the Police immediately” –Superintendent urges victims to trust protection orders …promises rapid
Deduction of union
GTU withdraws contempt proceedings against Govt Unlicensed motorcyclist dies in Corentyne crash, 2 others injured Goed Fortuin man fatally stabbed after birthday party altercation GPHC staff remanded for videoing “Lola Doll” during gunshot wounds treatment Ex-cop remanded on forgery, fraud charges in
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, September 30 –23:15h–00:45h and Wednesday, October 1 – no retraction.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, September 30 –09:50h–11:20h and Wednesday, October 1 – 11:45h–13:15h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
WEATHER TODAY
Sunny conditions are expected during the day. Clear skies are expected at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius.
Winds: East North-Easterly to Easterly between 1.34 metres and 4.47 metres.
High Tide: 09:59h and 22:24h reaching maximum heights of 1.99 metres and 2.05 metres.
Low Tide: 15:48h reaching a minimum height of 1.28 metres.
4th Universal Periodic Review
Guyana secures UN adoption, reaffirms commitment to human rights, sustainable development
The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Monday formally adopted the Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Guyana, marking the conclusion of the country’s Fourth Cycle Review. The adoption took place in Geneva at 10:00h (4:00 am Guyana time). Guyana’s review began on May 6-9, 2025, during which it received 206 recommendations from Member States. In July, the Government presented its responses following Cabinet-level consultations, contributions from constitutional agencies, and high-level discussions with the National Mechanism for Reporting and Follow-up (NMRF). Out of the total, 146 recommendations were fully supported, with many already being implemented.
According to a release from the Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Ministry, these commitments cover strengthening democratic institutions, advancing gender equality and child protection, safeguarding the rights of Indigenous Peoples and persons with disabilities, expanding access to healthcare and education across all regions, improving housing and potable water access and accelerating climate action under the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030. Fifty-eight recommendations were noted for further consideration, mainly those requiring constitutional reform, additional legislation or public consultations. Two recommendations were divided to more accurately reflect the Government’s position. Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, who led Guyana’s delegation, addressed the Council virtually. She thanked the
70 Member States that engaged in the review, as well as the Troika – Belgium, the Democratic Republic of Congo – and the Dominican Republic – and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) for their support. Guyana highlighted ongoing initiatives such as judicial reforms, legislative modernisation, environmental protection and democratic consolidation, which it said were reinforced following the September 2025 elections. During the adoption, delegations and UN agencies commended Guyana for its engagement and acceptance of recommendations on areas including gender equality, child protection, climate action,
Indigenous rights and social inclusion. Civil society representatives also welcomed progress such as the decriminalisation of suicide, improvements to prison conditions, and expanded access to healthcare, education, housing, and water. The Government reaffirmed its commitment to the UPR process, which it described as an important mechanism for accountability and dialogue in advancing human rights. Minister Teixeira noted that Guyana remains mindful of challenges such as climate change, resource constraints, and global setbacks in human rights. She underscored Guyana’s commitment to fulfilling its UPR obligations and
working with international partners to advance a rights-based development agenda.
Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, who addressed the Council virtually
Guyana’s team which included Guyana Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett; Ambassador Dr Leslie Ramsammy, and Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond along with other representatives
The message from the Ministry of Health on the occasion of World Heart Day 2025 is both sobering and instructive. It underscores not only the scale of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Guyana but also highlights a troubling shift in its demographic profile. More than 9700 citizens benefited from Governmentfunded medical interventions for cardiac and other serious conditions between 2020 and 2024. This figure, accompanied by an investment of $4.2 billion, reflects commendable national efforts to improve healthcare access. Yet, while the numbers demonstrate expanded support, they also reveal the magnitude of the problem and the urgency of tackling its root causes.
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading global killer, responsible for nearly 17 million deaths annually. In Guyana, heart attacks and strokes continue to rank among the top ten causes of mortality. Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony’s reminder of these facts was not simply a statistical exercise but an urgent appeal to confront the risk factors that fuel these conditions. His warning carried particular weight when he drew attention to a growing trend: more young people are being diagnosed with heart disease. This development challenges entrenched perceptions that CVD is primarily a disease of older adults and forces a national reckoning with changing health realities.
The shift toward younger diagnoses should alarm medical professionals and the wider public alike. The presence of heart disease in early adulthood or middle age suggests the cumulative impact of lifestyle choices, environmental pressures, and systemic gaps in prevention. Tobacco use, harmful alcohol consumption, poor diet, physical inactivity, and exposure to air pollution were all identified as key drivers of CVD. Each of these risk factors is deeply rooted in social and cultural habits, making them difficult to reverse. Nevertheless, they remain largely preventable.
The significance of this trend among younger populations cannot be overstated. Heart disease in earlier years robs families of their breadwinners, reduces economic productivity, and places an increasing burden on the healthcare system. It also signals a broader challenge for development, as a nation’s progress depends in large part on the health of its workforce.
The Government has made notable strides in expanding treatment capacity. The rollout of the PAHO/WHO HEARTS programme to 247 health facilities, with a goal of reaching every centre by 2026, marks an important step towards improving hypertension management. Similarly, the adoption of updated national guidelines for cardiovascular care will strengthen standards across the healthcare system. These initiatives should be acknowledged as progress. However, treatment alone cannot resolve the crisis. Prevention remains the most cost-effective and impactful strategy.
Central to prevention is the promotion of healthier daily choices. The Minister emphasized simple but powerful steps, 150 minutes of physical activity each week, balanced diets, avoiding tobacco, moderating alcohol, managing stress, and monitoring key health indicators such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. These recommendations are not new, but their urgency grows sharper as younger patients increasingly face conditions once associated with later life. The challenge lies not in knowing what works, but in creating environments that enable citizens to adopt and sustain healthier behaviours.
This is where broader societal responsibility comes into focus. Workplaces, schools, community groups, and local authorities must all play a role in reshaping habits. Schools, for instance, should ensure that children are taught about healthy lifestyles as well as provided with opportunities for daily physical activity and access to nutritious meals. Employers should encourage wellness programmes that reduce sedentary behaviour and promote healthier eating.
The role of public awareness cannot be ignored. Campaigns must go beyond abstract warnings and demonstrate the real consequences of poor lifestyle choices. Just as importantly, they should highlight achievable, practical steps that individuals and families can take. Information is most effective when it empowers, rather than intimidates.
Addressing the rise of heart disease among young people requires decisive, coordinated action. Government investment in treatment is necessary and commendable, but it is only one part of the equation. Without a comprehensive push to tackle the root causes of cardiovascular disease, the trend will continue, with devastating implications for public health and national development.
World Heart Day is a timely reminder that the fight against cardiovascular disease cannot be delayed.
Reducing traffic congestion & driver discomfort
Dear Editor, Infrastructural development plays a crucial role in national growth, economic development and overall improving the quality of life for the population. In Guyana’s growing and transformative economy, we can see several major infrastructural upgrades and expansion of roadways including the Heroes Highway, Ogle to Eccles Bypass and the Railway Embankment fourlane highway project are just a few. All these projects represent a major step towards the enhancement of Guyana’s transportation network, reducing commute time, and stimulate regional commerce. However, like many largescale infrastructure projects, the construction process itself often create significant inconvenience. More recently, prolonged traffic congestion, road safety issues, and overall discomfort for commuters have become some of the common frustrations along the Railway Embankment corridor during the project execution.
One of the primary observations made on traffic congestion during the road construction is poor scheduling and inadequate phasing of the work. Dividing the construction into manageable phases and ensuring only small sections of the road is closed or minimally traversed at one time. This approach is known as incremental construction phasing and it allows part of the road to remain open and functional while work is ongoing on other parts.
Additionally, contractors should be advised to schedule construction activities during off-peak hours such as in the night, weekends and during the day when traffic is not heavy. School was closed for about sixty (60) days and traffic on the road was significantly reduced, yet there was no major construction hap-
pening on the road. Bridges that could have been dismantled and reconstructed within that period to take advantage of the school closure was not done. School reopened on the 8th of September and since then to now there are six key bridges within close proximity that have been dismantled between Coldingen and Buxton with a bypass installed that can barely accommodate one vehicle. This is straightforward evidence of poor scheduling and lack of proper planning. Persons leaving home at 6:30 in the morning and almost two hours later would arrive in Georgetown. This affects both workers and school children, essentially creating a loss of productive hours.
In those areas where it is absolutely necessary for full road closure, the construction of temporary bypass roads is a proven method to keep traffic flowing. This provides a dedicated path for vehicles to avoid construction zones and avoid contributing to the traffic build up. On the East Coast corridor especially communities along the Railway Embankment area, where communities are densely populated and the traffic volumes are high, contractors should explore such opportunities to build temporary routes especially for heavy duty vehicles and public transportation (like was done on the Diamond/Grove area). These bypasses also relieve pressure on the main construction zones and improves workers safety.
Contractors should also try to incorporate prefabrication and accelerated construction techniques. Modern construction methods such as prefabrication and modular construction can significantly reduce on-sight construction time. Contractors should consider utilizing prefabricated components such as drainage culverts, bridge segments,
and retaining walls. These can be manufactured off-site and then installed on-site, using cranes and other equipment. The Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) techniques have been used globally in order to reduce road closure duration from months to days. These methods create long-term savings in terms of reduced traffic disruption and improved public satisfaction. Often, road construction projects are planned and executed with minimal input from the communities most affected. As such there should be an open line of communication with residents and businesses of affected areas. In understanding local travel patterns, peak hours, and community involvement there is need for better planning and execution of projects. As such, it is necessary for the contractors to plan their projects after discussions with the involvement of the traffic arm of the police force, public transportation operators, and all other relevant stakeholders to know the direct and indirect effects for road users. These engagements and involvement with those stakeholders will help the contractors and engineers to know about issues that may not be evidently known to them. Other measures that can help to reduce traffic congestion and driver discomfort during the construction phase of the railway embankment road are improved road surface condition, contractors should ensure that temporary routes and bypasses are leveled, properly paved and free from potholes and unnecessary speedhumps. These routes should be regularly maintained to prevent damage to persons’ vehicle, enhance their safety, and comfort while driving. Another key measure is limiting certain class of vehicles from traversing the roadways during specific time periods,
for example heavy duty machinery and trucks should be prohibited from the roadways during peak traffic hours. There should also be a strict adherence to project timelines, and the relevant systems should be put in place to effectively monitor these projects. Delays in road construction are a major source of public frustration. Contractors must therefore ensure strict adherence to their project timelines by deploying a sufficient workforce, equipment, and material. Government should also work with the relevant agencies and contractors to promptly identify and resolve challenges in the procurement and administrative phases so that contractors have no excuse when they fail to comply with their project timelines. The Railway Embankment four-lane road project is a transformative initiative for Guyana. It is poised to alleviate the chronic traffic congestion along the East Coast corridor and further support the country’s continued growth. However, it must be noted that the effectiveness of such transformative projects is not judged only by its final outcome but also by how well it is executed, especially with respect to the impact on everyday road users during construction. Therefore, by adopting the use of smart planning, effective communication, modern construction techniques, and community-focused engagements, contractors can significantly reduce traffic congestion and discomfort currently experienced by drivers. Such improvements will definitely lead to a more efficient project execution and also build public trust and satisfaction. This without a doubt will ultimately contribute to the project’s long-term success and legacy.
With regards, Shivesh Persaud
Students of Arapaima Nursery listen to TeamAgri representatives who shared insights on careers in beekeeping, veterinary medicine, and farming during a recent Career Day activity (Agriculture in Region 9 photos)
Pres Ali pushes national drive for cleaner communities, expanded landfills, green spaces
President Dr Irfaan
Ali on Monday
met with Local Government and Regional Development Minister Priya Manickchand and a team of technical Government staff to advance Guyana’s national solid waste management and beautification programmes. During the meeting, the President announced plans for the establishment of new landfill sites and the expansion of existing ones across the country. He said the move is part of the Government’s wider commitment to cleaner communities and sustainable waste management solutions.
