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Government to address flooding, boost farming, advance key community works in Nabaclis 03 No.1081876

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–– residents express satisfaction with President Ali’s intervention

President Dr Irfaan Ali continued his “Community Ride Initiative” in Georgetown on Wednesday when he interacted with scores of residents in Alexander Village and its environs. During the riding sessions in First to Fifth Streets, Alexander Village, Riverview Ruimveldt and Yarrow Dam (Company Path), the President made numerous stops where he listened to the concerns of residents and delivered tangible solutions. He also highlighted developmental plans for the various locations and had light conversations with Guyanese of all ages on their growth and development and that of the nation. Minister of Housing Collin Croal, and several senior officials accompanied President Ali (Photo: President Irfaan Ali/Facebook)

The newest coconut plantation in the Pomeroon spans more than 400 acres and is intercropped with plantain. More importantly, it is being developed as a model farm, incorporating agricultural practices designed to adapt to changing climate conditions, improve efficiency and reduce labour costs by more than 40 per cent (Photo: President Irfaan Ali/Facebook)

MV Barima CoI advances preparations Riverview fisherfolk to benefit from 12 improved facilities – Minister Mustapha for public hearings – Shadick 20 –– NDIA to design wharf; young people to benefit from agricultural opportunities PAGE

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Fire Chief points to severe defects Over 1,600 house lots allocated of HQ built by Mohamed’s Enterprise –– says repairs underway to fix flaws; GFS more equipped today than ever before

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in Wismar Phase One

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 14, 2026

U.S. backs ‘more secure, more prosperous Caribbean’ with Guyana at the centre –U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Landau says

THE United States has thrown its weight behind a vision of a “more s e c u re ” a n d “ m o re prosperous” Caribbean, placing Guyana at the centre of Washington’s regional strategy

as a key partner and emerging powerhouse. During a visit to Georgetown, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said Guyana holds “huge strategic importance” for

the United States and has “always been a leader in CARICOM”, underscoring the Ali administration’s growing influence within the region. “Guyana has huge strategic importance. It’s

always been a leader in CARICOM, and we’ve been working closely with Guyana and the Ali administration on numerous topics of mutual interest,” Landau said. He stressed that Washington’s goal is to help build a Caribbean in which people and businesses feel con-

fident to invest, tying that objective directly to Guyana’s rise and the deepening partnership between the two countries. “We’re interested in having a more secure Caribbean region, a Caribbean region where people can, you know, invest more with more confidence and a region of greater prosperity and co-operation,” he said. Landau’s comments had followed what he described as a “terrific meeting” with President Irfaan Ali, during which they discussed economic development, security co‑operation and Guyana’s role in shaping regional outcomes. He said the two sides were “very aligned” on a shared vision. “We’re very aligned on a vision for prosperity that brings benefits to the people of both our countries, and it’s prosperity across the whole nation of Guyana,” he noted. The Deputy Secretary framed Guyana as both a beneficiary and a driver of wider Caribbean progress, pointing to its economic performance and leadership within CARICOM as reasons for US engagement. “We see Guyana as a key strategic partner, and really, I am here to signal that the United States is very eager to partner with Guyana,” Landau said adding: “We have really identified Guyana as one of the major up‑and‑coming countries of the world at this point in time. And again, we hope that we can be part of Guyana’s success story.” That partnership, he indicated, spans both economic and security dimensions. On the economic front, Landau highlighted what he described as a “booming” economy and suggested Guyana may be “the fastest‑growing country in the world”, with energy resources providing a foundation for broader

development across the country and the region. He said the United States wants to support infrastructure and investment that will connect Guyana more effectively to its neighbours and to global markets, mentioning ports, roads, commercial facilities and housing as areas of interest. At the same time, Landau linked Guyana’s regional role to shared security challenges, particularly organised crime and drug trafficking, which he said threaten families, social cohesion and investor confidence across the Caribbean. “Organised crime has been increasing in this area. This is a tricky neighbourhood, and the United States faces the same security threats from these organised criminal groups as does Guyana,” he said. “So, it’s natural for us to want to work together to make sure that these criminal groups and these drug smugglers do not put down roots in Guyana.” Landau noted that tackling organised crime in Guyana would have positive spillover effects for the wider Caribbean, reinforcing stability and making the region more attractive to investors a core element of Washington’s stated aim of a “more secure, more prosperous Caribbean.” The Deputy Secretary repeatedly linked US ambitions for the region to Guyana’s trajectory, casting the country as a pivotal state whose choices and successes will shape outcomes well beyond its borders. “I’ve come to celebrate our partnership between our two countries, which is based on our common interests in so many areas,” he said adding, “The United States is here to say we want to be part of the story of Guyana’s future development and prosperity.”

Government to address flooding, boost farming, advance key community works in Nabaclis 3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 14, 2026

–– residents express satisfaction with President Ali’s intervention

RESIDENTS of Nabaclis have described their engagement with President, Dr Irfaan Ali on Wednesday as “very productive,” after securing commitments for critical community infrastructural works, support for farmers and improved facilities for vendors and children. During the meeting held at State House, the group of residents praised the government’s accessibility and responsiveness to concerns raised over

time. One resident noted that residents have always highlighted community issues in a timely manner with the aim of quick interventions. “Nabaclis has always kept in touch…make sure that everything is going good in the community. Any issues we have, we always come and make it known and get the issues resolved quickly,” she said in a short video clip posted on the President’s official Facebook page.

President Ali directed that a key bridge in the community be repaired without delay, so that residents can use it safely. He also ordered follow-up action on flooding in the backlands and along a one-mile stretch of road, including an immediate engagement with farmers. Residents reported that representatives from each farmers’ group in the backlands were present and that their requests were met promptly. “The farmers came, we had a representative for

each group in the backlands and what we asked for, the president did right away,” one farmer stated. They also highlighted ongoing efforts to support farmers and local vendors, including plans to provide dedicated vending spaces in the community. “We had solutions for everything in terms of the backlands, supporting farmers, coming into the community …to see a space for the vendors. That is something will be ongoing, and you know

we had a great chat with the president,” another resident shared. The president outlined follow-up sessions by relevant ministers on several other issues affecting Nabaclis residents, including a new development scheme in the area, improvements to a bridge approach, and the establishment of a functional library to serve children and families. President Ali indicated that a minister would return to address matters related to the new scheme

and that the responsible ministries had been contacted regarding the rehabilitation of bridge and library within the community. Residents said the engagement left them satisfied with both the tone of the discussion and the concrete outcomes agreed. “It was very good, very productive,” one resident said. Another added that they were “happy with the outcome and the result” of the meeting.

President, Dr Irfaan Ali on Wednesday spent some time engaging with farmers and community leaders of Nabaclis, East Coast Demerara, listening to their experiences, ideas and priorities for the continued development of their community (OP photos)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, August 14, 2026

Mashabo Lake View Park boosts local development, tourism in Region Two MASHABO Village in Region Two is strengthening its tourism potential by developing the Lake View Park, a community-driven facility funded through the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). The recreational site, nestled alongside the village’s scenic lake, is emerging as a key attraction as Region Two expands its tourism offerings, particularly across its riverine communities and hinterland villages. According to the Community Service Officer (CSO) of Mashabo, Decasey Williams, the facility was established with LCDS resources to attract visitors and create new

Community Service Officer Decasey Williams

opportunities for the local economy. “Since we put down this area within Mashabo, it has been a major boost to our village economy, to our tourism, one of our boosting tourist attraction sites, along with our beautiful lake,” Wil-

liams noted. The CSO explained that the development forms part of the village’s first, second and third phases of LCDS investments, with additional improvements planned for the site. Beyond providing residents with a space

A section of the Lake View Park

for recreation and relaxation, the Lake View Park is positioning Mashabo to benefit from increased visitor activity, while showcasing the village’s natural environment and community-based develop-

ment. The investment demonstrates how LCDS funding is being translated into tangible community assets that can stimulate economic activities, support tourism and create new avenues for sustainable development. A s R e g i o n Tw o

continues to unlock the tourism potential of its lakes, rivers and rural communities, Mashabo is positioning itself as a destination where environmental resources and community development can work together to drive local economic growth. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, August 14, 2026

UN continues scaling up response to earthquake in Colombia

THE UN on Wednesday continued scaling up assistance to areas affected by the deadly earthquake that hit Colombia two days earlier. According to latest official figures, the 7.4 magnitude quake has left more than 200 dead and injured over 2,500, said UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq, briefing journalists in New York. Homes and public infrastructure have also been severely damaged. Humanitarian assessments are ongoing, particularly in the hardest-hit areas around Cali, Pereira, Manizales and Quibdo, where disruptions to communications, transport and public services continue to impede relief operations. CHILDREN FACE ‘GROWING RISKS’

An excavator clears rubble from destroyed buildings in Quibdó, Colombia (UNFPA) “Children have seen their homes and schools damaged and are facing growing risks as essential services remain disrupted in the hardest-hit communities,” said, UNICEF’s Country Representative, Tanya Chapuisat. The top children’s agency official in the country said UNICEF was mobilising “an early response in Chocó and Buenaventura in water, san-

itation and hygiene to help reduce public health risks and protect the dignity of affected families while essential services are being restored and assessments continue." So far, the agency has reached 22,000 people in the Chocó and Buenaventura region along the Pacific coast – the epicentre of the quake – providing family hygiene kits, maternal care

kits, menstrual kits and water storage tanks. UNICEF has been active in the Chocó region for over two decades, so it is coordinating its response with national and local authorities and partners. It is working with the Colombian Family Welfare Institute to strengthen child protection measures in the wake of the devastation.

CASH AND FOOD ASSISTANCE Colombia was already facing a complex humanitarian crisis before Monday’s earthquake, due to continued conflict and climate shocks. Seven million people were already experiencing moderate or severe food insecurity in the country’s most vulnerable areas. The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has been active in Colombia for nearly six decades and has an established presence in some of the areas hit hardest by the earthquake. Responding to the Government’s request for international assistance, the WFP is mobilising support and is ready to assist communities. T h e o r g a n i s a t i o n ’s pre-existing cash-programme activities can help families meet urgent needs, and its

4,500 tonnes of pre-positioned food stocks in Colombia are ready to be dispatched if necessary. “The stocks are located close enough to affected areas to enable a rapid response, with additional supplies available through WFP's regional and global supply networks,” said Deputy Country Director Giulia Baldi. Communities fear further aftershocks, she added: “The first 72 hours after an earthquake are crucial for search and rescue, and for positioning food and relief supplies before needs escalate.” Rescue teams are continuing to search through rubble in the hardest-hit cities, with people of all ages continuing to be dug out alive. “Every minute is vital,” the mayor of Cali said on Tuesday. (UN News)

Türkiye’s changes to child detention ‘raise serious human rights concerns’ UN human rights chief Volker Türk on Thursday condemned an amendment adopted by Türkiye’s parliament that would allow judges to give life sentences to child offenders convicted of serious crimes. Adopted on Saturday, the changes to the Child Protection Law broadly increase sentences for offenders aged 15 to 18, empower judges to decline age-based sentence reductions for those accused of intentional killing or aggravated injury and mandate the detention of child offenders in closed juvenile institutions – rather than education centres focused on rehabilitation. “While some of the proposals may be positive – such as those that aim to ensure better coordination between child protection and education services and to prevent children from accessing firearms – others raise serious human rights concerns,” Mr. Türk said. “I am particularly alarmed by the possibility that child offenders could be sentenced to life imprisonment.” The UN has previously expressed concern about arbitrary detentions under the administration of Turkish President Re-

cep Tayyip Erdoğan – most notably the arrest of opposition leader Ekrem İmamoğlu and protesters who supported him. CALL FOR REHABILITATION Mr. Türk deplored the mandatory detention clause, which breaks from the current practice of holding child offenders in education-based institutions. He added that justice systems – including juvenile justice – should combine accountability with rehabilitation, while also providing individualised support and opportunities for reintegration into society. “A focus on rehabilitation and reintegration is essential to protect victims and to reduce re-offending,” Mr. Türk said. “It contributes to safer communities for everyone.” FOCUS ON INTERNATIONAL LAW According to Article 37 of the UN’s 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child, the arrest, detention or imprisonment of a child must be used only as a measure of last resort and for the shortest appropriate period of time. Mr. Türk said any lengthy detention mea-

sures sanctioned for Turkish children “clearly run counter” to the convention. Türkiye became a signatory in 1990 and

ratified the convention in 1994. It gave formal statements on its interpretation of several articles, but not Article 37. Mr. Türk urged Türki-

ye to abide by its commitments under international law. “It is essential that the law is amended to ensure that all of its pro-

visions are fully aligned with Türkiye’s international human rights law obligations, including on children’s rights,” Mr. Türk said. (UN News)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 14, 2026

A Widening Embrace THIS week’s meeting between Vice-president Dr Bharrat Jagdeo and a diverse group of Guyanese with roots in the political opposition is the latest, and perhaps clearest, evidence of a continued shift underway across Guyana: citizens who once stood in opposition ranks are choosing, in growing numbers, to stand with the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic and the development agenda it has built. This is no isolated defection. It follows a now-familiar pattern of former opposition parliamentarians, councillors and community organisers stepping away from the politics of obstruction and towards the politics of participation. The journey of former opposition parliamentarian, Deonarine Ramsaroop, who led the group to meet with Jagdeo, captures the shift in miniature. A man who

once held senior office in the AFC and later crossed to APNU has, within the space of a year, arrived at the same conclusion so many others are reaching: that Guyana’s transformation is real, and that sitting on the sidelines of it serves no one, least of all the communities these leaders were elected to represent. What is most striking about Wednesday’s engagement is its breadth. This was not a handful of disgruntled figures from one party. Sitting alongside Ramsaroop and Ravoldo Birbal were a sitting APNU councillor, former PNC members, former AFC members, and community figures with no single partisan pedigree. When defectors from rival opposition camps arrive at the same table, drawn by the same government, it stops looking like political poaching and starts looking like consensus.

