Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 06-06-2026

Six bills tabled as gov’t advances reform

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, on Friday, met with the family of seven-year-old Adriel Mohamed in Zeelugt, Region Three, following the tragic home invasion that claimed his life. Accompanied by Child Care and Protection Agency (CPA) Director, Levine Gouveia, the Minister

Guyana stands firm on sovereignty as ICJ prepares final judgement in border case

—PM tells National Assembly

GUYANA remains steadfast in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity as it awaits the final judgement of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the border controversy with Venezuela, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips told the National Assembly on Friday.

Providing an update on the landmark case, Phillips said Guyana’s submissions before the world court have now been fully completed, with oral hearings concluding on May 11, leaving only the Court’s deliberations and final ruling.

“The submissions of both parties, presented over the course of the past eight years, concluded on May 11 with the completion of the oral hearings in The Hague. All that remains now is for the Court itself to deliberate, draft its final Judgment, and issue it in a public session,” the Prime Minister said.

According to Phillips, while no date has yet been announced, the Court generally takes between six and eight months after oral hearings conclude to issue a judgement, placing a likely ruling between November 2026 and January 2027.

He emphasised that

whatever decision is handed down by the Court will be legally binding on both Guyana and Venezuela under international law.

“The very fact that this case reached the ICJ, and that the written and oral phases of the proceedings were carried out to their completion, represents a triumph for the rule of law and the rules-based international order,” Phillips told the Assembly.

The Prime Minister said Guyana is more confident than ever that the Court will uphold the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award and confirm the international boundary recognised by the international community.

“While we cannot know with certainty how the Court will rule, Guyana is confident – in fact, after the oral hearings last month, Guyana is more confident than ever — that the Court will uphold the legal validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award and the finality and permanence of the international boundary between Guyana and Venezuela,” he said.

Phillips added that Guyana expects the Court to order Venezuela not to seize, annex, trespass upon or threaten any part of Guyanese territory as defined by the 1899 Award.

“In short, we expect to be fully victorious in this historic, and for Guyana, existential, case,” he declared.

The Prime Minister also reflected on the long history of the controversy, noting that Venezuela first challenged the 1899 Arbitral Award in 1962 after accepting and respecting the boundary for more than six decades.

He highlighted several favourable rulings already secured by Guyana, including the ICJ’s 2020 decision affirming its jurisdiction over the matter, the Court’s rejection of Venezuela’s objections in 2023, and provisional measures issued in both 2023 and 2025 ordering Venezuela to refrain from actions that could alter the status quo in Guyana’s Essequibo Region.

Phillips said Guyana will continue to await the Court’s decision “with patience, dignity and optimism” while maintaining its commitment to peace and good neighbourly relations.

“We will continue to address Venezuela in a spirit of peace, co-operation and friendship, and as sovereign equals. We will respect Venezuela’s sovereignty, as we have always done, and insist that Venezuela refrain from trespassing on, or threatening, Guyana’s sovereignty,” he said.

He added that Guyana will insist that the Court’s final judgement be fully respected and implemented, describing this as the only path towards lasting peace and stability between the two countries.

Six bills tabled as gov’t advances reform agenda

—new amendments to see sex offenders registry, development bank, commercial law amendments and restoration of former Presidents’ benefits framework

SIX major pieces of legislation were introduced in the National Assembly on Friday, as the government advances a broad agenda of economic, legal and governance reforms.

Among the measures tabled for first reading was the Guyana Development Bank Bill, which seeks to establish a specialised financial institution aimed at expanding access to financing and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr. Vindhya Persaud also tabled the Sexual Offences Amendment Bill, a measure the government has described as landmark legislation.

The bill seeks to modernise Guyana’s legal framework by establishing the country’s first National Sex Offenders Registry, while strengthening protections and support mechanisms for victims of sexual violence.

Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Susan Rodrigues tabled the Hire-Purchase (Amendment) Bill 2026 and the Security Interests in Movable Property (Amendment and Validation) Bill 2026.

According to the government, the two bills form part of efforts to strengthen Guyana’s commercial and financial legislative framework, improve access to credit, and create a more enabling environment for business growth and investment.

The Security Interests in Movable Property (Amendment and Validation) Bill seeks to improve the implementation of the principal Act

by providing for manual registration where electronic registration is not possible, extending the transitional period and validating registrations and related actions undertaken during periods when the electronic registry was unavailable. The proposed amendments are intended to ensure continuity, legal certainty, and confidence in secured lending transactions.

Also introduced was

legislation to provide for the sale of depreciating property. The bill was tabled by Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall.

Another key measure introduced was the Former Presidents (Benefits and Other Facilities) Bill, which was tabled by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh.

According to the Min-

istry of Finance, the bill seeks to repeal and replace legislation enacted by the former APNU+AFC administration in 2015, and restore the framework that was originally established in 2009. The government said the move would create a single and predictable standard governing the benefits afforded to former Heads of State.

Under the 2009 legislation, former Presidents were entitled to benefits

including the payment of utility expenses at their residence, personal household staff, transportation and security services, as well as medical coverage for themselves and their dependents.

The ministry noted that the 2015 legislation placed limits on several of those benefits, including capping medical coverage at $200,000 annually, and provided for benefits to be withdrawn if a former President engaged in private business, paid employment or trade.

In defending the proposed changes, the government said the benefits recognise the continuing obligations, representational responsibilities and security considerations associated with the office of the President, even after leaving office.

According to the ministry, restoring the 2009 framework would establish a fair and equitable standard for all former Presidents while ensuring a benefits regime that is clear, consistent, and reflective of the dignity of the country’s highest office.

The bills will now proceed through the parliamentary process for debate and further consideration.

Disciplinary hearing for David Rose teachers to be concluded within 10 days

—Education Ministry submits investigation file to Teaching Service Commission

THE Ministry of Education has completed its investigation into the mistreatment of a student at the David Rose Special Education Needs School and has submitted a comprehensive report to the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) for disciplinary action against the two teachers involved.

Providing an update on Friday, Minister of Education Sonia Parag said the ministry has taken several steps since the incident came to public attention, including engaging parents, school staff and the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA).

The incident, which was captured in a video that

circulated widely on social media, showed the mistreatment of a student by two trained teachers attached to the institution.

According to the minister, a detailed file containing reports, statements, findings, and recommendations from the ministry’s investigation has been forwarded to the TSC, which is constitutionally responsible for disciplinary matters involving teachers in public schools.

“It is important for the public to understand that while the Ministry of Education is responsible for the management and oversight of the education system, the authority to appoint, exercise disciplinary con -

trol over and remove teachers employed in non-board schools rests with the Teaching Service Commission,” Minister Parag stated.

She noted that Article 209(1) of the Constitution vests the power to appoint, remove and exercise disciplinary control over teachers in the public service in the Teaching Service Commission.

The minister disclosed that the commission has advised that the disciplinary hearing process should be concluded within the next 10 days.

“The Teaching Service Commission has advised that the disciplinary hearing process should be concluded within the next ten days. The Ministry will continue to cooperate fully with the Commission and provide any additional information required to facilitate the timely completion of the proceedings,” she said.

Parag also revealed that a Board of Governors has now been established at the David Rose Special Education Needs School. The board in-

Minister of Education Sonia Parag recently met with the parents and family members of the affected student, the school’s headteacher and members of staff, reassuring them that the matter is being treated with ‘the utmost seriousness and urgency’

cludes parent representatives and is intended to strengthen accountability, oversight and engagement between the school and families.

Additionally, she said her office continues to work closely with the student’s family to ensure that the child receives the support

necessary for recovery, well-being and continued learning in a safe environment.

“The treatment depicted in the video is wholly unacceptable and does not reflect the values, standards or expectations that we hold for those entrusted with the

care and education of our nation’s children,” the minister said.

She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding children and ensuring that all students are treated with dignity and respect within the education system.

Boy, 7, murdered, grandmother injured in Zeelugt home invasion

—Gov’t pledges full support to

“LIKE right now I ain’t get no feelings. My son mean everything to me.”

Those were the heartbreaking words of the father of seven-year-old Adriel Aftab Mohamed, who was brutally killed during an attack at his family’s home in Phase Three, Zeelugt New Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo, early Friday morning.

Police in Regional Division Three are investigating the alleged murder of Adriel and the attempted murder of his 72-year-old great-grandmother, Halima Itwari, which occurred at about 04:45 hrs.

The grieving father told reporters at the scene that he had spent years working hard as a single parent to provide for his son.

“I’m sorry I didn’t went around to protect mi son. My son stayed home because I gotta work and get money. I is work to take care of my child,” he said.

He recalled planning to collect the child on Friday morning.

“I said I was going to collect this child this morning before he run a road and thing knock he. I say let me collect him but mi old man say he gon

collect his grandson.”

Hours later, his world was shattered.

“This morning my sister called and say somebody killed he.”

Fighting back tears, he added, “As a single parent I is work hard to make sure my son thing set and get everything for school. I like my son bad.”

According to police, a relative went to the home at about 05:05 hrs and discovered Itwari injured and the child motionless inside the house.

The elderly woman was rushed to the De Kinderen Regional Hospital,

where she was admitted as a patient. Her condition has been listed as stable.

Police ranks processed the scene and recovered a knife suspected to have been used during the attack. The weapon has been lodged as evidence.

The child’s body was escorted to the De Kinderen Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor. It was later taken to Ezekiel Funeral Home, where it awaits a post-mortem examination.

Several persons have been questioned, while investigators are review-

ing CCTV footage from cameras in the area as they work to identify and locate the suspect.

Adriel’s uncle, Naseeb Mohamed, recounted the horrifying moments after he arrived at the home.

“One of the neighbours called my wife this morning, minutes before five, and told her I must come down and check on my mother because somebody in the house,” he said.

Naseeb said he rushed to the residence and immediately realised something was wrong.

“I pushed the door, went inside and put on

grieving family

the lights. The place startle me. I saw my mother lying on the ground. First thing came to my mind was she’s dead.”

He then discovered his nephew.

“I went over to him and I looked at him. I see lot of blood, plenty blood all over the place.”

He said relatives outside informed him that the attacker might still have been in the house.

“Then my niece from outside said Granny said the man still there in the house, so I ran back inside.”

The uncle said the family remains baffled by the motive behind the attack.

“I don’t know what the motivation can be. She is not a rich woman. I don’t know if it’s a robbery or they just come to molest her or whatever the case might be.”

As news of the tragedy spread, government officials visited the family and expressed condolences.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, described the killing as a horrific act that should never have occurred.

Persaud said the Childcare and Protection Agency is working with the family and pledged the government’s full support.

“There is loss, there’s grief, there’s pain. It’s very emotional for all of us because, for me, no child should lose their life, no time.”

Meanwhile, Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond, said she had directed the Guyana Police Force to utilise every available resource in the investigation.

