Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 22-11-2025

The Government, led by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, successfully wrapped up its two-day cabinet outreach on Friday focused on community development and direct engagement with residents across Region Six. From addressing immediate concerns at community meetings to commissioning vital projects, the energy and spirit of Berbice were truly inspiring. This comprehensive effort reaffirms the government’s dedication to ensuring that development is inclusive and reaches every corner of the country. (Source Ashni Singh)

Gov’t to build three integrated service hubs in Region Six

— President Ali says new facilities will transform citizen access, strengthen accountability

THE government is moving ahead with the construction of three integrated government service hubs in Region Six, President Dr. Irfaan Ali

announced on Friday, positioning the initiative as a flagship element of Guyana’s accelerating digital transformation agenda.

Speaking during a hybrid-style press conference on the lawns of the Albion Estate to wrap up his twoday outreach to the region and while flanked by Cab-

inet ministers, parliamentarians and local officials, President Ali said the hubs will fundamentally reshape how citizens engage with government, driving a high-

er standard of accountability, transparency and service efficiency.

President Ali reiterated his administration’s pledge to create a “people-centred, citizen-centred approach to development and problem-solving.”

Central to achieving this vision, he explained, are the integrated service hubs, which are modern facilities designed to bridge the gap between citizens and government agencies at every level.

“These hubs are designed to offer all the critical government services under one roof. Immigration, passport applications and renewals, registration of births, deaths, and marriages, as well as licensing, electronic ID services, and a range of other government transactions will all be integrated,” President Ali stated.

One of the key innovations of the initiative is the establishment of direct help desks at each facility, allowing citizens to interface seamlessly with government representatives.

“Each of these facilities will have a help desk,” the President elaborated, “and that desk will allow citizens to connect directly with every layer of government, because we are moving into a people-centred, citizen-centric approach to development.”

President Ali pointed out that this move is part of the larger national digitisation agenda, aimed at delivering faster, more accessible public services and closing service gaps.

He made it clear that the government’s commitment was not just about convenience, but also about improving accountability in governance.

“We believe that we must be accountable and we must not shy away from the data and information that is available to us and must be available to the people,” President Ali said.

The creation of these hubs, therefore, is as much about transparency as it is about service delivery. Beyond providing traditional government services, the hubs will integrate administrative regions directly with national government systems.

This, the President explained, ensures that “no issue must be allowed to escape the loop of government. So, we’re closing that loop in a very comprehensive and integrated way.”

According to President Ali, these integrated platforms will support the region’s evolving needs and reflect emerging priorities in areas like housing, small business support and social services.

He also shared quantitative updates, referencing the thousands of land and housing applications currently being processed, and emphasised the technological foundations that will allow citizens to access services efficiently.

The President dubbed the hubs “a model for citizen engagement and empowerment”, highlighting the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government’s determination to keep building a developmental state that responds quickly and effectively to its people’s needs.

The initiative is expected to serve as a template for similar hubs in other regions as Guyana pursues its broader objectives of national digitisation and inclusive development.

Region Six positioned to be Guyana’s emerging ‘orange-economy’ powerhouse

— President Ali announces major cultural, recreational, and creative-industry expansion

By Naomi Parris

PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali on Friday unveiled plans to anchor Region Six’s future as a major orange-economy hub, announcing a wave of new cultural, creative and recreational facilities that will redefine community life and fuel the region’s long-term economic transformation.

Wrapping up two days of intense engagements across Berbice, the President said the Government is focused on building suburban communities where arts, entertainment, digital creativity and cultural expression flourish alongside traditional sectors, strengthening quality of life while supporting a modern, diversified economy.

“We have said that quality of life is important—family, women, children, the elderly must have safe areas that they can go for wellness or recreation for health reasons, and our communities must have good access to recreational facilities,” President Ali said.

TRANSFORMING SUBURBAN COMMUNITIES

Working in partnership with the Office of the First Lady, the government will now develop cultural and recreational facilities in 18 additional communities, complementing the ongoing projects in New Amsterdam, Brothers Village,

Number 63 Village and Lonsdale.

The next phase will include sites in the Polders, Parish, Cumberland, Kilcoy and Manchester villages.

Each location will feature play zones, creative activity areas and inclusive designs accessible to persons living with disabilities.

“These facilities will include play areas, areas that will stimulate creativity, adding to the orange economy… and will be friendly for those who require special assistance,” the President said.

“We want every group in our community and in our region to enjoy these facilities.”

According to the President, the expansion of cultural and recreational infrastructure is already underway, with work progressing on dance studios, recording spaces and community facilities that support creative expression.

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports has been tasked with accelerating this build-out, ensuring that every area of Region Six benefits from new green spaces, cultural hubs and modern sports amenities.

“Major work is already ongoing, the development of cultural spaces, creative spaces, in keeping with the holistic build out of the orange economy, dance and recording studios across the region and the building out of sports and recreational facilities across every area in this region, you will see a

massive push power by this ministry in the building out of the orange economy in the coming weeks and months,” the President said.

On the sporting side, he pointed to the transformation of the Albion Sports Complex into a world-class cricket academy, a project that is expected to elevate training and development in the region and reinforce the Government’s heavy investment in sports infrastructure nationwide.

He also referenced the Palmyra Stadium, which is being developed as a multi-purpose venue capable of hosting cricket, other sporting disciplines, concerts and major entertainment events. Once completed, it will give Ber-

bice the capacity to host international matches while serving as a major community and economic hub.

INDUSTRIAL TRAINING

Even as the creative sector takes centre stage, President Ali made it clear that other ministries are aligning their work to support Region Six’s rapid economic transformation.

He said the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning will intensify industrial training over the next five years to prepare residents for rising demand in machine operation, technical trades and other specialised skills expected to emerge from the region’s expanding industrial projects.

The ministry will

scale up its Skills Connect job-matching services and broaden its recruitment and training programmes to ensure residents are positioned for the opportunities ahead.

According to the President, this expanded training push will ensure that the region develops the human capital necessary to meet the demands of future industries.

The President also reminded that Region Six is already earmarked by the Government’s 2025 PPP/C Manifesto as a future industrial capital, with plans to leverage its strategic location, emerging port network and natural gas reserves.

Several transformational projects are advancing, including the deep-water port, the new high-span Berbice

River Bridge and the Corentyne River Bridge linking Guyana and Suriname. These projects, he said, will significantly enhance cross-border movement, expand regional commerce and strengthen Berbice’s role as a gateway for continental trade.

He further noted that the construction of several fourlane highways and the development of a municipal airport at Rose Hall are intended to improve logistics, mobility and investment readiness across the region.

To support this future industrial base, the Government will construct a second natural-gas pipeline in Berbice, mirroring the pipeline from the Liza field to Wales that currently powers the Gas-to-Energy project.

This new pipeline will help supply future refining, alumina processing, fertiliser production and petrochemical operations that the Government is working to attract. President Ali emphasised that with this wave of major projects, training and capacity-building will be essential.

Region Six already hosts one of the most modern technical training centres in the hemisphere, and a state-of-the-art Hospitality Training Institute is set to join it.

Together with the creative investments under the orange-economy plan, these facilities will position the region at the forefront of Guyana’s next phase of economic diversification.

Stronger policing units, new fire stations to complement massive housing drive in Region 6

TO ensure communities are safe and secure in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), President Dr Irfaan Ali announced that investments will be made to establish new fire stations and policing units across the region.

The president was engaging with residents during a hybrid press conference on the lawns of the Albion Sugar Estate on Friday.

The press conference served as a platform to update the nation on the outcome of the two-day outreach in the region led by the president. In the coming years, the government, through the Ministry of Housing, will accelerate housing developments in the region to ensure every single applicant receives a

house lot.

He told reporters who were physically present and those online that, “because of the massive housing development, one of the needs now is to have these small police units, more agile and flexible units in the communities.

Consequently, the government is “going to invest in about 50 of those units across this region.

making policing and police more community-centred, people-centred, and community-oriented, and bringing a greater sense of presence in every single community.”

