Guyana Times - Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Ogle-to-Eccles highway to extend to new Demerara River Bridge for seamless commute

The Government officially commissioned the much-anticipated Ogle to Eccles bypass road on Monday afternoon, intended to cut travel time between the East Coast and East Bank of Demerara (EBD) by more than half.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill announced that the road would be extended to the new Demerara River Bridge, providing seamless travel for persons travelling from the West of the Demerara River to other parts of the country.

According to the

Minister, the contractor, Ashoka Buildcon Limited, was already engaged to extend the road from Eccles to Providence on the EBD.

“At the same rates, we have engaged Ashoka Buildcon to continue this road to Providence, where it will connect with the new Demerara River Bridge, so there will be a seamless transfer when you come off the bridge at the roundabout that is being constructed right now on the Heroes Highway, you will continue for another 2km (kilometres) to get onto this and

can continue along,” he explained.

The road, which cuts through former swamp lands to achieve this ambitious feat, was initially budgeted to be US$106.4 million but was increased to US$133.8 million to accommodate bridges, drains, an elevated surface to mitigate flooding and an expansion of the road from two to four lanes for the entirety of the road.

However, Edghill disclosed that the increased sum is still lower than the US$275 million budgeted by

the former A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government.

This development, he said, “speaks about two things, the value that the PPP/C (People’s Progressive Party/Civic) Government puts into project management ensuring value for money and ensuring the efficiency in the spending of public monies. We have delivered this project on time and under budget.”

Noting that the contract was awarded following the legal tender process, he extended gratitude to the contractor for their dedication to quality, something which he said is backed by praises from users of the road thus far.

Lauded

The Minister handed over a certificate of appreciation to the contractor and the Indian company, RITES Limited, for their consultancy during the process.

Speaking about the services offered by the consultancy firm, Edghill noted that “the RITES was able to do what we benefitted from in terms of knowledge transfer. Our engineers who worked along with them could only be better because of how they worked with us.”

He also lauded residents, utility companies, the Ogle Airport Inc and other stakeholders who have been affected during the construction phase of the project.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, indicated that the road was built using “one of the best” construction technologies in the world.

He noted that throughout the project, the Government worked with the contractors to source materials and overcome challenges faced.

Minister Indar urged drivers and other road users to work towards ensuring

the road reaches its full potential. “The road, it belongs to Guyanese; we must treat it as our property; we should not park trucks and haulers on the side of the road causing it to damage; we should not speed on the road causing accidents, and we should not be malicious to go dig out the reflectors in the nights when no one is watching, we know ourselves,” he said.

According to Indar, the road, measuring 11.63 km, would enable drivers to travel from Ogle to Eccles in just six and a half minutes when there is a smooth flow of traffic.

A section of the gathering at the commissioning of the Ogle-to-Eccles Four-Lane Highway

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill speaking at the commissioning

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, July 1 – 21:55h-23:25h and Wednesday, July 2 –22:55h-00:25h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, July 1 – 08:00h-09:30h and Wednesday, July 2 –08:40h-10:10h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery showers and afternoon sunshine are expected during the day, and thundery showers are expected at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to East South-Easterly between 1.79 metres and 3.13 metres.

High Tide: 08:39h and 21:08h reaching maximum heights of 2.36 metres and 2.29 metres.

Low Tide: 14:39h reaching a minimum height of 0.87 metre.

US Congress alarmed by Venezuela’s use of pro-Maduro ‘puppet’ Azruddin Mohamed to undermine Guyana – Congressman

United States (US)

Congressman Carlos Gimenez has raised concerns over what he describes as Venezuela’s attempt to influence internal affairs in Guyana, specifically through a controversial figure. In a statement posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) today, Gimenez stated: “In the US Congress we are alarmed by the regime in Venezuela’s attempt to undermine Guyana through its pro-Maduro puppet candidate Azruddin Mohamed, who is sanctioned by OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control).”

The remark refers to Azruddin Mohamed, a Guyanese businessman and political aspirant, who has been sanctioned by the US Department of the

Treasury’s OFAC.

Back in June 2024, the US had sanctioned Guyanese businessmen Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed, along with their businesses: Mohamed’s Enterprise; its subsidiary, Hadi’s World and Team Mohamed’s Racing Team over gold smuggling and public corruption allegations.

According to the US Treasury Department’s OFAC, Mohamed’s Enterprise smuggled some 10,000 kilograms (kg) of gold out of Guyana between 2019 and 2023, thus avoiding paying more than US$50 million in duty taxes. Shortly after the sanctions, Guyana had requested the relevant information and documentation from the US Government to conduct its own investigations.

In March of this year, local law enforcement agencies, including the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) received a ‘sufficient volume’ of evidence to take action against the businessmen.

In a Reuters article published on July 14, 2023, it was revealed that the family is under investigation by several US agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Department of Homeland

Security.

Citing five sources with direct knowledge of the matter, Reuters has reported that the Mohameds are suspected of smuggling both Colombian cocaine and Venezuelan gold to international markets. Further, an intelligence report referenced in the investigation suggests that they may also be involved in laundering money for drug traffickers and criminal organisations, including sanctioned Russian nationals operating in the region.

Tax evasion and fraudulent declaration

In May, Mohamed was placed on $500,000 bail for tax evasion and fraudulent declaration charges in relation to the purchase of the Lamborghini Roadster SVJ.

Mohamed appeared before acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty on May 29 at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where he answered to the two charges brought by GRA, false declaration to the GRA

and fraudulent tax evasion.

The first charge alleged that the 39-year-old on or about December 7, 2020, caused to be made and subscribed, a false declaration to the GRA when he stated on the GRA’s custom declaration form that the purchased amount for the Lamborghini was US$75,300, instead of the true purchase price of US$695,000.

The second charge accuses Mohamed of, on the same date, fraudulently declaring to the Revenue Authority US$75,300 as the purchase price for the luxury vehicle thus resulting in the sum of $383,383,345 in taxes being evaded. Mohamed, who is also currently facing sanctions by the US Government over gold smuggling and tax evasion allegations, pleaded not guilty to both charges. It was previously reported that these charges were filed by the GRA after it obtained evidence from the US Department of Justice (DoJ). GRA Commissioner, Godfrey Statia had written the US authorities for infor-

mation on the purchase of the luxury vehicle.

The Revenue Authority and Mohamed are currently embroiled in legal proceedings in the High Court. The GRA filed the matter to recover the outstanding taxes owned by the businessman.

Venezuelan gold smuggling President Dr Irfaan Ali on Friday last committed to putting the necessary measures in place to curb Venezuelan gold from being smuggled into Guyana. This comes as Guyana received an advisory from the US earlier on Friday about the threat that this illicit activity poses by funding the Nicolás Maduro regime.

Speaking at a reception hosted by the US Embassy in Georgetown to celebrate the 249th anniversary of America’s independence, the Guyanese head of state disclosed that the US reminded all of its partners about this serious threat from Venezuela.

US Congressman Carlos Gimenez

Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Breaking geographic & gender barriers

The long-term sustainability of Guyana’s development hinges on deliberate human capital initiatives, especially those that promote equity, inclusion, and strategic readiness in highgrowth sectors. The most recent maritime training scholarships spearheaded by the Office of the First Lady in partnership with Tidewater Inc and other stakeholders mark an essential step in this direction.

The initiative, which will see over 100 women, primarily from hinterland regions, trained in specialised maritime disciplines, is emblematic of smart policy-making and purpose-driven collaboration. The scholarships reflect a national decision to diversify and professionalise the workforce while addressing systemic inequities that have historically limited access to education and high-paying careers for women and Indigenous communities.

In a global maritime industry that moves over 80 per cent of international goods and even more for countries like Guyana, crewing shortages have emerged as a structural vulnerability. International shipping is grappling with a pressing demand for trained officers and engineers, especially women, who continue to be underrepresented. By investing in a cadre of trained female cadets, Guyana is positioning itself not only as an energy powerhouse but as a supplier of high-quality maritime professionals to the international market. This has implications that stretch far beyond individual advancement. It feeds directly into national competitiveness and helps Guyana shape its global identity as a country that invests in its people.

Crucially, this initiative breaks the long-standing geographic and gender barriers in education and professional development. For far too long, access to specialised technical training has remained uneven, with coastal regions receiving the lion’s share of resources and opportunities. The deliberate outreach to hinterland women, many of whom are Indigenous, signals a welcome shift in development philosophy. It demonstrates that equal opportunity is not an abstract ideal but a tangible, actionable goal.

The training programmes are rigorous and comprehensive. Cadets will receive practical and theoretical instruction in key operational areas, including navigation and marine engineering. These are not token placements. They are high-value pathways that prepare participants for careers as Officers in Charge of a Navigational or Engineering Watch – roles that demand precision, leadership, and advanced technical skill. By aligning this training with international maritime standards, Guyana is ensuring that these women are not only employable locally but are also globally competitive.

The decision to scale training beyond the full scholarship recipients is also commendable. Through partnerships with institutions like the Alliance Maritime and Offshore Training Institute, 100 young women have already received basic safety and security awareness training, foundational skills that create immediate access points to the sector. This layering of opportunity creates a ladder effect, where introductory exposure can evolve into long-term careers, supported by the appropriate scaffolding.

Public policy is often judged by its execution and impact. This partnership delivers on both counts. The presence of Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, whose portfolio includes maritime infrastructure, underscores the Government’s recognition of this initiative as a component of broader national development. His comments on the narrowing of societal divides through education were especially poignant, reminding all stakeholders that true equality is realised through access and outcomes, not just intent.

Tidewater Inc, with decades of experience as a maritime leader, has brought credibility and capacity to the project. Its willingness to partner with the Office of the First Lady in creating genderfocused, culturally-inclusive programming should serve as a model for other Private Sector actors looking to invest meaningfully in Guyana’s human development.

As the country navigates the complexities of rapid economic growth, investments like this must be replicated and scaled. Technical and vocational training in sectors linked to oil and gas must increasingly reflect the face of all of Guyana. That includes women, Indigenous peoples, and youth from remote communities. This cannot be considered as charity but rather as a strategy.

Norton’s big promise – continue the policies of David Granger’s failed term

Dear Editor, Mouth open, story jumped out. Aubrey Norton, the PNC and APNU’s leader, while conceding that David Granger, the failed former president, is highly unlikely to campaign on his behalf and for the PNC, believes that the Granger-led APNU/AFC government did a good job, had good policies and that he would follow those same policies, should his party emerge victorious in Elections 2025.

Therefore, we now know from the “horse’s mouth” directly that the Aubrey Norton-led, PNCled APNU’s big promise for Elections 2025 is to repeat the same mistakes the David Grangerled, PNC-led APNU/AFC Government made. This is an ominous signal and must frighten the Guyanese people. In Elections 2020, the Guyanese people rejected the policies and actions of the 2015-2020 Granger-led APNU/AFC government. In Elections 2025, I am confident that the people will again overwhelmingly reject those failed policies and actions.

The Granger-led APNU/ AFC government broke every single promise it made for the 2015 elections. Now Norton is insisting that the Granger playbook, Granger’s “proper government” will be his mantra – making lofty promises and then betraying people by not keeping any promise. They promised to double old age pension, double the income tax threshold, reduce VAT to 10 per cent and give a 20 per cent salary increase to public servants in their first 100 days in Government. They kept

none of these promises.

Old age mention increased from $15,000 (2014) to $20,500 (2020), an increase of only 27 per cent over five years, far from the doubling they promised in the first 100 days, a failed promise. The income tax threshold went from $50,000 per month (2014) to $65,000 (2020), an increase of a mere 30 per cent in five years, far from the doubling in the 1st 100 days, a total betrayal of the workers.

Not only did they fail to implement the 20 per cent pay increase for the public servants in the first 100 days, they did not even deliver it in any one of the five years in government. But recall, they did give themselves in cabinet and for other high government officials a 50 per cent to 100 per cent increase in pay and benefits. VAT was never touched in the first 100 days and when they did touch it in 2016, they reduced it to 14 per cent but added new VAT, such as VAT on water and electricity bills, education, internet, health products, etc., increasing the overall VAT burden on the people. For good measure, they increased more than 300 other taxes. The Guyanese people rejected these policies

Let us examine some of the other failed policies Norton and the PNC promise to repeat.

Aubrey Norton wants to repeat Granger’s sugar fiasco. After promising not to close any sugar estate in 2015, not to fire any sugar worker, and to give sugar workers a 20 per cent wages and salaries increase,

the Granger-led APNU/ AFC closed four estates, fired more than 7,000 sugar workers, and froze sugar workers’ wages and salaries, giving them zero pay increase for five years. This is what Norton offers sugar workers and Guyana. In fact, in a recent press conference, Norton confirmed that sugar will be dead under a new PNC-led government. He did not have the honesty nor the guts to speak in clear language; he, instead, asserted that GUYSUCO will be “diversified”, with the assets “reassigned” and that, among other things, GUYSUCO will be assigned to build houses. The Guyanese people rejected this policy in Elections 2020 and will reject these policies again in Elections 2025.

The “Because We Care” Cash Grant for school children was introduced by the PPP in 2014 and was supposed to move from $10,000 per child in 2014 to $50,000 per child by 2020. The Granger-led APNU/AFC Government took away this money from children. At the $10,000 per child level in 2014, assuming no increases, it means the PNCled APNU took almost $11 billion from the children. Today, the PPP government has reintroduced and increased the school children cash grant to more than $55,000 per child, or more than $11 billion in 2025 alone. In Elections 2020, the people rejected the callous ending of the Because We Care cash grant that robbed the children of Guyana between $2 billion and $10 billion annually between 2015 and 2020. Will we allow the

PNC to again rob our children?

