to yield approximately 240 coconuts per tree.

The minister said, “We will continue those efforts and engage between 275 to 300 farmers who’ll benefit from seedlings so that we can further develop the industry and increase our export.”

Only last week, a team from Cohibra, a leading Brazilian research and technology-based coconut seed nut farm, visited Guyana to inspect the progress of the

seed nuts they had supplied to Guyana and engage local farmers.

Coconut production in 2023 reached 40,000, supplemented by the importation of an additional 13,000.

But with over $1.2 billion invested in the coconut sub-sector over the past four years and continued efforts through decentralisation, the industry is poised for further expansion.

In fact, Guyana’s thriving coconut industry was recently used to entice regional food giant, GraceKennedy out of Jamaica to expand

manufacturing operation in Guyana.

The food manufacturing and distribution company was part of a recent Business Mission from Jamaica that was in Guyana to explore potential investment opportunities here.

During an interactive session last Friday, Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, cited the coconut industry as one area that Grace can capitalise on.

“We could introduce you to some of the coconut people, because the truth is

GraceKennedy coconut water should have in the fine print ‘Product of Guyana.’ GraceKennedy coconut cream, coconut milk, coconut powder. Your coconut should not come from Thailand, your coconut should come from Guyana.”

“And so, we'd be very happy to introduce you to the coconut people to say, how can we get Guyanese coconut [into your products, and] how can we get a GraceKennedy factory and we would be happy to partner with you on that,” the minister noted.

Rose Hall expands 2025 works with $50M boost in Govt subvention …Mayor says long-overdue street, culvert, walkway upgrades now full speed

With the government’s municipal subvention increased from $18 million to $50 million, municipalities throughout the country have reviewed their 2025, work programme.

At Rose Hall Town, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), the extended work programme will focus on critical upgrades to the drainage network.

Mayor Dave Budhu stated that residents of the municipality will see tangible benefits from the increased funding, with twelve projects planned focusing primarily on minor street repairs and drainage improvements.

“Because we have a number of problems with drainage, minor drains within the township. So, that is the reason why we look at these minor drains,” the mayor said.

One of the projects involves the construction and reinforcing of a fence at the municipal office. Additionally, a 40 kV generator will be purchased for the municipal building.

“Because we know of the constant blackout. We want the residents to feel pleased when they come to the municipality that we don't have to send them back, but whatever transaction they come to do at the municipality will be done in a timely manner. So, that is why the generator is in this budget, and then we have maintenance of culverts and bridges, and streets.”

He explained that these are minor works aimed at addressing minor defects in some culverts and bridges. Additionally, repairs will be carried out on an RC drain along Third Street on the western side of Williamsburg.

“This bypasses the Kevin Church area there. The res-

idents have long complaining about it, where they will normally see overgrowth of bushes in the drain. It's like more an alley. So, that is one of the drains we take into consideration. It benefits the majority of people within that area. Then, we have the construction of a concrete walkway, Williamsburg at Tulsi Street… The entire community will be benefiting from that walkway, too.”

In the capital of the town, drains with concrete covers will be constructed along several streets. These include Scott School Street, Crawford Street, New Market Street, Fingal Street, Persaud Street, and Bhajan Street.

“Now, since we have an increase, and this is where the increase becomes effective for us, we can do more. We try to get everything done in a proper manner. So, this is an extension of Bhajan Street, whereby we will extend the existing drain. We will do concrete covers and also a walkway. This is just an extension, 35 meters. Then, we have the construction of RC drain with cover again, Sharple Street.”

The cross streets in the town’s capital are currently too narrow for vehicular access. However, by installing covered drains down the center of these streets, additional road space can be created. The mayor noted that after one such project successfully widened a street, residents began requesting similar upgrades for their own areas. As a result, several streets have since been redesigned, making them accessible to vehicles.

“We trained with most of

these drains to build them in the center of the streets or these alleys that some people may call it. Because some residents normally kind to the other neighbor whereby they pull the fence in, maybe a foot or two, and vehicles can get access to these alleys. We try our best always to build these streets now with the drain in the center of the street.”

Meanwhile, from the increased subvention, the municipality will also be upgrading the approaches to St. Paul, Sir David, Martin, and George Streets.

“It has been a long time since residents have been complaining about the approaches to these streets. They are so steep that if you slip, you fall. We could not have been able to done it. Now, we take it into consideration. It is already approved, and the work will start anytime soon,” Mayor Budhu explained.

One of the newest coconut farms on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway
Rose Hall Town Mayor Dave Budhu and Town Clark Natasha Griffith Street approaches
Drains being constructed to give more access

Bolsonaro was main beneficiary in illegal surveillance scheme, Brazil Police allege

Former Brazilian President Jair

Bolsonaro allegedly helped orchestrate an illegal surveillance scheme by intelligence agency ABIN to target his political enemies during his term, a federal Police report showed on Wednesday.

The report, which was released by the Supreme Court, said the group used ABIN to spy on and attack political foes and state institutions and to disseminate fake news.

