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Issue No. 6572

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

Massive fire ravages Regent Household Electronics, millions lost Pages 12 & 13

PRICE $100 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

VP engages P10 Region 1 Indigenous leaders on community priorities

Fisherman slapped with manslaughter charge after friend’s death P15

Gun, ammo P9 found hidden in wardrobe, ceiling during Police raid

…firefighters praised for containing blaze to 1 building 3-day State visit

Pres Ali explores Qatar Airways link for Guyana, tours Education City

Govt’s goal is P5 to bring public services to citizens’ homes – Min Ally 26 students stung in bee attack at Port Mourant Secondary P15 …1 hospitalised

Page 7

3 companies bid $1.03B to $2.04B to salvage sunken MV Barima See story on page 3

Page 2

Over £2.2B in trade between UK & Guyana for Q1 2026 – High Commissioner …“no better time” for Private Sector to tap UKEF’s £3B financing – Finance Minister

“Skull” wanted for fatally stabbing P 10 miner at Issano

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Over £2.2B in trade between UK & Guyana for Q1 2026 – High Commissioner …“no better time” for Private Sector to tap UKEF’s £3B financing – Finance Minister

rade between Guyana and the United Kingdom reached a record high of over £2.2 billion in the first quarter of this year, says British High Commissioner to Guyana, Joseph Fisher. He made the revelation on Wednesday during a UK Export Finance (UKEF) Private Sector Financing Workshop aimed at highlighting financing opportunities for the local Private Sector. “Today, Guyana is by some distance the UK’s largest trading partner in the Commonwealth Caribbean, accounting for almost 44 per cent of the UK’s total trade with the Region. Trade between the UK and Guyana is today at record levels. In the latest figures, it is at more than £2.2 billion for the year to the end of Quarter One 2026,” he disclosed. This is significant since according to the UK Department for Business and Trade, total trade in goods and services (exports plus imports) between the UK and Guyana was £1.8

billion in the four quarters to the end of Q4 2025, an increase of 8.7 per cent or £146 million in current prices from the four quarters to the end of Q4 2024. According to the British High Commissioner, potential exists for trade to further expand. He pointed to opportunities through the UKEF, which has raised its financing capacity for Guyana to £3 billion. Fisher explained that over the past months, the High Commission has been engaging with the local Private Sector which expressed a strong interest in understanding more on how the UKEF works. As such, he explained that the workshop was organised. It is intended to provide Guyanese Private Sector stakeholders with a better understanding of how UKEF financing works, the scope and scale of potential future UKEF engagement in Guyana, and the processes and requirements for accessing UKEF support. The session also explored how

“And that potential sits across both the Public and the Private Sector. Unlocking this potential requires an understanding from all parties not only of the opportunities but also of the processes,” he emphasised.

Priority sectors

British High Commissioner to Guyana, Joseph Fisher

UKEF can support trade, investment, infrastructure development, and broader commercial collaboration between Guyana and the UK. The British High Commissioner pointed out that Terminal Two of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) is already being financed in part through UKEF, but noted that “there is much, much more potential for UKEF engagement in Guyana”.

C a r i b b e a n Representative for UKEF, Judith Huijnen, informed the gathering of priority sectors such as renewable energy, transport infrastructure, health care, agriculture, and airports. “Our goal is to support both Public and Private Sector buyers here in Guyana. We have no minimum transaction size,” she noted. Also addressing the gathering was Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, who remarked that the “overwhelming majority” of the £3 billion financing capacity remains available. “As we go through this period in Guyana’s econom-

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh

ic history, when the economy is growing as rapidly as it is, driven of course by the favourable policy environment that we’ve established in Government, and driven also and particularly by the extremely strong, favourable response by the Private Sector investing in good, bankable projects, there could be no better time than now for UKEF to be able to identify good projects in Guyana and indeed for the Private Sector in Guyana to engage with

institutions like UKEF... in their effort to mobilise financing for their respective projects,” Dr Singh noted. In this regard, the Finance Minister encouraged the local Private Sector to look beyond Guyana when searching for opportunities to raise financing, noting that “UKEF has demonstrated their enthusiasm to do business in Guyana”. 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. President Dr Irfaan Ali has already indicated that UKEF funding could be used to finance the second phase of the Lindento-Lethem Road Expansion Project, from Mabura Hill to Lethem, as well as the deep-water port facility in Berbice and the modernisation of the country’s electricity transmission system.

NEWS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENING

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, September 10 – 16:05h-17:35h and Friday, September 11 – 16:40h–18:10h.

3 companies bid $1.03B to $2.04B to salvage sunken MV Barima

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny skies are expected during the day with instances of thundery showers in the early morning, followed by clear skies at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius. Winds: East-North-Easterly to Easterly between 3.13 metres and 5.36 metres. High Tide: 16:12h reaching a maximum height of 2.66 metres. Low Tide: 09:47h and 22:04h reaching minimum heights of 0.54 metre and 0.51 metre.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2026

LOTTERY NUMBERS M

13 18

20 22 24

FREE TICKET

2 Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

11 14 18

LUCKY 3

Afternoon Draw

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

13 15 19

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PAY DAY

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12 15 16 17 1

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9554

DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

COMMODITIES Indicators Crude Oil

US$ $101.40/barrel

Change % +0.17

Rough Rice

$286.74/ton

London Sugar

$534.30/ton

-0.69 +2.99

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Low/High

$4411.50 $4340.80

$4413.50 $4434.60

Change

+10.90

+0.25%

Bid/Ask

wo Guyanese companies and a Netherlands-based firm have submitted bids to salvage the MV Barima, a passenger and cargo ferry that sank off the coast of Guyana, claiming the lives of about 100 persons. According to the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), the companies that submitted bids are Industrial Fabrication Inc, BK International Inc, and KMS BV. Industrial Fabrication Inc, also known as InFab, was founded in 2003 by Jerry Max Gouveia and Dyland Fields, according to its website. The company proposes to salvage the ferry at a cost of $1,895,000,000. BK International Inc, founded by Brian Tiwarie, operates across several sectors, including sea defence, civil and commercial construction, marine transportation, and aviation. The company proposes to salvage the ferry at a cost of $1,034,000,000. KMS BV is a registered commercial ship owner and manager based in Vijfhuizen, Netherlands, which is proposing to salvage the MV Barima at a cost of $2,035,100,000. NPTAB opened the bids on Monday. Companies were initially invited to submit Expressions of Interest (EoIs) to retrieve the vessel, which sank off the Essequibo Coast on July 18, 2026. The Government had not disclosed how many companies submitted EoIs, but noted that they would be shortlisted and invited to submit bids. In the tender advertisement published by the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), it was explained that the MV Barima is a passenger and cargo ferry of approximately 38.6 metres (m) in length overall, 8.9m in beam, and 2.9m in depth, registered in Georgetown, Guyana, and fitted with twin Caterpillar C18 diesel main engines and Caterpillar diesel generator sets. According to the Department, the vessel is presently lying as a wreck in an approximate position of: Latitude 07° 28′.213 North, Longitude 058° 23′.443 West, in water depths of about 13-15 metres (42-49 feet). “Visibility at the wreck site is poor, and strong currents and tidal streams may be encountered at times, necessitating suitably robust procedures and equipment

MV Barima (file photo)

for safe operations… The Contractor must propose methods and sequences for all stages of the operation,” the ad detailed. To this end, MARAD said it was seeking reputable salvage companies with a proven track record of successful vessel salvage operations in Guyanese or wider Caribbean waters, particularly environments characterised by strong currents and restricted visibility. Moreover, proposals must include a description of the proposed technical approach for the MV Barima salvage, with emphasis on the measures to protect and document forensic evidence for use by the Commission of Inquiry that was set up to probe the tragedy. Additionally, com-

panies were asked to specify environmental protection measures. MV Barima was en route to Port Kaituma, Region One (Barima-Waini), with some 179 persons onboard when it capsized and sank off the Essequibo Coast on the night of July 18. The three Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) employees who were charged with murder over the tragedy were further remanded to prison on Monday, as the court set November 16 for the commencement of paper committal proceedings. The matter was heard before Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir at the Charity Magistrate’s Court. Those charged were Captain Kevin Price, called “KP”, 40, of Melanie

Damishana, East Coast Demerara (ECD); Chief Mate Rondell Dwayne Roberts, 42, of Grove Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD); and goods superintendent Delon Granderson, 33, of Fellowship, West Coast Demerara (WCB). President Dr Irfaan Ali has since established a five-member Commission of Inquiry (CoI) to examine, among other things, the circumstances surrounding the sinking, regulatory oversight and the emergency response. Meanwhile, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack has maintained that the CoI would not interfere with the criminal proceedings, noting that both processes can proceed simultaneously.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

guyanatimesgy.com

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Industrial Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Stopping at the source

he Guyana Police Force’s decision to revoke the fitness certificates of 16 motor vehicles found operating with illegalcoloured lights in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) is a justified step in enforcing the country’s traffic laws and protecting road users. The White Light Campaign, conducted by ranks of Regional Police Division Two on Friday, resulted in 14 traffic violations being recorded, with 11 tickets and three summonses issued. No arrests were made. More importantly, the exercise confirmed that despite repeated warnings from the authorities, some motorists continue to disregard the legal requirements governing vehicle lighting. The action by the Police Force should be viewed within the wider context of road safety and compliance with the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 51:02. Vehicle lighting are intended to ensure that motorists can see clearly and that vehicles can be properly identified by other road users, particularly at night. The continued use of unauthorised coloured lights can create confusion and reduce the ability of road users to distinguish between different types of vehicles and their movements. Such practices become particularly concerning on roadways where visibility is already affected by darkness, weather conditions, traffic congestion, or other hazards. Repeated warnings without meaningful enforcement can also undermine respect for traffic regulations. Where motorists knowingly continue to violate the law after being cautioned, stronger enforcement measures become necessary. The revocation of fitness certificates sends a message that compliance with vehicle standards is a requirement, rather than an option. The Police Force must, therefore, be supported in conducting these targeted exercises, provided that enforcement remains consistent, lawful, and applies equally to all motorists. Traffic regulations cannot be effective if violations are tolerated simply because they have become common. However, enforcement should not stop with motorists. The continued appearance of illegal lighting devices on vehicles raises an equally important question, how are such products entering the local market in the first place? The Customs Authority should examine the importation of vehicle lighting products that are prohibited or unsuitable for use on Guyana’s roadways. Greater attention at the point of entry could help prevent illegal equipment from reaching retailers, distributors, and motorists. If particular types of lights are known to be prohibited under the traffic laws, there should be stronger mechanisms to identify and intercept such products before they are distributed. Businesses dealing in automotive products should be expected to understand the legal requirements governing the goods being placed on the market. Where an importer or distributor knowingly sells lighting devices that are illegal for use on public roads, appropriate fines and other penalties should be considered. Such measures would address the problem further upstream instead of leaving the Police Force to deal repeatedly with the consequences on the road. A motorist who purchases an illegal lighting device should not be the only party facing enforcement when the product was deliberately imported and sold despite its prohibited use. A coordinated approach involving the Police Force, Customs Authority and businesses involved in the automotive trade would provide a more effective response. Public education also remains important, particularly in ensuring that motorists understand which lighting configurations are permitted and the safety concerns associated with unauthorised devices. The Region Two operation should serve as a reminder that traffic enforcement cannot be selective or temporary. Repeated warnings have had limited effect in preventing the illegal use of coloured lights, making sustained enforcement necessary. Road safety depends on compliance with established standards and the Police Force’s action against non-compliant vehicles is warranted, however the objective must be to prevent illegal equipment from reaching the road in the first place. Stronger scrutiny at the importation level within the commercial supply chain and appropriate penalties for those knowingly facilitating the sale of prohibited lighting devices would complement Police enforcement and help create safer roadways.

President Dr Irfaan Ali and First Lady Arya Ali toured the Education City in Al Rayyan, Qatar, including the impressive 40,000-seat Education City Stadium (President Dr Irfaan Ali/Facebook)

President Ali led Govt to successful Reg 10 outreach

Dear Editor, The recent two-day Cabinet outreach led by His Excellency, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali across Region 10 represents a powerful demonstration of the PPP/C Government’s commitment and determination to take development, decision-making, and public services directly to the people across the length and breadth of Guyana. Rather than governing from their offices in Georgetown, the President and his Cabinet fanned out across Region 10, which included Linden, the Mines, and the Upper Demerara Villages – Muritaro, Malali, Great Falls, 47 Miles, 58 Miles, Mabura, Ituni, Kwakwani, and the Upper Berbice River villages. The outreach also builds on the Government’s earlier Region 10 engagement led by Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, where hundreds of residents raised matters involving housing, land regularisation, infrastructure development, contracts, sports facilities, housing allocation, NIS, Old Age Pension, and social assistance among other issues. The significance of President Ali’s visit goes beyond the physical presence of the Cabinet; he outlined the next phase of development for Region 10, especially concerning connectivity to Northern Brazil , where he emphasised : • economic diversification; • agriculture and agro-processing; • housing and community development; • small and medium-sized businesses; • tourism;

• infrastructure and transportation; • youth and women’s economic empowerment; • improved public services; • investment and job creation; and • stronger connectivity between Linden, the hinterland, and the wider national economy.

