Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 13-05-2026

Women-led businesses playing integral role in Guyana’s economic expansion

- President Ali highlights growth in female entrepreneurship, lending access and targeted agro-processing policies

PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan

Ali has hailed the growing role of women-led enterprises in Guyana’s economy, noting that female entrepreneurs are driving investment, development and innovation across several key sectors

The head of state made this known while responding to questions at a recent Canada-Guyana business forum during which he stated that women in Guyana were increasingly leading businesses and industries, while benefitting from expanded access to financing and government-backed initiatives aimed at boosting entrepreneurship.

Dr Ali stated that women should not be viewed through the lens of dependency or special treatment, but rather as major contributors to economic growth.

“Women are not looking for handouts,” the President said.

He added, “Women are leading. Women are empowering. Women are making the difference in our society.”

Against this backdrop, he pointed to the rapid expansion of women-owned businesses in Guyana, particularly within the contracting and agro-processing sectors. According to Dr Ali, some of the country’s leading enterprises are currently being led by women.

“We have the most women-owned contracting company in all of the region, all of the Caribbean,” he stated.

He went on to highlight the policy, which requires that 35 per cent of all new agro-processing businesses be owned by women, indicating that female participation in the sector has

grown significantly in recent years.

The president further revealed that lending from commercial banks to women-owned businesses is now at its highest level in the country’s history, attributing the increase to the success and credibility of female entrepreneurs.

With this, he noted that women account for more than 70 per cent of graduates from Guyana’s universities, while more than 70 per cent of the country’s food industry is driven by women.

Along with traditional business sectors, the President outlined plans to expand opportunities for women through a new “care economy” initiative focused on childcare and elderly care services.

Under this programme, thousands of women are being trained in caregiving services. “We are now co-investing with them so they can build out their facility,” he said.

He went on to speak on the launch of a small business development programme through the Guyana Development Bank, which is aimed at removing barriers to financing for women and young entrepreneurs. This initiative, he said, will provide interest-free and collateral-free loans to small business operators, allowing them to access additional financing from commercial banks.

With this, he encouraged entrepreneurs to take advantage of the opportunities and noted that the country’s growing economy offers room for private investment, specifically in the food and hospitality sectors.

Additional pumps to be deployed

- as Gov’t ramps up flood responses for hardest-hit Georgetown communities

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali, in the wee hours of Tuesday morning, announced an intensified national flood response, including the emergency deployment of additional pumps to vulnerable communities in Georgetown, and along the coast as heavy rainfall continues to test the city’s drainage system.

Speaking during an onsite assessment in Queenstown and Alexander Village, President Ali said Guyana is moving from one period of heavy rainfall into another, and that government agencies are working around-theclock to minimise flooding, particularly in low-lying areas.

He noted that investments in pumps and outfall channels have already re -

duced the scale of flooding in some traditionally floodprone parts of the capital, but warned that poor maintenance and indiscriminate dumping of garbage continues to undermine drainage capacity.

“Our focus is on getting the water out as fast as possible; we have seen tremendous improvement in the city because of the investment,”President Ali said.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha reported at the time that 217 pumps were operable across the country, including 15 along the Atlantic coastline, all of which are in use.

Up to 14:00 hrs the following afternoon (Monday), approximately four-and-ahalf inches of rainfall had been recorded.

“We are monitoring

these critical situations around-the-clock,” Minister Mustapha assured the public as he explained that teams are focusing on low-lying areas where water has accumulated, even though there were “no major concerns” yet of water entering homes.

He said that new pumps will be deployed to additional and vulnerable areas, and that drainage structures are being opened to complement the pumping capacity already in place.

CITY DRAINAGE UNDER STRAIN

In Queenstown, President Ali highlighted recurring flooding in a few streets despite broader improvements in the city.

He pointed to overgrown drains, builders’ waste, sand filling, and encumbrances on drainage reserves as

key contributors to localised flooding.

“This should have been a drain that had storage capacity, but it’s not maintained at all,” the President said, stressing that many alleyways and drains in Queenstown, Albouystown, and other areas are “completely overgrown”, and “not maintained by the city council at all.”

He said that Central Government has been forced to undertake capital interventions to clear drains and alleyways, and will now have to develop a long-term maintenance programme rather than rely on the Mayor and City Council.

CLEARING OUTFALLS AND COASTAL WORKS

Meanwhile, Chairman of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Lionel Wordsworth said the government began clearing outfall channels in Georgetown about two weeks ago, ahead of the peak rainy season.

“We have 13 sluices which are operated, and all those outfalls will be cleaned. And that will continue,” he said.

He added that amphibious excavators are being used to clear inlets and outlets along the coast and in Region Six, with “a lot of excavation work” ongoing to maximise the efficiency of existing drainage infrastructure.

Minister Charles Ramson, who was also on site, identified Fourth Street, Alexander Village as one of the hardest-hit areas in Georgetown.

President Ali added that technical teams will remain

on the ground until the additional unit is installed and operational.

He emphasised that while some of the worst effects have been avoided compared with previous events, the speed of drainage is still constrained by limited storage capacity in clogged and encumbered drains, especially where buildings have encroached on drainage reserves.

ADDITIONAL PUMPS

Speaking during a follow-up visit to the Riverview pump station, Minister Mustapha said the President instructed that an additional pump be relocated there in response to the rapid water accumulation in the area.

The Minister confirmed that two pumps are now in place, with one already operational. The other, he said, will be put into operation once a sluice door is closed. He stressed that the additional unit will remain permanently.

Mustapha reported that as a result of recent interventions, most of Georgetown’s low-lying areas are now dry, and that all 16 pumps in the City are currently operable. Nationwide, he said, Guyana now has 217 pumps, with new units recently arrived and being deployed to address problem areas.

However, he expressed disappointment with the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, noting that the Cowan Street sluice was not opened during low tide despite heavy rainfall.

“I’m very disappointed that this morning, during the low tide, the Cowan Street sluice was not opened by the City Council… Although we

had so much rainfall, they failed to open the sluice,” he said.

Mustapha indicated that if the Council fails to operate key drainage structures, the Central Government is prepared to take over management and operation to protect residents. With the Hydrometeorological Office warning of more rainfall closer to the weekend, the minister said teams are continuing preparatory and monitoring work to ensure an effective drainage system in Georgetown and other regions. He noted that recent investments have already reduced the length of time floodwaters remain in affected communities, particularly in Alexander Village, which he described as “very vulnerable and prone to flooding”.

JOINT

MONITORING AND CONTINUOUS RESPONSE

President Ali said the government has established a joint monitoring mechanism, involving the Joint Services and technical agencies, to oversee pump operations and respond rapidly as rainfall patterns change.

He stressed that constant monitoring, additional pumps, and sustained capital and strategic investments in drainage are aimed at minimising rather than fully eliminating the impact of intense rainfall events.

He noted that with more rain expected in the coming days, the authorities will maintain 24-hour operations of pumps nationwide, and continue targeted interventions in the most vulnerable communities.

Residents praise one-on-one VP outreach

Owen Ross walked into the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) with two problems and walked out with both sorted. A pending house lot and a National Insurance Scheme (NIS) issue tied to a former employer were resolved in a single afternoon.

“I’ve been waiting a little while concerning my house lot, and I got it sorted out. It was very lovely,” he told the Department of Public Information (DPI).

Ross was one of hundreds of residents who turned up on Monday for a Public Day hosted by Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo and members of the cabinet, where they met with people one-on-one to hear and tackle their

concerns on the spot.

VP Jagdeo said the idea was simple.

“Hopefully, at the end of the day, we’ll be able to resolve many of the issues faced by many of our people, and even if we can’t resolve it today, set out a process through which we can resolve it by meeting them subsequently,” the VP told reporters. Some residents braved the rain to be there.

One attendee said it was worth every bit.

“The presentation was good and the timeline was very efficient. My issue was dealt with immediately and I feel really good to have interacted with them and seeing them on the ground with the laymen,” the resident said. For some, it worked exactly like that. Leomie Jacobs, a mother of three raising her children alone, said she got right through to a minister and left feeling like someone had actually listened.

“It means a lot. It really encourages me,” she said.

Abiola Smith had a

similar experience. She said she came in, got to see the VP and left with her problem resolved.

“I think they’re doing a good thing. If you have any issues, you have to come down, and you will get attended to,” she said, stating that, “A lot of people might say that they’re not getting this and that, but that’s why this event is very much important, so all can come and get

their problems solved”. Miss Presta almost stayed home.

She said fear nearly kept her away, but the moment she arrived, that changed.

“People talk so much, but when you actually meet the persons, they are nothing like the people said,” she said, after which she declared that, “I was here to see the VP and I’m out smiling.”

A recently registered small contractor said that the day gave him direct access to senior ministers he would not have had otherwise.

Singer Kaya, who raised matters centred on culture and tourism,

said she appreciated being able to handle things in real time.

“You find out a lot of things that are happening that you might not be aware of, and you get first-hand references being done right here on the ground,” she said.

Community representative Malaika Boxhill from Leopold Street also commended the Public Day initiative and called for similar initiatives to be held.

“If they do every six months, it will be good to help persons because a lot of persons need help,” she said. (DPI)

Former APNU representatives, councillors throw support behind PPP/C

GENERAL Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, on Tuesday, met with a group of former A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Members of Parliament and current Regional Councillors at their request.

Those attending the meeting included former Members of Parliament Rickly Ramsaroop, Shurwayne Holder and Dinesh Jaiprashad, along with current Regional Councillors Ravoldo Birbal, Sheik Yaseen, Prince Holder and Gangadai Lloyd.

