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Gov’t launches foundation programme to help house lot owners build houses 03 No.1081846

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–– new CH&PA initiative to expand from Region Three to housing schemes nationwide

Work is progressing steadily on the upgrading of internal roads in the Amerindian community of Batavia, Region Seven. During a regional outreach, President Dr Irfaan Ali announced the transformation of approximately 1.5 to 2 kilometres of roads to an all-weather, hard-surface standard—another commitment being delivered (Photos: President Irfaan Ali/Facebook)

Health investments GPHC Orthopaedic Team Aviation sector 374 Region Four turning Guyana into 04 completes 18 joint 21 poised for sustained rice farmers get regional medical hub replacement surgeries development 18 $113M in relief –– President Ali underscores, says fewer patients PAGE

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now travelling overseas for specialised care

–– during weekend initiative

–– safety, stronger infrastructure seen as key contributors

subsidies

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374 Region Four rice farmers get $113M in relief subsidies

AGRICULTURE Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, on Tuesday, led the distribution of relief cheques to rice farmers in the Mahaica area, where hundreds of producers received financial assistance under the government’s ongoing support programme for the rice industry. The exercise forms part of a nationwide rollout that has already reached farmers in several other regions in recent weeks. The distribution fulfils a commitment made by President Dr. Irfaan Ali during a consultation with hundreds of rice farmers at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in April this year, when the initiative was first announced as a targeted measure to help producers cope with rising production costs, escalat-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 15, 2026

ing input prices, and continued uncertainty in the global agricultural market. Under the programme, farmers cultivating 50 acres or less receive $10,000 per acre in financial assistance. In Region Four, a total of 374 rice farmers is benefiting from the initiative, with $113,143,500 being distributed in relief payments. The Mahaica distribution follows similar exercises already carried out in Regions Two, Three, Five and Six. According to earlier reports, more than $403 million was distributed to over 5,100 rice farmers cultivating over 235,000 acres in Region Two, while some 560 rice farmers in Region Three received more than $201.6 million under the same scheme.

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, on Tuesday, led the distribution of relief cheques to rice farmers in the Mahaica area Region Five, which tive forms part of a $2.76 from roughly 550,000 through the Guyana Rice accounts for the largest billion cash grant pro- tonnes in 2020 to a record Development Board. rice cultivation area in gramme being distributed 825,000 tonnes last year, With the Mahaica disthe country, saw farmers to rice farmers across Re- with more than 414,000 tribution now complete, collect more than $1.18 gions Two, Three, Four, tonnes already produced authorities say the cash billion in relief cheques, Five and Six. in the first half of this year, grant programme will while in Region Six, 1,484 Speaking at previous placing the industry on continue until all verifarmers cultivating a com- distribution exercises, track for another strong fied rice farmers across bined 74,314 acres benefit- Minister Mustapha had performance. the eligible regions have ed from $862,933,550 in stressed that the assistance The minister has at- received their payments, payments. is not a handout but rather, tributed this growth to as the government moves Nationally, the initia- as he put it, an investment improved farm-to-market to shield the sector from in production and food se- infrastructure, drainage volatility in international curity rather than charity. and irrigation upgrades, rice prices while reinHe has also pointed to and the introduction of forcing Guyana’s posithe broader transformation high-yielding rice vari- tion as a leading food of the sector, noting that eties, alongside contin- producer in the Caribrice production climbed ued government support bean.

Gov’t launches foundation programme to help house lot owners build houses

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 15, 2026

–– new CH&PA initiative to expand from Region Three to housing schemes nationwide

THE Government has launched a new housing initiative aimed at helping house lot beneficiaries take the first major step towards homeownership, with the introduction of a Foundation Programme that will provide standardised reinforced concrete foundations to support the construction of new houses. The programme, unveiled by the Ministry of Housing through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), is being rolled out initially in the Leonora and Meten-MeerZorg Housing Schemes in Region Three before being expanded to housing developments across the country in the coming months. Officials say the initiative is intended to remove one of the key barriers faced by many new landowners by providing engineered foundations that allow beneficiaries to begin constructing their homes more quickly and at a lower initial cost. The programme also forms part of the Government’s wider strategy to accelerate housing development, increase occupancy in newly developed housing schemes and expand Guyana’s housing stock to meet growing demand. Under the Foundation Programme, beneficiaries will be able to choose from three standardised rein-

forced concrete foundation designs suitable for houses measuring 400, 600 and 950 square feet. The foundation options have been developed to accommodate varying family needs while ensuring each structure complies with established engineering standards and construction specifications. Housing Minister Collin Croal said the initiative represents another practical intervention designed to bridge the gap between receiving a house lot and constructing a permanent home. He noted that many beneficiaries face financial and technical challenges after obtaining land, making the construction of a foundation one of the most significant hurdles in the homebuilding process. “Owning a house lot is only the beginning of the journey. This Foundation Programme is intended to help beneficiaries move from ownership of land to the construction of a home. By providing a strong and reliable starting point, we are making it easier for families to begin building and creating lasting communities,” the minister said. The programme aligns with the CH&PA’s mandate to provide affordable housing opportunities for low-, moderate- and middle-income families while advancing national goals

of expanding access to safe, resilient and affordable housing. Government officials have repeatedly emphasised that increasing homeownership remains a central pillar of Guyana’s national development strategy, with housing investment seen as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation and improved living standards. Over the past several years, thousands of house lots have been allocated across the country as the administration seeks to meet rising demand generated by rapid economic expansion and population growth. Officials believe the new Foundation Programme will encourage beneficiaries to develop their properties more quickly, helping to create fully occupied and sustainable communities while reducing the number of undeveloped lots within new housing schemes. Although the initiative has been launched in Leonora and Meten-MeerZorg, the Ministry has confirmed that it will be introduced progressively in housing developments across other regions, allowing more Guyanese families to benefit from the programme. The phased expansion is expected to provide greater support to prospective homeowners nationwide, particularly first-time landowners seeking practical

assistance to begin construction. Among those attending the launch were Minister within the Ministry of Housing, Vanessa Benn; Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, Vikash Ramkissoon; CH&PA Chief Executive Officer, Dr Martin Pertab; Regional Chairman, Inshan Ayube; CH&PA Director of Projects, Omar Narine; Director of Operations, Denise King-Tudor and other technical officials. The Foundation Programme joins a series of housing initiatives introduced by the Government to improve access to affordable homeownership while supporting the construction of safe, durable houses and fostering the development of modern, well-planned communities across Guyana. As Guyana’s housing sector continues to

Minister of Housing, Collin Croal expand alongside the ed to ensure that more country’s broader eco- families can move benomic transformation, yond land ownership to officials say initiatives achieving the long-term such as the Foundation goal of owning a comProgramme are intend- pleted house.

The programme, unveiled by the Ministry of Housing through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), is being rolled out initially in the Leonora and Meten-Meer-Zorg Housing Schemes in Region Three before being expanded to housing developments across the country in the coming months

Health investments turning Guyana into regional medical hub

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 15, 2026

–– President Ali underscores, says fewer patients now travelling overseas for specialised care

PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali says Guyana is increasingly establishing itself as a regional medical hub, with sustained investments in the country’s healthcare system reversing the long-standing trend of patients seeking specialised treatment abroad. The head of state was at the time addressing members of the diaspora, during which he stated that the government’s transformation of the health sector is already producing measurable results, with more patients now travelling to Guyana for treatment while significantly fewer Guyanese require overseas medical care. Citing the changes in

Region Nine, the President said Lethem provides one of the clearest examples of how investments in healthcare infrastructure are improving access to specialised medical services. “I’ll give you an example. In Lethem, just three years ago, once you had something serious to be done, you had to be medevacked out of Lethem to Georgetown,” the President said. He explained that at the time, approximately 98 per cent of serious medical cases required evacuation to Georgetown, while many patients also travelled across the border to Brazil to access treatment. Today, however, that

trend has been dramatically reversed. “Less than two per cent are medevacked from Lethem, and we have more persons from Brazil coming to Guyana for treatment,” President Ali said as he attributed the shift to major investments in healthcare facilities and services. He said the improvements form part of government’s broader vision of positioning Guyana as a world-class hub for healthcare, alongside energy, environmental services and food security. Against this backdrop, President Ali indicated that the country’s expanding healthcare capacity is benefiting not only Guyanese but also citizens from neighbouring countries and members of the diaspora who are increasingly returning home to access medical services. “We’re building this infrastructure not only for Guyanese; many persons in the region are benefitting, many persons from the diaspora are coming back

now for that health service,” he said. Further to this, President Ali noted that the transformation extends beyond new hospitals to the introduction of advanced medical proce-

President Dr Irfaan Ali dures and technology. He highlighted Guyana’s recent completion of what he described as the world’s longest-distance robotic surgery at the Georgetown Public Hospital, saying the achievement demonstrates the country’s growing capability to deliver specialised healthcare. The President also linked the country’s health sector transformation to broader investments in tech-

nology and public services, noting that government is modernising systems to improve efficiency and accessibility. As such, he affirmed that the government’s investment in healthcare forms part of a wider national development strategy aimed at improving the quality of life for citizens while positioning Guyana as a leader in key sectors across the region.

JSC announces appointment –– six new magistrates to of Chief Magistrate take oath of office today

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 15, 2026

THE Judicial Service Commission (JSC) on Tuesday announced the appointment of Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman as Chief Magistrate. According to a press release, the appointment, which was made by the Commis-

sion on January 7, 2025, will take effect from that date. Additionally, it was announced that six persons have been selected for appointment to the post of Magistrate. They are Ms. Ocelisa Marks, Ms. Nikkisha Logan, Ms. Jimelle Joseph, Ms. Sha-

reefah Parks, Ms. Taneisha Saygon and Ms. Caressa Henry. The Oath of Office for appointment to the Magistracy will be taken before the Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, today.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 15, 2026

A Pattern Worth Watching

IN October 2025, a Miami grand jury

ber 31, 2025, on a U.S. extradition request.

indicted Azruddin Mohamed and his

Since then, the fight has been almost

Each of those is a legal manoeuvre,

after this much time, the public argument

father Nazar on charges of conspiracy

entirely procedural. Their legal team has chal-

and defendants are entitled to use every

has stayed almost entirely on that terrain.

to commit money laundering and wire

lenged the extradition on grounds of political

tool the law affords them. But it is worth

The Mohameds are of course presumed

fraud — Nazar also faces a mail fraud

bias, arguing that Azruddin’s rise to Leader

noting what none of them do: none engage

innocent, and an indictment is an allega-

count — alleging a scheme running

of the Opposition made the case politically

the substance of what prosecutors allege;

tion, not a verdict. But the pattern on

from 2017 through 2024 in which their

motivated; a claim Guyana’s Chief Justice

the reused seals, the under-invoiced ship-

display, aggressive procedural resistance

company, Mohamed’s Enterprise, re-

rejected outright, noting that the sanctions

ments, the empty boxes bearing govern-

paired with public claims of political per-

used government export seals to conceal

and indictment predated his entry into politics.

ment stamps that investigators say moved

secution, rather than a substantive rebuttal

the true volume of gold it shipped to

They’ve challenged the constitution-

through Miami.

of the specific facts prosecutors have laid

Miami and Dubai.

request.

contesting guilt, and it’s fair to ask why,

ality of amendments to the Fugitive Of-

A year in, the defence has been built

out, is the kind of thing observers are en-

In total, the pair allegedly exported at

fenders Act. They sought and were denied

almost entirely around process, who

titled to weigh as the case moves forward.

least 10,000 kilograms of gold through

a stay from the Court of Appeal. And in

received which letter, when a database

The matter will eventually be tested,

Miami, resulting in an estimated loss of

recent hearings before the Georgetown

entry was logged, whether a minister acted

either in the extradition proceedings or in

approximately US$50 million to the Gov-

Magistrates’ Court, defence counsel has

within his authority, rather than around

a Miami courtroom.

ernment of Guyana.

spent days picking apart the Ministry of

disputing that the underlying conduct oc-

Both men were sanctioned by the U.S.

