Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 21-08-2026 by Guyana Chronicle

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Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett urges more realistic approach to post-2030 SDGs No.1081883

–– says access to finance critical to meaningful progress, transformation

Under the Adopt-an-Orphanage Initiative, The Kunjaz Group recently concluded its annual free music programme for children from care homes across Georgetown. Over the course of two weeks, the programme offered children a meaningful opportunity to explore their creativity, develop new talents and express themselves through music, while contributing to their overall growth and development (Photo: First Lady Arya Ali/Facebook)

Avalon Gold eyes major employment, career prospects for Guyanese 03 PAGE

–– PEA outlines path for potential large-scale mining operation at Omai, significant investment, long-term employment, and sustained opportunities for Guyanese businesses

TAJ Emerald to offer 300 high-quality two-bedroom condominiums –– 30 public servants to get 5% downpayment, 4% interest rate as part of an appreciation package

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Aunty Betty of Culvert City, Lethem is now the proud recipient of a newly constructed home, delivered through the efforts of the PPP/C Region Nine Cluster. This remarkable before-and-after transformation represents another meaningful intervention that has brought improved living conditions and a better quality of life to Guyanese (People’s Progressive Party/Civic photo)

Opposition Leader stalling work of constitutional commissions –– Nandlall says, points to limited response to President Ali’s letters regarding appointments

GPL removes over 220 illegal electricity connections 19 during three-day operation PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, August 21, 2026

Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett urges more realistic approach to post-2030 SDGs - says access to finance critical to meaningful progress, transformation

By Feona Morrison GUYANA’S candidate for United Nations (UN) Secretary General, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, has called for a more realistic approach to the global

development agenda after 2030, arguing that the ambitions of future development goals must be matched by the resources and time available to achieve them. Speaking recently on the Global Dispatches

podcast, Rodrigues-Birkett, who is Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the UN, said the current Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) remain valid and important. However, she questioned whether the 15-year timeframe

originally established to achieve the 17 goals was overly ambitious. The UN officially adopted the 17 SDGs on September 25, 2015. They came into effect on January 1, 2016, with a 15-year timeframe running until

Guyana’s candidate for United Nations Secretary-General, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett (UN photo)

December 31, 2030 She said the international community should take those lessons into account when shaping the post-2030 development agenda. “Fifteen years to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals might have been very, very ambitious,” Rodrigues-Birkett said. She argued that future goals should be designed with greater consideration for the practical circumstances facing developing countries, particularly their ability to secure the financing required to implement major development programmes. She said, “As we consider the post-2030 agenda, we would have to ensure that our ambition matches the means of what we will be able to achieve for the next period.” Rodrigues-Birkett maintained, however, that reassessing the timeframe should not be interpreted as abandoning the SDGs or reducing their importance. “The goals remain very, very valid, very noble,” she said, adding that member states would ultimately determine how the next phase of the global-development agenda is approached. She identified access to finance as one of the major issues that must be addressed if developing countries are to make

meaningful progress. Drawing on Guyana’s own development experience, Rodrigues-Birkett said countries require adequate financial resources to make transformative investments. She noted that Guyana was once classified as a heavily indebted poor country and said debt relief had been important to the country’s subsequent progress. “Without that relief, we would not be able to achieve what we've been able to achieve,” she noted. Rodrigues-Birkett pointed to improvements in Guyana’s education and health sectors as examples of what greater access to resources can help countries accomplish. She said financing must therefore remain central to discussions about the post-2030 development framework, including the terms under which developing countries can borrow. The diplomat also argued that the United Nations needs to work more closely with international financial institutions, including those responsible for development financing. She acknowledged that the UN itself is not an international financial institution and therefore does not control lending decisions. However, she TURN TO PAGE 4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 21, 2026

Avalon Gold eyes major employment, career prospects for Guyanese –– PEA outlines path for potential large-scale mining operation at Omai, significant investment, long-term employment, and sustained opportunities for Guyanese businesses

AVALON Gold Exploration Inc. (Avalon) recently announced its Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) on August 19, outlining potential for a longlife, large-scale gold-mining operation in Guyana. According to a press release, the PEA represents a significant advancement for the OMAI Gold Project, outlining a development pathway for a long-life, large-scale mining operation and outlining the scale of investment, employment and business opportunities that could accompany the project if advanced. The PEA indicates that if the project advances it could result in an investment of approximately G$300 billion, with between 1,500 and 2,000 workers expected during construction and approximately 900 direct long-term jobs during operations, the company said, adding that the proposed mine would have an initial operating life of 18-20 years, creating sustained demand for Guyanese labour, skills, goods and services, both as direct and indirect opportunities. The assessment builds on approximately five years of exploration and investment by Avalon at Omai. During this period, the company has maintained a permanent camp, completed an extensive drilling and technical programme, and developed a team that includes Guyanese geologists, geotechnicians and other local personnel working alongside international specialists. The release noted that the project currently hosts approximately 8.0 million ounces of gold resources,

positioning OMAI among Guyana’s significant emerging gold developments. The PEA projects production of 6.3 million ounces of gold over the life of the mine or

a final feasibility study, environmental permitting, and issuance of a mining licence. “Development of OMAI would also create procurement opportunities for Guy-

expectations. “After five years of exploration, this Economic Study gives us a clearer picture of what a new OMAI could become. Our focus

MINING AND LONG-TERM VALUE Alongside technical development, Avalon is progressing through the environmental-review

An aerial view of the proposed mining site for the OMAI Gold Project an average of 351,000 ounces per year, once the proposed mine is operational. Continued exploration also indicates potential to extend the mine’s life beyond the initial period outlined in the study. It added that the project’s principal deposits are Wenot and Gilt and both have been shown to extend to depths of at least 1200m below surface. The current development concept envisages open-pit mining at Wenot, with underground mining at Gilt to commence a few years later as the project advances. Development is subject to additional drilling,

anese businesses across transportation, construction, equipment services, engineering, accommodation, catering, maintenance, and other support services. Linden and Mile 58, which have supported Avalon’s exploration activities, are expected to be among the communities well positioned to participate as the project advances, alongside businesses and workers across Guyana,” the company said in its release. Meanwhile, Jake Thomas, Avalon’s Director of Government and Community Relations said about the project and the new

is on building a long-life operation that creates dependable skills development and career opportunities for Guyanese workers and businesses, while contributing to the country’s broader economic development. “We also recognise that scale brings responsibility. As the project advances, we will continue to work with regulators, communities and other stakeholders to ensure that environmental stewardship, safety and meaningful local participation are built into the development process.” RESPONSIBLE

process, the release said, noting that an application for an Environmental Impact Assessment has been submitted to Guyana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and public consultations have been held in Linden, Mile 58, Georgetown, and Mahdia. Additionally, the company is working with the EPA to determine the Terms and Scope for the next phase of baseline and environmental studies, with further stakeholder engagement expected as the process advances. “Avalon is working towards a 2030 production objective, subject to

further technical studies, environmental and regulatory approvals, financing, and a future construction decision. Project planning will address areas including water management, tailings safety, biodiversity, waste management, monitoring, rehabilitation and mine closure, alongside occupational health and safety systems appropriate for a modern mechanised operation. “If developed, OMAI is expected to contribute to Guyana’s economic diversification through wages, local procurement, and investment and, once in production, applicable taxes, and royalties. The company’s stated objective is to build on OMAI’s long legacy in Guyana by creating sustained value for all stakeholders, including workers, communities, businesses, and the wider economy,” the release said. Avalon Gold Exploration Inc. is the wholly owned Guyanese subsidiary of a new Canadian exploration and development company Omai Gold Mines Corp. It holds a 100 per cent interest in the Omai Gold Project in Region Seven, where it is advancing exploration, technical studies, and environmental work towards the potential redevelopment of the Omai mine. The project encompasses the Wenot and Gilt gold deposits and benefits from established site infrastructure and road access. Avalon is committed to responsible mineral development, constructive stakeholder engagement and generating employment, procurement, and other long-term economic opportunities for Guyana, according to the release.

Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett...

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, August 21, 2026

FROM PAGE 2

said a secretary general could use the UN’s global voice to work with member states in advocating for changes to the international financing system. “I would not be the secretary general to stand on a pedestal with a moral stick to beat the IFIs, [International Financial Institutions]” Rodrigues-Birkett said. Instead, she said the UN and these institutions should work together as partners. She called for incremental changes that could have a wider impact across

developing countries, particularly by addressing disparities in borrowing costs. Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett said developing countries should not face disproportionately high interest rates compared with larger countries with similar circumstances. She also pointed to the UN’s work on the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index, which seeks to account for vulnerabilities that may not be reflected adequately by traditional economic measures.

