Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 21-07-2026

–– as recovery efforts continue; every available resource is being deployed to save lives, support victims

President Dr Irfaan Ali, on Monday, met with persons who were rescued, as well as the families of those affected by the MV Barima tragedy. He also visited survivors receiving medical care at the Mabaruma Hospital. He affirmed the government will continue to work closely with every affected family, providing the necessary support and assistance during this difficult period (Office of the President)

MV Barima located, search and rescue operation remains in effect

–– preliminary investigations reveal 179 believed to have been on board –– total persons rescued now 69, 27 bodies recovered, 83 persons still unaccounted, PM says

‘There are going to be consequences’

–––VP affirms in update to NTC on tragic MV Barima; notes affected leaders will be engaged separately –– assures stakeholders gov’t will continue discussions to advance community development Trinidad and Tobago, French Guiana join Guyana’s search for MV Barima survivors

Heroes of the sea: fishermen make arduous journey to save MV Barima survivors PAGE 11

Vessel located, search and rescue operation remains in effect

–– preliminary investigations reveal 179 believed to have been on board

–– total

persons rescued now 69, 27 bodies recovered, 83 persons still unaccounted,

PM says

By Shamar Meusa

PRIME Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, has stressed that the national response to the tragic sinking of the MV Barima remains a search and rescue operation, even as authorities confirmed that 27 bodies have been recovered and 83 people remain unaccounted for.

PM Phillips made this known while addressing a press briefing on Monday evening, when he indicated that the government’s priority has not changed since the distress signal was first received.

“Our focus, from the time we received the distress signal to now, is on rescuing the passengers and the crew from the boat. That remains our focus,” Phillips said.

The latest figures he said following the initial investigation indicate that authorities believe there were 179 persons aboard the vessel, including 18 crew members. Of those, 69 have been rescued, 27 bodies have been recovered and 83 persons remain missing.

PM Phillips said that the revised passenger count followed an overnight review by the investigative team, which examined footage of passengers boarding the vessel before

President Ali assures nation of independent probe into MV Barima tragedy

––

as recovery efforts continue; every available resource is being deployed to save lives, support victims

–– says this is a time for solidarity, not political division

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali has assured the nation that there will be a full, thorough and independent investigation into the MV Barima tragedy while urging Guyanese to remain united as rescue and recovery efforts continue.

Addressing the nation, the Guyanese leader said the government’s immediate focus is on rescuing survivors, assisting grieving families, and locating every person who remains unaccounted for.

“At this time, our priority remains to protect every life that still can be saved, to support those who have endured unimaginable trauma and loss, to comfort grieving families, and to account for every person who remains unaccounted for,” Dr. Ali said.

He added, “Every minute matters, every life matters, and every possible resource is being mobilised in pursuit of this mission.”

The Head of State said he had shared in the pain and anxiety of affected families and assured them that every practical measure would be taken to provide the assistance and support they require.

He praised the swift response mounted following news of the tragedy, describing it as a national effort that demonstrated the country’s unity in a time of crisis.

He said, “I pay the highest tribute to the extraordinary men and women who responded

immediately to this disaster.”

The Head of State said, “From the moment news of the tragedy reached us, a massive rescue effort was launched with urgency and determination.”

Dr. Ali commended the bravery and selflessness of those involved in the operation.

The President thanked Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, Cabinet ministers, members of the Joint Services, emergency responders, regional officials, volunteers, fishermen, community members, religious leaders, parliamentarians, representatives of the private sector, civil society and international partners for their roles in the rescue and recovery efforts.

He commended their collective response, de-

President Dr. Irfaan Ali

scribing it as a truly national effort during a time of profound national anguish.

The President said, “Their actions have reflected the very best of Guyana. This has been a truly national effort in a time of profound national anguish.

“It is a powerful reminder that when adversity strikes, the people of Guyana stand shoulder to shoulder, united by our shared humanity.”

EVERY AVAILABLE RESOURCE

Dr. Ali reiterated that the government would continue deploying every available resource until all possible rescue and recovery efforts have been exhausted.

“I wish to assure every citizen that we are

sparing no effort in this ongoing rescue and recovery mission. Every available asset is being deployed, every agency is working around the clock. We will continue this effort with determination and resolve until every possible avenue has been exhausted,” he said.

The President also pledged a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

He said, “I also assure the nation that there will be a full, thorough, and independent investigation into this tragedy.

“The families affected, and indeed the people of Guyana, deserve answers, deserve to know precisely what transpired, and whether any failures contributed to this heartbreaking event.”

President Ali said the investigation would pursue “the truth with transparency, impartiality, and accountability.”

At the same time, he appealed for restraint, urging citizens not to speculate or politicise the tragedy while rescue operations remain underway.

“But now is not the time for speculation. It is not the time to cast aspersions or to politicise a tragedy that has brought such unspeakable pain to so many,” he said.

“There will be a time for facts, for accountability, and for measured judgment.”

Instead, the President urged Guyanese to focus on supporting those affected.

“Today, however, our collective responsibility is to save lives, to comfort the grieving, to

support the traumatised, and to stand with every family whose world has been turned upside down,” he said.

Calling on the country’s history of resilience, he urged citizens to draw strength from faith, hope and national unity as Guyana navigates what he described as one of its most difficult periods.

“I once again ask every Guyanese to keep the victims, the survivors, their families, and the brave rescuers in your thoughts and prayers. Reach out where you can. Offer comfort where it is needed. Let compassion and support, not division, guide our words and actions,” he said.

The President acknowledged that the coming days would be challenging for the country and indicated that details of the form of national mourning would be announced shortly.

“In the coming hours and days, it is going to be a difficult period for us as a people and as a country.

There are going to be long days ahead of us, difficult days from this tragedy, but we must come together in love, unity, faith, patience, and reverence to the families and communities most affected,” Dr. Ali said.

He concluded by praying for the victims, survivors and their families.

“May God watch over Guyana and bring us through this horrific experience. God bless all of you, especially the families of all those who were aboard the MV Barima.”

Vessel located, search and rescue operation ...

it departed.

He said the search area has also been significantly expanded, with agencies combing more than 1,070 square kilometres of ocean, compared with approximately 400 square kilometres during the initial phase of the operation.

At first light on Monday, he indicated that 13 assets were deployed to strengthen the search effort, which had continued uninterrupted throughout the night.

During the morning, a pilot vessel first spotted debris at sea before the Guyana Defence Force Ship Shahoud identified a substantial debris field approximately 2.5 nautical miles off the coast of Devonshire Castle. Rescue teams later recovered additional bodies while continuing their search of the area.

Through what Phillips described as “aggressive and coordinated efforts” involving the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), local fishermen and private

sector partners, the location of the sunken MV Barima was positively confirmed.

The vessel was found resting on the seabed approximately nine miles offshore, close to the location where the original distress signal had been transmitted.

The Prime Minister further gave special mention to fisherman Haresh Singh, whose information proved instrumental in locating the vessel. Singh had also assisted in rescuing passengers on Sunday.

Phillips also acknowledged the significant role played by local fisherfolk and ExxonMobil Guyana, whose support through the use of the survey vessel SeaLand Surveyor helped confirm the vessel’s exact location.

INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE

Further to this, the Prime Minister told members of the press that international assistance has also been mobilised to support the operation.

The Government of

France, through the French Armed Forces, deployed 15 divers who have joined local dive teams at the wreck site, while additional diving specialists from Trinidad and Tobago were en route to Guyana as of Monday evening.

He added that divers are currently positioned at the site and will determine the appropriate time to begin underwater operations based on prevailing conditions.

Despite the grim devel-

opments, Phillips insisted that rescue efforts would continue.

“This is a search and rescue operation. It remains a search and rescue operation. Notwithstanding the fact that we have recovered bodies, we still have hope that there are people out there who are alive, and therefore we continue our search and rescue.”

The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre will remain operational throughout the night as rescue as-

sets continue searching for survivors.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and the Guyana Police Force have established joint protocols for the processing, transportation and storage of the deceased.

To assist grieving families, he disclosed that as part of the operation they have decided to photograph each recovered body.

The photographs will be displayed at designated centres, allowing relatives to assist with identification before formal procedures are undertaken at Suddie Hospital.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister said that President Dr Irfaan Ali after receiving a briefing from the Prime Minister, Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan and Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken shortly before midnight on Sunday, travelled early Monday morning to Region One, where the majority of the passengers originated.

The President visited Port Kaituma and Mabaruma before travelling to Region Two, where he inspected facilities at Suddie Hospital and the Anna Regina Technical Institute before continuing to Charity to observe ongoing operations.

During his visits, President Ali approved requests from family members wishing to assist with identifying victims.

Thirteen relatives from Port Kaituma have already been transported by aircraft to Region Two, where they will be accommodated before participating in the identification process.

A similar arrangement was approved for 22 relatives from Mabaruma, who are also being transported to Hampton Court to assist authorities.

EMERGENCY HOTLINE

The government also reported that its emergency hotline remains operational and had received 67 calls by Monday afternoon.

Phillips emphasised that every effort remains focused on locating survivors while ensuring that those who lost their lives are treated with dignity and respect.

He said the government will work closely with families to transport the deceased back to their communities for burial in accordance with their wishes and religious customs.

“This is a serious operation. It calls for a delicate approach in handling these sensitive issues,” he said.

“We remain focused on our efforts to rescue people who can be rescued and, unfortunately, for those who have passed, to recover their bodies respectfully and work with their families to bring closure,” he noted.

Barbados stands ready to offer Guyana support

PRIME Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley has expressed solidarity with Guyana following the tragic MV Barima incident, assuring President Dr Irfaan Ali that her country stands ready to provide whatever assistance may be needed as search and rescue efforts continue.

The Barbadian Prime Minister, in a message posted to her social media pages following a conversation with President Ali, said that Barbados was standing with Guyana during what she described as a moment of “profound sorrow”, while extending the sympathy and support of the Barbadian Government and people.

“Today, I spoke with my brother, President Irfaan Ali, as Guyana confronts the deepening tragedy of the MV Barima,” Mottley said.

“The latest news is dev-

astating. 27 lives have been lost, including at least four children. 69 people have been rescued, while 83 remain unaccounted for as the search continues. Behind every number is a family grieving, waiting and praying,” she added.

The tragic incident has prompted an ongoing multiagency search and rescue operation involving Guyana’s security forces, emergency responders, fisherfolk and other volunteers working to locate those still missing and provide support to survivors and affected families.

Mottley said she conveyed to President Ali the “love, prayers and solidarity” of Barbados, noting that the tragedy has affected not only those directly impacted but the wider Guyanese community.

“Our hearts are with those mourning an unimagi-

nable loss, with every family still awaiting word, and with the survivors who must now carry the weight of what they have endured,” she said.

