Guyana Times - Thursday, June 26, 2025

Pres Ali rolls out ‘Digital Guyana’ to enhance Gov’t services, make lives easier

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration has outlined plans for a comprehensive digital transformation of Guyana with key features like agentic AI (Artificial Intelligence) and a digital citizens portal that will not only reshape the way government services are delivered in the country but will also enhance the lives of citizens and build Guyana’s competitiveness.

President Irfaan Ali unveiled the ‘Digital Guyana’ initiative during a live broadcast on Wednesday morning. Digital Guyana is a single gateway to all government services that supports efficiency and reliability in all spheres.

According to the Head of State, this initiative will be rolled out within the next five years.

“The People’s Progressive Party/Civic is proud to lead Guyana into this new digital era rooted in innovation, inclusion and efficiency. Digital Guyana is our commitment to building a modern state where technology makes public service faster, more accessible and more responsive, powered by innovation and anchored by our national e-identification system,” he posited.

President Ali noted that this digital portal will seek to remove all the bureaucra-

cies out of the public system, creating a stable, strong, service-driven and -oriented mechanism that will make tasks like doing business easier.

A key feature of this initiative is a Citizens Portal – a centralised one-stop digital platform available via website, Android and iPhone apps. It will bring together all government services in one simple digital window, allowing citizens to apply for services such as passports, birth certificates, drivers’ licenses and ID (identification) cards, access health and education records, and file taxes; businesses can even have their registration done online.

While some of these services are already underway, such as the Ministry of Housing and Water’s Single Window Planning System and the introduction of an e-identification (E-ID) card, the Guyanese leader noted that it will be further expanded to all ministries and government agencies like the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

To this end, he also announced the ‘Ask Gov’ feature that will ensure that citizens have access to reliable and accurate information about government services.

“The Ask Government is your AI assistant. Ask Gov will be Guyana’s official AI assistant for government ser-

vices. Ask Gov will be available 24/7 to answer citizens questions and help complete tasks like renewing a licence, checking your application status or requesting documents powered by agentic AI. Ask Gov; it can answer all government queries and solve problems without human intervention,” the Head of State explained.

Another major feature of the Digital Guyana platform is an integrated Geographic Information System (GIS) infrastructure mapping tool. This will see all the country’s physical infrastructure being digitised and monitored in real time – something that President Ali says will reduce damages.

“This system will be able to create 3-D models of all physical infrastructure across the country, such as

roads, bridges, kokers and drainage; underground conduits, utility posts, hydrants and more. This is essential if you’re building a modern society. So, the days of cutting the roads and cutting the highways in search of pipelines will be long gone, and we can use technology to do this more efficiently, reducing the risk but also creating an enabling environment for the comfort of our citizens,” he stated.

This facility will be for both public and private use, enabling smarter planning, quicker emergency response and more efficient utility coordination. The Guyanese leader believes this GIS model will become the backbone for infrastructure management, linking smart city technologies with the real-world systems that support commu-

nities.

In underscoring his administration’s commitment to cybersecurity, digital equity and financial inclusion, President Ali noted that the digital portal will also be integrated with banks and fintech institutions, enabling faster access to banking and credit, particularly for underserved communities.

However, with all of these new technological features, the Head of State assured that systems will be in place for data protection. As such, he noted that there will be major investments in Guyana’s sovereignty over its data.

“With more services going digital, protecting your personal information is a top priority for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic. On the Digital Guyana, we adopt global best practices in data encryption and secure cloud hosting, ensuring that AI is used responsibly and transparently…”

“We’ll be investing in our sovereign AI cloud to store our data, to improve lives, to have greater accessibility and to reduce the cost of transactions. We’re building Guyana’s first sovereign AI cloud, which will help hold Guyana’s data within our borders and keep our data secure. This digital foundation will enable cutting-edge tools such as ‘big data’ to identify

trends and support informed decisions in health, education and security, and generative AI to create reports and curriculum guides and assist with chat support,” he detailed.

According to President Ali, these initiatives under Digital Guyana are not only critical for national development in this modern era but will also be key in enhancing the country’s competitiveness, especially within the Caribbean. This will see Guyana being a creator and regional exporter of key digital government platforms as well as establishing the infrastructure for tech education and careers here.

Digital Guyana will also leverage the country’s lowcost renewable energy, abundant land and a climate-resilient location to position itself as the digital capital and AI hub of the region.

The announcement of the PPP/C’s digital transformation strategy was inspired by President Ali’s recent engagement with several major technology companies in Silicon Valley, California. During a visit in April to the NASA Ames Research Centre in Silicon Valley, the Head of State met with global leaders in artificial intelligence and cloud computing, including Google, X, NVIDIA, IBM, and NASA’s Ames Research Centre.

President Irfaan Ali during a visit to the NASA Ames Research Centre in Silicon Valley, San Francisco, California, in April

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, June 26 – 03:55h - 05:25h and Friday, June 27 –03:55h - 05:25h

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, June 26 – 17:25h to 18:55h to 18:20h and Friday, June 27 – 5:05h to 6:35h

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery showers and intermittent sunshine are expected during the day and cloudy showers are expected at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to East South-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 17:22h reaching a maximum height of 2.48 metres.

Low Tide: 10:53h and 23:06h reaching maximum heights of 0.54 metre and 0.75 metre.

NGSA 2025 breaks records as all subjects exceed 50% pass rate for 1st time

– CXC praises Guyana's 'remarkable' results, best scores in nation’s history

n a historic milestone for Guyana, students who sat the 2025 National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) recorded significant improvements across all subject areas, marking the country's best NGSA performance to date.

On Wednesday, scores of teachers, students and education officials from across the country flooded the

generally upwards, and when we compare the average performance for the subjects, we are seeing a nice picture here that needs to keep on going. I know the work will continue, and it is very good… So, I must say congratulations on behalf of the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC): good job to the Ministry of Education

Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) to witness the announcement of the highly anticipated NGSA results. A breakdown of the country’s performance was provided by the Director of Operations, Examination Services at the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), Dr Nicole Manning.

According to the official statistics, English recorded its strongest performance in the past five years, with a pass rate of 69.25%. Social studies also showed notable improvement, with 64.77% of candidates scoring 50 per cent or higher. Science, which had seen a slight decline last year with a 54% pass rate (down from 55.11% in 2023), rebounded strongly in 2025. This year, 63.7% of students passed the subject, surpassing the 50% benchmark.

Mathematics, traditionally one of the more challenging subjects, also showed encouraging progress. For the first time in the country’s history, more than half of the students—55.51%—passed the exam.

“Everything has moved

and, more so, the parents –good job!”

Also present at the event was Education Minister Priya Manickchand, who reflected on the state of NGSA performance when she first assumed office. She acknowledged past challenges but emphasised that, due to strategic investments and targeted policies, the education sector has seen a signif-

children who achieve 50% or more crossing that 120 mark. That's taking more than 3,000 children, actual human beings, and putting them in a place where they could score more than 50%, because we gave them the textbooks and the breakfast and the teachers and the classrooms to sit in and the monitoring.”

Meanwhile, the 2025 sit-

icant turnaround.

In fact, the minister proudly stated that, for the first time in the country’s history, all subject areas recorded pass rates above the 50% mark.

“When I came in, in 2020, 49% of our children had achieved 50% or more. Today it's 63.7% of our

ting of the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) took place on April 16 and 17. The assessment was primarily based on the Grade Five curriculum, followed by content from a consolidated curriculum.

Director of Operations, Examination Services at the Caribbean Examinations Council Dr Nicole Manning

Education Minister, Priya Manickchand

Editor: Tusika Martin

News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761

Marketing: 231-8064Accounts: 225-6707

Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Industrial Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown

Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

2025 NGSA results

The announced results of the 2025 National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) provide compelling evidence of the success that comes with sustained investment and collective effort in the education sector. With Guyana recording its best overall performance to date, an impressive leap in the overall pass rate from 49% in 2024 to 63% in 2025, the nation is witnessing the tangible outcomes of strategic planning, robust policy implementation, and consistent governmental and community commitment.

The results reflect the hard work of thousands of students, the unwavering support of parents, the dedication of teachers, and the strategic leadership of policymakers who have maintained a clear focus on educational equity and excellence. This remarkable improvement is further underscored by the fact that this year’s top NGSA performer, Tanasha Destiny Hope Myers of the Academy of Excellence, secured a perfect score of 487.88 marks, an achievement that has occurred only once before in the country’s history.

Such progress did not materialise by chance. It is the culmination of deliberate, well-executed measures introduced in recent years. According to Education Minister Priya Manickchand, a suite of initiatives contributed to the dramatic improvement in national performance. These include the expansion of the school feeding programme, the rollout of educational content through radio and television, more rigorous school monitoring, increased teacher training, the introduction of the National Grade Five Assessment, the provision of learning resources such as textbooks, and the upgrading of school infrastructure across the country.

These investments have made it possible for students from a broader range of schools and regions to compete at the highest level. Notably, top performers hailed from a diverse mix of institutions, public and private, urban and rural, showcasing the widening reach of educational resources and opportunities. This growing inclusivity speaks to the success of the government’s policy goal of equity in education.

President Dr Irfaan Ali, in his message to the nation’s children, highlighted a critical perspective often overlooked in national assessment periods: the need to celebrate the journey and effort of every child, regardless of the outcome. He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind, with particular emphasis on the vision that every school across Guyana should offer the same quality of education, infrastructure, and learning materials. This is not just an idealistic sentiment but a firm policy direction that is already being reflected in the data.

Subject-specific improvements further support this narrative. English Language saw a pass rate of 69.25% in 2025 compared to 66.79% the previous year. Mathematics—often a difficult subject for many—rose from 40.36% to 55.51%. Science jumped from 54% to 63.7%, and Social Studies from 62.88% to 64.7%. These figures underscore a broad-based improvement across all subject areas, signifying system-wide strengthening rather than isolated successes.

The fact that these results have come despite the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic is even more commendable. The students who wrote this year’s NGSA were significantly affected by school closures, virtual learning challenges, and disruptions to social development during their foundational years. That they were still able to achieve the nation’s best results to date is a powerful testament to their resilience and to the systems that supported their learning during those unprecedented times.

This moment in Guyana’s educational journey is about acknowledging a national effort, one that prioritises inclusive growth, long-term investment, and the belief that with the right tools and environment, every child can succeed. As Guyana continues to rise economically and socially, ensuring that the country’s young minds are prepared to meet future challenges must remain a cornerstone of national development.

The gains seen in the 2025 NGSA results must therefore not be seen as an endpoint but as an indication of what is possible when vision, policy, and action align. The continued commitment to educational equity, quality, and access will be essential as Guyana prepares for even greater transformation ahead.

The 2025 NGSA results show that Guyana is firmly on that path, fuelled by hard work, smart investment, and a collective commitment to the future.

Guyanese will not risk rocking the boat come September 1st

Dear Editor,

Did a storm in a teacup brew in the US over what some opined was a possible abuse of power and an illegal direction for action without seeking permission from a consensus body, Congress?

The President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, the man who wants to make America great again, explicitly said that Israel and Iran don’t know what they are doing. His unhesitating language was profane and curt. He may as well be referring to the members of the Democratic Party who are split in their decisions to impeach Donald Trump in a third attempt. Yes, joining the Republicans were 128 Democrats, including Nancy Pelosi, who voted against impeachment, and 79 Democrats, including Hakeem Jeffries, voted for impeachment.

Trump’s potent dialect may potentially insinuate the descriptive crumbling relationship with the PNC and the AFC. The PNC is playing big and wanting to stand alone in the upcoming election but then keeping the door open for an AFC arrival. The AFC stood tall and lonesome, only to suffer from defectors crossing the floor towards the PNC. Key members from the

PNC have also resigned to join the PPP/C party. They are now being eyed as sour grapes!

The PNC certainly didn’t know what they were doing when they tried to “mess” with Trump back in 2020 during the attempted election rigging fiasco! The PNC and AFC ignored the then US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch’s plea to conduct a free, fair and transparent election. “The Granger government must respect the results of democratic elections and step aside,” former U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo had said.

When Trump says “Don’t”, countries ought to pay attention and do as he says. The no-nonsense man is pushing his weight around the globe and walking on toes in his journey. The PNC learnt the hard way back in 2020. Pompey told Granger to “step aside” with his band of rebels, failing which, the Trump administration will place “visa restrictions on individuals responsible for or complicit in undermining democracy in Guyana.” Those who don’t hear will feel. The rest is history.

Trump’s message is “America first”. Yet he allows Israel to be the guinea pig in the Iranian saga be-

fore bombing two key underground uranium enrichment plants. Trump sent 125 American aircraft, including B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, fighter jets and refuelling planes, to destroy the plants with some 420,000 lbs of explosives.

