Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 07-10-2026

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More than 100 witnesses to appear before MV Barima CoI No.1081930

–– formal hearing begins October 14

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Runway lights installed at upgraded Matthews Ridge Airstrip

Runway lights at the upgraded Matthews Ridge Airstrip in Region One will support safer night landings and night-time medical evacuation flights, improving emergency access for hinterland communities

Guyana continues to lead regional growth –– World Bank reports 05 PAGE

President Ali’s lawyer confirms Region Nine entrepreneurs submitting Azruddin Mohamed’s welcome the new growth, 14 post to Meta over defamation 09 Guyana Development Bank PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, October 7, 2026

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, October 7, 2026

More than 100 witnesses to appear before MV Barima CoI - formal hearing begins October 14

Justice Godfrey Phillip Smith of Belize

MORE than 100 witnesses, including a survivor, relatives of victims, first responders and officials, are expected to appear before the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the MV Barima tragedy. Secretary to the c o m m i s s i o n , a t t o r-

Secretary to the Commission, Attorney-at-law Javed Shadick

the people, locations and institutions connected to the July 18 disaster. “ O n We d n e s d a y, (October 14) we plan to commence the first sitting of the commission here where we will start gathering evidence from persons who we would have processed,”

Left to right: Dr Andrzej Jasionowski of Poland, Nyree Dawn Alfonso of Trinidad and Tobago, President, Dr Irfaan Ali, Captain Hamada Fouda of Jamaica, and Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Hayden A Pritchard of Trinidad and Tobago during the swearing-in ceremony for the Commission of Inquiry into the MV Barima tragedy

Some of the victims who lost their lives in the MV Barima tragedy

ney-at-law Javed Shadick made the disclosure on Tuesday at a press conference ahead of the formal hearings scheduled to begin next Wednesday. The five-member CoI will commence evidence-taking on Wednesday, October 14 at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), following a week of meetings and site visits that are intended to familiarise the commissioners with

Shadick said. He said the potential witnesses have been divided into broad categories based on their connection to the tragedy. “So far on the ToRs (Terms of Reference), we have divided types of witnesses. “We are looking at persons who would have been first responders, officials, and survivors, and families of those who would have [sic] perished,” Shadick explained.

While the commission has identified more than 100 potential witnesses, Shadick said it is not yet possible to say how many people will fall into each category. However, despite a public invitation for people with information to come forward, only one survivor has so far contacted the commission indicating an intention to testify. Shadick said, “Not many persons have come forward. In fact, only one person has

made contact with the secretariat, informing us of their intent to step forward.” He stressed that the commission’s preliminary engagements with survivors and families should not be confused with formal evidence-taking. The commissioners will begin their activities on Wednesday, October 7, with an opening ceremony, followed by meetings with survivors and the families of survivors later that day. On Thursday, Oc-

tober 8, they will visit the Kingston Wharf, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) and the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD). The following day, they are expected to visit two dry-dock facilities on the East Bank of Demerara. The commissioners will then travel to Mabaruma and Port Kaituma on October 12 and 13, respectively, where they will visit the wharf facilities and

engage survivors and families affected by the tragedy. Shadick emphasised that those engagements are intended to allow the commissioners to meet affected persons and familiarise themselves with the relevant locations, rather than collect evidence outside the formal hearings. He added, “These meetings are not evidence taking; they won’t be taking evidence. It will just be a TURN TO PAGE 4

More than 100 witnesses...

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meeting as the commissioners wish to reach out to them.” The formal evidence-gathering process will begin on October 14 and is expected to continue Monday to Friday, from 09:00hrs. to 16:00hrs. Interpreters and counsellors are also expected to be available where necessary. Shadick said counsel for the CoI, attorneys Arudranauth Gossai and Teni Housty, have already been working behind the scenes to identify and interview potential witnesses and gather relevant documentation. The commission has also been reviewing documents and techni-

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, October 7, 2026

cal information related to the vessel’s seaworthiness, the circumstances under which it sailed and the operation of the crew during the voyage. Preliminary work previously announced by the commission included obtaining information from MARAD, the T&HD, and the Coast Guard. Shadick said the commissioners themselves also possess considerable knowledge of maritime matters. “Some of the commissioners are very, very knowledgeable about shipping and shipping procedures and so on,” he had said. The commission will examine the circum-

stances surrounding the capsising and sinking of the MV Barima, including the events leading up to the disaster, the vessel’s seaworthiness, crew operations, safety procedures, and the response following the incident. It will also consider whether negligence, misconduct, dereliction of duty, systemic deficiencies or institutional failures contributed to the disaster. The inquiry was initially expected to be completed within two months. However, Shadick acknowledged that the timeline would have to be extended because of the volume of evidence expected to be gathered. He estimated that the commission could take approximately six months to complete its work. The five-member Commission is chaired

by former Belizean Justice of Appeal Justice Godfrey Phillip Smith and comprises Jamaican maritime surveyor Captain Hamada Fouda; Trinidad and Tobago attorney Nyree Dawn Alfonso; Polish naval architect and marine engineer Dr Andrzej Jasionowski; and retired Trinidad and Tobago Rear Admiral Hayden Pritchard. The MV Barima tragedy involved the passenger and cargo vessel, which departed the Kingston Goods Wharf in Georgetown at about 15:15hrs. on July 18, bound for Port Kaituma. The vessel later encountered difficulties while sailing off the Essequibo Coast, near the mouth of the Pomeroon River, before capsizing. An estimated 179 passengers and crew were aboard at the time. The disaster claimed 73

lives, while 76 people survived and approximately 30 others remain unaccounted for, according to authorities. The sinking triggered a large-scale search, rescue and recovery operation involving the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard, Guyana Police Force, Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), Guyana Fire and Rescue Service and Civil Defence Commission, alongside local fishermen, private vessels, and international partners. Divers were deployed to conduct underwater searches around the wreck, while teams scoured extensive areas for survivors, missing persons, and victims. The tragedy subsequently resulted in criminal charges against three Transport and Harbours Department employees. Captain Kevin Price, chief mate Rondell Dwayne Roberts, and goods superintendent Delon Granderson were each

charged with murder in connection with the disaster and are before the Charity Magistrate’s Court. The three accused are currently on remand. The government is currently evaluating bids from three companies for the salvage of the sunken MV Barima, with proposals ranging from $1.034 billion to $2.035 billion. The bidders are BK International Inc., which submitted the lowest bid of $1.034 billion; Industrial Fabrication Inc. (InFab), with a bid of $1.895 billion; and Netherlands-based KMS B.V., which submitted the highest bid of $2.0351 billion. According to a MARAD notice, the ferry is submerged in approximately 15 metres of water, about 28 nautical miles north of Guyana’s coast. The vessel is approximately 38.6 metres long, with an 8.9-metre beam, and is lying on its side in soft mud.

Guyana continues to lead regional growth –– World Bank reports

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 7, 2026

GUYANA’S economy continues to set the pace for Latin America and the Caribbean, according to the World Bank’s October 2026 Latin America and the Caribbean Economic Update, which singles out the country as the standout performer of the Caribbean. “Guyana stands out within the region, having recorded exceptionally rapid and sustained GDP [Gross Domestic Product] growth since 2020, driven by the scaling up of offshore oil production,” the report stated. Real GDP grew by 33.8 percent in 2023 and 43.8 percent in 2024, and the Bank estimates 19.3 percent growth in 2025 and projects 23.7 percent in 2026. These rates are far above those of any other Caribbean economy covered in the report, and the Bank said Guyana’s

oil-driven expansion “continues to pull up the subregional averages.” The report noted that the expansion “has been accompanied by rising fiscal revenues, improved external balances, and a declining public-debt-toGDP ratio,” a combination that gives the government a stronger financial footing than most of its neighbours. Many Caribbean economies, particularly the tourism-dependent islands, are still dealing with high energy and transportation costs. In the Bank’s words, a “dual-track reality” has emerged in the Caribbean, with Guyana’s and Suriname’s oil-driven expansions on one side and the more tempered post-pandemic recovery of the islands on the other. The outlook is also encouraging. The Bank projects continued growth of 18.7 percent in 2027

and 15.3 percent in 2028, forecasts that would keep Guyana among the fastest-growing economies in the world. The report also highlighted that the pace of growth “underscores the importance of strengthening public investment management, building institutional capacity, and ensuring that oil wealth translates into broadbased and inclusive development.” It added that countries such as Guyana face the task of managing revenue volatility and avoiding procyclical policy as public finances expand rapidly. However, with strong growth, healthier public finances and a clear focus on turning oil revenue into opportunity for all, Guyana is well placed to show how a resource boom can become lasting national progress.

Guyana assumes regional leadership –– as CASSOS Board Convenes 29th meeting to advance Caribbean aviation standards

THE Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Egbert Field, A.A., presided over the 29th Board of Directors Meeting of the Caribbean Aviation Safety and Security Oversight System (CASSOS) on Friday, October 2, 2026, at the Aiden by Best Western Hotel in Georgetown. According to a press release from the GCAA, this inaugural session under his chairmanship established a strong platform for advancing regional aviation priorities and strategic objectives. All member states were represented at the meeting. The agenda included the full implementation of the CARICOM Multilateral Air Services Agreement (MASA), strategic organisational

restructuring, measures to enhance CASSOS’s financial sustainability, and the progression of the One Stop Security initiative. The deliberations reflected a shared resolve to advance regional aviation standards and reinforce cooperation among Caribbean nations. CASSOS, a specialised unit within CARICOM, remains instrumental in enhancing aviation safety and security oversight throughout the Caribbean. The organisation is committed to maintaining the region’s leadership in global aviation standards and best practices. Guyana will hold the chairmanship of CASSOS for the 2026–2028 term, further positioning the nation at the forefront of regional aviation leadership.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Teachers First

IF we are to have a meaningful transformation of the education system, we cannot leave behind, the teachers, who are at the centre of the system. As Guyana celebrated World Teachers’ Day 2026, President, Dr Irfaan Ali’s reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to improving teachers’ welfare, professional development and working conditions is therefore timely and important. The president’s promise of better pay, improved allowances, grants to promote teaching and learning, more opportunities for training and steps to boost teacher morale acknowledges a basic fact: investment in classrooms, technology and infrastructure can only realize its full potential when teachers are adequately supported to use them. Guyana is experiencing an unprecedented transformation in education. New and upgraded schools are broadening access; smart classrooms and digital resources are transforming the learning environment; and programs designed to bolster science, technology, engineering and mathematics education are preparing teachers and students for a more competitive future. Budget 2026 invests $183.6 billion in education, including school infrastructure, teacher development, learning resources and skills training. The government has also shown that investment in physical infrastructure has to be matched by teacher development. For example, the Guyana STELLAR Programme aims to provide in-depth training for pre-service secondary school teachers on science and math education, leadership and evidenced-based teaching practices. These initiatives are headed in the right direction. But maybe the most significant change occurring in education is one that can’t be measured in the number of schools built or classrooms outfitted. Artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing the way information is accessed, processed and produced. For teachers, this is an incredible opportunity as well as a serious responsibility. So President Ali is right to stress that in the face of AI, Guyana should not be averse to it.

