Issuu

4th October, 2026

See Inside No.1081927

Healthy Streets Initiative’s Thomas Street enhancement works advance

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- President Ali, Minister Manickchand observe progress during inspection

President Dr. Irfaan Ali and Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand on Saturday visited Thomas Street, Georgetown, to review ongoing works on the avenue, which is the first project to be implemented under the Healthy Streets Initiative

UMAMI’s first commercial shipment to Qatar sets sail

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Guyanese can now access Saudi Arabia without US, UK or Schengen Visas

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- milestone coincides with the start of Agriculture Month, marks important step for Guyanese agro-processors, manufacturers

UG to graduate over 3,700 students

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- at 60th Annual Convocation in November

Ducks, rice, science, ambition power a Berbice farmer’s next chapter SEE PAGE

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 4, 2026

Healthy Streets Initiative’s Thomas Street enhancement works advance - President Ali, Minister Manickchand observe progress during inspection

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali yesterday visited Thomas Street, Georgetown, to review ongoing works on the avenue, which is the first project to be implemented under his Healthy Streets Initiative. He was accompanied by Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, and members of the project team. During the visit, according to information from the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, engineers outlined the practical and aesthetic considerations guiding the avenue's transformation. President Ali shared his vision for the completed space and gave input on several aspects of the design. The Head of State also

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali and Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, on Saturday visited Thomas Street, Georgetown, to review ongoing works on the avenue, which is the first project to be implemented under the Healthy Streets Initiative examined how elements being introduced along Thomas Street could inform the transformation of other avenues across the city. Particular attention was paid to ensuring that the roadway, avenue and drain-

age infrastructure work together cohesively. President Ali stressed the importance of getting the levels right between the road, drains and avenue as works progress. The Thomas Street avenue, which stretches from

Lamaha Street to Church Street, was designed by the King's Foundation in collaboration with the Government of Guyana. The design emphasises healthier, greener, safer and more functional public spaces.

Minister Manickchand reiterated the importance of keeping the project on schedule while preserving its green character. She stressed that existing trees should not be unnecessarily boxed off as

the avenue is developed, noting that the project is intended to work with and enhance the existing natural environment. After her engagement with the president, the minister walked the length of the project area with lead engineers Raul Boyer and Satrohan Nauth, other engineers, Project Manager Gregory Sukull and other officials, to further assess the works and the progress made to date. The Thomas Street project forms part of the government's broader efforts to transform Georgetown through sustainable urban development. The aim is to create public spaces that are more accessible, attractive and responsive to the needs of the people who use them.

UMAMI’s first commercial shipment to Qatar sets sail - milestone coincides with the start of Agriculture Month, marks important step for Guyanese agro-processors, manufacturers IN a proud milestone for Guyanese manufacturing and agro-processing, UMAMI Incorporated’s first container shipment to LuLu Hypermarket in Qatar has officially sailed from Guyana, coinciding with the commencement of Agriculture Month 2026. According to a press release, the shipment follows UMAMI’s official market launch in Doha in September and marks the transition from introduction to sustained commercial trade. More significantly, it represents a Guyanese brand, manufactured in Guyana by Guyanese workers, carrying the country’s name and productive capability into an important international market. For UMAMI, the shipment reflects a broader national opportunity: to transform Guyana’s agricultural resources into higher-value manufactured products, build internationally recognised brands and create new markets for Guyanese enterprise. President Irfaan Ali, in welcoming the development, noted that this shipment is significant because it represents the conversion of opportunity into trade. He said: “We have worked deliberately to build the bridges between Guyana, Qatar and the wider Gulf region; the task before our private sector now is to increase the traffic across those bridges.

UMAMI’s first commercial shipment demonstrates what is possible when Guyanese manufacturers invest in quality, standards, capacity and ambition, and when strong international partners such as LuLu provide a platform for our products to reach new consumers. “Every container that leaves our shores carrying value-added products strengthens Brand Guyana, creates opportunities for our farmers and workers, and advances our country’s transition from a producer of primary commodities to a competitive manufacturing and export economy.” AN IMPORTANT PARTNER IN GUYANA’S EXPORT JOURNEY UMAMI expressed its sincere appreciation to LuLu Group for the confidence it has placed in a Guyanese manufacturer and for providing the company with a platform to reach consumers in Qatar. The company views the relationship as the beginning of a long-term partnership and believes the opportunity demonstrates what can be achieved when international retailers, government, diplomacy and private enterprise work together to create new markets. Dr Mohamed Althaf, Global Director of the LuLu Group, said: “It is an honour for LuLu Group to partner

with UMAMI and support the introduction of this pioneering product from Guyana to the Qatar market. We are truly impressed by the world-class quality of UMAMI’s products and the dedication behind the brand. This first commercial shipment represents more than a trade milestone; it reflects the growing opportunities for collaboration between Guyana and the Gulf region. “We are proud to provide a platform for outstanding products such as UMAMI to reach consumers in Qatar, and we look forward to building a strong and enduring partnership that supports the continued growth of Guyanese exports.” THE FIRST OF MANY Guyana’s Ambassador to Qatar, Safraaz Ahmad Shadood, described the shipment as an important breakthrough for Guyanese manufacturing. “This represents the first of many containers of Guyanese-produced products which is destined for the Gulf. This is a significant breakthrough and credit must be given to H.E. Dr Irfaan Ali for the progressive policies of his government in creating an enabling investment climate that caters for the need of indigenous industries.” Ambassador Shadood also highlighted the role of economic diplomacy in creating new opportunities for Guyanese businesses. He said: “The Guyana Embassy in Qatar was also

In a proud milestone for Guyanese manufacturing and agro-processing, UMAMI Incorporated’s first container shipment to LuLu Hypermarket in Qatar has officially sailed from Guyana, coinciding with the commencement of Agriculture Month, 2026 influential via economic diplomacy through its relentless efforts in ensuring that the Qatari market buys into Guyanese-produced goods.” He encouraged other export-ready Guyanese manufacturers to pursue the opportunities now available. “Other Guyanese manufacturers who have attained the necessary requirements to enter into the Middle East markets are also encouraged to take advantage of this opening that has been created.” A FITTING AGRICULTURE MONTH MILESTONE The timing of the shipment at the start of Agriculture Month gives the achievement particular significance. UMAMI believes Guyana’s agricultural development must increasingly extend beyond primary production to include processing, manufacturing, branding and exports. Agriculture provides the foundation.

Manufacturing adds value. Branding creates identity. Exporting opens the world. UMAMI Managing Director Chris Persaud said: “There is a special sense of pride in seeing a container leave Guyana, knowing that what is inside was manufactured here, by Guyanese people, and will ultimately carry our country’s name onto international supermarket shelves.” Persaud said the company is especially grateful to LuLu for providing UMAMI with the opportunity to establish itself in the Gulf market. “LuLu has given a Guyanese manufacturer an opportunity on an international platform. We value that confidence enormously and intend to honour it through quality, consistency and a strong longterm partnership.” OPENING THE DOOR FOR GUYANA UMAMI hopes its entry into Qatar will help create opportunities for other Guy-

anese manufacturers capable of meeting international regulatory, food safety, production and packaging requirements. The company said its objective is not simply to celebrate an inaugural shipment, but to establish a sustainable export programme and build a permanent presence for Guyanese-made products in Qatar and the wider Gulf region. UMAMI extended its sincere appreciation to LuLu Group and its leadership, the Embassy of Guyana in Qatar, the Government of Guyana, its employees, farmers, suppliers, customers and partners who contributed to reaching this milestone. The company also thanked Guyanese consumers whose support at home provided the foundation for its international expansion. As the first commercial shipment begins its journey to Qatar, UMAMI said it carries a simple message: proudly made in Guyana, ready for the world.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 4, 2026

Lower prices, fresh produce draw shoppers to farmers’ market - vendors welcome new avenue to showcase businesses and reach consumers

BOTH shoppers and vendors alike have welcomed the government’s newly launched farmers’ market in Sophia, citing lower prices, locally produced goods and new opportunities for small businesses to reach a larger customer base. The weekly market, which began on Wednesday as part of Agriculture Month activities, has attracted shoppers looking for alternatives to the prices offered at regular markets and supermarkets, while vendors say the initiative is giving them an opportunity to showcase their products and build their businesses. Being hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, the weekly farmers’ market at the Sophia Market is part of a wider initiative which will see other monthly farmers’ markets held in various regions. Speaking to members of the media on her experience at Wednesday’s Farmers’ Market, first-time visitor Tanaeisha Allen said she was impressed with what she

Vendors showcase their locally produced goods at the Farmers’ Market in Sophia saw and was already looking forward to returning. As she shared, “I came today and I did not know what to expect because this is my first farmers’ market, but from what I am seeing, I am really looking forward to being here next week. I have just visited the fish booth and the prices was [sic] good and I can compare with the prices that I pay, you know, on a regular basis.”

Another shopper, Olivia Ward, said the market was timely amid the current cost of food and welcomed the range of products available. “The prices in the market are very hot right now, so it is good that you are getting it at a lesser price. That is why I saw it on Facebook and I decided to come and see what it is like.” Ward also cited the range of local products available at the market, adding, “This is my first time at something like this and it is pretty nice. It is good to see that you have a lot of local stuff, not only vegetables but a lot of other teas and drinks.” For vendors, the market is also being viewed as more than a place to sell products,

Shoppers browse through produce and other local products at the Farmers’ Market (DPI photos)

with some seeing it as an opportunity to introduce their businesses to a wider group of consumers. Karen Nelson said the initiative gives businesses an avenue to showcase what they offer, while creating an opportunity for persons to shop at lower prices. “I would say it is very important. You get to showcase my business and then what you find with this market here too, that a lot of things normally sell cheap [sic], so a lot of persons would get an opportunity[sic] to come out and shop, and I find that it is a very good initiative as well.” Christopher Bhukhan, another vendor, said farmers also benefit from being able

to showcase and introduce their produce directly to consumers. He said, “This is something very good that the government is doing, thanks to our president for looking into this as farmers. We appreciate this because we are being exposed to the outside, so people could see what we have and what we are producing, and with the cost we have in here for the produce is affordable for our customers.” The direct connection between producers and consumers is one of the central aims of the initiative, with Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha saying that the markets are intended to help farmers secure better prices while allowing consumers to benefit from reduced mark-ups Nirmala Sukhu, who sells plants, said the market was particularly useful for a small business that is still building its customer base. “It benefits me and the people, they get it at a different price, and we’re able, because we have just started and we are small, we are able to sell and to build our project. We sell at a better price, you will see the prices in the plant shops and so are significantly higher.” She further noted that public

interest and engagement have been strong, adding, “at least somebody, two people already came to buy. One person bought a lot and one lady bought one plant, so they have purchased. It has just started and they have already purchased, so it is going good.” The Farmers’ Market is intended to bring farmers and consumers into more direct contact while providing another avenue for locally produced goods to reach the public. The Sophia Market will be held every Wednesday from 15:30hrs (3:30 p.m.,) while similar farmers’ markets are expected to be held at least once monthly across the regions. The Ministry of Agriculture has said that the arrangement is intended to reduce some of the additional mark-ups that occur as produce moves through intermediaries and from farm to market, allowing farmers to receive better prices while consumers have access to products at more affordable rates. The initiative is also a step amid broader efforts to strengthen agriculture, expand market opportunities for producers and improve access to locally produced food.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 4, 2026

New agreement paves way for direct flights between Guyana-French Guiana

TRANS Guyana Airways (TGA) has congratulated the Guyana Government and Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar, on the signing of the modernised Air Services Agreement between Guyana and the French Republic, replacing the bilateral air services frame-

work signed 50 years ago, in 1976. The new agreement was signed in Georgetown on September 30, 2026, by Minister Indar and Ambassador of France to Guyana, Olivier Plançon. According to a press release, from Trans Guyana Airways, a Guyanese private-sector airline, the agreement demonstrates the direct impact that progressive government policy and aviation diplomacy can have on private-sector growth and national development. By modernising the bilateral framework and creat-

ing new market access, the government has opened a tangible commercial opportunity for a local operator to expand its international footprint, develop a new route and contribute directly to greater regional connectivity. The signing, which took place during the just-con-

cluded ICAO/EASA 3rd Global RSOO/RAIO Forum for Aviation Safety, also represents a practical outcome from Guyana’s hosting of a major international aviation gathering. It demonstrates that international aviation engagement can move beyond dialogue and translate into real opportunities for Guyanese businesses, travellers and the wider economy. Under the agreement, Guyana may designate airlines to operate agreed services, and Trans Guyana Airways has been designated by Guyana to operate

scheduled services between Guyana and French Guiana. The new agreement establishes a modern framework for the carriage of passengers and cargo, and provides opportunities for airline commercial co-operation, including code-sharing and other co-operative marketing arrangements.

