$790M tugboat commissioned
OAS to observe Sept 1 election in Guyana
Armed robbery suspect killed in shootout with Police
3 men remanded over cocaine bust at mall
Intelligence agency ramps up tech-driven security to shield borders, resources, citizens
Trafficker caught with over 26 kilos of ganja found guilty
“It’s like I didn’t pay anything” – parents celebrate as Govt refunds over $239M in exam
The Education Ministry commenced a refund exercise for the 2025 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) fees, delivering on a promise made by President Irfaan Ali earlier this year.
The initiative sees a total of $239,918,000 being returned to 12,685 candidates, spanning public and private schools as well as private candidates who sat the May/June 2025 examinations.
For candidates who received a partial subsidy, they will be reimbursed the value of the parent’s contribution,
also up to a maximum of eight subjects.
To facilitate the refund process, candidates or their representatives must present one of the following forms of identification: national ID card, passport, driver’s licence, or identification by a senior official in the community.
If a parent or registered guardian is not available to collect the refund on behalf of a student, they must provide an authorisation letter, signed, along with a copy of the parent’s or guardian’s ID. In this regard, the refund exercise is ongoing in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Three (Essequibo Islands-West
Demerara), Four (DemeraraMahaica), Five (MahaicaBerbice), Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) and Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
As a result, parents showed up to several institutions, including the Linden Technical Institute, Stewartville Secondary School, Wisburg Secondary School, New Silvercity Secondary School, Soesdyke Secondary School, St Cuthbert's Secondary School and Diamond Secondary School, to uplift the refund.
In interviews some of the parents expressed gratitude to the Government for the initiative. One parent recalled the announcement stating, “At
first, when my daughter had to write the subjects and they told me how much I would have to pay, I said, ‘Okay, I am going to pay it, because I couldn’t get a subsidy because it was private, so when I heard that the Government was giving it back, I came in to find out about it because she wrote six (subjects), and when I came this morning [Monday], the money that she showed me was $35,000. I said, "Wow, it’s like I didn’t pay anything," and I was excited, so thank you to the Government.”
Another parent relayed, “I am here today picking up my child from his CXC voucher. And I would say thank you very much to all who have made this possible, and especially a single parent like me. I am so proud and so happy. I am proud of my kid and proud of the situation. To everyone who makes this possible, I would say, 'Thank you so much'."
President Irfaan Ali on April 10, 2025, announced that the Government of Guyana will fully fund the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) fees for at least eight Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) subjects per student, as well as fees for the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), benefiting both public and private school learners across the country.
The announcement was
made during a public meeting at the West Demerara Secondary School, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), where the Head of State addressed a packed audience of students, parents, and teachers.
Prior to the president’s announcement, the Government had provided subsidies for students in the public education sector writing CSEC. The subsidies were determined based on the financial position of parents/guardians.
Targeting students in Grades 11 through 13 at Government secondary schools, the subsidy structure covered up to 10 subjects and extends
support to both new and continuing students, including special provisions for trained teachers pursuing exams.
In a circular seen by this publication through the Education Ministry, parents or guardians pay between $10,000 and $23,000 based on their annual income in subsidies. Notably, trained teachers with more than three years of experience also qualify for a flat rate of $17,000 in support.
With this in mind, President Ali noted that the policy is expected to benefit thousands of students annually and reduce dropout rates while boosting national performance at the CSEC level.
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, July 16 –20:55h-22:25h and Thursday, July 17 – 21:30h-23:00h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, July 16 –8:00h-9:30h and Thursday, July 17 – 8:50h-10:20h.
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
Thundery showers and late-afternoon sunshine are expected during the day, and thundery showers are expected at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.
Winds: North-Easterly to East South-Easterly between 0.89 metre and 3.12 metres.
High Tide: 08:23h and 20:49h reaching maximum heights of 2.57 metres and 2.52 metres.
Low Tide: 14:21h reaching a minimum height of 0.68 metre.
a move to reinforce United States (US)Guyana relations and deter any threats from Venezuela, US Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo) has introduced new legislation aimed at strengthening military and security cooperation with Guyana. The bill, co-sponsored by Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz), comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tension over the Essequibo region, which the Venezuelan regime continues to claim despite longstanding international recognition of Guyana’s sovereignty.
“As Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro continues to threaten Guyana, the United States must work with Guyana to deter such aggression,” said Bennet. “This bill will force the Pentagon to evaluate current cooperation and determine where improvements can be made.”
Key features of the Bill include a Pentagon review, which will require the Secretary of Defence to submit a comprehensive report to Congress assessing the current state of US-Guyana security co-operation. Additionally, the report will include recommendations on whether additional military assistance or deterrent strategies are necessary to prevent Venezuelan military action as well as the initiative reinforces Guyana's strategic role in regional security, democracy, and global energy supply. Both the Biden and Trump Administrations had previously committed to supporting Guyana’s sovereignty and warned Venezuela of severe consequences if military aggression occurred.
Back in December 2023, Presidents Irfaan Ali of Guyana and Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela signed the Argyle Declaration in Argyle, St Vincent and the
Grenadines. This agreement was facilitated by regional leaders, including Prime Ministers (PM) Ralph Gonsalves of St Vincent and the Grenadines and Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica, with support from Caricom, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), Brazil, and the United Nations (UN).
Key provisions of the Argyle Declaration include a commitment to non-aggression, the peaceful resolution framework and the establishment of a joint commission comprising Foreign Ministers and technical experts from both countries was to be formed to address mutually agreed matters.
Despite the provisions,
Venezuela continues to use aggressive tactics against Guyana, including plans to unlawfully elect a Governor and legislative council of “Guayana Esequiba State”, which is the name the Spanish-speaking nation has given to Guyana’s Essequibo region.
In January 2025, the Nicolás Maduro regime had announced plans to hold elections in the Essequibo region, which is two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass, on May 25, 2025 – something which Guyana wrote the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in March to have blocked. The World Court, which is hearing the case to settle the decades-long border controversy between the two South
American neighbours, subsequently issued an order that Venezuela must refrain from conducting or preparing to conduct elections in Guyana’s Essequibo region. It also reaffirmed the provisional measures issued by the Court on December 1, 2023, which states that “… Venezuela shall refrain from taking any action which would modify the situation that currently prevails in the territory in dispute, whereby the Co-operative Republic of Guyana administers and exercises control over that area; and (2) Both Parties shall refrain from any action which might aggravate or extend the dispute before the Court or make it more difficult to resolve.”
Editor: Tusika Martin
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The Education Ministry’s commencement of the refund exercise for 2025 CSEC and CAPE examination fees marks a significant step forward in Guyana’s ongoing effort to democratise access to education.
With over $239 million in refunds being returned to 12,685 candidates across the country, this initiative reflects both foresight and responsiveness in public policy. It is a financial gesture, but it is also a national statement about the value placed on education and equity.
At a time when many Governments in the Region and beyond are grappling with the rising costs of education, the Guyanese Government has chosen a progressive path to subsidise the examination fees and go a step further by reimbursing families who already shouldered that cost. This deliberate choice of retroactive implementation adds an important layer of credibility to the policy, ensuring that promises made are promises kept. In doing so, the State is reinforcing trust in governance, and more importantly, signalling to families that their sacrifices have not gone unnoticed.
The magnitude of the effort reaching both public and private school students, including those who wrote the exams independently, demonstrates inclusivity. Far from being restricted to students in the public system, this policy recognises the varied educational landscapes in Guyana and acknowledges that learning takes place across multiple settings. This is a meaningful shift in how State assistance is conceptualised: not based solely on institutional affiliation, but on the shared national priority of academic advancement.
The broader implications of this initiative are also worth noting. When families receive tangible financial support, especially in the context of high-stakes examinations like the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) , it allows for reallocation of household resources. While the immediate benefit is the refund itself, the secondary benefit is the room it creates in family budgets, for transportation, technology, meals, and other critical components of the academic journey. Moreover, by eliminating a major financial barrier, this policy may also contribute to a reduction in exam-related stress among students, thereby improving focus and performance.
This intervention also enhances Guyana’s overall education financing model. Previously, subsidies were tied to parental income levels, with families contributing between $10,000 and $23,000 depending on earnings. While this system offered a tiered approach to affordability, it still left many families, particularly those with multiple children or unique financial constraints, struggling to meet the demands of exam preparation. The universal refund model, now implemented, levels that playing field. It offers both relief and a recalibration of the role of the State in supporting academic progression.
President Irfaan Ali’s April 2025 announcement of full coverage for up to eight subjects per student under the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) umbrella sent a message that education is not a privilege, it is a right, and it must be funded accordingly. The inclusion of CAPE fees further underscores the Government’s recognition of the continuum of academic development and the importance of preparing a highly-qualified, post-secondary-ready workforce. This decision will serve to reinforce national educational outcomes, reduce dropout rates, and strengthen Guyana’s long-term human capital.
Importantly, the initiative also makes room for professional development within the education sector. Trained teachers with three or more years of experience are eligible for flatrate subsidies, allowing them to upgrade their qualifications without facing undue financial strain.
Ultimately, this refund exercise is an economic and educational signal. In a global landscape where cost remains a formidable barrier to academic achievement, Guyana is modelling a different path, one that prioritizes both access and equity, while keeping fiscal prudence at the centre.
It is a policy worthy of commendation, not for its scale, but also for its integrity, vision, and potential to shape a more educated and equitable Guyana.
“Issues” will play a key role in voter preference at the 2025 elections
Dear Editor, Despite recent resignations by several MPs (Amanza Walton-Desir, Jermaine Figueira, Natasha Singh Lewis, Geeta Chandan Edmund, and Dawn Hastings-Williams) and non-MPs (Thandi McAllister, Daniel Seeram, and Samuel Sandy, Region 4 REO and Deputy, respectively) from the APNU party, its leader Mr Aubrey Norton insists that these departures will not affect their 2025 election campaign or hurt their chance of electoral victory; a position shared by other APNU members/ supporters.
Mr Aubrey Norton has calculated that the defectors’ impact would be minimal or zero, claiming that they are not political “heavyweights”, a position disputed by observers. For example, PPPC executive member Mr Anil Nandlall asks, “If they were not heavyweights, why were they appointed MPs or executive members of APNU?”
Opponents argue that the PPPC is concerned about the WIN party’s entry into the campaign, fear-
ing the party’s financial influence on key Muslim and Amerindian constituencies that could sway narrow election outcomes. Smaller opposition groups believe that winning a few seats in these areas could shift power away from the PPPC. General Secretary of PPPC Dr Bharrat Jagdeo is aware of this scenario and has launched an aggressive campaign, having been inspired by the massive crowds at events over the past two weeks.
PPPC presidential candidate Dr Irfaan Ali observes that while the WIN party, joined by ANUG, is no political threat to the PPPC’s chance of winning the 2025 polls, he nevertheless contends that Mr Azruddin Mohamed, WIN+ANUG’s leader, is a national security risk. Further, the PPPC believes that Mr Azruddin would instead erode the APNU and AFC PPPC support base.
APNU promises cash grants and increased entitlements if elected, regardless of their sustainability or inflationary impact. The PPPC is open to sustain-
able, non-inflationary but limited cash grants and entitlement increases. The PPPC manifesto is not yet available, but based on earlier comments by its General Secretary, increases are likely for old age pensions, disability allowance, pensions, and the “because we care grant” and medical vouchers, and there might even be a one-off grant to cushion the impact of inflation. New grants include student transportation. The impact of grants on inflation must always be considered before any implementation.
Over the past five years (2020-2025), the PPPC has gathered direct insight into community needs across all regions and has addressed issues efficiently across sectors like housing, education, health, employment, energy, agriculture, climate change, and infrastructure. Their message to voters is clear: they have kept their 2020 manifesto promises and can be relied upon to continue delivering results.
The PPPC’s main goal is to advance social and physical infrastructure, with cash grants being injected
into the system as the need arises. The party’s vision aligns with plans such as the National Development Strategy 1996; Competitive Strategy 2006; Poverty Reduction Strategy 2001 & upgrades; LCDS 2030; and various IMF/World Bank studies. When the PPPC’s manifesto is released, it is expected to document a series of ongoing and new social and physical infrastructure development projects, including an interest-free National Development Bank.
