Mismanagement of G/town can
no longer be tolerated – Pres Ali launches revival plan to “rescue”
city
Zone of peace a priority, but transnational crimes must be addressed – Pres Ali US strikes on Venezuelan drug boats …new parks, upgraded drainage, heritage
WismarMackenzie Bridge collapse stems from Linden Council’s years of neglect – PM
“Sir, give yuh boy a chance, is a lil hustle” –Lethem-bound man tells cops during drug bust
Stronger worker protections, modern labour laws coming – Labour Minister pledges
2020 election fraud trial
Video of Clairmont Mingo’s Police questioning played in court
…AMCHAM observer cross-examined by defence
Proceedings in the trial of the alleged election fraud case continued on Tuesday morning with the cross-examination by the defence of Election Observer for the American Guyana Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM), Mohamed Adam Rahaman, and testimony from Police Officer Romario Campbell, who was involved in the police questioning of Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo. Rahaman was cross examined by Defence Attorneys Darren Wade,
Eusi Anderson and Nigel Hughes, where he was questioned about training he received as an election’s observer, as well as about his work and business associations over the past few years. Rahaman was specifically asked about activities he was witness to between March 4 and March 12, 2020 at the Ashmins building, which served as the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Region Four Command Centre. In 2020 tabulation of the Region Four results began on March 4 at the
Ashmins building but chaos would erupt very early. The Defence Attorneys repeatedly pressed Rahaman about things he witnessed particularly, and his legal understanding of the elections process. “My purpose there was to observe the activity, not to make a determination as to whether a crime was committed or anything specific happened as a result of the numbers, I was there to observe,” Rahaman related in response to a line of questioning from Attorney Wade. Rahaman repeatedly clarified that he can only
speak to the things he witnessed during the tabulation process and not there to speak about the legality of what took place. Rahaman was among the dozens of elections observers and elections agents present at the Command Centre when pandemonium broke out after a blatant attempt by certain GECOM officials to tamper with the results of the elections. The tampering was very evidently being done to inflate the number of votes allocated to the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition, and deflate votes for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).
Mingo made two separate attempts to make election results declarations with the inflated numbers, first on March 4, 2020, and again on March 12, 2020. The true situation came to light only after a national recount of the votes showed the true numbers. Mingo is among nine individuals currently facing 19 charges of conspiracy to commit electoral fraud for the events that occurred following the March 2, 2020 GRE. Other persons charged include the former GECOM Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield, Deputy CEO Roxanne Myers, APNU+AFC Government Minister Volda Lawrence; former GECOM
APNU+AFC’s Chief Scrutineer Carol SmithJoseph; and former GECOM employees Enrique Livan, Sheffern February, Michelle Miller and Denise BabbCummings.
Mingo’s Police questioning When the court resumed for the afternoon session, the prosecution called Police Sergeant Campbell, a crime scene examiner, videographer and fingerprinting specialist attached to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Campbell testified to videoing a session on 26 August 2020 where Mingo was questioned by the police about several incidents that occurred following the March 2, 2020 elections. In the video, Mingo can be seen being interrogated by Head of Major Crimes Unit Senior Superintendent Mitchell Caesar and another officer. During the questioning Mingo can be seen refusing to answer many of the questions. Proceedings in the case are expected to continue on Wednesday before Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts, where Officer Campbell, former Presidential Candidate, Rhonda Lam, and Executive Member of the A New and United Guyana (ANUG), Jonathan Yearwood, are all expected to continue giving testimony.
Top row, from left – Volda Lawrence, Keith Lowenfield, Denise Babb-Cummings, and Michelle Miller. Bottom row, from left –Enrique Livan, Sheffern February, Clairmont Mingo, and Carol Smith-Joseph [Some of the individuals facing charges in relation to electoral fraud]
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, September 17 –00:50h–02:20h, and Thursday, September 18 – 01:55h–03:25h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, September 17 –13:45h–15:15h and Thursday, September 18 – 14:30h–16:00h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
WEATHER TODAY
Partly cloudy skies followed by late afternoon sun are expected during the day, and clear skies are expected at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius.
Winds: North-Easterly to East South-Easterly between 1.34 metres and 4.02 metres.
High Tide: 13:39h reaching a maximum height of 2.12 metres.
Low Tide: 06:58h and 21:28h reaching minimum heights of 1.01 metres and 1.11 metres.
On the heels of a second United States (US) strike on an alleged Venezuelan drug boat in international waters off the coast of the South American nation, President Dr Irfaan Ali has emphasised that this region must remain a zone of peace. Nevertheless, he asserted that transnational crimes in the region including the use of ‘our land and sea’ for criminal activities must also be addressed.
Three persons were killed in a second US strike on an alleged Venezuelan drug boat, according to President Donald Trump on Monday. Trump had announced earlier this month that 11 persons had been killed in a similar strike on another boat.
Additionally, Venezuelan Minister of Defence, Vladimir Padrino Lopez, recently issued a direct threat to Guyana as well as Trinidad and Tobago, stating that the countries would receive a response from Venezuela to any attack carried out in its territory. Specifically, he said, “to those who sent a written statement from the United States, I am referring to the Governments of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, who have played along. I say to you, well, if they attack from your territory, you will also receive a response, and that is legitimate defence.”
Asked to comment on these developments during his first press conference of his second term on Tuesday, President Ali expressed that “our sovereignty is our sovereignty and what we do in relation to our sovereignty is our business”.
Nevertheless, he underscored that “our priority as a Government” is to ensure this region remains a zone of peace. “Whilst our priority is to ensure that this region remains a zone of peace, we are also conscious of the impact of transnational crime, drug trafficking, and other forms of illicit activities and the impact it can have on our people, the region and the economy…,” the Guyanese Head of State added. According to President Ali, “we are continuously concerned about criminals using international waters or countries’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in destroying econo-
mies, destroying countries, destroying people”.
In fact, he said the Government has raised an alert about the overflights over Guyana of suspected narcotraffickers and drug planes.
“We’ve been talking to our partners to help support us in terms of air surveillance and tracking system because we don’t want our territory to be used, we don’t want our land or seas to be used by any criminal network,” President Ali affirmed.
Noting that this is a matter of grave concern, he further expressed that “we have a duty and a responsibility to make the necessary investment to secure our borders, to secure our peop-
le, to secure this region and also to contribute to every effort that will see our region remain a zone of peace”. In August, the US had begun deploying naval and air forces to the Caribbean as part of a renewed crackdown on drug cartels and designated narco-terrorist organisations operating in the Western Hemisphere.
Washington has framed the move as both a counter-narcotics mission and a strategic security operation, with senior officials warning that criminal networks are using the region’s air and sea corridors to funnel drugs into the US.
Speaking at a recent briefing, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasised that these groups – some of
which operate in international waters and airspace – pose a direct threat to American lives and security.
“There are designated narco-terrorist groups operating in the region, some of them utilising international airspace and international waters to transit poison into the United States and those groups will be confronted,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo had noted in August Guyana supports the US’s decision to deploy air and naval forces to the Southern Caribbean Sea to counter the activities of powerful Latin American drug cartels, describing the move as a welcome step in the ongoing fight against narcotics trafficking. Speaking at one of his weekly press briefings, Jagdeo had said the US position on combating drug trafficking is consistent with longstanding American policy, noting that President Trump had made it clear during his campaign and in office that drug smuggling into the US would be met with “serious consequences.” He recalled that Trump has also engaged with Canada and Mexico on the matter and even threatened additional tariffs in response to the flow of fentanyl into the US.
President Dr Irfaan Ali speaking at the press conference on Tuesday
Editor: Tusika Martin
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Georgetown’s revival
Georgetown, once celebrated as the “Garden City” of the Caribbean, has endured decades of neglect and administrative inefficiency. The condition of the capital, from deteriorating infrastructure to environmental vulnerabilities, has long reflected a systemic inability to effectively manage its growth and safeguard its heritage. This reality has impeded the city’s potential as a hub of culture, commerce, and civic pride. On Tuesday, President Dr Irfaan Ali formally acknowledged the urgency of this situation, unveiling a comprehensive Government-backed revival plan aimed at restoring Georgetown’s stature as a model urban centre.
The city revival initiative signals a decisive shift toward sustainable urban development, cultural preservation, and citizen-centred planning. With advisory support from the King’s Foundation, the plan encompasses 15 flagship projects addressing diverse aspects of urban management, including drainage and flood control, the enhancement of recreational spaces, architectural restoration, and public education campaigns on waste management and civic responsibility. This multifaceted approach is aligned with the broader Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, reflecting a commitment to environmentally sustainable urban growth while safeguarding the capital’s historic and cultural assets.
At the core of the revival plan is a recognition that Georgetown is not merely an administrative centre but the symbolic heart of the nation. Its image and functionality are integral to national identity and economic development. Significant Government investments over the past five years underscore this priority. Drainage networks have been upgraded, highways expanded, housing schemes developed, and the high-span Demerara River Bridge constructed. These infrastructural improvements, complemented by private sector investment in hotels, offices, and restaurants, demonstrate a concerted effort to position Georgetown as a safe, functional, and economically vibrant city.
The revival plan rightly places emphasis on governance and leadership at the municipal level. Effective management and visionary leadership will be pivotal to ensuring that new developments are maintained and that the city evolves in a manner that reflects both modernity and heritage. The phased approach outlined by the administration, incorporating infrastructure development, enforcement, and public education, acknowledges the practical realities of urban transformation. Building capacity, educating citizens, and gradually implementing enforcement measures will be essential to achieving long-term sustainability.
The plan also recognises the importance of heritage and aesthetics in urban planning. Georgetown’s identity as a garden city is central to the proposed interventions, with initiatives promoting green spaces, landscaping, biodiversity, and the rehabilitation of key cultural landmarks such as the Botanical Gardens and the city zoo. Beautification projects, alongside infrastructural enhancements such as re-engineered sidewalks and new roundabouts, are designed to elevate the city’s public spaces and create a more welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike. The involvement of the First Lady in complementary community beautification projects further underscores the holistic nature of this approach, connecting municipal revitalisation with broader societal engagement.
Financing such an ambitious programme inevitably poses challenges. President Ali has confirmed that the revival plan will draw on the national budget while seeking opportunities for private sector participation. The recognition that high costs are unavoidable reflects a pragmatic understanding of the scale of transformation required. Strategic allocation of resources, combined with careful oversight and citizen involvement, will be critical to ensuring that investments yield tangible and lasting improvements.
Ultimately, the Georgetown revival plan represents a strategic imperative for national development. The city’s condition is emblematic of broader governance challenges, and its revitalisation will send a powerful message about Guyana’s capacity to manage urban growth, preserve cultural heritage, and provide an environment conducive to economic activity and civic pride. The success of this initiative will depend not only on Government action but also on the active engagement of residents, the private sector, and civil society in sustaining a cleaner, greener, and more vibrant capital.
Georgetown’s restoration is both a test and an opportunity. Effective execution could position the city as a model for sustainable urban development in the region, reflecting the nation’s aspirations for growth, modernisation, and heritage preservation. In this context, the revival plan is an endeavour which demands focus, commitment, and collaboration at every level.
Politicians should recognise that in a materialistic society, voters exalt immediate rewards
Dear Editor, Despite extensive development projects – roads, bridges, hospitals, and major initiatives like the new Demerara Harbour Bridge and Linden to Mabura Road – many Guyanese feel these signs of progress have an insignificant effect on their quality of life. High Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth (10.3 per cent in 2025), strong reserves (US $1 billion), low inflation (2.9 per cent), and rising per capita GDP (US $29,883) offer minimal comfort. Instead, people seek improvements that directly enhance their personal and family well-being as well as alleviate their economic and social challenges.
In the 2025 elections, voters prioritised personal, family, and community development over infrastructure projects. In Region 10 (Linden), despite the PPP/ C’s heavy campaigning and highlighting of projects, they gained only 1098 more votes than in 2020. The new WIN party, with no political history, received 2.4 times as many votes as the PPP/C, appealing to voters through gifts, promises of liveable wages, cost of living relief, larger cash grants, and neighbourhood revitalisation, as well as criticising the PPP/C’s handling of corruption. Infrastructure achievements were marginal to their campaign messages.
Guyana is becoming more
materialistic, with many seeking immediate rewards, especially from its oil revenue. The US$3.1 billion in the NRF (Natural Resources Fund) is especially enticing. Many people struggle to see the value in infrastructure projects, and while rallies generate enthusiasm, there remain dissatisfied individuals who prefer direct benefits like cash grants to address urgent needs.
The PPP/C Government has announced another one-off cash grant (over GY$100,000) before Christmas 2025. However, ongoing grants could encourage dependency and raise sustainability concerns. If cash grants are needed, they should be conditional and targeted at easing living costs, supporting business start-ups, home ownership, education advancement, or job creation.
Providing employment, free education, free healthcare, affordable housing, liveable wages, and safe neighbourhoods can help address economic and social challenges. Cash grants alone will not accomplish these goals. It is noted that employment opportunities are available in Guyana, particularly in agriculture, construction, transport, logistics, health, and oil and gas sectors. Despite the existence of vacancies, many unemployed Guyanese do not possess the required skills to fill these positions. For exam-
ple, the construction sector faces a workforce shortage of approximately 50 per cent. (Centre for Local Building Development/CLBD)
The Government is addressing labour force issues by rapidly expanding technical and vocational training through TVET (Technical, Vocational and Educational Training) and BIT (Board of Industrial Training) programmes across all 10 regions. Training covers subjects like carpentry, masonry, auto mechanics, welding, computer programming, CCTV installation, data analysis, AC, and refrigeration. From 2020 to 2024, BIT produced an average of 2553 graduates yearly; in 2023, TVET graduated 1771 students, with 4255 registered for TVET in 2024. More females complete BIT programmes, while TVET sees higher male enrolment and graduation.