TGA has already commenced the necessary administrative and regulatory preparations with the relevant authorities, with the intention of launching at least two weekly nonstop flights between Georgetown and Cayenne, subject to the required operating approvals. A journey that can presently take as much as 24 hours by existing surface connections could be reduced to approximately one hour and 15 minutes by air, TGA said. The benefits extend well beyond travel time. Direct access to Cayenne can cre-

ate onward connectivity opportunities through airlines serving French Guiana, including Air France, strengthening Guyana’s links with the French Caribbean, Europe and other markets. It can also stimulate two-way tourism, business travel, investment and trade, while improving the movement of people and goods across the Guiana Shield. Trans Guyana Airways commended the Government of Guyana and Minister Indar for creating an enabling environment in which Guyanese private enterprise can convert national aviation policy into commercial activities, jobs, connectivity and economic value. “This is a strong example of the public and private sectors working in complementary roles: government opening markets and establishing the international framework, and the private sector investing, innovating and delivering the service,” the airline said. TGA said it looks forward to playing its part in turning this landmark agreement into an operating air bridge between Georgetown and Cayenne, bringing Guyana and French Guiana closer together and creating new opportunities for people, businesses and Region.

Quick response averts fire at Hosororo dorms A QUICK response by a contractor’s crew prevented what could have been a far more serious emergency at the Hosororo dorms early this morning. The smoke alarm sounded at 03:00hrs. When the dorm parent on duty went to investigate, they found a bucket of burning paper and fabric in the laundry room. The Guyana Chronicle understands that the con-

tractor doing work at the site also responded to the alarm system and sent his team to contain the fire. No one was injured. The only damage was to a nearby washing machine. The fire appears to have been set deliberately, and early indications point to a female student. Her identity has not been released and the investigation is ongoing.

GDF, Brazilian Armed Forces advance Southern Border Security at 29th regional exchange

The 29th Regional Military Exchange between the GDF and the Brazilian Armed Forces was held recently in Boa Vista, Brazil THE Guyana Defence Force (GDF) continues to enhance its strategic partnership with Brazil. Just recently, the 29th Regional Military Exchange between the GDF and the Brazilian Armed Forces was held in Boa Vista, Brazil. Captain (CG) Vernon Burnett, MSM, and Commander of the 1st Jungle Infantry Brigade of the Brazilian Army, Brigadier General Roberto Pereira Angrizani, co-chaired the meeting. The bilateral engagement brought together military representatives from both nations, all committed to strengthening defence cooperation along the shared frontier. This annual forum enables both Forces to align operational priorities and

coordinate critical security measures along Guyana’s southern border. During the exchange, discussions focused on tackling pressing cross-border issues, including illicit trafficking, illegal mining, and transnational criminal networks. By sharing operational information and evaluating common border challenges, both delegations advanced their defence diplomacy, sharpened joint situational awareness, and reinforced the long-standing professional relationship between the two militaries. Through continued dialogue and active collaboration, the GDF remains committed to safeguarding our national borders and maintaining regional peace and stability. (GDF)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 4, 2026

Numbers Show The Truth

OPPOSITION politics has a way of mistaking a sixmonth dip for a funeral. The APNU's Agriculture Month question, "More Money, But Where Is the Production?", is a fair thing to ask of any government. But its premise, that the sector is in sustained decline, collapses when set against the record. Begin with the numbers the Ministry of Agriculture has put on the table. Real outputs in agriculture, forestry and fishing have grown at roughly 6.1 per cent a year since 2020, nearly three times the 2.1 per cent recorded in the five years before. The sector's real GDP

climbed from G$270.4 billion in 2020 to G$363.4 billion in 2025. In nominal terms it more than doubled over the same period, though nominal figures mix price effects with output and cannot carry the whole argument. Whatever else that is, it is not collapsing. It is also hard to square with the APNU's own era, when the sector was valued at G$224.9 billion in 2015 and had slipped to G$192.2 billion by 2020. Nor does the first half of 2026 tell the story the opposition wants. Yes, the sector contracted by 0.5 per cent, but that is against a punishing comparison: 11.1

per cent growth in the same period last year. The ministry traces the drop mainly to Other Crops, which fell 6.4 per cent. Meanwhile, sugar grew 19.3 per cent, rice 4.4 per cent and fishing 4.1 per cent. The FAO's August country brief forecasts record paddy production this year and a fifth straight year of rising rice exports, despite May floods and high fuel and fertiliser costs. Collapsing sectors do not set records. Honesty, however, cuts both ways, and the government should not hide behind a favourable five-year average. A 0.5 per cent contraction is a real slowdown, and

the ministry itself concedes it needs targeted intervention. Other crops is where small farmers, vendors and household food budgets meet, so weakness there is felt at the market stall long before it shows up in a GDP table. Sugar remains a structural problem that one good half-year does not solve. The budget's own projections, which anticipated 9.8 per cent growth in Other Crops and a near-68 per cent sugar rebound this year, set a bar that officials will now be measured against. That is where the APNU could have made a useful contribution. The government has raised agricultural

spending from $84.9 billion to $113.2 billion in 2026, with drainage and irrigation funding rising from $46.2 billion to $81.9 billion. Such works take time to plan, procure, build and commission. The right questions are about delivery: are the D&I projects finishing on schedule? Are acreage and yields rising? Are farmers' losses falling, and are crop insurance and cash grants reaching those who need them? Those are tests of results, and the government should welcome them. What the opposition has offered instead is arithmetic by anecdote: one allocation, one half-year, one conclu-

sion. Weather, commodity prices, biological cycles and flooding all shape output, and any serious critic knows it. Pretending otherwise treats farmers as props rather than as people whose livelihoods depend on honest analysis. Guyana's agricultural transformation is real, measurable and still is unfinished. The government owes the public transparent progress reports on its capital works and a credible plan for Other Crops. The opposition owes it a more rigorous argument. Until then, the evidence favours the harvest over the headline.

Ducks, rice, science, ambition power a Berbice farmer’s next chapter

By Michel Outridge

EACH morning in Sandvoort, West Canje, Berbice, Diane Leitch-Hinds releases ducks into her rice field. As they forage for insects, snails, and weeds, the birds perform tasks that would otherwise require additional farm inputs—a routine she says is lowering production costs and opening a new path for her business. Although this is her first rice crop under the integrated riceduck initiative, the encouraging results have already prompted the 47-year-old farmer to consider her next investment. With ducklings demand growing, she wants to establish an incubation and hatchery operation, turning an innovation on her farm into an opportunity to supply other producers. That ambition reflects the approach behind her diversified enterprise: combining practical experience with training, embracing new production methods, and identifying opportunities for growth. For the mother of five, whose activities span rice, poultry, cash crops, beekeeping, agro-processing, and construction, agriculture has become both a livelihood and a platform for building a family business. Her agricultural roots run

deep. A former student of Berbice High School, Leitch-Hinds grew up in a family of cash-crop farmers, learning from the work of her parents and grandparents. She joined the Guyana Police Force (GPF) at 18 but returned to agriculture after one year, choosing the industry that would eventually help her support her family and educate her children. At 25, she began cultivating rice on a single acre. Over time, she expanded her operation to 30 acres dedicated to rice production. Those years in the field gave her experience of evaluating new methods and the confidence to adopt them when an opportunity arose. That opportunity came when a friend introduced her to the rice-duck initiative. Recognising the potential to combine crop and livestock production, she identified a one-acre plot near her home and received training from the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB). To help translate that training into practice, the GRDB provided mesh for fencing, feed, and feeding and watering equipment ahead of implementation on June 7, 2026. Leitch-Hinds thanked teams from both the GRDB and the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) for their

Diane Leitch-Hinds poses with her ducks in the rice field as part of her success story in the Rice-Duck project by GRDB/GLDA

guidance, which helped her establish and manage the project. DAILY MANAGEMENT ROUTINE With the plot prepared, the ducks were introduced to the field at 21 days. They are released early each morning to forage and receive minimal supplemental feeding in the evening, creating a daily management routine that aligns the birds' needs with those of the rice crop. According to Leitch-Hinds, that integration has lowered her production costs by reducing the need for fertiliser, pesticide and weedicide applications. While her assessment is based on this first crop, she describes the progress as encouraging and successful. The results, she reports,

reflect the initiative's principles, introduced by the Ministry of Agriculture, the GRDB, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Ducks consume insects, snails, and weeds in flooded rice fields, and their droppings contribute organic nutrients to the soil. Farmers can therefore produce rice and ducks on the same plot, while potentially reducing input costs. Supporting those relationships requires appropriate livestock management, an area in which GLDA provides assistance alongside access to suitable breeding stock. For Leitch-Hinds, this technical support adds scientific guidance to knowledge gained through years of farming, helping

her manage the land differently. The prospect of lower expenditure is particularly valuable amid fluctuating paddy prices. Alongside production decisions such as selecting the GRDB’s 18-rice variety, which she said takes about four months to mature, the integrated system gives her another way to manage costs and strengthen the business. Her existing involvement in poultry also provided a useful foundation for the project. She initially invested in 100 ducks, of which 98 survived, and purchased 100 Black Giant chickens from the GLDA. Integrating ducks into rice production allowed her to connect two branches of the enterprise rather than manage them entirely separately. Now, she sees an opportunity to build that connection. Establishing an incubation and hatchery operation would enable her to supply ducklings, and she is confident that support from the Guyana Development Bank and GLDA could help her build a successful venture. Her interest in a hatchery follows a pattern already evident in her entry into beekeeping: acquire practical knowledge, take the initiative, and develop an activity into a business. Chuckling as she recalled her first bee removal, LeitchHinds explained that she under-

took it alone after receiving only hands-on training. Its success encouraged her to continue capturing bees and to establish her own apiary. To house the colonies, her brother built the first five hive boxes, and GLDA later provided another five. Located in her backyard, the hives benefit from diverse vegetation, including Long John trees, adding another productive activity to the family’s agricultural enterprise. PERSISTENCE AND INITIATIVE The venture has required persistence and initiative. Vandalism interrupted her first seasonal honey flow, but she persisted and later extracted honey during the second flow. Today, she said, she has no regrets about becoming a beekeeper. That determination also earned recognition. At last year’s Honey Fest, held at the GLDA’s Mon Repos headquarters, she won the category for the darkest honey on her first appearance at the event. Participation gave her an opportunity to market hair and skincare products alongside honey and to establish business connections. Those connections helped extend the value of her agricultural work beyond production.

