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Tuesday 15th September, 2026 PRICE

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VAT INCLUSIVE

Massive relief package cushions effects of rising prices

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Massive overhaul of power grid advances as outages remain ‘unacceptable’— President Ali -- local power demand growing five times faster than regional average, report finds

Citigroup opens representative office in Guyana

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Uniting Guyana is my above-all task’ -President Ali affirms, highlights Guyana’s booming economic momentum SEE PAGE --says every Guyanese will see 2 improvement in daily life

Guyana Development Bank to launch with US$100M capital base on October 5

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Gov’t writes off $175.6M in UG student loans SEE PAGE

President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Monday evening delivered the feature address at the official opening of Citigroup’s representative office in Guyana. Citibank’s presence opens another important door between Guyana and the international financial architecture, where capital can flow, ideas can travel, partnerships can be built, and opportunities can be created. Citibank’s decision to establish a presence here sends a strong signal about its confidence in the opportunities available here, and how the international financial community increasingly views our country. The New York-based bank is one of America’s largest financial institutions, and a global powerhouse, with 85% of its clients being Fortune 500 companies. (Office of the President)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, September 15, 2026

‘Uniting Guyana is my above-all task’ --President Ali affirms, highlights Guyana’s booming economic momentum --says every Guyanese will see improvement in daily life

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali has pledged to deepen national unity and overcome the divisions and obstacles facing Guyana, as he declared the country “the talk of the town”. He did so during a press conference on Monday when word that Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) had grown by 33.3 per cent in the first half of 2026 prompted him to reveal that his “above all” task is not only to unite Guyana, but to also “upturn every root of hate, every obstacle of betrayal, and advance the one unified Guy‑ ana” as the country strength‑ ens its global partnerships

and advances a slate of trans‑ formative national projects. The Head of State insist‑ ed that the country is firmly “on the rise and on the move” both regionally and interna‑ tionally. Dr. Ali pledged that the gains from Guyana’s eco‑ nomic momentum will be felt in every home, promising that every household will see enormous improvement in their personal life, supported by policies and programmes designed to help citizens own more assets. “Guyana’s position re‑ gionally is not only extraor‑ dinary, but one in which all of us will be proud. More

importantly, the people of Guyana, every household, will surely, most definitely, see not only enormous im‑ provement in their personal life, but enormous policies and programmes that will en‑ hance their ability of owning more things, and of course advancing their own life,” he said. He framed this commit‑ ment to shared prosperity as central to his government’s wider nation‑building agen‑ da, arguing that economic progress must go hand in hand with social cohesion and a deepening sense of national pride. The Head of State linked

his message of unity and confidence to a recent state visit to Qatar, describing it as “wonderful” and “invigo‑ rating” in terms of Guyana’s future prospects. He reported that the trip had not only moved for‑ ward “important projects and investment that Qatar is making in Guyana”, but had also laid the groundwork for a new framework to anchor government‑to‑government financing. This framework, he said, is expected to be comple‑ mented by international fi‑ nancing, creating a vehicle to fund large‑scale national initiatives.

“In that visit, not only were we able to advance important projects and in‑ vestment that Qatar is making in Guyana, but more impor‑ tantly, we have been able to work on the establishment of a framework that would bring together government-to-gov‑ ernment financing and also integrate international financ‑ ing into this vehicle that will see important transformative national projects that are global and regional in nature advance at a rapid pace,” he said, adding: “In the coming days and weeks, you will see the fruits of thy labour, and I can assure you, as a country, we should all be proud of the

type of strides and progress we are making.” According to Dr Ali, the financing architecture being developed with Qatar and other partners will support important transformative national projects that are global and regional in nature, and which are expected to advance at a rapid pace. Guyana’s economy grew by an estimated 33.3 per cent in the first half of 2026, while the non-oil economy expanded by 10.1 per cent, with the country’s full-year real GDP growth forecast now revised to 20.8 per cent, with non-oil growth projected at 10.2 per cent.

Gov’t writes off $175.6M in UG student loans

IN keeping with its commitment to alleviate the financial burdens on students, the PPP/C government has cancelled $175.6 million in loans for 204 students under the University of Guyana (UG) student loan debt write-off programme during the first half of 2026. This was outlined in the half-year report produced by the Ministry of Finance. The report states that total

loans forgiven since the ini‑ tiative began in 2024 stand at $3.2 billion. In tandem with the loan write-offs, the University of Guyana expended $7 billion in the first half of the year to expand access to essential disciplines such as medicine and engineering. Notably, in April 2026, the pre-medicine programme was extended to all regions, benefiting 80 students cur‑

rently enrolled. Additionally, over 400 new applications for the pre-medicine programme are being processed for the 2026/2027 academic year. The university has also made strides in engineering education, with 27 students from Regions Two and Six actively pursuing civil and mechanical engineering at its regional centres. (In House Media)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Massive overhaul of power grid advances as outages remain ‘unacceptable’— President Ali

--local power demand growing five times faster than regional average, report finds

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali on Monday called the scale and frequency of Guyana’s recent ‘blackouts’ unacceptable, citing a new Inter Energy assessment that found electricity demand is growing nearly five times faster than the regional average, even as billions of dollars are being poured into overhauling the power sector. Speaking at a news conference, Dr. Ali said peak demand on the Demerara– Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS) climbed from roughly 205 megawatts in 2024 to 242.6 megawatts in August 2026, an 18 per cent growth rate compared with the three–four per cent average for power systems elsewhere in Latin America and the Caribbean. That pace has outstripped upgrades to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) network, leaving the system with no flexibility to take generating units offline for maintenance without risking a total collapse, the Head of State said. “If anything goes wrong there, the entire system shuts down,” Dr. Ali said, noting the level of vulnerability unacceptable for a country undergoing the region’s fastest economic expansion. He also pointed to a steep

rise in fuel costs for power generation, refined gasoline imports up 51 per cent and diesel up 86.8 per cent since January, none of which has been passed on to consumers. Instead, he said, the government has injected tens of billions of dollars in extra subsidies into GPL to shield household budgets. Dr. Ali acknowledged the strain of rapid growth but insisted the current pattern of outages “cannot continue.” “Those are the challenges. I acknowledge that it is unpleasant. Some of it unacceptable, but that is why the smart grid has to be predictable,” he said. He argued the utility can no longer rely on manual fixes, noting: “We can’t have any more two pickups driving up and down looking at the line, or having a shutdown when you’re waiting for one crew to leave with a hook to go to Parika with the pole to pull down the switch.” The President added saying that while the efforts to enhance the system is costly, it cannot be avoided. “All over the world, check, go and check the cost. It’s expensive,” Dr. Ali said. Looking ahead, the Inter Energy report projects electricity demand will rise

about 138 per cent by 2029, meaning Guyana will need more than double its current supply within five years. The GPL is also expected to add over 62,000 new customers in that time, driven by new housing schemes, expanding industries and a wave of hotel and other large developments.

The report calls for a “massive holistic investment” in generation, transmission and distribution, rather than piecemeal fixes. Dr. Ali presented the findings as both a warning and a roadmap, describing the current push as “the largest transformation of the power system” in Guyana’s

history. That includes the gas-to-energy project’s planned expansion of generation capacity, a more diversified fuel mix to cut exposure to volatile prices, and more than 360 kilometres of new high-voltage transmission lines. New and expanded sub-stations, smart metering,

advanced control systems and battery energy storage are also part of the modernisation drive, he said. Even so, Dr. Ali said those efforts need to be accelerated and better coordinated to deliver the stable, predictable power supply he said a fast-growing Guyana demands.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, September 15, 2026

President Ali details expanded support for persons affected by MV Barima tragedy --$122M in financial support disbursed, housing, psychological, social support being provided

THE government remains committed to “long-term” and “structured” support to hundreds of people affected by the MV Barima tragedy, outlining a wide-ranging package that spans financial aid, housing, psychosocial care, education support and legal assistance. According to the latest update from President Dr. Irfaan Ali, the Heart Initiative remains the central coordinating mechanism for the national response, bringing together key stakeholders. The secretariat, headed by Lieutenant Colonel Dominic Shepard, is now fully operational and has so far provided structured assistance to more than 750 affected persons including children, parents and grandparents, across Regions One to Ten. On the financial side, the government has disbursed

$122.35 million in assistance to families of deceased persons, survivors, and relatives of those still missing. In addition, the Ministry of Housing has approved 20 families for land and turnkey homes valued at approximately $73.99 million, as part of what authorities describe as a long-term commitment to relocation and housing security for the most severely affected households. He stressed that the State views the fallout from the disaster as a long-term responsibility, not a one-off relief exercise. “Support for children, including going back to school, supporting their school needs, their educational needs, recovery of documentation, at GECOM, GRA, Guyana Police Force, legal assistance, probate, estate, guardianship, immigration, and documentation recovery. Because

More than 750 affected persons, including children, parents and grandparents across Guyana, are receiving structured assistance through the Government’s HEART Initiative

you know there were some non-Guyanese families. “Livelihood recovery, spiritual and community support, partner support. The private sector is also part of this, so they are mobilising resources, and of course, support in family-oriented activities,” the President said.