“The brutal killing of Adriel has deeply saddened and disturbed me,” Walrond said in a statement.

“This was a horrific act of violence that has left a family grieving, a community in mourning, and a nation struggling to comprehend the loss of such a young and innocent life.”

She urged anyone with information that may assist investigators to come forward.

“Even the smallest detail may prove critical in securing justice for Adriel and his family.”

Police said efforts to locate the suspect are continuing.

“This happened and it shouldn’t happen. There is no other way to look at it. It shouldn’t happen. Whoever did this is monstrous,” she told reporters.

Our environment, our responsibility

AS the world marked World Environment Day 2026 yesterday, the international community’s call for environmental action is resounding and unmistakable: climate change, loss of biodiversity and land degradation are not just environmental issues but social and economic crises, with women and girls bearing the brunt.

The warning from UN Women is timely and urgent. Climate-related disasters are threatening food security, livelihoods, health and personal safety around the world. Vulnerable communities, especially those with the least capacity to adapt, are being hit hardest by droughts, floods, contaminated water supplies and declining agricultural productivity.

More and more studies are showing how climate shocks can lead to increased rates of child marriage and higher temperatures are associated with higher risks of premature births and stillbirths.

For Guyana, these realities are not distant matters. Internationally, the country is renowned for its extensive forest cover, Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and leadership in climate and biodiversity conservation, but it is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

Most Guyanese live in coastal communities that are threatened by rising sea levels. Flooding that occurs more often affects farming, infrastructure and public health.

Extreme weather events are putting

‘The

increasing pressure on rural communities and indigenous villages, whose livelihoods depend on natural resources.

Women are often at the frontline of these challenges. Women are key to feeding households and building resilient communities, from farmers to caregivers, entrepreneurs, educators and community leaders.

In hinterland and riverine communities, indigenous women are custodians of traditional environmental knowledge and make a significant contribution to conservation efforts.

But they frequently face barriers to land ownership, financing, leadership roles and decision-making.

The global call by UN Women rightly points out that climate action and gender equality go hand-in-hand.

There’s no real climate justice when half the population is excluded from leadership, resources and opportunities.

Therefore, environmental policies should ensure that women are not only beneficiaries of climate programmes, but also active contributors to the design and implementation of solutions.

But climate action is not only the task of governments and international organisations. And it starts in our homes, schools, workplaces and communities.

On this World Environment Day, Guyanese are challenged to take on one of the simplest, yet most impactful environmental

actions available: composting household organic waste.

This appeal highlights an often-missed aspect of environmental stewardship, our own waste habits of the day.

Information from landfill operations under the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development show that landfill sites in Guyana receive between 1,500 to 3,000 tonnes of waste daily.

Much of this waste is made up of biodegradable materials, such as fruit and vegetable peels, food scraps and cardboard.

Much of it is no good for a landfill. Organic waste degradation in landfill sites results in environmental pollution and greenhouse gases emission. But these materials can be converted into nutrient-rich compost for home gardens, agriculture and landscaping.

However, various composting methods show how average homes can convert kitchen scraps and cardboard into Organic Miracle Garden Soil in less than three months.

Dozens of families have already taken part in the initiative reducing the amount of waste going to landfills and producing valuable compost for productive use.

Such grassroots efforts merit our recognition and assistance. They are closely aligned with Guyana’s broader sustainability goals, enhance food security and encourage citizens to take ownership of environmental protection.

More importantly, they remind us that environmental responsibility is not the preserve of government policies or international conferences. It is embodied in the choices people make every day.

While Guyana continues to undergo rapid economic change, environmental sustainability must remain a key pillar of national development.

Economic growth and environmental stewardship are not competing priorities, they are two sides of the same coin that must go together.

Investments in the long-term prosperity of the country include biodiversity conservation, waste reduction, women empowerment, strengthening community resilience, and promoting sustainable practices.

World Environment Day is a time to reflect and to act. Our job is simple: build a cleaner, more resilient and more equitable society where environmental protection and social justice are inseparable.

Climate justice is gender justice. Citizen participation is essential for achieving environmental sustainability.

Lasting change starts with the decisions we make today, whether in the boardroom, the village council, the farm, or just in our own backyard compost bin.

The future of Guyana’s environment will not be decided simply by policies written on paper.

It will be the product of the collective actions of its people.

planet cannot wait, the time to act is now’ –President Ali issues urgent climate call on World Environment Day

AS Guyana joined the international community in observing World Environment Day 2026 on Friday, President Dr Irfaan Ali issued a stark warning on the escalating threat posed by climate change, while reaffirming the country’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.

In a video message, the President said the world is at a critical juncture, with extreme weather events providing undeniable evidence of a deepening global climate crisis.

“There could never be a more urgent moment than now for nations to demonstrate ambition in confronting the global

crisis. Climate change is here. We see it in rising sea levels, we witness it in the raging storms that lead to devastating floods and landslides,” President Ali said.

“We experience it through prolonged seasons of drought and raging forest fires. Nature is sending a message to humanity. The question is whether humanity is listening now. Guyana is listening, and Guyana is acting,” he added.

The President highlighted Guyana’s environmental credentials, noting that more than 80 per cent of the country remains covered by forest, making it one of the world’s most important carbon sinks.

Describing Guyana’s forests as part of “the lungs of

the earth,” he said they play a vital role in absorbing carbon emissions, preserving biodiversity and supporting life on the planet.

“These forests are going to bring treasure to provide an invaluable service to humanity,” he stressed.

President Ali also pointed to Guyana’s freshwater resources as another critical asset in an era when water scarcity is becoming an increasing global concern.

He further highlighted the recently launched Global Biodiversity Alliance as an important platform for strengthening international co-operation on conservation and environmental protection.

According to the Pres-

President

Dr Irfaan Ali

ident, biodiversity loss represents a direct threat to humanity’s future and

requires coordinated global action.

Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 was also highlighted as evidence that environmental protection and economic growth can be pursued simultaneously.

“Guyana has demonstrated that development and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand through this strategy. Guyana proves that a nation can grow while protecting nature,” President Ali said.

He noted that while Guyana remains committed to safeguarding its natural resources, the country also recognises its responsibility to utilise those resources in a sustainable manner as part of the global response

to climate change.

The President stressed that climate action can no longer be delayed or deferred to future generations.

“The decisions we make today will determine the future security, prosperity, and survival of our people,” he said.

Against this backdrop, President Ali called on the international community to accelerate efforts to address climate change and environmental degradation.

“That is why World Environment Day 2026 must become a call to urgency. The planet cannot wait.

The time for hesitation has passed.

The time to act is now,” he stressed.

Eureka! Eureka!

Western journalism discovers the truth

HOW many buildings and military installations have been damaged in Israel since the US/Israel war with Iran began? The world does not know because the mainstream Western media are not reporting it? How many soldiers have been killed in Israel’s military incursion into South Lebanon? The world does not know because the Western mainstream media are not reporting it.

This has been the pattern with Western journalism since Israel became part of the ethnic and geopolitical Western world over 60 years ago. The world heard that Israel has one of the most formidable armed forces in the world. And we know that from Western media. The reality over those sixty years tells a different story. The reality of the decisive successes of Iran in attacking Israel since the war began is not shown to the world by the mainstream Western media. The battlefield success of Hezbollah in South Lebanon is not reported around the world.

Now, in a break with a tradition that is over 80 years old, the Western media, in the form of the BBC have resorted to telling the world just how successful Iran’s retaliation has been. In an article titled “Iran attacks damaged 20 US military sites since the start of the war, satellite images show”, the BBC describes Iranian military successes that no human living in the Western world believed they would ever see. I quote selected parts of the article

BBC Verify has used satellite imagery from other international providers combined with older images to track the damage caused by Iranian attacks. The facilities are in Saudi Arabia, the Unit-

ed Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq, Jordan, Bahrain and Oman. The actual figure could be higher, with some analysts placing the number of bases hit as high as 28.

“Among the valuable hardware damaged were three state-of-the-art anti-ballistic missile battery systems at the Al Ruwais and Al Sader airbases in the UAE and Muwaffaq Salti Airbase in Jordan. The US is known to operate only eight of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) batteries, which are deployed at bases around the globe and cost around $1bn (£766m) to manufacture. Each battery needs a crew of about 100 troops to operate it, while the interceptors it fires cost around $ 12.7m per round

Vice-Admiral Mark Mellett, the ex-head of the Irish Defence Forces, told BBC Verify that the batteries are at the core of a highly complex regional defence network that cannot be quickly or easily replaced”

“Elsewhere, Iranian attacks have also targeted Ali Al Salem Airbase and Camp Arifjan in Kuwait. Analysts at MAIAR identified destroyed fuel storage bunkers, aircraft hangars and troop accommodation in satellite images of the base, which was hit multiple times over the course of the conflict. And at Camp Arifjan, the defence intelligence company Janes identified extensive damage to satellite communications hardware.”

This is the first time a mainstream Western media organisation has brought this kind of reporting to the world. Since the Israeli bombing in Gaza right up to this date, the Western media have slanted their accounts of battlefield defeats by Israel. There are no records of

Israeli deaths on the ground in Gaza since ground troops went into Gaza. What we know is what Israel tells the Western media, which they accept without questioning.

At the moment, Israeli soldiers are being picked off in South Lebanon. Israel puts its death toll at 26. When Israel says that you know the figure is three times that number. What this war has shown is what the Western media have obfuscated for over 80 years - Israel is no great fighting machine. Here is a country that bombs civilian targets in Gaza and Lebanon, killing over a hundred thousand civilians, but cannot fight a real war.

The world will never see a military engagement between Israel and Iran. The outcome is easily predictable. Israel is a mere 8000 square miles. In modern warfare, 8000 square miles can be reduced to rubble from intensive aerial attacks within hours. The Gulf countries want the war to come to an end. It is these countries that are urging the US to pursue a ceasefire.

If the war continues, these Gulf states may no longer be viable countries. The total square miles of Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar are 39955. Put that at 40000. Iran could devastate 40,000 square miles in a day. Oman is 304 square miles, which is a tiny part of Mahaica. How can such a tiny enclave survive a war with Iran? For the fourth time, I ask, why doesn’t Iran finish the job?

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.

Nandlall praises Cabinet outreaches as model of ‘representative politics’

–– says direct engagement with citizens remains a cornerstone of PPP/C governance

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, SC, has defended the government’s nationwide outreach strategy, describing the recent engagements in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) as a demonstration of representative politics, accountability, and transparency in governance.

Speaking during his weekly programme, Issues in the News, Nandlall contended that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration has maintained a direct connection with citizens by taking government services and decision-makers into communities across the country.

“We believe that we should do so in a direct manner,” Nandlall stated while outlining the philosophy behind the government’s outreach initiatives.

He explained that the government places significant importance on engag-

ing residents in their own communities rather than relying solely on interactions from government offices in Georgetown.

