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Issue No. 6557

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2026

Suspension of MV Canawaima

PRICE $100 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Suriname rejects proposed ferry replacement as Guyana pushes for solution …immigration services continue as “back track” passenger traffic spikes Page 3

STELLAR programme launched to revolutionise STEM Education in Guyana

Corentyne family P9 targeted in suspected Molotov cocktail attack

Taxi driver P20 charged, remanded for multimilliondollar robbery at CIOG

Page 7

$189M Juvenile Justice Centre on track for December completion P12

ExxonMobil resumes operations after small fire onboard Liza Unity FPSO

Page 19

Berbice man dies in 2-vehicle smash-up Page 9

Guyana calls for greater intl investment P5 in drought preparedness Corentyne Highway set for full-scale 32P paving from Sept 15

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2026| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

Suspension of MV Canawaima

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Suriname rejects proposed ferry replacement as Guyana pushes for solution

BRIDGE OPENING

Wednesday, August 26 – 15:30h–17:00h and Thursday, August 27 – 16:05h–17:35h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Thundery showers are expected during the day, followed by clear skies at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East-North-Easterly to East-SouthEasterly between 1.78 metres and 3.57 metres. High Tide: 15:47h reaching a maximum height of 2.40 metres. Low Tide: 09:20h and 21:34h reaching minimum heights of 0.77 metre and 0.79 metre.

…immigration services continue as “back track” passenger traffic spikes

ays after the suspension of the ferry service between Guyana and Suriname, the Government of Guyana stated on Tuesday that the proposal for an alternative vessel to operate the route was turned down by the Maritime Authority in Suriname (MAS). Although rejected, the Guyanese Government is seeking to propose another alternative vessel to the Surinamese authorities, even as engagements continue simultaneously with MAS to ensure the current service can resume, even on a short-term basis. On this note, the Government added that offi-

Passengers arriving at Springlands, Corriverton, on Tuesday

the Government added. The Government of Guyana supports the safe travel of the public and maintains that public safety is a priority while adding that the inconvenience this situation is causing to users

on the Surinamese side to facilitate immigration processing for persons using the small-boat service. That resulted in passengers becoming stranded at Moleson Creek on Saturday, including travellers who

Passengers on their way to boarding a speedboat after stamping out at Moleson Creek immigration on Tuesday

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COMMODITIES Indicators Crude Oil

US$ $86.77/barrel

Change % -2.04

Rough Rice

$268.56/ton

+0.34

London Sugar

$517.00/ton

-3.53

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Low/High

$4642.60 $4604.60

$4644.60 $4697.50

Change

-18.80

-0.40%

Bid/Ask

cials have been in constant daily contact with their Surinamese counterparts to resolve the issue. However, the immigration service is still being provided to persons travelling to Suriname by small boats. Such persons, according to a missive, are required to report to the immigration office at the Moleson Creek Terminal for immigration processing upon departure. “Upon arrival in Suriname, they are required to report to the Immigration Office in New Nickerie. When departing Suriname, persons must report to the respective immigration offices,” the release added. The Government, nevertheless, reiterated that the responsibility for maintenance and drydocking of the MV Canawaima falls under Suriname. In light of this, over the past days, two technical inspections were carried out by maritime experts from both Guyana and Suriname on the MV Canawaima. “Both countries’ experts concluded that the vessel can remain in operation until it goes into drydock within the next three months. Despite these assurances provided in writing, the Maritime Authority in Suriname (MAS) insisted that certain matters which would have been addressed during drydocking should be undertaken immediately,”

of the service is fully understood. Meanwhile, one of the difficulties which initially confronted passengers seeking an alternative way across the Corentyne River was the absence of an arrangement

were attempting to return to French Guiana through Suriname. Some said they had been unable to continue their journeys because, although small boats were available to take them across the riv-

er, there was no arrangement in place for them to complete the required immigration procedures. However, on Monday, authorities in Suriname gave the go-ahead for an arrangement to facilitate those travellers. Since then, passengers have been able to have their travel documents processed at the official ports before using the small boats to cross the Corentyne River and continue their journeys between Guyana and Suriname. The Springlands– Nickerie route, commonly referred to as the “back track”, has three operators using speedboats to transport passengers across the river. With the Canawaima out of operation and the immigration arrangement now in place, operators say passenger traffic on the route has increased significantly. Owner of Golden Gloves Boat Service, Muhammed Murcalin, said the situation has returned to some level of normalcy following the introduction of the immigration arrangement. “Since the ferry breakdown, or the closure of the ferry, we get fluctuating passengers, which is something very good the Government introduced to get the people stamped, because the people were stranded for a couple of days without food, without a place to sleep, money ran out and every single thing,” Murcalin explained. TURN TO PAGE 15

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2026

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Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Industrial Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana’s STEM Ambition

he quest for a sustainable development model must surely be the Holy Grail for all policymakers in the poorer countries of the world, not least here in Guyana. There is now a consensus that unless the educational standards of the people match their countries’ development needs, the latter will never be sustainable. As such, the Government believes that STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) have to be the foundation of any such educational improvement at this stage of Guyana’s development. In the STEM curricula, the natural sciences take centre stage. However, this recognition of the STEM foundation of our educational thrust is not new, and the previous Administration launched several initiatives to raise standards in this area. It is important to investigate what has happened to these efforts so that the same mistakes are not repeated as we move forward. One of the initial hurdles faced by the PPP/C Government was a pernicious attitude developed during the 1980s’ collapsed economy, which led to the belief that education in general, and Science in particular, was of no importance. There were no jobs available for persons with “papers”. With the post-1992 rehabilitation of the economic base, this view has been altered somewhat; however, rather disappointingly, the enthusiasm for Science among our students at all levels remains abysmally low. It would appear that, as in the US, Science is still perceived as “hard”, even though it is compulsory at the primary level. By the time students reach third form in secondary schools, where they are “streamed”, only a tiny minority opt for the Sciences. This voluntary winnowing-out process continues even more dramatically at the tertiary level, with only a literal handful sticking with the natural sciences. Several years ago, the World Bank approved a credit of funding to finance the UG Science and Technology Support Project. An estimated 6300 students and faculty were supposed to benefit from this project, which was intended to “strengthen science and technology tertiary education in order to advance Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS)”. The Ministry of Education simultaneously moved on several fronts to rectify the multifaceted problem of the low interest in Science in primary and secondary schools, which serve as the feeder for UG. There was first the challenge of having adequate numbers of trained teachers; secondly, the building of labs; and thirdly, the challenge of motivating students from the very lowest levels to stick with the natural sciences. The Ministry offered scholarships to teachers who chose to study the Sciences (and Mathematics) at the tertiary level, while at the student level, it considered waiving the examination fees for students taking the Sciences at the CSEC examinations. It has also constructed some labs, but these are very expensive. What is the result and status of these initiatives? There was also another innovation that many felt had the greatest potential. NCERD collaborated with UNESCO to develop a “National Science and Technology Policy” and also sought ways to implement such policies. Then, in 2011, the Ministry of Education announced its collaboration with UNESCO on what has been labelled the “Global MicroScience Experiments Project”. This hands-on project had been tried in dozens of other countries in Eastern Europe and Africa that wanted to increase the scientific coverage in their curriculum delivery. It consisted of booklets that described the basic experiments underlying the scientific knowledge that most Science students in Guyana had to cram. More importantly, it utilised five types of “micro-Science” kits, the components of which could be recombined to match specific curricula that individual countries might design. These kits could have been used from the primary levels. The lack of exposure to actual experiments had been the single greatest impediment in making Science attractive to our students. This was especially true for boys, who are socialised to need more “hands-on” active learning environments. Meanwhile, as Guyana aims to build a future through STEM education, the Education Ministry and ExxonMobil recently launched an initiative to equip 60 pre-service secondary-school teachers with advanced training in Science and Mathematics education, leadership, and evidence-based teaching practices. The initiative seeks to strengthen teaching, learning, leadership and academic rigour while preparing a new generation of STEM educators to foster innovation, critical thinking and discovery in classrooms across Guyana. Perhaps this can work among our male students.

Toshao of St Cuthbert’s Mission, Alvoro Simon, is leading a team of dancers from his community to represent Guyana at the Guyana Folk Festival, slated for Brooklyn, New York, from August 31 to September 4, 2026. The team departed for New York on Monday and aims to represent their community and country with distinction

President Ali, food choices, and the elephant in the room Dear Editor, President Ali’s recent comment encouraging citizens to cook their own meals instead of buying restaurant food – and the meme reactions it provoked – is a useful occasion to clarify two ideas that get conflated in almost every Guyanese debate about the cost of living. One is cost of living, and the other is the rate of inflation. Once the two are explained, several of the criticisms directed at the President turn out to be less devastating than they first appear, although a more serious problem remains, which has nothing to do about restaurants. Inflation is a rate of change (percentage) of all prices in the economy. It measures how fast the general price level is rising over some period, usually a year. In contrast, cost of living is a level or amount of money a household needs to spend to maintain a given living standard. This spending occurs at the economy’s prevailing prices for things such as housing, transportation, entertainment and food. Inflation typically raises the cost of living, since a higher price level means, more money is required to buy the same basket of goods. Deflation works in the opposite direction. It lowers, by definition, the cost of living given that prices are falling. But deflation is rarely a free gift. It usually comes at the high cost of cyclical unemployment and social problems, as falling prices squeeze profit margins, discourage investment, and push firms to lay off workers. No serious policy maker recommends deflation as a policy to reduce the cost of living. Therefore, the policy question is never really “how do we get deflation,” but rather how to manage the pace of price increases and the pace of income growth so that the two move together. Other presidents have tried to shape consumption It is worth remembering that President Ali is far from the first head of state to publicly nudge citizens toward one kind of spending over another. Guyana’s late President Forbes Burnham built an entire “buy local” eth-

ic into national policy during the 1970s and 1980s. Subsequent Guyanese leaders have made similar calls or some version of that appeal. Prime Minister Modi’s “Vocal for Local” campaign has, for several years now, urged Indians to favor domestically made goods over imports. President Jimmy Carter’s 1977 “sweater speech,” delivered in a cardigan beside a fireplace, asked Americans to turn down their thermostats to conserve energy during a natural gas shortage. His predecessor Gerald Ford had tried something similar in 1974 with the “Whip Inflation Now” (WIN) campaign, urging households to consume less as a way of fighting inflation. None of these appeals were coercive, and none of them were treated, at the time or since, as an attempt to shift blame for a country’s price level onto its citizens. In that context, President Ali’s suggestion that households can economize by cooking more and eating out less is not an unusual or illegitimate thing for a president to say.

ly expanding public investment program – the collective effect places significant pressure on prices, particularly for prices of non-tradable services such as rent, entertainment, legal services, local transport, and others. Some readers might recall that I have consistently argued for over a decade that Guyana’s coastal ecology diminishes the productivity of physical capital, causing a slow response in the construction of classic non-tradable goods such as roads, houses and general buildings. The increase in prices comes from the fact that the economy cannot expand this domestic non-tradable production as fast as the demand is rising. Put differently, this is the price of success. An economy growing at the pace of Guyana’s nonoil growth rate will generate cost-of-living pressure almost as a byproduct of the growth itself. Pretending otherwise does not help us to address the elephant in the room.

The price of success

To be fair to the Ali administration, it has not been passive when it comes to price increases. Zero-rated VAT on key food items and household necessities has been in place since Budget 2021. VAT has also been removed on fertilizers, agrochemicals, pesticides, and farm machinery, directly lowering production costs for farmers. Freight charges have been benchmarked to pre-pandemic levels for tax purposes since 2021. The government has noted that these measures have saved consumers tens of billions of dollars. Excise duty on gasoline and diesel has been removed. Electricity and water charges have had VAT stripped out, and water costs were cut outright. The President’s proposal to build out farmers’ markets across the country is, on its own economic merits, a good one. Cutting out layers of intermediation between farm gate and consumer is one of the more reliable ways to narrow the gap between what a farmer receives and what a shopper pays.