The findings, based on testimony, documents from search operations and other evidence, identified Bolsonaro as the “main beneficiary” from the surveillance.

Bolsonaro’s lawyer, Celso Vilardi, said he had not yet reviewed the Police report and could not comment.

Despite implicating Bolsonaro, Police did not formally accuse him in the report, which did accuse more than 30 other individuals.

Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes said he made the findings public

Thousands

after leaks led to conflicting media reports on the matter on Tuesday.

Police noted potential links between the ABIN probe and an investigation into an alleged coup attempt, in which Bolsonaro is already a defendant.

The decision on whether to charge Bolsonaro in the surveillance case has been left to Brazil’s Prosecutor General’s Office.

Among those formally accused was Carlos Bolsonaro, the former President’s son and a Rio de Janeiro city Councillor, who police alleged was part of the criminal organisation.

The younger Bolsonaro has denied wrongdoing, stating on Tuesday that the investigation aimed to harm him ahead of next year’s elections. (Excerpt from Reuters)

march in Buenos Aires as exPresident Kirchner starts house arrest

Tens of thousands of Argentines marched in the streets of Buenos Aires on Wednesday, banging drums and chanting in a show of support for ex-President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner as she started a six-year sentence under house arrest for corruption.

Kirchner, a two-term President from 2007-2015, is the country’s most prominent politician in recent decades, though her leftist brand of populism sharply divides opinion. She is the nemesis of current libertarian President Javier Milei. Supporters from her

Peronist movement took to the streets with flares, giant posters with her image, and banners saying “Always With Cristina”, a reflection of how she retains popular backing with her core supporter base. Kirchner, 72, claims the allegations against her are politically driven.

“It was what they needed to get rid of her, so she wouldn’t be in the (election) running. They knew she could beat them,” said Laura Abal, 66, a pedicurist who took part in the march, referring to Kirchner’s foiled plans to run as a local lawmaker.

Kirchner has some 20 per cent voter support, polls show, though is opposed by many who recall her interventionist policies. She still holds huge sway over the Opposition Peronists, Argentina’s dominant political bloc in the last half century.

Argentina’s Supreme Court last week upheld a 2022 conviction against Kirchner related to a fraud scheme involving public projects in the southern Patagonia region. That also included a lifetime ban from holding public political office.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Hurricane Erick approaches Pacific coast, threatens Mexico with flooding

Hurricane Erick is forecast to bring heavy rain, strong winds, storm surge and possible mudslides to southern coastal Mexico, the United States National Hurricane Center (NHC) has said, causing potential “life-threatening flooding and mudslides”.

Initially, a tropical storm, Erick grew into a Category Two hurricane on Wednesday, packing maximum sustained winds of 155 kilometres per hour (100 mph), the meteorological centre said. It was located 165km (105 miles) from the town of Puerto Angel in

the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca.

“Rapid strengthening is expected today, and Erick may reach major hurricane strength when it approaches the coast of southern Mexico Thursday [today],” the NHC said.

A major hurricane is defined as Category Three or higher with wind speeds of at least 180km/h (111 mph).

Forecasts predicted rainfall across the Mexican states of Oaxaca and Guerrero, as well as less heavy rains for the states of Chiapas, Michoacan, Colima and Jalisco.

A hurricane warning was in effect from Acapulco to Puerto Angel. A hurricane warning means hurricane conditions are expected in the area, and preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion, according to the hurricane centre advisory.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum urged the population to be alert. She warned residents in the hurricane’s path to listen for Government instructions and to wait it out in their homes or government shelters.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

IFC and Caricom to spur green investments across the Region

The Caribbean Community (Caricom) Committee of Central Bank Governors Wednesday said it had entered into an agreement with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) that will allow Caribbean people to benefit from new climate-friendly projects.

It said that the agreement would allow for the development of a region-

al green finance taxonomy that will pave the way for greater investment in climate-friendly projects and help drive more inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Under the agreement, Caricom Committee of Central Bank Governors and the IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, will work together to develop guidelines and parameters

Petro’s labour reform

to clearly define green assets. The central bank governors said that the new taxonomy will deepen climate finance options in the English-speaking Caribbean, encouraging more lending and investment to support each country’s climate mitigation and adaptation goals, and boost green jobs creation. (Excerpt from Nation News)

referendum suspended by Colombia’s Council of State

Colombia’s Council of State has suspended a decree by President Gustavo Petro that sought to call a referendum on a labour reform, citing a lack of Senate authorisation.

The move on Wednesday comes after Petro last week bypassed legislative Opposition and signed a decree summoning voters to the polls in August to decide on the labour reform.

The package includes provisions for an eighthour daytime workday, higher weekend and holiday pay, and mandatory social security contributions from delivery app drivers –key social policies the leftwing leader has pushed for.

A majority of the social and economic reforms promised by Petro – who was elected in 2022 on pledges to right centuries

of inequality in the Andean country – have been rejected by lawmakers.