In Coomacka, President Ali spoke directly about transforming Linden and Region 10 into a stronger productive base while stressing that development must be interconnected rather than treated as isolated projects, and all have to work together to achieve this objective. His vision is particularly important for a region whose economy has historically been heavily associated with bauxite and mining. One of the most significant announcements coming out of the outreach is the proposal to establish two dedicated business districts in Linden – one on the Wismar shore and the other on the Mackenzie shore. President Ali said the facilities are intended to bring businesses together in organised commercial spaces while providing opportunities for training, support, and access to financing. Another major element of the President’s vision is the transformation of Linden into a hub for food production and agro-processing. President Ali went on to outline plans to expand poultry production, major swine production, cold-storage facilities, and other value-added activities. He also pointed to financing opportunities through the Guyana Development Bank. This is particu-

larly significant because it connects Region 10 to Guyana’s wider objective of reducing dependence on imported food while creating new economic opportunities outside the traditional mining sector. Addressing residents of Victory Valley and surrounding areas, President Ali said that if residents believe they have already witnessed transformation in Linden, they have not yet seen the scale of transformation that lies ahead. He also highlighted substantial Government spending and improvements in health, education, social protection, agriculture, and infrastructure in Region 10. According to figures presented during the outreach, Government investments included more than $6.7 billion in education, over $20 billion in health, nearly $13 billion in social protection, and almost $10 billion in agriculture, alongside extensive public works and housing initiatives, where, over the last five years, over $120 billion was expended in Region 10. A particularly important aspect of the President’s new economic vision is the emphasis on youth and women ‘s development. The region possesses a large pool of young people with skills and ambition. What is needed is an economic environment capable of converting those skills into business ownership, employment, and wealth creation. President Ali also pointed to major transportation and connectivity initiatives, including improvements to roads and broader corridors linking Linden with other parts of Guyana, the hinterland, and regional markets. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

5 Govt’s goal is to bring public services to citizens’ homes - Min Ally NEWS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…single online portal to consolidate digital services

Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation Minister, Zulfikar Ally

ublic Service, G o v e r n m e n t Efficiency and Implementation Minister Zulfikar Ally has emphasised that the ultimate goal of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration is to ensure public services are easily accessible to citizens from

the comfort of their homes. He made the commitment during the commissioning of a Government Service Centre in Bartica, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni). Similar centres have been established in other regions across the country, with the aim of ensur-

ing that every region has a facility where residents can conveniently access a wide range of Government services, including those provided by the General Registrar’s Office, Passport Office, Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), and other public agencies. According to Minister Ally, “we’re not going to stop here.” These service centres, he emphasised, aren’t “the end…because we want you to be able to from the comfort of your home, [to] not even have to visit the service centre, but from the comfort of your home, to have access to all of your documents, have access to your e-id, your passport, your birth certificate, your drivers’ licence, all of that, and that is what we’re working on right now. “So, see this as a transition phase of service deliv-

ery, of bringing government services to the comfort that you deserve,” he noted. The Guyana Government is currently embarking on an aggressive digitisation drive, with a number of public services now available online. Already, the Government has launched GovConnect, an application allowing citizens to schedule, manage and track visits to Ministries and public agencies online. It has also launched Citizen Connect, an app where citizens can directly report complaints and transparently monitor real-time resolution tracking. The Government has also launched Skills Connect: an application specifically focused on linking local job seekers with employment opportunities. The Government also launched AskGov, which is Guyana’s official 24/7 AI-

President Ali led Govt to...

FROM PAGE 4

The strongest political and administrative message from the outreach is the direct contact between the Government and the people. I witnessed how the citizens were pleased to interact with President Ali, his Ministers, Government officials, and the technical staff. During the engagement, some of the issues that were raised were dealt with on the spot, and the other issues will be addressed. However, two of the main concerns raised during the outreach were water and electricity, where some areas were not getting adequate water supply, and suggestions and plans were made to address the water issue and the other issue of steady power outages, especially on the Wismar shore. However, Minister Indar publicly addressed the present issue of the current power consumption being utilised and the mechanisms being put in place to satisfy the present and future projected energy consumption.

The constant power outages on the Wismar shore have more to do with the condition of its transmission and distribution network, and that will have to be addressed. The Government would be looking for the support of the residents on the Wismar shore in addressing this problem, and please don’t allow those negative political elements who cannot help you to fool or misguide you regarding this issue. They don’t care about you, only your support for them. If they truly cared, they would not have voted down the Amaila Falls Hydro project, which would have supplied 165 MW of power to the grid around 2017. I must say that all the meetings with President Ali and his Cabinet were very successful, including the last meeting held at Christiansburg with the Honourable Prime Minister Mark Phillips, who grew up in that area, and Honourable Charles Ramson Jr, which was well

attended. Finally, let me take this opportunity to thank all our local leaders who helped make this outreach successful. Let’s work together to build a better life for all of us. Long live His Excellency, President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo,

Honourable Prime Minister Mark Phillips, Ministers, and all Guyanese. God bless Guyana. Thank you, Andrew Forsythe – PPP Regional Coordinator, Region 10

powered virtual assistant designed to help citizens navigate and access public services The GRA has introduced its Padna app which allows taxpayers to manage their obligations directly from a smartphone – from filing tax returns to accessing key documents such as their Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) certificate, driver’s licence, and vehicle registration. A number of immigration services are also now available online such as passport application and renewal, as well as arrival and departure forms. The Government has also introduced the Single Window System, which acts as a “one-stop-shop” that merges multiple regulatory agencies into a single online portal for construction permits. Instead of physically travelling to various agencies to get a building or development plan approved, individuals submit everything once through this platform. Health services are also undergoing a digital shift,

with efforts underway to digitise records and introduce online appointment booking systems at public health facilities. The Public Service Ministry will launch an online portal that brings the majority of these digital services together in one convenient location, Minister Ally said. “More and more, you will see Government services being modernised, being digitised and you will have everything on your phone…you will have one app now that will have all of the other apps embedded in it. So, you don’t need to have GovConnect app and the CitizenConnect app and all of those things. You will have one app for Government that will have all your information, that you can request any service in Government and you can find what you need. You can even renew your passport, request your birth certificate, all of that on that portal…that is where we’re going to bring it for you,” he emphasised.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 00:00 Sign Off 06:00 Islam for Guyana 06:30 TVG Devotional Hour 07:00 Documentary: Nat Geo Animals 08:00 HGTV 10:00 Stop Suffering 11:30 TVG Music Break 12:00 Movie - Jazz Ramsey: A K-9 Mystery (2024) 13:30 Movie - Eddie’s Million Dollar CookOff (2003) 15:00 Cartoons 16:00 Indian Soaps 17:00 The Young & The Restless 18:00 Documentary: Nat Geo Animals 19:00 The Evening News 20:00 Stop Suffering 20:30 Voice of Islam 21:00 Grey’s Anatomy S10 E2 22:00 The Rookie S4 E2 23:00 Modern Family S5 E5 23:30 Modern Family S5 E6

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

Foundation ◄

Page

guyanatimesgy.com

By Wendell Berry

cont’d

Remember, in order to calculate the area of a shape with a formula: 1. Write down the formula for the area of the shape. 2. Identify the dimensions required for the formula. 3. Substitute the dimensions and calculate. 4. Write down your final answer with units squared. Example 3: area of a triangle – decimals Find the area of the isosceles triangle below:

(to remind myself) i

Area = 80.465 m2

Example 4: area of a parallelogram Find the area of the parallelogram below: Parallelogram: Area = base × height Base = 6cm

Make a place to sit down. Sit down. Be quiet. You must depend upon affection, reading, knowledge, skill – more of each than you have –inspiration, work, growing older, patience, for patience joins time to eternity. Any readers who like your poems, doubt their judgment. ii

Perpendicular height =30mm All units need to be the same to calculate the area.

Triangle: Area = 12 × base × height Base =7.7

Let’s change 30mm to 3cm. Height =3cm

Height =20.9m 1

Area = 2 × base × height = 12 × 7.7 × 20.9 = 80.465

iii

Area = base × height =6×3n =18 Area =18 cm2

DIY Science Soda Experiment I

n this fun and easy science experiment, we’re going to teach you how to make a fizzy soda using science.

Materials:

Baking soda Pitcher Water Lemon juice

Sugar Yellow food colouring Measuring spoons Spoon

Instructions:

Fill the pitcher about half full with water. Add a drop or two of yellow food colouring. Add three teaspoons of baking soda to the pitcher of water. Next, add two tablespoons

of sugar to the water and stir the mixture until dissolved. Now, add two tablespoons of lemon juice and watch your soda come to life. Feel free to taste your soda, but it may be a little yucky!

How it works:

Your science soda bubbles because you created an endothermic reaction that released carbon dioxide. The baking soda (a base) and the

Breathe with unconditional breath the unconditioned air. Shun electric wire. Communicate slowly. Live a three-dimensioned life; stay away from screens. Stay away from anything that obscures the place it is in. There are no unsacred places; there are only sacred places and desecrated places.

lemon juice (an acid) when combined were the items that caused the chemical reaction and released the carbon dioxide.

Make this a science project:

Try different temperatures of water. Try adding different amounts of water. Try adding different amounts of baking soda or lemon juice. (sciencefun.org)

Accept what comes from silence. Make the best you can of it. Of the little words that come out of the silence, like prayers prayed back to the one who prays, make a poem that does not disturb the silence from which it came.

(Source: Poetry [January 2001])

Start your piece with the line: “I don’t know what he was thinking!”

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

3-day State visit

Ali explores Qatar Airways link for Guyana, tours Education City

President Dr Irfaan Ali with Qatar Airways Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer Hamad Al Khater

resident Dr Irfaan Ali on Wednesday concluded his official three-day State visit to Qatar with discussions on air connectivity, education and potential cooperation with Qatar Airways and the Qatar Foundation. Ali said he met with Qatar Airways Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer Hamad Al Khater to explore the possibility of es-

Education City in Al Rayyan, including the 40,000-seat Education City Stadium, which was one of the venues used during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Ali also met with Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of the Qatar Foundation, and toured the Foundation’s campus, also known as the Education Center.

tablishing Guyana as a destination for both passenger and cargo services. The discussions come as Guyana seeks to strengthen its economic and investment ties with Qatar and position the country as a strategic logistics and storage hub in the Western Hemisphere. The potential Qatar Airways connection could also support Guyana’s growing commercial links with the Middle East and provide additional opportunities for the movement of passengers and cargo between the two countries. The President also toured

According to Ali, discussions with Sheikha Hind also highlighted the Qatar Foundation’s work in education and its efforts to empower women in Qatar and internationally. The engagements form part of Ali’s three-day State visit to Qatar, which has focused on expanding bilateral cooperation in investment, energy, food security, infrastructure, technology, education and other areas of mutual interest. On Tuesday, Ali held official talks with Qatar’s Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, at the Amiri

Diwan in Doha. During those talks, the two leaders discussed strengthening bilateral relations, expanding investment cooperation, and other areas of mutual interest. The discussions followed a series of meetings Ali held with senior Qatari officials earlier in the visit. The President met Qatar’s Commerce and Industry Minister, Sheikh Faisal bin Thani Al Thani to discuss opportunities for cooperation in food security, mining, digitisation and infrastructure, as well as ways to strengthen partnerships between the Private Sectors of Guyana and Qatar. He also met Qatar’s Finance Minister, Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, with discussions including potential collaboration between the Qatar Development Bank and the Guyana Development Bank, as well as investment opportunities. Energy cooperation was also discussed during a meeting with Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs Saad Sherida Al Kaabi. Meanwhile, Ali’s meeting with Qatar’s Environment and Climate Change Minister, Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie focused on climate change, global biodiversity, and potential partnerships involving carbon credits. The President also met Qatar’s Minister of Awqaf (Endowments) and Islamic Affairs, Ghanem bin Shaheen Bin Ghanem Al Ghanem, with discussions

covering education, culture, and heritage. Ali also met with Mohammed Saif al-Sowaidi, Chief Executive Officer of the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), shortly after arriving in Doha on Sunday. QIA is pursuing a US$350 million hospitality and real estate development in Georgetown and is examining other investment opportunities in Guyana. The project, signed in August 2025, is planned for a 30acre site and is expected to include a luxury hotel, commercial spaces, residential units, sports facilities, and public green spaces.

