“Your country stands on the threshold of extraordinary change” – UK Professor to
master’s
Guyanese caught with 3.5kg cocaine in shoes at Pearson Airport
Govt receives proposal for Poison Prevention Centre
Uitvlugt Estate dominates as GuySuCo honours top harvesters for 1st Crop
Pensioner killed in suspected hit and run at Linden
Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo has launched a blistering rebuttal of recent comments made by the political opposition on taxation and fiscal policy, accusing the former A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) of “fake sophistication” and gross hypocrisy.
Speaking during his most recent press conference, Jagdeo dismissed their critiques of the Government’s handling of public funds, calling out what he described as attempts to rewrite history and deceive the public on their own tax legacy.
reminded that it was the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) that “consistently kept its promises”—removing or lowering taxes that were previously imposed on essential goods and services. On this point, he emphasised that under the PPP/C administration, Guyanese now enjoy a broader tax relief regime while experiencing economic growth reflected in increased disposable income, higher levels of savings, and consumer spending.
Jagdeo said their posture is as hollow as it is dishonest. “Them talking about governance is like Lucifer going to heaven to lecture angels on how not to sin,” he quipped. He reminded the public that it was the former APNU+AFC Coalition Government that imposed Value Added Tax (VAT) on critical services and goods, including electricity, water, education, and even travel to the hinterland, taxes the PPP/C has since reversed.
“They have two problems. One is the nonsense that they talk about like taxation and two about their credibility or the believably of what they say because they can say anything like they did in 2015 and then come into Government and arrogantly institute a whole new range of policies. Contrast that with the PPP what we said, we said that we will lower the taxes and remove all these taxes and you’ll see that we have done so,” Jagdeo declared.
The VP made these remarks during his weekly press conference on Thursday last, where he
“If you look at the banking system today, aggregate deposits—both corporate and individual—have grown massively,” he said. “That’s a real indicator of growing prosperity. It doesn’t mean everything is perfect, but the overall trend is clear.”
Taking aim at the AFC’s recent criticism on governance and tax policy,
“These are the people who passed almost 200 tax and fee increases during their time in office,” Jagdeo stated, adding that they generated an additional $94 billion annually through new taxes, yet still claimed to be broke. “They did not prioritise spending on people. They were doctrinaire, following old foreign tax policy recommendations without adapting them to
our national context.”
Further, he went on to contrast the APNU+AFC’s capital expenditure record with that of the PPP/C, pointing out that the coalition’s capital budgets were consistently lower than the PPP’s final budget in 2014. This, he argued, indicated a neglect of infrastructure and a misallocation of public resources, with the coa-
lition favouring increased recurrent expenditure— particularly on Government consumption—rather than investing in long-term national development.
“They spent less on schools, hospitals, roads, and sea defences, and more on rent, vehicles, and food for Government offices. That’s where their priorities were,” Jagdeo asserted.
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, June 10 –03:40h-05:10h and Wednesday, June 11 – 03:55h-05:25h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, June 10 – 16:05h-17:35h and Wednesday, June 11 –16:40h-18:10h.
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
Rain showers with instances of thunder are expected during the day and at night, with sunshine in the afternoon. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.
Winds: North-Easterly to South-Easterly between 1.34 metres and 3.58 metres.
High Tide: 16:01h reaching a maximum height of 2.41 metres.
Low Tide: 09:35h and 21:45h reaching minimum heights of 0.67 metre and 0.82 metre.
“Your country stands on the threshold of extraordinary change” – UK Professor to 580 master’s degree recipients …as $12.5B invested in GOAL scholarships since 2021
Atotal of 580 master’s degree recipients on Monday graduated from the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarship programme. Several of the graduates were in praise of the Government’s vision, particularly as it was announced that $12.5 billion has been invested into the programme since its inception in 2021.
On Monday, 580 master’s degree graduates from various Universities under GOAL, crossed the stage at the National Cultural Centre. The institutions they studied at range from the Indira Gandhi Open University in India and the University of Southern Caribbean in Trinidad, to International University of Applied Sciences in Germany and East London University in England.
According to President Dr Irfaan Ali, who gave the feature address, the graduates are proof that Guyanese are now living in an era of opportunities. He urged the
Minister Dr Ashni Singh meanwhile revealed that a sum of $12.5 billion has been invested into the programme since the PPP/C Government conceived and launched it in 2021. According to him, more than 39,000 online scholarships have now been granted, almost twice the number they had initially committed to grant.
Power of technology to transform Special Guest Speaker Professor Paul Marshall, the
graduates to apply themselves to making the best of those available opportunities and urged other persons still on the fence, to take that leap and develop themselves.
“Those who have not yet applied. To those still wondering if its not too late. Whether its too hard. Whether its worth it. I say this. Do not let the opportunity pass you by. You’re never too old to learn. You’re never too busy to grow. And you’re never too far to reach. GOAL has made education flexible. It has made it local. It has made it possible.”
“And as we celebrate your success, let us also celebrate the vision and value that made this success possible. Inclusion. Empowerment. Equity. And opportunity… Your responsibility does not end here. In fact, it begins here. The future of Guyana does not rest on buildings, it rests in the minds, the hearts and the hands of people like you. And be assured, Guyana needs you; we need your skills, your voice (and) your passion,” the Head of State further said.
sustainable development and innovation.
“Graduates, your achievements today demonstrate the power of technology to transform lives and open new pathways to opportunities, regardless of distance or circumstance. It demands more than knowledge. It demands innovation, adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit,” Marshall said.
Vice President and pro-Vice
Chancellor of the University of East London, was full of praise for the programme and how easy it makes accessing learning. He also reaffirmed his institutions commitment to stand with the Government of Guyana as it rolls out its vision of
“Your country stands on the threshold of extraordinary change, natural wealth and global partnerships are opening new frontiers. Graduates, it will be you. The next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators, who will turn these opportunities into lasting prosperity.
Editor: Tusika Martin
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The Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) has rapidly emerged as one of the country’s most transformative public initiatives, redefining access to tertiary education and equipping thousands of citizens with the skills needed to propel the nation forward. Since its inception in 2021, over $12 billion has been invested into GOAL resulting in more than 39,000 scholarships awarded, and it should be celebrated as a resounding success in national policy execution.
Behind each scholarship is a story of empowerment, of an individual whose aspirations were no longer limited by geography, economic hardship, or traditional educational barriers. By bringing international university education into the homes of ordinary Guyanese, GOAL has not only democratised access to learning but has recalibrated the entire landscape of human resource development in the country.
The ongoing graduation ceremonies reflect this extraordinary transformation. Over 2000 graduates will be celebrated this year alone, with the first day of the two-day event seeing 580 individuals receiving their master’s degrees from institutions across India, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, the Caribbean, and Africa. This global academic diversity underscores the high standard and international recognition of the qualifications now held by Guyanese graduates.
Such achievements are academic milestones as they represent a strategic strengthening of Guyana’s human capital base. With the nation undergoing rapid socio-economic transformation due to its expanding energy sector and broader development agenda, the need for a well-educated, adaptable workforce has never been more urgent. GOAL has stepped in to meet this need with unprecedented reach and efficacy.
The theme of this year’s graduation, “Enhancing the Nation’s Human Capacity” is both timely and accurate. Human development must remain central to the national development model. As President Dr Irfaan Ali rightly emphasised in his address to the graduates, Guyana’s future rests not only in its natural resources but, more critically, in the skills, knowledge, and integrity of its people.
President Ali’s charge to the graduates to lead, serve, and stay in Guyana sends a clear message: the dividends of this investment in education are not just personal, but national. Graduates are now being called upon to shape a modern, equitable, and globallycompetitive Guyana. The President's words, “You have vindicated the trust your country placed in you,” speak to the social contract now binding these graduates to a higher purpose.
It is particularly commendable that GOAL has achieved significant gender parity, with 70 per cent of its enrolment comprising women. This is a milestone in gender empowerment, offering women, especially single mothers, a tangible pathway to socioeconomic mobility. In recognising their resilience, President Ali highlighted a broader point: that inclusive education policies yield inclusive national growth.
The GOAL programme has also been a blueprint in leveraging technology for development. By embracing online education, Guyana has overcome traditional obstacles of cost, distance, and accessibility. It has brought higher learning to hinterland communities, to working professionals, to parents, and to those who once thought a university degree was beyond their reach. In doing so, GOAL has shattered the old paradigm of education as a privilege and replaced it with a model where education is a right, powered by digital innovation and political will.
The positive trajectory of GOAL must continue. Continued investment, expansion of academic offerings, and stronger partnerships with internationally-accredited universities will be essential. Moreover, public-private collaboration should be deepened to ensure that graduates are not only employable but are also driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and public sector reform.
It is now incumbent on all stakeholders, graduates, policymakers, employers, and the wider society, to support and sustain the momentum. Education, after all, is not only the bedrock of individual empowerment but the engine of national transformation.
In a world increasingly defined by knowledge economies, Guyana’s investment in human capital through GOAL is both timely and strategic.
B y D e BB ie J aco
When I worked as a librarian and an English teacher at the International School of Port of Spain (ISPS) and the Youth Training Centre (YTC), I never had a problem getting boys to read. The books that boys loved constantly shocked me. The boys all settled comfortably into books with female protagonists and often enjoyed those books more than the girls in the class.
At both ISPS and YTC, the boys’ favourite classic was Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë because of how it handled conflict and relationships. In ISPS, some boys said their favourite book for the year was Wide Sargasso Sea, the prequel to Jane Eyre, by Dominican writer Jean Rhys, because they could compare Rochester’s story with his first wife’s story. The mystery of Antoinette Rochester, hidden away in the attack in Jane Eyre, and understanding how culture affects relationships hooked them.
When I started a Big Book Club, literally meant to tackle books over 1000 pages, six girls and nine boys joined me in strategising how to read long books. They chose Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell, the story of a spoiled,
rich southern girl living through the American Civil War. All the girls dropped out of the book club. The boys finished the book, making a study of Rhett Butler’s popularity and his treatment of women.
In Grade 5, the US equivalent to Standard 5, The Seventh Wish by Kate Messner appealed to all students. It told the story of a girl who loved dancing. Her parents put all of their energy into an older daughter, who got hooked on illegal drugs in university. All the students knew someone addicted to drugs and said their parents didn’t speak about it. They needed to understand drug addiction and how it affected people.
And still I was shocked to find how much boys loved the novel Doll Bones by Holly Black. This story of a boy who leaves his group of all-girl friends when his father insists he is too old to participate in their favourite pastime, playing with figurines, had boys in my library class questioning who decides when it is time for you to change.
I bet secondary school boys would enjoy Monique Roffey’s books Passiontide and The Mermaid of Black Conch. The initial hook would be the element of mystery, followed by what they discover about wom-
en. My daughter, Ijanaya Smith, a school librarian in Antwerp, Belgium, recently used Kate Messner’s book Chirp in her library class. It’s a story about friendship, finding your voice and speaking out against injustice. The protagonists are girls, but boys loved this book.
“Boys felt uncomfortable confronting issues about sexual assault, but they were always interested in hearing more about it. The story engaged both sexes as it was about eating bugs, which boys love, and women’s rights, which girls love.
Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead resonated with my students and Ijanaya too. It dealt with the consequences of inappropriate pictures posted on the Internet.
Ijanaya said, “I think boys need to read books with girls as protagonists to develop empathy with women.”
Are you getting the picture? If we want boys and men to know how to behave around women, then we need to provide them with books that explore or confront women’s issues.
