Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 10-05-2026

Fairness, accountability paramount to contracting process

— Gov’t says long-running initiative, which was advertised to ‘all’ Guyanese, paused to do further verification, checks

How can we be a part of it?...

Diaspora eager to invest, participate in Guyana’s development - President Ali

- reveals security concerns no longer dominating discussions

By Feona Morrison

CONCERNS about security are no longer dominating discussions among Guyanese living overseas, with questions now centred on investment, home ownership, and participation in the country’s rapid transformation, according to President Dr. Irfaan Ali during a diaspora engagement in Canada.

Addressing members of the Guyanese Diaspora at the Pearson Centre in Brampton, Ontario, President Ali said the government had received hundreds of responses ahead of the engagement, many of which reflected optimism about Guyana’s future and a growing desire among overseas-based Guyanese to contribute to development.

“We received close to 600 emails,” the Head of State disclosed. He explained that 420 of those messages were “about

complementing development and sharing encouraging words”, while 159 inquiries focused on six major categories, and another 45 involved personal issues, including land disputes and neighbourly concerns.

FROM CRIME FEARS TO INVESTMENT

According to the President, the largest share of concerns submitted by diaspora members related to business investment, finance and economic development.

“Guess what is the top issue today? How can we invest? How can we be part of the development? How can we own a home? How can we be part of the building out of Guyana?” Dr. Ali said, adding that the trend signalled a major shift in perceptions of the country.

Travel, tourism, migration and diaspora affairs represented 11.9 per cent, followed by security, infrastructure and public service at 10.7 per cent. Health, education and environmental services made up 7.5 per cent of inquiries.

Dr. Ali noted that issues surrounding public trust, transparency, accountability and inclusivity accounted for 10 per cent of the concerns, while another 10 per cent focused on persons offering consultancy, technological and other professional services to support Guyana’s growth.

Reflecting on years of engagement with overseas Guyanese, the President said the decline in security concerns represented a significant turning point.

He stated, “I’ve been coming to diaspora engagement for decades, and the top issue used to be security. Today, it is the last issue on the minds of those

He explained that 20 per cent of the 159 inquiries fell into the business investment, finance and economic development category, while housing, land and property accounted for 16.4 per cent.

persons. “That tells you that the story of Guyana is one that is positive and one that is transformative.”

TRACKING CONCERNS IN REAL TIME

The President also highlighted the Government’s use of technology and data to address public concerns, revealing that a digital dashboard now allows him and government officials to monitor issues raised by citizens in real time.

“Even when I’m travelling, I can see in real time every issue that is raised by any person or on any outreach by any government official,” he said.

Dr. Ali further disclosed that some attendees who submitted questions ahead of the event were already receiving responses electronically.

He announced, “By the end of today, at least 159 persons who raise an issue will receive an electronic response with advice and documentation from the Government of Guyana.”

97% OF CANADIAN INQUIRIES PROCESSED

Pointing to the effectiveness of the Government’s Diaspora Unit, the President said that since the start of the year, the unit had received 89 inquiries from Canada and had processed 97 per cent of them.

Dr. Ali said the feedback from overseas Guyanese reflected a population increasingly eager to reconnect with the country through business, property ownership and professional expertise, rather than expressing anxiety about instability.

“That tells you a story,” the President said while reflecting on the trend in diaspora inquiries. “That tells you that the story of Guyana is one that is positive and one that is transformative. And this alone tells about the different period in our history.”

The Head of State said the government’s response system has become increasingly data-driven, allowing authorities

to categorise concerns and address them more efficiently. He explained that issues raised by members of the diaspora are entered into a digital monitoring system, enabling follow-ups in real time.

“We work by data. And this is what the data tells us,” Ali stated, while explaining that concerns ranging from land matters to investment opportunities are tracked and addressed through government systems.

In outlining how the Government has been responding to overseas-based Guyanese, the President revealed that many participants who submitted concerns prior to the engagement had already begun receiving replies.

“Some of you, if you check your phones and your email now, you’ll be receiving responses to your queries,” he said. “Some of you will be receiving documents.” He added that by the end of the

engagement, those who raised issues would receive “an electronic response with advice and documentation from the Government of Guyana.”

A STAKE IN GUYANA’S FUTURE

The Guyanese leader also used the forum to encourage diaspora members to consider opportunities in Guyana’s expanding housing sector, particularly through investment in the planned Silica City development.

“We are building a new city. That city is called Silica City,” he said. “It is designed to be a city of sustainability, a city of wellness, a city of the future… basically, it is a city 50 years ahead of its time.”

“This is not a dream. We have already started the work in this city,” he said, noting that the first 200 homes are nearing completion and that additional investment has been secured for future phases.

Market mothers share stories of sacrifice, strength and survival

FOR decades, the bustling corridors of Bourda and Stabroek markets have not only been places of trade, but spaces where mothers worked tirelessly to provide for their families, often against tremendous odds.

This Mothers’ Day, several women vendors reflected on the sacrifices, challenges, and joys that come with raising children while earning a living in the markets.

Among them was Deborah Payne, who has been vending at the Bourda Market for the past 40 years.

Payne, a mother of 10, said she lost two of her children over the years, but remained grateful for the strength to care for the others through her work as a vendor.

At her stall, Payne sells a variety of herbal medicines and remedies, including products for colds, diabetes,

high cholesterol and hypertension, along with herbal teas and supplements for men and women. She said the business allowed her to raise her children “by the grace of God.”

Reflecting on motherhood, Payne extended greetings not only to biological mothers, but also to women who care for children not their own.

“I would just like to say to all the mothers, those who don't have children, who take

care of other people's children, I would like to say have a happy Mother's Day,” she said warmly.

Even on Mothers’ Day, Payne said her routine would remain grounded in gratitude and responsibility. She plans to attend church, complete household chores, continue vending, and later spend time with her children.

Elsewhere in Bourda Market, vendor Lowana Bratt said she has been working there for the past 14 years.

The proud mother of one explained that although her son is now an adult, vending continues to provide her daily bread. She encouraged mothers to remain present and supportive in their children’s lives.

“[To] all mothers, love your children, be there for them, see them through, and you won't regret from your children,” Bratt advised.

She added that she intended to work for a short period on Mothers’ Day before spending the rest of the day with her son.

Meanwhile, at the Stabroek Market bazaar, snacks and confectionery vendor Dawn reflected on

more than two decades of motherhood and market life.

Dawn, who had six children but lost one, said parenting today requires greater communication and guidance, especially given the challenges facing young people.

“Five alive, one died. Four boys, two girls, one of them died,” she shared.

The vendor stressed the importance of speaking openly with children and instilling discipline and values from an early age.

“These days, it's about speaking to your children. You know, there are a lot of things going on. So, I guess, it's like, speak to the children; especially our girl children, you know. Teach them the rules. A little discipline,” Dawn said.

She noted that society has changed significantly over the years, making parenting today very different from previous generations.

For Mothers’ Day, Dawn said she planned to attend church celebrations honouring mothers and hoped that a special surprise awaited her at home afterward.

PPP/C maintains high level of public engagement

THE People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) continues to engage directly with citizens, as Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo will hold another major public-day event at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), on Monday.

He and other Cabinet members will meet directly with the public starting at 10:00hrs.

This initiative is part of the PPP/C administration’s ongoing effort to engage with citizens face to face and address issues related to housing, social services, the National Insurance

Scheme (NIS), and employment, among other things.

Previous public days have drawn hundreds of Guyanese. They take advantage of the open format to seek help or advice on various issues from multiple ministries in one location.

Monday’s event continues a trend of direct outreach by the PPP/C government. They have also been conducting Cabinet-led regional engagements, where residents raise personal and community concerns with senior officials.

Fairness, accountability paramount to contracting process

The following is the full text of the statement by Minister of Public Works, the Hon Bishop Juan A Edghill

“THE Government of Guyana, over the last several months, engaged in a public pre-qualification process for small contractors undertaking projects valued at GYD$15 million and under, aimed at enhancing transparency, ensuring fairness and accountability, and promoting widespread participation and involvement in national-development opportunities.

“This is in keeping with

the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government’s manifesto promise as a measure of empowering small contractors. This process which was [a] notice to all, and open to all, commenced on March 2, 2026, and concluded on April 6, 2026 (inclusive of a requested and approved extension). The pre-qualification was published on the recently launched centralised procurement website (eprocure. gov.gy) designed to make all public- procurement opportunities easier to access, as well as in the customary daily newspapers.

“Subsequently, a team comprising both technical staff and Government Ministers conducted verification exercises on the ground to scrutinise the list for various errors and anomalies, includ-

ing duplicate submissions and same family/household ownership of businesses/ companies etc., with an aim of ensuring [that] no family or individual was benefitting unduly to the detriment of others.

“Over the last few days, Phase One of awards/signing of contracts was initiated in a public manner with the utilisation of public spaces. This phase involved the award of contracts for projects being executed by the Ministry of Public Works and Ministry of Local Government and Re-

gional Development through its regional offices. During that process in Region Four, several complaints were received and information reviewed, leading to the decision to suspend the process for further verifications and checks to be conducted.

“The Government of Guyana, through its various procuring agencies and ministries will continue the engagement as soon as it may be ascertained that all issues raised are satisfactorily addressed.

“This massive undertak-

ing with the engagement and evaluation of the more than 10,000 (ten thousand) persons who submitted applications utilising the aforementioned online platform, should not be seen as a simple task.

“Our promise to the people of Guyana will be fulfilled — ensuring equal opportunities, equal access, and advancing the vision of One Guyana, where every citizen, regardless of background or region, can share in the nation’s progress and prosperity.”

DDL imports first batch of breeding cattle for US$30M Moblissa dairy project

DEMERARA Distillers

Limited (DDL) on Saturday announced the arrival of the first shipment of high-yielding breeding cattle from the United States of America for its US$30 million dairy project at Moblissa along the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway.

The shipment, comprising 89 pregnant heifers, landed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport at approximately 03:30hrs aboard a specialised Amerijet charter flight.

According to DDL, the arrival marks a major milestone in Guyana’s efforts to strengthen local dairy production and reduce dependence on imported dairy products.

Subsequent to the arrival of the aircraft, a three-hour logistics operation was conducted under strict biosecurity protocols to transport the animals safely to the dairy facility at Moblissa.

