Guyana Times - Thursday, September 18, 2025

Plans for juice factory, crop diversification at Skeldon – President Ali

…as soil analysis, digital platform among other proposals on the cards for Skeldon private cane farmers

ExxonMobil Guyana, contractors spend over US$2.9B with local businesses since 2015

Nigel Hughes resigns as AFC Leader

Man shot after confrontation with cops at

Millers agree to pay $3000 per bag of paddy;

Govt to continue negotiations

today – Agri Min

…meetings to continue with millers, overseas markets

Rice millers have agreed to increase their offer to rice farmers to $3000 per bag of paddy following a meeting with Government officials and millers across the country on Tuesday.

This is according to Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, who met with rice farmers in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) on Wednesday.

“From the meeting yesterday (Tuesday), two of the millers in Berbice have increased their price to about $3000. We were

talking to the rice millers again to go back to the price... So, this is a work in progress. We are continuing to meet with them… We will continue to see what more we can have. So that is the update we have had up to now,” said Mustapha, who, along with the Finance Minister, met with millers on Tuesday.

Wednesday’s meeting with the farmers was spearheaded by President Dr Irfaan Ali and also in-

cluded Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh. Rice farmers countrywide have expressed concern over the reduced price for paddy being offered by millers.

President Ali pointed out that the situation is complex as it involves not only the millers and farmers.

“We have to be involved; the millers have to be involved. And of course, the markets have to be in-

volved. We have to talk to the markets. This is not about us, anybody fighting each other. One thing you all know for sure is that you have the Government that supports you; we are going to work with you. Because we love you, and we genuinely want you to succeed,” the Head of State told the rice farmers.

Farmers and other stakeholders at the meeting

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh (left); President Dr Irfaan Ali (centre) and Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha (right) meet with farmers on Wednesday

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, September 18 –01:55h–03:25h, and Friday, September 19 – 02:45h–04:15h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, September 18 –14:30h–16:00h and Friday, September 19 – 15:15h–16:45h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery showers followed by late afternoon sunshine are expected during the day, and clear skies are expected at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 14:35h reaching a maximum height of 2.27 metres.

Low Tide: 08:03h and 20:25h reaching minimum heights of 1.90 metres and 1.94 metres.

Plans for juice factory, crop diversification at Skeldon – Pres Ali

…as soil analysis, digital platforms, other proposals on the cards for Skeldon private cane farmers

resident Dr Irfaan Ali has outlined ambitious plans for crop diversification and agro-processing in Skeldon, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), including the establishment of a juice factory in partnership with Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL).

Speaking during a meeting with private cane farmers and rice farmers, President Ali explained that several options are being explored for Skeldon’s agricultural future. Among them is the establishment of a juice plant by DDL, which has expressed willingness to invest once farmers commit to citrus cultivation. According to Ali, DDL has signalled that such a plant could be operational in as little as 8-12 months, using citrus varieties capable of producing within 18 months.

At the same time, two proposals have been submitted for the re-establishment of the Skeldon sugar factory. While such a project would require significant Government infrastructure investment, the President underscored that it would also necessitate a long-term pricing mechanism to ensure profitability for both farmers and investors.

“So, we have those proposals that came in. We are having some more detailed discussions. One investor has said that they are formed in re-establishing the factory. But that will necessitate a discussion with the farmers to arrive at a longterm pricing mechanism. Because these investments require, and I'll be frank with you, a long-term pricing mechanism. Because the investors have to justify their investment over a long term. So, we'll have to have a discussion on how we come up with a pricing mechanism. But the type of infrastructure that will be required from the Government will cost billions of dollars in terms of infrastructure. And you know this. You started some of this,” the Guyanese leader said.

Crop diversification

Other crops under active consideration include coconuts, coffee, cocoa, and even dragon fruit, with expertise being drawn from partners in Roraima, Brazil, and the Dominican Republic (DR). Ali noted that Region Two already has 3000 acres of new coconut under cultivation, pointing to strong market opportunities. Coffee trials, based on Brazilian experience, could see production start within two years.

The Government plans to convene a joint investment meeting within 14

days, bringing together cane farmers, the Ministry of Agriculture, Private Sector leaders from Roraima and the Dominican Republic, as well as financiers such as DDL and local banks. Ali emphasised that commitment from all parties would be essential to moving forward.

“The third option that has been presented to us, and we have one large-scale investor already looking at it, is that of coconut. And to see the viability, because the coconut market is also expanding… But whatever we do, we have to come up with a multi-pronged approach that will have different crops, but all in large-scale production to make it commercially viable.”

“We are working on, within the next 14 days, having a full delegation to have all the soil mapping completed, the soil analysis completed, and then moving towards, within 14 days,

and you see the Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce here too, within 14 days, having a joint investment meeting based on all the data that we collect between the Government, the key informers, the private sector out of Roraima, our local Private Sector, and the Private Sector out of DR. So, I wanted to come to communicate this with you because this is going to be 24-hour work; 24/7, for us to get where we want to be,” Ali explained.

Soil analysis, digital platform Private cane farmers in Skeldon are set to benefit from a range of new initiatives, including soil analysis, digital monitoring, and production proposals, as the Government ramps up plans to diversify and modernise the sector.

According to President Ali, scientific planning and market-driven producti-

on would guide the way forward.

Within days, the President said, soil samples will be taken across the area, with full laboratory analyses carried out to determine which crops are most suitable. The findings will be made available digitally through a new online platform, ensuring farmers and potential investors can access the data.

“We are doing everything in a scientific way…. so we will be building up a website for this development. All of the information will be placed digitally on the website so that all the farmers can see it, and investors can see it. And then, we want a representative group of the cane farmers to work with the Ministry of Agriculture on defining the path that will lead us to full-scale production in a year. That's planting out,” the President said.

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali addressing private cane farmers in Skeldon, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne)

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Modern banking & reducing barriers

The directive from the Government of Guyana calling on banks across the country to develop a comprehensive plan to simplify access to basic banking services marks a significant milestone in the nation’s ongoing economic transformation. Tasked with submitting their strategies within four weeks, financial institutions now have the responsibility to contribute to a vision that is technologically progressive and socially inclusive.

This initiative reflects a deliberate and structured effort to modernise the financial sector in alignment with the broader agenda of a digital economy. It is evident that a collaborative approach between the public and private sectors is central to achieving this objective. Representatives from commercial banks, the Bank of Guyana, and the Private Sector Commission have been engaged in discussions that will ultimately inform the development of policies and frameworks that streamline access to banking services. By prioritising efficiency and accessibility, these measures aim to remove longstanding barriers that have historically limited participation in formal financial systems.

Simplifying the process for opening bank accounts, for instance, will have immediate and tangible benefits. The reduction of documentary requirements and administrative hurdles is expected to encourage greater inclusion of previously underserved populations, including micro-entrepreneurs and first-time account holders. In a society where access to banking remains a critical determinant of economic participation, such reforms will empower citizens to engage fully in financial activities, from receiving payments to saving and investing, with greater ease and security.

Equally transformative is the establishment of a zero-interest development bank focused on supporting Small and MediumSized Enterprises (SMEs). By removing interest charges, collateral requirements, and other financial barriers, this institution is set to redefine the landscape for entrepreneurship in Guyana. SMEs, which form the backbone of economic growth and employment generation, will now have access to affordable financing, enabling them to scale operations, adopt modern technologies, and compete effectively in both local and international markets. Cofinancing arrangements and liquidity support further strengthen this model, creating an environment conducive to sustainable business development.

The integration of modern banking technologies is another cornerstone of this initiative. The push for faster payment systems and electronic transactions positions Guyana at the forefront of financial innovation. By ensuring that every citizen can conduct financial transactions within minutes, regardless of location, the sector is moving towards a seamless, borderless financial ecosystem. This modernisation not only improves convenience but also enhances transparency, reduces the reliance on cash, and fosters greater accountability across financial operations.

From a macroeconomic perspective, these reforms carry long-term benefits that extend beyond individual account holders or SMEs. Greater access to banking services stimulates economic activity by mobilising savings, facilitating investment, and improving the efficiency of capital allocation. It also strengthens the foundations of a digital economy, ensuring that Guyana remains competitive in an increasingly interconnected global market. By leveraging technology and progressive financial policies, the country can build a more resilient economy capable of supporting innovation, productivity, and inclusive growth.

Importantly, the collaborative approach adopted by the Government demonstrates a commitment to stakeholder engagement and evidence-based policy design. By examining global best practices, establishing appropriate legal frameworks, and carefully defining administrative structures, the financial sector is poised to implement reforms that are both practical and sustainable. The careful calibration of these measures ensures that modernisation is accompanied by stability, protecting both consumers and financial institutions while driving economic development.

The steps being taken to simplify banking access and launch a zero-interest SME development bank represent a progressive strategy with the potential to transform Guyana’s financial landscape. By reducing barriers, embracing digital solutions, and empowering entrepreneurs, these initiatives foster a more inclusive and dynamic economy. Citizens and businesses alike stand to benefit from a system that is more accessible, efficient, and responsive to the demands of the 21st century.

Indian cricket’s Pakistan problem: Can you monetise patriotism?

By MohaMMad aaquiB

India’s most recent encounter with Pakistan in the Asia Cup was celebrated as a patriotic spectacle: a win dedicated to the armed forces and those affected by the Pahalgam attack. Such declarations, however, expose something deeper: a strategy of playing politics with sport, hypocrisy masked as principle.

Beneath this posturing and tokenism lies a contradiction too stark to ignore. This is not just sport. It is cynical theatre in which administrators, players and commentators attempt to ride on two boats at the same time. The hypocrisy is visible to anyone with a sane set of eyes.

At the heart of this contradiction is the relationship between India and Pakistan in cricket. Officially, India refuses bilateral cricket with Pakistan. The line is firm: no tours, no series and no diplomacy. The justification rests on national security, especially after the clash between the South Asian neighbours in May. Indian artists are banned from collaborating with their Pakistani counterparts. Pakistani singers and actors once popular in India have been cut off on social media and otherwise. Indian celebrities themselves are trolled and shamed for past collaborations done on neutral grounds.

Yet the same ecosystem explodes with excitement when India faces Pakistan in multinational tournaments. Matches are packaged as spectacles, marketed as the “greatest rivalry” and cashed in for billions in

advertising revenue.

This duality is not accidental. Jay Shah, now serving in International Cricket Council (ICC) leadership, has been accused of pressuring Team India into playing Pakistan despite reluctance from within the camp. Sanjay Raut, a Member of Parliament in India, recently alleged that Shah’s hand forced the decision, turning the match into an obligation rather than a choice.

If true, this signals how far politics has penetrated Indian cricket administration for the sake of money and clout. The game is no longer simply a sport but a vehicle for symbolic battles decided in boardrooms, not dressing rooms.

The hypocrisy becomes sharper when one considers the home environment. While Indians in other spheres faced online lynching for working with Pakistani colleagues even before the war, cricketers are being placed on a pedestal for defeating Pakistan. It is not only about double standards. It is about a calculated exploitation of sentiment.

Cricket is permitted as the only arena of “contact” because cricket sells more than most things in India. The ban on cultural exchange is explained as nationalism, but cricket is exempted in the name of multilateral obligations and commercial survival. Dedications of wins to soldiers and terror victims act as moral cover for what is essentially a business transaction. This is sheer hypocrisy and tokenism.

If India insists on involving politics in sport,

consistency demands more. Look at Muslim athletes and countries known for boycotting matches against Israeli opponents. They forfeit games, risk sanctions and face bans. Whatever one thinks of their politics, their actions are clear, uncompromised and costly. They make a stand and face consequences. India refuses bilateral cricket with Pakistan yet plays them in ICC tournaments because the money is too big to lose, especially when most of it comes home through viewership endorsements and advertisements. It tries to sail on two boats, waving nationalism with one hand while collecting profits with the other. The dedication of victories to the armed forces does not erase that contradiction. It exposes it.

The India-Pakistan rivalry itself is not what it used to be. Competitive balance has tilted drastically. India has dominated recent contests due to the Pakistani team’s poor form. Suspense is long gone, but the manufactured hype remains.

Broadcasters and advertisers pump the match as if it still defines the fate of nations. In reality, it defines the fate of sponsorship deals. The sporting value is hollowed out. The symbolic gestures after each victory only add to the theatre. In their latest match on Sunday, Indian players refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts. Such dissonance turns patriotism into branding and erodes the dignity of national discourse. The Board

of Control for Cricket in India, the ICC leadership and political voices close to the game must confront this contradiction. Cricket cannot remain both business and battlefield. A rivalry stripped of sporting essence but inflated with symbolism cannot endure. The Pahalgam victims deserve solidarity but should not be used as props for cricketing theatre. Sport deserves freedom from tokenism.

Instead of continuing this hybrid model of opportunism, India can opt for one of two choices. It can refuse to play Pakistan entirely, across all formats, including ICC tournaments. That would align deeds with words at the highest level. It would be costly in terms of ICC sanctions and revenues, but it would at least be consistent.