With Ukraine at the front fending off the Russians from an invasion, the US is supporting Zelensky with arms and ammunition from behind the scenes. "I'd like to see a deal with Russia," Trump said on Tuesday morning as he headed to the NATO summit in the Netherlands. Trump continued, “As you know, Vladimir called me up. He said, 'Can I help you with Iran?' I said, 'No, I don't need help with Iran. I need help from you.' Is the president from the most powerful nation on earth being ambiguously transparent in his ambition? Or, did his comments consist of conspicuous clarity?

America maintains permanent interests and never permanent friends. America helped Burnham to gain power in 1964 and kept Jagan out in the wilderness for 28 years. But it was the US who was instrumental in securing Jagan’s return to power in 1992. Again, an American oil company bro-

kered the worst possible agreement with the PNC in the history of the oil industry. As the story goes, it was the Americans whose input denied the very PNC from getting their hands on the oil money!

America (Exxon) has a vested interest in Guyana’s oil and gas industry, which can transform “the largely underdeveloped Englishspeaking nation from one of South America’s most polarised and poorest into possibly one of its richest,” according to a 2020 Rystad Energy report. Political upheavals can definitely antagonise production operations and deescalate much-needed revenue to finance major ongoing infrastructure projects. Did the Americans smell the rat and know that the corrupted PNC could not be trusted, thus instituting visa sanctions and preventing the PNC from carrying out their devious plans?

Trump was regarded as the Big Brother to the small nations until the 2-day NATO Summit this week, which changed that reference to “Daddy”. On assuming office, the American president had vowed to end the war between Russia and Ukraine without any success to date.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand shares a light moment with the top students of this year’s National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown (Education Ministry photo)

AIEP success highlights glaring gaps in former governance, silence from emerging parties

Dear Editor,

As Guyana continues its forward march towards agricultural modernisation and youth empowerment, the Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme (AIEP) stands as a beacon of progress, a glaring contrast to the stagnation that characterised the previous administration. Launched in 2022, this flagship initiative has already achieved milestones that underscore not only its efficacy but also the former government’s failure to invest in sustainable, youth-driven agricultural development.

The agriculture sector in Guyana suffered from chronic neglect, with outdated practices, insufficient innovation, and a glaring absence of structured opportunities for youth engagement under APNU.

The former administration paid lip service to youth development but offered no tangible pathway for them to become stakeholders in the country's most essential sector. While young people faced high unem-

ployment and limited prospects, agriculture remained an untapped reservoir of potential until the AIEP changed the game.

Since its inception, the AIEP has delivered measurable results with 52 shade houses built across the country, a diverse array of high-value crops such as carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and lettuce being cultivated, and over G$32 million in revenue generated. This isn’t just growth; it’s transformation. The programme proves that when the right vision meets action, youth can be empowered, and agriculture can be a profitable, tech-driven industry. President Irfaan Ali and the agriculture minister are visionaries in this regard.

One of the most innovative components of the initiative is the AIEP Hydroponics Project. Set to benefit 100 young people across regions 2, 5, and 10, the project equips them with cutting-edge skills in hydroponic farming, processing, and marketing. In contrast, the previous government offered little more

Guyanese will not risk rocking the...

His conversation with Pakistan and India had some significance, which saw a ceasefire after 4 days of military unpleasantries between the nuclear-armed neighbours. Pakistan had planned to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize Award in October. In less than 24 hours, Pakistan condemned Trump for attacking Iran, and their politicians are calling on the Pakistani government to withdraw that nomination.

President Trump always plays the trump card and has the last say. His attack on Iran should be regarded as a warning shot over the heads of the PNC/ AFC. The Americans are in no mood to tolerate any undermining of democracy in Guyana. No election rigging must be attempted; no vio-

lence will be tolerated, and any race or hate crime will be condemned. One contestant has already felt the claw of the American Eagle. 'Don't' means 'do not', according to Trump. Big Daddy will not condone you when you step out of line. Maduro is at bay currently and soaking (sulking?) in the world’s events as Trump calls the shots. Will he risk the wrath of a fiery anger? They say, “Forewarned is forearmed.”

The APNU/AFC Opposition should not take this with a pinch of salt but pay attention to President Trump and President Ali. Come September 1st, Guyanese will not take any risk to rock the boat.

Yours respectfully, Jai Lall

than rhetoric on modernisation, with no substantive programmes to support young agri-entrepreneurs or incorporate modern science into traditional practices.

Even more telling is the Phase III expansion, targeting Regions Three, Four, Five, Six, and 10. This phase focuses on seedling production and provides quality planting materials and essential training. Such strategic planning and regional inclusion were virtually non-existent in past governance.

The contrast is clear: today’s initiatives are not just symbolic; they are systemic, practical, and geared toward long-term sustainability.

Equally concerning is the silence from new and upcoming political parties on this front. While some continue to champion vague

promises of innovation and youth support, none have presented a vision as detailed, data-driven, and demonstrably impactful as the AIEP. With national elections on the horizon, Guyanese voters, especially young people, must ask: where is the alternative vision for agriculture? Where are the programmes that match or exceed the standards set by the AIEP?

In the end, the success of the AIEP is not just a win for agriculture; it's a test. It has exposed the past governmental failures, challenged the credibility of their aspiring leaders, and set a new benchmark for what effective, youth-focused policy should look like. The message is clear: the future belongs to those who plan for it and deliver.

Sincerely,

Beverly Lynch

Joinder lists –a conundrum?

Dear Editor,

As a layperson, two articles in the dailies dealing with joinder lists were educational, instructive and brought clarity to an issue which became known after the 2020 elections and taken hold in this season. The authors of these articles must be commended for their insights.

The two articles referred to are "Why the electoral system poses challenges for small parties?" and "‘Joinder list leaves no room for sharing of seats’, former GECOM advisor (June 25)”.

The former article gave an opinion and viewpoint, while the latter was more legalistic.

From the latter's interpretations, it begs the ques-

tion: was the law misapplied in 2020 when the three parties joined their lists, even though the columnist contends it did not meet the threshold for a seat allocation but was still given a seat and chose to rotate occupancy of said seat? Secondly, if seats cannot be shared (rotated), is there any value in joining lists when only the party with the highest number of votes can occupy parliament for the duration of its life? This seems to be a conundrum?!

It would be useful to hear of the AG's take on these articles and ROPA itself regarding joinder lists.

Sincerely, Shamshun Mohamed

◄ Page Foundation

Ratios

A ratio compares two numbers by using division.

Example:

Four persons want to share one pizza. Of course, each person wants a slice of the same size. To find out what part of the pizza each person gets, set up a ratio.

Divide: 1 pizza ÷ 4 persons.

Step 1: Express the problem as a fraction: .

Step 2: Remove the words:

By using a ratio, you found that if you cut one pizza into four equal parts, each person gets of the pizza.

Exercises: Solve

1) A group of 10 friends has 10 dollars to share. What is each person’s share.

2) John rode his bike 50 kilometres in 8 days. How many kilometres did he ride every day?

3) Henry uses 6 kilograms of butter in a recipe for 18 loaves of bread. How much butter did he use for each loaf?

4) Samu puts 20 litres of gasoline in a 23-litre tank. How much of the tank did he fill?

5) 12 classmates want to share 2 pizzas. If there are 12 slices in each pizza, how many slices does each person get?

The butcher-boy puts off his killing-clothes, or sharpens his knife at the stall in the market, I loiter enjoying his repartee and his shuffle and break-down. Blacksmiths with grimed and hairy chests environ the anvil, Each has his main-sledge, they are all out, there is a great heat in the fire. From the cinderstrew’d threshold I follow their movements, The lithe sheer of their waists plays even with their massive arms, Overhand the hammers swing, overhand so slow, overhand so sure, They do not hasten, each man hits in his place.

To be continued

Top 10 students share their stories of NGSA 2025

“I knew I would

have done well, but not this well” – Tanasha Myers

2nd person ever to achieve a perfect NGSA score in Guyana

Tanasha Destiny Hope Myers of the Academy of Excellence etched her name into the history books by delivering a stunning performance in this year’s National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA).

Not only did she secure the title of the top-performing student nationally, but she also achieved a rare and extraordinary feat—becoming the second person in the country’s history to earn a perfect score in the highly competitive national exams.

Myers achieved a perfect score, or 100% pass rate, of 487.88 marks, which earned her a place at Queen’s College.

“I knew I would have done good, but not this good.”

In an interview with Guyana Times, the 10-yearold was beaming with excitement after months of anxious anticipation leading up to the release of the results.

Tanasha shared that she was both “surprised and excited” when she learnt of her outstanding performance.

Reflecting on the exam days – April 16 and 17 –Tanasha said that she felt confident about her performance but never imagined

she would secure the top spot in the entire country.

“Yes, I was confident, and I knew I would have done good, but not this good,” she said. Myers also shared some words of encouragement to the next generation of youths that will be sitting the exams next year: “Work really hard and read a lot.”

Tanasha’s mother, Tiffany Daniels, who was overjoyed, said that her daughter’s success was the result of unwavering dedication and hard work. She revealed that the youngster often studied late into the night, sometimes staying up past midnight to review her lessons and prepare for the exams.

“I couldn’t be more proud; we worked hard; sometimes we would work probably past midnight. We really worked hard, and she made us proud.”

“...thankful and gifted; happy and excited”

Sandhyaa Swammy of Peter’s Hall Primary, who secured 3rd place among the Top 10 performers in the 2025 NGSA, expressed her excitement and pride in her achievement. She also opened up about some of the

challenges she faced during her preparation.

“I feel very happy and thankful and gifted… Preparing for exams was very challenging sometimes

Georgetown’s top performer. He expressed his excitement and pride at being ranked among the top students in the country.

“I feel great. I feel very

because I had to study many hours after school, and it was tiring.”

Swammy obtained 486.96 marks, securing her a spot at Queen’s College.

Also tied for 3rd place was Christian Ramsay of Mae’s Under-12 Primary, who was additionally named

NGSA 2025 breaks records...

However, the ministry reminded stakeholders that key concepts from grades three and four are also included in the examination, reflecting the cumulative nature of the assessment.

This year, more than 15,000 pupils across Guyana sat the NGSA examinations of 2025, with the Ministry of Education reporting a record-high attendance rate of 98 per cent, the best turnout since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

A total of 15,813 stu-

dents were registered to write the two-day national examinations, and of that number, 15,497 turned up for the assessment. Among those sitting the exams were 115 students with Special Education Needs (SEND), and, notably, 91 students wrote the assessments in Spanish — a historic first, introduced last year. NGSA is spearheaded by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC). Similar to the structure since 2016, CXC pre-

pares the examination, supervises its administration, marks the scripts, conducts quality checks and conducts consequential reviews if any are requested. For this national exam candidates are tested in four subjects, namely, mathematics, English, science and social studies. The examination in each subject area consists of two papers. Paper One consists of multiple-choice items, while Paper Two consists of essay-type or open-ended items. FROM PAGE 3

happy and excited to know that I’m one of the top performers, and I want to continue to do as well as I did now.”

He also highlighted what it was like studying and preparing for the exams: “My

parents took away some of my privileges, but I kept on studying and revising. I had online night-time classes after school. And I would have lessons on the weekends on both Saturday and Sunday.”

Ramsay secured himself a spot at Queen’s College.

Gratitude for support system

Leah Gill of New Guyana School secured the 6th position on this year’s NGSA leaderboard with an impressive score of 486.91 marks.

She admitted that the journey was challenging and the study demands intense, but through perseverance, she was able to beat the odds. Leah also expressed heartfelt gratitude to her support system—including her family and teachers, among others, who encouraged her every step of the way.

“Studying was a bit difficult, but I made it so far.”

She added, “I would like to thank God for blessing me with the knowledge, wisdom and understanding; my parents for supporting me; my teachers; my principal; my director from the New Guyana School; my grandparents for encouraging and praying for me; and my un-

cle.” Gill was offered a spot at Queen’s College.

Happy I studied hard Placing 7th nationally was Emma Khelawan of the Academy of Excellence, who earned an impressive 486.13 marks in this year’s NGSA. She expressed her excitement and pride at being ranked among the country’s top 10 performers. “I feel happy because I studied hard.”

She also obtained a spot at Queens College.

”...the fruits of my labour...” Knial Williams of North Georgetown Primary secured 9th place among the top 10 performers in this year’s NGSA. He credited his success to the unwavering support of his parents, noting that their guidance and encouragement played a crucial role in helping him reach this milestone.

“It makes me feel very happy and elevated because I bear the fruits of my labour… My parents were very instrumental in my preparation; they always used to keep me going sometimes when I never wanted to sit down and do the work. But they helped me a lot.”

This year, more than 15,000 pupils across Guyana sat the NGSA examinations of 2025, with the Ministry of Education reporting a record-high attendance rate of 98 per cent, the best turnout since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

A total of 15,813 students were registered to write the two-day national examinations, and of that number, 15,497 turned up for the assessment. Among those sitting the exams were 115 students with Special Education Needs, and, notably, 91 students wrote the assessments in Spanish — a historic first, introduced last year.

