Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 23-05-2026

First Guyana-minted gold medallion unveiled during Diamond Jubilee celebrations

— Says Guyana ‘more confident than ever’ 1899 Arbitral Award will be upheld as case before World Court demonstrated Venezuela’s claim lacks merit in fact and law — Commemorative piece crafted entirely from locally-sourced gold under new ‘El Dorado Reimagined’ brand

First Guyana-minted gold medallion unveiled during Diamond Jubilee celebrations

— Commemorative piece crafted entirely from locally sourced gold under new ‘Eldorado Reimagined’ brand

GUYANA on Friday officially launched its national gold and jewellery brand, “El Dorado Reimagined”, with President Dr. Irfaan Ali declaring that the country is moving decisively beyond the export of raw gold and into value-added manufacturing and global branding.

The launch, held as part

of Guyana’s 60th Independence Anniversary celebrations, also saw the unveiling of the country’s first-ever Independence commemorative gold medallion minted entirely in Guyana using 100 per cent locally sourced gold.

Addressing officials, members of the diplomatic corps, miners, jewellers and

private sector representatives gathered at the event, President Ali described the initiative as a defining moment in Guyana’s economic and cultural transformation.

“Tonight represents more than the launch of a brand; it represents Guyana taking ownership of its story, its resources, and its future. For generations, our gold

largely left these shores as a raw commodity. Today, we are demonstrating to the world that Guyana is capable of refining, manufacturing, and exporting excellence,” he added.

The Head of State said the initiative forms part of the government’s broader push to position Guyana as a globally recognised hub for

President Ali assisted with the unveiling of the country’s first-ever Independence commemorative gold medallion minted entirely in Guyana using 100 per cent locally-sourced gold [Ministry of Natural Resource photo]

high-quality gold products and jewellery manufacturing.

This initiative, he said, is about creating value within Guyana, expanding opportunities for citizens supporting local craftsmanship, and building an internationally-respected Guyanese gold identity.

Meanwhile, Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat said the launch signalled the start of a new era for Guyana’s gold industry, one focused on retaining more value within the local economy.

“El Dorado Reimagined is the result of a deliberate national vision to move Guyana beyond extraction and into value creation. This brand represents quality, authenticity, and national pride; it is about reshaping the narrative of Guyanese gold, and ensuring that more of the value generated from our natural resources remains within our country,” Minister Bharrat said.

Bharrat also highlighted the significance of the commemorative medallion, describing it as a historic national artefact.

“This medallion is not simply a collectible; it is a symbol of Guyana’s progress and advancements in the sector,” he said.

The Minister also noted that the gold was mined, refined, designed, and minted entirely in Guyana by Guyanese, marking what he described as an extraordinary achievement for the country.

The limited-edition medallion was struck in one troy ounce of .999 fine gold, and created specifically to commemorate Guyana’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Each piece bears an individual serial number.

The event also featured a jewellery exhibition organised in partnership with the Guyana Jewellers Association, showcasing the craftsmanship and creativity of local jewellers and manufacturers.

Vice-Chairman of the Association, Vead Persaud described the collaboration as a major opportunity for the local jewellery industry.

“This is an important platform for Guyanese jewellers to showcase their talent, creativity, and craftsmanship alongside a national initiative of this magnitude,” Persaud said.

He added that the association remains committed to supporting the growth of a more structured and internationally competitive jewellery sector.

Emerging talent from the Guyana Mining School was also featured at the exhibition, highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen technical training and jewellery craftsmanship within the country.

According to the government, the launch of “El Dorado Reimagined” forms part of a wider strategy to establish a modern, regulated and globally competitive gold and jewellery industry capable of generating greater economic value, employment, investment and international recognition for Guyanese-made products.

Persons interested in pre-ordering the limited-edition medallion can do so through the official “El Dorado Reimagined” website at https:// guyanagold ggb gov gy / pre-order

ICJ ruling in border controversy expected by year-end – President Ali

— Says Guyana ‘more confident than ever’ 1899 Arbitral Award will be upheld as case before World Court demonstrated Venezuela’s claim lacks merit in fact and law

PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali, on Friday, said Guyana anticipates that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) will deliver its ruling on the decades-old border controversy with Venezuela by the end of this year, while expressing confidence that the court will uphold the legal validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award.

Speaking during a press conference at the Office of the President, President Ali said Guyana emerged from the recently concluded oral hearings “more confident than ever” that the World Court will affirm the finality of the boundary established by the award.

“As you know, the oral hearings in Guyana’s case against Venezuela before the International Court of Justice, the world’s highest international judicial tribunal, began on May 4 and concluded on May 11” President Ali said.

“This brought the contentious part of the proceedings to a close… We anticipate the court’s ruling at the end of this year.”

He added, “Guyana is confident, in fact, after the oral hearings, we are even more confident than ever that the court will uphold the legal validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award and the finality of the international boundary between Guyana and Venezuela.”

The President commended Guyana’s legal and diplomatic team for what he described as a compelling presentation before the court, singling out the country’s agents, co-agents, legal advisers and international attorneys for their efforts during the proceedings.

Among those recognised were Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Hugh Todd, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, former Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge, as well as international counsel including Paul Reichler and his team.

President Ali said Guyana believes its arguments demonstrated a “lack of merit” in Venezuela’s case both legally and factually.

“We are very proud of the presentation made at the oral hearings. We believe that our arguments were compelling and convincing, and they showed a lack of merit in Venezuela’s case, both on the facts and on the law,” he said.

At the centre of the case is the validity of the Arbitral Award of October 3, 1899, which established the boundary between then British Guiana and Venezuela. Venezuela formally rejected the award in 1962 after accepting it for decades.

Guyana initiated proceedings before the ICJ on March 29, 2018, seeking a

final and peaceful resolution of the controversy in accordance with international law.

Since then, the case has progressed through several stages, including written submissions and preliminary objections raised by Venezuela.

In 2020, the court confirmed it has jurisdiction to hear the matter, and in 2023 it dismissed Venezuela’s preliminary objections, allowing the case to proceed to the merits stage.

President Ali noted that both Guyana and Venezuela had already submitted extensive written pleadings between 2021 and 2025 before the oral hearings were conducted earlier this month.

“All that now remains is for the court to deliberate on the matter before it, especially on the validity of the 1899 arbitral award… and issue its final judgement, which will be legally binding on both parties,” he said.

The Head of State also highlighted Guyana’s commitment to international law and peaceful resolution, while urging Venezuela to respect the court’s authority and refrain from actions that threaten Guyana’s sovereignty.

“Guyana has pledged repeatedly, including during these oral hearings, that it will abide by the court’s judgement, whatever it may be,” President Ali stated.

He warned, however, that statements from Venezuelan officials rejecting the ICJ’s jurisdiction and indicating they may not comply with the court’s ruling would constitute breaches of international obligations under the United Nations Charter and the Charter of the Organization of American States.

“It will not be tolerated by the international community, which demands a world order based on law,”

the President said.

The ICJ had previously issued provisional measures aimed at preserving the status quo while the case remains before the court. Most recently, in its December 2023 order, the court directed Venezuela to refrain from taking any action that would alter the existing situation in the territory, which remains under Guyana’s administration and control.

President Ali said Guy-

ana remains committed to pursuing peaceful relations with Venezuela despite the ongoing controversy.

“We will continue to address Venezuela in a spirit of peace, co-operation and friendship, and as sovereign equals. We respect Venezuela’s sovereignty as we have always done.

We insist that Venezuela refrain from trespassing on or threatening Guyana’s sovereignty,” he said.

Additional security assets deployed as Guyana strengthens border surveillance

—President Ali announces, says country working closely with international allies on intelligence

GUYANA has deployed additional security assets along its border with Venezuela following recent attacks on Guyana Defence Force (GDF) patrols along the Cuyuni River, President Dr. Irfaan Ali disclosed on Friday.

Speaking during a press conference at the Office of the President, Dr. Ali said the government has also intensified collaboration with international allies as authorities assess the security

situation along the western frontier.

“We have addressed this with our allies. We have addressed this diplomatically with Venezuela, we have addressed this from a national security standpoint,” President Ali told reporters.

He added that Guyana is utilising intelligence support from allied partners to determine whether the attacks form part of a broader pattern or are linked to specific circumstances.

“We’re trying using our intelligence and information from allies to see whether there’s a pattern and whether it was linked to particular circumstances,” the President said.

The move comes amid heightened vigilance along the border as Guyana continues its legal case against Venezuela before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award and the final settlement of the boundary between the two countries.

Earlier this month, a GDF rank was injured after a patrol operation came under fire along the Cuyuni River in Region Seven.

According to the GDF, the incident occurred at approximately 11:30hrs on Monday, May 4, while ranks were escorting three civilian vessels transporting personnel and cargo from Makapa to Eteringbang.

The patrol reportedly

came under attack in the vicinity of Black Water, prompting what the army described as a swift response by troops.

The attack follows a similar incident in February last year, when a GDF resupply patrol travelling from Eteringbang to Makapa came under fire from armed men positioned on the Venezuelan side of the Cuyuni River, leaving several soldiers injured and triggering a high-level national security review.