The decree sparked criticism from the Opposition, which argued that Petro’s decree violates the Political Constitution of Colombia and destroys the separation of powers of the country’s three branches of government.

Under Colombian law, the Senate must rule on the advisability of referendums. If the referendum were to be held, each measure would need to be approved by the majority of at least 13.5 million voters, a third of Colombia’s electoral roll, to be valid.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Haiti’s capital in the dark after residents storm hydroelectric plant

Haiti’s capital of Port-au-Prince was in the dark on Wednesday after residents of a nearby town stormed a dam and brought it offline in protest at Government inaction over gang violence. Gangs have tightened their grip on Haiti, with a record 1.3 million persons displaced in the past six months, according to United Nations estimates. (Reuters)

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro attends his trial over an alleged coup attempt, in Brasilia, Brazil, June 9, 2025 (Reuters/ Diego Herculano photo)
Supporters of former Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner cheer outside her house, after an Argentine Judge approved her request to serve out her six-year prison sentence for corruption at home, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, June 18, 2025 (Reuters/Martin Cossarini photo)
Boats are taken out from the sea as preparations are made for the arrival of Hurricane Erick at Manzanillo Beach in Acapulco, Guerrero State [Francisco Robles/AFP]

Around the World

Oil settles higher as IranIsrael conflict enters 6th day

Oil prices settled higher on Wednesday in a volatile session as investors weighed the chance of supply disruptions from the Iran-Israel conflict and potential direct US involvement.

Brent crude futures settled 25 cents higher at US$76.70 a barrel. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose 30 cents to US$75.14. Earlier in the session, prices were down around two per cent. On Tuesday, prices jumped over four per cent.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected US President Donald Trump’s demand for unconditional surrender, and Trump said his patience had run out, but did not indicate what his next step would be.

Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Trump declined to say whether he had made any decision on joining Israel’s bombing campaign against arch-enemy Iran.

“I may do it. I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I’m going to do,” he said.

Trump said Iranian officials had reached out about negotiations, including a possible meeting at the White House, but “it’s very late to be talking”, he said.

A source familiar with internal discussions said one option Trump and his team were considering included joining Israel in strikes against Iranian nuclear sites.

“The crude markets remain in a wait-and-see mode with the Israeli-Iran conflict still offering an array of question marks that could either spike Brent to as high as US$83/bbl or prompt a plunge back to about the US$68 area,” analysts at energy advisory firm Ritterbusch and Associates said in a note.

Higher risk

Direct US involvement would widen the conflict, putting energy infrastructure in the region at higher risk of attack, analysts say.

“The biggest fear for the oil market is the shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz,” ING analysts said in a note.

“Almost a third of global seaborne oil trade moves through this chokepoint. A significant disruption to these flows would be enough to push prices to US$120 (a barrel).”

Iran is OPEC’s third-largest producer, extracting about 3.3 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil.

Iran’s Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva said Tehran has conveyed to Washington that it will respond firmly to the US if it becomes directly involved in Israel’s military campaign.

The US Federal Reserve held interest rates steady on Wednesday and policymakers signalled borrowing costs were still likely to fall this year, but slowed the overall pace of expected future rate cuts in the face of estimated higher inflation flowing from the Trump Administration’s tariff plans.

While policymakers still anticipate cutting rates by half a percentage point this year, as they projected in March and December, they slightly slowed the pace from there to a single quarter-percentage-point cut each in 2026 and 2027 in a protracted fight to return inflation to the central bank’s two per cent target.

Lower interest rates generally boost economic growth and demand for oil.

In US supply, crude stocks fell by 11.5 million barrels to 420.9 million barrels last week, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) said on Wednesday. Analysts had expected a 1.8 millionbarrel draw.

(Reuters)

Iran and Israel launch more attacks as Trump weighs US involvement

Iran and Israel continue to attack each other on Wednesday night, as President Donald Trump weighs US involvement.

Iran has fired missiles on Israel in a new wave of strikes, Iranian state media is reporting, claiming that the missiles have successfully penetrated Israeli defences. The Israeli military has not acknowledged any such strike, but also says it has launched its own missiles at an Iranian missile site.

Earlier, Trump said “I may do it, I may not do it”, when asked whether the US

would join Israeli strikes on Iran.

The US President approved plans to attack Iran, but has not made a final decision on whether to strike the country, the BBC’s US partner CBS reports.

The Iranians responded by saying they would not “grovel at the gates of the White House”.

“No Iranian official has asked to grovel at the gates of the White House,” the mission says on X.

“The only thing more despicable than his lies is his cowardly threat to ‘take out’

Iran’s Supreme Leader,” the post adds.

This refers to Trump’s recent claim that the US knows where Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is but does not want him harmed “for now”. The US has not, so far, asked to use United Kingdom bases in Cyprus or Diego Garcia for any possible attack, writes our correspondent Jonathan Beale.