Finally, voting in Guyana has historically followed racial lines, but current trends suggest that “issues” are becoming more influential. The political environment is now highly competitive. While big money may play a role in elections and voter preference, its true impact will only be known after the 2025 election results. Although issues are crucial, the role of the “trust factor” must never be underestimated in voter preferences.
Yours truly, Dr Tara Singh
Dear Editor,
The Ministry of Education has noted a most unfortunate and fallacious statement issued by a candidate of We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), Amika Lewis. Her statement, which questions the National Grade Six Assessment result of Adriana Younge, was clearly meant to excite emotions by exploiting the death of an innocent child. This is reprehensible and has serious consequences.
The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) sets, manages and marks the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA). This has been happening since 2016. If one were to bring into question CXC processes and qualifications, then one would be bringing into disrepute and into question every single Guyanese and Caribbean citizen or person
who ever got CXC qualifications and certificates.
This has serious consequences for our young people and their entrance into tertiary institutions (locally and abroad) and into places of employment. It is selfish and reckless to jeopardise the future of all of our young people for some cheap political points.
The other reality is that Adriana Younge was registered to write the NGSA at Meten-Meer-Zorg Islamic Academy. Her parents removed her from this school and sent her to Parika Salem Primary School after her registration for the NGSA. She therefore wrote the assessment as a “walk-in candidate” at Parika Salem Primary School, something that is allowed. When this happens, a different candidate number for this different exam centre is issued to
the candidate on the exam day.
Each child is required to answer 4 questions per subject at the paper 2 level, except for English, where one essay or letter is written. Each child’s scripts are marked by at least 13 people, as each question is marked by a different person seated at a different table in different rooms.
Each child’s scripts are then re-marked by at least another (and a different) 13 people who are not at the same table or even necessarily in the same room. This entire process is managed and done by CXC. Paper 1 (the multiple-choice questions) is sent to Barbados and marked by a machine. Changing a grade would require the collaboration of an enormous amount of professionals inside and outside of Guyana. It simply is not pos-
sible.
The child who topped the country did not drop a single mark. She earned 100%. The bar was set high, and the reality is that anyone who lost more than 13 raw marks, relative to subject performance, could not get into any of the national schools in 2025.
We will not divest ourselves of the responsibility we have to maintain confidentiality of children’s scores and/or their academic history to make a point or at all, but we ask this political candidate aunt to look inward and be honest. We also ask political candidates during this period to be responsible in their pronouncements. Our children deserve no less.
Sincerely, Ministry of Education
Dear Editor, In one of his weekly press conferences, the General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, made several factual statements about presidential hopeful Azruddin Mohamed which, at the time, did not resonate well with a small number of persons who felt that those statements were hate-filled and meant to denigrate the latter. However, as the days progressed, it is now evident that the General Secretary’s predictions or conclusions are not without merit and have been laid bare for the world to see the veracity of his utterings.
Dr Jagdeo had said that Azruddin will find it difficult to coherently put two sentences together, and this has played out time and again but markedly on Nomination Day, July 14th. Dr Jagdeo had also dared Azruddin ‘to face the press and answer questions from the press’ and that he was willing to give him his Thursday slot to facilitate that engagement. This was to prove that Azruddin is incapable of answering pertinent questions about his ability to govern this country. This challenge was never taken up, but as fate would dictate, the press did meet with Azruddin on Nomination Day in front of the Umana Yana (symbolic of our national unity), and the frailties of this aspiring presidential candidate were laid bare and naked for all Guyanese to witness. The press posed simple and di-
rect questions related to his party’s policies, his party’s priority, the border controversy, his party’s manifesto, his prime ministerial candidate, why Guyanese should vote for a sanctioned person and plans for integrating the energy sector with the Caribbean and Latin America in terms of security and growth. The answers were one-liners: these will materialise and be presented ‘very soon’, ‘soon’, ‘very shortly’, ‘shortly’, ‘maybe’, and ‘I don’t know’. These punctuated the meeting with the press and afforded no definitive answers to what should have been routine answers.
It was evident that Azruddin Mohamed was unprepared, and he had spent little or no time to even think about his party’s policies and probably felt that running a Government is all about meeting the people and listening to their ‘concerns’. He probably felt that his ‘rock star’ status was sufficient. It is evident also that his incompetent ‘team’ were incapable of briefing him on what was to be expected when he faced the press. It was also obvious that the Party has not to date formulated any social and economic policies to govern this country. If such were the case, then the answers to the questions asked by the press would have been automatic and effortless. There would have been no incoherence and stumbling. It is no excuse that the focus was on the nomination process and
that his party was only 48 days old.
Azruddin claimed that he travelled the ‘length and breadth of Guyana’ and met with ‘tens of thousands of people; thus, I am sure that his ambition was not formed within the past 48 days. He had his plans to contest the 2025 general elections, and for over a year he had been testing ‘the waters’, and he felt that the presidency would spare him from legal penalties and the US sanctions. Therefore, he had more than ample time to articulate some policies, even mentally. It is a shame that all the other approved parties could have said something about their policies, but not the WIN party. Is this how a party is serious about investing in the lives
of the Guyanese people? It is pellucid that Azruddin is trying to ‘bluff his way to the presidency’, as was suggested by a reporter.
A presidential candidate, among other characteristics, should have a decent track record wherever he worked before, whether in the private or public sector, and should be honest with strong personal ethics and must be law-abiding and have a deep respect for the law, not an OFAC-sanctioned individual. Wisdom, knowledge and experience and strong oratorical skills with a genuine love for his country are what define a good president. Guyanese beware of bluff masters.
Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf
Dear Editor, Rickey Ramotar Singh was one of the Englishspeaking Caribbean’s most respected and radical professionals.
His life and works spanned the Cold War era and extended into the decades of neoliberalism.
Certainly, those who preceded and collaborated with him in the field of journalism, such as the late Carl Stone of Jamaica, Carl Blackman, David de Caires, Cecil Griffith, Sandra Baptiste and Hubert Wiliams of Guyana, would have rated ‘Rickey’, as everyone called him, ‘a Role Model’.
But he was also a leader.
For several years he directed much effort towards Caribbean unity, often setting out in substance what leadership priorities in various parts of the Caribbean would adhere to as agenda issues.
As editor of the Caribbean Contact and in close association with the Caribbean Council of Churches, Rickey Singh achieved remarkable liberation theology-type acclaim amongst the various religious communities.
Here in Guyana, his journalism and ingenuity expressed in the Guyana Chronicle were crafted and designed to empower the masses of working people.
He was ingenious in interpreting complex political issues to make these accessible to large sections of the reading public.
Perhaps in our polarised society Rickey Singh recognised that, essentially, truth would invariably transcend misinformation and the impacts of what was once de-
scribed as an administrative dictatorship – by no other than our great freedom fighter Dr Cheddi Jagan.
Perhaps it would have been this trait that brought him close to other erstwhile Guyanese, including Miles Fitzpatrick, Martin Carter, Joshua Ramsammy, Boysie and Ralph Ramkarran, as well as B. H. Benn and Eusi Kwayana.
This historical periodisation spans several decades when he practised the option that ‘spoke truth to power’ and maintained high principles whilst being optimistic as to the power of the pen compared to that of the sword.
I recall several occasions delivering statements to his Bourda residence, either from the Water Rodney Solidarity Committee or the Guyana Friendship Societies. Many of these would have been re-edited or revised prior to being carried in the Guyana Chronicle, which at that time was controlled by the PNC (paramountcy).
Beyond this, Rickey Singh’s peer group extended to include highly regarded leaders such as Janet Jagan, Basedo Panday, Lloyd Best and Rafique Shaw. And it could also be part of reality that Rickey Singh, up until the end, lobbied the case for Guyana’s sovereignty and independence specific to the issue of the false territorial claims of the Maduro ruling group. Guyanese will always owe a debt to the contribution and unique efforts of Rickey Singh.
Sincerely, Lawrence (Eddi) Rodney
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 2025
00:00 Sign Off 06:00 Cartoons 07:00 Evening News (RB) 08:00 HGTV 08:30 Stop Suffering 09:30 GSL 2025 Capitals vs Riders 14:00 Jurassic World S1 E4
14:30 The Fairly Oddparents
15:00 How I Met Your Mother S2 E11
16:00 Indian Soaps
17:00 Stop Suffering
17:30 The Evening News
18:15 AEMG Episode 37
18:30 GSL 2025 Warriors vs Hurricanes
23:00 The Office S8 E6 23:30 The Last Man on Earth S3 E15
If you know how to divide a
number by a decimal, you also know how to divide a decimal by a decimal. Multiply the divisor by the smallest power of 10 that will move the decimal point all the way to the right. Then multiply the dividend by that same power of 10. Example:
Christina Rossetti
Whittling is a type of carving done by using a small knife to make small cuts in a piece of wood to shape it into something else.
Small, sharp knives are not common toys for young boys or girls in this day and age. But in this activity your child can still have the experience and satisfaction of crafting a seaworthy craft from wood.
Supplies
• lengths of straight, dry (seasoned) sticks (12 to 20 sticks)
• yarn or string
• cutting tool (for evening the lengths of sticks and cutting string)
Getting started
To build a natural boat from wood, head out into nature! Gather straight, dry sticks that can lie together to form a raft.
You can even build your craft outside if you bring a cutting tool and string with you. You may even want to plan to do this if where you gather your wood there’s also
an accessible body of water for boat testing and launching.
The size of the raft depends on the size of the sticks. Sticks that are 10 to 12 inches long may be easiest to work with. Also most of your sticks should have a similar diameter — how big around they are — though choose two that have a diameter at least twice that of all the others.
Once you have your sticks, lay them sideby-side. If the sticks are small and quite dry, you may be able to break off ends to bring them all to a similar length. Otherwise, you should use a cutting tool to even them out.
Then take your two sticks with the larger diameter and place them parallel to each other, less than one stick length apart. Lay your other sticks perpendicular to the parallel sticks, letting them overlap the larger sticks about an inch. Gather more
sticks if needed or trim your parallel sticks down to size.
Knot a long piece of string around one end around the end of the first perpendicular stick. Wind the string under and around the parallel stick so that the sticks are secured together. Continue winding additional sticks until all your sticks are secure. The sticks you’ve laid out won’t stay in place until they are tied; so it is okay if the original layout is not maintained while tying takes place. Repeat tying stick lengths to the other parallel stick. Try to pull the sticks tightly together as you wind the string around.
Time now to test the waters! If you wants to keep the raft, make sure you are testing in water that allows you to safely and easily retrieve the craft. Otherwise, make note of water currents, see if you can make a prediction about where the boat will float, and wish it bon voyage!
Variation: Indoor rafting. Rafts can also be built from popsicle sticks and launched in a tub or sink. (Adapted from startwithabook. org)
The High Court has ruled that the appointment of Clifton Hicken as Commissioner of Police beyond the age of 55 was lawful, delivering a major win for the Government amid persistent challenges to his eligibility.
Chief Justice (Ag) Roxane George, SC issued the ruling on Tuesday, dismissing a constitutional challenge brought by Troy Garraway and affirming President Irfaan Ali’s authority to make the appointment.
During his weekly programme ‘Issues in the News’, Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall disclosed that the chief justice, in her ruling, found that no constitutional or statutory prohibition prevents the President from appointing a Police Commissioner beyond the age of 55; the Constitutional (Prescribed Matters) Act allows the President to extend the tenure of a Commissioner, in consultation with the Police Service Commission, up to the age of 60, and the law applies equally to substantive and acting Commissioners, as the Constitution confers
full authority and responsibilities to both designations.
“The President did so in exercising certain powers conferred upon the President by an act of Parliament called the Constitutional Prescribed Matters Act. That act permits a Commissioner of Police tenure to be extended, well first of all the act provides that a Commissioner of Police shall vacate office upon the attainment of 55 years of age provided that
the President may permit a Commissioner of Police to continue to act in office after consulting with the Police Service Commission to allow that Commissioner of Police to continue to act in office until he or she reaches the age of 60 years old,” the AG said.
According to Nandlall, the legal challenge was based on the argument that the term "Commissioner of Police" as used in the relevant legislation refers ex-
clusively to a substantive holder of the office and does not extend to an individual acting in that capacity. The lawyers who filed the case contended that only someone who permanently holds the office can have their tenure extended. They also argued that an individual acting as Commissioner cannot be appointed to the post once they have passed the age of 55. This formed the central basis of the submissions in the case.