Additionally, four new fire stations will be established in the region to ensure citizens benefit from faster emergency services.

The government aims to aggressively expand

the ‘Safe Country’ programme to the region. This development will see the entire region connected to closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras. It will make it easier for security agencies to monitor potential criminal activities and deter crime by increasing the risk of detection.

Community Policing Group desks will be es-

tablished at every police station across the region, including child, family and GBV (gender-based violence) spaces.

These were among several initiatives announced by the President, specifically tailored for Region Six, as the government continues its commitment to visiting every region across Guyana. [DPI]

President Ali unveils major ‘care economy’ blueprint for Region Six

— Household-level investment, specialised centres, disability inclusion to anchor national model

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali has set out his blueprint vision for what he calls the “building out of a care economy,” announcing a sweeping package of household- and community-level investments that will position Region Six as the national prototype for a modern, inclusive social development framework.

On the final day of his two-day outreach to the region on Friday, the President made it clear that Guyana is shifting from traditional topdown social programmes to a model that hardwires care, empowerment and economic opportunity directly into communities.

“We are investing at the level of households and communities. By establishing facilities and support programmes across Region Six, we’re empowering men, women and young people to build better lives and stronger communities,” President Ali said during a hybrid-style press conference on the

lawns of the Albion Estate.

At the heart of President Ali’s announcement was a detailed outline of what constitutes a care economy; a social and economic structure where resources, infrastructure and programmes are specifically designed to nurture the well-being, empowerment and productivity of individuals and families, especially the most vulnerable.

This care economy, President Ali explained, would be realised by a multi-faceted investment package focusing on infrastructure and support services at the household and community levels.

“It is not only about building tangible structures. But also, about creating safe spaces, specialised centres for empowerment and community-based systems of care,” he said.

The President announced the establishment of specific centres within Region Six, each tailored to empower

distinct segments of the population. Facilities dedicated to men’s and women’s empowerment, mental health support and the advancement of persons living with disabilities are key priorities.

He elaborated that these centres would provide safe, inclusive spaces where individuals can access specialised services, participate in skill-building programs and find communal support.

He projected that these centres would become epicentres of local progress, driving both socioeconomic mobility and personal development across the region.

SUPPORT FOR PERSONS LIVING WITH DISABILITIES

A particularly innovative aspect of the care economy, as outlined by the President, revolves around the amplification of efforts towards persons living with disabilities.

President Ali detailed a vision wherein at least 30 individuals living with disabilities would be actively involved in customer service functions for government and private sector agencies from newly established community facilities.

By coordinating with organisations such as Guy-

ana Power and Light (GPL) and the Guyana Water Inc (GWI), as well as telecommunications partners like ENET, Digicel and other service-oriented networks, the administration aims to open doors of opportunity for people with disabilities, integrating them into the broader workforce.

With digitisation playing a major pillar in his administration, President Ali pointed out, noting the government’s commitment to marrying technological advancement with inclusive hiring and support strategies.

Against this backdrop, President Ali’s “care economy” is not solely about wel-

fare provision; it is equally about empowerment and entrepreneurship.

As such, another centrepiece of the plan was the integration of individuals trained in childcare and elderly care into a new national support system.

“We will see the development of thousands of business opportunities as well as direct support in communities for childcare, elderly care and other essential services,” the President said.

To this end, household-level investments are being designed not only to improve social outcomes, but also to stimulate local economic development.

The President called on ministries and local agencies to coordinate in supporting these initiatives, with the Ministry of Human Services spearheading efforts to strengthen public assistance and drive enterprise in caregiving sectors.

MENTAL HEALTH, SAFE SPACES AND SOCIAL WELL-BEING

Another major component of President Ali’s address focused on the importance of mental health as he stressed the need for amplification of services to address mental health challenges and the creation of safe spaces specifically designed for those seeking psychological and emotional support.

To ensure that assistance reaches those most in need, President Ali revealed that the Ministry of Human Services will intensify its efforts in managing public assistance, pensions, and other forms of support for margin-

alised and vulnerable groups.

As part of this outreach, a special commission, personally appointed by the President, will conduct an independent review of all public assistance cases in the region by the end of the third quarter.

President Ali signalled that the transformation of the care economy goes well beyond isolated interventions. The government’s holistic strategy includes strengthening community ties, promoting social cohesion and ensuring that every region benefits from comprehensive, interconnected systems of care.

Investment in household facilities will, according to the President, set a foundation for long-term economic resilience and personal dignity, while also unlocking new forms of local enterprise.

According to President Ali, every dollar invested at this level is a dollar spent building a safer, healthier and more productive society.

The Cabinet Outreach in Region Six are set to reverberate across Guyana, inviting ministries, private stakeholders and grassroots organisations to align with the new vision for national development.

According to President Ali, a truly modern society must invest in its people and the care economy under the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government is about ensuring no one is left behind, every child, every elderly person, every individual with a disability, every community must have opportunities to thrive.

Gov’t to expand special needs support, boost teaching capacity in Region Six

—President Ali announces

OUTLINING a series of reforms aimed at modernising the education system in Region Six (East Berbice, Corentyne), President Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Friday, announced plans to enhance monitoring, training and digitisation across the region following a two-day cabinet outreach.

Central to the planned upgrades is the introduction of a new online service that will allow teachers to process leave, retirement benefits and travel permissions more efficiently.

The initiative is intended to streamline administrative tasks so educators can dedicate more of their time to classrooms.

“We want to create a more efficient system so that our teachers are not only able to access services in a more efficient way, but they are able to spend more of their time in the classroom,” the President explained during a hybrid-style press conference on the lawns of the Albion Estate.

The government is also advancing the rollout of the Education Management Information System, designed to provide real-time data to inform

decision-making on attendance, teacher performance and overall school operations.

“We have the education management information system that will allow real-time data with better decision making, including attendance, performance of teachers, teacher information and school operations.”

According to the President, significant investment has already been directed towards reducing administrative burdens on teachers and head teachers, with 40 per cent of schools currently using the system, authorities expect full national adoption by the middle of next year.

Further, a complementary data analytics platform is expected to identify weaknesses among students and teachers, supporting efforts to boost outcomes at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA).

SPECIAL NEEDS DEVELOPMENT

Special needs development formed another key element of the President’s plan as he explained that Region Six is set to receive in-

creased access to specialised education, with four new facilities established and three more in progress.

“Another important issue is that of special needs development, and we’re going to be investing in this region to have increased access to special education… So you’ll have seven new spaces to improve student outcomes, supported by a modern 2025 curriculum for learners with disability, and we want to make this digital so that these children can also access it from their home,” President Ali said.

He noted that this plan is an integrated one, being complemented by several already established programmes in the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health, such as the Comprehensive Child and Youth Health Programme (CYHP), a nationwide initiative in Guyana to improve child health through early detection.

Launched in 2023, the programme focuses on vision, hearing, oral health, and general health indicators, starting with nursery-aged children.

“Better health and participation start with the inclusion of the school training programme and

earlier identification of challenges, as all nursery ears are now screened and will be screened for different forms of disability.”

He reiterated that the expansion is aimed at elevating student performance and will be supported by a modern 2025 curriculum for learners with disabilities, which is intended to be digitally accessible from home.

To strengthen teaching capacity, the administration is moving ahead with enhanced training in special needs education, supported by complementary qualifications for teachers. The measures are expect-

ed to contribute to a more inclusive national education system.

Addressing longstanding issues with student transfers, the government plans to create a dedicated team to assess all transfer requests and design targeted interventions to resolve the underlying challenges.

“We have a lot of challenges with student transfer, so we want to establish a special team that will review all of these requests for student transfer, and then we’ll come up with a set of interventions,” the President said.

Turning promises into policy

PRESIDENT Irfaan Ali’s latest announcement of a new round of cost-of-living measures signals a government eager to demonstrate that it is not complacent in the face of persistent economic pressures.