In a story entitled “What Are We Teaching Boys When We Discourage Them from Reading Books
About Girls?” that appeared in the Washington Post on October 10, 2018, author Sharon Hale asked, “What are we teaching boys when we discourage them from reading books about girls?”
Society teaches children that girls can enjoy any book they want, but boys should not like books about girls. These are the books that teach boys empathy, compassion, facing emotions, the repercussions of domestic violence and femicide.
Hale says when she asks boys what kinds of books they like, they say, “fantasy, funny, comics, mystery, non-fiction, etc. No kid has ever said, ‘I like books about boys.’ Yet booksellers tell me that parents shop for their sons as if books have gender: “I need a boy book. He won’t read anything about a girl.” Hale wonders, “What happens to a boy who is taught he should be ashamed of reading a book about a girl? For feeling empathy for a girl? For trying to understand how she feels? For caring about her? What kind of a man does that boy grow up to be?”
Look around, and you’ll have no problem answering that question. (T&T Newsday)
Dear Editor
In callous disregard for the formation of a Guyanese unity, unethical opposition leaders, utilising various media platforms, hasten to promote Afrocentric racism principally aimed at instilling hate, and generating antagonisms among the ever-advancing harmonious Guyanese people. Hatedefined as an intense dislike for someone or something - once instilled in the minds of supporters, or gradually implanted in the psyche of gullible, and persuadable racist individuals, can easily be exploited as a convenient instrument for creating instability and inciting violence.
Anyone willing to objectively examine regular hateful pontifications
by Afrocentric politicians, and their minions would surely unmask the underlying intent to dehumanise and demonise those not pursuable, or susceptible to divisive and destructive racist propaganda that focuses on promoting hate and hostilities or aimed at inciting overt violence. This then leads one to ask, whether the overt violence that materialised in stark aggression of rioting and looting in the aftermath of Adrianna Younge’s death, will morph into similar expressions of destructiveness in the coming months before the elections?
Undoubtedly, in recent months, Afro-centrists’ targeted their racist vitriols at those whose social, political, and economic success proved irksome, and
resistant to their proselytisation of divisiveness and racism. The indifference became clearly manifested in the denigration of AfroGuyanese whose antipathy towards Afrocentric ethnocentricities resulted in WPA’s David Hinds condemnation of AfoGuyanese supporters of the PPP as “lick bottom” and “lick BT Africans,” - a denigration that gained the support of Henry Jeffrey who said, “Hinds barbs are warranted.”
For the economically progressive Guyanese of every race, success did not self-actualise overnight but resulted from years of persistent strenuous toil and thrift. And, within the last four years, under the governance of the PPPC, the sector of progressive
Guyanese grew due to the opportunities provided in areas of employment, education, health, housing, retirement benefits, investments, and national development.
Why then, one may ask, do Afrocentric proponents target their hateful vitriol at the Government, and especially at President Ali, and Vice President Jagdeo, when, factually, many of them benefited politically, socially, and economically from the very policies promulgated and articulated by the PPPC? The answer appears clear. It is the lust for power and control over Government.
Hence, it does not require clairvoyant insights to grasp why Afrocentric proponents seem to focus on inculcating in the
minds of the pockets of disenchanted ethnocentric individuals, suspicion and animosity towards successful Guyanese, and the Government. This is despite the truism, that, more-so the under the current PPPC governing administration, than under PNC, and APNU-AFC regimes, access to opportunities is available to all desirous of socio-economic success. Given the evidence of accomplishments in plain sight around the country, those influenced and persuaded by Afrocentric proponents’ falsehoods, racism and hate, could benefit by asking; How does participating in violence and other anti-Government activities enhance their lives?
With the date for nation-
al elections fast approaching, would Afrocentric racists, and wannabe politicians expedite their propaganda campaigns of divisiveness, distrust, and hate, while probing opportunities to incite violence? Time is yet to tell. And, while law-enforcement personnel stand as a buffer to violence, everyone needs to be reminded that it is the people who together constitute the guardrail against hateful political rhetoric, divisiveness, and violence - all destructive elements, which the PPPC, as a political party, fought, and continue to fight against. With evidence, I stand corrected.
Regards,
Narayan Persaud
Dear Editor,
The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) expresses its profound sadness at the passing of Mr James Singh, former Commissioner of Forests and long-standing leader within the forestry sector of Guyana.
Mr Singh was a respected figure in public service whose tenure at the helm of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) was marked by his steadfast commitment to the stewardship of Guyana’s forestry resources. His dedication to sustainable forestry management, en -
vironmental preservation, and national development has left an indelible mark on the sector and the country at large.
As the recognised bargaining agent for the workers of the GFC, GAWU had the privilege of working closely with Mr Singh over the years. Our engagements with him were always characterised by professionalism, mutual respect, and a shared concern for the well-being of workers. Mr Singh demonstrated a genuine willingness to engage in dialogue, to seek compromise, and to find solutions in the interest of advancing staff wel -
fare and improving working conditions.
He maintained an open-door policy and was always approachable, thoughtful, and constructive in his dealings with the Union. His understanding of the role of labour and his cooperative demeanour contributed significantly to fostering a stable and respectful in -
dustrial relations climate within the Commission.
Mr Singh’s leadership was evident in his interactions with staff and their representatives and in his stewardship of the GFC. He championed initiatives that sought to protect Guyana’s rich forest resources while balancing economic development with environmental
sustainability. His efforts earned him national recognition, and his legacy will undoubtedly influence the forestry landscape for years.
On behalf of the Executive and membership of GAWU, we extend our deepest condolences to Mr Singh’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. His passing
is a great loss to Guyana, and his memory will live on through the many lives he touched and the contributions he made to the forestry sector. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Sincerely, Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU)
When you divide, you have to know which number is the dividend and which number is the divisor. The dividend is the number to be divided. The divisor is the number that goes into the dividend. The answer, called the quotient, is the number of times the divisor can go into the dividend. If there is something left over when you are finished, you call that the remainder.
By G.C. Waldrep after tJ Clark
Two underworlds, in Poussin. The one touched by the force of necessity, the other remaining untouched. Simone Weil makes her way to the refectory in Ashford. She walks slowly down the corridors, with or without help.
Set up 347 ÷ 3 this way.
Begin by looking at the highest place value in the dividend, the digit on the left side. Can that number be divided by the divisor? In this case, the answer is yes, 3 ÷ 3 = 1. Put the 1 above the line as the beginning of the quotient. Since 1 x 3 = 3, place this 3 under the 3 in the dividend.
Next, subtract 3 – 3 = 0. Now carry down from the dividend the digit in the next place value, 4. Can 4 be evenly divided by 3. This time the answer is no, but there is one 3 in 4. So write 1 in the quotient, and subtract again. Keep repeating these steps until you get to the last digit in the dividend. How many times can 17 be divided by 3? 17 ÷ 3 = 5, with 2 left over. The 2 is the remainder.
When dividing, always begin on the left side of the dividend.
The hem of her gown brushes the maculate plaster of the long wall. She could live forever inside this moment, she thinks, or begins to think (the beginning of a thought). She is wrong, of course. The great hand bravely channels the fear our mouths have become, so suddenly.
Just the base of the thumb illuminated, in its flex, away from the viewer.
Two underworlds, & the pollen settling against the washerwoman’s drying fabrics: semantic parlor in which the magic lantern images flicker.
Weil’s elbow, akimbo with what’s left of her body, & Weil herself, aware of the image she becomes in the long hall. It doesn’t have to mean anything, the other patients who saw her or whom she saw, their depleted & depleting forms.
Ignorance is my true labor.
The text wounds me into a history of belief, phrase by phrase. (The forensics, Weil might well have stressed.)
The chaste thirst of the classical running alongside its own shadow, its double it can’t, ultimately, know. Two underworlds: the foreshortening of the prone body, & the cry that precedes it, genuflecting to the fiction that it trusts.
Violence against women, which has been described as a crisis by the Government, will soon be tackled holistically as President Dr Irfaan Ali has announced a new technological initiative aimed at addressing this scourge.
The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government will be rolling out a new programme in its fight against gender-based violence, particularly where women are victims. President Ali made the announcement on Monday.
At the time, he was giving the keynote address at the graduation of 580 master’s degree graduates from the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) programme. Incidentally, a majority of the GOAL graduates were women. However, with violence against women being deemed a crisis, President Ali noted that technology will be a key feature in the fight against this scourge.
“In the coming days, I’ll be launching a new programme for women. As I told you, we will be using technology to its fullest,” President Ali said.
According to the
“Your
President, the use of technology in the fight against gender-based violence will help everyone. While he did not delve into the details of this new initiative, he was adamant that more information would soon be forthcoming.
“You will hear about that programme that will help all of us to aggressively deal with violence against women. Massive technology programme,” the Head of State added. It was only in March that Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn had declared violence against women as a national crisis. He had called for collective action, noting that this scourge must be
treated as an urgent matter.
With concern about the high rates of gender-based violence and femicide in Guyana, Minister Benn had committed the Home Affairs Ministry to supporting survivors and fostering a safer environment for women.
“Too many women in our society live in fear, facing aggression and disrespect daily. Our goal is to create a safer Guyana, one where women are respected, empowered, and protected,” he had said.
It had been reported in December last that Guyana recorded a 33 per cent reduction in murders caused by domestic violence for the year
FROM PAGE 3
To the Government of Guyana, we offer our deepest gratitude. Your investment in education, your belief in the power of human potential, has made today possible.”
Also full of praise for the programme were several graduates, who expressed appreciation for the opportunities the programme provided to them. Mohamed Azim, the General Manager of Times Media Group, who graduated with his Master’s Degree in Business Administration, described the efforts of the GOAL programme coordinators to ensure even those fully employed could benefit from the programme.
“It was an awesome ex-
perience. The programme also caters for working people. It helps to balance work, personal life and studies. The programme is flexible and relevant to careers, particularly mine. It helped a great lot in actually evolving my capabilities and capacity to be able to deliver more to the organisation.”
“It also enriched me personally and professionally. I think it’s a great initiative by the Government that caters for working people, where you can work and study. So, hats off to the Government of Guyana and GOAL,” Azim said.
Meanwhile, another graduate revealed that she is actually the first in her family to graduate at the
master’s level. She was effusive in her appreciation to the Government, expressing thanks “to President Irfaan Ali and by extension the Government at large, for making this dream realised for me and for other Guyanese to reach this level of education… we love you. Just know that you’re loved and supported.”
In total, over 2000 persons are expected to graduate from the GOAL Scholarships Programme this year. Over the course of Monday and Tuesday, thousands are expected to graduate from the Postgraduate Diplomas, Bachelor's Degree, GROW and Certificate Programmes.
2024. This had been according to Human Services and Social Security Minister, Vindhya Persaud, who had noted that the decrease in number can be attributed to a plethora of measures, including those that have been implemented by the Ministry.
“When we started with all of our measures there was an increase in cases at first. Now, there has been a decrease and this may be as a result of more people reporting or maybe because more responses are forthcoming. But this does
not mean that we should sit around, we still have work to do,” the Minister had explained.
Some of the measures implemented by the Ministry include the Community Advocate Network (CAN), the 914 hotlines, the iMatter app and the Hope and Justice Centres. Additionally, the 914 toll-free hotline is the Ministry’s main reporting tool for victims to reach out for help. The hotline is operated on a 24-hour basis. For last year, some 6,000 calls were recorded through this medium. Out of that number,
182 calls dealt directly with domestic violence. The Government has also been implementing measures like the Hope and Justice Centre, which provides victims of domestic violence with essential services like counselling and legal aid. Additionally, the Government has partnered with the Guyana Bar Association, so that the Legal Pro Bono Unit can handle hundreds of cases annually. This allows victims of abuse to access free legal advice and support.