During the meeting, the group expressed to the General Secretary a desire to be associated with the People’s Progressive Party and to contribute meaningfully to Guyana’s ongoing development, while serving the interests of the Guyanese people, as the country advances along an unprecedented path of economic growth and modernisation.

General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Dr Bharrat Jagdeo flanked by a group of former A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Members of Parliament and current Regional Councillors

The group praised the Party’s stewardship of the

economy, inclusive approach to governance, and the scale of transformation taking place

across the country. They noted that the PPP has demonstrated the leadership, capac-

ity and technical expertise required to effectively manage the country, sustain growth,

and improve the welfare of every Guyanese, regardless of race, religion, or any other differentiating factor.

The group also described the Party’s openness as welcoming and contrasted the current political atmosphere with their previous experiences. They observed that the Party’s manifesto outlines plans that have been, and continue to be, vigorously pursued, resulting in tangible improvements in the lives of Guyanese and communities across the country.

The General Secretary indicated that the PPP is a Party of inclusion that works for all Guyanese, and therefore welcomed the interest expressed by the group.

The PPP reaffirms that the Party’s focus remains on strengthening national cohesion, expanding opportunities for citizens, and ensuring that the benefits of development reach all Guyanese.

‘Stop threatening Guyana and starting learning from it’

- US Congresswoman tells Venezuela; praises Guyana’s economic stewardship

UNITED States Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar has issued a strong statement backing Guyana’s sovereignty and sharply criticising Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodríguez over continued threats against Guyana.

In a post published on X (formerly Twitter), Salazar, who serves as chairwoman of the subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere on the House’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, accused Rodríguez and the Venezuelan administration of attempting to undermine Guyana while praising the country’s management of its growing oil wealth and economic development.

“Delcy thinks she can trick President Trump the same way she and Maduro tricked and destroyed Venezuela,” Salazar wrote.

She further accused the Venezuelan leadership of seeking to “steal territory

from a free and sovereign nation like Guyana”.

It was then that Salazar also commended Guyana’s handling of oil revenues.

She said, “They (Guyana) managed their oil wealth responsibly, created a sovereign wealth fund, and saw GDP per capita quadruple in just five years.”

The congresswoman sternly noted that the Venezuelan acting president "should stop threatening Guyana and start learning from it.”

Salazar’s remarks come on the heels of recent hearings before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague concerning the longstanding controversy over the Essequibo region. Guyana has consistently maintained that the matter must be resolved through the ICJ process under international law, while Venezuela has continued to challenge the court’s jurisdic-

States

tion despite participating in aspects of the proceedings.

During the hearings, Guyana argued that Vene-

zuela’s claims to the Essequibo region threaten the country’s territorial integrity, peace and development.

The ICJ has already issued provisional measures ordering Venezuela to refrain from actions that could alter the status quo in the disputed territory while the case remains before the court.

Guyana has repeatedly maintained that it remains committed to a peaceful resolution of the controversy through the rule of law and the ICJ process.

Guyana’s Digital Future

GUYANA’S drive towards a modern digital State has taken another major step forward as more than 21,000 citizens have already enrolled for the new electronic identification (E-ID) card system.

While criticisms of technological transformation often revolve around readiness, privacy and accessibility, early progress in the programme suggests the country may finally be laying the groundwork for a more efficient and connected public service architecture.

The government’s target of enrolling 200,000 people by the end of 2026 is ambitious, but ambition is just what Guyana needs at this stage of national development.

The country is experiencing rapid economic growth

driven by oil revenues and higher investment, which is putting growing demands on public institutions.

People want better service, less bureaucracy and systems that match the reality of the modern economy.

Many long-standing frustrations could be resolved by the E-ID initiative.

For years, ordinary Guyanese have been subjected to tedious bureaucratic processes that require the same documents to be re-submitted to different agencies over and over again. Citizens are frequently mired in a cycle of paperwork, delays and inefficiency when applying for pensions, National Insurance Scheme (NIS) benefits, licences or other services.

That reality could be changed dramatically by a

secure digital identification framework that allows agencies to verify information in an integrated, seamless and secure manner.

Data Protection Commissioner Aneal Giddings’ explanation highlights the practical value of the initiative.

Rather than having citizens run around from one office to another collecting documents, the E-ID system could help authorised agencies to instantly retrieve verified records, thus reducing waiting times and enhancing service delivery. This is not only progress of technology, but also administrative reform.

Equally important is the effort of the government to ensure nationwide inclusion. The setting up of registra -

tion offices in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five and Six and the extension of the scope of mobile registration outreaches to hinterland and riverine communities such as Bartica, Puruni, and Lethem demonstrate an understanding that digital transformation cannot be limited to the coastland alone. Development is not legitimate if it does not include vulnerable groups.

It’s also commendable in its commitment to help elderly and shut-in citizens.

All too often, modernisation programmes inadvertently marginalise those least able to navigate new systems.

The decision to send out mobile teams, and to collaborate with agencies like the General Registrar’s Office is

an indication of the needed recognition that accessibility must be central to implementation.

Success will still depend a great deal on public confidence. Worries over privacy, surveillance and data security have been raised by digital identification systems around the world.

Hence the government must put in place strong safeguards, transparency and accountability mechanisms. Citizens need to know precisely how their data will be stored, who will have access to it, and what safeguards are in place to prevent misuse or cyber threats.

However, officials have clarified that the E-ID card is not intended to replace passports, driver’s licences, or GECOM ID cards at this point.

This distinction is important not only to avoid unwarranted political controversy, but also to reassure citizens that the main goal of the initiative is to improve service efficiency, not to change the Constitution or the electoral system.

Guyana stands at a critical juncture in which technology can either strengthen public trust or compound public suspicion. This is being done transparently, securely, and inclusively. The E-ID programme will be one of the most transformative governance reforms in the country in decades.

Early enrolment figures suggest many Guyanese are ready to embrace that future.

AI systems implemented in public healthcare helping patient outcomes – Min Anthony

MINISTER of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, said artificial intelligence (AI) systems being utilised in the public healthcare system are significantly improving patient outcomes.

Speaking on the ‘Starting Point’ Podcast on Sunday, he explained that the AI systems are currently being used at five hospitals to interpret X-rays.

Some of the features of the modern digital X-ray unit --

“When you do a digital X-ray, it goes to the system, the system thinks for about 20 seconds, and tell you whether it is normal or abnormal.

If it is abnormal, it will think for another minute, and it will give you a tentative diagnosis,” Dr Anthony explained.

The minister said the AI software is capable of identifying possible diagnoses, measurements, dimensions and other abnormalities from medical images.

Minister Anthony emphasised.

The minister added that the AI system can detect details that medical professionals may sometimes find difficult to identify.

“They can perceive things that humans would have a challenge finding and the system that we are using is about 99 per cent accurate.”

“The use of the technology is helping us to significantly improve outcome for patients,”

He noted that the system can also read CT scans and MRIs as the ministry expands the use of advanced diagnostic technology across the healthcare system.

However, he noted that radiologists will continue reviewing the scans to ensure accuracy and strengthen diagnostics.

The health minister also announced plans to expand the technology to all public health facilities equipped with digital X-ray machines.

“We have contracted the company to implement it,” he said.

Minister Anthony added that all analogue X-ray machines have already been removed from the public healthcare system and replaced with top-of-the-line digital technology to aid in this effort. (DPI)

Guyana building tech-driven economy

- President Ali tells Canada-Guyana forum - notes country positioning itself as regional hub for data centres, digital services

PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali says Guyana is rapidly advancing an ambitious artificial intelligence (AI) and digitisation agenda, all aimed at transforming government services, modernising infrastructure, and positioning the country as a hub for digital investment and data services.

The Head of State was at the time speaking during a recent Canada-Guyana business forum, where he noted that the government has already integrated AI into several sectors and is pursuing a comprehensive strategy to improve efficiency across public services.

“We have advanced in AI at a speed unimaginable in Guyana,” Dr Ali said. He stated that the coun-

try’s digitisation strategy is designed to minimise human interface in government systems while embedding AI-driven processes throughout public administration.

“Everything that we are doing is to remove human interface as far as possible and to build AI backbone in every level of service,” the President stated.

Against this backdrop, he disclosed that the use of AI now extends from immigration and tourism services to national security, defence and healthcare systems.

The President stated that countries cannot afford to delay technological development while waiting for complete regulatory frameworks to be established.

“The problem is that you

cannot build out an AI infrastructure and strategy while waiting on all of the guardrails to be put in place.”

According to the President, Guyana intends to use AI and advanced technology to “leap progress into the future” while simultaneously creating new investment opportunities tied to the country’s growing energy capacity.

As such, the president noted that Guyana is already positioning itself as a destination for hyperscale data centres and related digital infrastructure.

He noted that major international players in the data centre and AI industries recently participated in the Berbice Business Summit hosted in Guyana.

With this, he disclosed

Why was Anand Persaud not accountable?

TWO issues made the news last week and both should generate discussion about the value of accountability in Guyana. The first development centres on PNC leader, Aubrey Norton; the second on former editor of the now defunct anti-government daily, Stabroek News (SN), Anand Persaud. Mr. Norton will be the subject of another column.

Just six months after he arrived in Guyana, EU Ambassador Van Ness bestowed on Persaud the Embassy’s Human Rights Award. It was an act of vulgarity (what is Van Ness doing in retirement in small Holland these days?) because if the embassy wanted to give away such an award, the eligible Guyanese ran into the dozens, with all of them far ahead of Persaud.

I have lived in Guyana my entire life, and I have not seen what Persaud would

have done to earn that award.