She went on to hail the efforts of those involved in the response, recognising the dedication of rescue teams, fisherfolk, medical personnel and others who have been working continuously since the incident occurred.

“We salute the rescue teams, fisherfolk, medical personnel and all those who have worked without pause since this tragedy began,” Mottley said.

She assured President Ali that Barbados remained prepared to assist Guyana in any way required.

“I assured President Ali that Barbados stands ready to offer whatever support Guyana may need,” the Prime Minister stated.

Mottley further under-

–– PM Mottley says

firmed Barbados’ commitment to standing alongside Guyana in the

Police search Friendship property as

pe -

‘Paper Shorts’ murder probe intensifies

POLICE, on Monday, executed a search warrant at a property in Friendship, East Bank Demerara (EBD), as investigations continue into the 2021 execution-style killing of Ricardo “Paper Shorts” Fagundes.

In a statement, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) said investigators sought further legal advice based on information received during the ongoing probe before applying for the warrant.

According to the police, the search warrant was granted by a magistrate after consideration of

the information presented, and officers carried out the search at the Friendship property on Monday.

The force did not disclose the owner of the property or whether anything was recovered during the operation, stating only that investigations remain ongoing.

The latest search forms part of a renewed investigation into the March 21, 2021, murder of Fagundes, who was gunned down outside Palm Court on Main Street, Georgetown. Fagundes, 42, of Sandy Babb Street in Kitty, Georgetown, was shot

about 20 times during the execution-style attack.

Investigators recovered 30 spent rounds at the scene, including 16 fired from an AK-47 rifle and 14 from a 9mm firearm, while three metal fragments were later recovered during the post-mortem examination.

The Police has maintained that investigations into Fagundes’ murder are continuing.

The slain man’s relatives have long maintained public pressure on investigators, staging peaceful protests and

repeatedly calling for those responsible for his murder to be brought to justice.

“Guyana is family. In this hour of profound sorrow, Barbados stands with you,” she said.

Grief and Resolve

THE sinking of the MV Barima has plunged Guyana into a grief few could have imagined a week ago.

For more than four decades, this vessel carried the people of Region One safely between Georgetown and the remote communities of the North West District, a quiet, dependable thread connecting isolated villages to the capital.

That such a familiar workhorse could become the site of one of the nation’s worst maritime disasters is a sobering reminder that even the routines we trust most deserve constant vigilance.

President Irfaan Ali’s address to the nation struck the right notes in a moment that demanded them. His tribute to the coast guard, the fishermen, the volunteers and ordinary citizens who launched

into the night waters without hesitation was well earned, theirs was courage of the highest order, and Guyana should be proud of how swiftly the country mobilised around its own.

His appeal for unity over speculation, and his reminder that “there will be a time for facts, for accountability, and for measured judgment,” reflects a leader trying to hold a wounded nation together while the work of saving lives is still underway. That instinct deserves respect.

At the same time, the early reporting around this tragedy, an inaccurate passenger manifest that complicated even the basic task of knowing who was aboard, questions about crew conduct, among other things, points to real gaps that the promised investigation will need

to take seriously.

This isn’t a call to rush to judgment; it’s simply a recognition that when the president says the investigation must pursue “the truth with transparency, impartiality, and accountability,” Guyanese will be watching to see that promise fulfilled in full, once the search and rescue effort has run its course.

Guyana is in the midst of a remarkable economic transformation, with new resources flowing into infrastructure and development across the country.

That growth creates a real opportunity to ensure that remote communities like Mabaruma, Kumaka, and Port Kaituma have safer, more resilient transport options going forward, and that lessons from this tragedy translate into stronger

standards for the vessels that serve them. None of that diminishes the extraordinary response effort already underway, it simply builds on it.

For now, the priority the President named is the right one: saving every life that can still be saved, and standing with the families whose world has been upended.

But when the water calms and the accounting begin, the nation’s grief and its government’s diligence can move together rather than in tension.

Guyana has shown this week that it knows how to come together in crisis.

The truest honour to those lost will be making sure the next family that boards a ferry never has to wonder if it’s safe.

Do not use this tragedy for vulgar political gains

I RETURNED from visiting my sister in Barbados to plan my marriage when I heard about the Jonestown tragedy.

The hundreds that died in Jonestown were not Guyanese, but they were humans, and therefore it was a Guyanese tragedy. It was an enormous dent to the psychology of all Guyanese. We never saw anything like that in the world before, and it happened in Guyana.

I had just become a teenager when I read about the Sun-Chapman tragedy. I never wrote this before, but when I was six I travelled on the Sun Chapman with my parents’ first child, Gwendoline. Her boyfriend, Arthur Wilson lived in McKenzie, and on one visit to see him, she took me to spend the day. Arthur liked me so when my sister got a child for him, he insisted that his son be named after me.

Whatever the explanation for the Sun Chapman explosion, it took the lives of 43 Guyanese, and that was a tragedy of immense proportion when you think of the small population of Guyana. The Sun Chapman deaths were only exceeded by the Jonestown victims. But the shadow of someone devilish stalks Guyana. A few years ago a student allegedly set fire to the dormitory at Mahdia that she lived in, killing 20 students. Like the Sun Chapman, like Jonestown, like Mahdia, these enormous losses of life were unbearable for a young developing nation with a small population.

Now the shadow that stalks us is in our midst. The MV Barima ferry capsized on Saturday night in what school children in my days at school were taught to refer to as the Mighty Atlantic. At the time of writing, there appears to be dozens and dozens not accounted for, including children. It breaks the heart of any human when you read and hear about children perishing. You know that life is not supposed to be like that because they came into this world to see it and to live in it and that is an opportunity that they must have.

As I write, though I am not a religious person and

a nonbeliever, I am keeping my hopes very high because I know the Mighty Atlantic can be an unfriendly place, whether in Guyana or whichever country it touches. On this incredibly sad day in Guyana’s history as a colony and as an independent state, there must be no political exploitation of this tragedy.

But it has happened and we should not forgive those who will use the lives of children to seek political gains. Our minds go back to the Adrianna Younge drowning. I have lived a long life to reach my seventies, and what I saw unfold in the Younge drowning incident I never thought I would see in this country.

A child lost her life because her guardians neglected to monitor movements beside a hotel pool. In one of the most shameful acts of moral turpitude, there were Guyanese that disregarded the death of that child and used her death to score political points. What will remain unforgivable is that the child’s family members participated in the conspiracy.

So here we are in Adrianna Younge 2.0. Let’s quote the Kiskadee Watch in an editorial about the tragedy: “Saturday night’s capsizing has laid bare the farce that President Ali’s government has presided over post-2020. Where or what is this farce the owners of Kiskadee Watch is referring to? The Guyana Government like all, not most but all governments have their faults.

But the nation of Guyana, the country of Guyana, the governance system of Guyana is as democratic as any other land on Planet Earth. What those who criticise democracy refuse and will continue to do is to name other countries that have a more democratic performance than Guyana. So here we are once more and the dark minds that live in our midst. A huge tragedy occurs in Guyana and the Kiskadee Watch uses the tragedy to score anti-government political points. What is the relevance in discussing the tragedy to refer to the farcical government of Guyana since 2020? Here is what the editorial

of the Kaieteur News noted about people talking about the tragedy: “Many harsh words have been aimed at the PPP/C government, and they seem to have some basis.” On what basis can someone hold the government responsible for a ferry toppling after a monster wave in the Might Atlantic?

The former Georgetown Mayor, Ubraj Narine is a Hindu priest, but he disregarded the sacred tenets of Hindu Dharma, and he uses the tragedy for political purposes. Should we forgive those who use this tragedy for anti-government purposes?

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions ex -

pressed 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.

President Ali stands with families of MV Barima victims

President Ali stands with families of MV Barima victims

Education reforms to prioritise understanding over memorisation —Minister Parag

THE Minister of Education, Sonia Parag, is championing a shift away from an exam-centred approach to learning, advocating for classrooms that prioritise conceptual understanding over routine memorisation.

Parag, during her appearance on the Starting Point programme, said the shift is intended to ensure students learn for life rather than simply prepare to pass examinations.

Parag described the shift as a cornerstone of the government’s long-term vision

for education.

She said it follows a record-breaking performance at the 2026 National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), where 20 pupils earned perfect scores and results improved across Mathematics, English Language, Science and Social Studies.

Parag said planning for the 2027 NGSA has already begun. She noted that successful initiatives introduced this year, including mathematics stints, targeted teacher training and literacy support, will be rolled out from the

start of the new school year rather than just months before the examinations.

Parag said the ministry will work closely with teachers to strengthen the delivery of key mathematics concepts in the classroom through targeted training and support.

However, she stressed that improving examination results is only one part of the ministry’s broader objective.

“Making sure that, when we are teaching these concepts, it’s teaching to understand and not just teaching to pass an exam, because I think

that’s really, really important,” the minister said.

According to Parag, students who fully understand concepts are more likely to adapt when confronted with unfamiliar questions than those who rely solely on memorisation.

She explained that teaching solely for examinations often results in a narrower, more targeted approach, rather than ensuring students develop a thorough understanding of every concept.

Parag said that by ensuring students develop a solid understanding of concepts rather than simply memorising answers, they would be better equipped to handle unfamiliar questions during examinations.

She noted, “You will, even if a curve ball is thrown at you, you will be able to survive that because you understand the foundation of that concept, you understand the basics, you understand what you have to do there, no matter what form the question takes.”

Parag said mathematics remains one of the ministry’s priority areas because it has historically been a challenge not only in Guyana but across the Caribbean.

She said this year’s mathematics interventions, particularly the math stints, proved highly successful by giving students additional support outside the regular classroom.

The sessions brought together children from several schools to receive instruction from specialist mathematics

teachers, while parents also welcomed the opportunity for children who struggled with the subject to receive extra assistance ahead of the examinations.

“I truly believe that the math stint was successful in that way, as well as the training of the teachers in mathematics,” she said.

Beyond mathematics, Parag said literacy and numeracy remain the cornerstone of the ministry’s longterm reforms.

“The next thing is improving, of course, our literacy and our numeracy,” she said, noting that literacy assessments for Grades Two and Four are helping educators identify learning gaps at an early stage.

Parag added that the ministry is also developing a short-term literacy programme for pupils entering Grade Six so they can strengthen their reading comprehension before sitting the NGSA.

She reasoned that these assessments are intended to serve as diagnostic tools, allowing teachers to identify weaknesses early and provide targeted interventions before students fall behind.

Parag also highlighted the growing role of the Guyana Digital School initiative, which she said will be expanded this year to provide students throughout Guyana with easier access to lessons, past examination papers and reinforcement in difficult subject areas.