The cattle were trans-

The first shipment of high-yielding breeding cattle from the United States of America for DDL’s subsidiary Demerara Dairy Incorporated (DDI) US$30 million dairy project at Moblissa along the Soesdyke/Linden Highway

ferred from the aircraft onto flatbed trucks and escorted by the Guyana Police Force to the farm site, where they are now undergoing acclimatisation in a modern facility equipped with climate-control systems aimed at ensuring maximum comfort and productivity.

Specialists from the Guyana Livestock Development Authority, along with DDL executives, su-

pervised the operation to ensure compliance with animal welfare and safety

standards.

In a statement, DDL Executive Chairman Komal Samaroo described the arrival of the cattle as a defining moment for Guyana’s agricultural sector.

“The arrival of these ‘first cows’ is indisputable testimony to DDL’s commitment to being a game-changer,” Samaroo said.

He added, “We are not just building a farm; we are building a sustainable industry that will transform Guyana’s agribusiness sector and provide long-term food security for the Region.”

DDL noted that the dairy project forms part of Guyana’s wider push to advance the CARICOM “25 by 2025” food- security initiative, which aims to re duce the region’s food import bill by 25 per cent.

By increasing local milk production, Demerara Dairy Inc (DDI), a subsidiary of DDL, hopes to significantly reduce the millions of US dollars spent annually on import-

ing dairy products.

The company also extended gratitude to several agencies involved in facilitating the successful operation, including the Guyana Revenue Authority, the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Livestock Development Authority, staff of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, ground handlers, equipment operators and employees of DDI.

Clear and Definitive Judgment

FOR over 60 years, Guyana has faced the looming threat from a neighbour’s ambition. Venezuela's claim to the Essequibo, a vast area covering nearly three-quarters of Guyana's territory, is not just a legal issue or a minor detail in diplomatic history.

As Attorney General Anil Nandlall told the International Court of Justice (ICJ) this week in The Hague, it poses an existential risk: "The loss of the territory claimed by Venezuela would wipe out Guyana. Indeed, the country as we know it would cease to exist."

Those words were not exaggeration; they reflected a harsh reality.

The merits hearings

now taking place at the Peace Palace are the most significant legal event in this nation’s history since it gained independence. Guyana brought this case to the world's highest court in 2018, seeking a straightforward yet urgent confirmation — that the 1899 Arbitral Award, which established the international boundary between Guyana and Venezuela, still holds legal weight and must be honoured.

The ICJ has already twice confirmed its authority to address the controversy. What Guyana is requesting is not out of the ordinary. The country is asking the court to affirm a basic principle of international order: that legal decisions, once made

and executed, cannot be easily disregarded by a revisionist neighbour a century later.

Venezuela's actions throughout these proceedings have been revealing. Caracas has spent years, in AG Nandlall's words, "straining every sinew" to avoid a decision on the merits. It has contested the court's authority, boycotted sessions at various points, and even held a domestic referendum to create a false sense of popular support for its claim.

Most recently, Venezuela's lawyers told the ICJ that even a ruling in favour of Guyana would not change Caracas' stance on Essequibo. If this is Venezuela's position, it only strengthens Nandlall's

main argument: any hint of uncertainty or ambiguity in the court's ruling will be used as justification for ongoing aggression. The ruling must be clear, direct, and unmistakable.

Guyana's case relies on more than just legal formalities. Professor Nilüfer Oral presented evidence that Venezuela accepted and followed the 1899 boundary for over 60 years, taking part in joint marking efforts and issuing official maps that consistently reflected this award before abruptly rejecting it in 1962.

Guyana also showed that Spain and Venezuela never historically occupied Essequibo, disproving the colonial- grievance narrative Venezuela has

tried to promote. These points are significant. They form the legal basis that reveal Venezuela's claims as driven by strategy rather than historical facts.

It is not a coincidence that the urgency of Venezuela’s claim has increased alongside the discovery of oil in the Essequibo offshore zone, which is now believed to contain over 11 billion barrels of recoverable reserves. Guyana’s emergence as a major oil producer has transformed this territorial controversy from a historical complaint into a geopolitical issue. The people of Guyana need to understand what is at stake. This conflict is about more than land; it concerns the coun-

try’s economic future, its independence, and its right to shape its own path.

The ICJ's ruling, expected in the coming months, will not only determine Guyana's fate. It will also signal to the world whether international law can defend smaller countries from the territorial ambitions of larger ones.

For Guyana, the verdict must be clear cut. As Nandlall rightly reminded the judges, for this nation, the ICJ stands as the last hope for peace and stability. That hope must not be limited, ambiguous, or inadequately addressed. Guyana’s future depends on this certainty.

Mom taught me the fear of God

Dear Editor,

I TAKE this opportunity to wish every mother a Happy Mother's Day, even though I'm conscious that, for some, it may not be a happy day!

As I wrote the date on this letter, 8th May, it struck me that this is the day on which my mother died a few decades ago. She taught us to embrace truth, righ-

teousness, the benefits of hard work, respect for others, and the fear of God!

Years ago, one of my brothers (long deceased) was sent on a work/ training assignment to a communist country. While there, he and others were told that there is no God. He had related to me that when he could take it no longer, he raised his hand (in

the forum) and declared, “I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and earth!”

This incident came to mind as I lay in bed early this morning, pondering the injustices and inequity in our society.

I've read of persons, no doubt poor, being remanded for having a few grams of ganja, while persons with ample resources, allegedly

trafficking guns and pounds of illicit substances, were granted one million dollars bail!

I read of persons with legally acquired weapons, who have been charged with no offence, being stripped of their protection, while others under investigation are allegedly in possession of their personal weapons.

I believe in a lev -

el playing field! I hate injustice, regardless of who the players are!

I join with my deceased brother and declare...I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth!

Someone said, "The wheels of justice turn slowly, but grind exceedingly fine." My mother used to say, "Moon ah run till day

ketch am."

Delay is not necessarily denial. I have confidence in the Almighty who sits on His throne. Time is in His hands. Sometimes He laughs. Sometimes He smiles. Sometimes He thunders! It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God! (Hebrews 10:31) Claudia Heywood

Why the PNC and AFC lost the 2025 general and regional elections

I RECENTLY interviewed for the Freddie Kissoon Show a former AFC youth leader, Colin Haynes, who later became CEO for the Diamond Hospital under the APNU+AFC government. A brief but absorbing digression: Colin Haynes has the distinction of having the shortest term of being a CEO in the public sector. His tenure lasted one month, second only to Dr Mark Kirton who was Vice-Chancellor of the University for three days. Both men had their statuses terminated.

Colin Haynes repeated the mantra that can be found in all, without exception, anti-government persons that the opposition would have done better and might even have created a minority government for the PPP if there was a coalition between the PNC and AFC. I have heard that said by Aubrey Norton himself in a podcast with Svetlana Marshall.

My point is that once there was an electoral contestant named APNU+AFC in the 2025 elections, that entity would have been routed. The APNU and AFC participated separately and lost 19 seats in the 2025 elections from what they both had in the 2020 elections, with APNU reduced to 12 and AFC none. No matter how the cards were shuffled and new faces of the brightest Guyanese came onto an APNU+AFC ticket, that entity would have been demolished in 2025. It is debatable if the PNC and AFC separately realised that the rigging of the 2020 elections was their KoolAid. In the 2025 elections, a majority of the electorate did not want to see and hear a political party named the APNU+AFC. The reason was that the name was synonymous with election rigging.

I believe that if the APNU+AFC had allowed for the no-confidence vote to become operational, it would

not have won the 2020 elections or even become a minority government, but it would have had about seats between 28 to 32. It would not have won even a minority government because the sugar workers cruelty had become the death blow for the APNU-AFC, but its seat collection would have been substantial.

It was a horror show of five months from March to July in 2020 that destroyed the morality and physiology of both the PNC and the AFC. The pappyshow from June to August in 2025 about the resurrection of an APNU+AFC coalition was the working out of a ghoulish imagination by the leaders of the PNC and the AFC.

I am inclined to accept that if there was a brand new coalition with a different name in 2025 with about five different parties and some leaders of the PNC and AFC were in but with backseat status, that coalition may have

Guyana at The Hague: A Country Finds Its Voice

GUYANA’S week at the International Court of Justice felt like a turning point, not just in a long-running border controversy, but in the way we see ourselves as a nation. Guyana’s legal team was spectacular, and their names deserve to be etched into our civic memory: Carl Greenidge, Nilufer Oral, Philippe Sands, Pierre d’Argent, Paul Reichler, Anil Nandlall SC and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Hugh Todd.

From the time my generation came of age in the 1970s, Venezuela’s bogus claim to Guyana’s territory has been a nagging distraction, fading in and out of our collective consciousness. The late Dave Martins gave us a kind of national anthem in “Not One Blade of Grass,” a song that anchored our mental resistance, humoured us, and offered a nodal point for patriotism in our thoughts and imagination: “Essequibo is ah we own.”

When President Irfaan Ali came into office, he approached the Venezuela issue in a way that will go down as the most profound yet, launching a strong national

campaign and binding our six peoples into one plan of unity through his “One Guyana” vision, now a powerful public brand and the title of his timely new book.

I still remember cringing at the thought that, 45 years ago, I had to locate my country on the world’s mental map by referring to the 1978 Jonestown tragedy. Thankfully, we turned that corner as we also turned the corner from being one of the poorest CARICOM nations, to a country with new possibilities, and now I look forward to turning another: a clear ICJ ruling that there is only one lawful conclusion from the hard truths and unequivocal evidence before the Court – Essequibo belongs to Guyana -- all of it. Let me explain why I am writing this column in sheer awe of our legal team. Guyana demonstrated beyond a doubt that Venezuela sought, shaped and ratified the 1897 Treaty and the 1899 Arbitral Award, campaigned for U.S. support to secure arbitration, and ratified the arrangements in Caracas; nothing happened behind closed doors to Venezuela’s exclusion, and for six decades up to 1962 it never

pulled in far more seats than what the PNC got in September last, but not the coalition with the name APNU+AFC

The psychologically arid people in the PNC and AFC that were seeking an APNU+AFC rebirth for the 2025 elections had no clue about how the electorate felt about them. Three things doomed the biology of both parties from 2020. One is that given the history of election rigging, Guyanese saw a return to that debauchery as morally sickening.

Secondly, Guyana was accustomed to free and fair elections with alternative governments coming into being. The PPP lost its majority in 2011 and lost power in 2015. Guyanese welcomed a new political horizon where governments come and go. When the PNC and AFC started to rig the elections on Tuesday, March 3, it sent

shock waves through the nation. The nightmare and era of rigged elections had returned to Guyana.

