Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 05-10-2026

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‘Our task is to ensure that every Guyanese sees themselves in the future’ No.1081928

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–– President Ali says, calls for unity and shared prosperity on 34th anniversary of historic October 5, 1992 elections

Canal #2 and surrounding communities along the West Bank have been illuminated as part of the Government’s ongoing nationwide streetlights programme (Dave Lall photo)

Tributes pour in for former PNCR leader, Opposition Leader, Robert Corbin 04 PAGE

–– Drs Ali, Jagdeo highlight his dedication to public service

President Ali challenges 05 fathers to take charge of the kitchen at least once a month PAGE

–– says it will boost home participation, encourage healthier eating

‘We don’t need the bad actors’ 17 PAGE

–– Minister Walrond backs tougher accountability, says Force must prioritise integrity over numbers

Bolsonaro beats expectations in Brazil presidential vote, faces ‘Lula’ in October 25 runoff 09 PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 5, 2026

‘Our task is to ensure that every Guyanese sees themselves in the future’ 3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 5, 2026

–– President Ali says, calls for unity and shared prosperity on 34th anniversary of historic October 5, 1992 elections

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali has called on Guyanese to protect the country’s democratic gains and build a more united society, as Guyana marks the 34th anniversary of the historic elections of October 5, 1992. In a statement which was broadcasted live on Facebook on Sunday marking the anniversary, Dr. Ali said that elections restored the country’s democratic voice and opened a new chapter in its history. He noted that democracy must be sustained through continued public participation and a commitment to national unity. “For democracy to become truly transformative, the ballot box must not be the end of our national conversation. It must be the beginning. The mission, as your President, is therefore not confined to driving a process of sustainable and inclusive prosperity. It is also, as I have proclaimed since my first day in office, is to help build a more united Guyana,” the Head

of state said. The President described “One Guyana” as a national commitment to ensure that the benefits of development reach citizens regardless of race, religion, political affiliation, class or location. He said children’s opportunities should be shaped by their talents, ambitions, and hard work, rather than their background. Dr. Ali acknowledged the country’s history of deep ethnic and political divisions, stating that political disagreement should not turn citizens into national enemies. Unity, he said, does not require an end to political competition, but calls for agreement on fundamental principles, including respect for the Rule of Law, protection of democracy, and safeguarding Guyana’s territory. “One Guyana means that our children should inherit a country in which their prospects are determined by their talents, ambitions, and the hard work

of their own generation. It means recognizing that we can disagree politically without becoming enemies nationally. It means we can have different political loyalties and still share one national destiny,” he added. He also highlighted the contrast between Guyana’s present economic growth and the economic difficulties of 1992. The President said that growth alone was not enough, and that national wealth must translate into better lives, greater opportunity, and a more secure future for all. “It is not enough to grow; we must grow together,” he said, adding that every Guyanese should feel they have a place in the society being built. He called for prosperity to be accompanied by social justice and inclusion. Dr Ali paid tribute to the political activists, trade unionists, religious leaders, civic organisations, farmers, fishermen, public servants, and others who,

President Dr. Irfaan Ali he said, helped keep the struggle for freedom alive. He urged citizens to honour their work by protecting democratic rights for future generations. He warned that social media should not be allowed to inflame divisions, spread hate or undermine people’s ability to seek the truth. The strength of the country, he said, lies in its people and their collective will to shape and tell their

own story. Looking ahead, the President called for a Guyana in which democracy is secure, prosperity is shared and opportunity is accessible. He said the divisions of the past should not determine the possibilities available to future generations. “Today, our task is to ensure that every Guyanese can see themselves in the future we are building.

Let us therefore, on October 5th not merely by looking backward with gratitude, but by looking forward with courage,” the President said adding: “Let us build a Guyana in which democracy is secure, prosperity is shared, opportunity is accessible, and national unity is a lived reality. Let us continue the unfinished work of those who came before us.”

PNCR mourns former leader Robert Corbin

THE People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) have expressed sadness over the death of long-serving party member and former leader, Robert Herman Orlando Corbin, popularly known as “RHO”. Corbin, who was 78, served in several senior positions within the PNCR, including National Chairman of the Young Socialist Movement (YSM), General Secretary, and Leader of the party. He also served as Leader of the Opposition. In a statement, the PNCR described Corbin as an “astute, loyal, disciplined

PNCR stalwart Robert Corbin, who passed away on October 4 at the age of 78

and hardworking” member who served the party and Guyana in several capacities, including as Parliamentary Secretary, Minister, and Deputy Prime Minister. The party also credited Corbin with being a strong advocate for coalition politics, saying his efforts helped lead the PNCR into coalition politics that eventually resulted in the formation of the APNU+AFC coalition and its victory at the 2015 General and Regional Elections. Despite his political commitments, Corbin also pursued a professional career in law while continuing to serve

the PNCR, the party said. “During his illness, he continued to give advice to our Party,” the PNCR said. The party described Corbin’s death as an “irreplaceable loss” and said he would be greatly missed. It extended condolences to his wife, Carol, his children, relatives, colleagues, and friends, while praying that they would find comfort during their bereavement. “May his soul rest in peace as we continue to benefit from his lasting contributions to our Party and Guyana,” the PNCR said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 5, 2026

Tributes pour in for former PNCR leader, Opposition Leader, Robert Corbin

–– Drs Ali, Jagdeo highlight his dedication to public service TRIBUTES are pouring in for former People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) leader and Opposition Leader Robert Herman Orlando Corbin, following news of his death on Sunday, October 4. President, Dr Irfaan Ali, Vice-president Dr Bharrat Jagdeo and Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall were among those who expressed condolences to Corbin’s

family, friends and political colleagues. Corbin, who was 78, was a long-standing member of parliament who served as a minister of government and deputy prime minister before becoming leader of the PNCR and leader of the opposition. President Ali acknowledged Corbin’s significant place in Guyana’s public life, extending condolences to his family and loved

ones, as well as the leadership, membership and supporters of the PNCR in Guyana and the diaspora. “May his family, colleagues and supporters find strength and comfort in the memories of his life and service, and may his soul rest in eternal peace,” President Ali wrote. Dr Jagdeo also reflected on Corbin’s lengthy political career and his contributions to the PNCR and to national life. He noted that despite their political differences, the two maintained a cordial and respectful relationship and engaged on matters of national importance during Jagdeo’s presidency. “Mr Corbin devoted much of his life to public service and to the PNCR. He served Guyana in Parliament for many years, held ministerial office, served as deputy prime minister and later as leader of the opposition. He also pursued a career in law,” the vice president said adding: “During my presidency, on numerous occasions, Mr Corbin and I engaged on matters of national importance. Though we represented opposing political parties, our relationship was cordial and respectful. Even through difficult and turbulent periods in our country’s life, we maintained the ability to speak with one another, a respect that continued beyond our time in office.” Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, described Corbin as one of the longest-serving members of the National Assembly and recalled his reputation as an able parliamentarian who commanded the attention of both sides of the House. Corbin also pursued a career in law, becoming an attorney-at-law while remaining active in politics. Nandlall noted that his daughter, Justice Fidela Corbin, studied law alongside him for several years, while Corbin himself entered the Hugh Wooding Law School during the period Nandlall was completing his final year. The attorney general extended condolences to Corbin’s wife, Carol, his daughter Justice Fidela Corbin, her siblings, relatives, friends and support-

Flashback: Former People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) leader and Opposition Leader Robert Herman Orlando Corbin and Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, who was Guyana’s President at the time (Photos: Vice-president Bharrat Jagdeo/ Facebook) ers. The PNCR and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) are also mourning Corbin, describing his death as an irreplaceable loss to the party. “Although we were from opposing political sides, we shared a healthy and respectful relationship and had many common friends and clients. He was a most able speaker in the National Assembly who commanded the attention of both sides of the House whenever he took the floor. Many years of his

life were dedicated to serving the people of Guyana, his party and its supporters,” the attorney general said. Corbin served the PNCR in several senior positions, including National Chairman of the Young Socialist Movement, general secretary and leader. He was also credited by the party with promoting coalition politics, which eventually contributed to the formation of the APNU+AFC coalition and its victory at the 2015 General and Regional Elections. He remained involved

with the party even during his illness and continued to provide advice to its leadership. Corbin’s political career spanned several decades and included service as parliamentary secretary, minister and deputy prime minister, as well as leader of the opposition. His death has prompted tributes from across the political divide, with his contemporaries highlighting his contributions to public service and Guyana’s political life.

President Ali challenges fathers to take charge of kitchen at least once a month 5

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 5, 2026

–– says it will boost home participation, encourage healthier eating

HIS Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali is encouraging fathers across Guyana to take a more active role in the home, launching what he calls the “Father’s Challenge”, a monthly initiative encouraging men to prepare at least one family meal. Leading by example, the head of state issued the challenge on Sunday, while preparing chicken curry at his home in Leonora, Region Three, using fresh produce from his yard.