The response also places significant emphasis on psychological and social support. Social workers and psychologists have been assigned to affected families, with Tier Three and Tier Four trauma interventions now active. Special attention is being paid to children, including support for their return to school and the provision of educational assistance to help stabilise their learning environment after the tragedy. “We also have the legal team that has commenced work collectively and then individually with families, advising them on their rights, and also talking to them about how long-term, immediate, and medium-term financial support, material support, can also be structured, especially where children are involved,” the President added. More than 750 affected persons, including children, parents and grandparents across Guyana, are receiving structured assistance through the government’s HEART Initiative. Meanwhile, a national registry of affected persons and the accompanying needs assessment are both 99 per cent complete.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Electoral fraud trial…

GECOM PRO, former IT manager testify as case resumes

THE election fraud trial involving several former elections officials and political figures resumed on Monday after a threemonth adjournment, with Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Public Relations Officer Yolanda Ward and former Information Technology Manager Aneal Giddings taking the witness stand before Magistrate Faith McGusty. When the matter was called on Monday morning, Ward, who testified first, outlined her role in the publication and subsequent removal of declarations of results from GECOM’s website following the March 2020 General and Regional Elections. The Public Relations Officer told the court of her responsibilities, which included preparing press releases and publishing information. She told the court that information for publication was provided by then GECOM Chairperson, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh. Ward recalled receiving images of declarations for the 10 electoral districts on a flash drive. The images were subsequently emailed to Giddings for publication, with then Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield copied on the correspondence. According to Ward, Giddings later acknowledged receipt and confirmed that the documents had been uploaded. She said she then checked the website to ensure that the task had been completed. Further, she said that on March 14, 2020, she was instructed to have previously published Form 24s removed and replaced with two new attachments received from Lowenfield’s office. Ward further told the court that on July 22, 2020, Justice Singh instructed her to have all declarations removed from GECOM’s website. Against this backdrop, she recalled that she subsequently emailed Giddings requesting the removal, received an acknowledgement that the changes had been made and checked the website. Two days later, on July 24, Ward said she received another instruction from Jus-

tice Singh, this time to have the gazetted declaration of results published on the website. Ward also recounted how she became involved in a police investigation into the publication of the declarations. She said that on September 21, 2020, Justice Singh summoned her to her office and informed her that a Criminal Investigation Department officer had contacted her concerning a person who had provided a statement about the publication of the declarations. Ward said Singh subsequently returned the officer’s call and was told that he preferred not to take information over the telephone. Ward said that Singh then instructed her driver to take her to the police station, where she learnt that she was required to provide a statement. As she concluded her main testimony, it was during cross-examination, the Public Relations Officer disclosed that she had been carrying out her duties as stated in her job description. Subsequently, Giddings took the stand and provided evidence concerning both the electronic tabulation of Statements of Poll (SOPs) and the publication of Form 24s.

Giddings said he supervised the tabulation process at the Ashmin’s Building, including the logging, scanning, photocopying and double-entry verification of SOPs. He said the process began on March 2 and continued until the morning of March 5, when a bomb threat resulted in the evacuation of the building. Further, he spoke to backing up the server before the building was evacuated. Giddings also testified that he removed the server from the building and secured it in his personal vehicle before later receiving

instructions to return it. After the tabulation process resumed, Giddings said that former Deputy Chief Executive Officer of GECOM, Roxanne Myers entered the room and announced that the process was to be halted, and everyone had to leave. On the publication of the election results, Giddings said he received 20 Form 24 attachments from Ward on March 7 – two for each of the 10 electoral districts – and uploaded them to GECOM’s website. He told the court that he was the only person with publishing credentials at the

time and that his responsibility was to publish the documents as received. Giddings said he received another email from Ward on March 14 containing two replacement Form 24s for Electoral District Four, with instructions to replace the originals. The matter was subsequently adjourned with Giddings expected to return to the witness box this morning

to continue his evidence and be subsequently cross-examined. The trial centres on allegations of fraud linked to the tabulation and declaration of results from the 2020 General and Regional Elections, a process that triggered months of political uncertainty before a final declaration was made five months after polling day. Among those on trial are former Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield; former Deputy Chief Elections Officer Roxanne Myers; former Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo; former Health Minister Volda Lawrence; and People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) member Carol Smith-Joseph. Also charged are former GECOM employees Michelle Miller, Sheffern February, Enrique Livan and Denise Babb-Cummings. The nine defendants collectively face 19 charges, including conspiracy to defraud and misconduct in public office. All have pleaded not guilty and remain on bail. The prosecution alleges that the accused participated in efforts to inflate votes in favour of the then A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition while reducing votes cast for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Questioning Intentions

AS Guyana marks Amerindian Heritage Month, its hinterland communities deserve real attention. Not a stage for someone else’s legal defence. Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed’s burst of community visits should raise eyebrows, not applause. This is a man who has been under US sanctions since 2024 over alleged gold-export tax evasion, who was named with his father in an 11-count federal indictment out of Miami covering conspiracy, mail and wire fraud and money laundering, and who is now fighting, hearing date after hearing date, to avoid being sent

to face it. Minister Kwame McCoy is right to say plainly what many Guyanese are already thinking: A public image built now, while committal hearings grind on in Georgetown, is worth more to Mohamed than any policy he might propose. None of this means Indigenous and hinterland Guyanese haven’t earned real attention; they have, and the PPP/C government has spent years trying to deliver it. .Amerindian Heritage Month itself exists because the PPP/C moved to correct decades of neglect of Guyana’s First Peoples. That commitment continues

in concrete form: The ongoing Soesdyke-Linden Highway upgrade, and initiatives like the 500 Homestead programme are opening economic opportunity to communities along that corridor. That is the yardstick against which a hinterland “outreach” tour by a man facing extradition should be measured, and it does not come close. The deeper danger here isn’t just cynicism; it’s division. Guyana is a plural, multi-ethnic society still learning to hold its differences without letting them curdle into grievance. A politician who tells hinterland communities that years of

government investment achieved nothing for them isn’t offering them anything real; he is offering them anger, dressed up as advocacy, at precisely the moment his own legal fate depends on public sympathy. That is a transaction, not solidarity. Guyanese voters don’t owe sympathy to a man contesting extradition, and Indigenous communities don’t owe him the story he wants them to tell about themselves. They are entitled to ask harder questions: What, concretely, has changed in any village because he visited? What has he built, compared to what the State has built?

McCoy’s underlying point holds, regardless of how anyone feels about him personally: A country still converting new oil wealth into roads, clinics and opportunity for once-neglected communities cannot afford to let that fragile progress become a backdrop for someone else’s courtroom strategy. Unity isn’t a slogan for the government to claim for itself; it’s a standard every leader should be held to, including the ones touring villages this month while, in another courtroom entirely, their lawyers argue over whether they’ll still be in the country to do it again.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, September 15, 2026

165 entities: What motivates humans? Y O U go to the cricket coach and ask to be picked. He said you failed to turn up for practice 10 times. You failed to participate in the clean-up campaign of the cricket ground. You failed over five years to pay for club membership. You never participated in any fund-raising activities. You failed on many occasions to answer his emails and phone calls. Why do you persist in

media house in Guyana that writes or broadcasts in Creole and Indigenous languages. I know of no Hansard translation of parliamentary proceedings in such languages. I know of no organisation that purports to speak for Creole folks in Guyana that writes or speaks in Creole language. All the popular music that 100 percent of local and diasporic Guyanese listen to the past 90 years is in English. I know of no Creolese Guy-

local chapter of the Zionist group in Germany. TIGI hibernated along with GHRA during five months of horrible efforts to deny the Guyanese people their right to vote between March and July 2020. There is the Oil and Governance Network. A motley crew based in New York that has a big wig from Germany named Andre Brandli. Mr. Brandli is yet to tell Guyanese how accountable

asking him to be picked? He will not select you. He has dismissed you as a person. You have no effect on him. He will not respond to you because he has a portrait of you that lives in his psychology. It was announced that 165 persons and organisations have written President Ali and have made certain demands in relation to the ferry tragedy. The demands include sacking two ministers plus some high-ranking maritime employees; a rejection of the presently constituted Commission of Inquiry; translation into Creole and indigenous languages at the hearing; facilities for the independent press and the appointment of an “independent and “trusted” secretary.” Let’s get two things out of the way before I expand on the headline of this article. The commission’s secretary is attorney, Javed Shadick. Of the 165 signatures, over 90 percent of them are not independent politically and the Guyanese people do not trust them but these dubious signatures decided that Mr. Shadick is not eligible. This is not only arrogance but derogation of the man’s character. Secondly, I know of no

anese that was not educated from nursery to tertiary in the English language. So far, we don’t know who constitute the entire 165 but The Usual Suspects are included. Now here is the part of the letter sent to the President that tells the story of how psychologically convoluted, contaminated and corrugated are certain dimensions of the Guyanese society. The 165 signatures noted to President Ali that the inquiry must be “consistent with Article 13 of the Constitution, which provides for an inclusionary form of democracy and public participation in decision-making processes.” But isn’t voting in free and fair elections part of inclusionary democracy? Look who are the people in that group of 165 that want inclusionary democracy? There is Lincoln Lewis of the TUC that called on President Granger in July 2020 to annul the general elections. There is the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) that hibernated during five months of attempt to rig the 2020 national election. There is Transparency Institute Guyana Inc (TIGI),

and transparent is the government of his country, that sends military aid to an army that has killed more babies that any other army in history. Israel continues its genocidal violence in Gaza. I was informed that Brandi is Jewish. Nothing is wrong with being Jewish but have the decency to denounce genocide. There is Red Thread, a jaded, faded mandarin in Guyana that was in hibernation too with GHRA and TIGI when the 2020 election was being rigged and currently headed by a Canadian-Guyanese, Dr. Alisa Trotz. There is a ragged new group of four university students named We The People – a front for We Invest in Nationhood (WIN). It looks like Azruddin Mohamed failed in this project because the group is infinitesimal – only four. Why not 400. UG has 6,000 students. Finally, these 165 signatures want the inquiry to accommodate the independent press. Could someone with intellectual skills delineate for me the existence of an independent press in Guyana. I end with the headline of this column. What makes human tick? These people are seen by the

ruling party as irrationally and insanely hostile to the rule of the PPP. What sensible thing can they say to the Government of Guyana? Why should the PPP listen to a mindset that

refuses to separate politics from country? Who these 165 signatures are? Can they please identify themselves? It is called transparency. DISCLAIMER: The

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

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Massive relief package cushions effects of rising prices --supports families, Mid-Year Report shows

THE government has moved on multiple fronts this year to contain rising prices and cushion households from their impact, according to its Mid-Year Report 2026. The response combines direct price controls, record cash transfers, and targeted investment in food production, which is considered the most extensive cost-of-liv-

ing package the country has deployed to date, spanning everything from a frozen fuel-excise tax and stable utility tariffs to a universal cash grant, expanded farmer subsidies and an overhaul of support for pensioners, students and vulnerable households. At the centre of the response is a set of direct price-containment measures.

