Security guard shoots man during alleged cable theft on Regent St
Berbice man gets 7½ years for manslaughter in death of “Mice”
Enmore housewife, taxi driver charged with conspiracy to commit murder Govt advances land regularisation for Success squatters Pedestrian dies after being struck down by cop at Mon Repos
Guyanese sentenced, fined in US over role in global HIV test kit theft scheme
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday October 1 – No Closure, and Thursday, October 2 – 00:45 – 02:15.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday October 1 –11:45h–13:15h and Thursday, October 2 – 12:50h–14:20h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
WEATHER TODAY
Sunny skies interrupted by brief afternoon clouds are expected during the day, and clear skies are expected at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius.
Winds: East North-Easterly to Easterly between 1.34 metres and 4.47 metres.
High Tide: 11:38h reaching a maximum height of 1.98 metres.
Low Tide: 17:31h reaching a minimum height of 1.27 metres.
President Ali recognised as one of the world’s most influential rising leaders
…named in 2025 Time100 Next list
resident Dr Irfaan Ali has been named as one of the world’s most influential rising stars under the Times100 Next list, which spotlights 100 rising stars who are shaping the future of business, entertainment, sports, politics, science, health and more.
The list, which was published on Tuesday, also features global leaders like United States (US) President Donald Trump and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (UK) Keir Starmer; tech titans like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg; world-renowned athletes such as Simona Biles and Serena Williams; and A-list celebrities like Ed Sheeran, Snoop Dogg and Scarlett Johanson.
In 2019, Time began publishing the Time100 Next list, which is an expansion of the TIME100 list of the most influential people in the world.
According to Time Magazine, in recent years, Guyana’s President has contended with news extra¬ordinarily good and bad.
It writes that on the positive side, this country of over 800,000 persons has one of the world’s fastest-¬growing economies, thanks to a discovery of offshore oil that has produced $7.5 billion from sales and royalties since 2019. It noted, however, on the negative, Guyana lives next door to ¬Venezuela, which claims part of that oil-rich territory despite its international recognition as a part of Guyana.
According to Time, “Ali was re-elected to a second Presidential term in early September in large part because, over the past five years, his Government has used the massive windfall to build roads, schools, and hospitals. Over the next five years, he wants to invest in diversifying to avoid over-dependence on oil prices. But he’ll need all his diplomatic skill to keep tensions with Venezuela at a simmer.”
The magazine noted that the strong mandate he just won from Guyana’s voters signals how much he’s already ¬accomplished.
In a brief comment on his social media page, President Ali said he was honoured to be included in the Time100 Next list for 2025.
Guyana’s President continues to be recognised on the international stage for his exceptional leadership.
In April 2025, he received the prestigious Global Leadership Award for Open Innovation for 2024 from the University of California, Berkeley, for his visionary leadership that has transcended borders, particularly in the realms of environmental sustainability and inclusive economic growth; this
award was previously given to Barack Obama, President of the US in 2016.
In December 2024, President Ali received the prestigious Wilson Award from the Wilson Centre for his significant contributions to regional and global advancement, particularly in fields such as sustainability, biodiversity and climate change.
In July 2024, in an acknowledgement of his exceptional leadership, President Irfaan Ali was bestowed with
the prestigious Caribbean Global Awards 2024 for his contributions within the region. Earlier in 2024, he was awarded the esteemed Global Africa Leadership Award during an official visit to Ghana.
In April 2024, President Dr Irfaan Ali was conferred with the Legacy Award Class of 2024 at the American Foundation for the University of the West Indies’ (AFUWI) 27th Annual Awards Gala in New York. During the award,
President Ali was lauded by Guyanese-born American actress CCH Pounder for his leadership and vision and commitment to nation building and as a champion of regional cooperation.
In January 2023, during an official visit to India, President Irfaan Ali was bestowed with the highest honour conferred on overseas Indians – the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) – for the year 2023 by Prime Minister Modi.
In November 2023, during the 57th Independence Anniversary and the 2nd Republican Day anniversary for Barbados, Prime Minister Mia Mottley bestowed President Ali with the prestigious Order of Freedom of Barbados, the country’s highest national award. The award recognised President Ali’s outstanding contributions to regional integration and his unwavering commitment to fostering social and economic partnerships within the Caribbean Community.
In May 2023, the InterAmerican Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) made President Ali the first recipient of the IICA Award for Contribution to Food Security and Sustainable Development. IICA presented the award in recognition of President Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s leadership in agricultural transformation, food security, and support for building resilient economies in a sustainable manner in Guyana and the Caribbean.
Every October, the world observes Cancer Awareness Month, a period dedicated to educating societies about one of the most formidable public health challenges of the modern era. In Guyana, the occasion has often been marked with campaigns, pink ribbons, and messages of solidarity. Yet, the hard truth remains: awareness alone is not enough. While it is important to talk about cancer, the true battle lies in early detection, timely treatment, and the provision of comprehensive support systems for patients and their families.
This call has been underscored by Dr Syed Ghazi of the Cancer Institute of Guyana. His message is that awareness must translate into proactive health-seeking behaviour and stronger community engagement. Cancer is not an abstract problem; it is a lived reality that continues to claim lives across the nation, often because people hesitate to seek medical attention until it is too late.
The rise in cancer-related deaths since 2022 is deeply troubling and underscores the limits of awareness campaigns that do not evolve into action. Cultural denial and fear of diagnosis remain persistent barriers. Too many individuals notice warning signs, such as lumps, masses, or other irregularities, yet delay seeking medical care, hoping the problem will resolve on its own. This hesitation, often rooted in fear, directly reduces survival rates. Early-stage cancers, particularly breast, cervical, and prostate cancer, are highly treatable, but the window of opportunity narrows with every passing day.
For Guyana, the path forward must rest on early detection, accessible treatment, and comprehensive support. Early detection begins with education, but it cannot stop there. Mobile clinics, workplace screenings, and school-based programmes can bridge the gaps that remain in communities underserved by traditional healthcare services.
Dr Ghazi has highlighted the pressing need for a state-of-the-art oncology centre in Guyana, one equipped not just for chemotherapy and radiation but for holistic patient care. However, the Government, through the Ministry of Health, has announced that it will begin work on an oncology centre by the end of this year. Such a facility would not only improve outcomes through advanced diagnostics and modern therapies but also reduce the need for costly overseas referrals, which are often out of reach for working-class families. Moreover, partnerships with international medical institutions, as currently being pursued, can ensure that local professionals receive the training, technology, and expertise needed to elevate cancer care standards in Guyana.
Cancer does not only attack the body; it destabilises families emotionally, financially, and socially. Patients often need psychological counselling, nutritional guidance, and community support networks. Family members, too, require education on how to care for their loved ones with compassion while managing their own mental and emotional well-being. Addressing cancer holistically requires a coordinated response involving Government agencies, healthcare professionals, corporate partners, and civil society organisations.
Prevention also plays an essential role. While not every cancer can be avoided, lifestyle choices can significantly influence risk. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and poor dietary habits remain among the leading preventable causes of cancer worldwide. Public health campaigns in Guyana must move beyond awareness slogans and actively promote healthier lifestyles. Schools, workplaces, and community organisations should be engaged in building a culture of prevention where healthier choices are supported and encouraged.
October’s observances should therefore not be reduced to a ceremonial gesture. They must serve as a sustained national action, one that extends well beyond the month itself. Cancer has already claimed too many lives in Guyana, many of which could have been saved with timely detection.
Guyana has already begun taking significant steps by placing early detection and comprehensive cancer care at the centre of its public health agenda. Investments in screening programmes, oncology services, and the pursuit of international partnerships demonstrate that the fight against cancer is moving beyond gestures. These efforts, once sustained and strengthened, will save lives.
Winston Jordan’s deep disregard for thousands of families who depend on the rice industry
Dear Editor, I’ve taken note of the recent statements made by former Finance Minister Winston Jordan regarding Guyana’s rice sector. His recommendation that smaller farmers should exit rice production is not only reckless but also reveals a deep disregard for the thousands of families who depend on this vital industry.
It is important to remind Mr Jordan and the public of the Coalition Government’s record on rice between 2015 and 2020. During that period, rice farmers faced blatant neglect. The former President and coalition administration repeatedly told farmers that “rice is a private business”, leaving them to struggle without meaningful Government support. When Panama failed to pay for rice supplied under the Coalition Government, farmers and millers were left to fend for themselves, with no intervention or assistance from the very Government that Mr Jordan was a part of. It wasn’t until the Dr Irfaan Ali-led PPP/C Government got into office that millers and farmers received those outstanding payments.
By contrast, the PPP/C Government has consistently stood by rice farmers. President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, during his recent meeting with farmers on the Corentyne Coast, outlined several of the planned interventions his Government has for the sector to
The PPP/C Government has always been the only honest representative of rice
farmers in the history of this country. The President also outlined a comprehensive strategy that includes increasing the national storage capacity across rice-producing regions to allow Guyana to stockpile up to 5 million tonnes of rice.
President Ali also spoke about investing in better rice varieties to deliver higher yields and maintain competitiveness in global markets and the introduction of agribusiness diversification. This will include high-value initiatives such as cage farming for crabs to boost cash flow and reduce risks for farmers.
This is a far cry from Mr Jordan’s proposal to push small farmers out of the industry and effectively abandon them. His comments ignore the fact that rice is not only a commercial product but also a cornerstone of Guyana’s rural economy, food security, and national identity.
The PPP/C Government will not abandon rice farmers. Instead, it is investing in infrastructure, research, and diversification to ensure that Guyana’s rice industry emerges stronger and more resilient in the face of global challenges. Mr Jordan and his coalition colleagues had their chance and chose neglect. Today, they stand exposed as opportunists attempting to politicise the very sector they once abandoned.
Yours sincerely,
Hon Zulfikar Mustapha, MP Minister of Agriculture
The NIS question
Dear Editor,
The National Insurance Scheme's operations have been in the spotlight for some time now and for all the wrong reasons, reasons being, it is an institution that is involved in the receipt and disbursement of monies. Whenever and wherever monies are to be collected and/or disbursed there is bound to be some degree of friction, doubts and failings from contributor and collector. I do hope my article would give some clarity to the misconceptions that exist.
Now, The NIS is a statutory body that operates under the Law; in this case bound by the constitution as any other insurance agency. The simple fact is, you make contributions and at your retirement you are entitled to a monthly refund on your contributions.
Now, there are some pertinent facts that must be taken into consideration when discussing the NIS, and I have listed them below:
1. Persons must make at least 15 years of contributions before you are entitled to a full NIS Pension.
2. Contributors must get a yearly print-out of their contributions; it is a safe way in which you can keep accurate record of your contributions. Do not wait at retirement to check up on these because by that time it would be too late. The reason for this is that some institutions are defunct, for example some security companies and The Guyana National Service, where records of one’s contributions cannot be verified.
3. Again, I highlight the point, please ensure that your arm yourself with an annual print out of your contributions from the NIS, stamped and certified by the scheme. Without this the insurance company would not be able ascertain, far less to honour your claim with a payout.
4. Self-employed persons must pay into the NIS; it is mandatory! If you do not contribute to the scheme you cannot claim; The NIS is not a charitable organization that you run to for a handout if you have not been contributing, or one haven't been up to date in your contributions! Self-employed persons contributions are done on a scale worked out by NIS and the self-employed person.
5. On a survival benefit, this is earned if one of the spouses died and the other, whether husband or wife receives a survivor's benefit. Now, if both spouses were receiving an NIS and the other died then a pyout is worked out in favour of the survivor on a scale of the higher contributor. What I've seen in the media are persons claiming benefit on both counts; that is their own and on their spouse. It is not a windfall and certainly not legal.
I must highlight the point that the age limit for retirement in Guyana is very limited, that is, it should be extended to age 60 or 65 years. The years cited is progressive and forward thinking, while being a conservation of experience in the workplace.
Respectfully,
Neil Adams
Students of the New Amsterdam Multilateral Secondary School observe experiments during a science exhibition held on Tuesday as part of Education Month activities. The event showcased the school’s laboratory and equipment, giving students a hands-on look at the practical side of science (Region 6 RDC photo)
Housing boom continues in Guyana
Dear Editor,
Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, on Friday, said something of immense value to all Guyanese. This was at the Marriott Hotel (during the celebration of the 76th Anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China). The PM, in referring to Guyana’s continuing ‘housing overdrive’ explained that the time has come for “Guyana to significantly benefit from China’s expertise in this (housing) sector.” He explained that “by leveraging its extensive experience in large-scale, affordable housing construction and urban planning, to comprehensively develop our infrastructure, the country can continue to chart its course on a rapid development path, with Chinese expertise, to drive largescale, affordable housing construction and urban planning.
