The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, June 3 –05:40h–07:10h and Thursday, June 4 – 06:15h–07:45h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
WEATHER TODAY
Thundery to light showers are expected during the day and at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.
Winds: East-North-Easterly to Easterly between 2.68 metres and 4.47 metres.
High Tide: 18:23h reaching a maximum height of 2.36 metres.
Low Tide: 11:57h reaching a minimum height of 0.69 metre.
Govt moves to expand local content into finance, insurance sectors
President Dr Irfaan Ali on Tuesday announced that expanding the local content framework to include additional areas such as financial services and insurance are in the works as Government plans to not only diversify opportunities for Guyanese firms but also strengthen the financial ecosystem as it underpins transformative investments here and regionally. Speaking at the Local Content Summit reception held on Tuesday evening at the Sheraton Four Seasons Hotel, Georgetown, Ali said, “I think because of the growth and sophistication of our local private sector, we are now in a position to negotiate opportunities for Guyanese businesses in the region, whether it’s Barbados, Grenada and Antigua. And we have to now look, as we grow in our sophistication and our financial models, how we can now be part of the opportunities in these islands.” The President reasoned that by including financial services in local content, it would provide Guyanese firms direct access to large financial projects. In this way, instead of foreign banks and insurers monopolising contracts, local firms could compete for brokerage, advisory and underwriting roles. This in turn, he said, has the potential to stimulate the growth of domestic financial institutions and encourage partnerships with global players.
“So I think that the local content frame is evolving, the economy is evolving and our influence across the region is also evolving. And we have to maximise that influence so that we can bring optimal benefit to our local private sector and create great opportunities for us,” he added. The President said that Labour Minister Keoma Griffith is tasked with aligning “the manpower needs of the country and ensuring that our education system and our economic model is closely integrated with the output in terms of manpower.” Griffith and the Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat have been tasked with analyses and consultation of the current local content framework to see additions that can be made and taking to the President’s Cabinet their recommendations “additional services that can go on that local content list and in certain categories, to see increases.” He said financial services and insurance are among the areas “we have had a lot of interest” in expanding under the local content framework, particularly for brokerage and insurance services. According to Ali, Guyana is “entering into an exciting period of transformation,” noting that the country has gained “reasonable experience from the legislation” and is now seeing its “maturity” move forward more rapidly. He explained that this progress is allowing the country to better identify “niche areas and niche alignment with international investors” that can support the
growth and expansion of local businesses. He said the expansion would go beyond financial gains, adding that it would push local firms to improve their technical capacity and skills. Ali explained that this would “accelerate knowledge transfer” and help build a stronger pool of Guyanese professionals capable of handling more “sophisticated financial instruments and risk models.”
Everyday evolution of economy
Guyana’s economic future lies in placing local content at the very heart of national transformation, he noted, while pledging Government’s commitment to embedding local participation across industries while ensuring that local businesses and individuals reap tangible benefits from the country’s rapid development. “We are now moving into an era where we want local content to be structured in the everyday evolution of our economy,” he said... “More and more we are seeing local participation in every segment of our economic transition and growth,” he added.
He acknowledged that Guyana’s local content framework began with the oil and gas sector, but emphasised that the vision now extends far beyond petroleum.
“Initially it was the oil and gas sector,” he said, “but we are now moving into an era where local content must be part of every segment of our economic transition.” Government, he noted, is determined to avoid the pitfalls of resource dependency and is thus positioning local content as a cross-sectoral principle, ensuring that Guyanese workers, entrepreneurs and investors are central to every major project.
Junior Stock Exchange
The imminent launch of the Junior Stock Exchange was stressed as Ali explained that large developers are already willing to set aside shares for local businesses and individuals. This allows for locals to become shareholders in transformative projects. By creating a platform for small and medium enterprises to access capital, the exchange, he said can also help reshape the financial landscape here and empower local entrepreneurs. “That is why it is important for us to have the Junior Stock Exchange established,” he said. “We are looking to launch it …this year so that we can have massive participation from our local businesses and individuals.”
The President also highlighted the forthcoming Diaspora Bond, designed he explained, to attract investment from Guyanese abroad and which is part of a broader strategy to integrate the diaspora into Guyana’s growth story, ensuring that overseas Guyanese can directly con-
tribute to and benefit from the country’s transformation. The bond is expected to mobilise diaspora savings into national development, financing infrastructure while offering secure returns. “We just launched the Diaspora Bond… that will be able to give fixed rates of return and raise capital for important transformative infrastructure projects,” he said. Speaking about the Gasto-Energy (GtE) Projects in the Wales Development Zone, Irfaan Ali reiterated the importance of local participation. He said the first project, the fertiliser plant, offers “every single Guyanese, individual or business, the opportunity to invest,” and noted that it promises “fixed rates of return and good rates of return.” He also pointed to a second project involving a gas bottling and distribution plant, stressing that “maximum Guyanese participation is the goal” and that “individuals and small businesses must be part of this project also.” He further noted that these projects are expected to help reduce energy costs, which would in turn lower production expenses for local businesses and create wider economic benefits. The two-day Local Content Summit, which is themed, “From Policy to Prosperity: Unlocking Opportunities through Collaboration,” concludes today and the President said that attendance by locals at the event is pleasing as it shows that Guyanese understand the role they play in the development of this country. “I am very pleased to be here once again to see so many Guyanese taking up their own leadership and supporting each other in the growth and expansion of our local private sector,” he said.
President Dr Irfaan Ali speaking at the Local Content Summit reception held on Tuesday evening at the Sheraton Four Seasons Hotel, Georgetown (Local Content Summit- Guyana photo)
The decision to initiate a national consultation on the impact of social media on children is both timely and necessary. As digital platforms become increasingly embedded in everyday life, the conversation can no longer be confined to questions of connectivity, innovation, and access. Equal attention must now be given to the growing responsibility of safeguarding children who navigate an online environment that is often unregulated, fast-moving and difficult for parents, educators and policymakers to fully monitor.
The digital revolution has transformed communication, education and commerce, and young people today have access to unprecedented opportunities for learning, creativity and engagement. Social media platforms have enabled connections across geographical boundaries, provided educational resources and opened avenues for self-expression that were unimaginable just a generation ago. These benefits cannot be ignored, nor should they be dismissed in discussions about regulation and oversight.
However, alongside these advantages are legitimate concerns that have prompted Governments around the world to reassess the relationship between children and social media. Research and policy debates internationally have increasingly focused on issues such as cyberbullying, online exploitation, exposure to harmful content, misinformation, privacy violations and the impact of excessive social media use on mental health. These concerns have moved beyond academic discussions and have become matters of public policy.
The consultation launched this week reflects an understanding that Guyana cannot afford to remain on the sidelines of a global conversation that directly affects its young population. Importantly, the initiative recognises that there is no simple or universal solution. The social, cultural and technological realities of Guyana differ from those of larger countries that have already begun implementing restrictions and regulatory frameworks. Any approach adopted locally must, therefore, be informed by broad consultation and tailored to national circumstances.
Effective policymaking requires participation from those who interact with children daily and understand the challenges they face. Educators witness firsthand the influence of social media on behaviour, attention spans and peer relationships. Child protection agencies encounter the consequences of online abuse and exploitation. Parents struggle to balance granting access to technology with ensuring safety. Technology professionals understand the rapidly-evolving nature of digital platforms. Bringing these perspectives together creates the foundation for practical and balanced recommendations.
Encouraging stakeholders to return to their respective organisations, engage in discussions and develop proposals before reconvening demonstrates a commendable commitment to consensus-building rather than rushed policymaking. Such an approach increases the likelihood that eventual measures will be both effective and broadly supported.
Particularly noteworthy is the emphasis on protecting children without undermining technological progress. The objective should never be to create barriers that isolate young people from the digital world. Technology is now an essential component of education, employment and social interaction. Restrictive measures that fail to acknowledge this reality risk creating unintended disadvantages for the very generation they seek to protect.
Instead, the challenge is to establish safeguards that promote responsible use while reducing exposure to harm. This may include stronger digital literacy programmes in schools, greater parental education, enhanced reporting mechanisms for online abuse, ageappropriate protections on platforms and clearer accountability standards for technology companies operating within the local market. A combination of education, regulation and shared responsibility is likely to prove more effective than any single intervention.
The role of parents must also remain central to the discussion as while Governments can enact laws and institutions can develop policies, no framework can fully replace active parental involvement. Open communication, supervision and guidance remain critical components of helping children navigate digital spaces safely. Supporting parents with information and resources should, therefore, form part of any comprehensive national strategy.
At the same time, the responsibility cannot rest solely with families as social media companies wield enormous influence over the content young users consume and the environments in which they interact. Increasingly, governments worldwide are demanding greater accountability from these platforms. Guyana’s consultation presents an opportunity to examine how international best practices can be adapted locally to ensure that technology providers also share responsibility for child safety. The issue at hand is not whether children should have access to technology, that debate has long been settled by the realities of modern life. The more pressing question is how society can ensure that access occurs within a framework that prioritises safety, well-being and healthy development.
territorial
Not all Afro-Guyanese are guilty or racists, Mr Ogunseye
Dear Editor,
The WPA’s Mr Tacuma Ogunseye writing in the media on 05-23-2026 titled “If our independence is to have real meaning it must address the historical injustices of all races in Guyana.” Mr Ogunseye, as usual, never fails to stoke the fires of race relations in our country. Mr Ogunseye blames the PPP/C and Indo-Guyanese for all the ills Africans have suffered in Guyana. How come Mr Ogunseye keeps ignoring the fact that it was slavery that denuded the African all of his tribal freedoms inclusive of his culture? Has the WPA’s Mr Ogunseye forgotten that African tribal chiefs sold their tribal captives into slavery to Europeans?
Why doesn’t Mr Ogunseye explain why the economic condition of the Afro-Guyanese was further diminished by the 28 years of PNC misrule (1964-1992) when food was rationed with long lines and hunger stalked the land of rivers and plains of our dear land of Guyana. For 5 additional years between 2015-2020 the Indo-Guyanese was the target when the WPA’s Dr Clive Thomas of GuySuCo by PNC policy approval fired 7,000 predominantly Indian sugar workers debunking the notion of equality of the races.
How far and sadly has the WPA fallen from the race inclusion policy of the popular Dr Walter Rodney? The facts are that the WPA has
been completely vanquished since the assassination of the legendary historian. Yet the few skeletons of the WPA continue to preach and issue race in all their missives as if there is nothing else more redeeming.
Mr Ogunseye wants shared governance as if that will solve all the forever problems of the African. Wasn’t the cooperative supposed to solve the economic problems of African Guyanese? Why has the policy of cooperative redemption failed in Guyana?
History has recorded that the PNC...the party of the majority of Africans at that time...discriminated against Indo-Guyanese by filling state jobs with its predominantly African supporters. This completely destroyed the cottage industry of the village African. Most of the African artisans in woodworking, joinery and blacksmithing were eradicated from Afro-Guyanese villages. I still remember fondly our set of Berbice chairs were all built by an artisan from Buxton in the early 1960s. Hardly any artisans remain in Buxton up to this day!
The Indo-Guyanese was forced to go into business and do habitual agriculture for economic survival. They grew rice, provisions and vegetables. The leftover Indo-Guyanese educated class was forced to migrate.
The Indians did not have state handouts but survived by hard backbreaking hard work.