Granger had promised young people free university and thousands of new jobs. Instead, Granger’s APNU/AFC government proceeded to increase university fees and told the young people that the government has no obligation to crate jobs for them, that they should take responsibility for their own lives by selling plantain chips, cook-up and dog food on the roadsides.

Let us not forget how they betrayed our farmers. They had promised rice farmers $9000 per bag, then turned around and told the rice farmers, they were private investors, not government business. They took away subsidies and increases agriculture land leases.

They literally closed the housing programme, giving themselves larges acreage of land. They stopped the Amerindian Land Titling and took away jobs from 2000 Amerindian CSOs. They failed to construct any new school, any new hospital, including the ones that were already provided for by the PPP. They failed to improve the road-and-bridges network, including those that were already started under the PPP. Projects like the modernisation and expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, the East Bank Highway, the East Coast Highway, the West Demerara Highway corridors, started under the PPP had to be completed when the PPP came back into government.

Berlin, Germany: Visitors crowd around a titan arum plant, measuring 2.36 metres high, as it blooms in the city’s botanical garden

(Photograph: John MacDougall/AFP/Getty Images)

In support of Education Minister

Dear Editor, I write to join the chorus of condemnation of ‘Critic’ for his unjustified foul, lewd, disrespectful language attacking Minister Priya Manickchand. The attack is very crude, wrong and disturbing. No one must bully, attack, shame and intimi-

date people with who we are in disagreement. There is no excuse for offensive, demeaning comments. While Critic, me and others may have disagreement with the Minister in her views on how the legal case against Skello was handled by the court, it in no

way diminishes respect for Manickchand or justifies a vicious, obscene personal attack against the Education Minister or on anyone, least of all a female. The attitude and attack on Manickchand and women in general is abhorrent, reprehensible, puerile and abhorrent and

must be rejected. Offensive, demeaning language against Manickchand and other women is a form of verbal abuse. Society must forthrightly and unequivocally condemn the vile, sinister and nasty attacks being leveled against

Nagamootoo, sugar & embarrassment

Dear Editor,

The GAWU recognises that Former Prime Minister (PM) Moses Nagamootoo is at it again, trying vainly and futilely to salvage his waning and we daresay tarnished reputation. The former PM says he has heeded our Union's advice in his self-styled ‘My Turn’ column, which is relegated to his and other sympathetic social media pages. Indeed, if only he had decided to listen to GAWU several moons ago, possibly, it could have turned out better for him. Nonetheless, he chose to live by the consequences of his unbridled desire to relish the desire for high political office, irrespective of whose toes and, in our view, livelihoods he had to crush.

In his ‘Once upon a time’ serenade, the ex-PM tells us about the number of views of his posts. Mr Nagamootoo, if there was never before a perfect example of egotistical frivolity, you have certainly hit the nail on the head. We are at a loss to see the connection between our contentions and your social media statistics, except to say it’s a useless attempt to puff one’s deflated chest.

The former PM refers to past episodes of his apparent, then youthful, activism. Of course, knowing what we know now, we have to wonder whether those incidents were really of genuine concern or compassion. Or were they sensational attempts to bolster his credentials to secure his long-held ambitions? Who knows, but one cannot ignore such concerns.

Mr Nagamootoo says elements of his article concerning former Presidents Burnham and Hoyte's treatment of the sugar industry and workers were not carried. It caused us to look at the former PM’s post on his social media page to see whether we missed anything. The only mention of the two former Presidents was when Mr Nagamootoo said, “…the industry, which had seen hard times under the previous Burnham-Hoyte re -

gimes.” Is this slap on the wrist, the former PM says, was edited when his post was published elsewhere?

We said before and will say again, the erstwhile gentleman is an expert at deception, hypocrisy, and, from all appearances, his shame knows no bounds. Let us not forget that, though he attempts now to burnish his anti-Burnham credentials, he was a proud peacock honouring the former President when he occupied the PM’s office. Indeed, it says a lot about principles. It was noteworthy to see the admission that the APNU+AFC closed sugar estates. In his previous post, Mr Nagamootoo said thousands of sugar workers were rendered jobless, as he put it then, “…when the industry was restructured.” See what we said about his chameleon-like qualities. He is quick to obfuscate, misdirect and hoodwink. He would probably make Houdini blush.

We are told about what took place in other regional sugar-producing countries. But the former PM has ignored, conveniently or not, that Guyana, unlike our contemporaries, had the benefit of flat, arable lands; the availability of fresh water, and the ability to expand production. It also appears that Mr Nagamootoo, now in retirement, has not kept abreast of what is taking place regionally. Indeed, had that been the case, he would have known, for instance, of the recent investments in Jamaica’s new sugar factory and cultivations.

The ex-PM shared ‘once-upon-a-time’ he stood shoulder-to-shoulder with sugar workers. Offered solidarity in their struggles. But when he graduated to the Prime Minister’s office, he turned his back on those workers and their families. He was a key player in an Administration that sent thousands of workers home and seriously jeopardised the well-being of tens of thousands of Guyanese. Mr Nagamootoo said he did not refer to the ILO’s study. We urge him to digest that study care -

fully and have a clearer understanding of what he and his comrades in Government did to so many ordinary Guyanese.

The ever ‘compassionate’ former-PM said he rejoiced when he heard the dismissed sugar workers would be paid their entitlements. He went on to say the euphoria was cut short when he confronted his medical difficulties. Indeed, we are happy to know that the PM got the best treatment; certainly, he, like every Guyanese, deserved nothing less. But while he got the ‘best’ he said he could not have ensured the best for the compatriots he said he loved so dearly and cared so deeply

about.

Mr Nagamootoo can choose to wax lyrical to his repaired heart’s desire. His record as PM regarding the sugar industry, as in many other things of the Coalition Government, speaks clearly and bluntly. In the sugar industry, there was massive regression, heartbreak, and allaround suffering. No nice words, punch lines, and sensational propaganda can erase those realities. Today, the destruction is being reversed, and lives are being improved.

Sincerely,

Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU)

A requiem for the PNC-APNU

Dear Editor

The departure from the PNC-led APNU is moving from a trickle to a tsunami. By election day the APNU (and AFC too) will be so depleted, it is likely they might just throw in the towel.

Now, there are multiple reasons for abandoning the PNC-led APNU. Chief among these are (a) the poor treatment of women; (b) the intensification of ethnic dominance in the party; and (3) the conspicuous lack of leadership.

Yet, one of the biggest reasons has been left unaddressed. For this I urge readers to take a look at the ridiculous letter by Lincoln Lewis (6/30/2025) in which he accuses the PPP of attempting to rig the upcoming elections.

The truth is only the PNC, the PNC-led APNU, and the AFC have been verifiably implicated in rigged elections in the country. Mr. Lewis’ tiresome incantations have become boring, clumsy, awkward, distasteful, jejune, insipid, but most of all, they have become counter-productive. The consequence of Lewis’ comical distortions is that even those within the PNC are voting with their feet. He is writing the requiem for the PNC-APNU.

Lincoln Lewis is an emperor without an empire. His play with incitement will fall into an abyss of ignominy. People have a limit with nonsense.

Sincerely,

Dr Randy Persaud

the Minister of Education and promote respectful behaviour. Critic is urged to rethink his words, renounce reprehensible views about women, and apologise to the Minister.

Separately, I will like to publicly acknowledge that Manickchand was among

the earliest responders critical of Skello for his attack on the Hindu Goddess Lakshmi. The Minister’s support for Hindus is appreciated by the community.

Yours

Norton’s big promise...

They squandered the total amount of the local currency reserve at the Bank of Guyana and accumulated an enormous overdraft; they sold out almost all the gold reserve and squandered the majority of the foreign currency reserve. They increased the foreign debt to GDP ratio and increased the debt-servicing payment.

In every aspect of governance, the Granger-led, PNC-led APNU/AFC was a miserable failure – bad policies, broken promises and total betrayal of people. Now Norton promises to repeat the Granger-led failure. It is frightening, but pathetic. In the face of the great exodus of senior mem-

bers from his party, one would have thought that Norton would apologise to the Guyanese people for their past failures and betrayals and promise a different PNC for Elections 2025.

Never in its history has the PNC ever stared down the barrel to see the bottom so clearly. It is where they will be after September 1. Elections 2025 will always be a brutal memory for the PNC. This will be Aubrey Norton’s legacy, an albatross that will hang heavily around his neck for the rest of his life and forever for the PNC.

Sincerely, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

truly, Vishnu Bisram

SUMMER OF LEARNING

Why summers matter

For many children, learning slows way down (or even stops) during the summer. Summer learning can help close the achievement gap that has been attributed, at least in part, to cumulative learning loss during the summer and that has been shown to be steeper for low-income students than for others.

Comparing and ordering decimals

When you compare whole numbers, you look at place value. To compare decimals, you will look at place value. Line up your decimals so that the decimal points are in a column. Then begin by looking at the column to the immediate right of the decimal point, the tenths place. As you arrange your numbers, work toward the right.

Place these decimals in order from least to greatest: .51, 0.52, .05, 0.55, .50, .051

Step 1:Line up the decimal points: 0.55 0.52 .51 .50 .051 .05

Step 2: Find the greatest number in the tenths place: 0.55. Then the next greatest number in the tenth place: 0.52

Step 3: If two decimals have the same number in the tenths place, look at the next place value, the hundredths place and rank according to the higher number. With .51 and .50, 1 is greater than 0.

Step 4: What do you do with .05 and 0.051? Add a zero to .05 as a placeholder for the thousandths place: 0.050. Now, you can see that 0.051 is greater than 0.050.

Cause and Effect

When comparing numbers with decimals, always look at the whole numbers first. If two whole numbers are the same, then compare to the right of the decimal point.

Exercises:

Place these decimals in order from least to greatest:

5.87, 5.92, 5.983, 5.442, 0.90, .07, .61, 0.97, .9707, 5.933, 0.97, .073

"If you drink your milk, you will grow big and strong!"; "If you clean up your toys, you can go play outside." Most parents and caregivers talk to their child about cause and effect long before we expect our children to understand those terms. We teach cause and effect every time we help a young child recognise a relationship between two things, or when we demonstrate that one event is the result of another.

Science seeks to explain and understand the natural world. Things happen for a reason: there is a cause for every effect. In science, the cause explains why something happens. The effect is the description of what happened. Many simple activities can be done at home that will help develop your child's understanding of cause and effect. Consider these ideas:

Ask your child, "What do you think will happen if we leave this Popsicle out in the sun?" Allowing the Popsicle to melt provides an opportunity to talk about the sun's heat and its effect on the icy popsicle. Put small cups of water in the refrigerator . "What caused our water to turn into ice?"

Play a simple game in which you orally provide a situation (or a cause). Ask your child to fill in an action (or an effect). For example, you could say, "It was raining outside." Your child could fill in, "All the kids got their raincoats." "Someone rang the doorbell," could be answered with "Our dog began to bark." This game is perfect for helping your child realise that there is not one single right answer – as scientists they will learn that there can be several causes and several effects.

Keep track of the plants in your yard. As you observe a plant thriving and growing, ask your child why. Is the plant receiving good light and water? If the leaves on a plant are drooping, ask your child what could be causing the droopy leaves. Does the plant need more sun? More water? What effect could a new location and some water have on the plant?

Share the children's book If You Give a Mouse a Cookie with your child. Point out the use of specific cause/effect words used in the book, including if … then. Keep a running tally of all the causes and effects that happen in the story. For example, if you give a mouse a cookie, he'll want a glass of milk to go with it. If you give him a glass of milk, he will ask for a straw, etc.

Young children learn by engaging in activities that are real and meaningful to them — activities that encourage the development of skills, knowledge, and ways of thinking and learning. Parents can help teach children the early skills for literacy as well as science and mathematics development by creating simple settings that encourage learning. (startwithabook.com)

Song of Myself (1892 version)

By Walt

Out from the crowd steps the marksman, takes his position, levels his piece;

The groups of newly-come immigrants cover the wharf or levee,

As the woolly-pates hoe in the sugar-field, the overseer views them from his saddle, The bugle calls in the ball-room, the gentlemen run for their partners, the dancers bow to each other, The youth lies awake in the cedar-roof’d garret and harks to the musical rain, The Wolverine sets traps on the creek that helps fill the Huron, The squaw wrapt in her yellow-hemm’d cloth is offering moccasins and bead-bags for sale, The connoisseur peers along the exhibitiongallery with half-shut eyes bent sideways, As the deck-hands make fast the steamboat the plank is thrown for the shore-going passengers, The young sister holds out the skein while the elder sister winds it off in a ball, and stops now and then for the knots, The one-year wife is recovering and happy having a week ago borne her first child, The clean-hair’d Yankee girl works with her sewing-machine or in the factory or mill, The paving-man leans on his two-handed rammer, the reporter’s lead flies swiftly over the note-book, the sign-painter is lettering with blue and gold, The canal boy trots on the tow-path, the book-keeper counts at his desk, the shoemaker waxes his thread, The conductor beats time for the band and all the performers follow him, The child is baptized, the convert is making his first professions, The regatta is spread on the bay, the race is begun, (how the white sails sparkle!)