In a live broadcast this week, the President outlined a broad package of upcoming interventions, ranging from childcare incentives and expanded support for small businesses to targeted assistance for vulnerable groups and persons living with disabilities.

These proposals come at a time when households across Guyana continue to grapple with higher prices for food, transportation and essential goods.

While inflation has remained relatively low by international standards, 2 per cent at the end of 2024, compared with a global average of 6.2 per cent,

the lived experience of many families reflects a different kind of strain, driven by rapid economic transformation and uneven adaptation at the community level.

The President’s announcement leans heavily on the administration’s argument that its fiscal and monetary approach is working.

Billions have flowed to citizens through wage increases, cash grants, tax reversals, subsidies and the expansion of social programmes. International bodies such as the IMF and IDB have acknowledged some of these gains, particularly the government’s use of energy, food-security and financial-access reforms to stabilise consumer prices.

Yet promises, even well-intentioned ones, must ultimately be measured by delivery.

The proposed initiatives, reduced

interest rates, greater access to capital for SMEs, new business-expansion incentives, and support for caregivers and the elderly, will require careful implementation if they are to meaningfully reach the people they are designed to help.

The administration’s emphasis on long-term resilience is well placed. Major projects, including the completion of the Natural Gas Liquids facility expected to reduce cooking gas prices, the push toward cheaper electricity through the national energy plan, and the ongoing expansion of food-production capacity, represent structural efforts that could ease household expenses over time.

Free university education, expanded school feeding, and wider access to textbooks further signal investments in human capital that may reduce financial burdens on families.

However, the test ahead lies not in the ambition of these measures, but in their execution, transparency, and accessibility to ordinary citizens.

As the economy grows, so too must the government’s ability to ensure that benefits are broadly and equitably distributed.

President Ali insists that the state is using every available tool to cushion rising costs. The coming months will show whether these tools can be sharpened, and whether the upcoming suite of measures can meaningfully strengthen disposable income, support struggling families, and widen economic opportunities across Guyana.

For many households, the need is urgent.

The government’s task is to ensure that its promised relief is both timely and tangible.

UG’s valedictorian’s journey a blueprint for a new Guyana

Dear Editor,

IN the life of a nation, there are moments that invite reflection and quiet pride.

The story of Daniel Persaud, being named the University of Guyana’s 2025 Valedictorian and President’s Medallist, is one such moment. His achievement is a powerful testament to the resilience, dedication, and potential that define the Guyanese spirit.

He was not a top candidate from one of the top schools, but his output can rival even the best from the top schools in Guyana, thanks to his character, which embodies true grit. His attitude of mind must be celebrated as the benchmark for the true Guyanese aspiration as we all embark on the journey to build a new Guyana – one that embodies humility, but with a determined spirit, well-grounded in spirituality.

I also want to congratulate Mr. Komal Samaroo and the team at the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) for the support they offered to Mr. Persaud. That kind of corporate support

is vital in the positive evolution of the society. We need to see more of this from the Private Sector.

Those of us who studied at the University of Guyana (UG) will know that the engineering program is not a walk in the park, and anytime a 4.0 GPA is achieved in the School of Engineering, it is a time for deep celebration since it is a groundbreaking moment that was backed by consistent hard work and intellect.

As Mr. Persaud stated, his path to academic excellence was not straightforward. But as we all know, nothing in life is easy, but that is not an excuse to give up, but to double down and press forward. After an initial rejection from UG, he demonstrated an attitude of remarkable perseverance by enrolling at the Government Technical Institute (GTI) to create another path toward creating his dream.

But what I am most proud of, for this son of Wales, where the now closed sugar estate is situated, is that he was also a graduate of the GuySuCo Port Mourant Training Centre.

What is a given fact is that the Port Mourant Training School has produced some of the finest technicians that ever graced these shores, and they continue to do very well wherever they are situated, be it the New York City Transit Authority, the Florida Sugar Industry, or even here at home in an industrial setting.

This story has a life-determining message of work-life balance. As he put it - balancing the intense rigours of an engineering program, which he humorously referred to as “torture”—with personal responsibilities required immense commitment. He credited his success to a focused mindset, collaborative study with his friend Lemuel Williams, and the supportive guidance of his lecturers and grandmother and other family members.

It is this friendship with Mr. Williams that is my proudest moment because it brought back many good memories for me, eating sardines and bread with my fellow study mates at midnight in those stables, in between study sessions, as working students. When we graduated, we knew that we could not have done

it without each other; it was a celebration of the team.

But the most patriotic advice I have heard from anyone in a long time came from Mr. Persaud when he advised fellow graduates to contribute to Guyana’s development, saying, “Stick around, take advantage of the opportunities, don’t be afraid to share your ideas, dream big, innovate, be yourself.” Guyana is on the rise, and I trust our youths will listen to his message and stay, cooperate with each other, and contribute towards the building of a better Guyana for the next generation.

Daniel Persaud’s story is more than an academic triumph; it is a narrative of resilience, community support, and unwavering faith. He is a deserving valedictorian whose journey serves as an inspiration and a source of immense pride.

Well done, Mr. Daniel Persaud.

After Gaza are there still differences between dictatorship and democracy?

I QUOTE from the Stabroek News (SN) editorial of November 16, 2025: “Dictatorships are all very much alike, whether it be Russia or Venezuela or a host of others.”

I once wrote last year that I found the people who write editorials for SN to be immensely ignorant people.

Such a line should never be written by a person who was born in Guyana. Whether you are old or young in Guyana, you must know that there was a popularly elected leader named Cheddi Jagan whose elected government was overthrown by two countries – UK and USA – that we here in Guyana were forced to accept as democracies.

In the US, John F. Kennedy is seen as one of the US’s most likeable presidents, but that is in the US. Outside of the US, Kennedy is known for using American power to overthrow Dr. Jagan. Kennedy’s siblings, their children and grandchildren never had the moral decency to apologise to Jagan when he was alive.

So, SN tells Guyanese that dictatorships are very much alike. But what is a dictatorship and can we name the dictatorships in the world? Interestingly, SN only named two – Russia and Venezuela. With dozens of countries less free than Russia and Venezuela, SN could remember or maybe did not want to remember, that there are worse political systems in the world than Russia and Venezuela.

Anyone who is not an ignorant person would automatically shout out – the Middle East/Gulf governments. When Russia (under President Putin) was awarded the World Cup, there was no global movement to stop it. When Qatar was made the host country, there

was a demand by some countries to move it because of Qatar’s human rights record.

There is modern-day slavery in many Gulf states. Russia is a superior nation to many autocratic countries in the Middle East. The ignorant person who wrote that editorial was too stupid to know about politics and government in the Middle East. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia should automatically fly out of the mouth of any human if you ask them to name a country that is a dictatorship.

So why were Russia and Venezuela the only two countries named by SN? Because that is the way we were brought up by our colonial masters to think about the world. And it has infected not only the writers of the SN editorials but also well-educated Guyanese.

Bertrand Ramcharran has a colonial mind. He was once the Chancellor of UG. Ramcharran divides the world neatly into democracies and dictatorships. Henry Jeffrey was a lecturer at UG. Jeffrey maintains that Western Europe is more democratic than the entire Third World because Western countries have liberal democracy.

Let’s put political theory under the spotlight. What is democracy and is it a higher form of governance than dictatorship? And what is dictatorship? Are there more humane instincts in prime ministers and presidents in democratic countries than in dictatorships? Before I proceed, let me answer the question by saying that since the beginning of the 20th century, there have been more humane instincts embedded in communist countries than in the so-called democratic West.

The communist world supported anticolonial movements and assisted them in

removing European empires. The communist world was a bulwark of support for the ANC in apartheid South Africa. The communist countries gave vital assistance to national liberation movements that were fighting dictatorship in the Third World imposed by so-called Western democratic countries.

Let’s ask some formidable questions about political theory. Could a country be described as democratic if it supports genocide? It is not possible in political theory to argue that a country has a democratic framework if it supports genocide.

