Dr Martin Pertab appointed CEO of CH&PA
Cuban man crushed to death at ECD construction site
Demerara
Police launch series of cleanup, community engagement initiatives
PSC commends ExxonMobil’s local investment, calls for closing loopholes in law
The Private Sector Commission (PSC) has welcomed recent statements by Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat, on the success of Guyana’s Local Content Act (LCA) and the Government’s commitment to continued stakeholder engagement in its development. Bharrat’s comments were supported by new figures from ExxonMobil Guyana, which reported a record $87 billion spent with 1,800 local vendors during the first half of 2025. Since 2015, ExxonMobil’s total expenditure with Guyanese businesses has surpassed $600 billion, reflecting the capacity of local companies to meet the growing demands of the oil and gas sector.
The PSC also noted ExxonMobil’s commencement of in-country fabrication services at the Vreeden-Hoop Shore Base Inc. (VEHSI), which it said marked an important step in expanding Guyana’s industrial capabilities. In addition, ExxonMobil reported that 70 per cent of its workforce in Guyana now comprises nationals—over 6,200 people, including 1,800 off-
shore workers—with women making up one in three employees. The workforce has also benefitted from more than 370,000 hours of training in technical, professional, and safety disciplines.
The PSC said it is working with the Local Content Secretariat to expand the
first schedule of the legislation, identifying new services and areas for Guyanese businesses to participate. The Commission added that while the LCA has achieved significant results, the expansion of skills, services and investments by Guyanese companies provides a solid foundation for further updates to the law.
The PSC emphasised the need for amendments to close existing loopholes, broaden opportunities and ensure that Guyanese nationals and enterprises continue to benefit more fully from the country’s resource wealth. It reaffirmed its readiness to work with the Ministry of Natural Resources, ExxonMobil Guyana, and other stakeholders to strengthen Guyana’s local content framework.
Dr Martin Pertab appointed CEO of CH&PA
The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) has announced the appointment of Dr Martin Pertab as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Dr Pertab was officially welcomed to the post by Director of Operations, Denise King-Tudor, along with other senior officials of the agency, who also presented him with a special token. He brings to the position a strong background in finance, economics, and public policy, with more than a decade of service across various Government Ministries. In 2010, he served as a Financial Analyst at the Housing and Water Ministry, before taking up the role of Housing Economist
at the then Ministry of Communities from 2016 to 2018. In 2020, Pertab was appointed Senior Petroleum Economist at the Ministry of Natural Resources. He later led the Local Content Secretariat at the same Ministry from 2022 to 2025. Pertab holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the University of Cienfuegos, Cuba, a Master of Science in Economics from New Mexico State University, United States (US) and a PhD in Economics from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. The CH&PA stated that it looks forward to his leadership as the agency works to deliver affordable housing and sustainable community development across the country.
Dr Martin Pertab being welcomed to the CH&PA
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, September 23 –03:55h–05:25h and Wednesday, September 24 – 03:55h–05:25h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, September 23 –17:00h–18:30h and Wednesday, September 24 – 05:20h–06:50h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
WEATHER TODAY
Sunny conditions are expected during the day. Clear skies are expected at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius.
Winds: East North-Easterly to East South-Easterly between 2.68 metres and 5.36 metres.
High Tide: 17:20h reaching a maximum height of 2.73 metres.
Low Tide: 10:58h and 23:14h reaching minimum heights of 0.55 metre and 0.46 metre.
ExxonMobil’s US$6.8B Hammerhead Project approved
…set to boost Guyana’s output to 1.5m bpd by 2029
ExxonMobil has made a final investment decision for the Hammerhead development offshore Guyana, after receiving the required regulatory approvals. Hammerhead, the seventh project in the Stabroek Block, is anticipated to come online in 2029.
On Monday the company said that the development will utilise a floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel with a capacity to produce approximately 150,000 barrels of oil per day. The US$6.8 billion Hammerhead project will include 18 production and injection wells.
“We continue to set a new standard in Guyana – advancing an impressive seventh project just 10 years after first discovery, said President of ExxonMobil Upstream Company Dan Ammann. “In collaboration with the people and Government of Guyana, we’ve helped build a thriving new oil-and-gas industry in the country that is creating jobs, supplier opportunities, profits and follow-on investments.”
This latest decision increases funds committed for seven approved projects to more than US$60 billion. More than US$7.8 billion has been paid into Guyana’s Natural Resource Fund (NRF) since production in the Stabroek block started in 2019.
According to the company, there are currently some 6,200 Guyanese working in support of Stabroek block operations, which is about 70 per cent of the workforce. ExxonMobil Guyana and its contractors have spent more than US$2.9 billion with Guyanese suppliers since 2015. It added that ExxonMobil is producing approximately 650,000 barrels of oil per day from the Stabroek block. With the recent successful startup of a fourth FPSO, the ONE GUYANA, the company anticipates growing production to more than 900,000 barrels of oil per day by the end of the year. Construction is underway for the fifth and sixth approved projects, Uaru and Whiptail, with Uaru anticipated to start production in 2026, and Whiptail is anticipated for startup in 2027. ExxonMobil affiliate ExxonMobil Guyana Limited is operator and holds 45 per cent interest in the Stabroek block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30 per cent interest, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited holds 25 per cent interest. Meanwhile, the Natural Resources Ministry on Monday said that it was
pleased to announce the approval of the Hammerhead Field Development Plan (FDP) and the issuance of the Hammerhead Petroleum Production Licence (PPL). The development is located in the south-western portion of the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana and targets the Hammerhead reservoir, which was discovered in 2018. The Hammerhead PPL features notable improvements when compared to previous licences in several areas.
Some of these include its alignment with the
Oil Pollution Prevention, Preparedness, Response and Responsibility Act 2025; improved management of production levels and new conditions to cover off-specification fluid discharges and the transfer of associated gas from the Hammerhead development to the Gas to Energy (GtE) pipeline. These enhancements reflect the Government’s ongoing commitment to responsible resource management and sustainable development.
According to the Ministry, the US$6.8 billion project will be produ-
ced through a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) conversion-type FPSO, which will be built by MODEC, a Japanese FPSO-building and operating company. Production will be facilitated through 10 production wells and 8 injection wells. First oil is anticipated by 2029, boosting Guyana’s overall production capacity at approximately 1,500,000 bpd, with the FDP projecting this by Q2. Additionally, the associated gas produced from the Hammerhead Project reservoir will be transferred to the GtE pipeline network.
Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat along with ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge and other senior executive displaying the approved project
(as of Sunday)
Editor: Tusika Martin
News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761
Marketing: 231-8064Accounts: 225-6707
Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Industrial Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown
Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com
Hydroponics & future of agriculture in Guyana
Guyana’s agricultural sector is undergoing a transformative phase, one that signals a decisive shift towards modernity, efficiency, and regional competitiveness. Recent remarks by President Dr Irfaan Ali, praising local farmers for embracing crop diversification and technology-driven farming, underscore a national agenda that prioritises innovation as a cornerstone of food security and economic growth. The trajectory being set is not merely about increasing yields; it is about redefining the country’s agricultural identity and positioning Guyana as a leader in the Caribbean’s agribusiness landscape.
At the heart of this transformation lies hydroponics, the soil-free cultivation of plants in nutrient-enriched water. Once considered a niche technology, hydroponics is now emerging as a viable, largescale solution for high-value crops such as lettuce, pak choi, and a variety of culinary herbs. This cultivation method eliminates the need for traditional fertilisers and chemical pesticides, allowing crops to grow in a controlled environment that ensures consistency, quality, and organic integrity. By harnessing such techniques, farmers are able to optimise resources, increase yields, and reduce the environmental footprint of conventional farming practices.
The National Agricultural and Research Extension Institute (NAREI), in partnership with Victoria Greens, has played a pivotal role in operationalising hydroponics at a commercial scale. The facility, integrated with the Government’s Agriculture Innovative and Entrepreneurship Programme (AIEP), boasts a production capacity of 100,000 crops per cycle. Beyond the sheer scale, its output is directed toward high-demand markets, including hotels and restaurants in Guyana and, prospectively, across the Caribbean. The facility exemplifies how technology and entrepreneurship can converge to create a model that is both economically viable and socially beneficial.
Hydroponics is a technological curiosity that represents a strategic response to pressing challenges in food security. Caricom’s “25 by 2025” initiative, which aims to reduce the Region’s US$5 billion annual food import bill by 25 per cent within the next year, provides the context for this shift. Guyana’s embrace of modern farming technologies positions it as a catalyst within this regional framework. By producing high-quality crops locally, the country can not only satisfy domestic demand but also become a supplier for neighbouring territories, reducing reliance on imported produce and keeping economic value within the Region.
The advantages of hydroponics extend beyond market access. Controlled environments mitigate the risks of pests and disease, ensuring a stable supply of crops year-round. Nutrient film techniques and other innovations allow precise control over growth conditions, optimising water usage and reducing waste. Such practices demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to agriculture, one that aligns with global trends in sustainability while responding to local realities. In a country where agricultural productivity has historically been vulnerable to climatic fluctuations and market instability, these innovations offer a measure of resilience that is crucial for long-term planning.
President Ali’s emphasis on technology-driven agriculture reflects a broader vision: an agricultural sector that is competitive, self-sufficient, and integrated into the wider Caribbean economy. The hydroponics initiative, along with complementary ventures in aquaculture and crop diversification, signals an understanding that the future of farming is knowledge-intensive and innovation-led. Encouraging farmers to adopt smart farming techniques, including hydroponics, not only increases efficiency but also creates new economic opportunities, particularly for young entrepreneurs and agripreneurs looking to enter the sector with modern skillsets.
This paradigm shift has implications for policy, investment, and education. Government support, Private Sector engagement, and research collaboration are essential to scaling these initiatives. Training programmes that build technical expertise, coupled with infrastructure investments, will be critical in ensuring that hydroponics and other smart farming solutions move from pilot projects to mainstream agricultural practice. The potential rewards – enhanced food security, reduced imports, and regional leadership – justify sustained commitment and strategic planning.
Guyana’s agricultural landscape is poised for a renaissance. The embrace of hydroponics and other modern techniques is a reimagining of the sector itself.
From dark academia to medievalcore: fashion is embracing our need for escapism
By Lauren CoChrane
Wake up babe, a new trend just dropped. According to the website Know Your Meme, it’s been five years since the “wake up babe” format – which sees the phrase pasted over an image of a man waking up his girlfriend to announce a new Internet talking point – really took off. I first encountered it at the height of what might be called “core fever” in fashion. A new look seemed to be arriving on social media feeds every week, driven by Gen Z’s love of blink-or-miss-it microtrends. “Wake up babe, there’s a new aesthetic,” seemed an apt and amusing way to sum up the times.
The idea of “core” in fashion dates back to 2014, when trend-forecasting agency K-Hole described a bland and anonymous aesthetic they saw on the streets of New York as “normcore”. Now a descriptor that is applied to everything from Gen Z’s cult style icon Adam Sandler to characters in video games, the suffix has since been joined by what feels like thousands of things – from “corpcore” (meaning a corporate, businesslike look) and “clowncore”, to one of my favourites, the anything-goes “weirdcore”.
These microtrends aren’t just dizzying – they are part of the acceleration of fast fashion, with brands producing cheap, throwaway items to appeal to a fleeting moment. In 2025, this cycle has slowed down somewhat, but fashion hasn’t kicked
the habit entirely. Just look at the recent “medievalcore”, an online aesthetic that takes its cue from an era more than 600 years before the invention of the iPhone. This is a style that focuses on long skirts, corsets and pretty chainmail headbands; it has been spotted across festivals this summer.
It’s already been given the celebrity seal of approval, with the likes of Chappell Roan and Millie Bobby Brown wearing chainmail on the red carpet. There was even a knight at Burberry’s February show, such a novelty that Anna Wintour had her picture taken with it. But even if brands such as Di Petsa, Conner Ives and Christian Dior brought it to the catwalk, the trend has mostly spread online. More than 20,000 videos on TikTok feature the hashtag medievalcore, 22,000 posts on Instagram, and Pinterest reported a 110 per cent rise in searches for medievalcore at the end of 2024.
It’s not the first time contemporary culture has been seduced by this period. See the 1960s, when models such as Pattie Boyd wore minidresses with trumpet sleeves, the Beatles and the Stones wore velvet tunics and Paco Rabanne made dresses from chainmail. Or think of the Pre-Raphaelites – painters who depicted 19th-century working-class young women such as Jane Morris and Elizabeth Siddal as medieval ladies, as a way of exploring sensuality, sex and passion in the rigid Victorian era.