First, without going to the statistics in housing (land and homes), I venture to say that there is a need for ‘speedier’ work on the ground. It is not far-fetched to say that the Chinese house construction output evinces “… advanced modular pre-fabricated systems for rapid assembly of factory-made
structural components, leading to high efficiency and cost-effectiveness, as well as traditional methods using materials like timber, stone, brick, and tiles for historic architectural styles.” In other words, they are qualified, equipped and most eager to ‘hit the ground’ in terms of providing homes for Guyanese, and right across the spectrum too, as their “… modern innovations are used for everything from capsule homes for dense urban populations to large-scale residential and commercial projects, often utilizing steel for frames and advanced engineering for safe, durable, and affordable housing.” I mean, don’t we need a rapid output (of durable homes)? With the Chinese about to step in (if given the chance), we are talking about teaming up with tested companies who have already been engaged in home and infrastructure construction internationally, particularly in developing countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. On our local scene, and as the PM pointed out, “Notably, past collaborations between the two countries (Guyana and China) in infrastructure and health, such as
the construction of six regional hospitals and the new Demerara River Bridge, have demonstrated China’s ability to deliver complex projects efficiently.”
As far as I can see, we need to ‘catch up’ as the Dr. Irfaan Ali-led administration has ‘long time now’ exceeded its house-lot target in less than five years, by delivering over 50,000 house lots to Guyanese from every income bracket, which stands in sharp contrast to just over 7,000 lots that were distribut -
ed by the previous administration during its entire tenure in office.” I cannot help but applaud the PPP/C Administration, as this is clear evidence that the party was most deserved of remaining in control of the leadership of Guyana.
Editor, the plan from the PPP/C Government, via the Ministry of Housing, is to build 40,000 more homes over the next five years, and this is in keeping with Government’s 2025 Manifesto promise. We can expect this to be a
reality, as PPP/C’s track record inspires confidence.
How about some great drivers, where local housing is concerned: low-interest rates at the local banks; the steel-and-cement subsidy programme; the Core Home Support initiative (falling under the $5.8 billion Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme (AHUAP), targetting vulnerable families and provides them with affordable core homes); and the housing subsidy and the construction of community
grounds.
Let’s judge candidly our government's housing program, assess its effectiveness in creating a sufficient supply of affordable, accessible, and adequate housing for its population. What do we get? Nothing but unabated commendations. It is indeed a great time to be in Guyana-a housing dream, once forlorn, is now an everyday reality.
Yours truly, Raymond Anderson
Unite in dealing with transnational corporations
Dear Editor,
One of the benefits that the leaders and the people of the region had hoped was that with the creation of Caricom, the regional governments would have been acting together. This is very important since we are relatively small individually and in terms of our population. Therefore, acting on issues jointly would enhance the influence of the region internationally.
Moreover, Caricom has the potential of increasing our bargaining power greatly, when dealing with multi-national corporations and large countries.
This is more important at this stage in our region’s development.
At this time, Guyana has become a major producer of oil and gas. Trinidad & Tobago, which has been producing oil for more than a hundred years has depleted a lot of their reserve. They are now looking for more in the deep waters. Suriname has also found oil and gas and will begin production soon. Recently in the news is that Jamaica and Grenada have joined the hunt for the black gold.
We know that Guyana in 2016 got a very poor deal. In passing, it is still a
mystery why the then government did not involve Trinidad specialists during the negotiations to begin production.
That as it may, we now have a situation where three of our countries are oil and gas producers (Guyana, T&T and Suriname). Others may join soon.
It would be in the interest of our countries individually and for the region collectively if we can work out a common regime to deal with the huge corporations that are descending on the region. This would prevent the Oil giants from playing us off against each other.
Just as we have a Common External Tariff, we should develop a common investment regime in our natural resource sector.
This is important for Guyana and Suriname which has similar resources. If this could be achieved then the people of our region will benefit more from our natural resources and integration in Caricom could be deepened.
Sincerely,
Donald Ramotar Former President
Page Foundation
Compound Events
What Are Compound Events?
A compound event is an event made up of two or more simple events.
Example: Rolling a die and flipping a coin. Compound events usually involve either “and” situations or “or” situations.
Types of Compound Events
There are two main types:
1. Independent Events
2. Dependent Events
Independent Events
Two events are independent if the outcome of one doesn’t affect the outcome of the other.
Example 1
Flipping a coin and rolling a die. The coin flip doesn’t change the die roll result.
Example 2
Weather & Sports Game
Event A = it rains tomorrow
Event B = your favourite team wins
These are unrelated events, so they’re independent.
The probability of there being no rain and your favourite sports team winning the match is 0.18, or 18%.
Practice
1. You flip a coin twice. What is the probability of both flips being tails?
2. A forecast says there’s a 40% chance of rain tomorrow, and a train company reports there’s a 90% chance your train will arrive on time tomorrow. What is the probability of both events happening?
3. You flip a coin twice and roll a die once. What are the chances your first coin flip is heads, the second is tails, and the die shows a 6?
Supplies
• Coffee Can (label off)
• Two coffee can lids
• One hole punch
• Strong thread/fishing line/yarn/twine etc.
• Sharpies or other coloured permanent markers
• Old CDs
Instructions
1. Colour your CDs and
coffee can with your permanent markers to make them bright and beautiful
At dawn's first light, the farmer wakes, Among the fields, the morning breaks. In the quiet, a rooster's crow, Begins a day where crops will grow With hands in soil, under the sun, Their work, relentless, never done. Each seed they sow, with care and love, Blessed by the blue skies above.
(Source: Scribd)
Paper writer
Pretend you are a writer for your city’s newspaper. Who would you like to interview for a news story and why?
2. In one coffee can lid, punch as many holes as you have CDs. Space the holes fairly evenly around the edge of the can, so the CDs can swing without being too clustered.
3. Cut a length of thread, and slip one end through the
hole of a CD and through a hole in the coffee can lid. Tie a knot up near the lid.
4. Repeat until all CDs are attached to the lid, varying the lengths.
5. Pop this lid on the bottom of the can. Ensure any loose ends of fishing line are tucked in and hidden underneath the lid.
6. To hang the can, take
the other lid and punch two holes – one across from the other near the edge of the lid.
7. Thread a piece of fishing line through the holes. Knot it and fix the lid back on the top of the can.
8. Hang your wind chimes outside and listen for their sound when the breeze blows!
(Adapted from happyhooligans.ca)
Foreign currency demand
Central Bank injects US$1.2B into local market
…as Government unveils stricter forex oversight measures
The Government of Guyana, through the Central Bank, has injected US$1.2 billion into the local financial system so far this year, more than triple the amount provided in the entire year of 2024, in an effort to meet rising demand for foreign currency.
President Dr Irfaan Ali made the disclosure on Monday during an engagement with the heads of commercial banks, where he outlined a new series of measures aimed at tightening oversight, reducing capital flight, and ensuring transparency in foreign exchange transactions.
“In 2024, the central bank placed about US$332 million into the system to clear demand. This year, we are already at US$1.2 billion, with about US$160 million in additional demand still in the system,” the President said, pointing to an extraordinary surge in
credit card transactions as one of the drivers of foreign exchange outflows.
According to Ali, credit card clearances rose from US$91.3 million in 2023 to US$347.5 million in 2024. For 2025 so far, transactions have already reached US$252 million, even before the year-end holiday period. “That growth is extraordinary, and we must analyse whether personal credit cards are being used to settle business transactions… And we have to see also where the clearance is, and I just want to say this with the commercial banks here, because we intend to go deep and to have an analysis. We have to know what we are financing through the demand for foreign currency,” the President said.
Streamlining, intervention
To deal with these pressures, the Administration has announced a series of
interventions that will reshape how foreign exchange requests are processed. Going forward, importers seeking foreign currency will be required to provide commercial invoices before their banks can release funds. Once goods arrive in Guyana, those invoices, along with bills of lading, will have to be submitted to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and to the commercial banks, ensuring that the shipments match the forex requested. If importers fail to comply with this documentation process, they will not be able to access foreign currency for future requests. To streamline verification, commercial banks will now be required to forward invoices and bills of lading to the Bank of Guyana, effectively creating a centralised clearinghouse that will monitor and reconcile all transactions.
The President also signalled stricter rules for credit card use. Commercial banks will have to ensure that personal credit cards are not being misused for large business transactions or for importing goods, which he noted was becoming a loophole in the system. Entities found to be inflating invoices or engaging in related-party over-invoicing with the intent of moving money out of the country will face penalties. Additional safeguards will also be implemented at Guyana’s borders. Persons leaving the country with large sums of foreign currency will have to declare not just receipts from commercial banks but also the source of funds obtained from Cambios and other licensed dealers. Meanwhile, companies registered under the local content framework must hold local bank accounts and ensure that oil
Cancer Institute doctor urges Guyanese to prioritise early cancer detection
Dr Syed Ghazi of the Cancer Institute is urging Guyanese to go beyond awareness when it comes to cancer, emphasising the critical importance of early detection.
This urgency was made during a recent interview with this publication.
Dr Ghazi emphasised the importance of education and community outreach in the fight against cancer, noting that awareness alone is not enough to combat the disease. “I personally have spoken with the employees of different corporates, you know, creating awareness about breast cancer, cervical cancer, early detection, and family support – how families should act for the people who are suffering,” he said.
He explained that cancer extends far beyond the medical diagnosis, affecting patients and their families in multiple ways.
“Cancer is a very complex situation where you need help in a lot of aspects, like the financial aspect and psychological support, and so the Cancer Institute has contributed not only in treatment or screening or providing chemotherapy and radiation, but we have actually created awareness in the society,” Dr Ghazi added.
By engaging with communities, workplaces, and families, the Cancer Institute aims to ensure that Guyanese are in-
formed about the early signs of cancer and understand the importance of both emotional and practical support for those undergoing treatment. This approach, he stressed, is key to improving survival rates and helping patients navigate the challenges of their diagnosis.
The doctor highlighted the need for a modern, state-of-the-art oncology centre in Guyana, which would offer advanced diagnostic tools, treatment, patient support, and public awareness initiatives.
“More importantly, we would have the support of partnerships this Government is developing with institutions across the sea, which would bring a very healthy and positive contribution to healthcare in Guyana. I do believe
that we are having a very big leap towards progress in medical health here,” he said.
Addressing the concerning rise in cancer-related deaths in Guyana since 2022, he acknowledged that awareness campaigns alone have not been enough to curb the trend.
“There is an increase in deaths due to these cancers. Although we are creating awareness, some of this is due to ignorance on the part of the public. Sometimes there is denial – people may notice a lump or mass but hesitate to see a doctor, fearing the treatment or the diagnosis,” he explained.
The doctor emphasised that this delay in seeking medical attention significantly impacts survival rates.
“If you look from the
other angle, early detection means that you’ll be saved; you’ll survive.” He noted that cancers such as breast, cervical, and prostate cancer, which are among the most common in Guyana, are highly treatable if caught early. Beyond medical screening, Dr Ghazi highlighted the role of lifestyle in preventing cancer. He urged Guyanese to adopt healthier habits, pointing to obesity, smoking, and other risk factors as areas where prevention is possible.
“By taking proactive steps to protect ourselves and reduce risk factors, we can complement early detection efforts and improve outcomes for the population,” he said.
and gas service payments are remitted in foreign currency to those accounts.
Transparency and discipline
In a bid to promote transparency and discipline, a new single-window reconciliation system will also be established at the Bank of Guyana to ensure that records from commercial banks, the central bank, and the GRA are properly aligned before any new foreign exchange request is approved.
According to Ali, this measure will close gaps that currently allow some companies to use duplicate invoices at multiple banks, creating artificial demand for foreign currency.
“These interventions are about transparency, parity, and discipline,” the President emphasised, adding that the system will remove duplication and bring fairness to how foreign currency is distributed. He also stressed that the Government will closely monitor foreign direct investment inflows to ensure that overseas companies finance their own capital equipment rather than relying heavily on local banks and that dividend repatria-
tion policies are applied responsibly.
Banks on board Commercial bank representatives welcomed the reforms, noting that many of the proposed measures are already partially in place. They endorsed the creation of a centralised portal for invoice and customs clearance records, which will allow banks to verify transactions in real time.
Republic Bank described the measures as “overdue tightening” that would “bring more transparency”, while other banks said the single-window system will eliminate duplicate requests and level the playing field, especially for local companies operating in the oil and gas sector.
Ali said the policy adjustments reflect the need to safeguard Guyana’s macroeconomic stability amid unprecedented growth. “It is a challenge moving from US$300 million to US$1.2 billion in one year. This requires a deep dive. These measures are about protecting Guyana’s interests, ensuring transparency, and maintaining discipline in the financial system,” he stressed.
Dr Syed Ghazi of the Cancer Institute
Security guard shoots man during alleged cable theft on Regent St
Police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred on Monday night on Regent Street, Bourda, Georgetown, leaving a 38-year-old man hospitalised.
Injured is Quacy Jandoo, who is unemployed and of no fixed place of abode. The incident occurred at about 21:45h, in the vicinity of Classic Styles Boutique.
Weekes stated that he instructed Jandoo to stop, but the latter refused, leading to an argument. Jandoo then allegedly pulled a cutlass from his pants waist and attacked Weekes, prompting the security guard to draw his service weapon and fire a single shot.
The last… …quarter
WPolice said Weekes was on duty at the Classic Collection building on Regent Street, Georgetown, from 19:00h that evening and had been issued a .32
According to reports, Jandoo was near the boutique when he was confronted by Ryan Weekes, a 38-year-old supernumerary constable attached to KGM Security Services. An argument reportedly ensued, during which Weekes drew a handgun and discharged a round that struck Jandoo in his left thigh. Jandoo fell but later ran into a nearby yard.
pistol with a magazine containing ten rounds. Weekes told investigators that while stationed at the guard hut inside the compound, he heard noises from the front of the building. Upon checking, he said he observed Jandoo cutting a GTT cable with a hacksaw blade.