Instead, the country has to make sure that young people learn how to use the technology in a responsible, ethical and intelligent way. This is where the teacher becomes more important not less. A student can ask an AI system to generate an answer in seconds. But the teacher is still needed to ask the more important questions: Does the student understand the answer? Can you rely on the information? Can the student explain the logic? Ethical considerations? How do I apply this information in the real world? Those are basically questions about humans. Artificial intelligence can help with lesson planning, educational materials, differentiated instruction, and interactive learning. It can help teachers identify where students need extra help and provide new avenues for classroom creativity. Yet technology cannot replace the patience of a teacher watching a child struggle, the encouragement of a student who has lost confidence, or the wisdom needed to shape character and build responsible citizens. This is why professional development has to be a permanent feature of the education system in Guyana. You can’t expect the future teacher to guide students through a digital world while being left behind by that same world. Therefore, continuous professional learning in technology, AI literacy, contemporary pedagogy, assessment and critical thinking should be embedded in the professional culture of teaching. Guyana’s current education policy directions already recognize the importance of improving teachers’ ICT competencies and integrating such competencies into teacher training and professional development. The challenge now is how to ensure these commitments reach every teacher, from Georgetown to the hinterland, from large secondary schools to small riverine and remote-community classrooms. The same principle applies to assessing students. The proliferation of generative AI is prompting education systems worldwide to reconsider how they evaluate learning. An assignment that can be created in sec-

onds doesn’t necessarily tell a teacher what a student knows or understands. This challenge Guyana should use as an opportunity to make learning more meaningful. More emphasis can be placed on oral presentations, classroom discussion, practical assignments, problem-solving, projects, critical analysis and other forms of assessment requiring students to demonstrate real understanding. Students learn about AI as they learn to spot misinformation, check sources, give credit where it’s due, and stay on the right side of academic integrity. That approach would teach young Guyanese not only how to use technology, but how to master it. This is especially true as Guyana undergoes rapid economic development, creating new opportunities that will need a workforce capable of adapting to changing technologies. Education must therefore produce young people who are not only able to memorize information, but who can think critically, communicate effectively, solve problems, innovate and continue to learn throughout their lives. Teachers are critical to that mission. The UNESCO World Teachers’ Day celebrated in 2026, will mark the 60th anniversary of the landmark ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers, and has firmly placed the protection and advancement of the teaching profession on the international agenda. Teachers were facing new pressures emerging from digital technologies, climate change, inclusion and other fast-evolving contexts, said the global body. Guyana is undergoing many of these changes at once. Hence, giving teachers a higher status should not be seen as a cost to the education system. It should be seen as an investment in the country’s future. Better pay makes a difference. Professional development is important. Modern classrooms count. Adequate teaching resources are important. But so is respect, recognition, career development, supportive leadership and creating an environment in

which teachers can do their best. It is therefore welcome that the Government has given a stated commitment to these areas. At the same time, teachers themselves have an important role to play. The classroom is changing and that means a willingness to learn, adapt and be open to new ways of doing things. Educators need to be ready to continually upgrade their knowledge and skills, experiment with appropriate technologies and be open to new approaches that can improve student outcomes. The partnership must therefore be clear: the government must provide the resources, training, infrastructure and supportive conditions; teachers must take advantage of the opportunities for professional growth and maintain the highest standards of the profession. Parents and communities have a responsibility, too. No single education system can work if the responsibility for a child’s development is left solely to the teacher or the school. World Teachers’ Day must therefore be more than an annual thanksgiving. This should be a reminder that the strength of Guyana’s education system will eventually depend on the seriousness with which the nation takes the people it employs to educate its children. Guyana is betting big on its future. That investment included new schools, technology, increased access and professional development programmes. But even the most sophisticated classroom is only a room until a skilled teacher enters it. The Government is right to put teachers at the heart of the transformation. The challenge now is to maintain this commitment and deepen it and translate it into sustained improvements in the profession. Because if Guyana is serious about building a more prosperous, innovative and capable nation, then it must continue to invest in the people who are preparing the next generation to lead it. Guyana’s future will be built in its classrooms, and teachers must be at the heart of it.

Can patient capital turn Guyana’s economic growth into citizen wealth?

Dear Editor,

GUYANA has a problem that is easy to misunderstand. It is not necessarily a shortage of money. It is a shortage of pathways through which ordinary Guyanese can convert an idea, a skill, a small farm, a fishing boat, a food business, a manufacturing concept, a technology service or a tourism opportunity into an economically sustainable enterprise. Why do I make this argument as advocacy, not a claim? Because the opportunity presented by the Guyana Development Bank is larger than simply providing loans. It is an opportunity to think differently about how capital can move through the economy and create opportunities for more citizens. On October 5, 2026, the Guyana Development Bank, GDB, officially came into operation with an initial US$100 million capital injection, over GY$20 billion. The institution is designed to provide qualifying small and medium-sized enterprises with loans of up

to G$3 million, at zero interest and without collateral. It is also intended to provide mentorship, training and technical support, with successful borrowers potentially gaining access to an additional G$7 million through participating traditional lenders. On paper, that sounds like a financial programme. Strategically, it is something much larger. It is an attempt to change how citizens participate in Guyana’s economic transformation. The real question is not whether Guyanese need loans. They do, and President, Dr Irfaan Ali and his government have responded to that need by creating a pathway for citizens who have ideas, skills, and the ambition to build. The more important question is what happens after the loan. A G$3 million loan sitting inside a bank account does not create development. A loan used to purchase equipment, increase production, hire workers, buy from another Guyanese business, process local raw materials, distribute products, and eventually reinvest and repay the capital does. That is the distinction between financ-

ing consumption and financing productive capacity. The GDB therefore deserves to be viewed through a development lens, rather than simply a banking lens. Guyana’s own economic data makes the opportunities available very clear. The Bureau of Statistics reports that agriculture, forestry and fishing generated approximately G$437 billion in current-price economic activity in 2025. Manufacturing generated approximately G$107 billion, construction approximately G$316 billion, wholesale and retail trade approximately G$143 billion, transport and storage approximately G$64 billion, information and communication approximately G$36 billion, professional services approximately G$17 billion, and accommodation and food services approximately G$9.5 billion. At the same time, Guyana’s economic centre of gravity has shifted dramatically towards petroleum and gas. That creates both an opportunity and a warning. Oil wealth can finance productive diversification. The warning is that Guyana could become extraordinarily

wealthy at the national level while many citizens remain spectators to that wealth. The GDB has the potential to become one of the mechanisms that determines which of those two outcomes becomes reality. Using the above data, we can begin to see the magnitudes and directions for applying this capital and securing small-business loans. Using Guyana’s national accounts as the economic lens, the bank can be understood across a 21-sector development framework, within which there are networks of business and profit growth. This is where the opportunity becomes more interesting. As Guyana adds visitors and foreign nationals, there are pathways to ensure diversification across commodities, goods, services and experiences. Consider something as fun as Trini Wallz’s Pinknic party in the summer. It generates profitability across clothing and shoe vendors, barbers and hairdressers, nail and lash technicians, bus and taxi See page 8

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, October 7, 2026

The long journey of Robert Corbin

I MET Mr. Corbin at the Bourda Green Street market five years ago. He told me he was working on his autobiography. I did not see him since. I met Volda Lawrence in the bank about a month ago and I asked her about the autobiography, and she said she knows he is doing it. When it comes out, it will be one of the most absorbing memoirs of a Guyanese, not just a Guyanese politician. Mr Corbin and I are contemporaries. Though we were political actors around the same time, I never met him, never spoke with him in my entire life except in the middle 1990s when he did the philosophy course with me at UG. After he left UG, I must have spoken with him maybe two or three times. I cannot write a biographical note on him from interactions because there have been none. These notes here come from my experience observing and analysing politics in Guyana over several decades. Mr. Corbin started out his career as one of the executives in the PNC’s youth arm, YSM. He was generally seen outside of political circles as a street politician. He easily earned the description as a street fighter. I remember for decades that was how he was portrayed in society. It was generally perceived that Hamilton Green was his mentor. His elevation in politics came under the presidency of Desmond Hoyte where he was promoted to the Cabinet. The headaches and the pains of poli-

tics visited Corbin long after the PNC lost power in 1992. His trials and tribulations began when he became head of the PNC. Corbin was defined as a Hamilton Green type of politician and thus he started out with a disadvantage. The Mulatto/ Creole class (MCC) did not accept him as PNC leader. Unfortunately, an incident at his ministry in which an allegation of harassment was made against him dogged him. The MCC was cruel to Corbin. It stayed away from the PNC and withdrew any form of resources to the PNC. Internally, Corbin had to endure guerrilla warfare led by Vincent Alexander, James Mc Allister and Aubrey Norton. He removed McAllister from Parliament. He recalled Alexander from GECOM. Alexander refused to comply. Alexander challenged him for the leader position, rejected the wholesomeness of the congress, and resigned his membership of the PNC, never to renew it. The Corbin/Norton confrontation became nasty and reached the High Court. From 2003 to the general election of 2006, the PNC under Corbin’s leadership stood at its weakest since its formation in 1957. This weakness has only been surpassed by the present rut inside the PNC. Mr. Corbin began to feel the pangs of class discrimination. The MCC starved him of funds. They wanted nothing to do with Corbin. In 2006, the MCC formed its own party, the Alliance For Change (AFC) with an MCC

personality at the helm- Raphael Trotman. The AFC took five seats from the PNC in the 2006 election. Corbin knew that his time had come and he was endangering the anatomy and physiology of the PNC. Then the moment came when he decided that he will ensure the PNC does not die. He accepted the cajoling influence of Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine that it was time for him to step aside and reform the PNC. The PNC then subsumed itself under the umbrella of APNU under a quintessential MCC personality - David Granger. Corbin withstood enormous pressure from the PNC diehards in its leadership to eschew an APNU direction. But he knew it was the only way to save the PNC. Strangely, after the PNC secured power in 2015, Corbin faded away from politics. We do not know and will only know when his memoir is out if that was a conscious decision of his or that the APNU in government did not reach out to him. The long journey of Robert Corbin has four characteristics that hold immense lessons for understanding West Indian politics. The first one is that people do not want street fighters to lead their governments. The street politician was the choice Mr. Corbin made. But that image took up permanent residence in the eyes of the nation. Mr. Corbin did seek to dissolve that stain by becoming a lawyer but I don’t think that changed the nation’s per-

Mashramani turns work into celebration

Dear Editor, A FLOAT is a peculiar asset. Its owner spends money so that everybody else can look at it. The Mashramani's costume and float parade sits inside Guyana's Republic celebrations alongside calypso, soca, chutney, steel band and other competitions. Ministries, businesses, schools, designers and bands invest resources in presentations meant to be judged publicly and shared nationally. Franz Boas' work on the Northwest Coast helped make the potlatch a classic case in anthropology. Later scholarship and Kwakwaka'wakw institutions such as the U'mista Cultural Centre have made the necessary correction to simplistic descriptions. Potlatch is not just conspicuous waste or a party with gifts. It is tied to witnessing, family history, status, rights, obligation and the public recognition of relationships. That distinction matters

here. I am not suggesting a historical connection between this carnival tradition and Northwest Coast ceremonial life. There is none to claim. The comparison is functional. It asks what happens when materials, skills and labour acquire their greatest value only after they are exposed to other people. This changes how the visible object should be evaluated. The raw materials may be cheap or expensive, but neither tells us much about the finished social value. Time, recognisable style, local technique and the fact of public display become part of the object. A piece made for carnival carries the maker's reputation into the street. That is why handmade and locally legible carnival forms often survive even when cheaper substitutes are available. They do work that mass-produced decoration cannot. They tell spectators who made this, where it belongs, and why this communi-

ty recognises it. There is also an environmental implication. If public meaning comes from craft and provenance rather than sheer volume, carnival can be generous without becoming disposable. Reuse, repair and locally made materials are not necessarily modern restrictions on tradition. They can strengthen the very thing that makes the tradition worth seeing. This perspective also guards against a lazy use of the word potlatch. Northwest Coast ceremonial traditions deserve to be understood on their own terms. Comparison is valuable only when it clarifies both sides rather than pretending, they are the same. Mashramani converts preparation into public recognition, which is one of the oldest ways communities turn expenditure into status. Yours truly, Charles E. A. Lincoln IV Author, lawyer, and doctoral researcher

ception. Secondly, Mr. Corbin’s career was marred by the harassment incident. Thirdly, the class structure of Guyana contains the powerful impulses of the MCC. Mr. Corbin learnt bitterly that the MCC did not want him to lead the PNC.