In response to growing security concerns, the government in April launched Guyana’s first district-level Border Patrol Unit (BPU) in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

The specialised unit was established to strengthen community-based border security and combat transnational crimes such as smuggling, human trafficking and illicit trade along Guyana’s porous borders.

Policing Groups (CPGs), with the first phase integrating residents from Rukumutu, Yurong Paru and Tiperu. Officers are equipped with all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) to improve mobility in remote areas and rely heavily on local intelligence gathering.

President Ali stressed on Friday that Guyana remains alert, particularly following the recent conclusion of oral hearings before the ICJ.

Former Region Four

Chairman and Guyana Defence Force Captain, Daniel Seeram, was appointed coordinator of the initiative and reports directly to the President.

“The border patrol unit, of course, is a unit that is working with the community policing group, transferring them to border patrol unit to help us in [these] very things, intelligence sharing, more monitoring, real time information and having capacity infrastructure to support what we’re doing,” President Ali said.

“A lot of work is ongoing… this phase, is about assessment of all different locations that we have different challenges, we have different challenges in different locations, as you will know, and then the strategy will be deploying an efficient system based on those challenges,” he added.

The BPU builds on the work of existing Community

“You know we had a case at the ICJ anyhow, so we are very watchful… we are confident about protecting our sovereignty and our borders,” he said.

Guyana has consistently maintained that the controversy with Venezuela must be resolved peacefully through international law and the ICJ process, while Venezuela has continued to challenge the court’s jurisdiction despite participating in aspects of the proceedings.

During the recent hearings in The Hague, Guyana argued that Venezuela’s claim to the Essequibo region poses a threat to the country’s territorial integrity, peace and development.

The ICJ has already issued provisional measures directing Venezuela to refrain from actions that could alter the status quo in the disputed territory while the matter remains before the court.

Health officials warn of rising kidney disease burden in Guyana

—Doctors urge early screening and healthier lifestyles as hundreds undergo dialysis treatment nationwide

KIDNEY disease continues to place a heavy burden on healthcare systems globally, and health officials in Guyana are warning that the illness is becoming increasingly prevalent locally, particularly among persons living with diabetes, hypertension and obesity.

During a recent episode of the Ministry of Health’s programme Health Matters, Technical Officer for Diabetes, Dr Nandishaw Ramsingh, said many persons fail to recognise that chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure are major contributors to kidney disease.

She explained that kidney disease often develops silently over time, with many persons only seeking medical

attention when the condition has already progressed significantly.

As of December 2025, Guyana recorded 655 persons undergoing dialysis treatment, a procedure used to remove waste and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys can no longer function properly.

Highlighting the financial and emotional burden associated with dialysis, Dr Ramsingh urged citizens to take preventative measures seriously.

“So we want persons to know that if you’re a diabetic, a hypertensive person, if, for example, you find yourself to be a bit on the overweight side, that you really need to start looking at your health, try to take control of

your diabetes, your hypertension; get moving, try to go to the park, any form of physical activity that you can do, any exercise,” she said.

Dr Ramsingh also identified late testing as one of the biggest challenges in Guyana’s fight against kidney disease.

According to her, many persons avoid regular health checks and only visit health centres after symptoms worsen.

She encouraged citizens to make use of the free Kidney Screening Voucher being offered by the Ministry of Health through the government’s health voucher initiative.

“You have an option; the power is in your hand. You have it. You can use it,

Families must be spaces of love, support and safety — Minister Persaud

AS Guyana celebrates Independence Month, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security is also observing International Month of Families and Foster Care Month, while highlighting the importance of safe, supportive and nurturing family environments for children.

The ministry is using the observance to remind citizens that love, stability and support are critical to shaping a child’s future, stressing that every child deserves a safe space where they feel valued and cared for.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, said families remain the foundation of every community and nation.

“When a family is meaningful and purposeful, it means that that family creates a safe space or an ecosystem of support, of love, of encouragement and motivation,” Dr Persaud said.

She encouraged families to use the month as an opportunity to strengthen communication and foster healthier relationships within households.

“I want to encourage you this month to talk more to each other, to speak with each other on subjects that can lead to each member of the family developing their potential and being all that they can be. Every family must be in a space of unconditional love,” the minister added.

Dr Persaud explained that family goes beyond simply

living under the same roof, noting that homes should serve as sanctuaries where every member feels heard, supported and protected.

She also called on more persons to consider foster parenting, urging citizens to open their homes and hearts to children in need of care and stability during difficult periods in their lives.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security continues to advance initiatives aimed at improving child protection systems and strengthening family support services across Guyana.

In 2024, Dr Persaud commissioned the Guyana Central Authority on Fifth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown.

The authority was established under the ministry to support implementation of the 1993 Hague Convention, to which Guyana became a contracting party in 2019.

The agency was created to strengthen safeguards surrounding adoption processes, promote family reunification and ensure the protection of children’s rights. Additionally, in a move aimed at improving accountability and standards of care, the ministry last year granted Childcare Services Licences to nine foster homes across the country after they achieved full compliance with the Childcare and Protection Agency Act and the Minimum Standards for Residential Care Facilities.

The government is also expected to roll out further

and you want to check your kidneys, you want to check your cholesterol. You want to check your blood count. It’s there,” Dr Ramsingh said.

The health official noted that because kidney disease progresses gradually, persons should not wait for obvious symptoms before seeking medical testing. Instead, she advised individuals to pay close attention to their family history, especially if relatives have diabetes or hypertension.

She also stressed the importance of healthier diets and lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of developing chronic illnesses linked to kidney disease.

“So, we want persons to start looking at their diets too, because you’re going to need to look at what you’re eating in order to see how you can control or prevent these diseases,” she added.

Meanwhile, Paediatric Nephrologist at the Georgetown Public Hospital, Dr

Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud

investments this year to improve childcare infrastructure and strengthen support systems for families through early childhood and family development programmes.

Plans are also underway to establish additional safe, child-friendly spaces where families can access recreational and educational services designed to support child development.

By 2028, the ministry aims to reduce unnecessary family separations, lessen reliance on institutional care, establish a reintegration unit, expand staffing and training, strengthen family capacities and develop a national child database.

Areefa Alladin, said kidney disease in children is commonly linked to congenital anomalies affecting the kidneys and urinary tract.

These conditions, she explained, are often detected during antenatal ultrasound screenings conducted throughout pregnancy.

“We continue to image those patients, and we assess their risk factors of progression, and we work early to intervene to slow or stop those,” Dr Alladin explained.

She noted that recurrent urinary tract infections in children may also signal underlying kidney problems and should not be ignored.

“And if we notice children are having fever, difficulty passing urine, blood in the urine, et cetera, then those children need to be investigated for kidney disease with ultrasounds, urine studies, kidney function testing,” she said.

Although congenital kidney diseases cannot always

be prevented, Dr Alladin said early intervention can significantly slow progression and reduce the likelihood of patients reaching end-stage kidney disease.

Also speaking on the programme was Dr Jenny Wichart, who is part of the multidisciplinary paediatric nephrology team. She described paediatric kidney disease as “very complex and multifaceted,” while underscoring the importance of collaborative care.

According to Dr Wichart, specialised teams are essential to ensuring that both patients and their families receive comprehensive support throughout treatment.

Health officials further noted that persons with kidney disease often experience symptoms such as nausea, fatigue and abnormal salt levels in the blood, many of which can be managed through proper dietary adjustments and medical care.

The domino effect

THE warning from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) that the Strait of Hormuz could close should not be dismissed as just another far-away geopolitical alarm.

It is a stark reminder of how fragile the global food system has become to conflict, energy shocks and supply chain disruptions.

The fallout could be far broader than oil markets and shipping lanes and could eventually reach dinner tables around the world, including in developing countries already grappling with inflation and food insecurity if it goes unchecked.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints and carries a large proportion of global oil and fertiliser supplies daily.

Any major disruption there would send energy prices soaring, increase transport costs dramatically and put enormous strain on agricultural production worldwide. So that warning from the FAO about the potential for a severe global food price crisis in six to 12 months’ time is not just talk, but a realistic assessment based on the interconnected nature of the modern economy.

What makes this threat particularly alarming is the chain reaction it could trigger. Higher fuel prices also mean higher costs for shipping and farms.

Fertiliser shortages raise the costs of production and decrease crop yields. Lower yields tighten food supplies which in turn drive up commodity prices and intensify inflation.

For the poorer countries that rely on food imports the effects could be devastating.

The world has already seen how fastfood insecurity can spiral out of control in a crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict have highlighted the fragility of global supply systems and how export bans, panic buying and supply bottlenecks can worsen hardship.

The FAO is right to caution against repeating those mistakes. Protectionist policies may seem politically attractive in the short term, but they are generally self-defeating, worsening shortages and driving prices higher abroad.

Equally important is the organisation’s focus on protecting humanitarian food

flows. Populations affected by conflict and living in low-income countries are particularly dependent on international food assistance.

To cut these lifelines in a global supply crisis would lead to human catastrophes far beyond the Middle East.