Iran’s supreme leader warned Trump of “irreparable harm” if the US joins Israeli attacks.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Rwanda, DRC initial peace agreement ahead of signing next week

Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo technical teams initialled a draft peace agreement that is expected to be signed next week, the two countries and the United States said on Wednesday, aiming for an end to fighting in eastern Congo.

The provisional agreement, announced in a joint statement, could mark a breakthrough in talks held by President Donald Trump’s Administration to end the fighting in eastern Congo and bring billions of dollars of Western investment to the region, which is rich in minerals including tantalum, gold, cobalt, copper and lithium.

The provisional agree-

ment, reached after three days of talks, addresses territorial integrity and a prohibition of hostilities and the disengagement, disarmament, and conditional integration of non-State armed groups, according to the statement.

The agreement also includes provisions on the establishment of a joint security mechanism that incorporates a proposal discussed by the parties last year under Angolan media-

tion.

The ministerial signing of the agreement is scheduled for June 27.

Rwandan and Congolese experts reached an agreement twice last year under Angola mediation on the withdrawal of Rwandan troops and joint operations against the Rwandan Hutu rebel group FDLR, but Ministers from both countries failed to endorse the deal.

Angola stepped down in March from its position as a mediator between the parties involved in an escalating Rwanda-backed rebel offensive in eastern Congo after several attempts to resolve the conflict.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Kyiv mourns as death toll from Russian strike climbs to 28

Flags across Kyiv were lowered to halfmast on Wednesday, as Ukrainians mourned more than two dozen person skilled a day earlier in Russia’s deadliest strike on the capital this year.

Russia sent 440 drones and fired 32 missiles during the overnight attack, said President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, partly flattening a residential building, in the latest blow to a war-weary population as diplomatic efforts to end the grinding conflict bear little fruit.

Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Wednesday the death toll had reached 28, but that a search operation was continuing. Two persons were also killed in a separate strike on the southern port city of Odesa.

Residents visited the site of the partly destroyed apartment building, where rescue workers dug through chunks of debris amid the din of heavy machinery. A Reuters cor-

respondent saw two bodies being removed from the rubble.

“That kind of nation has no right to exist and bring such suffering to people,” said Alla Martyniuk, 46, referring to Russians.

Ukrainian officials said

about 27 locations in Kyiv, including educational institutions and critical infrastructure, had been hit during the multi-wave attack. Scores more people were wounded.

Russia’s Defence Ministry said it had used air, land and sea-based missiles and drones to strike “objects of the military-industrial complex of Ukraine” in the Kyiv region and southern Zaporizhzhia province.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Israeli attacks kill 140 in Gaza in 24 hours, medics say, as focus shifts to Iran

Israeli gunfire and strikes killed at least 140 persons across Gaza in the past 24 hours, local health officials said, as some Palestinians in the Strip said their plight was being forgotten as attention has shifted to the air war between Israel and Iran.

At least 40 of those killed over the past day died as a result of Israeli gunfire and airstrikes on Wednesday, Gaza’s Health Ministry said. The deaths included the latest in near daily killings of Palestinians seeking aid in the three weeks since Israel partially lifted a total

blockade on the territory.

Medics said separate airstrikes on homes in the Maghazi refugee camp, the Zeitoun neighbourhood and Gaza City killed at least 21 persons, while five others were killed in an airstrike on an encampment in Khan Younis in southern Gaza.

Fourteen more were killed in Israeli fire at crowds of Palestinians awaiting aid trucks brought in by the United Nations along the Salahuddin road in central Gaza, medics said.

Asked about the Salahuddin road incident,

the Israel Defence Forces said that despite repeated warnings that the area was an active combat zone, individuals approached troops operating in the Nuseirat area in the central Gaza Strip in a manner that posed a threat to forces. Troops fired warning shots, it said, adding that it was unaware of injuries. Regarding other strikes, the IDF said it was “operating to dismantle Hamas military capabilities” while taking “feasible precautions to mitigate civilian harm”.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Wednesday [Nathan Howard/ Reuters]
Motorists and motorcyclists move along a street in Kigali, Rwanda, April 26, 2024 (Reuters/Jean Bizimana photo)

Set boundaries and budgets, and adopt a minimalist attitude. Keeping your life and needs in perspective will save you time and money. Choose peace of mind instead of adding more stress to your daily routine.

Get the facts; if you jump to conclusions, you'll make a mistake. Work toward your goal behind closed doors to avoid outside interference. Someone will take advantage of you if you let them.

A little charm will go a long way when dealing with authority figures and bureaucracy. Stating facts and offering backup will put others at ease and turn you into the go-to person in your circle.

Focus on something worthwhile. Positive change will result from investing in yourself. Develop what you enjoy doing most and turn it into a profitable endeavor.

Pay attention and refuse to let anyone sidetrack or take advantage of you. Partnerships require equality to run effectively. Communication and honesty are your ticket to a better future.

Go the extra mile and make a lasting impression. Physical activity will give you an outlet for pent-up energy and help you eliminate whatever stops you from reaching your goal.