He was not seen as leadership material by that class and thus they alienated him. His autobiography will be a valuable addition to Guyanese history. Fourthly, and importantly, in his later years, he became a politician with an open, pleasing mind.

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.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Dr Cheddi Jagan: The Champion of the Poor, the Defender of Democracy

Dear Editor,

THERE are some figures in a nation’s history whose contributions cannot be measured merely by the years they occupied public office. Their significance lies in the principles they fought for, the lives they touched, and the possibilities they opened for future generations. For Guyana, Dr. Cheddi Jagan remains one such figure. For more than five decades, Dr. Jagan was at the centre of Guyana’s political, social and economic struggles. From the earliest days of the labour movement and the fight for universal adult suffrage, through the struggle for independence and the long campaign for democratic elections, his political life was closely intertwined with the aspirations of ordinary Guyanese. Above all, Dr. Jagan became identified with the cause of working people, farmers, the poor and those who believed that the resources of Guyana should serve the wider population rather than a privileged few. Guyanese came to regard him as the champion of the poor and working class—a description that remains central to how his legacy is remembered. Perhaps no chapter of Dr. Jagan’s life carries greater historical significance than his role in the restoration of democratic government. The October 5, 1992 general election was a watershed moment in Guyanese history. It was the first election in 28 years to be internationally monitored and accepted by observers as free and fair. The Carter Center described it as the first credible election in Guyana in 28 years, while international observers recorded that it resulted in a peaceful transfer of power. His return to the presidency was not simply the culmination of a personal political journey. It represented the return of electoral

democracy after decades in which Guyanese had lived through deeply contested elections and restrictions on political and civil liberties. Historical accounts record that elections during the earlier period were fraudulent and that human rights and civil liberties had been suppressed. The restoration of credible elections therefore carried meaning far beyond the victory of one political party. It restored to Guyanese citizens the fundamental democratic right to have their votes genuinely determine who governed them. Dr. Jagan understood the significance of that moment. In his October 9, 1992 inaugural address, he called on Guyanese to rebuild the country together, without rancour, recrimination or victimisation, and spoke of a democratic and humane order based on the rule of law, the eradication of poverty and human development. The Guyana Dr. Jagan inherited in 1992 was not a prosperous country waiting for a new government to simply administer it. It was a country emerging from a prolonged period of economic and institutional decline. The inherited burden was immense. Contemporary government material described an external debt of approximately US$2.1 billion in October 1992, with debt servicing consuming an extraordinary share of government revenues. Health and education were under severe pressure, while the country’s physical and social infrastructure required extensive rehabilitation. The historical record also describes widespread emigration, a depleted population, deteriorating infrastructure and an education system that had fallen into serious disrepair. In the language of ordinary Guyanese, Dr. Jagan inherited a country that had been left economically barren and socially exhausted. But he did not use the condition of the country as an excuse for inaction.

Instead, his government embarked upon a programme of reconstruction. Water systems, electricity generation, roads, schools and health facilities became priorities. Accounts of the period point to substantial investment in social infrastructure, including new schools and health centres in rural and Amerindian communities. The objective was not simply to make the economy grow. It was to ensure that economic recovery translated into a better quality of life for ordinary citizens. That distinction was fundamental to Dr. Jagan’s philosophy. Dr. Cheddi Jagan will always occupy a distinctive place in Guyana’s history. He will be remembered as a leader who fought for universal suffrage, independence, democracy, economic justice and social development. He will be remembered for returning to the presidency through the historic 1992 election and for inheriting a country burdened by debt, deteriorating infrastructure and deep social and economic problems. He will be remembered for placing education, health, housing, agriculture, infrastructure and the welfare of working people high on the na-

tional agenda. Dr. Cheddi Jagan will always remain the champion of the poor and working-class people of Guyana. His greatest legacy is not simply a list of projects or policies. It is the enduring proposition that a nation’s progress must be judged by the dignity, freedom and well-being of its people. Those who carry Dr. Jagan’s political tradition forward can look back with pride at the distance travelled since his historic return to office in 1992. That journey has continued under the leadership of General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, who has helped guide, strengthen and evolve the movement that Dr. Jagan built, while playing a consequential role in the remarkable transformation of Guyana’s political and economic landscape. Yours sincerely, Rajiv Kadarnauth Regional Councillor Essequibo Islands/ West Demerara

Can patient capital turn Guyana’s ... From page 6

drivers, food and drinks vendors, DJs and photographers, graphic designers, and, of course, give “Trini” an opportunity to have fun, entertain and provide all of the above diversification structures without even having to get involved. This is not advocacy. This is a claim that can be observed. Check Facebook. The delightful pictures every summer are a testament to the beauty of this event, but they also illustrate something larger: an event does not create value for only the person organising it. It creates a network of businesses that benefit from the people who attend it. That same thinking can be applied across Guyana’s economy. Everyone who desires to pursue a business has the potential to participate in a network of interconnected

businesses that provide opportunities for profit and growth. At this point in time, the specific challenge is not simply the bank or the money. It is the imagination of those who can identify a path to a venture that benefits from this Bank and, in turn, creates opportunities for other Guyanese. That is where we should believe the real development opportunity exists. The question should not simply be, “Can I get a loan?” The better question is: “What can I build with this capital that creates value for me, and creates opportunity for someone else?” Sincerely, Dr Dustin Fraser

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President Ali’s lawyer confirms submitting Azruddin Mohamed’s post to Meta over defamation

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 7, 2026

CANADA-BASED Guyanese attorney-at-law Selwyn Pieters has confirmed that he submitted a social media post by Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed to Meta after requesting that it be removed over defamation. Meta is the technology company that owns and operates Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger. Pieters, who represents President Dr. Irfaan Ali in social media matters, said the action was taken separately from the early September deactivation of Mohamed’s “Team Mohamed’s” Facebook page. In a statement issued Tuesday, Pieters said he observed a post published by Mohamed on October 3 concerning a Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) operation and referring to President Ali. He said he also reviewed a CANU press release issued that afternoon and, based on his professional assessment, considered Mohamed’s post defamatory and beyond the bounds of legitimate political criticism or public commentary. Pieters said he first contacted Mohamed directly at approximately 5:50 p.m. and requested that the publication be removed. Mohamed referred him to his attorney, Siand Dhurjon, after which Pieters said he contacted Dhurjon around 6:45 p.m. and formally communicated his position that the post was defamatory and should be removed. Pieters said Dhurjon indicated that he would raise the matter with Mohamed but could not guarantee that the request would be honoured. The post remained online. The attorney said, “The longer the defamatory material remains online, the greater the harm to my client. At the point in time,

I last reviewed the page, the offending post had 1.8K likes, 218 comments and 618 shares.” Pieters said that, after giving Mohamed an opportunity to remove the publication, he submitted the matter to Meta under the social media company’s applicable processes and policies. “Meta independently considered the submission and took whatever action it deemed appropriate based on its own assessment,” Pieters said. “I did not determine Meta’s decision, nor did I have the power to do so.” He stressed that his submission to Meta concerning the October 3 publication should not be confused with the September deactivation of Mohamed’s “Team Mohamed’s” Facebook page. Pieters also rejected any suggestion that his actions were politically motivated or undertaken at the direction of a political party. He said, “My actions were not political, nor were they undertaken at the direction of a political party.” He said he acted in his capacity as an attorney and on the basis of his assessment of the publication and the authority granted to him to protect the President’s legal interests. Pieters said freedom of expression and freedom of the press are fundamental rights that must be respected and protected, but argued that those freedoms do not place anyone beyond the ordinary application of defamation law. He said, “Where I determine, in the proper exercise of my professional judgement, that my client’s legal rights have been infringed, I am entitled and professionally obligated to pursue the lawful remedies available to him.” Pieters insisted: “I, Selwyn A. Pieters, Attorney-at-Law, wish to state

sible, before subsequently stating that Meta had deactivated that page and the allied, We Invest in Nation-

Canada-based Guyanese attorney-at-law Selwyn Pieters unequivocally that I had no role, directly or indirectly, in the deactivation of the “Team Mohamed’s Facebook page”, owned and operated by Leader of the Opposition Mr. Azruddin Mohamed.” “Any assertion by Mr. Mohamed that I caused, requested or was otherwise responsible for the deactivation of that page is false. No evidence has been produced to support such a claim, and I challenge Mr. Mohamed to make public any evidence upon which he relies.” The statement comes amid a recent dispute over the alleged deactivation of Mohamed’s Facebook page, which Pieters has separately denied having any role in. The controversy began on September 3, 2026, when Mohamed was arrested after police intercepted a vehicle near President Ali’s private residence at Leonora amid an investigation into alleged unauthorised drone activity. Mohamed denied owning or operating the drone and was released after questioning. On September 4, his lawyer raised concerns after Mohamed’s “Team Mohamed’s” Facebook page disappeared while his phones remained in police custody. Mohamed later accused police and the PPP/C government of being respon-

hood (WIN) page following false third-party complaints regarding trademark violations.

T h e “ Te a m M o hamed’s” Facebook page was eventually restored on September 24.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Forest Products Association welcomes launch of Guyana Development Bank

THE Executive Committee and members of the Forest Products Association of Guyana have extended congratulations to President Dr Irfaan Ali and the Government of Guyana on the official launch of the Guyana Development Bank. The association, in a press release, at a pivotal moment when the financial sustainability of key industries—most notably Guyana’s forestry sector— is at a critical juncture, the establishment of the Guyana Development Bank represents a vital step forward

for sustainable economic growth and financial empowerment. “It directly addresses an urgent need by supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and driving key strategic investments across the country. “Additionally, we extend our sincere congratulations to the newly appointed Board of Directors, with special recognition to Ms. Kathy Smith, Vice Chairman of the Private Sector Commission. We are fully confident that under their distinguished leadership, the bank will serve

as a powerful catalyst for innovation, progress, and opportunity for years to come,” the association said. The association noted the President’s vision, leadership, and dedication in bringing this landmark institution to fruition are truly commendable. “We wish the Guyana Development Bank immense success as it commences operations, and we look forward to witnessing the positive impact of this initiative on the nation’s economic landscape,” the association said.

Mabaruma learners with special needs now get specialised schooling at home in Region One FOR families in Mabaruma raising children with special education needs and disabilities, finding specialised support has often meant looking beyond Region One (Barim a - Wa i n i ) . T h a t h a s changed with the opening of the region’s first Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) school, right in their community. The Mabaruma SEND School, opened by the Ministry of Education, is the 57th SEND space in Guyana. It can accommodate up to 30 learners and is staffed by four teachers trained in special education. Fifteen learners are already enrolled.