The FAO’s recommendations are a call for urgent international attention. In the short term, governments need to cooperate to secure alternative trade routes and must avoid placing export restrictions on vital goods such as fertilisers, energy and food inputs.

Social protection programmes must be scaled up to shield the most vulnerable populations from rising costs.

The medium- and long-term recommendations are even more relevant as they address structural deficiencies in the global food system. Investing in renewable energy for agriculture, diversifying ports and logistics corridors, improving irrigation systems and supporting precision farming technologies are not just responses to crises, they are investments in resilience.

Developing countries, particularly those

reliant on imported food and fertiliser, should take heed of these warnings.

Countries should begin to strengthen local agricultural capacity, bolster storage infrastructure and, where possible, lower dependence on volatile global supply chains.

Improved regional cooperation on food security and trade can also act as a shock absorber in the future.

To make matters worse, the possibility of a strong El Nino event looms. Droughts and volatile weather would worsen supply shortages and boost agricultural losses when it mattered most. To wait until prices in supermarkets rise and shortages spread would be a costly error.

The FAO has warned in a timely and clear way. The question now is whether the international community will use its foresight rather than wait until the full eruption of the crisis.

Food security can no longer be an afterthought in world geopolitics.

In a connected world, instability in one strategic waterway can quickly turn into hunger in another part of the world.

Development Bank ready for rollout as first loans to be disbursed soon

—President Ali says GDB is operationally prepared, with legislation to pave the way for collateral-free SME loans and expanded financial access nationwide

PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali has announced that the Guyana Development Bank (GDB) will soon be operationalised and the first disbursements of loans will commence soon after the necessary legislation is tabled at an upcoming sitting of the National Assembly.

Speaking to reporters during a Friday press conference at the Office of the President, Dr Ali indicated that the bank is technically and operationally ready, with systems “ready to be triggered”.

“The development bank is on track. We are hoping to have the first set of this first disbursement as soon as we get past the legislative aspect, but operationally and technically we are more or less in a position to trigger the employment and the system,” he said.

The bank, he said, will operate in every single region, with specific attention to hinterland areas, improving financial inclusion, par-

ticularly for citizens who struggle to access traditional banking services.

“So, we’re building one system for Guyana, that’s

why the digital system must go to every region,” he added.

A major component of the bank’s work will be financial literacy, coaching and mentorship.

Formation of small groups or “cells” of five to six persons to unlock greater opportunities will also be a service offered to help citizens better interface with commercial banks and access credit.

Back in November 2025, the President had announced that the Development Bank would be capitalised with a minimum of US$200 million.

He had explained that the bank would operate in close integration with commercial banks, with the goal of unlocking greater access to capital.

A special incentive regime will be introduced to

encourage commercial banks to expand lending to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), mirroring the incentives offered to banks in the housing sector.

In return, commercial banks will be required to lower interest rates to below four per cent and reduce collateral requirements for SME borrowers.

The initiative responds to long-standing challenges

faced by many Guyanese seeking loans from traditional financial institutions, including high interest rates and strict collateral requirements.

Small and medium-sized enterprises will be able to access up to $10 million in collateral-free loans.

There have been ongoing public engagements across the country ahead of the bank’s official launch.

Was Donald Trump a victim of Western conspiracy?

I AM not an admirer of Donald Trump, but I believe three things happened to Mr. Trump on two occasions.

Those two occasions were during his first presidential campaign and secondly during his first term. The three things were – the role of powerful state security agencies to undermine his first term presidency, which Mr. Trump called the Deep State, unprofessional journalism of America’s mainstream media directed against Trump and thirdly, the abandonment of any pretence of the democratic state to observe democratic rights of those the state does not accept as head of government.

Mr. Trump announced the sum of 1.8 billion dollars as a settlement fund for those in his government during the first term who were harassed by state security. Whether you like or dislike Mr. Trump, there seems to be evidence, not sparse but abundant, that state security under President Obama tried to undermine the Trump presidential campaign and state security (which Trump calls the Deep State) during his first term tried to damage his presidency.

This is a situation that people around the world do not want to admit for two reasons. One is because they do not like Mr. Trump and do not want to say anything in his favour and secondly, it exposes the fraudulent nature of Western democracy. The West, even when its power was at the zenith with empire status, hypnotized the world into the belief that its democracy is impeccable, and this democracy is the recognition of the rights of all humans to be free from the unjust power of the state.

The story of the harassment of Donald Trump during his first presidential campaign and his first term as president, has shattered the illusion that the people of the world had that governments change in the Western world by competitive elections in which every human is free to contest.

There is one man that Mr. Trump has his sights on. His name is James Comey. Mr.

Trump fired him as FBI director. He was charged with perjury and freed. Mr. Comey has been charged again. This time for threatening the life of Mr. Trump. Why is Mr. Trump so after Mr. Comey? Because he knows how state security was politicised first by President Obama and by Mr. Comey when he was the FBI director.

In July last year, the Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabarrd released a declassified report into Mr. Trump by state security during Mr. Trump’s first term. This document is priceless because it shatters the illusion that the world had that Western democracy is superior to governance outside of the West.

Obviously, Mr. Trump read that report, and he is aware of what President Obama did and Mr. Comey. If I lived in the US, I would not have voted for Mr. Trump, but I believe he had a right to run for president of the USA. When incumbent governments decide who should contest elections, then the collapse of democracy is inevitable.

In Guyana, a man I find to be unacceptable to be a politician, Mr. Azruddin Mohamed, ran for the presidency in the last general elections and became the Leader of the Opposition. The constitutional body that administered elections in Guyana did not seek to invalidate Mr. Azruddin’s candidacy. We do not do that in Guyana. That should not happen in a democracy. But it happened in the US during Trump’s first term, and it happened in Romania last year.

The frontrunner was a pro-Russian candidate. The Romanian election council through a conspiracy with the EU Commission, banned his candidacy. The descent into comicality took place when the council said he took money from the Russians and did not provide the world with the evidence. American Vice-President Vance knew what the EU did in Romania and last gave the EU a good tongue-lashing over its interference in the Romanian general election.

Teaching Boys to Set Boundaries

Dear Editor,

WE teach our girls from a young age to say no; to speak up when something feels wrong, to trust their instincts.

But somewhere along the line, we decided that lesson was not for our boys, and I think that silence is doing more damage than we are willing to admit.

I have worked with boys who did not know they were allowed to say no—not to an adult who made them uncomfortable, not to a friend who pushed them too far, and not even to situations they knew, deep down, were not right for them. They had been raised to push through, to go along, to not make a fuss. Setting a boundary felt like weakness. And so, they never learned how.

But the EU was at it before in France. The presidential front-runner, Maria Le Pen, has been legally banned from contesting the election next year. I would never have any appreciation for a human like Ms. Pen. I find her racist and obnoxious. But the EU, which came over to Guyana last year and lectured Guyanese on how to architecture a level playing field in elections, barefacedly moved the goalpost in France and Romania.

The Romanian and French examples have not achieved the traction the American situation have gained and that is because Mr.

Trump won the presidency twice and so he has first-hand knowledge of the Deep State and how powerful it is in the US. And so, the West goes around the Global South lecturing countries on how to shape democracy but hasn’t a clue what democracy is about. Democracy is not about committing genocide. But that is happening right now in Gaza.

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.

At ChildLink Inc., we believe that teaching a boy to set boundaries is one of the most important things we can do for him. It protects him. It builds his self-worth. It teaches him that his comfort and safety matter just as much as anyone else’s, and perhaps most importantly, a boy who knows how to set boundaries grows into a man who knows how to respect them in others.

That is the kind of generation we should be raising.

It starts with giving our boys permission to speak up.

Respectfully,

Daniela Araujo ChildLink Inc.

Chief Magistrate examines hundreds of SoPs in election fraud trial

CHIEF Magistrate Faith McGusty on Friday continued examining hundreds of Statements of Poll (SoPs) from the contentious March 2020 General and Regional Elections, with the court moving through the documents in batches of 100 as part of ongoing proceedings in the election fraud trial.

The exercise formed part of the prosecution’s presentation of documentary evidence in the matter, as the court reviewed records considered central to allegations stemming from the disputed elections.

During the proceedings, original copies of the SoPs from several electoral districts were tendered by the Registrar of the Supreme Court of Judicature, Sueanna Lovell.

The court was previously told the election documents had remained in her custody pursuant to an order issued by then Chief Justice Roxane George, SC.

The court heard that the SoPs had been securely held in safes following judicial directions, with the Registrar responsible for maintaining possession of the records.

As part of Friday’s proceedings, the Chief Magistrate methodically reviewed the election documents in batches of 100 to manage the substantial volume of material before the court, subsequently marking and admitting them into evidence.

The process saw prosecutors and defence attorneys following along as the records were identified and admitted into evidence.

The SoPs are viewed as significant pieces of evidence in the case, as they contain the vote counts recorded at polling stations during the 2020 elections. The prosecution has relied heavily on documentary material as it seeks to advance its case against the accused.

Earlier this week, Lovell testified that she received the documents pursuant to a court order and detailed how they were marked, secured in safes, and preserved, while also outlining the chain of custody and measures taken to ensure their safekeeping.

