Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 08-05-2026

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, who is performing the functions of President, on Thursday met with representatives of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Guyana, at the Office of the Prime Minister, as part of consultations for the formulation of UNDP Guyana’s Country Programme Document for 2027–2031. The UNDP team included Resident Representative of UNDP Guyana and Suriname, Ms Katy Thompson (second from right), and technical experts, Mr Ian Holland and Ms Jasmine Harry. The engagement focused on areas of national priority and potential collaboration, including disaster risk management, digitisation, ICT and innovation (OPM photo)

Countries protecting environmental resources must be fairly compensated

Secondary student facing expulsion, teacher sent on administrative leave after incident leaves two injured

–– President Ali says, emphasises economic value of biodiversity –– Education Ministry reiterates importance of secure, conducive learning environment

Border controversy case: Guyana to orally rebutt Venezuela’s positions on Arbitral Award, ICJ’s jurisdiction today

––– PM Phillips notes, highlights €8.9M investment as being part of efforts to strengthen healthcare system Illegally parked vehicles clamped after drivers ignore City Constabulary’s warning

EU partnerships advancing Guyana’s pharmaceutical ambitions

––– PM Phillips notes, highlights €8.9M investment as being part of efforts to strengthen healthcare system

PRIME Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips has hailed the expanding cooperation between Guyana and the European Union in the areas of pharmaceuticals, health, and digital innovation, noting that the partnership is helping to advance Guyana’s ambition of becoming a regional pharmaceutical hub.

The Prime Minister made the remarks while delivering an address at the Europe Day celebrations hosted by the European Union Delegation in Guyana, which was held at the Herdmanston Lodge.

The Prime Minister stated that Guyana’s relationship with the Eu -

ropean Union continues to deepen across several sectors, with some collaborations already yielding tangible results.

“Our cooperation continues to expand across key sectors, including trade, health, governance, renewable energy, and digital infrastructure,” the Prime Minister said.

He pointed to Guyana’s hosting of an EU Pharmaceutical Mission over the past year as one of the major milestones in the growing partnership.

“Over the past year, our collaboration has delivered meaningful results, with Guyana hosting an EU Pharmaceuti-

cal Mission in support of our ambition to become a regional hub for pharmaceuticals,” Phillips stated.

Against this backdrop, he highlighted cooperation in the health sector through agreements signed with BioPark Charleroi and Expertise France under the PharmaNext programme, which represents an investment of €8.9 million in Guyana.

He went on to note that these partnerships are aligned with Guyana’s broader efforts to strengthen healthcare systems, expand local capacity while also creating new economic opportunities.

Along with this, PM Phillips said Guyana’s recent trade mission to four European countries aided in advancing discussions surrounding investment opportunities in port infrastructure, agro-processing, and logistics.

The engagements, he said, have already resulted in follow-up initiatives, including a visit by

the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and partnerships in digital innovation with companies such as Zetes and EllaLink.

This growing cooperation, he said, reflects the importance of strategic international partnerships in an increasingly interconnected global environment.

“In today’s increasingly interconnected and multipolar world, cooperation is not optional, it is essential,” he said.

As such, he reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to expanding market access, strengthening resilient supply chains, and deepening business-to-business linkages with Europe.

He noted that Guyana remains well-positioned for investment and stressed that stronger people-to-people connections, including through potential visa-waiver arrangements with EU and Schengen partners, could further strengthen economic and institutional ties.

Countries protecting environmental resources must be fairly compensated

–– President Ali says, emphasises economic

PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali has noted that countries protecting critical environmental resources must be fairly compensated for the services it provides to the world and called for a global system that places tangible economic value on biodiversity.

The Head of State made the call while recently delivering remarks at the Baker Institute’s Centre for Energy Studies’ “The Future of Guyana” conversation in Houston, Texas.

He stated that Guyana is actively pushing for market-based mechanisms that reward nations maintaining standing forests and safeguarding biodiversity.

Dr Ali noted that while Guyana continues to expand its oil and gas sector, it has simultaneously maintained one of the world’s lowest deforesta-

tion rates and preserved more than 85 per cent forest cover.

“Here is a country that is growing its oil and gas sector at unprecedented speed, but at the same time securing a standing forest better than anyone else in the world,” President Ali said.

He explained that Guyana has committed to keeping its forests intact, while also opening them to international monitoring and verification systems.

“Our carbon credits are certified at jurisdictional scale,” he said.

The President as such, emphasised the country’s efforts to ensure transparency and credibility in environmental stewardship.

However, he argued that global financing systems continue to disadvantage countries that have historically protected their natural resources.

“The world is ready to

incentivise and pay countries that took down their forests and give them resources to replant the forests. But for those who kept this standing, you’re given a thank you note,” he said.

“That’s not how inter-

national economics work. That is not how countries survive.”

According to the President, Guyana is now advocating for stronger international frameworks that allow forest and biodiversity services to be monetised

value of biodiversity

through market-based systems.

“We are saying that this needs to be monetised. A market-based mechanism must be developed,” he said.

President Ali noted that Guyana is co-chairing the Global Tropical Forest Alliance as part of efforts to advance international discussions on forest valuation and climate services.

Adding to this, the President also highlighted the growing importance of biodiversity protection, warning that the world has already experienced significant biodiversity loss over recent decades.

“We live in a world where 60 per cent of our biodiversity is already lost in the last 60 years,” he said.

“Biodiversity is critical to the pharmaceutical industry, the healthcare, the research and development, the indigenous culture, the indigenous language,” President Ali stated.

Against this backdrop, he disclosed that Guyana has also taken a leading role in establishing the Global Biodiversity Alliance, bringing together governments, researchers, academia, and industry stakeholders to explore systems for valuing, and protecting biodiversity resources.

He went on to add that fragmented approaches to climate and environmental challenges are insufficient and called for greater global co-operation to create fairer and more practical solutions.

He argued that biodiversity preservation must be viewed not only as an environmental issue, but also as an economic and developmental concern tied to industries such as healthcare, pharmaceuticals, research and indigenous heritage.

Exxon, EPA win appeal against Collins and Whyte

THE Court of Appeal on Thursday ruled in favour of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited and the Environmental Protection Agency, reversing the judgment of Justice Sandil Kissoon given in the High Court in 2023.

Justice Kissoon had ruled that Exxon was in breach of its obligations under the financial assurance provisions of its environmental permit, and that the EPA was in breach of its statutory obligations by failing to enforce the provisions of the permit.

He had agreed with the Applicants, Frederick Collins and Godfrey Whyte, that Exxon’s liability for environmental damage was unlimited and uncapped, and, accordingly, the guarantee which was required to be lodged by Exxon under the

conditions of the permit to provide security for environmental liability had to be an unlimited guarantee.

Justice Kissoon had found that Exxon was knowingly in breach of its obligations to lodge unlimited financial assurance by seeking to lodge a guarantee of $US2bln.

He had directed the EPA to issue an enforcement notice against Exxon if it failed to lodge an unlimited guarantee within 30 days of his ruling, and ordered that if it did not do so, its permit would be suspended.

Exxon and the EPA moved to the Court of Appeal, which had stayed Justice Kissoon’s orders.

The Court of Appeal heard arguments from all of the parties in February 2026, and today it unanimously

ruled that although Exxon was liable for all or any environmental damage it caused from its petroleum operations offshore Guyana, unlimited liability and financial assurance were two different concepts.

The court found that Justice Kissoon had erred in conflating the two concepts, and that a correct interpretation of the permit’s financial assurance provisions was that Exxon was required to

lodge a guarantee in a definite amount.

The court ruled that the EPA had a discretion under the Environmental Protection Act and the permit to accept a guarantee for a defined sum, and that the Judge had erred when he substituted his own discretion for that of the EPA.

The court also held that the EPA and Exxon had not acted improperly by negotiating the guarantee for $US2B, and that the Judge erred in substituting his discretion for the EPA’s, as it was the sole body authorised by Parliament to make such decisions.

The Court ruled that the Judge could not have come to the conclusion that the insurance policy lodged by Exxon and accepted by the EPA was not the type of insurance in use in the international

petroleum industry, as there was no evidence before him to justify such a conclusion.

Exxon was represented by Andrew Pollard, SC; Edward Luckhoo, SC; and Eleanor Luckhoo; and the EPA by Sanjeev Datadin and Mohanie Anganoo.

Collins and Whyte were represented by Seenath Jairam, SC; Saevion David-Longe, Melinda Janki, and Abiola Wong-Inniss.

The Attorney- General was represented by Arud Gossai and Shoshanna Lall. (NCN Guyana)

GCAA Director General elected chairman of regional aviation oversight body

DIRECTOR General

of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Lt. Col. (Ret'd) Egbert Field, has been elected as the Chairman of the Caribbean Aviation Safety and Security Oversight System (CASSOS).

The announcement was made by the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation. A press release noted the landmark achievement in Guyana’s aviation history according at the CASSOS’S 28th Board of Directors Meeting held in Trinidad and

Tobago from May 4 to 6, 2026.

Field will serve in the position for a twoyear term.

“This is the first time that Guyana and the GCAA have assumed the chairmanship of the regional aviation body. Previous chairmanships have been held by Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica, each represented by their respective Director General,” the release said noting that CASSOS is the regional inter-governmental organisation mandated to provide

- in historic first for Guyana

national civil aviation.