The government has maintained a zero per cent excise tax on petroleum products and is working to limit how much of any increase in international fuel prices reaches consumers at the pump. Electricity and water tariffs are being held stable through direct budgetary support, while officials monitor retail mark-ups and price movements nationwide. In parallel, the government is working to expand agricultural and food production across all ten administrative regions and has invested in climate-smart farming, shade houses, drainage and irrigation upgrades, water-efficient techniques, and preparation for both drought and excessive rainfall, intended to make the food supply less vulnerable to weather-driven price shocks. The government has also leaned heavily on direct cash transfers to cushion households from cost-of-living pressures. The disbursement of a one-off $100,000 grant to every Guyanese aged 18 and over began in March, with $42.5 billion paid out by the middle of the year. Schoolage children have been targeted through a $60,000 “Because We Care” grant, a $5,000 uniform allowance and a newly introduced $20,000 annual transportation grant, together worth $85,000 per student and reaching more than 206,000 children, while government is also covering CSEC and CAPE examination fees for students sitting up to eight subjects. Older and more vulnerable Guyanese have seen

similar increases: the monthly Old Age Pension rose from $41,000 to $46,000, and monthly Public Assistance rose from $22,000 to $25,000, a payment that includes 30,242 persons living with disabilities. Pensioners also receive a $20,000 annual transportation allowance, and central government employees continue to benefit from the 8 percent salary increase granted in July 2025. With food production central to the government’s inflation strategy, farmers have received targeted support of their own. Rice farmers received direct cash subsidies, $15,000 per acre for those farming 50 acres or fewer and $10,000 per acre for larger operations, with roughly $2.8 billion paid to 5,106 farmers covering 234,920 acres. Farmers hit by excessive rainfall have also received crop-insurance payments, while government has distributed planting materials, fertiliser and certified seeds, and expanded technical assistance, pest management, soil testing and shade-house construction. A new digital tool, the Farmers Connect application, gives producers access to real-time market prices, weather information, marketing support and extension services, alongside separate investment in livestock, poultry, aquaculture, agro-processing, and drainage and irrigation. For pensioners specifically, government subsidised $942.5 million in electricity charges and $298.2 million in water charges in the first half

of the year. Students across the public system continue to receive free textbooks, digital learning materials and other classroom resources, alongside meals through the National School Feeding Programme, and tertiary education and vocational training remain free; $175.6 million in University of Guyana student loans was written off for 204 people in the first half of 2026 alone. On healthcare, the government points to vouchers for eye examinations and spectacles, cervical-cancer screening and general healthcare, along with free prosthetic limbs, free hearing aids and continued public provision of medicines and supplies. Steel and cement subsidies, foundation-support assistance and construction-advancement subsidies remain available to home-builders, alongside the Yarrowkabra homestead programme. Sixty-five per cent of house lots allocated in the first half of the year went to low- and moderate-income households, and government says construction of low-, moderate- and middle-income homes is ongoing. Separately, the net property tax on individuals has been abolished, effective from the 2026 year of assessment. The mid-year data suggests the strategy is having some effect, even if the picture is not uniform. Guyana’s 12-month inflation rate eased to 4.0 per cent in June 2026, down from 4.2 per cent a year earlier. Consumer prices none TURN TO PAGE 9

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, September 15, 2026

President Ali receives CEAPI Medal of Honour in Madrid

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali was awarded the CEAPI Medal of Honour during a one-day visit to Madrid, Spain, in recognition of his leadership and Guyana’s growing international standing

PRESIDENT Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali was awarded the CEAPI Medal of Honour during a one-day visit to Madrid, Spain, in recognition of his leadership and Guyana’s growing international standing. Spanish outlet, The Objective reported that the ceremony brought together Ibero-American business leaders led by CEAPI President Nuria Vilanova, and included a laudatio delivered by Jose Rafael Gomez Sanchez, a CEAPI partner and Vice-President of Tecnoconsult Group. While in the Spanish capital, President Ali met with Madrid Mayor Jose Luis Mar-

tinez-Almeida, where the two discussed the impact of sports tourism on cities and national economies. The head of state also toured the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid, gaining insight into the world-class facility’s operations and maintenance. The CEAPI Medal of Honour is the highest distinction awarded by the Consejo Empresarial Alianza por Iberoamérica (CEAPI), the Ibero-American Business Council, a Madrid-based organisation of business leaders across Spain, Portugal, and Latin America.

Massive relief package cushions effects of rising...

FROM PAGE 8

theless rose 4.4 per cent in the first half of the year alone, driven overwhelmingly by food, which climbed 6.7 per cent and added 3.4 percentage points to the total; vegetables and vegetable products were the single biggest contributor, adding 2.5 percentage points as heavy rainfall disrupted local crops. On a 12-month basis, food contributed 2.7 percent-

age points to the 4.0 per cent rate — vegetables again the largest single factor (1.4 percentage points), followed by meat, fish and eggs (0.5 percentage point) and prepared meals and refreshments (0.3 percentage point) — while energy added just 0.7 percentage point, a figure the government credits to the fuel-excise freeze and its efforts to limit the pass-through of

international price increases. The 12-month trend, combined with the scale of direct support now reaching households, from the universal cash grant to farmer subsidies and pensioner relief, shows the response is outpacing the problem, and the same measures are expected to remain in place through the rest of the year.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Guyana records 33.3% GDP growth in first half of 2026

Guyana’s economy continued its robust expansion in the first half of 2026, with real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increasing by an estimated 33.3 per cent, as strong performances across key sectors sustained the country’s rapid economic momentum.

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali announced the latest figures on Monday during a press conference at the Office of the President, noting that the performance reflects growth against an already significantly expanded economic base.

The non-oil economy also recorded estimated growth of 10.1 per cent, marking the sixth consecutive year of expansion following the contraction recorded in 2020. The strong first-half performance has prompted a revision of Guyana’s full-year

Construction remained another major engine of economic activity, expanding by 24.7 per cent, while services grew by 7.2 per cent and manufacturing by 3 per cent.

real GDP growth forecast to 20.8 per cent, while non-oil GDP is projected to expand by 10.2 per cent. Growth was broad-based, with the mining and quarrying sector expanding by an estimated 40.7 per cent. The oil and gas subsector grew by 41.3 per cent, while other mining activities, including sand, stone, manganese and diamond, expanded by 40 per cent. Gold and mining recorded estimated growth of 11.3 per cent. President Ali said the expansion is translating into increased economic activity, investment and opportunities, underscoring the link between industrial development and improved household prospects. While agriculture, forestry and fishing collectively contracted marginally by 0.5 per cent amid higher transportation and input costs and challenging weather conditions, several subsectors registered growth.

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali

Sugar expanded by 19.3 per cent, rice by 4.4 per cent, forestry by 15.4 per cent and fishing by 4.1 per cent. Net domestic credit stood at $1.286 trillion at the end of June. This represents a 15.5 per cent increase over the December 2025 position. Credit to the private sector grew by 11.5 per cent, while real estate mortgages expanded by 21.2 per cent. The head of state said the

cumulative indicators point to an economy demonstrating resilience, diversification and structural strength. Despite the significant pace of expansion, the government continues to focus on ensuring economic growth translates into tangible improvements in citizens’ lives, with the president reiterating his commitment to expanding opportunities for households.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Guyana intensifies efforts to eliminate infectious diseases, strengthen health system

GUYANA is intensifying efforts to eliminate several infectious diseases while strengthening laboratory capacity, healthcare worker training and clinical quality across the health system, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, has said. Dr. Anthony, according to a press release from the Ministry of Health, outlined the initiatives while addressing the Strengthening Clinical Capacity for the Management of Advanced HIV Disease in Guyana workshop, being held at the Ministry of Health’s Boardroom, Brickdam, from September 14–15, 2026. The minister highlighted Guyana’s ongoing efforts to eliminate several infectious diseases, identifying lymphatic filariasis, leishmaniasis, leprosy, malaria and hepatitis C as areas where significant progress has been made and where further action could result in elimination or substantial reductions in disease burden. Guyana is currently undergoing evaluations related to lymphatic filariasis, and Dr. Anthony expressed optimism that the country is approaching the point at which it can be certified as having eliminated the disease. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to address leishmaniasis and leprosy, while noting that Guyana must increasingly shift its approach to malaria from control towards elimination. The Minister said Guyana has also begun strengthening its response to hepatitis C, noting that the high cost of treatment had historically been a significant barrier to providing care. According to Dr. Anthony, through collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), medicines can now be obtained for less than US$100 per patient, creating an opportunity to expand diagnosis and treatment. “The reason why we targeted hep C is that we were diagnosing people when they came for blood transfusion, but we didn’t have a means of treating them,” he said. He said the focus now must be on developing programmes to ensure that per-

“Ultimately, the people that we should have in focus are our patients,” he said, stressing that hospital care must be patient-centred and aimed at delivering the best possible outcomes. The minister said the various initiatives being undertaken by the ministry, including strengthening HIV services, disease surveillance,

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony

sons diagnosed with hepatitis C are appropriately linked to treatment. Dr. Anthony further highlighted plans to strengthen Guyana’s laboratory and disease-surveillance capabilities. A new reference laboratory is being constructed and will be equipped with improved technology to enhance the country’s capacity to conduct molecular surveillance and detect infections earlier. “These investments will strengthen Guyana’s capacity to respond to emerging infectious diseases,” the Minister said, adding that local laboratories could eventually serve as reference laboratories for specific conditions. He noted that new technologies and diagnostic techniques will increasingly be employed to strengthen the country’s ability to identify infections earlier and respond more effectively to emerging health threats. Dr. Anthony stressed that strengthening the health system also requires sustained investment in its human resources. He highlighted opportunities for Guyanese healthcare professionals to access training and fellowships through international partnerships with institutions in Brazil, the United States, Canada, India and the United Kingdom. Among the institutions and partners referenced were Harvard University, Mount Sinai Health System, Northwell Hospital, McMaster University and Apollo University, alongside other international collaborators.