President Ali and First Lady Arya Ali toured Education City in Al Rayyan, Qatar, including the 40,000seat Education City Stadium, known as the “Diamond in the Desert”, which was one of the venues built for the 2022 FIFA World Cup

The latest visit follows an April 2026 telephone conversation between Ali and Sheikh Tamim, during which the two leaders discussed opportunities in investment, food security, energy security, and technology. During that conversation, Ali positioned Guyana as an important destination for Qatar based on its geographic and market position, while the Amir expressed Qatar’s interest in expanding cooperation in investment, human capital de-

velopment, technology, food security and critical infrastructure. The current visit also builds on Ali’s previous visit to Doha in May 2023, when he held meetings with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Finance Minister Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari. During that visit, Ali outlined Guyana’s development plans, including its focus on climate, energy and food se-

curity, and highlighted potential Qatari Private Sector involvement in hospitality, ecotourism, energy services, and infrastructure. Guyana and Qatar established diplomatic relations in 1996, with bilateral ties expanding in recent years through high-level engagements, agreements on economic and technical cooperation, the opening of diplomatic offices, and increased Qatari commercial interest in Guyana.

8 NEWS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Several arrested for late-night disturbance at Kitty car wash

The GPF and EPA in discussion on noise nuisance collaboration

hree persons were taken into police custody, and several others are being sought regarding an incident at a car wash on Tuesday along Railway Line, Kitty, Georgetown. According to reports, at about 02:05h, police responded to a report of a motorcar

playing loud and continuous music at the establishment, thus causing annoyance to residents. Upon arrival, ranks attempted to address the reported disturbance but were allegedly obstructed by several persons at the location while carrying out their du-

ties. As a result, an additional police patrol was summoned to assist. Several persons were subsequently apprehended as police are on the hunt for others in relation to the incident. The Guyana Police Force, in a statement, related that it is aware of video footage circulating on social media showing a portion of the interaction between police ranks and several persons at the location. It confirmed that the circumstances surrounding the entire incident are being investigated. This incident comes on the heels of a collaboration between the GPF and EPA to promote greater compliance with regulations governing noise levels across the country. The EPA continues to strengthen its enforcement of noise pollution regulations through closer collaboration

with the GPF-a move that will allow the police to officially charge individuals under the agency’s regulations. The GEA explained that this collaboration is part of a wider effort to ensure better compliance and accountability in addressing noise nuisance cases, which remain a persistent concern, particularly in urban and residential areas. The fines attached to noise pollution offenses are substantial-ranging from $300,000 to $750,000 depending on the severity of the violation. The EPA continues to urge citizens, especially business owners and vehicle operators, to adhere to the Environmental Protection (Noise Management) Regulations, emphasizing that enforcement will intensify once the new arrangements with the Police Force are finalised.

Courting…

…Qatar

rezzie just visited Qatar – following up his previous trip in 2023 – the same year the Qatari Amir (King) dropped in our Mudland to have a first-hand look at the lay of our land!! Whatever he saw must’ve pleased him since from the lull since diplomatic relations were initiated back in 1996, the two Governments identified agriculture, renewable energy, infrastructure, tourism, education, health and investment as areas for cooperation – and signed the enabling agreement to facilitate same!! A Qatari diplomatic presence quickly followed and then we heard about a massive hospitality project in Georgetown’s Thomas Lands area. They also entered a consortium to develop one of our oil blocks. With our relationship so far advanced, your Eyewitness expects Prezzie’s visit to Qatar should be about more than oil, handshakes and photographs – and the reports of the talks involving the Qatar Development Bank suggests that’s exactly what happened. With Qatar producing oil since the 1950s – and us catching them up at 1.3Mbpd – from their experience in parlaying their oil revenues to become a player in world affairs, we could learn a lot!! And that’s so because unlike economic giants like the US and China that are vying for our attention, Guyana and Qatar have something important in common: both are small countries that suddenly found themselves with resources capable of transforming their futures!! And they’re an important strategic partner of the US – just as we hope to be!! But we gotta enter the relationship with a clear idea of our needs. The Qataris got money, technology and experience in turning energy wealth into world-class infrastructure, aviation, hospitality, education and international business. But we got what Qatar cannot easily manufacture – vast agricultural land, abundant fresh water, a growing foodproducing sector and a strategic location on South America’s northern shoulder!! Food security could, therefore, become one of the most practical areas of cooperation – where we can produce more of the rice, vegetables, livestock and other foods that Qatar must now import. Conversely, Qatari investment can help us move beyond exporting raw commodities into modern irrigation, cold storage, food processing and packaging – areas we’re struggling to develop!! As we also are in areas that Qatar has pioneered - developing infrastructure, logistics, tourism, education, and financial services to prevent petroleum from becoming the whole economy!! Our South American location can also provide Qatar with a commercial doorway into markets far removed from Doha!! The relationship, therefore, shouldn’t be one of “rich country helping poor country”. We ain’t just seeking development assistance – we’re offering land, resources, markets, and strategic location in exchange for capital, expertise, and access!! The best diplomacy is sometimes simply good business and with Qatar, we’ve got an opportunity to make each other more useful to the world!! …also, energy expertise Prezzie has long spoken of us refining our own crude and converting our natural gas into higher-value liquids – and your Eyewitness thinks Qatar’s just the country to help turn those ambitions into practical projects!! Qatar ain’t just another oil producer – they’ve spent decades developing the technology, infrastructure, and expertise to convert oil and gas into valueadded products!! This expertise is exactly what we need to monetise our own energy future and so we shouldn’t just be asking Doha to invest – but to teach and partner!! A refinery’s gonna reduce our dependence on imported petroleum products and increase value of our crude – while gas processing could supply exportable LNG!! The attraction for Qatar is clear – we offer abundant hydrocarbons and a strategic foothold in South America and the Caribbean!! So instead of reinventing the wheel – or spending billions learning expensive lessons Qatar’s already learned – we could tap into Qatari experience!! The oil boom’s given us the resources – Qatar can help provide a First World roadmap!! …criticism When a high US official repeated US Secty of State Marco Rubio’s mocking reference to Chinese shoddy and delayed projects here, the Chinese Embassy huffily retorted “Ain’t us!!” What say they to the Chinese-built ECD road with telegraph poles left in the middle??! The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Guyana Times’ editorial policy and stance

Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

NEWS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ECD gold miner Gun, ammo found hidden in wardrobe, ceiling during Police raid remanded on

wounding charge T

The ammunition found in the wardrobe and ceiling

The firearm found at the premises

n illegal firearm and several rounds of ammunition were discovered on Monday at a residence at Main and Asylum Streets, New Amsterdam,

Berbice, during a Police operation. Based on reports received, Police, acting on information received, travelled to the location and

searched the premises. During the operation, an illegal firearm, along with three rounds of ammunition, was reportedly found concealed in a wardrobe in a bedroom. In addition, a further search of the premises led to the discovery of five additional rounds of ammuni-

tion concealed in the ceiling of an adjoining washroom. The firearm and eight rounds of ammunition were taken to the Central Police Station, awaiting ballistic examination. At the time of the operation, no arrests were made. Police are continuing their investigations.

hirty-three-year-old Godwell Payne, a gold miner of South Haslington, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was on Tuesday remanded to prison on an unlawful wounding charge. Payne was arrested on Sunday last in relation to an alleged unlawful wounding and was subsequently charged with the crime. He appeared before Magistrate Caressa Henry at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court and pleaded not guilty to the charge. As such, he was remanded to prison until October 7, 2026.

Charged: Godwell Payne

10 NEWS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

VP engages Region 1 Indigenous leaders on community priorities

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo meeting with Indigenous leaders from several communities in Region One (Barima-Waini) at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre

ice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo on Wednesday met with Indigenous leaders from several communities in Region One (Barima-Waini) to discuss development and other community priorities. The meeting was held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre and followed the leaders’ early departure from the National

Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference in July as result of the MV Barima tragedy. According to Jagdeo, the engagement provided an opportunity for the leaders to raise matters affecting their respective communities directly with him and other members of Cabinet. Discussions focused particularly on development issues and priorities identified

by the communities. The Vice President in a social media post said the meeting was intended to facilitate direct engagement with the Indigenous leaders on the concerns affecting communities across Region One. The Region One leaders’ departure from the NTC Conference in July had resulted in the matters affect-

Vice President Jagdeo and Amerindian Affairs Minister Sarah Browne-Shadeek at the meeting

ing their communities not being addressed through the

remainder of that forum. Several members of Cabinet, including

Amerindian Affairs Minister Sarah Browne-Shadeek, were also at the meeting.

“Skull” wanted for fatally stabbing miner at Issano T

he Guyana Police Force (GPF) has issued a wanted bulletin for Mark Griffith, also called “Skull”, in connection with the murder of Shawn Abrams, who was stabbed to death during an altercation at 14 Miles, Issano, Middle Mazaruni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) on Saturday last. The last known address for the 31-year-old murder suspect was given as 14 Miles, Issano, Middle Mazaruni River, Region Seven. It was reported that on the day in question, the victim was in the company of three friends consuming alcohol at a bar when an al-

Wanted: Mark Griffith, also called “Skull”

tercation erupted between him and the suspect. However, one of the men intervened and separated them, but later observed bloodstains on Abrams’ vest. The suspect reportedly ran out of the shop while Abrams collapsed and died a short distance away. Detectives, upon investigations, visited several camps in the area with the aim of arresting the suspect. He, however, remains in hiding. Police are asking anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of Griffith, also called “Skull”, to contact the Police at the nearest Police Station or at 911.

NEWS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“We want everyone to live a better life” – Croal tells Riverview residents …as 81 households targeted for relocation

An aerial view of the Riverview community at Ruimveldt, Georgetown

he Housing Ministry has initiated works on a relocation programme for residents occupying an informal settlement along the river bank at Riverview, Ruimveldt, Georgetown. Housing Minister Collin Croal, on Tuesday, visited the area to engage with residents on the relocation exercise, in keeping with a commitment made by President Dr Irfaan Ali last month. “The President indicated to those who are here that this is not a comfortable environment that he wants to see our people living in. It’s not healthy…it’s not good for sanitation. And so, there are a lot of challenges. So, he committed that we’ll have

Housing Minister Collin Croal during his visit to Riverview

a team coming back to work with them as part of a relocation programme that will see them being removed from within this squatting area. So, this is my first engagement as a follow-up,” Croal

explained. “We have started the logging of the persons who are here. In fact, we have numbered 81 structures or 81 buildings where persons have put up small shacks. And so,

we will engage those persons. We have started to, one-onone, to engage each one of the families because as we gather the information, and then the next phase we’ll see, once everyone has put their house in order, the next phase we’ll see us working with the families as part of the relocation,” he further outlined. The initiative forms part of the Government’s wider effort to address squatting and unregulated settlements through solutions such as relocation or regularisation, depending on the circumstances of each community. Croal emphasised the Government’s commitment is ensuring that every citizen

has access to a safe, clean and healthy living environment. “We want everyone to live a better life. We want people to be in a space that they can call their home, and this is what we’re working towards,” he expressed. In fact, in addition to relocation, the Housing Minister highlighted that other interventions will be made with the goal of improving the lives of the residents. He said Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond, who has political responsibility for the area, as well as Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud, will be working with residents to ad-

dress social issues affecting them. Additionally, he reminded that Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, already started engagements with some residents, particularly those with interests in the fishing sector. Following that visit last month, Minister Mustapha had related that efforts would be made to establish a wharf in the area to support fishing activities. “I spoke with the fisherfolk here, and they raised some concerns. They said they wanted a wharf, so I visited the area they have there. Currently, they have small individual landing sites. TURN TO PAGE 15

12 NEWS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2

Massive fir Regent H Electronics,

…firefighters praised for con

The flattened building

Deputy Fire Officer Dwayne Scotland at the scene

Members of the public gathered to get a glimpse of what was happening

fire of unknown origin on Wednesday ripped through Regent Household Electronics located along Regent Road, Bourda, Georgetown, leaving millions in losses. The fire reportedly started just after 13:00h, and after hours of battling the blaze, the firefighters were able to contain it to one location. Several nearby buildings received some damage due to the heat and water. At the scene, Deputy Chief Fire Officer Dwayne Scotland related that the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) received a report of a fire at Regent Street between Light and Albert Streets, Georgetown, at about 13:03h. Within three minutes of that report, several tenders and firefighters went into operation. “We have four water tenders and four water bowsers… these were from Central, Campbellville and West Ruimveldt, so we had maximum resources to tackle the blaze…the bowsers carry more water than the tenders, so that helped with putting out and containing the blaze,” Scotland added. Further, he noted that