Foreign Affairs’ correspondence logs,

curred.

Treasury’s OFAC in June 2024, months

arguing that irregular record-keeping un-

That distinction matters. Contesting

eral indictment answered so far almost

before the indictment came down. They

dermines the government’s claim to have

a government’s procedural handling of

entirely with procedure, and very little

were arrested by Guyanese police on Octo-

properly received and processed the U.S.

an extradition request is not the same as

engagement with the facts underlying it.

Until then, the fairest thing anyone can say is that the record shows a fed-

St. Cuthbert’s Mission has seen significant development

Dear Editor,

I AM deeply disappointed by the statement made by Shadow Minister of Human Services and Social Security Natasha Singh regarding my community, St. Cuthbert’s Mission. Please do not come into our community on a single visit and attempt to play politics with our young people. It is unfair to draw sweeping conclusions based on one visit while ignoring the work that has already been done. The public deserves a complete and accurate account of the progress that has taken place. Our community has also seen significant development. We recently welcomed a brand-new paved road leading to our village landing, fulfilling a commitment made by the government.

Residents have benefitted from GOAL scholarships, allowing many to pursue studies at the Cyril Potter College of Education and the University of Guyana. Our primary school is currently under construction. Our playfield has been renovated, providing a safe and improved space where our young athletes play cricket and other sports, with matches taking place regularly on weekends. New water pipelines have been installed in various sections of the village, and new electricity poles have been erected through efforts led by Deputy Toshao Leroy Gonputh. Our Village Council continues to work for the benefit of our people. Councillor Luke Simon and Councillor Orin Dundas are actively involved with community farming, drainage and irrigation and poultry projects through the CSOs. Toshao Simon continues to represent the interests of our village, alongside Councillors Christella, Denise, Miranda, Stallone,

Beverley, Debbie Rickford, Neil, Emmanuel and others who dedicate their time and effort to serving this community. These are facts, not opinions. As for Mr. Azruddin Mohamed, who is under federal indictment, I respectfully remind you that if you intend to visit St. Cuthbert’s Mission for political purposes, write to the Village Council first. It was disrespectful that the Council was not informed of your visit. I only learned about it through social media. Every government agency and private organisation follows this process. That process exists for a reason and should be respected by everyone. Mental health is not a political slogan for me. In the past year, my family has lost three loved ones to suicide, including my cousin, Christiano Simon. Like many families in our village, we live with that pain every day. That is why I know the claim that nothing

has been done is simply false. Mental health services have already been introduced, including monthly visits by a therapist. Just last week, Dr. Timothy Morgan, Dr. Mark Constantine, and a Ministry of Health team visited St. Cuthbert’s Mission to engage residents and committed to returning with a programme to train teachers, nurses, Village Council members, and other community leaders. There is still much more to do, and I will continue advocating for expanded services. But do not erase the work that has already been done for the sake of political headlines. Our community deserves better than that. Sincerely, Tristan Henry Councillor St. Cuthbert’s Mission Village Council

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Huge Emancipation Day celebration planned for the Macedonia/Joppa District Dear Editor, WITHIN the next two weeks, the Macedonia Joppa Voluntary Committee (MJVC), a registered non-profit organisation in East Corentyne, Berbice, will celebrate 192 years of Emancipation on Saturday August 1, 2026 to commemorate the abolition of slavery in Guyana. The Emancipation Law which was enacted by the British Slavery Act on August 1, 1834, liberated the African slaves in the British colonies and ended hundreds of years of suffering, brutality and the dehumanisation of Africans. The holiday is significant not just as a calendar event but as a new lease of life for Guyanese. It is a day of remembrance, and an opportunity to reflect on the courageous efforts and sacrifices of enslaved African men, women and children in their fight for freedom. The Macedonia Joppa Voluntary Committee

(MJVC) will mark this solemn, yet joyful occasion with the largest celebrations ever seen on the Corentyne. Weather permitting, this year’s outdoor Emancipation Day celebration is expected to attract thousands of people from as far as West Coast Berbice to Molson Creek on the Corentyne and beyond. It will be the only all-day celebration of its kind in East Corentyne, starting at7:30 AM with a male and female race followed by a two-mile road march from Brighton to Epsom Village and to the Community Center Pavilion ground. Thousands will join the road march under the theme “Inspiring Hope, Building A Better Future in One Guyana.” Participants in the road march will be decked out in a dazzling array of colourful attire of green, gold, yellow, white, black and red representing the colors of the Golden Arrowhead, and depicting Guyanese culture, lifestyle, and heritage.

Residents of all ages and from all walks of life, regardless of race, religion, or social status from the Macedonia Joppa villages of No. 35, 36, Brighton, Kiltearn, Eversham, Epsom, Bengal and No 43 will line the roadway to view the colourful display of costumes and exquisite outfits as the revelers dance to the rhythm of the lively and customary soca music supplied by the dynamic and popular Natural Sound Vibes. At the pavilion, children and adults will participate in several sports activities such as bag, lime and spoon and needle and thread races and cultural, social, and educational activities including the recital of poems, singing of folk songs, a display of African dance, drumming and education quizzes on the meaning of Emancipation and on the history and geography of our beloved Guyana. Highlighting the day’s activities will be a

beauty pageant with several lovely and attractive contestants competing for the prestigious 2026 MJVC title. For the residents of the Macedonia/Joppa District, Emancipation Day is not only about partying, eating, drinking and dancing in the streets, all of which are part of our culture, tradition and heritage. It is a celebration of the freedom of enslaved Africans and a time for all Guyanese near and far to put aside their differences and prejudices and unite to celebrate as one people, one Guyana. MJVC will provide free meals to all. The Macedonia Joppa Voluntary Committee invites all in the district and beyond to participate in the picturesque celebration on Saturday August 1, 2026.

a significant brain drain and a depletion of our human capital. With the return of democratic rule on October 5, 1992 and the election to office of the PPP/C administration the exodus slowed but by then, many overseas Guyana were fairly well settled in their adopted homeland and had family and other commitments which rendered it difficult to return to their respective homeland. Many had already ‘sponsored’ close relatives and developed new family networks. The recent upsurge in our population has to be seen in the context of a new dispensation fuelled in large measure by our oil and gas resources, which created new opportunities for Guyanese to return home. Many of them have done well eco-

nomically and have acquired valuable managerial and technical skills. Guyana is now better positioned to absorb much of the skills and expertise of our Guyanese diaspora. Indeed, there is now a shortage of skilled labour especially in the construction sector. The country is currently experiencing a construction boom, thanks to massive infrastructural works and home construction. The construction boom has created a labour vacuum which is partially met by migrant labour, the numbers of which have increased exponentially within the past five years. According to the latest census report, the unemployment rate has fallen significantly to a point of near full em-

ployment. These are all positive developments which are impacting not only on our economic growth and competitiveness but also on the social fabric of our society. It is not uncommon to hear a diversity of linguistic expressions at our workplaces and other social gatherings, especially from our growing Hispanic community. All of this, I wish to submit, augers well for the future of Guyana. As the country embarks on the road to modernisation and transformation, the need for human capital will be critical. A growing population is essential in this regard.

Sincerely, Dr. Asquith Rose, MJVC Chair

Growing population integral to human capital development Dear Editor,

GUYANA’S population has gone past the one million people mark. For several decades hitherto, Guyana’s population stagnated due to external migration, mainly to the United States and Canada. Both of these countries have significant Guyanese diaspora, the majority of whom departed the shores of Guyana during the period of PNC authoritarian rule. The so-called “push factor” due to economic and social decline, coupled with political victimisation saw thousands of Guyanese leaving the country in search of a better life and the consequential emergence of the so-called ‘greener grass’ syndrome. One consequence of such situation was

Yours respectfully, Hydar Ally

Delinquent drivers should always be charged with murder when they claim a life Dear Editor, I HAVE written several letters using the Kaieteur newspaper, but the lawlessness continues. The lawlessness I am referring to, is the way we use the road in Guyana. British Guiana and Guyana inherited some of

the finest laws in the law books which are being ignored by the drivers and other road users. Our laws have not been enforced by the law enforcers over the said period. When a person of working age is killed on the road it’s an economical loss of the country and emotional loss to the deceased family.

Sir, I would like to challenge any legal-minded person, which include the learned Attorney General and Director of Public Prosecution, that no one should be charged for causing death by dangerous driving but rather murder. More than 95 percent of the road deaths are caused by speeding.

No license driver should accidentally drive above the speed limit, which can lead to death, so therefore its murder and this should not be called causing death by dangerous driving. Yours truly, Frank DeAbreu

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Rice farmers are reaping the benefits of good governance

Dear Editor,

PLEASE permit me a space to share with my Guyanese brothers and sisters, and more so the ones overseas who are following developments at home through your dailies, as to what’s happening and what the people are saying. Over the past several weeks, there has been much discussion about the state of Guyana’s agriculture sector. While there have been both positive and negative comments, I wish to share what I personally observed after visiting several of the country’s major rice-producing regions. Before highlighting the positive feedback from farmers, I must first address a concern that was consistently raised in every region I visited. Many rice farmers expressed frustration with some regional agricultural officials. Farmers said that when they submit complaints, make suggestions, or seek assistance, the officials often listen, take notes, and promise to follow up, yet little or no action is taken. However, once the President or Minister of Agriculture visits the region and those same issues are raised publicly, the matters are suddenly addressed. When the President or minister visits the regions, and those very complaints, suggestions, or help matters are raised at this point, then those very officers act on the same matter that was raised with them before the visit. I have said before, and I repeat it today, that Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo was correct when he warned against public officials acting as “lords” over the people. Unfortunately, this criticism applies to some officials across various ministries, including sections of the agriculture sector. Public servants are paid by taxpayers to serve the public efficiently, professionally, and fairly. Farmers should not have to wait until a ministerial visit before receiving attention to legitimate concerns. This jankilar way of work needs to stop, and those officials must know that they are being paid by taxpayers’ money to do their public servant jobs, and must do it to the best of their ability in ensuring that help and assistance is being given to the farmers. Having said that, I must also acknowledge what I witnessed during the recent distribution of rice farmers’ relief cheques across the country. As I traveled across the rice farming regions over the past weeks to observe the distribution of the relief rice farm-

ers’ cheques, I must say that rice farmers across this country are happy and echoed that happiness in every way they possibly could as they wholeheartedly and publicly praised the Government of Guyana. From Essequibo to West Demerara, West Berbice, Corentyne, and the Strathavon/Cane Grove farming communities, there was a strong sense of appreciation among rice farmers. Many openly expressed gratitude to President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali for his leadership and to Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha for what they believe has been sustained attention to the agriculture sector since 2020. Farmers weren’t just praising the government for their strong stand for agriculture but also reflected on how they were treated between 2015 and 2020 by the then PNC (APNU/AFC) government and Minister of Agriculture. Farmers recalled increases in drainage and irrigation (D&I) charges and land rental fees during that period. Others spoke about inadequate maintenance of drainage and irrigation infrastructure and the financial difficulties they faced because of low paddy prices and increasing production costs. Agricultural machinery and equipment were heavily taxed under the PNC government, which also created hardship for farmers, so they could not have invested because of the cost of that machinery and equipment that is needed in the industry. Today, rice farmers are happy because this PPP government has since taken out the burden by dropping the D&I and land rental fee to where it was when they left office in 2015. Tax was halted /reduced on agricultural machinery and equipment and products, leaving more in the pockets of the farmers so that they can invest and better the rice industry. Many said these initiatives have allowed them to reinvest in their farms and improve production. Today, rice farmers are happy for what this government is doing for them, as they are reaping benefits which they are in full praise of. I spoke to many of the farmers; they were in joy and said to me that under this government and the leadership of Minister Mustapha, rice farming has seen better days. They said that because of what this government is doing for the industry, more and more farmers want to invest heavily in making the sector better and

