The Guyana Technical Training College Inc.
(GTTCI) has officially launched its 18-month accredited Advanced Diploma in Oil and Gas course at the new, soon-to-be-completed campus in Port Mourant, Berbice.
On October 6, 28 trainees were welcomed by Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat, Director of the GTTCI, as they began the first phase of the diploma course. The occasion marked a significant milestone in Guyana’s technical education sector, as it transitions all training activities from international locations to world-class facilities on home soil.
“Today is just a start, but a momentous day, as you students will be the first Guyanese to be fully trained by the GTTCI in Guyana – 18 months of intensive training in the classrooms, labs, workshops, and yes, the FacTor [Facility Simulator], all such leading-edge facilities which we
have established or are just about to complete in nearby Port Mourant,” the professor said in a welcome message to the students.
FacTor, established in 2024 with support from the Government of Guyana, ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, Hess, CNOOC, and
SBM Offshore Guyana, is a key part of SBM Offshore Guyana’s local content commitment.
The programme is being executed with trainers from LearnCorp International (LCI) and Uniteam. It offers advanced specialisation in mechanical, electrical, in-
strumentation, and production disciplines.
Sankat said they are getting the Port Mourant campus ready for full occupancy by the end of 2025. The students are now temporarily based in New Amsterdam, with plans in place to green and landscape the campus.
“SBM has been here from the beginning, and we thank you for your confidence in the training the GTTCI will be providing in this year of transition,” the professor said.
This inaugural cohort includes 20 trainees from SBM Offshore Guyana, six from MODEC, and two from Puffer Guyana. Puffer is an international service provider participating in the programme for the first time.
“I was pleased to see six students from MODEC and two from Puffer – another first for us,” Professor Sankat noted. “This is a tremendous first for the GTTCI, as we welcome a few students from the service side of the oil & gas industry, and we do hope in the years ahead more companies will partner with the GTTCI to train its students.”
The programme’s curriculum encompasses four phases of intensive classroom, laboratory, and workshop training, culminating in an industry-recognised Advanced Diploma accredited by City & Guilds of the United Kingdom.
“You will be receiving training here in Guyana that is world-class, one that
only a few students in the world can have such access to. Hence, consider yourselves very, very fortunate, and thus make the best use of this training and experience,” Professor Sankat advised the students.
He extended gratitude to partners and stakeholders, acknowledging their vision and commitment. “To our partners in this visionary undertaking of building this new institution, the GTTCI, I congratulate and thank ExxonMobil for the leadership and dedication it has shown over the last four years for the work we have done to date to make the GTTCI and today’s historic training start, in particular, a reality.”
Professor Sankat also lauded the Government’s leadership, stating, “I must give thanks and praise to the Government of Guyana, led by His Excellency our President Dr M I Ali and our Vice President, Dr B Jagdeo, for their vision to have this GTTCI established in Guyana. Since they made that announcement to the Guyanese public just four years ago, so much has been achieved from just a vision.”
He shared an optimistic outlook for the future. “Soon you will be located in a brand new, world-class training facility that will be the pride of Guyana and in particular its county, Berbice. Upon successful completion, your trajectory for growth and development in Guyana is limitless. Set your personal goals and milestones and go for these, beginning today,” he encouraged.
With the opening of its Port Mourant campus imminent, GTTCI is poised to significantly enhance Guyana’s technical workforce and support the rapidly expanding oil and gas sector, ensuring that local talent is equipped for success in a global industry. (OILNOW)
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, October 9 –05:40h–07:10h and Friday, October 10 – 06:30h–08:00h.
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
Early-morning showers followed by cloudy skies and afternoon sunshine are expected during the day, and clear skies with occasional thundery showers are expected at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius.
Winds: East North-Easterly to Easterly between 1.34 metres and 4.91 metres.
High Tide: 17:54h reaching a maximum height of 2.91 metres.
Low Tide: 11:30h and 23:56h reaching minimum heights of 0.44 metre and 0.30 metre.
Arbitration proceedings in the US$100 million lawsuit filed by Smart City Solutions Holdings Inc against the Guyana Government over the controversial Parking Meter Project were wrapped up last week before the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).
This was revealed by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, SC, who returned last weekend from Paris, France, where the hearings were held from September 29 to October 4 at the ICSID, which is an arbitration institution established by the World Bank Group to address legal dispute resolution and conciliation between international investors and states.
“The hearings included the testimony of several witnesses: fact witnesses as well as expert witnesses from both sides. It included the examination in chief of these witnesses as well as the evidence adduced from them through cross-examination. After that process was concluded, then both sides were invited to make their closing arguments… that was done Saturday,” Nandlall explained during his programme – “Issues in the News” – on Tuesday.
Among the witnesses scheduled to testify on behalf of Guyana are former Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan and former Georgetown Mayor and City Council Councillors Malcolm Ferreira and Bishram Kuppen. In addition, a former Chancellor of the Judiciary will also testify as an expert witness.
Guyana is represented in the proceedings by the Washington-based law firm Foley Hoag and Associates and the Attorney General’s Chambers.
The case was registered with ICSID on December 22, 2021, and a tribunal to hear the matter was constituted on September 20, 2022, comprising Dr Campbell Alan McLachlan KC of New Zealand as the president, along with arbitrators Stephan Schill of Germany,
who was appointed by the company, and Marcelo Kohen of Argentina, who was appointed by Guyana.
That tribunal is now expected to deliver its decision after hearing arguments from the two sides.
“The tribunal has reserved its decision for a date to be announced. Of course, the parties will be informed in due course of that date, and that date, obviously, will be made public,” AG Nandlall related.
Parking meter controversy Guyana is being sued for damages of US$100 million arising from a contract executed by the former A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition Government for
The meters were active in January 2017, but this was met with strong resistance from the then PPP/C Opposition, private sector bodies and ordinary citizens, who formed an or-
the implementation of the Georgetown Parking Meter Project, which was ultimately abandoned following widespread public protest against the initiative.
Back in May 2016, the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC), under then Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen, signed a contract with Smart City Solutions for the paid parking system to be rolled out in Georgetown.
ganisation called Movement Against Parking Meters (MAPM) – which went on to hold some of the largest non-political protests ever seen in the capital city.
Amid public pressure, the then Coalition Administration finally intervened and suspended the bylaws, which paved the way for the implementation of metered parking, thus effectively halting the parking meter project.
Meanwhile, in January
2018, a ‘Parking Meter Renegotiation Committee’ at City Hall proposed a reduction in the parking fee from $500 per hour to $150 per hour. Three months later, the then City Council approved amendments to the bylaws and had even appeared before the Coalition Cabinet to discuss the changes to the contract, but the then Government never gave the green light for the project to recommence.
However, a new City Council was elected later that year, and the new Mayor, Ubraj Narine, had told this publication in April 2019 that he was in no rush to reintroduce the initiative. He explained that parking meters are a good initiative for the city, “but it’s the way you introduce [it].” Nevertheless, AG Nandlall back in December 2022 had contended that this lawsuit filed against the State over the project is reflective of a series of destructive acts left behind by the APNU/AFC Coalition that the PPP/C Government now has to clean up.
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Guyana’s latest call for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to construct 40,000 housing units over the next five years marks a continuation of a national housing revolution that has already transformed lives and landscapes across the country. With the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) spearheading the initiative, the programme is an economic strategy aimed at balancing inclusion, efficiency, and growth in one of the nation’s most vital sectors.
The EOI’s structure reflects a mature and strategic policy approach, offering opportunities for both local and international contractors to participate in building homes that span the economic spectrum. This inclusivity underscores the administration’s intent to maintain social equity while simultaneously pursuing large-scale development. The classification of units by size and affordability ensures that the nation’s housing policy remains responsive to the diverse needs of citizens across all ten administrative regions.
However, the announcement also serves as a sober acknowledgement of the structural challenges that continue to constrain the housing delivery system. Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo’s candid assessment of inefficiencies among some local contractors, including delays and substandard work, reveals the complexity of achieving quality and timeliness in public construction projects.
The Government’s openness to engaging international contractors is therefore not an abandonment of local enterprise but rather a pragmatic response to capacity limitations. The emphasis remains on performance, accountability, and national benefit.
The CH&PA’s commitment to prioritising qualified local contractors, while maintaining international access, signals a balanced approach between domestic empowerment and developmental necessity. It acknowledges that the housing sector must not only expand in volume but also evolve in competence and professionalism. The introduction of internal systems to identify and flag delinquent contractors represents a critical layer of oversight that could help safeguard the integrity of the programme.
Housing has long been one of the defining pillars of Guyana’s modern development agenda. Under the first term of the Dr Irfaan Ali administration, the Government’s target of distributing 50,000 house lots was surpassed, a feat that revitalised communities, stimulated employment, and widened access to homeownership. The next phase, targeting 40,000 completed homes, builds upon this legacy with a greater emphasis on construction delivery, quality assurance, and institutional collaboration.
The proposed partnerships with entities such as the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary/Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA), National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC), and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) demonstrate an integrated approach to land use and development planning. These collaborations are essential to avoid the bottlenecks of the past, particularly the delays associated with land acquisition, infrastructure readiness, and utility access.
This housing drive also carries profound macroeconomic implications. Beyond fulfilling social aspirations, construction on this scale will inject significant capital into the economy, stimulate job creation, and strengthen the domestic manufacturing and materials sectors. The anticipated mix of public-private partnerships will foster an environment of shared investment and responsibility, conditions conducive to sustainable growth and technological transfer, particularly if foreign contractors are engaged with clear requirements for local collaboration.
Nonetheless, scale and ambition must be tempered by rigorous standards of transparency, environmental responsibility, and community planning. The rapid pace of urban expansion in areas like the East Bank and East Coast corridors has already underscored the need for comprehensive infrastructure planning; roads, drainage, waste management, and social services must keep pace with residential development.
The housing initiative, therefore, cannot be pursued in isolation from the broader urban management framework that defines liveability and sustainability. As the CH&PA moves toward launching construction by the first quarter of 2026, effective monitoring and project management will be vital. Each phase of this undertaking will test not only the capacity of contractors but also the institutional efficiency of state agencies responsible for oversight. The timeline, though aggressive, is an achievable one grounded in realistic planning, clear milestones, and decisive enforcement of performance standards.
The October 24, 2025, deadline for submission of EOIs marks the beginning of what could become one of the most transformative infrastructure efforts in Guyana’s history. Success will depend on the ability to merge vision with discipline to ensure that ambition does not outpace accountability.
Once executed with precision, transparency, and equity, the 40,000-homes initiative will stand as a defining achievement of Guyana’s new developmental era. It is an opportunity to demonstrate how strategic governance, competent execution, and inclusive growth can converge to build houses, as well as a stronger, more resilient nation.
Would you watch a film with an AI actor? What Tilly Norwood tells us about art – and labour rights
By Amy Hume
Tilly Norwood officially launched her acting career this month at the Zurich Film Festival.
She first appeared in the short film AI Commissioner, released in July. Her producer, Eline Van der Velden, claims Norwood has already attracted the attention of multiple agents.
But Norwood was generated with artificial intelligence (AI). The AI “actor” has been created by Xicoia, the AI branch of the production company Particle6, founded by the Dutch actor-turned-producer Van der Velden. And AI Commissioner is an AIgenerated short film, written by ChatGPT
A post about the film’s launch on Norwood’s Facebook page read: “I may be AI generated, but I’m feeling very real emotions right now. I am so excited for what’s coming next!”
The reception from the industry has been far from warm. Actors – and audiences – have come out in force against Norwood.
So, is this the future of film, or is it a gimmick?
Norwood’s existence introduces a new type of technology to Hollywood. Unlike CGI (computer-generated imagery), where a performer’s movements are captured and transformed into a digital character, or an animation which is voiced by a human actor, Norwood has no human behind her performance. Every expression and line delivery is generated by AI.
Norwood has been trained on the performances of hundreds of actors, with-
out any payment or consent, and draws on the information from all those performances in every expression and line delivery.
Her arrival comes less than two years after the artist strikes that brought Hollywood to a standstill, with AI a central issue to the disputes. The strike ended with a historic agreement placing limitations around digital replicas of actors’ faces and voices but did not completely ban “synthetic fakes”.
SAG-AFTRA, the union representing actors in the United States, has said, “To be clear, ‘Tilly Norwood’ is not an actor; it’s a character generated by a computer program that was trained on the work of countless professional performers – without permission or compensation.”
Additionally, real actors can set boundaries and are protected by agents, unions and intimacy coordinators who negotiate what is shown on screen.
Norwood can be made to perform anything in any context – becoming a vessel for whatever creators or producers choose to depict.
This absence of consent or control opens a dangerous pathway to how the (digitally reproduced) female body may be represented on screen, both in mainstream cinema and in pornography. Is it art?
We consider creativity to be a human quality. Art is generally understood as an expression of human experience. Norwood’s performances do not come from such creativity or human experience but from a database of pre-existing perfor-
mances.
All artists borrow from and are influenced by predecessors and contemporaries. But that human influence is limited by time, informed by our own experiences and shaped by our unique perspective.
AI has no such limits: just look at Google’s chess-playing program AlphaZero, which learnt by playing millions of games of chess, more than any human can play in a lifetime.
Norwood’s training can absorb hundreds of performances in a way no single actor could. How can that be compared to an actor’s performance – a craft they have developed throughout their training and career?
Van der Velden argues Norwood is “a new tool” for creators. Tools have previously been a paintbrush or a typewriter, which have helped facilitate or extend the creativity of painting or writing.
Here, Norwood as the tool performs the creative act itself. The AI is the tool and the artist.
Norwood’s survival depends not on industry hype but on audience reception.
So far, humans show a negative bias against AIgenerated art. Studies across art forms have shown people prefer works when told they were created by humans, even if the output is identical.
We don’t know yet if that bias could fade. A younger generation raised on streaming may be less concerned with whether an actor is “real” and more with immediate access, affordability or how quickly they can consume the content.