Firefighters battling the blaze

Owner of the establishment, Shaheed Hamid

upon the firefighters’ arrival, the top floor of the building was completely engulfed in flames. However, tapping into an open water source, the fire was contained to one building. Scotland added that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) arrived at the scene and cordoned off the area, which gave the firefighters the space needed to tackle the blaze. On this note, Acting Traffic Officer for Division 4A, R Clarke urged motorists to comply with traffic ranks while adding that several streets are in close proximity to the fire. These include Regent, Cummings, Light and Albert Streets; and North Road. Meanwhile, the owner of the establishment, Shaheed Hamid, who seemed devastated, could not say what

NEWS

2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

re ravages Household millions lost

ntaining blaze to 1 building started the blaze, but related that this was the second major fire at the said location. The last was back in 2009, when a fire ripped through the building, reducing everything to ashes. This time around, it’s the same scenario as nothing was salvaged. Regent Household Electronics was a retail store that sold mostly household appliances and electronics. Hamid stated that after the fire was spotted, the staff members were immediately evacuated to safety. With respect to the losses incurred, while he could not give a definitive figure, he is sure that it runs into the hundreds of millions. Manager of Brans Electronic, Eon Jacks, told the media that his store was a short distance away from the burning building, so he and his staff started to soak the building, adding that it was a scary experience. He commended the GFS for their quick response and the manner in which they executed their duties to contain the blaze. Georgetown Mayor Alfred Mentore shared similar sentiments, praising the firefighters for an ex-

cellent job. “There were many other business people who felt very nervous about whether the other building would catch fire... I am very happy that the firefighters did a good job in curtailing the fire to one location,” he added. Further, he stated that after speaking with the affected people, they had their insurance up to date, but at the same time the fire would affect other businesses in the area. He added that the City Council would also assist in whatever way it could. Back in 2009, a fire gutted three businesses – Regent Household Electronics (then named Household Plus and Electronics); a clothing store, and DM Beauty World. Then, the fire had started on the upper flat of the Household Plus and Electronics store and quickly spread to the clothing boutique owned by Hamid’s wife and then to DM Beauty World. The damage was estimated at more than $100 million. That fire had been reported and detected when a staff member went to start the generator after experiencing a power failure.

Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken and others at the scene

14 NEWS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Deadly Mobil gas station bombing

3 accused challenge evidence, file no-case submission

Alleged mastermind: Daniel Alexander Ramirez Poedemo

he paper committal proceedings in the deadly October 2025 Mobil Service Station bombing case continued on Wednesday, with no-case submissions filed for three of the four accused before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. The submissions were filed on behalf of Venezuelan nationals Jhonny Boodram and Alexander Bettencourt, as well as GuyaneseVenezuelan national Krystal LaCruz. Attorney Melvin Duke represents Bettencourt, while Boodram is represented by attorney Mikel Puran. LaCruz is represented by attorney Tifane Rutherford. However, attorney Shellon Boyce of the Guyana Legal Aid Clinic told the court that no-case submissions would not be filed on behalf of Venezuelan national Daniel Alexander Ramirez Poedemo.

Jhonny Boodram

Krystal LaCruz

Alexander Bettencourt

Jennifer Rodriguez

Poedemo, whom the prosecution has described as the alleged mastermind behind the attack, is therefore the only accused for whom no submissions have been filed. The four accused appeared virtually before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty. Prosecutor Mandel

Moore, Police Senior Advisor and Attorney-atLaw, requested time to respond to the defence submissions, prompting the magistrate to adjourn the matter to October 19. The latest development follows a request by the defence in July for additional time to prepare written legal arguments challenging

the sufficiency of the prosecution’s evidence. At the July 15 hearing, the court granted the request and fixed September 9 for the defence submissions. Moore was also told he would be given time to prepare the prosecution’s response. The prosecution had formally closed its case on July 8, after tendering its final batch of documentary evidence, including additional video recordings and 43 photographs depicting the Mobil Service Station at the corner of Regent and King Streets, Georgetown and the surrounding area. Since the proceedings began in early June, the prosecution has presented extensive evidence, including witness statements, forensic and DNA reports from specialists in India, photographs, documentary exhibits and numerous video recordings gathered during the investigation. The case is proceeding by way of a paper committal, where the magistrate reviews the documentary evidence to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case against the accused. Unlike a preliminary inquiry, no oral testimony is heard during a paper committal. Poedemo is charged under Section 3(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act with allegedly placing and detonating an explosive device with the intention of threatening Guyana’s security and sovereignty or terrorising the public. His co-accused, Bettencourt, Boodram and LaCruz, are charged with aiding and abetting the alleged terrorist act. The charges arise from the October 26, 2025 explosion at the Mobil Service Station at the corner of Regent and King Streets in Georgetown. The bombing claimed the life of six-year-old Soraya Bourne, who was inside a vehicle with family members when the explosion occurred. She later died from the injuries sustained in the blast, while several of her relatives were also hurt. The explosion further damaged nearby buildings and vehicles. The four accused remain on remand as the court considers the evidence presented by the prosecution. Under the paper committal process, they are not required to enter pleas, with the magistrate ultimately to determine whether the evidence is sufficient for them to stand trial in the High Court in Demerara. Following consideration of the defence and prosecution’s written submissions, Magistrate McGusty will

Principal Magistrate, Faith McGusty

determine whether a prima facie case has been established against the four accused. If the court finds that sufficient evidence exists, the accused will be committed to stand trial in the High Court. If the prosecution fails to meet that

ly charged with Pramdeo and Correia, was committed to stand trial in the High Court on a charge of aiding and abetting terrorism. Magistrate George ruled that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against Rodriguez, warranting her committal to

Dead: Soraya Bourne

threshold, they will be discharged. The quartet is among seven persons who were initially charged in connection with the bombing, with the current proceedings concerning four of them.

2 discharged

In April, Guyanese nationals Ramesh Pramdeo and Wayne Correia were freed after Magistrate Alisha George, sitting at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court, upheld no-case submissions made by attorney Bernard Da Silva. The magistrate found that there was insufficient evidence to commit the two men to trial. As a result of the ruling, the two men were discharged. However, Venezuelan national Jennifer Rodriguez, who was joint-

the High Court. Rodriguez was refused bail and remains on remand pending trial at the next practicable sitting of the Demerara Criminal Assizes. Investigators have alleged that Poedemo entered Guyana illegally by boat from Venezuela hours before the attack and admitted to bringing the explosive device into the country. Police also alleged that he identified himself as a member of the Venezuelan Syndicato gang known as “Organisation R.” The Government of Guyana has previously indicated that it intends to seek the death penalty against anyone convicted in the case under Guyana’s anti-terrorism laws, which provide for capital punishment where a terrorist act results in death.

NEWS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

26 students stung in bee attack at Port Mourant Secondary …1 hospitalised

wenty-six students of the Port Mourant Secondary were injured on Monday after they were attacked by Africanised bees during the lunch period, with one student being hospitalised. Reports are that several students were on the school field when one student apparently disturbed vegetation where a bee nest was

Students being accompanied by their parents after seeking medical attention at the Port Morant Hospital

located. The bees began swarming the student, who ran towards other students while attempting to escape, resulting in several of them also being stung. The affected students were taken to the Port Mourant Hospital, where they received medical attention. One student was hospitalised. The incident result-

ed in parents rushing to the hospital after being informed that their children had been stung. Deeraja Arjun, who has three children attending the school, said he was at Guyana Power and Light when he received a telephone call informing him that one of his daughters had been stung. He said his daughter

sustained two stings. Another parent, Ariana Smart, whose 11-yearold daughter, Botechara Amsarou Ariana Smart, was among those affected, raised concerns about the amount of vegetation around the school compound.

Meanwhile, Grade Seven student Botechara Amsarou, who spoke with this publication in the presence of her mother Shelly Ghanie, recalled that she had finished eating lunch and was coming out when she saw students running. “I see a lot of kids run-

ning out, and by the time I run, they are all over my skin. I just have to cover my ears, and that’s all,” Amsarou related. She said she was stung in two places and also saw other students being stung on different parts of their bodies.

Fisherman slapped with “We want everyone to live... manslaughter charge after friend’s death FROM PAGE 11

I’ve asked the management of the NDIA [National Drainage and Irrigation Authority] to assess the space and develop an appropriate design so that a proper wharf can be constructed,” Mustapha indicated. According to the minister, the proposed wharf will provide a more organised space for fisherfolk to operate, including safe storage of seines, nets, boats and other fishing equipment, while also providing an appropriate facility for mooring boats and offloading catches. Once the design is completed, the project will be tendered for construction.

Mustapha had also engaged residents on other opportunities in the agriculture sector, especially for youths. He said his ministry will work with young residents, particularly those completing school and attending tertiary institutions, to identify a suitable area where a shade house can be established for the cultivation of high-value crops. President Ali visited the community on August 12, where he made the commitments regarding their relocation to safer and more suitable housing areas as well as livelihood improvements. The Head of State was, at the time,

conducting a community outreach drive under the Community Ride Initiative, which involved him cycling through Alexander Village, Riverview, and Yarrow Dam. It was reported following the President’s visit that many of those residents expressed their agreement with the plans outlined by the Guyanese leader for their relocation. “Our priority is to ensure that every family, especially our children, can live in a safe, secure, and healthy environment with the dignity, stability, and opportunities they deserve,” President Ali had expressed.

28-year-old fisherman was on Wednesday remanded to prison after being charged with manslaughter in connection with the death of another fisherman at Albion Front, Corentyne, on Sunday. Videsh Singh, of Lot 71 Albion Front, appeared at the Reliance Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Tuanna Hardy, who presided virtually, where it was alleged that on September 6, he unlawfully killed 34-year-old Franklyn Sauers, called “Frank” or “Franky”, a fisherman of Glasgow Housing Scheme, Corentyne. Police Prosecutor Corporal Meika Crawford told the court that Singh and Sauers had earlier been involved in an altercation at a bar, following which Singh left and went to his home, where he locked the door. In outlining the prosecution’s preliminary facts, Crawford said Sauers subsequently went to Singh’s home, broke the door, and attacked him with what appeared to be a shiny object. She told the court that Singh, fearing for his safety, attempted to defend himself and used a knife during the confrontation. Attorney-at-Law Vinay Punwa, who represented Singh, applied for bail on his behalf. However, Crawford ob-

Dead: Franklyn Sauers, called “Frank” or “Franky”

jected to bail, telling the court that a life had been lost and that the investigation was still incomplete. The Prosecutor also raised concerns that Singh might not return to court to see the matter through if released on bail. She said investigators still had to interview persons from the community and argued that if Singh were released on bail, he could tamper with those witnesses. Crawford also told the court that the post-mortem report was also outstanding. In advancing his application for bail, Punwa told the court that Singh had no previous charges. The Defence Attorney

Remanded: Videsh Singh

also pointed to Singh’s conduct following the incident, telling the court that he had asked his wife to summon the Police and had remained at the scene rather than leaving. Punwa said that when ranks arrived, Singh was still there. During the proceedings, Magistrate Hardy sought further details about the circumstances surrounding the alleged offence. The Magistrate, who was presiding virtually, indicated that she wanted to appear in person before determining the issue of bail. Hardy subsequently deferred consideration of bail and remanded Singh. The case will be called again on September 16.

16 NEWS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt eyes furniture, joinery facility for Berbice loggers

...project could create jobs, push value-added production – Natural Resources Minister

he Government is considering establishing a small furniture or joinery facility to support loggers in the Mara/Plegt Anker area as part of efforts to move forestry operators into value-added production. Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat made the disclosure during an outreach at the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) forest station at West Canje, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), where he met stakeholders from the logging and mining sectors. Bharrat said the engagement formed part of an ongoing policy of conducting outreaches across the country to meet stakeholders individually, listen to their concerns and suggestions and determine how some of the challenges affecting their operations could be addressed. While noting increased interest among Berbicians in the expanding mining sector, the Minister said the Government also contin-

Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat during an Open Day exercise in Region Six on Tuesday

ues to work with loggers to make their operations more viable through value-added production. “We continue to work with our loggers and to find areas in which we can help them to move towards more value-added, and that has been the drive of the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Guyana Forestry Commission for a number of years,” Bharrat said.