Rethink your relationships and consider who reciprocates and who doesn't. Don't wait for opportunities to come to you; make things happen and take credit where credit is due.

Be observant, not chatty. Give what's happening around you a chance to settle down before you figure out your best route forward. Connect the dots, study the outcomes and redesign how you want to move forward.

Take a closer look at your surroundings. Map out a plan to redistribute what you no longer need. Stop carrying emotional and physical baggage. It's time for a reinvention.

Stick close to home, address matters of concern and deal with relationships that need an adjustment. A change will be uplifting even if it initially requires some discomfort.

Money management is essential. Go over your investments and reduce your overhead. Pursue outlets that enhance your health and emotional well-being.

A stringent approach to saving money will help your state of mind and encourage you to avoid pitfalls. Be open with those trying to tempt you into doing things that aren't within your budget.

finished on 163

Mushfiqur

Rahim, Najmul

Hossain Shanto and Litton Das scored 401 runs among them, but the complexion of the game changed after a two-hour rain interruption as Sri Lanka came roaring back late in the day, leaving Bangladesh on 484 for 9 at stumps of day two in Galle.

It meant the 20.4 overs bowled in the final session saw five wickets fall for 61 runs and resulted in a dramatic Bangladesh collapse following two mammoth back-to-back stands – 264 and 149 – between Shanto and Mushfiqur and then Mushfiqur and Litton.

Milan Rathnayake, who had toiled with little reward, was the chief beneficiary of the rain break. His 22.4 overs went for just 38 runs, but once some moisture had returned to the surface, he became instrumental, running through the lower order and tail. Jaker Ali was his first victim when

a 123 kph inswinger snuck through his defences. He then got one to seam away from Nayeem Hasan, who edged behind, before angling one into Taijul Islam and castling him.

Asitha Fernando, meanwhile, was responsible for breaking both monster partnerships. Shanto had chipped a drive to midoff in the morning session, and then late in the day, Asitha angled one back into Mushfiqur to trap him leg before – a decision that was held up upon referral on the umpire’s call.

Debutant Tharindu Rathnayake, meanwhile, frustrated Litton Das with defensive leg-stump lines, which eventually resulted in an ill-judged reverse sweep that popped up for Kusal Mendis to come around and grab.

In terms of a mood-shifting session, Sri Lanka couldn’t have asked for more, particularly as for most of the day it looked like

TSri Lanka claw back after Mushfiqur’s 163 and Litton’s 90

Bangladesh would continue to pile on the runs in the aim of batting just once this Test.

Up until the rain break –and a little after that – rather than Bangladesh getting bowled out, the more immediate prospect seemed to be of them reaching 550 or possibly 600.

Sri Lanka had had their chances, but none truly clear-cut. Either side of the morning drinks break, there were run-out opportunities that went begging. The first was a result of the throw being sent to the wrong end, and the second was a missed direct hit.

The very next over, Mushfiqur took on Prabath Jayasuriya and laced one inches over his head. By the time Prabath put his hands up, the ball had already passed – a halfchance at best. Then at the start of the next over, Litton

shanked one low and hard to midwicket, where Pathum Nissanka couldn’t hold on.

Milan, who had exited the field earlier in the day with a seeming muscle strain, was back in action after lunch, and his persistence seemed to have paid off when he eventually drew a false stroke from Mushfiqur, jagging one back from a good length between bat and pad. The ball struck the back pad in front of middle stump, and Milan set off on a celebrappeal. Except the umpire was unmoved.

The instant review from Sri Lanka showed that the ball had deviated just enough to be hitting the wickets but not enough to overturn the umpire’s call. The look of frustration, disbelief and defeat on the Sri Lankan faces told a story.

The rain came shortly after, and Sri Lanka were forced to sit with that feel-

ing. It was particularly galling in that, at the start of the day, Asitha had similarly trapped Shanto, and that time the finger had gone up only for the DRS to reveal there was some bat involved.

But with a change in weather, so did Sri Lanka’s fortunes shift. Litton took it upon himself to up the tempo, targeting Prabath in particular – the highlight being a pair of delectable late cuts. Mushfiqur, however, was being kept quiet at the other end, and that, allied with some tiredness, was probably what led to his dismissal.

Perhaps, in hindsight, Bangladesh may also wonder if they should have pressed the scoring rate a little higher when so little was on offer for the bowlers for most of the day. But as it was, Sri Lanka stuck

to steady lines and lengths, and Bangladesh were happy to proceed at a scoring rate of around three an over. To put it into context, Australia had earlier this year romped at roughly four an over in Galle to really put the pressure on the bowlers.

There were periods, to be fair, when Bangladesh would seek to up the scoring, with Litton in particular happy to take on the bowling – the last ten overs prior to lunch, for example, went at five an over – but such periods were few and far between, and it meant the scoreboard ticked along steadily, but not at a rate Sri Lanka would have been unduly concerned by.