A28-year-old man of Third Street, Agricola was on Monday fatally shot and killed while working in the community.
Dead is Nicholas Narine.
Eyewitnesses reported that Narine also know a 'Biggs' was working in an alleyway at Titus Street, Agricola with several others when he was approached by the alleged shooter, who has since been identified as 27-year-old Rafael Bollers of Brutus Street Agricola. It is alleged that Bollers opened fire on Narine after which he fled the scene on foot, heading south with the firearm in his possession.
Guyana Times visited the home of the deceased, where neighbours, relatives, and friends expressed shock and disbelief over the incident. In an emotional interview, Barry Narine, the victim’s father, recalled the moment he learned that his son had been shot.
“By the time I reached and they were bringing him out, he was dead because when I start wiping off the blood, the blood keep run-
ning out through his mouth you know but when I watch him because I thought it was in his neck or head, they shoot he right but it wasn't he neck or head. I keep wiping off when I see is he whole one side wriggled down with bullets.”
The father added, “I even start giving him mouth to mouth CPR but I know that he gone because when we carrying he and when we reached the hospital and the doctor, I said, doctor see what y’all could do for me son,” the father recalled saying that the doctors informed him that his son had died as one of the bullets hit him in the heart.
Investigations so far revealed that Narine and the suspect are known to each other and had an old dispute. Moreover, relatives and community members have described the suspect as a well-known menace in the area, with a history of criminal behaviour.
In fact, Narine’s aunt, Natasha Narine, revealed that her home was riddled with bullets just four weeks ago, leaving her son wound-
ed with a gunshot to the foot. Despite filing multiple police reports and submitting what she described as incriminating evidence, she claims the matter was ignored. She further alleged that as recently as Sunday night, the same suspect had threatened to kill her entire family.
“Now after four weeks done, last night one of my nephew friends was coming out where this boy with Rafael Bollers is live, he start to shoot up in the direction of the boy and send a threat to we and say how he will kill we.”
The scene was processed by detectives and one 9mm spent shell was found at the scene. Meanwhile, Police said that efforts are being made to locate the suspect as investigations continue.
Revenge shooting
Meanwhile, the now deceased man’s brother 22-year-old Keon Narine, an electrician of Ceaser Street, Agricola, was arrested shortly after the incident by Police ranks for allegedly discharging a loaded firearm with intent, commit-
ted on the home of Gideon Bollers, a 60-year-old carpenter of Brutus Street, Agricola, which occurred at 08:30h.
Preliminary investigation revealed that Keon Narine after receiving the news about his brother’s passing went to Brutus Street on a motorcycle, reportedly armed with a firearm and stopped in front of the said house and discharged several rounds. The 22-year-old man then made good his escape, on the motorcycle, in a northern direction.
Subsequently, Police ranks went to Keon Narine's home, where he was apprehended. A search was conducted on the premises and an AR-15 Rifle and one magazine containing five live 5.56 rounds of ammunition were found in a bedroom.
He was told of the allegation and arrested and escorted to the Ruimveldt Police Station, along with the firearm and ammunition. When questioned further at the station, Keon Narine allegedly told detectives that he shot at the house, because the 60-yearold man's son, Rapheal Bollers, killed his brother, Nicholas Narine. He also said that the firearm belongs to his brother, Nicholas Narine.
Detectives who processed the scene, recovered eighteen 5.56mm spent shells.
Your Eyewitness’s eye was caught by a letter in the press that bemoaned the social effects of all those Venezies pouring into our country. Up to now, he’d been focusing on the possible political ramifications of Mad Maduro’s revanchist campaign to annex our Essequibo. You know…one day finding out after the madman calls another elections for Governor and MPs of “Guayana Esequiba”, thousands of his countrymen popping up in Essequibo to place their Xs and dip their fingers in inkwells. Don’t think it’s so farfetched –Essequibo’s got lots of remote villages that aren’t monitored by our authorities – and every Venezuelan, including those who hate Mad Maduro, has been indoctrinated to believe Essequibo is theirs!
But back to the social effects – which your Eyewitness had noticed but hadn’t realised their spread all the way to Berbice – as the letter writer detailed. It all boils down to the hedonistic lifestyle of the Venezies that seemingly singlemindedly focuses on “wine, women/men and song”!! Sure the men work hard – just visit any building site that now defines our landscape and you’ll find out!! They’re willing to do whatever work that’s available – for lower wages than Guyanese.
But while the work ethic of the Venezuelan men is admirable, it leaves their women free to inhabit every bar in the land – and those have quadrupled in number and in variety the last few years! – to act as sirens for Guyanese men. A halfa-century ago, Sparrow had belted out the double entendreladen “Ah never eat a white meat yet!” – set in Africa. But it would seem that the desire for “white meat” burns as carnally as ever in the loins of Guyanese men!! And so while the latter might now be doing quite well thank you with higher pay cheques than Venezuelan men – they now blow it on the Venezuelan girls!! And stagger home to their beleaguered wives and squalling kids with empty pockets!!
To compound matters, your Eyewitness was informed that practically every bar now has a “Superbet” gambling outfit – where the drunken Guyanese marks now have another way of parting with their cash!! And talking about “bars” – that term has now been stretched far beyond the “rum shops” that so well described our colonial-day adaptation of the British pub. Seems that every Chinese Supermarket out there – and as your Eyewitness has complained about bitterly they’ve sprouted like Jumbie Umbrellas on every street corner – they now double as make-shift bars. They are allowed to sell liquor – unlike the grocery stores they replaced – and the said liquor is consumed in front of the premises – attracting the aforementioned Venezuelan floozies!!
And so with increased rum-drinking, the usual social pathologies have skyrocketed – alcoholism, domestic violence and suicide!!
You gotta hand it to the Opposition – they’re really beating the bushes to scrounge up votes. The exodus from their ranks into the PPP’s (open and welcoming) arms has not surprisingly intensified the “bush-beating”! Their latest foray sees them arguing that – unlike what GECOM has announced –prisoners should be allowed to vote!! Ha!! You hadn’t thought about that – have you?? Behind the walls of our prisons are approximately 2500 adults – and going by newspapers reports on incarcerations – they seem to be from the group mostly inclined to support the Opposition!!
Now while the Constitution doesn’t EXPLICITLY prohibit prisoners from voting – it does appear amenable to such an interpretation as proffered by GECOM – because several other “inalienable” rights are restricted. Like free speech, for example!! The argument against prisoners voting – which is prevalent for felons in many countries such as the US – is they’ve forfeited that right by their anti-social act that got them incarcerated in the first place.
Can’t have the inmates running the institution, can you?
…coalition formations
Time’s running out for those opposing the Government to form a coalition – which is the only way they have even a snowball’s chance in hell of winning the elections. But as usual “two man-crab cyaan live in one hole”!!
Guyana is poised to make another giant leap in healthcare transformation with the Government confirming that it has received a proposal for the establishment of a Poison Prevention Centre (Control Centre) and a world-class hospital focused on medical tourism within the futuristic New Silica City development.
President Dr Irfaan Ali made the announcement during his feature address at the commissioning of the $6.6 billion Diamond Regional Hospital on Sunday.
“We are not only concerned about a beautiful structure and architecture; we are concerned also about the service we deliver to the people…We're currently developing a regional centre to prevent poisoning, and already we have a proposal for a worldclass branded hospital that will be focusing on medical tourism in New Silica City,” the President confirmed.
Conceived in 2009 and located on the LindenSoesdyke Highway, Silica City will be Guyana’s first modern, sustainable city, envisioned that over the next two decades, this new secondary city would grow
to hold more than 12,500 households.
It would initially cater to just over 3000 households in the first five years, all of whom will enjoy access to high-end devel-
opments including smart homes with the newest energy-saving technologies.
In addition to promoting biodiversity, Silica City is now poised to house ambitious technology-driven
healthcare initiatives, including a Poison Prevention Centre (Control Centre) and world-class hospital focused on medical tourism.
The Poison Control Centre will play a critical role in providing immediate, free and expert treatment, advice and assistance in the prevention, diagnosis and management of poisoning.
The proposed developments according to President Ali will position Guyana at the forefront of global health service delivery while ensuring that citizens across all regions benefit from equitable access to care.
The Guyanese Leader also revealed that the proposed hospital in Silica City would integrate cutting-edge technologies, with an emphasis on attracting international patients and high-skilled specialists.
On this point, he disclosed that these health infrastructure investments are part of a broader strategy that includes the deployment of robotic sur-
gery, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-assisted diagnostic imaging, interconnected international lab networks, and digital pharmacy and medical supply systems.
“Outside of these investments, we have major investment already in the pipeline for Region Seven, Region Nine, Region Eight. All of these investments are geared towards ensuring equitable level of service for citizens all across our country. And to support the transformation, we have a whole digital health plan, digital health including the electronic health record system, the e-prescribing pharmacy, the digitisation of the pharmaceuticals and medical supplies warehousing and distribution system. Work already started. The proposal would have already been received. Introduction of robotic surgery, the Vinci robots. These are not things we are dreaming about. These are things already in the pipeline,” the Head of State revealed.
Aside from the Poison Prevention Centre ear-
marked for Silica City, the President further highlighted the country's movement toward becoming a regional hub for medical innovation, as he announces plans for a Caribbean Biobank, Caribbean Gene Bank, and the Guyana Eye Bank—all of which are in development—as well as a suite of European Union (EU)-supported life sciences initiatives.
“We're investing in a series of life sciences hub assisted by the EU, the establishment of the EUGuyana-Barbados grand partnership that is going to build the ecosystem to support the biopharma industry here, the development of the Caribbean Centre for Manufacturing of Diagnostics, Therapeutic and Vaccines, the development of the Biomedical Research Centre, the development of an incubator ecosystem for startups, the development of a mechanism to fund startups. All of these are things that are going to support this transformation in healthcare system,” he added.
Anew building has been constructed for the Hogstye/ Lancaster Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), which was officially commissioned on Sunday. The new $18 million facility replaces the old dilapidated building which at one time housed the NDC office until it was declared unsafe for utilisation earlier this year.
For many years, the NDC building, located in Alness Village, Corentyne, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), was in a deplorable state.
Following the intervention of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP/C) Government, a modern two-storey building has now been constructed.
During a simple commissioning ceremony on Sunday, Chairperson of the
NDC, Sharon Smith, expressed her enthusiasm for the development.
“It’s been a long time. I am grateful as the chairperson, that we have our new NDC building not just for the council but for the entire community. We all know the deplorable state that it was in. Thanks to Minister Parag,” she said.
Meanwhile, Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Sonia Parag, pointed out that the modern design the Government’s commitment to strengthening community infrastructure and empowering local democratic organs. She said it also reflects progress, while noting that its true value lies in the quality of service it enables.
“You can have the nicest building, but if you don’t have the service, it makes
no sense. This building is to house the people who will give the service to the community, as they have been elected to serve and represent the community.
Irrespective of what your political persuasion may be, irrespective of what your religious persuasion may be, irrespective of what your ethnicity is, service should be had to all, because you are all citizens of this country, irrespective of where you come from,” Parag said.
The newly opened facility will serve 11 villages and is expected to improve operational efficiency and accessibility for residents seeking key services.
Region Six Regional Chairman David Armogan noted that the previous building had been one of the worst in the region for many years.
“This NDC building that existed prior to this new one was the worst in the region. Today, I stand proud to know that a brand-new spanking building is being established, for which the people of this area can feel more comfortable and even safe to come to this NDC to do business,”
Parag also stated that the Hogstye/Lancaster NDC has already submitted its
2025 work plan and as a result, received its $30 million Government subvention.