He explained that moving further into downstream activities could create employment, add value to local timber products and help to further reduce deforestation while keeping the forestry sector viable. Bharrat said the Government has assisted communities across the country with the establishment of joinery and furniture shops and is prepared to explore similar facili-

ties for communities in the Canje River and Mara/Plegt Anker areas. “We are willing to work with some of the communities, especially in the Canje River area and the Mara/ Plegt Anker area, to develop similar facilities where loggers can now engage in downstream activities, that is, furniture making, cabinets, wardrobes, even providing furniture for the schools here in Berbice,” he said. Bharrat has committed to returning to the Mara/ Plegt Anker area within about a week to meet members of the loggers’ association, which he said has not been producing for some time because of issues among its members. “So one, revive the association; two, resolve whatever issues they have within the association; and three, put them back into production,” the Minister said. He said discussions will also examine possible collaboration on developing a small furniture or joinery

shop in the area. According to Bharrat, such a facility would create much-needed jobs and other economic opportunities for residents.

Longstanding issue

Meanwhile, loggers operating in the Canje Creek area raised concerns about the condition of the creek, which Bharrat described as a longstanding issue. He said trees have fallen into the creek over time while weeds have accumulated, making some sections almost impossible to traverse. Bharrat said he has spoken with the head of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), which will provide assistance, while the GFC has committed chainsaws and fuel so that loggers can participate in clearing the creek. Transportation along the Berbice River was another issue raised by loggers, and the Minister said efforts would be made to determine

what relief could be provided. Bharrat also encouraged loggers to take advantage of financing through the Guyana Development Bank when its programme is rolled out, particularly to invest in value-added operations. “We’ve been advocating, and we’ve been speaking a lot with the loggers and miners, especially loggers, for them to use the opportunity of the Guyana Development Bank to move to value-added, because that is where the real opportunities lie, and that is what will make their business even more profitable,” he said. The Minister explained that the financing could be particularly important to loggers because many do not possess the types of collateral required by commercial banks, while forestry permits or concessions are not accepted as security. He said loans of up to $3 million would be available without security or collateral and without interest.

Grid upgrade works reviewed as GPL removes over 55 illegal connections along Soesdyke Highway GPL, contractors push coordination

GPL workers disconnecting persons who are illegally connected to the grid

he Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) on Wednesday removed more than 55 illegal electricity connections during an enforcement exercise at Kuru Kuru College Road, Soesdyke Highway. The exercise was conducted by GPL’s Loss Reduction Department and covered 32 pole spans, as the utility continues efforts to reduce electricity theft and other commercial losses affecting its distribution network. According to GPL, several persons were also warned to desist from illegally connecting to the utility’s network. The latest exercise comes as GPL continues to grapple with losses estimated at between 13 and 15 per cent, with each one per cent representing more than $200 million in lost revenue, according to figures provided by

GPL officials during a recent press conference. GPL Chief Executive Officer Kesh Nandlall said the utility has been conducting enforcement exercises along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway and surrounding communities to address illegal connections and other issues affecting the reliability of electricity services. He explained that illegal connections can affect the quality and reliability of electricity in communities because persons often connect to the network improperly. Such connections can also cause feeders to trip and contribute to service disruptions. GPL Divisional Director of Engineering Services Ryan Ross previously said electricity theft forms part of the utility’s commercial losses, which, together with technical losses, account for about

13 to 15 per cent of the company’s total losses. Ross said one per cent of losses was, based on the last calculation, valued at approximately $200 million. GPL said illegal connections can overload the electricity network, damage critical infrastructure, contribute to power disruptions and create risks of electrocution and electrical fires. The utility reiterated that electricity theft is a criminal offence and said it will continue conducting loss-reduction exercises in communities across Guyana to identify and remove illegal connections. Members of the public have also been urged to report illegal electricity connections through GPL’s confidential hotlines at 226-2600 and 0475, or via WhatsApp at 699-4882.

Director General of the Public Utilities and Aviation Ministry, Alfonso De Armas on Wednesday meeting with senior GPL officials and contractors

irector General of the Public Utilities and Aviation Ministry, Alfonso De Armas on Wednesday met with senior officials of Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) and contractors involved in major electricity infrastructure works to review project progress and improve coordination. De Armas said the meeting involved a detailed review of ongoing works, including feeders, substations and transmission lines across Regions Four, Five and Six. The projects are part of efforts to strengthen and modernise the DemeraraBerbice Interconnected System, which supplies

electricity to a significant portion of the country. Representatives from Kalpataru Projects International Limited, PowerChina International, China National Machinery Import and Export Corporation, InterEnergy and Capital Energy Partners participated in the meeting. The Director General, in a social media post said discussions focused on ensuring greater coordination among the various entities involved in the projects and monitoring progress across the different components of the works. The infrastructure upgrades are intended to im-

prove the reliability and resilience of the electricity network as Guyana’s demand for power continues to grow. While the projects involve technical components such as feeders, substations and transmission lines, De Armas said the ultimate measure of their success would be the reliability of electricity supplied to consumers. “None of this registers with the average person as a substation or a feeder, of course. What registers is whether the lights stay on, and that is what all of this work is ultimately being judged by,” he said in a post published online.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

guyanatimesgy.com

Regional

Caricom forms youth Costa Rican man, 119, seeks committee to help curb recognition as world’s oldest person crime and violence I

he Caribbean C o m m u n i t y (Caricom) has established the Caricom Youth Advisory Committee on the Prevention of Crime and Violence (YAC-PCV) aimed at placing young people at the centre of regional efforts to reduce crime and violence. Membership of the Committee comprises eight youth members aged 18 to 29 years, drawn from a selection of Caricom Member

States and Associate Members, gender balance, and the inclusion of marginalised groups. The Guyana-based Caricom Secretariat said that the Committee’s purpose is to provide a structured mechanism for youth-led input, guidance, and co-creation in the design, implementation, and refinement of Caricom’s crime prevention initiatives. It said that through this

platform, young voices will directly shape interactive webinars, practical toolkits, and policy-relevant outputs under the Crime and Security and Youth Development programmes of the Caricom Secretariat. ”With the establishment of the YAC-PCV, Caricom is reaffirming its commitment to youth leadership, ensuring that young people are not only beneficiaries of crime prevention strategies but active partners in shaping a safer, more inclusive Caricom.” Meanwhile, in Trinidad, in a case that speaks to the need for such a forum, four boys will spend the next seven days away from class after being suspended following their involvement in a fight on Monday afternoon the first day of school. (Excerpts from Nation News and Trinidad Guardian)

n a modest wooden home in Sardinal, about a 20-minute drive from Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, Jose Flores spends his days napping, eating meals prepared by his granddaughter, and arm-wrestling with her. His family and official records indicate that he is 119 years old, which would make him the world’s oldest man, ‌ though international verification of his birth date is still pending as specialists review historical documents. Sardinal is a hot town on the Nicoya Peninsula, one of the world’s five regions commonly known as Blue Zones, where people tend to live longer and healthier lives and are more likely to reach the age of 100. Residents attribute their longevity to calcium- and magnesium-rich water, a diet based on corn and beans, physical work, and strong family and community ties. Hellen Flores, Jose’s granddaughter and carer, said her grandfather, who spent his life working in the countryside, now lives “calmly and

Jose Flores, a former farmer whose family says he is 119 years old and could be recognised as the world’s oldest living man, pending verification of his birth date, sits at his home in Sardinal, Costa Rica, September 5, 2026 (Reuters/Mayela Lopez photo)

happily”. From time to time, he recalls stories from his life, tells the occasional joke and says one of the secrets to his long life is his family. “Without love, without affection, without care, he would not still be here,” she said. For Jorge Vindas, founder of the Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone Association, which studies longevity in the region, other factors also help explain longevity cases such

as Flores’. According to his identity card, Flores was born on July 11, 1907. “Family and social networks are number one, along with spirituality and the strong faith of these people, who are very ‌ physically active,” Vindas said. He added that they eat healthily and lead calm, low-stress lives. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Immigrants from El Salvador will for Rubio promises more security cooperation in Colombia, Ecuador now keep temporary protected status

S Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday he hoped to see the US security relationship with Colombia rebound under ‌ the country’s newly-inaugurated right-wing president, as Rubio began a tour of Latin American countries whose leaders are closely aligned with President Donald Trump’s administration. Washington is stepping up security engagement with the region on issues including migration and drug trafficking amid an effort to reassert US influence across Latin America that has seen US forces conduct deadly strikes on small boats said to be carrying drugs, capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and ramp up economic pressure on Communist-led Cuba. At their meeting in the coastal city of Barranquilla, Colombian President Abelardo De La Espriella said he and Rubio discussed security cooperation against drug trafficking, improved economic ties and an expanded role for Colombia in what he called “bulletproofing the hemisphere”. He

Ecuador’s President, Daniel Noboa and US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio hold a document related to Ecuador’s highestranking National Order of Merit, the Grand Cross, presented to Rubio, which he is wearing, at the Carondelet Palace in Quito, Ecuador, September 9, 2026 (Dolores Ochoa/Pool via Reuters)

said Colombia would be an ally to the US on neighbouring Venezuela. “Colombia wants to newly consolidate itself as the principal hemispheric partner for the United States on security,” said De La Espriella, who took office on August 7. Meanwhile, Rubio said during a visit to Ecuador on Wednesday that he would seek $45 million in additional security funding for the Latin American country, as well as additional equipment, to help tackle drug ‌trafficking. Speaking after their

meeting, Rubio said Washington was increasingly working with Noboa’s Government to crack down on drug trafficking organisations, including with joint strikes on boats believed to be used by drug smugglers. “These are not ordinary groups. Clearly, they engage in common crime, but they have terrorist capabilities across the region, and that must be confronted. They must be dismantled, they must be defeated, and we are committed to doing that,” Rubio said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Gunman kills 3 in bar attack in Jamaica

gunman walked into a bar in the quiet coastal community of Robin’s Bay, St Mary, on Wednesday afternoon and shot three men dead before escaping. The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has confirmed that it is investigating the early-afternoon triple murder.

“The Police understand that at about 1:40 pm, the men were inside the bar when another man entered and shot all three before escaping,” a representative of the Constabulary Communications Network (CCN), the JCF’s public-information arm, told Observer Online.

Investigators were processing the scene as they worked to establish a motive for the deadly attack and determine the route taken by the gunman. The identities of the three victims had not yet been verified by Police. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

he Trump Administration said tens of thousands of immigrants from El Salvador will for now keep their temporary protected status that had been scheduled to expire on Wednesday. Temporary protected status allows people already in the United States to remain in the country and work legally if their home countries are affected by natural disasters, armed conflict, or other extraordinary conditions. “An announcement on El Salvador’s TPS will be made at the appropriate time. Until such announcement is

made, Salvadoran individuals present in the US under TPS retain protection,” the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement. It did not provide information on when such a decision could be announced. The National TPS Alliance advocacy group says some 170,000 Salvadoran TPS holders live across the United States, with about 152,000 being in the US workforce and contributing about US$5.4 billion to the US economy. President Donald Trump’s administration has moved to end temporary protected status for nationals from various

countries as part of his broader immigration crackdown effort. Trump has pursued an aggressive immigration crackdown and deportation drive that rights advocates condemn as being in violation of due process and free speech rights. Human rights advocates also say the crackdown has created an unsafe environment, particularly for ethnic minorities who have raised concerns about racial profiling. Trump says his actions are aimed at improving domestic security. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Brazil’s top Judge suspends Justices’ rulings in Supreme Court power struggle

razil’s Supreme Court Chief Justice Edson Fachin moved to contain a growing judicial crisis on Wednesday, ruling to remove ‌ the effects of rival decisions issued by fellow court members and calling an extraordinary session for next week. A clash between Justices in recent weeks has thrust Brazil’s highest court into its biggest crisis since the country’s return to democracy over four decades ago. The struggle comes just before Brazilians elect a new President and most of Congress in October. Justice Flavio Dino ordered Brazil’s federal Police Chief, Andrei Rodrigues, to be reinstated immediately earlier on Wednesday. That reversed a decision issued on Tuesday by his colleague Andre Mendonca, who had ordered the removal of the Police Head and his intelli-

Brazil’s Director-General of the Federal Police Andrei Rodrigues attends a ceremony to digitally sign and seal the electoral systems that will be used in Brazil’s general elections, in Brasilia, Brazil, September 4, 2026 (Reuters/Adriano Machado photo)

gence chief. Mendonca had removed both officials over allegations that members of the Police had produced intelligence reports intended to monitor Mendonca and oth-

er authorities. The decision was backed by a majority of a five-member court panel, but the Government of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva challenged it. (Excerpt from Reuters)