“We believe we should do so by going into the communities, the villages, the towns, the rivers, the creeks and all the areas where Guyanese live and interact with them in those communities,” he said.

According to Nandlall, this approach allows government officials to gain a first-hand understanding of the issues affecting citizens.

“We believe that once we do that, we get a first-hand feel and a first-hand knowledge of the people’s issues, their challenges, their problems, and their concerns,” he noted.

The Attorney-General pointed to the frequency of ministerial visits throughout the country, explaining that Cabinet outreaches are supplemented by regular visits by ministers to communities across Guyana’s 10 adminis-

trative regions.

He described the outreach exercises as a long-standing feature of the administration’s governing style.

“These are not isolated events. These are events that occur with regularity. It’s a standard staple of our style of government,” Nandlall stated.

The latest exercise took place over two days, May 31 and June 1, in Region Seven, where members of Cabinet, presidential advisers, parliamentarians, senior technical officers, permanent secretaries and other public officials travelled throughout the region to meet with residents.

Nandlall explained that government representatives visited communities across the region to hear concerns and document issues raised by residents.

“That engagement would have addressed hundreds, if not thousands, of issues raised by residents.”

He noted that every major

village, locality and settlement in the region was visited by a member of the government, including President Dr. Irfaan Ali.

As part of the exercise, Nandlall visited the village of Isseneru in the Middle Mazaruni alongside Minister of Amerindian Affairs Sarah Browne, while also engaging residents of Four Miles, Bartica, with Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs.

The Attorney General explained that concerns raised during the outreach were subsequently reviewed by Cabinet during a meeting held on Sunday night and continuing into Monday morning.

According to him, issues documented by ministers and their teams were entered into a central dashboard and examined by Cabinet members.

“Those issues that would have been documented by those ministers and their staff were then entered into a dashboard, reviewed by Cabinet and actioned,” Nandlall explained.

He added that actions were authorised or directed in relation to each issue raised and that many matters were addressed immediately.

The following day, President Ali addressed residents during a community meeting in Bartica, where updates were provided on recommendations, solutions and actions arising from Cabinet’s deliberations.

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, SC, engaging residents during the government’s Cabinet outreach in Region Seven, where officials met with communities to address concerns and assess development needs

Reflecting on the initiative, Nandlall argued that the exercise represented a practical example of democratic governance.

“What you saw there over the past two days is representative politics. What you saw there is accountability and transparency in government at work. What you saw there was responsible government. What you saw there was government, the Cabinet, taking governance to the people,” he declared.

Nandlall further asserted that he was unaware of any comparable initiative elsewhere in the Caribbean or Commonwealth where an entire government travels into communities for several days to engage directly with residents and address their concerns.

“I don’t know of a parallel initiative in any part of the Caribbean or any part of the Commonwealth,” he said.

The Attorney-General also rejected suggestions that the administration has become disconnected from its grassroots base.

“So, when they speak about our government not engaging and our government not meeting the people, our government losing its grassroots philosophy, it cannot be true,” he stated.

Looking ahead, Nandlall announced that similar Cabinet outreaches are planned throughout the remainder of the year.

“Every month of this year, we will be going to a different region to execute a similar Cabinet outreach.”

Describing the initiative as an important component of the administration’s governing model, Nandlall maintained that the exercises demonstrate a commitment to citizen engagement beyond traditional government operations.

“That, my friend, is accountable and transparent governance. That is taking government to the people,” he said.

‘You can’t back corruption and fight it’ -TeixeiratellsWIN

— rejects claims that Guyana lacks anti-corruption

safeguards

—points to international progress, pending Integrity Commission reforms

MINISTER of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, has defended Guyana’s anti-corruption record, highlighting more than 15 pieces of legislation, internationally recognised reforms and plans to further strengthen oversight mechanisms as the government continues efforts to modernise governance and improve transparency.

Teixeira was responding to a series of questions from We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) Member of Parliament Tabitha Sarabo-Halley during Friday’s sitting of the National Assembly.

The minister rejected any suggestion that Guyana lacks an anti-corruption legal framework, noting that the country operates under a wide suite of legislation rather than a single law.

“Guyana has over 15 laws relating to anti-corruption and certainly, as we go on, we will reform and modernise as required,” Teixeira said.

She pointed to the Procurement Act of 2004 as a flagship example, noting that it separated ministers from the procurement process and was subsequently adapted by other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries.

“Guyana was the only Caribbean country that had a Procurement Act that separated the minister from the procurement process and it was an Act that was borrowed and adapted by all the CARICOM countries,” she said.

The minister argued that Guyana should “be proud” of its legislative record in combating corruption and stressed that existing laws are being actively utilised by the courts.

Teixeira also referenced several recent corruption matters before the courts, including one involving an opposition figure.

Among those is a matter involving WIN leader Azruddin Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed.

Mohamed, identified in court filings as Leader of the Opposition, and his father are wanted by United States authorities in connection with an 11-count indictment, including allegations of conspiracy, mail and wire fraud, and money laundering.

The extradition process was initiated on October 30, 2025, when the United States submitted its request to Guyana.

In response to Sarabo-Halley’s questioning, Teixeira referred to a document provided by the Minister of Home Affairs in written answers, which she said outlined several corruption matters involving “senior officials”.

“You can’t say we don’t want corruption, but when they’re charged, you’re backing them and protesting for them.

You can’t have two sides of the law,” she asserted.

ASSET DECLARATIONS

The minister further pointed out that several members of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) have yet to comply with the Integrity Commission’s asset declaration requirements.

“When we enter this House as MPs, we have to declare our assets. Why are some members of this House not declaring to the Integrity Commission and coming here to ask about anti-corruption and corruption?” she questioned.

She disclosed that the Government intends to bring amendments to the Integrity Commission Act to Parliament to strengthen the legislation and improve enforcement.

When pressed by Sarabo-Halley on what measurable improvements had resulted from the Government’s anti-corruption workshops, Teixeira highlighted a number of insti-

Crime Unit (SOCU), Auditor General’s Office and Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) continue to build capacity, strengthen databases and improve investigative systems.

In a final follow-up question, Sarabo-Halley asked whether the Government intends to establish an independent body for corruption investigations and asset recovery similar to the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA), which was closed following the change of administration in 2020.

tutional and international developments.

She said recent efforts have focused on digital transformation and new platforms to improve transparency, institutional strengthening of anti-corruption agencies, enhanced collaboration between the public and private sectors, public education, and stronger compliance and enforcement mechanisms.

Teixeira reported that Guyana had undergone a second review under the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) and had performed well.

“We have done well,” she said, noting that the review document would be published in due course.

She also cited Guyana’s participation in the Inter-American Convention against Corruption and its obligations under regional and international agreements, including the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF).

“We are bound by the treaties that we have signed and our progress is noted in terms of the improvements in collaboration and the improvements of the standards and the protocols,” she said.

Teixeira added that Guyana’s practices relating to the Auditor General’s Office, the Public Service Commission, the Integrity Commission and procurement bodies have been recognised as best practices in some international reports.

The minister argued that while cultural and behavioural change takes time, institutions such as the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Special Organised

Teixeira dismissed SARA as a failed model, claiming it expended “hundreds of millions of dollars” without producing a single investigation or court case under the previous APNU-led administration.

“It spent hundreds of millions of dollars, did not bring one case, one investigation, and it was closed down. So SARA is not a

good model,” she said. She also criticised the legislation establishing SARA, arguing that it granted its Chief Executive Officer powers that exceeded those of constitutionally appointed office-holders such as the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Commissioner of Police.

While reiterating that the Government intends, at the appropriate time, to establish an anti-corruption unit informed by international best practices and local experience, Teixeira made it clear that the SARA framework would not be replicated.

Development Bank Bill tabled to expand access to zero-interest loans

—Legislation paves way for up to $3 million in micro-credit financing for small businesses and entrepreneurs

THE Government, on Friday, tabled the Guyana Development Bank Bill 2026 in the National Assembly, advancing plans to establish a dedicated financial institution aimed at expanding access to credit and supporting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, tabled the proposed legislation which forms part of the government’s broader agenda to empower citizens and create greater opportunities for participation in the country’s expanding economy.

Under the bill, the Guyana Development Bank will provide SMEs and aspiring entrepreneurs with access to micro-credit loans of up to $3 million at a zero per cent interest rate.

The programme will also pair financing with mentorship and training to help businesses grow and improve their chances of long-term success.

President Dr Irfaan Ali, while leading a Cabinet outreach in Region Seven earlier this week, reaffirmed that the bank is intended to support community-driven development by enabling residents to invest in small enterpris-

es, form consortiums and pursue larger projects collectively.

The initiative fulfils a commitment outlined in the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) manifesto to foster a more inclusive financial system that allows more Guyanese to access financing, savings and investment opportunities.

“The Guyana Development Bank will allow us to target you directly, so that you can benefit from soft loans that will allow you to invest in small businesses, that will allow you to come together in a consortium and do larger projects,” President Ali said.

The development of Guyana’s financial sector remains a key component of the government’s strategy to ensure citizens benefit from the country’s economic transformation. Access to financing is viewed as a critical pillar for the establishment, growth and sustainability of businesses, while also supporting household and individual economic empowerment.

Under the stewardship of the PPP/C administration, Guyana’s financial sector has recorded significant improvements across several key indicators.

Between the end of 2020 and the end of 2025,

total credit to the private sector grew by 104.7 per cent, driven by increased lending to the services, manufacturing, agriculture, mining and quarrying sectors. Lending for real estate mortgages also expanded significantly, increasing by 104.6 per cent over the same period.

Commercial bank deposits surged by 132.8 per cent by the end of 2025 compared with the end of 2020, reflecting rising incomes and growing confidence in the banking system.

Meanwhile, the ratio of non-performing loans declined from 10.8 per cent at the end of 2020 to 1.3 per cent by the end of 2025, supported by stronger economic activity following the pandemic and enhanced risk management practices within the financial sector.

These trends, the government noted, demonstrate the resilience of Guyana’s financial system and its growing role in supporting the country’s economic transformation.

The government said it remains committed to working with consumers, businesses and other stakeholders to strengthen the business environment and create opportunities for sustainable economic development.

Gov’t tables $54.9B supplementary paper to advance critical projects

—Funding targets housing expansion, gas-to-energy and other priority programmes

SENIOR Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, on Friday tabled a $54.9 billion Supplementary Financial Paper in the National Assembly, seeking parliamentary approval for additional spending to accelerate key development projects and programmes across the country.

The financial paper was presented during the fourth sitting of the Thirteenth Parliament as Supplementary Financial Paper Number One of 2026, which outlines funding requirements for several priority sectors as the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration seeks to advance its agenda during its new term in office.

The largest allocation being sought is $19.1 billion under the Office of the Prime Minister to provide additional resources for ongoing initiatives, including the Gas-to-Energy Project, which is expected to significantly reduce electricity costs for consumers when it becomes operational.