The Head of State also pointed to the collaborative roles of the Housing Ministry and the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry, noting that both agencies will work with the Local Government Ministry to identify locations for green spaces and beautification projects. Work under this initiative is expected to begin before the end of the year. Last week the Local Government Ministry said that the Government is taking steps to strengthen national waste manage-
ment systems and promote environmental sustainability, with a focus on establishing modern landfill sites across the country’s administrative regions. According to the Ministry, this initiative forms part of the Government’s broader strategy to build cleaner communities while addressing chal-
lenges linked to population growth, housing development, and urban expansion. Upgrading landfill facilities is intended to provide longterm solutions that protect public health, reduce pollution, and improve living standards.
The Ministry last Tuesday said that an in-
GuyExpo 2025 to drive stronger local-global partnerships, sustain diversification – Tourism Minister
GuyExpo, which is set to mark its 30th anniversary this year, will place renewed emphasis on strengthening business partnerships, fostering innovation, and sustaining Guyana’s economic diversification. Speaking at the official launch of GuyExpo 2025, Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Susan Rodrigues said the event will serve as both a national showcase and an international platform for investment. With Guyana recording double-digit growth in its non-oil sector, she stressed that local businesses must seize the moment to build stronger connections with regional and global partners. “Our vision for GuyExpo 2025 is not simply to sustain the legacy of this distinguished event, but to reimagine and elevate it, ensuring that it remains relevant to the dynamism of our economy while preserving its core identity,” Rodrigues said.
“We are creating a dedicated space for businesses and investors to engage in serious conversations about collaboration and expansion. Guyana today stands at the forefront of opportunity with double-digit growth in the non-oil sector, a clear indicator that our economy is diversifying
and broadening its base. However, to fully realise this potential, local businesses must initiate conversations with both local and global partners,” the Minister added. Themed, ‘Transformation Through Entrepreneurship and Innovation’, this year’s expo is set to take place at the National Exhibition Complex, is expected to attract even more exhibitors, sponsors, and patrons this year. In her address, Rodrigues noted that the expo will feature a stronger business-to-business networking component, supported by the Guyana Office for Investment (GoInvest), to link entrepreneurs with investors. The Expo will also honour businesses that have grown alongside the event since
its inception, recognising their longevity and contributions to national development. “The essence of Guy Expo remains unchanged. It is a platform to showcase Guyana's vast economic potential, a meeting place for manufacturers, agro-processors, service providers, consumers, and investors. With this in mind, we are collaborating with Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) to ensure maximum participation and visibility for our micro and small businesses. When you enter the Expo, you will be greeted by a captivating centerpiece, a striking representation of a breadbasket. This powerful symbol reflects Guyana's longstanding reputation as the breadbasket of the
Caribbean”. “Without our exhibitors, our manufacturers, service providers, agro-processors, and sponsors, there would be no Expo. Tonight, I make a clarion call to all businesses, large and small, to seize this opportunity. GuyExpo is unmatched in terms of exposure. It offers a rare platform to showcase products and services, not only to local consumers, but to international investors and partners,” the Minister added. This year’s centerpiece will be a striking breadbasket installation, symbolising Guyana’s status as the Caribbean’s food security leader. A recent Nature Food study reaffirmed Guyana’s unique position as the only country among 186 assessed to be fully self-sufficient in food production across all food groups.
While innovation and investment remain the core focus, Rodrigues emphasised that GuyExpo will continue to be a family-friendly event, featuring cultural performances, children’s attractions, food courts, and the tourism village.
GuyExpo – Guyana’s largest trade and investment exposition – began in 1995, and was held annually between 2004 and 2016.
ter-agency meeting was held bringing together Ministers and senior officials to discuss the project. Discussions focused on identifying suitable locations for sanitary landfills, considering population density, land availability, accessibility, environmental impact, and operational sustainability. Officials also reviewed challenges with existing landfill practices and emphasised the need for facilities aligned with environmental standards. Minister Manickchand had highlighted the importance of effective landfill management for safeguarding public health, protecting natural resources, and supporting community well-being. Minister Croal noted that as new housing developments continue, adequate infrastructure, including modern waste management systems must be in place to support sustainable settlements. Minister within the
Ministry, Vanessa Benn had emphasised the need for inter-agency collaboration to ensure that landfill development is comprehensive, technically sound, and future-proofed. The initiative aligns with the Government’s vision for sustainable development, recognising waste management as a key component of public health, urban planning, and environmental protection. Meanwhile, Ministers attending Monday’s meeting with the head of state included Minister of Housing, Collin Croal; Minister within the Ministry of Housing, Vanessa Benn; Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues; Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation, Zulfikar Ally; and Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs.
The meeting on Monday during which President Dr Irfaan Ali discussed the national solid waste management and beautification programmes with Ministers and a team of technical Government staff
Housing
Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Susan Rodrigues
Page Foundation
Universal Set
The universal set is all the integers.
Sets cont’d
When talking about sets, it is fairly standard to use Capital Letters to represent the set, and lowercase letters to represent an element in that set.
So for example, A is a set, and a is an element in A. Same with B and b, and C and c.
Equal sets
Two sets are equal if they have precisely the same members.
Example: Are A and B equal where:
A is the set whose members are the first four positive whole numbers
B = {4, 2, 1, 3}
Let's check. They both contain 1. They both contain 2. And 3, And 4. And we have checked every element of both sets, so: Yes, they are equal!
And the equals sign (=) is used to show equality, so we write:
A = B
Subsets
When we define a set, if we take pieces of that set, we can form what is called a subset.
Example: the set {1, 2, 3, 4, 5}
A subset of this is {1, 2, 3}. Another subset is {3, 4} or even another is {1}, etc.
But {1, 6} is not a subset, since it has an element (6) which is not in the parent set.
A is a subset of B if and only if every element of A is in B.
Materials needed:
Yarn
Drinking straws
Masking tape
Seamstress tape
Scissors
Glue Instructions:
1. Begin by cutting four pieces of yarn, the yarn pieces should be at least twice as
long as you want your headband. Then cut 4 pieces of straw about 1.75″ long.
2. Next, thread each of the straws onto the yarn. Knot each end of the yarn leaving about a 4″ tail on each end.
3. Cut a small thin strip of masking tape, tape the ends of the straws together to keep them in place. Begin
By Elly NilaNd B
A child with mid-life crisis at thirteen, Thirty eight inches tall, searching For an alternative Skipped school Found fiction. Studied life drawing in dancehalls Practised fine art using ash. Learned Mimic and mime.
When we say that A is a subset of B, we write A B. Or we can say that A is not a subset of B by writing A B ("A is not a subset of B")
Empty (or Null) Set
As an example, think of the set of piano keys on a guitar. "But wait!" you say, "There are no piano keys on a guitar!" And right you are. It is a set with no elements. This is known as the Empty Set (or Null Set).There aren't any elements in it. Not one. Zero. It is represented by Or by {} (a set with no elements)
The empty set is a subset of every set, including the empty set itself. (mathsisfun.com)
to start to weave your yarn. Start with the yarn under your first straw.
4. Continue to weave the entire yarn.
5. Weave till you get to the end of the straws.
6. Slide the woven yarn off the straws and firmly against the knot. Leave the yarn tails (from the beginning and the end) dangling
loosely.
7. Slide the straws back up to the top knot, weave the yarn again. Slide it back down and press the next woven yarn block against the first.
8. Leave the tails on each block of woven yarn.
9. Continue adding yarn until you have enough for a headband. Once you have
Grew three children. Majored in petty crime. Assembled in the presence of tall People, (mostly doctors or teachers Though their difference is slight). Then, awarded a lifelong fellowship at The library, drawn to book lined Thick white brick walls Rose to forty eight inches Fears and feet stilled.
Jaguar speaks
Write a story of 200 words featuring a talking jaguar.
enough, untie the knot at the top and slide the straws off. Re-knot the end very tight to the woven yarn. Trim away excess yarn tails. If it is woven tight enough you can trim away the tails without fraying. If you are worried about the yarn fraying or starting to come undone you can tack down each cut piece of yarn with a little glue.
10. Attach an elastic to the ends of the woven headband using the yarn tails. Tie a slip knot using all four yarn tails to hold it securely.
11. Trim the excess yarn and tack it in place with glue. Tie both sides to the elastic and your headband is complete and ready to wear. (Adapted from bowdabra. com)
Paulo De Gama (Alentejo, Portugal)
“Call the Police immediately” – Superintendent urges victims to trust protection orders
…promises rapid response
Critics often dismiss protection and restraining orders as ineffective in shielding victims of domestic abuse. However, Superintendent Shellon Daniels has defended their significance, emphasising that these orders carry the full authority of the courts and remain a vital tool in safeguarding survivors of gender-based violence.
Speaking during a recent Police and You interview, the superintendent addressed the perception that perpetrators and victims often ignore protection orders. According to her, it is common to hear such statements, but she anchored her views in the weight that the paper holds.
“That [restraining order] is a paper with authority. Once you’re armed with this protection order, the rights are invested in you that if the perpetrator should violate that order, you immediate-
ly call the Police, either via 911 or the Human Services hotline number, which is 914. The police are going to investigate and they are tasked with investigating that breach,” she reaffirmed to the wider public. She further reassured the public that once someone is armed with a protection order, the rights are vested in them.
Daniels explained that once a report of violation is made, the protection order becomes part of the victim’s case file and the perpetrator can face criminal charges for breaching it. “It is a paper that is signed either by a judge or a Magistrate with full authority to give the police the right to even end up on the premises where the perpetrator might enforce his or herself upon while this order is in force and take evasive action,” she said. At the same time, she urged victims to take extra steps in safeguarding
Superintendent Shellon Daniels
themselves, noting that affordable technology can help provide additional security. “If there is a need for you to install security around your premises, you don’t have to get big, elaborate, expen-
sive security,” Daniels said. “You have the little Wi-Fi ones. If you have access to Wi-Fi, you could be away from home, connect it to your phone and you would be able to monitor your house. So from the time you might observe the person entering upon the premises, you will be able to call the police,” she advised. Meanwhile, the Superintendent assured that police patrols are on standby and mandated to respond swiftly once a call is made. Victims, she said, are not restricted to reporting incidents through a single station. “You’re not confined to one police station. There are several police numbers out there… There’s always the police hotline number, 227-1149. Wherever you dial that number, one station or the other picks up that phone. You’re not just confined—let’s say you’re not getting on to Brickdam… there’s also the 914, and somebody always answers the num-
ber.” Meanwhile, in closing remarks, Superintendent Daniels was asked what advice she would give to those who remain skeptical about reporting incidents of domestic violence – particularly victims who fear that seeking police help might put them in greater danger.
She firmly encouraged victims to still make the report, stressing that multiple avenues are available. “I would still encourage them to report the matter and again, you don’t have to go to the inquiry’s office if you don’t feel comfortable. You could go directly to the commander of that region or even to the deputy commander. There are also senior officers – both male and female, that you can reach out to.”
Daniels also noted that across each police division, there are designated private areas for victims of domestic violence.
Father of 4 killed in lightning strike at Kako
Atragic incident occurred on Sunday in Kako Village, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), where Linson Smith, a father of four from Jawalla, Region Seven, was killed after being struck by lightning. Toshao of Kako Village, Romario Hastings, told this publication in a telephone interview that the community was hosting its Heritage Celebrations as part of Amerindian Heritage Month and Smith was participating in the activities when a thunderstorm developed around 17:00h. The man was reported-
ly standing under a mango tree urinating while hold-
ing an umbrella when he was struck by lightning.