“At least one time every month, every father in the kitchen for two hours preparing one meal,” President Ali said, urging fathers to make cooking a regular part of family life. As he prepared the meal, the president showcased locally-grown ingredients, including bora, tomatoes, peppers, eschallots, thyme, ochro, carilla, celery and lettuce, while also highlighting the benefits of home gardening and fresh produce. He also demonstrated his

approach to meal preparation, emphasising thorough cleaning and seasoning of the meat

MORE Guyanese are eager for the Guyana Development Bank’s official opening, describing the initiative as an opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs and existing business owners with viable ideas but who lack the capital or collateral traditionally required to secure financing. Caleb Ally said the initiative allows small and medium-sized entrepreneurs to access financing on more favourable terms, while also benefitting from mentorship and business planning support. “I’ve seen that it is a great initiative because it gives small and medium business entrepreneurs an option to play on a level playing field, where they

are able to access up to $3 million with no collateral and no interest,” he told the Department of Public Information (DPI). He encouraged prospective applicants to take the opportunity seriously, noting that having a sound business plan would be important. Chris Ali, who runs a stall at the Giftland Mall, said the interest-free financing is significant for members of the Muslim community, given the religious prohibition against interest-based transactions. Ali believes the interest-free loan will “empower our young Guyanese brothers to build our own businesses rather than relying on others. It is one of the best things ever that happened to

Guyanese people, and I’m thankful for it.” Adding her voice, Feliz Robertson explained that lack of capital has prevented many persons from pursuing their business ideas. She said she is looking forward to the facility becoming available. “I know there are a lot of people who want to get into business, but we have no money; we have no capital,” the popular radio host emphasised. Robertson, who has worked for others since she was 17, said she is eager about this opportunity and will consider establishing her own business. DPI caught up with Marna Abrams, who also shared her thoughts on the financial undertaking.

A section of President Ali’s garden

President Dr. Irfaan Ali holds a fresh mango picked from his garden

amongst others. President Ali iterates the initiative is intended to

promote greater participation by fathers in the home, while encouraging healthier

eating, home gardening and the use of fresh, locally grown foods. (DPI)

Young businessman Caleb Ally

Feliz Robertson ment Bank is expected to officially commence operations on October 5. Cit-

Marna Abrams izens will be able to go to any central bank to apply. (DPI)

Guyanese anticipate official opening of development bank

“I think it’s a very good initiative, and it would assist young people who may want to start a business, but do not have the capital.” The Guyana Develop-

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 5, 2026

The Vote We Must Never Surrender

THIRTY-FOUR years ago, Guyanese did something that a generation of younger citizens may struggle to imagine. They cast ballots that were actually counted. After a quarter-century in which elections were widely condemned as rigged, the people of this country walked to the polls on October 5, 1992, and, for the first time since 1964, chose their own government. As President Irfaan Ali reminded the nation in his statement, that day was not a gift from outsiders or a lucky accident of history. It was the hard-won result of decades of struggle by political activists, trade unionists, church leaders, civic organisations, journalists, and ordinary citizens who refused to accept that their votes should mean nothing. The scale of what was reclaimed becomes clear only when we recall what had been lost. The President rightly points to the economic wreckage of the era; an external debt approaching US$1.9 billion, a debtto-GDP ratio of roughly 925 per cent by the PNC government’s own admission, and schools, hospitals, water systems and roads left to rot. The Caribbean Conference of Churches, visiting in 1990, described a country in a “state of crisis” with teachers and professionals fleeing in droves. This was no

coincidence. When a government cannot be removed by the people it governs, it has little reason to serve them, and the decay of the economy and the decay of democracy were one and the same story. That is why the reforms secured before 1992 matter so much, and why we should never let them be called technicalities. Counting ballots at the place of poll, a fresh voters’ list built on house-to-house enumeration, a more representative Elections Commission, and the presence of international and local observers were the safeguards that made an honest result possible. Even then, the election nearly failed. A mob besieged the Elections Commission headquarters, international consultants were evacuated, and violence was incited when it became clear which way the vote was going. The ballot survived because ordinary Guyanese, observers and officials held the line, and because President Desmond Hoyte accepted the verdict and permitted a peaceful transfer of power. That gracious act deserves its place in our history. The lesson of October 5 is that democracy is never finally won. Guyana learned this again as recently as 2020, when a general election was followed by a protracted, anxious impasse over the tabulation of results in Region Four. It took months of

court proceedings, a CARICOM-supervised recount, and sustained pressure from citizens, observers and the wider international community before the will of the electorate was respected and the new government was sworn in that August. Anyone tempted to treat 1992 as ancient history should remember how recently the old habits of manipulation tried to reassert themselves. The vigilance our predecessors showed in the 1980s was needed again in our own time, and it will be needed again. Nor can the dividend of that freedom be measured only in ballots. The restoration of democracy brought back international credibility, debt relief and investment, and it set the stage for decades of reconstruction in infrastructure, education, health, housing and telecommunications. Today, Guyana, with oil production flowing since December 2019, is among the fastest-growing economies in the world. That growth is a product of political legitimacy as much as of geology. Investors, lenders and neighbours engage seriously with a country whose government answers to its people. Development and democracy are not rivals; as the President says, democracy is not an ornament to development but one of its foundations. But prosperity brings its own test, and

here the President’s call for One Guyana is the right one. This country’s politics has long been shadowed by ethnic division, and no amount of oil revenue will heal it unless the benefits of growth reach every region, every community, and every household, whatever their race, religion or political loyalty. A Guyana where a child’s prospects are shaped by talent and effort rather than by ethnicity or political affiliation is the only honest tribute to those who fought for the vote. We can compete fiercely at the ballot box and still share a national destiny. Disagreement is the lifeblood of democracy; enmity is its poison. So today we should honour October 5 by defending the independence of our electoral institutions, by insisting that every vote is counted where it is cast, by respecting results whether we win or lose, and by turning national wealth into better schools, better healthcare, and real opportunity for all. The generation that won this freedom did not struggle so that their children could squander it. The greatest tribute we can pay them is to make sure that democracy, unity and opportunity endure, so that Guyana remains one people, one nation, and one destiny.

Leonorians grateful for President Ali’s initiative Dear Editor, AFTER over 35 years, the glorious game of lovely cricket was played on a flood-lit ground in Leonora at the new Leonora Sports Ground located at the back of the Leonora Police Station, much to the jubilation of sports lovers in the community and the cricket-starved villagers. Live cricket returned to the village of Leonora last Friday night, October 2, when a President’s X1 team led by His Excellency the President, Dr Irfaan Ali himself, played a friendly 20-over game of tape-ball cricket against a Leonora X1 team, led by Jeetendra Kishore (Jit). The visitors made 225 runs for the loss of 5 wickets and bowled out the hosts for 178 runs. President

Ali picked up three wickets. The ground was unofficially opened on September 27, 2026, when a 50-ball softball competition was played, involving teams from Leonora Pasture “Legends” (winner) the Leonora Police Station (1st Runner Up), the Leonora Muslim Youth Organisation (2nd Runner-Up) and Leonora A and B Cricket Club ( 3rd Runner-Up). This competition was organised by members from the Softball Cricket League Region Three and members from the Leonora Police Station Management Committee. First prize included a $100,000 cash and trophy which were donated by Imran “Wolf “ Roti & Furniture Store; second prize of $75,000, third prize of $50,000, donated by Nadesh’s N&R Welding Co. and Reuben’s

RH Int, fourth prize of $25,000, donated by Bacchus Ent. Construction, and the other three trophies were donated by Kesho’s Murthy Store. With the blessings of President, Dr Irfaan Ali, Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson, Minister Steven Jacobs, Local Government Minister Priya Manickchand, the RDC Region Three, Stewartville/CI NDC, Mr. Lionel Rasul, many persistent petitioners and other community-minded citizens, Leonora’s dream of having its own ground once again has materialised. It therefore means that, in particular, the youths now have a place of their own to practise and play cricket and they will be kept off the streets from drugs, away from

the consumption of alcoholic beverages in their free time and can now run, exercise and spend time in a safe space. This is in keeping with President Ali’s advice of staying fit by “Get Up, Get Out and Get Active.” The environment is healthy and secured as it is located right next to the seawall of the Atlantic Ocean, the Leonora Police Station and the Leonora Cottage Hospital. As advised by President Ali, there is a plan to improve the standard and ambience. Leonorians and others are happy, grateful and appreciative for this initiative. Yours Respectfully, Jai Lall

On this day in 1992, Guyana became Prometheus unbound 7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 5, 2026