The Minister encouraged physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals to take advantage of these opportunities to strengthen their skills and contribute to improved patient care in Guyana. He also noted that additional online training opportunities are available through programmes offered by universities in the United Kingdom. The Ministry of Health is also preparing to introduce a strengthened approach to clinical quality governance at hospitals. Under the initiative, teams will visit hospitals to review patient charts and assess whether care is being provided in accordance with established Ministry of Health clinical guidelines. Where gaps are identified, the teams will work with healthcare providers to address deficiencies and improve clinical practice. Dr. Anthony said the initiative is intended to ensure that healthcare facilities consistently meet expected standards, while noting that persistent failure to adhere to established clinical guidelines will require further action. The Ministry is also working with Joint Commission International (JCI) through a pathway programme aimed at improving the quality of services delivered at hospitals. Dr. Anthony emphasised that the patient must remain at the centre of all efforts to strengthen the health system.

laboratory capacity, healthcare worker training and clinical quality governance, are intended to build a stronger health system capable of responding effectively to both existing and emerging health challenges. He urged healthcare professionals participating in the workshop to apply the knowledge and skills gained in their

respective health facilities and hospitals. Dr. Anthony said this will contribute to the broader objective of raising the quality of healthcare delivered to the people of Guyana while strengthening the country’s capacity to prevent, diagnose, treat and ultimately eliminate priority infectious diseases.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Guyana Development Bank to launch with US$100M capital base on October 5 PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali on Monday announced that the Guyana Development Bank will be launched in October. During a press conference at the Office of the President, the Head of State reiterated that the facility is expected to bring accessible financing to Guyanese. Eligible small and medium-sized enterprises will be able to access loans of up to $3 million without the requirement for collateral and without interest, providing entrepreneurs with an alternative source of financing to support the establishment, expansion and development of their businesses. The bank is also expected to provide technical and advisory services to small-business operators, including assistance with

preparing business plans, improving financial management and strengthening the overall capacity of enterprises. The support is intended to help businesses become more sustainable and better positioned to eventually qualify for financing through the formal banking system. The bank will operate through a bottom up, field driven structure anchored by a board and chief executive officer at the top, and regional credit officers on the ground who work directly with applicants to shape ideas, process interest free, collateral free loans and monitor projects. These officers are supported by regional facilitators who organise clusters of similar businesses, deliver financial literacy and basic

management training, and link borrowers to wider government support. He said that as businesses grow, sector specialists and technical officers will step in to right size investments, provide technical advice and prepare projects for expansion with commercial banks, ensuring a continuous pipeline of support from start up through to larger scale operations, even after the initial loan is repaid. Over the past months, officials have been fanning out across the country hosting workshops and engaging persons on potential business plans that can be presented to access financing. Several private sector agencies, too, have set up information hubs in anticipation of the bank’s launch.

MV Barima tragedy: Captain, crew still on remand as paper committal set for November

THE boat captain and two crew members charged in connection with the deaths arising from the MV Barima tragedy remain on remand, as the court moves towards completing key pre-trial proceedings. The matter is called before Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir at the Charity Magistrate’s Court, where the three accused, Kevin Price, called “KP”, a 40-year-old captain of Melanie, East Coast Demerara; Rondell Dwayne Roberts, a 42-yearold chief mate of Meadow Grove Public Road, East Bank Demerara; and Delon

Granderson, a 33-year-old goods superintendent of Fellowship, West Coast Demerara appeared virtually via Zoom. Price and Granderson are represented by Attorney Dexter Smartt, along with a team that includes Dexter Todd, while Attorney Everton Lammy-Singh represents Roberts. On Monday, defence counsel informed the court that they intend to file statements on behalf of their clients. Magistrate Mohabir made it clear that all defence statements must be filed by October 19, and warned that no

extension will be granted. The paper committal proceedings are scheduled to commence on November 16, with the court signalling its intention to conclude that process by the end of November. Until then, the three accused have been further remanded to prison. The latest development follows what Prosecutor Mandel Moore described as full disclosure of the State’s case. He previously told the court that all evidence and material information gathered in the investigation had been handed over to the defence.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, September 15, 2026

GPHC gives cardiac patients a second chance at life

Paul Changa

THE Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) sees a large number of patients on a daily basis. Patients are either admitted or are required to visit the hospital for various reasons. Paul Changa is one such person and he was recently highlighted by the hospital. Changa had been experiencing severe chest pain, which he didn’t take seriously until it persisted. He visited the GPHC where the doctor ran a number of tests. From this, it was revealed that he had a blockage. He

was subsequently admitted and was prepped for surgery the next day. Changa explained that the nurses, doctors, and technician ensured he was okay, and told him all he needed to know about the surgery. “After the procedure they came back, checked you out, telling you that you know what you’re supposed to do, what you got to eat and so on. I’m not feeling a hundred per cent but ninety per cent where you could do more things. I’m feeling good that I could work, have life but the key thing is the right food,

Dr Avlon Jeffrey

exercise, 30 minutes, 25 minutes per day and I’m thankful to be on my job back again,” the man stated briefly. At the GPHC, surgeons deal with a number of cardiac related diagnoses. These include coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, traumatic heart injury, tumors, and heart failure. The surgeon’s job is to restore the heart’s function with either conduit devices or transplantation. “We see and manage all patients who require open heart surgery. So, these are patients who have been diag-

Dr Pradeep Ramkoomar

nosed with coronary artery disease…they have multiple blocked vessels and require bypass surgery, and patients with valvular heart disease who require valve replacement surgeries. We assess and prepare these patients for surgery,” Dr Pradeep Ramkoomar, a Cardiothoracic Surgeon at the GPHC said. Further, he said, “Following heart surgery, these patients are transferred back to the cardiac intensive care unit for further care and management. The first 24 hours after open heart surgery is the most critical period because

these are very sick patients. These patients are managed by the cardiac intensivist, by cardiac ICU nurses, by anesthesiologists, and by cardiac surgeons. Cardiac surgery is a team effort and even the families play an important role in the recovery of these patients.” Meanwhile, Dr Avlon Jeffrey, a Cardiovascular Surgeon at the GPHC, noted that heart surgeons see firsthand how prevention saves lives. He listed simple steps such as having regular exercise, maintaining balanced nutrition, and controlling blood pressure, all of which

can reduce the risk of heart disease significantly. Dr Jeffrey stated, “Patients come for heart surgery by referrals to their health centre, through sister hospital referrals, or in-service consultation. When patients come to us, relevant studies are done and these cases are discussed by the heart team. This is important because while patients may have a surgical candidate, once the patient is selected for surgery, the relevant preparations are done and the patient is scheduled for intervention.”

GFS welcomes 107 new recruits

The new recruits are expected to undergo rigorous training aimed at preparing them for the demands and responsibilities of firefighting and strengthening the Service’s capacity to respond to emergencies and protect communities across Guyana

THE Guyana Fire Service (GFS) has strengthened its ranks with the recruitment of 107 new trainees who began several months of intensive training at the Leonora Training School, West Coast Demerara, on September 1. The new recruits are expected to undergo rigorous training aimed at preparing them for the demands and responsibilities of firefighting and strengthening the Service’s capacity to respond to emergencies and protect communities across Guyana. Chief Fire Officer Gregory Wickham welcomed the recruits and urged them to approach the training with discipline, commitment and a strong sense of teamwork. Addressing the trainees at the start of the programme, Wickham identified discipline as one of the fundamental principles of the firefighting profession. He reminded the recruits that discipline would be essential not only during their training but throughout their careers in the GFS. The Chief Fire Officer also encouraged the trainees to support one another and embrace

teamwork as they work towards completing the programme. He urged them to be their “brother’s keeper”, stressing the importance of cooperation and mutual support in a profession where firefighters routinely depend on one another while responding to emergencies. The recruitment drive forms part of the GFS’s continuing efforts to strengthen its human resources and improve its ability to provide fire prevention, emergency response and other services to communities nationwide. The new recruits will spend the coming months receiving training designed to equip them with the knowledge, skills and discipline required to serve as professional firefighters. Their training will also introduce them to the operational demands of the profession and the responsibilities associated with protecting lives and property during emergencies. The addition of the 107 recruits is expected to provide further support to the Service’s existing complement as it continues efforts to enhance its operational capacity across Guyana.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, September 15, 2026

14-year-old motorcyclist detained over fatal hit and run involving girl, 10 - child was one of two killed in separate weekend road accidents

POLICE investigations continue as families grapple with grief after two children were killed in separate road accidents over the weekend. One of the accidents involved a juvenile motorcycle rider, who is currently in police custody. In that accident, which o c c u r r e d o n S a t u r d a y, 10-year-old Ketley Primary School pupil Gabriela Rodrigues was killed. She was struck by a motorcycle while its rider was attempting to perform a ‘wheelie’ along Independence Boulevard. According to reports, Rodrigues, who resided at 17 James Street, was returning home from a church missionary event on Saturday afternoon when the motorcycle struck her. Witnesses told members of the media that the boy was attempting to perform a stunt when he lost control of the motorcycle and hit Rodrigues. Rodrigues’ mother, Patricia Bernard, stated that the impact threw the 10-year-old into a nearby utility pole,

Giresh Lautan

leaving her with severe head trauma and internal injuries, including a punctured lung. Recounting the time spent with her daughter following the accident, Bernard said that as they were heading to the Georgetown

Gabriela Rodrigues

Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), the child kept slipping in and out of consciousness. Despite the efforts of the medical staff, the child succumbed to her injuries later that day.

