Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 06-07-2026

President Ali fully transparent about farming investments

President Dr Irfaan Ali showed off his roti-making skills on Saturday shortly after commissioning

was round and well-clapped (Photos: President Irfaan Ali/Facebook)

He

his

No proposal received on Suriname solely financing Corentyne bridge construction

-GoG maintains

THE Government of Guyana has reaffirmed that the proposed bridge across the Corentyne River must continue as a joint venture with Suriname, rejecting suggestions that only one country should assume sole responsibility for financing the project.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, the government said it has taken note of a recent statement from Suriname concerning the financing of the bridge and stressed that the project had, from its inception, been conceived as a shared undertaking between the two states.

“From the inception of this initiative, the bridge has been conceived as a joint project. Given its cross-border character, it has always been understood by both governments that the planning, financing, construction, operation, and management of the bridge would be matters for joint consideration and agreement,” the Foreign Affairs Ministry said.

Further refuting Suriname’s claim that discussions were held in May regarding its intention to pursue the

project independently, the ministry emphasised that the meeting focused on Guyana’s assistance in response to the severe flooding in Suriname.

“Guided by the spirit of friendship and good neighbourliness, [President Dr Irfaan Ali] reached out personally to offer Guyana’s assistance. During that meeting, Guyana proposed the immediate deployment of a technical team from the Ministry of Agriculture, including specialists in drainage and irrigation, to support Suriname’s response efforts and to make available portable pumps and other technical expertise to assist in mitigating the flooding,” the statement read.

Guyana noted that the Joint Technical Working Group established by the two countries remains mandated to continue discussions on the financial, technical and operational aspects of the project.

According to the statement, this confirms that financing has consistently been treated as an issue requiring joint deliberation rather than unilateral determination by either country.

“Guyana further recalls that dedicated bilateral discussions on the construction of the Corentyne River Bridge were formally advanced following the conclusion of the Memorandum of Understanding in 2020 between the Governments of Guyana and Suriname during the administration of President Chandrikapersad,” the statement said adding:

“The Government of Guyana stands ready to con-

tinue discussions in good faith through the agreed bilateral mechanisms with a view to advancing this transformational project for the benefit of the peoples of Guyana and Suriname.”

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event last week, President Ali had told reporters that he had received no official communication other than the existing understanding that the crossing is to be executed as

a shared initiative between the two states.

Last September, President Ali had met with Surinamese President, Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, in Nickerie, Suriname.

The two leaders at that engagement expressed their mutual commitment to further deepening the bilateral partnership to promote peace, security, and prosperity for the peoples of both countries.

The proposed bridge, which will span approximately 3.1 kilometres, is set to connect Moleson Creek in Guyana to South Drain in Suriname, with a landing point on Long Island in the Corentyne River. Guyana has earmarked GY$5 billion (US$23.9 million) for the project in its budget. Back in 2022, a US$2 million contract was signed for the feasibility study and design of the bridge.

Gov’t to cover cost of children’s cardiac surgeries done locally

–– President Ali says new robotic technology to be used, orders health ministry to clear backlog within two months

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali has directed the Ministry of Health to compile a list and clear the backlog of children in need of cardiac surgery within two months, using newly acquired robotic technology to perform procedures that can cost up to US$150,000 overseas.

Addressing the commissioning of a new medical bond in Region Two recently, the Head of State said the government has already invested in the latest robotic surgical systems and is now moving to ensure that every Guyanese child requiring cardiac intervention receives treatment locally and free of cost.

“We have invested in the latest robotic technology, and I said to the minister that every child that requires cardiac surgery and is ready for that surgery… that list must be compiled, each case must be filed, and that we must be prepared in two months to have those surgeries done here in Guyana,” the President told residents. He underscored that the state is prepared to absorb the full financial burden of procedures that would otherwise be out of reach for most families.

“We now have the facilities. We want to bring in the expertise, because we want to clear up the backlog of

children waiting for cardiac surgeries, especially our babies, infants,” he told the gathering.

plans for a comprehensive programme aimed at providing cardiac surgeries for more than 150 children before the end of that year.

“They’re not many countries, regardless of how rich they are, how much revenue they have, how developed they have [sic], who can make these pronouncements, not because of revenue, but because of the philosophy, the philosophy of care, the philosophy of support, a philosophy of reliability, a philosophy of public trust, and that is what I want the Guyanese people to understand,” he stressed, adding:

can trust us to deliver on our commitment. You can trust us to work hard. You can trust us to do what we say we’ll do, even when the circumstance was not allowed.”

Back in May, Guyana etched its name into global medical history with the world’s longest- distance cardiac telesurgery performed across continents using advanced robotic technology.

The President framed the move not simply as a product of rising national revenues, but as an expression of the administration’s core values, contrasting Guyana’s stance with that of wealthier countries.

In early 2024, Dr Ali had announced government’s

“We are a government and a party you can trust; you

The surgery was conducted by internationally renowned cardiac surgeon Dr Sudhir Srivastava, who operated remotely from Guyana on a patient located in India using the SSI Mantra 3 robotic surgical system.

‘Get screened early, save your life’

––

President A li says, urges Region Two residents

to take advantage of free cancer screening, other health services

–– announces ambitious goal of 3,000 women, 3,000 men being screened for cancer by year-end

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali has ordered an aggres sive cancer screening push in Region Two, directing health officials to ensure that at least 3,000 women receive mammograms and 3,000 men undergo prostate screening by the end of the year, warning that early detection is the difference “between life and death”.

Speaking at the commissioning of the Regional Medical Distribution Centre at Onderneeming, Region Two, the President disclosed that the region has moved from virtually no mammograms to more than 400 screenings, but insisted that this is still far too low, given the scale of the risk.

“We have to create a new paradigm in the public service, one that is people-centred, people-focussed, and service-oriented. And that is what we are about. And if we speak about service orientation, it is not only putting in the infrastructure,” he said.

He said that breast cancer

is preventable and more easily treatable when caught early.

And used the opportunity to urge women to use the new facilities, insisting that the State has already met its obligation to provide the service.

“Let me say this to every single woman out there, we can prevent breast cancer by early screening, because you can also treat breast cancer better by early screening. Early identification decreases the risk of the cancer being fatal; it increases chances of survival and increases your ability to fight that cancer, but it requires early screening,” he said.

The President said he has asked a senior medical specialist to front a public-education campaign to increase the numbers.

Turning his attention to men’s health, the President described prostate cancer as the most prevalent form of cancer among Guyanese men, stressing that it is “completely treatable” if detected early.

“The PSAs, prostate ex-

amination men, there is nothing so ‘brave’ about not having a prostate examination; it will save your life,” he said, adding: This is the type of cancer most prevalent among men in Guyana; Number One, that is completely treatable with early intervention.”

However, he expressed dissatisfaction that only 335 men in the region have so far been screened, despite the availability of testing services.

“I am going to put the RHO on notice now that we are not satisfied that only 335 men were scanned so far. We

have the facility. The RHO, before the end of this year, must ensure at least 3,000 men are scanned.”

The President said health authorities must move beyond waiting for patients to present themselves and instead take screening directly into communities through sustained outreach and education.

“You have to go to the communities, you have to reach and educate the people and get them so that they can be scanned,” he told regional officials, adding: “We have to set these ambitious targets if we are going to get the results we want with the investments we’re making.”

He linked the screening agenda to a broader shift towards prevention and primary healthcare, arguing that a reliable system is one that reduces the number of people ending up in hospital with advanced complications.

“A reliable healthcare system is one that stops people from coming to the hospital. If you have diabetes and you’re

taking your medication and following the doctor’s nutritional chart, you’ll avoid amputating your toe, your leg, or ending up on dialysis or going blind. It’s a simple choice you have to make, but we have to help you make that choice.”

The President repeatedly stressed that the State is investing heavily in diagnostics and treatment from mammograms and CT scans to dialysis and eye-care vouchers, but these investments will only translate into better outcomes if citizens respond to the call for early screening and consistent care.

“Here is a government pleading with you to do the mammogram, pleading with you to do the PSA, pleading with you to take a voucher and establish your baseline numbers, so we can know how to treat you. Pleading with you to take your med ication and use it… to take the eye‑care voucher and get the spectacles that we will pay for if you need it,” he said.

88 containers of relief supplies to leave for Venezuela today

–– PM Phillips says several Guyanese companies, CARICOM nations contributed

PRIME Minister Brigadier

(Ret’d) Mark Phillips on Sunday said that 88 con tainers of disaster relief supplies have been assem bled for shipment to Ven ezuela as part of Guyana’s coordinated humanitarian response to support com munities affected by the recent earthquakes. The Prime Minister made the statement during a visit to BK Wharf, where the relief supplies were being loaded onto the Mega and Motti vessel, which is expected to depart for Venezuela today.

Prime Minister Phillips said the initiative reflects the importance of regional cooperation and solidarity in responding to the needs of neighbouring countries during times of crisis. He explained that the shipment was made possible through the combined efforts of the Government of Guyana, CARICOM partners, the local private sector, civil society organisations, citizens, and members of the Venezuelan community in Guyana.

Prime Minister Phillips stated, “We have been able to put together 88 containers with relief supplies for the people of Venezuela. These 88 containers comprise donations fund ed by Guyana, Jamaica, Belize, The Bahamas, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vin cent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, and Grenada, See page 4

88 containers of relief supplies...

and this boat is expected to depart tomorrow for Venezuela.”

According to the Prime Minister, the relief shipment includes medicines, food supplies, dry goods, canned goods, non-perishable items, approximately 300 water tanks, and other disaster relief supplies.

Prime Minister Phillips recounted that the mobilisation builds on the national response directed by His Excellency President Irfaan Ali, who tasked him with leading and coordinating the relief effort, which forms part of a multi-agency response involving the Civil Defence Commission, the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Police Force, private sector bodies, and other partners who supported the collection, sorting, loading, and dispatch of supplies

The Prime Minister thanked all those who worked around-the-clock over the past seven days to make the shipment possible, expressing gratitude to the donors, members of the Joint Services, the business community, civil society organisations, and Guyanese across the country.

He recognised John Fernandes Limited, Muneshwers Limited, ANSA McAL,

RSD, GAICO, NEW GPC

INC., the Suri Group of Companies, Tropical Shipping, Banks DIH Limited, and BK Group of Companies for their significant support, noting that the contributions included relief supplies, equipment, logistical assistance, transportation, containers, trucking, crane services, and other resources needed to prepare the shipment for dispatch.

Director-General of the Civil Defence Commission Colonel Nazrul Hussain said the shipment was strengthened by the range of items mobilised, including approximately 300 black water tanks and two pieces of earth-moving equipment, which complement the 88 containers of disaster relief supplies.