People are not being pulled from one column to another; they are converging on the same conclusion from different starting points. That conclusion is not hard to understand. Guyana’s economy is expanding at a pace few nations have ever matched, and the PPP/C has directed that growth into the things people actually feel in their daily lives: new housing schemes, upgraded health facilities, expanded education access, and infrastructure reaching communities that waited generations for it. Political loyalty built on grievance eventually runs up against a government that simply delivers. Ramsaroop and those who joined him are not abandoning principle; they are recognising results. Just as important is what this says about the PPP/C’s own approach. A governing

party secure in its support does not need to widen its base. That the government continues to actively engage citizens from every political background, rather than writing them off as permanent opponents, reflects a confidence rooted in performance rather than partisanship. It is governance measured not by who voted for you, but by who ultimately wants to build the country alongside you. Guyana is entering a period of consequence, and the choice facing every citizen is not really about old party labels. It is about whether to participate in the nation’s development or to watch it from the outside. Ramsaroop, Birbal, and the group that met the Vice-President this week made their choice. If the pattern of the last year is any indication, they will not be the last.

I must say, with 100% clarity, you are a liar

Dear Editor,

I MUST say, with 100% clarity, that the leader of the opposition must know that he does not possess the moral, political or intellectual sagacity to hoodwink and bamboozle conscious Black people. We all saw through his emperor’s clothing on his recent visit to the community of Buxton with his deliberate dishonesty, his convenient truth, and selective use of words to the gathering. We are not fools, we see you very transparently. Editor, there is something profoundly troubling when political rhetoric enters an African-Guyanese community and appears calculated to transform the painful historical experiences of African people into an instrument of contemporary political persuasion and opportunism. African Guyanese are not political props. Our history is not campaign material, or to score cheap political points. Our ancestors’ suffering is not rhetorical currency to be withdrawn whenever a politician needs applause, sympathy, support or votes. The language employed by political leaders matters, truth and context matters equally. Words spoken before one audience may acquire an entirely different significance when deliberately spoken before another. When a politician enters a predominantly African community and invokes themes touching slavery, oppression, racial suffering, dispossession or historical injustice, those references carry enormous emotional and historical weight. Such language therefore demands responsibility, intellectual honesty and historical accuracy.

The African experience in Guyana was forged through centuries of enslavement, resistance, emancipation, village-building and an extraordinary struggle for economic and political independence. After Emancipation, formerly enslaved Africans pooled their limited resources to purchase villages and establish communities that became foundations of Guyana’s social and economic development. That history deserves reverence not political opportunism. No leader should presume that invoking the historical wounds of African people or having a hidden and secretive ethnic connection automatically entitles him to their political confidence. Nor should historical suffering be selectively reconstructed to manufacture a convenient political narrative. There is an even deeper contradiction whenever rhetoric of this nature comes from political leadership that simultaneously professes national unity. Unity cannot mean transcending race when convenient and only in certain communities nor does resurrecting racial grievance when politically useful. A politician cannot credibly ask Guyanese to abandon ethnic politics while simultaneously employing language that risks stimulating precisely the historical sensitivities, he claims he wants the country to overcome. That is not transformational politics. It is the oldest political technique dressed in new clothing. Indeed, Mohamed’s political rise has itself been associated with claims that he could disrupt Guyana’s historically racialised voting patterns which evidence show is changing. Commentary following the 2025

elections noted that WIN made significant inroads into the traditional African-Guyanese political constituency, while Mohamed publicly presented his movement as one capable of bringing Guyanese together across ethnic boundaries. That makes responsible rhetoric and being honest even more important. African Guyanese and indeed every ethnic community in this country deserve something considerably more substantive than emotional appeals. The opposition leader needs to tell the communities what his economic programme is. Explain how employment will be created. Explain his plans for education, housing, healthcare, entrepreneurship and community development. Explain how he will fight corruption and prevent crimes including the types he has been called by the US government to answer to, hence his extradition battle. He must explain how the national wealth will be distributed sustainably. Explain your policies and allow citizens to interrogate them. The government is certainly doing what it promised to do for the Guyanese people in its manifesto and much more. But Mr. Mohamed should not mistake historical memory for political vulnerability. And certainly, do not mistake dissatisfaction with traditional political parties for an absence of political intelligence. The people listening today are not the people of several decades ago. They possess smartphones, have access to information, they have lived experiences and possesses the ability to compare yesterday’s statements

and doings with today’s speeches and actions. The “truth” you and other leaders speak can be fact checked in real time and your actions past and present can and will be evaluated. Editor, that is what is healthy for democracy, this standard must also be apply universally. I have argued and posited repeatedly, that no political party owns African Guyanese or any ethnic group. By precisely the same principle, neither does any new political movement acquire ownership of them simply because it successfully attracted some of their votes. Citizens are not inherited political property. They must be persuaded by performance, policies, integrity, honesty, vision and ideas. This is particularly important in Guyana because racial politics has already extracted too heavy a price from our national development. Responsible leaders should therefore be dismantling ethnic political manipulation, not discovering more sophisticated ways of practising it. It is important to note, entering one’s community carries a responsibility to respect its people and its history rather than exploiting it. A responsibility to be honest and not seek the berate and insult the intelligence of the people who provided you with an audience. You must get is right soon or very shortly. Pump some respect on the truth. Yours respectfully, Jermaine Figueira Former Member of Parliament

OP-ED

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 14, 2026

By Peter R. Ramsaroop, Guyana’s Chief Investment Officer and PPP/C Member of Parliament

HIS Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s Vision 2030 is being delivered through an implementation plan in which energy, infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, technology, tourism and human capital reinforce each other. Our government has built an integrated development platform rather than isolated sectors: lower-cost energy supports production; infrastructure connects producers to markets; digital systems improve efficiency; and investment converts national assets into productive and export capacity. By 2030, the objective is to position Guyana as a net exporter of energy, food, climate and environmental services, health and educational services. INVESTOR CONFIDENCE AND THE EXPANDING SCALE OF INVESTMENT Over the past six years, approximately 189 new, expansionary and mixed investment projects and agreements were facilitated, representing approximately G$1.06 trillion in private economic investment, based on our investment facilitation data. Foreign direct investment accounted for approximately 73 per cent of recorded investment, demonstrating strong international confidence in Guyana. At the same time, local investors accounted for approximately 20 per cent of investment but generated about 49 per cent of the associated employment. That is particularly important because it demonstrates that Guyanese businesses are not spectators in the transformation of our economy; they are investing, expanding and creating jobs alongside international investors. It is important to distinguish GO-Invest-facilitated investment from Guyana’s total foreign direct investment. Not all FDI entering Guyana is facilitated or recorded through GO-Invest. Bank of Guyana balance-of-payments data captures FDI across the wider economy, including major oil and gas investments. The Bank reported gross FDI inflows of approximately US$10.40 billion in 2024 and US$8.43 billion in 2025, largely associated with the oil and gas sector. Based on data presented by the Bank, net direct investment was approximately US$3.50 billion in 2024 and US$5.37 billion in 2025. These national figures demonstrate that GO-Invest’s project data represents an important segment of the investment landscape but should not be interpreted as the total FDI entering Guyana. Another powerful indicator is private-sector credit. It increased from approximately G$259.8 billion in 2020 to G$531.8 billion at the end of 2025—more than doubling in five years. The next phase of our government’s implementation agenda is to attract larger productive investments, expand joint ventures, deepen value-added production, strengthen technology transfer and significantly increase export-oriented investment. We have moved beyond simply attracting foreign capital and have positioned Guyana as a competitive platform for local, regional and international investment. AGRICULTURE, AGRO-PROCESSING AND REGIONAL FOOD SECURITY

Guyana’s Integrated Investment Vision 2030

–– Building a Competitive Hub for Production, Energy, Logistics and Trade

Guyana’s agricultural strategy, under our government’s broader development agenda, is fundamentally an investment and production strategy. Investment is therefore being directed into corn and soy, livestock, aquaculture, large-scale farming, agro-processing, cold storage, logistics, packaging and value-added food production. The next stage is especially important. Our government’s objective is not simply to export more primary agricultural commodities, but to attract investment in processing operations so that more of the value chain—from production to processing, packaging, storage and distribution—takes place in Guyana. ENERGY AS THE FOUNDATION FOR INDUSTRIAL COMPETITIVENESS Energy is one of the most important components of Guyana’s investment competitiveness. Since 2020, more than 186 MW of additional generating capacity has been added. But the transformational project is the 300 MW Gas-to-Energy development at Wales, with first power targeted by the end of 2026. Our government’s objective is to reduce electricity costs by approximately 50%. That is not simply an energy-sector achievement; it has potentially significant implications for the entire investment environment. Energy is a major input cost for manufacturing, agro-processing, cold storage, ICT, hospitality and virtually every productive industry. Reducing that cost can fundamentally change the economics of investing and producing in Guyana. From an investment perspective, therefore, energy is the foundation for the next phase of industrialisation. As reliable energy expands and costs decline, Guyana becomes increasingly competitive as a location for manufacturing, agro-processing, industrial production, technology and export-oriented investment. Under the Vision 2030 implementation plan, we are converting greater energy security into stronger investment competitiveness, industrial capacity and export growth. TOURISM AS A GROWING INVESTMENT ECOSYSTEM Tourism has moved from being primarily a destination story to becoming a significant investment opportunity. That capital has supported an unprecedented expansion in hotel and hospitality capacity, with international brands including Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton, Best Western and Four Points by Sheraton establishing or advancing a presence in Guyana, alongside additional local, resort and convention developments. There are opportunities in eco-tourism, aviation, transportation, entertainment, restaurants, conference facilities, destination experiences, technology platforms, tour operations and hospitality supply chains. GUYANA AS A GATEWAY BETWEEN THE CARIBBEAN AND SOUTH AMERICA Geography is one of Guyana’s greatest underutilised economic assets, and the Vision 2030 implementation plan is designed to convert that geography into commercial value through stronger connectivity. That creates an entirely new investment

ecosystem around ports, warehousing, trucking, cold storage, distribution, manufacturing, agro-processing and logistics services. We are transforming Guyana from being viewed primarily as a market of just over one million people into an investment platform connected to a much larger regional and global marketplace. The President has outlined an integrated economic corridor linking the Guyana–Brazil connection with ports, road and potential rail connectivity, fibre optics, energy, free zones and natural resources—building Guyana’s role as a gateway to larger markets. G O - I N V E S T: F R O M I N V E S TMENT FACILITATION TO EXPORT GROWTH GO-Invest’s Export and Trade Department is an important part of that strategy. Over a four-year period, the agency helped approximately 137 Guyanese companies enter export markets and connected 112 businesses with overseas buyers. The same results are visible across agro-processing, tourism, manufacturing, logistics and exports: local companies are expanding, international brands are establishing operations, partnerships are growing and Guyana is connecting more deeply to global markets. International interest is also moving into strategic sectors. In 2026, senior United States officials publicly identified Guyana’s bauxite and wider mineral resources as areas for investment and cooperation, with a clear emphasis on value-added processing. That interest is particularly significant at a time when the U.S. Department of War is committing substantial capital to secure critical-mineral supply chains. Guyana’s established bauxite base, improving energy platform and plans for downstream processing place the country directly within that global investment conversation. The strongest evidence of Guyana’s investment proposition is no longer what we say can happen, but what investors and Guyanese companies are already doing. Demerara Distillers Limited is a strong example. DDL has continued to expand and diversify beyond its traditional beverage business, including its move into fresh milk production in Guyana. This is precisely the type of investment our government has worked to stimulate: using local capital, agriculture, technology and processing capacity to produce at home what we have historically imported. As domestic milk production expands, it can significantly reduce Guyana’s dairy import bill, retain more value within our economy, support local agriculture and create an entirely new domestic supply chain. DDL’s expansion into St. Kitts and Nevis tells another part of the story: Guyanese companies are increasingly investing outward, expanding their brands and establishing a commercial presence in international markets. RESULTS ARE ALREADY VISIBLE The investment opportunities that will be available by 2030 and beyond are endless. These include agriculture and agro-processing, energy, manufacturing, logistics, tourism, ICT and technology, value-added natural-resource industries and export-oriented production. For investors, the proposition is clear: invest in Guyana, partner with Guyanese