The two are contradictory. You cannot be a religious preacher if you are an atheist. It is simply impossible because the books you have to preach from are from God’s work and you don’t believe God exist. You cannot be a socialist thinker if you think that human liberation is only possible through the complete domination of a capitalist system. A capitalist

system and socialist economics do not see human liberation in the same way.

A country cannot be a democratic country and support genocide. It is an impossible confluence. Genocide is a crime against civilisation. Each human has a civilising mission to stop genocide and support its victims.

For two years, the countries that Henry Jeffrey, Bertrand Ramcharran and the Stabroek News describe as democratic have physically and materially supported the Israeli state so it can perpetuate genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza.

Only a genetically defective idiot would admire such a country and I doubt even such an idiot would do it.

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.

Campbell is continuing a troubling pattern of misogyny in the PNCR

Dear Editor,

TERRENCE Campbell’s recent attempt to body shame Minister Priya Manickchand on his personal Facebook page is yet another example of a troubling pattern of misogyny within the PNCR –the party which Campbell represents in the National Assembly.

For the benefit of readers, Mr Campbell shared an article from ‘Village Voice’ –propaganda outfit aligned to the PNCR – which was titled ‘Ozempic! At ~$1200 USD per Month, it is the Drug of Choice Only Guyana’s ‘Nouveau Riche’ Can Afford’. The featured image was that of Minister Manickchand. Of course, Campbell, who has likened himself to Jesus for leading the APNU’s 12-member team to Parliament, was severely criticised by citizens for his attempt to

shame the female Minister.

However, Campbell’s action is not an isolated one.

One would recall in March of this year, Former APNU Minister and longstanding PNCR member, the late Amna Ally resigned from that party, citing the mistreatment of women within the PNCR.

Ms Ally spoke about the “continuous disregard for women” who she said are the backbone of the PNCR.

She went further to highlight the case of PNCR stalwart, Vanessa Kissoon, who resigned just days before Ally, following reports of sexual assault against her (Kissoon).

Subsequently, former PNCR General Secretary Geeta Chandan-Edmond also spoke about the abuse meted out to women within the PNCR and the disregard for their contributions to the party.

Recall too, that Ms Dawn Hasting-Williams also resigned from the PNCR following mistreatment within

the party.

Editor, it is clear from Mr Campbell’s actions that men within the leadership

of the PNCR continues to see women as less than, and that there will be no end to the misogynistic conduct of

GECOM Commissioner Sase Gunraj leads

CARICOM mission for St. Vincent elections

GECOM Commission -

er Sase Gunraj has assumed duties as Chief of Mission for the CARICOM Election Observation Mission (CEOM), deployed to observe the General Elections of St. Vincent and the Grenadines scheduled for 27 November 2025.

The ten-member mission, mounted by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), was organised following a formal invitation from the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines dated 2 October 2025.

The CEOM will operate in the country from 20–29 November, assessing preparations ahead of the polls and observing the conduct of election day.

Gunraj, who serves as a Commissioner on the

Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), leads a team comprising senior electoral officials from seven CARICOM Member States, supported by administrative personnel from the CARICOM Secretariat.

The full delegation includes: Mr. Clovis St. Romain – Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission; His Honour Arthur Eugene Holder, SC, MP – Speaker of the House of Assembly, Barbados; Ms. Anthea Joseph – Chief Elections Officer, Dominica; Ms. Karina Nicola Thomas – Parliamentary Elections Office, Grenada; Mrs. Dorinnie Irma – Independent Electoral Council, Suriname; and Ms. Gillian Macintyre –Elections and Boundaries Commission, Trinidad and

They are supported by Secretariat staff Ms. Shae-Alicia Lewis, Mr. Irvin Brown, and Ms. Serojnie Seetaram, who form the Core Group along with Gunraj. This team arrived

New Democratic Party (NDP) Chairman Daniel Cummings—representing Opposition Leader Dr. Godwin Friday—and National Liberation Movement (NLM) Leader Dr. Doris Frederick. Discussions have also been held with the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers’ Union, the Voice of the Disabled, and representatives of the media.

cle of activities—from the opening of polls and voting procedures to the close of polling stations, the counting of ballots, the transmission of results, and the overall post-election environment.

in St. Vincent and the Grenadines on 20 November, while the remaining observers are scheduled to be in place by 23 November.

Since deployment, the Mission has held meetings with key political and civil society actors, including

In the coming days, the Mission will engage with Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Supervisor of Elections Dora James, and Commissioner of Police Enville Williams, among others. These consultations are expected to help the Mission gauge the pre-election climate and assess the state of operational readiness for the polls.

Gunraj noted that on election day, observers will monitor the full cy-

Following the 27 November vote, the CEOM will issue a Preliminary Statement before departing on 29 November. A comprehensive Final Report, detailing the Mission’s findings and recommendations, will later be submitted to CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett and made available to the public.

Gunraj, expressed appreciation for the cooperation extended to the Mission since arrival and reaffirmed CARICOM’s commitment to supporting democratic processes across the region.

Woman charged with cybercrime over alleged false posts about Minister Indar

RAYWATTIE Khamraj, also known as Annie Khemraj, 43, of Richardstown, Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, has been charged in connection with an alleged cybercrime offence relating to false online information about Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar.

According to a Police release, the allegation stems from “the use of a computer system to disseminate false information about the Honourable Minister… on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.”

Khemraj was brought before Magistrate Annette Singh at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Friday, November 21, 2025, where the charge, Using a Computer System to Disseminate Information Knowing Same to Be False, Contrary to Section 19(3)(b) of the Cybercrime Act No. 16 of 2018, was read to her. She pleaded not guilty. The court granted her bail in the sum of $150,000 and adjourned the matter to December 17, 2025.

As part of the bail conditions, Khemraj must lodge

her passport with the court, refrain from posting or commenting on social media, and report to the police on the last Friday of every month. Investigations are ongoing.

‘The future will be built by you’

President Ali urges new UG graduates to apply their knowledge, uplift others, drive national progress

PRESIDENT Ali has urged the University of Guyana’s newest graduates to apply their knowledge with purpose, uplift their communities, and help drive national development.

Addressing the cohort via a broadcast message on Friday, he emphasised that their achievements come with a responsibility to contribute meaningfully to Guyana’s ongoing trans-

petitive, technologically advanced, and environmentally responsible Guyana.

“Our economy is expanding, our infrastructure is growing, and our society is evolving in ways once thought impossible, yet the real engine of this transformation is not oil or investment. It is people.

It is you. Transformation demands skills,” the president noted. Graduates were also

almost instantly and in this rapidly shifting landscape, the most critical skill has become the capacity to continually learn, adapt, and upgrade one’s abilities.

“Guyana requires modern skills. This is why we must build not only an economy of resources, but a culture of competence, you are the generation that will shape the workforce of a new Guyana.”

Such a future, he said

formation and to ensure that progress is shared by all.

“Development depends on people who are accomplished, qualified and future ready. The Guyana we are building needs engineers and educators, innovators and entrepreneurs, health professionals and policy thinkers, with these citizens equipped with knowledge, skills and values to propel our country forward,” the President said.

The government, he noted, envisions a nation where the graduates, equipped with advanced skills, would shape a globally com -

urged to adopt a lifelong learning mindset, essential for a modern, knowledge-driven Guyana.

“A world-class university is not measured by its enrolment figures, but by the impact of its graduates, by their capacity to drive national transformation. To achieve this, you must embrace a new mindset. Learning must never end. Education cannot stop at graduation,” he added.

Meanwhile, the President noted that as global change accelerates and technology advances by the day, industries are being transformed

a policy which the president says emphasises the importance of free education as a nation-building investment, ensuring access and excellence.

“That is why the introduction of free tertiary educa tion at the University of Guyana marks a bolster in our national journey. Free University education is a nation-building investment and every Guyanese, regardless of

background, aspires to higher learning.”