The drover watching his drove sings out to them that would stray, The pedler sweats with his pack on his back, (the purchaser higgling about the odd cent;)

prompt: Write a story that includes the line “Do I know you?” or “Have we met before?”

Elections 2025

Carter Center observers already in Guyana ahead of Sept 1 polls

The Carter Centwehas officially launched an international election observation mission to Guyana, ahead of the country’s general and regional elections scheduled for September 1, 2025.

The initiative follows a formal invitation extended by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. A four-member core team of elector -

al experts from the United States (US), Georgia, and the United Kingdom (UK) is scheduled to begin arriving in Georgetown on 30 June. They will be joined by additional electoral specialists and short-term observers closer to election day.

“We look forward to engaging with Guyanese stakeholders across the political spectrum and civil society to provide

an independent and impartial assessment of the electoral process,” said Jason Calder, Director of the Carter Center’s Field Office. “We hope our observation and reporting will help the Guyanese people assess the credibility of the elections, while providing useful recommendations for reform and encouraging transparency.”

Director of the Carter Centre’s Democracy

Ogle-to-Eccles highway to extend to new Demerara...

The event was also addressed by the Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr Amit S. Telang, who lauded the partnership between Guyana and India.

He noted that the relationship is “becoming deeper and stronger” as the developmental partnership between the two countries expand.

The road was completed with a Line of credit extended from the Indian EXIM bank. As such, it was monitored by both the Government in Guyana and India.

In a video message, External Affairs Minister of India, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, also lauded the partnership between the countries.

“This new infrastructure… reflects the aspirations of Guyanese people. It is also emblematic of the able leadership and vision of President [Dr Mohamed Irfaan] Ali’s Government towards Guyana’s progress and prosperity,” he noted.

Mr Jaishankar complimented the Government's people-centric, development-oriented, and for-

ward-thinking approach to infrastructure development.

The Ogle to Eccles bypass commenced in June 2022 and is among several road projects currently underway across the country to ease traffic congestion and open up new land for residential and commercial purposes.

Also present at Monday’s commissioning was Prime Minister Brigadier Mark Phillips, former President of Guyana Donald Ramotar and other Government Ministers.

US Congress alarmed by...

“Only today, the US reminded all of its partners about the serious threat with Venezuela, as it relates to gold smuggling. And we have received that advisory today and we want you to know that we are putting enormous resources into ensuring that the threat of illicit gold smuggling that could help to empower or safeguard undemocratic forces is uprooted,” President Ali stated on Friday evening.

Local authorities have long suspected that Venezuela is smuggling gold into Guyana to be laundered through various

networks here.

In recent years, there has been a widespread crackdown on gold smuggling in Guyana with a series of operations targeting foreign nationals suspected of being involved in unlawful mining activities here.

According to President Ali, the US, through its Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, has been supporting ongoing efforts to enhance law enforcement and security cooperation with Guyana as well as the wider Caribbean.

He pointed out that

the March 27, 2025 signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the visit of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio underscores the joint commitment between Washington DC and Georgetown to addressing common security challenges.

“The MoU builds on our long-standing partnership and aims to deepen collaboration in areas such as counter narcotics and the fight against transnational organised crime and strengthening security and defence cooperation,” President Ali said.

Programme, David Carroll emphasised the Centre’s continued commitment to democratic development in Guyana. “The Carter Centre has had a long-standing commitment to democracy in Guyana, and we are honoured to launch this international election observation mission in support of the electoral process,” Carroll stated.

The Carter Center’s observation will be guided by the 2005 Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation and will assess the process in line with Guyana’s legal framework, as well as re -

gional and international standards for democratic elections.

This marks the sixth time the Centre will be observing elections in Guyana, with prior missions conducted in 1992, 2001, 2006, 2015, and 2020. Over the years, the Carter Center has played a critical role in promoting electoral integrity, transparency and peaceful political engagement in the country.

Beyond its electoral work, the Centre has been actively involved in various democratic development initiatives in Guyana. These include assisting in

the formulation of a national development strategy, strengthening the judiciary in collaboration with legal institutions, supporting civil society organisations advocating for women, youth and Indigenous communities and facilitating dialogue for conflict resolution.

The Centre has also worked alongside Government, industry and civil society actors to support Guyana’s compliance with the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), aimed at enhancing accountability in the natural resources sector.

File photo: Representatives from the Carter Center who were in Guyana in June 2024, on a preelection assessment mission, ahead of the 2025 General and Regional Elections

The almost-completed new Demerara River Bridge

Home Affairs Minister visits border outposts, engages Region 1 residents

Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn conducted a high-level inspection of critical security infrastructure projects in the Imbotero area as part of the Government’s ongoing push to strengthen law enforcement capacity and border security.

The visit on Saturday focused on two major undertakings, the near-completion of the Imbotero Police Station and the ongoing construction of a new wharf and boathouse. These projects fall under the broader national security enhancement programme aimed at bolstering public safety, especially in remote and riverine communities.

The reconstruction of the Imbotero Police Station, valued at $144.9 million, is now 98 per cent complete. Once operational, the upgraded facility is expected to improve law enforcement delivery in the border village and surrounding communities.

“We are not just building structures—we’re reinforcing the foundation of safer, more resilient communities,” Benn said during the site inspection. “Modern police stations like this one give officers the tools and environment they need to serve with professionalism and dignity. And just as impor-

Boathouse, which is currently 60 per cent completed. The facility will include a fixed ramp, walkway and floating dock and will play a critical

for the people of Guyana,” he stated.

Benn was accompanied by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home

Floating Police Station

As part of Saturday’s outreach, Minister Benn also visited the MB Tamakay— Guyana’s floating police station anchored along the Waini River in Region One. Accompanied by Ministry and police officials, he met

role in enabling swift riverine patrols by the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

And then…

…there was none??

The caption, of course, harks back to the old Agatha Christie’s murder mystery that used the end line of an old children’s nursery rhyme “Ten Little Injuns”. ‘Ten little Injuns standin' in a line, One toddled home and then there were nine; Nine little Indians swingin' on a gate, one tumbled off and then there were eight…” And for various other reasons the “Injuns” were eliminated one by one – until there were none!! Well, Dear Readers, as your Eyewitness observes the continued departures in the Opposition Camp, he’s deathly afraid that come September, NONE’s gonna be left standing to challenge the PPP!! What the heck’s going on?? Following the departure of young Jermaine Figueira from the PNC – without announcing yet if he’s gonna land into the PPP’s nest as most expect – comes the resignations by two of the senior founder-leaders of ANUG. These departees at least had a reason – even though there’s been a frantic effort to muddy that rationale. ANUG was one of those parties formed to compete in the 2020 elections by individuals wrapping themselves in the flag of “for the good of Guyana” – not for themselves!! They were all from the middle class who equate their predilections with “the good of Guyana”. However, after a rude awakening when they couldn’t even garner a single seat, they fell back on a little-known electoral device their legal bigwigs had unearthed – the “joinder” of lists by them and a couple of other paper parties. This would allow them to pool their votes AFTER elections – even though they hadn’t coalesced. The three barely scraped together one seat and – through a private agreement – agreed to share it timewise in Parliament based on the votes individually brought in. The lawyer brain-trust of ANUG, however, forgot basic law and ignored that such side agreements weren’t legally enforceable!! As such, they were outwitted (out-cunninged?) by a complete novice representing just 200-odd votes who refused to vacate her seat. The ANUG bigwigs – including Senior Counsels Ramkarran and Jonas – were left out in the cold. They clearly lost the respect of some other young’uns in the party – who just decided to “collaborate” with Team Mohamed and their US-sanctioned leader – without their input. Fearing they’d also be sanctioned , the aforementioned Senior Counsels jumped ship. The claim that the “collaboration” wasn’t a “coalition” and they wouldn’t take funding from Mohamed was quite sketchy. They knew that money is fungible and there was no way in hell (or Guyana!) the Americans would buy that!!

tantly, they send a message to citizens that their safety and wellbeing matter.”

Benn emphasised that the new station also reaffirms the Government's commitment to maintaining a strong presence along Guyana’s borders.

Meanwhile, work is ongoing on the construction of the Imbotero Wharf and

“This is a strategic investment in infrastructure that enables real-time secure and effective border operations,” the Minister explained. “In communities like Imbotero, where waterways are lifelines, these facilities are not just helpful—they are essential.”

Permanent Secretary Ally reiterated the ministry’s commitment to ensuring quality execution and timely delivery of the projects.

“Every dollar spent must translate into improved service delivery, stronger institutions, and greater value

Affairs, Andre Ally; Deputy Commissioner of Police ‘Operations’, Errol Watts; and Regional Commander, Senior Superintendent Khrisnadat Ramana. The team met with contractors and technical personnel on the ground to review progress and address any implementation issues.

Direct engagement

In addition to the inspections, Benn conducted an impromptu outreach in the village of Imbotero, where he met with residents to listen to their concerns and share updates on national and regional security matters. Despite the unscheduled nature of the visit, villagers welcomed the opportunity to engage with the Minister and his team.

He assured residents of the Government’s commitment to improving their quality of life through enhanced public safety and infrastructure investments.

“Maintaining open lines of communication between Government and citizens is fundamental to our work,” Minister Benn told the gathering.

with officers stationed onboard to assess their living conditions, receive operational briefings, and discuss law enforcement challenges in the riverine corridor.

The MB Tamakay plays a vital role in securing Guyana’s river borders and acts as a mobile base for police operations. Its presence supports crime prevention, emergency response, and community safety in the Barima-Waini district.

Minister Benn lauded the officers for their dedication to service under challenging conditions and reaffirmed the Government’s ongoing support for their work.

Community engagement

The day’s activities also included a community engagement session in Yarakita Village, where Benn was joined by PS Ally, Deputy Commissioner Watts, Regional Commander Ramana, and Toshao Abigail Abrams. Residents raised issues related to public safety and infrastructure and the team pledged to continue working collaboratively with the community to address their needs.

So with ANUG now subsumed under the Jaguar-thatis-a-Leopard (!!) and the haemorrhaging AFC (two more jumped ship) declaring their members could serve with the PNC after the elections, all that’s left is for Norton to jump ship!!

…the forked tongue

Many snakes have tongues split at the end – forked – and since they can never be trusted, to “speak with a forked tongue” has come to mean being duplicitous!! One trade union leader – who’s known more for Opposition politics than advancing workers’ rights – recently illustrated this phenomenon. He declared, “If we allow the PPP to use GECOM as a blunt instrument to subvert democracy, then the next stolen election won’t just be about who sits in office; it’ll be about who rules over a silenced, broken nation.”

This was the same man who – in the wake of the PNC 2020 election rigging attempt and the recount was being conducted – declared “President (Granger) has Executive responsibilities and duties…And if the Elections Commission’s actions are inimical to the interest and intent of the Constitution and the ethos of this country, then he will have to take action.”

He was echoing Hamilton Green who’d called on Granger to “… Put aside the Constitution [and] put aside the laws”!!

Snakes all!!

…the breakdown

For the longest while, Barbados revelled in being dubbed “Little England” – for their peacefulness. But in 2021 they threw out the Queen as Head of State and created a President.

They’re now wracked by gun killings. A connection?

Imbotero Police Station under construction

MB Tamakay, the Guyana Police Force’s floating police station

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn with residents during an impromptu stop in the border community of Imbotero on Saturday

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn

US$133.8M Ogle-to-Eccles new highway a “corridor of opportunities” – Pres

Plans for the massive expansion of the Government’s housing programme on newly-accessible lands along the Ogle-

just about traffic management but rather part of the broader transformation of Guyana’s road network to keep pace with the country’s

to-Eccles bypass road, the opening of international hotels, the construction of private and public hospitals, and an additional US$500 million investment from the Private Sector demonstrate the importance of infrastructure development. This is according to President Dr Irfaan Ali, who Monday afternoon dubbed the new road link “the corridor of opportunities”.

Speaking at the commissioning of the US$133.8 million road project, the Head of State said along the new highway, “you will have six new hotels, all internationally-branded hotels and three of those hotels are nearing completion; we will have five new public and private hospitals just along this stretch, tens of thousands of new homes, three new massive industrial hubs and two massive manufacturing hubs.”

He added that aside from the projects highlighted above, the Private Sector has calculated some US$500 million investment for new developments along the corridor. While the road will significantly reduce travel time, the President said it was not

economic growth.

Opening up more land for mining, access to farmland, and faster access to healthcare are among other benefits. He said that while the road would decongest the city, it would also lead investors to new areas for development, enable easier access to many communities, and improve the overall quality of living.

Ali spoke of new parking lots, which he said would be built with lighting and security to accommodate heavy-duty trucks and machinery on the East Bank and East Coast, thereby removing the need for these equipment to occupy space on the parapets and walkways.

Further, he said, “We’re also creating what we’re calling the manufacturing and industrial hub where we’re going to take all of our small [businesses]; the spray paint people, the mechanics, all the woodworking people that are industrial in nature so we will reduce the noise nuisance, the dust nuisance and improve the quality of life in villages.”

Train or tram system

Using the secondary “hard-surface road” built alongside the Ogle to Eccles Road, the President said efforts were also ongoing to run

the Government’s planned Train/Tram system.

“So, when we talk about the train or tram system,

the infrastructure is also being built, and the design and urban planning that is taking place is already setting

aside the possibility of having this,” Ali said.