Each learner will receive personalised support, resources and learning opportunities without leaving their community, sparing families the cost and strain of seeking help outside the region. According to the Ministry of Education, Mabaruma will not stand alone for long. Similar schools are planned for Region One’s other two sub-districts, Moruca and Matarkai. In fact, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) has invited bids for new SEND facilities at Moruca and Port Kaituma, at $37.4 million each. The Mabaruma school is part of a rapid national

expansion. In 2020, Guyana had only 13 recognised SEND spaces. That number has more than quadrupled, supported by new specialist training. More than 300 people have graduated in SEND through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), and the University of Guyana (UG) introduced specialised SEND courses in 2025. The Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) now also offers specialised courses for parents of children with special needs. The ministry’s goal is for learners with disabilities across Guyana to receive specialised support closer to home. (DPI)

The Mabaruma SEND School opened by the Ministry of Education

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Zoo, Botanical Gardens redevelopment targets reopening within three years

GUYANESE and visitors to Georgetown are expected to experience a transformed Zoo and Botanical Gardens within approximately three years, as the government advances a major redevelopment programme designed to create a modern nature, wildlife, education, and recreation destination in the heart of the capital. The redevelopment, being undertaken through the Protected Areas Commission (PAC), is already underway, with construction focused on site preparation, demolition of obsolete structures, foundations, internal roads, drainage and other supporting infrastructure. Foreign Secretary and Chairman of the Protected Areas Commission, Robert Persaud, told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the project is being advanced to deliver a facility that preserves the Gardens’ character while introducing experiences designed for future generations. “The vision is for the gardens to continue to be a place of connection, with new ways to experience nature in Georgetown.” Central to the transformation is converting the existing zoo into a Wildlife Sanctuary, featuring larger, more natural habitats, improved animal care facilities, and spaces that give animals more opportunities to express natural behaviours. The redevelopment will also introduce a new entrance along Homestretch Avenue, a Discovery Centre featuring an aquarium, themed gardens, improved waterways and walkways over the ponds. A SkyTrail through the treetops will connect five observation towers, while other planned attractions include a Roraima inspired waterfall, canoe facilities, internal shuttle services and a nature inspired children’s play area. An amphitheatre is also taking shape along Homestretch Avenue near the corner opposite the National Cultural Centre, creating another venue for performances, storytelling, exhibitions and community gatherings. The plans retain the mature trees and familiar landmarks that have long formed part of the gardens’ identity, while introducing new infrastructure that will broaden how visitors interact with

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Guyanese and visitors to Georgetown are expected to experience a transformed Zoo and Botanical Gardens within approximately three years the space. For families, the redevelopment is expected to offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and discovery, with themed gardens, wildlife encounters, bird watching, canoeing, shaded seating and accessible pathways. The Discovery Centre will provide an important educational component, allowing students and visitors to learn about Guyana’s biodiversity through interactive experiences involving the aquarium, gardens and wildlife habitats. The project is also expected to strengthen the Gardens’ role within Georgetown’s wider tourism offering, with opportunities being explored for local guides, entrepreneurs, businesses and community partners to participate in the visitor experience. Animal welfare remains a key consideration throughout construction. The animals currently remain on site under the daily supervision of the facility’s veterinarian and animal care personnel. Officials say retaining them at the Gardens avoids the risks associated with transportation and unfamiliar surroundings while construction continues around them. As new habitats are completed and certified as safe, animals will gradually be moved into their permanent environments. The redevelopment also provides scope for specialised conservation initiatives, including breeding and rehabilitation programmes for species such as macaws and sun parakeets. Where appropriate, release into the wild will be considered. The facility is also expected to play a greater role in responding to wildlife

that cannot safely return to nature. This includes animals surrendered by individuals who are no longer able to care for them or wildlife encountered as human interactions with animals increase. Potential exchanges with other zoological institutions could eventually broaden the range of species available for educational purposes, subject to strict animal health, veterinary and welfare requirements. The gardens will also continue to provide habitat for free living species within Georgetown. Areas will retain a more natural character,

providing food and shelter for birds and other wildlife. The redevelopment programme is targeting the completion of foundations and internal roads, alongside the removal of most old enclosures, by the end of 2026. CNQC is the main contractor, supported by SRKN in engineering advice and supervision. CNQC’s previous work on the Guyana China Friendship Park at Joe Vieira Park is also informing confidence in the contractor’s capacity to deliver the project. Construction is being accelerated during the ex-

tended dry period, while the temporary closure of the facility allows work to proceed safely and limits public activity around construction zones and animals. Engineering assessments are being undertaken to address soil conditions, drainage and the requirements of larger structures, while attention is also being given to the long-term maintenance of the upgraded facility. Staff training, recruitment planning, plant propagation and preparations for future partnerships with botanical gardens are also being undertaken ahead of

the reopening. “As we attempt something at this scale here for the first time, we are doing our best to minimise disturbance while taking the time to learn and adjust where needed,” he said. With construction progressing and the foundation for the new experience taking shape, the historic gardens are being repositioned not simply as a restored facility, but as a modern national destination that brings nature closer to the people of Guyana. (DPI)

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Thomas Street project on track for completion

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, October 7, 2026

- Minister Manickchand says

THE Thomas Street enhancement project is progressing on schedule, with a number of contractors and engineers working to transform the capital city of Georgetown. Providing an update on the works on Tuesday, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand assured that the project will be completed on time. Manickchand said the project is advancing ahead with engineers and officers involved

working to coordinate the various components of the development. The project, which stretches from Lamaha Street to Church Street, is the first to be implemented under President Dr Irfaan Ali’s Healthy Streets Initiative and is intended to create a greener, safer, and more functional public space. “There is so many different moving parts here, and so many different contractors,” Manickchand said, adding that the team is working to ensure the project is de-

livered as intended and within schedule. The minister’s update follows a site inspection last week by President Ali, who visited the location to assess the progress of the works and review several aspects of the design with the project team. During the inspection, engineers outlined the practical and aesthetic considerations guiding the transformation, while the President provided input on elements of the completed space and

examined how features being introduced could potentially inform the transformation of other avenues across Georgetown. Recent reports on the project highlight that particular attention is being placed on ensuring that the roadway, avenue, and drainage infrastructure work together. President Ali also stressed the importance of getting the levels between the road, drains and avenue right, an aspect of the project that is critical to the

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand

greener, safer and more functional public spaces. Following her engagement with the President, Manickchand walked the length of the project area with lead engineers Raul Boyer and Satrohan Nauth, Project Manager Gregory Sukull and other officials to assess the

date comes as the Government continues efforts to transform Georgetown’s public spaces through projects aimed at improving how residents interact with and move through the city. The Healthy Streets Initiative is intended to go beyond the physical improve-

The completed Thomas Street Project is expected to bring together roadway, drainage, landscaping, and public-space improvements while retaining existing environmental features (Local Government Ministry photos)

seamless functioning and management of water along the avenue. Manickchand said maintaining the project’s schedule remains a priority while ensuring that the character and objectives of the Healthy Streets Initiative are preserved. The Thomas Street design was developed by the King’s Foundation in collaboration with the Government of Guyana, with the concept placing emphasis on healthier,

works and progress being made. With the project involving several contractors and different components being undertaken simultaneously, Manickchand said the works have also provided practical experience for the engineers and officers responsible for overseeing the development. “We will be bringing this in. We will be bringing it in on time,” she said. The minister’s up-

ment of individual avenues, with the Thomas Street project serving as an initial model for how greener and more people-oriented spaces can be incorporated into Georgetown’s urban landscape. The completed avenue is expected to bring together roadway, drainage, landscaping and public-space improvements while retaining existing environmental features.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, October 7, 2026

AFC pays tribute to late PNCR leader Robert Corbin

THE Alliance For Change (AFC) has joined the nation in mourning the passing of Robert Corbin, former Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and former leader of the opposition in Guyana’s National Assembly. “Mr Corbin was an astute politician, a formidable strategist and a man whose political mind was, in many respects, second to none. His contribution to Guyana’s political development spanned decades, and his influence extended well beyond the positions he held – whether as Party Leader, Minister, Member of Parliament, or Attorney-at-Law. “The AFC particularly recognises Mr Corbin’s contribution to the evolution of

political co-operation and opposition unity in Guyana. His strategic vision and willingness to engage in the difficult work of bringing political forces together helped set the stage for the formation of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and, subsequently, for the Cummingsburg Accord, which brought the AFC and APNU together for the 2015 General and Regional Elections,” the AFC said. This achievement, the party said, represented an important moment in Guyana’s political history and demonstrated the possibilities that can emerge when political leaders are prepared to look beyond immediate partisan considerations in pursuit of a larger national objective. “In the early years of the

AFC’s existence, there were, naturally, tensions and political differences between the two parties. Yet, Mr Corbin never allowed those differences to descend into personal rancour or disrespect towards the AFC. In his engagements with the Alliance For Change, he consistently demonstrated maturity, stoicism, restraint and a strong sense of nationalism. That quality deserves particular recognition. “Politics can be intensely competitive, but Mr Corbin understood that political competition need not destroy the possibility of dialogue, co-operation or mutual respect. His approach reflected an appreciation that, ultimately, political parties and politicians are temporary custodians of a nation whose interests are

greater than any individual or organisation,” the party said. The AFC therefore said it honours Corbin not only for the offices he held, but also for the contribution he made to the development of Guyana’s political landscape and to the evolution of a young nation. “The Alliance For Change extends its deepest sympathy to Mrs Corbin, his children, wider family, colleagues, friends and all those who mourn his passing. May they find strength and comfort in this difficult time. The AFC recognises and honours Robert H.O. Corbin’s service to Guyana and his contribution to the formation and development of our young nation. May his soul rest in peace,” the AFC said.

Late PNCR Leader Robert Corbin

‘Weekend Welding’ launched for 60 Freeburg Secondary students SIXTY Grade 10 students at Freeburg Secondary School have begun a landmark six-month “Weekend Welders” programme designed to deliver internationally recognised engineering qualifications and fill critical gaps in Guyana’s expanding industrial sector. Running under the theme “Building the foundation for the future”, the initiative was

The course runs for 208 hours over 26 weeks at the Guyana Industrial Training Centre (GITC) workshop, located on Woolford Avenue, with the Ministry of Education providing transportation for all participating students. The programmes were specifically designed to condense a one-year programme. Combining weekday sessions on Tuesdays

modules cover health and safety, manual handling, housekeeping, technical drawing and precision measurement. Students then move on to power tool operation, mechanical cutting and introductory engineering calculations before starting core training in Manual Metal Arc Welding (MMAW) and Oxyacetylene Welding (OAW). The final stages

conceptualised by the Deputy Chief Education Officer for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Dr Ritesh Tularam, the Education Ministry said in a press release. It aims to introduce young people to the fundamentals of welding and occupational safety, establishing a base for future technical education, apprenticeships, employment or entrepreneurship.

and Wednesdays with weekend training on Saturdays and Sundays, the schedule is designed to simulate a commercial workshop environment, with each session dividing four hours of daily contact time between theoretical safety briefings and continuous hands-on booth instruction. Over the six months, the programme takes students through a progressive sequence of trade skills. Early

focus on workplace communication, advanced computations and practical assessments. The entire course is aligned with the Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) Level I in Welding (CCMEM10202). Students who demonstrate competence across all required units—including joint preparation, heat control and workshop safety—will receive full regional cer-

tification following final internal and external verification. Education officials highlighted that rapid growth across construction, oil and gas, mining, manufacturing and infrastructure has created an urgent need for certified tradespeople. By

holding sessions outside regular school hours, the programme provides essential vocational training without disrupting the pupils’ standard academic timetables. Dr Tularam noted that the programme is expected to expand to additional secondary schools in 2027,

incorporating other critical technical disciplines. Beyond modernising TVET nationwide, the Ministry of Education is driving a broader mandate to ensure every secondary school student graduates with proficiency in at least one practical skill.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Region Nine entrepreneurs welcome the new growth, Guyana Development Bank

FOR small entrepreneurs in Region Nine, building a business is becoming a journey supported at each stage, from learning how to manage and grow an enterprise, to gaining access to modern production facilities, and now, financing through the Guyana Development Bank to take those businesses to the next level. For Vanessa Khan, co-founder of Diva Herbal Teas, that journey began with support from the