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

Iran and US hit tankers in biggest wave OILNEWS OIL NEWS of attacks on shipping since war began Oil hits US$100 a barrel for 1st time since July after US, Houthi strikes

il prices rose to US$100 a barrel on Wednesday, after the United States and Iran attacked tankers in the Gulf region and Yemen’s Houthis hit oil facilities in Saudi

Arabia. Overnight, the US said it struck five Iranian tankers in retaliation for Iran’s targeting of a warship, while Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they attacked eight tankers and two warships in response, as well as a US base in Jordan. The Guards also said they planned a new “prohibited zone” for shipping that extended beyond the Strait of Hormuz into the Arabian Sea. The Iran-backed Houthis reported dozens of Saudi strikes in Yemen, a day after drone and missile attacks caused fires at several oil facilities in Saudi Arabia. The escalating conflicts pushed the price of Brent crude, the global benchmark, to its highest level since late July, when Iran and the US resumed hostilities after a one-month lull. A barrel was priced at US$100.70, up 2.83 per cent compared to Tuesday, on Wednesday afternoon. Before the US and Israel’s war with Iran began in February, Brent crude had been priced at about US$70 a barrel. But Iranian missile and drone attacks on commercial shipping and a US naval blockade of Iranian ports resulted in the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz waterway in the Gulf, through which 20 per cent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments usually pass. The Houthis have also been targeting Saudi energy infrastructure and tankers in the Red Sea since July, when a four-year ceasefire in Yemen began unravelling. The rising oil costs have sparked leaps in petrol prices around the world for motorists. The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency said it had received reports of several merchant vessels in the northern Gulf and the Gulf of Oman being “subject to disabling fire as part of ongoing military activity in the region”. It also reported that one vessel 24 nautical miles (45km) north-west of Port Rashid, in the United Arab Emirates, was seen “listing while at anchor, possibly indicating water ingress following an attack from an unknown projectile”. Iraqi authorities said they extinguished a fire on a Panamaflagged tanker, New Andros, that was carrying two million barrels of fuel oil when it was hit by a drone in the Gulf. On Wednesday afternoon, IRGC spokesman Hossein Mohebi told Iranian State TV that it would soon announce the co-ordinates for a new “prohibited zone” covering “part of the Sea of Oman and another part of the Arabian Sea, along the route that can lead to the Strait of Hormuz”. The US strikes on Tuesday came hours after Iran’s Navy said it had seized an uncrewed US submarine in the Strait of Hormuz. US Navy Captain Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for Centcom, said an “underwater drone operated by US forces malfunctioned more than a day ago” and that it had been used to survey regional waters. (Excerpt from BBC News)

ran said on Wednesday it had attacked 10 ships near the Strait of Hormuz after the United States sank five Iranian oil tankers, in the biggest wave of attacks on shipping by both sides since the ‌start of the six-month-old war. The attacks sent the price of oil surging, with benchmark Brent crude futures breaching US$100 a barrel for the first time since July. At least one seafarer aboard a tanker was reported killed and another listed as missing. The incidents follow a month of relative calm, during which the US has sought to pressure Iran through economic means. Iran said it had fired bal-

An Iranian crude oil carrier identified as MT Riesco sinks after being struck, which US Central Command says it targeted after attempted Iranian missile attacks on a US Navy warship over the past two days, at a location given as the Gulf of Oman, in this still image taken from video released September 8, 2026 (US Central Command/Handout via Reuters)

listic missiles at a US military base in Jordan. Jordan said it intercepted 18 missiles, with the remaining

two falling harmlessly in unpopulated areas. A US official said all American troops were accounted for.

Britain must “stand against injustice” over West Bank settlements, PM Burnham says

ritain had to “stand for something”, Prime Minister Andy Burnham told Parliament on Wednesday in a defence of his Government’s decision to block imports from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. Burnham, who has been ‌in the job since July, said Britain had long endorsed the two-state solution in the Middle East, but words needed to be backed by action. “Leadership is about taking action where there is injustice, where we need

Britain’s Prime Minister Andy Burnham leaves 10 Downing Street to attend PMQs at the House of Commons, in London, Britain, September 9, 2026 (Reuters/Toby Melville photo)

to correct unfairness, people being driven out of their homes,” he said. “In this difficult and dangerous world, Britain has to stand for something.” The import ban, announced on Tuesday by Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband alongside measures targeting settlement-linked companies and individuals, marked one of Britain’s most significant policy shifts towards Israel in years. It came as part of a coordinated push with France and Canada to pressure Israel over settlement

hours, adding that they would “not go unanswered and unpunished”. The escalating conflict, which represents a second theatre of war to threaten global energy supplies, comes as Iran and the United States wage their biggest declared wave of tit-for-tat attacks on shipping in the Gulf region since their war began. Pakistan’s warning to Iran carries significant weight because of its defence pact with Saudi Arabia and Turkey. While officials in Islamabad stressed any military role would be confined to defending Saudi territory, Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said attacks spilling into the kingdom could trigger a joint se-

expansion that the countries say threatens the twoState solution. Israel reacted angrily to the sanctions. It ordered the closure of Britain’s consulate in East Jerusalem and barred ‌12 Britons from entering Israel in retaliation. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said he had thanked Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the British Opposition Conservative Party, for her criticism of the move. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Ugandan kingdom picks new monarch to succeed King Oyo Nyimba, once world’s youngest

traditional Ugandan kingdom selected a television news anchor on Wednesday to succeed King Oyo Nyimba, who died last month aged 34 after

Pakistan warns Iran to rein in Houthis as Riyadh strikes back akistan has delivered a Saudi warning to Iran to rein in its Yemeni Houthi allies after they stepped up attacks on the kingdom, in a coordinated effort to prevent the crisis from spiralling, Saudi, Pakistani and Iranian sources said. The Houthis struck an airbase in Khamis Mushait and oil infrastructure in nearby cities ‌on Tuesday, wounding 73 persons, in one of the biggest attacks on Saudi Arabia since the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran in February. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said on Wednesday that Saudi warplanes carried out 54 airstrikes across various Yemeni provinces over the past 12

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they would sharply escalate their response to any further attacks, and said Iran would soon release maps of a new, enlarged off-limits zone at sea that would extend as far as Chabahar on the coast near Pakistan. President Donald Trump said Tehran was trying to influence the November US midterm elections, which will determine whether his Republican Party will retain control of Congress. “I think war is going to end immediately after the election because they can’t hold out any longer. They’re desperate to try and affect the election,” he told reporters. (Excerpt from Reuters)

curity arrangement involving Riyadh, Ankara and Islamabad. “An aggression on one country will be considered an aggression on all three countries,” Asif said on Pakistani TV. “There is no ambiguity or doubt... Unprovoked aggression or spillover... into Saudi Arabia will definitely make this agreement operational.” The Pakistani Defence Ministry, Foreign Ministry and the military did not respond to a Reuters request for comment. Pakistan’s intervention, after years of balancing ties with Saudi Arabia and Iran, has underscored the seriousness of the Houthi attacks. (Excerpt from Reuters)

A Ugandan Police Officer carries a photograph while leading the procession with the body of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, of the Tooro Kingdom, who died in late August aged 34 while receiving treatment (Reuters/Michael Muhati photo)

becoming the ‌world’s youngest reigning monarch when he took the throne at age three. Oyo Nyimba died on August 27 in the United

States where he was receiving treatment for cancer. While Uganda is a constitutional republic, Oyo Nyimba ruled Tooro in western Uganda, one of the former

British colony’s ancient kingdoms, which wield enormous cultural and social influence. At a press conference in the kingdom’s capital of Fort Portal, the royal clan’s succession committee announced it chose Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, a news anchor and editor at the State-run broadcaster UBC, as monarch. Oyo Nyimba, a United Nations goodwill ambassador championing the fight against HIV and AIDS, became the youngest ‌reigning monarch in 1995 when he was crowned at age three, according to Guinness World Records. A video of his coronation shows a little boy sitting in his chair playing with a toy, his small body almost disappearing underneath the royal crown and robes. Kijanangoma’s selection contradicted an earlier announcement by the kingdom’s Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire, who said the unmarried Oyo Nyimba had left behind a child who was his heir. (Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

ARCHIE

DAILY HOROSCOPES Trust your instincts, not your anger. Hit the reset button and rethink what’s best for you. Choose practicality over aggression and finishing what you start. It’s up to you to orchestrate what happens next.

(March 21-April 19) Put more thought into what you want to do and with whom. Making wise decisions will encourage better relationships with likeminded associates that could lead to financial growth.

PICKLES

(April 20-May 20) Engage in events that offer insight into something you want to pursue. What you discover will help you connect to someone who can help you reach your goal.

(May 21-June 20) Having a disciplined attitude will help you deter others from taking advantage of you. Say no to anyone asking for too much. Point your energy and focus in a direction that benefits you.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

Gather information and see how you can apply it to the changes you want to make. Learning something new will spark your imagination and encourage you to dig deeper into the prospects that excite you most.

(July 23-Aug. 22) Do what you say, and say what you do. Refuse to let anyone label you as a talker, not a producer. Pay attention to what’s trending, and try to stay one step ahead of anyone who challenges you.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Make the most of change instead of letting it get you down. Turn a negative into a positive, and show all onlookers what you can do. Refuse to let anyone interfere.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

Learn from experience. Don’t just read and listen; get physical. A change regarding lifestyle, investments and medical issues will pique your interest and encourage you to investigate your options.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Put emotions aside and channel your energy into making a difference and taking care of your financial needs. Sell off what you don’t need and rid yourself of debt and expenses that are causing stress. Put more thought into what you want to explore. Reading, learning and using your skills in a unique manner will offer opportunities to improve your earning potential.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Put more energy toward making money, updating documents and contracts that have expiration dates, and creating new opportunities for yourself. Join forces with people who share your likes and dislikes.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Explore what’s available, and sign up for events or classes of interest. How you spend your time will determine what’s next for you. Attend what interests you, and volunteer your expertise.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

S C C

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

Gay, Brook fifties keep England on top after Tongue 4-for

Mohammad Ali and Mohammad Abbas put on the highest stand of the innings

timely half-century from Emilio Gay and an unbeaten fifty from Harry Brook took England to a first-innings lead against a poor display from Pakistan’s batters in the third and final Test of their series at Edgbaston. On an opening day when 14 wickets fell, Gay and Brook shared a 104-run

changes having sent seven players home after they plunged to a 2-0 deficit in the series. He bowled with eye-catching pace, tricky lateral movement and an energy that belied the crisis his team have found themselves in. He consistently bowled around the 89 miles-perhour (mph) mark, remov-

ing his debut in the first Test against New Zealand in June, but it was his first in this series against Pakistan after scores of 33 in England’s innings victory at Headingley and 8 and 31 as the hosts won by 194 runs at Lord’s. With movement through the day, both in the air and off a pitch that still offered runs to the disciplined, Gay built his way patiently to a Test career-best 60 off 113 deliveries. He struck nine fours as England rebuilt from 24 for 2 then 39 for 3. Gay overcame a nasty deflection off the inside edge onto the side of his knee off a brisk delivery from Razaullah, but it was the young Pakistan bowler who proved his undoing as Gay edged a 90mph ball onto his stumps. That was after Razaullah had trapped Root in his crease with one that skidded onto the pad for Root’s 10th lbw dismissal in 13 innings. England had lost two early wickets before tea courtesy of Mohammad Abbas and Mohammad Ali, two Pakistan players

Razaullah roars in celebration

partnership for the fourth wicket. Their union was broken by exciting Pakistan prospect Razaullah, the 21-year-old quick on debut who removed Joe Root in his first over, then Gay to give Pakistan something to savour after they had been bowled out for just 133 inside 34 overs. Razaullah was one of three debutants as Pakistan made sweeping

ing Root with his fourth ball and hitting 92mph on his ninth to keep the best of England’s batters on their toes in two impactful spells spanning nine overs and yielding 2 for 42. By the close of play, England were 156 for 4, a lead of 23 runs with Brook not out on 52 and Dan Lawrence on 5. Gay scored his third fifty in 10 innings since mak-

to emerge from Lord’s unscathed by the resulting cull of squad members and staff. They put on 26 runs together for the 10th wicket, the highest partnership of an abject innings and more than the total of 20 runs by Pakistan’s opening stands across five innings in this series, then took one wicket each as England wobbled. Ben Duckett fell at the