taking it to greater heights. One message I heard repeatedly was that confidence within the rice industry has improved. Many farmers believe the sector is now better positioned for growth and that younger farmers are showing greater interest in investing. At the same time, farmers also acknowledged that agriculture remains vulnerable to challenges beyond any government’s control. Climate change has resulted in increasingly unpredictable and intense rainfall, creating flooding that affects production. They also recognised that rice prices are influenced by international markets and that fluctuations in global demand inevitably affect local producers. Farmers also acknowledge that the price of their produce is sometimes different, and that is due to the world market; and around the world, the price for rice is fluctuating. So, they have to be prepared at times for the worst. Brothers and sisters in the rice industry, under this government you have been getting the proper treatment in this sector, and the government is always willing to help you in every way they can. Do not fall for the gimmicks of the waste opposition parties because they don’t care for your well-being but just for your votes. Under the previous government, they gave you nothing and continue to misrepresent the facts in the industry just to get into your heads so that you can join with them to cuss out the government. Don’t be fooled again as you were fooled in 2015. Under this government, you, the rice farmers, are seeing the betterment of yourself and your families and within the industry. We heard the talk of diversification, and you should take up that opportunity boldly to start diversifying into other crops and livestock. Diversifying does not mean that you have to finish with rice, but simply means you are going to venture out into other agricultural businesses, and, in this way, you are going to have more ways to earn an extra income and not solely be depending on rice. The naysayers won’t want you to diversify because they know nothing about diversification in agriculture, but all they know is eating rice and agricultural produce. Over the past months, the main opposition sanction leader and his team- I won’t even talk about PNC because they

are dead flies- have been talking and targeting the agriculture sector of this country, but the real questions should be: what has the opposition done to better agriculture between 2015 and 2020, and the PNC needs to answer that? What does the main opposition leader know of agriculture? What has the main opposition spokesman on agriculture done in his days to better GuySuCo? Wasn’t it the main opposition spokesman on agriculture the one that joined hands with PNC to close down the sugar estates and send thousands of sugar workers packing? What was done for the cash crop farmers? What was done for the cattle farmers? Today, these so-called uneducated ones on agriculture want to lecture this government about agricultural development and best practices. Shameless set of people. The opposition parties should be ashamed to even speak up on this sector because they are the ones, and yes, I say they are the ones, because many of them that are now in WIN and PNC are the ones that try to undermine the development of agriculture and the people of Guyana. I am challenging the PNC government and those in WIN that were part of the PNC government between 2015 and 2020 to explain to this nation what they did to improve the agriculture sector and what benefits the people had under that government. I call on all rice farmers to continue working hand-in-hand with the government; the Minister of Agriculture and the rice industry will continue strive and improve every day under this PPP government. I call on all my Guyanese brothers and sisters to reflect on the five years of suffering under the PNC government between 2015 and 2020, and ask yourselves if you want those years to return for us to suffer. Let’s work collectively with the PPP government in ensuring the development continues, and we get the good life we deserve, not the one we were and are being promised again by the opposition, where their good life means suffering the people who are not affiliated with their party. Ay o , r e m e m b e r Vo l d a L a w rence’s statement: “jobs only for the PNC.” Regards, Abel Seetaram

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Transparency call must not be selective; it should begin at home

Dear Editor,

I note the recent proposal by APNU Member of Parliament Dr. Terrence Campbell to amend the Integrity Commission Act to require the publication of summary declarations for specified public office holders. Greater transparency in public life is a worthy objective and, if implemented fairly, would strengthen public confidence in our institutions. However, transparency must begin with those calling for it. If Dr. Campbell believes that public officials should make summary declarations available, then he should lead by example and voluntarily release his own declaration first. Leadership is demonstrated through action, not merely through legislation. The proposal also raises an important question: Why were these amendments not

introduced when APNU/AFC formed the Government between 2015 and 2020? If the coalition genuinely believed the Integrity Commission Act was inadequate, it had the opportunity to strengthen the legislation while it held executive power. The public deserves an explanation as to why these reforms are only now being championed. Additionally, history shows that a number of APNU/AFC Members of Parliament and officials were themselves listed by the Integrity Commission for failing to submit declarations. Those facts make it even more important that today’s calls for transparency be accompanied by consistency and accountability. If Parliament is serious about reforming the Integrity Commission Act, the amendments should go beyond summary declarations and include meaningful accountability measures that apply equally to every public official, regardless of political affiliation.

Some worthwhile reforms should include: 1. Mandatory publication of summary asset declarations for the President, Prime Minister, Ministers, Members of Parliament, Opposition Leader, Permanent Secretaries, heads of constitutional agencies, and senior public officials. 2. Annual publication of compliance lists showing who has filed and who has failed to file. 3. Increased penalties for false declarations or non-compliance. 4. Statutory deadlines requiring the Integrity Commission to investigate complaints within a specified period. 5. Independent audits and verification of declarations where there are credible allegations of unexplained wealth. 6. Electronic filing and secure digital record-keeping to improve efficiency.

7. Annual reports to Parliament detailing investigations, compliance rates, and enforcement actions. 8. Strong whistleblower protections for persons reporting corruption or false declarations. 9. Clear conflict of interest rules for senior public officials. 10. Public education campaigns explaining the importance of asset declarations and ethical conduct in public office. Transparency should never be selective or politically convenient. If Guyana is to build stronger institutions, every political party must be willing to subject itself to the same standards it demands of others. The Guyanese people deserve accountability from everyone entrusted with public office. Yours faithfully, Quincy Anderson

When does democracy become fragile?

IF you follow the output of a certain section of this country, you will believe a country’s democracy becomes fragile when the government, through the ruling party, does wrong things. This is a sermon preached every day in this country by the different opposition parties, the privately owned media and certain civil society organisations. The narrative always goes like this – Guyana’s democracy is threatened because a minister of government or the president shows no accountability for their actions. This understanding of what exists inside the process of democracy is enormously flawed. Society is a multi-dimensional organism and many of its parts are important to the preservation of democracy. Three pillars of democracy exist apart from that of the government. They are the opposition, the media and civil society. If there is a dangerously narrow-minded opposition, a civil society edifice that has no credibility and a media horizon that is dotted with unprofessional and politicised journalism, then democracy runs into trouble. Society in Guyana hardly has a parallel in another country. In which nation can you have a transparency watchdog, and it remained silent when a national election was almost derailed by the incumbent? How can democracy thrive when such a body is highly flawed? You get fed up when you hear that democracy is in danger because the government did this and did that, but why democracy isn’t damaged

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 15, 2026

when civil society has no moral compass? In Guyana, what passes for civil society is simply laughable. The transparency body did not see anything wrong with the rigging of the 2020 national election but find fault with the 2025 election which met all the requirements of transparency. There isn’t today a government or an international organisation of repute that finds that the Government of Guyana was not legally elected in 2025. Democracy must be in trouble in Guyana when civil society becomes a politicised creature rather than an independent arbiter. In which other country in the world is there a human rights organisation (Guyana Human Rights Association) that is reckless, irresponsible and biased as the one we have in Guyana? Surely, democracy has to be in trouble when civil society becomes part of the problem that endangers democracy. But you never hear voices and see pens that expose these threats to democracy in Guyana and political theory is instructive in this matter – a country’s democracy gets into uncertain waters when society has organisations that oppose the government for narrow political reason. For the past 10 years in Guyana, if there has been any threat to democracy, it is the ugly descent into the world of politics by the media. The Kaieteur News (KN) and Stabroek News (SN) from 2020 simply went into the gutter. This was the time for society to intervene and condemn this lurking danger to democracy. But not one human in

the Guyana diaspora and in Guyana itself composed a critical thought of how nihilistic these two newspapers had become. Journalism lost its way in Guyana in 2024 and democracy was the loser. The umbrella body, the Guyana Press Association, had a disgraceful internal election. The president which exceeded her term limits contested once more for office and only she and her acolytes in the executive had access to the list of voters. In the end, the voting turned out highly flawed. But the very silent ones that watched the disappearance of credible, presentable and professional journalism in Guyana the past ten years have now crawled out of their crevices to call for an investigation into the President’s farm. They see dangers facing democracy because of the President’ farm but the myriad threats to Guyana’s democracy through the loss of a credible media terrain never bothered them. The largest blot on democracy last year and this year came from Mr. Azruddin Mohamed. But when he entered politics there was no reverberating noise that this gentleman was creating conditions that

may have caused Guyana’s democracy to fizzle out. Mohamed’s name was linked to a notorious homicide. Mohamed’s name was associated with the reckless use of a firearm that resulted in the death of a youth. Mohamed’s wife was involved in a road accident on Mandela Avenue that resulted in the death of another citizen and the nation heard nothing more of the story. Mohamed was sanctioned by the U.S., then had an extradition request made against him. But when he decided to enter politics, there was no note or letter or advocacy by those who hate the government that this man will wreak havoc on Guyana’s democracy. The hypocrites that now see the ownership of a farm by President Ali as not a good sign for democracy is further testimony of they, themselves being a danger to democracy. 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.

Political theatre cannot erase the facts about St. Cuthbert’s Mission

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 15, 2026

WIN MP Natasha Singh-Lewis’ statement on St. Cuthbert’s Mission (Pakuri) is less than an honest assessment of the community’s realities and more a carefully crafted political narrative designed to create the impression that the PPP/C government has abandoned the village. That claim simply does not withstand scrutiny. In fact, I want to be bold enough to say that the statement is riddled with lies, inaccuracie,s flights of fantasies, misinformation, and generalisations. I would be the first to say that no one should dismiss the concerns raised by residents. Every community has challenges that deserve attention, and the PPP/C government has consistently demonstrated that it listens and responds. What is unacceptable, however, is using those concerns as political ammunition while ignoring the substantial investments and continuous engagement that have taken place in St. Cuthbert’s Mission over the last two years. To suggest that Pakuri has been “forgotten after elections” is demonstrably false. The PPP/C Government has maintained a sustained presence in the community through ministerial visits, community engagements, and investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, youth development, agriculture, housing, information technology, and social services. Ask the residents and the village council. If they are being honest, they would tell of how many times that the government has responded to their concerns. The government has invested in improving roads, community facilities, water systems, and electricity services while simultaneously supporting Indigenous livelihoods through grants, training, agriculture initiatives, and business opportunities. How come Singh-Lewis arrived at such a conclusion? Because of the two meetings that WIN had in the village for staging the political stunt? Ministers and technical teams have repeatedly visited the village to hear directly from residents and to address concerns as they arise. That is the opposite of abandonment. The allegation that there are “no meaningful recreational or developmental programmes” for young people ignores the many national programmes that have reached Indigenous communities, including St. Cuthbert’s Mission. Young people today have access to the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarships, technical and vocational education opportunities, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport programmes, sports initiatives, youth leadership activities, entrepreneurship