Or India can accept playing Pakistan as part of sport while removing politics and symbolic dedications from the game. That would mean treating cricket as cricket, not as a stage for nationalism. India’s cricket establishment must choose one path. If it wants politics in sport, it must show the courage of consistency. If it wants to keep politics out, it must strip away the hollow dedications and patriotic posturing. The current approach of trying to sail on two boats is not sustainable. It fools no one, neither at home nor abroad. Cricket is being diminished by this hypocrisy, and so is national dignity. (Al Jazeera) (Mohammad Aaquib is a Kolkata-based writer and researcher)

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips signing the Book of Condolences during the Night of Reflection for Ambassador Elisabeth Anne Harper, AA, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), on Tuesday evening (Office of the Prime Minister photo)

Kako Village rainstorm damages homes, community buildings

Just one month after a severe night-time thunderstorm injured a Kako village family, another intense rain -

storm swept through Kako Village on Wednesday, leaving behind damage to community infrastructure and homes.

While no injuries were reported, three community sports pavilions received damage, with the roof of one structure

ripped away and hurled several metres across the school’s grounds, according to one social media post.

Response to Stabroek News' malicious and patently false claims of exclusion from President Ali’s press conference

Dear Editor,

I reject outright the malicious, misleading and blatantly inaccurate article published in today’s (Wednesday's) Stabroek News in which that newspaper’s Editor-in-Chief, Mr Anand Persaud, falsely claimed that the newspaper was not invited to a press conference hosted by His Excellency, President Dr Irfaan Ali, on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.

The facts surrounding this matter are indisputable. At about 11:00h on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, the Office of the President, through the Head of the Press and Publicity Unit, Mrs Suelle FindlayWilliams, contacted accredited journalists, including Stabroek News’ Ms Marcelle Fowler, by telephone and extended an invitation to attend the press conference.

All the other invited journalists arrived at the Office of the President and were seated in the Media Room of the Office of the President by 14:30h, with the exception of a representative of the Stabroek News. At this point, Mrs Findlay-Williams immediately followed up with a WhatsApp message to Ms Fowler, reminding her of the engagement. It was at this point that Ms Fowler informed us that her editor (Mr Persaud) was demanding a written invitation. For Mr Persaud to now claim that Stabroek News was not invited, while deliberately omitting these facts, is both dishonest and disingenuous.

His assertion that an invitation extended to one of his most senior journalists, who is accredited to cover presidential engagements, “undermines” the newspaper is an absurdity unbe-

coming of someone who professes to be a guardian of journalistic integrity.

The Office of the President and the Department of Public Information have, on countless occasions, reached out directly to accredited journalists and extended verbal invitations to presidential and other Government of Guyana engagements, and never once was this procedure questioned.

For Mr Persaud to now insist that only a written invitation is valid is a poor attempt at manufacturing a controversy where none exists. An invitation, whether verbal or written, once extended by the appropriate authority, is legitimate, and no amount of manipulation can change this fact.

The PPP/C Government has always valued and respected the role of the me-

dia in our democracy, and we expect, like every other Guyanese, that journalists will uphold the highest standards of fairness, accuracy, and professionalism. Misrepresenting facts will only undermine public trust in the fourth estate and erode the very democratic principles journalists are meant to uphold.

President Ali and his Government have always been and continue to be open and accessible to the media and, by extension, every citizen of this country, and we have no intentions of retreating from these longheld principles of transparency and accountability that have defined successive PPP/C Administrations.

Yours sincerely,

Edward Layne Director of Public Information

The storm, it added, also impacted several households, as one home suffered visible structural damage after a sup -

porting post was wrecked. At least five households are reported as being affected by the storm.

Sign Off

Evening News (RB)

Movie - Happy Feet (2006)

Stop Suffering

Movie - Happy Feet Two (2011)

Jurassic World S3 E6

The Fairly Oddparents

The roof of a sports pavilion was ripped off during the storm Wednesday

No injuries were reported despite the collapse of some structures

The village will consider seeking support to repair the damaged facilities and ensure the safety of affected families

Page Foundation

is a line that touches the circle at exactly one point.

Key Points:

1. The point where it touches is called the point of tangency

2. The radius at the point of tangency is perpendicular to the tangent.

3. From a point outside the circle, two tangents can be drawn.

Example 1: Wheel on the Road

Think of a bicycle wheel touching the ground. The point where the wheel touches the ground is the point of tangency.

Example 2: Coin on a Flat Table

A coin balanced upright on a table forms a circle. The edge of the coin just touching the table is the tangent line.

Practice

1. A round table has a radius of 3 m. A ribbon is held such that it just touches the edge of the table. Draw the ribbon and the radius to the point of contact.

2. A child is standing 8 m from a circular fountain of radius 3 m. How many tangents can the child draw to the fountain?

3. On a bicycle wheel of radius 35 cm, the bottom most point touches the road. Draw the radius to the ground. What is the angle between the radius and the road?

4. True or False: A tangent can pass through the centre of a circle.

By Edward Thomas

Downhill I came, hungry, and yet not starved; Cold, yet had heat within me that was proof Against the North wind; tired, yet so that rest Had seemed the sweetest thing under a roof.

Then at the inn I had food, fire, and rest, Knowing how hungry, cold, and tired was I. All of the night was quite barred out except An owl’s cry, a most melancholy cry

Shaken out long and clear upon the hill, No merry note, nor cause of merriment, But one telling me plain what I escaped And others could not, that night, as in I went.

And salted was my food, and my repose, Salted and sobered, too, by the bird’s voice Speaking for all who lay under the stars, Soldiers and poor, unable to rejoice.

[Source: Poems (1917)]

You notice at school one day there is a door to a secret passage next to the janitor’s closet and decide to explore. Where does it lead?

A tangent to a circle

ExxonMobil Guyana, contractors spend over US$2.9B with local businesses since 2015

ExxonMobil Guyana and its contractors have spent more than US$2.9 billion with Guyanese businesses since operations began in 2015, underscoring the company’s deepening commitment to local content and workforce development.

For the first half of 2025

alone, the oil major reported expenditures of US$419 million with 1,800 local vendors. The investment supports a wide cross-section of industries and builds on ExxonMobil’s pledge to strengthen the country’s private sector while expanding technical capacity in the oil-and-gas supply chain.

“This is clear evidence of how local businesses are being integrated into the oil-and-gas value chain,” said Alistair Routledge, President of ExxonMobil Guyana. “Seeing more Guyanese take on key roles in the industry is a sign that our commitment to capacity building is working.”

Fabrication, workforce achievements and capacity building

A milestone this year was the start of in-country fabrication services at the Vreed-en-Hoop Shore Base Inc. (VEHSI). For the first time, local teams completed fabrication of quad joints and Pipeline End Terminations (PLETs) – a breakthrough that signals growing industrial capability in Guyana.

ExxonMobil Guyana also highlighted its workforce achievements. More than 6200 Guyanese are currently employed by the company and its contractors, repre-

senting 70 per cent of the industry’s workforce. Women account for one in three employees, and approximately 1800 Guyanese are working offshore.

According to the oil giant, capacity building has also been central to the company’s agenda. Local employees have completed over 370,000 hours of training in leadership, technical and professional development, health, safety, and security. These efforts will soon be bolstered by the Guyana Technical Training College Inc. (GTTCI), which is expected to welcome its first locally trained cohort in October 2025. The initiative, jointly supported by ExxonMobil Guyana, its Stabroek Block co-venturers, and the Government of Guyana, marks a major step forward in technical education.

ExxonMobil Guyana’s internship programme is another pipeline for talent. Of its inaugural class, five interns have already se-

cured permanent positions with the company, while the 2025 programme is now underway, giving young professionals valuable entry points into the sector.

The Local Content Act currently outlines 40 different service areas that oil and gas companies and their subcontractors must procure from Guyanese and Guyanese-owned companies.

These include 90 per cent of office space rental and accommodation services; 90 per cent of janitorial services, laundry and catering services; 95 per cent of pest control services; 100 per cent of local insurance services; 75 per cent of local supply of food; and 90 per cent of local accounting services.

Local Content Act 2021 review

The Local Content Act 2021 is currently being reviewed with the aim of tightening up on various loopholes and expanding the

service areas through which Guyanese can benefit.

Only recently, it was disclosed that the Government is considering adding a residency requirement for companies claiming to be Guyanese-owned.

Currently, under the Act, a “Guyanese company” is defined as one incorporated under the Companies Act, beneficially owned by Guyanese nationals who hold at least 51 per cent of voting rights, and where Guyanese nationals hold at least 75 per cent of executive and senior management positions and at least 90 per cent of non-managerial and other positions.

In order to participate in the oil and gas industry, companies must register with the Local Content Secretariat and receive a Local Content Certificate.

The projected value of local content in 2025 is expected to surpass US$847 million, almost US$104 million more when compared to the 2024 figure.

Nigel Hughes resigns as AFC Leader

– Party calls “emergency” meeting to discuss ramifications

Just over one year after taking up the role, and less than a month after the party’s poor performance in the September 1 General and Regional Elections, Nigel Hughes has resigned as leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC).

This was confirmed by the AFC in a brief statement on Wednesday, detailing that the party’s General Secretary, Raphael Trotman, received “an updated letter purporting to be a letter of resignation, with immediate effect” from Hughes.

Hughes, an attorney-at-law by profession, was re-elected as the leader of the AFC in June 2024 at the party’s 8th National Conference – its highest decision-making forum.

“The National Executive Committee will be meeting in an emergency session to discuss the ramifications and consequences of such a letter and will be encouraging Mr Hughes to retract the same,” the AFC stated in Wednesday’s missive.

According to the party, if Hughes remains adamant in his decision to step down, then the party's constitutional provisions will be used to guide the way forward.

Efforts by this newspaper to contact both Hughes and the party’s General Secretary on Wednesday for further details and comments on this development were futile.

This is the second time Hughes has resigned from a leadership position within the AFC. He had previously served as Chairman of

the AFC but resigned back in April 2016 over “internal difficulties on a point of principle”.

Since his return to the helm of the party last year, Hughes began his “Better Must Come”-coined campaign into the 2025 General and Regional Elections, during which the party churned out a dismal performance and was booted from the National Assembly.

In a brief telephone interview with this publication earlier this month, Hughes had indicated that the AFC would be meeting shortly with all its members to conduct a thorough analysis of the 2025 polls.

“I do have an analysis, but I’d rather share it with the party first before I share it with the public. The party is going to meet shortly, and it will decide what rebuilding is needed. First of all, we have to do an analysis of the results, and based on that analysis, we will then determine what direction to take,” Hughes had stated.

The AFC contested the

September 1 polls independently after the collapse of negotiations with its former coalition partner, the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

The APNU and AFC had coalesced to contest the 2015 elections, which they won but failed to secure a second term at the 2020 polls.

In the lead-up to this year’s elections, there were attempts to revive the coalition pact, but at least one PNC official had stated that the Hughes-led AFC “went berserk” with its demands during the negotiations on governance sharing power.

The collapse of the coalition talks was further compounded with several top AFC members jumping ship and joining the AFC. In fact, Juretha Fernandes, who along with Sherod Duncan and Ricky Ramsaroop, as well as other prominent members that had cut ties with the AFC to sign onto APNU’s list of candidates, contested the recent elections as the prime ministerial candidate along-

side APNU’s leader, Aubrey Norton.

At the September 1 polls, however, not only was the Hughes-led AFC kicked out of the benches of the Parliamentary opposition, but the Norton-led APNU was also ousted as the main Parliamentary opposition party.

The vote count at the 2025 General and Regional Elections showed that the AFC struggled to secure enough votes to earn a single seat in the National Assembly. The party, which went to the polls with Hughes and Indigenous rights advocate Laura George on its ticket, only managed to secure 1765 votes in the General Elections and 1833 in the Regional Elections.

Both the AFC’s and

APNU’s Parliamentary influence were weakened at the hands of the We Invest Nationhood (WIN) – a new party headed by USsanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed, which managed to grab votes from many of the former coalition partners’ traditional support bases.

Once an emerging third force in Guyana, the AFC had won five out of 65 seats in Parliament at the 2006 elections and seven in 2011. It teamed up with the APNU in 2015, and together they won that year’s elections, but their term was cut short in 2018 when the Government fell to a no-confidence motion.

In 2020, AFC’s popularity declined, with many accusing the party of being submis-

sive to the PNC-led APNU during the coalition’s tenure in office. Following their loss at the 2020 polls, the APNU and AFC, together, held 31 seats in the National Assembly, thus forming the main Parliamentary opposition. Of these, the AFC itself had occupied nine of those seats, while the remaining 22 were held by APNU politicians.

At the September 1 polls, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) recorded a landslide victory with some 133,432 votes, which earned the party 36 seats in the National Assembly. In the 65-seat House, WIN gained 16 seats, APNU 12 seats, and the Amanza WaltonDesir-led Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) copped one seat.

