Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 25-06-2026

Gov’t mobilises relief as severe weather hits Region T wo

Nandlall says, debunks claims of ulterior motives,

Police acting outside law by detaining motorists for ticketable offences – Nandlall says

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, has warned that police officers who detain motor-

ists or seize their documents for traffic breaches, rather than issuing tickets, are acting unlawfully and risk being sued

and even charged.

Speaking on his weekly programme Issues in the News, Nandlall said Guyana’s traffic laws were amended to create a broad category of ticketed offences precisely to avoid arbitrary arrests,

prolonged waits at police stations and the detention of vehicles for minor breaches.

“We amended our laws, and we created a number of what is called ticketed offences, and the whole purpose of creating

The Attorney General was blunt that officers who ignore the law and detain persons or vehicles instead of issuing tickets expose themselves and the State to serious legal consequences

those ticketed offences was to permit the police to issue tickets to persons if the police believes that the person has committed an offence and not to take away the person’s driver’s licence, and then all their insurance, or other important documents, and direct them to go to the police station and wait for hours, or detain their vehicles, or detain them in any form or fashion,” he explained.

Nandlall disclosed that there are approximately 37 offences that are expressly designated as ticketed offences under the Road Traffic Act and regulations.

These include, driving an uncertified motor vehicle, driving without a driver’s licence, failing to produce a driver’s licence, refusing to give a present address, exceeding speed limits, failing to stop when required by a police officer in uniform, failing to equip a vehicle

with seat belts, failing to wear a seat belt, leaving a vehicle in a dangerous position and driving a motorcycle without a safety helmet.

He said his office would circulate the full list along with the prescribed fines and the relevant statutory provisions to the media so it can be published for public awareness.

“There are about 37 offences that are ticketed offences, meaning that if a policeman believes that these offences have been committed, the policeman ought to write a ticket, and no one should be detained in relation” he asserted.

LEGAL CONSEQUENCES FOR OFFICERS

The Attorney General was blunt that officers who ignore the law and detain persons or vehicles

Gov’t mobilises relief as severe weather hits Region Two

–– President Ali leads inter-agency responses, says tarpaulins to be distributed, further assessments underway

PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali on Wednesday joined Regional Chairman Devin Mohan and senior ministers on the Essequibo Coast as authorities moved swiftly to assess widespread damage to homes, public buildings and electricity infrastructure caused by a severe weather system across Region Two (Pomeroon–Supenaam).

President Ali was accompanied by Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, and Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Madanlall Ramraj, as well as regional and technical teams.

Regional Chairman Devin Mohan, providing an initial briefing, reported “severe damages” along sections of the coast, affecting both private residences and government facilities, including areas around Regina, Charity and neighbouring villages.

“Along the coastline, Anna Regina Stadium, we have some severe damages along the coastline. For example, Henrietta Richmond, more precisely, Charity. We have some severe damages to both private and government properties along the coast.”

From the on-the-ground assessment, most of the structural impact was to roofs.

The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) were already deployed in

the affected communities as the President and ministers arrived.

“The CDC, Civil Defence Commission, and the Army, they’re already on the ground… so the initial response would be to ensure people have temporary roofing, which is tarpaulin that we have now, and then there’s already a team doing the full-scale assessment on the damage,” President Ali said.

The immediate priority, officials explained, is to provide tarpaulins to households and institutions that suffered roof loss or partial damage, conduct comprehensive assessments to guide roof restoration and permanent repairs, and identify and address any injuries resulting from the severe weather.

The President noted that restoring essential services remains a key priority. Up to press time, approximately 90 per cent of electricity service in the affected areas had been restored, with crews continuing work to reconnect remaining communities and repair damaged infrastructure.

The Ministry of Education also reported structural damage to several school buildings across the country.

The ministry said the most significant damage was recorded particularly at the Anna Regina Multilateral School and Rivers Town Pri-

mary School, where sections of the facilities were affected by heavy rainfall and strong winds.

The ministry also confirmed that a teacher attached to Rivers Town Primary School sustained injuries during the weather event and is currently receiving medical attention.

“The Ministry is deeply concerned to have received reports of an injury sustained by a teacher at Rivers Town Primary, who is currently receiving medical attention. Our thoughts are with the teacher for a swift recovery,” the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry also said they remain in close contact with the regional administration as efforts continue to assess the full extent of the damage and mobilise additional assistance where required.

Extensive assessments are currently being conducted across the country to determine the impact of the adverse weather conditions on educational facilities and other public infrastructure.

Once the immediate evaluations are completed, the Ministry of Education said it will work closely with the relevant Regional Democratic Councils and municipalities to ensure that all structural damage is repaired as a matter of urgency.

The ministry also con-

Police acting outside law ...

instead of issuing tickets expose themselves and the State to serious legal consequences.

“Any police officer who, instead of issuing a ticket for any of these offences, detains any person or detains their property, their motor vehicle, that policeman is liable to be sued,” Nandlall cautioned.

He said such officers could face civil claims for false imprisonment, wrongful arrest, unlawful detention of property, constitutional breaches of a person’s liberty and may additionally be criminally charged for their conduct.

As Attorney General, he noted, he is often placed in the position of having to defend such matters in court, even when the underlying actions of the officers are plainly contrary to the law.

“Some measures will have to be taken in relation to the policemen and women who are violating the law in such a callous manner,” Nandlall added, signalling that the administration is considering stronger internal responses.

RIGHTS OF MOTORISTS

framework, a driver who is issued with a ticket has two options, plead guilty and pay the fixed penalty; or contest the allegation by appearing in court.

Nandlall stressed that this system was deliberately designed to protect citizens’ liberty while still allowing for enforcement of road safety rules.

He urged members of the public to familiarise themselves with the list of ticketable offences once it is published and indicated that improper practices by some ranks will not be allowed to continue unchecked.

Over 24,000 pensioners receiving benefits directly to bank accounts

––– Finance Minister urges launch of public campaign to increase uptick

MORE than 24,000 National Insurance Scheme (NIS) pensioners are now receiving their benefits directly into their bank accounts, with Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, calling for an aggressive public campaign to encourage more beneficiaries to utilise the service.

Speaking at the launch of new payment methods for NIS beneficiaries, Dr Singh disclosed that

the number of pensioners receiving direct bank payments has more than doubled over the last six years.

“In 2020, 11,932 pensioners were receiving their pensions into their bank accounts,” he said.

“Today we have 24,415 persons receiving their pensions directly into their bank accounts.”

According to Singh, this represents a 105 per cent increase and reflects efforts by the NIS to improve convenience and

reduce the need for pensioners to visit offices or other locations to access their payments physically.