Thirdly, people rejected the attempts at manipulating the Mach 2020 elections because Guyana would no longer have alternative government. Guyana would have one government only for the foreseeable future. This last factor has been the decisive determinant for me in condemning people like Rupert Roopnaraine, Clive Thomas, Eusi Kwayana, Moses Bhagwan, Nigel Westmaas, the Guyana Human Rights Association, among others.

They knew that rigged elections were synonymous with permanent power. All the names cited above had fought for free and fair elections since 1968 and I was with them and I knew them up close and personal. What could have happened to their

souls to want to support tampering with the right of Guyanese to vote for a government of their choice?

The story of March 2020 in Guyana was the crucial factor in how people voted in September 2025. The electorate asked itself, should we vote for the PNC and if they win, will we have free elections ever again? The electorate asked itself should we vote for Nigel Hughes who had shouted from the rooftop that 34 is the majority of 65. Only a sad, empty mind believed a coalition of PNC and AFC could have won in 2025. They both may die before elections in 2030.

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.

suggested the process was fraudulent or imposed.

Professor Nilufer Oral, in a masterful presentation, showed that Venezuela produced at least 16 official maps between about 1911 and 1962, all faithfully showing the boundary fixed by the 1899 Award and the 1905 Boundary Agreement, an unbroken cartographic record that, for me, was the single most compelling proof that Venezuela accepted and applied the Award for more than 60 years – a challenge she openly issued to the Venezuelan team, who could not refute her.

Then there was the Mallet-Prevost memo, which was allegedly the result of a secret collusion between Britain and Russia. It is mythology, “theatre and fiction” is how Guyana described it. There is no memo. Other than a mention in a 1949 journal article by Otto Schoenrich, it has never been produced. Even if plausible, Venezuela’s claim that British jurist Lord Russell influenced the process over dinner is highly unlikely, given that he was not even a member of the arbitration tribunal.

In Guyana’s submission,

the 1966 Geneva Agreement was described as a procedural framework to examine Venezuela’s late claim that the award was null and void, not a device for reopening or redrawing a settled frontier. That interpretation, they reminded the judges, is reinforced by the ICJ’s own 2020 jurisdiction ruling, which defines the “controversy” as Venezuela’s allegation of invalidity – a formulation that makes sense only if the Court assumes the award’s prior existence and continuing legal relevance.

Guyana’s case is anchored in the deeper history of effective control on the ground, stressing that the territory west of the Essequibo and east of the Orinoco was successively administered by the Dutch and then the British, never by Spain or Venezuela. Drawing on archival records and toponyms,

Carl Greenidge described how Dutch authorities established settlements, posts and governance structures in the contested zone from the 17th century onward, while there is zero evidence of comparable Spanish or Venezuelan administration, settlement, or state functions there.

Against this record, Venezuela’s reliance on sweeping colonial-era assertions and papal-era lines appears insubstantial; by modern standards of territorial title, Guyana argued, such abstractions cannot substitute for demonstrable and continuous exercise of authority on the land.

I hope that when the ICJ judgment comes, it will grant Guyanese of every generation the quiet, everyday freedom to say “Essequibo is ah we own” without fear or qualification. In my most optimistic moments, I

imagine the Venezuelan delegation gathering their files, offering congratulations to Guyana’s team, and returning to Caracas to report to Acting President Delcy Rodríguez that they found no evidence on which to build a case. I do not expect her to unpin that brooch she wore so pointedly at CARICOM and cast it into the Orinoco, but I do dare to imagine something far more valuable: that, on this Diamond Jubilee of our independence, both nations will find the wisdom to step back from theatre and bravado, and allow Guyana to celebrate what we have always known is ours.

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.

Mohamed’s Meltdown: The unravelling of an ‘Opposition Leader’

IN Guyana, a true opposition leader always acts as a crucial check on power. This person is often defined by courage, integrity and the ability to inspire change despite adversity. I will say it again, loudly. Cheddi Jagan, Forbes Burnham, Bharrat Jagdeo, Desmond Hoyte, David Granger and Robert Crobin inspired change in the political landscape by shifting the paradigm. They challenged complacency, representing a ‘second government’ that prevented authoritarianism and led from the front, often speaking truth when it is unpopular, inconvenient, or dangerous. I am wise enough to admit it. I am intelligent enough to recognise the truth in Benjamin Disraeli and General Douglas MacArthur's statements that, "No Government can be long secure without a formidable Opposition" and "A true leader has the confi-

dence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions and the compassion to listen to the needs of others."

A true, wise and effective opposition leader does not spend his days manufacturing outrage for social media clicks, while his party quietly watches his credibility collapse in real time. Yet that is precisely the troubling image being projected by opposition leader and sanctioned businessman, Azruddin Mohamed and the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party. There is an alarming and growing concern among seasoned political minds within WIN that their leader, Mohamed, is imploding politically under the weight of his own emotional reactions, personal frustrations, and increasingly theatrical style of politics. It is comical yet frightening to watch these episodes of political buffoonery play out in the

year 2026.

Rather than presenting himself as a disciplined national figure capable of leading a serious opposition movement, Mohamed often appears easily provoked, easily taunted, and deeply consumed by the financial setbacks facing his businesses and the millions of dollars in revenue reportedly lost over time as a direct result of the government safeguarding the economy and people from being associated with this sanctioned individual.

That image does not inspire confidence in leadership. It raises questions about temperament, focus, and political maturity.

Guyanese are not looking for an opposition leader who behaves like an angry influencer chasing online engagement. It would appear that this politician is attention starved, and he craves likes and shares. They are looking for someone capa-

ble of articulating policy alternatives, scrutinising legislation, strengthening democratic institutions and offering hope grounded in substance rather than spectacle.

Recently, the main opposition party, the We Invest in Nationhood Party (WIN) and Team Mohamed’s Facebook Page have been publishing a series of posts and videos that purport to prove the alleged corruption of several high-ranking government officials, businessmen, contractors and private individuals.

The opposition leader, Azruddin Mohamed, has deliberately launched attacks and criticised the alleged corruption against these individuals in most of those posts and videos. He often asks leading questions and makes generalisations to suit his negative narrative about the government. He also appears to donate to people in need, only to have the beneficiaries' faces plastered across social media pages in photos and videos.

This approach is deeply troubling and fundamentally wrong for several reasons.

First, allegations are not evidence. In fact, the narratives are not true. Many of the stories told are manufactured lies. Where there is truth in the posts that he exposes, Mohamed is more dramatic than is necessary. MP Odessa Primus always tries to outdo him, wrestling attention away from the issue they are trying to highlight.

A responsible opposition leader must understand the difference between raising legitimate questions and recklessly conducting public trials

through social media propaganda. Constantly publishing rehearsed videos filled with insinuations, selective narratives, dramatic music, and emotionally charged commentary may excite supporters online, but it does little to strengthen democracy or public trust. Leadership requires restraint, discipline, and respect for due process.

Second, the exploitation of vulnerable citizens for political branding is unbecoming of anyone seeking national office. Charity should never become a marketing campaign. When struggling families and needy individuals are turned into social media props for political mileage, it cheapens both the act of giving and the dignity of those receiving assistance. Genuine compassion does not need a camera crew, scripted scenes, or carefully edited videos designed to create a saviour narrative.

Most importantly, Mohamed appears to misunderstand the actual role of an opposition leader in a parliamentary democracy. The opposition is not supposed to function as a permanent online outrage machine. Its duty is to hold the government accountable through facts, parliamentary engagement, policy analysis, constituency work, and national dialogue.

A serious opposition leader would be in communities listening to people without the need for staged productions. He would be in Parliament challenging ministers with credible evidence and coherent arguments. He would present detailed plans on the economy, crime, healthcare, in -

frastructure, education, and the cost of living. He would build alliances, demonstrate emotional control under pressure, and show the nation that he possesses the temperament required to govern.

Instead, what the public often sees are heavily scripted, rehearsed videos designed more for emotional manipulation than meaningful national discussion. These productions may fool some people temporarily, but many Guyanese can recognise political theatre when they see it.

The nation deserves authenticity, not manufactured outrage packaged for Facebook consumption.

Within WIN itself, experienced politicians must surely recognise the danger. They are watching a leader who increasingly appears reactive rather than strategic, emotional rather than disciplined, and performative rather than statesmanlike. Every opposition movement reaches a moment when it must decide whether it is building a serious political alternative or merely creating viral content for public consumption.

Guyana’s future is too important for politics driven by resentment, theatrics, and personal vendettas. The country needs leaders both in government and opposition who can elevate national discourse rather than drag it into a cycle of sensationalism and division.

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.

The growing importance of gas development in Guyana

FOR years, Guyana’s energy story has been defined largely by rapidly rising offshore oil production. At this year’s Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas, however, discussions increasingly reflected something broader taking shape: Gas development will take greater prominence in the trajectory of the country’s economic transformation.

The conversations at the OTC made clear that natural gas is being positioned as the foundation for industrial expansion and energy security in Guyana.

The proposed Longtail development was a key mention by ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge, who explained how it fits into the company’s broader production vision for the Stabroek Block.

ExxonMobil’s Senior Director of International Government Relations

Craig Kelly pointed to Berbice as an area where future gas development could support industries ranging from fertilizer and power generation to alumina and data centres. The Berbice vision is expected

to be supported largely by future gas supplies from Longtail and the planned Haimara development.

The discussions at the OTC align closely with the government’s ambition for a large-scale industrial hub in Berbice.

Importantly, the ambitions surrounding Berbice extend beyond energy alone. The area is also expected to play a role in a wider infrastructure buildout that includes a proposed deepwater port, and expanding road connections to northern Brazil. That broader corridor could position Guyana as a strategic link between northern Brazil, the Caribbean, and international export markets.

At the OTC, Kelly described Guyana as a potential investment anchor for northern Brazil and the southern Caribbean. That approach ties directly into the government’s broader development strategy, where gas development is expected to support not only industrial activity, but also logistics, trade and regional integration.

President Irfaan Ali’s keynote address at the conference further reinforced this direction. He described Guyana’s

approach as an “energy balance” model that combines hydrocarbon development, renewable energy expansion, and environmental stewardship. A key part of that strategy is the Gas-to-Energy project at Wales, which is expected to provide cheaper and more reliable electricity while supporting industrial development. The project is widely viewed as the first major step towards using gas resources to stimulate economic activity onshore.