President Dr Irfaan Ali speaking at the commissioning of the new highway

A section of the new highway (Minister Deodat Indar photo)

AG assures fair payouts as Govt moves to acquire land for major power project

Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, on Sunday met with over 100 residents, primarily farmers from Mahaica to Blairmont to discuss the pending acquisition of lands along the corridor earmarked for the installation of Guyana Power and Light’s (GPL) new transmission cables.

The consultation was held at Latchmansingh Primary School, Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice (WCB) and focused on the Government’s plan to install transmission lines that will carry electricity generated by the Wales Gas-toEnergy (GtE) Project. The lines are expected to stretch as far as Number 53 Village, Corentyne Coast.

During the meeting,

Nandlall explained the significance of the GtE Project, noting that it will provide a more reliable and affordable supply of electricity and cooking gas to citizens. He underscored the project’s wide-reaching economic benefits, calling it a transformative initiative for the nation.

“The Gas-to-Shore Project will have a massive impact on our economy and on the lives of every Guyanese citizen. It is not just about energy — it is about modernising Guyana,” he said.

Nandlall detailed the legal framework guiding the compulsory acquisition of land and assured residents that the process will be grounded in fairness and transparency. He emphasised that landowners will

be compensated at full market value in accordance with the Constitution and existing laws.

“In this exercise, the Government’s priority is to ensure that your proprietary interests are protected, that the process embarked upon is fair and transparent, and that, as far as possible, we arrive at consensual positions on what fair market value is,” he said.

The AG noted that while the Government will provide legal and valuation support, landowners are free to engage independent attorneys and valuation professionals.

He also pointed out that the Government will aim to utilise State lands wherever feasible and only acquire private lands when absolutely necessary. Compensation, he added, will also extend

to crops, buildings, and other structures on both private and leased State lands.

Also attending the consultation were Region Five Chairman Vickchand Ramphal, officials from GPL, the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary –Agricultural Development Authority (MMA-ADA), and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA).

Similar meeting

A similar meeting was previously held with farmers along the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) corridor.

“Right here on the East Bank corridor, the farmers of Friendship, Garden of Eden, Craig, all the way to Mocha. I’m sitting and negotiating with each of them, as well as their law-

yers. Because we have to acquire lands again,” AG had said at the commissioning of a Magistrate’s Court at Friendship, EBD in April.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration’s flagship GtE Initiative is divided into five components: the pipeline from offshore production activities to Wales, the construction of the power plant and natural gas liquids (NGL) facilities, the transmission main to carry power generated at the plant, a new control centre at Eccles, EBD and the upgrading of the national power grid.

Upon completion, the project is expected to substantially lower electricity generation costs, enabling GPL to reduce tariffs. The

Government has said that when completed, the project’s benefits would include a doubling of the country’s electricity generating capacity to keep pace with the growing demand. Benefits will also include the slashing of electricity prices paid by consumers by 50 per cent. This reduction has significant implications for the Guyanese economy, fostering more competitive production costs and stimulating broader economic growth.

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) has already finished constructing the gas pipeline, and the transmission lines and substations required for integration of the project are significantly advanced.

Cops discuss crime, abuse, safety, recruitment at Moraikobai outreach

In a bid to strengthen community relations and promote public safety, ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) recently conducted an outreach at Moraikobai, located along the Upper Mahaicony River.

The team comprising of four ranks, engaged with villagers on a range of issues affecting the community. The outreach focused on promoting a stronger partnership between residents and the police, encourag-

ing the timely reporting of crimes and suspicious activities and addressing prevalent social challenges, including child abuse, domestic violence and substance abuse.

Other key matters dis-

cussed included recruitment opportunities within the GPF; the dangers of smoking and selling narcotics; suicide prevention and mental health awareness, the importance of using safety gear such as life

jackets and helmets; proper lighting on boats for safe river travel and sexually related concerns and the need for awareness and education

During the visit, the officers shared their contact

information with residents to improve communication and response times. The initiative was well received by the community, with residents openly engaging in discussions and raising several concerns.

Ranks at Moraikobai, Upper Mahaicony River during the outreach

Persons at the meeting on Sunday to discuss the land acquisition process for the Gas-to-Energy Project

ECD commander rallies ranks for discipline, readiness …as Police gear up for 2025 elections

With the country heading into elections in September, law enforcement leadership in Regional Police Division 4’C’ (East Coast Demerara) has shifted into high gear, reinforcing standards of discipline, operational readiness and internal cohesion. At the centre of this drive is Commander of the Division, Assistant

or inappropriate conversations both among themselves and with the public. He also reaffirmed the expectation of strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures, especially in the face of potential threats or incidents. “Action must be taken. No report should go unattended,” he stressed.

As ranks prepare for the increased demands

told officers to be mindful of how they carry themselves, both in uniform and out, especially in relation to social media.

Other senior officers supported his call for higher standards across the board. Deputy Commander, Superintendent Dufu, addressed the importance of conduct off-duty as well as on, reminding officers that their actions, wheth-

Commissioner Khali Pareshram who recently led a high-level briefing with ranks under his command.

The session, held as part of ongoing capacity-building initiatives, took on renewed urgency as Commander Pareshram tackled a wide array of topics, ranging from field conduct and asset protection to inter-rank trust and election preparedness.

Stressing the importance of resource management, Pareshram reminded ranks of their duty to preserve and properly use the Force’s critical tools, including patrol vehicles and surveillance gear.

He said the tools are vital in building transparency, accountability and public trust, especially during interactions with civilians.

The commander warned against the dangers of careless speech. “Your words reflect the professionalism of the entire Force,” he told ranks, cautioning them to avoid loose

that elections typically bring, the Commander placed special focus on operational coordination and systems adherence. He pointed to the role of the Operations Room and the need for ranks to respect the chain of command as essential elements of maintaining structure during periods of national tension.

Trust and unity within the ranks were also key themes of his address. Pareshram made it clear that the Guyana Police Force is pushing toward transformation, not only in its external image but in its internal culture. He said that integrity and unity remain pillars of the Guyana Police Force (GPF). The Force, he further said, must be seen as modern and regionally competitive, both in behaviour and in capability.

As digital platforms increasingly blur the line between personal and public personas, Pareshram urged caution regarding online behaviour. He

er on or off duty, represent the Force. Meanwhile, Superintendent Prince took a more targeted approach, focusing her message on the welfare of female officers. She urged all women ranks to form structured support systems and emphasised the need for mental and physical readiness as the elections approach. “Preparedness is key,” she stated.

The session also previewed upcoming training and development initiatives that will form part of the division’s election readiness programme. These include body camera refresher sessions, taser training and election-specific operational briefings, all designed to reinforce professional standards and ensure that ranks are fully equipped to navigate the challenges ahead.

In May, President Dr Irfaan Ali announced that Guyana’s next General and Regional Elections will be held on Monday, September 1, 2025.

Scenes from the briefing

10 women receive scholarships to pursue maritime careers

The Office of the First Lady has partnered with various stakeholders to provide scholarships aimed at training and educating over 100 women from the hinterland in the maritime sector to support Guyana’s growing oil and gas ecosystem.

Tidewater Inc, in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady, has awarded scholarships to 10 female cadets, providing them with specialised training in ship navigation and engineering. This initiative aims to empower women in the maritime industry by equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in these fields.

The programme includes training for Officers in Charge of a Navigational Watch and Officers in Charge of an Engineering Watch.

For the Navigational Watch, cadets will learn about ship maneuvering, and key aspects of ship construction and stability.

Meanwhile, for the Engineering training, cadets will receive hands-on instruction on the ship’s engine room, how it functions, its components, and the overall mechanics of ship operations.

Speaking at the scholarship ceremony at State House in Georgetown, First Lady Arya Ali highlighted that this scholarship programme aims to enhance the skillset of Indigenous persons from hinterland regions.

“This investment by Tidewater in our country's

human resources could not have come at a better time, given the rapid expansion of Guyana's maritime sector. Even as the global economy is still reeling from supply chain disruptions, the maritime sector remains the backbone of international trade, with over 80 per cent of the volume of inter-

today. Many of the challenges in the maritime sector— such as shortages—can be addressed. My office and by extension the Government of Guyana, supports gender equality and the empowerment of women through gender-specific fellowships and other opportunities,” she said.

gramme ensures that women from our hinterland regions—particularly our Indigenous women—have access to the same kinds of academic and training opportunities that those of us on the coastland usually have.”

She emphasised that this initiative is part of a

Training Institute have already provided basic safety training and ship security awareness training to 60 young women from Regions One, Seven, and Nine. In the coming weeks, another 40 will be trained, bringing the total to 100.”

Importantly, she stressed the need to cre-

may be vast, but so is your power. Go forward with confidence. You are the tide that’s changing everything. Thank you once again to Tidewater, and congratulations to our girls.”

Director of Tidewater Inc, Quintin Kneen in brief remarks said “to the cadets, we believe in you, we are proud of you, and we will be cheering you on every mile of the way.”

Meanwhile, delivering remarks was also Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill who also oversees maritime infrastructure. He noted that this initiative helps to close critical gaps in access to opportunities, particularly by supporting Indigenous students.

“When you can see women moving from a village to State House with an opportunity to study—where the sky becomes their limit—it is a clear case that Government policies are bridging the divide. We are making society equal—not just because of appearances, but because of where they come from and where they

national trade in goods carried by sea. That percentage is even higher for most developing countries like Guyana,” the First Lady said.

She further noted that the global shipping industry is currently facing acute crewing shortages, particularly among officers, presenting a unique opportunity for Guyana to become a global contributor to maritime personnel.

“That is why we're here

She stated that this is why when Tidewater approached her office a few months ago with the offer to provide support, her office immediately envisioned a gender-specific programme that achieves several goals.

“Firstly it provides highly specialised training opportunities to young women in a deliberate attempt to achieve greater gender parity in a male-dominated industry.”

“Secondly, this pro-

broader undertaking by her office to increase training opportunities in the maritime sector for women and individuals from historically underrepresented communities.

In addition, the First Lady noted that safety training in maritime operations has already been provided to scores of students.

“Through a shorter scholarship programme, my office and the Alliance Maritime and Offshore

ate an environment where women are identified and selected for career development opportunities in the maritime industry.

She called on stakeholders to celebrate this important milestone and reconsider how they can build a more inclusive and resilient industry.

“This is not just a scholarship. It is a promise that you belong, that you are capable, and that you will lead. The journey ahead

can go. We are bridging the gap in careers, particularly to ensure that underserved areas are impacted.”

Tidewater Inc has been a global leader in the maritime industry since 1956. This initiative, first declared in 2022, aims to provide life-changing educational opportunities and build human capacity in Guyana—an oil-rich nation poised for continued growth and transformation.

First Lady Arya Ali and Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, along with the recipients of the scholarships and representatives of collaborative entities and sponsors at State House on Monday

Women in maritime careers along with First Lady Arya Ali and Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, Local Government Minister Sonia Parag and other officials on Monday

Two years after a devastating fire reduced Christ Church Secondary School, Camp and Middle Sts, Georgetown to rubble, the newly-rebuilt institution reopened its doors on Monday. Education Minister Priya Manickchand, school administrators, and ministry officials warmly welcomed scores of students back to their upgraded school (Education Ministry photos)

GPHC conducts 12 joint replacement procedures over weekend

In a significant move to reduce the growing backlog of joint replacement surgeries, the orthopaedics department at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) conducted a series of knee and hip replacement surgeries over the weekend. A total of 12 joint replacement procedures were successfully completed. These include eight knee replacements and four hip replacements, marking a notable boost in the department's surgical output.

In a missive from the medical institution, it stated that typically, only emergency surgeries are performed on weekends at GPHC and joint replacement surgeries

are limited to two per week, as operating theatre time is shared among multiple departments. ‘

However, to address the long list of patients awaiting care, the orthopaedics department has been dedicating one weekend each quarter to perform additional surgeries. Among the 12 procedures done this past weekend, four were sameday surgeries, where patients were admitted on the morning of the operation and discharged by evening.

This is a relatively new initiative at GPHC, with the first same-day joint replacement having been completed in March 2025.

The success of this approach is a testament to

the advanced surgical techniques and enhanced recovery protocols now being implemented by the depart-

ment's skilled surgical team.

The remaining eight patients were discharged within 24 hours, further

demonstrating the team's commitment to improving patient outcomes and hospital efficiency through modern, minimally invasive practices.

To date, the orthopaedics department has completed a total of 79 joint replacement surgeries for the year, reflecting the dedication and ongoing efforts of the team to meet the needs of patients awaiting life-changing procedures.

Individuals who believe they may need joint replacement surgery are encouraged to visit their nearest healthcare facility, where they will be assessed by a medical practitioner. If it is determined that the condition cannot be effectively

treated with medication or other non-surgical methods, the patient will be referred to the Surgical Outpatient Clinic at GPHC for further evaluation and management by a specialist team. It is important to note that surgery is only recommended when all other treatment options have been exhausted, and due to the high demand for joint replacement procedures, there is currently a waiting list.

The GPHC remains committed to enhancing access to critical surgical services and applauds the efforts of the orthopaedics team along with the other supporting departments for going above and beyond in delivering care to those in need.