An estimated 661,378 eligible persons were registered to cast ballots at the 2,339 polling stations es -

tablished across the country during the 2020 elections.

The election fraud trial centres on allegations surrounding the tabulation and declaration of results from the March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections, a process that led to months of political uncertainty before a final declaration was made five months after the close of polls.

Proceedings are scheduled to resume from June 15 to 19, when the court is expected to continue reviewing election-related documents and hear further testimony from Registrar of the Supreme Court, Sueanna Lovell.

Those on trial include former Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield; former Deputy CEO Roxanne Myers; former Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo; former Health Minister Volda Lawrence; and People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) member Carol Smith-Joseph. Also facing charges are former GECOM staffers Michelle Miller, Sheffern February, Enrique Livan, and Denise Babb-Cummings.

The defendants collectively face 19 charges, including conspiracy to defraud and misconduct in public office. Each has entered a plea of not guilty and was released on significant cash bail.

The prosecution, led by King’s Counsel Darshan Ramdhani, has argued that the defendants each played a “critical role” in attempts to inflate votes in favour of the then-incumbent A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition while reducing votes for the People Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C).

Initial results announced by Lowenfield had declared an APNU+AFC victory, with 171,825 votes against the PPP/C’s 166,343. However, after five months of litigation and a Caribbean Community (CARICOM)-supervised recount, the PPP/C was declared the winner with 233,336 votes to APNU+AFC’s 217,920, paving the way for Dr. Irfaan Ali’s swearing-in as President on August 2, 2020. The fallout from the election controversy led to the termination of Lowenfield, Myers, and Mingo’s contracts at GECOM in August 2021. The Presidential Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the events of the 2020 General and Regional Elections have found that there were 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.

Nandlall praises President Ali’s leadership in ICJ border case

—says Guyana remains firm and united as the country awaits the World Court’s ruling in the border controversy case

ATTORNEY GENER -

AL and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, has credited President Dr Irfaan Ali’s leadership as instrumental in steering Guyana through one of the most critical periods in its border controversy with Venezuela.

He also expressed confidence that the country will emerge successful at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Speaking on Tuesday night on his weekly programme, Issues in the News , Nandlall praised President Ali’s stewardship during heightened tensions surrounding the controversy.

He said the President’s approach helped Guyana maintain international support while remaining firm in defence of its territorial integrity.

“His leadership demonstrated a level of maturity that far belies his age,” Nandlall said of President Ali. He added that the Head of State’s leadership was marked by “diplomacy, firmness, magnanimity” and calmness during periods of heightened tension.

According to Nandlall, President Ali played a significant role in rallying global support for Guyana’s position in the controversy and consistently demonstrated leadership during challenging circumstances.

“And I believe he was able to garner to our side most, if not the entire world. And he led from the front,” the Attorney General said, while recognising the President’s contribution nationally, regionally and internationally in advancing Guyana’s cause.

Reflecting on the period since the People’s Progressive Party/Civic administration returned to office in 2020, Nandlall said Guyana faced nu -

merous challenges while pursuing the matter before the ICJ.

He noted that the country had to confront Venezuelan resistance to the court’s jurisdiction, acts of provocation and aggression, attempts to administer Essequibo through legislation, a referendum to disengage from the court, incursions into Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and injuries to Guyanese soldiers.

Nandlall stated, “These were not normal circumstances to overcome, to remain calm, to keep the international and regional community on your side, while at the same time maintain a strong front.”

Despite those challenges, he said President Ali and the government remained unwavering in Guyana’s commitment to international law and the ICJ process.

“Not once did President Ali and the Government of Guyana waver from our position of principle,” Nandlall said, pointing to Guyana’s adherence to “the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award, allegiance to international law, submission to the processes of the United Nations,” and reliance on the international system to resolve disputes among

nations.

“We stuck to that path faithfully and fiercely,” he added. Nandlall disclosed that oral hearings in the case concluded on May 11 and that Guyana now awaits a ruling from the ICJ.

He further expressed optimism about Guyana’s prospects, noting, “From all indications, our legal team is very confident that we will succeed.”

The Attorney General also commended Guyana’s legal team, saying the country’s arguments before the court were strongly grounded in law, documentary evidence and historical facts.

He stated, “Our arguments were far superior in law, well supported by legal authorities, as well as documentary evidence and historical facts, when compared to that of Venezuela.”

He said the conclusion of oral hearings marked the end of Guyana’s direct contribution to the proceedings.

“As a litigant, we concluded our contribution in the matter, and all that is left now is for a decision from the court,” Nandlall said, describing the completion of hearings as “a crucial stage of the proceedings.”

Nandlall also acknowledged the contributions of numerous individuals and institutions, including officers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, whose diplomatic efforts, he said, laid the groundwork for Guyana’s case.

Among those recognised for their contributions were the late former Commonwealth Secretary-General and distinguished Guyanese statesman, Sir Shridath Ramphal, and the late Ambassador Elisabeth Harper.

“I want to recognise the work of Sir Shridath Ramphal, who did not see

us to the end. He made a tremendous contribution,” Nandlall said, adding that Harper “also made a tremendous contribution” despite not seeing the matter through to its conclusion.

Guyana formally instituted proceedings before the ICJ on March 29, 2018, seeking a final and binding judgement confirming the legal validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award, which settled the land boundary between Guyana and Venezuela, and the boundary determined thereafter.

According to the Government of Guyana, that boundary was further confirmed through a 1905 agreement between the then British Guiana and Venezuela, which adhered to the unanimous decision of the arbitral tribunal for decades.

The ICJ has already

ruled twice on its jurisdiction in the matter, first on December 18, 2020, and again on April 6, 2023, both times affirming that it has the authority to hear and determine the case. In addition to jurisdiction rulings, the ICJ has issued multiple provisional measures aimed at preserving the status quo while the case is pending.

The ICJ, colloquially known as the World Court, is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. Headquartered at the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands, its judgements in contentious cases are final, binding, and without appeal for the involved parties.

Misbehaviour reported in 353 schools as gov’t launches cyberbullying consultation

—President Ali says alarming levels of violence, gang activity and Online abuse in schools are driving urgent national interventions

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan

Ali has announced a na tional public consultation on cyberbullying and so cial media, amid what he describes as “alarming” levels of misbehaviour, gang activity and other delinquent behaviours in secondary schools across Guyana.

Citing official reports, the President on Friday said there were recorded incidents of misbehaviour in 353 schools, nationwide, with Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) accounting for 41 per cent of the reported cases, followed closely by Regions Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice), respectively, in the number of cases reported.

He noted that higher levels of challenges were reported at Diamond Sec ondary, Soesdyke Second ary, East Ruimveldt Sec ondary, Canje Secondary, Bartica Secondary, and the Linden Foundation Secondary Schools.

CYBERBULLYING AND GANG ACTIVITY

Dr. Ali identified rising gang activity, increased substance use, including vaping, and cyberbully ing on social media as key drivers of the problem, describing cyberbullying as “a major escalation in the entire school system”.

He warned that many

“This is a big problem. I was looking at the numbers, and we had reported incidents of misbehaviour in 353 schools nationwide. And if you look at the recorded instances over the years, spanning all of our regions, it is alarming,” the President told reporters during a press conference.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Friday disclosed that there were recorded incidents of misbehaviour in 353 schools, nationwide, with Region Four accounting for 41 per cent of the reported cases, closely followed by Regions Six, Three, Five, and Ten, respectively, in the number of cases reported (Delano Williams photo)

of the incidents extend beyond school compounds, as Online abuse spills over

in security cameras, and scanners in high‑risk ar eas, alongside a “heavy investment in counselling, coaching, and the build ing out of scholars’ pro grammes”, with mentors and father figures in tar geted schools as solutions.

AI AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Dr. Ali further dis closed that artificial intel ligence (AI) will be inte grated into the State’s re sponse to help anticipate and prevent school based violence and delinquency.

“That is why the AI is important in helping us to address predictable behaviour and behavioural patterns, so we can be more proactive,” he said.

into physical confrontations.

“We see rising gang activity, increased substance use, and vaping, [and] cyberbullying on social media… This is a major escalation in the entire school system,” he stated, adding that social media posts often “amplify humiliation and trauma”, and trigger copycat behaviour.

The Head of State said the government is now launching the promised public consultation on cyberbullying and social media, as outlined in the administration’s party’s Manifesto. Teachers and parents, he noted, have been reporting the increasing and alarming nature of cyberbullying that leads to consequential effects in the school system.

In response, the administration is rolling out a suite of interventions, including greater coordination among agencies, more counselling services, and a standardised referral system for cases of misbehaviour.

The President also flagged increased school monitoring, investment

selling and coaching.”

Describing school delinquency as “a very complex issue”, the President signalled that the upcoming consultations on social media and cyberbullying could be paired with other youth - related policy reviews, as his administration moves to tighten regulations, modernise support services, and address the root causes of violence and indiscipline in the education sector.

Emphasising that the issue cannot be solved by the education system alone, the President called for greater parental guidance and wider community involvement, including from religious organisations.