History has recorded that Indo-Guyanese became the best workers for the sugar industry after slavery was abolished. They kept the sugar industry alive. The Chinese and Portuguese indentured servants drifted away from the plantations.
In fact, the 1964-1992 PNC inserted Africans into the top tier management of GuySuCo when they had no affiliation or experiences with sugar. No attention to servicing and maintenance of the sugar industry by the mismatched new elite occurred. Today’s fiasco in GuySuCo stems from PNC negligence and explains the decline of the sugar industry. Climate change is another culprit as is bad management.
Mr Ogunseye writes that “if our independence is to have real meaning, it must address the historical injustices inflicted on all races in Guyana and confront the enduring consequences of slavery and colonialism, with priority to the Indigenous and African communities, which have been the most affected.”
Mr Ogunseye obviously wants equality for the historical injustices inflicted on all by colonialism and slavery. That is a fair expectation. Mr Ogunseye however wants priority for Afro-
Guyanese. How can you have equality for all races by Mr Ogunseye’s own advocacy when priority for only Africans has been his lifelong advocacy and mission which has now become the motto of the once upon a time multiracial WPA?
It was the PNC which completely destroyed the PPP’s 1964 racial balancing of the armed forces Special Service Unit (SSU) by pouring the predominantly AfroGuyanese British Guiana Volunteer Force into the GDF in 1965!
Dear Editor, undoubtedly all races suffered in the history of Guyana. But not all Africans are guilty. There are numerous Africans who are caring as there are Indians who are too. However less is written about the PNC’s active involvement in racial animosity in the 1960s when they were active conspirators with Anglo-US forces in destabilising the 1960s PPP Government is better left untold but yet history still tells all its sordid truths. However, nothing will whitewash the heinousness of Guyanese history especially since the Wismar Massacre of 1964 witnessed some 3000 Indo-Guyanese being subjected to ethnic cleansing. This subject is now topical with the publication of Dr Baytoram Ramaharack’s new book “The Wismar Massacre”.
President Dr Irfaan Ali met with a number of Guyanese soldiers during his two-day Cabinet outreach to Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni). The President lauded their bravery and thanked them for their continued support in the defence of Guyana’s sovereignty and
integrity (Office of the President/Facebook)
3 die in Berbice crash
Tare 19-year-
Tuesday
in a horrif-
ic road accident along the Maida Farm Public Road, Corentyne, leaving families and communities mourning yet another tragedy on the nation’s roads.
Village, Corentyne; 23-yearold Priyas Mursalin of Chesney Front; and 16-yearold Porshatam Hoolasia of Haswell, Port Mourant and a student of JC Chandisingh
Not all Afro-Guyanese are guilty...
By these facts Mr Ogunseye will have to explain why one race must have priority over others especially when he makes preposterous accusations of Guyana being a racist apartheid state!
Mr Ogunseye wants to be imbued with the sharing of power but what does the WPA bring to the table? Nothing except calabash demands. What will solve Guyana’s problems is to provide the African and others with the power to chart their own destiny.
The proposal for Federalism is still on the ta-
FROM PAGE 4
ble. This will allow the AfroGuyanese and others all the power to manage themselves. The WPA must make their decision very clear on this issue. In conclusion the results of the 2025 elections which found the PNC with 12 seats and WIN with 16 seats completely shows neither the PNC and Mr Ogunseye’s WPA convincingly speaks for AfroGuyanese.
The destiny to mould Guyana has taken on a new course
Respectfully, Sultan Mohamed
the vehicle collided with a Toyota Harrier.
According to information gathered, the trio was travelling east along the Maida Farm Public Road when the collision occurred. Reports indicate that the driver of the car attempted to pass another vehicle before colliding head-on with the oncoming Toyota Harrier that was proceeding in the opposite direction.
PLL 4312 when
The force of the impact sent the car into a nearby Guyana Power and Light (GPL) utility pole, causing further damage.
Residents and motorists rushed to the scene as emergency responders worked to remove the injured from the wreckage.
Khan and Mursalin were pulled from the wreckage while Hoolasia is said to have been pinned inside.
The two were taken to the Port Mourant Hospital, where they passed away while receiving medical attention.
The 16-year-old was later pronounced dead on arrival at the same medical facility.
Meanwhile, the driver of the Toyota Harrier, a 44-year-old of Miss Phoebe, Corentyne, sustained injuries and was treated at the hospital and sent away. He was subsequently taken into custody and is assisting Police with the investigation.
Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. The bodies of the deceased have been taken to Ramoo’s Funeral Home, where they are awaiting post-mortem examinations.
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hree young men lost their lives on
afternoon
Dead
old Ameer Khan of John
Secondary.
The two-vehicle crash occurred about 15:30h.
The trio was travelling in motor car
19-year-old Ameer Khan
16-year-old Porshatam Hoolasia
23-year-old Priyas Mursalin
Page Foundation
Dividing Whole Numbers
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
Next, subtract 2 – 2 = 0. Now carry down from the dividend the digit in the next place value, 5. Can 5 be evenly divided by 2. This time the answer is no, but there are two 2s in 5. So write 2 in the quotient, and subtract again. Keep repeating these steps until you get to the last digit in the dividend. How many times can 11 be divided by 2 11 ÷ 2 = 5, with 1 left over. The 1 is the remainder.
Remember:
When dividing, always begin on the left side of the dividend.
Exercises
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, 2 ÷ 2 = 1. Put the 1 above the line as the beginning of the quotient. Since 1 x 2 = 2, place this 2 under the 2 in the dividend.
Materials and equipment
Nutrient agar plates (18)
Sterile swabs (18)
Disposable gloves (4)
Medicine dropper (2)
Graduated Cylinder (100 mL) or measuring cup (1/2 cup)
pH Paper.
Eye protection for handling bleach
Natural water sample (at least 600 mL total). This could be taken from a pond, lake, river, ocean, fish tank, etc. Collect the water in a clean jar with a secure lid.
70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol
Clean baby food jars or other small glass jars (6)
Distilled white vinegar
Bleach. Caution: Have an adult help you when opening and using the bleach. Read all warnings on the bottle before opening it.
Clean plastic or metal spoon for stirring
Paper towels or clean dishtowel
Permanent marker
Clock or timer
An adult helper
Lab notebook
Experimental procedure
This project follows the scientific method. review the steps before you begin.
Read all instructions before starting. Some steps will need to be timed, so it helps to be familiar with all the steps before you begin.
Have an adult help you with handling the bleach. Read all warnings about handling the bleach before opening the container with an adult.
Collect your water sample
Collect at least 600 mL of water from a natural water source, in a clean jar with a secure lid. Be sure to wash your hands with soap after handling the water.
Preparing your water samples
Clean and sterilise the baby food jars with isopropyl alcohol. Make sure any isopropyl alcohol has dried or evaporated before pouring in the water sample or the alcohol may kill microbes in the sample.
Pour approximately 100 mL (or approximately 0.4 cups) of the natural water sample into each of the 6 sterilised small glass jars.
With the lid securely on the large jar, carefully turn the jar upside down a few times, so that the water is mixed before pouring out the samples.
Use the pH strips to check the pH of one of the small jars with the water sample. Record the pH in your lab notebook. This is the pH of the natural water sample.
Label this jar with its pH.
To a second small jar with the water sample, use the eyedropper to add drops of distilled white vinegar. Carefully mix the sample and check the pH. Stop adding vinegar when the pH is approximately 6.
Only add 2 drops of vinegar at a time so that the pH does not decrease too quickly.
If the eyedropper touches any of the natural water sample, be sure to briefly sterilize the eyedropper afterwards by sucking up a small amount of isopropyl alcohol and squirting it out onto a clean paper towel. Rub
the outside of the dropper with the paper towel. If the dropper does not look dry, wave it around a little for ten or more seconds until it looks dry before using it again. Mix the sample using a clean, sterilised plastic or metal spoon.
Sterilise the spoon by wiping both sides with a paper towel made damp using isopropyl alcohol. If the spoon does not look dry, wave it around a little until it looks dry before using it again.
Repeat step 4 for two of the other small jars with the water sample, but this time keep adding vinegar until one jar is pH 5 and the other jar is pH 4.
Next, use bleach to increase the pH of the two remaining small jars with the water sample. Use the eyedropper to add drops of bleach to one of the remaining two small jars, carefully mix the sample, and check the pH. Stop adding the bleach when the pH is approximately 8.
Only add 3 drops of bleach at a time so that the pH does not increase too quickly.
You can again mix the sample using the eyedropper, but be sure not to accidentally add extra bleach while doing this.
Label the jar with its pH.
Repeat step 7 for the remaining small jar with the water sample, but this time keep adding bleach until the jar's pH is 9.
You should now have prepared all 6 jars and have one jar with each of the following pHs (as shown in Figure 4): pH 4, pH 5, pH 6, pH 7, pH 8, pH 9. Let the jars sit undisturbed for 30 minutes.
(Adapted from Teisha Rowland, PhD, Science Buddies)
By Dayna Patterson
CONTINUED but prefer a bed of moss don’t we all or lichen or leaf litter how you can survive via cryptobiosis curling up like an armadillo for as long as thirty years without food or water and when wet arrives you unfurl how I want to be tough and indestructible like you and though you seem squishy are actually encased in cuticle and lay your eggs in that shed shell confident in the promise of seed you evolved before us before dinosaurs and will likely outlive us and who better to inherit the earth and maybe the moon too after the spacecraft Beresheet crash landed there in 2019 with thousands of water bears on board some kind god built you to last to feed and float to dry out and fast to inspire in us a meekness we tune our love to micro strive to be milder mossier versions of ourselves
(Source: Poetry [June 2026])
Write a poem about a spring day.
Pay or lose licence – Govt gives Ghanaian company ultimatum over US$17M oil block bonus
Government on Tuesday announced that after nearly six months of Ghanaian com pany Cybele Energy prom ising to pay the US$17 mil lion singing bonus on the awarded Oil Block S7 and racking up nearly US$4 million in default interest, a warning has been issued to the company to pay up or forfeit its licence. In re sponse, the company has promised to pay 30 per cent by the end of this week. “The last update is that our lawyers have written to them stating clearly that the signing bonus must be paid based on the agree ment. They have made a commitment, that by the first week of June [2026] 30 per cent of that will be paid into the NRF (Natural Resource Fund). And then, I think it is about
six weeks, if I recall clear ly, that it will be the re maining amount,” Natural Resources Minister
Vickram Bharrat told re porters on the sideline of the Local Content Summit which opened yesterday at the Sheraton Four Seasons Hotel, Heroes Highway. The Natural Resources Minister said that the de lay has not come with out financial consequences as the failure to meet the 30-day deadline has trig gered penalties under the PSA the company agreed to when it signed the con tract last year December. Bharrat said that based on the last letter that he saw from Guyana’s lawyers, “there is an accrued inter est of, I think, about $4 million right now…which will take the signing bo nus from US$17 to above
US$20 million.” He warned about the consequences of further non-compliance. “Failure to pay the re quired sum in keeping with the newly agreed timeline could result in the compa ny losing the oil block alto gether,” he stressed.