Nandlall said the Chief Justice agreed with his argument that the Constitution (Prescribed Matters) Act explicitly allows for the Commissioner of Police to serve up to the age of 60, and that nothing in the legislation prevents the President from confirming a candidate after the age of 55.
The AG submitted that the confirmation of Hicken was entirely valid under the law.
The court also ordered Garraway to pay $500,000 in costs and the amount must be paid by August 29, 2025.
“Street corner lawyers”
He sharply criticised what he referred to as
“street corner lawyers” and social media commentators who questioned Hicken’s appointment without legal merit or understanding.
“They couldn't find they couldn't point to any law that says that they couldn't point to a single provision either in the Constitution or in any other law and my understanding of law is once something is not prohibited by law then it is legal to
Bradley “Doggie” Sampson, a wellknown organiser and activist affiliated with We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), is wanted by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in connection with a series of serious offences, including the alleged assault of a woman with a firearm during a dispute over payment for political mobilisation efforts on Nomination Day.
The incident occurred on Tuesday at the Square of the Revolution, Brickdam, during what is alleged to be payments for persons who were mobilised to march with political group WIN on Nomination
Day when the party headed by United States (US) sanctioned businessman, Azruddin Mohamed went to present his list of candidates to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). Videos circulating on social media captured Sampson involved in a violent altercation at the scene over what is alleged to be under payment of persons who participated in the march.
According to police wanted bulletin issued on Tuesday evening, Sampson is being sought for questioning in relation to several offences under the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act
and the Firearm Act, including threatening behaviour; threatening language; obscene language; disorderly behaviour; assault; possession of firearm without a licence and possession of ammunition without a licence.
Sampson is a close associate of US-sanctioned Azruddin Mohamed, who is currently under scrutiny in Guyana’s Court in a high-profile tax evasion case. Sampson and others, reportedly funded by Mohamed, were previously among a hostile group accused of obstructing law enforcement officers and Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) agents
during an attempt to seize several luxury vehicles –including a Lamborghini, Ferrari, Rolls Royce and Toyota Land Cruisers – from Mohamed’s Houston, Greater Georgetown residence.
This latest development adds to a growing list of public controversies involving Sampson. In May, he and three others including social media personalities Rahyana “Fatta” Goring, Shanella Holder, and overseas-based Malika “Farren Dolly” Lewis were charged following a brawl at the Square of the Revolution that was livestreamed and promoted on social media.
Sampson and Goring were accused of inciting Holder and Lewis to engage in a physical fight stemming from a social media feud. Prosecutors said Sampson was seen offering a $200,000 reward to the first woman to arrive for the confrontation, which drew hundreds of spectators and was eventually dispersed by police using rubber pellets. One person was reportedly shot in the buttocks during the chaos.
During their appearance before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, both Sampson and Goring were granted $250,000 bail each and warned to conduct themselves responsibly, particularly on social media. Sampson was also ordered to
surrender his passport.
Holder and Lewis were each placed on $15,000 bail pending further legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Law enforcement officials have appealed to the public for assistance in locating Sampson. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is urged to contact the nearest police station or call 911.
There were previous legal challenges mounted by opposition members throughout various stages of Hicken’s appointment as Top Cop but they were all dismissed by the courts.
do it. Any action that is not prohibited by law it is legal to do that thing whatever it is and that simple commonsensical principle sometimes eludes the best of lawyers. So that issue has been put to rest and the two other challenges which they had filed against Mr Hicken and both of which they lost, they never appealed meaning that they have accepted those decisions as correct. Let us see if they will appeal this one because the opposition leader likes to criticise Hicken and always says in the public domain that Mr Hicken's appointment is illegal. Well, he sent I suppose his best lawyers out there and they were unable to establish that contention to the satisfaction of the Chief Justice of the country,” he explained.
In December 2024, President Ali officially confirmed Hicken’s appointment using his powers under the Constitution.
Hicken was appointed to act in the capacity of Police Commissioner in March 2022, taking over responsibility from acting Police Commissioner Nigel Hoppie, who proceeded on pre-retirement leave. However, on July 22, 2023, Hicken turned 55 years – the age of retirement in the Police Force.
Seon Abbensetts
AGeorgetown man who claimed his cousin was responsible for more than 26 kilograms (kg) of cannabis found in a barrel at his residence was on Tuesday found guilty of drug trafficking. Seon Abbensetts, 36, was convicted after acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty found him guilty following the conclusion of a trial that had been ongoing since last year. He is now awaiting sentencing, which is scheduled for July 31. Abbensetts was charged in 2023 with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking, contrary to Section 5(1)(a)(i) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, Chapter 10:10.
The charge arose from an August 12, 2023 police operation at a house located at the corner of Bent and Lime Streets, Georgetown.
During the raid, police discovered 26.127 kg of cannabis concealed in a blue barrel with a black cover. The drugs were packaged in transparent plastic parcels. Abbensetts was arrested at the scene, charged and brought before Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus on August 16, 2023. He was initially remanded to prison but was later granted bail during the course of the trial at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
Represented by Attorney Kiwanna Jefford, Abbensetts denied the allegations. His defence hinged on the claim that the narcotics had been taken to the house by his cousin, re-
ferred to as “Spirit,” who he said had delivered household items. Abbensetts insisted he had never checked the contents of the barrel.
However, in her ruling on Tuesday, Magistrate McGusty rejected the defence and dismissed the story about “Spirit” as a fabrication. She noted that Abbensetts failed to provide any supporting evidence or witnesses and referenced a video-recorded interview. She said that when arrested, Abbensetts did not deny knowledge of the cannabis. Instead, he told police that his girlfriend, who was at the residence during the raid, knew nothing about the
drugs.
The Magistrate described the mention of “Spirit” as a calculated attempt to mislead the court and emphasised that the amount of cannabis discovered was significant. She accepted the prosecution’s position that Abbensetts was the occupant of the premises and had control over the contents found inside.
As the guilty decision was handed down, Abbensetts continued to maintain his innocence. His attorney has since requested that a probation report be prepared ahead of sentencing. He was remanded to prison until his return to court later this month.
Twenty-one-year-old former Castle Security guard Rakameem Benowen Nicholas, accused of a $13.1 million armed robbery at the Fantasy Game Lounge, Giftland Mall, was remanded to prison on Monday following formal charges in court. Nicholas, who was taken into custody nearly three weeks after the June 22 incident, appeared on Friday before Magistrate Abigail Gibbs at the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Court. He faced two charges of discharging a loaded firearm with intent to maim, disfigure, disable or
cause grievous bodily harm, offences under Section 55A of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01.
He is accused of firing his service weapon at co-workers Cassie Benjamin and Raywat Sankar inside the Fantasy Game Lounge, during the early morning heist. In addition, Nicholas was charged with simple larceny for allegedly stealing his 9mm Glock 19 service pistol, serial number BFVU 468, along with 17 live rounds of ammunition from Castle Security Services.
Rakameem Benowen Nicholas
Represented by attorney Bernard DeSilva, Nicholas pleaded not guilty to all charges. Magistrate Gibbs denied bail, remanding him until August 19, for report and disclosure. It was reported that on June 22, Nicholas robbed the Fantasy Game Lounge in a daring armed attack, then a security guard on duty. According to preliminary police reports, Nicholas approached Sankar, the outlet supervisor, and a female floor assistant, pointing his weapon and discharging a shot into the air. He then forced the pair into the cashier’s room and ordered Sankar to open the vault. The cash was reportedly placed into a garbage bin before the suspect calmly exited the building.
CCTV footage later allegedly captured Nicholas walking out of the mall access road, turning west along the Railway Embankment, and entering a motorcar bearing plate PZZ 5690, which promptly fled the scene.
Following the heist, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) issued a wanted bulletin for Nicholas, providing his last known address as Lot 200 West Ruimveldt, Georgetown.
Three weeks later, detectives from the Criminal Investigation Department’s (CID) anti-crime unit located the suspect outside KK Villa, Lime Street, Werk-enRust, where he was arrested. Officers seized GY$20,950, his mobile phone, and later recovered his service weapon—along with 15 matching live rounds—inside a black haversack in a room at the guest house. His passport and a copy of his firearm licence were also found.
Well, the “die has been cast” on Nomination Day – in the arena that’s politics in Guyana. The phrase goes all the way back to Julius Caesar making his famous decision to go against the Roman Senate and cross the Rubicon River into Italy. It was a declaration of war, and there was no turning back – just like when you’re playing dice!! Now, as your Eyewitness thinks about it, he can see that to quite a few folks, getting into politics in Guyana is the same as “trying a t'ing” – to get noticed? How else do you explain twenty-two parties submitting symbols to signify they’re gonna be running in our Sept 1 elections – and FIFTEEN OF THEM WERE NOWHERE TO BE SEEN ON NOMINATION DAY??!!
And it’s not as if they didn’t know what it takes to get into the game!! Even if they were living under rocks, they were informed by GECOM as to the number of backers they had to secure – with signatures and all!! This means the leaders of those fifteen entities just didn’t have the wherewithal to secure the minimum of a few hundred signatures in at least six regions!! And for what it’s worth, three of the seven who qualified went this latter route –so really, we have four full and three half-parties in the race!! The Walton-Desir’s and Simona Broomes’ outfits –plus one that your Eyewitness can’t be bothered to look up – were the halflings!!
No one was surprised that the PPP and PNC/APNU qualified – but most didn’t think the AFC woulda been as challenged as they clearly were!! It’s clear that the strategy of the present leadership was quite misguided. Surprisingly so since – with Ramjaat and Naga Man out – they’re from that middle-class Coloured elite who’re trained from birth to assume leadership!! Why would they spend so much time negotiating a coalition with the PNC when the latter had already told them they were small potatoes? Didn’t it make sense for them to spend that time building their base – and would’ve become more attractive to – and respected by – the PNC??
The new (sanctioned!!) candidate on the block clearly didn’t have the challenge the AFC faced – of finance. Having syphoned off US$50 million – equivalent to GY$10.75 BILLIONS!! – from 2 tonnes of gold smuggled out, he clearly has even more tonnes of cash in his kitty to’ve bussed in – and fed!! – revellers from far and wide. Trust your Eyewitness, he hasn’t spent $10 billion on the houses he’s handed out to garner attention!!
Anyhow, the game has begun – and since we play hardball in Guyana – expect some bouncers. Those who can’t bear the heat should leave the pitch!!
…of the “Know Nothing Party”
We all know OUR politics is greatly influenced by the politics from up north. While it’s the Brits who gave us our political system, in our practice of that fine art we’ve been increasingly influenced by the Yanks!! Well, it seems that one new entrant seems to have to’ve gone all the way back to 19th-century American politics to revive one of their contributions to politics! This was the birth of the “Know Nothing Party”!!
Believe it or not – your Eyewitness ain’t pulling your legs!! At its height in the 1850s, the Know Nothing Party –originally called the American Party – was the third largest party after the nascent Republicans and Democrats!! They got their name from being required to answer all questions with – “We know nothing”!! Ironically Guyana’s new political entrant – followed the rule on Nomination Day – was sanctioned – not sanctified!! – by the Yanks. Is the fella trying to ingratiate himself with them??
Whatever it is, your Eyewitness knows nothing!!
…WI Cricket died
On July 14th, 2025, WI Cricket died when they were bowled out by Australia for twenty-seven runs!! WI Cricket lived a glorious life and once was the envy of the cricketing world. They were bled to death by departures.
“I couldn’t bear it anymore” – former PNCR Treasurer says racism in party too overwhelming, endorses PPP/C
Former Treasurer of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Faaiz Mursaline, has cited the pervasive racism he faced within the party, as he publicly endorsed President Irfaan Ali and threw his support behind the governing People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) for a second term.
In a video interview with another media house, Mursaline praised the “massive, rapid” infrastructure development and national progress taking place under the PPP.
The interview, released Tuesday on social media, Mursaline described the hostility he faced within the PNCR as too overwhelming to tolerate.
‘Oh, you have been put there by the African vote.’
These were the kinds of rhetoric that were being said,” he recounted. “I couldn’t bear it anymore.
My loyalty was attached
to that party, but not anymore. Not anymore.”