Guyana is assuming the leadership of CASSOS at a pivotal and transformative juncture for the organisation. The regional body is actively seeking to build its capacity and capability to help its member states enhance oversight of their aviation activities, improve their compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), and standardise their regulations, the release said.

gional offices - as well as the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the French Civil Aviation Safety Directorate (French West Indies and French Guiana).

Meanwhile, Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar noted this gives Guyana an opportunity to play a greater role in the region.

civil aviation safety and security oversight services to its member states.

Established to support the smaller aviation administrations of the Caribbean re -

gion, CASSOS serves as a shared mechanism through which states can collectively meet their obligations under the Chicago Convention, the foundational treaty governing inter-

“Guyana will work with the Member States of CASSOS as a team to tackle common issues and challenges confronting the region. We are better and stronger together,” Field was quoted as saying.

The 28th Board of Directors Meeting was attended by several prominent international institutions, all of which pledged their continued support to CASSOS and its renewed mission. These institutions include the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) - represented by both the North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACC) and South American (SAM) re -

“This chairmanship is for Guyana and the Caribbean Community and a signal of the role Guyana must play in taking the region’s aviation sector to new heights. President Ali has committed to Guyana playing a greater role in CARICOM and this role gives Guyana the opportunity to do more for the region,” he said.

Guyana's chairmanship of CASSOS is not merely a national honour, it is a shared responsibility to the Caribbean Community, and one that will be exercised with the highest degree of professionalism, collaboration, and dedication to the people of the region, the release added.

Hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship not ‘another COVID’ - WHO

A

DEADLY hantavirus outbreak aboard a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean poses a low global public health risk and is “not the start of another COVID pandemic”, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday.

Three people have died and several others have fallen ill aboard the Dutchflagged MV Hondius, prompting a major international public health response involving countries across Europe, Africa, and Latin America.

The first alert came from the United Kingdom, which notified WHO under International Health Regulations (IHR) of the outbreak after passengers aboard the vessel developed severe respiratory illness during the trip from Argentina to Cabo Verde.

Briefing journalists in Geneva, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said eight cases had been reported so far, including five laboratory-confirmed infections and three suspected cases linked to the rare Andes strain of hantavirus

LOW RISK FOR HUMANS

Hantaviruses are zoonotic viruses carried by rodents and are usually transmitted to humans through contact

with infected animals or their urine, saliva, or droppings (checkout WHO’s hantavirus factsheet).

The Andes strain, found in parts of Latin America, is the only known hantavirus capable of limited human-to-human transmission.

According to WHO, transmission generally requires close and prolonged contact, particularly among household members, intimate partners, or healthcare workers.

“At this stage, the overall public health risk remains low,” Dr. Tedros said. WHO officials are clear that the outbreak is very different from the 2020 coronavirus pandemic which killed millions worldwide.

“This is not SARSCoV-2. This is not the start of a COVID pandemic,” said Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO acting director for epidemic and pandemic management.

“Hantaviruses have been around for quite a while. We know this virus. It does not spread the same way that coronaviruses do.”

INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY

The first known patient developed symptoms on 6 April and later died aboard the vessel. His wife also became ill and died after

being evacuated to South Africa, where laboratory testing confirmed hantavirus infection.

Prior to boarding, the pair had travelled through Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay on a birdwatching trip, including visits to sites where the rodent species known to carry the virus is present.

Another passenger died on 2 May and while one man remains in intensive care in South Africa, WHO said his condition is improving. Other patients have been transferred to hospitals in the Netherlands for treatment.

WHO said no passengers or crew currently remaining aboard the ship are showing symptoms.

INTERNATIONAL EFFORT

The outbreak has triggered action under the International Health Regulations, the global framework designed to coordinate responses to cross-border health threats.

WHO said it is working closely with authorities in Cabo Verde, Spain, the Netherlands, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Argentina, alongside the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.

Spain has agreed to al-

low the vessel to dock in the Canary Islands – an autonomous Spanish community – after Cabo Verde declined the request because of public health concerns.

Dr. Tedros thanked Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez for what he described as an act of “solidarity” and “moral duty.”

“The risk to the people of the Canary Islands is actually low.”

WHO INITIATIVE IN CABO VERDE

A WHO expert, Dutch doctors and a European disease specialist boarded the ship in Cabo Verde earlier this week and are overseeing medical assessments and infection prevention measures during the voyage to Tenerife.

Speaking to UN News, WHO Representative in Cabo Verde Ann Lindstrand said the agency had been supporting local authorities from the beginning of the outbreak response.

“During the trip to the Canary Islands we have

been able to bring medical supplies, so if somebody gets sick on the boat, there will be medical doctors and supplies to be able to take care of them during the journey.”

She said in coordination with WHO, national health authorities are contacting passengers who disembarked earlier to advise them to seek medical attention quickly if symptoms develop.

Passengers still aboard have been asked to remain in their cabins while disinfection procedures are carried out. Anyone developing symptoms will be isolated immediately.

SOCIAL MEDIA DISINFORMATION

Addressing disinformation circulating on social media, Dr. Abdirahman Mahamud of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme stressed that there are no signs this is the early stages of a pandemic.

Infection has occurred in a confined setting involving

prolonged close contact among passengers aboard the ship, similar to a limited Andes hantavirus outbreak recorded in Argentina in 2018–2019. In that case, transmission was linked to a social gathering involving a symptomatic individual and resulted in only a small number of cases.

Dr. Mahamud said existing public health measures, including contact tracing, isolation and monitoring, are well understood and can effectively break chains of transmission, making a large-scale epidemic unlikely.

MONITORING CONTINUES

WHO warned that additional cases may still emerge because the incubation period for Andes hantavirus can be up to six weeks.

“Viruses don’t care about politics, and they don’t care about borders,” Dr. Tedros said. “The best immunity we have is solidarity.” (UN)

Financing Fairness

WHEN President Dr. Irfaan Ali spoke to the world’s energy leaders at the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston this week, he called for “equitable financing” and “a global energy balance”.

He identified a clear moral and mathematical inconsistency in the climate discussion. The regions with the fastest-growing energy demands are getting the least amount of capital to fuel their future.

His push to change the global conversation from a narrow “energy transition” to a more truthful “energy balance” should be more than just applauded. It should guide how Guyana, the Caribbean, and the broader Global South engage with capital markets and climate discussions.

The numbers support this argument. Global clean-energy investment hit a

record US$3.3 trillion in 2025, but that money is mostly going to China, the United States, and the European Union.

Meanwhile, Africa and Latin America, where energy poverty is common, receive far too little funding. Fossil fuels still account for over 80 per cent of global consumption, and even the International Energy Agency’s net-zero scenarios admit that oil demand will only slowly decrease through 2050.

Telling new producers to abstain under these conditions is, as the President noted at COP30 in Belém, “a form of protectionism”. This practice helps wealthy companies while denying new entrants the same opportunities that the developed world had.

What makes the address in Houston significant is that Guyana is no longer just presenting theories.

The Low-Carbon Development Strat-

egy 2030 has already achieved the world’s first jurisdictional forest carbon credits under the ART-TREES framework. It has generated over US$400 million in carbon revenue in three years, and allocated 15 per cent of that revenue to more than 240 villages in the hinterland.

When fully operational, the Gas-to-Energy project at Wales is expected to cut electricity costs in half. Additionally, solar farms at Trafalgar, Prospect, Hampshire, and soon Linden are quietly replacing diesel and stabilising the grid.

This is the dual-track approach the President emphasises: Using hydrocarbon revenues to fund a low-carbon future. It’s exactly the credible and replicable model that international investors claim to seek.

However, credibility alone will not secure the grants, transition finance op-

tions, and technology assurances that the Global South requires. Guyana needs to turn its growing diplomatic influence into solid agreements: Closer ties with the Bridgetown Initiative, a broader SouthSouth energy partnership, and binding commitments from multilateral lenders to reduce financing costs for well-governed producers.

Carbon prices need to reflect actual costs. Fossil fuel subsidies in wealthy nations must be phased out, and competition should focus on carbon intensity rather than past practices.

President Ali has set the terms for this debate.

The real, tough work lies in turning “energy balance” into practical financial instruments and enforceable regulations. This effort will decide whether Guyana’s voice can reshape the global financial system or just echo within it.

President Ali’s regional food initiative drive is on target

Dear Editor,

DURING his first term in office, Guyana’s 9TH Executive President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s initiative for the member-states of CARICOM, known as “25 by 2025”, was meant to reduce the region’s more than $10 billion annual food import bill by 25 per cent in 2025.

President Ali’s underlying goal was to improve regional agriculture production, productivity and investment in infrastructure.

Though viewed as an ambitious goal by many, it has no doubt increased food production and hence food security in the region, especially among the smaller countries. Although originally slated for 2025, the goal has been transitioned with a renewed focus and interest to achieve food security and self-sufficiently by 2030.

President Dr. Ali’s vision for reducing the region’s food import centres on his serious commitment and dedication to transforming Guyana, with its huge land mass and oil resources, into a global leader in food security and the bread-basket for the Caribbean.

His Excellency’s leadership is fully supported by a trustworthy and specialised team comprising the Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Zulfikar Mustapha, and technical experts in Guyana and several countries.