Josh Tongue was among the wickets again

end of the fourth over to a loose drive at Ali which ended up in the hands of a fast-reacting Babar Azam at second slip, and Abbas rapped Jordan Cox on the back thigh with an inswinger destined for the top of middle and leg stumps. Earlier, Josh Tongue took four wickets while Ollie Robinson and Jofra Archer claimed three apiece as Pakistan crumbled, Robinson bowling with the frugality that has been a feature of his summer with his 3 for 15 coming at an economy rate of 1.36. Saud Shakeel was the only recognised batter in the Pakistan line-up to show any resistance with 43 off 47 balls. Saim Ayub, playing his ninth Test after returning as Pakistan made four changes in all to their side, survived an early lbw decision on just the fifth ball of the match when Robinson’s nip-backer which struck the back thigh pad was shown to be going over off stump. But Ayub was unable to overturn another, correct lbw call by Chris Gaffaney as Robinson collected his 100th Test wicket in his next over. Archer saw Azan Awais put down Duckett at first slip, but Tongue held on just three balls later as Awais chipped straight to him at midwicket. Lawrence took a strong low catch off Abdullah Shafique to give Robinson his second for the match and, in the next over, Archer had his brace as Shan Masood fell tamely

via a leading edge to sub fielder Theo Wylie. Floundering at 26 for 4, Pakistan needed some stability from Captain Babar, but he fell for just 7 to an excellent delivery from Tongue which seamed in off a good length and tore out his off stump. With his side now dipping into the ranks of their three debutants, the experienced Shakeel chose to lead. Debutant wicketkeeper Ghazi Ghori started brightly, cutting Tongue for four off his first ball in Test cricket. He survived an England review for lbw two balls later, but, two after that, Tongue pinned him on the back leg with no doubt as to the dismissal. Shakeel peeled off two fours in three deliver-

aaa

ies from Gus Atkinson, through the covers and backward point, but his efforts looked in vain as Tongue nailed his yorker to rattle the stumps of another debutant, Mohammad Imran Randhawa. Razaullah showed willingness and muscle if not aesthetics at number as he found the boundary twice off Tongue, his pull through midwicket and outside edge over cover not pretty but effective. Robinson struck shortly after lunch with an outswinger to Razaullah, edged to slip where Duckett held on. Shakeel had his off stump ripped out by a Tongue delivery that seamed through the gate, leaving it to Abbas and Ali to salvage what they could. (ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Pakistan 1st Innings Saim Ayub lbw b Robinson Azan Awais c Tongue b Archer Abdullah Shafique c Lawrence b Robinson Shan Masood c sub (TO Wylie) b Archer Babar Azam (c) b Tongue Saud Shakeel b Tongue Ghazi Ghori †lbw b Tongue Mohammad Imran b Tongue Razaullah c Duckett b Robinson Mohammad Abbas c Brook b Archer Mohammad Ali not out

0 9 3 5 7 43 4 5 11 21 5

Extras (b 6, lb 14) 20 Total 33.5 Ov (RR: 3.93) 133 Fall of wickets: 1-8 (Saim Ayub, 2.4 ov), 2-14 (Azan Awais, 5.5 ov), 3-24 (Abdullah Shafique, 8.2 ov), 4-26 (Shan Masood, 9.3 ov), 5-48 (Babar Azam, 14.6 ov), 6-64 (Ghazi Ghori, 16.5 ov), 7-84 (Mohammad Imran, 20.4 ov), 8-101 (Razaullah, 23.3 ov), 9-107 (Saud Shakeel, 26.1 ov), 10133 (Mohammad Abbas, 33.5 ov) Bowling Ollie Robinson

O-M-R-W 11-5-15-3

Jofra Archer Gus Atkinson Josh Tongue

7.5-2-25-3 5-1-31-0 10-1-42-4

England 1st Innings Ben Duckett c Babar Azam b Mohammad Ali Emilio Gay b Razaullah Jordan Cox lbw b Mohammad Abbas Joe Root (c) lbw b Razaullah Harry Brook not out Dan Lawrence not out

11 60 4 8 52 5

Extras (b 5, lb 5, nb 5, w 1) 16 Total 39 Ov (RR: 4.00) 156/4 Yet to bat: Jamie Smith †, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue Fall of wickets: 1-12 (Ben Duckett, 3.6 ov), 2-24 (Jordan Cox, 6.2 ov), 3-39 (Joe Root, 11.4 ov), 4-143 (Emilio Gay, 33.4 ov) Bowling Mohammad Abbas Mohammad Ali Razaullah Mohammad Imran

O-M-R-W 14-1-37-1 10-1-49-1 9-0-42-2 6-1-18-0

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Singh, Jeffrey among top performers at Speed Fest

evesh Singh and Stefan Jeffrey topped the two Vitz Cup divisions, while Kevin Persaud, Matthew Vieira and David Hassan led the motorcycle classes during Sunday’s 2026 Speed Fest Track Day at the South Dakota Circuit. Singh dominated the Vitz Cup B Class, collecting 65 points from the three races. Mikkely Rahaman finished second with 43 points, while Shemroy Ramsingh placed third with 38. Jeffrey secured the Vitz Cup A Class honours with 53 points. Zachary Persaud and Ryan Ramoutar were both listed on 40 points, with Persaud taking second place in the classification. Paul Jiwanram finished fourth with 35 points, while Azaad Hassan earned 16. The issued results also

Stefan Jeffrey secured the Vitz Cup A Class honours with 53 points

contained another entry for Ramoutar on 22 points. In the Open Class Bikes, Kevin Persaud accumulated 65 points after winning two races and placing second in the other. Alain Hopkinson secured second place with 50 points, while

Maurice Menezes finished third on 37. Vieira also ended the day with 65 points to lead the 600cc Bikes division. Elan Rahaman was second with 43 points, followed by Jerry Da Silva on 37 and Adrian Mohar with 20.

Devesh Singh dominated the Vitz Cup B Class, collecting 65 points from the three races

Hassan completed a perfect outing in the Street Bikes class by winning all three races and collecting 65 points. Salim Azeez placed second with 50 points, while Elwin Chase was third with 37. C h r i s t o p h e r

Bridgmohan finished fourth on 26 points, followed by Alestair Mendonca with 20. Fitzpatrick Augustus and Jerome Jones completed the classification with 11 points each. The three-race format allowed competitors to re-

cover from early setbacks and challenge for the overall honours. The event formed part of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club’s 2026 calendar, with competitors earning points towards their respective class championships.

BCB/KSM Super50 Brilliant Dhaupat leads tournament bowls RHT Poonai’s Pharmacy to semifinals off Saturday BCB/Faizal Jafferally U12 Cricket Tournament…

The Berbice Cricket Board’s KSM First-Division Super50 roundrobin tournament will commence on Saturday, September 12, with matches being played at several venues across Berbice

he Berbice Cricket Board’s KSM First-Division Super50 round-robin tournament will commence on Saturday, September 12, with matches being played at several venues across Berbice. According to the BCB, the competition will provide players with valuable match practice ahead of next month’s Guyana Cricket Board Senior InterCounty tournament. Matches will begin at 9:30hrs and will be played under Cricket West Indies and International Cricket Council Super50 regulations. The participating clubs have been divided into four groups, each headed by a top-seeded team. The team finishing with the most points in each group will advance to the semifinals.

Net run rate will determine the group winner if teams finish level on points. In Group A, Rose Hall Town will face UCCA at the Number 69 Ground on September 12, while Police have a bye. Rose Hall Town will then host Police at Area H on September 19, before UCCA oppose Police at the Number 69 Ground on September 26. Group B will begin with Albion facing Skeldon at the Skeldon Ground on September 12, with Port Mourant receiving a bye. Albion will host Port Mourant on September 19, while Port Mourant will entertain Skeldon on September 26. West Berbice and Blairmont will meet at the Blairmont Ground in the opening Group C

fixture on September 12, while Tucber Park sit out the first round. West Berbice will then play Tucber Park at the Bush Lot Ground on September 19, before Blairmont and Tucber Park meet at the Blairmont Ground on September 26. Four teams will contest Group D, with two matches scheduled in each round. Cotton Tree will host Berbice River on September 12, while Rose Hall Canje will welcome Young Warriors. On September 19, Rose Hall Canje will host Berbice River, and Young Warriors will face Cotton Tree at the Young Warriors Ground. The group stage will conclude on September 26, when Young Warriors host Berbice River and Cotton Tree entertain Rose Hall Canje. A victory will earn a team 12 points, while four points will be awarded for a washedout match. Tied games will be decided by a Super Over. The tournament will be played with white balls and coloured clothing. Each club will be allowed to field only one nonBerbician, while players cannot represent more than one club during the competition. Teams must comply with all decisions made by the BCB during the tournament, with failure to do so potentially resulting in disqualification. Clubs have also been urged to uphold the true spirit of the game throughout the competition.

The winning RHT Poonai Pharmacy Team

Eon Dhaupat produced a brilliant all-round performance

majestic all-round performance from the talented 11-yearold Eon Dhaupat spearheaded the Rose Hall Town Poonai’s Pharmacy Under-12 team to a commanding nine-wicket victory over Black Bush Polder in a quarter-final match of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB)Faizal Jafferally Under-12 tournament. The easy victory enabled the Poonai’s Pharmacy team to book a place in the tournament semifinals where they will play the winners of the Cotton Tree vs No 73 Young Warriors quarter finals. Playing at the Area H Ground in front of a sizable crowd in blazing sunshine, the visiting Black Bush Polder team

Needing to score 131 runs from a maximum of 20 overs, the home team were given a solid opening partnership of 110 runs by the talented pair of Dhaupat and La Cruz. The 100th run of the opening stand came in the 13th over before La Cruz departed for a wellcrafted 41. La Cruz struck three boundaries in his mature knock while Dhaupat, the team’s Vice Captain, hit six boundaries in his unbeaten knock of 50. Inter-county player Japhet Khan was at the crease with Dhaupat when victory was achieved in the 16th over. Khan scored 10 runs with two boundaries. Joshua Mangru was the only successful bowler for the visitors with one wicket for 47 runs from three overs.

won the toss and elected to take first strike. They suffered an early setback when opener K Agana was caught by Michel Alexander off medium pacer Dhaupat, off the third ball of the innings for nought. Dhaupat struck again in his second over when he also had A Robin caught by Navo Raghoo for 1. Joshua Mangru (15), Omar Ragubeer (22), L Singh (10) and Ayan Belderam (11 not out) all batted well to enable Black Bush Polder to reach 130 all-out, off their allotted 20 overs. Extras contributed a healthy 53 runs to the overall total. Medium pacer Dhaupat (3 for 15), Jarrel Grant (3 for 18) and off-spinner Daniel La Cruz (3 for 19) were successful for the home team.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

Beaton and Waddell to represent Guyana at Costa Rica Future Series G

uyana’s Nkosi Beaton and Frank Waddell will test their skills against international opposition at the Costa Rica Future Series 2026 in San José. The Guyanese players are entered in the men’s singles competition and will join forces in the men’s doubles, giving the country representation in two categories. The main draw is scheduled to run from September 9 to 13 at the

Gimnasio Nacional Eddy Cortés. Qualification matches began on September 8. The tournament is sanctioned by the Badminton World Federation and Badminton Pan Am Confederation and forms part of the international Future Series circuit. The official prospectus states that athletes from four continents are expected to compete in this year’s edition. Beaton and Waddell will

face separate challenges in the singles draw before combining their strengths in doubles. Their participation will provide valuable international exposure as they compete against players with different styles and levels of experience. The men’s singles main draw can accommodate as many as 48 direct entries and 16 qualifiers, while the men’s doubles competition has space for 24 direct-entry pairs and

eight qualifying teams. Matches will be contested over the best of three games, with each game played to 21 points. The semifinals are scheduled for September 12, followed by the finals and presentation ceremonies on September 13. The Guyana Badminton Association has extended best wishes to both players ahead of Guyana’s Nkosi Beaton and Frank Waddell will their campaign and encouraged test their skills against international opposition them to give their best on court. at the Costa Rica Future Series 2026 in San José