Nearly 3,600 students are being conferred with degrees, marking the largest graduating class in the institution’s 62-year history.

Graduation cer -

emonies began on Thursday and will continue today at the Turkeyen Campus; meanwhile, in December, six sessions are scheduled for graduates of the Berbice Tain, Corentyne Campus.

will depend on the advancement of the nation’s academia.

“You are the heartbeat of a new and modern Guyana, educated, empowered and ever evolving future is not just before you. It will be built by you. Keep learning, keep growing, keep transforming,” he encouraged, adding:

“Your education has empowered you now. Let your learning empower others, let your curiosity drive change, let your ideas move Guyana forward.”

The government earlier this year moved to abolish tuition fees to the tertiary institutions,

2020 elections fraud trial to continue Monday

THE 2020 elections fraud trial resumed on Friday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty.

The court is currently conducting a voir dire to determine whether video-recorded police interrogations

of former Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo can be admitted as evidence. When the matter was last called, the defence had already begun leading its case.

On Friday, the voir dire resumed with Mingo back on the witness stand, where de-

fence attorney Nigel Hughes led him into evidence. Following this, the prosecution presented rebuttal evidence by calling a police officer to testify.

The witness was later cross-examined by the defence.

These video interviews

form part of the prosecution’s intended evidence for the main trial.

As required by law, the media cannot report on the substance of the voir dire, since disclosing details could prejudice the fairness of the ongoing trial.

Before proceedings commenced, Magistrate McGusty again reminded reporters of the limits on what may be lawfully published.

The defence is challenging the admissibility of the video-recorded interviews, prompting the court to conduct these voir dire hearings — special, separate inquiries focused solely on the disputed evidence.

During this process, the main trial is paused while the court hears testimony and legal submissions on whether the recordings were lawfully obtained and meet the standards required for admission.

The hearing will continue next Monday.

The trial concerns allegations of electoral fraud arising from the disputed General and Regional Elections held on March 2, 2020.

Those facing charges include former Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield; former Deputy CEO Roxanne Myers; former Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo; former Health Minister under the previous A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government, Volda Lawrence; and People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) member, Carol Smith-Joseph.

Also on trial are former Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) staffers Sheffern February, Enrique Livan, Denise Babb-Cummings, and Michelle Miller.

The defendants’ legal representation includes seasoned attorneys Nigel Hughes, Dexter Todd, Darren Wade, Eusi Anderson, and Ronald Daniels.

Collectively, the defendants face 19 charges ranging from conspiracy to defraud to misconduct in public office. Due to the charges arising from the same set of circumstances, the matters

have been consolidated. Each defendant has pleaded not guilty to the charges and secured their release by posting significant cash bail.

The prosecution, led by King’s Counsel Darshan Ramdhanie, argued that each defendant played a “critical role” in the deliberate effort to inflate votes for the APNU+AFC and reduce votes for the Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

In the weeks that followed the contentious March 2, 2020, vote, Guyana’s judiciary was inundated with multiple applications and appeals filed by various political actors over the electoral process.

The saga lasted five months before a national recount, led by GECOM and a delegation from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), confirmed the PPP/C’s victory and ultimately led to the swearing-in of President Dr. Irfaan Ali on August 2, 2020.

The recount confirmed that the PPP/C won the elections with 233,336 votes against the APNU+AFC coalition 217,920.

The initial election results, announced by former CEO Lowenfield, claimed an APNU+AFC victory.

The APNU+AFC coalition received 171,825 votes, while the PPP/C received 166,343 votes, according to Lowenfield’s election report.

Following the PPP/C’s return to office in August 2020, criminal charges were filed against the defendants.

GECOM made the decision to terminate the contracts of Lowenfield, Myers, and Mingo in August 2021, after the allegations of fraud came to light.

The Presidential Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the events of the 2020 General and Regional Elections have found that there was collusion and collaboration between senior GECOM officials to divert votes to the APNU +AFC instead of safeguarding and preserving the integrity of the electoral system.

Chairman Stanley John and commissioners — former Chancellor of the Ju -

diciary, Carl Singh and Senior Counsel Godfrey Smith made these findings based on evidence from the many witnesses who testified along with the reports of the international observers.

“…our inquiry reveals that there were, in fact, shockingly brazen attempts by Lowenfield, Myers and Mingo to derail and corrupt the statutorily prescribed procedure for the counting, ascertaining and tabulation of votes of the March 2nd election, as well as the true declaration of the results of that election, and that they did so – to put it in unvarnished language of the ordinary man – for the purpose of stealing the election,” they said in their report.

The report found that Lowenfield blatantly made decisions and employed procedures in direct contradiction to the law and the will of the people.

The findings revealed too that GECOM staffers had ignored specific instructions from the court, used materials that were illegal and or manipulated, and sided with APNU+AFC agents to berate observers whenever objections were raised.

After careful scrutiny, the CoI commissioners concluded that there was a conscious and deliberate – even brazen –effort to violate the provisions of section 84(1) of the Representation of the People Act (RoPA)

In so doing, certain “senior GECOM officials” abandoned all need for neutrality and impartiality and demonstrated a bias for the APNU+AFC and, in the course of events over those days, showed an “open connection” with that party, and by their efforts sought a desired result for the coalition.

As such, the commissioners said that after consideration and analysis of the evidence, Lowenfield, Mingo and Myers “were principally responsible for clear and deliberate attempts to frustrate, obstruct and subvert the ascertainment of votes in electoral district No. 4.”

PM commissions Hampshire 3MWp solar farm

PRIME Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, on Friday, commissioned the new Hampshire Solar Farm in Region Six. The plant has a capacity of 3MWp (megawatt peak) and stands as another major leap in Guyana’s transition to cleaner, more reliable, and more affordable energy.

The facility forms part of the government’s push to expand renewable generation countrywide and follows the

improve people’s lives.

The Hampshire Solar Farm features a total installed capacity of 3MWp, comprising 4,928 solar modules, eight PV inverters, advanced mounting structures, and a new 13.8kV spur connecting to the Canefield F3 distribution feeder.

Built for durability, it can withstand winds of up to 244 km/h. The system is engineered for resilience, longterm operational stability, and

recent commissioning of the 5MWp Onderneeming Solar Farm on the Essequibo Coast.

The projects are key elements of the national effort to diversify the energy mix and reduce carbon emissions under the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030.

According to Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL), the Berbice solar programme also includes ongoing projects at Prospect and Trafalgar, representing one of the largest coordinated solar expansions in the country’s history.

Delivering remarks on behalf of President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the prime minister highlighted the significance of the commissioning, noting Guyana’s steady progress towards developing its renewable energy agenda.

“This commissioning sends a clear signal not only to our people, but to the Latin American and Caribbean region and the rest of the world,” he said, and added that “It says that Guyana is serious about transitioning to cleaner energy sources. We view this transition as an urgent imperative.”

He also noted that President Ali, who led two days of Cabinet and expanded Cabinet engagements in Region Six, is keenly focused on ensuring that the nation’s new revenue streams directly

you do. Even as our forests perform the work of giants, we still invest, we still act. Climate change does not wait on anyone,” the Prime Minister said.

The prime minister reiterated that Guyana’s energy transition is built on three pillars:

Natural gas as a low-emission, reliable transition fuel; hydropower as a longterm source of stable, clean baseload energy and solar and wind for rapid,

decentralised renewable generation across the regions.

Together, he explained, the pillars create a “multi-lane pathway” to meet Guyana’s rapidly expanding electricity demand, projected to more than triple by 2030.

“No single source can carry that load,” he stressed, before stating, “That is why we diversify. That is why we invest. That is why we plan not for today’s Guyana, but for tomorrow’s Guyana.” [DPI]

efficient integration into the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS).

Once fully operational, the installation is expected to generate approximately 4,800MWh (megawatt-hour) of energy annually, translating to an estimated GY$210 million in avoided fossil fuel costs and a reduction of nearly 3,200 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year.

