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FRIDAY 2nd October, 2026

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No. 1081925

Agricultural transformation must meet - President Ali says, points to $113.2B 2026 future demands allocation compared to $18.4B in 2020

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As anticipation builds for the opening of the new US$35M Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge, ongoing load testing remains a vital part of the preparations. The new bridge represents a major transformation for Linden, replacing the existing two-lane crossing with a modern four-lane structure designed to improve traffic flow and connectivity. The current bridge has often been associated with stop-and-go traffic and bottlenecks, particularly during peak periods. Once opened, the new crossing is expected to ease congestion and provide a more seamless movement of vehicles and goods across the Demerara River (Photos: President Dr Irfaan Ali/Facebook)

Growing aviation sector demands stronger safety oversight – PM - regional partners urged to strengthen institutions, co-operation as air traffic expands

SEE PAGES

Guyana, Panama deepen bilateral relations with landmark Air Services Agreement SEE PAGES

GPHC records 107 new breast cancer cases in seven-month period SEE PAGES

- patients, survivors, staff honoured in Breast Cancer Awareness

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 2, 2026

Guyana, Panama deepen bilateral relations with landmark Air Services Agreement

IN a significant step to enhance air connectivity and strengthen ties between the two nations, Guyana and Panama signed an Air Services Agreement at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre. The signing took place on the sidelines of the joint International Civil Aviation Organisation and European Union Aviation Safety Agency Third Global Regional Safety Oversight Organisations and Regional Accidents and Incidents Investigations Organisations Forum for Aviation Safety on September 30, 2026.

The Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar, signed on behalf of Guyana, while Captain Rafael Bárcenas Chiari, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Panama, signed on behalf of Panama. The Air Services Agreement was initially negotiated and signed at the technical level during the 2025 ICAO Air Services Negotiation Event (ICAN) in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. This agreement is designed to foster greater collaboration in the aviation sector, expand air travel options, and promote increased

trade between Guyana and Panama. Key provisions include Grant of Rights, Designations and Authorisations, Application of Laws, Recognition of Certificates, Code Sharing, Tariffs, Safety, Aviation Security, and User Charges. This robust regulatory framework ensures the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and cooperation in air services between the two countries. Under the new agreement, airlines are granted up to sixth freedom traffic rights for passenger movement and up to seventh freedom rights for

The Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar (left) and Captain Rafael Bárcenas Chiari, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority at the signing ceremony (GCAA photo)

cargo operations. These expanded rights will provide airlines with greater flexibility, open new market opportunities, and deliver significant benefits to both passengers and cargo operators. COPA Airlines, which has operated daily flights between Guyana and Panama since 2014, will now benefit from a formalised legal framework

that replaces the previous reciprocity-based system. The agreement is expected to further strengthen commercial and economic relations, broaden travel options for passengers, and stimulate growth in trade and tourism between the two nations. Mr Alejandro Salas, Air Transport Director, Civil Aviation Authority, Panama, Ms Thandi

McAllister, Parliamentary Secretary, Dr Saheed Sulaman, Deputy Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, and Mr Alfonso De Armas, Director General of the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation, witnessed the signing. Guyana and Panama established diplomatic relations on March 16, 1973. (GCAA)

Agricultural transformation must meet future demands

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 2, 2026

- President Ali says, points to $113.2B 2026 allocation compared to $18.4B in 2020

PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali has said Guyana’s agriculture sector is undergoing a major transformation aimed at building a modern, productive and competitive industry capable of meeting future demands and strengthening food security. In his message marking Agriculture Month 2026, President Ali said the transformation of the sector is being driven by investments in technology, infrastructure, production, processing, logistics and market access. “Food is more than what we put on our tables. It is security. It is opportunity. It is economic strength. And in an uncertain world, the ability to feed ourselves and to help feed our neighbours is an expression of national resilience,” the President said. He said Guyana’s vision extends beyond domestic food production, with the country seeking to position itself as a major food hub for the Caribbean and contribute to regional food and nutrition se-

curity. According to the President, the national agricultural budget has increased by 515 per cent, from $18.4 billion in 2020 to $113.2 billion in 2026. The investment is supporting initiatives including large-scale corn and soya bean production in the Intermediate Savannahs, drainage and irrigation works, farm-to-market roads, agro-processing, storage and logistics, livestock, aquaculture, research and extension services. Further, he noted that the soon-to-belaunched Guyana Development Bank is also expected to expand access to financing for small-scale food producers and agro-processors. President Ali said the investments are intended to strengthen the foundations of a modern food economy by increasing production, reducing losses, adding value and improving access to markets. “As Guyana undergoes rapid economic transformation, agriculture remains a foun-

President Dr Irfaan Ali

dational pillar of our economy. It is a strategic sector with the immense potential to generate wealth, create jobs, improve livelihoods, earn foreign exchange, uplift communities and contribute to national prosperity,” he said adding: “Our task is to transform the sector into an industry capable of meeting the demands and opportunities of the future. And that transformation is already underway.” He also pointed to the growing use of precision farming, improved ge-

netics, digital extension services, hydroponics, protected agriculture and modern poultry systems as part of efforts to modernise Guyana’s agrifood systems. Plans for agro-processing hubs and stronger links between production, logistics and markets are also expected to support greater efficiency and competitiveness across the sector. The President said innovation must remain central to the transformation, with technology, science, data and enterprise expected to

play an increasingly important role in determining the efficiency and profitability of food production. He also highlighted the importance of encouraging partnerships and consortiums involving the private sector, young people and women to take advantage of emerging opportunities in agriculture. At the regional level, Guyana continues to support CARICOM’s efforts to improve food and nutrition security through the 25 by 2030 initiative, while

seeking to increase production, reduce dependence on food imports and strengthen regional supply chains. President Ali said Guyana’s land, water, natural resources and skills place the country in a position to contribute significantly to meeting the food needs of the Caribbean. “Guyana’s agricultural transformation is not only a national undertaking. It is a regional responsibility and a regional opportunity. Guyana continues to play a leading role in advancing food and nutrition security within CARICOM as we work towards the 25 by 2030 initiative and beyond.” He said achieving that goal will require continued investment, as well as greater participation from farmers, fishers, processors, agro-processors, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders across the agri-food system. Agriculture Month 2026 is being observed under the theme “ I n n o v a t e , N o u rish, Grow: Building a strong sustainable Guyana.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 2, 2026

‘Women are not victims’: Türk calls for women to be at the heart of peace and security WOMEN must be at the centre of efforts to prevent conflict and build lasting peace, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said on Thursday. He warned that women and girls continue to suffer disproportionate harm in conflicts, while often being excluded from decisions affecting their security. Addressing the International Civil Society Action Network’s 2026 Forum on Women, Peace and Security in The Hague in a video message, Mr. Türk said the world was experiencing “seismic global shocks”, with conflicts affecting millions of people. According to latest data looking at 2024, an estimated 676 million women and girls lived within 50 kilometres of active conflict, the highest figure recorded since the end of the Cold War.

Women attend a workshop in Peru focused on promoting peace at a community level (United Nations photo) “Women are the overwhelming majority of victims of conflict-related rape, abductions, human trafficking, and sexual slavery,” he said. He stressed that discrimination can increase women’s exposure to harm, particularly when conflict erupts.

RISKS RISE WITHOUT INVESTMENT “The lower the resources allocated to women – in terms of health, wealth and education – the greater their exposure to harm,” he said. Women and girls from racially and ethnically marginalised groups, as well as those facing discrimination on religious or other grounds, can be particularly vulnerable, including to sexual violence, he added. Mr. Türk also pointed to what he described as a persistent gap between the role women play in protecting communities and their

representation in formal decision-making. ‘WOMEN ARE NOT VICTIMS’ While recognising the disproportionate impact of conflict on women and girls, the High Commissioner rejected the idea of portraying women solely as victims. “But women are not victims,” he said. “On the contrary: all over the world, even in the harshest and most violent environments, women continue to lead, organise, mediate, and document violations.” Women are often among the first to respond to hu-

manitarian crises, he said, drawing on knowledge of local conditions that international organisations may lack. Stressing the crucial role women have in preventing conflict, Mr. Türk added that “they are very powerful builders of community protection, accountability, and peace.” RETHINKING SOCIETY The High Commissioner argued that lasting peace cannot be built in societies marked by discrimination and oppression and called for greater recognition of women-led civil society organisations as full partners. He also called for a broader understanding of what constitutes security. “Equality; impartial in-

stitutions for policing and accountability; economic and social justice; non-violent mediation; and governance that fulfils people's human rights make a society far more safe than spiralling military budgets that choke off spending for essential services,” he said. For Mr. Türk, protecting human rights is also a means of strengthening societies against future crises. “Upholding human rights is an investment in enduring social cohesion,” he said. “It builds societies that are resilient to shocks, because they are fair.” He called for women’s equal participation in decisions affecting their communities and countries: “Gender equality is not a favour that men are doing to women. It is fundamental to humanity, and benefits everyone,” he said. SUPPORTING WOMEN PEACEBUILDERS The UN human rights office (OHCHR) is working with women rights defenders and seeking to expand their access to international mechanisms. Mr. Türk cited support for accountability for conflict-related sexual violence in countries including Colombia, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as support for women mediators and leaders across Africa. (UN)

Kamarang Hospital gets operating theatre, 13 new beds

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 2, 2026

- as Region Seven prepares for eye surgeries

From left to right: Regional Executive Officer (REO), Dr Josh Kanhai, Regional Education Officer (REDO), Samantha Phagu-Singh and Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr Mark Allen

THE Upper Mazaruni District Hospital in Kamarang Village, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), now has a functioning operating theatre, 13 new beds and laboratory equipment comparable to that at Bartica Regional Hospital. Regional Health O ff i c e r ( R H O ) D r Mark Allen outlined the changes during a regional briefing on Monday evening via President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s Facebook page. Dr Allen said the change has been stark over his six years in the

region. “When I first came here, I went to Kamarang Hospital. It basically had a single empty oxygen bottle. We had rapid tests, we had a few broken beds, and we had nothing much to work with,” he said. The facility now has at least four full oxygen bottles, a new incubator and a delivery room with a new bed. Two surgical outreaches have already been held at the hospital, and the health department plans to increase them. The first set of surgeries was completed

in April 2024. The region is also moving to offer eye surgeries for the first time. A new doctor has joined the regional health team, and equipment for the procedures is being procured. Surgeries will begin at Bartica Regional Hospital before being extended to Kamarang. “If we can do eye surgeries within Bartica, at least we can move to Kamarang as well, since we have a theatre up there,” Dr Allen said. Medication supply to remote health facili-

The surgical theatre at the Upper Mazaruni District Hospital in Kamarang

ties has also improved under CORTEX, a digital platform that lets facilities request and transfer drugs directly. Dr Allen said communities such as Waramadong, Waipa and Arau have had difficulty getting medication in the past. Requests now go straight from the facility to the Ministry of Health’s Materials Management Unit (MMU), where orders are prepared and dispatched.