A Labour Ministry tracer survey of 228 BIT graduates found that only 19 per cent worked in their field of training, 56 per cent were employed elsewhere, and 24 per cent did not respond. This mismatch between TVET/ BIT programmes and labour force needs does highlight the urgent need to update courses to better match current skills demands.
Alongside TVET and BIT centres, state agencies such as the Guyana School of Agriculture, Ministry of
Human Services (WIN programme), University of Guyana, and Guysuco also provide training, though available data was not accessible.
According to a Private Sector Commission source, about 10,000 workers have received training through local and international programmes. For instance, some workers recently participated in SBM Offshore Guyana’s Trainee Technician Program in Canada for technical skills development, with Phase 2 taking place at the $13 million (US) Factor Simulator Unit funded by Exxon and Partners at Port Mourant, Corentyne.
A CLBD study shows Guyana will need 52,396 more workers in four years. If local training is insufficient, migrant labour may be needed, but the Government is enhancing training programmes to prioritise local workforce development. The Ministry of Labour is now the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning (MLMP), emphasising skills training and AI technology for the Guyanese workforce.
Minister Keoma Griffith should assess how skills acquisition and AI affect employment level, as these factors relate to unemployment, poverty rate, and social well-being.
Kind regards, Dr Tara Singh
A Police rank of Regional Division 4C conducted an educational lecture for children of New Friendship Nursery School, East Coast Demerara, focusing on road safety, crime prevention, and positive community engagement (GPF photo)
Confidence placed in Dr Irfaan Ali’s leadership
Dear Editor, Zadok Ministers Fellowship extends our heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency Dr Irfaan Ali on his re-election to a second term as the ninth Executive President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, to the Hon Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips on his re-appoint -
ment as Prime Minister, and to Dr Bharrat Jagdeo on his re-appointment as Vice President. We also extend congratulations to the new Cabinet of Ministers and Presidential Advisors recently appointed by the President.
We recognise the clear mandate you have received, Mr President, and
celebrate this achievement as a testament to the confidence placed in your leadership by the people of Guyana.
Excellency, as you begin your second term, may Almighty God inspire and guide your leadership. We pray for you and your beloved family during this new term, asking that
health, wisdom, and peace surround you as you lead with integrity, compassion, and excellence.
We commend your steadfast dedication to fostering unity among Guyana’s diverse peoples and communities. We share your vision of building a strong and resilient nation where ev -
ery Guyanese can enjoy economic, social, emotional, cultural, physical, and spiritual well-being and a higher standard of living.
As you embark on this journey, we leave you with this encouragement from Holy Scripture, Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, “plans for wel -
fare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” May God bless His Excellency, the Cabinet, the Government, and the Cooperative Republic of Guyana abundantly.
Yours sincerely, Terry Thomas Zadok Ministers Fellowship
Seeking help from the Police
Dear Editor,
The pessimistic phrase, “Not all that starts well ends well,” is a direct contradiction to the optimistic proverb, “All’s well that ends well.” The much-anticipated weekend commenced well with President Dr Irfaan Ali’s announcement of naming a few Permanent Secretaries and Presidential Advisors, some members of his Cabinet and Members of Parliament, which ended a prolonged week of sustained suspense.
The blend of maturity, professionalism, academia, exposure, experience, expertise and youth savoured a taste for an insatiable appetite. However, a few changes and surprises certainly stirred the pot of interest and added the speculative ingredient, raising eyebrows and causing slight indigestion. Nevertheless, congratulations are in order for all the appointees to their respective positions, and we wish them well.
The weekend did not end well. Saturday night and Sunday were marred with two accidents resulting in three deaths and injuries in Essequibo and Berbice. A murder-suicide impacted the Crabwood Creek village in Berbice. The hinterland was not spared when a fatal stabbing incident occurred. A total of six deaths ruptured the celebratory mood of the country that was engaged in the PPP/C once again being installed and occupying the seat as a Government with the majority lead.
The ugly head of the national environmental issue, portraying noise nuisance, ostracised the peace that
this PPP/C Government is desperately promulgating for the nation to participate in. The poisonous fangs clawed their way once again into the Leonora crevice, and unfortunately, law agencies failed to castrate this cancerous problem which is plaguing this entire nation.
The overspilling of garbage left unattended and posing a health hazard did not escape the sanitation menu. Flies, mosquitoes, insects, dogs and cats feast on this sumptuous meal, let alone the stench and smell perfuming the air!
Minister Oneidge Walrond has changed uniform and is now in command at the Ministry of Home Affairs. She is in the hot seat of a towering inferno which promises no help from any cooling system. It is a growing pain for one of the most sensitive situations facing the nation, upon which the safety and security of all Guyanese depend. Welcome to the circle where crime and corruption circumambulate and corrode the very core in all communities!
As if to test the water, Minister Walrond has been greeted with the sad news of six Guyanese losing their lives over the weekend. The tragic circumstances unfolded when the very tender fabrics which knit the home, the community and the nation went amiss – discipline, patience and common sense. It stems from a lack of control over our mindset, leading us to the dangerous path of destruction and turning a blind eye to law and order.
Our roads are stripped of any heavenly abode and paved with a pathway to hell. The absence of the five Cs – Care, Caution,
Consideration, Courtesy and Common sense – does grossly contribute to road users becoming accident-prone on a persistent basis, some losing their lives in the worst scenario.
The key element of failing to understand the meaning of respect for one another does contribute to children, teenagers and adults being physically and psychologically abused, molested and wasted, regardless of gender, sex or status. Perhaps the theory of composure, including commitment, compromise, compassion, compatibility and communication, is found wanting.
The use and abuse of excessive alcohol is very prevalent throughout the country. It is the fastest pastime in Guyana, as Guyanese seek this form of activity for entertainment and recreational purposes. This relaxation exercise often has severe repercussions not to overlook: physical and mental health
issues, family problems, unemployment, domestic violence, crime, homelessness and impaired judgement.
Noise nuisance is an endemic anomaly which perpetually plagues all communities throughout the length and breadth of Guyana on a daily and persistent basis. Some repercussions include physical health and mental issues, societal and environmental issues and problems for the animals. Leonora feeds the spread of this disease.
Unscrupulous garbage disposal by the business community did not miss the radar. The wanton recklessness of not sensitising to maintaining a clean, safe and healthy ambience went amiss, as is evident in a particular business entity in the popular Leonora village.
The above-mentioned descriptive scenarios portray the sad state of affairs which populate the social complications and implications which
undermine the standard of living in Guyana, preventing Guyanese from enjoying some basic human rights. This credibility is unmerited and unwanted and needs to be addressed immediately for appropriate preventative measures and must be dealt with condignly.
The new Minister for Local Government, the Honourable Priya Manickchand, has hit the ground running from day one. Others will of course follow suit in her precedence. But of paramount importance will be the execution of duties from Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud from the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security and Minister Walrond to help repair the damage meted out in this fragile society while engaging the services of Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony and also Minister Manickchand.
His Excellency,
President Dr Irfaan Ali, and Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo did allude to the cleansing of communities and providing protection to villagers for their safety, security, comfort and health. This will encounter a provision for commercial areas to accommodate business entities and an industrial site to field factories and mechanical shops. As was publicly announced on global programmes by the Ministry of Housing, bars and nightclubs are prohibited from being licensed in residential areas, and the Minister of Legal Affairs did warn that noise nuisance constitutes a criminal offence. The Police are mandated to do what is right by doing their duty. Will the Police cooperate? This is a new beginning, and it needs to finish well.
Yours respectfully, Jai Lall
Page Foundation
Measures of Central Tendency
Statistics is a branch of Mathematics that studies data expressed in numbers. In the data, the numbers answer questions like: How many? How long? How far? How big?
Let’s say you have this set of numbers: 22, 11, 19, 11, 15, 8, 11, 15
Begin by arranging them in order: 8, 11, 11, 11, 15, 15, 19, 22
The range is the greatest number minus the smallest number: 22-8: 14
The mean (sometimes called the average) is the total of the whole collection divided by the number of addends: 112 ÷ 8 = 14.
The median is the number in the middle. If your collection of numbers has an even number of addends, the median is the average of the two middle numbers: (11 + 15 ) ÷ 2 = 26 ÷ 2 = 13
The mode is the number that appears most often in the collection of numbers: 11
Example:
Find the mean of 6, 4, 7, 11, 6, 3, 5
Step 1: Add the numbers: 6 + 4 + 7 + 11 + 6 + 3 + 5: 42
Step 2: Divide by the number of addends: 42 ÷ 7 = 6
1. Cut out your bookmark into any shape or size out of white cardstock paper.
2. Place the bookmark on a scrap piece of paper so you don't get paint onto anything. For the ombre part of the bookmark, you're going to need two colours of acrylic paint and two paintbrushes.
3. You want to start the ombre by taking one of those colours of acrylic paint and you want to start painting one end of the bookmark and you want to continue that colour of paint to the middle of the bookmark.
4. Take a second paintbrush and the second colour acrylic paint and paint the other end of the bookmark and you want to continue that colour of paint to the middle of the bookmark.
Remember
The range, mean, median, and mode numbers may all be different! Or some of them could be identical.
Calculate:
1) What is the range for this set of numbers: 3, 10, 14, 23, 12, 18?
2) What is the average for this set of numbers: 4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 8, 8, 10?
3) What is the mode for this set of numbers: 2, 5, 10, 13, 6, 5, 6, 2, 5?
4) What is the median for this set of numbers: 3, 6, 9, 14, 11, 9, 7, 11, 6?
5) What is the mean for this set of numbers: 1, 3, 9, 9, 4, 6, 6, 1, 3?
5. Once you get to the middle you can quickly blend the two colours together which will give a third colour in the middle and an ombre effect. You can blend the paint more by adding some
paint to the paintbrush and then you can wipe some of it off and you can blend what's left on the paintbrush onto the middle of the bookmark.
6. Once you like how your bookmark looks you want to pick up the bookmark and move it to a different place on the scrap piece of paper so it doesn't get stuck to the paper and then you want to wait for the paint to dry.
7. When the paint is dry, you can put a hole into the bookmark with a hole puncher and then you can draw the dream catcher or anything that you want on your bookmark with a pencil.
8. When you're done drawing on your doodle, you can go over it with a pen.
9. When you're done drawing it on, you can take a piece of ribbon, fold it in half and run the ends of the ribbon through the back of the bookmark. Then you can pull the ends of the ribbon through the loop. (pumpkinemily. com)
By Elly NilaNd
Alfred. Nonagenarian man. Head in clouds of sadness
Blue-black raven’s eyes
Lunar silver hair
Sees spiders’ webs as cathedrals. On the backs of his gnarled hands Streams and rivers of red and blue criss-crossed In blotches of countries and narrow peninsulas. Was married once for seventeen months Swayed, and was Singed in fire and drama. Should’ve married again but every lady Had a gaggle of kids. Genetic time-bombs. Said that depression’s but an expression Of emptiness and worthlessness. A sterility
To remind you that life is flat. Futile, Comes but to destroy you. Being old, living in the halfLight, is an abasement. And, while he’s thinking, He wishes to be buried not cremated. Is pensive about resurrection without a body. He dismissed me as a spiritual dunce. And as we parted he teased, “today will die tomorrow.”
A wall of roses
Stop and smell the roses with a story of revitalisation
Mismanagement of G/town can no longer be tolerated – Pres Ali launches revival plan to “rescue” city
…new
President Dr Irfaan Ali on Tuesday declared that the longstanding mismanagement of Georgetown “can no longer be tolerated”, as he launched a Governmentbacked revival plan aimed at transforming the capital into a model city of sustainability, heritage and modern urban development. Speaking at a press conference at the Office of the President, Ali stressed that the capital, once famed as the “Garden City”, has suffered years of inefficiency and neglect under its current management. “The condition of our city and the mismanagement and inefficiency through which the city is managed can no longer be tolerated. And we believe that it is time for us as citizens and as a country to take charge of the situation. And I want to launch from the Government work in advancing the rescue of Georgetown,” the President asserted. Ali announced that with support from the King’s Foundation, the Government is moving to implement a city revival
plan. The framework will focus on sustainable urban development, heritage preservation, biodiversity, and citizen engagement. It forms part of the broader Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 and outlines 15 flagship projects ranging from new recreational spaces and upgraded drainage networks to architectural restoration and public education campaigns to change attitudes toward waste and city upkeep.
Highlighting
Georgetown’s role as the heart of the nation, Ali pointed to billions already spent by the Government on infrastructure, including new highways, expanded housing schemes, drainage upgrades, and the high-span Demerara River Bridge. “Georgetown is our capital. It must project an image of sustainability, celebrate our heritage and showcase the economic and cultural transformation of Guyana,” he said. The President further underscored that future leader-
Excavator operator slapped with murder charge
Dead: Mark Benn
An excavator operator accused of brutally killing a gold miner during a drinking spree at Big Mara Mara Backdam, Middle Mazaruni River, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) has been remanded to prison.
Dexter Agrian, called “Adrian”, a 41-year-old of Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), appeared on Tuesday before Magistrate Teriq Mohammed at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court
where the charge of murder was read to him. He was not required to plead and was remanded to prison. The case will continue on October 30. Agrian was charged with the murder of 38-year-old Mark Benn, also called “Tattoo”, of Lot 218 Blueberry Hill, Wismar, Linden. Benn was killed on the night of September 11. Reports indicate that earlier that evening, Benn was drinking at a shop owned by dredge operator Floyd Paul, 28, in the company of Venezuelan national Fabiana Garcia, 35, and another Venezuelan woman. Agrian later joined them, and the group drank Guinness, played music, and danced.