In addition, the Agriculture Ministry will soon provide the NDC with a mini excavator to support road maintenance and drainage upgrades.
The commissioning of the new Hogstye/Lancaster NDC building, comes on the heels of the commissioning of a new building to house
the newly formed 52-74 NDC. That NDC was formed when the 52-74 NDC was split, forming two NDCs: the 52-63 NDC and the 6474 NDC.
Meanwhile, Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Six, Narindra Persaud, this year’s budget caters for Kilcoy-Hampshire NDC, Port Mourant-Johns NDC; Maida-Tarlogie NDC, and Macedonia-Joppa NDC.
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers arrested a traveller from Guyana after discovering 3.5 kilograms (kg) of cocaine hidden inside shoes at Pearson Airport. Officials made the discovery on May 26 and say the drugs have an estimated street value of around $437,000.
The suspect, who hasn’t been named, was turned over to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) along with the drugs.
“The cocaine was found using contraband detection technology,” the CBSA told CityNews.
“Some of the detection technology employed by the CBSA includes ion mobility spectrometry, X-rays and
Narcotic Identification Kits.
These tools, in combination with the officer’s knowledge, experience, training, enable successful enforcement actions.”
The CBSA said it couldn’t disclose the suspect’s citizenship “as an individual’s border and immigration information is considered private and protected by the Privacy Act.” (Toronto City News)
“Your salaries, welfare,
…more than 46 % in salary increases recorded over past 4 years …over $612M expended on one-off bonus payments
Healthcare professionals in Guyana can look forward to continuous improvements in salaries, benefits, and working conditions under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration. This was the assurance given by President Dr Irfaan Ali during his keynote address at the commissioning of the $6.6 billion Diamond Regional Hospital on Sunday.
President Ali emphasised that the PPP/C Government is committed to delivering on its promises to the health sector, highlighting that Guyana remains one of the few countries where nursing students receive nearfull stipends during training and are guaranteed employment upon graduation. He also noted that consistent
salary increases have made local healthcare jobs increasingly attractive—even to overseas-based Guyanese nurses who are now considering returning home.
“And it is only going to get better. Salaries, your welfare, your work condition, your benefits is only going to get better under the People’s Progressive Party Civic Government. You will recall the promises and commitment we made in 2020,” he declared.
Since 2020, the Government has awarded cumulative salary increases exceeding 46 per cent for healthcare workers, separate from one-off bonuses totaling $612 million that benefited over 9,200 frontline workers. Other welfare measures include the distribution of vouchers, salary adjustments for nurses,
and a host of structural improvements to the country’s health infrastructure.
“The special vouchers we give to our frontline workers, the adjustment in the salaries for our nurses. These things seem a long time ago, but it’s only a few years ago that we made these important adjustments for the medical professionals of our country”.
“What we have accomplished in four and a half years with less than a million people is unbelievable. It’s unbelievable, the pace of change, the pace of transformation. And I want to tell you, you ain’t seen nothing yet. Because after September, we are refueling. We are refueling the engine, coming back with turbo on, jet engine, pushing forward the people’s work, the people’s development,
Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues has said that Phase One of the new Hogsty Housing Scheme on the Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) is expected to be completed by October.
The new scheme is being constructed with the main access from the Lesbeholden Public Road in the Black Bush Polder.
Initially, the scheme will cater for 300 house lots.
Housing Minister Collin Croal had previously explained that many young persons in the Black bush Polder want to own their own homes and many of them too may not be going
back necessary working in the agriculture sector.
He said that was the reason for developing the new housing scheme at that location. The location was also based on the availability of land at Hogsty. It will cater for persons from Black Bush as well as close by.
According to Minister Rodrigues, mobilisation and land clearing at the site have already begun, with work progressing on the main access bridge. The project’s first phase is being executed by four contractors— Annirud Ramcharitar Construction Firm, Dennis Tahal Engineering, F & A Mohammed Construction, and Wazim and Sons Infrastructure Inc.—at a
cost of $902 million.
“This is the first year we are able to match house lot allocation with actual site readiness,” she said during a virtual site visit with allottees.
Almost 300 lots have been allocated in the Hogstye area, and allottees received their allocation and progress letters.
“That means those allocated lots this year will be able to identify and potentially begin construction far sooner than in the past. This housing programme is not about short-term fixes; it is about delivering longterm home ownership opportunities with access to all the essential services; education, health care, recreation, and commerce,” Rodrigues said.
the people’s improvement,” he assured.
Back in 2022, President Ali had announced a raft of new salary increases for medical workers, with some increases ranging from 36.4 per cent to as much as 74.7 per cent.
Notable increases include those of medical officers who had their current minimum salary increased from $219,878 to $300,000, while specialist doctors, such as gynaecologists and endocrinologists had their minimum salaries increased
from $276,536 to $450,000. This represents an additional 62.7 per cent increase on the current minimum salary. On the other hand, medical interns will now have their current minimum salary increased from $151,374 to $200,000, representing a 32.1 per cent increase.
Further, nurse aides and patient care assistants had their current minimum salary adjusted upwards from $80,892 to $100,000, nursing assistants had their current minimum salary adjusted upwards from
$88,525 to $115,000, while midwives had their current minimum salary adjusted upwards from $96,974 to $169,438 and Dental aides and laboratory aides had their current minimum salary adjusted upwards, from $80,892 to $100,000.
However, these figures have since doubled following the announcement of yearly salary adjustments by Government for public servants, which included a 10 per cent salary increase for 2024 and eight per cent increase for 2025.
the first
arning (GOAL) graduation ceremony at the National Cultural Centre
The Agriculture Ministry on Monday unveiled a new food product developed under its Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme (AIEP)—an initiative conceptualised by President Dr Irfaan Ali, which is designed to empower young agri-entrepreneurs and revolutionise Guyana’s agricultural sector.
Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha officially launched the much-anticipated AIEP Pepper Jelly at the Massy Mega Store, MovieTowne. During his address at the launching ceremony, the Agriculture Minister emphasised the
importance of the new product. He also noted that since its inception, the AIEP programme has experienced significant growth and expansion.
“This initiative embodies the spirit of innovation, sustainability, and economic empowerment that we seek to cultivate within our nation. Since the launch of the AIEP by President Dr Irfaan Ali in 2022, this flagship initiative has been stimulating significant economic growth to the benefit of young agriculturists. The programme’s expansion is ongoing, yielding impressive results with the production of high-value crops such as broccoli,
cauliflower, lettuce, carrots, bell peppers, tomatoes, chili peppers, parsley, and celery,” the Minister noted.
The Minister added, “Let this launch be a symbol of what is possible when vision meets action…To our
farmers and producers, your dedication ensures that our agriculture sectors are successful. Together, we
are growing and creating a Guyana brand that will be recognised locally and regionally. As we launch this product here today, I said that this is the beginning of more to come from the AIEP farm or AIEP projects.”
Also speaking at the event was assistant Vice President of Massy Stores, Shalini Thakur-Jagdeo who praised the collaboration with AIEP as a meaningful contribution to Guyana’s national development goals.
"By featuring products from the AIEP, we’re helping to build a stronger, more food secure Guyana. This initiative is about more than products on the shelves. It’s about empowering young agri-entrepreneurs, promoting climate-smart farming, and contributing to the national goal of reducing the country’s food import bill by 25 per cent by 2030,” she stated.
Crafted using high-value crops grown with climate-smart agricultural practices, the AIEP Pepper Jelly represents a unique blend of taste, sustainability, and innovation. The product is the result of the dedication and vision of young agriculturists who are driving change in Guyana’s food production landscape.
The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has announced its top-performing cane harvesters for the First Crop of 2025, with Uitvlugt Estate claiming the top three positions across the entire industry. The announcement was made during a ceremony held at the Rose Hall Estate on Friday where the top 12 harvesters from across GuySuCo’s estates were formally recognised for their outstanding productivity.
According to GuySuCo, Leon Seelall of Uitvlugt Estate was named the Most Productive Harvester for First Crop 2025, delivering an impressive 644.81 tonnes of cane in just 54 days, averaging 11.94 tonnes per day. His colleagues, Keyoma Pilgrim and Danier DeChuna, also from Uitvlugt, secured the second and third spots with 622.45 tonnes and 435.82 tonnes, respectively. All three harvesters, through their dedication and consistent performance above the daily average, earned an average day's pay of $32,000. This achievement, GuysuSo said, marks the second consecutive crop in which Uitvlugt Estate has produced top harvesters for
the Corporation.
“The Most Productive Cane Harvester Programme is a relatively new initiative introduced in the Second Crop of 2024. Conceptualised by GuySuCo's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Paul Cheong, the programme was designed to enhance motivation, encourage accountability, and ultimately improve productivity within the harvesting teams,” a release from GuySuCo on Monday stated.
“Our aim is to foster a results-driven culture where every individual understands the value of their role and is inspired to
give their best,” said CEO Cheong. “This initiative not only boosts morale but also ensures our employees are recognised for their dedication and hard work.”
In addition to the Uitvlugt awardees, top harvesters from other estates who were recognised include: Albion Estate: Kumar Deodat, Vicky Seenarine, and Mahase Sukhnandan; Blairmont Estate: Kheran Bissoondyal, Totaram Sanichara, and Anthony Lewis; Rose Hall Estate: Nigel McDonald, Mr Tavell Lovell, and Mr Samuel Jhingree.
In his remarks, Cheong also acknowledged the challenges posed by the ongoing developmental boom, which has drawn many skilled workers to other sectors. “GuySuCo remains steadfast in its commitment to regaining and retaining talent through competitive compensation and recognition-based programmes such as this one,” he said. “Our harvesters are the true heart of GuySuCowithout them, there is no sugar. We are determined to ensure they always feel valued.” GuySuCo added that it, “extends sincere appreciation to all its harvesters for their commitment
and hard work during the First Crop. The Corporation remains optimistic about
the continued impact of this programme in boosting industry morale and produc-
tivity as it charts a course toward greater sustainability and growth.”
“We are
of
…says previous generations have never had as many opportunities
Describing modern Guyana as an era of opportunity with the record-breaking economic growth and new public and private investments, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh has contended that no other generation of Guyanese has had it as good as current generations have it.
The Finance Minister was at the time addressing the 580 master’s degree graduates from the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) programme at the National Cultural Centre. He urged them to take advantage of the numerous opportunities, making it clear that this is the most fortunate generation of Guyanese to ever exist.
“We constitute perhaps the most fortunate generation of Guyanese ever to have lived. We are living in a Guyana that has the fastest growing economy in the world, where new investments are materialising on a daily basis. Where demand for goods and services
are expanding at an exponential rate.”
“Where new skills and skill types are demanded at a rate that has never been seen before. And where entrepreneurial opportunities exist at a level that has never been seen before. So, you are literally living in an era of opportunity in Guyana,” Singh added.
In its April 2025 outlook, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projected that Guyana’s real gross domestic product (GDP) will grow by approximately 10.3 per cent this year, with non-oil GDP expected to expand by around 13 per cent — the highest in the region. The IMF also forecast a further 23 per cent increase in overall GDP for 2026.
Earlier this year, a staff team from the IMF completed their 2025 Article IV Consultation with Guyana. The consultation, held both virtually and in-person in Georgetown from February 24 to March 7, 2025, involved discussions with high-level
Government officials as well as stakeholders from the private sector, labour unions, and banks.