The Minister empha sised that the Government is prepared to enforce the terms of the agreement to protect Guyana’s nation al interest but was quick to note that delay in pay ing the signing bonus isn’t tied to assuming a work programme for the compa ny. “Cybele is the licensee that we would have signed with but they are seeking out presently an operator. Now fulfilling the work pro gramme would ultimate ly hinge on the capacity of the operator,” Bharrat not ed. He expressed optimism
Guyana, US discuss stronger investment, trade ties
Twith seismic data suggest ing that the “oil fairway runs directly through S7 toward Suriname.”
he United States (US) and Guyana continue to strengthen bilater al relations, with senior of ficials from both countries meeting on Tuesday to dis cuss expanding economic cooperation and investment opportunities. According to a statement from the US State Department, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau met with Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd to discuss the growing part nership between the two na tions. During the meeting, Landau highlighted the im portance of increasing US private sector engagement in Guyana and expanding commercial ties between the two countries. The dis cussions focused on shared economic priorities and op portunities for American companies to contribute to Guyana’s development through sustainable in vestment and commercial partnerships. The two offi cials also examined ways to deepen economic coopera tion as Guyana continues to attract international inter est and investment.
panding partnership be tween Georgetown and Washington.
The State Department said the meeting reaf firmed the strong and ex
Landau also reiterat ed the US’ commitment to Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, under scoring continued US sup port for the country.
that once the signing bonus is paid, the company would not face difficulty in exe cuting its obligations under the Petroleum Activities Act and the production sharing agreement (PSA). However, he stressed that the Government’s patience is not unlimited. “Now, ful filling the work programme will obviously hinge on the capacity of the operator. So Cybele may very well, I am just using example here, may very well land an op erator that is known world wide with a good balance sheet. And they could ful fill the work programme based on the agreement signed. So that is why I say I won’t tie the signing
bonus into the fulfillment of the work programme,” Bharrat explained. Guyana’s first-ever auction of offshore oil blocks was unveiled in December 2022 by President Irfaan Ali. After several extensions and adjustments to the fis cal framework, the auc tion concluded with six bid ders submitting 14 offers for eight of the 14 avail able blocks. Cybele Energy emerged successful in win ning Block S7, a shal low‑water block located ap proximately 50 kilometres (km) from ExxonMobil’s prolific Liza 1 and 2 fields. The block is estimated to hold at least 400 million barrels of recoverable oil,
Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Accra, Ghana, Cybele Energy is led by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Beatrice Mensah‑Tayui, one of Ghana’s most influential businesswomen. The com pany has expanded oper ations beyond Ghana into Africa, the United States (US) and the Caribbean. Cybele describes itself as committed to sustainabili ty, innovation and respon sible energy practices. Its projects range from offshore exploration to integrated engineering solutions, with partnerships that include Well Expertise of Norway (acquired by Elemental Energies). At the signing last year, Mensah‑Tayui had emphasised the sym bolic importance of the Guyana deal. “We are standing on history. Today, Guyana has made history. Today Guyana has taken a bold step in the advance ment of women. Guyana has taken a bold step in its initiative for the girl child. And I want to applaud the leadership of this country,” she had said. “So, on be half of Cybele Energy, I ex press heartfelt congratula tions and appreciation for the leadership and the gov ernance of a country that sees fit to put the talent of women on a platform in such an industry, as oil and gas,” she added.
Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat
Tabatinga man admits to 5 traffic offences, faces $450,000 compensation order
Forty-four-year-old Wayne McLean, of Tabatinga, Lethem, Central Rupununi, was fined for several traffic-related offences, including failing to report an accident, failing to conform to a sign, driving a vehicle without a valid driver ‘s licence, breach of insurance, and driving in a dangerous manner. Police stated that the offences were committed on Sunday, May 24, 2026, along Third Street, Lethem.
However, McLean appeared before Magistrate Omadatt Chandan at the Lethem Magistrate’s Court on Monday, where the charges were read to him. He pleaded guilty to all charges.
Charged: Wayne McLean
As such, he was fined $20,000 or, in default, two weeks’ imprisonment for failing to report an accident; $10,000 or, in default of one week’s imprisonment for failing to conform to a sign; $25,000 or, in default, two weeks’ imprisonment for being an unlicensed driver; and $25,000 or, in default, two weeks’ imprisonment for breach of insurance. In relation to the dangerous driving charge, McLean was ordered to pay $450,000 in compensation to the victim
for injuries and damage to the motorcycle. Judgment in this matter was deferred to July 1, 2026.
60-year-old slapped with DUI charge
Cletus Rodulph, a motorcyclist from St Ignatius Village, Central Rupununi, Region Nine, was on Monday slapped with a driving under the influence of alcohol charge, among other allegations of failing to maintain the brake on a motor vehicle. The 60-year-old man appeared before Magistrate Omadatt Chandan at the Lethem Magistrate’s Court, where he pleaded guilty to both charges, which stemmed from offences committed on Friday, May 29, 2026, along Third Street, Lethem.
Following his guilty plea, he was fined $75,000 or, in default, seven weeks’ imprisonment for driving under the influence of alcohol, and
Charged: Cletus Rodulph
$10,000 or, in default, one week’s imprisonment for failing to maintain the brake on a motor vehicle.
with… …floods
Your Eyewitness is in a permanent state of amazement at the amazement some folks experience at the floods that are inundating our communities during the rainy seasons!! After Prezzie held that Independence flag-raising – well, let’s not get too snarky; one was eventually raised, wasn’t it??! – ceremony at Fort Island, did it sink in that the reason the earliest settlements by the Dutch – going back to 1621! – were upriver and NOT on the Atlantic coast where 90% of us presently live because the latter was permanently flooded and the former was not??
That’s right, folks!! The Dutchmen of yore moved to the flooded coast after the fertility of the soil up-river ran out!! But to do so, they had to drain the coast where only mangrove flourished on account of the Atlantic saltwater constantly flooding their roots – all the way miles inland to where we’re digging up all that white sand for our construction boom!! Soil – brought down east to the Atlantic from the massive Amazon – swirled west around South America’s shoulder to become snagged in the roots of the mangrove to build up our coastline to where it is!!
While the silt was extremely RICH, it had to be drained to make it habitable!! Any other Europeans woulda been stumped – but NOT the Dutch!! They’d actually drained an expansive North Atlantic inlet with a series of canals, dykes and sluices to create thousands of fertile acreage!! And that’s what they did here. They created sea dams to keep out the Atlantic in the north coast – and “back dams” to keep out the water roaring down from the higher lands inland! And sluices or “kokers” to drain out the water when the tides were low – since the “land” they’d created was 4-to-5 feet below the Atlantic high tide!!
Now since we’ve known this since the mid-1700s –why are we always in a tizzy about floods?? Hence your Eyewitness’s permanent state of bemusement!! We get floods when we aren’t draining off the water on our land faster than it’s accumulating!! And which we should fix if we don’t want to live in a Venice-of-the-South?? Let your Eyewitness count the ways!! In “developin” of our urban and semi-urban housing schemes, we’ve concreted up more than half the land that used to ABSORB the rainfall!! We’ve also filled in most of the drainage canals in the sugar plantations that were abandoned to create Georgetown – to made wide boulevards!! We the people also insist on blocking-up the remaining canals and drains by dumping our garbage into them!!
Adding to our woes is climate change giving us longer periods of droughts – and shorter but more intense periods of rainfall!!
Let’s fix it or get off the coast!!
…chicken matters
With the amount of chicken we Guyanese eat – fried, broiled, curried, BBQ’d, roasted, stewed – or put into every conceivable dish – Cookup, metemgee, soups, pepperpot, burgers, etc – our chicken business ain’t no chicken feed!! So we shouldn’t be surprised that Chicken ManNorton’s hand-picked parliamentary head honcho from out of nowhere – recently weighed in on the state of the said chicken industry!! After all, owning a fast-food chicken franchise had to’ve given him an insight going beyond testifying that the bird’s “finger-lickin’ good”!!
More specifically, he wants the Government to assure him that we’ve got chicken self-sufficiency!! Now to those who may snicker that Chicken Man has a conflict of interest since he might be just concerned that his franchise doesn’t run out of birds to fry, your Eyewitness believes chicken self-sufficiency should be the highest priority of the Government!!
In fact, when he was voted in, your Eyewitness suggested that Pres Ali should’ve guaranteed “a chicken in every pot” – like FDR!
Rather than delivering a car in every driveway!!
…corruption
The Integrity Commission just ORDERED the country’s 231 top politicians and members of the Judiciary to declare their income and assets by June 22!! If not – or if assets are out of whack with income – it’s jail-time!!!
Bodies of missing pregnant woman, fiancé recovered
The bodies of 20-yearold Lyodisa “Loyda” Waldron and her fiancé, 33-year-old Andri Francis, a Special Constable, who went missing on Sunday while swimming at Unity Beach, were recovered on Tuesday. Based on reports received, the bodies were recovered at about 11:00h, some distance from where they went missing, during a recovery mission involving ranks from the Mahaica Police Station, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard, and private entities.
Following the discovery, the bodies were brought
to shore and taken to the Memorial Garden Mortuary, awaiting autopsy. According to information received, the bodies were already in an advanced state of decomposition.
It was reported that at about 14:00h on Sunday, Waldron and Francis, both from Victoria Village, East Coast Demerara (ECD), were on a family outing at Unity Beach. Waldron reportedly went into the water but shortly after began drifting deeper into the Atlantic Ocean and called out for assistance.
Hearing her screams, the father of two, who was close by, rushed to her assistance, but instead, both of them were pulled under due to the strong current and disappeared. A search party was immediately established, but despite hours of scouring the area, they were not found.
Up to late Monday, a joint search and rescue operation was conducted for the missing couple, but that too came up empty-handed. At the scene on Tuesday, family members and friends flocked to Unity Beach to catch a glimpse of the bodies when they were brought to shore.
Lyodisa “Loyda” Waldron and her fiancé, Andri Francis in happier times
The bodies brought to shore
Guns, ammo found in separate Police raids
Two firearms and matching ammunition were found during separate Police intelligence operations in Region Six and Region Three on Monday and Tuesday, respectively. In the first instance, a 36-year-old man from Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara (WCD),
was arrested following the discovery of a 12-gauge shotgun, along with one cartridge, on his person.
Police stated that, acting on information, ranks went to the area where they contacted the suspect and initiated a search of his person, during which the firearm and ammunition were found in the
waistband of his pants.
He was arrested and escorted to the Leonora Police Station, where he remains pending charges. In the second incident, Police traveled to No. 77 Housing Scheme, Corriverton, Berbice, where they discovered a 9mm pistol with a magazine and six live 9mm rounds of ammunition on Tuesday.
Police stated that ranks, acting on information received, went to a street
Lethem fireman fined $150,000 for dangerous driving, other traffic offences
Afireman attached to the Lethem Fire Station and from Tabatinga, Central Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) was on Monday fined $150,000 or an alternative of 13 weeks’ imprisonment for several traffic-related offences.
leading to the backlands at No. 77 Housing Scheme, where they observed a group of men gathered at the end of the street. However, upon seeing the Police, the men reportedly ran into nearby bushes and escaped. Despite ranks giving chase, no arrests were made. Nevertheless, a search conducted in the area led to the discovery of a black side bag containing the firearm and ammunition.