Securing…

…our security

Your Eyewitness knows there are all kinds of ‘security’ that concern us. Nowadays we hear about “food security”, “water security”, “physical security” and so on and so forth!! In fact, each of our needs has to be safeguarded and, in that sense, is part of our overall security imperative. Today your Eyewitness was pleased to hear Brig Omar Khan, Chief of Defence Staff, talking about our security vis-à-vis Mad Maduro and Venezuela. As you, dear readers, would know, this security threat is very high on your Eyewitness’ radar.

To hear the Brigadier has launched a weekly programme “Safeguarding Our Nation” – in which he’ll keep us abreast of the GDF’s role in countering threats against the country – shows your Eyewitness wasn’t paranoid!! From its mission statement, the GDF is supposed “to defend the territorial integrity of Guyana; assist the civil power in the maintenance of law and order when required to do so and contribute to the economic development of Guyana.” Nowadays, the last isn't stressed too much – like back in the Burnham days when they focused on opening up the interior savannahs to agriculture and cattle rearing, etc. Burnham saw the GDF as a “modernising” institution and soldiers as “vanguards” of his “revolution”.

On the second mission – to “assist the civil power” –as part of dealing with civil unrest or threats, the army can be called out. But they play a supporting role to the police, whose responsibility it is. We saw this role executed when the PNC-supported so-called “Freedom Fighters” –based in Buxton – violently took on and overwhelmed the police. In the US, recently, the federal government has had to call out their National Guard and the Marines to confront protestors in Los Angeles. Brigadier Khan should be sensitising the GDF to the very fraught situations that develop here during and after elections – with the Opposition PNC instigating violent responses when they do badly at the polls. Our unfortunate history in this area doesn’t need repetition.

But back to Brigadier Khan's specific focus in his opening broadcast. Very hearteningly, he informed us that – coordinated with other governmental agencies –the GDF has been screening Venezuelan refugees and immigrants. Your Eyewitness has long called for this precautionary move since Mad Maduro has shown he’ll stop at nothing to annex our Essequibo. Sending in his agents as fifth columnists who’ll later throw support behind Mad Maduro’s electoral machinations should be taken for granted. Also undercover are Sindacato bandits like the ones who shot at GDF forces across the Cuyuni – and blew up the GPL substation at East Ruimveldt! We must temper our compassion.

Your Eyewitness will address later the Brigadier’s claim that the Venezuelan threat is “more political than military”.

…NYC’s liberal credentials

A whole lotta folks are reeling in shock today with Zohran Mamdani’s victory over Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic Party’s primary to represent them in the upcoming elections to become the next mayor of the largest city in the USA – New York City!! Even though he didn’t top the 50% mark to go through, the ranked votes that are going to decide who will or won’t change anything. And with Democrats vastly outnumbering Republicans, Mamdani’s a shoo-in for mayor – the first Muslim one!!

The son of a Marxist, Muslim, Indian-origin refugee from Uganda, and a Hindu Indian-origin mother –filmmaker Mira Nair – Mamdani’s bucking the red tide sweeping over much of America. Both of his parents work at Columbia University – which is presently at odds with the socialist, pro-Palestinian ethos of the Mamdanis. His platform was focused on making living in NYC “affordable” – which clearly struck a nerve with the city’s populace that’s used to the huge subsidies they enjoyed over the years. And which Trump now threatens!!

…our food security

Your Eyewitness has noted our efforts to secure food security. He was pretty chuffed when we were acknowledged as the only country in the world that’s fully self-sufficient. Getting into onion production is gravy!!

Cop found guilty in 2021 fatal shooting of Dartmouth businessman

Police Constable Sherwin Peters was on Wednesday convicted of manslaughter by a jury for the unlawful killing of Dartmouth, Essequibo businessman Orin Boston, nearly four years after the incident occurred.

Appearing before Justice Sandil Kissoon at the High Court in Essequibo, Peters was found guilty following a trial that featured testimony from approximately 25 witnesses. He was remanded to prison and is scheduled to return for sentencing on July 10, 2025.

Closing addresses were made at the previous court hearing on Tuesday, bringing the trial to a critical stage. Magistrate Kissoon later set Wednesday to sum up the evidence to the jury, after which the case was handed over for deliberation on a verdict.

Constable Adrian Moore, a key prosecution witness and a member of the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU), took the stand when the trial com

menced last week to provide a detailed account of the operation that led to Boston’s death. At the time of the incident, Moore was a member of the SWAT unit.

According to Moore, on September 14, 2021, he and approximately 10 other SWAT ranks received instructions from Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Gordon that they were to head to the Essequibo Coast for an anti-crime operation. He said the team was ful -

ly armed.

The CANU rank told the court that he was issued a primary weapon, an AR-15 with a torchlight attachment, and a secondary weapon, a Glock pistol.

According to him, the officers departed from the SWAT Unit at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown, to Parika, then on to Supenaam, and eventually arrived at the Guyana Police Force Training School in Suddie.

Upon arrival, Moore said ASP Gordon instructed them to remain “battle prepped” until further orders. The following day, he recalled instructions were given for raids to be conducted in multiple locations. Officers, Moore noted, were briefed on their rules of engagement.

“We were told of the firing orders, that you can only fire if you’re in serious danger and unable to defend yourself by any other means,” Moore testified.

Around 4:00 AM on September 15, 2021, the SWAT team arrived at a Dartmouth property con -

taining two houses. The unit was divided into Alpha and Bravo teams, with Constable Adrian Moore assigned to Alpha. Moore used a battering ram to enter the first house, where several women were found, but nothing suspicious turned up. The team then moved to the second house.

It was revealed by the rank that inside the second building, Moore and another officer entered a room and found two chil -

dren, whom they directed outside. Soon after, a loud explosion was heard. In the next room, Moore saw a man, later identified as 29-year-old Orin Boston, bleeding from the shoulder and lying partially on a bed. Constables Peters, Millington, and Lance Corporal Grenville were present in the room, and Peters was seen assisting the injured man.

The officer said Boston was transported to the Suddie Public Hospital, where the team later learnt he had died. Moore testified that no further injuries were inflicted during the transport.

The police reported that a confrontation led to Boston being shot during the operation, but his wife has denied that any such confrontation occurred.

According to the prosecution, led by State Counsel Latifah Elliot, Peters unlawfully shot Boston during the course of the raid. Peters, who chose to represent himself during the trial, was first charged in January 2022

and granted bail in the sum of $1 million.

The incident triggered widespread public outrage, particularly after Boston’s relatives disputed the police’s version of events.

In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, angry residents mounted roadblocks and lit debris in protest, demanding accountability for what many considered an unjustified killing.

An internal probe conducted by the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) was swiftly completed and sent to the Police Complaints Authority, chaired by retired Justice William Ramlall. The findings were later reviewed by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who advised that manslaughter charges be instituted against the rank.

Peters was officially committed to stand trial in July 2022, nearly a year after the shooting. Wednesday’s unanimous verdict now paves the way for final sentencing next month.

Dead: Orin Boston

Police Constable Sherwin Peters

Student, exchange visitor visa applicants must make social media accounts public – US

The United States Embassy in Georgetown has issued a public notice informing all applicants for F, M, or J nonimmigrant visas that they are now required to adjust the privacy settings on their social media accounts to "public" with immediate effect.

The directive, published on the Embassy’s official social media platforms on Wednesday, applies specifically to individuals seeking student and exchange visitor visas. According to the Embassy, the measure is aimed at facilitating the vetting process necessary to verify an applicant’s identity and determine their admissibility under US immigration laws.

The F visa is issued to academic students, the M visa to vocational students, and the J visa to individuals participating in approved exchange pro -

grams, including scholars, interns, and au pairs.

While the Embassy did not provide additional detail regarding the scope of review or specific platforms to be made public, the notice emphasizes that the requirement is part of routine processing to ensure compliance with U.S. security and immigration protocols.

Applicants are encouraged to review the updated guidelines on the US Department of State’s official website or contact the Embassy for further clarification.

A similar notice was issued by US embassies across the Caribbean.

Corentyne wedding house murder suspect nabbed 9 years later

Police have arrested the suspect in a 2016 murder which took place on the Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Surendra Nauth, 29, of Albion, Corentyne, was killed during the incident. He was fatally stabbed on January 17, 2016, during a wedding house brawl. The incident occurred in Williamsburg, Corentyne, and involved an argument with a man who had allegedly slashed the tyres of his car. Nauth was stabbed in the abdomen and later died at the New Amsterdam Hospital. His brother-in-law, Totaram Bhola, was also injured in the attack.

At the time of the stabbing, the suspect, known as "Shandy", had just been released from prison after serving time on a wounding charge.

The incident reportedly occurred around 00:10h at a wedding house when Nauth and his brother-in-law were involved in an argument at Williamsburg, Corentyne, with a man who had allegedly slashed a tyre of their motor vehicle. It is understood that an argument ensued, and the suspect attacked the men with a knife, stabbing Nauth in the abdomen and inflicting a wound to the forehead of Bhola. Following the incident, both Nauth and Bhola were rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital, where Nauth later succumbed to his injuries.

Police, in a statement, had said they had identified the suspect, who was popularly known as ‘Shandy’. They were on the hunt for him. In 2016,

it was believed that the man fled the jurisdiction and was in neighbouring Suriname. However, law enforcement officers on Monday were informed that the suspect was at a house at Stanleytown, and they went there and arrested him. He is expected to be charged with murder shortly.

Dead: Surendra Nauth

Let this not be a defining moment but inspiration for your future – Pres Ali tells NGSA students the improved performance shows Govt investments are working

As more than 15,000 students who wrote the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) this year received their results on Wednesday, President Irfaan Ali says it’s a time to celebrate each child’s accomplishment and reassure those who are disappointed.

During an address to students, parents and teachers alike, the Head of State reminded that these children are very young with their whole lives ahead of them. He noted that this is just one examination in the early stages of their lives and should not be used to determine their futures.

Specifically addressing parents, he encouraged them to set aside personal expectations and nurture their children, telling them of life’s moments of accomplishment and disappointment.

“At 11 and 12, I implore you not to pressure our children into believing that this is the most defining moment of their lives. These are young kids. These are kids still blooming in their very, very early stages and

in their very early journey of life. It is at this moment that together, we have to reassure all our children, those who did exceptionally well and those who may not have done as well as they would have liked,” he advised.

According to the Guyanese leader, giving assurance to children at such an early stage of their development prepares them and could even inspire them to perform better in the future.

“We, as parents, teachers, and elders, must not use this moment to make our children believe that this is that separation moment or defining moment. This is just one of those phases in life, and the continuum of life that lies ahead of our children is that important phase. That important phase now of growing into teenagers, growing into the period through which their future aspirations will be more defined.”

“Some of our children

would want to be technical people. Nothing is wrong with that. Some of our children will want to go on into different fields. Let this not be that moment of disappointment. Let this moment, as our children receive their results, be that moment of inspiration when we take our responsibility as parents, elders, motivators, and teachers to that next phase of development in these children’s lives,” he implored.

President Ali went on to congratulate those who performed exceptionally well at this year’s NGSA examination.

With a total of 15,497 pupils sitting at this year’s NGSA, Guyana recorded its best overall performance, with the pass rate moving from 49 per cent to 63 per cent.

The results were announced on Wednesday, where Tanasha Destiny Hope Myers of the Academy of Excellence was named this year’s top-performing NGSA student.

She achieved a perfect score of 487.88 marks – something that has only

happened once before in 2018 when then top student Nalia Rahaman scored a perfect 529 marks.

Ensuring quality education for all

While some students may be disappointed with their scores and school placements, the Head of State assured that his government will continue to work to ensure that there is a level playing field at the schools across Guyana.

“We as a government are going to invest to ensure that the quality of education at the best school in your head is the same quality that is at every school across our country. So, you can have access to the same labs, the same technical education, the same quality of teaching, and the same quality of learning material so that this journey would be supported by policies and initiatives that give you that level of equity,” he stressed.

Nevertheless, President Ali expressed satisfaction with this year’s tremendous improvement in every subject area – something that

he says is reflective of the fact that the government investments in education delivery are working.

“It tells you that our investment is giving the results we want. It tells you that our capability and capacity are improving… I want all of you to know that you are equally loved. I want all of you to know that all of you equally have an important stake in this future of our country. This is not that defining moment. You are young children, still experiencing the beauty and fullness of life. You’re still young children, and I want you to know that as your president, I am so proud of all of you. I want all of you to recommit yourselves, to recommit yourselves to doing the best you can do for yourself, to be the best you can be for yourself.”

In 2025, the current People’s Progressive Party/ Civic Administration had set aside a whopping 175 billion for the education sector in Guyana – a significant increase from the $100.5 billion allocated last year.

