Guyana Times - Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Elections 2025 Election Day logistics in place –GECOM confirms poll preparations

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has confirmed that a total of 757,690 electors are on the voters list for the September 1 General and Regional Election.

Of that number, the Commission has also confirmed that some 10,481 members of the Joint Services will exercise their franchise this Friday ahead of the national polls; in keeping with longstanding practice to ensure they can be deployed across the country on Election Day. Deputy Chief Election Officer (CEO) at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Aneal Giddings, told reporters during a press conference on Monday that the Commission is finalising arrangements to ensure a smooth process, including the establishment of 2,790 polling stations across the country. Of this number, 62 polling stations will be located at private residences.

“The Official List of Electors caters to 757,690 electors as follows: District One, 24,453. District Two, 42,596. District Three, which is divided into three sub-districts, caters to 116,876. District Four, which has four sub-districts, 323,436. District Five, 50,796. District Six, with three sub-districts, 111,554. District Seven,

17,846. District Eight, 9,192. And district 10, 38,460,” Giddings revealed.

Joint Services voters

As is customary, members of the Joint Services will cast their votes ahead of the general population to allow them to be fully deployed on Election Day.

GECOM disclosed that members of the Disciplined Services will head to the polls on Friday, August 22, a week before E-Day. In total, 10,481 ranks from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), and the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) are eligible to vote in these early polls.

The breakdown shows 6,909 ranks from the GPF, 3,106 from the GDF, and 466 from the GPS. Voting will take place at 87 balloting stations nationwide, with members casting their ballots in accordance with the electoral district they are registered in.

While the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) is generally regarded as part of the Disciplined Services, its members will vote on Election Day itself, not during the special balloting exercise.

“We are well-poised for the conduct of this election, on these elections on Friday. All of the logistical arrange-

ments have been made. At this point in time, there is nothing, aside from maybe force majeure that can prevent such conduct,” he said confidently. In Guyana, the disciplined services would customarily cast their ballots early on “E-Day” in order to ensure they can perform their duties on Election Day without interruption since they are deployed across the country on Election Day. On Election Day, many officers may be stationed far from their home constituencies, which would make it difficult or impossible for them to vote where they’re registered. Additionally, letting them vote early reduces logistical stress and ensures their votes are safely cast and stored before they’re deployed.

However, the ballots of the disciplined services are not counted separately. The disciplined services ballots are kept under seal and guarded until Election Day.

Once the ranks have voted at the various balloting stations, their ballots are then sent to regular polling stations on Election Day and are intermixed with regular ballot papers before they are counted. The intermixing is done to protect the voter privacy of the ranks, as well as uphold fairness and secrecy.

Distribution of ballots

The GECOM has also confirmed that ballot papers for the September 1 polls have been dispatched to Guyanese diplomatic missions abroad, while local distribution to Returning Officers across the

10 administrative regions is actively underway. The move signals that the Commission is firmly on track with preparations as the country heads into the final stretch before Election Day.

According to the Deputy CEO, the sensitive election materials, including ballot papers, statements of poll and tally sheets, arrived from Canada earlier this month. Following their arrival, GECOM immediately began the process of extracting and packaging ballots for overseas, disciplined services and local voters.

He noted that 92 ballots have been dispatched to 20 Guyanese diplomatic missions overseas to facilitate non-resident electors. Of that number, two sealed ballot boxes have already been returned and are in the custody of the CEO Vishnu Persaud.

“We have enveloped some 10,481 ballots for the discipline forces, prepared the ballot boxes for that, the conduct of that election. We have also packed the non-sensitive supplies that are required for each of the ballot stations. I would like to report that there are 63 balloting locations across Guyana in all of the 10 districts… We have actually received today returns from two diplomatic missions, which are in the

custody of the Chief Election Officer as required by law. Secure custody. He has reminded me to say secure custody”.

“They're actually in a sealed ballot box and the sealing of that ballot box was witnessed by contesting agents from the contesting political parties. We are wellpoised for the conduct of this election on these elections on Friday. All of the logistical arrangements have been made,” he added.

Meanwhile, On the local front, GECOM has begun distributing election materials to Returning Officers in the regions and according to Giddings, the Commission has been guaranteed security for polling stations along border communities.

“I would say yes, we have been guaranteed security. As I said, the plans are not final. We are yet to resume our talks on this. For them to tell us exactly what will be in place and what could be our expectations. But the answer is yes. As a result of our collaboration that we have, we have constant communication with particularly the police and the joint services as a grouping. And as part of that, these things came out. As a matter of fact, they raised it as one of their concerns,” the Deputy CEO said.

GECOM's PRO Yolanda Ward, Chief Elections Officer Vishnu Persaud and DCEO Aneal Giddings

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, August 19 – 00:55h–02:25h and Wednesday, August 20 –01:55h–03:25h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, August 19 –13:45h–15:15h and Wednesday, August 20 – 14:45h–16:15h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Sunny conditions are expected during the day, interrupted by thundery showers in the earlymorning and early-afternoon hours. Clear to partly cloudy skies are expected at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 22 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to Easterly between 1.34 metres and 3.13 metres.

High Tide: 13:39h reaching a maximum height of 2.14 metres.

Low Tide: 07:00h reaching a minimum height of 0.95 metre.

Modern model for development – Ali as PPP/C launches manifesto

...“you can rest assured that we have a clear plan for diversification of the economy” – Jagdeo

The governing People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has launched its 2025 elections manifesto, with pledges of creating a modern and international model for development in its plan for the next five years of Guyana.

Themed “One Country, One People, One Future Forward Together for a Better Guyana”, the Head of State delivered his address to hundreds of PPP/C supporters during the launch of the manifesto on Monday.

He boldly stated that the manifesto’s policies are de-

“And importantly, in this plan, you will see that we have placed targets in the plan be-

“Every other party has spoken about only how they will use oil money… oil prices can collapse tomorrow. Where would that leave us, as a country?”

– PPP General Secretary, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

signed to ensure international standards are met, linking Guyana to the global environment while remaining modern and up-to-date.

“I want to say to you today, that these policies and programs are carefully put together in the context of the international environment that we are operating in. And as a country, we have to be mindful of the volatility that exists in the international environment.”

These volatilities he stated are: the impact and implications of ongoing conflicts, the impact and implications of changes in logistics routes and circumstances surrounding the shipping sector, changes in international trade arrangements, and changes in international markets amongst others.

He further pointed out that these are important international policy factors and that the policy environment must be directly related to the manifesto.

He emphasized that external factors remain critical to the internal functioning of Guyana’s economy.

“So, I want you to understand that these plans are carefully designed in the context of the current international environment and with a deliberate understanding as to where future challenges will be, what those challenges will be, and how we mitigate against them,” he stated.

The Head of State explained that this is why many of the initiatives outlined are presented at a minimum level and are subject to upward adjustment, depending on the performance of the economy.

“There are some indicators that we have already plugged into the matrix that can change the situation. And we must understand—we’re not living on an island by ourselves. We’re in an international environment, and I want us to understand this context.”

Moving away from the practice in which others political parties tend to do – creating goals that are unrealistic to set - the Head of State emphasized that the PPP/C in contrast intends to include checkpoints and verifiable indicators to measure progress.

cause we believe that we must have verifiable indicators. We must have indicators and targets that the people can measure our performance against.

not in the back rooms, but from the ground up over the last five years.”

He further noted that the government engaged with different sections of society in the crafting of this plan. While many suggestions were listened to, they had to be weighed against the broader macro vision.

The Head of State also noted that the manifesto was shaped by ideas gathered from various sections of society, and he expressed gratitude to those who contributed their perspectives. However, he explained that while many suggestions

“You can rest assured that we have a clear plan for diversification of the economy.” Jagdeo also pointed to the PPP’s track record in macroeconomic management: “Long before oil, we fixed all of those things.”

That is why we are the only party that can campaign on a track record. Because when you look at the indicators, you can verify that we have delivered.”

He added, “I won’t lie to you, this would require 17 to 20 hours of work every single day. It is imaginative, but it is implementable and achievable. We do not believe in making promises we cannot keep. These plans were fashioned

were considered, they had to be weighed against the government’s broader vision and then organized into clear areas of priority. With only five years to execute, the administration had to determine which goals must be achieved first to form a structured economic plan.

He emphasized that the resulting plan is designed to guide Guyana’s development not only over the next five years

but beyond, describing it as serious, structured, and strategic plan.

President Irfaan Ali, said the PPP’s proposals are grounded in broad consultations and fiscal responsibility: “I want to make it clear this is not a wish list… It is not empty rhetoric. This is a declaration of intent.”

Careful attention to potential risks

Meanwhile, PPP General Secretary, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo said on Monday that his party has crafted its five-year social and infrastructural plans with careful attention to potential risks such as falling oil prices, Dutch Disease, climate change, and global shocks.

Launching the manifesto he noted, “every other party has spoken about only how they will use oil money… oil prices can collapse tomorrow. Where would that leave us, as a country?”

Warning against Dutch Disease, he said: “This could destroy your economy if not managed carefully.” To counter this, the manifesto outlines diversification into “new sectors, the new growth poles” including hospitality, agriculture, biotechnology, and stronger ties with Brazil, which he said would receive “vital policy attention.”

Jagdeo added, “you can rest assured that we have a clear plan for diversification of the economy.” He also pointed to the PPP’s track record in macroeconomic management: “Long before oil, we fixed all of those things.”

Highlighting climate risks, he cited investments in canals, kokers, and pumps to build resilience. On external shocks such as the Russia-Ukraine war, he stressed: “That’s not how you manage a company and an economy.”

President Dr Irfaan Ali speaking during the launching on Monday

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Weak prosecution undermines road safety enforcement

The conversation on road safety in Guyana has once again taken centre stage following remarks by Chairman of the National Road Safety Council (NRSC), Earl Lambert, and officers within the Traffic Department of the Guyana Police Force. Their comments highlight a sobering reality that despite intensified traffic enforcement and repeated calls for deterrence, the country continues to grapple with weak prosecution and lenient penalties that allow reckless drivers to return to the roads with little consequence.

The consequences of this deficiency are evident. Every year, countless lives are lost or irreparably altered due to accidents caused by reckless and irresponsible driving. The Police have undeniably stepped up enforcement, investing in roadblocks, surveillance, and record-keeping. Yet, the effectiveness of such measures depends heavily on the judicial follow-through. A system where offenders can evade accountability due to prosecutorial lapses and in some instances, soft sentencing, undermines both the deterrent effect of enforcement and the public’s confidence in the rule of law.

Lambert was unflinching in his criticism of prosecutorial weakness. His remarks underscored a stark comparison between decades past, when Prosecutors were both skilled and feared, and the present era where lapses allow repeat offenders to “get away with it”. Such commentary cannot be dismissed as nostalgia, but must instead be taken as a pressing call to address deficiencies within the prosecutorial arm of the justice system. Strong prosecution is not merely about securing convictions; it is about ensuring that the law serves its intended purpose, protecting citizens and promoting order on the nation’s roads.

This concern was echoed by Sergeant Carl Pedro, who detailed the cycle of repeat offenders appearing before the same Magistrates for identical infractions. The existence of proper record-keeping means that repeat offenders are easily identifiable. However, unless prosecutors consistently and forcefully present the seriousness of these violations, many drivers walk away with minimal fines, suspended sentences, or bail amounts that hardly qualify as deterrents. For a reckless driver, a $75,000 bail is no more than a temporary inconvenience, not a meaningful punishment.

The Judiciary, too, bears its share of responsibility. Magistrates are empowered to impose stiffer penalties, including licence suspension, disqualification, and even custodial sentences where warranted. However, the extent to which such penalties are enforced appears inconsistent. While some drivers do face harsher consequences, others do not.

This is not to suggest that the courts alone are to blame. Lambert correctly emphasised that responsibility is shared. Effective road safety enforcement requires strong synergy among the Police, Prosecutors, and the Judiciary. If any one of these pillars falters, the entire system weakens. The Police may perform admirably in apprehending offenders, but without robust prosecution, cases collapse. Similarly, without a Judiciary willing to impose penalties that reflect the gravity of the offence, the deterrent effect vanishes.

The Government has signalled awareness of this gap, announcing reforms aimed at improving the quality of Police Prosecutors through training and support from the Attorney General’s Chambers. These reforms are necessary and welcome, but they must translate into tangible results. Too often, initiatives are launched with much fanfare but lack followthrough in implementation. Road safety cannot be relegated to lofty commitments; it requires consistent action, regular evaluation, and accountability at every stage of enforcement and prosecution.

Moreover, this is not solely an institutional issue but also a cultural one. There is a tendency in society to treat traffic offences as minor infractions, rather than life-threatening conduct. Dangerous and careless driving is not a victimless act; it places every other road user – drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike—at risk. Until penalties reflect the seriousness of these offences, and until prosecution is executed with the necessary rigour, the culture of impunity will persist.

Road accidents continue to claim far too many lives in Guyana, and behind every number is a family left shattered and a country robbed of its human capital.

Strengthening road safety enforcement requires will, professional training, and judicial courage.

upgrades are underway on the

accessibility, and infrastructure

We voted for and against the ban on Palestine Action. Now we have a plan to end this mess

By Stella CreaSy and Peter Hain

Is terrorism really a vicar with a peaceful placard?

As parliamentarians who are passionate about democracy and civil liberties, we know that both are under threat. A growing number of organisations encourage violence and intimidation in pursuit of political aims. MPs are besieged with threats, advised not to hold in-person surgeries and are grieving still for two colleagues killed in the past 10 years. Anti-migrant protests and threats are encouraged by the far right to take place across the country. Yet attempts to address all this are increasingly destabilising public confidence in politics, emboldening those who fan the flames of hatred by claiming a “two-tier” response. Without change, the danger that someone will get hurt – or killed again – will only grow.