In a subsequent statement, the IMF team commended Guyana’s impressive economic progress and transformation over the last few years, driven primarily
Police have launched an investigation into the death of 29-yearold construction worker Rondell Clarke, who was fatally shot at Second Street, Foulis.
Reports indicate that the incident occurred between 19:30h and 19:45h on Sunday evening.
The suspect, a 25-yearold security officer attached to a private security service, was arrested at the scene and is currently in police custody assisting with investigations. Police have also confiscated the suspect’s firearm.
According to initial reports, Clarke was allegedly shot by the security officer. He was found conscious by responding police ranks, who transported him to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for emergency medical treatment. Clarke was admitted to the medical facility’s critical surgical unit but succumbed to his injuries at about 20:20h. His
body has since been transferred to the GPHC mortuary, where it is being held pending a post-mortem examination. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the shooting are ongoing.
Police have launched an investigation into a hit-and-run accident that claimed the life of a 72-year-old Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) resident.
Dead is Randolph Braithwaite of Lot 1369 Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden.
According to police reports, Braithwaite’s body was discovered lying on the southern parapet of the 3rd corner of the Amelia’s Ward access
road early Saturday morning with visible lacerations suspected to have been caused by a motor vehicle on Saturday.
Police believe the incident involved an unknown vehicle or vehicles. Emergency responders transported Braithwaite to the Linden Hospital Complex, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. His body has since been transferred to Jetsco Funeral Home pending a post-mortem examination.
by rapidly expanding oil production, robust non-oil output, and significant public infrastructure investments.
Guyana’s commitment to sustainable development was also highlighted, particularly its pioneering work in climate policy. The country is advancing its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), focusing on forest conservation and biodiversity.
The IMF also supported Guyana’s efforts to diversify its energy sources, including the Gas-to-Energy (GtE) Project, which is expected to bolster electricity provision and contribute to a cleaner energy matrix.
The IMF’s statement noted recognition of Guyana’s strides toward inclusive growth and economic diversification. With a strong emphasis on upgrading labour skills, addressing labour shortages, and increasing women’s participation in the workforce, it said the Government is positioning the country for sustained economic expansion.
Guyana is also rapidly
approaching 2025 General and Regional elections, with General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, expressing confidence recently that the governing party is entering the 2025 general and regional elections with both momentum and a proven record of delivery.
Speaking just days after President Dr Irfaan Ali announced the election date for September 1, 2025, Jagdeo said the PPP/C is running on a foundation of transformation, competent leadership, and results.
“We’re not afraid of these elections. In fact, we welcome them,” Jagdeo had stated. “We’re ready because we have led with vision, substance, and accountability. Our track record speaks for itself—not just in words but in tangible achievements.”
In 2024, the PPP/C Government achieved significant milestones across multiple sectors. More than 3000 community roads and 200 bridges were construct-
ed, while major highway expansions reduced traffic congestion and boosted economic zones.
The energy sector advanced through ongoing work on the transformative GtE Project, alongside investments in solar energy for electrification in multiple hinterland communities. Employment surged with the creation of over 60,000 jobs, while increased public sector salaries boosted disposable incomes.
Approximately 38,000 house lots were distributed, and affordable housing programmes improved living standards. Education saw the distribution of 50,000 scholarships and expanded cash grants for students, while healthcare infrastructure grew with ongoing efforts to construct 12 new hospitals and expand telemedicine services.
The agricultural sector benefited from billions of dollars invested to enhance food security and exports, while social welfare measures included increased pensions and bonuses for members of the Disciplined Services. In response to global increases in the cost of living, citizens also benefited from several interventions throughout the year, including the $100,000 cash grant.
Successful carbon credit agreements injected billions in direct support to over 240 Amerindian village economies, alongside advancements in the LCDS 2030, highlighting Guyana’s environmental leadership. Tax reforms alleviated financial burdens, and initiatives in technology, tourism, and digitised public services further modernised the country.
…shares rise after results show 13.5m at 4 g/t gold
Drilling by G2
Goldfields (TSX: GTWO) has returned results as high as 13.5 metres grading 4 grams gold per tonne at the company’s New Oko discovery area in northeast Guyana. Shares rose.
That intercept, in hole AMD18, also cut 65 metres at 1.5 grams gold from 51.5 metres downhole, and 9.7 metres grading 3.1 grams gold, Toronto-based G2 said Monday in a statement.
Hole AMD25, meanwhile, cut 70.5 metres grading 1.8 grams gold from 82.5 metres depth, including 4.5 metres at 8.2 grams gold from 121.5 metres, the company said. The project is about 120 km southwest of the capital Georgetown.
“The latest results confirm the continuity of gold
mineralization down-dip of the host structure, and along strike to the northeast,” vice-president of exploration Boaz Wade said in the release. “Within the consistent broad intercepts along the shear, coherent zones of higher-grade begin to indicate the potential of plunging mineralized shoots that are still open at depth.”
New Oko – the third significant gold discovery in the company’s holdings –lies about 10 km north of the Oko-Ghanie zone, which hosts 10.2 million indicated tonnes at 2.01 grams gold for 663,400 oz. of contained metal and 12 million inferred tonnes grading 2.64 grams gold for 1 million oz. gold. G2, which holds exploration rights to 340 sq. km in the district, has now completed 47 diamond drill
holes totalling 6,439 metres in the New Oko area.
Strike length expansion
G2 shares gained 1.9% to C$3.21 apiece on Monday morning in Toronto, giving the company a market capitalization of about C$772 million. The stock has traded between C$1.30 and C$3.68 in the past year.
Three other holes, AMD17, AMD 19 and AMD23, have expanded the deposit’s strike length by 130 metres, resulting in a total strike length of 630 metres, G2 also said. The new zone remains open in all directions.
AMD17 cut 33.7 metres grading 0.5 gram gold from about 43 metres downhole. AMD19 intersected 60.2 metres at 0.3 gram gold from 88.3 metres downhole, while
depth.
gold from 108
The next stage of drilling is to focus on extensions of those higher-grade zones at depth and shallow strike extensions to the southwest, Wade added.
The company has deployed equipment and personnel to drill a “significant” new gold-in-soil anomaly located 4 km north of its current drilling campaign, G2 said. An eight-hole drilling program is to start soon, with assay results probably set for release in mid-July.
“We are still in the early stages of exploring this emerging gold district and I am entirely confident in our abilities to meaningfully grow the company’s glob-
al gold resources,” executive chairman Patrick Sheridan said. “I am convinced there will ultimately be multiple mines in this district.”
While drilling “is a key value driver ahead, with 3-4 rigs active on new prospects and resource extensions, we also view securing the necessary licenses and permits (in process now) as a significant de-risking catalyst for development and M&A,” SCP Resource Finance mining analyst Brandon Gaspar said Monday in a note. (www.mining.com)
Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues at the commissioning of the well at Brian Sucre Junction, Region 8 on Monday
Over 100 residents of Brian Sucre Junction, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) on Monday celebrated a significant improvement in their quality of life with the commissioning of a new well, providing them with first-
well, which will now improve living conditions of residents.
“This commissioning today [Monday] is more than just about a well; it’s about delivering on a promise to our people,” stated Minister Rodrigues. “It sig-
and sustainable development for all.”
The Brian Sucre Junction Water Supply Project, with a total investment of $35 million, involved a comprehensive scope of work to ensure a robust and reliable water
time access to potable water.
Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues, officially commissioned the
nifies a tangible step towards our ambitious goal of ensuring every single community has access to safe, clean drinking water. This is about dignity, health,
supply system. The project included the drilling of a well, the construction of an elevated metal trestle for optimal water pressure, and the installation of an
environmentally friendly solar pumping system.
Extensive pipe works and service connections were also completed, bringing water directly to the
homes of the beneficiaries.
The completion the well was done by Mohamed Excavation & Construction who was responsible for the construction of the trestle,
the installation of the photovoltaic (PV) system, and the pipe works. The drilling of the well was expertly handled by Q&A Civil Works.
Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips, conducted a communi-
prehensive public outreach programme.
development.
The PM outlined several transformative Government-led initia-
ty engagement session on Monday with residents of Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) as part of the Government's com-
During the engagement, the PM reinforced the Government's consultative and people-centred governance approach, emphasising its dedication to inclusive and equitable national
tives, including the allocation of over 50,000 house lots, the construction of new medical facilities, the retrofitting of health cen -
tres with telemedicine technology, particularly in hinterland regions, direct cash transfers to citizens, sustained investments in education, and the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure.
Regarding Region Seven specifically, the PM highlighted the commissioning of a solar farm generating over 1.5 megawatt (MW) of power in Bartica, which substantially enhances the town's energy capacity. He noted that Bartica now receives an electricity supply
exceeding current demand. Additionally, household solar units have been distributed throughout hinterland and riverine communities, with expansion plans underway to reach currently unserved areas.
The PM addressed various concerns raised by residents during the session, including housing accessibility, energy reliability, and infrastructure development requirements.
St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves has urged both Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela to exercise restraint and resolve their differences peacefully and in line with international law.
“All I would like to do is to urge both neighbours to continue to act peacefully in accordance with international law,” Gonsalves said in an interview with Guardian Media.
He warned against inflaming the situation with strong language. “As far as practicable, we do not incline the situation with any excessive rhetoric. We just take our patience into account. And whatever is the problem, we solve them maturely between two neighbours.”
Tensions between T&T and Venezuela escalated last week after Venezuelan Justice Minister Diosdado Cabello alleged on his programme Con El Mazo Dando, that a Trinidadian by the name of “Guis Kendell Jerome” – had been captured en route to Venezuela with a group labelled “terrorists” in an attempt to destabilise their government.
Senior Police officials in this country have since confirmed that the person named by Cabello had not appeared in T&T’s criminal database.
During last Thursday’s post-Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar added to the issue as she delivered a deadly warning to Venezuela that T&T was off-limits.
She revealed that the T&T Coast Guard (TTCG) would have been placed on alert to use deadly force if any vessel from Venezuela sought to access local waters illegally.
Persad Bissessar declared, “I want to make it very clear to the Venezuelan Government and officials that they can do whatever they want on Venezuelan territory, but they cannot
come here. T&T territory is off limits to them.”
Contacted on the issue Sunday, the St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister was asked whether Caricom should intervene in the developing tension, he replied, “Maybe not, maybe not as yet, but that’s why I’m urging peace and calm.”
Gonsalves reaffirmed Caricom’s and the region’s broader commitment to peace. “That would be what my own broad position would do as someone who supports very much – and we all do, and Caricom does, and so too does Venezuela –we support our region as a region of peace. We want to see good neighbourliness.”
He cautioned against drawing in outside forces. “If there is any challenge which arises, we should not interfere in the internal affairs of any other State. We should not bring any foreign power into this particular matter. This is a matter which we have to be careful that is not blown out of proportions.”
Guardian Media also reached out to other regional leaders including Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, but all calls went unanswered.
Meanwhile, Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander said while this country remains on high alert, communication was key.
Efforts to contact Defence Minster Wayne Sturge Sunday on Saturday’s meeting with national security and law enforcement offi-
cials to discuss allegations of a local link to destabilise Venezuela were unsuccessful.
Alexander directed all questions to Sturge, but would only say that local law enforcement agencies had been placed on high alert.
“We are not looking for anything, but what I can tell you is that the security forces are always on the alert.
“So to say that they are on full alert now...it is just a normal day in the life of these officers.”
However, he said there remained room for dialogue.
“At the end of the day, communication is key and that might be able to resolve a lot of these things going on right now.”
Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister, Sean Sobers did not respond to calls and messages about Saturday’s extraordinary meeting to decide how the Government intends to address the escalating tensions between T&T and Venezuela.