Rodrigues, who was the youngest daughter among seven children, was described by her mother as joyful. She was also preparing to sit the National Grade Six Assessment next year. The circumstances sur-

rounding the accident were made more challenging for both the family and law enforcement after the motorcyclist reportedly removed the keys and the fled the scene. This publication understands that on Monday the teen went to the Ruimveldt Police Station accompanied by his parents and an attorney. A file has since been prepared and was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice. The motorcycle is in the police’s possession as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the accident. The child’s relatives are calling for accountability and want the person responsible for her death to face the full force of the law. Meanwhile, in Berbice, Giresh Lautan died after the motorcycle he was travelling on as a pillion rider collided with a horse along Number 50 Village Public Road, Corentyne. The 14-year-old student of Skeldon High School and resident of Number 52 Vil-

lage, Corentyne, was the eldest of three children of 30-year-old single mother Anita Taman. Speaking to the media, Taman said she had no knowledge that her son had left home and only learnt that something had happened after receiving a telephone call informing her that he had been involved in an accident. According to Taman, her sister’s husband, who is Lautan’s uncle, had taken the teenager on the motorcycle without informing her. She said this occurred at around 03:30hrs on Saturday. After receiving word of the accident, Taman said she went to the hospital, where she saw her son’s body. She told the media that there was blood around the teenager’s face and nose and that she also observed what appeared to be an injury to one side of his head. According to her, her brother-in-law was hospitalised, but she could not say what his condition is currently. Taman also expressed concern about animals being on the roadway.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Authorities advance markets, Georgetown enhancement, regional infrastructure priorities Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand and Permanent Secretary Miguel Choo-Kang, on Monday, met with heads of departments and key personnel to review ongoing projects and advance several priorities across the ministry’s portfolio

MINISTER of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand and Permanent Secretary Miguel Choo-Kang, on Monday, met with heads of departments and key personnel to review ongoing projects and advance several priorities across the ministry’s portfolio. Particular focus was placed on the ministry’s ongoing market development programme, with Minister Manickchand emphasising the importance of remaining closely engaged at every stage of projects to ensure challenges are identified early and works continue according to schedule. The minister reiterated the need for greater discipline among contractors and for the ministry to continue developing a culture in which projects are completed on time and to the required standard. She also acknowledged the work of heads of departments and their teams in advancing the ministry’s projects, noting that successful delivery depends on consistent work and oversight across departments. Discussions also focused on the continued transformation of Georgetown, in-

cluding plans for the Stabroek Market area and work being advanced with the King’s Foundation. Among the initiatives discussed was the proposed transformation of the Thomas Street Avenue from Lamaha Street to Church Street as a part of the wider Healthy Streets project. This particular project was designed by the King’s Foundation. Minister Manickchand encouraged stakeholders and citizens to become active participants in the project as efforts move forward to improve the avenue and create a more functional and attractive public space. The engagement also examined the ministry’s wider beautification efforts across Georgetown, including improved garbage collection, public washroom facilities and interventions aimed at creating cleaner and better-maintained public spaces throughout the capital. Minister Manickchand stressed that close monitoring, accountability and collaboration will remain central to the ministry’s work as it advances projects intended to deliver visible and lasting improvements to communities across Guyana.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, September 15, 2026

World Trade Centre to host international trade research workshop for exporters

THE World Trade Centre Georgetown (WTCG) will host a day-long workshop on International Trade Research on Thursday, October 22, 2026, as part of its International Trade and Investment Conference, which runs from October 19 to 23 at the WTCG. The workshop is designed to help export-oriented companies and entrepreneurs develop the research skills needed to make informed decisions and build viable export plans, according to a press release from the WTCG.

The session will also look at how market intelligence can inform product development, marketing strategies and the choice of appropriate market-entry approaches. Key areas to be covered include the role of research in effective decision-making, primary and secondary research methodologies, and the formulation of effective research questions. Participants will also learn to gather and analyse target-market intelligence, assess competitors and their strategies, and use research to strengthen marketing ini-

the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association, among other organisations. Baptiste has also evaluated international trade projects for the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT) and has extensive experience training professionals in international trade, management, negotiation, global market preparation and trade promotion. The WTCG said the workshop is particularly timely, coming as Guyanese and other CARICOM businesses look to expand their presence in regional and

Success in regional and international markets, according to the WTCG, requires more than a good product; it takes sound research, market intelligence and a well-developed export strategy. It is against this backdrop that the workshop has been organised, with the goal of giving participants a practical grounding in export planning from the ground up. Over the course of the day, participants will explore how to identify target customers and competitors, assess market conditions and determine competitive advantage, while learning to apply both primary and secondary research to evaluate the feasibility of an export project.

tiatives. The workshop will wrap up with guidance on compiling and analysing research findings and developing a comprehensive, viable export plan. Leading the session will be Sandra Ann Baptiste, an International Trade Specialist and Canadian Certified International Trade Professional (CITP), who brings more than 30 years of Caribbean and international experience as a business consultant, communications specialist and trainer. Her professional background includes work with the World Bank, Guyana’s O ff i c e f o r I n v e s t m e n t (GO-Invest), the European Union, the Caribbean Export Development Agency and

global markets. Participants who complete the workshop will receive a certificate of participation. Export-oriented companies, entrepreneurs considering exporting, and businesses seeking to strengthen their international market strategies are encouraged to take part. The workshop forms part of the wider International Trade and Investment Conference, organised by the WTCG from October 19 to 23, 2026, which brings together business leaders, investors, policymakers and other stakeholders to explore trade and investment opportunities in Guyana and international markets.

Speeding, helmet breaches, unlicensed driving among 2,590 traffic cases logged last week

GUYANA’S traffic police recorded 2,590 cases between September 6 and 12, with speeding, dangerous parking, helmet violations, unlicensed driving and vehicle fitness breaches among the offences recorded during the week. According to figures released by the Guyana Police

Force (GPF) Traffic Department, speeding accounted for 399 of the cases, while 107 motorists were cited for leaving vehicles in dangerous positions. Another 107 cases involved motorcyclists who failed to wear safety helmets, while 78 cases each were recorded for driving unlicensed

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, September 15, 2026

vehicles and operating tinted motor vehicles. The Traffic Department also recorded 77 cases for breaches of prescribed vehicle fitness conditions and 73 motorists were cited for failing to wear seatbelts. Other offences included 56 cases involving motor vehicles without functioning

The Traffic Department continues its road safety education campaign lectures countrywide

front lights and 43 involving vehicles without rear lights. Police also recorded 37 cases involving pillion riders who were not wearing safety helmets, while 36 motorists were cited for breaching traffic-light signals. Thirty-five cases were recorded for driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances, while eight cases involved faulty parking. The latest figures form part of the GPF’s continuing traffic enforcement and road-safety efforts, which target offences that can increase the risk of crashes and serious injuries on Guyana’s roads. The enforcement comes against the backdrop of continued police efforts to improve road-user compliance through both traffic checks and public education. ROAD-SAFETY EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS Alongside enforcement, the Traffic Department conducted road-safety lectures at 16 schools across several administrative regions during the week of September 7 to 11. The schools included Woodley Park Secondary and Cotton Tree Nursery in Region Five; Cindy’s Academy in Region Four; Yarakita Primary, Santa Rosa Primary

and Port Kaituma Secondary in Region One; and schools in Regions Six and Seven. Among the Region Six institutions visited were No. 48 Primary, All Saints Primary, No. 59 Primary, Canje Secondary, No. 36 Primary, No. 68 Primary, Lower Corentyne Secondary, New Market Primary and No. 71 Massiah Primary. Bright Horizon Primary in Region Seven was also included in the outreach programme. The school visits form part of the Traffic Department’s road-safety education programme, which seeks to familiarise children and young people with responsible road use and the importance of complying with traffic laws. With vulnerable road users, including motorcyclists, pedestrians and children, facing heightened risks on the road, the combination of enforcement and early road-safety education remains an important component of efforts to reduce crashes and prevent avoidable injuries and deaths. The GPF has repeatedly urged motorists and other road users to exercise greater care, obey traffic regulations and avoid behaviours that place themselves and others at risk.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 15, 2026

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Clippers owner Steve Ballmer to comply USA overcome 14-point with NBA penalties for salary-cap violations deficit, beat France 97-79 to win Women’s World Cup

The USA women’s players celebrate their victory

BERLIN, (Reuters) - Defending champions USA fell behind early but stormed back past France 97-79 on Sunday to win the Women’s World Cup. In a rematch of the 2024 ‌O lympic Games final, the American women came out on top once more, earning their fifth consecutive World Cup title and stretching their impressive unbeaten run at Olympics or World Cups to 20 years. The French had to settle for ⁠ s ilver in their maiden World Cup final appearance for their best ever finish,

despite leading by 14 points at one stage. USA captain Breanna Stewart, top scorer with 22 points, helped her team carve out an early five-point lead, anchoring the scoring early on. But the French exploded into action, quickly found their three-point range and, led by Gabby Williams, went on a 21-2 rampage ⁠saw them open up a 14-point advantage early in the second quarter. The Americans started chipping away at the lead and trailed by just two points

at the break after Caitlin Clark hit a massively ⁠ i mportant three-pointer at the buzzer. Consecutive triples from Kahleah Copper and Jackie Young gave Team USA a 58-51 lead and they never looked back, with ⁠ a nother Clark three-pointer stretching their lead to 19 points at the start of the fourth quarter. The French could ⁠not break past a hard-working defence. Earlier on Sunday, Spain secured the bronze medal, outclassing hosts Germany 81-58 in the match for third place.