The proposed Berbice industrial hub represents a broader evolution of the Gas-to-Energy concept. In many ways, the conversation is no longer simply about extracting hydrocarbons offshore, but about how those resources can reshape the domestic economy. Oil production will remain a key driver of Guyana’s economy, but gas is increasingly being positioned as the mechanism through which the country can expand manufacturing, strengthen infrastructure, and create new investment opportunities beyond offshore production itself.

That wider ecosystem was visible throughout the

OTC discussions.

Private Sector Commission Chairman Gerald Gouveia Jr. repeatedly emphasised the need for investment partners to help drive Guyana’s next stage of growth. Much of that future investment is expected to emerge around industrial and infrastructure opportunities linked to gas development.

Similarly, Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Kathy Smith stressed the importance of ensuring local businesses benefit from the country’s expanding energy economy. As large-scale gas projects advance, op-

portunities are expected to emerge not only for major foreign investors, but also for small and medium-sized enterprises through subcontracting, logistics, fabrication, maintenance and support services.

ExxonMobil and its contractors have already been investing heavily in local capacity development under Guyana’s local content framework. Routledge noted at OTC that the sector is increasingly moving toward in-country fabrication, maintenance and workshop support as offshore activity expands. Those capabilities are also likely

to become increasingly important as gas infrastructure development accelerates.

What emerged from OTC was a clearer picture of Guyana’s next phase: Not simply an oil-producing State, but a country attempting to use gas as the bridge towards industrial expansion, regional integration, and a more diversified economy.

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.

Celebrating peace as war escalates

IN a few days, on Saturday, May 16, countries will celebrate the International Day of Living Together in Peace as war rages on across the globe.

The most recent hostility began in February when the United States attacked Iran, killing its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, now involves several countries in the Middle East. Israel, which, along with the US, then launched joint strikes against Iran, soon turned its attention to Lebanon, attacking the Hezbollah group, which has ties with Iran.

The Iranians have retaliated by bombing sites in both Israel and countries in the Persian Gulf, particularly targeting American bases there.

Meanwhile, the death toll in Iran and Lebanon has mounted into the thousands

and the destruction is considerable throughout the region.

Conflicting statements have been made by the US about the purpose of the war, though the American president, Donald Trump , holds fast to his claim that it is primarily intended to destroy Iran's nuclear capability.

Now, with an uneasy ceasefire in effect and after more than a month of hostilities, it is unclear whether this objective has been achieved.

Regime change, another apparent reason for the war, has not been successful, as the Ayatollah's son, Mojtabi Khamenei, is seemingly now in charge.

Further, the Iranians have closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for the passage of a quarter of the world's oil.

This has led to severe economic repercussions in

countries around the world, including the United States, where gas prices continue to rise and necessary agricultural supplies are being hampered.

International attention has now shifted away from the other current major wars - Israel/Palestine and Russia/ Ukraine - not to mention hostilities currently taking place in several other countries around the world.

Closer to home, Venezuela has been challenging Guyana's territorial integrity and claiming almost twothirds of our country. And in an ominous gesture, the Acting President of Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez, has been openly wearing a brooch showing the disputed Essequibo region as part of Venezuela.

The border controversy is currently before the Inter-

national Court of Justice and the formal hearing has now begun, with both sides presenting arguments. Guyana's representatives at the Court include the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Hilton Todd; Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall and a seasoned group of international lawyers.

As I write this, the Iranians and Americans have been 'trading shots' despite the ceasefire and the situation remains so volatile that it is doubtful whether the two countries will be able to come to an agreement without further hostilities.

However, the hope is that the negotiations between the US and Iran, being brokered by Pakistan, will ultimately prove successful and similarly, that the Guyana/Venezuela border controversy before the ICJ will be resolved

peacefully.

It is against this scenario that nations will be celebrating a Day of Peace with a theme that could not be more timely - "Living Together in Peace: building Trust through Dialogue, Inclusion and Reconciliation."

The point is well made by UNESCO that, “...dialogue is not a ceremonial gesture or a matter of good intentions alone, it is one

of the ways societies begin to repair damaged relationships, ease tensions and create the conditions for peace to hold.”

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.

Gov’t meets with rice farmers to discuss assistance

AGRICULTURE Min-

ister Zulfikar Mustapha recently met with residents and farmers of the No. 52 to No. 74 area on the Corentyne Coast, where he engaged them on several government initiatives aimed at strengthening the agricultural sector and expanding opportunities for farmers.

During the meeting, Minister Mustapha spoke about implementation of the assistance programme for rice farmers announced by President

Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali.

The minister also outlined the government’s vision of working closely with farmers to develop integrated farming systems by utilising portions of their existing lands for the cultivation of high-value crops.

Among the crops highlighted were coconuts, which the minister said has seen significant expansion over the last five years as part of the government’s diversification agenda.

“We’ve expanded coconut production to 38,000 acres over the last five years. To date, 76,000 green dwarf co-

conut nuts were imported from Brazil to further expand coconut cultivation across the country,” he disclosed.

Minister Mustapha further explained that, in addition to coconuts, several other high-value crops can also be cultivated to reduce Guyana’s import bill, while creating new opportunities for farmers.

The minister also updated residents on ongoing infrastructural development in the area, noting that the Moleson Creek road is currently under construction at a cost of approximately $700 million. [ DPI]

Corentyne woman receives land for Mother’s Day

By Bebi Shafeah Oosman

IN a heart-felt gesture just ahead of Mother’s Day, a lease agreement was officially handed over to Amrita Singh, a single mother of four, paving the way for the construction of a new home under President, Dr Irfaan Ali’s Men on Mission (MoM) initiative.

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, on Saturday visited the woman at the location where he officially handed over the lease through GuySuCo and assured her that it was placed in her name.

“We give you this piece of land, we will build this house for you” the minister told the woman just ahead of Mother’s Day.

Singh’s husband tragically lost his life while working at sea

and has endured years of hardship while striving to provide for her children.

With the support of the Men on Mission initiative, she will now have the opportunity to build a safer and more stable future for her family.

Construction of the new home is expected to commence shortly on the leased property and will be completed over the next two months by private contractor Rondhall Lewis.

“We will build a two-bedroom house for you and fence it and put light and water, so this here is your lease so nobody can’t put you out.”

The initiative is part of government’s iniatiative to support vulnerable families and ensure that citizens facing difficult circumstances are given opportunities to rebuild their lives with dignity

his life while working out at sea

deep emotional significance.

It served as a reminder of the sacrifices made daily by mothers across Guyana who work tirelessly to care for and provide for their families despite immense challenges.

The gesture also underscored the importance of community support and national initiatives aimed at improving lives and strengthening families.

As construction gets underway, Singh expressed gratitude for the assistance, noting that the opportunity has given her renewed hope and confidence for the future of her children.

and hope.

Through programmes such as the MoM, assistance continues to be extended to single parents, low-income households, and individuals in need of critical support.

For Singh and her

children, the new home represents far more than bricks; it symbolises security, comfort, and a fresh start after a period marked by personal tragedy and uncertainty.

The intervention will provide the family

with a place they can truly call their own, while creating a more stable environment for the children to grow and thrive.

The handing-over ceremony, taking place just one day before Mother’s Day, carries

The Men on Mission initiative continues to play a vital role in transforming lives and delivering meaningful support to families across the country, Minister Mustapha said yesterday.

Two houses destroyed in Sheet Anchor fire

By

TWO houses were completely destroyed by a mid-morning fire on Friday at Sheet Anchor Village, East Canje, Berbice, leaving two families displaced and counting millions in losses.

The fire reportedly began at the home of Jeffrey Fraser before quickly spreading to the neighbouring property owned by Phulmattie Madramootoo.

According to Madramootoo, she was preparing a meal when she noticed smoke coming from next door. She said she immediately rushed outside and saw flames engulfing Fraser’s house. The woman related

that with the assistance of a neighbour they were able to rescue Fraser’s four-year-old son, who had reportedly been locked inside the house at the time of the blaze.

Madramootoo said her three-bedroom home, which she shared with her son, had recently undergone several renovations, all of which were destroyed in the fire. The distraught woman said she is now uncertain about what steps to take next.

Officer-in-Charge of the Guyana Fire Service in Region Six, Clive McDonald, said the fire service received a report at approximately 11:57hrs and immediately dispatched two fire tenders to the location.

Meanwhile, an

84-year-old eyewitness known as “Aunty Betty,” claimed that the fire was deliberately set. Recounting the incident, she said a young man alerted her to the blaze and rushed to rescue the child trapped inside the burning house.

“The boy next door run and say, ‘Aunty Betty look fire deh over deh,’ and when he run over deh a child deh in the house ah cry because the door had lock from outside hook on, so he take out the lock and he take out the child and bring he and put he pon the road and the father come and collect the child and he gone,” the elderly woman recalled.

Investigations into the cause of the fire are in progress.

Motorcyclist drops gun while fleeing police in Bourda

THE police are investigating the discovery of a firearm after a motorcyclist allegedly dropped the weapon while fleeing from a police rank in Bourda, Georgetown, on Friday evening.

The incident reportedly occurred around 19:15hrs near the Bourda Market Police Outpost.

According to a police release, a rank who was on duty observed an identifiable male riding a motorcycle north along Orange Walk in breach of the one-way traffic system.

The officer attempted to stop the rider, but the motorcyclist allegedly tried to evade the police and collided with a

motor car and a nearby barrier.

The police said that during the collision, a suspected firearm fell onto the roadway from the rider’s person.

The motorcyclist reportedly regained control of the motorcycle and escaped farther north along Orange Walk.

The weapon recovered from the scene was identified as a black and silver 9mm Girsan pistol containing four matching rounds of ammunition.

The firearm was later taken to the Criminal Investigation Department and lodged pending further examination. Investigations are ongoing.

President Ali calls on Canada to join Guyana-led Global Biodiversity Alliance

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali has called on Canada to join Guyana’s Global Biodiversity Alliance (GBA), arguing that a country positioning itself as a leader in climate and environmental issues should play an active role in shaping the future of biodiversity protection and financing.

The GBA, conceptualised by President Ali, is a Guyana-led international initiative launched in July 2025 to bring together countries, experts and key stakeholders to advance biodiversity conservation, unlock the value of ecosystem services through carbon markets, and support the global goal of protecting 30 per cent of nature by 2030.