Small Business Bureau, which she said provided training, guidance, and opportunities to market her products. The support has helped her move from having traditional knowledge of medicinal herbs to developing a product that can be packaged and taken to market. “Oh, it has done a lot, because just from basic knowledge of herbal bush, as we would say, to being able to have a marketable product, being able to reach

Entrepreneur Vanessa Khan

out to my fellow members of the community, and give them a healthier alternative, it has done great for us,” she said. Through the Small Business Bureau’s support, entrepreneurs can access training and guidance in areas such as business planning, financial management, marketing and developing their enterprises, skills that are critical as small businesses move

Entrepreneur Sharla Fernandez

beyond simply having a product to building a sustainable operation. For Vanessa, the next challenge was production. Diva Herbal Teas produces nine varieties locally, but previously, some of the services needed to finish and prepare the products for market required going outside the region, even across the border to Brazil. The new agro-processing facility in Lethem

means services and equipment that entrepreneurs previously had to seek elsewhere can now be accessed closer to home, while the facility also provides a larger and safer environment for processing. “Now that we have this space, I only hope that I don’t run out of raw materials to be processed,” she noted. That increased capacity TURN TO PAGE 17

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Kumu hydropower strengthening Guyana’s low-carbon energy push

Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Dr Mahender Sharma

GUYANA’S push to expand renewable energy in the hinterland continues to gain momentum, with the 1.5-megawatt Kumu Hydropower Plant playing a key role in supplying renewable electricity to Lethem while supporting the country’s wider low-carbon development strategy. Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Dr Mahender Sharma, on Monday, said the facility demonstrates how Guyana can harness its natural resources to meet energy needs while reducing reliance on conventional sources of power. Explaining the fundamentals behind the facility, Sharma said the generation capacity of the plant is based on two critical natural elements: the volume of water flowing through the system and the height from which that water falls. “Mother Nature, the power of water, the two key elements, volumetric flow in metre cube per second, and head, or height,” Sharma explained. He said the

combination of these factors at Kumu allows the facility to generate renewable electricity for the township Lethem. The Kumu facility was officially commissioned by Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips in Region Nine in July of this year, marking another step in the government’s efforts to expand renewable energy and strengthen energy security across the country. The prime minister said the project forms part of a broader national strategy focused on energy security, food security and climate security, while noting that the government has been expanding the country’s energy mix through gas-to-power infrastructure, solar farms and hydropower. The Kumu plant adds 1.5MW to Region Nine’s renewable energy capacity, alongside the 0.7MW Moco Moco Hydropower Plant and a 1MW solar photovoltaic farm. Together, the three facilities provide 3.2MW of installed renewable generation capacity for TURN TO PAGE 17

The 1.5-megawatt Kumu Hydropower Plant is playing a key role in supplying renewable electricity to Lethem and supporting the country’s wider low-carbon development strategy

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Carbon-credit funds bring visitor cabins, jobs to Karasabai

KARASABAI Village in the South Pakaraimas of Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), now offers accommodation to visitors after investing $7 million of its 2023 carbon-credit funds in two cabins. Toshao David Albert said the cabins are already in demand, hosting guests from within the region, from across Guyana and from overseas. The project has also put

residents to work. “They have benefited us in terms of providing jobs. We have two persons working here in this compound as sweeper-cleaner and caretaker,” the toshao said in a video posted to the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs’ social media page on Tuesday. The two workers maintain not only the cabins but also the village office and the other government buildings in

the compound. Karasabai is one of hundreds of Indigenous villages funded under the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030. The strategy guarantees that 15 per cent of all carbon-credit revenue earned under the national programme is allocated directly to Indigenous and hinterland communities, to be managed according to their own priorities.

In 2023, Guyana received its first carbon payment of US$150 million, of which US$22.5 million (G$4.7 billion) went to 242 villages nationwide. To date, a total of $16.9 billion GYD has been disbursed, funding close to 3,000 projects. During the 2026 budget debate, Minister of Amerindian Affairs Sarah Browne-Shadeek pointed to the direct transfer of carbon-cred-

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, October 7, 2026

it revenues to villages as evidence of a people-first approach. She noted that villages have also used the funds for agriculture, infrastructure, transportation, women and youth development,

livelihoods, social welfare and cultural preservation. Persons wishing to stay at the cabins can make reservations through the caretaker or by contacting the toshao directly. (DPI)

Kumu hydropower...

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, October 7, 2026

FROM PAGE 15

the region. Sharma highlighted that the importance of the Kumu Hydropower Plant extends beyond its generation capacity, with the facility directly supporting the electricity needs of Lethem, one of the country’s fastest-growing hinterland communities. “This

1.5-megawatt Kumu hydropower plant combines a head of 523 metres and volumetric flow to allow us to generate power,” he said. “This is a key component of our low-carbon development strategy. Renewable energy powering the town and the people of Lethem.” The plant feeds di-

Region Nine... FROM PAGE 14

is also creating opportunities for entrepreneurs like Sharla Fernandez, whose business connects agro-processing with farmers and suppliers across Region Nine. Fernandez said the new machinery can significantly reduce the time and labour. Where producers once spent days on aspects of the process, the equipment can help them produce faster and in larger quantities. “I feel it is less time-consuming and provides a facility free of charge for the persons that are coming and use it, so it will help a lot,” she stated. As an entrepreneur who works with farmers and suppliers from different communities, greater processing capacity can create more demand for locally produced crops, giving farmers a stronger market for what they grow. And now, as these businesses build their production capacity, another piece of the puzzle is coming into place. The Guyana Development Bank is now operational, providing financing of up to G$3 million to eligible small and medium-sized businesses. For entrepreneurs like Vanessa and Sharla, access to that financing could mean moving from having the equipment and skills to actually having the financial resources to buy more raw

materials, increase production, improve packaging, reach new markets, and expand their businesses. For Vanessa, that could mean taking Diva Herbal Teas beyond its current nine varieties and investing in the next stage of the business. “We’re hoping to expand with the facilities that we have. I can introduce new flavours for new health benefits. People are becoming more health-conscious. So we look forward to the blossoming of this business,” she noted. For Sharla, financing could strengthen the network she is already building between her business and farmers across Region Nine, allowing greater quantities of local produce to be processed and brought to market. “This is one opportunity we cannot miss. Let us take all the opportunities, and to all small entrepreneurs like me, I encourage you to take every opportunity you can get; everything you need is available here,” she said. From training and business development to access to modern equipment and production facilities, and now financing of up to G$3 million, the government is providing opportunities for entrepreneurs that can help turn small enterprises into businesses with the capacity to grow. (DPI)

rectly into the Lethem grid, with the Kumu and Moco Moco facilities supplying 100 per cent of Lethem’s electricity for a full 24-hour period using hydropower alone. The additional energy capacity is also expected to support economic and social

development in Region Nine, with improved electricity access creating opportunities for businesses, public services, tourism, education and employment. The Kumu and Moco Moco projects form part of a dual hydropower development executed under a US$12.85 mil-

lion Engineering, Procurement and Construction contract awarded in 2022 to Sri Lankan company Vidullanka PLC. Of that amount, US$9.0625 million was allocated to construction of Kumu, while US$3.7875 million covered rehabilitation of Moco Moco.

With Kumu now contributing renewable energy directly to the Lethem grid, the facility represents p a r t o f G u y a n a ’s broader effort to develop a more diversified energy system, while making greater use of the country’s natural resources.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, October 7, 2026

NAREI gets $60M vehicle boost to strengthen extension services, CFF surveillance AGRICULTURE Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, on Tuesday, handed over approximately G$60 million in vehicles to the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) to strengthen its extension services and enhance national surveillance, monitoring and control of the Carambola Fruit Fly (CFF). According to a press release, the fleet comprises five pickup trucks, six All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and 12 motorcycles and was procured under the Agricul-

“Our President, as you know, is placing a lot of emphasis on food security, not only at the local level, but also at the regional level. We want Guyana to be the premier food producer in CARICOM, and we are moving aggressively in those efforts,” he said. Minister Mustapha pointed to the significant increase in public investment in agriculture over the years, noting that the sector’s budget has grown from approximately G$18 billion to G$113 billion in 2026. He said these invest-

The investment will significantly improve the mobility of NAREI’s technical and extension personnel, particularly in farming communities and areas where access can be challenging. A major focus will be the strengthening of Guyana’s national CFF surveillance network, allowing officers to conduct regular trapping, monitoring and field inspections, particularly in major fruit-producing areas. The Carambola Fruit Fly Programme is a national initiative aimed at preventing the establishment and spread

tural Infrastructure Development Programme (AIDP), for which the Cooperative Republic of Guyana received financing from the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF). During the handing-over exercise, Minister Mustapha underscored NAREI’s critical role in supporting the development and modernisation of Guyana’s agriculture sector through research, extension and technical support to farmers. “NAREI is the premier research institution in this country. We have been ensuring that NAREI has the facilities and is well equipped to provide the necessary guidance and services as we advance our food security efforts,” Minister Mustapha said. He noted that strengthening institutions such as NAREI forms part of the government’s wider food-security agenda and its efforts to position Guyana as a major agricultural producer within the Caribbean.

ments are geared towards providing the infrastructure, equipment, technology and other resources necessary to improve productivity and strengthen the services available to farmers. He also reminded NAREI’s employees of the important responsibility they have in ensuring that the Government’s policies and programmes are effectively implemented. “As employees of this institution, you play a very important role. You are tasked with the responsibility of executing the Government’s policies, and this is why we are working to provide, as best we can, the necessary facilities,” he said. Minister Mustapha also urged staff to safeguard the new vehicles and ensure they are used strictly for their intended purposes. “I urge that you use them in the best interest of the country and for their intended purposes. Let’s not abuse these very critical assets,” he added.

of the destructive pest. Effective surveillance, early detection and rapid intervention are critical to protecting Guyana’s expanding fruit industry and supporting the country’s efforts to achieve pest-free status and safeguard access to export markets. The additional transportation will also strengthen NAREI’s engagement with farmers and communities through extension visits, farmer education and public awareness, while allowing officers to respond more effectively to agricultural issues in the field. Through continued investments in research, extension, infrastructure, technology and institutional capacity, the government is working to ensure that agencies such as NAREI are adequately equipped to execute their mandates while protecting farmers’ livelihoods, food security, agricultural production and Guyana’s expanding agricultural trade.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, October 7, 2026

INTERPOL urges closer co-operation as cross-border, fraud crimes grow

- information sharing, joint investigations, asset recovery keys to tackling increasingly sophisticated crime CRIME is increasingly crossing borders and law enforcement agencies must be prepared to cross those same borders with information, intelligence and coordinated action. This was the message reinforced by Executive Director of Investigation Support at INTERPOL Stephen Fry, who stressed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Guyana and other countries in the Americas in tackling increasingly complex criminal threats. Speaking with the Guyana Police Force’s Public Relations Officer on the sidelines of the recently concluded 27th Americas Regional Conference in Georgetown, Fry said INTERPOL’s 196-member network provides countries such as Guyana with practical mechanisms to exchange information, access databases and intelligence, support victims and pursue offenders whose activities extend beyond a single jurisdiction. While INTERPOL continues to strengthen joint investigations and efforts to trace and recover criminal assets, Fry emphasised closer operational co-operation as a vital tool against fraud, as this and other crimes become increasingly industrialised through technology and arti-