The finance minister commended the NIS board and management for the growth, but re -

served particular praise for pensioners who opted for direct banking services.

“I want to reserve my special congratulations particularly for the pensioners who chose to go this route. Congratulations to you for showing what digital services can look like and being pioneers in this regard,” Singh stated.

He went on to note that the system allows pensioners to receive their payments seamlessly without having to collect pension books or spend time waiting in lines.

“You don’t have to join a line, and you don’t have to physically go anywhere to get your pension,” he said.

Despite the increase, the finance minister noted that more than 39,000 pensioners still collect pension books and physically access their benefits.

He used the opportunity to encourage those persons, particularly individuals with existing bank accounts, to switch to direct deposits.

“To the 39,052 pen -

sioners out there who still go physically and uplift a pension book... I want to urge you to exercise the option of utilising the direct payments into the bank,” he said.

It was against this backdrop that Dr Singh called on the NIS management to immediately begin a public education initiative aimed at increasing awareness of the service and making information easier for pensioners to understand.

“I would like to ask you to launch with immediate effect a mass public communications campaign to sensitise people,” he said.

The minister stressed that technical language should be avoided in favour of simpler explanations that clearly outline the process.

He went on to note that improving payment systems forms part of the government’s wider efforts to strengthen financial inclusion and ensure citizens receive public services in a more efficient and convenient manner.

‘Paramount protection’

Govt moves to regulate children’s social media use, seeks formal ties with Meta

–– Nandlall says, debunks claims of ulterior motives, censorship

THE Government of Guyana is advancing plans for new legislation to manage children’s use of social media and the internet, insisting the move is aimed solely at safeguarding minors and not at censoring political content or curbing free speech.

On his weekly programme Issues in the News, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil

CENSORSHIP AGENDA’

Nandlall stressed that the emerging law will be narrowly focused on shielding children from harmful content, such as pornography and extreme violence, while preserving access to educational material and legitimate online services.

“It is devoid of any ulterior motive, and there is no intention to censure or to interfere with anyone’s

our children,” he stressed.

BROAD-BASED CONSULTATIONS

Nandlall said multiple ministries have begun nationwide consultations to inform the drafting of the legislation, engaging parents, teachers, guardians and professionals who work with children.

“The consultation has to be widespread because it

Nandlall, said the administration’s move to engage Meta/ Facebook to establish a formal institutional relationship is a part of efforts to regulate how children engage with online platforms.

“There is pornography, there is violence, there are violent materials and there are materials there that a child should be shielded from.

If you don’t appreciate that then I don’t think that you belong to civilized society, if you don’t see the dangers of banning unregulated web and unregulated social media access, if you don’t see the evil and harm that that can have on our children, then I am not speaking to you and this has nothing to do with politics,” the Attorney General said.

‘NO

freedom of expression. I doubt that there is a rational mind out there who does not appreciate the need to offer some type or to ensure some type of management or regulation,” he said.

He added that children’s learning opportunities will not be curtailed.

“It is devoid of any disadvantage, because our children will continue to have access, but it will now be managed.”

Describing children as the country’s “most precious asset”, the Attorney General framed the initiative as a child-protection measure rather than a political project.

“This initiative upon which we are consulting has no ulterior motive, and it’s not inspired or driven by any form of desire to control or censor. It is to accord paramount importance and protection to the welfare of

requires the input, the cooperation, and the invaluable support of the parents, the teachers, the guardians, and those who are in authority in relation to children,” he noted, adding:

“This is not the type of law where the state can come into your home and trying to regulate you, the parents need to play a role in ensuring that the law is complied with, and that is why we are doing this type of engagement and education at the same time.”

He reported that he recently led a major consultation with the legal fraternity, attended by representatives of the judiciary, the director of public prosecutions’ office, the constitutional reform commission, the university of Guyana law department, the ombudsman, the law reform commission, the Guyana

bar association and public and private sector lawyers.

PART OF A GLOBAL SHIFT

Positioning Guyana’s efforts within a wider international trend, Nandlall pointed out that the United Nations has produced model legislation in this area and that 177 countries have already signed on to related frameworks.

He said regions such as Europe and Australia, “half of Asia”, Brazil and CARICOM states are all moving to update their laws governing children’s online activities.

The Attorney General criticised sections of the op-

position and “certain newscasts” for what he said were attempts to misrepresent the initiative as a plan to silence critics or block Facebook.

“Facebook is a global platform. You can’t stop Facebook. Nobody is trying to stop Facebook,” he stated.

He also rejected claims that government is uniquely “uncomfortable” with Facebook’s content, clarifying that his comments referred to society more broadly.

Earlier this month the government launched a national consultation aimed at examining the impact of social media on children and developing a framework to better protect young users in

the country’s rapidly expanding digital environment.

The first consultation coordinated by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance on behalf of President Dr. Irfaan Ali, brought together representatives from government agencies, civil society organisations, schools, parent groups, technology stakeholders and child protection advocates.

The initiative seeks to gather recommendations that will guide future policies, legislation and public education efforts focused on online safety and digital wellbeing.

Getting Students Ready for the Workplace

AS Guyana experiences a rapid economic transformation, one thing has become more than clear: academic qualifications are no longer enough to guarantee success in the modern workforce.

Today’s employers require a combination of technical knowledge, professional demeanor, communication skills, flexibility and work experience.

Against this background, the annual work-study programme of Region Four is one of the most significant investments being made in the future workforce of the country.

This year, more than 300 secondary school students will be preparing to leave the familiar environment of the classroom and enter the professional world of work at government agencies, private businesses and public institutions. “

The initiative themed “From Classroom to Career – Shaping Future Professionals” is designed to provide students something textbooks cannot – real-world exposure.

Such programmes should not be underestimated in their significance.

The disconnect between formal education and job readiness has been an issue for educators and employers for decades. Students may have great academic credentials when they leave school, but often do not have any experience in professional environments where punctuality, teamwork, accountability, communication and workplace etiquette are critical. This makes the transition from student to employee daunting.

The Department of Education deserves congratulations for recognising this challenge and responding with a programme that aims to bridge that gap.

The initiative bridges what students

learn in school, what they learn at home and what they will eventually face in the world of work, said Education Officer II Loren Parks.

Crucially, the programme does not just place students into offices and workplaces.

The five weeks of pre-attachment orientation sessions ensure that participants are aware of the responsibilities that come with the opportunity. Students are reminded that they are representing not only themselves, but their schools, families, communities and the education system as a whole.