Mursaline described the PNCR as being “marred in controversy” and being a downward spiral under the leadership of cur-
rent leader Aubrey Norton, who has headed the PNCR since 2021. According to Mursaline, the party “was never an inclusive party”.
“It is a political organisation going down. The party had its own crabs in the barrel. It was never an inclusive party,” he said. ‘It’s gone down to the lowest, and Norton is not seeing it because he has surrounded himself with his own type of people that will always say, ‘Yes, comrade leader,’ and not maybe or no.”
He praised the recent remarks of Attorney James Bond, another former PNCR Executive, that “there is no PNCR anymore”, calling it a reflection of how deeply the party has fallen. Bond is among a plethora of PNCR executives who have left the party, many of whom have joined ranks with the PPP/C. Bond is currently a candidate for the PPP/C at the upcoming 2025 General and Regional
Elections, which are slated for September 1.
Mursaline had signalled his discontent with the party since late 2022, after he resigned as treasurer of the party. According to Mursaline, his time as treasurer was marked not only by racial tensions but also
by troubling financial practices.
In his resignation letter, Mursaline noted: “… the constant racial hostility from [name withheld] is just too much for me to handle, and the leader seems to not care.”
According to Mursaline, from the time he assumed the position of elected treasurer, he was made to sign several blank cheques with no supporting documents. He alleged that he was pressured to sign up to 20 blank cheques at a time with no supporting documents—a red flag that prompted him to call for an audit. However, his proposal was dismissed by the party’s leadership. Now aligned with the PPP, Mursaline says he is ready to leave the past behind and focus on the progress being delivered under President Ali’s administration. “I just want to congratulate President Ali for what he is doing.
His government is leading a massive, rapid expansion for infrastructure work in this country,” Mursaline said, citing upcoming projects such as the major regional hospital, the need for regional airports, the major highway in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), and the proposed Corentyne bridge to link Guyana and Suriname.
“Now things are happening! In the next term we need to increase the speed a little bit more, and I wish them all the best,” he added. Mursaline also credited the PPP Administration with guiding the country through the COVID-19 pandemic and initiating meaningful recovery. “People have to hold the line, because in the end the PPP/C captured this country from the COVID-19 pandemic… With less than three and a half years, you see what is happening here.”
A26-year-old man wanted in connection with a series of armed robberies against Chinese businesses was fa-
Police said the shooting occurred about 23:45h after a mobile patrol went to Wall Street, Amelia’s Ward to arrest Shamar Prince, an unemployed man living with his girlfriend, 22-year-old cook, in the lower flat of a two-storey concrete house.
According to investigators, the woman opened the western door and spoke briefly with the ranks. Moments later, Prince emerged from a rear door on the northwestern side and allegedly opened fire, forcing one officer to dive for cover. Prince then sprinted into the yard, continuing to discharge rounds. The officers returned fire; Prince collapsed near the side fence.
When the ranks approached, Prince was lying on his back wearing a multi-coloured shirt and black jeans. Beside him was a .38-calibre revolver loaded with three live rounds and three spent shells, along with a box of twenty-five additional .38 rounds. Police
tally shot late Monday night during a gun battle with police at Amelia’s Ward, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
also recovered a black shoulder bag holding Prince’s national ID card, a Blu mobile phone, $1,040, a knife, and
Two individuals appeared before separate Magistrates this week after being charged in unrelated cases of marijuana possession, one of whom has been placed on bail while the other has already been sentenced.
In the first case, 48-yearold Kaleta Victoria Bristol of Dazzle Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara (ECD) was arrested on Monday and charged on Tuesday with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking, after 152 grams of marijuana were allegedly found in her possession.
Bristol appeared before Magistrate Teriq Mohammed at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court where the charge, filed under Section 5(1)(a)(i) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, Chapter 10:10, was read to her. She pleaded not guilty and was granted $50,000 bail. As a condition of her bail, the court ordered her to report to the Enmore
Police Station on the last Friday of every month until the completion of the case. The matter was adjourned to September 8.
Police reported that Bristol was a passenger in a motor pickup, PAH 7995, which was intercepted around 14:30h on Monday at the Itaballi Police Checkpoint, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) where a search led to the discovery of the narcotics. Meanwhile, in a sepa-
about five grams of a whitish rock-like substance suspected to be cocaine.
Prince was rushed to the Linden Hospital Complex, where he died while receiv-
ing emergency treatment. Doctors noted five gunshot wounds, one to the left side of his head, three to his left upper shoulder, and one to the right side of his chest. His body has been placed in the hospital mortuary pending a post-mortem examination.
Police said that all ballistic evidence, the revolver, live rounds and spent shells, were sealed and sent for forensic testing, adding that the patrol had been following up on a robbery-under-arms report filed earlier Monday by Long Xing, a 38-yearold Chinese businessman from Mackenzie, and on other recent holdups targeting Chinese establishments in the area. Investigators believe Prince may have been linked to those crimes.
Police said that it has
launched a full probe into the circumstances surrounding the shoot-out that led to Prince’s death.
Prince is no stranger to the law. He had previously made headlines in 2021 when, at just 20 years old, he escaped lawful custody while serving two five-year sentences for armed robbery at the Lusignan Prison. While working on the prison farm, he walked through the eastern gate behind a truck and fled into the backlands. He was recaptured shortly after by ranks from the Vigilance Police Station. Prince later pleaded guilty to the escape and was sentenced to three additional years in jail by Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Vigilance Magistrates’ Court.
rate case, 31-year-old construction worker Mark Major of Belmont, Mahaica, ECD was arrested on Friday last and charged with possession of 11 grams of cannabis.
He appeared before Magistrate Allan Wilson at the Mahaicony Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, where he pleaded guilty to the charge. Major was ordered to pay a $6,000 fine and complete 60 days of community service as part of his sentence.
In a move that will further contribute to the modernisation of the country’s maritime sector, the Government on Tuesday commissioned a $790 million cutting-edge tugboat to improve trade routes and operational efficiency along the internal waterways. The newly commissioned tugboat, Arau, is a StanTug 1606 model supplied by Farm Supplies Ltd. Measuring 16.76 metres in length with a beam of 5.94 metres, a depth of 2.54 metres, and a draft of 2.25 metres, the vessel is engineered for high performance in demanding conditions. It is powered by twin C-18 Caterpillar diesel engines delivering a combined propulsion power of 894 brake kilowatts (kW).
With a bollard pull capacity of 16 tonnes, Arau is capable of efficiently assisting in the maneuvering of ocean-going vessels ranging between 10,000 and 20,000 deadweight tonnes, further strengthening the country’s maritime logistics and port operations.
With the increasing size of ships that visit our ports, even though nothing has been taken away from the private sector and nothing will be taken away, we stand ready to support any emergency. The vessel carries a crew of six and is classed for operation in coastal waters. All of this came at a hefty sum to the Government of Guyana, $790 million.
It is ideally suited for towing, mooring, pushing and surveying operations,
the latter being the task it will be deployed for until the dedicated hydrographic vessel is completed and delivered to the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) in 2026. At the commissioning ceremony, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, described the acquisition as a major step in enhancing Guyana’s maritime infrastructure.
He said that Guyana’s maritime sector has moved from broken-down, old boats, some lodged at the Mazaruni dockyard for years, prompting people to ask if they were scrap metal, to a fleet with vessels that can meet international standards.
“And while we’re doing all of that in terms of the big infrastructural improvements and enhancing the administrative architecture for the monitoring and management of the sector, MARAD has also been working with communities to enhance safety,” he said.
“Whether it’s in the Demerara River, the Berbice River, the Pomeroon River or in the Barima-Waini regions, we are ensuring that all the men who operate the water taxis are properly certified—and most importantly—that safety is upheld at every level.” He also highlighted that Guyana is engaging people who are seri-
ous about doing business.
On that note, he stressed that Guyana is creating an environment to ensure that when persons come to visit, the standards that should be upheld are in place.
“To the crew and all others who will be working in the sector and using these boats—let’s care for them. Let’s lift the bar of excellence. Our maintenance must be robust.” Edghill highlighted that these investments are a result of visionary leadership. He stated that these are not accidental. All of these investments are intentional and purpose-driven. Because the Government is not just advancing oil and gas—agri-
culture has been expanding, tourism is growing and so is the quality of Government services in hinterland communities.
Meanwhile, Director General of MARAD, Stephen Thomas, emphasised that the Government’s commitment does not detract from the essential role of the private sector. On that note, he encouraged the sailors to exercise vigilance and navigate the vessel with the utmost care and responsibility.
“With the increasing size of ships that visit our ports, even though nothing has been taken away from the private sector and nothing will be taken away, we stand ready to support any emer-
gency,” Thomas said.
“This tug is based on the considerable knowledge and experience of Damen of the Netherlands, and the skilled engineers and craftsmen of their team in China, where the Arau was built,” he added.
“The crew, as I mentioned, you are trained and familiarised with the operation of the vessel. The vessel is now in your hands, and we expect that you will maintain it, operate it safely, and keep it sailing smoothly. Your job is to make this ship virtually unsinkable and indestructible. May God bless you as you navigate this vessel safely in our waterways.”
The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), responsible for coordinating the State’s defence and law enforcement activities, works alongside other law enforcement agencies using drones, CCTV, satellite imagery, and other Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems to detect patterns. Speaking during this week’s ‘Safeguarding the Nation’ programme, Director of NISA Colonel Sheldon Howell noted that the agency has increased monitoring of its land, sea, and airspace.
To protect Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) from external threats, he noted that “especially near our oil exploration installations, we have increased maritime patrols and our domain awareness, supported deeply by our international partners like the United States (US) and our regional allies.”
This measure, he said, “helps to pull the intelligence together so if something suspicious happens, there is no time lost in coordinating the response, and these are not just plans; they’re happening now.”
Also at sea, NISA is now using sophisticated state-of-
the-art coastal radars and Automatic Identification System (AIS) systems to protect and provide real-time monitoring. The Director also noted that, within the past year, several illegal mining and logging operations were shut down in Regions Seven, Eight and Nine in collaboration with the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). Furthermore, many gold smuggling operations were intercepted in the riverine areas, as well as unregulated dredging, particularly in the border areas.
“In this regard, we’ve deployed forward operating units to act quickly before any damage is done. Out in our seas, our Coast Guard, the Police Marine Wing, the Maritime Administration Department, and the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit are protecting our marine resources from illegal fishing vessels, especially from Venezuela, to illegal drug trafficking and armed trafficking groups,” he explained.
In addition to the ongoing surveillance works, the NISA Director is encouraging citizens to report any sightings of illegal dredging,
illegal mining or a foreign vessel.
Colonel Howell recalled instances where drones were used to spot illegal airstrips in Guyana’s vast interior lands, intercept illegal Venezuelan vessels in Guyana’s waters and track the movement of people across borders.
“To sum it up, the architecture protects our people, it protects this nation, because this is not the job for only one group, it’s for all of us…When drones spotted illegal airstrips and mining camps deep in Region Nine, we were able to deploy teams quickly to shut down those illegal operations, thanks to community information as well as aerial surveillance. Another one is when Venezuelan illegal vessels cross into our waters. We have radar systems and coastal surveillance systems, along with GPS top patrols, that let us intercept these vessels and protect our territory,” he said.
The NISA Director added that in the city, “CCTV cameras and a new e-ticketing system help to reduce traffic violations and assist in police investigations [while] in our hinterlands, we use cross-border tracking sys-
tems that allow us to track movements of people, which helps to understand potential threats.”
NISA was established in 2010 and renamed in 2017. In 2023, its roles and functions were put into legislation through the NISA Bill as part of a broader effort to strengthen Guyana’s national security framework. Its central hub is the
Command Centre, through which data collected is processed and disseminated to local agencies and international partners, such as the US, United Kingdom (UK), Brazil, France, and those in the Caribbean and Latin America, according to the Director.
On Tuesday, he responded to privacy concerns expressed by some people as
the Government recently installed more CCTV cameras along the coast and piloted the use of drones in the city.
“This is a valid concern, even for me…and we take this very seriously… we stick rigidly to the laws that govern us. Every piece of equipment is logged and audited, and there is no access to footage without traceability. We also have strict access control and oversight systems, and soon we’ll have an oversight board with civil society voices,” he assured.
