Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 03-06-2026

National consultation launched to tackle social media’s impact on children

– stakeholders to help shape framework for online safety, digital well-being

THE Government of Guyana on Tuesday launched a national consultation aimed at examining the impact of social media on children and developing a framework to better protect young users in the country’s rapidly expanding digital environment.

The consultation, coordinated by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance on behalf of President Dr. Irfaan Ali, brought together representatives from government agencies, civil society organisations, schools, parent groups, technology stakeholders and child protection advocates.

The initiative seeks to gather recommendations that will guide future policies, legislation and public education efforts focused on online safety and digital wellbeing.

While acknowledging the important role technology plays in education, communication and development, Teixeira said it has also introduced significant challenges for children and young people.

“Digital advancement and child safety are not competing priorities. They are objectives that must be pursued together to build a resilient, inclusive and safe future for our children,” Teixeira said.

She pointed to growing concerns surrounding cyberbullying, online exploitation, exposure to harmful content, misinformation, excessive screen time and the impact of social media on children’s mental health and cogni-

Speaking at the launch, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira emphasised that the exercise is not intended to hinder technological advancement, but rather to ensure that children are protected from the risks associated with social media and digital platforms.

tive development.

According to the minister, the consultation was initiated following discussions at the Cabinet level after President Ali raised concerns about the increasing influence of social media on children and the need for proactive responses.

Teixeira urged participants to return to their respective organisations and submit recommendations that could help shape a national framework for child online safety.

Among the proposals currently under consideration are restrictions on social media use for children under the age of 16, mandatory age-verification systems, stronger parental controls, enhanced platform accountability and digital literacy programmes in schools.

She noted that several countries, including Australia, the United Kingdom, France, Norway, Denmark and China, have already in-

troduced measures aimed at protecting children online.

Teixeira stressed, however, that safeguarding children in the digital age requires a collective effort involving governments, families, educators, technology companies and communities.

“This consultation is the beginning of a broader national conversation,” she said.

Last December, President Ali, who first announced plans for the initiative during an engagement with journalists and students, repeatedly stressed that the exercise is not about restricting social media but about developing balanced, evidence-based solutions.

“I don’t want to use the word ‘restricting’ social media,” the President said. “I want the consultation to tell us what we should do.”

He revealed that a dedicated team has already been assembled and that

international case studies from Australia, Germany, the European Union and the United Kingdom are being examined as Guyana explores policy options suited to its own social and cultural context.

The President also highlighted the growing global concern surrounding misinformation and disinformation, noting that the United Nations has described the issue as a worldwide challenge.

“Social media is not the problem,” President Ali said. “It is the abuse of social media.”

He recalled hearing concerns from hundreds of parents about children spending excessive amounts of time online, often throughout the night and into the following day.

The President recounted one parent’s experience of confiscating a device at midnight only to discover hours later that the child had quietly retrieved it.

“As parents, we all face the challenge of managing screen time,” he said.

Drawing on discussions held during a visit to Silicon Valley, California, President Ali noted that even senior technology executives have acknowledged the risks associated with excessive screen exposure, with many imposing strict limits on their own children’s use of digital devices.

“That tells us that everyone recognises this is a real problem,” he said.

The President stressed that enforcement alone cannot solve the issue and pointed instead to consultation, education and shared responsibility as the foundation for any effective policy response.

“We want families, young people, churches and communities to be involved in helping us come up with the best possible solution,” President Ali said.

Norton says he will not step aside

will continue to lead PNCR

LEADER of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Aubrey Norton, has made it clear that he has no intention of stepping aside as leader of the party, despite growing calls from some former members and supporters for his resignation following the coalition’s poor showing at the 2025 General and Regional Elections.

Speaking during a recent online programme, Norton said he intends to continue leading the party, while simultaneously preparing a new generation of leaders who can take the organisation forward in the future.

“I will continue to be leading the party, but that by the next election in 2030… I’m going to be 73 and I don’t see myself running in that election. I believe our task is to breed a generation of politicians,” Norton said.

He explained that the se-

lection of APNU’s 12 Members of Parliament after the September 1, 2025, elections was done with leadership development in mind.

“I was very careful in this selection of the 12 as I consulted people on how I select them, so that we produce 12 members of parliament that can stand up to the task, but it is not restricted to the 12 members of parliament. We have to widen the base of leadership, have more people involved. I see some young people that would have come into the process that can be presidential candidates in 2030,” he added.

Norton’s remarks come amid renewed criticism of his leadership following APNU’s historic defeat at the polls.

In the September 1, 2025, General and Regional Elections, APNU, the coalition led by the PNC/R, faced a historic defeat. It secured only 12 seats in the National Assembly compared to 36

for the governing PPP/C.

More notably, the PPP/C won District Four, which includes Georgetown, for the first time ever, receiving 87,536 votes against APNU’s 46,956 in the capital.

The once dominant opposition party lost voters to the newcomer We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), which gained 16 seats and now serves as the main opposition party, pushing the PNC/R out of a role it held for decades.

APNU’s performance in the 2025 elections represented about 18 per cent of the national vote, marking its worst outcome since 1957, according to commentary shortly after the election. Recently, there have seen several calls for Norton to step down.

Former Mayor of Georgetown and member of the PNCR, Ubraj Narine, has warned the party to change leadership or face a total wipeout in Georgetown in the upcoming Local Government Elections.

Recently several APNU councillors and former Parliamentarians defected to the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C).

Narine described Norton’s time in office as a period of stagnation, confusion, and growing disconnection

from the party’s supporters. “Aubrey Norton must resign and go his way,” Narine wrote, noting: “This isn’t an act of betrayal; it’s an act of responsibility. The party needs space to breathe, regroup, and rebuild with new energy and clearer direction.”

Narine’s warning comes at a crucial time for the PNC/R. Since Norton took over as party leader in December 2021, the PNC/R has experienced a wave of high-profile departures and internal conflicts.

Former General Secretary, the late Amna Ally, who had dedicated over 54 years to the party, had resigned in a passionate letter prior to her death, urging Norton and his entire exec-

a failure to mobilise key political events and maintain regional structures.

Even at the party’s 2024 Biennial Delegates Congress, Norton acknowledged the need to “build its credibility and electability,” a concession that critics argued came too late and without real commitment. Norton has resisted calls for his resignation.

utive to “hang their heads in shame and resign,” citing a “continuous disregard for women” within the party. By mid-2025, the exodus intensified.

Former parliamentarian Geeta Chandan-Edmond, Region Four Chairman Daniel Seeram, and Region Four Vice-Chairman Samuel Sandy all publicly backed President Ali and the PPP/C ahead of the September elections.

Former opposition MP Jermaine Figueira also resigned, accusing the party of “sycophancy and vindictiveness,” stating it had abandoned the “ethical stewardship” it once had.

“I could not stay silent and lend legitimacy to what the PNC/R has become,” Figueira explained. The dissatisfaction is not new.

As early as 2023, the PNC/R’s Florida Chapter filed a no-confidence motion against Norton, citing a “rapid downward spiral,” a damaged party image, and

Following the September 2025 defeat, the PNC/R’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) reaffirmed its “complete confidence” in his leadership, stating that only a properly convened Party Congress can remove the leader as per the party’s constitution.

He later announced that he would not run for the presidency again, which some observers interpreted as an acknowledgment of the party’s significant electoral failure. Norton has attributed the 2025 defeat to “internal division”, and the splitting of the opposition vote by WIN.

He has continued to represent the PNC/R at press conferences. Narine’s letter joins several voices from both inside and outside the party urging the PNC/R to confront its situation honestly.

“This is a wake-up call,” Narine had said, noting: “Members of the PNC/R must stop fooling themselves and start asking tough questions. If the party wants to survive and matter again, it must face reality now. The longer it waits, the harder the fall will be.”

President unveils new opportunities for local ownership, investment

– Junior Stock Exchange, Development Bank, Diaspora Bond among measures to expand local participation

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali has announced a series of initiatives aimed at increasing Guyanese ownership, investment and participation across key sectors of the economy, signalling what he described as a new phase in the country’s local content agenda.

Speaking at the Local Content Summit Networking Reception at the Four Points by Sheraton on Tuesday evening, President Ali said the government is now looking beyond the oil-and-gas sector to embed local content principles across the wider economy.

“We are now moving into an era where we want local content to be structured in the everyday evolution of our economy,” the President told attendees.

“The coming weeks will be very exciting for local content and local participation in large-scale transformative projects,” he added.

According to President Ali, one major developer in the gold sector has already committed to reserving shares for local participation when the exchange becomes operational.

The President also revealed that legislation to establish the Guyana Development Bank will be tabled in Parliament within days.

The bank is expected to provide financing for small and micro-enterprises while supporting the development of business clusters capable of taking advantage of new economic opportunities.

In another major announcement, President Ali disclosed that the government is advancing plans for a Diaspora Bond, which will offer fixed rates of return and allow Guyanese living abroad to invest directly

Among the major initiatives announced was the establishment of a Junior Stock Exchange, which will create opportunities for Guyanese businesses and individuals to invest in emerging sectors and participate in the ownership of major projects.

in the country’s development.

The bond is expected to help raise capital for large-scale infrastructure projects while strengthening diaspora engagement in national development.

On the energy front, the President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring local participation in major projects being developed within the Wales Development Zone.

He pointed specifically to the planned fertiliser plant, which he said will be structured to allow both individual Guyanese and local businesses to invest and earn fixed returns.

President Ali also announced plans for a gas bottling and distribution facility, another project expected to prioritise local ownership and participation.

Further opportunities are expected to emerge through the development of data centres in Wales, which the President said will incorporate local and regional stakeholders from the outset.

Looking beyond Guyana’s borders, President Ali said the country’s growing economic strength and financial sophistication now place it in a position to secure opportunities for Guyanese businesses across the Caribbean.

He noted that local companies could increasingly benefit from business prospects in countries such as Barbados, Grenada and Antigua and Barbuda.

The President also indicated that the government is examining ways to further strengthen the local content framework.

To this end, he directed the Ministry of Natural Resources to submit recommendations to Cabinet on expanding the list of services eligible under the Local Content Act.

He noted that sectors such as financial services and insurance have attracted significant interest and could play a larger

role in local procurement opportunities.

“We are entering into an exciting period of the transformation,” President Ali said.

He added that Guyana is now better positioned than ever to identify specialised investment opportunities and forge partnerships with international investors in ways that generate long-term benefits for local businesses and citizens.

Digitising Diagnosis

THE planned digital transformation of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) is far more than a technological upgrade.

This is an important step towards a modern, efficient and patient-centered health care system that can meet the needs of a rapidly developing nation.

For decades, the paper-based record keeping has been the bane of healthcare institutions across the globe.

Lost files, duplicated documentation, delay in accessing patient information and administrative inefficiencies have often been barriers to the delivery of timely medical care.

With the growth of the public health sector in Guyana to meet demand, the need for a comprehensive electronic health records system has become increasingly evident.

So, it is reassuring to know that GPHC, the country’s leading healthcare institution, is forging ahead with plans to go fully digital by mid-2027.

Much of the required information technology infrastructure has already been completed, and the hospital is now in the painstaking process of mapping workflows, documenting procedures and customising software across its 74 departments, Chief Executive Officer Robbie Rambarran said.

The key point here is that this is not just about changing paper files to digital. Instead, it aims to radically change the flow of information through the hospital. Ram-

barran rightly pointed out that it makes little sense to duplicate inefficient manual systems in a digital environment. The goal is to provide a more efficient, better coordinated and patient-friendly health-care experience that reduces unnecessary duplication and streamlines operations.