Rotary Club of Garden City Georgetown installs 2025–2026 Board

The Rotary Club of Garden City

Georgetown proudly hosted its 2025 Handing Over Ceremony on Sunday, June 29 at Olympic House, Liliendaal, commemorating a year of impactful service

under outgoing President Melissa De Santos and ushering in a new chapter of leadership and commitment to community development. The ceremony served as a moment of reflection on the club’s accomplishments

from July 2024 to June 2025 and the formal installation of the 2025 –2026 Board of Directors. Under President Melissa’s stewardship, the club made significant strides in advancing Rotary’s mission of “Service Above

Self,” notably surpassing its Rotary Foundation giving target by raising USD $8,751 against a goal of USD $7,500. This achievement positioned the club among the top three per capita contributors in District 7030.

The newly installed board for the 2025–2026 Rotary year comprises: President: Risa De Santos; Immediate Past President: Melissa De Santos; President Elect/ Vice President: Pearson Burch-Smith; Secretary: Erwin Chapman; Treasurer: Onieca Dennis; Directors: Club Administration: Ronald Burch-Smith; Rotary Foundation: Ariane Mangar; Public Image: Schemel Patrick; Service Projects: Cindy Maloney; Membership: Amanda Ali; Youth Development: Mischka White; Executive Secretary: Lisa Foster; Environmental Officer: Ladonna Kissoon; Club Learning Facilitator: Vanessa Leitch; Protocol Officer: Alvina Rambarran; Sergeant-at-Arms: Roger

Harper

The event also honoured two individuals for their exceptional contributions to Rotary’s mission. Sheran Harper, former Worldwide President of the Mothers’ Union, and Margaret Maloney were pinned as honorary Paul Harris Foundation awardees for their outstanding leader-

ship and unwavering support to the club. The pins were presented by Rotary Foundation Director, Dr Ariane Mangar. Reflecting on her term, outgoing President Melissa De Santos thanked her board and members for their dedication and support.

The joint replacement procedures at GPHC

The team who conducted the surgeries

The Rotary Club of Garden City Georgetown new 2025–2026 Board of Directors

Sheran Harper, former Worldwide President of the Mothers’ Union, was one of the persons honoured by the Rotary Club of Garden City Georgetown

WHO praises Guyana for major strides in influenza surveillance

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Monday said that Guyana has made significant progress in recent years in detecting, monitoring and responding to influenza and other respiratory threats. To increase the representativeness of the system and improve the timely

surveillance data to the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO)/WHO via FluNet and FluID –global platforms for tracking and analysing global influenza trends.

According to WHO, another major focus has been the certification of Guyana’s National

itive samples to WHO Collaborating Centres – ensuring accurate diagnoses and supporting regional influenza surveillance.

“This prestigious accreditation marks a significant milestone in strengthening the country’s capacity to monitor, detect and respond to influenza and oth-

detections of increased influenza activity, Guyana increased the number of sentinel surveillance sites from four to twelve in less than two years.

In parallel, Guyana began weekly reporting of

Public Health Reference Laboratory (NPHRL) as a WHO-recognised National Influenza Centre. The Government has made significant investments in reagents, supplies and shipment of influenza-pos-

er viral threats,” stated Guyana’s Ministry of Public Health. “As part of Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS), the NPHRL will play an integral role in the global surveillance network that

Wanted rape accused shot during confrontation, flees scene

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has issued a wanted bulletin for 38-year-old Quincy Bernard of Lot 38 School Street, Stanleytown, West Bank Demerara (WBD) for questioning in relation to a rape accusation.

Police stated that on Sunday, ranks visited the home of the wanted man to arrest him but it ended into a confrontation during which, a rank alleged that a live round was discharged from his service revolver

causing Bernard to flee the scene.

Police could not confirm whether the wanted man was injured, and his whereabouts are currently unknown.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Bernard are asked to contact the Wales Police Station at telephone number 267-2804 or the nearest Police Station. Further, contact can also be made with his relative, Kimone Gentle on 615-0151.

Wanted: Quincy Bernard

Rotary Club of Garden City...

“It has been an epic, magical, impactful year and I want to thank our fabulous board members and every single member of our epic family who contributed to one helluva year where we truly saw how being people of action, putting service above self, made the magic of Rotary come alive. We achieved almost every goal we set for ourselves,” she said.

The club once again fulfilled all Rotary International and District 7030 goals, earning the prestigious District 7030 Titanium Award for a second consecutive year. Throughout the year, the club implemented a series of projects aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus, including youth empowerment initiatives for both boys and girls, mental health awareness and peacebuilding cam-

paigns, and environmental activities. Strategic partnerships were strengthened, and member engagement was significantly enhanced, reflecting the club’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and impact.

Incoming President Risa De Santos, in her acceptance speech, invoked the 2025–2026 Rotary theme, Unite for Good, as both a rallying cry and a moral imperative.

“In a world marked by conflict and uncertainty, this theme is not only a reflection of the times, but a challenge to us all,” she said.

“We must remain bold in our mission as Rotarians — to reach across cultural, political, and personal divides, and to remind the world that kindness is stronger than hate, and that hope is more powerful than fear.”

Assistant Governor Rafeekc Kassim also ad-

monitors the evolution of influenza viruses worldwide. This ensures that public health responses are timely, evidence-based, and effective in mitigating the risks posed by these viruses.”

Vaccination policy, pandemic preparedness

To further strengthen influenza control activities, Guyana has drafted a seasonal influenza vaccination policy and engaged stakeholders in discussions ahead of a planned 2025 rollout. The goal: protect vulnerable populations and reduce strain on the health system.

Preparedness efforts also include finalisation of a Health Multi-Hazard Emergency Management Plan, featuring a dedicated respiratory pathogen pandemic preparedness and response plan.

Building resilience

Guyana’s achievements, WHO said demonstrates how coordinated action and strategic investment can strengthen public health systems and improve influenza preparedness.

"Guyana is proud of its progress in influenza sur-

veillance, laboratory diagnostic capacity and vaccination,” said Dr Frank C.S. Anthony, Minister of Health of Guyana. “The Ministry of Health remains dedicated to strengthening these public health capabilities for national, regional and global health security."

According to WHO, this momentum signals a positive trajectory for Guyana’s ability to manage public health emergencies, ensuring a healthier, more resilient future for its people and the region.

Guyana hosts inaugural Early Childhood Development conference …as

focus placed on strengthening childcare systems, safety standards

MFROM PAGE 14

dressed the gathering, commending the outgoing board for their achievements and welcoming the incoming team. He emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration across clubs to strengthen Rotary’s collective impact.

“Together, through shared purpose and mutual support, we can drive meaningful change in our communities,” Kassim stated.

Now in its fifth year, the Rotary Club of Garden City – Georgetown has built a solid reputation for executing projects focused on safeguarding the environment, promoting education, and advancing mental health awareness. Under the guidance of its new leadership, the club aims to expand its reach and roll out innovative initiatives tailored to the evolving needs of the community.

ore than 300 stakeholders gathered on Monday morning for the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s inaugural Early Childhood Development (ECD) Conference, aimed at enhancing services, systems, and inter-agency collaboration for the care and education of young children in Guyana.

Held in partnership with key organisations including the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health, the University of Guyana (UG), and other supporting agencies, the conference brought together early childhood practitioners, caregivers, educators, and policy experts to highlight achievements in the sector and chart a course for continued progress.

The conference, hosted at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) featured presentations from a wide range of contributors, including Fiona Persaud of UNICEF, Chief Fire Officer, Gregory Wickham, Dr Karen Lashley of the UG’s

ECD Department, and Dr Michelle McBean, Head of the ECD Unit, who delivered the keynote address.

During the forum, several significant milestones in early childhood development were outlined. Among the achievements highlighted were the training of 1,003 early childhood practitioners, the graduation of 50 individuals through the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) in ECD-specific training, the establishment of 17 new daycares supported through grants, and the licensing of 350 daycare centres across the country.

Additional accomplishments include the introduction of a new academic course in early childhood development, the formulation of a national home-based care policy and programme, and the planned expansion of community care facilities— signaling a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach to support early learning and child welfare. Key themes underscored during the conference included the need for expanded and consistent

training to ensure all centres are staffed by qualified personnel, stronger fire and safety protocols to safeguard children, and increased support for parenting education and engagement.

Stakeholders also emphasised the importance of nurturing environments, not only in institutional settings but within homes and communities, as foundational to a child’s cognitive and emotional development.

The conference also paid tribute to the dedicated efforts of the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), particularly the ECD Unit led by Ms Patricia Gray and its Director, Ms Ann GreeneGouveia, whose leadership has been central to implementing many of the recent developments in the sector.

Support from international partners such as UNICEF and the Government of Canada was also acknowledged, alongside recognition for the tireless staff of the CPA and the broader network of local professionals committed to improving early childhood services nationwide.

Participants at the Early Childhood Development conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Monday

Edghill urges reflection on Guyana’s gains, warns against self-serving leadership

ublic Works Minister

PJuan Edghill has urged Guyanese to reflect on the sweeping developments taking place across the country under the cur-

rent administration, and to make informed decisions as the nation moves forward.

Speaking at a scholarship award ceremony hosted at State House on

Monday, Edghill underscored the importance of consistent, people-centred leadership, crediting the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government with ushering in a new era of opportunity and national growth.

The ceremony saw ten Indigenous female cadets from hinterland communities receive maritime training scholarships under a collaborative initiative between the Office of the First Lady and Tidewater Inc.

Edghill used the occasion to go beyond celebration and call attention to broader national achievements, particularly in education, housing, and social services.

“I want you to think— if President Ali doesn’t continue to be President, what

Top Cop calls for public trust, partnership

As the Guyana Police Force (GPF) marks its 185th anniversary today, Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken is spotlighting a significant 88 per cent decrease in serious crime nationwide, while reaffirming the Force’s commitment to building public trust and strengthening citizen engagement.

The announcement comes as the second episode of “Safeguarding Our Nation”, a national conversation series on security and public trust, premieres today. In the episode, Commissioner Hicken sits down with moderator Marcia Hope to discuss ongoing reforms, institutional transformation, and the role of the public in shaping safer communities.

“We are building a Police Service that is modern, professional and trusted by all Guyanese,” Commissioner Hicken stated, highlighting the GPF’s focus on accountability, updated training programmes, and enhanced community policing initiatives.

could possibly be the outcome if we’re led by people who only look after themselves and not the people?” Edghill asked the audience, which included Government officials, private sector leaders, and dozens of scholarship recipients.

He pointed to the scale of Guyana’s growth over the past five years, noting that what is now being experienced would have been nearly impossible under past administrations.

“Being honest, before the First Lady took office, what was happening in terms of the opportunities young women are getting now? It was practically nonexistent,” he stated, alluding to the dozens of young Indigenous women who have received training and scholarships through her office since 2022.

The Minister proudly cited the Government’s success in exceeding its campaign pledge to award 20,000 scholarships through the

Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), with more than 29,000 awarded to date — a milestone he said reflected the administration’s focus on real, measurable impact.

Shifting to housing and youth support, Edghill stressed that Guyana’s transformation is not limited to infrastructure but includes programmes that have directly uplifted citizens.

“With all that we’ve done in housing for young families, the thousands of contractors now involved for the first time, young people having their CXC (Caribbean Examinations Council) and CSEC (Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate) exam fees paid for by the Government, and university tuition fully funded by the state—this is not just governance, it’s service.”

He also highlighted efforts to bridge the geographic divide between the hinter-

land and coastland, empower women entrepreneurs with grants, and strengthen families through inclusive development.

“Think about what Guyana would look like today if we didn’t have a Government that truly cares—one that listens, responds and doesn’t see power as an entitlement, but as a responsibility to serve,” the Minister said, as he criticised individuals and political forces who, he claimed, make grand promises only for personal gain.

Reaffirming the PPP/C’s mission, Edghill noted that the administration is far from done and is desirous.

“We want to continue to serve. We believe what has happened over the last five years is only child’s play compared to what is coming. We are embracing partnerships and the collaboration of all stakeholders to ensure Guyana continues on this path.”

Commissioner Hicken emphasised that despite statistical progress, the real challenge lies in how safe citizens feel. “We know crime isn’t just about numbers—it’s about perception and confidence in the system. Rebuilding that trust is not a one-time effort. It’s an everyday commitment,” he noted.

can build a Guyana where everyone feels secure,” he urged.

The Commissioner called on citizens to become active participants in the journey toward improved public safety. “We invite the public to hold us accountable and to work with us. Together, we

The Safeguarding Our Nation series, launched earlier this year, aims to provide transparency and promote dialogue around the evolution of the country’s security architecture. Each episode features conversations with leading figures in law enforcement, national defence, and public safety, shedding light on both challenges and progress in the sector.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill

Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken

Agricola shopkeeper shot dead

Police in Regional Division 4A have launched an investigation into the fatal shooting of 33-year-old Romel Bollers, of Lot 120 Brutus Street, Agricola, East Bank Demerara (EBD). The incident occurred around 08:30h on Sunday at Titus Street, Agricola.

Preliminary investigations indicate that Bollers, a shopkeeper, left his residence at about 08:15h to feed pigs at Lot 166 Titus Street, Agricola where his family maintains livestock. Not long after, his sister reported hearing from residents in the area that Bollers had been shot.

Upon arriving at the scene, she discovered Bollers lying motionless on his back in front of one of the pig pens, with visible wounds and bleeding. Emergency responders from the Eccles Fire Station transported him to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

US$133.8M

Ogle-to-Eccles new...

Bollers’ body has since been taken to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, where it awaits a post-mortem examination.

Police have not yet identified a suspect or established a motive. Investigations remain ongoing.