Still, there is a structural wrinkle that deserves more attention than it has received. In a rapidly growing, oil-financed economy, the labor force is being drawn more fully into full-time wage employment, and female labor force participation tends to increase sharply during this phase of development. As more household members enter paid work, the time available for home production, including cooking, shrinks. Households increasingly substitute a restaurant meal or pre-cooked food for home-cooked meals in order to optimize their remaining time for leisure – especially single- and dual-working parents. This means the “eat at home instead” suggestion collides with a genuine constraint of limited time. Rising incomes are themselves boosting private demand across Guyana, quite apart from any government program. When that income-driven demand growth is combined with the government’s own massive fiscal footprint – financed by oil revenue and a rapid-

What the government has done, and what it should do next

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana calls for greater intl investment in drought preparedness – says drought is no longer simply periodic natural hazard

uyana has called for increased international investment in drought preparedness, emphasising that building resilience to the impacts of climate change must go beyond emergency response. The call was made by Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat, on Tuesday, during a ministerial dialogue on drought resilience, hosted during the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) under the theme “Restoring Land. Restoring Hope”, being held from August 17 to 28, 2026, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The dialogue aims to identify practical approaches to strengthen drought governance, partnerships and investment and shift from reactive response to proactive risk reduction and resilience. Discussions focused on integrating drought resilience into national development, land restoration, food and water security, climate adaptation, biodiver-

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, alongside Commissioner of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC), Enrique Monize, at COP 17 in Mongolia

sity conservation and sustainable livelihoods. They also explored opportunities to strengthen financing, science-policy cooperation, early warning systems and international collaboration. Addressing the fo-

rum, Minister Bharrat emphasised that “drought is no longer simply a periodic natural hazard”. “It is a growing threat to food security, water security, livelihoods, biodiversity and economic stability. As

climate change alters rainfall patterns and intensifies climatic extremes, our task is not only simply to respond when drought occurs but our task is to build resilience even before drought becomes a crisis,” he con-

tended. For Guyana, he said resilience begins with recognising that water, land, forest, biodiversity, agriculture and people are one interconnected system. He noted that under the leadership of President Dr Irfaan Ali, the Low Carbon Development Strategy of 2030 (LCDS 2030), has placed this integrated approach at the centre of the country’s national development pathway. In fact, Minister Bharrat pointed to the 2025 study published in Nature Food, which found that Guyana is the only nation out of 186 surveyed that is fully self-sufficient in domestic food production across all seven major food groups. He underscored why this finding is significant, noting that countries without such self-sufficiency are more vulnerable to sudden food supply shocks that include droughts and wars. “Therefore, protecting Guyana’s capacity to feed its people means protecting the land, soil, water and biodiversity upon which that capacity depends. This is why drought resilience

must extend beyond emergency response,” Minister Bharrat posited. In this regard, he called for greater international investment on drought preparedness, resilient food systems, healthy soils, water security and nature-based solutions. “Let us invest before the crisis. Let us strengthen the resilience before the drought. Let us protect our natural systems and make food security possible. Because it is important, resilience must be accelerated,” he emphasised. Minister Bharrat is currently leading a Guyanese delegation at COP 17 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. He will also be participating in a Ministerial Panel on Wednesday during Land and People Day at the conference. The topic in focus for the panel is “From Summits to the Floodplains: Connecting Ecosystems and livelihoods.” Also joining Minister Bharrat in Mongolia is Enrique Monize, Commissioner of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC).

President Ali, food choices,...

FROM PAGE 4

I would go further, though, and suggest the government also explore a proper food buffer stock system, one that combines a smart mix of imported staples with local farm and poultry produce. A well-designed buffer stock can smooth out seasonal and weather-driven supply shocks in a way that a farmers’ market alone cannot, since farmers’ markets still leave prices exposed to a bad harvest or a shipping disruption. Guyana’s massive oil revenues provide it a rare fiscal capacity to build and maintain such a system, and it would complement rather than replace the farm ers’ market idea.

What is genuinely beyond the government’s control

Some of the current price pressure has nothing to do with Guyana. The unwinding of globalization, the reshoring of supply chains, and the tariff wars launched under the Trump administration have all raised the landed cost of imported goods and inputs across the world. As a classic small open economy, Guyana is a price taker in the international markets. There is very little that any administration can do about the underlying global price of a container of fertilizer or a barrel of imported wheat, beyond what has already been tried through freight benchmarking and VAT relief. The Iran war has made this exposure concrete rath-

er than abstract. Roughly a third of the world’s seaborne fertilizer trade, and close to half of globally traded urea, moves through the Strait of Hormuz, and commercial shipping through that route has been severely disrupted since the war began in late February 2026. Urea prices in the United States jumped by roughly 30 percent in the war’s opening weeks, and some nitrogen fertilizer prices have since risen even further, with knock-on effects for the sulfur and phosphate inputs used to produce compound fertilizers elsewhere. The International Food Policy Research Institute has warned that a prolonged conflict could weigh on planting decisions and yields well into the next crop cycle. None of this is a Guyanese policy failure. It is an imported cost shock, transmitted through the same fertilizer and agrochemical inputs the government has already tried to cushion through VAT removal, and it belongs squarely in the “beyond our control” category alongside the broader unwinding of globalization. If anything, it strengthens the case for a buffer stock system, since it is a way of absorbing an external shock that no Guyanese food choice, home-cooked or otherwise, had anything to do with creating.

The elephant in the room

Another serious problem is domestic, not global, and

it concerns the financing of the fiscal expansion itself. My own research with Dr Collin Constantine has argued that spending oil money, as such, is not inherently inflationary and/or produces a Dutch-disease effect, since that spending expands the economy’s productive and import capacity and therefore increases the supply of goods and services available to meet demand. The trouble arises when part of the fiscal expansion is financed in a way that expands the domestic money supply beyond what the growth in non-oil GDP and imports can absorb. This financing has to do with the monetization of the deficit rather than sim-

ply spending oil revenue from the Natural Resource Fund. That monetary channel is what worsens inflation and the cost of living beyond what oil-financed spending alone would produce, and it is also what likely generates the recurring excess demand for foreign exchange that periodically strains the Guyana dollar. A well-run buffer stock, financed properly and stocked with a sensible mix of imported and local food, would ease some of this pressure by increasing the supply of goods on the market. But it cannot substitute for getting the financing of the fiscal expansion right. In a small open economy, Milton Friedman’s

old warning still holds – there is no such thing as a free lunch, whether that lunch is eaten at a restau-

rant or cooked at home. Sincerely, T. Khemraj

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2026 0:00 Sign Off 6:00 Islam for Guyana 6:30 TVG Devotional Hour 7:00 Documentary: Nat Geo Animals 8:00 HGTV 9:00 Stop Suffering 10:00 Food Network 12:00 Movie - Just Jake (2023) 13:30 Movie - The Quest for Tom Sawyer’s Gold (2023) 15:00 Cartoons 16:00 Indian Soaps 17:00 The Young & The Restless 18:00 Documentary: Nat Geo Animals 19:00 The Evening News 20:00 Stop Suffering 20:30 Movie - You, Me, and that Mountain Retreat (2023) 22:00 Movie - Trap (2024)

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2026

Foundation ◄

Page

Lines of symmetry Lines of symmetry are straight lines that divide a shape into two equal parts, where one part is an exact reflection or mirror image of the other. In geometry, many 2D shapes have line symmetry. For example,

Regular polygons are polygons that have equal side lengths and equal angle measures. Many can have more than one line of symmetry. For example,

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chemical element is a basic substance. It cannot be broken down into simpler substances. Chemical elements are the building blocks for all matter – that is, everything that takes up space in the universe. They are sometimes just called elements. There are 92 chemical elements found in nature. Scientists have created more than 20 additional elements. Some elements are much more common than others. The elements combine to form substances called chemical compounds. For example, water is a chemical compound. It is formed by the combination of the elements hydrogen and oxygen. Every element has a symbol. The symbol for some elements is the first letter of its name. For example, H is the symbol for hydrogen. Other elements have a symbol with two letters. For example, Cl is the symbol for chlorine. Each element is made up of only one type of atom. All atoms of an element have the same number of protons. This number is called the atomic number of the element. For example, the atomic number of hydrogen is 1 because a hydrogen atom has one proton.

Notice how the number of lines of symmetry in these regular polygons is equal to the number of sides and angles the polygons have. All regular polygons share the property that the number of sides is equal to the number of lines of symmetry.

In 1869 a Russian scientist named Dmitry Mendeleyev grouped the elements in a table. It is now called the periodic table. The periodic table helps chemists think about the elements and their properties.

By Thom Gunn The bird book says, common, conspicuous. This time of year all day The mockingbird Sweeps at a moderate height Above the densely flowering Suburban plots of May, The characteristic shine Of white patch cutting through the curved ash-grey That bars each wing; Or it appears to us Perched on the post that ends a washing-line To sing there, as in flight, A repertoire of songs that it has heard —From other birds, and others of its kind— Which it has recombined And made its own, especially one With a few separate plangent notes begun Then linking trills as a long confident run Toward the immediate distance, Repeated all day through In the sexual longings of the spring (Which also are derivative) And almost mounting to Fulfillment, thus to give Such muscular vigor to a note so strong, Fulfillment that does not destroy The original, still-unspent Longings that led it where it went But links them in a bird’s inhuman joy Lifted upon the wing Of that patched body, that insistence Which fills the gardens up with headlong song. (Source: Poetry [October/November 1987])

Write a story that ends with forgiveness. (Britannica Kids)

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NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

STELLAR programme launched to revolutionise STEM Education in Guyana – 60 teachers to receive specialised training

he Education Ministry, in partnership with ExxonMobil Guyana, launched a ground-breaking programme on Monday to equip teachers with STEM education skills. This initiative, the first of its kind in the Caribbean, aims to revolutionise the delivery of education in Guyana, Education Minister Sonia Parag said during the launching ceremony. As the first major programme under the Guyana STEM Initiative (GSI), ExxonMobil Guyana’s US$100 million, 10-year commitment to advancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education nationwide, STELLAR represents a strategic investment in the country’s future STEM workforce by building educator capacity, strengthening instructional excellence and fostering leadership within the education system. Beginning in this month, 60 pre-service secondary school educators from across Guyana will undertake specialised training in Mathematics and Science through the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE). Over the two-year programme, participants will develop advanced content knowledge, evidence-based instructional practices, and

A section of the gathering

Inspiring STEM students

Officials at the launch on Monday evening

leadership competencies that will enable them to deliver engaging, high-quality STEM learning experiences in classrooms throughout the country. The programme begins with participants engaging in intensive week-long training, designed to introduce the STELLAR framework, establish expectations, and build a strong foundation for their academic and professional journey.

Education for the future

Delivering the feature remarks during the launching ceremony, Minister Parag emphasised that this programme will revolutionise education for the country, expressing

that “We need to lead in many things, not just oil; we need to lead in education as well.” She encouraged the beneficiaries to take the initiative seriously, noting that it is not just another programme at CPCE. “What you are entering is not just basic teaching; it’s not just learning how to be a leader; it’s not just learning how to teach nursery school children, or primary school children, or secondary school children. You are going to learn specific topics through practice and knowledge so that you can deliver that to other students,” she explained. Minister Parag added that this training will play a crucial role in creating future in-

novators. “We should not be importing skills and talent to build our Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge. You should be doing that because all that you’re going to be taught now and all that you will pass on will help our students to strengthen…it will no longer be basic engineering; it will no longer be the basics of anything; everything is going to be an advanced training,” she noted.