TURN TO PAGE 7

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 4, 2026

The first time I met Irfaan Ali as President

President Dr Irfaan Ali IN a column two weeks ago in a conversation with the current leader of the AFC, David Patterson, I wrote that David told me that one of the regrets he has is that when he was in government, he did not reach out to me. I normally get a fair amount of emails and telephone calls because I publish my details all the time – fredkissoon@yahoo.com and my cell is 614-5927. My home number is 222- 1616. I've gotten a number of emails about David since that column. I was asked if I believe David. Some people felt I should have called him a liar since they say I am a person who speaks his mind. No, I do not believe David. I think he just told me that because he wanted me to think about him in a certain way. I think he lied to me just as

Former President, Dr Cheddi Jagan

Khemraj Ramjattan did. The incident with Khemraj is perhaps one of the most pyrotechnical manifestations of a person lying to me in my long years as a political activist. I told Khemraj we are very personal friends, and I don’t even get a hello from him since he got into power. He apologised and said that the preoccupation with work caused him to forget about me. Then I let him have it by telling him I don’t believe him. Every Minister of Government, every Prime Minister or President the past 100 years has a routine every morning that they never depart from. The first thing they do in the morning before brushing their teeth is to read the newspapers about who said what about them and their government. When Khemraj got into power, I was

the daily columnist with the then largest selling daily newspaper, Kaieteur News. Khemraj saw my face every day when he was a minister of government. He lied, and he did so barefacedly. Let’s contrast the essence of Irfaan Ali with other powerful people in government that I met. Before the 2020 election, I had not seen or spoken to Irfaan Ali in a long time, even though we had a very good relationship even after he became a minister of government. During the five months of election rigging, I did a daily Kaieteur News column and a radio programme with journalist Leonard Gildarie. In those five months, I did not speak to Dr. Ali. In those daily columns during the five-month horror show, I mentioned in several articles that in the election I voted for Lenox Shuman.

Ducks, rice, science... FROM PAGE 6

Honey and other farm products provide goods for sale, agro-processing broadens her offerings, and exhibitions introduce the business to potential customers. Her construction work, including the pavilion at the Lochaber Ball Field, provides another income stream. Across these activities, family participation remains central. Agriculture has helped finance her children’s education, and they continue to contribute to the enterprise while pursuing their tertiary studies. One daughter is completing a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management, while her son is pursuing aeronautical engineering. Their involvement is practical and consistent. Leitch-Hinds

explained that whenever labour is short, the entire family, including her daughters, helps broadcast paddy, fertiliser and manage the fields. That shared effort keeps the farm operating while preserving the children’s connection to the livelihood that supported their education. For Leitch-Hinds, her daughters' contribution also reflects the changing role of women in agriculture. She sees the industry as one in which women can lead production, make investment decisions, and build successful enterprises. Her own experience demonstrates those possibilities through the daily work of managing a diversified business and planning its expansion. That combination of initiative, family effort, and in-

stitutional support gives practical meaning to the October 2026 Agriculture Month theme, “Nourish, Grow: Building a Strong, Sustainable Guyana.” Through the Ministry of Agriculture and its agencies, training and production support are helping her integrate traditional knowledge with modern agricultural science. The next step could build on that progress beyond her own fields. If her proposed hatchery becomes a reality, Leitch-Hinds would supply ducklings to other farmers looking to expand their production. For a woman who began growing rice on a single acre, the ducks now foraging among her plants represent both an encouraging first crop and the start of another business opportunity.

Former Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan One day in August, I received a phone call from President Ali asking me to visit him at State House. I was smothered with curiosity. What did he want to see me about? President Ali was dressed casually and was very friendly. I only met one Guyanese president in my life and that was Cheddi Jagan. It was at State House, too. President Ali has a rare touch about him. He sat on a sofa opposite me and he oozed an unusual friendliness that is not easily describable. I offered my service to Jagan for the one year I was on UG sabbatical, and my choice was to do anti-corruption work at Customs and Excise. Jagan never smiled during our entire chat. It lasted longer than the one I had with Dr. Ali. Jagan talked about his gov-

Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson

ernment, its hurdles, and what plans he had. The ambience was the opposite with Dr. Ali. The current Guyanese President has a personality that is not easy to do a semantic portrait of, and maybe the best person to do so would be the poet. Age is the best methodology for comprehending the substance or persona of Mohamed Irfaan Ali. When you are young and you meet your country’s president, you cannot describe the aura you see because of inexperience. When you are much older and you meet someone like Dr. Ali, you are more intellectually equipped to understand the essential person. President Ali told me that he saw me as a patriot, and thanked me for the exposing work I did during those five months of election rigging. Then came the

moment that floored me. He asked me in what ways would I like to serve my country. I was momentarily stunned. Here was the President of Guyana offering me a job. I never imagined it would happen in my life. No president before Dr. Ali ever reached out to me. You know what they say about first impressions. My first impression of Mohamed Irfan Ali told me that he was a different human species. I took to him immediately. I sensed there and then that Guyana had found a leader never seen before. 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.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 4, 2026

How long-term investment helped unlock Guyana’s oil potential

GUYANA’S oil industry did not emerge overnight, nor was its success guaranteed. Before first oil flowed in December 2019, years of exploration, technical analysis, capital investment and commercial risk had already been assumed in one of the world’s most challenging offshore environments. Today, oil production is a major part of Guyana’s economy, but almost two decades passed between the signing of the original 1999 agreement for the Stabroek Block and Guyana producing its first oil in December

2019. During that period, no one could guarantee that commercial quantities of oil would ever be produced. That part of the story matters. The journey, however, did not involve two decades of continuous drilling. The original agreement for the Stabroek Block was signed in 1999, while ExxonMobil began its oil and gas activities in Guyana in 2008. From there, the company invested in seismic surveys, geological studies and exploration drilling, eventually leading to the Liza discovery in 2015.

Offshore exploration is complex and because of this, the investment required to sustain it isexpensive. Before a company drills an exploration well, it has to spend heavily to understand what may be beneath the seabed. This involves seismic surveys, specialised vessels, sophisticated technology and technical expertise. Even after all that, a well can come up dry. The Liza-1 discovery in 2015 was a turning point, but even then, the job was not finished. Finding oil does not automatically mean that oil can be produced

commercially. The size and quality of the discovery has to be assessed. Engineers must determine how to extract the oil safely and what infrastructure is required. More investment was needed. The Liza Phase One development involved a floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel, subsea infrastructure and 17 wells. By December 2019, less than five years after the Liza discovery, Guyana had achieved first oil. ExxonMobil described that as significantly faster than the industry average for a deep-water development. That timeline should not be lost in the excitement surrounding today’s production. Finding oil is one thing, building an industry around that discovery is another. There were years when companies were putting money into Guyana without knowing whether the investment would ultimately produce a commercial return. Other companies, such as Shell had also walked away from exploration opportunities, underlining the risks of developing a frontier petroleum province. That is why the investment history matters when discussing the development of Guyana’s oil industry.

It also matters when considering what the industry has produced for Guyanese people. Oil production created a new source of government revenue and opened opportunities for Guyanese workers and businesses. Even when first oil began in 2019, ExxonMobil reported that more than 1,700 Guyanese had worked on its activities and that the company and its direct contractors had spent about US$180 million with more than 630 local suppliers since the 2015 discovery. The impact has grown significantly since those early days. Today, approximately 9,000 people work in support of Stabroek Block operations, including approximately 6,200 Guyanese, who make up about 70 per cent of the workforce. The scale of local business participation has also increased significantly. By the first half of 2026, spending with Guyanese businesses since 2015 had reached approximately US$3.9 billion. Petroleum revenues have also increased the resources available to the Government of Guyana for national development priorities, including infrastructure, education, healthcare and other social and economic investments. Decisions about how

those revenues are allocated, however, remain decisions for the government. So, this is not simply a story about how long ExxonMobil waited to see a return on its investment. It is a story about risk, patience, capital, technical expertise and long-term commitment. Guyana did not become an oil-producing country overnight. Years of agreements, exploration, investment, failed wells, successful discoveries, appraisal work and development had to come first. That is the reality that must be kept in mind as Guyana considers the value of its petroleum resources. For ordinary Guyanese, the message is simple: what we see today did not happen overnight. It followed years of work undertaken before commercial success was even a possibility. The responsibility now is to ensure that the revenue, jobs, business opportunities, skills and infrastructure enabled by this industry are managed to deliver lasting value for present and future generations. DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this c o l u m n a re s o l e l y those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.

Justice Must Run its Course

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 4, 2026

THERE are moments when the strength of a government is tested not by what it says when circumstances are comfortable, but by how it responds when allegations strike at the very heart of an institution entrusted with protecting the public. The allegations now confronting Deputy Commissioner of Police Fazil Karimbaksh, head of the Special, Organised Crime Unit, are therefore no ordinary matter. A serving female police inspector has made allegations of rape and threatening behaviour against the senior officer. The Guyana Police Force has confirmed that a report has been received and that Commissioner of Police Dr Clifton Hicken has established a team to investigate the allegations professionally, impartially and in accordance with established procedures. Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond has also taken a clear position. She has said that, in her view, Karimbaksh should be placed on administrative leave while the investigation proceeds, while acknowledging that the Police Service Commission is not presently constituted and that discussions are necessary with the commissioner on the appropriate mechanism. Frankly speaking, the minister is right to insist that this matter must be treated with the seriousness it deserves. That position, however, must never be confused with a declaration that the accused is guilty. I do not know the complainant. I hold no brief for Karimbaksh. I do not know the man personally, but as a respected journalist I know of him professionally. He is entitled to the presumption of innocence. He has a right to

due process, a fair investigation and, if charged, a fair trial. The allegations have not been tested before a court and no criminal finding has been made against him. That is precisely why the investigation must be allowed to proceed without interference. The public must not try this case in the court of public opinion. Social media is not a courtroom, Facebook commentary is not evidence, political statements are not verdicts and newspaper headlines are not convictions. At the same time, protecting due process does not mean protecting anyone from legitimate investigation. Those are two entirely different things. The appropriate response is neither a rush to judgment nor institutional paralysis. It is a professional, independent and lawful investigation in which evidence is gathered, witnesses are interviewed, the complainant is treated with dignity, the accused is afforded his legal rights and the facts ultimately determine what happens next. If the evidence establishes that a crime was committed, then the full force of the law must follow. If the evidence does not establish criminal wrongdoing, that too must be respected. I think that is what the rule of law means. Minister Walrond deserves recognition for making clear that rank cannot become a shield against accountability. This is consistent with the position she articulated previously that the police force has zero tolerance for sexual misconduct and that allegations involving senior officers and subordinate female officers must be treated seriously. In 2025, she said officers implicated in sexual-misconduct allegations

at the Police Training College were removed from their duties pending disciplinary proceedings. The government's broader response to sexual offences is also significant. In January 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs directed the Criminal Investigations Department and the Office of Professional Responsibility to investigate allegations of sexual exploitation, abuse of authority and misconduct at the Police Academy. The ministry stated that anyone found to have engaged in wrongdoing, regardless of rank or position, would be held accountable under the law, while stressing due process. A n d i n J u l y, t h e government advanced the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill 2026, which proposes, among other measures, stronger protections for vulnerable persons, improved treatment of evidence, greater victim privacy, a National Sexual Offences Task Force and a National Sex Offender Database. These are important measures because the present controversy exposes a much larger institutional problem. Sexual abuse and misconduct cannot be dismissed as isolated incidents simply because they are difficult to discuss. A 2026 study examining sexual misconduct within the Guyana Police Force identified patterns of misconduct and associated under-reporting with distrust and fear of retaliation among officers. The study recommended stronger accountability mechanisms, improved reporting systems and trauma-informed leadership. That should concern every decent-minded Guyanese. I know I am very concerned. The police must be

an institution in which a woman can report an allegation against a superior without fearing that her career will be destroyed. A junior officer must not feel that speaking up means jeopardising her livelihood. Equally, a senior officer must not be condemned merely because an allegation has been made against him. The answer is institutional confidence. This case could have a negative effect on the force. It could damage morale, public confidence and the reputation of the many police officers who perform their duties honourably every day. That being said, it could also produce something positive and become a turning point. If the investigation is conducted professionally, if complainants are protected, if evidence is followed without fear or favour, and if wrongdo-

ing is punished regardless of rank, the message to the force will be unmistakable: authority carries responsibility, not immunity. That is the standard that must apply. I will say that there must be no special justice for a deputy commissioner. There must be no lesser justice for a constable or inspector. There must be no different standard because the accused is powerful or the complainant is junior. The same law must apply to everyone. If the evidence ultimately establishes that a serious sexual crime was committed, punishment must be severe and proportionate to the offence. Conversely, if the evidence does not support the allegations, the accused must be cleared without the permanent stain of an unofficial public conviction. This is bigger than Karimbaksh. It is about

whether Guyanese people can trust the institutions responsible for protecting them. The government's declared zero-tolerance position should therefore be measured by what happens next. Words matter, but action matters more. The investigation must be allowed to run its course. It must be professional, lawful, impartial and credible. M i n i s t e r Wa l r o n d has drawn an important line: allegations of sexual misconduct, particularly within an institution where power and rank are so consequential, cannot simply be ignored. Now the system must do the rest. This is not politics, but justice. 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.