As with most “cores”, it’s
easy to trace a line between the trends we gravitate towards and the world we live in. There is a sense that young people raised in a digital world might want to regress to a time that feels deeply un-modern – when animals could be put on trial, and women would pluck their eyelashes to draw attention to their forehead.
Or there’s an argument that medievalcore, an aesthetic in opposition to being current, is a rail against the recent “clean girl” or “that girl” looks, which emphasise a rigidly understated – and typically thin, white and blond – take on femininity.
But I think that medievalcore actually says more about this moment in fashion, which is less about trends and more about escapism; dressing up as characters and entering a different world. It’s a point of view that mirrors outside interests – such as the growth of gaming culture. Gamers are used to creating outfits for avatars – perhaps this dress-up mentality is spilling over into fashion. Look at the way Halloween has become so much more of an event in the UK in recent years.
A lot has been written about the decline of subcultures and how young people no longer form these real-world communities in their day-to-day lives. But fashion trends are a stark rejoinder to that – they exist offline as much as online. Much like 30 years ago, when wearing a band T-shirt signalled to people who liked the same band, this is a signal that the oth-
er person wearing a corset is in the same online bubble as you. This works particularly well when aesthetics go beyond dress-up to create community, and influence culture in their own right. There’s dark academia –which is bookish, obsessed with glasses and Donna Tartt, and seems to be partially contributing to a resurgence in the popularity of libraries. According to a 2023 report by the American Library Association, 54 per cent of Gen Z and millennials had visited a library in the preceding 12 months. Or cottagecore, which sees people fetishise the countryside by wearing milkmaid dresses and posting pictures of cabins, but could also have influenced young people to go outside more. It certainly coincides with hiking and even fishing becoming more popular.
Medievalcore has a chance to join this elite tier because it has history and characters around it, from Joan of Arc to Eleanor of Aquitaine and Caterina Sforza, and the fact it focuses on a time that was really, really long ago. This allows those involved to create a world around a look, one that could provide community – and certainly brings the escapism that the more lasting “cores” have. Microtrends might not be the best for the environment, or for fashion in general, but they do have value, because for the very online they can provide a place to play. (The Guardian) (Lauren Cochrane is a senior Guardian fashion writer)
Cookham Dean Primary School Head Teacher Fenella Reekie steers an unpowered kart, built by parents and students called "Reeee Kieee Phone Home", down a hill during the annual Gravity Grand Prix in Cookham Dean, Britain, September 14, 2025 (Reuters/Suzanne Plunkett photo)
Continuing improvement and expansion in health care
Dear Editor,
The sceptics can doubt if they want to, but it is well-established that fighting kidney related health problem is a very mammoth undertaking, personally and governmentally, and most times, the cost is quite prohibitive for many, even in the supposed well-developed countries.
On this note, and this can be checked too, it is that the cost of dialysis in the US is very high, with Medicare paying about $99,325 per person per year for hemodialysis in 2021 and $86,976 for peritoneal dialysis.
Annual costs for patients can
range from $40,000 to over $100,000, though Medicare covers most of these costs for eligible patients. Private insurance generally pays even more for dialysis services. The fact I want to establish here is that we are talking ‘big money.’
Imagine how delighted I am then to read that “A total of 15 new dialysis units will come into operation in the public healthcare system before the end of the year.” This was the news of welcome from President Dr Irfaan Ali, on Tuesday, during his first press conference in his second term in office. The details show that
“… 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 Demerara-Berbice).”
This must breathe a ‘sigh of relief’ from many quarters and understandably so, as dialysis can extend the lifespan of people with kidney failure, with average life expectancies of 5 to 10 years, though many live much longer, some for 20-30 years or more, depending on various factors like age, overall health, and the type of dial-
ysis they receive. We know it is not a cure, but dialysis is a life-sustaining treatment that replaces the filtering function of failed kidneys, allowing patients to live with kidney failure for a significantly longer period than they would without treatment. I know of many, who simply lost hope when the dreaded diagnostic reports were studied.
These were folks of not too long ago who needed dialysis because of kidney failure (end-stage renal disease) or acute kidney injury (AKI), as their kidneys were no longer able to effectively filter waste and excess flu-
Justice for pensioners and members of the Wm Fogarty's Pension Scheme
Dear Editor,
This is another request to our Judicial System and Regulatory agencies for justice for the pensioners and members of the Wm. Fogarty's Pension Scheme.
Two years have now elapsed as the pension -
ers and members of this scheme continue to await a date for a hearing in the Guyana Court of Appeal for a related matter in which they have already been success in the High Court and Full Court, yet the company is persisting
with an appeal.
The very sad and unfortunate aspect of this delay is that pensioners are dying without receiving their benefits while others are burdened down as age now takes its toll.
I among others trust
that by highlighting this tragedy which has been going on for almost ten years, it will attract the attention of the relevant authorities.
Regards, William Whyte
id from the blood. Without adequacy of funds, to travel and seek intervention, and Guyana at that time not in a position to meet the need, the reality was ‘early demise.’ But look at this turnaround, as “We (Government of Guyana) 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.” I fully agree with this pronouncement from the Guyana Head of State.
He elaborated that “… this decision was made after it was brought to his attention that there is a need for more stations across the country (that was) during the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) manifesto consultations ahead of the recently concluded September 1 General and Regional Elections.” Now with the PPP/C’s retaining governance, this timely input just further enhances the ‘seriousness in delivering’ as per its manifesto, allowing for the party to gener-
ate growing and wide-spread confidence from all segments of the population.
Editor, where the World Health Organization (WHO) is concerned, it recognizes that global dialysis access is unequal, with high-income countries having greater access and lower-income countries facing significant challenges due to cost, workforce, and infrastructure limitations. In a 2025 WHO resolution, the goal “… aims to reduce the burden of chronic kidney disease by promoting prevention and integrating kidney health into noncommunicable disease agendas. Efforts by the WHO and its partners, like the International Society of Nephrology (ISN), focus on developing frameworks, advocating for public policy, and sharing knowledge to improve sustainable and equitable access to kidney care worldwide.”
Honestly, this seems too long-term and complicated. Guyana is in a welcoming fast-track mode, and I have great hope that this will get bigger and better.
Yours truly, Hargesh B Singh
Page Foundation
Tree Diagrams
A tree diagram can be used to show possible combinations of people, places, or things. It looks like a set of trees with branches.
Example:
At a school cookout, you can buy a ticket that allows you to choose one main item, and one side dish. The tree diagram shows the possible combinations.
To find out how many possible combinations there are, count the number of branches. In this example, there are nine branches.
How many possible combinations could there be if you could Add chips as a branch on each item. Since there are 3 items,
Exercises: Interpret
1) How many different outcomes are there in the tree diagram?
2) Below is the tree diagram of the choices at the lunch you are going to attend. If you don’t like salad, how many differ-
You will need: • Tape measure • Scissors • Straw or raffia
Cut your straw/raffia to the length you want the skirt to be plus two inches . For example, if you want the skirt to be 15 inches long, cut your raffia into 32 inches pieces. You have to double the length of your raffia because each piece will be folded in half and end up being two strands of fringe for your skirt.
Measure your waist to determine the width of your skirt. Take your measuring tape and wrap it around your waist to see how long you need to cut your string. Then, take that measurement and add 12 inches. This added length will be used to tie and untie your skirt. This string will be your waistband. For example, if your waist is 30 inches, cut your string so that it is 42 inches long. Tie each piece of raffia to your waistband string one at a time.
By Elly NilaNd
Streams of reminiscence, remembered, recalled, Pictures roll over like leaves in Fall. Thoughts and tears fall to the floor, like dead things. You boxed up like rigid missiles. Masks turned mournfully, helpless in your direction. Upset and anger, a vague physical pain years later.
Birthdays bring portraits in and out of relief, Fusion of this brings profound disbelief. Life is one long act of disloyalty.
The day I got a great surprise
Write a composition about the day you got a great surprise.
Take the looped end of your folded raffia and slide it under your waistband string. The looped end should be below the waistband, and the loose ends should be above the waistband. Now, take the loose ends of your raffia and fold them towards you, around your waistband string. Slip the ends through the loop and pull tightly to secure your raffia to the waistband.
Do this with each piece of raffia until your skirt is complete. Leave 6 inches on each end of your waistband string so you can tie and untie your skirt.
Tie the skirt around your waist. Use a bow instead of a knot so that you'll be able to tie and untie your skirt.
(Adapted from wikihow.com)
Govt to engage countries over travel advisories against Guyana, boost tourism confidence
Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Susan Rodrigues, has pledged to urgently examine the travel advisories issued by several countries discouraging visits to Guyana, saying the reasons behind them are not always clear. Speaking during a meeting with the Executive Team of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), Rodrigues said she intends to work closely with the Home Affairs Ministry and the security sector to ensure that visitors feel safe and that the image of Destination Guyana is protected. “We need to get to the bottom of some of the reasons for these travel advisories. I’m not sure that the reasons are crystal clear as to why sometimes they are issued, and sometimes you see the level increase,” the Minister said. “There may be nothing of significance that has happened here in our country, but yet we see the advisory or the threat level increase. That is something I will have to examine.”
Currently, the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), Canada, and Australia have advisories in place for Guyana. Minister Rodrigues said direct engagement with these countries will be part of her strategy to address the issue and safeguard the tourism sector’s growth. At the
same time, the Minister emphasised the need to expand regional and international airlift, particularly to southern destinations. She highlighted Brazil as a major market and pointed to Avianca’s new ColombiaGuyana service as a positive
one of the stops on the way to the UK. That shows the potential.”
Rodrigues also noted that ongoing upgrades to Guyana’s road network will further improve cross-border access with Brazil, opening opportunities for both
urged tourism stakeholders to see every guest as an ambassador for the country, stressing that strong service and memorable experiences remain the most powerful advertisement for Guyana.
“This engagement is meant to communicate my
development. “We have to ensure that the Caribbean market is more accessible,” Rodrigues said, adding that increased linkages could bring more stopover tourism opportunities. “For example, when British Airways began operating here, suddenly many Guyanese saw St Lucia because it became
air and land-based tourism. Turning to her vision for the sector, the Minister underscored her commitment to building a predictable and consistent environment for businesses. “Predictability and consistency may sound boring, but it’s exactly what every business needs to be successful,” she said. She
passion for tourism, my passion for this sector, and where I would like to see it in the next five years,” Rodrigues told THAG members. “We want to give you increased clientele for you to be able to offer your services, and it will take every voice in this industry working together to achieve
that.”
Advisory
Back in May, the US and Canada issued updated travel advisories for Guyana, warning their citizens to exercise caution due to high levels of violent crime and ongoing tensions along the border with Venezuela. In a statement released by the US Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, travelers were urged to “reconsider travel to Guyana due to crime.” The advisory cited frequent incidents of violent crime, including murder and armed robbery, noting that such attacks are particularly common at night. The statement also highlighted the limited resources available to local law enforcement to respond effectively to serious incidents.
The advisory offered a list of precautionary measures, including avoiding nighttime travel, refraining from displaying expensive jewelry or signs of wealth, and exercising vigilance when visiting banks or ATMs. US authorities also encouraged travelers to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Programme (STEP) to receive security updates and to prepare contingency plans for emergencies.
The Government of Canada also issued a similar advisory on September
19, 2025, urging citizens to exercise a high degree of caution, particularly near the border with Venezuela. Canada cited the “volatile security environment” linked to the ongoing dispute over the Essequibo region and gang-related activity in the area. Canadians were advised to use only official border crossings with Brazil and Suriname and to monitor local media for security updates. Both advisories highlighted crime as a major concern across Guyana. Canadian officials pointed to the prevalence of homicides, armed robberies, assaults, carjackings and thefts from vehicles, noting that criminals often operate in groups and may surveil their targets for days before striking. Several neighborhoods in Georgetown, including Agricola, Albouystown, Sophia, and Tiger Bay, were specifically flagged as high-risk areas. Foreigners have also been warned against carrying large sums of cash, using street money changers, or relying on public minibuses, which were described as unsafe due to poor maintenance and reckless driving. The advisories come at a time when Guyana is rapidly expanding its oil, gas, and tourism sectors, with the Government working to brand the country as a premier investment and travel destination.
Minister Rodrigues during the launch of RideAlong GY at the Botanical Gardens on Sunday
Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Rodrigues during a recent visit to Number 63 Beach
Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Susan Rodrigues meeting with the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG)
2020 election fraud case Shuman testifies to walking in on GECOM staff printing pre-filled vote sheets
Testimony in the ongoing elections fraud case continued on Monday morning at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts with former Presidential Candidate of the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP), Lenox Shuman testifying to walking in on several Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) staff printing out what appeared to be a spreadsheet with manipulated elections results for Region Four when tabulation of the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections was ongoing. Shuman specifically identified former GECOM staffer and co-accused Enrique Livan as the individual seated at the computer from which the spreadsheet was being printed.