support, ICT hubs, and training through several government agencies. Thousands of young Guyanese, including Indigenous youths, have benefited from these opportunities over the past five years. Could there always be more activities during the school holidays? Certainly. The government itself has acknowledged that youth engagement must continue expanding. But to claim there are “no programmes” is simply inaccurate. Opportunities abound for the youths of St. Cuthbert’s Mission. They just have to reach out to the village council or the Ministry. Likewise, any suggestion that government has ignored women’s empowerment is equally misleading. Across Indigenous communities, women have benefited from business grants, skills training, agricultural support, leadership programmes, and economic empowerment initiatives. The same is the case for St Cuthberts Mission. If a particular training facility requires reopening or additional programming, that is an operational matter; not evidence of government neglect. The PPP/C Government has repeatedly shown that when communities identify gaps, resources are mobilised to address them. On mental health, Singh-Lewis attempts to portray the issue as though government has done nothing. Mental health remains a national challenge affecting communities across Guyana and around the world. Unlike previous administrations, however, the PPP/C government has expanded healthcare services, strengthened mental health interventions, increased outreach through the Ministry of Health, and continued deploying specialist teams into hinterland and riverain communities. If residents have requested more frequent psychological services, that request deserves consideration; not political exploitation. Last week, St. Cuthbert’s Mission welcomed Dr. Timothy Morgan, Director of Mental Health; Dr. Mark Constantine, Head of the Ministry of Health’s Psychology Department of Training and Education; and a team from the Ministry of Health for a dedicated community engagement on mental health. Residents were given the opportunity to speak openly about their experiences, while the visiting team assessed the community’s needs firsthand. They committed to returning with a structured programme to train teachers, nurses, Village Council members, parttime workers, and other community leaders, while working alongside the Ministry of Education to strengthen mental health support within our schools.

These are concrete commitments that should be acknowledged and supported as they move toward implementation. The same applies to domestic violence. This government has invested significantly in strengthening support services for victims of domestic violence through the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security. Public education campaigns, counselling services, safe spaces, and community outreach have all expanded under the current administration. Pretending these initiatives do not exist serves only a political narrative. Perhaps the most misleading section of Singh-Lewis’s statement concerns electricity, water, and public infrastructure. Residents may indeed experience interruptions due to mechanical failures or maintenance issues. That happens in communities across Guyana. Temporary service disruptions do not erase years of investment aimed at improving these systems. Government has continued investing in hinterland electrification, water supply improvements, roads, public buildings, schools, health facilities, and community infrastructure, including projects benefiting St. Cuthbert’s Mission and other Indigenous villages. What the statement deliberately avoids mentioning is that government officials continue engaging village leaders whenever operational issues arise to ensure repairs and improvements are undertaken. Most revealing, however, is the timing. Only weeks before a national election, Opposition politicians suddenly arrive in the community, accompanied by cameras and prepared statements, claiming to have discovered problems that government has already been working to address through continuous engagement. Listening to citizens is important. Every elected representative should do it. But listening should not become an excuse for distorting reality. The residents of St. Cuthbert’s Mission deserve honest representation not selective storytelling designed to score

political points. I condemn Singh-Lewis and WIN team for seeking to create a mountain out of a molehill. I think that they used the people of St Cuthberts Mission to play their game of nasty, thirsty and opportune politics ahead of next week’s NTC Conference. Let’s wait and see which other community will fall prey to their nasty politricks as the NTC leaders and Toshaos make their way to town over the next few days. The PPP/C Government has never claimed every issue has been solved overnight. Development is an ongoing process. What distinguishes this administration is its willingness to return to communities repeatedly, invest consistently, and respond to concerns with action rather than political slogans. Natasha Singh-Lewis is no genuine representative for the residents even though she is entitled to be an advocate. She is not entitled to rewrite reality. By portraying Pakuri as a forgotten community while ignoring years of government investment, ministerial engagement, youth programmes, healthcare improvements, Indigenous development initiatives, and infrastructure projects, she presents an incomplete and politically convenient narrative. The people of St. Cuthbert’s Mission deserve better than being used as props for political mileage. Their concerns deserve solutions, not sensationalism. Their future deserves partnership, not political theatre. The facts remain clear: The Government has not abandoned St. Cuthbert’s Mission. It has continued investing in its people, engaging its leaders, and working to improve the quality of life for residents. Challenges remain as they do in every developing community but to suggest that nothing has been done is simply untrue. Pakuri deserves facts. Guyana deserves honest politics 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.

Several arrested over discovery of $71M in foreign cannabis, guns at city wharf G U YA N A R e v e n u e Authority (GRA) and Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU) officers on Tuesday discovered a quantity of firearms, ammunition and foreign cannabis during a search at a wharf in Georgetown. CANU made this disclosure in a press release which stated that acting on information received, officers visited the Muneshwers Wharf where they

searched two incoming barrels from the United States of America (USA). The search led to the discovery of seventy transparent parcels containing a quantity of foreign cannabis weighing 37.2 kilograms, valued at approximately GYD$ 71 million and three pistols, with eighteen 9mm rounds. Several persons were arrested and are in custody assisting with investiga-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 15, 2026

tions. “This seizure is part of ongoing collaborative efforts by GRA Customs and CANU officers to prevent the entry of illicit drugs concealed in cargo and other shipments. The agencies remain committed to strengthening security measures and ensuring that Guyana’s borders remain protected against drug trafficking,” the release said.

The items that were found in barrels at the Muneshwers Wharf by CANU and GRA officers on Tuesday (CANU photos)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Man killed in freak incident at Morwa Backdam

POLICE are investigating a fatal industrial incident which occurred on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, about 14:30hrs at Morwa Backdam, Cuyuni River, resulting in the death of Dillon Tobin, a serviceman of Manawarin Village, Moruca, North West District. Preliminary investigations revealed that a 47-yearold excavator operator was operating a Doosan 225 excavator while Tobin was seated on the machine, when a tree branch reportedly recoiled and struck him, causing him to fall from the excavator. The excavator operator immediately rendered assistance; however, Tobin later became motionless. The body is presently at the mining camp, and Police ranks are en route to the scene as investigations continue. (GPF)

‘Depo’ wanted for 2021 murder of ‘Paper Shorts’

POLICE on Tuesday issued a wanted bulletin for Satrohan Rajkumar called ‘Depo’ in connection with the 2021 murder of Ricardo Fagundes, called “Paper Shorts.” According to the wanted bulletin, the force is seeking the public’s assistance in locating him. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is urged to contact the nearest police station, call 911, or any of the numbers listed on the bulletin. Fagundes, 42, who had been linked to convicted drug trafficker Roger Khan, was riddled with bullets outside Palm Court on Main Street, Georgetown, in March 2021. His murder returned to national attention in 2022 when former Police detective Dion Bascom publicly

alleged that senior officers had interfered with the investigation and claimed that Mark Richmond, a former employee of Mohamed’s Enterprise Security Service and members of the Mohamed family were implicated in the killing. Those allegations prompted an independent review by the Regional Security System (RSS). While the regional body examined claims of police misconduct, it ultimately found no evidence that investigators had deliberately covered up the murder, concluding that the accusations were unsupported and largely based on hearsay. Police have since reopened the investigation, resulting in several recent arrests including Richmond.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Guyana exceeds half-year gold declaration target for first time in nearly a decade –– gov’t credits tougher enforcement, blacklisting of foreign offenders, crackdown on illegal mining

GUYANA has surpassed its gold declaration target for the first half of 2026 for the first time in almost nine years, with declarations nearing 240,000 ounces— about 25,000 ounces more than were recorded during the corresponding period last year. Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat announced the milestone during the ‘Starting Point’ podcast on Saturday, describing it as a major turnaround for an industry that has struggled with declining production for much of the past decade. Bharrat said, “I’m happy to say that in 2026 we have reached our budgeted target of gold declaration for the half-year period.” According to the minister, the government’s target for the first six months of the year was approximately 233,000 ounces, but declarations have already exceeded that figure. “Right now, we’re close to 240,000 ounces that have been declared over this period of time,” he said. The achievement is particularly significant because it comes despite prolonged periods of heavy rainfall that disrupted mining operations across the country.

Bharrat explained that Guyana’s gold industry has been rebuilding after years of declining production. He recalled that the country recorded its highest production in 2016, driven largely by output from Guyana Goldfields, before annual production steadily declined through 2024. While 2024 recorded only a slight improvement over the previous year, he said the sector rebounded strongly in 2025, with production increasing by roughly 52,000 ounces. That upward trend has continued into 2026. The minister attributed the latest gains largely to the government’s intensified campaign against illegal mining and efforts to improve compliance with gold declaration requirements. He said authorities spent the first quarter of the year reviewing miners and companies whose declarations for 2025 were either extremely low or non-existent. As a result, several mining licenses and permits were not renewed, while a number of foreign miners were permanently barred from operating in Guyana. “We had cause not to renew some of their licences and permits. We had to black-

A CUBAN national has been sentenced to life imprisonment after admitting to the brutal Christmas Day murders of his partner and her 11-year-old daughter nearly six years ago. Yoel Rodriguez Barrientos, 32, appeared before Justice Nicola Pierre at the Demerara High Court recently, where he pleaded guilty to the murders of 34-yearold Tara Krishnaran and her daughter, Larissa Singh. The killings occurred on December 25, 2020, at the

family’s home on Princess Street, Lodge, Georgetown. According to the prosecution, an argument between Barrientos and Krishnaran escalated into a violent attack. During the confrontation, Barrientos repeatedly struck the woman in the head with a hammer, inflicting fatal injuries. The court heard that moments later, Larissa entered the room and witnessed the aftermath of the attack. Prosecutors said Barrientos then fatally slit the child’s throat

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat list some of the non-nationals Bharrat warned that minwhose declaration was very ers operating illegally face low or non-existent. They’ve severe penalties, including been blacklisted. They cannot confiscation of equipment, come back to the country and hefty financial penalties engage in the mining sector,” based on the estimated value Bharrat said. of illegally extracted gold, The government has also and possible criminal charges intensified its crackdown on where the gold was sold illegal mining, adopting what through unauthorised chanthe minister described as a nels. zero-tolerance approach. “If we find you mining He pointed to a recent en- illegally, we will seize your forcement exercise in Region equipment because you’re One (Barima-Waini), where engaged in illegal activities. authorities seized between 10 If you want it back, you will and 12 excavators that were pay a fine,” he said. allegedly being used in unHe believes these measauthorised mining operations. ures are already producing

tangible results. Bharrat said, “I think because of this, we are seeing the results now. For the first time in about nine years, we have actually reached our half-year budgeted target, which is about 25,000 more than last year for the same period.” The minister also reported positive performances across several other segments of the mining industry during the first half of 2026. He said production has remained strong in the bauxite, quarry materials and manganese subsectors. Diamond production, however, continues to face challenges as synthetic diamonds gain a larger share of the global market and elevated gold prices encourage many miners to shift away from diamond recovery in

favour of gold mining. Bharrat underscored the mining sector’s continued importance to Guyana’s economy, noting that it remains the country’s secondlargest contributor to gross domestic product after the oil and gas industry. He added that the sector provides direct and indirect employment for an estimated 30,000 people. With gold declarations already exceeding the government’s mid-year target, the minister expressed confidence that continued enforcement against illegal mining and stronger regulatory compliance will help sustain production growth during the remainder of the year while strengthening the sector’s contribution to the national economy.