Another major component of the supplementary request is $17.5 billion for the housing sector to support an accelerated work programme.

This additional funding comes as the government pushes ahead with commitments outlined in its 2026 manifesto, including the expansion of housing schemes, the construction of 40,000 new homes, the elimination of housing application backlogs and the fast-tracking of pending applications across the country.

The housing sector had already received a record $159.1 billion allocation in Budget 2026, reflecting its importance within the government’s development agenda.

The supplementary paper also seeks $8.5 billion for the Ministry of Public Works.

Of this amount, $6 billion is earmarked for miscellaneous roads and drainage works, while $2.5 billion will be directed towards hinterland roads to improve connectivity and transportation access across the country.

Meanwhile, the Ministry

of Agriculture is seeking an additional $8.3 billion to strengthen support for the agriculture sector.

This proposed allocation includes $807.5 million for the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), $3 billion for the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), and $4.5 billion for the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA).

Further provisions are also being requested under the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation, including $600 million for the maintenance of coastal airstrips and $496.3 million to support water interventions, including the establishment and operation of water filling stations.

Additionally, the Ministry of Home Affairs is seeking $60 million to support an accelerated work programme for the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU).

According to the Ministry of Finance, the supplementary provisions are intended to sustain and expand investments that have been rolled out over the past five years and are continuing under the

US$761.7M deposited into NRF for first quarter of 2026

THE National Assembly was on Friday notified that the sum of US$761.7 million, representing profit oil for the first quarter of the year and royalty for 2025, was deposited into Guyana’s Natural Resources Fund (NRF).

Sums totalling US$761,716,332.92 were deposited as a result of the lifts from the Liza Unity, Liza Destiny, One Guyana and Prosperity Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels offshore Guyana.

In addition to this, US$110,893,513.30 was deposited into the NRF as royalty payment related to the 2025 fourth quarter production.

A total of 11 deposits were made between the period December 30, 2025 and March 31, 2026, with the first deposit being made on January 6, 2026, to the NRF. Ten of the deposits accounted for profit oil, while one was for royalty payment.

In keeping with the provisions of Section 33(2) of the NRF Act, the Ministry of Finance laid out the details

The National Assembly was on Friday notified that US$761.7M has been deposited into Guyana’s NRF for first quarter of 2026

of the deposits before the National Assembly on Friday.

The profit-oil receipts are from Guyana’s lifts of crude oil earned as profit, while the royalties are paid on a quarterly basis.

In 2025, Guyana received some US$2.1 billion in profit oil revenues supported by a total of 32 Government crude lifts from the country’s four producing Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels.

There were 260 lifts of crude oil overall from the Liza Destiny, Liza Unity, Prosperity and One Guyana

administration’s new term.

The investments, it was noted, span housing, transportation, agriculture, drainage and irrigation, healthcare, education, energy and digital transformation initiatives aimed at improving access to services and enhancing citizens’ quality of life.

The government said the additional resources requested through the supplementary paper will support intensified implementation of these programmes as development works continue across Guyana.

FPSOs during 2025, inclusive of a combined inaugural lift from the One Guyana vessel.

Of that total, the Government of Guyana executed 32 lifts, comprising six from the Liza Destiny, 11 from the Liza Unity, 12 from Prosperity and three from One Guyana.

The US$2.1 billion in profit oil comprised US$400.1 million from Liza Destiny, US$767.7 million from Liza Unity, US$824.4 million from Prosperity and US$133.6 million from One Guyana.

National reading assessments to guide literacy interventions

THE Ministry of Education’s National Literacy Department hosted the National Grades Two and Four Reading Assessments on June 3 and 4, 2026.

The assessments were designed to help the Ministry, schools, and teachers better understand how learners are developing in reading and writing.

According to the Department, the results will help identify learners who may require additional support and guide targeted literacy interventions across the country. The assessment was described as more than a test, serving as a tool to help children become stronger readers.

The Department noted that the assessment was administered as a groupbased classroom exercise, with clear and consistent instructions to ensure learn-

ers participated in a calm and organised environment.

This approach was used to promote fairness in administration, support standardisation across schools, regions and districts, and provide reliable national data.

For Grade Two learners, examiners read aloud while pupils listened and selected the correct answers in their booklets. Grade Four learners completed examiner-guided tasks as well as independent reading exercises, answering both multiple-choice and written-response questions.

Sir Roger Wong of St. Lawrence Primary School in Region Three said he fully supports the initiative, noting that the assessment examines not only reading but also comprehension and phonetic awareness, among other skills.

“It serves as a guide

for the teachers, even parents and even the learners themselves so they can understand areas that need improvement,” he said.

“This assessment, I think, is not just for those reasons which I mentioned, but it also sets the stage for the National Grade Six Assessment because it exposes the children to that kind of environment,” Wong added.

Meanwhile, Esther McCloud of Mahdia Primary School in Region Eight said the initiative would help teachers identify and address learning gaps.

“I think it’s a good initiative because the children will be able to complete an exam, and after that exam, the teachers, after receiving their grades, will be able to assist him or her in whichever area he or she falls back on or needs assistance with,” she said.

McCloud added that parents of Grade One learners who will soon enter Grade Two can begin preparing their children early for the assessment.

In Region Ten, Sarfina Bowling of One Mile Primary School described the assessment as a well-structured exercise.

According to Miss

Bowling, “The paper mainly focused on word recognition, rhyming words, listening, and reading comprehension, and some other areas.”

Continuing, she said, “For the pupils it will help them to know their strengths, and it will also help them to know what they need to work on, and

our school, as a whole, it will help us the teachers to know our pupils strength, their weaknesses and how we could put them in differentiated groups in our classroom, see who we really need to help, and see who, yes we’re going to help them although they would have done well,”

Demerara April Criminal Assizes conclude with 25 matters disposed

THE State disposed of 25 matters during the Demerara April 2026 Criminal Assizes, which opened on April 7 with 138 cases listed before six judges of the High Court.

According to a report from the Director of Public Prose-

cutions (DPP) Chambers, 20 of the matters were presented in the High Court, comprising 15 murder cases, two matters involving attempted murder with alternative counts of felonious wounding, and three sexual offence matters.

The remaining five cases were discontinued through nolle prosequi by the DPP.

The assizes resulted in 11 guilty pleas, three convictions, four not guilty verdicts by juries and one hung jury. A total of 20 accused persons

were involved in the matters disposed of during the session.

Before Justice Joy Persaud-Singh, prosecutors handled five murder matters. Four accused pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter. One of those offenders,

who had been a juvenile at the time of the offence, was sentenced to time served on remand, while three others are awaiting sentencing. The remaining accused was acquitted by a jury.

These matters were presented by State Counsel Padma Dubraj, State Counsel Nelissa Peterkin and State Counsel Aleria Heywood.

State Counsel Joy Williams, State Counsel Mtumika Lumumba and State Counsel Amya Manu prosecuted four matters during the assizes, including three sexual offence cases before Justice Jacqueline Josiah-Graham in the Sexual Offences Court and one murder matter before Justice Hessaun Yassin.

In one of the sexual offence trials, an accused charged with four counts of sexual activity with a child family member was convicted on two counts by a jury and sentenced to 17 years’ imprisonment on each count. The sentences are to run concurrently, and the court also ordered that he undergo anger management and rehabilitation programmes for sex offenders.

Another accused, who faced charges of sexual assault and rape, was acquitted by a jury on both counts. A third sexual offence matter remains ongoing.

Meanwhile, in the murder case before Justice Yassin, the accused pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment after the court applied the appropriate deductions for the guilty plea.

State Counsel Teneisha Saygon, State Counsel Fenton Budhram and State Counsel Geneva Wills prosecuted four matters before Justice Nicola Pierre, including three murder cases and one matter of attempted murder with an

alternative count of felonious wounding.

Two of the accused in the murder matters pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter and are awaiting sentencing, while another was acquitted by a jury. In the attempted murder case, the accused was unanimously found guilty on the alternative count of felonious wounding and is also awaiting sentencing.

Justice Sandil Kissoon presided over six matters, including five murder cases and one attempted murder matter. Three accused in murder cases pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

One was sentenced to 18 years’ imprisonment, another received a 30-year sentence with the possibility of parole after serving 25 years, while a third is awaiting sentence.

Another accused was convicted by a jury and is awaiting sentencing, while another matter ended with a hung jury, resulting in a retrial. The accused in the attempted murder matter was acquitted by an 11-member majority jury verdict.

The matters before Justice Kissoon were prosecuted by State Counsel Cicelia Corbin, State Counsel Latifah Elliot, and State Counsel Rodley Mathoo.

One murder matter was also prosecuted before Acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh. The accused pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter and is awaiting sentencing.

The DPP’s Office reported that all five matters discontinued by way of nolle prosequi involved sexual offences. In one case, the complainant had died, while in the remaining matters the complainants submitted written statements indicating that they no longer wished to proceed.

Training helping women turn skills into businesses

– childcare programmes, grants creating new opportunities through government’s care economy initiative

GOVERNMENT investments in childcare training and support programmes are helping women transform skills into sustainable businesses while creating safe and nurturing spaces for children.

Among those benefitting is Kerriann Hicks, owner of Kerri’s Daycare, who recently completed the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s Childcare Course through the Childcare and Protection Agency’s (CPA) Early Childhood Development Unit.

According to the ministry, Hicks now operates her own daycare facility, providing parents with peace of mind while offering children a safe environment to learn, grow and thrive.

Her success story reflects the broader objectives of the government’s expanding Care Economy initiative, which aims to create employment opportunities while strengthening childcare services across the country.

Speaking in a recent ministry video, Hicks said the training programme had a significant impact on her personal and professional development.

“I learned a lot about children, even a bit more. It taught me a lot of patience and kindness and how to deal with children a little bit more better. So, thank you,” she added.

Another beneficiary, Winette Cornelius, owner of Future Foundation Daycare and Playschool in Bartica, received a $200,000 grant last year to help upgrade her facility through the CPA’s Enhancement of Childcare and Early Learning Facilities and Development Services Grant.

According to the ministry, the investment has helped transform the daycare into a more enriching and welcoming environment for both teachers and

children.

The initiative forms part of a wider government strategy aimed at ensuring Guyanese, particularly women, can access training, develop new skills and become financially independent.

Programmes such as the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN), the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) and the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) continue to provide opportunities for women to pursue technical, entrepreneurial and academic development.

A key component of this effort is the government’s recently announced Care Economy: Co-Invest Initiative, which is designed to expand affordable childcare and eldercare services while creating employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.

The childcare facility enhancement grant programme also seeks to empower owners of early learning centres to improve their facilities, creating safer and more comfortable spaces for children.

Earlier this year, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to investing in women, children and vulnerable groups.