In his testimony, he stated that there was also anoth-
left by the CEO (Chief Elections Officer) [Keith Lowenfield]. I brought the papers to the attention of the police and gave it to him. A call was then made to Mr Lowenfield for him to return,” Shuman told the court.
Shuman was at the time recounting activities that unfolded between 4 - 5 March, 2020 as the votes cast in Region Four were being tabulated to determine votes allocation to the various political parties.
Shuman explained that Livan had taken over the tabulation process just moments prior to being found in the room printing out spreadsheet of the votes allotted to various ballot boxes in the region.
Inconsistencies
He explained that Livan had volunteered to take over
its conclusion. It was agreed upon by Mr Lowenfield that this is what is supposed to happen and what we should do.”
Tabulation laptop and flash drive
Shuman alleged that Livan continued to complain of being tired and needing a coffee break, at which point he eventually left the main tabulation
Lowenfield, and Mr Livan hurriedly tried to close that spread sheet,” Shuman testified. He added that Lowenfield said the errors were due to tiredness and he then brought a close to the tabulation process for the night.
“I complained to Mr Lowenfield. He indicated that it may have been done in er-
er GECOM staff at the printer and another sitting on the floor. Election agents had made their way into the room after breaking down the door when suspicions were raised about the activity taking place in the room.
“I Saw Mr Livan was in front of the computer in a typing motion, there was a flash drive in the computer… when I followed the people that breached the door. Mr Livan seated at the computer… there was a printer actively printing paper. There was a GECOM staff by the printer and a GECOM staff lying on a yoga mat on the floor too. I asked Mr Livan what he was doing,” Shuman noted.
Remained silent
According to Shuman, when Livan was confronted about his activities, he remained silent. Shuman said he then retrieved some of the paper being printed to save as evidence and later handed over the papers to police officers that were summoned.
“On that paper it contained prepopulated numbers for Region Four with all the votes. Mr Livan did not say a word, he closed the computer down, put his head on the desk and said nothing. I called for the police to come and investigate that right away. There were things inconsistent with instructions
the tabulation process after the previous GECOM staff conducting the tabulation indicated that they were tired and could not continue. The then CEO, Keith Lowenfield, agreed to let Livan take over the process, leaving him with instructions on conduct of the process.
However shortly after Livan took over the process, there allegedly began to be inconsistencies between the numbers being called by Livan and the actual numbers that were on the Statement of Polls (SOPs) from the various polling stations.
“When he came into the room, he said he would conduct the process of tabulation and started to display the SOPs projected on the screen. After a few minutes of calling SOPs, he started to make a few errors. [The numbers] he was calling was not consistent with what was being displayed on the SOPs, for example, if there was 251, he would call 257,” Shuman related.
“We [election agents] said that number is incorrect. I observed that the number were inconsistent from what was on our SOPs. I protested and there were others protesting. To which Mr Livan said ‘I am a little tired, I am going to need a break’. I said that the process has to continue. It has to go to
area. And it was during this requested coffee break that Livan was allegedly observed entering a side room with the tabulation laptop and a flash drive. It was in this room that Shuman said election agents found Livan printing spread sheet pages.
Following this incident, Shuman said, Livan returned to continue the tabulation in the main area, however when Livan reopened the file previously being used for the tabulation it was noted that the file opened was different from what it looked like when Livan closed it to take his coffee break. According to Shuman, before Livan left, the spreadsheet still had several rows with missing numbers from the SOPs that were still to be displayed and verified, however when Livan returned several of the spreadsheet rows were suddenly already filled.
“When Mr Livan clicked on that drive, we saw the file we were working on. When it was clicked, on a file opened with a pre-populated Region Four spreadsheet completed… there were numbers already populated. During the tabulation process we did not arrive at those numbers as yet. All of the districts represented on the spreadsheet were already populated. I protested to Mr
ror. I requested the data for the process up to the point where we concluded earlier. That data was presented to each political party. Mr Lowenfield indicated that Mr Livan was tired and asked that the process continue at 8 o’ clock the next morning,” Shuman remembered. However, the tabulation would never resume that day as the then Region Four Returning Officer (RO) Claremont Mingo attempted to make declarations without the verified tabulation being completed. Shuman was later crossed examined by the defence on Monday afternoon’s session of the case. Livan, Mingo, and Lowenfield, are among nine individuals currently facing 19 charges of conspiracy to commit electoral fraud for the events that occurred following the March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections.
Other persons charged include Deputy CEO Roxanne Myers; former Minister of Health under the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition, Volda Lawrence; APNU+AFC Chief Scrutineer, Carol SmithJoseph; and former GECOM employees Sheffern February, Michelle Miller, and Denise Babb-Cummings.
The more…
…election rules change
Analysing the great political upheavals in Europe back in the late 1840s in their struggle for democratic governance, a French writer observed, “plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose” – “the more things change, the more they remain the same”! And so it was that a delegation from the European Union – the latest iteration of Europe’s many failed efforts to get their act together on governance – came, saw and observed our democratic elections. And, of course, offered copious advice for “improvements” – which THEY could use – but don’t!!
As a parting shot, the departing EU Ambassador pointed out that all the outside elections observers made some common suggestions for electoral reform – and these should solve our political angst!! Like for instance, the electoral advantages of incumbency!! He, however, failed to identify any specific innovation they’d introduced to address this admitted reality. Maybe they should look at say, Madagascar and Bangladesh where it was constitutionally mandated that the Government resign 90 days before elections and the country be run by interim governments? Or maybe they looked and the coups and counter-coups in those countries following their innovation and were struck dumb??
Then there’s the support for the Opposition’s demand for “biometrics” – in our voters’ registration and our voting day regimen - to prevent multiple registrations and voting. But rather than pointing out that we already have some biometric features – such as pictures and fingerprints on our IDs – your Eyewitness gonna simply quote from a research paper on biometrics introduced in several African countries to cure the same ailments the Opposition believe are being manifested here.
Captioned, “The productive failures of biometric voting in Africa”, the paper says, “Biometric voting is booming in Africa. Since the mid-2000s, election management bodies have increasingly turned to biometric voter registration. 28 countries on the continent now use biometrics to generate voter rolls. A select few countries – Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda – also use biometric voter authentication on polling day. While most countries use fingerprinting, technologies are becoming increasingly sophisticated: in 2017, Somaliland was the first country to use iris recognition for an election.
“While biometrics has raised expectations among political opponents, they do not automatically prevent rigging. Biometric voter registration strengthens the reliability of the voter roll by preventing multiple registration, but it does not affect many other fraudulent strategies. Election technologies can even be counterproductive by creating black boxes that are inaccessible to citizens, reinforcing election commissions’ dependency on support from donors and foreign experts. In a nutshell, biometric voting is not only a waste of money: it has troubling implications for democracy.” Imagine that!!
Point of the matter, it doesn’t matter what changes are introduced, the Opposition’s never gonna “take their licks like a man”!!
…(cricket) changes
What can your Eyewitness say? That he’s heartbroken?? That he could hardly drag himself out of bed this morning after his Warriors were outplayed by – of all the teams – the Trinbago Knight Riders?? That he’s angry?? Naaah!! A team goes out to play in the finals of a tournament because they had to’ve passed through a harrowing qualifying process. So, we gotta give our Warriors credit for that!!
Do we blame the captain for not electing to chase?? Do we blame specific players because they didn’t “come through”?? What’s the point?? Hindsight is always 20/20 – while foresight is always foggy, innit? Whatever might’ve been the innovations of T-20 Cricket, it’s still cricket. And we gotta learn to “take our licks like a man” – unlike some of our Opposition politicians!! Let us learn some lessons from our loss – and knowing that another season beckons next year – let us be happy our Warriors will have another chance to whup those Trinis!!
Cricket, after all, is a game of glorious uncertainties!!
…the merrier
And your Eyewitness thought academia was stodgy!! But here it is, in the latest Times and Sunday Times ranking of British Universities, Oxford and Cambridge didn’t even make the top three!! O tempora!! O Mores!!
Former Presidential Candidate of LJP, Lenox Shuman
From left: Volda Lawrence, Keith Lowenfield, Denise Babb-Cummings, and Michelle Miller
From left: Enrique Livan, Sheffern February, Clairmont Mingo, and Carol Smith-Joseph [Some of the individuals facing charges in relation to electoral fraud]
Government, farmers kickstart mega crop project in Corentyne
…to develop 35,000 acres for cane, citrus, coconuts
Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, has assured that the Government is working with cane farmers to develop 35,000 acres for the cultivation of cane, citrus, and coconuts. The announcement came on Monday during a meeting with Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency, and Implementation, Zulfikar Ally, and a group of cane farmers from the Corentyne Coast, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).
The engagement forms part of ongoing efforts to fully utilise arable lands and increase agricultural productivity. Referring to instructions received from President Dr Irfaan Ali, Mustapha explained the Government’s plan to collaborate with farmers.
“Last week, President Ali met with a number of cane farmers from the Upper Corentyne area and instructed that I, along with other Ministers, work with the groups. We have several farmers who indicated interest in returning to cane cultivation, while others expressed a desire to cultivate citrus and coconuts.”
According to the Minister, they have already undertaken the initial works needed to carry out this project. We’ve already begun mapping the area to conduct necessary soil testing. We’ve also engaged the private sector to construct a juice plant so that the citrus being planted can be extracted and processed into juices,” he noted. Lending his perspective on Guyana Sugar Corporation’s (GuySuCo) plans for sugarcane cultivation in Skeldon, Minister Mustapha provided an update on the expected acreage.
“GuySuCo has already started cultivating cane in Skeldon. By the end of November, they are ex -
stated. Last Wednesday, President Ali personally met with a group of cane farmers at the Skeldon Estate, emphasising that Government investments must translate into tangible productivity gains.
Outlining his vision for a multi-crop agricultural model, he said “we are moving towards a system where traditional sugarcane cultivation can co-exist with high-value crops such as citrus. This transition will be guided by scientific planning, supported by modern technology, and driven by market needs,” the President told the farmers. Only recently, President Ali outlined ambitious plans for crop diversification and agro-processing in Skeldon, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), including the establishment of a juice factory in partnership with Demerara Distillers
pected to cultivate approximately 1,000 hectares, with the eventual target being 5,000 hectares at Skeldon. In addition, with the involvement of farmers who have between 10,000 to 12,000 acres, cane cultivation is set to see a turnaround in the area,” he added. Mustapha also outlined Government support for infrastructure projects to aid agricultural development. Highlighting the Moleson Creek road upgrade, he said, “Farmers had requested that we upgrade the Moleson Creek road to an all-weather road. The contract has been awarded for the 18-kilometre (km) road at a cost of just over $800 million. This is one of the main projects in the area and is expected to commence shortly. The Ministry will also work with farmers to develop all main drainage canals and other infrastructure to enhance the area,” Mustapha
Limited (DDL). Speaking during a meeting with private cane farmers and rice farmers, President Ali explained that several options are being explored for Skeldon’s agricultural future. Among them is the establishment of a juice plant by DDL, which has expressed willingness to invest once farmers commit to citrus cultivation. According to Ali, DDL has signalled that such a plant could be operational in as little as 8–12 months, using citrus varieties capable of reaching production within 18 months.
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha
Some of the cane farmers who attended the meeting
Home Affairs Ministry seeks faster, efficient service at passport office
ome Affairs Minister
HOneidge Walrond conducted an impromptu visit to the Central Immigration and Passport Office on Monday, engaging directly with applicants and reviewing the operations of the facility.
During the visit, Walrond spoke with individ-
uals applying for passports, listening to their experiences and suggestions for improving the service. She was also given a comprehensive walkthrough of the office and a step-by-step explanation of the passport application process, from entry to passport collection. The discussions focused
on identifying challenges and exploring solutions, with the goal of ensuring that the office delivers faster, more efficient, and improved services to the public. Walrond emphasised that these efforts are aimed at enhancing service delivery for the citizens the office serves.