After the double murder, Barrientos fled the scene, prompting police to launch a manhunt and issue a wanted bulletin. Later that day, acting on information received, investigators located and arrested him in Amelia’s Ward, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice). In handing down the sentence, Justice Pierre imposed life imprisonment for each murder. Barrientos will become eligible to apply for

parole after serving 35 years for the murder of Krishnaran and 40 years for the murder of Singh. The sentences will run concurrently, meaning they will be served at the same time. The judge also ordered that the period Barrientos has already spent on remand be deducted from his sentence. In addition, he was directed to participate in anger management programmes while incarcerated.

Life sentence for Cuban man who admitted killing partner, child on Christmas Day

Tara Krishnaran Yoel Rodriguez Barrientos

before also striking her several times with the hammer.

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GCAA approves AI use as aviation sector embraces digital transformation ––– says cybersecurity, training critical to supporting the country’s modernisation drive By Shaniya Harding

THE Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has approved the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) into its operations as part of efforts to modernise the country’s aviation sector, with industry leaders stressing that digital transformation must be accompanied by stronger cybersecurity measures, data management systems and continued investment in training. The announcement was made by Director General of the GCAA, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Egbert Field, during the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority’s Luncheon and Panel Discussion, held at the World Trade Centre Georgetown on Tuesday, where, among a number of topics, panellists explored how emerging technologies are reshaping the aviation industry under

Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Egbert Field

the theme, “Aviation Safety: A Fresh Perspective.”. Speaking on the integration of technology in Guyana’s aviation sector, Field said the authority has already begun incorporating artificial intelligence into its operations, noting that embracing new technology is essential as the aviation sector continues to evolve. “I introduced AI to the authority. Because I think that is what we need going forward. Rather than take two or three days doing a paper, we can have AI do it within half a day. So, I have given the approval that AI be introduced to the authority,” he said. Field also stressed that as the authority integrates AI, parallel steps must be taken in the area of security and risk management, noting that investment in risk mitigation remains a key focus for the authority. “When we speak of

risk, you have got to have a proper data management system,” he further said adding “Utilising that would be able to mitigate a number of the risk factors going on down the line.” The Director General explained that adopting AI forms part of a broader effort to modernise the authority’s operations and improve efficiency, ensuring that the aviation sector remains responsive to the demands of a rapidly changing industry. While acknowledging the benefits of digitalisation, Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Captain Gerry Gouveia Jr., cautioned that increased use of technology also introduces new risks that must be carefully managed. He explained that many modern aviation systems already include safeguards designed to protect against cyber threats, adding, “The good news is that in a lot of the

aviation-related technology, there is inherent cyber security programmes that protect the risk part of it.” At the same time, Gouveia emphasised that technology alone is not enough, noting that aviation professionals must continue to build awareness of emerging cyber threats and incorporate risk management into every aspect of digital operations. “We have to move in that direction. And we have to embrace technology. And all we have to make sure is that we continue having awareness sessions,” he said. Further, he said, “Aviation needs to understand that it may not hack the plane, but they can definitely get your passenger manifest. They can get into your load sheets, your fuel balances and so on. And we have to always think, even when we get into digitisation, risk management.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 15, 2026

From left to right: Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Egbert Field; Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Captain Gerry Gouveia Jr.; Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Lawrence London and Chairman of the Shipping Association of Guyana, Komal Singh, alongside the moderator of a panel discussion themed, “Aviation Safety: A Fresh Perspective” (Delano Williams photos) Meanwhile, Chairman of the Shipping Association of Guyana (SAG), Komal Singh, also underscored the importance of digital transformation, particularly as Guyana continues to position itself as a regional logistics hub. According to Singh, digital integration has become a necessity for both aviation and shipping for Guyana to support continued economic growth. “Digital integration is no longer an issue. It’s so critical right now. If you

want to have a very robust, efficient logistics network, then we must move to a digital environment,” he said. He added that as Guyana’s economy continues to expand, traditional systems will no longer be sufficient to support increasing demands on infrastructure and human resources, stating, “If we are going to be growing at the pace that we are growing currently, we cannot keep operating in the same old environment.” He noted that improving

efficiency through digital systems would allow both industries to reduce costs while increasing productivity, adding, “We need to look at efficiency. We need to look at how we can digitise our environment, our system, so we can create more opportunity in terms of what we offer and the time it takes, so we reduce our operating costs,” he further said adding, “Port optimisation and port efficiency on a general scale, is something that we really need to do to

help support the growth and development that we have seen taking place.” Veteran aviator and former head of the Guyana Air Corps, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Lawrence London, agreed that while technology offers significant opportunities, its successful implementation will depend on preparing people to use it

effectively. He explained, “You have got to bring people in and train them and train them. And do not let them be afraid of the direction we are going. Because if you are old school, you want to hold on to some of these things from way back. But we are moving ahead.” With AI now set

to become part of the GCAA’s operations, industry leaders maintained that sustained investment in technology, cybersecurity and workforce development will be essential to ensuring Guyana’s aviation sector remains efficient, resilient and prepared for future growth.

Aviation sector poised for sustained development

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 15, 2026

–– safety, stronger infrastructure seen as key contributors

SAFETY amid massive expansion was the main theme at the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority’s Luncheon and Panel Discussion, held at the World Trade Centre Georgetown on Tuesday. The fruitful engagement featured insights from Guyana’s leaders in aviation, with the panel hearing from Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Egbert Field; Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Captain Gerry Gouveia Jr.; veteran aviator, former head of the Guyana Air Corps and former Guyana Defence Force pilot, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Lawrence London; and Chairman of the Ship-

ping Association of Guyana (SAG), Komal Singh. The panel discussed a number of topics under the theme “Aviation Safety: A Fresh Perspective.” The discussion highlighted the impressive scale and pace at which Guyana’s aviation sector is growing, and how the country is preparing the sector to see success through safety, standards and sustainable investment in both infrastructure and people. The panel highlighted many of Guyana’s recent steps within the aviation sector. With investment in the sector, recent years have seen growth in the number of airline seats coming in and out of Guyana, and the movement of cargo dou-

bling, going from 7,000 metric tonnes in 2020 to over 15,000 metric tonnes today. New routes have also been formed, bolstering Guyana’s connectivity as a country. Coupled with the massive investments in infrastructure currently taking place, the sector has been growing rapidly. But the head of the GCAA, Lt. Col. Field, noted that maintaining standards amid the development is vital to the success of the sector. “Over the past number of years, aviation has been expanding in an exponential fashion,” he said noting that weak international standards in aviation can have far-reaching impacts on tourism and the economy. “If there is a weakening, a sense of weakness in the

Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Egbert Field; Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Captain Gerry Gouveia Jr.; Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Lawrence London and Chairman of the Shipping Association of Guyana, Komal Singh during the “Aviation Safety: A Fresh Perspective” panel discussion at the World Trade Centre Georgetown on Tuesday (Delano Williams photo) aviation industry, if your regulations are not strong enough, airlines take coverage of that,” he said adding, “Insurance premiums go up because you are unsafe. Tourism takes a dive.” Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Captain Gerry Gouveia Jr., echoed similar sentiments, noting that while Guyana’s rapid economic expansion has created tremendous opportunities, it has also placed increasing pressure on the country’s human resources, technology and infrastructure. “What Guyana needs is more. We are bursting at the seams, and we’re growing like a balloon. We’re using the oil and gas resources to grow our economy like a balloon in every single direction all at once. Agriculture, aviation, tourism, manufacturing, mining, you name it.” He noted that Guyana’s aviation human resources and systems also need to expand, adding, “Our fabric of that balloon is starting to be stretched. That includes manpower that includes technology, and that includes financial capital,” he said. M o r e o v e r, G o u v e i a stressed that the country must now focus on strengthening its training pipeline and aviation infrastructure to sustain the sector’s momentum. He noted that Guyana’s rapid growth places added pressure on the aviation sector to keep pace with development,

adding, “The fact is that the economy is growing, the aviation industry is growing, but we’re starting to burst at the seams, and we have to start looking at our training pipelines. We have to start looking at our financing options. We have to start looking at our aviation operation infrastructure, meaning insurance, maintenance costs, and so on,” he said. Meanwhile, Chairman of the Shipping Association of Guyana (SAG), Komal Singh, said the continued expansion of Guyana’s aviation and maritime infrastructure positions the country to become a strategic logistics hub that connects South America, the Caribbean and beyond. He emphasised that the aviation and shipping industries should be viewed as complementary rather than competing sectors, noting that both are critical to supporting trade and economic growth. He added, “The answer is not if we can. We are heading in that direction. We look around our country at all the ports, and our team does talk about all the ports, and it’s currently being upgraded, and new airports are going to be built, all the new ports for the shipping industry. When you look at that, we’re heading toward a direction where we’re going to use Guyana as a strategic logistic hub to bridge South America and the CARICOM region,” he said.

Bina Hill equips Indigenous youths for careers as 11 graduates enter workforce

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 15, 2026

–– institute continues to build skilled talent for Guyana’s hinterland economy

ELEVEN Indigenous youths are poised to begin careers in Guyana’s tourism, agriculture and natural resource sectors after graduating from the Bina Hill Institute Youth Learning Centre (BHI/YLC), highlighting the institution’s growing contribution to workforce development and sustainable economic growth in the hinterland. Several members of the graduating class have already secured employment with organisations including the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development, Santa Fe Farm, the Canopy Walkway and other tourism enterprises, demonstrating the increasing demand for the practical skills

ematics, English, sewing, craft production, dance, the Macushi language and essential life skills. The programme reflects the institute’s mission of combining technical education with Indigenous knowledge and cultural preservation, ensuring graduates are equipped to meet the employment needs of Guyana’s expanding hinterland economy while maintaining strong cultural ties. Former Bina Hill students Bernie Robertson and Grace Albert addressed the graduating class, encouraging the new graduates to use the knowledge, discipline and leadership skills they acquired to serve their villages and contribute to national development.

The event concluded with a luncheon attended by graduates, parents, village leaders, regional officials, trustees, tutors and invited guests. Established in 2001, the Bina Hill Institute Youth Learning Centre remains the only technical and vocational training institution in Region Nine dedicated specifically to providing Indigenous youths with a second opportunity to pursue education and gain practical skills. Over the past 25 years, the institute has graduated more than 400 students, many of whom have gone on to careers in conservation, forestry, tourism, agriculture, education and community development across Guyana’s hinterland.

The 11 Indigenous graduates posing for a group photo with a well-wisher at the ceremony held recently in Annai and technical training offered by the institute. The graduates received their certificates during the Bina Hill Institute’s 17th graduation ceremony, held recently at its campus in Annai Village, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), after successfully completing the centre’s two-year technical and vocational education programme. Drawn from communities across Region Nine and Phillipai Village in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), the graduates completed training in a broad range of disciplines designed to prepare them for employment while strengthening the social and economic development of their communities. Their studies covered natural resource management, sustainable forestry, agriculture, tourism, information technology, entrepreneurship, leadership development, math-

Delivering the valedictory address, top graduating student, Fred Joseph, reflected on the personal growth and challenges experienced during the two-year journey. He expressed gratitude to the institute’s tutors, staff, trustees, parents and fellow students for their guidance and unwavering support, noting that the experience had transformed the graduates into confident young leaders prepared to embrace new opportunities. The graduation ceremony also showcased Indigenous culture through a series of performances celebrating heritage and identity. Students recited the National Anthem and National Pledge in the Macushi language before performing the graduation song, We Made It Through, underscoring the institute’s commitment to preserving Indigenous languages alongside academic and vocational excellence.