“There was a thunderstorm, which wasn’t too long. While it was raining, he went to urinate under the mango tree. He had an umbrella, and lightning was flashing at the time,” the Toshao sadly stated.
“One of the strikes hit him, it ripped his clothes, including his jeans and shirt. Debris from the umbrella fell onto his chest, leaving wavy imprints over his heart. He was dead, but we still had to send him to the hospital for confirma -
tion. It was very unfortunate,” Hastings said.
Earlier this month, a storm damaged several houses in Kako Village.
Several days after a thunderstorm tore apart several houses in Kako Village (Cuyuni/Mazaruni), which left multiple households reeling and community infrastructure in need of urgent repairs, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) deployed relief to affected families, distributing hampers and conducting a full damage assessment. Heavy winds damaged at
least five households and ripping the roofs off three sports pavilions. In one instance, the roof of a pavilion was hurled several metres across the school compound, scattering debris and raising fresh concerns about the village’s preparedness for increasingly volatile weather. The CDC team, also carried out on-the-ground assessments to determine the extent of the damage and to plan further support. The Kako Village Council expressed its gratitude to the CDC for the swift action.
Bribery probe at CJIA
Offering bribes to Police is a criminal offence – GPF warns public
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has issued a firm warning to members of the public that offering bribes to police officers is a criminal offence and a serious act that un-
ruption by refusing to offer bribes under any circumstances. The GPF reminded citizens that both the giver and receiver of a bribe are culpable under the law and will face the consequences
of body cameras by all law enforcement ranks at ports of entry. This measure, the statement noted, will enhance accountability and help safeguard the rights of travellers.
dermines the rule of law, accountability, and the integrity of law enforcement.
In a statement, the Force said it has noted with concern an increasing number of incidents in which individuals attempt to influence police officers through bribes and “tokens of appreciation” to evade lawful procedures. According to the GPF, such actions compromise justice and fairness while eroding public trust in law enforcement institutions. The Force emphasised its commitment to professionalism, transparency and zero tolerance for corruption, adding that internal mechanisms are in place to identify, investigate and deal with any officer found
of their actions. Reports of bribery or attempted bribery can be made directly to the Commissioner of Police Secretariat via hotline numbers 227-1611 ext. 4001, 225-6411, 225-2700, and 600-3019. Officers, the statement noted, are trained from the time of recruitment to serve with professionalism, impartiality, integrity, and dedication. Engaging in bribery, the Force said, undermines the foundation of public trust, accountability, and justice. Any rank found guilty of soliciting or accepting bribes will face the full force of the law, while any member of the public found offering bribes will also be prosecuted. The GPF highlight-
the statement read.
Visit to CJIA
Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police and Chief Immigration Officer Clifton Hicken, along with Deputy Chief Immigration Officer (DCIO) Senior Superintendent Stephen Telford, on Monday visited the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), where they met and interacted with immigration ranks. Their visit followed allegations that police ranks at CJIA demanded money from a passenger in order to release her lawful items. CCTV footage and other evidence reportedly support the claim. The officers involved have since
“The Guyana Police Force calls on all citizens to respect the law, uphold your integrity, and desist from offering bribes or inducements of any kind. Together, we must ensure that corrup-
engaging in corrupt practices. At the same time, the public was urged to play its part in the fight against cor-
ed that the Government of Guyana has reinforced its commitment to transparency by mandating the use
tion has no place in our society. Together, we can build a society based on integrity, accountability, and justice,”
been placed under close arrest while the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) carries out a full investigation. In light of the development, the Government has instructed that effective Monday, September 29, 2025, all law enforcement officers operating at any port of entry, whether at airports or other border points, will be required to wear body cameras as part of efforts to enhance accountability and transparency. The GPF stressed that it has zero tolerance for corruption and any officer found guilty of extortion or bribery will face the full force of the law. The public was also reminded that no payment of any kind is required to clear lawful items through CJIA or any other port of entry. Anyone who is asked for money is urged to report it immediately to the nearest police authority.
Changing… …tactics?
In politics – like life in general – you gotta deal with the world in which you find yourself!! Or else you’ll be battling non-existent dragons and get your head handed on a platter by some loser from left field!! So, now the four political parties that earned seats have hopefully absorbed the implications of a new order of political forces that’s gonna show up in Parliament sometime in the next few weeks, what are we to expect?? One of Eric Williams’s famous statement when he launched the 30year- long reign of the PNM in Trinidad back in 1956 was: “fighting in the streets is over and politics in Parliament will now begin”.
Sadly, for us in Guyana, his contemporary Burnham –who’d escalated his “fighting in the streets” in Guyana to a literal racial civil war to get into power – never weaned his party to confine politics to the civilised rules of Parliament. In fact, with them rigging elections from 1968 to 1985 – by bringing in the army to seize ballot boxes and murdering civilians in the process – they expanded the arena of violence!! Parliamentary democracy for the PNC was always interpreted cynically – with a wink and a blow to the solar plexus of the other political players. Rodney comes to mind.
When they were ousted after 28 years, the PNC’s violent street politics returned without skipping a beat!! Guyana knew no peace between 1997 and 2008 – with present PNC leader Aubrey Norton in the thick of things! Then, when they recalibrated, changed their name to APNU, went into a coalition with the AFC and returned to power, there was hope they’d learnt a lesson. But in 2020, it became clear they just couldn’t keep on the straight and narrow. The folk wisdom predicts that once canines start “sucking egg”, they just can’t stop! New leader Norton didn’t even acknowledge some hanky-panky had gone down – and tried rubbing PNC’s doodie on PPP’s bamsie!!
Well, he’s been whittled down to playing second fiddle to Sanction Man’s WIN and we’ll just have to wait and see if he’ll be willing to play from the same music score!! The challenge, of course, is Sanction Man doesn’t even have a music score – and prefers to march to his own drummer!! We can, therefore, expect some serious cacophony – if not weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth! – coming out of the Public Buildings or the Convention Centre, when they gather to palaver over our future!!
Can you, Dear Reader, see Sanction Man addressing the PPP and PNC MPs as “my honourable friends”?? Or sit in the Parliamentary Standing Committees – when he, knowing nothing about Parliament –insists he HAS to stand??!!
It’s gonna be a hard day’s night!!
…to One Guyana
In our One Guyana with every one having an equal place, it was heartening to see that even as Amerindian Heritage Month wound down after an explosion of activities to display their culture, the new Min of Tourism – in collaboration with the Chinese Association –announced that Hope Town on the Kamuni Creek up the Linden Highway has been identified as a Heritage Tourist Site!!
To those who’re worried about the Chinese and what they’re up to in our neck of the world, they aren’t any “Johnny-come-lately” in our fair(?) mudland just building substandard supermarkets!!.
In the 1850s, a Chinese missionary was facilitated by the colonial government to start a settlement on the Kamuni Creek with time-expired Chinese indentureds. They used the timber to produce coal for the fast-growing Georgetown urban dwellers.
The settlement unfortunately collapsed after the missionary absconded with the settlement funds! The settlers moved to Georgetown – especially in the Charlestown area – and went into commerce.
Bring back Hope Town!!
…international order
The UN offered the illusion that we could influence the grand scheme of things. Didn’t we have a vote?? Well, Israel in Gaza hopefully has destroyed that illusion. Might is right – and we need more might!!
Commissioner of Police and Chief Immigration Officer, Clifton Hicken, along with Deputy Chief Immigration Officer (DCIO), Senior Superintendent Stephen Telford, on Monday visited the CJIA, where they met and interacted with immigration ranks at Guyana’s main port of entry for travellers/visitors
Heart disease rising among young people in Guyana – Health Minister
…over 9700 patients received $4.2B in Govt-funded medical assistance
between 2020 and 2024
Between 2020 and 2024, more than 9,700 patients across Guyana received Government-funded medical assistance for conditions such as cardiac procedures, dialysis, cancer care, and joint replacements. The number of beneficiaries rose steadily each year, from 772 patients in 2020 to 2,629 in 2024, with financial support during this period amounting to $4.2 billion. Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, disclosed these figures in his message for World Heart Day 2025, noting that the Government’s investment in healthcare reflects its commitment to addressing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Anthony
reminded that CVDs remain the leading cause of death globally, claiming nearly 17 million lives annually. In Guyana, heart attacks and strokes continue to rank among the top 10 causes of death. He stressed that while CVDs are a major health challenge, they are largely preventable through lifestyle changes and early management of risk factors. The Minister identified tobacco use, harmful alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and air pollution as the main contributors to cardiovascular disease. These risk factors, he explained, often lead to hypertension, diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol—all of which increase the likelihood of heart dis-
ease and stroke. “Most cardiovascular diseases are preventable when we adopt healthier daily habits and address these risks early,” Anthony said. The Ministry of Health has implemented several initiatives to improve both treatment and prevention. The HEARTS programme – a global initiative of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO)
– which focuses on improving the management of hypertension and related conditions, is now active in 247 health facilities across the country. The Ministry aims to expand this to every health centre by 2026. New national guidelines for cardiovascular disease care have also been introduced to ensure healthcare providers follow updated, evidence-based standards. Anthony also noted a troubling trend where more young people are being diagnosed with heart disease, challenging the perception that the illness primarily affects older adults. He urged Guyanese to take practical steps to protect their health, including at least 150 minutes of physical activity weekly, balanced diets, avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, managing stress, and monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. “The true power to protect our hearts does not rest solely in medicine or procedures, but in the choices we make every day,” he said. World Heart Day 2025 is being observed under the theme “Use Heart for every Heart.”
Ex-cop remanded on forgery, fraud charges in $35M bank robbery attempt
A26-year-old labourer and former police officer from Farm Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD) was remanded to prison Monday after being charged with forgery and attempting to demand money through fraudulent means.
According to reports, on September 25, 2025, at about 12:15h, Omari James entered the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) Limited, Diamond branch, and presented a National Identification card and a Guyana Driver’s Licence in the name of Shameer Ali, both bearing his photograph and a date of birth of August 25, 1989. He also submitted a GBTI withdrawal slip requesting $35 million in the name of Shameer Ali. The teller, suspicious of discrepancies, referred the documents to her supervisor, who found that the date of birth and photograph on the documents did not match the bank’s records for Shameer Ali. James was subsequently arrested and charged
Ex-cop Omari James
with two counts of uttering a forged document under Section 245(b) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 08:01; one count under Section 277; and one count of demanding money upon a forged instrument under Section 278(b). James appeared on Monday before Magistrate Wanda Fortune at the Diamond/ Golden Grove Magistrate’s Court, where the charges were read to him. He pleaded not guilty to all counts. The case has been adjourned to October 31.
GPHC staff remanded for videoing “Lola
Doll” during gunshot wounds treatment
A20-year-old orthopedic technician at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and a resident of West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was charged on Monday for the offence of ‘Transmitting of a private area of a person’, contrary to Section 16(2)(a) of the Cyber Crime Act 16 of 2018, committed on Lolita Callender, also known as Lola Doll.
Treveir Sinclair, called “Tratts” appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Fabayo Azore, where the charge was read to him. He pleaded not guilty and he was remanded to prison.
The case was adjourned to October 6.
On September 11 Police reported that they had detained the 20-year-old in connection with the recording of Callender while she was being treated for gunshot wounds at the GPHC. According to the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the recording was made on September 6, 2025, while Callender was in the hospital’s Emergency Department. The suspect allegedly admitted to using his cell phone to film the victim but claimed that he did not post the video on Facebook. He told inves-
tigators that he only sent the recording to his ex-girl-
friend via WhatsApp and later deleted it after noticing it circulating on social media. The man’s cell phone was seized and handed over to the Cybercrimes Unit for analysis. Meanwhile, GPHC had also launched an internal probe into the breach. In a statement, the hospital had said the technician was not rostered for duty at the time of the incident.