Police ranks later found Jandoo in a nearby location described as a known “drug block”. He was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where he was treated for a gunshot wound to the thigh and admitted in stable condition.
The firearm has been lodged, and Weekes is currently assisting investigators.
Cocaine, ganja found abandoned at Mahdia Arcade
Police ranks in Regional Division Eight (PotaroSiparuni) discovered quantities of cocaine and cannabis during an intelligence-led operation at the Mahdia Arcade on Monday.
The operation, which was led by a chief inspector, resulted in the recovery of three bulky plastic bags. According to police, two of the bags contained whitish rock-like substances suspected to be cocaine, while the third held several small Ziploc bags containing leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis.
A further search was conducted in an alleyway of the Arcade leading to a nearby hotel. There, Ranks found another bulky bag containing leaves, seeds, and stems, also suspected to be cannabis.
The suspected narcotics were taken to the Mahdia Police Station, where they were weighed. The cannabis amounted to 290 grams (g), while the suspected cocaine weighed 85g.
No arrests have been made in connection with the discovery, as the investigation continues.
ell, here we are - October, heralding the last quarter of the year is here!! We start sensing the year’s fast drawing to a close – with folks gonna start becoming frantic about Christmas shopping and all that! Esp after the VP assured that every family’s gonna get that cash grant!! Your Eyewitness had always wondered whether it was because of this Christmas distraction the condition dubbed “Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder” (ADHD) is commemorated this entire month!! You don’t know what’s ADHD??
Well, if you’re unable to sit still, especially in calm or quiet surroundings; you’re constantly fidgeting; unable to concentrate on tasks; move around unnecessarily; engage in excessive physical movement; talk too much; unable to wait your turn; acting without thinking and always interrupting conversations - then you’ve got ADHD, Budday!! But since that describes most Guyanese, it could just be that all Guyanese have ADHD!! This would explain why we can never get anything completed – we just can’t focus our attention for any sustained period!!
From your Eyewitness’ (unfortunate) visits to government departments and bureaucracies, it’s clear to him that a higher level of ADHD is a prime criterion for their employment!! Have you EVER reached a “Civil Servant” – a contradiction in terms if there ever was one!! – who took care of your issue without taking a break?? Well, it seems that Pressie has realized the challenge such a predisposition poses to a successful second term!! He’s added a new department to deal with increasing governmental efficiency - Zulfikar Ally, with private sector experience, is now Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation!!
But October was chosen as “Agriculture Month”!! Yep…agriculture - which demands the patience of Job and then some!! Take even growing a grass like rice - much less a tree like coffee. You gotta prepare the land by ploughing and “raking” so the fields are level like a billiard table; flood it with water of a particular depth; broadcast the paddy seeds that have been soaked to germination point; control the water levels as they grow; get rid of pests and diseases; broadcast fertilizers; after three months reap with combines and take the paddy to mills. Then wait for a year to be paid an amount that doesn’t even cover your costs!!
But let’s face it…agriculture’s the reason we’re all here – excepting for our Indigenous brothers and sisters! And agriculture’s our future. As your Eyewitness has been emphasizing, while oil doan spoil, ours’ gonna last 30 years max – and then what? Suck salt like Trinidad? No Siree Bob!! The government’s doing the right thing by identifying all sorts of new opportunities to make a living for a century - by feeding the region and beyond!!
Soya was just shipped to be milled!!
…political ruckus?
It was on October 5 that democracy was returned back in 1992. The PNC under Burnham – and then Hoyte – had flagrantly and blatantly rigged elections in 1968, 1973, 1978, , and 1985 in which they gave themselves increasing majorities. He even rigged a referendum in 1980 to prevent a referendum on his new constitution giving him dictatorial powers – as was required by law!! Democracy became a sham and the country was wrecked because Burnham didn’t even pretend to be a benign dictator.
Violence was unleashed on anyone or any group that dared to challenge the system – even to the point of murder. This was sooo completely outside the democratic order we’d been promised during the centuries of colonial rule!! Ironically, after democracy was returned, the PNC returned to violent confrontation to make their political demands when Hoyte launched his “mo fyaah; slow fyaah” strategy - after refusing to accept their loss in the 1997 elections.
With the PNC now reduced to a third-rate party maybe we’re over that??
…seat
Have you wondered why all the fighting and drama for that one leftover seat in Parliament?? It’s certainly ain’t to “serve the people”!! Think about the two duty-free cars per term - and the bonanza made on selling them!!
The drugs that were found abandoned at Mahdia Arcade
Parliament will reconvene in accordance with Guyana’s Constitution – President Ali
President Dr Irfaan Ali has reassured that Parliament will be reconvened in accordance with the Constitution of Guyana.
He made the remark during an interview posted on his Facebook page on Tuesday morning.
“Guyana, you can trust the PPP/C Government to do everything within the Constitution,” President Ali said.
He referenced Article 69 (1) of the Constitution of Guyana, which governs the reconvening of Parliament after it has been dissolved.
“I still have a lot of time in the Constitution to reconvene Parliament,” the President explained.
Parliament was dissolved on July 3, 2025, to pave the way for the holding of General and Regional Elections on September 1, 2025.
The Constitution of Guyana states that “each session of Parliament shall be held at such place within Guyana and shall begin at such time (not being later than six months from the end of the preceding session if Parliament has been prorogued or four months from the end of that session if Parliament has been dissolved) as the President shall appoint by proclamation.”
Against this backdrop, the President pointed out that he has until November to convene the 13th Parliament.
“…what I can assure you and Guyana is that it will be reconvened within the constitutional limits and constitutional timeframe,” he said.
Clerk of the National Assembly Sherlock Isaacs has confirmed that he has received the names of all 65 Members of Parliament (MPs) to be
appointed.
The parties to be represented in the National Assembly are the ruling People's Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) with 36 seats, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) with 16, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) with 12, and Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) with 1.
When Parliament is reconvened, the selected members will take their oath of office, after which the Speaker of the National Assembly and Deputy Speaker will be elected.
“We’re just waiting on the proclamation of His Excellency. According to the standing orders, the first business of the new Parliament would be the election of the Speaker. So, I would conduct the election of the Speaker, the normal thing. I’ll ask persons to nominate someone, or they may nominate two or three persons, then I’ll
have an election. So, the person with the highest vote would become the Speaker, and the person would take the chair and do the election of the Deputy Speaker, then the other members,” the Clerk had outlined. Thereafter, the Opposition Leader would be elected.
“There would be a separate meeting; maybe the first or, if convenient, the second sitting of the National Assembly. We would convene, and I would convene a meeting chaired by the Speaker of all opposition members only, and he would ask to nominate a person or persons to be the Leader of the Opposition. If there’s more than one person, we have the vote again, but only opposition members would be invited to that meeting, which would be chaired by the Honourable Speaker,” the National Assembly Clerk had explained to reporters.
Guyanese sentenced, fined in US over role in global HIV test kit theft scheme
The Department of Justice says a Kenyan national and a Guyanese national have been charged in South Carolina after an investigation into stolen HIV test kits and other health commodities meant for Kenya.
United States (US)
Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina says Eric Mwangi, 40, of Kenya, and his company started systematically stealing HIV test kits from a
$650 million USAID-funded programme, the KEMSA Medical Commodities Program, meant to provide care and treatment in Kenya.
Prosecutors say Mwangi started to sell the medical supplies meant for Kenya to
Davendra Rampersaud, 42, of Guyana, and his company, Caribbean Medical Supplies, Inc, making $177,000 between 2015 and 2019. Rampersaud obtained a fraudulent “Letter of Authority” to operate as an authorised distributor in 2015.
Mwangi was arrested in 2021 by Kenyan officials on theft and fraud charges. He faces up to 20 years on various American charges. He is awaiting trial in Kenya.
Rampersaud was sentenced in a Charleston federal courtroom and pleaded
guilty to conspiracy and stealing or converting health commodities that were paid for by USAID.
Judge Richard Gergel sentenced Rampersaud to three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay an $84,000 fine.
“This was an incredibly complicated investigation, spanning years and an ocean,” Stirling said. “These defendants jeopardised a vital public health mission and caused a significant loss to the American taxpayers.”
The Office of the Inspector
General for the US Agency for International Development investigated this case. Assistance was provided by the Office of International Affairs, the Department of State’s Regional Security Offices in Nairobi, Kenya, and Georgetown, Guyana, US Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant US Attorneys Sean Kittrell and Dean Secor. (Live 5 News WCSC)
Enmore housewife, taxi driver charged with conspiracy to commit murder
Anita Varsha Chetram, a 38-year-old housewife of Enmore, East Coast Demerara (ECD), and Akeem Orin Bristol, called “Biggs”, a 30-year-old taxi driver of Craig Old Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD), were on Tuesday jointly charged with conspiracy to commit murder.
The charge, brought under Section 102(a) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01, alleges that between September 1 and September 24, 2025, at Yarrowkabra, Soesdyke Highway, the two conspired to murder 44-yearold Bhagmattie Jagatram, also known as Shabana, of Enmore.
Chetram was arrested on September 26 by a rank from
Charged: Anita Varsha Chetram
the Enmore Police Station, while Bristol was arrested the following day by a rank from the Providence Police Station.
According to Police, the accused appeared before Magistrate Tameika Clarke
Charged: Akeem Orin Bristol, called “Biggs”
at the Diamond Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, where the charge was read to them. They were not required to plead, and both of them were remanded to prison. The case will continue on November 7.
President Dr Irfaan Ali
Public invited to attend commissioning of US$262M Demerara River Bridge on Oct 5
The grand opening ceremony for the new US$262 million Demerara River Bridge will take place on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at 17:30h, the Government of Guyana has announced. According to a statement from the Public Works Ministry, the public will be invited to participate in this historic occasion in the country’s history.
“Members of the pub-
lic will be invited to witness the commissioning of this transformative and landmark project undertaken by the Irfaan Ali-led Administration. All are welcomed to walk across the bridge with President Ali and the Cabinet, after which the bridge will be immediately opened to vehicular traffic,” the Ministry stated.
The ceremony will take place at the abutment of the eastern end of the bridge, and members of the public are advised to wear comfortable shoes for the walk.
The much-anticipated superstructure is constructed to facilitate the continuous flow of vessel and vehicle traffic, which will boost the transportation of products and services throughout the nation, drastically cut down on travel time and improve connectivity between Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Four (Mahaica-Berbice).
This landmark project, launched in 2022, forms part of the Government’s wider vision of national transformation.
The bridge has already passed a critical stage of testing, with engineers con-
firming its strength and durability. The most recent test involved twenty fully loaded trucks being strategically positioned on the bridge to simulate heavy traffic conditions, while teams of experts monitored the structure’s performance under stress. Advanced sensors recorded stress, strain, deflection, stiffness, and tower displacement, as well as the load forces on the supporting cables.
The new four-lane, 2.6-kilometre (km) bridge stretches from Nandy Park on the
East Bank of Demerara (EBD) to La Grange on the West Bank of Demerara (WBD).
With a fixed-high span of 50 metres (m), it will allow Handymax vessels to pass unobstructed beneath.
The bridge is designed with a lifespan of 100 years and will operate toll-free, 24/7, with a maximum speed limit of 80 km/h. Its design will also feature the Cacique Crown of Honour (CCH), the country’s second-highest national award.
Once commissioned, the
bridge will replace the ageing Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB), a floating structure that has long struggled with congestion and frequent closures. The DHB will be removed and repurposed to bridge other waterways across the country. The new Demerara River Bridge project was undertaken by China Railway Construction (International) Limited with Politecnica as the supervisory consultant.
Berbice man gets 7½ years for manslaughter in death of “Mice”
Twenty-five-year-old
Trevor Rajmangal, known as “Two Star”, was on Tuesday sentenced to seven years and six months in prison for the killing of 36-year-old Mohamed Abdul Ali, called “Mice”, following a drunken altercation at a West Canefield shop in March 2023.
The sentence was handed down at the Berbice High Court by Justice Peter Hugh, just one week after Rajmangal entered a guilty plea to the lesser count of manslaughter, admitting responsibility for Ali’s death.
Rajmangal, who was initially indicted for murder, pleaded not guilty to that charge but accepted culpability for manslaughter. His case was prosecuted by State Counsel Cecilia Corbin, while Kevin Morgan of the Legal Aid Clinic appeared in his defence.
pool stick through the grill of the shop in an attempt to strike Ali before running outside armed with a Vita Malt bottle.
As Ali tried to scale the gate of an abandoned lot nearby, Rajmangal threw the bottle at him. It struck Ali, who fell to the ground. The following morning, Ali’s body was discovered lying on the parapet. A post-mortem conducted by government pathologist Dr Bridgemohan revealed that he died from shock and haemorrhage caused by a fractured skull and a broken cervical spine.
Rajmangal before the confrontation.
A probation report presented to the court by Senior Probation Officer Judith Fullerton provided further insight. Rajmangal, a carpenter and mason from West Canefield, was the youngest of five children and grew up in a stable Hindu household. He dropped out of school at Form Three due to financial struggles but apprenticed as a carpenter and later supported himself through freelance work.
