Issuu

FRIDAY 9th October, 2026

PRICE $100 VAT INCLUSIVE

No. 1081932

Guyana’s rise rests on decades of reform and institution-building, not oil alone - IMF acknowledges, traces path to progress

SEE PAGES

MV Barima CoI conducts first site visits as evidence-gathering begins

SEE PAGES

- inspects T&HD Goods Wharf, MARAD, MV Ma Lisha

The five-member Commission of the MV Barima tragedy on Thursday visited the Transport and Harbours Goods Wharf on Water Street in Kingston, Georgetown. Subsequent visits were made to the Transport and Harbours Department’s (T&HD) Head Office, where the commissioners met with General Manager, Yolanda Hughes, and the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD). The visits formed part of the commissioners’ efforts to familiarise themselves with the operations and facilities relevant to the inquiry (DPI photos)

IMF emphasises Guyana’s growth Guyana identifies itself as regional is reaching workers, households tourism development partner SEE PAGES

- says non-oil economy up 14 percent, unemployment more than halved, as economy’s prospects remain ‘highly favourable’

Karimbaksh sent on leave pending investigation into allegations of rape, threatening behaviour

SEE PAGES

- Minister Rodrigues calls for expansion of offerings, working formula for all Caribbean nations

First Lady urges women to move beyond breast cancer awareness, embrace meaningful action SEE PAGES

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 9, 2026

Guyana’s rise rests on decades of reform and institution-building, not oil alone - IMF acknowledges, traces path to progress GUYANA’S economic transformation was built on decades of reform and institution-building that began long before oil, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said in its 2026 Article IV report, concluded by the Executive Board this week. The Fund again recognised Guyana as the only one of the 37 countries in the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative to reach high-income status, a point it first made in its 2025 review. This year’s report highlighted that Guyana’s public debt, around 29 per cent of GDP at the end of 2025, is now among the lowest in the Western Hemisphere. A joint IMF and World Bank analysis rates the risk of both external and overall debt distress as low. Using World Bank classifications, the report noted that

Guyana reached lower-middle-income status in 2014 and upper-middle-income status in 2016, both before production began in 2019. It reached high-income status in 2023, less than four years after first oil. The IMF dated the reform drive to 1988 and especially to the restoration of democracy in 1992. It described market-oriented reforms covering liberalisation, privatisation, exchange rate unification, and the fiscal, financial, public-enterprise and social sectors. Growth averaged about 5½ per cent a year in 199299, compared with an average contraction of three per cent a year in 1980-88. Inflation fell from over 100 per cent in 1991 to single digits by 1995, and the public sector deficit shrank from close to 20 per cent of GDP in the early 1990s to below 1

per cent after grants by 1999. President Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Monday, set out how far the country had fallen before that recovery. Guyana did not enter independence in 1966 with an extreme debt burden, he said, but policies in the 1970s, including nationalisation and the expansion of state-owned enterprises, enlarged the public sector’s role in the economy. We a k p r o d u c t i v i t y, loss-making public enterprises, persistent government and external deficits, and dependence on a narrow range

of commodity exports led to falling production and a foreign-exchange crisis. The country lacked the revenue, export earnings and foreign currency to service its debt or pay for essential imports, he said, and its creditworthiness collapsed. He said the debt burden left Guyana unable to invest in education, health, housing, water and pensioners, and contributed to mass migration and the breakdown of the social fabric. When the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) took office in 1992, President Ali said, debt levels were still exceptionally high. He credited successive PPP/C governments with making

“enormous strides towards reducing our debt,” helped by debt rescheduling and international relief. The IMF’s annex lists three Paris Club rescheduling operations between 1991 and 1995, and a stock-of-debt operation on Naples terms in 1996. In 1997, Guyana was the first country to qualify under the HIPC criteria for highly open economies with a heavy fiscal burden of external debt. President Ali said that after the country reached the original HIPC completion point in 1999, the resources freed up supported poverty-reduction programmes and investment in health and education. Guyana completed the enhanced HIPC process in 2003. In 2006 and 2007, the IMF, the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank cancelled a further US$611 million under the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative, according to the figures cited in the address. President Ali described

1999 to 2011 as an important period for stabilisation, debt management and public investment, with spending on housing, roads, schools, health facilities, water and telecommunications. He also pointed to growth in gold, rice, construction, services and remittances, and to the confidence that political stability brought to the economy. The IMF’s account of the following years is one of discipline after relief. Deficits averaged about 2¾ per cent of GDP over 2007-19, in line with the HIPC median, while revenues outperformed those of HIPC peers throughout the pre-oil period. By 2019 the debt ratio had fallen below the HIPC median. The report credited institutions built before the oil windfall, including the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act and the Procurement Act (2003), the Audit Act (2004), the value-added tax regime (2007), and the Natural Resource Fund with its explicit withdrawal rules.

IMF emphasises Guyana’s growth is reaching workers, households - says non-oil economy up 14 percent, unemployment more than halved as economy’s prospects remain ‘highly favourable’ GUYANA’S economy continues to expand at one of the fastest rates in the world, and the gains are broad-based and reaching ordinary households, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said in its 2026 Article IV report, concluded by the Executive Board this week. Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by over 19 percent in 2025, following average growth of nearly 40 percent in 2023-24, and is projected to grow by 22.3 percent in 2026. The Fund said the outlook remains “highly favourable.” The growth is not confined to the oil sector. Non-oil GDP grew by 14 percent in 2025, led by construction and supported by agriculture, mining and manufacturing, and is projected to average about seven percent a year over the medium term. Oil production exceeded 900,000 barrels per day, and the IMF expects it to reach 1.2 million barrels per day by 2031. Private credit grew by about 19 percent, supporting business activity, and the report says non-oil growth is increasingly expected to be driven by the domestic economy. That expansion is showing up in jobs. The IMF cites data indicating that unemployment fell from 12.8 percent in 2020 to 6.2 percent in 2025, while employment rose by nearly 60

percent, driven by construction, education and mining. The Local Content framework has also supported business expansion, with services growing by about eight percent in 2025 as more industries became eligible, including supply vessels, freight forwarding and inspection services. The Fund credited large public investment in people for improved social outcomes. Stunting rates have fallen, infant mortality continues to decline, and secondary completion rates and education scores are improving. Free university education introduced in 2025 has contributed to about a 45 percent increase in new student enrolment. Support for household incomes has also been significant. The IMF reported that since 2021, government transfers have doubled real incomes for the elderly and supported a 65 percent real income increase for employed workers. The 2026 Budget renewed the universal adult cash grant of GY$100,000, first introduced in 2025. In 2025, the government also transferred GY$10 billion to the National Insurance Scheme to fund one-off payments of between GY$260,000 and GY$650,000 to about 25,000 seniors who had fallen short of the 750-week contribution

threshold for a pension. The scheme itself is in surplus, and the IMF said it has generated surpluses since 2022. Households have also been shielded from the worst of global price pressures. Inflation was contained at 3.3 percent in 2025, and the IMF said fiscal and supply-side measures, including VAT exemptions and subsidies, have cushioned the effect of higher global food and fuel prices. In an IMF analysis of the passthrough from international food prices, Guyana’s headline inflation responded at roughly half the rate seen across comparable economies, a result the Fund attributed partly to local food supply and price-smoothing measures. Food makes up about a third of the consumer price basket. Further, the Gas-to-Energy project, which the report said could potentially double electricity production and halve its cost, is expected to considerably reduce fuel-based power generation by 2027. The IMF said Guyana is advancing toward a cleaner, more cost-effective energy mix, while remaining at the forefront of market-based forest conservation. It has already sold over 12 million forest carbon credits at an average of about US$22

TURN TO PAGE 5

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 9, 2026

MV Barima CoI conducts first site visits as evidence-gathering begins - inspects T&HD Goods Wharf, MARAD, MV Ma Lisha

MEMBERS of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the MV Barima tragedy on Thursday conducted the first in a series of sched-

reference. The secretary explained that the commissioners each have areas of speciality, with three members having exper-

stead described as an activity requested by the commissioners in keeping with their professional expertise and the scope of the inquiry.

Acknowledging that families are seeking answers following the tragedy, Justice Smith cautioned that the commission may not be able

was to follow the evidence and the law in determining what occurred and identifying measures that could help prevent a similar tragedy in

Secretary to the Commission Attorneyat-law Javed Shadick

Photos from Thursday’s visit by members of the MV Barima Commission of Inquiry to the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) facilities in Kingston uled site visits, inspecting facilities at the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) Goods Wharf in Kingston, Georgetown, as part of their ongoing work. They visited several sections of the wharf, including the bond area and passenger area, as well as the MV Ma Lisha at the port. The five-member commission is chaired by former Belizean Justice of Appeal Justice Godfrey Phillip Smith and comprises Jamaican maritime surveyor, Captain Hamada Fouda; Trinidad and Tobago attorney, Nyree

tise in maritime matters. “So, Mr Fouda, and Mr Jasionowski, they're all persons who are in the maritime area, so they are the ones who would have wanted to do the inspection,” Shadick told reporters. Led by T&HD General Manager Yolanda Hughes, the commissioners toured the facilities, inspecting the various areas before departing the wharf. After the inspection, the commissioners had lunch before proceeding to the head office of the T&HD and the Maritime Administration

The visit forms part of the commission’s work as it examines matters within its mandate and considers potential recommendations arising from its proceedings. ALLEGIANCE TO THE LAW The CoI officially began its work on Wednesday with an opening ceremony at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), followed by a meeting with survivors and relatives of those affected by the disaster. The engagement gave the five-member CoI an opportunity to meet directly with

to resolve every question, but pledged to make every effort to do so. “We cannot promise that every question you may have will have an answer, but we will endeavour to find those answers,” Justice Smith told the gathering. He said the commission would seek to establish what happened to the MV Barima, why it happened and whether there were failures that contributed to the disaster. Justice Smith said the inquiry would examine the circumstances surrounding the vessel’s sinking, including

the future. He said the inquiry’s allegiance is to the law, its terms of reference, procedural fairness and the truth established through credible evidence. Justice Smith said, “Our allegiance is to the law, our terms of reference, procedural fairness and, above all, to the truth as established by credible, tested evidence. We approach our task with no predetermined view… and will inquire into all the circumstances around the sinking of the Barima, without fear or favour.” Justice Smith stressed

ger and cargo operations, crew qualifications and conduct, regulatory oversight, and the search, rescue and recovery efforts. Meanwhile, the commission is also scheduled to travel to two dry-dock facilities on the East Bank of Demerara on Friday before travelling to Mabaruma and Port Kaituma on October 12 and 13, respectively. There, the Commissioners are expected to inspect facilities and meet survivours and families affected by the tragedy. More than 100 witnesses—including a survivor, relatives of victims, first