The primary objective is for CARICOM Member States to embark on a comprehensive national agriculture development strategy that prioritises high-value cash crops, mega-farms, and climate-smart technologies.

To accelerate and quicken this plan, the Ali administration has significantly increased resources from an $18.4 billion allocation for agriculture in 2020 to a historic high of $104.6 billion in the 2026 budget to fund

While much progress has been made, climate-related challenges and in some cases natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods and drought have necessitated the change in time.

critical infrastructure, including the building of farm-to-market roads, agriculture-processing facilities, improved seeds and grains, and the revitalisation and modernisation of the traditional sectors like rice and sugar.

Today, Guyana is not only building infrastructure to accommodate its agriculture expansion program, but is also growing more food and in 2025, the country had achieved 88 percent of its food production targets with non-traditional crop. It had successfully completed its first major commercial shipment of cassava chips and mango pulp to Antigua and corn, soya and poultry to Barbados.

Guyana’s agro-processed items including jams, jellies and coconut milk have doubled in the last few years, and the country is on track to become the Caribbean’s Food Capital in just five years of President Dr. Ali’s tenure.

Its exports have been largely driven by its massive investments in infrastructure, which has resulted in increased production in all sectors. Guyana is now considered the only

nation in the region to be self-sufficient in all key categories.

While some of the smaller islands in the region, including St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, are struggling to reach their targets, due in part to unavailability of land, Guyana has become one of the top performers, followed by Barbados, Belize, Jamaica and Suriname. However, by late 2024, the region had shown outstanding progress with a 25 percent increase in food production.

Thanks to the extraordinary and superb leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Ali, Guyana with one of the highest grow rates in the world, hovering around 45 percent of GDP, has emerged as the only self-sustainable food producer in the Caribbean despite regional and global supply chain disruptions.

This has been a remarkable achievement.

Sincerely, Dr. Asquith Rose

On this day, Russia saved world civilisation

I THANK the relevant people in the Government of Guyana for accepting me as a daily columnist with the Guyana Chronicle after I parted company with the Kaieteur News.

If I didn’t have this avenue on this particular day, I would not have been able to write in the hope of educating Guyanese about the tragic distortions of history that began hundreds of years ago, when European empires dominated the world, and in the process almost destroyed the psyche of billions of people who lived in the colonies.

I have the opportunity, on this particular day, to write about one of those distortions; the real, undiluted, graphic, incontrovertible fact about which country’s decisive role defeated Nazi Germany led by Adolph Hitler. That country at the time was named the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). It now stands as Russia.

The Second World War ended in 1945, and if the historian should go to any nation on Planet Earth, except Russia, China, Vietnam, Cuba, North Korea, Algeria, Byelorussia, and ask all the citizens of all countries, except those listed above, how Germany was beaten, they will tell you Great Britain and the United States defeated Germany.

That is absolutely untrue. Before I move on, I do not mean any disrespect to the peoples of Libya, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Nicaragua by not including them, but I am not sure what answer they will give.

The implantation of a steel narrative into the soul (not the mind and psyche but the soul which has its own qualities) of billions of colonial subjects as to what knowledge

is and who contributes to the existence and expansion of knowledge is one of the greatest tragedies of human existence and world civilisation.

This tragedy has been ongoing for centuries and centuries, and though it has been profoundly diluted over the past 50 years through deconstruction of epistemology by the post-colonial world, it still continues into the 21st Century.

One of the brilliant achievements of the post-colonial world is how it has successfully confronted that steel narrative. I remember when my daughter was doing CXC, for her Literature course she had to do a novel set in a West Indian ambience named “Green Days by the River”.

In the 1950s, in the colony and shortly after Independence, the Literature curriculum in the schools would have been saturated with English novels. Guyana was saddled with the tragedy that high school students were taught French instead of Spanish and Portuguese. And Guyana was situated in a Spanish-speaking continent and was neigbour to a huge power-house that spoke Portuguese – Brazil. Russia lost 27 million soldiers and civilians during World War II. The United States suffered 400,000 losses. The United Kingdom had about the same fatalities as the US. Total loss of life between the US and UK was less than one million. The entire continent of Europe endured 15 million lives, including Germany, which invaded Europe. One country alone, Russia, lost 27 million lives. Do the logical deduction as to the crucial role that Russia played in the routing of Germany. But that tragedy has been gleefully

excluded in the textbooks in Europe and the US that schoolchildren and university students have to read. The blanket removal of such a monumental fact of history is one of the saddest episodes in human history.

That distortion in the teaching of the rise and defeat of Nazi Germany in American and European schools and universities will go on forever, because any teacher that dares provide the facts about the decisive role Russia played in destroying the German war machine will be out of a job before the class is over.

I have argued several times on this page of how freer we are in Guyana, and how deeper is our democracy than in the West. No International Relations lecturer at UG will ever suffer even an eye glance by the university officials if he/she instructs students that it was Russia that defeated Nazi Germany. I

know this because I taught International Relations at UG, and my students learned two things from me. One is that slavery was the most inhuman and violent aberration of the human mind in world civilisation, and that it was Russia that defeated Nazi Germany and not the US and Great Britain.

I am a kind of introverted person that hardly goes anywhere.

But I got an invitation from the Russian Embassy to join the reception tonight in observance of Russia’s defeat of Germany on May 8, 1945. I may go.

The world owes Russia a debt that future global generations will never be able to repay.

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.

Some 100 acres of land to be used for major commercial farming initiative in Kato, Paramakatoi

–‘Agri’ Ministry says strawberry cultivation trials will be conducted

AGRICULTURE Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Thursday visited Kato Village in Region Eight, where he met with farmers from Kato and Paramakatoi, who will be participating in a major commercial farming initiative conceptualised by His Excellency, President Dr. Irfaan Ali. The initiative, which forms part of the government’s broader push to expand food production and create sustainable economic opportunities in hinterland communities, will see the cultivation of crops such as carrots, onions, and potatoes across approximately 50 acres of land in the region.

Minister Mustapha was accompanied by Minister of Amerindian Affairs Sarah Browne, and Minister within the Ministry of Local Gov-

ernment and Regional Development, Pauline Sukhai. Through collaboration between the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), lands have already been identified, and land clearing has commenced. In Kato, areas were identified for cultivation, and NAREI has already conducted soil testing after collecting samples from the sites to ensure maximum productivity.

Approximately 25 acres of savannah lands will be utilised for the first phase of the project in Kato, while an additional 25 acres are expected to be identified for expanded cultivation.

Meanwhile, at Paramakatoi, a cooperative con-

sisting of 16 persons has been formed to spearhead cultivation efforts.

To date, approximately 42 acres of land have been cleared, with an additional 6.5 acres currently being prepared. Through assistance from the NDIA, ploughing has already commenced on 20 acres of land.

Plans for cultivation in Paramakatoi include eight acres of onions, eight acres of carrots, and two acres of potatoes. Two acres were also dedicated to executing trials for strawberry cultivation.

Minister Mustapha said the Government will continue to provide technical assistance, infrastructure support, and extension services to ensure the success of the initiative. (MoA)

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Pauline Sukhai listen attentively to a farmer during an engagement in Region Nine. The two ministers and other officials engaged farmers from Kato and Paramakatoi, who will be participating in a major commercial farming initiative conceptualised by His Excellency, President Dr. Irfaan Ali (Photo: Ministry of Agriculture/Facebook)

‘Land of Many Loves’ expo launched to spotlight Guyana’s growing wedding industry

- three couples to receive fully curated wedding experiences

By Shaniya Harding

LOVE, culture and the promise of new beginnings filled the air on Thursday evening as Seishonen Guyana officially launched “Land of Many Loves,” a new Caribbean-Guyanese Wedding Destination Expo slated for September 26 and 27.

The event is designed to spotlight the country’s growing wedding industry, while celebrating the traditions, creativity and connections that surround matrimony.

Speaking at the launch hosted at Fresh Café, the company’s Co-founder and Head of Marketing and Public Relations, Juliana Lopes, said the initiative was born out of a need to bridge gaps within the local wedding sector and create immersive experiences for couples, vendors, and creatives alike.

Moreover, the initiative is off to an exciting and vibrant start with a campaign that will see three selected couples receiving fully curated wedding experiences, while also showcasing the customs, diversity and cultural richness that make Guyana unique.

Since 2022, Seishonen Guyana, one of the country’s leading event management businesses, has been organising a variety of niche events. Among them are FumaCon, an anime comic convention scheduled for July 4 and 5 at the Guy -

ana Marriott Hotel, and Fairre of the Ages, Renaissance Fair slated for October 17 at the Promenade Gardens.

Lopes shared that after hosting over 30 events in less than five years, the company sought to fill a new gap within the event industry.

As Lopes explained, the business identified both gaps and opportunities within the wedding industry, noting that while weddings

remain a vibrant part of the Guyanese landscape, the local wedding industry remains fragmented.

“There is not a general seamless integration between service providers and clients. Clients are often reliant on word of mouth, as many vendors operate independently,” she shared adding, “Vendors range from caterers, hairdressers, stylists, and others. Additionally, this local industry, when compared to our sister islands, is not as large. What hinders Guyana from reaching that same tourism potential?”

This comes against the backdrop of the removal of the 14-day residency requirement for destination weddings, a step taken in the 2026 national budget.