He added that the agency has upgraded its response mechanism for missing persons, especially children. Soon, it will have a national alert system that sends view time information to people’s phones, TVs, radios and social media platforms.
“These tools are not threats. Once it’s used with discipline, purpose will earn the public’s trust. We don’t want to take away people’s freedom. We want to protect it,” the Director added. NISA, along with other law enforcement agencies, reports to President Dr Irfaan Ali, who serves as the Commander-in-Chief and Chair of the Defence Board and the National Security Council (NSC).
Nomination Day 2025 is now in the record books. The PPP, led by the General Secretary, Dr Bharat Jagdeo, and Presidential and Prime Ministerial candidates Dr Irfaan Ali and Brigadier Mark Philips, marched from Freedom House to the Yumana Yana carrying with them what they described as the winning list. They marched with thousands of persons, with waving of flags and an electrifying atmosphere. The streets along the way were a truly genuine red tsunami.
Dr Leslie Ramsammy
In the end, seven political parties presented lists to GECOM, which will verify which lists will be approved by Thursday this week. In contrast to the show of massive strength by the PPP, the Horizon and Star party, which has become a tradition, was represented by its leader alone. This party has, over decades, done the same, and there is no evidence that it has any other member. He submitted a list that had a total of a single candidate, himself. The PNC-led APNU was clearly the next largest group, although the size of the nomination day crowd paled in comparison to the PPP. The Team Mohamed claimed it submitted a list for all ten regions and was supported by the third largest crowd on Nomination Day. But this party continues to think it is an internet game. Although there were about 300 supporters, as proven by drone shots, at the time they were ready to move off from Kitty Square, the Team Mohamed page showed a photoshopped picture of thousands. The AFC was a sad picture, looking already like a defeated bunch. The FGM, led by Ms Amanza Walton-Desir, could only present lists for seven regions.
Monday proved once again that there is only one national party – the PPP. The party’s supporters that marched with a contagious energy that caused political tremors in Georgetown and throughout the country were a diversified crowd, looking like the population of Guyana. People of all ethnicity, religion, gender and age. The party’s list confirmed that the Kitty rally was no fluke. The national top-up list has 27 persons between the ages of 20 and 25. No other political party is represented by such a youthful presence. The party’s list includes almost 40% women. There are persons of all ethnic groups meaningfully represented. There is no token presence of any single group. Clearly, the PPP continues its tradition of valuing its candidates and being proud of its candidates.
In contrast, the other political parties were unable to attract youth to their lists. The ethnic make-up of the lists were largely from one ethnic group. The list of FGM of Amanza Walton-Desir had a makeup of largely female, 67%. This was because it clearly was unable to recruit from a large pool. Its support base is limited, and it had to recruit anyone available. The same can be said of WIN, which clearly also had a limited pool.
GECOM has started the actual election process with an incredibly smooth process. No political party could credibly complain. Indeed, it is commendable that all political parties credited GECOM by agreeing publicly that the process was smooth on nomination day. The media had access to all political parties after they had presented their lists to the GECOM Secretariat, and all commended the process.
The PPP’s Prime Ministerial candidate will be the tested and trusted Mark Philips. The PNC has picked a novice and a person that has had little in terms of track record – Ms Juretha Fernandes, who until recently was a member of the AFC but made a deal with the PNC to join their team. Ms Amanza Walton-Desir named Nigel London as its Prime Ministerial candidate. It is unclear who the PM candidates are for the other parties. Mohamed, however, declared we will all know “very soon”.
In interviewing the leaders of the list or the presidential candidates, the media probed the candidates to speak of their lists and asked about policies. Whether one believes them or not, all leaders claimed they had the winning lists. The leader of WIN, Azruddin Mohamed, evoked much humour among the media corps and the internet crowd. He had no answer to any question, answering all questions with a “soon”, “very soon”, or “shortly”. The party
The PPP has proven beyond a doubt that its national credentials cannot be disputed. The party continues to strengthen its national credentials. The party will compete to win in all ten regions, and there is no evidence that it had any difficulty in recruiting candidates, a phenomenon that appears to be the experience of all the other parties.
The phenomenon of political movement was very apparent on nomination day. The PPP is the major beneficiary in the migration to other political homes. A meaningful group from other parties appear on the PPP lists. This has been a trend that has accelerated since 2023. In particular, young people who grew up in the PNC have moved in droves to the PPP.
The most interesting phenomenon is the betrayal that the PNC and the AFC feel at this time. They had actively collaborated with Azruddin Mohamed to enter the political fray. They had hoped that his presence would weaken traditional strongholds of the PPP. That stronghold, however, has not budged. If anything, that stronghold has become impenetrable. But the plan of the PNC and AFC has backfired, as Azruddin Mohamed has drawn its support around the country from PNC and AFC support bases.
It is for this reason that you can expect a vicious attack coming from the PNC and AFC against WIN and against Mohamed. The PNC and AFC will let loose their attack crews on Mohamed in the next several weeks. This will include the PNC-based media Corp.
Interesting times are before us. But this past weekend – Sunday and Monday – did produce a winner. The PPP, with its Kitty record-breaking rally and with its record-breaking nomination day crowd, is the clear winner.
Three men were on Monday remanded to prison after being charged with possession of more than 16 kilograms of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.
Martin Gomez, of no fixed place of abode; Colin Moore, of Prince William Street, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara; and Fawaaz Barakat, of Ruimzeight, West Coast Demerara, appeared before Magistrate Abigail Gibbs at the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Courts.
The men were jointly charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking, in violation of Section 5(1)(a)(i) of the Narcotic Drugs and
Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, Chapter 10:10.
The charge stems from a July 9 operation at MovieTowne, Turkeyen, during which agents of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) allegedly discovered 16.784 kilograms of cocaine in their possession. The cocaine has an estimated street value of several million dollars.
Moore and Barakat were represented by attorney Bernard DeSilva. All three defendants pleaded not guilty.
Magistrate Gibbs denied bail and remanded the men to prison. The case will continue on August 19.
“I still have a bullet in my back” – man tells court as shooting suspect charged
A33-year-old construction worker was on Tuesday remanded to prison after being charged with discharging a loaded firearm during an alleged ambush that left a man shot in the chest and back at Leopold Street, Georgetown.
Sediyq Hunte, also known as “Jaugba,” of Cross Street, Werk-enRust, appeared before acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where he was not required to plead to the indictable offence. The charge alleges that on July 7, at Leopold Street, Worken-Rust, Hunte discharged a loaded firearm at Calvin Lawrence with the intent to maim, disfigure, disable or cause grievous bodily harm.
Hunte, who was represented by attorney Stacy Goodings, entered a not guilty plea. In applying for bail, Goodings told the court that her client has a fixed address at Lot 65, Cross Street, Werk-en-Rust, resides with his mother, and poses no flight risk. She claimed that Hunte was at home at the time of the incident and had no contact with the virtual complainant.
According to the attorney, Hunte’s mother reported hearing gunshots near Lawrence’s residence and recalled hearing Lawrence shout, “Who just shoot at me?" a statement Goodings argued, suggests that Lawrence did not know who fired the shots.
Goodings further submitted that the men shared a strained history, alleging that Hunte had previously pointed out Lawrence in an unrelated fatal incident. Since then, she said Lawrence had threatened to “make an example” of her client.
However, the prosecution objected to bail, citing the serious nature of the allegations and the need to protect the virtual complainant. The court was told that Hunte and Lawrence had known each other for several years and that this was not the first time the accused had alleged-
Sediyq Hunte
ly threatened Lawrence with a firearm. The prosecutor described the shooting as the second attempt on Lawrence’s life.
When granted permis-
sion to address the court, Lawrence gave a chilling account of the incident. He said he was riding his bike home and was approaching Hunte’s residence when he
saw the accused waiting in an alleyway. Lawrence said Hunte opened fire as soon as he saw him. He claimed the accused pressed the gun to his chest before shooting, hitting him in both the chest and back.
“My Worship, I still have a bullet in my back. I have to go for surgery this week”, the tearful man told the court.
Despite his injuries, Lawrence said he managed to flee as Hunte pursued him on an XR motorcycle. He told the court that he was forced to beg for his life during the ordeal. Lawrence also stated that there is a surveillance camera in the area and claimed the footage would confirm that Hunte was the shooter.
In response to the allegations and concerns raised, Magistrate McGusty denied bail and ordered that Hunte be remanded. The case will continue on July 30. She also directed that the alleged video footage be submitted to the court for review, warning that if the evidence is not produced, the court will take alternative steps.
resident Dr Irfaan
PAli underscored his Government’s unwavering commitment to fostering development within the Indigenous community of Santa Mission and surrounding areas during an engagement with residents of the Region Three community on Tuesday. High on the agenda are plans to transform the riverine community into a vibrant agro-tourism and agricultural hub and to further empower young residents with a state-of-the-art digital study hub.
“This is not about seasonal handouts. We are about continuous support for your development. We are about empowering you,” President Ali.
Ali unveiled a comprehensive development agenda for the area, which includes improved infrastructure, expanded agricultural production, empowerment of women and youth, and enhanced access to education and healthcare.
Among the most notable announcements was the President’s pledge to provide a dedicated cargo boat to transport agricultural produce from the community to the market via the Kamuni Creek (a tributary that leads into the Demerara River), which would significantly reduce transportation costs and ensure that farmers receive fair prices for their goods.
“You can produce all the pineapples, but how
are we going to get them to the market?...We’re going to invest in a cargo boat to take your agricultural produce from here to the mar-
To ensure that the communities never incur a loss, the President said that the Government, through the Guyana Marketing
ket, right through the creek. We’re going to help you move your produce.”
Corporation (GMC) will purchase their surplus production.
The President also announced that 12 new participants will be added to the village's honey production programme. The initiative is being supported through the provision of equipment, which was handed over today. These included brood boxes, wax sheets, hives and hive tools, safety gear, bee brushes, and smokers.
“This is not just about honey production. We want all the women and young people in this community to be involved in an economic activity that creates wealth for them and their families.”
He added that the Government is making these investments so that “we can create business opportunities for you. That is what we want. We don't
want you to be reliant on one source of revenue. We're investing to create additional streams of revenue for every single household.”
To support the agricultural push and protect against climate-related challenges, the Government has invested heavily in drainage and irrigation (D&I), including the clearing of agricultural lands and the cleaning of the creek.
“In D&I alone, we’ve spent more than $1.25m per household. This is vital— not just for agriculture and tourism, but for your very survival.”
To further enhance resilience, the community also received chainsaws, brush cutters, and other emergency equipment as part of a disaster preparedness initiative. A cornerstone of the President’s vision is access to education through technology. He announced plans to convert the community library into a state-of-the-art digital study hub with highspeed internet access.
“We want the study hub to be a tool of empowerment, so you don’t have to sacrifice your income to do a diploma or a degree.”
Ali added that the Government would continue investing in young people, while expanding opportunities for all residents to safeguard the community’s long-term viability and success.
The Organisation of American States (OAS) and the Government of Guyana on Tuesday signed an agreement paving the way for the deployment of an Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) to monitor Guyana’s upcoming General and Regional Elections, scheduled for September 1.
The agreement was formalised at the OAS headquarters in Washington, DC, by OAS Secretary General Albert Ramdin and Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the OAS, Ambassador Samuel Hinds.
Secretary General Ramdin emphasised the hemispheric body’s longstanding support for democratic governance in Guyana, noting that the 2025 mission will mark the seventh time the OAS has observed elections in the country. “This is an affirmation that democracy is alive and strengthened in the country,” Ramdin stated. He also underscored the constructive role of EOMs, adding, “Electoral Observation Missions are not meant to criticise but to deliver positive, achievable recommendations that help strength-
en institutions and reinforce public trust.”
Ambassador Hinds echoed the importance of electoral transparency and thanked the OAS for its continued support. “We do this conscious that democracy is necessary for development,
security, and human rights,” he said.
The OAS has played a pivotal role in safeguarding democratic processes in Guyana, most notably during the 2020 General and Regional Elections. At that time, the electoral process
was marred by attempts to manipulate results and undermine the will of the electorate. The OAS, along with other international observer missions, was instrumental in exposing discrepancies and demanding transparency and accuracy in the tabu-
lation process.