Noise, bluster and evidence before the court

THE 2020 Electoral Fraud Trial had barely begun to build momentum when it was adjourned yet again, this time for almost three weeks. The irony is hard to miss: Guyanese endured an agonising five-month wait for the declaration of the 2020 election results, and now six years later, they are still waiting for a court to deliver accountability. Justice delayed is justice denied. That principle must mean something to Guyanese whose votes were placed in the custody of offi-

cials legally bound to count and tabulate them honestly. The people of Guyana are entitled to know whether their ballots were tampered with, whether there was an organised effort to distort the will of the electorate, who was involved, and what end such an alleged scheme was meant to serve. The prosecution’s roadmap has been meticulously laid out. It is an unusual case, and the threshold of evidence is much higher than that of the Commission of Inquiry. In this case, a team of defence attor-

neys gets the opportunity to cross-examine witnesses who are called to the stand by the prosecution. That’s how the process works. The accused, all nine of them, three GECOM officials and five employees, along with two senior members of APNU+AFC, have a right by law to a vigorous defence. For the last two weeks, I’ve been sitting in the Magistrate’s Court, fighting off the noise pollution from a steady stream of vehicles on Avenue of the Republic and Brickdam, to ensure I

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 4, 2026

understand the evidence in chief, the cross-examination and the re-examination of witnesses. The cross-examination of the prosecution’s witnesses often strikes me as bizarre. And I am being polite here because I don’t want to apply a North American standard to Guyana’s legal system and use the word cuckoo. Allow me to give a few examples. Although it was well known that the witness, Terrence Jaskaran, a forensic accountant, was born in the mid-1980s, counsel for

one or more of the accused asked him where he was in 1968, then 1973, 1978, and 1980. The witness replied that he was “not conscious” and, with disarming humour, that he was “not yet in my father’s consciousness.” The line of questioning appeared designed to suggest that, because he had not personally lived through those years, he could not speak to the PNC’s documented history of rigging elections in Guyana. But that was not the witness’ claim, nor was it the purpose of the materials before the court. Jaskaran did not purport to offer a personal recollection of earlier elections. All he apparently did was compile into a single document reports, inquiries and investigations already available in the public record. That compilation was entirely separate from his 2021 report, which compared the certified Statements of Poll with the Form 24 declarations made on March 5 and March 13, 2020. One document assembled the historical record, while the other examined, through a comparison of official electoral documents, what occurred in the 2020 process. Another witness, Aneal Giddings, formerly GECOM’s IT Manager, was pressed during cross-examination about the frequency of his meal and restroom breaks on a particular day more than six years ago. He was also questioned about the ethnic composition of his team. The line of questioning startled me. I thought I had heard wrong. I didn’t. Was the attorney-at-law suggesting that ethnicity, not a person’s conduct and evidence, was the factor that determines whether officials complied with Guyana’s election laws? Last Wednesday, police handwriting expert Ameer Mohamed returned to the witness box for cross-examination by attorney Nigel Hughes. The previous week, before Mohamed gave his evidence-in-chief, Hughes was nowhere to be found, either in court or online, to challenge his qualification

as an expert witness. Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty had no recourse but to accept him as an expert. Mohamed testified that the signatures bearing the name Volda Lawrence on passport-renewal applications from 2010, 2015 and 2020 matched the signature on the March 5 Form 24 declaration. He did not testify that he saw Lawrence sign that document. The declaration purported to give APNU+AFC a Region Four advantage exceeding 20,000 votes above the party’s total as reflected in the certified Statements of Poll. Whether Lawrence signed the declaration is ultimately for the court to decide. But Hughes clearly recognised the weight of Mohamed’s evidence and mounted a sustained challenge to both the discipline of forensic handwriting examination and the expert’s methodology. He suggested that handwriting analysis amounted to little more than enlarging signatures for comparison, and attempted to insult Mohamed and the Guyana Police Force by suggesting that he had become accustomed to giving evidence in criminal proceedings without being challenged. Mohamed did not match the provocation. Calmly, he replied: “I respectfully disagree with you, counsel.” Hughes is well aware that forensic handwriting examination is a recognised law-enforcement forensic discipline. The FBI, the RCMP and Canadian intelligence services that trained Mohamed employ hundreds of highly trained experts to interrogate thousands of documents annually. Hughes could challenge the science of handwriting detection till the cows come home; Mohamed needs only stick to his evidence and to his conclusion. 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.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 4, 2026

100 low-income houses under construction at Le Reconnaissance - on course for January completion

MINISTER of Housing, Collin Croal, on Friday inspected the construction of 100 low-income homes at the Le Reconnaissance Housing Development, East Coast Demerara, as the ministry continues to expand its national housing programme. According to a press release from the Ministry of Housing, the two-bedroom units, valued at $5.6 million each, are approximately 15 per cent complete and are expected to be completed by the end of January 2027. All 100 units have already been allocated. Eight contractors are currently executing the works, with more than 120 workers employed on the project. Minister Croal said the development forms part of the government’s broader approach to increasing the supply of constructed homes, particularly as more applicants are expressing a preference for completed units rather than residential lots alone. “The demand for built units is high, and we have

Minister of Housing, Collin Croal, on Friday inspected the construction of 100 low-income homes at the Le Reconnaissance Housing Development, East Coast Demerara, as the ministry continues to expand its national housing programme moved beyond just speaking about allocations. There are many persons who are working and want to have the finished product,” Minister Croal said. He explained that traditional construction will remain an important component of the housing programme, even as the ministry advances new approaches, including prefabricated and

modular housing, to support the government’s target of constructing 40,000 homes over the next five years. “The traditional way of constructing houses will continue. What we are trying to do does not displace the conventional type of housing construction,” the minister stated. Minister Croal also highlighted the employment op-

Guyanese can now access Saudi Arabia without US, UK or Schengen Visas GUYANA has secured a significant travel and diplomatic milestone with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with Guyanese passport holders now able to enter Saudi Arabia using a visa on arrival or an electronic visa without first having to possess a valid United States, United Kingdom or Schengen visa. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation announced the development on Saturday, noting that Guyana is now the only country in South America whose passport holders enjoy this facility without the requirement for a third-country visa. Previously, Guyanese passport holders were required to have a valid US, UK or Schengen visa in their passports to qualify for the Saudi e-visa or visa on arrival. That condition has now been removed. The change is expected to make travel between Guyana and Saudi Arabia signifi-

cantly easier, including for persons travelling for Umrah, tourism, to visit family and friends, or for other purposes. Guyanese travellers will also no longer need to go through an agent or visit a Saudi Arabian Embassy to access the facility. They can apply for the electronic visa directly or obtain a visa on arrival using their Guyanese passport and paying the required visa fee. The ministry said the development is a consequence of the intensification of bilateral relations and ongoing discussions between Guyana and Saudi Arabia, particular-

ly in areas including trade, economic partnerships, investment, tourism and people-to-people relations. The new travel facility is also being viewed as a significant step in strengthening and consolidating relations between the two countries. The government says it will continue efforts to enhance the features of Guyana’s Machine Readable Passports, in keeping with global standards and requirements, as the country seeks to further expand international travel opportunities for Guyanese. (DPI)

portunities being generated through the project. He noted that contractors continue to require additional skilled workers, including masons, demonstrating the wider economic benefits of the government’s housing programme. The minister further disclosed that another housing initiative will soon be an-

nounced to support persons who already own land, but require assistance accessing contractors to construct their homes. Overall, approximately 175 low-income homes form part of the housing programme at Le Reconnaissance. The 100 units currently under construction

complement an earlier block of 75 homes. The visit forms part of the ministry’s ongoing monitoring of housing projects countrywide to ensure that construction progresses within established timelines, while expanding access to affordable home ownership.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 4, 2026

Gov’t advancing development of Annandale community ground THE government is advancing works to complete the development of the Annandale, Marshon Community Ground on the East Coast of Demerara, with fencing, lighting and landfilling already completed and additional facilities being added. Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr made the disclosure during a community consultation at the

ground on Friday, noting that the project has faced significant challenges due to the low-lying nature of the area. “This one is probably one of my hardest of all the 400-plus grounds that we have invested in,” Minister Ramson said. He said that the government invested in more than 650 community grounds and provided lighting at over 150 facilities across the country.

At the Annandale ground, the works include the construction of a pavilion, turnstile access, children’s play equipment and exercise facilities. The minister said the project is expected to be completed in approximately two months. Minister Ramson explained that the ground was previously several feet below the surrounding road and seawall, making it particularly vulnerable

to water accumulation and delaying the completion of works. He noted, however, the government’s investment in community spaces is intended to provide residents with safe and functional areas for recreation and community activities. “These small community projects, it means a lot to the community,” Minister Ramson said, adding that development of the spaces creates opportuni-

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr, made the disclosure during a community consultation at the ground on Friday ties for residents to come together and make greater use of their communities. The minister also highlighted the importance of community consultation in determining how the facilities are developed, noting that residents’ views are integral

to the process. “Your views are important to us,” Minister Ramson told residents, encouraging them to participate in discussions on the development and use of the facility. (DPI)

Businessman moves to sue Mohamed over ‘false, malicious, defamatory’ Facebook post

BUSINEESSMAN Ernesto Choo-a-Fat has instructed his attorneys to take legal action against Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed over a Facebook post about a Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) raid on a property he owns. In a statement issued on Saturday by the law firm Gunraj & Co., attorney-at-law Sase R. Gunraj said the firm has been retained by Mr. Choo-a-Fat and has been instructed to institute legal proceedings immediately. According to the statement, the post was published Saturday on the Facebook page of Mr. Mohamed, who is Leader of the Opposition.