He noted that the contributions from the private sector, civil society, Guyanese families, CARICOM partners, and members of the Venezuelan community in Guyana reflect a shared humanitarian commitment to supporting affected communities in neighbouring Venezuela with dignity and care.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by Her Excellency Gale Miller Garnett, High Commissioner of Belize to Guyana. (OPM)

88 containers containing relief supplies will depart Guyana for Venezuela today. Thousands have been confirmed dead, and many more are either missing or injured following two earthquakes which occurred less than a minute apart (OPM photos)

President Ali fully transparent about farming investments

–– points to slew of loans, full disclosure at Integrity Commission; says will not succumb to blackmail from the Mohameds

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali has underscored his commitment to practising what he preaches about food security and agriculture, as he fielded questions about recent allegations made by United States–sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed about a farm he owns on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

Pressed about the controversy surrounding the farm, President Ali on Sunday highlighted his own agricultural venture with Guyana’s wider food-security agenda, stressing that his engagement in farming was consistent with his public advocacy.

In remarks shared by ‘Starting Point,’ the President emphasised that his hands-on involvement in agriculture was part of a

broader national push to transform food production and improve resilience across the region.

“You see all the excitement in Guyana. You have a President who practises what he preaches. When I come back home, we’re going to go to the farm live, and you will see how to do agriculture, and you will see all that we do there,” he said.

He promised to demonstrate his on-theground role in farming when he returns home from the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM.

Earlier, President Ali had said he would not succumb to blackmail from the Mohamed family.

According to reports, prior to these public al-

President, Dr Irfaan Ali

legations regarding his farm, President Ali had received several communications over a period of time concerning the

release of information about him if amends were not made.

President Ali had also disclosed that he was in

possession of text messages from businessman Nazar Mohamed, who has also been sanctioned by the United States.

According to Dr Ali, Nazar, the older Mohamed, sent messages as early as last week indicating that recordings would be released if amends were not made with him and his son.

The President’s comments came after Azruddin published a 24-minute video, in which he called the Head -of-State a “corrupt President.”

That and the other allegations made by the sanctioned businessman has since been debunked.

Additionally, President Ali has made the appropriate declarations to the Integrity Commission. The acquisition of his assets and the source of the funds used to acquire them are capable of verification through the relevant financial and regulatory records.

Further reports state that the farm has never received any special benefit, preferential treatment, or assistance from the Government of Guyana, either before or after President Ali assumed office. At no point have State funds, public resources, or government assets been used in relation to this investment.

According to information that has since been made public, the farm was acquired long before President Ali assumed office. The acquisition of the property predates Dr Ali’s presidency and can be independently verified through banking records and other official documentation.

Mohamed’s playbook wearing thin

EVERY few weeks, it seems, Azruddin Mohamed produces a new video, a new “revelation”, a new accusation aimed at President Irfaan Ali. This week it’s a farm on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

The pattern is no longer subtle: Allegation first, evidence later; if ever.

Start with the farm. The property predates President Ali’s time in office entirely. That is not a talking point; it is a matter of banking records and official documentation.

The President has made the required declarations to Guyana’s Integrity Commission, the body specifically empowered to scrutinise a public official’s assets. No credible account has shown the farm received a cent of State assistance, before or after Ali became President.

When the entire case against you rests on timing and suspicion rather than a single verifiable transaction, you don’t have a scandal, you have a headline.

What makes this latest episode especially hard to take at face value is the context in which President Ali is disclosed alongside it: Messages from Nazar Mohamed, sent as recently as last week, reportedly threatening the release of damaging material unless “amends” were made.

Set the farm story next to that timeline, and a different picture emerges; not a President caught hiding something, but a family facing serious federal allegations of gold smuggling and tax fraud, applying pressure through the press because the courtroom doesn’t seem to be going their way.

Whatever one thinks of President Ali’s politics, using leaked WhatsApp threats as leverage against a sitting Head of State is not whistleblowing; it’s coercion dressed up as accountability journalism.

There’s also something almost admirable in how plainly the Head of State has responded. Rather than retreat behind lawyers and statements, he’s invited scrutiny, pointing reporters to the bank records, the Integrity Commission filings, the farm itself.

He’s leaned into his agricultural work as something to be proud of, not hidden, tying it to Guyana’s food-security push rather than distancing himself from it. A politician manufacturing a cover-up doesn’t usually offer to walk cameras through the evidence himself.

None of this means public officials deserve a free pass on scrutiny; they don’t, and shouldn’t. But scrutiny cuts both ways.

The man levelling these accusations is himself under U.S. sanctions and facing extradition proceedings over allegations of smuggling more than 10,000 kilogrammes of gold out of the country. It means his allegations deserve exactly the same evidentiary standard he’s demanding of the President. And, so far, that standard hasn’t been met.

Until Mohamed produces something more than a video and a grievance, this looks less like corruption exposed, and less like journalism, and more like a man facing serious charges trying to change the subject.

Azruddin Mohamed's juvenile misinformation must be condemned

Dear Editor,

I AM writing to strongly denounce and condemn the juvenile misinformation and outright lies currently being peddled by the U.S.-indicted-and-sanctioned Leader of the Opposition Azruddin Mohamed regarding President Ali’s farm. This desperate smear campaign is a blatant attempt at character assassination that collapses under the slightest factual scrutiny. First and foremost, the facts: The President owned and operated his farm long before assuming the office of the Presidency. Furthermore, he has fully declared all of his assets to the Integrity Commission of Guy-

ana as he is required to do. Every single asset he owns has withstood, and will continue to withstand, rigorous forensic scrutiny. There is zero secrecy here.

The source of these desperate attacks makes the motive entirely clear. The Leader of the Opposition is currently indicted by the U.S. government and facing imminent extradition for smuggling over 10,000 kg of gold from Guyana through Miami, money laundering, and transnational crimes. Through this gold smuggling ring alone, he evaded more than US$50 million in taxes that rightfully belonged to the Guyanese taxpayers. In addition to that international theft, he has evaded another G$191 billion in local taxes

from his own businesses, further robbing the Guyanese treasury. Moving from desperation to outright lunacy, he is attempting to blackmail the President to distract from his own staggering legal troubles.

His latest stunt further highlights this lawlessness. In a grotesque violation of privacy, he illegally flew drones over the President’s private farm to record the footage used in his deceptive video. This flagrant disregard for the law and personal privacy must be roundly condemned by all right-thinking citizens.

The hypocrisy is stunning. While trying to cast baseless stones at the President and breaching security protocols with illegal

drone operations, the Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed flatly refuses to declare his own ill-gotten wealth to the Integrity Commission, as he is legally required to do by virtue of his office.

The public sees entirely through this toxic rhetoric.

It is imperative that the media and the public reject these baseless, politically motivated falsehoods and criminal antics from a compromised individual trying to escape international and local accountability.

Sincerely,

Terrence Campbell and Ganesh Mahipal said curious things

I SAW Terrence Campbell and Ganesh Mahipal in conversation with David Hinds in a social media programme last week. I got bored after 25 minutes but I would have faced moral dishonesty if I didn’t continue.

How can I be a social analyst and not listen to what important political actors have to say? It is my job, and if I had turned off after 25 minutes, then I wouldn’t have been doing my job.

So, I went for the full hour, and what I saw and heard caused the coffee to spill and burn my leg. The ignorance was extensive and the ignorance came about because these two APNU parliamentarians do not do research, and that is an unforgivable sin in politics because how are you going to serve the nation when you get up in parliament and you talk about things that are incredibly inaccurate.

With the coffee burning my leg, I felt no pain because I jumped so high with joy that I got stuck and couldn’t come back down. I now have material to write ten columns on the unlimited ignorance that came out of the mouths of these two APNU parliamentarians that belong to the PNC. This analysis here is Part One.

I was laughing when Campbell stressed the point that leaders from different parties do not have to like each other to form a coalition. He said the bigger object is your mutual enemy (my words). He then gave the example of British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill and the USSR leader, Josep Stalin coming together at Yalta to join to fight Hitler. Campbell did not know that what he said was completely inaccurate. Churchill and Stalin met at Yalta in 1945 to decide the fate of Germany that was defeated and the post-war shape of Europe. I read about the Yalta Agreement when I was a 17-year-old youth working in the PPP’s bookstore named Michael Forde Bookstore. But interestingly, Hinds nor Mahipal intervened to correct Campbell. Come on, Terrence, you cannot

make egregious mistakes about one of civilisation’s most important moments.

Campbell went on to boast that he spent more money on charitable causes than Azruddin Mohamed. When he said that, I remembered what Ravi Dev said on the Freddie Kissoon Show, that Campbell is probably a billionaire with more franchises in Guyana than the Beharrys.

When Campbell said that, I was annoyed because I wrote two columns last year asking him to reimburse me the $600 he owes me. I am still to receive the money. This situation involved my paying $960 for an ice cream cone at Campbell’s fast-food outlet at the Giftland Mall.

I didn’t know the cone would have been so unbelievably expensive; I just asked for a cone and gave a $1000 bill to the cashier. She gave me back $40 change and went to serve the cone. I am not prepared to pay $960 for an ice cream cone. I will go as far as $360 (at Banks DIH it is $160 – yes, it is). Campbell reads me, so he is still to give me my $600. I repeat, I will take it because I know homeless folks I give money to that can use it.

When it comes to Mahipal, he made a startling revelation on the programme. He said one of the reasons the APNU did not do that good at the 2025 elections was because campaign money was a problem. But how could money have been a problem when the chairman of the PNC at the time, Sherwin Holder said on the Freddie Kissoon Show that billions would have come in to the PNC, particularly from Africa, but the donors wanted the younger generation of PNC leaders to lead the PNC into the elections.

He cited himself and Amanza Walton-Desir. If Holder is right, then money was not the problem for the PNC but choice of leadership. Now if Campbell admitted that he probably spent more money on charitable causes than Azruddin Mohamed, then did he pour the amount into the PNC that exceeded what Mohamed put into WIN?

Attorney-General Anil Nandlall said on the Freddie Kissoon Show that never in the history of the Commonwealth has there been a political party that used money to get votes the way Mohamed did in Guyana in the 2025 elections. So, let’s do the logical deduction. If Mohamed poured an incredible amount into WIN’s campaign, and Campbell has wealth that enabled him to exceed the spending that Mohamed did on charitable endeavours, then

it is logical to assume that money was not a problem for APNU in the 2025 elections. Look out for more columns on the abominable nonsense that Hinds, Campbell and Mahipal spouted last week.

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.

Government will continue to assist farmers – Minister Mustapha

AGRICULTURE Minister

Zulfikar Mustapha on Saturday encouraged farmers on the Essequibo Coast to expand and diversify their agricultural operations, assuring them that the government will continue to invest in programmes and initiatives designed to lower production costs, improve market access, and create greater opportunities for growth within the sector

The Minister made these remarks during an engagement with farmers and residents at Anna Regina while in Region Two for the two-

day Cabinet outreach being led by His Excellency, President Dr. Irfaan Ali.

During the engagement, Minister Mustapha said that over the last five years, the government has made unprecedented investments in agriculture, with billions of dollars being injected into drainage and irrigation, farm-to-market roads, extension services, and support programmes to ensure that farmers are better positioned to increase production and improve their incomes.