Driven by both homegrown and overseas extremism, and social media algorithms, there is a growing trend for direct action to end in physical harm or destruction in order to get noticed. Proscription is the primary tool open to governments to put a hard stop to this, but with nearly 100 organisations and hundreds more Britons now labelled “terrorists” in recent weeks, it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain parity between the organisations proscribed within the public mind. For any law to be effective, it has to be workable and legitimate. For it to defend democracy, it must also not be designed – or be seen to be designed – to spare ministers the difficulties of dealing with dissent. Proscription puts the person peacefully expressing opposition into the same category as the person planting a bomb or shooting a bullet.

We came down on different sides in last month’s vote on whether to proscribe Palestine Action, and neither of us have ever supported the group. But we both agree what is happening now neither protects protest nor makes protest policeable.

We have three shared convictions. First, no one – including elected politicians and the police – should face violent threats or intimidation for doing the job that we ask of them, even if we disagree with how they do it. Second, everyone should be able to protest and engage

in non-violent disruption without being lumped in with Islamic State, al-Qaida or the IRA. Third, legislation to uphold our civil rights and to stop intimidation should be cause-blind: protecting those whom we wish to beat at the ballot box by enabling all citizens to be heard and parliamentarians to do our jobs.

How, then, should the government respond? First and foremost with common sense. Urgent police guidance should be issued to head off the car crash that proscription enforcement is rapidly becoming, by setting out a test of proportionality for any interventions. Proscribing the original Palestine Action group was said to be about stopping those inciting direct harm and violence. Going after people with a poster testing the boundaries of liberty – some who may or may not even support Palestine Action but feel strongly about Palestinian rights – confuses rather than clarifies the government’s intention. People must be able to protest about the horror in Gaza, and the focus should be on what is happening in Palestine, not in Parliament Square.

The government should be much more transparent about how it is upholding our constitutional rights. There is no free speech if one half of a political debate lives in fear of being targeted for disagreeing. We need mechanisms to stop those who use violence, threaten migrants or hound women instead of raising their voices to achieve their goals. Lord David Anderson, the former independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, argued that proscription should always be a time-limited process – and we agree. It should also be targeted at real terrorists whose explicit intention is to kill innocent civilians.

No democratic state should make arbitrary decisions and must actively seek the consent of citizens. As it stands, how proscription is achieved – short parliamentary debates in both houses and, in the case of Palestine Action, bracketing the organisation along with two far-right groups in a single vote – fails this test.

To have the ability to proscribe a group as “terrorists”, ministers and government must do much more to show the public how and why that is the case.

We must also address the glaring inconsistencies and real gaps in law these cases reveal. Legislation on public order

focuses on specific practices; proscription orders target specific terrorist groups. Nothing sits between this to recognise when organisations themselves encourage members repeatedly and deliberately to escalate intimidation in pursuit of their aim. Extreme groups create a climate of violence, leaving refugees waiting to be firebombed, Jewish citizens attacked, black and Muslim citizens living in fear, and women increasingly vilified. Getting the balance right means abolishing offences such as “recklessly encouraging support” of a proscribed group and focusing instead on those who organise this criminality. Setting out how and when behaviour threatens our democracy – as distinct from criticising state policies – would also better maintain the integrity of the seriousness of terrorism charges. Stopping organisations that are not simply accidentally violent, but intentionally so, means a new offence is needed, distinct from the battery of existing criminal ones. This would recognise how groups that encourage violence and intimidation go beyond existing public order offences, disentangling non-violent direct action from violence or attacks on property and terrorism.

The alternative – accepting that harm to individuals is an inevitable risk of protest because people feel strongly about something – is not tenable. Terrorism is different from terrifying opponents, but both are or should be criminal offences. The failure to make that distinction is both increasingly infecting the policing of protest and undermining the legitimate right to protest.

Anyone who thinks this situation is simple – either an egregiously authoritarian power-grab from the government or a sincere intention to block violent thuggery – isn’t paying attention. The status quo has come to mean equating peaceful witness with terrorism, and isn’t sustainable. But neither is pretending there isn’t a problem that threatens our ability to debate, disagree and ultimately decide in our democracy. Without action, it will be those with the loudest voices and the most lethal actors who win. (The Guardian)

(Stella Creasy is the Labour and Cooperative MP for Walthamstow. Peter Hain was the Labour MP for Neath from 1991 to 2015 and now sits in the House of Lords)

Major

main access road to St Cuthbert’s Mission (Pakuri Village), bringing improved transportation,

to the community (Public Works Ministry photos)

Ram ignores political barbarism while attacking PPP/C

Dear Editor, I read with some incredulity the recent missive by Mr. Lalbachan Chris Ram in sections of the media, lamenting that the PPP/C’s political campaign has “taken a nasty turn.” What Mr Ram has conveniently ignored, however, is his own egregious pattern of double standards — a posture that reduces his intervention to hollow grandstanding.

For years, Mr Ram has sought to position himself as the moral guardian of Guyana’s politics, yet his

silence on the WIN party is deafening. This is a party that entered the political arena in 2025 and dragged political discourse in Guyana to depths that not even APNU or the AFC — for all their faults — had descended to. While he takes aim at the PPP/C, he has spared not a single syllable of condemnation for the WIN party, despite its conduct representing the most disgraceful chapter in our political history.

Let us be reminded of the facts. An operative of

the WIN party had physically attacked a woman on nomination day — violently and shamefully. They have launched vile and distasteful assaults on the President’s mother, an elderly woman who deserves dignity, not abuse. Their trolls have polluted social media with gutter-level attacks, including perverse and disrespectful assaults on my own wife. Yet Mr. Ram has not lifted his pen to decry these acts of political barbarism. His silence is deafening.

Even more damning, the WIN party is led by an individual sanctioned by the United States Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) for money laundering, gold smuggling, tax evasion, and corruption. This is a man branded internationally as a criminal kingpin — the embodiment of lawlessness — yet Mr. Ram, the self-proclaimed custodian of political integrity, has chosen to avert his gaze. Not one word of criticism. Not one word of censure.

Mr. Ram’s selective outrage betrays his bias. To pontificate about “nasty politics” while excusing the party most responsible for degrading our political culture exposes him not as the principled commentator he pretends to be, but as a partisan shield for a disgraced political outfit.

The PPP/C, a party that has withstood decades of political struggle — rebuilding this country from bankruptcy to stability, through the pre-oil era and now into the oil economy —

should not subject itself to be lectured by Chris Ram. His credibility collapses under the weight of his silence on WIN’s political thuggery and its controversial leadership entangled in a multiplicity of criminally charged allegations. By choosing one standard for one party and no standard at all for his newfound protégés, he has forfeited any claim to fairness or moral integrity.

Yours respectfully, Joel Bhagwandin

Selective WIN campaign release reads as empty theatre

Dear Editor, Previously, I wrote on the concerted effort to downplay the reality of OFAC Magnitsky Sanctions. A curious Press Release from the WIN campaign on Sunday further demonstrates this. The release, titled: “WIN Condemns Unjust Closure of Candidates’ Bank Accounts; OFAC Clarification Confirms Action Was Unjustified” entails an exchange between the OFAC Compliance Hotline and an entity purportedly representing WIN leader, Magnitsky sanctioned- Azzruddin Mohamed.

This correspondence with the OFAC compliance hotline was shared by one of the WIN spokespersons, hoping to lend credence to the narrative that our commercial banks are engaging in political persecution. It would be remiss of me to overlook the fact that said spokesperson, Ms. Hana Mohamed, is neither on the General nor Regional candidate list for the WIN party. One can only wonder why. Why has she, the

most visible Mohamed sibling on the WIN campaign trial, opted not to give up her dual citizenship and appear alongside her brother on a National Candidate list?

Let's first point out the deliberate wording in the original message. The intentionally vague wording seeks to portray ordinary friends and associates of Mohamed as being sanctioned and/or having bank accounts closed. Not "association" as defined under the OFAC guidelines. And most certainly not politically exposed persons operating as national candidates for an OFAC sanctioned candidate seeking to occupy the Executive branch of Government. This is intentionally vague wording hoping to elicit an ambiguous response.

Second, the very heading in the compliance hotline’s response reads: "Query Number OFAC2025-007352 and OFAC2025-007367" dated August 12th, 2025. Of note is that the lone query published from this correspondence was “Query number:

OFAC-2025-007352, dated July 29th, 2025 at 08:43 AM. If revelation was the intent, why publish only a fragment of this exchange? What was hidden in the other query?

Indeed, OFAC is saying that the U.S. financial institutions would not violate sanctions for not maintaining accounts with associates of a sanctioned individual. However, the release firmly stated that American financial institutions would be "prohibited from engaging in such transactions if the sanctioned individual has an interest in the account or transactions". Additionally, the hotline's

response clearly states that "non-U.S. persons could also face sanctions risk for certain activities involving sanctioned persons, such as providing material support to them."

WIN’s assertion that candidate account closure is impacting the campaign is the WIN team very literally confessing on themselves: that the candidates' bank accounts were being utilized for the elections campaign of the Magnitskysanctioned Mohamed. Either this disclosure was deliberate self-incrimination or reflective of a fundamentally non-existent grasp of political calculus

altogether.

Finally, Kaieteur News reported Azzruddin Mohamed on July 26th telling the media that his lawyers in the US are “presently working with OFAC” to have him “delisted”. The OFAC compliance hotline exists for the general public to seek guidance on compliance with sanctions. If Mohamed’s lawyers are indeed working with OFAC, as he claims, then why contact an OFAC Compliance hotline? Couldn’t this information have been presented directly to their OFAC-licensed lawyer?

Has OFAC halted working with Mohamed directly on

lifting the sanctions? If so, why? This leads me to finally question whether the intent behind this Press Release was clarity or empty political theatre?

Once more, this banal campaign of prevarication continues to collapse upon the very weight of OFAC’s language. Nevertheless, it is crucial for WIN to address these glaring gaps on the public record. The public, and particularly, the electorate deserves truth over theatre. Hopefully these answers come very soon, very shortly.

Yours faithfully,

TUESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2025

00:00 Sign Off 06:00 Cartoons 07:00 Evening News (RB) 08:00 BBC Travel Show 08:30 HGTV 10:00 Stop Suffering 11:00 Food Network 12:00 News Break

12:05 Movie - Freaky Friday (2003) 14:00 Jurassic World S2 E6 14:30 The Fairly Oddparents 15:00 How I Met Your Mother S3 E8 16:00 Indian Soaps

16:30 Teaching the Truth in Love 17:00 Stop Suffering 17:30 The Evening News

18:30 CPL 2025 SKNP vs SLK 23:00 The Outpost S1 E7

Nikhil Sankar

Points and lines

A point is a specific location in space. It has no dimensions, and you cannot measure it. Since it would be impossible to see anything with no dimensions, we usually represent a point with a dot. Points are usually identified by a capital letter.

A line is a straight path that goes in both directions and never ends. It has only one dimension – length. However, when we draw a line, it actually has a tiny bit of width – the width of a pencil point – or we would not be able to see by any two points located anywhere on it.

You can identify a line in either direction. Line AB = Line BA.

Some lines intersect. Intersecting lines cross each other at a specific point. Line AB and Line CD intersect at point E.

Remember

A line extends in both directions. It does not come to an end in either direction. Its only dimension is length.

Seasonal music

Play Vivaldi's masterpiece, “The Four Seasons”, and reflect and write about the qualities of the weather from season to season as you listen. The idea behind this writing exercise is for you to generate your impressions or ideas — or characters, themes, or rhythms — that can be further developed later into a poem, paragraph, or story. (Adapted from startwithabook.org)

Exercises: Solve

1) Use a symbol to name this figure

2) Identify the following figure

3) Using symbols, give two names for this figure

4) What is the point of intersection?

5) Is DB in the figure above a line? Explain your answer. 7) Is the following a line? Explain your answer.

By TS Leonard

Don’t. The past is overcrowded with the future closer than you think. You blink, that’s one eon; a yawn, two. Take a few photographs— one of your mother, some of your childhood, one of the most embarrassing fashion mistakes you made in your twenties—stack them up, shuffle, deal. Fixate on some thoughtless crack you made at that party, years ago. You will live to make another. You will live again. Try reflecting a mirror to another mirror—watch yourself replicate endlessly. Try breaking. Paste those shards onto a globe; now you’ve made a disco ball—change! Step one: forget everything; step two: forget step one. Step one-two-three: if you’re just dancing here that’s good enough; when the music stops, stay where you are— you’re older now than you ever imagined; you remember wanting to forget. You didn’t. Keep walking away from the wreckage.

SOURCE: POETRY (JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025)

Write a scene or story that incorporates one of the following elements:

1. A plate of nachos that talks;

2. A bowl of ravioli that grants wishes; or

3. A pie that can tell the future with its filling.

WORD SEARCH

PPP/C unveils 2025 manifesto as Party charts

The govern-

ing People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has launched its 2025 elections manifesto, outlining an ambitious five-year development agenda aimed at transforming Guyana into a modern and international model of growth.

Themed “One Country, One People, One Future Forward Together for a Better Guyana”, the manifesto was unveiled to hundreds of supporters on Monday at Pegasus.

New hospitals

Over the next five years, the Peoples Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) intends build 12 hospitals and to deploy a fully integrated Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system

More household & individual cash grants

struction of core homes; accelerated construction of young professional homes; and continued provision of incentives to encourage affordable home construction, all with the aim of constructing 40,000 new homes over the next five years.