According to Police, at about 23:00h, Benn allegedly asked Garcia for sex. When she refused, Benn disconnected her cellphone, which had been playing music. Agrian reportedly intervened, grabbing Benn by the waist, but Benn objected. Agrian then allegedly pulled a 13-inch double-edged knife from his waist and chopped Benn twice, once to the back of
Remanded: Dexter Agrian, called “Adrian”
the head and once to the neck, almost decapitating him.
The shop owner contacted the police, who arrested Agrian shortly afterwards and the murder weapon was recovered. When questioned, the suspect reportedly told investigators: “Sir, I drink couple well Guinness and I can’t remember exactly what happened.” Agrian was later escorted to the Bartica Police Station and was charged with murder.
ship at the municipal level will be critical to the city’s success. “In the coming year or years, we’ll have an opportunity to choose the type of leadership in the city that will allow us to see this city transformed and managed in a way that will make all of us extremely proud,” he added. The revival plan emphasises Georgetown’s historic identity as a garden city, promoting landscaping, green spaces, and biodiversity alongside modern infrastructure. The First Lady’s ongoing work to beautify villages and city streets, Ali said, will complement the Government’s push for cleaner, greener, and more vibrant communities. “This is about reclaiming the pride of Georgetown and restoring its rightful place as a symbol of Guyana’s past, present, and future,” Ali declared.
Investing billions
President Ali also reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to financing the revival of Georgetown, stressing that the administration has already pumped billions into improving the city’s infrastructure over the last five years.
These investments, he noted, span drainage upgrades, new pumping stations, expanded roads, and beautification projects aimed at ensuring the city is safe, attractive, and economically competitive. “Our focus is on the people. And the people of Georgetown are important to us. The use of the city is important for us, and the image of our capital city is important for us,” Ali declared. He added that recent heavy rainfall demonstrated the success of the Government’s drainage programme, which has significantly reduced flooding in key areas.
The President also pointed to the rehabilitation of the Botanical Gardens and upgrades to the zoo, re-engineered sidewalks, and new roundabouts as part of the capital works already completed. He highlighted that private sector investment has complemented the Government’s spending, with several new hotels, office complexes, and restaurants emerging across Georgetown.
Ali said the revival plan, which is supported in an advisory role by the King’s
Foundation, is now entering a new phase focused on beautification, heritage preservation, and cultural enhancement. “The King’s Foundation has tremendous experience in this, and we are very grateful for their support. We have opened ourselves to their advice to accelerate this programme of development,” he explained.
Funding from national budget
While acknowledging the high costs involved, the President made it clear that funding for the revival plan will be drawn from the national budget. “It is budgeted for and part of the investment programme. But it is going to cost a lot of money. We also want to see how we can maximise private sector participation,” he stated. Against this backdrop, the Guyanese leader emphasised that maintenance and enforcement will be a critical part of the strategy. “Enforcement will be a critical part of the strategy, but we have to first build the infrastructure whilst you do some amount of enforcement, but we have to have a phased approach: the soft, medium, and hard, and then the hard approach. So, it's a phased approach with a lot of enforcement up front also, but public education in this space. I think a lot of public education and a clear communication strategy are critical at this stage,” he explained.
An aerial view of a section of Georgetown
Businessman nabbed with illegal gun; security guard faces firearm charges
An intelligence-led operation at about 07:50h on Tuesday by officers from Regional Divisions 4A and 4B led to the arrest of a businessman at Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara (EBD). Reports are that the motorcar, PAH 6733, was observed parked in front of Lot 97 Nandy Park with 47-year-old Freeman Fordyce, a businessman residing at the location, seated in the driver’s
seat. Officers requested to search the vehicle for arms, ammunition, and drugs. During the search, a 9mm pistol and a magazine containing five 9mm rounds were found in the glove compartment. Fordyce indicated that he did not hold a firearm licence. Police said that he was informed of the offences and arrested. Fordyce was taken to the Providence Police Station, where the firearm was dusted for fin-
gerprints, and he remains in custody assisting with the investigation.
Discharging loaded firearm
In a separate case, 25-year-old Devon Boucher, a security guard of Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD), who was arrested last Friday by a Detective Sergeant from Cove and John Police Station, was charged on Tuesday with discharging a loaded firearm with intent, contrary to Section 55(a) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01. Boucher is accused of allegedly firing a weapon at Andrew Smith, known as "Cats", on September 8, at Hand-en-Veldt, Mahaica, ECD. He appeared before Magistrate Allan Wilson at the Mahaicony Magistrate’s Court, pleaded not guilty,
and was granted bail in the sum of $175,000. The case has been adjourned to October 31.
“Sir, give yuh boy a chance, is a lil hustle” –Lethem-bound man tells cops during drug bust
Police conducting a routine stop-and-search on Tuesday intercepted minibus, BVV 887, which was traveling from Georgetown to Lethem, Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) with a large quantity of drugs.
Reports are that at about 09:30h, cops discovered 25.6 lbs of suspected narcotics in the possession of one of the passengers, Clive Thornhill, a 48-year-old fisherman from Lethem. Thornhill was subsequently arrested and charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking. According to Police, Thornhill admitted ownership of the sub-
stances and when cautioned, reportedly said, "Sir give yuh boy a chance, is a lil hustle." The minibus was driven by a 44-year-old of Kiskadee Drive, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown and carried three passengers, including Thornhill and two Brazilian nationals. Police conducted a search of all occupants and their belongings. No illegal items were found among the driver or
the two Brazilian passengers. A search of Thornhill’s person and a black side bag revealed cash totaling $703,180, 1,798 Brazilian Reais, 3,260 Cuban dollars, and US $1,137. Further searches of Thornhill’s belongings in the minibus uncovered 12 bulky parcels containing leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis, along with two smaller bags containing 40 pills suspected to be ec-
Station pending further investigation.
Charity bust
Meanwhile, in a separate operation on Tuesday, police from Regional Division two seized 28.8 grams of suspected cocaine and 115.6 grams of suspected cannabis at Charity Back Street, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).
The operation targeted a 19-year-old, a local stall owner. Officers acting on intelligence searched his shop and nearby bushy areas. While nothing was found inside the shop, suspected narcotics were recovered from the sur-
stasy. A red five-gallon bucket in the minibus rack also contained five additional parcels of suspected cannabis. All items were weighed in Thornhill’s presence.
Thornhill remains in custody at the Lethem Police
rounding area. Police said that he denied knowledge of the substances and was taken into custody at Charity Police Station, where he remains pending further investigation.
Fixed…
…for life?
One good thing about living in our dear Mudland is the joy of our political theatre. And it IS theatre, which, according to Wiki, “is a collaborative form of performing art that uses live performers to present experiences of a real or imagined event”. Now, dear reader, don’t you get the feeling that our politicians – especially from the Opposition benches at this time – are performing an elaborate charade??
How else do you explain the standoff we’re witnessing over the fate of who we’ve been blithely calling the “Opposition Commissioners” in GECOM?? The brouhaha broke out after Sanction Man pointed out – as “opposition leader in waiting” – as soon as that appointment is consummated, he could nominate his choice of which three warm bodies should fill those positions.
It would seem that Article 161 of the Constitution supports Sanction Man’s position on the GECOM Commission’s composition – which was enacted after the formula proposed by President Carter before the 1992 elections was accepted. “In addition to the Chairman, there shall be six members of the commission who shall be appointed in the following manner – (a) three members to be appointed by the President, acting in his own deliberate judgement; and (b) three members to be appointed by the President acting in accordance with the advice of the Leader of the Opposition tendered after meaningful consultation with non-governmental political parties represented in the National Assembly.”
“Not so fast!!” Squealed the about-to-be-displaced Opposition Leader Norton, “It ain’t that straightforward!!” While the PROCEDURE to appoint the Commissioners is very clear, it ain’t the same for getting them out!! They can only be removed if they’re incapable of performing their functions!! According to Article 226, a person holding such office “… shall not be removed therefrom or suspended from the exercise of the functions thereof except in accordance with the provisions of this article. The officer may be removed from office only for inability to discharge the functions of his office (whether arising from infirmity of body or mind or any other cause whatsoever) or for misbehaviour.”
In such a case a tribunal would have to be constituted to take evidence and deal with the matter. Otherwise, they remain there for life!! This was declared explicitly by no one else than the fella who – in the eyes of the Guyanese public – has come to personify “Opposition Commissioner” – Vincent Alexander!! He pointed out that in 2008, then Opposition Leader Corbin had wanted him gone – but he couldn’t get that done!! Sanction Man feels that while that may be so, the Opposition Commissioners should follow Spike Lee’s advice and “do the right thing”!!
Maybe HE should do the same and pay the GRA the $11 billion owed them on smuggled gold??
…for death struggle
A “death struggle” – the final, agonising throes of bodily effort before dying - ain’t a pretty sight… and certainly ain’t for the faint-hearted!! But it would seem that’s exactly what we’re witnessing on the national stage with the PNC. The ink hadn’t quite dried on his report that Executive Member Mervyn Williams had resigned on TV in front of the newly appointed Parliamentary Leader Chicken Man when he saw the newsflash that the Chairman of the Party – Shurwayne Holder – had also resigned! Now Shurwayne was one of the young leaders Norton had brought in when he took over as PNC Leader – and was touted as a future top leader!!
Now, something na regulah!! You’d think with the departure of so many old heads, young’uns like Shurwayne would see their way to the top made so much easier!! So his jumping ship means that from where he sits – deep in the PNC’s bowels – he sees no way for saving the ship!! Should we read the final rites?? RIP?
…regime change?
With another boat blown out of the water by the US flotilla – which has formed a cordon over Mad Maduro’s Venezuelan coast – he gotta know that these are mere signals that he should throw in the towel!!
Charged for discharging loaded firearm, Devon Boucher
The gun and ammunition that were found at Nandy Park by Police
The narcotics that was found in possession of Lethem-bound passenger Clive Thornhill
Cocaine and cannabis found at Charity Back Street, Essequibo Coast
Free university education
UG to roll out medical and engineering regional seats as applications surge
President Dr Irfaan Ali on Tuesday announced that the University of Guyana (UG) will be expanding its programmes into multiple regions in response to a surge in applications following the introduction of free university education.
The Head of State noted that applications at UG have doubled, with medicine and engineering seeing the sharpest increases. To meet this demand, the Government has begun creating additional seats outside of the Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown campus. In medicine, 30 seats will be rolled out this year at the New Amsterdam Regional
Hospital in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).
President Ali explained that academic staff have already been identified, and assessments are underway to ensure labs, equipment, and IT systems are in place. Once the new hospital in the region is completed, capacity will be expanded further. Additional medical programmes are also being assessed in Regions Two, Three, and Nine. “So just for context,” Ali explained, “we had 418 applications in medicine; more than 130 were qualified, but only 16 seats were available. With investments, Turkeyen now has 110 seats, and Region Six will add 30 more, giving us 140 seats to meet
the needs of all qualified applicants.”
“In Region Three [Essequibo Islands-West Demerara], we have identified the teaching space, and, as I speak to you, gap analysis in terms of lab and staff required to support the seats in medicine in Region Six is being conducted to operationalise more seats in medicine in Region Three before the end of the year,” the President added.
Meanwhile, in engineering, all applicants in mechanical engineering will be accommodated, while civil engineering, where 241 students have already been admitted, will see 90 new seats created across Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam),
Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). Each region will receive 30 seats.
According to President Ali, the regional expansion will allow students to pursue higher education closer to home, reduce transportation costs, and enable them to make more productive use of their time.
“So that would allow students to study closer to home, in a more comfortable environment, and of course reduce their costs of transport and make more productive use of their time. This is about ensuring equitable access to education and preparing Guyanese in critical fields for the country’s development,” Ali stated.
The Government’s policy of providing free university education will be fully implemented from the 2025/2026 academic year at the University of Guyana (UG), which is set to commence in about a week.
This means that all tuition fees for diploma, bachelor’s, master’s, and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes will be waived for
both new and continuing students.
In excess of 11,000 current students of UG are set to benefit from this measure along with all future entrants. The initiative, which follows a commitment by President Dr Irfaan Ali and Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo to make tertiary education more accessible to
all Guyanese, particularly those from low- and middle-income households, will cost the treasury some $18 billion.
The measure took effect from January 1, 2025, and is seen as a transformative step toward building a highly skilled, inclusive, and resilient workforce.
Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge collapse stems from Linden Council’s
Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Retired)
Mark Phillips has blamed the collapse of a section of the Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), on Sunday evening on what he described as long-standing failure and neglect by the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC). In a statement issued on Monday, the PM extended sympathy to those injured in the incident and wished them a full recovery. However, he expressed concern over what he called an attempt by Linden Mayor Sharma Solomon to shift blame onto the Government.
“The LM&TC, by its own admission, has long held legal responsibility under the Bridge Act for the oversight and maintenance of the Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge,” Phillips stated. He noted that tolls were collected up to July 31, 2025, which provided the council with a steady stream of revenue.
He questioned whether those revenues were used for their intended purpose— namely, structural maintenance, safety upgrades, lighting, and regular inspections. Phillips further suggested that an independent audit of the toll revenues collected between August 2020 and July 2025 would likely reveal negligence and mismanagement. “Safety and maintenance of existing infrastructure are core duties of any municipal authority entrusted with public resources. The LM&TC’s
years
of neglect – PM
collapsed section of the
failure to meet those duties, despite collecting toll revenues up to mere weeks ago, is indefensible,” the PM said. He also highlighted the Government’s ongoing investment in a new river crossing at Linden.
According to Phillips, construction of a modern, permanent bridge is already underway to replace the ageing structure. The project, he add-
ed, is designed to improve safety, support commerce, encourage tourism, and reduce transport inefficiencies in Region 10.
“The new bridge is a forward-looking project, emblematic of a Government that places people’s well-being at the centre of development,” the PM said.