The minister further highlighted the government’s

focus on attracting young people to agriculture, noting that ensuring generational renewal within the sector is critical to its long-term sustainability.

He pointed to initiatives such as the Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme (AIEP) and President Ali’s Tunnel Ventilated Poultry Project, describing them as transformative initiatives designed to create opportunities for young people to participate in large-scale, technology-driven agriculture. (MoA)

Pomeroon farmer inspires a new generation

FOR many along the Pomeroon River, farming is a way of life. For Roopan Ramotar, affectionately known as “Fowl Cock”, it has become a lifelong mission that has transformed not only his own future but also serves as an inspiration for others.

by

President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali.

On Friday, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha visited Ramotar’s sprawling 400-acre coconut and plantain farm during the government’s two-day Cabinet Outreach in Region Two, led

As the minister and his delegation toured the property, he observed a well-organised farm equipped with an extensive drainage and irrigation system—evidence of years of dedication, plan-

ning, and investment. The farm is now regarded as one of the largest and most advanced agricultural operations in the Pomeroon.

But Ramotar’s journey extends beyond cultivating crops. Through his Rooster Pomeroon Fresh Coconut Water brand, he has added value to local produce while creating employment and expanding opportunities in the region. His investments also include construction and eco-tourism ventures, reflecting his belief that agriculture can be the foundation for wider community development.

Minister Mustapha

praised Ramotar’s achievements, describing the farm as an example of what is possible through innovation and commitment. He announced that the Ministry of Agriculture intends to collaborate with Ramotar to establish the property as a model farm for the Pomeroon.

The initiative will allow farmers from across the region to visit the farm, learn modern farming techniques, and adopt best practices that can improve productivity and profitability.

Ramotar said he is looking forward to working with the government to ensure

that agriculture is on the forefront. He said that he loves agriculture and as such will invest his time in cultivation apart from agriculture other businesses.

He said it represents years of hard work, perseverance, and confidence in the potential of Guyana’s agricultural sector.

Ramotar said that farming has become his livelihood and can drive economic growth, create jobs, and inspire a new generation of agricultural entrepreneurs in the Pomeroon.

He thanked the minister and team for visiting his operations.

171 patients screened during ophthalmology outreach at Lima Regional Hospital

–– 71 scheduled for surgery

OF the 171 residents from across Region Two who attended a two-day ophthalmology outreach at the Lima Regional Hospital, dozens were diagnosed with serious eye conditions and are now being prepared for life-changing surgical procedures.

The outreach, conducted on July 1 and 2, 2026, was led by a team of ophthalmologists from the National Ophthalmology Hospital in Port Mourant, Region Six. The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to improve access to specialised healthcare services for residents without requiring them to travel long distances.

During the exercise, medical specialists screened 171 patients for a range of eye conditions. Following comprehensive examinations, 71 patients were identified as requiring surgery or other specialised procedures.

Among the conditions diagnosed were cataracts, pterygium, and retinal bleeding. Hospital officials explained that patients requiring surgical intervention have already begun the scheduling process and are expected to receive treatment as early as the coming week.

Regional Health Officer Dr Ranjeev Singh welcomed the successful collaboration, noting that partnerships between

health institutions are essential to ensuring quality specialist care reaches residents in every region.

Dr Singh said the collaboration between the Regional Health Services and the National Ophthalmology Hospital demonstrates the government’s commitment to decentralising healthcare services and making specialist treatment more accessible to citizens.

He emphasised that

many residents, particularly the elderly and those living in remote communities, often face financial and logistical challenges when seeking specialised eyecare outside the region. Bringing ophthalmologists directly to Region Two significantly reduces those barriers while allowing patients to receive timely diagnoses and treatment.

The Regional Health Officer added that such collaborative initiatives

are necessary and expressed appreciation to the visiting medical team for dedicating their time and expertise to serving the people of Region Two.

He also reaffirmed the Regional Health Department’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with national health institutions to expand specialist services and improve healthcare outcomes for

residents.

Health officials extended sincere gratitude to ophthalmologists Dr. Ally and Dr. Fernandez for their dedication and professionalism throughout the outreach.

They also acknowledged the continued collaboration between Regions Two and Six, noting that the partnership has proven beneficial in bringing specialized medical services closer to communities and improving the quality of healthcare available to residents.

The outreach is one of several initiatives aimed at strengthening regional healthcare delivery and ensuring that citizens have greater access to specialist medical services within their own communities.

National Fisherfolk Day 2026 celebrated at Charity

–– as government reaffirms support for fisheries sub-sector

By Indrawattie Natram

FISHERFOLK from across the Essequibo Coast gathered at Charity on Friday to celebrate National Fisherfolk Day 2026, where Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening Guyana’s fishing industry through

continued investments, modernisation and support for those whose livelihoods depend on the sea.

The observance was held under the theme, “Celebrating and Empowering Fishers’ Contribution to Food Safety and Security,” bringing together fisherfolk, industry stakeholders, and residents to recognise the vital role the

sub-sector plays in ensuring national food security, while supporting thousands of families across the country.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Mustapha praised the dedication and resilience of Guyana’s fisherfolk, noting that their hard work remains a cornerstone of the country’s agricultural sector and a significant con-

Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha and other officials at the National Fisherfolk Day 2026

tributor to economic growth.

He highlighted Region Two’s importance to the fishing industry, revealing that approximately 246 fishing vessels and around 1,050 fisherfolk operate daily from the region’s various landing sites, making it one of the country’s active fishing hubs.

“The fisheries sector continues to play a critical role in feeding our nation, while creating employment and generating incomes for many families. Our fisherfolk work tirelessly, often under difficult conditions, to ensure fresh seafood reaches homes and markets across Guyana,” the minister said.

Minister Mustapha also outlined a series of initiatives undertaken by the government since 2020 to transform and modernise the fisheries sub-sector.

He disclosed that more than 14,500 fisherfolk across Guyana have benefitted from over G$2.189 billion in direct cash assistance, providing financial relief and helping to strengthen livelihoods.

Beyond financial support, the government has invested heavily in expanding cage aquaculture, upgrading landing sites, wharves, and cold-storage facilities, and improving safety through the introduction of vessel-monitoring systems.

The minister said measures have also been implemented to reduce operational costs by removing taxes and duties on essential fishing equipment and inputs, making it easier for fisherfolk to sustain and expand their operations.

Additionally, the

sub-sector is being modernised through the establishment of digital registries for fisherfolk and fishing vessels, improving efficiency and allowing for better planning and management of the industry.

Minister Mustapha emphasised that these investments reflect the government’s long-term vision of building a sustainable, competitive, and resilient fisheries sub-sector capable of meeting both domestic demand and export opportunities.

He assured fisherfolk that the government will continue working closely with stakeholders to address challenges, improve infrastructure, and create greater opportunities for growth.

The National Fisherfolk Day celebration also served as an opportunity to honour the dedication, sacrifices, and contributions of Guyana’s fisherfolk, whose efforts continue to play an essential role in safeguarding the country’s food security and supporting coastal communities.

The minister encouraged those in the industry to continue embracing innovation and sustainable fishing practices as Guyana works towards further developing its blue economy and ensuring the fisheries sector remains a key pillar of national development.

Attending was Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture Vikash Ramkisson and Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture Dhaneshwar Deonarine, amongst others.

Food For The Poor empowers 13 young women through ‘Braids of Hope’ programme

THIRTEEN young women have successfully completed the inaugural Food For The Poor’s ‘Braid of Hope’ project, which has equipped them with a valuable life skill that can support their economic independence.

A graduation ceremony was held at the Umana Yana in Kingston, Georgetown, where the participants celebrated the successful completion of the three-month programme alongside family members, facilitators, and other invitees, who had gathered to be a part of the activity.

The ‘Braids of Hope’ project was designed to empower young women through professional hair-braiding training,

while also providing instruction in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and essential life skills.

The project aimed to prepare participants not only for careers in the beauty industry, but also to become financially independent and self-sufficient entrepreneurs.

During the ceremony, the graduates were commended for their dedication and perseverance throughout the programme, portraying their willingness to learn. They were encouraged to apply the knowledge and skills they had acquired to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute positively to their communities.

Meanwhile, representatives of Food For The Poor Guyana Inc reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to investing in programmes that create opportunities for vulnerable individuals and strengthen communities through education, skills training and economic empowerment.

The graduation marked the successful completion of the first cohort of the ‘Braids of Hope’ project and represented an important milestone in the organisation’s efforts to empower young women with practical skills for long-term personal and economic development.

Linden families to lead initiative aimed at stopping waste from entering Blue Lake

LINDEN has become the birthplace of Guyana’s Waste To Wealth Trainthe-Trainer Composting Movement with eight pioneering families leading a blueprint to divert 50 per cent of all waste that is biodegradable from the Blue Lake Dumping Site in Linden, Guyana.

Waste To Wealth, in a press release, underscored that the Waste To Wealth’s Train-the-Trainer blueprint

trained and mobilised a pioneering cohort of families to divert kitchen scraps and cardboard away from the unorganised dumping site at the entrance of Linden’s Blue Lake, transforming that waste into organic miracle garden soil, known as O.M.G.S.

What began on June 25, 2026, as a single half-day immersion, has, in the span of a few days, grown into a community-driven solution

built for Linden by Lindeners, with the hope that its success becomes a model for other regions across Guyana to follow.

The engagement, which was hosted by Outliers Zone Caribbean as an official execution partner, was led by CEO Athalyah Yisrael and Waste To Wealth Caribbean founder Rampertab Etwaria in a session that paired a wealth mindset shift with hands-on

composting skill-building. Participants were trained in the Waste To Wealth signature T.E.C.H. composting method, mastering the two-to-one ratio of carbon to nitrogen, the proper layering of cardboard beneath kitchen scraps, and the troubleshooting techniques required to keep a compost bin balanced, odor-free, and pest-free.

“For an investment of $50,000, each family received a full backyard compost kit, the Waste To Wealth Manual, handson training to execute it, and twelve weeks of structured coaching and mentoring leading to their first O.M.G.S. harvest, a harvest they are free to use in their own gardens or sell for income,” the release said.

Upon successful completion, each participant was eligible for formal certification as a Train-theTrainer and they are now educated to lead others through the same journey and earn $15,000 for every additional family they personally enroll and support to reach a successful first harvest.

Meanwhile, Town Clerk Lennox Gasper and Deputy Mayor Wainwright Bethune have visited the training in person, engaging directly with partici -

pants and formally welcoming them as pioneers of Linden’s compost revolution, while extending an open invitation for future cohorts of market vendors, farmers, and households across the community to follow their lead.

Three days later, the Waste To Wealth team returned to Linden for site visits, confirming that every one of the eight pioneering families had already begun their composting journey.

Over the next twelve weeks, each family will submit weekly progress videos documenting their path towards their first successful O.M.G.S. harvest, building a transparent, community-verified record of a compost movement in motion.

Moreover, this first cohort is being closely monitored and supported as a control group, with the Waste To Wealth team providing both one-on-one and group virtual coaching throughout the twelveweek journey.