A subsequent examination of the body revealed suspected gunshot wounds to the right shoulder, abdomen, and right elbow. Investigators from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters processed the scene and recovered a single 9mm spent shell.

Flood-affected residents in Mazaruni receive support

The government has stepped up its efforts to deliver relief supplies to communities in the Middle and Lower Mazaruni that are severely affected due to persistent rainfall. Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat spearheaded the distribution of food hampers, mining equipment and cleaning supplies.

He recently visited communities that included Tamakay, Issano, Papi Show, Martin’s Landings and Tasserene Village.

The rising waters dis-

rupted mining operations several retail shops and homes have been impacted.

Minister Bharrat, along with members of the Small Miners Association (SMA), also visited the Amerindian communities of Batavia and Karrau, where they distributed boat engines, solar units to the miners.

The equipment will assist them in their daily operations, contribute to increased gold production, and continue to support developments within the mining sector. The gold mining industry has shown significant improve-

ments due to direct government support following challenges resulting from smuggling and under-declaration.

Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance and Public Service Dr Ashini Singh, said earlier this year that the government will continue its efforts to regulate the sector and ensure these problems are contained.

These efforts include increased compliance, enforcement activities and use of ICT applications to monitor mining operations.

In addition, he noted that a massive new transmission line will interconnect the East Coast, the East Bank of Demerara, Berbice, and Region Three, utilising the latest technology.

Further, the government’s e-ticketing system will be installed, along with an E-traffic management system, which will display to drivers the current traffic conditions ahead. “E-traffic management will be linked to the screens that you see along the road that will be able to tell drivers how you need to divert based on what is behind you or ahead of you,” he explained.

This will be complemented by an app that allows drivers to plan their routes using their smartphones before embarking on their journey.

“We are building a firstclass country for the citizens of this country”, he added.

The President highlighted several connecting links

on the East Coast and East Bank of Demerara, which will help to ease traffic congestion and provide alternative routes to drivers.

This includes a road link alongside the new Silica City on the East Bank connecting to the Linden-Soesdyke Highway.

“We have completed the design of the connection from Land of Caanan to the Linden-Soesdyke Highway…That is going to be a spectacle because we are building…a floating foundation, we’ll be building a causeway – set aside for swampy areas – because we want minimal impact on the environment,” the President said.

Some of these new roads are already underway and are expected to be completed before the September 1 General and Regional Elections.

The new highway, he concluded, is a “bold declaration that Guyana is on

the move, not by chance but by choice, not by accident but by deliberate action.

The road is about our ambition, not cast in stone and asphalt; it is about progress poured and paved; it is about our vision translated into reality.”

While the government continues its infrastructure development projects, the President assured that investments in salary increases for public servants, cash grants for families and support for the traditional agriculture sector will continue.

“The investment in national development and people are being sustained and accelerated”, he emphasised.

The new Ogle to Eccles Road will be extended to the Demerara Harbour Bridge, providing a seamless transition of traffic from Region Three to Region Four for those who are not desirous of travelling to Georgetown.

Dead: Romel Bollers

Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat distributes mining equipment to residents of Karrau Village

Regional

Trump imposes tougher US policy towards Cuba

President Donald Trump on Monday signed a memorandum imposing a hardline US policy toward communist-run Cuba and reversing measures put in place by former President Joe Biden, the White House said.

The directive will enforce a statutory ban on US tourism to Cuba while supporting an economic embargo of the country, the White House said in a fact sheet.

While Americans cannot visit Cuba for leisure, travel has been allowed for activities including educational or humanitarian trips.

As one of his first acts after taking office in January, Trump, a harsh Cuba critic, revoked the Biden Administration's last-minute decision to remove the country from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism. He has also partially restricted the entry of people from Cuba.

Under Monday's memorandum, Trump renewed a ban on direct or indirect financial transactions with en-

tities controlled by the Cuban military, such as Grupo de Administracion Empresarial S.A. (GAESA), and its affiliates, with exceptions for transactions that advance US policy goals or support the Cuban people.

Biden had revoked a 2017 Trump order that restricted financial transactions with some military and Government-linked Cuban entities.

The new memorandum

"enforces the statutory ban on US tourism to Cuba and ensures compliance through regular audits and mandatory record-keeping of all travel-related transactions for at least five years," the White House fact sheet said.

It also supports the economic embargo of Cuba and opposes calls in the United Nations and other international forums for its termination, the fact sheet said.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

French scientists find new blood type in Caribbean woman

AFrench woman from the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe has been identified as the only known carrier of a new blood type, dubbed “Gwada negative,” France’s blood supply agency has announced.

The announcement was made 15 years after researchers received a blood sample from a patient who was undergoing routine tests ahead of surgery, the French Blood Establishment (EFS) said on Friday.

“The EFS has just discovered the 48th blood group system in the world!” the agency said in a statement on social network LinkedIn.

“This discovery was officially recognised in early June in Milan by the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT).” The scientific association had until now recognised 47 blood group systems.

Thierry Peyrard, a medical biologist at the EFS involved in the discovery, told AFP that a “very unusual” antibody was first found in the patient in 2011. However, resources at the time did not allow for further research, he added.

Scientists were finally able to unravel the mystery in 2019 thanks to “high-throughput DNA se-

quencing”, which highlighted a genetic mutation, Peyrard said.

The patient, who was 54 at the time and lived in Paris, was undergoing routine tests before surgery when the unknown antibody was detected, Peyrard said.

This woman “is undoubtedly the only known case in the world,” said the expert.

“She is the only person in the world who is compatible with herself,” he said.

Peyrard said the woman inherited the blood type from her father and mother, who each had the mutated gene. (Excerpt from AFP)

CDB joins fight to end global poverty

The Barbadosbased Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) says it has officially joined the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty in a move to combat hunger and poverty globally.

CDB said this aligns with its mission to foster sustainable development and improve the lives of people in the Caribbean by working collectively and collaboratively with international partners.

It said that the formal commitment to the Global Alliance was outlined in its Statements of Commitment, demonstrating its dedication to addressing structural poverty and inequality as part of the broader initia -

tives connected to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The Region’s premier financial institution said it has pledged to support the alliance’s objectives through knowledge sharing, ethical engagement and the development of solutions tailored to the needs of vulnerable communities, including Indigenous populations and tribal groups.

“CDB is committed to fostering collaboration and driving collective action to ensure a holistic approach to tackling hunger and poverty that embraces climate-resilient agricultural practices, strengthened adaptive capacity to impacts of climate change and building sustainable

food systems. These, and wider inclusive development efforts, are crucial to deliver measurable change for communities across the Region,” said the Bank’s Vice President of Operations, Isaac Solomon.

The CDB said that the alliance represents a unified effort to coordinate resources, share strategies and implement practical solutions to improve food stability and economic resilience.

“The Bank, through this partnership, further commits to exploring opportunities for collaboration with other alliance members to elevate its impact and contribute meaningfully to this global fight,” the CDB said. (CMC)

Beckles-Robinson appeals to disgruntled PNM members to return to the party

Pennelope BecklesRobinson officially took the reins of the People’s National Movement (PNM) on Sunday, becoming the first woman to lead the party since its founding nearly seven decades ago.

She was installed during the PNM’s National Convention at City Hall, Port-of-Spain, alongside a new executive elected in the party’s internal elections last Sunday.

Addressing party members and supporters for the first time in her new role, Beckles pledged to lead with integrity, humility, and love. She said her leadership would be rooted in accountability, focused on rebuilding trust, and committed to putting people first, especially women and young people.

“Listen more. Let us debate respectfully. Let us include rather than exclude,” she said.

“This is the Trinidad and Tobago we must build, and it must begin inside our own house.”

To long-time supporters who have grown disil-

Brazil

lusioned in recent years, Beckles-Robinson had a clear message: “To every single member of the PNM who stayed home recently, who felt left behind, who said, ‘I used to support them, but I can’t take it no more’ — come back home. We need your wisdom. We need your honesty. We need your experience.”

She also invited the undecided, the sceptical, and those simply observing from the sidelines to take a sec-

ond look.

“This is a new era, new leadership, a renewed commitment. Join us, help us, hold us accountable, build with us,” she said.

“We are not just preparing to win election — we are preparing to win back their hearts and minds and trust.”

Beckles made it clear that under her leadership, accountability would not be a buzzword but a standard. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

to investigate hot-rolled steel export 'dumping' from China, India

Brazil's Government will launch an investigation into suspected export "dumping" of some hot-rolled steel products from China, India and Indonesia, its official gazette said on Monday.

Preliminary studies have found the sufficient evidence of dumping as well as resulting damage to its domestic steel industry, the document said.

Steelmakers in Latin America's largest economy have long complained of an unfair playing field, saying that China floods the market with cheap material and calling on the Government to do more to control those imports. (Reuters)

Colombia boosting troop footprint in renewed offensive against armed groups, Admiral says

Colombia is increasing its troop numbers as part of a renewed offensive against illegal armed groups, the head of the country's armed forces said, after the end of a series of ceasefires and stalled peace negotiations.

Leftist President Gustavo Petro took office in 2022 promising to pursue an end to six decades of conflict through peace accords and surrender deals with guerrillas and heavily-armed crime gangs, but talks have faltered despite repeated temporary ceasefires.

Petro has now ordered increased offensives against the Marxist National Liberation Army (ELN); five factions of former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels who reject that group's 2016 peace deal; the Clan del Golfo criminal group and

other smaller gangs.

"Today there is not one ceasefire, we are in a total military offensive to counteract those illegal armed groups and it's up to us to keep winning territory,"

Admiral Francisco Cubides, the overall commander of Colombia's armed forces, told Reuters in an interview on Saturday in the Pacific port city of Buenaventura. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Newly-installed PNM political leader Pennelope BecklesRobinson delivering the feature address at the party’s Special Convention at the Port-of-Spain City Hall

Colombia's armed forces commander, Admiral Francisco Cubides, speaks with Colombian Navy members during a maritime security tour in Buenaventura, Colombia June 28, 2025 (Reuters/Javier Andres photo)

Cars pass by Cuban and US flags beside the US Embassy in Havana, Cuba, May 13, 2024 (Reuters/Alexandre Meneghini photo)

Around the World

OOIL NEWS

Oil edges down on easing Middle East risks, but gains for 2nd month

il prices edged down on Monday as investors weighed easing Middle East risks and a possible Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC+) output increase in August.

Both Brent and US crude oil benchmarks posted their biggest weekly declines since March 2023 last week, but rose for the second consecutive month, gaining around six per cent and seven per cent respectively.

Brent futures settled down 16 cents, or 0.2 per cent, to US$67.61 a barrel and expired on Monday. The more active September contract ended at US$66.74.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude settled down 41 cents, or 0.6 per cent, at US$65.11 a barrel.

A 12-day war that started with Israel targeting Iran's nuclear facilities on June 13 sent prices above US$80 a barrel before sliding back to US$67.

"This ceasefire that was quickly engineered appears to be holding up, so the supply risk premium that was in place is continuing to be withdrawn in a rapid fashion," said John Kilduff, a partner at Again Capital.

Meanwhile, US crude oil production hit a record 13.47 million barrels per day in April, up from 13.45 million bpd in March, according to data released by the Energy Information Administration as part of its Petroleum Supply Monthly series.

The record US oil production was adding to the bearish sentiment on Monday, Kilduff added.

OPEC+ set to boost production in August

Four OPEC+ sources told Reuters last week that the group was set to boost production by 411,000 bpd in August after similar increases for May, June, and July.

If the increase is agreed, it would bring the total rise in supply from OPEC+ to 1.78 million bpd so far this year, equivalent to over 1.5 per cent of total global demand.

"I believe this potential supply pressure remains underpriced, leaving crude vulnerable to further weakness," said Ole Hansen, head of commodity strategy at Saxo Bank.

The oil producer group is set to meet again on July 6.

Some market tightness remains despite rising output, however, said Giovanni Staunovo, analyst at UBS.

A Reuters survey found that OPEC oil output rose in May, but gains were limited by cuts by countries that had previously exceeded their quotas. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, meanwhile, made smaller increases than allowed. Kazakhstan, which has persistently exceeded quotas set by OPEC+, may exceed its previous oil production forecast by around two per cent this year following an upgrade to output at its largest Caspian oilfields, Reuters calculations, based on data from State-owned energy company KazMunayGaz showed.

A survey of 40 economists and analysts in June forecast Brent crude will average US$67.86 per barrel in 2025, up from May's US$66.98 forecast, while US crude is seen at US$64.51, above last month's US$63.35 estimate. (Reuters)

Israeli

strike on Gaza cafe kills at least 20 Palestinians

At least 20 Palestinians were killed in an Israeli air strike that hit a popular seafront cafe frequently used by activists, Journalists, and local residents in western Gaza on Monday, according to medics and eyewitnesses.

Rescue teams evacuated 20 bodies and dozens wounded from Al-Baqa Cafeteria, an outdoor venue which consisted of tents along the beach, a spokesperson for Gaza's

Global leaders pledge development push as US shuns UN summit

Aonce-in-a-decade summit kicked off in Seville in scorching temperatures on Monday with global leaders under mounting pressure to reduce poverty, limit climate change and hit other key development goals increasingly at risk.

United Nations chief António Guterres said the event aimed "to repair and rev up" a world system where "trust is fraying and multilateralism is strained".