It concerned a raid conducted by CANU on a property owned by Mr. Choo-a-Fat. The law firm said the property has been rented for more than three years, and that Mr. Choo-a-Fat is therefore neither in possession nor in control of it. “As a consequence, the statements contained in the said post are false, malicious and defamatory, and have the effect of seriously impugning our client’s reputation,” the statement said. The firm said it has been instructed to proceed with legal action against Mr. Mohamed in relation to the comments made in the post.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 4, 2026

Caribbean leaders link aviation growth to wider development - regional leaders highlight aviation’s role in tourism, trade, investment, connectivity

REGIONAL aviation officials and industry leaders are linking a developed and secure aviation sector to the Region’s economy. Aviation’s contribution to tourism, trade, investment and regional connectivity came into focus on Thursday as Caribbean leaders and development officials called for continued investment in the sector as a foundation for economic and social development. Speaking at the Caribbean High-Level Symposium on Aviation Safety, Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar highlighted Guyana’s expanding aviation infrastructure, including the modernisation of nearly 60 internal airstrips and expansion of its international gateway, while stressing the need for stronger oversight and technical capacity. CARICOM Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett highlighted that safe air transport remains essential to tourism, trade, investment, emergency response and social connections across the Region. Caribbean Development Bank Division Chief William Ashby said aviation is a vital enabler of regional integration, connecting countries and supporting the movement of people and goods. ICAO Regional Director Luis Fernando Fiallos also underscored its wider economic and human importance. Speaking on Guyana’s investment into the sector, Aviation Minister Deodat Indar, said Guyana’s investment in aviation infrastructure must be supported by development of the people and systems responsible for maintaining safety. He highlighted the growth Guyana has seen in the sector in recent years, and emphasised the impor-

Regional leaders and aviation officials at the Caribbean High-Level Symposium on Aviation Safety held in Guyana

tance of reliable information and institutions that can respond to changing conditions and growth. He also pointed to the need for trained inspectors, engineers, air navigation specialists and other aviation professionals. “Guyana is investing in aviation infrastructure as it has never done before, including the modernisation of internal airstrips, close to 60 of them in total, and an expansion of our international gateway, and additional funding of 65 million U.S,” he said, adding: “But infrastructure alone does not deliver safety. It must be matched by capable people, sound oversight, dependable data, and institutions' preparedness to adapt. Sustainable capacity means investing in inspectors, engineers, air-navigation specialists, and the next generation of aviation professionals, while ensuring that our systems can withstand economic and environmental shocks.” The minister said regional co-operation will therefore be important as Caribbean countries seek to strengthen their aviation systems and respond to the changing demands of the industry. “Our team is strengthening Caribbean aviation safety through regional co-operation, resilient oversight, and sustainable capacity development.

It speaks directly to the choices before us. The Caribbean aviation future will depend on whether we can work across borders, strengthen our institutions, and build the expertise to keep pace with the changing industry,” he said. Moreover, he said countries must be able to work together, strengthen institutions and develop the expertise needed to

maintain safe air transport, particularly as aviation continues to support communities and economies across the Region. “For our Region, aviation is not a luxury. It connects island and mainland communities, supports tourism and trade, and brings families together and helps deliver essential services. When hurricanes, floods, and other emer-

gencies strike, reliable air transport can be a lifeline. That makes safety a public responsibility and a foundation for development. Connectivity that is not safe cannot be sustained.” Sharing similar sentiments, CARICOM Secretary-General Barnett also linked aviation to the movement of people and goods and to the wider economic and social links between CARICOM countries. She highlighted that the sector supports a range of activities, from tourism and trade to education, cultural events and family connections, making safety a necessary part of maintaining those connections. “Air transport sustains tourism, trade, investment, emergency response, family connections, and the wider economic and social integration of our community. Safe transportation is essential for economic

activity, and as you've heard previous speakers say, it is essential also for social and cultural connections and community building within our countries, especially the coastal countries with much larger land areas, and among our countries.” She added that with the Region being dependent on the movement of people, aviation safety must be prioritised. “People moving, whether as families, students, tourists, artists [sic] coming to do concerts, traders moving goods across the community, we all depend on the vital assumption of aviation safety.” For the Caribbean Development Bank, Ashby said the development of aviation cannot be viewed only through the movement of passengers, but also through its contribution to regional integration and economic participaTURN TO PAGE 15

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US Ambassador urges stronger cybersecurity, intelligencesharing systems as Guyana develops data centres THE United States is placing greater emphasis on cybersecurity and secure intelligence-sharing with Guyana, as the country expands its digital infrastructure and develops data-centre capacity. US Ambassador to Guyana Nicole Theriot said cybersecurity is increasingly important to the country’s security and development, particularly as Guyana becomes more digitally connected and develops infrastructure capable of storing and transmitting sensitive information. Speaking on the Energy Perspectives podcast, Theriot said the United States has been working with Guyana to strengthen its cyber capabilities, while stressing the need for secure systems that can support intelligence-sharing between the two countries. “Cybersecurity is really important,” Theriot said, while highlighting US support for Guyana’s cyber capacity. She said the issue goes beyond protecting individual computer systems, pointing to the broader implications for Guyana’s security and territo-

US Ambassador to Guyana Nicole Theriot rial integrity. Theriot said the United States is also focused on ensuring that Guyana has systems that can be trusted when sensitive information is exchanged. She said, “When you're sharing intelligence, you have to have a system that you trust.” The ambassador said this consideration will become increasingly important as Guyana develops its digital infrastructure, including data centres. Guyana’s growing digital capacity, she noted, creates opportunities but also brings

responsibilities to ensure that the systems supporting the country’s technological development are adequately protected. Theriot said the United States is prepared to continue working with Guyana to strengthen its cybersecurity capabilities and help to ensure that the country can safely participate in increasingly interconnected digital systems. The cybersecurity issue forms part of a wider US-Guyana security partnership that includes co-operation on maritime security, air-domain awareness and other areas re-

lated to national and territorial security. Theriot said the United States has been working with the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Police Force, the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit and the Special, Organised Crime Unit on various aspects of security co-operation. She also pointed to US assistance aimed at strengthening Guyana’s ability to monitor its airspace and maritime domain. But she said cybersecurity must be considered alongside these traditional security concerns because digital systems increasingly underpin critical infrastructure and government operations. “If you think about data centres, if you think about cybersecurity, if you think about intelligence-sharing, all of those things have to be part of a trusted system,” Theriot said. Her comments come as Guyana continues to modernise its digital infrastructure and attract investment into new areas of technology and economic development. The US ambassador said

Washington sees Guyana as a partner and wants to deepen co-operation in areas that can strengthen the country’s security while supporting its economic growth. She said secure digital infrastructure will also be important to Guyana’s ability to attract and accommodate international investment. The ambassador’s remarks also reflect the increasingly broad scope of US-Guyana co-operation, which now includes technology and digital security alongside economic, energy and traditional security matters. With Guyana undergoing rapid economic transformation, Theriot said the United States wants to help ensure that the country’s technological development is accompanied by the safeguards needed to protect its systems and information. She said cybersecurity and trusted intelligence-sharing systems will be particularly important as Guyana’s digital infrastructure continues to expand. The United States, she

added, remains interested in supporting Guyana’s efforts to build those capabilities as part of the broader bilateral partnership. Guyana’s push into artificial intelligence and advanced computing is already taking shape, with the government in November 2025 signing a Memorandum of Understanding with US-based Cerebras Systems to build and operate a 100-megawatt AI data centre at Wales, West Bank Demerara. The facility is expected to use Cerebras’ CS-3 AI supercomputers and form part of a wider technology ecosystem aimed at attracting startups, researchers and international enterprises. The project is also intended to support education and skills development through training, internships and partnerships with universities. The partnership also places greater focus on data sovereignty and digital protection, making cybersecurity a relevant consideration as Guyana expands its digital infrastructure.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 4, 2026

Sacked MoHA employee faces criminal charges over assault of Rubis worker

AN employee of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) has been dismissed following an alleged assault on a Rubis gas station worker at Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara, with criminal charges expected to follow. Andika Ferrier, 43, a Community Policing Liaison Officer was arrested and subsequently released on station bail after he was accused of assaulting Rubis employee Ashley Romacindo during an incident at the fuel station. The development was addressed by Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond during an episode of the Starting Point podcast, during which she confirmed that Ferrier was an employee of the ministry

and said he would face criminal proceedings. “He will be charged. He is currently on station bail, but he will be charged, and my recommendation is that he be terminated,” Walrond said. The minister’s comments came shortly after footage of the incident circulated widely on social media, prompting public attention to the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault. It was subsequently confirmed that Ferrier had been dismissed from his position with the Ministry of Home Affairs. The incident reportedly stemmed from a dispute over the loading of cooking-gas cylinders onto Fer-

Caribbean leaders... FROM PAGE 13

tion. He noted that the future of the sector will require countries to work collectively, rather than relying only on individual national efforts. “The agenda before us reflects a recognition that the future of Caribbean aviation will depend not only on what individual countries do, but increasingly on what we choose to do together. The Caribbean Development Bank recognises that aviation is not merely a transport sector in the Caribbean.” He added, “It is a vital enabler of regional integration. It connects our countries and coastal states, facilitates trade and tourism, supports investment and strengthens the movement of people and ideas across our community. In all of our countries, aviation is essential to economic participation and social connectivity.” Furthermore, ICAO Regional Director, Fiallos, reinforced the sector’s importance in the wider regional and human context, noting that the benefits of aviation extend beyond passenger travel and commercial activity. He pointed to the role of air transport in health-

care, connecting communities and taking local products to international markets, while highlighting the livelihoods that depend on trade and tourism. “Aviation is not merely a convenience. It is an indispensable economic and societal bridge. It transports patients to critical care, connects communities across the Region, brings local goods to international markets and sustains livelihoods rooted in trade and tourism. The momentum across the Region is undeniable,” he said. Fiallos shared that the Caribbean Tourism Organisation estimates that stayover arrivals reached 35 million in 2025, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and demonstrating remarkable resilience. Across Latin America and the Caribbean, the Air Transport Action Group estimates that air transport supports 8.3 million jobs and $240 billion in economic activities. He noted however, that behind these macroeconomic figures are individual lives, families, entrepreneurs and local communities whose well-being depends on safe, reliable and continuous air connectivity.

rier’s Canter truck. Romacindo said she had declined to assist Ferrier with loading several cooking-gas cylinders onto the vehicle, after which a confrontation developed. Closed-circuit television footage from the station reportedly captured Ferrier approaching Romacindo from behind following the exchange and striking her. The impact caused

the woman to fall to the ground. Colleagues intervened after the incident and assisted Romacindo, who subsequently made a report to the police and sought medical attention for injuries she sustained. Ferrier was later arrested by police in connection with the alleged assault. He was subsequently released on station bail after being informed of the intended prosecution.

Andika Ferrier

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 4, 2026

Communities benefiting from added layer of security with 505 CPGs, over 9,000 members

A network of 505 community policing groups (CPGs) with around 9,150 members has bolstered security in various areas across Guyana

A NETWORK of 505 community policing groups (CPGs) with around 9,150 members has bolstered security in various areas across Guyana. “So far in 2026, 363 Guyanese have stepped forward to help keep their communities safe, joining 20 newly formed Community Policing Groups across the country,” Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond said in a post on her official Facebook page. She went on to say: “But these numbers tell a bigger story. Behind every group are citizens who have chosen to give their time and energy to the communities they call home.” The minister added: “They know their neighbourhoods, their families and their concerns. Their involvement strengthens the partner-

ship between residents and the Guyana Police Force and helps build the trust and communication that effective policing requires.” She related that community safety cannot be the police's responsibility alone, emphasising that it works best when citizens are engaged, information is shared and communities and law enforcement work together. “The continued growth of our Community Policing Groups is therefore significant. Every new member represents another citizen prepared to take an active role in making their community safer. “Safer communities are built through partnership, and across Guyana, more citizens are stepping forward to play their part,” Minister Walrond said.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 4, 2026

Nine years imprisonment for man who attacked wife after she refused sexual advances

A MAN who brutally attacked his wife after she refused his sexual advances has been sentenced to nine years and four months in prison for attempted murder, after pleading guilty in the Demerara High Court. Seon Joseph, 49, was sentenced on Wednesday by Justice Priscilla Chandra-Hanif, who found that the July 31, 2023 attack represented a serious act of domestic violence and a breach of the trust and security expected within a shared home. Joseph had previously pleaded guilty to attempting to murder his wife, a plea which was accepted by the court in August. The court heard that on the day of the incident, Joseph sought to have sexual

quiring extensive medical treatment. In a victim-impact statement read to the court, the woman described the lasting consequences of the attack, stating that she continues to experience physical pain and has difficulty standing for extended periods. She also told the court that the incident had affected her psychologically and had changed the way she relates to men. According to her statement, she developed a distrust of men following the attack and has been unable to maintain romantic relationships. The victim also described experiencing ongoing trauma and flashbacks as a result of the violence.