TODAY is October 5. In 1992, on this day, Guyana tasted the sweetness of a free election that we had never had since 1964. If I were to write my memoir, a chapter would have to be on where I was on October 5, 1992, and the nearness of losing my life outside the GECOM head office on Croal Street. Once October 5 comes around, Father Andre Morrison flies right into my mind; a kind man who chaperoned me in journalism and has gone down in Guyanese history as an icon. I saw how brave Father Morrison was on that fateful morning when he sought to protect me from a crazy mob. Had it caught up with me, I would have been seriously injured. As I ran from them, I thought of my baby daughter. She was just three years old. The psyche, like the soul, is an esoteric compartment outside of the physical material of the human. The psyche is exceedingly complex and has inexplicable dimensions that the mind does not have. The mind is endlessly mysterious, though Sigmund Freud has made sense of it. But just think of how labyrinthine the psyche is because it is far more formidable a metaphysical entity than the mind. For someone who sat right inside the core of the fruit of free, unhindered voting on October 5, 1992, it may be impossible to comprehend the effect of five months of election rigging in 2020 had on that person’s psyche. Guyana was a pariah in the world prior to 1992 because its last legally conducted voting was 1964. From 1968, it was struggle of life and

death to get the return of the right to vote. From 1968, lives were lost, bodies were broken, spirits were killed, hopes had vanished, but courage persisted. It was a type of valour that you read about in science-fiction books. I was there from 1968 to see how those lives were lost and how those bodies were broken. Then in 1992, my life was almost lost. Father Morison’s life was almost lost. While we survived, so many from 1968 didn’t make it. They got killed and Father Bernard Darke’s name stands out graphically on the list. Can you understand the psyche of a human who rode on the dream of voting for a party of your choice, then it came on October 5? I now quote from Father Morrison’s book, “Justice: The Struggle For Democracy in Guyana, 1952-1992.” Part 4 of the book is titled, “The Hoyte Years.” Chapters 12 and 13 of that section is on the October 5, 1992 elections. Chapter 12 is titled: “Elections that nearly flopped.” Father Morrison wrote on page 404: “Reportedly, on election night, Jagan agreed with Hoyte not to challenge any of the results in court, with Hoyte agreeing for his part, agreeing to concede victory and call on his supporters to remain calm and accept defeat.” Incumbent President and PNC leader at the time, Desmond Hoyte, conceded defeat on the night of October 5 and after 24 years of the absence of democratic elections in Guyana, the Guyanese people had their votes counted. But there is more the young population needs to know about October 5, 1992, and when they do, then they will try to

ROTTING food waste is causing up to 10 per cent of total global greenhouse gas emissions – five times more than the entire aviation sector, the UN’s environment agency warned this week. If overlooked, food waste represents a key driver of the climate crisis, according to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), but tools are already being deployed to tackle that threat, from black soldier flies to empowering waste pickers across the world.

dioxide over a 20-year period, the UN warns. Importantly, this decomposing food is one of the main drivers of methane emissions worldwide. In the United States, for instance, municipal solid waste landfills are the third largest source of human-related methane emissions.

understand the shape of the collective psyche of those who watched the 2020 election being rigged. I quote Father Morrison again: “The Riot Squad arrived at 4.00 PM and the crowd marched towards the PPP headquarters and the shopping centres. Then followed the rioting and looting mainly in Regent, Robb and Camp Streets. Worse seemed to have been planned, for the day after elections, it was learnt that fifty gallons of fuel had been confiscated by the police in Regent Street.” Today there is a man in Guyana at age 90. Hardly anyone in Guyana knows him. But he saved Guyana in 1992. His name is Rudy Collins. He was the chairman of GECOM. As the mobs attacked GECOM where he was stationed, as calls were made from patriotic Guyanese to suspend the voting to avoid

national destruction through widespread violence, Rudy Collins stayed in his office and told everyone present and everyone who rang him that he is staying and will conclude the elections. I met Rudy a few months ago at Massy Supermarket next to where I live. I told him he is a Guyanese hero and that he must come on the Freddie KIssoon Show, so we can tell the nation about his historic role. He said ill health is plaguing him. Remember the name! Remember the name! Remember the name! It is Rudy Collins, who on this day in 1992 saved Guyana. 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.

Rotting food waste emits five times more greenhouse gases than planes

KITCHEN TABLE WOES Food waste encompasses everything from unfinished meals to spoiled crops (that’s food that is lost after harvest and before reaching stores). The most polluting form of waste from the kitchen table however is the rotting food which ends up in landfills. When organic matter such as uneaten food is buried in landfills and deprived of oxygen, it interacts with micro-organisms to produce methane. DRIVING METHANE EMMISSIONS Greenhouse gas, which is currently responsible for nearly one third of global warming, is particularly polluting. It traps 86 times more heat than carbon

‘MOUNTAIN’ OF DISCARDED FOOD The issue is inherently tied to the very large amount of food waste continuously produced around the world. Every day, more than one billion meals are left uneaten according to a UNEP report, with 60 per cent of this “mountain of discarded food” coming from households. This means that resources used to produce this uneaten food are also wasted. The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that 1.4 billion hectares of land, or around 28 per cent of the world’s agricultural land, is used to produce food that is never eaten, while the water used to grow and prepare that food is also wasted. As agricultural expansion remains a leading root of deforestation, food waste is thus also contributing to unnecessarily cutting down trees that can no longer pull carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.

progress in reducing food losses since 2015, and the world remains far from achieving the Sustainable Development Goal target of halving per capita global food waste by 2030. “We have to move faster,” stressed UNEP’s Mr. Krause.

Waste pickers sort through a garbage dump in India (UNDP) ‘WE HAVE TO MOVE FASTER’ At the same time, methane, which rotting food waste emits, is short-lived: it breaks down much faster in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide. This means that cutting methane emissions today can produce climate benefits within decades. “At a time when the world is searching for practical ways to slow warming quickly, tackling food waste may be one of the most immediate and cost-effective climate solutions available,” underscored Martin Krause, a UNEP official. Yet, FAO warns that despite international commitments, there has been no tangible

WASTE PICKERS AND BLACK SOLDIER FLIES Aside from cleaning your plate, effective methane-reduction tools are being deployed around the world. Eleven governments in Africa committed to reducing methane emissions by incorporating waste pickers into formal waste-management systems, training them on how to sort and compost organic waste. With funding from the UNEP-convened Climate and Clean Air Coalition, these initiatives have improved the livelihoods of waste pickers, raised awareness of waste separation and led to creating community composting sites. An alternative to composting, black soldier flies bred by specialised facilities around the world, are being used to recycle organic material. From Malawi to Uganda, these helpful insects are already part of waste-management systems in a growing number of villages and cities. (UN)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 5, 2026

Robert Lee hosting workshops to promote business operators’ easy adaption of Google workspaces, Cloud

ROBERT Lee is here, in Guyana, to conduct a series of workshops to make websites a strong digital space for local businesses. Lee said the workshops will show Guyanese leaders and business owners that Google Workspaces and Google Cloud can transform their businesses daily by quickening operations and allowing easy maneuvering without little to no

knowledge about information technology. He added that it is a made-easy workshop where locals can adjust and become technology savvy, allowing them to protect their information. Lee reported that four practical sessions for Guyanese business leaders will explore how Google tools can support the work they do.

Robert Lee inside Google HQ catching up with the startup team Only 40 persons per session can be accommodated. It will run from October 1 to October 31, 2026, at 17:30hrs. Each session, which will last for one hour, will be held at the Sophia Exhibition Centre. All sessions are confirmed by registration only. Lee noted that it is working sessions, not a conference talk. Every session is built around the work businesses are doing today. He added that locals can bring their own business ideas since the sessions are interactive. They can talk about their website, team’s admin load, or the content they cannot find time to

produce. He pointed out that the workshops are practical and will provide usable guidance with each session focusing on real business challenges. Practical examples will be given and business owners/operators will get the guidance they need. Lee explained that REAS rebuilt the national investment for the Guyana Office for Investment and supports organisation in Guyana with web, analytics and digital delivery. REAS, a UK digital partner, has staff on the ground in Guyana. They do video, web, software, analytics and marketing

Robert Lee and his development team at Google HQ in London under one roof, for clients production. where accuracy and trust are So far, 40 businessnon-negotiable. es have signed up for the R E A S i s a G o o g l e workshop. Workspace Select Co-sell Lee, who left Guyana and Services Partner. The at the age of 14, has been Workspace and Gemini operating his media/tech tools that will be covered company in the UK since across the four sessions are 2015, with the aim of edthe ones we deploy, migrate ucating people about the and support clients, so what alternative and the better you see is what we run in options that are available.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 5, 2026

Bolsonaro beats expectations in Brazil presidential vote, faces ‘Lula’ in October 25 runoff