If audiences do accept AI actors, the consequences go beyond taste. There would be profound effects on labour. Entry- and mid-level acting jobs could vanish. AI actors could shrink the demand for whole creative teams –from make-up and costume to lighting and set design –since their presence reduces the need for on-set artistry. Economics could prove decisive. For studios, AI actors are cheaper, more controllable and free from human needs or unions. Even if audiences are ambivalent, financial pressures could steer production companies towards AI.
Tilly Norwood is not a question of the future of Hollywood. She is a cultural stress test – a case study in how much we value human creativity.
What do we want art to be? Is it about efficiency or human expression? If we accept synthetic actors, what stops us from replacing other creative labour – writers, musicians, designers – with AI trained on their work but with no consent or remuneration?
We are at a crossroads. Do we regulate the use of AI in the arts, resist it, or embrace it?
Resistance may not be realistic. AI is here, and some audiences will accept it. The risk is that in choosing imitation over human artistry, we reshape culture in ways that cannot be easily reversed. (The Conversation)
Amy Hume is a lecturer in theatre (voice) at the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) at the University of Melbourne and a voice and dialect coach for theatre and screen.
Dear Editor, As Minister of Public Works, I wish to take this opportunity to express my profound appreciation to the members of the Guyana Police Force – particularly the Commissioner of Police, Mr Clifton Hicken; Deputy Commissioners Errol Watts and Ravindradat Budhram; Commanders
past and present of Divisions 3 and 4; Traffic Chief, Mr Mahendra Singh; and the traffic officers in charge of Division 3, Mr Jagnandan, and Division 4B, Mr Ramdass – for their sterling contributions to the successful completion of the new Demerara River Bridge. From the very inception
Our gold, Guyana, and our future
Dear Editor,
Gold reserves are physical gold held by national central banks to act as a financial safety net, supporting national currency value and providing a buffer against economic instability. (Google.com)
Now, with all the news gold is making and with the historical record-breaking performance of breaking the US$4000 barrier for the first time in history, it leaves a lot to wonder about, and yes, also to be excited about.
However, I would like for us to think of the long term and what happens when these prices fall, or when we are in “hard times”, etc.
So, growing up, I have
seen many movies, read about and listened to the news about America and its gold reserve. I also learnt in school that gold is one of Guyana’s main resources and earners of foreign currency and is of high quality.
As a concerned citizen, I would really appreciate if someone with the relevant authority would respond to this question, since I am sure that I may not be the only person with such a question.
So here is my question: “Why doesn’t Guyana have a gold reserve with all the gold we produce?”
Yours sincerely, Seth Sampson
of this transformative national project to its recent commissioning, the Traffic Department has been a constant presence. At every milestone event, their officers ensured the safety of all stakeholders – from engineers and contractors to the travelling public. Their professionalism, dedication, and vigilance were in-
strumental in maintaining smooth operations and preventing incidents during complex and high-traffic phases of construction.
Mr Singh’s leadership and the unwavering commitment of his team stand as a model of public service. Their work often extended beyond normal duty hours, in challenging conditions,
without hesitation or complaint. It is a reminder that progress is not achieved by infrastructure alone, but through the collaboration and sacrifice of men and women who safeguard the process at every step.
On behalf of the Ministry of Public Works and the people of Guyana, I extend sincere grati-
tude and admiration to the Guyana Police Force – particularly the traffic ranks –for their indispensable role in the realisation of this historic project.
Yours sincerely, Hon Bishop Juan A Edghill, MP Minister of Public Works
Dear Editor,
The pointed question is asked, “Who are the members that sit on GECOM’s Commission?”, and the answer is three members chosen from the Government alongside three members chosen from the opposition.
This is enshrined in the law that governs this statutory body and one that has proven to be a workable and fair system since 1992. For decades this has been the formula, and one wherein the two major parties dominated whichever side of the commission that they found themselves.
However, all of that changed when a new opposition was elected to parliament; that is, the WIN Party led by Azruddin Mohamed became the new
opposition.
As it stands, the WIN Party is required to nominate three members to occupy the opposition benches; this has caused some disquiet and an abundance of uneasiness and unsettling in the PNC’s camp.
The reason for this disturbing uneasiness is that their party were booted out of GECOM, all three of them.
The law stipulates that three commissioners shall come from the opposition, which is the duly elected WIN party; there is no accommodation for a minority party. This is what the PNC is having difficulty accepting.
The point is clear: there is no room for minorities on the commission, and we are
not in the business of placating them that they are entitled. Quite frankly, Guyana has had enough of them and are most delighted to see them go.
If I may add, the PNC should have seen this coming; to be dethroned from a lofty position of 31 seats to the humiliating position of gaining only 12 seats tells anyone – even if you were equipped with half a brain – that the people of this country never wanted them in Government nor in opposition.
To relegate a once powerful party into a minority place speaks volumes. The PNC/APNU is at its lowest ebb; the situation as it presents itself is dire. It shows a lowering of that party’s status, power and pride. How
are the mighty fallen! Some of the legal bigwigs in that party are calling for a change in the constitution or an accommodation made so that their party’s nominees are allowed a seat at the commission’s table. But this cannot be done; a constitution cannot be changed to suit the whims and fancies of a political entity merely on the basis of them not accepting defeat; it does not work that way. It also speaks to the fact that commissioners are not life appointees.
In the meantime, Guyana moves forward with its newly elected members of the opposition.
Yours sincerely, Neil Adams
Prime factorisation means writing a number as a product of its prime numbers — the basic “building blocks” of all numbers. A prime number is a number that has exactly two factors: 1 and itself.
Examples of prime numbers: 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, …
Steps to Find the Prime Factorisation:
1. Divide the number by the smallest prime number possible (2).
2. Continue dividing until the quotient is no longer divisible by that prime.
3. Move to the next prime (3, then 5, then 7, etc.).
4. Stop when the quotient becomes 1.
5. Write all the prime factors as a product.
Examples:
Example 1:
Find the prime factorisation of 36
1. Divide the number by the smallest prime number possible (2).
36 ÷ 2 = 18
2. Continue dividing until the quotient is no longer divisible by that prime.
18 ÷ 2 = 9
3. Move to the next prime (3, then 5, then 7, etc.).
9 ÷ 3 = 3
4. Stop when the quotient becomes 1
3 ÷ 3 = 1
Do you have action figures you don’t play with anymore but don’t want your parents to throw away? Make this DIY lamp craft to use them creatively.
Materials
• Action figures • White spray paint
• Spray paint in your choice of colour • Box cutter • Fine grit sandpaper
• Super glue of choice
1. Mask and Sand the Lamp Use the tape and a plastic bag or glove to cover
Prime factors: 2 × 2 × 3 × 3
Using exponents: 2² × 3²
Example 2:
Find the prime factorisation of 60
1. Divide the number by the smallest prime number possible (2).
60 ÷ 2 = 30
2. Continue dividing until the quotient is no longer divisible by that prime.
30 ÷ 2 = 15
3. Move to the next prime (3, then 5, then 7, etc.).
15 ÷ 3 = 5
4. Stop when the quotient becomes 1
5 ÷ 5 = 1
Prime factors: 2 × 2 × 3 × 5
Using exponents: 2² × 3 × 5
Practice
Find the prime factorisation of each number.
(Write your answers in both expanded and exponential form.)
1. 20 2. 30 3. 45
4. The product of three prime numbers is 30. What are the three prime numbers?
5. A number has the prime factorisation 23×32×5. What is the number?
6. Two numbers have the following prime factorisations: A = 23×3×5 B = 2×32×7
the end of the lamp that holds the bulb. Lightly sand the stand and base. Wipe it down to remove the dust and let it dry to allow both the paint and glue to adhere better.
2. Assemble and Glue Your Action Figures
Glue the larger figures to the base to arrange the others on top and around. If the limbs of the action figures move, glue the arms and legs into position. Use the painter's tape to help hold bigger figures where they need to be by securing them to the lamp base. Once everything is glued, leave it in a safe place for at least 24 hours for the glue to cure.
3. Remove the Tape
The next day, remove all the painter's tape from around the figures. Check to make sure every surface is glued properly and you don't have any moving parts. If you find any issues, fix them before you begin painting. You can also use a
box cutter to clean up any excess glue spots or strings.
4. Tape Off the Cord Wrap the cord of the lamp tightly, and ensure you get the part that connects to the base.
5. Base Coat
Apply a base coat using white paint. This base coat will ensure your final paint will adhere to the plastic.
6. Final Coat
Apply light coats of gold paint, about 45 minutes apart. Pay special attention to the middle of the lamp – all the little nooks and crannies can be hard to get into. Keep on adding coats until it looks nice and well covered.
7. Let dry and plug in
Once the paint is dry, peel the tape off your lamp, put the lampshade on and plug it in to use as normal! (Adapted from www.instructables.com)
By Christina rossetti
Brown and furry Caterpillar in a hurry, Take your walk To the shady leaf, or stalk, Or what not, Which may be the chosen spot. No toad spy you, Hovering bird of prey pass by you; Spin and die, To live again a butterfly.
Imagine you and your parents switch places for a day. Your parents are the kids and you are now in charge! What would you do?
Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, revealed that his office has already drafted amendments to the Constitution Reform Commission Act to change the current composition of the body to reflect the Parliamentary changes stemming from the recent General and Regional Elections.
At the September 1, 2025, polls, the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), a new political party formed by US-sanctioned and now indicted businessman Azruddin Mohamed, secured the spot as the main Parliamentary opposition with 16 seats, demoting the People’s National Congress-led A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) to a minority opposition party with just 12 seats and kicking out the Alliance For Change (AFC) from the National Assembly.
While the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) cemented its Parliamentary majority with 36 seats, another new political party, Forward Guyana Movement (FGM), managed to get one seat in the opposition side.
According to AG Nandlall, this new Parliamentary composition would require changes to the Constitutional Reform Commission (CRC), which caters for five representatives from the Government and five from the Parliamentary opposition, including four from the main opposition party and one from the joinder parties, which no longer exists.
“The Act was draft-
ed for that particular Parliamentary configuration that existed at the time, and that Act… was passed unanimously, and it was the product of a Select Committee… I believe that is where the notion came from that we must maintain the composition of the parties in Parliament rather than say five from Government and five from opposition.”
“At that time, we named the political party, and now you have a different configuration, which is in keeping with the spirit of the Act because… we wanted five members of the Government and five from the opposition, and the five from the opposition must come from the [entire] opposition. But you have a new configuration there now, or you are likely to have a new configuration there now with this new political party being in [and] AFC is no longer there,” Nandlall pointed out.
Bill to be considered when Parliament resumes To this end, Attorney General Nandlall disclosed during his programme, Issues in the News, which was aired on Tuesday evening, that his office has already taken steps to make the necessary changes to the Constitution Reform Commission Act.
“So, adjustments have already been made to a draft Bill, and as soon as Parliament resumes, of course, it has to receive the imprimatur of Cabinet [before]. That Bill will [then] have to be considered by the National Assembly. I think I see one member of the Commission has al-
ready resigned following the same trend of thought that I have expressed here,” the Minister noted.
That member who resigned from the Commission is former AFC leader Nigel Hughes, who stepped down from the helm of the party just last month after its poor performance at the recent elections.
The members of the CRC include: AG Nandlall along with Ministers Gail Teixeira, Dr Frank Anthony, Pauline Sukhai, and Kwame McCoy for the PPP/C Government; Vincent Alexander, Sherwood Lowe, Ganesh Mahipal and previously Hughes for the then APNU+AFC Opposition; while Timothy Jonas was the other political appointee, representing the joinder parties that held a seat in the last National Assembly; Labour Movement Representative Aslim Singh, National Toshaos
Council Representative Derrick John, Private Sector Representative Ramesh Persaud, Women’s Representative Kim Kyte-Thomas, Youth Representative Dr Josh Kanhai, Muslim Representative Imran Ally, Hindu Representative Radha Krishna Sharma, Christian Representative Keoma Griffith, Farmers’ Representative Adrian Anamayah, and the Guyana Bar Association Representative Kamal Ramkarran. Provisions were also made for the President to appoint a Chairman of the Commission, and former acting Chancellor of the Judiciary (Ret’d) Justice Carl Singh has since been
selected to head the body.
Meanwhile, AG Nandlall also used the opportunity during his programme on Tuesday evening to respond to criticisms about the work of the body being stalled during the election period.
He explained that it was unanimously agreed that the work of the 21-member Commission would be halted to allow political members to fulfil their obligations on the campaign trail.
“That is 50 per cent right away [membership] of the Commission, and that decision was taken unanimously by members of the Commission. I saw great criticisms being made, but how can you sit when you have political responsibilities on a daily basis and nightly basis that take you away from Georgetown invariably and take you into different parts of the country, which make it impossible for you to meet and do anything constructive? So, it is for those reasons that the Commission decided that it will pause its meetings until the elections have been concluded,” the Minister noted.
The highly anticipated Constitution Reform Commission Bill 2022 was first tabled in the House back in August 2022 and was subsequently passed in November of that year. After months of consultations and negotiations, President Dr
Irfaan Ali swore in the CRC members in April and May 2024.
The Act sought to establish a commission to review the country’s supreme laws, outlining the key areas that should be considered for potential reforms. These include the fundamental rights of citizens, Indigenous peoples’ rights, rights of children, the eradication of discrimination, enhancement of race relations, promotion of ethnic security and equal opportunity, safeguarding minority rights, electoral reforms, economic, political, and cultural rights, fiduciary responsibility, bolstering integrity in public office, as well as the functioning of the National Assembly and local Government.
During the April 3, 2024, swearing-in ceremony, President Ali had told the Commission members that while these areas are wide-ranging, they are not exhaustive in their scope of work. He further noted that the Constitution must be drafted in clear and accessible language that is comprehensible to the average individual. This, according to the Head of State, would ensure that all citizens understand their rights and obligations, thereby facilitating active participation in the democratic process and reinforcing the mutual understanding between the Government and the governed.
Aday after reporting the discovery of a body at Quartstone Backdam, Cuyuni River, on Tuesday, Police have confirmed that the deceased, identified as 35-year-old Venezuelan national and gold miner Yosber Alberto Rivero Sojo, was murdered, and a manhunt is now underway for 12 suspects.