Headquartered in Georgetown, Guyana, the alliance is focused on developing, promoting and implementing innovative financing mechanisms, including biodiversity credits, to support conservation efforts and sustainable environmental management.

Speaking recently at the Guyana-Canada Business Forum at the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, Canada, President Ali said Canada’s participation in the alliance was critical, especially as the global economy increasingly shifts toward climate and biodiversity-based solutions.

He stressed that Guyana has already launched the initiative and attracted participation from advanced economies and leading institutions worldwide.

Over a dozen countries had joined as founding members. Members/partners include Guyana, the United Kingdom (UK), which formally joined in January 2026, and the World Bank through

its International Development Association (IDA) as a formal partner in April 2026.

Guyana aims to expand membership to at least 140 countries and organisations.

“We launched the Global Biodiversity Alliance. Some of the most advanced economies and the best institutions in the world are joining that alliance,” Ali said. However, he noted that “Canada has not

joined as yet”.

The Guyanese Head of State made a direct appeal for Canadian involvement, asserting that the country’s environmental credentials should naturally align with the alliance’s objectives.

“I believe that it is important for Canada to be part of the Global Biodiversity Alliance, because if Canada projects itself as a leader on environment, climate, and biodiversity, how can they not be part of the Global Biodiversity Alliance?” he questioned.

The Guyanese leader framed the alliance not only as an environmental initiative but as a major economic opportunity for countries capable of participating in emerging climate markets.

He explained that the alliance could help unlock new pathways for sophisticated climate economies, such as Canada’s, especially through the development of biodiversity credits.

“We have to be able to make the case, because the Global Biodiversity Alliance unlocks opportunity for a sophisticated climate economy like Canada,” Ali stated.

The President said Guyana sees tremendous potential in establishing “a market-based mechanism for the

sale of biodiversity credit,” noting that biodiversity loss globally presents both an environmental challenge and an opportunity for countries that have preserved their natural resources.

He said, “If we're able to come together and build a market-based mechanism for the sale of biodiversity credit, the power of that in the future, when the world has lost more than 60 per cent of its biodiversity in the last 50 years, just imagine a country like Guyana that has kept our biodiversity intact.”

Dr. Ali cautioned that global industrial expansion and increased mineral extraction are placing additional strain on ecosystems worldwide, making biodiversity preservation even more urgent.

“Just imagine the potential of this market,” he said, while referencing a world “pursuing minerals at a speed and scale, never imagined in the history of humanity,” which could continue to place pressure on the Earth’s natural systems.

The President also linked government policy directly to private sector participation, warning that Canadian businesses may be less likely to pursue biodiversity-related opportunities in Guyana

unless there is policy-level support from Ottawa.

“But again, if at a policy level Canada is not there, then the private sector will not follow, because the private sector follows government lead,” Ali said. “Canadian investors would follow policy.”

According to Dr. Ali, diplomacy and government cooperation remain essential to unlocking broader investment opportunities between Guyana and Canada, especially as Guyana rapidly advances its development agenda.

He added, “That is why diplomacy and government goes hand in hand. If at a government level we don’t create the lead for the private sector to follow, then it becomes difficult for the private sector to understand at a national frame where we’re heading and where those opportunities are.”

President Ali’s remarks formed part of a wider address to Canadian investors and officials in which he outlined opportunities in agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, healthcare, education and energy, while encouraging a deeper reset in Guyana-Canada relations to reflect Guyana’s evolving economy.

Hidden vision problems among children, seniors prompt expansion of eye-voucher programme -

THE discovery of widespread, previously undetected vision problems among children and senior citizens has prompted the Ministry of Health to expand its eye-testing and spectacles voucher programme to all age groups in 2026.

Epidemiologist Dr Anand Persaud said findings from the programme revealed that many Guyanese were unknowingly living with eye conditions, including short-sightedness, farsightedness and cataracts, highlighting the need for earlier intervention and broader access to screening.

“We saw in the results that we were getting a number of persons, whether they be children and senior citizens, that [sic] had several ailments of the eye,” Dr Persaud said during the Ministry of Health’s “Health Matters” programme.

“We saw a lot of persons with short-sightedness, farsightedness. In some of the senior citizens, we saw a lot with cataracts.”

According to Persaud, those findings, coupled with strong public demand, influenced the government’s decision to widen the initiative beyond its original target groups of children under 18 and adults over 65 years old.

He explained, “We had a great public demand, so across the healthcare facilities, across the service providers, we saw a lot of persons coming out to get their eyes tested.”

“The ranges between those two previous ranges – working adults and so on –they also said, ‘Hey, we want to be included too.’”

The eye-testing programme, introduced in 2024, initially focused on children and senior citizens, providing a $2,000 voucher for eye examinations and a $15,000 voucher to assist with prescription spectacles. Under the expanded initiative, Guyanese of all ages can now benefit.

Dr Persaud stressed that untreated vision problems can significantly affect education,

Epidemiologist

Dr Anand Persaud

productivity and quality of life.

“Eye health determines your livelihood, it determines your education and it determines your personal advancement,” he stated. “Whether you’re a child, whether you’re a senior citizen, a working adult, your vision plays a vital role.”

He explained that one of the biggest challenges is that many people wait until their vision worsens before seeking help, rather than screening early.

“You don’t necessarily think it’s important until

something develops and impedes your vision, then you panic,” Persaud said. “What we’re trying to do is prevent that. We’re saying the government is providing the resources for you to go and test your eyes before.”

To underscore the importance of early testing, the epidemiologist shared his own experience of being diagnosed with short-sightedness as a child after teachers noticed a decline in his academic performance.

“I was unable to see on the board, and so I was not performing as well as I should,” he recalled, noting that many children may unknowingly struggle in school due to undetected vision problems.

Dr Persaud urged parents and working adults to take advantage of the programme, warning that early screening can prevent complications from worsening over time.

“You don’t necessarily think that a child might have an eye issue until you get to the optician and do the tests,” he said. “Utilise the oppor-

MoH’s Epidemiologist

tunity, let your kids get their eyes tested. You might be able to identify refractive errors or issues that can be fixed from the early onset.”

Dr Persaud explained that persons must first use the $2,000 voucher to access an eye examination at an approved private provider. If the examination determines that spectacles are needed, the individual can then return to a health centre or the Ministry of Health with the prescription to uplift the $15,000 voucher to assist with the cost of glasses.

He noted that the ministry has worked closely with private service providers to make eye care more affordable, with some providers lowering costs and, in certain cases, offering spectacles at prices close to the value of the $15,000 voucher.

The vouchers are available at health centres nationwide, with adults required to present identification such as a national ID card, passport or driver’s licence. Parents can also uplift vouchers on behalf of children under 18.

Brutality, victim impact push manslaughter sentence to 32 years in Linden killing

TWENTY-seven-yearold Keno Lampkin, also known as “Cuz” and “Coues”, was on Monday sentenced to 32 years imprisonment for the fatal stabbing of Kevin Seraphim following a Demerara High Court trial that concluded on March 17, 2026.

Acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh arrived at the sentence using a starting point of 36 years. He applied several deductions and additions, including increases for the brutality of the attack and the impact of the killing on the victim’s family, ultimately arriving at a final term of 32 years imprisonment.

Time spent on remand since September 2023 will be deducted from the sentence.

The matter stemmed from an incident on August 23, 2023, at Speightland, Lower Kara Kara, Mackenzie, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) while both men were at a party.

According to evidence presented in court, trouble began when 41-year-old Seraphim’s girlfriend was slapped by another man at the event. Seraphim confronted the individual, leading to a heated argument that escalated into a physical altercation. The man was reportedly among a group of men, suspected to be a gang, and Lampkin was said to be part of that group.

Eyewitnesses told the court that Seraphim, while defending his girlfriend, armed himself with a bottle and stabbed one of the men, who fell into a nearby culvert. The confronta-

tion intensified, with the men scuffling before being separated.

However, the situation quickly escalated. The group allegedly began attacking Seraphim, hurling bottles, pieces of wood and other objects at him, effectively trapping him in the culvert and preventing his escape.

Witnesses further testified that Lampkin was seen entering the culvert with a knife and stabbing Seraphim. The injured man later managed to exit the culvert but collapsed shortly after, and the group reportedly continued the assault.

A post-mortem examination revealed multiple injuries, including a stab wound to the chest caused by a sharp instrument measuring approximately 12 centimetres. The pathologist also found evidence of blunt trauma to the head. The cause of death was determined to be perforation of the heart and lung due to the stab wound.

Victim impact statements tendered to the court detailed the devastating toll Seraphim’s death had on his family.

His sister, Yolanda

James, described the deceased as her protector and biggest supporter, telling the court, “I was his only sister, and my brother was my biggest motivator and provider.”

She recalled that Seraphim helped pay for her Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) exams, and later bought her a laptop to assist with her studies at the University of Guyana.

“I feel robbed of my brother, and miss him dearly. I will forever grieve his loss. I would like to ask this court for justice for my brother.”

Seraphim’s mother, 62-year-old Paula Booker, said her son’s death left her traumatised and grieving deeply.

“My son’s death has significantly impacted our lives. We were very close, and spok e constantly on the phone,” she said. “I became ill and lost weight rapidly. It has been almost three years since he died, but his death is felt daily.” She added, “I will forever grieve and miss my son’s presence.”

According to a probation report prepared for the court, Lampkin was raised primarily by his mother in

Linden and described his upbringing as stable despite financial challenges.

The report stated that he discontinued his education during his teenage years and later sought employment to sustain himself. Relatives and community members described him as easy-going, outspoken and friendly, noting that they were shocked by his involvement in the crime.

A pre-sentence report prepared by prison welfare officials noted that while incarcerated at Lusignan Prison, Lampkin participated in family reconciliation and wellness and success programmes and was described by officers as “quiet, peaceful, clean, and respectful,” with no infractions recorded against him.

Fellow inmates characterised him as pleasant and peaceful.

Despite expressing remorse, Lampkin maintained his innocence, telling the welfare officer: “I feel extremely sad, shame, and shock at the same time, knowing that I am behind bars for an offence I did not partake in.”

He added, “There was no

existing need for me to murder anyone. I always try my utmost to avoid conflicts whenever they seek to arise.”

Lampkin was arrested on September 14, 2023. When the allegation was put to him, he told investigators, “Me ain’t murder anybody.” As the investigation progressed and he was confronted with evidence, he maintained, “Me ain’t bore nobody. Me ain’t went on the incident.”