In the end it meant the batting line-up, apart from Litton, Mushfiqur and Shanto, has been limited to 68 runs. (ESPNcricinfo)

Women’s T20 World Cup: India and Australia in Group 1, England and NZ in Group 2

he 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled from June 12 to July 5, will have Australia, South Africa, India, Pakistan and two qualifiers in Group 1, while Group 2 includes hosts England, defending champions New Zealand, West Indies, Sri Lanka and two more qualifiers. The semi-finals will be played at The Oval, while the final is scheduled at Lord’s.

The 33-match tournament will take place across seven venues in England over 24 days. The tournament will have 12 teams, up from 10 in the previous edition in 2024. Apart from The Oval and Lord’s, matches will also be held at Old Trafford, Headingley, Southampton, Bristol and Edgbaston and will have three different start times: 10.30am, 2.30pm and

6.30pm local.

The opening match will be played between England and Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on June 12. In a rematch of last edition’s semi-final, New Zealand begin their title defence against West Indies in Southampton on June 13, while Australia start their campaign against 2024 finalists South Africa on the same day in Manchester. India face Pakistan at Edgbaston on June 14.

Other key Group 1 fixtures for India are against South Africa (June 21) in Manchester and Australia (June 28) at Lord’s. Pakistan take on South Africa (June 17) at Edgbaston and Australia (June 23) at Headingley. The Australia vs India fixture will be the final group-stage match of the competition.

In Group 2, England will play matches across five venues, the most of any team. They take on the West

Indies (June 24) at Lord’s and New Zealand (June 27) at The Oval. Sri Lanka faces New Zealand (June 16)

in Southampton and West Indies (June 21) in Bristol. The top two teams from each group will make the

semi-finals to be held on June 30 and July 2. The winners will meet for the title clash at Lord’s on July 5. Hosts England and the top five teams from the 2024 edition (Australia, India, New Zealand, South Africa and the West Indies) qualified automatically for the edition. Pakistan and Sri Lanka, who were the two next highest-ranked teams on the ICC Women’s T20I rankings table on October 21 that year, made the cut too. The remaining four teams will come from the global qualifiers scheduled for early 2026. Bangladesh, Scotland, the USA, Nepal and Thailand have already qualified for that ten-team competition. The Europe, Africa and East Asia-Pacific qualifiers are yet to be completed. (ESPNcricinfo)

Reigning champions New Zealand
Mushfiqur Rahim
Milan Rathnayake celebrates a wicket

MCYS/ANSA McAL June Madness Futsal…

Bomb Squad upset Bent Street A

…Round of 16 continues tonight

Whilst Road Warriors, as expected, breezed past Spaniards in the main supporting clash of the night when the round of 16 in the inaugural June Madness Futsal championship got underway, it was Bomb Squad and Bent Street B who stole the spotlight with resounding wins.

In the main shindig, futsal fans would have easily given the experienced Bent Street A the nod to get past Bomb Squad, but the underdogs rose to the occasion to knock out their opponents. Bent Street drew first blood when Pernel Schultz sent them into the lead with just 32 seconds on the clock.

The energetic Bomb Squad, despite trailing, matched their opponents play for play but were not able to break down their rock-solid defence. Bent Street were able to double the lead in the 17th minute through a Solomon Austin goal.

Things got even more bleak for Bomb Squad when they found themselves 3-0

down; this time, Schultz doubled his tally with a 19th-minute goal. It seemed a done deal for Bent Street A, but the boys from Bomb Squad’s never-say-die attitude would spell trouble for their opponents.

Raushan Ritch reduced the deficit in the 21st minute when they found the back of the nets, and then a bold and strategic move was made by the Bomb Squad coach to request the yellow ball. It was a move that would stun Bent Street when Kayo Fernando’s shot nestled in the back of the nets in the 23rd minute to draw his team level to the raucous cheers of the fans; it was game on.

Two minutes later it was all over for Bent Street when Kemar Beckford nailed the winner for Bomb Squad in what can be considered one of the greatest comebacks in futsal history.

Bent Street B started off proceedings in this round when they downed Stabroek Ballers A 4-2. Bent Street B drew first blood in the open-

ing minute through Randy Roberts, but that advantage was soon cancelled out when Deon Alfred netted the first of his brace in the 3rd minute for Stabroek Ballers.

Lennox Young scored the first of his hat-trick for Bent Street B in the 16th minute to restore their slim advantage, but this was again cancelled out in the 26th when Alfred scored his second. Unanswered goals from Young in the 29th and 30th minutes sealed a quarter-fi-

Round of 16 billed for September

The preliminary stage of the Blue Water Girls U15 InterSecondary Schools Football Championship commenced on May 10, 2025, with games being played in Region 1, Morucca, and Region 2, Essequibo Coast. This stage was completed on June 7, 2025, with the crowning of regional champions in Regions 1 (Mabaruma), 4 (East Coast and East Bank Demerara), 6, and 7.