Callender, who has since been discharged from the facility was shot multiple times outside her East Ruimveldt home on September 6 was rushed to the GPHC with gunshot wounds to the neck,
La Penitence Market garbage piles
face, arms, and right leg. The 33-year-old mother of two was attacked just after 23:00h as she arrived home at Texas Square, East Ruimveldt. According to Police, a lone gunman walked up to her parked vehicle and opened fire before fleeing on a waiting motorcycle. Neighbours recalled hearing a rapid burst of gunshots before finding the entertainer bleeding in the driver’s seat. She was rushed to hospital by relatives. Police are still investigating the shooting. So far two persons have been questioned and released on station bail.
M&CC threatens stricter penalties for vendors; suspension of permits being considered
The Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC)
is warning vendors at La Penitence Market that tough measures, includ-
ing fines and possible permit suspensions, are on the table if they fail to clean up after their daily sales.
Director of Solid Waste Management, Walter Narine, in a brief telephone interview with this publication, expressed frustration at the persistent problem of vendors leaving large piles of garbage scattered
across the market area despite having access to proper disposal facilities. The most recent incident happened after Sunday’s vending, which saw huge piles of garbage and perishable goods being left at stalls after vending concluded.
Narine, who took to social media and expresses frustration about the
matter, told this publication on Monday that while stall rents give vendors a designated space, they do not cover garbage disposal. Against this backdrop, he explained that vendors are expected to remove unsold items and waste themselves.
Charged: Treveir Sinclair, called “Tratts”
Lolita Callender, also known as “Lola Doll”
Director of Solid Waste Management, Walter Narine at the Georgetown Mayor and City Council
Aftermath of La Penitence Market vending on Sunday
Goed Fortuin man fatally stabbed after birthday party altercation
Carrington Daniels, father of 40-year-old construction worker Gladwin Daniels, who was fatally stabbed by two suspects early Monday morning, said his son was not someone known for getting into conflicts with others, and as such he is searching for answers as to what could have sparked the deadly altercation.
Speaking with Guyana Times on Monday afternoon, Carrington said that to the best of his knowledge his son did not have any ongoing issues or dispute with anyone, however he acknowledged that his son drank frequently.
“The most he did was
drink. If he didn’t drink, DDL and D’Aguiar would close down. All of us drink, we don't hide that we does drink,” Carrington said as he fondly remembered his son, Carrington was at the time surrounded by three of his remaining five sons, at his Lot 31 Goed Fortuin (public road), West Bank Demerara (WBD) where his son Gladwin used to live.
According to Carrington it was at approximately 01:30h on Monday that a family member reached out to him and told him that they heard that his son, who is popularly known as “Taliban” had been stabbed. He asked the family member to go to the scene of the
incident to confirm if the news was true. Moments later Carrington received confirmation of Gladwin's demise.
According to Carrington the news of losing his eldest child was more than he could take and he fainted.
Birthday party altercation
According to a police report issued on Monday, the incident occurred at a about 00:30h on Monday at Goed Fortuin, and allegedly two suspects were involved.
According to the report, Gladwin was consuming alcohol at a birthday party at Goed Fortuin squatting area when two suspects called out to him on the road. After
he went to meet them, an argument ensued, and he was stabbed in the neck by one of the suspects. Gladwin collapsed and was later pronounced dead at the scene.
The two suspects were arrested and escorted to La Grange Police Station, where they were placed into custody, assisting with the investigation.
According to Gladwin’s father he was told about the arrests but the suspects are not known to him. A post mortem on the body is expected to be performed on Wednesday.
Gladwin leaves to mourn his father, mother, five brothers and other family and friends.
Dead: Gladwin Daniels
Unlicensed motorcyclist dies in Corentyne crash, 2 others injured
Injured: 13-year-old Soohil Thakuradi and 28-year-old Goomraj Veerasammy
A23-year-old unlicensed motorcyclist has died following a crash along the Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Public Road. Dead is 23-yearold Eric Kissoon, a fisherman and construction worker of Number 72 Village. Those injured are the two pillion riders, Soohil Thakuradi, 13, also of Number 72 Village and a student of Tagore Memorial Secondary, and 28-year-old Goomraj Veerasammy, a fisherman of Number Naught Village, also on the Corentyne. The crash, which occurred at Number 69 Village, Corentyne, Berbice on Sunday afternoon while three men were riding a single motorcycle, also left two others injured. According to the police, Kissoon was riding motorcycle, CN 7562, with Thakuradi and Veerasammy as pillion riders. Police said that the trio were proceeding south, allegedly at a fast rate of speed, when the driver lost control while negotiating a right bend and collided with a bridge rail, which resulted in the driver and pillion riders received injuries about their bodies. A statement from Police on Monday said that Kissoon was an unlicensed rider and neither he nor the pillion riders were wearing a safety helmet at the time of the crash.
Kissoon was picked up in an unconscious state, and the pillion riders in a semi-conscious state and taken to the Number 75 Village Hospital. He succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical attention. Both Thakuradi and Veerasammy were subsequently transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) for further medical attention. Kissoon had reportedly left home shortly after 07:00h using his father’s electric bike. According to his mother, Camille Ragnauth, her son left to purchase an item from the village shop but never returned home. The crash occurred at about 15:30h. “He left with the motorbike that the man had to go to work with. After he was not coming, his father called him and tell him to send the e-bike with his nephew and then we hear that he borrow somebody's motorbike to go and collect money from his boss-man that he work with and then we hear that he get a accident.” The mother of four, told this publication that Kissoon was her last child and the closest to her, explaining that Thakuradi was her son’s cousin who lived next door, but she did not know Veerasammy and had never seen him.
Meanwhile, the now-dead man’s reputed wife, Rehana Davie Singh, related that af-
ter her husband left home she was engaged in domestic chores, but later learned that he had left the village shop and was at a location in the village.
“At around 2 O’clock I called him and he answered but from how he answered the phone I know that he was drinking. He tell me that he was on the road waiting on his boss-man go going collect his pay because he didn’t get pay Saturday. I didn’t know that he borrow somebody from by the shop motorbike and he go out to the front with it,” she said.
The owner of the motorcycle subsequently contacted his wife and related that he had been gone for quite a while with his motorcycle, and calls to his phone were unanswered.
According to the her, she went in search of Kissoon and her way, she received information indicating that her husband was involved in an accident and taken to the Number 75 Hospital.
According to Davie-Singh, Kissoon suffered injuries to his neck and fractures to one of his legs. She said she was also informed that he suffered broken ribs.
She noted that his pelvic area also seemed out of line as she looked at his body.
The couple had been living together for two months. Apart from his reputed wife, Kissoon leaves to mourn his parents and four siblings.
Dead: 23-year-old Eric Kissoon
Deduction of union dues case
GTU withdraws contempt proceedings against Govt
The Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) has withdrawn its application for warrants of committal and contempt proceedings filed against several government officials.
The proceedings, filed on August 26, 2025, alleged non-compliance with a judgment and orders issued by Justice Sandil Kissoon on April 19, 2024. The application sought committal warrants against Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall, Minister of Finance Dr Ashni Singh, Regional Executive Officers Donald Gajraj (Region Four), Susannah Saywack (Region Two), Narendra Persaud (Region Six), Sadick Ishmael (Region Five), and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Shannielle Hoosein-Outar.
On September 12, 2025, the Attorney General filed an application to strike out the contempt proceedings. The application argued that the GTU failed to follow mandatory procedures for serving the applications personally on the alleged contemnors, that the proceedings were statute-barred under Section 16 of the Contempt of Court Act as they were filed more than a year after the alleged contempt, and that the proceedings could not be brought against the State without compliance with provisions in the State Liability and Proceedings Act.
At the hearing, a request was made for Justice Kissoon to recuse himself from the matter, given that he had delivered the original ruling. The judge agreed and adjourned the matter pending reassignment by the Chief Justice.
Before reassignment could take place, the GTU formally withdrew and discontinued the proceedings.
The Attorney General
appeared in person at the hearings along with a legal team that included King’s Counsel Darshan Ramdhani, Deputy Solicitor General Shoshanna V. Lall, Principal Legal Advisor Ronetta Prince, and State Counsel Omar Hoppie and Ron Austin.
In 2024, after receiving the written High Court judgement, the Attorney General Chambers filed the challenge in the Appeal Court, seeking “…an order setting aside the whole of the decision of the Honourable Mr. Justice Sandil Kissoon…”
The decision handed down on April 19, 2024 by Justice Kissoon had barred the government from deducting salaries from teachers who were on strike for more than five weeks and more so, from stopping the remittance of union dues to the GTU.
The High Court judge found that any move to deduct or withhold the salaries of those teachers on strike would be “arbitrary, unlawful, unreasonable and unconstitutional.” Similarly, he also ruled that government acted “arbitrarily” when it halted the deduction of union dues from teachers’ salaries.
According to Justice Kissoon, “…the right to strike, like the right to engage in collective bargaining, is firmly embedded in the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed to every citizen of Guyana under the Constitution…”
Frivolous, vexatious
However, the appeal filed by the Attorney General’s Chambers sought a stay of execution of part of the judgment that bars the Education Ministry from discontinuing the remittance of the dues to the Union.
The AG had argued in
his grounds of appeal that the High Court Judge “erred and misdirected himself in law when, he having found that the Applicant’s pleadings could not withstand judicial scrutiny, he failed and/or refused to strike out the pleadings as being frivolous, vexatious, and as disclosing no cause of action… erred in law in considering issues which were not properly and adequately pleaded or pleaded at all, and which did not fall to be determined by the Court.”
It added, that the judge also erred “…when he held that the ‘no work no pay’ principle was raised by the pleadings as an issue to be determined” and “… when he found that there is no difference between a right to strike and the freedom to strike, notwithstanding that the Constitution of Guyana, Chap. 1:01 does not provide for a right to strike, rather, the freedom to strike is expressly guaranteed by Article 147 of the Constitution.”
The appeal document further detailed that “The Learned Trial Judge erred and misdirected himself in law when he held that the strike action called by a trade union was ‘justified’, and that the ‘no work no pay’ principle had no applicability, and that the em-
ployer was required to pay wages which had not been earned, contrary to and in contravention of the provisions of the Labour Act, Chap. 98:01.”
Another ground in the appeal was that “The Learned Trial Judge erred in law and fact when he found that the Government’s discontinuation of the gratuitous deduction of union dues and the remittance of the same to the Respondent Guyana Teachers Union constituted a direct interference with the Union’s right to collective bargaining as guaranteed by Article 147 of the Constitution.”
The Education Ministry had disclosed that every month, $700 is deducted from each unionised teacher and remitted to the GTU. This adds up to about $3.1 million monthly, and approximately $37 million annually.
Teachers proceeded on strike action twice in 2024 demanding increases in wages and salaries and a multi-year agreement. Talks had broken down on several occasions but finally, the union conceded to the government’s proposal that salary increases for teachers should be determined under a new agreement from the current year onward.
This is the same proposal
the Government had made even before the GTU moved to industrial actions.
The GTU was at the time pushing for a backdated collective bargaining agreement. However, the Government, through the Education Ministry has maintained that it is fully prepared to work on a multi-year agreement from 2024 and not 2019 as being initially demanded by the union.
The GTU subsequently recanted and agreed to negotiate from 2022 onwards –a proposal that was also rejected by the Government. The GTU had explained that it presented a proposal covering the period 2024-2026 following consultations with its membership.