I am not a fan of the Kaieteur News (KN), and I am disdainful of Mr. Glen Lall but in terms of scoops, KN has always been way ahead of SN. In terms of investigative journalism, KN in Guyana’s history lags only behind the inimitable Catholic Standard under the tenure of Jesuit priest Andrew Morrison. So Mr. Persaud was in the news last week. He was selected to address a meeting of the Guyana Press Association (GPA). This is a body that had a president for 8 years when the constitution allows only for two terms, a term being two years. This is an organisation that held an election without transparency and accountability, and only the incumbent had access to the list of voters and that list was denied to the challenger. The result of that election was oxymoronically more

comical and evil than any of the twisted national elections under Forbes Burnham and Desmond Hoyte. After the contest between Nazima Ragubhir and Neil Marks, here is what I wrote in my column of Tuesday, March 25, 2025 titled “Guyana: Insults to journalism.”

“When you look at the numbers the PNC gave itself in the 1973, 1980 and 1985 general elections, then you want to believe that someone in the GPA read about those elections and copied the methodology. Ms. Raghubir is a conspicuous media figure on the opposition side. Yet her votes were an incredible piece of mathematics, reminiscent of 34 instead of 33 being the majority of 65.

Mr. Marks had the support of media houses, both state and private, and should have won handsomely. But he didn’t and the votes Ms. Ra-

that a local partnership is currently working on a proof-of-concept project that could pave the way for Guyana’s emergence as a data centre hub.

“We see Guyana as a destination in the infrastructure and ecosystem and economy of AI,” he said.

The President also spoke on the government’s ongoing digital transformation in the healthcare sector, revealing that several technology-driven systems are already being rolled out nationwide.

These include the Patient Management Information System, the Healthcare Information System, a healthcare appointment platform and an Emergency Medical Services management system that incorporates

AI-driven features.

US-based healthcare institutions, Mount Sinai Health System and Northwell Health, he noted, are assisting with implementation, while Apollo Hospitals is also collaborating with Guyana on healthcare technology initiatives.

“We are leapfrogging at a speed that is unbelievable,” Ali declared.

Further to this, President Ali said the government is finalising a national fintech implementation plan that includes a national payment

system and digital wallet infrastructure.

He added that customs and border operations are also being modernised through technology aimed at reducing inefficiencies and limiting human bias in administrative processes.

Meanwhile, President Ali encouraged Canadian investors to participate in Guyana’s expanding technology and infrastructure sectors, while also highlighting other opportunities in energy, logistics and public infrastructure.

ghubir got as against Marks’ remind one of the 70 percent Burnham claimed in the 1973 general elections as against 26 percent for the PPP. The result of the GPA’s 2023 elections is identical with the 1973 results – Raghubir 70 (PNC- 70), Marks 25 (PPP 26).

Logical deduction would reveal even to a moron that Ms. Raghubir could not get 70 votes because if you add up all the opposition-aligned media houses, the employees in total do not reach 70. In contrast, State media houses and private newspapers voting for Marks would have put him far past Ms. Raghubir.”

Now here is what Mr. Persaud told the GPA; that the GPA should seek a yearly stipend from the government. Is this man a clown or simply being facetious? The GPA had a president for 8 years in contravention of its constitution. The GPA held a

general election whose results strained the imagination. And thirdly, since the Ali presidency came into being, the GPA like SN became hostile to the Ali presidency.

Amidst this incredible lack of credibility, Mr. Persaud wants taxpayers’ money to support the GPA. What is under focus here is the question of accountability.

Critchlow Labour College (CLC) received an annual subvention from the state, and it was withdrawn because the state asked for accountability. One person headed CLC for 25 years when the subvention was stopped. CLC refused to introduce term limits. When APNU+AFC came into power, it refused to reintroduce the subvention because accountability was the issue.

Mr. Persaud should be the first name in any discussion on accountability. The media are so powerful that in

politics and journalism it is nicknamed the Fourth Estate, after the three tiers of power - judiciary, legislature and executive. Now it is commonsensical to know that such a powerful institution in society has to be accountable.

KN and Mr. Glen Lall, its owner, are not accountable to the society. Go through the oceans of my columns and you will find an unlimited amount of commentaries on lack of accountability by Mr. Persaud. He ran SN, the way Glen Lall runs KN. This man wants taxpayers’ money to fund an unaccountable organisation in Guyana named the Press Association.

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

Government to develop electronic patient record system at GPHC – Min Anthony

The Ministry of Health has begun digitalising patient records at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) as part of efforts to modernise Guyana’s public healthcare system.

Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony said the initiative, which was first tested at the Festival City Polyclinic, is now being expanded to the country’s main public hos -

pital.

On the Starting Point podcast on Sunday, he explained that implementing the system at GPHC is more complex because of the hospital’s multiple departments and large patient volume.

“So, in another couple of weeks, we are going to be able to roll that out at the outpatient department. Then they will go from one department to another. I would say it’s going fairly well, but it’s a very complex

process. We have thousands of patient records. So, making sure that these things are accurate is very important,” he said.

Once completed, the digital system is expected to significantly improve efficiency in accessing patient records.

“You will have your record on your phone if you like and you can move from one point to another and that record would be with you,” the minister explained.

The minister highlighted another major benefit of the system, saying it would im -

prove access to medication histories.

The health minister said the government hopes to complete the first phase of the GPHC digitalisation project by the end of the year.

Once the system is evaluated, the ministry intends to expand it to other public hospitals.

“The intention is to have the entire public health system connected and using these records,”

Dr Anthony said.

Moreover, he revealed plans to introduce clinical decision-making software for doctors.

The software can flag potentially harmful drug interactions when multiple medications are prescribed together, allowing doctors to review and override alerts if necessary.

“So, all of this is going to help to improve the quality of care, and that’s what we are trying to do,” he emphasised.

He added that the ministry also plans to work with private healthcare providers to integrate the system for a more seamless transfer of patient information between facilities.

Ruling in deadly Mahdia dormitory fire compensation challenge set for June 18

ACTING Chief Justice Navindra Singh is expected to rule on June 18 in the legal challenge brought by relatives of victims of the 2023 Mahdia Secondary School dormitory fire over compensation agreements signed with the State.

The matter returned to court recently, centering on settlement agreements signed in July 2023 between the State and families of the 13 girls who died in the dormitory blaze.

Compensation was paid and accepted under those agreements, but the applicants are now seeking to challenge their validity.

The applicants contend that the agreements were signed under duress and without independent legal advice. They argue that the

circumstances surrounding the signing of the agreements, particularly involving Indigenous families from hinterland communities, were coercive and raise constitutional concerns. The lawsuit also centres on their claims of negligence and wrongful death, alleging that failures in duty of care contributed to the victims’ death.

The State, however, maintains that the agreements remain legally binding, arguing that compensation was offered and accepted by the claimants and that there is no legal basis to set aside the settlements. The State also contends that the claim of duress has not been sufficiently established.

During the hearing, Acting Chief Justice Singh

questioned the timeline of the challenge, noting that the agreements were signed and compensation disbursed in July 2023, while the legal challenge was filed more than a year later. Concerns were also raised regarding inconsistencies in submissions before the court.

Following arguments, the matter was adjourned, with the Acting Chief Justice indicating that he will deliver his ruling on June 18.

The May 2023 deadly fire at the Mahdia Secondary School dormitory, allegedly set by a student over a confiscated phone, killed 20 children. That student was charged as an adult with 20 counts of murder and is currently awaiting trial before the High Court.

Minister Persaud calls for tougher, more consistent bail measures in sexual assault cases

HUMAN Services and Social Security Minister, Vindhya Persaud, on Monday, called for stronger and more consistent legal responses in sexual assault and violence cases, arguing that current bail measures and sentencing practices do not always reflect the seriousness of such offences.

Speaking at the Sexual Assault Awareness Symposium 2026 at Duke Lodge, Dr Persaud said Guyana has made major progress in strengthening reporting systems and survivor support services, but stressed that more coordinated action is needed across the legal, social and law enforcement sectors to effectively combat abuse and sexual violence.

“Bail is not consistent or commensurate sometimes, many times, with what happens,” the minister said while addressing members of the legal fraternity. “Is it time for the legal fraternity to have the kind of discussion that looks at what are the measures being applied when you have these kinds of offences? I think it is high time.”

Dr Persaud revealed that the ministry’s 914 emergency hotline, established between 2021 and 2022 as part of a broader roadmap to address violence and abuse, has expanded significantly since its launch. The hotline initially received about 200 calls in its first

year but now handles approximately 40,000 calls annually.

According to the minister, at least 30 per cent of those reports are linked to cases of violence, abuse and sexual assault, with many involving children.

“We would have seen the hotline receive thousands of calls, double-digit thousands, equivalent to about 40,000 calls per year,” she stated.

The minister also highlighted several initiatives implemented by the ministry, including the iMatter app, survivor advocacy programmes and the Hope and Justice Centre, which operates as a one-stop facility providing support services for survivors of abuse.

Dr Persaud described the Hope and Justice Centre as a pioneering regional model.

“We went one step

further to crafting a one-stop model, which is the Hope and Justice Centre where all of our services are housed. So no longer do persons have the frustration of deciding or even figuring out where to go,” she said.

She noted that the centre remains the only model of its kind currently operating in Latin America and the Caribbean and has attracted international interest.

While acknowledging progress, the minister stressed that effective responses to sexual assault require stronger coordination among agencies, particularly the Guyana Police Force, social services, healthcare providers and legal authorities.

She pointed to provisions under the recently enacted Family Violence Act 2024, which establish clear

timelines and responsibilities for agencies handling abuse-related reports.

“Within 72 hours, the police will have to see whether or not charges should be applied,” Dr Persaud explained.