Lessons like this are invaluable.

You don’t learn professionalism in a day. The skills of how to interact with colleagues, how to communicate effectively with them, how to carry out responsibilities, and how to conduct oneself in a work environment are all best acquired through practice and experience.

These skills are often as important to a successful long-term career as academic achievement.

The programme’s timing is especially important given Guyana’s unprecedented economic growth.

The country’s sectors such as oil and gas, construction, agriculture, finance, information technology, healthcare and tourism are growing rapidly.

New industries are opening up possibilities that were not there for previous generations.

But the challenge is to make sure that the Guyanese youth are prepared to take advantage of those opportunities.

Employers’ concerns about the preparedness of the workforce, especially first-time entrants to the labour market, are often cited.

Schools have made progress with programmes like the Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ), but one of the best ways to get young people ready for employment is still through practical experience in the workplace.

Work-study programmes also have another important role: career discovery.

Many young people make educational and career choices based on limited information or assumptions about certain professions.

A five-week attachment can give clarity that years of classroom instruction cannot.

A love for a field they never thought they would even be interested in, may be found by some students. Others may discover the career they once thought they wanted is not the right one.

Such findings are not failures, but valuable learning experiences which can enable students to make more informed decisions about tertiary education, training and employment.

The programme also draws attention to challenges that need national attention.

Ideally the Department of Education would want every student to have the opportunity to participate in workplace attachments.

However, practical constraints continue to limit participation. Budgetary constraints, availability of placements and legal requirements for workplace safety all affect the number of students that can be accepted.

The fact is that schools are competing against each other for the same placement opportunities. Students of the Government Technical Institute, the Carnegie School of Home Economics, and other vocational institutions also require practical training

experiences. Meanwhile, some industries cannot accept younger students due to legislation such as the Factory Act.

The challenges highlight the need for increased cooperation between the education and private sectors.

If Guyana is serious about developing a world-class workforce, more businesses should be encouraged to participate in internship, apprenticeship and work-study programs.

Private sector organisations can directly benefit from helping to shape the skills and attitudes of future employees and thus strengthen the country’s human capital base.

That means government, schools and businesses must partner to create more opportunities for experiential learning. The long-term benefits of a more productive, better-educated work force and a more competitive economy more than offset the short-term costs.

In the long run the Region Four workstudy programme is a lot more than a brief attachment exercise. This is an investment in the future of Guyana. It recognizes that education doesn’t end at the classroom door and that young people need to experience the realities of the professional world to prepare them for success.

As these students start their placements over the next few weeks, they will learn lessons that cannot be measured by exam results or report cards. They will learn professionalism, responsibility, confidence and the culture of work. They will begin to see their part in the rapidly changing economy of Guyana.

In so doing they will take their first real steps from the classroom to a career, just as the programme intends.

The kiskadee, like the leopard, cannot change its spots

SOME folks formerly with the Stabroek News (SN), have birthed an online newspaper titled Kiskadee Watch. See my column of Thursday, June 11, 2026, “The birth of an anti-government kiskadee.”

I was under no illusion that the new kid on the block would be like the old kid that died in March this year. But I honestly thought that those folks would have learned from the past.

I need to digress in order to reinforce my point. The 2026 election results revealed that people rejected David Hinds, Tacuma Ogunseye, the PNC and others of their ilk who came across as zealously pro-racial and not multi-racial. The SN and Kaieteur News (KN) didn’t participate in the election but you can say that the electorate also repudiated the politics of them based on the results.

People were simply fed up with the onetrack mind of SN, KN, PNC, Hinds, Ogunseye, Henry Jeffrey etc. It was the same thing each day. When it came to KN, it was oil, oil and nothing. Based on the daily lashes the PPP as the ruling party got from these folks

for five years, then the PPP should have been devastated.

The opposite happened. APNU with Hinds, Ogunseye and Jeffrey got badly bruised to the point where the PNC may no longer be a viable force in 2030. SN went out of business and KN in order to survive has doubled the price of the printed paper since the beginning of this month. I was reliably informed that since that decision, KN’s sale has gone further down. My prediction is KN’s printed version may not see the light of 2027; the paper is losing money badly.

But people never learn and that is one of life’s unfortunate instincts. So we have the birth of Kiskadee Watch and the people behind that entity have learnt nothing from the past. As I wrote above, I was not surprised at the shape it would take but how about a little change which dictates that you must learn from the past.

I looked at the columnists and it is the same old story. I anticipated that at least a writer slightly in favour of the government would have found space. But no; there is Mr.

Anand Goolsarran. And there is the obnoxious presence of Bertrand Ramcharran. Let me tell you something about Ramcharran after SN closed. He had a column in the KN, then, his contribution appeared as a letter. Then he disappeared. My source told me at KN that Ramcharran was informed that his pieces would be carried in the letter section of KN but not as a column.

The kiskadees do not whistle, see or learn. What are they doing with Ramcharran? Should any newspaper, printed or online in the Caribbean carry?

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.

Oil, gas chamber condemns misrepresentation of Guyana’s sovereign territory at SEOGS 2026

THE President of the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC), Manniram Prashad, has expressed his profound concern over, and condemnation of, the display of a map at the Suriname Energy, Oil and Gas Summit (SEOGS) 2026 which depicted the New River Triangle, an integral part of the sovereign territory of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, as belonging to Suriname.

As Guyana’s leading private sector organisation representing stakeholders within the oil, gas, and energy sectors, GOGEC, he said, in a press release on Wednesday, he firmly believes that international conferences, investment forums, and professional industry gatherings must uphold the highest standards of accuracy, professionalism, and respect for internationally recognised borders and sovereign territories.

“The New River Triangle is and remains an integral part of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, as affirmed by internationally recognised legal processes. Any suggestion that its status

is subject to differing “beliefs” is misleading and does not reflect the binding nature of Guyana’s sovereignty over the territory,” GOGEC said.

The chamber added that this is not the first occasion on which inaccurate territorial representations have surfaced in public forums.

“We previously voiced our concern when similar actions were undertaken by foreign entities, and we remain consistent in our position that Guyana’s territorial integrity must be respected at all times.

“At a time when Guy -

ana and Suriname are both emerging as major energy producers and are working to strengthen bilateral co-operation, foster regional integration, and attract international investment, it is imperative that all stakeholders exercise due diligence when presenting geographic, political, and territorial information,” GOGEC said.

The chamber said it remains committed to promoting strong and mutually beneficial relations between Guyana and Suriname.