APNU member caught speeding by E-Ticketing System wants exemption …cries
"victimisation" by automated system
Member of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Nima Flue-Bess cried victimisation on Tuesday after she received a speeding ticket through the e-ticketing system. Flue-Bess, who has been selected by her party to represent them in the National Assembly as a Member of Parliament (MP), posted the ticket on her Facebook page but concealed the speed at which she was clocked.
According to the ticket, Flue-Bess was caught speeding on September 1, 2025, along the Greenfield Road, Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD), where the speed limit is set at 50km/h. As such, she was
fined $7500. But the APNU member is crying victimisation. In her social media post, she expressed, “I believe this is wickedness in high places.” The APNU member insinuated that she should have been exempted from following the traffic laws because she was working on Election Day.
“This ticket is for 1st September, 2025 elections Day. A day where I was performing official elections duty of which GECOM is aware. I would like to have my money refunded to me,” she contended.
“I will send this ticket to all the observers. I will not stop until I get back my money. I would like to know if all the PPP/C (People’s Progressive Party/Civic)
agents got tickets too,” Flue-Bess further posted. Nevertheless, Flue-Bess –as all offenders issued with e-tickets for speed violations – has the opportunity to contest the ticket before a magistrate. However, her post drew heavy criticism on social media, with many accusing her of seeking exemption from a speeding offence. She has since deleted the post. Guyana launched the new automated e-ticketing system for traffic violations on April 7, 2025. This system is intended to improve transparency by automating the ticket generation and notification process, thereby minimising human discretion and bias in enforcement.
The
Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge
Stronger worker protections, modern labour laws coming – Labour Minister pledges
The newly appointed Labour and Manpower Planning Minister, Keoma Griffith, has said that his focus will be on strengthening Guyana’s legal framework for labour relations and ensuring that protections and opportunities for workers match the country’s rapid economic growth.
Griffith, 34, who is among the youngest Ministers in the new Cabinet sworn in following the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) landslide victory at the September 1 General and Regional elections, described his appointment as both humbling and a divine calling. During a recent broadcast interview with the state media, he described his appointment as
both humbling and a divine calling.
“I truly believe it was a divine appointment. I really believe God spoke to the President concerning me,” he said. While acknowledging the achievements of his predecessor, including training programmes that benefited more than 15,000 persons and historic job creation numbers, Griffith said his priority will be to modernise labour laws to balance the needs of employees and employers.
“What I want to do is to ensure in this term the Ministry of Labour has the requisite legal framework to balance and to manage all that is taking place,” he explained. “We have to have a strong legal framework to protect the inter-
ests of employees… but we also have to ensure it’s balanced to also manage the interests of employers.”
The young Minister brings to the post nearly a decade of legal prac-
Uitvlugt man charged for acid attack on 2 women
A32-year-old man has been remanded to prison following charges in connection with the acid attack on two women along Middle and East Streets, Georgetown, on September 3.
Keron Mervin Daniels of Uitvlugt Pasture, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), appeared virtually before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, where he was read two counts of throwing a corrosive substance with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The charges stem from injuries suffered by cashier Genesis Leitch, who sustained severe burns, and 20-yearold Nirmala Sukraj of Good Hope Phase One, East Coast Demerara, who was left with minor burns.
Police said the women were attacked around 15:30h after leaving the Balwant Singh Hospital to purchase food. A white motorcar reportedly pulled up from behind, and a passenger tossed a glass bottle filled with a corrosive liquid in their direction before speeding off.
Leitch suffered burns to her face, stomach, and left hand, and doctors have said she will need surgery. She has also been left visually impaired. Sukraj was treated at the hospital and discharged later that evening.
In court on Tuesday, prosecutors opposed bail, arguing that CCTV footage showed Daniels hurling the substance and stressing the seriousness of the offence, which they linked to a personal dispute.
Investigators believe the attack was fuelled by a love
Charged: Keron Mervin Daniels
triangle involving Daniels, Leitch, and his partner, the mother of his children.
According to police, Daniels and Leitch were briefly involved earlier this year, but tensions erupted when the affair was exposed. Leitch allegedly told investigators she felt “used” and betrayed, while Daniels allegedly became enraged.
Defence attorneys Ronald Bostwick and Ronald Daniels argued that their client, a father of four children aged 15, 10, three, and one, had no prior convictions and posed no danger to society. They said he was willing to comply with strict conditions, including lodg-
ing his passport and signing a recognisance.
The defence also stated that Daniels was not caught on camera committing the act, that they had not yet been able to review the footage, and that investigators had pressured him into a confession by threatening his wife and child.
The prosecution countered that the CCTV evidence placed Daniels as the driver of the getaway car.
After hearing the bail application, Magistrate McGusty remanded Daniels. The case will continue today, when the case is scheduled to return to court for review of the video evidence.
tice, with experience at the Caribbean Court of Justice, the Court of Appeal, and the High Court. He also previously served as Secretary and Assistant Secretary of
the Bar Association, where he worked on consultations for new legislation and on modernising the filing system of the Magistrates’ Courts. Griffith has also served on the Juvenile Justice Committee and as one of President Irfaan Ali’s youth advisors.
Reflecting on his rise to national leadership, Griffith said his appointment demonstrates the President’s commitment to empowering younger voices. “It really signals a commitment to young people in this country, that this Government, this President, is not only interested in having young people serve, but also the transition of leadership… handing down major re-
sponsibility from those who’ve been in public office for a very long time to somebody like me,” he said.
Looking ahead, Griffith said he envisions a transformed working class and a happier people by the end of the Government’s term. “I see a more united people in the next five years… where citizens are happy and able to experience really the greatness that everybody around the world is seeing and boasting about,” he said.
The new Minister has pledged an open-door policy and encouraged citizens to engage with the Ministry. “Come into the Ministry. There’s a lot of information, a lot of opportunities. Come and find out,” he urged.
CANU seizes 1.1 kilos of cocaine in Hadfield St bust
The Customs AntiNarcotic Unit (CANU) on Monday, seized a quantity of cocaine following an operation at Lot 42 “F” Hadfield Street, Georgetown.
According to CANU, officers acted on information received and conducted a search of the residence, which led to the discovery of 1.172 kilograms (kg) of cocaine.
During the operation, Clarence Jones and Carlos Garraway were arrested. Both men, along with the narcotics, were taken to CANU Headquarters. Investigations into the matter are ongoing.
The cocaine that was seized by CANU during the Hadfield Street, Georgetown drug bust
Labour and Manpower Planning Minister Keoma Griffith
Police step up community engagement across regions
As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen relations with the public, police ranks from
several regional divisions conducted a series of community outreach exercises between September 12 and 15. On September 13, officers from Regional Division 4 ‘C’ visited communi-
ties along the East Coast Demerara (ECD). Led by Inspectors Tyndall, Roop, Stewart-Arthur, Abraham, Singh and Woman Inspector Angoy, the team engaged residents in Belmont Village, Mon Repos Market, Enterprise, Annandale, Lusignan Market, and the Vigilance Station District. Discussions focused on crime prevention, domestic violence, noise nuisance, youth involvement in positive activities, and the dangers of substance abuse. Officers assured residents that concerns raised would be addressed through targeted patrols, traffic enforcement, and intelligence-led operations. On September 12, another outreach in Montrose, Felicity, Mission Landing, Kunaballi (St Cuthbert’s Mission), Helena No. One and No. Two, Enmore North, Grass Field Lusignan, and the Beterverwagting Station District was led by Inspectors Camacho, Roop, Sardinha, and Poyer. Police
Rust Phase Two, Fisheries Road, Parika, and Salem, where they discussed residents’ concerns and provided advice on crime prevention and neighbourhood safety.
ranks distributed crime prevention tips, engaged with vendors, and provided hampers to families facing hardships. At Helena No. Two Ballfield, ranks also participated in a cricket match with residents to promote cooperation and trust.
Community engagement also extended to the West Bank and East Bank Essequibo (EBE). Inspectors Bechnie, Luckhai, and several ranks visited Lust-en-
bourhoods. Meanwhile, Sergeant Singh and Rural Constable Tulsidass met with residents of St Lawrence, EBE, who described their community as
Residents were encouraged to form WhatsApp groups for better communication and were given emergency contact numbers. Business owners received security tips, including the use of CCTV cameras. Additional outreach was conducted in Recht-Door-Zee, Tuschen Junction, and Lust-en-Rust by Cadet Officer Ramnauth, Inspector Roberts, and five ranks. Residents welcomed the initiative and raised issues affecting their
relatively quiet. Ranks assured residents that the outreach would continue and that police presence would remain consistent. Inspector Bechnie and two ranks also engaged residents in Phase Two, Onderneeming, and White Shop, Parfaite Harmonie. No crimes were reported, but residents expressed appreciation for the ongoing presence of law enforcement in their communities.
neigh-
Police ranks engaging residents in villages along East Coast Demerara
Police ranks engaging residents in villages along East Bank Essequibo
Heritage exhibition showcases 35+ Indigenous artworks at Castellani House
The Amerindian Heritage Exhibition is once again alive with colour, creativity, and culture – this year featuring more than 35 Indigenous art pieces, each one a window into the stories, traditions, and imagination of Guyana’s first peoples.
The works, created by six artists and one craftsperson, are being showcased at Castellani House as part of the annual observance of Amerindian Heritage Month.
Curator Ohini Kowama explained to this publication that most of the pieces were produced by Arawak artists with roots in St Cuthbert’s
seen, capturing subjects as they appear.
“It’s a particular skill to paint to represent something that you see. While it may not be regarded as the most advanced technique, it still requires a high level of technical ability. It reflects and records what is of the time or what the artist has in their imagination. Sometimes it even merges representational art with elements of abstraction.”
Kowama encouraged patrons to look past the surface and appreciate the finer details in each piece. He noted that the artists’ use of colour and technique brought harmony and deeper meaning
Mission, a community long recognised for its artistic heritage.
He noted that the exhibition blends different artistic approaches, with some artists leaning on modern and symbolic forms while others focus on traditional techniques rooted in heritage.
“Some of the pieces are of a modern approach; they would be in the term of abstract art or symbolic art, but it’s really inspired by the Indigenous heritage –that is, the basketry designs and the ancient petroglyphic writings. The works are really inspired by their environment. You won’t see a lot of city scenes or donkey carts. Instead, you see animals, trees, and landscapes. It shows you what they pay attention to – their environment and geographical location.”
He added that several of the paintings rely on what is
material is both practical and cultural.
“Wood is a very accessible material to most artists in Guyana. Of course, we have sculptors who go beyond wood to show versatility, but the artists here are comfortable with carving in a variety of woods: banya, purpleheart, and even exotic types that many people don’t know about. It adds value to the work, and all of it is found in the very environment they live in.”
Adding to the showcase is one of Guyana’s most seasoned Indigenous artists, Oswald Hussein, whose decades of experience bring further depth to the exhibition. Reflecting on his sculptures, Hussein said, “The sculptures that I’m creating have to do with the nature where I live, where I was born, and my surroundings. They inspire me, and I love to bring them into 3D. It was never really about an idea for an exhibition – it was always a part of life for me, something I do to make myself feel good.”
Hussein, who is the oldest artist in the group, noted the importance of longevity in art.
to their work, each capturing an aspect of Guyanese life.
He also urged the audience to value what was being portrayed before them and, where possible, invest in a piece to begin building their own collection.
The exhibition also features sculpted works, crafted primarily from locally sourced woods. Kowama explained that this choice of
“We started off many, many years ago, and I’m still here. I hope to go further, because artists never really die.”
Amerindian Heritage Month continues to showcase the contributions of the nation’s first peoples. In 2025, the observance takes on renewed resonance with the theme “Igniting Unity, Celebrating Progress, Advancing Our Culture”.
Some of the art pieces showcased
Curator of the event, Ohini Kowama
Oswald Hussein – Sculptor
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM
15 new dialysis units by year-end – Pres Ali
Atotal of 15 new dialysis units will come into operation in the public healthcare system before the end of the year.
This was announced by President Dr Irfaan Ali on Tuesday during his first press conference during his second term in office.
He said the stations will be established in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).
“We have added dialysis stations in every one of the six new hospitals. In addition to that, before the end of this year, we will have 15 additional dialysis units operational. I think that is also a tremendous improvement that we are advancing in the early days of our Government,” the president stated.
According to President Ali, this decision was made after it was brought to his attention that there is a need for more stations across the country during the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) man-
ifesto consultations ahead of the recently concluded September 1 General and Regional Elections.
Since 2020, the Government of Guyana has been providing annual cash grants of $600,000 to each citizen requiring haemodialysis treatment.
According to the Health Ministry, this initiative has significantly increased accessibility to dialysis treatment, with 63 patients benefiting in 2020 and then 129 in 2021. In 2022, some 326 benefited, and that number drastically increased to 428 in 2023.
Online passport application portal to go live by year-end
Guyana’s first online passport application portal is expected to be launched before the end of this year as part of the Government’s wider digital transformation agenda aimed at easing access to services and reducing bureaucracy.
Making the announcement on Tuesday, President Dr Irfaan Ali said the new system will “eliminate the lines that you see at the passport office” by decentralising the process. Under the new arrangement, appointments will be booked online, and applicants will be able to visit the service centre nearest to them, instead of travelling to Georgetown.
The initiative is part of a broader upgrade in border security and document services. Earlier this year, the Government introduced a new border control and e-gate system in January, followed by the e-passport issuance system in February. Both are designed to strengthen security, improve efficiency at airports and border crossings, and align Guyana with international civil aviation standards.
“You have seen that we have been gaining places globally in terms of our passport recognition, and all of this has to do also with the safety mechanism and system that supports our border control or e-gate system. We have to ensure that our system is rigid and
strong enough to identify threats and to, in a proactive way, give information to deal with those threats.”