As such, bilateral talks between the ministry and the union on the new 20242026 multi-year agreement had proceeded and ended in August 2024 with an agreement regarding salary increases and other benefits for educators.
Under the new agreement, teachers will see their salaries rise by 27 per cent by 2026, given that the educators receive a 10 per cent increase on 2024; 8 per cent for 2025 and 9 per cent for 2026.
Notably, there is also an adjustable clause in the
agreement, which stipulates that if a higher percentage increase is announced for the general public service, teachers will also benefit from the difference.
Suspended
Following the signing of the multi-year agreement, GTU’s then General Secretary Coretta McDonald had publicly criticized the GTU President and second Vice President, accusing them and other union officers of being in consort with the government and misleading the union’s General Council into believing the deal is more favorable than it is.
Then in December 2024, months after being criticised by Opposition linked elements in the GTU for helping to arrange pay increases for teachers, the then GTU President Mark Lyte and second Vice President Julian Cambridge were suspended from the union. Based on reports at the time the decision to suspend the two GTU leaders was made during a meeting of the union’s General Council and it reportedly stemmed from the agreement the GTU signed with the government earlier this year, to bring about an end to teachers striking.
M&CC threatens stricter penalties for vendors...
“The usual protocol would be that it is expected of them to clear the garbage and take it to the compact that is right about 10 meters away from where they’re vending if so much five meters away. We have a big static compactor, 18 tonnes static compactor. The councils rent it in every day to clear, right? We pay $30,000 every day to clean the garbage. So all the vendors and expected vendors when they finish vending, clean up and take the garbage to the compactor,” Narine said.
On Sunday, City Council workers were once again forced to intervene to clean the La Penitence Market area, which Narine said was “95 percent completed” by the afternoon.
Unnecessary strain on M&CC
However, he cautioned that these interventions place an un -
necessary strain on the Council’s resources and cannot continue indefinitely.
In this regard, the Solid Waste Director recommended a consultation between the Council and vendors to establish clear expectations and penalties.
“Something needs to be done. My recommendation would be that council have to have a meet with the vendors, a consultation and find an amicable solution. My solution is basically you have to clean up after you finish vending. If not, some severe action should be taken against you… This may be the action. It may be fine and ultimately if you concede to it, you probably will be suspended,” he said.
The illegal disposal and build-up of garbage has been a consistent issue in the capital city.
The responsibility of cleaning
the city solely falls under the jurisdiction of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council and local democratic organs, who receives a subvention from central government to fund capital projects. Notwithstanding this, the government has still been intervening to clean up the city and bring relief to residents.
According to Narine, efforts to improve waste management infrastructure and operations remain a top priority. Currently, the Georgetown Mayor and City Council possess over 33 garbage trucks that are operational along with a tractor and environmental workers.
In 2024, Mayor of Georgetown, Alfred Mentore told media operatives that council allocates $500 million annually for waste collection, encompassing both private and municipal waste management systems.
Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall
GTU President Coretta McDonald
After being detained by ICE Guyana-born US superintendent's education licence revoked
State education officials have revoked the education licence of Ian Roberts, the superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement said agents arrested Roberts on Friday because he was in the country illegally, didn't have authorization to work and was subject to a final removal order issued in 2024. ICE agents stopped Roberts while he was driving a school-issued vehicle, and the agency said he then fled into a wooded area before being apprehended with help from Iowa State Patrol officers.
Officials claim a loaded gun, hunting knife and US$3,000 cash were also in the vehicle.
He's being held in the Woodbury County Jail in Sioux City, about 150 miles from Des Moines.
The Des Moines Public School Board voted unanimously Saturday to place Roberts on paid administra-
tive leave. He was first licenced with the state in July 2023.
The board has scheduled a special session for 4:45 p.m. Monday "to consider new information that has been learned relating to the detainment of Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts." The meeting will be held at Central Campus, 1800 Grand Ave. in Des Moines.
In a letter to Roberts dated Sept. 28, Michael D. Cavin, executive director of the Board of Educational Examiners, wrote: Our office has received information that you no longer possess legal presence in the United States, therefore you not able to hold a licence issued by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners (Iowa Code 256, Iowa Administrative Code 282). The licence issued by the Board of Educational Examiners is no longer valid and your authority to serve as superintendent is
revoked.
Pursuant to Iowa Code 256.151, you may appeal the Executive Director's decision to the Board. If you choose to appeal the Executive Director's decision, you must provide a written letter of appeal. The request for hearing shall specify the factual or legal errors that the applicant contends were made by the executive director, must identify any factual disputes upon which the applicant desires an evidentiary hearing, and may provide additional written information or documents in support of licensure. You should include in the request for appeal a statement of the reason or reasons that you believe provide a basis for reversal of the decision to deny your licence application. Address this request for appeal to the Chair, Board of Educational Examiners, 701 E. Court Avenue, Suite A, Des Moines, IA 50309. A written letter of appeal must be received in this office no
later than October 28, 2025.
DMPS to hold special meeting Monday Des Moines school officials called a special meeting after learning that the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners has revoked Roberts education licence. They are expected to put Roberts on unpaid leave which, according to a news release, is required by law.
Roberts' original contract from 2023 and his current contract from July 1, 2025, which includes an annual salary of $286,000, state that he must hold a state-issued licence.
His current contract goes through June 30, 2028.
New information and confirmed facts will continue to inform our decisions as we develop a path forward, said Jackie Norris, chair of the
Des Moines Public Schools Board. Two things can be true at the same time - Dr. Roberts was an effective and well-respected leader and there are serious questions related to his citizenship and ability to legally perform his duties as superintendent.
According to the release, the board has reached out to Robert's legal representatives.
"We hope to hear from Dr Roberts, but in the interim, we must make decisions that are fact-based, legally sound and in the best interest of our students, staff and families," Norris said.
Matthew Smith, who has been an administrator with DMPS since 2013 and most recently was associate superintendent, has been named interim DMPS superintendent. Smith also served as interim superintendent following Tom Ahart's departure in 2022 through the time Roberts was hired. (KCCI 8 Des Moines)
Anew cultural doorway has been opened for Guyana’s children as the Guyana Marine Conservation Society (GMCS) in collaboration with its partners, launched the Warrau Booklet “A Glimpse of Warrau Culture”, giving fresh insight into the heritage of the Warrau people while strengthening ties between tradition and modern education in Guyana. This has been made possible following a collaboration between the Education Ministry and the GMCS. This is the fourth booklet in a series produced under the Education and Awareness Project on the Barima-Mora
Passage. The booklet, which targets primary and secondary school students, is supported by SBM Offshore Guyana and aims to promote, increase, and encourage the sustainable use and management of the BarimaMora Passage in Region One. It provides a window through which younger generations and future scholars may look, learn, and come to know, appreciate, and celebrate the heritage of the Warrau people. Speaking at the launching ceremony on Monday, Director of National Centre of Educational Resources Development (NCERD), Omwattie Ramdin, noted
that the booklet is designed to showcase the richness of Warrau culture. “Unless we read somewhere, perhaps an old outdated booklet, we would not know of the Warrau people. And so, for me, this is huge, because a lot of our cultural identity gets lost in the daily mundane talks of society. Sometimes, the exciting things are the things that we give life to, and they take precedence over the important things. That is the importance of launching this booklet,” she emphasised.
In the pages of this beautifully written book, readers will find reflections of language, ritual legends, ag-
ricultural practices, craftsmanship, and the spiritual world—the warp and weft of Warrau cultural expressions. You will read myths, like the origin of the Sky People, a story that speaks of people, spirits, and the night sky.
“It is a bridge between Warrau communities and the broader Guyanese society, a tool for education, recognition, and respect. May this work be taken into classrooms. May the launch be only the beginning. Very often, we launch something, but it is not sustained. While a launch is important, it is even more important for our children to be using the book, and for it not to become another resource that gets stuck on a shelf acquiring dust.”
She urged that the lessons of the booklet should not remain only on its pages.
In fact, she called for field trips, encouraging children to step outside the classroom, live the stories, and make real the knowledge passed down through the book.
“So, I am happy to say the Ministry of Education is pleased to partner with the organisation to have this book in the hands of
our children, to be reading and hearing stories. I challenge us: don’t let this be the end. Don’t just launch the book, print it, and give it to the children—encourage, through the Environmental Club and short field trips, to bring this book to life.”
Meanwhile she stressed that it cannot only be a book that is being read for reading’s sake.
“Bring the book to life; make it actionable. That is when we will really see the fruits of this beautiful book.
So, I thank you all for the opportunity. I am happy we’re partnering on this. We will be checking for the book and
encouraging its use through our literacy programme, which is now being implemented full scale.”
Meanwhile, Martin Cheong, Country Manager of SBM Offshore Guyana, explained that this initiative is more than cultural preservation—it is an investment in the nation’s future leaders. “Through this booklet, children will see themselves reflected in its pages while also learning the importance of caring for the forest, for who they are, and for their country. We are investing in these lessons to guide them in how to care for one another and the environment.”
Guyana-born US Iowa superintendent Ian Roberts
Director of NCERD, Omwattie Ramdin
Warrau Booklet: A Glimpse of Warrau Culture
Jamaica concerned over increase in suicides
The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) says it wants to draw national attention to what it described as “a concerning trend” in suicide cases recorded across the island this year.
According to the JCF, between January and September 2025, a total of 44 suicides were recorded, compared to 53 cases for the same period last year, representing a 16.9 per cent yearon-year decline.
“At face value, this decline appears positive; however, the monthly breakdown reveals a troubling pattern. Suicides were consistently lower in the first six months of 2025 compared with 2024, but the second half of the year has seen a reversal. July 2025 recorded eight suicides – a 33 per cent increase over July 2024 – while August and September rose by 20
per cent and 25 per cent respectively compared with the same months last year,” the JCF said.
It said that the data also point to geographic shifts. In 2024, St James, St Elizabeth, St Catherine South and St Thomas all recorded notable spikes. However, so far this this year, St Catherine North has been disproportionately represented, recording four cases in July alone.
“This underlines that suicide is not a uniform national issue but often reflects localised socio-economic or community pressures,” the JCF said, noting that gender continues to be a critical dimension.
It said that the overwhelming majority of suicides remain among males. However, there are indications that suicides among women, while still relatively low, may be edging upwards.
“This signals the need for urgent gender-sensitive interventions, as women’s experiences with self-harm often differ and may be linked to domestic, relational, or social factors that require tailored responses.
“As law enforcement, the JCF recognises that suicide is not solely a policing matter but a broader public health and social challenge. We, therefore, call on all relevant stakeholders, including public and mental health professionals, social workers, educators, community leaders, and faith-based organisations, to intensify their interventions.”
The JCF said that coordinated action is urgently needed to strengthen community resilience, provide counselling and support services, and respond effectively to the vulnerabilities that may be driving these increases. (CMC)
As Peru election nears, economic gains seen at risk, OECD says
Police Officers shield themselves as protesters threw a tear gas bomb back at them during a demonstration organised by a youth collective called "Generation Z" to express discontent over a controversial pension reform plan, as well as the Government of Peru's President Dina Boluarte, whose approval ratings have plummeted owing to ongoing scandals and rising crime, in Lima, Peru, September 28, 2025 (Reuters/Sebastian Castaneda photo)
Peru should implement economic measures to counter political uncertainty that is expected to intensify ahead of the 2026 general elections, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) said in a report published on Monday.
The recommendations from the OECD aim to bolster Peru's economy, as political instability and social protests have undermined confidence in a nation where six different Presidents have served in the last nine years.