The commissioning comes as world leaders gather in Belém, Brazil, for COP30. Prime Minister Phillips highlighted that Guyana continues to demand greater global urgency in climate action.

“COP30 has established that the global march toward renewable energy has not slowed; it has strengthened. The world recognises that the transition to clean power is not optional, but essential…developing countries like Guyana cannot carry the transition on aspirations alone. We need financing, fair, predictable, accessible and quicker financing to scale renewable energy,” the prime minister said.

Additionally, he emphasised that although Guyana remains one of the world’s strongest net carbon sinks, the country continues to lead by example:

“Leadership is not what you claim. Leadership is what

‘Syndrome

of mismanagement at

GuySuCo must be removed’

- President Ali

PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali has signalled a tougher, results-driven approach to operations within the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), warning that entrenched mismanagement must be eliminated if the industry is to meet its production targets.

Speaking during a press conference in Region Six, on Friday, the President stressed that sugar remains vital to the

region’s economy but insisted that continued investment must be matched by improved performance.

“Sugar is an important part of the economy here in Region Six, and we're going to contin-

ue to invest, but we have to get the return on our investment,”

President Ali said, adding that production increases at Albion and Rosehall estates are essential. “We have to have the increased production at Albion and Rosehall estates,” he noted.

As part of efforts to revitalise the industry, the President revealed that international technical support is on the way.

He noted that to ensure the success of the industry, the government will also engage private cane farmers.

“We have a team coming from India that is looking at the re-opening of the Skeldon estate to produce 37,000 tons of sugar by 2030,” he announced.

In addition to this, plans are underway for a local private sector and foreign investment in a sugar refinery.

President Ali further outlined that a new performance

matrix will be implemented in the new year to hold management accountable. “If management cannot meet the indicators on the matrix, they will be removed.”

“The Panday syndrome must be removed…mismanagement and poor management disguised by class talk and fanciful language will be removed,” the President added, citing the previous management of the sector.

According to the Ministry of Finance’s mid-year report, the sugar-growing industry is estimated to have expanded by 136.7 per cent, compared with the first half of last year.

GuySuCo produced 15,954 tonnes of sugar in the first crop of this year, up from 6,739 tonnes over the same period in 2024.

GuySuCo reported that the first half of the year posed several challenges,

including heavy rainfall that disrupted harvesting and factory operations, labour shortages, and reduced cane quality.

Earlier this year, the President outlined plans to leverage GuySuCo’s existing human capital, land assets, and technology to re-imagine the corporation as a hub for rural development.

He noted that GuySuCo’s extensive arable lands and infrastructure could support the cultivation of other crops such as rice, corn, and cassava, further diversifying the industry and increasing revenue streams.

Significant investments have already been channelled into mechanisation across several sugar estates, and efforts are underway to move beyond bulk exports into higher-value production.

Police seize nearly 600 grams of cannabis in Plaisance intel-led operation

POLICE

in Regional Division 4 ‘C’ have launched an investigation following the discovery of almost 600 grams of suspected cannabis during an intelligence-led operation at Victoria Road, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara, on Friday.

In a release, the Guyana Police Force said ranks conducting the operation searched the area and spotted a black garbage bag on the eastern parapet of the access road, near a trench.

“Upon examination, 30 multicoloured zip-lock packets were found, twenty-five (25) containing leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis and five (5) empty,” the release stated.

Inside the same bag, investigators discovered

another black plastic bag containing additional quantities of suspected cannabis.

The items were taken to the Sparendaam Police Station, where the suspected narcotics were weighed.

According to the Police, the twenty-five ziplock packets amounted to

88 grams, while the contents of the black plastic bag weighed 510 grams, a combined total of 598 grams.

The narcotics have since been processed and lodged as evidence. No arrests have been made so far as investigations are ongoing.

First Lady, MOM hand over five homes in Berbice

FIRST LADY Arya Ali joined the Men on Mission (MOM) team on Thursday to officially hand over five newly con-

structed houses to five deserving families across the East Berbice-Corentyne Region. While handing over

the houses, First Lady Ali said that access to adequate, safe, and affordable housing is a foundation of social development.

She offered high praises for the MOM team, recognising the remarkable work they have spearheaded in providing residences for hundreds of families throughout Guyana.

Launched in 2022, the MOM initiative has fo -

cused on promoting integrity, productivity, and accountability among men while actively combatting toxic masculinity through humanitarian engagement, like the home construction projects.

The recipients of the houses were Deomattie Jainarine of Ankerville, Coreen Clarkson of Fort Ordinance, Parbattie Babunarine of Williamsburg, Welma Permaul, East Canje, and Mr Soorjbally Ramlochan of No. 19 Village. [DPI]

Region Two embraces the Digital School Initiative

By: Indrawattie Natram

REGION Two has taken a significant stride in advancing technology-driven learning as secondary school students across the region have officially begun registering for the Guyana Digital School, a groundbreaking national initiative launched by President Dr. Irfaan Ali.

Leading the regional rollout was Deputy Chief Education Officer (Technical), Dr. Ritesh Tularam, whose strong background in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) continues to shape Guyana’s modern education strategies.

Dr. Tularam has consis -

tently emphasised the growing importance of technology and artificial intelligence in today’s classrooms, ensuring that the Digital School becomes a strategic pillar in Guyana’s 21st-century education vision.

Throughout the week, Dr. Tularam and his dedicated registration team visited multiple secondary schools across Region Two, ensuring that every student had the opportunity to sign up and gain access to this transformative platform.

The team worked closely with learners, guiding them through the registration process and preparing them to benefit from the Digital School’s rich features, including high-quality lessons, interactive tools, and learning resources designed to strengthen performance, particularly at the CSEC level.

This initiative reflects the Ministry of Education’s commitment to making education more accessible, innovative, and equitable for every child, regardless of their geographical location. With this rollout, Region Two students are now at the forefront of a national movement to integrate technology into everyday learning.

“The Digital School is more than a platform — it is a promise to every child in Guyana. A promise that no student will be left behind, and that high-quality learning

No

will reach every corner of our nation. Region Two has embraced this vision with tremendous energy, and I am proud of the commitment shown by our students and teachers. Together, we are shaping a smarter, more connected future,” Dr. Tularam said.

Meanwhile, Regional Education Officer, Shondelle Hercules, also shared her excitement, explaining that the initiative marks “a new era for education in Region Two.”

“We are thrilled to see our students eagerly registering and preparing to explore the

Digital School. This platform opens doors to greater opportunities, improved academic performance, and a more modern learning experience. I commend Dr. Tularam and his team for bringing this vision to life in our region,” Dr Hercules said.

Region Two extends heartfelt commendations to Dr. Ritesh Tularam and the Ministry of Education’s technical team for their leadership, dedication, and hands-on support throughout the registration process. Teachers gave positive feedback on the programme also.

Essequibo boy — Police

POLICE in Regional Division Two say no foul play is suspected, at this stage, in the death of 12-year-old Samesh Singh of Golden Fleece Koker Dam, Essequibo Coast, whose body was discovered along the community’s foreshore early Friday morning.

In a release, the Guyana Police Force confirmed that the child was reported missing on Thursday, November 20, 2025, and was found around 08:00 hours the following day.

“No foul play is suspected as investigations continue,” the Police stated.

According to the release, a relative searching the area made the discovery. “A relative conducting checks along the Golden Fleece foreshore discovered the body lying face-down on the sand and immediately alerted the police,” the Force reported.

A senior detective led the response team to the scene, where the body was

DEAD: 12-year-old Samesh Singh

found about 150 feet northeast of the Golden Fleece koker. The child was clad in a cream-coloured boxer.

Singh was taken to the Suddie Public Hospital, where a doctor pronounced him dead. His body has since been moved to the hospital mortuary, where a post-mortem examination will be conducted. Investigations are ongoing.

Minister Edghill, Presidential Adviser engage Kildonan residents during cabinet outreach

MINISTER of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill and Presidential Adviser, Geeta Chandan-Edmond, met with residents of Kildonan, East Berbice–Corentyne, on Thursday and Friday as part of President Irfaan Ali’s ongoing Cabinet outreach across Region Six.