The minister also called for the development of national Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to improve collaboration and standardise responses to sexual assault cases

across the country. Looking ahead, Dr Persaud said the Draft Harassment Bill, which has undergone public consultations for nearly two years, is now before the National Assembly and should advance swiftly.

She explained that the proposed legislation addresses a broad spectrum of harassment issues as part of wider efforts to strengthen gender equality and protection frameworks in Guyana.

The symposium brought together government officials, legal professionals, law enforcement representatives and social sector stakeholders to discuss strategies aimed at reducing sexual assault and improving survivor support systems nationwide.

Main witness tells court Henry cousins were killed over damaged marijuana farm

AKASH Singh appeared as one of the main witnesses in the trial against the two men accused of murdering the Henry cousins on Tuesday and claimed that the two boys were killed over damaged marijuana farms in the backlands.

The trial into the murders of cousins Joel Henry and Isaiah Henry continued in the High Court in Berbice, where the jury heard

chilling testimony detailing the horrific injuries both teenagers sustained along with details as to what transpired on the day in question.

The two accused are Anil Sancharra, also known as “Dan Pole” and “Rasta,” of D’Edward Village, West Coast Berbice, and Vinod Gopaul, also known as “Magga,” of Yakusari, Black Bush Polder, Corentyne.

Singh, who took the stand on Tuesday, said that he, along with the two accused, Anil Sancharra and Vinod Gopaul went into the backdam to tend to marijuana plants. According to him, they had seedlings to plant. However, he said that about three weeks later, when they returned, they discovered the plants had been destroyed, suspected to be due to apparently pesticide,

and that crops at a distant farm were also damaged.

He claimed that while they were talking about the damage, two teenagers came near the camp and when Singh mentioned damaged crops, one teen laughed.

Gopaul questioned the teen whether he knew something about the plants, but Singh said that the taller teen tried to run, and Gopaul chopped him

while Sancharra attacked the other.

While he couldn’t count the number of chops, he claimed that after the attack, Singh said he was asked to help tie the bodies onto horses.

According to him, Gopaul and Sancharra took the bodies away, not deeper into the backdam, but the other way while Singh was tasked with dismembering the cutlasses, which he said

he threw into a canal, along with his bloody clothes.

Singh also testified that both accused threatened him if he reported it. Despite that, when arrested in January 2021, Singh told police everything he knew and also told persons of the incident prior to being arrested. Meanwhile, the matter will be continuing in the High Court in Berbice today (Wednesday).

President Ali outlines major road expansion to ease Region Three traffic woes

PRESIDENT Irfaan Ali on Tuesday inspected several critical road networks and proposed alignments across Region Three as the government moves to address mounting traffic congestion and support rapid housing and industrial expansion along the West Coast of Demerara.

During the inspection, the president said the government is advancing plans to expand and interconnect existing roads from La Jalousie to Tuschen as part of a broader strategy to ease severe traffic bottlenecks currently affecting commuters between Ruimzeight and Tuschen.

The head of state explained that the initiative complements the ongoing four-lane highway project from Crane to Parika and is intended to divert light traffic away from the congested West Demerara Public Road.

“We have a massive traffic bottleneck now from La Jalousie. Heavy traffic is causing two to three hours of delay every single day,” President Ali said.

36 BRIDGES TO BE UPGRADED, BUILT

He noted that the proposed alignment will pass through existing and expanding housing communities, linking Tuschen to several villages before connecting to other areas through upgraded roadways and bridges.

According to the president, the project will require the construction and rehabilitation of approximately 36 bridges, some of which already exist but will need widening and upgrading.

“We are hoping that in six to eight months, we can bring relief for the traffic coming from La Jalousie all the way to Tuschen,” he stated.

President Irfaan Ali is discussing the road expansion plans with the contractors

President Ali explained that the new road network will largely follow the old railway embankment alignment from Ruimzeight through communities including MetenMeer-Zorg, Stewartville, Cornelia Ida and Hague.

The road is expected to accommodate cars, taxis, SUVs and minibuses, while heavier trucks will continue utilising the existing public road.

TRAFFIC EASE

Meanwhile, Commander of Regional Division Three, Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Siwnarine, who accompanied the president during the inspection, explained that traffic congestion has worsened due to increased movement associated with the new Demerara River Bridge project.

“Because of the new bridge, the traffic is travelling a bit faster, so we have that convergence causing a delay on the West Coast,” the commander explained, noting that delays can extend to two hours, especially on weekends.

President Ali said the new alignment will not only improve traffic flow but also strengthen road safety, improve efficiency and support greater productivity for families and businesses.

“It will also aid road

safety. It will also aid efficiency, create greater productivity and help families to move safer and more efficiently,” he said.

17 NEW HOUSING SCHEMES TO BE BUILT

Additionally, Minister of Housing Collin Croal said Region Three has seen explosive housing growth over the last four years, with more than 11,000 house lots allocated and over 17 new

housing areas opened.

He noted that approximately 90 per cent of allottees have already accessed their lands, making additional access roads increasingly necessary.

“Think about what is going to be happening with those persons accessing their new areas, as well as our continuing housing programme,” Minister Croal said.

President Ali disclosed that Region Three is projected to see approximately 20,000 new homes over the next four years,

alongside major industrial developments linked to the Wales Gas-to-Energy project, a data centre, a fertiliser plant, and a gas bottling facility.

He emphasised that the government’s longterm infrastructure strategy is focused on creating a fully interconnected transport network linking Region Three developments to the new highway systems, the East Bank corridor, Silica City and future industrial zones. (DPI)

Wismar/Mackenzie bridge

WITH the Wismar/Mackenzie Bridge on track to become fully operational by June, construction is progressing steadily, with works now 95.4 per cent complete.

According to an update from the Ministry of Public Works on Tuesday, 95 per cent of the concrete has been placed on the 220-metre-long precast structure. Additionally, 60 per cent of the box culverts

on both sides of the bridge have been completed. These reinforced rectangular concrete structures are designed to provide durable, high-capacity channels for drainage, water management and utility passage beneath infrastructure.

The state-of-the-art structure, being constructed by China Railway Construction (Caribbean) Co Ltd, is expected to signifi-

cantly improve connectivity in Linden by facilitating smoother traffic flow between the Mackenzie and Wismar communities.

To complement the bridge, two access roads and roundabouts are being developed, while the connecting roadways will be expanded into four lanes.

The upgraded road network will feature a geo-carriageway, median and traffic islands aimed at enhanc- ing road safety and easing traffic congestion.

Roundabouts are also being installed on both sides of the bridge to connect it seamlessly to the Linden–Mabura Road and the wider highway network.

The project forms part of the broader upgrades planned for the region, including upgrades along the Linden/Soesdyke Highway.

Meanwhile, the ministry reported that there were zero incidents or accidents recorded at the eastern laydown yard, trestle bridge and west bank construction sites.

Relocation works by the

US$11.2M

Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) on both the eastern and western banks have also been completed.

Upon completion, the bridge is expected to deliver long-term economic, social and environmental benefits by easing travel for residents and improving the movement of people and goods in and out of Linden.

At the same time, other major bridge initiatives are advancing across Guyana.

These include the proposed Kurupukari Bridge across the Essequibo River, which is expected to replace the current pontoon crossing.

Sections of the old De-

Harbour Bridge are also being repurposed to create additional transportation links, including the Timehri Sandhills-to-Bartica corridor, where geotechnical studies have already been completed. Similar infrastructure works are expected to support connectivity between Leguan and Wakenaam, while an active task force continues to finalise designs and advance the projects.

Plans for a new Berbice River Bridge are also progressing, with negotiations and financing discussions currently ongoing. (DPI)

contract signed for dredging of Demerara River

The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) has officially signed a US$11.2 million contract with Boskalis CPG Inc. to dredge the Demerara Channel

THE Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) within the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation signed a US$11.2 million contract with Boskalis CPG Inc. for the dredging of the Demerara Channel from Houston to Golden Grove, E.B.D.

At a signing ceremony on Tuesday, Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar, noted that the project marks a

significant milestone following consultations with representatives from the shipping industry, who underscored the need for additional dredging of the Demerara River.

The project, which will be executed over the course of two months, will span a length of 9km along the navigational channel at a width of 100 metres, and a depth of 5 metres.

Once completed, ship-

ping vessels will have improved access to the Demerara channel, which will facilitate the sustainable movement of goods and services, along with increased port efficiency, among other benefits for the maritime sector.

Permanent Secretary, Vishal Ambedkar, along with senior representatives from MARAD and Boskalis CPG Inc. witnessed the contract signing.

Region Two rice farmers encouraged to diversify through integrated farming

- Government urges farmers to dedicate two acres for additional income opportunities

By Indrawattie Natram

RICE farmers across Region Two are being encouraged to embrace integrated farming as the Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Agriculture, moves to strengthen the agriculture sector, while creating additional income opportunities for farmers.

This call was made by Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, during a special meeting with rice farmers held at the Anna Regina Town Council on Tuesday, where scores of farmers gathered to discuss the future of the rice industry and ongoing government support.

Minister Mustapha assured farmers that the government remains firmly committed to the rice industry and will continue making investments to improve productivity, increase yields, and provide better varieties for cultivation.

“We will never do away with rice,” the minister declared. “Rice remains one of the main economic activities in Guyana, and we will continue to invest heavily to make the industry more competitive and sustainable.”

However, while emphasising the importance of rice production, the minister encouraged farmers to think beyond a single source of income by adopting integrated farming practices. He urged farmers to set aside at least two acres of their land for diversification projects such as onion cultivation, shrimp production, and high-value crops.