Some of the victims who lost their lives in the MV Barima tragedy Dawn Alfonso; Polish naval architect and marine engineer, Dr. Andrzej Jasionowski and retired Trinidad and Tobago Rear Admiral Hayden Pritchard. According to the commission’s secretary, attorney-at-law Javed Shadick, the inspection was undertaken by the commissioners as part of their work under the inquiry’s broad terms of

Department (MARAD). Shadick said the commission’s terms of reference also provide for recommendations to be made following its examination of matters relevant to the tragedy. He said, “The terms of reference also cater for a lot of recommendations, etc. and that is what they have been doing.” The inspection was in-

people who experienced the tragedy and families who lost loved ones, ahead of the start of formal evidence-taking next Wednesday, October 14. Commission Chairman Justice Smith said the commission recognised the significance of hearing from those directly affected by the disaster and acknowledged the pain and uncertainty being experienced by families.

whether there were warning signs, whether applicable laws, regulations and safety procedures were followed and whether those measures were adequate and properly enforced. He also made it clear that the commission would not approach its work with a predetermined conclusion. The chairman said the commission’s responsibility

that the commission is not a criminal court. Its role is to establish the facts, identify causes and contributing factors, expose shortcomings and recommend measures to strengthen Guyana’s maritime safety systems—not to determine criminal guilt or award compensation. The commission is expected to examine the vessel’s seaworthiness, passen-

responders and officials—are expected to appear before the CoI begins. While the commission has identified more than 100 potential witnesses, Shadick said it is not yet possible to say how many persons will fall into each category. However, despite a public invitation for persons with information to come forward, only one survivor has so far TURN TO PAGE 4

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 9, 2026

Strength of non-oil sectors further demonstrated by 24.6 per cent increase in exports - within first half of 2026

GUYANA’S non-oil export sector posted strong growth in the first half of 2026, with earnings up 24.6 percent to US$1,146 million compared with the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Finance’s M i d - Ye a r R e p o r t 2026. The result shows that the economy’s expansion reaches well beyond oil and that the government’s diversification strategy is delivering. Gold led the gains, and sugar and bauxite also recorded higher earnings. The advance came alongside an exceptional oil performance,

with crude oil export earnings climbing 82.1 percent to US$15.053 billion and total exports rising 76.4 percent to US$16.199 billion. Non-oil exports still held their own in that company, and the MidYear Report puts nonoil economic growth at an estimated 10.1 percent for the half-year. Gold was the main driver. Gold exports expanded by US$269.8 million to reach US$826.2 million, supported by favourable prices in the first half. The Bureau of Statistics’ external trade analysis shows this was a 48.5 percent increase over the US$556.3 mil-

lion recorded in the same period of 2025. Other traditional exports also contributed. Sugar earnings rose by US$6.6 million, in line with a 19.3 percent expansion in the sugar-growing subsector as investment in the industry continues. Bauxite earnings increased by US$0.9 million, supported by a 7.3 percent rise in output to 1,763,222 tonnes

despite heavy rains that flooded pits during the period. The outlook is encouraging. The MidYear Report projects full-year gold export earnings of US$2.307 billion. That is well above the 2026 budget estimate of US$1.754 billion and last year’s total of US$1.617 billion. At the budget presentation, non-oil ex-

ports were projected to rise 8.6 percent to US$2.5 billion for the year, mainly on higher gold and bauxite earnings. The first-half results suggest that target is within reach. The results fit the government’s wider

strategy of building a diversified, resilient economy. Public investment in infrastructure, support for miners and farmers, and a focus on skills and local enterprise are widening the base of Guyana’s growth.

ing off the Essequibo Coast near the mouth of the Pomeroon River before capsizing. An estimated 179 passengers and crew were aboard at the time. The disaster claimed 73 lives, while 76 people survived and approximately 30 others remain unaccounted for, according to authorities. The sinking triggered a large-scale search, rescue and recovery operation involving the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard, Guyana Police Force, Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), Guyana Fire and Rescue Service and Civil Defence Commission, alongside local fishermen, private vessels and international partners. Divers were deployed to conduct underwater searches around the wreck, while teams scoured extensive areas for survivors, missing persons and victims. The tragedy subsequently resulted in criminal charges against three Transport and Harbours Department employees. Captain Kevin Price, chief mate Rondell Dwayne Roberts and goods superintendent Delon Granderson were each charged with murder in connection with the disaster and are before the Charity Magistrate’s Court. The three accused are currently on remand. SALVAGE Local company BK In-

ternational Inc has been selected to salvage the sunken MV Barima, after submitting the lowest bid of $1.034 billion for the operation. The salvage preparations are expected to involve specialised equipment and measures to preserve evidence from the wreck, which remains important to the ongoing CoI into the tragedy. The vessel is submerged in approximately 15 metres of water, about 28 nautical miles north of Guyana’s coast and is lying on its side in soft mud. The commission has indicated that evidence from the wreck could assist its examination of the circumstances surrounding the vessel’s sinking, including its seaworthiness and operations. As part of the preparations, the salvage team is already working on equipment and detailed plans for the recovery. Commission member and naval architect Jasionowski said he had met with the preferred salvage team to discuss how the operation would be carried out and, importantly, how evidence on the wreck would be preserved. He said that salvage operations were expected to begin shortly, with the commission to be kept informed of the various stages of the process.

MV Barima CoI conducts... FROM PAGE 3 contacted the commission indicating an intention to testify. The inquiry was initially expected to be completed within two months. However, Shadick acknowledged that the timeline will have to be extended because of the volume of evidence expected to be gathered. He estimated that

the commission could take approximately six months to complete its work. ILL-FATED JOURNEY The MV Barima tragedy involved the passenger and cargo vessel, which departed the Kingston Goods Wharf in Georgetown at about 15:15hrs (3:15 p.m.) on July 18, bound for Port Kaituma. The vessel later encountered difficulties while sail-

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 9, 2026

Caribbean ministers back IICA’s new strategy for food security, productivity

- acknowledge efforts of Director General Ibrahim CARIBBEAN ministers of agriculture and directors and representatives of international and regional organisations acknowledged the efforts of Muhammad Ibrahim, Director General of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), to strengthen food security and improve productivity in the region. They did so during the meeting of the agriculture subcommittee of the Caribbean Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), where Ibrahim presented IICA’s 2026–2030 Medium-term Plan and the strategic actions it contains designed to address the specific challenges facing the region. IICA’s strategic plan for the Caribbean will focus on three strategic priorities: transforming and underpinning sustainable production systems; modernising agricultural health, food safety and quality systems; and facilitating the development of agribusiness and trade. To underpin efforts to reduce Caribbean countries’ dependence on food imports, Ibrahim announced the establishment of a regional centre for innovation and sustainable agriculture, an initiative spearheaded by Brazil and Guyana and facilitated by IICA; a regional centre of excellence in agricultural innovation, which will be located in Jamaica; and an agricultural health and food safety centre, headquartered in Barbados. At the meeting, the ministers highlighted IICA’s important work in promoting horizontal co-operation — for

Director General of the Inter-American Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture, Muhammad Ibrahim example, with Argentina, Brazil and the University of Florida, United States. In the case of Argentina, the strategic areas identified include soil health and water management, beekeeping, digital and precision agriculture, the mapping and management of meteorological phenomena, and the rearing and management of small ruminants. Ibrahim stressed that Argentina is playing a key role in the diversification of agricultural production in the Caribbean. “IICA,” he explained, “has facilitated agreements with the government of Argentina, which is a leading country in the use of science and technology in food production, and has proposed several technical co-operation projects to help strengthen regional capabilities.” The discussions with Brazil focused on how to more actively involve the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA) – an internationally renowned stateowned institution specialising in science and innovation – to scale up regenerative practices and genetic improvements in forage crops, soybeans, and livestock. The sectoral subcommittee of COTED — a key body of the Caribbean Community

IMF emphasises... FROM PAGE 2

per ton, and the government is spending 0.2 percent of GDP on sea defences. The report also highlighted the digitalisation of public services: a nationwide electronic health records system, with about 80,000 children already screened, and a social security beneficiary database that has cut benefit processing times by an average of 50 percent. The IMF paired this record with advice on keeping it dura-

ble, noting that available indicators do not point to clear overheating, but recommends close monitoring of wage growth and competitiveness. Inflation is projected to rise to 4.1 percent in 2026, and the IMF also recommended gradually replacing broad price-mitigating measures with better-targeted support, and a formal medium-term fiscal framework to continue protecting the gains for future generations.