President of the ExxonMobil Foundation, Alvin Abraham, stated that this programme is not only intended to equip teachers with the skills needed to educate students in STEM but also to inspire them. “Exceptional STEM education begins with exceptional educators. That’s why I’m so excited about the Guyana STELLAR programme. Strengthening STEM education starts with strengthening educators. Through hands-on STEM learning, laboratory experiences, enquiry-based instruction, and classroom practice, teachers will gain the skills needed to engage students in critical thinking,

problem-solving, and discovery,” he noted. “They will be prepared not just to teach STEM but to inspire it,” he added.

US$100M investment

In February, ExxonMobil Guyana announced a US$100 million investment, over the next decade, to strengthen STEM education across the country. A major component of that investment will also see the establishment of a STEM Centre at the University of Guyana, expected to become a hub for innovation, research, collaboration, and advanced STEM learning. It is targeted for completion around 20282029.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2026| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Increasing… … Opposition inclusivity

rom the word “go”, WIN and APNU’ve been demanding more consultation with the Government in the formulation of policies and national decisions as their “democratic right”!! Now, this is, of course, an admirable democratic principle – assuming the two Opposition parties can first establish what exactly they mean by “consultation”. The recent discussions between them over their stalemate on Opposition GECOM ‘s representation and the Local Government Commission have given us a useful preview of what “national consultation” might look like – and why the PPP/C Government’s so skittish!! First was the skirmish about having a “neutral venue”!! Your Eyewitness couldn’t see how the venue could influence the discussions – after all, mind control instruments ain’t been invented that would’ve been deployed in either of their HQs!! They finally settled on a new joint on Croal Street – the Brandsville Suites – that boasts a bar and spa!! Now, as a trueblue democrat, your Eyewitness has been quite invested in these discussions – so while he hasn’t exactly been holding his breath for the talks, including a possible coalition arrangement, he was totally gobsmacked to learn they hadn’t even agreed on how they’d CONDUCT their meetings, much less settled the issues on the table!! After their “discussions” were over, both Sanction Man and Norton claimed the meeting was “cordial”, and their General Secretaries were locked in a room to craft a joint statement on meeting protocols!! As your Eyewitness pecks away at this piece the next morning, there’s still no statement, and he assumes the General Secretaries might be loosening their tense muscles at the spa!! The question that’s troubling your Eyewitness right now is what would happen if the Government actually invited the Opposition parties to discuss national policy!! He can imagine the meeting: Govt: “Gentlemen and ladies, we’d like your views on the budget.” Opp: “Certainly! But first, what’s the procedure for this consultation?” Govt: “Shall we meet in person?” Some confusion follows as WIN shouts, “WIN prefers physical meetings”, and is interrupted by APNU screaming, “APNU prefers Zoom!!” As the Govt rep tries to still her rolling eyes, she suggests, “Can we have a hybrid arrangement?” and WIN replies over APNU’s attempt to speak, “Only if we first establish who decides whether it’s hybrid!!” And there goes the first afternoon of Govt-Opp consultations!! The second meeting would be devoted to agreeing on the agenda for the third meeting; the third would determine who’s got the authority to approve the agenda, while the fourth would discuss whether the minutes of the second meeting accurately reflected the disagreement over the agenda of the third!! Looks like the Govt shouldn’t fear no “united Opposition” – just provide them with a conference table, and they’ll do the rest themselves!! …the volume? For more than a decade, the Police and EPA have been conducting a heroic experiment in acoustics – how much noise can a nation endure before somebody finally decides that enough is enough?!! Now comes the latest announcement that the Police are receiving “specialised” training to deal with the menace!! That’s great, innit?? After all, it takes considerable professional expertise to distinguish between the sound of a neighbour’s serenading music and what appears to be a fullscale military invasion involving speakers, subwoofers, and a generator!! For years, we’ve been subjected to the nightly soundtrack of modern Guyana – music blasting from vehicles, rum shops, yards, and parties; amplified sermons competing with amplified dancehall; horns used as substitute conversation; and the occasional sound system apparently attempting to communicate with satellites in space!! So, the problem ain’t new. We’ve had more than a decade to discover that noise pollution ain’t an unavoidable feature of development. The national strategy goes beyond complain, call someone, wait – and complain again!! Jail them!! …oil revenues Now that Exxon’s recovered its sunk costs in the Stabroek Block and we’re getting almost 40 per cent of cost oil, the Govt critics still aren’t happy! They’re crawling out of the woodwork with new nit-picking!! Some people eye nevah full!! The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Guyana Times’ editorial policy and stance

Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Berbice man dies in Corentyne family targeted in 2-vehicle smash-up suspected Molotov cocktail attack

Dead: Joshua Crawford

collision involving a motor car and a heavy-duty lorry along the Nigg Public Road, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), on Tuesday has left one man dead. Twenty-six-year-old Joshua Crawford of Alness Village, Corentyne, who was at the time driving motor car PZZ 5030, succumbed to his injuries moments after colliding with motor lorry GAF 3405. Based on the reported receipt, the lorry was proceeding east along the roadway when it collided with the motor car that was travelling in the opposite direction. Police stated that the motor car suddenly turned north into the path of the approaching lorry, thus resulting in the

smash-up. Crawford was pulled from the wreckage in an unconscious state and rushed to the Port Mourant Public Hospital, where he was examined and immediately transferred to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital for further medical attention. However, upon arrival at the New Amsterdam hospital, he was pronounced dead. Police stated that the lorry was being driven by a 29-year-old man of Alness Village, Corentyne. A breathalyser test administered on the driver showed that he was below the legal limit of alcohol consumption with readings of 16 and 13 micrograms. He was taken into Police custody as investigations continue.

ix members of a family, including a child, escaped unhurt after their Corentyne, Berbice home and vehicles were targeted in a suspected Molotov cocktail attack in the wee hours of Tuesday. Contractor Rawjhen Armogun recalled that he and his wife were asleep in the lower flat of the house at about 02:00h when they were startled by a loud sound. “I hear like a shot, what I thought was a gunshot. And it was a splash straight into the wall. But when I get up on my bed and I pull the blind, I see fire on the outside. What I thought was something caught outside. I didn’t expect that, what I think. So, I burst the door and run out, and when I see, fire is all over the place,” he recalled. Armogun said fires ignited at several points around the property, including near the house and vehicles parked outside. He believes the positioning of the fires suggested that whoever was responsible intended to endanger his family and not just damage his property. “We have all our trucks at the outside of the yard, but they actually come for the family in the house. You know, if we burn, they could burn everybody within the family inside. They didn’t come for noth-

lowed him into the trade, and his son is now doing the same. The incident has left the family considering additional measures to protect the property. “This is an attack on my family. We have to put little measures in place now, right? But like I tell you, I will protect my family with my life. If I have to die, I will die. But no-

The damaged vehicles

ing outside of the yard, but they just came for me and my family,” he said. The contractor further told Guyana Times that family members immediately began using a hose to battle the flames as they awaited the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) to arrive at the scene. He said they were able to extinguish most of the fires before firefighters arrived. Following the incident, the family reportedly found six bottles at different locations around the property. Armogun described them as rum bottles with what appeared to be wicks attached. He said a container was also found near one of the trucks. Surveillance footage from the property was subsequently reviewed. “We see a person walk on the side of the truck from the dam. But when he goes, we only see the smoke and light at the dam, and then

The broken bottle with a wick

the person starts throwing, throwing. That is all we see. We didn’t see anybody else,” Armogun posited. He said the individual appeared to be male and was wearing a hoodie, which prevented the family from identifying him. The 54-year-old has spent most of his life in the construction industry, a profession that has extended through three generations of his family. His father was a contractor; Armogun fol-

body can save me but God. That’s my belief,” he said. While expressing hope that those responsible would be brought to justice, the contractor stressed that he does not know anyone who would want to attack his family. With the motive still unknown, Armogun said the family now has to remain prepared for the possibility of another incident.

10 NEWS Safety, quality, traceability among issues to be addressed – THAG WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…as Govt seeks to increase locally produced food in hospitality sector Challenges

President of THAG, Mitra Ramkumar

ood safety, quality, and traceability are among the key issues that must be addressed as the Government works to increase the use of locally produced food within the growing hospitality sector. This is according to the President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), Mitra Ramkumar, during an interview with this publication. A few days ago, the Ministry of Agriculture met with industry stakeholders to discuss ways to establish stronger direct market linkages between local farmers and the hospitality sector, to create greater opportunities for locally produced fruits and vegetables to reach ho-

tels, restaurants, and other establishments. The initiative forms part of the Ministry's broader efforts to expand market opportunities for farmers, strengthen local food supply chains, and increase the use of locally produced food within Guyana's growing hospitality sector. The move was welcomed by Ramkumar, who noted that "when hotels and restaurants buy locally, more of the money generated by tourism stays in Guyana. It goes directly to farmers and then circulates through rural communities, transportation, packaging, processing, storage, and other businesses along the supply chain."

However, he noted that in order to improve these direct linkages, there are some areas that need addressing. "The challenge is not simply whether farmers can produce. The bigger issue is whether production can be organised around the requirements of the hospitality industry. Hotels and restaurants need consistent quantities, quality, food safety, traceability, proper packaging, reliable delivery, and competitive pricing. Farmers, on the other hand, need greater certainty about the market before they make investments in production. We therefore have to address the entire value chain, from the farm to the hotel kitchen. That means better coordination between buyers and producers, advanced information on what commodities is required, production planning, aggregation, grading and packaging, post-harvest handling, storage and transportation," the THAG President outlined. Similar challenges were highlighted by the Private Sector Commission (PSC) following a meeting with the Agriculture Ministry. In a statement several days ago, the PSC said challenges included consistent supply, quality, quantity, pricing, traceability, and distribution. "Hospitality operators

expressed their willingness to purchase more local products but noted the need for reliable supplies that meet required standards and quantities. Farmers, meanwhile, need stronger and more predictable markets," the PSC said.

Pilot Programme

According to the PSC, some stakeholders supported having a system to connect farmers directly with hotels, restaurants, and other buyers. The Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) was identified as a potential facilitator for creating these linkages and strengthening the connection between

farmers and buyers. The proposed approach is to communicate the hospitality sector's requirements to farmers in advance, allowing producers to plan around known demand, quantities, quality standards, and pricing. The discussion also explored the use of shade houses, hydroponics, and other modern agricultural initiatives to support consistent, year-round production. Moreover, the initiative will look beyond fruits and vegetables to include eggs, poultry, fish, dairy products, seasonings, and other items regularly purchased by hotels and restaurants. The Agriculture Ministry

indicated its willingness to work with the Private Sector and relevant agencies on a four-month pilot programme from September to December, connecting farmers with hospitality businesses and monitoring supply, quality, pricing, and delivery. Additionally, stakeholders agreed to continue working together to develop a sustainable farm-to-market system that creates stronger markets for farmers, gives businesses greater access to quality local products, reduces unnecessary imports, and strengthens Guyana's food security. TURN TO PAGE 20

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2026| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

12 NEWS $189M Juvenile Justice Centre on track for December completion WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud along with contractors during a visit to the construction site On going works at the Juvenile Justice Processing Centre

he $189 million Juvenile Justice Processing Centre, currently being constructed along the Eccles to Ogle Highway, is moving apace and is expected to open its doors in December 2026. This was confirmed by Human Services and

Social Security Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud during a recent visit to the construction site, where she met with contractors who provided her with the update. The facility will create a safer, more peaceful and supportive space for young people who may

come into conflict with the law. Minister Persaud stated that the focus will be on guidance, counselling, mentorship and second chances, helping young people learn, grow and get back on the right path. “Young people may come into conflict with the law,

and we want to give them a second chance; we want to make sure they are dealt with in accordance with the Juvenile Justice Act, and that Act provides for us to deal with these young people very differently,” the Minister stated during one of her budget presentations. In addition, she stated that over 100 ex-prisoners and their families will also benefit from the services at the centre. The Minister reiterated the Government of Guyana’s

unwavering commitment to nurturing the nation’s children-its most valuable resource. By ensuring that children are protected, educated and afforded the opportunity to develop their full potential, the Government is actively laying the foundation for a stronger and more just society. Meanwhile, the initiative is part of a broader legal and social reform agenda supported by the 2018 Juvenile Justice Act. This

legislation introduced comprehensive protocols that prioritise rehabilitation over punishment for children who come into conflict with the law. Back in June 2025, the Children’s Court at the Charity Magistrate’s Court in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) marked a landmark development in Guyana’s ongoing efforts to create a more equitable and child-sensitive justice system. The facility was built at a cost of $72 million.

NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt commits to resolving Leopold St drainage, sewage woes – announces major recreational upgrades

ocal Government and Regional D e v e l o p m e n t Minister, Priya Manickchand has committed to resolving the drainage and sewage challenges faced by residents of Leopold Street, Georgetown and surrounding communities over the years. These ongoing issues have resulted in flooding and other sanitation concerns. This commitment was made during a walkthrough of the Leopold Street area, where the Minister visited homes to engage directly with families and listen to their daily challenges. During this assessment, she actively addressed residents' issues, paying specific attention to critical drainage constraints and a pressing sewage problem impacting the neigh-

Minister Priya Manickchand engaging with residents

Minister Manickchand cashing in on some football talent

bourhood. However, by identifying these bottlenecks on the ground, she told the residents that the Ministry will be taking im-

mediate steps toward improving general living conditions. In addition, she announced significant infrastructural investments

aimed at transforming the area's recreational spaces. Responding to the need for safe and accessible community zones, she outlined

plans for the development of a new playpark, a tennis court, a football field and a basketball court. Further, she confirmed that the Mildred Mansfield area is slated for targeted enhancements designed to provide modernised, multi-purpose environments that foster sports development, youth engagement and stronger community cohesion. She stated that the

Government remains committed to improving environmental management while working alongside residents to build cleaner, safer and more sustainable neighborhoods. Meanwhile, Minister Manickchand distributed backpacks and other back-to-school items with the aim of supporting and equipping students for the upcoming school term.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GDF strengthens search & rescue capabilities through Florida National Guard Exchange ment and multiple operational elements. Guyana’s operating environment demands the ability to respond

The GDF ranks with members of the Florida National Guard’s 3rd Battalion

he Guyana Defence Force (GDF) concluded a five-day Search and Rescue (SAR) Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) with members of the Florida National Guard’s 3rd Battalion; 20th Special Forces Group. The exchange brought together 33 members of the GDF from units across the Force and five members of the Florida National Guard. The programme focused on SAR planning, command and control, and mission execution, with emphasis on the operational judgement required during complex rescue operations. Participants combined classroom instruction with practical exercises covering mission plan-

ning, incident command, Tactical Combat Casualty Care, specialised equipment handling and SAR techniques. Field scenarios required participants to apply these procedures under simulated operational conditions, strengthening casualty management, rescue team coordination and decision-making under pressure. The exchange also deepened military cooperation between the GDF and the Florida National Guard by sharing operational knowledge and established practices. It improved interoperability and strengthened the Force’s ability to conduct coordinated SAR operations that require integrating personnel, specialised equip-

Suriname rejects proposed ferry...

FROM PAGE 3

He said operators had assisted several stranded passengers, but before the new arrangement, persons who crossed the river still faced the difficulty of having to return to complete immigration procedures. “We do a lot of assistance. We assisted a lot of people to get over to Suriname, but they had to come back and get stamped. But things work in a normal position now. The situation gets normal,” he said. According to Murcalin, close to 200 passengers are now travelling back and forth across the river daily, compared with fewer than 120 when the ferry was operating. He estimated that about seven trips are made from the location on an average day, although boats do not necessarily have to be filled before leaving. “Sometimes you get a full boatload, a half boatload. But the moment you come with your wife or two members of the family, you charter the boat and go,” the operator explained. Murcalin said there is no rigid fare being applied to every passenger, particularly given the circumstances in which some travellers found themselves after the ferry service was suspend-

ed. “Most of the time, you charge $5000. But some people get $4000, $3500. They accept it because they don’t have any more,” he said. He also noted that there is currently a greater flow of passengers coming into Guyana, which he attributed in part to the school vacation period in Suriname and families travelling during the break. The increased use of the small-boat service comes as Guyana and Suriname continue efforts to resolve the disruption to the regular ferry link. While the immigration arrangement has provided an alternative for passengers, the MV Canawaima remains out of operation, with Guyana now seeking to put forward another alternative vessel after its first proposal was rejected by the Surinamese maritime authorities. Meanwhile, on Monday, the Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce said the disruption is affecting passengers, businesses, transport operators and the movement of goods between Guyana and Suriname and has renewed concerns about the reliability of the critical cross-border link.

quickly and effectively to incidents across jungle, riverine, maritime and remote areas. Training exchanges

such as this strengthen the GDF’s search and rescue capability, ensuring that the Force’s personnel are better

prepared to protect lives and support communities when emergencies arise.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

MoPW warns of delays as road works continue along EBD corridor tions. The project entails the rehabilitation of 24 kilometres (km) of road, alongside the reconstruction and widening of over 58 bridges and culverts. The roadway will be upgra-

Roadwork along the East Bank Corridor

he Public Works Ministry is urging commuters to ”expect delays and allow extra travel time” amid ongoing road works from Good Success to the Timehri Junction as part of the East Bank Demerara (EBD) Road Improvement Project. In a notice to the public, the Ministry explained that currently, extensive construction works are being undertaken in the Craig, New Hope, Friendship, Soesdyke and Timehri areas. Ongoing activities include excavation and road-widening works, installation of U-channel drainage, relocation of utilities and other associated activities. Additionally, full-depth road reconstruction requiring single-lane closure is currently being done at night in New Hope, Friendship and from Soesdyke Junction to Timehri Junction. In light of these developments, the Ministry said the speed limit has been reduced to 30 km/h in all construction zones. Commuters are also encouraged to obey all signs and instructions from traffic police and flaggers. They are also ur-

ged to proceed with caution and patience. Most importantly, the Ministry advised commuters to ”plan your journey accor-

le. Section A runs from Good Success to Supply; Section B continues from Supply to the Soesdyke Junction while Section C covers the stretch

dingly and leave early, as you should expect travel delays. ” The EBD Road Improvement Project is a US$75.8 million infrastructure undertaking funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to upgrade and widen the corridor from Good Success to Timehri. It was divided into three sections to help minimise disruption and keep construction on schedu-

from Soesdyke to the Timehri Police Station. Undertaken by China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), the project aims to alleviate traffic congestion and facilitate vital routes for efficient transportation. A notable feature of the project is the integration with the Soesdyke/Linden Highway through the construction of a roundabout, designed to facilitate smoother traffic transi-

ExxonMobil resumes operations after small fire onboard Liza Unity FPSO

ays after a small fire broke out in the laundry room within the living quarters of the Liza Unity Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, prompting a temporary suspension of operations, the vessel has reportedly been cleared to resume operations. Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat confirmed that operations resumed on Monday in a comment to the Guyana Times. He nevertheless stated that the Government, through his Ministry will continue to engage ExxonMobil and relevant regulatory agencies while reiterating that personnel onboard remain paramount. In a statement on Monday, the Ministry noted that ExxonMobil said the appropriate response procedures were immediately initiated and that all personnel aboard the vessel are safe and accounted for. ”The Ministry of Natural Resources wishes to note that the relevant regulatory authorities will conduct the necessary follow-up to deter-

mine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The Ministry remains committed to prioritising the safety and well-being of workers and ensuring the highest standards of safety across offshore operations,” the statement noted. According to ExxonMobil, heat detectors aboard the Liza Unity FPSO were activated in the laundry room of the living quarters, indicating a small fire that was quickly extinguished. Operations were suspended as part of the established safety response and will resume following the completion of the necessary checks. The Liza Unity, built by Dutch

shipbuilder SBM Offshore for the Liza Phase Two Project, is one of four FPSOs currently being operated by ExxonMobil in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana. With an installed capacity to produce approximately 220,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd), Liza Unity was the second FPSO built for the Stabroek Block development and started production in February 2022. The United States oil giant is preparing to fire up its fifth FPSO offshore in Guyana - the Errea Wittu, which only arrived in Guyana last week for the US$12.7 billion Uaru development.

ded to a two-lane highway, complete with enhanced safety features such as sidewalks and cycle lanes to cater to vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.

Additionally, thermoplastic road markings, LED street lighting, and traffic signs will be installed to enhance safety and navigation along the carriageway.

20 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Taxi driver charged, remanded for multimillion-dollar robbery at CIOG T

wenty-nine-yearold Dexter Leung of Hunter Street, Georgetown, was on Monday remanded to prison in connection with a robbery committed on the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) along Woolford Avenue, Georgetown. Leung appeared before Magistrate Rochelle Liverpool at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court, where two counts of robbery under arms charges were read to him. Police stated that on August 18, 2026, Leung and others robbed Dennis Ragnauth, a security guard, of $3,815,540 in cash, along with a Samsung Galaxy cellular phone,

men who invaded the property. Police stated that the security guard was conducting checks around the compound when he was confronted by four masked males, one of whom was armed with a knife, while another was armed with a crowbar. During the incident, the security guard

was restrained and relieved of his cellular phone. One of the bandits remained with him while the others proceeded towards the building. Further investigations revealed that they gained entry into the lower flat of the building through a window. While in the building, the men reportedly ran-

sacked various sections and found the above-mentioned cash, after which they escaped. After the review of CCTV footage, the 29-yearold taxi driver was arrested and subsequently charged. He is expected to make his next court appearance on September 15, 2026.

Safety, quality, traceability...

FROM PAGE 10

Stronger sectors

Remanded: Dexter Leung

property of CIOG. It was reported that the 63-year-

old security guard was attacked and robbed by armed

The THAG President underscored the importance of this initiative, noting that it will create stronger and more resilient agriculture, tourism, and hospitality sectors. “It also creates a more predictable market for farmers. If a farmer knows that a hotel requires a particular quantity of lettuce, peppers, herbs or other commodities every week, that farmer can invest with greater confidence in irrigation, greenhouses, machinery, and improved production technologies,” Ramkumar explained. He also noted that it supports the national food security agenda. “Increasing local production reduces our dependence on imports and strengthens Guyana’s ability to withstand disruptions in international supply chains. We have already seen progress in reducing agricultural imports, and we want to build on that progress,” Ramkumar said. Most importantly, he highlighted that as Guyana’s tourism and hospitality industries expand, Guyanese farmers and agro-processors must be positioned to benefit from that growth. “We should not have a situation where our hotels are

expanding rapidly while the food being consumed by visitors is largely being brought in from outside,” the THAG President posited. He further affirmed that “local sourcing is not simply about supporting agriculture – it is about building a stronger and more resilient hospitality industry and a stronger Guyanese economy.” “We are not asking hotels and restaurants to compro-

“At the same time, we are asking our farmers to understand that supplying the hospitality industry is a business. They must produce consistently, meet the required standards, ensure food safety and traceability, and deliver when they say they will,” he added.