The engagement, held at the Kildonan Community Centre, focused on gathering concerns related to infrastructure, drainage, transportation and other public-service issues. A technical team from the Ministry of Public Works, including Head of the Work Services Group, Ron Rahaman, accompanied the officials to provide on-thespot assessments where possible.

The Kildonan visit is

one of several stops being made by Cabinet members as they spread across communities in the region to hear residents’ concerns

first-hand and identify solutions.

The outreach, which spanned two days, aimed to address urgent issues

immediately while outlining longer-term interventions in line with the government’s regional development plans.

19-wicket chaos rocks opening day

Starc’s 7-for stuns England before

leads blistering fightback

(ESPNCRICIFO) - Living up to the hype after such a prolonged build-up, the first Ashes Test started in frenetic fashion with wild momentum swings as pace bowlers from both attacks dominated on a bouncy Perth Stadium surface.

By the end of a thoroughly entertaining opening day, England have amazingly finished with the edge after 19 wickets fell in front of 51,531 fans.

Stepping up in the absences of fellow quicks Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc had initially given Australia a sensational start to the series with career-best bowling figures of 7 for 58 as England were dismissed for just 172 in their first innings.

In the lead-up to the Test, Starc had stated his preference for series-openers to be played in Australia's traditional fortress of the Gabba, while he was also dubious about a Perth surface dubbed as a “green monster”.

Bowling consistently around 145kph/90mph, Starc relished a greentinged surface he was able to find some

Stokes

in wild Perth thriller

extra zing off to tear through England's batting.

Learning from Starc's efforts, England's all-out pace attack hit back against a reshuffled Australia batting order after Usman Khawaja was unable to open having spent time off the field during England's innings with back stiffness.

After months of speculation over who would open, Marnus Labuschagne did end up partnering debutant Jake Weatherald, who at the start of the day had received his cap from David Warner.

Much like Nathan McSweeney a year ago against India on the same ground, Weatherald faced a baptism of fire and was trapped lbw by quick Jofra Archer to fall for a second-ball duck.

Khawaja was still not able to bat by this point, meaning Steven Smith walked out at No. 3 for the first time in a Test since 2017. He had a torrid time, smacked on the elbow by a vicious short ball from Gus Atkinson that required medical attention.

Bowling at speeds around 150kph,

Archer was a handful and he conjured awkward bounce that accounted for Labuschagne, who was also struck on the elbow and bowled.

Having copped another painful blow, Smith battled hard with 17 off 49 balls before edging a sharp delivery from Brydon Carse to second slip. Batting at No. 4 for just the second time in his Test career, Khawaja could do little against a rapid short delivery from Carse that grazed the bat handle, and he was caught behind.

Feeling in much better spirits than he had earlier in the day, Ben Stokes finished with five wickets in his six-over spell, including Travis Head and Cameron Green - who had threatened with a 45-run partnership - in the shadows to cap England's remarkable rally.

There are eerie parallels to the corresponding India Test from 12 months ago when 17 wickets fell on the opening day. This surface did not appear to be quite as challenging, but sharp bounce and pace was evident with a slew of top-order batters falling caught behind the wicket.

Republic Bank Limited Secondary School Football League

Chase Academic Foundation

lead going into round 6

CHASE Academic Foundation will head into the next round of the Republic Bank Limited Secondary School Football League on Sunday with the momentum on their back after dominating all their matches to head the points table after 5 rounds.

Chase has been flawless with 5 wins in as many games and they have a prolific goal difference of positive 19 with 15 points.

West Ruimveldt is the next best team with 4 wins and a loss after five games with 12 points with South Ruimveldt

third after three wins, a loss and a draw.

Charlestown, and Three Miles are also on three wins but with two losses each.

Dolphin Secondary, Abrahim Zuil Secondary and President’s College complete the eight team’s table.

In round six of eight on Sunday, Chase will get back into action against President’s College.

Abram Zuil will play Dolphin, Three Miles tackles Charlestown and in a battle of the Ruimvedlts, South and West collide.

The teams are battling for a chance to qualify for the KFC Goodwill International Series set for next month and featuring teams from Trinidad, Jamaica, Suriname, Bahamas and Brazil.

Chase, as the defending KFC champions will gain automatic entry into the competition with the 1st and 2nd place sides also making the cut.

The team will be vying for $300,000, $200,000, $100,000 and $50,000 along with trophies and medals for places 1-4th with all monies going to a school project to be under taken by the schools.

CBO, Bris-o team-up for Boxing Day fight card

The newly formed Caribbean Boxing Organisation on Friday partnered with Bris-O promotions at Windjammers hotel to launch a Boxing Day fight card.

The move set to re-introduce Boxing Day fights in the Caribbean will feature fighters from around the region competing at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

President of GBBC Peter Abdool says this is another indication of Guyana taking the lead in the region as it relates to the sport of boxing, something that is vital to its sustenance.

“It was really the brain child of Seon Bristol, who rounded up, got in touch with and eventually associated himself with promoters from several other Caribbean nations. The initiative is an excellent one, in terms of the fact that promoters are badly needed in the sport of boxing, in fact boxing can’t go on without them, it is as simple as that and generally speaking when Guyana boxes, the entire Caribbean boxes and when Guyana does not box, it seems our Caribbean fortunes suffer as well,” Abdool said.

GBA head Steve Ninvalle says the card and the CBO is filling an important void in the region, commending promoter Seon Bristol.

“Make sure that boxing is revived and

reenergised not only in Guyana but across the Caribbean. As peter would have said, boxing on boxing day was a staple and we would not have had that for a very long time. For Seon and the Caribbean Boxing Association, for which he would have formed, to see it fit to re-introduce this to Guyana says a lot.”

Head of Bris-o promotion and President of the CBO Bristol says the goal is to promote Caribbean boxing by hosting cards every three months in Guyana and around the region.

“This has been a vision that has now become a reality and thanks to our many members and promoters in the Caribbean that I’ve been able to make contact with to create what we have now, the Caribbean Boxing Organisation. Due to my involvement in boxing Guyana and beyond would have heard of Bris-O promotion,” he added.

The plan sees each member of the Caribbean getting the chance to host one event in a series for the year.

Top local boxer Keevin Allicok and Desmond Amsterdam are some of the locals set to feature at the inaugural fight card.

The first card is sanctioned by the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) and supported by Guyana Boxing Association (GBA).

I-Cee Soft Drinks sponsors Grand Prix 2 Chess Tournament

I-CEE Soft Drinks has once again thrown its support for the Grand Prix series of chess tournaments, this time with a sponsorship of the Grand Prix 2 scheduled for November 22nd, 23rd, 29th, and 30th, 2025, at the School of the Nations.

As a qualifying tournament for the upcoming Chess Olympiad, the Grand Prix series is highly coveted, attracting top participation from chess enthusiasts. Registration is expected to draw approximately 50 participants, including an anticipated 20 players competing in the Women's category.

The eight–round Swiss System competition carries a time control of 90 minutes with 30-second increments added to the clock after each move and will be contested in the Open category by players such as National Junior Champion Kyle Couchman, U-16 Champion CM Sachin Pitamber, Gilbert Williams, Alek Ubaldo-Singh, Micaiah Enoe, and U-12 Champion Abel Fernandez. Newcomer FIDE Master Rawle Allicock has also thrown his hat in the ring, with the hopes of qualifying for the team.

Competing in the Wom-

Brand Manager I-CEE Soft Drinks Mr. Clayton McKenzie, presents cheque for I-CEE Chess Grand Prix 2 to GCF Public Relations Director, Mr. Shiv Nandalall at Thirst Park, Georgetown.

en’s category are the current 2025 Women’s Champion WCM Aditi Joshi, U-14 Girls Champion Emma John, U-12 Girls Champion Kateleya Sam, and Former Women’s Champion WCM Sasha Shariff, Treskole’ Archibald, Ciel Clement, to name a few.