Caribbean ministers of agriculture and directors and representatives of international and regional organisations acknowledged the efforts of Muhammad Ibrahim, Director General of IICA, to strengthen food security and improve productivity in the region

(CARICOM) whose mission is to promote trade, economic development and sustainable growth — met at the close of the Caribbean Week of Agriculture in Jamaica. The event, which has been held since 1999 and this year brought together 670 delegates from 34 countries, served to demonstrate the importance of agriculture and rural life for the economic, social and environmental stability of countries in the region. IICA was one of the organisers, along with CARICOM, the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). In his remarks during the opening ceremony, Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, said that agriculture in the Caribbean has considerable potential to foster innovation, generate wealth, contribute to economic development, and attract young people. During the Caribbean Week of Agriculture, Ibrahim and his team also met with officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS), where they reviewed the hemisphere’s transboundary disease agenda, with a special focus on the Caribbean. They also met with Achim Fock, Director of the World Bank’s Caribbean

Division, to explore areas in which IICA and his organisation could collaborate to support Caribbean agriculture. At the meeting, Ibrahim reaffirmed IICA’s commitment to strengthening its technical programmes to address transboundary pests and diseases such as African Swine Fever (ASF) and the New World Screwworm. TOOLS FOR ENCOURAGING YOUNG PEOPLE TO SETTLE IN RURAL AREAS One of the core issues that IICA addressed with ministers and other key actors in Caribbean agriculture was tools that can be used to encourage young people to settle in rural areas. The aging of the farming population is a critical challenge, as is the decline in the number of professionals trained to provide services in the region’s agrifood systems. Therefore, the agency agreed to collaborate with CARICOM and the University of the West Indies (UWI) — founded in 1948 and with a presence in 15 Caribbean countries and territories — to promote youth leadership, particularly in areas such as access to credit, participation in decision-making in the rural sector, the strengthening of leadership skills, and the fostering of agro-bio-entrepreneurship. The Director General and his team also met with mem-

bers of the CARICOM Agriculture Youth Advisory Body (CAYAB) to identify areas of collaboration, and determine how IICA can support CAYAB in carrying out its work with young people in the Caribbean region. During the Caribbean Week of Agriculture, several countries also worked with IICA to continue developing and designing co-operation projects aimed at making agriculture a driver of development in the region. While challenges remain, both the public and private sectors in the Caribbean are strongly committed to transforming agriculture and strengthening food security. Countries have launched the “Vision 25 x 2025 + 5” programme, designed to significantly reduce dependence on food imports by 2030 through higher production, increased investment and trade, and more dynamic regional collaboration. IICA’s Director General warned that the transformation of Caribbean agriculture is crucial given its vulnerability to external economic shocks, the frequency of extreme weather events, and the fact that most countries belong to the group of so-called Small Island Developing States.

“We are currently in an even more precarious situation due to rising geopolitical tensions, the increasing complexity of global trade dynamics, higher energy costs, and new and emerging sanitary and phytosanitary threats,” Ibrahim said. For that reason, IICA designed a specific strategy for the Caribbean within the framework of its 2026–2030 Medium-term Plan, which recognises the region’s unique characteristics and was discussed with the countries and regional organisations. Ibrahim noted that far from starting from scratch, IICA had been working intensively for some time to help reduce the Caribbean’s dependence on food imports. He provided details of the projects it is implementing in collaboration with various actors. “IICA,” he emphasised, “remains firmly committed to supporting the region’s efforts to achieve its development goals. However, we recognise that this effort is beyond the capabilities of any single organisation or government, making it essential that we work together to meet the challenge of building more efficient and productive agrifood systems in the Caribbean.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 9, 2026

A Triumph Worth Defending

FEW nations can claim the economic turnaround that Guyana has achieved. A country once strangled by one of the heaviest debt burdens in the world, and once in default, now stands as a model of fiscal recovery. President, Dr Irfaan Ali’s recent remarks on the “oil era” should be read as a statement of confidence and as a challenge to use that confidence wisely. The numbers speak plainly. Public and publicly guaranteed debt fell from 47.4 per cent of GDP in 2020 to 24.3 per cent in 2024. That is a dramatic shift in four years, and it did not hap-

pen by accident. It reflects economic reform, rescheduling, large-scale debt cancellation, and a rapidly expanding economy. Oil has accelerated the trend by swelling GDP and government resources, but the foundations were laid by deliberate policy choices. The international verdict reinforces the domestic story. The IMF’s 2025 debt-sustainability analysis rates Guyana at lower risk of external and overall debt distress than in 2023, when the risk was moderate. The fund’s baseline projection anticipates public debt declining after 2026 and stabilising at about 25

per cent of GDP through 2034. For a developing country, that is the kind of predictability investors and lenders prize. Even without an IMF programme, the government continues to engage with the fund and submit to its assessments, which signals transparency and a willingness to be held accountable. Creditworthiness is not merely a badge of honour; it is a practical asset. As the president noted, it demonstrates the country’s ability to repay and opens the door to a wider range of investment and lending vehicles, from US Exim to the Qatari investment fund

and others. Add the Natural Resource Fund, whose existing and projected holdings can help cover external debt, and Guyana has built a cushion that few of its peers could imagine. That cushion creates room to invest in health, education, social welfare, infrastructure and agriculture, the pillars on which lasting prosperity rests. What makes the president’s message especially valuable is its discipline. It would have been easy to celebrate falling debt ratios and stop there. Instead, Dr Ali insisted that new financing be managed carefully and that investment be tied firmly to productivity.

This matters enormously. History is filled with resource-rich nations that mistook windfalls for permanent prosperity, spending freely without building productive capacity. Guyana’s leadership is explicitly rejecting that path. The emphasis on the private sector is equally welcome. Government can build roads, schools and hospitals, but it is businesses that create the bulk of sustainable jobs. By stressing that the private sector must continue to expand, the president is pointing towards an economy that does not depend on oil alone, one where Guyanese entrepreneurs, farmers and workers drive

growth long after the barrels have been counted. Challenges remain and vigilance is essential. Debt ratios can drift, and projections are only as good as the policies that underpin them, but the direction of travel is clear and encouraging. Guyana has earned its improved standing through hard work and sound choices. The task now is to ensure that every new dollar borrowed or invested is judged by what it adds to national productivity and to the lives of ordinary Guyanese. If that standard holds, the oil era will be remembered not for its revenues, but for what the country built with them.

Grieving families deserve to be heard without the political noise

Dear Editor, I AM shocked and appalled by what I witnessed on Wednesday during the engagement convened by the commissioners appointed to conduct the Commission of Inquiry into the MV Barima tragedy. I initially welcomed the news that the commissioners would meet with relatives of those

who lost their lives. These families deserve every opportunity to share their experiences, raise their concerns and seek answers about a tragedy that has brought them unimaginable pain. H o w e v e r, w h e n I tuned in, I saw political operatives from WIN and APNU advancing what I considered to be political narratives during

an engagement intended to hear directly from the families. I found this deeply troubling. The families’ voices should have been at the centre of those proceedings, with sufficient time and space for each person to speak freely. One would recall that the opposition was offered an opportunity to place its positions on

record in the National Assembly. Instead, they chose noisy grandstanding that disrupted the sitting and reduced the atmosphere to what we would describe, in Guyanese parlance, as a fish market. Having witnessed that conduct, I am concerned about similar political posturing finding its way into the commission’s

engagement with grieving relatives. An inquiry of this gravity requires dignity, discipline and a resolute commitment to establishing the facts. The commissioners have a solemn responsibility to ensure that the families are heard and that the proceedings going forward remain focused on the circumstances surrounding the

tragedy. Every contribution should assist that process. These families have suffered a devastating loss. Their grief deserves respect, their questions deserve careful attention, and their search for answers deserves a credible and thorough inquiry. Yours faithfully, Quincy Anderson

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 9, 2026

President Ali calls for end to EU visa hurdles in Caribbean

PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali has criticised European Union (EU) visa procedures in the Caribbean, saying applicants should not have to travel to other countries to provide biometric information in an era of digital technology. Addressing the opening ceremony of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2026 in Guyana, President Ali said people in the region have to travel to Trinidad and Suriname to complete biometric requirements for some visa applications. “In a day of digiti-

sation and AI, we have the EU that is operating from a Stone Age kind of operation,” he said, adding: “We can tell them frankly. What is the truth, right?” Dr. Ali argued that the process was a barrier to the Caribbean’s efforts to strengthen international relationships and attract visitors and events. He questioned how countries could build partnerships while prospective travellers faced lengthy procedures before they could make a journey. “We can’t build partnership and friendship like that, where people got to spend four days to get a visa before they

travel to your country,” he said. He also pointed to the challenge for people invited to attend international conferences. While, he said, the region was being invited to events, the visa process could require applicants to invest several days before they were able to travel. “Can’t it be that the modern world can’t be that complicated?” President Ali asked. The Head of State said digital tools should allow biometric information to be checked quickly. “You can get the biometrics of anybody and know if they’re a crim-

inal or if they’re a good person in a couple seconds,” he said. He highlighted too the need for the Caribbean to improve its tourism competitiveness through stronger regional connectivity, integrated infrastructure and closer co-operation. He contrasted the region’s difficulties with the easier electronic visa arrangements he said were available in parts of the Middle East, where he described travel between countries as highly connected. President Ali argued that improving access and connectivity would help the Caribbean make it easier for people to

move around the region and attend conferences, events and other tourism activities. Better links, he said, were essential if the region was to build a more integrated tourism market and compete globally. Dr Ali also warned that tourism planning could no longer be based on the assumption that the region’s natural attractions would, by themselves, secure its future. Governments, businesses and regional organisations, he said, needed to act more quickly and work together as the global tourism market changed.

“We need this conference to deliver to the people of the region a vision to 2035, in which CTO places itself central to that vision, connecting to new partnerships and new markets, and integrating into those new partnerships and markets. That is what is important in this critical period of our tourism transformation,” President Ali said. He added: “We have to be realistic. We are a people in this region; we have a different approach to life, and unless we can find an approach that pushes our traditional approach to life, we will not be able to make the changes.”