“We want farmers to create more opportunities for themselves and their families,” he said. “Agriculture must not only depend on one crop. Integrated farming

can help increase income earnings and improve livelihoods.”

The minister disclosed that government agencies, including the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) and the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), will work closely with farmers to improve yields and provide technical support for diversification projects.

Among the diversification initiatives highlighted was onion cultivation, which the government hopes to significantly expand.

Minister Mustapha revealed that 40 acres have already been identified to begin cultivation, with plans to expand to nearly 300 acres in the future.

“We already have ready markets available,” he explained. “The government wants to develop an integrated farming approach where farmers can earn from multiple agricultural activities.”

The Agriculture Minister also spoke extensively about the billions of dollars invested in the rice sector over the years. He noted that Guyana’s rice production has increased dramatically from approximately 500,000 tonnes to more than 800,000 tonnes due to continued government intervention and support.

He pointed to major investments in farm-tomarket roads, drainage and irrigation systems, fertiliser support, and other direct inputs to farmers aimed at reducing production costs and improving competitiveness.

According to Minister Mustapha, some 232,000 acres are currently under cultivation, with significant improvements in yields being recorded across the country. He also announced that

the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) will undertake approximately $32 million in additional works to improve farm-to-market access roads in farming communities.

Further support is also being rolled out for rice farmers through direct cash assistance. The minister announced that farmers cultivating 50 acres and above will receive $10,000 per acre, while farmers cultivating below 50 acres will receive $15,000 per acre.

He explained that registration for the assistance programme is currently ongoing and will be followed by a verification process using GRDB’s cultivation database to ensure transparency and accountability.

“A committee has already been established to verify the lists in the various communities,” Minister Mustapha said, while cautioning persons against attempting to manipulate the system.

The minister also acknowledged concerns raised by some farmers regarding outstanding payments owed by millers but noted that assurances were given for farmers to be repaid.

Rice farmers commended the Government for such move in helping to cushion the rising cost.

“We are very thankful for such move and the assistance that Government will give” Ally Narine said.

Another farmer also said diversification was the way forward and he was happy for such intervention.

Attending the meeting was Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Dhaneshwar Deonarine; CEO NDIA, Lionel Wordsworth; Regional Chairman, Devin Mohan, along with other regional officials.

New transportation fleet to support telemedicine, emergencies

- Health Ministry boosts hinterland healthcare with new fleet of vehicles

MINISTER of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, on Monday, handed over a new fleet of all-terrain vehicles, utility vehicles and motorcycles to four hinterland regions as

part of the Ministry of Health’s ongoing efforts to improve healthcare access in remote communities across Guyana.

The Ministry distributed approximately 13 all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), four utility vehicles (XUVs), and seven motorcycles to Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine to support healthcare delivery and emergency response services in hinterland communities.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Minister Anthony said the vehicles will assist health centres and hospitals in expanding outreach services and improving access to medical care for resi-

dents living in remote villages.

He explained that the additional transportation will enhance the ability of healthcare workers to travel to difficult-to-reach communities while also making it easier for patients to access health facilities and receive timely medical attention.

According to the Minister, the initiative forms part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen healthcare systems in hinterland regions, where transportation challenges and geographic barriers often affect the delivery of medical services.

The new fleet is expected to support

routine medical outreaches, emergency response operations and the transportation of healthcare personnel and supplies across interior locations.

In recent years, the Ministry of Health has intensified efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure and services in hinterland communities through the expansion of telemedicine, upgrading of regional health facilities, and investments in medical equipment and transportation. Officials have said these measures are aimed at ensuring more equitable access to healthcare services nationwide.

New leadership team named for Bath Regional Hospital to enhance service delivery

MINISTER of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, on Monday, officially handed over instruments of appointment to the newly constituted Board of the Bath Regional Hospital, as the Ministry of Health moves to strengthen governance and healthcare delivery at the institution.

The ceremony was held at the Ministry of Health’s Brickdam headquarters, where Minister Anthony met with the newly appointed board members and outlined the government’s continued focus on improving leadership and accountability within the public healthcare system.

The newly appointed Board comprises Jainarine Koosai, Devena Khemraj, Sandra Glasgow, Herman Jacob, Sudesh Latchman, Intiaz Altaf Khan, Devi Maraj, Derreck Ramroop and Mion Richmond.

According to the Ministry, the appointments form part of ongoing efforts to enhance the management struc -

ture of the Bath Regional Hospital and support the delivery of quality healthcare services to residents within the region.

Minister Anthony emphasised the important role hospital boards play in overseeing administration, supporting policy implementation and ensuring healthcare institutions operate efficiently and effectively.

The engagement also reflects broader efforts by the Ministry of Health to modernise and strengthen Guyana’s healthcare sector through improved governance, expanded infrastructure and enhanced patient care systems.

In recent years, the government has increased investments in regional hospitals and healthcare facilities across Guyana, with a focus on improving service delivery, expanding access to specialised care and strengthening healthcare management nationwide.

Minister Rodrigues, Brazilian officials discuss air links to boost regional trade and tourism

MINISTER of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, on Tuesday, engaged a high-level delegation from Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in discussions aimed at deepening bilateral co-operation and expanding economic opportunities between Guyana and Brazil.

of broader efforts to boost tourism, enhance regional connectivity, and address existing trade gaps.

The meeting focused on strengthening regional integration frameworks, including Guyana’s potential accession as a full member of MERCOSUR, as well as improving trade and transportation links between the two South American neighbours.

The Brazilian delegation included Maria Cristina de Castro Martins, Ambassador Philip Fox-Drummond Gough, Secretary for Economic and Financial Affairs at the Brazilian Chancellery, and Ambassador Francisco Cannabrava, Director of the Department of MERCOSUR.

According to information from the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, discussions also examined the possibility of establishing direct flights between Guyana and Brazil as part

The engagement comes amid growing economic and diplomatic ties between the two countries as Guyana continues to strengthen partnerships within South America. Increased co-operation with Brazil is seen as strategically important for trade expansion, infrastructure development, tourism growth, and broader regional integration.

Guyana’s possible accession to MERCOSUR would further position the country within one of South America’s major economic blocs, which includes Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Bolivia. Membership could provide expanded market access and greater opportunities for trade and investment.

Officials from both sides underscored their shared commitment to advancing sustainable economic development and fostering closer regional collaboration through strengthened diplomatic and commercial relations.

Prime Minister inspects Fort Island ahead of Diamond Jubilee Independence Ceremony

PRIME MINISTER,

Brigadier (Ret’d)

Mark Phillips, on Tuesday, conducted a site visit to Fort Island as preparations continue for Guyana’s 60th Independence Anniversary Flag-Raising Ceremony, which will be hosted at the historic location under the theme, “The Homecoming” – Guyana’s Diamond Jubilee.

During the visit, Prime Minister Phillips inspected the ongoing preparations for the Flag-Raising Ceremony and parade. The works are focused on necessary site preparation and landscape enhancements to support the national event, while maintaining the integrity of Fort Zeelandia, the Court of Policy, and the wider Fort Island heritage site.

The hosting of the Flag-Raising Ceremony on Fort Island carries deep historical and patriotic significance, reaffirming the importance of Essequibo in Guyana’s national identity and Independence journey.

Joint initiatives in focus: Guyana, Brazil partner to advance local food production

MINISTER of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, on Tuesday, held talks with a high-level Brazilian delegation aimed at deepening co-operation between Guyana and Brazil in trade, agriculture and investment, as the two neighbouring states continue to expand bilateral ties.

The delegation was led by Director of the Department of Mercosur, Ambassador Francisco Cannabrava, and included Secretary of Economic and Financial Affairs, Ambassador Philip Gough, along with Brazilian Ambassador to Guyana, Ambassador Maria Cristina de Castro Martins.

According to information from the Ministry of Agriculture, discussions centred on strengthening collaboration in key economic sectors, particularly agriculture, where both countries have maintained longstanding partnerships through technical co-operation and joint initiatives.

Minister Mustapha underscored the im -

portance of the relationship between Guyana and Brazil, noting that co-operation in agriculture has played a significant role in advancing local production and improving food security efforts.

He said continued collaboration between the two countries is expected to create further opportunities for agricultural development, investment and broader economic growth.

Guyana and Brazil have, in recent years, intensified co-operation in areas including infrastructure, trade facilitation, livestock development and technical agricultural support. The engagement also comes as Guyana continues to position itself as a major regional food producer under broader Caribbean food security initiatives.

Brazil remains one of South America’s largest agricultural economies and has been an important partner in supporting agricultural innovation and knowledge sharing across the region.

Over 21,000 Guyanese enrolled for E-ID cards to date

MORE than 21,000 Guyanese have already enrolled for the National Digital Identification Card (E-ID), with approximately 75 per cent of the cards already issued, as the government pushes ahead with its nationwide electronic identification system.

Data Protection Commissioner, Aneal Giddings, during an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Tuesday, said the initiative remains on track to achieve its ambitious target of 200,000 enrolments by the end of 2026.

The digital ID system

is designed to improve access to government and private-sector services by allowing citizens and eligible residents to use a single secure identification document to access information and complete transactions more efficiently.

“The intention here is to ensure that every citizen

or every card holder is able to conduct their day-to-day lives through government services and other types of services efficiently and quickly,” Commissioner Giddings explained.

He noted that the digital ID card will help streamline public services by securely linking information from multiple agencies, reducing the need for citizens to repeatedly submit documents when conducting transactions.

Using the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) as an example, the commissioner explained that citizens making claims currently have to provide several supporting documents from different agencies.

Under the new system, relevant records could be securely accessed through the digital ID card, significantly reducing processing time.