As Guyana continues to expand opportunities in eco-tourism, sustainable forestry and climate-focused development, institutions such as Bina Hill are playing an increasingly important role in preparing Indigenous youths to participate in, and benefit from, the country’s economic transformation. Supported through subventions from the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, the institute continues to build local capacity by combining vocational training with leadership development and cultural education. Under the leadership of Principal Medino Abraham, Bina Hill has become a key pillar of Indigenous education, producing graduates who are helping to strengthen communities while contributing to Guyana’s broader sustainable development agenda.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Eight-year wildlife programme lays foundation for Guyana’s first national biodiversity monitoring system –– research across Rupununi identifies more than 700 species using advanced conservation technologies

GUYANA has taken a significant step towards establishing a nationwide biodiversity monitoring system following the completion of the Sustainable Wildlife Management (SWM) Programme’s biodiversity research, which has documented more than 700 species across the Rupununi using a combination of cutting-edge technologies and Indigenous ecological knowledge.

The programme recently presented the consolidated findings from its eight-year implementation, including preliminary results from its two-year biodiversity component, during a stakeholder review at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) boardroom in Georgetown. The research is expected to guide the design of the National Biodiversity Monitoring Initiative, an ambitious border-to-border system that

Programme representatives described the initiative as a pioneering effort that could become one of the first biodiversity monitoring systems of its scale anywhere in the world will track Guyana’s wildlife and ecosystems using scientifically tested monitoring methods. Officials involved in the programme said the initiative represents one of the most comprehensive biodiversity monitoring efforts undertaken in the country and is expected to strengthen conservation planning, environmental management and sustainable use of natural resources. The biodiversity component was conducted in seven villages across the Rupununi and evaluated six different monitoring methods to determine which approaches provide the most accurate and cost-effective means of tracking wildlife populations. Researchers assessed camera trapping, passive acoustic monitoring, bird counts, environmental DNA (eDNA), local ecological knowledge and fish stock assessments, focusing on three major groups of wildlife— fish, mammals and birds. Preliminary findings showed that each method excelled in monitoring different species groups. Passive acoustic monitoring proved particularly effective in detecting birds, frogs and other vocal species, identifying 459 species during the study. Camera trapping recorded 88 species and was found to be the most effective method for monitoring large mammals and ground-dwelling birds. Researchers also found that species richness was highest in areas surrounding Rewa, Katoka and Maruranau, highlighting the ecological importance of these locations. A major achievement of the project was the development of a regional artificial intelligence model capable of identifying 445 species

classes, making it one of the largest regional biodiversity identification databases created to date. Environmental DNA sampling also produced significant results. Using 133 eDNA samples collected from water sources, researchers identified 276 vertebrate species, including 195 fish species, 32 mammals, 22 amphibians, 11 birds and 10 reptiles. Among those detected were seven threatened species comprising four mammals, two turtle species and one fish species. Overall, the combined use of camera trapping, acoustic monitoring and eDNA resulted in the detection of more than 700 individual species, demonstrating the value of integrating multiple scientific techniques to obtain a more complete picture of biodiversity. The project concluded that camera trapping remains the most effective approach for monitoring mammals, while acoustic monitoring is best suited for birds and eDNA provides the strongest results for identifying fish populations. Beyond collecting scientific data, the programme also focused on building capacity within Indigenous communities that participated in the research. At the conclusion of the biodiversity component, researchers returned to each participating community to present the findings, demonstrate how to use digital biodiversity dashboards and provide hard drives containing all of the raw data collected during the project. Officials said this approach ensures that communities remain active partners in environmental stewardship while See page 20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 15, 2026

GPHC Orthopaedic Team completes 18 joint replacement surgeries –– during weekend initiative

THE Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) continues to reduce the waiting list for patients requiring joint replacement procedures through dedicated weekend surgical initiatives. These efforts are aimed at providing timely, specialised orthopaedic care while improving access to essential surgical services. Over the weekend of July 11–12, 2026, the Orthopaedic team successfully completed 18 joint replacement surgeries, including 12 knee replacements and six hip replacements. A total of 18 patients benefitted from the initiative, comprising 14 women and four men, who can now look forward to improved mobility, reduced pain, and an enhanced quality of life. All 18 patients have since been discharged and are continuing

their recovery, the hospital said in a press release. With joint replacement procedures costing approximately G$2.5 million in the private healthcare sector, initiatives such as these are vital in ensuring that life-changing orthopaedic care remains accessible to all Guyanese, regardless of their financial situation. These weekend procedures are performed in addition to the Orthopaedic Department’s regular surgical schedule and are separate from the routine cases managed during the normal workweek. The initiative was made possible through the dedication of a multidisciplinary team, including orthopaedic surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses, Operating Room (OR) technicians, the Central Sterile Services Unit (CSSU) team, and physiotherapists, who

Eight-year wildlife programme lays foundation ...

From page 20

strengthening local capacity for future biodiversity monitoring. The findings will now be incorporated into the design of Guyana’s National Biodiversity Monitoring Initiative, envisioned as the country’s first comprehensive, border-to-border wildlife monitoring system. Programme representatives described the initiative as a pioneering effort that could become one of the first biodiversity monitoring systems of its scale anywhere in the world. The results will also be compared with data from Sustainable Wildlife Management Programme sites in other participating countries, contributing to global research on multi-method biodiversity monitoring and conservation. Programme officials expressed appreciation to the Indigenous communities whose participation made the research possible, noting that local knowledge and community involvement were central to the project’s success. Gratitude was also extended to the European Union for its continued financial support, the Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission (GWCMC), which served as the implementing partner, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, six local partner organisations and the participating village councils for their collaboration throughout the project. As Guyana continues to balance economic development with environmental stewardship, the data generated through the SWM Programme is expected to play a critical role in shaping evidence-based conservation policies while helping to safeguard the country’s globally significant biodiversity for future generations.

voluntarily work overtime and utilise their weekends to provide care for patients

awaiting these life-changing procedures. GPHC commended

the multidisciplinary team and all supporting personnel whose dedica-

tion, expertise, and teamwork continue to make this initiative a success.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 15, 2026

GPL’s grid modernisation programme advances

–– with major infrastructural milestones THE Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) continue to make significant progress under its Grid Modernisation Programme, with several key infrastructure projects advancing steadily as the company strengthens and expands Guyana’s electricity network. During this week’s project progress meeting at the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation (MPUA)

which brought together the Director General of MPUA, Alfonso De Armas; GPL’s Executive Management led by Team Lead, Kesh Nandlall; Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractors; and the InterEnergy Holding (IEH) UK, stakeholders reviewed the status of critical projects aimed at improving grid reliability, resilience, and operational efficiency across the country.

Among the major developments highlighted was the Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) River Crossing Project, where works continue to gather momentum, according to a press release from the MPUA. On the West Bank, the HDD equipment setup and the pipe stringing and welding area have been completed. On the East Bank, mobilisation of HDD equipment commenced on July 12, During this week’s project progress meeting at the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation (MPUA) which brought together the Director General of MPUA, Alfonso De Armas; GPL’s Executive Management led by Team Lead, Kesh Nandlall; Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractors; and the InterEnergy Holding (IEH) UK, stakeholders reviewed the status of critical projects aimed at improving grid reliability, resilience, and operational efficiency across the country while the first shipment of polyethylene (PE) pipes has arrived on site. PE duct welding is expected to begin this week, with the first HDD bore anticipated to commence within approximately 14 days. Significant progress was also reported under GPL’s Transmission and Substation Expansion Programme. Critical materials for the contracts being executed by PowerChina and Kalpataru are currently en route to Guyana, while prerequisite civil and site preparation works continue. Once completed, these projects will deliver eight new substations and expand several existing substations, substantially improving the reliability, flexibility, and efficiency of the national transmission network. Meanwhile, engineering and design activities have officially commenced for GPL’s 30 MW / 60 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Project; scheduled for completion by March 2027, the project will play an important role in enhancing grid stability, improving operational resilience, and supporting the integration of additional energy resources into the national grid. The meeting also reviewed progress on the Primary Distribution Feeder Programme, under which contractors CMC, PowerChina, and Kalpataru will

construct a total of 55 new primary distribution feeders spanning approximately 368 kilometres across Regions Three, Four, Five and Six. The programme is expected to significantly increase network capacity, improve service reliability, reduce outages, and accommodate Guyana’s rapidly growing electricity demand. Nandlall said the continued advancement of these projects reflects the company’s commitment to building a stronger, more modern electricity system capable of supporting Guyana’s unprecedented economic growth. “These projects represent a transformational investment in Guyana’s electricity infrastructure. As we continue to modernise the grid, we are creating a stronger, more resilient and efficient power system that will deliver improved reliability for customers while supporting the country’s expanding development agenda,” Nandlall said. GPL said it remains committed to working closely with the Government of Guyana, the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation, contractors, and development partners to ensure the timely delivery of these strategic investments, which form a critical part of the company’s long-term vision of providing safe, reliable, and sustainable electricity to customers nationwide.

Work progresses on Palmyra–Moleson Creek Road Expansion Project

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 15, 2026

MINISTER within the Ministry of Public Works, Madanlall Ramraj, on Tuesday, conducted a site visit to Lot Two of the Palmyra to Moleson Creek Road Expansion Project, where he inspected ongoing works and received an update on the progress of this section of the massive infrastructural project. According to information on the minister’s official Facebook page, he was accompanied by Procurement Manager,

Andy Mohadeo; Kareem Critchlow, assistant project manager; and a technical team from the Ministry of Public Works and representatives from the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC). Lot Two is currently 23 percent complete, slightly ahead of its scheduled progress of 22.8 percent. “Significant work has already been completed, including drains on both sides of the roadway, while expansion works continue to advance. The

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Madanlall Ramraj, on Tuesday, conducted a site visit to Lot Two of the Palmyra to Moleson Creek Road Expansion Project

next major phase on this section will involve the layering of road materials, including crusher run and other structural materials, in preparation for asphalt,” the minister said. Minister Ramraj stated

that the benefits of the completed roadway will be tremendous, noting that the project forms part of President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s wider vision for greater interconnectivity, easier travel and improved

access across Guyana. He noted that once completed, the expanded roadway will reduce travel time, improve connectivity between communities and create greater opportunities for businesses,

agriculture and economic activity along the corridor. The project represents another major investment in building a modern, efficient and better-connected Guyana.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Judicial Service Commission appoints Registrar of Deeds

THE Judicial Service Commission has appointed Zanna Frank as Registrar of Deeds at the Deeds Registry, effective July 1, 2026, the Commission announced in a press release issued Tuesday. Frank steps into the role after serving as Deputy Registrar of Deeds at the same institution since 2016, a position she held for a decade before her promotion.