BRAZILIAN Senator Flavio Bolsonaro will face President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in the runoff of a presidential election, after the challenger took some 47 per cent of valid votes in ‌the first round on Sunday, beating the forecasts in most private surveys. The two leading candidates will advance to the second round of voting on October 25, after topping a field of 12 candidates in a campaign focused on concerns about the growing cost of living, corruption and insecurity in Brazilians’ daily lives. Bolsonaro, the son of right-wing former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is serving a 27-year sentence for plotting a coup after losing the 2022 election, now heads to a showdown with the leftist Lula, who picked up 44.9 per cent of votes, ​w ith nearly 99 per cent of votes reported. Private surveys in the run-up to the election had forecast Lula leading the first-round vote by around three percentage points. Bolsonaro’s stronger-than-expected performance will buoy his campaign and may​ bolster Brazil’s currency and stock market, which have risen on the prospects of the business-friendly challenger. “The pollsters missed badly,” said Robert Muggah, cofounder of think tank Igarape I⁠ nstitute. “Expect the runoff polls, which show a dead heat, to understate Bolsonaro as well.” A victory for the senator would extend a wave of wins across Latin America by right-wing candidates aligned with US President Donald Trump, while L ​ ula’s reelection could be a challenge for Washington, which has clashed with his government over trade and security. Despite growing worries over Brazil’s public finances and sluggish economic growth, the campaign offered mea-

ger policy debate, as both leading candidates skipped the ​m ajor TV debates. SURPRISE SHOWING Early on Sunday, Bolsonaro told journalists in Rio de Janeiro he was counting on “a protest vote from people who would otherwise vote for another candidate but are opposed to Lula.” Thaise Lima, a 41-yearold lawyer on her way to vote in Sao Paulo, said her main goal was to get Lula’s Workers’ Party out of office. “I don’t think Flavio is the best candidate, but I might decide to vote for him in the next few minutes,” she said, adding that she wished psychiatrist and author ​Augusto Cury were a more viable candidate. Fernando Tempel, 49, a management consultant, told Reuters he was voting for Bolsonaro despite initially planning to vote for Romeu Zema, the former governor of Minas Gerais state. “ T h e p ro t e s t v o t e foreshadows ​what is to come in the runoff,” said political analyst Rafael Favetti. “While this should benefit Flavio Bolsonaro now, his growth potential in the second round drops precisely because that support has already been front-loaded.” ECONOMIC HEADWINDS Despite falling inequality and unemployment, Lula has struggled ‌to win ⁠over voters grappling with high living costs, heavy household debt and the threat of crime and more pervasive gang activity. Bolsonaro has sought to capitalize on cost-ofliving concerns, while Lula has moved to ban online gambling and, as the race tightened, expanded welfare and proposed fresh debt relief for families. Rising spending and

Flávio Bolsonaro casts his vote at a polling station in Rio de Janeiro (Reuters photos)

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva votes in the general election in Sao Bernardo do Campo

public debt above 82% of GDP have stoked fiscal concerns that Brazil’s next president will need to address. The government lowered its economic growth forecasts for this year and next to 2.0 per cent and 2.3 per cent respectively. “I voted for Brazil to start growing again,” said Marciano de Souza e Silva, a 52-year-old public servant in Brasilia who voted for Flavio. A strong performance by right-wing candidates in Sunday’s ​Senate election could help Bolsonaro’s ability to pass economic r​ eforms, institute a “more well-behaved fiscal policy” and ultimately boost ⁠growth if he is elected, said Marco Saravalle, chief investment officer at MSX Invest/Krivo Capital.

US officials to Brazil. “What is at stake is the future of Brazil,” Lula said after voting in Sao Bernardo do Campo, in Sao Paulo state. Trump has not formally endorsed a candidate, though he hosted Senator Bolsonaro at the White ⁠ H ouse and praised ​h im publicly. Reuters reported on Wednesday that Brazil-

OVERSHADOWED DEBATE Scandals and fears of foreign interference ahead of the vote largely overshadowed policy debates during the campaign. Controversy surrounding the now-defunct Banco Master has engulfed much of Brazil’s political class after Daniel Vorcaro, who ran the bank, was arrested earlier this year​ and accused of a multibillion-dollar fraud scheme. The investigation has probed the banker’s ties to figures from Supreme Court Justice Alexandre

de Moraes to the younger Bolsonaro, who ​is being investigated for money ⁠laundering tied to the case by the federal police. Both have dismissed the allegations against them. Throughout the campaign, Lula’s allies have warned that the Trump administration might refuse to recognise election results if he wins, pointing to an aborted effort to send

ian intelligence officials briefed a French and German delegation on alleged US and Russian interference before the​ election. The US has rejected claims of interference in Brazil’s affairs. O n S u n d a y a f t e rnoon, Brazil’s electoral court chief Kassio Nunes Marques said the election was running smoothly. (Reuters)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 5, 2026

Statement of His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana The Freedom We Must Never Take For Granted

Fellow Guyanese TOMORROW, we observe the 34th anniversary of the historic elections of October 5, 1992 — a day that opened a new chapter in the history of our Republic. October 5th 1992 was the culmination of a long and painful struggle to reclaim Guyana from the pestilence of successive rigged and widely condemned elections beginning in 1968; from political authoritarianism and entrenched abuse of power; from misrule and economic decay; from extreme hardship and deprivation; and from the suppression of the rights, freedoms and democratic aspirations of our people. October 5 was the day when, after almost three decades, the ballot once again became an instrument through which the Guyanese people could genuinely determine who governed them. And that achievement must never be diminished by the passage of time. The Guyanese people did not inherit democracy on October 5, 1992. They fought for it. They suffered for it. They sacrificed for it. And, ultimately, they reclaimed it. The struggle was a relentless one, fought by progressive forces, led by the PPPC, and by persons and organizations inside and outside of Guyana who refused to accept that the votes of the people should be meaningless. It , however, was a struggle for more than the right to free and fair elections. It was a struggle for bread and justice. It was a struggle for dignity.

And it was a struggle to restore to Guyanese the fundamental democratic proposition that governments derive their legitimacy from the consent of the governed. Understanding the significance of October 5th 1992, however, requires us to appreciate the state of the country that emerged from that struggle. Guyana’s economic condition by the late 1980s and early 1990s was catastrophic. The economy was burdened by enormous external debt, declining production, deteriorating infrastructure and collapsing public services. The scale of the crisis was captured by the fact that even the then PNC government had conceded that by 1989, Guyana’s external debt to Gross Domestic Product ratio was approximately 925%. The country’s external debt stood at approximately US$1.9 billion, including about US$1.14 billion in arrears owed to international institutions, foreign governments, commercial banks and other creditors. It was stated that the external-debt-to-export ratio had reached 951 percent in 1990 and that, between 1986 and 1990, average annual debt-service provisioning amounted to 153 percent of fiscal revenue. These were not merely statistics. Behind every percentage was a human being. Behind the debt was a country struggling to pay for the essentials. Behind the arrears were schools, hospitals, roads, water systems and public institutions starved of resources and in a broken state. Behind the declining economy were families whose wages could no longer sustain

them, young people looking overseas for opportunity, professionals leaving the country and a nation watching its quality of life deteriorate. A fact-finding mission of the Caribbean Conference of Churches, which visited Guyana in the last quarter of 1990, found the country in what it described as a “state of crisis.” It recorded the disrepair of the physical infrastructure, poor water, electricity and telephone services, and the large exodus of teachers. I relate these things not to reopen old wounds, but to let you understand how far the country had fallen and how difficult the task of rebuilding was to become. Yet, in the midst of deprivation, Guyanese people did not surrender their democratic aspirations. They organised. They protested. They spoke. They demanded. And they persisted. The People’s Progressive Party played a central role in that struggle, particularly in pressing for electoral reforms that would make it possible for the votes of Guyanese people to be counted and reflected honestly. Among the most important demands was that ballots should be counted at the place of poll, rather than being transported to a central location where the chain of custody and counting process could become vulnerable to manipulation, as did occur in general election in 1968, 1973, 1980 and 1985. There was also agitation for a new voters’ list based on house-to-house enumeration, a restructured and more representative Elections Commission, and the presence of international and local observers. These reforms did not materialise without struggle. While it is true that the international community played a decisive role in pressing for them, democracy was not simply handed to Guyana by outsiders. Guyanese including political parties, religious organization, trade unions, workers and civil society organizations joined the fight for freedom from tyranny. And yet even October 5 itself was not without drama. The election that was intended to restore democratic legitimacy to Guyana came under serious threat. During the day, a violent crowd gathered outside the Elections Commission headquarters in Georgetown. Stones and bottles were thrown at the building, forcing the evacuation of international consultants and non-essential staff. Violence and looting were also reported in the capital. The violence was part of an orchestrated attempt to abort the elections. And

later, when it became apparent that the PPP was winning, violence was incited in an attempt to thwart the democratic will of the electorate. But that attempt, led by a known political rascal, failed. The election continued. The votes were counted. The international observers remained. And the democratic will of the people prevailed. For the first time in 24 years, free and fair elections were held. Then President Hoyte accepted his party’s defeat and there was a peaceful transfer of power. That was the true triumph of October 5. The mob did not defeat the ballot. The violence did not defeat democracy. The past did not defeat the future. October 5 restored democracy. It restored legitimacy to government. It restored to Guyanese the right to elect a government of their choice. It restored Guyana’s international credibility. And it kick-started the process of national reconstruction. The significance of that day therefore extends far beyond the narrative of who won and who lost. October 5 was a watershed in our country’s history. It gave Guyana the freedom, the political space and the democratic dividend to pursue people-centred development. The task that confronted the post-1992 government was monumental. The country had inherited the consequences of years of economic decay, deteriorated social services, destroyed infrastructure, a loss of international credibility and diminished hope. Reconstruction had to begin almost everywhere. And yet the first condition for reconstruction had been achieved. The people had reclaimed their voice. That made rebuilding possible. The progress Guyana has experienced since then — in infrastructure, education, health, housing, telecommunications, economic activity, international engagement and social development — cannot be understood separately from the restoration of democracy. Development requires resources. But development also requires political legitimacy. It requires the freedom to question government, the freedom to participate and the freedom to choose a government and, when necessary, to change it. Democracy is not an ornament to development. It is one of its foundations. October 5 gave us an opportunity. And that opportunity carried another important responsibility. It gave us the duty to continue See page 10