The magnitude of the task cannot be overstated. GPHC serves thousands of patients each day and continues to be one of the more complex health care institutions in the Caribbean.

Developing an effective system that integrates clinical, administrative and operational functions requires considerable planning, consultation and testing. The decision to revise the original implementation timeline reflects a realistic appreciation of the complexity of the project, rather than any lack of commitment to its success.

But the anticipated benefits are significant.

Electronic health records will allow healthcare providers to access patient information more quickly and accurately, which will decrease delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Soon, patients will be able to access their medical records and test results online, increasing convenience and engagement in their own care. This will also allow for better continuity of care, especially as Guyana expands healthcare services beyond Georgetown and strengthens regional health facilities.

There is maybe even more impor -

tantly the vision of a connected national healthcare network in the long term. Such a system could provide secure access to patient records in public healthcare facilities, reduce duplicate testing and improve coordination between healthcare providers.

The initiative also demonstrates its forward-looking approach with talks of future integration of Guyana’s electronic identification cards into the health records system.

Festival City Polyclinic’s successful deployment of electronic medical records gives us a taste of what is possible. Patients can already use online appointment booking services to reduce waiting times and improve service delivery overall. Scaling these innovations across the healthcare system could transform the patient experience across the country.

Also crucial are the institutional arrangements put in place to steer the project. Governance committees, steering committees and advisory bodies have overseen implementation. Such structures are crucial to ensure accountability, stakeholder engagement and long-term sustainability.

The change is also an indication of broader changes occurring in the health care sector in Guyana.

New urgent care services, improved infrastructure, enhanced medical training opportunities and the beginning of conversations around advanced technologies like robotic-assisted procedures point to a healthcare system that is increasingly embracing innovation.

It is hardly an exaggeration to say that strong political support has been central to the progress of these initiatives.

The environment created by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s focus on healthcare modernisation can turn long-standing proposals into reality. “Healthcare administrators today are operating in a very different resource environment to their predecessors in earlier decades, when a lack of funding often resulted in critical investments being delayed,” pointed out Rambarran.

But the real test of success will be the effect on patient care, not the technology itself. In the end, digital transformation must mean shorter waiting times, better access to services, increased efficiency, better data security and better health outcomes for citizens.

Guyana is at a crossroads in the evolution of its health care system. GPHC digitisation is more than a hospital project, it’s a national investment in the future of healthcare delivery.

When successful, it will place Guyana at the cutting edge of health sector innovation in the region and show how technology can be harnessed to improve the lives of all citizens.

The road ahead will be difficult, but the goal is obvious.

A modern healthcare system needs modern tools, and the journey to a fully digital GPHC is a bold and necessary step in that direction.

Flooding Demands Facts, Not Political Theatre

THE recent flooding across Guyana is serious. Families in Regions Four, Five, Six and other areas deserve relief, not political point-scoring.

APNU’s claim that the flooding is simply the result of PPP/C neglect does not withstand scrutiny. Guyana has always faced a difficult drainage challenge, a low-lying coastal plain, intense rainfall, aging canals, kokers, pumps and sea defense systems. This problem did not begin in 2020.

During APNU+AFC’s tenure, flooding remained a recurring national complaint. Stabroek News reported flooding in the city and on the East Coast in July 2019, with residents’ yards and roadways underwater. In December 2019, another Stabroek Newsletter described flooding in Regions Two and Three and alleged “gross negligence” by

the regional administration. In 2018, parts of South Georgetown, including Ruimveldt and Riverview, were reportedly flooded for weeks because of poor drainage. These reports show that APNU had no magic solution when it held office.

What is different now is the scale of response. Guyana Chronicle reported that President Ali chaired an emergency Cabinet meeting and deployed ministers across affected regions to assess communities and coordinate relief. DPI also reported that ministers were sent into the regions to engage residents and organize immediate support. Guyana Times reported that 51 pumps were deployed to help floodwaters recede. That is not neglect; that is visible government action.

WIN, for its part, has no governing

record on drainage, irrigation, or disaster management. It is easy to criticize from Facebook. It is harder to manage pumps, canals, kokers, rainfall, regional councils, agriculture, sea defense and emergency relief at the same time.

The wider context also matters. This is not a Guyana-only event. The region is experiencing intense rainfall and flood risks. Trinidad and Tobago’s 2026 wet-season outlook warns that even a normal-to-below-normal season can still produce damaging rainfall and moderate flood potential. ReliefWeb and Reuters reported serious flooding and displacement in Brazil during May 2026. Caribbean climate-health guidance also warned that increased rainfall and stagnant water from flooding would affect Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana from

late April or May onward. None of this means the government should escape criticism. Drainage must improve. Maintenance must be constant. Communities must receive timely assistance. But honest criticism must also admit history and context.

APNU had its chance and flooding continued. WIN has slogans but no record. The present government is being tested by weather, infrastructure, and geography, and the proper measure is not who posts the loudest, but who shows up, mobilizes resources, and reaches the people.

Guyana at 60, part 4: Independent thinking

A NATION is identical to an individual.

As we grow, we learn and we leave things behind, things that we will never touch or speak about again. A country is like that. Guyana is now 60 years as a sovereign nation. It is time for us to leave colonially based false philosophy behind. It should have been gone long before Guyana reached 60.

At 60, the state still prevents women from entering certain public institutions if they are wearing sleeveless tops or dresses. I have never seen any cultural or philosophical explanation for this. Guyanese received that cultural taboo from our imperialist rulers and it has been with us since.

One president in the past openly declared that such a relic was unacceptable. This was President David Granger, who was reported on the front page of the Chronicle in 2018, saying that the restriction of Guyana’s dress code was outdated. Granger made the front page of the Chronicle, no doubt happy about what he had said, but never lifted a finger to abolish the restriction. It began in the Chronicle and ended there.

Granger is one of four lacklustre heads CARICOM birthed. There were George Chambers in Trinidad, Bernard St. John in Barbados and George Walter in Antigua. Of the four, I would put Granger last. I recall, a month after Granger made the headline with his rage against the dress code, a school in Campbellville took down the old sign and put up a brand new one displaying the restric-

tions. The school rightfully didn’t think much of Granger and went ahead with the new sign.

After 60 years of independence, the embrace of colonial philosophy must go in this country and as soon as yesterday. We in Guyana have to judge values based on our own philosophical interpretation of what life requires. I have no bias against male and female homosexuality, but Guyana’s perspectives on the legalisation of homosexuality and same-sex marriage must come from Guyanese and not from the demands of powerful foreign countries.

If there are nations in the world that legislate on the acceptance of homosexuality, then that is their right. It must be Guyana’s right to decide whether it wants such legislation. Guyana, as a country that is 60 years old as an independent nation, must decide if it wants a referendum on the legalisation of homosexuality. That referendum should not be demanded from Guyana by powerful countries.

The story of the abolition of the death penalty brings into question how independent we are. This writer knows that from the Hoyte presidency onwards, the European Union has requested Guyana to abolish the death penalty. And it has done so relentlessly. Guyana has not legally removed the death penalty, but we have not carried out the death penalty for over 40 years now.

As an independent nation, Guyanese must decide if it wants to legally do away with

Wheelchair-bound woman dies in Blairmont house fire

The blaze completely destroyed the building and its contents

A 62-year-old wheelchair-bound woman lost her life after becoming trapped in a fire that destroyed her home at Number Two Settlement, Blairmont, West Bank Berbice, early Tuesday morning.

Dead is Bibi Shafroon Ramprashad, known as “Zina,” of Lot 95 Number Two Settlement.

According to her husband, 64-year-old Lokenath Ramprashad, he had left home around 19:00hrs on Monday to report for duty as a watchman at the Pooran Landfill site.

He said he received the devastating news around

04:30hrs on Tuesday after being contacted by his eldest son, who informed him that their home had been engulfed in flames.

Ramprashad explained that his wife, who suffered from a medical condition and relied on a wheelchair, was alone in the house when the fire broke out and was unable to escape.

The blaze completely destroyed the building and its contents.

The grieving husband estimates that the family suffered losses exceeding $20 million.

The Guyana Fire Service has launched an inves-

state executions. Many countries have the death penalty that the EU enjoys extremely close relations with. Two such countries are the United States and Saudi Arabia. Are countries such as Guyana being pressured because we are seen as small economies that can be bullied?

In this world, countries make choices based on their own interests and not those of other nations. That has been the pattern of international relations since time immemorial. Guyana and the sovereign nations of the Global South must respect their sovereignty and pursue directions and pathways that are in their interests.

Nelson Mandela was described as a terrorist in many Western countries, but from India right down to Guyana, he was revered as a freedom fighter. There were geopolitical, economic and racial reasons why those nations outlawed the African National Congress and Mandela. The ANC was fighting for the abolition of apartheid, in which a tiny White minority dominated 22 million Africans. It was in the interest of the post-colonial

world to help Mandela and the ANC abolish apartheid.

The cycle of apartheid has come full circle. There is apartheid in Palestine, but other nations see the Ukrainian conflict as more important to their security and geopolitical interests than Palestine. And if no other reason should instruct Guyana and the Global South to respect their independence and make their decisions based on their own interest, it is genocide in Gaza.

There is the question to be debated that Israel has killed more babies than the Nazi government did. About 60, 000 babies and children have died in Gaza because of the bombing of their homes over the past two years. But countries that support Israel committing genocide want us in Guyana to abolish the death penalty. Maybe Palestinian babies in their eyes are not humans.

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.

DEAD Bibi Shafroon Ramprashad

tigation into the fire and is working to determine its cause.

Six major bills to be tabled in National Assembly on Friday

ATTORNEY-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, has announced that six major pieces of legislation will be introduced in the National Assembly on Friday, including bills aimed at establishing a Development Bank, strengthening protections for hire purchase customers, modernising sexual offences laws, and restoring benefits for former presidents.

Speaking during his weekly programme ‘Issues in the News’ on Tuesday, Nandlall said the bills represent key policy commitments and legal reforms designed to address longstanding challenges affecting citizens and businesses.

“We will be having a sitting of the National Assembly, and six important pieces of legislation will be tabled and read for the first time,” Nandlall said.

Among the measures to be introduced is the Guyana Development Bank Bill, which seeks to establish a financial institution geared towards assisting small and medium-sized businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs who often face difficulties accessing financing through traditional commercial banks.

According to Nandlall, the initiative fulfils a commitment made by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) during the 2025 General and Regional Elections campaign.

“This development bank is specifically designed to target the small and medium-sized businesses or intended businesses,” he explained.

He noted that loans of

up to $3 million will be available without collateral and at zero interest, while successful borrowers may later access financing of up to $10 million through bridging arrangements with commercial banks.

“The loans will be up to $3 million maximum. It would be interest-free, and no collateral is required,” Nandlall said.

The proposed bank will also provide mentorship and technical support to borrowers, including assistance in preparing loan applications and business plans.

Another bill set for introduction is the Hire Purchase Amendment Bill, which aims to clarify provisions in the Bill enacted in 2022.

Nandlall explained that the original legislation introduced significant consumer protections by preventing the arbitrary repossession of goods and allowing matters to be heard in either the High Court or Magistrates’ Courts.

However, differing judicial interpretations have created uncertainty regarding which court has jurisdiction.

“Some judges were interpreting the language to mean that the case can only be filed in the High Court. Some judges are interpreting it to say that the case can only be filed in the Magistrates’ Court,” he said.