According to her, such tools could help international financial institutions better assess the circumstances of vulnerable countries when determining access to financing. Beyond financing, Rodrigues-Birkett said the post-2030 development process should draw more heavily on the experiences of countries that have made progress under the existing framework. She said the UN has a significant presence on the ground and has accumulated information about what has worked, what has failed and where adjustments may be necessary. She said “that information on what has worked, what we may need to tweak, what are some of the challenges we see,

what are some of the positives that we’ve seen over these last 15 years” would be important when the next development agenda is being considered. Rodrigues-Birkett also suggested that the future agenda could place greater emphasis on helping developing countries attract private-sector investment. She said there is significant capital available in the private sector, but countries may need greater technical assistance to understand and meet the conditions necessary to attract investment. She stressed that the UN should use the lessons of the current SDGs to shape a post-2030 framework that is ambitious, while remaining achievable. For Rodrigues-Bir-

kett, the next phase of global development will therefore require realistic timelines, greater access to finance, stronger co-operation with international financial institutions and practical support to help developing countries attract investment. If appointed, Rodrigues-Birkett would become the first Guyanese, the first Caribbean national and the first woman to lead the United Nations in its 80-year history. She is seeking to become the next Secretary-General of the UN, with her campaign centred on institutional reform, effective multilateralism, and practical leadership at a time of growing global uncertainty. Rodrigues-Birkett brings more years of pub-

lic service experience spanning national government, international civil service, and diplomacy. Her résumé includes service as Guyana's Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and International Co-operation, Director of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Liaison Office in Geneva, and Permanent Representative to the United Nations since 2020. Academically, she holds a master’s degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy, with distinction from the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, and a bachelor’s degree in Social Work, also with distinction, from the University of Guyana.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 21, 2026

Tackling Electricity Theft

MORE than 220 illegal connections. Roughly one megawatt of stolen power. Three days, four communities. The numbers GPL’s Loss Reduction Department released this week should alarm every household in Guyana. Let’s be unambiguous: stealing electricity is not a victimless hustle. It is an assault on public safety. Every jumper wire strung across a fence or spliced into a meter box raises the odds of electrocution and fire for the person who rigged it, the neighbour’s child who wanders too close, and the GPL lineman sent to fix a fault nobody flagged. It overloads transformers sized for a fixed customer base and degrades service for everyone else on the line, leaving paying customers to contend with surges, outages and their appli-

ances ruined by dirty power. Anyone tempted to romanticise theft as a poor man’s rebellion against a utility monopoly should sit with that truth first: the risk falls hardest on the very communities committing the theft. GPL and the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation deserve credit for treating loss reduction as the emergency it is, not a line item to be managed quietly. Eccles, Diamond Phase Three, Little Diamond and Sophia were sensible places to start, and the promise of a sustained, nationwide campaign is the right posture. But credit should not curdle into complacency, because this week’s enforcement drive addresses only the symptom. The disease is a grid running at capacity amidst a growing demand.

Consider the arithmetic GPL itself has published. National electricity consumption has nearly doubled in six years. Peak demand on the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System jumped from 221 megawatts to 242 in a single year, and planners expect it to touch roughly 266 before the season’s hottest stretch, August, September and October, when air conditioners push evening demand to its limit between 7 pm and 9 pm, is over. The customer base has swollen by 46,000 connections since 2020, alongside a boom in housing and commercial buildings. One recovered megawatt, however welcome, is a rounding error next to the 21-megawatt jump in peak demand recorded over the past year alone. Guyana’s power problem is not primarily that some people are stealing

electricity; rather, it is that the country is growing faster than its capacity to generate, transmit and deliver the power everyone legitimately needs. With the Gas-to-Energy project and other major generation projects to come on stream soon, this problem could easily vanish with continuous planning. That distinction should shape what comes next. If GPL treats disconnection raids as the finish line, it will win a few headlines and lose the larger war. The same pressures that pushed people onto illegal lines in the first place will simply create new illegal connections behind the crews after they leave. This campaign must continue to be matched with investments in generation and grid resilience to ensure problems are avoided. Cutting illegal wires is necessary. It is nowhere near sufficient.

Minister Mustapha, Zimbabwe Ambassador discuss wheat production, rice export

MINISTER of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha received a courtesy call from the Non-Resident Ambassador of the Republic of Zimbabwe to Guyana, Patrick Mutasa. During the engagement, the officials discussed areas of mutual interest, including capacity building for the production of tropical wheat in Guyana and the supply of rice to Zimbabwe’s market. Minister Mustapha welcomed the continued partnership and expressed his commitment to further strengthening co-operation between Guyana and Zimbabwe, particularly in the areas of agriculture, trade, and technical development (Photos: DPI/Facebook)

The usual suspects are ashamed to use their names

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 21, 2026

IN November 2022, 42 members of the social gathering that I have given the title, The Usual Suspects (TUS), wrote President Ali a letter demanding the end to oil production. They wrote: “We are deeply concerned that the Government’s policy to pursue economic development based on oil and gas is bad for Guyana. Oil and gas production are an existential threat to Guyana. We cannot support government’s policy to produce oil and gas when every ton of greenhouse gas pollution cause (sic) loss of life in African countries. In light of the above we call for a national moratorium on all petroleum operations in Guyana – offshore and onshore.” Here is the list, and check where a majority of them live: Vanda Radzik Alissa Trotz Vidyaratha Kissoon Karen de Souza Pauline Melville Christine Samwaroo Danuta Radzik Maya Trotz Susan Collymore Joy Marcus Halima Khan Vanessa Ross Wintress White Gary Girdhari Nicole Cole Abbyssinian Carto Nigel Westmaas Joan McDonald Duane de Freitas Akola Thompson Joan Cambridge Immaculata Casimero Alma O’Connell Terry Roopnaraine Colin Klautky Earl John Janette Bulkan Sandy de Freitas Sherlina Nageer Jocelyn Dow Elizabeth Deane-Hughes Mosa Telford Suraiya Ismail Leila Jagdeo Gerald Perreira Romario Hastings Paulette Allicock Daniel Allicock Isabelle de Caires Luke Daniels Red Thread Amerindian Peoples Association South Rupununi District Council The Breadfruit Collective Makushi Research Unit Of those names listed above, here is

the foreign status of those who signed the letter: 1: Dr. Janet Bulkan serves the University of British Columbia. 2: Dr. Alissa Trotz serves the University of Toronto. 3: Dr. Nigel Westmass serves Hamilton College in New York. 4: Dr. Maya Trotz serves the University of South Florida. 5: Isabelle DeCaires lives in her homeland of the UK, where her son plays County Cricket for Middlesex. 6: Abyssinian Carto is of Rastafari orientation, and lives in New York. 7: Dr. Cary Gildarie lives in New York. 8: Terry Roopnaraine lives in his homeland, the UK. 9: Pauline Melville moved to the UK since the early 1950s. 10: Christina Samaroo moved to New York in 2008. 11: Luke Daniels lives in the UK. In a column on these people on this page of Wednesday, April 24, 2024 titled, “Pauline Melville: Let them eat air or breadfruit,” I wrote the following words: “I did not state the time these people left Guyana. In many cases, the time is between 15 and 45 years. Imagine you’ve been gone for 45 years, and you want to decide for us who live here? Isn’t this unmitigated hubris and hauteur? To say we must come off oil production is a colossal act of reckless assault on Guyana’s future. Maybe if we come out of oil and our income is decimated, the Breadfruit Initiative will feed us breadfruit. I will starve, because since from growing up in Wortmanville, I never liked breadfruit.” Now this same mindset is up to it again. Guyana has uranium, and a company is here to invest in uranium extraction. TUS does not want uranium investment, because they say it harms the environment. It is the identical argument to the one they sent the President in November 2020. Here are the words of TUS: “We join with all who have spoken out against the dangers and environmental damage of uranium mining, which, if approved, will leave a legacy of destruction to the health and well-being of the Indigenous people who live in the Middle Mazaruni, to the flora and fauna which inhabit this area, to the land which provides livelihoods, and to the rivers and waterways, including the mighty Mazaruni, which provides life and sustenance to so many.” It is the same story all over again by TUS: Guyana has a sacred duty to save the world’s environment. I am not a believer, but only God knows why TUS has

bestowed on the Guyanese people the task of saving the world. This country that has been poor in the past is now seeing and getting some money so we could have a future. But a few foreign-based Guyanese arrogate to themselves the right to dictate our future for us. Now here is the thing that will make you laugh. The TUS personalities and organisation that wrote the President in 2022 about stopping oil were 42. This time, only one name is printed (Danuta Radzik) with the no other signatures but the words

“concerned Guyanese and environmental defenders.” They are ashamed to use their names, because they know they live in other countries where the environment is being destroyed. And they cannot say or do a damn thing about it. Let Guyana develop its uranium industry as it did with its oil. DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.

Diamond Regional Hospital offering treatment for psychiatric patients 8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 21, 2026

THE Diamond Regional Hospital is the first of the six new regional hospitals to offer inpatient care for psychiatric patients. This was revealed during a recent interview with the Administrator, Dr Sheik Amir, who is proud of the hospital’s achievements. “Right now, we are seeing more than we were catered for. We are the only facility of the six new hospitals that has psychiatric patients admitted…Of course we have to send them, like the very aggressive patients, to the GPHC but we do admit a few of them here, and we do manage them,” he told the Department of Public Information (DPI). The Head Psychiatrist, Dr Andria Veeren, will soon start its mobile clinic on the very first Thursday of every month. “The whole idea behind the mobile clinic is to reach patients who can’t come to the hospital, but not only patients who can’t reach

The $6.6 billion Diamond Regional Hospital, another project conceptualised and realised under the current administration the hospital, but patients that they are doing well. pital, or walk-in patients. the public, along with the who can be a little more “So, we don’t wait unThe doctor was posted others, ever since Presiviolent and aggressive til their next appointment. to the Diamond Diag- dent Dr Mohamed Irfaan and are not as compliant We call them to check up nostic Centre in 2023, Ali officially commiswith medication. So, you on them, see how they are as part of the Ministry of sioned the $6.6B state-offind a lot of times that doing,” she stated. Health’s efforts to decen- the-art Diamond Regionthey don’t have insight, In the past year, the tralise that service. She al Hospital, a landmark so they are not aware d e p a r t m e n t h a s s e e n also visits Kuru Kuru, facility designed to delivthat they are sick,” she s o m e 2 0 8 7 p a t i e n t s . Eccles, Herstelling, St er world-class healthcare told DPI. These were either refer- Cuthberts, Supply and services to thousands of The department also rals from the Georgetown Soesdyke health centres. Guyanese residents. conducts regular checks Public Hospital, other deThe hospital has been The hospital reflects on their patients to ensure partments within the hos- continuing this service to the government’s on-

going commitment to modernising Guyana’s healthcare system and expanding equitable access to quality medical care for all citizens. The hospital features 75 beds, 24-hour emergency and laboratory services, state-of-the-art imaging technologies (including CT scans, digital X-rays, and ultrasound), and three surgical theatres. It also houses specialised care units such as the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), High Dependency Unit (HDU), neonatal care, and outpatient clinics for internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics, paediatrics, ophthalmology, audiology, and dentistry. President Ali highlighted that the hospital is a significant investment in the people of Guyana, part of a broader strategy to improve healthcare delivery, increase life expectancy, and ensure every citizen can access efficient, comfortable, and high-quality medical services. (DPI)