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 5, 2026

Statement of His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President ... From page 10

mending the fractures that had divided our country for generations. Guyana’s political history has been marked by deep ethnic divisions. The challenge of that division remains relevant today as it was then. This is why for democracy to become truly transformative, the ballot box must not be the end of our national conversation. It must be the beginning. My mission as your President is therefore not confined to driving a process of sustainable and inclusive prosperity. It is also, as I have proclaimed since my first day in office, is to help build a more united Guyana. That is the purpose of One Guyana. One Guyana is a national commitment. It means that the fruits of development must be national in scope and enjoyed by everyone , regardless of race, religious persuasion, political affiliation, class or location. One Guyana means that our children should inherit a country in which their prospects are determined by their talents, ambitions and the hard work of their own generation. It means recognising that we can disagree politically without becoming enemies nationally. It means we can have different political loyalties and still share one national destiny. Fellow Guyanese, The era in which Guyana is now living is profoundly different from the Guyana of 1992. We are experiencing growth on a scale that would have been difficult to imagine during those years of economic collapse. But prosperity creates its own test. It is not enough to grow. We must grow together. It is not enough to build. We must build a society in which every Guyanese feels that there is a place for them It is not enough to accumulate national wealth. We must convert that wealth into better lives, better opportunities and a more secure future. The democratic dividend must become a national dividend. And that requires all of us to be part of building an inclusive, sustainable and prosperous future. The present era of growth and prosperity must — and will — see Guyanese working together, hand in hand, in a genuine process of the meeting of minds. This does not mean that we must

surrender our differences. The true test of democracy is our capacity to accommodate differences Creating a unified Guyana does not entail the elimination of political competition. But it does require a higher form of patriotism in which our differences do not prevent us from agreeing on the things that matter most. The things that should matter is that Guyana belongs to all of us; that every child deserves opportunity; that every citizen deserves dignity; that the rule of law imust be respected; that our democracy must be protected; our territory must be safeguarded and that our natural wealth must be used to build a better future for generations yet unborn. Tomorrow, therefore, we salute October 5th; we salute the political activists who persevered when victory seemed distant; we salute the trade unionists, religious leaders, civic organisations, farmers, fishermen folk, bauxite workers, public servants, nurses, doctors journalists, lawyers, students, other citizens and the diaspora who kept the flame of freedom alive. We remember also those who are no longer with us but whose contributions to the fight for freedom will never be forgotten But there is an even greater tribute we can pay them to them. We must protect what they won. The men and women who struggled for October 5 did not struggle so that one generation could inherit democracy and another could squander it. They struggled so that every generation could possess the right to determine its own future. That is our obligation. And our obligation to future generations is even greater. The generation that fought for democracy crated the opportunity for national reconstruction. We in turn must give our children a united Guyana. That is why October 5 must be a reminder, a warning, a responsibility. and a promise. That promise should be that never again should Guyanese people be deprived of the right to freely choose their government. The promise that political power must always be exercised with respect for the people. The promise that economic prosperity must be accompanied by social justice and inclusion. And, above all, the promise that the divisions of our past will not be

President Dr. Irfaan Ali permitted to determine the possibilities of our future. Thirty-four years ago, Guyana reclaimed its democratic voice. Today, our task is to ensure that every Guyanese can see themselves in the future we are building. Let us therefore honour October 5 not merely by looking backward with gratitude, but by looking forward with courage. Let us build a Guyana in which democracy is secure, prosperity is shared, opportunity is accessible, and national unity is a lived reality. Let us continue the unfinished work of those who came before us. And let us make One Guyana become the meeting place of our hopes,

the common ground of our differences, and the shared inheritance we leave to our children. The greatest tribute we can pay to those who fought for October 5, 1992 — and the greatest gift we can give to those who will come after us — is not simply to remember the day democracy was restored but to ensure that democracy, unity and opportunity endure. October 5 gave us back our vote, our voice, our freedom and it restored hope. Let us use that voice to build a country that is truly one people, one nation and one destiny. I thank you and God bless Guyana!

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 5, 2026

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 5, 2026

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 5, 2026

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‘Money alone won’t get us there’: UN steps up aid for 12 forgotten crises

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 5, 2026

GETTING aid to people in the world’s most neglected emergencies takes more than money. It takes open roads, open borders and leaders willing to help it reach those in dire need. That was the message from UN relief chief Tom Fletcher on Friday, as the aid coordination office he runs, OCHA, released $160 million to keep life-saving help flowing in 12 of the most underfunded crises on the planet. “We have 87 million people to reach, and no time to waste,” said Mr. Fletcher, the Emergency Relief Coordinator. “Today’s new funding will help us get aid to people who might otherwise be left behind. But money alone won’t get us there; leaders must exercise political will to open access, remove obstacles and help us reach people whose

lives are on the line.” The 87 million are the world’s needy facing the most severe crises this year.

ACCESS THE STICKING POINT Five of the 12 crises – Afghanistan, the Occupied Palestinian Territory, South Sudan, Sudan and Yemen – are among 10 contexts where Mr. Fletcher has called for urgent diplomatic action to secure access. Unlocking it would open the way to assistance for 11 million people. The bulk of the allocation, $150 million, comes from the UN’s Central E m e rg e n c y R e s p o n s e Fund (CERF) and will be shared out as follows: Afghanistan, the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Yemen: $18 million each Somalia and Sudan:

$16 million each South Sudan: $15 million Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger: $10 million each Chad: $9 million Cameroon: $6 million Cuba: $4 million

INCLUDING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES A further $10 million is set aside for people with disabilities in the same 12 crises, so that aid reaches them and works for them. CERF is teaming up with the UN Global Disability Fund, which will add up to $4 million in funding and technical support through its Inclusion Catalyst Hub. Part of that will go towards strengthening local organizations of people with disabilities and their role in the response.

Supplies are prepared for distribution following floods in northeastern Afghanistan (UNOCHA photo) indicators and wide con- to hundreds of millions FAST-MOVING FUND sultation with partners. of people in more than CERF, managed by Friday’s release takes 117 countries and terOCHA, is one of the fast- CERF allocations in 2026 ritories, thanks to 135 est funding tools avail- to $483 million. Member States and obable. Allocations for unSince the General servers, along with priderfunded emergencies Assembly created it in vate donors and individrest on analysis of more 2005, the fund has chan- uals. Its annual funding than 100 humanitarian nelled some $10.2 billion target is $1 billion. (UN)

‘We are not waiting for the threat’

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 5, 2026

–– Minister Walrond says Guyana is preparing for transnational crime threats

HOME Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond has said that Guyana is preparing for emerging security risks linked to transnational crime, insisting that local authorities are planning ahead as the country’s economy and international connections expand. “The drug trade in Guyana has become, and the approach to it has become more transnational. It’s now our fight against drugs. It is not a one-agency approach anymore… it has to be interagency,” she said. Speaking on the Starting Point podcast, which was aired on Sunday, Walrond said the government anticipated that new infrastructure and greater connectivity could create vulnerabilities that crimi-

nal networks might seek to exploit. She said security planning was being carried out with those risks in mind. “We are anticipating that Guyana will become vulnerable, more vulnerable as we develop…We are not waiting for the threats to happen.” Walrond added that the country’s response to organised crime had to be forward looking, rather than waiting for threats to emerge before acting. She referred to planning around major infrastructural projects and said measures were being put in place to monitor and secure potential points of vulnerability. The minister also described drug trafficking as an increasingly transnational challenge. She said

Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond Guyana was being used as a transit point for narcotics moving towards Africa and Europe, requiring a response that goes beyond any single agency. Walrond credited the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) and the Guyana Police Force’s

narcotics unit with making seizures and said enforcement work was supported by co-operation with international partners, including Interpol and the US Marshals Service. She said some drug shipments intercepted outside Guyana’s borders had been identified through work that began in the country, highlighting the importance of intelligence sharing and co-operation across jurisdictions. Walrond said the government was also considering emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, as part of its efforts to anticipate security threats. She did not disclose operational details, but said forward planning was taking place across the security sector. “Our response has to be anticipatory. We have to be forward looking and [do] forward-planning.” Her comments came during a discussion about

how Guyana’s development and expanding international links could affect the country’s security needs. Walrond said the authorities were working to prevent criminal organisations from finding a safe haven in Guyana, while building partnerships and planning for risks before they materialise. “There are systems put in place to monitor and secure that bridge…I’m constrained to speak as to the things that we’re doing, but just know that we are forward looking, even with the use of AI,” she said. Back in August, CANU destroyed narcotics with an estimated street value of approximately $429.8 million. The exercise involved 81 kilogrammes of cocaine, 1,161 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa (marijuana) and 314 grammes of methamphetamine. C A N U ’s D i r e c t o r James Singh, speaking

during that exercise had said that improved equipment, with support from the Ministry of Home Affairs, is helping officers conduct their work more safely. Singh also credited international partners, including the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), for assisting Guyana in its efforts to prevent the country from becoming a haven for international drug-trafficking organisations. H e s a i d C A N U ’s Drug Information Network is working with the Ministries of Health, Education and Human Services and Social Security, while the agency has produced informational booklets and conducts community outreaches. Singh stated that the outreach is not limited to communities where drug problems have already emerged, but also targets areas considered to be at risk.

27 Region Two CAPE students receive $85,000 education grant TWENTY-SEVEN CAPE students in Region Two have received $85,000 each under the Government of Guyana’s ‘Because We Care’ cash grant programme. The distribution exercise was conducted on Friday at the Anna Regina Secondary School and is was facilitated by Deputy Chief Education Officer (Technical), Dr Ritesh Tularam. The initiative forms part of the government’s continued investment in education and aims to provide financial support to students and families, while helping learners pursue their academic goals. Dr Tularam, who returned to Region Two to assist with the distribution, expressed pleasure at being part of the exercise and ensured that every eligible CAPE student received financial assistance. Regional Education Officer Shondelle Hercules welcomed Dr Tularam’s involvement, noting his continued dedication to education delivery and his contribution

Dr Ritesh Tularam hands over the education grant to the parent of a Region Two CAPE student to ensuring that government initiatives reach their intended beneficiaries. She also recognised the Government of Guyana and the Ministry of Education for their continued investment in education and efforts to ease the financial burden on families. The Department of Education, Region Two, said it

remains committed to working with the Ministry of Education to ensure that students are supported and provided with opportunities to pursue educational excellence. For the 27 CAPE beneficiaries, the $85,000 grant represents direct financial assistance as they continue their studies and work towards their future goals.

‘We don’t need the bad actors’ 17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 5, 2026

–– Minister Walrond backs tougher accountability, says Force must prioritise integrity over numbers

HOME Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond has said that officers involved in wrongdoing should face consequences, noting that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) must prioritise integrity over simply increasing its numbers. “We don’t need the bad actors,” Walrond said during an appearance on the Starting Point podcast. She said officers who discover a colleague engaged in wrongdoing have a duty to report it. Failure to report misconduct, she added, could suggest collusion. “They absolutely have to be charged. Speaking with the commanders and those in charge of the CID across the country, because it’s not just Georgetown but across the region, is that if you find a colleague in wrongdoing, a report has to be made,” she said. She added, “What you’re finding, because [they are]

their friends or your ‘squaddie,’ you know, reports are not made when there is wrongdoing.” Walrond said the government was seeking to strengthen accountability within the force and that officers found participating in illegal activities should be charged. She also described efforts to change what she characterised as a culture of silence around misconduct. Her comments came during a broader discussion of police reform, including merit-based promotions, body-worn cameras and efforts to make integrity and professionalism central to officers’ careers. Walrond said promotions should reflect an officer’s service record and disciplinary history, rather than years on the job alone. The minister acknowledged the need to expand the force, but said growth should not come at the expense of

standards. The aim, she said, was to retain officers committed to serving the public with integrity. Walrond said she did not want misconduct by some officers to define the entire force, noting that many serving officers were dedicated to their work. However, she stressed that rank or seniority should not shield anyone from accountability. “Those reports have to be made because you can’t really enforce or sanction if there is not even a complaint to make the report, and so that is being addressed, regardless of who you are, and particularly in the police force, that has to that has to be encouraged, and it continues to be encouraged,” she stressed. “While the police force needs to be expanded, it’s more about quality over quantity. We don’t want, we don’t need the bad actors. So, send them off.”

Crime mapping guiding targeted police response in Guyana

THE police in Guyana are using crime mapping to identify local hotspots and tailor their responses, as the country reports a fall in serious crime in the first half of the year, Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond has said. Speaking on the Starting Point podcast, Walrond said the approach was part of a shift towards preventing crime, rather than responding only after offences occur. “That helps to map the hotspots in that particular district, and so that tailors your response to the district,” she said. The minister said Guyana’s half-year figures showed serious crime had declined, while several other Caribbean countries were experiencing increases. She added that the government was continuing to invest in digitising police services and strengthening intelligence-led policing. The country recorded a 16.9 per cent decline in serious crimes during the first half of 2026, as the government continues to strengthen policing capabilities, surveillance

infrastructure, and community-based crime prevention. The reduction is highlighted in the government’s 2026 mid-year report, which points to continued investments in law-enforcement capacity and technology as part of efforts to improve public safety. The decline comes against the backdrop of a broader effort to strengthen the Guyana Police Force through increased training, improved mobility, and the expansion of intelligent surveillance systems. The government’s 2026 programme sets a target of reducing the overall crime rate per 100,000 population from 6,832.49 in 2025 to 6,149.24 this year. The target includes reductions in both non-vehicular and vehicular crimes. Murder also remains a key focus of the national crime-fighting strategy. The police force recorded 130 murders in 2025, with the 2026 target set at 117. The government is simultaneously investing in the capacity of the force to investigate and prevent crime.

A target has been established to train 5,000 police officers and 500 detectives during 2026, compared with 3,997 officers and 293 detectives trained in 2025. Technology is also playing an increasing role in the country’s crime-prevention strategy, particularly through the Safe Country Initiative, which is expanding the network of intelligent video surveillance systems across the country. The investment is intended not only to assist in the detection of criminal activity, but also to strengthen investigations and provide law enforcement with greater analytical capabilities. The government is also seeking to strengthen the relationship between the police and communities through community-policing initiatives, while improving the force’s transportation and operational infrastructure. The latest reduction in serious crime builds on a decline recorded during the first half of 2025, when serious crimes fell by 25 per cent compared to the corresponding period in 2024.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 5, 2026

27 recreational facilities being developed nationwide to complement housing programme THE government is developing 27 recreational facilities nationwide, 12 of which will be in Region Four, to enhance communities where new housing developments are being established. Minister of Housing, Collin Croal, provided the update last Friday after visiting one of the facilities currently under construction at Le Reconnaissance along the East Coast of Demerara. The leisure centre there is being constructed in phases. The first includes fencing, concrete drains around the recreational ground and levelling works to facilitate completion of the playing field. The second phase will include a walkway for exercise, as well as slides and other amenities for children. Minister Croal said the recreational facilities are

Minister of Housing Collin Croal engages contractors at Le Reconnaissance part of the government’s their children for leisure is broader approach to commu- one such activity to develnity development, ensuring op communities,” Minister that residents have access to Croal explained. spaces for exercise, leisure The initiative is being and family activities. undertaken in communities “One of the focuses where the government’s we’ve also been having… is housing programme is onto enhance the communities going, with similar facilities in which persons live...an being developed in other avenue for persons to bring regions. (DPI)

Patrol ranks’ quick response saves unconscious man at Lima Access Road

A 40-year-old construction worker is fortunate to be alive after a police patrol discovered him unconscious along the Lima Access Road, Essequibo Coast, in the early hours of Saturday, October 3, 2026. The man, identified as Fazal Azeez of Supenaam Creek, was found at approximately 02:22hrs by Sergeant Andrew Ramkissoon and other ranks who were conducting ‘Safeway’ patrol duties in the area. According to the police, the ranks had just entered the Lima Access Road when they noticed Azeez lying motionless on the roadway. Sergeant Ramkissoon immediately stopped to check on the man and detected a

pulse. The ranks called out to him, and Azeez briefly regained consciousness. However, he continued to drift in and out of consciousness, raising concerns about his condition. Recognising the seriousness of the situation, the ranks immediately summoned an ambulance from the Lima area while remaining with Azeez and monitoring his condition. As they waited for medical assistance, Azeez again became unconscious, cold, and unresponsive. The ranks then took emergency action and performed CPR in an effort to keep him alive until the ambulance arrived. The ambulance responded promptly and transported

Azeez for further medical attention. The police said Azeez later related that he had earlier visited the hospital for treatment and had been given tablets. He reportedly told investigators that while walking to meet a friend in the Lima Housing Scheme, he suddenly became dizzy and drowsy before collapsing on the roadway. The incident highlights the importance of quick action in an emergency, as Sergeant Ramkissoon and the other ranks immediately assessed Azeez’s condition, summoned medical assistance and remained with him until he could be taken to hospital.