The amendment seeks to remove that ambiguity and reaffirm that hire purchase matters may be instituted in either court.

The Attorney-General also highlighted the Depreciating Property Sale Order Bill 2026, which is intended to address the deterioration of property seized during criminal investigations and court proceedings.

Under the proposed legislation, state agencies would be able to apply to the court for permission to sell assets that are likely to depreciate while legal proceedings are ongoing. The proceeds would then be

The six bills will be read for the first time when the National Assembly meets on Friday, June 5, and are expected to be debated at a later sitting

placed in an interest-bearing account until the matter is resolved.

“When the case is determined whoever is entitled to that vehicle or boat or goods or cattle, they get the value along with the interest,” Nandlall explained. He stressed that only the courts would have the authority to approve such sales and that owners would be notified and allowed to participate in the process.

Describing the measure as transformative, Nandlall said, “This is a brilliant piece of legislation that will help, that will bring great reprieve to a serious problem that has plagued the legal system for an extraordinarily long period of time.”

The National Assembly will also receive the Sexual Offences Amendment Bill, which seeks to update Guyana’s sexual offences legislation to reflect inter-

national developments and address deficiencies identified since the principal Act was passed in 2010.

Importantly, the amendments will establish Guyana’s first sex offender registry.

“It creates, importantly, for the first time in Guyana, a sex offenders’ registry,” Nandlall disclosed.

Another bill on the agenda is the Security Interest in Movable Property Amendment and Validation Bill, which seeks to validate transactions that were manually recorded before an electronic registry became fully operational.

Nandlall explained that the electronic registry was created to facilitate searches relating to hire purchase agreements, bills of sale and other secured transactions, enabling prospective buyers and lenders to verify whether movable property is subject to financial obligations.

Finally, the Former Presidents (Benefits and Other Facilities) Bill will repeal amendments introduced by the APNU+AFC administration and restore the framework established under the 2010 legislation governing benefits for former presidents.

According to Nandlall, the intention is to ensure consistency in the treatment of former Heads of State.

“We have decided to repeal the 2015 or 2016 APNU+AFC law and to bring back into force the 2010 Former Presidents Benefits and Other Facilities Bill. We believe that is the standard that all presidents should receive,” he said.

The six bills will be read for the first time when the National Assembly meets on Friday, June 5, and are expected to be debated at a later sitting.

Local businesses urged to seize expanding opportunities as oil sector growth accelerates

GUYANESE businesses

and investors are being urged to position themselves to take advantage of the vast opportunities emerging from the country’s rapidly expanding oil and gas industry and wider economic transformation.

The call was made on Tuesday during the opening of the fourth annual Local Content Summit at the Houston Event Centre, Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Georgetown, where government officials, private-sector representatives, industry stakeholders and investors gathered to discuss opportunities for local participation in the country’s development.

Senior Minister within the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, said Guyana’s economic transformation remains in its early stages and encouraged local investors to prepare for even greater opportunities in the years ahead.

“Imagine, if you consider the transformation that we’ve already achieved and the business opportunities already achieved, contemplate what the next five years hold for us as a country and for you as private investors in Guyana,” Dr Singh said.

According to the minister, Guyana’s oil production has grown significantly since first oil in 2019 and is expected to continue expanding as additional offshore developments come on stream.

He noted that the country currently produces more than 900,000 barrels of oil per day from major developments, including Liza Phase One, Liza Phase Two, Payara and Yellowtail, with the upcoming Uaru project expected to push production beyond one million barrels per day by the end of 2026.

Dr Singh emphasised that the benefits of the sector must continue to extend to

Guyanese businesses, pointing out that more than 2,500 local vendors have already secured in excess of US$2.5 billion in procurement opportunities since oil production began.

“There is nothing written in law that Guyanese companies can only supply these 40 categories of goods and services. If you can produce anything competitively, there is a business opportunity for you,” he said.

The minister explained that the 40 categories outlined in the Local Content Act represent minimum requirements and should not be viewed as the limit of op-

portunities available to local businesses.

“If you can produce literally anything under the sun that they might require, whether it is in the local content schedule or not, and you can satisfy ExxonMobil or their tier one or tier two contractors, there is a business opportunity for you,” Singh said.

He added: “We want you to do business. We want you to grow your business. We want you to make money because more people investing can only redound to national well-being.”

“What we have seen to date is really only just the beginning of the Guyana story,” Dr Singh said.

Meanwhile, Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat said Guyana’s rapid development is the result of a combination of strategic leadership, sound policies and strong partnerships.

“Guyana is Dubai on steroids. That is the pace of development that is taking place,” Minister Bharrat said.

He stressed that while oil and gas have played a major role in driving economic growth, effective governance remains a critical factor in

the country’s progress.

“It is not oil and gas alone that has propelled Guyana. It is strong leadership, brave, decisive leadership and good management,” he said.

The two-day Local Content Summit, being held under the theme “From Policy to Prosperity: Unlocking Opportunities Through Collaboration”, continues through June 3 and serves as a key platform for connecting government officials, financiers, entrepreneurs and industry leaders with emerging opportunities across Guyana’s growing economy.

New state-of-the-art hospitals for Region Seven move closer to reality

– President says land secured for Upper

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali has announced that two major hospital projects earmarked for Region Seven are moving ahead, including a new state-of-the-art hospital in the Upper Mazaruni and a $7.6 billion regional hospital in Bartica, as the government intensifies efforts to improve healthcare delivery in hinterland communities.

Addressing residents

during a recent government outreach in Bartica, the President disclosed that the administration has now secured the land needed to proceed with the long-awaited hospital project in the Upper Mazaruni.

“We have finally gotten the letter from the Toshao in Warawatta giving us the ownership to 10 acres of land, so we can now build the state-of-the-art hospital,” President Ali

told residents.

Mazaruni facility; warns delayed projects will be terminated clock healthcare services and advanced diagnostic capabilities.

With the land transfer completed, he said government can now advance to the implementation stage.

“We can now proceed with the implementation of that project, the new state-of-the-art hospital,” he added.

The President also confirmed that plans are advancing for a 50-bed hospital in Bartica that will provide round-the-

“We’ve already found the site for the new stateof-the-art hospital, the 50-bed hospital with a 24hour lab that will cost $7.6 billion, with CT scans, [and] pharmacy… right there in Bartica,” he announced.

According to President Ali, the investments form part of a broader effort to improve the quality of healthcare and other public services across Region Seven.

“We are focusing heavily now on quality service delivery, where when you go to the health centre, you must feel the quality of the healthcare investment. You go to the school, you must feel the quality,” he said.

UNDERPERFORMING PROJECTS TO BE CUT

The President noted that regular engagements with hinterland communities and local leaders continue to shape the government’s development agenda, ensuring that investments reflect the needs of residents.

He added that communities in the Upper Mazaruni will also benefit from wider government investments in public services and energy infra -

structure.

“The upper [Mazaruni] people also will benefit,” President Ali said while outlining plans for expanded service centres and offgrid energy systems.

The new hospitals are expected to significantly improve access to healthcare services in the region, reducing the need for patients to travel to Georgetown for specialist treatment and advanced diagnostic services.

Meanwhile, President Ali used the outreach to issue a stern warning to contractors responsible for public infrastructure projects that are lagging behind schedule.

He said Cabinet recently reviewed the status of projects across Region Seven and has instructed that contracts showing significant delays be terminated.

“Cabinet met [with] the different project heads on all the projects across the region, and projects that are more than four months behind schedule and after the assessment by the supervisors, taking into consideration time delay as a result of airstrips, weather, everything… those that are still behind schedule, those projects will be terminated,” the President said.

He stressed that government will move quickly to ensure delayed works

are completed.

“Those projects will be terminated, and contractors will be assigned to complete those projects… We have to get this right and get these projects done,” he asserted.

MORE RESPONSIVE

According to the President, stronger monitoring mechanisms have already been introduced within the administration to improve accountability and project delivery.

“We have a tracking mechanism that is allowing us to track how we’re delivering on these issues,” he said.

Ultimately, President Ali said the objective is to ensure residents of Region Seven receive timely services and benefit fully from government investments.

“At the end of the day, we want a government that is incredibly responsive to the citizens of Region Seven,” he said.

The planned hospitals, together with stricter oversight of public works projects, form part of the government’s wider strategy to improve healthcare access, strengthen infrastructure and enhance the quality of life for residents in hinterland and riverain communities.

Family support critical in mental health recovery, GPHC CEO says

– hospital records rise in suicide-watch admissions as counselling proves effective

AS Guyana continues to place greater emphasis on mental health, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) is strengthening its response to mental health challenges, with hospital officials highlighting the critical role of counselling and family support in patient recovery.

Chief Executive Officer of the GPHC, Robbie Rambarran, says while the number of mental health cases remains relatively consistent with previous years, the hospital has seen an increase in suicide attempts, resulting in more admissions to suicide-watch wards.

Speaking on the most recent episode of the Starting Point podcast, Rambarran said managing mental health cases remains one of the most challenging aspects of healthcare delivery.

“It is unfortunate, but it's a difficult one to manage. But the recovery in mental health cases is there; counselling is working, because a lot of those patients after speaking to the doctor get better,” he said.

According to Rambarran, one of the most common concerns raised by patients is

the absence of strong family support systems.

“Importantly, something that is absent, prior to these patients attempting suicide, is enough support, especially family support. Almost every one of our patients has complained about the lack of family support,” he added.

His observations were echoed by Psychiatrist Dr. Triston Griffith, who stressed that mental health should be treated with the same level of importance as physical health.

Speaking during a recent GPHC awareness pro-

gramme marking Mental Health Awareness Month, Dr. Griffith highlighted the often-overlooked mental health impacts associated with chronic illnesses and autoimmune diseases.

He explained that conditions such as lupus can have both physical and psychological effects, including anxiety and depression.

“Chronic inflammation in the body can also occur in the brain, which disrupts important neurochemical processes that govern our mood and our ability to sleep. A person with

TURN TO PAGE 12

Bodies of pregnant woman, fiancé recovered at Unity Beach

THE bodies of a pregnant woman and her fiancé, who were swept away by strong waves while swimming at Unity Beach, East Coast Demerara, on Sunday afternoon, were recovered at sea on Tuesday morning.

The recovery was made by members of a search party after two days of intensive efforts. Family mem -

bers have since been informed.

The deceased have been identified as 20-year-old Loydicia Waldron, known as “Loyda”, a sales assistant of Victoria Village, East Coast Demerara, and her fiancé, 31-yearold Special Constable Andri Francis, called “Bobby”, also of Victoria Village.

According to earlier

information from the Guyana Police Force, the couple encountered difficulties while swimming at Unity Beach at about 14:00hrs on Sunday.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Waldron reportedly began drifting further out into the Atlantic Ocean and called out for help. Francis reportedly attempted to rescue her,

but both were overpowered by the strong current and disappeared beneath the water.

An alarm was immediately raised, and searches were conducted along the beach and surrounding areas. However, initial efforts to locate the couple proved unsuccessful.

The tragic incident has left relatives, friends and members of the Victoria community in mourning.

Waldron was expecting a child with Francis and had been eagerly preparing for her baby shower, which was scheduled for July 25.

Police investigations are continuing.

Family support critical...

FROM PAGE 11

lupus or other autoimmune diseases that experience mental health conditions are not only affected by the psychological burdens of the illness,” Dr. Griffith said.

He urged persons experiencing mental health challenges to seek professional help and maintain open communication with family members and healthcare providers.