Since the Digital Identity Card Act came into force on March 31, 2026, the government has expanded enrolment operations across several regions by establishing permanent offices and mobile outreach teams.

Permanent enrolment offices have already been established in Region Four at Campbellville, Region Three at Leonora, Region Five at Fort Wellington, Region Two at Anna Regina, and Region Six at Port Mourant.

The government is also moving to establish offices in Regions One, Seven, Eight, Nine and Ten as part of efforts to ensure nationwide access.

Statistics

According to the commissioner, Region Four currently has the highest number of enrolments with more than 12,000 registrations, followed by Region Three with approximately 6,000 and Region Five with more than 2,300.

Mobile registration outreaches have also been conducted in hinterland and riverain communities, including Bartica, Puruni

Data Protection Commissioner, Aneal Giddings

and Lethem, resulting in approximately 500 additional enrolments.

Commissioner Giddings said special arrangements are being implemented to ensure vulnerable groups are not left behind during the rollout.

“We would take that information and we would put in place systems that will enable us to go to them, to get them sorted for the card,” he stated while referring to elderly and shut-in citizens unable to travel to registration offices.

He added that mobile teams continue to work with village leaders and agencies such as the General Registrar’s Office (GRO) to assist persons with obtaining supporting documents required for enrolment.

Citizens applying for the digital ID card are required to provide proof of citizenship, a pictorial form of identification and proof of address.

Supporting documents may include a birth certificate, passport, national identification card, driver’s licence, utility bill or Tax Identification Number (TIN) certificate.

The commissioner clarified that the digital ID card is not intended to replace existing identification documents, such as passports, driver’s licences or the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) identification card at this stage.

He explained that those documents are governed by separate legislation and serve specific functions, including elections and international travel.

Despite the scale of the programme, Commissioner Giddings said the government remains confident that the rollout targets will be achieved. (DPI)

Berbice taxi driver dies after vehicle plunges into Edinburgh canal

A 42-year-old hire car driver from Berbice died early Tuesday morning after the vehicle he was driving crashed into a roadside stall and plunged into a canal along the Edinburgh Public Road, East Bank Berbice, police said.

eastern grass parapet before veering into a nearby canal, where it became submerged.

The deceased has been identified as Oswin Lawson of Lot 46 Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, Berbice.

According to police, the accident occurred at about 01:30 hrs while Lawson was driving motor car HD 8644 south along the eastern drive lane of the Edinburgh Public Road at an alleged high rate of speed. Investigators said it is believed the driver might have fallen asleep and lost control of the vehicle.

Police reported that the car subsequently collided with a roadside stand situated on the

Public-spirited citizens reportedly rushed to the scene and managed to pull Lawson from the submerged vehicle in an unconscious condition. He was transported to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital, where he was examined by a doctor on duty and pronounced dead on arrival.

Investigators said several injuries were observed on Lawson’s body. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the injuries were solely consistent with the impact of the crash, and investigations remain ongoing.

Police also confirmed that a 21-yearold contractor has been arrested and remains in custody assisting with investigations into the circumstances sur-

rounding the fatal incident. No charges have been announced.

An eyewitness, who requested anonymity, said he heard a loud impact and observed

persons attempting to assist Lawson before emergency responders arrived. The witness claimed the vehicle remained partially submerged for several

minutes before disappearing completely underwater. Those claims have not been independently verified.

Lawson’s body has since been taken to a funeral home where it is awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Police said investigations into the fatal crash are continuing.

GT go No.1 after Rabada and Holder rout SRH

(ESPNCRICINFO) - Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj could have been wearing their Test whites. By the end of the powerplay, they had bowled three overs each, and Sunrisers Hyderabad were reduced to 34 for 4.

Somehow, they had outdone the Gujarat Titans batting line-up from the first innings - they had been reduced to 34 for 2 themselves. Wickets in hand allowed B Sai Sudharsan (61 off 44) and Washington Sundar (50 off 33) to mount a comeback for GT. On the other hand, SRH let a tricky chase of 168 slip from their grasp, folding for 86 in 14.5 overs.

At the toss, GT captain Shubman Gill said that the pitch in Ahmedabad looked like “a better wicket than we have had in the past couple of matches.” He was dismissed in the third over, off a rare, mistimed swipe across the line. He had misjudged a pitch that turned out to be one of this IPL’s most treacherous ones: deliveries stuck in the surface, the new ball jagged both ways, and scoring options were hard to find square of the wicket.

An endless battery of tall GT fast bowlers - rounded out by Jason Holder and Impact Player Prasidh Krishna in the middle overs - kept striking in the chase. At the end of it, GT rose to the top of the table with 16 points.

GT’s go-slow Pat Cummins unlocked the secret to bowling on this surface early: he pushed it in on a hard length and kept swinging the new ball away from both Sudharsan and Gill. But the first two wickets

for SRH came from elsewhere. Praful Hinge found himself back in the SRH side, in place of Harsh Dubey to give them an extra pace option.

Hinge mimicked the Cummins line-and-length early on, and tempted Gill into a misjudged on-drive. In the final over of the powerplay, Jos Buttler realised he could not go big in the ‘V’, so he tried to scoop Hinge behind the wicket instead. All he managed was an edge to the keeper.

Hinge’s twin strikes consigned GT to 34 for 2, their lowest powerplay score this season.

Sudharsan, Sindhu mount comeback

If ever there was a pitch suited to Sudharsan’s brand of T20 batting, it was this. He kept pouncing on the deliveries that erroneously landed in the slot and pushed the others around to turn over the strike.

Nishant Sindhu, who made 22 off 14, kept him company at the other end through the middle overs. Sindhu stayed deep in his crease and played drives and cuts, both batters biding their time.

Sensing a breakthrough, Cummins brought himself back into the attack in the 10th over to bowl his third. He rifled in a delivery out-

final overs of the GT innings. He jumped on top of deliveries too high for most others to cut and sent them off to the ropes by rolling his wrists over them late. He saved his best shots for the end of the 19th over, off Eshan Malinga, who had a rare off-day and gave away 46 runs. He fell down on successive deliveries, first scooping a yorker down over short fine, then attacking a full toss by rolling his wrists, once more, for a shovel over deep square leg.

Rabada, Siraj take out SRH top order

side off, full but rearing off the pitch at Sindhu. He could only mistime a lofted drive to long-off.

Cummins ended with figures of 1 for 20 in the 16th. Just an over later, Sai Sudharsan - who had brought up his sixth half-century of the season - opted for another scoop off Sakib Hussain. The full delivery took off the bottom of his bat, and Hinge gobbled it up at short third.

Washington drags GT to 168 Washington starred in the

At the midway mark, GT’s total was the Schrodinger’s par score - neither quite par but also just, with Sudharsan hesitating to call it enough for their bowlers between innings. Siraj and Rabada then bowled through the powerplay for the fifth match in a row. Nineteen balls into the innings, they had dismissed Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan.

Rabada, in particular, kept hitting the hard length close to 150kph, slanting deliveries away from the left-handers to have Kishan driving at one away from his body, Abhishek chopping one into his stumps, and No. 4

SOUTH AFRICA

RACING TIPS

GREYVILLE

08:25hrs Grand Appeal

09:00hrs Rainbow Reward

09:35hrs Call Me Jane

10:10hrs Position Of Power

10:45hrs L’ultimo

ENGLISH RACING TIPS YORK

08:45hrs Cut A Dash

09:20hrs Klassleader

09:55hrs Pocklington

10:30hrs American Affair

11:05hrs Legacy Link

11:40hrs Hasbro Market

12:15hrs Fox Journey

PERTH

09:00hrs Frankie’s Fortune

09:33hrs Next Twist

10:08hrs Suspected

10:43hrs Aill Dubh

11:18hrs Potters Party

11:55hrs Dublinofficecallin

12:25hrs Livano Bello

BATH

12:09hrs Neptune Legend

12:42hrs Tribal Appearance

R Smaran mistiming one to Gill in covers. He finished his spell in one go, returning 3 for 28.

Holder and Prasidh finish the job

Holder’s entry to the GT side has given them another tall, accurate bowler to go to in the middle overs. In their previous game, against Rajasthan Royals, he had plucked out the final three wickets in the space of five balls. Here, he took 3 for 20 as he mopped up SRH’s lower order.

The wicket had worn down as the evening went on, so Holder resorted to slower balls in the back-half of the innings. First, he effectively finished the contest by taking out Heinrich Klaasen, who swiped at a ball lacking in pace over his head, to keeper

Buttler running to his left. Nitish Kumar Reddy was his next victim, courtesy an edge from the extra bounce Holder kept extracting from the surface, while Shivang Kumar was the final batter to fall off a misadventurous scoop.

Our final tall bowler of the day - in the cohort of Cummins, Holder, Rabada and Siraj - also had the highest release point of all: Prasidh Krishna. He went back-of-a-length in his spell to finish with figures of 2 for 23 of his own.

At the end of a fast-bowling buffet, GT marched to their biggest victory in the IPL. Their W in the last match - a 77-run win against RR - had been their previous best. They finished this night on top of the table, suddenly the team to beat this season.

Messi remains top MLS earner with salary of

13:12hrs Darzah

13:42hrs Quilt

14:12hrs Moon Over The Sea

14:42hrs Kakirra

15:12hrs Baynoona

IRISH RACING TIPS

PUNCHESTOWN

11:47hrs Noemie De La Vis

12:20hrs Switch From Diesel

12:50hrs Hickeys Hill

13:20hrs Spanish Maid

13:50hrs Captains Speech

14:20hrs Wakey Wakey Man

14:50hrs Spellacy’s Cross 15:20hrs Emerald Enigma

AMERICAN RACING TIPS

DELWARE PARK

Race 1 As The Bell Toles

Race 2 Nit Witness

Race 3 Strategist

Race 4 Line Of Frost

Race 5 Broadcaster

Race 6 Beauxbatons

Race 7 Chatelot

Race 8 Twelve Nelson

(BBC) - Lionel Messi remains the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer with an annual base salary of $25m (£18.5m) - more than double that of the North American league’s next-highest earner.