“Our digital school will play a very important role

from this year onwards,” she said, adding that the ministry intends to increase awareness of the platform so more students can benefit from its resources.

Ultimately, the minister said the government’s goal extends far beyond producing students who perform well on examinations.

Parag said, “It’s not just about the results.”

“It is ensuring that our children, when they move from primary school to secondary school, are literate; that they can understand what they’re reading; that they can interpret what they need to interpret properly; that they can be successful in secondary school and then on to university; and that they can be successful human beings.”

She added that while examinations remain important, the ministry’s broader vision is to build an education system that equips students with the critical thinking, comprehension and problem-solving skills needed not only to excel in school, but to succeed throughout their lives.

Driver killed after crashing into parked tractor on West Coast Berbice

A 21-year-old man lost his life early Monday after the car he was driving crashed into a parked tractor along the #28 Public Road, West Coast Berbice (WCB).

Dead is Ayinde Rogers of #22 Bel Air, WCB. According to police, the fatal accident occurred about 12:05 a.m. and involved motor car PWW 2900, driven by Rogers, and a stationary motor tractor whose registration number remains unknown.

Preliminary investigations indicate that Rogers was travelling west along the #28 Public Road when he allegedly lost control of the vehicle while driving at a fast rate of speed.

The car subsequently slammed into the front of the parked tractor, which was stationed on the northern parapet facing east.

The police said the impact caused the vehicle to overturn onto the northern parapet.

Rogers sustained multiple injuries in the collision. He was pulled from the wreckage by public-spirited citizens, who found him unconscious, and rushed him to the Bath Regional Hospital.

However, he was pronounced dead on arrival by the attending doctor. His body has since been taken to Bailey’s Funeral Home, where it is awaiting a post-mortem examination. Police are continuing their investigations into the fatal accident.

Heroes of the sea: fishermen make arduous journey to save MV Barima survivors

By Indrawattie Natram

AS families anxiously await news of their loved ones following the sinking of the MV Barima, a group of brave Essequibo fishermen are being hailed as heroes after risking their own lives in rough waters to rescue stranded passengers.

Moments after reports emerged that the vessel had capsized, popular fisherman Haresh Singh, his brother Deonarine Singh and several others answered an urgent call for help.

Wasting no time, the

men abandoned their regular work, cut loose their boats and headed into the darkness in search of survivors.

The conditions at sea were unforgiving. Strong waves and poor visibility made the journey dangerous, but the fishermen pressed on, determined to reach the area where the vessel was believed to have gone down.

During their search, they encountered members of the Guyana Coast Guard and guided them through the unfamiliar waters near Hackney.

Hope emerged when the rescuers spotted a flashing

light in the distance. As they drew closer, they discovered a life raft carrying survivors who had spent hours drifting in the open sea.

Among those rescued were children, many of them weak, frightened and in desperate need of medical attention.

The situation became even more critical when three children lost consciousness, forcing the fishermen to race back to shore so the survivors could receive urgent treatment.

For the rescuers, the mission did not end there. Deeply affected by the stories of passengers who had become separated from relatives during the tragedy, the fishermen returned to sea on Monday, joining search and recovery efforts as teams continued the hunt for the sunken vessel and those still missing.

Their courage and selflessness have brought hope amid one of the country’s worst maritime tragedies.

Haresh Singh and his crew remain at sea guiding coast

guards. The MV Barima was en route from Georgetown to Port Kaituma when it capsized approximately seven miles offshore in the vicinity of the Pomeroon River late Saturday night after departing the Kingston Goods Wharf earlier that afternoon.

As of Monday evening, 69 people had been rescued, 27 bodies had been recovered and search and rescue operations remained ongoing for those still unaccounted for.

GDF rank hailed a hero after rescuing 11 in MV Barima tragedy

–– White Water Village praises Lance Corporal Job Thom’s courage and selflessness

LANCE Corporal Job

Thom of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is being hailed as a hero after reportedly rescuing 11 people during the sinking of the MV Barima.

This is an act of bravery that has earned him widespread praise from his home community of White Water Village in Region One.

The MV Barima capsized late Saturday night while travelling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma after issuing a distress signal off the Pomeroon coast.

The tragedy has left 27 people confirmed dead, while 69 survivors have been recovered and some 83 remain unaccounted for.

There remains an ongoing search and rescue operation involving the Guyana Coast Guard, the Guyana Defence Force, private and public marine operators and volunteers.

In a statement on its official Facebook page, the

White Water Village Council commended Thom for his courage, saying he placed the lives of others before his own as chaos unfolded in the water.

According to the village, Thom was among the passengers aboard the vessel when it sank. Despite the dangerous conditions, he immediately began rescuing people who were struggling to stay afloat.

The village said Thom recalled seeing passengers disappearing beneath the water and, without hesitation, pulling them to safety one after another.

By his own account, he rescued 11 people, including a man nearly twice his size.

“His courage, strength and determination gave those individuals another chance at life,” the statement said.

The Village Council expressed gratitude that Thom survived the ordeal and said his actions embodied the

Brazilian gold miner fatally stabbed at Puruni River camp

–– wife arrested

A 53-year-old Brazilian gold miner was allegedly stabbed to death during an argument with his reputed wife at their mining camp at Rock Creek Backdam, Puruni River.

Dead is Antonio Pereira Figueredo of Manaus, Brazil.

Police said the incident occurred around 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026.

According to preliminary investigations, Figueredo and his 50-year-old wife, who is also a Brazilian national, were involved in an argument at their mining camp when he allegedly sustained a stab wound to the abdomen.

Police officers responding to the incident found Figueredo’s body lying on the ground next to one of the camps with what appeared to be a stab wound to his abdomen.

Acting on information received, investigators recovered a kitchen knife suspected to have been used in the incident.

The injured man was taken to the Bartica Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor.

His body was later transferred to Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, where it is awaiting a post-mortem examination.

The suspect was arrested and taken to the Bartica Police Station, where she remains in custody as investigations continue.

values of courage, compassion and selflessness.

“Lance Corporal Thom has made White Water proud. His actions remind us of the values we hold dear: courage, compassion, and putting others before ourselves,” the statement read.

The council also thanked the GDF rank for his bravery and prayed for his continued safety and success.

“Job Thom is our hero—a brave, young and strong son of White Water. We are proud of you,” the Council said.

Trinidad and Tobago, French Guiana join Guyana’s search for MV Barima survivors

AS Guyana’s death toll from the MV Barima ferry disaster climbs and dozens remain unaccounted for, Trinidad and Tobago and French Guiana have stepped forward with military personnel, aircraft, vessels and specialist divers, joining a widening regional effort to recover the missing and support a nation in mourning.

The ferry capsized close to midnight on Saturday, 18 July, roughly seven miles off Guyana’s Atlantic coast near Iron Punt, while en route from Georgetown to Port Kaituma in Region One.

By Monday, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips confirmed that 27 people had died and 83 remained missing, even as the rescued count climbed to 69.

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar moved quickly to offer her country’s support, expressing condolences to the government and people of Guyana and confirming that Port of Spain was sending help.

According to Persad-Bissessar, air and naval assets along with personnel from the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force were being deployed to assist the recovery effort.

France also answered Guyana’s call for help. A 15-member team from the French Armed Forces in French Guiana arrived in the Essequibo region to join the search, rescue and recovery operation.

The team, led by Lieutenant Commander Alexis Touboul, includes 12 specialist divers, two medics and a mechanic — expertise that has become critical as authorities shift from a rescue-focused operation toward the grim task of underwater recovery.

The French deployment came as Guyanese officials confirmed that a fisherman’s tip about a possible location of the sunken vessel prompted the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre to redirect all search assets to the site to verify the sighting.

Guyana’s own resources have been active non-stop.

The Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard, the Maritime Administration Department, private coastal vessels and local fisherfolk have led the search since the early hours of Sunday, when the Coast Guard reached the disaster site.

The government also es-

Persad-Bissessar said Trinidad and Tobago stands in solidarity with Guyana as the nation awaits news of those still missing, and that Trinidadians share in Guyana’s grief.

A 15-member team from the French Armed Forces in French Guiana arrived in Essequibo to assist with ongoing search, rescue, and recovery operations. Led by Lieutenant Commander Alexis Touboul, the team includes 12 specialist divers, two medics, and one mechanic

tablished multiple emergency command centres, deployed medical teams and social workers, and expanded the search zone to more than 1,070 square kilometres.

Beyond Trinidad and To-

bago and French Guiana, further support has poured in from across the region.

The Regional Security System deployed a surveillance aircraft to conduct aerial sweeps of the search area, while ExxonMobil contributed three vessels and a specialised dive team equipped with sonar technology to scan the seabed.

The Caribbean Community said it was follow-

ing the operation closely and stood in solidarity with the affected families, and the CARICOM Private Sector Organisation likewise offered its continued support.

Firefighters contain blaze at Special Auto

THE Guyana Fire Service was able to contain a fire on Monday, but the damage which the property sustained has now left more than 20 persons counting their losses at 216 South Road, Lacytown, Georgetown.

The ground floor of the building houses Special Auto: The Filter Shop, while the upper flat contained rooms occupied by Cuban and Venezuelan immigrant tenants.

An eyewitness had revealed that the fire started

at around 09:00hrs in the first room upstairs and quickly spread from there.

The Guyana Fire Service, according to persons, responded promptly, managing to stop the blaze from moving further.

All of the tenants in the building at the time of the fire managed to escape before the building was engulfed in the burning flames.

One of the tenants Yumiliisi Peres, who was willing to speak with the

media, recounted the ordeal in her language.

This was translated, “I live in the first room. The fire started from the outside- I was taking a bath... Then I heard them say, “the fire! Run, run!””.

After struggling to open the bathroom door, Peres said her and the other occupants were able to escape the burning building.

Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause and provide additional details on the fire.

‘There are going to be consequences’

VICE President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has assured citizens that those responsible for breaches surrounding the tragic MV Barima boat incident will be held accountable, while pledging that the government will separately engage Amerindian leaders from the affected communities to ensure their concerns are fully addressed.

Dr Jagdeo disclosed that the government immediately established a joint investigative task force comprising the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force.

Investigators have already secured video footage showing passengers boarding the vessel and are interviewing crew members as well as survivors, including persons who were on board but were not listed on the official passenger manifest. According to the Vice President, authorities are

Addressing Toshaos at the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Monday, the Vice President said a comprehensive investigation is already underway to determine the circumstances that led to the tragedy.

seeking to establish how those unlisted passengers boarded the vessel and who authorised them to do so.

“There are going to be consequences for people who did this,” the Vice President affirmed.

Against this backdrop, he revealed that after the crew members were rescued and taken for medical treatment, blood samples were obtained as part of the investigation.