“Having mental health conditions while you're also suffering from an autoimmune disease is not a sign that you're a failure or that you're weak, but it's a direct manifestation of your illness. And so, speak to your physicians about how you feel. Have them seek expert opinions, if necessary,” he said.

Dr. Griffith also underscored the importance of family support in the recovery process.

“Talk to your family. The support system of your family is extremely important, but family members themselves can become burdened as roles tend to shift when persons have autoimmune diseases. And so sometimes people feel overwhelmed,” he explained.

“It's important to ensure that as family members living with somebody that has an autoimmune disease, you are also taking care of your own mental health because you cannot pour from an empty cup.”

Addressing recent mental health-related deaths, Rambarran said the hospital continues to review and strengthen its protocols to better protect vulnerable patients.

“Mental health is a serious business and what happened to those patients was unfortunate. We wish we can save every patient, not just mental health patients, and especially patients who die from those circumstances. It is sometimes not easy for us to deal with,” he said.

To improve patient safety, GPHC has implemented several measures, including enhanced monitoring systems and modifications to facilities.

“We had to find ways of improvising how we put the grills on so that in the event of an emergency they can be easily removed, but not so easily removed by a patient,” Rambarran explained.

The hospital also utilises

isolated wards for high-risk patients and ensures that staff members remain in close proximity to those under suicide watch.

According to Rambarran, the institution continues to see a significant number of suicide-watch admissions.

“We have also worked on improving our policies and clinical processes, how we manage these cases, and training the staff in a more advanced way. It's quite an overwhelming number of patients that we have on a daily basis that are on suicide watch, double digits every day are admitted and placed on suicide watch,” he said.

Despite the challenges, he noted that the combination of medical intervention, counselling, social support and family involvement has been producing positive outcomes.

“Once they're in our care and we start talking to them, get the doctors and social workers involved, get the family involved, have some conversations, and have them assigned to doctors or social workers directly for counselling, it has been working,” Rambarran said.

All Region Six sluices operational despite heavy rainfall, says Basant

– chairman urges residents to stop clogging drains with garbage as teams respond to flooding

By Bebi Shafeah Oosman

REGION

Six Regional

Chairman, Junior Basant has assured residents that all sluices and pumps across the region remain fully operational despite ongoing heavy rainfall that has caused flooding in some communities.

Speaking on Tuesday after visiting several schools and affected areas, Basant said regional authorities have been actively monitoring conditions and deploying resources to communities impacted by what he described as “abnormal rainfall.”

According to the chairman, while some homes and farmlands have experienced flooding, the region’s drainage infrastructure continues to function effectively.

“A few homes have been flooded and there is water on some lands; however, the systems we have in place are working. We have all of the sluices in operation, all of the pumps are fully functional and in operation, and additionally systems have been put in place to bring

immediate resolutions to the more affected area,” Basant explained.

He said regional officials remain on the ground assessing conditions and responding to reports from residents.

“The systems are being implemented on the ground, and they will bring resolution and relief to persons affected,” he added.

Basant noted that drainage works are already underway in several communities, including Sheet Anchor and Fort Ordinance, East Canje Berbice, where flooding was reported.

“We have machine right now installing tubing to ensure the water can recede. We also have machines working around Fyrish and Number One Area to bring resolution to the residents of these areas,” he said.

In Number One Village, Corentyne, Basant said vegetation buildup in a drainage canal had been restricting the flow of water, prompting immediate intervention.

“A machine was immediately deployed there to bring resolution, and it is

currently clearing those vegetation out so that we can have the maximum flow of water in that drainage canal and have the water recede as fast as possible in that area,” he explained.

The Regional Chairman also used the opportunity to call on residents to play a greater role in maintaining drainage systems, noting that poor garbage disposal practices continue to hamper flood mitigation efforts.

“Residents are not acting in the best interest of themselves and in the interest of their communities. We continue to see garbage clogging drains, we continue to see overgrown vegetation in persons’ personal drains

leading water out of their yard, we continue to see a buildup of construction waste, we continue to see bags of garbage floating in canals, floating in drains, and these are severely affecting the interventions and the mechanisms that we are putting in place,” Basant said.

He stressed that such

practices place additional strain on the drainage network and reduce its effectiveness during periods of heavy rainfall.

“We have to act in conscience and let good sense prevail and ensure that you keep your surroundings clean and dispose of your garbage in a responsible manner so that you can

help us to help you get the system under control and get the system to work as it should,” Basant urged residents of Region Six.

The chairman said regional authorities will continue monitoring conditions and implementing measures to provide relief to affected communities as rainfall persists.

Guyana to study global models for social media regulation

ATTORNEY GENERAL

and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, SC., says Guyana will examine legislative models from around the world as it seeks to develop an effective framework to regulate social media use, particularly among children.

Nandlall made the remarks on Tuesday at the launch of the national consultation on “Social Media and its Consequential Effects on Children,” noting that governments across the globe are grappling with the challenge of regulating cyberspace, while protecting fundamental freedoms.

He said countries in Europe, along with Australia, New Zealand and Brazil, have already introduced measures aimed at addressing the impact of social media and online platforms, particularly on younger users.

“We are going to look at all the examples, as many as possible, but not be blinkered in our effort to derive what we consider to be the best and most updated position for Guyana,” Nandlall said.

The Attorney General disclosed that the government has retained a United Kingdom-based law firm to conduct a review of international approaches and

identify models that have proven both effective and practical.

“We have given that firm instructions to look at the models in the world that are excellent and the ones that have proven to be more successful,” he explained.

According to Nandlall, while the government is committed to strengthening safeguards in the digital space, any legislation ultimately adopted must be capable of being enforced.

“It’s better you don’t have the law. If you can’t enforce it, it makes no sense putting sophisticated laws on the books,” he said.

– AG Nandlall says laws must be practical, enforceable and tailored to local realities

He stressed that although the broader challenge relates to regulating activity within cyberspace, the immediate focus of the consultation is the protection of children, whom he described as Guyana’s “most precious asset.”

Nandlall said the government has no intention of simply copying laws from other jurisdictions, noting that any framework developed must reflect Guyana’s

unique social and cultural realities.

“We have to look at our cultural and social idiosyncrasies, the peculiarities of our society and devise a model that meets those exigencies,” he stated.

The Attorney General emphasised that broad stakeholder engagement will be critical to the process, with legal professionals, law-enforcement

agencies, religious organisations, social groups and other stakeholders expected to contribute recommendations.

The consultation, spearheaded by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance on behalf of President, Dr Irfaan Ali, forms part of a wider national effort to examine the growing influence of social media on children and determine what measures may be necessary to protect them in an increasingly digital environment.

Nandlall acknowledged that regulating cyberspace remains an evolving challenge worldwide, but maintained that public participation will be essential in crafting a framework that is balanced, practical and responsive to Guyana’s needs.

According to him, the objective is to create a model that works for Guyana, protects the nation’s children and can be effectively implemented.

Training programmes helping Region Seven residents build businesses, create opportunities

– beneficiaries credit WIIN, childcare training and government initiatives for personal and economic growth

COMMUNITY leaders and programme beneficiaries in Region Seven are highlighting the positive impact of government-led training and empowerment initiatives, saying the programmes are helping residents build skills, expand businesses and create new opportunities for economic advancement.

During a recent government outreach in the region, Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr. Vindhya Persaud said the government's development agenda extends beyond infrastructure projects to investing in people through education, training and social programmes.

Speaking to residents at Mora Camp, Region Seven, Minister Persaud emphasised that human development remains a critical component of national development.

“It is not only infrastructure and roads, it is also the development of people, very much so the development of people, and to make sure when we work on the development of people so that they can utilise every opportunity that our government has ensured is made available to the youngest all the way to the seniors,” she said.

The minister noted that the outreach provided valuable insight into the challenges and needs of communities across the region and will help shape future government interventions.

“As we went across your region, which is very beautiful, which is very diverse, it gave us a very good insight into the areas that, as a government, we want to be able to work with you on,” Persaud said.

She added that direct engagement with citizens remains a cornerstone of the government's approach to development.

“The most important thing that we have done and we continue to do as a government, spearheaded by His Excellency, is to

Minister of Human Services and Social Security

Dr. Vindhya Persaud engaging with residents of Mora Camp, Region Seven

listen to people and people across the length and breadth of this country,” she said.

Among those sharing their experiences was Bartica businesswoman and daycare operator, Kerriann Hicks, who credited specialised childcare training with improving both her professional skills and understanding of child development.

The Childcare and Early Childhood Development programme, administered through the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security and the Childcare and Protection Agency, equips participants with skills in child development, age-appropriate care, stimulation techniques and childcare standards.

“Being the owner of Kerri's Day Care, I would have completed the three courses, which is level one, two, and three, and it was very beneficial to me. I learned a lot about children, even a bit more. It taught me a lot of patience and kindness and how to deal with children a little bit better,” Hicks said.

In 2023, some 50 women in Bartica were enrolled in Childcare Level Two training through the Women's Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) programme as part of efforts to create employment opportunities and support home-based childcare services.

Entrepreneur Tracy Melville also praised the government's empowerment initiatives, particu -

During the engagement, Minister Persaud listened to residents’ success stories and concerns which will be used to implement future projects (Ministry of Human Services and Social Security photos)

larly the WIIN and Small Business Startup Plan programmes.

According to Melville, the training helped her strengthen her financial management skills and improve the operation of her business.

“I have done the WIIN programme. I have gone through the Small Business Startup Plan, and it has taught me a lot to help benefit my business. I have learned how to save, how to better manage, and it has helped my business to grow. New strategies, it helped me a lot,” she said.

Encouraging others to take advantage of similar opportunities, Melville added, “I would like to encourage other young people out there to take advantage of this programme and get involved. It would help to better you, to grow your business.”

Launched in 2021, the Women's Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) provides women with entrepreneurial, vocational and life-skills training in areas such as business management, marketing, garment construction, childcare, digital literacy and entrepreneurship.

The testimonies shared during the outreach highlighted th e role these programmes continue to play in creating opportunities, building capacity and empowering women and small business owners across Region Seven and the wider country.

SISPRO secures Nigerian partner for offshore oil blocks

- eyes US$600M investment

GUYANESE-OWNED oil company SISPRO Inc has secured a joint-venture partnership with Nigerian exploration and production company Bono Energy Limited, paving the way for the signing of a Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with the Government of Guyana and the development of two offshore oil blocks.

The partnership was announced on the sidelines of the fourth Local Content Summit on Tuesday, when SISPRO officials said the company is now ready to move ahead with the long-awaited agreement.

Officials from the Nigerian oil-exploration and production company Bono Energy are in Guyana to finalise arrangements for the signing of exploration agreements with the Ministry of Natural Resources. The delegation includes Director Deji Fawole and Head of Legal and Compliance Leke Solanke, who are expected to participate in the signing process in the coming days.

The agreement would mark another milestone in Guyana's growing petroleum sector and could make SISPRO the first women-led Guyanese company to move into offshore oil exploration and production.

To date, the government has signed Production Sharing Agreements with an international consortium comprising TotalEnergies, QatarEnergy and PETRONAS, as well as Ghanaian-based Cybele Energy for two shallow-water blocks.

The foundational PSA signed in 2016 with ExxonMobil (Esso Exploration), CNOOC, and Hess, established Guyana's modern oil and gas industry.

Under Guyana's modernised model, newly signed agreements require stricter fiscal terms, including a 10% royalty rate, a reduced cost-recovery ceiling of 65%, and a 10% corporation tax.