Identifying this as a long-standing hurdle for couples seeking to marry in Guyana,

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‘Land of Many Loves’ expo launched...

Lopes said it now allows for businesses like Seishonen Guyana to fill gaps that exist in the market. “Previously, foreign couples were

encourage local vendors to be more transparent and push the industry towards offering more refined goods and services, with the goal of establishing a

an opportunity to have what Lopes called, ‘an immersive wedding experience.’

She stated that Seishonen Guyana, along with its sponsors, will

required to remain in the country for at least two weeks before their marriage certificates could be issued, a provision identified as a deterrent to positioning Guyana as a wedding destination in the Caribbean and beyond. This announcement has now paved the way for the development of this industry,” she said. By centralising the wedding industry, Seishonen Guyana aims to give couples an experience in comparing quality, price, and personal stylistic preferences. This, she added, will

new industry standard. Moreover, Lopes added that Seishonen Guyana identified a lack of integration amongst various sectors and the need for new forms of entertainment in Guyana. This, she noted, is what ultimately gave rise to ‘Land of Many Loves,’ which seeks to highlight Guyana’s multicultural and multi-ethnic society.

IMMERSIVE WEDDING EXPERIENCE

The event not only aims to elevate the industry, but also to provide couples with

alongside both the private and public sectors to directly support couples who may not have the financial means to afford décor or vendor bookings. A major pillar of the ‘Land of Many Loves’ is culture, as Lopes highlighted that Guyana’s unique culture and wedding customs will be a centrepiece of the expo.

“These wedding customs and traditions will take place during day one of the ‘Land of Many Loves’, as we want Guyanese, the expat community and the diaspora to learn more about how different families in Guyana prepare themselves for matrimony based on their religion or cul -

ture,” she said.

Furthermore, the expo plans to take a personal approach as the ‘Land of Many Loves’ will also see Guyanese-based couples share real perspectives and opinions on love, intimacy, relationships, and marriage. This will be done through a limited-edition episodic series called the ‘Guyanese Love Seek,’ sponsored by Muneshwers Events and filmed by Fusion Creative Studio.

As Lopes emphasised, the upcoming event aims to bring the diversity and vibrance of a Guyanese wedding to couples both in Guyana and the wider region, while supporting creatives and bolstering

the local wedding market.

“Continuing our tradition of supporting Guyanese creatives and young people, the ‘Land of Many Loves’ will directly support musicians, photographers, videographers, wedding planners, content creators and more,” she said adding, “We look forward to continuing to forge partnerships with cooperatives, public sector agencies and the wider private sector community to feature Guyana’s growing wedding industry as our nation looks to develop its orange economy as another sustainable investment initiative.”

be providing a fully curated wedding experience for three selected couples. The three lucky couples will be selected through a social media marketing campaign which will be launched on Monday, May 11, 2026.

Lopes noted, “Interested couples can send a personalised video sharing how they met, why they want to be married, and why they should be selected to earn a complimentary wedding experience.”

Moreover, she noted that ‘The Land of Many Loves’ aims to work

Agriculture Minister launches apiculture project in Region Nine

AGRICULTURE Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, on Thursday, travelled to Region Nine to launch a new apiculture project, aimed at expanding income opportunities for residents while strengthening Guyana’s growing honey industry.

The project, which forms part of a commitment made by H.E. President Dr Irfaan Ali, was launched in the villages of Nappi, Parishara, and Hiawa and targets villagers, specifically females. Approximately 340 hives were distributed in the region.

While addressing farmers at the launch in Nappi Village, Minister Mustapha said Guyana’s annual honey production

was very low prior to the government’s intervention and investment.

“We used to produce 2128 gallons of honey annually before 2020. In 2025, with the investments we’ve made, we produced 38,574 gallons of honey.

Over the years, we’ve seen progress with the work we’ve been doing through the Guyana Livestock Development Authority. We’ve invested heavily in the apiculture sector.

Honey is a very lucrative commodity, but there was never any major interest in investing to expand the industry,” he said.

He added that by the end of 2026, production is projected to increase by an additional 2,000 to 5,000 gallons.

In addition to direct investments in the sector, Minister Mustapha said that apiculture specialists have been working with villages to further develop the industry.

“We’ve brought in three specialists who are working in various parts of Guyana to get communities involved in honey production. Region Nine has been identified as an area to ramp up honey production, and we are looking to increase the national production with contributions from Region Nine,” he added.

Minister Mustapha told the villagers that, in addition to providing hives and technical support, the

ministry, through the New Guyana Marketing Corporation, will be securing markets for the lucrative commodity.

“We will find markets for the honey you produce. When the hives are distributed, each person can have approximately five hives. The next honey season will commence in August and conclude in January. During that period, each hive can produce seven harvests of honey during that time. Each harvest will give you approximately $300,000. We are making the initial investments by giving you the hives and the protective gear,” he explained.

Minister Mustapha

stressed the importance of the project, noting that it will allow more disposable income to become available at the village level and improve the livelihoods of those directly and indirectly involved. He further stated that the selection process for the participants must be transparent and fair. He also said that if more hives are needed in the area, the GLDA will facilitate with supplying additional hives.

Minister Mustapha was accompanied by Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Sarah Brown, and Minister within the Ministry of Local Government, Pauline Sukhai. (MoA)

MP Hussain urges Region Six residents to practise proper waste disposal

By Bebi Shafeah Oosman

AS Region Six continues its efforts to address the ongoing garbage disposal situation in communities, Member of Parliament Zamal Hussain is urging residents to play their part by disposing waste responsibly and maintaining cleaner surroundings.

The parliamentarian emphasised that improper garbage disposal not only creates an eyesore, but also contributes to clogged drains, flooding, environmental pollution, and serious public health concerns.

He noted that while regional authorities are working to improve waste collection and sanitation services, community co-operation remains essential to achieving lasting results.

“Sometimes there might

be problem with people picking up garbage and people disposing of their garbage in their drains and trenches…And this is something that we need residents to be very aware of and sometimes because of the amount of garbage we have there now, we cannot burn garbage. That is something that residents years ago did…you dig a hole and burn your garbage but now we have to adhere to these things but at the same time we can’t be disposing our garbage into the drainage system. Sometimes that is one of the main reasons we get flood at the culverts. Sometimes those garbage block up the entire culvert. People just go to the culvert and dump a whole bag into culvert and that actually reduce and block up the entire system.”

Hussain encouraged

residents to make use of designated disposal areas, avoid dumping refuse in drains and open spaces, and

in Region Six. “Residents out there we need to understand now that the government has intervened and buy garbage trucks and put in each NDC and that will help.”

Meanwhile, Regional Chairman, Junior Basant, previously stated that “In Region Six, we have several dumpsites scattered throughout the region; we have one in Canje, one in Rose Hall Town, and we also have one in the Rose Hall Town area.

region from the ministry, Basant said: “This will boost our operation because the garbage tractor and trailer what we noticed it is effective but not as effective as we would want it to be. Throughout the region, we have piles of garbage stock up sometimes and this is because of the slothfulness of the tractor operations sometimes. The truck will now aid and assist the tractor; it provides a faster response and it allows us to serve a wider scope.”

support community cleanup initiatives which aim to create a healthier and safer environment for everyone

“The NDCs usually pick up the garbgage from their residents from their homes and dispose of them in these area. The Ministry of Local Govenrment has a system where they are being managed, and they are kept up to standard.”

Turning to the 22 garbage trucks, which were recently deployed to the

According to Basant, the trucks will be placed within the areas, and will be in operation.

“So, residents can expect great relief when these come into full operation,” he said, adding: “This does not mean the existing system will be scrapped, but it will complement our system.”

Border controversy case: Guyana to orally rebutt Venezuela’s positions on Arbitral Award, ICJ’s jurisdiction today

THE following is the text of the full press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation on Thursday:

“THE International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, concluded the second day of oral hearings in the case concerning the Arbitral Award of 3 October 1899 (Guyana v. Venezuela), which is being held at the Peace Palace, in The Hague. These proceedings form part of the merits of the case, during which both parties will present their full legal arguments regarding the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award.

On Monday, May 4, 2026, during its submission,

Guyana requested the court to affirm the legal validity and binding effect of the Arbitral Award which established the land boundary between Guyana and Venezuela. Guyana argued that the Award constitutes a full, perfect and final settlement of the issue under international law and that the boundary it determined was recognised and implemented by Venezuela for more than 60 years before its belated challenge to it. Guyana argued that Venezuela’s claim to the territory west of the Essequibo River is thus without legal foundation. In its presentation yesterday (Wednesday), Venezuela challenged both the jurisdiction of the court and the validity of the 1899 Arbitral

Award. Venezuela argued that the Award was a result of fraud and collusion during the colonial period. It sought to argue that the 1966 Geneva Agreement replaced the Award and provides the governing legal framework for resolving the controversy through a negotiated settlement between the parties, rather than a judicial determination. In its presentations on Monday, May 4, 2026, Guyana had addressed the serious flaws in these arguments put forward by Venezuela.

The hearings will continue with a second round of arguments. Guyana is scheduled to present its rebuttal to Venezuela’s oral arguments on Friday, May 8, 2026, and Venezuela will present its

final arguments on Monday, May 11, 2026.