Peter R. Ramsaroop businesses, build productive capacity here and use Guyana’s expanding infrastructure and geographic position to access larger markets. Under Vision 2030, Guyana has positioned itself not simply as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, but as a competitive investment hub—a centre for production, processing, energy, logistics, technology and trade connecting South America, the Caribbean and global markets. This reflects the President’s central economic proposition: Guyana is not pursuing one-dimensional growth. Our Government is using the opportunities created by oil and gas to build infrastructure, energy systems, human capital and new growth poles that strengthen the non-oil economy. The objective is a diversified and globally competitive economy in which food, energy, climate services, technology, health, education, logistics and production become mutually reinforcing sources of long-term growth.\ WHERE DO WE FIT? As citizens and businesses, when we listen to His Excellency outline what the next few years will bring—from cheaper and more reliable energy to a deepwater port, an alumina plant, a refinery, a fertilizer plant and other transformative investments—the question we must ask ourselves is no longer whether Guyana is changing. The question is: where do we fit, and how do we get involved? Every major investment creates opportunities beyond itself. A deepwater port creates logistics, warehousing, transportation and export opportunities. Cheaper energy strengthens manufacturing and agro-processing. An alumina plant, refinery and fertilizer plant create demand for services, skills, suppliers, supporting industries and employment. Our government has spent six years building the foundation and has positioned Guyana for this next phase. Guyanese must now participate—as entrepreneurs, investors, suppliers, exporters, skilled workers and partners. We cannot allow ourselves to be left behind. We must ask where we fit, prepare, build partnerships and grab the opportunities before us. Guyana’s transformation is underway. More Guyanese must not simply watch it happen but actively participate and benefit.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 14, 2026

India’s Space Sector: A Launchpad for Global Partnerships

By Gurjit Singh, former Ambassador and author GROWING competition in outer space provides India with a unique opportunity to shape a narrative in which collaboration, rather than confrontation, drives space exploration. Recognised as a trustworthy and cost-effective spacefaring nation, India is now well placed to transform its technological advances into enduring international partnerships that contribute to scientific progress, economic growth, and sustainable development. India’s journey into space has been distinctive. Unlike many space programmes that emerged from Cold War rivalries, India’s programme was conceived as an instrument of national development. Dr. Vikram Sarabhai anchored India’s space vision in practical applications that would improve the lives of ordinary people. Under his leadership, satellites were developed to strengthen communications, weather forecasting, disaster management, healthcare, agriculture and education. This development-oriented philosophy remains central to India’s space programme and resonates strongly with the needs of countries in the Global South, which seek practical applications of space technology rather than prestige alone. Today, India’s achievements extend beyond developmental applications. The

Chandrayaan missions, the Mars Orbiter Mission, the Aditya-L1 solar observatory,

Gurjit Singh, and the forthcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme have established India as a nation capable of executing sophisticated and reliable space missions. Chandrayaan-3’s successful soft landing near the Moon’s south pole placed India among an exclusive group of space powers while demonstrating that world-class innovation can be achieved at compara-

tively modest cost. India’s growing credibility comes at a time when the global space economy is expanding rapidly. Valued at over US$600 billion today and projected to approach US$1.8 trillion by 2035, the sector is increasingly driven by commercial activity in satellite communications, Earth observation, navigation, climate services, broadband connectivity, and emerging fields such as in-orbit servicing and lunar exploration. Many countries aspire to participate but lack indigenous capabilities. They seek dependable long-term partners rather than merely launch providers. India possesses the capabilities to meet these requirements. The liberalisation of the space sector in 2020 transformed the ecosystem by opening it to private participation. The establishment of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), the expanding commercial role of NewSpace India Limited, and the growth of private enterprises have created one of the world’s most dynamic emerging space ecosystems. Indian startups are developing launch vehicles, satellite platforms, geospatial applications and propulsion technologies that are attracting global investment and customers. Companies such as Skyroot Aerospace, Pixxel and Agnikul Cosmos have demonstrated that Indian private enterprise can compete internationally in advanced space technologies. The next step is to internationalise this ecosystem. Rather than positioning itself only as a low-cost launch destination, India will offer comprehensive partnerships encompassing satellite design, launch services, mission operations, ground stations, astronaut training, capacity building and downstream applications in agriculture, disaster management and maritime security. Such integrated partnerships would be valuable for countries across the Global South and the Indo-Pacific seeking affordable, customised and reliable technologies to meet their development priorities. India has demonstrated the diplomatic value of such co-operation. Through the South Asia Satellite, it provided communication and developmental benefits to neighbouring countries. Indian launch vehicles have successfully placed hundreds of foreign satellites into orbit for governments, universities and commercial operators around the world. India’s decision to join the Artemis Accords reflects its willingness to partic-

ipate in the peaceful exploration of the Moon through international collaboration. Co-operation with NASA, the European Space Agency and JAXA has strengthened India’s scientific and technological capabilities. These partnerships reinforce India’s standing as a leading voice of the Global South. India offers development partnerships based on affordability, reliability and mutual respect rather than creating technological dependence. Space co-operation has therefore become an increasingly important instrument of Indian diplomacy, strengthening bilateral relationships while delivering tangible developmental benefits. To realise its full potential, India will aim to sustain the momentum of reform. Faster regulatory approvals, greater access to venture capital, stronger intellectual property protection, and closer collaboration among research institutions, industry and academia will be essential. Public procurement policies would continue supporting Indian startups, enabling them to scale up, innovate and integrate into global supply chains. India is positioned to play a larger role in shaping the governance of outer space. Orbital congestion, space debris, responsible resource utilisation and equitable access to emerging space opportunities are becoming pressing international concerns. As space activities expand, there will be an increasing need for countries capable of building consensus on responsible norms and practices. India’s long-standing commitment to the peaceful uses of outer space, combined with its growing technological capabilities, equips it to contribute meaningfully to the development of rules that promote transparency, sustainability and equitable access. The coming decade will determine not only which countries lead in space but also how space is governed. With its scientific capabilities, entrepreneurial ecosystem and international credibility, India is uniquely placed to bridge the gap between established and emerging space nations. By building collaborative partnerships founded on inclusivity, mutual benefit and innovation, India can transform its space programme into a major pillar of its global engagement. In an increasingly divided world, India’s space sector offers a powerful reminder that the greatest achievements in space are those that bring nations together. That may well become India’s most enduring contribution to humanity’s next frontier.

A theory on the failure of Guyanese political street fighters

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 14, 2026

Hamilton Green

Robert Corbin

Aubrey Norton

Tacuma Ogunseye

Sherod Duncan

Terrence Campbell

HERE is a theory why highly placed political leaders in Guyana failed to endure in their parties because of their street-fighting deportment. When one theorises as to why hierarchical leaders in Guyanese political parties never made it to the top, and when they do, they ended up as ignominious failures, surprisingly the analysis does not begin with Hamilton Green, but with Robert Jordan. It was Jordan more than any other PNC leader who was involved in the ethnic cleansing of Indians in MacKenzie in 1964. The PNC leader saw him as fit for the violent role. After a stint as Minister of Agriculture, Burnham got rid of Jordan. Hamilton Green succeeded Jordan as the street fighter of the PNC. Green’s massive contribution as a bully boy catapulted him into the apex of the PNC, but Green was devoid of intellectual ability. He could not and did not understand his own leader Forbes Burnham. Burnham may have ousted the Mulatto/Creole class (MCC) after he became executive president, but he did that out of realpolitik instincts and not class preferences. Burnham was essentially an MCC personality schooled in MCC values. Burnham chose two middle-class leaders

– Dr. Ptolemy Reid and Desmond Hoyte - over Green. In a published Kaieteur News interview with me, Green admitted that the middle class in the PNC frowned on him. The same fate Robert Corbin endured after Hoyte died. Corbin, like Jordan and Green before him, was the street fighter in the PNC’s leadership earning that title because of his violent deportment as a YSM youth. The middle class in Guyana was sadistic in their scorn of Corbin. They did not want to even talk to him. Under his leadership the MCC gave not a cent to the PNC. Corbin thought that by becoming a lawyer the perception would change. It didn’t. He was seen as a street fighter. So exhausted was Corbin that when Rupert Roopnaraine told him to step aside for the creation of a new PNC under another name, Corbin was relieved. The MCC embraced their own MCC personality, David Granger, with zest. And stuck with Granger (the exception being Dominic Gaskin) during the attempted election rigging in 2020). When the PNC collapsed after the loss of the 2020 elections, another bully boy, Aubrey Norton, became head of the PNC. The MCC despised Norton with more venom than they did with Corbin. Today, he exists as a pathetic failure because the

MCC in Guyana wants their leaders to be from their class. The quintessential MCC political party was the WPA. The street fighter in the WPA was Tacuma Ogunseye. The MCC tolerated Ogunseye because he was brave and devoted and fought hard in the streets, but it was impossible genetically and culturally for the MCC to accept Ogunseye. Roopnaraine, a man that was the true custodian of MCC values, stayed away from socialising with Ogunseye and the two had no intimate camaraderie among them. Roopnaraine never invited Ogunseye to his bourgeois lunches and dinners at the plantation home at Tranquility Hall. Ogunseye resented Roopnaraine for his MCC politics and remains the only WPA executive to have publicly criticised Roopnaraine before and after 2015. Ogunseye’s Stabroek News letter criticising Roopnaraine for refusing to discuss WPA’s policy positions in the APNU+AFC government at WPA executive meetings, seriously dented the credibility of Roopnaraine. Enters Sherod Duncan. To his credit, Sherod as General-Secretary kept the AFC alive after 2020. The MCC personalities had become dormant. Nigel Hughes had retired from politics. But Hughes woke up one day and decided he had a plan for the AFC in the forthcoming 2025 elections and thus wanted to be the head of the AFC.