According to the statement of facts, the incident occurred between March 18 and 19, 2023. Rajmangal, then 22, had been drinking and playing pool with friends at a shop on Bissessar Street, West Canefield.
However, at about 09:30h on March 18, Ali entered the premises. A heated verbal altercation erupted and continued outside the shop. At one point, Rajmangal shoved a
Justice Hugh started the sentence at 15 years’ imprisonment, in keeping with the sentencing guidelines. He then deducted one-third (five years) for the early guilty plea, which spared the court a lengthy trial. A further year and six months was taken off for the time Rajmangal had already spent in pre-trial custody, and another year for the remorse he expressed and his cooperation with investigators. This left the final custodial sentence at seven years and six months.
Unarmed and defenceless Rajmangal was arrested on March 21, 2023. During a video-recorded Police interview, he admitted to throwing the bottle and later demonstrated how the events unfolded.
The prosecution, led by Corbin, argued that the deceased was unarmed and defenceless at the time of the attack. The fact that he was attempting to flee when struck made the act particularly grave. The State also pointed to the continuing grief of Ali’s family, especially his sister, who discovered
his body, and stressed the need for deterrence in light of rising violent altercations in society.
Leniency
The defence, through Morgan, urged the court to consider that Rajmangal had no prior criminal record and was of previously good character. Family members and community residents described him as hard-working, respectful, and peaceful. Morgan stressed that the incident was isolated, not premeditated, and stemmed from provocation by the deceased, who had allegedly directed indecent language at
His father and brothers described him as hard-working and law-abiding, while Police and prison checks confirmed he had no prior charges. The probation officer noted his expressions of remorse and his plea for leniency.
Still traumatised
Ali, by contrast, was remembered by relatives as helpful and peaceful, though community members noted he struggled with alcohol and marijuana use. His family has been left devastated, with his sister and other relatives stating they are still traumatised by the manner of his death.
In handing down the sentence, Justice Hugh said the court was required to strike a balance between punishment, deterrence, and the possibility of rehabilitation. He noted that while the offence was serious and led to the needless loss of a life, Rajmangal’s youth, early plea, remorse, and lack of prior convictions weighed in his favour.
Rajmangal will continue serving his time in prison, with the opportunity to benefit from rehabilitative programmes, including anger management and skills training offered by the Guyana Prison Service.
The new US$262 million Demerara River Bridge (Ameer Sattaur photo)
Dead: Mohamed Imran Ali, called “Mice”
Trevor Rajmangal, called “Two Star”
Presiding Judge, Justice Peter Hugh
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Ramsammy’s Ruminations
Winston Jordan’s assault on farmers – now wants down-sizing of rice
W“Guyana
must remain relevant in this period of global disruption” – Pres Ali
Pinston Jordan last week demanded that government take steps to downsize rice in Guyana. This is the man who was Minister of Finance during the 2015-2020 PNC-led APNU/AFC government when they refused to support rice farmers and when they down-sized SUGAR. The down-sizing of SUGAR was a major reason why people voted to dump the Granger-led, PNC-led APNU/AFC government in 2020. In explaining his reason for supporting the PPP’s no-Confidence motion, the APNU/AFC MP, Charandass, explained how the plight of sugar workers catalyzed his decision to vote for the No-Confidence motion in Parliament on December 21st 2018. Even though much have been said and written about the “down-sizing” of SUGAR as a deliberate effort to kill sugar in Guyana, there was also a robust effort by the PNC-led APNU/ AFC to similarly kill rice. Thus, Jordan’s latest plea for government to “down-size” rice represents a continued assault on Guyana’s agriculture and our farmers.
Between 1902 and 1956, rice production gradually increased. After 1956, with the support and policy-directives of the Cheddi Jagan-led PPP government, rice production spiraled upwards reaching 200,000 tons by 1964. Similarly, from mainly a peasant activity and mainly to support domestic use, export of rice became one of Guyana’s main foreign currency earners. This growing importance of rice was sabotaged by the Burnham-led PNC dictatorship after 1968 and by 1990 most of Guyana’s rice farmers were busy developing the rice industry in Suriname and many were working in factories in New York. The rice industry had collapsed in Guyana and, in fact, by 1989, we were accepting gifts of rice from Italy.
No matter how Jordan try to disguise the assault, every rice farmer and every Guyanese who sees agriculture as the foundation of our economy knows that Jordan’s call for curtailing rice production is merely the continuation of his and the PNC’s sick obsession with the idea that agriculture must be killed. He and the PNC mistakenly view agriculture as the “Achilles Heel” of the PPP. This view is what catalyzed their fatal effort to kill SUGAR and why they refused to help rice farmers between 2015 and 2020 when they were in government. This is why Khemraj Ramjattan as a Vice-President stood in Parliament and accused the PPP of wanting the government to support sugar only because the sugar workers vote for the PPP.
Jordan used the fact that paddy price on the global market is significantly down because of bountiful production of rice in many Asian countries between the 2024 – 2025 production period. The drop in global price for rice and paddy is not just for this crop. It actually started prior to the last crop. When millers lowered the buying-price for paddy during the last crop, the PPP government, as it always have done, stepped in and subsidized the price by $300 per bag. The PPP government has already been working with farmers and millers to ensure that there is a reasonable price for paddy this crop.
Like other agricultural commodities, price fluctuation is a reality that farmers and countries live with. When prices drop, there is no reason why farmers must give up. Guyana has an extensive high-quality export market to maintain, one that we have worked hard to create. By 1990, we could not sustain our markets, mainly the European Union and some Caribbean countries. Today, the market has expanded to include the European Union, CARICOM, North America, a number of Latin American countries, such as Panama, Mexico and Guatemala, and even small markets in Africa and the Middle-East. Guyana must maintain these markets and demonstrate we are reliable suppliers, willing to supply the markets in good times and in bad times, when the price is soaring and when the price drops. Guyana’s rice farmers are not just “fair-weather” friends or suppliers; our rice farmers want to retain their status as reliable, high-quality suppliers.
Down-sizing production risk the loss of the markets we have worked hard to obtain. It is short-sighted and exposes the cluelessness of Jordan, the same kind of cluelessness that dictated the failed agriculture policies between 2015 and 2020. While lower prices have serious implications for the welfare of farmers, forcing them to reduce production cannot be the answer. This is especially true at this time when the Latin America and Caribbean markets have opened up more. Twenty years ago, the US accounted for more than 90% of the market. Today, the US as a preferred-supplier has diminished. With global agriculture targeting the removal of subsidies, the US competitiveness with the potential removal of $US25B rice subsidies, there is room for other players and Guyana has an opportunity to play with the “big” boys in the Latin American market.
In contrast to Jordan’s demand to curtail production, the Irfaan Aliled PPP government, outside of subsiding paddy price, has proposed various initiatives to protect the market and farmers’ welfare. With fertilizer programs reducing the cost of production and other productioncost reduction initiatives, profitability even when global prices drop will help farmers cope with the fluctuating prices on the global market. Among other initiatives is the continuation of introducing higheryielding paddy varieties, allowing increased production at reduced cost. Another initiative is the establishment of rice silos as storage facilities to store rice when the price is lower or when markets take a downturn. We must not forget the introduction of a government-paid crop insurance program that protect farmers from adverse weather.
The answer is not to stop production, not to down-size, but to create buffers that allow farmers to effectively deal with lower prices in a fluctuating market. The agriculture policies of this government have raised the food-security profile of Guyana while providing assurances to farmers that agriculture remains a viable platform for wealth development.
resident Dr Irfaan Ali has underscored that Guyana must strategically position itself to remain relevant amid a rapidly changing global landscape characterised by conflict, economic shifts, technological advances, and institutional disruption.
In an early morning interview just outside his Main Street, Georgetown, residence this morning, President Ali spoke on the implications of the “new world order”, acknowledging that while global crises, including conflicts in Somalia, Haiti, and Palestine, pose serious challenges, they also offer opportunities for countries to innovate, reform, and strengthen resilience.
“On the surface of it, the world is very troubled. And we live in very troubling times, on the surface of it. But when you dig deep, when you look deep into what we are able to achieve throughout the world, there are so many bright spots and so many changes that are occurring that will change forever the way in which we deal with many challenges. When you look at the level of innovation and technol-
Micro
ogy in dealing with health care, in dealing with education, in dealing with physical infrastructure, and in dealing with the human capital, it is amazing to see the successes that the world is achieving and our innovators are achieving. So, there are a lot of bright spots, but we are so caught up in the challenges of the world,” the president said.
Ali described disruption not as inherently negative but as a catalyst for institutional change and systemic improvement.
“Disruption brings with it also some positive
things. You can have institutional change in disruption, you can have improvement of the system, and there is a revaluation of the system to see whether the system is working and where the weaknesses are. So, if you look at the international trade system now, there is a lot of disruption that is taking place... So, ‘disruption’ is not a negative word in this sense. It is understanding the nature of the disruption. So, I think that the world is going through a phase of disruption when you look at global leadership on differ-
ent issues. AI is disrupting the way and nature in which things are being done. Digitisation is disrupting the norm. And if you can’t adapt to these things, then you will not be able to be competitive. That is why we’ll be building out an AI and digitised infrastructure, not only for Guyana but for the region that will be second to none,” the Head of State noted.
Highlighting Guyana’s strategic position, Ali emphasised the country’s growing economy, stating, “I think that the global system would be tested. And we have to ensure as a country that we remain relevant in this period of disruption. That is why our partners and our allies are very important to us. When you look at where Guyana is heading, where our economy is heading, the nature of the investments in Guyana, and our geographic location, we are very clear on how we support our partners, how we support our allies, and how we will work together with our partners and allies in creating the environment that would ensure the stability, growth, development, and security of Guyana and this region.”
and Women Entrepreneur Learning Centre to be commissioned soon – GCCI President
heTGeorgetown
Chamber of Commerce and Industry
(GCCI) will soon commission its Micro and Women Entrepreneur Learning Centre, a facility designed to build capacity and expand opportunities for small businesses, particularly women in agro-processing.
This was announced by GCCI President Kathy Smith during her feature address at the launch of GuyExpo 2025, where she praised the Government’s focus on entrepreneurship and diversification under this year’s theme, Transformation Through Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
Smith said the centre, developed in partnership with the World University Service of Canada and supported by Global Affairs Canada, will provide training and resources to help micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) strengthen their operations. She explained that the initiative will target women who are already skilled in farming and mar-
keting produce but need support to scale up.
“Guyana’s women know how to plant, we know how to reap, and we know how to sell. But then there is a lot of surplus from our product that has to go to waste. So, what this centre would initially solve is showing these women how you can put that produce in a bottle, in a package, and how you can put it on a ship or a plane to the US, to Canada, to the
DR, or wherever it can accommodate us. So, we want our women, particularly in agro-processing, to move beyond. And that is how we at the chamber are focusing also on the small, on the micro, and on small and medium-sized enterprises,” the GCCI President said.
Smith emphasised that entrepreneurship and innovation remain central to Guyana’s economic transformation, pointing to success
stories across agriculture, aquaculture, and small business development. She urged exhibitors at GuyExpo to maximise the opportunity to market their businesses and build partnerships, stressing that the expo should be seen as a platform for growth, not just sales.
“I want you to attract and capture attention with creative displays, samples, and engaging demonstrations. When persons come to your booth, they must be able to see not just you welldressed, but they should be impressed by what you are displaying. I want you to see. See means to connect. Network with other businesses, Government agencies and customers to build lasting partnerships,” she added.
She also commended the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce for its continued work to support the growth of local enterprises, noting that the balance between oil and gas development and the wider economy remains critical.
Dr Leslie Ramsammy
Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI)
President Kathy Smith
President Dr Irfaan Ali
Ongoing
upgrading of roads
Lack of alternate routes adds to traffic woes along ECD, EBD corridors – Police
The traffic situation along the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) and East Bank of Demerara (EBD) remains one of the most pressing challenges for the Guyana Police Force, with officers citing ongoing infrastructural projects and limited road space as major contributors to daily congestion.
Appearing on a recent episode of Traffic and You, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Stephen Gobin, Traffic Officer for Regional
works are slowing movement and pushing more motorists onto the main thoroughfare.
“Between the Strasphey and Enmore areas… there is a single-lane bypass there that is causing the traffic to move very slowly. And because of that, you find a lot of motorists using the main thoroughfare. And that is why we are experiencing the heavy traffic in the mornings on the main thoroughfare, and that is between Enmore and Vigilance.”
Bank corridor, ASP Michael Ramdas, Traffic Officer for Regional Division 4B, said the situation is even more challenging since there are no diversion roads available between Grove and the Linden-Soesdyke Highway.
“Now, Soesdyke, it’s a very narrow road. It does not have any diversion roads. Likewise, from Grove back to Eccles, you have a diversion. You have the Hero’s Highway, another road they could use. Anyone who understands the East Bank
Division 4C, said his area, from the Mahaica Bridge to Industry Arch, is currently one of the “hottest divisions” in terms of traffic.
“This is because of the ongoing infrastructure work on our railway embankment, where presently we have several constructions going on on the bridges. And that is between Success, Buxton, and the Enmore area,” Gobin explained.