The court will then deliberate on the case, and ul-

timately issue its final judgement, which will be legally binding on the parties. The court’s deliberations usually extend over several months. Its judgement is not expected until the end of this year.”

LFU strengthens teacher capacity in Region 10 through transformative workshop

LINDEN Fund USA (LFU), in partnership with the Department of Education, Region 10, has once again

reinforced its longstanding commitment to educational development with the successful hosting of its 2026

Teachers’ Workshop, held from April 28–30 at the NICIL Watooka Complex in Mackenzie, Linden.

According to a press release, the three-day workshop brought together secondary school educators, administrators and community stakeholders and created a dynamic space for professional learning, reflection, and collaboration.

Building on nearly two decades of sustained engagement in Region 10, the initiative reflected LFU’s philosophy that meaningful educational advancement is grounded in long-term partnership and community-centred approaches rather than isolated interventions.

Under the theme “Beyond Academic Preparedness,” this year’s workshop expanded its focus to address not only instructional strategies but also the broader social and emotional dimensions of teaching and learning. Sessions explored culturally relevant pedagogy, cross-curricular planning, student engagement, and emerging issues such as artificial intelligence in education and bullying prevention, the release said.

It added that a central feature of the workshop was its emphasis on teacher well-being. Facilitators introduced a Relational Restoration Framework , encouraging educators to reframe burnout not as an individual short-

coming but as a systemic issue shaped by emotional demands, limited collegial support and institutional pressures.

Participants engaged in interactive breakout sessions to diagnose stressors, strengthen professional relationships and develop practical strategies to support both personal wellness and collective resilience.

LFU Board Member and secondary educator, Ele Cayana, who co-facilitated the workshop, underscored the importance of sustained, reflective practice.

“This workshop is not a one-off event but part of a continuous investment in our teachers. When educators are given space to reflect, collaborate and respond to their realities, they become more effective not only in the classroom but as leaders within their schools and communities,” the release said.

Co-facilitator, Dr Rochelle Sykes, a clinical psychologist, highlighted the critical role of institutional support in addressing teacher burnout.

“Teachers are often asked to carry emotional and social demands far beyond instruction. Sustainable change comes when we move from expecting individual endurance to building systems

of shared support that protect and strengthen teacher well-being,” the release said.

As participants return to their classrooms, organisers anticipate that the knowledge, strategies and collaborative networks established during the workshop will have a lasting impact on teaching practice and student outcomes across Region 10.

Phase One of a threepart series, this workshop’s most significant expected outcome is the development of the Holistic Readiness Instrument – Guyana (HRIGY)—a research-informed tool designed to assess and strengthen student readiness for CXC examinations across multiple domains, including academic, social, institutional, and community factors.

The release said since 2006, LFU and its local counterpart LFU Guyana Inc., has worked collaboratively with the Department of Education, Region 10, to deliver sustained, high-impact teacher training.

This year’s workshop built on that legacy, reflecting LFU’s philosophy that meaningful educational progress is rooted in community partnership, cultural relevance, and long-term engagement—not one-time interventions.

High-quality development drives surge in returnee start-ups in China

DECADES ago, some of China’s ambitious students looked abroad for opportunities, but today, many are returning home not just for jobs, but to build businesses and shape the country’s future.

Against a backdrop of global uncertainty, China’s economic resilience and its push for high-quality growth are drawing back a new wave of returnees. They are bringing world-class expertise and innovative concepts from overseas universities and putting them to work across China’s cities and countryside.

Since 1978, when China launched its reform and opening-up policy, 6.44 million of the 7.43 million Chinese students who studied abroad have returned home as of 2024. Notably, 5.63 million -- accounting for 87 percent of all returnees during the period -- have come back to work in China since 2012.

“Strong domestic market

demand, real-world application scenarios and policy support together present significant opportunities for returnees seeking to pursue innovation and start businesses,” said Guo Yuanjie, an associate researcher from the China National Academy of Educational Sciences.

“Taking the manufacturing sector as an example, as China today has one of the world’s most complete industrial systems and the widest range of application scenarios, some innovations that are difficult to materialise overseas can be brought to fruition in China,” Guo said.

For many returnees, China’s technology ecosystem offers both scale and speed.

He Hongkai, who studied at Columbia University and spent a decade in U.S. venture capital, returned to his hometown in Guangzhou, capital of south China’s Guangdong Province, and launched a one-person artificial intelligence (AI) startup

in late 2025.

“AI amplifies what one person can do, enabling small teams to achieve big things,” He said, viewing China as the “optimal choice” for starting a business because of the country’s vast talent pool and reasonable cost in AI applications.

According to He, as local governments continue to step up efforts to attract and support skilled professionals, he has observed a growing number of tech talents choosing to return to China since 2023.

Not all returnees are drawn to urban tech hubs. An increasing number of them are venturing into rural China, where innovation meets long-standing challenges in agriculture, sustainability, and community development.

Chen Ting, a graduate from the National University of Singapore, returned to her hometown, Bailiwan Village in Zhejiang’s Tonglu County, in 2024 to help modernise her

father’s chicken farm. She introduced smart coops that give chickens more space and improved monitoring conditions.

Since these upgrades were implemented, the feed efficiency has risen by 15 per cent, while egg-laying rates have increased by 18 per cent. Each egg now carries a traceability code, and the farm has begun offering educational tours, attracting more than 2,000 visitors during its trial phase.

“No matter how successful a business becomes, if the villagers don’t benefit, it isn’t truly a success,” said Chen, who has helped create jobs for 36 locals, boosting their average annual income by 28,000 yuan (about 4,079.97 U.S. dollars).

In neighbouring Jiangsu

Province, Wang Rui, a doctoral graduate who studied in Britain and Singapore, has taken a different approach to rural sustainability. Using 3D-printing technology, he has developed a composite material made from straw that is wear-resistant, recyclable, and in some cases superior to traditional alternatives.

The applications range from handicrafts to industrial robot components. He has also used the technology to produce tactile replicas of cultural relics for visually impaired students.

“Technology should serve society,” he said.

“Returnees can help boost rural vitality and create a modern rural industrial system,” said Xia Xuemin, a researcher at the Institute for

Public Policy of Zhejiang University, adding that they can capitalise on international agricultural technologies and ecological ideas, while leveraging cross-cultural backgrounds to brand and export local specialties and intangible heritage.

China has introduced a series of policy measures at both the central and local levels to facilitate the return of overseas students and create more enabling conditions for them to resettle and work in the country. For instance, the Ministry of Education’s “Chunhui,” or “Spring Light,” programme encourages Chinese students studying overseas to contribute to national development.

TURN TO PAGE 14

China’s Wu Yize wins World Snooker Championship in Crucible thriller

WU Yize became the second Chinese to win World Snooker Championship following Zhao Xintong's triumph last year, defeating England's Shaun Murphy 18-17 at the Crucible The-

atre here on Monday. Wu, 22, also became the second-youngest Crucible winner after Stephen Hendry who was 21 in 1990. He lifted the trophy after the final, with his parents standing by his side.

"They are the true champion, since the moment I devoted myself to snooker, my father has always been my company, my mother also went through ups and downs in these years. They are and always will be my

motivation," said Wu, who moved to Sheffield at 16 years old and lived in a tiny room with his father for a long time.

Wu took an early 3-0 lead before Murphy fought back to tie the first session

4-4. Breaks of 103, 89 and 91 helped Wu established a 10-7 lead after session two, before Murphy won five straight frames. Wu then dominated the next three frames to take a slender 1312 lead into the last session.

Murphy contributed the highest break of the final in the 32nd frame with 131 points to tie 16-16, turning the 35-frame final into a best-of-three match. Each

it is today!" joked Murphy, who won his solitary title in 2005 before finishing runner-up in his next four final appearances in 2009, 2015, 2021 and today. Wu was among a record 11 Chinese players at the Crucible this year, including snooker pioneer Ding Junhui, the first Asian finalist in 2016, and defending champion Zhao Xintong, the first Asian title winner.

player won one frame, before Wu successfully potted a tricky red in the middle pocket to finish the decider with a winning break of 85.

"I'd like to congratulate Wu Yize. I hate being right - earlier this season I said he would be world champion one day. It's just a shame

Wu defeated Lei Peifan, Mark Selby, and Hossein Vafaei in the first three rounds, and reached the final in dramatic fashion by edging Mark Allen 17-16 in the semifinal after Allen missed the match-ball black in the 32nd frame.

Tuschen Secondary student facing expulsion, teacher sent on administrative leave after incident leaves two injured

- Education Ministry reiterates importance of secure, conducive learning environment

as police investigate the matter.

“The Ministry of Education has launched an immediate investigation into an incident which occurred earlier today at the Tuschen Secondary

A STUDENT of the Tuschen Secondary School could be expelled and will be the subject of a police investigation following an incident that left two fellow students injured, the Ministry of Education said on Thursday.

While not divulging details of how the two students ended up at the hospital where they received treatment, the ministry said in a statement that a teacher has been sent on administrative leave

School, leaving two students injured.

“The injured boys were promptly transported to the De Kinderen Regional Hospital, where they were treated by medical staff and subsequently discharged.

“The student perpe -

trator is facing expulsion from the school and was taken into police custody, while a teacher allegedly involved in the incident has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of a thorough police investigation,” the ministry said.