In the first Police release, issued on Monday, investigators said they received a report around 11:30h from Calvin Johnson, a 50-yearold security guard employed by a Russian company at Quartzstone Backdam.
Johnson told Police that around 10:00h that morning, a woman known as Uma
Dead: Yosber Alberto Rivero Sojo
visited his compound and informed him that a male Venezuelan was lying dead along the roadway. She reportedly said she had received information that the man had been beaten by other Venezuelan nationals.
Johnson went to the lo-
cation, where he saw the man lying motionless, covered with a multicoloured hammock, with his face visible. He took photographs of the scene before returning to his camp and contacting the Bartica Police Station.
Ranks later visited the
area and confirmed the report. The body was found along a main access trail and transported to Bartica, where it remains awaiting a post-mortem examination.
Following the identification of the deceased as Yosber Alberto Rivero Sojo, Police on Tuesday issued a second statement confirming that he was reportedly confronted in the early hours of Monday by a group of about 12 men, all reportedly Venezuelan nationals, who accused him of theft before assaulting him.
Detectives from Regional Division #7 are continuing investigations and said efforts are ongoing to locate the suspects.
Your Eyewitness is quite pleased that nowadays, we’re discussing “mental health” in Guyana – rather than complaining about “mad people” – as we’ve done for hundreds of years!! It’s not for nothing everyone used to talk about the “Berbice Mad House”, which was supposed to deal with the aforesaid “mad people”. In fact, the location of the “Mad House” in Berbice – with its OFFICIAL name being the “LUNATIC ASYLUM”, not helping any!! – allowed wags in the rest of the country to snicker that all Berbicians were MAD!!
Anyhow, Friday’s gonna be “World Mental Health Day” – with the theme “access to services – mental health in catastrophes and emergencies”. But have we in Guyana really accepted that “mental health” is just as critical to our well-being as “bodily health”?? Your Eyewitness doesn’t think so. No one gives a second thought when folks talk about visiting doctors, clinics or hospitals, but just mention – if you’re VERY bold – that you gotta check out a psychiatrist or psychologist!! Expect surreptitious side glances from folks who’ve suddenly become very wary when you’re around!! And yes… your Eyewitness is speaking with authority from personal experience!! As when he’s “feeling down, wearing a frown” – but dare not tell even his buddies, who insist they engage in our national pastime of supporting rum shops!! Even if they’re kind, at best they’ll cackle that Eyewitness has “gone mental”!! Officially, according to the Health Ministry, 20 per cent of Guyanese suffer from one form of mental illness or another. But your Eyewitness thinks the figure is more like NINETY PERCENT – since just living in Guyana with every home blasting music that shakes your insides gotta drive everyone bonkers!!
Then when you leave your home, have you driven a car in Guyana’s demolition derby roads?? Walked around the Stabroek Market Square at ANYTIME – or around Georgetown after any elections since 1992?? Listened to some of these provocateurs on social media?? Used a minibus when you have a headache?? Or used a minibus – period??
And that’s why your Eyewitness – whose wife never fails to roll her eyes – gotta get his daily regular fix of beer after work!! But seriously, folks, your Eyewitness is pleased the Government now sees “mental health” as a “public health” issue to deal with. They’ve decriminalised suicide attempts and are making the umpteenth attempt to grapple with suicide.
They can also do well by starting with those street dwellers who inhabit the pavements of Georgetown and display obvious neurotic symptoms They’ll be removing threats to pedestrians – while helping them
And yes…the mental is as critical as the physical
…oil challenges
Whatever happened to the “modular” oil refinery for which the Government had asked for “expressions of interest” (EOIs)? Back in 2019 – even BEFORE the first oil – a local rice magnate had announced he could build a 30,000 bpd one for only US$100 million!! He even announced he’d locate it at Linden. Your Eyewitness was then puzzled as to why Linden – since that’d mean extra shipping costs on a congested river!! But he figured the fella just wanted to sweeten the deal for the PNC – then in power!! The PNC didn’t bite.
The 2020 PPP/C Government renewed calls in 2022 and offered 30 acres of land plus all sorts of attractive incentives – including a decade-long tax holiday and supply of oil at market prices from the Government’s share of profit oil!! They received 4 offers to build the 30M bpd refinery on Crab Island in the Berbice River. The Finance Minister said the refinery would cost at least US$1 BILLION!!!
Then we heard there were logistical challenges and questions of scale of production?!! Shouldn’t we start beating the bushes again!!
…the Demerara crossing
After an initial hitch with the entry ramp from the West Side onto the BJDRB – which saw a personal intervention by Min Edghill to direct backup traffic – traffic’s now flowing quite freely, thank you!!
Imagine when the extended ramp kicks in!!
President Dr Irfaan Ali has once again come in for high praise over his stellar leadership on the international stage, this time from Secretary-General (SG) of the Commonwealth, Shirley Botchwey.
On Wednesday, President Ali hosted a luncheon in honour of SG Botchwey at State House in Georgetown. This is the Commonwealth SG’s first visit to Guyana since being elected to head the 56-member nation-body on April 1, 2025.
According to a brief statement on the Office of the President’s Facebook page, during Wednesday’s engagement, “Ms Botchwey thanked President Ali for his support during her election and for his stewardship and leadership on global issues.”
Moreover, President Ali emphasised that the Government of Guyana and
the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, along with other Ministers of Government, also attended the luncheon.
SG Botchwey travelled to Guyana from Barbados, where she recently addressed the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, underscoring that at a time when democracy is under strain, parliamentarians are vital partners in delivering the Commonwealth’s vision for democratic, economic and environmental resilience.
Botchwey was appointed Secretary-General by Commonwealth Heads of Government at their biennial meeting in Apia, Samoa, in 2024, replacing former SG, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland, who served in the position from 2016 to 2025.
the Commonwealth are aligned in advancing key issues within an ever-changing and dynamic global environment, such as climate change and biodiversity and sustainable development, particularly with a focus on
women, children, and persons with disabilities.
During the engagement,
SG Botchwey was also presented with a painting titled “The Koker”, created by local artist Merlene Ellis.
Senior Minister within
SG Botchwey assumed office in April of this year, bringing more than 20 years of leadership experience in diplomacy, international relations, governance, and public service to the position.
At the time of her assumption of office as the seventh Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, President Ali extended his congratulations to Botchwey, stating that he looks forward to the continued collaboration within the Commonwealth for the benefit of all nations.
The Guyanese leader went on to say, “I have every confidence that under her leadership, the Commonwealth will contin-
ue to be a beacon of unity, progress, and cooperation among its member states. Guyana stands ready to work alongside her to advance our shared goals and address the critical challenges facing our global community.”
Meanwhile, only last month, SG Botchwey had extended best wishes on behalf of the Commonwealth to the people of Guyana as they stepped out to vote at the September 1 General and Regional Elections. She had said that, “This exercise of their constitutional and democratic rights is a vital step in strengthening civic engagement and building stronger institutions. We look forward to all voters making their voice heard.”
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Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, in a recent meeting with members of the Private Sector Commission’s (PSC) Agriculture Sub-Committee, discussed how the Government and the local private sector can collaborate to develop public-private partnerships to boost agro-processing and other industries in Guyana’s agriculture sector.
Speaking of the collaborative efforts between Government and the private sector to develop several transformative projects over the last five years, the Minister emphasised that investment should not just be a Government-only initiative.
“We have been putting in the infrastructure while the private sector has been making investments into the crops. We worked with the consortium, Tacama Gold, to cultivate corn and soya for the livestock sector. We put in the infrastructure, the roads, the silos, the wharf, and so on, and they made the investment in the cultivation. This is how we have to do things. It shouldn’t be a Government-only programme,” Minister Mustapha explained.
According to the Minister, with the Government investing heavily to modernise the agriculture sector in the next five years, it is an opportunity for the private sector to take the initiative because of the many opportunities for co-investments.
“We are looking to do a lot of infrastructural projects. In the next five years, we want to develop approximately 100,000 acres. If we are going to boost production, we need to have the supporting infrastructure, so we will be constructing massive farm-to-market roads.
Last year, when the President met with residents from Region Three, he committed $50 billion for this. We are already working to develop 35,000 acres on the Upper Corentyne. We are investing heavily to modernise the sector, and this is where you, the pri-
vate sector, can take the initiative because there are a lot of opportunities for co-investments. In terms of agro-processing, we want to move away from primary production and reduce wastage. So, we’ve been building thirteen agro-processing facilities across the country and outfitting them with the necessary equipment,” he noted.
Minister Mustapha also revealed that the Government had received proposals for the establishment of a small factory at Skeldon, as well as a refinery to produce white sugar.
“We are looking to restart the
production of sugar at Skeldon. We already started to plant cane there, about 5000 hectares. By the end of this year, we’ll complete about 1000 hectares. We’re working with the private cane farmers who have about 10,000 to 12,000 acres. We are looking at a proposal we received from an investor from India for a small sugar factory there. For refined sugar, we have a proposal from Trinidad to build a refinery in Guyana,” the Minister explained.
Representative of the Private Sector Commission, Dr Komal Singh, told Minister Mustapha
that the local private sector was also interested in establishing a sugar refinery in Guyana.
“You mentioned the white sugar refinery, and I want to bring it to your attention that the private sector is also looking at that. So, before a decision is made, we’re asking for our proposal to be considered. That should be ready in another week or two because we are looking to develop that refinery here. About two weeks ago, Belize began to move ahead, and they are going to be doing one in Belize. An MOU has already been signed between them and another company. They were looking to do it to satisfy the entire region, but I don’t think they have the capacity. I think Guyana still has an opportunity to do one here. So, the private sector is looking at that right now,” he noted.
Highlighting the opportunities for co-investment, Minister Mustapha also disclosed that the Government is moving ahead with the construction of storage facilities to support the local rice industry.
“In the rice industry, we see what is going on with the world market. So, we are looking to build storage facilities. The first will be built in Essequibo. The tender is out for the construction of a storage facility to store about two million bags of paddy. We are also looking at other areas to establish additional facilities,” he noted.
“75% failed to wear safety helmets” in recent traffic campaign – Police ...as motorcyclists continue to defy safety rules despite mounting deaths
Traffic officers are expressing deep frustration over the growing number of motorcyclists who continue to ignore basic road safety regulations, particularly the wearing of helmets, as motorcycle-related deaths and serious injuries continue to climb across the country.
During a recent broadcast of Road Safety and You, several traffic inspectors spoke candidly about the lawlessness that continues to plague the nation’s roads, especially among riders who treat the helmet law as optional.
Inspector Harroald De Vira, attached to the Georgetown traffic department, said the situation has reached an alarming point.
“For the last six, seven months, any collision with motorcycles, cyclists, pillion riders, they end up in the hospital. When they do check, head injuries. And they have to remain overnight. It becomes a serious accident, and our figures are going up,” he said.
Inspector Harroald De Vira
trated because people criticise the Police, not knowing what the Police do,” he said. “People make suggestions, yes, and they’re free to, but while the suggestion looks plausible, you still have to carry out studies and surveys. It’s not that the Police are not trying. But the thing is, I keep asking, what are you doing?”
National Road Safety Council (NRSC) Chairman Earl Lambert
“Of recent, Friday last, we would have – myself, Superintendent Clark, ASP Boyce, and the other traffic ranks – held an enforcement on motorcyclists. And the numbers are overwhelming. Over 100 and odd motorcycles. Seventy-five per cent failed to wear safety helmets and the number plate,” he revealed.
Despite these operations, the problem persists, and officers say it’s not due to a
The Inspector noted that Police enforcement efforts have intensified, with joint campaigns across several regions.
lack of awareness but rather an attitude problem. “We’re enforcing the law to save you,” De Vira said. “Safety starts with you. The vehicles cannot move by themselves. You’re the person who controls that vehicle.”
Programme host National Road Safety Council (NRSC) Chairman Earl Lambert, concerned about the situation, agreed that the public often misunderstands where the responsibility lies.
“The Police are frus-
He recalled a scene earlier that evening that captured the tragic side of the issue. “I was coming tonight from a hike, and I passed a vigil just past Covent Garden, about 100 yards away from Covent Garden, and it was on the northern side of the road. There were a lot of vehicles. There were people standing. There were people holding a portrait, a large-sized portrait of a young man. And the name of the person was on the portrait. And the traffic was blocked up because of people who were participating in it. And I was telling you guys – I always mention it on the program, that we spend all that time and resources to mourn that individual. But how much time did we spend to talk to that
individual, to let them know the right thing?”
That question echoed a broader frustration among traffic officers who said they are constantly blamed for accidents they did not cause.
“People look at the numbers and the first thing that comes to their mind is, they blame the Police,” one officer said. “How is it the Police’s fault? You tell me. How can the Police be blamed for somebody driving recklessly, riding recklessly? Cyclists are causing the deaths of
pillion riders. How can the Police be blamed for that?”
As the discussion closed, the officers urged the public to take road safety personally, not as something enforced by others.
“Thinking distance, braking distance, equal to stopping distance,” one officer reminded. “The laws are there on your smartphone. We need to get down into serious business and save lives. Too many lives are being lost of late for persons’ negligence,” De Vira said.
– says some transfers appear to be attempts to avoid deaths being recorded under other hospitals’ statistics
The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has recorded nine maternal deaths so far this year – a slight increase from last year’s eight. But according to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Robbie Rambarran, most of the cases involved patients referred in critical condition from other hospitals, including private facilities.
Speaking candidly on the issue at the welcoming ceremony for a Qatar team that will be conducting major surgeries in Guyana, Rambarran said while every maternal death is a tragedy, the numbers must be understood in context.
“From January to now, if I recall correctly, we’ve had about nine deaths. It’s an increase from last year’s eight,” he said. “But a lot of those patients were referred to us from other hospitals and came in very critical states.”
Rambarran explained that review reports for each case have been completed and are being submitted to the Medical Council for further examination and recommendations.
“Many of the reviews are done. I have them on my desk. I’ll be discussing them with my medical team before forwarding them to the Medical Council,” he said.
The GPHC head noted that the majority of deaths occurred among patients transferred from private institutions, raising concerns about the timing of referrals and the standards of care at those facilities.