Hughes’ announcement brought the MCC in both Guyana and the AFC alive. Duncan had to lose out because he was seen long before 2015 as the AFC’s version of Robert Corbin and Aubrey Norton. He was the AFC’s street fighter. He was facetiously nicknamed in certain circles “the bell man” for his outlandish social media gymnastics. The MCC was indignant that Duncan did not know his place. His place was in the streets. How dare he challenge the iconic Nigel Hughes? The MCC put Duncan in his place. But Duncan should have known his place long ago. Like Jordan, Green, Norton, and Ogunseye, Duncan did not know his place. So what theory explains the failure of these street fighters? The answer is in human nature. Humans want to be led by educated and intellectual achievers. They feel such can do more for the country than the street fighter. Enters Terrence Campbell. He is the exception. He is an MCC personality, and he feels his street-fighting vulgarities will not turn off the MCC. He will get a rude awakening in the coming years. 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.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, August 14, 2026

Riverview fisherfolk to benefit from improved facilities – Minister Mustapha

- NDIA to design wharf; young people to benefit from agricultural opportunities

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Thursday engaged fisherfolk to hear their concerns and identify areas where the Ministry of Agriculture can provide support

AGRICULTURE Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Thursday visited the Riverview area in Ruimveldt, following a recent visit by His Excellency President, Dr Irfaan Ali, to engage residents and fisherfolk and advanced interventions arising from concerns raised during the president’s visit. Minister Mustapha conducted a walk-through of the community and met with fisherfolk to hear their concerns and identify areas where the Ministry of Agriculture can provide support. “Yesterday, President Ali visited the area, and

a number of issues were raised with him, so he asked that I come to deal with the issues that fall under the Ministry of Agriculture. I spoke with the fisherfolk here, and they raised some concerns. They said they wanted a wharf, so I visited the area they have there. Currently, they have small individual landing sites. I’ve asked the management of the NDIA to assess the space and develop an appropriate design so that a proper wharf can be constructed,” Minister Mustapha said. He said the proposed wharf will provide a more organised space for fisherfolk to operate, including

safe storage of seines, nets, boats and other fishing equipment, while providing an appropriate facility for mooring boats and offloading catches. The minister said NDIA Chairman Lionel Wordsworth, along with a technical team from the authority, will return to the area in the coming days to conduct the assessment and begin the process of developing the wharf’s design. Once the design is completed, the project will be tendered for construction. Minister Mustapha also addressed concerns from fisherfolk who did not receive the recently

distributed Fisherfolk Relief Grant. He said fisheries officers will collect their information and, following verification, those confirmed as active fisherfolk will be added to the ministry’s database and will be eligible to receive the assistance. “Some of the fisherfolk here did say that they received, so we just have to capture those who were not registered. So, we will work with them to ensure they are registered so that they too can benefit from the grant. Overall, we will work with them to enhance their position and ensure that they benefit

from the resources that are extended to other fisherfolk around the country,” he said. The minister noted that other Cabinet ministers will also be visiting the community to address issues falling within their respective portfolios. He said several residents have expressed a willingness to relocate, given the current conditions in the area, and that those concerns will also be addressed as government continues its engagement with the community. Minister Mustapha also outlined plans to create opportunities through agriculture for young peo-

ple in the area. He said the ministry will work with young residents, particularly those completing school and at tertiary institutions, to identify a suitable area where a shadehouse can be established for the cultivation of high-value crops. “Our officers from NAREI will work with you to establish the shadehouse and guide you on what to plant and the most appropriate farming techniques. Once you start getting production, we will work with you through the New GMC to find markets,” the minister said. (MoA)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, August 14, 2026

Mashabo block factory creates jobs, drives local economic growth

A COMMUNITY-driven block-making factory in Mashabo, Region Two, is helping to strengthen the village economy by creating jobs, generating income and meeting the growing demand for quality construction ma-

terials. The initiative, spearheaded by the Mashabo Village Council, has been operational for about two weeks and is already making a tangible impact on residents. The facility produces

Toshao of Mashabo, Giddel Abrams

Block maker, Parmanand Sewcharran

Youman-Nabi to be observed on August 25

THE Central Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) on Thursday announced that the moon has been sighted and Youman-Nabi will be commemorated on August 25. In a press release, the Muslim organisation said that the crescent moon to commence the month of Rabii’ul Awwal 1448 AH was looked for after sunset on Thursday, August 13, 2026. “Reports received locally and regionally confirmed that THE MOON WAS SIGHTED. “The CIOG has accepted these reports and has declared the 1st Night of Rabii’ul Awwal will be THURSDAY, 13th, August 2026 and the 1st Day of Rabii’ul Awwal will be FRIDAY, 14th, August 2026,” the release said. It further stated that Youman-Nabi will be commemorated on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.

blocks for use within the community while supplying contractors undertaking major development projects. Toshao of Mashabo, Giddel Abrams, said the factory has already supplied more than 1,500 blocks to contractors working on the community’s bio-health post. The initiative is also reducing the transportation costs residents would otherwise incur to source construction mate-

rials from outside the community, while keeping economic activity within Mashabo. For block maker, Parmanand Sewcharran, the project represents an important employment opportunity. He produces approximately 250 blocks daily, with his output sometimes exceeding 300. The quality of the locally produced blocks is also earning contractors’ confidence. One contractor described

them as “healthy blocks” and said they compare favourably with blocks sourced elsewhere. Beyond the numbers, the factory is putting income directly into residents’ hands and creating opportunities for families to benefit from economic activity within their own community. The Mashabo block-making initiative demonstrates how village-based investments

can transform local resources and labour into sustainable economic opportunities, while supporting the infrastructure development taking place in the community. With demand expected to grow as construction expands, the facility is positioning Mashabo residents as beneficiaries of development and active participants in driving the village’s economic progress. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, August 14, 2026

Nandlall rejects claim PPP outreaches aimed at distracting from MV Barima tragedy ATTORNEY General Anil Nandlall, SC, has rejected claims that the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government's nationwide outreaches are intended to divert public attention from the MV Barima tragedy. Nandlall addressed the

issue during his weekly programme, ‘Issues in the News,’ while responding to a report published by Kiskadee Watch which suggested that the government was holding outreaches across the country as a means of shifting focus away from the tragedy surrounding the sinking of the

MV Barima. Rejecting the claim, Nandlall said public outreaches have long been part of the PPP/C's political and governmental activities and were not introduced in response to the disaster. He said the PPP/C's connection with communities

across Guyana is rooted in its political philosophy and maintained that outreach activities have remained a permanent feature of the party's work, both when it is in government and when it is in opposition. “Outreaches, whether as a collective or by individual Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC ministers, is a permanent feature of our work as a government and as our work as a political party,” Nandlall said. He pointed specifically to Cabinet outreaches, which he said involve the entire Cabinet, Members of Parliament and senior government officials travelling to different regions to spend several days meeting residents in their communities. According to Nandlall, such activities date back to the administration of former President and PPP founder Dr. Cheddi Jagan and have continued over the years. He emphasised, “Cabinet outreaches have been part of Cheddi Jagan's Cabinet since 1992, and it has never stopped. It has never stopped.” Nandlall also sought to use the timing of recent outreaches to dispute the suggestion that they were organised to distract from the MV Barima disaster. He said the government conducted a Cabinet outreach in Region Six in November 2025, followed by another in Region Three in December 2025 and one in Region Seven in June 2026. The MV Barima sank after those activities had already taken place, Nandlall noted. The Attorney General said the timing demonstrated that cabinet outreaches were part of an established programme rather than a response to the maritime tragedy. Nandlall further maintained that individual ministers regularly travel throughout the country to engage residents, describing such engagements as an established component of the government's approach to interacting with communities. He said the PPP/C has continued the practice of conducting outreaches both collectively and through individual ministers, arguing that the programme predates the MV Barima tragedy. The Attorney General's

comments came as public discussion continued over the government's response to the MV Barima disaster and the activities being undertaken by officials across the country. Nandlall said the government's community outreach programme should therefore be viewed within the context of its long-standing political and administrative practices rather than as an effort to divert attention from the tragedy. The government-owned and operated MV Barima sank on the night of July 18, 2026, approximately 10 nautical miles off the Essequibo coast while en route from Georgetown to Port Kaituma in Region One. Authorities later determined that an estimated 179 people, including crew members, were aboard the vessel, significantly more than the 133 persons listed on the manifest. The tragedy claimed the lives of 73 people, while 76 persons were rescued. Thirty people remain missing, making it the deadliest maritime disaster in Guyana’s history. Meanwhile, the criminal investigation into the disaster is proceeding alongside the Commission of Inquiry (CoI). Captain Kevin Price, Chief Mate Rondell Dwayne Roberts and Cargo Superintendent Delon Granderson have each been charged with murder in connection with the sinking of the MV Barima. The three were further remanded to prison when they appeared earlier this month before Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir at the Charity Magistrate’s Court and are due to return to court on September 7. Following the disaster, Prime Minister, retired Brigadier Mark Phillips, disclosed that two crew members, including the captain, had tested positive for marijuana.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 14, 2026

Over 1,600 house lots allocated in Wismar Phase One

THE Ministry of Housing continues lot identification at Wismar Phase One New Housing Development in Region 10, with more than 1,600 residential plots allocated within the development. Approximately $5.5 billion is being invested in essential infrastructure works. Phases One and Two cover about 355 acres and include dedicated spaces for recrea-

tional facilities, a police outpost, and other modern amenities. The exercise began on Wednesday, with the first group of allottees invited to identify their respective residential plots. Under the ministry’s surveyor ’s guidance, each allottee was led to the correct location and permitted to mark their plot. This exercise continued on Thursday and will finish on Friday.

A second group of allottees will be contacted at a later date as their plots become accessible. The Ministry of Housing encourages allottees participating in the lot identification exercises to regularly check their plot, as it will help prevent encroachment and the common problem of people mistakenly building on the wrong lot. (DPI)

Allocatees identify their housing land (DPI photos)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 14, 2026

Fire Chief points to severe defects of HQ built by Mohamed’s Enterprise –– says repairs underway to fix flaws, GFS more equipped today than ever before

FIRE Chief (Ag) Gregory Wickham has broken his silence on a Facebook post that criticised firefighters for using buckets of water at the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) headquarters on Homestretch Avenue, insisting the incident stems not from neglect but from long-standing structural defects in the building, problems he says are now being fixed under a new contract. Speaking directly to the controversy, Wickham on Thursdaty night said the administration of the GFS and the Ministry of Home Affairs place the highest priority on the welfare, health, and safety of its personnel. “We pay great attention to staff welfare, well-being, health and safety to ensure that we all have a good working environment,” he said, before turning to the specifics of the complaint. According to the Fire Chief, the issues date back to the very beginning of the service’s occupancy of the building. Over the years, staff have had to contend with a leaking roof, cracking walls, cracked glass on parts of the building’s surface,

Fire Chief Gregory Wickham and recurring plumbing fail- ham said the GFS and the ures in the washroom and ministry took a “holistic” lavatory areas — problems approach once the pattern of that required repeated re- defects became clear, re-tenpairs just to keep the facility dering the remedial works to functional. bring in a contractor capable Wickham confirmed that of addressing them properly. the building was constructed That process has already by Mohamed’s Enterprise, produced results. and that the defects have The winning contractor persisted since firefighters began work on August 6, first moved in. 2026, to overhaul the washRather than allow the room facilities, blamed for problems to linger, Wick- the bucket-and-water com-

Cracked walls and broken glass were identified as some of the defects plaint. Wickham described pointed to significant investthe project as a work in ment in personal protective progress, signalling that equipment and breathing further updates on the build- apparatus sets that allow ing’s rehabilitation should firefighters to safely operate be expected as work con- in hazardous, low-oxygen tinues. environments, alongside an Beyond the headquarters expanded fleet of fire tenders repairs, Wickham used the to respond to emergencies opportunity to highlight the across the country. broader gains the service Wickham also noted that has made in equipping and the GFS network has grown expanding its operations. He to more than 20 fire stations,

extending the service’s reach and cutting response times in communities that previously relied on more distant units. The Fire Chief also spotlighted the growing role of the Service’s Emergency Medical Technicians, who have moved beyond fire response to deliver frontline medical assistance — including the delivery of nine newborn babies, a milestone Wickham cited as evidence of how far the EMT programme has come. Wickham closed his address on a note of assurance, telling the public and his own staff that the Service takes pride in its work and remains committed to the health and welfare of its personnel. “We will continue to ensure they have a good working environment so that the work we produce would stand the test of time,” he said, adding that both the GFS and the Ministry of Home Affairs are actively acting on the outstanding issues at the headquarters. “Have the confidence that all issues are being acted upon,” he told the public.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, August 14, 2026

Improving mathematics performance, micro-credentials take centre stage at 52nd COHSOD Meeting

IMPROVING mathematics performance and strengthening pathways for skills development emerged as key priorities as education ministers and senior officials from across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) met in Georgetown for the 52nd Meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD)-Education. Honourable Sonia Parag, Guyana’s Minister of Education, also officially assumed the Chairmanship of the regional body. The meeting was hosted at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on August 12 and 13 under the theme, “Educating for Life, Purpose, and Caribbean Progress,”. It brought together education ministers, senior officials, regional institutions and development partners to advance the region’s shared education agenda. Among the key matters considered was a proposed Regional Sub-Framework for Micro-Credentials, aimed at making learning more flexible and responsive to the changing needs of individuals and economies. Minister Parag highlighted the importance of micro-credentials in supporting lifelong learning, reskilling and upskilling, while noting that a shared regional framework would help ensure that such qualifications are trusted, quality-assured and portable across the Community. The meeting also considered a proposed Regional Apprenticeship Framework, which seeks to strengthen the connection between education and the world of work

by expanding opportunities for practical, workplace-based learning. Delivering opening remarks, Minister Parag emphasised that education must extend beyond the acquisition of knowledge and preparation for examinations and should equip learners to think critically, adapt to change, discover their purpose and contribute meaningfully to society. “We must be able to create wholesome, well-rounded Caribbean citizens,” Minister Parag said. A significant focus was also placed on strengthening foundational learning, particularly mathematics. The Caribbean Development Bank presented its proposed Mathematics Enhancement Programme for Primary and Secondary Schools, developed in partnership with the University of the West Indies, which advocates a systemic approach to improving mathematics outcomes across the region. Minister Parag welcomed the regional initiative, noting the positive impact of Guyana’s own mathematics intervention programme on national learning outcomes and emphasising that strong foundational learning is critical to success in science, technology, technical training, financial literacy and the modern workplace. She further underscored the central role of teachers in achieving sustainable improvements in education, noting that no education system can rise above the quality of its teachers. The meeting, therefore, also considered a regional agenda to ad-

vance teachers, teaching and the teaching profession, including a proposal for the establishment of a CARICOM Alliance for Teachers and the development of a regional research agenda on the teaching profession. CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr. Carla Barnett, also highlighted the growing demand for technical, vocational and digital skills across the region, emphasising the role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)

in strengthening caribbean competitiveness, resilience and economic participation. The two-day meeting further examined regional approaches to assessment, Caribbean Vocational Qualifications, education data and strategic planning, as well as strengthening the role of parents in education through the Caribbean Council of National Parent Teacher Associations. The discussions reflected a shared commitment among CAR-