President Dr Irfaan Ali

Elections 2020 Trial

ANUG rep recalls being “threatened” during spreadsheet tabulation

ANew and United Guyana (ANUG) party representative on Wednesday gave alarming testimony in the ongoing elections fraud trial, recounting how chaos erupted behind closed doors when attempts were allegedly made to verify Region Four votes using a spreadsheet rather than official Statements of Poll (SOPs).

Jonathan Yearwood, a local activist and former ANUG executive, told the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts that not only were objections by party representatives and observers ignored, but threats were made, culminating in his own arrest after he protested the controversial procedure.

Yearwood was testifying under oath before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty as the trial into al-

leged electoral fraud during the March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections continued.

Nine individuals, including high-ranking former GECOM officials and APNU+AFC operatives, are currently facing charges of conspiring to defraud the elections in favour of the then-incumbent APNU+AFC coalition.

Among the accused are former Minister Volda Lawrence, former Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, former Deputy CEO Roxanne Myers, and APNU+AFC’s Chief Scrutineer Carol SmithJoseph.

Yearwood testified that on the morning of March 13, 2020, he arrived at the Ashmin’s Building, which was being used as the

GECOM Command Centre. Expecting to participate in the verification of Region Four’s SOPs, Yearwood said he and other political party representatives were instead ushered into a separate room, not the one assigned for tabulation. He claimed that the room was at the back of the building, next to the car park.

Inside, he said, returning officer Clairmont Mingo informed the group that the verification process would not be conducted using the official SOPs from polling stations as legally required. Instead, Mingo announced that a spreadsheet had been prepared and would be used to call out the results. This, Yearwood said, sent shockwaves through the room.

“We objected immediately,” he told the court. “I personally took photographs,” Yearwood said.

However, Yearwood explained that the spreadsheet figures being read out were “blurry” and difficult to verify. He also claimed the data did not match the SOPs in their possession.

Despite their growing concerns, Yearwood claimed that Mingo allegedly dismissed the objections outright and made what he described as a thinly veiled threat.

“I was threatened at the beginning of this process that if we made any disruptions, we would be asked to leave. We were also asked not to use any electronic devices; I objected to that… Eventually, Mr Mingo conceded and said yes, we can use our phones, but he asked us not to send information outside of the room." Yearwood testified.

As the confrontation escalated, Yearwood said

GECOM staffer Denise Babb-Cummings took over the role of calling out the spreadsheet figures. While this was happening, party representatives, both local and international, continued to voice their opposition to what they viewed as a clear departure from legal and transparent procedures.

The tension, Yearwood said, reached a boiling point when Carol Smith-Joseph, acting on behalf of the APNU+AFC, began verbally attacking him and others who were objecting.

“She threatened and verbally abused both local and international observers,” he stated.

Yearwood said Mingo eventually returned to the room and announced that the process would be suspended and resume later that afternoon at GECOM’s

Kingston office. But Yearwood said he was not willing to remain silent. He claimed that he told Mingo that if anything erupted because of the system being used, he would be the cause of it. That statement, he said, triggered an even more hostile reaction, with Smith-Joseph allegedly continuing to hurl verbal abuse, not only at him but at others present.

ANUG party representative, Jonathan Yearwood

Why book a trip to Japan or Peru when the soul of those two countries is simmering right on Sandy Babb Street, Georgetown?

With Restaurant Week in full swing, Nikkei Restaurant – a cosy, one-year-old restaurant that offers a PeruvianJapanese fusion – is doing more than just passing more than pot spoons around the circumferences of pots. It’s bringing the rich, vibrant flavours of Japan straight to Guyana’s doorstep.

The managing director of this top-tier restaurant, Yannick David, spoke about this restaurant in a recent in-

terview with this publication.

The restaurant, he explained, has an executive

chef trained in Japanese and Peruvian cuisine.

“So, the company decid-

ed that it would introduce a Japanese and Peruvian concept to Guyana — especially because it’s similar herbs and spices that are used in the remedies for Japanese foods that are also used in Guyana.”

According to him, the restaurant foresaw that both Guyanese and expats would appreciate and enjoy this type of food as the first of its kind in the country, and the public agrees.

“It’s been exceptional… We’re full almost every day. People really enjoy the flavours, they enjoy the presentation, and they enjoy the customer service. The re-

views have been more good than bad.”

Still, even with the buzz and the sizzles emanating

from the restaurant, there have been hurdles along the way.

Some of the meals served at the Nikkei Restaurant

Sisters turn BIT training into a recipe for business growth

For many, enrolling in a course with the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) is about ac-

quiring new knowledge or enhancing employability. But for sisters Tia and Tameira Forde, it was a cal-

culated step toward scaling their culinary venture, T’s Delight & Catering Service.

The siblings, aged 23

and 26, respectively, officially launched their food business in November 2024, quickly gaining traction for their mouth-watering selection of grilled seafood, including salmon, snapper, and prawns. Recognising the intense competition in the local food industry, they took a strategic leap by signing up for professional training and certification.

“Our business is probably about 95 per cent almost finished. So, when we finish this course, we are going to pay more attention because we already have more knowledge.” Tameira said during their graduation ceremony on Monday with the Department of Public Information (DPI).

The Forde sisters were among more than 100 stu-

dents who graduated from BIT that day.

Driven by a shared passion for cooking, the sisters knew that passion alone wouldn’t sustain or grow their enterprise. Enrolling in the Commercial Food Preparation programme offered by BIT allowed them to sharpen their culinary skills and gain essential knowledge in areas like food safety and pastry preparation, key components for a successful food business.

Graduating with distinctions, the sisters acknowledged the sacrifices they made during their studies. Attending day classes meant shifting their work hours to the evenings, often working late into the night to keep their business afloat. Despite moments

of doubt, their persistence proved worthwhile.

Tia, the younger of the two, shared her plans to introduce rice wine, a beverage she was exposed to during the programme, as a unique addition to their menu.

Grateful for the opportunity, both sisters urged other young entrepreneurs to take advantage of training programmes that can build skills and open doors to new income streams. Over the last five years, more than 13,000 Guyanese have earned certification through BIT in a wide range of disciplines, including plumbing, welding, carpentry, cosmetology, and more, equipping them with practical skills to enhance their competitiveness in the job market.

“Get the animals off the road” - grieving mother calls for action after son dies in cow collision

The mother of a motorcyclist killed after slamming into cow, calls for authorities to seriously address animals on the roadway.

Twenty-five-year-old Jamal Hughes, a heavy-duty machine operator, died in the wee hours of Monday killed after the motorcycle he was driving collided with an unbranded cow along Main Street and Number 41 Street, Stanleytown, New Amsterdam.

Hughes of Glasgow, Greater New Amsterdam, was at the time driving a motorcycle, CP 2700, with Marashia Dehart, 24, of Stanleytown, as his pillion rider.

According to the po-

lice, Hughes was proceeding along the Public Road at a fast rate when the motorcycle collided with the unbranded cow, which was crossing the roadway. At the time, neither Hughes nor DeHart was wearing a safety helmet.

Hughes’ mother, Helianthe Peters told this publication that had the animal not been on the roadway, her son would not have met his demise.

“I don't know if it's speed or what. But I know kids today, when they get a bike, they like speeding. But still, if you are speeding, the animals are not supposed to be on the road. Because if the light was there, I know if my son crashed, I don't think

especially the animals that are on the road,” she said.

The incident occurred during a downpour, Peters said.

“It was raining. The girl on the bike said so. It was a lot of rain, she said. They sheltered before and the rain wasn’t stopping. So, my son turned and said, let us go, it is just ride down there. And she said she got on the bike, and he started riding. She said the last word she said was, ‘Oh God’. And she said she fell off the bike, and he just kept sliding. When she sees it was two cows on the road with the bike, flipping, flipping on the road

that he would break your neck and get a puncture in your lungs and all that stuff. If people look into this thing,

with the cows. But she said the road was very dark and the two cows' head and tail,

a black one and a white one, was on the road. And the two cows had injuries. One of the cows escaped, and they caught one.”

The woman expressed concern about animals roaming the roads, noting that many are often unbranded. She recounted that one of the cows involved in the accident that claimed her son's life later wandered into a Stanleytown resident's yard, but the householder denied ownership and promptly chased it out.

“The cow went home, and the lady at Stanleytown said the cow was not her own. She put it out of the yard,” Peters revealed.

She said more needs to be done to ensure that the

roadways are safe for vehicle operators, as she calls on the police to play their part.

“I tell you; the animals are always on the road. On Stanleytown Road… Not Stanleyton Road alone, every time I come, especially on the West Coast side. When you come out of Georgetown, it is plenty of animals. Those animals just need to get off the road. They're causing a lot of accidents. It really causes a lot of accidents. Most of the accidents that happen is the animals that are caused by animals. And the darkness of the road, too. Some parts of the place have light; some don't have light. Stanleytown needs lights,” Peters said.

Tia and Tameira Forde

Another Canadian business delegation to arrive in Guyana later this year

… following a successful event earlier

Months after a successful Canadian business delegation arrived on local shores

to scope out investment opportunities, Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana Sébastien Sigouin says that

efforts are being made to bring another business delegation this year.

During a reception

FROM PAGE 13

held in honour of the 158th Canada Day at his residence, the Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana spoke of the strong ties between his country and Guyana. Those ties include commercial interests.

Not only are more and more Canadian companies interested in investing, but the diplomat also revealed that arrangements are being made for another Canadian business delegation to visit Guyana.

“Canadian companies are also investing here in Guyana, for example, with the Oko West gold project that is now underway. This project alone is creating around 1,500 local jobs. A real example of responsible development and shared prosperity.”

“We also brought, in the fall, the first business delegation in many years. And we are working to bring another one in the coming months. So, things are happening,” Sigouin further said.

ing ministers of housing and water, health, finance, tourism, industry and commerce, and public works, as well as leaders from Scotiabank, the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest), and a discussion with His Excellency, President Irfaan Ali.

The visit had highlighted Canada’s commitment to fostering a dynamic and strategic partnership with Guyana, focusing on Guyana’s expanding economy and emerging needs for sustainable critical infrastructure solutions.

The delegation’s engagements spanned several key sectors. ON2 Solutions, a leader in medical oxygen solutions, discussed opportunities to strengthen Guyana’s healthcare infrastructure, including potential collaborations to enhance medical oxygen supply chains, an area crucial for ensuring resilience in the healthcare system.

Canada.

This renewed MoU will facilitate cooperation, participation in discussions, and the exchange of information related to the procurement of Canadian goods and services. The original MoU between the Government of Guyana and the CCC was signed by Minister Singh and Canadian Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade, and Economic Development, Mary Ng, in April 2022.

Meanwhile, the high commissioner also noted that Canada’s contributions to Guyana also extend to development, where they have played a supporting role in a number of areas, such as in education.

“For example, we’ve provided a loan of over CAN $120 million to support social services across the country. That is GYD $18 billion for social services in Guyana,” Sigouin explained to the attendees.

“There are definitely some very important ingredients that we need for our meals that have to come from overseas… especially the sauces because it’s not something that’s widely used, so just getting some of our ingredients was quite challenging.”

He also acknowledged that it’s still a bit expensive to source some of the speciality items.

“But we continue to overcome those challenges,” he assured.

“Other challenges include getting the Guyanese culture used to their style of presenting their restaurant.”

Another challenge, he highlighted, is that diners must reserve a slot and respect a fixed seating time.

If persons book, there’s an allocated space of time that they have to sit and have their meal.

This, he noted, is because it’s a small restaurant — so every table has to do two or three sittings in an entire night.

With that in mind, he shared that it’s not a restaurant where persons can come, have dinner, and relax after-

wards at night.

Amidst this minor challenge, he revealed that overall, the restaurant has been doing pretty well.

With Restaurant Week bringing even more anticipation, Nikkei is preparing a special treat for its guests.

“We have a lot of people anticipating this week here… What we’ve done is we’ve extracted the most Peruvian dish we have on our menu, which is the Lomo Saltado, and we really want to give people a deep dive into the complexities of that dish. It’s a very interesting dish.”

Additionally, he men-

tioned that the dish is also laced with a Peruvian-style fried rice and stir-fried beef over wedges that comes in a very thick sauce.

Most customers would think that it can’t get better than this; however, it does.

The restaurant is serving up a mixture of appetisers and an intriguing coconut ice cream for dessert. “People will really… be like a journey, a culinary journey when they have the meals to eat in the restaurant,” he added.

“Try it,” he urged. “It’s something new. It’s something Guyana has never had before.”

The Canadian delegation that visited last year was composed of officials from the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC), Export Development Canada (EDC), ON2 Solutions, WSP, and Aecon.

Their agenda had included meetings with government ministers, includ-

Infrastructure giants WSP and Aecon explored ways to contribute to Guyana’s ambitious public works and housing initiatives.