“The majority of the patients that died so far came from private hospitals. Sometimes they send them to us when there’s nothing different we can do for them,” Rambarran stated.
He added that in some instances, the transfers appeared to be attempts to avoid the deaths being recorded under the private hospitals’ statistics.
“I honestly believe that
private hospitals like doing this because the deaths don’t fall under their numbers; they come under ours,” Rambarran said. “It’s something I’ve raised at the board level. We need to review how these deaths are classified.”
Rambarran clarified that not all the deaths were directly related to childbirth complications. Some were classified as indirect maternal deaths caused by unrelated health emergencies.
“There were quite a few indirect deaths, cases not related to maternal issues. Some were due to poison ingestion; one was a head injury. But the direct deaths are the ones we really need to examine closely,” he explained.
He dismissed suggestions that the rise could be linked to staff shortages, instead pointing to the public’s lack of confidence in regional facilities as a factor that continues to overwhelm the Georgetown hospital.
“It’s not a staffing issue. It’s a culture issue,” he said. “People still want to come to the Georgetown Hospital even when they can be treated elsewhere. It will take time and commitment to change that.”
Rambarran emphasised that transparency and accountability remain central to how the GPHC operates, adding that every maternal
and neonatal death is investigated to identify lessons and gaps in the system.
Qatar medical mission
Meanwhile, the hospital is hosting a medical mission from Qatar, which is expected to perform over 100 surgeries in Guyana over the coming days.
The team of specialised medical professionals from Qatar has arrived in Guyana recently and will conduct surgical procedures on both children and adults in the coming days. The visiting delegation will also evaluate Guyana’s healthcare needs and offer training to local doctors in advanced medical techniques.
All operations are scheduled to take place at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) from October 9 to 15.
According to Rambarran, “There are nine medical specialists as part of this team; there are paediatric interventional cardiologists, anaesthesiologists, obstetrics and gynaecology specialists, paediatric urology specialists and a cath lab technician.”
During the mission, roughly 16 complex paediatric urology operations and 30 adult procedures – including 12 intricate gynaecology cases – are expected to be completed.
In fact, the Commonwealth SG had even deployed an observer group to monitor Guyana’s elections. Ahead of the 2025 polls, the Commonwealth also fielded two senior electoral experts – Dr AfariGyan, former Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Ghana, and Dr Nasim Zaidi, former Chief Election Commissioner of India – to support the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) in its preparations.
Additionally, SG Botchwey, in a social media post on September 7, had extended warm congratulations to President Ali on his re-elec-
tion for a second term in office. “I look forward to continuing to work with you to support progress in #Guyana as well as sustainable and inclusive development across the Commonwealth,” she had stated.
Moreover, since her appointment, SG Botchwey has continued the Commonwealth’s long-standing support of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity against persisting threats from neighbouring Venezuela.
Only last month, the Secretary-General convened a meeting of the Commonwealth Ministerial
Group on Guyana (CMGG), during which they condemned the provocations by Venezuela against Guyana and called on both parties to find a peaceful resolution to the ongoing border controversy, including adhering to the legal process currently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for final settlement.
The Commonwealth of Nations, generally known simply as the Commonwealth, is a political association of 56 member states, including Guyana, almost all of which are former territories of the British Empire.
Chargé d’Affaires at the Qatar Embassy in Georgetown, Mohammed Ibrahim Al-Ruhamihi, described the initiative as “the first step in strengthening humanitarian relations between Guyana and Qatar through the medical mission.”
He added, “It is worth noting that the medical team aims to perform more than 120 surgical procedures, including surgeries and consultations for children and women, particularly for heart disease and tumours in women, with specific surgical procedures and numerous medical consultations.”
Al-Ruhamihi noted that
Qatar has dispatched “its best and most experienced doctors,” drawn from leading institutions such as Hamad Medical Corporation and Sidra Medical and Research Corporation. The mission is being financed by the Qatar Fund for Development.
Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony highlighted the value of collaboration and skill-building during the initiative. “What we want to see happen during this mission is a transfer of knowledge, to build capacity for our local team so that when they leave, we can have persons with the expertise that can carry on such surgeries,” Dr Anthony explained.
...aims to support acceleration of modernisation of Guyana’s energy infrastructure, enhance grid reliability, advance transition towards smart grid
The Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) on Wednesday signed a US$15.6 million contract with InterEnergy Group for Supervisory, Engineering and Project Management Consultancy Services.
The agreement is aimed at supporting the acceleration of the modernisation of Guyana’s energy infrastructure, enhancing grid reliability and advancing the country’s transition towards a smart grid.
The two-year contract follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2024, which laid the groundwork for technical collaboration, project management, and capacity building.
Under the agreement, InterEnergy Holdings will provide project management and oversight for major infrastructure projects, ensuring technical compliance, timely execution and integration of smart technologies; deliver technical advisory services in operation and maintenance of generation assets, conducting
audits, and recommending improvements for reliability, efficiency and cost-effectiveness; lead smart grid integration, including technical gap analysis, developing cost-effective expansion plans and designing the integration roadmap for fullscale smart grid deployment; and support capacity building and reporting, delivering regular progress reports, technical documentation, access to specialised experts and supporting GPL’s operational and strategic decision making.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Deodat Indar, Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, underscored the importance of capacity building within GPL. “It was a very rigorous negotiation process. The contract reflects the best interests of both the Government of Guyana and InterEnergy Holdings. I look forward to seeing the partnership between GPL and InterEnergy over the next two years result in tangible improvements within the electricity sector,” he said.
GPL Chairman Maurice
Gajadhar described the partnership as a historic step forward in strengthening regional ties and advancing Guyana’s development. “Today marks a significant milestone in the relationship between the Dominican Republic and Guyana. This collaboration reflects the willingness of two friendly nations to work together for mutual progress. As Chairman of GPL, I am very excited about the expertise that InterEnergy will bring to our country. As Guyanese, we are proud to be among the fastest-growing economies in the world, and this partnership is proof that we are matching words with action.”
Rolando González Bunster, Chairman of the InterEnergy Group, emphasised the symbolic and strategic importance of the partnership. “We have built a partnership that goes beyond the value of the contract. It represents a meaningful connection and a symbol of our commitment to supporting a country like Guyana. Electricity is vital, and we assure you that our work will make you proud. We will guide the way, but it is you (GPL) who will drive the journey forward.
Mr Kesh Nandlall, Head of Executive Management at GPL, highlighted the transformational value of the initiative. “This collaboration represents a significant step toward transforming Guyana’s electricity landscape, improving service delivery, and ensuring that our grid is equipped to meet the growing demand and our 2030 goal of a smart grid,” Nandlall stated.
President Dr Irfaan Ali has announced that the expansion of the Aubrey Barker Road into a four-lane highway is nearing completion and will be fully operational by the end of this year. The project forms a critical part of the wider urban infrastructure network linking key corridors across Georgetown and the East Coast Demerara. During a visit to the
site on Tuesday, President Ali said the Aubrey Barker Road link, which connects several major communities, will soon be completed, providing a vital link between the new Ogle Highway and the Enmore road network. He explained that the new four-lane expansion is designed to significantly improve traffic flow and connectivity across major urban and residential areas.
“That entire section is already completed save and except for some little spaces where we have some intrusion on the carriageway. We have to correct those and finish off that section of the road. So, before the end of the year, this section from Ogle all the way to the Mandela roundabout will be completed, giving us another four lanes of interconnection. So, you have these four lanes of
interconnection here between Ogle and Eccles. You have another four-lane at Mandela; that's [an] eighth lane. Then you have the old four-lane road; that's 12 lanes,” the President said.
The President empha-
“So, from here you will see the similar development going from Ogle all the way to Enmore that will see another four-lane expansion from Ogle, LBI, Lusignan, and Mon Repos all along the East Coast
that supports sustained economic growth, new housing zones, and faster, safer travel.
“This is the type of infrastructure that is being built out as urbanisation continues to expand and
sised that with the completion of this section, commuters will soon be able to travel from Ogle to Mandela Avenue on continuous fourlane roads, easing conges-
into Enmore. That will be adding to the already expanded four-lane road on the old East Coast corridor. That, of course, will open up again thousands
new growth centres are being created,” the President said.
Construction on the $1.45 billion four-lane expansion project is being
tion and improving accessibility for thousands of daily road users.
When combined with existing and ongoing expansions, the infrastructure will total 12 lanes of connected roadway between Eccles, Mandela, and Ogle – forming part of the Government’s broader vision for a modern, interconnected urban corridor. This development, President Ali noted, reflects the Government’s aggressive drive toward national modernisation and urban transformation.
of acres of land for industrial, manufacturing, commercial and housing development. So, this is the type of development, the type of changes that are occurring at a rapid pace,” Ali added.
The President also revealed that Government planners are looking ahead to even greater integration of transport infrastructure.
He reaffirmed that these massive infrastructure projects – from new four-lane highways to potential rail systems – represent the foundation for a new urban Guyana, one
executed in phases as the Government accelerates the delayed work. The project started in August 2022 and was expected to be completed and delivered in July 2023. The contract was awarded to Surrey Paving Aggregate Company Caribbean Limited.
However, amid delays faced in the completion of the project, the Public Works Ministry had sent out tenders in February 2024 for the continuation of the 1.3-kilometre road, which will be expanded to four lanes.
Minister of Health
Dr Frank Anthony on Wednesday met with officials from the Qatar Red Crescent Society and the Embassy of the State of Qatar to finalise plans for the 2025 Qatar Red Crescent Medical Convoys Mission to Guyana.
The mission will be carried out at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) to provide specialised medical consultations and advanced surgical procedures currently not available locally.
through knowledge transfer and technical training for local healthcare professionals, helping to strengthen Guyana’s national health system.
According to the Ministry of Health, more than just treatment, the initiative also focuses on capacity building
Leading the Qatar delegation were Mohammed Ibrahim Al-Rumaihi (Chargé d’Affaires), Yousef Ahmad Y A Al-Mulla (Qatar
– as Govt moves to decentralise programme
In keeping with the Government’s commitment to expand access to higher education and strengthen Guyana’s healthcare system, Education Minister Sonia Parag on Wednesday visited several potential locations in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) to examine suitable spaces for the decentralisation of the University of Guyana’s medical programme.
The initiative forms part of a broader plan to expand UG’s medical school beyond its Turkeyen Campus, en-
abling more qualified students to pursue medical studies, particularly those who cannot be currently accommodated owing to limited space.
Minister Parag was accompanied by Advisor on Education Reform, Dr Kofi Dalrymple, and Regional Executive Officer Narindra Persaud, during the visit. She expressed optimism about the facilities at UG’s Tain Campus, noting that the spaces available there meet the academic, infrastructural, and logistical standards required for the
expansion of the medical programme.
“This is a critical step in ensuring that every student who meets the requirements to study medicine is given the opportunity to do so, regardless of geographic location,” Minister Parag said, emphasising the Government’s focus on equity, accessibility, and decentralisation in tertiary education.
The visit follows a
Paloma Mohamed Martin, where discussions centred on the expansion and decentralisation of medical education across the country.
The move also fulfils a commitment made by President Dr Irfaan Ali to accommodate the growing number of eligible students, who, since the removal of tuition fees for UG, have sought to enrol in the medical programme.
With the increasing
high-level meeting in September between Minister Parag; Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony and UG Vice Chancellor, Professor
number of applicants and the Government’s ongoing investment in the health sector, including the construction of six new state-
of-the-art regional hospitals and several upcoming speciality facilities – the decentralisation of UG’s medical programme is expected to play a pivotal role in bridging human resource gaps in healthcare delivery.
Minister Parag highlighted that the first phase of the initiative will see medical studies expanded to Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), strategically positioning future doctors and healthcare professionals closer to the communities they will serve.
“This approach ensures that as we modernise and expand our healthcare infrastructure, we are simultaneously building the human capital required to sustain it,” Minister Parag underscored. The Education Ministry, in collaboration with the Health Ministry and the University of Guyana, will continue to assess facilities and finalise implementation plans in the coming months, paving the way for a more accessible, decentralised, and future-ready medical education system in Guyana.
The United Kingdom (UK)’s official export credit agency, UK Export Finance (UKEF), has raised its financing capacity for Guyana from £2.1 billion to £3 billion.
This increase was announced by the British High Commission in Georgetown via a statement on Wednesday evening.
According to the High Commission, “This reflects the UK’s confidence in Guyana’s economic trajectory and fiscal sustainability and marks a further deepening of the bilateral relationship between our two nations.”
UKEF aids overseas buyers across the world in accessing the financial support they need to procure from the UK, unlocking the potential of the UK supply chain by making their bids more competitive.
It was noted that this financial support hike was revealed to President Dr Irfaan Ali and a team of Government officials by a delegation from UKEF and His Majesty’s Deputy Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Latin America and the Caribbean during a meeting at State House in Georgetown earlier on Wednesday.
During this engagement, President Ali set out his priorities for UKEF collaboration over the next five years.
The High Commission added in Wednesday’s missive that, “This announcement comes at a pivotal moment, as Guyana accelerates
its infrastructural development and positions itself as a key investment destination, reinforcing the UK’s role as a trusted partner in driving inclusive growth. The British High Commission looks forward to supporting sustainable growth and shared prosperity through this collaboration between the UK and Guyana.”
the transmission upgrade that the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc. is undertaking.
2nd UKEF increase in two years
The increase to £3 billion marks the second time the UK Export Finance has hiked its financial support to Guyana in two years.
Nur Shah; Regional Head, Business Origination (Americas and South Asia), George Hames; and UKEF Country Head for Guyana, Camilo Neira.
Berbice).
Only in August 2024, the Guyanese leader had met with His Majesty's Trade Commissioner for Latin America and the Caribbean, Jonathan Knott, in Georgetown.
Back in February 2024, the UKEF almost tripled its risk appetite for Guyana from £750 million to £2.1 billion, allowing for both the Government and the lo-
During that follow-up meeting at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, discussions focused on proposals submitted by United Kingdom businesses to the Government of Guyana. Those proposals were at various stages of consideration.