On Friday, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro urged Persad Bissessar to tone down the deadly force rhetoric used.
In a release, the Venezuelan authorities said the warning and attitude by the Prime Minister was both virulent and high-handed and also raised “serious suspicions of complicity”.
He advised that it only, “undermines the good cooperative relations between our countries in key areas”.
(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)
Paraguayan President's X account likely hacked in Bitcoin scheme
Paraguay's Government on Monday said that President Santiago Pena's X account had likely been hacked after the leader appeared to promote trading of cryptocurrency Bitcoin.
"The President's official X account has presented irregular activity which suggests possible unauthorised entry," the govern-
ment said in a statement.
A post on Pena's account in English, with a Spanishlanguage statement purporting to be from the Government, had declared that the Latin American country had made Bitcoin legal tender and that it would roll out a US$5 million Bitcoin-backed reserve fund.
The Government asked
citizens to ignore posts from the account until official confirmation was made available.
Paraguay's national cybersecurity team was working with X to investigate the situation, the Government added. X did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
(Reuters)
Colombian Senator Uribe shows little response to treatment after shooting
Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe, a potential presidential contender, remains in critical condition and has shown little response to treatment after being shot in Bogota, the hospital treating him said on Monday.
Uribe, 39, is a member of the Opposition right-wing Democratic Center party and was shot in the head as he was addressing a campaign event on Saturday in a public park in the capital. The shooting, which was caught on video, has shaken Colombia, evoking the political violence of previous decades.
"His condition is extremely serious," the Santa Fe Foundation hospital said in a statement. "Therefore, the prognosis remains cautious."
Colombia has long been embroiled in conflict with leftist rebels and criminal groups descended from
right-wing paramilitaries, though the motive for the attack on Uribe remains unclear.
Leftist President Gustavo Petro has vowed to bring peace, negotiating with rebel groups to get them to put down their arms, but with little success.
Uribe comes from a prominent political family. His grandfather Julio Cesar Turbay was President from 1978 to 1982 and his mother, Journalist Diana Turbay, was killed in 1991 in a botched rescue attempt after being kidnapped by an armed group led by drug lord Pablo Escobar. He is not related to former President Alvaro Uribe.
Petro said on Sunday he had ordered additional security for government officials and Opposition members in response to more threats, though the details of the threats were murky. ExPresident Uribe, who found-
ed the Democratic Center party, also said he had been informed of plans to attack him.
It is not known why Senator Uribe, who was vying for the candidacy of his party, was attacked. He was polling well behind other party candidates at the time of the shooting.
A young teen found to be carrying a 9-mm pistol was arrested after the shooting. The gun was purchased in Arizona, the head of Police said, and authorities were investigating how it reached Colombia.
Authorities had yet to interrogate the boy as he was receiving medical care, Attorney General Luz Adriana Camargo said on Monday. However, she said that if the teen were a gun-for-hire, he would likely have little information about the motive.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
US imposes sanctions on Los Chapitos, a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel
The United States on Monday imposed sanctions on Los Chapitos, a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel, labelling it a Specially Designated Global Terrorist as President Donald Trump Administration seeks to tackle cross-border drug trafficking.
The US Treasury Department in a statement said it designated Los Chapitos under illicit drug and terrorism authorities, accusing it of facilitating trafficking and production of fentanyl, the lethally potent opioid.
Two of its fugitive leaders, both sons of convicted Mexican drug kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, were also hit with
sanctions, according to the Treasury Department.
"Los Chapitos is a powerful, hyperviolent faction of the Sinaloa Cartel at the forefront of fentanyl trafficking into the United States," Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in the statement.
"At the Department of the Treasury, we are executing on President Trump’s mandate to completely eliminate drug cartels and take on violent leaders like ‘El Chapo’s’ children. Treasury is maximising all available tools to stop the fentanyl crisis and help save lives."
The Treasury on Monday also imposed sanctions on what it said was a regional network of Los Chapitos associates and businesses
based in Mexico. Monday's action freezes any of their US assets and generally bars Americans from dealing with them. Those that engage in certain transactions with the sanctioned parties also risk being hit with sanctions.
The move comes after the Trump Administration in February designated Tren de Aragua, the Sinaloa Cartel and other drug cartels as global terrorist organisations.
Trump, a Republican, issued an executive order after taking office on January 20 that called on officials to evaluate whether any criminal cartels or transnational gangs should be designated as terrorism groups.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
Jamaican MP condemns politicisation of scrutineer’s kidnapping
Member of Parliament for St Andrew South East, the People’s National Party’s Julian Robinson is rejecting suggestions that the abduction of a wellknown scrutineer in the constituency was politically motivated.
Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) scrutineer Lorna “Nikki” Robertson was abducted on Old Hope Road, in the vicinity of the Diabetes Association of Jamaica, on May 30 by men driving a van with fake licence plates.
“They’re trying to insinuate and suggest that it is politics that is behind it. I knew Nikki very well and I won’t go into all the things, but I had a close relationship with her,” Robinson
said while speaking at the Trafalgar annual divisional meeting held at Gaystead High School on Sunday.
He continued, “I hope that she will be returned safely because the reality is in Swallowfield, labourite and PNP get along very well without any hostility, without any argument. Even though people have their own preferences, that is how we have existed within Swallowfield.”
The MP maintained there was absolutely no involvement in the abduction by himself or the People’s National Party.
“The people know me –my name can’t call in certain things because I lead and I represent with integrity – so I don’t want any
man suggest that PNP is dealing with those things, because the PNP no deal with that in this constituency!”
Robinson described the nature of the missing scrutineer’s relationship in the community in which she lived.
“Nikki had friends, probably more friends, who are supporters of the People’s National Party than those from the Labour Party. Nikki moved through the entire community and interacted with everybody and nobody never had no problem with Nikki. So I don’t know why somebody is going to try to inject politics into it now,” he said.
(Excerpt from Jamaican Observer)
il prices hit multi-week highs on Monday, buoyed by a weaker US dollar, while investors awaited news from USChina trade talks in London in hopes a deal could boost the global economic outlook and subsequently fuel demand.
Brent crude futures settled 57 cents higher, or 0.9 per cent, to US$67.04 a barrel. During the session, the benchmark rose to US$67.19 a barrel, the highest since April 28.
West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose 71 cents, or 1.1 per cent, to US$65.29. The contract reached US$65.38 a barrel during the session, the highest since April 4.
A weaker US dollar gave some support to oil prices, as the dollar index dropped 0.3 per cent, making oil cheaper for holders of other currencies.
Last week, Brent rose four per cent and WTI gained 6.2 per cent as the prospect of a US-China trade deal boosted risk appetite for some investors.
"Much of this advance appears technically driven and such rallies can easily subside without new bullish headlines," analysts at energy advisory firm Ritterbusch and Associates said in a note. "Much attention will be given to the ongoing USChina trade talks."
US President Donald Trump and China's leader Xi Jinping spoke by telephone on Thursday before US and Chinese officials met in London on Monday to calm trade tensions between the two nations.
A trade deal between the United States and China could support the global economic outlook and in turn boost demand for commodities including oil.
Monday's talks could dampen the impact on prices of Chinese data releases, IG market analyst Tony Sycamore said.
Chinese export growth slowed to a three-month low in May as US tariffs curbed shipments while factory gate deflation deepened to its worst in two years, heaping pressure on the world's second-largest economy at home and abroad.
"Bad timing for crude oil, which was testing the top of the range and knocking on the door of a technical break above US$65," Sycamore said, referring to WTI prices.
The data also showed that China's crude oil imports declined in May to the lowest daily rate in four months as State-owned and independent refiners began planned maintenance.
The prospect of a potential China-US trade deal outweighed concern over the price impact from increased output by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies (OPEC+) group of oil producers next month.
OPEC+’s oil output rose in May by less than the volume planned, a Reuters survey found, as Iraq made further cuts to compensate for earlier pumping above target and Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates made smaller hikes than allowed.
OPEC pumped 26.75 million barrels per day last month, up 150,000 bpd from April's total, the survey showed on Monday, with Saudi Arabia making the largest increase. (Reuters)
The US military will temporarily deploy about 700 Marines to Los Angeles until more National Guard troops can arrive, marking another escalation in President Donald Trump's response to street protests over his aggressive immigration policies.
Monday was the fourth straight day of protests in Los Angeles, with hundreds of demonstrators gathering outside a federal detention center where immigrants have been held.
The US military said a battalion would be sent to help protect federal property and personnel until more National Guard troops could reach the scene. For now, the Trump Administration was not invoking the Insurrection Act, which would allow troops to directly participate in civilian law enforcement, according to a US official speaking on condition of anonymity.
California sued the Trump Administration to block deployment of the National Guard and the Marines on Monday, arguing that it violates federal law and state sovereignty. Shortly after, California Governor Gavin Newsom said he had been told that Trump is deploying another 2000 National Guard
troops to Los Angeles, after Trump on Saturday said he would deploy an initial 2000 troops.
Tensions have been rising since Trump activated the National Guard on Saturday after street protests erupted in response to immigration raids in Southern California. It is the biggest flashpoint yet in
the Trump Administration's aggressive efforts to deport migrants living in the country illegally.
Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said his department had not received any formal notification that the Marines would arrive in the city. The deployment "presents a significant logistical and operational challenge," he said.
Trump said on Monday he felt he had no choice but to order the deployment to prevent violence from spiralling out of control.
The protests so far have resulted in some property damage, including some self-driving Waymo vehicles that were set ablaze on Sunday evening. The Los Angeles Police Department said five officers sustained minor injuries. Police on Sunday said some protesters had thrown concrete and bottles at officers. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Russia and Ukraine exchanged prisoners of war under the age of 25 on Monday in emotional homecoming scenes, the first step in a series of planned prisoner swaps that could become the biggest of the war so far.
The exchange was the result of direct talks between the two sides in Istanbul on June 2 that resulted in an agreement to exchange at least 1200 POWs on each side and to repatriate thousands of bodies of those killed in Russia's war in Ukraine.
The return of POWs and the repatriation of the bodies of the dead is one of the few things the two sides have managed to agree on as broader nego -
sraeli naval forces
Iboarded and seized a charity vessel carrying Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, which had tried to break the naval blockade of the Gaza Strip on Monday.
The British-flagged yacht, Madleen, which is operated by the pro-Palestinian Freedom Flotilla Coalition, had aimed to deliver a symbolic amount of aid to Gaza later on Monday and raise international awareness of the humanitarian crisis there.
"If you see this video, we have been intercepted and kidnapped in international waters by Israeli occupa-
tional forces or forces that support Israel," Thunberg, 22, said in a video released by the FCC, filmed before the vessel was captured.
"I urge all my friends, family and comrades to put pressure on the Swedish Government to release me and the others as soon as possible."
US President Donald Trump on Monday dismissed Thunberg's statement that she had been kidnapped: "I think Israel has enough problems without kidnapping Greta Thunberg."
"She's a young, angry person ... I think she has to go to an anger management class," Trump told reporters.
He made a similar remark about the then 16-year-old activist in 2019.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed that the vessel was under Israeli control. Israel has called Thunberg an "antisemite" and dismissed the aid ship as a stunt.
"The 'Selfie Yacht' docked at Ashdod Port a short while ago. The passengers are currently undergoing medical examinations to ensure they are in good health," the Israeli Foreign Ministry posted on X late on Monday. It had earlier said all passengers were expected to return to their home countries. (Excerpt from Reuters)
tiations have failed to get close to ending the war, now in its fourth year.