Executive Director of Investigation Support at INTERPOL Stephen Fry, speaking with the Guyana Police Force’s Public Relations Officer on the sidelines of the recently concluded 27th Americas Regional Conference in Georgetown

ficial intelligence. The use of technology and artificial intelligence is changing the scale and speed at which fraud can be committed. This challenge, Fry noted, is why public awareness and stronger law enforcement co-operation is increasingly important across Guyana and the wider region. “The industrialisation of fraud is occurring due to advances in technology, artificial intelligence, and those tools are increasing the speed and the scale at which frauds can occur,” he said. He identified investment fraud, particularly schemes involving cryptocurrencies and virtual assets, as a significant concern, noting that

victims are losing significant sums of money. Fry urged members of the public to remain cautious of offers that appear too good to be true and to verify that they are dealing with reputable people and organisations before providing personal information. “We really encourage members of the public to be very careful and be aware of these types of frauds that occur,” he said. Speaking on the potential for collaboration between Guyana and INTERPOL, Fry noted that the agency works to provide access to a global law enforcement network. This network allows countries like Guyana to be better equipped with information

in investigations that extends beyond one jurisdiction. With 196 member countries, the organisation can facilitate the exchange of information, database checks, and intelligence between investigators to tackle criminal activity moving across borders. “When investigations are complex, investigations in the crimes that we are seeing occur, rarely do crimes in one jurisdiction exceed, so we see them going across borders,” Fry said. He explained that INTERPOL provides a mechanism through which Guyana and other member countries can work with counterparts overseas while pursuing cases and supporting victims. “INTERPOL provides a fighting mechanism and a vital tool to support new member countries in combating these types of crimes,” he said. That support, he added, is increasingly important as organised criminal networks continue to use international connections to commit offences, move illicit funds and evade detection. This collaborative approach is also being strengthened through INTERPOL’s new Operation Task Force model, which Fry said is designed to enable investigators from different member

countries work alongside one another on dedicated operations and investigations. Rather than co-operation being limited to information exchanges after a crime has occurred, the model is intended to bring investigators together to plan operations, share intelligence and identify targets. “Essentially what we are trying to do is bring still investigators together from different member countries to work on dedicated operations, dedicated investigations,” Fry said. He said investigators will work alongside one another, exchanging information and planning targets as they respond to serious crimes affecting communities across the region. The model, he explained, is intended to make greater use of INTERPOL’s databases and the resources of its member countries, allowing investigators to combine their capabilities when confronting criminal networks that operate across multiple jurisdictions. For frontline investigators and law enforcement, this approach emphasizes on practical cooperation rather than simply exchanging information. Beyond identifying offenders, Fry said law enforcement agencies

must also focus on the money and assets generated through crime, describing asset recovery as an important part of the fight against organised criminal activity. He said the global recovery rate for criminal proceeds remains extremely low and pointed to INTERPOL’s Silver Notices as one measure being introduced to help countries trace illicit assets through information from other jurisdictions. “Going after and striking organised crime at the heart of their motivation is a really key priority,” Fry said. The wider objective, he explained, is to trace where criminal assets are held, support countries in obtaining information about those assets and ultimately remove illicit profits from criminals. Fry said the Georgetown conference sought to produce more than declarations, with cooperation, information-sharing and operational coordination as the main pillars of the event. “The real value can be just putting resources together, cooperating with one another, exchanging information, combating crimes that are affecting communities across the region to make communities safer, to save victims, to solve crimes,” he said.

to three stations planned in each region. Several are already operational, including stations at Lima in Region Two, Port Mourant in Region Six , Pouderoyen and Vergenoegen, where the CEO described the facility as a success. The programme is also being expanded to communities, including Bartica and Linden. For residents, the stations are designed to provide a more affordable option for accessing treated water, with a five-gallon container costing just $100 to refill.

The two initiatives therefore address different but complementary aspects of water access, while the planned wells strengthen the infrastructure needed to support growing communities, the refilling stations provide residents with an accessible and lower-cost option for obtaining potable water. Together, they form part of the government’s broader efforts to expand water services, support the development of new housing communities and improve access to an essential service across Guyana. (DPI)

14 new wells to strengthen water access

- expand affordable water services THE government is advancing plans to drill 14 new wells across four regions, strengthening water infrastructure in several developing and established communities as part of efforts to expand reliable access to potable water. The initiative, being advanced through the Ministry of Housing and the Central Housing and Planning Authority, will see six wells drilled in Region Four, four in Region Six, three in Region Three and one in Region 10.

The planned wells are expected to support the continued development of housing schemes by ensuring that critical water infrastructure keeps pace with population growth and the expansion of residential communities. The programme will complement wider efforts by the Guyana Water Incorporated, GWI, to improve access to water and make the service more affordable for residents. According to GWI’s Chief Executive Offi-

One of the many water wells that were drilled across the country

cer, Shaik Baksh, the wider initiative followed a mandate from His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, for the utility to strengthen water services across Guyana. “This is an initiative

to serve the people of Guyana and to make water affordable to the people,” he said. Among the initiatives is the establishment of water-refilling stations across the regions, with at least two

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GCSM calls for peace, solidarity as Caribbean marks 50 years since Cubana air tragedy

FIFTY years after the bombing of Cubana de Aviación Flight CU-455 claimed 73 lives, including 11 Guyanese, President of the Guyana–Cuba Solidarity Movement (GCSM), Halim Khan, has paid tribute to the victims while urging the Caribbean to preserve the values of peace, unity and solidarity. Khan’s tribute comes as Guyana and other Caribbean countries observe the 50th anniversary of the October 6, 1976 tragedy, which has become an enduring symbol of the devastating human cost of terrorism and violence. The anniversary is being observed as the CARICOM–Cuba Day Against Terrorism, an initiative established in 2022 at the Eighth CARICOM-Cuba Summit in Bridgetown, Barbados, to commemorate the 73 people who perished in the disaster and to re-

President of the Guyana–Cuba Solidarity Movement (GCSM), Halim Khan

inforce the region’s opposition to terrorism in all its forms. The aircraft, which had originated in Guyana and was travelling towards Cuba with stops in Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Jamaica, was destroyed shortly after taking off from Barbados. All 73 people aboard were killed: 57 Cubans, 11 Guyanese and five nationals of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. For Guyana, the tragedy carries a particularly painful significance. The 11 Guyanese victims included young scholarship recipients who were travelling to Cuba to pursue studies, including medicine and other disciplines. Among them was nine-year-old Sabrina Harripaul. The Guyanese victims were Raymond Persaud, Rawle Thomas, Jacqueline Williams, Rita Thomas, Harold Norton, Gordon Sobha, Ann

Nelson, Margaret Bradshaw, Violet Thomas, Sabrina Harripaul and Seshnarine Kumar. Their names continue to be remembered at the Cubana Air Disaster Monument at the University of Guyana’s Turkeyen Campus. For Khan and the GCSM, the 50th anniversary provides an opportunity not only to remember those who died, but also to reaffirm the importance of Caribbean solidarity. Khan has previously emphasised that the tragedy demonstrates the need for nations and peoples to stand together in defence of peace and international co-operation. That message assumes added significance as the Caribbean marks five decades since the tragedy. The GCSM President noted that the anniversary represents more than a remembrance of a painful

chapter in Caribbean history. It is also an opportunity to reinforce the principle that political differences and international disagreements should never result in the loss of innocent civilian lives. “The continued observance of October 6 ensures that the 73 victims are not reduced to a historical statistic. Their lives, aspirations and the grief experienced by their families remain central to the region’s collective memory,” Khan added. “For Guyana, the loss of the 11 nationals is especially poignant because many were young people whose futures were tied to education and service. Their journey to Cuba represented opportunities for learning and personal development that were abruptly cut short.” The Cubana Air Disaster Monument at UG remains an important place of national and regional remembrance.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Police probe alleged robbery under arms in Kitty

POLICE are investigating an alleged robbery under arms in which a 19-yearold man was shot in the left foot and relieved of two gold-coloured chains valued at approximately $1.6 million at Owen Street, Kitty, Georgetown, on Monday night. The incident occurred at

the armed suspect to discharge several rounds. One of the bullets struck the man in his left foot, causing him to fall to the ground. The suspect then allegedly removed two yellow-metal chains from the victim, with a combined value of approximately $1.6 million, before returning to the waiting mo-

about 19:45h while the victim, a Campbellville resident, was in the company of several persons on the roadway. Preliminary investigations revealed that the group was approached by two unidentified males travelling on an XR motorcycle. Police said the pillion rider, who was armed with a handgun, dismounted and instructed the victim and the others not to move. The victim reportedly attempted to flee, prompting

torcycle. The two suspects subsequently rode away from the scene and made good their escape. The injured man was taken to a private medical facility, where he was admitted. His condition was reported to be stable. Police have observed CCTV cameras in the area and said footage will be reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation. No arrests have been made. Investigations are continuing.

Gold miner charged with firearm, ammunition offences A 33-year-old gold miner was, on Tuesday, charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition and remanded to prison after appearing at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court. Mark Gentle, of Durban Street, Lodge, Georgetown, appeared before Magistrate Caressa Henry, where he was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition without a licence, contrary to Section 16(2)(a) of the Firearms Act, Chapter 16:05. Gentle pleaded not guilty to both charges when they were read to him. The court subsequently remanded him to prison until November 17, 2026, when he is scheduled to return for further proceedings. The charges stem from the alleged possession of

Mark Gentle

the firearm and ammunition without the required licence. Gentle remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court of law.

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Ten .32 rounds of ammunition CCJ launches found at Pouderoyen Tarmac upgraded website

POLICE are investigating the discovery of 10 rounds of .32 ammunition concealed in a concrete block during an intelligence-led operation at Pouderoyen Tarmac, West Bank Demerara, on Monday night. The ammunition was found at about 21:00h when police ranks searched an unoccupied wooden stall at the tarmac. According to police, the rounds were concealed inside a concrete block behind an old refrigerator. The ammunition was removed and taken to the Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station, where it was lodged. No arrest was made in connection with the discovery. Investigations are continuing as police work to determine who concealed the ammunition at the location and the circumstances surrounding its possession.

The ammunition was found when police ranks searched an unoccupied wooden stall at the tarmac

THE Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on Monday unveiled its revamped website, featuring a modern user-friendly design and an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot to make information about the court and its work more accessible to stakeholders. Stemming from the CCJ’s Strategic Plan 2025–2032, which identifies technology and innovation as one of the court’s strategic priorities, the upgrade is intended to enhance the accessibility, efficiency, and future readiness of the court’s main digital platform. The chatbot complements the website’s improved layout, helping users quickly find information and resources. Speaking about the refresh, the CCJ President, Justice Winston Anderson, noted, “Given that our stakeholders are dispersed throughout the region, the website serves

as the main portal for accessing informa tion about the court, its work, and its judgments. “This redesign, together with the introduction of the AI chatbot, represents another step in strengthening our service delivery by making information easier to access, navigate, and understand. We hope these improvements will pro vide a more seamless and responsive experience for all our users.” The redesign forms part of the CCJ’s ongoing efforts to support enhanced justice delivery in keeping with the court’s mission of providing accessible, efficient, and substantive justice for the people and states of the Caribbean Community. Members of the public were encouraged to visit the upgraded website (www. ccj.org) and explore its new features.