The party also committed to continue regulariz-

structing bridges at Kurupukari and Puruni. Completing the upgrade of the Linden to Soesdyke highway, and the fourlane highway along EBD to CJIA. Completing the highway from Land of Canaan to the Linden to Soesdyke highway, Silica City, and the CJIA. Constructing a four-lane road from Schoonord to Goshen. Expanding the main road in Essequibo to a four-lane highway. Completing the four-lane ECD highway from Mahaica to D’Edward. Constructing the new four-lane bridge across the Berbice River. Completing the road along the East Bank Berbice (EBB) to Mara and upgrading connectivity to De Velde. Completing the four-lane highway from Palmyra to Moleson Creek. Constructing the road from Moleson Creek to Orealla and Siparuta, and upgrading connectivity to Kwakwani. Constructing the new Corentyne River Bridge, to be built in collaboration with our Surinamese counterparts.

Hall/Canje, as previously indicated.

It also committed to upgrading hinterland airstrips, and extending runways where appropriate.

Meanwhile, in the marine transport sector, the PPP/C said in collaboration with private investors, it will construct a deepwater port in Berbice, connected to a road and/or possible rail link integrated with the Linden to Lethem Road.

It also revealed plans to build new port facilities at Charity, Parika, and Port Kaituma to support agricul-

100 new schools

In education, students and teachers will benefit

al infrastructure in real time.

This system will: Create

across the country, with key deliberables.

These include the establishment of a National Ambulance Authority as well as fleet expansion with the procurement of new land, air, and river ambulances.

It will also develop the pre-deployment of units in strategic areas to improve response times.

The party’s plans also include the training and professionalisation of EMS personnel and the establishment of emergency call centres integrated with GPS tracking and real-time response technology.

40,000 new homes

As it pertains to housing over the next five years, citizens can be ready to see the Peoples Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) expanding the housing programme, working to ensure it eliminates the backlog of applications

100,000

ing any remaining informal settlements to provide residents with legal ownership and improved living conditions.

The upgrade of existing communities with concrete drains, street lights, recreational spaces, and security cameras is also in the party’s manifesto plans for the next five years.

Major infrastructure upgrades

Meanwhile for public work in the next five years, the Peoples Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) has committed to continue the rollout of its aggressive agenda for the transformation of the country’s transport infrastructure, with the dual aims of unlocking economic potential and improving quality of life.

These plans include the completion of major roads and bridges to connect Guyana with its neighbours, opening

The PPP/C said it will also continue to upgrade the hinterland road network in Regions One, Seven, Eight, and Nine, to improve connectivity across regions, between villages, and within villages, and upgrading farm-to-market roads to all-weather roads in major

tural exports, and a marina to support riverain leisure and watersports activities.

The party said it will also be conducting capital dredging at the mouths of the Berbice and Demerara Rivers, and putting in place arrangements for ongoing maintenance to ensure adequate depth and turning basins for more efficient movement of cargo.

from AI-supported personalised content development and learning delivery, even in the most remote areas. In healthcare, AI will en-

3D models of physical infrastructure across the country such as roads, bridges, kokers and other drainage and irrigation structures, underground conduits, utility posts, hydrants, and more.

in all regions, and fast-track all pending housing applications.

It also intends to focus heavily on the construction of new homes through the provision of direct assistance to build, especially to the most vulnerable families; accelerated con-

new markets and unlocking trade and economic opportunities, as well as to improve connectivity between communities, and open more productive land.

Selected highlights include: Continuing the upgrade of the Linden to Lethem highway, and con-

farming areas to reduce the cost of transit for farming produce.

Additionally, it committed to advancing the upgrade of community roads and streets in established communities, complete with concrete drains, street lights, and security cameras, setting the stage for more modern, comfortable, and hospitable living conditions.

Aviation school, deepwater port, rail link

The party also revealed that in the next five years, it will be collaborating with the private sector to establish an aviation school in Guyana, with capability to train personnel across all areas of aviation, including the capacity to train and certify pilots domestically.

Still on the aviation sector, the party committed to constructing a new terminal at CJIA and municipal airports at Lethem and Rose

hance diagnosis, track diseases, and prioritise critical cases faster. For everyday services, citizens will get real-time, intelligent support, irrespective of where they are.

Additionally, there will be unlimited scholarships under the GOAL programme; a new Guyana Digital School to give parents online learning options; construction of over 100 new schools, with modern labs and ICT facilities; higher salaries and better working conditions for teachers.

Safe Road, Safe City, and Safe Country

Meanwhile, the party’s plan for Digital Guyana will also see the introduction of an Integrated Geographic Information System (GIS) to map and monitor nation-

The PPP/C outlined that Digital Guyana will expand the Safe Road, Safe City, and Safe Country initiatives, using smart technology to improve public safety and environmental monitoring with: AI-driven surveillance for crime detection and response. Data sharing between law enforcement agencies for coordinated response. Smart traffic systems for congestion management and road safety. Environmental sensors to monitor weather conditions, noise, air and water quality, and illegal dumping. These upgrades will help promote cleaner, safer, and more liveable communities, the PPP/C noted. Meanwhile, the party noted that the MyGuyana portal will be integrated with banks and financial institutions, enabling: Instant, secure verification for account opening. Digital sales by banks, and faster and easier access to loans for borrowers. A reduction in barriers to formal banking for low-income and remote populations.

Duo charged, remanded for attempted murder

Twenty-yearold Shamsundar Khamo also called

‘Nest’, and Vijay Khamo also called ‘Guru’, 23, both of Grassfield, Enmore,

East Coast Demerara (ECD) were on Friday charged and remanded to

prison on an attempted murder charge.

According to reports received, the two men appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Vigilance Magistrate's Court were accused of attempting to murder Naresh Bisnauth on August 11, 2025 at Enmore, ECD.

The two men were reportedly arrested soon after the alleged incident and were charged. They were not required to plea to the indictment and as such, were remanded to prison until August 27, 2025.

Citizens urged to use Secure Eye app for faster crime reporting

Police are encouraging citizens to embrace the “Secure Eye” reporting app as a tool to strengthen community safety and ensure quicker police responses to non-emergency incidents. The application, launched by the Home Affairs Ministry in July, allows persons to submit reports with photos, videos, or voice recordings, which are then routed to the nearest police station based on location.

According to an Analyst at the Home Affairs Ministry, Priya Seepaul, the initiative was born out of mounting complaints that some stations were not treating reports with urgency. “This is not a replacement for the 911 emergency system. It's a non-emergency system. So, when you make a report, given that you give secure eye access to your location. It then pulls your coordinates. And then it reverts that report to the nearest police station within your jurisdiction. This works upon a location basis”, she said. They cautioned that

while Secure Eye facilitates faster response, “you must still follow up with an official report at the station if you want prosecution.”

The app, which functions as a progressive web appli-

cation, can be added to a phone’s home screen without going through the app store. It supports offline functionality, allowing users to prepare a report that automatically syncs when connected to the internet. Each submission also generates a secure reference ID so users can track their complaints.

Seepaul, speaking during an episode of “Road Safety and You”, stressed that the app shifts the role of citizens from passive observers to active allies.

“Whether it's a car accident, whether it's a crime, domestic violence, you name it. You can report it through Secure Eye,” she said.

She also underscored the app’s accessibility.

At the same time, strict warnings have been issued against misuse.

“So, you can be charged or prosecuted the same way as the 911 report. Someone making a false report. Yes, we did try to elaborate this upon the launch, and on the website we will have a disclaimer there to say that you can be prosecuted for malicious reports.”

The Home Affairs Ministry views Secure Eye as part of its broader ICT2030 agenda to modernise public safety systems and digitise services.

Evaluating… …plans

Your Eyewitness is pecking away at this piece just before the formal launch of the PPP’s Manifesto on Monday.

So why he didn’t wait for that to be completed before writing?? Well for the simple reason that they’d put out a “2025–2030 manifesto brief” over a month ago and their leaders and activists had been circulating and discussing it with folks across our fair land ever since!!

Now, you may say this is an anticlimactic way of doing something the other parties have made such a big fuss and hullabaloo about. But there’s a method to the PPP’s seeming madness. They’ve been soliciting constant feedback on their Manifesto initiatives – so Monday’s announcement would’ve seen some tweaks to reflect that input!! As your Eyewitness has been emphasising, the PPP’s five years of rubber hitting the road with their previous Manifesto already know broadly what’s gonna work and what’s not gonna work going ahead!! Last month, the PPP’s GS had said “the PPP/C’s next term will be guided by realism and results”.

So, without going into specific numbers and such like –which anyways ain’t available right now!! – your Eyewitness gonna talk about the central premises of the PPP’s Manifesto in relation to what our country needs – and comparing them with the Opposition’s. Central to the PPP/C’s plan – it was announced – is JOB CREATION. “They pledged to continue supporting the productive sectors — including agriculture, mining, and forestry — through targeted initiatives such as establishing a Development Bank to finance SMEs, opening up 100,000 acres of arable land for cultivation, constructing and upgrading farm-to-market roads, expanding drainage and irrigation systems, and continuing direct support to farmers through planting material, breeding stock, and fertiliser.”

Whew!! This central pillar of the PPP’s plans can be contrasted not only to the pie-in-the-sky promises of the Opposition, but their fundamentally and irrevocably flawed view that just because we’re getting oil revenues we should be doling out – for instance – one million dollars annually to every Guyanese out here!! Handout economics!! So what’s that gonna do to the work ethic – compared to say the Koreans and Singaporeans – that will actually develop Guyana sustainably??

Using World Bank outdated 2019 figures, the Opposition’s been screaming that 48 per cent of Guyanese are living in poverty. Now that’s the figure the PNC left the PPP in 2020!! Can anyone argue with that Private Sector leader who pointed out there’s a job – with its wages! –available to anyone who wants to work?? And it’s not that the PPP ain’t sympathetic to pockets of geographical and demographic lagging poverty. They’ve announced a slew of ameliorative initiatives to address these – such as to children and pensioners.

But ultimately, it’s remunerative jobs and eventual pensions that’ll deliver dignified lives!!

…peace in Europe

Now it’s not that your Eyewitness harbours lingering pockets of affection for our erstwhile European rulers – but he feels we should spare a thought about what went down yesterday at the Trump-Zelenskyy II meeting!! If for nothing else than we Guyanese do like our roti, bread and dumplings –and they’ll become cheaper if Ukraine’s wheat were to reenter global markets disrupted by Russia’s invasion!!

Well, to head off a Trump-Zelenskyy I repetition, leaders of NATO, the European Commission, France, Germany and Finland insisted they be there!! Trump, however, refused a joint meeting with them and met Zelenskyy alone – and saw them afterwards over dinner!! This reflects a fundamental shift in the relationship between the US and Europe which has prevailed since the end of WWII in 1945.

Following the meeting between Trump and Russia’s Putin, it looks like their bromance is back on stream – with the US aligning with Putin’s demand of “agreement before ceasefire”, rather than Zelenskyy and Europe’s rival demand of “ceasefire before agreement”.

Oi vey!!

… the Colombian connection

While cosying up to Colombia and discussing security cooperation, let’s consider their president’s reaction to the US increasing their military presence in the Southern Caribbean. He reiterated support for Maduro – “sons of the same mother”!!

Shamsundar Khamo, also called "Nest" Vijay Khamo, also called "Guru"

Analyst at the Home Affairs Ministry, Priya Seepaul and other officials on the Road Safety and You programme

“Students can dream boldly and achieve fully” – Pres Ali at $566.9M North Ruimveldt Secondary School commissioning

…3-storey facility boasts smart classrooms, labs, teacher accommodations

The North Ruimveldt Secondary School has been officially commissioned by President Dr. Irfaan Ali following a $566.9 million reconstruction that has transformed the institution into one of the most modern schools in the country.

The newly rebuilt three-story structure, now accommodates 450 to 500 students. It boasts state-of-theart facilities including science laboratories, information technology labs, smart classrooms, industrial arts and textile rooms, teacher accommodation, a sanitary block, and a contemporary external design. The project was executed by Kares Engineering, with consultancy provided by Engineer Marcel Gaskin.

The reconstruction comes just in time for the school’s 15th anniversary in September and forms part of a broader national initiative to restore and modernize schools across the country. Similar projects have already been completed at Christ Church Secondary and St. George’s Secondary, which were all destroyed by fire.

A state-of-the-art sports facility is also planned for the North Ruimveldt school to complement academic development and growth among students.

Delivering the feature address at the commissioning, President Ali underscored that the initiative reflects his government’s commitment to equalizing access to quality education. “Being assigned to the school should not be a disadvantage. On the contrary, it is becoming a source of pride, a place where students can learn, grow and achieve at the highest levels, with the same opportunities as any of their peers across the nation,”

Literacy reform

The President also reflected on this year’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) results, acknowledging an overall improvement in performance while highlighting the urgent need to address weak results in mathematics and literacy. “Mathematics is a foundational subject — the gateway to science, technology, engineering, finance and so many other fields that drive modern economies,” he said, pointing to the government’s investment in artificial intelligence-driven teaching tools and the Guyana Digital School platform as a model for the Caribbean.

He emphasized the need for literacy reform, noting that strong reading and comprehension skills are essential for success across all subject areas. “When children can read well, they not only understand concepts more clearly, they are also able to express themselves more effectively in writing. Strong literacy skills form the foundation for all other learning,”

the President added.

Ali reiterated his government’s goal of universal secondary education, stressing that completing secondary school is no longer a luxury but a necessity for personal advancement and national competitiveness. He pledged stronger support systems to ensure no child is denied education due to financial constraints, while promising teachers improved salaries, working conditions, and professional development opportunities.