He noted that single-lane bypasses created by the
To address complaints from motorists about congestion and reckless driving, Gobin said ranks have been deployed from Mahaica to Melanie.
“We line them from Melanie to Coldingen, where the complaints are coming mostly from persons overtaken and undertaken. Or I should say, boring the line to reach faster and end up straight into the traffic again, and still have to wait.”
Meanwhile, on the East
would know that the East Bank from Grove… all the way to Linden doesn’t have any diversion road. It’s a main access road, and the construction work has to be done on the main access road,” Ramdas explained.
Overtaking during peak hours
He warned that drivers attempting to overtake during peak hours only make matters worse.
“Instead of persons that wait in the line and wait on
Aman known only as “Soath” was struck and killed in the early hours of Tuesday during an accident on the Mon Repos Public Road, East Coast Demerara.
The fatal crash occurred at about 00:20h and involved a white motorcar, PAC 9262, driven by a 26-year-old Police Lance Corporal who is stationed at the Ogle Police Outpost.
According to investigators, the motorcar was head-
ing west along the northern drive lane of the southern carriageway when the pedestrian suddenly ran from the southern side of the road into the vehicle’s path. The left front of the car collided with the pedestrian, who fell onto the roadway, sustaining severe injuries.
The injured man was picked up in an unconscious state and rushed by ambulance to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where he later suc-
cumbed. His body is presently at the GPHC mortuary, awaiting identification and a post-mortem examination.
Police have so far been unable to confirm the deceased’s full name, age, or address. Persons in the community knew him only as “Soath”.
A breathalyser test administered to the driver found no trace of alcohol in his system. The cop has been placed under close arrest as the investigation continues.
the tour, because we call it single lanes, they’re starting to overtake. Now, the East Bank corridor is one single road, one main access road, and that’s the same road under construction. Now, when you start to overtake that line of traffic, you’re blocking the other way. Eventually, we get a bottleneck. Because none can go north, none can go south, and we eventually block the entire road off.”
Ramdas urged commuters to exercise patience, plan their travel times better, and follow the instructions of traffic ranks and flagmen.
“Even though you have to reach 8 o’clock, leave a little bit more on. Please stay within the line of traffic… Persons need to be patient; persons need to stay in the line and stop overtaking unnecessarily and blocking the road, and they will get on time.”
Both officers emphasised that while the congestion is frustrating, the inconvenience is temporary as work on new bridges and highways continues. They stressed that cooperation from road users remains critical to easing daily traffic woes. They say that while the roadworks are inconvenient now, the upgrades will ultimately bring relief.
Guyana Beverages Inc (GBI), in collaboration with the Cancer Institute of Guyana, has launched a breast cancer awareness campaign which strategically aims to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month through the sales of Oasis Water.
For the month of October, Oasis Water bottles, usually blue, will instead feature a special pink cap and labels, along with the logo of the Cancer Institute as a visible symbol of solidarity with those affected by the disease.
Beyond the symbolism, each purchase of a pinkcapped bottle contributes directly to the fight against breast cancer.
GBI has pledged to donate a minimum of $1.5 million to the Cancer Institute of Guyana, ensuring that proceeds support screening, treatment, and education.
This year’s theme, “Act Now, Live Strong: Empowering Women in the Battle Against Breast Cancer”, emphasises the urgency of early action and the importance of empowering women to take control of their health and future.
During a press conference held on Monday to launch the initiative, General Manager of GBI, Samuel Arjoon, highlighted that breast cancer touches the lives of countless families in Guyana and around the world. He noted that the collaboration is expected to raise significant
awareness and spark many important conversations.
“When a person purchases these pink-labelled water bottles, that conversation will spark and encourage individuals to learn more, that they’ll get screened, and you’ll help to spread awareness. And with this initiative, together with our customers, we can help strengthen the resources available to fight breast cancer and to protect Guyana. We are deeply committed not only to providing quality products but also to contributing to the well-being of the people we serve.”
According to him, this is why Guyana Beverages Inc believes that businesses must play a meaningful role in bringing attention to this important cause and supporting organisations that are making a difference every day.
“Conversations encourage individuals to learn more, get screened, and spread awareness. And with this initiative, together with our customers, we can help strengthen the resources available to fight breast cancer in Guyana. We are deeply committed not just to providing quality products but also to contributing to the well-being of the people we serve.”
Standing
Meanwhile, he added that whilst undertaking these innovative works, they are also aiming to hold firm to the view of ensuring that they are standing in solidarity with
persons affected by cancer.
“Through this collaboration, we reaffirm our pledge to stand with the women and men affected by breast cancer, their families, and the tireless healthcare professionals who support them.
GBI encourages everyone to join us this month – wear pink, share knowledge, support those in need, and most importantly, act now and live strong. Together, we can make a real difference," stated Arjoon.
Meanwhile, as part of their ongoing corporate social responsibility efforts, the GBI General Manager emphasised his pride in contributing meaningfully to this national cause.
“We are pleased to be the official Platinum Sponsor of this year's 2025 Breast Cancer Awareness Month activities. We are proud to join hands with the Cancer Institute of Guyana to raise awareness about breast cancer, inspire action, and support the fight against breast cancer in our communities.
He emphasised that awareness must be matched by action, and that by working together, women can be empowered to take control of their health and their future.
He noted that breast cancer affects countless families in Guyana and around the world, stressing that early detection, education, and access to care remain critical in saving lives.
Traffic Officer for Regional Division 4C, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP); Stephen Gobinand Traffic Officer for Regional Division 4B, ASP Michael Ramdas
Traffic build-up on the East Coast of Demerara
GBI General Manager Samuel Arjoon alongside representatives of the Cancer Institute
Youth Day 2025
Caricom urges stronger youth role in shaping sustainable Caribbean
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) joined the region in celebrating Caribbean Youth Day 2025 under the theme “Caribbean Youth in Action: Localising the SDGs, Shaping Our Future.”
In a message to mark the occasion, CARICOM SecretaryGeneral Dr Carla Barnett underscored the importance of youth involvement in regional development and decision-making. She urged Governments, civil society, the private sector, and young people themselves to renew their commitment to building an environment where youth can actively participate in shaping the Caribbean’s future.
“Our young people’s voices, perspectives, and actions are crucial in shaping a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable Caribbean,” Dr Barnett said.
According to the CARICOM
Secretariat, young people across the region continue to play leading roles in several sectors, including climate resilience, social equity, cultural promotion, and digital innovation. Their contributions, it noted, are redefining possibilities and strengthening regional identity in a rapidly changing global environment.
The Secretariat highlighted recent policy efforts aimed at advancing youth development, including the revision of the Caribbean Youth Development Action Plan (CYDAP) to reflect the evolving needs and aspirations of young people. Additionally, work is underway to establish a regional youth development structure to facilitate sustained youth engagement and bridge the intergenerational gap.
Dr Barnett also pointed to the achievements of young people on the regional and international
stage, citing their vibrant participation in the 15th Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA XV), hosted in Barbados in August.
She reaffirmed that investing in youth skills and aspirations remains central to achieving the region’s broader development objectives.
“Our young people are vital partners in development. Investing in their skills, talents, and aspirations is fundamental to achieving the broader regional goals of sustainable development, social justice, and regional integration,” the Secretary-General stated.
Caribbean Youth Day is observed annually on September 30 to celebrate the contributions of young people to regional development and to highlight their role in building a sustainable future.
Govt advances land regularisation for Success squatters
Housing Minister Collin Croal on Tuesday met with families occupying a Government reserve at Success, East Coast Demerara, to update them on the progress of the land regularisation process.
According to a post on the Ministry’s social media page, during the meeting, Croal emphasised that while the process takes time, the Government is committed to addressing squatting in a structured manner. “Some of you have occupied these lands for more than 20 years. We are mandated to address squatting, and we are working. We have completed logging of squatting areas in Region Three and will soon commence this exercise in Region Four,”
he said.
The regularisation exercise in Success began in 2021, when the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) conducted inventory, block, and occupation surveys. Following these surveys, the final plan was submitted to the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC) for recording, and a block title was subsequently issued.
Verification activities identified 51 lots in the area. Of these, 43 structures were inventoried and given identification numbers ranging from SRD 1 to SRD 43. The CH&PA’s Community Development Department later verified the structures and occupancy in line with the survey plan.
At Tuesday’s meeting, residents were presented with an updated plan
showing footpaths to ensure each household has access to their property. Croal noted that agreement on the plan is required before moving forward. “We first have to agree on the plan so that it can be recorded, and then move forward with the signing of the Agreements of Sale and the issuance of Titles, which will commence on Friday, October 10, 2025,” he announced.
Housing Minister Collin Croal examining a plan with technical representatives on Tuesday at Success, ECD
J’ca: Big tackle on HIV
Jamaica eyes pilot of injectable drug hailed as “genuine chance to end” global epidemic
In a bold step towards tackling the HIV epidemic, the Ministry of Health and Wellness is now considering a pilot programme for the first US Food and Drug Administration-approved injectable HIV prevention drug, lenacapavir.
The drug has been described by former United States (US) President Bill Clinton as “a genuine chance to end” the global epidemic.
Jamaica’s decision to embark on the pilot was revealed by Dr Nicola Skyers, senior medical officer of the National HIV/STI programme in the Ministry of Health, who explained that there are also plans for the roll-out of cabotegravir, another injectable form of pre-exposure prophylaxis
“I believe that overall it can have a significant impact if we get more persons on it” – Dr Skyers
(PrEP), taken once every two months for the prevention of HIV.
According to Dr Skyers, lenacapavir, which is to be administered twice a year, will be available free of cost in the
public health system. That was confirmed by Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton.
“The current thought is to do that, but a lot depends on what turns out in the pilot and how it evolves over time, but the thought is to have it free in the public health system because we’re targeting vulnerable groups, and that represents a particular segment of the population,” Tufton, who is on assignment overseas, told the Jamaica Observer.
Dr Skyers noted that the Ministry’s push for the pilot comes even as it accepts that the cost of the injectable antiretrovirals (ARVs) “is quite prohibitive at this point”. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)
Trump to meet with Argentina's Milei as soy sales could stymie US$20B deal
United States (US)
President Donald Trump will meet with his Argentine counterpart Javier Milei in two weeks, Argentina said on Tuesday, as Milei seeks to clinch a credit swap line from the US that has rankled some Republicans as the South American nation offloaded billions of dollars in soy to China.
The two will meet at the White House on October 14, during the week the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are set to convene in Washington.
The Argentine foreign Ministry called the meeting a "new opportunity to continue strengthening the strategic partnership between both countries."
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent last week announced negotiations for a $20 billion swap line with Argentina's central bank, which would provide access to much-needed dollars.
Argentina's dollar bond
Argentina's President Javier Milei as they meet during the 80th United Nations General Assembly
prices and the peso rallied last week in the aftermath of Bessent's announcement and have fallen since – partly due to the lack of details of the pledged US support. On Tuesday bonds were flat to down two cents each, while the peso weakened 1.5 per cent.
Libertarian Milei's chainsaw-style austerity drive has helped address decades of solvency issues, but concerns over a cashflow
crunch have persisted, and analysts say October's midterm elections could put his gains at risk.
The US backing seems to have caused outcry among Trump's inner circle.
The Associated Press last week captured an image of Bessent reading a text message appearing to be from Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, which called the deal unfortunate. (Excerpt from Reuters)
UN Security Council approves “Gang Suppression Force” for Haiti
The United Nations (UN) Security Council has voted to expand an international security force deployed to Haiti and transform it into a so-called “Gang Suppression Force”.
The resolution passed by the council on Friday provides a clear mandate for the force to work with local authorities to “neutralise, isolate, and deter” gangs, secure infrastructure, and seek to secure institutional stability. It would raise the personnel ceiling from 2500 in the current mission, first approved in 2023, to 5550 personnel.
The resolution also re-
quests that the UN SecretaryGeneral establish a UN Support Office in Haiti to provide increased logistical support amid the Caribbean nation’s overlapping security, humanitarian and political crises.
“The result today allows us to have the necessary reconfiguration on the ground in order to face the gangs and, therefore, address the insecurity situation in the country,” Panama’s Representative to the UN Eloy Alfaro De Alba said following the vote.
Ecuador President's aid convoy attacked, officials say
Ahumanitarian convoy led by Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa was attacked, and 17 soldiers were taken hostage on Sunday night, according to a Government spokeswoman.
Carolina Jaramillo said the convoy – which included United Nations (UN) and European Union (EU) diplomats – was delivering aid to affected communities during a national strike when it was ambushed by about 350 persons, who attacked it with Molotov cocktails.
The country's largest indigenous rights group, leading a strike over fuel subsidy cuts, said a member was shot dead by the armed forces during protests.
The UN Human Rights Council's regional representative Jan Jarab called for an "urgent dialogue" after the acts of violence and a probe into the death and injuries.
Posting on X, Noboa showed photos of smashed
windscreens and windows on the cars in his convoy.
"They resist Ecuador's progress and choose violence," Noboa said, referring to the armed protesters. "Ecuador cannot go backward."
He said the Italian Ambassador and top Vatican diplomat in Ecuador were travelling with him, alongside delegates from the UN and the EU.