Meanwhile, Education

Minister Sonia Parag visited the injured boys and their families at the hospital. Also present, to ensure a coordinated response, were the Regional Health Officer, the Regional Education Officer, and the school’s headteacher.

The ministry said that in addition to the police

and ministry investigations, the Childcare and Protection Agency of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security were informed of the situation to ensure the welfare of all parties is addressed.

“The Ministry of Education remains firmly committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students and teachers and continues to follow established standard operating procedures to maintain a secure and conducive learning environment for everyone,” the statement said.

Visitor arrivals for March 2026 up by 13.3 per cent - Minister Rodrigues

MINISTER of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, on Thursday, announced that 39,484 visitors came to Guyana in March 2026.

This, according to the minister, represents a 13.3 per cent over the corresponding period in 2025.

Minister Rodrigues expressed extreme excitement given this positive increase in visitor arrival numbers in almost every month of the year. To the ministry, this demonstrates that their strategy is working, and that the tourism and hospitality industry in Guyana is thriving.

More important than that, according to the minister, is the fact that ‘Destination Guyana’ is a resilient one. She pointed out that despite the issues happening around the world, Guyana remains a strong and resilient destination, one that is deeply rooted in culture and authentic

experiences.

“So, I want to thank everybody who's been travelling, all of our visitors, especially also our domestic travellers,” she expressed. With this, the minister mentioned that there has been a notable increase in locals travelling domestically (persons

from Georgetown, other parts of Region Four, and Region Three, travelling to interior locations).

“So, our interior lodges are giving us positive responses that they are seeing an increase in international visitors, but also from domestic visitors. So, I thought I'd let everybody know that we are pleased that

the tourism and hospitality sector is thriving. Visitor arrivals continue to increase; and you can expect the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce to be doing a lot more, especially in the coming days and weeks, especially as we celebrate our 60th independence anniversary,” the minister affirmed.

Nurses recognised for ‘exceptional’ patient care -

THE Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) launched Nurses Week 2026 with a renewed commitment to strengthening nursing care and recognising staff across the institution.

Nurses Week 2026 is being observed under the theme: ‘The Power of Nurses’. It commenced on May 6, 2026, and will run until May 12, 2026.

The launch ceremony brought together nurses, hospital leadership, and staff members to celebrate the invaluable role nurses play in patient care and the overall healthcare system, according to the hospital.

At the same time, the GPHC also held a

soft launch of its DAISY Wall, an initiative designed to recognise nurses who have demonstrated exceptional compassion, dedication, and service.

The GPHC’s Chief Executive Officer, Robbie Rambarran, in his address to the gathering, reaffirmed the GPHC’s commitment to supporting nurses through professional development, recognition programmes, and staff welfare initiatives.

“Nurses are doing tremendous work here,” Rambarran said, while also encouraging stronger mentorship, leadership, accountability, and teamwork throughout the institution.

He further noted that

as part of GPHC’s Nurses Week 2026 celebrations

GPHC remains committed to developing nurses, stating, “There is no reason why we should not support nurses who

the patients we care for.”

Meanwhile, the Director of Nursing Services, Leslyn Holder, delivered special re -

wish to equip themselves through upward mobility and academic qualification, because ultimately it will benefit our nation’s health and

cates, innovators, leaders, and healers.

Holder emphasised that nurses are often the bridge between fear and comfort for patients during their most vulnerable moments, describing nursing as more than a profession, but a calling rooted in compassion, resilience, and empathy.

number of observances arranged for this month. For Nurses Week, the GPHC will have a Nurses Medical Outreach, a Nurses Church Service, and, on the final day, observance International Nurses Day, along with an award ceremony.

marks, during which she reflected on the nursing profession, the sacrifices nurses make daily, and the important role they play as patient advo -

Ms. Holder also reflected on the DAISY Award programme, which started as a partnership between GPHC and Northwell Health, noting that the initiative has become an important part of the hospital’s culture of appreciation and recognition.

The GPHC unveiled a Content and Activities Calendar, highlighting a

Also, included on the Content and Activities Calendar, is World Lupus Day, Critical Care Awareness Day, World Hypertension Day, Family Doctor Day, and World No Tobacco Day, just to name a few. According to the hospital, these activities reflect the GPHC’s continued commitment to education, recognition, and patient-centred care.

Rural hospitals, health centres urged to immediately refer paediatric kidney disease cases to GPHC

IN February this year, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) secured a grant to support the development and strengthening of paediatric nephrology services at the hospital, with the University of Calgary serving as the mentor centre.

The grant was secured through the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) in collaboration with the University of Calgary, Canada, by Consultant Nephrologist at the GPHC, Dr Areefa Alladin.

The grant lasts for two years and will be renewable for up to six years.

The goal of the partnership is to build diagnostic capacity, as well as multidisciplinary paediatric team and to have medications and access to treatment for patients battling kidney disease.

In a recent video posted on the G PHC’s page, Dr Alladin highlighted the services offered through the Department of Paediatric Nephrology, which include services for children born

Consultant Nephrologist at the GPHC, Dr Areefa Alladin (File Photo)

with kidney diseases, those who may have developed kidney diseases, children who have any form of kidney failure, and children who require dialysis and who will eventually need a transplant.

Also, the Nephrology services available at the hospital include those for chil-

dren who have hypertension.

“The most common cause of hypertension in children is actually the kidney. So, we see a wide variety of causes for kidney diseases, including congenital problems, meaning things that children are born with, acquired problems, including infections and autoimmune

diseases that cause kidney failure, and then hypertension and any other cause of kidney failure, dialysis, and transplant,” the doctor said.

The GPHC is home to the only Paediatric Nephrology Specialist services in Guyana’s public health system. This means that this department sees patients from across Guyana.

Dr Alladin said rural hospitals and health centres are urged to refer suspected

kidney disease involving a child as early as possible to the GPHC for doctors there to intervene, identifying the cause, and providing the appropriate treatment.

“It means that the doctors in the health centres and across the rural hospitals in Guyana need to be vigilant for kidney diseases, check the children's blood pressure if they have swelling, check their urine for protein

and blood, and assess their kidney function. We also would recommend ultrasounds if you are unsure, and to contact Pediatric Nephrology Services at Georgetown Hospital, send a referral through. If it's urgent, there is a contact number to reach us through the Matron Office of the Hospital, so that we can have these patients identified early, and treat it,” she explained.

Illegally parked vehicles clamped after drivers ignore City Constabulary’s warning

THE City Constabulary on Thursday clamped several vehicles parked on pavements in Georgetown, after motorists ignored a public warning to desist from doing so.

On Wednesday, the Mayor and City Council issued a press release warning citizens of Georgetown that parking on pavements within the capital city is strictly prohibited. Furthermore, the council reminded citizens that pavements are intended for pedestrian use, including persons living with disabilities,

children and the elderly. It was emphasised that parking on pavements is considered an obstruction and hazard, forcing these persons to walk on the busy roads.

“Further, the Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01, Sections Nine and Ten state ‘’it shall not be lawful for any person to ride or lead any animal or ride or wheel a bicycle or drive a vehicle, or push any hand-truck, wheelbarrow or other vehicle other than a perambulator containing a child along a pavement or footpath… on

the pavement or foot path, and no person shall leave, place, or store or cause to be left placed or stored, any vehicle, cart, dray, barrel, box, dustbin, tree trunk… or other thing upon any street, parapet or pavement…,” the release that was published on the council’s Facebook page said. Further, the council stated that it would appreciate the co-operation of citizens in adhering to the law by parking in a manner that is safe for vehicle owners and other categories of road users.

Regional Chairman refutes Mahipaul’s flood relief corruption claims

REGIONAL Chairman of Region Four, Clemsford Belgrave, has issued a press statement refuting reports being circulated by Ganesh Mahipaul, concerning the collection and distribution of cleaning supplies for flood-affected residents.

Mahipaul, in a Facebook post on Wednesday, claimed that the Regional Chairman is engaging Chinese Supermarkets to sell the cleaning hampers and pocket the money from these sales. He tagged the Civil Defence Commission, President Dr Irfaan Ali, and Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand.

Mahipaul further stated that the councillors who brought this to his attention also informed him that four Chinese Supermarkets on the East Coast of Demerara have already been ap-

proached and are expected to pay Chairman Belgrave and uplift the products.

In his statement refuting these claims, the Regional Chairman said: “I wish to state that these accusations are false. Prior to my recent official travel, the supplies were secured and an initial distribution was completed. We have system in place to ensure the remaining items reach those who were seriously affected.”

It was noted that the Office of the Regional Chairman remains committed to providing relief to the residents of Region Four, and it is working in close collaboration with the Civil Defence Commission (CDC).

The Regional Chairman urges the public to disregard the “misleading statements, which appears only to create unnecessary mischief”.

World Athletics rejects IOC ban lifting on Belarusian athletes

(BBC) - World Athletics has rejected a recommendation by the International Olympic Committee that a ban on Belarusian athletes and teams competing under the flag of their nation should be lifted.

On Thursday, the IOC’s executive board urged international sports federations and event organisers to allow the country to return to international competition, while keeping restrictions on Russia in place.

Both countries were suspended from Olympic competition after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with Belarus a close ally of Russia. A partial ban - allowing athletes to compete as neutrals - was introduced in 2023.