In April, the Government of Guyana and the CCC had announced the renewal of their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening economic and commercial relations between Guyana and

“We’ve also invested, just last year, close to CAN $15 million or GYD $2.2 billion to work with partners such as UNICEF, World University Services of Canada and many others to advance issues such as creating early childhood development policies to provide Guyanese indigenous youth with essential skills and opportunities,” he added.

Flashback: Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana Sébastien Sigouin with members of last year’s business delegation

Foreign Secretary hails Guyana-US strong

military collaboration, strategic partnerships – says partnership is key factor in enhancing defence capabilities

Hailing Guyana’s strong military collaboration and strategic partnerships with the United States of America (USA), Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud has revealed that the USA is making tangible contributions not only to energy, where it is Guyana’s main partner, but also in the area of enhanced security.

In a post on social media, Persaud reflected on the Guyana-US strategic part-

nership, which he referred to as “not only functional but special”. According to him, the US has been playing a key role in helping Guyana to enhance its defence capabilities.

“The longstanding Guyana-US defence partnership has been manifested through strong military-military collaboration that aims to enhance defence capabilities and military readiness to respond to security threats,” he explained.

Alleged abuser on remand granted $110,000 bail

ABerbice businessman who was previously remanded on three charges of allegedly physically and verbally abusing his wife has been granted bail at his 2nd court appearance.

Karran Sukhan, a 25-year-old businessman of Lot 143, Number 2 Village, East Canje, Berbice, made his first court appearance on June 13 before Magistrate Michelle Matthias, where he was charged and remanded for assault causing actual bodily harm, use of threatening language, and threatening behaviour against his reputed wife,

Joanna Ramoutar. He had pleaded not guilty to all three charges.

When the case was called a second time on June 23, Attorney at Law Charlyn Artiga successfully mitigated for the accused to be granted pre-trial liberty.

Bail was set at $50,000 for the assault charge and $30,000 for each of the other two charges.

Police had arrested Sukhan, who operates a taxi service, in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), after Ramoutar made a social media post claiming that she had endured six years of abuse at the hands

of Sukhan and was living in fear.

In the post, the mother of three asked for authorities to intervene, alleging that authorities had not been giving her the support she needed.

The abuse was not limited to physical violence. She was subjected to relentless emotional and mental torment and was called by a name which she described as ‘degrading’, Ramoutar claimed in her social media post.

The woman took to social media again on Wednesday, expressing fear after learning that Sukhan was released on bail.

ANUG rep recalls being...

Frustrated and alarmed by the unfolding events, Yearwood said he left the building in protest. But what happened next added yet another layer to the controversy: he was arrested and taken to the Brickdam Police Station, but was later released, he told the court.

Yearwood’s account has become a pivotal part of the prosecution’s case in a

trial that has gripped the country since charges were first brought against senior election officials and political figures accused of attempting to rig the 2020 election in favour of the APNU+AFC.

The controversy surrounding the tabulation of Region Four votes delayed the official declaration of results by five months, sparking local and interna-

tional condemnation. The political deadlock was only broken on August 2, 2020, when Irfaan Ali of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) was finally sworn in as President.

The trial continues on Friday, June 27, with more witnesses expected to testify about the behind-thescenes events that nearly plunged Guyana into a constitutional crisis.

“This collaboration comprises military equipment acquisition, upgrading of military infrastructure, disaster relief, and capacity building of officers of the GDF through continuous training in a wide range of topics. Our security collaboration has been bolstered in countering transnational organised crime, illicit drug trafficking and law enforcement both at the bilateral and regional levels.”

One of the reasons why the partnership is an enduring one is due to the shared goals and mutual interests between the two countries. These interests extend not only to energy, security, defence and economic development, but also to the rule of law, democratic principles, and respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty; something that has been emphasised by President Irfaan Ali.

“The US Government is contributing to enhanced security through projects like the creation of digital labs across Guyana, continuous operations training of drugs law enforcement officers by the US Drug Enforcement Operations (DEA) and the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA), and forensics reform in the Caribbean through the Regional Security System (RSS),” Persaud wrote.

“The US remains Guyana’s main energy partner. The presence of major US energy companies is contributing to energy security within Guyana and the Caribbean. The approval of a historic US$526 million loan by the US ExportImport Bank to fund the Gas to Energy (GtE) project is instrumental in this effort.

Persaud also reflected on the massive impact that the GtE project will have on Guyanese, once the 300 megawatt (MW) natural gas plant is operationalised. He also acknowledged the US’s contributions to food security.

“In the area of food security, the US continues to be a reliable partner. Importantly, the US remains a reliable defender and a consistent supporter of Guyana’s sovereign-

ty and territorial integrity, which was reinforced by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during his visit to Guyana in March 2025,” he wrote.

Only recently, it had been revealed that the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), in collaboration with the Florida National Guard and US Air Force South, would be strengthening their strategic defence partnership in the area of cybersecurity and cyber defence through a Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE).

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 mili-

tary 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.

Freed on remand: Karran Sukhan Fearful: Joanna Ramoutar

Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud

President Irfaan Ali (left), during US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit this year

Guyana gets higher returns than oil companies from Stabroek Block – MNR

Since the implemen-

tation of the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) governing the activities in the Stabroek Block, Guyana has been receiving a higher return of revenues than ExxonMobil and its partners.

This was clarified yet again by the Ministry of Natural Resources earlier this week as it poured cold water on recent unfounded allegations that ExxonMobil Guyana Limited and its joint venture partners, Hess and CNOOC, received a larger share of profits than Guyana.

The PSA, which guides the extraction of oil in the Stabroek Block and is typically described as one of the most lopsided oil deals in history, pegs Guyana’s share of

oil revenue as 14.5 per cent, including the two per cent royalty.

According to the PSA, 75% of all revenues must return to the oil companies to offset their investment expenses. In the petroleum industry, this

is referred to as ‘cost oil’. The remaining 25% of revenue, referred to as ‘profit oil’, is then split 50/50, with Guyana receiving 12.5 per cent and the Exxon-led consortium receiving the other half. The oil companies, out of

their share of ‘profit oil’, must also give Guyana a two per cent royalty, leaving the companies with 10.5 per cent to split amongst themselves. Therefore, this means that Guyana would continue to receive a higher share of return based on the Stabroek Block PSA formula.

Addressing recent statements regarding the oil companies’ financial reports, the ministry clarified that a different set of accounting rules (International Financial Reporting Standards) was applied to generate the figures therein. It was noted that the oil companies lumped ‘cost oil’ and ‘profit oil’ together. In other words, the companies factored in the recouped investment along with their profits for the reporting peri-

Berbice man granted $1M bail for causing death of his girlfriend

Alfred De Jonge, 46, of Coburg Street, New Amsterdam, Berbice, was on Wednesday charged with manslaughter and granted bail in the sum of $1 million for allegedly killing 22-year-old Stacy Walton.

De Jonge made his court appearance at the Reliance Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Michelle Mathias and was not required to plead to the indictable charge, which stated that on June 20, at Number 7 Village, Public Road, East Coast Berbice, he unlawfully killed Walton.

The man was slapped with the charge following advice submitted by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

It was initially reported that the mother of one of Alexander Street, New Amsterdam, Berbice, died in a car crash. Her body was pulled from a motorcar, which was partially submerged in a canal.

However, an autopsy performed by government pathologist Dr Bridegmohan gave the cause of death as asphyxia and drowning.

De Jonge, who operates a car rental service, was represented by attorney at law Chandra Sohan.

Police Prosecutor Sergeant Mark Edwards told the court that when De Jonge was first contacted and questioned by investigators, the accused indicated that he was in another vehicle and was passing when he observed the vehicle in the canal and stopped and rendered assistance.

Later, when questioned, he admitted that he was in the vehicle with the now deceased, and he also admitted that he had narcotics in the vehicle, and after the car went overboard, he removed the narcotics,

took them to another location and then returned to the scene sometime later to render assistance.

The prosecutor also told the court that the accused claimed that he and the now-dead woman had an argument in the car.

In objecting to bail, the prosecution told the court that there are still persons to be questioned, and if granted bail, the accused is likely to tamper with those witnesses.

But the defence attorney pointed out that the previous allegation the prosecution made mention of had nothing to do with this case, and the prosecution at that time had the opportunity to deal with the matter.

The prosecution had earlier told the court that the accused was previously indicted for an attempt to commit murder after he allegedly threw acid on another female and was committed to stand trial, but because the victim was not available to the court, the matter was disposed of.

The attorney argued that it was the conflicting story that the accused allegedly told investigators that caused the charge to be in question.

According to Sohan, there has been no attempt

to prevent the course of justice and no attempt to tamper with any witnesses.

He asked the court to consider bail and promised that the accused will attend the trial.

However, the prosecution noted the serious nature of the offence and the penalty that it carries and urged the court not to grant bail, but Magistrate Matthias said based on the fact that it was the now-

dead woman who was driving, bail was going to be granted.

Bail was set at $1 million, with the accused being ordered to lodge his passport and to report to the Central Police Station in New Amsterdam every Friday morning.

The matter has been transferred to the New Amsterdam Magistrates’ Court and comes up again on July 21.

Bee Hive man dies after car plunges into trench

A59-year-old man lost his life in a tragic accident along the Bee Hive Public Road, East Coast Demerara, on Tuesday afternoon, after his car plunged into a trench while he was attempting to overtake another vehicle.

The deceased has been identified as Geewanram Girdharry, a resident of Bee Hive, Railway Embankment.

Police said the fatal incident occurred around 17:30h and involved motorcar PAC 9952, which was being driven by Girdharry at the time.

According to police reports, Girdharry was proceeding south along the Bee Hive access road in his motorcar when, upon approaching the bridge, he attempted to overtake another vehicle, motorcar PMM 2628.

In the process, he reportedly struck the side mirror of the other car and lost control of his vehicle. The car swerved off the road and ended up in a trench located along the northern parapet of the Bee Hive Public Road. Both the vehicle and

Geewanram Girdharry

Girdharry were submerged under water.

Public-spirited citizens quickly responded to the scene and managed to pull Girdharry from the submerged vehicle. He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation but was pronounced dead on arrival.

The driver of the other car involved in the incident was subjected to a breathalyser test, which returned a blood alcohol content reading of 0.000.

Investigations into the fatal incident are ongoing.

od, thereby presenting a sum that is higher than Guyana’s. The ministry insisted that Guyana is still getting the correct income from oil extraction.

In a press release dated June 22, 2025, the Ministry of Natural Resources said that “Guyana is, in fact, receiving the correct amounts of profit oil and royalty revenue as stipulated under the Stabroek Block PSA.” The ministry also said that “the government continues to scrutinise and ensure compliance with the agreement and to safeguard the interests of the Guyanese people.”

Considering that this PSA has long been deemed a “lopsided” deal, the PPP/C-led administration introduced a new model PSA that will govern the affairs of all future production activities in Guyana.

In the new PSA, 65 per cent of all revenues generated are set aside for cost oil, a far cry from the 75 per cent that ExxonMobil and its partners

Guyana

hosts

are afforded in the Stabroek Block. This means that there will be a greater pool of revenue for Guyana to access as a result of the new fiscal terms imposed by the government. Additionally, the new model introduces ten per cent rates for corporate tax and royalties. This moves the rates up from zero and two per cent, respectively, ensuring that Guyana gets an even greater return on future oil activities.

When companies sign on to this new PSA, they are required to pay US$20 million for deep-water concessions, which are almost nine times smaller than the Stabroek block. This block alone measures approximately 26,800 square kilometres, and readers might recall that upon signing the 2016 PSA, Guyana received a meagre sum of US$18 million. Companies must also pay a signing bonus of US$10 million for shallow water concessions, a first in Guyana’s oil exploration history. [DPI]

workshop

to strengthen multi-hazard early warning systems for all

The Government of Guyana, through the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), in collaboration with the United Nations Office of Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), on Tuesday convened a National Consultative Workshop for Multi-Hazard Early Warning for All (EW4ALL).

According to a Department of Public Information (DPI) news report, this landmark event brought together national stakeholders, regional partners, and international agencies to enhance Guyana’s national framework for early warning and disaster preparedness.

Other regional and international partners that support the workshop include the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), the International Federation of the Red Cross, and the International Telecommunication Union.

The workshop forms part of Guyana’s ongoing efforts to build a comprehensive, people-centred Early Warning System (EWS), aligned with international best practices. The goal is to ensure timely alerts and effective response measures to safeguard lives, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure from the impacts of natural and man-made hazards.

Key themes of the workshop included strengthening institutional coordination for early warning at the national and local levels; integrating multi-hazard risk knowledge, monitoring, and response; enhancing communication and dissemination protocols using multiple

platforms, including digital alerts, community radios, and SMS; empowering vulnerable communities through training and inclusive planning; and aligning national actions with global frameworks such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. The workshop will be held over the next two days and will conclude today, Thursday, June 26.