“We can be more proactive, have greater parental guidance and community involvement. Greater involvement of the church, the mosque, the temples and reforming our policies dealing with and addressing cyberbullying,” he said.

Dr. Ali also highlighted a gender imbalance in the teaching workforce, pointing out that the majority of teachers are women.

He said the Government must find a mechanism to give greater support to educators.

“One of the other challenges we have is the majority of teachers in the school system are women, so the male falling back out of teaching, so we have to find a mechanism to give our female teachers that support in the system, more school monitoring, investment in security cameras, implementing it in highrisk area, maybe a scanner system, small scanners for bags, and so on, [and] heavy investment in coun-

The government also mulled the creation of a reporting system and monitoring system that allows for confidentiality and real time interaction, the President is hoping that this will be integrated with additional training for teachers to provide interventions where necessary, career guidance and substance abuse seminars.

Over the past two years, Guyana has seen a worrying rise in violence and bullying in schools, from the viral assault video at Zeeburg Secondary in January, to the alarming bullying incidents at Charity and New Campbellville Secondary Schools.

Parents across Guyana were being urged to play a more active role in guiding and monitoring their children, after a meeting at the West Ruimveldt Secondary School highlighted concerns about prohibited items being brought onto the school compound, and broader issues of bullying and violence.

The call was made back in March of this year after a concerned parent who attended the meeting shared images on social media showing a table filled with items that had reportedly been taken from students over time. Among the items displayed were lighters, toy guns, knives of vari ous types, and other ob jects considered inap propriate for the school environment.

EKAA HRIM commits to paying Indian workers outstanding wages by May 27

—Labour Ministry says investigations into workers’ complaints remain ongoing

“During the course of the consultations, the management of EKAA HRIM Earth Resources committed to disbursing all outstanding salaries and wages due, on or before the 27th of May, 2026,” the ministry stated.

An inter-agency meeting was convened at the Ministry of Labour involving officials from the Ministries of Legal Affairs, Home Affairs and Human Services and Social Security, along with representatives of the company and the affected workers

THE management of EKAA HRIM Earth Resources has committed to paying all outstanding salaries and wages owed to its Indian workers on or before May 27, 2026, according to the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning.

The commitment was made on Friday during an inter-agency meeting convened at the Ministry and led by Minister Keoma Griffith as investigations continue into allegations of labour and occupational safety and health violations involving Indian nationals employed at the company’s Region Seven operations.

In a statement, the ministry said the meeting brought together officials from the Ministries of Legal Affairs, Home Affairs and Human Services and Social Security, along with representatives of the company and the affected workers.

The consultations were led by the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning, while the acting Indian High Commissioner was also present and participated in the discussions.

According to the ministry, both the company and the workers also raised additional matters during the meeting and have undertaken to provide supporting documentation in the coming week.

The Ministry of Labour emphasised that the process remains ongoing and continues to be guided by due process and compliance with the laws of Guyana.

The investigation stems from complaints made by 37 Indian nationals employed by the company, who alleged poor working and living conditions, long working hours, low wages and issues relating to the handling of their travel documents.

The matter has since drawn the attention of several government agencies, the Guyana Police Force and representatives from the Indian High Commission.

‘This government delivers’ —Black Bush rice farmers praise gov’t’s support for sustaining industry

By Bebi Shafeah Oosman

RICE farmers in Black Bush Polder are welcoming the government’s latest $3 billion support initiative, describing it as timely assistance that will help them return to cultivation sooner.

For many farmers, the direct cash transfer announced by President Dr. Irfaan Ali is

more than financial relief; it is proof that the government continues to honour its commitments to the agriculture sector.

Lesbeholden, Black Bush Polder rice farmer Randy Mattadin, who cultivates 66 acres of rice, said the support will allow him to reinvest in his next crop immediately.

“This money is a real

Member of Parliament, Zamal Hussain meeting with farmers in Black Bush Polder, where they talked extensively about how the government’s initiative will benefit them.

help. Right now it gon help me a lot because I able to go back in crop early,” Mattadin said.

Praising the administration’s continued interventions for rice farmers, he added, “This government na only talk thing, they promise we the $300 per bag and they deliver. The bag per acre fertiliser they give we too, they doing a wonderful job throughout Black Bush here.”

Mattadin noted that every dollar received will be channelled back into production to ensure greater returns during the upcoming crop.

Another farmer, Hemnarine, who has been involved in rice cultivation for more than two decades, also welcomed the initiative, noting that farming has its challenges and it is important to adapt to the change in how it is done.

“I like planting rice, but as time go on things happen, so we thankful for any help we get. This money will benefit we tremendously so we can go back to crop, so we really thank the minister and the government,” he said.

According to Hemnarine, he plans to use the funds to purchase fertiliser and other farming supplies needed for the next cultivation cycle. He noted that sometimes he would purchase fertiliser on “hold over” and pay later, but the next crop he will be able to use the money to purchase the items fully.

The assistance package was announced by President Ali in May during a meeting with rice farmers from across the country at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).

During the engagement,

the President explained that the support measures were designed based on direct consultations with farmers to ensure the assistance reflected their real and varied needs.

Several options were presented, including direct cash support, fertiliser assistance, subsidies, and acreage-based payments. However, the majority of farmers present voted in favour of direct cash transfers.

Under the initiative, farmers with less than 50 acres of rice cultivation will receive $15,000 per acre, while those with more than 50 acres will receive $10,000 per acre.

President Ali also highlighted a number of interventions implemented by the government since 2020 to support the rice industry and improve farmers’ earnings.

Among those measures was the reduction of export commission fees paid to the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), moving from US$8 to US$6 per metric tonne in 2022 before eventually being removed and zerorated altogether.

In response to global price pressures, the government also injected $3.1 billion in support for more than 15,000 rice farmers. An additional $3.4 billion was distributed through the $300 per bag subsidy when paddy prices declined in 2025.

The President further pointed to flood relief efforts, including $2 billion in direct assistance to affected farmers and the distribution of more than 20,000 bags of seed paddy to support recovery and sustain production across the country.

From left to right - Mr. Jesús Manuel González Pérez, Professor of Geography, University of the Balearic Islands; Ms. Jingmin Huang, Director of Water and Urban Development Sector Office, Asian Development Bank; Mr. Mohamed Abdou, Director of Urban Planning and Land Use, Ministry of Territorial Planning (MATUAFTT), Union of Comoros; Hon. Kobby Bomareo, Minister of Housing, Papua New Guinea; Hon. Abdulla Muththalib, Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, Maldives; Ms. Gillian Aita Oti, Performer/Theatre Director/Storyteller, Solomon Islands; Ms. Carol Archer, Director, Graduate Studies and Research, Faculty of the Built Environment, University of Technology, Jamaica; Hon. Collin Croal, Minister of Housing, Guyana; Ms. Gina Bonne, Head of the Environment and Climate Change Department, Indian Ocean Commission; Mr. Henk Ovink, Executive Director, Global Commission on the Economics of Water; Ms. Kazuko Ishigaki, UN Habitat Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific; Mr. Roi Chiti, UN-Habitat, Pacific Regional Coordinator

Guyana showcases climate-resilient housing strategy at World Urban Forum in Baku

GUYANA’S approach to climate-resilient urban development and sustainable housing was highlighted on the international stage during the Thirteenth World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Azerbaijan, where Minister of Housing, Collin Croal, represented the country as a featured speaker.

Croal participated in a high-level panel discussion focused on “Inclusive Urban Resilience, Blue Economy and Sustainable Tourism in Small Island Developing States (SIDS),” alongside housing ministers, senior urban and water sector officials, and academics from countries including the Maldives, Papua New Guinea and Comoros.

The session examined strategies for balancing tourism expansion, coastal protection, land availability and housing demands while strengthening climate resilience in vulnerable island and coastal nations. Discussions also centred on innovative financing models and partnerships aimed at accelerating climate-resilient housing, infrastructure and basic services in risk-prone and informal communities.

During his presentation, Croal outlined Guyana’s unique position as a Small Island Developing State strategically located on the mainland of South America and within the Caribbean region.

He highlighted the government’s major investments under the Low Carbon Devel-

opment Strategy 2030 (LCDS 2030), which are aimed at protecting and modernising coastal communities while guiding urban expansion toward higher ground through climate-resilient infrastructure projects and the development of Silica City.

The minister noted that Guyana’s eco-tourism model differs from that of many traditional SIDS nations, as tourism activities are largely concentrated in the hinterland rather than along vulnerable coastal zones. According to Croal, this approach helps reduce development pressure on low-lying coastal areas while promoting environmental sustainability.

Croal also stressed the importance of development financing for SIDS countries, particularly as climate change continues to drive up the cost of housing interventions and infrastructure adaptation measures.

He further explained that Guyana’s housing programme remains heavily subsidised, allowing citizens greater access to affordable housing opportunities despite rising global construction and climate adaptation costs.

The World Urban Forum is one of the leading international conferences on sustainable urbanisation and brings together policymakers, development agencies, academics and private sector representatives to address global urban challenges.