Surveillance and monitoring

Just a few months ago, President Dr Irfaan Ali un-

“We should not have a situation where our hotels are expanding rapidly while the food being consumed by visitors is largely being brought in from outside… We are not asking hotels and restaurants to compromise on quality, reliability or price. In fact, our objective is to work with the industry to ensure that local producers can meet those standards.” – Mitra Ramkumar, THAG President mise on quality, reliability or price. In fact, our objective is to work with the industry to ensure that local producers can meet those standards. I would encourage hotels and restaurants to tell farmers what they need, in what quantities, at what quality and on what schedule. That information allows farmers to produce for a guaranteed market rather than producing blindly and hoping to find a buyer,” Ramkumar said.

derscored the need for stronger surveillance, monitoring, and testing systems within Guyana’s food safety framework as the Government moves to enhance oversight of food products available in supermarkets and markets nationwide. The Head of State made the remarks during a meeting with the leadership and staff of the Government AnalystFood and Drug Department (GA-FDD), alongside Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony and Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha. According to the President, the strengthened systems are intended to ensure that all food products meet required standards for quality, safety, labelling, product description and nutritional content. Following the engagement, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony outlined several areas in which the Government is seeking to improve the country’s food safety architecture, including laboratory capacity, staffing, and inter-Ministerial coordination. Dr Anthony said the Health and Agriculture Ministries will be working together to strengthen oversight mechanisms across the sector. He further stated that improvements are needed in laboratory systems to expand the range and volume of food testing being conducted. He also pointed to ongoing legislative and institutional changes that are reshaping responsibility for food safety regulation between Ministries.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

32 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Corentyne Highway set for full-scale paving from Sep 15 - as 200m trial run completed

n preparation for the asphalting of the Corentyne Highway under the Palmyra-Moleson Creek Highway Expansion Project, a test run was conducted on Sunday, resulting in approximately 200 metres completed. According to a social media post, the trial section is 7.5 metres wide, with a 70mm leveling course, and will undergo testing ahead

of full paving, which is set to commence on September 15. The inspection of the trial run was overseen by the Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Madanlall Ramraj and other officials, including engineers and contractors. “From September 15, paving is expected to progress at approximately 100 metres per day. Crusher

Minister Ramraj engaging engineers and contractors ahead of the trial run

run will also be placed along the remaining road network to prepare the corridor for the wider road expansion works,” the post added. This trial run comes months after Ramraj met with engineers, contractors and supervisory teams, urging timely completion and strict quality control of the project. The four-lane highway project has been allocated $15.1 billion in the 2026 national budget, as part of ongoing efforts to advance development. The Minister stated that the project is aimed at transforming Region Six, noting that improved road infrastructure will enhance connectivity, support business activity and expand access to essential services. The project, which will transform the existing roadway into a fourlane highway from Palmyra

to Moleson Creek, is intended to improve traffic flow, enhance safety and strengthen trade with Suriname. However, this project has been ongoing for years, with funding, tendering, and construction activity dating back as early as 2022. In that year, $8.3 billion was allocated in the national budget for the rehabilitation of the Corentyne Main Road from Palmyra to Crabwood Creek. At the same time, procurement was already underway for what was described as the “Expansion of the New Amsterdam to Corentyne Highway Phase One,” divided into multiple lots. It was reported that by 2023, the project had moved into a more defined and heavily funded phase. The official Public Sector Investment Programme recorded a total project cost of $105.52 billion, with $9.12 billion already spent before 2023, and a further $33.85 billion budgeted for that year. In 2024, the Government reported that work had commenced on the reconstruction of 99

The trial paving done on Sunday

structures, including bridges and culverts, and the continued clearing of utilities from the highway corridor. Works on those structures are still ongoing and some of them were slated for an April 2026 completion. In 2025, the project was formally separated into a standalone major highway development; the New Amsterdam to Moleson Creek Highway, with a $15.5 billion budget to commence work on the four-lane road. Procurement for that phase shows major international and regional contractors participating in the bidding process, including China Road

and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and Vishwa Samudra Engineering, with bids for individual lots ranging from approximately US$189 million to over US$257 million. In 2026, the project continues to advance, with a further $15.1 billion allocated; $4.83 billion had already been spent before this year on the current highway package. The works are being executed across multiple lots by contractors, including CRBC and Vishwa Samudra Engineering Ltd, under the supervision of engineering consultants.

Investing in people, skills development paramount for tourism industry – Min Rodrigues - as Visit Rupununi/Baganara Hospitality Training Programme ends

he Visit Rupununi/ Baganara Hospitality Training Programme concluded over the past weekend with a graduation ceremony held at the Baganara Island Resort, celebrating the successful completion of the initiative and the achievements of its participants. The programme was designed to strengthen the knowledge, skills, and capabilities of individuals working within the hospitality sector, equipping them with the tools needed to deliver higher-quality service and create more memorable experiences for visitors to the Rupununi. The training comes at a time when Guyana’s tourism industry continues to grow, creating new opportunities for communities and businesses across the country. Addressing the gathering, Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Susan Rodrigues underscored the importance of continued investment in people and skills development. She noted that as Guyana’s tourism industry expands, building the capacity of those at the heart of the sector must remain a priority. However, the Minister emphasised that the quality of a visitor’s experience is shaped not only by Guyana’s natural attractions but also by the professionalism, knowledge and hospitality of the people

The graduates pose with Minister Rodrigues and other officials

who welcome and serve them. The Minister highlighted the importance of strengthening tourism capacity in communities across the country, particularly in destinations such as the Rupununi, which offer unique nature, adventure and community-based tourism experiences. Furthermore, she added that training programmes such as the Rupununi/Baganara Hospitality Training help ensure that local communities are equipped to benefit from the growing opportunities within the sector while contributing to higher standards of service. As she congratulated the participants for their successful completion of the programme, she encouraged them to view their new skills as an opportunity for continued professional growth and entrepreneurship as Guyana works to build a tourism industry that creates employ-

ment, supports local businesses and ensures that the benefits of tourism reach communities across the country. Nevertheless, she commended the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB), Visit Rupununi, Baganara Island Resort, and all partners involved in the initiative and charged them to continue playing their part in delivering memorable experiences to visitors in Guyana. The graduation exercise was attended by the Country Representative of the IDB, Lorena Solórzano Salazar; Senior Tourism Specialist Tenisha BrownWilliams; Director of the GTA Kamrul Baksh; members of the Diplomatic Corps; President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), Mitra Ramkumar; and other tourism stakeholders.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2026

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Regional

St Lucian woman’s death in CARICOM hires external counsel over T&T challenge Canada ruled as femicide to Barnett’s reappointment O

he 15-member Caribbean C o m m u n i t y (CARICOM) has employed a regional law firm to present its response to the challenge by Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) Prime Minister (PM) Kamla Persad-Bissessar regarding the reappointment of Caricom Secretary General Dr Carla Barnett. Caricom Chairman and St Lucia Prime Minister Phillip J Pierre said his recent meeting with PersadBissessar in Port-of-Spain was “very cordial”. He said T&T has prepared its position, which will be reviewed by CARICOM’s external counsel, adding that CARICOM’s Secretary General and counsel have excused themselves from the process. Pierre said the external counsel has the documents and precedents relating to the appointment of the secretary general and that the T&T Government will present its case to the Judges.

T&T PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar (left) and CARICOM Chairman and St Lucia Prime Minister Phillip J Pierre during the final day of the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in St Lucia last month

He gave no indication of when this would occur. T&T has maintained that its objection “is neither personal nor political”. In her 22-page letter to regional leaders, PM Persad-Bissessar said Portof-Spain’s position “is not directed towards any individual”, but rather “it concerns the legality of the process adopted, the integrity

of our institutions and the faithful observance of the constitutional framework established by the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas”. The CCJ said late last month that it had not received an official request for an advisory opinion from Caricom regarding Barnett’s reappointment. (Excerpt from T&T Guardian)

Peru to welcome Pope Leo with hymn honouring slain nun

eru will welcome Pope Leo XIV in November with a hymn in honour of a Catholic nun killed by Maoist insurgents, celebrating the pontiff’s return to the country where he worked for decades as a missionary. The song, featuring Andean rhythms and titled “Leon, Hermano del Camino” o‌r “Leo, Brother on the Journey”, will be performed by members of the Aguchita youth choir, named after Peruvian mis-

sionary Maria Agustina Rivas. Rivas was killed by Shining Path rebels in 1990 while carrying out humanitarian work in Peru’s remote Amazon jungle region. Known as “Aguchita”, she was beatified by the Vatican in 2022 under Pope Francis after the Church ruled she had been killed out of hatred for the Catholic faith. Keverly Escobar, 27, one of the lead singers, told Reuters she was proud to be part of the choir honouring

a Peruvian saint who gave “her life for the most humble”. The song’s composer and musician, Jaime Montoya, said he was inspired to write the hymn because he saw a common thread – sacrifice – that unites the missionary and Pope Leo. Pope Leo’s visit comes soon after President Keiko Fujimori took office in July, pledging to unite the country following years of political turmoil. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Haiti launches clean-up programme to tackle persistent waste problem

he commune of Gonaïves in northern Haiti has launched a pilot waste-management programme in five neighbourhoods, bringing municipal workers, local businesses and residents together to tackle the city’s persistent garbage problem. Since late June, sanitation workers and committee members of five Gonaïves neighbourhoods have gathered on weekends to collect garbage from streets and public spaces as part of a new programme, “Katye Pa m Pi Pwòp”, Haitian Creole for “My Neighbourhood Is Cleaner”. The programme aims not only to clean the streets but also to estab-

lish a more regular collection and disposal system for the waste generated and encourage residents to keep garbage off public spaces. The initiative comes as municipalities across Haiti continue to struggle with inadequate waste-management systems and the health risks associated with handling waste. In cities such as Port-auPrince, Cap-Haïtien, FortLiberté, Ouanaminthe, Port-de-Paix and Jérémie, garbage has repeatedly accumulated in streets, drainage canals and public spaces, creating environmental and public-health concerns. Efforts have included community cleanups, Private Sector recy-

cling and waste-processing initiatives, and plans to develop modern landfills. In Gonaïves, municipal officials are now betting that a combination of regular collection, private-sector involvement and community participation can provide a more sustainable approach. Officials hope to expand the pilot throughout the municipality and use it as a replicable model across the country. The first phase covers Biennac, Jubilé, Raboteau, Descahos and Gastro. Municipal officials said the programme could expand to other parts of Gonaïves, depending on the results. (Excerpt from The Haitian Times)

ttawa Police have released the name of a man who is reportedly linked to the death of a Saint Lucian woman found in an apartment building. Canadian authorities have declared the death of 27-year-old Kesi Fevrier from Mom Repos a femicide. Just before her body was found in the Canadian capital on Saturday morning, Quebec officers responded to a single-car crash east of Highway 50 near Papineauville. They found a man inside with injuries that did not match the crash, and he was later pronounced dead. On Monday, Police iden-

27-year-old Kesi Fevrier

tified the man in the car crash as Kingsley Nwude, 34, from Ottawa. St Lucia Times has

learned that Nwude was Fevrier’s former boyfriend and originally from Nigeria. The night before her body was found, she reportedly told a family member that he had asked to meet and talk. Sources said that on the night before her body was found, neighbours heard “disturbing noises” from the apartment and called the Police. Police arrived at the Lowertown home at 11:09h on Saturday, where they found Fevrier, who was later pronounced dead. An autopsy is scheduled for later this week. (Excerpt from St Lucia Times)

A&B Police target gangs as authorities move to curb youth violence

olice are targeting two gangs in Antigua and Barbuda (A&B) as part of an intensified effort to curb youth violence and prevent further gun crime, according to Assistant Commissioner of Police Lisbon Michael. Michael, who heads the Criminal Investigations Department, identified the groups as the “Grace Farm Killers” and the “Two Jilly” gang during an interview on ABS’ Antigua Barbuda Today. The crackdown forms part of Operation Restore Confidence, the Police initiative launched amid concerns about gun violence and serious crime. Michael said one of the objectives of the operation is to break up elements of gang violence operating within communities. His comments came after he was questioned about concerns that youth violence appeared to be resurfacing after improvements in recent years. The senior officer also linked recent shootings to tensions that he said apparently emerged from J’ouvert morning. He stressed that J’ouvert

A social media post displaying youth brandishing weapons, highlighted by authorities during a crackdown on local criminal networks

and the wider Carnival celebrations were largely peaceful but said something that occurred during the festivities appeared to have triggered subsequent hostilities. Police have since arrested and charged a number of people, Michael said, with those cases now pending before the courts. Michael also pointed to the work of the Police Youth Intervention Department, which targets children be-

tween the ages of five and 18, including young people displaying behavioural problems or coming from homes affected by conflict. He said Police have seen significant improvements among some participants and a reduction in youth violence but warned that authorities must continue intervening with young people to avoid losing “an entire generation”. (Excerpt from Antigua News Room)

J’ca: Schools facing teacher shortages, says JAPSS

ith the new academic year just days away, numerous schools are scrambling to fill permanent and temporary teaching posts. But Jamaica Association of Principals of Secondary Schools (JAPSS) President Anniona Jones says the influx of advertisements across various media does not reflect the full picture of the staffing needs. According to Jones, while some vacancies have been caused by teachers embarking on well-earned vacation breaks, others are the result of educators leaving the system, some without proper notice.