In the Upper Mazaruni, medication availability has risen from the low 50s to the high 90s. To keep it there, the health department is sending supplies to riverine communities ahead of the dry season, before falling water levels make boat transport difficult. The region is also preparing for the rollout of electronic medical records, which Dr Allen expects to be integrated with COR-

TEX. A doctor at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation will be able to see a Bartica patient’s full history, including clinic visits, medications, and treatment at other facilities. Bartica Hospital currently offers specialist services in surgery, orthopaedics, gynaecology, paediatrics, ophthalmology, and dentistry. Dental services are available in all three of the region’s districts. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 2, 2026

Getting More For Less A GOVERNMENT is judged less by its speeches than by what a family can afford at the market on a Saturday morning. By that measure, Wednesday's launch of a weekly farmers' market at the Sophia Market deserves applause. It is a practical answer to a practical problem, and it reflects the consistent philosophy that President Irfaan Ali has pressed for years, price stability is built through production, competition and smart fiscal policy, not slogans. The logic is refreshingly simple: farmers rise early and work until late in the evening, yet too often the reward does not match the

effort. Meanwhile, consumers pay far more than the farm-gate price suggests they should. President Ali has named this gap himself, pointing to cases where produce sold by farmers at a base price is marked up significantly before it reaches the shopper. A market that connects grower and buyer directly narrows that gap. The farmer earns more, the consumer pays less, and the only party squeezed is the unnecessary middle layer. Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha was right to say that farmers must now be allowed to get their benefit and their reward. Critically, this is not an

isolated gesture. The weekly Sophia market sits alongside monthly farmers' markets in various regions, and it fits within a wider strategy. Budget 2026 is, in the president's words, a journey of continuation, one that aims to ensure price stability for food, expand local production, cut the cost of local production and strengthen small and medium enterprises. Heavy allocations for drainage and irrigation will open tens of thousands of acres of new farmland. More output means more supply, and more supply is the surest long-term route to lower prices. The same thinking runs through the government's

broader relief measures: the continued removal of excise duty on gasoline and diesel, support for farmers facing higher fertiliser costs, and subsidies that keep electricity affordable. Those policies cut the cost of production at its source, which is exactly where lasting food price stability begins. The results are visible: Guyana's inflation has remained modest, with the Georgetown index moving just 0.1 percent in July, even as households across the world endure far steeper increases. Honesty also demands acknowledging what the president has said plainly: there is no single magic tool.

Grants support vulnerable families but cannot, on their own, resolve structural pressures. Global shocks in fuel, fertiliser and shipping are real, and Guyana, despite being an oil producer, still imports refined products. That is why the push for a local refinery, expanded fuel storage and domestic production of goods such as bottled water, matters. This multi-dimensional approach is the mark of a government treating the cost of living as a longterm responsibility rather than a news cycle. Critics will say that farmers' markets have been floated before. Perhaps, but the

answer to that is execution, and the Sophia market is a concrete, scheduled, recurring step. Success will depend on consistency, on drawing enough farmers and shoppers, and on keeping prices genuinely lower. Those are challenges worth meeting, and the ministry has shown it is willing to meet them. Agriculture Month's theme, "Innovate, Nourish, Grow," captures the ambition. Let Guyanese shoppers take the minister up on his invitation, fill their baskets at Sophia, and let the market prove its worth. When farmers prosper and families save, the whole nation grows stronger.

Minister Mustapha, the PPP gov’t have transformed Guyana’s agricultural sector [Part I] Dear Editor, LET me take the opportunity, as Guyana celebrates Agriculture Month 2026 under the theme, “Innovate, Nourish, Grow. Building a Sustainable Guyana,” to wish all Guyanese, especially those in the industry, a “Happy Agriculture Month.” As we celebrate Agriculture Month, it is an appropriate time to examine the transformation taking

place in Guyana’s agricultural sector and the role being played by Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha. This year's theme speaks directly to the direction in which Guyana’s agriculture is moving: towards greater innovation, increased production, food security, modern technology, climate-smart agriculture, diversification, and stronger opportunities for farmers and agro-proces-

sors. Over the years, the agricultural sector has seen tremendous growth and significant progress with investments by the Government of Guyana. Those who know me would know that I love to compare where we were and where we are today, because without reflecting on the past, we cannot better the future. And we must appreciate the progress being made today;

we must remember where the sector was when the PPP/C returned to office in 2020. Between 2015 and 2020, agriculture under the PNC government (mind you, although it was an APNU+AFC administration, the PNC was the dominator), Guyana’s agricultural sector was faced with significant challenges. The farmers were confronted with increased

production costs, higher land rents, increased drainage and irrigation charges, and taxes on agricultural inputs, which led to a decline in activities in several subsectors of the industry and, more so, a solid punch to cripple the sugar industry and economy by the PNC through the closure of major sugar estates. The PNC’s policies placed additional pressure on farmers and agricultur-

al communities at a time when the sector required greater investment and support. Under the PNC (APNU+AFC) administration, farmers were faced with higher costs, substantial increases in land rents and drainage and irrigation charges. In the Mahaica, Mahaicony and Abary Agricultural Development Authority area, land rents increased from $1,000 TURN TO PAGE 7

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 2, 2026

OP-ED:

The Nazi extermination machine was real

By Dr Randy Persaud Adviser, Office of the President, Guyana MAKE no mistake about the mass murder of innocents during World War II. The Nazis were a killing machine that murdered millions of innocent people, including the widely accepted number of six million Jews. Other groups (Roma, Slavs, Africans, mixed races) were also killed based on a racial theory that was part of the eugenics movement for racial purity that had begun since the late 19th century. The extermination extended to the disabled, along with social democrats,

and communists, among others. The evidence for the holocaust is massive and incontrovertible, and we need look no further than the record of the International Military Tribunal, (IMT), popularly referred to as the Nuremberg Trial, where several senior Nazi officers testified to the planned and systematically orchestrated mass executions through orders from the German Führer, and his Wehrmacht. Among the witnesses were Erwin Lahousen, a Nazi military intelligence officer; Otto Ohlendorf, Commander of the mobile Nazi death squad (Ein-

satzgruppe); Friedrich Paulus, a German Field Marshall; Rudolf Höss, Commandant of Auschwitz, Walter F. Schellenberg, high-ranking SS intelligence officer; Dieter Wisliceny, an associate of Adolf Eichmann; Eichmann was at the Wannsee Conference where the Final Solution was planned; Eric von dem Bach-Zelewski, a Nazi general. 180 Nazi officers and officials were convicted at Nuremberg. 24 were sentenced to death! Numerous committed suicide before the end of the trials. Since 1945, numerous countries have established laws against

holocaust denial. These countries include Germany, Austria, France, Israel, Canada, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, and Ukraine. Other countries have even broader laws, and numerous persons have been convicted for holocaust denialism. Young people ought to learn about the Nazi extermination campaigns, and this not least because, more than anything else, it was based on a theory that some people are inherently superior to

others. The IMT was held at Nuremberg because it is there that the anti-Jewish code was announced on September 15, 1935. Among other stipulations, the Nuremberg Laws stated that only “Germans or related blood” could hold

German citizenship. In Nazi racial ideology, Jews (and others) were deemed genetically defective and a biological threat to Europe. That theory has been soundly, and scientifically discredited.