1,600 drivers to be flagged in licence, traffic irregularity probe

—President Ali says AI-powered enforcement systems are helping authorities identify repeat offenders, suspicious licences

APPROXIMATELY 1,600 drivers across Guyana will soon receive letters from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) over licence or traffic irregularities as the government intensifies a technology-driven crackdown on road offences.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali made the announcement during a press conference on Friday, revealing that the letters will be dispatched by Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh as part of an ongoing

audit into the country’s driver licensing system.

According to the President, motorists will be asked to provide information regarding how they obtained their driver’s licences.

“The system allows for automated post audits,” President Ali told reporters.

The move forms part of a broader national strategy aimed at modernising traffic enforcement through Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital systems, and ex -

panded surveillance technology.

DIGITAL DRIVER LICENSING SYSTEM

As part of the overhaul, the traditional written driver’s licence examination is being moved to the Guyana Digital School platform.

President Ali explained that the theoretical examination process will now be fully automated, with questions generated randomly by

the system to eliminate any possibility of prior access to test papers.

“They’re now moving the driver’s licence test to the Guyana Digital School platform, where the questions are automatically generated,” the President said, adding:

“If you go now to write it, 10 minutes after, the questions are completely different. It’s random sampling. The system throws up the questions and marks it im-

President Ali said that the automated systems are exposing unpaid tickets, repeat offences, and licensing concerns

mediately, so you can know your results there.”

The Head of State stressed that the reforms are intended to improve transparency and integrity within the licensing system while strengthening enforcement and reducing road fatalities.

AI-POWERED ENFORCEMENT

Dr. Ali also disclosed that the authorities have already piloted a mobile AI-enabled traffic enforcement unit capable of scanning passing vehicles and identifying motorists with outstanding tickets or traffic violations.

During a recent operation conducted along the East Coast corridor, the system reportedly identified more than 250 vehicles with unpaid traffic offences in a single night.

Once a vehicle is flagged, the system automatically records the offence, updates the database, and activates sirens to alert nearby officers to intercept the driver.

According to the President, the automated process significantly reduces the scope for manual interference.

He said that these tools are being scaled up nationally, and the same technology will support ongoing investigations into suspicious driver’s licences and traffic records.

The President further explained that AI systems are capable of identifying repeat offenders, generating reports, and integrating those reports directly with the judicial system to speed up enforcement procedures.

BROADER ROAD SAFETY PUSH

The measures form part of the government’s wider national security and public safety strategy leading up to 2030, which includes expanded CCTV coverage, smart traffic lights, drones, and predictive analytics systems.

The Guyana Chronicle had previously reported that the authorities are also developing a centralised digital registry to track motorists’ histories, including previous offences and convictions.

The intensified enforcement drive comes amid growing concern over road fatalities across the country.

Last month, reports indicated that more than 30 persons had already lost their lives in road accidents for the year, with speeding identified as a major contributing factor.

In response, the government has moved to implement stricter penalties under the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act.

Fines for excessive speeding have been significantly increased, with some offences now attracting penalties of up to $200,000 in addition to demerit points. Authorities have also intensified enforcement against third-lane driving violations, with offenders facing court prosecution and fines of up to $150,000.

Meanwhile, offences such as operating uncertified vehicles and failing to produce a driver’s licence now carry fines of $5,000, while seatbelt violations are increasingly being detected and enforced through camera surveillance systems.

Pepper stew sampling launched to support ailing Jofa Products creator

— Proceeds from sales to assist with medical care and rehabilitation expenses

A PEPPER stew sampling event hosted at The Guyana Shop on Friday drew strong public support as proceeds from sales were directed towards assisting local agro-processor and recipe creator of Jofa Products, John Greaves, who is currently ailing and in need of constant medical care.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Fay Greaves explained that her husband suffered a stroke and later became bedridden following a hospital stay during which he underwent surgery. She noted that he is now fully dependent on care at their Sophia home, where medical aides and therapists have been hired to assist with his rehabilitation and daily needs around the clock.

Mrs. Greaves said this year’s Independence celebrations will be especially difficult for the family, as Mr. Greaves will be unable to participate in activities with the military band, of which

he is a member. She pointed out that May 26 also marks his 76th birthday. According to her, Greaves has dedicated many years to the development of music in Guyana and also served as a counsellor with the Salvation Army before falling ill.

Mr. Greaves currently serves as Chairman of the Ex-Military Band’s Men Welfare Committee, an organisation comprising retired members of the Guyana Defence Force. The committee, which includes a steel and bass band, was established to provide assistance and support to former servicemen and women both locally and overseas.

The event saw a steady flow of patrons, many of whom were already familiar with Jofa Products and regularly purchase the items from supermarkets and The Guyana Shop.

The Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC), which

supported the initiative, said it stands firmly behind local agro-processors and entrepreneurs not only in business, but also during difficult personal circumstances.

The agency encouraged members of the public to support the Jofa Products Pepper Stew initiative, noting that a portion of proceeds from sales will go directly towards rehabilitation and recovery support for Greaves.

Held under the theme, “Support with every spoonful, every jar makes a difference,” the initiative also featured free sampling sessions of Jofa Products’ pepper stew and pepper jelly.

Jofa Products currently offers approximately 15 locally made items, including sweet pepper jelly, stew pepper, achar, sauces and six flavours of local beverages.

The business was established by John and Fay Greaves in 2021 after the couple became dissatisfied with the quality of pepper

sauce available at local markets. It was John Greaves who perfected the stew pepper recipe that eventually became popular among consumers for its balance of spice and flavour. What initially started as experimentation in their kitchen with pepper sauces,

relishes, pickles and preserves made from local ingredients later evolved into a thriving small business venture.

Fay Greaves, a retired educator who spent more than two decades teaching at a vocational centre, said entrepreneurship was always

part of her vision. The couple eventually combined their names, John and Fay, to create the brand “Jofa.”

The initiative continues as supporters rally around the family in hopes of assisting with Mr. Greaves’ ongoing recovery and medical expenses.

Canada High Commission honours Sonia Noel’s

30-year contribution to fashion industry

THE High Commission of Canada in Guyana recently hosted an evening of fashion, music and reflection at the Official Residence in honour of renowned Guyanese fashion icon Sonia Noel as she marks 30 years in the fashion industry.

The event brought to -

gether members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders, creatives and supporters to officially launch a year of celebrations recognising Noel’s contribution to fashion, culture and creative entrepreneurship in Guyana and across the Caribbean.

Among those in attendance was Susan Rodrigues,

Gov’t pushing major aviation expansion as Guyana eyes regional hub status

—Minister Indar says second CJIA terminal, new regional airports and upgraded hinterland airstrips are part of plans to transform Guyana’s aviation sector

FOR several years now, a huge buzz has been generated concerning the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), at Timehri on the East Bank of Demerara, as well as the general expansion of Guyana’s aviation sector.

In recent years, the government has been actively working towards the expansion of this airport, a decision that was made as Guyana undergoes a magnitude of advancements across different sectors. Expansion talks also came as a result of Guyana’s enhanced tourism offerings and the increase in flight numbers coming to and leaving from the airport.

On Thursday, during a discussion on ‘The Guyana Dialogue’, Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar, spoke extensively about the continued expansion efforts by the government at the CJIA, as well as advancements in the aviation sector in Guyana.

The Minister reminded that BHM, a European firm in partnership with Manchester Airport Group, is constructing the second terminal at the CJIA. It will be around 150,000 square feet, promising modernity, along with the relocation of the control tower at the airport.

Noting the growth in the number of airlines here, Indar explained, “So we started out in 2020 with about four airlines. It was Copa America, Suriname Airways, Caribbean Airlines and American Airlines. But today, five years after, we have 16 airlines, and when those flights come in there’s no parking apron for those planes. So, we are moving that tower and we’ll put it in another location and we’ll extend that to create more parking aprons for planes.”

The Minister further said that they are adding more cameras and other security measures for added safety.

Looking towards the aviation sector, the Minister said that he was mandated and tasked to ensure that Guyana becomes the regional aviation hub and regional maritime hub.

On that note, he shared that there are currently two requests for proposals for an airport at Rose Hall in Region Six, which will have the capacity to handle jets. The length of the runway, according to Indar, is expected to be around 6,500 feet, which is longer than the runway at the Eugene F. Correia Airport (Ogle Airport) on the East Coast of Demerara.

“The Cheddi Jagan Airport is about eleven thousand two hundred and seventy something feet, which is the longest in the Caribbean. So, we are building one in Lethem for trade, tourism and other commerce, and we’re building one in Berbice too, because Berbice, it has its own development part, according to what we have put forward in our manifesto to make sure a second pipeline (as it relates to gas to energy) goes there,” he revealed.

He posited that with all the advancements happening in that Region, there will be a need for people to get in and out quickly. At present, the Minister announced that there are two requests out for proposals for an airport at Rose Hall.

“In addition to the many airstrips across the hinterland that we have, we have about 55 active airstrips. We have built about in excess of 10 to 12 of them in the last couple of years.