“Every classroom, every school and every teacher play a vital role in shaping our future. We are building a system where our children can dream boldly and achieve fully, equipped with the skills, knowledge, and values they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world,” President Ali concluded.

Meanwhile, Education Minister Priya Manickchand highlighted the significance of the rebuild, explaining that the learning institution has a history of resilience.

“Today, we are proud to present a modern, wellequipped institution that will provide opportunities for every child. The improvements reflect our continued invest-

ment in education across the country,” the minister stated.

“What we are seeing here is more than bricks and mortar; it’s a foundation for the future,” the education minister said.

The reconstruction, valued at $566.9 million, has resulted in a three-story building measuring 432 feet in

length, 30 feet in width, and 42 feet high.

The school, which can now accommodate 450 to 500 students, comes with science laboratories, information technology labs, modern classrooms, teacher accommodation, a sanitary block, and a contemporary external structure.

The project was executed by Kares Engineering, with project consultancy by Engineer Marcel Gaskin. The school will celebrate its 15th anniversary this September, marking an important milestone in its growth.

the Head of State declared.

President Dr Irfaan Ali along with Education Minister Priya Manickchand, teachers and students at the commissioning of the North Ruimveldt Secondary School

Fmr Granger advisor backs Ali-led PPP/C for 2nd term

…recalls attempts by APNU/AFC to rig 2020 elections

…dismisses Opposition parties as no real challenge

Advisor to former President David Granger, Frederick McWilfred believes that Dr Irfaan Ali is the only contender with a credible plan for Guyana’s future while adding that his strength is further reinforced by having one of the greatest politicians of our time, Vice President (VP) Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, at his side.

“The only viable Presidential Candidate is Irfaan Ali… and he is very fortunate to have in the person of Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, someone who is very experienced and I tell people that

Bharrat Jagdeo reminds me of Forbes Burnham in his political acumen, in his political dexterity and Irfaan Ali is very fortunate to have VP Jagdeo to get advice from – he is the head of the party- so Irfaan Ali is given a chance to function and grow and in his second term, he will grow and blossom,” McWilfred related during the recent televised episode of ‘Political Insights.’

He referenced to the other parties such as A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) led by Aubrey Norton, the Alliance For Change (AFC) led by Attorney at Law Nigel

Huges and We Invest In Nationhood (WIN) led by United States (US)sanctioned, Azruddin Mohamed as no match for the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) at the September 1 polls.

According to him, the APNU, of which the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) is the main component, has a history of electoral rigging attempts prior to the 2020 elections, which the party sought to delay despite being aware that the PPP/C had won. “When we lost the elections in 2020, I decided to retire. The PPP won those elections, there was an attempt to rig those elections and I am not going into details, but the actors know what happened. Even while the recount was going on and you would have recalled that the winner of the election was not declared until August 2020… on the 6th June, 2020 I resigned from my position at the Office of the President.”

Rigging attempts refreshed memory

A decision, he took despite his contract was already renewed by the then President. McWilfred who had functioned under various capacities at the Ministry of Presidency recalled that in June 2020,

he realised that the then President Granger would not return to office and as such, resigned.

He noted that having worked under former Prime Minister (PM) and then President, Forbes Burnham, the rigging attempts refreshed his memory of that era. I was aware of Burnham’s survival as a politician as a leader being a direct result of the cold war and the western powers to keep Cheddi Jagan out of office. The PNC used to rig those elections.” In 2020, there was a clear manifestation of that era which was not allowed.

Touching on the AFC, he noted that the party had been seen as a new horizon for Guyana but that all changed after joining with the PNC/R that led to the formation of the APNU/AFC Coalition

“The APNU/AFC Coalition was essentially a PNC Government… I think that AFC was destroyed as a political party as a political force during that coalition. The PNC leaders did not treat the AFC as a coalition partner but, they were toss aside, they were militarised and they lost their purpose. They brought votes to that coalition because people were dissatisfied with the PPP and people saw them

as someone who would represent them in that coalition but that did not happen.”

He added, today the AFC is a splint political force and believes that it will not get a seat in Parliament after the September 1 polls.

Not racism

He, nevertheless stated that opposition political activists cannot blame the PPP/C for securing its political base by any means possible while noting that Granger refused to do so in the 2015 elections but rather, single-handedly destroyed the coalition because he did not take advise. “What the PPP/C is doing is not racism… what they are doing in securing their political base and no one can fault them for that. Who stopped Granger from

securing his political base in the 2015-2020 period? No one stopped him, he refused to do it… he did not listen to people who wanted him to do it… he destroyed the coalition – the WPA (Working People’s Alliance) and GAP (Guyana Action Party), they had no say in that coalition…”

He recalled that Granger appointed Dr Clive Thomas to head State Asset Recovery Agency (SARA) and has never met with him once. He admitted that the APNU/ AFC was a disoriented party with no direction and proper leadership.

Meanwhile, he appealed to the people of Guyana to give President Dr Irfaan Ali another chance as he has good intentions for the development of Guyana and its people.

US, Guyana partner on election security training

United States (US) Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot has reaffirmed Washington’s support for

Guyana’s security and democratic processes following a joint election security crisis response training exercise held under the Caribbean

Basin Security Initiative (CBSI).

In a post made on the US embassy’s social media page in Georgetown it was stat-

ed that the exercise brought together Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken, officers of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), and counter-

parts from the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office. According to Ambassador Theriot, the training focused on enhancing preparedness and collab-

oration in safeguarding the electoral process.

“This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to public safety, regional cooperation, and protecting the rights of Guyanese citizens,” Ambassador Theriot said. She added that the US remains committed to assisting Guyana in strengthening institutions, promoting security and protecting its sovereignty.

The CBSI launched in 2009, is a US security partnership with Caribbean nations aimed at addressing crime and security threats in the region. The initiative has supported a range of training programmes and technical assistance to bolster law enforcement capacity.

US Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot along with Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken, officers of the GPF, and counterparts from the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office

Former Advisor to then President David Granger, Frederick McWilfred

President Dr Irfaan Ali on the campaign trail

Linden-Soesdyke Highway fatal smash-up

Driver of parked lorry unlicensed; failed to place reflectors on roadway – Police

Days after three persons including a seven-year-old child lost their lives at Loo Creek Linden-Soesdyke Highway, the police have confirmed that the driver of the motor lorry involved in the accident did not have a licence to drive that class of vehicle. The accident reportedly occurred at about 01:30h on Saturday and resulted in the death of seven-year-old Marenzo Campbell, 26-yearold Shelly Joseph and 25-year-old Keiron

Unidentified pedestrian dies in Montrose accident

– Police solicit public’s assistance to identify man killed at Russian Embassy turn

An accident along the Montrose Public Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD) in the wee hours of Monday has resulted in the demise of an unidentified pedestrian.

Police stated that the accident involved a motorcar PAC 8964 which was at the time being driven by a 24-year-old welder from Martyrsville, Mon Repos, ECD, and the now-deceased pedestrian. Preliminary reports revealed that the motorcar was proceeding along the Montrose Public Road when it is alleged that the pedestrian attempted to cross the road and ended up in the path of the vehicle.

Although the driver applied the brakes, the motorcar struck the pedestrian, who was reportedly thrown into the air before landing on the roadway. Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) pronounced him dead at the scene. However, after the accident, the driver reportedly drove off the scene but subsequently returned. He was taken into custody and a breathalyser test was administered but no trace of alcohol was found in his system. He remains in custody pending charges. Meanwhile, the Guyana Police Force (GPF)

on Monday sough the public’s assistance in identifying a pedestrian who was killed in an accident along the Rupert Craig Highway, in the vicinity of the Russian Embassy on Friday.

It was reported that the accident involved motor car, PXX 8048 which was at the time being driven by 26-year-old Christopher McPherson.

Police revealed that the car was proceeding along the Rupert Craig Highway

at a fast rate when it is alleged that the pedestrian suddenly ran over the road and into the path of his vehicle.

However, due to the short braking distance, the front portion of the car reportedly collided with the pedestrian. As a result, the victim was flung onto the road surface, and his body partly ended up under the car. He sustained injuries to his head and body. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

all of Cemetery Road, Hyde Park, Timehri, East Bank Demerara (EBD). The deceased were travelling from Linden to Timehri in a motorcar bearing registration number, PAH 9911 which was at time being driven by Mairo Campbell,26, who is also the father of the dead seven-year-old.

Police stated that on the day in question, the motor lorry laden with lumber was along the Linden-Soesdyke Highway and in the vicinity of Loo Creek it suffered a ‘blow-out’. As such, the driver parked the lorry with no reflectors placed to the rear, side or front of the vehicle to alert other road users.

However, the motorcar was reportedly driving at a fast rate when it collided with the rear of the Lorry. As a result of the impact, the driver, along with the three occupants, received injuries to their heads and other parts of their bodies.

They were pulled from

the wreckage in an unconscious condition and rushed to the Linden Hospital Complex, where the sevenyear-old child along with Wells were pronounced dead on arrival. Joseph subsequently succumbed to her injuries while receiving medical treatment. The driver of the car was admitted to the hospital and is suffering from a dislocated left foot and a displaced left eye. Police related his condition remains serious but stable. The unlicensed driver was arrested and is expected to be slapped with several charges.

Guyanese Dr Arif Bulkan to be appointed as Judge at CCJ

The Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission (RJLSC) has appointed Justice Arif Bulkan of Guyana as a Judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). His appointment follows the elevation of Justice Winston Anderson to the presidency of the Court on July 4, 2025.

Justice Bulkan who is expected to be sworn in by October 2025, becomes the third Guyanese national to sit on the CCJ bench.

A graduate of the University of the West Indies (UWI) with a Bachelor of Laws, Justice Bulkan also holds a Legal Education Certificate from the Hugh Wooding Law School, a Master of Laws from University College London, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Law from Osgoode Hall Law School, York University, Canada. His career spans litigation, academia, authorship and international legal work. He was admitted to the Guyana Bar in 1990 and served in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions until 1996, reaching the post of Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions. He later entered private practice until 2004. Justice Bulkan also sat on the Court of Appeal of Guyana in 2018 and has been serving as a Judge of the Court of Appeal of Belize since May 2022.

From 2008 to 2022, he was a lecturer at the

UWI Faculty of Law. His international work includes serving as a member of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Committee, where he was Vice Chairperson from 2019 to 2022, and his current role as a commissioner and Second Vice-President (VP) of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, to which he was elected in June 2023.

Justice Bulkan is also a published scholar on indigenous rights, human rights and constitutional law. His works include The Survival of Indigenous Rights in Guyana (2012) and Fundamentals of Caribbean Constitutional Law, co-authored in 2015 with a second edition released in 2021. His contributions earned him the Anthony Sabga Caribbean Award for Public and Civic Contributions in 2017, as well as recognition as a PANCAP/CARICOM

Champion for Change that same year.

In announcing the appointment, CCJ President and RJLSC Chairman Justice Winston Anderson said the process was based solely on merit, citing expertise, integrity and dedication to justice as key considerations. He disclosed that 26 applications were received from across the Caribbean and internationally, with five candidates shortlisted before Justice Bulkan was selected.

Meanwhile, Guyana’s Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall, SC offered congratulations to the Justice Bulkan on behalf of Guyana.

“Warmest congratulations are hereby extended to Dr Arif Bulkan, on behalf of the Government of Guyana on his selection for appointment as a Judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice,” the AG in his message stated.

Justice Arif Bulkan of Guyana

The unidentified pedestrian killed on Friday in the vicinity of the Russian Embassy

Wells,

Dead: Shelly Joseph, Marenzo Campbell and Keiron Wells

The collision that claimed the lives of the trio

The truck that was involved in the accident

E-ID rollout ushers in new era of citizen services

…Pres Ali receives e-ID, as national digital ID system to transform healthcare, education, public services nationwide

Guyana is set to enter a new era of digital transformation with the rollout of a national Electronic Identification (e-ID) system, which President Dr Irfaan Ali has described as a game-changer in both healthcare and citizen access to government services.

Speaking at the commissioning of the newly rebuilt North Ruimveldt Secondary School, President Ali explained that the e-ID will not simply serve as a form of identification, but will be integrated into healthcare, education, and social support systems to improve the quality of life for every Guyanese.

President Dr Irfaan Ali

“I think I got registered today to be the first person to receive a digital ID card,” President Ali said, highlighting its importance for the younger generation. He explained that the government is already collecting baseline health

data from children, which will be linked to the e-ID system. This will allow for early detection of health issues, preventative care, and public health education, reducing the need for hospitalisation and en -

abling stronger national healthcare planning.

The Head of State noted that the initiative ties into broader efforts such as nutritional programs in schools, expansion of the school feeding programme, and heavy investments in hospitals and clinics. “Every family knows that good health is the foundation for a good life. These investments translate into healing and cure—into mothers surviving childbirth, children getting the medication they need, and grandparents living longer, healthier lives,” Ali stressed. He added that with continued investment, Guyana aims to eliminate the need for citizens to travel abroad for treatment, while positioning the country to become a net exporter of health services.

Digital future under PPP/C’s manifesto

The government’s push towards digitisation is also a central pillar of the PPP/C’s 2025–2030 manifesto, which was launched on Monday. According to the plan, the administration envisions a “Digital Guyana” built on innovation, inclusion, and efficiency, with the e-ID system forming the backbone of a vibrant, citizen-centric digital ecosystem.

Under this strategy, the government will roll out the MyGuyana citizen portal—a one-stop digital platform, accessible via web and mobile apps. Using their e-ID, citizens will be able to apply for birth certificates, passports, driver’s licences, and business permits, have access healthcare and education records, file tax returns, pay taxes, and manage NIS pensions, apply for house lots, land titles, and utility connections and pay bills, mortgages, and conduct transactions through a secure national eWallet integrated with local banks.