FROM PAGE 6 to $7,000 per acre, that’s $6,000 more per acre, while D&I charges increased from $2,500 to $8,000 per acre, that’s $5,500 more. Some of these increases exceeded 600%. I want to mention the amount of the increases because we all know that the PNC (APNU+AFC) is bad at mathematics. While they have increased the D&I charges, nothing was done to improve that sector, and farmers had to spend from their pockets to have better access to drainage and irrigation within their farmlands. The former minister and PNC government were busy raising their salaries and living the good life. Our farmers were also facing a 14% VAT on fertilisers, agrochemicals and pesticides, while agricultural machinery and other inputs were subjected to taxes and duties. The effect was straightforward: farmers had to spend more money to produce. Agriculture between 2015 and 2020 was crippled, or let me say a dead industry, and that’s the truth, with facts. If the now main opposition point man on agriculture (mind you, he

also helps to cripple the industry, esp. sugar) has other facts than those, I am willing to have a go with him; by the way, he is a runner on truth with issues. When the PPP/C returned to office, these policies were reversed. D&I charges in the MMA area were reduced from as much as $15,000 per acre to $3,500, and that's approximately $1.3 billion that was back into the hands of Region Five farmers. The VAT and duties on key agricultural machinery and inputs were also removed, putting more into the pockets of the farmers to further invest. That by itself represents a fundamental change in the relationship between government and farmers; instead of adding to farmers’ production costs, the government moved to reduce them. Brothers and sisters, the sugar industry suffered one of its most dramatic periods of decline under the PNC government, because they were uneducated on how to run a country and its industries. In 2015, GuySuCo produced approximately 231 tonnes of sugar. From 2016 under the PNC and its sitting agri

minister, production fell to approximately 183,000 tonnes, and further to approximately 92,256 tonnes in 2019. To add salt to the wound, the APNU+AFC administration went on to close major sugar estates, resulting in thousands of workers losing their jobs, and more than 7,000 workers were displaced following the estates closures. Brothers and sisters, the impact went far beyond the workers themselves. The entire communities depended on the sugar estates for employment, commerce, transportation, and social services. When the estates were closed, the economic consequences were felt throughout the communities surrounding them. Moreover, families were put to hunger as sugar workers found it hard to put food on their tables. The AFC and PNC didn’t care about the well-being of those families but rather for themselves. The PPP/C subsequently reopened the Rose Hall Estate, supported former sugar workers and invested in the rehabilitation and modernisation of the industry. By 2025, thousands of former workers had

been rehired, and significant investments had been made in sugar production and infrastructure. The problems and decline were not limited to the sugar industry alone, but extended into other areas of agriculture as well. The non-traditional crop exports declined by approximately 10%, from about 11,000 tonnes in 2015 to 9,907 tonnes in 2020, while agro-processing exports declined by approximately 45% over the same period. There were also declines in aquaculture production and the withdrawal of investors from parts of the sector. These figures are particularly important because agricultural transformation cannot take place without investment. Farmers need markets. Entrepreneurs need confidence. Agro-processors need reliable supplies. Investors need infrastructure and an environment in which agricultural businesses can expand. Under Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and the PPP government, the approach has been different. The minister focused on reducing farmers’ costs, rebuilding infrastructure, expanding markets, in-

creasing production, strengthening research and extension services, encouraging diversification and attracting investment. Agriculture received substantially greater financial attention after 2020. The agricultural expenditure from 2020 to 2023 totalled approximately $122 billion, compared with approximately $93 billion over five years under APNU+AFC. Agricultural allocation was $15.4 billion in 2014 compared with $13.1 billion in 2019. The difference is not simply about how much money is allocated. It is about where that investment is going and what it is intended to accomplish. Guyana’s rice production reached more than 725,000 tonnes in 2024, and rice remains one of the clearest examples of the sector’s expansion. With the interventions of the minister and, by extension, the government, these have included expanded markets, lower input costs, fertiliser support, improved drainage and irrigation, new seed varieties, flood relief and crop-insurance initiatives. The objective of the interventions has been to create an environment where

farmers can produce more, access markets and remain competitive. Under the leadership of Minister Mustapha, today’s agricultural transformation is also about moving away from traditional methods alone. The minister, during the launch of Agriculture Month 2026, highlighted the growing use of drones, precision irrigation, digital agriculture, research, mechanisation and climate-smart production systems. Today, the ministry is also using digital platforms to make services more accessible to farmers, including producers in Regions One, Nine and 10, who may otherwise have to travel long distances to access government services. This is precisely where the 2026 Agriculture Month theme, “Innovate, Nourish, Grow. Building a Sustainable Guyana” becomes relevant. Agriculture in Guyana has evolved with technology. It has become more productive, more efficient, more resilient to climate change, and more commercially oriented. Regards, Abel Seetaram

Minister Mustapha, the PPP gov’t have...

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 2, 2026

Class analysis: WPA, AFC, MCC [conclusion]

THIS is the conclusion on the above topic which looked at the historic, symbiotic intertwining between the Mulatto/Creole Class (MCC) and the middle-class political parties they had birthed from early times to 2020 when the Alliance For Change (AFC) died. To understand how and why the AFC came into being, class formations during the political economy of President Desmond Hoyte have to come into focus. The Hoytean economy resurrected five classes that were sociologically active from 1980 onwards: 1- The Portuguese petite bourgeoisie (PPB). 2- The Indian petite bourgeoisie (IPB). 3- The rural peasantry. 4 – the MCC. 5- The lumpen proletariat. Under Hoyte, a brand-new social class came into being – the nouveau riche stratum. Four classes were miniaturised under the economy of President Burnham. The lumpen proletariat was the exception. President Hoyte dissolved the Burn-

hamite economy and replaced it with the Hoytean economy. Hoyte replaced state capitalism with open, competitive capitalism with little space for state intervention. This analysis concerns the rebirth of the MCC, so there is no further room to elaborate on other classes, suffice it to say that only one class under the Hoytean economy did not enjoy ebullience and that was the national proletariat, particularly a section named public-sector workers. The Hoytean economy under draconian dictates from the IMF reduced the meaning of existence for Guyana’s proletariat. The MCC was resuscitated by the new Hoytean era, but the MCC found out that the dialectics that shaped Guyana from colonial times had reshaped Guyana in the 21st century. The MCC had no challenger in the state realm from colonial times to 1973 and even after in 1973, Burnham did not seek to eliminate it.

Although it could coexist with the PPB, the IPB and the nouveau riche classes, the MCC had no reach into the state after Hoyte lost the elections. The Jaganite PPP formed the government. The MCC had a historic resentment of the PPP, not out of competitive political instincts but out of anthropological and cultural instincts. The MCC never hated the Indian people. It just felt that they should stick to the enclaves of business and rural production. What happened in 1993 onwards was that successive PPP governments – under Cheddi Jagan, Janet Jagan, Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar – never created any special niche in the state for the MCC’s presence. Compounding the problem for the MCC was that the PNC had become more of a Black working-class party under Robert Corbin with a strong presence of the lumpen proletariat. From 1993 then, the

MCC simply had to wait to make its move. It finally did in 2005 when MCC personalities founded the AFC. A golden opportunity arose with the voluntary retirement of Corbin. The new PNC leader was an essential part of the MCC – David Granger. Corbin became a servant of one of the top MCC personalities -- Rupert Roopnaraine. Roopnaraine was always close to Granger from school days. Roopnaraine gelled with the crème de la crème on the MCC and thus got new leadership and funds for the new entity titled APNU. It was Granger who suggested to Raphael Trotman that the PNC needed cultivated leadership and a coalition partner of middle-class personalities. One had to be around the AFC to see its resuscitation. There was hardly any MCC personality in Guyana that was not part of the birth of the AFC. The MCC

was in celebratory mood with the birth of the AFC. One of the reasons for this rapture was because the MCC understood its penetrating power in Guyanese society and knew that in its life, it has seen ups and downs, but Guyana cannot keep the MCC down. The coalition of APNU+AFC was an atavistic return to the 1950s with the PNC and the MCC political parties. The APNU+AFC read like a who is who in the Guyanese non-Indian middle class. It is strange how the genes play out. The descendants of the MCC of the 1950s and 1960s behaved in 2011 just like their grandparents and parents – you know who we are. The MCC reduced the PPP to a minority government in 2011 and captured the state in 2015. In that same year, the Chronicle interviewed President Granger at his private home.

He told the reporter that his mornings begin by listening to Bach and Chopin. Vic Insannaly at the funeral service for Roopnaraine told the mourners that three days before he died, he visited Roopnaraine, and he was in bed listening to classical music. Granger is gone from politics. Roopnaraine is dead. David DeCaires is dead. Miles Fitzpatrick is dead. Nigel Hughes has retired from politics. Trotman is hardly seen these days. Red Thread has lost its colour and has become jaded. So, who will fan the political flames of the MCC? I think I know who that is. DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 2, 2026

Caribbean aviation growth drives call for stronger regional safeguards

- regional leaders call for stronger institutions, shared expertise and oversight

CARIBBEAN aviation leaders are calling for stronger regional co-operation, resilient safety oversight and greater investment in technical capacity as air connectivity expands across the region. Speaking at the Caribbean High-Level Symposium on Aviation Safety, hosted by the CARICOM Secretariat in partnership with ICAO, CARICOM Secretary General Dr Carla Barnett stressed that aviation is essential to tourism, trade, investment, emergency response and social connections, particularly for small and developing states. She called the symposium on aviation safety a timely gathering. Extending appreciation to Guyana for hosting the event, Barnett noted that the forum aims to ensure the safety of the connections on which people depend on for travel through the region. Barnett noted that the importance of this sector is underpinned by its impact on more than travel. As she noted, aviation for the Caribbean region is an economic and social tool. “Air transport sustains tourism, trade, investment, emergency response, family connections, and the wider economic and social integration of our community. Safe transportation is essential for economic activity, it is essential also for social and cultural connections and community building within our countries, especially the coastal countries with much larger land areas, and among our countries,” she said. This is why the need remains for stronger safety systems and regional co-operation. Barnett noted that the Caribbean region must do more than simply exchange perspectives, but ensure that Caribbean aviation remains safe, resilient, and efficient, through systems that meet all international standards. The Secretary General made the call for Caribbean neighbours to ensure that regional mechanisms are sustainable, adequately re-

From left to right: ICAO Regional Director, South America and Regional Office, Luis Fernando Fiallos; Secretary General of the Caribbean Community, Dr Carla Barnett; Guyana’s Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips; Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar and William Ashby, Division Chief, Economic Infrastructure Division at the Caribbean Development Bank sourced, and equipped to respond to emerging aviation safety demands. “Safety, regulatory confidence, and operational reliability are indispensable foundations of an integrated regional air transport market, because a more connected Caribbean must also be a safer Caribbean,” she said. Barnett further cited the Declaration of Aviation Safety, which she anticipates will come from the symposium, as an important platform for translating shared purpose into collective commitment and practical action. “With a clear roadmap for implementation, defined priorities, strengthened co-operation among our aviation authorities, sustainable arrangements for regional safety oversight, greater investment in our technical workforce, and a shared commitment to deliver measurable progress, there can be strengthened aviation safety and a more connected, resilient, and prosperous Caribbean community,” she added. Meanwhile, Caribbean Development Bank official, William Ashby, highlighted the need for stronger institutions and coordinated regional approaches. Ashby, Division Chief,

Economic Infrastructure Division at the bank also used the forum to highlight the importance of regional aviation, noting that the Caribbean Development Bank recognises that aviation is not merely a transport sector in the Caribbean, but rather a vital enabler of regional integration. Ashby also highlighted the shared challenges facing the industry, noting, “Many of the challenges confronting Caribbean aviation are shared. Our states operate in relatively small markets. We face constraints in specialised technical capacity and must meet the same international obligations and standards as countries with significantly larger populations and resources.” These realities, Ashby said, underscore the importance of co-operation, coordination and institution building at the regional level. He pointed to the CDB’s work supporting regional air transport studies, airport modernisation initiatives and collaboration with the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority to strengthen airport security systems, emergency preparedness, regulatory capacity and aviation security training across the OECS.