Emergency personnel preparing to take Fazal Azeez to the hospital

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, October 5, 2026

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday October 05, 2026) CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel:225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Lord’s (2009) (2) Chris Gayle & MS Dhoni Today’s Quiz: (1) Which WI cracked the first T20 Int’l hundred against India? (2) Which Indian hit the first T20 Int’l century versus the WI? Answers in tomorrow’s issue ……………………………………………………..

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, October 5, 2026

Haaland injury worry as Norway lose in Portugal (BBC) - Erling Haaland sparked injury concerns as he limped off in Norway's 2-1 Nations League defeat by Portugal. The Manchester City striker beckoned to the bench to be substituted in the 67th minute of the Group A4 tie. His club will await further news as they prepare for a trip to Liverpool on Sunday in the Premier League. It will be their first game since they were found guilty of all charges relating to breaches of the Premier League's financial regulations. City have lodged an appeal. Haaland and Norway

Erling Haaland has failed to score in back-to-back games for Norway

suffered a third successive Nations League defeat on Sunday as Goncalo Ramos scored a late winner for

Portugal. The hosts had to come from behind after the visitors took a 36th-minute lead.

Brentford defender Kristoffer Ajer controlled Martin Odegaard's cross on his chest before hitting

a sweet half-volley into the top corner from the edge of the box. But two minutes later Joao Cancelo smashed home a stunning shot on the bounce from a similar distance from Nuno Mendes' long throw-in. Haaland went close for Norway, dragging an effort wide, before he was replaced by Jorgen Strand Larsen. But it was Ramos who sealed a fourth successive win in the competition, stabbing in from close range from Joao Felix's lay-off with 11 minutes left. Portugal ended with 10 men after winger Fran-

cisco Conceicao was sent off in the 87th minute for two quickfire bookings for dissent. It was their third game in a row without Cristiano Ronaldo in the team, after the country's record scorer left the camp last week after being dropped. Boss Jorge Jesus has said he plans to discuss the matter with the 41-yearold forward. With two games left in the group stage, defending Nations League champions Portugal are now six points clear of second-placed Denmark, who beat Wales 1-0, while Norway are bottom of the group.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, October 5, 2026

Verstappen wins historic Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia

(Formula 1) - Max Verstappen converted pole position into victory during Sunday’s Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, which was impacted by heavy rain, featured an entertaining crossover from intermediate tyres to slicks, and saw overtaking from start to finish – as well as a dramatic late retirement for George Russell. After a delayed start and then a suspended start procedure, as several drivers struggled to maintain speed on the initial formation lap, the race eventually got under way in slippery, mixed conditions – leading to split

tyre strategies and plenty of early action. Polesitter Verstappen fell behind Mercedes pair Kimi Antonelli and Russell on the run down to Turn 1, with all three drivers running intermediate tyres, but he soon settled into a rhythm and managed to pick off the Silver Arrows either side of a Safety Car that was deployed when Valtteri Bottas spun out. That Safety Car period represented the ideal window for the intermediate starters to switch to slick tyres, with those who lined up on slick compounds getting caught out, and threats of further

rain not materialising before the chequered flag. Verstappen controlled proceedings after working his way back into P1, pulling away from Antonelli and Russell – who had their own battle over second – and navigating a late Virtual Safety Car/Safety Car combination to secure his and Red Bull’s breakthrough first win of the 2026 campaign. Antonelli was already set to extend his championship lead over Russell by three points when his team mate dramatically ground to a halt on the start/finish straight behind that final Safety Car, dealing another blow to the

Briton's already slim title chances. Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were high-profile names to start the race on slick tyres, with both drivers dropping towards the back of the grid as a result. However, inspired comeback drives saw them recover to P3 and P4 respectively, and bag a healthy haul of points for Ferrari. Isack Hadjar dropped from third to fifth in the closing laps as Hamilton and Leclerc completed their charges, ahead of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri in P6, Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson in P7 and Fernando Alonso in a

morale-boosting P8 for Aston Martin. Lando Norris sat on team mate Piastri’s tail before the final restart, only to lose control of his McLaren behind the Safety Car and run through the gravel, leaving him to settle for ninth, in front of Racing Bulls rookie and final points finisher Arvid Lindblad. As has so often been the case this season, Audi driver Nico Hulkenberg just missed out on a reward in 11th, followed by the other Aston Martin of Lance Stroll, Alpine’s Franco Colapinto and the Haas machines of Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon.

Pierre Gasly almost crashed out during the formation lap on slick tyres, but managed to rejoin the action and eventually finish 16th, ahead of Williams’ Carlos Sainz and Audi’s Gabriel Bortoleto, who were involved in a mid-race collision (for which the latter was penalised). Cadillac’s Sergio Perez was the day’s final finisher in 19th position, given the aforementioned Russell’s heartache, Bottas’ race-ending spin, and another stoppage involving the Williams of Alex Albon, which brought out the late Safety Car.

Modric ‘ashamed’ of Croatia’s ‘catastrophic night’ (BBC) - Croatia captain Luka Modric said he felt "ashamed" of his side's performance in Saturday's 7-0 defeat at home to England in the Nations League. It was the first time in 20 years as an international that the AC Milan midfielder said he had felt such emotion, describing it as a "catastrophic night". Modric, 41, was making his 205th appearance for his country after recently agreeing to extend his international career under returning manager Slaven Bilic. "You can't play football like that... we looked like we had four or five players less," said the former Real Madrid

Luka Modric won the Golden Ball at the 2018 World Cup in Russia after helping Croatia finish as runners-up

player, who helped Croatia to second-place and third-place finishes at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups during a storied career. "It is difficult to find an explanation for such a performance without duels, fouls, aggressiveness, togetherness. "I've been here for 20 years, but for the first time I feel ashamed after a game." Croatia kicked off Bilic's second spell in charge with a 2-1 Nations League win away to the Czech Republic that put them above England in Group A3. They followed that up with a chastening 4-1 defeat away to world champions Spain but were still level on points with Thomas Tuchel's

Three Lions before Saturday's humiliating loss in Rijeka. With the top two qualifying for the latter stages, Croatia had the chance to put themselves in pole position to beat England to a place in the quarter-finals. Yet by the time Modric was substituted in the 57th minute, the home side were already 5-0 down after conceding two goals from Harry Kane and one apiece from Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka. Modric was forced to watch from the sidelines as further goals from Saka and Morgan Rogers extended England's advantage before the final whistle.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, October 5, 2026

‘Windies Cricket crying out for help’- Roland Butcher - blames ‘future Tours program’ for financial for situation

By Sean Devers

BARBADIAN Roland Butcher became the first Black man to play Test Cricket for England when he made his debut against West Indies in Barbados in March 1980 in Barbados. Now 72, Butcher, who played three Tests and three ODIs for England, is now batting to save West Indies cricket, which seems to be heading for a terminal decline. “It’s an interesting time in West Indies cricket; it’s an interesting time for World Cricket,” he said. C r i c k e t We s t I n d i e s (CWI) has now made this announcement about the cancelation of the Super50, the continuation of the threematch First-Class season into next and the 25 per cent reduction in the players’ contracts. “It’s a cry to the rest of the world for help. It also alerts the world to what can happen to other countries if they are not careful,” lamented Butcher, who migrated to the UK at 14. The flamboyant righthander, who scored 17 tons and 65 fifties from 277 First-

Class games, mostly for English County, Middlesex, from 1974, warned that a lot of things have happened in the West Indies before, and the West Indies is the first place it has happened, but sometime down the line it will affect others. “This cry for help; it’s a serious cry. If you look at the origin of this situation, I don’t think you can put all the blame squarely on the shoulders on the West Indies. I think they are probably to be blamed for the way they managed cricket over the years; the management has not been the best, but several things that have happened have caused the West Indies to be in this problem,” reasoned Butcher, who was appointed in November 2024 as Director of Sports at UWI in Barbados. “The future tours program allows the home team to keep all the revenue, that’s the biggest problem because England can fill out their Stadiums, India will do that, Australia will do that. But in the Caribbean, with their small Stadiums maximum, maybe 15, 000 and tickets cost US$10. That’s not a lot of money.”