The manifesto underscores that digital equity and inclusion will remain central to ensure no Guyanese is left behind. “This transformation will make Guyana a digital leader in the region,” the PPP/C pledges, while promising that technology will make public services faster, more accessible, and more responsive.

Oil revenues transforming lives President Ali also reminded that oil revenues are being channelled directly into people’s well-being through these healthcare and digital investments. “These investments translate into healing and cure, into mothers surviving childbirth, into children getting the medication they need, into grandparents living longer and healthier lives. That is one way oil is being transformed into well-being for our citizens” he said, pointing to better hospitals, stronger school systems, and now a national digital infrastructure designed to empower every household.

With the launch of the e-ID system and the MyGuyana citizen portal, Guyana is positioning itself not only as an oil economy, but as a regional digital hub, where technology uplifts lives, drives growth, and builds the foundation of a truly modern state.

72-year-old woman dies in ECD accident

Police are investigating a fatal accident that occurred on Monday along the Dutch Four Public Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD) which claimed the life of a 72-year-old woman of Corentyne, Berbice. Dead is Grace Lyte. Reports are that the accident, which occurred at about 07:30h involved motorcar, PAH 8915, owned and driven 46-year-old Thaddeus Lyte of Corentyne, Berbice, with the pensioner as his only his occupant. The other vehicle was motor lorry GAG 8567, driven by a 22-year-old resident of Soesdyke. Police said that preliminary investigations revealed that the lorry was proceeding east in the northern lane at an estimated 40 kmph, while the motor car was heading west at a fast rate.

The car reportedly overtook a line of traffic and collided head-on with the lorry in the southern lane. Both vehicles ended up in a trench on the southern side of the road. As a result of the collision, both the driver and occupant of the car sustained injuries. Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) responded and the injured were taken to the Georgetown Public

Hospital Corporation (GPHC). While both were admitted in a conscious state, the 72-year-old woman succumbed to her injuries at about 09:30h. Her body has been placed in the hospital’s mortuary, pending a post-mortem examination. The driver of the car was treated and discharged. He is currently in police custody, assisting with the investigation.

From displacement to distinction: Region 6 top CSEC student shines with 18 subjects

After being displaced and had to change schools during COVID-19, Laurex Vandenburgh successfully sat 18 subjects at the Caribbean Examinations Council (CSEC), earning five distinctions, eleven grade ones and two grade twos.

The Linepath Secondary student is Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) CSEC student for 2025.

Vandenburgh, who only attended the school in grade 7 and 8 had to return to his home village of Orealla as a result of COVID-19 and attended the Orealla Top for Grade 8-10 of his schooling, but returned to Linepath Secondary to complete his secondary education.

He had to repeat grade 10 to be accepted back into the school.

He told this publication that he just wanted to challenge himself in sitting eithteen subjects.

“Eighteen subjects sounds fun, so why not try it. That's the reason I wrote it and like, oh, maybe I could just challenge myself,” he said.

According to the 17-year-

old, he was convinced that there were others who did much better than himself at the exams and was surprised when he was told that he was one of the top suudents in the Region.

“When they called me to attend the conference, I was not told I was the top in the region I was informed that I was among the top students, and I was invited to the conference, but they did not tell me my official ranking because they were unsure of that themselves… I was very surprised because I was convinced I did not do that well. So when they called me, that was kind of reassuring, kind of like relief for me, and I was very surprised,” he said.

Leaving the exam room, Vandenburgh said he was not confident that he had done well, especially with one subject, which is also a worry for many.

“The night before the math exam, I hardly got any sleep, and when I entered and I wrote the exam, I completely blacked out. I believe I did bad because my brain wasn't properly functioning at the time… So math was a

subject I thought I would get a low grade in, like probably grade 3.”

However, Landenburgh received a Grade 1 in Math.

The two subjects he got grade 3s in were geography and chemistry.

The other subjects he wrote are: agriculture science, biology, electronic document preparation and management, English A and B, food, nutrition and health

technical, human and social biology, information technology, office administration, physical education, physics, principles of business, social studies, and theatre arts.

Hyper-focused

Speaking about this study habits preparing for the examinations, Vandingburgh said being hyper-focused, he would either be studying for hours or

just sit doing nothing.

“But when I do study, I am just there sitting for hours trying to understand the content, and I use a lot of past papers trying to understand the structure of the questions and how I should answer the questions.”

He said he also reached out to teachers, showing them his answer and asking what he could have done better or whether his explanation was satisfactory.

Now having completed secondary, Vandenburgh says he has applied for admission into the Technical Institute.

“I am planning to study Mechanical Engineering, and from there, I will go on to University to further my studies in Mechanical Engineering and then hopefully get an internship at ExxonMobil and then move on from there.”

Advice to others

“When they enter exam class I would advise them to start studying whenever they have time because for the exam class - Form 5; what usually happens in the remaining terms Is that

teachers try to push to complete the SBAs and that would usually leave students with limited time to study because they are trying to complete their SBAs and stressing over SBAs. So, my advice would be to study when you have the time.”

Asked about the impact social media has on students preparing for exams, Vandenburgh said it has both a positive and a negative impact.

“Social media is like a double-edged sword. It depends on how you use it. Some people would just use social media and take in whatever is on there, and some people like me, when I use social media, it is either I am using it for fun or whatever, but coming down to exam time, I use it for study tips. For study material, for things to help me prepare for the exam. So I would say it depends on how you use social media. If you use it for bad or if you don't try to gain anything good for it, then I would not advise using social media, but if you're using it to help yourself, then it's a good thing,” he concluded.

PPP/C unveils 2025 manifesto as Party charts...

No new taxes, lower taxes

To ensure that the Guyanese people have more disposable income and that cost-of-living pressures are cushioned, over the next five years, the Peoples Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) will maintain its policy of no new taxes throughout all the budgets that it will present during the coming term of office.

The party also committed to lowering taxes generally, including: lower income and corporate taxes, thereby rewarding and incentivising greater effort; and lower taxes on vehicles, while maintaining its policy of allowing importation of vehicles irrespective of age, thereby making vehicle ownership more affordable.

The PPP/C further said it will seek to conclude multi-year agreements with the unions in the public sector, in keeping with the principles of collective bargaining, and continue to grant salary increases and improve benefits to employees.

Additionally, the par-

ty said it will provide additional cash grants to households and individuals, and, maintain policies to keep interest rates low, especially for home ownership.

Further, the government has pledged to make financing more easily and affordably available to Guyanese businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and households, as it aims to foster a more inclusive financial system, empowering all Guyanese to access the system and to participate in saving and investment opportunities.

This would be achieved through public education, legislative and regulatory reforms where needed, and targeted interventions aimed at promoting more innovative and accessible investment instruments.

SME Development Bank

This move would bring into fruition an SME Development Bank which will provide micro-credit loans to SMEs at zero interest, along with mentorship and support where

appropriate to help SMEs grow their business, provide training and support to build capacity amongst the private sector, especially SMEs, to prepare credible business plans and successful loan applications, helping them to graduate to the formal financial system and review the legal and regulatory framework governing the banking and quasibanking sector and enact any amendments needed to remove impediments to a more borrower-friendly lending environment and more flexible collateral requirements, while safeguarding stability, among others.

Youth empowerment

Youth empowerment is another cornerstone of the plan. The PPP/C has pledged to expand technical and vocational education, create new opportunities in entrepreneurship, and provide targeted support for at-risk youth. The aim is to ensure that young people are equipped with the skills, resources, and opportunities to drive national development.

Together, these initiatives highlight a vision for inclusive growth—one that extends beyond the economy to focus on social upliftment, cultural pride, and stronger communities.

As a result, over the next five years, the young people of Guyana are set to benefit from efforts that cater for the expansion of investment in sports and recreational facilities countrywide, increase employment opportunities, especially targeting young people, completion of the new international stadium at Palmyra, as well as the synthetic tracks, multipurpose sports centres, and other modern sports facilities currently under construction countrywide and the establishment a high-performance conditioning facility for athletes to support pre-competition preparation, high intensity training, and rehabilitation.

Anti-corruption unit

Over the next five years, the PPP/C said it will continue to ensure that the public procurement system

is fair, transparent, competitive, efficient, and promotes value for money.

By additional streamlining and simplification of the bidding process, “we will further democratise access to government procurement opportunities, improve both the competitiveness and fairness of the system, facilitate deepening of capacity on the supply side, and improve value for money in government procurement transactions”, the party outlined in its manifesto.

Furthermore, the PPP/C said in its ongoing efforts to combat corruption, it will strengthen laws where needed; establish an anti-corruption unit; use technology such as blockchain to aid transparency, reduce bureaucracy, and improve efficiency; and fully enforce the Access to Information Act.

These plans are outlined in the party’s 2025 manifesto which was launched on Monday.

Recycling Centre

Another measure that was outlined is that the

party will work on upgrading the Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill, including the construction of a recycling center to improve waste processing capabilities. In tandem, it will launch an aggressive waste recycling programme to promote sustainable waste management practices.

The party said it will implement public awareness and community engagement campaigns to educate citizens on proper waste disposal and the benefits of recycling.

Additionally, it will work with private investors to convert waste into energy, aiming to reduce landfill dependency and generate alternative energy sources.

Other additional measures that were outlined in the party’s manifesto are Fuel and utility subsidies; New large-scale mining operations; more lands for small miners; 100,000 new acres of arable land; copment complex and cheaper fertiliser, cooking gas, reduced taxes on vehicles among other measures.

Region 6 top CSEC student Laurex Vandenburgh

Death of young Jockey

"Mommy, I'm going to race" – grieving mother recalls son's last words to her

The cries of a mother echoed throughout Better Hope, East Coast Demerara, as she tried to cope with the loss of her 19-year-old son, Kishawn Pereira, who lost his life following a fall during the Guyana Cup horse race meet on Sunday.

Struggling to find her words through flowing tears, his mother recalled the devastating moment she was told her only son was gone.

Pereira was riding Blinding Light in the H Class race over seven furlongs when the horse reportedly slipped, throwing him

to the ground, with another horse, American Traveller, at its heels. American Traveller, ridden by jockey Bharrat Ramnarine, could not be pulled away in time, and Pereira's fall proved fatal.

The incident occurred between the third- and fourth-furlong poles during the penultimate race of the day, which had nine horses at the start. By the fifth furlong pole, three riders, including Pereira, had fallen.

According to his mother she had been sitting by the roadside selling dog food when she received the heart-

breaking news.

"I was sitting selling dog food on the road when my first son called me and said, 'Mommy, did you hear what happened to Kishawn?' I said no. He said, 'Okay, we'll call you back.' By the time he called again, he asked if I was sure I didn't know what happened. When I said no, he said, 'You have a dead son.'"

Without hesitation, she said, she hired a taxi and headed straight to Berbice.

"I took myself, I hired a taxi, and went all the way to Berbice to find my son. It was so sad for me to see him lying dead on a stretcher. That very morning, he had left home saying, 'Mommy, I'm going to race.' Before he left, I told him, 'Okay son, go safe. I bless you. May you come back safe.' I never thought it would be the last time I saw him alive. When I heard he was dead, I broke down completely."

"Who am I going to turn to now?"

Fighting through tears and emotions she admitted that she has no one to turn to now that her son is gone.

"Who am I going to turn to now? In the morning, I would wake up and cook for him. Now I have no one to look after. Nothing can bring back my son. Nothing can bring him back. All I have left are the memories, and I will never forget him until I see him again."

The young jockey, a former student of Cummings Lodge Secondary, had been passionate about horse racing since the age of 16.

"When he was supposed to go to do CXC, he told me not to spend the money. He wanted to pursue riding. He used to get up, go to school, and then head straight to ride horses. How he got into horse riding, who encouraged him, and why he started - I can't even tell you. All I know is that he loved it," his mother said.

Collided

A series of unfavorable weather conditions contributed to the animal's fall, which ultimately led to Pereira's tragic demise.

Ariff Baksh, a representative of the horse stable for which Pereira rode, explained what happened at the Rising Sun Turf Club.

"We had to cancel some races due to the track's condition, and although the promoter tried to fix it, it was still rough. Pereira had already ridden about five races that day. In this one, the horse tripped, and as it was trying to get up, another horse came and collided."

In light of Pereira's passing, Slingerz Racing Stable joined the entire horse racing fraternity in mourning.

"Horse racing, by its very nature, is a sport of great risks, yet the young jockey embraced it with unmatched passion, bravery, and com-

mitment. More than just a talented jockey, he was admired and respected across stables and communities for his skill, professionalism, and infectious energy," the stable said in a release on Monday.

The release continued, "His love for the sport was undeniable, and his presence elevated horse racing in Guyana. Slingerz Racing Stable held Kishawn in the highest regard, both as a competitor and as an individual. He embodied the spirit of perseverance and courage that defines this sport, and his loss will be felt deeply by all who knew him and shared the track with him. Kishawn Pereira's name will forever be remembered within the annals of Guyana's racing history, and his contribution to the sport will live on as an enduring legacy. On behalf of the owners, trainers, jockeys, and the wider Slingerz Racing Stable family, we express our deepest condolences to his loved ones, friends, and colleagues. May his memory continue to inspire those who ride with the same courage and dedication that defined his life."

The first prize in that race was approximately $1.2 million, and Pereira had earned the title of Best Apprentice Jockey in 2024. The horse he rode, Blinding Light, was reportedly injured and has since been retired.

“Students can dream boldly and achieve...

The school will eventually have a state-of-theart sports facility, complementing the academic achievements and providing students with opportunities for holistic development.