The IOC said, external that unlike Russia, the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Belarus “is in good standing and complies with the Olympic Charter”.

It said that since 2023 “athletes with a Belarusian passport have participated as individual neutral athletes (AINs) in numerous international sporting events, as well as the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, without any incident on or off the field of play.

Kirsty Coventry was elected as the IOC President in March 2025

It added that it “reaffirms that athletes’ participation in international competition should not be limited by the actions of their governments, including involvement in a war or conflict”.

However, in response, a spokesperson for World Athletics said: “As a consequence of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, World Athletics sanctions implemented in March 2022 excluding Belarusian and Russian athletes, officials and supporting personnel from competition remain in place.

“Our council has made

a clear decision that when there is tangible movement towards peace negotiations it can begin to review its decisions.

We all hope this will be soon, but until that happens the council continues to be united in standing behind the decision it made in March 2022 and revisited in 2023 and 2025.”

The recommendation and response come with the qualification period for both the LA28 Olympic Games and the Dolomiti Valtellina 2028 Winter Youth Olympic Games starting this summer.

FROM PAGE 27

Registration opens today for One Guyana...

losing national semi-finalists will each take home $500,000.

The stakes extend beyond local bragging rights, as the four teams qualifying for the national finals will also earn the prestigious opportunity to represent Guyana at the upcoming Global T10 Tapeball Blast.

Individual excellence will be equally celebrated, with the tournament MVP set to receive $150,000 and a motorbike.

Additionally, the leading run-scorer and the top

wicket-taker of the tournament will each be awarded $100,000 and a new television.

The road to the finals begins on the weekend of August 8–9 in Berbice, which will host a 16-team opening leg.

The competition then moves to the East Bank/West Demerara zone on August 15–16, followed by the Essequibo zone on August 22–23.

The tournament will pause to accommodate the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) festivities in Guyana

and the finals in Barbados, ensuring the Tapeball Blast remains visible and engaging for fans.

Following the conclusion of the CPL, action resumes with an extended Georgetown/East Coast Demerara leg spanning four dates, culminating in the zone finals on October 3–4.

This regional buildup culminates in the historic national grand finale on October 11, hosted for the first time at the Anna Regina National Stadium in Region Two.

“While the ROC (Russian Olympic Committee) has held constructive exchanges with the IOC on its suspension, it remains suspended while the IOC legal affairs commission continues to review the matter,” said the IOC.

“The IOC EB (executive board) also noted with concern the recent information that has led to the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) looking into the Russian anti-doping system.

“The IOC EB would therefore like to obtain a better understanding of this situation.”

IOC President Kirsty Coventry suggested in February that Russia could compete at the Games in Los Angeles in two years’ time.

But the IOC has decided that doping issues mean it is not ready to lift its ban on the country.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) recently announced that more than 300 sanctions have been handed to Russian athletes following the seizure of Moscow laboratory data in 2019.

In September, the International Paralympic Committee lifted its ban on athletes from Belarus and Russia competing at the Winter Paralympics earlier this year, while World Aquatics has also announced athletes from the two countries can compete under their nations’ flags.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino suggested in February that world football’s governing body will look at lifting a ban on Russia, a move called “irresponsible” and “infantile” by Ukraine sports minister Matvii Bidnyi.

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08:30 hrs Respond 09:05 hrs Galiyan 09:35 hrs Lambourn

10:05 hrs Galileo Dame 10:40 hrs Hoodie Hoo 11:10 hrs Shrimp Shady 11:45 hrs Schrodinger’s Cat 12:20 hrs Patagonia RIPON 12:45 hrs Red Spells Danger 13:15 hrs Masaban 13:45 hrs Betweenthesticks 14:15 hrs Musical Touch 14:45 hrs Glistening Nights 15:15 hrs Lady Vanguard

Dataman, Anthem King to return at Independence Day horse race

THE Jumbo Jet Events will host an exciting day of horse racing on Sunday May 31 at Port Mourant Turf Club.

It will be the Independence Day horse race meet where the heavyweights will be battling it out; champion horse Dataman and Olympic Kremlin along with Anthem King.

Initially, the race was set to be hosted at Rising Sun Turf Club, but organisers agreed for the race to be hosted at Port Mourant Turf Club.

The excitement is building and fans are buzzing to see which of the top horses will reign supreme. Dataman had the better of Olympic Kremlin in the past and the highly anticipated rematch will settle all scores.

Anthem King has been a silent ruler from the outside, and he will also he hoping to rule the track at Port Mourant.

In addition to the top guns, Dataman and Olympic Kremlin, the sprint Classic will be another spectacle on May 31.

Jumbo Jet’s speed train, Barbra stopped the clock in a record time of one minute flat at Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club. Barbra will be the horse to beat this month end in the sprint Classic.

Veteran jockey Colin Ross will also be a key element as he piloted Jumbo Jet/Master Z racing stables to a double win at the Labour Day Cup.

“I had to be patient with her, but I knew she will deliver. I waited for the last furlong and that was it,” Ross said.

Trainer of the Jumbo Jet/ Master Z racing stables Mr. Roberts, credited his team for the continued success.

“Junior (Nasrudeen Mohamed) has been amazing in supplying us with good horses, and horses make trainers. Junior and the team ensure we get the job done,” Mr. Roberts said.

Stat, who won at Labour Day Cup at Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club will be rested on May 31 as Anthem King and Dataman will return at the end of the month.

Guyana aims to...

to be the tournament’s leading run scorer with 371 runs.

However, all of his tons were against the same team. If he could replicate those performances against T&T, he could vie for a spot in the Test team.

One must not forget that Mikyle Louis was 23 when he made twin tons against Guyana in 2024. He had three centuries that season and was selected for the Test side. But after 10 Tests and failures in his last two series against Pakistan and South Africa, he was dropped.

This season, the 25-yearold Antiguan managed just 109 runs in three matches despite scoring 73.

The two Josephs, Jayden Seales (13) and Anderson

LSG overcome drama to keep campaign alive

(ESPNCRICINFO) - Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) much-vaunted pace attack applied the skids on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in a banana-peel clash at the Ekana Stadium. They successfully defended 219 in a rain-truncated 19-overs-a-side contest three nights after 228 didn’t seem anywhere enough against Mumbai Indians.

The orchestrator-in-chief was Mitchell Marsh, who converted his second fif -

Padikkal and Jitesh Sharma within five deliveries to turn the game around.

Patidar’s dismissal three balls later, to end a six-fest, all but sealed LSG’s third win in ten matches that keeps them alive mathematically. RCB remained third on 12 points, only a superior net run rate separating them from Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Titans.

King b Prince 0

He manifests playing a World Cup with Virat Kohli

Prince’s return Between finishing his second over and returning for his third, the 11th of RCB’s chase, Prince may have felt a sense of déjà vu. Three weeks ago, he finished with 2 for 25 off his full quota in an innings where LSG conceded 254 against Punjab Kings. Here, Patidar threatened an incredible jailbreak as he tore into Mayank Yadav and Digvesh Rathi to pummel a 26-ball half-century.

Patidar was particularly ferocious against Rathi,

into the surface. Three balls later, he sent a ripper of a bouncer that had the woefully out-of-form Jitesh top-edge a pull to Pant. Prince now had figures of 3 for 21.

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Phillip (17), seem certain picks as well as Motie, who captured the most wickets (24). Roston Chase should also be selected and could provide spin support for Motie.

Kavem Hodge made a century in his last Test against New Zealand, while Shai Hope is back after missing this tournament due to rest.

My Test 14: Brandon King, Kirk McKenzie, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Shai Hope, Kavem Hodge, Kevin Wickham, Joshua DaSilva, Tevin Imlach, Royston Chase, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph, Alazari Joseph, Jayden Seales, Anderson Phillip.

ty-plus score of the season into a peerless 56-ball 111, setting up the defence on a surface that offered pace, bounce and carry.

Then, Prince Yadav used these elements as his ally to bowl a ball to Virat Kohli that will perhaps make the top-five deliveries of the season. When RCB’s chase truly kicked into gear courtesy of Rajat Patidar, Prince returned to dismiss Devdutt

and Rohit Sharma. On Thursday night, he bowled a ball that would make the tournament reel and get the selectors interested, if they weren’t already.

A nip-backer at high pace whooshed past Kohli’s inside edge to splay his stumps. It was Kohli’s first IPL duck since 2023. This left RCB 9 for 2 after they had lost Jacob Bethell cheaply for a fourth game on the trot.

hitting him for 23 off six deliveries. After some early trouble against Mayank’s high-pace, he returned the favour by nonchalantly whipping and pulling him for sixes. From 60 for 2 in seven overs, RCB ransacked 44 off the next three when Rishabh Pant summoned Prince for a third. He began by dismissing Padikkal caught and bowled, having deceived him with a slower ball that stuck

Shahbaz makes an impression In only his second game of the season, Shahbaz Ahmed made a compelling case to start in the line-up for the rest of LSG’s campaign. He had Patidar in his first over, followed by David for a 17-ball 40 in his third, just when RCB looked like they were looking to pull off a heist. The equation came down to 33 off 12 when Krunal Pandya, promoted ahead of Romario Shepherd, hit Mohammed Shami for back-to-back sixes. With 20 needed off 6, Rathi held his nerve and conceded just one boundary as LSG won by nine runs to arrest a six-match losing streak.