Two crew members subsequently tested positive for traces of marijuana and are now in police custody.

Authorities are also working to identify additional passengers whose

names were absent from the manifest.

To support that effort, he told the gathering that the government has activated a hotline, encouraging relatives of persons believed to have been on board, but not listed among the passengers or survivors, to come forward with information.

Dr Jagdeo also updated the conference on President Dr Irfaan Ali’s response to the tragedy, noting that the Head of State had travelled to Region One, where he visited Port Kaituma and Mabaruma before proceeding to the Essequibo Coast to meet families awaiting news of their loved ones.

The Vice President said that because of the incident, the formal opening ceremony of the National Toshaos Conference had to be postponed until today, when the President is expected to deliver his address.

Jagdeo said he had already met with the Toshaos from the affected communities, some of whom had chosen to return home because of the tragedy.

As such, he assured them that they would not be excluded from the conference’s deliberations despite their absence.

The Vice President said the government would meet separately with the affected leaders

to hear their concerns and ensure they remain fully involved in discussions on matters affecting their villages.

Acknowledging the somber atmosphere surrounding this year’s conference, Jagdeo urged the Toshaos to continue the important work of advancing development in their communities despite the difficult circumstances.

“It is a sad, sad moment in which we are meeting, but we have to continue even in these circumstances because you came out here to work with us to advance your villages and the people in your villages,” he said.

GCCI backs gov’t probe into MV Barima tragedy

–– extends condolences, commends rescuers; says investigation is vital to strengthening maritime safety, public confidence

THE Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has supported the move to ensure there is a thorough, transparent and evidence-based investigation into the sinking of the MV Barima, while extending condolences to the families of those persons who lost their lives, and expressing solidarity with everyone affected by the tragedy.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Chamber said its thoughts remain with the families of those who perished, survivors now facing the difficult road to recovery, and relatives anxiously awaiting news of loved ones still missing.

The MV Barima capsized late Saturday night while travelling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma, Region One, after issuing a distress signal.

The tragedy triggered a massive search and rescue operation involving the Guyana Coast Guard, the Guyana Defence Force, emergency response agencies, private marine operators and volunteers.

As of Monday, dozens of passengers had been rescued, 27 bodies had been recovered and search efforts were continuing for those still unaccounted for.

The Chamber expressed appreciation to the Guyana Defence Force, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), emergency response agencies, private sector partners and volunteers involved in the ongoing rescue mission.

“Their swift response reflects the resilience, compassion, and unity of our nation during this difficult time,” the GCCI said.

The business chamber underscored the importance of reliable and safe transportation to Guyana’s economic development, noting that public safety and economic progress must go hand in hand.

“Reliable transportation is essential to the movement of people and goods, national connectivity, and economic progress. Economic progress and public safety must advance hand in hand. Public safety remains fundamental to protecting lives, supporting commerce, and sustaining investor confidence,” the statement said.

The Chamber endorsed the government’s decision to investigate the circumstances

surrounding the tragedy, saying the findings should help strengthen maritime safety standards, improve regulatory oversight and support continuous improvements across the transport sector.

“The GCCI supports a thorough, transparent, and evidence-based investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragedy,” the statement added.

The Chamber said it stands in solidarity with the victims, survivors and their families, urging the nation to honour those affected by renewing its collective commitment to safeguarding lives and ensuring public safety remains a national priority.

IDB Invest, ANSA McAL announce strategic partnership to support Caribbean growth

INTER-AMERICAN Development Bank (IDB) Invest, the private sector arm of the IDB Group, and the ANSA McAL Group, one of the Caribbean’s largest and most diversified conglomerates, have announced a strategic partnership to support investments in key productive sectors across the Caribbean.

The collaboration, according to a press release, will help expand industrial capacity, strengthen supply chains and support economic growth across the region.

As part of this new partnership, IDB Invest has approved a financing of up to US$500 million for ANSA McAL Group, with an initial commitment of US$200 million.

The initial commitment comprises US$150 million from IDB Invest, including

a US$100 million term loan and US$50 million revolving credit facility, as well as US$50 million from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) through its Trust Fund Achieving Development of Latin America and the Caribbean (TADAC).

This is IDB Invest’s largest-ever financing in the Caribbean.

“The Caribbean’s future competitiveness depends on thinking beyond individual markets and investing in regional businesses that connect the region,” CEO of IDB Invest James P. Scriven said, adding, “By supporting investment in manufacturing, logistics, distribution, and supply chains, this financing helps strengthen the productive

Management team responsible for loading, dispatch of MV Barima suspended –– as probe intensifies

THE entire management team responsible for the loading, dispatch and overall management of the MV Barima has been suspended from duty, as the government intensified its investigation into Saturday night’s maritime tragedy, which claimed lives, left several passengers missing and exposed serious operational failures.

The MV Barima was en route from Georgetown to Port Kaituma when it

capsized approximately seven miles offshore in the vicinity of the Pomeroon River late Saturday night after departing the Kingston Goods Wharf earlier that afternoon.

As of Sunday evening, 69 people had been rescued, 27 bodies had been recovered and search and rescue operations remained ongoing for those still unaccounted for.

Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, announced the suspension in a Face-

IDB Invest, ANSA McAL announce strategic ...

From page 16

links that underpin regional growth.”

Anthony N. Sabga III, Group Chief Executive Officer, ANSA McAL Limited, said, “This partnership reflects confidence in ANSA McAL, in the strength of Caribbean enterprise, and in the opportunities that exist within our region. The financing will support investments that expand capacity, strengthen our operations, and enhance the competitiveness of the businesses we have built over the last 145 years. We are proud to partner with IDB Invest in advancing initiatives that contribute to economic development, job creation, innovation, and opportunity throughout the Caribbean.”

The financing will support investments in manufacturing, logistics, recycling, distribution, and supply chain infrastructure.

These initiatives are expected to generate quality employment opportunities and enhance the competitiveness and resilience of productive sectors.

According to ANSA McAL, for Trinidad and Tobago, where expanding non-energy economic activity remains an important national priority, the partnership will deepen regional trade linkages and support productive investment.

It also creates a platform for future collaboration and broader access to international capital and strategic relationships. The partnership aligns with IDB Invest’s Originate-to-Share model, which seeks to mobilise private capital into key development sectors across Latin America and the Caribbean.

In addition to financing, IDB Invest and ANSA McAL will collaborate on initiatives focused on circular economy solutions, digital transformation, sustainability reporting, and energy efficiency. These programmes will support the ANSA McAL Group’s investment agenda, enable knowledge sharing for local people, and reinforce its commitment to responsible long-term growth.

book post on Monday, saying the move was necessary to ensure a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation.

According to the minister, the officials have been removed from duty to prevent any possible interference with evidence or materials that could be critical to the inquiry.

The decision follows Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips’

announcement that the government had ordered an urgent multi-agency investigation into the tragedy after authorities uncovered several disturbing developments.

Among them were major discrepancies in the vessel’s passenger manifest, with officials revealing that only 35 of the then 67 rescued passengers were listed on the official manifest. In addition, the vessel’s captain and first engineer tested positive for cannabis following medical examinations after they were rescued.

As part of the investigation, the Guyana Police Force has already extracted surveillance footage from the Kingston Goods

Wharf, where the MV Barima departed, for detailed review. Investigators are expected to use the footage to establish the sequence of events before the vessel left port.

Edghill also disclosed that he convened a latenight meeting with senior officials of the Transport and Harbours Department, including the General Manager, during which the management team was formally informed of the suspensions and the administrative measures that will follow.

The government’s investigation, involving the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force, the Maritime Administration Department (MA-

RAD) and other technical maritime experts, will examine the accuracy of the passenger manifest, passenger and cargo loading procedures, compliance with maritime safety regulations and the conduct of those responsible for the vessel’s operations.

Government officials have maintained that anyone found guilty of negligence, misconduct or criminal wrongdoing will face the full force of the law.

Meanwhile, search and rescue operations continue at sea and along nearby shorelines as authorities work to locate those still missing and provide answers to grieving families.

IICA-CDB project focuses on getting products from Caribbean AgriMSEs onto shelves

THE Caribbean’s micro and small agri-enterprises (Agri-MSEs) made one message unmistakably clear: they do not need more workshops about exporting – they need practical actions that actually move their products into regional and international markets. That message emerged strongly during a virtual regional IICA – Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) Agri-MSME Forum titled “Moving Products to Markets, Literally!”

The virtual forum was part of an ongoing Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and CDB AgriMSE development project to help tackle one of the region’s greatest constraints to agricultural transformation and food security – getting quality local products from producers to consumers consistently and competitively.

According to Diana Francis, the IICA Representative in Trinidad and Tobago and Project Coordinator, “this forum starts with the endgame – literally placing products on shelves, in home and regional markets, and potentially beyond; this project wants to go beyond conventional capacity building and telling AgriMSEs where the markets are. We want to help them put their products on the shelves and keep them there.”

The CDB-funded initiative supports Agri-MSMEs in five Caribbean countries through three integrated pillars: facilitating market access and export trials, scaling-up production capacity to meet demand consistently, and improving access to financing for scale-up.

The Realities behind Ca-

GPHC’s

ribbean Innovation, Scale-up and Commercial Results

This regional forum provided yet another opportunity to hear first-hand accounts from AgriMSEs whose businesses reflect the innovation and resilience emerging throughout the region but remain mostly unknown, under-capitalised and under-developed. From Antigua and Barbuda, Shade Hydroponics (SHAADE) showcased their range of value-added herbal teas, honey products, peppers and wellness items, all produced from locally grown ingredients. While technically prepared for regional markets, the company identified buyer connections, packaging support, processing equipment and export logistics as the critical investments needed to scale successfully.

From Dominica, Bee Natural founder, Terri Henry-Lovell, described how her award-winning natural wellness products, developed from locally sourced honey, beeswax and propolis, have already entered several Caribbean markets despite significant logistical constraints. Her experience highlighted a challenge shared by many small island businesses: exports often depend on travellers carrying products in personal luggage because reliable, affordable regional air or sea freight options remain limited. While demand exists across the Caribbean, AgriMSEs continue to face obstacles including inconsistent freight services, high transport costs, cold-chain limitations, customs procedures, packaging costs and difficulties accessing distributors. Representatives from logistics provider, Onboard

$282M

PATIENTS at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) are now benefitting from faster and more advanced CT imaging services following the full operationalisation of the hospital’s new GYD 282,058,200 CT scanner on Monday.

The new system is expected to improve diagnostic accuracy through clearer, higher-resolution images,

Freight and Logistics, joined discussions on practical shipping solutions, customs procedures and cargo consolidation opportunities for small-volume exporters.