“Guyana’s children are the custodians of our future, and our women nurture and shape our destiny,” Dr. Singh said during the presentation of Budget 2026.

He noted that protecting, empowering and improving the wellbeing of women, children and senior citizens remains among the government’s highest priorities.

As part of its 2026 agenda, the government has committed $300 million towards expanding

Government investments in childcare training and support programmes are helping women in Bartica transform skills into sustainable businesses while creating safe and nurturing spaces for children

childcare services, including the construction of additional day and night care centres beyond Regions Three and Four.

Plans also include continued investment in child-friendly recreational spaces, expanded childcare training programmes and additional support for women through entrepre-

neurship initiatives, technical training and scholarships. Through these programmes, the government hopes to strengthen the care economy while creating new opportunities for women to build businesses, support their families and contribute to national development.

Man cleared of murder charge by jury

A 25-year-old man accused of fatally stabbing a Kwakwani resident has been acquitted of both murder and the lesser count of manslaughter following unanimous verdicts by a jury at the High Court in Demerara.

Daniel Hartman was found not guilty after a trial before Justice Joy Persaud-Singh.

Hartman had been charged with the murder of Ronaldo Marshall, called “Blacka”, a 28-year-old unemployed man of Kwakwani Waterfront, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), who died following a stabbing incident on April 3, 2025.

The unanimous verdict was returned after the jury considered arguments from both the prosecution and defence regarding whether Hartman acted in self-defence.

Representing the prosecution were attorneys Padma Dubraj, Aleria Heywood and Nelissa Peterkin, while attorney-at-law Tonza Sarrabo appeared for Hartman.

During the trial, the defence maintained that Hartman acted in self-defence and argued that the prosecution had failed to disprove that account beyond a reasonable doubt.

The prosecution, however, contended that self-defence had been disproved.

State attorneys pointed to the severity of the injuries sustained by Marshall, the

words allegedly uttered by Hartman while inflicting the wounds, and the fact that Hartman himself suffered no injuries during the confrontation.

The prosecution further argued that the force used was disproportionate to any threat allegedly posed by Marshall.

According to the prosecution’s facts, the incident occurred on April 3, 2025, at a house owned by Hartman at Kwakwani Waterfront.

On the day in question, at approximately 21:30 hours, Hartman returned from Georgetown and saw Marshall in his house. He approached Marshall and told him that he cannot stay there, after which an argument ensued between them.

Nicholas Hartman, Daniel Hartman’s brother, initially permitted Marshall to stay at the house while he searched for employment. During the dispute between the two men, Nicholas attempted to speak with them about their behaviour before leaving the residence.

According to an eyewitness, Marshall visited her shop later that evening to purchase a Turbo drink. Shortly afterwards, Daniel Hartman approached Marshall, carrying a Guinness bottle and told him that he did not appreciate him staying at his house.

Daniel Hartman then left the shop and went to secure his home. About five minutes

later, he returned, opened the door, and Marshall followed him inside, where he allegedly dealt Daniel Hartman a “cuff” to the back of his head.

The eyewitness alleged that Daniel Hartman then dealt Marshall a “cuff” to the face, causing him to fall to the ground. While Marshall was on the ground, Daniel Hartman allegedly kicked him several times, during which his hand was moving as though he was stabbing Marshall.

The witness further alleged that Daniel Hartman told Marshall, “When I done with you, hey… you gon dead.” After witnessing the incident, the woman reportedly closed her shop and approached Nicholas Hartman to inform him of what she had observed.

Police subsequently contacted Daniel Hartman at Kwakwani Waterfront on April 4, 2025. After being informed of the allegation and cautioned in accordance with the Judges’ Rules, he reportedly admitted to using a knife to inflict injuries on Marshall.

A post-mortem examination conducted on April 7, 2025, by Dr Nehaul Singh determined that Marshall died from haemorrhage and shock due to multiple incised wounds. The examination revealed 13 incised wounds, six of which penetrated body cavities.

Skeldon Line Path Secondary student ‘cops’ National Youth Environmental speaker title

RANDY Mangal of Skeldon Line Path Secondary School has been declared the National Youth Environmental Speaker for 2026 under Recover Guyana’s SHOUT competition.

In celebration of World Environment Day on Friday, Recover Guyana hosted the fourth edition of the competition, where the top finalists were given the opportunity to share their ideas and lend their voices to the development of a greener, healthier and more sus-

ronmental awareness and sustainable action. What makes SHOUT truly special, he said, is that it has never just been about speeches; Dr Lalltoo said, “SHOUT is about impact, SHOUT is about action, SHOUT is about taking ideas off the stage, and transforming them into measurable solutions that improve schools, communities and lives.”

He noted that this year marked one of the most exciting and transformative moments in

programme has empowered young people from every region and educational district to become environmental advocates, innovators and changemakers, Dr Lalltoo said.

Mangal was among the top four finalists in this year’s competition. Each finalist was asked: “How would you incorporate STEM-based solutions in the execution of your project idea to address the major environmental issues affecting your school environment, should you be given $1

tainable Guyana.

SHOUT began four years ago with the simple yet powerful belief that young people in Guyana are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but the changemakers of today.

Recover Guyana believes that if students are given a platform, support and opportunities, they will rise to speak boldly about the environmental challenges affecting their schools, communities and country.

SHOUT Project Lead, Dr Dave Lalltoo, in his opening remarks, said that to date, 110 national finalists representing public and private schools across Guyana have competed for the prestigious title of Guyana’s Youth Environmental Speaker, creating a truly national platform for youth leadership, envi -

SHOUT’s history, with students participating in one of the programme’s most extensive capacity-building initiatives. Participants engaged in hybrid sessions focused on environmental literacy, STEM integration, public speaking, confidence-building, leadership and sustainability. Through interactions with experts, industry representatives and environmental practitioners, students gained practical insights into the real environmental challenges and opportunities facing Guyana.

As SHOUT continues to grow, so too does the strength of the partnerships supporting it. Implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Education and supported by ExxonMobil Guyana, the

million to do so?”

Mangal’s project focused on converting waste into opportunity by promoting recycling, encouraging youth involvement in sustainability efforts and investing in technology to monitor waste sources.

Joining him in the top four were Bhoomika Singh of Tagore Memorial Secondary School, Brandon Holder of Hope Secondary School and Orlando Reynolds of President’s College, who placed second, third and fourth respectively.

Reynolds also captured the Best Speaker Award and the Go Green Award.

Holder received the Most Influential Speech Award, while Singh won the Environmental Impact Award.

Henry boys murder trial nears end as summation set for Tuesday

THE high-profile trial of Anil Sancharra and Vinod Gopaul, the two men accused of the 2020 murders of West Coast Berbice cousins Isaiah and Joel Henry, is approaching its final stage, with both defendants maintaining their innocence as attorneys seek to convince the jury ahead of deliberations.

The matter is being heard before Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall at the Berbice High Court.

After several weeks of testimonies, the prosecution, led by State Counsel Marisa Edwards, closed its case after calling 16 witnesses, including relatives of the slain teenagers, community members, police investigators, key witness Akash Singh, and government pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh.

cerning the boys’ movements and the events surrounding the search operation.

Medical evidence was presented by Dr Nehaul Singh, who testified that both teenagers died from haemorrhage and shock resulting from multiple chop wounds inflicted with a sharp object.

The pathologist’s findings highlighted the brutal nature of the killings and later became a significant component of the prosecution’s argument that the injuries were consistent with the account provided by Akash Singh.

Several police officers also took the witness stand to outline the course of the investigation. Rural Constable Devindra Paradat testified that he arrested Akash Singh and Vinod Gopaul on September 6, 2020, in relation to a firearm matter. Inspector

and Gopaul to a marijuana camp in the backdam and that the Henry cousins later encountered the men there. According to Singh, an exchange took place before the teenagers were attacked and killed.

His account became the central issue in the trial, with both the prosecution and defence focusing heavily on whether the jury should accept or reject his version of events.

Following the close of the prosecution’s case, Justice Morris-Ramlall called on the accused to present their defence.

Sancharra took the witness stand and spent two days giving evidence. During cross-examination by State Counsel Edwards, he repeatedly denied being present at the alleged crime scene and

MURDERED: 16-year-old Isaiah Henry and 19-year-old Joel Henry

Throughout the proceedings, the State sought to establish a chain of evidence through witness testimony from family members, residents, and investigators before relying heavily on the account of Akash Singh, whose evidence forms the foundation of the prosecution’s case.

Among those called to testify was farmer Indeejeet Singh, who told the court he saw Isaiah Henry and another youth pushing a bicycle toward the backdam on the day the cousins disappeared. Isaiah’s father, Gladstone Henry, recounted the desperate search undertaken by relatives and villagers before the bodies of the two teenagers were eventually discovered. Additional testimony came from relatives Winston Henry and Laurce Fullington, who provided evidence con-

Shane James detailed the arrest of Anil Sancharra in January 2021, while Detective Sergeant Alexie Anys and Sergeant Sheldon Harvey gave evidence regarding interviews, statements, and confrontations conducted during the investigation.

One of the lead investigators, Superintendent Rodwell Sarrabo, faced extensive cross-examination from defence attorneys, who challenged aspects of the investigation, including alleged discrepancies in records, the identification of the crime scene, and the handling of evidence.

However, the State’s case ultimately rested on the testimony of Akash Singh, who told the court he was present in the backlands when the killings occurred.

Singh testified that he had accompanied Sancharra

rejected Singh’s testimony in its entirety.

“Everything Akash Singh say is lie,” Sancharra told the court when asked about the witness’s evidence.

He further denied allegations that he instructed Singh to dispose of weapons or other evidence and rejected suggestions that he participated in any attack on the teenagers. Sancharra also challenged aspects of Singh’s account, including claims regarding where the witness was living during the relevant period.

Gopaul later testified and similarly denied any involvement in the murders.

He told the court that he had been arrested by Rural Constable Paradat on September 5, 2020, in connection with a firearm

Henry boys murder trial nears end ...

matter and remained in police custody until September 11. According to Gopaul, he could not have been involved in the killings because he was already detained when the murders occurred.

Gopaul said he only became aware of the case months later when he was arrested again in January 2021. He denied Singh’s allegations, denied instructing anyone to dispose of weapons, and maintained that he had been wrongly implicated.

During his testimony, Gopaul also alleged that he was assaulted while in police custody and pressured to sign documents, although he acknowledged signing a caution statement.

With the defence evidence completed, attorney Chandra Sohan addressed the jury on behalf of Gopaul.

Sohan argued that the prosecution had failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt and urged jurors to carefully examine what he described as sig -

nificant weaknesses in the State’s evidence.

The defence attorney questioned why records relating to Gopaul’s September 2020 detention were not produced and argued that the prosecution had failed to adequately address evidence suggesting his client was already in custody at the time of the murders.