This structured support model ensures every family reaches a successful first O.M.G.S. harvest while generating the documented data and verified outcomes that will underpin the national replication of the programme.

The eight pioneering families are now organising to pursue support from the Guyana Development Bank and other interested funding agencies.

This outcome demonstrates exactly what the Waste To Wealth team set out to achieve; significant social and environmental impact alongside strong commercial profitability for citizens, for Linden, and for the wider region, Mr. Etwaria had said.

Waste To Wealth Caribbean is calling on all Lindeners to take responsibility and divert 50 per cent of all waste that is biodegradable, including the kitchen scraps and cardboard currently headed for the Blue Lake dumping site, restoring the natural beauty of the lake’s entrance, one kitchen at a time.

This solution was built for Linden, and Waste To Wealth Caribbean believes that when it succeeds here, it will serve as a national blueprint and other regions across Guyana will choose to replicate in confronting their own biodegradable waste challenges.

For more information on how your region, community, or organisation can join the Waste To Wealth movement, send an email to wastetowealth347@gmail com

Books launched by internationally acclaimed Indian cultural activist

DR. PRANAAME Bhagawati, an Indian cultural activist, author, and internationally-acclaimed classical danseuse and choreographer, launched two books on the occasion of her 24th wedding anniversary on July 1, 2026.

Representing His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, Savitri Sonia Parag, Education Minister graced the event and unveiled the two books alongside other dignitaries, a press release said.

It added that the first book is the June issue of Amrapali Magazine, which has been specifically conceptualised around Guyana itself. Through her work, Dr Bhagawati has endeavoured to capture the essence of this remarkable country, its vibrant spirit, its rich multicultural tapestry, and the vision that drives it forward. Her second book is a profound work on the classical Indian dance form, Kathak.

This book is the culmination of her lifetime of dedication to the art, a scholarly text that seeks to preserve the grace, storytelling, and discipline

of Kathak for future generations.

“It is worth mentioning that Dr. Pranaame Bhagawati is the founder of the

Amrapali Society for Arts, an organisation dedicated to promoting and connecting communities worldwide through the fragrance of art and culture. She also serves as the Editor-in-Chief of Amrapali Magazine, a publication devoted to global culture, which stands as another heartfelt effort towards the same mission,” the statement said.

It added that Ms. Wamiel Pranaame Kashyap, Dr. Bhagawati’s daughter, mesmerised the audience with a captivating dance recital of Lord Ganesh Vandana.

Guyana Development Bank to empower next generation of entrepreneurs – PSC Executive

THE establishment of the Guyana Development Bank is expected to open new pathways for business development and expansion, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises, according to Executive Member of the Private Sector Commission Timothy Tucker.

Speaking on Sunday’s episode of the Starting Point Pod-

cast, Tucker said the upcoming financial institution represents a transformative step for Guyana’s private sector, especially for entrepreneurs who have long faced challenges in accessing affordable financing to grow their operations.

He explained that while the development bank will create new opportunities, entrepreneurs must take deliberate steps

to position themselves as credible and investment-ready businesses before seeking funding.

“You’ve got to streamline your business and ensure that everything is properly structured, from your operations to your financial records, because when you are approaching a financial institution like the development bank, they are going to look closely at how well

your business is organised and whether you are truly ready to manage and repay financing,” Tucker stated.

He further stressed that access to finance is not simply about having a business idea but about presenting a complete and viable plan that demonstrates long-term sustainability and market understanding.

“Ensure you get your pro-

Executive Member of the Private Sector Commission Timothy Tucker on the Starting Point Podcast

posal ready, and ensure that you are putting your ideas clearly on paper in a way that shows your understanding of the market, your costs, your expected returns, and how your business will grow over time, because that level of preparation will make a significant difference when you are being considered for financing,” he added.

Tucker noted that the bank could become a key driver of economic transformation by enabling entrepreneurs to expand operations, adopt new technologies, create employment opportunities, and take advantage of emerging sectors in Guyana’s rapidly growing

economy.

He also encouraged business owners to remain proactive in identifying opportunities across different industries, pointing out that growth will depend on access to capital as well as on initiative and innovation.

“There are opportunities all around you in this economy, but you have to train yourself to see them, research them properly and be willing to act on them, because success will come to those who are prepared, disciplined and persistent in building something sustainable,” Tucker said. (DPI)

Health and technology… Guyana leaps into robotic surgery with world’s longest telesurgery

GUYANA has performed what is being described as the longest-distance robotic telesurgery ever conducted, a coronary artery bypass graft carried out on Independence Day, May 26, 2026, with a surgeon operating from Guyanese soil on a patient roughly 20,000 kilometres away in India.

The historic procedure was performed by internationally renowned cardiac surgeon Dr Sudhir Srivastava using the SSI Mantra three robotic surgical system, a machine now permanently based in Guyana and nicknamed “Mantra Freedom 60” in honour of the country’s 60th independence anniversary.

President Irfaan Ali announced the milestone, calling it the moment Guyana “formally set our footprints in the history of healthcare.”

The telesurgery was transmitted via fibre-optic cable and represents the first time robotic surgery of any kind has been performed in Guyana or the wider English-speaking Caribbean.

“Back here at home, you can have a surgeon being here in Georgetown and operate on a patient that is in one of our regional hospitals, and that can bring tremendous comfort to that patient because you are operating away frkm Georgetown, and doing precision surgery,” Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony had said.

The same day, Dr Hemraj Ramcharran became the first Guyanese surgeon to perform robotic surgery in Guyana, completing a robotic inguinal hernia repair with support from Dr Bibi Hussain and Dr Jagnanand Ramnarine.

Dr Srivastava followed with a locally performed robotic repair of an atrial septal defect, a congenital heart condition, marking a second first for the day.

President Ali said the government had not simply purchased a robotic system but had negotiated for an entire training ecosystem, sending a full team of Guyanese

At 6:00 AM on 26 May 2026, internationally renowned cardiac surgeon Dr Sudhir Srivastava successfully conducted a Coronary Artery Bypass Graft remotely from Guyana on a patient in India. Utilising the SSI Mantra 3 robotic surgical system, the procedure spanned approximately 20,000 kilometres via fibre optic cables, setting a new world record for the longest-distance telesurgery ever performed

medical professionals to India for specialised instruction.

“The report is exceptional, they were blown away by the capability of our local guys,” he told the reporters, adding that Guyana now intends to serve as a regional training hub, with Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, who joined the announcement, describing the initiative as a boost for the wider Caribbean.

The launch was followed by what GPHC called a Robotic Surgery Week, running June 1 to June 5, 2026, during which the hospital’s Urology, Gynaecology, General Surgery and Bariatric departments each carried out their own first-ever robotic procedures.

Dr Rajendra Sukhraj led the introduction of robotic urology with a renal cyst decortication and a varicocelectomy, while gynaecologists Dr Radha Sookraj and Dr Padmini Singh carried out robotic salpingectomy and ovarian cystectomy procedures.

Dr Bibi Hussain performed Guyana’s first robotic bariatric operation, a single anastomosis gastric bypass, and general surgeons Dr Jagnanand Ramnarine and Dr Ramcharran carried out robotic cholecystectomies and hernia repairs to close out the week.

In under two weeks, GPHC had introduced robotic techniques across four surgical specialties, a pace hospital officials say makes Guyana the pioneer of a multi-specialty robotic surgery programme in the English-speaking Caribbean.

Health officials say the long-term goal is to extend robotic and telesurgical capability beyond the capital, with the system eventually allowing specialists in Georgetown, or abroad, to operate on patients in regional hospitals such as New Amsterdam and Lethem without the patient needing to travel.

Diagnostics... From one scanner to a nationwide network

–– Guyana’s

medical imaging revolution

ONLY a few years ago, Guyana's entire public health system depended on a single functioning CT scanner, housed at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Today, that scanner has multiplied nearly tenfold, and the country's first-ever public MRI machine is being installed in the capital.

Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony gave the comparison while opening the update on Medical Imaging in Guyana 2026 continuing medical education conference, telling a packed auditorium of health professionals that the ministry has "executed a rapid turnaround" of the country's diagnostic infrastructure.

Seven brand-new CT scanners were added to the public system in a single year, placed at the New Amsterdam hospital and inside each of the newly

constructed regional hospitals along the coast, giving communities outside Georgetown access to imaging that was once available only at the capital, or not at all.

The centrepiece of the current phase is the installation of GPHC's first-ever Magnetic Resonance Imaging machine, announced by Minister Anthony on June 30, 2026.

Unlike CT scanning, which relies on X-rays, MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of soft tissue, the brain, spine and joints, making it especially valuable for diagnosing neurological conditions, cancers and complex musculoskeletal injuries.

The installation of the first MRI machine in the public healthcare system at Georgetown Public Hospital is now underway, bringing world-class diagnostic

services within reach of every citizen, regardless of their ability to pay," Dr Frank Anthony, Minister of Health said.

Because GPHC serves as Guyana's main national referral hospital, officials say the new machine's impact will extend well beyond Georgetown, reducing the need for patients to be referred overseas or to costly private facilities for advanced scans.

The MRI installation is only one piece of a larger overhaul at GPHC. A new two-storey diagnostic and surgical facility is under construction beside the Accident and Emergency department, which will eventually house an additional CT scanner, an even newer MRI unit, dedicated digital mammography suites, and advanced equipment for non-invasive treatment of kidney stones.

The push is backed by Budget 2026, which allocates $3.1 billion specifically for new medical equipment, including an MRI scanner, a CT scanner and a cardiac catheterisation laboratory at GPHC, alongside funding to expand the country's telemedicine network into 50 additional remote communities.

Minister Anthony also credited a standing partnership with Canada's McMaster University, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding signed during the COVID-19 pandemic, with training Guyanese doctors in radiology and other specialities needed to keep pace with the equipment coming online.

"The collaboration has already seen Guyanese doctors sent abroad to train in various disciplines, including radiology, paediatrics, surgery, and vascular surgery," he said.

Infrastructure…

Six new regional hospitals open, six more on the way

GUYANA’S hospital-building programme, launched after the PPP/C government took office in 2020, has already delivered six new regional hospitals, with a dozen expected to be complete by 2028.

The first wave, at Lima (Region Two), De Kinderen (Region Three), Diamond and Enmore (Region Four), Bath (Region Five) and No. 75/Skeldon (Region Six), opened through 2025, each built to the same standard: 24-hour emergency services, modern laboratories, imaging suites with ultrasound, digital X-ray and CT scanning, and fully equipped operating theatres.

“Basically, everything that Georgetown offers will be here,” President Ali said while inspecting the Enmore facility.

Two flagship projects are due in 2026: the New Amsterdam teaching hospital, and the Paediatric and Maternal Hospital (PMH) at Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara, the first specialised hospital of

its kind in the Caribbean.

The 256-bed, four-storey PMH will function as a Level Five referral centre for women and children from every region, with its own neonatal intensive care unit, paediatric cardiac suite and paediatric oncology care.