Old Fort and GCC share spoils as Old Fort 5’s Field Hockey League concludes OLD Fort Top Form and GCC Elite captured the men’s and women’s 5’s Outdoor Hockey League title over the weekend at the Skip’ Roberts Youth Development Complex in South Ruimveldt Gardens. Old Fort Top Form dominated Saints Men 5-2 to clinch the title. Simeon Moore opened the floodgates in the 7th minute before goals from Omar Hopkinson and Yannick Norton saw Old Fort pulling away from Saints. Moore scored his second before Saints’ Jabari Lovell got into the act to make it 4-1. Nkosi Saul restored the cushion 5-1 before Lovell scored their final consolation goal as the clash ended 5-2. Old Fort Top Form also outlasted GCC outlaws in the

GCC Outlaws boys with their U17 trophy

semi 10-2. Pepsi Hiker, after losing the semis to Saints 6-5, won their third-place contest 8-7 over GCC outlaws. GCC Elites also continued their incredible form in the final, defeating Saints Women comfortably 6-1. Abosaide Cadogan was superb with a quadruple, with Rebecca Ferreira scoring a brace.

GCC elites also edged the Women’s Masters side 7-5 in the semis. Masters Women managed to pick up an important win over Old Fort Inferno in the third-place clash to finish third overall. In the boys Under 17 category, GCC outlaws narrowly edge Saints boys in a close contest 4-3.

LOS Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer announced on Sunday night that he accepts the NBA’s punishment of the franchise for salary-cap circumvention, including his one-year suspension, and has “sincere regrets.” The NBA fined the Clippers $30 million and stripped away five first-round draft picks to punish the franchise for circumventing salary-cap rules involving star forward Kawhi Leonard, who was ordered to pay $700,000, the league announced on Sept. 2. “This has been a very difficult time for everybody associated with the Clippers, and for that, I have sincere regrets,” Ballmer said ‌i n a statement posted on the Clippers’ X account. “I want to apologize to our fans, employees and my fellow NBA team owners for the distraction and the distress this matter has caused, for which I accept responsibility as principal owner.” This is a change in stance for the franchise, which had repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and issued a statement after the NBA’s announcement on Sept. 2 “vehemently rejecting” the league’s conclusions and disputing the validity of the investigation. “We intend to vigorously challenge these findings and penalties through every avenue available to us and look forward to an ethical and impartial arbitration process,” the Clippers stated on Sept. 2. Ballmer’s statement late Sunday took a conciliatory tone, looking forward to working within the league framework. “We are committed to put ⁠this chapter behind us,” Ballmer said in the statement. “We have communicated to the NBA that we are complying to the penalties assessed by the league, have paid

Steve Balmer to comply with NBA penalties

the ($30 million) fine and are moving forward. While there are still disagreements concerning the findings in the report, this is not where I want to focus. Team owners should support, not distract. “The challenges ahead of us are significant, but so is our resolve,” he continued. “We will continue to build our team and invest in our community. The confidence of our fans is our priority. With our talented roster, outstanding staff and our clear vision, I’m certain that we will compete at our highest level and be an organization our fans will be proud of.” The NBA’s Board of Governors have meetings scheduled in New York on Monday and Tuesday. The Clippers also are under criminal investigation by federal prosecutors, the New York Times reported last Thursday. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York in Brooklyn is conducting the investigation, which is in early stages, per the report, which cited sources briefed on the matter. It reportedly was unclear whether the investigation would lead to criminal charges or the presentation of evidence to grand ⁠jury. The NBA’s independent, year-long investigation “found a pattern of miscon-

duct and multiple significant rules violations by the Clippers organization, a prior offender of the salary cap circumvention rules,” the league said in the Sept. 2 statement. The heart of the issue was the team introducing Leonard to club sponsors for off-court income opportunities and endorsement agreements, offering the companies business from the team as inducements and paying personal expenses for Leonard and his representatives, among other violations, according to the report commissioned by the NBA. The businesses identified were Boingo Wireless, Daktronics, Lockton Insurance and Aspiration Partners, the latter a financial technology firm that went bankrupt last year. Aspiration allegedly signed Leonard to a $28 ⁠million endorsement deal and had a 23-year, $300 million sponsorship deal with the Clippers. The league said the Clippers must forfeit a first-round pick in each draft from 2029 to 2033. The NBA suspended Ballmer and two executives -- president of business operations Gillian Zucker (one year without pay) and president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank (six months without pay). (Reuters)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 15, 2026

England Test opener may not have to be specialist - Trescothick ENGLAND’s Test opener does not necessarily have to be a specialist at the top of the order, according to Marcus Trescothick. England have a decision to make over how to accommodate Jacob Bethell when he returns from a knee injury for the tour of South Africa in December. Emilio Gay, in his first summer as a Test cricketer, has opened alongside Ben Duckett. Gay has made three half-centuries, though he ends the season with an average below 25. Duckett, one of England’s senior players, made the team’s only century of the summer, against New

Emilio Gay has made three half-centuries in his first summer as a Test opener

Zealand at Trent Bridge in June. However, the 31year did not reach 20 in the three-match series against Pakistan and averages less than 24 since the beginning of the Ashes. Jordan Cox has impressed as Bethell’s replacement at number three. After finally making his debut this summer, Cox has averaged more than 42 and opened in first-class cricket early in his career. Bethell has been touted as a potential opener and has moved up to open in England’s one-day team. The other new member of England’s top six for the Pakistan series, Dan Law-

rence, may be exempt from conversations over who is squeezed out because of the off-spin he offers, though Bethell’s return would also bring some left-arm spinner. Trescothick has been England’s interim coach for the Pakistan series and will now hand the reins to New Zealander Stephen Fleming, who is due to travel to the UK in the coming days to begin planning for the trip to South Africa. “You generally want your best top seven, however that looks,” said Trescothick. “Who that’s going to be, I don’t know. That’s for someone else to work out.”

Trescothick is one of England’s most successful Test openers and was part of the team that famously won the 2005 Ashes. The former Somerset man believes the game is different to when he ended his 76-Test career in 2006. “I reckon times have changed a little bit,” said the 50-year-old. “I think you look at your best batting line-up, however that fits up. “If that’s with a specialist opener, great. If not, I think you can plan around it in this day and age. Players adapt pretty quickly because they’re chopping and changing formats.” (BBC Sport)

Trophy impasse continues as India refuse to relent India cruise past Afghanistan as Sharma on Naqvi past comes full cirblitz earns series lead THE cle, and the familiar script INDIA claimed a dominant seven-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the first Twenty20 international in New Delhi on Sunday, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series after down a victory target of 157 with 38 balls to spare. After Sanju Samson fell in the third over, Abhishek Sharma launched a blistering counterattack, smashing 82 off 32 balls, while Ishan Kishan contributed 42 as the pair put India firmly ⁠in control of the chase. Sharma’s aggressive strokeplay ensured Afghanistan never threatened the target, with India cruising towards victory before Mohammad Nabi struck twice late in the innings to remove both Sharma and Kishan. Captain Shreyas Iyer and Tilak Varma then guided their side over the line, with Iyer finishing unbeaten on eight from five deliveries. Afghanistan had earlier made a poor start after being put in ⁠bat, with Jasprit Bumrah, returning to the side after a knee injury, striking in the opening over to dismiss Rahmanullah Gurbaz for a duck. They slipped to 41-4 inside the powerplay, with captain Ibrahim Zadran (11)

Abhishek Sharma hit seven fours and as many sixes

and ⁠ S ediqullah Atal (13) among the early casualties. A steady stream of wickets kept Afghanistan under pressure throughout the innings, but Azmatullah Omarzai provided some resistance with a ⁠counter-attacking 64 off 44 balls. The all-rounder shared a crucial 83-run partnership with Mohammad Nabi (33) to revive the innings before Nabi fell to ⁠Arshdeep Singh, who applied the brakes in the death overs and finished with figures of 3-19. India will face Afghanistan next on Tuesday. (Reuters)

repeats itself. Almost 12 months after Suryakumar Yadav’s victorious Indian team came home without the Asia Cup Trophy, Harmanpreet Kaur’s triumphant Indian side has had to undergo the same experience — returning home empty – despite winning the Asia Cup women’s championship fair and square. They beat Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the final, only to be denied the silverware. Mohsin Naqvi, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, who is currently heading the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), showed up at the Dubai International Stadium minutes before the last ball was bowled and insisted on presenting the winners’ trophy himself. It was not acceptable to them, just as it was not acceptable to the Indian men’s team on September 28 last year. The brief and delayed presentation ceremony eventually concluded without the winners receiving their prize. There were behind-thescenes discussions over the post-match formalities, with the Indian side taking a position that ACC vice-presi-

Much like with the men’s team last year, the Indian women’s team too did not receive the Asia Cup trophy

dent Khalid Al Zarooni could present the trophy - something that BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia also told Aaj Tak. But evidently, Naqvi did not relent. Naqvi stood on the podium and handed the runners-up cheque to the Sri Lankan team. Al Zarooni, Sri Lanka Cricket Transformation Committee head Eran Wickramaratne, Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) secretary general Mubashir Usmani and a female representative of DP World, the title sponsor of the Asia Cup, were among those on the podium. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and vice-president Rajeev Shukla were present at the ground but they did not go up on the dais or share the stage with Naqvi. They spoke to the Indian contingent on the ground. “It was the same old story.