GUYANA is positioning its agricultural sector as a regional production and investment hub, leveraging its land, freshwater resources, expanding infrastructure and strategic access to CARICOM and northern Brazil to strengthen food security across the Caribbean. Investment is being channelled into key areas including corn and soy production, livestock, aquaculture, large-scale farming, agro-processing, cold storage, logistics, packaging, and value-added food production. The focus is increasingly shifting away from the export of primary commodities, with Guyana seeking

to attract investors to establish processing and other value-added operations locally. This approach is expected to create greater productive capacity, expand employment and retain more of the value generated within the country. According to Chief Investment Officer of the Guyana Office for Investment, Peter Ramsaroop, during an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), this presents opportunities for CARICOM businesses through joint ventures, contract farming, processing facilities, regional distribution networks, and technology partnerships.

sources and access to South American markets. As Guyana expands its agricultural production and processing capacity, the country is seeking to become more than a supplier of raw commodities, positioning itself as a regional platform for production, processing, storage, and distribution converge to support CARICOM’s food-security objectives. The strategy ultimately seeks to transform investment into sustained regional food security while creating new opportunities for Caribbean businesses to participate in Guyana’s expanding p ro d u c t i v e e c o n o m y. (DPI)

Guyana drives regional food production

Chief Investment Officer of the Guyana Office for Investment, Peter Ramsaroop

“The investment proposition is straightforward: produce in Guyana, add value in Guyana and use Guyana as a platform to supply the Caribbean,” Ramsaroop urged. CARICOM investment currently accounts for approximately five per cent of recorded investment activity in Guyana, with notable participation from Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago, as well as investments from Barbados in services and other Caribbean markets. However, the broader objective is to deepen regional economic integration by creating supply chains that connect Caribbean capital and expertise with Guyana’s agricultural re-

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, August 21, 2026

Opposition Leader stalling work of constitutional commissions

- Nandlall says, points to limited response to President Ali’s letters regarding appointments

President Dr Irfaan Ali

ATTORNEY General Anil Nandlall, SC, recently said the consultations on appointments to three key constitutional commissions have not advanced as anticipated. He noted that while the main parliamentary Opposition submitted three names for the Local Government Commission (LGC), responses to two other requests from President Dr Irfaan Ali only acknowledged receipt of the correspondence. Speaking on his weekly programme ‘Issues in the News’ on Tuesday night, Nandlall said President Irfaan Ali wrote to Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed on July 24, seeking his input on proposed appointments to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), Public Service Commission (PSC), and LGC. Nandlall said the letters were sent through Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira and were intended to formally begin consultations required under the Constitution and, in the case of the Local Government Commission, the relevant legislation. “The President, through Minister of Parlia-

mentary Affairs and Governance, dispatched three letters to the Leader of the Opposition to initiate consultative engagements required under the Constitution in relation to the appointment of important tribunals,” Nandlall said. He said one of the letters concerned the Judicial Service Commission, whose previous membership had expired. “The membership of that commission expired. And the process has begun for the appointment of a new commission,” he noted. According to the Attorney General, the President is required to engage the Opposition Leader in meaningful consultation before certain members of the commission are appointed. He maintained that the July 24 correspondence was drafted to satisfy that constitutional requirement. “The letter complied with the constitutional requirement because the Constitution stipulates what would constitute meaningful consultation,” Nandlall said adding, “The letters, if I may say so, followed that constitutional prescription.” The second letter concerned appointments to the

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC

Public Service Commission, while the third was for the Local Government Commission. Nandlall said the latter consultation is governed by the Local Government Commission Act of 2013, which also requires the President to consult the Opposition Leader on appointments. Nandlall said the Opposition did provide nominees in relation to the Local Government Commission, noting that three names were put forward to President Ali. These were Leola Narine and Leslyn Lowe, both representing the main opposition party, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), and Nicholas Chesney of Forward Guyana Movement (FGM). He added, “And here, again, the President is required to consult with the Leader of the Opposition on appointments to that commission.” The Attorney General said the letters also established timelines for the consultation process. “They all indicated a time within which a response is expected from the leader of the opposition,” Nandlall said. He added that the cor-

respondence also indicated “a time also when the President is likely to make the relevant decision” on the appointments. However, Nandlall said the Opposition Leader did not respond personally to the correspondence. Instead, he noted that Mohamed acknowledged receipt of the three letters and informed Minister Teixeira that Opposition Chief Whip Tabitha Sarabo-Halley would respond on his behalf. Sarabo-Halley subsequently replied to the correspondence. However, Nandlall said the consultation process for the Judicial Service Commission and Public Service Commission had not advanced, as the Opposition’s responses to the President’s letters only acknowledged receipt. “In two of them, she acknowledged receipt. And that is the input. Just acknowledgment of receipt of the correspondence. I don’t know what that means,” Nandlall disclosed. He then quoted one of the responses, which stated: “Kindly convey the acknowledgement of the leader of the opposition, Honourable Azruddin Mo-

Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed

hamad, to His Excellency, the President.” According to him, the Police Service Commission also needs to be appointed, with work ongoing to identify suitably qualified persons before the consultation process can begin. The government considers the consultation process to have been formally initiated but not yet advanced to the point where the appointments can be concluded. The Attorney General’s remarks also come after President Ali publicly indicated that he would engage the Opposition Leader whenever the Constitution places such a responsibility on him. Nandlall sought to reinforce that position, stating the President has already acted on that commitment by initiating consultations on the three commissions. He said the process is particularly important because the Constitution and legislation prescribe consultation with the Opposition Leader as part of the appointment mechanism. The Judicial Service Commission, Public Service Commission and Local Government Commis-

sion each play important roles within Guyana’s governance and public administration framework, making the appointments necessary for their continued functioning. The JSC is responsible for key matters concerning the lower judiciary, including the appointment, promotion, and discipline of judicial officers, helping to safeguard the independence of the judiciary. The PSC oversees the public service, including appointments, promotions and disciplinary matters involving public servants, and plays a role in maintaining a professional and politically neutral civil service. The LGC regulates and oversees staffing and other matters relating to local government organs, while also handling dispute resolution within and between those organs. The Police Service Commission oversees matters concerning the appointment, promotion, discipline, and other personnel matters of members of the Guyana Police Force, in accordance with the Constitution and relevant laws.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, August 21, 2026

OPM-IIU concludes Innovation Camp in Linden

THE Office of the Prime Minister’s Industry and Innovation Unit (OPM-IIU) recently concluded its five-day Innovation Camp, held for the first time in the mining town of Linden, Region Ten. From August 10 to 14, 2026, the free programme brought together young people ages 12 to 19 for an exciting week of technology-driven learning, creativity, and innovation. The participants who came from Blue-

berry Hill, Andyville, Buckville, Central Mackenzie, Speightland, Lower Kara Kara, Amelia’s Ward, Coomacka Mines, and surrounding communities, developed practical skills in computer productivity, cybersecurity, coding, and programming. Through interactive exercises and handson activities, they explored how technology can address everyday challenges and create educational, personal, and professional opportunities.

The sessions were facilitated throughout the week by Racquel Gill, and the Innovation Camp equipped Linden’s youth with valuable digital knowledge, inspiring them to become creators, problem solvers, and active contributors to Guyana’s digital transformation. The next leg of the Innovation Camp continues in Region Four at the Better Hope Community Centre on the East Coast of Demerara. Along with building ICT capacity, ICT

The OPM-IIU concludes its Innovation Camp held for the first time in Linden (OPM-IIU photo)

job creation and business incubation, the Industry and Innovation Unit is mandated to create an en-

abling environment that will support an ICT driven private sector, drive economic growth, eliminate so-

cial inequalities, and level the playing field for equal access and economic upliftment for all Guyanese.

Two Region Three mothers earn skills in carpentry through WIIN

Bibi Salem WOMEN are slowly taking their place in fields that have been traditionally dominated by men. Coreen Thomas and Bibi Shaneeza Salem, two women stepping into the field of carpentry are learning skills that will build their confidence and futures on their own terms. Through the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) programme in collaboration with Nations Incorporated, Thomas and Salem, along with 14 other participants from around Region Three are enrolled in an internationally accredited City and Guilds certification programme in carpentry, opening the door to more opportunities for them.