Guyana’s Minister of Education, Sonia Parag, has officially assumed the Chairmanship of the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD)-Education

ICOM Member States to strengthen education systems and ensure that learners are equipped not only for examinations, but for further

education, employment, entrepreneurship and meaningful participation in Caribbean society. (MoE)

Officials at the just concluded 52nd Meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD)-Education held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (MoE photos)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, August 14, 2026

HEART initiative committee to continuously visit communities to offer support

The Steering Committee of the HEART initiative met on Wednesday to provide an update on the work being done since it’s establishment on July 31, 2026 (Ministry of Human Services and Social Security photos) THE steering committee of the HEART initiative introduced by President Dr Irfaan Ali in response to the MV Barima tragedy, on Wednesday, met to provide an update on the work being done since it’s establishment on July 31, 2026. The HEART initiative Hope, Empathy, Aid, Resilience and Trust- was created to ensure that assistance is provided to families, communities and individuals

affected by the MV Barima tragedy that claimed the lives of dozens of persons on July 18, 2026. Amongst the beneficiaries of these interventions thus far are relatives of the deceased, crew members, and their families, survivors and all of the children affected by the tragedy. In keeping with its mandate, the initiative’s committee will be visiting all affected families and communities in the coming days

and weeks. Additionally, there will be continued collaboration with the wider Guyanese community, private sector, religious bodies, humanitarian bodies, and international agencies. Furthermore, a coordinating secretariat under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Dominic Shepherd of the Guyana Defence Force has been established with oversight from Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya

Persaud and her ministry. Alongside mental support, the HEART initiative is also providing spiritual and religious support, children’s wellbeing and welfare assistance including education, developing a parent and family support network for the families and communities affected by the MV Barima tragedy. The initiative also established Regional Units to deliver sustained and longterm psychological, social,

and religious support. Moreover, the Office of the First Lady is expected to complement support to children under the initiative. Through its structure and coordinating mechanisms, the HEART Initiative ensures that the psychotherapy, grief counselling, and humanitarian, financial and other support to families and individuals in the affected communities have been provided by government

agencies. This includes the ministries of Human Services and Social Security, Health, Education and other bodies including the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), Guyana Association of Professional Social Workers and University of Guyana from the onset of the MV Barima be sustained, strengthened and expanded to cater comprehensively for each family and survivor.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, August 14, 2026

YLAI Alumni discuss stronger U.S.-Guyana business ties beyond oil - highlight diversification, wider entrepreneurial opportunities with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State

Entrepreneur and Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) alumni Abbigale Loncke-Watson meeting with Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau (U.S. Embassy Guyana Photos) By Shaniya Harding GUYANA’s entrepreneurs continue to call for improved collaboration and economic diversification, most recently at a Wednesday lunch meet up where Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau, met with Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) alumni to mark a decade of the U.S. exchange programme's presence in Guyana. The occasion brought together entrepreneurs Abbigale Loncke-Watson, Junior Rameklawan, Evie Gurchuran and Brian Smith. Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle following the engagement, Loncke-Watson said the discussion highlighted expanding partnerships beyond oil and gas among other opportunities and chal-

lenges facing Guyana’s business sector. Loncke-Watson joined YLAI's pilot cohort in 2016. She said the training and networks built through the programme helped her expand into multiple businesses, and inspired her to found We Lead Association, an NGO supporting women entrepreneurs in Guyana. "Over the last 10 years, I have been able to use the training and everything that we've gathered from YLAI to help me in business. I not only have the home care agency, I have multiple businesses spanning different industries in Guyana," she said. She pointed to cohort members whose businesses have also grown substantially, adding, "There are lots of standout companies. They have a huge connection with their U.S. counterparts, businesses they have stayed with,

who they were mentored with, and come back and grow the business tenfold." Loncke-Watson said the discussion with Landau centred largely on the Embassy's role in supporting entrepreneurs locally, with alumni serving as an informal link to the U.S. even as ambassadors rotate through the post every few years. "A lot of the discussion stemmed from doing business in Guyana, the support from the embassy, what role does the embassy play from the programme on the ground here," she said adding, "We are still local ambassadors for the U.S. and for the programmes that are happening in the U.S. Creating that partnership and those synergies with the U.S. embassy and also U.S. companies are very important." A d d i t i o n a l l y, L o n cke-Watson noted that the

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau meeting with YLAI alumni, including entrepreneurs Junior Rameklawan, Evie Gurchuran and Brian Smith on Wednesday Embassy reiterated its openness to working with Guyanese businesses in every sector, noting, "The U.S. embassy and the U.S. government are open to partnering with Guyanese and local Guyanese businesses. We are always encouraged to send any interest that we may have, any sector, not just oil and gas, but any sector that you may be interested in," she said. Loncke-Watson also renewed her call for greater Guyanese participation in YLAI, noting that larger Latin American countries such as Brazil send far more delegates each year. "I do want to see more Guyanese participation. Every year, some Latin American countries, like Brazil, send over 20, 30 people. I know their population is bigger than ours, but it is important for Guyanese, especially young Guyanese,

these are opportunities that are available, and available for free," she said. Loncke-Watson said the programme also facilitates business matchmaking, letting participants identify partners before they travel and pairing them with host companies and mentors in the U.S. "By the time you finish with your six weeks, you would have already met 90 per cent of the people who you want to meet you, and the onus now is on you to create those collaborations," she said. The programme selects more than 200 participants from Latin America and the Caribbean annually, with applications opening a year in advance. As Loncke-Watson noted, 2027 participants have already been chosen with the 2028 intake expected soon. Looking ahead, Loncke-Watson said she wants

more Guyanese entrepreneurs, across a wider range of industries, to take part in the programme. To better foster collaboration and inform young entrepreneurs about this and similar opportunities, Loncke-Watson noted that this year will see a YLAI 10-year anniversary celebration aimed at connecting with people who need support for their business. "We need more individuals going to the programme. We need more individuals understanding the benefits of the programme, and across different industries, not just oil and gas,” she said before adding, “We need it to be varied industries, and to bring back those collaborations here in Guyana, bring back those companies that they have worked with, and for us to be able to expand on that.”

PSC supports Gaming Bill

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, August 14, 2026

- says legislation must modernise sector to boost economic activity while curbing addiction THE Private Sector Commission (PSC) has welcomed the move to modernise Guyana’s gaming sector, with its Chairman, Captain Gerald Gouveia Jr stressing that the industry must be given room to grow while operating within a strong regulatory framework. Gouveia, speaking during the most recent episode of the ‘Starting Point’ podcast, said the proposed Guyana Gaming Authority Bill provides an opportunity to bring the gambling industry under a more modern and responsible system, while recognising the economic potential of the sector. Speaking on the role and importance of the bill amid the growth of the industry, Gouveia noted that like all other sectors experiencing growth, modern policies and frameworks are needed to ensure the continued development of the industry.

“Any industry in Guyana needs to be controlled and enhanced and given the chance to grow, but within a regulated framework, especially in the gambling industry,” he said. The Guyana Gaming Authority Bill of 2026, which was recently tabled in the National Assembly by Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General Anil Nandlall, seeks to establish a comprehensive framework for the licensing, regulation, supervision, taxation, and control of gaming, betting, and wagering activities. The proposed legislation would strengthen the oversight of casinos, gaming lounges, betting shops, betting shop agents, remote gaming platforms, and simulcast horse racing, while also providing for the regulation of gaming equipment. Gouveia acknowledged that while gambling can bring significant economic bene-

Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Captain Gerald Gouveia Jr fits, the industry also presents challenges that must be addressed through effective regulation. “Whilst it does have massive economic upsides for any country it goes into, it does have a lot of challenges, whether that is AML challenges, gambling addiction, whether that is being accessible to vulnerable people or

young children or stuff like that,” he said. Moreover, the bill includes provisions aimed at addressing some of these concerns, including anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism obligations, administrative penalties, and enforcement measures for breaches of the law. It also proposes the establishment of a Responsible Gaming Fund, alongside measures intended to promote responsible gaming and strengthen protections for vulnerable persons. According to Gouveia, these safeguards will be important in ensuring that economic development within the sector does not come at the expense of communities. “We have to make sure that as we're promoting the economic activity, which can be substantial, we are doing it in a responsible way that is not harming our community,” he said.

The PSC Chairman also highlighted gambling addiction as one of the major risks that must be managed as the sector expands, particularly as betting becomes increasingly accessible through mobile applications and other platforms. “I think that this bill really starts to outline the protections it is putting in place for young people, protections it is putting in place for the vulnerable, protections that really start to limit or help to curb the ability to become addicted to gambling,” Gouveia emphasised. He further noted that gambling can become highly addictive when not properly managed, making community awareness and responsible practices important aspects of the new regulatory framework. The proposed legislation comes amid growing concerns over the expansion of betting operations across

Shanghai Street rehabilitated, widened RESIDENTS and commuters of Shanghai Street in Amelia’s Ward, Region 10, can now traverse on a newly rehabilitated and widened roadway, the Ministry of Public Works disclosed on Thursday. In a Facebook post, the ministry said its team stationed in Linden executed the road and drainage works, enhancing the stretch for residents and

road users. The project was undertaken in response to the deteriorated condition of the existing roadway and the need for a more effective system to manage surface water, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. A major component of the project was the construction of concrete drains and slipper drains along the roadway; to

improve the collection and conveyance of surface water and allowing direct runoff away from the road surface and surrounding properties, the ministry said, adding that the project included the construction of a junction box at the lowest point of the roadway. “The improved roadway will now provide safer and more comfortable travel conditions for

Guyana, including mobile betting platforms and neighbourhood gaming outlets. Religious organisations have also raised concerns over the social impact of gambling addiction, particularly its effects on families, finances, and relationships. While the government has maintained that it does not intend to prohibit gambling, it has signalled its intention to place the industry under stricter regulation and taxation while discouraging excessive gambling. According to Gouveia, the challenge will be to strike a balance between allowing the industry to contribute to the economy while ensuring that adequate safeguards are in place, as he noted, “I think that we have to work with our communities to make sure that while it's good for the economy, it does not hurt the social fabric of our community,” he said.

A section of the rehabilitated Shanghai Street in Linden (Ministry of Public Works)

motorists, pedestrians and other road users, while also improving access to

homes, businesses and other facilities within the community.