SISPRO Chairperson Ayodele Dalgety-Dean and Company Secretary Abbigail Loncke-Watson, disclosed that the company has entered into a joint-venture arrangement with Bono Energy after extensive negotiations with several operators.

“We have been in negotiations with a lot of different operators, but I can say that we finally registered

with Bono Energy,” Dalgety-Dean told reporters.

The partnership will focus on the exploration of one shallow-water and one deep-water offshore concession awarded to SISPRO.

However, according to Bono Energy Director, Deji Fawole, the company has committed funding of up to US$600 million to support the development of the two assets.

“We are in partnership with SISPRO to develop the shallow-water and the deep-water blocks in Guyana and we have funding to the tune of about US$600 million for both assets to start up with, and we're committed to local- content development in Guyana and to work with the Ministry of Natural Resources in Guyana to develop the oil and gas industry,” Fawole told reporters.

He noted that the consortium is prepared to meet its financial obligations under the agreement, including the payment of a signing bonus of just under US$14 million.

“I believe we have 30 days to pay that, and we would be ready to pay it,” he stated.

Fawole said additional work would be carried out in the blocks, with the company also benefitting from seismic data expected to be acquired by the Guyana government.

Based on preliminary assessments, he said the shallow-water block could contain an estimated 300 million barrels of oil.

Loncke-Watson said initial investments in the projects could range between US$150 million and US$200 million.

With the new partnership in place, SISPRO officials indicated that the company is prepared to sign the Production Sharing Agreement with the govern-

ment within days.

“We are ready to go ahead, yes,” Loncke-Watson said.

Meanwhile, Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat welcomed the development, noting that the government had hoped to sign the agreement with SISPRO much earlier.

“I wanted to sign this agreement a long time because it is a local group of young Guyanese women who would have been the first group to sign a PSA," Minister Bharrat said.

The minister noted that internal issues had delayed the process, but indicated that the government remains ready to proceed once those matters are resolved.

Dalgety-Dean, however, gave the assurance that those challenges have been addressed and that the company is prepared to move forward with its Nigerian partner.

SISPRO's involvement in Guyana's offshore oil sector dates back to October 2023, when the government announced the award of eight deep- and shallow-water blocks following the country's first competitive oil-block licensing round.

The licensing round, which was launched in December 2022 and concluded in September 2023, attracted bids from six companies for eight of the 14 offshore blocks that were offered. A total of 14 bids were submitted for the available acreage, including two deep-water blocks and six shallow-water blocks.

Among the successful bidders was SISPRO Inc., which was awarded both the S3 shallow-water block and the D2 deep-water block, making it one of the first locally owned companies to secure offshore petroleum acreage in Guyana.

Region 7 leaders credit gov’t investments for improving lives, expanding opportunities

– community leaders highlight gains in agriculture, infrastructure and electricity access

COMMUNITY leaders across Region Seven are crediting the government’s investments with improving livelihoods, strengthening agriculture and expanding access to services, while identifying new priorities for continued development.

Their comments came following a recent government outreach, during which representatives from Falmouth, Mora Camp, Agatash/Dagg Point and Kartabo highlighted the impact of projects funded through the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), presidential grants and support from various government ministries.

The leaders said investments in agriculture, transportation, sports facilities, electricity and community infrastructure have delivered tangible benefits to residents while creating new opportunities for growth.

They also noted that the outreach provided an important platform for direct engagement with government officials, allowing communities to raise concerns and discuss future development priorities.

Speaking on behalf of Falmouth Village, Senior Councillor Romel Braithwaite highlighted what he described as the significant impact of funding received through the LCDS.

Falmouth, a remote community in Region Seven with a population of approximately 400 persons, has used its annual LCDS allocation to undertake a number of development projects, including the construction of a village office, improvements to school recreational facilities, security infrastructure, a cassava processing facility and poultry farming initiatives.

“Over the past years I've seen tremendous development through our LCDS that we receive each year. We receive $15 million each year through the Low Carbon Development Strategy and we have embarked on many projects in many areas,” Braithwaite said. He noted that the community has also benefited from presidential grant funding.

“We look at livelihood, we

As part of a Cabinet outreach Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha, along with a team from the Ministry of Agriculture,

look at education, we look at agriculture and we also receive $1.8 million from our presidential grant which goes towards projects also in our community. For this year we have embarked on a boathouse from our presidential grant and from our LCDS we have built poultry farms, we have improved our sports facility and much more,” he added.

Chairman of the Mora Camp Community Development Council, Mark Harrop, also highlighted the impact of recent investments, particularly in electricity access.

Mora Camp has been among the hinterland communities benefiting from the government's push to expand solar energy systems in remote areas.

“We have received a bus which the President promised us, we have got a canter from our LCDS fund, we got road, we got some solar in the area. I must say thanks to the Minister of Housing for the $3 million that he has given to us at the conference,” Harrop said.

He noted that residents are experiencing electricity for the first time.

“It is really coming. Residents who have been in Mora Camp for 50 years now, for the first time they have electricity. We use it towards that,” he added.

Agriculture was another area repeatedly highlighted by community leaders.

Vice-Chairman of the Agatash/Dagg Point Farmers' Group, Frederick Singh, welcomed sup-

and

port provided by the Ministry of Agriculture, noting that it comes at a crucial time as farmers prepare for a new planting season.

“I'm so thankful for the contribution of the fertiliser and the seeds that will be given to us through the Government of Guyana and through the agriculture ministry,” Singh said.

"This would more or less boost our production now, with the fertiliser to help our plants as well as the seeds that we got. The weather is now ready that we can replant again."

The support forms part of a wider initiative by the Ministry of Agriculture to distribute seeds, fertilisers and other agricultural inputs to farmers across the country.

Kartabo Village Chairman Lloyd Williams also pointed to the positive impact of government assistance on agriculture within his community.

Located approximately six miles upstream from Bartica, Kartabo has traditionally relied on farming and agricultural production as a key economic activity.

Williams said support provided through agricultural programmes has helped farmers improve production and expand value-added activities.

“I just received some fertilizer from the agriculture department here in Bartica. I just want to thank the Minister of Agriculture and the Government of Guyana for assisting us in agriculture,” Williams said.

“We would like to say thanks

for the chainsaw, the shade house, the cassava mill.”

According to Williams, the equipment will help farmers increase productivity while sup-

porting the processing of cassava and other agricultural products.

With government officials continuing to engage communities and identify priorities

for future investment, leaders across Region Seven expressed optimism about the region's development trajectory and the opportunities that lie ahead.

Venezuelan national remanded over miner’s murder in Region Eight

REMANDED: Jose Armando Alsena Coll

A VENEZUELAN man has been remanded to prison after being charged with the murder of miner Rodwell La Cruz, known as “Kabaloo,” who was fatally beaten during an attack at a mining camp in the Siparuni River area in March.

Jose Armando Alsena Coll, a 31-year-old welder of Sheriff Street, Georgetown, appeared before Senior Magistrate Clive Nurse via Zoom at the Mahdia Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

Coll was charged with murder, contrary to common law, in connection with the death of La Cruz, a resident of Warapoka Village, North West District.

The alleged offence occurred on March 10, 2026, at the Iwokrama Protected Area along the Siparuni River, Region Eight.

Coll, who was arrested on May 28, was not required to plead to the indictable charge. Bail was denied and he was remanded to prison until June 26, 2026.

According to police, La Cruz and another worker were in a kitchen area at a dredging operation when they were approached by three men who accused them of stealing gold from a sluice box.

Investigators said the men were ordered to a nearby watch camp where they encountered another individual.

It is alleged that the suspects, armed with a handgun, cutlasses and a mattock handle, assaulted the men, inflicting multiple injuries.

The injured workers were later assisted and transported from the area, but La Cruz succumbed to his injuries while en route for medical treatment.

Police subsequently found his body with visible marks of violence and transported it to the Linden Hospital Complex Mortuary, where he was officially pronounced dead.

Two other men were also injured during the incident.

38 arrested as GGMC shuts down six illegal mining operations in Region Seven

THIRTY-EIGHT persons were arrested on Tuesday after authorities shut down six illegal mining operations in the Mazaruni Mining District, Region Seven, as part of an ongoing crackdown on unlawful mining activities.

The enforcement exercise was carried out by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) through its Corps of Wardens, in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force, following reports of illegal mining activities in the area.

According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, the six illegal operations were being conducted within a quarry area.

During the operation, authorities arrested 38 individuals and seized several pieces of equipment and machinery that were being used to support the unlawful activities.

The ministry said surveillance measures have since been implemented in the area to monitor activities and prevent a return of illegal mining operations

The ministry said surveillance measures have since been implemented in the area to monitor activities and prevent a return of illegal mining operations.

In a statement, the ministry reaffirmed the government's commitment to combating illegal mining across the country.

“The Government of Guyana maintains a zero-tolerance policy on illegal mining and will continue to take decisive action to detect, disrupt and prosecute all unlawful activities in the sector,” the ministry said.

The ministry also warned industry stakeholders that illegal mining activities will not be tolerated under any circumstances, noting that enforcement efforts will continue as authorities work to safeguard the country's mining sector and natural resources.

Buxton vendors relocated to new commercial tarmac

THE Ministry of Public Works on Tuesday officially handed over a newly constructed commercial tarmac to vendors who previously operated along the railway embankment line top at Buxton, East Coast Demerara.

The new asphalted space can accommodate 61 vendors and is part of efforts to regularise roadside vending while improving traffic safety along the East Coast corridor.

The relocation exercise was marked by a transparent lottery process, during which vendors drew numbers to determine the allocation of their new business spots. The process was witnessed by Minister of

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, addresses vendors during Tuesday’s handover and allocation exercise

Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill.

Addressing the vendors, Minister Edghill urged them to maintain a clean, organised and uniform commercial space.

He cautioned against the construction of haphazard and shanty-type structures,

Vendors participate in a transparent lottery process to determine the allocation of business spots at the newly established commercial area in Buxton

noting that a well-kept layout would enhance the image of Buxton, attract more customers and improve the overall shopping experience.

The minister also assured vendors that key infrastructure, including light fixtures and modern

washroom facilities, will be installed within two weeks.

The Ministry said the relocation is a vital step in regularising roadside commerce and improving traffic safety as the East Coast Road Improvement Project advances.

Back in March, the ven-

dors were relocated following consultations involving the Buxton-Foulis Neighbourhood Democratic Council, vendor representatives, Beston Consulting Inc. and officials from the Ministry of Public Works.

Consultations reportedly began as early as November 2025, when Minister Edghill and a technical team engaged affected vendors on the relocation plans and the way forward.

Police recover pistol, ammunition after suspects flee in Corriverton

POLICE have recovered a suspected 9mm pistol and ammunition during an intelligence-led operation at No. 77 Housing Scheme, Corriverton, Berbice, after a group of men fled from ranks.

The operation was conducted on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, following information received by investigators.

According to police, ranks went to a street leading to the backlands at No. 77 Housing Scheme, where several men were seen gathered. Upon noticing the police presence, the men reportedly ran into nearby bushes and escaped. Police gave chase but were unable to apprehend any of the suspects.

A subsequent search of the area led to the discovery of a black side bag containing a suspected 9mm pistol fitted with a magazine and six live rounds of 9mm ammunition.

A 36-year-old man of Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara, is in police custody after ranks allegedly found a shotgun and ammunition concealed in his waistband during a latenight operation.

Police said the discovery was made around 23:30 hrs on Monday, June 1, 2026, during an operation conducted in the village.

The firearm and ammunition were taken to the Springlands Police Station and lodged, pending further investigation.

No arrest has been made and investigations are ongoing.