The forum also heard from Caribbean retailers, who stressed the need for more consistent export documentation, greater awareness of CARICOM certification procedures among producers, and stronger coordination between exporters, distributors and logistics providers.

HARNESSING, CHANNELLING AND CHAMPIONING THE AGRIMSE POTENTIAL

The Caribbean is very capable of producing quality products.

The frank exchanges at the forum reinforced the view that the Caribbean possesses the entrepreneurial talent, innovative products and market opportunities needed for

success. For IICA-TT, this is very evident from working closely with a large number of AgriMSEs over at least, the last seven years.

The next step is creating the systems, partnerships and logistics that allow those businesses to compete, grow and thrive. For AgriMSEs, this remains an uphill battle, as summarised by CDB economist Xavier Ajani Malcolm, during the CDB’s 56th Annual Meeting early this year in Nassau, The Bahamas. According to Malcom, “the prevalence of informal employment limits the region’s ability to scale up production because businesses remain fragmented rather than growing into larger enterprises capable of increasing output quickly. It also hampers technological innovation, as formal institutions are needed to spread new technologies in a planned and coordinated way.… If you have large organisations that can imme-

diately scale up production, that’s better than if you have fragmented sets of informal employment.”

It is true that the AgriMSE sector remains fragmented, same for the agriculture sector in general.

Back in 2005 a fragmented and unorganised private sector in agriculture was number four among the ten key binding constraints in the Jagdeo Initiative, a strategic regional framework focused on removing constraints to agricultural development and improving food security.

While agri-food value-added products are listed as priority for production expansion, exports and import replacement targets in the ‘CARICOM 25 x 2025 + 5’ strategic framework, limitations of 2005 still exist, and even more so, for the large and growing number AgriMSEs. Harnessing, effectively channelling and championing the potential of their creativity and diversity

in both food and non-food agro-based products is essential not only to drive the export target, but to also inject dynamism and formality in the farm sector, the ultimate producer of the agricultural raw materials. Therefore, investing in AgriMSEs within a broader framework of MSME and agriculture development is a ‘win-win’ across the board.

Participants agreed that no single institution can solve these challenges independently. Instead, coordinated partnerships among governments, development agencies, private logistics companies, distributors, financiers and business support organisations will be essential to building sustainable regional value chains.

IICA Representative in Barbados, Allister Glean underscored the importance of “focusing on practical interventions rather than isolated training activities to support businesses from the earliest stages of development through to sustained participation in Caribbean and extra-regional markets”. The IICA-CDB initiative aims to move beyond traditional training programmes to provide entrepreneurs with tangible support that enables real commercial growth, including improvements in packaging and branding, accessing distributors, undertaking trial exports, strengthening compliance with market requirements and securing financing needed to scale-up sustainably and export.

As participants concluded, success will ultimately by the number of Caribbean products consistently reaching consumers throughout the region and beyond.

CT scanner becomes fully operational

while strengthening radiation-protection measures and increasing the efficiency of patient examinations. It also incorporates multilingual instructions to help patients better understand and follow directions during scans, improving both the examination process and patient comfort.

The scanner became fully operational after specialised training was completed for

GPHC radiologists, radiographers, CT technologists and other support staff responsible for delivering the service.

The investment comes after the hospital’s previous CT scanner experienced frequent technical problems and extended periods of downtime. During that period, GPHC partnered with private healthcare providers to ensure that urgent and critically ill patients continued to receive

scans at

them, with the corporation covering the full cost of the examinations.

However, the disruptions resulted in longer waiting times for some non-urgent patients.

With the new scanner now in service, the Medical Imaging Department is expected to focus on reducing the existing backlog and shortening waiting

times, while strengthening diagnostic support for key departments, including Accident and Emergency, Internal Medicine, Surgery and Cardiology.

A CT, or computed tomography, scanner uses X-rays and advanced computer technology to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the body. The technology assists doctors in diagnosing injuries, diseases

and a wide range of other medical conditions.

The investment forms part of GPHC’s broader efforts to modernise healthcare services and improve patient care.

Further expansion of advanced diagnostic services is planned through the hospital’s new Medical Imaging Centre, which is

S

page 19

Youth leadership workshop equips Region Three teenagers for workforce and community roles

TWENTY-NINE youths from communities across Region Three participated in a leadership and development workshop on Saturday aimed at equipping them with the skills and values needed to navigate the workplace, pursue entrepreneurship and assume greater responsibilities within their communities.

The workshop, held at the ZARA Computer Centre, Leonora, was hosted by Regional Division Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police Khali Pareshram and Deputy Regional Division Commander, Senior Superintendent of Police, Kevin Das.

Facilitated by Corporal Torres of the Youth and Recruitment Department, attached to the Community Relations Office of Regional Division Three, the session brought together young people, scout members and other young adults from communities across the division.

The interactive workshop focused on public speaking, leadership, management, critical thinking, decision-making, responsibility and accountability.

Particular emphasis was placed on youths who had recently completed secondary school, with discussions designed to prepare them for the responsibilities, expectations and professional standards associated with entering the workforce.

Aspiring entrepreneurs and young business owners were also encouraged to strengthen their management capabilities, make informed and ethical decisions, and develop the leadership qualities necessary to become responsible and successful leaders within their communities and organisations.

The 29 participants were reminded that challenges, setbacks and criticism are inevitable aspects of both life and leadership. They were encouraged to remain resilient and to recognise that persever-

ance, sacrifice, integrity, accountability and a commitment to continuous learning are essential qualities of effective leaders and managers.

The workshop was held from 13:00 hours to 15:50 hours on July 18, 2026.

R3PSInc. head calls for national vigil as MV Barima tragedy claims several lives

HEAD of Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSInc.) Halim Khan has called for a national vigil and prayer session for the victims, survivors and families affected by the MV Barima tragedy, as the confirmed death toll rose to over a dozen on Monday.

Khan’s call came as the Government intensified its search-and-rescue operation, with the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre deploying 13 assets from first light.

On Monday, several bodies had been recovered during the day’s operation, but as the search continued the total number of confirmed bodies recovered since the MV Barima capsized increased.

The identification process, which will involve relatives, is being conducted at Suddie Hospital.

The MV Barima, a passenger and cargo vessel travelling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma, capsized approximately seven miles offshore near the mouth of the Pomeroon River late Saturday night. Sixty-seven people have so far been rescued, while authorities continue efforts to locate and account for all persons who might have been aboard the vessel.

The search has been complicated by discrepancies in the vessel’s passenger manifest. Authorities have reported that only 35 of the 67 rescued persons were listed on the official passenger record.

The Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, private vessels, local fisherfolk and other emergency responders have been engaged in the continuing search.

President Dr Irfaan Ali travelled to Mabaruma and Port Kaituma on Monday, where he met with survivors and relatives of persons still missing following the tragedy.

The President also met with brothers and sisters who were rescued, families affected by the disaster and survivors receiving medical care at the Mabaruma Hospital.

“We will continue to work closely with every affected family, providing

the necessary support and assistance during this difficult period,” President Ali said.

The Government has reiterated its commitment to deploying all available resources until every possible avenue has been exhausted in the effort to locate and account for every person who was aboard the MV Barima.

Against this backdrop, Khan has called for a national vigil and prayer session to honour those who lost their lives and to support the survivors and families continuing to await news of their loved ones.

R3PSInc. extended its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who died, while expressing solidarity with the survivors and those facing the difficult journey of recovery.

Khan also praised the efforts of the Guyana Defence Force, the Maritime Administration Department, emergency response agencies, private-sector organisations, volunteers and others involved in the search-andrescue operation.

“Their swift response reflects the resilience, compassion and unity of our nation during this difficult time,” he said.

Khan stressed that reliable transportation remained essential to the movement of people and goods, national connectivity and economic progress, but said development and public safety must advance hand in hand.

“Public safety remains fundamental to protecting

lives, supporting commerce and sustaining investor confidence,” he said.

He also called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, saying its findings should inform any measures necessary to strengthen safety standards, improve regulatory oversight and support continuous improvement across the transport sector.

The Government has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the capsizing, including issues surrounding the passenger manifest, cargo loading, maritime safety compliance and the conduct of the vessel’s captain and crew.

The captain and first engineer have been taken into police custody after testing positive for narcotics, according to officials, while the team responsible for the loading, dispatch and overall management of the MV Barima has been suspended.

As the search continues, authorities have urged anyone with information about persons who might have been aboard the MV Barima but were not included on the official manifest to come forward immediately.

Khan said the tragedy should reinforce the need for public safety to remain a shared national priority.

“As a nation, we honour those affected by renewing our collective commitment to safeguarding lives and fostering a culture where public safety remains a shared national priority,” he said.

West Side High beat Bush Lot Secondary by

9 wickets...

seven glorious fours and three effortless sixes.

Chasing Bush Lot Secondary’s paltry 77-9 in 15 overs, West Side High, suffered an inauspicious start when Afzal Amir bowled Noah Harilall off the ball of the innings.

Harilall’s demise made way for the ‘Danesar’ show as the talented teenage cut lose with an array scintillating shots on both sides of the wicket to delight of the

(From back page)

small but vocal gathering.

Danesar dominated an 82-run second wicket partnership with Devendra Samaroo who 27 balls in carefully constructed undefeated 17.

Danesar, who made 34 and had 3-3 in semis, closed off the match with consecutive boundaries off Rampaul Seeram’s first two balls, the second one going for six.

Earlier, in windy conditions, Matthew Surgrim, batting a number six, hit three sixes in a cameo 27 before he was bowled by Romel Sukhnandan at 77-

ENGLISH RACING TIPS

NOTTINGHAM

09:45 hrs Spaceage Love Song

10:15 hrs March Of Time

10:45 hrs Glamorize

11:15 hrs Beauty Generation

11:45 hrs Distant Shore

12:15 hrs Sixtygeesbaby

12:50 hrs Come On Over

SALISBURY

13:21 hrs Call Glory

13:51 hrs Soldier Of The Sea

14:21 hrs Topaz

14:51 hrs Blue Prince

15:21 hrs Dottie Diamond

15:51 hrs Fair Dinkum

WOLVERHAMPTON

13:00 hrs Zaraquelle

13:30 hrs Bellasio

14:00 hrs Jazzy Blue

SVG makes history with first-ever Caribbean team title...

(From back page)

patched Jamaica, Barbados, and Guyana with emphatic scorelines.

A 4-2 semifinal demolition of the Cayman Islands then set up a mouth-watering rematch with defending champions and longtime regional powerhouse Guyana.

If there were any doubts about SVG’s credentials after their 5-1 group-stage win over the Guyanese, they were brutally erased in the final.