Coreen Thomas According to the ministry, the 16 participants are not just learning a trade, they are building a pathway to bigger opportunities. Thomas, a single-parent mother of three from Goed Fortuin on the West Coast of Demerara, Region Three, said she has learned a lot. “Learning a skill is the best thing right now, especially going out into the world of work; and I would like to say a special thank you to the Minister, and the President and the government of Guyana for making this possible and a reality,” Thomas said. Salem is from Vergenoegen, Sideline on the East Bank of Essequibo, Region Three. The mother of two shared that she is thankful

for this opportunity which has allowed her to learn a valuable skill. The young mother said she is currently building her home in Meten-Meer-Zorg. With the skills learned, she will be working towards finishing the structure. “I know that the construction fee and so on is way high and I cannot afford (that), so I come and learn something so I can gain something in the future,” Salem expressed. This programme was championed by the subject minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud so that women can be equipped with the skills, confidence and opportunities to become financially independent, break barriers and build the futures they would like to have.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, August 21, 2026

QC scholar, talented musician blazes uncommon path at 17 - achievements include CSEC and CAPE ‘passes,’ business diploma, national literary prize in the same year

By Andrea Hendricks WHILE many students map their lives in neat, familiar steps, CSEC in fifth form and CAPE in sixth, Juvell Atherley has been quietly rewriting the order to suit his goals and what he wants his life to look like. Queen’s College scholar, who is just 17, recently sat CSEC and CAPE examinations in the same year, earning 15 Grade Ones and one Grade Two at CSEC, while simultaneously

reshaped his mindset; if he could perform in a “season of doubt,” he reasoned, he could do it again when the stakes were higher. Even so, he said the best part of school is not the scoreboard at the end. “The best part of school is the learning,” Atherley said, describing the value of hearing different perspectives, building relationships with peers and teachers, and learning how to manage his own personality. “You have to be teachable in life,” he added.

celebrated. At the award ceremony, Atherley said he felt content receiving the prize, even as he acknowledged a private tension many high achievers know well: there are moments when he feels inadequate in himself. The recognition, then, was not only public applause; it was reassurance that he was on the right track. HUMBLE, FOCUSED AND MULTI-TALENTED His creativity also shows up in other work. After writing an

592Fusion founders Juvell Atherley (right) and Lael Garnet (left) display their steelpan talent at Panjam In De Village in 2025 (Photo courtesy of Juvell Atherley) completing three CAPE Level 1 subjects. On top of that, he is two months away from achieving a Diploma in Business Management through the GOAL scholarship programme. It is, he insists, less about chasing a trophy shelf and more about choosing his own lane. “I am a dreamer, someone who takes an unconventional path from my peers,” Atherley said. From Parfaite Harmonie on the West Bank of Demerara in Region Three, Atherley grew up as an only child with a strong support system around him. He credits the “grace of God” and a steady community—his parents, an uncle, wider family, and teachers—for helping him push past self-doubt into discipline. And in a Guyana pressing for more homegrown excellence in classrooms, business and culture, his story lands as a national reminder that talent is not confined to Georgetown, and when village support and opportunity meet, young people from places such as Region Three can set a pace that turns heads across the country. The decision to write CAPE alongside CSEC was not a spurof-the-moment gamble. Atherley said he approached teachers early, telling them he wanted to include their subjects in his exam preparation. Their encouragement, he recalled, helped him take on the extra load with confidence. He points back to an earlier turning point: in fourth form: he wrote three CSEC subjects even while uncertain of himself and still excelled. The experience

That outlook also explains why he describes his growth “in a vertical sense.” He said he did not want “quantity, but quality”—depth that comes with added challenge. For him, adding CAPE was not simply more subjects; it was a test of focus, maturity, and method. Atherley’s drive is not limited to the classroom. In August 2026, he earned first place for Best Story in the Youth Category of the Guyana Prize for Literature for his short story, “Saltwater Does Not Forget”—a milestone that marked him nationally as an emerging talent in Guyanese writing. He is the first to admit that literature was not always his comfort zone. “I wasn’t always a fan of reading and writing; it was one of the most powerful things I could have given to the world,” he said. Writing, he explained, has become both a mirror and a bridge: a way for people to “see his personality,” interpret his thoughts, and find their own meaning in what he puts on the page. Inspiration comes from daily observation—social injustice, quiet internal conflicts and the small moments that reveal larger truths. He often keeps a notepad and pens close by, ready to capture lines and ideas as they appear. He believes Guyana’s stories are not scarce; they are everywhere. There is, he said, “a fountain of writing material just from daily living” and the experiences of local people—evidence, in his view, that Guyanese literature still has room to grow and be

electronic subject a year earlier, he said he used what he learned and turned it into a practical craft in digital media, working as a graphic designer. On any given week, Atherley is balancing academics with music, creative projects, faith, and family time. To stay organised, he relies on Google Calendar and a daily log—tools that, he said, keep him honest about what he planned versus what actually happened. The system has also taught him humility. Tracking his days showed him he “has failed more than win,” because plans sometimes fall apart. But he does not treat that as defeat, he adjusts, continues logging, and uses the record to manage his time and refine his routines. Music is another anchor. Atherley is a percussionist and leads his own band, 592Fusion, a steelpan orchestra with big ambitions and a community focus. Beyond performance, he wants the group to open doors for other young people interested in the music industry, creating space to learn, practise and grow. The band’s sound, he said, is intended to stretch across genres—calypso, jazz, reggae, gospel, Soca, and Latin. “I want to take 592Fusion from being a band to a movement, where others can learn music and have the space to do so,” he told this publication. His leadership extends beyond music. Atherley enjoys volunteering and giving back, and he has participated in the 12 months 2025 Young Influencer Programme, representing it in

national forums and supporting campaigns such as youth dialogues hosted alongside the Rights of the Child Commission. Those who meet him today might assume he has always been a “brainbox,” but his childhood was more ordinary—and, at times, medically complicated. He lived with a respiratory health condition monitored until the age of nine. Still, he remembers playing outside with friends and being encouraged by parents whom, he said, supported what he wanted to pursue through primary and secondary schools. Looking ahead, Atherley plans to complete sixth form and

Juvell Atherley (Sachin Persaud photo) continue to tertiary education to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Law. He also wants vocational skills training as part of his wider development goals. For now, he is not pretending to have every step scripted. As he puts it, he does not have his life mapped out—only a

commitment to do his best, give back to the underprivileged and follow where God leads. Wherever his purpose takes him, that is where he is prepared to go, confident that “it will be better in the end from where it all started,” he told this publication.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, August 21, 2026

Essequibo leg of ERC’s Harmony Tour highlights faith, heritage, shared history THE Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) on August 19, 2026, concluded the Essequibo leg of its Harmony Tour, taking 51 participants, including 43 children accompanied by eight parents and guardians, to several sites of faith, heritage and national memory along the Essequibo Coast in Region

Two, Pomeroon-Supenaam. The commission was represented by its Chairman, Shaikh Moeenul Hack, together with Commissioners Reverend Rodwell Porter, Pandit Krishn Sharma, Mrs Chandrowtie Sarran and Mr Deon Dick (Ras Khafra), who joined participants throughout the day's engagements.

The religious component formed the heart of the tour. The group tour began at Badrinaath Ashram at Spring Garden, where participants stood beneath the 50-foot murti of the Hindu God Shiva, which is recognised as the largest Shiva murti in South America. The group then travelled along the coast

As part of the Essequibo leg of the Harmony Tour, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) took 51 participants, including 43 children accompanied by eight parents and guardians, to several sites of faith, heritage and national memory along the Essequibo Coast

to the St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church, located in the historic Queenstown village, which was purchased by emancipated Africans in 1841, before proceeding to the Anna Regina Mosque which was completed in the 1930s and currently houses the Al Madina Islamic Academy in the same compound. At each place of worship, participants were welcomed by representatives of the respective faith communities and learned firsthand about their beliefs, practices, and customs. Before entering each site, the children were briefed on the appropriate courtesies and conduct. For several participants, it was their first experience entering a place of worship belonging to a faith other than their own. Addressing the participants at the start of the tour, ERC Chairman Shaikh Moeenul Hack emphasised that meaningful harmony required more than simply living alongside people of different backgrounds. “Harmony does not begin when we agree on everything; it begins when we take the time to understand one another. Today, these young people did something powerful: they crossed the boundaries of familiarity, entered places that may not have been their own, listened to people of different faiths and learned to appreciate traditions beyond their own. That is how respect is built, and that is how a more cohesive Guyana is shaped,” he posited.

The tour also explored significant chapters in Essequibo’s history and heritage at sites such as the Aurora Chimney in Zeelandia and the Damon Monument in Anna Regina. At Mainstay/Whyaka, participants were welcomed into a titled Arawak village where they learned about the community's Indigenous heritage and were provided with a demonstration on the production of cassareep and cassava bread, among other product varieties that were being produced and sold by the community. Parents, guardians and children expressed appreciation for the initiative, with the guardians describing the tour as an opportunity they had not previously been able

to provide for their children. The ERC extends sincere appreciation to the Regional Democratic Council of Region Two for providing transportation and to the Guyana Police Force for its support in ensuring the safe movement of participants during the tour. The commission also expresses gratitude to the religious leaders, tour guides and institutions that welcomed the group and generously shared their time, knowledge and traditions, with special appreciation extended to the Toshao Ms Marsha Williams and people of Mainstay/Whyaka for their warm welcome. The Harmony Tour will conclude this week with its Berbice leg on Friday, August 21, 2026. (ERC)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, August 21, 2026

Next Step Guyana gives CSEC, CAPE students free career, professional guidance NEXT Step Guyana, a student-led platform designed to offer free mentorship and guidance to students across Guyan, on Thursday hosted a Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) results guidance session. The online event targeted students from Forms Four to Six, and those who recently received results for the 2026 CSEC and CAPE examinations. It featured topics on moving forward after school, understanding CAPE, choosing a path after CSEC, selecting CSEC and CAPE subjects, the University of Guyana's medicine, law, technology and engineering programmes, career opportunities in Guyana that students often overlook, studying abroad in Canada, the United States and at the University of the West Indies (UWI), tackling CAPE Mathematics, and getting career ready. Those engaging students during the threehour session were Arthur Roberts, David Sugrim, Akeriah Hinds, Aaron St. Hill, Dave Chowtie, Joshua Singh, Laurianne Lewis, Breanne Boucher, Theresa Nacimento, Ronaldo Rodrigues, Irshaad Ali, Reginald Brown, Ashwini Sarran, Anya Loaknauth, Alisande Jaiserrisingh, Joshua Gulab, Mahadeo Deokinandan and Trisha Heerlall. The session was done both in-person and via the zoom platform. After each presentation, there was a question-and-an-

swer segment. One of the discussions attended focused on the importance of CSEC results in shaping future career paths. The more than 70 attendees were told as well that they have various options at the university level and in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), apprenticeship and entrepreneurship fields. St. Hill during his presentation related to students that now that they have completed CSEC they may be wondering what to do next, and what they qualify for, as well as what career path they should take. “Before we start talking about specific careers or programmes or degrees, we should take a step back and look at the bigger picture, because your CSEC results are important. The thing is, they don't actually determine their goal.” Along with Hinds, his co-presenter, St. Hill referred to CSEC as the starting point, not the end. “Importantly, CSEC results don't matter now for you as a young student coming out of high school. They can determine what opportunities are immediately available to you, such as whether you move on to CAPE or programmes like TVET, university, professional institutes, apprenticeships, skill training, the workforce, entrepreneurship. These results are the best thing that we use academically and professionally, but they do not determine your entire TURN TO PAGE 15