He also pointed to what he described as inconsistencies in Akash Singh’s testimony and highlighted the absence of certain evidence from the preliminary inquiry.

According to Sohan, the jury should exercise caution before relying on the testimony of a witness whose account had changed on important details.

In response, State Counsel Edwards urged the jury to accept Singh’s evidence, arguing that his testimony was corroborated by other witnesses and supported by the medical findings presented during the trial.

She contended that Dr Nehaul Singh’s evidence

was consistent with Singh’s description of how the attack was carried out.

Edwards also referred to testimony from Winston Henry, who told the court that Singh approached him after seeing photographs of the murdered teenagers published in a newspaper.

The prosecutor argued that Singh’s account carried credibility because he implicated himself in criminal activity while describing the events and therefore had no reason to falsely accuse the defendants.

She further submitted that while the defence had focused on discrepancies and record-keeping issues, those matters did not undermine the central elements of the prosecution’s case.

Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall is expected to sum up the evidence and provide legal directions to the jury on Tuesday before jurors retire to deliberate and determine the fate of the two accused men in the brutal slaying of the Henry cousins.

From waste mountains to power plants: How China transforms waste treatment in a decade China Focus…

ONCE a looming 110-meter-high mountain of waste -- rivalling a 30-story skyscraper -- towered over Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong Province. Today, that eyesore is gone, soon to be replaced by

a cutting-edge digital industry park and a lush ecological green valley.

Hundreds of kilometers

away in the province’s capital city of Guangzhou, a chimney at a waste incineration plant has been turned into a

120-meter-high tower, where visitors can sip coffee while enjoying a panoramic view of the garden-like facility that processes 8,000 tonnes of household waste every day. Few could have ever imagined such a place nestled within a national 3A-level tourist attraction.

These are not isolated green stunts, but vivid signs of a fundamental shift in how China manages its mounting garbage -- from simply burying it to mining it for energy, materials, and even more.

DIGGING UP THE PAST

Chinese cities were once haunted by “garbage siege” as landfills overflowed with untreated waste.

By way of example, the four first-tier cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen each generate more than 20,000 tonnes of household waste per day. If piled one meter high, a single megacity’s daily garbage could cover 20 standard soccer fields, according to data released in 2025.

Yet despite this massive volume, landfilling of waste has become a thing of the past.

In Shenzhen, the levelled waste mountain was Yulong landfill, the city’s first domestic waste dump. Operated from 1983 to 1997 and capped in 2005, it held 2.55 million cubic meters of waste.

The landfill used to be the city’s edge, but now it’s surrounded by high-rises due to the city’s expansion, according to Cao Yongmin, a designer of the landfill’s environmental restoration project.

The project, China’s largest landfill excavation project, officially started in 2024. Each day, 6,000 tonnes of waste are dug up, with light combustibles such as plastics and rubber being sent to nearby incinerators for power generation.

“This is not just about settling environmental debts, but also about reclaiming space for development,” said Rao Yiming, an official with Qingshuihe Subdistrict in Luohu District, where the landfill is located.

The restoration project is expected to be completed by the end of this year, freeing up about 300,000 square meters of land for a planned digital industry cluster and an ecological green valley, Rao said.

Similar transformations are taking place across the country. Beijing offers another striking example: The site of the Beijing Garden Expo Park was once one of the city’s largest sources of windblown sand, littered with gravel pits and waste dumps.

As millions of tonnes of construction waste were recycled to shape the terrain, sandpits turned into scenic spots, and aquatic plants introduced to filter water, the site has been turned from a sandstorm source into an ecological park in about three years, said Hu Zhenxing, an official from the Beijing Fengtai cultural tourism group.

Today, none of the four megacities operate landfills that receive untreated garbage. Furthermore, such restoration efforts reflected a national trend -- China is rapidly clearing its historical waste backlog.

To date, more than 80 per cent of Chinese cities have completed the remediation of aged waste mountains, with landfill capping and ecological restoration becoming mainstream.

TURNING WASTE INTO WATTS AND MORE

So where does all that waste go? Instead of being simply buried, most of China’s household waste is now incinerated -- not the dirty

From waste mountains to power ...

and smoky kind of the past, but a high-tech process that generates electricity, heat, and even construction materials.

There is an eco-industrial park in Foshan City, Guangdong, that treats 4,500 tonnes of household waste every day. It not only makes electricity, but also high-temperature steam, which is fed through a pipeline network to nearby factories, replacing fossil fuels in a cascading energy cycle.

At an incineration plant in Shanghai Laogang Waste Disposal Base, the entire process -- from automatic unloading and fermentation to incineration and emissions monitoring -- is largely unmanned. Pollutants in the flue gas are near zero, outperforming both national and EU standards.

Such scenes were unimaginable a decade ago, said Jin Yiying, an associate professor at the School of Environment, Tsinghua University.

In 2010, China had just 119 household waste incineration plants, handling only 20 per cent of all waste, with landfilling being dominant. At the time, one of the main barriers to waste incineration was the public’s fear of toxic smoke, according to Jin.

Nowadays, modern incinerators maintain furnace temperatures above 850 degrees Celsius, ensuring that dioxins are completely decomposed. Any trace amounts that re-form as flue gases cool are captured by activated carbon and bag filters, and heavy metals and acidic gases are trapped through other solutions.

“Only clean smoke is released into the sky,”

China announces holding of over 100 events to boost imports

From page 20

said Wu Yuefeng, deputy general manager of the managing company of the Laogang waste disposal base.

Even the ash is put to use. Bottom ash, accounting for about 20 per cent of the waste, contains iron, copper, aluminium and even trace amounts of gold and silver.

At the Fushan Circular Economy Industrial Park in Guangzhou -- the facility with the coffee-serving observation tower -- the 600,000 tonnes of ash produced in 2025 were processed into eco-friendly brick materials for roads and buildings.

Zhong Zhuoyan, general manager of the park’s operating company, added that they truly squeeze every last drop of value from the waste.

Official data has shown that by November 2025, incineration had accounted for 78.1 per cent of China’s urban household waste treatment capacity, up 19.2 percentage points from the end of 2020.

China now accounts for about 60 per cent of global waste incineration capacity, far surpassing the combined total of Europe, the United States and Japan.

Moving from garbage siege to the disappearance of waste mountains, China has accomplished in 10 years what took developed countries 30 years, experts said, noting that during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), China’s waste treatment sector is set to further shift from harmless disposal to resources recovery.

These dynamic changes are painting a rosy picture of a Beautiful China.

CHINA’S Ministry of Commerce said Thursday that over 100 events aimed at boosting the nation’s imports are to be held in 2026, bringing more high-quality goods from around the globe to Chinese enterprises and consumers.

The first overseas event will take place in Belarus on June 7, followed by another in Germany on June 11, marking the events’ debut in the European Union, ministry spokesperson He Yongqian said at a press conference.

The events, themed

“Exports to China”, will build platforms and bridges for companies from around the world to expand exports to China, enabling countries to further benefit from China’s development, she said.

International enterprises are welcome to participate in the events, and continue to attend key exhibitions in China, such as the China International Import Expo, for the benefit of both sides, she added.

The ministry has organised similar events in Chinese cities such as Beijing and Hangzhou.

Ran’s 15s series in Barbados…

Green Machine gets into action today (Saturday)

GUYANA’S National Rugby 15’s team returns to action today when they tour Barbados Rugby Americas North 15’s championship.

Captain of the country’s green machine 15’s squad Rondel MacArthur says they are ready to taste success this year, adding that after their Bermuda game in Guyana, the unit did targeted training.

As such, he said, they are better prepared for the game.

“The team has been working extensively on some misdeeds that we would have done during the Bermuda game; the coaches would have worked with some key players and some key strategies in order to prepare for Barbados coming up this weekend. I think the guys are fit, ready and set to go. In the morning once we put it together we could come out victorious,” he said.

Assistant coach of the team and former national player Elwin Chase says, “In terms of preparation, the weather hampered us a great deal; parts of Guyana were underwater, including our rugby field. We are trying to see if we can have better facilities than here. When it comes to seasons like this, when the rain is falling heavily, we are trying to

make do with what we have. We had some successful training sessions where we had a full complement of players, so preparation was good.

They opened their campaign last month at the national park rugby field against Bermuda, losing 9-5.

After their clash in Barbados, Guyana will return home to face Trinidad and Tobago.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Saturday June 06, 2026)

West Indies Women Triumph in Evara International Tri-Series

(CWI) - West Indies Women were crowned winners of the 2026 Evara International Tri-Series involving Ireland and Pakistan on the back of dominant wins in their first two matches to finish atop the standings and lift the trophy in Dublin on Thursday.

Storming to victory by 8 wickets against hosts Ireland in their first encounter on May 28th, the “Maroon Warriors” then defeated Pakistan the following day by 25 runs to put themselves firmly in control of the Tri-series.

This proved to be critical as the last three matches of the series were heavily impacted by rain, with the West Indies’ fourth and final match against Pakistan ending in a no result, and the final match of the series between Ireland and Pakistan being abandoned without a ball being bowled.

Despite narrowly losing their third encounter to Ireland by one run under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern Method, the West Indies finished with a higher net run rate than the hosts to secure the series victory.

Captain Hayley Matthews expressed her pleasure with the win and spoke about the confidence it gives the squad heading into the T20 World Cup.

Free Entry for Women to 2nd ODI of the Sri Lanka Series

CRICKET West Indies (CWI) is rolling out the red carpet for women across Jamaica with “Ladies Night” at Sabina Park on Saturday, June 6, offering free admission to the second One-Day International between the West Indies and Sri Lanka.

The special promotion forms part of CWI’s “WI OUTSIDE!” International Home Serries campaign, which is focused on bringing fans back to the game, creating memorable match-day experiences and celebrating the unique energy and culture that surrounds West Indies cricket.

Women can collect complimentary tickets for admission to the General Stands from the Sabina Park Box Office ahead of the match. (Offer does not apply to the Fan Zone or Party Stand.)

With the first ball scheduled for 2:30 p.m., patrons are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy a full day of action before the atmosphere shifts into party mode with DJ entertainment, drink specials and opportunities to win tickets to the upcoming T20 International Series.

The Maroon Men will also be aiming to continue their strong ODI form and build momentum in front of their home supporters, adding even greater significance to what promises to be an exciting contest under the lights.

CWI Chief Executive Officer Chris Dehring said the initiative reflects the organisation’s commitment to making cricket more accessible while creating a dynamic entertainment experience for fans.

“Ladies Night is about celebrating and

rewarding the women who continue to support West Indies cricket while creating an enjoyable and memorable experience for new and existing fans alike. As part of our “WI OUTSIDE!” campaign, we’re encouraging everyone to come together, show their West Indian pride and experience the excitement that only live cricket can provide.”