Thirty-four-yearold Thiago Rebeiro was charged with refusal to consent to taking a breathalyser test, unlicensed driving, breach of insurance and dangerous driving. The offences were committed on Friday, May 29, 2026, along the Tabatinga Public Road, Central Lethem. However, he appeared before Magistrate Omadatt Chandan at the Lethem Magistrate’s Court, where he pleaded guilty to all the charges. As such, he was fined $25,000 or, in default, two weeks’ imprisonment for refusal to consent to taking a breathalyser test. He was also fined
$25,000 or, in default, two weeks’ imprisonment for unlicensed driving and $25,000 or, in default, two weeks’ imprisonment for breach of insurance.
With respect to the dangerous driving charge, he was fined $75,000 or, in default, seven (7) weeks’ imprisonment.
The gun and ammunition found at No. 77 Village
The shotgun and cartridge found in the suspect’s possession at Meten-Meer-Zorg
Fined: Thiago Rebeiro
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 2026 |
Ramsammy’s Ruminations
President Ali among people helping, Azruddin spreading disinformation
VLinden man admits to killing girlfriend, burying body in backyard
Tery heavy rain again came to Guyana last week and continues this week. The storms also drenched Suriname, French Guiana and Brazil. In each case, severe floods accompanied the storms. The Opposition and their sycophants in Guyana went into a frenzy with their criticism and condemnation of the Government, blaming the Government for the floods. Surely, it was not the PPP Government, not President Irfaan Ali, not VP Bharrat Jagdeo that caused the rain, here or anywhere. Yet, for the Opposition, it was Jagdeo and the PPP who caused the flood. Many citizens expected the Opposition to blame VP Jagdeo for the floods in Brazil and Suriname also. At no time did the Opposition acknowledged that heavy rains were responsible for the flood.
The sluices and the pumps around the country, including in Georgetown, in general, were working. Drainage canals were cleaned prior to the rains. But the system was literally overwhelmed. The truth is that while the system is capable of handling more rainfall over any 24-hour period than it did in 2005, the drainage capacity is still being expanded and improved across the country. It is a work in progress. Building the drainage capacity of the country is not going to be achieved in a short period. In fact, it is unlikely that Guyana can build a capacity that make us 100% flood-free. We can definitely increase the capacity overall, but to think that we can build a system that can handle any amount of rain is utopian thinking.
For example, whereas the system was challenged to deal with 1.5 inches of rainfall over a 24-hour period in Georgetown in 2005, it can now handle about 2.0 inches of rainfall over the corresponding time period. Similar situation exists across the country. With the construction of five more Hope-like canals, some of which have already begun, with improved sluices across the country, and with new and more powerful pumps being installed across the country, additional drainage capacities are being achieved. The bottom line is that continuous investments are being made to improve drainage in Guyana as the country builds its climate change adaptation and mitigation responses.
In the last decade, we see increasing incidence of flooding around the world, despite Governments around the world investing more and more in drainage capacities. The truth is that climate change-related heavy rainfall keep outstripping the improved drainage systems. In fact, 2026, even at this point, has been one of the most devastating years for flooding during the 21st century so far. We see developing countries in Latin America, Africa and Asia experiencing heavy rainfall and flooding this year. Besides Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Brazil and other Latin American countries, flooding has been seen in other developing countries, such as Kenya, Ghana, Indonesia, India, China and many other developing countries.
But developed countries have not been spared. In spite of welldeveloped drainage systems, during 2026 so far, the UK, Spain, Italy, France, the US and other developed countries have experienced severe flooding because of climate change-linked storms. These storms will continue to become more severe as the climate change consequences worsen.
Whether it is developing countries or developed countries, Jagdeo and the PPP have no responsibility for the storms. When one listens to the Opposition and their sycophants, however, one would think these episodes of heavy rainfall in Guyana and around the world are caused by Jagdeo and the PPP.
It is a legitimate criticism and condemnation if the Opposition blames the Government for poor maintenance of canals, sluices and pumps. While the maintenance continues to be far from perfect, there is no doubt that vast improvements have been achieved. With more pumps being deployed, improved sluices and construction of new canals, vastly-expanded drainage capacity continues to be a priority for the Government. But we must do better in optimally maintaining what we have.
During last week and this week’s flooding, the President and the Cabinet have been out in the communities working with local government and with citizens to help mitigate the situation and help to galvanise rapid responses to dent the impact of the latest flooding episodes. The PPP Governments of the past and this one have always been proactive. They have never abandoned the people. Kudos to the President and the Ministers for being out with the people.
Predictably, the Opposition forces have deemed the efforts of the President and the Cabinet as “photo-opportunity”. They condemned the Government Ministers for being in the communities, insisting that the Government is only out in the communities to score points and not to help people. This is absurd. It is true that the APNU-led Government of the 2015-2020 period was missing in action during flooding crises. But the PPP Governments have consistently been among the people whenever the citizens faced challenges like flooding.
Azruddin Mohamed, surrounded by a few of his doting comrades, did go out in some communities. However, he did not go out to be among the people, he went out to continue his mission of disinformation and outright fabrication and lies and the ultimate photo-opportunity moments. He was seen, for instance, in Plaisance pointing to the pump there and fabricating a story of a non-operational pump. Minutes later, Minister Zulfikar Mustapha went on site to demonstrate that the pump was working and that Azruddin Mohamed was using social media to blatantly and barefacedly lie to citizens.
Ruminations concedes that there continues to exist room for improvement in the drainage system. The planned budgeted projects to add additional capacity in the national system must be completed more rapidly. But the Opposition must demonstrate they can join the Government whenever there are disasters and natural challenges. It is truly despicable for them to be out deliberately spreading disinformation and fabricating stories when citizens are facing challenging times.
he Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) man who shot and killed his girlfriend and later buried her in his backyard has admitted to the offence when he appeared before a judge and jury in the Demerara High Court.
Shaquawn “IsWe” Alleyne admitted that he killed his girlfriend, Shonnette Dover in April 2021 when he appeared before Justice Sandil Kissoon on Tuesday. The court has since ordered that several reports be conducted before sentencing on June 17. Alleyne was charged in January 2024 for Dover’s murder which occurred April 3 and April 29, 2021. The court at the time was informed that while under interrogation, another man who had purchased the firearm used in the shooting, told detectives that during the search for Dover, Alleyne had told him that he had a .38 special pistol to sell for $100,000, and had asked if he knew of anyone who would want to buy it. However, the man told police that he had agreed to keep the weapon and lend Alleyne the cash. The man had further explained that he later met the murder accused at a house not far from Bayroc Ground, where he handed over the money and collected the firearm, which he kept at his aunt’s house at Cinderella City. Moreover, he had said that, about two weeks later, he learned that Dover’s sister had gone to the Police and told them that Alleyne had shot and killed her sister, thus resulting in Police initiating a manhunt for Alleyne. Following that development, the man said he realised that the gun he had was the murder weapon, and as such, had made attempts to get rid of it and police went in search of the weapon. Meanwhile, when he was 17 years old, Alleyne was arrested and charged with having 16 grams of amphetamines, but that matter was dismissed. He had also been charged with causing grievous bodily harm, but
that matter was discontinued after the virtual complainant had chosen to be compensated. Alleyne who went into hiding after the murder, was arrested in Suriname in 2024 nearly three years after the murder and was handed over to local law enforcement officers. He had told detectives that he had accidentally shot his girlfriend, and that it was not a premeditated act. He detailed that Dover had made breakfast
on the day in question, and they were all sitting in his living room when he sent her 15-year-old sister to fetch him his .38 revolver. He said that while cleaning the weapon, he had pulled back the hammer, point ed it, and waved it around. He claimed that Dover had cautioned him about play ing with the weapon, and his finger had fallen on the trigger and the gun had gone off. The situation had gained widespread national interest when Alleyne had initially reported Dover’s disappearance, and had taken charge of the search efforts until her body was eventually discovered.
After being killed by gunshot on April 3, 2021, Dover was buried in Alleyne’s backyard, but a younger sister of the victim, who had witnessed the shooting, alerted Police to what had transpired. With guidance from that sister, the victim’s decomposed body was found in a shallow grave aback Alleyne’s Canvas City, Linden home on April 30, 2021. Alleyne’s father and Dover’s 15-year-
old sister had been arrested during the investigation. Police had indicated that the teen had led them to the shallow grave where the missing woman’s remains were buried after confessing to being at the scene of the crime when the woman died on April 3, 2021. On May 4, 2021, Dover’s teen sister was charged with accessory after the fact of murder since she had kept the incident quiet for nearly a month.
Dr Leslie Ramsammy
Shaquawn “IsWe” Alleyne
Dead: Shonnette Dover
Mother of 5 suffers burns as Kako home goes up in flames
A39-year-old moth-
er of five sustained burns after a fire destroyed her family’s home in Kako Village, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) on Tuesday, compounding the hardships already faced by residents amid ongoing flooding in the community.
In the midst of ongoing
flooding in Kako Village, things took a devastating turn on Tuesday when a fire destroyed the home of a family of seven, leaving them with virtually nothing. The household, made up of two adults and five minors, was headed by 39-yearold Delcina George and her 42-year-old husband, who
works in the mining sector and was away at work when the fire occurred.
According to information gathered, the fire is believed to have started sometime between 06:30h and 07:30h while the woman was preparing meals.
It is believed that a flammable liquid may have been
spilled, which ignited the blaze.
Toshao of the village, Romario Hastings, told Guyana Times that screams from the home alerted nearby residents, who rushed to assist.
However, ongoing flooding severely hampered rescue efforts, with some persons reportedly needing boats to access the area.
Despite attempts by residents to contain the flames, the entire wooden building was destroyed.
Hastings explained that the household was affected by floodwaters at the time and was living in difficult conditions.
Based on preliminary in-
formation, he said flammable liquid may have been spilled during cooking, which contributed to the fire. He added that attempts to extinguish the blaze with water may have worsened the situation.
Additionally, Hastings reported that efforts are currently underway to secure temporary accommodation for the family.
He explained that the matter has already been reported to the Human Services Ministry and the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) in an effort to assist the family in rebuilding and recovering from the tragedy.
He further revealed that
the mother sustained burns during the incident while one of the younger children fainted.
“They couldn’t prevent it, as I was telling you. There were some folks who came to the rescue, but it wasn’t easily accessible. They had to go by boat because the area was flooded, so you couldn’t just easily access it. The mother sustained burns and one child fainted,” he said. Both mother and child received attention.
Hastings said that while immediate relief efforts are being organised, the family will require significant support as they have lost most of their belongings in the fire.
Gold camp attack
Venezuelan welder remanded for murder of Warapoka man
A31-year-old Venezuelan national has been remanded to prison after being charged with the murder of a man whose body was discovered in the Iwokrama Protected Area earlier this year. Jose Armando Alsena Coll, a welder of Sheriff Street, Georgetown, appeared before Senior Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Mahdia Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday via Zoom, where the indictable charge of murder was read to him. The charge alleges that Coll murdered Rodwell La Cruz, known as “Kabaloo,” a 30-year-old resident of Warapoka Village in the North West District, Region One (Barima-Waini). According to police, the offence occurred on March 10 at about 10:00hrs at a camp in the Iwokrama Protected Area along the Siparuni River in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni). Coll was arrested on May 28. Bail was refused, and he was remanded to prison. The matter was adjourned to June 26. In March, Police had said that they were investing La Cruz’s death and injuries to a 36-yearold man of Blygezight, East Coast Demerara (ECD) and Fair View Village, North Rupununi and a 25-yearold miner of Paramakatoi
Village, North Pakaraimas. Preliminary investigations at the time had revealed that La Cruz and another man, both employed at a dredging operation, were in the kitchen area when they were approached by three males who accused them of stealing gold from a sluice box. The men were then ordered to a nearby watch camp where they met another man. It is alleged that the suspects, armed with a handgun, cutlasses and a mattock handle, dealt the men several blows about their bodies, causing injuries, after which they left the area. The injured men were as-
sisted by public-spirited citizens and taken towards the river front. However, Rowell La Cruz succumbed to his injuries while being transported and his body was later placed at a nearby camp. Police ranks subsequently visited the scene where the body of the deceased was found lying motionless with marks of violence about his body. The body was escorted to the Linden Hospital Complex Mortuary, where it was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor on duty. The two other men who were injured during the incident were taken to separate medical facilities.