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Sacked MoHA employee charged over assault of gas station worker

SACKED Ministry of Home Affairs employee Andika Ferrier, 43, was charged on Monday with assault causing actual bodily harm following the alleged assault of a female worker at a Rubis gas station at Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara. Ferrier, a former Community Policing Liaison Officer, was granted G$100,000 bail when he appeared in court on Monday. As part of his bail con-

ditions, he was ordered to report to a police station and stay away from the virtual complainant. He is scheduled to return to court on October 26. Ferrier was arrested after he was accused of assaulting Rubis employee Ashley Romacindo during an incident at the fuel station. The incident reportedly stemmed from a dispute over the loading of cooking-gas cylinders onto Ferrier’s Can-

ter truck. Romacindo reportedly declined to assist Ferrier with loading several cylinders onto the vehicle, after which a confrontation allegedly developed between the two. Closed-circuit television footage from the station reportedly captured Ferrier approaching Romacindo from behind following the exchange and allegedly striking her. The impact caused the

woman to fall to the ground. Colleagues subsequently intervened and assisted Romacindo, who made a report to the police and sought medical attention for injuries she sustained. Ferrier was later arrested in connection with the allegation and was initially released on station bail pending the commencement of criminal proceedings. His subsequent dismissal from the Ministry of Home

Affairs was confirmed after the incident attracted widespread public attention, particularly following the circulation of footage on social media. Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond had previously addressed the matter during an episode of the Starting Point podcast, confirming that Ferrier was a ministry employee and indicating that he would face prosecution.

Andika Ferrier

“He will be charged. He is currently on station bail, but he will be charged, and my recommendation is that he be terminated,” Walrond said at the time. Ferrier was subsequently dismissed from his position.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, October 7, 2026

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Wednesday October 7, 2026) CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel:225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (a) IND 2; WI 1 (b) Shubman Gill (IND) Today’s Quiz: (1) What was the result of the first ODI in the recent WI/IND series? (2) Who was declared Man of the Match? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

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IRISH RACING TIPS 08:45 hrs Catuai 09:15 hrs Port Arthur 09:45 hrs Docks 10:15 hrs Verified 10:45 hrs Jesus Green 11:15 hrs Lady In Gold 11:48 hrs Nephin Mountain 12:18 hrs Searcog SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS DURBANVILLE 08:20 hrs Tequila Tango 08:55 hrs Desert Ice 09:30 hrs Rich Man's World 10:10 hrs Bolero 10:45 hrs Voorloopert Jie 11:15 hrs Captain's Angel AMERICAN RACING TIPS BELMONT PARK Race 1 Weighted Average Race 2 Mioruilt Race 3 All The Luck Race 4 Iron Sight Race 5 Audible Johnny Race 6 Hard Circle Race 7 Salt Spartan

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, October 7, 2026

‘Fill up the stadium’ – Kemol Savory urges home support ahead of T10 Tapeball grand finale at Anna Regina NATIONAL cricketer and

SVC/AJM CC skipper

Kemol Savory has issued

a rousing rallying to his home fans, calling on Essequibo natives to flood the Anna Regina National Stadium in their numbers for the grand national finals of the Lotto/Let’sBet One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast on Sunday, October 11. Savory, fondly dubbed the ‘Prince of Essequibo’,

the home crowd behind SVC/AJM CC, but every team coming to Anna Regina is packed with quality and ready to put on a show for the fans. It’s going to be a grand day of tapeball, so bring the energy and let’s fill up the stadium.” The carnival atmosphere at Anna Regina will come with serious cash on the

ma, a fast-paced six-over women’s exhibition match between Tapakuma (Elite Warriors) and Capoey United will light up the venue at 18:30hrs, setting the stage for the grand final under lights at 19:30hrs. Organisers have confirmed free admission for all spectators, though they will enforce a strict no-cooler

National cricketer and SVC/AJM CC skipper Kemol Savory

earned his side a place in the final four after captaining SVC/AJM CC to a thrilling victory over Avinash AllStars in the Georgetown/ East Coast Demerara Zone final. While he naturally craves vocal backing for his own squad as they chase national honours, Savoury emphasised that the ultimate goal is to deliver an unmissable spectacle for the local faithful regardless of who they support. “I’m calling on all Essequibians to come out in their numbers,” Savory said ahead of Sunday’s action. “Naturally, we’d love

line. Beyond regional bragging rights, an additional winner’s purse of $2 million is up for grabs, with the runners-up pocketing $1 million and both losing semi-finalists taking home $500,000 each. The action-packed day begins at 14:30hrs local time when GrillMaster Sip N Play All-Stars lock horns with Mahdia (Movements Family) in the opening semi-final. Savory’s SVC/ AJM CC will then take centre stage at 16:30hrs against Lusignan Bulls DTP II for a place in the showpiece event. Adding to the day’s dra-

policy at the gates. The tournament’s Most Valuable Player will drive away on a brand-new motorbike in addition to a $150,000 cash prize. Substantial windfalls also await the leading run-scorer and top wicket-taker, who will each receive $100,000 and a television set. Match-winning impact will be similarly recognised: the Player of the Final will earn $75,000, while the players finishing with the Super Strike Rate and Best Economy Rate (minimum 12 balls bowled or faced) will each pocket $50,000.

Ariel crush Regal to retain PM... (From page 33) Apart from copping the winners’ trophy, Ariel Masters collected the winners’ purse of $500,000 while runners-up Regal Masters got the runners-up trophy and $200,000. Latiff walked away with three of the major incentive prizes – a refrigerator for being the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the catego-

ry after amassing 423 runs, including three centuries, a floor model water dispenser for scoring the most runs and a microwave for taking the most wickets, all compliments of Regal Stationery and Computer Centre. Karim received a trophy for being adjudged player of the final. The trophies for all four

categories – Women, Open All Class, Masters Over-40 and Legends Over-50 were donated by Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall. Patron of the tournament, Prime Minister Mark Phillips was on hand to hand over the prizes after also witnessing the latter stages of the Open and Masters finals.

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Iyer’s maiden ton outshines Hope, Rutherford half centuries (ESPNCRICINFO) - India’s three spinners took eight wickets between them to help the hosts take their winning streak in T20Is to 10. Axar Patel started India’s domination with a double-wicket maiden to end the powerplay, Kuldeep Yadav came back from an expensive over to take two wickets, but the jack in the box was T20I debutant Naman Dhir, who bounced back from being hit for a six with an immediate wicket three times on his way to figures of 4-0-31-3. With half-centuries from Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford, West Indies managed to get to 171, which might have tested India had the visitors been able to capitalise on the rare early dismissals of both the India openers Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson. However, they ran out of bowling that could exploit the grip in the surface, and Shreyas Iyer blitzed his way to a maiden T20I hundred to end the chase in 14.4 overs. Hope floats Having lost his fourth toss of the tour, which also made it 14 tosses out of 17 for Iyer as international captain, Hope

again found himself batting at a less-than-ideal time. However, he hadn’t missed a beat since the ODI series in which he hit two centuries. He hit Mayank Yadav for four fours in the second over to take West Indies to 21 for 0. Arshdeep, Axar pull West Indies back Arshdeep Singh started pulling West Indies back as he went to yorkers as early as the third over. Axar continued his good run of form with the ball in limited-overs cricket with a fourth over that went for just eight. Arshdeep was asked to continue for a third straight over. Wide yorkers kept coming out. On one of those, international debutant Kamil Pooran played on. And then Axar dealt the big blow with a maiden over in which two wickets fell. Shimron Hetmyer was unlucky to have his bat bounce up on a dive. It made its first contact with the ground short of the crease, so it never landed inside for even a second. Axar followed it up by stifling Rovman Powell, who then picked a straight ball to slog at but still missed it completely. A powerplay of 44 for 3 is usually it in India.

Hope, Rutherford fight The next five overs produced 56 runs, giving West Indies a second wind. There were two big wins in this period. Rutherford hit two lovely sixes in Kuldeep’s second over, and they also took18 off the 11th over, bowled by Axar. India were now forced to look at their fifth bowler. Dhir checks in Dhir, who showed enough control of length in the ODIs, continued doing simple things and benefited from the bigger square boundaries. After Hope hit him for a six third ball into his career, he slowed the ball down and managed to get Hope caught at deep midwicket. When Romario Shepherd took him down, he did the brave thing of tossing the next ball slow and wide, drawing a mishit to long-off. The same trick worked with Shamar Springer, this time the catch going to long-on. From 100 for 3 in 11 overs, West Indies felt they were short by 20 runs even though they didn’t think it was a 200 kind of pitch. Spin tests India Abhishek and Samson

Ariel crush Regal to retain PM Softball Cup Masters title By Frederick Halley DEFENDING champions Ariel Masters went on a boundary-hitting spree against arch-rivals Regal Masters to retain honours in the Masters Over-40 category when the ninth edition of the Prime Minister T20 Softball Cup ended at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary on Sunday. In probably one of the most ruthless batting displays witnessed on the local softball scene, Ariel Masters, aided by brutal centuries from opener Sarfraz Karim (113) and Richard Latiff with an even hundred, reached an imposing 290 for two in their allotted 20 overs. In reply, Regal Legends huffed and puffed their way to 191 for seven, going down by the huge margin of 99 runs. Left-handed Karim seemed on a mission from the onset, plundering boundaries at will while his opening

partner and skipper, Samuel Kingston was quite content to play second fiddle despite joining the party occasionally. The two added 177 for the first wicket before Karim was bowled by Patrick Rooplall in the 14th over after spanking three fours and 14 effortless sixes. There was no letting up for the Regal Masters bowlers with the arrival of Latiff, who made his intentions very clear. He added a further 43 with Kingston for the second wicket before the latter departed for 60 which included two fours and six sixes. Thereafter it was the Latiff show as his new partner Harrynarine Dilchand was a mere spectator, the two adding an unbeaten 60 for the third wicket. So dominant was Latiff in the partnership, Dilchand ended on four not out. Latiff needed 12 runs off the last two deliveries of the final over to complete a well-deserved century and he

duly obliged by blasting both over the boundary to secure an even hundred, smacking four fours and 11 sixes in the process. Faced with the daunting task of scoring almost 15 runs per over, Regal Legends started positively with opener Vishwanauth Lall playing some delightful strokes, but his opening partner Patrick Rooplall, a key batter in the team, never got going. Lall eventually went for 34 (two fours and two sixes) while Rooplall could only muster seven. It was a steady procession thereafter. Asif Ali hit a top score of 39 (three fours and three sixes) while other useful contributions came from Lakeram Roopnarine, 33, with one four and four sixes and skipper Lennox Mark, 25, with three sixes. Latiif crowned a fine allround performance, bagging two for 38 from his four overs while Kingston took two for 23. (Turn to page 32)

came out full of intent, but Roston Chase and Akeal Hosein managed to extract just about enough from the

pitch to draw catches from them. At 36 for 2 in four overs, West Indies would have had reason to believe

but they were up against a line-up that had Axar batting at No. 8. They needed more testing bowling.

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GMR&SC to set Ancient County One Guyana Inter-Region Softball Cup… and Son’s Construction Inc.; alight with Berbice Invasion Basheir Mohamed’s Excavating Construction drag meet this weekend Inc. Power Female Category BERBICE is set to become the centre of Guyana’s drag racing action on Sunday, October 11, when the Berbice Drags Invasion 2026 takes over the Rose Hall Canje Airstrip. The event is scheduled to begin at 10:00hrs and is expected to attract competitors and fans from across the country for a full day of high-speed racing. The Rose Hall Canje Airstrip will host competition featuring a range of performance and modified vehicles. The Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) is organising the event with ENet, Tropical Shipping, Castrol, GuyOil and KFC among the sponsors. Meanwhile, the GM-

R&SC will host a mandatory Competitors’ Meeting ahead of the Berbice Drags on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 18:00hrs. The meeting will be held at the GMR&SC Office, Thomas Lands. All registered competitors are strongly encouraged to attend, as important information regarding race procedures, safety, classes, staging, regulations and event-day arrangements will be discussed. Driver registration closes October 8 Organisers are also reminding drivers that registration for the Berbice Drags Invasion closes on Thursday, October 8, 2026. The registration fee is G$20,000. Any registration received after the deadline

will attract an additional G$10,000 late fee, bringing the late registration cost to G$30,000. Drivers are therefore urged to complete registration before the deadline. Spectator admission has been set at G$3,000 for adults and G$1,000 for children. Fans can also enjoy the J’s Supermarket VIP section with unlimited drinks and food at a cost of $25,000. With drag racing continuing to attract a strong following locally, the Berbice Drags Invasion is expected to provide another major showcase for Guyana’s performance and modified car scene. The event will be held on Sunday, October 11, 2026, from 10:00hrs at the Rose Hall Canje Airstrip.