This is what the road looked like before the Ministry of Public Works started the rehabilitation project

“Overall, the rehabilitation of Shanghai Street represents the continued commitment to upgrading and maintaining road infrastructure and connectivity within communities and ensuring improved conditions to better withstand environmental conditions while supporting the daily movement of people, goods and services,” the ministry said. It used the opportunity to the people of Shanghai Street for their co-operation and patience during the rehabilitation period.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, August 14, 2026

Discipline, perseverance key to youths’ success - Minister Jacobs says IN observation of International Youth Day 2026, the Minister within the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport Steven Jacobs appeared alongside Guyanese creatives on “Youth Now” on Wednesday offering advice to youths, and encouraging them to work hard and pursue as many opportunities as they can. According to Minister Jacobs, in Guyana, there is an overwhelming number of opportunities currently available for young people spanning across a number of government ministries. “And, like I said earlier today, it's multi-sectorial, because we can look at training, for instance, the BIT programme. Our

training programmes at the ministry are in carpentry, in welding. You can look at the nursing programmes. You can also look at the pharmacy assistant programmes through the Ministry of Health. I can go down a long list. You can look at the Young Influencers programme that the Ministry of Human Services currently is doing. You can also look at what the president is doing with his advisory council. Amazing opportunities,” Minister Jacobs highlighted. Along with this, the minister spoke on the soonto-be-opened Guyana Development Bank. Calling it an opportunity for young people, and generally all of Guyana,

the minister said the bank can lead to the creation of generational wealth, opportunities for employment and opportunities for the development of individuals and their businesses. The Orange Economy is also being developed, with scores of creatives being included in this current phase of consultations. “It is amazing what is happening in this country in relation to transformation. Yes, on the physical infrastructure. But if you look at the soft skills that are being developed, you have now free education, you have the GOAL scholarship with over 38,000 benefitting. So, it is building complete individuals, complete citizens for this country. But the opportuni-

Salesman charged with manslaughter over fatal Water Street stabbing

Wreford Trim Junior

Tyrone Captain

Angelo Answick

A 29-year-old salesman has been charged with two counts of manslaughter following a deadly confrontation on Water Street, Georgetown, that left two men dead. Angelo Answick of Industry, East Coast Demerara (ECD), appeared before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday, where the indictable charges were read to him in connection with the deaths of 23-yearold Wreford Vincent Trim, called “Junior Browne,” and 36-year-old Tyrone Captain. Trim, a vendor of Durban Backlands, Georgetown, and Captain, a labourer of Eversham, Corentyne, Berbice, and Beepat Squatting Area, Sophia, Georgetown, were fatally wounded during the August 7, 2026 incident. Police said the confrontation occurred at about 9:30 a.m. along Water Street following an altercation involving Answick and the two men. According to the preliminary findings of the investi-

gation, both Trim and Captain sustained stab wounds during the confrontation. Trim was subsequently found on Commerce Street, Georgetown, and was pronounced dead at the scene by a doctor. Captain was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for medical attention but died while undergoing treatment. Answick was subsequently arrested by police, who also recovered a knife suspected to have been used during the incident. The weapon has since been lodged for forensic examination. However, the circumstances surrounding the deaths were disputed in court during Tuesday’s bail hearing. Answick was represented by Attorney-at-Law Kiswana Jefford of Hughes, Fields and Stoby, who told the court that her client acted in self-defence. Jefford submitted that Answick was being pursued by Trim and Captain before

the confrontation escalated. She further claimed that one of the men struck Answick with a bottle during the incident. The defence attorney told the court that CCTV footage reviewed by investigators support the account that the now two deceased men had followed Answick to the area where the confrontation occurred. According to Jefford, the footage also captured one of the men assaulting Answick with a bottle before the fatal encounter. The court was further told that a third person was allegedly involved in the altercation but fled the area before police arrived. The prosecution has obtained CCTV footage as part of the investigation. After considering the circumstances presented during the bail application, Magistrate Daly granted Answick bail totalling $1.5 million. He was granted bail of $750,000 on each of the two manslaughter charges.

ties are amazing and it will continue to grow,” he said. Further, he said that Guyanese youths have access to direct areas that they can look for these opportunities through the ministries of Health, Education, and the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning, all of which have a host of youth programmes and initiatives. “Tap into those programmes and make sure you take up those initiatives,” he encouraged, adding, “Know that His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and the entire government will continue to make sure that the opportunities are there and their voice, voices will be heard.” Additionally, he shared life lessons he learnt along

the way, as a cricketer, businessman, and now a public servant. “I honestly believe that people are rewarded based on what they put in. And that is a significant trait that I have learned right throughout my entire life, up to today.” He stated that once young people develop the trait of discipline, they will be successful in their ventures. Along with this, he mentioned perseverance, stating that this was a lesson he learned at the start of his business in December 2018. “I invited everyone that I could have possibly thought about. But then, on that day, we had two persons that showed up for the opening of Jacobs Jewellery,” he said. “That

Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Steven Jacobs (Photo: Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport/ Facebook) was a deflating moment for me. Deflating moment, but it taught me something. It taught me that in order for you to succeed, you need to persevere.” While in cricket there were disappointments, he said that the business world was a different territory, teaching him how to not only persevere, but also how to be strong, how to analyse situations and then see where he can improve.

MV Barima CoI advances preparations for public hearings – Shadick

THE Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the July 18 sinking of the MV Barima is finalising arrangements for the beginning of public hearings, with the public and media to be formally notified once the necessary procedures are completed. Attorney-at-law Javid Shadick, Secretary to the Commission, told

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, August 14, 2026

Attorney Javid Shadick

hamed Irfaan Ali to investigate the circumstances surrounding the capsizing and sinking of the MV Barima. The Commission is

istry of Public Utilities and Aviation, through the Maritime Administration Department, seeking a specialised marine salvage contractor.

The members of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (CoI)

the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Thursday that the secretariat is currently addressing the legal and administrative requirements that will guide the proceedings. “They’re working on checking the legal aspects,” Shadick said, explaining that the Commission is considering the various scenarios that may arise during the hearings. He said once the arrangements are completed, a public notice will be issued. This notice will outline the details and inform the public and media on how the hearings will be conducted. The five-member Commission was sworn in by President Dr Mo-

chaired by Justice Godfrey Phillip Smith of Belize, with the other members being Dr Andrzej Jasionowski of Poland, Captain Hamada Fouda of Jamaica, Attorney Nyree Dawn Alfonso of Trinidad and Tobago and Rear Admiral Retired Hayden Pritchard of Trinidad and Tobago. The investigation comes as authorities continue efforts to account for those affected by the tragedy. To date, 76 passengers and crew members have been rescued, while 73 people have been confirmed dead and another 30 remain unaccounted for. Meanwhile, the government has initiated efforts to recover the sunken vessel, with the Min-

The MV Barima is located in approximately 13 to 15 metres of water, with strong tidal currents, limited underwater visibility and challenging sea conditions presenting significant technical considerations for the salvage operation. President Ali has also established the HEART Initiative, which brings together humanitarian assistance, psychosocial and trauma counselling, social services, spiritual guidance and other forms of support for survivors and bereaved families. The commission is expected to submit its findings, observations and recommendations to President Ali upon completion of its investigation. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, August 14, 2026

Banks DIH launches ‘Uncap the — over $14 million in cash, Cash with Banko!’ prizes up for grabs

BANKS DIH Limited, on Thursday, launched “Uncap the Cash with Banko!,” giving consumers the chance to win big every time they purchase a bottle of Banko Wine. The promotion, which runs until September 30, 2026, offers participants over $14 million in cash and prizes. They simply must check under the caps of their Banko Wine 750ml and 375ml bot-

value $1,000, $5,000 and $10,000 and instant prizes such as a free 375ml bottle of Banko, a free cap (re-entry for another chance to win), or a free Banko t-shirt. The promotion is available at a wide network of participating locations spanning the Essequibo, Berbice, Bartica and Linden branches, as well as retail locations at Thirst Park, on the East Bank and the East Coast of Demer-

Banko” promotion, we invite consumers throughout Guyana to participate responsibly, follow the promotion mechanics, and take advantage of the opportunity to win,” Wine Manager, Oral Jones urged. The promotion reinforces Banks DIH Limited’s tradition of celebrating and rewarding its customers, continuing a legacy that spans over 70 years of serving the

‘Uncap the Cash with Banko!’ gives consumers the chance to win big every time they purchase a bottle of Banko Wine (Banks DIH photo) tles to see if they have won. Consumers who purchase Banko Wine at participating locations across Guyana have a chance to instantly win one of the following: cash prizes

ara, reflecting the company’s continued commitment to rewarding loyal customers in every corner of Guyana. “As we officially launch the “Uncap the Cash with

Guyanese people with quality, locally made products. Participants are reminded that employees of Banks DIH Limited are not eligible to participate, and that terms

Caribbean Bar Associations urge media to exercise care, fairness in leaked CCJ email reporting THE Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Bar Association (OECSBA) and the Organisation of Commonwealth Caribbean Bar Associations (OCCBA) have reaffirmed their confidence in the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), while calling for a thorough investigation into recent allegations and concerns surrounding the Court’s internal administration. In a joint statement, the regional bar associations said they continued to have confidence in CCJ President Justice Winston Anderson and all the Court’s judges, while expressing concern over the public disclosure of private correspondence between judges relating to ongoing internal matters. They described the disclosure as “disturbing” and “unfortunate” and called for an immediate and thorough investigation to determine

how the information became public. The associations also called for the allegations raised in recent media reports to be urgently investigated and examined for their truthfulness and accuracy. They said the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission (RJLSC) should facilitate dialogue on the issues and take considered and responsible action to support the CCJ. At the same time, the OECSBA and OCCBA urged the media to exercise care, thoroughness and fairness when reporting on the matter. They cautioned that commentary and remarks surrounding the controversy could become “overzealous, unduly prejudicial and overreaching,” underscoring the importance of responsible reporting while the issues are being examined. The associations questioned whether some of what

is unfolding publicly could represent internal politicking, grandstanding or mischief-making, while maintaining that the issues should be addressed openly and responsibly. They further urged the CCJ judges, with assistance from the RJLSC and other stakeholders, including former CCJ judges, to engage in frank discussions on any concerns. The associations also indicated their willingness to assist, including through mediation. Their intervention comes as Heads of Judiciary from seven jurisdictions that subscribe to the CCJ, together with the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, also expressed confidence in the regional court and reaffirmed the importance of judicial independence, institutional integrity and public trust in the administration of justice.

and conditions apply. Consumers are also encouraged to visit any of the participating locations listed on official Banks DIH promotional materials to purchase their Banko Wine and start “uncapping” their chance to win. Banks DIH Limited is one of Guyana’s leading manu-

facturers and distributors of beverages, food products, and household goods, with a history spanning more than 70 years and a workforce of over 1,600 employees. The company’s portfolio includes iconic Guyanese brands such as Banks Beer, GT Beer, Guinness, XM

Rum, Coca-Cola, Malta, Icee, Demico Qik Serv, Banko Wine, and a wide range of consumer products. Banks DIH has emphasised its commitment to quality, community investment, and the continued development of Guyana.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, August 14, 2026

Plea-deal evidence revives 2009 murder case against fuel dealer’s wife A PLEA agreement entered into by a man accused of killing fuel dealer Ramzan Alli has led to a fresh development in the 17-year-old murder investigation, with Alli’s wife, Mailaini Alli, now facing the court again. Alli appeared before Magistrate Teriq Mohammed at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday

and was formally brought before the court in connection with the July 2009 murder of her husband. As the charge is indictable, no plea was taken. The accused was remanded to prison, with the case set to return to court on September 29, 2026, for disclosure. Attorney-at-law Bernard DaSilva, who represents Alli, said the renewed pros-

ecution stems from statements provided to police by Sadiek Mitchell, who was previously charged in connection with Ramzan’s death and is alleged to have been Alli’s lover. Mitchell recently entered into a plea agreement and is expected to be sentenced at the Demerara High Court in September, according to DaSilva.

The attorney said information contained in Mitchell’s statements following the plea agreement is now being relied upon by police in bringing the case against Alli for a second time. The contents of those statements were not disclosed, nor was it revealed in court what specific new evidence the prosecution believes links Alli to her

husband’s killing. The woman’s attorney also raised concerns about his client’s health during Tuesday’s proceedings, telling the court that she is suffering from a number of illnesses. Medical documentation was submitted for the court’s consideration, following which Magistrate Mohammed directed the

discharged. The renewed proceedings revive a case that dates back to the early hours of July 12, 2009, when Ramzan’s body was dis-

Alleged killer: Mailaini Alli

MURDERED: Ramzan Alli

prison authorities to ensure that Alli receives her prescribed medication while in custody. Mitchell had himself faced prosecution for the murder. He was charged in March 2019 and, following a Preliminary Inquiry (PI), a magistrate found that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against him and committed him to stand trial at the Demerara Criminal Assizes. His plea agreement and impending sentencing now appear to have provided investigators with fresh information in relation to the wider case. The development comes after Alli’s own prosecution ended in 2020. She had been arrested in April 2019 after returning to Guyana from New York, where she had been living, and was subsequently placed on remand in connection with Ramzan’s murder. Police had alleged that she was involved in a plot to have her husband killed and had paid Mitchell $7 million to carry out the murder. Alli spent approximately two years on remand before the murder charge was withdrawn by Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC, in December 2020, following the completion of a Preliminary Inquiry. Consequently, Alli was

covered inside the trunk of a rented vehicle along Coldingen Railway Embankment Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD). Ramzan, 50, left his Good Hope, East Coast Demerara home and was never seen again. Relatives reportedly began searching for him after repeated calls to his cellphone went unanswered. His body was subsequently found in the trunk of a rented Toyota Carina motor car. Police had alleged that Ramzan was attacked while he was asleep before being placed inside the vehicle. A plastic bag was reportedly duct-taped over his head, and a post-mortem examination found that he died from asphyxiation. The investigation initially led to arrests in 2009, but those persons were released because of insufficient evidence. It was not until years later that investigators reopened the case, eventually leading to Mitchell’s and Alli’s arrest and prosecution in 2019. While the earlier case against Alli ended with her being discharged, the police investigation apparently continued, culminating in the new information reportedly obtained from Mitchell after his plea agreement.