According to investigators, ranks, acting on information received, went to a location at Meten-MeerZorg, where they contacted the suspect. A search was subsequently carried out and officers allegedly found a suspected 12-gauge shotgun along with a suspected cartridge tucked in the man's pants waist.

The suspect was arrested and escorted to the Leonora Police Station along with the firearm and ammunition, which were lodged pending further investigations. He remains in police custody as investigations continue.

BIT trainees showcase workforce-ready skills at Beterverwagting exhibition

TRAINEES of the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) demonstrated the practical skills and knowledge they acquired over the past several months during a final Practical Exhibition held recently at the Beterverwagting Practical Instruction Centre (PIC), highlighting the growing importance of technical and vocational education in Guyana's rapidly expanding economy.

The exhibition featured participants from the Buxton and Beterverwagting training centres who displayed projects and portfolios developed through a range of competency-based programmes, including Commercial Food Preparation, Furniture Making, Electrical Installation, Information Technology, Air Condi -

The exhibition featured participants from the Buxton and Beterverwagting training centres who displayed projects and portfolios developed through a range of competencybased programmes

cakes, desserts and beverages to handcrafted furniture, plumbing installations and air-conditioning systems.

The event was attended by BIT’s Chief Executive Officer, Richard Maughn, Senior Monitoring, Re -

the culmination of months of hands-on training and provided trainees with an opportunity to demonstrate the competencies they have gained in preparation for employment, entrepreneurship or further technical education.

tioning and Refrigeration, Plumbing, Agro-Processing and Joinery.

Visitors were treated to an array of exhibits showcasing the trainees' abilities, from professionally prepared meals, pastries,

search and Evaluation Officer, Nateica Garraway, Technical Officer, Quinola Legall and other officials, who commended the trainees for their dedication and the quality of their work.

The exhibition marked

Officials noted that the practical displays reflected the Board's continued focus on equipping Guyanese with industry-relevant skills that can support both personal advancement and national development.

The showcase comes at a time when demand for skilled labour continues to increase across Guyana, particularly in construction, manufacturing, hospitality, information technology and industrial services sectors. As the country's economy expands, technical and vocational education has become a critical component of efforts to build a workforce capable of meeting emerging labour market needs.

‘Iswe’ pleads guilty to girlfriend’s murder

SHAQUAWN Alleyne, called “Iswe,” on Tuesday admitted to the 2021 killing of his girlfriend, Shonette Dover, whose decomposed body was discovered in a shallow grave behind his Wismar residence.

Alleyne entered a guilty plea before Justice Sandil Kissoon at the Demerara High Court.

Following the plea, Justice Kissoon ordered probation, psychiatric and prison-conduct reports, along with victim- impact statements and submissions on aggravating and mitigating factors.

The reports are expected to be filed by June 16, with sentencing scheduled for June 17, 2026.

The case stems from the disappearance of Dover, who was reported missing on April 3, 2021. Her body was later discovered buried in a shallow grave behind Alleyne’s Canvas City, Wismar home with a gunshot wound to the head.

Alleyne, who had fled Guyana after the incident,

was eventually apprehended by Surinamese authorities and handed over to local law enforcement. In 2024, he was formally charged with Dover’s murder.

Investigators revealed that Alleyne confessed to killing Dover and later disposing of her body with assistance from her then 15-year-old sister. The teenager was subsequently charged with being an accessory after the fact of murder.

According to information presented during the investigation, the teen told police that Alleyne shot her

sister while allegedly cleaning a firearm. She reportedly assisted him in burying the body after the shooting.

In a confession to the police, Alleyne claimed the shooting was accidental.

“While cleaning the gun, I pulled back the hammer, and I did spray double WD40. Shonette was sitting in a chair, and I was in front of her on another chair handle when I pointed the gun and waved it. Shonette told me to stop playing and my finger touched the trigger, and the gun went off, and I see smoke in the living room and Shonette lying

motionless with a wound in her forehead and blood coming out,” he reportedly told investigators.

Police said Alleyne further admitted that after the shooting, he became fearful and concealed Dover’s death from her family, falsely claiming that she had gone to work and never returned.

He also allegedly confessed to selling the murder weapon to a man identified as Shakeel Austin before fleeing to Suriname. Austin was later apprehended as investigations continued.

Court records also indicate that Alleyne had previous encounters with the law.

He had been charged in an earlier grievous bodily harm matter, which was resolved after the complainant accepted compensation instead of pursuing the case.

In 2018, he was charged with possession of 16 grammes of amphetamine, but that matter was subsequently dismissed.

Alleyne remains on remand pending sentencing.

A 44-year-old man from Tabatinga, Lethem, has been fined and ordered to pay compensation after pleading guilty to multiple traffic offences committed in Central Rupununi.

Wayne McLean appeared before Magistrate Omadatt Chandan at the Lethem Magistrate’s Court on Monday, June 1, 2026, where he admitted to five charges.

The charges included Failing to Report an Accident, Failing to Conform to a Traffic Sign, Driving Without a Licence, Breach of Insurance and Dangerous Driving.

The offences were committed on May 24, 2026, on Third Street, Lethem.

McLean was fined $20,000 for failing to report an accident, $10,000 for failing to conform to a traffic sign, $25,000 for driving without a licence and $25,000 for breach of insurance.

In relation to the dangerous driving charge, the

court ordered him to pay $450,000 in compensation to the victim for injuries sustained and damage caused to a motorcycle.

Judgement on that charge was deferred until July 1, 2026, for a report.

In total, McLean was fined $80,000 or, in default, seven weeks' imprisonment, in addition to the $450,000 compensation order.

Gov’t cuts NIS backlog in Bartica

- President Ali reports, says major reductions signal service improvements in Region Seven

PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali, on Monday, reported a sharp reduction in National Insurance Scheme (NIS) complaints in Bartica Region Seven, highlighting the government’s efforts to decentralise key services and address long standing social security challenges.

Addressing residents during a cabinet outreach, the President said the government had significantly cut the backlog of NIS cases since its last visit to the region.

“I’m very pleased that we’ve been able to reduce our NIS complaint from an excess of 600 the last time we were here, to 102 now,” he told the gathering.

Dr Ali further disclosed that NIS officials had committed to resolving almost all of the outstanding matters before the close of the day.

“I have better news as of now. NIS is assuring me that by the end of today, there’ll be only seven complaints remaining to be resolved, because we’ll find solutions for that,” he said, adding: “This is government at work.”

He stressed that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration governs through direct engagement with communities rather than from “a high place”.

“We are a government that is continuously on the ground, continuously mixing… We don’t manage from a high place; we manage from the ground. That is why we’re out here. So we know the challenges and that is why we are addressing these challenges in a direct way,” he said earlier in the engagement.

He added that the administration is now relying on a more systematic approach to monitoring and resolving citizens’ issues, including NIS matters.

“We have a tracking mechanism that is allowing us to track how we’re delivering on these issues. That is why I could give you the numbers for NIS and for everything else,” President Ali explained, adding, “At the end of the day, we want a government that is incredibly responsive to the citizens of Region Seven.”

The government recently began the roll out of the service centres across the country, creating a one-stop shop access to multiple government agencies, decentralised services, improved efficiency and people-centred delivery.

One at Bartica will soon be operationalised.

“So we know the challenges, and that is why we are addressing these challenges in a direct way. We also heard from the

Lethem firefighter fined $150,000 for multiple traffic offences

A

FIREFIGHTER attached to the Lethem Fire Station has been fined a total of $150,000 after pleading guilty to four traffic-related offences committed in Central Rupununi.

Thiago Rebeiro, 34, of Tabatinga, Central Rupununi, appeared before Magistrate Omadatt Chandan at the Lethem Magistrate’s Court on Monday, June 1, 2026.

He was charged with Refusal to Consent to Taking a Breathalyser Test, Unlicensed Driver, Breach of Insurance and Dangerous Driving.

The offences were committed on May 29, 2026, on Tabatinga Public Road, Central Lethem.

Rebeiro pleaded guilty to all four charges.

For refusing to consent to a breathalyser test, he was fined $25,000 or, in default, two weeks' imprisonment.

He was also fined $25,000 or two weeks' imprisonment for driving with-

communities the challenge of having efficient services by GRA [Guyana Revenue Authority], GRO [General Register Office], immigration offices [and] licensing,” he said, adding:

“We are launching the Government Service Centre.

In Region Seven, we will have one such Government Service Centre, where all GRA ser-

vices, Digital ID services, NIS services, Immigration services, and licensing services will be done right here in Bartica, Region Seven. So, you don’t have to go anywhere. You want your passport, you will go to Bartica. You want your Digital ID, you go there. You want a birth certificate, a death certificate, you go right there.”

During the two-day cabinet outreach which concluded on Monday, residents had the opportunity to receive guidance on all NIS issues, including contributions, pension and other benefits (National Insurance Scheme photo)

Thiago Rebeiro

out a licence and a further $25,000 or two weeks' imprisonment for breach of insurance.

On the charge of dangerous driving, Rebeiro was fined $75,000 or, in default, seven weeks' imprisonment.

The court imposed a total fine of $150,000 or, in default, 13 weeks' imprisonment.

MOE launches bid-project for two schools, teaching block

THE Ministry of Education has invited bids for the construction of two new schools and a teaching block as Guyana continues efforts to expand access to education nationwide.

According to a notice, con-

tractors are being invited to submit bids for the reconstruction of St. Sidwell’s Primary School and J.E. Burnham Nursery School.

Additionally, the notice is also for the construction of a teaching block at F.E. Pollard Primary School.

The projects form part of the government’s wider education programme, which aims to commission more than 33 new schools this year.

In recent years, significant investments have been made

to address longstanding challenges in the education sector, particularly in hinterland and rural communities where limited access to schools has affected attendance and learning outcomes.

Also, expanding educational facilities to ease overcrowding has been supported by locating schools nearer to communities, allowing students who had long commutes or lacked access to nearby schools to attend.

Efforts to improve school attendance and reduce financial barriers for families, especially single-parent households, are being focused on alongside infrastructure development.

Among these initiatives is the ‘Because We Care’ Cash Grant, which was introduced to assist parents with education-related expenses and encourage children to remain in school.

Another measure aimed at expanding access to education is

the provision of eight Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) subjects free of cost to all students sitting the examinations.

To support these developments in the education sector, the government has allocated $24.3 billion in the 2026 National Budget.

Meanwhile, the procurement process will be conducted through National Competitive Bidding procedures in accordance with the Procurement Act 2003 and Procurement Regulations 2004.

Interested contractors can

purchase bidding documents from the Ministry of Education’s Brickdam office from June 3 2026, for a non-refundable fee of $3,000.

As part of the qualification requirements, bidders must provide valid compliance certificates from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).

Bids are scheduled to be opened on 25 June 2026 at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) on Main and Urquhart Streets in Georgetown. [DPI]

St Ignatius motorcyclist fined $85,000 for drunk driving, defective brakes

A 60-year-old motorcyclist from St Ignatius Village, Central Rupununi, has been fined $85,000 after pleading guilty to traffic offences in the Lethem Magistrate’s Court.

Cletus Rodulph appeared before Magistrate Omadatt Chandan on Monday, June 1, 2026, charged with Driving a Motor Vehicle While Breath Alcohol Exceeded the Prescribed Limit and Maintenance of Brake on a Motor Vehicle.

The offences were committed on May 29,

2026, on Third Street, Lethem.

Rodulph pleaded guilty to both charges.

For the drunk-driving offence, he was fined $75,000 or, in default, seven weeks' imprisonment.