Two days later, on September 16, 2023, he was positively identified during identification parades and formally charged on September 18, 2023, at the Linden Magistrate’s Court.

A prima facie case was later established, and he was committed to stand trial by Magistrate Ruschelle Liverpool on March 27, 2025.

The defence also challenged the integrity of the identification parade, though evidence presented indicated police followed the required procedures

At the close of the prosecution’s case, Lampkin gave an unsworn statement from the dock, admitting he was present on the night of the incident but denying involvement, claiming he was merely a witness. Prosecutors highlighted that this contradicted the defence’s earlier position that he was not at the scene.

The prosecution was led by State Counsel Geneva Wills, assisted by State Counsel Christopher Belfield of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

During the High Court trial, Lampkin’s defence, led by attorney George Thomas, argued that he was not present at the scene and had instead gone to take an injured person to the Linden Hospital Complex.

Gov’t mobilises support for Apaiqua Landing fire victims

— Ministers dispatched by President Ali as more than 20 persons displaced

ON the instructions of President, Dr Irfaan Ali, Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat and Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond travelled to Apaiqua Landing along the Mazaruni River in Region Seven

on Saturday to meet with residents affected by a devastating fire which destroyed several properties on Friday night.

According to information from Minister Walrond on the ground, the blaze resulted in the

destruction of nine buildings and displaced more than 20 persons, leaving families and business owners grappling with significant losses.

The ministers conducted assessments in the community and are coordinating relief and

support efforts for those affected as the government moves to provide immediate assistance.

“Our thoughts remain with the families and business owners impacted during this difficult time,” Minister Walrond said in a Facebook post.

The visiting team is also engaging residents to determine the extent of the damage and identify urgent needs, while agencies continue to investigate the cause of the fire.

Apaiqua Landing, a mining community located along the Mazaruni River, is home to several businesses and residents who depend heavily on river transport and commercial activities for their livelihoods.

Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.

R3PSInc Head hails President Ali’s Visionary Leadership Award as validation of Guyana’s transformation

HEAD of Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSInc)

Halim Khan has welcomed President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s recent receipt of the Visionary Leadership Award in Houston, Texas, saying the honour was an international recognition of the bold leadership that is reshaping Guyana’s economy and creating new opportunities for businesses and communities across the country.

“This award comes at an important time for Guyana as the country continues to garner global attention for its rapid economic expansion, investor confidence and growing international partnerships,” Khan said, adding:

“This recognition by the President is much more than an individual accolade; it reflects the confidence-building leadership, policy direction and strategic vision that has placed Guyana among the world’s most watched emerging economies. This leadership has created a climate of optimism, expansion and opportunity for the private sector, especially in Region Three.” The recent award was

R3PSInc Head Halim

presented to President Ali in Houston before a gathering of global industry leaders, policymakers and executives, and was dedicated to the people of Guyana as a symbol of collective national effort, resilience and shared ambition rather than as a symbol of individual success. He told the gathering that Guyana’s progress is driven by strong partnerships, sound governance, and a people-centred model of development, one where

economic growth is measured not only in figures but also in improvements in everyday life, from education and healthcare to poverty reduction and social mobility.

The comments resonated with the business community at R3PSInc, Khan said, especially in Region Three where collaboration between the public and private sectors has become increasingly important to unlock investment, employment and entrepreneurial growth.

President Ali’s message that “oil and minerals are the gifts of the earth, but prosperity is a gift we give ourselves” is in line with the broader national agenda of diversification and sustainable development, Khan said.

“That philosophy is especially important in the private sector,” Mr. Khan said. “It demonstrates that the future of Guyana will not be based on natural resources only but on innovation, enterprise, human capital and the ability of businesses to grow with national development.”

The award is part of a series of high-level international engagements by the President to deepen Guyana’s global partnerships.

President Ali and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, during his recent visit to Canada also discussed the expansion of bilateral cooperation in investment, innovation, climate leadership and regional relations.

The discussions also highlighted Guyana’s long-standing relationship with Canada, including common views on sovereignty, territorial integrity, biodiversity and food security.

“These engagements are critical to unlocking market access and attracting strategic investment that can be leveraged by sectors beyond oil and gas,” said Khan.

“President Ali’s diplomacy is turning into economic opportunity,” he said. The international confidence being built today will have direct implications for manufacturing, agro-processing, logistics, tourism and services –areas in which Region Three has great potential.

This confidence was once again underscored at the Guyana-Canada Business Forum where President Ali announced that foreign direct investment has risen to some 35 percent of Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a figure he said is extraordinary evidence of global confidence in the country’s economy, political stability and development path.

The President also discussed the next stage of Guyana’s economic transformation, highlighting healthcare, education, tourism, agro-processing, manufacturing, artificial intelligence and data centres among the priority sectors for diversification.

The vision is in line with the aspirations of the local private sector, said Khan.

“The President’s development agenda is a great opportunity for R3PSInc,” he said. “His focus on diversification, technology, infrastructure and private sector growth sets the stage for long-term national prosperity. “Businesses in Region Three are prepared to play their part in that journey.”

President Ali’s repeated statement that the role of government is to create the enabling environment and business drives growth and wealth creation sends a strong signal to investors locally and internationally, he said.

For Khan and the wider business community of Region Three, then, the Visionary Leadership Award is more than symbolic. It is further confirmation that Guyana’s transformation is being recognised globally, and that under Ali’s leadership, the country is positioning itself not only as an energy producer, but as a competitive, diversified and forward-looking economy.

Taxi driver dies after road-rage stabbing in Sophia

A 36-year-old taxi driver, Casey Chapman, died on Saturday after he was allegedly stabbed during a confrontation at Plum Park, Sophia.

The police said the incident occurred on Friday around 23:45hrs and stemmed from an argument between two drivers along Farmers Field, Sophia.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the victim was driving his motor car with a female passenger when he encountered another vehicle travelling in the opposite direction near a barber shop.

According to a police release, both vehicles came alongside each other and neither was able to pass clearly, resulting in an argument that escalated into a physical altercation.

During the confrontation, the suspect allegedly armed himself with a knife and stabbed the taxi driver in the middle of his chest. Police said the blade broke off and remained lodged in the victim’s chest.

DEAD: Casey Chapman

Despite his injuries, the victim reportedly drove himself to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation Accident and Emergency Unit, where he was admitted and later succumbed in the wee hours of Saturday morning.

The suspect, a 34-yearold painter of South Sophia, was arrested at the scene and taken into police custody. He was later escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation for medical attention.

Investigators recovered a brown wooden knife handle believed to be part of the weapon used in the attack.

The police said CCTV cameras in the area are being reviewed as part of an investigation, which is ongoing.

CANU seizes cocaine, illegal firearm in Berbice operation

intelligence-led operation at Springlands, Corriverton, Berbice, on Friday

OFFICERS of the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) have seized more than 45 kilogrammes of suspected cocaine and recovered an illegal firearm during an intelligence-led operation at Springlands, Corriverton, Berbice, on Friday.

According to CANU, officers, acting on information, searched two cardboard boxes and discovered 40 brick-like parcels containing a whitish powdery substance suspected to be cocaine. A preliminary field test returned positive results for the narcotic.

Further searches led to the discovery of an EKOL ASI UZI firearm fitted with a magazine containing ammunition.

Two persons were arrested and escorted to CANU Headquarters along with the suspected narcotics and firearm.

CANU said the cocaine weighed approximately 45.644 kilogrammes, or about 100 pounds, with an estimated local street value of around $50 million Guyana dollars and almost €1.575 million on the European market.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the shipment was destined for Europe.

“The seizure highlights CANU’s continued commitment to disrupting transnational narcotics-trafficking networks, intercepting illicit drug shipments destined for international markets, and removing illegal firearms from communities,” the agency stated.

CANU added that intelligence-led operations and regional co-operation remain essential in protecting Guyana’s borders and strengthening national security.

Investigations are ongoing.

CANU launches anti-drug booklet series to boost public awareness

THE Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) launched 12 informative booklets under its “The Truth about Drugs Series” to educate citizens on the lasting effects of substance and alcohol abuse.

The initiative forms part of the government’s ongoing drug awareness campaign aimed at ensuring citizens remain informed, stay in control, and protect their future.

CANU Director James Singh said the booklets are more than just educa-

tional material. He called it a “wake-up call”.

He said too many lives are being quietly damaged by drugs and alcohol that often hide behind social acceptance while causing long-term harm to families, communities, health, and future generations.

“At the Customs Anti Narcotic Unit, we believe prevention is as powerful as enforcement. Stopping the spread of addiction begins with truth,” Singh emphasised.

The booklets were designed to be reader-friend-

Money changer shoots robbery suspect during hold-up

A SUSPECTED armed robber was shot during a confrontation with a licensed firearm holder after a robbery on America Street, Georgetown, on Friday night.

The police said the incident occurred around 19:34hrs at the corner of America and Longden Streets and involved a 35-year-old money changer and businessman of Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara.

According to a police release, the businessman was seated on his motorcycle plying his trade when two suspects rode up on a black XR motorcycle from an eastern direction.

The pillion rider reportedly dismounted, pointed a handgun at the victim and demanded money before relieving him of $200,000 Guyana currency from his pants pocket.

The police said that as the suspect attempted to flee, he discharged three rounds in the victim’s direction, during which a 41-year-old maintenance worker of Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, who was nearby, was struck to his right leg.

Investigators further disclosed that the victim, who is a licensed firearm holder, responded by firing two rounds in the direction of the suspect, hitting him and causing him to fall to the ground.

The injured suspect reportedly got up and escaped south along Longden Street, while the rider fled west along America Street.

The injured bystander was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where his condition has been listed as stable.

The police later went to the same hospital where an injured 24-year-old man of Tucville, Georgetown, was found receiving medical treatment under police guard. His condition is also listed as stable.

Ranks recovered two .32 spent shells and three 9mm spent shells from the scene, which were lodged for examination.

The police are continuing efforts to locate the other suspect. Investigations are ongoing.

Director of CANU, James Singh

ly and accessible to people of all ages, particularly children and teenagers. They address issues surrounding alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, vaping, pills, new psychoactive substances (NPS), and drug trafficking. Of the 12 publications, three are specifically tailored for children between the ages of eight and 13.

These are titled ‘What You Don’t Know About Drugs’, ‘Why You Should Say No to Drugs’ and ‘Saying No to Drugs’.