CWI appoints Bob Mills urges sustained investment Carter as Batting in Guyana’s youth football Consultant

ricket West Indies (CWI) has appointed experienced New Zealand coach Bob Carter as Batting Consultant, with his initial one-year engagement focused on raising batting standards across the West Indies and strengthening the regional coaching system ahead of a critical period of international competition. Carter, who officially took up the role on September 1, 2026, will work across CWI’s men’s, women’s and age-group programmes, with his appointment coming as West Indies prepare for the Men’s ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier in February and March 2027, followed by the World Cup preparation window. His first assignment will be a regional tour later this month, taking him across all six first-class territories – Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, the Leeward Islands and the Windward Islands – where he will work directly with players and coaches. Carter’s mandate will have two principal areas of focus; providing specialist technical support to elite and emerging batters, while also strengthening the ability of regional and high-performance coaches to design and deliver effective individual batting programmes. He will work closely with coaches to enhance the support provided to elite players returning to their territories, while collaborating with CWI’s High-Performance team to develop batting modules that can be incorporated into the regional coaching pathway and reach coaches at every level. “West Indies cricket has a proud tradition of producing outstanding batsmen, and my job is to help build the base to produce future generations of world-class players,” said Carter. “My focus has always been on supporting players and coaches to reach their full potential, and I am looking forward to working alongside the regional and high-performance coaches to help achieve that.” Carter brings more than 30 years of elite coaching experience, most recently serving as High-Performance Coach with New Zealand Cricket from 2012 to 2025, where he supported international and domestic player development, performance planning and talent identification. He also served as Head Coach of the New Zealand Women’s team from 2019 to 2022, and twice as the Men’s Assistant Coach, alongside previous head coaching roles with Canterbury and Wellington, and as Director of Cricket at Northamptonshire County Cricket Club in England. CWI Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe said the appointment is aimed at improving the regional coaching system as much as the players. “West Indies teams will participate in at least 6 global events over the next 24-30 months, including the Men’s World Cup Qualifier next February. The steps we take now are intended to lay the groundwork for success. Bob’s immediate job is to raise the technical standard heading into these events,” said Bascombe. “But the measure of this appointment is not what our top six look like in twelve months. It is whether the coaches he works with come out of it better at teaching batting than they went in, and whether that reaches the coaching education modules the rest of the region is taught from. That is what lasts.” The appointment is part of CWI’s broader technical development programme and follows work by the Cricket Strategy and Officiating Committee, which identified specialist technical intervention and strengthening the regional coaching system as priorities for the development of West Indies cricket. Carter’s regional tour will provide an early opportunity to assess the batting talent and coaching needs across the territories, while establishing the foundation for a coordinated technical programme that can support players throughout the regional pathway. CWI’s new Batting Consultant Bob Carter

Founder of the Academy, Vurlon Mills

Coach Vurlon Mills in action during Sunday’s U15 Youth Ensemble final

urlon Mills believes the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Youth Ensemble programme is already having a positive impact on the development of young footballers, but says the challenge now is to ensure that the progress continues beyond the competition. Mills, the founder of Vurlon Mills Football Academy (VMFA), made the observation following his academy’s 4-2 victory over Buxton Stars in the Under-15 final of the Youth Ensemble programme on Sunday at the GFF National Training Centre in Providence. According to Mills, the structured nature of the competition has allowed young players to receive the regular training and match exposure necessary for their development. “What I’ve seen over time in this competition is that clubs and teams continue to improve game after game, and again it comes back to now they’ve been able to come into a structured organisation where they can train and play week in, week out,” Mills said. He added that the attention being given to youth football

through the programme has contributed to noticeable improvements among the participating teams. “Now they’re being given the attention that was needed before and we’ve seen an improvement over time. For us, this gives the club the opportunity to continue along this path, not to go dormant again, and to keep youth football alive in Guyana,” he added. Despite VMFA securing the championship, Mills was quick to dismiss the notion that his team was clearly superior to Buxton Stars, insisting that the final demonstrated the depth of talent available across the country. The former Golden Jaguars international shared, “We’ve seen the game today. It finished 4-2, right? I don’t believe that VMFA was clearly the best team. I believe Buxton showed today with the same talent, with the same opportunity, and they played with the same desire to win today and made the game a balanced game.” For Mills, the bigger question is what happens to these young players

after completing youth competitions and whether clubs can provide a clear pathway for their continued development. “We know that we have the talent across Guyana. For us, how do we continue to develop this talent? Do we find a pathway for continuing development as a club, or do we say forget about the youths now and focus on the seniors?” he questioned. He stressed that clubs must make a conscious decision to maintain their youth programmes rather than allowing them to become dormant once a particular competition concludes. “What do we do? Do we continue to develop the youth programme or just forget about them altogether?” Mills asked He also pointed to Guyana’s recent performances at youth level as evidence of the potential that exists, highlighting the country’s success in the Under-14 category, including qualification and a Tier Two title in the Talent Series. “We know Guyana have the talent. We’ve seen what

happened in the Under-14. We’ve been able to qualify and even win Tier Two in the Talent Series,” he said. Mills believes the next step must be to create more opportunities for talented youngsters to transition into the national youth structure. He questioned, “What do we do from then? How do we get more talented players a part of the national structure so that we can keep Guyana on the map when it comes to youth football?” His comments come at a time when the GFF is seeking to provide young players with more regular, structured and competitive football, with the Youth Ensemble programme serving as an important platform for identifying and developing the next generation of Guyanese footballers.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

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Tahir, Mehidy spin magic send Warriors to the top

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

uentin Sampson’s belligerent 1 1 ball blitz solidified the Guyana A m a zo n Warriors’ place at the top of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) standings in a tense encounter with the St Lucia Kings at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence on Wednesday night. Sampson muscled one four and five sixes for a quickfire 37 that proved to be just what the hosts needed after a slow chase.

Sensational Sampson Chasing 120, the agonisingly slow start to the chase from the opening pair was exacerbated by Mavendra Dindyal’s wicket, chipping down the track to Roston Chase in the fourth over. With the batter not quite middling the shot, Obus Pienaar trotted in from long-on to take a simple catch. Seemingly trying to avoid a collapse similar to the night prior, Shai Hope and Glenn Phillips took their time to do the hard yards, producing a 53run (58-ball) partnership for the second wicket. The boundaries were few and far between, but the pair’s running between the wickets made up for the snail’s pace at which they went. By the 12th over, Phillips had had enough of the goslow, freeing his arms with a maximum over deep square. A boundary in the ensuing over off Maheesh Theekshana’s bowling followed but he had hit one too many, playing Theekshana’s next delivery too early to be castled for 37 off 40 balls. The St Lucia Kings enjoyed the next two overs on top of the battle, as they removed Hope and Mehidy Hasan Miraz for 21 and 1 respectively. At 72-4, the Amazon Warriors were staring down a required run rate of almost 10 an over, going at just 4.80. With Shimron Hetmyer and Quentin Sampson at the crease, there was still a mountain of hope for the hosts.

Sport is no longer our game, it’s our business

Tahir 5-for, Sampson blitz steer Amazon Warriors to top spot

Sampson was, evidently, playing on a different surface as compared to the batters who struggled before him. He displayed his biblical power, muscling several maximums to bring the Amazon Warriors equation down to a manageable stage. But he just couldn’t stop hitting sixes, blasting Matthew Forde over long on and into the Red Stand for the matchwinning maximum.

Five-star Tahir Taking first strike, Tim Seifert never looked up to the task on Wednesday evening and when the first ball of Dwaine Pretorius’ second over rapped him high on the pads, he decided against the review and walked back to the dugout for 4. Kamil Pooran had a timid start, finding the boundary just once in the first over, even with six fielders manning the off side as he opened the face of his bat. However, the Trinidadian batter continued to play a brave innings, piercing that side of the field time and time again, to find the boundary and when

t h a t wasn’t d a r i n g enough, he cleared the ropes in what was becoming an entertaining knock, much to the Guyanese crowd’s dismay. Pooran persisted as he watched John Campbell come and go for 12 off 8 after taking a hit down town to find a safe pair of hands in Sampson at long off; gifting Mehidy Hasan Miraz his maiden wicket for the Amazon Warriors in his very first over. Imran Tahir’s familiar run to the grass mound, arms outstretched and cheers bellowing came in the eighth over as he downed the big fish of the night, Pooran. Umpire Chris Taylor took a beat before raising the finger, and was met with a look of defeat from Pooran, who went for the review. Eventually, he had to walk back to the dressing room for 43 off 35 balls, having hit six

Roston Chase took a hit on the pad in the 10th over. This time though, the Kings’ Captain walked without considering the review. It was a baptism of fire for local boy Kemol Savory, who was making his debut for the St Lucia Kings, coming in with his team at 64-4. The score was soon 69-5 as Savory’s debut was short lived, becoming Miraz’s second victim of the night. The Essequibo native would have done well to call for the review though as ball tracking revealed the likelihood of the delivery missing the leg stump. The Amazon Warriors debutant continued to impress, baiting Charith Asalanka into an indecisive shot which only went as far as Hope behind the stumps for a caught behind. I n spite of

fours and two sixes as the review projected that the ball would have crashed into the top of leg stump. It didn’t take Tahir long to take off sprinting again as

Mehidy Hasan Miraz had a debut to remember for the Guyana Amazon Warriors

the questions on whether or not Asalanka made contact with the ball, the Kings’ wickets continued to fall quickly. Captain Tahir had his third in his third over, rocking back McKenny Clarke’s stumps for a duck. At 73-7, the Kings were in all sorts of trouble. Matthew Forde didn’t do much to ease his team’s woes, opting to leave alone the last delivery of Tahir’s third over which produced sharp turn, zipping into his off stump.

73-8; more trouble for the Kings Miraz was able to close out his four-over spell quietly in the ensuing over, ending with 3-13. But for Tahir, four wickets were not quite enough. He pulled out the wrong’un against Joshua Bishop and almost instantaneously broke out the appeal, which was given by the umpire without a second thought. For the fifth time that night, Tahir raced to the front of the grass mound, replicating the Cristiano Ronaldo

‘Siuuu’ in celebration of his fifth scalp that night. Phillips’ experimental over was punished by Pienaar, who dispatched two fours and a six in the 16-run spell. When more spin could not answer their questions, the Amazon Warriors turned back to pace, which took a while to seal the innings. The partnership between Pienaar and Theekshana cost the Amazon Warriors 38 runs in 29 deliveries. Soon enough though, Tahir was again involved, taking a regulation catch at long off to dismiss Pienaar for 35 off 28 and bring the Kings’ innings to a close on 119 after 18.5 overs. The Republic Bank CPL will continue with a battle between the Barbados Tridents and St Kitts and Nevis Patriots from 19:00h today. However, the Amazon Warriors will close out their home leg with a highlyanticipated clash against the Trinbago K n i g h t Riders on Friday, September 11 from 19:00h.

aaa SCOREBOARD St Lucia Kings (20 ovs maximum) Tim Seifert †lbw b Pretorius 4 Kamil Pooran lbw b Imran Tahir 43 John Campbell c Sampson b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 12 Charith Asalanka c †Hope b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 8 Roston Chase (c)lbw b Imran Tahir 1 Kemol Savory lbw b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 2 Obus Pienaar c Imran Tahir b Shepherd 35 McKenny Clarke b Imran Tahir 0 Matthew Forde b Imran Tahir 0 Joshua Bishop lbw b Imran Tahir 5 Maheesh Theekshana not out 6

Imran Tahir 4-0-17-5 Glenn Phillips 1-0-16-0 Romario Shepherd 1.5-0-13-1 Guyana Amazon Warriors (T: 120 runs from 20 ovs) Glenn Phillips b Theekshana 37 Mavendra Dindyal c Pienaar b Chase 5 Shai Hope †c †Seifert b Asalanka 21 Shimron Hetmyer c Pooran b Chase 14 Mehidy Hasan Miraz c Asalanka b Chase 1 Quentin Sampson not out 37 Romario Shepherd c †Seifert b Forde 1 Dwaine Pretorius not out 1

Extras (lb 1, w 2) 3 Total 18.5 Ov (RR: 6.31) 119 Fall of wickets: DRS 1-14 (Tim Seifert, 2.1 ov), 2-54 (John Campbell, 6.6 ov), 3-60 (Kamil Pooran, 7.6 ov), 4-64 (Roston Chase, 9.1 ov), 5-69 (Kemol Savory, 10.1 ov), 6-72 (Charith Asalanka, 10.6 ov), 7-73 (McKenny Clarke, 11.4 ov), 8-73 (Matthew Forde, 11.6 ov), 9-81 (Joshua Bishop, 13.6 ov), 10-119 (Obus Pienaar, 18.5 ov)

Extras (lb 2, w 3) 5 Total 18.3 Ov (RR: 6.59) 122/6 Did not bat: Shamar Joseph, Khary Pierre, Imran Tahir (c) Fall of wickets: DRS 1-13 (Mavendra Dindyal, 3.2 ov), 2-66 (Glenn Phillips, 12.6 ov), 3-68 (Shai Hope, 13.4 ov), 4-69 (Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 14.2 ov), 5-98 (Shimron Hetmyer, 17.1 ov), 6-115 (Romario Shepherd, 18.1 ov)

Bowling Dwaine Pretorius Khary Pierre Shamar Joseph Mehidy Hasan Miraz

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Bowling Matthew Forde Maheesh Theekshana Roston Chase Joshua Bishop Charith Asalanka

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