Seon Joseph intercourse with his wife. However, the woman told him that she was not feeling well and refused his advances. The refusal was followed by a violent assault during which Joseph attacked the woman with a cutlass, leaving her with severe injuries. The court also heard that the victim suffered an open fracture to the left side of her head and several lacerations. The sentencing remarks also detailed injuries involving a laceration to her neck The severity of the injuries resulted in the woman being hospitalised and re-

She urged the court to impose the maximum penalty, stating that she continues to live with the consequences of the attack and deserves justice. In handing down sentence, Justice Chandra-Hanif placed significant weight on the seriousness of the violence, the nature of the injuries inflicted and the fact that the attack occurred within a domestic relationship. The judge noted that domestic violence carries an added dimension because a person is entitled to feel safe in the home and within an intimate relationship.

The court considered sentencing authorities and the submissions made by both sides. The prosecution had proposed a sentence in the range of 15 to 20 years, while the defence had argued for a 10year sentence. Justice Chandra-Hanif identified a starting point of 16 years’ imprisonment after considering the seriousness of the offence. She then deducted two years to account for the mitigating factors, reducing the sentence to 14 years. A further one-third deduction, amounting to four years and eight months, was applied for Joseph’s early guilty plea, resulting in a final sentence of nine years

and four months’ imprisonment. Among the mitigating factors was Joseph’s lack of previous violent convictions. The judge also took into account his expression of remorse and apology, as well as his conduct following the incident. The court heard that Joseph went to the police station the day after the attack to provide information. His personal background, continued employment and efforts to participate in various rehabilitation programmes were also taken into account as mitigating factors. H o w e v e r, t h e c o u r t stressed the seriousness of the offence and the profound

Justice Priscilla Chandra-Hanif impact the attack had on the that Joseph participates in programmes while serving victim. After weighing the ag- his sentence, including vigravating and mitigating fac- olence prevention, conflict tors, Justice Chandra-Hanif resolution and psychological ultimately sentenced Joseph support programmes aimed to nine years’ imprisonment. at addressing the behaviour The time Joseph has al- that contributed to the ofready spent on remand will fence. Joseph was represented be calculated and deducted by the Guyana Prison by attorney Tonza Sarrabo, Service in determining the while attorneys Nelissa remaining period of his sen- Peterkin and Aleria Heywood appeared for the tence. The judge also directed prosecution.

UG to graduate over 3,700 students

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 4, 2026

- at 60th Annual Convocation in November

THE University of Guyana (UG) will confer degrees, diplomas and certificates on more than 3,700 graduands at its 60th Annual Graduation Ceremonies this November, making it one of the largest graduating cohorts in the institution's history. The ceremonies will be held at the Turkeyen Campus on November 17 and 18, at the Berbice Campus on November 20, and with the Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE) Extra-Mural Programme

graduation on November 28. The graduates are joining national, regional and international workforces. The four ceremonies for Turkeyen Campus graduands will be held at the Sattaur and Ameena Gafoor Multipurpose Auditorium. On Tuesday, November 17, the first ceremony, from 09:00hrs to 11:30hrs, will honour graduands of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology and the School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation. The second, from 16:00hrs

to 18:30hrs that day, will celebrate graduands of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, the College of Medical Sciences, the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences, and the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry. On Wednesday, November 18, the Faculty of Education and Humanities will graduate from 09:00hrs to 12:00hrs. The final Turkeyen ceremony, from 16:00hrs to 19:00hrs, will be for graduands of the Faculty of Social Sciences, the Institute of Distance and Con-

tinuing Education, the Institute for Human Resiliency, Strategic Security and the Future, and the College of Behavioural Sciences and Research. The University of Guyana Berbice Campus (UGBC) ceremony will take place on Friday, November 20, at 15:00hrs on the University Lawns, Berbice Campus, Tain Settlement. The IDCE Extra-Mural Programme graduation on November 28 will be held at the Sattaur and Ameena Gafoor Multipurpose Auditorium.

The University of Guyana (UG) will confer degrees, diplomas and certificates on more than 3,700 graduands at its 60th Annual Graduation Ceremonies this November The public is invited to celebrate with the university, as all ceremonies will be streamed live on UG's Facebook page (https:// www.facebook.com/uniofguyana) and through the UG Broadcasting Service (https://broadcasting.uog.edu.gy/). Local and international media will also provide coverage. Prospective graduands are asked to check for information directly through their SRMS accounts. Continuous updates will

also be available on the University's website (https://uog.edu. gy/convocation-2026) and UG's WhatsApp channel (https:// whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbDiyOH9WtC900Zgpl1l). In its 63-year history, the University of Guyana has produced more than 73,000 graduates, many of whom have gone on to serve at the highest levels across the public and private sectors, nationally, regionally and internationally.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 4, 2026

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday October 4th, 2026) CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel:225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Courtney Walsh-44 wickets (38 matches) (2) 43 wickets (42 matches) Today’s Quiz: (1) When and where did the WI and India first contest a T20 International against each other? (2) Who were the captains involved? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 4, 2026

England produce attacking masterclass to thrash Croatia

ENGLAND delivered arguably their most impressive performance under head coach Thomas Tuchel as they produced a devastating attacking display to thrash Croatia in their Uefa Nations League match in Rijeka. In an international that was labelled as behind closed doors as a sanction against Croatia supporters for previous bad behaviour, but which was attended by 6,000 schoolchildren and 100 visiting fans, rampant England ran riot to humiliate Slaven Bilic’s side. England recovered from the opening defeat by Spain at Wembley with a deserved win against the Czech Republic in Prague – but moved on to a different level to de-

stroy Croatia, 108 days after a 4-2 win against the same opposition at the World Cup in Dallas. Harry Kane put England ahead after eight minutes, ruthlessly punishing a mistake by Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol by taking Jude Bellingham’s pass in his stride to rifle a finish high past Croatia keeper Dominik Livakovic. Bellingham scored the second after 21 minutes, finishing from close range after Anthony Gordon did brilliantly to bring Bukayo Saka’s cross under control at the far post. Gordon added the third himself, his fourth in four games, when he scored with a far post header from Jarell Quansah’s perfect cross.

As England pierced Croatia at will, Saka added the fourth on the stroke of halftime with another simple finish from Bellingham’s delivery. England did not let up after the break, Kane scoring again eight minutes after the break, sliding in at the far post to turn in Elliot Anderson’s cross. Croatia were not helping their own cause, more dreadful defending leaving Saka with a simple task to make it 6-0 and substitute Morgan Rogers getting in on the act to give the scoreline an even more emphatic look after rounding Livakovic. It completed a highly satisfactory night for Tuchel and England. (BBC Sport).

Hope masterclass helps...

runs off 35 balls to keep the Windies in the driver’s seat. India would have had high hopes of a possible victory when Brar had Paul caught at deep midwicket and Yadav dismissed Matthew

Forde for seven to leave the visitors 290 for five in the 44th over. But Hope, who became the first wicketkeeper/batsman to score 150 in a men’s ODI, along with Gudakesh

SCOREBOARD

INDIA 92 Rohit Sharma c Andrew b Paul *Shubman Gill c +Hope b Seales 1 Virat Kohli b Seales 0 Ruturaj Gaikwad c Campbell b Seales 57 +KL Rahul not out 129 Naman Dhir c Andrew b Motie 30 Nitish Kumar Reddy c +Hope b Paul 9 Anshul Kamboj run out 17 Gurnoor Brar not out 8 Extras (lb1, w7) 8 TOTAL (seven wickets; 50 overs) 351 Did not bat: Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj. Fall of wickets: 1-3, 2-4, 3-141, 4-160, 5-225, 6-250, 7-290. Bowling: Seales 10-0-62-3, Forde 6-0-26-0, Joseph 101-70-0, Paul 9-0-71-2, Motie 10-0-67-1, Lawes 5-0-54-0. WEST INDIES 10 John Campbell b Siraj 162 *+Shai Hope not out 67 Amir Jangoo run out 24 Sherfane Rutherford c +Rahul b Dhir 44 Keemo Paul c Reddy b Brar 7 Matthew Forde c Dhir b Yadav 19 Gudakesh Motie not out 19 Extras (lb9, nb2, w8) 352 TOTAL (five wickets; 48.2 overs) Did not bat: Jewel Andrew, Alzarri Joseph, Vitel Lawes, Jayden Seales. Fall of wickets: 1-41, 2-150, 3-206, 4-271, 5-290. Bowling: Siraj 8-0-52-1, Kamboj 9-0-82-0, Brar 9.1-0-64-1, Yadav 10-0-62-1, Reddy 6.5-0-50-0, Dhir 5.2-0-33-1. Result: West Indies won by five wickets to lose the three-match series 2-1. Player-of-the-Match: Shai Hope.

FROM BACK PAGE

Motie, who scored 19 not out off 14 balls, kept their composure and momentum to take them to victory in an unbroken partnership of 62. In all, Hope struck 17 fours and three sixes in his 255-minute stay at the crease. Earlier, the West Indies would have been disappointed that India got up to their eventual total after a superb opening spell by Jayden Seales. The fast bowler struck in the third over of the day by having captain Shubman Gill caught behind by a diving Hope for just one, and two balls later he bowled Virat Kohli through the gate for a duck to leave India reeling on four for two. But Rohit Sharma, who made 92 off 85 balls and an extremely lucky Ruturaj Gaikwad, who was dropped four times in his knock of 57 off 69 balls, repaired the damage during a 137-run partnership. And when Paul accounted for Sharma’s wicket, KL Rahul transformed the complexion of the match during an unbeaten 129 off just 87 balls, inclusive of 10 fours and six sixes, that helped India pummel 106 runs off the last 10 overs. Seales ended with figures of 3-62, while Paul took 2-71.

India beat Pakistan to take Asian Games gold

IndIia defended their title to win gold at the Asian Games

BLISTERING half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma set India on their way to victory as they beat fierce rivals Pakistan by 19 runs to win gold at the Asian Games. Having opted to bat first in Nagoya, India racked up a commanding 211-6 with Abhishek smashing seven sixes as he made 61 from 28 balls at the top of the order. A stunning start helped the defending champions reach 81-2 at the end of the powerplay as Abhishek dominated the bowling before

falling in the eighth over. (Scores: India 211-6 (20 overs): Abhishek 61 (28), Tilak 51* (22) Pakistan 192-6 (20 overs): Nawaz 96 (51); Axar 2-29) But the runs kept coming and Tilak’s unbeaten 51 from 22, which featured three fours and four sixes, kept the momentum going until the end of innings. Pakistan were soon in trouble in the chase, slipping to 39-3 and, despite a superb knock of 96 from Hasan Nawaz, they came up well short. Nawaz bludgeoned seven

maximums in a defiant innings but was left playing a lone hand and fell to the last ball of the match as Pakistan finished on 192-6. The wickets were shared among the India bowlers with spinners Axar Patel and Washington Sundar both taking 2-29, while all-rounder Shivam Dube took 2-33. After coming out on top four years ago in Hangzhou, China in their debut in the men’s competition, India have now secured back-to-back gold. (BBC Sport).