Magistrate Teriq Mohammed

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, August 14, 2026

Mahmud’s 6 for 55 gives Bangladesh dream start

(ESPNCRICINFO) - Less than a week after getting bowled out for 54 in their warm-up game, Bangladesh bounced back in style by dominating the first day of the Darwin Test against Australia. Hasan Mahmud's career-best 6 for 55 set the tone for the visitors to bowl out Australia for 198 before their top order led them to a steady 96 for 1 on Bangladesh's return to Test cricket in Australia after 23 years. Mahmud's star act was well supported by two wickets apiece from Taskin Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain. This was only the second time in Bangladesh's Test history that their pace bowlers took all 10 wickets in an innings. Their collective effort to restrict the hosts was another rarity on the first day of a series opener down under. The bigger surprise from Bangladesh was how their top order responded after their fast bowlers' efforts. Shadman Islam was the only wicket to fall before Tanzid Hasan and Mominul Haque batted out close to 16 overs in the evening to wipe out nearly half of Australia's total. They left plenty of balls outside the

off stump, played the ball late under their noses and stitched an unbroken stand of 60 runs. Mahmud led the Bangladesh attack but it was the pace trio's collective push that pushed Australia in a corner from the first hour. Taskin and Mahmud tied up the openers Jake Weatherald and Travis Head on a consistent length, often hitting the deck hard just outside the off stump with some movement off the pitch. Mahmud kept tempting the twitchy Weatherald with outswingers, and got his outside edge off a big drive towards the end of the first hour. Head then chopped on in Mahmud's next over as the quick brought the ball into the left-hand batter from around the wicket. Australia's batting riches, however, got exposed on seaming conditions against a disciplined and charged-up bowling attack, particularly when Marnus Labuschagne couldn't time even one of his 20 deliveries. His stay ended when he edged Ebadot to Najmul Hossain Shanto at second slip, as the bowler brought out his Air Force salute celebration. Bangladesh completed a dominant first session when Taskin

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Hasan Mahmud leads Bangladesh out after taking career-best figures of 6 for 55•Aug 13, 2026•Getty Images had Cameron Green caught at midwicket on the last ball before the break, as Mushfiqur Rahim took a diving catch that reduced Australia to 74 for 4. After lunch, Australia recovered through a 55-run fifth-wicket stand between Steven Smith and Alex Car-

ey. The pair showed intent in their driving but once their boundaries dried up, Bangladesh were back on top. Ebadot bowled Carey through an inside edge, before Taskin burst through Beau Webster who played inside the line of the straight delivery that hit top of off.

Mahmud then ran through the tail and also added Smith to his kitty. Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc were caught behind, before Smith and Lyon holed out off slogs, as Australia were bowled out after tea. Starc took the only Bangladesh wicket when he had

FROM PAGE 27 their place in the semi-final. Kalpoo led the way with a pugnacious 58 from 30 balls, with two fours and six sixes and was part of an 80-run stand for the third wicket with Jordon (21). The pair joined forces after Jamali Schultz (20) was bowled by Nathaniel Sukhanandan at 37-1, and Ram was run out for 38 at 64-2 in the 10th over.

The third-wicket stand was finally broken in the 19th over when Kalpoo departed at 146-3. Sukhanandan had 2-27. In the second game at QC, Berbice Educational Institute (BEI) destroyed a depleted St Stanislaus College by 189 runs after amassing 223-6 in 20 overs and dismissed them for an embarrassing 27-7. BEI lost Arush Hem-

raj (1) when Noel Nihal bowled him at 7-1, but the in-form Lemuel DeJonge and Guyana youth player Luke Amsterdam, joined forces for a 95-run stand from just 38 balls, and it was carnage at the QC ground. Nihal would eventually bowl DeJonge for 62 from 29 balls with nine fours and three sixes at 102-2 off 7.4 overs. Amsterdam and Griffith (22) added 40 for the third wicket before Griffith fell to Craig, who soon removed Jayhaden Rohlehr (1) at 152-4 before Grimmond (10) was run out at 190-5. With the pugnacious Amsterdam eight away from his century after facing 58 balls and smashing seven fours and three sixes, he was removed by Coonjah at 223-6. When Saints began their chase, extras top scored

Shadman caught at gully off a leading edge. Starc now has the most wickets for a left-arm bowler in Tests, overtaking Rangana Herath's 433 wickets, and is level with Kapil Dev overall on 434. Bangladesh's stay of nearly two hours was no smooth sailing, though. Starc swung the new ball away consistently from the left-hand openers - starting with the first ball of the innings - and even touched 147kph which kept the batters on their toes, even literally. Josh Hazlewood could have even had a wicket in his first over from the other end but a sprinting Nathan Lyon - returning after a hamstring surgery - put the catch down while running back from point after Tanzid couldn't middle his attacking stroke. Tanzid later replied by dancing down the pitch against Hazlewood to collect a boundary past midon before Starc sent back Shadman. Cummins soon brought himself on and introduced Lyon after 15 overs but neither could trouble either Tanzid or Mominul, who was especially brisk in his 49-ball stay that saw six boundaries.

EIS, BEI, CGS and Annandale...

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday August 14, 2026) CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD - 83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) > Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Akeal Hosein (TKR) (2) Kieron Pollard (TKR) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who scored most runs in CPL 2025? (2) Who took most wickets? > Answers in tomorrow’s issue ……………………………………………

with 10. Only Jessie Craig (6), Aden Coonjah, who finished unbeaten on two and Brandon Arjune (1) got off the mark. National U-15 trio Gilbert Griffith (2-10), Nicquan Fraser (2-5) and Brandon Grimmond (2-2) were the pick of the bowlers. In the Berbice game, Annandale Secondary defeated the West Demerara Secondary School by 101 runs. Ruel Dindyal top-scored with 62 for the East Coast school while Joshua Bollers (39) and Akeem Persaud (34) contributed to their team’s 153-3. West Demerara Secondary were bowled out for 52. Only Ricardo Danesar (17) reached double figures. Kevin Singh had 3-10, Persaud took 3-6, while Shawn Ramjit and Dindyal got two wickets each.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, August 14, 2026

GBA international certification programme set for this weekend

THE Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) is moving to sharpen the standard of officiating in local amateur boxing with an international certification programme designed to bring referees and judges in line with the latest global requirements. The programme begins on Saturday, August 15, and concludes on the morning of August 20, and will be conducted by Trinidad and Tobago’s James Beckles, one of the Caribbean’s most accomplished boxing officials. A three-star referee and referee assessor, Beckles has operated at some of the sport’s biggest international competitions and will lead the local

certification exercise as Guyana prepares to host the Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors Boxing Championships from August 20-22 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. GBA President Steve Ninvalle said close to 40 participants are expected, with officials from across the country set to take part. The Guyana Police Force, Guyana Prison Service and Guyana Defence Force have also indicated their intention to send representatives. Ninvalle stressed that the programme is particularly important as Guyana continues its transition to World Boxing, the international governing body now recognised by the International Olympic Committee

(IOC). “With Guyana operating under World Boxing, it is imperative that our officials are certified using the rules and regulations of the new international federation, just as we previously did under the International Boxing Association (IBA),” Ninvalle said. World Boxing was established in 2023 following a prolonged governance dispute involving the IBA, which subsequently lost IOC recognition. National federations, including Guyana, have since aligned themselves with World Boxing to ensure their athletes remain eligible for international competition and the Olympic pathway. For Ninvalle, bringing

Beckles to Guyana represents more than a routine certification exercise. Widely regarded as one of the Caribbean’s leading certified boxing officials, Beckles has officiated at the Olympic Games, World Championships and Commonwealth Games, in addition to numerous continental and regional tournaments. “We wanted someone with unquestionable international credentials to lead this programme, and James Beckles was the obvious choice,” Ninvalle said. “He has officiated at the highest level of amateur boxing and understands exactly what is required under World Boxing. Our referees and judges will benefit tremendously from his

knowledge and experience, and ultimately our athletes will also benefit from having better-trained officials.” Ninvalle believes developing officials must be treated with the same urgency as developing boxers if Guyana is to make sustained progress. “If we are serious about developing boxing in Guyana, we cannot focus only on the athletes. Coaches, referees, judges and administrators all have to develop together,” he said. “This certification programme is another important investment in the future of Guyanese boxing.” The initiative comes at an important time for the sport, with Guyana preparing to wel-

come young boxers from across the Caribbean for the Schoolboys and Juniors Championships. The tournament, conceptualised and first staged in Guyana in 2016, is named in honour of 1978 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Winfield Braithwaite. It has since become one of the region’s leading developmental boxing competitions. Several participants from the championships have gone on to represent their countries at the Olympic Games and World Championships, reinforcing the tournament’s role as an important launching pad for Caribbean boxing talent.

Four Canadian hockey stars remain suspended after sexual assault acquittal

(BBC) - Four ice hockey players who were acquitted of sexual assault last year should remain barred from representing Canada at international level because they broke Hockey Canada's code of conduct, an independent appeals board has ruled. The board recommended that four of the five acquitted players remain suspended from all Hockey Canada-sanctioned programmes. The fifth player, Alex Formenton, was also deemed to have broken conduct rules, but is now being reinstated. The former players for Canada's under-20s junior hockey team were accused of sexual assault over an incident that took place in 2018. They were found not guilty in July 2025. The players are Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube, Cal

Foote and Carter Hart, as well as Formenton. The ruling does not change the fact that all five players are eligible to play for teams that compete in the National Hockey League (NHL), which operates separately from Hockey Canada. All five were allowed by the NHL to sign contracts again for the league's teams late last year. The NHL operates under a separate authority

to Hockey Canada, and conducted its own investigation into the incident that was at the centre of the legal case. While Forementon is eligible for immediate reinstatement by Hockey Canada, the others will have to wait for months or years before they can return to the ice at an international level. Foote will be eligible on 10 November of this year, while Hart and Dube will be

A MEASURED and classy unbeaten 48 from Andre Fletcher was enough to hand the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots their first win of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2026, as they defeated the Saint Lucia Kings. Fletcher was handed a relatively comfortable chase after the Patriots bowlers proved a thorn in the Kings’ side throughout the night at the Daren Sammy Stadium in Saint Lucia. Saurabh Netravalkar’s 3 for 32 and Jason Holder’s 3 for 20 were

the standout performances from the Patriots attack. Netravalkar and Holder had the new ball on a string in the early stages, striking twice in the first half of the powerplay, including the dangerous Andreis Gous. Kamil Pooran, playing just his second match at this level, led the Kings’ fightback, with one of their brightest prospects, Jewel Andrew, joining him at the other end. The pair combined for an 82-run partnership for the third wicket to steady the innings. While they never quite

exploded, their composed approach put the Kings in a position to attack in the latter stages. Both went on to score half-centuries, with Pooran recording his first in T20 cricket. The partnership was finally broken when Pooran was brilliantly run out by Wanindu Hasaranga, who produced a direct hit from deep cover. Andrew then tried to carry the innings on his shoulders, producing an excellent 58 from 42 deliveries. However, his teammates crumbled around him as the

eligible on 10 November 2027 and 10 November 2028 respectively. McLeod will have to wait until 10 November 2030. Officials did not say why the reinstatement dates differed for each player. The players had been accused of assaulting the woman, known as EM, in a hotel room in 2018 in London, Ontario, where they had been attending a gala.