Charged: Jose Armando Alsena Coll
Dead: Rodwell La Cruz
The burning house at Kako, Region Seven
GGMC shuts down 6 illegal mining operations in Region 7
The Natural Resources Ministry, through the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), on Tuesday shut down six illegal mining operations in the Mazaruni Mining District, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).
According to the Ministry, the enforcement action was carried out following reports of illegal mining in the area. The operation involved a joint team from the GGMC war-
dens and the Guyana Police Force (GPF). On Tuesday, the Ministry said the six illegal operations were being conducted within a quarry area. The exercise resulted in the arrest of 38 individuals and the seizure of sev-
eral pieces of equipment and machinery believed to have been used to support the unlawful activities. According to the Ministry that surveillance measures have since been put in place to monitor the area and prevent the re-
sumption of illegal mining activities.
In a statement, the Ministry reiterated that illegal mining will not be tolerated and emphasised that the Government maintains a zero-tolerance approach to unlawful activities within the mining sector. The Ministry said it will continue to work with relevant agencies to detect, disrupt and prosecute illegal mining operations across the country.
“I have nothing left” – elderly woman as fire destroys family home
Afire on Tuesday afternoon destroyed a two-storey house and a contractor’s workshop at Smithfield, New Amsterdam, leaving three persons homeless and wiping out important personal documents, including an elderly woman’s passport, pension records and land papers. Among those affected is Charlotte Embrack, who had lived at the property since 1966. The fire left her son Sean Embrack and his 13-year-old daughter without a home. While no injuries were reported, the blaze also destroyed personal belongings accumulated over decades and the tools used to support the family’s livelihood. Sean Embrack, a 52-year-old contractor, said he first became aware that something was wrong when he noticed smoke coming from the ceil-
ing at the front of the building. “All I saw was smoke emanating out of the ceiling,” he recalled. According to Embrack, electricity had just been restored when he
noticed the smoke, but added that he will not speculate on what may have caused the blaze. The fire quickly spread through the upper flat, destroying three bedrooms, a kitchen and vir-
tually everything stored there. “We know upstairs is totally destroyed,” he said. “All documents and everything. Car documents, passport, whatever. Nothing was safe upstairs.” The roof
of the building was damaged, sections of the upper floor were gutted and household contents were reduced to ashes. The lower flat housed his workshop, where he stored equipment used in his contracting business was destroyed. Among the items damaged or destroyed were welding machines, generators, concrete cutters, jackhammers, gas tanks and other specialised tools. Yet even while surveying the destruction, Embrack remained focused on the future. “I’m going to start over. Basically, I’m going to try and see how best I can start over.” His mother was away from the property when the fire started and she said she had been looking after relatives when she received a call from another son, a prison officer stationed in Mazaruni, informing her of the fire. “He call
me and ask where I am,” she recalled, saying, “He say fire at you.” At first she struggled to believe what she was hearing and immediately called her other son.
“I ask where everybody. He say safe.” She immediately rushed back home and when she arrived, firefighters were already battling the blaze.
“I feel very, very sad,” she said, adding, “I’ve got to rebuild. I’ve got to get somewhere to live because I can’t go begging.”
“I’m a homeless person right now.” As investigators work to determine the cause of the fire, the family is beginning the difficult task of rebuilding both a home and a livelihood from the ashes. Persons wishing to assist the family can contact Sean Embrack on telephone number (592) 692-7208.
Some of the illegal mining operations that were shut down by GGMC
Charlotte Embrack and her son, Sean Embrack
The aftermath of the fire at Smithfield, New Amsterdam
Wheelchair-bound woman perishes in Blairmont fire
A62-year-old wheelchair-bound woman lost her life in the early hours of Tuesday after a fire destroyed her Blairmont, West Coast Berbice (WCB) home, trapping her inside the burning building. Dead is Bibi Shafroon Ramprashad, also called “Zina.”
Reports indicate that screams were heard emanating from the burning building, but by the time neighbours rushed to assist, the flames had already engulfed much of the structure, making it impossible for anyone to enter. Her husband, 65-year-old Looknauth Ramprashad, was at work when the fire started. Speaking with re-
porters at the scene, an emotional Ramprashad recalled leaving home around 19:00h on Monday evening after ensuring that his wife was comfortable. “Before I leave home, I make sure she get she tea, she biscuit, she food, whatever she want. She can’t move about much because she in a wheelchair, but she does watch television and then go to bed,” he explained. The grieving husband said he called his wife before retiring for the night and was assured that everything was fine. “I just call she and ask if everything alright. She said yes, she in bed. I tell she relax and if anything, happen, call me on the phone.” However, sometime between 04:00h and 04:30h, he received a devastating call from his daughter-in-law. At first, he feared his wife may have been taken to hospital. Instead, he was told something far worse. “Daddy, worse than that happen,” he recalled being told. “Your house burn down with mommy inside,” he recalled were the words uttered him. The man broke down as he recounted returning home to find the building reduced to mere burnt wood.
“When I come home, this is it. Nothing more. The children there, but I start crying and thinking, she done gone. The neighbours tell me they hear she hollering, but they
couldn’t get in because the fire done take over the whole place.” His son, 32-year-old Kevon Rampershad, said he was alerted and rushed to the scene. “When we come, all we could do was save the car. Everything had already gone,” he said. According to him, firefighters arrived a few minutes later and battled the blaze for more than an hour before bringing it under control. Rampershad said his mother’s body was discovered in what was once the hall of the home. “It look like she was trying to get out through the side door, but the sofa kind of block she. She didn’t get to reach the door. Right there she remain.”
Ramprashad said he
ERC concludes probe into TikTok video; “TikTok Uncle” issues public apology
Social media personality Roopeshwar Mangal, popularly known as “TikTok Uncle,” has been acknowledged by the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) after the Commission concluded its investigation into a social media video that drew public concern. In a statement, the ERC said it had completed its investigation into a TikTok video featuring Mangal. The Commission determined that the video contained language that was racially derogatory, ethnically divisive, and inconsistent with the principles of harmony, mutual respect and dignity that support Guyana’s national identity.
According to the ERC, Mangal acknowledged that the remarks were made while he was under the influence of alcohol, which affected his judgment. In a video shared on social media on Tuesday, Mangal expressed regret for his actions and apologised to those who may have been offended by the
comments. “I was making a video last year in November, I didn’t know that the video was going to cause certain impacts, so I asked the ERC to forgive me. I didn’t mean for anyone to take it to heart or feel hurt. One love, one people, one nation, and one destiny. [I] love everyone in God’s mighty name. I apolo-
gise, I apologise,” he said. Mangal also stated that the views expressed in the video made in December last year does not reflect his true character or beliefs and extended an apology to all persons who may have been distressed by the remarks. The ERC welcomed Mangal’s willingness to accept responsibility for his actions and to address the issue publicly through an apology. The Commission reiterated its commitment to promoting harmony, good relations and mutual respect among all communities in Guyana. It also encouraged citizens to exercise responsibility and respect in their public communications, both online and offline. The ERC has consistently called on citizens and public figures to reject divisive rhetoric, combat racial discrimination, and uphold social cohesion, particularly during periods of national significance such as holidays, festivals, and elections.
and his wife had been together for about 42 years and had worked hard to build the home they shared.
“Everything been between me and she. We build this house together,” he said. The fire also destroyed personal documents, including identification cards, pension documents, bank records and savings. The grieving husband disclosed that more than $2.5 million, which the family intended to deposit at a bank, was also lost in the blaze. “We had over two and a half million dollars in cash. We were supposed to carry it to the bank. Everything gone. ID card, pension book, old age book, everything gone.” The cause of the fire has not yet been officially determined, and investigations are continuing.
EU-funded project launched to build Guyana’s 1st organ transplant system by 2028
The Health Ministry in collaboration with the European Union (EU) through its Global Gateway initiative, has launched a 31-month EUfunded project to establish a sustainable organ donation and transplantation system in Guyana. The project, titled “Building a Sustainable Organ Donation and Transplantation Programme in Guyana,” is being implemented under the Guyana HealthNext: Training, Research and Development Programme, which is coordinated by Expertise France. The programme will run through to October 2028, and is expected to lay the groundwork for a comprehensive and internationally aligned organ donation and transplantation framework in Guyana.
“The project is led by the Donation and Transplantation Institute (DTI Foundation) in close partnership with the Guyana Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Agency (HOATTA) and the Georgetown Public Hospital
Corporation (GPHC). It is designed to address the growing burden of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease in Guyana, conditions that currently leave many patients dependent on dialysis with limited access to transplantation,” a statement from the EU Commission has said.
The kick-off event, hosted at the Health Ministry in Georgetown, brought together national health authorities, clinical specialists and international partners to mark the formal start of implementation and chart a shared strategic course for the coming years. The initiative is designed to address the increasing burden of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease in Guyana. Conditions which have left many patients in Guyana reliant on dialysis while facing limited opportunities for life-saving organ transplantation.
“Over the course of the programme, activities will focus on establishing a fully operational national HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) laboratory, strengthening nephrology and transplant referral pathways, building institutional capacity for deceased organ donation, and supporting the development of a national governance framework aligned with international standards,” the statement said. Delivering remarks at
the event, Project Director at DTI, Dr Chloë Ballesté, described the programme as a transformative opportunity for Guyana’s healthcare system.
She noted that the initiative will help create the foundations for a modern and sustainable transplantation programme capable of improving patient outcomes and expanding access to advanced medical care. First Counsellor and Head of Cooperation of the EU Delegation to Guyana, Nadal, highlighted the broader regional significance of the programme.
“The initiative of the Ministry of Health will improve the lives of Guyanese and beyond in the Caribbean region; partnering with a world transplant leader as DTI represents a unique opportunity to merge Guyanese and EU global priorities,” he stated. The project is expected to position the country as a potential regional reference model for organ donation and transplantation in the Caribbean. Planned coordination activities will involve the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) Caribbean, the Caribbean Community (Caricom), and neighbouring countries, fostering greater regional collaboration in transplant medicine and organ donation systems.
Roopeshwar Mangal, called “TikTok Uncle”
Local health officials, along with clinical specialists, and international partners, at the launch of the EU-funded project to establish a sustainable organ donation and transplantation system in Guyana
The aftermath of the Blairmont, WCB fire
Dead: Bibi Shafroon Ramprashad, also called “Zina”
Oil extends advance as US-Iran peace talk progress stalls
Oil rose a third day on pessimism over the prospects of the United States and Iran reaching a peace deal and as fighting flared up in the Persian Gulf.