“We recognise the significant opportunities for

collaboration between our two nations in the fields of energy, trade, investment, education, and private sector development. However, such co-operation must always be grounded in mutual respect and recognition of each nation’s sovereignty,” GOGEC said.

GOGEC said it stands firmly with the Government

and people of Guyana in safeguarding our territorial integrity and national interests.

“We urge organisers, presenters, and participating organisations at international events to ensure that all future materials accurately reflect Guyana’s internationally recognised borders and territorial sovereignty,” the

chamber said.

The Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber will continue to advocate for the protection of Guyana’s interests while promoting constructive regional partnerships that contribute to the sustainable development of the energy sector and the prosperity of our nation.

Shaping Future Professionals: 300+ students join Region Four work-study programme

MORE than 300 students across Region Four are preparing to step beyond the classroom and into professional workplaces as part of the Department of Education’s annual workstudy programme, an initiative designed to bridge the gap between education and employment.

Held under the theme, “From Classroom to Career - Shaping Future Professionals,” the orientation programme brought together students ahead of their five-week attachment period, providing guidance on workplace expectations, professional conduct, and the responsibilities that come with representing their schools and communities.

According to Education Officer II, Mr. Loren Parks, the orientation serves as a critical link between what students learn in school and the realities they will encounter in the workplace.

“The orientation is really about giving the children a glimpse of what the expectations are when they are out on the work-study programme. This is the bridge

between what we teach them in school, what they learn from their parents, and what they learn to this stage. It is a bridge to the world of work.”

This year, the Department of Education expects approximately 300 students in Region Four, and possibly more, to participate in the programme. Students will be attached to various government and private-sector agencies, including the Department of Education, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), and a number of private businesses and organisations.

For many participants, the attachment will provide their first experience in a professional working environment.

Parks noted that the programme offers students an opportunity to explore career paths before making longterm educational and professional decisions.

“Some of them may enjoy the environment we put them in, while others may discover that it is not the environment they want at all,” he said. “It gives them an opportunity to redirect their higher educa-

tion in one way or another. We can give them experience and life skills so they are in a better position to make these permanent decisions.”

While students are exposed to workplace concepts through the Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) programme offered in secondary schools, Parks explained that the orientation brings together many of the practical lessons students will need to succeed during their attachments.

The sessions focused on workplace etiquette, professionalism, communication, punctuality, accountability, and the importance of maintaining appropriate behaviour in a professional setting.

“We do not want our students to turn up on Monday and be ill-prepared. We do not want them to turn up and we have to get complaints about their behaviour because they are still behaving like they are in the classroom rather than in a professional working environment.”

He emphasised that students participating in the programme carry responsibilities beyond themselves.

The Department of Education expects approximately 300 students in Region Four, and possibly more, to participate in the programme. Students will be attached to various government and private-sector agencies, including the Department of Education, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), and a number of private businesses and organisations

“When they are out there, they are not just representing themselves. They are representing their schools, their families, their communities, the Department of Education, and so on.”

The orientation therefore serves as an important preparation exercise, helping students understand both the

opportunities and expectations that accompany their placements.

“We would like them to make the most out of it. This is preparation prior to them being in the workplace.”

The work-study programme forms part of the Department of Education’s broader efforts to equip students with practical skills and career awareness before they leave the secondary education system.

Increasingly, educators recognise that academic achievement alone is not enough to prepare young people for success in today’s workforce. Employers are also seeking communication skills, professionalism, adaptability, teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and workplace experience.

Through work-study attachments, students gain firsthand exposure to professional environments while developing these essential employability skills.

The programme also provides opportunities for networking, mentorship, and career exploration, allowing students to better understand the expectations and realities of different professions.

According to Parks, the Department of Education would ideally like every student to benefit from some form of apprenticeship or workplace attachment. However, he acknowledged that achieving that goal presents several challenges.

While enthusiasm for the programme continues to grow, practical limitations affect the number of students

who can be accommodated each year.

Among the most significant challenges are budgetary constraints, available placement opportunities, and restrictions imposed by workplace regulations. Parks explained that some organisations are unable to accept younger students because of legal requirements.

“For example, we would have asked Banks DIH and DDL to take on some of our students, but the Factory Act does not allow them to take students below eighteen years,” he noted.

Competition for available placements also presents challenges. Secondary school students are not the only group seeking workplace attachments. Technical and vocational institutions such as the Government Technical Institute (GTI), the Carnegie School of Home Economics, and other training institutions also rely on industry partnerships to provide practical experience for their students. As a result, agencies often have limited capacity to accommodate every request.

“While the desire may be for us to expose all our students, it is not always practical, but as many as we can accommodate, budget-wise and space-wise from the agencies, we will accommodate.”

Despite these challenges, the Department remains committed to expanding opportunities whenever possible.

As students prepare to

CJIA to complete state-of-the-art baggage-handling system next month

Once commissioned, the modern baggage handling system will allow passengers to check in their luggage directly at airline counters, eliminating the need to transport bags to a separate screening area after check-in

PASSENGERS travelling through the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) are expected to benefit from faster and more seamless departures as work on a new state-ofthe-art baggage handling system nears completion, with the facility scheduled to become operational next month.

Chief Executive Officer, Ramesh Ghir, confirmed that installation of the new system is progressing steadily and forms part of a major infrastructure upgrade aimed at improving passenger convenience, enhancing security, and increasing operational efficiency at Guyana’s main international gateway.

Once commissioned, the modern baggage handling system will allow passengers to check in their luggage directly at airline counters, eliminating the need to transport bags to a separate screening area after check-in. Screening will instead be conducted remotely through an integrated backend process supported by newly installed baggage scanners.

According to Ghir, the upgrade represents a significant transformation in the airport’s departure operations.

“This upgrade represents a major shift in how we process departures,” he said. “Passengers will no longer be required to manually take their checked luggage to a separate scanner after checking in, making the journey through our airport significantly smoother and more stress-free.”

Airport officials expect the system to reduce congestion within the terminal while improving the overall travel experience for pas -

sengers.

Beyond passenger convenience, the new infrastructure is also expected to strengthen airline operational efficiency and enhance the integrity of the baggage screening and handling process.

As part of the upgrade, CJIA is installing an expanded network of surveillance cameras to provide continuous monitoring of checked baggage from the point of acceptance at airline counters through to loading onto aircraft. The airport will also require baggage screeners and law enforcement personnel assigned to the process to wear body cameras.

Ghir said the additional security measures are designed to increase transparency and accountability throughout the baggage handling chain.

“We are introducing multiple layers of accountability,” he explained. “The integration of advanced CCTV coverage alongside body-worn cameras for our screeners and law enforcement personnel ensures total transparency, reinforces safety, and secures the integrity of our entire baggage handling operation.”