According to Jaramillo, the convoy was delivering aid to affected communities during the national strike.
She added that 17 military personnel were kidnapped, and their whereabouts are unknown.
The attack took place in Cotacachi, Imbabura province. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Italy's Ambassador to Quito Giovanni Davoli confirmed the incident. In a statement he said he was unharmed, adding he "strongly condemns this terrorist act directed against Ecuador's Head of State".
Man gets life sentence for sex trafficking woman at several Suffolk motels
ASuffolk Judge sentenced a Brooklyn man, originally from Barbados, to 13 to 29 years in state prison Friday, saying he committed "horrible acts" on "vulnerable women". He was convicted of sex trafficking at motels around Suffolk County, Long Island, New York last year.
Michael Howell, 65, will serve between eight and 24 years for sex trafficking, followed by a consecutive five-year sentence for criminal possession of a controlled substance, acting Supreme Court Justice Karen M Wilutis said at his sentencing in Riverhead.
Wilutis noted Howell's lack of remorse and accusations he made against the victim following his conviction as factors in her sentence.
"The defendant denies the crimes and expresses no remorse," Wilutis said, noting she does not believe he can be rehabilitated.
"Only a lengthy prison sentence will be a deterrent for society at large and this defendant specifically."
Witnesses at trial testified that Howell used physical violence and withheld heroin, cocaine and money from a woman he housed in Suffolk County motels, advertising her on websites
where sex is promoted in exchange for money. Police and prosecutors alleged Howell housed and advertised at least three women at motels in Huntington Station, Lindenhurst and Copiague. The criminal charges at trial related to one victim who testified. Howell was arrested on February 1 after the woman, who was staying with him at the Rodeway Inn in Huntington Station, unknowingly approached an undercover Police detective outside of the motel, according to trial testimony. (Excerpt from Newsday)
“Not even animals escape the extreme barbarity”: wildlife caught in Rio’s rampant gun crime
From capuchin monkeys to mantled hawks – Instituto Vida Livre has treated a myriad of shot animals in a city blighted by gun crime.
ing her paralysed from the abdomen down.
“Today, we say to Haiti that, once and for all, you are not alone,” Alfaro De Alba said. Panama and the United States first introduced the latest resolution in August. It passed on Tuesday with 12 votes in favour and none against. Permanent Security Council members China and Russia, along with rotating member Pakistan, abstained from the vote.
Following the vote, Russian envoy Vassily Nebenzia said “the tools of international assistance to Haiti” previously approved by the Security Council had “failed to produce any sustainable results”. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Maria was taking an afternoon stroll through one of Rio’s most desirable neighbourhoods when her life was turned on its head. When she was carried into a nearby clinic, unable to move her legs, doctors suspected she had been electrocuted or mauled by a dog.
The X-ray machine revealed a more sinister diagnosis: Maria had been shot, the bullet embedding itself in her spinal cord and leav-
“She was in so much pain when she arrived,” recalled Lucas Rebelo, the medic tasked with trying to save her, as he stood by his patient’s bed.
Maria is a capuchin monkey, one of dozens of animals who have been shot here in recent years.
“She’s a victim of urban violence,” said Roched Seba, the director of Rio’s Instituto Vida Livre (Free Life Institute) wildlife hospital and rescue centre where Maria was taken earlier this month.
As Seba offered a tour of the institute’s head-
quarters by Rio’s Botanical Gardens, he said Maria’s shooting was symptomatic of a city blessed with a cornucopia of biodiversity but cursed with rampant gun crime. According to Fogo Cruzado (Crossfire), a group which tracks gun violence, 816 people suffered firearm injuries in Rio in the first half of this year, nearly half of them fatal. One hundred law enforcement officials and service members were shot. Maria is far from the only wild animal Seba’s group has treated for gunshot wounds. (Excerpt from The Guardian)
A photo, shared by Ecuador's President Noboa on his social media, shows the damage to his convoy
US President Donald Trump shakes hands with
OIL NEWS
Oil settles lower as OPEC+ plan adds to expectations of supply surplus
Oil prices settled lower on Tuesday as investors braced for a supply surplus due to potential OPEC+ plans for a larger output hike next month and the resumption of oil exports from Iraq's Kurdistan region via Turkey.
Brent crude futures for November delivery, expiring on Tuesday, settled down 95 cents, or 1.4 per cent, at US$67.02 a barrel. The more active December contract settled at US$66.03.
US West Texas Intermediate crude settled at US$62.37 a barrel, down US$1.08, or 1.7 per cent.
On Monday, Brent and WTI both settled more than three per cent lower, their sharpest daily declines since August 1.
At its meeting next Sunday, OPEC+ may speed up production increases in November from the 137,000 barrels per day (bpd) hike it made for October, as its leader Saudi Arabia pushes to regain market share, three sources familiar with the talks said.
Eight members of OPEC+ could agree to raise production in November by 274,000–411,000 bpd, or two or three times higher than the October increase, two of the three sources said. OPEC+ pumps about half of the world's oil.
The increase could be as big as 500,000 bpd, one of the three sources said. Earlier on Tuesday, Bloomberg News reported that OPEC+ was considering accelerating its increases by 500,000 bpd.
OPEC, in a post on X, said it rejected media reports for plans to raise output by 500,000 bpd, calling them inaccurate and misleading. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Farage doesn't believe in Britain, Starmer tells Labour conference
Sir Keir Starmer has launched an allout attack on Nigel Farage's "politics of grievance", claiming the Reform United Kingdom (UK) leader did not believe in Britain.
The prime Minister sought to contrast his vision of a "tolerant, decent, respectful Britain" with what he said was the Reform UK leader's desire to stir division and talk the country down, in a speech to the Labour Party conference.
Sir Keir came to Liverpool facing questions about his leadership, with Labour trailing Reform in the polls and his personal ratings at a record low.
He questioned whether Farage and Reform love "our beautiful, tolerant, diverse country" or whether they just want to "stir the pot of division because that's what works for their interests".
Trump peace plan “ignores interests of Palestinian people”, Hamas official tells BBC
Asenior Hamas fig-
ure has told the BBC that the group is likely to reject Donald Trump's peace plan for Gaza, saying it "serves Israel's interests" and "ignores those of the Palestinian people".
The figure said that Hamas is unlikely to agree to disarming and handing over their weapons – a key condition of Trump's plan.
Hamas is also said to object to the deployment of an International Stabilisation
Force (ISF) in Gaza, which it views as a new form of occupation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accepted Trump's plan during White House talks on Monday. Hamas has not yet given an official response.
Qatar's foreign Ministry has said Hamas is studying the White House proposal "responsibly".
A senior Palestinian official with knowledge of Hamas talks told the BBC
they involve the group's leadership both inside and outside of Gaza.
The group's military Commander in the territory, Ez al-Din al-Haddad, is thought to be determined to keep fighting rather than accept the plan on offer.
Hamas figures outside Gaza have recently found themselves side-lined in discussions, as they do not have direct control over the hostages.
The armed group Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), which took part in the October 7 attack and previously held some Israeli hostages, rejected the plan on Tuesday.
Further, since agreeing to the plan on Monday evening, Netanyahu has appeared to push back on several of the terms it outlines. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Hamas talks, which are expected to take several days, also include other Palestinian factions.
1 dead, at least 20 injured in Russian drone attack on Ukraine
One person has been killed and at least 20 injured after a Russian drone attack on Tuesday afternoon in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro.
Serhii Lysak, the Governor of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, said there was extensive damage after a Shahed drone plunged into a downtown area. An office building and a car caught fire. An apartment block, dormitory and cultural institution were damaged, he said, together with many vehicles.
Video footage posted on Telegram showed paramedics at the scene treated a blood-covered man lying on the pavement against a backdrop of flames and smoke.
Lysak described the strike as a “cynical enemy attack on
peaceful residents”. It happened “in the middle of the day, when children and people were at work”, he said.
The Governor called for more sanctions on Russia and for allies in Europe to help
Ukraine “build reliable protection against Russian drones and missiles”.
“Only joint and strong action can defeat these terrorists. Russia must be respon-
sible for what it is doing,” he wrote on social media.
Ukraine has also sent a team of anti-drone warfare specialists to Denmark “for exercises”, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, as Copenhagen prepares to host European leaders amid a spate of alleged Russian airspace violations in Europe.
“Our group of specialists has begun deploying a mission in Denmark to share Ukraine’s experience in countering drones,” Zelensky said in a post on social media, adding the team would participate in joint exercises with allies.
“Ukraine’s experience is the most relevant in Europe today,” he said. (Excerpt from The Guardian)
Deaths reported after powerful earthquake hits off Philippines coast
"He can't. He doesn't like Britain, doesn't believe in Britain. Wants you to doubt it as much as he does, and so he resorts to grievance.
Picking up on a favourite Farage theme, he said, "I just do not accept that Britain is broken," as he highlighted investments in high-tech industries and the actions of community volunteers.
He stopped short of repeating his accusation, made on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, that Farage's immigration policies are "racist".
But he vowed to fight racist rhetoric "with everything we have".
"Free speech is a British value – we've guarded it for centuries. But if you incite racist violence and hatred, that's not expressing concern – it's criminal."
"When was the last time you heard Nigel Farage say anything positive about Britain's future?" he asked.
(Excerpt from BBC News)
At least five persons have been killed in a magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck off the coast of the central Philippines, sending people running into the streets and knocking power out in some areas.
Quoting local police, the AFP news agency and several local media outlets said the five deaths were recorded in San Remigio, a town in the north of Cebu Island.
The quake struck at sea late on Tuesday off the northern tip of Cebu and near Bogo, a city of more than 90,000 people, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said.
The institute urged residents in the provinces of Cebu, Leyte and Biliran to stay away from the coast due to a “minor sea level disturbance” and told them to “be on alert for unusual waves”.
The United States Geological Service also record-
ed four earthquakes of magnitude 5 or higher in the area after the first tremor.
“We are still assessing the damage,” Pamela Baricuatro, the Governor of Cebu, said in a video posted on social media.
“But it could be worse than we think,” Baricuatro said, adding that she has been in touch with the President’s office and is asking for aid.
Baricuatro later said an unspecified number of houses and a hospital were damaged,
and emergency medical teams were being deployed to treat residents who were pinned down and injured.
The extent of the damage and injuries would not be known until daytime, she said. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Rescuers work at the site of the Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Dnipro
Call centre employees gather outside their office building after an earthquake in Cebu in the central Philippines on September 30, 2025
SUDOKU
Put your energy where it counts. Sign up for a cause you believe in, and the people you meet will ignite your passion for your principles. Be the one to step up and make a difference.
Direct your energy wisely. An emotional outburst at the wrong time or place will jeopardize your position or reputation. Take care of domestic responsibilities.
Change your perspective. A conversation or chance meeting will lead to a personal or physical change you've been considering. Update your appearance or persona.
A timeout will give you a chance to digest what's coming down the pipeline. Be cautious about sharing your thoughts prematurely. A secretive approach to home and work is in your best interest.
Redirect your attention to domestic issues before someone close to you complains. Taking care of your responsibilities early will prevent the need to make additional compensations later in the day.
Get organized, and you'll be able to deliver on your promises. An interesting change to how you earn or use your money will put you in a better position to negotiate and build the lifestyle you want to live.
Think before you agree to participate. Refrain from taking on too much or exaggerating what you can do. Honesty will help you maintain the status quo and buy you time to develop or fine-tune your skills.
Distance yourself from anyone who wants to engage in a debate. Volatile situations can escalate rapidly, leaving you in a precarious position. When someone else goes low, you go high, and you'll win the battle.
Look for a unique outlet, and it will soothe your soul. Keep your distance from people who overreact, spend, indulge or tempt you with lavish behavior.
Learn, gain experience and explore your options. Participate in events that offer thought-provoking insights and exclusive information. Be direct, thoughtful and fair.
You owe it to yourself and loved ones to chill and catch up. Attitude and gratitude will ground you and encourage realistic choices. Choose peace over discord, and something good will come of it.
Keep moving. Choose discipline over overreaction or letting things get to you. What you accomplish will ease your stress and encourage you to do something nice for yourself.
ARCHIE
In the end, India got ev-
erything they could have wanted out of the opening match of the Women's One-Day International (ODI) World Cup 2025. While the result will no doubt be the most important factor – a comfortable 59-run, Duckworth–Lewis–Stern (DLS)-adjusted win – they will be pleased that every member of their batting unit was tested and that most of them were up for it. So a middle-order collapse of 4 for 4 became a footnote and questions about their intent without a meaningful contribution from Smriti Mandhana were left for another day.
One area India would not have any qualms with is their all-rounders department.
Deepti Sharma was the star in Guwahati as her run-a-ball 53 clawed them out of a considerable hole, before her 3 for 54 helped stifle Sri Lanka's chase.
Amanjot Kaur, who shared the new ball, struck a 56-ball 57 in a 103-run seventh-wicket partnership alongside Deepti, which revived India from 124 for 6 at the end of the 27th over.
Sneh Rana, meanwhile,
Deepti rescue India after batting scare
35 from 29. At 140 for 6 in the 29th over, Sri Lanka's task seemed a stretch too far.