Fighting has raged on, with Russia saying on
Monday its forces had taken control of more territory in Ukraine's east-central region of Dnipropetrovsk and Kyiv saying Moscow
had launched its largest drone attack of the war.
Officials in Kyiv said some of the Ukrainian prisoners who came home on Monday had been in Russian captivity since the beginning of the war. At a rendezvous point for the returning Ukrainian prisoners, soon after they crossed back into northern Ukraine, an official handed one of the freed men a cellphone so that he could call his mother, a video released by Ukrainian authorities showed.
"Hi mum, I've arrived, I'm home!" the soldier shouted into the receiver, struggling to catch his breath because he was overcome by emotion. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Top US and Chinese officials will resume trade talks for a second day in London today, hoping to secure a breakthrough over export controls for goods such as rare earths that have threatened a global supply chain shock and slower economic growth.
Investors are hoping that the two superpowers can improve ties after the relief sparked by a preliminary trade deal agreed in Geneva last month gave way to fresh doubts after Washington accused Beijing of blocking exports
that are critical to sectors including autos, aerospace, semiconductors and defence.
The talks come at a crucial time for both economies, with customs data showing that China's exports to the US plunged 34.5 per cent in May, the sharpest drop since February 2020, when the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic upended global trade.
While the impact on US inflation and the jobs market has so far been muted, the dollar remains under pressure from US policy-
making. The two sides met at the ornate Lancaster House in the British capital on Monday to discuss disagreements around the Geneva deal, and are due to resume talks early today before both sides are expected to issue updates.
The US side is led by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, while the Chinese contingent is helmed by Vice Premier He Lifeng. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Keep situations, thoughts and feelings in perspective. Wait for things to unravel before you act. Pay attention to your responsibilities and stick to a budget regardless of what someone else suggests.
Contain your emotions and actions to avoid controversy. Take care of financial and medical issues by paying attention to detail and researching your options thoroughly. Don't let a last-minute change unsettle you.
Use your gifts to build wealth and enhance your reputation. Be aware of who is on your team and who is there to observe and interfere. A change of space, direction and associates will broaden your vision.
Honesty and integrity will prevent trouble. align yourself with people who share your values. An unexpected change will disrupt your plans or cost you if you are too abrupt.
Use your skills, time and energy to help a meaningful cause. Focus on what's important to you. Know what you want to achieve and make it happen. Don't let others slow you down.
Refuse to let life's little dramas cause you to lose sight of what's important. Travel or attending events will lead to interesting encounters and connections. Romance, research and reunions are favored.
Promising too much will backfire. Make suggestions, ask for help and do your part, and you'll make inroads and allies. Offer only what's tangible. Exaggeration and empty promises will be damaging.
Put your energy into educating yourself in areas that will enhance your earning, investing and financial maintenance. Personal growth is in the stars. Seek out a capable partner for a business venture.
Let go of the past. Pay attention to domestic matters and personal relationships. Look for opportunities, and change your routine and how you handle responsibilities.
Misleading information is apparent. Your goal is to maintain integrity without prematurely divulging incriminating information. Proceed with caution, precision and attention to detail.
If you act hastily or out of anxiety, it will cost you. Discipline and hard work will pay off. Take a deep breath and a backseat while the show unfolds; you'll find it easier to control the outcome.
Situations will escalate if you are aggressive or unpredictable. Be open to suggestions and patient with those who don't share your beliefs. Refuse to let emotional interference cloud your vision.
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced the 15-member squad for the upcoming white-ball home series against South Africa Women, set to take place at the iconic 3Ws Oval in Barbados. The series, scheduled for June 11 to 23, will feature three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and three T20 Internationals (T20Is).
The Maroon Warriors return to the Caribbean after a difficult tour of England, where they were unable to secure a win in the sixmatch ODI and T20I series. Now back on home soil,
Despite the disappointing results in England, the West Indies Women showed glimpses of their potential especially from international debutants Jahzara Claxton, the first woman from St Kitts to play international cricket, and Guyanese Realeanna Grimmond, who scored a half-century on her ODI debut. Captain Hayley Matthews emerged as the standout performer with 177 runs and three wickets in the T20I series and was duly named Player of the Series.
The Proteas women arrive in the Caribbean ranked
the team is focused on regrouping, resetting, and reigniting their campaign in more familiar conditions as they aim to deliver stronger, more consistent perfor-
higher than the West Indies in both formats, with South Africa positioned fifth in both ODI and T20I rankings while the Maroon Warriors are ranked ninth in the for-
Matthews will once again lead the squad, which sees one change from the England tour, with experienced all-rounder Chinelle Henry coming in for CherryAnn Fraser.
CWI Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe expressed confidence in the team s ability to bounce back, After a challenging tour, this home series offers the perfect opportunity for the team to regain their footing and reestablish their confidence playing in familiar conditions and in front of West Indian fans. We believe in this group s talent and resilience, and we look forward to seeing them play purposeful, passionate cricket.
Head Coach Shane Deitz echoed the importance of the upcoming matches, Obviously, England's results didn't go how we wanted, but it was a great learning opportunity and a chance to bring some young players into our team and give them their first taste of international cricket."
"We had five players aged 21 and under in our last ODI against England, so it was great to see a young team go out there and mix it up with one of the best teams in the world. All those younger players learned some valuable lessons during that series which we hope they will bring into this series to contribute some more for the team and put in some match-winning performances.
mances on the international stage.
mer and fifth in the shortest format.
It's great that Hayley is now available for this se-
ries her home series in her hometown and she'll be really excited to put on a great show in front of her fami-
coincides with the prestigious CWI and West Indies Players' Association (WIPA) Awards ceremony, cele-
Team Manager: Sheena Gooding
Assistant Coach: Ryan Austin
ly, friends and supporters of West Indies cricket. It s also great to welcome back Chinelle Henry. In the last 12 months, she has been a world-class player, so it's great to have her back in the team, on and off the field.
This is going to be wonderful series and a great opportunity for our girls to test their skills and abilities against one of the best teams in the world, so I am looking forward to getting out there putting on a great show for our West Indies supporters. We can't wait to hear and feel their support when we go out to play on Wednesday.
The team arrived in Barbados on Sunday, June 8 ahead of the first ODI on June 11.
The second T20I on Sunday, June 22, will be particularly special as it
brating the achievements of Caribbean cricket stars across both men's and women's cricket.
Admission to the games is free and all matches will be broadcast live across the Caribbean and internationally on ESPN Caribbean. West Indies women s squad v South Africa: reads: Captain Hayley Matthews, Vice Captain Shemaine Campbelle, Aaliyah Alleyne, Jahzara Claxton, Afy Fletcher, Shakiba Gajnabi, Jannillea Glasgow, Realeanna Grimmond, Chinelle Henry, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph, Mandy Mangru, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack and Stafanie Taylor.
Team Management Unit:
Head Coach: Shane Deitz
Assistant Coach: Damien Wright
Team Analyst: Gary Belle
Physiotherapist: Angelica Holder
Strength & Conditioning Coach: Hector Martinez Charles
Performance Coach: Dr Nadine Sammy
Media & Content
Officer: Nicholas Maitland
Series Schedule: (All matches will be played at the 3Ws Oval)
1st ODI Wednesday, June 11 10 am
2nd ODI Saturday, June 14 10 am 3rd ODI Tuesday, June 17 10 am 1st T20I Friday, June 20 2 pm 2nd T20I Sunday, June 22 10 am
3rd T20I Monday, June 23 2 pm (Sportsmax)
The ExxonMobil
Guyana Linden
Interschool Football tournament concluded on Sunday, June 8, with an electrifying match between Mackenzie High School (MHS) and Linden Technical Institute (LTI), finishing 2-2 after regulation time, with LTI going on to taste victory, 5-4, with kicks from the penalty mark.
In the third-place playoff, Linden Foundation Secondary kept their cool and made easy work of Wisburg Secondary winning 3-0.
Mackenzie had the perfect start to the championship match with Azizi Grant scoring the fastest goal in the tournament in the first minute, with an incredible long-distance shot. Kymani Mackenzie went on to double the score in the 24th minute.
LTI then demonstrated why they were tournament favourites, keeping their
composure and responding in the 30th minute with a blistering shot from outside the eighteen-yard box off the boots of Amari Cummings and youth national player Dexter Milo levelling the score in the 45th minute. The second half was a defensive battle in front of hundreds of fans, as both teams held their nerve and took the game to kicks from the penalty spot.
The champions Linden Technical will be awarded $400,000 to be used for a project to benefit the team and school, second-place Mackenzie High $200,000, Linden Foundation
$100,000 and Wisburg
$50,000. Tournament Most Valuable Player (MVP) Dexter Milo Jr from LTI will be awarded a laptop. Best Goalkeeper Samuel Petrie and the winners of other individual awards, including an Academic and Sports Excellence award, will be presented at a pre -
sentation ceremony on a later date.
This year’s tournament also featured Christianburg Wismar Secondary School, New Silver City Secondary, Kwakwani/Arima Secondary School, and Harmony Secondary School, who all performed
Champions Linden Technical Institute show off their silverware after the presentation ceremony incredibly. All participating schools participated in lifeskill workshops focusing on men’s health, media training, confidence building and goal setting. All participating teams were also presented with a full set of gear (uniforms). Games were also
At the Coolidge Cricket Ground, the first Four-Day game between West Indies Academy and Sri Lanka Emerging Players saw the hosts losing the game by a 75-run margin.
On day one, Kelvin Pitman had a very impressive outing as he took seven wickets for 28 runs in 13 overs against Sri Lanka Emerging Players, who were bowled out for 292. Sri Lanka Emerging Players were in much trouble at one point with the score at 89 for 5. Wicketkeeper-batsman Sohan de Livera produced an excellent innings of 130 off 110 balls with 15 fours and two sixes, which lifted the Sri Lankan side. Shevon Daniel, with 47, was the other key factor during the innings.
Rivaldo Clarke (42) and Ackeem Auguste (41) were important figures for the West Indies, but they would fall short, trailing by 78 runs after their first innings. The West Indies were bowled out for 214 in 50.4 overs as Sri Lankan bowler Dulaj Samuditha took 5 wickets for 57 runs.
With a lead of 78 runs, Sri Lanka were in the driving seat as they began their second innings. Ravindu
Ackeem Auguste had a good game with scores of 41 and 82
Rasantha and Shevon Daniel had a 105-run opening stand to put the Sri Lanka team in a nice position. Rasantha was dismissed for 65 whiles Daniel made 50 runs. Nathan Edward came alive as he picked up six wickets in the innings. Joshua Bishop also made an impact, picking three wickets as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 219 in 58.2 overs.
Needing 298 for victory, the West Indies started off well as they were 113 for 2
in 24 overs. Opening batsman Auguste top-scored with 82 from 95 balls.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Carlon Bowen-Tuckett made 43 runs, while Clarke made 36. The West Indies batsmen struggled to sustain their partnerships throughout the innings as they kept losing wickets. Eventually, West Indies Academy were bowled out for 222. Dilum Sudeera had figures of 4 for 51, while Ashian Daniel and Samuditha both picked up three wickets each.
played in Sub-Region 2, in Kwakwani, to the delight of the players and residents.
A lucky fan, young Denzil Farrell won a brand- new iPhone 15, compliments of ExxonMobil Guyana.
New Era Entertainment group wished to thank ExxonMobil Guyana, Bumper to Bumper Services, ANSA McAL Trading Limited, the Education Ministry, the Regional Health Department and all participating schools, for making this tournament a success.