Pretorius breaks Gayle’s T20 record score

LHUAN-DRE Pretorius has broken Chris Gayle’s record for the highest score in a men’s T20 match with an unbeaten 188 in a domestic fixture in South Africa. The 20-year-old South African’s knock of 79 deliveries, including 13 sixes and 15 fours, helped Titans post 267-3 against Knights in the CSA T20 Challenge. CSA T20 Challenge, Bloemfontein Titans 267-3 (20 overs): Pretorius 188* (79); Boast 1-46 Knights 143 (17.2 overs): Cloete 39 (25); Ferreira 3-16 It eclipsed the 175 not out made by Gayle for Royal Challengers Bangalore (now Bengaluru) against Pune Warriors in the 2013 Indian Premier League. Pretorius, who has played

Lhuan-dre Pretorius has made a century in a Test and T20 for South Africa

17 T20s, three one-dayers and two Tests for South Africa, finished with a strike rate of 237.97. He made his half-century off 24 balls but only required 16 more balls to get to three

figures and then got to 150 off just 58 deliveries. Titans then bowled out Knights for 143 to wrap up an emphatic 124-run victory at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 4, 2026

CWI welcomes Australia call up Maddinson Mottley’s call for greater after cancer recovery investment in cricket

AUSTRALIA have recalled Nic Maddinson for the first Test against South Africa after the New South Wales batter recovered from testicular cancer. Maddinson and uncapped Victoria wicketkeeper Sam Harper have been added to the touring squad as cover for Josh Inglis, who will miss the series opener with a finger injury. The 34-year-old Maddinson, who played three Tests for Australia in late 2016, was diagnosed with testicular cancer, which spread to his lung and lymph nodes, in April 2025. He completed a course of chemotherapy in July 2025 and was given the all-clear to resume his career eight weeks after his final round of treatment. He has not played firstclass cricket since his diagnosis, but he made five appearances in last season’s Big Bash League and scored 126 for New South Wales against Victoria on Sunday in Australia’s domestic one-day competition. Harper, 29, made 128 for Australia A against India A in the ongoing unofficial Test in Puducherry last week and scored 677 runs in the 202526 Sheffield Shield season. Maddinson and Harper come into contention for selection for the first game in

Nic Maddinson played county cricket for Surrey in 2018 and Durham in 2022

the three-match series, which starts in Durban on Friday, 9 October. “Sam give us wicketkeeping cover as Josh continues his recovery while Nic provides flexibility throughout the batting order,” said Australia chair of selectors George Bailey. All-rounder Cameron Green is a doubt for the first Test, after he sustained a lower abdominal strain while batting in the last of the three ODIs that preceded the redball series. In the case of Inglis, initial scans confirmed a fracture of his right index finger, with the injury to be monitored before a possible return for the second Test in Gqeberha. South Africa v Australia Test series squads

South Africa (preliminary): Temba Bavuma (capt), Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Anrich Nortje, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne Australia: Pat Cummins (capt), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Cameron Green, Sam Harper, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Nic Maddinson, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster(BBC Sport)

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC )– Cricket West Indies (CWI) has welcomed Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Amor Mottley’s call for greater investment in cricket and her commitment to the development of a High-Performance Centre (HPC) in Barbados. Mottley’s comments came following the conclusion of the 2026 Caribbean Premier League final, where she highlighted the importance of sustained investment in sporting infrastructure and confirmed that funding for a HPC is moving forward. CWI sees the proposed facility as an important step in strengthening the Region’s cricket infrastructure and an opportunity to complement the HPC currently being developed by the regional body at its headquarters in Coolidge, Antigua. CWI’s Chief Executive Officer Chris Dehring said investment in high-performance infrastructure has become increasingly important as cricket’s major nations continue to strengthen the environments in which their players are developed “The global cricket landscape has changed, and the investment being made in high-performance infrastructure, sports science and recovery facilities and tech-

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley

nology is raising the bar on player development. “All constituents of West Indies cricket need to build that capacity in order to give our cricketers at every level the chance to properly develop their skills,” Dehring said. “We therefore welcome Prime Minister Mottley’s vision and her recognition of the need for meaningful investment if the region is to build on its proud legacy and create new opportunities for the next generation.” Dehring said CWI’s own HPC development in Antigua is being designed with a similar objective; that of creating a modern environment where players have state-of-the-art facilities, technology, expertise and support systems required to perform at the highest level.

“West Indies cricket needs investment in modern training and development infrastructure. These facilities are key components of a re-engineered player production pipeline and ecosystem. “Our goal is to establish a network of High-Performance Centres across the Caribbean, connected by technology and a common vision. That will be transformative for West Indies cricket and expand the opportunities for our players as the global game continues to expand,” Dehring said. CWI said it looks forward to continued dialogue and collaboration with stakeholders across the region as the Caribbean explores new opportunities to invest in the future of West Indies cricket.

Pollard set to make debut after New champion to... being selected by Knight Riders

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, CMC – Barbadian leftarm pacer Jakeem Pollard was one of only five West Indians snapped up at the ILT20 auction on Thursday. The 18-year-old speedster, who impressed in his debut at the 2026 Caribbean Premier League (CPL), was purchased by the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders for US$10, 000. He will have fellow West Indian Andre Fletcher as a teammate, after he was bought for US$40, 000 and will link up with Dwayne Bravo, who will serve as a coach at the Knight Riders. Veterans Sunil Narine and Jason Holder were also retained by the franchise. Meanwhile, fast bowler Alzarri Joseph was the most

expensive West Indian at the auction, with the Gulf Giants snapping him up for US$230, 000. He will join forces with fellow fast bowler Shamar Joseph (US$80, 000) and top order batter Alick Athanaze who was purchased for US$10, 000. The tournament will still feature several West Indians with Shimron Hetmyer being retained by the Desert Vipers, Rovman Powell by the Dubai Capitals and Nicholas Pooran, Romario Shepherd and Sherfane Rutherford by MI Emirates. However, several other West Indians including Roston Chase, Brandon King, Matthew Forde, Kamil Pooran, Quentin Sampson, Gudakesh Motie went unsold.

Jakeem Pollard was snapped up by the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders

Entertainment earned their semi-final spot with a comfortable chase against defending champions Titans Rams in Match One of the quarter-finals. Titans Rams were bowled out for 106 in 9.5 overs, a total Pure Entertainment erased in just 8.3 overs, finishing on 106 for 3. In Match Two, SVC/ AJM CC defended 92 for 8 to beat Diamond Gunners by 26 runs. Kemol Savory led SVC/AJM CC with a top score of 41, supported by Jonte Thomas (27) and Jonathan Fernandes (17), despite Mavendra Dindyal’s figures of 3 for 11. Diamond Gunners were then restricted to 66 for 5 in their 10 overs as Keyon Sinclair turned in a match-winning spell of 3 for 6, receiving tight support from Nial Smith (1 for 11) and Ojay Shields (1 for 27).

FROM BACK PAGE

Match Three saw Team Corruption pull off a seven-wicket victory over Better Hope with nine balls to spare. Better Hope posted 112 for 6 in 10 overs, led by Moin Persaud’s 56, but an unbeaten 58 from Treatlon Liverpool and 21 from Dejourn Charles carried Team Corruption to 116 for 3 in 8.3 overs. In the final fixture, Avinash All-Stars delivered a powerhouse batting performance, posting 149 for 8 in 10 overs, thanks to explosive knocks from Kadeem Alleyne (47) and Ronaldo Alimohamed (44). Alimohamed then returned with the ball to claim 1 for 3, alongside Kyle Mayers’ 1 for 16, restricting Housing Warriors to 63 for 4 to complete an 86-run win.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 4, 2026

Ronaldo ‘greatest symbol’ ‘Incredible’ Red Bull upgrade of Portugal - Fernandes enlivens F1 in Malaysia

Cristiano Ronaldo (left) has scored 146 goals for Portugal in 234 appearances

PORTUGAL midfielder Bruno Fernandes said Cristiano Ronaldo remains the country’s greatest footballing figure despite leaving the squad this week after finding out he would not start a match. Ronaldo, 41, left after coach Jorge Jesus said he would not start against Denmark in the Nations League, a match Portugal won 4-2 without him. The former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward has scored 146 goals from 234 matches with Portugal - both record figures - helping them win Euro 2016 and the Nations League twice. However, his international future now appears to be in doubt. Manchester United’s Fernandes, speaking at a Portugal news conference on Saturday, said: “Regarding Cristiano, I had a conversation with him. “What I told him, and

what I repeat here, is regardless of what happens, Cristiano Ronaldo will never cease to be the greatest symbol of our national team, of our football, and of the country, for what he has done not only in Portugal but throughout the world. “He has a reserved place not only among the best of all time, but also in the hearts of all Portuguese people, and the most important thing is that we stop dividing things. “There are no divisions in the national team. It is one and will remain so, despite any noise that may come from outside. “We are outside of this controversy, but what I ask is that the country does not divide itself, does not make choices, that it respects all sides. Cris is and will be the biggest icon of our national team, he deserves everyone’s respect, regardless of who likes him more or [who likes him] less.”

Portugal won the Nations League in 2019 and are the current holders after they beat Spain in the 2025 final on penalties, following a 2-2 draw in which Ronaldo scored one of his team’s goals. They reached the last 16 of this summer’s World Cup, before losing 1-0 to eventual champions Spain, although then manager Roberto Martinez was criticised for rarely substituting Ronaldo, even if he was playing poorly. Jesus, who had been Ronaldo’s club manager at Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, replaced Martinez for the Nations League campaign. Portugal began with a 1-0 home win over Wales, with Ronaldo playing the opening 67 minutes, but he was an unused substitute in the 2-1 away victory over Norway and then left the squad before the Denmark game.(BBC Sport)

EVEN Lewis Hamilton, starting from his equal best grid position of the year in second place, fears Max Verstappen will be tough to beat in today’s Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Verstappen has dominated the weekend so far on Formula 1’s return to the Sepang track for the first time since 2017. Hamilton joins him on the front row to revive memories of their no-holds-barred title battle five years ago. But at nearly 0.3 seconds slower in qualifying, and with the pace Verstappen has shown all weekend, Hamilton’s mindset on Saturday was to “just try my best to hold on to him tomorrow”. This was Verstappen’s first pole position of the year - a remarkable statistic for someone who came within two points of winning a fifth world title last year after one of the all-time great fightbacks. Red Bull started the year off the pace - the car was on average more than 0.5secs a lap slower than Mercedes in the first half of the year - and for a time there were questions as to whether Verstappen would stick around for 2027. But after being courted by McLaren,

Verstappen signed a two-year contract extension over the summer break, saying he believed in the Red Bull project and didn’t mind putting in the work to turn things around. Verstappen arrived in Malaysia after a run of three consecutive podium finishes, and with Red Bull hoping to prove out an upgrade that had seen them finish less than

how it started for us and the progression that we have made. At some tracks we were kind of close, but now I think this weekend it was very positive for us. “We have been adding bits to the car and they have worked. It’s simple as that. When they work, you gain lap time, you have a better overall balance in the car.

Max Verstappen took his first pole position of 2026 at Sepang

0.2secs off victory in Baku last Sunday. In the tropical heat of Malaysia, around the demanding long corners of this track with perhaps the roughest surface of the season, the upgrade - centred on a new floor - has more than proved its worth. “It’s been an incredible result for us,” Verstappen said. “Looking at the season,

“So with tyres that are very sensitive to balance, that gives you also more lap time. “And then on a track probably where it’s all very hot and you want a, let’s say, stable balance or connected balance, then that’s very important. And that’s what we have found a little bit more over the last weekends.”(BBC Sport)

Windies Women stroll to easy...

with Eboni Brathwaite and Claxton putting on 38 runs in four overs. Legspinner Olinder Chare got the breakthrough for Zimbabwe by bowling Brathwaite for a quickfire 23 off 14 balls. However, Clax-

ton and Realeanna Grimmond effectively sealed the contest with a 59-run partnership for the second wicket. The two looked set to carry their side over the line until Grimmond gave Biza a return catch with the scores

FROM PAGE 23

level to be out for 34 off 25 balls. Stafanie Taylor then sealed the deal by picking up a single off the next delivery. Player-of-the-Match Claxton faced 37 balls and hit four fours in her unbeaten knock.