Dignity and answers for the Barima families, not political performance Dear Editor, THE families affected by the MV Barima tragedy deserve answers, dignity and the opportunity to speak for themselves. Any attempt to turn their engagement with the Commission of Inquiry into a platform for party politics deserves firm condemnation. There is already a disturbing parliamentary record. Reporting on the July 27 sitting documented, opposition MPs banging tables, chanting and closing in around speakers addressing the disaster. The sitting was briefly suspended twice, and parliamentary security personnel were called to provide a buffer near the

prime minister. This was an appalling way to conduct public business concerning a national tragedy. APNU and WIN cannot reasonably expect their declarations of concern to go unquestioned after such conduct. Demanding accountability carries a responsibility to listen, examine information and use opportunities to challenge it. The families’ meeting with commissioners must centre on the people who suffered. Relatives may choose their own support and representation, but no politician should assume ownership of their grief or speak over them. In my view, the parliamentary spectacle displayed a desperate pref-

erence for confrontation over serious engagement. That behaviour must not

follow the families into the inquiry process; their suffering is not cam-

paign material, and their search for answers must never become another

party performance. Yours faithfully, Ayinde Sampson

President Ali on Schengen visa backwardness

LONG ago, I wondered about the irrational policy of China and India requiring Guyanese to have a visa to visit. There are things in life that makes no sense. The official philosopher of the Holy Roman Empire, St. Aquinas, once wrote that everything in life has a meaning. I disagree. China and India requiring Guyanese to have a visa makes no sense. No Guyanese reeling from extreme poverty in their personal life will have money to buy a ticket to travel to China and India. But if

someone buys a ticket for them, they won’t go. How are they going to survive in China or India? That is mission impossible. Not one single Guyanese will live illegally in China or India and they will not survive because it would be impossible for them to find employment. I would give anything to hear the explanation from the immigration ministers from those two countries why they have a visa policy for Guyana. It is the same with the EU. There are two countries in the EU that

speak English – Malta and Ireland. The other 25 countries have their own languages. Why would Guyanese seek illegal harbour in those 25 countries? It makes no sense when every Guyanese has at least a relative and in a majority of cases more than one, in the US, the UK, Canada and the CARICOM region. The Schengen visa requirement, as with China and India, makes no sense. But there is more atrocity to come. There is a visa criterion by the EU for Guyana but you can only get the document from the

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 9, 2026

Dutch embassy in Suriname and the Germany embassy in Trinidad. Strangely and atrociously, there is a French embassy in Guyana that only offers Schengen visa to Guyanese for French visits only. This is bewildering. There is no longer an Italian visa or a Germany visa. There is a Schengen visa. How t h e n F r a n c e o ff e r s the Schengen visa for France only? President Ali lamented this unacceptable state of affairs when addressing a Caribbean tourism conference here two days ago. His words were strong. He told the gathering: “The European Union is still backward in this region. You have to travel to Suriname and Trinidad to get biometrics to do it. In a day of digitisation and AI (Artificial Intelligence), we have the EU that is operating from a Stone Age kind of operation and they’re our friends; we can tell them frankly.” This is where the opposition in this country fails the people that voted for them. There are 28 opposition parliamentarians with a combined vote of

189,000 in the last general election. The parliamentary leader for APNU is a businessman, Terrence Campbell, who has been described by Ravi Dev as a billionaire. Is Mr. Campbell comfortable with staying four days in Suriname to get his Schengen visa? Mr. Campbell has to know that hundreds of business people he knows in Guyana have to spend the same four days either in Suriname or Trinidad. Why should it be left to the Government of Guyana only to make representation to the US about the Schengen visa asininity? Is the French Embassy lying to the Guyanese people? If the Dutch embassy in Suriname and the German mission in Trinidad can offer the visa which permits travel throughout the EU why can’t the French embassy do the same? According to the French embassy here, the EU has to permit the French embassy to make the visa general but France has to ask for that permit. So why hasn’t the French Government asked for it? And if it did, why is it

taking so long? My opinion is that I think the French haven’t. But the very fact that the French have opened an embassy here means that it accepts that Guyana is a major player in the developing world. So why do Guyanese have to go to Suriname and Trinidad to get a Schengen visa? My position as a public intellectual in this country is that the EU should abolish visa requirement for Guyanese because it lacks commonsense. The only persons in Guyana that will visit EU countries are businessmen and they would be happy to return to Guyana because they can more make a dollar in their own country than in any of the old, dilapidated economies of the EU. How much has changed in the relation between our former imperial colonisers and the post-colonial world? Their business delegations can hop on a plane and come to Guyana. Guyanese businessmen going to EU countries have to sweat it out for four days in Suriname or Trinidad to get a Schengen visa. I am going to shock you when you read the last line here. Times like these, I miss President Forbes Burnham. DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this c o l u m n a re s o l e l y those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 9, 2026

CARICOM youth survey seeks to - Guyanese youth shape regional policy urged to participate

By Shaniya Harding

AS the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) continues efforts hear the voice of the region’s youths through the CARICOM Regional Youth Survey 2026, Guyana’s Youth Ambassador to CARICOM, Shaquawn Gill, is encouraging more young people to participate in the exercise to ensure their views form part of the regional policy conversation. The survey, which closes on October 12, is seeking the views of young people across the Caribbean on issues affecting their lives, the programmes available to them and what they believe should be done to create greater opportunities for youth development. Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle on the significance of the survey, Gill shared that the responses would provide information for regional leaders and youth officials as they spearhead future policies and initiatives, with the findings expected to be featured in a regional youth dialogue in November. Gill explained that the

survey is intended to gather information on how young people across the Caribbean view government programmes and opportunities available in their communities and countries. “The survey is essentially for us to collect information, and the views, and perspectives of young people across the Caribbean, essentially on how they feel about government programmes in their communities, in their countries,” he said. The survey covers areas including health, education, civic participation, climate and security, and technology, allowing young people to indicate whether existing programmes are working, whether they can access them and what additional support they believe is needed. Gill was keen to note that the survey is intended to go beyond simply identifying concerns but rather, it is expected to give young people an opportunity to make recommendations on what can be done to create greater opportunities for growth. The information collected through the survey is expected to contribute

to discussions about future youth initiatives and policies across the region. Gill said the responses will help shape the next steps being considered by regional officials and provide a basis for discussions about programmes and policies affecting young people. He went on to explain that the survey will be particularly relevant to a regional youth dialogue scheduled for November 4, on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Youth Forum. The dialogue is expected to bring together ministers and directors responsible for youth across CARICOM, providing an opportunity for the findings from the survey and other consultations to be considered as part of regional policy discussions. Moreover, Gill emphasised that the importance of the survey lies in creating a direct avenue for young people to have their views considered when governments are developing policies and programmes. He said there is often discussion about the importance of the youth voice, but the more important question is how those views are incorporat-

ed into the decisions being made. “We talk a lot about how the voice of the youth is important, but the question we always have to ask ourselves is when these young people speak, how are they certain that their concerns, their views, their opinions, fit into the policy agenda and direction of their individual governments,” he said. He said the survey is one of the avenues through which that greater participation is being facilitated, with the information gathered expected to be presented during the regional youth dialogue. “All of the information that is generated and gathered from this survey and all of the forms of consultation will be presented at that regional dialogue for the ministers of youth [and] for the directors of youth, so that they can then use it for their policy direction and determinations,” Gill said. This process, he explained, is intended to connect the views expressed by young people with the work of officials responsible for youth development across the Caribbean. Further, Gill pointed out that Guyana’s ‘strong’

Shaquawn Gill, Guyana’s Youth Ambassador to CARICOM participation in the survey tunities already available is an indication of young to young people through people’s interest in being national initiatives. He part of that policy conver- referenced programmes insation. He said Guyana volving the Board of Induswas among the leading trial Training, the Women’s countries in terms of the Investment and Innovation number of responses as he Network and other initianoted, “Guyana has been tives through which young one of the main countries people are already benefitin young people respond- ting. Gill emphasised that ing and that is a positive.” the survey provides another He added, “Currently opportunity for young peoGuyana is the second lead- ple to demonstrate particiing [country] in responses pation by expressing what for the entire Caribbean is working, identifying Community and we want areas where greater support to build on that,” he said. may be needed and making Gill cited this level of par- recommendations for the ticipation as encouraging future. and reflected a willingness With the survey deadamong young people to line set for October 12, become involved in dis- young people across cussions about policies Guyana and the wider and programmes that af- CARICOM region are fect them. being encouraged to take The strong response part so that their views from Guyanese youth, Gill can contribute to the said, is particularly signif- regional dialogue and icant given the range of future youth policy disprogrammes and oppor- cussions.

MP challenges Mohamed’s claims about school access in Foulis PEOPLE’S Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament (MP) Suresh Singh has rejected claims by Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed that young children in Foulis, East Coast Demerara, must travel long distances to attend school, pointing to a nursery school commissioned in the community more than a year ago. Singh was responding to a video posted by Mohamed on Monday, October 5, 2026, in which concerns were raised about children having to travel far to access education. The government MP

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 9, 2026

PPP/C Member of Parliament Suresh Singh

described the narrative as false, noting that a nursery

school is located in the vicinity of 11th and 12th

Streets, Foulis. The $34 million facility was commissioned in August 2025 by then Minister of Education Priya Manickchand, with capacity to accommodate 40 pupils from Foulis and neighbouring

Paradise. Singh explained that the project followed community consultations he conducted in 2023, after which he had submitted a formal request on behalf of residents for the construction of the school. Funding was subsequently allocated in the 2024 National Budget, allowing construction to commence that year. He recalled conducting a site visit on February 10, 2024, alongside a representative of the Region Four Regional Democratic Council and community leaders. According to Singh, he

also made several visits during construction to monitor the project's progress. The MP maintained that the existence of the facility contradicts the impression that Foulis lacks access to nursery education. The school was constructed with classrooms, play areas and other amenities to support early-childhood learning. While Singh has challenged Mohamed's portrayal of the situation, the specific circumstances of families referenced in the opposition leader's video have not been independently established.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 9, 2026

Guyana identifies itself as regional tourism development partner

- Minister Rodrigues calls for expansion of offerings, working formula for all Caribbean nations