The project forms part of CJIA’s ongoing modernisation programme as the airport continues to expand its capacity and upgrade its facilities to accommodate growing passenger traffic and increasing international connectivity.

When completed, the new baggage handling system is expected to bring the airport’s operations more in line with international best practices while delivering a faster, safer and more efficient travel experience for passengers.

GPL launches construction phase of Columbia 69kV Substation Project

GUYANA Power and Light Inc. (GPL) has announced the official commencement of construction activities for the new 69kV Columbia Substation, a key component of Lot 2 under Project 053.

This important infrastructural development marks a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to strengthen and modernise the national electricity transmission network.

The project, according to information from Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar’s official Facebook page, officially commenced with a ground-

breaking ceremony held on June 20, 2026, led by the contractor, Kalpataru Projects International Limited (KPIL).

The ceremony signified the start of pile-driving operations, representing the first major phase of civil works for the substation’s foundation.

The new Columbia 69kV Substation has been strategically designed to enhance system reliability, improve voltage stability, and support the growing electricity demand within the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS).

Once completed, the fa-

cility will play a critical role in reinforcing transmission capacity, accommodating load growth, and improving overall network resilience, particularly within rapidly developing areas.

The pile-driving activities currently underway are essential to establishing a stable structural foundation for the substation infrastructure.

This phase will be followed by additional works, including foundation construction, equipment installation, and electrical integration into the grid.

GPL said it will continue to work closely with

KPIL to ensure that all construction activities are executed in accordance with approved technical specifications, international standards, and environmental and safety requirements.

The company said it remains committed to maintaining quality, ensuring timely project delivery, and minimising disruptions to

surrounding communities throughout the construction period.

This project forms part of GPL’s broader strategic initiative to upgrade critical transmission assets, improve operational efficiency, and support Guyana’s expanding economic development through a more robust and reliable power system.

begin their five-week placements, education officials remain optimistic about the programme’s long-term impact.

The work-study initiative continues to play an important role in helping young people make informed career decisions, develop confidence, and acquire practical workplace skills that cannot always be taught in a traditional classroom setting.

By connecting education with real-world experience, the programme helps students move beyond theory and begin envisioning their future careers.

For many participants, the attachment may reinforce existing career ambitions. For others, it may open doors to possibilities they had never previously considered. Either way, Parks believes the experience will provide valuable lessons that extend far beyond the five-week programme.

As the Department of Education continues to strengthen the relationship between schools and workplaces, initiatives such as these remain essential in preparing students to become competent, responsible, and career-ready citizens. Under the theme “From Classroom to Career - Shaping Future Professionals,” the programme represents more than just a temporary placement.

It is an investment in the next generation of workers, leaders, and professionals who will one day contribute to the development of Guyana.

Election fraud trial adjourned to September

THE election fraud trial involving several former elections officials and political figures was on Wednesday adjourned until September after the prosecution indicated that its scheduled witness was unable to testify due to an emergency.

When the matter was called before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty, prosecutor Darshan Ramdhani informed the court that the witness expected to take

the stand had encountered an emergency and was, as such, unavailable to provide evidence.

Ramdhani requested an adjournment, explaining that no other witnesses were available to testify in the matter.

With the court also taking into consideration other circumstances, the proceedings were subsequently adjourned to September.

This comes after the matter had already been

adjourned earlier this week, on Monday following issues surrounding the testimony of former Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Information Technology Head, Aneal Giddings.

Giddings, who served as GECOM’s IT Head during the period of the 2020 General and Regional Elections, had been scheduled to testify for the prosecution. However, he was expected to provide evidence virtually as he was reportedly outside

‘Sir Mars’ murder case takes turn as accused withdraws guilty plea

–– new trial ordered Richards was remanded to prison pending the setting of a trial date.

THE murder case involving well-known educator and entertainer Kirwyn Mars, popularly known as “Sir Mars,” took an unexpected turn at the High Court yesterday when the accused, Brian Richards, withdrew his guilty plea moments before sentencing, prompting the matter to be sent back for trial.

Richards, a 27-year-old labourer, appeared before Justice Joy Persaud-Singh in Court Two at the Demerara High Court, where he informed the court that he no longer wished to maintain his guilty plea to the capital offence of murder and instead sought to have the case heard before a jury.

The court was told that Richards, who was previously considered to have low comprehension skills, indicated that he did not fully understand the implications of his earlier admission and now wished to plead not guilty.

In light of the change, Justice Persaud-Singh discontinued sentencing proceedings and ordered that the matter be listed for trial.

The development marks a reversal in proceedings, as Richards had previously pleaded guilty to the 2023 murder of Mars, a plea that had advanced the case to the sentencing stage. The earlier guilty plea was entered during High Court proceedings under legal advice from his attorney, Ronald Bostwick.

Richards is being prosecuted by State attorneys Padma Dubraj, Nelissa Peterkin, and Aliyah Heywood. The prosecution is based on the recommendation of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC, who advised that the Guyana Police Force charge Richards with the capital offence of murder following Mars’ death.

According to court records and police reports, Mars was fatally stabbed during an incident on May 7, 2023, at approximately 10:30 hrs at Providence, East Bank Demerara. The incident occurred while Mars and Richards were in a grey Mitsubishi RVR vehicle.

Investigators say the

of the jurisdiction.

Counsel for the defence, Nigel Hughes, objected to the arrangement, arguing that Giddings’ testimony formed a critical aspect of the prosecution’s case and that his appearance in court was necessary.

According to Hughes, given the significance of the witness, Giddings should be physically present to provide evidence and be available for cross-examination in person.

Following discussions on the issue, attempts were made to identify alternative witnesses to proceed with the trial, but none were immediately available, resulting in a further delay.

The trial centres on al-

legations of fraud linked to the tabulation and declaration of results from the 2020 General and Regional Elections, a process that triggered months of political uncertainty before a final declaration was made five months after polling day.

Among those on trial are former Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, former Deputy Chief Elections Officer Roxanne Myers, former Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, former Health Minister Volda Lawrence and People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) member Carol Smith-Joseph.

Also charged are former GECOM employees Michelle Miller, Sheffern February, Enrique Livan and Denise Babb-Cummings.

The nine defendants collectively face 19 charges, including conspiracy to defraud and misconduct in public office. All have pleaded not guilty and remain on bail.

The prosecution alleges that the accused participated in efforts to inflate votes in favour of the then A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition while reducing votes cast for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

two men, who were known to each other, had an altercation described as a “misunderstanding” that escalated into violence, with both allegedly arming themselves with knives.