Construction is under way on hospitals at Moruca, Kato and Lethem, targeted for completion in 2027, extending 24-hour emergency and surgical care into remote hinterland communities for the first time.

Further, a hospital is planned for Kamarang, Region Seven, and ground has been broken on the West Demerara Hospital, due by 2028.

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony says all the new hinterland hospitals will include CT scanning and will be electronically interconnected so transfers can happen “quite seamlessly.”

This year, the Government of Guyana has set aside $161.1 billion for health in the national budget, the largest sectoral

commitment in the country’s history, according to Senior Minister of Finance Dr Ashni Singh.

Of that sum, $34.9 billion is earmarked for drugs and medical supplies, including five new regional drug-distribution centres at Mabaruma, Onderneeming, Williamsburg, Lethem and Bamia.

Another $24 billion goes toward hospital construction, including the Paediatric and Maternal Hospital and six further regional hospitals, with $12.6 billion set aside for maintaining facilities nationwide.

A further $1.1 billion funds a National Neurological Rehabilitation Centre and an oncology centre, while $3.7 billion creates the new Guyana Medical Emergency Authority (GEMA) to unify ambulance dispatch, telehealth support and emergency workforce training.

Officials stress that equipment alone will not transform care without staff to run it. The 2026 plan targets training of 162

additional specialist doctors in fields such as neurosurgery, urology and intensive care, alongside 5,440 nurses and allied health professionals, building on 2,862 trained in 2025.

Two new Health Sciences Training Complexes are being built in Suddie and New Amsterdam, and the University of Guyana’s College of Medical Sciences has expanded to accommodate 144 more students.

A national Electronic Health Record system is expected to reach full implementation at GPHC soon, part of a digital push that already includes 84 telemedicine hubs set up with New York-based Northwell Health and the Mount Sinai Health System, delivering real-time specialist consultations to remote communities.

“We are not building hospitals alone; we are building systems of care rooted in dignity, access, and equity for every Guyanese,” President Ali had said of the overall drive.

Minster Walrond participates in regional security conference, endorses call for Martinque

MINISTER of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond represented Guyana at the 10th International Session for Latin America and the Caribbean, held from June 29 to July 3, 2026, in Fort-de-France, Martinique.

During the week-long programme, she also participated in the Regional Security Conference, where regional and international leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation against narcotrafficking, illicit firearms trafficking, and transnational organised crime.

The high-level session, organised by the French Institute for Higher National Defence Studies (IHEDN) in partnership with the Directorate for Security and Defence Cooperation (DCSD) of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, brought together government officials, law enforcement agencies, judicial authorities, regional organisations, and international partners to address evolving security challenges across the Caribbean and the wider Americas.

A key outcome of the conference was the adoption of the Call of Martinique, a joint declaration reaffirming the shared determination of participating countries to dismantle transnational criminal networks, strengthen maritime and border security, enhance intelligence sharing, reinforce financial investigations to disrupt illicit proceeds, and deepen regional and international law enforcement cooperation.

Minister Walrond welcomed the declaration, emphasising that no country can effectively combat transnational crime in isolation. She reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to working alongside regional and international partners to strengthen collective security, uphold the rule of law, and build resilient institutions capable of responding to emerging threats.

The minister noted that Guyana remains steadfast in supporting coordinated, evidence-based approaches to combat organised crime, protect its borders and ports, and strengthen regional security in the interest of the Caribbean and the wider hemisphere. (MoHA)

Global push for AI governance amid warnings of ‘catastrophic harm’

CAN artificial intelligence benefit all of humanity – safely, fairly and without causing “catastrophic harm”? That is the question at the heart of a major UN summit opening in Geneva on Monday.

Governments, tech companies, academics and civil society will spend two days at the Global Dialogue on AI Governance wrestling with how to regulate a technology that is evolving faster than the rules meant to contain it.

entific Panel): AI is approaching or surpassing human capabilities in many domains. It is outpacing both scientific understanding and governments’ ability to adapt. There have been incredible advances which are changing the world, and it doesn’t look like it’s stopping.

Ambassador Rein Tammsaar of Estonia (Global Dialogue): For many countries in the world, AI could be a great equaliser. It can support

AI, if used responsibly, could bring transformational benefits to people across the world, but there are also fears the revolutionary technology is creating new dangers; and while it continues to evolve at a lightning pace, the safeguards needed to regulate it are struggling to keep up.

Ahead of the meeting UN News spoke to four of the participants; Two cochairs of the Dialogue and two co-chairs of the UN’s Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence which has just published a report on the opportunities and risks of AI.

They spoke about the benefits but also the risks associated with AI and the need to agree on some form of universally-accepted global guardrails.

Yoshua Bengio (Sci -

pushed lies faster. If it’s laced with fear, anger and hate, it spreads virally. Information integrity is

the core of the battle. If you can’t tell fact from fiction, you cannot have a democracy.

This is the dilemma we face, and it’s the reason I call it an ‘information Armageddon’.

Yoshua Bengio: With growing evidence of deceptive AI behaviour,

economic development, advance competitiveness, support science and health systems. Machine learning in general could benefit productivity. This is the potential.

Ambassador Egriselda López of El Salavador (Global Dialogue): AI can be a tool for governments to better improve their work and the delivery of services.

Rein Tammsaar: AI is a tool that millions of people around the world can benefit from. But at the same time, if it gets into the wrong hands, it could also be used for coercive purposes, to erode trust in governments, undermine democratic structures, and for propaganda and against information integrity.

Maria Ressa (Scientific Panel):

From page 23

Global push for AI governance amid ...

A doctor in Mozambique explains how nuclear technology is helping to treat cancer patients (IAEA)

science currently cannot guarantee that as capabilities continue to increase, AI will not cause catastrophic harm, either on its own or due to malicious users.

Rein Tammsaar: The frontier developers are basically concentrated in two countries [US and China]. This leaves other countries with a lot of questions.

Developing countries, in particular, are worried that in the worst-case scenario, the AI divide would leave them behind. Its development is unfolding with such a speed that they may not be able to recover and to catch up.

Egriselda López: The AI divide is real. Some countries have very strong infrastructure and strong skills and research capacities. Whereas there are others that are still struggling with issues like connectivity and public infrastructure.

Maria Ressa: The world cannot govern what it cannot understand. The Panel’s report provides independent science, drawn from every region, and available to every government.

Its message is clear: the potential is great, but the risks are real, and the cost of waiting is rising.

Yoshua Bengio: I would like more governments around the world to understand the scenarios for the future development of AI. We don’t have the right national or even in-

ternational governance tools, and we don’t have good ways to steer the benefits so that they are shared by everyone. To act effectively, global policymakers must understand these systems

Egriselda López: The Global Dialogue is the first platform in the United Nations for the discussion of AI governance. It’s also an opportunity for Member States to come together to have an inclusive discussion; But not only governments, it’s also about bringing together different stakeholders.

Maria Ressa: Not one country can actually deal with this technology on its own; It needs to be a multilateral solution. And the body that is set up that could do this is the United Nations. Now the question is, will its Member States move?

The UN and AI

The Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence is made up of 40 experts from every region of the world serving in their personal capacity.

The Panel published its first report on July 1.

The Panel’s work feeds into the UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance, which is taking place in Geneva from 6-7 July 2026, where the international community will discuss international approaches to managing the technology. (UN News)

Over 40,000 visitors came to Guyana in June

MINISTER of Tourism, Industry and Commerce

Susan Rodrigues has said that Guyana welcomed just over 40,000 visitors in June 2026, a 16.8 per cent increase over last year’s figure.

According to information that is readily available to the public, 61 per cent of the visitors came for “leisure”, while those travelling for business activities accounted for 16 per cent. Those who came for other reasons accounted for 23 per cent. These figures have contributed significantly to the coun-

try’s tourism growth.

The minister, in her remarks at the Origins Guyana Fashion Festival’s opening night, said that there are many who doubt the progress that is being made in the tourism sector, and that there are those who question whether we will be able to maintain the momentum.

“But I tell you that that momentum will be sustained, and every month we are looking to record higher visitor arrival numbers in the same period from last year. That momentum and energy

will be sustained, and Guyana’s tourism sector will become what all of us know it should become,” the minister affirmed.

Meanwhile, the ministry, on its Facebook page, said that June was “alive with culture, cuisine, and professional exchange. From the closing of the Diamond Jubilee Visual Arts Exhibition and the muchloved Guyana Restaurant Week, to the International Building Expo and a series of major conferences, including ICAC, Voting Rights &

Electoral Justice, Econome Business Mixer, the Caribbean Port State Control Conference (CPSCC), and WeLead Association Conference,

the month balanced leisure and business travel beautifully.”

Further, the ministry said that together, these experiences reinforced

Guyana’s reputation as both a cultural hub and a professional destination, sustaining high visitor engagement after May’s peak.

Patrons applaud fashion festival for showcasing Guyanese creativity

PATRONS attending the Origins Guyana Fashion Festival are commending the event for celebrating local fashion, culture and entrepreneurship while providing a valuable platform for Guyanese designers and artisans

to showcase their talent.

Hosted at the Railway Courtyard, the three-day festival has drawn scores of visitors eager to explore locally made clothing, jewellery, accessories and other creative products, as the government continues

to advance the country’s orange economy.

Patron Jeremiah Hopkinson described the festival as a welcoming space that brings creatives and the public together.

“I can definitely tell that there are a lot of

amazing people here that I would definitely want to connect with,” he told the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Saturday.

Hopkinson also

Patrons applaud fashion festival ...

encouraged more Guyanese to support local cultural events.

“We need to embrace our culture more; I love to dress up and come out, so definitely if we have more events like this, you might see more of me,” he added.

Another patron, Arrona

Fraser, said the festival has given local designers the exposure they deserve.

“I am here tonight to check out all of the local fashion because they’re a bit under the radar. You don’t really see it as much, so you come out here, you get to see more of it; the boots, the earrings and

everything they have,” Fraser said.

She noted that the event also creates opportunities for creatives to network and grow their businesses.

First-time attendee Akita Felix said she was impressed by the creativity on display, and believes events like Origins are important for Guyana’s growing cultural landscape.

“This is my first time at a fashion show. I’m seeing the creative side of everyone; I really love what I saw,” Felix said. She added that she hopes to see more events of this nature, particularly because they create opportunities for young people to participate in and enjoy Guyana’s creative industries.

“With everything that’s happening in Guyana, this will be really nice, especially for the youth. I’m really enjoying it,” she said.

The Origins Guyana Fashion Festival forms part of the government’s efforts to strengthen the country’s orange economy by supporting creative entrepreneurs, promoting cultural expres -

sion and creating new economic opportunities within the fashion industry. The festival features runway showcases, exhibitions, cultural performances and networking opportunities, highlighting the diversity, innovation and growing potential of Guyana’s creative industries. (DPI)

Stat stuns Dataman, Olympic Kremlin to...

a fine victory in the fourth race of the day; the Colts and Geldings Juvenile Futurity Stakes. Sweet Man rock finished second, while Ocean Star, and Money Bird finished in that order. In the G & H Class

non-winners ; I Class race, Daring Move broke her maiden and took the top spot while Supreme Leader finished second. Bourbon Blitz ran third and American Emperor finished fourth.