WHAT will it take for the Caribbean tourism industry to compete, adapt, and thrive over the next decade, while also continuing to grow sustainably, inclusively and smartly? This was the question asked during the ministerial panel discussion for ministers of tourism on Thursday at the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC), 2026. The participating ministers were Guyana’s Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues; Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister for Tourism, Commerce, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Heritage for St. Lucia, Dr Ernest Hilaire; Minister of Health, Tourism and Sports for Anguilla, Cardigan Connor; Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism for the British Virgin Islands, Luce Hodge-Smith; and Minister of Tourism, Agriculture, Fisheries, Heritage and the Environment for the Turks and Caicos Islands, Zhavargo Jolly. Minister Rodrigues in her comments underscored the need for partnership among Caribbean nations. According to her, the Caribbean tourism product is more about what unites us as a Region, than what separates us. Using Guyana as an example, the minister said, “I think we received a very inspirational charge from His Excellency [President Dr Irfaan Ali] yesterday urging us to scale up, to scale up our thinking, to scale up our collaboration, and more importantly, to scale up the investment. Guyana is taking some bold steps in preparing our economy for diversification, sustainability, and sectors that will really continue to support our economy and insulate it from external shocks, whether it's geopolitics or wars around the world, that can have a positive or negative effect on revenue and oil and gas resources. So, we cannot, as a country, risk putting all of our eggs in one basket.” The minister further explained that this is why while Guyana produces oil and gas, it works to advance its tour-

Journalist Ryan Bachoo and the Ministerial Panel, which included Minister of Tourism, Agriculture, Fisheries, Heritage and the Environment for the Turks and Caicos Islands, Zhavargo Jolly; Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism for the British Virgin Islands, Luce Hodge-Smith; Guyana’s Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues; Minister of Health, Tourism and Sports for Anguilla, Cardigan Connor; and Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister for Tourism, Commerce, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Heritage for St. Lucia, Dr. Ernest Hilaire (Elton John photo) ism, and agricultural sectors. healthcare for our citizens that people who live in the and that's what we're trying Guyana, she underscored, here in Guyana. It's about hinterland, people who live to do here in Guyana.” has a lot to bring to the ta- levelling the playing field. in the coastline, have the For the Caribbean Reble in terms of experiences It's about equity. Ensuring same access to quality of life; gion, tourism is one of its and projects it can work on alongside Caribbean regional partners to upscale offerings within the Region. She stated that a formula must be developed and implemented so that Caribbean nations can support each other with different products, and multi-destination packages. Minister Rodrigues further asked, “How do we appeal as a Region? First of all, what is the identity of the Caribbean tourism product?” In response she said, collectively the Region needs to look at our Caribbean identity and then market that to our visitors. Tourism, she remarked, creates endless opportunities for connectivity and for growing investments. All of what is being done to diversify, expand, and grow our economies, is all connected, she emphasised. According to Minister Rodrigues, “It’s all towards one purpose. So, building a road is not about getting to the destination, it’s about improving the quality of

greatest economic engines, driving economic growth for each country that uses that sector to push development. As climate change reshapes coastlines, technology reshapes the way visitors plan their travel, and connectivity remains a central issue when it comes to Caribbean tourism. Meanwhile, each minister underscored areas that need to be developed in the tourism industry across the Region. The responses ranged from how locals benefit from the tourism industry, especially as it relates to ensuring communities benefit from tourism funds, to efforts to boost connectivity, to ensuring that income from sustainability, inclusivity and community-based tourism advancement is redirected to economies for economic development or even cultural preservation, to the need for partnership and collaboration among nations to fuel a better Caribbean tourism product.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 9, 2026

First Lady urges women to move beyond breast cancer awareness, embrace meaningful action RAISING awareness for breast cancer, First Lady Mrs. Arya Ali joined Impressions and Ignite News in the unveiling of the recently transformed ‘I Love Guyana’ sign, in Kingston Georgetown. This was done under the theme, ‘Make your mark in support of breast cancer awareness.’ Delivering the feature address, Mrs. Ali stated that as we observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2026, we are reminded that behind every diagnosis is a woman, a mother, a daughter, a sister and a friend, and behind every story of empowerment, is resilience and hope. According to Mrs. Ali, this year's theme, ‘Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters,’ serves as a reminder that breast cancer impacts millions of women worldwide. She emphasised that no two experiences are the same, as each journey brings its own challenges, fears, sacrifices, and moments of grief. “Today, we hon-

First Lady Mrs. Arya Ali

our those who continue to fight this disease, celebrate the courage of survivors, and remember the love of those whose lives we’ve lost,” the First Lady said. Looking at the statistics put forward by the World Health Organization, Mrs. Ali said that breast cancer remains the most common type of cancer among women around the globe, with approximately 2.43 million women diagnosed and more than 600,000 lives lost in recent times. “Yet, amid these sobering realities, the Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, has indicated that breast cancer is no longer

the leading cancer in Guyana, which is a significant development that underscores the importance of continuing awareness, early detection, timely diagnosis, and access to quality treatment,” she underscored. Further, she said, “This process reminds us that when cancer is detected early, the patients receive the care they need…lives can be saved. I therefore encourage every woman, regardless of age or background, to become familiar with her breast health, recognise unusual changes, understand [your] personal risk factors, and seek

First Lady Mrs. Arya Ali flanked by members of the Impressions team at the transformed ‘I Love Guyana’ sign on Thursday (Delano Williams photos)

medical attention promptly when something is not being seen right.” According to Mrs. Ali, we must continue to dispel the fear, stigma, and misconceptions that too often prevent women from seeking the care they need. The First Lady said she remains deeply committed to advocating for the health, dignity, and the well-being of our women and girls. This responsibility,

however, extends beyond the healthcare profession. It requires families, communities, organisations, and each of us to create an environment where women feel empowered to prioritise their health and have support throughout their journey, the First Lady said. “This October, I encourage us all to move beyond awareness and embrace meaningful action. Let us encourage

the women in our lives to seek medical advice when needed, to support those undergoing treatment and stand alongside our survivors as they rebuild their lives. Let us continue to raise awareness, inspire action, and strengthen our collective resolve to fight breast cancer because every story is unique, every journey matters, and no one should ever walk that journey alone,” she said.

Ambassador Persaud urges consensus, co-operation - in statement as Chair of UN Sixth Committee Session

A M B A S S A D O R Trishala Persaud, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of Guyana to the United Nations, formally assumed her role as Chair of the Sixth Committee (Legal) of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly on Monday. In her opening statement, Ambassador Persaud pointed to the distinctive standing of the Committee among the General Assembly’s Main Committees, and to the central importance of international law in achieving the principles and purposes of the United Nations. “The role of the Sixth Committee and its author-

ity among Main Committees is unique, as is the central importance of international law for the achievement of the principles and purposes of the United Nations,” she said. “In the preamble of the Charter, the Peoples of the United Nations reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights and the determination of this Organization to establish conditions under which justice and respect for international law can be maintained.” Noting that the Committee meets at a challenging time for multilateralism and international law, the Chair called on delegations to preserve its longstanding practice of

Ambassador Trishala Persaud, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of Guyana to the United Nations, formally assumed her role as Chair of the Sixth Committee (Legal) of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, on Monday consensus while respond- achieved this session in a mitment to promoting the the UN Charter. The Sixth Committee rule of law and contributing to existing and emerg- spirit of co-operation. Guyana’s chairperson- ing to the UN’s mandate is the primary forum in ing global issues. She expressed con- ship of the Sixth Com- for the codification and the General Assembly for f i d e n c e t h a t s u b s t a n - mittee underscores the progressive development the consideration of legal tive progress would be country’s steadfast com- of international law under questions.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 9, 2026

Annandale Secondary under major infrastructural expansion

One of the upgraded classrooms at the Annandale Secondary School

AS the government continues to advance major investments in school infrastructures, a new, modern facility is currently under construction at the Annandale Secondary School along the East Coast of Demerara. Providing an update on the project, Member of Parliament Suresh Singh said on Thursday that the facility is expected to significantly expand the school’s capacity and provide students with access to improved learning spaces and specialised laboratories. The new facility will be a 70-metre-long and 40 to 50-foot-wide building that will accommodate science, home economics, industrial technology

and agricultural laboratories, along with a theatre, arts room and additional classrooms. According to MP Singh, the facility is expected to benefit students from Annandale as well as children from several communities across the East Coast of Demerara that form part of the school’s catchment area, including Buxton, Friendship, and other surrounding communities. MP Singh noted that the investment forms part of the government’s broader d e v e l o p m e n t p ro gramme for the education sector, particularly at the secondary school level, as it continues to improve and expand facilities nationwide. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 9, 2026

Indigenous communities must have defining voice in tourism’s future – Min Browne-Shadeek

Indigenous communities must be at the heart of decisions shaping the future of tourism, with their knowledge, culture, aspirations, and priorities as the foundation for development

INDIGENOUS communities must be at the heart of decisions shaping the future of tourism, with their knowledge, culture, aspirations, and priorities as the foundation for development. This is the view of Minister of Amerindian Affairs Sarah Browne-Shadeek as she made remarks at the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) at the Atlantic Suites by Hyatt in Kingston, Georgetown, on Thursday. Minister BrowneShadeek presented Guyana’s approach to indigenous tourism as one centred on community leadership, sustainable development and meaningful economic participation. “Indigenous communities must not be treated merely as participants in tourism, but we must recognise them as leaders, decision makers, knowledge holders, and partners in shaping the future of our own destinations,” she said. For Guyana, this approach is backed by significant investment in indigenous development. The national budget provided $7.2 billion and $7.5 billion respectively over the

past two years for indigenous development, while communities have also received a cumulative $16.9 billion through the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) carbon-credit programme. These investments are supporting village-identified priorities, including economic activities, ecotourism, agriculture, infrastructure, land titling, women and youth initiatives and other local enterprises. It also means creating an environment where communities are respected, consulted and empowered to determine their own development priorities. Browne-Shadeek said this is particularly important as Guyana advances a model of regenerative tourism that recognises the diversity of indigenous communities and avoids imposing a single development path on them. “Regenerative development should not impose any economic model on every village, it should create room for different communities to pursue different futures.” Tourism, she said, should create opportunities for cultural expression, while allowing communities to de-

termine what they wish to share, how their traditions are represented and which knowledge and practices should remain protected. Guyana’s community tourism experiences in Surama, Rewa and Yupukari demonstrate the potential of this approach, linking tourism with conservation, traditional knowledge, environmental stewardship and community participation. Minister BrowneShadeek said conservation and climate resilience must therefore be incorporated from the beginning of tourism planning, rather than treated as considerations after development has already taken place. She also identified young people as critical to the future of indigenous tourism, stressing that communities must offer meaningful opportunities that allow younger generations to build their futures within their own villages. The wider Caribbean, she said, can draw important lessons from Guyana’s experience as the Region works towards tourism that is more inclusive, sustainable and regenerative. (DPI)

Minister of Amerindian Affairs Sarah Browne- Shadeek

Government intensifies international co-operation to disrupt transnational drug trafficking

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 9, 2026

- Guyana tackling narcotics shipments through INTERPOL, U.S. Marshals Service partnerships, Minister Walrond says GUYANA is strengthening co-operation with international law-enforcement partners as authorities intensify efforts to disrupt transnational criminal organisations using the country as a route for moving narcotics to destinations in Africa and Europe. Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond, said that the country’s approach to combatting the drug trade can no longer rely on the efforts

of a single agency, as criminal networks increasingly operate across jurisdictions. In a recent interview, she highlighted ongoing collaborations with INTERPOL, the U.S. Marshals Service, and other international partners, noting that co-operation and intelligence-sharing have become important tools in preventing Guyana from being used as a safe haven or transhipment point by organised criminal groups.