The team’s youngest hero, Garrick, drew first blood with a clinical 11-2, 11-0, 11-4 dismantling of Jude Gobin. Jayden George and Jaydon Williams fol -

lowed suit, dismissing Justin Ten Pow and Joshua Verwey in straight games to leave the title hanging in the balance. With the trophy within touching distance, it was Aiden DeFreitas who etched his name into SVG folklore.

Inspired by his rampaging teammates, DeFreitas weathered a spirited fightback to seal a pulsating 11-8, 10-12, 11-2, 11-9 victory over Shiloh Asregado, sparking wild celebrations as SVG captured their maiden Caribbean team crown.

The success wasn’t confined to the boys’ camp. The girls’ team of Caeli George,

Ashwin wants to see Kuldeep...

Naira Skye-John, and Ciara George battled to a commendable 9th-place finish, contributing to an overall team standings podium as the Vincies clinched 3rd place overall.

With the taste of history still fresh, head coach Jules Snagg and his charges are already setting their sights on defending their title in 2027. Meanwhile, golden boy Jayden George is preparing for the ultimate test of his young career, jetting off to Canada for the World Junior Squash Championships, which run from July 20 – 31, 2026.

(From page 24)

8. Surgrim shared in 28-run stand with Renaldo Mohabir who ended on zero not out.

Surgrim was the only batter to reach double figures as Extras top-scored with 32 which included 29 wides.

Ricardo Laruie, Sukhnandan and Kishan Ramroop had two wickets each for the Zone 7 champions.

Heading into the national play-offs appropriate coaches should sent to the schools to work with the PE teachers and students to improve the standard of players.

14:40 hrs Mister Moet

15:00 hrs Musical Soldier

15:30 hrs Positive Thoughts

16:00 hrs Massimo Blue

IRISH RACING TIPS

BALLINROBE

11:36 hrs Bells Grove

12:06 hrs Whats New

12:39 hrs Houndsworth

13:09 hrs Lureka Du Noyer

13:39 hrs Wolf Prince

14:09 hrs Run For The Border

14:39 hrs Porquoi Poi

15:09 hrs Ballybollen

AMERICAN RACING TIPS

DELWARE PARK

Race 1 Seeking Unity

Race 2 Cha Cha Baby

Race 3 Expecting A Winner

Race 4 Royal Mist

Race 5 Endorse

Race 6 Dream Eagle

Race 7 Middummer Mo

Race 8 Yes Picnic

having two finger spinners in conditions that might not have suited spin necessarily. Come South Africa, you will need Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel and Washy [Sundar].

Both of them [Axar and Washington] got fifties and saw us home. But I think there is place only for one of the two players in the future. I would love to see Kuldeep handed better treatment because he is a matchwinner.

“Look at England, on the other hand. They are showing you what a good combination is. They went in with a finger spinner who can bat, which is Will Jacks. And they went in with an attacking spinner, which is Adil Rashid,” who plays a similar bowling role to Kuldeep in one-day cricket.”

Even during the threematch home ODI series against Afghanistan, Kuldeep

featured in just one game, when he went for only 42 in his ten overs in Lucknow but failed to pick up a wicket. Ashwin also said India still did not have a “first-class replacement” for Hardik Pandya and their “search is on”.

In Pandya’s injury-forced absence, India played Shivam

Dube. Dube didn’t get to bat but picked up 1 for 27 from his six overs.

“I like the fact that Shivam Dube was persisted with,’ Ashwin said. “He got six overs to bowl, which is something that’s a tick mark from the Indian perspective.” (Cricinfo)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Tuesday July 21, 2026)

CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel:225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Jayden Lennox (5/19) (2) John Campbell (43)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) What was the result of the third ODI of the current WI/NZ series?

(2) Who was voted Man of the Match?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

England seal series with record Lord's ODI total

ENGLAND hit the highest one-day international total at Lord's to beat India by 27 runs and seal a thrilling 2-1 series victory.

Opener Ben Duckett made the biggest men's ODI individual score at the Home of Cricket in striking 141 off 135 balls as the hosts posted 383-7, surpassing the previous mark of 334-4 by England against the same opponents in 1975.

(Scores: England 3873 (50 overs): Duckett 141 (135), Bethell 91 (93), Root 74* (48); Krishna 2-69

India 360-7 (50 overs): Rohit 138 (110), Gill 77 (84), Kohli 74 (60); Curran 4-75)

Duckett shared an opening stand of 192 with Jacob Bethell, who fell for 91, before finally chipping a return catch to Prince Yadav in the 44th over after smacking 18 fours and a six.

Joe Root helped drive England to their formidable total, hitting an unbeaten 74 from 48 balls for his sixth consecutive score of 50 or more in ODIs, while Jos Buttler added a blistering unbeaten 41 off 13 deliveries late on.

Asked to reach what would have been the second-highest winning target in the format's history, India

remained in the hunt deep in the game thanks to Rohit Sharma's superb 138.

The 39-year-old, who is rumoured to be retiring at the end of the series, was in sparkling form, hitting 17 fours and five sixes in his 111-ball knock.

He put on his own stand of 147 with Shubman Gill, who struck 77 before he was trapped lbw by Adil Rashid. Rohit's dismissal in the 38th over, bowled round his legs by Bethell, was the decisive moment in the match, leaving Virat Kohli to attempt to take India to victory as the required run-rate spiralled.

Kohli saw the remainder of the India middle-order dismissed cheaply, and he himself was then caught in

the covers off the bowling of Sam Curran for 74, effectively ending the tourists' challenge.

India's tail continued to hit boundaries, but their target was too great and they finished on 360-7.

England batters prosper at Lord's

When Harry Brook won his third successive toss of the series, he could have scarcely imagined the start his two openers were going to put together.

Duckett and Bethell had begun their time as opening partners with a stand of 63 at Edgbaston, but Duckett was dismissed first ball at Cardiff, while Bethell had completed two scratchy innings of 14 and four.

However, in London,

Former Test umpires Bucknor and Bowden to officiate in Over 60s World Cup

FORMER Test umpires, Jamaican-born Steve Bucknor and New Zealander Billy Bowden are among 17 umpires from seven countries named to officiate in the 42 Group stage matches of this year’s Over 60s World Cup in Toronto, Canada, set for August 9-23.

The tournament will feature 14 sides from hosts Canada, Australia, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Scotland, South Africa, Sri Lanka, United States, Wales, West Indies, Zimbabwe and, somewhat unusually given its an Over 60s’ event’, what’s titled an ‘Emerging XI’.

Umpires for the Group stage have been identified with those for the semi-finals and final to be named later. Nine Canadian umpires, with their number of Group stage games in brackets, are Sanjev Balachandran (2), Suresh Budhoo (5), Azad Hosein (4), Sush Mahalanobis (3), Victor Sebastian (1), Rohan Shah (2),

Kantharatnam Shanthikumar (4) Danny Singh (1) and Rohan Weatherspoon (4) make up just on half of the panel.

The others are ‘Billy’ Bowden (7) and Evan Watkin (7) from New Zealand, and now New York-based Steve Bucknor (7) of the West Indies, all of whom have all stood at Test level, Darryl O’Sullivan (7) and Peter Tate (8) both from Australia, Bob Szpadt (7) and Martin Wale (7) both from Wales, and Sar-

avanakumar Venkatesan of the United States (8).

Eleven of the 17 umpires in Budhoo, Hosein, O’Sullivan, Shah, Shanthikumar, Szpadt, Tate, Wale, Watkin, Venkatesan and Weatherspoon, have all been involved in a range of Over-40, 50, 60 and 70 World Cups over the last decade while Shah is a member of the International Cricket Council’s fourth-tier International Development Panel.

they both looked utterly in control as the India bowlers struggled to find their length.

The pair started swiftly, their 27 off the first three overs the highest score a team has ever reached in an ODI at Lord's, setting a platform for England's first century opening stand since the 2023 World Cup.

They pushed on deep into the innings, with England not losing a wicket in the first 20 overs for the first time since their victorious 2019 World Cup.

The records continued to tumble, with their partnership becoming England's highest opening stand at Lord's and their highest ever against India.

It was ultimately broken in the 31st over when Bethell

chipped Prasidh Krishna to Rohit to square leg.

Duckett pushed on, reaching his century from 108 balls before being dismissed shortly after he and Root had completed their century stand.

Root saw Brook become Krishna's second victim, caught by Kohli for 14, but found a willing partner in Buttler, who smashed four fours and three sixes. Root ended unbeaten for the fourth consecutive innings in ODIs.

Rohit defiant in possible last stand

If this is to be Rohit's last innings on the international stage, there will be few curtain calls that can rival it.

The veteran former India captain, playing in his 514th match for his country, scored

his 34th century in one-day internationals and his eighth in the format in England, second to only Root.

He and Gill matched England's largely chanceless opening stand, with the series finale only the second ODI to see both sides put on a first-wicket score of over 140.

Rohit reached his century in 84 balls and continued to harangue the England attack, pummelling the opposition with his trademark powerful pull shot.

His efforts kept India in contention long after they would have been expected to fall away, and in the 38th over his side reached 253-1, surpassing the 250 England had made at the same stage. It seemed highly possible at that point that he and Kohli could match Root and Buttler for late-innings hitting and drive India to victory, only for Rohit to be bowled tamely in the following over.

Kohli, who at 37 may also be playing his final game at Lord's, made his first international half-century at the ground, but he was ultimately one of four batters to be dismissed by Curran, who profited as India desperately chased the game. (BBC Sport)

Ashwin wants to see Kuldeep given ‘better treatment’

FORMER India spinner

R Ashwin wants to see the team giving Kuldeep Yadav “better treatment”.

Kuldeep has now sat out three of India’s last four ODIs, including the first one against England in Birmingham. The team management opted for finger spinners Axar Patel and Washington Sundar, who can also contribute with the bat. Axar took 4 for 62 and scored an unbeaten half-century in the chase.

Though Washington Sundar went wicketless in his four overs, he too scored an unbeaten fifty as India chased down 263 with six wickets to spare. But Ashwin feels there will be place for only one of them in the XI during the 2027 ODI World Cup in Africa.

“I have an issue with the kind of treatment that Kuldeep Yadav has been given,” Ashwin said. “We’re

Not enough words to write about Garry Sobers: Michael Holding

MICHAEL Holding paid glowing tributes to Garry Sobers who passed away on Friday at the age of 89. Sobers is widely regarded as the greatest all-rounder to have played the game, but Holding, himself a West Indies legend, viewed the Barbadian through the eyes of Ian Chappell, who considered Sobers to be the greatest batsman ever.

"Ian Chappell in particular revered the man and once told me, 'Mikey, this talk about Garry being the best all-rounder there is, he's the best batsman I've seen.' The all-round tag was obvious but he didn't want it to just end there, he singled him out as a batsman as well."