The 2020 mission was led by the now-late Owen Arthur, former Prime Minister of Barbados, whose firm stance during the post-election challenges was widely credited with helping to protect the integrity of the
vote. Arthur publicly condemned efforts by elements within the then APNU/AFC administration to alter the results in their favour, stating unequivocally that any government sworn in on the basis of fraudulent results would be illegitimate.
His leadership, alongside the OAS’s principled advocacy, played a critical role in ensuring that the true outcome of the 2020 elections was respected.
For the 2025 electoral cycle, Bruce Golding, former Prime Minister of Jamaica, will reprise his role as Chief of Mission, a position he also held in 2020. Golding was part of the team that monitored the extended tabulation and recount process, providing timely reports that helped the international community understand the scope and gravity of the situation.
Since first observing elections in Guyana in 1997, the OAS has maintained a consistent presence in the country’s electoral landscape. Its involvement has been widely regarded as an important check in preserving electoral fairness and public confidence.
Guyana’s livestock sector is experiencing a significant revival as a key agricultural initiative championed by President Dr Irfaan Ali’s administration begins to show tangible results. Farmers in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) are reporting marked improvements in cattle productivity and herd quality, signalling a new chapter for the country’s cattle industry. The Bull Rotation Programme, a flagship effort under the Agriculture Ministry, is credited with driving the transformation. By enhancing breeding practices and improving livestock genetics, the initiative is helping farmers increase yields and build more resilient herds— paving the way for greater food security and economic growth in the agriculture sector.
At the forefront of this revival is the Bull Rotation Programme, a flagship initiative led by the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) under the Ministry of Agriculture. According to the Ministry, the programme is designed to improve the genetic makeup, resilience and productivity of cattle herds nationwide—critical components of Guyana’s contribution to CARICOM’s “25 by 2025 plus 5” food security agenda. Originally launched in 2012, the Bull Rotation Programme reached a major milestone in October 2022 with the importation of 64 elite breeding bulls—a stra-
tegic intervention now widely seen as a game-changer for the local beef sector. While benefits are being seen countrywide, Region Five—considered Guyana’s livestock heartland—stands out as a leading success story. Despite being the coun-
ience.
According to the GLDA, the region’s cattle population rose by 4.3 per cent in 2024, reaching nearly 120,000 animals across 1,503 herds. Of the 376 calves recorded under the programme that year, over
introducing superior genetics.
“The Bull Rotation Programme is not just about better cattle,” said Dr Dwight Walrond, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GLDA. “It’s about empowering farmers, modernising agriculture and positioning
try’s second-smallest administrative region, Region Five has shown significant growth. The breeding strategy focuses on crossbreeding local cows with Brahman Zebu bulls, prized for their heat tolerance, tick resistance, and efficiency in tropical environments. In the next phase, GLDA is promoting composite breeds like Brangus and Beefmaster, which combine the strengths of multiple breeds to ensure consistency, manageability, and resil-
250 were born in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice). According to GLDA officials, the programme’s impact has been substantial: farmers are now reporting higher carcass yields, better reproductive performance, and improved herd health—all of which enhance profitability and national food security. The programme aims to improve herd health, accelerate animal weight gain, reduce production costs and potentially increase milk yields (for dairy farmers) by
“I couldn’t bear it...
His departure from PNCR and endorsement of the PPP marks the latest in a series of high-profile exits from the opposition party amid growing internal divisions, questions of accountability, and charges of exclusivity.
Three former PNCR General Secretaries, Amna Ally, Geeta Chandan and Dawn Hastings, resigned from the party while chastising the leadership of the party under Norton. ChandanEdmond has since joined the
PPP/C List of Candidates, while Hastings has joined ranks with the We Invest In Nationhood (WIN) party.
Other PNCR members that have also since left the party include former Youth Leader Thandi McAllister, Mayor Patricia Chase-Green, former Georgetown Councillor Trichria Richards, long-time member Vanessa Kissoon, Region Four Regional Chairman Daniel Seeram, Regional Vice Chairman for Region Four Samuel
FROM PAGE 10
Sandy, former Bartica Mayor Gifford Marshall, and Members of Parliament (MP) Natasha Singh-Lewis, Jermaine Figueira, Amanza Walton-Desir, and former Minister Simona Broomes. McAllister, Chase-Green, Richards, Seeram, Sandy, and Marshall have all publicly announced their support for the PPPC. SinghLewis has joined WIN, while Walton-Desir and Broomes have all formed their own parties.
Among the success stories is Dianne Cheefoon, Region Five’s leading female cattle rancher. She credits the GLDA’s programme with transforming her operations.
“Before receiving the Brahman bull, I struggled to achieve profitable slaughter weights due to inbreeding and poor genetics,” Cheefoon explained.
Since joining the programme in 2022 and receiving continuous technical support and training from GLDA officers, she has seen marked improvements.
“With better genetics, the animals are gaining weight faster, and the entire operation is now more profitable,” she said, proudly noting the production of over 51 offspring from the imported bull. Similarly, Satesh Persaud, Manager of Inshanally Bacchus’s Ranch on the right bank of the Abary River, shared how the initiative revolutionised his business.
“When we started between 2008 and 2012, we had over 1,000 Creole cows, but
growth was slow,” Persaud said. “Then in 2013, we were introduced to the Bull Rotation Programme and received a Brahman bull. That changed everything.”
Though the ranch has since reduced its herd size for sustainability, the improved animal quality has dramatically boosted profitability.
“We used to sell ten animals to earn what we now make from one improved calf,” he added.
Persaud credits the ranch’s success to both traditional knowledge and the consistent guidance of GLDA staff, especially CEO Dr Dwight Walrond, Extension Officer Mr Dilchand and the Region Five field team.
This initiative supports President Ali’s vision of transforming Guyana into a self-sufficient, export-ready agricultural powerhouse. It also aligns seamlessly with CARICOM’s “25 by 2025 plus 5” target—to reduce regional food imports by 25 per cent by 2025 and expand productivity over the next five years.
IAT20 official-
Lly launched its new service to Jamaica’s Montego Bay on July 11, 2025, marking a significant milestone in Caribbean aviation and regional integration. The inaugural flight represents more than just expanded connectivity; it’s a reunion of Caribbean family, according to officials who celebrated the historic moment at Sangster International Airport.
Colin James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, highlighted the deeper significance of the new route during the launch ceremo-
ny.
“This new route is more than just a flight path. It’s a bridge connecting people, cultures and opportunities. A bridge that strengthens the long-standing friendship and cooperation between Antiguans and Barbudans and our Jamaican brothers and sisters,” James said.
The new service extends LIAT20’s existing Kingston route to include Montego Bay, Jamaica’s tourism hub, while also introducing intra-island service within Jamaica to reduce travel time between Montego Bay and Kingston. This marks LIAT’s return to intra-is-
land services after a fiveyear hiatus.
James highlighted the remarkable cultural similarities between the two islands, particularly in food and music traditions.
“Antiguans and Jamaicans are more alike than almost any other two Caribbean islands. Similar foods. Different names, but the same nyamings.”
“And when it comes to music, it’s our love. Your Reggae, our Soca, they come from the same African roots, and the same rhythm, the same heartbeat of resistance and resilience.” (Excerpt from Antigua Observer)
Miners in Peru who have been allowed to operate with temporary permits have paused protests that blocked a major copper transit route for more than two weeks, one of the protest leaders, Luis Huaman, told Reuters on Tuesday.
He said they planned to suspend the protest at least through Friday, while continuing to press the government for a way to extend their permits.
Peru's government has been working to end the program for operations known as "informal," which was created over a decade ago and meant to be temporary, but workers in the sector say the stricter regulations to operate legally are too onerous.
The protests began throughout Peru in late June, including blocking a road in the Cusco region that is used by major miners, Minerals and Metals Group (MMG), Glencore opens new tab and Hudbay
Informal artisanal miners protest outside the Congress to pressure the Peruvian Government to extend the deadline to formalise informal mining operations, in Lima, Peru, July 3, 2025
[Reuters]
Minerals whose mines are among the top 10 copper producers of Peru. "It's a truce," Huaman said. A committee of informal miners and various government representatives were scheduled to meet in Lima on Friday to discuss the matter, but protesters would "resume the blockade on the mining corridor" if the outcome was not in their favor, he said.
Huaman said the protesters want the government to ensure a way for informal operations to continue, and said they will restart the protest if an agreement isn't reached by Friday.
MMG and Canada's Hudbay last week told top government officials their production could be impacted if the protests were to continue. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Brazilian meatpackers are weighing whether to make new shipments of beef products to the United States after President Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff on Brazil last week, Roberto Perosa, president of Brazilian beef lobby ABIEC, said.
The United States is Brazil's second most important beef products market after China, according to trade data.
"New shipments are under analysis by the private sector due to the increase in tariffs," Perosa said on Tuesday.
The announcement of the tariffs affected Brazil's cattle market last week and
on Monday, with companies sharply reducing purchases of animals because of the uncertainty related to the tariff announcement, said Alcides Torres, a beef market consultant with Scot Consultoria.
"The market turned cold," Torres said.
Brazil, the world's largest beef exporter, accounts for some 23% of U.S. beef imports, according to calculations by Genial Investimentos.
Since Trump's announcement, meatpackers have been scrambling to reschedule and redirect shipments and production, Perosa said last week, noting that some companies had already decided
to temporarily halt production destined for the United States.
Following the release of Minerva's first-quarter results in May, Genial said that the company had "slaughtered a considerable volume of cattle and transferred meat in advance to facilities in the U.S. to mitigate risks from additional tariffs."
Minerva declined to comment.
A persistent shortage of cattle in the U.S. increased the country's demand for Brazilian beef imports, trade data shows. According to analysts, the new tariff could make beef more expensive for U.S. consumers. (Excerpt from Reuters)
China doubled down on its dismissal of the United States criticism of a multi million dollar loan to The Bahamas, describing as “baseless and absurd” accusations that it was using the funding for the construction of a hospital in that country to further entrench itself in the Caribbean region.
“Is there a US loan proposal at all on the table?” the Chinese Embassy asked in a statement, regarding the US$195 million funding for the hospital in western New Providence.
Last week, the Philip Davis Government signed a deal with the People’s Republic of China to fund the hospital that is expected to cost US$267 million, with 73 per cent of the costs, or $195 million, being provided by the Chinese ExportImport Bank.
The diplomatic row over the funding comes amidst reports that Nassau had bypassed a British financing proposal earlier this year
with the Tribune newspaper reporting that UK Export Finance had offered terms competitive with China’s, with the added advantage of compatibility with Western medical equipment and training systems.
Director of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister Latrae Ramming is quoted as sayig that the project was already too advanced by
the time UK firms formally engaged, and reiterated the government’s position that China’s terms were “very favourable”.
“We do not intend to get between the geopolitical fight of China and the United States. The Prime Minister has been very clear that China has always been a partner in The Bahamas’ long-term economic development.” (Trinidad Guardian)
It is estimated that Barbadians are spending more than $1 billion via electronic commerce (e-commerce) transactions and that most of this money is going overseas.
George Connolly, Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) council member and digital technology expert, believes that there is an opportunity for the country to keep more of that money in Barbados.
He says the BCCI is working to establish an e-commerce platform that will help small and medium enterprises (SME) cash in more on on-
line sales.
The entrepreneur explored these issues on VOB 92.9 FM during a recent airing of the BCCI radio programme Let’s Talk Business which focused on E–commerce And SMEs Unlocking Growth In The Digital Age.
“Total e-commerce transactions made by Barbadians globally, so cash leaving Barbados, $1.07 billion is the total market value of Barbadian spend on e-commerce. The total spend that stays inside Barbados of that [amount] is $246,375,” Connolly said, referencing information from internation-
al e-commerce information sources Grips Intelligence and AfterShip.
“At the end of the day, we have got a situation where a billion dollars is being spent, and only $246,000 of that stays here in Barbados. So 2.4 per cent of a billion dollars is staying here, and the other 97 per cent is going to Amazon and Shein and all those other firms.