"Peru can strengthen
the foundations for longterm growth by enhancing workforce skills, boosting small businesses' access to finance, encouraging formal job creation and accelerating climate adaptation," OECD Secretary General Mathias Cormann said at the report's presentation.
Peru's economy maintains "solid macroeconomic fundamentals", but the country also needs to restore fiscal discipline and implement more reforms to regain investor confidence and reduce inequality, the report said.
"Growth will moderate
amid global and domestic uncertainty and a lower potential growth rate," the report added.
The OECD projects GDP growth of 2.8 per cent this year and 2.6 per cent in 2026 for the world's third-largest copper producer. These figures are below the Peruvian Government's own estimates of 3.5 per cent and 3.2 per cent, respectively.
The OECD expects inflation to fall within the central bank's target range of one per cent to three per cent.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
OAS praises A&B’s anticorruption laws, but calls for improved implementation
The anti-corruption monitoring body of the Organisation of American States (OAS) has praised Antigua and Barbuda for its efforts in developing a legislative framework for combating corruption, but made several recommendations to transform that framework into more actionable practice.
The OAS’s FollowUp Mechanism for the Implementation of the Inter-American Convention against Corruption (MESICIC) released its latest review of Antigua and Barbuda’s and St Kitts and Nevis’ anti-corruption efforts following its 44th
meeting in Washington, DC on September 8-11.
This is the sixth country report examining the country’s anti-corruption measures since becoming a party to the MESICIC—the last report being in 2019.
In the 47-page report, the OAS body acknowledged that “Antigua and Barbuda has considered and adopted measures intended to create, maintain and strengthen standards on denial or prevention of favourable tax treatment for expenditures made in violation of the anti-corruption laws”.
The Committee similarly recognised the country’s efforts regarding “provisions for the prevention
of the bribery of domestic and foreign government officials” and measures on “transnational bribery” and “illicit enrichment”.
Crown Solicitor Vanessa Moe represented the twin island at the Washington meetings, where representatives from Grenada and St Vincent and the Grenadines conducted the review subgroup examination.
Despite the positive assessment of the legislative framework, the Committee identified significant gaps in implementation and made 37 specific recommendations across multiple anti-corruption domains.
(Excerpt from Antigua Observer)
Brazil put on human trafficking watch list by US
The United States State Department on Monday put Brazil and South Africa on a human trafficking watch list, citing what it said were failures of both countries to demonstrate progress on the issue, amid heightened tensions between their Governments and the Trump Administration.
The annual Trafficking in Persons report assesses efforts to tackle forced labour, sex trafficking and other forms of modern-day slavery around the world. It was published on Monday, nearly three months after it was due to be delivered to Congress, after most of the staff in the office that pre-
pares it were laid off.
Brazil and South Africa were moved to the report’s “Tier 2 Watch List", meaning they must demonstrate greater efforts on the issue or face possible US sanctions.
For both South Africa and Brazil, the report noted significant efforts on human trafficking, but said those efforts were not sufficient.
The report said Brazil's government initiated fewer investigations and prosecutions than in previous years, and courts had reported fewer initial convictions for trafficking.
"Human trafficking is a horrific and devastating crime that also enrich-
es transnational criminal organisations and immoral, anti-American regimes," Secretary of State, Marco Rubio said in a statement, which did not discuss the country-specific rankings.
"The Trump Administration is dedicated to upholding American values, protecting American workers, and defending our communities.
In previous years, State Department officials have answered reporters' questions on the report, but this year no one was made available.
Democratic lawmakers earlier this month raised concerns about the delayed release of the TIP report.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
Human rights award for Bajan scholar in Canada
For Dr Andy Knight, the road from Bridgetown’s Harrison College to the grand halls of Canadian academia and international diplomacy has been long – and deeply purposeful.
Now, that journey has earned the Barbados-born scholar one of Canada’s highest human rights honours – the Gerry Gall Human Rights Award, presented by the John Humphrey Centre For Peace And Human Rights.
“To be recognised by the John Humphrey Centre – an institution that carries forward Canada’s proud legacy of advancing human dignity – is an honour beyond words,” said Knight during the awards ceremony held in Edmonton and attended by Alberta’s Lieutenant Governor Salma Lakhani.
A widely-respected professor, global affairs expert
and former United Nations adviser, Knight accepted the award not only as a personal accolade, but also as a tribute to those who have shared in his work.
“I accept this honour not only for myself, but on behalf of the many colleagues, students, community members and fellow advocates who have walked alongside me in this long journey,” he said.
Knight, who once led the Institute of International Relations at the University of the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago and served as Fulbright Chair at Yale University in 20212022, is no stranger to confronting injustice through scholarship and public service.
Most recently, he was commissioned by Canada’s Department of Defence to investigate white supremacy within the Canadian Armed Forces. His findings, which exposed alarming levels of extremist infiltration, helped shape national discussions around equity and accountability in the military.
“Human rights are not given once and for all. They must be claimed, defended, and renewed in every generation,” he said at the awards event. (Excerpt from Nation News)
International foreign affairs expert Dr Andy Knight
OIL NEWS
Oil prices drop 3% as OPEC+ plans for oil output hike
Oil prices settled three per cent lower on Monday as the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allied producers (OPEC+) plans for another increase to oil output in November and the resumption of oil exports by Iraq's Kurdistan region via Turkey raised the global supply outlook.
Brent crude futures dropped US$2.16, or 3.1 per cent, to close at US$67.97 a barrel by 11:33h ET (1533 GMT) after settling at their highest since July 31 on Friday. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was down US$2.27, or 3.45 per cent, at US$63.45.
OPEC+ meets on Sunday and is likely to confirm a production boost of at least 137,000 barrels per day for November to gain market share, said three sources.
OPEC+ has been pumping almost 500,000 bpd less than its targets.
Crude oil flowed through a pipeline from the semiautonomous Kurdistan region in northern Iraq to Turkey on Saturday for the first time in two and a half years, Iraq's Oil Ministry said.
Crude oil flows from Kurdistan to Turkey's Ceyhan port are running at 150,000-160,000 bpd, two industry sources told Reuters.
The resumption is expected eventually to bring up to 230,000 bpd of crude back to international markets.
Last week, prices for both crude benchmarks gained more than four per cent after Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian energy infrastructure dented the country's fuel exports.
"Ukraine naturally smells blood here ... If anything Ukraine will likely double up on its strategic attacks on Russian refineries," SEB analysts said.
Russia pounded Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine early on Sunday in one of the most sustained attacks on the capital since Moscow's invasion in 2022.
US President Donald Trump said on Monday it was time for Palestinian militant group Hamas to accept a 20-point peace proposal that he agreed to with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the future of Gaza. (Reuters)
Vance says US “headed to a shutdown” after meeting with Democrats
US President Donald Trump and his Democratic opponents appeared to make little progress at a White House meeting aimed at heading off a Government shutdown that could disrupt a wide range of services as soon as Wednesday.
Both sides emerged from the meeting saying the other would be at fault if Congress fails to extend Government funding beyond a Tuesday midnight deadline (0400 GMT Wednesday).
"I think we're headed to a shutdown," Vice President JD Vance said.
Democrats say any agreement to extend that deadline must also preserve expiring health benefits, while Trump's Republicans insist health and government funding must be dealt with as separate issues.
Senate Democratic Leader
Chuck Schumer said the two sides "have very large differences".
If Congress does not act, thousands of federal Government workers could be furloughed, from NASA to the national parks, and a wide range of services would be disrupted. Federal courts might have to close and grants for small businesses could be delayed.
Budget standoffs have become relatively routine in Washington over the past 15 years and are often resolved at the last minute. But Trump's willingness to override or ignore spending laws passed by Congress has injected a new dimension of uncertainty.
Only a handful of agencies have so far published plans detailing how they would proceed in the event of a shutdown.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
Around the World
Trump secures Netanyahu's agreement on Gaza deal, but Hamas support in question
President Donald Trump secured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's backing on Monday for a USsponsored peace proposal to end a nearly two-year-old war in Gaza, but questions loomed over whether Hamas would accept the plan.
Speaking at a joint White House press conference following a meeting with Netanyahu, Trump said they were "beyond very close" to an elusive peace deal for the Palestinian enclave. But he warned the
Islamist group Hamas that Israel would have full U.S. support to take whatever action it deemed necessary if the militants reject what he has offered.
The White House released a 20-point document that called for an immediate ceasefire, an exchange of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, a staged Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, Hamas disarmament and a transitional government led by an international body. Trump went into
Monday's meeting seeking to overcome Netanyahu's misgivings over parts of the plan. It was not immediately clear whether the Trump Administration and Israel had resolved all their differences, including over the possibility of a future Palestinian State, which Netanyahu has forcefully rejected, and any role for the Palestinian Authority in post-war governance of the enclave.
Trump thanked Netanyahu "for agreeing to the plan and for trusting
that if we work together, we can bring an end to the death and destruction that we've seen for so many years, decades, even centuries".
Standing next to Trump, Netanyahu responded: "I support your plan to end the war in Gaza, which achieves our war aims.
"It will bring back to Israel all our hostages, dismantle Hamas' military capabilities, end its political rule, and ensure that Gaza never again poses a threat to Israel," he said.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
Europe “no longer at peace” with Russia, says Germany's Merz
German Chancellor Merz attends meeting of eastern German state premiers at Ettersburg Castle
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Monday that Europe "is not at war ... but no longer at peace" with Russia.
"Let me put it in a sentence that may be a little shocking at first glance ... we are not at war, but we are no longer at peace either," Merz said at a media event in Duesseldorf.
Russia's war is "a war against our democracy and a war against our freedom", Merz said, adding that Moscow's intention was to undermine unity in the bloc.
He also referred to his recent endorsement of a European Union plan to unlock frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine's war effort, saying the move could provide military support for Ukraine for three to five years.
Merz said within that time period it could become economically untenable for Russia to continue its war on Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has proposed building a joint air defence shield with allies to protect against threats from Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Monday, after a series of airspace incursions that caused alarm on NATO's eastern flank.
NATO leaders have said that Russia has been testing the alliance's readiness and resolve with airspace incursions in Poland and the Baltic states, and Kyiv says its experience in dealing with aerial threats would be valuable.
"Ukraine proposes to
Poland and all our partners to build a joint, fully-reliable shield against Russian aerial threats," he said in an address to the Warsaw Security Forum delivered via video link.
(Excerpts from Reuters)
Madagascar's President dissolves Government after “Gen Z” protests
Madagascar's
President has said he will dissolve his Government, following days of youth-led protests over longstanding water and power cuts.
"We acknowledge and apologise if Members of the Government have not carried out the tasks assigned to them," Andry Rajoelina said in a televised national address on Monday.
The so-called Gen-Z protests have seen thousands of predominantly young demonstrators take to the streets in cities across Madagascar since Thursday, under the rallying cry: "We want to live, not survive".
The United Nations' human rights chief condemned the "unnecessary force" used
by security forces to quell the unrest, saying that at least 22 persons have been killed and 100 others injured.
Madagascar's Foreign Ministry has rejected the UN's figures, alleging the data is "based on rumours or misinformation".
Protests first started in the capital Antananarivo, but have since spread to eight cities across the country.
A dusk-to-dawn curfew was imposed in Antananarivo after reports of violence and looting, with Police firing rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the crowds.
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNCHR) head Volker Türk said he was "shocked" by the security forces' violent crackdown that he said also saw arrests, beatings and live bullets used against demonstrators.
"I urge the security forces to desist from the use of unnecessary and disproportionate force and to immediately release all arbitrarily detained protesters," Türk said in a statement on Monday.
According to the UN, the
dead "include protesters and bystanders killed by members of the security forces, but also others killed in subsequent widespread violence and looting by individuals and gangs not associated with the protesters".