Naqvi wanted to present the trophy, but the Indian team said no. So the compromise was to go ahead with the ceremony without the presentation of the winners’ trophy,” said a source in the know. “So there was neither a trophy nor medals for the Indian players.” Amol Muzumdar, the head coach of the Indian team, was later asked about the episode. “That stand has been taken by the BCCI, and we stand by it. For us, this tournament is over. We are the champions. That’s good enough. It was on the big board that India are champions of the Asia Cup 2026. This tournament is officially over for us. We are happy that we have turned out to be champions. Now, we look forward to the Asian Games,” he said. He went on to repeat the comments to another ques-

tion. “The stand has been taken by the BCCI, and we are united and standing by it. Absolutely. For us, this tournament is officially over. The fact that we are champions, we are really glad, and I am really proud of every single person in this unit, including the support staff and the players, needless to say. We are looking forward to the Asian Games now. This is officially over.” The men’s Asia Cup took place a few months after the Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent Operation Sindoor last year. The atmosphere was extremely serious, sensitive and charged, and it resulted in the impasse over the trophy. One year on, the situation has not changed, with the BCCI sticking to its uncompromising stance. (Cricbuzz)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Bednarek pocket Zverev caps transformational Jefferson-Wooden, $300,000 after sprint doubles in Budapest year with US Open triumph ALEXANDER Zverev used his greater experience to beat home hope Ben Shelton in the US Open final and quiet a partisan crowd hoping to laud a rare American men’s champion. German top seed Zverev lifted a heavy burden by winning his first major title at this year’s French Open and has quickly added another with a 6-3 7-6 (7-2) 5-7 6-2 victory over Shelton in New York. At the start of the season, there were question marks over whether 29-year-old Zverev would ever win one of the sport’s most prestigious prizes. Now he is celebrating becoming a multiple Grand Slam singles champion, having seen the path to glory partially cleared by injuries to Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Sinner and Alcaraz swept the board between them at the majors in 2024 and 2025 - and Zverev has taken full advantage against the rest of the field in their absences. Big-hitting Shelton, 23, has long been identified as

Alexander Zverev has finally landed his first US Open title, six years after losing in the 2020 final

a player who can win the biggest titles, but ultimately came up short in his first Grand Slam final against a rejuvenated Zverev. Eighth seed Shelton was aiming to become the first American man to win a major singles title since Andy Roddick in 2003, but losing serve in the first game of the match set the tone as Zverev controlled the opening two sets. The momentum shifted in the third set, however, as Shelton finally started applying serious pressure on Zverev’s serve.

Taking his third break opportunity provided encouragement to the 24,000 home fans on Arthur Ashe Stadium, but starting the fourth set with a poor service game allowed Zverev to reassert his authority and extinguish American dreams. Zverev did not initially know he had secured victory when Shelton hit a return long on championship point, only breaking out into a broad and slightly surprised smile after his team pointed out the score to him.

No weekend game for Manchester derby VAR officials THE video assistant referee for the Manchester derby, Matt Donohue, and his assistant VAR, Blake Antrobus, have not been appointed for this weekend’s Premier League games. The decision was made by the Premier League refereeing body Pro Ref’s chief refereeing officer Howard Webb and the management team. It follows Pro Ref admitting to an “error of judgement” in awarding Erling Haaland’s winning goal for Manchester City at Manchester United on Sunday. The striker scored in the 60th minute at Old Trafford when he turned in a shot at the back post from Josko Gvardiol’s cross. His effort was initially disallowed on the field for offside but, following VAR intervention, the goal was awarded as the Norwegian was ruled to have been played onside by Patrick Dorgu’s boot. However, there was debate as to whether the goal

BUDAPEST, (Reuters) Americans Melissa Jefferson-Wooden and Kenny Bednarek struck sprint gold and a $300,000 jackpot on Sunday, winning the 200m titles at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship a day after they were crowned 100m champions. Jefferson-Wooden, who cemented her status as the sport’s new sprint queen, blazed to a scorching 21.47 seconds that made ‌h er the third fastest woman in history, 24 hours after her victory in the blue-riband 100m. Olympic champion Gabby Thomas was a distant second in 21.77. Minutes earlier, Bednarek -- known as “Kung Fu Kenny” for his ever-present bandana -- had stamped his authority on the men’s 200m, powering off the bend and away from Botswana’s Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo to win in 19.52. As he crossed the line, the stadium screen cut to a smiling Usain Bolt applauding the performance. For the Americans, who have spent the past three ⁠years grinding through training sessions together in Central Florida, the sweep felt like the payoff for years of work. For the 25-year-old Jefferson-Wooden, the race was

Melissa Jefferson-Wooden

another chance to underline her status among the world’s elite sprinters three years after she attended the world championships in Budapest only as part of the U.S. relay pool. “I did not see 20.47 coming tonight!” Jefferson-Wooden said. “I was thinking I could run this fast in maybe two years but not tonight. I really have no words, I am just happy and I am inspired to do something on my own. This result is a good inspiration for the upcoming years.” Bednarek, meanwhile, has spent much of the past decade establishing himself as one of the world’s finest half-lappers as a two-time Olympic silver medallist over 200m and has regularly

challenged for major titles. Saturday’s ‌m ⁠victory was his first individual global title. The inaugural three-day event, compact and designed ⁠for television, drew sellout crowds of just over 20,000 fans each evening, and by the final night the atmosphere felt less like a traditional athletics meeting and more like a party, with music pumping during events, and athletes feeding off the energy. Italian Gianmarco Tamberi had the crowd enthralled as he ⁠ c leared 2.37 metres to win the men’s high jump title. Never one to miss a chance to work the crowd, Tamberi competed while “Rock This Party” and then “Put Your Hands Up in the Air” boomed from the stadium speakers. Pole vault world record-holder Mondo Duplantis closed the event ⁠by performing his song “Gold,” which was also the event’s anthem, while fireworks blasted above the Gyula Zsivotzky National Athletics Centre. World Athletics president Sebastian Coe said that while the event will be held every two years, this inaugural meet was part trial and error, and elements that worked well could potentially be included in future Olympics and World Championships.

Motorbikes, cash, and silverware as big rewards await... (From back page)

Erling Haaland’s goal gave 10-man Manchester City victory at Manchester United on Sunday

should have been disallowed for City midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who was in an offside position, interfering with play as he dived attempting to head the ball in a central position before Haaland’s finish. “It was established that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball and therefore that makes any offside offence subjective,” said Pro

Ref in a statement. “However, on this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an onfield review.” City, who had Phil Foden sent off after 23 minutes, maintained their 100% league record from four games with the victory. (BBC Sport)

sustained involvement in the grassroots tournament, Regal Super Centre representative Telesha Ousman-Yamin highlighted the company’s long-standing connection with the event. “We have been proud supporters of the One Guyana T10 Blast for four years now, and seeing the tournament expand and capture the public’s imagination year after year has been incredibly rewarding,” Ousman-Yamin said. “Tapeball cricket is the heart of local sport, and ensuring these players are rewarded for their excellence is something we are thrilled to continue.” Expressing gratitude for the sustained commercial backing, John Ramsingh of FL Sport praised Regal’s ongoing role in elevating the tournament’s stature. “Regal Supercentre has

been a steadfast partner in driving the growth of this competition,” Ramsingh noted. “Their continued generosity adds immense value for the players who pour everything onto the park. On the field, the fourth edition has already produced compelling action, and having partners like Regal on board elevates the overall profile as the tournament reaches its business end.” That on-field action has already crowned three regional champions following intense zone qualifiers. Grillmaster Sip N Play All-Stars produced a series of clinical performances to secure the Berbice zone title, Mahdia – Movements Family dominated the East Bank/West Demerara zone, and Lusignan Bulls DTP II claimed bragging rights in Essequibo.

The tournament now shifts its focus to the Georgetown/East Coast Demerara Zone, slated to run across two weekends on September 26–27 and October 3–4. Zonal finals for the region will take place at the Enmore Community Centre Ground, where the final qualification spots for the national phase will be decided. Once the Georgetown/ East Coast representative is locked in, the marquee event moves to Essequibo for its grand conclusion. All roads lead to the Anna Regina National Stadium on Sunday, October 11, where the country’s premier tapeball sides will battle for top honours and an ultimate prize pool featuring $2 million for the champions, $1 million for the runners-up, and $500,000 for third place.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Women’s cash prizes up significantly in PM T20 Softball …Winners to cart off $400,000 FOLLOWING closely on the heels of a promise made by Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, at the launching of the ninth edition of the PM T20 Softball Cup, the prize money for the women’s category of the tournament has seen a significant increase. Originally set at $200, 000 for the winners and $80, 000 for the runners-up, the victorious side will now cart off $400, 000 and the runners-up $200, 000, Georgetown Softball Cricket League

(GSCL) President Ian John assured yesterday. The entrance fee remains $40,000. Delivering remarks at last Thursday’s launching of the 2026 tournament, at the Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO) ground in Georgetown, Prime Minister Phillips had once again stressed the importance of the women’s participation and made it clear then that he intended to make a donation to the original cash prizes. He also challenged the organisers, the GSCL, to do likewise. Meanwhile, several incentive prizes are also up for grabs in the category. The MVP will take home a four-burner gas stove, the player with the most runs – a

floor model water dispenser and the bowler with the most wickets – a microwave. All the respective players of the finals are also guaranteed trophies. This year’s tournament is likely to comprise eight women’s teams as registration continues for all categories. The defending champions are Linden’s Supreme Stars. The three-day extravaganza is set for October 2-4 at various venues in Georgetown, culminating with the four finals – Open All Class, Masters Over40, Legends Over-50 and Women’s Division at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary on the final day.