Registrar of Deeds at the Deeds Registry, Zanna Frank A trained attorney, Frank earned her Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Guyana in 2012 and went on to complete her Legal Education Certificate at the Hugh Wooding Law School in 2014. Her academic credentials extend beyond the courtroom: she holds a Diploma in Public Management dating back to 2007, and more recently completed a Master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration in 2023. That blend of legal training and public administration expertise is expected to inform her leadership of the Deeds Registry, an office responsible for the recording and safekeeping of property and legal deeds across Guyana.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Government, vendors working to minimise disruption during market redevelopment CONSULTATIONS are ongoing with vendors at the East Ruimveldt Market to determine the most suitable relocation plan as the government works to ensure business activities continue smoothly throughout the redevelopment process. During discussions following Friday’s sod-turning ceremony, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand assured vendors that every effort would be made to avoid interrupting their

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand engages stallholders livelihoods. “I don’t want to put anyone out of a single day of work,” the minister said, noting that the goal is to create a modern market while allowing vendors to continue earning an income throughout the construction period. Several relocation options are being explored, including consolidating vendors into vacant sections of the existing market, completing sections of the new facility in phases, and using prefabricated structures. The minister explained that the use of containers would be costly and would not provide the most practical working environment for vendors, particularly those who require storage space or operate wholesale businesses. The vendors welcomed the opportunity to contribute to the planning process, with several suggesting that construction be carried out in phases to reduce disruption and allow businesses to continue operating from completed sections of the market as the work progresses. The meeting also highlighted the diverse needs of vendors, including wholesalers who require larger storage areas and business operators. The ministry will continue engaging vendors as relocation plans are finalised to ensure the redevelopment is carried out with minimal disruption while delivering a modern market that better serves businesses and residents. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 15, 2026

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Guyana names 3x3 squads for Commonwealth, and CAC Games campaigns

THE Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) has announced its men’s and women’s 3x3 basketball teams for two major international assignments later this month, with the country set to compete at the Commonwealth Games in Scotland and the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in the Dominican Republic. The Commonwealth Games will be held in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2, while the CAC Games are scheduled for July 24 to August 8 in Santo Domingo. The announcements mark another significant milestone

for Guyana’s expanding 3x3 programme, with the men’s team preparing to make history by competing in the discipline at both the Commonwealth Games and the CAC Games for the first time. Meanwhile, the women’s team returns to the CAC Games after making its debut at the 2023 edition in El Salvador, and will be aiming for a stronger performance this time around. For the Commonwealth Games, Guyana’s men’s squad comprises Anish Ramlall, Travis Belgrave, Christian Hinckson, and Kevin Mickle. The team will be coached by Kidani Brutus, who plays

professionally for worldranked 3x3 powerhouse team, Harlem, and has represented the United States in international 3x3 competition. GBF Vice-President Rawle Toney will serve as the contingent’s Technical Delegate. Following his participation at the Commonwealth Games, Hinckson will travel directly to Santo Domingo to join Guyana’s men’s team for the CAC Games. There, he will link up with Travis Burnett, Nikkoloi Smith, and Akil Hughes as Guyana embarks on another historic campaign. The women’s team se-

lected for the CAC Games features Anaya Clemons, DeAngelique Waithe, Jamaicy Ogle, and Ruth Adams. Willon Cameron has been appointed head coach of both the men’s and women’s CAC teams, while GBF Vice-President Jermaine Slater will serve as Technical Delegate. GBF President Michael Singh described the selections as another reward for the Federation’s sustained investment in developing 3x3 basketball. He noted that Guyana’s qualification for two prestigious multi-sport events reflects years of planning and commitment by the Federation to grow the discipline

alongside the traditional fiveon-five game. Singh also highlighted an exceptionally busy year for the national basketball programme, citing the men’s participation in the FIBA AmeriCup Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers and the women’s campaign in the FIBA CentroBasket Qualifiers as evidence of the Federation’s balanced approach to developing both formats of the sport. He expressed confidence in the squads selected, saying they represent a healthy blend of the country’s best available local talent and experienced diaspora players, a combination he believes

gives Guyana the best opportunity to compete at a high level. Singh also acknowledged the continued support of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), noting that many of the Federation’s initiatives aimed at exposing Guyanese players to international 3x3 competition would not have been possible without the GOA’s backing. According to Singh, the partnership with the GOA has played a pivotal role in the continued growth of the discipline and the opportunities now available to the country’s basketball players on the international stage.

Spain outplay France to reach World Cup final SPAIN frustrated France at one end and punished them at the other to deservedly win their FIFA World Cup 2026™ semi-final at Dallas Stadium. La Roja limited Les Bleus’ chances though some flawless defending and scored thorough Mikel Oyar-

zabal and Pedro Porro. Spain will now face the England-Argentina victors at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday. They emerged triumphant in their only previous appearance in the fixture, Andres Iniesta sinking the Netherlands at Soccer City

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cas Digne and was clipped inside the box. Oyarzabal struck the resulting penalty past spot-kick-saving specialist Mike Maignan. The advantage was amplified when Porro played a palatial one-two with Dani Olmo, taking the return

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impeccably and burying the ball in the bottom corner. France, with Desire Doue and Rayan Cherki on, pushed to get back into a game, but goalkeeper Unai Simon acted astutely as a sweeper-keeper and Marc Cucurella made

an excellent challenge on Mbappe. The final whistle sparked ecstasy for the Spaniards and agony for the French. Didier Deschamps’ team will have a shot at bronze on Saturday, when Mbappe could boost his hopes for another adidas Golden Boot.

in 2010. France started as the slight favourites and, though Kylian Mbappe threatened on the break, Lamine Yamal gave Luis de la Fuente’s side the game’s first big chance. The winger, a day after his 19th birthday, got to the ball before Lu-

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (a) Draw (b) Justin Greaves Today’s Quiz: (1) What has been the result of the first ODI of the current WI/NZ series? (2) Who won the Man of the Match award? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Barbados sets the early pace in Rising Stars Under-19 Championship

DEFENDING champions Barbados have made a commanding start to the 2026 Cricket West Indies Rising Stars Under-19 50-Over Championship, emerging as the early pacesetters after two rounds of competition. Back-to-back victories over the Windward Islands and Leeward Islands have propelled Barbados to the top of the standings on 14.2 points, with their impressive performances earning not only the maximum four points for each victory but also valuable bonus points. Close behind are Trinidad and Tobago on 11.6 points, having also maintained a perfect record through wins over Guyana and the Windward Islands. The Leeward Islands occupy third position, followed by Jamaica, with both teams claiming one victory from their opening

two fixtures. The Windward Islands and Guyana complete the standings in fifth and sixth respectively, with both teams still searching for their first win of the tournament. Barbados’ impressive start has been inspired by captain and opening batsman Gadson Bowens, whose outstanding form with the bat has made him the competition’s standout performer thus far. Following his first-round knock of 62, Bowens produced a breathtaking 209 from just 122 deliveries in the secondround clash against the Leeward Islands, powering his side to a formidable 439 for 8. Second in run aggregate with 137 is Leeward Islands’ Tanez Francis, who recorded half-centuries in both rounds including 82 from 98 balls against Jamaica. The wicketkeeper and opening batsman was a member of the

West Indies squad that took part in the ICC Under-19 World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia earlier this year. Left-arm fast bowler Daniel Holder of Trinidad and Tobago, along with medium-pace all-rounders Jahidi Hinds of Barbados and Matthew Miller of the Leeward Islands have emerged as the leading wicket-takers, each claiming six wickets after two rounds. Holder currently tops the bowling averages among the trio, with an impressive average of 12.3. The two all-rounders also got amongst the runs, with Hinds recording an unbeaten 53 in the second round, and Miller, who also represented the West Indies at the Under-19 World Cup, delivering a captain’s knock of 72 in the Leeward Islands’ first-round victory over Jamaica. The championship’s

points system continues to reward positive and attacking cricket. In addition to the four points awarded for a victory, teams can accumulate bonus points for posting totals above 240, dismissing the opposition, and taking wickets through pace bowlers and wrist spinners, factors that have already begun to shape the early standings. With three rounds still to play, the race for the 2026 Rising Stars Under-19 title remains wide open as teams look to build momentum and strengthen their position in the battle for championship honours. Start time for the remaining rounds of the tournament will be 10:00 a.m. Eastern Caribbean Time with matches being streamed live on the Windies Cricket YouTube channel and live scoring, match reports and daily updates available

on www.windiescricket. com. POINTS STANDINGS AFTER ROUND 2 1. Barbados – 14.2 2. Trinidad and Tobago – 11.6 3. Leeward Islands – 8.2 4. Jamaica – 6.4 5. Windwards – 2.4 6. Guyana – 1.8

ROUND 3 – WEDNESDAY, JULY 15 • Barbados vs Guyana – Coolidge Cricket Ground • Trinidad and Tobago vs Jamaica – Liberta Sports Club • Windward Islands vs Leeward Islands – Bethesda Playing Field ROUND 4 – SATURDAY, JULY 18 • Leeward Islands vs Guyana – Liberta

Sports Club Trinidad and Tobago vs Barbados – Piggots • Windward Islands vs Jamaica – Bethesda Playing Field ROUND 5 – MONDAY, JULY 20 • Windward Islands vs Guyana – Piggots • Trinidad and Tobago vs Leeward Islands – Liberta Sports Club • Jamaica vs Barbados – Bethesda Playing Field FINAL & PLACEMENT ROUND – WEDNESDAY, JULY 22 • 1 vs 2 – Liberta Sports Club • 3 vs 4 – Bethesda Playing Field • 5 vs 6 – Piggots •

Windies women hunting ICC championship points – Matthews

WEST Indies women’s skipper Hayley Matthews says the team will go hard in their final one-day international match as their goal is to gain maximum ICC championship points in this series. The maroon warriors achieved a series win after taking the second ODI on Sunday. Skipper, Hayley Matthews, said they are grateful for the series win, adding, “The series win is super important. Glad we could get that out of the way, but at the same time, I think we came here. The point is definitely a priority, given we were able to get four so far, the first two wins, but there are still two important points to play for. In that last match, every game is crucial when it comes to getting points for the ICC

championship.” She says her personal goal is to continue to deliver with bat and ball for her team, saying, “I think I try not to focus on the result too much but go through the process once again at the crease of doing what I need to do, and hopefully the result at the end of the day is something good.” The West Indies women grabbed a sixwicket win on Sunday in Ireland when they clashed with the host on their oneday international tour. Ireland, after losing the toss and being put into bat, managed 241 for 7 from their 50 overs. Amy Hunter stroked 67 from 87 balls, with Rebecca Stokell hitting 57 from 76 deliveries. Deandra Dottin and Hayley Matthews picked up two wickets each to

restrict Ireland. The maroon warriors in the chase had Hayley Mathews and Stefanie Taylor playing flawlessly to record hundreds. Realeanna Grimmond, Dottin, and Jannillea Glasgow went cheaply. Matthews, after carving out a classy century at the top, was dismissed for 100. Taylor, who also scored even a hundred, played unbeaten, taking the Windies home. Shemaine Campbelle had 10 not out as they reached 242 for 4 in 35.5 overs for the victory. They also won the 1st ODI by 9 wickets last week Friday at the same ground. The two teams will take to the field again today (Wednesday) in Bready, Ireland.