The businessman said the BCCI would be doing its part give SMEs an e-commerce push by establishing a special platform to facilitate such business. (Excerpt from Nation News)
An unseasonably mild start to the week is expected in northern and central parts of Argentina, where it is winter. A plume of warm air will sink southwards from neighbouring Paraguay on Monday, lingering through Tuesday, before giving way to a cold front on Wednesday. The maximum daytime temperatures on Monday and Tuesday will be up to 5C (9F) higher than normal in these regions, while Buenos Aires is forecast to be about 7C above average on Tuesday
Meanwhile, it is expected to be 5-8C above normal at night, with minimums in the low to mid-teens. Rosario, the largest city in the province of Santa Fe, about 186 miles (300km) to the northwest of Buenos Aires, will experience the mildest temperatures, with a mini-
mum of 14-15C forecast on Monday, near 10C above the climate average. Warm air could trigger heavy showers and thunderstorms across Buenos Aires on Tuesday, alongside the risk of intense gusts, hail and torrential downpours.
In the evening, these showers will merge into a more organised band of heavy rain that will push north-eastwards through the night, led by a cold front.
Argentina’s national weather service has issued a yellow alert for storms, warning of up to 30-50mm of rainfall in 12 hours. On the opposite side of the Pacific Ocean, there is a storm brewing. Tropical Storm Nari, situated to the south-east of Japan, will propagate north-westwards towards the country by Monday morning and deepen into a severe tropical storm. (The Guardian)
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said on Tuesday he had asked Israel to "aggressively investigate" the killing of a Palestinian American who was beaten to death by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, describing it as a "criminal and terrorist act."
il prices dropped by less than one per cent on Tuesday after US President Donald Trump's 50-day deadline for Russia to end the war in Ukraine and avoid sanctions eased concerns about any immediate supply disruption.
Brent crude futures settled down 50 cents, or 0.7 per cent, at US$68.71 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate crude futures were down 46 cents, or 0.7 per cent, at US$66.52.
"The focus has been on Donald Trump. There was some fear he might target Russia with sanctions immediately, and now he has given another 50 days," said UBS commodities analyst Giovanni Staunovo. "Those fears about an imminent additional tightness in the market have dissipated. That's the main story."
Oil prices had climbed on the potential sanctions but later gave up gains as the 50-day deadline raised hopes that sanctions could be avoided.
In the event the proposed sanctions are implemented, "it would drastically change the outlook for the oil market," analysts at ING said in a note.
"China, India and Turkey are the largest buyers of Russian crude oil. They would need to weigh the benefits of buying discounted Russian crude oil against the cost of their exports to the US," ING said.
Trump announced new weapons for Ukraine on Monday and had said on Saturday that he would impose a 30 per cent tariff on most imports from the European Union and Mexico from August 1, adding to similar warnings for other countries.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
The United Kingdom set up a secret plan to resettle thousands of Afghans in Britain after an official accidentally disclosed the personal details of more than 33,000 people, putting them at risk of reprisals from the Taliban, court documents have shown.
A judge at London’s High Court said in a May 2024 judgement made public on Tuesday that about 20,000 people may have to be offered relocation to Britain, a move that would likely cost “several billion pounds”.
Britain’s current Defence Minister John Healey told Parliament that some 4,500 affected people “are in Britain or in transit … at a cost of around 400 million pounds [US$540m]” under the programme known as the Afghan Response Route.
The Government is also
facing lawsuits from those affected by the data breach.
A Ministry of Defencecommissioned review of the data breach, a summary of which was also published on Tuesday, said more than 16,000 people affected by it had been relocated to the UK as of May this year.
The breach revealed the names of Afghans who had helped British forces in Afghanistan before they withdrew from the country in chaotic circumstances in 2021.
The details emerged after a legal ruling known as a superinjunction was lifted. The injunction had been granted in 2023 after the Ministry of Defence argued that a public disclosure of the breach could put people at risk of extrajudicial killing or serious violence by the Taliban. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
The comments by Huckabee, a staunch supporter of Israeli settlement construction, mark a rare and pointed public intervention by the US following the death of a Palestinian American in the Israelioccupied territory.
"I have asked (Israel) to aggressively investigate the murder of Saif Musallet, an American citizen who
was visiting family in Sinjil when he was beaten to death," Huckabee wrote on X, referring to a town north of Ramallah.
Musallet, 20, whose full
first name is Sayafollah, was severely beaten in the incident on Friday evening. His family, who are from Florida, say that medics failed to reach him for
hours and that he died before reaching the hospital. Israel's military has said it is probing the incident. It says confrontations between Palestinians and settlers broke out after Palestinians threw rocks at Israelis, lightly injuring them. It says its forces used non-lethal weapons to disperse the parties.
Reuters has not been able to corroborate either side's account.
Settler attacks on Palestinians and Palestinian attacks on Israelis in the West Bank have risen since the start of Israel's war in Gaza in October 2023, though violence has long simmered in the territory.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
Russia says it needs time to ‘analyse’
The Kremlin has said that US President Donald Trump’s recent statements, including a threat to impose sanctions on Russia’s trading partners, are serious and require time to assess.
Amid growing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump on Monday announced new deliveries of weapons, including Patriot missile systems, to Ukraine via NATO and said that buyers of Russian exports could face severe tariffs if Moscow fails to agree to a peace deal within 50 days, signalling a major policy shift in Washington.
“The US president’s statements are very serious. Some of them are addressed personally to President
announcements by Trump
Putin,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Moscow on Tuesday.
“We certainly need time to analyse what was said in Washington. And if and
when President Putin deems it necessary, he will definitely comment.”
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev mocked Trump’s announcement, calling it a “theatri-
cal ultimatum” and saying that “Russia didn’t care”. Medvedev, who now serves as deputy chair of Russia’s Security Council, has frequently issued strident remarks throughout the war.
Russian Senator Konstantin Kosachev was similarly dismissive. Writing on Telegram, he said Trump’s announcement would have no impact on public sentiment in Russia and claimed the United States was setting a trap for Europe – forcing NATO states to pay for weapons that would primarily benefit the US arms industry.
“Only the American military-industrial complex will profit from this,” Kosachev said. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
US President Donald Trump said he has settled on another tariff deal – this time with Indonesia.
Trump said he had agreed to lower tariffs he had threatened on goods entering the US from Indonesia to 19 per cent, in exchange for what he called "full access" for American firms.
Terms of the deal were not immediately confirmed
by the Southeast Asian country, which boasts a small but growing trade relationship with the US.
After suspending his most aggressive tariff plans from earlier this year, Trump this month renewed his threats, sending warning letters to dozens of countries that he intended to start charging high tariffs from 1 August.
His targets included all of America's biggest trade part-
ners, including the European Union, Canada, Mexico, Japan and South Korea.
Indonesia also received a letter from Trump last week outlining plans for a 32 per cent tariff on its goods, reportedly bewildering officials who had thought an agreement was close.
Trump said on Tuesday he had reduced that rate after a phone call with the president of Indonesia.
He said as part of the deal, Indonesia had agreed to lower its trade tariffs for products from the US, which America has complained were high for many agricultural products as well as certain manufactured goods.
"They are going to pay 19 per cent, and we are going to pay nothing ... we will have full access into Indonesia," he said. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Nigeria’s former president Muhammadu Buhari, who led Africa’s most populous country from 2015 to 2023 and was the first Nigerian president to oust an incumbent through the ballot box, died in London on Sunday, a presidential spokesperson has said.
President Bola Tinubu’s spokesperson said in a post, X: “President Buhari died
today in London at about 4.30pm [1530 GMT], following a prolonged illness.”
Buhari, 82, who first led the country as a military ruler after a coup in the 1980s, earned a devoted following for his brand of anti-corruption conviction politics.
He referred to himself as a “converted democrat” and swapped his military uniform for kaftans and prayer caps. Buhari seized power in
1983 as a military ruler, promising to revitalise a mismanaged country. Buhari took a tough line on everything from the conditions sought by the International Monetary Fund to unruliness in bus queues. In 1984, his administration attempted to kidnap a former minister and vocal critic living in Britain. The plot failed when London airport officials opened a crate
containing the abducted politician. His first stint in power was short-lived. He was removed after only 18 months by another military officer, Ibrahim Babangida.
Buhari spent much of the following 30 years in fringe political parties and trying to run for president until his eventual victory over Jonathan in 2015. (Excerpt from The Guardian)
Take a midweek breather; it will help you see any troubles you face through a different lens. Too much of anything can weigh you down. A lifestyle change may be in order. Put your health and finances first.
Gauge situations as they unfold. Keep things in perspective and avoid overreacting. Focus your energy where it matters and work diligently to resolve outstanding issues. Take control.
Mingle, gather information and pay attention to the changes initiated by people in power. Make a focused effort to block or protect yourself from any fallout that can hurt you physically.
Avoid aggressive situations. Put your energy where it can do some good and encourage you to get ahead. Consider ways to reduce your overhead, increase revenue or generate a profit from items you no longer use.
Curiosity will lead to education and positive change. Focus your energy on something that leads to a happy outcome. Refuse to waste time on trivial matters or those trying to pick a fight with you.
Simplify your plans to suit your needs. Stay close to what and who matters and maintain a good rapport with colleagues. Meeting someone who can offer insight will give you the confidence you need to forge ahead.
A short trip will change how you think or do things. Attending a function that offers knowledge or guidance on decluttering and making your life run efficiently will give you hope for a brighter future.
Someone will crush your optimism if you are too accommodating or share personal information. Take advantage of what’s available. Refuse to let hostile encounters disrupt your day.
Keep moving, thinking and implementing positive change. Set boundaries to offset anyone taking up too much of your time. Protect your rights, space and ability to satisfy your needs first.
Set goals and stick to your schedule. Meeting the demands you set for yourself will build your confidence. Keep your budget in mind and quickly shut down anyone suggesting you spend more than your budget allows.
Refuse to fade into the background when you have so much to say and offer. Show your worth and challenge anyone who tries to belittle or outshine you. Trust and believe in your ability.
A break will recharge your energy to ensure you can finish the week with vim and vigor. A change of atmosphere, coupled with some pampering, will soothe your soul and help you better utilize your skills.
The Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is excited to announce the launch of “Step Into The Party”, a vibrant new step challenge that blends the energy of cricket with the power of community wellness. Kicking off on 26 July 2025, this region-wide initiative will invite fans to
take a virtual fitness journey across six CPL host nations – uniting supporters from across the Caribbean and beyond in a shared mission of health, fun, and social impact.
A virtual journey across the islands
Spanning 58 days and covering symbolic dis -
and celebratory media as fans walk in the virtual footsteps of their favourite CPL teams.
“This challenge is about more than just fitness,” said Pete Russell, Republic Bank CPL CEO.
join one of six CPL franchise teams – the Trinbago Knight Riders, Saint Lucia Kings, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Barbados Royals, and the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons.
tances from St Kitts to Guyana, the challenge encourages participants to collectively reach a goal of one billion steps. Each milestone destination –Antigua, St Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, and finally Guyana – will unlock exclusive digital content, trivia, team leader boards,
“It’s about uniting communities, celebrating culture, and stepping forward together for a cause that matters. Health and wellness is something that is very important to the CPL, and we want to challenge our fans to come on a fitness journey with us.”
How it works Participants will register via YuMuuv, the official challenge platform compatible with popular fitness devices and smartphones. They will
On the heels of West Indies men’s Test team capturing an unwanted spot in the format’s history books, Cricket West Indies (CWI) President, Dr Kishore Shallow has called for unity in the face of adversity as he detailed the first step towards bettering the performances with the bat in the Caribbean.
Shallow noted in a statement on Tuesday morning, “Like every West Indian cricket fan, I felt the pain of our recent Test defeat to Australia. The result hurts deeply, not only because of how we lost, but because of what West Indies cricket has always represented to our people: pride, identity, and possibility.
"There will be some sleepless nights ahead for many of us, including the players, who I know feel this loss just as heavily. But while disappointment is natural, we must not allow this moment to define our journey.
"We are in a rebuilding phase, steadily investing in the next generation, and reigniting the spirit that has long made West Indies cricket a force in the world.
"Progress is rarely straightforward. It takes time, perseverance, and belief, especially in our most difficult moments. The road ahead will Test us, but I have faith in the talent and commitment of our players when they apply themselves.
"We have already seen encouraging signs, particularly with the ball. Our batters are keen, but now must be even more deliberate as they work to improve.
"Now is not the time to turn away.
Now is the time to stand even closer as a people. These are the moments that shape us.