There were an additional twenty-one schools to last year’s total of fifty-four participating schools and the inclusion of a new district. The new district, Region 1, Mabaruma, accounted for 3 of the new schools. The others were from Region 2 (4 schools); Region 3 (3 schools); Region 4 (6 schools); and Georgetown (5 schools).

There was a total of one hundred and thirty-one games played across the regions, with a champion being crowned in all the regions – two in Region 1, two in Region 4 and two in Georgetown. These schools, with the runners-up of Regions 2, 3 & 10, will compete in the Round of Sixteen stage.

There were 233 goals scored during these games.

The schools competing in the round of sixteen are Wauna Primary Top, Waramuri Primary

Top, Charity Secondary, Abram Zuil Secondary, Vreed en Hoop Secondary, Westminster Secondary,

President’s College, Dora Secondary, Bushlot Secondary, Canje Secondary, Bartica Secondary, Annai Secondary, Christianburg Wismar Secondary, Mackenzie High School, Marian Academy and Campbellville Secondary. These schools are grouped in groups of four, where they will compete against each other within the groups to identify the eight quarter finalists.

Each group will be played in four different regions as community participation continues to be a focal point of this competition.

GROUP 1 – Region 2

Waramuri Primary Top

Wauna Primary Top

Abram Zuil Secondary

Charity Secondary

GROUP 2 – Region 10

Christianburg

Wismar Secondary

Mackenzie High School

Dora Secondary School

Annai Secondary

GROUP 3 – Region 5

Bushlot Secondary

Canje Secondary

Campbellville Secondary

President’s College

GROUP 4 – NTC (Region 4)

Bartica Secondary Marian Academy

Vreed en Hoop Secondary

Westminster Secondary

The Round of Sixteen is scheduled to commence on September 27, 2025.

onds into the game, and the 2nd and 22nd minutes, to take his overall tally to seven (7). Arckson Andreazza added a 6th-minute yellow ball goal (counted as two), while there was one each for Matheus DeSilva in the 6th and Ricardo Silva in the 29th minute. William Dos Santos’ 11th goal was the lone response for Corinthians.

nal place for Bent Street B. Road Warriors easily took care of business against Corinthians via a 7-1 scoreline; they were led by the competition’s leading goal scorer, Luis DaSilva, with three goals, 15 sec-

Gold Is Money edged Spaniards in the other match, 2-1, to also book their place in the final eight. Dextroy Adams (9th) and William Europe (27th) were on target for the winners; the Spaniards’ consolation goal came from Omar Brewley in the 10th minute.

Meanwhile, the final four matches in the round of 16 will be played tonight, following the start of the female

segment of June Madness with two matches from 20:00 hrs. Thereafter, from 21:30 hrs, Ballers United will oppose Z-Tekk, North East will come up against Linden All Stars, Back Circle A will face Festival City and Back Circle B will challenge Sparta Boss to cap the night.

The four male winners will advance to the Bent Street B, Gold IS Money, Road Warriors and giant killers, Bomb Squad, in the quarter finals set for Saturday.

CWI salutes the “Elder Statesman” Rohan

Kanhai

…for

leadership in 1975 World Cup triumph

Rohan Kanhai, one of the most elegant and influential batsmen in West Indies cricket history, brought a wealth of experience and leadership to the 1975 World Cup-winning squad, despite being at the tail end of his international career.

Considered the “elder statesman” of the team, Kanhai’s contribution significantly outweighed the number of runs he scored but was instead measured by the sense of calm, class, and strategic maturity that proved invaluable during the West Indies’ triumphant campaign.

Being 39 at the time, having debuted for the West Indies in the 1950s, he was widely credited for playing a pivotal role in shaping the modern Caribbean batting style. While younger stars like Clive Lloyd, Viv Richards, and Gordon Greenidge were making headlines, it was Kanhai’s steady influence that anchored the middle order and mentored the emerging talents.

In the final against Australia at Lord’s, Kanhai played a crucial supporting role in what would become a match-winning partnership. After the West Indies were rocked by early wickets, Kanhai joined captain Clive Lloyd at the crease and helped stabilise the innings. His composed 55 off 105 balls allowed Lloyd the freedom to unleash a brutal counterattack, ultimately powering the team to a match-winning

total. Kanhai’s innings may not have been explosive, but it was a masterclass in temperament, timing, and experience under pressure.

More than just his onfield contributions, Kanhai’s value to the 1975 squad lay in his role as a mentor and motivator. He embodied the professionalism and pride that had come to define West Indies cricket, setting a standard for preparation, focus, and resilience.

Rohan Kanhai’s final act in international cricket— lifting the World Cup with the West Indies—was a fitting farewell for a man who had given so much to the game and the region. His legacy in the 1975 squad was not only in the runs he scored but also in the wisdom and composure he passed on to the generation that would dominate world cricket throughout the 80s and 90s. The CWI/WIPA Awards Gala takes place on Sunday,

June 22, at the Wyndham Grand Barbados, with broadcast coverage beginning at 5:30 PM. Limited fan tickets are available for purchase at www.windiescricket.com.