2 dead after car slams into lorry in Linden-Soesdyke Highway crash
Tyoung men are dead and another is injured following a collision between a motorcar and a lorry in the early hours of Sunday morning. Dead are Sherwin James and Alex (only name given). The accident occurred around 02:00h at Hill Foot and involved motorcar, PLL 7365, driven by 22-year-old Sherwin James of Moblissa Village, Linden-Soesdyke Highway, and motor lorry, GAE 5944, driven by 61-yearold Sewarran Latchman of Sand Road, Soesdyke, East
Police reported that Latchman was proceeding west along the highway when he observed two white lights approaching from the opposite direction, but in his driving lane at a fast rate. He told investigators that he applied brakes and swerved left in an attempt to avoid a collision, but the car slammed into the right front portion of the lorry. James, the driver of the car, was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other occupants of the vehicle sus-
tained injuries and were rushed to the Diamond Regional Hospital. One of them, identified only as Alex, later succumbed to his injuries. The third occupant remains hospitalised. The bodies of both the dead men were taken to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, where they await post-mortem examinations. Meanwhile, police confirmed that a breathalyser test conducted on Latchman returned negative for alcohol. Investigations into the fatal crash are ongoing.
Police probe $5M theft at GECOM
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has launched an investigation into a $5 million theft at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). This was confirmed by Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, when contacted by this publication.
According to Blanhum,
several GECOM employees are currently assisting with the probe. The incident reportedly occurred between September 15-16, 2025.
Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond visiting the Central Immigration and Passport Office
wo
Bank Demerara (EBD).
The accident that occurred on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway
Demerara Bank to unveil $10M startup support programme this weekend
Local entrepreneurs will have a new avenue for financing as Demerara Bank Limited launches a $10 million Revolving Programme on Saturday. The initiative, branded the Dream Build Lead (DBL) Innovation Tank Programme, will provide grants of up to $1 million each to 10 start-ups. Applicants will compete in an Innovation Tank–style format, pitching their business ideas before a live judging panel.
The bank said the programme aims to address the financing challenges faced by emerging businesses while promoting innovation, job creation, and sustainable growth. In addition to funding, start-ups will receive
mentorship and guidance on ethical business practices. Saturday’s event, at the bank’s Corporate Office, Camp Street, Georgetown, will outline the structure of the programme, eligibility requirements, and open the application process. Senior executives are expected to deliver keynote remarks on the bank’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and strengthening Guyana’s business ecosystem.
According to the bank, the programme is designed to reduce barriers to financing for start-ups, while promoting innovation, job creation, and economic growth. In addition to funding, beneficiaries will receive mentorship and support in adopting sustainable and ethical
business practices. At the launch event, senior executives and partners will present the structure of the programme, outline eligibility requirements, and open the application process for interested entrepreneurs. Keynote remarks will highlight the institution’s long-term commitment to strengthening Guyana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Demerara Bank said the programme represents a platform for innovation and sustainable growth. “We want to give entrepreneurs the tools they need to succeed and in turn, empower communities across Guyana,” he noted. The launch event is scheduled to begin at 11:00h.
Guyana, Oman sign air services agreement at ICAO Assembly
lines, application of laws and regulations, cooperative arrangements, tariffs, recognition of certificates and licences, aviation safety and security, user charges, and other regulatory areas. Officials from both countries expressed hope that the agreement will support the expansion of air connectivity.
Lt Col (Ret’d) Field noted that such agreements provide the legal framework needed to advance Guyana’s goal of becoming an international hub for air transport, in line with the Government’s
plans for the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). Currently, there are no direct flights between Guyana and Oman. However, the agreement allows airlines from both countries to access each other’s markets, which could enhance trade and economic cooperation.
Oman Air, one of Oman’s national carriers, operates in more than 20 countries and serves over 37 destinations across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, the Gulf Cooperation Council, the
Far East, and the Indian subcontinent.
The agreement is expected to create opportunities for Omani carriers to consider Guyana as a future destination. It also adds to the more than 50 Air Services Agreements Guyana has already signed with other ICAO member states.
Guyana and Oman established diplomatic relations on January 17, 1996. Monday’s signing is seen as a continuation of the countries’ long-standing diplomatic engagement.
Demerara Bank head office, Camp Street, Georgetown
uyana and Oman on Monday signed an Air Services Agreement (ASA) during the 42nd Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The agreement was signed by Eng. Nayef Ali Al Abri, Chairman of the Oman Civil Aviation Authority, and Lt Col
(Ret’d) Egbert Field, Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). The ASA includes provisions on the designation of air -
Eng. Nayef Ali Al Abri, Chairman of the Oman Civil Aviation Authority, and Lt Col (Retired) Egbert Field, Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority signing the agreement
Foreign Minister, Guyanese envoy engage in multinational security support mission
…as Guyana pronounces on border controversy, Haiti mission, global security at UN
Guyana’s leadership on matters of peace, security, and international law was on full display this week at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York, where Foreign Minister Hugh Todd and Permanent Representative to the UN Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett represented the country in a series of high-level engagements.
On Monday, Todd addressed the Commonwealth Foreign Ministers Meeting, where he reaffirmed Guyana’s position on the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy. He used the forum to underline Guyana’s commitment to the rule of international law and to peaceful settlement of disputes, stressing that Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity remain non-negotiable. Venezuela is claiming Guyana’s Essequibo region — something Guyana has consistently rejected and challenged through international legal avenues such as the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Later the same day, Minister Todd joined world leaders at the High-Level Event on the Multinational
Security Support Mission (MSS) to Haiti, hosted by President William Ruto of Kenya. The meeting examined lessons learned from Kenya’s leadership of the mission over the past year and heard perspectives from participating states on the way forward. Todd’s participation underscored Guyana’s solidarity with the people of Haiti and the country’s recognition of the importance of regional and global partnerships in addressing security crises. Meanwhile, at the UN Security Council, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett delivered a pointed intervention during a briefing on threats to international peace and security, following the reported violation of Estonia’s airspace by Russian fighter jets. She noted that the September 20 incident marked the fifth such violation claimed by Estonia and described it as a “dangerous escalation” in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Rodrigues-Birkett called on all parties to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions and provide verifiable information to the Security Council to clarify the facts. She stressed that breaches
of airspace constitute serious violations of sovereignty and international law, reminding member states of their obligations under the UN Charter. “Guyana has taken careful note of the letter dated 20th September from the Permanent Representative of Estonia, in which he asserts that this was the fifth violation of Estonia’s airspace by the Russian Federation, marking a dangerous escalation and the most serious violation thus far. We have also taken note of the public statement issued by the Russian authorities, denying that the three jets violated Estonia’s airspace. Saturday’s incident appears to follow a pattern of similar events in the region that are unfolding in the context of the ongoing armed conflict in Ukraine…Given that there have been similar incidents in the recent past, it is reasonable to assume that they will continue to occur unless appropriately addressed. In this respect, we underscore the need for the Security Council to have access to detailed and verifiable information regarding the incidents and encourage the relevant parties to cooperate with the
United Nations toward that end,” she said. The ambassador further emphasised Guyana’s longstanding position on the conflict in Ukraine, urging an immediate peaceful resolution and full implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions. She warned that any further expansion of the war would bring dire consequences for civilians and global stability. Through these interventions, Guyana positioned itself as an active voice in international diplo-
macy—highlighting its defence of sovereignty in the Western Hemisphere, its support for security and stability in the Caribbean and its principled stance on respect for international law in Europe.
“Members of the Security Council have a collective responsibility to find ways and means of preventing disputes from escalating, including through diplomatic efforts, and must apply the tools provided in the Charter and relevant Conventions
for the peaceful settlement of any dispute between states. On the broader question of the ongoing armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine, we reiterate our demand for an immediate and peaceful end to the war and for the full implementation of Security Council resolution 2774. Any expansion of this conflict will have dire consequences for innocent civilians in the region and for the world at large. This must be avoided at all cost,” she added.
Foreign Minister Hugh Todd and Permanent Representative to the UN, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett
Police launch series of clean-up, community engagement initiatives
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) over the weekend carried out a series of clean-up and outreach exercises across multiple divisions, aimed at
St Cuthbert’s Mission, Mahaica, Non-Pareil, MonRepos, Beterverwagting and Enmore. The exercise also involved staff from several depart-
promoting environmental health, strengthening community ties and encouraging public safety.
On Saturday, between 06:00h and 08:00h, ranks from several stations within
ments, including the Court Superintendent’s Office, Community Relations, Human Resources, Operations Room, Finance, Traffic, Firearms and the Commander’s Registry.
Regional Division 4 ‘C’ conducted a clean-up campaign. Participating stations included Cove and John, Sparendaam, Clonbrook, Vigilance, Annandale, Lusignan, Cane-Grove,
Activities focused on garbage removal, drain clearing, and general sanitation around police compounds and surrounding areas.
The GPF noted that the initiative improved the
physical environment and reinforced the Division’s commitment to public health, environmental care and stronger police-community relationships. Later
guidance. Officers also offered safety tips and practical advice aimed at enhancing security and well-being. Meanwhile, in Region One (Barima-Waini), a team
that day, between 12:00h and 15:10h, officers from the Cane Grove Police Station held community engagements at Virginia Village, Cane Grove and Central St Cuthbert’s
from the Port Kaituma Police Station conducted an outreach at Citrus Grove on Monday. The exercise, led by Assistant Superintendent P. Narine along with Detective
less driving. Residents were urged to promptly report unlawful activities, while police assured that additional traffic enforcement measures will be imple-
Sergeant Stewart, Lance Corporal Codrington, and Constable Hughes, addressed peer pressure and encouraged positive decision-making.
mented. Community members welcomed the effort and called for more such engagements.
Additionally, officers of Regional Division 4 ‘C’ continued their interactive
The session combined discussions with recreational activities such as traditional games and scout exercises, including fire-lighting and lessons on the history of the Scout movement.
Mission. Led by Inspector Balgobin, Inspector Hilliman, Corporal John, Sergeant Thornhill, and Constable Barry, the sessions allowed residents to share concerns and receive
Corporal Weeks, Constable Duncan, and Constable Floris, focused on issues raised by residents. These included youths loitering late at night, alcohol abuse, school dropouts, and reck-
sessions with youth and scout groups from Foulis, Enmore, Haslington and Mahaica. The programme, led by Inspector Poyer, Woman Inspector HaleyFraser, Sergeant Fraser,
Organisers said the initiative sought to build discipline, leadership, and teamwork among youths while fostering stronger ties between the Police and young people.
Scout groups from Foulis, Enmore, Haslington and Mahaica
Police engagement with Citrus Grove Community in the North West District, Region One (Barima-Waini)
Police ranks engaging residents of Virginia Village, Cane Grove, and Central St Cuthbert’s Mission
CDC gives support to Kako Village after storm rips roofs off homes, sports pavilions
Several days after a thunderstorm tore apart several houses in Kako Village (Cuyuni/ Mazaruni), which left multiple households reeling and community infrastructure in need of urgent repairs, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) has deployed relief to affected families, distributing hampers and conducting a full damage assessment. On September 18, heavy winds swept through the Region Seven community, damaging at least five households and ripping the roofs off three sports pavilions. In one instance, the roof of a pavilion was hurled several metres across the school compound, scattering debris and raising fresh concerns about the village’s preparedness for increasingly volatile weather.
In a recent social me-
dia post, the CDC stated that it is actively working to support affected residents. “The Civil Defence Commission is actively responding to the recent heavy winds that have significantly impacted a number of households in the Kako region of Guyana. Relief hampers were distributed earlier today to the affected persons to support them during this challenging period,” the agency noted.
The CDC team, also carried out on-the-ground assessments to determine the extent of the damage and to plan further support. The Kako Village Council expressed its gratitude to the CDC for the swift action. In a social media post, the council stated, “The Kako Village Council wishes to thank the Civil Defence Commission for
their relief efforts towards the families affected by the heavy winds reported on September 17, 2025.” The council also extended gratitude to Natural Resources
Minister Vickram Bharrat and regional officers for their prompt disaster response, highlighting the importance of Governmentcommunity collaboration
in times of crisis. Although no injuries were reported during Wednesday’s storm, the physical toll was evident. One family’s home sustained structural dam-
age when a supporting post collapsed, while others were left counting their losses as household items were destroyed by the winds. At the time of the rainstorm Toshao of the village, Romario Hastings, confirmed that no one was injured and noted that both the Amerindian Affairs Ministry and Minister Bharrat had reached out to provide support.
He also stated that officials relayed to him that a team would be sent to assess the damage and supply relief items to affected families. Hastings also took to social media to note that the village would consider seeking additional support to repair damaged facilities and ensure the safety of residents. This latest incident follows another destructive storm that struck the village last October.
Alternative boats deployed to keep riverine students in Region 2 on track – REDO
Regional Education Officer (REDO) for Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Shondelle Hercules, has assured parents and residents of the lower Pomeroon that systems are in place to ensure children from riverine communities such as St John and Hackney continue to access school without disruption. This follows concerns raised about the
school boat servicing the St John-to-Charity route, which was recently taken out of operation. Hercules explained that the vessel was deemed unserviceable and, in keeping with safety protocols, had to be removed from the route to safeguard the well-being of students. To avoid interruptions to learning, she noted that the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), in collaboration with the
Department of Education, immediately deployed two alternative boats to transport students from Hackney and St John to Charity. This arrangement has been in place since the reopening of schools on September 8, 2025, and will continue until the new school boat procured for the area is delivered.