Earlier this year, President Ali had indicated that he has already engaged UK Export Finance to explore financing options for
cal private sector to access funding.
One year later, in February of this year, a team from the UKEF Department returned to Guyana to further explore new avenues for partnership between the two countries on investments to accelerate various national projects for economic development.
The UKEF team included the Global Head of Business Origination,
During a meeting at the time, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh expressed appreciation to the UK for the support provided to the Government’s development agenda in various sectors, while the visiting officials noted that Guyana is a strategic priority and that UKEF is looking forward to providing further financing for priority projects in the country.
British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller, was also present at that engagement.
Funding
During a subsequent interview with the Guyana Times in October last year, Miller pointed out that Guyana could access the UKEF financing to fund the second phase of the Linden to Lethem Road Expansion Project.
The UK Government is already partially funding the Linden-to-Mabura Hill section of this critical road project that will see an all-weather road built to Lethem, Region Nine.
The US$190 million Phase One of the project will see 121 kilometres of asphalt road being built from Linden to Mabura Hill in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper
This project is being funded through the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) via a US$112 million loan, a grant of £50 million (US$66 million) from the United Kingdom’s Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UKCIF), and an input of US$12 million from the Guyana Government. That was the largest grant Guyana has ever received from the British Government.
Phase Two of this project will see the all-weather road being extended to Lethem in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).
Currently, this road network is being utilised by an estimated 50,000 travellers who transport goods from the coast to the inland regions of Guyana and even into neighbouring Brazil.
Guyana and Brazil are presently exploring financing options for that section of the road that will also serve as a critical transport link for the two countries.
However, the British High Commissioner had told this newspaper that, “The [Linden to Mabura Hill] Road is making big progress… So, again, this UK Export Finance is available for using on that road, and we’ve been talking to the Government about particular businesses that could actually provide that technical support, that infrastructure support. So, yes, there are ongoing discussions.”
According to High Commissioner Miller, there are several other proposals already being considered under the UKEF mechanism.
“We have a number of proposals that we’re looking at, at the moment… We have one major investment; that’s the [Guyana Paediatric and Maternal Hospital] at Ogle, and there are many other opportunities we’re discussing at the moment, both with the private sector and with Government… Nothing else is being announced, but we have a number of them that we’re discussing at the moment,” the British diplomat had related.
Significant progress has been made at the Guyana Paediatric and Maternal Hospital at Ogle, East Coast Demerara, which is expected to revolutionise healthcare in Guyana. This marks Guyana’s first project to be fully financed by the UK’s export credit agency.
The UK-funded $31.9 billion facility is being built by VAMED Engineering and is on track for completion by the final quarter of 2025.
The 256-bed Paediatric and Maternal Hospital will be a referral centre for women and children. It will specialise in maternal, neonatal, and paediatric care with a huge imaging suite for services such as CT scans, X-rays, MRI scanning equipment, a modern laboratory, and surgical suites.
Three men were remanded to prison on Wednesday, accused of killing a Corentyne mechanic in 2023.
The trio is charged with the 2023 murder of Kamaludein Abrahim, a 73-year-old mechanic from Port Mourant, Region Six.
Premchand Ramsohai, a 29-year-old mason, and Rajendra Balkaran, a 46-year-old cane harvester, appeared in person before Magistrate Michelle Matthias at the Reliance Magistrate’s Court, while Darwin Trim, a 33-year-old cane harvester who is currently on remand for another matter, appeared virtually.
The trio was not required to plead to the charge.
Police Prosecutor Sergeant Garfield Edwards informed the court that the prosecution was ready to commence the trial.
The three accused were placed on remand until October 14, when the matter will come up again. The case has been transferred to the Albion Magistrate’s Court.
Meanwhile, Balkaran indicated to the court last Wednesday that he was caught by a mob, beaten, and taken to the Police station.
He said he suffered three fractures and was subsequently taken for medical
attention. He claimed that he was to return to the hospital to have his hand put into a cast, but he was never afforded the opportunity.
He was informed that the prison has doctors who will address his concerns.
In a recent press release, Police revealed they secured confessions from the three men in relation to the mechanic’s murder.
Abrahim, who resided at Lot 111 Free Yard, Port Mourant, was reported missing on July 1, 2023, by his son, Shazad Abrahim, after family members were unable to contact him and found his home unusually empty.
Just two days later, on July 3, 2023, the decomposed body of the elderly mechanic was discovered by a fish-
erman in a clump of bushes on the Rose Hall Town foreshore. The remains were later positively identified by his son. However, a post-mortem examination could not confirm the cause of death due to the advanced state of decomposition.
Despite early arrests in the days following the discovery, no charges were laid at the time due to a lack of evidence. One of the remanded men was among those initially questioned and released.
But detectives in the region continued to investigate the matter, using a combination of re-interviews, site revisits, forensic re-evaluation, and newly surfaced evidence.
Reports are that the trio confessed to the murder during Police interrogation, providing detailed accounts of their actions on the night of June 30, 2023.
According to their confessions, the men, who were all acquainted with Abrahim, visited his home and saw a sum of money on his table. After requesting some and being denied, they became enraged and assaulted him until he lost consciousness.
They then stole approximately $45,000 before transporting his unconscious body to the Rose Hall foreshore, where they continued beating him until he died.
A39-year-old Bartica resident, Andel Marslowe, on Tuesday pleaded guilty to a charge of driving under the influence (DUI) when he appeared before Magistrate Teriq Mohammed at the Bartica Magistrate’s Courts. Marslowe, of Lot 5 Fourth Avenue, Bartica, was charged with driving a motor vehicle while his breath alcohol level exceeded the prescribed limit, contrary to Section 39A(1) of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 51:02 (Amended Act 17 of 2022).
He pleaded guilty and was fined $200,000, with an alternative of three months’ imprisonment if the fine is not paid.
The charge against Marslowe follows a recent series of similar cases in the mining town. Just a day earlier, two other men appeared before the same Magistrate on separate DUI charges.
Police said 28-year-old Nasio Forde, of Friendship, East Bank Demerara, was fined $250,000 or three months’ imprisonment af-
ter pleading guilty to driving under the influence. He was also fined $10,000 for breaching the condition of prescribed fitness.
Meanwhile, 33-year-old Lorenzo Singh, of Bartica, also pleaded guilty to driving under the influence and was fined $400,000 or three months’ imprisonment. Singh faced three additional charges: breach of insurance ($25,000), obscured ID mark on motor vehicle ($130,000), and unlicensed driver ($40,000), bringing his total fine to $595,000.
The Guyana Police Force has repeatedly urged drivers to desist from operating vehicles while under the influence of alcohol, noting the increased patrols and DUI enforcement exercises in Bartica and surrounding communities.
62-year-old remanded for raping 6-year-old
Sixty-two-year-old Pooran Bridglall was remanded to prison on Wednesday by Magistrate Michelle Mathias for allegedly raping a six-yearold girl. The charge was laid under Section 10(3) of the Sexual Offences Act, Chapter 8:03.
The incident reportedly occurred in his backyard in Region Six (East Berbice-
Corentyne) last Sunday. Bridglall was not required to plead when the indictment was read to him.
It is alleged that on October 5, 2025, he raped a girl under the age of 15 years. Reports are that the incident was carried out during a visit to the alleged rapist’s home.
Reports also suggest that during the act, he choked
her and covered her mouth. Moments after, the child related to her mother what transpired.
The Police were informed, and Bridglall was arrested.
Meanwhile, outside of the court on Wednesday, relatives of the victim related that the child was a regular visitor to the accused’s home.
They also claim that it was not until after Sunday’s incident that they were informed that the accused was involved in a similar act before and financially compensated relatives of that victim.
Bridglall will have to return to court on October 16.
...two-thirds selected are female; three-quarters
participants are from Government agencies
The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance has announced that 300 applicants have been shortlisted from over 1000 applications received for the 2025 International Human Rights Law Certificate Course, the second of its kind to be hosted by the Ministry.
The course, which begins next Monday, is designed to introduce participants to the fundamental concepts and frameworks of international human rights law. Classes will be held three times weekly via Zoom, with select in-person sessions scheduled in the capital city. The programme will run for six weeks, culminating in a graduation ceremony on December 10 — in observance of International Human Rights Day.
Developed entirely within the Ministry in collaboration with partners from the United Nations, the Attorney General’s Chambers, and other national agencies, the course offers participants a comprehensive foundation in international and regional human rights law. It will cover topics such as the history and development of human rights, key legal instruments, and the rights and obligations of duty bearers and rights holders.
Participants will also explore Guyana’s constitutional and institutional human rights framework through lectures, interactive discussions, case studies, and practical exercises.
Participants range from senior professionals to young community advocates. The Ministry noted that this in-
clusivity reflects its broader mandate to promote participation, equality, and diversity in governance and public education.
Female majority
The 2025 cohort, like the inaugural 2024 batch, features a strong female majority, with two-thirds of participants being women. According to Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Hon Gail Teixeira, this demonstrates the growing interest of women in governance and human rights issues.
“So, you know, in Parliament, we have one third. The minimum of women MPs is one-third of the members of Parliament. In this case, we have the reverse. We have two-thirds female and one-third male. And so, this comes into the broader context of Guyana, where we have to work more assiduously to get more males involved in these programmes. Because when you're dealing with CEDAW, for example, in the course, or you're dealing with civil and political rights, or you're dealing with issues of sexual and domestic violence and so on, we have to work with our males to try to reduce the levels of violence, not only against women and children, but violence generally in society,” the Minister said.
The Minister also revealed that participants were drawn from all ten administrative regions, ensuring a balanced national representation. While most are from Region Four, there is notable participation from
hinterland and interior regions such as Regions One, Seven, Eight, and Nine, as well as coastal areas.
In terms of educational background, the course boasts a diverse academic profile. Most participants possess diplomas or bachelor’s degrees, but the Ministry has also recorded applications from individuals with PhDs, postgraduate diplomas, and secondary-level qualifications. “Everybody’s equal in this programme,” Minister Teixeira emphasised. “You can have a master’s and fail, or a secondary education and pass. What matters is what you learn and how you apply it.”
Public Sector dominates
The public sector continues to dominate participation, with approximately three-quarters of the cohort drawn from Government agencies. This, the Minister said, aligns with the goal of building a human-rights-conscious public service that delivers fair and dignified treatment to all citizens. The private sector accounts for 42 participants, while civil society organisations — including NGOs, youth groups, and faith-based bodies — are also represented.
A significant proportion, 30 to 35 per cent, of this year’s participants come from law enforcement and security services, including police officers, prosecutors, and investigators. The Ministry said this is crucial for strengthening national capacity in human rights awareness and enforcement,
particularly within the justice and security sectors.
Participants will be evaluated through a 500-word essay and a multiple-choice examination, with a 50 per cent pass mark and an 80 per cent attendance requirement. Those who successfully complete the course will be awarded a Certificate of Achievement from the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance during the closing ceremony on December 10, which coincides with the AntiCorruption and Human Rights Expo.
Given the overwhelm-
ing national interest, the Ministry is exploring the possibility of offering the course twice yearly beginning in 2026, ensuring that
A55-year-old painter was on Tuesday remanded to prison after he was accused of threatening bodily harm during a confrontation at Alexander Village, Georgetown.
Muneshwar Persaud, of Lot 21 First Street, Alexander Village, appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, where
he faced two charges – one for threatening behaviour and another for using threatening language.
It is alleged that on October 6, at First Street, Alexander Village, Stabroek, Georgetown, Persaud used threatening behaviour and language towards Roshanna Stewart. He pleaded not guilty to both charges.
Initially, the prosecution raised no objections to
bail. However, when the virtual complainant, Stewart, was given the opportunity to address the court, she expressed fear for her safety. Stewart told the court that Persaud lives in the same yard as her, but in a separate house to the back. She claimed that he often becomes abusive whenever he is intoxicated, and on the day in question, “it got out of control”.
She alleged that Persaud armed himself with a cutlass and threatened to “bore out her eyes” and burn down her house.
“There was a grill by the door. I was inside the house, and he pushed the cutlass through the grill… He always behaves like this when he drinks, but this is the furthest it has gone,” she told the court.
According to the prosecution, while the case file did not include the allegation of burning down the house, it did state that the accused pushed the cutlass through the grill and made violent threats towards the complainant.
In light of the seriousness of the allegations and the close proximity in which the two reside, Magistrate McGusty enquired whether Persaud had an alternative place to stay.
When he indicated that he did not, the Magistrate ordered that he be remanded to prison until October 15, pending the continuation of the matter.
For years, applying for visas and extensions in Guyana meant early mornings, long lines, and hours of waiting. The sighs of frustration and the shuffle of papers were familiar sounds outside the Immigration Support Services office, where dozens of people gathered daily, hoping to be processed before the end of the day. Now, that long-standing experience may finally change.
The Ministry of Home Affairs, in partnership with the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), has officially launched the digitised Immigration Support Services (ISS) platform, giving citizens the ability to apply for immigration services completely online.
The new platform, accessible via https://eservices. iss.gov.gy, accepts applications for employment, business, student, and visitor
visas, along with visa extensions. Applicants can now register, upload supporting documents, and make payments either at the Ministry or through Mobile Money Guyana (MMG+).
The initiative delivers on President Dr Irfaan Ali’s commitment to modernise Government systems and improve public service delivery through technology.
While the system aims to bring convenience to citizens, the Ministry has
Plans are moving ahead for the staging of the second annual Fiesta Latina, a major cultural and culinary event hosted by Global Tours and Travel (GlobalTT-Guyana) in collaboration with several Latin American embassies accredited to Guyana. The event is scheduled for October 20, at the Eve Leary Sports Ground, Kingston, Georgetown, beginning at 13:00h.
The festival, now in its second year, follows the success of last year’s inaugural event and is expected to highlight the growing role of cultural and experiential tourism in the country’s development.
Visitors can expect a wide range of authentic Latin American food, beverages, music, and dance.
The one-day event will include live performances, culinary showcases, and interactive cultural activities representing several Latin American countries.