During this time, participants will review Guyana’s Early Warning System Framework and discuss strategies to operationalise an integrated and sustainable early warning system (EWS) that addresses all hazards, including but not limited to hydro-meteorological, geological, and biological risks.

Guyana is currently confronting heightened climate variability and an increase in disaster risks. This workshop represents a crucial advancement in ensuring that all individuals have access to early warning systems and are adequately prepared for potential disasters, emphasising the importance of inclusivity in these efforts.

The event opened with welcome remarks from Colonel Nazrul Hussain, Director General of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), followed by opening remarks by Ms Jean Kamau, UN Resident Coordinator in Guyana.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr Alfred King, Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Prime Minister; his address reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening national resilience and promoting climate adaptation through early warning mechanisms.

The Liza Unity FPSO

Charged: Alfred De Jonge

BVI: Crashed vessel yields US$144 million worth of cocaine

Acoordinated multiagency operation in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) has resulted in the seizure of approximately 1,440 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of US$144 million and the arrest of seven individuals.

The intelligence-led operation, conducted between June 17 and 18, involved the Department of Immigration, His Majesty’s Customs, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), and external law enforcement partners following investigations by the Joint Task Force into suspected drug trafficking within BVI waters.

Officers discovered a crashed vessel off the coast of Virgin Gorda on June 18 and recovered large quantities of cocaine scattered in the surrounding area. The seven arrests were made in connection with drug trafficking and immigration offences.

The recovery operation proved challenging, with officers executing a dangerous mission involving a 200-foot descent

1,440 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of $144 million were seized in BVI waters (Photo: RVIPF)

down a steep cliff to retrieve drug packages lodged between rocks and reefs near a local bay. Several officers sustained injuries during the operation and received treatment on Virgin Gorda and Tortola.

Due to the steep, inaccessible terrain and deteriorated condition of the drug packages, authorities decided to destroy the bulk of the narcotics on-site.

The controlled destruction was carried out through burning and witnessed by independent observers unaffiliated with law enforcement. The entire process was documented with video footage and photographs, and sufficient evidence, including retained drug samples, has been preserved to support ongoing prosecution. (Loop Caribbean News)

Mexico’s president threatens to sue over SpaceX debris from rocket explosions

Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, has threatened legal action over falling debris and contamination from billionaire Elon Musk’s SpaceX rocket launches across the border in the United States.

Mexico’s government was studying which international laws were being violated in order to file “the necessary lawsuits” because “there is indeed contamination”,

Sheinbaum told her morning news conference on Wednesday.

Last week, a SpaceX Starship rocket exploded during a routine ground test at the Starbase headquarters of Musk’s space project on the south Texas coast near the Mexican border.

Mexican officials are carrying out a “comprehensive review” of the environmental impacts of the rocket launches for

the neighbouring state of Tamaulipas, Sheinbaum said. A lawsuit would be the latest legal tussle between Mexico and a US corporate giant.

In May, Sheinbaum’s government said it had sued Google for renaming the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America” for Google Maps users in the United States following an executive order by Donald Trump. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

Florida teacher admits role in illegal gun exports to Trinidad & Tobago

A46-year-old Tampa woman has pleaded guilty to conspiring to make false statements to firearms dealers as part of a scheme to traffic guns from the United States to Trinidad and Tobago.

Shannon Lee Samlalsingh, a school teacher from Hillsborough County High School, entered the guilty plea on June 20, 2025, according to an announcement by United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. She faces up to five years in federal prison. A sentence date has not yet been scheduled.

Documents presented in court showed, between 2020 and 2021, Samlalsingh purchased several firearms and firearm components from federally licensed dealers in Hillsborough and Miami-Dade counties, falsely claiming on ATF Form 4473 that she was the actual purchaser.

Prosecutors say she was acting on behalf of a Trinidadbased transnational criminal organisation.

Samlalsingh, who received funds via international wire transfers from members of the group, used the money to buy specific firearms and

transferred them to accomplices in Florida. The firearms were then smuggled to Trinidad and Tobago hidden in a large wireless speaker and punching bags.

On April 21, 2021, authorities at Piarco International Airport in Trinidad and Tobago seized a shipment from the US containing two punching bags.

Concealed inside were eleven 9mm pistols, two .38-calibre revolvers, a 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun, three AR-15-style barrels, dozens of magazines including one

drum magazine, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition, along with various firearm components and accessories.

Several of the firearms recovered—including SAR9, Ruger-9, Taurus G3, and Taurus G2C pistols—were traced back to purchases made by Samlalsingh.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and several other US and Trinidad and Tobago law enforcement agencies. (Loop Caribbean News)

At least 10 dead, 15 injured in Colombia landslide, says regional governor

At least 10 people were killed and 15 injured in a landslide in northwest Colombia, the governor of Antioquia province said on Tuesday.

Search and rescue operations are ongoing, Governor Andres Julian said in a post on X.

Triggered by heavy rains, at least 15 people were still missing after the tragedy, which was caused by flooding in a ravine, according to media reports.

Locals were warned to evacuate the area in the municipality of Bello, which remained vulnerable to landslides, the governor of the Antioquia department, Andres Julian Rendon, said while confirming the casualties.

shared by local media showed houses buried under earth on a mountain bordering Colombia’s secondbiggest city.

A picture shared by Medellín’s disaster management

situated in the western Colombian Andes, is often affected by landslides during the rainy season. (Source: Reuters, France 24)

Venezuelan influencer who criticised gangs and police shot dead during TikTok livestream

AVenezuelan influencer who criticised both gangs and allegedly corrupt cops was shot and killed on Monday while livestreaming on TikTok, authorities said.

Venezuela’s Ministry of Public Safety said in a statement on Instagram that influencer Gabriel Jesús Sarmiento died in the city of Maracay.

Sarmiento often criticised criminal groups and alleged corruption in law enforcement through his content online, and the ministry added that his death came shortly after he reported “threats made against him by members of the GEDOs (Organised Crime Structured Groups, in Spanish) and alleged police officials.”

the notorious Tren de Aragua gang takes its name, though there is no known connection between the TikToker’s death and the criminal group.

In a recording of Sarmiento’s livestream viewed by CNN, a woman can be heard screaming offscreen, while a man asks her why she is yelling.

“What happened? What happened?” shouts the man in the recording, followed by a heavy burst of gunfire.

Maracay is the capital of Aragua, the region from which

“They shot me!” the man then screams. The video ends with the image of two unidentified armed men. Seconds later, the livestream stops and the video ends. (Excerpt from CNN)

Costa Rican court orders release of migrants deported

from the US

Acourt in Costa Rica has ordered the release of 200 migrants deported from the US.

Rights groups say the group – from countries including Afghanistan, China, Ghana, India and Vietnam – had been taken to a shelter they were not allowed to leave unsupervised.

Immigration officials have been given two weeks to determine the migrants’ status and release them from the shelter where some are still being housed.

They were sent to Costa Rica after its government agreed to receive migrants deported to countries other than their homeland.

The deportees, among them more than 80 children, arrived on flights from the US shortly after the deal between the two governments was struck in February.

All 200 had been screened by US authorities and found to have “no links to terrorist groups”, Costa Rican migration authorities said.

They were taken to the

Temporary Migrant Care Centre (Catem), 360 km (220 miles) south of the capital, San José.

A report by rights organisations said they were held there “arbitrarily and illegally for more than 60 days” without access to legal counsel or information in their respective languages.

In Tuesday’s ruling, four out of the seven judges said that the conditions under which the deportees were held had violated their rights.

Among the failures recorded by the court were the fact that

they had been deprived of their freedom of movement without a prior individual ruling, that their communications with the outside had been restricted, and that they had not been told about the possibility of applying for refugee status.

Since they were expelled from the US, some of the 200 deportees have been voluntarily repatriated to their homelands, but 28 remain at Catem, according to official figures. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Mass shooting in gang-plagued Mexican state leaves 11 dead and more injured

At least 11 people were killed, including a teenager, and more were wounded in a Tuesday night shooting in the central Mexican city of Irapuato, authorities said on Wednesday.

The attorney general’s office in Guanajuato, the violence-

plagued state where Irapuato is located, said that 20 others were hospitalised with gunshot wounds.

Local media reported the shooting happened during an evening party celebrating a Catholic holiday, the Nativity of John the Baptist.

A video circulating on social media showed people dancing in the patio of a housing complex while a band played in the background before gunfire erupted. Reuters was not immediately able to verify the video. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Rights groups denounced that the migrants were not allowed to leave the facility without supervision

Guns and ammunition seized by police at the Customs bond at Piarco on April 20, 2021. Photo: TTPS

Gabriel Jesús Sarmiento, in an image released by the Venezuelan government

People gather at the site of a landslide in Bello, Antioquia, Colombia. June 24, 2025

Images

department showed a car and a street caked in mud.

Antioquia, which is

Around the World OIL NEWS

Oil rebounds on signs of strong US demand

Oil prices rose nearly 1% on Wednesday, recovering from a sharp slide early this week, as data showed relatively strong US demand and as investors assessed the stability of a ceasefire between Iran and Israel.

Brent crude futures settled 54 cents higher, or 0.8%, at $67.68 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude (WTI) ended up 55 cents, or 0.9%, at $64.92, both paring some of the 13% losses made earlier in the week.

After US President Donald Trump announced the ceasefire on Tuesday, Brent settled at its lowest since June 10, and WTI ended at its lowest since June 5, on the reduced Middle East supply risk.

Oil prices had rallied after June 13, when Israel launched a surprise attack on key Iranian military and nuclear facilities. Prices hit five-month highs after the US attacked Iran’s nuclear facilities over the weekend.

“While concerns regarding Middle Eastern supply have diminished for now, they have not entirely disappeared, and there remains a stronger demand for immediate supply,” said ING analysts in a client note.

Prices found support from Wednesday’s government data that showed US crude, gasoline and distillate inventories fell last week.

“We are looking at big draws across the board,” said Phil Flynn, senior analyst with the Price Futures Group. “This type of report can refocus on US supply and demand and less on geopolitics.”

Oil prices will likely consolidate at around $65-70 per barrel levels as traders look to more US macroeconomic data this week and the Fed rate decision, said independent market analyst Tina Teng.

The market is betting that the Fed could cut US interest rates as soon as September, which would typically spur economic growth and demand for oil. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Seven Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza, pressure on Netanyahu for ceasefire

The Israeli military said seven soldiers were killed in a single attack in southern Gaza on Tuesday, the military’s deadliest day in the territory since it broke a ceasefire with Hamas in March.

A lieutenant, three staff sergeants and three sergeants, members of a combat engineering battalion, were killed when an explosive device planted on the armoured vehicle they were travelling in ignited a fire, the military said on Wednesday.

US strikes did not destroy Iran’s nuclear programme, says intelligence assessment

The US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities did not destroy the country’s nuclear programme and probably only set it back by months, according to an early Pentagon intelligence assessment of the attack.

The Islamic Republic’s stockpile of enriched uranium was not eliminated in Saturday’s bombings, sources familiar with the Defence Intelligence Agency evaluation told the BBC’s US partner CBS.

The White House said the “flat-out wrong” assessment was leaked by “a low-level loser in the intelligence community”.

President Donald Trump again declared the nuclear sites in Iran “completely destroyed” and accused the media of “an attempt to demean

one of the most successful military strikes in history”.

According to CBS, officials familiar with the report warned it was an early assessment that could change as more information becomes available about the sites. It is also not clear at what confidence level the findings included in the report were made.

The US struck three nuclear facilities in Iran – Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan – with “bunker buster” bombs capable of penetrating 18 m (60 ft) of concrete or 61 m (200 ft) of earth before exploding.

But sources familiar with the Pentagon’s intelligence assessment say Iran’s cen-

trifuges are largely “intact” and the impact was limited to above-ground structures. Entrances to two nuclear facilities were sealed off, and some infrastructure was destroyed or damaged, but much of the facilities, which are deep underground, escaped the brunt of the blasts.

The anonymous sources told US media it is estimated that the attack only set Iran back “a few months, tops”, and that any resumption of its nuclear programme may be based on how long it takes the country to dig out and make repairs.

Sources also confirmed to CBS that some of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile was moved before the strikes, according to the intelligence assessment. (Excerpt from BBC News)

At least 16 killed as Kenya protesters battle police,

rights group says

At least 16 people have been killed and 400 injured in nationwide protests in Kenya against President William Ruto’s government, human rights group Amnesty Kenya has said.

Police clashed with protesters, who marched in their thousands – some chanting “Ruto must go” and waving branches as a symbol of peaceful opposition to his rule.

The government banned live TV and radio coverage of the demonstrations, but its decree was overturned by the High Court in the capital, Nairobi.

Ruto urged protesters not

to threaten peace and stability, as crowds tried to reach his official residence but were pushed back by police.