The educator, who was responding to queries by the Observer about what accounts for the almost perennial influx of advertisements yearly during the summer break, explained that the system itself is partly accountable. She said that while the leave amounts might seem staggering, a little-known fact is that “it takes a regular classroom teacher or Vice Principal five years of service in order to qualify for four months of leave”. Jones noted that because of the late approvals, principals were not made aware, until July, of how much their staffing levels would be

affected for September. She noted that teacher migration and not just vacation entitlements have also influenced the advertisements of vacancies. According to Jones, the discontinuation of a special hazard allowance – a grant that was made to teachers who worked in very remote or rural situations, or in high-risk areas – as an incentive is also a contributor to some schools finding it difficult to fill vacancies. She said it is difficult to provide a total number of all schools with unfilled vacancies. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2026

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Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil settles down more than 3% despite US sanctions on Iran

il prices settled down more than three per cent on Tuesday, at a one-week low, ‌as traders shrugged off the latest US sanctions campaign against Iran, viewing economic pressure as less risky for oil supplies than a military escalation. Brent crude futures settled down US$3.59, or 3.9 per cent, at US$88.58 a barrel, the lowest since August 14. US West Texas Intermediate crude futures fell US$2.65, or 3.1 per cent, to settle at US$82.36, the lowest since August 13. The shift from military conflict to economic pressure in the US – The Israeli war with Iran has reduced some of the oil market’s anxiety, said Saxo Bank head of commodity strategy Ole Hansen, adding the US sanctions announcement was not as forceful as some traders had expected. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent unveiled the measures on Monday, almost six months into the war. He declined to identify countries targeted or say when penalties would take effect, adding he would give countries time to comply. The economic pressure campaign has revived expectations of talks between the US and Iran to resolve their conflict, which began when the US and Israel launched military strikes on Tehran at the end of February, oil trading adviser Ritterbusch and Associates said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

7 killed in Gaza as Israeli strike destroys aid supply warehouse

sraeli strikes have killed at least seven Palestinians across Gaza, according to local medical sources, in ongoing violations of a “ceasefire” that went into effect last October. Three Palestinians were killed and others injured in a strike on a home in Beit Lahiya, near Kamal Adwan Hospital, on Tuesday, a source at al-Shifa Hospital said. Earlier in the day, a drone strike that hit a gathering of civilians killed a man in Khan Younis’s alMawasi area and injured three others. Three other Palestinians died from wounds they sustained in earlier Israeli

A boy sits on the frame of a destroyed vehicle near the rubble of collapsed buildings in Khan Younis

raids on Khan Younis, said Al Jazeera Arabic correspondent Nour Khaled. Two of them died from injuries suffered in an attack on Monday, while the third

had been wounded about two weeks ago, she said. An Israeli military strike overnight into Tuesday also destroyed a ware-

house storing nutrition supplies intended for children, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers in Gaza, Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) said. The warehouse belongs to Ard El Insan (AEI), a local humanitarian organisation working with MAP to support about 60 medical points serving up to 100 women and children daily. The overnight explosion collapsed large sections of the building, including the roof and walls, burying the supplies under rubble, according to MAP, which said the entire stock was damaged and rendered unfit for human consumption. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

China denounces “illegal” new US sanctions on Iran, trading partners

Taliban threaten C former Afghan Police worker after MoD leak

hina has vowed to protect its interests after the US announced plans to widen economic sanctions against Iran and its trading partners, which include Beijing. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said China was firmly opposed to what it called “illegal unilateral sanctions” and would take “all necessary measures” to safeguard its rights.

This came after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the new measures on Monday, warning any nation financially partnering with Iran would be isolated. China is the biggest buyer of Iranian oil, although the trade has declined under the US blockade of Iran’s ports. Lin said: “Cooperation between China and Iran has always been conducted

olly Parton, queen of country music for nearly six decades, died on Tuesday aged 80, her family said in a statement. No cause of death was disclosed, but her publicist said she died peacefully in Nashville. Days earlier, she told People magazine she was dealing with unspecified health issues but planned to keep working. Parton became one of the best-selling female artists of all time, with over 100 million records sold. She won 11 Grammy awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award. Coming from a self-described “dirt-poor” family, Parton often stood in as a symbol of the working-class American and regularly threw her name and money behind causes she believed in. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Parton donated $1 million to vaccine research at Vanderbilt University in 2020, making her an early sponsor of Moderna’s vac-

cine development. She conducted a literacy programme for preschool children across the United States, as well as in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and Ireland, and provided scholarships to high school students in the Tennessee county where she was born. Parton was a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, receiving its highest honour, the Johnny Mercer Award, in 2007. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022. Parton received her first Grammy Award in 1978 for her song “Here You Come Again”. In 1988, she won the People’s Choice Award for favourite all-around female entertainer. But despite all her accolades and achievements, Parton found the greatest meaning in her art. “At the end of the day, I hope that I will be remembered as a good songwriter. The songs are my legacy.” (Excerpt from Reuters)

within the framework of international law and should not be interfered with or disrupted.” Responding to a question about Chinese banks, Bessent said he wanted to make clear “no one was above the reach of US sanctions”. The announcement comes ahead of planned talks between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping next month.

Washington is likely to be wary of potential retaliation from Beijing, which processes the majority of the world’s rare earths and other critical minerals, crucial in the manufacture of many high-tech products. Beijing has already tightened export controls on rare earths as part of previous trade negotiations with the US. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Dolly Parton Gun-running ship sunk by Israeli military in 1948 dies at 80 located 1650ft underwater D Hamid worked for the Afghan national Police unit alongside the British military

man has received threats from the Taliban after his work for the Afghan Police was revealed by a Ministry of Defence leak and the UK refused his application for resettlement. Hamid (not his real name) worked for the Afghan national Police special unit and received certificates for his work signed by senior British figures. His details were also included in an accidental 2022 leak by an MoD official that identified 18,700 Afghans who had worked with or for the British Government. Hamid said he had received a number of threats from the Taliban, including a video he shared with the Guardian, in which a man cradling a rifle and sitting below a Taliban flag threatens to pursue him and cites

knowledge of his previous movements. The MoD, however, has rejected his application for resettlement under the Afghan relocations and assistance policy (Arap) scheme. His most recent rejection in July stated that Hamid had not provided evidence of “working alongside, in partnership with or closely supporting a UK Government department”. It gave him 28 days to appeal. “Must I wait until I am captured, tortured or killed by the Taliban before my service and the danger I face are finally recognised?” he said. Under Arap, high risk of death or serious injury is only taken into account if the rest of the criteria are deemed to have been met. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

srael announced on Monday it had recovered the wreckage of the Altalena, an arms-smuggling boat whose sinking by the Israeli military just after the state’s founding in 1948 exposed divisions that persist today. The Altalena had set sail from France loaded with weapons packed for the Irgun, the militant Zionist force that conducted attacks against the British colonial authorities and the local Palestinian population in the quest to establish Israel. In June 1948, Israeli forces opened fire and sank the boat in waters off Tel Aviv on the orders of David Ben Gurion, Israel’s first Prime Minister. He wanted to exert his authority and prevent the emergence of any paramilitary rival to the Israeli mili-

tary in the month-old state, which was in the throes of war with neighbouring Arab countries. Sixteen Irgun members and three Israeli soldiers were killed. Irgun chief Menachem Begin asked his fighters to surrender to Israeli authorities with words that would become famous: “There will be no civil war with the enemy at our gates.” After the violence, the burnt-out vessel remained off the Tel Aviv coast before eventually being towed out to sea and sunk, according to the Jerusalem Post, which published a computer image of the remains of the ship on the seafloor. Israel has been searching for the wreckage for years, with crews often working in secrecy. (Excerpt from CBS News)

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2026

ARCHIE

DAILY HOROSCOPES

(March 21-April 19)

PICKLES

(April 20-May 20)

(May 21-June 20)

(June 21-July 22)

Direct your energy. Read, learn and pay attention to detail. If you desire change, work toward your goal behind closed doors. Revealing your plans prematurely will give outsiders a chance to intervene. Avoid people and places that present a risk of insult, injury or illness. Large events will limit or restrict you from reaching your objective.

(July 23-Aug. 22)

Put a schedule together and forge ahead. You can accomplish plenty if you are organized and eager to put unfinished business to rest. Opportunity knocks, and friendships can be turned into something more substantial, personally or professionally. A home or personal improvement will enhance your looks or your life. Love and romance are in the stars.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

Say no to decadence. Social or networking events will lead to temptation. Use your intelligence, remind yourself what your goal is and stick to the plans that lead to your desired results. Generate enough energy to cultivate the scenario that makes you feel comfortable and in control. Giving someone the upper hand will cost you. An invitation or offer will have strings attached. Ask questions. Get what you want in writing — or be adamant and take a pass. How you conduct yourself verbally and what you do socially will have an impact on how well you are received and what you get in return. Rely on your intuition and read the room.

PEANUTS

SUDOKU

Deal with doubt directly. Ask questions, then examine the information you discover carefully. Knowing what you are up against is half the battle when you are in a play-to-win situation. Having an open mind and reaching out to those who have already achieved your goals will help you make wise decisions and eliminate mistakes. A partnership and commitment look auspicious.

Hold on to what you’ve got. Say no to climbing aboard someone else’s train wreck. You owe yourself the time and patience to pursue the goals you set. Take action to make your dreams come true and to incorporate what’s meaningful to you into your everyday routine. Choose the journey that promotes healthy living, and rewards will follow. Make plans to do something you enjoy. A social event will lead to people of interest, potential partners and emotional balancing. Go with the flow, and discover what those you encounter have to offer. Experiencing personal growth or updating your look will be beneficial. If you let your charm lead the way, opportunity will follow. Romance is favored. Watch and wait. What you discover by monitoring how others react to situations will be a good indicator of your next move. Don’t feel the need to act prematurely because someone else does. An energy boost will tempt you to try something that may be detrimental to your health. Travel and communication are highlighted but subject to risk. Maintain stability, and refuse to take on other people’s problems. If you want to make a change or move, it should be to increase your income or to handle your money and investments more efficiently. Home improvements that cut your costs, along with a healthy lifestyle to deter additional medical expenses, will put your mind at ease.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Fact-check information you receive before you proceed with your plans. It’s likely something will get lost in translation if you aren’t diligent regarding the cost, quantity, quality and fulfillment obligations. Get any changes in writing to ensure you aren’t shorted or sent something that doesn’t live up to your expectations. Take care of matters personally.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Tackle money and medical matters first. Once you have a handle on your budget — and if you have the energy to follow your dreams — you’ll find it easier to set your plans in motion. Shared expenses can be sorted out, giving you the opportunity to get on with your life. Compromise may be necessary in reaching your objective.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

Establish your position and stick to your plans. Make it your objective to incorporate the skills you enjoy using most into your daily routine or professional goals. A partnership will hit a crossroads. Make your intentions clear to avoid drama or an unexpected development. Arguing will not win favors. Honesty is the best policy.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2026

Coach v student battle headlines Round 2 of Pegasus Weekly Chess League

ound Two of the Pegasus Weekly Chess League, organised by Drayton’s Chess Club, concluded on Monday, August 24, at the Pegasus Hotel Guyana, with another evening of competitive chess, dramatic turning points and a three-way battle developing at the top of the standings. The trending tag for the evening was #GameFaceNight, and the players represented the occasion splendidly, bringing their best game faces to the boards as the seven-round competition continued. Among several interesting matchups, one encounter stood out – Coach versus student, as Oluwadare Oyeyipo faced Sana Sreebalakumar.