The rebuilt school forms part of a broader national effort that has seen multiple schools restored this year, including Christ Church Secondary and St George’s Secondary, ensuring students across the country have access to modern educational facilities.

The usual, IT home management, clothing and textile, industrial arts, smart classrooms and science labs

President Ali's remarks at commissioning

What we are doing here is part of a broader effort to equalize the delivery of quality education across Guyana, ensuring that students at North Ruimveldt Secondary can perform just as well as those in our top performing schools. Being assigned to the school should not be a disadvan-

tage. On the contrary, it is becoming a source of pride, a place where students can learn, grow and achieve at the highest levels, with the same opportunities as any of their peers across the nation.

The results of this year's CSEC and CAPE examinations are out, and we are pleased to note that Ghana has registered an overall improvement in performance. And I want to congratulate the education sector, the teachers and students. But we are not the type of people in leadership who hide from challenges.

Despite this, we must also acknowledge that there are areas of concern, particularly in mathematics. This is not a challenge unique to Ghana. It is a Caribbean-wide problem.

But we have shown that with the investments we have made, we have made improvement over the last year. And I can say safely, that the program we are pursuing, the use of AI and the Ghana Digital School, that we will be the model that the region needs for

improvement in mathematics. We are building out that model for the region.

And this is one that must be resolved quickly, because mathematics is a foundational subject. It is the gateway to science, technology, engineering, finance and so many other fields that drive modern economies. Without a solid grounding in mathematics, our young people are at a disadvantage in pursuing higher studies, in securing certain types of employment and in fully participating in a rapidly changing world.

That is why we are determined to ensure higher levels of passes in this critical subject. And why we will be making the necessary intervention, starting from the primary school level, to strengthen teaching, improving learning and reverse the poor pass rates in mathematics. We also recognize that there are gaps in literacy that need urgent attention.

When children can read well, they not only understand concepts more clearly, they are also able to

express themselves more effectively in writing. Strong literacy skills from the foundation for all other learning, from science and mathematics to social studies and the arts. That is why we will be making stronger targeted efforts to improve literacy across time, ensuring that every child gains the reading and comprehension skills necessary to succeed in school and in life.

We want every child to complete secondary education because universal secondary education is no longer a luxury. It is a necessity for personal growth, national development and economic competitiveness. Completing secondary education equips young minds with the knowledge, skills and discipline they need to succeed in life.

Our goal is for every student not only to finish school, but to complete their full course of study and leave with the qualifications required to pursue their life interests. And when I say qualification required, this includes technical skills and technical

capability. Therefore, vocational training is important in this equation to allow a seamless transition of our children to the workforce.

That is why we will ensure that no student leaves school without a solid foundation, giving every child the knowledge and skills needed to succeed. We will continue to support parents so that financial constraints do not prevent their children from attending school, ensuring access for all. We will make certain that all teachers are trained to deliver the highest quality education, equipping them with tools and skills to inspire learning.

We will ensure that headteachers are not simply managers, but true leaders of education who guide, mentor and drive excellence in their schools. Our teachers can look forward not only for better salaries and better working conditions, but you can look forward to an environment where there will be competition, because there will be tremendous improvement

FROM PAGE 9

in their package. And there will be a lot of knock-back on the door for teachers who left here to return. And there will be greater competition in the system. I am telling you this so that you know. The only way to get ahead of the competition is by continuing to invest in yourselves. Make use of the opportunities for training and advancement. Very critical. A great future lies ahead of our children.

A future filled with opportunities, prosperity and dignity. It is a future where every young person, regardless of where they come from, can dream boldly and achieve fully. But for that future to be real, we must ensure that our education system equips them with the knowledge, skills and values they need to thrive.

Every classroom, every school and every teacher plays a vital role in shaping that future, giving our children the tools to innovate, to solve problems and to seize the opportunities that await them.

Kishawn Pereira

Kishawn Pereira's mother holding one of her son's horse racing trophies

CAL launches direct flights between Dominica & Puerto Rico

Caribbean Airlines (CAL) flights BW 296 and BW 297 have officially touched down in Puerto Rico and Dominica respectively, as the airline commenced non-stop flights between the two destinations on August 15, 2025.

As part of its destination promotion, the Puerto Rico Tourism Company hosted a Dominica based travel blogger to showcase the many attractions that Puerto Rico has to offer. Upon the return sector to Dominica, the aircraft was greeted to a water salute at Douglas–Charles International Airport, with tourism officials from Discover Dominica presenting tokens to arriving passengers.

Commenting on the start-up of non-stop services, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company Willianette Robles Cancel stated “The tourism industry is a key component of the Caribbean economy. As part of its strategic plan to foster local and regional growth, the Puerto Rico Tourism Company continues to explore alliances that increase air access between destinations and promote multi-destination vacations. We welcome this new flight connection with Dominica and look forward to the new horizons and opportunities our partnership with Caribbean

Airlines will bring.”

In July, CAL announced the roll out of an enhanced commercial schedule based on a response to customer feedback for more regional travel options. These services provide a great opportunity for travel during the latter part of the summer peak and continue toward the Christmas season.

On the other hand, acting Minister of Tourism of Dominica Chekira Lockhart-Hypolite provided positive sentiments on the airline’s enhanced schedule stating, “This new service brings incredible convenience—especially for travelers from the US (United States) With less congestion than major hubs like Miami or New

York, connecting travelers reach Dominica quicker and with less stress.

Caribbean Airlines’ increased service from Trinidad further strengthens our regional links, giving travelers more seamless options through Port of Spain. This new route is a major step forward in improving access to Dominica and we thank Caribbean Airlines for their partnership as we continue to make it easier for the world to visit our beautiful island."

The airline has also increased its non-stop flights between Dominica and Trinidad, facilitating seamless on-ward connections to/from New York three times weekly in ei-

ther direction. CAL continues its focus on delivering consistent and reliable travel options for its cus-

tomer base while fulfilling its mandate to improve connectivity throughout the Caribbean.

T&T men, Venezuelan caught en route to collected guns and drugs for local syndicate

Senior Trinidadian Police Officers say the arrest of several Trinidadian men and a Venezuelan national at sea, who were allegedly on their way to collect a shipment of guns and illegal drugs bound for Trinidad, is being viewed as a major breakthrough in the fight against crime.

Yesterday, senior intelligence officials confirmed the authenticity of a video circulating on social media showing the arrest of, what appeared to be at least five T&T nationals by Venezuelan se-

curity forces aboard a vessel intercepted in international waters. The incident, which occurred around August 13 or 14, is now being linked to the broader transnational criminal networks currently under scrutiny as part of the ongoing State of Emergency (SoE).

Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro confirmed the arrests to Guardian Media over the weekend.

“My information is that they weren’t out there to collect fish.”

The Commissioner did

not reveal exactly how many T&T nationals were on the vessel and arrested.

Local intelligence officials said the group, comprising T&T nationals and the Venezuelan operative, was en route to collect a large shipment of narcotics and firearms destined for Trinidad.

The arrest is being directly linked to a broader criminal syndicate that remains under active surveillance.

The Venezuelan national is reportedly affiliated with the international organised outfit, Tren de Aragua.

According to senior Police sources, the locals detained aboard the vessel have been linked to an incarcerated gang leader in Trinidad. The group was intercepted approximately 60 nautical miles off Cabo Codera, Venezuela. Venezuelan officials also seized 3000 litres of fuel along with a large quantity of contraband. A video posted on social media three days ago showed the suspects being detained and the vessel searched. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

A cultural showcase greeted arriving passengers at Luis Munoz Marin International Airport, Puerto Rico

BW 297 was greeted to a water salute upon its arrival in Dominica, following a non-stop flight from Puerto Rico (Photo by 767AVIATOR)

Hurricane Erin could bring dangerous seas as it grows near The Bahamas

Residents in The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos braced on Monday for Hurricane Erin, a dangerous Category Four storm and the first of the Atlantic season, after it strengthened over the weekend while sweeping past Caribbean islands.

While Erin is not on track to make direct landfall and has yet to cause major damage, its growing size and strength are threatening rough seas and have prompted some evacuation orders in parts of North Carolina, on the US East Coast.

US deploys warships near Venezuela to combat drug threats, sources say

Three US Aegis guided-missile destroyers will arrive off the coast of Venezuela in the next 36 hours as part of an effort to address threats from Latin American drug cartels, two sources briefed on the matter said on Monday.

President Donald Trump has wanted to use the military to go after Latin American drug gangs that have been designated as global terrorist organisations.

The sources said the ships are the USS Gravely, USS Jason Dunham and the USS Sampson

itary assets in the broader region would include several P-8 spy planes, warships and at least one attack submarine.

The official said the process would be ongoing for several months and the plan was for them to operate in international airspace and international waters.

The naval assets can be used to not just carry out intelligence and surveillance operations, but also as a launching pad for targeted strikes if a decision is made, the official added.

Trump has made cracking down on drug cartels a central goal of his Administration as part of a wider effort to limit migration and secure the US southern border.

The Trump Administration in recent months has already deployed at least two warships to help in border security efforts and drug trafficking.

Sosnowski said Erin was among the fastest-strengthening storms on record after it intensified from a tropical storm to a Category Five hurricane, the highest level of the Saffir-Simpson scale, in just over 27 hours. It makes 2025 the fourth straight Atlantic season with at least one Category Five storm.

The US National Hurricane Center said

"Erin's already large size and intensity are acting like a giant plunger on the sea surface," AccuWeather senior meteorologist Alex Sosnowski said in a report.

Erin, now a Category Four storm, was likely to maintain its force as a dangerous major hurricane through the middle of the week, but avoid contact with Bermuda or the US coast.

As of Tuesday at 0000 GMT, the storm was packing maximum sustained winds of 130 miles per hour (210 kph) as it passed east of the Bahamas.

The Air Force Reserve and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration hurricane hunters were currently investigating the system, the NHC said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Bolivia heads to runoff after right turn in presidential vote

Bolivians decisively repudiated the leftist party which has ruled the country for most of the past two decades in a first-round presidential election vote, likely paving the way for more market-friendly policies for its crisis-wracked economy.

Centrist Senator Rodrigo Paz secured 32.18 per cent of the vote, while Eduardo del Castillo of the Movement for Socialism, MAS, had just 3.16 per cent, according to initial results released by the electoral tribunal on Sunday night.

Conservative former President Jorge "Tuto" Quiroga of the Alianza coalition was second with 26.94 per cent, with over 92 per cent of the ballots counted.

If no candidate obtains more than 40 per cent of the vote with a 10-point lead, there will be a run-off on October 19. Full official results will be announced within seven days.

The result marked a drastic shift for a country which since 2006 has mostly been dominated by the interventionist MAS party led by the charismatic Evo Morales, although his once-

tight grip on the leftist coalition had already faded.

"Bolivia is not just asking for a change in government, it's asking for a change in the political system," Paz said in a speech broadcast on Sunday night. "This is the beginning of a great victory, of a great transformation," he added, as his supporters chanted "renewal".

Bolivian bonds gained nearly three cents, with the 2030 maturity bid at 79.69 cents on the dollar, according to Tradeweb data, its highest level this

year. Investors were hopeful that a turn away from the leftist party could help the country turn its economy around, avoid a debt default, and pave the way for an International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme.

Earlier on Sunday, Quiroga acknowledged the results, confirming his place in the runoff, and congratulated Paz.

Outgoing President Luis Arce released an upbeat statement recognising the results, saying "Democracy has triumphed." (Excerpt from Reuters)

A separate US official told Reuters that in total, about 4000 sailors and Marines are expected to be committed to the Trump Administration's efforts in the southern Caribbean region.

That US official, who was speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the additional commitment of mil-

Venezuela's Communications Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Without referring to the warships, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro said on Monday in an address that Venezuela will "defend our seas, our skies and our lands." He alluded to what he called "the outlandish, bizarre threat of a declining empire".

The Trump administration designated Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel and other drug gangs, as well as Venezuelan criminal group Tren de Aragua, as global terrorist organisations in February, as it stepped up immigration enforcement against alleged gang members.

The US military has already been increasing its airborne surveillance of Mexican drug cartels to collect intelligence to determine how to best counter their activities. (Reuters)

Brazil challenges legitimacy of US trade probe, urges dialogue

Brazil submitted its formal response to a United States trade investigation on Monday, rejecting the allegations while challenging the legitimacy of the probe itself.

While calling for "constructive dialogue," the Brazilian Government stated that it does not recognise Washington's authority to launch the unilateral investigation.

The probe, initiated in July under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, aims to determine whether Brazil's policies on digital trade and tariffs are "unreasonable or discriminatory and burden or restrict" US commerce, according to US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

This action adds to growing friction between the two countries, including 50 per cent tariffs imposed by

the Administration of US President Donald Trump on imports of Brazilian goods and US sanctions targeting a Brazilian Supreme Court Justice.

In its 91-page response, Brazil refuted US arguments concerning its trade practices, including its etha-

nol market and the popular digital payment system, Pix. The Government argued Brazil's acts, policies, and practices are not unreasonable, discriminatory or burdensome to US commerce.

Brasilia also objected to the investigation taking place outside the legal framework of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). The Government has already requested consultations at the WTO over the US tariffs.

The office of the USTR did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

"Brazil reiterates its long-standing position that Section 301 is a unilateral instrument inconsistent with the principles and rules of the multilateral trading system," Latin America's largest economy said. (Reuters)

Jamaica: 189 candidates to contest General Election on Sept 3

Atotal of 189 candidates have been nominated to contest Jamaica’s General Election, set for September 3, 2025. Nominations were held on Monday, August 18, at designated centres islandwide between 10:00h and 14:00h. Both major political parties, the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and the People’s National Party (PNP), will contest all 63 constituencies.