According to Ashby, these experiences have demonstrated the value of regional approaches to complex aviation challenges, while highlighting that infrastructure alone is not enough to sustain a safe aviation system. “Physical infrastructure matters but institutions matter just as much. Sustainable aviation systems depend on strong regulatory frameworks, effective oversight arrangements, skilled technical personnel and organisations capable of coordinating expertise and resources across borders,” he said. He highlighted regional institutions, like CASSOS, can help member states achieve outcomes collectively that would be more difficult and costly to achieve individually. Ashby said this principle is reflected in CDB’s new 10-year strategy, which recognises that the Caribbean’s future resilience will depend on stronger institutions, deeper regional co-operation and sustained partnerships. He added that the discussions on the Caribbean Aviation Corporation roadmap, strengthening of CASSOS, harmonisation of regulations and procedures and sustainable institutional arrange-

ments for aviation oversight are not simply technical matters, but investments in the long-term resilience, connectivity and competitiveness of the region. ‘INDISPENSABLE ECONOMIC AND SOCIETAL BRIDGE’ Further, ICAO Regional Director, Luis Fernando Fiallos, stated that shared expertise and common technical protocols are critical to maintaining safety as traffic grows and administrations face resource constraints. Fiallos, in his remarks, focused on the importance of the systems behind every safe flight, noting that passengers do not think about technical audits, airworthiness certificates or safety inspections when they board an aircraft. “They place their trust in a quiet, invisible architecture built by dedicated professionals who work to ensure that every departure is safe and every landing routine. That quiet assurance is not accidental,” Fiallos said. He described aviation as an “indispensable economic and societal bridge”, noting its role in transporting patients to critical care, connecting communities, bringing local goods to international markets and

sustaining livelihoods rooted in trade and tourism. Fiallos said the symposium brings together three closely connected priorities: regional co-operation, resilient oversight and sustainable development. He noted that every civil aviation authority requires specialised technical expertise to certify operators, inspect aircraft and aerodromes and assess operational risks, but maintaining that capacity remains a challenge for administrations with limited resources. Fiallos also warned that resilient oversight requires continuous engagement, particularly as experienced personnel leave, air traffic grows and severe weather creates disruptions. “When experienced personnel transition out, when traffic grows rapidly, or when severe weather forces an airport to close and safely resume operations, on those days, shared expertise and common technical protocols make the difference between disruption and continuity,” he said. He further linked safety oversight to the Caribbean’s plans for greater air connectivity, noting that the CARICOM Multilateral Air Services Agreement aims to establish a single market for air transport services. “A single market relies fundamentally on institutional trust,” Fiallos said. “Each state must trust that a licence or certificate issued by another administration meets ICAO standards. Safety earns that trust day after day. It is the foundation of connectivity, and connectivity is the engine of sustainable economic integration.” He said these priorities are central to ICAO’s strategic plan for 2026-2050, guided by its aspiration of zero fatalities and its commitment to no country being left behind. “The size of a state's administration must never determine the safety of its skies,” Fiallos emphasised.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 2, 2026

Berbice Expo continues to open doors for small businesses – Regional Chairman

THE Berbice Expo and Trade Fair provides a unique platform for small businesses to showcase their products, build valuable partnerships and gain greater exposure, Regional Chairman Junior Basant has said, as anticipation builds for the annual event. The Berbice Expo and Trade Fair is expected to kick off tonight at the Rose Hall Estate Community Ground, bringing together businesses, entrepreneurs and patrons from across Berbice and

activity for Region Six. The entire region looks forward to this, not only for entertainment, but as a space where they can come out, spend leisure time with their families and get deals from the various businesses that will be there,” Basant said. Importantly, the Regional Chairman highlighted the opportunities the event creates for small and emerging businesses, allowing them to connect with larger and more established companies. “Expo creates a unique op-

produced goods and services. For small entrepreneurs who may not ordinarily have access to large markets or established business networks, the expo provides an avenue to place their products directly before thousands of potential customers while interacting with other members of the business community. The annual event is also expected to provide a boost to economic activity in Region Six, with businesses across several sectors benefiting from the increased

Preparations are ongoing at the Rose Hall Estate Community Ground for the annual Berbice Expo and Trade Fair which is expected to be officially opened this evening

other parts of Guyana. In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Basant said the expo remains one of the most anticipated events on Region Six’s calendar, providing not only entertainment for families, but also significant economic and networking opportunities for businesses. “Over this weekend we will see the annual Berbice Expo held at the Canje Ground, Region Six. The expo is a much-anticipated

portunity for small business owners in the region to partner with larger business owners, to make meaningful partnerships and liaise with these persons so that they can promote and put their businesses out there,” he explained. Basant noted that the exposure offered through the expo can play an important role in helping entrepreneurs expand their customer base, establish new business relationships and create greater recognition for locally

movement of patrons throughout the weekend. “Over the next four days, Berbicians will be able to visit the location and have a sense of enterntainment and also be able to tap into these businesses which I am anticipating will have deals and opportunities so that persons are exposed to them, so the expo creates a unique blend of economic opportunities, it creates a blend where persons are able to have a sense of entertainment, it creates

a blend where persons are able to go out there and explore while persons are having a good time,” he added.

Basant then encouraged residents to support the event and, particularly, the small and emerging businesses participat-

ing, noting that their growth remains important to the continued economic development of the region.

Hampton Court man in custody for allegedly setting wife afire POLICE are investigating an alleged attempt to commit murder which occurred on Thursday October 1, 2026, about 12:30hrs at Hampton Court, Essequibo Coast, involving a 59-year-old housewife and her 68-year-old husband, a security guard, both of the said area.

According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that the woman was at home when she was allegedly set on fire during an incident involving her husband. A nearby resident, upon hearing the woman screaming, went to her assistance and managed to extinguish the fire.

The woman was subsequently taken to the Lima Regional Hospital, where she was admitted with injuries about her body. Her condition is listed as stable. The 68-year-old suspect was subsequently arrested and remains in police custody.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 2, 2026

Vigilance resident granted $1M bail on abduction charge

J I M O L M u r p h y, a 33-year-old driver and contractor of Vigilance, East Coast Demerara, was charged with Abduction, contrary to Section 4 of the Kidnapping Act, Chapter 10:05. Police said in a statement that Murphy was arrested on Friday September 25, 2026, in relation to an alleged abduction, which occurred on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Rosignol, West Bank Berbice. He was subsequently charged. On Thursday, Murphy appeared before Her Worship Magistrate Shareefah

Parks, who presided virtually from the Fort Wellington Magistrate’s Court, where the charge was read to him. He was not required to

plead and was granted bail in the sum of GY$1,000,000. The matter was adjourned to October 19, 2026.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 2, 2026

Growing aviation sector demands stronger safety oversight – PM - regional partners urged to strengthen institutions, co-operation as air traffic expands

AS Guyana’s aviation sector continues to expand, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips and Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar are calling for stronger safety oversight, institutional capacity and regional co-operation to ensure the growth of the industry is matched by the systems needed to maintain safe air transport. Speaking at the Caribbean High-Level Symposium on Aviation Safety hosted by the CARICOM Secretariat and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), PM Phillips highlighted the sharp increase in passenger traffic, international flights and aircraft registered in Guyana, while Indar stressed that infrastructural development must be supported by capable personnel, reliable data and effective regulatory institutions. Their calls come as Guyana continues to modernise its aviation infrastructure, strengthen its regulatory capacity and take on a greater role in regional aviation safety through its chairmanship of Caribbean Aviation Safety and Security Oversight System (CASSOS) for the 2026 to 2028 term. Speaking to the gathering of ministers, officials, and industry leaders, he noted that the symposium comes against the backdrop of a strong history of aviation development and collaboration in the region. He noted that CARICOM launched the CASSOS in Guyana in 2009 to help member states meet international aviation standards and strengthen regional oversight. Since then, Phillips noted that Guyana’s aviation sector has seen significant growth. He highlighted that international passenger traffic increased from just over 200,000 to more than 1 million people over the past five years. “Domestic passenger traffic has more than doubled. International flights increased by more than 5,000 from 2020 to 2025, while the number of aircraft on the register grew from 78 to 109. These figures demonstrate how much more is now being asked of the people who operate and regulate our aviation system,” he said. However, with the rapid rise in visitor numbers, Guyana must also develop its aviation and support systems to match the rate of growth. Phillips noted that the expansion of visitor numbers needs to be backed by development