Mars sustained multiple stab wounds and reportedly attempted to flee the vehicle. However, police said Richards reversed the car, striking Mars and pinning him against a fence. His body was later found trapped between the vehicle and a concrete structure.

Richards fled the scene on foot but was arrested two days later at his workplace in Georgetown. Surveillance footage reportedly placed both men together shortly before the fatal encounter.

A post-mortem examination revealed that Mars suffered eight stab wounds to the chest, collarbone, shoulder, elbow, and hand. The cause of death was listed as crushing injuries to the chest combined with multiple sharp-force injuries.

The case is expected to proceed to trial at a later date as the court prepares for a full hearing before a jury.

New programme to equip 450 persons with disabilities with Independent Living and Employment Skills

MORE than 450 persons with disabilities across seven regions are set to benefit from training in independent living, assistive technology, employ -

ment readiness and entrepreneurship following the launch of Phase Five of the Independent Living Skills Programme by the Guyana Council of Organisations

for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD) and ExxonMobil Guyana.

The programme, which was officially launched on Thursday at ExxonMobil

Guyana’s headquarters at Ogle, aims to empower persons with disabilities, including those who are blind and visually impaired, by providing them with the tools and skills needed to live more independent and productive lives.

Phase Five will be implemented in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven and Ten, with plans already underway to expand the initiative to Regions One and Nine through collaboration with the Ministry of Education.

Under the programme, participants will receive training in independent living skills, rehabilitation counselling, assistive technology, job preparedness, and small business management. Beneficiaries who are blind or visually impaired will also be trained in the use of mobility aids such as the white cane and other technologies designed to enhance independence and accessibility.

The initiative builds on the success of the Orientation and Mobility Skills Programme, which GCOPD has implemented over the past four years with support from ExxonMobil Guyana. According to the organisation, more than 1,100 persons who are blind and visually impaired have benefitted from the programme nationwide.

Many participants have gone on to enrol in GCOPD’s remedial education and Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) programmes, while others have pursued vocational training through partnerships with the Board of Industrial Training. Organisers noted that numerous beneficiaries are now employed, attending educational institutions, and living more independent lives.

Delivering the feature address, Samantha Craig, Coordinator of the Support Services for Persons with Disabilities Unit within the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, emphasised that independent living extends beyond physical mobility and encompasses the ability to make decisions, pursue ambitions and live with dignity.

She noted that one of the greatest challenges facing persons with disabilities is not necessarily their condition, but societal barriers such as inaccessible infrastructure, limited services, prejudice and low expectations.

“When these barriers are removed, accessibility emerges,” Craig said, adding that fostering understanding, empathy and inclusion is essential to creating communities where persons with disabilities are welcomed, valued and empowered to contribute fully.

Craig also highlighted several skills-training initiatives currently being offered by the ministry, including block making, sign language, makeup artistry, garment construction, plumbing, hydroponics and farming, all aimed at increasing opportunities for persons with disabilities.

GCOPD Programme Coordinator, Ganesh Singh, said the country’s disability landscape is undergoing significant transformation, but stressed that persons with disabilities must be equipped with the necessary skills to fully benefit from emerging opportunities.

He pointed to the importance of technology and digital literacy for persons who are blind, noting that proficiency in screen-reader

software and other assistive technologies is often critical to pursuing higher education and employment.

“There’s no other programme that teaches someone who’s blind to use the computer with the screen reader software,” Singh said, highlighting the unique role the initiative plays in fostering independence and educational success.

ExxonMobil Guyana’s Socioeconomic Manager, Lorna Carlson, described the programme as an investment in sustainable development and empowerment.

She said the initiative goes beyond training and focuses on equipping participants to navigate their environments confidently, contribute to their communities and participate meaningfully in national development.

“At ExxonMobil Guyana, we remain committed to investing in programmes that deliver sustainable impact,” Carlson said. “We recognise that economic empowerment, education and strong, cohesive communities are essential pillars of a thriving society.”

Carlson added that ExxonMobil’s continued partnership with GCOPD reflects a shared vision of a Guyana where barriers to opportunity are progressively removed and persons with disabilities are empowered to realise their full potential.

The launch of Phase Five marks another milestone in ongoing efforts to promote inclusion, independence and equal opportunity for persons with disabilities, while reinforcing the commitment of stakeholders to ensuring that every citizen has the opportunity to contribute to Guyana’s development.

Linden backs composting initiative aimed at cutting waste bound for Blue Lake dump site

A COMMUNI

TY-BASED composting programme that could divert up to 50 per cent of biodegradable waste currently destined for the dump site at the entrance to Linden’s Blue Lake has received the backing of municipal leaders, marking a significant step in efforts to address one of Region Ten’s most pressing environmental concerns.

Waste To Wealth Caribbean and its official execution partner, Outliers Zone Caribbean, recently met with Linden Town Clerk, Lennox Gasper and Deputy Mayor Wainwright Bethune to conduct a live composting demonstration and present a sustainable waste management model designed to reduce landfill-bound organic waste.

According to a press release, both municipal officials welcomed the Waste To Wealth Train-the-Trainer Composting Programme and expressed strong support for the initiative, describing it as a practical, community-driven solution to the growing challenge of waste disposal in the mining town.

Mayor Dominique Blair, who is currently on leave, also endorsed the initiative during a telephone conversation, reaffirming the municipality’s collective support for ef-

forts aimed at improving environmental sustainability in Linden.

The endorsement represents the first formal municipal backing for the Waste To Wealth movement outside Georgetown and advances the organisation’s broader goal of establishing composting champion communities across Guyana’s ten administrative regions.

Following the engagement, Waste To Wealth Caribbean announced that Region Ten’s first Trainthe-Trainer composting certification programme would be held on Thursday at the Guymine Constabulary Recreation Hall and Club. The session forms part of the organisation’s signature T.E.C.H. Composting Method, which teaches participants how to convert household kitchen waste and cardboard into nutrient-rich Organic Miracle Garden Soil (O.M.G.S.) using a simple two-bucket composting system.

The programme is designed to make composting accessible to ordinary households while creating opportunities for environmental stewardship and income generation. Participants receive a complete backyard composting kit, practical training, ongoing technical support over a 12-week period, and the opportunity to harvest their

first batch of compost for personal use or sale.

Upon successfully completing the programme, participants become eligible for certification as Waste To Wealth Trainers and can earn income by mentoring additional households through the composting process.