That was a barb at the conference's most notable absentee – US President Donald Trump, after the world's largest economy, and traditionally its biggest aid giver, did not take part having refused to back the summit's plan of action hammered out over the last year.

France's President Emmanuel Macron also took a swipe at his US counterpart, calling the decision to start a trade war at a time when the planet was under such strain "an aberration".

The first flurry of announcements included a landmark plan to slap new taxes on private jets

and first class flying by Barbados, Kenya, France, Spain and a few other countries.

Guterres told the opening conference session, as delegates sweltered in a brutal Spanish heatwave, the Seville Commitment, at the heart of the event was a "global promise" to fix how the world supports poorer countries.

The pre-summit "outcomes" agreement included tripling multilateral lending capacity, debt relief, a

push to boost tax-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratios to at least 15 per cent, and shifting special IMF money to countries that need it most.

Macron demanded the World Bank and other top development banks should be prepared to sacrifice their top-notch credit ratings if necessary in order to hit those targets.

Global aid fell by seven per cent last year, according to Organisation for Economic Cooperation

and Development (OECD) figures, while the ONE Campaign estimates they could fall by 23 per cent by 2027 as the US, UK, France and Germany cut spending With two-thirds of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, now lagging, more than US$4 trillion a year in funding now needed to be found, Guterres said, while the world's key financial architecture needs to be retooled quickly to make it happen.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Musk vows to punish lawmakers who back Trump's spending bill

Billionaire Elon Musk on Monday renewed his criticism of US President Donald Trump's sweeping tax-cut and spending bill, vowing to unseat lawmakers who backed it after campaigning on limiting Government spending.

After weeks of relative silence following a feud with Trump over the legislation, Musk rejoined the debate on Saturday as the Senate took up the package, calling it "utterly insane and destructive" in a post on social media platform X.

Trump lawyer says no immediate deportations under birthright citizenship order

PHamas-run Civil Defence told the BBC.

He added that emergency crews were still searching through a deep crater left by the explosion.

"I was on my way to the café to use the Internet just a few metres away when a massive explosion hit," said Aziz Al-Afifi, a cameraman with a local production company, told the BBC.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

resident Donald Trump's Administration will not deport children deemed ineligible for US citizenship until his executive order curtailing birthright citizenship takes effect on July 27, a Government lawyer said on Monday after being pressed by two federal judges. During separate hearings in lawsuits challenging Trump's order, US District Judges Deborah Boardman in Greenbelt, Maryland, and Joseph LaPlante in Concord, New Hampshire, set expedited schedules to decide whether the order can be blocked again on grounds that the US Supreme Court's ruling on

Friday, curbing the ability of Judges to impede Trump’s policies nationwide does not preclude injunctions in class-action lawsuits.

Both Judges asked US Department of Justice lawyer Brad Rosenberg, who represented the Government in both cases, for assurances that the Trump Administration would not move to deport children who do not have at least one parent who is a US citizen or legal permanent resident at least until the executive order takes effect.

Rosenberg said it would not, which Boardman and LaPlante respectively asked him to confirm in writing by Tuesday and Wednesday.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

On Monday, he ramped up his criticism, saying lawmakers who had campaigned on cutting spending but backed the bill "should hang their heads in shame!"

"And they will lose their primary next year if it is the last thing I do on this Earth," Musk said.

The Tesla and SpaceX Chief Executive Officer (CEO) called again for a new political party, saying the bill's massive spending indicated "that we live in a one-party country – the PORKY PIG PARTY!!"

(Excerpt from Reuters)

“Unprecedented” alerts in France as blistering heat grips Europe

Arecord number of heat alerts are in place across France as the country, and other parts of southern and eastern Europe, remain in the grip of soaring temperatures.

Sixteen French regions, including Paris, have been placed on red alert for today, the country's highest, while 68 others are on orange alert.

On Monday, 84 of 96 mainland regions were under an orange alert, which France's Climate Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher called an "unprecedented" situation.

Heat warnings are also in place for parts of Spain,

Portugal, Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom and Balkan countries including Croatia. Both Spain and Portugal had their hottest June days on record at the weekend.

El Granado in Andalucía saw a temperature of 46 degrees Celsius on Saturday, while 46.6 degrees Celsius was recorded in the town of Mora in central Portugal on Sunday.

Many countries have emergency medical services on standby and have warned people to stay inside as much as possible.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and other authorities pose for a family photo during the opening ceremony of the fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, in Seville, Spain, June 30, 2025 (Reuters/Jon Nazca photo)

SUDOKU

Attend events that give you a platform to share your beliefs. Stick to what's doable, and you will attract people who can help you bring your intentions to fruition.

Let whatever you are doing play out. Personal and physical improvements in meaningful relationships will help you gain momentum, access groups and bring about positive change.

Take a cautious approach to conversations that address touchy issues. An activity that is physically and emotionally stimulating will help you expand your interests and raise your standards.

Keep things in perspective. Look for simple solutions instead of conjuring up far-fetched scenarios. Look at your choices, the cost involved and who to contact to get things done.

Join the conversation, participate in groups that address your concerns and make your voice heard. Clarity is the path to progress. A move or change will help define what matters most to you.

You are overdue for a change. Ask questions, do some research and set a budget. Changing locations or visiting a place that offers insight or spurs your imagination will help you uncover how to enhance your life.

Test the water before you jump into something new. Taking a leap of faith will leave you scrambling, but taking baby steps will set you on a journey that will change your life.

Stop spinning your wheels and trying to do too much for too many. The anger and frustration you feel have more to do with you than with the people you let take advantage of you.

Address issues concerning money, shared expenses, joint ventures and property. Once you are clear regarding responsibilities, it will ease stress and allow you to reinvest your time and money.

Be careful what you wish for. You'll face opposition and misinformation that will require attention and patience. A romantic gesture will take care of emotional confusion.

Pay attention to where the money goes. Investments will pay off, and joint ventures will help you cut your overhead. Listen to your intuition and focus on upgrading your living space.

What you do and say matters. Choose your words wisely and tell the truth. Interaction is the key to knowledge and formulating how you can use your skills and connections to get ahead.

ARCHIE

By the second hour of the third day in Bulawayo, the outlook had turned bleak for Zimbabwe. South Africa's third-wicket partnership between Wiaan Mulder and David Bedingham had grown to 72 at over five runs an over. Zimbabwe's spearhead, Blessing Muzarabani, was off the field due to illness. The field placements were defensive and the home side looked out of answers.

Then came a lucky breakthrough. Wellington

Masakadza, brought back for the 33rd over, banged one in short to Bedingham, who should have dispatched it to the boundary. Instead, he mistimed the pull straight to midwicket and fell for a

made a career-best 147 at a strike rate of 71.35 and put the match out of Zimbabwe's reach. They were set a target of 537, after South Africa were bowled out for 369 in their second innings, and ended the day at 32 for 1.

gered a slide, with South Africa losing 3 for 19 in five overs; the only passage of It was otherwise a day of South African dominance. Mulder, who had added 63 with Tony de Zorzi for the nership of 104 with Kyle Verreynne for the sixth. South Africa's number three

Mulder, who started the day patiently, lost his partner de Zorzi when the left-hander edged Tanaka Chivanga to second slip for 31. But each time the bowlers strayed in line or pitched too full, Mulder tried to drive to the boundary. Those occasional fours, and Bedingham's quick start, kept South Africa going. Mulder brought up

Mulder's career-best ton puts SA on course for victory in Bulawayo

over with another boundary. By lunch, South Africa were ahead by 352.

Five overs into the sec ond session, Mulder and Verreynne were scor ing boundaries frequent ly as Masekesa and Chivanga lacked control. Zimbabwe's energy and confidence dropped; although their spinners were getting turn, the two well-set batters were untroubled.

The century partnership was eventually broken by a short ball, as Wessly Madhevere had Mulder caught at

his fifty with a huge six over midwicket off Masakadza in the 24th over, by which time South Africa's lead had passed 250.

Zimbabwe resorted to spin at that point for nine consecutive overs, but could not prevent Mulder and Bedingham from scoring 44 runs in that phase. Bedingham's miscue eventually gave Zimbabwe a window, and Vincent Masekesa exploited the rough outside off to turn one sharply into first-innings centurion Lhuan-dre Pretorius, bowling him for 4. Masekesa struck again in the 38th over, dismissing Dewald Brevis for 3 when he attempted an ambitious hoick.

With South Africa 155 for 5, Mulder capitalised on the hittable balls. He drove, flicked and glanced for three boundaries in the next two overs, and reached his second Test hundred in the 43rd

from the rough outside leg. Masakadza had his fourth wicket soon after, removing Maharaj, who missed one after skipping down the pitch. Muzarabani then cleaned up Kwena Maphaka to finally bring Zimbabwe's ordeal to an end.

deep midwicket. Three balls later, Masakadza found just enough turn to induce Verreynne to edge to slip for 36. At 259 for 7 – just as when they were 155 for 5 – Zimbabwe hoped to end South Africa's innings quickly. But it was not to be.

South Africa's Captain Keshav Maharaj and Corbin Bosch deepened Zimbabwe's woes, extending the lead beyond 425 with a quick 92-run stand. Maharaj began cautiously with three dots, but from the 61st over, the pair added 47 runs in eight overs.

With the lead nearly 500, Zimbabwe suffered another blow in the last over before tea. Muzarabani, eligible to bowl after making up for his time off the field, had Bosch caught at first slip off a no-ball. Maharaj got to a half-century off 64 balls in the 77th over, but in the next one, Masakadza bowled Bosch for 36 by turning one

Set a daunting target of 537 and with stumps approaching, openers Takudzwanashe Kaitano and Prince Masvaure adopted a defensive approach.

Only eight runs were scored in the first seven overs, as Codi Yusuf and Mulder bowled with discipline. When the final over of the day began, Zimbabwe had reached 32, and 15 of those runs were extras. The second ball of that over turned out to be the last of the day, as Kaitano edged Bosch to second slip, giving South Africa their first breakthrough in their pursuit of victory. (ESPNcricinfo)

59.3 ov), 8-351 (Corbin Bosch, 77.4 ov), 9-352 (Keshav Maharaj, 79.1 ov), 10369 (Kwena Maphaka, 82.5 ov) Bowling O-M-R-W

b

b

b

Tanaka Chivanga took down Tony de Zorzi

Wiaan Mulder scored his second Test hundred

Wellington Masakadza picked up four wickets

Kyle Verreynne and Wiaan Mulder added 104 runs for the sixth wicket

TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2025

Berbice Cricket Board 2024 awards…

Motie named BCB Player of the Year; Joseph – International Performer of the Year

West Indies leftarm spin bowler Gudakesh Motie is the Berbice Cricket Board’s Cricketer of the Year.

This was announced when the BCB held its award ceremony for 2024. The event, which was held at St Francis Community Developers auditorium at Port Mourant, also saw West Indies right-arm fast bowler Shamar Joseph

ers who continue to bring hope to West Indian fans while Joseph, who grabbed 7-68 against Australia, has been seen as the future of Windies cricket.

On the female side, Under-19 opening batswoman Crystal Durant, who is set to represent Guyana soon at the U-19 level for the third year, was the most outstanding cricketer during 2024.

A

being hailed as Berbice’s International Cricketer of the Year.

Motie has been the most consistent player in all formats of the game. He has played for the Windies men’s team and is considered one of the play-

award ceremony

Speaking at the awards ceremony, BCB President, Dr Cecil Beharry noted that the Board has run off quite a few competitions during 2024 at all levels, starting with the U-11s.

“We had the Ricky Moore

U-11 tape ball, which was won by Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, the Romario Shepherd U-13 competition, which was won by, again, Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, the Dr Dukie U-15, which was won by the Rose Hall Community Centre Cricket Club in Canje. We had the Quality Deliver U-17 competition, which was won by Albion Community Centre Cricket Club. We had the Orvin Mangru U-19, which was won by the Port Mourant Community Centre Cricket Club. The Ivan Madre First Division T20 was won by Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, and the BCB Premier Cup T20 competition was won by Tucber Park,” the BCB President recounted.

“So, as we can see, the talent in Berbice is not only centred in one or two clubs, because many of these clubs would have won competitions in 2024.”

Overall, Berbice have been the runners-up in the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)-run U-13 inter-county competition, which was won by Essequibo.

At the U-15 level, Berbice were also the runners-up as Demerara won that title.

However, according to the BCB President, at those two levels, Berbice did exceptionally well.

“Five of our players from

Du Plessis, Ferreira and Hosein script thumping Super Kings win

Texas Super Kings' South Africans came to the fore as they thumped MI New York (MINY) by 39 runs to qualify for the knockout stage of Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025.

Faf du Plessis led the charge with his second century of the season and Donovan Ferreira provided the firepower at the back end of the innings with a 20ball 53 to take TSK to 223 for 4. Akeal Hosein then starred with the ball to restrict MINY to 184 for 9 as TSK stayed within two points of the top two teams, with Kieron Pollard's 39-ball 70 going in vain.

TSK did not get off to a good start as George Linde trapped Smit Patel in front with just three runs on the board. But in the third over, du Plessis hammered 16 runs off Ehsan Adil, including back-to-back sixes.

Du Plessis racked up two sixes each off the next two overs, bowled by Linde and Trent Boult, before Rushil Ugarkar closed out the powerplay with a relatively quiet seven-run sixth over, even as du Plessis brought up a 21ball half-century.