Coming from an Australian, that unqualified praise should be regarded as a special homage, given that the Australians have long considered Don Bradman the greatest batsman of all time. Sobers scored 8,032 runs at an average of 57.78 in 93 Tests. In addition to those runs, he had claimed 235 wickets at an average of just over 34, inviting classification as an all-rounder.

“There aren't enough words that can be written or said to fully give the great man justice but his humility is something that cannot be left out of any story," Holding (72) said in a text message to Cricbuzz on Saturday. "I remember him as a great, who never spoke about himself. Never kept telling people what happened 'in his time'. He left others to talk about his greatness.

"Every West Indian cricketer would have and should continue to walk proudly knowing the best ever came from the same place they're from. His brilliance couldn't be matched by us lesser mortals

Plaisance FC crowned EDFA...

Ground.

The young squad secured the title by finishing with the tournament's highest points tally, capping off an intense final round of matches on Friday.

The championship battle went right down to the wire. Buxton Stars FC entered the decisive fixtures entirely level with Plaisance, boasting five wins and eight goals apiece. However, in a tense finale, Buxton saw their title hopes dashed as they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat at the hands of Mahaica Determinators FC, paving the way for Plaisance to seize the crown.

Despite the final-day heartbreak, Buxton Stars FC held on to finish as runners-up. Melanie FC claimed third place, while Golden Stars FC secured fourth. Crucially, both Plaisance

FC and Buxton Stars FC will now carry their regional success to the national stage.

As the top two sides, they have officially qualified for the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Youth Ensemble U-13 National Championship, which is scheduled to take place between late July and early August.

The final day of competition delivered the same intensity that has characterised the tournament from its opening whistle, with clubs across the East Demerara corridor displaying impressive technical ability and teamwork.

Following the conclusion of the fixtures, EDFA President, Rickford Profitt, commended the dedication of the community in making the youth competition a resounding success.

"I have a heart of grate-

CWI Rising Stars Men’s 50-over Championship…

Barbados remain unbeaten following fifth straight win, march into final

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, , (CMC) – Barbados Under-19s continued their dominant march through the CWI Rising Stars Men’s 50-over Championship on Monday, securing their fifth consecutive victory with a commanding seven-wicket thrashing of Jamaica.

3-17 to ensure the Jamaicans never recovered from early setbacks.

but at the same time, you strive to uphold your own standards to as high a level as possible."

Holding's international career, spanning 60 Tests and 102 ODIs (1975-87), began after Sobers had ended his illustrious career, which lasted from 1954 to 1974. One of the feared bowlers of his time, Holding probably missed playing along Sobers.

"Sir Garry was a bit before my time and I probably only saw him at Sabina Park twice when I was still at school. His greatness to me was exemplified by how the greats of his era spoke about him," Holding said. (Cricbuzz)

(From page 27)

fulness and I'm very thankful for the coordinators, parents, and volunteers. I'm happy we have completed the U-13 competition, and next comes the U-15 competition." — Rickford Profitt, EDFA President

The GFF also extended their congratulations to all participating clubs, coaches, and match officials, wishing the top two teams success in their upcoming national fixtures. The EDFA Youth Ensemble Programme will now shift its focus entirely to the ongoing U-15 competition, which is expected to conclude in the coming weeks.

While Plaisance lifted the team trophy, several individual talents were recognised for their standout performances throughout the campaign.

At Bethesda Sports Ground: The young Bajans have now stamped their authority on the tournament in emphatic fashion, booking their place in Wednesday’s final with an unblemished record that has sent a clear warning to their remaining rivals.

Barbados seamer Zarell Harding led the demolition job with the ball, claiming figures of 4-24 as Jamaica were skittled for a paltry 107 in just 27.5 overs after they decided to bat.

The Jamaican innings never gained any traction and looked in tatters at 69 for seven in the 22nd over, with only lower-order batter Geovanni Grey offering resistance with 24 and Joel Williams remaining unbeaten on 16.

Harding received excellent support from Justin Parris, who chipped in with

In reply, Barbados made light work of the modest target, racing to 110-3 in just 14.4 overs. Jordan Graham top-scored with a brisk 29, while captain Gadson Bowens contributed 21 and Kemar Dixon finished unbeaten on 19 to see his side home with plenty of time to spare.

The victory means Barbados have now won all five of their round-robin matches and will head into the final full of confidence as they chase back-to-back regional Under-19 crowns.

At Pigotts Sports Ground: Windward Islands produced a dominant display to crush Guyana by a mammoth 219 runs.

Opting to bat first, the Windwards amassed an imposing 315-9, powered by Theo Edward’s fluent 87 and Derwin Lewis’s aggressive 73.

Cody Fontinelle provided valuable support with 33 as Adrian Hetmyer took 4-47 and Gilbert Griffith 3-36, leading the Guyana bowling effort.

The chase proved catastrophic for Guyana, who

were skittled for just 96 inside 17.1 overs. It was all over by the shout as Guyana were at one stage 29-7. However, Darwin Joseph’s unbeaten 33 was the only innings of note, while Elran Glasgow wreaked havoc with 4-30 and Tyler Venner claimed 3-11 to complete the rout.

At Liberta Sports Club: Trinidad and Tobago kept their final hopes alive with a tense four-wicket victory over Leeward Islands.

The Leewards posted a competitive 270-9 in their 50 overs, with Eirette Richards top-scoring with 83 and Matthew Miller contributing 65.

Tanez Francis chipped in with 38, but Qadeer Juman’s excellent spell of 4-29 and Christian Lall’s 3-15 restricted the total.

T&T’s chase was anchored by Tariq Richards, who fell just short of a century with a brilliant 88. He found able support from Ethan Ramcharan 48 and Levi Ghanny 47, who kept the innings on track despite Kunal Tolokani’s three-wicket haul of 3-38. The Red Force reached their target with 10 balls to spare, finishing on 273-6.

Sciver-Brunt joins Trent Rockets coaching staff

FORMER England bowler, Katherine Sciver-Brunt, has been appointed as assistant coach of Trent Rockets Women for the 2026 edition of The Hundred.

Sciver-Brunt is England Women's second-highest wicket-taker across all formats, claiming 335 scalps in 267 appearances, and played for Trent Rockets in the first three editions of The Hundred, making 19 appearances.

The 41-year-old retired in 2023 and transitioned into working as a co-commentator and analyst, with this her first coaching role in her post-playing career.

"The time has come for me to step back into a role within cricket. I've had a wild three years since retiring, trying to figure out what life looks like for me now as a mum," said Sciver-Brunt, who has a one-year-old son with her wife and fellow

Sciver-Brunt took 10 wickets and scored 176 runs across three seasons with Trent Rockets

cricketer Nat Sciver-Brunt.

"The first place I thought of was Trent Rockets. Trent Bridge is such a special place and having been involved as a player with the Rockets before, coming back as a coach was an opportunity I couldn't turn down.

"I'm moving into a new era, and I know coaching and mentoring players of this standard will be something I'll love."

Former Nottinghamshire spinner Graeme White is also joining Chris Read's coaching staff in the role of fielding coach, while former South Africa white-ball bowling coach Anton Roux has been appointed as assistant to Peter Moores for Trent Rockets Men.

Lamine Yamal 'completes football' at 19 as Argentina betrays Messi

WHEN brilliant Spain teenager, Lamine Yamal, embraced a tearful Lionel Messi at the end of the World Cup final, it looked and felt symbolic. A passing of the torch.

Messi, at 39, gazed long and hard at Argentina's fans packed around the New York New Jersey Stadium as they sang his name after what may be the last time he graces the game's biggest stage.

And, with the world watching, it was Lamine Yamal who offered the great Argentina icon consolation before they fell into each other's arms.

Barcelona's number 10 embracing their most legendary number 10.

A different image to the amazing photo of a 20-yearold Messi bathing a sixmonth-old Lamine Yamal in September 2007 as part of a charity calendar raffle that went viral once more in the build-up to this game.

The baby boy is now a man, and Messi may be at the end of his World Cup journey.

Lamine Yamal - two decades younger and still in the infancy of his career - has effectively completed international football by lifting the World Cup two years after he came to wider prominence by winning the Euros when Spain beat England.

He, like Messi, a product of Barcelona, came into the tournament troubled by a hamstring injury, but ended it as the youngest player - at 19 years and six daysto win both the World Cup and Euros.

And one of the key storylines contained within this disappointing World Cup final was how Lamine Yamal's influence was assisted by the purist strategies of his Spain teammates - while Messi was betrayed by Argentina's provocative approach.

It yielded nothing, which was what it deserved.

Spain and Lamine Yamal have grown through the tournament to leave him with the world at his feet and football's two greatest prizes in his pocket.

As well as having glorious natural gifts, he is also Spain's lucky charm. They completed their domination of the international stage with Ferran Torres' decisive 106th-minute strike in extra time.

Lamine Yamal has yet to lose for his country in the 28 competitive matches he has played. He has started 13 games at major tournaments and won all of them - the longest 100% win rate of any European player across major tournaments when starting.

He also became - along with 19-year-old Spain team-mate Pau Cubarsijust the fourth and fifth teenagers to start a World Cup final and win, after

Pele for Brazil in 1958, Italy defender Giuseppe Bergomi in 1982 and Kylian Mbappe with France in 2018.

Spain’s coach, Luis de la Fuente, spoke afterwards of his "sincere gratitude" to Lamine Yamal.

"He has played great football that will help him to mature and be even a greater footballer than he already is," he said.

"He really sacrificed for the collective good. This is very important in my squad. In my opinion he played a great World Cup."

And this is not simply a special talent, it is a special talent with a special temperament.

He shrugged off Argentina's obvious attempts to intimidate him as he regularly came into close contact with Nicolas Tagliafico in particular.

Former England goalkeeper and BBC Sport pundit Joe Hart summed it up

well.

"Not only did Lamine Yamal not react," he said.

"He stood up to it. He was not rattled and he did not back down. He had the entire team trying to smash him.

"He just stayed real cool. It was real standout performance from him.

"Lamine Yamal is 19 years old. What a beautiful day for him. He's 19 and has completed football." With virtually his whole career in front of him, and taking in the experience and influence of Spain’s team-mates such as his captain and player of the tournament Rodri, there is every chance Lamine Yamal will add more successes like this before he is done.

Jamaica Kingsmen unveil overseas stars for 2026 CPL campaign

KINGSTON, Jamaica,

(CMC – THE Jamaica Kingsmen have officially announced their seven-man overseas contingent for the 2026 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League, striking a calculated balance between elite Pakistan internationals and emerging subcontinental talent.

The lineup, featuring Maaz Sadaqat, Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Hassan Khan, Hunain Shah, Shayan Jahangir, and Tayyab Arif, has been meticulously assembled with a phased availability plan designed to maximise impact across the tournament’s duration.