Race Six saw She WBO On Time the Three-year-old and over WI Bred winners while Head of the Class finished second and Sex Appeal followed. Mulan unseated the jockey in a minor incident on the far turn in an eventful race.

In the three-year-old and over J&K Class, Republican stole victory from Binladen (second) and Three D Movie (third) in a thrilling race which also saw Jockey Colin Ross being unseated from Top Gun.

The Imported Stakes race saw an upset, with Royal Rocks claiming the win

(From back page)

while Pharaoh Empress ran closely behind for second. Adios Baby finished third and the favorite, Moonlight Dancer ran fourth.

Race nine proved to be one of the hottest race; the CARICOM Derby for threeyear-old Guyana bred. Miracle Boy came from the outside to overtake Summer Time for a photo finish. Monica Time ran third and Country Gold ran fourth.

The CARICOM Sprint Stakes Open to four-year-old and over saw Anthem King ruling Regal man in a supreme sprint battle. Jockey Colin Ross piloted Anthem King to a classy comefrom-behind win, stopping the clock in one minute, four seconds.

Former champion horse, now owned by Js Racing Stables, Spankhurst returned

to racing with a stunning win in the E Class and Lower. Ritorna Vincentori finished second while Novo Sol came third and Barbra finished fourth.

The penultimate race of the day, E Class and Lower, marked the third win in the day for Js Racing Stables.

Additionally, the Guyana horse racing awards for 2025 was also presented during the CARICOM Cup race day.

Guyana Horse Race Awards 2025: Horse of the year - Dataman

Jockey of the year - Yovin Kissoonchand (11 wins)

Runner up jockey - Ronaldo Appadu

Champion owner - Js Racing Stables

Champion Two-year-old Guyana bred - Summer Time

Kishawn Pereira Future

Hope, Greaves lead strong response from...

mid-on, but the throw barely missed the stumps with the batter well short of his ground.

Hope, who missed the opening Test due to a shoulder injury, was in fine nick from the start of his innings, with none of Sri Lanka’s bowlers causing him any discomfort on a flat pitch.

They carried the score to

219 for four at tea, with Hope unbeaten on 38 and Greaves on 36.

Hope reached his seventh Test half-century soon after the resumption by clipping Isitha Wijesundara through the onside for a couple of runs, with Greaves not too far behind, arriving at his second Test half-century with a single off

Gurbaz replaces Phillips in Amazon...

(From page 32)

handy off-spin, and elite fielding—is undoubtedly a blow for the hosts.

However, Gurbaz’s ability to maximise the powerplay and his inherent familiarity with the local tracks offer the Warriors a seamless tactical pivot.

He joins a robust core featuring the likes of Shimron Hetmyer, Romario Shepherd, Rovman Powell, and veteran spinner Imran Tahir, as

the home franchise looks to defend their territory on the global stage.

Guyana Amazon Warriors Squad: Shimron Hetmyer, Romario Shepherd, Rovman Powell, Gudakesh Motie, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Imran Tahir, Dwaine Pretorius, Mohammad Nabi, Muhammad Haris, Johnson Charles, Quentin Sampson, Keemo Paul, Matthew Forde, Jonathan Van Lange.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Monday July 6, 2026)

CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY

Answers

vs BANG,

vs PAK, Multan,

Quiz:

Star Award - Quinten Kellman

Champion Three-year-old

Guyana bred - Spank Me

Champion Three-year-old

West Indian bred - Sydney

Trainer of the year - Ronaldo Lima Race of the year - Ritorna Vincentori

Upset win of the yearSpank Me

Champion imported sprinter - Regal Man

Champion four-year-old and over Guyana bredRiver Dance II

Champion four-year-old an over WI Bred - Soca Harmony

The next race day will be on August 2 at Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club. It will be the Emancipation Cup. Following that race it will be the all-important Guyana Cup, on August 23 at Rising Sun Turf Club.

(From back page)

Fernando.

Hope did have a nervous moment when he inside edged a delivery from Wijesundara behind to the wicketkeeper, but he was unable to hold on to the tough chance.

From there though, it was smooth sailing for the duo, with both players ending the day in sight of centuries on their way

to posting the best fifth-wicket partnership for the West Indies against Sri Lanka in Tests. Hope has so far scored 86 runs off 173 balls with nine fours, while Greaves is unbeaten on 85 off 162 balls, comprising 10 boundaries.

For Sri Lanka, Fernando (2-74) and Jayasuriya (2-77) have both taken two wickets.

low-flag infringement but the stewards gave him a reprimand rather than imposing a penalty.

The result has a major impact on the championship, narrowing Antonelli's lead over Russell to 25 points. Hamilton is seven points further adrift.

Leclerc said he was "so incredibly happy" even though "unfortunately the end was maybe not the one I will have dreamt of". (BBC Sport) Leclerc

Farewell Cape Verde - the underdogs the World Cup will never forget

CAPE Verde may have been the World Cup's second-smallest nation, but they certainly made a big impact on the 2026 tournament.

Forget Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane - it is the tournament debutants who have become the centre of attention.

There were the heroics of goalkeeper Vozinha as they earned their first World Cup point against Spain.

There were the thrills as they scored their first World Cup goals against Uruguay.

And there was Sidny Lopes Cabral's wonder goal as they almost caused the competition's biggest shock against Argentina.

Cape Verde's World Cup journey had it all.

When the whistle blew to bring extra time to an end in Miami on Friday night, the Blue Sharks players slumped to the turf after a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat by reigning champions Argentina in the last 32 - but they can leave the United States knowing they have won many hearts.

"Cape Verde have lost,

but they've won," said former Scotland international James McFadden on BBC Radio 5 Live.

"They have shown courage, togetherness, unity and unwavering belief in what they are and what they can do.

"The story of this tournament is Cape Verde. That is what you want to see in a football side."

They came into the tournament ranked 67th in the world, but three group-stage draws - holding European champions Spain 0-0 in their opening game - set up the monumental task of trying to cause one of the biggest upsets the World Cup has ever seen.

Against Argentina, they went behind to a Messi goal, but came back to level at 1-1 and take the game to extra time. Then they went behind again - before a stunning strike from Cabral levelled once more. It was not to be though, with a cruel deflection off Diney Borges from Cristian Romero's header seeing Argentina through.

Former England rightback Gary Neville told ITV

it was "one of the greatest performances" he had ever seen from an underdog.

"They are crying because they are going home," he added. "They don't want to go home. They want to be here for the rest of their lives.

"They want to be here forever. This is a moment that's probably not going to come back for some of these players. It's magical but also upsetting.

'Nobody asks where Cape Verde is on the map any more'

Despite defeat, Cape Verde manager Bubista was bursting with pride after his side came within 10 minutes of forcing Argentina into a penalty shootout.

"We showed that we may be a small country but we can play against the best teams in the world," he said. "That's a reason for pride.

"We made history for our country. They can be proud for representing our country.

"To be able to play the way we did against the world champions, and to draw level twice, is something incredible."

Shamrock Rovers cen -

Leclerc wins dramatic race from Russell, Hamilton

Leclerc took Ferrari's second win in three races in a dramatic British Grand Prix as chaos broke out in the closing stages.

Leclerc, claiming his first victory for nearly two years, led home Mercedes' George Russell and Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton as the race finished confusingly under a safety car.

Race control initially said the safety car would be coming in with one lap to go, setting the scene for a thrilling one-lap dash to the finish, but it then stayed out, meaning the order remained the same until the chequered flag.

After the race, a statement from governing body the FIA said "the 'safety car in this lap' message was displayed erroneously due to a software error".

Silverstone has seen many remarkable races in its

Charles Leclerc's previous race

long history but this was one of the most extraordinary.

First, championship leader Kimi Antonelli suffered a wheel-fairing failure when he was closing in on the Ferrari for the lead, and seeming set for another win. As Antonelli dropped down the field, amid a series of increasingly desperate radio messages, Red Bull's Max Verstappen crashed at Stowe while chasing Hamilton for second place. The safety car for that

tre-back Roberto 'Pico' Lopes, who played in all four of Cape Verde's matches at the World Cup, told BBC Sport: "One of the best things to come from this World Cup is nobody asks where Cape Verde is on the map any more - this is history in itself for us. We've put ourselves on the map.

"We're a small nation but with big hearts and we showed what is possibleand if you believe, you can achieve."

The expansion to a 48team World Cup was a hot topic before the tournament kicked off, but Neville said he will "never be a sceptic again".

Former England striker Ian Wright, also speaking on ITV, called on Fifa to help produce more Cape Verde moments.

"That's what you're ideally hoping will happen around the world and this is why Fifa have to do so much to make sure the funds they get do reach everybody," Wright said.

"What this does show people is that when you give people the opportunity they

can get on to the biggest stage no matter how small they are and they can have it with the world champions, with one of the greatest players in the world.

"It was a Herculean effort from them, absolutely."

'Where has Vozinha been?'

The image of Vozinha in tears and then holding the Cape Verde flag high above his head with pride after keeping out Spain in the opening group game circulated round the world - quickly making him a cult hero.

But the reason for his popularity is not only down to that picture or his emotions. His performance levels have elevated him to superstar status.

The 40-year-old is without a club, after his contract

with Portuguese second division side Chaves expired.

But Neville does not think the keeper will be without a club for long.

Neville said on ITV: "Vozinha is going to get a good club off the back of this.

"What a World Cup. Everything that he does is calm and composed. Where has he been? We should have met him before."

Wright added that Vozinha has "hero energy" after his performance for Cape Verde against Argentina.

With eight saves in Miami, Vozinha finished with 18 saves at this year's World Cup, third most behind only Curacao's Eloy Room (20) and Paraguay's Orlando Gill (19) at this point. (BBC Sport)

Gurbaz replaces Phillips in Amazon Warriors squad for GSL

THE Guyana Amazon Warriors have beefed up their top order with a familiar face, securing the services of Afghanistan’s explosive wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz for the upcoming ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL).

was the

incident promoted Russell to second place as Mercedes decided not to pit the Briton while everyone else took fresh tyres.

Antonelli crossed the line ninth but was demoted to 16th by a five-second penalty for exceeding track limits - incurred while he was battling with the problems with his car.

Adding to the drama, Hamilton was investigated after the race for a yel-

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Gurbaz steps into the squad as a direct replacement for New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips, who has been ruled out of the tournament due to an injury.

Gurbaz is no stranger to the franchise or the distinct conditions at Providence, having previously donned the Amazon Warriors jersey during the 2022 and 2024 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) campaigns.

Crucially, he was a vital cog in the machine during the Warriors' triumphant GSL campaign in 2025, meaning he arrives with pre-packaged chemistry and a blueprint for

Rahmanullah Gurbaz

success in this tournament structure.

The timing of his integration is vital. The GSL, which runs from July 23 to August 1 on Guyanese soil, operates with a distinct mini-World Cup flavour.