Highlighting the administration’s continued investment in education,
Hercules pointed out that through the 2025 Budget, fourteen new engines and 10 school boats were added to the region’s fleet, significantly boosting the reliability of riverine transportation. “As of 2020 to now, there are 28 operational school boats serving communities across the region. This is a clear demonstration of our commitment to equitable access to education, regard -
less of where our children live,” the REDO stated. She reaffirmed that the Department of Education, in partnership with the RDC and other key stakeholders, remains committed to maintaining safe and efficient transportation, in keeping with the Education Ministry’s mission of ensuring every child can attend school regularly and achieve their fullest potential.
CDC officials handing over recovery items to Kako Villagers
Regional Education Officer Shondelle Hercules
Murder suspect escapes from Police custody
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has issued a wanted bulletin for 26-year-old Aleeba Anthony London, who escaped from lawful custody while being held in connection with the murder of a Bartica boat operator. London, whose last known address is listed as Lot 74 Second Street, Kaneville, East Bank Demerara (EBD) had been arrested for the killing of 40-yearold Ryan Fredericks of Mongrippa Hill, Bartica. Fredericks was fatally stabbed on August 28 at the Safari Inn Hotel, located at Friendship, EBD. According to initial police reports, Fredericks had travelled earlier that day with fellow boat operator Navindra Kanhai of 2nd Avenue, Bartica. Kanhai
told investigators that he was hired by Fredericks to transport him to Parika, where they met a woman waiting in a black motorcar. Both men entered the vehicle with the female, and drove to the Safari Inn Hotel.
At the hotel, two rooms were booked. Fredericks went into one room with the woman, while Kanhai stayed in the other.
Sometime between 23:00h and 23:30h, Kanhai was awakened by a knock on his door. When he opened it, Fredericks was outside bleeding heavily from a wound to his left arm. Fredericks reportedly told Kanhai that he had been robbed and chopped. Emergency services were summoned, but Emergency Medical
Technicians (EMT) pronounced Fredericks dead at around 12:55h. Crime scene investigators observed a deep wound on the inner side of his left upper arm. His body was later transported to Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, where a post-mortem examination was conducted.
Following his recent arrest, London managed to escape from police custody under circumstances that have not yet been disclosed by authorities. The GPF confirmed the escape in a bulletin issued on Monday but did not provide details of when or how it occurred.
Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information about London’s whereabouts to contact the nearest police station.
Cuban man crushed to death at ECD construction site
A15-foot-high concrete fence wall collapsed on a private property along the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) on Monday killing 28-year-old Cuban national, Dayrovis Martinez Mendoza. The incident occurred at about 11:30h.
According to police, the property had been leased on October 7, 2024, to
hired for the work.
Guohui was reportedly absent from the site at the time due to illness and only learned of the collapse after receiving a call around 11:50h.
Firefighters and police responded quickly, using specialised equipment to remove the rubble and recover Mendoza’s body. Authorities confirmed that no oth-
view of safety standards at the property. Griffith expressed condolences to Mendoza’s family and emphasised the importance of strict workplace safety. Mendoza’s body was later removed to Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, where it awaits a post-mortem examination. Investigations remain ongoing, with occupational health and safety authorities expected to release a formal report.
Meanwhile, when Guyana Times arrived on the scene, the cousin-inlaw of the now dead man explained that, according to her husband, they were all preparing to go out for lunch. As they were walking out, Mendoza and her husband were together, when Mendoza turned back briefly to retrieve his elec-
Xie Guohui, a 49-year-old Chinese businessman, under a 40-year lease agreement with owner Carlos Paul. Guohui told investigators he planned to develop the site into a supermarket and residential quarters. Construction began two months ago under his direct supervision, with six Spanish-speaking labourers
er workers were trapped. Following the incident, Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith, visited the site, accompanied by Assistant Chief Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Officer Roydon Croal and a technical team. They conducted an inspection and initiated a re-
tric cycle. It was at that moment that the building collapsed, trapping him inside. She added that he had only been in Guyana for about four months, working on the property with her husband to build a better life. She confirmed that all of his family members had been notified of his death.
Dead: Ryan Fredericks
Wanted: Aleeba Anthony London
Moments after the building collapsed
Labour Minister Keoma Griffith visiting the site after the incident
Dead: Dayrovis Martinez Mendoza
Police conduct outreach at Potaro Mouth Backdam
…to provide increased patrols, community engagement
Commander of Regional Police Division Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) Senior Superintendent Ravindra Stanley, on Sunday led an outreach exercise at Potaro Mouth Backdam, Potaro River, in Region Eight.
During the engagement, residents were urged to promptly report crimes and suspicious activities to ensure timely police response. The Commander also stressed the importance of addressing domestic violence cases without delay, encouraging victims to come forward. Citizens were assured that all information shared with the police would be treated with confidentiality. Advice was also given on responsible
alcohol consumption, with warnings about the risks of disorderly behaviour linked to excessive drink-
ing. Superintendent Stanley committed to more frequent patrols and outreach
exercises in the area, noting that stronger police-civilian partnerships are es-
sential to reducing crime.
The team further highlighted the importance of river safety, urging boat
operators and passengers to wear life jackets when traveling along the Potaro River. To improve communication, residents were provided with contact numbers for heads of department within the Police Division. At the conclusion of the visit, residents expressed appreciation for the outreach and welcomed the assurance of continued police presence and follow-up engagements.
The commander was accompanied by Sergeant Sinclar, Sergeant Nandram, and Corporal Archer. The team met with shop owners, gold miners, and other residents of the backdam to discuss safety, crime prevention, and community-police relations.
Caribbean Airlines, Air Caraïbes partner to offer seamless flights from Caribbean to Paris
Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) and Air Caraïbes have signed a new codeshare agreement, enabling passengers to travel seamlessly from Caribbean destinations to Paris via Martinique or Guadeloupe. In a statement on Monday, CAL said that under the partnership, travellers from any point within its network can connect to Air Caraïbes services for onward travel to Paris Orly Airport in France. Passengers will benefit from single itineraries, through check-in, and coordinated baggage handling across both carriers.
Hugues Heddebaut, Chief Commercial Officer of Air Caraïbes, added that the collaboration gives CAL’s passengers “seamless access to Paris-Orly via our bases in Martinique and Guadeloupe” and opens new op -
The agreement aims to enhance regional and international connectivity, providing coordinated flight schedules, convenient connection times and expanded access to Paris and other European destinations. Chief Commercial Officer of CAL, Martin Aeberli, said the partnership “represents a strategic step in expanding our network, opening new connections to Europe via Paris-Orly. This agreement enables easier, more connected journeys for our customers.”
portunities for Air Caraïbes to serve additional Caribbean islands. The codeshare is expected to boost both leisure and business travel and strengthen ties between French territories and the English-speaking Caribbean. The partnership is part of CAL’s broader growth strategy to create a more connected region.
Flights under the codeshare are now available for booking through the CAL Mobile App, Reservations Call Centre, City Ticket Offices, and travel agents. Online bookings via the airline’s website will be launched soon.
The Potaro Mouth Backdam, Potaro River outreach
British couple released after detention in Afghanistan say they feared being executed
ABritish couple who were reunited with their family in the UK after being released from almost eight months in detention in Afghanistan have said they feared being executed by the Taliban.
Peter Reynolds, 80, and his wife, Barbie, 76, who arrived at Heathrow on Saturday, said it was never explained to them why they were imprisoned in Afghanistan after their arrest in February.
“We began to think that we would never be released, or that we were even being held until we were executed,” Peter told the Sunday Times. He added: “We are bewildered as to why any of this happened and are very happy that this ordeal is over.”
Barbie said: “They told us nothing. Even when we were taken to Kabul airport we thought maybe we were just flying somewhere for medical treatment.” Instead, they were put on flight to Doha, the capital of Qatar, whose officials had led negotiations for their release.
Barbie said the toughest part of the past eight months had been “seeing my 80-yearold husband struggling to get into the back of a police truck with his hands and ankles chained”.
The pair, who ran a charitable training programme that had been approved by the Taliban, were arrested on 1 February with their interpreter, Juya, and an American friend, Faye Hall.
The arrest came when they were returning to their home in Bamyan province, central Afghanistan. Hall was released in March after negotiations that were also led by Qatari officials.
The fate of Juya is unknown. As well as interpreting for the couple, he also helped care for Peter
Reynolds, who requires regular heart medication, during his detention.
He was prevented from interpreting for the couple during court proceedings, to the concern of their family. In March, their daughter Sarah Entwistle, who also campaigned for Juya’s release, told the Guardian: “Mum is obviously extremely concerned that without a competent interpreter, their case cannot be accurately or fairly represented and [they] will not be able to properly follow or engage in the proceedings, in serious breach of their rights.”
The couple’s four children expressed “immense joy” at the release of their parents. Their son, Jonathan Reynolds, told the BBC that he was “ecstatic and massively grateful” to those who had been involved in securing their release.
In a joint statement on Friday, their four children said: “This experience has reminded us of the power of diplomacy, empathy and international cooperation.”
Peter and Barbie Reynolds were first held in a maximum security facility,
“then in underground cells, without daylight, before being transferred” to the intelligence services in Kabul, UN experts have said.
The couple married in a newly opened church in Kabul in 1970 and spent almost two decades living in Afghanistan, running educational programmes for women and children. When the Taliban returned to power in 2021, the couple remained in Afghanistan against the advice of the British embassy.
Despite their ordeal, Barbie said they hoped to return. She said: “We are looking forward to returning to Afghanistan if we can. We are Afghan citizens.”
Their son said: “They have not just a heart for the people of Afghanistan, but they have strategy as well, and the work they’ve been doing has been very fruitful and has a massively positive impact.”
On Friday, the Taliban foreign ministry spokesperson Abdul Qahar Balkhi said the couple “had violated the laws of Afghanistan” and were released from custody “following the judicial process”. (The Guardian)
Jimmy Kimmel show to return after suspension over Charlie Kirk comments
UDisney, which owns the
US broadcast network that airs Jimmy Kimmel Live, said on Monday that it suspended the show because it "felt some of the comments were ill-timed and thus insensitive".
"We have spent the last days having thoughtful con-
Colombian jailed for £42M cocaine smuggling plot
Aman has been jailed for 13 years and six months for his "significant role" in one of the UK's biggest ever drug seizures.
More than half a tonne (524kg) of cocaine with a street value of more than £42m was intercepted by National Crime Agency (NCA) officers after it was landed by boat in Easington on the East Yorkshire coast in May 2024.
Colombian national Didier Reyes, 40, of no fixed address, had pleaded guilty to importing cocaine at a previous hearing.
Two men from Scotland were jailed last year for their part in the plot.
Hull Crown Court heard that Reyes flew from Columbia to the UK via Spain under the pretence of looking for work in London.
He travelled to Hull and booked into a hotel under a false name.
The gang hired vans and
an inflatable rib and set off from Hessle foreshore into the North Sea where they picked up waterproofed bales of cocaine dropped by a larger ship.
After landing near Easington, the gang was arrested by the NCA as they checked into a local pub for the night.
Passing sentence, Judge Mark Bury said he was satisfied Reyes "played a significant role in this enterprise".
The judge added that text messages from Mexico found on Reyes' phone showed "contact directly with somebody who was higher up the chain than you".
"It is quite clear that you were tasked with ensuring the safety of the consignment and its onward transmission," the judge said.
He added there was "no evidence of pressure or duress or threats" and Reyes was "fully aware from the start of what you were to be doing".
Judge Bury praised the NCA saying the drugs seizure had caused a "dent in the supply of cocaine" in the UK.
In December, Mark Moran, 22, of of Glenfyne Terrace, Ardrishaig was sent to prison at Hull Crown Court for 15 years after being found guilty for his part in the plot.
Daniel Livingstone, 25, of Calton Avenue, Campbeltown, was jailed for seven years and nine months after pleading guilty to conspiracy to import cocaine.
NCA Senior Investigating Officer Alan French said: "Reyes was an integral part of this smuggling attempt, acting as a go between with drug cartel bosses in Colombia.
"Without his input, the cocaine would never have got into Moran and Livingstone's hands." (BBC)
Colombian musicians found dead in Mexico as homicide probe begins
The bodies of two Colombian musicians who went missing last week in Mexico have been found, authorities said on Monday, a day after Colombia's President made a plea to his Mexican counterpart to help find the artists.
versations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday," Disney said.