“The e-passport provides Guyanese citizens with a next-generation travel document full of advanced security features and functionalities to facilitate safer and more efficient international travel,” President Ali explained.
Beyond passports, the Government is pressing ahead with plans to digitalise all public services by mid-2026. The President noted that a Chief Technology Officer has already been appointed to oversee the rollout, supported by the National Data Management Authority.
The digitalisation framework will focus on artificial intelligence, cross-agency integration, and upgraded ICT infrastructure, with the goal of ensuring greater transparency, accountability, and efficiency.
“All Government services will be on a digital platform by the second quarter of 2026,” Ali stated, pointing to upcoming changes in how citizens apply for documents such as birth and death certificates or even security clearances.
A national survey has also been launched to assess the state of digital readiness in both the public and private sectors, with the aim of ensuring businesses advance in tandem with Government systems. Ali emphasised that this digi-
tal shift will also promote financial inclusion, with every citizen expected to have a bank account as part of the wider plan to move towards digital payments and cashless transactions.
“This is one of the most important tech opportunities in our country,” the President said. “It will reduce the time to do business, improve transparency, and transform how citizens interact with the state.”
“All of these systems are actively being migrated to a digital platform. So, commencing this week, a survey is being conducted to gather information on the current state of digitalisation, not only in the Government but also across the private sector, because the private sector will need to also advance at a similar pace in this digital framework. So we have to have a thorough understanding as to what is happening in the private sector also, and how we ensure that in creating this digital space, we have every citizen owning a bank account, for example.”
“And we are moving on a number of options in dealing with this matter, so that if every citizen has their bank account, then the education around using your digital cards, your plastic cards, rather than cheques and moving money, which makes it more transparent and easier to track everything, becomes the gateway of creating peace,” he explained.
File photo: Three dialysis units that were previously donated to the Georgetown Public Hospital
(NCN photos)
Ramsammy’s Ruminations
Elisabeth Harper –A genuine Guyanese woman of worth
Gone too soon. Yet she has left us with a legacy that will inspire many more to emulate her career. This column was supposed to be focused on the new cabinet. But the passing of a Guyanese diplomatic icon changed the focus.
On Saturday, September 13, as President Irfaan Ali prepared to swear in his cabinet, and as Guyanese eagerly awaited to see who the ministers were in President Ali’s new Government, news went viral of the passing of Elisabeth Harper, who had only days before demitted office as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Ambassador Harper crafted a legendary career as a diplomat, and her passing has left a vacuum that would be difficult to fill. For almost fifty years, while many passed through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Elisabeth Harper came through the ranks to be one of the most admired foreign affairs professionals. We pay tribute to her sterling contributions to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and to her country.
To say that Elisabeth Harper was a genuine Guyanese woman of worth somehow still does not appear to encapsulate the value of her contribution to her country. Somehow it seems like we need something else to describe how valuable Elisabeth Harper really was to Guyana. Our country has truly lost a resource, one that would be deeply felt, one that would take us a long time to recover from. Now that she is no longer with us, we will not just miss her; we will find out that in her quiet efficiency and effectiveness, Elisabeth was an institution all by herself.
While not a politician, having served most of the Presidents of Guyana, her worthiness caused Donald Ramotar to request she stand as his prime ministerial candidate in the 2015 elections. While reluctant to enter the political sphere, Ms Harper accepted the call, seeing the opportunity to serve her country at an even higher level.
We find it easy to forget that Ms Harper was a long-standing ambassador to CARICOM. She performed her duties as Guyana’s ambassador to CARICOM with competence and effectiveness, without flair, quietly representing Guyana at CARICOM, remaining in the background as others took the limelight. In the end she remained as one of Guyana’s most distinguished, most respected and most admired ambassadors. She blazed a trail, and dozens of her cadets will carry on her work; her legacy will be their inspiration.
Throughout it all, she was a role model for hundreds of young foreign officers whom she mentored. One of the greatest tributes to Elisabeth Harper is the multitude of foreign officers serving in and out of Guyana for whom Elisabeth Harper remains their north star. Young and experienced foreign officers alike prayed for the return of Ms Harper when she was forced to be away from work because of sickness. When she returned after a period of sickness, these foreign officers celebrated her return. Elisabeth Harper was a trusted reservoir of knowledge and support for these officers. Today, as we prepare for her funeral, these officers grieve because they truly have lost a genuine friend.
Elisabeth was always a formidable presence, but with a deceptive humility and quietness. She got the work done without fanfare, always with a smile. She did not seek the limelight, but her work was always noticeable, always respected and admired.
She served in all the most important positions in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Up to almost her passing, Elisabeth served as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Previously, she served as the Director General of the Ministry. As we have alluded to before, she was a long-serving ambassador to CARICOM. She also served as Guyana’s non-resident high commissioner to Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, and St Kitts and Nevis (2001-2015) and as director of the Department of the Americas and Asia (1996-2001), counsellor at the High Commission in London (1991-1995), and head of the Frontiers Division (1990-1991). But outside of serving in these important senior positions, Elisabeth Harper came through the ranks of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, having started as a clerk in the Registry Department.
Although very sick for a long time, she continued to serve her country. President Irfaan Ali and his Government recognised that her contribution, even when limited by her illness, was not just valuable but needed. She soldiered on when it would have been easy for her to give up. It was her dedication, loyalty and love for her country that kept her going. Elisabeth gave her all for her country. Sickness tried to curtail her service to her beloved Guyana, but she served with unswerving dedication almost to the end.
Elisabeth Harper personifies love for country and excellence. As a public servant, Elisabeth Harper stands tall and remains a role model. For almost 50 years, Elisabeth Harper served with distinction, regardless of who was the President or who was the minister of foreign affairs. Her service was for her country. While her country grieves for her today, her country and her sisters and brothers will forever celebrate her life and her story. Her Guyana story is one that future generations will learn about, and they will be proud that we had a public servant like Elisabeth Harper.
I knew Elisabeth for decades, as we both served as public servants. She was one of the most humble and friendly public servants and humans. We shared a personal friendship and often called each other to simply ask, “How are you doing?” I will miss Elisabeth Harper. Guyana will miss Elisabeth Harper. But in our grief we will celebrate the life of a genuine Guyanese woman of worth.
“Every household must feel the impact of development” – Manickchand at 1st meeting with regional heads
Local Government and Regional Development Minister Priya Manickchand on Tuesday held her first official engagement with regional leaders, where she outlined that every household must feel the impact of development taking place in Guyana.
The meeting brought together Regional Executive Officers (REOs), Regional Education Officers (REdOs), Regional Health Officers (RHOs), and Regional Engineers from all ten Administrative Regions. Minister within the Ministry Pauline Sukhai, Director General Anand Persaud, Permanent Secretary Miguel Choo Kang, and Deputy Permanent Secretary (Administration) Josh Kanhai were also in attendance.
Manickchand underscored the need for every household and resident to feel the impact of the Government’s development trajectory in real time, stressing that the Ministry will be working to bridge gaps between local governance structures and national priorities.
She told the gathering that the
and regional authorities.
“I think it was a good engagement because I want to see good governance and effective delivery of services. We want to make sure every household feels what every household should feel – love and kindness. I explained how important their roles are and how much can get in the way if they don’t function properly,” the Minister said.
She noted that the meeting also
ies function effectively, since when they do not, it is the people who are affected.
“Going forward, we are going to ensure effective delivery of services, and I am looking forward to rolling things out,” she asserted.
The Minister further highlighted that some matters will require urgent attention.
“There are a couple of things we have to treat as emergencies, such
Government is committed to ensuring citizens across all regions benefit equitably while strengthening coordination between the Ministry
provided her with the opportunity to hear the challenges raised by the officials present. According to her, it is crucial that regional bod-
as projects that remain incomplete, and we are going to make sure those are completed,” she explained.
The discussions focused on critical areas such as health, education, infrastructure, community development, and local governance. According to the Minister, these areas represent some of the pressing challenges that require stronger partnerships and greater responsiveness at every level.
The Ministry also reaffirmed its commitment to transparent governance, sustainable growth, and people-centred development. Officials said the new mandate sets the tone for enhanced regional partnerships and more effective service delivery to improve the quality of life for all Guyanese.
Dr Leslie Ramsammy
Regional heads present at the meeting
Local Government and Regional Development Minister Priya Manickchand, along with Minister within the Ministry Pauline
Sukhai and other senior staff
Full support for rice farmers – Pres Ali
…as Government eyes value-added growth amid global price slump
President Dr Irfaan Ali has assured rice farmers that his administration will continue to stand with them despite falling international rice prices, which he attributed to record levels of global production and stockpiling.
At a press conference held at the Office of the President on Tuesday, Ali explained that while Guyana is preparing for another strong rice harvest, international market conditions remain challenging.
“We have another exciting rice crop ahead of us. But the international market and international prices are not as exciting as the production itself,” the President said.
He noted that major exporters such as India, Vietnam, and Brazil have all recorded bumper harvests, leaving large stockpiles to be pushed onto the global market. This oversupply, he said, has created a glut, depressing prices worldwide.
By the end of August, the weighted average of global white rice export quotas had fallen to US$450 per tonne –down US$14 from July and US$228 compared to the same period last year.
Despite these challenges, Ali stressed that the
Government has consistently intervened to shield farmers from the worst effects of the downturn. Over the past year, rice producers have benefited from $2 billion in direct price support, ensuring a minimum payment of $4000 per bag. In addition, $3.6 billion was spent on fertiliser, flood relief, and seed paddy assistance, while a national crop insurance programme was launched to provide further protection.
Farmers have also seen tax relief, with VAT and
duties removed from machinery, equipment, agrochemicals, fertilisers, and pesticides. Ali also reminded them that the longstanding Panama payment dispute had been settled with a $1.5 billion pay-out, while the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) sales commission was reduced to zero as of March 2025.
Acknowledging that “many of the tools available to assist farmers and millers” have already been exhausted, Ali said Government of-
ficials are now engaging directly with stakeholders to find further solutions. The Ministers of Finance and Agriculture met with millers on Tuesday, with additional discussions planned later this week, before wider consultations with farmers across the rice-growing regions.
“Our farmers must know that the Government is with them, and we are going to confront this challenge together,” Ali said.
Amid the global difficulties, he pointed to positive news locally, noting that more than 209,000 acres have been cultivated for the second crop of 2025, with an average yield projected at 40 bags per acre.
No scaling back production
Despite the drop in global prices for rice, President
Ali has ruled out any move to scale back Guyana’s rice production despite the global glut that has sent prices tumbling, insisting instead that the country must invest in adding value, storage, and new markets.
Responding to questions from media practitioners during Tuesday’s conference, Ali acknowledged that farmers could face difficulties as international stockpiles continue to grow and market forces drive down prices. However, he said Guyana’s focus must be on building resilience within the sector.
“I don’t think we can scale back,” the President stated firmly. “I believe that we have to add value. That is why we have to build out an agro-ecosystem, a business system. We have to find ways in which we create
higher value for our rice.”
Ali explained that part of this strategy involves expanding storage capacity across every rice-producing region, giving farmers and millers more flexibility to manage their supplies. “When you want to play in a big game and have increased production, you have to have storage capacity,” he said. “We have to have some amount of stockpiling capacity and capability too, and we are building that out in every single region.”
At the same time, he pointed to opportunities in diversifying rice use domestically through value-added processing and new product development. He also stressed the importance of maximising trade agreements to secure higher prices and expand Guyana’s access to international markets.
“These are important things in the equation of rice,” Ali noted, adding that the Government’s wider agricultural strategy takes into account not only rice but also other commodities. He underscored the need for comprehensive support systems, including Government-backed infrastructure, access to financing, and targeted investment, to ensure the survival of both farmers and millers.
“Market forces will play every day. “That’s a fact of life,” Ali said. “But how we manage our production system, the type of investment we make, and how we use our trade arrangements will determine our success. Scaling back is not an option – adding value is.”
Truck driver slapped with multiple traffic charges
A39-year-old truck driver has been granted bail in the sum of $15,000 after being charged with three traffic offences arising from an accident at Helena Public Road, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD). Stephen Sumner of Lot 12-13 Farm, Mahaicony, ECD, appeared before Magistrate Allan Wilson at the Mahaica Magistrate’s Court last week. He was charged with failing to stop, failing to report an accident, and failing to render assistance to an injured person, contrary to Sections 62(1), 62(2), and 62(c) of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 51:02. Sumner pleaded not guilty to all charges and was granted bail of $5,000 on each, totaling $15,000.
The offences were committed against Detective Corporal Orin McDonald on September 7. Sumner was arrested the same day and later charged. The matter was adjourned to September 30 for report.
This matter comes at a time when traffic offences continue to crowd the courts.
Officials from the Georgetown Magistrates’ Traffic Court recently disclosed that an average of about 60 persons are charged weekly in the city alone. Court sessions there are held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with the most frequent offences including obscured licence plates, care-
Stephen Sumner
less driving, and dangerous driving. At a recent sitting before Magistrate Shivani Lalaram, several drivers were fined for careless driving, and one motorist was penalised a total of $50,000 on multiple charges. Court records also show that while the majority of defendants attend their hearings, around 30 per cent fail to appear and must be summoned, with warrants issued for those who continue to ignore orders.
Field inspection earlier this month by Guyana Rice Development Board officers in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara)
Old Demerara Harbour Bridge to stay retracted once new river bridge opens
The old Demerara Harbour Bridge is slated to remain retracted for 24-hour ship traffic once the new Demerara River Bridge is commissioned.
This update was disclosed by Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill during an engagement with the Private Sector Commission (PSC) on Monday.