Founder of Waste To Wealth Caribbean, Rampertab Etwaria, said the initiative seeks to transform the way communities view waste management.

“The dumping site does not have to be the final destination for our wealth,” Etwaria said. “Every family in Linden can take responsibility and become part of this sustainable solution.”

The organisation has also extended invitations to the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Regional Executive Officer, and members of the private sector to support the programme through sponsorships and corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Since launching its public education campaign in April 2026, Waste To Wealth Caribbean said it has engaged 57 families in Georgetown and surrounding communities. The initiative has also received endorsements from

the EPA, the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown, and landfill management authorities following the successful observance of Guyana’s first International Compost Awareness Week in May.

The organisation’s longterm objective is to reduce biodegradable waste sent

to landfills by 25 per cent by 2030 through the development of 1,000 Waste To Wealth Champion Families across Guyana.

Outliers Zone Caribbean, which has been appointed the official execution partner for the Region Ten expansion, will provide project implementation support, stakeholder engagement, public relations,

and community mobilisation services as the initiative expands beyond the capital.

Waste To Wealth Caribbean said the programme offers a sustainable and scalable approach to waste reduction while empowering citizens to play a direct role in environmental protection and community development.

PSC condemns repeated misrepresentation of Guyana’s territory at SEOGS 2026

THE Private Sector Commission (PSC) has expressed its strong objection to the display of a map depicting the New River Triangle as part of Suriname during the opening ceremony of the Suriname Energy, Oil and Gas Summit (SEOGS) 2026.

While Guyana and Suriname have enjoyed longstanding economic, cultural, and people-to-people ties, and while the PSC has consistently advocated for stronger trade and business relations between our two countries, incidents such as these continue to undermine confidence and goodwill among the Guyanese business community.

This is not the first time the PSC has been compelled to raise concerns regarding the failure to properly recognise and respect Guyana’s

territorial integrity.

On February 11, 2025, the PSC publicly objected to similar circumstances arising at a business conference in Suriname, where Guyana’s territorial boundaries were not appropriately represented.

At the time, the PSC called for greater sensitivity and respect for matters relating to sovereignty and territorial integrity, particularly in forums intended to promote regional business co-operation.

“It is, therefore, deeply disappointing that, more than a year later, the PSC finds itself once again forced to object to a similar occurrence,” the PSC said in a press release on Wednesday.

The PSC has consistently supported dialogue, co-operation, and stronger economic integration between Guyana

and Suriname.

“We firmly believe that the private sectors of both countries stand to benefit from closer collaboration, increased trade, joint investment opportunities, and deeper economic partnerships.

“These objectives, however, can only be advanced

in an environment of mutual respect and good faith. Recent developments, including concerns raised by the Guyanese private sector regarding the imposition of fees affecting vessels operating on the Corentyne River and now the repeated presentation of maps inaccurately depicting Guyana’s sovereign territory,

have unfortunately created the perception of a troubling pattern that is inconsistent with the principles of neighbourly co-operation,” the PSC said.

The commission made it unequivocally clear that the New River Triangle is part of the sovereign territory of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. Any depiction suggesting otherwise is unacceptable and contrary to the spirit of constructive relations that both countries should be striving to strengthen.

Accordingly, the PSC calls upon the organisers of SEOGS 2026, including Staatsolie, to publicly address this matter and provide assurances that future conferences and official presentations will accurately reflect Guyana’s territorial boundaries.

The PSC said it remains

committed to dialogue and engagement. However, meaningful co-operation requires reciprocity and respect.

“The Guyanese private sector cannot be expected to participate in forums designed to promote partnership while Guyana’s sovereignty is repeatedly disregarded. We urge our neighbours in Suriname to work with Guyana in a manner that strengthens trust, promotes mutual respect, and advances the shared economic interests of both nations,” the commission said.

The PSC added: “The future of Guyana-Suriname relations should be built on partnership and co-operation—not recurring incidents that unnecessarily strain relations between our peoples and businesses.”

Understanding the world’s choice of China through the Summer Davos

FROM Tuesday to Thursday, the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, is being held in Dalian.

Amid geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and rapid technological change, more than 1,700 representatives from the political, business, academic, and media sectors across over 90 countries and regions have gathered in Dalian, located on the shores of the Yellow and Bohai Seas - a gathering that in itself represents a statement of stance and a vote of confidence.

This global gathering, themed “Innovating at Scale,” invited guests from around the world to explore how innovation can bridge technological divides, break through trade barriers, and translate into real productive capacity - marking yet another instance of “Innovative China” sharing its achievements with the world.

Across the globe, “innovation” has become a new calling card for China. The country’s breakthroughs in artificial intelligence (AI), new energy, and advanced manufacturing have provided valuable insights to the world.

The practical applications of China’s innovationssuch as new-energy vehicles (NEVs), 5G/6G networks, and industrial robots - are continuously making their way into the global market.

China’s comprehensive industrial system, massive market, high-quality engineers, and high-density application scenarios attract an increasing number of multinational corporations to not only set up production lines in China but also establish laboratories, jointly building a platform for innovation with Chinese partners. All of this adds footnotes to “Innovating at Scale.”

The Summer Davos highlights China’s influence on the global innovation landscape. As a bridge connecting China’s development with that of the world, the Summer Davos has, over the nearly 20 years since its inception, borne witness to

the infectious power of “Innovative China.”

This year, outside the main venue of the annual meeting, NEVs, hydrogen-powered buses, and autonomous smart buses are lined up and ready for service; the venue’s air conditioning is powered entirely by green electricity, expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 800 metric tons.

The in-depth exchanges during the annual meeting will help enterprises from various countries seize opportunities in the Chinese market and promote the global dissemination of China’s achievements.

Innovation is not a new term at Davos, but the phrase “at scale” has imbued innovation with a brand-new, contemporary significance.

Several foreign media outlets highlighted the report “Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2026,” released on the opening day of the forum. The report identifies key technologies most likely to shape industries, policies, and society over the next five years, including everything-to-grid energy, direct lithium extraction, and personalized mRNA cancer vaccines, among others.

China has accumulated a wealth of experience - both instructive and replicable - in transforming innovation from a “bonsai” into an industrial “landscape.”

As World Economic Forum (WEF) Managing Director Mirek Dusek noted, the world is eager to learn from China’s experience.

2026 Summer Davos’ agenda is both practical and forward-looking, revolving around five key themes: shifting trade, China’s next chapter, technology in the real economy, jobs for the next generation, and the energy transition as a source of competitiveness.

These topics directly address the most pressing challenges and priorities in today’s global economic development, combining a clear sense of purpose with a global perspective.