Another three publications provide more detailed guidance for parents and teachers.

These include ‘Illicit Drugs and Its Effect’, ‘CANU’s Teacher Guide on Drugs’ and ‘What Parents Need to Know About Drugs’.

Each booklet carries a message from the CANU director, and outlines the short- and long-term risks associated with various drugs and substances. They also examine the wider social impact of substance abuse, suggest healthier alternatives, and

provide information on support services and resources available to citizens.

The booklets are available Online, and can be downloaded from the CANU website at https://canu.gov.gy/tbd/. [DPI]

ENGLISH RACING TIPS

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SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS

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IRISH RACING TIPS

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08:20 hrs Khafar

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CORK

08:30 hrs Maestro Des Pins

09:05 hrs Big Dispute

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10:50 hrs Humble Brag

11:25 hrs Doctor Du Mesnil

12:00 hrs Only For Our Man

12:30 hrs Aine

Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Rashid power GT to second spot with fourth straight win

(ESPNCRICINFO) - Twenty-eight overs into the contest in Jaipur, Rajasthan Royals (RR) were keeping pace with Gujarat Titans (GT). They were 86 for 3 in seven overs, chasing 230. Dhruv Jurel looked like he had excised his slow-batting demons.

He was on 24 off 9 and ready to go bigger. Then, Rashid Khan spun one past Jurel’s slog to peg back his stumps.

It was the first of his four wickets. On a night of a spin chokeholds by both RR and GT, Rashid’s spell of 4 for 36 was the point of difference between both sides.

At the end of it all, GT zoomed up to second spot in the points table with 14 points. It was their fourth consecutive win, as they continued their late surge in this IPL.

Earlier in the evening, half-centuries from Shubman Gill and B Sai Sudharsan - and their 118-run opening partnership - headlined GT’s biggest IPL score outside Ahmedabad. They had been greeted by an all-pink Jaipur.

RR’s jerseys were the same colour, in honour of their women’s empowerment movement.

By the end of the powerplay, Gill and Sudharsan couldn’t have felt more at home themselves.

They had raced away to 82 for 0, and alongside Rashid’s spell, they headlined a 77-run win.

Wide and wider in the powerplay

Jofra Archer took 11 deliveries to get through the first over of the match. It featured nine extras and was the longest opening over in the history of the tournament.

By the end of it, Gill and Sai Sud-

harsan - without taking any big riskshad raced away to 18 for no loss.

This was the theme of the powerplay: the opening pair kept getting balls on their pads or bouncers shooting way over their heads.

They played most of their shots in the ‘V’ down the ground. By the end of the first six, they were just 18 runs away from their ninth 100-plus partnership, the second-best tally in the IPL, just behind Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers.

Punja

and Jadeja choke the middle overs

Despite their big start, Gill and Sai Sudharsan slowed down in characteristic fashion.

Both of them reached their fifties off 30 balls. Yash Raj Punja (1 for 37) and Ravindra Jadeja (1 for 34) did not find much turn off the surface, but bowling in tandem through the middle overs, they cut off the risk-free boundary options for the opening pair.

A leg injury while running between wickets affected Gill’s running as well. Punja took out Sai Sudharsan for 55 off 36, holing out to long-on, and Jadeja speared in a delivery to Jos Buttler at 107kph to rush him on a drive straight to long-off.

Washington, Tewatia give GT big finish

After GT’s whirlwind start, 220 was a base expectation from their innings. By the end of the 19th over, they were on track to finish under it, stuck on 208 for 4.

Brijesh Sharma had plucked out Jason Holder’s wicket and given away just

Chandrika, Latif tons highlight...

• From Page 27

The pair joined forces at 25-2 in the fourth over and dominated the bowlers with several imperious shots as Diplomats chased white leather for 16.1 overs.

Diplomats were restricted to 88-5 in 15 overs chasing a revised target of 181

Seon Gaskin was unbeaten on 32 as Javed Rasheed captured 2-10 for Everest, who won by 92 runs on the D/L/S System.

At Bourda, Positive Foundation Agricola were dismissed for 116 in 18. 1 overs.

Leron Crawford made 58 from 37 balls with five fours and three sixes. However, only Ander Baker (19) and Deonarine Thakurdyal (15) reached 15.

Vijai Kalpu snatched 5-14. He got support from former Test player Leon

Johnson (2-11) and Joash Charles (224).

GCC lost Shiloh Adams (7) at 10-1 before slipping to 22-4 as Joshua Wade, who made a century in the last match, Nicholas Shiopersaud and Johnson all made ducks.

Timothy McCalmont and Navindra Persaud added 79 runs for the fifth wicket to revive the home team’s position.

Rickford Mohammed trapped McCalmont lbw for 45 from 29 balls with two fours and a couple of sixes to break the stand.

Sue Sealon removed Yeudister Persaud (7) and Dhanesh Persaud (0) in quick succession. But it was too little too late, as Navindra Persaud kept his head and his wicket to steer GCC to victory with an unbeaten 51 from 43 balls with three boundaries. With him was Kennard

four runs in the 19th, varying his pace and bowling into the blockhole. However, his gold-dust over was reduced to a footnote when Tushar Deshpande missed his lines in the last over.

Rahul Tewatia maneuvered around the crease to leather back-to-back sixes, before Washington Sundar hit one of his own to drag GT to 229 for 4.

Siraj outfoxes Sooryavanshi in the powerplay

It is the stuff of routine now. The bowler chugs in, bowls a perfectly okay delivery, and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi sends him into the stands first-ball.

Saturday night was no different, as Sooryavanshi clobbered Mohammed Siraj across the line over the long-on boundary.

Next ball, a Siraj yorker rifled towards the stumps, and Sooryavanshi inside-edged onto his foot and fell to the ground.

Sooryavanshi looked set for another big start, despite limping between wickets, blasting Siraj for three fours in four deliveries.

On the fifth delivery, he was rushed into a hook off a fiery bouncer that carried to square leg.

In the blink of an eye, Sooryavanshi went from zero to 16-ball 36, then from the middle to the dugout.

Siraj (1 for 55) and Kagiso Rabada (2 for 33) became the first pair of IPL bowlers to bowl through the powerplay four matches in a row.

Jurel ventured down the track to plunder a 22-run over against Siraj before the powerplay ended. Rashid would pluck him out soon anyway.

Moonsammy, on one. GCC reached 117-7 in 16.4 overs.

Shaquille Leung and Sealon had two wickets for Agricola, who put up a good fight.

At the Transport Sports Club ground, the host team beat the Police All-stars Academy by 67 runs after making 2014 in 20 overs and limiting the Police Academy to 134-8.

Reyad Latif hammered 106 from 61 balls with 10 fours and seven sixes. He got support from Emmanuel Lewis and Jeremiah Hohenkirk, who each made 34.

Darwin Larose 2-48 for the Academy, who had a solid opening partnership of 71 between Ravindradat Budram, who hit four fours and six in 45 and Troy Benn, whose 49 lasted 33 balls and was decorated with six fours and two sixes.

BCB, Cardiologist Services partner for U-21 tournament

THE Berbice Cricket Board, in its continuing effort to promote cricket in the ancient county, last Thursday launched the BCB/Cardiologist Services Inc. Under 21 Tournament.

The simple launching ceremony was attended by BCB President Dr. Cecil Beharry, Administrator Angela Haniff, Junior Selector Chairman Balram Samaroo, and the staff of Cardiologist Services led by its head, Dr. Mahendra Carpen.

Chief Selector Balram Samaroo, at the presentation ceremony held in the Cardiologist Service office at the Mercy Hospital in Georgetown, noted the importance of the Under 21 tournament. He stated that it was a bridge between players finishing at the Under 19 level and the senior levels. Samaroo noted that many players become frustrated when they complete the Under 19 level, thinking that their cricketing careers are over. The Under 21 tournament offers them a chance to take their cricketing career forward and a chance to make the GWI Breakaway Tournament.

At least twenty teams across

CMC – Armed bandits got away with an estimated TT$15, 000 in cash belonging to the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) in a daring daylight robbery on Friday.

According to a report by Guardian Sports, the robbers stormed the TTCB’s offices at Clifford Roach Drive in Balmain, Couva around 1:30 p.m. and held up staff at gunpoint before opening a safe and making off with the cash in a waiting vehicle.

the county are expected to play in the tournament, including: Albion, Port Mourant, Rose Hall Town, Cotton Tree, No. 73 Young Warriors, Tucker Park, Bush Lot Sports Club, D'Edward Sports Club, Achievers Youth, Mt. Sinai and Rose Hall Welfare Centre

The tournament would be played on a knockout format for players born on or after the 1st of September, 2005. Samaroo, a senior member of the BCB Competition Committee, also stated that players like Adrian Hetmyer, Romesh Bharrat, Matthew Pottaya, Vishal Williams, Afraz Budhoo, Nathaniel Ramsammy, Ramario Ramdehol, Micah Amsterdam, Feaz Baksh, and Richard Ramdehol are expected to play.

BCB President Dr. Cecil Beharry expressed thanks to Dr. Carpen and the medical group for their support and noted that the Under 21 is an important part of the board's age limit format. The BCB, he disclosed, has secured sponsorship for tournaments at the Under 12, 13, 14, 16, 19, 21, and 23 levels, in addition to females, second division, intermediate, and first division levels.

In a subsequent release, the TTCB condemned the brazen and violent act.

“No employee should have to endure the terror and trauma inflicted by these gunmen in the course of simply carrying out their duties,” the statement read.

“This disturbing incident is another stark reminder that crime and criminality continue to threaten the safety, wellbeing and peace of law-abiding citizens and institutions across our nation. We call on the rel-

Dubois dethrones

Wardley in the 11th round

The BCB boss expressed thanks to his administration for hosting a successful tournament and to complete it by the end of the year.

Dr. Carpen stated that Cardiologist Service Inc. was very proud to be associated with Berbice Cricket. The game in the Ancient County has a proud tradition of producing top-class players, and he expressed the hope that more players would emerge from the Under 21 tournament. He announced that his company would sponsor the tournament for the next five years with increased financial sponsorship.

The famed medical surgeon also announced that in 2027, the sponsorship, apart from being increased, would include cricket gears for participating teams, a comprehensive coaching programme for players, and a broadbased contribution to the overall development of the game across the county.