GlobalTT-Guyana, a locally owned and operated destination management company, continues to work with Latin American partners to promote cross-cultural tourism. The company offers travel packages to destinations such as the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Cuba, Colombia, Brazil, and Panama, among others.
Participating embassies at Fiesta Latina 2025 include the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Brazil,
Venezuela, Colombia, Argentina, and Mexico. Each will host booths featuring national dishes, beverages, and cultural exhibits.
According to GlobalTT’s Director of Latin American and Caribbean Destinations, Pedro Pablo Martínez, the event provides a unique opportunity for Guyanese to experience the region’s culture without leaving home.
“Latinos don’t need an excuse to celebrate,” Martínez said. “This event brings together the Latin community and the wider Guyanese public in a spirit of friendship and cultural pride. It’s about sharing our food, our rhythm, and our warmth.”
He noted that the festival will feature culinary tastings, live music, dance workshops, and a variety of Latin American beverages. “Many Guyanese explore other regions but often overlook Latin America. Fiesta Latina allows them to discover that richness right here in Georgetown,” he added.
GlobalTT-Guyana first introduced its Latin-themed cultural series in 2024 with Fiesta Cubana, which focused on Cuban culture. Later that year, the concept expanded into Fiesta Latina, a broader celebration of Latin American communities living and working in Guyana.
Company CEO Waynewright Orderson said the event reflects the grow-
ing presence of Latin nationals in Guyana and aims to strengthen cultural ties.
“There’s a growing Latin presence in Guyana – particularly among Colombians, Cubans, Venezuelans, Dominicans, and Mexicans. This festival celebrates that diversity and builds bridges through food, music, and dance,” Orderson said.
This year’s event will feature a main performance stage showcasing live bands, including a Cuban ensemble led by María Rodríguez, along with other Latin instrumentalists. There will also be dance performances, fashion displays, and a Kids’ Zone offering family-friendly activities.
Culinary highlights will include dishes prepared by chefs from Argentina, Cuba, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Venezuela. The festival will also feature a Latin cocktail bar, a beer tent offering regional and international brews, fine wines from Argentina and Chile, and premium cigars from Cuba and the Dominican Republic.
Additional attractions such as karaoke, domino games, and cultural workshops will round out the day’s activities.
Early-bird tickets are on sale for $1000, with children under 12 admitted free. Tickets can be purchased at Sky High Dominicana Airlines on David Street, Kitty, or El Sol VIP Hostel on Robb Street, Alberttown.
made sure no one is left behind. Walk-in applicants will continue to be accommodated, with dedicated terminals available at the Immigration Support Services office, where staff will assist those who need help navigating the online process.
Speaking at the launch, Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond, said the platform “represents a major leap forward in public service efficiency and citi-
zen accessibility.”
“For citizens, this new system offers significant benefits – shorter wait times, reduced congestion at service counters, and the convenience of applying anytime, anywhere from home or office,” Minister Walrond said. “This means greater accessibility and faster processing, contributing to a more efficient and citizen-centric service.”
The platform, she added, not only improves workflow and transparency but also bridges traditional service delivery with modern technology, “creating a future where digital solutions simplify lives and strengthen institutions.”
The ISS eServices platform marks another milestone in the Government’s push toward a digital-first Guyana, transforming how citizens interact with public agencies and bringing services closer to people, without the wait.
GraceKennedy Financial Group (GKFG) recently launched its innovative GK ONE Mobile App in Guyana, marking the product’s first regional expansion following its successful debut in Jamaica.
The app provides a convenient way for customers to receive Western Union money transfers in their Mobile Money Guyana (MMG) accounts or any commercial bank account in the country.
The GK ONE Mobile App, available on both Google Play and the iOS App Store, allows users to download, register, and start receiving money transfers from the comfort of their homes.
Chief Executive Officer of GraceKennedy Financial Group, Steven Whittingham, expressed enthusiasm about the launch:
“The success of GK ONE in Jamaica has been truly remarkable, transforming how our customers receive and manage their money transfers, as well as their other financial obligations. Bringing this innovation to Guyana is a natural step for us, as we continue to expand our digital solutions across the region. Guyana is the second market we are launching in, and we are confident that GK ONE will deliver the same level of convenience and reliability that
our Jamaican customers have come to trust.”
Guyanese can now receive Western Union money transfers from anywhere. The GK ONE app allows customers to transfer money received through Western Union to any commercial bank account or to an MMG wallet.
GraceKennedy Money Services (GKMS) Guyana Country Manager Troy Williams also shared his excitement about the new service.
“The introduction of GK ONE represents a significant milestone in our mission to provide Guyanese customers with smarter, faster, and safer ways to manage their money. We are proud to offer this innovative solution and the convenience it gives to our customers in Guyana.” For more information, visit our website at https:// gy.gkmsonline.com/faq/ or contact our Customer Care Centre at 592 227-5141.
Authorities in Jamaica have imposed curfews after two recent shootings in which six people, including a four-yearold child, were killed and nine others injured as suspected gang violence rattles the Caribbean island.
The most recent shooting took place on Tuesday night after unidentified gunmen drove past a group of people in the capital, Kingston, and opened fire. Six people, including two nine-year-old children and two teenagers, were shot, according to
the Kingston Central Police superintendent, Beresford Williams.
It was later reported that one of the teenagers died on Wednesday morning.
A separate shooting occurred on Sunday northwest of the capital, when five people, including a four-yearold, were killed just outside the town of Linstead in St Catherine parish.
Police have not said what motivated the killings.
Andrew Holness, the Jamaican Prime Minister, who visited victims’ fami-
lies in Linstead, described the attack as “criminal terrorism” that was “designed to bring on the people of the community the highest level of fear”.
A curfew was imposed in Linstead from 18:00h on Monday and was expected to continue until 18:00h yesterday.
Much of the violence in Jamaica and elsewhere in the Caribbean is blamed on guns illegally smuggled from the US. (Excerpt from The Guardian)
The United States (US) is pressuring Haiti’s transitional authorities to present a clear timeline for national elections, warning that neither insecurity nor constitutional concerns justify further delay.
In a video message posted on the US Embassy’s Facebook page, Chargé d’Affaires Henry Wooster told Haitian leaders that their roles “are not for life” and urged them to “do their part” by proposing a specific, timebound transition plan.
With just four months remaining before the transitional Government’s mandate expires on February 7, 2026 – and no elections held since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse – the US sees a critical window to push Haitian leaders toward a democratic transfer of power. Wooster’s unusually direct remarks reflect growing international concern that without progress, Haiti risks slipping further into prolonged interim rule and political stagnation.
Police patrol an intersection in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, September 2025
Trinidad & Tobago’s Minister of Housing and MP for Caroni Central, David Lee, has been re-arrested on conspiracy to defraud and misbehaviour in public office charges that were dropped six months ago.
Guardian Media understands that, up until late Tuesday evening, Lee was receiving treatment under Police guard at the Port-ofSpain General Hospital after feeling unwell shortly following his arrest.
Meanwhile, his political leader and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is backing him in his bid to beat the charges again.
Shortly after 4 pm yesterday, via a media release, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) said, “Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro received judicial warrants around 12.15h today, Tuesday 7th October 2025, for the apprehension of Mr David Lee, the Minister of Housing and Member of Parliament for Caroni Central, and Mr Hugh Leong Poi, the Proprietor of Sport Outlet Limited.”
Guardian Media was told that Lee surrendered to Police at the Police Administration Building in Port-of-Spain.
Shortly after surrendering, Lee complained of feeling unwell and was taken to hospital, where he remained under Police guard.
Up until late last evening, his attorneys were awaiting word on his processing, as they wanted to file an emergency bail application, which they would
have to do virtually. The issues facing Lee started in September 2022, when the Pointe-a-Pierre MP David Lee and businessman Hugh Leong Poi were charged with conspiring to defraud the state of $1.4 million in taxes over the importation of a $2 million Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG, with prosecutors alleging that Lee falsely claimed ownership to benefit from parliamentary tax exemptions.
Lee, who denied the allegations and described them as a political witch-hunt, was released on $1 million bail. On April 7, 2025, Acting Chief Magistrate Christine Charles dismissed all charges, ruling that prosecutors had presented insufficient evidence after Lee’s attorneys successfully made a no-case submission. However, Director of Public Prosecutions Roger Gaspard later confirmed that a High Court Judge would review the matter to determine if it should still proceed to trial. (Excerpt from Trinidad & Tobago Guardian)
Few expected it, but Tuesday’s burst of moisture in the Trinidad & Tobago forecast turned into something far more dramatic – a tornado. Based on a combination of eyewitness accounts, social media videos, and satellite and radar images, the phenomenon would have begun as a waterspout in the Gulf of Paria near the West Shore Medical Private Hospital, Cocorite. It then moved north-westward in a weakened state, regaining strength over North Westmoorings.
Most of the wind damage was observed in this community, as the Rural Development and Local Government Ministry reported 12 damaged roofs, some of which were completely ripped from the structures below.
Former Senator Jean Renel Sénatus urged caution, warning that hastily organised elections could “sink Haiti into another 50 years of instability.” Instead, he supports a new transition led by a Judge from the Court of Cassation.
On social media, Haitians weighed in on the debate, rejecting the idea of anoth-
As the transitional authorities remain silent, political leaders are split over what comes next. Some argue elections cannot be rushed; others insist another interim Government would only deepen the crisis.
er transition. Many argued that the country cannot endure yet another interim Government and called for elections to let the people choose their next leaders.
The Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) recently began recruiting electoral agents, as nearly 6.3 million Haitians now have the ID required to vote, according to the National Identification Office (ONI).
But widespread insecurity continues to block progress. (Excerpt from The Haitian Times)
This rare weather phenomenon, by local standards, was triggered by an intense thunderstorm over the area. Waterspouts are a relatively common occurrence over the Gulf of Paria, especially when there are hot conditions over land, which was the case over
western Trinidad yesterday.
Once the sea breeze converges with the prevailing winds along the west coast, winds can begin to rotate. The associated thunderstorm may have provided lift to
An earthquake with a magnitude of 4.0 rattled several Caribbean countries on Wednesday, but there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.
According to the Trinidad-based Seismic Research Centre (SRC) of the St Augustine campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI), the quake, which occurred at 05:07h
form a rotating column of air (vortex).
Tornado intensity is measured using the Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale, developed by a Japanese/American meteorologist. The rating estimates wind speeds and associated damage at different levels. Based on the damage in North Westmoorings, the tornado was likely an EF-0 or EF-1.
In the absence of reliable wind data, tornadoes are usually classified by the damage they cause. However, the scale is mainly used in the United States of America, where building codes differ, making assessments highly subjective. Outside the US, construction quality is also a key factor, and local authorities would need to carry out further evaluation. (Excerpt from Trinidad & Tobago Guardian)
(local time), was at a depth of eight kilometres (km).
It said the quake was felt 206 km east-northeastof Point-à-Pitre, the capital of the French country of Guadeloupe; 233 km east of Saint John’s in Antigua and Barbuda; and 246 km northeast of Roseau, the capital of Dominica.
This comes after a 4.8 magnitude earthquake rattled several cities in the
Ecuadorean
Caribbean last Friday. The SRC had said that the 10.59h (local time) quake was felt 33 km northeast of Kingstown, the capital of St Vincent and the Grenadines, 67 km south-southwest of Castries in St Lucia and 128 km south of Fort-de-France, the capital of the French island of Martinique. There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. (Jamaica Observer)
Noboa unharmed after attack on his car
AGovernment official in Ecuador has accused protesters of attempting to attack President Daniel Noboa, alleging that a group of approximately 500 persons surrounded his vehicle and threw rocks.
The attack, which unfolded in the south-central province of Cañar, took place as Noboa arrived in the canton of El Tambo for an event about water treatment and sewage.
Environment and Energy Minister Ines Manzano said Noboa’s car showed “signs of bullet damage”. In a statement to the press, she explained that she filed a report alleging an assassination attempt had taken
place.
Five persons, according to Manzano, have been detained following the incident. Noboa was not injured.
A video published by the President’s office online shows Noboa’s motorcade navigating a roadway lined with protesters, some of whom picked up rocks and threw them at the vehicles, causing fractures to form on the glass.
A separate image showed a silver SUV with a shattered passenger window and a shattered windscreen. It is not clear from the images whether a bullet had been fired. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Oil prices rose about one per cent to a one-week high on Wednesday as traders expected a lack of progress on a Ukraine peace deal to keep sanctions in place against Moscow, and a weekly report showed an increase in US oil consumption.
Brent crude futures rose 91 cents, or 1.4 per cent, to US$66.36 a barrel at 13:13h EDT (1713 GMT), while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose 99 cents, or 1.6 per cent, to US$62.72.
That put Brent on track for its highest close since September 30 and WTI on track for its highest close since September 29.
Analysts have said a peace deal would likely allow more Russian oil to flow to global markets. Russia was the secondbiggest crude producer in the world after the US in 2024, according to US energy data.
Despite sanctions, Russia has been gradually raising its oil production and was close last month to meeting its OPEC+ output quota, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Wednesday, the Interfax news agency reported.
Another factor supporting crude futures was investor belief that the US Federal Reserve would keep cutting interest rates amid a prolonged US Government shutdown.
Investors have been without most US economic data as the federal Government remains shut. But the Fed will release minutes from its September meeting at 14:00h EDT on Wednesday, which will be scoured for any new clues on Fed policy.
The central bank is widely expected to cut rates by 25 basis points at its October 28-29 meeting, according to the CME Group’s FedWatch Tool.
Oil markets held gains as traders focused more on a US report showing an increase in oil consumption last week than on the bigger-than-expected increase in crude inventories.
The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) said energy firms added 3.7 million barrels of crude into inventories during the week ended October 3.
EIA, however, did say that total weekly petroleum products supplied, a proxy for US oil consumption, rose last week to 21.990 million barrels per day, the most since December 2022.
Oil markets were up about three per cent so far this week after OPEC+ on Sunday announced a smaller-than-expected output increase for November. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Thousands of flights were delayed across the US after large numbers of air traffic workers called in sick amid the Government shutdown.