“It was truly inspiring to see the large number of school children in Sabina Park for ISSA Day on Wednesday, experiencing international cricket firsthand as part of our commitment to providing free entry for children to all matches this summer. We hope to see that same energy and enthusiasm from the women of Jamaica on Saturday night. We want Sabina Park buzzing, so we encourage women across the country to take advantage of this special offer, bring their friends and family, and help create an unforgettable atmosphere as the West Indies take on Sri Lanka”, said Dehring.

The promotion follows the outstanding response to ISSA Day during the opening ODI on June 3, when hundreds of school children attended the match free of cost through a partnership between CWI and the Jamaica Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA).

For the remainder of the International Home Series children aged 16 and under will receive free admission to every match across Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda, Guyana, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago when accompanied by a ticket-holding adult.

“We’re pleased to have secured the series win, which was our primary goal coming to Ireland. Despite the narrow loss in one match, it doesn’t define our performance. We used the tour to finalise our batting lineups and make the adjustments we needed. Posting our third-highest total ever has given us real confidence heading into what promises to be a big World Cup.”

The triumph represents a significant milestone for the team as they continue to build and establish themselves leading into the global tournament in England and Wales.

Head Coach Shane Deitz praised the performance of the team and in particular the readiness of all 15 players to contribute significantly to the team’s overall success.

“Over the four games, I thought we played some great cricket. We tried some new options and combinations and most worked well. All fifteen players got valuable time in the middle, and for the first time in my tenure as coach, all fifteen looked in solid form. We are in a good place going into the World Cup warm-up matches against India and Australia.”

The “Maroon Warriors” performed well with the ball with several players contributing in multiple matches, including Zaida James, Chinelle Henry, Jahzara Claxton, Qiana Joseph and Shawnisha. In match one they managed to restrict their opponents to 103 in 17 overs, a score they were able to comfortably chase.

Against Pakistan in the second fixture, the diverse bowling attacked kept taking timely wickets to contain Pakistan’s batting lineup, holding them to 174 for 8 in 20 overs in an unsuccessful chase of the Women’s third highest total in T20 Internationals of 199 for 6.

With the bat, valuable contributions came throughout the series from Hayley Matthews (82 and 40); Jannillea Glasgow (42 and 36); Stafanie Taylor (39); and Chinelle Henry (33), showcasing improved depth in the batting line-up, which was an area of focus for the coaching staff in the lead up to the Tri-series.

The West Indies returned to Wales to continue their preparation for the World Cup with two warm-up matches against India on June 8th and Australia on June 10th, before their first group-stage encounter against New Zealand on June 13th.

SOUTH AFRICA

RACING TIPS

GREYVILLE

08:15 hrs Heavenly Mafia 08:50 hrs Father Christmas

09:25 hrs Royal Sword

10:00 hrs Ferrari Flair 10:35

hrs Sparks Fly

BYD joins CPL as original vehicle sponsor

BYD, a global leader in new energy vehicles, is proud to announce its partnership as the Official Car Sponsor of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2026. This milestone marks a significant step in strengthening BYD’s presence across the Caribbean, aligning the brand with one of the region’s most celebrated sporting events.

The CPL tournament will take place across eight countries in 2026, including key BYD markets of Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana, Barbados, Antigua & Barbuda, and Saint Lucia. Through this partnership, BYD aims to integrate innovation, sustainability, and cultural relevance into a unified regional campaign.

Leveraging the passion and energy of cricket, BYD will roll out a series of high-impact activations, including stadium displays, interactive fan experiences, vehicle showcases, and digital campaigns. These initiatives are designed to not only enhance brand visibility but also drive meaningful engagement and lead generation across all participating markets.

A key highlight of the campaign will be the “Wrap the Future: BYD x CPL Design Challenge”, inviting creatives across the Caribbean to design custom vehicle wraps inspired by cricket, Caribbean culture, and the future of mobility. Winning designs will be brought to life on BYD vehicles and show-

cased during CPL matches, road activations, and digital campaigns.

The partnership will also feature dealership-based activations, including CPL viewing parties, test drive campaigns, and exclusive fan experiences. These initiatives will create multiple touchpoints for customers to engage with BYD’s innovative vehicle lineup while connecting with the excitement of the CPL tournament.

Through this collaboration, BYD continues to reinforce its commitment to sustainable mobility while embedding itself within the cultural fabric of the Caribbean. The CPL platform provides a unique opportunity to connect with communities, inspire creativity, and drive

BCB Under 19 Tournament and Life Development Programme…

BCB/Guyana Breweries Inc/Smalta Sponsor

THE Berbice Cricket Board on Thursday last obtained sponsorship for two major events in it’s list of activities for the calendar year.

The Guyana Breweries Inc under it’s non-alcoholic brand, Smalta handed over sponsorship for the BCB Under 19 tournament, which is ongoing and for a life development programme for training youth cricketers in the ancient county.

BCB President DR. Cecil Beharry was accompanied by chairman of the Junior Selection Committee, Balram Samaroo for the presentation ceremony at the Guyana Breweries Inc Berbice branch at 100.2 Village, Canje. The BCB President hailed the two sponsorship as a major boost in the overall development of Berbice Cricket. The Smalta Under 19 tournament started earlier this year with over twenty teams participating in four sub-zones - West Berbice, New Amsterdam / Canje, Lower Corentyne and Upper Corentyne. The top two teams from each sub zones advanced to the quarterfinals. Albion, Rose Hall Town Pepsi ‘A’, Tucker Park and Rose Hall Canje are the four teams in the semifinals.

The tournament has seen outstanding performances from players like Adrian Hetmyer, Romario Ramdehol, Richard Ramdehol, Ramzan Koobir, Micah Amsterdam, Vishal Williams, Shoaib Gaffoor, Antonio Depaul, Neathaniel Ramsammy, Thierry Henry, Feaz Baksh, Gilbert Griffith, Asif Marimuthu, Arif Khan, Afzal McKenzie. Samaroo, the head of the BCB junior selection committee disclosed that the county Under 19 team was selected mainly on the outstanding performance in the Smalta Tournament. He hailed the support of the company and for their interest in cricket development. Smalta sponsorship, Samaroo noted has assisted the county to have at least six players on the national team for the upcoming CWI regional tournament.

The company also handed over a sponsorship cheque for the hosting of a life development seminar for eighty youth cricketers.

both brand awareness and commercial growth.

ATL Automotive and its regional teams will work closely with BYD to execute this campaign, ensuring consistency, scale, and impactful delivery across all markets.

ATL Automotive

Stephen Hector, Group Strategic Marketing and Digital Growth Director, ATL Automotive, “We are delighted to continue our partnership with the Caribbean Premier League for a second consecutive year. Cricket remains one of the Caribbean’s greatest passions, and for BYD, this partnership creates a unique opportunity to connect with audiences through a platform that blends innovation, entertainment, energy, and community spirit.

As a global leader in electric mobility, BYD is proud to align with one of the region’s most dynamic sporting properties, reinforcing our commitment to smarter and more sustainable transportation while engaging fans across the Caribbean in meaningful ways.

This partnership is a natural fit for BYD as a brand built on innovation and forward-thinking mobility, and we are excited about the opportunities this season will bring both on and off the field.”

Republic Bank CPL

Dr Tara Wilkinson-McLean, Head of Partnerships,

Caribbean Premier League said, “We are delighted to welcome BYD back as the Official Car Partner of the

Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League for the 2026 season. BYD’s commitment to innovation, sustainability and community engagement aligns perfectly with the values of the CPL and our vision for the continued growth of the tournament across the Caribbean.

“The partnership goes beyond traditional sponsorship, creating exciting opportunities for fans to engage with the brand through unique activations, experiences and initiatives such as the ‘Wrap the Future’ design challenge. We look forward to working closely with BYD and ATL Automotive to deliver a memorable campaign that celebrates both Caribbean cricket and the future of mobility.”

GBA, Prison Service partner to promote sport development

The seminar would be organized by the Cricket Development Committee of the BCB as part of it’s developmental programme for 2026. The seminar would cover a wide range of topics including the importance of education, personal hygiene, importance of discipline, public speaking, financial planning, basic public manners and drug abuse.

BCB President DR. Beharry stated that the seminar would be held at a central venue in the county and attendance would be compulsory for all players. The BCB, he stated was committed to the development of every youth cricketer in the county, on and off the cricket field. He noted that the board with the assistance of the government of Guyana has several coaches across the county to make sure that every potential cricketer is properly prepared to play at the highest level. Participation in the life Development seminar would cater for the development of all rounded individuals who can represent Berbice, Guyana and the West Indies at any level.

The BCB President also disclosed that his administration has obtained sponsorship to reprint more copies of it’s historic coaching manuals. The BCB in 2021 created history in the West Indies when it published it’s own coaching manual. DR. Beharry stated that hundreds of youth players in the county would shortly be receiving their own manual to allow them to practice at home on their batting, bowling and fielding.

Regional Manager Albert Budhoo in brief remarks stated that the Guyana Breweries Inc was delighted to be associated with Berbice Cricket. He expressed delight at the organizing skills of the BCB for the ongoing Smalta Under 19 Tournament and the Smalta brand. He spoke broadly of the importance of the Life Development Seminar and indicated that his company were prepared to sponsor similar programmes in the future.

Budhoo urged all youth cricketers in the county to take advantage of the hard work of the BCB.

THE Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) has taken another significant step in its efforts to revive boxing within the nation’s prison system, with President Steve Ninvalle on Wednesday handing over a quantity of boxing equipment to the Republican Boxing Gym.

The presentation was made to former national champion and current prison boxing coach Wincel Thomas, who was accompanied by Prison Officer Adrian Thomas, as preparations intensify for the return of the Republican Boxing Gym to national competition.

The donation is expected to play a crucial role in helping the prison-based gym prepare for next month’s National Novices Championships, where it is set to make its first appearance after a lengthy hiatus from the local boxing scene.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Ninvalle said the equipment would provide much-needed support for a programme that has historically played an important role in rehabilitation and reform within the prison system.

“This equipment will certainly go a long way in helping to re-establish a very important arm of the Guyana Boxing Association. The prison boxing programme has always been more than competition; it has been about reform, discipline and creating opportunities for individuals to positively transform their lives,” Ninvalle stated.

The presentation forms part of a broader initiative being spearheaded by the GBA under Ninvalle’s leadership to reintroduce organised boxing within the nation’s correctional facilities.

Recently, the Association renewed efforts to revive prison boxing through a strategic collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs, headed by the Honourable Oneidge Walrond.

The initiative followed a meeting between Ninvalle and Minister Walrond, during which both parties discussed the reintegration of boxing as a key component of the Ministry’s wider prison reform and rehabilitation agenda.

The move represents a return to a pro-

gramme that previously delivered tangible results by using sport as a vehicle for personal development and rehabilitation.