The comic's abrupt suspension came after threats by the federal tv regulator to revoke ABC's broadcast licence, sparking nationwide debates over free speech.
US President Donald Trump had welcomed Kimmel's suspension and suggested that some TV networks should have their licences "taken away" for negative coverage of the president.
Trump did not address Kimmel's reinstatement when a reporter asked about it during a White House event on Monday. (Excerpted from BBC)
A homicide investigation has been launched into the deaths of Bayron Sanchez, a 31-year-old reggaeton artist known as B-King, and Jorge Herrera, a 35-yearold DJ who performed under the name Regio Clown, the Mexico City prosecutor's office said on Monday.
The Colombians were last heard from on September 16, the day they were last seen in the upscale Polanco
neighbourhood of the capital Mexico City, the prosecutor's office said.
The prosecutor's office reported that the two Colombians matched the description of two bodies found on September 17 in the town of Cocotitlan in the State of Mexico, outside Mexico City.
Sanchez's relatives identified his body on Monday, the prosecutor's office said.
Earlier on Monday, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said that local authorities were investigating the Colombians’ disappearance, after Colombian President Gustavo Petro made a public plea for Sheinbaum's help in locating them.
In a social media post on
Monday afternoon, Petro appeared to confirm the musicians' deaths, blaming an "international mafia" that he said had been strengthened by the "war on drugs". Mexico's Foreign Ministry promised Colombian authorities that an "exhaustive investigation" would be carried out to ascertain what happened to the two musicians.
Media outlets have reported that Sanchez is the nephew of the Colombian cartel leader Camilo Torres, alias “Fritanga”. In 2022, the musician spoke about Torres in an interview with a Colombian TV outlet, calling him a very important person in his life. (Excerpt from Reuters)
S comedian Jimmy Kimmel will return to his late-night talk show on Tuesday after he was suspended for making jokes relating to the death of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk.
US comedian Jimmy Kimmel
Barbie and Peter Reynolds arriving at Heathrow airport on Saturday after nearly eight months of detention (Photograph: Isabel Infantes/Reuters)
More than 500kg of cocaine was found in the back of a van near Easington
Didier Reyes pleaded guilty to importing cocaine at Hull Crown Court
Regional
Thousands protest in Brazil against bill that could grant Bolsonaro amnesty
Tens of thousands of Brazilians joined protests in cities across the country on Sunday to protest against a bill which could result in ex-President Jair Bolsonaro being granted amnesty.
Bolsonaro was found guilty of plotting a coup earlier this month and has been sentenced to 27 years in prison. He will remain under house arrest until his lawyers have exhausted all appeals.
But the ex-leader's allies in the Chamber of Deputies have fast-tracked a bill which could see Bolsonaro and his co-defendants spared jail.
The demonstrators also expressed their anger at the Lower House's passing of a constitutional amendment which would make it harder to launch criminal proceedings against lawmakers.
Under the proposal, members of Congress would have to give their approval – in a secret ballot – before a lawmaker could be charged or arrested.
Critics have dubbed it the "Banditry Bill", but members of Congress who supported it said it was necessary to shield them from what they said was "judicial overreach".
The proposed constitutional amendment will now go to the Senate.
Sunday's protests had the backing of trade unions, social groups and left-wing political parties and drew tens of thousands of attendees in several major cities.
Many chanted "no amnesty" and held up placards calling Congress "shame-
At the event in Rio de Janeiro, veteran singers Chico Buarque, Gilberto Gil and Caetano Veloso entertained the crowds.
The demonstrations also drew the support of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who wrote on X: "I stand with the Brazilian people. Today's demonstrations show that the population does not want impunity or amnesty."
President Lula has also said that he would veto the amnesty bill were it to be passed by the Senate.
The anti-amnesty protests came two weeks after supporters of ex-President Bolsonaro took to the streets to denounce the legal proceedings against him.
The rival marches are a sign of how divided Brazilians remain over the Bolsonaro trial.
A majority of Supreme Court justices found that Bolsonaro and his seven co-defendants had conspired to try to cling to power after he lost the election to Lula in 2022.
The court said that while their efforts to launch a coup had failed because of lack of support from top military leaders, it had culminated in the storming of Congress, the Supreme Court and the presidential palace on January 8, 2023 by thousands of Bolsonaro supporters.
Order was quickly restored and more than 1500 persons were arrested, with some received lengthy sentences.
Bolsonaro's Liberal Party has been advocating for an amnesty for them and for the ex-President ever since.
But those who gathered on Sunday at the protests shouted "prison for Bolsonaro" and many told local reporters that they were "fighting for Brazil's democracy".
A survey published by pollster Datafolha on September 16 suggested that 50 per cent of respondents thought Bolsonaro should go to prison, while 43 per cent of the 2005 polled said he should not be jailed.
(BBC News)
Guard, 13 inmates killed in Ecuador prison fight
Police say 13 inmates and one prison guard have been killed and another 14 persons injured in clashes between rival gangs in a jail in Ecuador.
People living near the prison in the southwestern city of Machala reported hearing explosions and shots in the early hours of Monday local time.
Police Chief William Calle said an unknown number of prisoners had escaped during the incident, but 13 have so far been recaptured.
Deadly prison clashes and riots are not uncommon in Ecuador, with gangs often targeting members of rival groups.
Police blamed members of a criminal gang calling itself Los Lobos Box for Monday's violence. The gang has not commented on the incident.
Preliminary reports suggest security personnel rushed to one of the wings of the prison after having received an alarm call from those housed there.
When they arrived, the inmates took them hostage and killed one of the guards.
According to the reports, members of Los Lobos Box then stormed into a wing where their rivals were locked up and attacked them.
Some inmates managed to escape through a hole in the perimeter wall caused by an explosive device they had set off.
It is not clear yet how the explosives were smuggled into the jail.
Among the 14 injured are two Police Officers, Calle said.
He added that the security forces had regained
control of the prison after deploying 200 Police and soldiers.
According to Ecuadorean TV station Ecuavisa, residents of Machala have long demanded that the prison, which is located in the centre of the city, be relocated.
Ecuador has been struggling to contain a wave of gang violence that has seen it transformed from one of the safest nations in Latin America into one of the deadliest.
Prison gangs have played a key role in running criminal enterprises from behind bars and have struck alliances with Mexican drug cartels to control the flow of cocaine from neighbouring producer countries through Ecuador's ports to the US and beyond. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Trinidad: Soldier among 2 killed by cops in Sangre Grande
Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro has confirmed that two men were killed during an overnight shootout with Police in Sangre Grande on September 21. Guevarro said an AK-47 was discovered on the crime scene.
A third suspect is under Police guard at the Sangre Grande Hospital.
Speaking on the I95.5 Morning Show on September 22, Guevarro who made an appearance to express condolences to the staff on the passing of their colleague and deputy head of news Sterling Henderson, said the matter is at a very sensitive stage.
He said the officers received information, “about a particular intent of individuals and would have engaged in some surveillance
and attempt to intercept. At the end of the engagement, two persons were wounded and taken to the hospital where they succumbed to their injuries. An AK-47 rifle was recovered from the vehicle and investigations are continuing.”
The dead men have been identified as Shyien Trancoso and Enrique Garcia, who was said to be a member of the TT
Regiment.
Preliminary reports suggest that the NorthCentral Gang Intelligence Unit (NCGIU) received information that armed suspects were in a red Honda Vezel at Jairamsingh Village, waiting to carry out a robbery at a business place after the CPL cricket finals.
(Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)
US ready to help with Argentina's fiscal turmoil
United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said the US is "ready to do what is needed" to help stabilise Argentina's escalating financial turmoil.
"All options for stabilisation are on the table," Bessent wrote on social media, calling Argentina a "systematically important US ally in Latin America".
The message helped to calm financial markets, which have been rattled as
recent election losses raise doubts about the future of Javier Milei's cost-cutting, free-market agenda.
The value of the peso has been plunging, while investors dump Argentine stocks and bonds.
Milei, a libertarian economist and ally of US President Donald Trump, was elected President of Argentina in 2023 as an outsider candidate who promised to control soaring inflation through radical
government spending cuts and other reforms.
A stable Argentine peso is critical to that pledge.
But the currency has lost value as investors move money out of the country, in part worried about the Government's ability to keep the peso steady.
In recent weeks, the Argentine central bank has stepped in to try to stave off further weakness in the peso. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Venezuela launches 'cleansing' exercise near Trinidad and Tobago’s northwest coast
Venezuelan Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino López has launched a military exercise in the part of the country nearest to Trinidad and Tobago’s northwest coast in a bid to “cleanse the area" of criminal activity linked to T&T.
Speaking at the launch of Operation Cumanagoto 200 in Sucre state on September 21, Padrino López said the measure is part of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces' (FANB) moves to secure the territory.
A report on radiomiraflores.net.ve said Padrino Lopez claimed human trafficking, and the smuggling of fuel, arms and ammunition are major problems in that state and many of those illegal activities are linked to T&T.
He added the operation will cover all 15 municipalities of Sucre and seeks to dismantle any criminal and drug trafficking gangs operating in the territory.
In June, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro
claimed that paramilitary terrorists had entered his country via T&T. In August, three of five men arrested by Venezuela’s Guardia Nacional in a pirogue were Trinis.
T&T Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro told Newsday the men were "fishing for trouble".
The US has its own anti-drug trafficking operation with warships and a submarine in the southern Caribbean to tackle drug cartels in Venezuela.
A number of boats allegedly carrying illegal drugs have been blown up by the US military. Seventeen people on-board have been killed. Meanwhile, Al Jazeera reported that Dominican Republic forces have seized hundreds of cocaine packages from a speedboat that was targeted and destroyed by the United States Navy, officials said, amid escalating anti-drug operations in the Caribbean.
(Excerpts from Trinidad Newsday and Al Jazeera)
People protest against a proposed constitutional amendment approved by Congress and an amnesty bill at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro on September 21 [Reuters]
Venezuelan Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino López
T&T Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro
Around the World
OOIL NEWS
Oil little changed as traders assess supply risks
il prices were little changed today as traders contemplated the impacts of ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and Russia, while worries over trade tariffs that could dampen fuel demand persisted.
Brent crude futures were almost steady at US$66.56 a barrel by 0041 GMT while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was at US$62.29 a barrel, up two cents.
Two Gaza City hospitals have been taken out of service due to the escalation of Israel's ground offensive and damage caused by continued Israeli bombing, Gaza's Health Ministry said, as tanks advanced deeper into the territory.
Meanwhile, dozens of world leaders gathered at the United Nations on Monday to embrace a Palestinian state, a landmark diplomatic shift nearly two years into the Gaza war that faces fierce resistance from Israel and its close ally the United States.
Ukraine has intensified drone strikes on Russia’s energy facilities in the past few weeks, targeting refineries and export terminals, while the European Union plans to ban Russian LNG imports into the bloc a year earlier than envisaged as part of a 19th package of sanctions against Moscow following pressure from US President Donald Trump.
"Crude oil was relatively unchanged as the market digested the impact of the European Union’s efforts to restrict Russian supplies," ANZ analyst Daniel Hynes said in a note.
NATO allies accused Russia at the United Nations on Monday of violating the alliance's air space in Estonia and Poland – actions that Britain said risked triggering an armed conflict.
Russia's Defence Ministry said on Monday its forces had taken control of the settlement of Kalynivske, in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region.
Elsewhere, Saudi Arabia's crude oil exports in July hit their lowest level in four months, according to data from the Joint Organisations Data Initiative (JODI) released on Monday.
Iraq, the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries' second-largest producer, has increased oil exports under an OPEC+ agreement, state oil marketer SOMO said. (Reuters)
Use Ukraine's counter drone expertise to protect NATO's borders, Lithuania says
Ukraine should be fully integrated into plans for a "drone wall" to protect NATO's borders because it has the experience and know-how to be able to do it, Lithuania's Foreign Minister said on Monday.
The European Union is looking at how to create a "drone wall" along the EU's eastern border – a project infused with urgency by a Russian drone incursion into Poland.
Analysts and officials said the incursion exposed gaps in Europe's and NATO's ability to protect against drones, although Polish and NATO forces shot down several of them, albeit using expensive air defence systems and warplanes.
"We have big holes in our EU defence. We lack the right equipment that would allow us to detect drones, to follow them, to track them, and then to destroy them. We lack it," Kestutis Budrys told Reuters on the sidelines of the UN General
World leaders rally behind Palestinian statehood at UN, defying US and Israel
Dozens of world leaders gathered at the United Nations on Monday to embrace a Palestinian State, a landmark diplomatic shift nearly two years into the Gaza war that faces fierce resistance from Israel and its close ally the United States.