ExxonMobil President Guyana Alistair Routledge

Nigel Hughes has resigned as AFC Leader

East St acid attack

Victim now visually impaired as Magistrate grants suspect bail

AGeorgetown businessman charged for attacking using acid on September 3 and leaving a woman visually impaired

was granted $500,000 bail on Wednesday after a delay in producing critical CCTV footage to the court. The case was recalled

before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, one day after 32-year-old Keron Mervin

Daniels of Uitvlugt Pasture, East Bank Essequibo, was remanded.

On Tuesday, prosecutors had strongly objected to bail, citing CCTV footage capturing Daniels in the act and highlighting the severe injuries sustained by 27-year-old victim Genesis Leitch.

When the case returned on Wednesday, the prosecution informed the court that although the CCTV recording had been obtained, it was not available in time for the hearing. In those circumstances, Magistrate McGusty granted Daniels bail of $500,000. He is scheduled to return to court on October 22.

Daniels faces two counts of throwing a corrosive substance with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The charges relate to an attack in which Leitch sustained severe burns to her face, stomach, and hand, leaving her visually impaired. Another woman, 20-year-old Nirmala Sukraj of Good Hope, East Coast Demerara, received minor burns.

Police reported that the women were attacked after leaving Balwant Singh Hospital around 15:30h. A white motorcar pulled alongside them, and a passenger flung a bottle filled with a corrosive liquid before fleeing. Investigators believe the attack stemmed from a short-lived relationship between Daniels and Leitch, which ended on bitter terms earlier this year.

In a statement following the bail decision, the Guyana Police Force expressed grave disappointment. They noted that Daniels had provided a video confession and that Leitch, still hospitalised, had pleaded for justice from her bed.

“According to the medical officials, the victim has lost sight in one of her eyes, and her face is severely disfigured. Nevertheless, the Magistrate still granted bail in the sum of $500,000,” the statement read.

The Police Force also highlighted concerns about the high likelihood of repeat offences, especially when the accused continues to have ready access to the victim. They noted that despite the heavy prevalence of violence against women in Guyana, Magistrates often fail to take this crucial factor into account when granting bail.

“Notwithstanding these setbacks, the Guyana Police Force pledges to continue to make every possible effort in reducing, if not wholly eradicating, these heinous acts of violence being committed so wantonly against the women in our society,” the statement concluded.

What’s with…

…the War on Drugs

Now that the dust is settling on the fallout from the Sept 1st elections – and might just bury the PNC like Pompeii after Vesuvius exploded!! – your Eyewitness thinks it’s time he gives top billing to some other issues confronting our dear Mudland. While some hardcore PNCites fret about their party’s fate, they’d be reassured that when Pompeii was excavated 2000 years later, most of the inhabitants were very well preserved in lifelike poses. Imagine 2000 years from now, our descendants seeing the petrified remains of Norton choking Black Pudding Man for his (disastrous) political advice!!

Now on our challenges, right up there gotta be Mad Maduro – through his defence Minister Padrino threatening to rain fire and brimstone (which is what they used to call missiles back in Biblical times!) – on us?? Why? Because we dared support the Yanks upping the ante in their war against the shipment of drugs (cocaine) from benighted Venezuela!! The Yanks, of course, have assembled a veritable armada in the Caribbean Sea off their coast! And have since literally blown two boats out of the water – which their intelligence had indicated were transporting cocaine!!

Some have quibbled that these were pretty small boats and it was like using a hammer to smash a fly!! But what the heck?? Do these Doubting Thomases know that the entire annual global supply of cocaine is just about 3300 tonnes?? So even the one tonne the boats could ferry is a significant haul – worth some US$50 million wholesale?? We know to our cost – through some significant busts in the last year – that tonnes of cocaine coming from Venezuela by plane were nabbed in Reg One!! Of significance is that one interdiction revealed how the drug cartels were corrupting our law enforcement officials – which, if allowed to continue, would transform us into another Medellin, controlled by the cartels!!

So hell yes!!... We’re for drug interdiction!! To those like Mad Maduro’s bestie in Caricom, Ralphie Boy Gonsalves – who carry on about the Caribbean as a “Zone of Peace” and might be disturbed – we refer them to T&T’s Kamla’s pungent response!! Those who know it…feel it! Didn’t Pressie go out of his way at Ralphie Boy’s urging and sign the Argyle Agreement with Mad Maduro to guarantee the aforementioned “zone of peace”?? And didn’t Mad Maduro kick us in the teeth for our efforts – even before the ink was dry on the agreement?

America’s very serious about drugs being used by Mad Maduro as another weapon in his non-kinetic war against them. Then there’s the elections the madman rigged – even after assuring the Yanks in the Barbados Agreement that he wasn’t gonna play dirty pool!!

Rendition and try him á la Noriega!!

…the GPSU?

GPSU’s president-for-life Patrick Yarde has roused himself from the slumber he evidently was enjoying during the election season – unlike, say, TUC’s sinecured Lewis, who was landing haymakers on the PPP! Last year, he cut an agreement with the PPP Government in which public servants and other Government workers received a retroactive 10 per cent salary increase effective from the beginning of 2024. Additionally, they agreed that public servants would receive a further 8 per cent salary increase on top of that this year. This increase was paid to public servants in July. This meant that public workers received an 18+ per cent compounded increase in their salaries!!

Well, Patrick’s now demanding an ADDITIONAL 25 per cent for 2024!! Which would bring the 2024 and 2025 increases to over a compounded 50 per cent!! Like what APNU Ministers had given themselves!! And for 2026 an additional 35 per cent!! Well, your Eyewitness – and Pressie, according to recent statements – knows that inflation’s taking a big bite out of every worker’s salary.

Let’s hope they reach – NOT strike! – a happy medium!!

…paddy and rice

Rice farmers are complaining that the $2800/bag being offered for paddy’s gonna destroy them. Sadly, the world rice market prices have been tumbling since last year. The govt gotta follow the US’ lead and subsidise this strategic commodity!!

Keron Mervin Daniels

Jilicia Leitch, now badly injured and visually impaired

US$700M required for major projects aimed at boosting GPL’s efficiency – agency tells Pres Ali

Guyana Power and Light (GPL) will require an estimated US$700 million investment to modernise its transmission and distribution network, according to plans presented to President Ali during a recent review of the utility’s operations. The funding is expected to support a suite of major projects designed to strengthen efficiency, reliability, and resilience within the electricity sector.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday at the Office of the President, President Ali said the bulk of the proposed investment will target the building and upgrading of substations in Georgetown, Garden of Eden, Kingston, Onverwagt, Edinburgh, Good Hope, and Columbia. This component alone is projected to cost more than US$400 million. An additional US$300 million will be allocated to modernise GPL’s distribution equipment, with the aim of enabling greater automation, reducing line losses, and enhancing service reliability.

US$700M required for major projects aimed at boosting GPL’s efficiency – agency tells President Ali

Guyana Power and Light (GPL) will require an estimated US$700 million investment to modernise its transmission and distribution network, according to plans presented to President Ali during a recent review of the utility’s operations. The funding is expected to support a suite of major projects designed to strengthen efficiency, reliability, and resilience within the electricity sector.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday at the Office of the President, President Ali said the bulk of the proposed investment will target the building and upgrading of substations in Georgetown, Garden of Eden, Kingston, Onverwagt, Edinburgh, Good Hope, and Columbia. This component alone is projected to cost more than US$400 million. An additional US$300 million will be allocated to modernise GPL’s distribution equipment, with the aim of enabling greater automation, reducing line losses, and en-

hancing service reliability.

“All of this is not only to enhance quality but also to reduce line losses, to reduce leakages in the system, and to enhance efficiency and reliability of the system itself.

GPL is also in the process of finalising arrangements. As you know, to implement all of this project, given the current supervision costs that we pay consultants, from their estimation, it's over 40 million US dollars to implement this entire programme,” the President revealed.

One of the most pressing concerns that was highlighted is the submarine cable crossing the Demerara River between Vreed-en-Hoop and Kingston. With heavy marine traffic and the draught of the river posing risks, GPL has been tasked with ensuring that the cable is both protected and installed at a sufficient depth to prevent disruption.

The company’s modernisation agenda also includes the rollout of smart grid infrastructure, such as smart meters for all customers, smart switches, automated reclosers, and fault indicators. These improvements will not only reduce leakages in the system but also provide real-time monitoring and faster response to outages.

President Ali further pointed to the planned integration of Linden into the Demerara–Berbice Interconnected System. This includes the construction of substations at Bamia, Mackenzie, and Wismar, as well as transmission upgrades along the Linden–Soesdyke Highway. The establishment of a National Control Centre and advanced metering infrastructure are also central to GPL’s efficiency drive.

“From the news, you would have seen the Prime Minister visiting the advanced metering infrastructure, the National Control Centre, and the interconnection with Linden, and that is the expanded expansion of the network. The interconnect with Linden, with the DemeraraBerbice Interconnected System, and also the construction of distribution substations at Bamia, Mackenzie,

and Wismar in Linden. Of course, you know the development of the Linden–Soesdyke Highway also requires invest-

ment, and we are now investing. GPL is now finalising the plan for the investment in the transmission and dis-

tribution network across the Linden–Soesdyke Highway.

The smart equipment rollout, installation of the smart meters for all customers, smart switches, automated reclosers, and fault indicators,” Ali said.

To ensure effective execution, GPL is negotiating with InterEnergy to provide technical advisory support and project supervision. The arrangement is expected to cost US$15 million over two years – significantly less than the US$40 million typically spent on consultancy and oversight services. The partnership will also involve capacity building, contract management, and integration of advanced technologies.

“These investments will

bring Guyana’s electricity infrastructure to international standards, improve energy security, and enable cost-effective integration of renewables,” President Ali said. “As we expand our industrial base and pursue new opportunities in manufacturing, technology, and data centres, it is clear that we must ramp up generation capacity.”

He underscored the Government’s commitment to accelerating plans for a second power plant and a new gas-to-energy project in Berbice, noting that energy expansion is critical if Guyana is to establish itself as the “energy capital of the region”, attracting investors, creating jobs, and driving broad-based economic growth.

Mabaruma Mayor under investigation for sexual assault

Trevi Leung, the Mayor of Mabaruma, Region One (Barima-Waini), is being investigated for sexual assault.

This was confirmed by the Guyana Police Force’s spokesperson, Mark Ramotar, who noted that the investigation remains active.

No other details were provided.

This publication understands that the report was filed by a young woman who claimed that the incident occurred earlier this month.

Man shot after confrontation with cops at Lusignan

The

Aresident of Sand Reef, Annandale, East Coast Demerara, is nursing a gunshot wound following a confrontation with Police ranks late Tuesday night.

Shafeek Mohamed was shot at about 23:00h on September 16 at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara. According to Police, a sergeant attached to the Lusignan Police Outpost

said he received a report from an anonymous caller that Mohamed was seen leaving someone’s yard with a microwave.

The Sergeant and another rank, who were on foot patrol in the area, responded and later observed Mohamed attempting to conceal the appliance. When the ranks confronted him, Mohamed reportedly drew a cutlass from his waist and advanced in a threatening manner.

Reports are that despite being warned to desist, Mohamed continued advancing, prompting the sergeant to discharge a round that struck him in the left thigh.

He was subsequently escorted to the Enmore Regional Hospital, where he remains a patient in a stable condition.

Police said Mohamed is wanted for a series of offences in the district. Investigations into the matter are ongoing.

Lethem man remanded on drug trafficking charge

One day after he was allegedly caught trafficking drugs in a Lethem-bound minibus, Clive Thornhill of Tabatinga, Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu –Upper Essequibo), was on Wednesday remanded to prison after being charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

The 48-year-old fisherman appeared before Magistrate Omadatt Chandan at the Lethem Magistrate’s Court, where the charge was read to him. He pleaded not guilty. The case has been adjourned to

October 2.

Police reported that Thornhill was arrested on Tuesday, following a routine stop-and-search exercise. At about 09:30h, ranks intercepted minibus BVV 887, which was travelling from Georgetown to Lethem. Thornhill, who was a passenger, was found with 25.6 pounds of suspected narcotics.

According to the police, a search of Thornhill’s belongings uncovered 12 bulky parcels containing leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis, along with two smaller bags with 40 pills suspected to be ecsta-

sy. A red five-gallon bucket located in the minibus rack also contained five additional parcels of suspected cannabis.

During the search, ranks also found cash totalling GY$703,180, 1798 Brazilian Reais, 3260 Cuban dollars, and US$1137 in Thornhill’s possession. Police said he admitted ownership of the items.

The driver of the minibus, a 44-year-old of South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, and two Brazilian nationals who were also passengers were searched, but no illegal items were found on them.

cutlass and microwave that were in possession of the injured man

Mabaruma Mayor Trevi Leung

Clive Thornhill along with the drugs and cash which were in his possession

Education Ministry, GDF join forces to roll out weekly school sports programme

The Education Ministry has begun work to implement President Dr Irfaan Ali’s directive for all public schools to dedicate Friday afternoons to physical education, sports and recreation.

On Tuesday, Education Minister Sonia Parag led a team from the Ministry in discussions with senior officers of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) to outline the framework for rolling out the initiative nationwide.