Guyana aims to remain the only unbeaten team when they face WI Academy on Sunday

By Sean Devers

DEFENDING Champions

Guyana Harpy Eagles head into Sunday’s game against the West Indies Academy looking to remain unbeaten as they set their sights on the final of the West Indies Regional First-Class tournament.

Guyana made two chang-

es to the team that played the Windward Islands in three games in the bilateral series. Under-19 World Cup player Jonathan Van Lange replaces Raymond Pereez, while Isaiah Thorne is replaced by Thaddius Lovell. West Indies pacer Shamar Joseph will join the squad for the final against the winner of

CPL teams confirm their breakout player retentions

AHEAD of the highly anticipated Caribbean Premier League Draft, all six franchises have confirmed their mandatory pre-draft breakout player retentions, locking in a group of emerging Caribbean stars who represent the next generation of regional cricket excellence.

Under the CPL’s player draft and acquisition regulations for the 2026 season, each franchise was permitted to retain one player ahead of the draft, with that player required to be selected from the team’s Breakout Player category.

The retained playersJoshua James, Ramon Simmonds, Quentin Sampson, Navin Bidaisee, Ackeem Auguste, and Nathan Edwardhave each earned recognition for their performances, potential, and growing impact across Caribbean cricket.

The six retained breakout players are Antigua & Barbuda Falcons – Joshua James, Barbados Royals –Ramon Simmonds, Guyana Amazon Warriors – Quentin Sampson, St Kitts & Nevis Patriots – Navin Bidaisee, Saint Lucia Kings – Ackeem

Auguste, Trinbago Knight Riders – Nathan Edward

Each franchise will name a total of three breakout players in their final squad for the 2026 season, reinforcing the CPL’s continued commitment to developing emerging Caribbean talent and providing young players with opportunities on the region’s biggest cricketing stage. As part of the tournament regulations, every team will also be required to field at least one breakout player in every match throughout the season.

With only one pre-draft retention allowed - and that retention reserved exclusively for a breakout player - the remaining squad positions for all six teams will now be filled during the CPL Draft, setting the stage for one of the most competitive and exciting player selections in league history.

The Caribbean Premier League continues to serve as the premier platform for Caribbean cricket, combining elite entertainment with a proven pathway for the next generation of players to develop and succeed on the global stage.

the Barbados v Trinidad & Tobago matchup.

Cricket pundits feel this game could have been against a President’s XI, made up of the best 12 players from Jamaica, the Leeward, and Windward Islands.

This would have given the selectors another opportunity to witness the performances of the players before selecting the Test team to face Sri Lanka in two Tests to be played in Antigua.

It is also felt that instead of three ‘bilateral’ series, the teams could have played each other in Antigua in a round-robin format. The team with the highest points would be crowned champions.

There are five grounds in Antigua capable of hosting matches at this level, including the two venues which have hosted Test matches.

The CWI says the reduction in matches resulted from a ‘lack of funding’ but this format does not indicate the true ability of the players as opposed to performing against different teams.

Back in the days, when West Indies were dominant, more cricket was played in the most competitive domestic tournaments in the world, barring county cricket in England.

WIPA had said regional cricket must only be played on the international grounds.

However, in the past, our best cricketers competed at several grounds in Guyana, Trinidad, Jamacia and Barbados and played before packed crowds.

This was because the product was good and there were many crowd-pullers in every team.

If Guyana wins its 14th first-class title since Rohan Kanhai led them to the first one in 1973, it will be a feather in the GCB’s cap (and rightly so) but look at the big picture. Is this tournament preparing players to win Test series, especially against India, Australia, England and South Africa?

Let’s look at the most successful first-class team in the last decade.

Guyana has won eight of the last nine tournaments, but when the selectors sit to pick the Test team, only two Guyanese will be automatic

picks, Gudakesh Motie and Shamar Joseph.

Tagenarine Chanderpaul is Guyana’s leading run scorer, with 308 runs, including an unbeaten 117 and a couple of fifties, but he has faced 988 balls for those runs.

He has four more innings to bat to improve his aggregate, but needs to demon -

Hamilton scored a century and a fifty in his 259 runs.

However, Imlach, who has captained Guyana to three consecutive titles, still has two more chances to impress with the bat. DaSilva could be selected as a batter, and Imlach as the keeper.

Kevlon Anderson and Matthew Nandu failed to do

Gudakesh Motie ended with 24 wickets, the most in the tournament and also contributed with the bat

strate more intent and work on gap finding, since at the Test level, even if he bats the same number of balls, he will score half of those runs or less.

He is competing with Jamaican openers Kirk McKenzie, who has two centuries, John Campbell, one of 12 batters to score 14 tons, and Brandon King, who scored 63 in his only game but got twin fifties in his last Test against New Zealand last December.

Tevin Imlach is the best gloveman in the West Indies, but his 82 has been his only ‘score’ as his runs are not a true indicator of his talent.

Joshua DaSilva scored a double century and a fifty in his 318 runs, while Jamal

Three got into the 40s and got out while Nail Smith batted well for his 37 and Chanderpaul laboured 196 balls for 35, but none of them were able to convert their 40s and 30s into big half-centuries.

Winning titles is commendable, but outstanding performances get you picked for the higher level.

from three matches

Tagenarine Chanderpaul scored the most runs (308) for Guyana, including a century

justice to their talent.

When Guyana scored 491 to beat the Windwards by an innings and 141 runs, three batters got fifties, but none scored a century.

The 23-year-old Barbadian Kevin

scored hundreds in both innings against Jamaica before scoring a third in the next match TURN TO PAGE 25

YBG’s GT Regional Basketball Conference… North Georgetown and Tutorial High claim emphatic wins

THE North Georgetown Secondary School produced a marvellous 18-point victory over city rivals St. Joseph High School on Wednesday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall as Youth Basketball Guyana continued action in the Georgetown leg of the Schools’ Basketball Conference. North Georgetown won the contest 30-12.

After the tip-off, North Georgetown Secondary put in the work to take an early lead; Lamount Hamer could

take the credit as he starred in the first half with eight points, six rebounds and three steals.

Hamer copped the player of the match accolade, but the support of Alex Peniston and Omari Barrington was key, as both scored six points each, with Peniston also picking up six rebounds.

St Joseph High’s Adoniah Langhorne led their scoring with seven points and three rebounds.

Tutorial High then defeated Christ Church Secondary

32-8. Julian Charles was fabulous for Tutorial to outscore Christ Church, as he dropped 20 points in the win.

Andrew Yhap also played well for the winners with eight points.

The Regionals are sponsored by Edward B. Beharry Ltd, G-Boats Inc., National Sports Commission, Ministry of Education and Banks DIH Ltd.

The Georgetown Regional continues Sunday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

CWI commemorates date of first Int’l women’s test match

CWI proudly commemorates the 50th anniversary of a defining moment in Caribbean cricket, the first international match played by the West Indies Women’s team in 1976.

That historic encounter against Australia marked far more than the start of a series; it signalled the arrival of West Indies women on the global stage and the formal beginning of a journey that continues to inspire generations.

Led by the pioneering Louise Browne, who had the honour of captaining the side and facing the very first ball, that team embodied courage, resilience, and belief at a time when opportunities for women in cricket were limited.

Their efforts laid the foundation for the growth and recognition of women’s cricket across the Caribbean. From those early days to World Cup triumphs and global competitiveness, the

Registration opens today for One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast IV

THE hunt for the Caribbean’s most prestigious tapeball title officially begins today, Friday, May 8, as registration opens for the 2026 One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast.

Organisers have confirmed that the tournament will feature a strict 80team cap in a high-stakes, straight-knockout format.

Given the unprecedented interest in this season’s expanded prize structure, officials are urging all interested squads across every zone to move quickly to secure their spot.

Tournament Director John Ramsingh emphasised the importance of early action, noting that previous editions saw numerous teams

left on the sidelines due to delayed entry. To facilitate a smoother process, Ramsingh clarified that teams are not required to submit their finalised player rosters at the time of registration.

Instead, squad submission will follow a phased approach aligned with each zone’s specific playing dates, allowing captains to lock in their team’s participation immediately and finalise their talent pool as their scheduled start date approaches.

The entry fee is set at G$35,000 per team.

Registration forms are accessible starting today via the tournament’s official social media platforms or by contacting organisers directly through WhatsApp at +592

635 2235.

The 2026 edition includes a stronger financial incentive package to reward performance at every major milestone.

Every team that reaches the quarter-final stage of their respective zone is guaranteed a cash prize. Financial rewards begin with $25,000 for losing quarter-finalists and $50,000 for losing semi-finalists at the zonal level. Zonal finalists will earn $200,000, while the winners of each zone will pocket $500,000 and advance to the national finals to compete for the $2,000,000 grand prize.

The national runner-up will receive an additional $1,000,000, and the two

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To streamline the process, teams are not required to submit their finalised player rosters at the time of registration

progress of the West Indies Women’s game is a testament to the vision and determination of those trailblazers.

As we reflect on this milestone, Cricket West Indies honours the legacy of those pioneers whose contributions continue to shape our game.

Their story is one of breaking barriers, building pathways, and defining a proud and enduring chapter in West Indies cricket history.

The women’s team

teams

Dataman, Anthem King to return at Independence Day horse race