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, August 21, 2026

Persons with disabilities complete makeup course at Mahaica Learning Lab FOR many, empowerment leads to independence. Through the Supportive Services Unit for Persons with Disabilities, under the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, several persons are acquiring marketable skills that can lead to employment and entrepreneurship. One of the recently highlighted skills training opportunities is the Makeup Artistry Course (training levels one to three), where participants gained hands-on experiences, built their confidence and turned creativity to opportunity. The sessions were held at the Mahaica Learning Lab, which provides free technical and vocational training for persons with disabilities

in Guyana. Grace Goodridge and Odessa Evans, two participants, recently spoke about their experiences in videos which were uploaded to the ministry’s Facebook page. Goodridge said that through the course, she has learned about the different types of makeup that can be used, as well as how to properly do the eyebrow, and contouring. “I enjoy doing it. I learn a lot. The different type of things to use on your face because your face is different from your body and you need to do something different,” she said. The woman expressed thanks to the Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr Vindhya Per-

FROM PAGE 14 future.” He cautioned the participants by saying that instead of thinking they have to have life figured out right that second, they should be thinking about opportunities that are available and which ones make the most sense for them at this stage. Hinds noted, “after school, you start seeing other opportunities, you start hearing about things you never heard about before in high school, and your mind kind of changes and that’s okay;” She continued, “Don't allow your family, or society to decide your future because at the end of the day, you want to sit at your desk, or you want to go on the summer, and you want to enjoy and really love and appreciate what you're doing, and it's important to not have regrets on the way. You want to love and be passionate about what you do.” Also mentioned during the discussions

were the emphasised importance of self-initiative and entrepreneurship, as well as attending and participating in competitions and various training sessions, volunteering, and maintaining extra-curricular activities. Next Step Guyana is a platform that was created last year to help students across Guyana by offering peer to peer guidance, empowering Guyanese students to choose, dream and act. Along with Thursday’s session, the organisation hosts daily sessions from Monday to Saturday. These sessions include youth programmes, CSEC support, CAPE support, guidance on studying abroad, and professional or career guidance, among many others. For more details persons can visit Next Step’s website: https:// www.nextstepgy.org/ where they can also access the link to join their WhatsApp for updates.

Next Step Guyana...

saud, saying, “Thanks [to] her for the initiative and if we could get more differently abled persons to come out because most of them is [sic]

Grace Goodridge hiding and we need to bring them out.” Meanwhile, Evans said that for her it was “a bit challenging.” However, she

persevered until the end and learned a lot. Like Goodridge, Evans stated, “I would like to be a part of many more courses

Odessa Evans to come. I would also like to thank the Ministry of Human Services to bring out more courses for people like us. Thank you.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, August 21, 2026

Guyana inches closer to world-class workforce - BIT CEO says, emphasises need for greater collaboration

THROUGH increased investment in training, education and job opportunities, Guyana continues to move full steam ahead towards developing a diverse and skilled workforce, according to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) under the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning, Richard Maughn. This comes after he gained the opportunity to ex-

perience the systems behind the labour force across four U.S. states, namely, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Wisconsin, Texas and Washington, D.C., during his participation in the U.S. Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), held under the theme, "Workforce and Business Development: Pathways for Youth." Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle following the experience, Maughn noted that Guyana's labour force

and human-capacity development strategy already has all the needed aspects of a world-class labour force, but the only missing aspect, he shared, is the need for greater collaboration. Recent years have seen Guyana strengthen its workforce through a number of steps in education, training and the opening of job and development opportunities. These steps, Maughn noted, have created the foundation of a labour force on par with

international standards. He explained that Guyana has already assessed and has begun work in combatting the same challenges faced by the world's largest workforces. "Guyana is on track in building a world-class labour market. A lot of what we are doing at the Board of Industrial Training is not much different from what a lot of people are doing around the world. The challenges young people elsewhere face are not

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) under the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning, Richard Maughn, displays his certificate after completing the IVLP. According to him, the experience reinforced his belief that Guyana is on track to building a world-class workforce

much different from what Guyana's youth face. Everybody may have different programmes, different approaches, but generally, people are working to achieve the same outcome; making sure young people receive the right skills and the right exposure. Guyana is on track," he said. The next step, he added, is collaboration. "There's a lot happening when it comes to government support for education in general. The main thing we need is to collaborate with each other." The U.S. Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) saw Maughn, along with more than 20 other participants from some 20 different countries, gain first-hand experience of the systems that support the U.S. labour force. Recounting the experience, Maughn noted that the focus on youth in workforce development stood out to him, particularly as it is a shift he is also seeing in Guyana. "One of the key things when it comes to workforce development and the focus on youth for the people of the U.S. was the apprenticeship programme, for which the Board of Industrial Training is responsible," he said. Maughn further pointed to the ILO's Quality Apprenticeships Recommendation, 2023 (No. 208), which emphasises the importance of structured programmes, inclusivity, and the protection of apprentices' rights, adding, "What I have come to realise is that everything for the U.S. when it comes to workforce development is interconnected. They are involved in internships, corporate education and apprenticeships, and what is happening with ILO Recommendation 208 asks us to focus more on apprenticeship. But in the U.S., it depends on what the labour force needs, what employers need, and what beneficiaries need, and as a sector, everything is interconnected," he said.

Moreover, he noted that speaking with other participants in the programme highlighted the fact that Guyana faces challenges similar to countless other countries. He noted that "One of the things that came out while we were there, 22 people from 20 different countries, with two people from South Africa and two from Egypt, is that the challenges we face here in Guyana are not unique to us. Most of us who were there were having similar experiences." However, Maughn noted that the discussion also highlighted the fact that Guyana is on the right track, adding, "One thing I know for sure is that the Board of Industrial Training is on the right path. A lot of what we have recommended over the years, a lot of what we have sought to implement, other countries are trying the same." While Maughn noted that the experience will help him rebuild and reignite confidence in the work of the BIT, it also highlighted that the steps Guyana is taking are not isolated or different from the rest of the world. Asked what he believes is the single biggest change he would bring back from the experience, Maughn pointed to systematic collaboration, stating, "What I would bring back to Guyana is the way everything works in a systematic manner." Maughn called for greater collaboration between the various bodies, agencies and the public and private sectors, to achieve a common goal of a fully developed, world-class workforce in Guyana. "It is about collaboration so we can achieve one common outcome. For us, that means making sure the labour force has people who are rightly trained and equipped to deal with the challenges, and to contribute to productivity and national development," he added.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, August 21, 2026

TAJ Emerald to offer 300 highquality two-bedroom condominiums - 30 public servants to get 5% downpayment, 4% interest rate as part of an appreciation package

COASTAL Rim Properties, Inc. (CRP), in partnership with Guyanese attorney Sanjeev Datadin, on Thursday, announced the launch of TAJ Emerald, its third major residential development in Guyana, a 300-unit gated condominium community on the East Bank of Demerara, with prices starting at US$110,000 (G$25M). According to a press release, TAJ Emerald is a privately developed, professionally managed condominium community designed to bring high-quality, modern homeownership to

est rate and financing for up to 30 years. All buyer financing for TAJ Emerald, including the special public-servant initiative, is provided directly in-house by CRP,” the release said. It added that the 30-condo initiative is a limited allocation within the broader private development and is being offered by CRP as a special gesture of appreciation for public servants. To apply, public sector workers can email mycondo@tajguyana.com along with a copy of their ID. A random drawing from all of the eligible applications

Meanwhile, Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith, welcomed the initiative, saying, “Housing security is workforce security. When a nurse, a teacher or a police officer can own a home on a public servant’s salary, we retain talent, we reward service, and we strengthen the very institutions that hold this country together. This is exactly the kind of private sector initiative the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning wants to see. One that puts working people first.” The public-servant ini-

This is what TAJ Emerald is offering a broader segment of the Guyanese market. As part of the launch, CRP is also introducing a limited special homeownership initiative for 30 public servants as a gesture of appreciation for the people who serve Guyana every day. “Under this special initiative, CRP will reserve 30 residences exclusively for members of the Guyana Police Force, public nurses, public school teachers, junior public servants, and other frontline government employees. Qualified workers pay just 5% down (US$5,500 on a US$110,000 home), with a flat 4% inter-

will be conducted in the first week of September, after which the 30 individuals will be processed for their condos. “Our teachers educate our children. Our nurses care for our families. Our police protect our communities,” said Giovanni Mola, Principal of Coastal Rim Properties, Inc. “This special initiative recognises their contribution and creates a realistic path to homeownership. We are following through on the government’s mandate to create more housing for Guyanese and look forward to engaging with the relevant agencies to expand this initiative,” he added.