West Texas Intermediate (WTI) climbed toward US$95 a barrel, after adding more than seven per cent in the prior two sessions, while Brent closed at US$96 on Tuesday. Israel is continuing attacks on Lebanon, jeopardising fragile, long-running negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
President Donald Trump is abandoning its nearly US$1.8 billion “anti-weaponisation” fund on the heels of a widespread political backlash and legal setbacks.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed the pivot on Tuesday, in an appearance before the appropriations committee in the House of Representatives.
“We are not moving
forward with the fund,” Blanche told lawmakers after intense and rare backlash from Trump’s fellow Republicans. “Period.”
The blunt declaration marked an extraordinary turnabout for the Justice Department, which, just two weeks ago, had unveiled the fund as a settlement for a personal lawsuit Trump had filed against his own government.
(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
At least 23 killed in Russian attack, Ukrainian President says new assault possible
Russia pounded Ukraine with hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles early on Tuesday, killing 23 persons and wounding 130, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Moscow could launch a new assault for the second night in a row.
The strikes on cities, including Kyiv and Dnipro, followed Russian warnings of ”systematic” attacks on the capital after a drone attack on a dormitory in Ukraine’s Russian-held region of Luhansk last
month. Kyiv denies targeting the dormitory.
It was the third heavy assault on Kyiv in under a month, but Russia has been relentlessly attacking Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, since it invaded its smaller neighbour in 2022.
US-brokered talks on the war in Ukraine have stalled, with Washington focused on Iran, while Russian battlefield advances have slowed and Kyiv has boosted strikes on Russian oil refineries.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
Around the World
Hostilities flare again in Iran war, talks at a stalemate
Hostilities in the Gulf erupted anew today with a report of missile attacks on Kuwait, while little progress was evident in diplomatic talks between Iran and the United States.
Kuwait’s army said its air defences were intercepting hostile missile and drone attacks, while Bahrain said a warning siren had been sounded and urged residents to go to the nearest safe space. The United States said it shot at a tanker headed towards Iran. Iran’s news agency reported that explosions were heard near Qeshm Island, which sits near the contested Strait of Hormuz.
This was the latest of several such flare-ups. More than three months after the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran, the conflict is stuck in a stalemate, with a shaky ceasefire in place while the Strait of Hormuz remains largely
shut to maritime traffic. Iran and the United States said last week that they had reached a tentative initial agreement to halt the war. But the two sides have yet to sign off on the deal.
Iranian media reported that Tehran has not communicated with Washington for several days, but US President
Donald Trump said negotiations have not stopped.
Since mid-March, Trump has repeatedly said he is close to a deal that would end the fighting and allow negotiators to tackle thorny issues including the future of Iran’s nuclear programme.
Trump has said stopping Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons is his top
priority. Iran denies it is developing a nuclear bomb and says its atomic programme is for peaceful purposes. Tehran is seeking access to billions of dollars in oil revenues, waivers on crude exports, a lifting of a US blockade on its ports and continued leverage over the strait.
US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio told lawmakers on Tuesday that the US would agree to sanctions relief only if Iran agrees to give up its nuclear activity.
The wide-reaching impact of the crisis was laid bare by U.N. children’s agency UNICEF, which said surging transport costs and supply chain disruptions were hindering life-saving aid for Gaza, Lebanon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, Somalia, South Sudan, Nigeria and elsewhere.
(Excerpted from Reuters)
Footage of student dying in cuffs raises serious questions for Police, UK PM says
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer says there are ”serious questions for police” after the release of bodycam footage showing how officers responded to the murder of teenager Henry Nowak.
His killer Vickrum Digwa, 23, was jailed on Monday for
a minimum of 21 years for stabbing Nowak with a 21cm (8in) blade he said he carried as part of his Sikh faith.
Bodycam footage shows the 18-year-old Southampton university student being handcuffed and telling police ”I can’t breathe” after Digwa lied to officers at the scene
of the stabbing, claiming he had been the victim of a racist attack.
On Tuesday evening, several hundred people gathered in Southampton, with clashes between protesters and Riot Police.
She said the Nowak family had made a ”powerful call” on Monday to ”not let Henry’s death be used to create further division, hatred or tension”.
(Excerpt from BBC News)
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described the unrest as ”completely unacceptable”.
UN tells world to brace for extreme weather as El Niño looms
The United Nations’ climate agency has warned of an increased risk of extreme weather in the coming weeks and months due to the emerging El Niño weather pattern.
The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) issued the alert in a news release on Tuesday, saying that there was an 80 per cent chance of an El Niño event – mar-
ked by unusually warm sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean- between June and August and a roughly 90 per cent chance of it forming by November.
“The science is clear: El Niño is arriving on our doorstep in the coming months with 90 per cent certainty,” said UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres in
a video statement. “The world must treat it as the urgent climate warning it is.”
Bringing worldwide changes in winds, pressure and rainfall patterns, El Niño is a naturally occurring phenomenon that generally happens every two to seven years and lasts about nine to 12 months.
El Niño can trigger increased rainfall in the sout-
hern parts of South America and the United States, parts of the Horn of Africa and Central Asia. It can also cause drought in Australia, Central America, Indonesia and parts of South Asia, and spur hurricane formation in the central and eastern Pacific, according to the WMO. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Hundreds left stranded as maxi taxi operators protest in T&T
Commuters travelling along the EastWest corridor and from Central and South Trinidad into and out of Port-of-Spain are expected to face another day of disruption Tuesday, as Route Two and Three maxi taxi operators plan to continue their three-day strike despite talks with Transport and Civil Aviation Minister
Eli Zakour on Monday. However, maxi taxi operators on other routes were expected to return to the nation’s roads Tuesday, following over four hours of discussions with Zakour and other Ministry officials.
Speaking with Guardian Media via telephone, Route Two Maxi Taxi Association President Brenton Knights
said members overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to return to work.
“The Route Two Maxi Taxi Association will continue to rest and reflect. We are going to hold to that position until we get a resolution … The membership totally rejected that (returning to work), so we will assess it tomorrow (Tuesday), and most like-
ly, if the war has to intensify, so be it. The organisation will support any decision of its membership … The Minister’s position was he is not going to give anything in writing and nobody is going to force his hand to give anything in writing and no commitment,” Knights said.
(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)
An Israeli strike hit near a hospital on Monday, in Tyre, Lebanon, June 2, 2026 (Reuters/Aziz Taher photo)
SUDOKU
HOROSCOPES
Take a back seat, observe, reflect and delineate your thoughts once you have a grasp on what’s unfolding around you. Trust your instincts, and be wary of what others say and do.
A change will energize you. Updating your space or moving to a location that inspires you to bring about positive personal changes will get you moving in the right direction.
Assess and follow through. Don’t leave what’s important to you in someone else’s hands. Put pressure where pressure is due, and don’t be afraid to move forward alone if necessary.
Your vision may be expansive, but when it comes to enforcing modifications, practicality will be necessary. Base the changes you want to implement on the result, and filter out steps that are financially taxing.
Dedicate your time to learning, new experiences and committing to a path that motivates you. Don’t let frustration set in when directing your energy is what’s necessary.
Plan to socialize, network, or market and promote something you want to pursue. The feedback you get will be more reactive than suggestive. Putting your energy into what you feel most passionate about will pay off.
Discipline and hard work will change how you think, live and use your attributes. Choosing to do something you enjoy and turning it into additional income is within reach.
Thoughts followed by actions will give you something to celebrate. Your insight and directness will be appreciated, along with your compassion for those you love.
A diversion or change of scenery will help you gain a unique perspective regarding your options. Make sure your budget can live up to your demands before you get started.
Don’t share unverified information. Ask questions, be observant and base your decisions on facts, figures and having enough time to warrant moving forward with your plans.
If you stay tuned in to what you are trying to achieve, you will accomplish more. Home improvements will give you a new lease on life and help you put a legitimate plan in place that encourages both emotional and financial strength.
Spend less time talking and more time designing and defining how you want your space to accommodate your plans and needs. Focus on things that encourage you to thrive. Romance is on the rise.
ARCHIE
Dhanai leads Long Island Raptors to maiden Guyana Cup title in New York
The Long Island Raptors captured their first-ever New York National League Guyana Cup championship over the past weekend, completing an unbeaten run through the 2026 tournament under the leadership of Guyanese skipper Suresh Dhanai.
Bulls after restricting their opponents to 76 runs in a rain-affected 10-over contest. Rohin
Dutchin then launched a brutal assault with 47 from just 13 balls, including six sixes, while Kevin Sinclair blasted 17 from six deliveries as the Raptors raced to 78 without difficulty in only four overs.
progressed to the semi-finals.
Facing Essequibo Jaguars, the Raptors maintained their momentum by restricting their opponents to 106-9 from 20 overs. Dhanai, Sinclair, and Mario Lobban each claimed two wickets while Nial Smith and Trinson Carmichael picked up one apiece. Dutchin contin ued his impressive form with 44 from 30 balls and Akshay Homraj contributed 25 from 15 as the Raptors cruised to 108-3 in just 12.2 overs.
The final against Queens Sharks proved to be the tough est test of the tournament.
The Raptors dominated the competition from start to finish, overcoming rain interruptions and challenging conditions to emerge as champions. Their title-winning campaign culminated in a convincing victory over Queens Sharks in the final, where they successfully chased 132 to seal the trophy.
In their second outing, another weather-shortened encounter, Dhanai and Sinclair starred with the ball against Demerara Eagles. Dhanai claimed 3-6 from two overs while Sinclair supported with 3-11 as the Eagles were limited to 67-8 from their allotted overs. The Raptors responded emphatically, reaching 68-1 in just 5.3 overs. Dutchin once again led the charge, smashing 53 from 17 balls with four sixes and five fours.
The Raptors set the tone in their opening match against GT
Persistent rain forced the Raptors’ third preliminary match to be abandoned, but their earlier victories ensured they topped the standings and
Queens Sharks posted a competitive 131-9 from their 20 overs, but the Raptors remained composed in the chase. Sinclair struck a rapid 35 from 12 deliveries, Homraj added 32 from 22 balls, and Dutchin chipped in with 24 from 20 as the Raptors reached 132-6 in 15.5 overs to secure the championship.
Dhanai and Sinclair were also influential with the ball in
3-9 from his four-over spell to help restrict Queens Sharks.
Reflecting on the triumph, Dhanai said winning the toss in each match gave his side confidence heading into games. He also credited the strong support within the squad and the investment made in players by the team’s sponsors, including Movements Family Hotel & Bar and Naven’s Construction.
Dhanai finished the tournament as his team’s second-leading wicket-taker with eight wickets. His best performances included figures of 3-6 against Demerara Eagles, 2-16 against Essequibo Jaguars in the semi-final and 3-18 against Queens Sharks in the final, underlining his pivotal role in the Raptors’ historic championship success.
Andrew Lewis Gym reigns supreme at GBA Development Tournament
…Lennox Lawrence adjudged Best Boxer
Guyana’s youth boxers, on Saturday last, stepped up to the task of putting on a show at a bigger, better venue when the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) Development Tournament was hosted at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.
Though they moved from the comfort of their home gym, the young pugilists from the Andrew “Six-Head” Lewis Boxing Gym stamped their authority at the event, which was later described as a successful day of competition that showcased the depth of talent rising through Guyana’s amateur boxing ranks.
Adding to the gym’s impressive showing, standout youngster Lennox Lawrence was named Best Boxer of the tour-
nament, while veteran trainer Lennox Daniels received the Best Coach award.