We have put out a request for proposals to construct another 35 of them with using concrete and you know, making it durable for another 100 years,” Indar disclosed.

who commended Noel for her longstanding commitment to promoting Guyanese culture on the international stage.

In her remarks, Minister Rodrigues praised Noel’s resilience, creativity and vision, noting that her work has played a major role in elevating Guyana’s fashion and creative industries over the past three decades.

Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Sébastien Sigouin, also reflected on Noel’s enduring legacy and the important role culture and the arts play in strength-

ening ties between countries and peoples.

He highlighted the value of cultural diplomacy, noting that fashion, music and the creative arts continue to create meaningful and lasting international connections.

Over the years, Noel has become one of Guyana’s most recognised fashion figures, pioneering initiatives such as Guyana Fashion Week and the Guyana Model Search while showcasing her designs throughout the Caribbean, North America and Africa.

Beyond fashion, she has also established herself as a philanthropist, mentor, author and motivational speaker, using her platform to support youth development, women’s empowerment and the advancement of the creative sector.

Bartica labourer remanded over cannabis trafficking charge

DICQUAL Osborne, a 27-year-old labourer of Albouystown, Georgetown and Sixth Avenue, Bartica, has been remanded to prison after being charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

The charge was laid under Section 5(1)(a)(i) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, Chapter 10:10.

Osborne appeared before Magistrate Teriq Mohamed at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, May 21, 2026, where the charge was read to him. He pleaded not guilty and was remanded to prison until June 3, 2026, when the matter will continue.

The charge stems from an intelligence-led police operation conducted at Bartica on Wednesday night.

REMANDED: Dicqual Osborne

Police had escorted Osborne, who was already in custody in relation to a traffic offence, to a hotel room at First Avenue, Bartica, which he reportedly occupied.

During a search of the room, ranks allegedly discovered several bags containing leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis, along with $184,000 in cash.

The suspected cannabis was weighed in Osborne’s presence and amounted to 762 grams before being lodged at the Bartica Police Station.

Boat captain dies in Cuyuni River collision

A 57-year-old boat captain lost his life following a collision between two boats in the Cuyuni River near Tapir Landing on Thursday afternoon.

Dead is Steve Daniels of Kartabo Village, Lower Mazaruni River.

Police said the incident occurred around 12:45hrs and involved a 26-foot wooden boat powered by a 200 HP Yamaha outboard engine and an 18-foot aluminium boat operated by Daniels.

Initial investigations revealed that the larger vessel, operated by a 51-year-old captain of Batavia Village, was travelling in the vicinity of Tapir Landing with four occupants when it reportedly collided with the smaller boat.

As a result of the collision, Daniels and three occupants of the aluminium boat sustained injuries.

Police said Daniels was found motionless following the impact, while one of the occupants suffered serious injuries. The remaining occupants received minor injuries.

The injured were escorted to the Bartica Regional Hospital, where Daniels was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor on duty.

One injured occupant remains hospitalised in a serious condition, while the others were treated and sent away.

The operator of the 26-foot wooden boat is currently in police custody assisting with the investigation.

SRH win big but RCB, GT seal top two spots

(ESPNCRICINFO) - Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) won, and yet it didn’t feel like a win. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) lost, but it didn’t feel like that either. In a nutshell, that’s how Friday night went in Hyderabad as RCB secured a top-two finish - they finished No. 1 - despite a 55-run defeat, while SRH remained third.

On the back of half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma, Heinrich Klaasen and Ishan Kishan, SRH posted a monster total of 255, but had to restrict RCB to 166 or below for a chance to move into the top two. Rajat Patidar’s 56, Venkatesh Iyer’s 44 and Krunal Pandya’s unbeaten 41 ensured there were no blushes for RCB even as they finished the league stage with a defeat.

That left the top three teams all on 18 points, with Gujarat Titans sandwiched between the two teams at No. 1 and No. 3. Eventually, it came down to net run-rate to decide which team would go to Qualifier 1, and which team would play the eliminator.

RCB secure top spot

Going into the game, RCB wanted to win but also wanted to ensure they didn’t slip outside the top two should they lose.

After SRH pumped 255 for 4 in 20 overs, the equation became clear - RCB had to avoid losing by 90 or more runs.

The start given by their new opener, Venkatesh, calmed the nerves. He gave Pat Cummins a four-six jab in the first over and saved his best for the fourth over delivered by left-arm wrist-spinner Shivang Kumar. He punished Shivang for two sixes in one over, with a boundary sandwiched in between. Venkatesh fell for a 19-ball 44 but by then RCB had already scored 60 in 4.3 overs.

Even though Virat Kohli (15) failed to leave a mark in the game with the bat, a spunky 21 from No. 3 Devdutt Padikkal ensured RCB stayed on course for 166 even if the chase looked to get out of hand. Sakib Hussain, who delivered 1 for 31 in four overs, was a major reason why RCB could not push on.

Patidar scored his fourth half-century of the season, staying in from the sixth over to the 19th. His 39-ball 56 included crisp boundaries off Eshan Malinga, Cummins and Harshal Patel, but fell to part-timer Travis Head. Krunal stayed till the end with an unbeaten 41 in 31 balls as RCB finished on

a commendable 200 for 4 by the end. Abhishek hurts butter-fingered RCB

Dropped in the sixth, seventh and eighth overs, Abhishek made full use of the chances RCB’s fielders offered him. On a flat surface with no grass, he did not let purple-cap holder Bhuvneshwar Kumar settle. His early boundaries over the off-side against Bhuvneshwar’s away-swingers moved into his takedown of Suyash Sharma’s googly and Romario Shepherd’s seam-up balls.

Abhishek was finally out in the ninth over, but by then his turbo-charged innings had SRH almost touching triple-digits.

Klaasen, Kishen reach new highs Kishan had three fifties against RCB in his last three outings, and on Friday, he made it four in a row with a 46-ball 79.

While Abhishek was going, Kishan took his time to score nine off his first ten balls, but then found his groove.

His best shot of the night was probably the leg-side slog towards the bigger boundary against Krunal in the 11th over, a sign that timing and form continued to be on his side. A sixth 50-plus score for Kishan this season also made IPL 2026 his most prolific as a batter. His sweeps, cuts and

Harpy Eagles win lion share of West Indies Championship awards

CMC – Despite being dethroned by the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, the Guyana Harpy Eagles still managed to walk away with the majority of individual awards on offer following the completion of the West Indies Championship on Wednesday.

The three-time defending champions were defeated by T&T by 141 runs in the final at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium to lose their grip on the title they held since 2023.

However, Gudakesh Motie, captain Tevin Imlach and pacer Nial Smith took home individual awards.

Left-arm spinner Motie was the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 29 wickets to claim the Courtney Walsh Award. He finished with four more than T&T’s Anderson Phillip whose 25 wickets were the most by a fast bowler, while fellow Red Force pacer Jayden Seales was third with 23 wickets. Meanwhile, Imlach earned the Deryck Murray

pulls allowed SRH to pump 73 runs across overs 11 to 15.

Klaasen’s story was similar, starting off with only five runs in nine balls, but one that was unlocked with his takedown of Josh Hazlewood in the 13th over. One six over cow corner and two more over longon made Hazlewood leak 27. His effortless loft of Bhuvneshwar over extra cover took him close to yet another landmark, and he brought up his sixth half-century of the season in the 16th over. He fell in the 17th over to a low-arm slinger from Krunal for 52, but not before becoming the first player to cross 600 runs while batting at No. 4 or lower in a T20 tournament.

Nitish Kumar Reddy scored a blazing unbeaten 29 in 12 balls to give SRH a late push. He hit Krunal for two sixes in his first three balls in the crease and then deposited Hazlewood for another.

The late flourish took SRH past 250 while also leaving RCB’s senior seam-bowling pair of Bhuvneshwar and Hazlewood ducking for cover. Hazlewood conceded 55 on the night while Bhuvneshwar leaked 51. They both finished the evening wicketless.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday May 23, 2026)

Award for Best Wicketkeeper with 13 dismissals from four games. While T&T’s captain Joshua Da Silva finished with 15 dismissals in his five matches, Imlach’s dismissals per innings were higher.

Smith took home the Sir Andy Roberts Award after being named the Most Promising Fast Bowler.

The 30-year-old ended the tournament with 14 wickets from four matches to be the eighth highest wicket-taker.

T&T were not to be left out, with Da Silva winning the Sir Vivian Richards Award after he finished the competition with the most overall runs (413 runs at an average of 59), edging compatriot Amir Jangoo (411 runs at an average of 68.50).

Additionally, fast-bowling all-rounder Terrance Hinds claimed the Malcolm Marshall Memorial Award, given to the best all-rounder.

Hinds scored 274 runs at an average of 45.66 and also took 15 wickets.

Mohammed, Lewis retire from first-class cricket

CMC – Veteran Trinidad and Tobago Red Force batsmen Jason Mohammed and Evin Lewis have called time on their first-class careers.

The two players made the decision to retire following T&T’s historic capture of the West Indies Championship title on Wednesday – the country’s first in 20 years.

Coincidentally, Mohammed, 39, was also a member of the T&T team that won their last 4-Day title back in 2006.