Wickets were spread around each of India's five frontline bowling options, with Kranti Goud and Shree Charani also getting in on the action. India will be extremely pleased at having so many players who could impact the game with both bat and ball.
Sri Lanka, in their revised chase of 271, kept a steady scoring rate of about
showcased her power hitting in a 15-ball 28, before producing the most economical spell of the day, one that was rewarded with a wicket towards the end of the game.
It meant that India's seventh and eighth wickets accounted for 145 runs, collectively more than the six wickets that preceded them. The hosts ended on a fairly-imposing 269 for 8 in a rain-reduced 47-over innings.
And with the ball, the same players involved in those crucial partnerships strangled Sri Lanka's chase.
Chamari Athapaththu looked to be closing in on some of her best form, but Deepti removed her with a yorker for a 47-ball 43. Vishmi Gunaratne has been a reliable run-getter for Sri Lanka, but Amanjot trapped her leg before after a pained 28-ball 11. All the while, Rana was as miserly as ever at the other end, before belatedly halting Nilakshika Silva's threatening cameo of
five an over, though once Athapaththu fell it seemed fanciful to imagine they would be able to up the scoring to consistently above six an over, let alone the eight per over required-rate that was needed as the game went along.
That Sri Lanka had to chase so much from how well-placed they had been midway through India's innings was largely of their own making, having dropped Amanjot on four different oc casions – 18, and 53. Even if wet ball cour tesy the inter mittent rains could be cited as a mitigating factor, it was just the sort of fortune India needed after their innings had gone off the rails near the halfway point.
Losing Mandhana early is never ideal, after she sliced one to deep point, but the lack of intent shown by the rest of the batting order against a disciplined but not exactly threatening Sri Lankan seam
contingent, might have been alarming. Pratika Rawal and Harleen Deol put on 67, but it came off 96 deliveries.
Rawal fell just as she was beginning to accelerate, Inoka Ranaweera breaking the stand with the second delivery of her opening spell. The left-arm spinner was the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka, ending with figures of 4 for 46 in nine overs – though she could have had a five-for, if not for being one of the players to
tum-shifting 39-run stand when Deol chipped one gently to extra cover. Ranaweera then spun the next one down the line past Jemimah Rodrigues' forward defence to peg back the off stump before having Harmanpreet caught behind. India had gone from 120 for 2 to 121 for 5 in the space of five deliveries. Seven deliveries later, they were 124 for 6 as Richa Ghosh slapped a veritable gimme ball, straight to cover point off
drop Amanjot. Ranaweera though is the oldest bowler, at 39, to pick up a four-wicket haul in a Women's ODI World Cup. Until India's late onslaught, her intervention had been poised to be the defining moment of the innings. That intervention occurred in her third over and the 26th of the innings. Harmanpreet Kaur and Deol
Athapaththu.
At that point, India would have been grateful to reach 200, but such was the quality of the counterattack and Sri Lanka's lack of quality in the fielding department, that India ended up close to what they might have been aiming for initially, having been put in to bat.
Rana's belligerence at the death will rightly take many
ball cameo brought two fours and two sixes, helping India score 34 runs off the final two overs. But it was the sometimes fortune-laden partnership between Amanjot and Deepti that truly changed the complexion of the game.
The pair did well to keep the scoreboard ticking at around a run a ball, ensuring that a defendable total was first secured before launching into a late assault that pushed the team into imposing territory. Their ability to do so was, however, aided by Sri Lanka's poor catching, which let them down at crucial moments.
Of the many chances Amanjot provided, the first was a skier dropped by Achini Kulasuriya, who never quite settled under it at deep square leg. Had that been taken, India would have been seven down for 162. The second was a slightly tougher opportunity – spilled on the run at long-off by Silva. The third, and arguably the easiest, was a return catch off a leading edge put down by Ranaweera.
Only the final missed chance could be classified as genuinely difficult: Gunaratne could not hold on after a desperate forward dive at deep midwicket. The irony was that Gunaratne eventually took a spectacular diving catch at square leg – sprinting to her right – to finally dis-
miss Amanjot for 57. It was a display in sharp contrast to the discipline Sri Lanka had shown in the first half of the innings, when India's top order was stifled by tight bowling and sharp fielding. For India, they will be pleased with how they responded in the face of adversity, but will know they have vast space for improvement going forward. (ESPNcricinfo)
Chamari Athapaththu fell for a brisk 43
Harleen Deol turns the ball around the corner
Amanjot Kaur celebrates her fifty as Sharma cheers
Deepti Sharma is pumped up after removing Athapaththu
Inoka Ranaweera struck thrice in an over
Now into its third month of action, the Women’s Division One League 2025 has thus far provided a platform for entertaining women’s competition in Guyana.
Featuring 10 teams from across the country, the League is providing playing opportunities to players from almost every region, in a quest for a $1 million grand prize.
During an exclusive chat with Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde, he highlighted some of the positive aspects of the League, noting that it has been good thus far.
“I think at the moment, we have almost 200 young women playing football every weekend, and they'll be doing this for the next five months, and then once the League is settled and the champion has
emerged, then we go into the League Cup; I think it's unprecedented. We haven't had women's football competition that would have lasted as long as this tournament will last.
So, we are able to check many of the boxes that are informing our planning process,” Forde explained.
He continued, “One is that the girls are going to be getting a lot of game time; they're obviously training more often. This is being done just when we are about to get into the CONCACAF W championship. So, it is quite possible that many of the girls playing in the domestic space will be eligible and will stand out in the selection process when the national team gets here. So, I believe it's a bold step. It's obviously a huge investment on the part of the GFF and we have a lot of support from
– Forde on Women’s League
FIFA in pursuing this.”
“I was happy to observe from a little bit of a distance that things were going pretty well, and so far, so good,” Forde declared.
Quizzed about the participation of several hinterland-based players and teams, the GFF boss described the move as a positive step.
He reasoned, “We know the talent is there, it's always been a challenge of how we access that talent. So, the fact that we've been able to have River’s View from Bartica stepping into the tournament, Mainstay has been able to put together a good squad; they're competing, and they're doing well. And in the Guyana Defence Force, which is arguably, maybe, the strongest team in the tournament, and even the Guyana Police Force, we're seeing a lot of hinter-
Lusignan golfers set sights on DSB Suriname Invitational 2025
The Lusignan Golf Club
(LGC) is preparing to make a powerful statement at the DSB Suriname Invitational 2025, scheduled for October 11 to October 12 in Paramaribo.
After an outstanding showing at last year’s tournament, the Guyanese contingent is heading into this year’s event with a strong team of 20 players, determination, and the clear intention of dominating across all divisions.
At the 2024 edition, veteran golfer Patrick Prashad led the way by capturing the prestigious A-Class title with an impressive overall net score of 142. His performance highlighted the strength of Guyanese golf and set a high standard for the rest of the team.
Patrick Prashad
Playing off a handicap of 9, Patrick Prashad has built one of the most consistent and respected careers in Guyanese golf. He was the runner-up at the Guyana Open in 2013 and has since won multiple major tournaments. In 2024, he cemented his place in history as the first Guyanese male to win the Suriname Open A-Class Championship. With a career-best score of 72 gross at LGC, one eagle, and countless birdies, Prashad is regarded as a steady and formidable competitor on the regional stage.
Avinash Persaud
Avinash Persaud, with a handicap of 1, is among Guyana’s most decorated players. He has dominated the Guyana Open for over a decade, won the Millennium Open in Trinidad and Tobago, and secured second place at the TT Open. In Suriname, he has shone just as brightly, winning the overall Gross title in 2021 and finishing second and third in other editions. A self-taught golfer with more than 20 years of experience, Persaud is known for his pro-
over 15 years of golfing experience, he is widely respected for his exceptional putting skills and precise course management.
Carlos Adams
Carlos Adams, with a handicap of 23, is one of the most versatile athletes on the LGC roster. In 2014, he was crowned Lawn Tennis Singles and Doubles Champion in both the Over35 and Over-45 divisions, and in the same year, he won the Macorp Open in golf. At the 2024 Suriname Open, he finished fourth in the senior category and also won the Longest Drive award in the senior division. As the only member of the contingent to hold multiple sports championship titles, Adams brings unmatched versatility and competitive firepower to the team.
land players participating. We are nowhere close to where I believe we need to be, to really give every young girl who has a passion for football the opportunity to play. We're nowhere close to that place, but I think we're making positive, progressive, incremental steps.”
“But I would say it's a bold statement that we're making, that we want to give every young female a chance to play football. And if there is a hinterland team or a hinterland player that has the desire, it is the role of the GFF and our members, for a matter of fact, to open up a pathway. And
while we still haven't had the involvement of the best teams, in my humble opinion, yet in the tournament, I believe that that is not too far on the horizon,” the GFF President went on to share.
Forde also responded to inquiries regarding his thoughts on the tournament’s competitiveness, appreciating the efforts of smaller clubs in the competition.
The GFF President divulged to Guyana Times Sport, “I think clearly the Police FC and GDF FC are a few cuts above everyone else, and I've watched both of those teams play. For matter of fact, I was able to watch GDF when they played in Trinidad and the most striking thing that I've seen in both Police FC and GDF is they're trying to put the ball down the carpet and play football. Even though they're dominant and they can go and go on and score many goals as they have, even when they're in that position where they're playing an opponent that is much, much weaker than them, they're still trying to play football.
“I think it will be quite a match when they finally meet each other. Surely, the entire
country and fans are waiting for that match up. The jury's a little bit out of that one.”
He said regarding the competition’s other clubs, “With regard to the other teams, I think we're seeing some decent play from some of the teams that are a little bit below those two teams. I was happy to see that River’s View came right away and started to make a statement. It's good to see Mainstay representing for the community. Monedderlust was a surprise for us. And I mean, it's not just this quality of play, which is the question that you asked, it is the effort that those clubs have made to put together those squads and getting them there every day. I think by the time this competition is over, we will see the overall quality of play elevated, we will see that, and that is the reason why the League has been organised.”
The Women’s Division One League will continue today, Wednesday, October 1, with a double-header at the GFF’s National Training Centre at Providence, East Bank Demerara. At 18:00h, Police will take on Fruta Conquerors FC while at 19:00h, GDF battle Western Tigers FC.
Forest Fusion crowned Flair U21 Champions
The inaugural Flair Under-21 Tournament delivered excitement, drama, and rising talent on full display at the Malteenoes Sports Club.
After a weekend of action-packed T20 cricket, Forest Fusion emerged as the first-ever champions, producing a string of confident performances before sealing the title with a ruthless victory in the grand final against Emerald Warriors.
lific swing, powerful speed, and remarkable understanding of the game.
Shanella London
With a handicap of 9, Shanella London has blazed a trail for female golfers in Guyana and beyond. She secured third place at the Suriname Open in 2015 before becoming the first Guyanese woman to win the A-Flight in 2016. She went on to claim second place in 2018 and has, over her career, won the Suriname Open three times. As a multiple Guyana Open Ladies Champion, London enters the 2025 tournament as one of the region’s most accomplished and experienced golfers.
Brian Hackett
Brian Hackett, playing off a handicap of 18, has proven himself as a steady and resilient performer. He won the Suriname Open B-Flight in 2023 and returned in 2024 to finish runner-up. Earlier in his career, Hackett claimed the Day 1 net victory at the 2009 Guyana Open. With
The wider LGC contingent features a strong mix of seasoned players and rising talents, all of whom have been sharpening their skills. Also representing the Lusignan Golf Club at the Invitational are:
Rakesh Harry, Mohanlall Dinanauth, Robert Hanoman, Maurice Solomon, Arnal Deo, Patanjallie Persaud, David Harry, Chet Bowling, Mike Mangal, Lakeram Ramsundar, Orson Fergson, Troy Cadogan, Vishal Dhani, Maxim Mangra, Keshan Bacchus, Bridgelall Harry, and Vassishtdeo LakerajChandra.
With experienced champions like Prashad, Persaud, London, Hackett, and Adams leading the way, and a talented supporting cast ready to rise to the challenge, the LGC is sending a squad that is not just participating but is determined to dominate. Backed by corporate partnerships, strengthened training opportunities, and a culture of resilience, the LGC team is poised to make the DSB Suriname Invitational 2025 another historic chapter for Guyanese golf.
In the first game, Blazing Brigade posted 131 all out in 19.4 overs, with Jonathan Van Lange blasting 40 off 22 balls and Rivaldo Phillips adding a rapid 35 from 14 deliveries. Their effort, however, was pegged back by Forest Fusion’s disciplined bowling, led by Micah Amsterdam’s impressive 4-24. Chasing 132, Fusion showed composure as Zeynul Ramsammy anchored the innings with 45 not out.
Supported by Anthon Lim (29 off 22) and Rampersaud Ramnauth (22 off 21), Fusion reached 136-5 in 17.5 overs, booking their spot in the grand final with a five-wicket win.
Match Two saw Emerald Warriors delivering a professional performance against Bartica East Bank Warriors. Batting first, they compiled 141-8 from 20 overs, thanks to Nathan Bishop (32 off 29), Deonarine Dindial (30 off 24) and Joshua Bollers (21 off 23). Bartica struggled in reply, dismissed for 97 in 18.3 overs despite Amos Carlos’ spirited 49 off 41 balls. Emmanuel Lewis ripped through the batting order with a sensational 4-11, ensuring the Warriors advanced with a commanding 44-run victory.