Dr. Carpen, who hails from the cricketing village of Albion, stated that he is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of youth through the avenue of sports.

evant authorities to act swiftly and decisively to bring those responsible to justice and to strengthen measures to protect citizens from escalating violent crime,” it added.

The TTCB said it would continue to support its staff during this difficult time as they recover from the traumatic ordeal.

Head of the National Operations Centre, Johnny Abraham said roadblocks were set up to intercept the bandits and noted that the matter is being investigated.

(BBC) - Daniel Dubois survived two knockdowns - the first after just 10 seconds - to dethrone a bloodied but courageous Fabio Wardley in the 11th round of a thrilling heavyweight classic and become a twotime world champion.

Wardley floored his fellow Briton early with a flush right hand and dropped him again in the third, before Dubois regrouped and responded with wave after wave of heavy shots.

The Ipswich fighter, his nose damaged and one eye swollen shut, staggered around the ring yet somehow stayed on his feet and continued to fire back. As the contest drifted into uncomfortable territory, the referee had eventually seen enough and halted the fight. A distraught Wardley sank to his knees as Dubois celebrated capturing the WBO heavyweight title.

“It was a war, thank you Fabio for that, thank you. I know I’ve got heart, bundles of heart. I’m a warrior in there,” Dubois told DAZN.

“I had to get back up, bounce it off and come back harder. I’m a warrior.”

In a week when Dubois’ mentality was questioned, the 28-year-old silenced his critics with a clinical display of heart and power.

Dubois picked up his 23rd professional victory and reasserted himself at the top of the division as Wardley, 31, lost for the first time in 22 fights.

With knockout power stacked heavily on both sides, the fight joined a rare crop of elite encounters to live up to its pre-fight hype, as promoter Frank Warren confirmed there is a rematch clause.

Having arrived an hour later than the champion to the venue because of Manchester traffic, Dubois made a brisk, business-like ringwalk.

Wardley, in his first appearance since being upgraded to world champion, soaked in the atmosphere with a leisurely entrance. Draped in an Ipswich Town Football Club robe, he was greeted by a warm reception from the 18,000-strong crowd.

With a combined record of 42 wins - 40 coming by knockout - there was palpable anticipation inside the arena,

and Wardley stayed true to his promise to bring the action early as Dubois immediately hit the canvas after a flush right hand.

Dubois winked to his corner but looked shell-shocked. He wrestled Wardley to the ground as both fighters swung for the hills.

Many expected Dubois to impose himself early before Wardley could settle. Considered the better technical boxer, he regrouped and landed a right in the second.

Momentum swung again in the third when Wardley, who looked sharp with his overhand right and uppercuts, sent Dubois wobbling. Dubois took a knee and survived the count before firing back with a right hand that rocked Wardley. The fighters and fans struggled to catch a breath as trainer Don Charles urged Dubois to lean on his jab, and he followed that instruction to take control of proceedings.

Dubois’ left eye was swollen, but Wardley’s face looked a mess as Dubois set up his attacks with a left jab before landing his biggest shots in the fourth and the sixth.

Wardley, who was working in recruitment a decade ago, showed an extraordinary chin and heart as he refused to go down despite his legs trembling and blood pouring down his face.

Most would likely have been withdrawn by their corner, but Wardley has built a reputation on dramatic comebacks. This time, however, it felt different. The doctor inspected Wardley’s injuries before the eighth round and allowed him to continue.

By the ninth, the referee looked ready to intervene as Wardley continued to absorb heavy punishment and the contest became increasingly difficult to watch.

Doctors again allowed Wardley to continue before the 10th and when the stoppage finally arrived in the 11th, there was almost a sense of relief.

A sensational fight had reached its conclusion. Warren - a veteran of 45 years in the sport - described it as “the best heavyweight fight” he has ever promoted.

Adidas delivers major boost to AAG

THE Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) has taken delivery of its first major consignment of Adidas gear, marking the tangible start of a high-profile, multi-year partnership with the German apparel giants.

In a ceremony at the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) headquarters on Friday, the long-awaited “three stripes” arrived in bulk. Club representatives walked away with a

significant haul of spikes and training sneakers—the first phase of an agreement brokered by Guyanese consultant Cubie Seegobin.

The clubs receiving equipment on Friday were Running Brave, Super Upcoming Runners, Police Progressive Youth, Hope Town Flames, Ruralities Athletics Club, Upper Demerara, N.A. United, Mercury Fast Laners, De Challenger, Titans, Guyana Defence

YBG Berbice Regionals Basketball Conference

Berbice Educational Institute & Tutorial Academy are latest winners

YOUTH Basketball Guyana returned to the Vryman Erven Basketball Court in New Amsterdam on Friday with Berbice Educational Institute & Tutorial Academy clinching wins in the Berbice leg of the Regional Basketball Conference played in the Ancient County.

The action tipped off with the girl’s category as Tutorial Academy took on JC Chandisingh Secondary School. Tutorial Academy put up a strong offence with a stifling defense to win 10-0.

Player of the match Jada Alexander led with 8 points and 2 rebounds.

Next, Berbice Educational Institute edged New Amsterdam Secondary 21-18 in a hotly contested matchup.

Leading the way for Berbice Educational Institute was Shaquen Marks, who dropped 9 points and 7 rebounds.

Supporting was Bryan Kirton, who scored 8 points coupled with 4 rebounds.

On the losing side, New Amsterdam Secondary's Dominique

Force, Christianburg Wisburg Secondary School, Fury Tenason Athletics Club, Team Nice and Bladen Hall.

This isn’t just a branding exercise; it is a heavy-duty investment in the nation’s sporting future. The initial payout for the four-year deal is $US300,000 in equipment alone. Over the course of the contract, the figures remain clinical: Two years of $US300,000 in apparel, followed

by two years at $US250,000.

Crucially for the next generation, a dedicated $US20,000 annual training gear pot has been carved out specifically for youth development.

AAG President Amanda Hermonstine, alongside General Secretary Dr. James Cole, hailed the moment as a turning point, noting that the arrival of the gear proves that the commitment made in 2025

was far more than just paper and ink.

However, the windfall comes with a stern caveat. Dr. Cole was quick to issue a “hands off” warning to anyone looking to profit from the deal, stressing that the equipment must reach the athletes directly.

Any club caught selling the apparel has been promised swift and “appropriate” disciplinary action from the executive.

Rodriguez was decent with 6 points and 5 rebounds.

Tutorial Academy bots closed off the day with a 36-20 win over Vryman’s Erven Secondary.

Leading the way for Tutorial Academy was Rakeone Gladstone, who starred with 10 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 steals.

Also supporting their offensive efforts were Deandre Hemerding with 9 points and Trevor Abrams with 6.

Tabeal Braithwaite led all scorers with a game-high 14 points, albeit in a losing cause.

The regionals continue today with the Georgetown leg at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall with 4 matches set for the day.

Chase Academy will meet the Bishop’s High B; schools of the Nations play the Bishop's High A; St Stanislaus College plays Tutorial High; and Marian Academy clashes with Queen College.

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

Linden Town Week ‘Joelyn’ Joseph Road Race

Mark Lewis dominates to cop first

Mark Lewis (Jr.) emerged as the winner of the Linden Town Week cycling race which was staged in recognition of one of Linden’s greatest sportsmen, former national champion cyclist James’ Joelyn’ Joseph.

The former two-time Olympian, Joseph, was there in support of the activity and even participated in the interest to encourage the Linden only cycle race, which showcased the cycling prospects

from the mining town. Arranged by cycling enthusiast Nigel London, who heads the Guyana Cycling Federation; the race was specially arranged as part of the sports package for this year’s annual Linden Town Week 56th anniversary celebrations, and from all appearances will likely become an annual affair.

While Lewis Jr. carted off nine of the prime point prizes,

Joseph who placed second took the other sprint prize with London taking third spot, Deleus Richardson was fourth and Garfield Lorrimer was fifth.

On hand to help present the various cash incentives and winners’ trophy was Mayor of Linden Dominique Blair.

Total sponsorship for this race was acquired from D. Sookram and Daughters Contracting Company.

GCA/Sherwin Williams T20 Second Division Cricket

Chandrika, Latif tons highlight latest round

By Sean Devers

Classy centuries from former West Indies opener Rajendra Chandrika and Reyad Latif highlighted the latest round of the rain affected GCA’s Sherwin Williams T20 second division cricket yesterday.

At Bourda, in the morning game, Eldorado beat Sophia by 23 runs. Eldorado, on the back of Ntini Permaul’s 29-ball 60 with six fours and three sixes, Eldorado reached 131-7 in 16.3 overs when rain stopped play.

Skipper Tyriq Walters removed Deonarine Dindyal without a run scored. Permaul and Elnathan Sukhnandan (17) added 66 for the fourth before Walters ran out Sukhnandan.

Tuen Hicks (15) and Ron Percival (12) were the only other batters to reach double figures.

Walters had 2-12 for Sophia, who were bowled out for 108 in 15.5 overs.

Malcolm Morris (18) and Christian Benjamin (13) 41 for the first wicket before they lost three wickets for two runs.

Joshua Grant hit a four and a six in his 25 before only Benjamin (13), Walters (12), and Ronaldo Hercules (11) reached doubles, before they were run out.

Akeem Williams and Yogendra Singh had two wickets each.

At the Police ground in the morning game, the Cops beat GDF by 5 wickets on the D/W/S system.

The Soldiers reached 120-5 in 18.2 overs when rain interrupted play.

Neil Persaud hit five fours and a six in his 38, while Leon Andrews supported with 24 as Mark Jeffers had 2-19 for Police, who replied with 104-5 in 14.4 overs.

Andrew Lyght jr. reached the ropes five times and cleared it once in his 46, and along with Pernell London (28) put together 71 for the first wicket.

Dwayne Dick (5) fell at 78-2 before Ameer Mohamed (0) departed at 79-3.

Lyght and Jeffers (8) took the score to 92 as the sun returned in all of its

glory before Jeffers was dismissed.

Ayinde Rogers removed Lyght at 95-5, but Dumuka Ngqendon (2) and Kyle Michael (6) saw their team home.

At Everest in the afternoon game, the home team, led by a double century third wicket stand between the 36-year-old Chandrika, who hit 14 fours and five sixes in an unbeaten 120 and Navindra Persaud, who made 91 from 44 balls with nine fours and four sixes, reached 234-2 in 20 overs.

• Continues On Page 24

AAG hands over Adidas spikes and training gear to clubs