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips delivering the feature address at the Caribbean High-Level Symposium on Aviation Safety in infrastructure and aviation safety precautions and systems. Highlighting this, he noted, “While an increase in traffic is readily visible in a terminal, the corresponding increase in safety oversight work is less visible. Additional aircraft require inspection. Similarly, new routes and operators bring an increase in demands for certification and surveillance, while more flights place greater demands on air traffic services, airport facilities, and emergency preparedness. Regulators also need the authority and the personnel to carry out that work thoroughly.” The prime minister also cited recent steps by President, Dr Irfaan Ali, in which he outlined a 10-point plan for Guyana's aviation sector that includes upgrading air navigation and air-traffic management, modernising regulatory standards and strengthening safety oversight. Moreover, the Head of State also called for technical partnerships with international aviation bodies. To this end, the Government of Guyana has invested in the sector, with efforts geared at developing safety and capacity within the fast-growing industry. The prime minister noted, however, that investment in aviation must include sustained investment in the institutions responsible for its safe operation. The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority serves as central responsibility in this regard, with the PM noting that through its aviation safety division, the agency undertakes certification, inspection, and continuing surveillance, including oversight of aerodromes and airport operators. Moreover, Phillips noted that the government has invested efforts in policy frameworks and resourc-

es to bolster the authority and the sector at large. “The government is committed to providing the policy support and resources that will allow the authority to perform those duties properly and will respect the professional judgement on which credible regulation depends,” he said. Moreover, Phillips cited health, safety, and environmental standards as increasingly important aspects as Guyana's economy and aviation activity expand. “These concerns include safe working conditions for ground personnel, procedures for handling hazardous materials, emergency preparedness, and attention to the effects of operations on surrounding communities,” he added. GREATER COLLABORATION NEEDED Meanwhile, Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar also used the forum to highlight Guyana’s aviation growth and make the call for greater regional collaboration. He noted that Guyana is currently investing in aviation infrastructure more than ever before, resulting in the modernisation of almost 60 hinterland airstrips. Additionally, Guyana has expanded its international gateway with an additional US$65 million in funding, the minister noted. However, Indar was keen to note that safety in the sector needs to be supported by more than just infrastructure. “Infrastructure alone does not deliver safety. It must be matched by capable people, sound oversight, dependable data, and institutions' preparedness to adapt,” he said. He added that aviation remains critical to the region, connecting communities, supporting tourism and trade, bringing families together and delivering essential services, particularly during emergencies. “For our region, aviation is not

Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar addressing the Caribbean High-Level Symposium on Aviation Safety (CARICOM Photos)

a luxury. It connects island and mainland communities, supports tourism and trade, and brings families together and helps deliver essential services. When hurricanes, floods, and other emergencies strike, reliable air transport can be a lifeline,” he said adding, “That makes safety a public responsibility and a foundation for development. Connectivity that is not safe cannot be sustained.” Minister Indar further stressed the need for practical co-operation among Caribbean states, noting that no country can address the challenges facing the sector alone. He said re-

gional co-operation must include shared expertise, stronger pathways, timely exchange of safety information and harmonised regulation where practical, with CASSOS playing a key role in strengthening oversight across member states. Guyana has accepted responsibility for chairing CASSOS for the 2026 to 2028 term, which Minister Indar said would be used to advance stronger compliance with ICAO standards and a safer regional aviation system. He noted that the forum would also consider a CASSOS roadmap and

action matrix to 2035, addressing the sustainability of civil aviation authorities, regulatory harmonisation and air transport services within CARICOM. “These discussions must be candid and practical. We should leave with clarity on who will lead, what must be done, and how progress will be measured, and how the work will be financed, which is very important at this juncture of CASSOS,” he added. “The declaration before us should capture commitments that government regulators, regional institutions, industry, and development partners can carry forward together.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 2, 2026

GPHC records 107 new breast cancer cases in seven-month period - patients, survivors, staff honoured in Breast Cancer Awareness Month observance

IN observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2026, the Oncology Department of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), on Thursday, hosted a “Patients’ Pinning” ceremony recognising patients while highlighting the importance of breast cancer awareness. The event took place at the Oncology Clinic, GPHC, where cancer patients and survivors were present. Staff were also honoured and recognised for their hard work and contributions. Head of the Oncology Department, Dr Latoya Gooding highlighted the growth of the department and said that their aim is to attain international standards. She reported that they have since improved human resources and services through hard work and dedication of the team, who have been providing care and treatment of patients ultimately making a difference in the lives of others. Dr Gooding revealed that breast cancer has become a burden on families and they have recorded 147 cases this year. She added that from January to August, 107 new breast cancer cases were recorded. She emphasised that this is among the most challenging cancers, adding that there has been no decline in late-stage cancer patients registering at the clinic. Further, Dr Gooding

Head of the GPHC Oncology Department, Dr Latoya Gooding, speaks at the Breast Cancer Awareness Month observance stated that breast cancer is treatable once detection is in its early stages. She however, urged people to get screened, to receive treatment early to prevent breast cancer in its inception stage. In remarks, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Dr Navindranauth Rambaran, who is an administrator/surgeon of cancer care, spoke of the life-changing experience persons diagnosed with cancer endure. He recognised the Oncology Department for their growth which he described as a team with the ‘right formula’ as it has been supporting cancer patients and survivors in their journey to become cancer-free. Dr Rambaran noted that the Oncology Department has been advocating for the patients relentlessly and he admires their dedication for improved services being offered. He said breast cancer places a significant burden on society, and it is our duty

to create awareness and sensitise the public to get screened for early detection, diagnosis and treatment. Three cancer survivors gave testimonies, one being Dr Regina Chin, who is also a staff member. She said she was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, and it was one of the hardest journeys in her life. Overcome with emotion as she spoke, Dr Chin added that at 31 years old, she was told she had breast cancer. After the diagnosis, she was filled with fear, uncertainty but the support she received so far has been extraordinary, making her journey easier. At the end of the ceremony, directors and staffers of the GPHC and Oncology Department engaged in the ‘pinning of patients’ after which they gathered together for photographs. Delano Williams photos saved in Graphics October 2, 2026 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Some of the staff of the Oncology Department

U.S. companies’ interest in housing sector reflects growing international confidence in Guyana ATTORNEY General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, has said the planned entry of two United States companies into Guyana’s housing sector, with financing from the U.S. Export-Import (EXIM) Bank, signals growing international confidence in the country’s investment climate and development agenda. During an airing of his show, ‘Issues in the News,’ Nandlall stated that the development reflects a significant change in the willing-

- AG says

ness of major international financial institutions to finance projects in Guyana. The companies are expected to work together on the construction of approximately 10,000 homes under Guyana’s affordable housing initiative, with the financing arrangement providing support for the planned investment. “These are signals from huge financial giants that they have confidence in Guyana. That they have confidence in the Government of Guyana. That they have confidence in invest-

ing in Guyana,” he said. Against this backdrop, Nandlall said that about two decades ago, international financial institutions were generally unwilling to finance projects in Guyana, but said the country is now attracting financing from several major institutions. “Twenty years ago, none of these banks were prepared as far as I am aware, to finance projects in Guyana,” he said. He identified the United Kingdom Export Finance facility, India EXIM

Bank, China EXIM Bank, U.S. EXIM Bank and Deutsche Bank as being among the institutions now financing or supporting investments in Guyana. He also highlighted that the African Export-Import Bank has signalled an interest in funding projects in the country. According to the Attorney General, the financing that is being attracted extends beyond private-sector investments to major national development projects, including hydropower plants, gas-to-energy facilities, highways, deep-water harbours, airports, river dredging, and investments in the security sector. As such, he disclosed

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 2, 2026

Attorney General Anil Nandlall

that the planned entry of U.S. companies into the housing sector is particularly significant because housing development is traditionally an area in which local private-sector businesses play a major role. “Here we have two U.S. companies. I believe one from Indiana and one from some other part of the U.S., what they call the heartland of the U.S. are prepared to invest in Guyana,” he said. The housing investment comes as Guyana continues to expand its housing programme, with the government seeking to increase access to homeownership while accommodating growing demand for resi-

dential development. To this end, the Attorney General reiterated that the financial institutions’ involvement indicates confidence that projects being financed are feasible and viable, and that investments made in Guyana can be supported by the necessary financial arrangements. The Attorney General added that the growing availability of international financing is helping to support the country’s wider development priorities, with housing now joining energy, transportation and other major infrastructure areas benefiting from such arrangements.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 2, 2026

Guyana records double digit growth in ‘agri’ sector A G R I C U LT U R E Minister Zulfikar Mustapha recently noted that the agriculture sector has seen double digit growth in recent years, marking a recorded growth of 11.5 per cent in 2025. This, the minister said, demonstrates ag-

strengthen agro-processing. Aquaculture is now becoming an industry in Guyana where new opportunities are emerging,” the minister stated. Noting that these are never-before-seen areas, the minister reflected on figures from

have moved from a mere 2,000 gallons in 2020 to about 40,000 gallons last year,” he revealed. According to the minister, these are areas we see growth in, in terms of agricultural development. In addition, he men-

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha (Delano Williams photo)

riculture’s vital role in the nation’s economic diversification and long-term prosperity. “The transformation taking place across agriculture is evidence and we can look at rice production. We have moved rice production from a mere 500,000 tons in 2020 to 810,000 tons in 2025 and at the same time, we continue efforts to diversify and modernise the sugar industry, expand aquaculture and livestock and

2022, which saw Guyana importing approximately $2.6 billion in high-value crops such as broccoli and cauliflower, all of which goes to the hospitality industry. “Today, we are producing most of those things. We have our young people working to produce these high-value crops. We are now a major producer of honey…We are expanding our apiculture industry. We

tioned strategic investments being made in cold storage facility, logistics and market infrastructure. “We are also helping producers reduce post-harvest losses and renew and reach new markets. The establishment of the Regional Food Hub at Yarrowkabra, we have partnered with Bloomberg Green of United States. We are building that food hub there now and that food hub will be a very

very important project for us. Supporting infrastructure will further strengthen Guyana’s position as a reliable supply of high-quality agricultural products to regional and international markets,” he said. Mustapha stressed that while production figures, investment, and infrastructure are important, agriculture is ultimately about people, and how they are supported and treated. This, he posited, has

been a hallmark of the current government, in giving support to the farmers of our country to move production forward. “The success of our sector belongs to our farmers, fisher folk, agro-processors, extension officers, researchers, and agricultural workers. Their hard work, resilience, innovation, and determination have laid the foundation for the progress we celebrate today,” he said.