(Excerpt from BBC News)
North Korea to further strengthen ties with China – Foreign Minister
North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son
Hui said the country's unwavering position was to further strengthen ties with China, State media KCNA reported today.
During her visit to China, she met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Monday, KCNA said.
Li told Choe that China had highly valued the rela-
tions with North Korea, reaffirming its position to promote the bilateral ties from a strategic and long-term perspective, KCNA reported.
Choe's visit follows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing earlier this month, the first meeting in six years.
North Korea and China
are traditional allies, but their relationship has been complex and strained at times.
Li said the China-North Korea ties had been further cemented under the "direct attention and strategic guidance" of the two leaders.
At the United Nations, North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Kim Son Gyong said the country would nev-
er give up its nuclear programme.
China, one of five permanent members of the UN Security Council, has supported international efforts to rein in Pyongyang's nuclear weapons development, but also wants North Korea to play a role as a buffer against US influence in the region, experts say.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Ettersburg, Germany, September 25, 2025 (Reuters/Karina Hessland photo)
Riot Police in a heavily-armoured vehicle drive behind three protesters who are running away through tear gas smoke [Reuters]
SUDOKU
Consider your emotions before responding. You'll receive mixed messages from someone close to you. Balance and equality are necessary to achieve a positive outcome.
Set yourself up for success. Let your charm, along with a healthy dose of preparation, lead you to victory. Today it's your turn to shine, so put your best foot forward and trust your instincts.
A change will do you good. Be smart regarding health and physical risk factors. Don't share your feelings prematurely. Take the time to get to know others before sharing secrets.
Keep moving. Being busy will help you ward off stress and gives you a chance to recognize what's advantageous and what's detrimental. Your efforts will gain momentum and recognition.
Monitor what's happening around you, and you'll get a glimpse of something new and exciting that you may want to investigate. Lending a helping hand will lead to a unique circle of people who can offer a different perspective.
Love who you are, and so will everyone you encounter. A happy disposition will break barriers that stand in your way. An event you attend will turn into a meet-and-greet session that leads to a great connection.
Tidy your space to accommodate your needs. The changes or moves you pursue will make your life easier and help guide you to utilize your skills and experience to reflect what's marketable.
You'll need an outlet for your angst. Manifest opportunities that are sensitive to your needs, not to someone else's. Finish what you start and ignore those who meddle.
Be careful with money matters; you can be generous without going broke. Offer your thoughts, guidelines and connections, nothing more. A pay hike, investment or windfall is apparent.
Don't sell yourself short. An opportunity is apparent, but it's up to you to set high standards and to negotiate to ensure you get a fair deal. Use finesse and facts to get what you want.
Expand your interests, dig deep and prepare for whatever scenario might come your way. Refuse to let someone one-up you due to an oversight on your part.
You'll have mixed emotions about certain relationships. Be observant, question what's said and consider how you want to proceed before taking action. Focus on what matters and maximize your time.
Linden
Tin focus, as
he re-establishment of a gym in the mining town of Linden is one of several measures that will soon be pursued as Steve Ninvalle, President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), and by extension the Association, places emphasis on the revival of the sport in the region.
Linden has been viewed as a key area, once producing some of Guyana’s best pugilists in the squared circle.
The GBA boss, speaking on the future of the sport, stressed that while Berbice, particularly New Amsterdam, has shown a resurgence in recent years, Linden must also play a central role in the national boxing programme.
Ninvalle explained, “Boxing has long been a cornerstone of sports in Guyana, and Linden has made its share of contri-
butions. We can’t continue to speak of development if we have a community like Linden not involved in the national development of the sport.”
Highlighting the contributions of former coach Dirk Alexander, Ninvalle divulged that his passing likely led to Linden’s decline in the sport since Alexander fuelled the Young Lions Boxing Gym at Half Mile, Wismar.
Alexander’s work helped shape the career of Cleavon Rock, one of Linden’s most celebrated amateur boxers. In 2008, Rock made history when he secured Guyana’s first-ever medal at the Commonwealth Youth Games, a silver in Pune, India. That medal also stood as Guyana’s only podium finish at those Games for some time, until emulated by Keevin Allicock in 2017.
Guided by Alexander,
sets sights on boxing revival in region
Rock went on to enjoy a successful amateur career, giving Linden and Guyana international recognition in the sport.
However, with Alexander’s passing, the gym closed, leaving a major void. Attempts were made to fill the gap, with individuals like Orlon Rogers trying to resuscitate the sport in the area, but those efforts fell short.
Ninvalle believes now is the time for a structured revival. To this end, the GBA will be working closely with former Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira, along with other stakeholders in the region, to establish a sustainable programme in Linden.
“Linden has given us champions before, and there is no reason why the community cannot once again become a stronghold for boxing in Guyana,” Ninvalle highlighted.
While Linden remains a priority, Ninvalle revealed that the GBA is also exploring opportunities on the East Coast of Demerara,
with Buxton earmarked as a potential site for another gym.
“New Amsterdam has shown us what happens when we allow for consis-
tent representation at the national level, how much talent can come to the front of development, which then helps us on the regional and international stage,” he said.
Ninvalle underscored that decentralising the sport was critical if Guyana was to produce boxers capable of making an impact beyond its borders.
“Our vision is simple, which is to ensure that every major community has a chance to produce talent and contribute to Guyana’s national boxing programme. Linden is a priority, Buxton is on our radar, and we will continue to expand,” Ninvalle noted.
He explained that the GBA would roll out a number of programmes designed to spread opportunities across the country, ensuring that communities outside of Georgetown are not left behind.
India and Sri Lanka kick off a Women's World Cup with a difference
Big picture: More ODIs, better clarity
On the eve of the tournament opener, the contrasts were subtle but telling in Guwahati. India's training session was light, confident and precise. Avishkar Salvi, India's Bowling Coach, tried Sneh Rana's offspin grip before she showed him how it's done. Kranti Goud charged in with rhythm and responded to match-specific challenges. It was the sight of a team that looked settled.
Earlier in the afternoon, Sri Lanka had gone through a more muted, methodical session. They started with catching drills before quickly shifting to the nets. It was not all work and no play, though. Left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera teased the young seamer Malki Madara about getting Hasini Perera lbw, and Sugandika Kumari joked with fellow offspinner Dewmi Vihanga about why her grip was better.
Two teams, two different rhythms. But the bigger picture was clear: this World Cup does not begin with undercooked sides trying to find cohesion. This begins with teams well-prepared and clear on goals.
Since the 2022 edition – which saw pandemic-hit schedules and limited preparation in the lead-up - the change has been striking. Sri Lanka, who did not qualify then and had not played a One-Day International (ODI) in three years, arrive with 31 games under their belt. India have been the busiest, having played 38 since the last edition, including 14 this year.
"We've played more ODI cricket after the last T20 World Cup," India Captain Harmanpreet Kaur said. "We have won most of the games. That has definitely given us a lot of confidence to do well in ODI cricket. We now have a lot of experience. This group has played together for so many years. There is a lot more clarity."
And that clarity is evident – not just in numbers, but in body language, in banter, in how batters walk into the nets, and bowlers finish their spells. This World Cup picks up where the teams left off, with momentum al-
ready building.
In the spotlight: Jemimah Rodrigues and Udeshika Prabodhani
She has already played 51 ODIs, but the match against Sri Lanka will be Jemimah Rodrigues' maiden appearance in a 50-over World Cup. A natural top-order batter, she has slotted seamlessly into India's middle order. Rodrigues scored her first ODI hundred earlier this year and showcased her finishing ability during India's last two series – the tri-series in Sri Lanka involving South Africa, and the tour of England. With the pitch at the ACA Stadium expected to be flat, Rodrigues will aim to make her World Cup debut a memorable one.
Yadav duo makes the final cut. While Amanjot did not bowl in either of the warm-up games; on the eve of the match, she bowled a short spell and then spent some time batting in the nets.
off a successful
Veteran left-arm seamer Udeshika Prabodhani will be key for Sri Lanka with the new ball. Her ability to swing the ball and maintain control during the field restrictions has been invaluable. She could pose a challenge to India's right-hand opener Pratika Rawal with her inswingers. However, match rustiness could be a factor – Prabodhani last played international cricket at the 2024 T20 World Cup, and has not featured in an ODI since August 2024. But if her performance in the last warm-up game is any indication –2 for 26 from six overs, including two maidens – Sri Lanka have little to worry about.
Team news: Amanjot could return Harmanpreet confirmed that the entire squad is fit, which could pave the way for Amanjot Kaur's return to the XI after recovering from a back injury. That would likely mean only one of the Sneh Rana-Radha
India (probable): 1) Smriti Mandhana; 2) Pratika Rawal; 3) Harleen Deol; 4) Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain); 5) Jemimah Rodrigues; 6) Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper); 7) Deepti Sharma; 8) Amanjot Kaur/Radha Yadav; 9) Sneh Rana; 10) Kranti Goud and 11) Renuka Singh. Based on the two warm-up matches, Sri Lanka are expected to have Hasini Perera opening with Chamari Athapaththu. Vishmi Gunaratne, usually an opener, is likely to bat at number four. With Prabodhani back, only one of Achini Kulasuriya and Madara pair will play.
On Monday, after a spell of slightly cooler weather, the evening in Guwahati turned noticeably muggier. Around the start of play, temperatures are expected to hover in the low 30 degrees Celsius, though it may feel hotter under the afternoon sun. The centre pitch will be used, which has minimal grass.
Quotes
"No doubt it's a quite new venue for us. But in India, many stadiums have a very similar feel, similar pitches, and we have played a lot of cricket in India. So, we are taking it as an opportunity." – India Captain Harmanpreet Kaur
"Udeshika is our strike bowler; she is the most senior player in my team. If I have to take a decision, sometimes I go to her for an opinion, and she helps me out. That is the [equation] we have. It's a big privilege for me to play with her." – Sri Lanka Captain Chamari Athapaththu (ESPNcricinfo)
GBA President Steve Ninvalle is keen on reviving boxing in Linden
Jemimah Rodrigues will be playing her first ODI World Cup
Fresh
Caribbean Premier League (CPL) stint Chamari Athapaththu will be a key to Sri Lanka’s success
Shemar Britton on Sunday evening claimed his first-ever Senior National Table Tennis Championship in the men’s singles after playing unbeaten in the competition. And already, the ace with the racquet in hand is looking at conquering another mountain.
The Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA)organised tournament took a round-robin format for the men’s singles’ title, in which Britton played unbeaten, returning scores of 3-1, 3-0, 3-0, 3-1, 3-1, 3-0 and 3-1 for 14 points overall.
Elishaba Johnson was a close second with scores of 3-1, 3-1, 0-3, 3-1, 3-1, 3-0 and 3-2 for 13 points. Capping off the top three was multi-discipline talent Jonathan Van Lange with returns of 3-0, 1-3, 0-3, 3-1, 3-1, 3-0 and 3-0 for 12 points.
Speaking exclusively with Guyana Times Sport following his win, Britton relished his first national singles title.
Khan and co
lead Young Warriors to win over West Berbice
Young Warriors
Cricket Club stormed to a 10-wicket win against West Berbice in the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) two-day FirstDivision tournament.
Led by Suresh Dhanai, Amir Khan, Trevon Stanislaus and Latchman Roopchand, Young Warriors demolished the visiting West Berbice side at Young Warriors Ground in East Canje.
Early on day one, West Berbice batted first and posted 138 all-out. Leftarm spinner Stanislaus continued his consistency with 7-24 from 12.2 overs. He was supported by Dhanai, who claimed 3-36 from nine overs in the first innings.