Waldron said Guyana’s fight against drugs has taken on an increasingly transnational nature, with law enforcement now working to develop and maintain greater coordination between local agencies and international partners. “The drug trade in Guyana has become, and the approach to it has become more transnational. Our fight against drugs is not a one-agency approach anymore. It has to be

interagency,” she said. The minister acknowledged the work of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) and the Guyana Police Force’s narcotics unit in intercepting narcotics, but said the wider challenge extends beyond seizures made within Guyana. A key concern for authorities, according to Walrond, is Guyana being used as a transhipment point for narcotics being transported to other international markets.

Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond

She shared that criminal organisations are moving drugs through Guyana as part of wider routes leading to Africa and Europe, highlighting the country’s geographical position as a factor in combatting the challenge. “Our biggest issue right now is the fact that Guyana is a transhipment point. The drugs are moving through Guyana to get to Africa and Europe,” she said. Currently, policies, programmes and operations are focused on disrupting these routes and preventing transnational criminal organisations from using Guyana as a base for illegal activities. The co-operation with INTERPOL and the U.S. Marshals Service forms part of this wider effort to strengthen Guyana’s capacity to respond to organised and transnational crime. Walrond said relationships with these agencies have been strengthened and expanded, as Guyana seeks to improve its ability to confront criminal networks operating across jurisdictions. “…co-operation with the INTERPOL, the U.S. Marshal Service, we have cemented and built on those relationships. We are doing more in terms of combatting drug through these transnational organizations and organised crime,” she said. The emphasis on in-

ternational co-operation comes as law-enforcement agencies increasingly rely on information and intelligence from counterparts outside their own jurisdictions when investigating crimes that cross national borders. Moreover, the minister stressed that the fight against narcotics and organised crime is dependent on co-operation among a wide range of agencies, both locally and internationally. She noted that the progress being made should be viewed as the result of a collective effort rather than the work of any single institution. “I am heartened at the kind of work we have been doing, but I have to underscore that it is work that is done in partnership with so many agencies, national and international,” Walrond said. Her comments come as international law-enforcement co-operation continues to place greater emphasis on information-sharing, joint investigations and coordinated action against criminal networks whose activities span multiple jurisdictions. In Guyana, the effort is focused on preventing the country from becoming a base for international drug-trafficking routes, while strengthening the partnerships needed to identify, disrupt and dismantle criminal networks.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 9, 2026

Over 40 allottees identify house lots at Success MORE than 40 allottees on Thursday identified their house lots at Success AB South Phase Two, on the East Coast of Demerara, in an exercise facilitated by the Ministry of Housing. According to information from the Ministry of Housing, surveyors from the ministry assisted the allottees in locating and confirming their respective lots. During the exercise, the beneficiaries identified and marked the boundaries of their properties and planted name

posts to indicate their allocated lots. Some of the allottees said they are looking forward to starting construction and making use of their new properties. They also expressed appreciation to the government for providing them with the opportunity to acquire their own houses. The land-identification exercise forms part of the ongoing process to assist beneficiaries in taking possession of their allocated house lots.

More than 40 allottees on Thursday identified their house lots at Success AB South Phase Two, on the East Coast of Demerara

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 9, 2026

Farmers’ Market gaining traction - Agriculture Minister says growing support is driving plans to expand initiative nationwide

WITH more shoppers continuing to show their support and more vendors seeking to be a part of the initiative, the Government’s Farmers Market is gaining momentum as the Ministry of Agriculture seeks to provide consumers with access to produce at lower prices while creating additional opportunities for farmers and small business owners. Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, on Wednesday, during a walkthrough of the market held in the compound of the National Exhibition Centre in Sophia, said the increased participation from both consumers and vendors has demonstrated

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, during a walkthrough at the Farmers’ Market held at the National Exhibition Centre in Sophia, on Wednesday (MoA photos)

the impact of the initiative, which is intended to help ease the pressure of food prices and the wider

cost of living. He noted that the market will be expanded beyond its current location

at the Sophia Exhibition Centre, with similar activities expected to be rolled out in other regions across the country. Speaking during a recent visit, Mustapha noted that the initiative is intended to be a key tool in helping consumers manage the cost of living. He explained that the initiative aims to provide Guyanese with a new avenue to buy produce at lower prices. “We are looking forward for these activities to be a regular activity so that we can help cushion the cost of products and the cost of living in our country,” he said. The minister further stated that the response to the market has been encouraging, with significantly more people supporting the market since it was opened earlier this month. The market will be open to the public every Wednesday for the remainder of the month as part of Agriculture Month activities. The minister emphasised that the growing turnout was a sign that consumers are becoming more aware of the lower prices that the initiative provides. Moreover, the increased consumer interest has encouraged more vendors to participate, allowing the market to offer a wider range of produce and other goods. According to Mustapha, the growing participation is creating benefits on both sides of the mar-

Shoppers browse produce and other goods at the Farmers’ Market

ket, with consumers being able to access better prices while vendors are able to benefit from the increased activity. “We have three times the people who were here last week and that is showing an impact because now it is catching on. People are coming out, but the main thing is they are coming out to enjoy a better price,” he said adding, “Also more vendors have turned out this week because they also are enjoying a better price so on both sides we have a win-win situation where the consumer they are getting a better price for the produce they are purchasing and also the vendors are getting a price so it is a good situation,” he said. The minister highlighted that this positive response has demonstrated potential for the initiative to become a regular feature. For this reason, plans are afoot to implement the initiative in other parts of the country, with the Agriculture Minister citing plans for Farmers Markets to be held at least once monthly in other regions. He said the ministry intends to promote similar activities in Regions Five, Six, Three and Two, allowing consumers in different communities to benefit from the initiative, while providing additional opportunities for vendors and farmers across the country. “We will do this across the country now, so we will replicate this in other

regions around the country at least once monthly,” Mustapha said. The expansion aims to ensure that the initiative can reach more communities and provide newer opportunities for people to purchase local produce. Moreover, the minister said small businesses and other vendors still interested in participating can contact the Ministry of Agriculture or the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC). He added that interested persons can use the ministry’s Facebook page and telephone contact or reach out to the GMC to obtain information about participating. Additionally, the opportunity is still available for vendors to attend the market with their produce. The minister noted that provisions have been made to ensure their participation. “I have instructed that they make provision for people who turn up with their produce so that we can expand [and] keep expanding the market,” he said. He added that officers from the GMC and Ministry of Agriculture would be available at the market to assist vendors. “They can also turn up here. You have the officers from GMC and the ministry of agriculture will welcome them here with open arms and they will have facility to put out the stuff to sell,” Minister Mustapha said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 9, 2026

Karimbaksh sent on leave pending investigation into allegations of rape, threatening behaviour

THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) has said that Deputy Commissioner of Police Fizal Karimbaksh has been sent on leave pending the outcome of an investigation into allegations of rape and threatening behaviour made against him. Following receipt of the report, Commissioner of Police, Dr Clifton Hicken, established a team to conduct

a thorough investigation into the allegations, police said. Additionally, the female Police Inspector who made the report has been transferred from the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) to Regional Police Division 4 ‘A’. The Guyana Police Force assured the public that the allegations are being treated with the seriousness

they warrant and that the investigation will be conducted professionally, impartially and in accordance with established procedures. The Force remains committed to ensuring that due process is afforded to all parties involved. Investigations are ongoing and further information will be provided as necessary.

West Coast communities gain 3.6km of upgraded bypass road

An aerial view of the upgraded roadway between Leonora and Stewartville

MOTORISTS along the West Coast of Demerara (WCD) now have another 3.6 kilometres of roadway between Leonora and Stewartville, as work moves ahead on the alternative route to take pressure off the WCD corridor. The Special Projects Unit (SPU) of the Ministry of Public Works completed the upgrade. It is one section of the wider Tuschen to Ruimzeight alternative route. During an inspection in August, SPU Head, Collin Gittens, said the project aims to create another road, as well as improve traffic movement and cut travel time along the corridor. The project is a joint effort between the Minis-

tries of Public Works and Housing. The SPU is upgrading and strengthening existing roads with asphalt, while the Ministry of Housing is building the new sections and the interconnecting bridges needed to join the route into one continuous corridor. President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali inspected the alignment in May with a housing ministry team. At the time, he said the government was expanding and interconnecting existing roads from La Jalousie to Tuschen to ease traffic bottlenecks along the WCD. The route runs through existing and expanding housing communities and requires construction and rehabil-

itation of about 36 bridges, some of which will be widened and upgraded. It complements the fourlane highway from Crane to Parika and is designed to divert light traffic from the West Demerara Public Road. In June, the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) invited bids for its portion of the works to be split into 13 lots with an eight-month construction period. When completed, the alternative route will give motorists travelling between the West Bank and West Coast of Demerara another option, easing reliance on the West Coast road during peak hours. (DPI)

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Fizal Karimbaksh

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 9, 2026

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday October 9th, 2026) CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel:225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) India won by 8 wickets (2) Shubman Gill (IND) Today’s Quiz: (1) What was the result of the third ODI in the recent WI/IND encounter? (2) Who copped the Man-of-the-Match Award? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