They were acquitted in July 2025 when Justice Maria Carroccia said she did not find EM's evidence "credible or reliable". The court heard that the woman had met the players at a bar and later went back to the hotel room to have consensual sex with McLeod. Other players then entered the room and engaged in further sexual acts with her. The central issue of the trial was whether EM, who was 20 at the time of the incident, had consented to every sexual act in the hotel room that night. Lawyers for the players contended that EM asked the men to have sex with her and they believed she gave consent. EM, however, testified that she was intoxicated and felt fearful of the men. While she had initially agreed to have sex with McLeod, she testified

that she did not agree to what unfolded afterwards. Despite the fact that the incident happened eight years ago, the case remains on the minds of many in Canada. "This case started a national conversation about safe sport and the problematic culture in men's hockey," said Adam van Koeverden, Canada's current secretary of sport, in a statement after the Wednesday's ruling by the appeals board. "It is the voices of women and survivors, and the courage and bravery it takes to come forward, that have led to changes we are seeing in toxic culture." Van Koeverden said there has been progress at Hockey Canada to "address long-standing systemic failures" and said that national sport organisations must be held accountable.

platform he and Pooran had built quickly disappeared. The final five overs produced just 22 runs for the loss of five wickets, leaving the Kings well short of par at 155 for 8. The Patriots approached their chase cautiously before Kyle Mayers got a feel for the pitch and the bowlers and began to shift through the gears. He put the Patriots firmly in pole position before some clever bowling from Maheesh Theekshana brought his innings to an end for 32.

From there, the Patriots continued their conservative approach, maintaining a run rate just above a run a ball, with Fletcher calmly working the ball around and taking the impetus. Theekshana and Roston Chase then looked to put the squeeze on the Patriots in the middle overs, much like they had successfully done against the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons a few nights earlier. Whenever the Patriots appeared ready to take control, the spin duo pegged them back, with Kevin Wick-

ham and Jason Holder both falling into their trap. However, once Chase and Theekshana had been seen off, the Kings’ bowlers struggled to find the same control, allowing Fletcher to calmly guide the Patriots home to a comfortable five-wicket victory. The Kings return home on Friday to face the Barbados Tridents, while the Patriots travel to Jamaica to take on the Jamaica Kingsmen at Sabina Park on Tuesday.

L-R: Michael McLeod, Alex Formenton, Carter Hart, Dillon Dube and Cal Foote

Fletcher, bowlers set up big win for Patriots

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, August 14, 2026

GFF U-14 boys head to Dominican Republic for CFU Challenge Series

FOLLOWING months of intensive training, technical development and competitive preparation, the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) under-14 boys national team will depart Guyana on Friday, August 14, for Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, to compete in Group C, Tier II of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Boys Under-14 Challenge Series. The 20-member squad features a promising blend of young footballers from Guyana, the United States of America and England, who will come together to represent Guyana on the regional stage. The team will open its campaign against Montserrat on Sunday, August 16, before facing Anguilla on Monday, August 17, and the Bahamas on Wednesday, August 19. The tournament marks an important stage in the development of a group of young players who have benefited from a structured preparation programme focused on technical development, tactical understanding, match fitness, competitive exposure and personal development. The final phase of preparation saw the team complete an 11-day residential encampment at the GFF National Training Centre, where the players operated in a professional football environment

The Under-14 Boys National Team will depart Guyana today designed to prepare them for the demands of international competition. The programme included twice-daily training sessions, carefully planned nutritional meals, and an improved approach to rest, sleep and recovery. The encampment also incorporated important off-thefield development. The players participated in Emotional Intelligence and Anger Management Training sessions facilitated by the Rights of the Child Commission (RCC) and Restorative Justice, reinforcing the importance of discipline, emotional control, teamwork, communication and responsible decision making as they progress in their football careers. The team’s preparation has been anchored by the FIFA Talent Development Scheme (TDS), launched in Guyana in April 2026 as part of FIFA’s global strategy to ensure talented young play-

ers have access to structured and sustainable development pathways. Through technical guidance, funding, resources and ongoing monitoring, the programme supports member associations in strengthening their player-development systems and creating a stronger pipeline of talent for national-team football. As part of their competitive preparation, the under-14 boys tested themselves against older opposition, beginning with the Berbice Football Association Under-15 team, earning a 1-1 draw, with Dane Vancooten scoring Guyana’s goal. The team then faced the East Coast Football Association Under-15 team, producing an impressive 5-1 victory. Dane Vancooten led the scoring with a brace, while Aaron Vasconcellos and Rayshawn Forde also found the net, with the fifth goal coming via an own goal.

In their third friendly, the U-14s faced the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) Under-15 team, recording another 1-1 draw, with Dante Kowlessar scoring Guyana’s goal. The matches provided valuable competitive experience against older players and allowed the technical staff to assess the team’s progress, identify areas for improvement and further prepare the players for the intensity of international competition. GFF President Wayne Forde has met with the team on several occasions throughout their preparation, encouraging the young players to embrace the opportunity, remain disciplined and proudly represent Guyana. “We are committed to giving every eligible youth national team the opportunity to compete on the international stage because

we believe these experiences provide their first window into professional football and the standards that come with it. We are investing more in their preparation - not only technically and tactically, but also by using modern sports science to improve how they train, recover, eat and prepare mentally for competition. I commend these young players for the discipline they have shown throughout this preparation process. They must understand that when they put on the Guyana jersey, they are not representing themselves alone; they are ambassadors for an entire nation. Guyana is behind them, and we want them to go to the Dominican Republic, compete with courage and discipline, enjoy the experience and make their country proud.” The team is being led by Head Coach Jamal Pedro, who will make his inaugural appearance on national duty as a head coach. One of the rapidly emerging coaches within the GFF’s national coaching pool, Pedro has demonstrated a strong commitment to youth development and has worked closely with the players and technical staff throughout the preparation period. The GFF’s investment in youth football continues

to expand beyond participation and competition, with greater emphasis being placed on creating structured development pathways capable of producing technically equipped, confident and competitive young footballers. Through the FIFA Talent Development Scheme, national youth programmes, regional competitions, coaching development, increased match exposure, modern sports science and targeted technical resources, the Federation is building stronger foundations for the sustained development of youth football in Guyana. The U-14 boys’ participation in the CFU Challenge Series is a direct reflection of this approach, providing young players with meaningful international competition while allowing the GFF to measure their progress against regional opposition. As the young Golden Jaguars prepare to take the field in Punta Cana, the GFF remains confident that the experience will represent another important step in their footballing journey and contribute to the development of Guyana’s next generation of national players.

More than 10 new horses to feature at Guyana Cup

OLYMPIC Kremlin is set for one last final run on August 23 at the Guyana Cup, but more than 10 new horses are set to debut in Guyana on the million-dollar day at Rising Sun Turf Club.

This was confirmed by veteran trainer/horseman Glen Mohamed on the Beyond the Rail podcast. Six new horses already landed in Guyana, and six more are expected to touch Guyana shores in the coming

days. “Dataman will have something to deal with,” the veteran trainer said. Sources have already indicated that Jagdeo Racing Stables, Js Racing Stables,

Linden Elite Basketball championship…

Royals, Jets score opening wins - double header on tonight TOP-ranked Victory Valley Royals and Amelia’s Ward Jets registered wins as the five team Elite Basketball League tournament got underway in Linden on Wednesday evening. The tournament is being promoted by Kevon Scott and Kevin Joseph and opening night was played at the

Retrieve Hard Court. After a late start, Jets overcame a spirited effort by the Block 22 Flames, dousing them 58-55 while Royals romped past home side Retriever Raiders with a commanding 75-55 victory. To n i g h t , t h e a c t i o n switches to the Amelia’s Ward Hard Court where

from 19:00hrs, Jets playing at home will clash with Retrieve Raiders. The second match will see Vikings, the new kids on the block, challenging Block 22 Flames. On Sunday two more games will be played with Flames facing Royals in the first game, and the second bringing together Vikings and Jets.

and Jumbo Jet Racing Stables are among the top stables that are eying success with the new horses landed for Guyana Cup. A total of 14 races will be running at this year’s Guyana Cup and more than G$ 66 million in cash and prizes will be paid out. The feature race which will be the Banks Guyana Cup will fetch a purse of G$22 million. General admission tickets are $5000, VVIP experience is $25,000 and Private VIP Decks are $500,000. A brand new four-door SinoTruk pick-up will be up for the taking from the raffle exercise. The raffle ticket locations are located at Jumbo Jet office in Smyth Street, Js Supermarket, Js Outlet, and Poonai’s Pharmacy. The raffle ticket cost only $2000. This Guyana Cup will be one of significant difference

with the event being for the entire family. A kid’s zone will be on place and a host of prizes will be rewarded on the day. The Guyana Cup also has additional parking, and more screens at the venue to offer a more visible and enjoyable race day. The races will be only 45 minutes away from Georgetown and fans from across the Caribbean are expected to be in attendance to witness the most high-profile racing event in Guyana’s history. The races for Guyana Cup 2026 are the Banks Guyana Cup (One Mile)Total purse G$22,500,000, The Peter Lewis Guyana Cup Sprint (5 ½ Furlong)Total purse G$7,500,000, Forrester’s Imported Derby (One Mile)- Total purse G$7,500,000, Mohamed’s Excavating Sir Bala-

ji Derby (One Mile)- Total purse G$5,625,000, J’s Imported Juvenile Fillies Sprint (5 ½ Furlong)- Total purse G$3,750,000, BM. Soat Locally Bred Dash (5 ½ Furlong)- Total purse G$2,812,500, P. Jagdeo E-Class (One Mile)- Total purse G$2,812,500, Jagmohan F-Class (One Mile)Total purse G$1,875,000, ARONCO H-Class (One Mile)- Total purse G$1,875,000, C.I. H3 N.W.3 (One Mile)- Total purse G$1,875,000, Avinash Local Maidens (One Mile)- Total purse G$2,812,500, Big G’s J-Class (One Mile)- Total purse G$1,875,000, Garen Pro K-Class (One Mile)Total purse G$1,875,000 and Sawh L Class Sprint (One Mile)- Total purse G$1,875,000

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, August 14, 2026

Beharry Group National U-19 Schools T20 Cricket Tournament …

EIS, BEI, CGS and Annandale reach Sunday’s semi-finals

By Sean Devers

THE final playoffs in the Beharry Group National U-19 Schools T20 Cricket Tournament, organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, were contested yesterday with four matches at Queen’s College, West Bank Berbice and Pomona on the Essequibo Coast. At Pomona on the Essequibo Coast, Essequibo Islands Secondary School led by an imperious 85 from national under-15 player Justin Dowlin and an incisive spell from leg-spinner Bomesh Lall, who took 5-5, defeated Abram Zuil Secondary School by 110 runs to book a place in Sunday’s semi-final. The Wakenaam-based Essequibo Islands school

Justin Dowlin batted first, and Dowlin, whose 55-ball 85 featured nine fours and four sixes, shared in an opening stand of 42 with Jimaul Whyte before Whyte was run out for nine in the sixth over. Dowlin played several imperious shots to the delight of a vocal crowd, and dominated a blistering 78-

Bomesh Lall run fifth-wicket stand with Sudeeni Rodrigues, who made an unbeaten 37 with six boundaries. Orin Roberts dismissed Dowlin and Demarcus Thomas (0) off consecutive balls in the penultimate over, leaving the total at 156-6 before Tyrone Retemiah (3) and Rodrigues

Lemuel De Jonge took the score to 167-6 off 20 overs. Roberts, who also dismissed Lall (12), the only other batter to reach double figures, finished with 3-41 for Abram Zuil who were decimated for 57 from just 12.5 overs despite 11 from Roberts. Dowlin returned with

the ball to claim 2-7 while Aarav Sukhram had 2-22 as they supported the wily Lall for Essequibo Islands Secondary. At the Queen’s College (QC) ground in Georgetown, the hosts, were led by a 47-run first-wicket stand between Afraz Ali, who made 57 with eight fours

and Emilio Singh scoring 17. Yusuf Ally’s 26, which included a couple of boundaries was also vital. Ali, who shared in two useful partnerships, put together 80 with Yusuf before he fell to Orwin Jordon at 127-2. Nathan Gurcha (2) was removed by Vinesh Kalpoo at 132-3 in the 17th over, before Navindranauth Ram got rid of Nathaniel Sukhnandan (10) at 150-4 in the 19th over. Aden Lamoo then dismissed Yusuf at 153-5 in the last over. Extras contributed 44, including 20 wides and 10 no-balls as the hosts reached 158-5. Covent Garden Secondary School reached 161-3 to win by seven wickets with three balls to spare, to book TURN TO PAGE 24

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, August 14, 2026

More than 10 new horses to feature at Guyana Cup PG 26

All the top stables have new additions for the Guyana Cup

Fletcher, bowlers set up big win for Patriots

Andre Fletcher of St Kitts and Nevis Patriots batting during the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League T20 match between St Lucia Kings and St Kitts and Nevis Patriots during the CPL T20 in Gros Islet, St Lucia (Photo by Ashley Allen/CPL T20)

PG 25

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| FRIDAY, AUGUST 14 , 2026