Police used barricades

and razor wire to seal off major roads – especially those leading to State House and parliament.

The authorities have not

yet given any casualty figures from Wednesday’s protests, but the Kenya Medical Association, Law Society of Kenya and the Police Reforms Working Group said in a joint statement that at least eight protesters were killed. Of the 400 injured, 83 required “specialised treatment”, and eight had suffered gunshot wounds. The injured included three police officers, the statement added.

Video footage showed plumes of white tear gas drifting between buildings in Nairobi, sending protesters scrambling for cover, coughing, and shielding their eyes.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Putin will not go to the BRICS summit in Brazil due to the ICC arrest warrant, Kremlin aide says

Russian President Vladimir Putin will not travel to next week’s BRICS summit in Brazil because of an outstanding arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court (ICC), Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov said on

Wednesday.

The ICC issued the warrant in 2023, just over a year after Russia launched its fullscale war against Ukraine, accusing Putin of the war crime of deporting hundreds of children from Ukraine.

Kremlin, which did not sign the ICC’s founding treaty, has dismissed the warrant as null and void.

Russia denies allegations of war crimes, and the

But it means that Putin needs to weigh the risk he might be arrested if he travels to another country that is a signatory to the ICC treaty.

In 2023 he decided against travelling to one such country, South Africa, for a BRICS summit. But last year he was given a red-carpet welcome in Mongolia, even though it is an ICC member state. Ushakov said Putin would take part via video link in the July 6-7 BRICS summit in Brazil. (Excerpt from Reuters)

“This is a very sad day, with seven soldiers killed in Gaza... I still don’t understand why we are fighting there. To what end?” He told a parliamentary committee.

Hamas’ military wing confirmed that it had carried out the deadly attack in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, on Tuesday. It said its fighters had also fired an anti-tank missile at another vehicle that came to help.

The latest deaths are likely to increase public pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reach a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and end the nearly two-year-long war, a move strongly opposed by hardline members of his rightwing ruling coalition. Moshe Gafni, a lawmaker from an ultra-Orthodox party within Netanyahu’s coalition government, on Wednesday publicly questioned why Israel was still locked in the war in Gaza.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

US sanctions alleged leader of Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua

The United States Treasury Department has sanctioned the alleged leader of Tren de Aragua (TDA), a Venezuelan gang that the administration of President Donald Trump has used as justification for its immigration crackdown.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control said Giovanni

Vicente Mosquera Serrano was not only sanctioned but also indicted by the Department of Justice.

According to unsealed court documents, Mosquera Serrano faces charges related to drug trafficking and terrorism. He was also added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list, with a $3m reward offered for information leading to his arrest or con-

viction.

In the statement, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent accused Tren de Aragua, under Mosquera Serrano’s leadership, of “terrorising our communities and facilitating the flow of illicit narcotics into our country”.

It was the latest effort in the Trump administration’s campaign to crack down

on criminal activity that it claims is tied to the proliferation of foreign gangs and criminal networks in the US. Earlier this year, the Trump administration designated Tren de Aragua and other Latin American gangs as “foreign terrorist organisations”, a category more commonly used to describe international groups with violent political aims. (Al Jazeera)

Satellite images after the US attack show large craters visible at the Fordo nuclear site in Iran

Police fired tear gas and water cannons to break up protests

SUDOKU

Immerse yourself in conversations regarding your plans and get several estimates. Protect yourself from overpaying for additional services you don't need or want.

Put essentials in order and forge ahead without hesitation. Once you have your paperwork in order, your plans in place and any permits required to follow through, you'll enjoy turning your dream into a reality.

An open mind will lead to discovery and a pathway to new beginnings. Refuse to let disgruntled individuals rain on your parade. Put yourself and your intentions first.

Step up and be the person who makes a difference. Stick to the truth and adopt discipline, and you'll turn what you know and love doing into a lucrative venture.

Keep personal information to yourself. Observation is in your best interest. Abrupt changes will backfire. It's best to research and take baby steps to break even or come out ahead.

Put your energy to good use. It's up to you to manifest opportunities. Making cold calls, advertising and spreading the word throughout your community will help.

Stick to the truth and do whatever you can to avoid complicating your life. A helpful attitude, enthusiasm and a unique approach will help you gain support and insight into the possibilities.

Focus on whatever will bring you the best outcome. Retaliating against something you cannot control will be a waste of time. Learn to go with the flow and make the most of whatever transpires.

Creative accounting will help you deal with your finances. It's time to dump the deadweight in your life. Turn one of your hobbies into a parttime business.

Temptation will cost you. Clear your head and look at every angle before you indulge in something iffy. Fast-talkers and false accusations will impede communication.

Temptation will lead to taking on or spending too much. Prioritize your home, family and yourself before outsiders, or you'll disrupt a meaningful relationship. Choose peace over discord.

Use your energy wisely and please loved ones. Making home improvements, participating in activities that bring you closer together and doing your part to help a cause are favored.

Seales took 5 for 60, and Shamar Joseph took 4 for 46 to bowl Australia out for 180 before Australia’s quicks returned fire with four late wickets.

West Indies 57 for 4 (King 23*, Starc 2-35)

trail Australia 180 (Head 59, Seales 5-60, S Joseph 4-46) by 123 runs.

Jayden

Seales and Shamar Joseph shared nine wickets on the opening day in Barbados to increase the pressure on Australia’s faltering batting line-up, but the visitors’ quicks struck back to suggest another Test match that could unfold in fast forward on a surface that offered assistance for the seamers.

Australia’s reshaped top order slipped to 22 for 3 against the new ball before Usman Khawaja, who was dropped twice on 6 and 45, and Travis Head added

short of a length and caught the shoulder of the bat on the way through to Alex Carey. Then nightwatchman Jomel Warrican couldn’t keep out an excellent delivery from Josh Hazlewood. At the moment, it would appear unwise to be making cricket-watching plans for the Ahead of the game, just the second Test in six years at the ground, there was a degree of uncertainty over what conditions would present. There was movement throughout, while the oc-

troversially reprieved by the third umpire, who ruled a catch hadn’t carried to wicketkeeper Shai Hope.

Australia’s 180 was their lowest total in the West Indies, having chosen to bat first, and their lowest either way since 1995 in Trinidad. But while they have issues over the batting, the bowling attack remains formidable, and the total grew in significance amid Mitchell Starc’s new-ball burst. He had former captain Kraigg Brathwaite, playing his 99th Test, edging low to second slip, where Beau Webster held an excellent catch. He then shaped one away from the left-handed John Campbell to leave the hosts 16 for 2.

Keacy Carty and debutant Brandon King, who had earlier dropped three catches, mixed caution with positivity to see the West Indies to within 20 minutes of the

Seales, Shamar scythe through Australia before quicks return fire

balls to make his first impact, nipping one back at the recalled Sam Konstas to pin the 19-year-old lbw, although the not out decision needed to be overturned by the DRS.

Cameron Green should have gone for a duck second ball when he edged a drive off the back foot, but King dropped a regulation chance at gully. Shamar Joseph then saw another chance go down when new captain Roston Chase spilt Khawaja at first slip.

Green went on to be given a torrid working over as he

casional delivery also lifted sharply to challenge

continued to find life tough at No. 3. Shamar Joseph regularly challenged the outside edge and then drew one which carried low to second

as he was beaten by Alzarri Joseph and edged through a gap in the slips. Head also slashed over the cordon as he took a typically positive approach, which started to turn the tide in Australia’s favour as he brought up a 57-ball fifty.

Khawaja’s second life came when he slashed to gully on 45, where King was again the culprit, but this one didn’t cost West Indies too much as Shamar Joseph resumed his wicket-taking when Khawaja bottom-edged a pull. He then produced a magnificent delivery which completely squared up Webster and clipped the top of off stump.

In his next over, Shamar Joseph thought he had his fifth wicket when Head edged through to Hope, who took it very low and signalled

his uncertainty to the squareleg umpire. The on-field officials went upstairs, and having seen the first replay, West Indies started celebrating, only for it to be eventually ruled not out by Adrian Holdstock, much to their bemusement – it did appear as though Hope’s fingers were under the ball.

Another wicket did fall before tea, with Alex Carey edging Seales to first slip, and it became a clatter after the interval with Head flaying an edge to the keeper and Starc nicking to second slip. Cummins threw the bat to good effect for runs that, if the low-scoring nature of this match continues, could prove important before Seales struck and gave the Australia captain a send-off on the way to his third five-wicket haul.

(ESPNcricinfo)

Josh Inglis, filling in for the injured Steven Smith at No. 4, tried to take a positive option but top-edged a pull from outside off which Hope settled under to give Seales his first wicket. It was not until the end of the over in which Inglis fell, the 16th of the innings, that Australia struck their first boundary when Head opened his account with a strong drive, although a slow outfield was

Khawaja then briefly went on the attack, pulling Alzarri Joseph for six and twice sending Seales through the off side, but there was never a great sense of permanency to his innings. Still, he and Head had repaired some of the early damage as they carried Australia through to lunch without further loss at 65 for 3.

Fortune favoured Khawaja after the break

Sam Konstas lbw b S Joseph 3 Usman Khawaja c †Hope

b S Joseph 47

Cameron Green c Greaves

b S Joseph 3

Josh Inglis c †Hope

b Seales 5 Travis Head c †Hope

b Greaves 59

Beau Webster b S Joseph 11

Alex Carey †c Chase

b Seales 8

Pat Cummins (c) c Brathwaite

b Seales 28 Mitchell Starc c Greaves

b Seales 0 Nathan Lyon not out

(Travis Head, 49.2 ov), 8-143 (Mitchell Starc, 50.2 ov), 9-170 (Pat Cummins, 54.4 ov), 10-180 (Josh Hazlewood, 56.5 ov) • DRS

Shamar Joseph and Justin Greaves celebrate Cameron Green’s wicket

Beau Webster was bowled by Shamar Joseph

Jayden Seales claimed a five-wicket haul

Travis Head counterattacked in typical fashion

The Cliff Anderson

Sports Hall was humming with intense rivalry on the court and in the stands on Tuesday night when the semi-finals of the inaugural June Madness Futsal championship were played on Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.

Billed as two potential humdingers, the first semi between Road Warriors and Gold Is Money ended up being a 14-goal blast that had fans on the edges of their seats and those in VIP standing to absorb the exchanges.

It ended with the Brazilian side coming back from two goals down, territory they have never been in, to defeat the game GT side, 9-5.

The feature match of the night was not as competitive as anticipated, with Sparta Boss turning in a boss-like performance, defeating Back Circle A 8-3 to earn a date with Road Warriors in what will be the perfect climax to this inaugural championship, powered by the Government of Guyana, Ministry of Culture, Youth

Nike’s

and Sport, and Ansa McAL.

The female final will feature Lady Canaimas and Iconic Ballers, who have won both their group matches to set up what will also be an intriguing finale.

Sparta’s dominant display was orchestrated by the consistent and fit Curtez Kellman, who recorded a hat-trick, but most importantly, he has scored in all the matches they have played to date in this competition and will no doubt be a critical component in Saturday’s final.

Kellman, who has now moved to eight (8) goals in the competition, just one behind the leader, Luis Da Silva of Road Warriors, scored in the 5th, 7th, 15th, and 32nd minutes. Nicholas McArthur netted his first goals of the competition, being on target in the 22nd and 39th minutes.

Darren Niles also scored his first goal of the championship to add to Sparta’s tally in the 24th minute, whilst Kelsey Benjamin scored his third overall when he closed out Sparta’s account in the 40th minute.

set for ultimate ‘June Madness’ final showdown

After being five goalsed the yellow ball, and it paid immediate dividends as Chris Macey finally broke ble taking him to five goals overall. Many near misses summed up Back Circle A’s performance; they were also hamstrung because one of their more dominant players, Simeon Moore, was nursing an injury. His presence in the game was very minimal, but when he came on, his presence helped them score with the yellow ball in the 26th minute. Their other goal came off the boot of Stephon Reynolds in the 31st minute.

Kellman later spoke with this newscast, discussing their major win and plans for the final.

The Golden Jaguar international shared about his team’s performance, “It was a very good game. You know, before the game we always have a plan, and we came out and worked towards our game plan, and that’s what made us successful tonight.”

Winning by a larger margin after several close games, Kellman noted, “As I tell the group, each game we were growing. It was very close in the first two games, but in the quarterfinal game we had a very good first half, so I told the group that each game we’re growing and gaining momentum. This game, we did well for the full

time, so it’s only a matter of growing and remaining consistent.”

“First of all, congratulations to the opposition for making it into the final. We will continue to work and stick to our game plan, Sparta Boss’ style of play. We will not change our game style to suit anybody, but we will work to our plan, come out in the final and hopefully become victorious.” Kellman told this publication about Saturday’s final.