ENGLISH RACING TIPS NEWMARKET 08:15hrs Flann Sunna

08:50hrs Golden Ring 09:25hrs Flora Of Bermuda 09:57hrs Musical Times 10:30hrs Liberate 11:10hrs Midnight Tango 11:45hrs Touleen 12:20hrs Bintola YORK 08:30hrs Henlein 09:05hrs Nakila Sun 09:40hrs Gaspacho 10:18hrs Sharadd 10:50hrs Black Velvet Boy 11:25hrs Toca Madera 12:00hrs Quest For Fun CHEPSTOW 08:22hrs Cooltobecareless 08:57hrs Saint Jeannais 09:32hrs Seven Kites 10:12hrs Pioneer Pete 10:43hrs Cosmic Connection 11:17hrs Unjeu Royal 11:55hrs Fasol 12:31hrs Getarose SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS GREYVILLE 10:37hrs Midnight Hour 11:15hrs Hammer Blow 11:50hrs Deonarie 12:25hrs Crimson Typhoon 13:00hrs Splash Of Love 13:35hrs Vixens War 14:10hrs Navajo 14:45hrs Ovotillo IRISH RACING TIPS DUNDALK 11:50hrs Star Glory 12:25hrs Thumama Glory 13:00hrs Mickey The Steel 13:30hrs Mehman 14:00hrs Daler 14:30hrs Storm Eric 15:00hrs Camino Lad 15:30hrs Touch The Moon AMERICAN RACING TIPS BELMONT PARK Race 1 Marketplaceofideas Race 2 City Blocks Race 3 Sparks Will Fly Race 4 Dove And Hawks Race 5 Pineapple Man Race 6 Fire Marshall Race 7 All Show

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 9, 2026

Ameer Mohamed spurs Speedboat/Ariel to victory with classy knock LED by a rearguard fightback from their lower-order, Speedboat/Ariel recovered from a precarious position of 84 for seven in the 12th over to post 208 for nine in the allotted 20 which eventually proved to be a winning total versus Regal All Stars when the two teams clashed in the block-buster Open All Class final in the ninth edition of the Prime Minister T20 Softball Cup. When fading light forced

with Shazim Hussein who contributed 14. He also added a further 49 with number 10, Arjune, who smashed a four and three sixes in his 25 as Regal bowlers wilted under the pressure. Dutchin ended with three for 13. Despite fluent knocks of 43 from skipper Greg Singh, who struck two fours and four sixes and 26 from opener Sachin Singh (four fours), Regal were never up to the task, Ousman was the pick of

Pressure on bowlers to execute their plans

$200,000 and a trophy. The Most Valuable Player (MVP), Sachin Singh of Regal, who tallied 364 runs despite missing one game, was rewarded with a washing machine. He also received a floor model water dispenser for the player scoring the most runs. The bowler claiming the most wickets, Murph Seeram, also of Regal, got a microwave, all compliments of Regal Stationery & Computer Centre. The trophies for all four Ravi Rampaul

Player of the match Ameer Mohamed receives his award from Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips in the presence of GSCL Secretary, Telesha Ousman

the umpires to call a halt to proceedings, Regal All Stars were 147 for seven in 16.1 overs, behind by 24 runs when the Duckworth/Lewis system was applied in the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL)-organised tournament which had the blessings of the Prime Minister’s Office. Played at the Police Sports Club ground on Sunday, Speedboat/Ariel were inserted by their opponents and the decision by Regal seemed justifiable with Rohit “Beast” Dutchin making early inroads with three telling blows. However, Ameer Mohamed, who batted at number eight revived the innings with a splendid batting performance, anchoring the lower-order in the process. Mohamed, who struck one four and six sixes in his unbeaten 51, shared a 58-run eighth-wicket partnership

the bowlers with three for 30. The winning Speedboat/ Ariel combination took home a whopping $800,000 and the winners’ trophy, while runners-up Regal took home

categories – Women, Open All Class, Masters Over-40 and Legends Over-50 were donated by Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall. (Frederick Halley)

(CMC) - THE key to a West Indies victory against India in their ongoing T20I series rests with the team’s bowlers, says bowling coach Ravi Rampaul. His comments have come following the regional side’s eight-wicket defeat in Tuesday’s opener, with their bowlers once again being put to the sword by India’s batters. Half centuries by captain Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford helped the Windies reach 171 in 19.1 overs, but India’s captain Shreyas Iyer smashed an unbeaten 102 off 43 balls to propel his side to 172 for two in just 14.4 overs at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium. With the second game in the five-match series switching to the JSCA International Stadium Complex, Rampaul said they expected conditions

to continue to favour batters. Speaking during a prematch press conference on Wednesday, Rampaul said the bowling unit needed to be more consistent and accurate in their execution. He said even though it was a young, inexperienced bowling group, they had the ability to stifle India’s batters. “If you look at our T20I bowling line up it’s a young bowling lineup; guys haven’t played more than 15 or 20 T20 internationals, and it just boils down to their experience and the execution of their plans. We weren’t good enough to execute for longer periods during the game. “We definitely saw in the last game that the second innings was better for batting with the dew that was presented. Again, for our bowlers it’s just about executing our plans as a bowling

group. We see that when we do execute, we get opportunities to take wickets, so it’s just about building that confidence as a bowling group knowing that the conditions will be the same throughout India,” Rampaul said. He said while the West Indies’ batters did well to get up to their eventual total in the opening T20I, they needed to avoid losing wickets in “clusters” if they were to put large scores on the board. “It’s something that has been plaguing us in the past, losing wickets in clusters, and it happened again. “We see when that happens we struggle a little bit in the middle. The pitch did offer a little turn for the spinners in the middle, but those three wickets that we lost really set us back, but I think that we made back in the end as a batting group,” Rampaul said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 9, 2026

‘Will be nice to be back in the maroon colours’ - Sarwan Anna Regina Stadium to play host to Masters under lights

RAMNARESH Sarwan says that it will be nice to be back in the iconic maroon colours for the 2026 International Masters Cricket (IMC) Over-40s World Cup as he is set to represent West Indies. The 16-team tournament bowls off on Saturday, October 17th. Sarwan, the 46-year-old former West Indies captain, scored 15 centuries in 87 tests and played 181 ODIs and 18 T20s during his international career. Sarwan played his last international match against India on June 11, 2013, 21 days before his 33rd birthday. The West Indies team for this second edition of the Masters tournament will be led by another

ex-West Indies skipper, wicketkeeper-batsman Denesh Ramdin. The team will also be represented by multiple players having international experience. Sarwan also mentioned that he was excited to be selected and stated that it will be challenging in terms of fitness but that he is ready for the task ahead. The former Guyana and West Indies Captain was speaking on Tuesday night’s Sean Devers’ Sports Watch in Georgetown, Guyana. “It will be nice to be back in the maroon colours again; I [am] really excited and looking forward to do well,” Sarwan commented. According to the right-handed Sarwan, it will be great for Guy-

Ramnaresh Sarwan

ana’s tourism too, since players around the globe will here for two straight weeks and fans can also expect some competitive cricket throughout the tournament. “[It is] Good for the economy

of Guyana. Sports play a big part in tourism so I am sure the players and their families will have a great time in Guyana,” Sarwan, who led Guyana to the first Stanford T20 title in 2006, declared. Sarwan also said that veteran cricket will be exciting, but players are not in their late 20s or early 30s so he emphasised the importance of training and keeping a healthy lifestyle. In addition to Sarwan, Sewnarine Chattergoon and Devendra Bishoo are the other Guyanese to play Test cricket in the West Indies squad. West Indies will open their campaign against Australia at the National Stadium, Providence. Cricketing enthusiasts from all three counties will have an opportunity to see the games since the West Indies are scheduled to play at Albion in Berbice and at the Joe

Jagmohan Ground and Anna Regina Stadium in Essequibo. Four matches are scheduled for the Essequibo Coast where West Indies will be involved in the only Day/Night contest under lights at the impressive Anna Regina Stadium. Five matches are set for Albion, where West Indies beat Pakistan in the first ODI in the Caribbean in 1977. The Pakistan against India clash will also be staged there. The top four teams at the end of the preliminary stage will progress to the semi-finals. West Indies is in Group B alongside, Australia, South Africa, Namibia, Colombia, Wales, Canada and Sri Lanka. The Group B teams are: England, New Zealand, Pakistan, India, Scotland, USA, Rest of the World X1 and Rest of the Caribbean Team.

7th Republic Bank Schools football league launched REPUBLIC Bank Guyana on Thursday teamed up once with the Petra Organisation for the seventh edition of their Secondary Schools Football League at their headquarters on New Market Street, Georgetown. The 2026 edition again sees eight of the best schools from across the country battling for the top league spots and places in the KFC Goodwill International Football Tournament. Chase Academy is the defending champion of the league after winning in 2025. The other schools competing this year are Region One’s Santa Rosa Secondary School, Three Miles Secondary School in Region Seven, New Amsterdam Secondary School in Region Six, and Annandale Secondary School, Charlestown Secondary School, West Ruimveldt Secondary School, and St. Joseph High in Region Four.