The biggest problem for the West Indies has been the future tours program. This is not a problem for the West Indies alone but for all the smaller nations. Only the big three will benefit…India, England and Australia.” Those three benefit significantly. The likes of the West Indies, Pakistan, Sri

SVC/AJM CC produced a dominant, star-studded performance at the Enmore Community Centre Ground to claim the Georgetown/East Coast Demerara zone title and seal their place in the National Finals of the Lotto/ Let’s Bet One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast. Facing off against a formidable Avinash All-Stars outfit in the zonal final, SVC/ AJM registered a crushing 87-run victory to cap off an intense leg of the tournament. Batting first, SVC/AJM posted a massive 134 for 7 in their allotted 10 overs, headlined by a blistering 64 from

Jonathan Fernandes. Kemol Savory provided crucial top-order support with a brisk 24, while Carlos LaRose was the pick of the Avinash bowlers with figures of 2 for 25. The run-chase, however, never got off the ground. A ruthless bowling display from SVC/AJM, then the star-studded Avinas All-Stars line-up, for a paltry 47-9, with Kadeem Alleyne’s nine runs the top score. Ojay Shields (2 for 10), Miguel Cummins (2 for 11), and Leon Swamy (2 for 24) shared six wickets to deliver a total shutdown. SVC/AJM’s route to the

final was equally clinical. In the first semi-final, they comfortably chased down Pure Entertainment’s 94 for 3 with seven wickets to spare. Tevin Imlach had earlier anchored Pure Entertainment with a top score of 49 alongside contributions from Earl Gilkes (17) and Raphael Frank (10), while Nial Smith grabbed 2 for 11. In response, Savory anchored the chase with an unbeaten 45*, supported by Jonte Thomas (24) and Safraz Esau (18*), as SVC/AJM reached 95 for 3 within their 10 overs. The second semi-final provided far more drama

Lanka, Bangladesh- they can only charge a minimal amount for tickets. Tests, ODIs and T20s, plus they have small Stadia. But it a cry to world Cricket, West Indies is just the first, there will be others” posited Butcher. Butcher said he did not think it had hit ‘rock bottom

as yet but added that it will at some point. “I think there are several things that Countries can do to assist. ICC can change the format of the future tours program…that’s one way of assisting. I think England can help is the ECB can approach the Foreign Office to change the whole Managed Migration Policy that currently exists. It is not an ECB policy; it’s a Governmental policy, and what that has done is stopped West Indians cricketers from coming to England even as amateurs. In the past all of the West Indians who became great players came to England to played in the various English Leagues, Northen Leagues etcetera, etcetera, and that’s how they developed their game. West Indies is a small cricketing nation and in the past cricketers made a living from playing all over the world, especially England, and that is no longer available,” continued Butcher. “What’s happened recently is that CWI has reduced the First-Class season to three matches and that will continue next year.

That problem two-fold. One; the players are not getting enough cricket to develop their game to be able to compete at international level. But more importantly, it’s even worse now because of the Managed Migration Policy. That policy states that in order to get work permit you have played five First-Class matches in a season, so there is no chance of even the established players to get a work permit. The other crazy thing about this about that policy is that if you represented Barbados at U-15 level you also placed on something called ‘you are on the way to being a professional’. If, between 15 and 22 you have not represented your Country at any level, you are still on that ‘patch to being a professional’ which prevents you from playing in England. This reduction of FirstClass matches will make it worse for the players across the Caribbean both on the field and off-the field” concluded Butcher who was good enough to play semi-professional football in England.

as Avinash All-Stars edged Team Corruption by 14 runs. Powered by a sparkling, unbeaten 70 from Kyle Mayers and 28 from Alleyne, Avinash reached 130 for 6 despite Kevin Sinclair’s 3 for 45 and Akim Chandler's 2 for 22. Team Corruption mounted a spirited reply through Treatlon Liverpool (35), Dejourn Charles (15), and Sinclair (14), but Carlos LaRose held his nerve under pressure to defend 20 runs off the final over, holding Team Corruption to 116 for 5. For their zonal victory, SVC/AJM CC walked away with $500,000 courtesy of

Navin and Sons Construction, along with the coveted ticket to Essequibo. Runners-up Avinash AllStars pocketed $200,000 compliments of Camille’s Academy, while losing semi-finalists received $50,000 courtesy of OGN Group Inc. Saturday’s losing quarter-finalists were awarded $25,000 each courtesy of Scoop Ride Inc. The action now shifts to the Anna Regina National Stadium on October 11 for the grand National Finals, where an additional winning purse of $2 million for the champions, $1 million for the runners-up, and

$500,000 each for the losing semi-finalists will be up for grabs. Semi-final one kicks off at 14:30h between GrillMaster Sip N Play All-Stars and Mahdia (Movements Family), followed by SVC/AJM CC taking on Lusignan Bulls DTP II at 16:30h. A six-over women's exhibition match between Tapakuma (Elite Warriors) and Capoey United will set the stage at 18:30h before the final takes place under lights at 19:30h. Admission to the venue is free, though organisers have noted a strict no-cooler policy.

Former England Test player, Barbadian Roland Butcher, was the first black person to play for England

SVC/AJM CC blow away Avinash All-Stars to seal National Finals spot

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, October 5, 2026

Paradise Intl Basketball Tournament…

Guyana’s YBG team lose opener to hosts, St. Maarten

YOUTH Basketball Guyana’s select XI had a stiff test on Saturday in their opening game of the Paradise International Basketball Tournament. They first had to contend with Host St. Maarten, who edged them 53-33; Guyana’s top performers being Dimitri Singh with 9 points and Deshawn Gurrick with 7 points. The team struggled offensively, missing 36 layups and turning over the ball 28 times. Their next match against an Aruban team will close out the group stage against Anguilla today. The 11-member team was selected from a group of promising student ath-

letes from 7 different schools that competed in the National School Basketball Festival hosted by YBG. The team is made up of Dimitri Singh, Deshawn Gurrick, Liam Bart -Queens College, Kellon Lyte - Skeldon Line Path Secondary, Lucas Pinol - Marian, Dion Moore - Hope Secondary School, Romario Munroe- J C Chandisingh Secondary, Carlson Matheson - Berbice High School, Brad Cush, Daniel Cox, Jacob Hilaire - St. Rose’s High. The team is led by University of Guyana winning coach Warren Wilson, assisted by Judah Stephney and Calix Bernard, and team chaperone Leona Kyte.

Guyana in heated battle with St. Maarten in the Paradise Intl Basketball Tournament

Courts Optical U11 schools football tournament Round Three…

Defending champions Leonora, Belladrum and GIA lead victors DEFENDING pee wee football champion Leonora Primary on Saturday showed their strongest indicator of a successful defence of their title as they rubbish St Gabriel Primary 5-1 to maintain their unbeaten record. Johnathan Melvin was prolific for his side, registering a hattrick of goals. Melvin hit the back of the net in the first minute of the contest before St Gabriel Primary's Nathan Melville equalized immediately afterwards.

Belladrum Primary Goal Scorer Dextroy Thomas going for goal

Melvin was not done returning to secure goals in the 2nd and 7th minutes to give his side an unassailable advantage of 3-1. Gaols also followed off the boots of Neron Persaud and Elyon Hyman to complete the victory. Belladrum Primary also recorded an enterprising 3-1 victory over Soesdyke Primary. Belladrum Primary’s Dextroy Thomas also scored a triple in a one-sided performance; his first goal came in the 5th minute, before goals in the 29th and

34th minutes. Soesdyke Primary consolation goal came from Judon De Jesus in 32'. Georgetown International Academy also stopped St Aloysius Primary 2-nil; GIA's scorers were Langdon Paulson and Esa Mirza, who scored within minutes of each other. GIA, playing their second contest, beat Marian Academy 1-nil, with Yoseph Rivers scoring the lone goal. In other results, Miles Schuman's goal guided Pakuri primarily to a narrow win over

Agatash Primary 1-nil. Agatash Primary bounced back later in the day to record a win over Goed Fortuin Primary. Colaaco was also edged by St John the Baptist 2-1 with goals off the cleat of Elianna Grant and Chrystian Haly. Pakuri Primary also lost to Redeemer Primary 1-nil, while We s t R u i m v e l d t edged FE Pollard Primary 2-1 with strikes from Kenneth Douglas and Jamiel Favourite.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, October 5, 2026

SVC/AJM CC blow away Avinash All-Stars to seal National Finals spot SEE PAGE

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SVC/AJM CC produced a dominant, star-studded performance at the Enmore Community Centre Ground to claim the Georgetown/East Coast Demerara zone title

Series showed we can compete with the best, says Sammy

West Indies Head Coach Daren Sammy

CMC – Despite going down to India in their One Day International series, West Indies head coach Daren Sammy said his team’s performance showed they had the ability and skill to compete with the best teams in the world. India won the opening two matches by eight wickets to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, before the Windies produced a record-breaking batting performance to claim the third and final match on Saturday. Speaking on his team’s showing during a post-match

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press conference, Sammy said the 10th ranked West Indies had fought valiantly against the top ranked ODI side in the world. “We came here knowing the quality that India has and to measure ourselves against a quality team like that, and we showed that when we do things consistently well for long enough, we could match the number one team in the world. “So, we’ll take a lot of learning from this, belief as well…and it was a well-deserved victory,” Sammy said.

| MONDAY, OCTOBER 5 , 2026