The Ministry’s delegation included Chief Education Officer Saddam Hussain; Adviser to the Minister of Education (Tertiary Education Reform) Dr Kofi Dalrymple; Parliamentary Secretary and Chief Planning Officer Mischka White-Griffith; Deputy Chief Education Officer

(Administration) Tiffany Harvey; and Head of the Unit of Allied Arts Nicholas Fraser.

ble to students across all regions. President Ali has underscored that dedicating time to physical activity is intended not only to encourage healthier lifestyles but also to promote leadership, teamwork, discipline and resilience among students.

Parag said the Ministry is committed to putting the president’s vision into effect. She noted that the partnership with the GDF will provide organisational support and expertise for the programme’s implementation. According to the Ministry, investments are already being made in recreational facilities, tarmacs and training for physical education teachers to support the rollout.

They met with Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan, Colonel General Staff Kenlloyd Roberts, Staff Officer Training and Operations Lieutenant Colonel Julian Archer, and Captain Kevveon Lewis, Personal Assistant to the Chief of Defence Staff.

The collaboration aims to ensure the weekly sports sessions are structured, well-supported and accessi-

The initiative is designed to reduce sedentary habits among students, address rising screen dependency, and support their academic, physical and social development. Officials indicated that the programme forms part of a wider effort to create an education system that produces well-rounded citizens capable of contributing to Guyana’s development.

Banks tasked to streamline easier account opening, loan access, online transactions

Banks across the country have been tasked with developing a plan that will simplify basic access and services to citizens.

That plan is due to be submitted to President Dr Irfaan Ali within four weeks.

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, President Ali spoke about his recent meeting with stakeholders in the financial sector. Among the representatives present at that meeting were heads from various commercial banks, Governor of the Bank of Guyana Dr Gobind Ganga, Head of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) Gerald Gouveia Jr, and other stakeholders.

The stakeholder group is expected to present a report to the Head of State outlining what the financial sector requires to realise the Government’s vision for a

digital economy.

A team has been established to accelerate the launch of the zero-interest development bank for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs), according to President Dr Irfaan Ali.

The development of this institution was revealed by the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) on the campaign trail. Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, the country’s Vice President and General Secretary of the PPP, had explained that the bank would be a state-led initiative.

Providing an update during his press conference on Tuesday, President Ali said the team has been tasked with developing an appropriate model for this bank.

“Their work will comprise reviewing global experienc-

es and established SME development financial institutions; outlining the legal framework or context within which the institution will be established; and defining the institution’s administrative and financial structures that will be needed to support this initiative,” the President outlined.

He said feedback is expected in about six weeks.

It was previously reported that this development bank would not only offer zero-per cent interest, co-financing and support access to liquidity but also reduce the cost of borrowing and remove the collateral requirement, which is burdensome to SMEs.

According to President Ali, “They’ll be looking at making it easier for persons to open a bank account in terms of simplifying the documentary requirement, making borrowing easier by reducing the documentary requirement, especially from new businesses, and encouraging more lending using moveable assets for which the legal framework has been established…”

He noted too that the stakeholders were tasked with developing a plan to ensure they promote more electronic transactions via online

banking and faster payment systems.

“…ensuring every

Guyanese at the end of this whole modernisation can conduct a financial transaction within minutes from wherever they are,” the President emphasised.

The meeting between the Education Ministry led by Education Minister Sonia Parag and senior officers of the Guyana Defence Force led by Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan

New Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond conducts first Police site visits (Home Affairs Minister social media page & GPF photos)

President Dr Irfaan Ali, accompanied by Cabinet members and regional officials, meets with private cane and rice farmers from the Corentyne at the Skeldon Estate

(Agriculture Ministry photos)

Ambassador Elisabeth Harper remembered as trailblazing diplomat, mentor

From a gem of a person to an outstanding career diplomat who broke glass ceilings, Ambassador Elisabeth Harper was fondly remembered on Tuesday evening by her former colleagues, subordinates and other officials as they reflected on her journey, humility and lasting impression both professionally and personally, when the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry hosted a Night of Reflection in her memory.

Ambassador Harper died at the age of 67 last Saturday after a period of illness. She was serving as Permanent Secretary at the Foreign Ministry at the time of her death.

Since then, scores of tributes have been pouring in, and it was no different at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) on Tuesday evening, with persons such as former President Donald Ramotar declaring that the country has “lost a gem who was a fun person to work with in addition to being a professional.”

He recalled working and travelling with Ambassador Harper during his tenure in office, from 2011 to 2015, during which he noted they had some successful negotiations abroad.

“One of the last negotiations she had with me, in January 2015, was on our visit to India when we negotiated [funding for] the road that had just been completed from Ogle [East Coast Demerara to Eccles, East Bank Demerara]… We negotiated the ferry from Georgetown to the Northwest area, and then we also negotiated on the campus at UG (University of Guyana, Turkeyen), the IT Centre given to us by India. Our idea was to try to make that the

Director of the Americas and Asia, and Director-General. She also served as Guyana’s Ambassador to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

With decades of foreign service behind her name and an unblemished character, Ambassador Harper was selected to run alongside President Ramotar as the Prime Ministerial candidate for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) at the 2015 General and Regional Elections, and though they did not win, she returned to the Foreign Service under the then A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Administration and continued to serve even up until her death – something for which she came in for high praise.

Breaking glass ceilings and a symbol of inspiration Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd hailed Ambassador Harper for helping to “break glass ceilings”

best in South America. So, we had very, very close relations at that time in working on those issues,” Ramotar recalled.

Public service career

Ambassador Harper began her public service in 1976 as a clerk at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She rose through protocol, Latin America and Caribbean Affairs, served as Counsellor in London, then

within the Foreign Service through her outstanding performance in every role she held. He noted that she provided an anchor and stability for his ministry.

“I was happy to have her on the team when I assumed duties in 2020 when she became my principal advisor. We felt that we needed her brand and her quality to be part of the structure… So for us, her legacy will live on. We will always reflect on her

stewardship, and we will always benefit from her wisdom. So, even though we say

lieve in public service as a noble calling and for those who understand that representing one’s country on the world’s stage requires both strength and humility,” the Prime Minister noted.

for smaller states at international forums. And we’ll also miss her as a mentor…of us and the public servants. She believed in doing things well and doing them quietly and not always seeking the lime-

goodbye to her…rest assured that Guyana will continue to benefit from her leadership and stewardship,” Minister Todd stated.

Also delivering remarks at the Night of Reflections was Prime Minister Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips, who said that the late Ambassador is a symbol of inspiration for younger diplomats, especially women, and for all who believe that serving one’s country holds profound meaning.

In reflecting on her passing, PM Phillips said her achievements as a remarkable career diplomat who devoted nearly fifty years to the service of Guyana and the Caribbean region must be celebrated. He added that her legacy extends far beyond her achievements, highlighting her humility, professional integrity, and the respect she commanded across political and diplomatic lines.

“Elisabeth Harper’s impact was broad and significant. That the highest offices of the land, neighbouring countries [and] our international partners all mourn her loss speaks volumes about the kind of person she was. Yet, the measure of her life remains in the path she paved for younger diplomats, especially women who would follow, for Guyanese who be-

light,” the British diplomat remarked.

made by the British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller, who reflected not just on the late Ambassador’s dedication and service but also on her warmth and genuine love shown to everyone she interacted with.

“We’ll miss her voice of experience in diplomacy. She was someone who understood the mechanics of foreign policy but understood more than that; it was about the deep purpose of protecting sovereignty and about the development of regional cooperation and a fair voice

Honour a legacy

Apart from serving as the Permanent Secretary at the Foreign Ministry at the time of her death, Ambassador Harper also held another critical role – Guyana’s coagent in the border controversy case with Venezuela that is currently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Former Foreign Affairs Minister and Guyana’s current Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Ambassador

Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, described Ambassador Harper as her “anchor” in important decisions, including getting the border controversy case before the World Court.

Similarly, two of Ambassador Harper’s colleagues on Guyana’s legal team for the border controversy case – co-agent Carl Greenidge and lead lawyer Paul Reichler – also reflected on the role she played. Greenidge, also a former Foreign Minister, said Ambassador Harper, like in everything she did, stood out in her work on the ICJ case, which she was put on after returning to the Foreign Service in 2015.

Meanwhile, Attorney Reichler recalled working with Ambassador Harper extremely closely for over 20 years on various matters close to Guyana, including on sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“It is a huge loss for our legal team. We’ve now lost two Guyanese giants from this remarkable team – Liz Harper and [Sir Shridath] "Sonny" Ramphal. The best way for us to honour them is by deepening our own determination to achieve the goal that Liz and Sonny wanted most to attain – to win a judgement at the ICJ that the Arbitral Award [of 1899] that determined the boundary with Venezuela is valid and binding, and that the Essequibo belongs to Guyana now and forever. In their noble names, we will fight harder than ever until this historic legal battle is won, and Liz and Sonny can be remembered as the ones most responsible for Guyana’s victory,” Attorney Reichler asserted.

Among those who also delivered tributes in the memory of Ambassador Harper were Caricom Secretary General Dr Carla Barnett, Retired Colonel Joe Singh and several other Guyanese diplomats currently serving abroad.

The funeral service for the late Ambassador Elisabeth Anne Harper will be held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Friday at 10:00h.

The PM’s views were mirrored in brief remarks

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips delivering remarks at the Night of Reflection for Ambassador Elisabeth Harper

Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd engaging relatives of the late Ambassador Harper

Prime Minister Phillips, along with Governance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Gail Teixeira, expressing condolences to relatives of the late Ambassador, including her husband, Mark Harper (third right), brother-in-law, Roger Harper (fourth right), and sister-in-law Sheran Harper (second left)

A Night of Reflections was held in memory of Ambassador Harper at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Tuesday evening

Guyana’s co-agent on the border controversy case, Carl Greenidge, speaking at Tuesday’s Night of Reflections held for Ambassador Harper

Walrond outlines tech-driven crime-fighting strategy

...as Brickdam Police Station reconstruction highlights modernisation efforts

ome Affairs

HMinister Oneidge Walrond has outlined a comprehensive, technology-driven approach to crime reduction, with particular emphasis on domestic violence, illicit firearms, and drug trafficking, as Guyana continues efforts to modernise its law enforcement infrastructure.

Speaking on the state of public safety, Minister Walrond noted that while armed robberies and other serious crimes are declining, domestic violence remains an urgent concern.

“Serious crime, armed robberies, is on the decline; it’s 26 per cent down from last year alone. But domestic crime is still high enough. One person being killed in a domestic crime or being seriously injured is still too much,” Walrond declared.

The Minister pledged to strengthen the Safe City and Safe Country programmes, which use technology to enhance policing and reduce human biases in enforcement. She also stressed the importance of consistency in addressing gun crimes.

“My concern is while we take illegal firearms off the streets, how many of these have been prosecuted? What is the follow-through? People are not going to respond if they’re not seeing full enforcement,” she stated.

Walrond said ongoing discussions with the Commissioner of Police, the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), and other agencies aim to determine the scope of illicit firearm circulation and drug trafficking, as well as review how firearm licences are issued. Traffic law enforcement is also being intensified, with over 1000 charges recently laid following a review of ticketing practices.

“The safety of our citizens is everybody’s business. There will be no instance where there is

anything to be hidden. We are all working on this together,” she affirmed.

When asked about the presence of drug cartels and the circulation of illegal firearms, Walrond said she is still in active discussions with the relevant agencies to better understand the scale of the problem.

Drawing on her background in the judiciary, she stressed that seizures alone are not enough without proper prosecution.

The Minister said she intends to spend the coming weeks working closely with law enforcement agencies to establish clearer data on prosecutions and the sources of illegal weapons and drugs so that policy can be directed at the root of the problem.

Brickdam Police Station reconstruction progresses

The announcement comes as the Ministry of Home Affairs also reports significant progress on the US$28 million reconstruction of the Brickdam Police Station, which is sched-

uled for completion by June 2026.

On Wednesday, Minister Waldron also visited the 12-storey concrete, glass, and steel complex, designed to be earthquake-resistant, which will replace the centuries-old wooden structure destroyed by fire more than two years ago. It is being built by R Bassoo & Sons Construction Company in partnership with Qing Jian Group Company, Guyana Incorporated.

Minister Walrond, who assumed office just three days ago, toured several Police stations and met with ranks across departments.

Providing an update during the tour, Ministry of Home Affairs engineering consultant Rawlston Adams reported that key systems were already in place.

“As of today, we are just about 65 per cent completed. The building is enclosed, and we are starting the framing of the walls. We’ve already installed about 90 per cent of the AC ducts and sprinkler sys -

tems, along with most of the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing works. That puts us well ahead of schedule,” Adams explained.

Once completed, the state-of-the-art station will house key departments, including Traffic, Finance, and Impact Base, serving as the new headquarters of the Guyana Police Force.

“This will be the headquarters of the Police force, the Commissioner, senior leadership, and division-

al command. All of the services currently offered at Eve Leary will now be accessed here,” Minister Walrond noted.

Following the Brickdam site inspection, Minister Walrond made a stop at the Kitty Police Station, where she interacted with officers and discussed their day-today challenges.