He was also fined $10,000 or one week's imprisonment for the brake-related offence.

The total fine imposed was $85,000 or, in default, eight weeks' imprisonment.

Fisherman found dead in boat at Mahaica

POLICE are investigating the death of a 55-year-old fisherman who was found motionless in his boat at the 40 Feet Koker Dam, Unity Village, Mahaica, on Monday afternoon.

Dead is Stephen Ragbeer, also known as “Cannon,” of Lancaster, Unity Village.

Initial investigations revealed that Ragbeer owned a fishing boat which was routinely

docked at the koker after his daily fishing trips.

Police said that sometime between 15:00 hrs and 16:00 hrs, the fisherman was informed that his vessel was taking in water and left to inspect it.

About 16:00 hrs, a report was made to the Mahaica Police Station that a man was seen lying motionless inside a boat at the location.

Ranks responded and discovered Ragbeer’s body in the vessel.

He was subsequently taken to the Enmore Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor on duty.

Police said an examination of the body revealed no visible marks of violence.

The body was later transferred to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, where it awaits a post-mortem examination. Investigations are ongoing.

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CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

Quiz:

England’s Archer may not be ready for second Test

JOFRA Archer may not be ready to play for England in the second Test against New Zealand after missing the first following his stint at the Indian Premier League.

The pace bowler was part of the Rajasthan Royals team beaten by Gujarat Titans in the IPL qualifier on Friday and is not with England for the first Test against the Black Caps at Lord’s, beginning on Thursday.

When England named their squad for the first Test, they said Archer was “unavailable” after “a long six months on the road”.

The 31-year-old is now in Barbados, the country of his birth, and will not return to England until after the first Test. The second Test at

Lord’s begins on 17 June.

“Jofra we need to assess,” England head coach Brendon McCullum told BBC Sport. “He’s having a little bit of a break at the moment.

“We’ve seen in the past we can leave Jof to his own devices, work on his game and follow a plan that has been set. He turns up having followed that plan to a tee.

“When we see him we’ll work out where he sits and if he’s available for the second Test. If not, we’ll look at the third Test.”

Archer’s absence is probably the most high-profile example of an England player missing a Test as a result of the IPL. It strikes to the heart of the modern conflict between the money offered to the best players on the fran-

chise circuit and the demands of Test cricket. Multi-format England players will be affected on an annual basis, with the end of the IPL often coming just before England’s first Test of a home summer.

Whilst Archer was with Rajasthan until the end of their campaign, batter Jacob Bethell left eventual champions Royal Challengers Bangalore in order to rest a finger injury. Bethell is available to play for England at Lord’s this week.

Archer’s absence means England are without their premier fast bowler as they begin a rebuild following the dismal Ashes campaign. The series against New Zealand takes on added significance as a result of the 4-1 drubbing in Australia.

Flintoff named Sydney Thunder men’s head coach

LEGENDARY former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff has been named Sydney Thunder men’s head coach in Australia’s Big Bash, his first role in an overseas T20 league.

Flintoff, 48, has been England Lions’ full-time coach since 2024 and will leave their tour of South Africa early to take up the role with Thunder. The Big Bash schedule is yet to be announced, but England Lions are due to be in South Africa until a four-day match starting on 18 December.

He will travel with the blessing of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), who see it as an opportunity for Flintoff to develop as a coach. Flintoff, who has signed for the next two BBL seasons and replaces former England coach Trevor Bayliss, said: “I can’t wait to get over there and get started.

“I’m looking at this with a lot of optimism.

“You look at the franchise, you look at the players, you look at the support, and I think there’s something really big to build on.”

Captained by former Australia opener David Warner, Thunder were beaten finalists in the Big Bash last year.

Andrew Flintoff played for England between 1998 and 2009

Flintoff also spent two seasons as Northern Superchargers men’s coach in The Hundred, leading the Leeds-based side to fourth and third-placed finishes. He was not retained for 2026 after the franchise was taken over by the owners of the Sunrisers group. Thunder general manager Trent Copeland said: “This is a huge day in the history of Sydney Thunder, and the BBL more broadly. “Fred brings some-

thing truly unique to Sydney Thunder. He’s a global icon of the game, but more importantly he is a modern leader who understands how to build high-performance environments, connect with players as people, and set standards that last.

“His passion for the game, coaching itself and knowledge of Australian cricket and our Thunder programme stood out during the process.”

The Sussex man only returned to Test cricket after a four-year injury absence on this ground against India in July 2025. Archer was England’s best bowler in the Ashes until he suffered a side strain and had to miss the final two Tests.

He signed for Rajasthan for the 2025 IPL season on a deal worth about £1.18m. Recent changes to IPL rules mean any player who withdraws from the competition for anything other than medical reasons can be banned from the competition for two years.

Along with Archer, England are also missing fellow pace bowler Brydon Carse after he suffered a broken wrist at the IPL.

Carse was part of England’s pre-series training camp at Loughborough, but is not expected to feature in the New Zealand series.

The home side have trimmed their initial 15-man squad down to 12 for the first Test.

Shoaib Bashir will return as first-choice spinner after being overlooked for the Ashes. Uncapped Sonny Baker is also in the 12, along with Ollie Robinson, who has been recalled after a two-year absence. (BBC Sport).

Capsey, Knight star as England seal series win

ALICE Capsey left England with a huge selection decision and Heather Knight crucially found form as England signed off for the T20 World Cup with a superb six-wicket victory over India, which means they take the series 2-1.

With captain Nat Sciver-Brunt to return from injury, Capsey appeared the most vulnerable in England’s XI for next week’s tournament opener before she dominated India’s bowling in hitting 82 from 43 balls in a chase of 181.

(Scores) India 180-5 (20 overs): Harmanpreet 56 (40); Bell 2-36

England 184-4 (18.3 overs): Capsey 82 (43), Knight 70* (42)

England won by six wickets

England were 14-2 when 21-year-old Capsey emerged, with Sophia Dunkley out for 16 and Danni Wyatt-Hodge five.

Their places are now under immense pressure from Capsey, who hit nine fours and three sixes and put on 137 in a superb partnership with Knight.

Veteran former captain Knight has struggled for form this summer, leading to doubts around her place in the side, but she looked near

her best in making 70 not out from 42 balls.

Though Capsey was dismissed with six runs still needed, England still completed their second highest T20 chase - and highest in the UK - with ease, getting home with nine balls to spare.

It gives England a major boost going into their home World Cup and positions them as one of the favourites to win a major trophy for the first time since 2017. They have warm-up matches against India and Australia next week before opening the tournament against Sri Lanka on 12 June.(BBC Sport)

closest offsides, while there are limitations if players are on the ground or if there are several too close together.

It can only be used for positional offside and not for subjective calls, those which require interpretation around whether a player has interfered with an opponent without touching the ball.

Fifa hopes it will remove some of the frustration felt by supporters and players, and

reduce the chance of injury due to needless passages of play when an offside flag is going to be raised.

In May 2025, Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi had to be placed in an induced coma after colliding with a post when the assistant delayed raising an offside flag.

Fifa also confirmed that lifelike, AI-enabled 3D avatars of every player will be created to make more accurate deci-

sions. This will mean creating a digital scan of all 1,248 players in the 26-man squads of the 48 teams.

Each player will enter a chamber to be scanned, a process that should take just one second and only needs to be done once during their pre-tournament photo shoot.

As a result, enhanced, clearer offside animations will be used at the World Cup. No

Zverev ends Jodar run to reach French Open semi-finals

ALEXANDER Zverev ensured his pursuit of an elusive Grand Slam title remained on track with a comprehensive victory over highly-rated teenager Rafael Jodar to reach the French Open semi-finals.

Second seed Zverev is the highest-ranked man left in the singles draw after a series of shock exits in Paris.

The German has long been tipped for Grand Slam glory but has struggled in the pressure moments, suffering defeat in three finals and seven semi-finals.

He came up short against Carlos Alcaraz in the 2024 French Open final, despite leading by two sets to one, and has fallen four times in the Paris last four alone.

Tuesday’s meeting with 19-year-old Jodar was billed as a potentially tricky tie, with the Spaniard tipped to be a future star.

But Zverev, 10 years Jodar’s senior, used all his experience to come through

7-6 (7-3) 6-1 6-3.

“I want to keep going and win the matches ahead of me - that is my goal and my aim,” Zverev said.

“Today was a very good test against a very good player.

“I am happy to be in the semi-final but for now, that is it.`

Zverev is one of just three top-10 seeds still remaining in the tournament, with fourth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime and 10th seed Flavio Cobolli set to meet in Wednesday’s quarter-finals.

But Zverev is on the opposite side of the bracket and cannot meet either of those until the final.

Instead, the world number three will take on either 26th seed Jakub Mensik or 28th seed Joao Fonseca - who are both looking to reach their maiden Grand Slam semi-final.

“I will watch the match tonight, but in my room on the TV with a nice drink in

Cricket Canada’s membership suspended by ICC

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, (CMC) – Following a series of controversies and allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has suspended Cricket Canada’s membership.

In its reasoning, the ICC cited the organisation’s “serious breaches of its membership obligations,” following a board meeting in Ahmedabad, India, on Sunday.

Despite the decision, Canadian national representative teams will continue to be eligible to participate in ICC events during the period of suspension.

To support the continued

my hand,” Zverev said.

“We had two days off but it is important to keep the rhythm and keep practising.”

Zverev has made his way to the quarter-finals in routine fashion, dropping just one set across four matches.

In contrast, Jodar had played two five-set matches and spent almost 13 hours on court - around four hours more than Zverev.

That did not appear to be a problem when the youthful Jodar broke to lead 5-2 in the opening set, but Zverev took advantage of the Spaniard’s nerves as he tried to serve out the opener.

The German levelled the set and then took control of the resulting tie-break before Jodar, who was playing in just his second Grand Slam main draw, began to fade.

Zverev barely let up from the second set onwards, wrapping up victory in emphatic fashion with a crashing forehand. (BBC Sport).

Sooryavanshi, 15, wins car as he sweeps IPL awards FROM BACK PAGE

age in the country is 18. Sooryavanshi’s individual prize money totalled more than £30,000.

On winning his awards, the India Under-19 international said: “It’s a proud moment, it feels great and I’ll try to do even better next season.”

Sooryavanshi, who became the youngest player to

feature in the IPL when he made his debut for Rajasthan at the age of 14 last year, struck 97 and 96 in his final two innings of this year’s tournament.

He also hit a remarkable 72 sixes - an average of more than four an innings - which was 29 more than the next best in the competition.

Rajasthan, who lost to

Gujarat Titans by seven wickets in the second qualifier last week, signed Sooryavanshi at last year’s auction for 1.1 crore rupees (£103,789).

Last Sunday, Virat Kohli led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their second straight title after they beat Gujarat by five wickets in the final in Ahmedabad. (BBC Sport)

participation and development of the national teams, Cricket Canada will be permitted to access ICC funding through a controlled funding mechanism, under the oversight of ICC management, solely for approved national team programmes.

The ICC will also provide Cricket Canada with a set of reinstatement conditions aimed at addressing the governance and administrative issues identified by the board.

The progress against these conditions will be monitored by the ICC Normalisation Committee, supported by ICC management, with reinstatement of membership

subject to the board being satisfied that the conditions have been fully met.

Last month, the ICC froze Cricket Canada’s funding and gave the organisation six months to get its house in order. At that time, an ICC letter said the organisation lacked adequate governance systems and hadn’t filed audited financial statements.