tiative represents only a small portion of TAJ Emerald's 300 residences. The project is being developed primarily for the general market, with a wider public release limited initially to 50 market-rate units at special introductory pricing. Approved buyers pay a 30 per cent initial deposit with a flat four per cent interest rate over up to 30 years. Once the first 50 homes are sold, CRP will release later phases at updated pricing. Located steps from TAJ Diamond along the newly completed Buzz Bee Dam Highway, TAJ Emerald will feature two-bedroom condominiums with controlled

access, security patrols, dedicated parking and professionally managed common areas. Site works have begun, with initial delivery scheduled for Spring 2028, the release said. “TAJ Emerald reflects the design, engineering and development standards that guide CRP’s projects in the United States and Guyana,” said Nicola Mola of Coastal Rim Properties, Inc. “From professionally engineered underground stormwater drainage and modern infrastructure to controlled access and professionally managed common areas, every element has been planned with longterm quality, functionality,

and value in mind. We believe Guyanese homebuyers should not have to compromise on quality, design, or infrastructure to achieve homeownership, and TAJ Emerald is designed to set a new standard for what can be delivered at this price point.” The development is designed as a modern private residential community, with an emphasis on quality construction, thoughtful planning, security, professional management, and long-term value. “This launch complements CRP’s intention to offer housing solutions for all Guyanese. TAJ Dream Ogle is a 1,000-plus-unit lifestyle

community co-developed with NBA Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon which drew hundreds of reservations in its first month and has completed over 70 per cent of preliminary site infrastructure. TAJ Diamond, a 218-home gated community nearby, has entered vertical construction. Together, the three projects represent more than US$550 million in private residential investment, the largest private housing pipeline in Guyana and the surrounding region. To learn more visit TAJGUYANA.COM or to apply for the public sector special initiative, please email mycondo@tajguyana.com

Local content must go beyond jobs, contracts — Dr Gossai says

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, August 21, 2026

- calls for greater skills transfer, reinvestment to create lasting value from Guyana’s oil sector GUYANA’S local content policy must deliver more than jobs and contracts for local companies, with the ultimate goal being the transfer of skills, knowledge and expertise that can strengthen the domestic economy, Senior Petroleum Coordinator at the Ministry of Natural Resources Dr Bobby Gossai Jr. has said.

Speaking on the ‘Energy Perspectives’ podcast, Gossai said local content should result in “real value addition to the country,” rather than being measured only by the number of Guyanese employed or the amount of money spent locally. “Everyone would say, you know, I have my local content certificate and, you

know, I’m applying for a particular job, whether that is in the form of a contract or even a consultancy,” he said. “But what we want with our local content is the real value addition to the country,” he added. He said this includes the development of Guyanese companies, partnerships and joint ventures that allow local

businesses and professionals to acquire specialised knowledge from international companies operating in the petroleum sector. According to him, the government wants skills and ‘know-how’ to be transferred to Guyana, allowing local companies to develop the capacity to take on increasingly specialised areas of

Senior Petroleum Coordinator at the Ministry of Natural Resources, Dr. Bobby Gossai Jr. work within the oil and gas industry. He said, “That is the companies that are working here, the partnerships that are being formed, the joint ventures that are being formed, for those skills to be transferred here, for that know-how to be known in Guyana and for it to evolve over time.” The Senior Petroleum Coordinator said the objective is for knowledge gained through the development of Guyana’s petroleum sector to be retained and expanded locally. He said the country should eventually be able to source specialised oil and gas services from within Guyana rather than continually depending on foreign expertise. Gossai also pointed to the development of the country’s gas resources as another area where local content opportunities could expand. “As we move into the development of the gas resources, there are opportunities there which we will have to look at that Guyana is capable of producing or supplying for that other resource as well,” he said. He said local content is already being measured through indicators including the number of contractors working in the sector, employment levels and the amount of money being spent locally. However, he argued that these measures alone do not provide a complete picture of whether Guyana is receiving lasting economic benefits from petroleum development. “Local content is currently measured,” Gossai said, pointing to information on contractors, employment, and expenditure within the sector. But he said the government is increasingly interested in what happens to the profits generated by local businesses. “We want to see how much of that local profitability is used for further investment and reinvestment.” He identified several areas where such reinvestment could occur, including increasing staff numbers, training employees, and ex-

panding businesses. He stated, “Whether that is building your staff complement, whether that is training your people or whether that is expanding your business.” Gossai’s comments come as Guyana’s petroleum industry continues to expand, with the government seeking to increase local participation while attracting international investment and expertise. He said the country is working with oil companies and suppliers through the Local Content Secretariat to create opportunities for Guyanese participation in the sector. The government has also established a framework through the Local Content Act, which Gossai said currently covers 40 areas while allowing for improvements as the industry develops. He stressed that the framework is not intended to remain static, noting the oil and gas industry itself is constantly evolving. The Senior Petroleum Coordinator noted that the government is continuing to engage the public and business development organisations on possible improvements to the local content framework and on identifying additional areas in which Guyanese companies can participate. He also said information on local content is publicly accessible through the Ministry of Natural Resources’ online platform, including a local content portal where information can be tracked. Ultimately, he said, the objective is for Guyana’s participation in the petroleum sector to develop beyond immediate employment and contracting opportunities and toward long-term ownership of skills, knowledge, and business capacity within the domestic economy. Gossai said the measure of Guyana’s local content success will ultimately be whether the petroleum sector leaves behind stronger Guyanese businesses, a more skilled workforce and greater capacity to sustain economic growth beyond the life of the resource.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, August 21, 2026

GPL removes over 220 illegal electricity connections during three-day operation MORE than 220 illegal electricity connections, collectively drawing approximately one megawatt (MW) of power, were uncovered and removed during a threeday enforcement exercise conducted by Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL). The operation targetted Eccles, Diamond Phase Three, Little Diamond, and sections of Sophia, as the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation and GPL commenced a major nationwide campaign against electricity theft, a press release said. It added that the exercise was undertaken by GPL’s Loss Reduction Department as part of efforts to reduce electricity losses and ease unnecessary pressure on the national grid. “Illegal connections place additional pressure on transformers, feeders and other critical infrastructure, contributing to system overloads, equipment failures and power disruptions,” the ministry stated in its release on Thursday. It added that unauthorised connections also expose residents, GPL employees, and emergency responders to serious risks, including electrocution and electrical fires. The ministry and GPL reminded the public that electricity theft is both

dangerous and unlawful, while urging persons with unauthorised connections to visit GPL and regularise their electricity service. “GPL will continue conducting loss-reduction exercises in communities across the country as part of its commitment to improving the efficiency, reliability and safety of the electricity system,” the release stated. Guyana’s electricity consumption has nearly doubled in six years, and the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System recorded a fresh peak of just over 242 megawatts, up from about 221 megawatts a year ago. It has been reported that August, September, and October will be the hottest stretch of the year, with air-conditioning units and other appliances driving the heaviest use between 19:00hrs (7 pm) and 21:00hrs (9 pm) each evening. According to the press release, planners expect peak demand to keep climbing towards roughly 266 megawatts before the season is out. Part of the strain is simply growth: GPL’s customer base has expanded from around 204,000 connections in 2020 to about 250,000 today, alongside a boom in housing and commercial activity.

The Guyana Power and Light Inc removed over 220 illegal connections during a three-day operation in Eccles, Diamond Phase Three, Little Diamond, and sections of Sophia

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, August 21, 2026

Imran Khan moved to private hospital amid deteriorating health

(ESPNCRICINFO) - IMRAN Khan, the incarcerated former prime minister and Pakistan captain, has been shifted to a private hospital in Islamabad for treatment on the orders of the country’s Supreme Court. The development comes after a three-member bench, headed by Justice Shahid Waheed, directed the government on Tuesday to move Khan to Shifa International Hospital for examination and treatment by a multidisciplinary medical board after his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), had filed a petition seeking his hospitalisation on the basis of his deteriorating health. Khan was moved to the hospital in the early hours of Friday under strict security arrangements. It is not clear, however, how long the 73-year-old will stay there.

“Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has been shifted from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad following Supreme Court order,” the PTI confirmed in a statement. The government had sought to review the bench’s order but the Supreme Court registrar’s office returned the government petition citing incomplete paperwork. The government contends that allowing Khan to receive treatment at a private hospital of his choosing would be discriminatory. Dawn reported that the government could file a new petition with “certain amendments along with an appeal against the registrar’s objections”. Khan’s party and lawyers have been raising concerns about his health since February this year. At one point the party claimed he had 15 percent vision in his right eye

Supporters of former prime minister Imran Khan protest against his incarceration • Hussain Ali/Getty Images

after he developed a condition that was left untreated. He was eventually taken to the state-run PIMS hospital in Islamabad several times for short visits. As many as 14 former international captains wrote an open letter to Pakistan’s prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, earlier this year, to express deep concern around Khan’s health and requesting

for him to be treated with “dignity and basic human consideration.” The list of the captains included Greg Chappell, Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev. Khan has been imprisoned in Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi since August 2023, serving various prison sentences on corruption charges which he and his party deny.

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RACING TIPS GREYVILLE 10:07hrs Xiphos 10:45hrs Dricus 11:20hrs Imperial Power 11:55hrs I Am Class 12:30hrs Queue Wing 13:05hrs Real Stunner 13:40hrs Arilena

YORK 08:50hrs Zennor Storm 09:25hrs Caballo De Mar 10:00hrs Arapaho Gold 10:35hrs Bacio 11:10hrs Explode 11:45hrs Oklahoma 12:20hrs Silver Lake

IRISH RACING TIPS KILLARNEY 12:12hrs Fine Line 12:47hrs Manton Bay 13:20hrs Carolina Jetstream 13:50hrs Casamorati 14:20hrs Luker’s Tipple 14:50hrs Lady Plimsoll 15:20hrs Murat

HAMILTON 11:33hrs Pikachu 12:07hrs Wild Dalia 12:40hrs Lord D’or 13:15hrs Noble Horizon 13:45hrs Eternaal Sunshine 14:15hrs Sir Garfield 14:45hrs Dandy Magic 15:15hrs King Of The Jungle SOUTH AFRICA

AMERICAN RACING TIPS SARATOGA Race 1 Cugino Race 2 Whittington Park Race 3 Moonlit Race 4 Island Town Race 5 Raise The Roof Race 6 Golden Siren Race 7 Urban Planner

Old Fort seeking to further develop Skip this gold medal for Anjaney- U-13 boys’ singles after los- cially with this new coach physical and mental condisa; it has been a while since ing his semifinal to Barbados’ coming on board. He was tioning. Priyanna Ramdhani that we Liam Bruce, 21-3, 21-5. only able to work with them Ramdhani says the GBA Roberts Youth ... have gotten a gold medal Godette and Rambiriche for two weeks before they de- will send Frank Waddell and

GBA buoyed by CAREBACO gold...