South Africa A battled to a 104-run lead as they finished Day 2 on 324 for 7 in the second unofficial Test at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, against hosts West Indies A. With a score of 65 on the
first day, left-hand batsman Alick Athanaze led the West Indies in the batting department. He struck eight fours and two sixes in his innings. The other key player, Justin Greaves, contributed 57 as the West Indies side were bowled out
for 220 in 68.1 overs. Ruan de Swardt (4 for 62) was the most problematic bowler for the West Indies batsmen. Okuhle Cele also claimed three wickets.
South Africa batted well and persisted through some difficult periods throughout the match as they were 124 for 5 at the lunch interval. Nquaba Peters fell for 50 after the lunch break.
South Africa A then got a huge boost as de Swardt and Schalk Engelbrecht put on a huge 157-run partnership as they batted to the end of the day's play. De Swardt is currently on 83, while his partner is on 77.
Play will resume today as the West Indies will look to limit the South African batsmen as much as possible and have a good outing with the bat.
Reigning Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League champions, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Football Club, will for a second consecutive year, represent Guyana at the upcoming 2025 Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Club Shield.
The CFU hosted the draw for the Club Shield competition on Monday, sorting the competition’s 24 teams into four groups of six teams. The draw was conducted by CFU General Secretary Camara David.
The GDF FC have been drawn in Group B alongside competitors from Aruba, Dominica, French Guiana, Grenada, and St Kitts and Nevis.
This year’s seventh edition of the competition will take place from July 26 to August 3 in the twin-island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
The CFU Shield also
serves as the qualifier for this year’s CONCACAF Caribbean Cup, with the champions and runners-up advancing to the Confederation’s 10-club competition.
The competition will begin with the Swiss-format group stage, which runs from July 26 to July 29. Thereafter, the four group winners will advance to the semi-finals on August 1.
The third-place match and the championship match are scheduled for August 3.
All matches will be livestreamed on the CFU’s YouTube Channel, CFU Official, with highlights and updates on the CFU’s social media platforms.
Established in 2018, the CFU Club Shield has a primary objective of advancing professional football
The Guyana Basketball Federation’s representatives – Coach Willon Cameron and U23 standouts Stephen George, Arren Vanlewin, Anish Ramlall, and Domitre Ranking – are currently participating in a 3x3 high-performance training camp in Paraguay.
The camp, hosted in the South American nation’s capital, Asunción, runs until June 13 and is part of a broader initiative aimed at preparing teams for the upcoming Junior Pan American Games.
The opportunity follows the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) and the Paraguayan Olympic
Committee, paving the way for deeper sporting collaboration and development.
Guyana Basketball Federation President Michael Singh expressed his gratitude to the GOA for supporting 3x3 basketball, widely regarded as the sport’s fastest-growing discipline.
“3x3 basketball is high on the GBF’s agenda,” Singh said. “This training opportunity in Paraguay plays a critical role in building out our development ecosystem for the format, and we’re thankful to the GOA for making this a reality.”
The Guyanese trio comes from diverse basketball backgrounds, with Ramlall playing NCAA Division II basketball at
St Cloud State University in the United States, while Ranking represents Colts Basketball Club, one of the nation’s top teams, under the guidance of Coach Cameron.
George is a dynamic talent for the Amelia’s Ward Jets, and Vanlewin represents the Kwakwani Untouchables.
Coach Cameron brings a wealth of experience to the programme. A physical education teacher at President’s College, Cameron holds a degree in Sports Coaching from the University of the West Indies, along with FIBA Level 2 certification.
His résumé includes leading the Colts Basketball Club to backto-back national titles as Head Coach.
throughout the Caribbean. Participation is open to semi-professional and amateur teams holding current championship titles in their respective domestic leagues.
The ultimate finalists advance to the CONCACAF Caribbean Cup.
CONCACAF transitioned the organisation and management of the competition to the CFU in 2024. Group D contenders Arnett
Gardens FC are the tournament’s defending champions.
The groups are as follows:
Group A
AS Capoise (HAI)
Academia Quintana (PUR)
SV Real Rincon (BOE)
Academy Eagles FC (TCA)
La Clery Football League (LCA)
Rovers SC (VIR)
Group B
Moca FC (DOM)
SV Britannia (ARU)
St Paul’s United Strikers
SC (SKN)
AS Étoile de Matoury (GUF)
Guyana Defence Force (GUY)
Paradise FC
International (GRN)
Group C
Police FC (TRI)
SV Transvaal (SUR)
All Saints United FC (ATG)
Weymouth Wales FC (BRB)
SCSA Eagles (SMA)
Wolues FC (VGB)
Group D
Arnett Gardens FC (JAM)
Club Franciscain (MTQ)
Scholars International SC (CAY)
Dublanc FC (DMA)
AC Port of Spain (TRI)
Docs United (AIA)
The Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport (MCYS) and the National Sports Commission (NSC) are teaming up to make a huge stride towards the decentralisation of sports development in Guyana, thus unleashing the immense potential of Guyana's hinterland regions by launching a historic flash-drive distribution programme to provide coaching and refereeing video resources to communities throughout all 10 administrative regions.
Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle disclosed that im-
Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr is the driving force behind
portant coaching and refereeing material for the 13 core sport disciplines was included in 219 flash drives that were distributed at the National Toshaos Council late last month at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.
The targeted sports are badminton, basketball, boxing, cricket, football, hockey, lawn tennis, rugby, squash, swimming, table tennis, track and field, and volleyball, Ninvalle informed.
He highlighted that
this innovative programme, which seeks to level the playing field for aspiring players and officials by imparting the same fundamental knowledge of these sports to rural populations.
Ninvalle acknowledged the substantial unrealised potential that exists in these communities and was confident that having access to this vital information would be essential to fostering and developing the next generation of Guyanese athletes. He applauded the effort of Assistant Director of Sport
Melissa Dow-Richardson in obtaining the data.
The recent laptop distribution to the hinterland areas by the Government is inextricably tied to the success of this effort. Because of this earlier investment in digital infrastructure, these vital coaching and refereeing resources will now be distributed effectively with the aid of the local sports officers and sports councils, further guaranteeing that the material is utilised to its full potential.
Ninvalle concluded on the development, "The Ministry and National Sports Commission envisions that this project will contribute to the expansion and advancement of sports at all levels by significantly raising the calibre of coaching and officiating in these hinterland areas. This historic project demonstrates the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport's steadfast dedication to developing a thriving and encompassing sports culture across Guyana, ensuring that no community is left behind in the collective and national quest for athletic greatness.
Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has launched an exclusive Visa ticket pre-sale window for the 2025 play-offs and final which will begin at 10:00h today. June 10, local time.
Visa cardholders will have exclusive access to purchase tickets by visiting www.cplt20.com, up until 18:00h, local time on Friday, June 13. Following the Visa pre-sale, a limited allocation of tickets for the playoffs and final will become available to all cardholders from June 14 to June 16, ahead of general ticket sales.
Thereafter, general ticket sales for all 2025 CPL match-
es will officially open on June 17 through the CPL web site, including tickets for the play-offs and final. Tickets will be available for games hosted across the six host nations: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago. The 2025 Republic Bank CPL season kicks off on August 14, with the opening clash featuring St Kitts & Nevis Patriots taking on the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons at the Warner Park, St Kitts. The tournament will culminate in a grand finale at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, on September 21. Republic Bank CPL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pete Russell expressed his enthu siasm for the upcoming tour nament: “The interest in CPL continues to grow, and we’re thrilled to partner with Visa to provide their customers early access to tickets for the CPL finals. We anticipate anoth er thrilling season in 2025, beginning with the excitement in St Kitts & Nevis and Antigua & Barbuda. With even greater demand expected for the final in Guyana, we’re confident this tournament will deliver an unforgettable conclusion on September 21.”
Visa Southern Caribbean Markets Country Manager Jorge Salum said: “At Visa, we're thrilled to offer cricket enthusiasts an exclusive first opportunity to secure their seats for the
to enhancing the fan experience and providing unparalleled access to the sport's most passionate supporters." For more information and to secure your tickets, visit www.cplt20.com.
Nicholas Pooran, one of the Caribbean’s most dynamic and gifted modern-day cricketers, has announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to a career marked by breathtaking strokeplay, tenacity and moments of brilliance in maroon and gold.
The 29-year-old Trinidad and Tobagoborn batter shared the news in a heartfelt statement on Monday, expressing deep gratitude for the opportunity to represent the West Indies.
“After much thought and reflection, I've decided to announce my retirement from international cricket,” Pooran wrote. “This game we love has given and will continue to give me so much joy, purpose and unforgettable memories and a chance to represent the people of the West Indies. Wearing that maroon, standing for the anthem and giving everything I had each time I stepped on the field... it's hard to put into words what that truly means to me."
He added, “To the fans – thank you for your unwavering love. You lifted me in tough moments and celebrated the ones with unmatched passion. To my family, friends and teammates – thank you for walking this journey with me. Your belief and support carried me through it all.”
Pooran’s international career was defined by both explosive performances and an inspir-
ing personal journey. In 2015, a serious car accident threatened to derail his dreams before they truly began. The young wicketkeeper-batter suffered a torn patella tendon and fractured bones in his leg, spending nearly a year in recovery. But with the backing of senior players like Kieron Pollard, he returned to the game, earning a Caribbean Premier League (CPL) contract with the Barbados Tridents and beginning a journey that would soon light up global T20 leagues.
He made his breakthrough in West Indies colours in late 2018 with a 24-ball half-century against India in Chennai, and soon after was fast-tracked into the 2019 World Cup squad. In that tournament, he emerged as one of West Indies’ standout performers, scoring 367 runs at an average of 52.47, including a sublime 118 from 103 balls against Sri Lanka – his only One-Day International (ODI) century and a lasting highlight of his career.
Pooran also served as West Indies’ whiteball Captain, a role he called “a privilege I will always hold close to my heart”.
Though his international stats – 54 ODIs for 1634 runs at 36.31 and 88 T20 Internationals (T20s) for 1848 runs at 25.34 –tell part of the story, it was Pooran’s audacity and flair that captivated fans. His shot-making, particularly against spin, and his ability to accelerate an innings made him one of the
feared batters in the T20 format.
He has also been a mainstay on the Indian Premier League (IPL) circuit. After initial stints with Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings, his stocks soared in 2022 when Sunrisers Hyderabad acquired him. He moved to Lucknow Super Giants in 2023 and made an immediate impact. Pooran’s finest IPL season came in 2024 when he piled up 499 runs at a strike rate of 178.31. He followed that up with 524 runs in the 2025 edition, averaging 43.66 with a blistering strike rate of 196.25.
Even as he steps away from representing the West Indies, Pooran made clear that his connection to Caribbean cricket remains unbroken.
“Though this international chapter of my career closes, my love for West Indies cricket will never die,” he wrote. “I wish the team and the Region nothing but success and strength for the road ahead.”
Pooran’s retirement leaves a void in West Indies cricket – particularly in the T20 format where his presence, experience, and firepower were invaluable. But his journey, from teenage prodigy to international star and franchise powerhouse, will continue to inspire a new generation of Caribbean cricketers.
CWI statement
In a subsequent statement, Cricket West
his outstanding contributions to West Indies cricket. Nicholas officially informed the leadership of his decision to retire from international cricket, bringing to a close a significant chapter in his career.
“A world-class player and a game changer, Nicholas leaves the game as the most capped West Indian in T20 Internationals with 106 matches and the leading T20I run scorer with 2275 runs. His performances on the field and influence within the team have made a lasting impact on West Indies cricket.
“We salute his achievements and thank him for the moments he has given fans across the Region and beyond. We wish him all the very best in the next phase of his journey.”