The New Amsterdam Boxing Academy (NABA) finished as the second-best gym overall after producing several noteworthy performances throughout the programme.
Gathering competitors from the Andrew Lewis Boxing Gym, Harpy Eagles Boxing Gym, Pace and Power Boxing Gym, New Amsterdam Boxing Academy, Forgotten Youth Foundation (FYF), Rose Hall Jammers (RHJ), and the Guyana Police Force, the evening of youth boxing featured 17 competitive bouts and three exhibition contests.
From the opening bell, the event highlighted the promis-
ing future of local boxing, with young athletes displaying discipline, technical skill, and a willingness to engage in spirited competition.
The action got underway in the Under-13 division where Harpy Eagles boxer Nathan Sugrim outscored teammate Omar Moses in the 27-30kg category. Abu Barker followed with an eye-catching performance, forcing a second-round stoppage against Trevon Brant in the 2326kg class.
Another all-Harpy Eagles clash saw Delon Andrews get the better of Omar Barker on points, while Andrew Lewis Gym’s Imhotep Vanderstoop delivered a composed display to overcome Tyrese De Rer of Pace and Power. New Amsterdam’s
Quiet IPL for Hetmyer; Holder stood out for WI players
Jason Holder was the standout West Indian player in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL). Among the eight West Indian players who played this season, Holder made the most impact, claiming 17 wickets in 11 outings, with an impressive average of 17 and an economy rate of 7.5. The likes of Shimron Hetmyer and Nicholas Pooran, who were tipped as the more explosive players, had quiet and inconsistent seasons.
Ukesh Persaud also impressed, earning a points verdict over Josiah Graham.
Competition intensified in the Under-15 category. Junior Madray of the Andrew Lewis Gym produced a polished performance to defeat Marcus Vanderstoop of Harpy Eagles, while Josh Chester delivered one of the quickest results of the day, halting Travalta Harris in the opening round of their contest.
The lone Under-18 bout ended with Itavius Vanderstoop of the Andrew Lewis Gym being declared the winner after Ishmeal Ramsaroop was unable to continue.
In addition to the competitive contests, three exhibition bouts gave developing boxers an opportunity to gain valuable ring experience.
Ken Harvey outboxed Curtis McDonald over the distance, showcasing sharp movement and effective punching combinations. NABA’s Jofes Jackson also turned in a solid performance to defeat Lekiem Amores on points.
An all-Pace and Power showdown between Akeem Ross and Keyon Medas entertained spectators, with Ross getting the judges’ nod following an energetic contest.
The final two bouts of the tournament came in the Under-20 division. Patrick Harvey of Forgotten Youth Foundation produced a disciplined performance to defeat Terron Wintz of New Amsterdam Boxing Academy on points, while Simeon Hamer ensured the Andrew Lewis Gym finished the event on a high note by outpointing Guyana Police Force boxer Osais Prince.
According to the GBA, the tournament once again underscored the importance of developmental boxing in Guyana.
Rajasthan Royals’ Hetmyer played only eight matches this season, and scored 78 runs at an average of 13, with a strike rate of 113.
Akeal Hosein played for Chennai Super Kings and in the seven matches he played, he claimed eight wickets, including an impactful 4-18. At one stage, CSK won four of the five games Hosein featured in. The most expensive of the eight West Indian players that featured in IPL 2026, Pooran played 14 games and scored 234 runs, with one fifty to his name for Lucknow Super Giants.
Romario Shepherd’s Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the tournament, but Shepherd’s presence was felt on rare occasions. Shepherd claimed seven wickets in 15 games, bowling 150 deliveries in the tournament. With bat, Shepherd scored 83 runs across seven innings.
Rovman Powell, playing for Kolkata Knight Riders, scored 190 runs in seven innings, with a high score of 40.
Spin wizard Sunil Narine in 13 games claimed 15 wickets, which was another fair season for him. Mumbai Indians’ Sherfane Rutherford in his eight games scored 123 runs, with a high score of 71. He had good signs but did not kick-on for a consistent period.
For most of these West Indian players, they will have to perform extremely well during the next year and hope for good returns towards the next IPL auction. Most of them are likely to be released by their teams for IPL 2027.
The Under-17 division featured several entertaining battles. Ryan Rogers of Forgotten Youth Foundation edged Cort Mahase of New Amsterdam Boxing Academy by split decision after a closely-fought encounter.
However, it was Andrew Lewis Gym’s Lennox Lawrence, who produced one of the standout performances of the tournament.
Lawrence overwhelmed Derick Springer of Pace and Power, forcing a stoppage in the second round and demonstrating the skill and ring generalship that ultimately earned him the tournament’s Best Boxer ac-
Teddy Darlington faced Arjun Behari, while sisters Janya Ross and Makaya Ross squared off in an entertaining female exhibition contest. Another female exhibition encounter featured Akela Massay and Kenisha Klass, both of whom displayed encouraging potential.
The Under-19 category produced some of the day’s most intense action.
Amol Moses of New Amsterdam Boxing Academy was awarded victory after Nathan Christopher was disqualified, while Izzla Vanderstoop recorded a firstround stoppage against Hotham Vancooten.
Andrew Lewis Gym continued its strong run when
For the Andrew Lewis Boxing Gym, the tournament proved particularly rewarding. Finishing as the top gym, producing the Best Boxer in Lennox Lawrence, and seeing Lennox Daniels recognised as Best Coach highlighted the gym’s continued commitment to developing elite talent.
As the GBA continues its developmental efforts, the performances witnessed at the National Gymnasium offered further evidence that the sport remains in good hands, with a new generation of fighters eager to make their mark on Guyana’s rich boxing tradition.
The Long Island Raptors captured their first-ever New York National League Guyana Cup championship
colade.
Suresh Dhanai led the Long Island Raptors to success
A look at the successful boxers following the GBA’s developmental tournament at the National Gymnasium (Sean Devers photo)
Jumbo Jet Events launches “Need for Speed” Karting Championship
Motorsport enthusiasts across Guyana and the Caribbean are set for an action-packed season as Jumbo Jet Events officially unveiled its “Need for Speed” Karting Championship, an invitational series that promises high-speed competition, regional participation, and over $17 million in prize money.
Caricom
karting talent, the championship will feature a wide range of classes catering to drivers of all ages and experience levels. Competitors will battle for lucrative cash prizes in categories including LO206 Briggs & Stratton Light, Heavy, Junior and Cadet, the Honda GX200, IAME 125cc, LO206 Rookie Over35, LO206 Female, as well as Supermoto Senior and Junior divisions.
ment to the championship is the introduction of a new “VIP and Local Celebrities Arrive and Drive” category. The special class is expected to provide entertainment for fans while allowing prominent personalities to experience the thrill of competitive karting.
Veteran competitors have also been given a dedicated platform through the Veteran Pro Drivers category for racers over 50 years old. Participants in that division will compete for a winner’s purse of $2 million (US$10,000).
Horse racing will return on Sunday, July 5 when the Caricom Gold Cup takes centre stage at the Port Mourant Turf Club (PMTC).
The Guyana Horse Racing Committee released a provisional programme which will see 11 races on the card and more than $15 million in cash and prizes up for the taking.
The Caricom Gold Cup feature will be open to all three-year-old and over horses going at a distance of 1900 metres. A total purse of $4 million will be up for grabs and the top horse will win $2 million.
Other races on the programme include the Caricom Sprint stakes open to all four-year-olds and over, Caricom Derby open to three-year-olds Guyana bred, and the E Class and Lower.
There is also the Rising Star stakes open to threeyear-old imported horses, the three-year-old and over WI Bred winners, H Class and Lower WI Bred non-winners in Guyana, three-year-old and over I/J/K Class, L Class winners, K&L Maidens and the future star stakes two-yearold Guyana bred juveniles.
All races will run under the Guyana rules of racing, and entries will open from June 22 and close on June 26. Full entries, declaration of horse, jockey & equipment are to be made in person at the
The championship will be contested over three rounds, beginning on June 21 at the Leonora Stadium in Region Three. The second round is scheduled for September 13 in Region Four, while the championship finale will take place on December 20 in Region Six, with both venues to be announced at a later date.
Designed to attract some of the region’s top
Gold Cup
horse race meet set for July 5
Racing Office c/o Director of Racing Operations Mr John Rupert. The Racing Office is located at Lot #15 Strand, New Amsterdam (J’s Supermarket).
All entry forms must be signed up in full by either the owner or trainer or an agent representing the stable.
All entries are to be paid in full at the office when the forms are signed up.
Three raceday bands per horse will be issued upon entering horses – one for the owner, one for the trainer and one for the groom.
All jockeys riding on race day must visit the Racing Office to sign the entry form of the horse they are engaged to ride on race day.
The entry forms for imported jockeys booked to ride can be signed by the owner or trainer that has brought them into the country.
All jockeys booked to ride are to report to the Jockey Room on race morning for 10am. Do not be late
please, a register form will be there for you to book in your time. It will be monitored by the stewards.
Grooms:
Dress appropriately to ensure your safety among the horses that you are in charge of, for example no slippers or short pants or vests or short sleeves.
Post Position Drawing for ALL RACES will be conducted at the Racetrack Grandstand, on Sunday June 28, 2026 from 2pm.
No late entries will be accepted. No entries will be accepted over the phone, including WhatsApp messages or calls.
All entry fees are to be paid upon entering horses at the Racing Office within the five-day entry process.
No entry payments will be accepted on race day. Entry fee refunds on scratched runners on race day will be returned to the owner or trainer when official race winnings are dispersed.
The premier LO206 Briggs & Stratton Light class will offer a top prize of $4 million (US$20,000), making it one of the richest karting categories ever contested in Guyana. Several other classes will award $2 million (US$10,000) to their winners, while the remaining divisions will compete for prizes ranging between $1 million (US$5000) and $1.5 million (US$7500).
Adding further excite-
Championship organisers have also specified tyre regulations, with most classes utilising MG Red tyres, while the IAME 125cc division will run on MG Yellow tyres to ensure competitive parity throughout the series.
The championship is
being promoted as a major boost for local motorsport, with organisers aiming to attract international participation and elevate Guyana’s standing on the regional karting calendar. With substantial prize money, diverse racing categories, and three rounds spread across the country, the “Need for Speed” Karting Championship is poised to become one of the biggest karting events ever staged in Guyana.
Fans can expect intense wheel-to-wheel action, emerging young talent, seasoned veterans, and celebrity competitors when the green flag drops at Leonora on June 21. The stage is set for a season of speed, skill, and fierce competition as drivers chase championship glory and a share of the lucrative prize fund.
Tutorial High, St Rose’s High headline
GEO
“City” Regional play-offs
The Georgetown “City” Regional Basketball play-offs are set to begin today, June 3 with eight schools still in contention for the title after an impressive group-stage campaign that saw Tutorial High and St Rose’s High emerge as the top seeds.
Tutorial High completed a perfect run through Group A, winning all five of their matches to finish on 10 points. St Stanislaus College secured second place with seven points, while Brickdam Secondary also ended on seven points, but placed third after tie-break procedures. Christ Church claimed the fourth and final playoff position from the group with six points.
Group B was dominated by St Rose’s High, which won all six of its matches to finish with a maximum 12 points. Queen’s College and The Bishops’ High A each accumulated 10 points, with Queen’s College securing second position and Bishops’ High A taking third. Marian Academy completed the quarter-final line-up after finishing fourth with nine points.