"As an immediate step, I have advised the Chair of the Cricket Strategy and Officiating Committee to convene an emergency meeting to review the recent Test series against Australia, particularly the final match.
"To strengthen the discussions, I have extended invitations to three of our greaTest batsmen ever: Sir Clive Lloyd, Sir Vivian Richards, and Brian Lara. They will join past greats Dr Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Dr The Most Honourable Desmond Haynes, Ian Bradshaw, who already serve on the committee.
"This engagement is not ceremonial. These are men who helped define our golden eras, and their perspectives will be invaluable as we shape the next phase of our cricket development. We intend
for this gathering to result in tangible, actionable recommendations.
"Consistent with my message over the last weeks, this is a moment that calls for collaboration, not division. We need everyone on board: fans, players, coaches, legends, and administrators, if we are to truly move forward.
"There is much work to be done. But we must do it with purpose, and we must do it together."
On the other hand, Guyana’s Head of State, President Dr Irfaan Ali joined the millions of fans in expressing his disappointment in the team’s recent performance, also calling for action to be taken.
President Ali noted in a social media post, “It is time for a full evaluation and accountability to the people of this region for the disastrous batting performance of the West Indies Cricket Team. We cannot disregard what all of us witnessed and endured in the last three Test matches. This is not about our players, administrators, or any individual; it is an entire system that is failing, and together, all of us must fix it now. This cannot continue into another series; we must not allow it to.”
TDaily step counts will be tracked automatically, and each stride contributes to unlocking the next CPL
support public health initiatives across the Caribbean. Registration opens on 26 July with information set to be shared over the CPL’s social media channels. Fans can scan a QR code, create their profile, and select their team –whether walking for the Warriors or soaring with
Due to rain, the match was reduced to 35 overs per side. Guyana Under19s Women won the toss and elected to bat first. Cianna Barkoye top scored as she was not out on a score of 24 off 63 balls. Barkoye was the only batter that reached double figures as her team was dismantled and could only muster a mere 74 runs in 23.2 overs. Sainavi Kambalapalli was the chief destroyer as she picked up figures of 4 for 22 in 7 overs. Courtney Browne also had a significant impact, as she had figures of 3 for 11. CWI U19 Rising Stars…
he Guyana Under-19 women’s team lost for the second time in the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Rising Stars Women's Under-19 Championship, this time in a rain-affected match against Leeward Islands at the Diego Martin Sporting Complex in Trinidad and Tobago. On the other hand, their male counterparts got the better of same opposition over in St. Kitts and Nevis.
West Indies attained the secondlowest Test score on Monday, after being bowled out for a meagre 27 by Australia while chasing 204 for a consolation victory in the third and final match of the Test series.
Arecord-breaking fourth-wicket partnership in Match 7 of the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League helped Central Stags secure their first win of the tournament under the lights against Hobart Hurricanes at Providence's National Stadium, East Bank Demerara.
Stags won the toss and opted to bat first.
New Zealand international opening batsman Will Young gave the Stags a steady start as they compiled 29 runs in the first four overs of the game.
Dean Foxcroft's poor tournament with bat in hand continued as Usama Mir got his wicket with a peach of a delivery as he stumped on 7. At the halfway point the Stags were 54 for 3.
Captain Tom Bruce and Curtis Heaphy put on the highest 4th wicket partnership in the GSL as their intelligent batting prowess got the Central Stags back into the game. Bruce was ultra-aggressive in the 15th over as he took 17 runs off Fabian Allen's final over.
extra cover to the bowling of Odean Smith. The partnership lasted 73 balls as Bruce and Heaphy produced 113 runs. At a strike rate of 172.22, Bruce made 62 off 36 balls, which included 8 boundaries and 1 six. Matthew Forde walked into the crease and muscled back-to-back sixes as the Stags ended the innings on 167 for 4 after their 20 overs. It was the highest total a batting team had so far in this year's competition. Heaphy finished notout on 50 from 38 deliveries.
Ben McDermott failed to capitalise on his opportunity, and the Hurricanes’ Captain was dismissed by Blair Tickner after making just 15 off 18 balls. The Hurricanes were 46 for 3 after 10 overs and needed another 122 runs in the next 10 overs to win the game.
the boundary for 12. At 12.1 overs the Hurricanes were 62 for 5 and in big trouble.
Following Odean Smith's dismissal, Mohammed Nabi began to give the Hurricanes' innings a boost in the 16th over by hitting three straight sixes off Schaw.
over, Allen hit Matthew Forde for 21 runs, preserving the Hurricanes' hopes when 40 was needed from 12.
With Mohammed Nabi on strike and 19 runs needed off 6 balls, Central Stags entrusted the last over to Blair Tickner. Tickner struck on the first ball as he dismissed Nabi for 43 from 25 balls. Usama Mir faced 2 balls as he was run out trying to get Fabian Allen on strike. With 19 needed off 3, Central Stags held their nerves to complete the victory. Fabian Allen finished the innings on 35 not-out as the Hurricanes finished on 151 for 8, losing by 16 runs.
Hurricanes then introduced Mohammed Nabi into the attack, and he praised the wicket of Dane Cleaver as he was stumped on 7.
Tom Bruce brought up his half-century in the 18th over as he swept Mohammed Nabi behind
The Stags had an early victory as off-spinner Angus Schaw removed Sri Lankan
The Stags’ woes continued as Billy Stanlake got the big wicket of Will Young, who was undone by a short delivery, which he skied as Mohammed Nabi claimed the catch within the 30-yard circle. Going at a run rate of 6.16 runs per over, the Stags were 37 for 2 after the powerplay.
backward square leg for four. Momentum continued to shift in favour of the Stags as they were finding the boundaries more frequently.
Heaphy would also go on to bring up his half-century in the 20th over of the game. The record-breaking partnership would finally come to an end as Tom Bruce, looking to go over the top, held out at deep
Bhanuka Rajapaksa for just four runs in the second over. Shortly after attempting to reverse sweep Ajax Patel, Wright was sent packing by Foxcroft, who made a fantastic diving catch. After six overs, with Ben McDermott and Jake Doran at the crease and the Hurricanes at 30 for 2, the Stags were in command.
After being dropped by Matthew Forde on 10,
Hurricanes fell into further trouble as Jake Doran was caught at long-off by Matthew Forde for 17 at a strike rate of 68. Nikhil Chaudhary followed soon after, as he was caught on
With Mohammed Nabi and Fabian Allen at the crease, the Hurricanes required 56 runs from 18 balls.
As the pressure on the Stags players increased, Blair Tickner's over went for 16 runs. In the 19th
Central Districts (20 ovs maximum)
Will Young c Mohammad Nabi b Stanlake 24
Dane Cleaver †st †McDermott b Mohammad Nabi 7
Dean Foxcroft st †McDermott b Usama Mir 7
Tom Bruce (c) c Bird b Smith 62
Curtis Heaphy not out 50
Matthew Forde not out 14
Extras (b 2, lb 1) 3
Total 20 Ov (RR: 8.35) 167/4
Did not bat: Josh Clarkson, Jayden Lennox, Angus Schaw, Blair Tickner, Ajaz Patel
Fall of wickets: 1-29 (Dane Cleaver, 4.2 ov), 2-37 (Will Young, 5.6 ov), 3-40 (Dean Foxcroft, 7.2 ov), 4-153 (Tom Bruce, 19.3 ov) • DRS
Bowling: Jackson Bird 2-0-14-0, Billy Stanlake 3-0-20-1, Fabian Allen 4-0-35-0, Mohammad Nabi 4-0-36-1, Usama Mir 4-027-1, Nikhil Chaudhary 1-0-5-0, Odean Smith 2-0-27-1
Hobart Hurricanes (T: 168 runs from 20 ovs)
Ben McDermott (c)† c Young b Tickner 16
Bhanuka Rajapaksa lbw b Schaw 4
Macalister Wright c Foxcroft b Patel 6
Jake Doran c Forde b Foxcroft 17
Nikhil Chaudhary c Clarkson b Patel 12
Mohammad Nabi c & b Tickner 43
Odean Smith st †Cleaver b Lennox 5
Fabian Allen not out 36
Usama Mir run out (†Cleaver/ Tickner) 0 Jackson Bird not out 1
Extras (b 4, lb 2, nb 1, w 4) 11
Total 20 Ov (RR: 7.55) 151/8
Did not bat: Billy Stanlake
Fall of wickets: 1-13 (Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 1.3 ov), 2-24 (Macalister Wright, 4.1 ov), 3-38 (Ben McDermott, 7.6 ov), 4-55 (Jake Doran, 11.2 ov), 5-62 (Nikhil Chaudhary, 12.1 ov), 6-84 (Odean Smith, 14.5 ov), 7-149 (Mohammad Nabi, 19.1 ov), 8-149 (Usama Mir, 19.3 ov) • DRS
Bowling: Matthew Forde 3-0-370, Angus Schaw 4-0-33-1, Ajaz Patel 4-0-18-2, Jayden Lennox 4-0-18-1, Blair Tickner 4-034-2, Dean Foxcroft 1-0-5-1
The Guyana Amazon Warriors 233- 234 Camp Street, Georgetown box office was brimming with excitement on Tuesday morning as scores of eager fans got the opportunity to meet and greet the stars of the local T20 franchise.
The Amazon Warriors spent time at the box office and the Future Care Pharmacy housed in the same building, in what could be described as a joyous atmosphere.
The fans, ranging from young to old, benefitted from interactions which encompassed photos, autographs and at times, casual conversations.
Sharing a word on behalf of his teammates, star batsman Shimron Hetmyer described the positive emotions he
gets when interacting with fans.
“I think it’s always good to come out and meet your fans. It’s them that really come and fill the stadium and make the game more exciting for us as players as well, so, like I said, it’s really nice to come out and see some new faces and some old faces as well,” Hetmyer expressed.
The beloved Berbician batsman went on to add in a word to "Warrior Nation", “Just continue to support us really 'cause I think your support means a lot for us as players and as a team as well. I think "Warrior Nation" has been behind us regardless – win, lose or draw, they’re always there. so, just come out and support us.”
The West Indies batsman went on to describe the
thrills of playing at home.
“I think, playing at home, it’s a completely different feeling than playing anywhere else. I think it just feels and sounds much louder at home which is kind of weird because of the fact that there’s so many people in India, you would expect it to be a little bit different, but here, it just feels like a more comforting roar than anything else,” he shared.
The Amazon Warriors will be back in action this evening, for their final preliminary game of the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL), taking on Australia’s Hobart Hurricanes XI from 19:00h at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.
One of the most anticipated clashes of the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL) T20 this season will take centre stage tonight when the beloved local franchise, the Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW), battles the T20 champions from ‘down under’, the Hobart Hurricanes XI.
Fresh off a victory in Australia’s Big Bash 2014/25 season, the Hobart Hurricanes are enjoying the Australian off-season in the tropics. The visiting side is led by experienced Australian international Ben McDermott and is bolstered by a number of international stars, namely Mohammad Nabi and Bhanuka Rajapaksa. To counter the Guyanese conditions, the Hurricanes will rely on the knowledge of Caribbean talents Fabian Allen and Odean Smith, who may possess a more intricate
knowledge of the hosts, having won the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) alongside the Amazon Warriors.
On the other hand, the Amazon Warriors’ strengths have lain in their bowling attack thus far, bowling out two opponents for less than 100 this season. Reliable Captain Imran Tahir leads the pack, alongside Dwaine Pretorius, Gudakesh Motie and, more recently, Romario Shepherd.
In the batting department, middle-order batters Moeen Ali and Jewel Andrew currently lead the charts for the Amazon Warriors.
For tonight’s clash, the Hurricanes would want their finishers to complete the job
better after being haunted by a 1-run loss against the tournament’s defending champions, the Rangpur Riders. Contrastingly, the Amazon Warriors will be looking to their openers and toporder batters to give them a flying start. So far, the Amazon Warriors have 4 points from 3 games played, while the Hurricanes have 2 points from 3 games, their most recent of their two losses coming on Tuesday night to the Central Stags. As such, the Hurricanes XI will be desperate for points tonight, while the Amazon Warriors will need a win to likely seal their spot in the final. Essentially, tonight’s battle is pegged to be a nail-biting one with the best of the Caribbean and Australia on show. The clash will bowl off at 19:00 hrs at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD)