“The day that the new Demerara River Bridge is opened, I have to open the old bridge and leave it open until I move it, because there will be no opening and closing for ships. There must be 24-hour traffic of ships coming and going,” the Minister is quoted in a DPI report as saying.
The Minister explained that this move will significantly increase the commercial viability of shipping.
Additionally, the Minister is exploring the possibility of moving sections of the bridge to Kwakwani, Sand Creek in Region Nine, and the islands of Leguan and Wakenaam.
Meanwhile, Edghill pointed to the progress of the new bridge, noting that load testing is underway to examine the structural integrity of the landmark project.
He explained that the testing ensures the cables in the sections can bear the weight and that all dimensions meet international requirements.
ing is being conducted in line with strict international standards set by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).
Following these guidelines, the first test was conducted using five trucks, each weighing 40 tonnes.
The process involved applying controlled loads to the bridge to measure responses, ensuring it can handle expected service loads without unacceptable deformation or damage.
For the main cable-stayed bridge, the contractor, China Railway Construction Corporation Limited, will utilise 16 trucks, each carrying 15 tonnes, while computers monitor movement.
Following the permanent retraction, sections of the bridge will be transferred to various areas to form new bridges. This will facilitate the movement of traffic. It will also boost connectivity in those locations.
tractor and acceptor spans of the bridge, along with two additional sections.
Edghill highlighted that Timehri Sand Hills has been identified to receive the re-
“So, when you put it up all the way to Sand Hills, you could open and close at leisure for the bauxite tugs
China says US TikTok deal is a "win-win", will review app's technology and IP transfers
China on Wednesday called the framework deal reached in Madrid to switch short-video app TikTok to United States (US)-controlled ownership a "win-win" and said it would review TikTok's technology exports and intellectual property licensing in a state media editorial.
Investors on both sides of the Pacific are now waiting for a call scheduled for Friday between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in which the agreement should be confirmed.
Progress over the popular social media app – which counts 170 million US users – is seen as key to facilitating further talks in the com-
ing months as the world's two largest economies chart a path beyond their current tariff truce.
Reuters has reported that the deal, transferring TikTok's US assets to US owners from China's ByteDance, is similar to an agreement worked out earlier this year but which was shelved after Trump announced steep tariffs on Chinese goods.
"China reached the relevant consensus with the United States on the TikTok issue because it is based on the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation," the official People's Daily said in a commentary.
The article was signed
"Zhong Sheng", or "Voice of China", a term the paper of the governing Communist Party uses to express views on foreign policy.
"China will review matters related to TikTok's technology exports and intellectual property licensing in accordance with the law," the commentary added.
After meeting with Chinese negotiators in Madrid earlier this week, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said a September 17 deadline that could have disrupted the app in the US could be extended by 90 days to allow the deal to be finalised, without giving any further details. (Reuters)
to pass, because the traffic crossing Sand Hills will be totally different. You are going through to get to Falmouth and then into Bartica,” he explained, according to the DPI report.
“It has nothing to do with how much weight can cross the bridge,” Minister Edghill emphasised, explaining that the cranes operating on the bridge weighed 760 tonnes, while the crawlers used to move one of the girders weighed 60 tonnes.
This, he noted, shows there is no issue with the bridge’s capacity.
Importantly, the test-
“So, standards we are not playing with,” the Minister stressed.
The bridge is currently in its final stages and is expected to be opened to the public before the end of September.
Holness commits to further economic growth in 3rd term
Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness says his administration will spur economic growth during its third term and end absolute poverty.
The vision of this government in this next chapter is to spur economic growth. Growth that lifts every household, across the length and breadth of Jamaica, out of absolute poverty. Sustained economic growth will end absolute poverty in Jamaica. We can and we will end absolute poverty in Jamaica, Dr Holness said during his swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday at King's House.
We want growth that gives every child the opportunity to dream and to achieve, no matter where they are born or their surname. Growth that reaches the trying mother, who can send all her children to university without facing
crippling debt or having to choose between firstborn or second born, he continued.
This growth, he noted, will also impact other sectors such as healthcare, agriculture and tourism and attract investments from the diaspora.
Growth that reaches the farmer, who now has reliable irrigation, storage, and a market for his produce. Growth that strengthens our healthcare system, which, in turn, keeps our people well and productive. Growth where tourism is even more integrated into our economy, where world-class resorts thrive along with community tourism, and where the benefits reach every corner of Jamaica, from farmers and entertainers to taxi operators and craft vendors. Growth that inspires the Jamaican in the diaspora, not only to send re-
mittances but also to confidently invest their time, talent and resources in building their homeland, Jamaica, he said.The next chapter of Jamaica's journey must be about converting this unmatched global influence into a pillar of our economy. We will elevate the creative industries – music, film, fashion, art, and sports – transforming creativity into an engine of growth. The world already consumes our culture; now we must realise the value from it, invest in it, and respect it as one of Jamaica's great exports, Dr Holness said.
Additionally, Dr Holness said Jamaica's creative industries must be complemented with infrastructures of growth such as ports, highways, digital systems, energy grids and real estate.
The prime minister during his remarks also acknowledged the Jamaican athletes competing in the World Athletics Championship in Tokyo, Japan.
I want to acknowledge Oblique, Kishane, Tina, Orlando, Tyler and all the members of the Jamaican contingent who participated in the World Athletic Championship. And I also want to make special acknowledgement of ShellyAnn Frazer-Pryce, who carried the Jamaica flag with dignity and excellence, he said. (Jamaica Observer)
Repair works at the Demerara Harbour Bridge [File Photo]
Chinese Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yadong, Chinese trade negotiator Li Chenggang and Deputy Director of the Cyberspace Administration of China Wang Jingtao hold a press conference on the day of US-China talks on trade, economic and national security issues, in Madrid, Spain, September 15, 2025 (Reuters/Louiza Vradi)
Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness (Photo: Naphtali Junior)
A&B: Ministry of Health observes Caribbean Wellness Day 2025 with Focus on healthy lifestyles
The Antigua and Barbuda Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment, and Civil Service Affairs yesterday joined the rest of the region in commemorating Caribbean Wellness Day 2025 under the theme “Engage, Empower, Elevate: Working together to improve health and well-being for all.”
The day’s activities began with a brief opening ceremony at the Ministry’s Headquarters, attended by senior technicians, staff, and invited guests. The programme featured presentations from the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Kamaria DeCastro, and the
Permanent Secretary, Colin O’Keiffe, who highlighted the importance of healthy living and workplace wellness in advancing national health priorities.
In his address, Minister of Health Sir Molwyn Joseph underscored the importance of Caribbean Wellness Day as a unifying moment in the fight against non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
“Here in Antigua and Barbuda, as in the rest of the region, NCDs remain the leading causes of death and disability. They take a toll on our families, our workplaces, and our economy. The encouraging news is that these diseases are largely pre-
ventable. Through healthier diets, increased physical activity, reduced tobacco and alcohol use, and regular health screenings, we can prevent or delay the onset of NCDs,” Minister Joseph said.
The Minister emphasised that wellness must become a daily practice and encouraged staff to lead by example.
This year’s observance reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that wellness is not only celebrated annually but integrated into daily life, policies, and communities across Antigua and Barbuda. (Excerpt from Antigua News Room)
Bolsonaro ordered to pay damages for racist remarks in office
Jair Bolsonaro has been ordered to pay R$1m (£138,000) in collective moral damages for remarks deemed “racist” while he was in office.
The latest ruling, delivered by a state appeals court, came less than a week after Brazil’s former President was sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison for leading an at-
tempted coup to overturn the result of the 2022 election.
The former President remains under house arrest at his mansion in Brasília for allegedly trying to intimidate supreme court justices overseeing the coup case. Barred by court order from using social media, Bolsonaro has not commented on the racism ruling.
Shortly after the ruling, the former President was taken to a hospital with a “severe bout of hiccups, vomiting and low blood pressure”, according to a post on social media by one of his politician sons, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro.
In the case judged on Tuesday by the federal court of the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, Bolsonaro was accused of saying in 2021, while still President, that the hair of a Black supporter, who had an afro, was a “breeding ground for cockroaches”.
Bolsonaro’s defence argued there had been no intention of racial offence and that the supporter himself had publicly said he was not offended.
But the judges ruled the comments were not mere jokes or an exercise of free speech but amounted to “recreational racism”. (Excerpt from The Guardian)
Jamaica among Caribbean countries named on US drug list
Four Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries have been listed in United States (US) President Donald Trump’s “Determination on Major Drug Transit or Major Illicit Drug Producing Countries for Fiscal Year 2026” submitted to the US Congress. According to the document, Trump has identified the Bahamas, Belize, Haiti and Jamaica as major transit or major illicit drug-producing countries.
The other countries named are Afghanistan, Bolivia, Burma, the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Colombia, Costa
Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Laos, Mexico, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela.
Trump noted that a country’s presence on the list “is not necessarily a reflection of its Government’s counterdrug efforts or level of cooperation with the United States”.
But he said, consistent with the statutory definition of a major drug transit or major illicit drug-producing country outlined in the Foreign Assistance Act (FAA) of 1961, “the reason countries are placed
on the list is the combination of geographic, commercial and economic factors that allow drugs or precursor chemicals to be transited or produced, even if a Government has engaged in robust and diligent narcotics control and law enforcement measures.”
He said that Afghanistan, Bolivia, Burma, Colombia, and Venezuela have failed demonstrably during the previous 12 months to both adhere to their obligations under international counternarcotic agreements and to take the measures required by the FAA. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)
St Lucia's Govt calls on Private Sector to pay bonus to workers
Deputy Prime Minister of St Lucia Dr Ernest Hilaire is calling on the private sector to follow the example of the Government and provide their workers with a bonus at Christmas time.
“It is a philosophical principle. I believe when there are successes in the country – higher production and higher revenues – it should be shared. You can’t tell the private sector how to share their profits, but I believe the people that made it successful should benefit,” Hilaire told reporters.
A Government state-
ment on Monday quoted Prime Minister Phillip J Pierre as saying that the bonus is part of the Government’s commitment to workers and families.
“For the first time in St Lucia’s history, civil servants will receive consecutive December bonuses under this administration, an unprecedented development in the treatment of the public service,” the statement said.
In December 2024, the St Lucia Government granted public servants an EC$500 (US$185.01) bonus, and the statement said, “Extending the initiative into 2025
demonstrates the administration’s continued recognition of the invaluable contributions of public officers in maintaining essential services and advancing national development.”
Hilaire, speaking to reporters ahead of the weekly Cabinet meeting, said that the announcement by Prime Minister Phillip J Pierre is “a powerful statement”. He is encouraging local businesses to examine their own financial outcomes and consider issuing holiday bonuses where feasible. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)
T&T PM: Relations "good", but Venezuela must take deportees back
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says she is "not concerned" about comments by Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro, saying, "the US has never requested any access to our territory for any military action against Venezuela."
She said Trinidad and Tobago has "always had good relations with the Venezuelan people and will continue to do so".
The Prime Minister was responding via WhatsApp to questions from Guardian Media following Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's media conference, where he questioned who was influencing the Prime Minister
to practically declare war against Venezuela.
Persad-Bissessar added that she supports a respectful relationship with the Venezuelan Government, but the relationship will improve significantly when they begin to cooperate with T&T on repatriation matters.
"That can start today with them accepting the repatriation of some of their people. For over two months, they have stalled the repatriation of about 200 criminal migrants. I would also tell them to make an effort to counter the drugs, arms and human trafficking that is occurring across the Gulf of Paria, which is fu-
elling bloody gang violence here. These are good items to start with to improve our relationship and maintain long-term peaceful ties," she said.
On reports of a second US Navy strike against a drug boat, Persad-Bissessar said, "The only persons who are against this action are those who benefit directly or indirectly from the illegal drug trade. Our citizens must take a close look at the individuals and organisations that are protesting against the drug interdiction activities of the US Navy and ask why they are fighting so vehemently to protect drug traffickers." (Excerpt from T&T Guardian)
Argentina's Milei to partially privatise
nuclear power plant operator
Argentine President Javier Milei will sign a decree aimed at partially privatising the company responsible for the country's three operating nuclear power plants, his spokesperson said on Tuesday, as the libertarian leader moves forward with pledges to trim the size of the state.
The Milei Administration intends to sell 44 per cent of the shares of Nucleoelectrica Argentina (NA-SA), which operates the Atucha I, Atucha II and Embalse power plants, through an international public tender, spokesperson Manuel Adorni told a press conference.
The state would retain a 51 per cent stake in the firm, while also setting up a joint ownership programme for up to 5 per cent of the share capital, he added.
"The idea is to promote private investment to build Argentina's first modular reactor and boost uranium mining," Adorni said,
reiterating that all staterun companies in the South American country are subject to potential privatisation.
Milei took office in December 2023, promising to cut spending in order to balance public accounts and tame a then triple-digit annual inflation rate.
The Government said in a separate statement about the latest move that private investment was key to expanding access to capital, diversifying risks and en-
suring the continuity of the NA-SA's operations in an "efficient and competitive manner".
A group representing workers of Argentina's National Commission for Atomic Energy and Nuclear Activity criticised the decision, saying that the state should have a central role overseeing the development and safety of nuclear energy and that the partial privatisation would result in higher power prices. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Jair Bolsonaro leaves hospital in Brasília
Argentina's President Javier Milei speaks during the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Asunción, Paraguay
Around the World
OIL NEWS
Russia close to cutting oil output due to drone attacks, sources say
Judge dismisses terrorism charges against Luigi Mangione
AJudge in New York state has dismissed two terrorism charges against Luigi Mangione, the alleged killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Russia's oil pipeline monopoly Transneft has warned producers they may have to cut output following Ukraine's drone attacks on critical export ports and refineries, three industry sources said on Tuesday.