In response, Young Warriors ended day one on 283-8, with Khan scoring an impressive 102.
After play resumed on day two, Young Warriors added five more runs to their total, ending their first innings on 288.
West Berbice started well in the second innings with top-order batters Leon Andrews and Shelton Ramsay scoring half-cen turies. At lunch on day two, West Berbice had reached 136-1, but the floodgates opened in the sec ond session.
Dhanai, who hit the right ar eas with his brisk right-arm seam, claimed 5-32 from 10 overs. He was supported by Latchman Roopchand, who had 5-31 from eight overs. West Berbice’s main highlights were Ramsay scoring 74 and Andrews hitting 59. Young Warriors re-
He expressed, “It feels amazing, I can finally sit with the greats of Guyana’s table tennis. It’s been a monkey on my back, going back quite some years. I got three consecutive seconds, so, to finally climb the top of the mountain feels great.”
Adding the singles title to the mixed doubles and men’s doubles titles that he claimed on Saturday, Britton divulged to this publication, a little bit about the work he has been putting in recently.
“Let me take you back to a quote my coach gives me, ‘train hard, so you could make it look easy’. That’s what I did, I put in a lot of work, I finished law school this year, so for the last six months I got time to actually train and focus again on my table tennis and it shows today,” Britton disclosed.
With the local title in the bag, Britton now has his eyes set on a much bigger target.
He confidently declared, “As I said earlier, the Caribbean Table Tennis Men’s championship hasn’t been in Guyana since 1992, I plan on bringing that title back.”
Seecharran’s record-
breaking 144, Emmanuel’s 7-wicket haul light up U13
Suresh Dhanai had another fine all-round game
Stanislaus returned with the bat to score an unbeaten 65 when stumps were drawn on day one. Dhanai also chipped in with 41 for Young Warriors.
quired 17 to win the game and they coasted to the target in 1.3 overs, without losing a wicket. The home team claimed a clinical 10-wicket win.
Meanwhile, Rose Hall Canje and Blairmont played to a draw in the other fixture at the Rose Hall Canje Community Centre Ground.
Rose Hall Canje posted 244-8 declared in their first innings. Sanjay Algoo led the way with 81 while Rajindra Beharry struck 46.
Rose Hall Canje enforced the follow-on after Blairmont failed to score 145 in their first innings.
Blairmont managed only 125 all out in their first innings, with Arun Jaikaran making 38 and Veer Farhad scoring 27. Romario Ramdehol starred with 5-8 while Raymond Vankenie had 3-25.
Blairmont held on and avoided an innings defeat to end the second day on 96-7. Seon Glasgow made 40. Ramdehol returned in the second innings with 3-39 while Avishkar Beharry had 3-10. West Indies Women’s player Ashmini Munisar had 1-24 in the drawn encounter.
TInter-county
he Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Male U13 Inter-county 2025 tournament continued at two venues on Sunday, with Berbice U13 and Demerara U13 recording emphatic victories. Berbice U13 won the toss and elected to bat first. Openers Afraz Ali (32) and Timothy Ramsaywack (23) gave them a strong start, adding 73 runs in just 12 overs. In the middle order, Jaden Ganpat (38 off 48) kept the innings steady, but it was Sahid Gajnabi, who produced a match-defining knock. His unbeaten 78 from 61 balls, laced with seven fours, lifted Berbice to a commanding 253 for 7 in 40 overs.
For the Select XI, Aaron DaCosta picked up two wickets, while Tyler Nedd, Jayden Emmanuel, and Andrew Narine claimed one apiece. The run chase never got going as Adrian Emmanuel produced a devastating spell, tak-
made history, scoring the first-ever century in GCB U13 inter-county cricket. His bril-
ing seven wickets for 12 runs in seven overs. The Select XI were bundled out for just 39 in 22.5 overs, handing Berbice a massive 214-run victory.
At the La Bonne Intention (LBI) Ground, Demerara cruised past Essequibo to secure back-to-back wins. Skipper Lomar Seecharran
liant 144 from 101 balls, including 19 fours and 2 sixes, led the way. He was supported by Makai Dowlin (45) and Mario Singh (26) as Demerara posted a formidable 269 for 6 in 40 overs. Fayyad Baksh and Wade Ferrier took two wickets each for Essequibo. In
response, Essequibo faltered badly. Only Ferrier (16) and Marcus Thomas (16) offered any resistance as they were bowled out for 75 in 27.2 overs. Nathaniel Ramkhelawan starred with the ball, taking 3 for 1, while Ashton Collins returned figures of 3 for 15, sealing Demerara’s dominant 194run victory.
Action continues with Demerara facing the Select XI at Lusignan, while Berbice take on Essequibo at LBI.
Shemar Britton is now gunning for the Caribbean title
Trevon Stanislaus and Amir Khan started with the bat for Young Warriors
Lomar Seecharran made a brilliant 144
Adrian Emmanuel picked up seven wickets
West Indies struggled to move beyond single-digits in the power play. Only thanks to a boundary in the sixth over did they reach 16 for 2. By then, Dipendra Singh Airee had scalped the first wicket when he bowled Jewel Andrew (2), whileen a stunning catch at cover to send back Keacy
Nepal's vice grip over the scoring rate was the result of their slower balls and full deliveries in the blockhole, with their quicks often marrying the two to greatenced
As fans clad in red and blue danced in the Sharjah aisles, the result was a foregone conclusion: Zishan Morata was the last man out, caught in the deep by Karan KC, and West Indies had been bundled out for 83. Three days ago, Nepal had never played a T20 International (T20I) series against a Full
West Indies unit kept mistiming their shots on a pitch where none of their batters, barring Jason Holder's 15-ball 21, played with any degree of comfort. Eight-three all out represents the former T20 World Champions' sixth-lowest total. The 90run defeat is their joint fourth-biggest by runs.
Medium pacer
Mohammad Aadil Alam – who ended with figures of 4 for 24 – was the next bowler to get on the scorecard, thanks to the biggest point of difference between the two sides: Nepal's fielding. Nineteen-year-old Gulsan Jha's diving catch at sweeper cover in the eighth over bettered their previous effort, and sent Kyle Mayers back after a sluggish 6 off 16 balls.
The going never got
threw themselves at the ball. Alam sent back Ackeem Auguste (17) and Amir Jangoo (16) in backto-back overs. By then, West Indies had slipped to 63 for 5 and the required rate had leaped to above 13.
Bhurtel added to his contributions in the field with a three-for that swept up the tail. Holder – the last nominal hope for West Indies – fell to Lalit Rajbanshi in the 17th over, when Jha took his second screamer of the day. Soon after, Bhurtel came back to toss up a legbreak and fount it caught on the outfield once again. This was a day when West Indies kept finding fielders at the rope instead of clearing them.
Earlier in the day, Nepal's own innings had been one of two distinct
It would also overshadow the efforts of West Indies' best bowl er on the day – their Captain Akeal Hosein –who took 2 for 21 and had re duced Nepal to 14 for 2 in the fourth over. However, any hopes of a rally after their loss in the first T20I were soon left far be hind, as his team slipped to 83 all out – the lowest total by a Full Member team against an Associate nation – as well as a 90run loss – the biggest mar gin by which an Associate team have defeated a Full Member nation.
halves: in the first 10, they did not hit a single six, but opener Aasif Sheikh had established a burgeoning partnership with Sundeep Jora, and a productive power play had taken them to 74 for 3 at the midway point of the innings.
In the next 10, the pair raced away and put on what would end up being a 100-run partnership. Jora's 39-ball 63 eventually ended in the 18th over. He had hit five of the nine sixes Nepal hit in the second half of the innings.
Sheikh remained unbeaten on 68 off 47 himself. At the other end, Alam's 5-ball 11 took Nepal's total to 173. Alam was playing his first match for Nepal after more than three years, having last appeared for them in August 2022. His cameo would become a footnote to his starring role in the second innings.
What makes this re sult more significant is that Nepal have secured it ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup qualifiers next month, and in the absence of their lead spinner Sandeep Lamichhane, who has sat out both matches of the series. Nepal Coach Stuart Law had cited personal reasons for Lamichhane not being in the playing XI. Nepal now know they will be favourites to win the third and final match of the series, to be played today, having sealed the most significant series win in their cricket history.
(ESPNcricinfo)
Nepal claim a historic 2-0 series win against West Indies
Mohammad Aadil Alam claimed four wickets
Sundeep Jora was excellent during his innings
Aasif Sheikh scored 68 not out
Witnessed by a massive crowd at the Everest Cricket Club (ECC) Ground on Sunday night, the annual Amerindian Heritage football competition finals were a sight to behold with two riveting games.
First up was the women’s final with Region 10 taking on Region Seven.
Eventual women’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), Sandra Johnson was the star of the show for Region 10, opening the scoring in the fourth minute. By the 10th, Johnson had registered a brace, while Jalade Trim made it a 3-0 affair in the 20th minute.
Johnson returned to complete her hat-trick in the 32nd minute, giving Region 10 a 4-0 lead at the half.
It was a much better second segment for Region 7, whose Eliz Hope netted their consolation in the 61st minute, but they were unable to get past Region 10’s defences again, slumping to a 4-1 defeat.
Region 10 Captain Shinelle Pearson was elat-
ed at her team’s redemption after missing out on the championship in the past.
“It feels absolutely great. We’ve been in the finals before, but we got beaten on penalties, so, this year, we came back stronger and we came to win it. And since we won it, we’re going to defend it from now on, because it’s been four years now that we’re chasing the championship and we got close, but didn’t win. So, this year, it’s an absolute pleasure to be the captain of this winning team,” Pearson expressed.
The Region 10 Captain went on to share about their opposition, “Yeah, they’re always challenging, but we had to face it and every year we came back stronger and stronger, because this year, like I said, we came to win the championship and we had to do everything possible to regain it for the region.”
On the other hand, the men’s final was a nail-biting affair between Region Seven’s Pariuma and
Region Nine’s Massara. Massara stunned the defending champions with an opening goal in the first minute off the boots of Vitalis Benjamin, who later gave his team a 2-0 lead with another goal in the 16th.
As soon as Carlito Joseph pulled one back for Pariuma in the 60th minute, Benjamin responded with his third strike of the night. Pariuma, again, found the back of the net in the 95th, through Padmore Jokerman, but it was a lit-
tle too late for the defending champions who were dethroned.
Massara Captain Stephen Glasgow, expressing pride in his team, talked about the nerves he felt as Pariuma fought back.
Glasgow told Guyana Times Sport, “I feel very excited. I’m very proud, very proud of my team.”
“Yeah, I was so nervous, because we had two and they had nil and after they got one. So, I felt a little frightened, but I had to fight to the end and up
to the last whistle. I am happy to win the Heritage Games,” Glasgow added.
Meanwhile, Region One’s men and women reclaimed their volleyball titles, with Delicia Campbelle and Vance Harding both of the Mabaruma Spartans picking up the MVP accolade. In the women’s competition, Orealla/Siparuta took home the second-place prize while Region Seven finished second in the male volleyball competition.
Region One’s Moruca Women and Region
Seven’s men took home top honours in the cricket competition, with Abigail Scott of Region One and Albert Hoenkirk of Region Seven grabbing the MVP prizes. From Region Four, Kuru Kuru’s women settled for second in the cricket competition while Laluni’s men, also of Region Four, finished second in the male event.
The cricket and football competitions attracted a $500,000 grand prize for both men and women, with the volleyball champions carting off $300,000.
Region 10’s women display their Championship trophy after winning the women’s football competition
Massara’s men lift their Heritage Games football trophy in the presence of Government Ministers Sarah Browne, Keoma Griffith, Zulfikar Ally, and Vanessa Benn