The Jamaica Progressive Party (JPP) has entered candidates in 47 constituencies, while seven nominees will represent the United Independents’ Congress (UIC).

Another nine candidates will run as independents across constituencies in St Thomas, St James, Hanover, Westmoreland, St Catherine, and St Andrew.

Of the 189 candidates overall, 136 are men and 53

are women.

Meanwhile, nominations were also completed for Local Government by-elections in Denham Town, Chancery Hall, and Olympic Gardens, which will be held on the same day as the General Election.

The Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) says it has now shifted focus to final preparations for the polls. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

A man stands on a beach, following the passage of Erin, the first hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season, in Nagua, Dominican Republic, August 17, 2025 (Reuters/Erika photo)

Bolivian presidential candidate centrist Senator Rodrigo Paz of the Christian Democratic Party (PDC) speaks as early official results show him leading (Reuters/Pilar Olivares photo)

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

Around the World

OOIL NEWS

Oil edges lower as market ponders potential RussiaUkraine peace talks

US would help assure Ukraine's security in a peace deal, Trump tells Zelenskyy

US President Donald Trump told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday that the United States would help guarantee Ukraine's security in any deal to end Russia's war there, though the extent of any assistance was not immediately clear.

il prices slipped in early Asian trade on Tuesday as market participants contemplated planned three-way talks among Russia, Ukraine and the United States to end the war in Ukraine, which could lead to an end to sanctions on Russian crude.

Brent crude futures fell seven cents, or 0.11 per cent, to US$66.53 a barrel by 0000 GMT. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures for September delivery, set to expire on Wednesday, fell six cents, or 0.09 per cent, to US$63.36 per barrel.

The more active October WTI contract was down nine cents, or 0.14 per cent, at US$62.61 a barrel.

Prices settled around one per cent higher in the previous session.

Following talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and a group of European allies in the White House on Monday, US President Donald Trump said in a social media post he had called his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin and begun arranging a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy, to be followed by a trilateral summit among the three Presidents.

"An outcome which would see a ratcheting down of tensions and remove threats of secondary tariffs or sanctions would see oil drift lower toward our US$58 per barrel Q425/Q1-26 average target," Bart Melek, head of commodity strategy at TD Securities said in a note.

Zelenskyy described his direct talks with Trump as "very good" and said they had spoken about Ukraine's need for US security guarantees.

Trump has pressed for a quick end to Europe's deadliest war in 80 years, but Kyiv and its allies worry he could seek to force an agreement on Russia's terms.

"A result which would see the US apply pressure on Russia in the form of broader secondary tariffs against Russia's oil customers (as those now faced by India) would no doubt move crude to the highs seen a few weeks ago," Melek added. (Reuters)

Hamas accepts proposed deal for ceasefire with Israel and hostage release, Egyptian

source says

Hamas has agreed to a 60-day ceasefire proposal with Israel that includes the return of half the hostages held in Gaza and Israel's release of some Palestinian prisoners, an Egyptian official source said on Monday.

Senior Hamas official Basem Naim confirmed the group's approval on Facebook. Hamas said other Palestinian factions informed mediators of their approval also.

There was no Israeli response to the Hamas proposal itself, but an Israeli official confirmed it was received. Egypt and Qatar have been mediating between the sides with US support.

Israel's plans to seize control of Gaza City in the heart of the Palestinian enclave have stirred alarm abroad and at home, where tens of thousands of Israelis on Sunday held some of the largest protests since the war began, urging a deal to

end the fighting and free the remaining 50 hostages held in Gaza since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Israeli officials believe 20 are alive.

Thousands of Palestinians fearing an imminent Israeli ground offensive have left their homes in eastern areas of Gaza City, now under constant Israeli bombardment, for points to the west and south in the shattered territory.

In an apparent show of force on Monday, Israeli tanks advanced into the Sabra suburb of Gaza City, according to witnesses who counted the presence of at least nine tanks and bulldozers.

Israel's Army Chief of Staff, Lieutenant-General Eyal Zamir, said his country was at a turning point in the Gaza war, "with its focus on enhancing the strikes against Hamas in Gaza City", the military spokesman said in a statement.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Trump made the pledge during an extraordinary summit at the White House, where he hosted Zelenskyy and a group of European allies days after Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday.

"When it comes to security, there's going to be a lot of help," Trump told reporters, adding that European countries would be involved. "They are a first line of de-

fence, because they're there, but we'll help them out."

Zelenskyy hailed the promise as "a major step forward", adding that the guar-

antees would be "formalised on paper within the next week to 10 days" and saying Ukraine offered to buy about US$90 billion worth of US

weapons.

The tone on Monday was much warmer than a disastrous Oval Office meeting that saw Trump and Vice President JD Vance publicly criticise the Ukrainian leader in February.

But a peace deal still appeared far from imminent.

Just before the talks began, Russia's Foreign Ministry ruled out the deployment of troops from NATO countries to help secure a peace deal, adding complications to Trump's offer.

Both Trump and Zelenskyy said they hoped Monday's gathering would eventually lead to three-way talks with Putin, whose forces have been slowly grinding forward in eastern Ukraine.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

North Korea's Kim calls for rapid nuclear build-up

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said his country needed to rapidly expand its nuclear armament and called US-South Korea military exercises an "obvious expression of their will to provoke war", State media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Tuesday.

South Korea and its ally, the United States, kicked off joint military drills this week, including testing an upgraded response to heightened North Korean nuclear threats.

Pyongyang regularly criticises such drills as rehearsals for invasion and sometimes responds with weapons tests, but Seoul and Washington say they are purely defensive.

The 11-day annual exercises, called Ulchi Freedom Shield, will be on a similar

scale to 2024, but adjusted by rescheduling 20 out of 40 field training events to September, South Korea's military said earlier. Those delays come as South Korean President Lee

US State Department revokes 6000 student visas

The State Department has revoked more than 6000 international student visas because of violations of US law and overstays, the department told the BBC.

The agency said the "vast majority" of the violations were assault, driving under the influence (DUI), burglary and "support for terrorism".

The move comes as the Trump Administration

continues its crackdown on immigration and international students.

While the State Department did not specify what they meant by "support for terrorism", the Trump Administration has targeted some students who have protested in support of Palestine, arguing they had expressed antisemitic behaviour.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Jae Myung says he wants to ease tensions with North Korea, though analysts are sceptical about Pyongyang's

response. The exercises were a "clear expression of ... their intention to remain most hostile and confrontational" to North Korea, Kim said during his visit to a navy destroyer on Monday, according to KCNA's English translation of his remarks.

He said the security environment required the North to "rapidly expand" its nuclear armament, noting that recent US-South Korea exercises involved a "nuclear element".

North Korea plans to build a third 5000-tonne Choe Hyonclass destroyer by October next year and is testing cruise and anti-air missiles for those warships.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

ISIL-backed rebels killed at least 52 people in eastern DR Congo, UN says

Rebels backed by ISIL (ISIS) have killed at least 52 civilians in the Democratic Republic of the Congo this month, according to the United Nations peacekeeping mission (MONUSCO) in the country, as both the DRC army and Rwandanbacked M23 rebel group accuse each other of violating a recently-reached USmediated ceasefire deal.

Attacks by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) targeted the Beni and Lubero territories of the eastern North Kivu province between

August 9 and 16, MONUSCO said on Monday, warning that the death toll could rise further.

The renewed violence comes as a separate conflict between the DRC army and the M23 group continues to simmer in the east of the country, despite a series of peace treaties signed in recent months. The Government and M23 had agreed to sign a permanent peace deal by August 18, but no agreement was announced on Monday.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron stand for a photo amid negotiations to end the Russian war in Ukraine, at the White House in Washington, DC, US, August 18, 2025 (Reuters/ Alexander Drago photo)

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visits a Choe Hyon-class destroyer, in North Korea, August 18, 2025, in this photo released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) via Reuters

HOROSCOPES

Take the creative path. Using your imagination will help you grow and nurture your desires. Too much, too fast will be your downfall. Slow down, wait and watch.

SUDOKU

It's what you do that makes a difference. Talk is cheap, and misinformation will face opposition. Rethink your plans and follow your heart: Your life, your terms, your way.

Live, learn and replace what is no longer working for you. Act on what moves you visually, not on what others say or do. Work independently of those trying to upend your plans or control the outcome.

Honesty will be crucial if you want to make better choices. Protect against insult, injury and interference.

Refuse to let change hurt you financially. Generosity is your downfall. Focus on learning and engaging in discussions that offer options and unique ways to do some good at a price you can afford.

Who you associate with matters. Engage in open conversations and connect with individuals who have something valuable to offer in return. Consider costs, break down time restraints and map out an itinerary that ensures success.

Put your emotions on the sidelines before you engage in a contentious discussion. Make honesty and equality a necessary part of all your business and personal relationships.

Explore, expand and extrapolate what's most likely to help you get ahead. Networking and reconnecting with allies, old friends or former partners will encourage closure and pave the way for new beginnings.

Don't feel you have to pay for others when saving for a rainy day will put your mind at ease. Speak up, be the one to make a difference and choose to live life your way.

Indecisiveness will play a role in how your day progresses. When in doubt, take a closer look at what others are choosing to do, and it will help you avoid making mistakes or missing out on opportunities.

Stop dreaming and start initiating your plans. A moneymaking idea will pay off if you put muscle into turning your ideas into a reality. Take control of negotiations.

Concentrate on what's best for you. Give others the same opportunity you want for yourself. Love, romance and the chance to build a life that brings you happiness are within reach.

ARCHIE

An all-action display from Sam Curran and another eye-catching half-century from Jordan Cox eased reigning champions Oval Invincibles to a seven-wicket win over Southern Brave and extended their lead at the top of the table.

Jordan Cox, Sam Curran fifties seal thumping win for Oval Invincibles

Utilita Bowl, Australia left-armer Jason Behrendorff making early inroads when he had both James Vince and Leus du Plooy caught at short third by Tom Curran, who then knocked back Laurie Evans' off stump to leave the Brave 32-3.

Things went from bad to worse for the hosts when Rashid Khan was thrown the ball. Six days ago, the Afghan leggie returned figures of 0 for 59 at Edgbaston, but he was irrepressible against Brave, striking three times in his opening set to send Jason Roy, Michael Bracewell and James Coles on their way. Those scalps took Rashid to a competitionhigh haul of 10 in the Hundred this summer.

dismiss Jofra Archer with a super-slow delivery before Mills was the last man out, run out by the live-wire Curran, to end the Brave innings on 133 from 98 balls, not enough to prevent last year's runners-up slumping to a third straight defeat.

Sam Curran, the Meerkat Match Hero, said: "It was a really big win. The way the table is at the moment, we knew it was such a big game, they're a really good team.

"I'm just really enjoying it. It's a lovely bunch of guys. We've been together a while and turning up to work and playing with your mates and having coaches who know you is great."

Thompson c †Billings b SM Curran  24

Set 134 to win, Invincibles but Captain Sam Billings struck three boundaries to ensure there were no further alarms as the visitors sealed the win with 11 balls to spare, their fourth victory in five.

Invincibles overcame Brave in last year's final and they made an impressive start at

With the Brave sinking fast at 44 for 6, Hilton Cartwright and Jordan Thompson counterattacked, the latter making a sprightly 13-ball 24 before nicking off to Sam Curran, who then castled Cartwright (42 off 30) with a pinpoint yorker.

Curran struck again to

On sharing a 101-run partnership with Cox, he said: "He's special, the way he's playing is incredible. The way he's striking the ball is so clean and so skilful. Our partnership took the pressure off early. We knew they had some key bowlers and thankfully we saw them off and got the win."

(ESPNcricinfo)

Overton not out   9 Jofra Archer c Ferreira b SM Curran  5 Tymal Mills run out (†Billings/SM Curran)  4 Extras (lb 2, w 7)   9 Total 98 balls (RPB: 1.35)  133 Fall of wickets: 1-11 (James Vince, 10b), 2-23 (Leus du Plooy, 16b), 3-32 (Laurie Evans, 25b), 4-42 (Jason Roy, 37b), 5-42 (Michael Bracewell, 38b),6-44 (James Coles, 40b), 7-81 (Jordan Thompson, 63b),

Perfect Southern Brave inflict record run defeat on Oval Invincibles

Southern Brave produced a devastating all-round performance to inflict a record-breaking 89-run defeat on Oval Invincibles at Utilita Bowl to maintain their 100 per cent record and move top of the table.

Set 162 for victory, the Invincibles could only muster 72, never recovering from a two-wicket burst by Sophie Devine (2 for 15) in her opening set, the Kiwi castling Meg Lanning with a peach before sending Lauren Winfield-Hill on her way three balls later.

When Lauren Bell (2 for 11) struck with consecutive deliveries, utilising the short ball to great effect to induce edges from Alice Capsey and Paige Scholfield, the visitors slumped to 28 for 4. They were eventually skittled out in 83 balls, Mady Villiers picking up 3 for 17 with her off-breaks.

Earlier, England duo Maia Bouchier and Danni Wyatt-Hodge put on an opening stand of 59 after Brave were asked to bat, Bouchier the main aggressor in her innings of 34 from 23 before picking out Scholfield at deep

mid-wicket to give Tash Farrant the breakthrough. Wyatt-Hodge (26 from 24) was clean bowled by a Phoebe Franklin slower delivery, but Laura Wolvaardt kept up the momentum, the South African cruising to a 19-ball 36 including a slog-swept six off Amanda-Jade Wellington, but the Aussie leg-spinner had her revenge next ball when Lanning held on to a catch at extra-cover.