In a statement on its website, Transneft described the news as "fake" and part of the West's "information war" against Russia.
Kyiv has stepped up attacks on Russian energy assets since August in a bid to impede Moscow's war effort in Ukraine and reduce the Kremlin's revenues as attempts to secure an end to the conflict through peace talks have stalled.
Oil and gas revenues have accounted for between a third and half of Russia's total federal budget proceeds over the past decade, making the sector the single most important source of financing for the Government.
Ukrainian drones have hit at least 10 refineries – cutting Russia's refining capacity by almost a fifth at one point – and damaged its leading Baltic Sea ports of Ust-Luga and Primorsk, Ukrainian military officials and Russian industry sources said.
Russian authorities have not publicly commented on the extent of the damage or its impact on production and exports.
However, Transneft, which handles more than 80 per cent of all the oil extracted in Russia, has in recent days restricted oil firms' ability to store oil in its pipeline system, two industry sources close to Russian oil firms told Reuters.
Transneft has also warned producers it may have to accept less oil if its infrastructure sustains further damage, the two sources said. (Reuters)
Russian attacks on Ukraine kill 2, set private homes on fire
Russian forces launched a large attack early on Tuesday on Ukraine's southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia, killing a 41-year-old man, injuring at least 18 persons and triggering a number of fires, the regional Governor said.
Ivan Fedorov said that two children were among the injured. Pictures posted by the Governor online showed firefighters battling blazes in private homes and other buildings.
In Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine's emergency services reported a fire covering an area of 350 square metres (4000 sq ft) in three residential buildings and in a service station.
According to preliminary reports, Fedorov said, Russian forces had carried out 10 strikes from multiple rocket launch systems, damaging 10 apartment buildings and 12 private homes.
"I heard some distant explosions, very far away, so we went to sleep. And then there was a super strong explosion which blew out our windows," Zaporizhzhia resident Oleksii, 35, told Reuters.
"I immediately went outside and ran to my neighbours to extinguish the fire. I was so worried about them."
Other Ukrainian cities in the centre, south, and east of the country also came under attack as Russian troops launched more than 100 drones and about 150 glide bombs overnight, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said.
One person was killed in the southern Mykolaiv region, Zelenskiy said. Two people were injured in the city of Kharkiv in the northeast, according to regional officials. (Excerpt from Reuters)
However, Judge Gregory Carro during a hearing on Tuesday morning ruled a charge of second-degree murder against Mangione could stand.
He said prosecutors had failed to establish that there was enough evidence to jus-
tify the terrorism-related murder charges that they sought against Mangione.
Mangione is accused of gunning down Thompson on a busy Manhattan street in December last year.
In a written ruling, Carro said that the allegations against Mangione did not meet the definition of terrorism under state law.
Although prosecutors argued that writings left by Mangione demonstrated a terrorism motive, the Judge
said they failed to show that the suspect intended to put political pressure on the Government or terrorise the general population –key provisions of New York's terrorism law, passed in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks.
"There was no evidence presented that the defendant made any demands of Government or sought any particular Governmental policy change, let alone that he did so by intimidation or
coercion," Carro wrote in his ruling.
The first-degree murder charge that was dismissed would have carried a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
If convicted of the remaining second-degree murder charge, Mangione faces a minimum sentence of 15 to 25 years in prison. He has also been charged with weapons and forgery crimes.
(Excerpt from BBC News)
Bali battles worst floods in more than a decade
At least 17 persons have been confirmed dead in Bali, Indonesia, after the island’s worst flooding in more than a decade.
Torrential rain last Tuesday and Wednesday triggered widespread flooding and landslides, leaving a trail of destruction. Eight victims were found in Denpasar, the island’s capital, and rescue teams continue to search for several others who remain missing.
Most deaths occurred when victims were swept away by floodwater. More than 385 millimetres (mm) of rain was recorded within a 24-hour period, leading to the evacuation of hundreds. The floods submerged roads and damaged bridges, severely disrupting transport across the island.
Flooding is common in Indonesia during the wet season, which typically runs from September to March. However, scientists say the climate crisis is intensifying the rainy sea-
Gaza City under relentless bombardment as Israel launches ground invasion
Israel has launched its long-planned ground assault on Gaza City, and its troops have pressed deep into the densely populated city, which has been subjected to intense bombardment for weeks, triggering the forced displacement of tens of thousands of Palestinians.
The launch on Tuesday came the same day as a United Nations (UN) inquiry found that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza – home to 2.1 million Palestinians, most of whom have been displaced multiple times during the 23 months of war, which has killed nearly 65,000 persons.
Israel’s decision to seize the city – home to more than a million people – has drawn global condemnation. Türkiye called the ground assault a new phase in its “genocide plans”. Ankara warned that it would trigger further mass displacement.
An Israeli army official estimated that 40 per cent of Gaza City’s residents, about 350,000, have fled south, while many buildings have been destroyed, leaving families to dig through rubble with their bare hands to retrieve trapped relatives.
Footage verified by Al Jazeera showed huge explosions and columns of black smoke as Israeli warplanes struck the Tal al-Hawa neighbourhood. The blasts lit up streets already lined with ruins from earlier attacks.
Medical officials told Al Jazeera that at least 78 Palestinians have been killed since dawn, 68 of them in Gaza City alone. Emergency services reported that 20 persons were killed in the bombing of the Daraj neighbourhood, where entire residential blocks were flattened. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
son, bringing heavier rainfall and more frequent flash floods. Overdevelopment and widespread deforestation are believed to be worsening the impact of flooding.
Meanwhile, the Indian monsoon is in full force with devastating consequences. Half of the country is experiencing flooding, with the state of Punjab facing its worst floods since 1988. Landslides and floodwaters have already killed hundreds of people across the country. In neighbouring Pakistan, more than 2 million have been evacuated from the eastern Punjab province. Since late June, monsoon-related floods have killed more than 900 persons nationwide. This year’s monsoon season began unusually early after India’s wettest May in 125 years. Traditionally, the monsoon starts in early June and lasts through to September. (Excerpt from The Guardian)
South Korea to review possible human rights violations in US raid on workers
South Korea’s
Government has said it will launch an investigation into whether human rights violations were committed when hundreds of its citizens were detained in a United States (US) immigration raid.
About 475 people, mostly South Korean nationals, were arrested at the construction site of an electric vehicle battery factory in the US state of Georgia on September 4.
The raid was the largest single-site operation conducted since the US President, Donald Trump, launched a sweeping immigration crackdown. Images of the workers chained and handcuffed shocked South Korea, prompting a stern rebuke from Seoul.
After delicate diplomatic negotiations, the detained South Korean workers were released and flown back to Seoul. Some of the workers told local media about appalling conditions during their arrest, including allegations they were held with-
out being informed of their rights.
“Both our side and the US are checking if there were any shortcomings in the measures taken, and companies are also looking into it,” the Presidential spokesperson Kang Yujung told a press briefing. “Together with the company concerned, we are conducting a more thorough review into possible human rights infringements.”
One of the workers told Yonhap News Agency that their rights were not read when they were arrested. The worker also told the agency they were angry that ICE agents mocked them with remarks about “North Korea” and “rocket man” – an insult Trump has previously used about Pyongyang’s leader, Kim Jong-un.
In what seemed to be a response, Trump said on Sunday that foreign workers were “welcome” and he did not want to scare investors. (The Guardian)
People wade through a flooded street after heavy rain in Bali, Indonesia [Reuters]
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Tanzid, Mustafizur keep Bangladesh's Asia Cup campaign alive
Rahmanullah Gurbaz tried to play through the innings, but he fell straight after the drinks break. That started the downward spiral of the Afghan innings. Nasum ended up finishing with figures of 2 for 9, while Rishad Hossain –whose only blip was dropping Ibrahim Zadran in the second over – finished with 2 for 18. Taskin Ahmed, recalled to the XI, picked up two as well, but the pick of the bunch was the evergreen Mustafizur Rahman with his 3 for 28 – including some pivotal overs at the
It was a team effort that ensured Bangladesh were able to defend a total that seemed perhaps around 20 runs short, after Afghanistan's excellent bowling through the middle and at the death had hauled Bangladesh in following a blistering powerplay led by Tanzid Hasan, who ended
It was an innings that secured Tanzid the player-of-the-match award, and one that, in hindsight, likely proved the difference between the two sides on a surface that was not the
Tanzid's display of unadulterated intent at the top of the order set Bangladesh up for a total much more than they eventually got, but it showed the importance of utilising the field-
It was an innings with
its fair share of fortune – a thick edge sailing between keeper and first slip when he was on 2 is the glaring example – but he rode that luck and found a string of boundaries to give their innings momentum. Of his first 12 deliveries, six went to the boundary.
The powerplay brought 59 runs, nearly 40 per cent of Bangladesh's final total before Afghanistan clawed things back with the ball. Bangladesh dominated the powerplay once more in the chase, this time through Nasum Ahmed, who bowled
at the death, with the difference being made up crucially in the powerplays.
Bangla seamers come in clutch
Even accounting for the excellence of Bangladesh's bowling, 53 needed off the final five overs with five wickets in hand was not strictly an impossible ask. And with Azmatullah Omarzai going strong, Afghanistan would not have given up hope in the slightest.
The Bangladesh seamers, however, ensured they kept their nerve at the death and stuck diligently
to their plans. Taskin, who ended with figures of 2 for 34, accounted for the key wicket of Omarzai, while Mustafizur got rid of Rashid, who had struck a pair of nolook boundaries to keep Afghanistan in the hunt. Rashid ended up admitting after the game that the final three-over requirement of 31 was not beyond the realms of modern T20 batting and that credit must go to Taskin and Mustafizur for holding their nerve in a must-win scenario. (ESPNcricinfo)
three overs for seven runs and picked up two wickets in those pivotal first six overs.
Batting only ended up getting harder in the next phase as Bangladesh tightened the screw and kept pushing the required rate ever higher.
Spin to win
The spinners from both sides proved impossible to get away from – in fact, the only spinner that struggled was AM Ghazanfar, who was brought inside the powerplay and was targeted expertly by Tanzid.
Prior to Nasum and Rishad throttling the chase, Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad had done the same to Bangladesh's innings after their Tanzid-propelled start.
The pair gave away just 49 runs across their eight overs while sharing four wickets between them. They proved pivotal in the middle-overs period that saw four wickets fall for 65 runs.
In fact, Afghanistan's bowlers bettered their Bangladeshi counterparts both through the middle and
Bangladesh (20 ovs maximum)
Saif Hassan b Rashid Khan 30
Tanzid Hasan c Ibrahim
Zadran b Noor Ahmad 52
Litton Das (c)† lbw b Noor Ahmad 9
Towhid Hridoy c Karim Janat
b Azmatullah Omarzai 26
Shamim Hossain
lbw b Rashid Khan 11
Jaker Ali not out 12
Nurul Hasan not out 12
Extras (w 2) 2
Total 20 Ov (RR: 7.70) 154/5
Did not bat: Nasum Ahmed, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed
Fall of wickets: 1-63 (Saif Hassan, 6.4 ov), 2-87 (Litton Das, 10.1 ov), 3-104 (Tanzid Hasan, 12.5 ov), 4-121 (Shamim Hossain, 15.3 ov), 5-139 (Towhid Hridoy, 18.1 ov) •
Bowling O - M - R - W
Fazalhaq Farooqi 4 - 0 - 37 - 0
Azmatullah Omarzai 3 - 0 - 19 - 1
AM Ghazanfar 3 - 0 - 32 - 0
Rashid Khan 4 - 0 - 26 - 2
Mohammad Nabi 2 - 0 - 17 - 0
Noor Ahmad 4 - 0 - 23 - 2
Afghanistan (T: 155 runs from 20 ovs)
Sediqullah Atal
lbw b Nasum Ahmed 0 Rahmanullah Gurbaz †
c Jaker Ali b Rishad Hossain 35
Ibrahim Zadran
lbw b Nasum Ahmed 5 Gulbadin Naib
c & b Rishad Hossain 16
Mohammad Nabi b Mustafizur Rahman 15 Azmatullah Omarzai
c Saif Hassan b Taskin Ahmed 30 Karim Janat run out (Nurul Hasan/†Litton Das) 6
Rashid Khan
Tanzid Hasan made a rapid half-century
Rashid Khan celebrates his breakthrough
Nasum Ahmed wheels ahead during his celebration
“Tage” returns amongst 4 Guyanese for Windies Test tour
and their first Test tour of India since 2018.
There are three changes from the squad that recently faced Australia: the returns of Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Alick Athanaze, along with a maiden Test call-up for left-arm
Chanderpaul and Athanaze have been recalled to strengthen the top order, while Pierre earns his place as the second specialist spinner following standout performances in the West Indies Championship, where he topped the wicket charts with 41 scalps at an average
Opener and former captain Kraigg
Team Management Unit:
Brathwaite, along with Keacy Carty and Mikyle Louis, are the notable omissions from the redball squad. In addition to Chanderpaul, the Guyanese contingent includes Kevlon Anderson, Tevin Imlach, and Shamar Joseph.
The selectors have opted to rest Gudakesh Motie for this series, mindful of the demands of the upcoming limited-overs schedule, highlighted by the ICC T20 World Cup in February–March next year.
Head Coach Daren Sammy acknowledged the challenge ahead, noting that facing one of the world’s top-ranked teams on its home soil will be valuable experience for the squad.
“Playing in the subcontinent always presents a challenge, and we have selected a team to be competitive in these conditions,” said Sammy.
“This will be our second series together as a test team, but we have already shown what we are capable of as a unit once we are committed to our brand and plans of the team.”
Sammy added, “The return of Tagenarine Chanderpaul is to help transform our fortunes at the top of the order given the recent struggles, with Alick Athanaze being added for his strengths and qualities against spin bowling. Khary is included for the first time as our second spinner in what we expect to be helpful
conditions.”
Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe underscored the thinking behind the squad selection: “Our approach to squad selection continues to be calculated and deliberate. We consider the opposition, the playing conditions, and the skill sets required to be successful against specific opposition. The inclusion of players has therefore been guided not only by their recent performances but also by identifying who within our pool is best suited to deliver positive results on these surfaces against this quality of opposition. At the same time, we are conscious of building continuity and depth in our Test squad as we look to compete consistently throughout this World Test Championship cycle.”
The team will depart the Caribbean on September 22 and is scheduled to arrive in Ahmedabad on September 24.
The West Indies Test squad is as follows: Captain Roston Chase, Vice-Captain Jomel Warrican, Kevlon Anderson, Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Anderson Phillip, Khary Pierre and Jayden Seales.
Massy highlights 50+ years of service with sponsorship of LGC Golf Tournament Young Warriors
Young Warriors Cricket Club made a strong comeback, securing a resounding victory over Blairmont Cricket Club in the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) two-day first division tournament over the weekend.
Trevon Stanislaus and Suresh Dhanai were the key bowlers, while half-centuries from Ricardo Ramdeholl, Vishal Mohabir, and Kevin Jawahir propelled Young Warriors to an inningsand-44-run victory.
Batting first at the Young Warriors Ground in Cumberland, Canje, Blairmont were bowled out for 92, with left-arm spinner Stanislaus wreaking havoc.
Stanislaus finished with impressive figures of 5-27 from eight overs, while only Nigel Deodat offered resistance for Blairmont with 38 runs. Ramdeholl took two wickets, and Dhanai and Jawahir claimed one wicket each in the first inning.
Young Warriors responded strongly at home, scoring 2867 declared from 62.2 overs.
Elegant opener Ramdeholl stroked his way to 67, while his opening partner Mohabir matched his score. Jawahir contributed 59, and Arif Bacchus added 34 for Young Warriors. Deodat, continuing his lone fight for Blairmont, returned impressive figures of 5-43 from 26 overs.
Blairmont, already behind, were bowled out for 150 in their second innings, handing Young Warriors a commanding victory. Chris Harry played a counterattacking 55 for Blairmont, coming in at number seven.
The ever-consistent Dhanai, letting his performance do the talking, produced a devastating 6-46 from 13 overs in the second innings, including three maidens. Stanislaus supported with 2-7 from four overs to complete the demolition. Both Dhanai and Stanislaus finished with seven-wicket match hauls.
Stanislaus bowled 12 overs and finished with seven wickets for 33 runs across both innings, while seamer Dhanai bowled 20 overs, claiming seven wickets for 78 runs.
In addition to Young Warriors, Albion, Port Mourant, and Tucber Park also recorded victories in their respective matches over the weekend.
The greens are set, the weather is perfect, and anticipation is building as the Massy Group of Companies proudly sponsors the Lusignan Golf Club’s highly anticipated tournament on September 20, 2025. This partnership underscores Massy’s longstanding commitment to community, wellness, and sports – bringing together golfers for a day of skill, camaraderie, and healthy competition.
At the official handover, Mr Troy Beharry, CEO of Massy Distribution, expressed the company’s pride: “On behalf of the Massy Group of Companies, it gives me great pleasure to hand over this sponsorship cheque for the upcoming Golf Tournament. Massy has proudly served Guyana for over 50 years, and partnerships like this reflect our ongoing commitment to supporting community development, sports, and activities that bring people together in a spirit of camaraderie and excellence. Golf is a sport that not only challenges skill and discipline but also
fosters friendship, networking, and healthy competition. We are delighted to be part of this initiative that encourages both recreation and community spirit.”
Adding a wellness angle, Ms Neelam Dharmo, Head of the Health & Beauty Division at Massy Distribution, introduced Goli, a brand transforming health since 2019. She highlighted flagship products like Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies for energy and vitality and Ashwagandha Gummies for focus and balance –perfect companions both on and off the golf course.
“We are proud to have Goli aligned with a sport like golf, which embodies wellness, discipline, and community. With our tagline, ‘Golf with Goli’, we celebrate both the pursuit of health and the joy of recreation,” she said.
With sunny skies, wellmanicured greens, and Massy’s generous support, the 2025 Lusignan Golf Tournament is set to be a standout event combining sportsmanship, wellness, and community spirit.
Left to right: Brian Hackett (LGC Public Relations Officer), Troy Beharry (CEO of Massy Distribution), Mahesh Shivraj (LGC Member), and Neelam Dharmo (Head of Health + Beauty Division, Massy Distribution)
Suresh Dhanai
Trevon Stanislaus
Massy WCPL…
Royals stay perfect, TKR end winless
At the National Stadium in Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD), the Massy Women Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) continued as the Barbados Royals capped a dominant campaign with a seven-wicket victory over the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) Women, remaining unbeaten in the group stage.
Captain Deandra Dottin promoted herself up the order, but the move didn’t pay off as Royals skipper Chinelle Henry struck early, bowling her for a duck. Jannillea Glasgow soon followed, miscueing a shot straight to cover where Shreyanka Patil held a simple catch, departing for just 2. With the in-form Jess Jonassen joining Zaida James, the Trinbago Knight Riders Women ended the powerplay at 41 for 2.
Chamari Athapaththu batted brilliantly
The pair batted steadily through the middle overs, rotating the strike well and capitalizing on
Demonstrating her class and experience, she combined patience with power, punishing any loose deliveries. Her efforts were rewarded as she reached a well-crafted half-century, bringing up the milestone with a superb lofted shot over long off that cleared the ropes with ease.
Jess Jonassen batted well for her 71
the occa- sional loose delivery. At the halfway mark, TKR Women were 60 for 2, with Jonassen and James firmly in control. Their partnership was broken shortly after when Aaliyah Alleyne produced a clever delivery to dismiss James, who scored 17 off 21 balls, leaving TKR at 66 for 3 after 11 overs. Jonassen, however, remained unfazed.
Jonassen’s magnificent innings came to an end in the 16th over when Henry returned to the attack and claimed her wicket. The Australian all-rounder had dominated the scoring, finishing with a brilliant 71 off 52 balls at a strike rate of 136, including nine fours and a towering six. Her dismissal proved a crucial breakthrough for the Royals, halting TKR’s momentum just as they were looking to accelerate.
At 120 for 4 after 17 overs, the Knight Riders were still looking to post a strong total. However, Henry continued to make inroads, claiming her third wicket when Jahzara Claxton, after a brisk cameo of 15 off 10 balls, was dismissed. Henry finished an excellent spell with figures of 3 for 25, keeping
the Royals were comfortably positioned at 72 for 2, with Athapaththu and Webb firmly in control of the chase.
the Royals firmly in control during the latter stages.
Despite some late boundaries, TKR struggled for consistency under the pressure of regular wickets. Their innings concluded at 148 for 8 – a competitive total, but slightly below par given the strong platform they had earlier in the innings.
Shikha Pandey gave the Knight Riders the perfect start, striking twice in quick succession to dismiss both Kycia Knight and Djenaba Joseph cheaply. At 3 for 2, the Royals appeared in early trouble, but the experienced Chamari Athapaththu and composed Courtney Webb steadied the innings. The pair combined watchful defence with crisp strokeplay, keeping the scoreboard ticking.
By the end of the powerplay, the Royals had recovered to 39 for 2, thanks to a measured approach. Athapaththu, in particular, showcased her class, punishing anything overpitched and rotating the strike with ease. The momentum carried through the middle overs, with the Sri Lankan star reaching a well-deserved half-century, highlighted by elegant drives and confident sweeps.
At the halfway stage,
The partnership between Athapaththu and Webb flourished as they brought up a 100-run stand, steadily taking the game away from the Knight Riders. Their composure at the crease and ability to find gaps kept the required rate well within reach, frustrating the TKR bowlers.
With eight wickets still in hand and just three overs remaining, the Royals needed 30 runs for victory.
The outstanding third-wicket partnership of 144 finally came to an end in the penultimate over when
Jonassen bowled Athapaththu with a clever delivery. The Sri Lankan star had produced a masterclass in controlled aggression, striking 10 fours and three sixes in her 89 off 71 balls, leaving the Royals firmly in command.
At the other end, Courtney Webb played the perfect anchor role, rotating the strike efficiently before bringing up a well-deserved half-century. She remained unbeaten at 50 off 42 balls, guiding her team calmly through the chase. The Royals eventually sealed victory with an over to spare, finishing on 149 for 3 in 19 overs to secure a convincing seven-wicket win.
(lb 1, w 8) 9
20 Ov (RR: 7.40) 148/8 Did not bat: Rashada Williams †, Samara Ramnath
of wickets: 1-0 (Deandra Dottin,
ov), 2-22 (Jannillea Glasgow, 4.2 ov), 3-66 (Zaida James, 10.6 ov), 4-105 (Jess Jonassen, 15.1 ov), 5-128 (Jahzara Claxton, 17.4 ov), 6-138 (Shabika Gajnabi, 18.4 ov),
(Shikha Pandey, 19.4 ov), 8-148 (Nerissa Crafton, 19.6 ov) •
Bowling O - M - R - W
Chinelle Henry 4 - 0 - 25 - 3 Sheneta Grimmond 2 - 0 - 11 - 0 Shamilia Connell 4 - 0 - 33 - 2 Chamari Athapaththu
Barbados Royals Women remain unbeaten
At the National Stadium in Providence, the Trinbago Knight Riders cruised into Qualifier 2 of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Eliminator on the back of Nicholas Pooran and Alex Hales’ brilliance, sending the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons crashing out of the competition.
The Falcons made a shaky start in the powerplay as Rahkeem Cornwall’s lean CPL run continued, dismissed cheaply for just six. The early setback threatened to put them on the back foot, but Andries Gous and Amir Jangoo steadied the innings with patience and composure. By the end of the six overs, the Falcons had reached 44 for 1, with the pair rotating the strike smartly and punishing the loose deliveries.
The Trinbago Knight Riders tried to build pressure with tight bowling and dot balls, forcing the batsmen to take calculated risks. Yet, Gous and Jangoo batted smartly through the middle overs, keeping the scoreboard ticking while avoiding unnecessary hazards. Their partnership ensured that the Falcons reached 64 for 1 after 10 overs, laying a solid foundation for the innings
despite the early setback.
The partnership continued to build momentum as the Falcons took 19 runs off an Andre Russell over, maintaining a strong scoring tempo. After 14 overs, the Falcons were 109 for 1, having laid a solid foundation to launch a late-innings assault. Gous reached his half-century in the 15th over, followed closely by Amir Jangoo, who also brought up his fifty in the same over, continuing his fine form.
Gous pulls the ball on his way to a half-century
The Trinbago Knight Riders finally struck when the 108-run second-wicket stand came to an end. Jangoo, looking to clear the boundary, fell to Tariq, with Kieron Pollard taking the catch. Jangoo finished with 55 from 49 balls, including three fours and three sixes. The Falcons suffered another setback soon after when Andries Gous was trapped LBW by Tariq for 61 from 45 balls, which
managed only 3. Netravalkar finished with outstanding figures of 3 for 23 from his four overs, keeping the Falcons’ scoring in check at a crucial stage.
In the final over, Russell tightened the screws further, dismissing both Karima Gore and Usama Mir to restrict the Falcons. However, Shakib ensured the innings ended on a high with a boundary off the last ball, finishing unbeaten on a blazing 26 from just 9 deliveries. The Falcons closed their innings on 166 for 8 after 20 overs.
comprised five fours and three sixes.
Sunil Narine then joined the action as Falcons skipper Imad Wasim was dismissed cheaply for just 1, leaving the score at 131 for 4. Shakib Al Hasan walked to the crease and immediately shifted the momentum with a blistering counterattack, striking three consecutive boundaries followed by a towering six to put the pressure back on the Trinbago Knight Riders. His cameo lifted the Falcons to 149 for 4 at the end of the 18th over.
Saurabh Netravalkar, who was the pick of the TKR bowlers, struck again when he removed Fabian Allen for just 1 before also accounting for Kevin Wickham, who
The Trinbago Knight Riders began their chase in steady fashion before Cornwall delivered an early breakthrough, removing Colin Munro for 14. Kevin Wickham showed great awareness on the boundary, pulling off an excellent catch to dismiss the lefthander. However, any hopes of building early pressure quickly faded as Alex Hales shifted gears and went on the attack. The Englishman took a particular liking to Cornwall, launching three towering sixes to seize back the momentum. By the end of the powerplay, the Knight Riders had advanced to 59 for 1.
The partnership between Hales and Pooran continued to flourish through the middle overs, with both batsmen rotating the strike smartly while punishing anything loose. The pair kept the required rate well under control, ensuring there was no pressure on the chase. By the halfway stage of the innings, the Knight Riders had moved comfortably to 95 for 1, leaving them
needing just 72 runs from the remaining 60 balls. With two set batsmen at the crease, TKR looked firmly in command of the chase.
Pooran brought up his half-century with a towering six over long-off before unleashing an onslaught, smashing 17 runs in a single over off Shakib. At
the other end, Hales played a superb anchoring role, reaching his own fifty in the 18th over. Pooran fittingly sealed the contest with another big six over deep midwicket, finishing on 90 from 53 balls, laced with three fours and eight sixes. Hales remained unbeaten on 54 from 40 deliveries, striking three fours and three sixes. The Knight Riders stormed to 168 for 1 in just 17.3 overs to secure a commanding nine-wicket win, booking their spot in Qualifier 2 on Friday, while the Falcons’ tournament came to an end.
Nicholas Pooran gets off the ground to guide the ball to the off side
Andries
Usman Tariq was among the wickets again
Amir Jangoo celebrates his half-century