Having represented the Red Force for two decades, he finishes his career as one of the top regional run scorers with 5676 runs from 112 matches at an average of 32.25, inclusive of 17 centuries and 20 half centuries.

Mohammed, who also played 36 One Day Internationals and six T20Is for the West Indies, retired from international cricket in 2023.

“It’s an amazing feeling. We haven’t won this title for 20 years now, I can’t really express my

feelings. In a way I’ve toiled for a lot of years not having this title.

“For me bowing out, the sort of cricket that this team played throughout this year it was really amazing. I’m so happy to be a part of this,” Mohammed said.

“I was involved in the

team back in 2006 that won.

I can’t remember how it felt back then, but now it’s a really amazing feeling and I couldn’t ask for a better send off after a long career.”

Meanwhile, the 34-year-old Lewis was one of the architects of T&T’s 141-run victory over the Guyana Har -

py Eagles in the final, scoring a match-winning century in the second innings.

He ends his firstclass career with 1439 runs from 27 matches at an average of 30.61. He also scored two centuries and eight half centuries.

Sixty-two riders confirmed for the Diamond Jubilee Independence three-stage road race

SIXTY-TWO cyclists are set to compete in three grueling stages today and tomorrow over an estimated 180 miles where at the end lies the Independence Championship title.

Guyana Cycling Federation Executive Mark St Claire, told the media that the annual championship which will be staged this year under the country’s 60th Independence Diamond Jubilee banner, will see riders competing in Linden, Georgetown and the West Coast of Demerara.

The first stage kicks off from Linden at 07:00hrs, heads to Mabura Road and returns to the starting point for the finish.

Stage two gets started at 14:30hrs on the same day and pedals off from Kara Kara, Linden, heads to Long Creek and returns to the point of origin for the finish.

The third and final stage set for Sunday pedals off at 07:00hrs at Schoonord, goes to Parika, returns over the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge, down Heroes Highway onto Mandela Avenue, and then onto Homestretch for the finish at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The riders this year have a prize pool of $2 million dollars.

Elite riders will collect $275,000 for first place, $200,000 for second place and $145,000 for third; fourth will pocket $100,000 and fifth place $70,000.

The juniors, first and second, will be rewarded with $70,000 and $60,000, respectively.

Winners in the Masters Over-35 category will pocket $85,000 for 1st place, $70,000 for 2nd place and $55,000 for third.

The Masters Over-50 and Category Four winners will walk away with $75,000, $65,000 and $50,000 for first to third place respectively.

The three-stage cycle road race is sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.

St Claire also confirmed that Matteo Garcia who stunned the field to capture the overall three-stage title last year riding for Trinidad and Tobago’s Club Team Raiders, will not be part of the racing party this year.

Garcia is competing in a race in Suriname and will not be here to defend his crown, while Briton John is also competing overseas and Jamaal John is injured.

Top challengers and last year third-place finisher Robin Persaud, Christopher Griffith, Alexander Leung, Alex Newton, and Alex Mendes, along with the in-form Ajani Cutting, are set to contend for the title.

Russell grabs pole position in Canada Sprint Qualifying

(Formula 1) - GEORGE Russell has sealed pole position in Sprint Qualifying at the Canadian Grand Prix, the Mercedes driver leading a 1-2 from team mate Kimi Antonelli while McLaren’s Lando Norris was their closest challenger in third.

After setting the pace in SQ2, Russell carried that form into the final segment by going fastest on his opening lap before improving further during the final runs, pumping in a time of 1m 12.965s. This ultimately proved unbeatable for the

competition, with Antonelli 0.068s behind in second. Norris was three tenths adrift in P3, ahead of the other McLaren of Oscar Piastri in fourth. Next up were the Ferrari pair of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, the former having looked quick at various points in Sprint Qualifying.

Max Verstappen could manage no higher than seventh in the Red Bull, followed by team mate Isack Hadjar in eighth, while Racing Bulls’ Arvid Lindblad and the Williams of Carlos Sainz

completed the order in SQ3. Audi’s Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto just missed out on the top 10 in

11th and 12th respectively, putting them ahead of Alpine’s Franco Colapinto and the Haas pair of Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman.

Fernando Alonso, meanwhile, made it to SQ2 but could not participate after hitting the barriers in SQ1, the Aston Martin driver bringing out the red flags during the opening segment. He will line up in P16 for Saturday’s Sprint.

With that stoppage in SQ1 seeing a frantic race to reach the line when the session resumed with under two minutes on the clock, the

majority did not make it in time – and this left Cadillac’s Sergio Perez in 17th ahead of the Aston Martin of Lance Stroll, Pierre Gasly in the Alpine and the other Cadillac of Valtteri Bottas. Alex Albon did not take part in Sprint Qualifying due to the damage sustained to his Williams after hitting a groundhog during Free Practice 1, while Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson also missed the session following a hydraulic leak on his VCARB 03 in Friday’s practice session.

Basil Butcher Trust Fund 2026…

RHTYSC, S. Hussain Engineering Solutions host Tribute to Doctors Programme

THIRTEEN dedicated medical doctors attached to the Port Mourant Public Hospital were on Wednesday last honoured by the cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club during an impressive ceremony in the hospital’s boardroom.

The teams with the support of the management of S. Hussain Ideal Engineering Solutions hosted the first edition of the Tribute to Doctors Programme as part of their popular Tribute to Heroes award scheme. The event was held as part of the activities under the RHTYSC Basil Butcher Trust Fund for 2026.

The club’s secretary Hilbert Foster stated that the ten cricket teams of the RHTYSC has held a Tribute to Heroes programme at the hospital since 2015 and over the years over eighty employees have been honoured for their

dedicated services.

The 2026 edition was held two weeks ago and the club agreed to host a separate award ceremony for the doctors and administration.

The club’s teams — Poonai Pharmacy Under-11 and Under-13, Farfan and Mendes Under-15, Bakewell

Promotech and

Under-17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate, Metro Females, and Namilco Thunderbolt Under-21 and First Division — organised the event, which saw the 13 doctors and the administrator each receiving four special gifts, along with a medal of excellence, a tro-

phy and a framed certificate.

The awardees were Dr Mark Ramar, Dr Vanessa Singh, Dr Yanara Rodriguez Gonsalez , Dr Marissa Williams-Henry, Dr Saif Alli, Dr Ganesh Omapersaud, Dr Rafeek Rahaman, Dr Shari LaRose, Dr Ghamshaam Sukhdeo, Dr Dayana Roho-

man, Dr Yumiley Dis Barra Ferrer, Dr Lidia Perez Lazo , Dr Isabel Gil Rojo and Administrator Bibi Shaneza Nabi.

Foster urged the awardees to uphold their high standard of service to the public. The club’s secretary noted that the real wealth of the country was the health of its citizens and he praised the awardees for their dedication to their profession despite the challenges they face on a daily basis.

Several of the awardees were forced to miss the ceremony due to the arrival of two accident victims at the hospital.

Both of the victims were declared dead during the duration of the presentation, adding a sombre atmosphere. Foster committed the club and its ten cricket teams to continuing the award programme in the future.

Sponsor Steven Hussain, in brief remarks, stated that his company was delighted to be associated with the awards programme and stated that he looks forward to working along with the cricket teams in future projects.

Mr Poonai Bhigroog, sponsor of the under-11 and -13 teams congratulated the awardees and hailed them as real heroes in the ancient county. He praised the hard work of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club and called on other organisations to follow in its footsteps.

Dr Mark Ramar and Dr Barra Ferrer speaking on behalf of their colleagues expressed gratitude for the awards, noting that it was a pleasant surprise to be honoured. Ramar expressed confidence that the award would inspire all the awardees to maintain their high standard.

Auto Sales support NTFGL Season Two ...

Aarna sponsors hospitality for second round

THE National Top Flight Golf League (NTFGL) continues to attract strong corporate support as preparations intensify for its highly anticipated second season.

After successfully supporting the league’s inaugural season, Promotech Guyana remains associated with the tournament, while Danny’s Auto Sales has officially come on board as a sponsor for Season Two, signalling continued confidence in the growth and development of competitive golf in Guyana.

Organisers praised both companies for their

commitment to the sport, noting that corporate partnerships continue to play a key role in elevating the standard and profile of local golf.

Adding to the growing list of supporters was Aarna Restaurant, which sponsored the food and hospitality for last Sunday’s tournament round.

Located on Seaforth Street in Kitty and known for its authentic Indian cuisine, the restaurant contributed to creating an enjoyable atmosphere for players and supporters throughout the day.

Tournament officials expressed gratitude to Aarna Restaurant for its

support, noting that partnerships such as these help strengthen the league and improve the overall tournament experience.

The NTFGL was launched to provide golfers with more structured and competitive playing opportunities while promoting camaraderie, consistency, and excellence among participants.

With Season Two now underway, organisers are optimistic that the league will continue to grow and attract even greater interest from players, supporters, and the corporate community.

The continued in -

S ee story on page 29

SRH win big but RCB, GT seal top two spots

S ee story on page 30

Sixty-two riders confirmed for the Diamond Jubilee Independence three-stage road race