She later visited the East La Penitence Police Station, where she met with the officer in charge

and held discussions on the welfare of ranks, the condition of the facility, and the support needed to strengthen Police work in the community.

“As you know, as a government, we have been speaking of building a world-class Police force, and this facility is befitting of that vision, where we expect cutting-edge policing, free from bureaucracy and outdated methods,” Walrond said.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Andre Ally confirmed that some existing structures, including lockup facilities, will be rehabilitated as part of the broader redevelopment.

“What needs to be demolished will be demolished, but we do have other buildings like the lock-ups that will be rehabilitated,” Ally stated.

The Brickdam Police Station project is a major step in modernising Guyana’s law enforcement infrastructure, aligning with the government’s broader vision for a safer, more transparent, and technologically advanced policing system.

Man fined for assault following dispute with child mother

A42-year-old man was on Wednesday ordered to pay a $25,000 fine for assaulting the mother of his child after a heated altercation.

Zafanauth Peters appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Fabayo Azore, where he pleaded guilty to the charge.

According to the court, Peters unlawfully and maliciously assaulted Tamara Alexander on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at John Street, Georgetown.

In his defence, Peters told the court he did not intend to hit Alexander.

He explained that the personal comments made by Alexander provoked him. Peters also claimed that he ended the relationship after learning she was unfaithful, and he expressed frustration that she continued to contact him. He added that Alexander frequently torments him online, posting photos of him and his girlfriend.

During proceedings, the prosecutor confirmed that Peters has no other legal matters pending before the court. Magistrate Azore ultimately fined Peters $25,000 or, at default, one month’s imprisonment.

Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond during the visits

Zafanauth Peters

100 hectares of mega farms, new investment model to boost agribusiness hub

President Irfaan Ali on Tuesday announced plans to establish 100,000 hectares of mega farms and unveiled a new investment model designed to accelerate Guyana’s transformation into a regional agribusiness hub.

Speaking at a press conference at the Office of the President, President Ali said the initiative is central to advancing food security, expanding exports, and linking South American supply to Caribbean demand.

“As you're all aware, we have said very clearly that agribusiness opportunities, food security, and agriculture are not only going to be a priority of the Government, but they will be areas for investment opportunities. And we have to create, through the infrastructure we invest in and

through the type of partnership we build, this ecosystem to support the business and economic opportunities out of the agribusiness development hub.”

“As you know, we are positioning ourselves as a regional food production and logistics hub for the Caribbean. Linking South American supply to Caribbean demand and partnering with Northern Brazil in Roraima and the Dominican Republic are central to achieving these objectives. There are some strategic infrastructure projects that we must pursue, as you all know, in advancing our competitiveness,” the Guyanese leader said.

Over the past several days, a team of stakeholders has been assembled –including representatives from the agriculture sec-

tor, the private sector, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Finance, and investment bankers – to develop the framework for this initiative. The team will also collaborate with counterparts in northern Brazil’s state of Roraima on technology transfer and co-investment opportunities. According to the Guyanese leader, within four weeks, a clearly defined investment model, integrating partnerships with both Roraima and the Dominican Republic, is ex-

pected to be finalised.

“Our goal is to build an ecosystem that supports agribusiness development, creates investment opportunities, and positions Guyana as a regional food production and logistics hub,” the President explained. He emphasised that while the Government will provide enabling infrastructure and technology support, the model will be heavily private sector-driven, with co-investment opportunities for both regional and global players.

The mega farm project, covering 100,000 hectares, is expected to focus on crops such as corn, soybean, coconut, spices, cocoa, and coffee. President Ali pointed to emerging opportunities in large-scale cocoa production in the Pomeroon (Region One) and efforts to revive Guyana’s coffee industry,

both of which are gaining traction with investors.

“I want to reiterate that whilst the Government is creating an enabling environment and supporting our agricultural sector with investment in infrastructure and technology, we want this to be heavily private sector driven, and we want to see a co-investment opportunity between major players in the regional and global market and our private sector itself,” Ali explained.

Guyana’s strategy also links ongoing initiatives such as the Bloomberg Greens regional food hub with its broader ambition to become a major food exporter. Strategic infrastructure, including logistics and processing facilities, will be key to ensuring competitiveness in regional and global markets.

Millers agree to pay $3000 per bag of paddy...

Global prices

“The situation is very complex at the moment because you have dumping, you have falling prices, you have oversupply, and you have a bumper crop all over the world. You have markets that have outstanding money for millers. So it's a very complex environment we are operating in,” he continued.

Global rice prices have experienced a decline this year. This is due to a combination of factors affecting supply and demand dynamics.

One key driver is the resumption of exports from major rice-producing countries such as India and Vietnam, following earlier restrictions and tight supply in 2023 and early 2024. Improved weather conditions have also contributed to higher yields in parts of Asia, leading to increased global supply.

As a result, international buyers are seeing more options and negotiating lower prices, pushing down the average price per metric tonne. Additionally, inflationary pressures in many importing countries have dampened demand, as buyers seek to manage their food import bills more conservatively.

Minister Mustapha pointed out that local rice millers are saying that for this crop, the price has decreased tremendously because of the market overseas, which is why millers are not offering the same price as they did last crop.

Diplomatic endeavours Ali told the farmers that millers are also having challenges, noting that one of

their biggest issues is cash flow.

“Because some of them have sold to markets where they have not been paid in a timely manner. And the President has instructed us to engage with those markets at the highest level.”

Both the Finance Ministry and the Agriculture Ministry have been trying to assist the millers.

“This morning, we followed up on some conference calls at a ministerial level to try to get those markets to flesh out the cash flow debts that are owed to the millers, which will ease the cash flow problems that are being faced right now with the millers and improve their ability to pay the farmers. So we are even pursuing this at a diplomatic level because we recognise, like I said, this is not only a rice farmers' problem or a rice millers' problem,” Minister Singh said.

President Ali pointed out that his Government will continue to engage the markets overseas and the millers and farmers locally.

“I have instructed the Minister to go all across the country to meet with the farmers. They will come back to me in 14 days with a full report. We will discuss it at the Cabinet, and then we will see what type of initiative we can pursue,” he said.

Reducing production costs

Mustapha noted that production costs needed to be reduced as much as possible to make locally produced rice competitive on the world market.

One of the factors pushing production costs up is

the high price farmers are being forced to pay for land rental.

“There are a lot of landlords who live overseas and rent their land out to the farmers. And the farmers who are doing one plot and two plots of rice cultivation are trying to raise one another, increasing the price. That is the main cost of the production,” Mustapha said.

President Ali said he will be addressing the issue of land rental.

Additionally, the Government has already taken steps to assist farmers in reducing the cost of production.

Finance Minister Dr Singh, in explaining this to the farmers, pointed out that apart from land rent, fuel also plays a significant cost factor in the production of rice.

“As you know, one of the first things that President Ali did after he came into Government was to take the taxes off of refined fuel

products, gasoline, and diesel. And that measure alone provided an additional $80 to $90 billion in the hands of the Guyanese people. Some are farmers. Many are farmers. Some are miners as well. Some are, of course, just commuters, transportation operators, and transportation users. But it is a very costly contributor. It is a significant cost. It is a very significant cost contributor,” he explained.

Government interventions

Meanwhile, Minister Mustapha pointed out that the Government directly injected $2 billion into the pockets of farmers through the subsidy of $300 per bag of paddy sold to millers during the first crop of this year.

Millers had agreed to pay $3700 per bag of paddy, with the Government contributing $300 to ensure that the rice farmers re-ceived no less than $4000 per bag of paddy sold to the mills.

The $2 billion, he noted, is not included in the cost for fertiliser supplied to farmers for the second rice crop, which they are currently harvesting.

“Another $2 billion was expended on fertiliser. So the contribution directly to farmers for the last crop that you received fertiliser for, the second crop of 2025, was directly over $4 billion, including the commission, that over $600 million that GRDB [Guyana Rice Development Board] would have foregone.”

Additionally, the Head of State pointed out that the Government is also looking at other ways to ensure that farmers increase their income from the land they have.

In order to do this, the Government will be investing in having experts from around the world visit to see how one-tenth of the farmer’s cultivation can be converted to produce an alternative crop.

“Whether we do cage

farming for crab, which has high value and a big market, we can put a processing plant to do the crab meat. So for every 10 acres of rice farm, we have to have one acre of high-yielding production. And we are going to invest to help you to do this; that is what is called agribusiness diversification.”

This, President Ali said, is very important for local rice farmers and will also assist with cash flow issues they may encounter.

He added that the Government is seeking to have the local rice industry expand and for farmers to do more.

“We want you to grow. We want you to expand. You know, we have said that we want increased cultivation. We are opening up more land for increased cultivation. We want you to expand your cultivation. We want to make sure that you are able to produce competitively so that the millers can mill your paddy competitively and export it… And in fact, we are working on finding more markets.”

Noting that in all the rice-producing regions the Government will be building storage facilities for rice, President Ali pointed out that much emphasis will be placed on stockpiling.

“So we can stockpile, we have to have the capacity nationally to stockpile maybe five million tonnes of rice. Because we want rice to succeed, we want you to continue to plant, and we want you to continue to invest in better varieties to give you higher yields.”

He noted that the appropriate infrastructure will have to be in place to support those investments.

President Dr Irfaan Ali

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha addresses the gathering

Govt examining ways to connect Ogle Highway to roundabout at new Demerara River Bridge

Minister of Housing Collin Croal, Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill, and Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Madanlall Ramraj yesterday conducted a site visit at the roundabout currently under construction at the intersection of the new Demerara River Bridge and Heroes Highway on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD). They were accompanied by a technical team, including the Central Housing and Planning Authority's Director of Community Development Mr Gladwin Charles, and Deputy Director of Projects Intakab Indarjeet.

The visit focused on identifying the most suit-

able alignment for a new connector road linking the roundabout to the OgleEccles Highway, which is now expected to be extended to Providence, East Bank Demerara. This road will significantly improve accessibility between Region Three and the East Bank Demerara and East Coast Demerara (ECD) of Region Four, while reducing traffic congestion.

Minister Croal emphasised the importance of minimising the impact on surrounding communities while delivering greater accessibility. "[The] desirable outcome we would like for us to have is the least disruption to residents and to look at the best possible route," Minister Croal stated.

Minister Edghill further explained that the initiative is a critical part of the Government's aggressive infrastructure and connectivity programme, championed by His Excellency, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali. He noted that the proposed link is expected to span approximately two kilometres, with an emphasis on minimising the impact on surrounding areas.

Once completed, the project will result in the establishment of three key links between the Ogle-Providence Road and Heroes Highway: via Aubrey Barker Road, Haags Bosch Road (Eccles), and the new proposed connector road.

Team established to recommend reforms for more inclusive Govt procurement system

President Dr Irfaan Ali has assembled a team to identify key reforms aimed at making the procurement system more inclusive and accessible.

Speaking during a press conference on Tuesday, he emphasised that over the years, the sheer volume of procurement transactions has been exerting new demands on the system.

This, he noted, is as a direct result of the scale and scope of the Government’s agenda for transformation across the country.

In keeping with the Peoples Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) manifesto promise, he noted that the Government has commenced work geared at modernising the procurement system to ensure more citizens have an opportunity to benefit.

In this regard, he said the team has been tasked with identifying areas for reforms needed in the procurement system to achieve certain objectives.

“…maintaining the open, transparent, competitive system with the high-

est standards of accountability whilst at the same time promoting the emergence of a wider pool of suppliers of goods and services to Government by facilitating new entrants and creating opportunities for new and small businesses,” President Ali said.

He said the team would have to examine legal, regulatory, administrative and technological changes that may be required to achieve those objectives.

Feedback is expected before the end of the year, the President added.

Hadfield Street duo remanded on cocaine trafficking charges

Two men from Hadfield Street were remanded on Wednesday after being charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

The defendants, 69-year-old Clarence Jones and 53-year-old Carlos Garraway, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Fabayo Azore and pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The charge alleges that on Monday, September 15, at Lot 42 Hadfield Street, Georgetown, Jones and Garraway had in their possession 1.172 kilograms (kg) of cocaine with the intent to traffic.

A prosecutor representing the Customs Anti-

Narcotics Unit (CANU) told the court that, acting on information, officers went to the defendants’ residence at Lot 42, Hadfield Street.

Upon making contact, the officers informed Jones and Garraway of the allegations and conducted a search in their presence.

During the search, a gift bag was discovered in the living room containing a black plastic bag. Inside the bag, officers found a bricklike parcel with a powdery substance suspected to be cocaine.

The prosecutor added that a preliminary field test confirmed the substance was a narcotic. Both defendants were cautioned, arrested, and escorted to CANU head-

quarters along with the suspected drugs. At CANU, the narcotics were weighed, samples were taken, sealed, and lodged for further investigation, which led to the formal charges.

The prosecutor objected to bail, stating that no special reasons exist to justify release, noting that both defendants reside at the location where the narcotics were found.