M e a n w h i l e , A griculture Month 2026, was launched on Monday under the theme “Innovate, Nourish, Grow: Building a Strong and Sustainable Guyana.” The theme reflects the transformation that is taking place across Guyana’s agriculture sector, as well as the government’s focus on the building out of a modern, productive, and sustainable industry.

Troy Cadogan appointed ANSA McAL Country Head for Guyana, Suriname

ANSA McAL Limited has announced the appointment of Troy Cadogan as the Country Head for Guyana and Suriname, effective October 1, 2026, reinforcing the group’s long-term commitment to one of the Caribbean’s fastest-growing economic regions.

In this newly established role, Cadogan will serve as ANSA McAL’s senior representative in both territories, providing strategic leadership, strengthening stakeholder engagement, and supporting the continued growth, coordination and strategic development of the group’s operations across

Guyana and Suriname, and will report to the Group Chief Operating Officer. According to a press release, the appointment reflects ANSA McAL’s confidence in Guyana’s future and its commitment to growing alongside the country as it continues its remarkable economic

transformation. “Guyana remains a market of tremendous opportunity and strategic importance for ANSA McAL,” said Anthony N. Sabga III, Group Chief Executive Officer, ANSA McAL Limited. “As our investments and footprint continue to expand, it is important

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 2, 2026

ANSA McAL’s newly appointed Country Manager for Guyana and Suriname, Troy Cadogan (Photo: ANSA McAL/ Facebook)

that we have dedicated leadership on the ground to strengthen collaboration across our businesses, deepen stakeholder relationships and help identify new opportunities for sustainable growth. Troy’s appointment reflects both the significance of Guyana within our regional portfolio and our confidence in his ability to lead this important mandate,” he remarked. As the Country Manager, Cadogan will work closely with government agencies, regulators, business leaders, community partners, and other key stakeholders to support ANSA McAL’s strategic priorities, foster partnerships and advance initiatives that contribute to national development. He will also oversee stakeholder engagement, corporate reputation, government relations, and business development activities for the group in Guyana. The appointment comes as the group continues to expand its presence and investment in Guyana through several operating companies and initiatives under its “Growing with Guyana” platform, which highlights the group’s commitment to supporting economic progress, community development, and long-term value creation. A respected business leader with more than 25 years of service within the ANSA McAL Group, Cadogan brings extensive experience in leadership, commercial operations, stakeholder management, and business develop-

ment. He most recently served as Head of External Affairs for Guyana, while also leading ANSA McAL Distribution Inc. (AMDI) as Managing Director. Throughout his career, he has built strong relationships across Guyana’s public and private sectors and played an important role in advancing the group’s business interests and stakeholder engagement efforts. Cadogan’s deep understanding of the local business environment and proven track record of leadership position him well to guide ANSA McAL’s next phase of growth in Guyana. Commenting on his appointment, Cadogan said: “I am honoured by the opportunity to serve in this new role and to continue contributing to ANSA McAL’s growth journey in Guyana. This is an exciting period for the country and for the group. I look forward to working closely with our businesses, employees, partners, customers and stakeholders to strengthen relationships, create new opportunities and ensure ANSA McAL continues to make a meaningful contribution to Guyana’s development.” The Board, Executive Leadership Team and employees of ANSA McAL extend their congratulations to Cadogan and look forward to his leadership as the group continues to strengthen its presence and invest in Guyana’s future.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 2, 2026

Targeted interventions to be included in new UNFPA Sub-Regional Programme in 2027 - will help guide Caribbean nations, including Guyana

HEAD of Office/Liaison Specialist at the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Sub-Regional Office for the Caribbean/Guyana Adler Bynoe has revealed that at the end of this year, the UNFPA’s sub-regional programme that guides the many interventions and areas of support, comes to an end leaving room for a new cycle to begin from January 2027. Describing it as an exhaustive process to develop, Bynoe stated that there have been several engagements to introduce a new programme. Once government endorsement is given, from January 2027 to 2031, the Sub-Regional Programme for the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean and Guyana will become the guiding framework that influences the country programme that the UNFPA supports in each territory. Targeting Guyana specifically, Bynoe said that the UNFPA has a strategic focus, which includes enhancing family planning efforts, particularly in Belize, Guyana, Jamaica and Suriname, and decreasing the numbers for maternal deaths, adolescent pregnancy, and gender-based violence. According to Bynoe, efforts can be strengthened to ensure that these numbers are lowered regarding these issues. Speaking on the vision for this document, Bynoe remarked, it “speaks to a Caribbean, including Guyana, of empowered, resilient women, girls, and young people, who throughout the life course, from during pregnancy, infancy all the way up to elderly stage, can fully exercise their sexual and athletic health rights, are free from all forms of violence and discrimination, and actively contribute to sustainable, equitable, and climate resilient societies. So ultimately,

it's to address all these needs of every individual that contributes meaningfully to the developmental processes.” He explained that this is the vision they intend to work with for the next four to five years, with three strategic focus areas linked to that vision: demographic intelligence, advocacy and accountability, and social and gender norms transformation. “When we speak of demographic intelligence, some of the priorities that we see potentially falling under this includes strengthening demographic data systems to generate, integrate, and disseminate disaggregated data from the next census round, and from administrative data as well. We do see a focus on demographic intelligence and full-set analysis, using all that data that is generated to inform policies, prime budgeting systems, and climate adaptation,” Bynoe explained. Additionally, the UNFPA sees a focus on demographic intelligence full-set analysis, using the data generated to inform policies, prime budgeting systems, and climate adaptation. Under advocacy and accountability, he said that a few priorities include strengthened policy, accountability frameworks, and health systems that would allow for issues around sexual and reproductive health rights, and gender-based violence prevention to be dealt with. “And the third and final strategic output area is around social and gender norms transformation, and under this strategic priority, we're hoping to focus on work around advocacy, the health and family life education programme that exists in school settings, as well as around strategic communications. Apart from the

work in school settings around health and family life education, there's also a comprehensive sexuality education programme that is heavily focused on outer school settings,” Adler noted. Looking at Guyana, he said that there is also hope for strengthening mobilising multisectoral partnerships and coalitions that would further address sexual and repro-

ductive health and rights, climate resilience, and citizen security. “So, we do see ourselves over the next four to five years focusing on work around these areas, but, of course, this is a broad strategic focus. It still requires a little bit more engagement with the government here and other parliaments here to be able to hammer out a concrete

Guyana country programme, that would be linked to this strategic focus and, of course,

the government's own development plans for that,” the liaison specialist added.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 2, 2026

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 2, 2026

Windies Cricket is in the ICU, can it recover?

By Sean Devers CHIEF Executive Officer (CEO) of Cricket West Indies (CWI) Chris Dehring disclosed that the Regional Super50 would no longer be played. This comes after the U-15 and U-17 regional tournaments were called off and the Regional First-Class Tournament was reduced to three matches per team against the same opposition. The CEO added that due to a lack of funding, players’ contracts will be cut by 25 per cent. A senior player gets US$6,000 for a Test match while the captain receives an extra US$1,000. A senior contracted player takes home US$15,000 per month. We s t I n d i e s a r e ranked 10th in ODI and eighth in Tests. West Indies cricket is facing tough times both on and off the field but let us be inspired and motivated by what began almost a century ago on a cold English day in London and the blood, sweat and tears that have flowed to keep the most celebrated sport in the West Indies since the 18th century, alive. West Indies cricket could be heading to a

terminal decline unless there are administrative and structural changes and governments and corporate Caribbean provide funding for the resurrection and development of the game at grassroots level. This is a frightening revelation for those who understand what cricket means to West Indians. Next year (June 23) will be the centesimal anniversary since Jamaican Robert Karl Nunes led the West Indies onto Lords to face England, marking the birth of one of the most colourful and exciting teams to play Test cricket. In the early days, the West Indies team comprised players from the British Federation along with British Guiana. Today, the team is made up of players from the Caribbean Islands and Guyana. West Indies was the fourth team to play test cricket after Australia, England and South Africa. In a region dominated by ‘whites’ in the days of slavery and indentureship, cricket has played an important role in the social, economic, cultural and

political development of Caribbean people. Britain abolished slavery in the British West Indies in 1833. By 1838, the agriculture production in British Guiana (now Guyana) had fallen by 60 per cent and plantations were being shut down since most of the freed enslaved refused to work for plantation owners who had mistreated them. During the days of slavery, the British were also powerful in other parts of the world and had entered an Indian province called Uttar Pradesh in 1765. Under British rule in India, thousands of Indians were unemployed and living in poverty. Many who wanted to escape the poor living conditions opted to go to the ‘new world’ to work as indentured servants on the sugar cane plantations in Guyana and later (1845) Trinidad and Jamaica. The first batch of 244 Indians arrived in British Guiana on a British ship named Whitby on May 5, 1838. Those early days exposed the freed enslaved Africans and the indentured servants to cricket as bowlers to the British Military teams.