As hosts, the Amazon Warriors find themselves pitted against a diverse, high-cal-

ibre international field that includes Pakistan’s Lahore Qalandars, UAE’s Desert Vipers, an Australian contingent in the Perth Scorchers XI, and Major League Cricket’s San Francisco Unicorns. Losing a player of Phillips' multi-dimensional utility—capable of destructive finishing,

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Wimbledon Tennis

Djokovic breaks Federer's Wimbledon record to reach quarters

NOVAK Djokovic claimed the all-time record for most men's singles match wins at Wimbledon, but had to overcome moments of visible frustration to beat qualifier Roman Safiullin and reach the quarter-finals.

Djokovic had matched Roger Federer's record with his third-round victory on Friday, and the 39-yearold earned his 106th win at SW19 by defeating the 132nd-ranked Safiullin 7-6 (8-6) 6-3 3-6 6-3 on Sunday.

That is second only to the 120 wins achieved by nine-time women's champion Martina Navratilova.

The Serb beat Safiullin despite an apparent issue with his eyes early in the contest, while he later received a warning for an audible obscenity and was fortunate to avoid a penalty after firing a ball to the back of the opposite side of the

court when he lost serve in the third set.

"Survive to thrive - that's how I feel," Djokovic said, reflecting on his performances in the first week.

"Hopefully the thriving part is coming!"

Acknowledging his behaviour during the match, he added: "I'm known for my outbursts and meltdowns, I had a few of those today so I apologise.

"Our mind wanders all the time. It is very hard to keep it in the present moment. Whoever manages to do that is the winner.

Djokovic - who is bidding to match Federer's men's record of eight Wimbledon titles and claim an outright record 25th major title - was the overwhelming favourite against Safiullin, but found his latest test far from straightforward.

Safiullin, a former quar-

Osaka stuns world number one Sabalenka to reach quarter-finals

A RESURGENT Naomi

Osaka stunned world number one Aryna Sabalenka in a brilliant performance to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals for the first time.

Japan's Osaka out-served, out-hit and out-thought her fellow four-time Grand Slam champion to win 6-2 7-6 (72) on Centre Court.

This is Sabalenka's earliest exit at a Grand Slam since the 2022 French Open, and the first time she has exited one in straight sets for 122 matches.

But she fell to an inspired performance by Osaka, who held her racquet to her head in disbelief after clinching victory on her second match point.

It is a first Wimbledon last-eight appearance for Osaka, who also reached the second week of the French Open for the first time last month.

"It's been a long time since I had so much fun on the court," said Osaka.

"To do it here means a lot."

This was the fourth time

Naomi Osaka had previously never gone beyond the third round at Wimbledon

in three months that the two big-hitters had met, with Sabalenka winning the previous three encounters. This time Osaka was dominant throughout, matching Sabalenka pace-for-pace and moving well around the court.

Sabalenka made a hasty exit afterwards as her search for a first Grand Slam of the year continues.

Osaka will go on to face Czech 10th seed Karolina Muchova for a place in the semi-finals. (BBC Sport)

ter-finalist, was in tears after his stunning third-round victory over rising star Joao Fonseca, having struggled with an injury he feared he would never fully recover from six months ago.

The free-hitting Russian, 28, was rewarded for his persistence when he took his first set in four meetings with former world number one Djokovic to prolong the contest beyond the threehour mark.

But, just as he did against Arthur Rinderknech in the previous round, Djokovic captured the fourth set to seal victory and set up a last-eight meeting with Canadian third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime or Spain's Alejandro Davidovich Fokina

Safiullin appeared full of belief as he began his bid for a monumental upset, responding to Djokovic's immediate break of serve by

winning five of the next six games.

But he could not convert that positive position, faltering as he served for the set at 5-3 and eventually coming up short in the tie-break.

Despite the 125-place ranking gap, Safiullin had continued to prove a nuisance in the second set until he presented Djokovic with an opening in the sixth game, and eventually conceded a

fourth break point.

Having to come through three consecutive five-set matches since the final round of qualifying to arrive here began to take its toll as Safiullin required a medical timeout for a left-leg problem during the third set.

But he successfully managed that issue to capture his first set in four tour-level meetings with Djokovic, who landed only 57% of his

first serves and took out his frustration on a ball after Safiullin took a sixth break point for a 4-2 lead.

Despite that incident, which was booed by the crowd, Djokovic quickly reset and launched a decisive fourth-set response, breaking to love in the second game as Safiullin's challenge began to fade.

Lifting over a closing drop shot to serve out victory to love, Djokovic embraced Safiullin at the net - and there was deserved warm applause for the spirited qualifier's performance as his superb run, in which he also ousted 12th seed Andrey Rublev, came to an end.

Djokovic has now been taken to four sets in three of his four wins at this year's championships, but remains in the hunt for history after reaching his 17th Wimbledon quarter-final.

Archery Guyana bolsters technical expertise with international training in Mexico

ARCHERY Guyana has taken a significant step towards modernising its competition infrastructure, following the successful participation of Results Manager Saeed Karim in the Advanced IANSEO Seminar held in Tlaxcala, Mexico.

The two-day intensive programme, which ran from June 20-21, 2026, was conducted by Matteo Pisani—the inventor and lead developer of IANSEO, the gold-standard software used for scoring and results management at the Olympic Games, World Championships, and elite continental events.

The seminar brought together technical officials from across the Americas, including representatives from Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, and Mexico, to sharpen their proficiency in managing high-level World Ranking events.

Participants were trained in the sophisticated architecture of the IANSEO platform, with an emphasis on global best practices and the technical demands required for international-standard competition management.

For Karim, the experience offered both theoretical knowledge and immediate practical application. Following the classroom sessions, he joined the Results Team for the Pan American Archery Championships, where he served as a volunteer official.

His performance in Tlaxcala led to his appointment as a scorer for the championship finals, placing him at the heart of the technical operations at one of the sport’s most prestigious gatherings.

"It was a great pleasure to learn directly from the inventor of IANSEO," Karim said of the experience. "I now have a much deeper understanding of the software and how we can continue improving the standard of results management in Guyana. The opportunity to immediately apply what I learned at a world-ranking event made the experience even more valuable."

Archery Guyana highlighted that this capacity-building initiative was made possible through the support of the National Sports Commission of Guyana and Director of Sport, Steve Nin-

valle.

The federation noted that investing in technical officials is a core pillar of its long-term strategy. By integrating this advanced software proficiency into its local operations, Archery Guyana aims to enhance the accuracy and professionalism of national competi -

tions, ensuring they remain aligned with international benchmarks.

As the sport continues to grow locally, the federation reaffirmed its commitment to the continued development of its athletes, coaches, and officials to ensure a sustainable and internationally recognised programme.

Babar replaces Masood as Pakistan's Test captain

BABAR Azam has been reinstated as Pakistan's Test captain before the upcoming tours of the West Indies and England.

The top-order batter, 31, was previously Test captain from November 2020 to November 2023 and has returned in place of Shan Masood.

The 36-year-old has overseen 13 defeats in 16 Tests since taking over from Azam in December 2023.

Pakistan finished ninth and bottom of the 2023-25 World Test Championship cycle and lie ninth in the current cycle after a 2-0 series defeat in Bangladesh in May.

Speaking as the new Pakistan Test squad was announced, selector Aaqib Javed said on Sunday: "Baber will be our new Test captain as we feel that Masood could not lead as desired.

"The selection committee discussed who could be the best player to lead Pakistan and Baber is the best option."

Babar resigned as Pakistan captain in all formats following a disappointing World Cup campaign in 2023.

He returned as skipper for the men's T20 World Cup in

runs in 62 Tests at an average

2024 before stepping down as limited-overs captain for a second time in October 2024 to focus on his playing role.

Pakistan's two Tests against the West Indies are from 25 July and 2 August, before they play three Tests in England - at Headingley (19 August), Lord's (27 August) and Edgbaston (9 September).

Fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Hasan Ali have been left out after being part of the squad in Bangladesh.

In comes uncapped 20-year-old fast bowler Ubaid Shah, the younger brother of Naseem, who missed out.

Khurram Shahzad, Moham-

mad Abbas and Mohammad Ali are the three other fast bowlers selected. Uncapped middle-order batsman Awais Zafar and left-arm spinner Ali Usman have been called up for the first time.

Pakistan Test squad

Babar Azam (c), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan, Awais Zafar, Ghazi Ghori, Sajid Khan, Salman Agha, Shan Masood, Ubaid Shah, Saud Shakeel (subject to fitness for England.

North Group: Tye and Hassan send Foxes packing

LYTH and Jonny Bairstow gave Yorkshire a strong base against Leicestershire Foxes, sharing an opening stand of 91 before England leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed (3-33) slowed the Tykes' progress by pinning Bairstow leg before.

But Lyth's wicket proved elusive and the opener posted a 55-ball hundred with a straight six off Ben Green before plundering 24 from Josh Hull's final over to lift his side to 207-4.

Rishi Patel (34 from 14 balls) gave the Foxes' chase a blistering start, but they shed four wickets for just nine runs – three of them to AJ Tye (4-15) and, despite Ben Cox's valiant 47 from 34, came up short at 166-9 as Hassan Ali (4-25) wrapped up the contest.

T20 Blast: Yorks beat Foxes, Somerset stun Northants

VETERAN opener Adam Lyth struck an undefeated 131 from 63 balls - the highest score of this year's Vitality Blast - as Yorkshire closed in on a quarter-final place with a 41-run win over Leicestershire Foxes at Headingley.

Lyth's innings, the second T20 hundred of his career, kept the Tykes on course to qualify from the North Group, although they remain second behind Notts Outlaws, who squeezed past Durham by two runs for a sixth straight victory.

Northamptonshire Steelbacks' 100% record finally came to an end in comprehensive fashion as they fell to a 105-run defeat at home to holders Somerset, although they stay eight points clear at the top of the Central & West

Group.

Second-placed Gloucestershire lost to Warwickshire Bears by 30 runs, while Worcestershire Rapids strengthened their lasteight prospects, leapfrogging Glamorgan in the table after a 15-run win in a low-scoring affair at Cardiff.

Hampshire Hawks' England paceman Sonny Bak-

er captured four wickets to maintain their momentum at the top of the South Group, holding off Kent Spitfires by 19 runs.

In the same group, Middlesex all-rounder Luke Hollman starred with bat and ball to end his side's run of five successive losses as they defeated Essex by four wickets at Chelmsford.

England's hopes crushed...

England's spinner bowled five wides in the next over.

The victory margin denied the tournament a competitive finale fitting of the day, with Lord's filled by a capacity crowd in another landmark moment for the women's game.

The occasion is one positive for England, as are the signs of progress they have shown under coach Charlotte Edwards at this tournament, but Australia were ultimately a class above yet again.

Even had Ecclestone's catch been allowed, it would have been too late.

There would be no dramatic fightback, like the one Anya Shrubsole inspired against India in 2017.

Perhaps too timid with the bat, England were unable to counter a pitch that appeared low and slow.