President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would recognise Palestine statehood at a meeting he convened with Saudi Arabia – a milestone that could boost Palestinian morale, but appeared unlikely to change much on the ground.
The most far-right Government in Israel's history has declared there will be no Palestinian State as it pushes on with its fight against militant group Hamas in Gaza following the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that killed some 1200 persons.
Israel has drawn global condemnation over its military conduct in Gaza, where more than 65,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to local health authorities. In recent weeks, Israel has begun
a long-threatened ground assault on Gaza City with few prospects for a ceasefire.
"We must pave the way for peace," Macron said at the start of the session at the United Nations in New York.
"We must do everything within our power to preserve the very possibility of a twoState solution, Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security," he said before announcing the diplomatic move drawing lengthy applause from the audience.
Israel has said such moves will undermine the prospects
Leader of South Korea's unification church jailed after court issues warrant
of a peaceful end to the conflict.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres were among those who also spoke during the event.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, whose leftist Government recognised the state of Palestine in 2024, told
Reuters in an interview on Monday that the recent recognition moves were very important.
"You have two countries from the Security Council, the UK and France, recognising the state of Palestine, and second, within the Western society... there's a large majority nowadays of countries that already recognise (the) Palestine State," he said.
Ahead of this week's UN General Assembly, Luxembourg, Malta, Belgium and Monaco on Monday also joined the more than three-quarters of the 193 UN members who already recognise a Palestinian state.
Macron’s July pledge on recognition set the latest push in motion, with Britain, Canada and Australia later saying they would follow, and eventually doing so on Sunday. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Assembly.
Budrys said Ukraine was fighting back drones every night and had the integrated systems to counter drones.
"We have to bring this technology to the front line and to build it there, build it there so that it will be effective together with Ukrainians," Budrys said.
Speaking on Russian incursions into NATO air space, Budrys said Moscow was using the alliance's hesitations and debate on how to respond to expand the grey zones.
"We have to also very clearly articulate and show to Russia that further escalation from their side will bring a harsher response," he said.
Those comments echoed Polish Foreign Minister Rados?aw Sikorski, who earlier at the United Nations warned Russia not to "come here to whine about it" if a plane or missile was shot down next time they entered Polish air space. (Excerpt from Reuters)
The leader of the Unification Church religious empire, Han Hak-ja, was jailed after a South Korean court on Tuesday issued a warrant to detain her in relation to graft allegations against the wife of ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol, a prosecutor said.
Han has been accused of directing the church to bribe former First Lady Kim Keon Hee for favours for the church's business interests. She has denied the allegations, calling them "false information".
After Yoon was removed from office over a political crisis sparked by his shortlived martial law imposition last year, special prosecutors launched a sprawling crimi-
nal investigation into the former first couple, focused on the former first lady's bribery allegations.
Kim is on trial this week over charges including bribery. She is suspected of receiving bribes from the church among the charges, according to the prosecutors. Yoon, who is also in detention, is on trial separately for insurrection.
The court issued the warrant for Han's detention in order to protect evidence, the special prosecutor's team said in a message to reporters.
The church, formally called the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, has followers around the world.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
Putin offers Trump 1-year extension
to
nuclear weapons treaty
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday offered to voluntarily maintain the limits on deployed strategic nuclear weapons set in the 2010 New START accord after it expires in February if the US agreed to do the same.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Putin's proposal sounded "pretty good", but she added that U.S. President Donald Trump would address the offer himself.
The agreement is the last US-Russia strategic nuclear arms control accord. It allowed for only one five-year extension, which Putin and former US President Joe Biden agreed to implement in 2021.
"Russia is prepared to continue adhering to the central numerical limits under the New START Treaty for one year after February 5, 2026," he said.
"Subsequently, based on an analysis of the situation, we will make a decision on whether to maintain these voluntary, self-imposed restrictions."
Trump in July said he would like to maintain the limits on deployed strategic nuclear weapons set in the 2010 New START pact after it expires on February 5.
The offer, which comes as Ukraine tries to convince Trump to impose harsher sanctions on Russia, was made public by Putin at a meeting of his Security Council.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
ICC charges Rodrigo Duterte with crimes against humanity
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been charged with crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The 80-year-old is accused of being criminally responsible for dozens of murders that allegedly took place as part of his so-called war on drugs, during which thousands of small-time drug dealers, users and others were killed without trial.
The ICC's charge sheet, which includes several redactions, dates from July, but was only made public on Monday.
ICC Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang said Duterte was an "indirect co-perpetrator" in the killings, which the court alleges were carried out by others, including Police.
The first count laid against Duterte concerns his alleged involvement in the killings of 19 persons in Davao City between 2013 and 2016 while he was Mayor there.
The other two charges relate to times when he was serving as President of the Philippines, between 2016 and 2022, and launched his so-called war on drugs.
(Excerpt from BBC News)
Han Hak-ja, the leader of the Unification Church, arrives at a court to attend a hearing to review her arrest warrant requested by special prosecutors in Seoul, South Korea, September 22, 2025
(Reuters/Kim Hong-Ji photo)
SUDOKU
A rich imagination will carry you through the day. A change in vocation, plans or lifestyle can lead to improved finances. Partnerships look promising and can help lower your overhead.
Establish what you represent and are willing to offer to avoid being misled by false claims or unnecessary demands. Conflicts between work and home are likely if you don't manage your time well.
Participate in social events that offer insight into what's happening in your community. New beginnings await if you keep an open mind and are willing to try something different.
Temptation, indulgence and overreacting to what's happening around you will be hard to resist. You'll meet with opposition if you are argumentative or hostile.
You are heading in the right direction, but take precautions when addressing domestic issues. Open discussions will help alleviate setbacks if you get approval before you begin a project.
Take action to put your responsibilities behind you. The quicker you take care of business, the sooner you can enjoy your day. Don't take risks with your money or your health.
Recognize your worth, and present what you can do. Stop wasting time trying to do the impossible, and start moving forward in a way that brings you emotional gratification.
Put your ego aside, keep your emotions to yourself and focus on facts, what's possible and how to turn your plans into reality. A kind word or gesture can generate favors.
Let your creative imagination determine your lifestyle. Your emotional well-being affects how you look and feel. Doing a stellar job, both personally and professionally, will pay off.
Err on the side of caution today. Say no to temptation and yes to taking care of responsibilities, as well as anything related to partnerships or joint ventures.
Lifestyle matters. Whether you are dealing with financial, health or legal issues, it is best to stay informed. Your life, your choices; refuse to let anyone talk you into something you don't agree with or want.
Share your thoughts, ask questions and make your demands clear and contingent on what you discover moving forward. Opportunity will present itself if you network.
Port Mourant Secondary School win BCB/RBL Region 6 cricket competition
Port Mourant Secondary School (PMSS) are the winners of the 2025 Berbice Cricket Board (BCB)Republic Bank Limited (RBL) Inter-Secondary Schools cricket competition in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).
In the final played at the Rose Hall Community Centre Ground in East Canje, PMSS made light work of Canje Secondary School (CSS). Put in to bat, CSS were bundled out for 84 in 21 of
their allotted 30 overs.
Kelston Kisten (4x4,1x6) top-scored with 36 while Lakeram Singh made 31 (4x4, 1x6).
For PMSS, Captain Feaz Baksh, bowling leg spin, was the destroyer with figures of 5 for 8. He got support from off-spinner Rovin Lalbeharry, who picked up three wickets.
In reply, PMSS raced to 85-3, with Munesh Rampersaud striking an unbeaten 31 (2x4, 2x6) and Romesh Bharrat 25 not out (2x4, 1x6). Asgarally Nabbie made 17 (3x4).
The winning PMSS team were presented with their trophy and monetary incentive, while CSS were presented with an award for being the runner-up team
in the competition, which spanned across the region.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, RBL New Amsterdam Branch Manager Seema Brijmaul thanked the BCB for organising the tournament and the school for participating. She congratulated PMSS for winning the tournament and CSS for reaching the final, wishing them better luck next time.
Sponsorship is a part of the Bank s corporate responsibility in giving back to the community, she said.
Meanwhile, BCB Secretary Angela Haniff thanked RBL for coming on board and assisting the BCB in sponsoring the competition.
The competition began in
2023, but was delayed owing to various circumstances, including the lengthy inclement weather.
Seventeen schools participated in the tournament that was divided into zones and played on a knock-out
Sandhu bags 6 to give Pakistan consolation win
Nashra Sandhu returned the second-best figures for Pakistan in women's OneDay Internationals (ODIs), helping the hosts earn a consolation six-wicket win in the third ODI against South Africa in Lahore.
The left-arm spinner ripped through the South Africa top order, bagging 6 for 26 in nine overs to skittle them for just 115. In reply, Sidra Amin followed up her twin centuries with an unbeaten 50 as Pakistan chased down the target in 31 overs. South Africa still sealed the ODI series by a 2-1 margin.
After opting to bat, Laura Wolvaardt and Karabo Meso gave South Africa, who made five changes to their XI, a flying start, adding 38 in 6.4 overs.
Wolvaardt was the aggressor, as she twice went after Captain Fatima Sana in the first over and then struck fast bowler Diana Baig for two fours as well. Sana had a scare five balls into her second over, when she was struck by a Wolvaardt drive on her shin and was stretchered off. She, however, came back onto the field later, but
Sune Luus started aggressively as well, hitting Baig for two successive fours, but Sandhu's introduction into the attack changed the game. She took two balls to strike, taking out Luus for 10. Omaima Sohail then had Meso caught and bowled before Sandhu took charge.
On a surface aiding plenty of spin, Sandhu squared up Miane Smit and rattled her off stump and then had Sinalo Jafta lbw as South Africa slipped to 73 for 5 after 13 overs. Anneke Bosch was caught by Amin before Sandhu notched up her maiden five-wicket haul by
bowling Chloe Tryon with a ripper of a delivery. The ball pitched on middle and spun sharply past Tryon's outside edge to hit off stump.
Sandhu added a sixth wicket when she trapped
She sent back Ayabonga Khaka and Nonkululeko Mlaba in an over as South Africa were cleaned up in 25.5 overs.
Pakistan had a tricky start to their chase with Sohail falling to Mlaba for a
Nadine de Klerk lbw, though the batter was not pleased with the decision. Masabata Klaas struck Syeda Aroob Shah for back-to-back fours to take South Africa past 100, but Aroob soon wrapped up the innings.
golden duck. But Muneeba Ali and Amin steadied the innings, adding 65 runs for the second wicket. After three straight maidens, Amin broke the shackles with a two and four
and fittingly hit the winning runs off Luus to end the series with 293 runs in three innings. (ESPNcricinfo)
basis in each zone.
Senior Coach and BCB executive member Leslie Solomon stated that the competition helped to unearth new talent. Solomon also served as one of the coordinators. (G-4)
Republic Bank New Amsterdam Branch Manager Seema Brijmaul (left) along with other staff, teachers and BCB officials posing with the winning Port Mourant Secondary School team after the winners received their silverware
Republic Bank New Amsterdam Branch Manager Brijmaul handing over the winning prize to Port Mourant Secondary Captain Feaz Baksh
off Mlaba. Muneeba then struck Mlaba for two fours in an over as the runs started to flow.
De Klerk broke the stand by having Muneeba caught behind and two balls later, removed Sana, but Amin carried on. She took her chances, finding boundaries regularly
South Africa claimed the series 2-1
Muneeba Ali gave Pakistan a great start
Nashra Sandhu returned 6 for 26 in nine overs
Sidra Amin recorded an unbeaten 50
wins Ballon d'Or
as PSG dominate
Paris St-Germain's Ousmane Dembele won his first Ballon d'Or as the French treble winners came away with several of the key men's awards at the Paris ceremony.
The 28-year-old France forward scored 35 goals and made 14 assists in 53 matches for PSG last season as they won the Champions League, league title and the French
Yamal to the award, was able to attend the ceremony in Paris – and was in tears as he stood on the stage – despite the fact his team were playing on Monday evening.
The forward is currently sidelined through injury, meaning he missed PSG's 1-0 home defeat by Marseille in a game, which was rearranged because of a storm.
ond – and also won the Kopa Trophy for the best young player.
PSG and Portugal midfielder Vitinha was third, and Liverpool's Mohamed Salah was fourth.
Chelsea and England's Cole Palmer finished eighth.
Last year's winner,
before the ceremony even though it is factually based.
Last season's was shared between Bayern Munich's Harry Kane and Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappé (although for his time at PSG) – with 52 goals each.