McCullum wants Pietersen to challenge methods ENGLAND white-ball head coach Brendon McCullum says he wants newly appointed mentor Kevin Pietersen to challenge his methods. Pietersen criticised England players during the tour of India last year, saying none could say they “did everything they can to try and help England win”. Former batter Pietersen has joined the limited-overs set-up as a specialist mentor until next autumn’s 50-over World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. “That [Pietersen’s comments] was one of the first things we talked about,” McCullum told BBC Sport. “He said ‘gee, I was just criticising you not long ago’. “I said I don’t care about that. Some of it’s fair and some of it would need some explanation, but I have no

Kevin Pietersen (right) will support Brendon McCullum through to the World Cup next autumn

problem with that. “It’s healthy when you create an environment where you’re able to challenge. “That’s one thing I want him to do. It’s not just bury himself in the batting per se, but look across the entire environment, look across how we run things and what we do, and if there’s anything you pick up then just come and challenge me on it. “Him and I get on well.

We had natural respect playing against each other and we spent a bit of time together in the last little while, and I’m super excited to have him as part of our support staff as well.” Pietersen joined up with the squad on Sunday before the first of three T20s and three ODIs against Sri Lanka in Southampton today. (BBC Sport)

Ramdin, Sarwan, Bishoo in West Indies Over-40s World Cup squad

Defending champions Supreme Stars pose before one of their games in the eighth edition

Slingerz cruise past Santos, GDF crush Den Amstel... (From back page) GDF wasted virtually no time announcing their intentions. Just two minutes into the contest, Shakem Welcome found the breakthrough to put the soldiers ahead and immediately force Den Amstel onto the back foot. The pressure continued, and in the 23rd minute, Ian Dooker doubled the advantage as GDF tightened their grip on the match. They carried a comfortable 2-0 lead into the halftime interval, but the biggest damage was still

to come. After the restart, GDF shifted into another gear. Abumchi Opara made it 3-0 in the 58th minute, before Jayden Harris added the fourth in the 70th. With Den Amstel struggling to contain the relentless attack, Seon Tyshawn Cato struck in the 80th minute to push the score to 5-0. Opara then completed the night in emphatic fashion, scoring his second goal in the 90th minute to seal a resound-

ing 6-0 victory. From Welcome’s early opener to Opara’s final strike, GDF delivered a ruthless attacking performance, with five different players finding the net as they collected another three points in the battle for GFF Elite League Season 8 supremacy. For Den Amstel, it was a difficult evening in Providence and one they will look to put behind them quickly as the competition continues. (GFF Release)

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, (CMC) – Former West Indies wicketkeeper/batsman Denesh Ramdin has been chosen to lead a West Indies side in next month’s International Masters Cricket (IMC) Over-40s 45-over World Cup. The Cricket West Indies Masters Association announced a 14-man squad over the weekend that also includes former West Indies captain Ramnaresh Sarwan and leg spinner Devendra Bishoo, to take part in the October 17 to 31 tournaments in Guyana. The team will be managed by Rajendra Sadeo, with Julian Moore named as coach and Surendra Seeraj as assistant coach. The 41-year-old Ramdin played 74 Tests and 139 One Day Internationals for the regional side, and along with Sarwan, 46, who featured in 87 Tests and 181 ODIs, join several other exWest Indian players including Rayad Emrit, Sewnarine Chattergoon and Jason Mo-

Denesh Ramdin will captain the West Indies at the Over-40s IMC World Cup

hammed. West Indies have been placed in Group A and will open their campaign against Australia at the National Stadium in Providence. They will be joined in Group A by Namibia, Canada, Wales, defending champions South Africa, Sri Lanka and Colombia. Meanwhile, Group B includes England, New Zealand, USA, Pakistan, India, Scotland, the Rest of the World XI and the Rest of the Caribbean XI. The two top teams from

each group will progress to the semifinals before the finalists face off at Providence. WEST INDIES OVER40s SQUAD: Denesh Ramdin (captain), Ramnaresh Sarwan, Sewnarine Chattergoon, Jason Mohammed, Lawrence Farnum, Randy Thomas, Antonnel Atwell, Hemnarine Chattergoon, Nickey Lathman, Larry Babb, Rakesh Maharaj, Rayad Emrit, Devendra Bishoo, Reno Mittelholzer, Imran Khan and Trevor Benn.

Pompey punches through to South American Games semi-finals

GUYANA’S Emmanuel Pompey has guaranteed himself at least a bronze medal at the South American Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina, after punching his way into the semi-finals of the men’s 90kg boxing division with a unanimous-decision victory over Bolivia’s Jimmy Nunez. Pompey produced a composed and determined performance in his quarter-final clash, doing enough across

the scheduled rounds to convince all five judges that he deserved to have his hand raised at the final bell. The victory means the Guyanese is now just one win away from a place in the gold-medal bout, while, regardless of what happens in the semi-finals, he is assured of returning home with a medal. While Pompey advanced, however, it was a difficult outing for the other members

of Guyana’s boxing contingent, with both Shakquain James and Akeelah Vancooten suffering unanimous-decision defeats in their respective bouts. James, competing in the men’s 70kg division, was unable to overcome Paraguay’s Gonzalo Weiler, who secured a convincing 5-0 verdict from the judges. The scorecards reflected Weiler’s control of the contest, with the judges award-

Slingerz cruise past Santos, GDF crush Den Amstel in latest GFF Elite matches lead in the 37th minute, giving Slingerz a commanding 2-0 advantage heading into halftime. Santos attempted to reorganise after the break, making changes at the start of the second half as they searched for a route back into the contest. However, Slingerz remained disciplined and controlled, limiting their opponents while continuing to threaten going forward. The match was eventually put beyond doubt in the 83rd minute when substitute Yusifu Kargbo found the back of the net to make it 3-0.

ing the Paraguayan 30-27, 29-26, 29-28, 29-28 and 2928. James battled gamely throughout, but Weiler was able to dictate enough of the exchanges to earn the unanimous verdict and bring the Guyanese boxer’s campaign to an end. There was a similar outcome for Vancooten in the women’s 57kg division, where she came up against Paraguay’s Minerva Mereles.

Vancooten was handed a 5-0 unanimous-decision defeat, with all five judges favouring Mereles. The scorecards were 2730, 28-29, 27-30, 27-30 and 27-30 in favour of the Paraguayan, who advanced at Vancooten’s expense. “They both proved that they have what it takes to compete at that level,” Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) president, Steve Ninvalle stated.

According to Ninvalle “Vancooten showed heart. She’s certainly one for the future. James also gave a good account of himself in the ring and I’m happy that they were able to compete, and represented Guyana well.” Despite the setbacks suffered by James and Vancooten, Pompey’s progress provides Guyana with a major reason for optimism as the boxing programme continues.

Motorbikes, cash, and silverware as big rewards await top performers at One Guyana T10

Part of the action in the Slingerz FC, Santos clash

SLINGERZ FC delivered another composed and convincing performance on Sunday night, defeating Santos FC 3-0 at the National Training Centre, Providence, when Season 8 of the GFF Elite League continued. After a competitive opening period, Slingerz found the breakthrough in the 26th minute through Neron Barrow, who gave his side the advantage and shifted the momentum firmly in their favour. The pressure continued and just 11 minutes later, Kelsey Benjamin doubled the

Guyana boxer Emmanuel Pompey has guaranteed himself a bronze medal at the South American Games

Slingerz saw out the remaining minutes comfortably to secure all three points and another clean sheet, completing a professional performance from start to finish. For Santos, it was a difficult night against one of the league’s strongest sides, and they will now turn their attention to their next fixture. Meanwhile, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) FC also produced a commanding performance in the second game of the double-header, sweeping aside Den Amstel FC 6-0. (Turn to page 23)

INDIVIDUAL brilliance will once again carry a premium in the Lotto/Let’s Bet One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast, with long-standing corporate partner Regal Super Centre stepping forward to sponsor the complete suite of individual player awards for the fourth consecutive edition of the tournament. The retail giant’s renewed commitment ensures that while team silverware remains the ultimate prize, the competition’s standout performers will walk away with substantial financial incentives and high-value rewards. The individual awards are headlined by the Most Valuable Player accolade, which includes a $150,000 cash prize and a brand-new motorbike. The tournament’s leading run-scorer and top wicket-taker are also set for significant windfalls, with both

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John Ramsingh (left) of FL Sport and Regal Super Centre representative Telesha Ousman-Yamin

categories offering $100,000 in cash plus a television set. Game-changing contributions will be similarly recognised: the Player of the Final will earn $75,000,

while the players finishing with the Super Strike Rate and Best Economy Rate will each collect $50,000. Reaffirming the brand’s (Turn to page 22)

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2026