During the hearing, Jones claimed that the entire operation was a setup by a CANU operative and alleged that the gift bag had been planted in his home.

Magistrate Azore denied bail, citing the lack of special reasons, and adjourned the matter to October 8.

Carlos Garraway Clarence Jones

An aerial view of the roundabout under construction

Burnt vehicle with body inside marks St Lucia’s 4th homicide in hours

Aburnt vehicle discovered in Canelles with a body inside has pushed St Lucia’s homicide count higher on Wednesday, marking the island’s fourth killing within just hours and deepening fears of a relentless crime surge.

The grim find comes on the heels of an earlier triple homicide in Vigier, Vieux Fort, where the bodies of two men and one woman were recovered from a vehicle in what initial reports suggested was an execution-style attack.

Law enforcement sources confirmed that the charred

vehicle in Canelles, located not far from the original crime scene, contained burnt human remains, though investigators have not yet released the victim’s identity.

Police investigators were still combing both crime scenes late Wednesday as they sought to piece together the circumstances behind the rapid succession of killings that have left the south of the island shaken. The Royal St Lucia Police Force has yet to issue an official statement on whether the two incidents are linked.

Residents described a tense atmosphere across

Vieux Fort, with mounting unease following the discovery of four bodies in less than 24 hours. Authorities have not disclosed any suspects or possible motives.

The latest death pushes St Lucia’s homicide tally to at least 61 for the year, underscoring an escalating cycle of violence that has already drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders and community advocates. Calls for urgent action to curb violent crime have intensified as the island continues to grapple with what many view as a worsening public safety crisis. (UnitedPac St Lucia)

Protests turn violent in Ecuador over rising fuel prices

Protests over rising fuel prices in Ecuador turned violent on Tuesday as demonstrations spread across the country.

President Daniel Noboa declared a state of emergency in seven provinces in an attempt to quell massive protests that broke out following his surprise removal of a diesel subsidy last week.

The decree was issued across seven of the nation’s two dozen provinces following "severe internal disturbance" and mobilised armed forces and national Police.

Footage of the protests showed Ecuadorians clashing with Police forces in the capital city of Quito on Tuesday as protesters dismantled fences and barriers while Police fired tear gas in the streets.

The ongoing clashes came after the Government on Friday announced it would eliminate the nation's diesel subsidy starting Saturday and

redirect the funds to social programmes in an attempt to alleviate the country’s straining finances.

"For decades, the diesel subsidy represented a $1.1 billion burden on fiscal accounts, without truly reaching those who needed it," the Government said on X.

The decree drove up the price of diesel overnight from $1.80 per gallon to $2.80 –ending a decades-old subsidy in a move previously attempted but publicly opposed during prior administrations.

The Government has argued the subsidy was not being adequately distributed and disproportionately benefited higher-income individu-

als and business sectors more than it was aiding vulnerable populations.

Noboa’s Administration said it will use funds saved from the subsidy removal and allocate $220 million towards the transportation sector to prevent fare increases in public transportation.

But Ecuadorians remain concerned that it will directly impact the pockets of the nation’s poorest.

A price stabilisation mechanism will be implemented on December 11, reported Reuters, in a move to protect consumers from global price swings, though details on the plan remain unclear. (Sources: Al Jazeera, Fox News)

Unilever to give up Breeze, Radiante

Popular laundry detergent brand Breeze will soon not be under the umbrella of Unilever Caribbean Ltd (UCL).

In a notice posted to the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange yesterday, Unilever PLC announced that it has taken the decision to divest its laundry brands in the Caribbean and Central America.

The release said this would be subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions precedent, including the re-

ceipt of regulatory consents in relevant jurisdictions.

The notice stated, “The divestment will include the transfer of trademark rights in several solution washing brands, including the brands known as “Breeze” and “Radiante”, which are currently being marketed and distributed in Trinidad and Tobago by Unilever Caribbean Limited (UCL).”

The note added, “In anticipation of the local transactions arising out of this proposed divestment, the

board of directors of UCL on September 11, 2025, approved the submission of an application to the Trinidad and Tobago Fair Trading Commission to satisfy the regulatory requirements arising from the proposed transfer of the brands “Breeze” and “Radiante” in the Trinidad and Tobago market.”

Notably, the board of the Fair Trading Commission is still to be appointed. (Trinidad & Tobago Guardian)

Suspect for armed robbery in French Guiana arrested in Suriname

The Eastern Regional Assistance Team arrested suspect JM, alias "Paloi", at the Stolkertsijver checkpoint on Saturday on suspicion of violating the Firearms Act.

Chinese nationals strike at Jamaica children’s hospital construction site

Anumber of Chinese nationals employed at the construction site of a Child and Adolescent Hospital in Montego Bay, Jamaica, went on strike Wednesday.

According to the Jamaica Observer Online, they have downed tools in protest of no wages for the last six months.

Just under 50 individuals protested at the gate of the facility, and despite the language barrier, they seem adamant in their cause, with signs in English saying, “Need money; no money, no work.” The management has since sought to reach out to

the situation.

Peru protest strands hundreds of tourists near Machu Picchu

At least 900 tourists were stranded near Peru's ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu on Tuesday, the country's tourism Minister said, after a passenger train service was suspended due to a protest.

Train operator PeruRail said service had been suspended on Monday because the route in Peru's mountainous Cusco region had been blocked by "rocks of various sizes" as local residents clashed with authorities and bus companies.

Protesters say there is a lack of transparency and fairness in the process of replacing tourist bus operator Consettur after its concession expired, paving the way for different local businesses

to benefit from the vital industry.

Tourism Minister Desilu Leon told local radio that 1400 tourists had been evacuated on Monday, but some 900 remained stranded in Aguas Calientes, the closest town to the nation's most-visited cultural site.

The protest began last week after the concession

ended of Consettur, the bus company that ferries tourists from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of the 15th-century Inca citadel. A neighbouring district commissioned another bus company to provide services in its place, but protesters in Aguas Calientes prevented it from operating. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Belize rejects Guatemala’s claims over Sarstoon

The recent confrontations on the Sarstoon River have reignited one of the most sensitive disputes between Belize and Guatemala. Both countries are trading sharp statements as regional bodies condemn recent military actions.

The Government of Belize issued a statement on Tuesday that “forthrightly rejects the bold attempt of the Government of the Republic of Guatemala to present alternative facts in order to seek to distort the narrative of what transpired at the Sarstoon.”

The Government added that videos show Belize Defence Force soldiers acting “professional, calm,

and restrained” despite Guatemala’s claims of provocation.

“Belize does not doubt its sovereignty over its side of the Sarstoon River,” it added.

Belize stated that international law supports its sovereignty over the Sarstoon. The Government pointed to the 1859 treaty, which it said established the boundary with Guatemala at the mid-channel of the river. “The Sarstoon Island lies squarely within Belize’s sovereign territory,” the Ministry declared.

It also noted that the treaty guarantees equal use of the river, stating, “The channels of the river are equally free and open to the

vessels of both countries.” Regional organisations, including the Commonwealth and CARICOM, have condemned the provocative actions of the Guatemalan military and their illegal incursions into Belizean territory.

Guatemala’s Foreign Ministry said its military acted within its constitutional mandate to defend sovereignty “with prudence and responsibility.” It accused the Belize military of entering its “national territory through the Sarstoon River without the required authorisation, in violation of the territorial integrity of Guatemala.” (Excerpt from Greater Belize Media)

Antigua sets 10-year goal for half the population to hold college degrees

During the arrest, three firearms were found and confiscated. Surinamese Police also reported receiving information that JM was involved in a robbery in French Guiana.

According to the Police, the man was a co-occupant of a blue-painted Toyota Noah that was driving from Albina in the direction of Moengo.

The suspect was transferred to an assistant public prosecutor for arraignment. Both JM and the weapons found were handed over to the East Criminal Investigation Department, which is conducting the further investigation. (Excerpt from Waterkant)

Antigua and Barbuda has launched a new tertiary institution described as “revolutionary”, following the merger of several post-secondary colleges into one national college.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne used the ceremony

to announce an ambitious goal: that within a decade, at least half of Antigua and Barbuda’s population will hold a college or university degree. “Within the next ten years, at least 50 per cent of the population should have at least a college or university degree,” Browne said. “Every Antiguan and Barbudan must have some form of skill or educational attainment in order to make a meaningful contribution to nation building.” (Excerpt from CNW)

Chinese workers in St James strike in protest, citing wage discrepancies

A group of tourists waves while leaving on foot due to a protest by residents in Machu Picchu (Guardian photo)

the workers to try and remedy

(Source: Jamaica Observer)

Oil prices ease on US demand concerns

Oil prices eased on Wednesday after data showing an increase in US diesel stockpiles stoked worries about demand and the US Federal Reserve cut interest rates as expected.

Brent crude futures settled 52 cents, or 0.76 per cent, lower at US$68.22 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude futures lost 47 cents, or 0.73 per cent, at US$64.05.

US crude inventories fell sharply last week with a jump in exports and a sharp decline in imports, the Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday. But the rise in distillate stockpiles stoked demand concerns and kept a lid on prices, analysts said.

On the supply side, Kazakhstan resumed oil supplies through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline on September 13, state energy company Kazmunaygaz said on Wednesday. Supplies were suspended last month because of contamination issues.

In Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday lifted a sixmonth emergency rule in Rivers, a state located in the hub for Nigeria's crude exports.

Russian oil supply risks were also in focus after Ukraine's attacks on Russia's energy infrastructure intensified in recent weeks.

Russia's oil pipeline monopoly Transneft warned producers they might have to cut output after Ukraine's drone attacks on critical export ports and refineries, three industry sources told Reuters on Tuesday. (Reuters)

Man falsely claimed he shot Kirk to distract from real

gunman, US Police say

A71-year-old man who was briefly detained moments after the assassination of Charlie Kirk tried to help the suspected gunman escape by faking a confession, authorities say.

Utah County Sheriff Michael Smith said George Zinn admitted to Police that he had "yelled that he was the shooter to allow the actual suspect to flee".

The prime suspect in the killing is 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, who appeared to acknowledge Zinn's initial arrest after the shooting, texting his roommate that the Police had "grabbed some crazy old dude".

Zinn is being held on obstruction of justice charges. Separately, he has also been charged with possession of child sex abuse material.

George Zinn was one of two people that the Police had detained for questioning after conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was fatally shot at Utah Valley University on 10 September.

Police later determined that the two suspects were not involved in the killing.

Only 13 survivors from capsized boat carrying 74 refugees off Libya – UNHCR

The United Nations

High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Libya said that only 13 people survived after a vessel carrying 74 persons, mostly Sudanese refugees, capsized on Tuesday off the coast of the eastern Libyan

town of Tobruk.

Dozens remain missing, it said in a post on social media on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) said at least 50 persons died after the vessel caught fire. The UN migration agency said that it provided medical support to 24 survivors.

“Because safe and legal pathways are available to only a very small number of people, the real solution is to end the war in Sudan so families can return home in safety and not take these dangerous journeys,” UNHCR said. The war in Sudan between the army and paramilitary forces has pushed more than 140,000 refugees into Libya in the past two years, nearly doubling the number of Sudanese refugees in the country.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Thousands of Palestinians flee as Israeli troops push into Gaza City

Thousands of Palestinians are continuing to flee Gaza City, as Israel's major ground offensive aimed at occupying the area enters a second day.

Israel says its aim is to free hostages held by Hamas and defeat up to 3000 fighters in what it describes as the group's "last stronghold", but the offensive has drawn widespread international condemnation.

The leaders of more than 20 major aid agencies, including Save the Children and Oxfam, warned that "the inhumanity of the situation in Gaza is unconscionable".

It comes a day after a UN commission of inquiry concluded that Israel had

UN estimates suggest at least 650,000 persons remain in Gaza City as Israel ramps up its offensive

committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza –an allegation the Israeli Government strongly denied.

The IDF announced on Wednesday morning that it had struck more than 150 targets across Gaza City in

two days in support of its ground troops.

As part of its operations, the IDF is also reportedly utilising old military vehicles loaded with explosives that have been modified to be controlled remotely. They are being driven to Hamas

positions and detonated, according to Israeli media.

For days – as Israel has ramped up strikes in and around the city – huge columns of Palestinians have streamed southwards in donkey carts, rickshaws, vehicles strapped high with belongings, and on foot.

Until now, they have been forced to flee down the main coastal road to an Israel-designated "humanitarian area" in al-Mawasi.

But on Wednesday, the IDF announced that it would temporarily open a second route for people to travel on – the central Salah al-Din road. It said the route would be open for 48 hours from 12:00 local time (10:00 BST). (Excerpt from BBC News)

Flying cars crash into each other, catch fire in China

Two flying cars have collided during an air show rehearsal in China designed as a showcase for the technology.

After the mid-air crash, one of the vehicles fell to the ground and caught fire on impact, with reports that a pilot was injured.

Zinn "intentionally yelled he was the shooter and, by doing so, obstructed law enforcement from focusing on the actual shooter," the sheriff said in a statement.

Court documents filed by campus Police allege that Zinn began shouting, "I shot him – now shoot me."