The previous win
It caps off a sensational career revival for a player who had not scored double figures in a league campaign season since he was a teenager at
Cup.
He was the joint top scorer in Ligue 1, with 21 goals, and named the French top flight and Champions League Player of the Year.
And he also helped PSG to the Club World Cup final where they lost to Chelsea in New Jersey.
Dembele, who beat Barcelona teenager Lamine
PSG Manager Luis Enrique – who was named Coach of the Year – deserves huge credit for Dembele's award because of a tactical switch in mid-December.
He moved Dembele from a wide right to centre-forward role against Lyon on December 15, by which stage he had only scored five goals.
He hit 30 goals for PSG from that date onwards.
Dembele has finally shown the quality that persuaded Barcelona to pay an initial £96.8 million, potentially rising to £135.5 million, to sign him from Borussia Dortmund in
However PSG – who were named Team of the Year at the 2025 Ballon d'Or awards –- were the team who got the bargain by recruiting him for just £43.5 million in 2023.
Dembele also scored twice in seven caps for France in 2024-25.
He is the sixth Frenchman to win the award and only the second of the 21st century after Karim Benzema in 2022.
Yamal, 18, finished sec-
Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri, did not make the shortlist this time after an injury-hit campaign.
Gyokeres wins top scorer trophy Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres won the Gerd Muller Trophy, which is awarded to the top scoring player in European football for club and country in 2024-25.
The 27-year-old scored 54 goals in 52 games for Portuguese club Sporting last season – and nine goals in six Nations League games for Sweden.
He joined Arsenal in a deal worth up to £64 million in the summer.
The exact criteria for the award is not known, meaning the winner was uncertain
The winger scored 18 goals – including netting in three different Clasicos – and made 21 assists in 55 games.
And he also helped Spain to the Nations League final, where they lost on penalties to Portugal, after scoring twice in a memorable 5-4 semi-final win over Dembele's France.
ners for the award, which was launched in 2021, were Robert Lewandowski, twice, and Erling Haaland.
Yamal wins second Kopa Trophy
Yamal may have been disappointed not to win the Ballon d'Or, with rumours emerging hours before the event that he had won it.
But the Barcelona star did receive the Kopa Trophy, for the best player under the age of 21, for the second consecutive year.
The teenager is the first player to win it twice, although it was only created in 2018.
He helped Spain to win the domestic double last season of La Liga and the Copa del Rey.
Luis Enrique wins top manager award
The trophy for the best men's coach in 2024-25, at club or international level, was Paris St-Germain's Luis Enrique.
The 55-year-old Spaniard led PSG to their first Champions League trophy, to cap off a treble, despite losing star man Mbappé on a free transfer at the start of the season.
The ex-Barcelona man is only the second person, after Pep Guardiola, to win the treble with two different clubs.
The Socrates Award, which is a humanitarian one, went to the Xana Fundacion, which was set up by Luis Enrique's family in memo-
Sukhram dominates Massy Guyana Golf Tournament
The Lusignan Golf Club
(LGC) was the stage for brilliance on Saturday, September 20, 2025, as Massy Distribution hosted its Goli and Soldanza Golf Tournament. While the day showcased talent from across the field, the spotlight belonged to Christine Sukhram, Sukhram, Guyana’s leading female golfer, produced a stellar round of 77 gross. With her handicap of 10 factored in, she secured a net score of 67, comfortably earning the top position. Her accuracy and composure set her apart, reaffirming her reputation as the face of women’s golf in Guyana and underscoring her ability to dominate against the strongest competition.
Close behind was Brian Hackett, who delivered a solid gross of 86. With his handicap of 18, Hackett posted a net 68 to finish in second place. Third went to Carlos Adams, whose persistence saw him complete the round with a gross of 94 and a handicap of 23, ending on a net 71.
Beyond the leaderboard, the day celebrated remarkable individual achievements. Avinash Persaud carded a gross 76 to claim the Best Gross prize. Ravindra Harry unleashed power to capture the Longest Drive award,
while Paton George demonstrated precision with the Nearest to the Pin (NTP) prize. Adding a splash of style to the tournament, Nichlas Dindyal was honoured as Best Dressed Caddy.
Representatives of Massy’s Goli and Soldanza brands praised both the competition and the spirit of the day, emphasising their pride in supporting Guyanese golf.
Speaking on behalf of Goli, Jermaine Glasgow noted: “I
was here for a while, and I actually got to see most of the competition. I must say, I learned a lot today, and I’m very excited to know that we have such a passionate golf team. I must congratulate all of you on a job well done today. I hope there’s many more tournaments of this kind.”
Adding her voice for Soldanza, Nikesha Marques expressed: “It’s a pleasure to be here, a pleasure to have Massy sponsoring the tourna-
ment, and we’re really excited to be a part of this community. So I must say, thank you and congrats to everyone that won.”
The Massy Guyana Golf Tournament was more than just a competition, it was proof that golf in Guyana continues to grow in talent and energy. And at the centre of it all was Sukhram, reminding everyone that greatness knows no boundaries.
ry of his daughter who died from bone cancer aged nine in 2019. It is dedicated to providing comprehensive support to children and young people with life-threatening illnesses.
Enrique was not present because he was managing his team against Marseille.
Donnarumma wins second Yashin trophy Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, now at Manchester City, won the award for the best goalkeeper in 2024-25 for his performances at Paris St-Germain. The 26-year-old kept 17 clean sheets in 47 games for the treble winners – before joining City for £26 million on deadline day.
He finished ninth in the overall Ballon d'Or list.
Liverpool's Alisson Becker finished second for the keeper award.
Donnarumma also won the award in 2021 after being named Player of the Tournament at Euro 2020. Aston Villa and Argentina's Emiliano Martinez had won the award for the past two years – but finished eighth this time. (BBC Sport)
Lamine Yamal won his second, consecutive Kopa Trophy
Viktor Gyokeres won the Gerd Muller Trophy
Ousmane Dembele was one of many Paris St-Germain winners on the night
Christine Sukhram dominated the day’s play to take the top position
“The surface fooled us a little bit”
trending decision to bat first in Sunday night’s final, Klusener justified the decision while sharing that the pitch might have fooled them.
He explained, “It looked like a good surface actu ally, it really did and probably fooled us a little bit, but in saying that, there was a lot of spin happening towards the end and I think another 20 runs, if we’d just applied ourselves a little bit better, we would’ve been fine, you know.
“So, I don’t think there was any problem with that and then quite a lot of dew again this evening. It has been sprayed and the other night there was no dew and tonight, it was there again. A lot of ifs and buts, still a solid decision to bat first in a final. Runs on the board al ways comes with its different pressures to chase that, as we saw tonight,” Klusener further stated.
The South African international turned Coach went on to respond to inquiries regarding Shamar Joseph’s late introduction into the bowling attack.
Quizzed about the now
“The ball was spinning, so I think that’s our strength as well with [Gudakesh] Motie and [Imran] Tahir. So, if they could just get us a breakthrough, you know, Shamar could follow that with a little bit of pressure,” he noted.
Though not being a part of the Amazon Warriors’ heartbreaking finals saga from the start, Klusener still had kind words for the thousands of fans who showed up in support of the team on Sunday night.
The GAW Head Coach expressed, “Awesome. Thanks very much for turning up. We didn’t play as well as we would’ve
hails bright future for basketball after meeting with Minister Jacobs
…Government reaffirms commitment to basketball’s growth
The Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) believes the future of basketball in Guyana is brighter than ever, following a fruitful meeting on Monday with Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs.
Representing the Federation were Vice Presidents Rawle Toney and Jermaine Slater, who engaged Minister Jacobs as part of his ongoing series of one-on-one consultations with national sports associations.
The initiative aims to reaffirm the Government’s commitment to sports development while also identifying new opportunities for collaboration and areas for improvement.
Minister Jacobs underlined that under the leadership of President Dr Irfaan Ali, this Government remains steadfast in delivering on its manifesto promises for sport.
Key among those commitments is the creation of pathways to ensure athletes are prepared for life after competition, while also prioritising the holistic well-being of sportsmen and women.
Jacobs highlighted employment opportunities through coaching and mentorship as areas that can provide both personal and professional growth for athletes.
“Whatever is in that manifesto must be done and completed,” Jacobs affirmed, making clear the Government’s seriousness in executing its plans for the sector.
The Minister was also briefed on the GBF’s longstanding relationship with the
Ministry, a partnership that has strengthened in recent years under the stewardship of Minister Charles Ramson Jr.
According to Toney and Slater, the Federation has benefitted tremendously from Government support, including funding for national tournaments, assistance for teams travelling to overseas competitions, and collaborations that enabled Guyana to host major regional and international events.
Minister Jacobs, himself a former national cricketer, underscored that his approach will be to build on the solid foundation laid by Minister Ramson.
Drawing on his own sporting background, Jacobs expressed a keen understanding of the challenges faced by athletes and administrators, while reiterating that Government support goes beyond financing, noting that it is about creating long-term investments that allow athletes and coaches to thrive.
During the meeting, the GBF leadership presented the
Federation’s plans for basketball’s growth in Guyana.
These include programmes targeting grassroots development, school-level engagement, and structured competitions for male and female athletes across various age categories, in both traditional and 3x3 formats of the game.
With Guyana set to host the FIBA Women's Caribbean Championships from November 9 to November 17 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, and the national teams scheduled to participate in several international tournaments, Minister Jacobs reiterated the Government’s full backing.
He noted that new initiatives would be rolled out to complement the work already being done by the GBF, ensuring that basketball continues to develop with the Government leading from the front.
The GBF, in turn, expressed its optimism about the sport’s direction and its confidence in the continued partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.
like, but we also probably wouldn’t have been in the final if it wasn’t for the 12th-man support that we get here at Providence.”
Though the Amazon Warriors missed out on the big cup, there were still some individual prizes to go around. Shai Hope was the highest run-scorer of the tournament with 491 runs while Captain Tahir was the highest wicket-taker with 23 scalps. Quentin Sampson grabbed the Breakout Player award while Motie was deemed to have the best celebration following his ‘cutthroat’ celebration in Qualifier 1 of the playoffs.
Republic Bank renews CPL title sponsorship
The thus-far entertaining collaboration between the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and Republic Bank Limited will continue for another three years; a missive from the regional financial institution announced on Monday.
Republic Bank shared, “The new three-year, groundbreaking partnership sees Republic Bank continue as Title Sponsor and Official Bank of the Republic Bank CPL, as well [as] continuing the commitment to both the WCPL, and their expanding grassroots cricket investment via the highly successful RBL Five for Fun programme aimed at inspiring the next generation of cricketers.
“This highly-successful collaboration first started in 2016, when Republic Bank was the Official Banking Partner and grew significantly in 2023 when the bank became Title Sponsor for the first time. Republic Bank is the largest financial institution in the English-speaking Caribbean and the partnership with CPL, the largest regional sporting event, has been a game-changing one for cricket fans around the region.
“With innovative fanfirst marketing and promotional strategies, Republic Bank has helped the League to drive deeper engagement with fans and communities, while funding innovation and deepening the tournament’s Caribbean identity. The next three years promise more excitement as the
Republic Bank CPL continues to grow and spread joy across the region.
“Both Republic Bank and CPL are deeply committed to both regional economic development and the development of Caribbean talent. With the tournament driving a significant economic impact, estimated at US$225.4 million in 2024, the partnership with the region’s leading financial institution creates many synergies that benefits both organisations and the region.”
Richard S Sammy, Group Vice President, Republic Financial Holdings Limited and Vice President, Republic Bank Limited, shared “We are absolutely thrilled to renew our partnership with the Caribbean Premier League for another three years. Since 2016, we’ve been deeply committed to investing in the development of cricket across the region, and this renewed commitment is a testament to our belief in the power of the sport to bring
people together and inspire a new generation of regional talent to shine brightly on a world stage. This partnership is more than just a sponsorship; it’s a shared vision to enable a top-tier cricket experience for fans while providing digital-first banking solutions that meet the evolving needs of the Caribbean people.”
Republic Bank CPL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pete Russell had this to say, “We are delighted to welcome back Republic Bank as the Title Sponsor and Official Bank of the Caribbean Premier League. They have been a phenomenal partner of the tournament and their involvement ensures three more years of investment into putting together what is one of the world’s great cricket leagues. My personal thanks go out to the Republic Bank Board and Executive team in believing in the value that the CPL brings to the region and for continuing the journey with us for the next three years.”
GAW Head Coach Lance Klusener
It was a disappointing end to the 2025 CPL season for the Amazon Warriors
GBF Vice Presidents Jermaine Slater and Rawle Toney take a photo opportunity with Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs
RBL Vice President Richard S Sammy