Managing Director of Republic Bank Dr. Toussant Boyce told the youth gathered that football is something that he has had a passion for over the years. “What began three years ago as a shared vision between Republic Bank and the Petra Organisation has actually grown into a highly anticipated tournament that showcases some of the finest young football talent across Guyana, and I can say that because I saw the tournament for the first time last year and I saw some outstanding performances, so I will be looking from the stands this year, and if I see any outstanding performances and it has to be an individual player because the team performances are well rewarded, that player will be guaranteed to get something very special from me.” He says Republic Bank is elated to have a share in creating opportunities for young people, the nation’s

youth, on and off the field. He says their support goes beyond the provision of financial services through their social investment initiative ‘Power to Make a Difference’; they seek to make a difference by empowering young people, strengthening communities, and creating pathways for growth and success. Suresh Singh, Director of Youth at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport said, “We have placed a lot of interest in the last few years in investing in a lot of infrastructure work at the national and community level, the country has about 650 community grounds, about 400 on the coast and about 250 in the hinterland and we have invested in one way or another in these facilities. Why that is so important to us in this country is because we spoke many decades ago about sports in relation to young people development and the country as a whole be-

cause we are a sport loving nation.” The Head of the Unit of Allied Arts at the Ministry of Education, Nicholas Fraser, noted saying “This is the golden age for school football in Guyana, and it is important that we stick to those principles that we had when we began, the principles of fair play and discipline on your part, and of course, you know, when you have a right and you do have the right to be treated fairly, you have a responsibility to ensure you follow the rules.” The KFC competition will feature the first-place and runner-up teams, who will match skills with top schools from Brazil, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, and Jamaica. Petra Director Troy Mendonca says they have a proud track record, and it is heartening to see the continued progression of players from their grassroots programmes. “As organisers, we are com-

mitted to delivering professionally managed and highly competitive competition, and we will continue as usual putting out the best foot forward so that the players, the schools, the supporters, the sponsors, and all other stakeholders will have a memorable tournament.” The tournament kicks off on October 18 and concludes on the 29th of November, with all games played on Sunday at the Ministry of Education Ground. Teams will play each other once with three points for a victory and one point for a draw. The team that tops the points table will be crowned champions. Individual prizes will also go to the most valuable player, highest goal scorer, and best goalkeeper. The winning school team will collect $400,000 towards a school project of their choice, with half that amount for the runners-up and $125,000 for third place.

Guyanese archers capture seven medals in inaugural Caribbean Premier Archery League GUYANESE archers secured seven individual medals, including three gold, two silver and two bronze, at the inaugural Caribbean Premier Archery League (CPAL), with 17 athletes representing the country in the regional competition. The results highlight the development of competitive archery in Guyana, with medal-winning performances across the Senior Barebow and Youth Recurve divisions. Guyana’s strongest showing came in the Senior Women’s Barebow division, where Shianne Af-

fonso-Simon won gold, Jo-Lee Zammet took silver and Melesa Ramnaraine claimed bronze to complete an all-Guyanese podium. In the youth Recurve divisions, Lucas Chung captured gold in the Under-21 Men’s category, while Brandon Cummings won gold in the Under-18 Men’s division. Saifullah Gani added bronze in the Under-18 Men’s category, and Fatima Gani secured silver in the Under-18 Women’s division. The Caribbean Premier Archery League is a new annual competition platform sanctioned by

World Archery Americas (WAA). It was established to provide Caribbean archers with access to internationally recognised competition standards while reducing the costs associated with frequent overseas travel. The league uses standardised World Archery competition formats, digital submission of results and certified national-level officiating to provide a structured competitive environment for athletes across the region. The platform also offers developing archers an opportunity to gain competitive experience, assess

their performances against regional opponents and prepare for larger regional and international events. President of Archery Guyana, Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, said the participation of 17 athletes from multiple clubs reflected the breadth of the country’s developing competitive programme. “The participation of 17 athletes across multiple clubs in our beautiful country reflects the breadth of Guyana’s developing competitive archery programme,” Persaud-McKinnon said. She added that the results pro-

vided further encouragement as Guyana prepares to host the inaugural Caribbean Archery Championships and the eighth Caribbean Developmental Championships at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, from October 22-25, 2026. The Board of Directors of Archery Guyana congratulated all 17 participating athletes, the seven medallists, their coaches, clubs, families and supporters, while reaffirming its commitment to developing the sport at all levels across Guyana.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 9, 2026

Monty Lewis puts $500,000 on the line for K&S tournament top scorer A $500,000 individual prize has been added to the attraction of this year’s Kashif and Shanghai Football Tournament, with longtime supporter Monty Lewis stepping forward to reward the player who finishes as the competition’s leading goal scorer. The gesture by Lewis adds another incentive for players to find the back of the net when the prestigious 16-team tournament kicks off on December 13 at the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground in Linden. At a simple ceremony attended by tournament co-founders Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major and Kashif Muhammad, Lewis, a consistent supporter of the tournament over the years, congratulated the organisers for their bold decision to return the competition to its roots in Linden and encouraged others to come on board and support the initiative. Both Muhammad and Major expressed

their appreciation to Lewis for his continued support, noting that the gesture would provide additional motivation for the participating players and teams to perform at their highest level. His contribution comes as organisers prepare for what is expected to be a highly competitive return of the tournament to the mining town, with some of Guyana’s leading First Division clubs set to battle for a share of the lucrative $8 million prize purse. The tournament will run from December 13, 2026, to January 1, 2027, and will be staged exclusively in Linden, with matches shared between the redesigned Mackenzie Sports Club and the Bayroc National Stadium. The opening match-day on December 13 will be played at Mackenzie Sports Club, returning the tournament to the venue where it was first staged in 1992. The ground will also host

matches on December 20, 25 and 29. Bayroc National Stadium will host matches on December 18, 22 and 26 before taking centre stage for the grand final on New Year’s Day. The return to Linden was officially announced at the tournament’s launch last weekend under the theme, “Destination Linden, Football Means Business.” Beyond the football, organisers and government officials have pointed to the potential economic impact of the tournament, with players, supporters, officials and visitors expected to boost activity for hotels, AirBnB operators, restaurants, transportation providers, vendors and other businesses. Meanwhile, the competing teams, fixtures, tournament draw and breakdown of the $8 million purse will be unveiled on Saturday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

GHB National Junior Indoor Championship…

Saints rule the roost on night one

THE Guyana Hockey Board’s (GHB) National Indoor Championship got under way on Wednesday evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. When the dust settled, it was the Saints teams that ruled the roost. The under-21 girls’ division saw Saints Ladies demolished Hikers under-21 with a 7-nil victory in an explosive performance on the opening day. Clayza Bobb was imperious with a hat-trick of goals, including scoring her and the team’s first goal three minutes into the clash. Her last goal was at the 30-minute mark. Chlamaka Agha also recorded a double with Africo Blackman and Isabelle Grouper, scoring the other goals. The boys’ U-21 division saw Saints’ team stop Hikers 4-1. Aaron Abraham first hit the back of the net in the 11th minute before a pair of goals from Jabari Lovell. Hikers’ Micheal Payne pulled back the advantage with their first goal in the 26th minute before Lovell re-

Hikers U-21 captain, Michael Payne, about to unleash a ferocious shot at the Saints net

turned to cap off the victory. In the U-17 girls’ category, Saints U-17 girls dubbed ‘Sensations’ were simply sensational to inflict a 4-nil thrashing on St. Joseph Blue Bloods with a pair of goals from Isabelle Grouper. GCC Spartans beat Old Fort Bomb Squad 1-nil with a Kadence Belony strike. In

the boys’ U-17 class, Old Fort Predators needle Multi Alumni with Tyrese Benn accounting for the lone goal. Saints Sigma edged G CC Outlaws 2-1, with both goals coming off the stick of Ezekiel Moses. GCC Her-ricanes and Old Fort Phantom troupe played out a one-all stalemate.

Monty Lewis presents $500,000 to Kashif Muhammad, in the presence of co-founder Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major, as a prize for the K&S tournament’s leading goalscorer

Over 100 registered for Berbice Invasion Drag Race Meet

OVER 100 racers have registered for this weekend’s Berbice Invasion Drag Race Meet, with the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) expecting the final tally to approach 120 or more. Registration closed late last evening and the additional online entries were still being processed, with the final number of competitors expected to be confirmed by Friday. “We are elated to see the large support for this Berbice event from competitors. To have over 100 registered and we still haven’t finished counting as yet, because there are some online forms that came in overnight and during the day. By Friday we will have the final count, but I expect it to be close to 120, if not more,” a spokesman said. The spokesman also expressed optimism about fan turnout, noting the growing interest among residents as preparations continue at the venue. “In terms of fan support, our team has been at the venue for the last three days prepping and ensuring

all systems are being put in place. We have our timing system coming up on Friday and Saturday, and we are working with all the stakeholders to ensure that we pull off a great event.” “Outside of that, the fan support already in the ancient county is tremendous. People are stopping us on the roads and when we go into shops to ask us questions about the event and where they can get tickets, and it’s really heartening to see the love that Berbice has for us,” the spokesman added. The October 11 event is set for the Rose Hall Canje Airstrip. Racing is scheduled to begin at 10:00hrs, with competitors expected to showcase a range of high-performance and modified vehicles in a full day of action. The event’s official access and parking arrangements include designated general and VIP parking areas, a security and ticket checkpoint, and marked no-parking zones. Patrons are urged to follow directions from security personnel and

parking attendants. “There are four designated parking areas for spectators and fans and persons are asked to use those zones. They will be clearly marked with signage and directions on how to get there. There are also ticket booths in all those areas where fans can buy their tickets and then proceed to the preset areas. We also have shuttle buses running from the parking area to the venue to ferry people not only to the event but back to their vehicles afterward,” the spokesman added. The GMR&SC continues to remind spectators that firearms, weapons, outside food and drinks, and unauthorised vending are prohibited. Reckless driving outside the drag strip and illegal parking will not be tolerated. Patrons and vehicles may be subject to security checks. The event is being organised by the GMR&SC, with ENet, Tropical Shipping, Castrol, GuyOil and KFC among the sponsors. For VIP tickets and corporate suites, patrons can contact 632-4820.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 9, 2026 Fans are building hype for the Berbice Invasion Drag Race event on this weekend

Over 100 registered for Berbice Invasion Drag Race Meet SEE PAGE

7th Republic Bank Schools football league launched

GHB National Junior Indoor Championship...

SEE PAGE

Petra Rep Troy Peters, Petra Director Troy Mendonca, Director of Youth Suresh Singh, RBL Guyana Managing Director Dr Toussant Boyce with student athletes at the launch

Saints rule the roost on night one SEE PAGE

Saints mid-fielder Clayza Bobb trying to evade the challenge of Hikers Trinity Greaves in their girls’ U-21 clash

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limited, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 226-3243-9 (General); Editorial: 227-5204, 227-5216. Fax:227-5208

| FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2026