St. Joseph High captures DCP Secondary Schools’ tape-ball title

St. Joseph High School boys champion team

THE St. Joseph High School defeated Diamond Secondary School on Sunday at the National Cultural Centre tarmac to capture the Deputy Commissioner of Police Trophy in the secondary schools’ tape-ball competition. St. Joseph High advanced to the final after defeating St. John’s College in the semi-final, while Diamond Secondary secured its place in the championship match with a victory over B.V. Secondary School. Batting first in the final, St. Joseph High scored 47

runs for three wickets. Savir Narine led the scoring with 21 runs, while Shane Khan was Diamond Secondary’s leading bowler with two wickets for 28 runs. Diamond Secondary struggled in its reply, finishing on 28 runs for seven wickets. Kareem Joseph led the St. Joseph High’s bowling attack with four wickets for 19 runs. Narine was subsequently named Player of the Tournament for his performances throughout the competition. The winning team received the Deputy Com-

missioner of Police Trophy, while medals were presented to the other players. The next competition is scheduled for October 18 at the National Park tarmac. Fifth- and sixth-form students will be excluded from that competition. The tournament is being supported by senior executives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, including Ambassadors Ivan Evelyn, Audrey Waddle and Keith George, as well as former Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge.

AS Guyana’s biggest open softball tournament prepares to take the country by storm from October 18 to November 15, Basheir and Son’s Construction Inc. and Mohamed’s Excavating Construction Inc., have joined forces as the title sponsors of the Female Category for the third edition of the One Guyana Inter-Region Ten10 Softball Cup. Both companies have strengthened their support for the tournament following their involvement last year, demonstrating their continued commitment to creating opportunities for female softball players across Guyana to showcase their talent, develop their skills, and participate competitively in the sport. Director of Basheir and Son’s Construction Inc., Ms. Bibi R. Mohamed, said the company is pleased to once again support the tournament and contribute to the development of grassroots sports in Guyana. Ms. Mohamed noted that opportunities for female participation are not always given the attention they deserve in sporting competitions. She commended the organisers for continuing to provide a platform where women and young girls can participate, compete, and develop their abilities in the game. She further stated that Basheir and Son’s Construction Inc. takes its corporate social responsibility seriously and views this sponsorship as another meaningful way of giving back to communities across Guyana. “This tournament creates an opportunity not only for experienced female players, but also for younger players who are developing their skills and looking towards a future in the sport. Grassroots competitions can provide a foundation for these young women to progress into club cricket and, with dedication and hard work, possibly go on to represent Guyana,” Ms. Mohamed said. Ms. Mohamed extended best wishes to all participating players and teams and encouraged them to play with determination, discipline, good sportsmanship, and to the best of their abilities as they compete for a place in the national

Ms. Akaze Thompson of RS Sports receiving sponsorship from representatives of Bashier and Sons Construction Inc., Mr. Farzan Persaud, and Mr. Ashad Mohamed of Mohamed’s Excavating Construction Inc.

playoffs and championship. Meanwhile, Director of Mohamed’s Excavating Construction Inc., Mr. Faizul Mohamed, expressed similar sentiments, noting that his company is proud to once again support an initiative that provides opportunities for local athletes. “This tournament gives our local softball players an opportunity to showcase their talent while developing and improving their skills. We are especially pleased to see the organisers continuing to include female players and teams from across the country,” Mr. Mohamed said. Together, Basheir and Son’s Construction Inc. and Mohamed’s Excavating Construction Inc. are proud to support the Female Category of the One Guyana Inter-Region Ten10 Softball Cup, helping to promote grassroots sports, strengthen community participation, and create greater opportunities for women and young female athletes across Guyana. Manager of RS Sports, Mr. Abel Seetaram, took the opportunity to thank both sponsors for once again coming on board and supporting the tournament. Not only supporting the tournament, but I must say that we are very happy that both companies took on the mantle of powering the female category as the title sponsor. Mr. Seetaram said that having both companies back on board shows the confi-

dence they have in the tournament, and also, it shows that they take up their social responsibility of giving back to community development seriously, and sports is no exception in community development because it helps to empower and develop our youth. He went on to assure both sponsors that this year’s tournament will once again be played to the highest standard and in the spirit of sportsmanship. The nationwide tournament returns bigger and better, with both Male and Female categories, and over $5 million in cash and prizes up for grabs. In the female playoffs, the winner will take home $200,000 more from last year in a purse of $500,000 and the winning trophy; the runner-up $200,000 and trophy; the Player of the Tournament (MVP) $50,000 and a trophy, along with other prizes. The Player of the Final will receive $30,000 and a trophy; best bowling figure in an innings $20,000 and a trophy, and the batsman with the highest individual score $20,000 and a trophy. The tournament runs from 18th October to 15th November, 2026, with games played at various community grounds across the regions. The national playoffs are scheduled for 14th and 15th November. The entrance fee is $20,000 per team.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, October 7, 2026

PromoTech/Genuine Auto Spares and Tools NTFGL Tour 3…

Videsh Persaud claims Round 3 honours THE PromoTech and Genuine Auto Spares and Tools NTFGL Tour 3 continued in exciting fashion as round three produced the largest single-round turnout of the tournament so far, with 24 players taking to the course for another competitive day of golf. Under brilliant sunshine, with the lush fairways and well-manicured greens providing an excellent setting for the competition, players battled for valuable points in what proved to be another impressive round of scoring. The scoring was again impressive, with Chet Bowling setting the early pace by playing the front nine in a net

33 to claim the two points available. Not to be outdone, Videsh Persaud produced an outstanding performance on the back nine, posting a net 32 to collect the two points. His strong performance across the course saw him finish with an overall net 66, earning eight points for his overall placing and a total of 10 points for the day. Joseph Szeplaki secured second place with a net 71, beating Bowling on the tiebreaker to claim five points. Bowling took third place with a net 71 for three points, bringing his total haul for the day to five points. Ronald Bulkan finished

fourth with a net 72 to collect two points, while Patrick Prashad rounded out the points positions with a net 73, beating Pantanjilee Persaud on the tiebreaker to claim the final available points. Following Round 3, Videsh Persaud leads the PromoTech and Genuine Auto Spares and Tools NTFGL Tour 3 standings with 15 points, followed by Chet Bowling on 13. Oliver Downes and Joseph Szeplaki are tied on 10 points, while Mike Mangal sits on 8 points. The round also marked the first Skins Game of the tournament, with six members participating and 12 skins awarded. Anand Per-

Videsh Persaud is now the current leader of the NTFGL League

saud and Joseph Szeplaki led the way with four skins apiece, with each skin carrying a value of GYD $1,000. With the sunshine beaming down on the course and the competition heating up on the greens, the Tour 3 standings are becoming increasingly tight as players look to position themselves for the remainder of the tournament. Round 4 of the PromoTech and Genuine Auto Spares and Tools NTFGL Tour 3 is scheduled for Sunday, October 11, with players expected to return to the fairways ready for another exciting battle for points.

Inaugural ExxonMobil U-18 Schools Football Tournament continues with action across Guyana THE inaugural ExxonMobil Under-18 Schools Football Tournament, organised by the Vurlon Mills Football Academy, will continue on Wednesday, October 7, as the competition begins to gather momentum across several regions. The tournament has already kicked off in Region Seven, where Three Miles Secondary School registered the first victory of the competition with an emphatic 4-0 win over Bartica Secondary School in the boys’ encounter. Attention now turns to the female competition, with Bartica Secondary and Three Miles Secondary scheduled to meet on Wednesday from 14:00hrs at the Bartica Community Centre Ground. Several other zones will begin their campaigns on October 9. On the East Bank of Demerara, Dora Secondary School will face Covent Garden Secondary School in a boys’ encounter at Providence from 15:00hrs. The East Coast Demerara leg will also kick off on October 9 at Plaisance. Bladen Hall Secondary will take on Annandale Secondary in the female competition at 14:00hrs, before Plaisance Secondary and Beterverwagting Secondary meet in the

boys’ division at 15:30hrs. Region Six will get underway on the same day, with New Amsterdam Secondary facing Tutorial Academy in a female fixture at All Saints from 14:00hrs. Action there will continue on October 10, when Lower Corentyne Secondary meet Canje Secondary in both the male and female divisions. Corentyne Comprehensive will also face Vryman’s Erven in both divisions, while Port Mourant Secondary will oppose Tutorial Academy in the boys’ competition. The Georgetown North and South zones are also scheduled to begin on October 9. In Georgetown North, Queen’s College will host Tutorial High in the female competition at 14:00hrs, followed by their male encounter at 15:30hrs. Campbellville Secondary and North Georgetown Secondary are also scheduled to meet in a female fixture. Georgetown South will see East Ruimveldt Secondary battle Lodge Secondary in the female and male matches at the West Ruimveldt ground. Tucville Secondary will also host Charlestown Secondary in both divisions on October 9.

Action from the opening game between Three Miles Secondary School (in yellow) and Bartica Secondary School

The zone continues the following day with Brickdam Secondary against North Ruimveldt Secondary in a boys’ contest, while The New Central High and Dolphin Secondary will clash in both female and male action. Region Three joins the ac-

tion on October 10 with four boys’ matches at Friendship Park. Westminster Secondary will face DeWillem Secondary at 10:00hrs, followed by Leonora Secondary against Stewartville Secondary at noon. West Demerara Secondary will then meet Uit-

vlugt Secondary at 14:00hrs, before Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary and Patentia Secondary close the day from 16:00hrs. The Mabaruma sub-region of Region One is scheduled to begin on October 15, when Hosororo Secondary faces Wauna Primary Top in a boys’ encounter at Hosororo from 15:00hrs. The Moruca leg follows on October 16 at Santa Rosa, with Santa Rosa Secondary meeting St. Nicholas Primary Top in both female and male competition, while Waramuri Secondary will oppose Kwebanna Secondary in both divisions. Region Ten also kicks off on October 16 at Wisburg. Linden Foundation Secondary will face Harmony Secondary at 14:00hrs, before Wisburg Secondary and New Silvercity Secondary meet at 15:30hrs. Region Five will begin

on October 17 at the No. 5 Ground, with Mahaicony Secondary and Bygeval Secondary meeting in both the boys’ and girls’ competitions. Belladrum Secondary and No. 8 Secondary will also face each other in both divisions. Region Two is scheduled to open its programme on October 23 at the Richmond Ground. Charity Secondary will take on Cottonfield Secondary in the boys’ competition at 10:00hrs, followed by Charity Secondary against Abram Zuil Secondary in the female competition at noon. With the first result already recorded in Bartica, the inaugural ExxonMobil U-18 Schools Football Tournament is set to expand across Guyana in the coming weeks as schools compete for honours within their respective zones and progression to the later stages of the competition.

Iyer’s maiden ton outshines Hope, Rutherford half centuries

Sherfane Rutherford hit a vital half-century, Oct 06, 2026 (Getty Images)

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GMR&SC to set Ancient County alight with Berbice Invasion drag meet this weekend

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Drag Racing action returns to Berbice this weekend

Ariel crush 33 Regal to retain PM Softball Cup Masters title PAGE

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2026