The match of the night, however, was the first semi-final. For the first time, Road Warriors found themselves in real trouble with Gold Is Money racing to a 2-0 advantage by the 9th minute, Randolph Wagner rocking the nets in the 8th and 9th much to the delight of the fans.

The energy was high-octane, and the action was end-to-end. With each half being 20 minutes of stoppage time, it will always be an uphill task to defend slim advantages. Fitness and focus will always prevail.

It was the 13th minute that Duarte Dos Santos scored the first for Road Warriors, but split seconds later, Wagner netted the third of his four goals to restore the three-goal cushion. Back-to-back goals from Wendrecky De Souza in the 16th and 17th minutes drew Road Warriors level at 3-3, and one minute lat-

er, they took the lead for the first time with Arckson Andreazza’s goal.

It was game on, and thereafter, whilst the exchanges continued at a breath-taking pace, the visiting team gradually wrested the initiative and started dominating as they are accustomed to. After the break, where they had held a slim advantage, Dos Santos doubled the lead to 5-3, scoring in the 23rd minute.

But Shomar Koulen hit back for Gold Is Money in the 24th, and Wagner completed his helmet trick one minute later to lock the score at 5-5. Such was the epic nature of this battle that fans could have hardly settled to absorb what was taking place as the goals just kept coming.

From this point though, Road Warriors pulled away from their opponents as they fired in four unanswered goals to book their place in the championship match, which will see the winner being rewarded with two million dollars and the loser, one million.

Joao De Souza (26th), Luis De Silva (29th), Jamal Pedro (35th) with an own goal and Dos Santos with his third in the 40th minute sealed Gold Is Money’s fate; they will face Back Circle in the third-place game, with the winner guaranteed $500,000 and the loser $250,000.

Brett Holts honours Fraser-Pryce as the sprint icon prepares to retire “It’s your strength that will shape the future.”

While your speed will undoubtedly leave a legacy on the sport, I truly believe that it is your strength that will genuinely shape the future generation of the sport.”

With those words, Brett Holts, Nike’s Vice President of Global Running Sports Marketing, paid an emotional tribute to Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce on Monday night, as the Jamaican sprint legend formally announced her decision to retire at the end of the 2025 season.

Hosted by Nike on the AC Hotel’s pool deck in Kingston, the cocktail reception brought together some of the island’s most influential figures, including Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Minister of Sport Olivia Grange, and Opposition Leader Mark Golding, to honour the indelible legacy of one of the greatest athletes in track and field history. It was also the night Fraser-Pryce shared a bold new initiative with Nike to

eliminate barefoot sprinting at the primary school level in Jamaica—a cause close to her heart and a reflection of her own humble beginnings at George Headley Primary. She vowed that the programme will ensure young athletes receive proper footwear as they begin their journeys.

Holts, speaking on behalf of the global sportswear giant, took the audience through a moving recollection of Nike’s 17-year journey with Fraser-Pryce, beginning in 2008.

“You are one of the longest Nike partnerships that we have,” Holts said. “And I do recognise that the partnership has not always been an effortless start. Out of the blocks, we’ve encompassed significant triumphs together and considerable challenges... This journey has demanded extraordinary strength to reach our current position.”

That strength, Holts emphasised, has not only defined Fraser-Pryce’s sprinting career but has also elevated Nike itself.

“I extend my sincere personal gratitude to you for exemplifying such remarkable strength—because that has also made Nike stronger,” he said.

He recalled a recent meeting with Fraser-Pryce in Portland, where the sprinter made it clear that 2025 needed to be a year of celebration and that she was far from finished.

“You better be damn sure I’m showing up to win the World Championships in Tokyo,” she had told him. That ambition, Holts said, would mark a poetic return to Japan—the country where Fraser-Pryce won her first global medal in 2007 as part of Jamaica’s 4x100m relay team in Osaka.

“Tokyo will be a full-circle moment for you,” Holts said. “And since then, those accomplishments—because we do keep track—have been incredibly impressive: three Olympic gold medals, 10 individual World Championship titles… You’ve established yourself as the most victorious female track and field athlete

Following the first semi, Road Warriors’ Peter Atkinson discussed their semi-final comeback and excitement for the final.

“It was very difficult at first, but we had to keep going. In the second half, we went on back with more energy; all the teammates, we worked hard and got through with the win. We’re ready to go to the finals now and win the trophy. We come to win; we didn’t come to play,” Atkinson expressed.

He said about his thoughts during the game, “It was hard at first; I thought we would have lost already, but we came back in the game with more energy.”

“We just gotta come out here, focus on our game, put in some work and training, and we have to keep going. We got to win this final,” the Road Warriors player went on to share about the upcoming main event.

The lone female game ended in victory for The Lioness 5-0 over Tucville Terrorists, with Amanda McKenzie netting in the 3rd, 10th, 13th, 14th and 18th minutes. The game was only for academic purposes, as the finalists would have already been decided. Lady Canaimas gained a walkover from Pouderoyen Females, which handed them their second win in as many matches.

There was an exhibition game between GT Masters and Gladiators; the former won, 2-0.

in history.”

But beyond the medals and records, Holts said it was Fraser-Pryce’s example—her courage, resilience, and grace—that would ultimately define her impact.

“In that same conversation, you reminded us that above all, it’s winning that matters most. And you have always been a true winner,” he said. “Nike is committed to standing by you and building that future together.”

As the evening unfolded with laughter, nostalgia, and quiet reflection, it became clear that FraserPryce’s legacy isn’t ending—it’s evolving. Her final season will not only be a celebration of one of track and field’s greatest sprinters but also a continuation of her mission to uplift others, especially Jamaica’s next generation.

With Nike at her side, Fraser-Pryce is poised to close one chapter and begin another—not from the starting blocks, but from a place of enduring strength.

(Sportsmax)

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce addresses the gathering

Amanda McKenzie (on ball) netted all five goals in the Lioness’ win

GCB names squad for CWI U19 female tournament

…Defending champions set to compete in Trinidad and Tobago

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has announced its 14-member squad for the 2025 Cricket West Indies (CWI) Under-19 Female Tournament, which takes place from July 6 to 20 in the twin-island republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Guyana’s U19 ladies will enter the competition as defending champions.

Leading the squad is captain Laurene Williams, supported by vice-captain Crystal Durant. The full team includes Trisha Hardat, Shonette Belgrave, Tiea Isaacs, Danellie Manns, Lotaya Williams (wicketkeeper), Mahadevi Dass, Jada Fraser, Daniela Hicks, Briana Samaroo, Rebekael Cleto, Cianna Barkoye, and Devani Rickram.

Standby players are Jaraya Rodrigues, Aneesa Chetram, Ackella Stephens, Thalia Hack, Shanaya Mackay, and Emely Booker.

Chairman of Selectors Andre Percival explained that the selection process was not easy, given the limited match exposure this season.

“We only had one inter-county game and then

the National Park tournament, which wasn’t played with the usual hardball conditions,” he said. “However, we were satisfied with the performances and have seven players returning from last year’s title-winning team.”

The squad will undergo a week-long encampment in Essequibo from June 27 to July 3. Percival noted that recent weather challenges could affect outdoor sessions, but he remains hopeful the facilities will allow for productive preparation.

“Every country is facing its own struggles, but I’m confident in this group,” he added. “With experienced leaders like Laurene and Crystal and promising new talent, we’re ready to compete.”

Percival, when asked about the team’s chances of defending the title, said, “Yes, listen, I am confident because cricket is a game of glorious and unsurprising things. You never know what will happen on the day. The team that plays the best during the competition will win the competition. Just like how we’re going through the struggles here

in Guyana, other countries are going through struggles as well. So, you know, it’s going to be an open competition. That’s the reason why I’m quite confident in our girls.”

President of the Guyana Cricket Board, Bissoondyal Singh, extended his best wishes to the team, urging the players to remain disciplined, committed, and focused.

CPL teams up with DJ Bravo & Collabr App to spotlight regional music talent

The Republic Bank

Caribbean Premier League (CPL) on Wednesday announced a partnership with the Collabr App, co-founded by West Indies cricket icon Dwayne Bravo, to uncover and showcase the Caribbean’s rising musical stars.

As part of the 2025 tournament, emerging artists will have the chance to perform during halftime shows at CPL matches, offering them a platform to reach regional and international audiences.

Collabr is a creative networking app designed by and for artists, giving musicians, filmmakers, writers, and other creatives a space to promote their work, grow their audience, and connect with collaborators across all disciplines. Through this partnership, artists can upload their profiles and showreels to the app, where Bravo, his team, and the CPL will select standout talents to perform live.

These performances will be part of the CPL’s Live & Louder initiative, which showcases non-cricketing entertainment across the league. The lineup will also include some of the region’s most celebrated music acts who will join the Collabr artists to entertain the crowd at CPL games. Some of the artists fans can look forward to seeing this year are AkaiiUSweet, Ricky

T, Claudette Peters and Lil Rick, with more amazing music acts still to be announced.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Republic Bank CPL, Pete Russell, said: “At CPL, we’re always looking for new ways to highlight the best of the Caribbean, and this collaboration allows us to shine a light on musical talent that needs a platform to showcase their ability. We’re excited to work with Dwayne, who had the vision to create this opportunity, and the Collabr team to discover fresh voices and deliver unforgettable performances

for our fans.”

However, West Indies legend and Collabr co-founder, Dwayne Bravo, related, “As someone who’s always been passionate about both cricket and music, this partnership with CPL is a dream come true. Collabr was created to give talented artists a real chance to be seen and heard, and now they’ll have the opportunity to perform on one of the biggest stages in Caribbean sport. I can’t wait to see the incredible talent we uncover and bring that energy to the CPL crowd.”

All-rounder Nikhil Chaudhary to debut with Hobart Hurricanes XI at GSL 2025

Indian-born Australian cricketer Nikhil Chaudhary is geared up for a thrilling debut at the ExxonMobil Global Super League (GSL) in Guyana with the reigning Big Bash League (BBL) champions, the Hobart Hurricanes XI. With the GSL gathering champions from top T20 leagues across the globe, the stage is set for a festival of elite cricket — and for Chaudhary, it’s a platform that could redefine his career. The right-arm all-rounder is buzzing with anticipation, embracing the grind and eyeing an exciting and life-changing tournament debut.

“My preparation in the off-season is pretty much more about fitness than the skills because we’ve been doing the skills the whole year, so these couple of months or three months are all about the fitness so we can go through the season without having any injuries,” Chaudhary stated.

A decade of quiet, consistent work fuels Chaudhary’s game plan — simplicity and awareness at the crease.

“My preparation is very simple; I have been doing this for the last 10 years... So, simple preparation: just watch the ball and hit the ball. Maybe it can be a bit different in Guyana because obviously there’s a bit more spin there, a bit more turn, so the sweeps might be coming in too much there.”

Though yet to make his international debut, Chaudhary’s value lies in his versatility — a flexible asset for the Hurricanes across formats and positions.

“My place in Hobart Hurricanes is not that simple... I can bowl the powerplay overs; I can bowl in the middle, or it can be at the end. Same with the batting. I did numbers 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 last year... I can real-

ly do all the aspects in the game.”

After tasting international exposure in the 2024 Abu Dhabi T10, where he rubbed shoulders with stars like Rovman Powell, Shadab Khan, and Dwayne Bravo, Chaudhary’s appetite for growth has only intensified.

“It was amazing... I’m a big learner of the game, so I keep learning so I can just put those things into my game in the future.”

With 20 BBL appearances and nine wickets already under his belt, Chaudhary has his eyes set on soaking up wisdom from leg-spin maestro Imran Tahir at the GSL.

“Tahir has been one of the best leg spinners in white ball we have seen in the last, what, 10 years? ... I want to learn from him... how to bowl different balls to the different batsmen.”

Among the many things he’s looking forward to in Guyana, the electric pace of teammate Riley Meredith tops his list.

“I am really looking forward to seeing Riley

Meredith coming in and bowling super rapid. What he has done in the Big Bash for us, getting those quick wickets at the start, is what you want in T20s.”

Off the pitch, there’s plenty about Guyana that excites the 29-year-old former Punjab player — including the country’s famous gold chains.

“It’s an amazing place. I’ve been hearing from Tim David and (Ben) McDermott about Guyana. All my gold chains are from India, but Chris Jordan gets his from Guyana. So really looking forward to those experiences. Maybe I can get one more chain there, and that’ll be my fourth one.”

The Hobart Hurricanes XI will be just the second Australian side to feature in the GSL, following Cricket Victoria’s runner-up finish to the Rangpur Riders in the 2024 inaugural season. Their GSL journey kicks off July 11 against ILT20 champions Dubai Capitals, with the final set for July 18 — all matches unfolding at the iconic Guyana National Stadium in Providence.

All-rounder Nikhil Chaudhary

Guyana’s U19 girls will be looking to defend their title next month in T&T