Figures released, external by the MLS Players Association reflect the contract extension that Messi, who turns 39 next month, signed with Inter Miami in October.

The Argentina forward’s base salary has doubled, while overall the deal is worth $28.3m (£20.9m) in guaranteed compensation.

LAFC’s Son Heung-min is the second-highest earner on a base of $10.4m (£7.7m), with $11.2m (£8.3m) guaranteed.

The former Tottenham forward, 33, earns slightly more than Inter Miami’s Rodrigo de Paul and San Diego FC’s Hirving Lozano. The salaries do not include income from endorsement deals, or Messi’s option to acquire a stake in Inter Miami - co-owned by David Beckham.

Messi joined the Florida franchise in 2023 and has scored 59 goals in 64 regular-season MLS games, helping Miami win the MLS Cup in 2025.

He led the league with 29 goals last season and has been Most Valuable Player in each of the two full MLS seasons he has played so far - 2004 and 2005.

Nahid Rana rips through Pakistan to seal a final-session win for Bangladesh

(ESPNCRICINFO) - Bangladesh’s bowlers combined to trounce Pakistan by 104 runs in the first Test in Dhaka. Nahid Rana struck decisive blows while Taskin Ahmed, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam were among the wickets as the home team put together a rare triumph on the fifth day.

This is now Bangladesh’s third consecutive win against Pakistan, after they won the 2024 series by 2-0 margin.

Rana removed Shan Masood, Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan in a fiery spell, before he took down Noman Ali and Shaheen Shah Afridi to finish with figures of 5 for 40 from his 9.5 overs. Taskin and Taijul took two wickets each while Mehidy, who took a five-for in the first innings, took one wicket.

For most of their fourth innings, Pakistan were kept together by debutant Abdullah Fazal. He initially overcame Pakistan’s early loss of Imam-ul-Haq before lunch,

when he struck Mehidy for consecutive fours just after lunch. Rana then went for three fours in a row; Fazal edged twice through the slips before driving hard down the ground. Mehidy brought back Bangladesh immediately when he bowled Azan Awais next over. The opener was

undone by a delivery that held its line before sliding into the stumps. Awais, who made a century in the first innings, fell for 15 this time.

When Rana removed Masood soon after, Pakistan were 68 for three staring at trouble. Fazal reached his half-century with an upper-cut off Ebadot Hossain.

NBA player Clarke dies aged 29

(ESPNCRICINFO) - Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has died at the age of 29, the NBA team has confirmed.

The Canada-born player was a first-round draft pick in 2019 and had played only two games this season because of injuries.

The Grizzlies said they are “heartbroken” by the loss. A cause of death has not yet been revealed.

“Brandon was an outstanding team-mate and an even better person whose impact on the organisation and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten,” the team said in a statement., external

Clarke played 309 NBA games, including 50 starts, and scored an average of 10.2 points per game. He was arrested in Arkansas last month on charges that included speeding and possession of a controlled substance.

Clarke was born in Vancouver and was a dual citizen of Canada and the USA, having moved with his family to Phoenix when he was three.

After playing college

basketball at San Jose State and then Gonzaga, he was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder and traded to the Grizzlies soon after.

His only two games this season were in December, although he travelled to the UK in January for the Grizzlies’ win over the Orlando Magic in London.

“He was so loved by all of us here and everyone whose life he touched,” read

He is now the sixth Pakistan batter to get fifties in both

innings of his debut Test.

Fazal however fell in the first over after tea when Taijul got the ball to spin sharply into the left-hander’s defensive prod, with the TV umpire confirming the dismissal through a review. Fazal made 66 off 113 balls, with eleven fours.

Soon after, Taskin had Salman Ali Agha caught at second slip. Shadman Islam however had to walk off after the catch hit his chest, although he held on to the chance.

Earlier in the day, the home side jumped into action in the fifth morning, adding 88 runs in 20 overs. They lost six wickets in the process, but Bangladesh made a laudable approach to keep the game

alive. The morning however began with Hasan Ali removing Mushfiqur Rahim, caught at mid-off for 22.

Hasan then took an excellent catch at the fine-leg boundary after Litton Das top edged a hook off Shaheen Afridi after making eleven runs. Mehidy Hasan Miraz struck couple of fours and a six before Noman removed him for 24. It was his 100th wicket.

Shanto fell to Noman too, lbw for 87 while trying to play a reverse sweep. Shanto missed out on becoming only the fourth batter, after Sunil Gavaskar, Ricky Ponting and David Warner, to score twin hundreds in a Test on three occasions.

Mourinho in final negotiations to become Real manager

(BBC) - Jose Mourinho is in final negotiations to become Real Madrid’s next head coach, 13 years after his first spell at the Bernabeu.

The 63-year-old is the clear favourite - and currently the only candidate Real are in talks with over the role.

He would replace current head coach Alvaro Arbeloa, who only took charge in January following Xabi Alonso’s departure.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez first considered the possibility of Mourinho’s return two days after Xabi Alonso left the club, during initial conversations with the Portuguese coach’s representatives.

Mourinho has been manager of Benfica, in his native Portugal, since joining on a two-year contract last September, and only yesterday told media he did not want to talk about his future just yet.

a statement by his agency, Priority Sports. “He was the gentlest soul who was the first to be there for all of his friends and family.”

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement: “As one of the longest-tenured members of the Grizzlies, Brandon was a beloved team-mate and leader who played the game with enormous passion and grit.”

“There’s a match against Estoril, and from Monday onwards I’ll be able to answer questions about my future as a coach and Benfica’s future,” he said.

Saturday’s game against Estoril Praia is Benfica’s last of the season.

From Sunday, Real Madrid will have a window to complete a deal for Mourinho at a relatively low cost.

A clause in his contract

allows him to leave for 3m euros (£2.6m) up to 10 days after Benfica play their final match of the season.

He was in charge at Real between 2010 and 2013, winning La Liga, the Copa

del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.

After leaving the club he returned to England for a second stint at Chelsea, winning the third of his three Premier League titles, plus the EFL Cup, in the 2014-15 season.

Following his departure from the Blues by mutual consent in 2015, Mourinho then joined Manchester United on a three-year deal in 2016. He won the Europa League, EFL Cup and Community Shield during his

first season at Old Trafford but was sacked in December 2018 after a poor run of results.

Mourinho also had spells at Tottenham, Serie A side Roma, where he won the Europa Conference League in 2022, and Turkish club Fenerbahce, before taking over at Benfica last year. Meanwhile, Real have ended their 2025-26 campaign trophyless, with rivals Barcelona sealing the La Liga title with a 2-0 El Clasico victory and by a 14-point margin. Los Blancos’ Champions League run ended with a 6-4 aggregate defeat by German champions Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals.

Off the pitch, the club fined midfielders Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde a combined 1m euros this month following a dressing room row.

Valverde, 27, went to hospital with a head injury after the spat with 26-yearold France international Tchouameni but denied the pair “came to blows”.

Perez called a news conference on Tuesday, fuelling speculation he could be set to announce Mourinhobut he refused to answer questions on the matter as he launched into an attack on his critics and called a new presidential election.

Guyana Golf Association celebrates

five years of

outstanding growth in CSEC Physical Education Golf Programme

THE Guyana Golf Association is celebrating another historic milestone as golf continues to expand rapidly within the nation’s education system. Through its exclusive partnership with Nexgen Golf Academy, Westside Golf Course, and the Ministry of Education, the association has successfully completed its fifth consecutive year of participation in the CSEC Physical Education programme with remarkable national growth.

A total of 302 students across Guyana selected golf as their Physical Education elective for the 2026 CSEC examinations — a significant achievement for a programme that began in 2021 with just five pilot schools.

Today, the programme has expanded into nine of Guyana’s ten administrative regions, demonstrating the increasing popularity and

accessibility of golf among the nation’s youth.

This year, students from Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 participated in the programme, with Anna Regina Secondary School leading the nation with an impressive 54 students enrolled in golf studies.

President of the Guyana Golf Association, Aleem Hussain, expressed gratitude to the Regional Education Departments, Headmasters and Headmistresses, Physical Education teachers, overseas supporters, local sponsors, and volunteers whose dedication helped make the programme a success.

“My family, friends, sponsors, and volunteers are the backbone of this golf programme.

Their continued support through fundraising, donations of equipment, and countless volunteer hours has allowed us to sustain and

grow this initiative entirely through self-funding since its inception,” Hussain stated.

Looking ahead, Hussain revealed that several major golf events are scheduled for the coming months at Westside Golf Course, including, The National Junior Golf Championship, expected to attract international junior golfers, the National Long Drive Championship, the $1 Million Hole-in-One Challenge and The National Chip, Putt & Drive Championship.

The Guyana Golf Association continues to demonstrate that strong partnerships, dedication, and a commitment to placing children first in sports development can create transformational opportunities for young people throughout Guyana.

Five years later, the programme continues to grow stronger and inspire the next generation of golfers nationwide.

Bishop’s heroics put Pride in position to push for victory against T&T

CMC – Joshua Bishop starred with both bat and ball to spearhead an impressive fightback by the Barbados Pride and set up a mouthwatering final day of play against the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in their West Indies Championship playoff here at the Coolidge Cricket Ground.