Freya Kemp was involved in a mix-up which saw Devine run out for

19, but the England starlet made amends with a sparky cameo, smashing two sixes in her 11ball 24 to post a target which was well beyond the Invincibles' reach and set up a fifth straight victory for the 2023 champions.

Meerkat Match Hero Sophie Devine, who picked up the award for a third game straight at Utilita Bowl, said: "I feel a bit embarrassed, because today was a great team performance and there were so many people who should

be standing here instead of me. Today was exceptional from this group and I'm really proud of everyone.

"The great thing about this group is we've spoken at length about different plans and having the ability to be able to execute. That is something I've found incredibly impressive. That should stand us in good stead come the important part of this tournament.

"For us there's a great focus on each and ev -

ery game. We've got some tough games coming up, but we'll celebrate our success here today. It was a comprehensive win, but we certainly know we've got a big job to finish off this competition strongly."

(ESPNcricinfo)

Wellington 15-4-25-1

Phoebe Franklin 20-5-28-2

Tash Farrant 10-2-23-1

Southern Brave celebrate

Sam Curran poses for a photo after being awarded the Meerkat Match Hero cap and medal

Fifteen of the region's most promising female cricketers have embarked on a specialised training camp at the Chennai Super Kings Academy in India, as part of Cricket West Indies (CWI) expansion and continuation of its groundbreaking India development programme.

The female contingent, accompanied by Head Coach

WI Women head to Chennai to participate in Strategic Development Camp

…4 Guyanese players, 1 local Coach among group

Merissa Aguilleira, Assistant Coaches Ryan Hinds and Tremayne Smartt, and team manager Yasmine St Ange, departed Barbados for India on August 12 ahead of the comprehensive two-week programme, which runs from 13 to 30 August.

The 15-member group features some players capped at senior level including Ashmini Munisar, Zaida

Slingerz Racing Stable extends condolences on the passing of Jockey Kishan Pereira

James, Djenaba Joseph, Jahzara Claxton, Jannillea Glasgow, Realeanna Grimmond, Trishan Holder, Mandy Mangru and Nerissa Crafton, in addition to present and former West Indies Under-19 stars Naijanni Cumberbatch, Niya Latchman, Samara Ramnath, Shunelle Sawh, Steffie Soogrim and Selena Ross.

During this period, the players will participate in a series of practice matches and specialised training sessions designed to enhance their performance against spin bowling in challenging overseas conditions, with unique emphasis on technical development, mental conditioning and cultural adaptation, all essential traits for international cricket success.

Working alongside the same world-class coaching staff that guided the male contingent, including Academy Director Sriram Krishnamurthy and his expert team, the female players will benefit from Chennai's renowned facilities and coaching expertise.

CWI Director of Cricket,

Miles Bascombe, expressed enthusiasm about the programme's expansion, stating, “Following the tremendous success of our male players’ training camp in December, we are proud to now extend this opportunity to our most promising female cricketers. The Super Kings Academy in Chennai offers a world-class training environment that allows our players to experience cricket in a different part of the world.

“This initiative will provide targeted technical development, especially in batting against spin, while also exposing the players to the mental and physical demands of elite training in subcontinental conditions. It forms a key part of

our broader vision to build a deeper, more resilient player pool and ensure gender parity in developmental opportunities.

“We are confident that the players selected will grow from this experience and help raise the standards across our entire women’s cricket pathway. It’s another important step in strengthening the foundation of West Indies cricket for the future.” With plans to alternate between male and female groups annually, this programme represents CWI's long-term vision for comprehensive player development and continues to position West Indies cricket at the forefront of innovative training methodologies.

S

lingerz Racing Stable has joined the entire horse racing fraternity in mourning the tragic passing of Jockey Kishan Pereira, who lost his life on Sunday at the Rising Sun Turf Club during the staging of the prestigious Guyana Cup.

Pereira was competing in the H-Class Open, astride Blinding Lights, owned by Leonard Jetto, when the heartbreaking incident occurred in the penultimate race of the day.

The Slingerz Stable shared in a statement, “Horse racing, by its very nature, is a sport of great risks, yet Kishan embraced it with unmatched passion, bravery, and commitment.

“More than just a talented jockey, he was admired and respected across stables and communities for his skill, professionalism, and the infectious energy he brought to every race.

“His love for the sport was undeniable, and his presence elevated horse racing in Guyana.

“Slingerz Racing Stable held Kishan in the highest regard, both as a competitor and as an individual.

“He embodied the very spirit of perseverance and courage that defines this sport, and his loss will be felt deeply by all who knew him and shared the track with him.

“To his family, we extend our heartfelt prayers, support, and strength during this painful time. Please know that Kishan Pereira’s name will forever be remembered within the annals of Guyana’s racing history, and his contribution to the sport will live on as an enduring legacy.

“On behalf of the owners, trainers, jockeys, and the wider Slingerz Racing Stable family, we express our deepest condolences to his loved ones, friends, and colleagues.

May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his memory continue to inspire those who ride with the same courage and dedication that defined his life.”

Berbice 20/20 Rapid Chess tourney set for Sunday

Competitive chess, hosted by the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF), is returning to the Ancient County of Berbice on Sunday, August 24, 2025. A missive from the Federation revealed that the GCF has organised a One-Day 20/20 Rapid Chess Tournament to be held in the Conference Hall of Little Rock Suites, located at Main and Church Streets, New Amsterdam, starting at 09:30h, sharp.

Participation is free with trophies and cash prizes to be won in the seven-round Swiss System competition.

The shorter version of the tournament mirrors 20/20 cricket with its faster play, but instead of 20 overs, participating chess players have 20 minutes each to score a win over their opponents in the seven matches to be contested. If a player’s time runs out, the match is lost. The exhilarating event is set to showcase the strategic brilliance of Berbice’s top

chess players.

New Amsterdam chess player Steve Leung, in an invited comment, gave his insight to the GCF on the challenges he expects in the fast-paced competition.

“The greatest challenge for me while only playing with 20 minutes is playing the endgame. There’s usually little time on the clock, where every second matters. Under time pressure, there is an increased chance for mistakes to arise, which could cost you the game,” he said.

Digital chess clocks provided by the Federation will regulate the rapid format. The time control forces experienced players to execute winning moves as the clock counts down, while pairs of opponents face off against each other in a battle of minds.

Colin Bowry, an avid chess player and Mathematics teacher at New Amsterdam Multilateral

School, is comfortable with the time control of 20 minutes per player for each match. “I don’t really have a difficulty playing within that time limit, because when I learnt the game I was taught to use my opponent’s thinking time as my thinking time,” he declared.

The event is open to all Berbice chess players, and cash prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place. A special prize will also be awarded to the Best Female.

Registration is online only – players are encouraged to sign up early on the GCF’s website guyanachess.gy to secure their spot by Thursday, August 21. The link can also be found on GCF’s Facebook page. Berbice players can contact Mr Shiv Nandalall on WhatsApp 623-7723 for more information on registration.

Nandalall will be present to ensure the smooth running of the competition.

The Chess Federation noted that it was proud to sponsor this competition.

“It is specifically designed to revive and expand the game in the county of Berbice, where chess was once very popular. This tournament aligns with the Federation's plan for nationwide expansion and its longterm goal of having chess in schools. The Federation hopes this event will draw players of all ages who will help build a vibrant local community and go on to compete in future chess events,” the GCF shared.

Tournament Arbiters Jessica Callendar and Shiv

Chess players within Berbice wishing to become a member of the GCF can also do so on guyanachess.gy.

Competitive Chess is heading to Berbice this Sunday

CFU Challenge Series…

U14 girls continue hot streak with 3rd consecutive win

Guyana’s national under-14 girls’ football team kept their record perfect with a gruelling 1-0 needling of Anguilla’s girls as the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) U14 Girls’ Challenge Series continued in Trinidad and Tobago on Monday afternoon.

Playing their third game in as many days, this time at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana’s starting line-up read: Captain Sabana Simon, Goalkeeper Shontelle Jobe, Leandra Henrito, Thais Charles, Darwina Boyal, Kira Chor, Lehiana Bengamin, Sonia Simon, Kaleigh Todd, Kellyann Ellis, and Ashley Walton.

The lone goal of the en-

A look at Guyana’s starting XI on Monday afternoon

Slingerz maintain top spot with 20-0 slaughter of Mainstay

It was a bloodbath at the National Track and Field Center on Sunday, as Lake Mainstay Goldstar suffered another thrashing in the seventh edition of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League. Meanwhile, the likes of Slingerz Football Club, GDF FC, Police FC and Monedderlust FC were among the victors over the weekend. After a hard-fought draw

tage for Slingerz by half time. By that time, Darron Niles (12th, 18th) and Romaine Brackenridge (21st, 38th) registered braces and Kemar Beckford (25th, 34th, 43rd) secured a hat-trick.

Bryan Wharton (29th, 36th, 51st) secured his hattrick early in the second half while Jean-Heim McFee (60th, 66th, 76th, 83rd, 90th) lit up the second segment with five goals. Derrel Garcia

during their last outing at the venue, Slingerz FC flipped the switch on Sunday afternoon, inflicting an embarrassing 20-0 trashing on Mainstay Goldstar FC at the West Coast Demerara (WCD) venue. Despite missing some of their more experienced campaigners, Slingerz FC was dominant from minute one and went on to register their first goal in the 10th minute, through a rocket strike off the boots of Jobe Caesar at the top of the box. Caesar’s strike opened the floodgates that led to an 11-0 advan-

(41st, 58th); Daniel Ross (74th) and Solomon Austin (77th) also added to Slingerz’s tally for the massive win and to maintain their place at the top of the points table. Also on Sunday, defending champions Guyana Defence Force (GDF) FC held off a probing Den Amstel FC for a 4-2 victory.

Stephen McDonald opened the scoring for GDF in the 38th minute, but the scores were soon levelled in the 41st by Den Amstel’s Delon Lanferman. However, GDF put some distance between themselves and their

opponents early in the second half as Trayon Bobb (50th, 58th) netted a double alongside a solitary strike off the boots of Abumuchi Opara in the 69th. Deon Alfed found the back of the net in the 87th but it was a little too late for Den Amstel.

Meanwhile on Saturday at the National Training Center, Providence, Monedderlust FC got the better of Ann’s Grove United in game one of a double-header. Stephen Moore (15th); Atly Browne (30th) and Kevin Cottoy (40th) contributed one apiece to the Berbice outfit’s tally while Travis Williams found Ann’s Grove’s consolation in the 43rd.

Another close encounter that night saw Guyana Police Force FC edging Western Tigers 2-1. Nicholas McArthur netted the double for Police in the 13th and 71st minutes while Lennox Young pulled back one for Western in the 89th minute.

Following the weekend’s action, Slingerz maintain their spot at the top of the table with 34 points from 12 games. Police have moved up to second with 27 points from 12 games while Western Tigers have moved down one place to third place, with a similar 27 points from 13 games and an inferior goal difference to Police. The League’s defending champions, GDF, are in fourth place with 22 points from 11 games and Santos FC completes the top five with 16 points from 11 games.

The League is expected to continue this weekend.

penalty opportunity was Guyana’s leading scorer of the tournament, thus far, Benjamin, who made no mistake; sending the ball into the left corner of the goal to separate Guyana and Anguilla in the seventh minute.

Many chances followed for both sides, but Guyana’s defence, led by Henrito and Charles, was solid, denying their opponents on numer ous occasions to keep the score at 1-0.

Eventually, the final

Guyana fight to earn 2ndround draw

At the Queen's Park Oval in Trinidad, the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Rising Stars Men's Under-17 Two-Day Championship con tinued as Guyana took on Trinidad and Tobago. The hosts had a 32-run lead at the end of day 1, thanks to an excel lent bowling performance from Daniel Holder.

Lady Jags have a game in hand, while Anguilla have already completed all four of their group games.

Guyana will play their final group game today, taking on Cayman Islands at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.

Winning the toss and opting to field first, the Trinidad team dismantled the Guyanese batting line-up. Adrian Hetmyer top-scored with a gusty 45, while Richard Ramdehol and Lomar Seecharan made 15 and 14, respectively, as Guyana were bundled out for a mere 109 in 40.3 overs. With figures of 4 for 15, Holder was impressive in the morning session. Renaldo Fournillier and Daron Dhanraj both

claimed two wickets apiece. Guyana fought their way back into the game, but Captain Saleem Khan (35) and Aadi Ramsaran (30) controlled and propelled the hosts into a good position. Parmeshwar Ram and Dave Mohabir had both claimed two wickets in the innings on day one.

Ra'ed Ali Khan and Fournillier resumed play on 141 for 6 as Trinidad looked to extend their lead. The hosts only added another 43 runs as they were bowled out for 184 in 60.2 overs. Overall, Ram and Mohabir both claimed three wickets.

Guyana once again struggled in the batting department as batters continued to not spend valuable time at the crease. Ramdehol (24) and Adrian Hetmyer (25) were the key contributors in the top order, but it was the lower-order batsmen that saved the day for Guyana as Micah Amsterdam (17) and Feaaz Baksh (21) denied Trinidad victory as the game resulted in a draw with the score at 137 for 8. Holder again was a shining light with the ball, as he had figures of 6 for 23.

Guyana are scheduled to take on the Leeward Islands on Wednesday, August 20 in their next encounter at Inshan Ali Park, Preysal, Trinidad and Tobago.

tition alongside Anguilla. Both teams have nine points from three wins, but the Junior

Daniel Holder claimed 10 wickets in the match

stadium, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali announced on Monday.

Ruimveldt Secondary School on Mandela