Cricket West Indies is set to honour retired Guyanese cricketer Rohan Kanhai
Kemar Beckford netted the game-winner for Bomb Squad
Gold Is Money narrowly got past Spaniards
Scenes from the Blue Water Girls U15 Championship thus far

The Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) today unveiled a powerful 14-member squad for the upcoming Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

Set to begin in St Kitts and Nevis on Thursday, August 14, this year’s CPL will conclude at the Guyana National Stadium once again, on Sunday, September 21.

While the Amazon Warriors have retained the majority of last year’s international players in Imran Tahir, Moeen Ali and Dwaine Pretorius, they have landed a major international signing in New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips.

Phillips is no stranger to the CPL, having suited up for the Barbados Royals and Jamaica Tallawahs, with a CPL century under his belt, slammed back in 2018.

In addition to Phillips, the Amazon Warriors have also signed Pakistani-born all-rounder Hassan Khan, who had joined the franchise last year for the inaugural ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL) T20.

The Warriors’ campaign is further bolstered by the return of key local stars Shimron Hetmyer, Romario Shepherd, and Gudakesh Motie, forming a well-rounded unit with both international firepower and homegrown strength. On the local arena, the Warriors sought to draft several familiar faces, including Kemol Savory,

Kevlon Anderson, Quentin Sampson and Riyad Latif, all of whom recently flexed their skills at the inaugural Cricket West Indies (CWI) Breakout League.

St Lucia Kings

For other teams in the draft, defending champions St Lucia Kings will be without the services of last year’s captain, Faf du Plessis, and highest wicket-taker, Norr Ahmad. However, they have recruited the services of Australian all-rounder Tim David and South African spinner Tabraiz Shamsi, who had previous stints with the team.

Building on the momentum of their 2024 championship triumph, the Kings have wisely retained the core squad that led them to glory. They’ve further strengthened their roster with the inclusion of promising leg-spinner Micah McKenzie, one of the region’s brightest young prospects, and the return of Javelle Glen, who rejoins the side after previously featuring in their 2020 campaign.

Barbados Royals

The Barbados Royals entered the draft having already secured the core of a powerful and well-balanced squad. While the Barbados Royals have signed Afghanistan’s Mujeeb ur Rahman and acquired Sherfane Rutherford and Brandon King through trades, those will be com-

plemented by the dynamic Quinton de Kock and the versatile Azmatullah Omarzai –giving the Royals formidable firepower at the top and middle of the order.

With two overseas player slots still to be confirmed, the Royals are expected to announce additional international signings in the coming weeks, adding further depth to their already impressive roster.

Demonstrating a strong commitment to regional talent development, the Royals have also drafted standout performers from the inaugural West Indies Breakout League. Among them are promising leg-spinner Zishan Motara and leading batter Kofi James, both of whom will be looking to make a significant impact this CPL season.

Trinbago Knight Riders

On the other hand, the Trinbago Knight Riders have retained the backbone of their experienced Trinidadian core, with Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran, and Sunil Narine all set to return. The addition of T20 powerhouse Andre Russell further boosts their already impressive lineup, bringing additional firepower and match-winning pedigree.

In a major overseas coup, the Knight Riders have signed ICC T20 World Cup winner Alex Hales, along with Mohammad Amir, one of the most consistent and

successful bowlers in CPL history. The team also welcomes back Colin Munro, the leading overseas run scorer in CPL history, who has already lifted the trophy four times with the franchise.

Darren Bravo, a long-serving Knight Riders stalwart, makes his return to the side in a squad packed with star power, experience, and championship pedigree.

Antigua and Barbuda Falcons

The Antigua & Barbuda Falcons have built a formidable bowling attack for their 2025 campaign, blending international experience with exciting local talent. Leading the charge is Bangladesh legend Shakib Al Hasan, whose all-round

prowess and vast T20 experience will be invaluable. He is joined by fellow internationals Imad Wasim and Naveen-ul-Haq, adding variety and depth to the Falcons’ bowling arsenal.

The local contingent has also been significantly bolstered. Obed McCoy and Rahkeem Cornwall, both acquired from the Barbados Royals, bring CPL experience and wicket-taking ability. During the draft, the Falcons further strengthened their pace stocks with the additions of Jayden Seales and Odean Smith.

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots

Finally, the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots made a strong statement ahead of the 2025

draft with two high-profile acquisitions: Jason Holder and Alick Athanaze, both joining from the Barbados Royals. The Patriots also welcome back big-hitting South African Rilee Rossouw and dynamic all-rounder Corbin Bosch.

Further strengthening their lineup, the team has added promising Trinidadian spin-bowling all-rounders Jyd Goolie and Navin Bidaisee, adding depth and versatility to both the batting and bowling departments.

Following its commencement in St Kitts, this year’s Republic Bank CPL will move to Antigua and Barbuda, St Lucia, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago, then

The Guyana Amazon Warriors have signed New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips

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