The Pride began the day 71 runs adrift of T&T’s first innings total, and though Bishop was denied a merited third first-class century after he was left stranded on 99 not out, his efforts along with that of last man Jomel Warrican got their side up to 296 to concede a first innings deficit of 37 runs.

The pair put on 47 invaluable runs for the last wicket, before Khary Pierre had Warrican caught for 10, leaving Bishop not out on 99 off 147 balls. He struck 10 fours and four sixes in his knock.

Bishop then returned to snare four wickets with his left-arm spin and together with off-spinner Roston Chase reduced the Red Force to 209 for seven in their second innings – an overall lead of 246 runs – heading into Wednesday’s final day.

Things could have been much worse for the Red Force had it not been for Cephas Cooper’s unbeaten century that propped up the innings. Cooper along with Evin Lewis, who made 14, gave their side a solid start by putting on 64 runs for the first wicket.

But once Chase struck to remove Lewis, T&T lost wickets at regular intervals to surrender their grip on the contest.

Bishop had Jyd Goolie caught for four and followed up by bowling Jason Mohammed for three, while Chase removed Amir Jangoo for 19, to see T&T slip to 114 for four.

Captain Joshua Da Silva looked to be repairing the damage during a 34-run partnership with Cooper, but Chase ended it by

trapping the former lbw for 19.

With the match in the balance at 148 for five, Terrance Hinds joined forces with Cooper to add 49 runs for the sixth wicket and give T&T a slight advantage.

But just when it looked like the pair would forge a substantial partnership, Bishop grabbed two wickets in the space of 10 balls to change the momentum once again. He first had Hinds caught for a patient 26 off 74 balls and with two runs added to the score, Bishop produced a gem of a delivery that caught the outside edge of Bryan Charles’ bat on the way through to the wicketkeeper to be out for a duck.

Cooper brought up his century just before the close of play and along with Pierre, ensured T&T would lose no further wickets. He has so far faced 192 balls in his four hour and 39-minute knock and hit 14 boundaries. Bishop has taken 4-60, while Chase ended with 3-49.

Nandu, Van Lange steer Harpy Eagles ship

(CMC) - Matthew Nandu carved out a brilliant double century, while teenaged batsman Jonathan Van Lange scored a firstclass century on debut as the Guyana Harpy Eagles made the West Indies Academy toil in the field on day three of their warmup match at the Antigua Recreation Ground on Tuesday.

Nandu scored a career-best 237 and Van Lange scored a fluent 133 to guide the Harpy Eagles to 655 for eight – an overall lead of 170 runs.

Resuming the day on 248 for three with Nandu on 110, the Academy reaped early success when leg spinner Zishan Motara dismissed

Zeynul Ramsammy for just 14 with five runs added to the total.

His departure brought Van Lange to the crease and for the next three hours and forty minutes, the pair terrorised the Academy’s bowling attack in a mammoth 255run partnership for the fifth wicket.

Van Lange was the first to get to his milestone, scampering a single after a misfield by Motara at cover off the bowling of spinner Giovonte DePeiza, to reach his 100 off 122 balls.

Nandu followed soon after, reaching his double century by flicking Motara through midwicket for a single off 313 balls. Motara eventually got the

wicket of Van Lange, caught behind by the wicketkeeper after facing 165 balls and hitting 20 fours and one six, to make the score 508 for five.

Captain Rivaldo Clarke then brought Nandu’s marathon innings that spanned 13 minutes shy of 10 hours to an end by having him caught behind. In all he faced 361 balls and struck 29 fours.

Gudakesh Motie made 48 before being bowled by Nathan Edward and Motara completed his five-wicket haul by bowling Veerasammy Permaul for one. Richie Looknauth ended the day unbeaten on 71 off 108 balls, with nine fours and one six. Motara has so far taken 5-199.

Slingerz step up CFU Club Shield preparations with dominant win in Linden

GUYANA’S reigning Elite League champions, Slingerz Football Club, continued their preparations for the upcoming Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Club Shield tournament with a commanding 6-1 victory over a Blueberry Hill/ Alleys/Valleys/Christianburg combination team on Saturday evening at the Bayroc National Stadium in Linden.

Despite the emphatic scoreline, Slingerz FC’s Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz made it clear after the match that the outing was never about the result, but rather the continued development of the team’s tactical approach and overall match fitness ahead of July’s regional assignment in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Linden combination side earned the opportunity to face Slingerz FC after emerg-

Equipment distributed to regional associations ahead of Youth Ensemble Championships

FOLLOWING the official launch of the Youth Ensemble Programme over the weekend, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) distributed equipment and operational support to the nine Regional Associations in preparation for the upcoming U13, U15 and U17 Boys’ Championships.

The materials distributed included footballs, bibs, and refereeing equipment such as jerseys, flags, cards and whistles, all aimed at ensuring the smooth and professional execution of the competitions across the respective regions. In addition, the GFF will provide financial contributions to assist with ground rentals, payment of medical personnel and coordinators, refreshments, and other match-day operational and logistical requirements.

The initiative forms part of the Federation’s wider commitment to strengthening youth football competition structures within the Regional Associations and ensuring that young players across Guyana are provided with the resources and opportunities needed to develop and compete at a high standard. Over the next four years,

the programme is expected to target approximately 130 clubs and directly impact more than 3,000 boys across multiple age categories.

President of the Guyana Football Federation Wayne Forde applauded the commitment shown by the Regional Associations, and expressed gratitude for their continued dedication to the development of youth football nationwide.

“I want to thank the Regional Associations for their hard work, commitment, and unwavering support as we continue to build stronger foundations for youth football across Guyana. Your efforts are critical to the successful implementation of the Youth Ensemble Programme and to creating meaningful opportunities for our young players,” Forde stated.

The Youth Ensemble Programme continues to represent one of the most significant investments in the future of football development in Guyana, with a strategic focus on expanding structured competitions, improving player development pathways and strengthening the overall football ecosystem.

ing champions of the recently concluded Linden Town Week Football Tournament, and scores of fans turned out despite intermittent showers to witness the contest featuring several of Linden’s top players against one of Guyana’s premier clubs.

The visitors wasted little time asserting themselves, with Elite League MVP Darron Niles producing a clinical double to lead the attack.

The remaining goals came from Solomon Austin, Kemar Beckford, and Curtez Kellman, while an own goal rounded off Slingerz FC’s tally on the night.

While pleased with aspects of the performance, Shabazz stressed that the focus remains firmly on prepa-

ration rather than results at this stage of the season.

“The match wasn’t about the result. Of course, as a club, you want to win every time you step on the pitch, regardless if it’s a practice match or not, but for Slingerz FC, it was about using the game to implement and work on our playing style, getting the players match-ready,” Shabazz explained.

According to the experienced coach, the club had resumed training shortly fol-

lowing the conclusion of the GFF Elite League Cup and is now placing heavy emphasis on sharpening the squad physically and tactically ahead of the regional competition.

Shabazz noted that the technical staff is carefully managing the players’ workload while gradually increasing the intensity of sessions to ensure the team peaks at the right time for the CFU Club Shield. He also revealed that Slingerz FC intends to

engage in additional pre-season matches, both locally and regionally, as part of the club’s build-up to the prestigious Caribbean tournament.

With just over a month remaining before the Club Shield kicks off, Shabazz noted that Saturday’s dominant performance offered supporters in Linden an encouraging glimpse of a Slingerz FC side determined to represent Guyana strongly on the regional stage.

BCB launches 9th Ivan Madray T20 Tournament

“IVAN Madray was not only my uncle but he was my cricketing idol and mentor. It is a special privilege for me to honour his memory with this tournament and also to open opportunities for the younger generation to follow in his footsteps”.

Those were the words of General Manager of Muneshwer’s Group, Mr. Chandradat Chintamani, as he launched the ninth edition of the annual Ivan Madray T20 Cricket Tournament in partnership with the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB).

The simple renewal took place last Thursday at Mr. Chintamani’s office in Water Street and was attended by BCB President Dr. Cecil Beharry and officials Balram Samaroo and Angela Haniff.

Chintamani stated that he was very pleased with the BCB’s organising skills of the last eight tournaments and the high standard of play.

BCB President Dr. Cecil Beharry hailed the renewal of the sponsorship as another red-letter day in the ongoing development of cricket in Berbice.

Mr. Chandradat Chintamani hands over the sponsorship cheque to Angela Haniff while BCB President Dr. Cecil Beharry looks on

The tournament would be played on a knock-out basis with twelve teams participating. The teams involved are West Berbice, Blairmont, Police, Tucber Park, Rose Hall Canje, Berbice River, Rose Hall Town Namilco Thunderbolt, Albion Community

Centre, Port Mourant, Skeldon, and Upper Corentyne.

The BCB President stated that the winner will be decided in a grand final and the winning prize stands at $100,000 and a trophy.

Matches will be held across Berbice with venues

like the Canje Welfare Centre Ground, Albion Community Centre Ground, Area “H” Ground, Port Mourant Ground and No. 69 Ground. The final will either be played at the No. 69 Ground or the Albion Community Centre Ground depending on which teams face off in the final match.

BCB Competitions Committee Member Balram Samaroo disclosed that the board was totally dedicated to playing the game at all levels.

Samaroo noted that financial sponsorship has been secured for every level of cricket, for both junior and seniors, including females.

BCB Office Administrator Angela Haniff assured the sponsor that the tournament will be well organised and completed by the end of August, 2026.

Ivan Madray was the third Berbician to play Test cricket for the West Indies, following in the footsteps of his Port Mourant Club mates John Trim and the legendary Rohan Kanhai.

He died in 2009 at the age of 74.

Equipment distributed to regional associations ahead of Youth Ensemble Championships