Cash prizes totaling $100,000 will be awarded to the top three finishers in each category. The top eight boards of the open

category and top four for the female category will be live streamed on lichess.org by John Lee, FIDE Arbiter and Technical Director for the GCF. Full Results and pairings can be viewed on chess-results.com.

The GCF extends its sincere gratitude to its sponsor, I-CEE Soft Drinks, for its continued support of chess in Guyana and the School of the Nations for providing the venue.

GNRA National Championships

Captain Dylan Fields in the lead after day one; Kayann Ghanie is lone female

CAPTAIN of the Guyana National Rifle Association (GNRA) Fullbore Section, Dylan Fields is holding a slim lead after one day of competition in this year’s edition of the national championships taking place at the Timehri Rifle Ranges.

Set to continue on Sunday and end next Sunday, Fields is just three points ahead of Sherwin Felicien and veteran Lennox Braithwaite, the latter two separated by v-bulls. Following the opening day of action which saw the riflemen and lone female competing at the 300-, 500- and 600-yards ranges, Felicien and Peter Persaud were the other two shooters to record possibles.

Both accomplished it at 500 yards, 35.1 and 35.3, respectively. The lone female, Kay-Ann Ghanie is competing in the junior class.

On Sunday November 23rd, competition will be at the 500 yards (two sighting shots and 10 rounds), 600 yards (two sighting shots and seven rounds) and 900 yards (two sighting shots and 10 rounds). The championship will end on Sunday November 30.

This competition has effectively commenced the nation’s preparations for the 2026 edition of the West Indies Fullbore Shooting Championships which will be hosted in Antigua & Barbuda from April 25 to May 1.

Additionally, a 20-member English Rifle Team will be visiting one week before the West Indies Championships to compete against the Guyanese.

Guyana ready to host 2025 Senior Caribbean Squash Championships

GUYANA successfully launched the Senior Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) Championships on 15 days' notice, demonstrating the nation’s capacity to host major regional sporting events following an emergency relocation.

The Championships, which feature over 120 athletes from nine nations, are scheduled to run from November 23-29, with matches primarily held at the National Racquet Centre.

The host change became necessary after Hurricane Melissa impacted the original host, Jamaica.

GSA President David Fernandes confirmed the move was to ensure the event's continuity, noting the tournament serves as a crucial qualifier for the 2026 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

“It was imperative to give others a lifeline,” Fernandes said at the launch, citing the CAC qualification deadline of December 1.

While Team Guyana had already secured their own qualification in August, the GSA prioritised regional participation.

Fernandes praised the rapid mobilisation

by government and corporate stakeholders, which confirmed the country's logistical capability for major sports events.

Corporate support was highlighted, with ENet and ExxonMobil Guyana affirming their investments in the sector. Robert Hiscock, Head of Mobile Networks at ENet, cited squash’s “proven track record of success” as a key factor in the support.

In a gesture of solidarity, the GSA announced that any financial surplus generated by the tournament would be donated to relief efforts in Jamaica.

Guyana’s National Sports Commission officials, including Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle and Deputy Chair Cristy Campbell, noted that state investment in facilities was allowing the country to emerge as a regional events hub.

Host nation Guyana, which has held the regional title for the past four consecutive years, enters the competition as favourites. Participating countries include Barbados, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and T&T.

BK Security on board with ExxonMobil Guyana Futsal Championship

BK Security, through its Managing Director, Travis Shepherd, is the latest entity to join forces with the ExxonMobil Guyana Futsal Championship.

The company, over the last week, presented a sponsorship package to support the ongoing tournament.

The contribution comes as teams prepare for the highly-anticipated semifinal round, which kicks off tonight at the Retrieve Tarmac in Linden.

Tournament coordinator, Andrew Major of New Era Entertainment, expressed deep appreciation for the sponsorship, noting that the support will go a long way in ensuring the smooth continuation of the event.

Major further explained that hosting a large and competitive futsal championship requires significant resources, and the assistance from BK Security helps to ease many of the financial pressures associated with organising the semifinal and final stages.

Meanwhile, Shepherd said the decision to support the tournament was part of BK Security’s ongoing commitment to community development.

He further noted that sports play an important role in youth engagement, discipline, and social unity, and the company is proud to contribute to those

positive outcomes. The winner of the event will pocket $1,500,000, while the eventual second, third, and fourth place finishers will receive $750,000, $350,000, and $200,000, respectively, and the corresponding accolade.

On the individual level, the eventual

KFC Goodwill International Football tournament

Most Valuable Player will ride away with a motorcycle. It was also disclosed that a $300,000 economic grant will be awarded to a player or fan to aid their academic development. Each team must put forward a candidate for the aforesaid scholarship.

Olympian Archibald adds Islamic games long jump medal to his cabinet

GUYANESE Olympian Emmanuel Archibald achieved another milestone on the final day of the track and field segment of the Islamic Solidarity Games on Thursday giving the country their second medal.

Archibald, competing in the men’s long jump put in a strong showing to capture a bronze medal.

Uzbekistan’s Anvar Anvarov was first place with a highest jump of 8.09 meters with Senegalese Amath Faye grabbing silver medal in the men’s long jump finals. Archibald who holds the national record of 8.22 meters achieved in May in the USA, had a best jump of 7.56 meters to reach the podium in Saudi Arabia.

Archibald also grabbed fifth place in the 100m finals in 10.44 seconds.

Meanwhile Guyana’s Keliza Smith produced a fine run to also capture bronze in the Women’s 100m final on Tuesday at the Prince Faisal Bin Fahad Stadium. Smith clocked 11.59 seconds, just shy of her season-best 11.45, after winning her heat earlier in the day. Olympic quarter-miler Aaliyah Abrams also reached the final where she finished 6th place.

In the javelin, Guyana’s Leslain Baird took fourth place with a best throw of 72.26 seconds a far cry from his personal best 78.26 metres which earn him bronze at the Pan American Games.

The Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA) Games brought together athletes from over 57 member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The competition which started in 2005 featured 270 events across 19 sports, including athletics, boxing, swimming, table tennis, and weightlifting, as well as emerging disciplines such as esports and para sports.

The team was led by Chef de Mission Garfield Wiltshire and Nalini Mc Koy Assistant Chef de Mission.

Guyana also fielded a team to compete in table tennis and swimming but failed to clinch medals in both disciplines.

New GPC Inc powering tournament through LIMACOL brand

NEW GPC Inc., makers of the LIMACOL brand have joined with the Petra Organisation in staging the 6th annual KFC International Goodwill Schools’ football tournament next month.

New GPC Inc at the company’s Farm, East Bank Demerara headquarters signaled their support for the competition.

Marketing Manager Elizabeth Ram says their values align with the benefits of football hence their support.

“I’m pleased to announce our partnership as a sponsor of the KFC football tournament. This marks another significant milestone in our companies ongoing commitment to supporting youth development, promoting health lifestyles and fostering community empowerment through-out Guyana, football has always been more than just a sport, it is a force that unites communities, inspire young people and instill values such as discipline team work and ambition.”

the home of LIMACOL. The KFC goodwill Tournament will have five international teams participating.

“At this stage preparation is at a critical stage with just a few more weeks remaining and we are doing everything that is possible to have one of the best tournaments seen in Guyana at this level,” he added.

Some of the teams are Montiero Lobato School from Boa-Vista Brazil, Kingston College from Jamaica, Anglican Central Educational Authority (ACEA) from Bahamas, Nikerie Select from Suriname and Defending Champions Chase Academic Foundation along with Annai Secondary or St Ignatius from the interior regions.

The series also has the backing of Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and Royals International Hotel.

Petra Representative Troy Peters says their support is crucial and will help makes this one of the best editions of the competition.

“On behalf of the Petra Organisation, I

The 2025 KFC Goodwill U-18 International Schools Football Tournament will take place from December 14th –21st at the Ministry of Education Ground.

GUYANA TAKES CHARGE