Many controllers have opted to call in sick rather than work without pay, and airports have been hit hard by the absences.
Several air traffic control towers at major transit hubs were forced to temporarily shutter, and others are suffering severe staffing shortages.
Sean Duffy, the transportation secretary, said on Tuesday there had been a slight increase in control-
At least 24 people were killed and 47 wounded while protesting against Myanmar's military Government after an army motorised paraglider dropped two bombs on the crowd, a spokesperson for the Government-in-exile told BBC Burmese.
The military attacked on Monday evening as around 100 persons gathered in Chaung U township in central Myanmar for a national holiday.
Monday's attack is just one of hundreds of similar air strikes that have been carried out this year by Myanmar's armed forces.
The military Government has in recent months augmented its air force with new drones acquired from China – which is now fully supporting the junta – as well as technical assistance from Russia.
The attack on Monday targeted a township in the Sagaing region, where people had gathered on Thadingyut, a full moon festival, to hold a candlelight vigil.
An official in the lo-
cal PDF (People’s Defence Force) told BBC Burmese that they had received information about a potential airborne attack during Monday's gathering. They tried to end the pro-
test quickly, but the paramotors – as paragliders are known locally – reached the scene earlier than expected, he said.
It all happened in seven minutes, he said. He says the explosion injured his leg, but some people near him were killed.
Locals said it was hard to identify the bodies in the aftermath.
"Children were completely torn apart," another woman who had helped to organise the event told AFP news agency. She was not at the scene but attended funerals on Tuesday and added that they were still "collecting body parts".
BBC Burmese recently reported that the junta were increasingly opting for paramotors amid a lack of aircraft and helicopters, as well as jet fuel. (Excerpt from BBC News)
himself after
aiwan President Lai
TChing-te is "prostituting" himself to foreigners to try and win their favour, but his schemes are doomed to fail, China's Government said on Wednesday after he gave an interview lauding US President Donald Trump.
China, which views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, has a special dislike of Lai, saying he is a "separatist" and
rebuffing his repeated offers of talks. Lai says only Taiwan's people can decide their future.
In an interview released this week with a conservative US radio show and podcast, Lai said Trump should get the Nobel Peace Prize if he could convince Chinese President Xi Jinping to abandon use of force against Taiwan. Trump and Xi are expected to meet this month at a regional summit in
A29-year-old man has been arrested and charged with igniting the fire that days later became the devastating Palisades blaze, which killed 12 persons and destroyed more than 6800 structures in one of the most destructive wildfires in Los Angeles history.
lers calling in sick since the shutdown began last week.
Shortages of controllers delayed flights for the second consecutive day on Tuesday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said in a notice. There are also staffing issues at the Atlanta Air Route Traffic Control Center.
Duffy said on Tuesday that authorities would be forced to delay flights as a result of controllers taking sick leave. Air traffic staffing has been cut by 50 per cent in some areas since the shutdown began. (Excerpt from The Telegraph)
Jonathan Rinderknecht was arrested near his Florida residence on federal charges of destruction of property by means of fire, acting US attorney for the central district of California, Bill Essayli, announced on Wednesday. No motive was presented.
The investigators allege Rinderknecht maliciously started what became the Lachman fire shortly after midnight on New Year’s Day in the Pacific Palisades. That fire smouldered underground for nearly a week before resurfacing on January 7 amid heavy winds, spreading rapidly to become the
a suspect in the Palisades fire
Palisades fire, investigators say. Rinderknecht faces a mandatory minimum fiveyear federal prison sentence if convicted, with a maximum penalty of up to 20 years. He was scheduled to make his initial appearance on Wednesday afternoon in federal court in Orlando, Florida. (Excerpt from The Guardian)
South Korea.
Responding to the interview, where Lai also talked about China's military threats and increased defence spending, China's Taiwan Affairs Office said Lai was "spouting nonsense", showing his true nature as a manufacturer of crises and destroyer of peace.
Since taking office last year, Lai has been "rampantly propagating separat-
ist fallacies", it said. Using unusually strong wording, the statement added: "He has engaged in unprincipled foreign pandering and bottomless selling out of Taiwan, squandering the flesh and blood of the people, prostituting himself and throwing in his lot with foreign forces." There was no immediate response from Taiwan's Government. (Excerpt from Reuters)
The Florida Supreme Court has denied a new trial for Mesac Damas, a Haitian-American man sentenced to death for killing his wife and five children in their North Naples home in 2009 – one of Florida’s most brutal family murders in decades.
In a unanimous decision issued October 1, the Florida Supreme Court upheld a lower court’s ruling that Mesac Damas was mentally competent and had adequate legal representation.
The justices dismissed his final appeal for a new trial, closing the door on more than a decade of legal challenges stemming from the 2009 murders. Damas, now 49, pleaded guilty in 2017 to six counts of first-degree murder for killing his wife, Guerline Dieu
Damas, 32, and their five young children – Meshach, 9; Maven, 6; Marven, 5; Megan, 3; and Morgan, 19 months. Investigators said that their bodies were discovered inside the family’s townhouse in Collier County, their throats slit and multiple stab wounds covering their bodies.
After the brutal killings, the Florida man fled to Haiti, where he was captured by United States (US) Marshals in collaboration with Haitian authorities and extradited to the US. He later confessed, attributing his actions to “bad spirits” and alleged Vodou spells. Damas remains on death row at Union Correctional Institution in Raiford, Florida. (Excerpt from The Haitian Times)
Let your actions send a message to onlookers and friends alike. How others respond will show you what's possible and how to go about putting your plans into motion.
A positive turn of events will position you for success. Don't hesitate to reach out to those who can help you. Send out your resume. Ask, and you shall receive.
Set your sights on learning something or exploring new places, people or pastimes. Those you encounter will meet your expectations, and so will the possibilities and suggestions that follow.
Don't second-guess yourself or defer to someone else due to a lack of confidence on your part. A passionate presentation or conversation can have a profound impact that influences how someone feels about you.
Emotions will fluctuate depending on how and with whom you spend your time. Domestic issues will arise that divert attention to home improvements, relocation or maximizing the use of your space for profit. It will be necessary to set a strict budget and enhance your qualifications, interests or skills to raise your earning potential.
Communication is the key to receiving the help you need to meet your deadlines. Be wary of people who offer too much and fall short. Put time aside to rejuvenate.
Put your energy into getting things done on time and to the best of your ability. Choose to do what's best for you, rather than trying to fit in or please someone else. Stick close to home.
Participate in events, and you will gain experience. Visiting a place that stimulates your mind and encourages you to learn something new will be a bonus. Opportunity is within reach.
Organize your schedule and get your house in order. Tidy up, prepare to host an event, or make a lifestyle change, commitment or move. Keep your money and possessions in a secure location.
Establish your expectations and be open with friends, associates and family. Investing time and money in yourself and what you want to achieve will help you fulfill your dreams.
Invest time and money in your health, wealth and personal life. A change to your living arrangements will offer comfort, convenience and ease. Let go of the past.
You have options. Stop worrying about what others do and set your sights on what you want. A commitment will come easily if it's written in the stars.
Beth Mooney's masterful maiden World Cup century rescued Australia from 76 for 7, set up a match-winning total of 221 and denied Pakistan the opportunity to pull off the first upset of the tournament. Australia are now at the top of the points table, with two wins and a washout while Pakistan remain winless in last place.
Mooney continued a magnificent 2025, in which she now averages 63.42, with an innings that was a class above anyone else on a slow, low turner in Colombo. Only two other batters, Alana King and Sidra Amin, got more than 20; King's innings came with Mooney at the other end. The pair shared a 106-run ninthwicket stand and King's 51* was the highest score for a player batting at number 10 or lower in women's OneDay Internationals (ODIs). They completely eclipsed the efforts of Pakistan's spinners, who shared six wickets for 98 runs in their 30 overs and gave their side real hope before the batters completely faded away.
Pakistan were bowled out
crease and showed patience in the face of extreme pressure. All told, Mooney hit 11 fours in her century and ran 44 singles, nine twos, and a three. She earned the right to play with freedom at the end and Australia's final flourish of 81 runs in the last 10 overs, including 53 off the last four, iced the cake.
Their takedown of Diana Baig, who conceded 74 in her 10 overs, will also ask questions of Pakistan's bowling options. They only had five at their disposal and while four had an excellent day out, they could not close things out quickly enough after Fatima Sana chose to bowl in hot, humid conditions because she suspected spin could play a role. She was proved right almost immediately.
Sana introduced spin in the form of Sadia Iqbal in the fifth over, Iqbal ended it by drawing Alyssa Healy forward as she tried to flick. Healy gave Baig a simple catch at midwicket.
Four balls later, Sana, after bowling 12 dot balls and with her hero Ellyse Perry at the other end, had Phoebe Litchfield playing across the line and skying it straight up.
Pakistan in ODI World Cups, going past former Captain Sana Mir and she showed no signs of stopping. In her next over, Sandhu deceived Annabel Sutherland with the one that held its line and beat the inside edge to bowl her. Though left-arm spin has been the discipline of destruction at this
for 114, undone by seam and swing. As much as Pakistan will need to question their batting, they will wonder how they squandered the opportunity to bowl Australia out for one of their lowest World Cup scores after getting themselves into a position of such advantage. The answer lies in Mooney's approach.
Unlike all the other batters, she demonstrated an ability to play late and move in the
The Pakistan Captain kept her composure to take a good catch. In the end, Sana did not get to bowl to Perry at all as she took herself off to go all spin.
Nashra Sandhu struck with her fifth ball when Perry came down the track, was beaten by turn, and Sidra Nawaz did some excellent work behind the stumps to break them. With that, Sandhu became the leading wicket-taker for
tournament, offspinner Rameen Shamim was not to be denied a share of the spoils. Ash Gardner chipped Shamim straight to Sana at midwicket. Then, Sandhu sent one down slow, Tahlia McGrath tried to get it over extra cover, but could not get to the pitch of the ball and sliced it to Baig, who lunged forward to take the catch in the infield.
When Georgia Wareham was done in by extra bounce
and gave Shamim a relatively simple return catch, Australia were 76 for 7 – their second lowest total at the fall of the seventh wicket since 67 for 7 against New Zealand in 1993. Sandhu thought she had the eighth in the 23rd over when Kim Garth missed a straight one and was given out lbw, but she reviewed and replays showed she had hit the ball.
That proved crucial as it allowed Australia to rebuild, in a similar fashion to the way they did after being 128 for 5 against New Zealand. This time, they were able to do it against a Pakistan attack that had to go back to their seamers, in the absence of another spin option. Sana brought herself back on in the 28th over and should have run Garth out, but got herself into a poor position at the nonstriker's end. She also had to go back to Baig, and Australia's 100 and Mooney's fifty both came off her in a sign of things to come.
The eighth-wicket stand between Mooney and Garth grew 39 before another Nawaz special behind the stumps. Baig sent a full ball down leg, Garth missed the flick with her front foot out of the crease and back heel lifted. Nawaz reacted quickly to collect, stay low, and break the stumps. Australia were 115 for 8 and again, Pakistan could not close things out.
King did a sterling job of holding her end and helped Mooney drag the innings into its latter stages. Mooney was on 85 when she was given lbw to Iqbal, against a delivery that turned in and pinned her on the back leg. She reviewed and ball tracking showed it was doing too much and would have missed leg stump.
King was 17 off 35 at the time. Mooney entered the nineties when she whipped Baig behind square and moved swiftly to 97 with a cut that went to the deepthird boundary. Her hundred came with a single off Sana, and then she let King have some fun. King took 13 runs off Baig's final over and then back-to-back sixes off Sana's last over to bring up 50 off 48 balls. Mooney then smashed two more fours before being dismissed off the last ball as
in their batting. Sadaf Shams looked nervy initially, edged Megan Schutt between the keeper and slip and then nicked off against Garth. Schutt got on the board three overs later when Muneeba Ali was caught low by Sutherland at mid-off, in a dismissal that looked eerily similar to Heather Knight's not out against Bangladesh.
Nawaz, promoted to number four, had no footwork when she edged Garth to Healy, Schutt had Natalia Pervaiz caught by Mooney at slip and then Garth bowled Eyman Fatima, playing and missing as she attempted a slog. Pakistan were in a mess at 31 for 5 and it did not get much better. Sana chopped a short Sutherland ball onto her stumps before Sidra Amin and Shamim put on 29 in 52 balls, which was Pakistan's best stand. Spin ended it when Amin picked out Sutherland at long-on. Pakistan were 78 for 7, but had no batters to take them close. Shamim and Sandhu delayed the inevitable for 68 balls in a 25-run stand. Pakistan were dismissed in 36.3 overs and their net run rate plunged to -1.887. (ESPNcricinfo)
c & b Fatima Sana 10
Ellyse Perry st †Sidra Nawaz
b Nashra Sandhu 5
Beth Mooney c Sadaf Shamas
b Fatima Sana 109
Annabel Sutherland b Nashra Sandhu 1
Ashleigh Gardner c Fatima
Sana b Rameen Shamim 1
Tahlia McGrath c Diana Baig
14.3 ov), 5-60 (Ashleigh Gardner, 15.2 ov), 6-75 (Tahlia McGrath, 20.3 ov), 7-76 (Georgia Wareham, 21.2 ov), 8-115 (Kim Garth, 33.5 ov), 9-221 (Beth Mooney, 49.6 ov)
Cricket West Indies (CWI) on Wednesday announced the squads for the three OneDay International (ODI) and three T20 International (T20I) matches against Bangladesh from October 18-31 in Dhaka and Chattogram, respectively.
Following Bangladesh’s fourth consecutive home series triumph, with the recent victory against Pakistan, the series will be the penultimate ODI series of the year for the regional squad, providing an opportunity for continuity in preparation for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s World Cup in 2027, with the nucleus of the squad being retained from the previous series.
Former West Indies Under-19 Captain and Academy member Ackeem Auguste has been rewarded with a maiden call-up to the ODI squad as a replacement for Evin Lewis, who has been recovering from a wrist injury and has been ruled out of the tour.