MINY ramped up the pressure, conceding just one boundary from the next four overs, a period that also saw Saiteja Mukkamalla hole out at deep midwicket off Linde.

Du Plessis who scored 11 runs off 12 balls after reaching his fifty helped swing the momentum, with two more sixes off Linde's final over. Marcus Stoinis then fell to Ugarkar as MINY looked to slow TSK down, but du Plessis and Ferreira had other ideas.

Du Plessis pulled Pollard for a six over midwicket before Ferreira drove him for a couple of fours. Du Plessis then picked up a boundary off Boult to set up a thrilling last three overs that saw TSK rack up 56 runs.

Ferreira tore into Adil for 20 runs off the 18th over before du Plessis reached his century with a swivel-pull off Boult, even as the penultimate over only cost eight runs. He began the final over with two sixes before Ugarkar equalled Shardul Thakur's unwanted record of most consecutive wides in a T20, bowling five on the trot. The third legal delivery of the over also went for six as Ferreira brought up

the Under-13 team, the Under-15 team, went on to play for Guyana, namely Arif Khan, Gilbert Griffith, Richard Ramdial, and Sohail Mohammed. In the Under17s, in a rain-interrupted tournament, we had defeated Demerara by six wickets. And in the second game, in a rain-shortened game, Berbice had made 198 in 34 overs and had Essequibo on the ropes on 24-3 after five overs when the game was washed out. So that tournament was washed out. I'm pretty sure if it was completed, Barbies would have won,” Dr Beharry shared.

From the Berbice U-17 team, six players went on to represent Guyana – Afraz Boodhoo, Romario Ramdeholl, Rampersad Ramnauth, Devon Wharton, Romesh Bharat, and Adrian Hetmyer. Three of them were select for the West Indies Pathway programme for formal training: Boodhoo, Ramdeholl, and Ramnauth.

Meanwhile, two coaches from Berbice were selected to coach the Guyana national U-17 team – Amir Rahman as the coach, and Neil Rudder as the assistant coach.

In 2024, the Berbice female team won the inter-county competition at the U-19 level, and six players went on to represent Guyana: Realeanna Grimmond, Crystal Durant, Trisha Hardat, Tia Isaacs, Danielle Manns, and Danielle Lindy.

Grimmond captained the

the joint-fastest fifty in MLC history.

MINY had a tentative start to the chase and soon Nandre Burger picked up the big early wicket of Nicholas Pooran, who opened the innings. Hosein then bowled a wicket-maiden in the powerplay to put MINY under further pressure. He then dismissed de Kock and Tajinder Singh in consecutive overs to complete a masterful spell and leave MINY on 75 for 4 in the 11th over.

The late assault from Pollard came a little too late, even as he thrashed Noor Ahmad for three consecutive sixes in the 14th over, followed by a boundary thanks to Mukkamalla letting the ball slip out of his hands and over the rope after he collected it at long-off and was trying to throw it back to the middle.

The next three overs brought 37 runs, but a brilliant effort from Ferreira at long-off broke the 88-run stand.

By the time Burger cleaned up Pollard in the penultimate over, the chase was already out of MINY's hands.

(ESPNcricinfo)

Guyana team to victory in the West Indies U-19 regional tournament. She was also selected to play for the Guyana senior team and made her Windies senior debut this year.

The BCB President said he was disappointed with the performance of the senior men’s team in 2024, as they were neither winners nor runners-up in the lone inter-county tournament played in 2024. However, seven players from Berbice were selected to represent Guyana Harpy Eagles (GHE) in the 50-over competition and four represented Guyana in the Four-Day competition, and nine players from Berbice were selected to play in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

Meanwhile, GCB President Bissoondial Singh, speaking at the awards ceremony, said Berbice should be proud of its achievements on and off the field of cricket during 2024.

For the other awards, Gilbert Griffith of Tucber Park, who bowls left-arm orthodox and represented Guyana at the U-19 level, was judged as the Most Improved Cricketer of the Year. For the females in the same age group, the award went to Danielle Manns of Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club.

The U-13 male Cricketer of the Year is Leon Randy of Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, with Adrian

Apple hopes to bring U19 Championship home

With the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Rising Stars Men's Under-19 Championship on the horizon, being hosted in St Kitts and Nevis, the Guyana national Under-19 squad will look to go all the way in this year's tournament.

Transport Sports Club wicketkeeper/ batsman and rising star Shamar Apple shared some of his thoughts on the upcoming tournament.

“My preparation was really good, getting ready ahead in this Under-19 tournament, and my team view and personal view for the team is to bring home the championship back to Guyana.”

Guyana’s Under-19s are set to take on Barbados Under-19 in their first encounter on Thursday, July 3, 2025. The squad includes Jonathan Van Lange (Captain); Romario Ramdeholl (Vice Captain); Rampersaud Ramnauth; Parmeshwar Ram; Romeo Deonarine; Sachin Balgobin; Afraz Ali Boodhoo; Shamar

Apple; Salim Khan; Riyad Latif; Golcharran Chulia; Nityanand Mathura; Bruce Vincent and Micah Amsterdam. Standby players named are Wavell Allen, Neeran Bani, Sanjay Algoo, Jayden Dowlin, Shiloh Adams, Matthew Pottoya, and Ronaldo Jeffery. The team will be under the watchful eyes of Head Coach Garvin Nedd and Manager Nazeer Mohammed.

Hetmyer being the U-15 Player of the Year after registering three double centuries and 14 half-centuries.

The U-17 Player of the Year is Afraz Ali Boodhoo, with Rampersaud Ramnauth being his U-19 counterpart. Imran Moakhan, who recently made his regional FirstClass debut as an umpire, was adjudged Umpire of the Year. The Coach of the Year went to Tremaine Smartt, the former Windies player who coaches the Regional U-19 female team.

Meanwhile, a special award was given to Kevlon Anderson for his consistent performance with the bat over the past year; Kevin Sinclair as an all-rounder, and Trisha Hardat from Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, who recently represented the West Indies at the U-19 World Cup. Romario Ramdeholl, who had a match haul of 12-100 against Trinidad in his U-17 debut, was also the recipient of a special award. (G4)

section of the awardees following the BCB

Gudakesh Motie was named BCB Player of the Year

Wicketkeeper-batsman Shamar Apple

Ahead of the upcoming September 1 General and Regional Elections, Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) President Bissoondyal Singh has joined a long list of other Guyanese in endorsing

President Dr Irfaan Ali for a second term in office.

Singh seized the opportunity to solidify his support for the governing People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) at the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) award

endorses President Ali for 2nd term

ceremony over the weekend.

Singh noted in his speech, “But having said all the above, let us not lose focus on what or who has created the environment and the pathway for sustainable and continuous advancement of sport across Guyana.

“And while he may not be on the list of awardees for tonight’s event, he is, without a doubt, the greatest contributor to this sport over the past five years.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we must not forget this man, a great human being!

“This is a man in every step he has taken, he has walked with purpose, in every decision, he has considered the people and in every chapter of his journey, he has written a story of service, honour, and grace.

AAG National Senior Championships close with outstanding performances

The Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) concluded its 2025 National Senior Championships on Sunday following an action-packed three days of competition at the National Track and Field Centre.

The final day delivered compelling performances, with established athletes and emerging talents showcasing their class across various events.

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) emerged as a dominant force throughout the Championships, collecting numerous titles on both the track and on the field. In one of the most anticipated races of the day, Shamar Horatio led a GDF sweep in the men’s 200m, clocking an impressive 20.72 seconds. He was followed closely by teammates Akeem Stewart (20.94) and Ezekiel Newton (20.96), underlining GDF’s sprinting strength.

Middle-distance standout Simeon Adams also played a key role in GDF’s success, capturing the men’s 800m title with a time of 1:52.20. He later returned to help his team secure victory in the mixed 4x400m relay, teaming up with Kenisha Phillips, Joshua Lam, and Keliza Smith to clock 3:32.31.

“He is the architect of the transformation and modernising of this country.

“Has played a pivotal role in catapulting Guyana on the global stage to the extent that we are now the fastest-growing economy per capita in the world.

“He leads with vision, courage, and firm resolve. But more importantly, he leads with heart.

“He inspires trust, cultivates unity, and brings out the best in those around him. Under his guidance, teams flourish, communities grow stronger, and lives are forever changed.

“When he assumed office five years ago, he brought with him a dynamic vision for inclusive developmenta Guyana where every child, regardless of background, could dream big,

and where sports would no longer be a recreational afterthought, but a pillar of national pride and unity.

“If I were to list his achievements, it probably will take me forever.

Ladies and Gentlemen, at this moment, I invite all of you to please rise.

Let us stand together –in unity and with gratitudeas we recognise and thank an exceptional leader.

A man whose service, vision, and compassion have inspired a nation.

He is no other that His Excellency President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali.

We are proud of you.

We are inspired by you.

And we stand with you.

“It is with absolute conviction and unwavering confidence- that I, as President of the Guyana Cricket Board, and I speak on be-

half of its entire membership- hereby publicly and wholeheartedly endorse the leadership and presidency of HE Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and that of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic.

“We fully support your continued stewardship as President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

“Victory 2025-2030.

“Sir, may your leadership and guidance continue to uplift this great land we all love and call home.”

“President Dr Irfaan Ali has been a strong supporter of sport initiatives, particularly cricket, during his time already served in office. Amongst his major contributions to the sport in Guyana, his brainchild – the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL) T20 is set to bowl off its second edition next Thursday.

Kares One Guyana T10 Berbice Zone…

Montra Jaguars emerge victorious after riveting final

Archibald’s gold capped a solid outing for the Police Progressive Sports Club. In the women’s long jump, Annalisa Redmond leapt 5.93m to claim the top podium spot, backed up by strong efforts from teammates Leoni Adams and Amrist Hector. Aaliyah Moore added another gold for Police with a dominant run in the women’s 800m, stopping the clock at 2:02.69.

GDF’s women were also in top form. Keliza Smith stormed to victory in the women’s 200m with a time of 23.70 seconds, followed by teammate Kenisha Phillips (24.00) and Police’s Tianna Springer (24.02). Smith also featured in the winning mixed 4x400m team, capping an outstanding day. Meanwhile, Anisha Gibbons gave GDF another field

On the field, GDF’s Leslain Baird produced a winning throw of 70.35m in the men’s javelin, while Micai Washington claimed silver in the long jump with a leap of 7.53m. However, that event was won in spectacular fashion by Police Progressive’s Emanuel Archibald, who soared to 7.96m to take the gold.

event title with a commanding 46.40m throw in the women’s javelin.

Other notable results included a hard-fought win for Odida Parkinson in the men’s 10,000m, as he edged out Police’s Royston Fordyce in a dramatic finish. Eron Leitch and Gabriel Lim delivered for Police with silver and bronze in the men’s javelin, registering throws of 61.62m and 60.90m respectively. Team Nice Athletics, meanwhile, earned third place in the mixed 4x400m relay in 3:55.84.

The AAG commends all athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators for contributing to what has been a highly-competitive and spirited Championships. The strong performances witnessed this past weekend highlight the continued development of athletics in Guyana and the promising potential ahead as preparations intensify for upcoming regional and international engagements.

Anthony Bramble ignited the Berbice zone final with a stunning innings of 64 runs off 34 balls, including one four and nine towering sixes, leading the Montra Jaguars to victory. His explosive innings powered Montra Jaguars to 139-2, setting the stage for their dominant 51-run win over Corriverton Spartans, to secure the Berbice Zone championship. Raymond Perez contributed 34 from 14 balls while Joshua Persaud made 27 from 12 balls.

Trevon Sukhu’s 25 and Charles France's top score of 28 were not enough, as the Corriverton Spartans were restricted to 88 for 5 in their allotted 10 overs. Nail Smith was the key in the bowling unit as he had figures of 3 for 8 in his two overs.

Spokesperson for the

Montra Jaguars, Reaz Hussein expressed his thoughts on their victory, sharing, “Very, very elated, and we from the background management team really don’t want to take any credit for this win. We know our intent was to win this; we wanted to. We also knew it was going to be a difficult day back-to-back. I think the players, mentally and physically, have done excellent in terms of putting us over that line for the first time as a Berbice zone champion, and the boys are excited to go to the National Stadium.”

Corriverton Captain Jermin Reid also shared his thoughts after the game, stating, “I must say, I’m very proud to reach this stage. We came here as the underdog with little preparation, but I’m proud of the guys. Congratulations to Montra; they played very

well, and I hope next year we will come bigger and better.”

In the semi-final matchups, the Montra Jaguars won by five wickets against the Sip N Play Warriors, mostly thanks to Gudakesh Motie's quickfire 31 off 10 and Captain Jonathan Foo's 19 off 9, as they chased down their target score of 92 in eight overs. Steven Embrack's brilliant 72 off 25 balls led Corriverton Spartans to a comfortable 28-run victory over Cotton Tree Die Hard. Corriverton Spartans posted a total of 114 for 6 and then restricted their opposition to 86 for 8 in their 10 overs. The East Bank Demerara/West Coast Demerara zone, scheduled for July 5-6, is the next focus of the Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast.

Montra Jaguars emerge victorious in the Berbice zone

Athletes approach the finish line after the men’s 800m

GCB President Bissoondyal Singh

ticket bundle on sale now

Cricket fans in Guyana are in for a season of double the excitement! Supporters attending the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL) now have an exclusive opportunity to secure early access to tickets for the highly-anticipated Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Trinbago Knight Riders clash at the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) on September 6.

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