When asked by an officer where the weapon used in the shooting was located, he allegedly responded, "I am not going to tell you," according to the documents.

The sheriff said that there was currently no evidence Zinn colluded with the gunman.

Sheriff Smith added that Zinn is also being held for the sexual exploitation of a minor and that agents found more than 20 images of children "in various stages of undress and sexual posing".

On Monday, a Judge ordered that Zinn be held without bail, calling him a "substantial danger" to the community.

It was not clear from court records if he had a lawyer. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Footage circulating on Chinese state-run media showed the two futuristic vehicles performing air stunts in close formation. The video then cuts to a fire engulfing the wreckage of one of the vehicles as ambulances race to the scene.

The accident occurred on Tuesday in Changchun, in the north eastern province of

Taliban

Jilin, as the city geared up for a five-day air show to begin Friday.

The flying cars, also

known as electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, were developed by Xpeng AeroHT, one of the

largest flying car companies in Asia and a subsidiary of Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant Xpeng.

The company blamed the collision on “insufficient spacing” and said an investigation was ongoing.

In a statement to CNN, it said that one vehicle “sustained fuselage damage and caught fire upon landing.”

“All personnel at the scene are safe, and local authorities have completed on-site emergency measures in an orderly manner,” it added.

However, CNN, citing an employee, reported that one person had sustained minor injuries. (Excerpt from The Telegraph)

announces ban on

Internet in northern Afghanistan

The Taliban Administration on Wednesday announced an internet ban across a swathe of northern Afghanistan "to prevent immoral activities", provincial Government statements said.

The hard-line Islamist movement has previously voiced concern over pornography and flirtation between men and women online.

It is the first such internet ban since the Taliban took over Afghanistan in

2021, though it has announced other measures, including stopping girls from going to high school and women from working in many different fields.

The ban will cover five provinces – Kunduz, Badakhshan, Baghlan, Takhar and Balkh – in the north of the country, which encompasses the population centres of the region.

The restriction is limited to all internet connections via fibre optic cable, officials said. Internet access on cell phone data, however, will

be available, they said.

All connections have been cut off, according to a statement from the provinces. "This measure has been taken to prevent immoral activities," the statement said, adding that an alternative will be provided for essential needs.

The fibre optic disconnection leaves offices, homes and other businesses without an internet connection.

Former US Ambassador to Afghanistan Zalmay

Khalilzad said the ban was absurd.

"If pornography is really the concern, like in many Islamic countries, it can easily be filtered. Many countries in the Islamic world do exactly that," he said.

The Taliban formally codified a long set of rules governing morality late last year, ranging from requiring women to cover their faces and men to grow beards to banning car drivers from playing music.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

In a statement to CNN, it said that one vehicle “sustained fuselage damage and caught fire upon landing”

George Zinn (centre) was arrested shortly after the assassination of Charlie Kirk, then released

Channel your energy, finish what you start instead of taking on something new. It’s time to get rid of what you no longer need and clear a path for a bright future. Reflect on what brings you joy and the path that leads to a peaceful mind. It’s up to you to make things happen.

Pick and choose your course of action wisely. Set your sights on what you want to accomplish, what’s possible, and use common sense to ensure you don’t take on more than you can handle. Your energy needs guidance to help you evolve. Look around you, evaluate your lifestyle and living space, and adjust only what’s necessary.

Travel, changing up your routine, and discovering something new and exciting will broaden your scope regarding the possibilities. Stick to basics and go with what flows naturally, and you will make the most of your day. Refuse to let others talk you into doing something questionable. Say no to temptation, indulgent behavior, and overspending. Avoid costly encounters that can jeopardize your chance to advance. Handle work relationships carefully. An honest and open approach will help you maintain your status quo. Use your charm and intelligence to navigate your way forward. Take notes, document events, conversations, and any other occurrences that make you feel uncomfortable. Pump it up, do your thing, and engage in events and pastimes that challenge you intellectually. What you learn will help you choose the most satisfying path. Educational pursuits, upgrading qualifications, and networking with individuals who can shed light on something you want to pursue will prompt new beginnings and contribute to your success.

Don’t trust others to see your vision. Finetune what you’re working on before sharing. Research will change your perspective regarding travel or educational pursuits. Network, listen, and discover new options that can lighten your load and encourage your success. Refuse to let the past interfere with your pursuits. Timing is everything; put your plans in motion. Welcome new experiences, and you’ll discover something about yourself that will change how you proceed. Explore possibilities, develop your ideas, and utilize your intelligence, discipline, and imagination to achieve your goals. You are overdue for a change, and connecting with people from different backgrounds or professions will help you take a leap of faith. Be careful what you wish for. Use your energy wisely and refrain from revealing your plans prematurely. Do the legwork and see how you feel before making promises or claims that you may not want to fulfill. Assess your intentions before you act. Participate in networking functions or engage in talks with those who can influence your destiny.

Venture out, be observant, share thoughts, engage in something entertaining, novel, or educational. Put your energy where it counts. Do your best to pitch in and help and to bring about positive change. A change to your lifestyle, domestic situation, or the way you work looks promising. How you express yourself will determine the outcome.

A dose of realism will help you recognize what’s best for you. Listen carefully and direct your time and effort toward something that interests you. Expanding your knowledge, learning something new, and meeting new people are encouraged, but be sure to validate whatever you discover before sharing it or investing in something you know little about.

Consider options, get your papers in order, and discuss your plans with those who share common ground. A domestic change that lowers your overhead or helps you become more efficient or aware of where your money goes will help you adjust your routine and lifestyle to fit your budget. Romance and personal gain are favored.

Get out, mingle, converse, and activate your social skills. Explore what’s available in your community and participate in events that help you expand your social circle. Dedicate time and patience to those close to you, and incorporate them into your plans. Invest more time and money into how you look, feel, and manage your money.

ARCHIE

England made light work of chasing 197 in sunny Malahide, sauntering home with 14 balls unused to take a 1-0 lead over Ireland. Fresh from his fourth T20 international hundred at Old Trafford on Friday night, Phil Salt fell just short of a record-equalling fifth, but his 89 from 46 balls underpinned a chase that proved much simpler than the margin suggests.

It made for a serene start to life as an international captain for Jacob Bethell, who, at 21, became the youngest man to lead England, deputising for Harry Brook. His own contribution was a cameo of 24 from No. 3, which featured one of the day’s 22 sixes with a crisply struck slog-sweep over the temporary stand at midwicket before he chipped to extra cover.

Bethell’s first act was to send Ireland into bat on a green-tinged surface, antic-

sult and a DLS defeat at the 2010 and 2022 T20 World Cups. In the injured pair of Mark Adair and Josh Little, Ireland were without both of

wickets in 10 balls, in- cluding Salt slicing to deep point. But Overton belted Barry McCarthy over mid-on to take them home, hardly breaking a sweat in the process.

Stirling lays the foundation

Stirling, Ireland’s captain, said his players were “underprepared” heading into this series after a sparse summer schedule but looked ready enough when slapping the first legal ball through point. After three steady overs, he launched Liam Dawson into the hospitality tent at long-off for the first of 12 sixes in Ireland’s innings before depositing Curran over midwicket.

medium pace with utter disdain. He plundered 22 runs from the third over of the innings, with four fours and a six over wide

ipating early movement after overnight rain. His bowling changes did little to limit the damage inflicted by Paul Stirling, Harry Tector and Lorcan Tucker as Ireland posted 196, but Malahide’s short boundaries and Salt’s rich form ensured that they were at least 20 runs light.

“I was quite disappointed at Trent Bridge not to get out there and have a chance to win a series against South Africa, but at the same time, I’m pleased that we’ve come here and chased down those runs in quite a professional way,” Salt said. “I’m really pleased to finish the job off in the way we did.”

Curiously, this was England’s first win in this format over their close neighbours, after a no-re-

their opening bowlers from the more recent meeting at the MCG three years ago; their attack looked toothless in their absence.

Salt fires again

Salt and Buttler put on 126 off 47 balls in England’s record-breaking blitz against South Africa on Friday night and played with the same aggressive intent against an understrength attack. Their opening stand was worth 74 in 28 balls, and they were briefly on track to threaten the record Powerplay score of 100 for 0 they set in Manchester.

Salt launched Barry McCarthy for two sixes in his first over, and Buttler treated Graham Hume’s

long-off, but could not re-

sist the temptation to keep swinging against Matthew Humphreys and miscued a catch to midwicket.

Buttler’s dismissal left Salt as the senior player in England’s batting line-up, and he throttled back after reaching a 20-ball 50 – one ball slower than he managed last week. He continued to put loose balls away, with back-to-back boundaries off Craig Young to bring up England’s team hundred inside eight overs, but gave the strike to his partners.

Rehan Ahmed was promoted to No. 4 in his first international appearance since November but made little impact. After bowling a solitary wicketless over, he was adjudged not out by an inconclusive replay when slicing Gareth Delany’s leg spin to Hume at short third but was bowled by one that kept low when charging two balls later.

Curran holed out for 27 looking to hit Hume for a third consecutive six, and his dismissal sparked a minor England wobble, losing three

Ross Adair, his opening partner, slog-swept Dawson to deep midwicket to fall for 26 after tucking into Overton, but Stirling continued on his merry way. He belted his third and fourth sixes off Rashid and Dawson, respectively, and it took a sharp catch from Will Jacks on the long-on boundary to prevent his fifth as he fell for 34 off 22.

Tector and Tucker turn tables

At 67 for 2 in the ninth over, Harry Tector and Lorcan Tucker could have been forgiven for consolidating. They saw things differently: Tector slog-swept Rashid for six off two balls after Stirling’s dismissal, reached out to drive Rehan’s first ball through cover for four, and watched Tucker

whip Curran past short fine leg.

Tucker was given out lbw when struck on the pad by Rashid’s leg break but successfully overturned the decision on review and went on the attack as Luke Wood returned. They found fifth gear at the death, bringing up half-centuries off 34 (Tector) and 35 balls (Tucker) as the final three overs went for 45, with George Dockrell hitting his only ball – the last – for six.

Tector and Tucker’s partnership was worth 123 off 68 balls, Ireland’s highest stand against any opponent for the third wicket. It was their second-highest total at Malahide but proved insufficient. (ESPNcricinfo)

Phil Salt salutes the crowd after his 20-ball fifty

Harry Tector top-scored for Ireland with an unbeaten 61

Salt and Jos Buttler were rampant once again in the powerplay

Gareth Delany struck in his 100th international appearance

Guyana unveils team for 2025 Caribbean Elite Cycling Championships in Belize

The Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) announced on Wednesday that six top cyclists have been selected to represent Guyana at the 2025 Caribbean Elite Cycling Championships, scheduled to take place in Belize from October 9 to 13.

The selected cyclists are Aaron Newton (KFC Evolution Cycling Club); Paul De Nobrega (Continental Cycling Club); Briton John and Johann Burrowes (We Stand United Cycling Club); and Raynauth Jeffrey, an overseas unattached rider.

In addition, Mario Washington (We Stand United Cycling Club) has been named as the alternate, while Suzanna Taylor, also from We Stand United Cycling Club, will represent the female category.

According to the GCF, the cyclists have shown ex-

ceptional dedication, skill, and consistent performance in the sport. “Their selection is a testament to their hard

CWI is set to make history as it fields a 15-member squad for the T20 International series against Nepal, taking place at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the UAE from September 27–30.

This groundbreaking series is part of the team’s preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which will be held under subcontinent conditions.

With the series falling outside the ICC’s Future Tours Programme, selectors have used the opportunity to include several emerging players who impressed in the inaugural West Indies Breakout League and the ongoing Caribbean Premier League. At the same time, several senior players have been rested to manage their workloads.

Akeal Hosein, a key member of the T20I leadership group, has been named captain of the squad, which includes six potential debutants. Rayon Griffith will lead the Team Management Unit as Head Coach, while

former West Indies Head Coach Ottis Gibson will serve as fast-bowling con-

Speaking on the significance of the series, Cricket West Indies Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe related “This series against Nepal is another important step in broadening the horizons of West Indies cricket. It allows our senior men’s team to engage with a passionate emerging nation while providing invaluable match experience in different conditions.”

“Beyond the immediate competition, this tour speaks to our long-term vision of developing a squad that is adaptable, resilient

and ready for global challenges. Taking West Indies cricket into new territories and against new opposition also helps us grow the game, inspire new fans, and strengthen the brand of West Indies cricket worldwide.”

The 15-member West Indies T20I squad for the series against Nepal is as follows:

Akeal Hosein (Captain), Fabian Allen, Jewel Andrew, Ackeem Auguste, Navin Bidaisse, Jediah Blades, Keacy Carty, Karima Gore, Jason Holder, Amir Jangoo, Kyle Mayers, Obed McCoy, Zishan Motara, Ramon Simmonds, and Shamar Springer.

Full Tour Schedule:

1st T20I: September 27, 2025 at Sharjah, UAE

2nd T20I: September 29, 2025 at Sharjah, UAE

3rd T20I: September 2025, 30 at Sharjah UAE

work and commitment, and we are confident they will represent Guyana with distinction on the Caribbean stage,” the federation added.