Windies Women Skipper Hayley Matthews

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Kuru Kururu FC crowned EBFA U-13 Champions

KURU Kururu FC capped off a remarkable campaign over the July 11–12 weekend, defeating Timehri United FC to be crowned champions of the East Bank Football Association (EBFA) U13 Youth Ensemble Program. The victory marks a significant milestone for the club, which just one year ago endured a difficult 2025 campaign in the EBFA U13 and U15 Leagues, failing to register a win in either category. This season, however, Kuru Kururu FC has demonstrated tremendous growth, maintaining an impressive winning streak in both age categories and securing the U13 championship. EBFA Coordinator Hodiah Garraway commended the team’s determination and commitment to development throughout

the competition. “I have seen strength and great development in the players. They came out and did their best, won all their games and stayed on top,” Garraway said. The 2026 EBFA U13 Youth Ensemble League, which kicked off on May 16, featured four clubs: Kuru Kururu FC, Herstelling Raiders FC, Timehri United FC and Circuit Ville Jaguars FC. Over the course of nine matches, more than 100 young footballers showcased their talent, discipline and sportsmanship, producing exciting contests and impressive individual performances. Individual Award Winners and Top Performers were also awarded The Top Goalscorers were Immanuel Reid (Kuru Kururu FC)–8 goals; Jeremiah Straut (Timehri

Kuru Kururu FC

United FC)–8 goals, the Most Valuable Players were Okel Morrison (Kuru Kururu FC)–5 goals, Raheem Alexander (Timehri United FC)–4 goals, Leandre Benjamine (Kuru Kururu FC)–2 goals,

Xavi Griffith (Kuru Kururu FC)–2 goals, Micaicah French (Herstelling Raiders FC)–2 goals and the Best Goalkeeper was Dokari Robertson (Kuru Kururu FC). With the conclusion

of the East Bank Football Association U13 Youth Ensemble League, both champions Kuru Kururu FC and runners-up Timehri United FC have secured qualification for the National Championship, scheduled to be held between July and August 2026. Meanwhile, the EBFA U15 Youth Ensemble competition continues to deliver exciting football ahead of its anticipated conclusion in late July or early August. Herstelling Raiders FC recorded a convincing 5-2 victory over Friendship Allstars FC, while Circuit Ville Jaguars FC secured a dominant 7-2 win against Pakuri FC. Goals for Herstelling Raiders FC came from Tyler Abrams, Robinho Abrams, Wayshawn Forde and Isiyah Williams, while Anthony Thomas and

Kemo Depecizer found the net for Friendship Allstars FC. In the day’s other fixture, Circuit Ville Jaguars FC’s goals were scored by Anton Sampson, Vickash John, Kennvio Bagot and Elon John. Pakuri FC’s scorers were Zeron Andrews and Xian Simon. The Youth Ensemble Program, a first of its kind initiative of the Guyana Football Federation, continues to provide young players across the country with meaningful competitive opportunities, supporting their technical development while fostering teamwork, discipline and passion for football. With the U15 competition still underway, the program remains committed to identifying and nurturing the next generation of football talent in Guyana.

Boyce crowned King of the Table at the 2026 CSAG & MMG National 8-Ball Championship

FOLLOWING four days of intense competition and high-stakes manoeuvring, the Cue Sports Association Guyana (CSAG) and Mobile Money Guyana (MMG) are proud to announce Andre Boyce as the 2026 National 8-Ball Champion. The tournament, which commenced on July 4 and concluded with a thrilling final day on July 12, brought together the finest cueists from across the length and breadth of Guyana. A field of 70 elite players represented regions including Georgetown, East Bank, West Bank, West Coast, Berbice, Linden, East Coast and Essequibo, making it one of the most geographically diverse and competitive tournaments in the association’s history. Andre Boyce emerged as the standout performer of the week, displaying exceptional skill, tactical

brilliance and composure under pressure. His clinical performance in the final rounds earned him the prestigious national title and the top spot on the podium. Jerry Josie secured second place following a series of dominant performances throughout the knockout stages, while Mario Albert and Ritick Persaud shared third place. Jameel De Agrella, Anthony Xavier, Parsram Sobhai and McQuain Smith rounded out the top finishers with fourth-place honours. “The talent on display this year has been nothing short of extraordinary,” said Steven Persaud, the President of the Cue Sports Association Guyana. “To see 70 players from so many different regions coming together proves that cue sports are thriving in Guyana. We would like to congratulate Andre

Andre Boyce

Boyce on his well-deserved victory and extend our heartfelt congratulations to all our top performers.” MMG Chief Executive Officer, Mark Singh, said the company was proud to support a championship that celebrates sporting excellence while bringing together talented players from across Guyana. “At MMG, we believe in investing in initiatives that strengthen communities and create opportunities for people to excel. The National 8-Ball Championship showcased the discipline, determination and competitive spirit that define our nation’s athletes. We congratulate Andre Boyce on an outstanding achievement and commend the Cue Sports Association Guyana for its continued commitment to developing the sport.” CSAG also wishes to thank its title sponsor,

MMG, which invested GYD $250,000 in this year’s championship, along with its other supporting sponsors, D&L Sports Bar, Suraj Sports Bar, Sunil & Son Pool Bar and Boat House Sports Bar, as well as all its members for their dedication to the sport. The association expressed its gratitude to the fans and participants for coming out in large numbers to support the event and for displaying the sportsmanship and talent that continue to elevate the profile of billiards in Guyana. The CSAG & MMG National 8-Ball Championship continues to be one of the premier events for cue sports in Guyana, providing a platform for local athletes to showcase their abilities on a national stage while contributing to the continued growth and development of the sport.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, July 15, 2026

CARIFTA Chess Tournament 2026…

Guyana shines in U-18 and U-16 categories

GUYANA had an excellent showing at the recently concluded CARIFTA Chess Championship 2026 last Saturday, July 11, in the Under-18 and Under-16 Categories in a hybrid format at Olympic House, in Lilienthal. The Guyanese players faced their opponents from sister Caribbean and CARIFTA nations, entirely Online. Candidate Master Sachin Pitamber’s brilliant performance in his Under-16 Open Category earned him the top score of 7.5 in the nineround tournament, but he finished second due to the tie-breaker. Sixteen-year-old Kyle Couchman, playing in the Under-18 Open Category, showcased his tactical brilliance, finishing third with 6 points. Fifteen-year-old Woman Candidate Master Aditi Joshi secured third place in the Under-16 Girls division with 6 points. Meanwhile, 16-year-old Ciel Clement matched her podium finish, claiming third in the Under-18 Girls category with 4 points. Pitamber’s impressive run included seven victories, a single draw against James Levi of Trinidad and Tobago, and a lone defeat to Suriname’s Thie-yen Fung. Once again, the young 2026 National Chess Champion has proven his mettle and solidified his place at the top of the game. These top performers from Queen’s College have put Guyana on the regional stage in the chess world, and the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) couldn’t be prouder of them. The competition was held among players from fifteen CARIFTA Nations, using the hybrid format, with the junior categories playing on July 11, and the Women and Open Categories on July 12. In the highly competitive Open Category, CM Tiffin Khan claimed a commendable 17th-place finish. Khan put on an impressive display of chess, racking up 6 points across nine grueling rounds. He remained exceptionally difficult to defeat, securing 4 wins and 4 draws, with his solitary loss coming against his Surinamese counterpart, Pratul Pancho. FM Anthony Drayton also delivered a solid performance, concluding the event with 5 points. Drayton started the tournament dominantly, sweeping his first four consecutive rounds. While he faced a challenging patch during the middle intervals, he stabilsed his run to close out the final round with a hard-fought draw. Meanwhile, Keron Sandiford, another of Guyana’s seasoned players, finished with 4.5 points. Sandiford experienced a rollercoaster tournament of mixed results across the nine rounds, ultimately anchoring his score with 4 victories and a crucial draw in the eighth round. In the women’s category, WCM Jessica Callender and WCM Sasha Shariff faced stiff competition, showing great endurance across nine demanding rounds. WCM Callender ultimately finished in 15th place with 5 points, while WCM Shariff secured 28th place with 4 points. In the Junior category, played on Saturday, July 11, 2026, several young Guyanese players competed across the U18, U16, U14, U12, U10 and U8 categories. Nicholas Zhang ended with 5.5

points; Alexander Zhang -5 points, Parnita Kishun -4 points, Emma John 3.5, rounding out the Guyanese lineup in the Under-16 Open and Girls Categories. The Under-14 Category showcased incredible depth from the young Guyanese players. Leading the pack, U14 Open Chess Champion Abel Fernandez Ciria delivered an exceptional performance to finish as the highestranked Guyanese player, securing 6th position with 6 points in the category. Meanwhile, Alex Ubaldo Singh claimed 11th place by scoring 6 points out of the 9 rounds. The battle in the middle of the standings was incredibly tight. Aquilani Swaminathan fought hard to secure 5 points. Fellow teammate U14 and U16 Girls’ Chess Champion, Kataleya Sam, matched that score with 5 points of her own. Rounding out the stellar effort for Guyana, Sana Swaminathan concluded her tournament run with 3.5 points, while Rebha Lachhman finished with a hard-earned 3 points. Leading the U12 category charge for Guyana was U12 Open Champion Aiden Tinnie, who delivered a strong performance to finish with 5.5 points, while U12 Girls Champion Divya Persaud secured 5 points. The rest of the U12 contingent also put up a solid fight to round out the standings, with Vir Narine finishing with 5 points, while Saura Rupal and Arian Tinnie fought hard in a crowded field, finishing with hard-fought 3.5 points each. Action in the younger bracket saw Mark DeFreitas leading the way for Guyana in the U10 category with 5 points, while Malia Thompson secured 4.5 points. Rounding out the U10 category was Isabella Shariff, who concluded the tournament run with 3.5 points, while Avery Munroe finished with 3 points to cap off the team’s effort. Bringing a fantastic tournament to a close, the youngest bracket showcased incredible promise. In the U8 category, Pranav Suman fought hard to finish with 4 points, beautifully rounding out the stellar efforts of the Guyanese contingent at the CARIFTA 2026 Chess Tournament. Each category featured a single, co-ed tournament involving almost 450 participants, with results separated by gender. Competing nations included Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, the Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, the US Virgin Islands, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. The Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) is incredibly proud of the players’ growth and overall performance. While further training is needed to help some juniors reach their full potential, the GCF highly commends the dedication and resilience shown by all participants. The GCF extends its sincere gratitude to FIDE Arbiter John Lee for his dedicated efforts in monitoring the Guyanese delegation throughout the tournament. Additionally, the Federation wishes to express its immense appreciation to the Guyana Olympic Association for generously providing the venue and facilities to support our national players.

Scene from Guyana’s participation in the Hybrid CARIFTA CHESS Tournament at Olympic House

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Spain outplay France to reach World Cup final PG 28

Spain outplayed France 2-0

GBBFF vows to move forward after President Callender resigns — Minister Ramson Jr. assures of backing ACTING President of the Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation Videsh Sookram says that the executive body will continue to work for athletes of the bodybuilding fraternity. This comes as elected President Roger Callender, who last year commenced his term, tendered his resignation with immediate effect months before his tenure was due to end. Sookram, the elected Vice-President will now assume the role as president for the remainder of the term and says that the executive is prepared to continue moving the sport in the right direction. “The sport has been on the rise. We, the members of the Federation, are working

Minister Charles Ramson Jr. meeting with GBBFF executives led by Videsh Sookram night and day to get things sorted out. It is amazing the work that we have done; that we got done after the

resignation of our president,” he said. Sookram says that the executive decided they will

complete this year with the planned programmes, and that in February 2027 they will have election to deter-

mine the new direction of the sport. The VP, who has also served as General Secretary, says in their recent meeting with Sports Minister Charles Ramson Jr., he assured them of his continued guidance and backing. “A meeting with the minister, the Honourable Charles Ramson Jr. is always fruitful when it comes to bodybuilding or any sport. I could say that the government has pledged their full support; the minister has reached out and guaranteed our sponsorship to help the athletes to travel,” Sookram said. The long-time administrator says the sports is growing by leaps and bounds “The bar for bodybuilding in Guyana has been set

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very high, and I would like to thank Rosanna Fung for doing so,” he said, adding: “I mean, she is the lead ‘pro’ athlete that we have right now. We have other ‘pro’ athletes, but she has been very active, and the sport of bodybuilding is recognised in every region. Guyana is recognised in the Caribbean for having ‘pro’ athletes; quality athletes, and a number of amateur athletes that are in that position.” Sookram says their goal now is to work on bringing to fruition their first bodybuilding show in Essequibo in the coming months. They are working on identifying athletes and venue to have the first of its kind one Guyana bodybuilding show. | WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2026