Coach v Student

The game began with the Ruy Lopez, one of chess’s most established openings, but it did not remain conventional for long. The players continued: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O d6 6. Bxc6+ bxc6 7. d4 Qe7 8. Bg5 h6 9. Bh4 g5 10. Bg3 At first glance, Black’s position may have appeared uncomfortable to the casu-

Student v teacher, Sana Sreebalakumar (L) takes on Oluwadare Oyeyipo

al observer. The doubled pawns on the c-file were visually unattractive, while White had developed quickly and castled to safety. But chess positions are not always what they appear to be. As the game developed, Black’s pieces remained active, and the advance of the kingside pawns forced White’s bishop backwards. By move 10, deeper analysis showed that Black was not in trouble at all. In fact, Black had emerged with a slight advantage. Then came the turning point. An inaccurate move from

the student on the very next turn gave Oyeyipo the opportunity he needed. The experienced Coach immediately capitalised, and within another six moves the game was effectively decided. Oyeyipo ultimately secured the victory, but not without being tested by his student. For Sreebalakumar, the game demonstrated how small inaccuracies can dramatically change a position. For spectators, it provided an example of one of the fascinating features of competitive chess: a position that appears favourable can change completely with a

Martin Poon (L) battles Jaden Taylor

single move.

One wrong square changes everything

The encounter between Jaden Taylor and Martin Poon provided another of the night’s memorable moments and perhaps its most painful. Taylor had successfully navigated his way to a winning position and was only one move away from checkmate. Then disaster struck. With victory within reach, Taylor placed his queen on the wrong square. Instead of delivering the decisive blow, the mistake allowed his opponent to win the queen. The posi-

tion changed immediately from a virtually certain victory for Taylor to one from which there was no realistic recovery. Poon seized the opportunity and went on to secure the point. It was a cruel reversal for Taylor but also a perfect illustration of the unforgiving nature of chess: the quality of the previous moves does not protect a player from the consequences of the next one.

3 players remain perfect

At the top of the standings, Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Jessica Callender, Keron Sandiford,

and Davion Mars emerged from Round Two as the competition’s three remaining perfect scorers, each sitting on two points from two games. Callender continued her strong start by defeating Raymond Sookdeo, while Sandiford overcame Ryan McKay. Mars also maintained his perfect record with victory over Odimmie Reece. Behind the leaders, the field remains tightly packed. McKay, Reece, Oyeyipo, Sookdeo, Owen Mickle, Sreebalakumar, and Poon each have one point, while Sachin Beharry sits on half a point. Jaden Taylor and Annastaysha Marcano are currently on zero points after two rounds. With five rounds still to play, the league remains wide open, and the Swiss pairing system should increasingly bring the leading performers into direct competition as the tournament progresses. Attention now turns to Round Three, with players eagerly awaiting the next set of matchups next Monday and another opportunity to climb the standings.

Prasidh, Suthar share 6 to keep India in driver’s seat S

onal Dinusha was fighting a lone battle, unbeaten on 85 as play came to a close on day three, with Sri Lanka still 238 runs behind India’s 503 for nine declared, with just two wickets in hand. At the crease alongside him was Lahiru Kumara, who had done well to hold his own during a 50-ball vigil for eight runs. Dinusha’s 50 was his third such score in this series as he showcased the resolve that had been sorely lacking across Sri Lanka’s innings – he was one of only five batters to face at least 50 deliveries in the innings, two of whom were certified tailenders in Kumara and Keshara Nuwantha. For India, it was Prasidh Krishna and Manav Suthar that did a majority of the damage, with both picking up three wickets each. But what would be even more frustrating for the hosts is that India’s bowlers had for the most part not really done enough to merit such a batting capitulation.

Kamil Mishara received a spicy bouncer from Krishna, one he could only fend off to Dhruv Jurel behind the stumps, while on the second evening, both Lahiru Udara and Prabath Jayasuriya could claim bad light had impaired them. But the rest of Sri Lanka’s batters fell almost exclusively against the run of play. Kamindu Mendis looked excellent until he swatted a pull straight to midwicket; Pasindu Sooriyabandara chopped on a non-threatening quicker one from Ravindra Jadeja, while Niroshan Dickwella tickled one down leg to Jurel for a three-ball duck. Even Keshara, who had done so well to hang with Dinusha, lofted an ambitious inside-out drive off Suthar to mid-off. But amidst those moments, there were periods where Sri Lanka looked good on a pitch that had not deteriorated quite as fast as expected. The most prominent of these was when Sooriyabandara was out in the middle.

His 87-run stand for the fourth wicket with Kamindu was the best of the Sri Lankan innings, with both batters looking untroubled during their stay. Having weathered Krishna’s attacking early burst, the pair capitalised on India’s lacklustre spin-bowling efforts. Sooriyabandara in particular showed adeptness at using the depth of the crease, frequently cutting late, while also employing the sweep effectively. But it would be Krishna that delivered the breakthrough once again, persisting with a hard length as Kamindu picked out midwicket with acres of space around him. Dhananjaya de Silva joined him after that, but the Sri Lankan skipper arrived just as India got their act together after lunch. This period was far more focused, and it led to a lovely Suthar delivery that kissed the outside edge on Dhananjaya’s forward defence, a tough break for one of Sri Lanka’s better players of spin. This brought Dinusha

to the crease, and once more Sri Lanka’s batters looked in command, but after a 62-ball stand of 34, Sooriyabandara chopped one on from Jadeja. At 94kph, it was quicker than the deliveries that had preceded it, but Sooriyabandara, who had fought hard for his 80 off 133 – especially having been out for a golden duck on his debut last time out – would have been miffed at being dismissed in such a manner. Things went from bad to worse shortly after as Dickwella fell without bothering the scorers, and at 173 for seven, Sri Lanka were staring down the proverbial barrel of a gun. But in Keshara, and then Kumara, he seemed to have found some able bodies to hold off the visitors’ attack – at least for now. The Dinusha-Keshara pairing brought 57 off 137 deliveries, one which Sri Lanka would have been praying had carried on longer, but like those before him, Keshara brought about his own demise.

Shortly after the tea interval Keshara skipped out and lofted Manav Suthar just straight enough off mid-on for four. 39 balls prior to that, he had stepped out to Saransh Jain, on that occasion slamming him for six over long on. Perhaps if he had waited another 39 balls to try it out, he might have still been out there in the middle. But looking to take on

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Suthar again, this time Nuwantha found the fielder. A soft dismissal and one that would have had his partner at the other end seething. Fortunately for Dinusha, in Kumara he has found another batter capable of surviving, though the new ball had only just come into play before rain and bad light brought play to an early close. (ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Sri Lanka 1st Innings Lahiru Udara c Jaiswal b Prasidh Krishna 1 Kamil Mishara c Jurel b Prasidh Krishna 19 Prabath Jayasuriya lbw b Suthar 2 Pasindu Sooriyabandara b Jadeja 80 Kamindu Mendis c Jadeja b Prasidh Krishna 32 Dhananjaya de Silva (c) c Rahul b Suthar 8 Sonal Dinusha not out 85 Niroshan Dickwella † c Jurel b Mohammed Siraj 0 Keshara Nuwantha c Jain b Suthar 18 Lahiru Kumara not out 8 Extras 12 (lb 6, nb 5, w 1)

Total 265/883.4 Ov (RR: 3.16) Yet to bat: Asitha Fernando Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Lahiru Udara, 1.2 ov), 2-8 (Prabath Jayasuriya, 2.6 ov), 3-35 (Kamil Mishara, 9.3 ov), 4-122 (Kamindu Mendis, 29.6 ov), 5-137 (Dhananjaya de Silva, 34.5 ov), 6-171 (Pasindu Sooriyabandara, 44.6 ov), 7-173 (Niroshan Dickwella, 45.3 ov), 8-230 (Keshara Nuwantha, 68.2 ov) Bowling O-M-R-W Mohammed Siraj 11-0-33-1 Prasidh Krishna 14-1-47-3 Manav Suthar 21-1-83-3 Saransh Jain 18-5-51-0 Ravindra Jadeja 19.4-4-45-1

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2026

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Promotech Inc, Danny’s Auto Sales NTFGL Tour 2…

Persaud takes Round 7 honours as Championship heads to thrilling finale

atanjilee Persaud produced an outstanding performance to win Round Seven of the Promotech and Danny’s Auto Sales National Top Flight Golf League (NTFGL) Tour Two at the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC), surging to the top of the overall standings ahead of the final round. Persaud returned an impressive net 65 to secure the overall victory and eight points, while also claiming back-nine honours with a net 31 for an additional two points. His 10-point haul moved him to 19 points overall, giving him a narrow lead in what has developed into a fiercely contested championship race. The penultimate round, played under excellent golfing conditions on the lush fairways of the LGC, produced some of the best scores of Tour Two as players battled for valuable points with just one round remaining. Rohan Albert delivered one of the day’s standout performances, posting a

Patanjilee Persaud will be looking to replicate some magic as the defending champion heads into the final round

blistering net 31 on the front nine to claim front-nine honours and two points. He followed that with a net 34 on the back nine to finish with an impressive net 66 overall. His performance earned him second place and five additional points, giving him a total of seven points for the day. Joseph Szeplaki contin-

ued to keep himself firmly in championship contention with a strong net 69, finishing third and collecting three points. Brian Hackett secured fourth place and two points, while Maxim Mangra, who had previously posted a net 71 in a makeup round, claimed fifth place and the final point available. The high standard of

play was evident throughout the field, with several players recording respectable scores between net 72 and 75 but narrowly missing out on championship points. With one round remaining, the battle for the Tour Two title is set for a dramatic conclusion. Persaud leads the standings with 19 points,

followed closely by Mangra and Anand Persaud on 18 points each, while Szeplaki remains within striking distance on 17 points. Just two points separate the top four players, setting the stage for an exciting final round on Sunday, September 13. All four leading contenders are expected to compete together in the Marquee Group, ensuring that every shot and every putt will carry added significance as they battle for the championship. The NTFGL extends its sincere appreciation to its sponsors, Promotech Guyana Inc. and Danny’s Auto Sales, for their continued support of the league and competitive golf. With the championship still wide open and only one round left to play, the stage is set for a thrilling finish to NTFGL Tour Two.

Round Seven Results:

1st: Patanjilee Persaud – Net 65 – 8 points 2nd: Rohan Albert – Net

66 – 5 points 3rd: Joseph Szeplaki – Net 69 – 3 points 4th: Brian Hackett – 2 points 5th: Maxim Mangra – Net 71 – 1 point Front Nine: Rohan Albert – Net 31 – 2 points Back Nine: Patanjilee Persaud – Net 31 – 2 points Overall Standings After Round Seven 1st: Patanjilee Persaud – 19 points Joint 2nd: Maxim Mangra – 18 points Joint 2nd: Anand Persaud – 18 points 4th: Joseph Szeplaki – 17 points There was also a club tournament that was played alongside the League tournament. Hardeo Ghanpat emerged victorious with a Gross of 89, HC of 28, and Net of 61. Avinash Persaud earned a Best Gross of 76, Mohanlall Dinanauth earned the title of Longest Drive and Bridgelall Harry copped Nearest to Pin.