The quarter-finals will be contested today, at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. St Rose’s High will meet Christ Church at 15:30h (03:30 pm), St Stanislaus College will face The Bishops’ High A at 16:30h (04:30 pm), Tutorial High will battle Marian Academy at 17:30h (05:30 pm), and Queen’s College will take on Brickdam Secondary at 18:30h (06:30 pm).
The winners will advance to the semi-finals on June 5 before the third-place playoff and championship match are played on June 7.
Tournament organisers
noted that tied teams were separated using head-to-head results and, where necessary, points differential in accordance with competition rules.
Meanwhile, the semi-final field for the East Coast “Country” Regional has also been confirmed, with President’s College, Plaisance Secondary, Hope Secondary and Golden Grove advancing to the knockout stage.
President’s College topped the standings with seven points from four matches, remaining unbeaten with three wins and one no-result. Plaisance Secondary finished second on five points from three matches, while Hope Secondary and Golden Grove also ended on five points to secure the remaining semi-final places.
Good Hope narrowly missed out on qualification despite finishing on five points, ending fifth after the application of tie-break criteria.
The East Coast semi-finals are scheduled for June 10, with Plaisance Secondary facing Hope Secondary at 16:00h (4:00 pm) and President’s College taking on Golden Grove at 17:00h (5:00 pm). The winners will meet in the final on June 11, while the losing teams will contest the thirdplace playoff.
Annandale Secondary placed sixth with four points, while Anns Grove finished seventh on two points. Tournament officials noted that several teams played a stronger schedule, a factor that was considered during the final standings assessment.
The winners from the last Jumbo Jet event, the Nitro Kart Klash (Travis Montooth photo)
Caricom Gold Cup horse race meet is set for July 5 at Port Mourant
St Rose’s High won all six of their matches to finish with a maximum 12 points in Group B
West Indies Captain Shai Hope has expressed confidence in his team’s preparations ahead of the first One-Day International (ODI) against Sri Lanka at Sabina Park, Jamaica today, June 3, praising the squad’s focused approach during a productive training camp. Speaking ahead of the
Hope confident as West Indies eye strong start against Sri Lanka
continued discipline and ex-
“Sri Lanka is a very strong team, just as everyone else in the international field,” he shared, “That attention to detail that we need to pay goes a long way in terms of preparation, understanding what they’re trying to throw at us, finding ways to score as batters, and limiting that dot-ball percentage.”
Hope revealed that reducing dot balls has been a major focus for the batting unit, while the bowlers have concentrated on taking wickets consistently to keep opposition batting line-ups under pressure.
the importance of attention to detail as the team seek to establish themselves among the elite sides in international cricket.
“When you’re trying to get the best out of yourself, when you’re trying to be an elite team, that’s what you need to do. Pay very close attention to detail and ensure that all the practices that
ly nicely. I don’t think we’ve lost two series or so in the last few that we’ve played. The consistency that we’ve shown at home and understanding our conditions really has been going a long way for us.”
Despite the home advantage, Hope expects a stern challenge from Sri Lanka and stressed the need for
Consistent Britton relishes “special” Independence title
Coming in to the Guyana Table Tennis Association’s 60th Jubilee Independence tournament, it was already obvious that reigning National Champion Shemar Britton would be the man to beat. However, the “special” win did not come without its challenges.
After two weekends of competition at the National Gymnasium, the GTTA’s 60th Jubilee Independence tournament came to a close on Sunday in exciting fashion.
The men’s singles category was especially entertaining as Britton paved his way to the final with wins over Kayden Meusa and Elishaba Johnson in the quarterfinals and semis.
In the other bracket, Jonathan Van Lange endured a seven-game semi-final against Niran Bissu for the other final spot.
The pendulum swung many times in the championship game, but eventually Britton came out on top with a 4-1 win.
Speaking exclusively with Guyana Times Sport following the match, the reigning National Champion highlighted how committed he was to taking home the title.
“This tournament I tried my best to dig as deep as possible, especially in the finals, playing against Jonathan Van Lange, oh my
God, he’s so talented. In the final, I experienced some cramps, but I really wanted this title, being the 60th. So, I dug deep and I was able to prevail,” he expressed.
Zeroing in on his opponent in the final, Britton had high words of praise for the challenge that Van Lange presented.
“Kind of both, because if anybody here follows sport, they’ll know Jonathan just came back from the Regional Four-Day final, so he was about three weeks without playing any table tennis and the level he played at the finals was tremendous,” Britton told this publication, “It really surprised me in the first two games, the level that he was able to play and maintain consistently. That just goes to show that he’s so talented. The final was extreme-
ly hard, but I’m happy I was able to prevail.”
Discussing the Independence tournament, Britton noted that it was one of special significance.
He explained, “Well, this is a big one for us, the celebration of the 60th Independence anniversary, so this tournament is of special significance, not only for me but for all of the athletes who competed, all of us who represented Guyana, it’s a different kind of pride to celebrate the 60th.”
The man to beat now in the sport, Britton attributed his consistency to years of hard work.
“It’s an extremely pleasing feeling, I put in a lot of work over the years, so now I’m just reaping the rewards of the work I’ve put in,” he explained.
“As bowlers, trying to find ways to keep picking up wickets is crucial, because when you put batting lineups under pressure with wickets, it’s a lot easier to control things in the back end,” he explained.
With valuable ranking points at stake, Hope said the team remained fully aware of the importance of the upcoming series.
He noted, “We have a lot to play for, especially now
Hope
with the points up for grabs. The preparations are going really nicely, and it’s about understanding what’s required within the next few days against Sri Lanka.”
The three-match ODI se
Nalico, Nafico providing insurance coverage for historic schools’ cricket tournament
Parents and guard ians of players who will compete at the upcoming Schools’ Under-19 T20 League will have peace of mind send ing their children off to the tournament, knowing that their every move within the competition sphere will be covered by insurance.
ries begins at
today, with West Indies aiming to continue their strong home performances and make a positive start against a formidable Sri Lankan outfit.
ta -
This revelation was made on Tuesday afternoon, as Nalico/Nafico was unveiled as the official insurance partner of the Beharry Holdings Incsponsored tournament.
During a simple briefing at the company’s Hinck Street, Georgetown headquarters, CEO Dean Robertson broke down how the tournament’s 1600 players and staff will be covered.
He divulged, “Ultimately, we’ve got 1600 players, that’s an immense amount of players coming together, different times, different locations, big logistics and this insurance doesn’t just cover the players, its covers the support staff, it covers the umpires. So, it’s everyone that is involved to make this happen is actually covered by this insurance coverage.
“And games, stadiums,
tion, so it’s not just personal accident coverage when you’re actually competing on the pitch.
This is for the entire competition period. So, it gives peace of mind to your parents and your loved ones that everything is protected while you participate in this major event,” the Nalico/Nafico CEO went on to share.
Robertson further advised students, teachers, and organisers present that the company has ensured a comprehensive level of coverage to ensure the best treatment for any injured.
As preparations intensify ahead of the tournament’s June 13 bowl-off date, Petra Organisation Consultant Troy Peters noted that measures would be put in place to work around recent inclement weather.
“As we prepare for the official start of the tournament, I know the weather
has been unfavourable at this time, but we cannot wait on the weather. Our preparations are gaining momentum and we’re going full speed ahead. So, once we have favourable weather we will kick off. Our programme is scheduled to start June 13, weather permitting, but as I said before, we’re all putting systems in place,” Peters advised. The 80-team tournament will be divided into eight districts namely Region 1/Region 2 (10 teams); Region 3/Region 7 (10 teams); Region 4 – East Bank/Upper Demerara (8 teams); Region 4 –East Coast Demerara (10 teams); North Georgetown (10 teams); South Georgetown (12 teams); Region 5 – West Berbice (14 teams) and Region 6 –East Berbice (6 teams). The tournament is expected to conclude on Saturday, August 8.
Sabina Park
alongside Sri Lanka Captain Kusal Mendis with the series trophy
West Indies Captain Shai Hope with the series trophy
Shemar Britton and Jonathan Van Lange locked in battle during the men’s singles final
Nalico/Nafico CEO Dean Robertson
Jamieson to make Desert Vipers debut at ExxonMobil GSL
fast bowler) Lockie (Ferguson). Lockie has been there for a couple of years, and he just raves about the franchise and how good it is and his experience and his time with the group. So, he has always spoken very highly (about the Desert Vipers).
fast Kyle addVipersGuyana League that is place in August place man
Jason Behrendorff, who has had to drop
Jamieson, who is in the United Kingdom for a three-match Test series for the Black Caps against England, spoke to Vipers Voices about the season ahead and said he was really looking forward to the prospect of playing with the Vipers in Guyana, having heard many encouraging stories from compatriot and Vipers Captain Lockie Ferguson.
“I have obviously heard (about the Desert Vipers) from (fellow New Zealand
“It just seems like a really good organisation and team to be a part of. And I am looking forward to seeing it on the ground.”
Jamieson described the opportunity to play for the Desert Vipers in the Global Super League as the “perfect storm”, since he is likely to already be in Guyana for a five-match One-Day International series against the West Indies beforehand.
“I had a message that there was an opportunity to link up with the Vipers for the GSL and I think we are in the West Indies as well for New Zealand. So (the GSL would be) straight afterwards. It is sort of a perfect storm and I cannot wait to be involved.
“I have not been to the Caribbean yet. And with the One-Day series for New Zealand before the GSL, it means I get a little bit of a taste of it there and then on to the GSL. So, it will be cool and a different challenge, something very different. The GSL is a very short tournament, so that will provide some uniqueness as well. It is just a really cool opportunity.
“We have got our ODIs in Guyana, so we will get a really good read of condi tions through that series. I will obviously be talking to all the people that have been there before and played there and also lo cals. There is plenty of time between now and then to get a read on what it is going to be like, but I am looking forward to it.”
The giant paceman said that before the GSL, he was looking forward to his latest assignment in the UK, returning to Test cricket with the Black Caps after a gap of two years because of injury.
“I have been fortunate to have a couple of Test series here (in the UK) now. I was joking with someone a few weeks ago that if you are lucky enough to get one Lord’s Test in your career then you are pretty fortunate. I am hopefully about to walk into my third.
“It has obviously been a little period of time to work through some things, and that aligns now to take that plunge back into the Test arena. I am excited to be part of this UK tour, building up to some Test cricket.”
The Desert Vipers ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League squad reads: Captain Chris Green (AUS); Daryl Mitchell (NZ); Kyle Jamieson (NZ); Bevon Jacobs
(NZ); Khan (PAK); Vriitya Aravind (UAE); Khuzaima Bin Tanveer (UAE); Matiullah Khan (UAE); Sanjay Pahal (UAE); Andries Gous (USA); Kyle Mayers (WI); Khary Pierre (WI); Ramon Simmonds (WI) and Zachary Carter (WI).
New Zealand’s Kyle Jamieson will suit up for the Desert Vipers at the ExxonMobil Guyana GSL T20
Petra Organisation’s Troy Peters, Nalico/Nafico’s Melissa Sylvester, Ministry of Education’s Karishma Ramnauth, Nalico/Nafico CEO Dean Robertson and Petra’s Nareeza Latiff- Boston are flanked by the tournament’s prospective players