FROM PAGE 27

at CAREBACO and we are

also took bronze in the U-13

parted for CAREBACO and they have showed improvement in their tactical play.” She credited the work of newly hired international coach, Kartikey Gund, who worked with the team before departing, in building the

Nkosi Beaton to the Costa Rica international tournament next month. Guyana is also set to send a representative team to South American Games in September in Rosario, Argentina.

Brook 91 cements England dominance as... FROM PAGE 25

GBA president, Emily Ramdhani

just happy for Anjaneysa. Anjaneysa Godette and Joel Rambiriche, they are doing well in the under 13, they came out of the Under 11 category, last year,” she said, Godette struck gold for Guyana in the U-13 girls’ singles, beating Jamaica’s Aaqilah Akuri, 2-1. Godette had earlier dispatched Jamaica’s Brea Grant 21-8, 21-10 in the semifinals. Guyana’s Joel Rambiriche collected bronze in the

mixed doubles after a semifinal loss to Barbados’ Siraj Brathwaite and Zaria Mayers. Ramdhani says Godette and Rambiriche, who recently wrote the national grade six assessment did well and are good examples of striking the balance between sports and education. “Sports and education can go hand in hand; the kids coming up can look forward to good things happening in badminton for them espe-

no way paled compared to the hyperdrive antics of the ancien régime, although this time they owed their fast pace more to Pakistan’s wayward seamers than to any overt efforts to push the agenda. Four-balls were two-a-penny, and lives were in plentiful supply too - most culpably an early let-off for Brook, who had made just 1 when he flinched a regulation chance to the Pakistan captain, Salman Agha, at second slip, who bloodied his finger in the process. By the time that opportunity had gone begging, so too had Pakistan’s realistic hopes of staying in the contest. A wicket at that moment would have capped a collapse of 3 for 7 in 14 balls, and left England tottering

at 205 for 5, with Cox and Root having already fallen in consecutive overs after a third-wicket stand of 150. Instead, the let-off was perhaps the jolt that Brook needed to knuckle down and extend an extraordinary record against Pakistan that had already gleaned four centuries (including a triple) in six previous away Tests. Certainly, the mania of Brook’s recent Test displays was very much on the back-burner - he achieved haste without speed, as he reached a 55-ball fifty with no inside-out drives over the covers or preemptive scoop shots, such as the one that had left New Zealand’s fielders so gobsmacked during their series clincher at Trent Bridge in June.

and Southside Sports Management are working in collaboration; we are going to get the Old Fort Hockey Club registered as a friendly society. Southside will develop the 5’s to bring in profit; one will do the funding and organising. We plan to merge the two to build this out, a full-size field, and build a clubhouse, another hockey 6 aside pitch at the back, so we can actually get a hockey complex in a sense.” Roberts says the facility in South Ruimveldt Garden has been a boost, as they have been able to host their Friday night 5’s hockey competition but in order to further grow the sport on a wider scale, they need more venues. “The fact that we have got this and GCC has got one, it helps with understanding the technique of the game, the speed of the game and the start of dribbling, start of the control bit. It is crippling at the same time because to truly implement strategies you can’t do it here, we need to spread the game, open it out. Movement of player it is hard to do on this surface, so we do need a full size turf.

I know the hockey board is working with the ministry and we are trying to make sure we can get there in the near future,” he added. He says that recent works order by Minister Steven Jacobs has made the South Ruimveldt more comfortable for players. “It is with the help of the ministry of sports that we got to where we are. They put the bid out for the concrete slab, we did the rest but it is a collaborative effort. The Ministry of Sports finished the rest room which helps us to facilitate our players. Boys could play hockey anywhere but if you try to push the girls’ programme, we can’t have them on the field without a restroom. It’s a plan in motion and a collaboration between Old Fort, Southside Sports Management, Government, private sector, we can get this where it can benefit not just hockey, if we get the fullsize field, it’s open season for other sports while maintaining a focus on hockey.” He says that the residents have reached out to give the greenlight to the project’s development

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, August 21, 2026

Four Guyanese teams set for GT Challenge Round Four in Barbados

FOUR Guyanese teams will represent the Golden Arrowhead at round four of the GT Challenge series, scheduled for August 29 and 30 in Barbados. Leading the Guyanese contingent will be the recently acquired Mercedes-AMG, sponsored by Peter Lewis Construction and driven by Will Redford. The car dominated round three at the South

Dakota Circuit and will now look to continue that form in Barbados. The Jumbo Jet Auto Sales, VAL’s Construction and Rohit Lumber Yard-sponsored Lamborghini will also make the trip, with Jamaican driver Tomi Gore at the wheel. The third Guyanese entry will be the Mohamed’s Excavating Porsche, with Mark Vieira regis-

tered as its driver. Completing the four-car contingent is the BM Soat/ Prem’s Electrical-sponsored KTM X-Bow, which will be piloted by Rameez Mohamed. A spokesman for the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) wished all four teams well ahead of the event. “We wish all four of the teams well on their bid to represent the

Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club and Guyana,” the spokesman said. He also highlighted the GMR&SC’s role in the development of the GT Challenge series and its plans to expand Guyana’s international motorsport presence. “We are glad to be the forerunners in hosting the GT Challenge series here in the Caribbean. GMR&SC is keen on developing our

motorsport product to host more international racing series and events and promote Destination Guyana as a sport tourism product and as the premier motorsport destination across the region,” he said. The four Guyanese entries will join competitors from across the region for round four of the GT Challenge series in Barbados on August 29 and 30.

Verstappen extends Brook 91 cements England dominance as Red Bull deal to 2030 Usman fights for Pakistan

(ESPNCRICINFO) There’s been plenty gloom already in England’s Test summer, and so it was fitting, on a rain-delayed second day at Headingley, that their batters’ attempts to bring their own glimmers of sunshine ended in mild anticlimax across the board, and that it was an otherwise up-against-it Pakistani, the left-arm spinner Ali Usman, who was the happiest performer by the close. Harry Brook top-scored with 91 from 93 balls - an innings, despite its appearance on the scorecard, as measured as any he’s produced of late. Ultimately, however, it culminated in his second failed bid for a home-ground hundred in consecutive Headingley Tests, following his

99 against India last summer. Instead, Usman skidded an arm-ball through his defences, en route to figures of 5 for 92, his maiden Test five-for and remarkably the first by a visiting spinner since Ashley Mallett in the 1972 Ashes. Similarly, Brook’s fellow Yorkshireman Joe Root with his England shirt No.66 - marked his 66th Test as England captain with an innings of 66 that looked, until the moment it ended, as though it was set to culminate in Test century No. 42. Instead, he had to settle for a share of Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 68 scores between 50 and 99 - a fittingly imperfect milestone for a flawed day’s cricket. At the opposite end of the experience spectrum, the newer recruits of the

post-Ben Stokes line-up, Jordan Cox and Dan Lawrence, adhered to the template with scores of 73 and 51 - excellent efforts in their own right but each tinged with regret at opportunities squandered. Both fell to Usman, Lawrence to a wild top-edged slog-sweep that was England’s most attacking dismissal of the day. And after breaching Brook’s defences, Usman followed up with two more in two balls late on to claw back some respectability for his team. By the close of a 57over day, however, England had still eased along to 366 for 8, a lead of 195. With the floodlights in operation throughout, they progressed at a run-rate of 4.46 that in TURN TO PAGE 24

Harry Brook completed fifty in just 55 balls, but fell short of his hundred • Getty Images

Max Verstappen signs his new contract alongside team principal Laurent Mekies

(BBC) - Four-time world champion Max Verstappen has signed a new contract at Red Bull until the end of 2030. The move should end speculation about the Dutchman’s future at the end of this season, after he had been linked with potential moves to Mercedes or McLaren. Verstappen was previously contracted to the end of 2028, but there were clauses in his contract that would have allowed him to leave at the end of the current Formula 1 season had he wanted. “We have the best people and I’m excited to keep working together with everyone to get back to the top again,” said Verstappen, 28. “This remains the ultimate goal that all of us have been working towards and will continue to pursue. “I have always said it: the team is like a second family for me and I feel very at home. “I came to the team hoping to be able to win races. What we went on to achieve

together has been simply lovely and we have shared many incredible moments and won four World Championships. “To continue this journey with the same team that I have been with my whole career is really special and something I have always wanted to do.” Red Bull have had a difficult start to the era of new regulations for cars and engines introduced for this season. Verstappen’s best results have been two second places, in the Austrian and Hungarian Grands Prix, after coming within two points of beating McLaren’s Lando Norris to the world title last season. That 2025 close call followed a dramatic fightback in the second half of the season from a deficit of more than 100 points to the championship lead. Red Bull’s lack of performance has led to Verstappen voicing frustration on a number of occasions, but in the end he has decided to stick with what he knows.