The Caribbean Elite Cycling Championships will see young cyclists from across the region competing in the time trial and road race events. The competition not only showcases their athletic talent but also fosters camaraderie and sportsmanship among the Caribbean’s elite cyclists.

“We extend our gratitude to the We Stand United Cycling Club, Continental Cycling Club, and KFC Evolution Cycling Club for their continuous support and development of the sport. Special thanks are also due to the sponsors, coaches, and all those who have contributed to the journeys of these cyclists,” the Cycling Federation stated.

Terrence Poole National Open & Intermediate punches off next month

Boxing fever hits Georgetown from October 25–27, as fighters from across the nation descend on the National Gymnasium for the Guyana Boxing Association’s (GBA) National Open and Intermediate Championships.

This year’s edition carries special significance, as the three-day event has been renamed in honour of the late Terrence Poole, the revered coach and administrator who devoted more than 40 years to Guyanese boxing.

October 2 will mark one year since Poole’s sudden passing at a Georgetown medical facility. His death sent shockwaves through Guyana’s sporting community and the wider Caribbean boxing fraternity, where he was widely regarded as one of the region’s finest technical minds.

A former member of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Poole was awarded the Medal of Service (MS) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to sport and national development.

Poole made history in 2014, becoming Guyana’s first International Boxing Association (IBA) ThreeStar Coach after completing the elite coaching course in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

The three-star certification is the highest level attainable for amateur coaches. At the time of his passing, only Sebert Blake had joined him in Guyana with this prestigious distinction.

Poole’s extensive qualifications often saw him assisting

Caribbean nations at international tournaments, especially those lacking coaches certified to at least the one-star level.

As such, GBA President Steve Ninvalle explained that naming the championship after Poole was both fitting and necessary.

“It is important that we honour him through this tournament because this was his ‘baby’,” Ninvalle said. “He put in a lot of extra work to ensure it provided a platform for emerging talent.

Development was always at the heart of everything Poole did.”

As Technical Director of the GBA, Poole played a key role in successfully organising the National Open and Intermediate Championships during his tenure.

Ninvalle noted, “Given that he passed away in October, we felt it was most appropriate to keep his name and legacy alive through this event.”

In addition to this year’s National Open and Intermediate Championships, the GBA will host the Terrence Poole Memorial Tournament – an international event featuring boxers from across the Caribbean.

“Poole was an irreplaceable figure in our association, and to this day we continue to feel his absence, especially around this time when we are putting together such important events,” Ninvalle said.

Ninvalle pointed out that the upcoming championships are highly anticipated, with

several boxers who excelled at the Novices eager to showcase their skills on the bigger stage.

Ninvalle noted that the upcoming championships are highly anticipated, with several boxers who excelled at the Novices eager to prove themselves on the bigger stage.

Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle

Briton John

Paul De Nobrega

Aaron Newton

Johann Burrowes Raynauth Jeffrey

Female cyclist Suzanna Taylor

Akeal Hosein

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2025

Massy WCPL final… Royals edge Amazon Warriors in thriller to complete 3-peat

Athrilling last- ball contest, it boiled down to between the Barbados Royals and Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) Women; 19 runs required off the last 12 deliveries of the contest but a few lusty blows sailed into the growing shadows around the boundary at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence, a beacon of the Royals’ dominance in the Massy Women’s CPL.

Exceptional bowling from Ashmini Munisar and Nyia Latchman had drawn hope out of despair for the Amazon Warriors. The tale began in the 13th over of the chase, as Munisar had Kycia Knight caught on 31 after a steady 39- run partnership alongside Courtney Webb.

Immediately after the Amazon Warriors’ keeper Amy Hunter sent a stumping opportunity a begging, Latchman served a dolly of

Warriors (GAW) Women accumulated their secondhighest score of the season, 136-3, after being sent in to bat first by the Barbados Royals, who won the toss.

Taking first strike was the Amazon Warriors’ trusted opening pair Amy Hunter

a delivery to Chinelle Henry who could not clear the inner circle. Munisar went for the catch with one hand, juggles but in the end held on to the prized, game- changing wicket.

The Amazon Warriors were on a roll, as Latchman removed Djenaba Joseph for 7. Ecstasy rocked the Amazon Warriors when Munisar, in her final over, struck twice and suddenly the Royals were 7 wickets down and in hot water. But, the pair of wickets were subsequently followed by a pair of boundaries off the bat of Shreyanka Patil, signaling the intent of the Royals’ duo.

The penultimate over, bowled by Molly Penfold was key but a maximum and a boundary off Aaliyah Alleyne’s bat left the writing on the wall; the Barbados Royals Women would pull of the three- peat.

The beginning

The Guyana Amazon

and Realeanna Grimmond who, unfortunately could not set a strong foundation for a big score.

A quiet start, the hosts relied out just 10 runs in their first three overs but it was soon forgotten as Realeanna Grimmond found her footing, dispatching her namesake with the ballShenetta Grimmond, for three boundaries in the 4th over.

Immediately, the Barbados Royals captain Chinelle Henry turned to her reliable wicket- taker Chamari Athapaththu, who did not make an immediate impact, instead being put away for an uneventful 7 runs.

However, Grimmond had her revenge in the following over, trapping Realeanna LBW for 17. The length ball from the elder Grimmond crashed into Realeanna’s tigh pad as she played a nonshot as the umpire raised the dreaded finger.

25 from 20. She shared a 22- run partnership with Kycia knight who went on to form the aforementioned partnership with Courtney Webb. Munisar, in superb form on the day, snared 3-21 from 4 while Latchman picked up 2-31 from 4. However, their efforts went in vain as Aaliyah Alleyne finished things off in the fourth hall of the final over; ecstatically jogging down the 22 yards for a single that would seal their third, consecutive victory.

Knowing the importance of the game, Grimmond went for the review which show the ball clipping the outside of the stumps, as decision rhat essentially went down to the umpire’s decision.

Stafanie Taylor made her way to the crease next, joining forces with Hunter to keep their scorecard ticking. In the 9th, Taylor survived a stumping at attempt from Barbados Royals’ wicket keeper Trishan Holder but her departure was inevitable, coming in the following over.

Signaled first by Taylor’s inability to run a single, she walked the following single, eventually crashing down to the ground, prompting the physiotherapist’s entry onto the field.

Retired hurt for 15, Laura Harris followed, adding some impetus to the Amazon Warriors’ innings.

Harris slammed two fours and a six in her short stay for 18 off 8 deliveries. Amy Hunter’s stumps was soon rocked back by Afy Fletcher for 29 off 36; making way for the partnership

The 56- run partnership between Captain Shemaine Campbelle and Dane van Niekerk proved invaluable. Campbelle ended unbeaten on 28 from 20 while van Niekierk struck 20 from 21 balls.

For Barbados, Shamilia Connell, Afy Fletcher and Aaliyah Alleyne claimed one wicket each.

Cruising to victory Save except the thrills of the last few overs, there was never a moment when the Royals seemed to be out of the contest.

Restricting the Amazon Warriors to 136-3 in ther 20 overs, Barbados had half the job done already and looked to eventual leading run-scorer of the tournament Chamari Athapaththu to lead in the other half.

Disappointingly, Quiana Joseph had to head back to the dugout early for 4, which came her way from a reverse shot to the boundary.

Athapaththu got going soon after, reaching the boundary 5 times but, after

Guyana Amazon Warriors Women (20 ovs maximum)

Amy Hunter † b Fletcher 29

Realeanna Grimmond lbw b Connell 17

Stafanie Taylor retired hurt 15

Laura Harris b Alleyne 18

Shemaine Campbelle (c) not out 28

Dane van Niekerk not out 27

Extras (w 2) 2

Total 20 Ov (RR: 6.80) 136/3

Did not bat: Britney Cooper, Ashmini Munisar, Nyia Latchman, Molly Penfold, Karishma Ramharack

Fall of wickets: 1-34 (Realeanna Grimmond, 5.6 ov), 1-56* (Stafanie Taylor, retired not out), 2-76 (Laura Harris, 11.3 ov), 3-80 (Amy Hunter, 12.3 ov) • DRS

Bowling O-M-R-W

Chinelle Henry 2-0-7-0

Sheneta Grimmond 2-0-15-0

Chamari Athapaththu 2-0-11-0

Shamilia Connell 4-0-20-1

Afy Fletcher 4-0-36-1

Shreyanka Patil 2-0-15-0

Aaliyah Alleyne 4-0-32-1

Barbados Royals Women (T: 137 runs from 20 ovs)

Chamari Athapaththu c Penfold b Ramharack 25

Qiana Joseph c Grimmond b Penfold 4

Knight † c van Niekerk b Munisar 31 Courtney Webb c Penfold b Munisar 31 Chinelle Henry (c) c Munisar b Latchman 6 Djenaba

that would take the Amazon Warriors to the end.

Shemaine Campbelle played a handy, unbeaten knock

The Barbados Royals lift their third, consecutive CPL title

Aaliyah Alleyne was a hero with bat and ball for the eventual champions

Courtney Webb kept the Royals in the chase

Ashmini Munisar was superb with the ball in hand

In another nail-biting contest, the Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) booked their spot in the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) grand final with a commanding all-round performance against the Saint Lucia Kings in Qualifier 1.

Sent in to bat, the Amazon Warriors got off to a lively start thanks to an opening partnership dominated by Ben McDermott’s stroke play. McDermott and Quentin Sampson added 45 runs for the first wicket, setting the tone for the innings. However, David Wiese struck at the end of the powerplay, dismissing McDermott for a well-made 34 off 27 balls, an innings featuring five boundaries and a six.

Wiese struck again, claiming his second wicket of the

evening as Sampson fell for a run-a-ball 17, undone by a rash shot. With both openers back in the pavilion, the responsibility shifted to Shai Hope and Shamar Brooks to rebuild the innings. The pair rotated the strike well and punished loose deliveries, guiding the GAW to 77 for 2 at the halfway mark, laying a solid platform for the middle order.

Brooks’ brief stay ended when he was caught on the boundary by Khary Pierre for 6 off 10 balls, giving Alzarri Joseph his first wicket of the night. The Warriors’ woes deepened in the 13th over as Tabraiz Shamsi struck twice – first dismissing Shimron Hetmyer for four, then trapping Hassan Khan lbw for one. Roston Chase followed up by removing Moeen Ali for four, leaving the Warriors reeling at 107 for 6.

Dwaine Pretorius offered a brief spark with a quickfire 17 off 8 balls, but Shamsi returned to finish his spell in style,

ending with impres sive figures of 3 for 33. Hope, who had an chored the innings, fell for 32 off 29 balls while trying to ac celerate the scoring.

Romario Shepherd provided late fireworks with 21 off 8 deliveries before being caught at long-on. The innings concluded when Tymal Mills bowled Gudakesh Motie

for 3 after six overs.

Motie tightened the screws, delivering a crucial blow by removing Chase for 18 off 15. On the very next ball, he struck again, dis-

for six, leaving the Amazon Warriors all out for 157 in 19.5 overs.

The home side got off to a dream start with the ball as Pretorius struck in the very first over, uprooting Tim Seifert’s stumps for just one. Shepherd quickly joined the action, removing Johnson Charles for one and putting the Kings on the back foot. Pretorius returned to claim his second wicket, dismissing the in-form Ackeem Auguste for nine, courtesy of a brilliant running catch by Hetmyer in the deep. At three down inside the powerplay, the Kings were in trouble, but Chase and Aaron Jones steadied the innings, taking their side to 37

missing the dangerous Tim David and firmly putting the Kings on the back foot.

Imran Tahir then joined the party, bowling Aaron Jones for 10 as the visitors slipped to 48 for 6 after just eight overs.

Motie wasn’t finished, returning to dismiss Kings’ skipper Wiese, brilliantly caught by a diving Shepherd, reducing the visitors to 49 for 7 in the ninth over. Pierre and Joseph offered brief resistance, putting together a fighting 37run stand, but Tahir broke the partnership by removing Joseph for 14, finishing with tidy figures of 2 for 22.

Amid the collapse, Pierre stood tall, hitting a val-

iant half-century off just 29 balls, with three fours and five sixes giving the Kings a flicker of hope. However, it was Motie who had the final say, dismissing Pierre for 50 and sealing the Kings’ fate. Motie finished with superb figures of 4 for 30.

There was late drama as Tymal Mills launched a spirited cameo, smashing 30 off just 17 balls to briefly rattle the home side. His

counterattack reduced the equation to 15 needed off the final over, keeping the Kings’ faint hopes alive. But Khan held his nerve, claiming the final wicket and ending the resistance as the Kings were bowled out for 143. The Guyana Amazon Warriors secured a hardfought victory, booking their place in the CPL grand final.

Gudakesh Motie followed up his five-for with a fourwicket haul to send the Amazon Warriors to the final

The Guyana Amazon Warriors secure their spot in the 2025 Republic Bank CPL final

Romario Shepherd’s blitz gave the Amazon Warriors a defendable score