A statement issued by Cricket Canada’s new interim chief operating officer, Bhavjit Jauhar, said while the ICC’s suspension was “unexpected,” Cricket Canada respects the ICC’s decision and “remains fully committed to meeting all compliance requirements.”

Sabalenka’s superior serve helps her past spirited Osaka

WORLD number one Aryna Sabalenka praised the support of the crowdand even moonwalked on court - after beating Naomi Osaka in straight sets to advance to her fourth consecutive French Open quarter-final.

The 28-year-old was playing in the first women’s singles match to be held in the night session on Court Philippe Chatrier since 2023 - and only the fifth since one-match night sessions were introduced in 2021 - and was jokingly disappointed to see off the

16th seed in an hour and 26 minutes, telling the crowd she wanted to “keep going”.

However, in a meeting between two of the heaviest baseline hitters in the women’s game, Sabalenka’s accuracy on serve and delicate drop shots proved the difference as she came through 7-5 6-3 to beat Osaka for the third time in the past three months.

Four-time Grand Slam singles champion Sabalenka, the only player with experience of playing in a major final left in the women’s draw, will face 25th seed Di-

ana Shnaider in the last eight as she continues her bid for a maiden French Open title.

“It is amazing to play in the night session. I really want to keep going. Thank you for bringing such an amazing atmosphere. You guys make this place special,” Sabalenka told the crowd. “I’m happy with the win, it was a very tough one. She [Osaka] is such a great player - always a tough battle against her. I am mostly happy with the way I served and that I was able to put pressure back on her.”(BBC Sport)

Deitz: Important lessons learned in loss to Ireland

DUBLIN, Ireland, (CMC) –West Indies Women’s head coach Shane Deitz believes his side learned some valuable lessons in their loss to Ireland Women on Monday that will serve them well in the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

Ireland won by one-run via the Duckworth/Lewis/ Stern method in a rain-affected contest to register their first-ever T20I win over West Indies Women in 10 matches.

While Deitz admitted that he was disappointed with the result, he said the loss gave them a better idea of what plans to implement when they open their World Cup campaign against New Zealand Women on June 13.

“I think the main thing learning from this is what we usually do in the Caribbean and on Caribbean wickets and other parts of the world, what options we go to with the ball, or shots we play with the bat, might not work over here. “So, it’s good to go through that now and really get accustomed to these conditions so that when we are under pressure come World Cup, we’ll know what the best options to take are in each situation…because you

don’t get a second chance at the World Cup,” Deitz said.

Speaking on his team’s performance against Ireland, he said despite the loss there were still some positives to take from the match.

Deitz said being able to deal with pressure would be critical at the World Cup.

“I think with the bat we were probably a bit short. The wicket didn’t play as good as it had been playing and we were probably about 20 runs short. But I think standing out with the bat, [Jannillea] Glasgow came in again and scrapped around and Zaida [James] came out

and played some shots and showed that she can finish off an innings.

“We got two early wickets and we started well – that first over from [Shawnisha] Hector was brilliant – but then obviously [Orla] Prendergast came out and played a really good innings and put the pressure on us and at times our players didn’t react how they should react under pressure and that’s what’s going to be the big thing in this World Cup; how we act under pressure against really good players,” Deitz said.

Jamaica concerned with low ticket sales ahead of opening ODI

KINGSTON, Jamaica, (CMC) – President of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) Dr Donovan Bennett has admitted that ticket sales have been slow for the opening One Day International between West Indies and Sri Lanka at Sabina Park today.

The Windies will take on the visitors in a three-match ODI series in Jamaica, with the two other matches slated to be played on June 6 and June 8. In an interview with The Observer, Bennett said he hoped sales would pick up in the final two days.

“I have been pleading and

trying to get CWI [Cricket West Indies] to get this thing going a little bit quicker, but the sales have gone up a little bit late. “I would hope that over the next two days there will be a rush, because I am not satisfied with what I am hearing; re the 50-over games,” Bennett said.

“The public needs to understand that the JCA has a part to play in bringing international cricket to Jamaica, but the cricketing public also has a part to play, because if we don’t get crowds then we don’t get matches — so they need to turn out.

“And especially next

No more delayed flag? Fifa adds new offside tech for World Cup

THE delayed offside flag could almost become a thing of the past after Fifa unveiled new technology to be used at the 2026 World Cup.

Fifa will introduce advanced semi-automated offside for video assistant referees (VAR), which should make decisions faster and mean an assistant can raise

the flag rather than wait for a move to play out.

A real-time audio alert will be sent to the assistant if a player is more than 10cm offside.

Previous versions of the technology tested at the Club World Cup and the Intercontinental Cup only notified the officials if a player was greater than 50cm offside.

The official will remain in charge of when to raise the flag and stop play. They may keep the flag down if they suspect there has been a malfunction, but Fifa says a series of failsafe measures are in the technology to prevent errors happening. The technology will still be unable to pick out the TURN TO PAGE 33

West Indies Academy...

represented the West Indies

year, when we have both India and England coming to the Caribbean, they need to strengthen our hands by coming out and giving us good support,” he added.

Bennett maintained that Sabina Park was in prime condition ahead of the opener.

“I think we’re ready to deliver. The only little hiccup we had was that the lights were blown out of focus during the passage of the hurricane, but we have refocused those — those were done last week. Otherwise, we’re pretty good,” he said.

With Ackeem Auguste selected for the West Indies Senior Team and Carlon Bowen-Tuckett unavailable for personal reasons, emerging players Kevlon Anderson, Shaqkere Parris and Johann Jeremiah have been afforded international developmental experience.

Guyana Harpy Eagles Head Coach Ryan Hercules will join the Academy coaching staff as an assistant coach for the tour, adding further experience to the management unit.

Academy Head Coach Ramesh Subasinghe spoke about the tour’s objectives.

“Our Academy objective is simple: to develop players into the next level of their careers, and tours like this play a key part in that journey,” Subasinghe said. “Sri Lanka has historically been one of the toughest places for West Indian teams. This tour represents the perfect platform to immerse our

brightest emerging talent in conditions that will truly test and shape them.”

He added: “Last year we hosted a highly competitive home series against Sri Lanka in Antigua, and four players from that squad have since gone on to represent the West Indies senior men’s team, with many others earning regional franchise and CPL opportunities.”

CWI’s High-Performance Manager Dwain Gill highlighted the tour’s significance within the organisation’s wider player development strategy.

“This tour is an extremely important component of our long-term development pathway programme as we continue to invest in the future of West Indies cricket,” Gill said. “Opportunities like these allow our emerging players to experience competitive international environments, adapt to unfamiliar conditions and further develop the technical, tactical and mental skills required at the highest level of the game.”

The squad will travel to

for the fourday series before moving to Colombo for the white-ball leg, with all matches played under standard ICC playing conditions.

West Indies Academy Squad

Rivaldo Clarke (Captain), Kevlon Anderson, Ryan Bandoo, Jediah Blades, Giovonte Depeiza, Mavendra Dindyal, Nathan Edward, Damel Evelyn, Amari Goodridge, Johann Jeremiah, Shaqkere Parris, Mbeki Joseph, Johann Layne, Zishan Motara, Kelvin Pitman, Raneico Smith

Match Schedule

June 8–11: 4-Day #1 – Mahindra Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota

June 15–18: 4-Day #2 –Mahindra Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota

June 22: 50-Over #1 – Sinhalese Cricket Club, Colombo June 24: 50-Over #2 – Sinhalese Cricket Club, Colombo June 26: 50-Over #3 – Nondescripts Cricket Club, Colombo

CARICOM Gold Cup horse race set for July 5

HORSE racing will return on Sunday, July 5, when the CARICOM Gold Cup takes centre stage at the Port Mourant Turf Club.

The Guyana horse-racing committee has released a provisional programme which will see 11 races on the card and more than G$15 million in cash and prizes will be up for the taking.

The CARICOM Gold Cup feature will be open to all three-year-olds and over horses going at a distance of 1900 metres. A total purse of four million will be up for grabs and the top horse will receive two million.

Other races on the programme include the CAR -

ICOM Sprint stakes open to all four-year-olds and over, CARICOM Derby open to three-year-olds Guyana bred, and the ‘E’ Class and Lower.

There is also the Rising Star stakes open to threeyear-old imported horses, the three-year-olds and over WI Bred winners, ‘H’ Class and Lower WI Bred non winner in Guyana, three-year-olds and over I/J/K Class, ‘L’ Class winners, K&L Maidens and the future star stakes two-year-old Guyana-bred juveniles.

All races will be run under the Guyana rules of racing and entries will open from June 22 and close on June 26.

Full Entries, declaration of Horse, Jockey & Equipment are to be made in person at the Racing Office c/o Director of Racing Operations Mr John Rupert.

Location of Racing Office Lot #15, Strand, New Amsterdam (J’s Supermarket). All Entry forms must be signed up in full by either Owner or Trainer or an agent Representing the stable.

All Entries are to be paid in full at the office when you sign up the form.

Three (3) Raceday Bands per horse will be issued upon entering your horse at Racing Office, one for Owner, one for Trainer & one for Groom.l

West Indies Academy depart for Sri Lanka tour

By Lennox Aldred

ST

JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC)

– A 16-member West Indies Academy squad departed the region for a reciprocal tour of Sri Lanka, where they will face the Sri Lanka Emerging Players in a multi-format series from June 3–27, 2026. The tour follows last year’s visit by the Sri Lanka Emerging Team to Antigua,

where the sides contested two four-day matches (splitting the series 1–1) and three OneDay matches, with the Academy claiming a 2–1 victory. This year’s fixture list once again comprises two four-day matches and three 50-over contests, representing another significant investment in the development of the next generation of West Indies cricketers.

The tour offers players valuable overseas experience and the chance to adapt to challenging subcontinental conditions against quality opposition.

The squad features a strong blend of emerging regional talent, with 13 members being regular participants in the Academy programme. Johann Layne, TURN TO PAGE 35

All Jockeys Riding on raceday must visit the Racing Office to sign entry forms for the horses that they are engaged to ride on raceday.

For imported riders booked to ride, their entry forms can be signed by the owner or trainer who has brought them into the country to ride.

All Jockeys booked to ride are to report to the Jockey Room on Race Morning for 10am. Do not be late please, a registration form

will be there for you to book in your time and it will be monitored by the stewards.

Grooms:

Dress appropriately to ensure your safety among the horses that you are in charge of, for example, no slippers or short pants or vests or short sleeves.

Post Position Drawing for ALL RACES will be conducted at the Racetrack Grandstand on Sunday, 28th June, 2026 from 2pm.

No late entries will be

accepted. No Entries will be accepted over the telephone, including WhatsApp messages or calls.

All entry fees are to be paid upon entering your horse at the Racing Office within the five-day entry process.

No entry payments will be accepted on raceday. Entry fee refunds on Scratched Runners on raceday will be returned to the owner or trainer when official race winnings are disbursed.

Sooryavanshi, 15, wins car as he sweeps IPL awards

TEENAGE sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has won a car for his performances in the Indian Premier League - but the 15-yearold will have to wait three years to drive it.

Left-hander Sooryavanshi has excelled in the IPL

this season, scoring 776 runs in 16 innings at a strike rate of 237.30.

He was named Most Valuable Player for the 2026 campaign, despite his team Rajasthan Royals not reaching the final.

The teenager also picked up the emerging player award and the Orange Cap, given to the highest run-scorer. Among his prizes was a Tata Sierra - a popular midsize SUV in India - but he cannot get behind the wheel because the minimum driving

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