Police T20 Cup Capital FC, Milerock to bowl off today FC set for Summer Cup finale

Headquarters were crowned champions in the last edition

he Commissioner of Police T20 Cup is set to bowl off on Wednesday, August 26, with six first-round matches scheduled as Police teams and regional combinations battle for places in the next stage. The opening round will commence at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary, where the Divisions One, Seven, Eight, and Nine combined team will face the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Academy from 08:30h. That match will be followed by a clash between Region Two and Region Six at 11:00h, while

Headquarters will take on Region Three from 13:00h. The first round continues on Thursday, August 27, with Region Five coming up against Officers at 08:30h. At 13:00h, 4A and 4B will combine to oppose the Tactical Services Unit. The final first-round fixture is scheduled for Monday, August 31, when Region 10 will face Region 4C from 08:30h. The Presidential Guard has received a bye into the second round. The competition then moves into the second round, where the Presidential Guard will meet the winner

of Game Three. The winner of Game Four will oppose the winner of Game Five, while the winner of Game Two will face the winner of Game Six. The winner of Game One also receives a bye into the third round. In the third round, the winner of Game Seven will meet the winner of Game One, while the winners of Games Eight and Nine will battle for the remaining final-round berth. The matches will be played at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary, as well as venues in Regions Two and Six.

The Summer Super Cup is scheduled to come to a close this Saturday (file Photo)

ilerock Football Club (FC) and Capital FC secured their places in the final of the Linden Summer Super Cup following contrasting semi-final victories, setting up an exciting showdown on Saturday, August 29. Milerock FC booked their place with a narrow victory over Pdey All Stars, with Tyrese Lewis scoring in the opening minutes to give his side an early advantage. The goal proved decisive as Milerock held on to secure a place in the championship match.

The second semi-final between Capital FC and Botofago FC ended goalless after regulation time, forcing a tense finish to the encounter. Capital FC were subsequently awarded a late decision that put them on the verge of securing their place in the final. However, the match was halted following unsportsmanlike conduct from Botofago FC. Capital FC were eventually awarded the victory, earning their place in Saturday’s championship showdown against Milerock

FC. The final, scheduled for Saturday, August 29, will see Capital FC and Milerock FC battle for the coveted title. Meanwhile, Botofago FC and Pdey All Stars will meet in the third-place playoff, giving both teams an opportunity to finish the tournament on a winning note. With Milerock advancing through a hard-fought semi-final and Capital FC overcoming a controversial ending, all eyes will now turn to Saturday’s final for the crowning of the Summer Super Cup champions.

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2026

quartet gets South Pierre filling void for Boxing American Games reprieve Amazon Warriors after Commonwealth disappointment

Khary Pierre celebrates with Glenn Phillips

est Indies spinner Khary Pierre has found a new home at this year’s Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Pierre has previously played for his home franchise Trinbago Knight Riders, as well as St Lucia Kings. His experience remains paramount, and he came into this year’s CPL with Gudakesh Motie-like boots to fill. After three matches this season, Pierre has been economical, and the most runs he has conceded thus far are 21. In the Amazon Warriors’ latest win, he claimed 2-19, which earned him the Player of the Match award. Reflecting on that win, Pierre credited the entire

group for his success against the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons. “It was a great bowling effort. The boys came out with a clear-cut plan. The backroom staff gave us a plan to work with, and we stuck to that. It was a really good bowling performance from each and every bowler.” “Yeah, keep it simple. We know there’s a threat in Rahkeem Cornwall. I think his wicket is very important for us and for their team, for him in the powerplay to get off. So it was just about for me trying to stick to my lengths and my process, and I think I did that. So I was happy,” the spinner said. Pierre aims to keep it simple, and that approach has proved sufficient for the

spinner. “Just keeping it simple, not getting flustered, and believing in my process. I just try to keep it really simple, and I’ve been doing a really good job of that, so I’m thankful.” When asked how his new CPL home has been, Pierre said: “It has been great. They welcomed me with open arms, and I want to thank the Guyana franchise for having me also. The son of this soil, Gudakesh Motie, he’s a favourite, but the nature of franchise cricket, I just want to come here and play my role… and just make sure I do my role to the best of my ability.” Warriors will return to action on Monday, August 31, against Trinbago Knight Riders in Tarouba, Trinidad.

Berbice U13 crowned Inter-County Champions

erbice’s Under-13 cricket team, in spite of a loss on Tuesday, held their nerve to secure the championship in the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Under-13 Inter-County tournament. Berbice’s, Essequibo’s, and Demerara’s teams all finished the tournament on four

points each, with their net run rate making the difference between the three. While Berbice were champions, Essequibo ended the competition as runners-up. A detailed account of the final round of the U13 tournament will be published in tomorrow’s edition of Guyana Times Sport.

Guyana’s boxing team for the South American Games (L-R): Emmanuel Pompey, Akeelah Vancooten, Lennox Daniels (Coach), Kevin Allicock, and Shakquain James

he Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) has named Keevin Allicock, Shakquain James, Emmanuel Pompey, and Akeelah Vancooten to represent Guyana at the 13th South American Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from September 12 to 26, giving the quartet another opportunity to compete internationally after missing the Commonwealth Games. The selection comes after the boxers were all denied the opportunity to compete at last month’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, despite travelling with the Guyana delegation and preparing to enter the ring. The boxers were rendered ineligible after mandatory once-in-a-lifetime genetic sex test results were not returned before the competition began. The requirement stems from World Boxing’s recently introduced Sex Eligibility Policy, under which all competitors aged 18 and older must undergo a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) genetic test to verify their biological birth sex before competing in sanctioned events. The test detects the Sexdetermining Region Y (SRY) gene, which identifies the presence of Y-chromosome genetic material. Under the policy, athletes determined to be male at birth are eligible for the men’s category, while those determined to be female at birth may compete in the women’s division.

GBA President Steve Ninvalle said sending the four boxers to Argentina fulfils a commitment made following the disappointment in Glasgow. “We’re happy that boxers are getting a chance to compete after not being able to do so at the Commonwealth Games,” Ninvalle said. He said the association had promised the athletes another opportunity to represent Guyana at the next major event, and the South American Games now provide that platform. The group will once again be under the guidance of National Coach Lennox Daniels and, according to Ninvalle, have remained focused on their preparations since returning from Scotland. The GBA is hoping the boxers can continue Guyana’s strong tradition at the South American Games, which have been held every four years since 1978. Boxing has consistently contributed to Guyana’s medal tally at the Games. At the 2022 edition in Asunción, Paraguay, Allicock won bronze in the 57kg division, while Desmond Amsterdam claimed bronze at 80kg. Their medals, alongside Nicolette Fernandes’ silver in women’s squash singles, accounted for Guyana’s three medals at those Games. The 2018 edition in Cochabamba, Bolivia, also saw boxing produce

two bronze medals, with Allicock earning another third-place finish, in the 56kg category, while Collin Lewis took bronze at 64kg. Guyana finished that edition with five medals, with Leslain Baird’s silver in the javelin, while Winston George and Jenea McCammon claimed bronze in the men’s 400m and women’s 100m hurdles, respectively.

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Beharry U19 T20 tournament…

BEI reign supreme after low-scoring contest T

he Berbice Educational Institute (BEI) produced a magical display with the ball on Tuesday afternoon at the Enterprise Community Centre Ground, East Coast Demerara (EBD), going on to lift the inaugural championship trophy in the Beharry Group Under-19 Secondary Schools T20 tournament. The Berbicians were crestfallen after missing out on what was a crucial toss against hosts Annandale Secondary, and subsequently played a gritty innings with the bat to post just 92-7 in their 20 overs.

BEI went above and beyond with the ball, routing their opponents for just 31 in 14 overs to seal a 61-run victory and the championship. As BEI took first strike in the final, Lemuel Dejonge was out in just the third ball of the innings, giving Annandale some hope. Arush Hemraj looked fluent at intervals, but a lingering injury forced the youngster to retire hurt for a period. At the other end, the tournament’s leading run-scorer, Luke Amsterdam, struggled to get the ball away but protected his wicket with all his might.

Amsterdam hit 14 from 35 deliveries, while Captain Gilbert Griffith pitched in with 10 not too long after. Ryan McPherson’s 11, Ray Ramnauth’s 10 and another unbeaten 10 from Demetrius Reid in the death got BEI up to 92-7 in their 20 overs. Hemraj had returned to the crease, eventually ending on 24 off 31 deliveries, consisting of two boundaries. Sanjay Dindyal was the pick of the Annandale bowlers, claiming 2-24 off four overs, while Captain Joshua Bollers, Kevin Singh, and Ruel Dindyal all accounted

for one wicket. The chase appeared manageable for the home team, but they would soon realise that BEI’s bowling attack was a lethal one. Jermaine Paton was gone in the very first over to Griffith in an unconvincing LBW decision. However, the Berbician bowlers left nothing else to chance, accounting for seven of the remaining wickets by rattling the stumps or the runout route. The highest score of eight (19 balls) came off Captain Bollers’ bat, with Akeem Persaud (29 balls) also registering a similar

score. Griffith was an absolute menace with the ball, snaring 3-2 from three overs, including two maidens. Dejonge also claimed three wickets for nine runs in three overs. Nicquan Fraser and Ramnauth claimed one scalp each. With seven extras kindly added to their total, Annadale could only muster a reply of 31 before being routed. As expected, Griffith was named Player of the Final. For the tournament’s individual awards, Annandale Secondary’s Ruel Dindyal

BEI celebrate their victory in the Beharry U19 T20 final Ruel Dindyal is rewarded for being the tournament MVP

Gilbert Griffith conceded just two runs for three wickets in the final

Another look at the Beharry final action on Tuesday

Arush Hemraj top-scored in the final with 24

Luke Amsterdam was the tournament’s highest run scorer

was both the highest wicket taker with 18 scalps and the most valuable player. BEI’s Luke Amsterdam was the best batter and hit the most fours, while Abram Zuil Secondary’s Marcanthony Obermuller had the most dismissals with the gloves on. The successful players were rewarded with trophies alongside cash rewards and vouchers on behalf of the title sponsors. Riding on the success of this year’s inaugural edition, there have already been talks of making the 2027 edition of the competition bigger and better.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2026

Sport is no longer our game, it’s our business

Tahir credits unsung analyst for Warriors’ winning formula

uyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) Captain Imran Tahir has praised Performance Analyst and Assistant Coach Prasanna Agoram for the extensive behind-thescenes work that has contributed to the franchise’s impressive start to the

Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Tahir, speaking after another GAW victory, highlighted Agoram’s detailed preparation and analysis of teams across the Caribbean, saying his work has played a significant role in shaping the team’s bowling plans.

“Most importantly, there are certain people who stay behind the scenes, and they never get credit,” Tahir said. “Prasanna Agoram, he’s one of the guys who’s our analyst. He studied the whole Caribbean. He’s been with us for the last three years.” According to Tahir, Agoram’s statistical analysis and tactical plans have given the Warriors’ bowling group a clear understanding of how to approach their opponents. The veteran leg-spinner also praised the team’s collective effort, noting that the bowlers have embraced the plans presented by the coaching staff and analyst. Tahir also pointed to the importance of adapting to

match conditions, explaining that tactical changes can sometimes produce crucial breakthroughs. He recalled introducing Glenn Phillips into the attack when two left-handers were at the crease, a move which immediately resulted in a wicket. “That’s how cricket works sometimes. You have to play according to the conditions,” Tahir explained. He singled out Shamar Joseph, Pretorius, and Shepherd for setting the standard during the middle overs, while also acknowledging the contributions of the rest of the bowling unit. Tahir admitted he felt bad about not giving Kerry Pierre his full allocation of overs, but said the situation demonstrated the depth and selflessness within the

Shamar Joseph has been Amazon Warriors’ talisman with the ball

squad. “It’s great teamwork, and I think we’re very happy for each other’s success,” he said. “That’s what the Guyana Amazon Warriors are all about.”

Tahir also stressed the value of winning away from home, noting that victories on the road provide a significant advantage before the team returns to its home environment.

Beharry U19 T20 tournament…

BEI reign supreme after low-scoring contest

Pg 39

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