The Kingsmen’s overseas roster will operate in distinct waves. Hassan Khan and Hunain Shah commit to the full campaign, arriving from day one to provide a settled all-rounder anchor and a strike-bowling spearhead respectively. Shayan Jahangir and Tayyab Arif will also join at the season’s outset, completing the overseas core for the opening fixtures. Then, on August 19, the contingent pivots. Saim Ayub, Maaz Sadaqat, and Usman Khan will link up

with the squad, replacing Jahangir and Arif in a strategic handover that injects fresh batting artillery for the tournament’s decisive backend.

Maaz Sadaqat, a left-handed batting all-rounder, has been earmarked as one of Pakistan’s most electrifying white-ball prospects.

With an ODI cap to his name and a destructive top-order game complemented by left-arm orthodox spin, he turned heads during a dominant showing at the 2025 Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament.

Saim Ayub needs no introduction. The Pakistan international is widely regarded as one of the most explosive left-handed openers

Holder’s Knight Riders edge Freedom to capture...

Ben Dwarshius led a disciplined Freedom bowling attack taking 3-31, with Mitchell Owen (2-14), Rachin Ravindra (2-23) and Nikhil Chaudhary (2-32) all providing support.

However, Holder along with Sunil Narine returned to snare the first six wickets, as the Freedom fell agonisingly short of their target, finishing on 163 for nine in their 20 overs.

Needing 14 runs off the final over bowled by Shadley van Schalkwyk, Obus Pienaar smashed a huge six off the first ball to reduce the equation to eight off five balls, bringing up his half

in global white-ball cricket, renowned for his fearless stroke play and improvisation. His off-break bowling adds a valuable extra dimension to the Kingsmen’s attack.

Usman Khan arrives as a right-handed wicketkeeper-batter with a reputation as one of franchise cricket’s most feared strikers. A Pakistan international, his ability to single-handedly flip a match within overs makes him a lethal weapon in the middle order.

Hassan Khan brings versatility as a right-handed all-rounder, with his slow left-arm orthodox bowling and lower-middle-order hitting earning him runs across

(From page 27)

century in the process.

But van Schalkwyk held his nerve to york him with the next delivery before having Ian Holland caught off the ensuing ball.

Lockie Ferguson hit a

multiple international T20 leagues.

Hunain Shah, a right-arm medium-fast bowler from a storied cricketing family, has carved out a reputation for ice-cool composure under pressure.

Shayan Jahangir, the US national team’s right-handed wicketkeeper-batter, joins for the opening phase, bringing dependable glovework and international experience from franchise competitions worldwide.

Tayyab Arif, a right-handed batter with a strong Pakistan domestic pedigree and Under-19 national pathway, rounds out the early-phase contingent, eager to stamp his authority on the franchise stage.

boundary off the fourth ball, to bring it down to four off two balls, but van Schalkwyk gave up just two singles off the final two balls and the Knight Riders held on for victory by the slimmest of margins.

Narine, who was named Player-of-the-Match and Player-of-the-Series, grabbed 3-13, while Holder took 3-31 and van Schalkwyk 2-50.

Kemar Roach to be honoured for historic 300-wicket milestone at Kensington Oval today

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC )– Cricket West Indies (CWI) will officially recognise Barbadian pace legend, Kemar Roach, for his historic achievement of claiming 300 Test wickets during a special on-field presentation at the innings break of the fifth One-Day International between the West Indies and New Zealand at Kensington Oval today.

Roach, who became only the fifth West Indian and second Barbadian to reach the coveted landmark, achieved the milestone during the Men in Maroon’s victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test of the two-match series in Antigua.

The 38-year-old now stands among the immortal names of West Indies cricket, joining Courtney Walsh (519), Sir Curtly Ambrose (405), Malcolm Marshall (376), and Lance Gibbs (305) in an elite brotherhood of bowling greatness.

With free admission having been announced in honour of the late Sir Garfield Sobers, organisers are encouraging Barbadians and cricket fans alike to fill the stands at the historic Kensington Oval and show their appreciation for Roach’s remarkable journey.

CWI President, Dr The Hon. Kishore Shallow, paid glowing tribute to Roach’s illustrious career, emphasising the significance of honouring a player who has carried the West Indies attack with distinction for nearly two decades.

“For the better part of two decades, Kemar has represented the West Indies with distinction, displaying extraordinary skill, heart and determination every time he has worn the maroon cap,” Dr Shallow said. “He has been an outstanding ambassador for Caribbean cricket, and an inspiration to generations of young fast bowlers.”

The presentation will feature representatives from Cricket West Indies, the Government of Barbados, and the Barbados Cricket Association, coming together to salute one of the region’s finest modern-day pacemen.

Kemar Roach became only the fifth West Indian and second Barbadian to reach the coveted landmark

“I am personally heartened to witness a player of this generation whose unwavering commitment and exceptional contributions

Holder’s Knight Riders edge Freedom to capture maiden MLC title

...Sunil Narine was named Player-of-the-Match and Player-of-the-Series

have earned him a rightful place among the legends of our game. On behalf of Cricket West Indies, I once again extend heartfelt con-

gratulations to Kemar on this remarkable achievement. It is a richly deserved honour, and one that reflects the profound impact he has made on West

Indies cricket.”

Since making his Test debut against Bangladesh in 2009, Roach has established himself as one of the premier fast bowlers of his era. His 300 Test wickets have come at an exceptional average of approximately 28.83 and an economy rate of 3.10, with 12 five-wicket hauls and one ten-wicket match haul to his name. Renowned for his immaculate control, subtle late movement, and relentless accuracy, Roach has enjoyed success across all major Test-playing nations and has been the cornerstone of the West Indies pace attack throughout his career.

In recent years, the veteran quick has assumed a pivotal leadership role within the West Indies bowling unit, mentoring younger pacemen while continuing to deliver match-winning performances. His influence extends far beyond statistics, serving as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers throughout the Caribbean region.

Plaisance FC crowned EDFA U-13 Champions after final-day drama

OAKLAND, United States, (CMC) – THE Jason Holder-led Los Angeles Knight Riders captured their first-ever Major League Cricket (MLC) title with a dramatic one-run win over the Washington Freedom here on Saturday. After being sent in to bat at the Oakland Coliseum, the Knight Riders got up to 164 before being bowled out in 19.4 overs.

27 balls, his partner Colin Munro scored 40 from 29 balls, while Matthew Tromp added 37 off 21 balls in an otherwise disappointing batting display by the Knight Riders.

Opener Andre Fletcher hit the top score of 47 off

Big hitters Andre Russell (0), Rovman Powell (4) and Holder, who made just eight, all failed to fire with the bat.

(Turn to page 26)

Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin did not attend the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain in protest against Fifa. While the Slovenian did travel to Mexico City for the opening game between the co-hosts and South Africa, he snubbed the trip to New Jersey on Sunday after a series of decisions taken by world football's governing body.

Uefa reacted strongly after United States striker Folarin Balogun escaped a suspension following an intervention from US President Donald Trump.

Uefa president boycotts World Cup final in protest against Fifa

This was a key factor in Ceferin's decision not to go to the final.

Uefa had criticised Fifa's decision at the time, calling it "unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable".

"When the certainty of rules is no longer guaranteed by its guardians, the integrity of the game is at stake and the credibility of a competition is undermined," Uefa said in a statement.

Ceferin is also firmly against many other changes driven by Fifa president Gianni Infantino, including half-time shows. They will not be introduced to the

Champions League or the European Championship.

Pop giants Madonna, BTS, Shakira and Justin Bieber were among the acts to perform in the event, which extended the usual 15-minute half-time break to 27 minutes 22 seconds.

Uefa is also strongly against a 64-team World Cup, which Infantino appeared to open the door to during the tournament.

After referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the US before the tournament started, Uefa invited the Somali to officiate the Super Cup between Paris St-Ger-

main and Aston Villa on 12 August.

The high-ticket prices have also proved controversial within Uefa.

Uefa will broadly freeze ticket prices for Euro 2028meaning supporters will be able to buy five for the price of a single parking space at a World Cup stadium in the United States this summer.

BBC Sport reported on Friday how Uefa has instructed its VARs not to consider diving under the new mistaken identity protocol, as Fifa has during the World Cup. This led to Switzerland striker Breel Embolo being

sent off in the quarter-final defeat to Argentina.

Players who cover their mouths in confrontations with opponents will not be shown red cards in Uefa competitions either.

The issue of players covering their mouths became high profile in February when Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni raised his shirt while speaking to Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr during a Champions League game.

The Argentina international was accused of racist abuse and provisionally banned for one match. Following a Uefa investigation,

Prestianni was found guilty of homophobic conduct and banned for six matchesthree of which were suspended.

The law change for a red card was the brainchild of Fifa president Infantino, who wanted something which would have "a deterrent effect" at the World Cup.

Paraguay's Miguel Almiron was the first player to be sent off in his side's World Cup group game against Turkey. Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie then saw red in Ecuador's last-16 exit to co-hosts Mexico.

history with first-ever Caribbean team title at Junior CASA 2026

By Sean Devers

The Beharry Group National U-19 schools T20 cricket tournament, organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Zone 7 climaxed on Sunday night with the final of West Ber -

bice Zone under lights at the Woodley Park ground in Cotton Tree Village, West Bank Berbice.

Led by an entertaining unbeaten half century from Man-of-the-Match Ricardo Danesar, West Side High demolished Bush Lot Secondary by nine wickets in

a game reduced to 15 overs due to rain.

It is said that when night falls the stars come out to shine but on Sunday night the only star that shone was Danesar who followed 34 earlier in day with a masterful 54 which lasted just 35 balls and decorated with

(Turn to page 23)

their win on Sunday night ROAD TOWN, Tortola, (CMC) – TEAM SVG sent a thunderous message to the region’s squash elite at the 2026 Caribbean Junior Squash Championships (Junior CASA), storming to a historic first-ever team title and cementing their status as the undisputed kings of the court.

The Vincy contingent’s fairy-tale campaign in Tortola ignited with a blistering

start in the individual events, where the young guns racked up a glittering haul of two golds, one silver, and one bronze.

Zavin Garrick (Under-11) and Jayden George (Under-17) topped the podium, while the Boys Doubles pairing secured silver and Jaydon Williams fought his way to bronze in the Under-19 category. But the real fireworks

were saved for the team competition. The star-studded sextet of Zavin Garrick, Savante Padmore, Ethan Webster, Jayden George, Aiden DeFreitas, and Jaydon Williams lived up to their No. 1 seeding with a ruthless display of power and precision.

The group stage was little more than a procession for the Vincies, who disSVG makes

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