Since then, cricket has played the biggest role in uniting West Indians from different Islands, giving them a sense of pride and selfworth. Cricket for West Indians goes way beyond the boundary in a region populated by over ninety per cent nonwhites. It was the only opportunity for most people in the British West Indies and British Guiana in the early days to gain recognition. Cricket in the West Indies was a tool to gain respect and equality for a people desperately trying to emancipate themselves from the mental slavery that still engulfed their daily lives. The whites, although being the population’s minority, still controlled cricket in the West Indies long after slavery ended, at a time when the class and status structure was still strong in the region. It was not until the 1950s that non-whites were given leadership roles in regional cricket teams. Black players like George Headly (first in 1948) Sir Frank Worrell, Sir Clive Lloyd, Sir Viv Richards along with those of East Indian descent like Rohan

Kanhai (first in 1972), Shiv Chanderpaul and Denesh Ramdin were to eventually assume leadership roles. Today, most of the West Indians of ‘white’ ancestry have gravitated to sports like hockey, motor racing and squash and the West Indies team is made up of mostly players of African and Indian ancestry. . A lot has changed since those dark days of the 19th century but cricket is still the ethos around which West Indian society revolves. The 1950 victory against England at Lords, remains the single most satisfying moment in the history of West Indies cricket. It was the first victory over their former colonial masters on English soil and signaled the coming of age of the ‘calypso cricketers’. The famous win inspired Lord Kitchener to lead a crowd of Calypso singing West Indians around the ground at Lords. So great was the triumph by John Goddard’s team for all West Indians that Lord Beginner wrote a calypso to celebrate. “Cricket, lovely cricket At Lords where I

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really well in the power play and put us on the backfoot from the start and we were just playing catch up at the end of the game. “…The top three batters for India are among the best three in the world, but I’ll put it down to our

execution as bowlers,” he added. Rampaul explained that the bowlers were well equipped with data and had mapped out several plans to employ against India’s top order. However, he said those plans proved to be inef-

fective. “Definitely information was shared to the bowlers and the captain about different field placements for different batsmen and trying different things but it seemed like every time we tried something new the Indi-

an batsmen had a way to counteract. “Yes, India’s top batsmen are batting well and they have form, but it is just for us to believe in ourselves that we can compete, that we can stick to our strengths and once that opportunity pres-

saw it Yardley did his best But Goddard won the test With those little pals of mine Ramadhin and Valentine” The song said it all as two 20-year-olds, Trinidadian Sonny Ramadhin (26 wickets) and Jamaican Alf Valentine (33 wickets) destroyed England. The highs and lows, those who excelled during the glory years (1980–1995), when the regional team was unbeaten in a single series for 15 years, the Calypso cricketers becoming professionals under the leadership of Sir Frank Worrell and later Clive Lloyd, the first-ever tied Test, the Kerry Packer affair in 1978, the rebel tour to apartheid-ruled South Africa in 1983 and 1984, the fall from grace in 1995, and the new breed of West Indies players — many of whom seem to comprehend very little about the significance of wearing the prestigious maroon cap — are all part of the rich and exciting history of West Indies cricket.

Rampaul bemoans below par bowling...

having 405 runs on the board we were confident, but we also knew that it was a good batting pitch and we would have to bowl very well to defend the score,” Rampaul said. “But having said that, the Indian batsmen played

ents itself, we’ll get back there,” Rampaul said. “It’s just to instil that confidence in our bowlers. You know chasing down 400 runs in 43 overs is not right, but it’s just to instil that confidence in them again.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 2, 2026

Jumbo Jet Event’s VVIP Paddock Club set to redefine luxury at the November 1st International Circuit Championships

RACING enthusiasts will have an historic opportunity to experience motorsport from an elevated level of luxury at Jumbo Jet Event’s VVIP Paddock Club, an ultra-exclusive hospitality experience for the November 1st International Circuit Championships at the South Dakota Racing Circuit. This ultra-premium section was designed to offer an exclusive combination of premium trackside viewing, privacy, comfort, security and personalised hospitality. There will be 24 booths going

on sale on Friday, October 2nd, 2026, on a first come first serve basis due to the limited spaces available. Each booth will cost $500,000. Each booth will feature secured internal parking, premium seating for 15 persons, elevated unobstructed arial viewing of the racing circuit, complete separation and privacy between individual booths, private boardwalk-style entrances and dedicated usher assistance. There will be limited optional premium catering and personalised waitress services available at an addi-

tional cost. The VVIP Paddock Club will also feature a dedicated food court showcasing an array of local delicacies complemented by a well-stocked bar, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy local flavours and refreshments throughout the championship experience. For guests seeking an even more personalised experience, optional catering and dedicated waitress services will be available at an additional cost. The Paddock Club’s surround-sound system will be provided by Power Tech

The Jumbo Jet Event’s VVIP Paddock Club is set to redefine racing luxury International, ensuring guests remain connected to the excitement and atmosphere of the championship while enjoying the comfort of their private hospitality space. Professional ushers will be positioned throughout the

VVIP area to welcome guests and ensure that all patrons are efficiently directed to their respective booths. With only a very limited number of VVIP booths available, the Paddock Club is designed for guests seek-

ing an exceptional race-day experience combining exclusivity, privacy and premium hospitality. To reserve a VVIP Paddock Club booth or obtain further information, call 639-1235.

Registration opens for the 3rd One Guyana Inter-Region Softball Cup

THE much-anticipated Guyana’s Biggest Open Softball Cricket Tournament, the One Guyana Inter-Region Ten10 Softball Cup, takes the country by storm from October 18 to November 8 at venues across the country, while the national playoffs will be held on 14th and 15th November in Region Three. According to RS Sports, this year's tournament is big-

ger and better and will see over $5 million in cash and prizes up for grabs. This tournament is set to see the winner in the regional male category walking away with $100,000 and a trophy, while prizes will be awarded to the runner-up, best bowler, best batter, MVP, and player of the final. In the female category, the winner will take away $50,000 and a trophy, while

other prizes will be awarded to the runner-up, best bowler, best batter, MVP, and player of the final. In the national playoffs, the Winner in the men’s category will take home $1.3 million and the winning trophy; the runner-up $300,000 and trophy; the Player of the Tournament (MVP) $70,000 and trophy, along with other prizes: Player of the final $30,000

and trophy, Best bowling figure in an innings $20,000 and a trophy, Batsman with the highest individual score $20,000 and trophy. While in the female playoffs, the winner will take home $500,000 and the winning trophy; the runner-up $200,000 and trophy; the Player of the Tournament (MVP) with $50,000 and trophy, along with other prizes; Player of the Final

$30,000 and trophy; Best bowling figure in an innings $20,000 and trophy; Batsman with the highest individual score $20,000 and trophy. Entrance fee is $20,000 per team. Teams are encouraged to register early by filling out the registration form and submitting it via WhatsApp at 725-7829. With millions of dollars

in prizes, regional pride at stake, new opportunities for interior players, and a strong focus on community unity, the stage is set for another major chapter in Guyana’s grassroots softball cricket. “This is more than just a Tournament. It is A Celebration of Talent. It is A Celebration of Togetherness. A Celebration of Sports & It is A Celebration of One Guyana.”

ExxonMobil U-18 School Football Tournament…

ExxonMobil Guyana and Vurlon Mills Football Academy ink contract

EXXONMOBIL Guyana on Thursday morning presented a $23 million cheque to the Vurlon Mills Football Academy (VMFA) to organise its inaugural Under-18 Schools Football Tournament. The first edition is set to feature over 120 boys’ and girls’ teams from Regions One to Seven and Region 10. ExxonMobil Guyana Community Relations Supervisor Ryan Hoppie said the company recognises the obvious talent found in communities, villages and across the country, and its goal is to see those young people succeed. “The challenge has never been about talent; it has been about ensuring that the talent identified is nurtured and given the right platform to

thrive, and that is why we are very proud to support this initiative. This tournament enables development by providing a structured platform for both boys and girls levels to compete and challenge themselves. It creates more matches, greater exposure, and valuable opportunities for young people to learn, grow, and discover what they are capable of, but what makes it meaningful is that it starts with schools.” ExxonMobil previously sponsored the hugely successful U-14 Boys and Girls School Football Tournament for a number of years, organised by the Petra Organisation. Vurlon Mills, who is a former national player and director of the academy, said, “Under-18 football is one of

the most important stages of youth players' development; it is the stage where we are moving beyond the fundamentals of the game to senior football, where we are learning to strategise and play at a higher level, and for many of you this stage could be challenging.” Mills noted that in his playing days most of the players he played against at the under-17 and under-19 levels never migrated to senior football, which is a testament to the difficulty associated with this particular transitional period of the game. “This stage could be challenging, and without consistency and competitive opportunities, we can lose confidence and motivation, and this is what this tourna-

ment is here to do: bridge the gap between youth football and senior football by providing a clear pathway for young boys and girls to further their football careers,” he added. He also commended ExxonMobil for the tremendous investment in the competition, communities, and Guyana. Lead Coordinator Lavern Fraser said that 68 male and 50 female teams registered to participate. Playoffs are scheduled for each participating region, with the top 2 teams earning places in the round of 16, which will be divided into four groups. Eighty per cent of the games will be played within communities. The quarter-final, semi-final, and final are set to be played at the Guyana Foot-

ball Federation National Training Centre. The Guyana Football Federation’s General Secretary Pushpargha Chattopadhyay added, “There is no better place to talk about football than with our young people. Youth development is at the heart of the work at the GFF, and our recent success at the CFU challenge series with the U-14 boys delivering an outstanding performance follows the equally impressive girls in the female edition of the tournament exactly one year ago. These achievements demonstrate not only talent within our schools and communities but also what can happen when young players are given the opportunity to compete.” Assistant Director of Sports, Franklin Wilson, rep-

resenting Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs, remarked , “It's important for all to understand the magnitude of the undertaking. It is important for you to take these opportunities afforded you...sports and education are a natural marriage for your holistic development, and from the level of the government we will continue to support that. We are also very passionate about developing facilities that will allow you opportunities to develop and go all the way.” The tournament kicks off on October 2nd in Bartica. The VMFA said the goal is to promote youth football, encourage academic commitment, and create meaningful opportunities for young people.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 2, 2026