Khary Pierre, who made his
Test debut against India earlier this month, has earned a recall to the shorter format to support Gudakesh Motie and Roston Chase in the spin department, while Alick Athanaze has also made a return to the squad led by Shai Hope.
Head Coach Daren Sammy is excited to continue the progression of the ODI team while exposing more players to strengthen the pool for the 2027 World Cup.
“The squad assembled will strive to maintain a winning mentality and strong team cohesion, essential components for long-term success ahead of the World Cup. Facing Bangladesh provides another opportunity to earn crucial points in our push for automatic qualification to the showpiece event.”
Sammy also added, “The selection of Ackeem reflects the pathway Cricket West Indies is creating for our emerging players who have shown the qualities to perform at the international level. He is a player for the future, one who
has progressed from Under15s to the senior level, and another Academy graduate to feature in an international squad this year.”
Meanwhile, left-arm pacer Ramon Simmonds, along with Amir Jangoo, has been included for the three T20Is in Chattogram.
Simmonds’ exploits in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), where he ended with 13 wickets, along with his strong outing with the ball against Nepal, sees him included in the 15-member squad. Jangoo has been selected as the second wicketkeeping option.
In a concerted effort to provide players with valuable exposure to sub-continent conditions in advance of the series, CWI has sent Motie, Keacy Carty, and Sherfane Rutherford to a preparatory camp at the Super Kings Academy in Chennai, India, with Auguste and Jangoo joining this contingent following their participation in the Nepal series.
CWI’s Director of Cricket,
Miles Bascombe said, “With the 2026 T20 World Cup around the corner, it is important for our players to get as much practice as possible in these conditions, with that tournament being held in India and Sri Lanka.”
“In addition to the important aspect of acclimatisation, the camp will feature skill and tactical training and development specific to those conditions, which is critical to preparing the players ahead of this series as well as next year’s World Cup.”
West Indies ODI squad against Bangladesh: Captain Shai Hope, Alick Athanaze, Ackeem Auguste, Jediah Blades, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Amir Jangoo, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Khary Pierre, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, and Romario Shepherd.
West Indies T20 squad against Bangladesh: Captain Shai Hope, Alick Athanaze, Ackeem Auguste, Roston
Team Management Unit (TMU):
Head Coach: Daren Sammy
Manager: Rawl Lewis
Assistant Coach (Batting): Floyd Reifer
Assistant Coach (Bowling): Ravi Rampaul
Assistant Coach (Fielding): Rayon Griffith
Physiotherapist: Neil Barry
Strength & Conditioning Coach: Ronald Rogers
Massage Therapist: Fitzbert Alleyne
Analyst: Avenesh Seetaram
Content & Media Officer: Jerome Foster
West Indies Tour of Bangladesh 2025:
1st ODI: October 18 - Mirpur, Dhaka @ 3:30am AST/2:30am in Jamaica
2nd ODI: October 21 - Mirpur, Dhaka @ 3:30am AST/2:30am in Jamaica
3rd ODI: October 23 - Mirpur, Dhaka @ 3:30am AST/2:30am in Jamaica
1st T20I: October 27 - Chattogram, @8am AST/7am in Jamaica
2nd T20I: October 29 - Chattogram @8am AST/7am in Jamaica
3rd T20I: October 31 – Chattogram @8am AST/7am in Jamaica
Chase, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Amir Jangoo, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford,
The Guyana Police Force will be taking no prisoners when they step into the ring at the Guyana Boxing Association
(GBA) National Open and Intermediate Championships, set for October 2-27.
The lawmen, behind Coach Dexter Marques, said no
punches will be pulled when the bell rings at the National Gymnasium.
“We’re coming really strong this year,” declared Marques,
himself a decorated former national and professional boxer.
Marques revealed that the Force planned to field at least
Fifteen-year-old Kyle Gibson is the latest young cricketer to benefit from the “Project Cricket Gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana”, a noble initiative being done jointly by Anil Beharry of Guyana and Kishan Das of the USA.
The Malteenoes Sports Club allrounder was the recipient of one cricket bat, one pair of batting pads and gloves, one pair of cricket shoes, one cricket bag, and balls. The La Bonne Intention (LBI) Secondary student was recently selected in the winning Demerara Under-13 team that participated in the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) U13 InterCounty tournament.
At a simple ceremony held recently, Cyrus Gibson, the father of Kyle, expressed his gratitude and promised to help his son achieve the highest level possible. According to facilitators, they are pleased to be part of the development of young Gibson.
Over the years, many cricketers have benefited from the cricket gear project, including ace pacer Shamar Joseph, and Kevlon Anderson, who recently made his debut for West Indies.
“This project will continue to improve the lives of youths in every community. We are pleased to be part of the development of young cricketers in Guyana. Our aim is to keep them off the streets and get them actively involved in sports, cricket in particular,” a statement from the facilitators noted.
Total cricket-related items received/ purchased so far: $730,000 in cash, thirteen colour cricket uniforms, one set of stumps, two trophies, thirty-six pairs of cricket shoes, thirty-nine pairs of batting pads, forty-eight cricket bats, forty-seven pairs of batting gloves, twenty-nine thigh pads, three pairs of wicketkeeping pads, six arm guards, two chest pads, two boxes, fourteen gear bags, thirteen bat rubbers, seven helmets, one fibreglass bat, one floppy hat, sixteen boxes and four of white cricket balls, thirteen boxes of red cricket balls, one bat cone, and batting inners plus twenty-eight footballs. In addition to the above, gear valued over $600,000 was donated by Sheik Mohamed, former national wicketkeeper-batsman. All cash collected is being used to purchase cricket gear requested and not available at the time.
To date, one hundred and three players, male and female, from all three counties of Guyana have benefited directly from cash and gear. Many others benefited indirectly. In addition, two clubs in the Pomeroon area benefited from two used bats. Pomeroon, Leguan and Wakenaam Cricket Committees and Cotton Tree Die Hard also received one box of red cricket balls each; Cold Fusion Cricket Club thirteen colour uniforms while RHCCCC received six boxes of balls, fifteen white cricket shirts, one pair of junior batting pads, one pair of wicketkeeping gloves
with inners, and two sets of stumps and bails. Other beneficiaries are the Essequibo Cricket Board; the town of Lethem; Youth Coach Travis Persaud (one box of red cricket balls); male and female teams playing the traditional hardball and softball in the Upper Corentyne area; No 65 Young Titans (30 T-Shirts); youths of Just Try Cricket Club; Wakenaam Cricket Academy (one box of white balls); Shamar Joseph; Nehemiah Hohenkirk; Shamar Apple; Leguan Cricket Committee, Tucber Park Cricket Club and Malteenoes Sports Club (nine cricket balls each); Kendall’s Union cricket club (twelve red balls); Lower Corentyne, Corentyne Comprehensive and JC Chandisingh Secondary Schools (twelve red balls each); Thaddeus Lovell (one pair of cricket shoes); GCC (two boxes of white cricket balls); Bush Lot United Sports Club (one box of red balls); West Demerara Cricket Association (one box of white balls); Blairmont Cricket Club (one pair of batting pads, one cricket bat, one helmet and balls); Tagore Memorial Secondary School; St Cuthbert’s Mission cricket team (one box of balls); Port Mourant CC (three boxes of cricket balls, white cricket uniforms and one bat stick); and DCB (one bat).
Cricket-related items, used or new, are distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana. Skill, discipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients.
15 boxers, all eager to make a statement across various weight divisions.
“We’ve been putting in the rounds, and the guys are hungry. This year, we’re not aiming for second, we’re coming for the title,” he said with confidence.
This year’s tournament will be staged in honour of the late Terrence Poole, MS, the revered National Coach who dedicated his life to developing boxing in Guyana.
The event is among the GBA’s most prestigious fixtures and is expected to attract top fighters from clubs across the country, all vying for national glory.
Marques, who boasts an impressive 19 wins and four losses in his professional career, his most recent victory coming against Colombia’s Sammy Ramos in August, said his team has been in fighting shape for weeks.
“The guys have been showing up to training with real commitment, and I admire the energy they bring in the gym. It’s actually going to be tough to pick the final line-up because they’re all performing well,” he admitted.
The former bantamweight standout added: “I told the boxers, go out there and do what we’ve practised. Stick to the game plan. If they do that, along with the other little things we’ve worked on, we’re going to come out on top.”
Marques added he has
warned his boxers that there was no room for complacency, adding that he was expecting a tough challenge from their rivals, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the upcoming boxers
The tension in the Superbikes B Class is unmistakable as the final round of the Caribbean Clash of Champions approaches.
On November 2, two familiar names – Adrian Mohar and Alain Hopkinson – both executives of the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMRSC), are set to go head-to-head in what promises to be a thrilling showdown at the South Dakota Circuit.
For Mohar, this final race is personal. After a season filled with crashes and engine troubles, his focus has sharpened.
“The championship might be out of reach,” he admits, “but my goal is to win all three races. It’s not always about the bike. I’ve beaten Alain before, and I plan to do it again.”
His confidence is quiet but fierce, the kind that comes from experience and unfinished business.
Hopkinson, on the other hand, is not one to back down. Calm and determined, he knows what is at stake. “Everybody’s there to beat,” he says. “One mistake and
you’re at the back of the pack. I aim to stay with the front-runners and finish strong.”
Both men share more than just a rivalry; they share a deep love for the sport and a commitment to its growth in Guyana. But when the lights go out, friendship and titles will be left behind. What follows will be pure racing, two competitors pushing their limits for pride, for passion, and for the roar of victory.
When the chequered flag waves on November 2, only one will stand atop the Super Bikes B podium.
As the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) National Women’s Singles and Doubles Championships unfolded over the last weekend, in the absence of some seasoned campaigners, it was a teenaged duo that rose to the top of the ranks.
While Jasmine Billingy and Samara Sukhai teamed up for the women’s doubles gold; both players went on to the women’s singles final, in which Billingy eventually prevailed.
Nonetheless, the two teenagers already have their eyes on respective accolades
learned in practice, make sure I implement everything. Samara is like a really good friend of mine, so it was, like, really tough competition, but I’m glad to be on top,” Billingy said.
She went on to disclose, “For the future, I plan to, hopefully, win the Caribbean Under-19 championships and proceed to Pan Am Cames. There’s also CAC [Central America and Caribbean Games] next year which I would like to have a spot at.”
On the other hand, the 14-year-old Sukhai has already assessed her weak points from the singles final, hoping to make
me. Before the tournament, I trained a lot for this. During the game, I tried my best, but coming out after the game, I know what I have to improve on, so that next tournament I can come on stronger and better and hopefully, next Nationals I could win the gold.”
“So, next year is my last year in Under-15, so my goal is to hopefully win it because it’s my last year and I’m the youngest one in the team. It’s my dream to win Caribbean Under-15 and, you know, then go to Pan Am and then one day, qualify for the Olympics,” she further shared.
Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde and Executive Committee member/Women’s Football Association President Andrea Johnson have both recently been appointed to FIFA committees.
President Forde has been appointed to serve on FIFA’s Men’s National Team
afternoon. The appointment was confirmed by FIFA following decisions recently taken by the FIFA Council.
Forde will serve as a member of the committee, which plays a key role in shaping policies and overseeing matters related to men’s national team tournaments globally. FIFA expressed its pleasure and honour in extending this appointment, which is in line with the relevant provisions of the FIFA Statutes and
its sincere congratulations to President Forde on this prestigious appointment and expresses confidence that he will serve with distinction and continue to represent the interests of Guyana and the region on the global stage,” the GFF noted in a statement via social media.
Executive Committee Member Andrea Johnson has also been appointed to serve on FIFA’s Women’s Football Development Committee for the 2025–2029 term. The appointment was confirmed by FIFA following decisions recently taken by the FIFA Council.
Johnson will serve as a member of the committee, which is responsible for advancing the development, growth, and global profile of women’s football. FIFA expressed its pleasure and honour in extending this appointment, which is in line with the relevant provisions of the FIFA Statutes and Governance Regulations.
According to the Federation, Forde’s appointment represents a significant achievement not only for him personally but also for Guyana and the wider Caribbean football community.
His inclusion on the committee reflects the growing recognition of Guyana’s leadership and contribution to the development of football at the international
“The Guyana Football Federation extends
The GFF shared that Johnson’s appointment represents a significant achievement for both her and the Federation, particularly at a time when the GFF has been placing increased emphasis on the growth and development of women’s football in Guyana. Her new role provides Guyana with an important seat at the table, allowing her to contribute to shaping global strategies and decisions that can further influence and support the local women’s game.
Again, the GFF expressed via a statement, “The Guyana Football Federation extends its congratulations to Ms Johnson on this achievement and is confident that she will make a meaningful contribution in her new capacity.”
Guyana’s senior men’s national football team, the Golden Jaguars, will kick off their campaign in the 2025-26 CONCACAF Friendly Series (CFS) this November, as Guyana line up against regional opponents in Group C of the competition.
Guyana have been drawn alongside Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Bonaire and Aruba, with the first round of fixtures taking place in St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda.
The CONCACAF Friendly Series is a new initiative conceived to provide official friendly matches for CONCACAF Member Associations who are no longer competing in the FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. These matches will be played during the official FIFA dates and give national teams an opportunity to improve their FIFA ranking.
They also provide a platform for increased match play, preparation and development as teams build towards major regional competitions.
The national side will open their
Bonaire at the Sir Vivian Richards
Three days later, on Tuesday, November 18, Guyana will return
“The
build momentum heading into next year’s competitive calendar. Every match counts as we continue to raise our standards and represent Guyana with pride.”
Golden Jaguars Head Coach Thomas Dooley was keen to note: “I’m very pleased that the Federation has confirmed our participation in the CONCACAF Friendly Series. I’m eager to meet the full Golden Jaguars squad and continue assessing both the players and staff as we build towards next year’s Nations League.”
He added, “These matches will be an excellent opportunity for us to get to know each other better and to begin embedding my football philosophy and playing style. I want to encourage our fans, the media, and all stakeholders to rally behind the team – we can’t do it alone. With unity, belief, and hard work, I’m confident we can achieve great things together."
The GFF remains committed to supporting the team’s preparations