The decision comes despite his trusted race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase signing to join McLaren by 2028. Verstappen’s renewal statement included praise for team principal Laurent Mekies, who took over last July after former boss Christian Horner was sacked following a turbulent 18-month period and a decline in competitiveness. “Getting to work with Laurent now for over a year has also been great, I see a clear vision he has for the team,” Verstappen said. “Everyone [at Red Bull’s base] in Milton Keynes believes in what we are building and I am looking forward to the next chapter, fighting for more victories and competing for championships as we continue to shape the future of this team.” The announcement has been timed to coincide with Verstappen’s final home race this weekend before the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort falls off the calendar.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, August 21, 2026

Top Essequibo talents Trophy Stall expands set to ‘light up’ Lotto/ support of Lotto/Let’sBet Let’s Bet T10 Tapeball One Guyana T10 Tapeball SOCIAL media has been abuzz following the official squad releases for the Essequibo Zone leg of the Lotto/ Let’s Bet One Guyana T10 Tapeball, setting the stage for mouth-watering showdowns as 16 teams clash for zonal glory. All roads lead to the Anna Regina National Stadium on August 23, where the zone champions will be crowned under lights in what promises to be an unmissable weekend of high-intensity tapeball action. With a powerhouse mix of current and former national stars alongside the region’s brightest junior and country talent, the rosters hint at edge-of-the-seat drama from the opening ball. Co-organiser of the tournament, John Ramsingh, highlighted the surging standard of the competition as the tournament expands its footprint across the country. “The standard of cricket we have witnessed throughout this tournament has been extraordinary, and the Essequibo squads are as stacked as any we’ve seen,” Ramsingh said. “When you blend seasoned national caps with hungry young tapeball specialists, the intensity goes through the roof. Bringing this level of competition to

Anna Regina under floodlights is going to create an electric atmosphere for the fans.” The tournament transitions to the Essequibo Coast following two pulsating regional legs that set a benchmark for the competition. Grillmaster Sip N Play All-Stars delivered a dominant display in the Berbice Zone to become the first side to seal a ticket to the national grand finale. Over in the East Bank/ West Demerara leg, Mahdia (Movements Family) pulled off a dramatic, high-scoring heist at Meten-Meer-Zorg, dethroning 2025 champions Eccles All-Stars to lock down their spot in the national draw. Attention now shifts west for a bumper weekend of action on August 22 and 23. Saturday’s opening round bursts into life at 10:30hrs across four grounds—Pomona, Affiance, Hampton Court, and the Anna Regina National Stadium. Blockbuster early fixtures feature Aurora Knight Riders taking on GT Warriors at Pomona, while Riverstown collide with Fibreglass Gladiators at Affiance. The stakes double in the afternoon as the remaining teams battle through a high-octane knockout quar-

ter-final round. On Sunday, the entire spectacle moves exclusively to Anna Regina under floodlights. Back-to-back semi-finals bowl off at 14:30hrs and 16:30hrs, setting the tone before a high-profile curtain-raiser exhibition match between Trophy Stall Jaguars and Trophy Stall Eagles at 18:30hrs. The centrepiece zonal final takes centre stage at 20:00hrs to determine who wears the Essequibo crown. Beyond securing a coveted berth in the national final, significant prize money is on the line. Shawn’s Mini Mart is backing the leg with a G$500,000 winner’s purse, Jaigobin Hotel has put up the G$200,000 runner-up cheque, and Scoop Ride Inc. will ensure all losing quarter-finalists walk away with G$25,000 each. Once the Essequibo champions join Grillmaster and Mahdia in the grand finale lineup, the tournament will briefly pause for the closing stretch of the Caribbean Premier League. Action is scheduled to resume on September 26 with the Georgetown/East Coast Demerara Zone, before all roads lead back to Anna Regina for the National Grand Finale on October 11.

With a powerhouse mix of current and former national stars alongside the region’s brightest junior and country talent, the rosters hint at edge-of-the-seat drama from the opening ball

TROPHY Stall has reaffirmed its support for grassroots cricket in Guyana, expanding its partnership with the Lotto/ Let’sBet One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast ahead of a high-stakes Essequibo zonal leg this weekend. Long established as a cornerstone of local sports sponsorship, Trophy Stall will supply second-place trophies at every zonal stage, along with Player of the Match awards for both the zonal and national finals. Having recently funded silverware for the female fixture in the Berbice zone final at Albion, proprietor Ramesh Sunich has deepened his involvement for the Essequibo leg at the Anna Regina National Stadium. The business is donating playing kit, medals, and trophies for a marquee youth exhibition match featuring the county’s top young prospects. “Grassroots and youth cricket represent the true foundation of Guyanese sport,” said Sunich. “When young players get

the opportunity to put on a uniform, step out on a venue like Anna Regina, and play for medals and trophies, it builds confidence and a passion for the game that lasts a lifetime. Trophy Stall will always stand beside efforts that uplift our rising stars.” Speaking on behalf of tournament organisers FL Sport, John Ramsingh commended the company’s ongoing backing, describing their dedication to Guyanese sport as “unmatched” before presenting Sunich with a special plaque of appreciation. The Essequibo leg serves as the third zonal stop on the circuit, following completed legs in Berbice and East Bank/West Demerara. Sixteen teams will compete across four venues on Saturday, 22 August, with fixtures hosted at the Pomona Ground, Affiance Community Ground, Hampton Court Ground, and the Anna Regina National Stadium. The tournament shifts exclusively to Anna Regina on Sunday, 23 August, fea-

turing the semi-finals, the youth showcase between the Trophy Stall Jaguars and Trophy Stall Eagles, and the zonal final under lights at 20:00hrs. Beyond zonal glory, the winners will secure a spot in the National Finals on 11 October at Anna Regina, alongside a top cash prize of $500,000 courtesy of Shawn’s Mini Mart. Additional backing from Jaigobin Hotel guarantees $200,000 for the runners-up and $50,000 for each losing semi-finalist, while Scoop Ride Inc. will distribute $25,000 to every team departing at the quarter-final stage. Admission remains free across all grounds over both days, with community entertainment planned throughout the weekend. Following Sunday’s final, the tournament will take a scheduled break during the closing stages of the Caribbean Premier League, before resuming on 26 September for the Georgetown/East Coast Demerara Zone.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, August 21, 2026

GBA buoyed by CAREBACO gold medal performance - Ramdhani

Old Fort seeking to further develop Skip Roberts Youth Development Complex

THE Southside Sports Management is working with the government to further develop the Skip Roberts Youth Development on Orealla Avenue. The plan according to

Samuel Roberts, the owner of Southside Sports Management is to turn the venue into a full-scale hockey compound. The Old Fort Hockey Club, with support from the

Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports, earlier this year, developed a miniature hockey pitch outfitted with an artificial turf. “Old Fort Hockey Club TURN TO PAGE 24

Guyana’s CAREBACO Junior Badminton team

PRESIDENT of the Guyana Badminton Association, Emily Ramdhani, says she is buoyed by the talented young crop repre-

senting the country at the CAREBACO Junior Badminton Championships in Kingston, Jamaica. She says she was pleased

with the gold medal-winning performance of Anjaneysa Godette. “I was very excited about TURN TO PAGE 24

Youth during hockey training at the Skip Roberts Youth Development Complex

Four Guyanese teams set for GT Challenge Round Four in Barbados

SEE PAGE

From top: The Peter Lewis Construction Mercedes GTR, BM Soat KTM X-Bow, Jumbo Jet Auto Sales, VAL’s Construction and Rohit Lumber Yard Lamborghini and Mohamed’s Excavating Porsche

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, August 21, 2026

GROS ISLET, ST LUCIA - AUGUST 19: Quentin Sampson of Guyana Amazon Warriors hits six runs during the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League T20 match between St Lucia Kings and Guyana Amazon Warriors in Gros Islet, St Lucia (Photo by Ashley Allen/CPL T20)

Warriors stay unbeaten in Saint Lucia

GUYANA Amazon Warriors maintained their perfect start to the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) with a comfortable seven wicket win against the Saint Lucia Kings at the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground. Shimron Hetmyer and Quentin Sampson finished the game in style as the pair blasted 35 runs off 10 deliveries to secure victory. Before that, Glenn Phillips and Mavendra Dindyal had set the chase up nicely with a 79-run opening stand. Both sides were left frustrated by the weather, with the rain causing four stoppages to play, three of which came in the Kings’ innings. The Kings, put into bat by Imran Tahir, made a decent start, with Andries Gous in his last game of the tournament and Kamil Pooran returning from injury, trying to get the home side on the front foot in a rain affected PowerPlay. Their efforts would see the Kings get over the 50 mark inside the first six overs before Tahir turned to himself

and Mohammad Nabi to take pace off in the second quarter of the innings. From there, the Warriors’ bowlers put the squeeze on the Kings, whose batters largely struggled to get out of the teens. Charith Asalanka was the exception, managing to stick around and work the ball around for an important 35. The elements continued to frustrate the home side and their supporters in the ground as the delays seemed to kill any momentum they were able to muster and gave the edge to the visitors. Matthew Forde again looked dangerous at the back end of the innings, but was undone by Shamar Joseph, hitting into the strong cross wind and into the safe hands of Glenn Phillips. A lack of big overs handcuffed the Kings, with 13 being the most they took off any one over. Guyana’s fielding and bowling was mightily impressive with all seven wickets falling to good catching. Dwaine Pretorious was the pick of the bunch, finishing

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with 3 for 29. Shamar Joseph wrapped up the innings beautifully, allowing just 7 runs off the last over and taking figures of 2 for 25 into the dugout. With a modest total to chase, Phillips and Dindyal knew they didn’t have to hit fifth and sixth gear straight away as the pair took their time to build their innings and work out the conditions. The Kings’ bowlers struggled to create any potency as the openers gave them few chances to put some dents in the Warriors order. The first wicket took ten and a half overs to come as Phillips was caught by Matthew Forde having been dropped by Amari Goodridge a ball previously. By contrast the Kings didn’t claim their chances in the field and that was a glaring difference between the two sides. Roston Chase and Joshua Bishop managed to give the Kings a little bit of hope going into the final five overs. But that hope was soon extinguished as Hetmyer and Sampson went about their assault.

| FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026