Clean sweeps all round as GMR&SC stages national championships round one

MOST classes saw clean sweeps in Sunday’s opening round of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) National Championships at the South Dakota Circuit. A premature end to the day denied a ‘three-peat’ for many competitors after an oil spill rendered the South Dakota Circuit unfit for further racing, despite one of the largest clean-up efforts to date. Shan Seejatan swept both races in the Sports Tuner 1600cc class. Seejatan won Race 1 ahead of Mohamed Saifudeen Roshandin and the Street Tuner 1500cc entry of Amjad Rahaman. He returned to victory in Race 2 with a time of 9:48.264. Roshandin finished third overall and second in the Sports Tun-

er class, while Azaad Hassan retired. The Street Tuner 1500cc class saw Amjad Rahaman take the Race 1 victory, with Jad Rahaman second and Ryan Ramoutar third. In Race 2, Ryan Rahaman took the Street Tuner class victory, followed by Amjad Rahaman and Paul Jiwanram. Kevin Persaud dominated the Superbikes Open class, winning both races. Persaud won Race 1 in 7:47.037, with Adrian Mohar second in the class. Alain Hopkinson was classified second overall. Persaud again took Race 2 in finishing ahead of Alain Hopkinson and Adrian Mohar. Matthew Vieira swept the Superbikes 600cc class ahead of Elan Rahaman and Junior

THE Flying Stars Cycle Club has announced their cycling memorial activities for the year starting later this month. The club says the goal is to continue honouring the contributions and preserve the legacies of those that shaped the sports history locally while creating opportunities for the next generation of cyclists. The first race is set for Saturday, October 24, at the Vlissengen Road Circuit, Georgetown, with the second on Saturday, October 31, at Mahaicony, and the third on Sunday, November 1, in Linden. Founder of the Flying Stars

Cycle Club, Victor Rutherford, who declared the 2026 series open, says the series, started with Duckie Memorial, in honour of former Club President Randolph ‘Duckie’ Singh. He added that the memorial has grown into a series of events recognising other cherished members of the cycling fraternity who are no longer alive. “These memorial races are our way of saying that their contributions have not been forgotten. Each race is an opportunity to celebrate their lives, remember their achievements, and pass on their love of cycling to the younger generation,”

FROM BACK PAGE ment to the one-of-a-kind regional competition. “To KFC Guyana, our main sponsor, who continues to show confidence and investment to make this important programme possible, I also want to acknowledge the invaluable support of the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, and the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs. Their support confirmed the shared commitment to youth development, education, and sports,” he said.

This year’s tournament, Mendonca noted, will again leave a lasting impact on the players who compete, as they will engage other youths from different cultures while building friendships. “On the field, players will have a chance to exhibit talent, discipline, creativity, and teamwork while proudly representing their country throughout their schools.” Head of the Unit of Allied Arts at the Ministry of Education, Nicholas Fraser, said that his ministry is again elated to have the competition on

DaSilva in race one, with a carbon copy of the result for race 2. The Street Class Bikes saw Salim Azeez take both race victories. He won Race 1 in 8:08.698 and Race 2 in 8:19.776. Elwin Chase finished second in Race 1 and third in Race 2, while Fitzpatrick Augustus was third in Race 1 and second in Race 2. Nicholas Sawh won both races in the Rookie B Class. Sawh won Race 1 in 9:14.523, finishing ahead of Rookie A Class driver Joshua Ramdehol and Female Class winner Malicia Lawrence. In Race 2, Sawh again led the field with a time of 9:19.004. Ramdehol was second overall, while Phillip Paruag was third. In the Rookie B Class, Race 1 saw Sawh followed by Devesh Singh and Phillip Paruag. Race 2

finished with Sawh first, Paruag second and Singh third. Ramdehol won the Rookie A Class in both races. Meanwhile, Malicia Lawrence continued her strong showing in the Female Class, taking victory in both races. Her Race 1 performance placed her third overall among the combined Rookie and Female field, while she finished fourth overall in Race 2. Tommi Gore swept the Local Group 4 2WD class, taking both victories. Gore won Race 1 in 7:43.217, ahead of Andrew King and Rameez Mohamed. He returned to the top in Race 2 again ahead of King who finished second in both races, while Rameez Mohamed completed the Race 1 podium. In Group 3, Anand Ram-

chand won Race 1, finishing ahead of Danny Persaud. Ramchand also won Race 2, with Persaud retiring after five laps. In the group two class, Nasrudeen Mohamed snagged both the Local Group 2 victories. Mohamed won Race 1 in 9:48.228, finishing ahead of Shan Seejatan and Damian Singh, with Mohamed returning for race two, again ahead of Seejatan in second, followed by Mohamed Shairaz Roshandin. Anand Ramchand also

picked up a pair of wins in the Starlet Cup. Ramchand won Race 1, with Da Silva second with another repeat of the podium results in race two. Results of the Vitz ‘A’ class were under review following a discrepancy. In the ‘B’ Class, Navin Singh won Race 1, followed by Ryan Ramoutar and Shivan Raganauth. Singh also took Race 2, finishing ahead of Ryan Ramoutar and Devesh Singh.

them, and create opportunities for them to develop their skills. I would particularly like to encourage our younger cyclists to appreciate the history of the sport. Learn about those who came before you. Understand the sacrifices they made, and the discipline required to succeed.” He charged his club to work together to make this year’s series memorable, competitive, safe, and successful, reminding them that the club was founded on vision, built through dedication, and sustained by the strength of the cycling community. The organiser said that be-

yond winning the races, the events are about preserving history, strengthening friendships, and keeping the spirit of cycling alive. The series is made possible through support from the Office of the Prime Minister, the National Sports Commission, Dr. Rhonda Archer, Sara Parris, DaSilva’s Optical, Louis London Jr., Lorraine Darnley, the Rutherford family, Bernard Super Store, Ansa McAl, and the Singh family. Flying Stars Cycle Club, established in 1972, has staged the memorial series for the past five years.

He added that it is because of the loyalty of KFC’s customers that they are in a position to give back to the youth and continue to grow. "We believe business must give back to the communities that support them, and for that, it means supporting young people and helping to create opportunities to learn and compete, and it also means recognising the families, teachers, and coaches that encourage them.” The eight participating teams are defending champions Chase’s Academic Foun-

dation, Trinidad and Tobago schools league champions Naparima College, Jamaica’s schools’ champions Excelsior High, the winners and runners-up of the Republic Bank Secondary Schools League, and schools’ champions from Barbados, Suriname and Brazil. The teams will be placed into two groups of four for the round-robin stage, after which the top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, with the winners progressing to the final.

Flying Stars Cycle Club launches the 2026 Tri-Fector Criterium Memorial Series

Founder of the Flying Stars Cycle Club Victor Rutherford Rutherford said. He noted that, “Guyana has produced many talented cyclists, and I believe there are many

more young men and women with the potential to achieve great things. We must continue to encourage them, mentor

Tournament kicks off in December... the calendar. “It is these competitions that we have here locally that are very much anticipated by the schools and by the regional education departments. It also forms an important part of developing the sport through schools, so we are very helpful working with Petra and KFC in this tournament again. We are also happy it will help not only on the technical and tactical side but also help them to learn and grow when they are exposed to players from different countries.”

KFC’s General Manager Paul Subryan, speaking virtually at the launch, said, “It is only when we compete against other countries with other skill sets that they learn from each other, and that is why KFC is so proud to support this tournament because we are all about community development and we are all about youth development in sports, so on behalf of KFC Guyana, we are very pleased to join Petra in supporting the schools, families, and teams set to compete in this tournament.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 2, 2026

Rampaul bemoans below par bowling performance in second ODI

(CMC) - WEST Indies bowling coach Ravi Rampaul has described the team’s bowling performance in the second ODI against India as below par, explaining that they failed to execute their plans. The Windies produced a record-breaking performance with the bat

at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, racking up their highest-ever ODI total of 405 for seven in 50 overs. For the first time in ODI history, three West Indians scored centuries, with John Campbell, captain Shai Hope and Amir Jangoo all reaching three figures.

H o w e v e r, I n d i a n skipper Shubman Gill smashed an unbeaten 223 off 113 balls, while Rohit Sharma made 101, as the home side easily reached their target, finishing on 406 for two in 43.3 overs to complete a record run chase and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Ravi Rampaul speaking during a post-match press conference following the West Indies’ eight-wicket defeat to India in the second ODI

Speaking at the postmatch press conference, Rampaul admitted that while India’s batters deserved to be commended, the West Indies’ bowlers were way below their best. Rampaul, a former

West Indies fast bowler, said their execution let them down. “It definitely was a good batting performance by the India team in their home conditions on a very good batting friendly pitch,

but definitely our bowlers weren’t consistent enough on a good pitch that was suited for batting and our execution wasn’t on par today. “At the halfway stage TURN TO PAGE 21

ExxonMobil U-18 School Football Tournament…

From L-R Head of Referees Tyrone Tyrrell, GFF GS Pushpargha Chattopadhyay, ExxonMobil Guyana’s Ryan Hoppie, VMFA Director Vurlon Mills, and Assistant Director of Sport Franklin Wilson with ExxonMobil’s sponsorship cheque

ExxonMobil Guyana and Vurlon Mills Football Academy ink contract SEE PAGE

KFC’s Goodwill Schools International Football Championship launched…

Tournament kicks off in December

THE premier regional secondary school football tournament is back. On Tuesday, the Petra Organisation launched the 7th annual KFC Goodwill International Schools Football Tournament at the Cara Lodge Hotel.

This year’s competition will see secondary school football champions from around the Caribbean and Brazil converging in Guyana for one week in December. The seventh edition of the regional competition features teams from

Brazil, Suriname, Barbados Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Guyana. It is set to kick off on the 13th and conclude on December 20th. Petra Co-Director Troy Mendonca applauded KFC for the commitTURN TO PAGE 23

Petra Co-Director Troy Mendonca and Petra representative Nareeza Latif with student-athletes at the launch

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| FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2 , 2026