They certainly put in their worst bowling performance of the tournament - a display which was exposed by the class of left-handed duo Litchfield and Mooney.

Those issues have been put to bed as England ended a run of three tournaments in a row without reaching a final.

The first part of their rebuild, one of consolidation and improvement, is done. Now they must close the gap on Australia before the Ashes at home next summer.

ENGLAND'S BATTING STRUGGLES

England's lack of batting fireworks were summed up by Sciver-Brunt, who hit only five fours. Against South Africa in the semi-final on Thursday she hit 75 runs in 47 balls.

England's captain was again in early - Amy Jones unable to emerge from her slump as she sliced a drive to backward point in the second over for six - but after stroking her first ball for four, Sciver-Brunt never found top gear.

Heather Knight was hit on the pad by a leg-stump half-volley from Kim Garth, England were 70-4 in the 11th.

Freya Kemp timed the ball better than any of her team-mates in making 44 not out from 28. She hit one fine straight six in the last over but England's total always looked below par.

MOONEY DELIVERS AGAIN

For Australia, who finish the tournament unbeaten, this is an incredible 14th World Cup win across formats, in addition to one Commonwealth Games gold.

After semi-final defeats in the last T20 and 50-over World Cups, they are at the top of the world again.

There has been evolution since their last win in 2023, when Meg Lanning was captain and Alyssa Healy wicketkeeper and opener.

Notts Outlaws looked well-placed at 88-1 against Durham at Chester-le-Street, with skipper Joe Clarke (56 from 35) posting his first half-century of the tournament, but they lost momentum after spinner Callum Parkinson (2-34) removed Tom Moores and Clarke in the same over.

Durham looked clear favourites when Graham Clark and Alex Lees put on 64 for the first wicket in reply.

Matthew Potts (3-32) finished off the innings in style, with two wickets sandwiching the run-out of Liam Patterson-White as athe Outlaws stumbled to 166-8.

But spin duo Patterson-White, whose two overs brought him 2-7 and George Linde (2-19) dragged Notts back and, with 12 needed from the final over, David Bedingham and Kasey Aldridge could only manage nine.

With England's seamers offering width too often, Australia had matched their boundary count by the 10th over of the chase.

Overhauling Australia was always going to be a huge ask, given the 16-0 margin of England's Ashes defeat last year, when issues with fitness and fielding loomed large.

Danni Wyatt-Hodge, who ends as the tournament's leading run-scorer despite defeat, was unfortunate to glove a catch down the leg side off Sutherland in the fifth over for eight.

Early on, England hit the fielders in the deep too often when Australia strayed from their straight lines.

Alice Capsey struck two fours and a six in the ninth over but was bowled attempting a reverse sweep to Molineux in the 10th. When

Molineux has steered her team with minimal fuss in their place after doubts over whether she should make their best XI.

For Litchfield and Voll this is also a first World Cup win. In contrast, Perry now has nine to her name and Mooney five.

Mooney, who averages 76.42 in T20 finals, showed class in putting away anything full and cracked away anything short. (BBC Sport)

Haaland scores twice as Norway knock out Brazil

ERLING Haaland's second-half double helped Norway stun five-time winners Brazil and book their place in the quarter-finals of the World Cup for the first time.

Brazil were left to rue Bruno Guimaraes' missed penalty in the first half as Haaland, who had a quiet game until that moment, stole ahead of centre-back Gabriel to meet a cross from Andreas Schjelderup and put Norway ahead in the 79th minute.

The Manchester City striker then sealed Norway's progress with a superb low drive from outside the box in the 90th minute.

Brazil were awarded a second penalty in the dying seconds of the game after referee Ismail Elfath deemed Leo Ostigard to have elbowed Casemiro and Neymar converted.

But it proved a mere consolation for Brazil, who exit the tournament before the quarter-finals for the first time since 1990.

In the quarter-finals, Norway will face either England or co-hosts Mexico, who meet in the last 16 in Mexico City on Monday at 01:00 BST (18:00 Sunday local time).

In an entertaining tie in New Jersey, Norway midfielder Patrick Berg had the ball in the back of the net after just four minutes, only for the celebrations to be cut short when Alexander Sorloth was ruled offside.

Relieved to have escaped an early scare, Brazil were then handed the chance to go ahead when Kristoffer Ajer took out Matheus Cunha with a sliding challenge in the box.

But Newcastle midfielder Guimaraes' stuttering pen -

alty in the 15th minute was kept out by Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland, who

England's hopes crushed as Australia win T20 World Cup

ENGLAND’S T20 World Cup hopes were crushed as Australia clinched their seventh title with a comprehensive seven-wicket victory at Lord's.

Despite all of England's improvements to this point, their Ashes rivals ensured there would be no first trophy for the hosts since their iconic win on this ground in 2017, as Australia instead delivered an emphatic display of their strength.

was as influential in their victory as Haaland. The 35-year-old was also on

hand to deny Vinicius Jr after the Brazil attacker stole the ball from Norway cap-

tain Martin Odegaard. Endrick replaced Cunha 58 minutes in and could have broke the deadlock with his very first touch after being played through by Vinicius, but the 19-year-old failed to hit the target despite going one-on-one with Nyland.

Carlo Ancelotti threw on Neymar 10 minutes later but Norway had the better of the chances in the final quarter, as Alisson saved from Schjelderup before the Benfica winger delivered the cross from which Haaland headed home.

Nyland was called into action again as he palmed a wayward looping effort on to the post in the 86th minute, before Haaland struck his second to move level on seven goals with France's Kylian Mbappe and Argentina's Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race. (BBC Sport)

Stephen Francis, legendary Jamaican track coach, has died

LEGENDARY Jamaican track and field coach Vincent Stephen “Franno” Francis, one of the central figures behind the country’s golden era in athletics, has died after a period of illness.

He died late Saturday, a day after celebrating his 64th birthday.

T20 World Cup final, Lord's (Scores England 150-4 (20 overs): Sciver-Brunt 58* (53), Kemp 44 (28) Australia 153-3 (17.1 overs): Mooney 64 (49), Litchfield 48* (35) Australia won by seven wickets England struggled to cut loose in making 150-4 - captain Nat Sciver-Brunt needing 53 balls for 58 - before Australia brutally put that score into context.

for 48, Australia needed only 34 runs from 42 balls.

Mooney took them within 11 of the finish line in a brilliant 64, before one more piece of England-Australia controversy.

Francis, co-founder and Head Coach of the MVP Track & Field Club, had been battling health issues in recent months. The club confirmed last week that he was receiving medical care in hospital, as concern grew across Jamaica’s athletics community around the coach’s health.

After Georgia Voll was bowled by Lauren Bell in the second over, Phoebe Litchfield and Beth Mooney put on a dismissive partnership of 100 in just 67 balls. By the time Litchfield fell

With seven runs needed, Sophie Ecclestone appeared to have taken a clean catch to dismiss Ellyse Perry in the 17th over, but Perry was called back by the TV umpire.

The crowd booed and Ecclestone was incensed but it would have had no impact. The winning runs came when

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A sharp, uncompromising and deeply influential coach, Francis helped reshape Jamaica’s sprinting landscape through the MVP programme, which he co-founded in 1999. The club became one of the world’s most successful track and field programmes, producing and guiding a long list of Olympic and World Championship medallists

Among the athletes associated with Francis and MVP

are Asafa Powell, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Elaine Thompson-Herah, Shericka Jackson, Brigitte Foster-Hylton, Melaine Walker, Michael Frater, Sherone Simpson, Kerron Stewart and Tajay Gayle.

Known for his blunt assessments, technical brilliance and fierce belief in Jamaica-based coaching, Francis was figural in helping to prove that the country’s best athletes could remain at home, train under Jamaican coaches and dominate the world stage.

His passing is expected

to spark tributes from across the local and international track and field community.

A central architect of Jamaica’s athletics prowess, Francis’ contribution to the sport earned him major national recognition. He was conferred with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer for service to athletics, and in 2017 was appointed to the Order of Jamaica for outstanding contributions to track and field through coaching. (Extracted from Jamaica Observer)

MASTER Z unsound hero, Stat, displayed a stunning performance to win the CARICOM Gold Cup at Bush Lot United, West Coast Berbice on Sunday.

Piloted by Jockey Colin Ross, Stat defeated stablemate Dataman and Olympic Kremlin in the 1700 metres feature, stopping the clock in one minute and 44 seconds.

Mapa Do Brasil finished second, while Olympic Kremlin came in third, and Dataman ran fourth.

Stat jumped out the gate first and never lost the pole position, winning from gate to pole.

Despite morning showers across the Ancient County, race started promptly, and the track remained in good condition.

Promising jockey Arvin

Dhanraj got the day going with an emphatic win in the K & L Maiden.

Dhanraj stopped the clock at one minute and 13 seconds with Citation.

Damage Control ran second, while Miss Simran ran third, and Top Ranking ran in fourth.

Country Rock then cruised to victory in the L Winners race, winning by six lengths. Perfect Trip finished second, while Doctor J finished third, and Sakar finished fourth.

The Juvenile fillies saw Brilliant Bride storming to victory while High Beam came in second. Boss Lady finished third and Chelsea Lion closed in on fourth.

Scars of Glory delivered

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Stat stuns Dataman, Olympic Kremlin to win CARICOM Cup

Hope, Greaves lead strong response from Windies against Sri Lanka

S`T JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – Unbeaten half centuries from Shai Hope and Justin Greaves have allowed West Indies to claw back into the second Test match against Sri Lanka, having been on the backfoot for the first two days of the contest.

With the Windies in serious danger at 144 for four at one stage, Hope and Greaves shared an unbroken partnership of 174 runs for the fifth wicket to carry them to safety at 318 for four at the end of the third’s day play at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

It has left them trailing Sri Lanka’s mammoth first innings total by 229 runs, but more importantly, brought them within arm’s reach of avoiding the follow-on heading into Monday’s penultimate day of action.

Beginning the day on 58 for one, John Campbell and Kavem Hodge continued from where they left off the previous day, with Campbell impressing with his stroke play.

He pulled pacer Asitha Fernando over deep midwicket for six and followed with a boundary off the next ball to move into the 40s.

Campbell then brought up his fourth Test half century in scintillating fashion by pulling Milan Rathnayake in front of square for another boundary two overs later.

The pair looked set to take the Windies to lunch until Campbell threw his wicket away trying to hit a bouncer from Asitha Fernando out of the ground, but only got it as far as the fielder at deep midwicket to be dismissed for 72 off 154 balls, to make the score 122 for two.

Sri Lanka struck immediately after the break, when

Prabath Jayasuriya had Amir Jangoo caught at short leg for just nine and he also ended Hodge’s wretched innings of 31 runs off 139 balls nine runs later when he had him caught behind, to reduce the Windies to 144 for four. Still in need of another 206 runs to avoid the follow-on, the West Indies were rescued by the partnership between Hope and Greaves.

It almost ended as soon as it started when Greaves darted for a quick single after driving a delivery from Jayasuriya to

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