Ninvalle described his discussions with the Minister as productive and encouraging, noting that her professional background as an Attorney-at-Law and former Magistrate allowed for a shared understanding of the positive impact sport can have on inmates.

“It was a very engaging and meaningful discussion,” Ninvalle stated, adding, “Minister Walrond fully understands the role sport can play in reforming lives, particularly within the prison system, and she was very receptive to the idea of bringing boxing back as a structured and impactful programme.”

“We’ve had success stories of boxing in the prisons and how much the sport has helped to transform the lives of those behind bars upon their release. Many of them are still involved in the sport,” Ninvalle said.

Despite producing several success stories over the years, the prison boxing programme experienced numerous challenges that eventually led to its dormancy.

The GBA is now seeking to reverse that trend with renewed governmental support and a structured development plan.

Importantly, he stressed that the return of prison boxing must be viewed primarily as a rehabilitation initiative.

“We want the prison boxing programme to be seen as a genuine reform initiative, one that gives individuals a second chance, a sense of purpose, and a pathway back into society. Prison should not represent the end of life’s opportunities, but rather a point where meaningful change can begin,” he explained.

According to Ninvalle, Minister Walrond has pledged the Ministry’s full support for the programme and is committed to establishing the structures necessary for its long-term sustainability.

“The Minister was very clear in her support. She is keen on putting the framework in place not only for participation at the Novices Championships, but also for longterm development, ensuring that inmates benefit from coaching, mentorship, and other GBA programmes,” Ninvalle added.

Warriors have all the goods to win GSL 2026

–– Head coach Agoram

HEAD coach of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, Prasanna Agoram, is confident in the team’s ability to defend their ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League title.

“I’m pretty sure this team has all the goods to go on and win the title. I’m never someone who’s going to take the reference of defending champions because we want to win the title again, and I want people to make the outside noise that Guyana has defended the

title because we are coming there with so much seriousness; we need to give the happiness to the fans, and we will do everything to see that we win the title.”

The team recently announced a 14-man squad for the upcoming edition of the homegrown competition.

Agoram who has been with the team for several years, said because of conditions at Providence, the coaching staff started shortlisting players in early February, and with early plan-

ning, they have all chances of coming out successful.

Warriors will not have an easy route to victory, as several top league winners are joining the GSL this year.

They will battle the likes of Pakistan Super League champions Lahore Qalandars, UAE-based Desert Vipers, a former International League T20 champions, Australian Big Bash League winners Perth Scorchers XI, and Major League Cricket San Francisco Unicorns, all top teams in their own league.

‘What we have to make sure of: we have the match

to the other four teams where they’re expected to have a lot of younger, talented, skilled players to showcase their talents in front of the world by performing for GSL,’ Agoram says.

The Warriors are one of five teams from around the world that will be vying for the title of GSL champions.

The Global Super League bowls off on July 23 and runs through August 1, with the winners pocketing 1 million US dollars in prize money and a diamond-encrusted oneof-a-kind trophy depicting the country’s majestic Kietuer waterfalls.

Enet 2026 National Squash Championship…

Big Guns win on Night T wo

By Sean Devers

NIGHT two of the Enet National Squash Championship continued on Thursday at the National Racquet Centre on Woolford Avenue, with several riveting matches as the Elite players showcased their skill sets.

Watched by another pleasing turn out, Elite players Larissa Wiltshire, Regan Pollard, Abosaide Cadogan, Akeila Wiltshire, Louis Da Silva, Emily Fung-A-Fat, Ashley Khalil, Nicholas Verwey, Kirsten Gomes, Jason-Ray Khalil, and Jason-Ray Khalil were all in Winner’s row.

In one of the most exciting matches on the night, Lester Lewis beat Egan Bulkan in the Men’s Open in an energy-sapping encounter that lasted five games.

The taller Lewis, who had lost to Nicholas Verwey earlier in the Evening, rebounded from a first game loss to take the second game 11-6.

Lewis and Bulkan engaged each very long rallies and powerfully executed drive during the fast-paced game.

Lewis displayed excellent speed and use of the court to counter good lobs from back of the Court from Bulkan who had Lewis scrambling forward to retrieve well placed drop shots, inches above the tin.

After losing 11,6, 11-6 in the second and third games, Bulhan found renewed energy to take an early lead with some good volleys which caught Lewis off-guard to the delight of group of raucous supports who had gathered just outside off the glass of Court three.

The 2-all scoreline set up the decider which had all the ingredients to create an electric atmosphere.

Number two-ranked Ashley Khalil (front) beat Safirah Sumner at the NRC on Thursday night (Sean Devers photo)

Both players, dripping with sweat, shrugged off exhaustion in a game highlighted by long rallies and which had the fans on their feet although there were two other matches being played at the same time on Courts Four and Five.

Neither lad would quit as the final game went to two match points and when last game ended at 12-10, there was a standing ovation for both players as Lewis would win 9-11, 11-6, 11-6, 7-11, 12-10.

In Women’s National Draw in Elite category number two ranked Ashley Khalil easily disposed of Safirah Sumner 11-1, 11-3, 11-0 while Abosaide Cadogan got the better of Lydia Fraser 11-6, 11-3, 11-6 and Akeila Wiltshire defeated Paige Mendonca 11-6, 11-4, 11-1.

The only upset of the night was probably when Jason van Dijk lost to Joshua Verwey 8-11, 11-8, 11-8, 11-9 in a gruelling Men’s Open match that went to five games

Alex Arjoon and number 1 ranked Mary Fun-a-Fat drew byes and were expected to go into action last night.

Results:

Men’s Veterans Over 40

Robert Fernandes def. Ryan Rahaman 11-1, 11-3, 11-4

Men’s Veterans Over 40

Javed Alli def. Sherwyn Caesar 12-10, 11-9, 11-13, 11-8

Men’s Open Draw

[8] Ethan Bulkan def. Reagan Rodrigues 11-2, 11-2, 11-4

Men’s Open Draw

Joshua Verwey def. [3] Jason van Dijk 8-11, 11-8, 11-8, 11-9

Men’s Open Draw

[7] Lester Lewis def. Egan Bulkan 9-11, 11-6, 11-6, 7-11, 12-10

Women’s Open Draw

Anna Perreira def. Tianna Da Costa 11-9, 11-2, 11-5

Men’s Open Draw

[1] Deje Dias (Demerara-Mahaica) def. Kristian Viapree 11-3, 11-8, 11-3

Women’s Open Draw

Ella Fernandes def. Kristina Cheeks 11-8, 11-9, 11-5

Women’s National Draw - Elite

[6] Abosaide Cadogan def. Lydia Fraser 11-6, 11-3, 11-6

Women’s National Draw - Elite

[4] Larissa Wiltshire def. Malia Maikoo 11-1, 11-5, 11-6

Men’s Open Draw

[4] Jonathan Antczak (Demerara-Mahaica) def. Maxwell Viapree 11-1, 11-5, 11-7

Men’s Open Draw

[6] Avinash Oditt def. Ingram Edwards 11-3, 11-4, 11-7

Men’s National Draw - Elite

[8] Regan Pollard def. Miguel Wong 11-7, 11-8, 11-6

Women’s National Draw - Elite

[5] Akeila Wiltshire def. Paige Mendonca 11-6, 11-4, 11-1

Men’s Open Draw

[2] Javid Rahaman def. Zion Hickerson 11-2, 11-3, 11-3

Men’s Open Draw

Nijad Bacchus def. Kalani Howard 11-5, 11-1, 11-2

Men’s National Draw - Elite

[7] Louis Da Silva def. Jason van Dijk 11-1, 11-3, 11-1

Men’s National Draw - Elite

[6] Nicholas Verwey def. Lester Lewis 11-5, 11-1, 11-3

Women’s National Draw - Elite

[3] Kirsten Gomes def. Tehani Munroe 11-5, 11-3, 11-3

Women’s Open New Ladies

Licia Ferreira-Bell def. Tekeisha De Leon 12-10, 11-7, 11-6

Women’s National Draw - Elite

[8] Emily Fung A Fat def. Zoey McDonald 11-5, 11-8, 11-5

Women’s National Draw - Elite

[7] Kaylee Lowe def. Rylee Rodrigues 11-1, 11-6, 11-7

Women’s National Draw - Elite

[2] Ashley Khalil (Demerara-Mahaica) def. Safirah Sumner 11-1, 11-3, 11-0

Men’s Veterans Over 50

Medhi Ramdhani def. Robin Low 11-6, 11-1, 11-4

Men’s National Draw - Elite

[5] Jason-Ray Khalil def. Javid Rahaman 7-11, 13-11, 11-5, 11-4

Men’s Open Draw

[5] Miguel Wong def. Sherwyn Caesar 11-7, 7-11, 11-6, 11-8

Green Machine gets into action today

Beharry Schools Football Tournament Heads to Berbice

The excitement is building in Zone 7 (East Berbice/Corentyne) as sixteen secondary schools prepare to compete in the highly anticipated Beharry Schools Cricket Tournament. Teachers, students, and officials recently gathered for a team briefing ahead of the opening round of competition.

Region 6 Coordinator Mr. Ameer Rahaman welcomed participants and thanked the teachers and students for attending the briefing. He encouraged all teams to compete with discipline, sportsmanship, and pride as they represent their respective schools.

Also addressing the gathering was Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) Secretary Mr. Ryan Algu, who expressed gratitude to the Beharry Group for sponsoring such a major tournament. He emphasized that competitions of this nature are critical for the development of youth cricket and provide a platform for identifying emerging talent throughout the region

BCB Chief Junior Selector Mr. Balram Samaroo informed the gathering that he will be attending matches throughout the tournament as part of efforts to identify promising young cricketers for future representation.

During the briefing, school representatives were given the opportunity to ask questions, raise concerns, and offer suggestions. Participants expressed appreciation to the organizers and sponsors for providing students with the opportunity to showcase their abilities in a structured and competitive

environment.

Round One Fixtures

Saturday, June 13, 2026

Skeldon Ground

Tagore Memorial vs Line Path – 10:00 hrs

Canje Ground

Vrymans Erven vs New Amsterdam –9:30 hrs

*Berbice High vs Canje – 1:30 pm

Port Mourant Ground

Black Bush vs Manchester – 9:30 hrs

Corentyne Comprehensive vs Port Mourant – 1:30 pm

Albion Ground

Lower Corentyne vs J.C. Chandisingh –10:00 am

Sunday, June 14, 2026

Canje Ground

Tutorial vs BEI – 10:00 am

The tournament will feature a total of 16 schools from across East Berbice and Corentyne, all vying for the opportunity to advance through the competition and ultimately claim championship honours

The overall mood at the briefing was one of enthusiasm and anticipation, with schools expressing their readiness and eagerness to begin competition.

With talented players on display and selectors in attendance, the tournament promises to be an exciting showcase of the future of cricket in Region Six

West Indies Women Triumph in Evara International Tri-Series