Bellingham unlocks new level and potential to be ‘one of the greatest’

JUST a year ago, Jude Bellingham’s place in the England squad was up in the air. Now he is being talked about as having the potential to be one of football’s “greatest of all time”. The Real Madrid man was left out of Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions squad in October 2025 and his place at the World Cup was called into question, with the German head coach saying Bellingham wouldn’t get star treatment. But Bellingham did of course make the squad for the World Cup and was arguably his team’s standout performer, finishing as England’s top scorer with seven goals as they reached the semi-finals and finished third.

Jude Bellingham is the first player to record three assists in a game for England since Trent Alexander-Arnold against San Marino in November 2021

He has already shown that he is world class with starring per-

formances for club and country, but the way he helped England to

dismantle Croatia 7-0 in the Nations League on Saturday looked like someone perhaps reaching a new level. The 23-year-old was instrumental in Rijeka, scoring as well as registering a hat-trick of assists. He even ended the match wearing the captain’s armband as England inflicted the heaviest defeat in Croatia’s history. “Bellingham can go on to be one of the greatest players of all time,” former Manchester United and Republic of Ireland midfielder Roy Keane said on ITV after the game. “At this moment in time, he is an amazing footballer. The package – his running power, his delivery, his goal threat. The way he is progressing as

a player, I still think there is a lot more to come from him.” Bellingham, recently voted England’s player of the year for the second year in a row, is now “nailed on as the 10” for the future, former England defender Matt Upson told BBC Radio 5 Live. Keane added: “He has been fantastic in possession, but what he does out of possession lifts all these other players. “If you have a player that good in your team, who is amazing in possession and he’s playing for Real Madrid and doing brilliant things, but his work rate off the ball... that will just inspire other players. He is a huge leader for them.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 4, 2026

Windies Women stroll to easy victory in T20I opener

HARARE, Zimbabwe, (CMC) – Jahzara Claxton’s fine all-around effort guided West Indies Women to a comfortable eight-wicket win over Zimbabwe Women in the opening T20I here on Saturday. Claxton snared two wickets in a stingy spell of pace bowling as Zimbabwe were restricted to a mere 97 for nine in their 20 overs after being sent in at the Takashinga Sports Club. The 20-year-old then scored an unbeaten 31 to see the visitors romp to 98 for two and complete victory with a mammoth 43 balls still remaining. Playing without their inspira-

tional captain Hayley Matthews, West Indies Women didn’t miss a beat as their bowlers put the home side on the backfoot from the start of the match. With just 13 runs on the board, opener Sharne Mayers was dismissed by stand-in captain Chinelle Henry for a duck with the last ball of the third ove Offspinner Karishma Ramharack then trapped Kelis Ndhlovu lbw for 11 and also dismissed Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, who made just four, in quick succession to leave then struggling at 37 for three in the 10th over. Afy Fletcher brought opener

Modester Mupachikwa’s miserable innings of 20 off 33 balls to an end by rattling her stumps, before Claxton claimed the wicket of captain Josephine Nkomo for eight to leave the score 65 for five. The efforts of Beloved Biza, who made 21 off 24 balls and Nyasha Gwanzura, who scored 10, helped to carry Zimbabwe within sight of the 100-mark, but they fell just short. Ramharack was the pick of the Windies’ bowlers with 3-17, while Claxton (2-16) and Fletcher (2-18) provided support. West Indies Women then wasted little time in getting to their target TURN TO PAGE 22

Jahzara Claxton grabbed two wickets to help West Indies Women defeat Zimbabwe Women in the opening T20I

South Africa, Namibia to host World Cup Qualifiers

The West Indies will have to battle through the World Cup Qualifiers in South Africa and Namibia

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, ( CMC )– The West Indies’ hopes of having home advantage in next year’s World Cup Qualifiers have been dashed with the ICC revealing that South Africa and Namibia will co-host the event in February. According to a report from ESPN Cricinfo, the Qualifiers are slated to be held from February 26 to March 21 and will feature 10 teams vying for the four remaining World Cup spots. The ICC previously in-

dicated to potential participants earlier this year that the tournament would be played between February 22 and March 23, but the revised dates were confirmed at the ICC’s meetings held in Dubai last week. Though venues were not put down then, several officials privy to the discussions told Cricinfo the ICC has finalised South Africa and Namibia as hosts. Along with the West Indies and Ireland, the competition will also feature the top four teams from World Cricket League Division 2

(WCL 2) – currently Scotland, USA, Netherlands and Oman – and four other teams that come through a World Cup qualifier playoff, which is set to be played from December 1 to 22 at an undisclosed venue. Co-hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe were given automatic qualification to the World Cup, along with the next eight teams in the rankings. That includes India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Australia, England, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

Navin and Sons Construction backs GT/ECD Zone

--$500,000 top prize in One Guyana T10 Tapeball THE Georgetown/East Coast Demerara (GT/ECD) zone of the Lotto/Let’sBet One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast has received a major financial boost, with local firm Navin and Sons Construction coming on board to sponsor the $500,000 first prize for the upcoming zone champion. Expressing gratitude for the partnership, Romario Samaroo of the One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast commended the company for backing the tournament’s broader ambitions for local sports. “We are extremely grateful to Navin and Sons Construction for aligning with our vision,” Samaroo said. “Their support is a testament to the community impact of the tournament, and having corporate partners step up in this manner

ensures that our local players are recognised and rewarded for their hard work on the field.” Representing the sponsor, Ganeshram Deokissoon highlighted the tournament’s rapid trajectory and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting regional development. “As a business operating out of the East Coast of Demerara, we have been thoroughly impressed with the growth and organisation of the One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast,” Deokissoon stated. “We wanted to play an active role in driving this momentum forward, and we look forward to continuing our support for sports and youth development across the region.” Beyond the local silverware, the stakes remain high as the winner of the GT/ECD zone will complete

the final four lineup for the national finals, scheduled for October 11 at the Anna Regina National Stadium. In addition to the $500,000 winner’s purse sponsored by Navin and Sons Construction, the zone’s runner-up will walk away with $200,000 compliments of Camille’s Academy. The two losing semi-finalists will receive $50,000 each courtesy of OGN, while the losing semi-finalists from Saturday’s fixtures were awarded $25,000 each through sponsorship from Scoop Ride Inc. The GT/ECD zone culminates today at the Enmore Community Centre ground, with matches scheduled to bowl off at 10:00 hrs. Admission is free to the public.

Ganeshram Deokissoon (left) of Navin and Sons Construction hands over the sponsorship to Shamar Gray of One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast

Hope masterclass helps Windies grab consolation win over India

NEW CHANDIGARH, India, (CMC) – Shai Hope continued to show why he is considered among the best ODI batters in the world, with his unbeaten century propeling West Indies to an impressive five-wicket victory over India in the final match here on Saturday. Hope’s 162 not out off 143 balls – his second successive century of the series – was the lynchpin behind the regional side’s highest-ever successful ODI run chase, as they finished on 352 for five in 48.2 overs in reply to India’s competitive 352 for seven at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium.

The win helped the West Indies end the series on a winning note, with India having already wrapped up the three-match series by comfortably winning the first two games. Still, it was just reward for the West Indies’ batters, who were outstanding throughout the series. Hope was forced to open the innings with John Campbell after Jewel Andrew suffered an injury to his hand while fielding. Together with Campbell, they gave the Windies a speedy start, scoring 41 runs in four overs. Campbell, who was dropped when he was nine, added just one more run before he missed a full,

straight delivery from pacer Mohammed Siraj and was clean bowled. Hope built on that foundation with Amir Jangoo, with their 109-run partnership strengthening the Windies’ position. During that stand Hope reached his 33rd ODI half century off 46 balls by nudging pacer Gurnoor Brar into the onside for a single. Jangoo survived a chance the next delivery when he was put down by Virat Kohli at backward point when he was 34. He took advantage by reaching his 50 off 47 balls, punching Brar to mid off for a quick single. Miscommunication between the two eventually

led to Jangoo’s demise, as he was caught well short of his ground at the non-striker’s end after taking off for a single that Hope had little interest in. Sherfane Rutherford looked in good nick for his 24 off 25 balls and combined with Hope to add a further 56 runs for the third wicket which carried them past the 200-run mark. Rutherford was dismissed in controversial fashion when he was adjudged caught behind off spinner Naman Dhir, with the review also proving inconclusive, to make the score 206 for three at the end of 30 overs. Soon after, a limping Hope reached his

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 4, 2026

Man-of-the Match Shai Hope struck 17 fours and three sixes in his 255-minute stay at the crease

21st ODI century off 104 balls with a single to long on off spinner Kuldeep Yadav. With Hope hobbling,

Keemo Paul took the initiative during a crucial 65-run stand, scoring 44 of those TURN TO PAGE 20

New champion to be crowned in Lotto/ Let’sBet T10 Tapeball

A new champion will be crowned in the Lotto/Let’sBet T10 tournament 2026 as the competition moves to Enmore today, October 4, with four teams vying for the last spot in the national final four

A NEW champion will be crowned in the Lotto/Let’sBet T10 tournament 2026 as the competition moves to Enmore today, October 4, with four teams vying for the last spot in the national final four. The winner of this zone will complete the lineup for the grand finals scheduled for October 11 at the Anna Regina National Stadium. Action at Enmore begins at 10:00hrs with the first semi-final pitting giant killers Pure Entertainment against SVC/AJM CC, followed by the second semi-final at 12:00hrs, featuring Team Corruption and Avinash

All-Stars. An exhibition clash between East Coast PYO and GLC All-Stars is scheduled for 14:00hrs before the zone final takes centre stage at 15:30hrs. The zone winner will walk away with $500,000, courtesy of Navin and Sons Construction, while the runner-up pockets $200,000, compliments of Camille’s Academy. The two losing semi-finalists will receive $50,000 each from OGN, adding to the $25,000 awarded to Saturday’s losing quarter-finalists by Scoop Ride Inc. Pure TURN TO PAGE 21

Jordan ‘Last Dance’ jersey sells for £9m

A MICHAEL Jordan jersey from his ‘Last Dance’ season has sold for $12.3m (£9.3m), a record for a piece of gameworn Jordan memorabilia. He wore the jersey in game three of the 1998 NBA Finals, his last season with the Chicago Bulls. Jordan helped the Bulls win the series 4-2 for his sixth and final NBA Championship. He was named the Finals’ Most Valuable Player in all six. The previous record for a piece of Jordan memorabilia was $10.1m (£7.6m) for his jersey from game one of the

1998 Finals. The game three jersey was put up for sale by entrepreneur Rob Gough and sold at Joopiter, Pharrell Williams’ digital auction house, which gave it an estimated price of $10-15m (£7.5-£11.3m). Jordan’s 1997 Ferrari 550 Maranello was sold for $2.7m (£2m), four times the auction record for that model. “Few objects in the history of sport embody greatness as completely as Michael Jordan’s game three jersey from the 1998 NBA Finals,” Joopiter said in the auction posting.

“Worn during the Last Dance... it marks the culmination of an era that transformed basketball into a global cultural phenomenon. “Today it stands among the most important gameworn sports artifacts ever to come to market.” The record price for a piece of game-worn sports memorabilia is the jersey worn by baseball legend Babe Ruth when he “called the shot” during the 1932 World Series, which was sold for $24.1m (£18.2m) in 2024.

Michael Jordan came out of retirement for two more seasons with the Washington Wizards from 2001-2003

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| SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2026