The much-anticipated final on September 28 saw Forest Fusion win the toss and elect to bowl first. Their decision paid immediate dividends as Emerald Warriors
collapsed to 66 all out in 15.1 overs. Only Yeudistir Persaud managed double figures, top-scoring with 11, while Fusion’s bowlers shared the spoils – Leon Cecil, Jayden Dowlin, Shane Prince, and Afraz Budhu all claiming two wickets apiece.
Fusion’s chase was a formality. Openers Ramnauth (39 not out) and Lim (24) ensured no hiccups, guiding their side to 69-1 in just 8.4 overs. The emphatic nine-wicket victory crowned Forest Fusion the champions of the Flair U21 Tournament’s first edition.
At the award ceremony, umpires Moses Ramnarine and Dharam Singh received tokens of appreciation. Coaches Rawle Merrel (Forest Fusion) and Martin Perstano Belle (Emerald Warriors) were also recognised. Andrew Lim was honoured with the Best Fielder and Flair Super Striker awards. Amsterdam received both the Most Wickets (5) and Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards. Ramnauth walked away with the Most Runs (61) and the Man-of-the Match award. Bishop won the emerging player award.
The Flair U21 organisers gratefully acknowledged its sponsors for their generous support. The valued sponsors include: Ciarra's B Rentals Enterprise; BusBox Investment Inc; S Jagmohan Construction & General
Supplies Inc; Anil Beharry; S & A General Investment & Construction; SS Green King (Steam Cleaning Services); Kefa Naughton Contracting Services; Crescendo (Construction, Logistics & Procurement Services); Parks Logistics, Plumbing & Electrical Services; Vanguard Construct; Quality Deliverer; 4R Bearings; C Rimple Bats Repair Shop; Exotic Printz; Shondel's Fresh Produce; One Movement Heat Transfer Shop and ANSA McAL Distribution Inc. Their support is instrumental in nurturing young talent.
GFF President Wayne Forde
Forest Fusion were crowned champions
Shanella London, Patrick Prashad, Avinash Persaud, Brian Hackett and Carlos Adams are among the top performers set to represent Guyana at the upcoming DSB Suriname Invitational 2025
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2025
Nepal came into Sharjah eyeing a historic whitewash, but ran into a revived West Indies side that put on the perfect game. However, that should not take away too much from their impressive feat of completing their first series win against a Full Member nation.
Ramon Simmonds, one of the two changes they made, took a match-winning threefor after West Indies made the right call of bowling first on a pitch that was slow and offered regular sideways movement. Openers Amir Jangoo and Ackeem Auguste capitalised under easing conditions to take West Indies to their first-ever 10-wicket win.
Nepal's start was sedate but secure with Kushal Malla and Kushal Bhurtel often in control of their shots. Bhurtel even whacked Kyle Mayers to the roof in the third over. The
Tfirst sign of danger was Hosein getting turn and bounce in the third over to beat Bhurtel's sweep, and the shot did connect the next ball for a six over square leg. Nonetheless, free-flowing strokeplay was not to be seen.
The effect of Nepal facing 20 dots in their 37-run powerplay was slightly mitigated by three fours and two sixes.
Jason Holder found success right after the power play using his high release and bounce. Malla was nearly caught behind trying to drive on the up through cover, Fabian Allen ran back from cover and dropped a tough chance off Bhurtel, and Malla's edge was found the last ball.
The spinners capitalised on the slowness and the sideways movement on offer. Hosein spun the ball away from around the wicket to beat the bat twice in the eighth over.
Bhurtel and Rohit Paudel tried to break free after two quiet overs. After a first-ball six, both batters could've been out. Paudel survived an lbw as Hosein overstepped, but
Bhurtel was caught at slip playing the reverse sweep. He was not happy as the ball may have gone off just his forearm.
Simmonds had a late introduction with Nepal needing to play within themselves. His lengths were often short
star in West Indies' consolation win
off to a flier. In the first over, Jangoo ensured that West Indies, too, hit a six on the roof. Karan KC was punished upon offering pace and missing his line. The openers peppered the leg-side boundary. With a four in each of the next four overs, West Indies bossed the 47-run power play.
Gulsan Jha was run out after taking a head start too far before running back. Nepal made 62 for 5 in the middle overs despite West Indies dropping two chances.
Simmonds and Jediah Blades took two wickets each
or full and he bagged the wickets of Paudel – gloved pull to the keeper – and Aarif Sheikh - upper cut to deep third - in his first two overs. In between,
in the death overs. A couple of boundaries from Lokesh Bam and Sundeep Jora took Nepal to 122.
West Indies' chase got
Paudel dropped a simple chance off Auguste, on 29, at cover. There were no further chances of a Nepal comeback, certainly not after
Mohammad Aadil Alam was taken down for 18 in the ninth over. Jangoo losing his bottom hand but still driving over long-off showed just how well he timed the ball.
Jangoo then went into top gear, smacking five sixes in his last nine balls. The backto-back sixes off Paudel, that started the carnage, brought up his 38-ball fifty. Auguste played second fiddle as West Indies reached home with 46 balls to spare. (ESPNcricinfo)
Nepal (20 ovs maximum) Kushal Bhurtel c Mayers b Hosein 39 Kushal Malla c †Jangoo
b Holder 12 Rohit Paudel (c) c †Jangoo
b Simmonds 17 Gulsan Jha run out (Hosein/Gore)10 Sundeep Jora c Allen
b Blades 14
Aarif Sheikh c Holder b Simmonds 6 Mohammad Aadil Alam run out (Hosein/Holder) 3 Lokesh Bam † c †Jangoo b Blades 9 Sompal Kami lbw b Simmonds 4 Karan KC b Simmonds 0 Shahab Alam not out 0 Extras (lb 1, nb 1, w 6) 8 Total 19.5 Ov (RR: 6.15) 122
Blue Water U15 Championships to resume this Saturday
he Guyana Football Federation (GFF), in partnership with Blue Water Shipping and the Ministry of Education (MoE), on Tuesday announced the commencement of the Round of 16 stage of the GFF-Blue Water Shipping U15 Girls Football Championships.
The tournament was officially launched on Friday, September 26, 2025, at the New Campbellville Secondary School, where uniforms were distributed to the 16 participating schools.
In his remarks at the launch, GFF President Wayne Forde expressed excitement at having Blue Water Shipping on board for a second consecutive year as a generous partner. He described the handing-over of uniforms to the 16 schools as a proud and inspiring moment, while highlighting the potential of these young athletes. President Forde encouraged parents, fans, and communities to come out in full support as the girls prepare to showcase their talent. He further emphasized that many of these young players represent the promising future of the Lady Jaguars, Guyana s national women s team.
Also speaking at the launch, GFF General Secretary Pushpargha Chattopadhyay commended the company for its consistent support, calling the sponsorship commendable and forward-thinking . He noted that both GFF and Blue Water were committed not only to expanding the girls tournament, but also to investing in infrastructure and creating opportunities that will serve Guyana s football at both national and international levels.
Tournament Coordinator Lavern Fraser explained that the Championships began earlier this year with preliminary rounds played between May and June to determine the winners from each region. These schools have now advanced to the national Round of 16, which will be played in four host communities: Berbice, Essequibo, Linden, and Providence. She added that the Round of 16 would feature a group stage format, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the quarterfinals. Fraser urged fans to support the championships, noting that female football has taken a leap and is truly on the move .
Other attendees at the launch included the Headmistress of New Campbellville Secondary School, Ms Ferreira; Office Manager for Blue Water Shipping, Rowena Elliot and senior staff members of the GFF.
The Round of 16 features schools grouped as follows: Group A: Abram Zuil Secondary, Charity Secondary, and Waramuri Primary Top Group B: Annai Secondary, Christianburg-Wismar Secondary, Mackenzie High, and Dora Secondary Group C: Bush Lot Secondary, Campbellville Secondary, Canje Secondary, and President s College Group D: Bartica Secondary, Marian Academy, Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary, and Westminster Secondary Opening Weekend Fixtures October 4, 2025 (No 5 Ground, West Coast Berbice) 10:00 AM Bush Lot Secondary v Canje Secondary
11:00 AM President s College v Campbellville Secondary 12:30 PM President s College v Canje Secondary 1:30 PM Campbellville Secondary v Bush Lot Secondary 3:00 PM Campbellville Secondary v Canje Secondary 4:00 PM President s College v Bush Lot Secondary
The GFF-Blue Water Shipping U15 Girls Championships continues to provide a platform for young women across Guyana to develop their skills, build confidence, and inspire communities. With 16 schools representing regions nationwide, the tournament is set to be a celebration of talent, teamwork, and the bright future of Guyanese women s football.
Kushal Bhurtel topscored for Nepal in a lowscoring encounter
Akeal Hosein serves up a delivery
Nepal ended with a 2-1 win
GFF President Wayne Forde and GFF General Secretary Pushpargha Chattopadhyay take a photo opportunity with students who will feature in the upcoming competition
Prospective players in the GFF-Blue Water Shipping U15 Girls Football Championships display their new uniforms
Cricket fans were treated to a dramatic final round of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Under-13 Inter-County Championship as Essequibo secured a fighting win over Berbice at the La Bonne Intention (LBI) Ground, while Demerara sealed the title with another dominant display against the Select XI at Lusignan.
At LBI, Marcus Thomas produced one of the most devastating spells of youth cricket in recent memory, ripping through Berbice’s batting with sensational figures of 6 for 14 from 6 overs, including an extraordi-
nary five wickets in a single over. Backed up by Justin Henry (2 wickets); Eshwar Tillack and Fayyad Baksh, Essequibo bundled out Berbice for a paltry 51 in 15.2 overs. Though Essequibo wobbled in reply, Timothy Ramdat’s patient 17 off 32 balls guided them home to 52 for 5 in 19 overs, securing a comfortable five-wicket victory.
Over at Lusignan, Demerara underlined their dominance with a comprehensive performance to finish the tournament unbeaten. Opting to bat first, they piled up 232 for 3 from 40 overs on the back of three fine half-centuries. Openers Nathaniel Ramkhelawan (64 from 67
balls, 4 fours, 1 six) and Lomar Seecharran (55) set the tone with a fluent 98-run stand, before Afraz Khan (unbeaten 52 from 53 balls) added the finishing touches. In reply, the Select XI were no match for Demerara’s bowling unit. Off-spinner Deshawn Ramnauth proved unplayable, grabbing a sensational 5 for 5, as the Select XI collapsed to 52 all out in 23.2 overs.
Demerara lifted the trophy in style, with Seecharran earning the double honours of most runs and Most Valuable Player (MVP), while Ramnauth claimed the Player-of-the-Match award in the final alongside the most wickets award.
rising talent identified
as CWI announces retainer contracts
Cricket West Indies (CWI) on Tuesday announced that the Board of Directors has approved the recommendations for International Retainer Contracts for the 2025/26 season, which commences today, October 1. Contracts have been offered to both West Indies Men’s and Women’s players following the 2024/25 evaluation period, with selections based on performance and projected involvement in upcoming fixtures.
This contract cycle also includes the continuation and expansion of multi-year
agreements, designed to reward consistent performers, provide greater security, and strengthen CWI’s ability to retain top talent.
CWI’s Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, said: “We have placed a premium on both current performance and long-term potential, while keeping a close eye on our broader strategy of building towards major global tournaments, in addition to ensuring stability for our top performers, and aligning our pathways with long-term success for West Indies cricket.”
West Indies Men’s Contracts 2025-26
Senior Men
Alick Athanaze
Keacy Carty
Roston Chase
Justin Greaves
Shai Hope
Akeal Hosein
Alzarri Joseph
Shamar Joseph
Brandon King
Gudakesh Motie
Rovman Powell
Sherfane Rutherford
Jayden Seales
Romario Shepherd
Jomel Warrican
Starter Contracts (Development)
Jewel Andrew
Jediah Blades
Johann Layne
Men’s Academy
Ackeem Auguste
Ryan Bandoo
Jediah Blades
Rivaldo Clarke
Mavendra Dindyal
Giovonte Depeiza
Nathan Edward
Damel Evelyn
Amari Goodridge
Mbeki Joseph
Johann Layne
Zishan Motara
Kelvin Pittman
Renico Smith
Carlon Tuckett
West Indies Women’s Contracts 2025-26
Senior Women
Aaliyah Alleyne
Shemaine Campbelle
Deandra Dottin ?
Afy Fletcher
Jannillea Glasgow
Shawnisha Hector
Chinelle Henry
Zaida James
Qiana Joseph
Hayley Matthews
Ashmini Munisar
Stafanie Taylor
Karishma Ramharack
Starter Contracts (Development)
Jahzara Claxton
Realeanna Grimmond
Women’s Academy
Abigail Bryce
Asabi Callender
NaiJanni Cumberbatch
Shabika Gajanbi
Brianna Harricharan
Trishan Holder
Djenaba Joseph
Nyia Latchman
Samara Ramnath
Amrita Ramtahal
Selena Ross
Shunelle Sawh
Steffie Soogrim
Kate Wilmott
Lomar Seecharran earning the double honours of most runs and MVP
The Demerara Under-13s celebrate their championship