They respond to the challenges posed by uni-

lateralism and protectionism, capture the new drivers of China’s high-quality economic development, focus on how innovation

See page 18

Understanding the world’s choice of China through

can empower manufacturing upgrades, examine the profound impact of technological change on labor markets, and confront the global consensus on climate change and green, low-carbon development.

Together, they fully reflect how “Innovative China” serves the broader vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity.

The world is optimistic about China not only because of its innovative capabilities, but also because of its unwavering commitment to openness. Just one day before the opening of the Summer Davos, the fourth China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) kicked off in Beijing, attracting more than 1,200 exhibitors from 85 countries, regions, and international organizations, with foreign-invested exhibitors accounting for over 36 percent of the total.

This year’s CISCE was almost a stage for robotic performances, with intelligent robots serving as volunteers, guides, and hosts. An

Editor’s Note:

THIS year marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Over the past century and more, the CPC has carried forward its revolutionary traditions while forging new achievements in response to the demands of each era. Anchored in its enduring mission to serve the people, the Party has demonstrated a remarkable capacity for self-reform, an indomitable fighting spirit and an open, adaptive mindset that enables it to navigate changes and steer the nation forward.

On this significant occasion, the Global Times (GT) presents this special series of interviews with international scholars. Through their diverse lenses, we invite global observers to contemplate the journey of this century-old Party - its enduring historical legacy, governance logic and its dynamically evolving role in an ever-changing world.

In the first installment of the series, GT reporter Li Aixin talked to Josef Gregory Mahoney (Mahoney), who is a professor of politics and international relations at East China Normal University in Shanghai and a senior research fellow with the Institute for the Development of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics at Southeast University in Nanjing. In his analysis, the “people-oriented” principle of the CPC has led to tangible actions across all fields of governance.

GT: In your view, what is the core characteristic of the CPC?

Mahoney: The people-oriented nature of the CPC represents one of the most fundamental and consistently emphasized principles in its theoretical system and political practice. Rooted in Marxist historical materialism, refined across successive generations of leadership and woven together with the CPC’s century-long revolutionary practices and China’s time-honored traditional people-centric wisdom, this concept stands as both the ideological cornerstone underpinning

From page 17

...

AI exhibition zone was also established for the first time, showcasing a vibrant landscape of innovation.

These figures and scenes demonstrate that global businesses have not been swayed by the political noise surrounding “decoupling” and supply chain disruptions. What attracts them are reliable supply chains, long-term cooperation, and shared innovation.

At a time when some countries are erecting trade barriers, politicizing, weaponizing, and overstretching the concept of national security on economic and trade issues, thereby increasing the risk of fragmentation in global industrial and supply chains, China continues to expand both institutional and market opening through platforms such as the China International Import Expo, the Canton Fair, and the CISCE.

On the opening day of the CISCE, China announced 15 practical measures to further ease foreign investment access and improve the business environment. China’s

This photo taken on June 22, 2026 shows an exterior view of the Dalian International Conference Center, venue of the 2026 Summer Davos, in Dalian, northeast China’s Liaoning Province. The World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos forum, will be held in the port city of Dalian from June 23 to 25. (Photo: Xinhua)

opening-up is not an abstract gesture, but a tangible environment where businesses can see opportunities, enter the market, stay, and thrive.

“The evolution of China’s innovation model will influence growth across Asia and beyond,” the WEF noted on its official website in introducing this year’s Summer Davos. According to the WEF, China’s pursuit of stability and new quality productive

forces is reshaping its industrial base and, by extension, international value chains. Looking ahead, the message emerging from Summer Davos is clear: “Innovative China” is not a closed technological island, but a platform for global cooperation; Chinese modernization is not an opportunity reserved for China alone, but a development process whose benefits can be shared with countries around the world.

CPC’s ‘people-oriented’ philosophy delivers concrete results across all governance sectors

the Party’s governance and guiding its policy direction, as well as the defining feature that sets the CPC apart from all other political parties worldwide.

GT: Why are the CPC’s goals and the fundamental interests of the people considered highly consistent?

Mahoney: The CPC’s people-oriented nature originates from classical Marxist theory, particularly the concept that the masses are the creators of history. Marx and Engels argued that the working class must emancipate itself through its own efforts, establishing the theoretical premise that political parties must serve rather than dominate the populace. This orientation was the original and unchanging mission of the CPC since its founding in 1921, seeking happiness for the Chinese people and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. During the revolutionary era, (Chairman) Mao Zedong elucidated the principle “serve the people,” coupled with the mass line “from the people, to the people.”

These values remain sacrosanct, with the “people’s interests” being accorded “absolute supremacy.” Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping has clearly stated that his governance philosophy can be summed up as “serving the people, and assuming the responsibilities that I ought to shoulder,” and he has emphasized on multiple occasions that “the most fundamental interests of the country are the people’s happy life.”

In fact, the Chinese leader has often emphasized the Party’s people-oriented nature and the necessity of putting people first as both a theoretical doctrine and a political practice. He has stated, “Our people are the country’s solid foundation and our main source of confidence to govern.” At the first press conference after the 18th CPC National Congress, speaking for the CPC Central Committee, he said, “To meet their desire for a happy life is our mission.” At the 19th CPC National Congress, he affirmed that “The original aspiration and mission of Chi-

nese Communists are seeking happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation.” Another well-known quote emphasizes that this principle has always been a mainstay of the CPC: “To lead the Chinese people in their pursuit of a better life is an unswerving goal of the Communist Party of China.”

GT: How is this people-oriented philosophy concretely reflected in the Party’s governance practices?

Mahoney: This doctrine has led to tangible actions across all fields of governance. It serves as the basic value orientation, starting point, ultimate goal and measurement standard for China’s modernization path. Well-known and historically unequaled outcomes exemplifying this doctrine include the landmark poverty alleviation campaign that lifted hundreds of millions of people out of extreme poverty.

In fact, the CPC’s achievements have won widespread public recognition, support and appreciation from the Chinese people. In the words of the Chinese leader: “The Party has won the people’s wholehearted support because it has always served the people with heart and soul and striven for the well-being of all ethnic groups.”

GT: Could you share a few examples that have left a deep impression on you, showing how the CPC has always put the people first in its governance?

Mahoney: One of the most famous examples is the “Story of Half a Quilt,” which occurred during the Long March (1934-36). When the Red Army passed through Shazhou village in Hunan Province, three female soldiers shared their only quilt with a poor local villager named Xu Jiexiu, who had nothing. Before leaving, they cut the quilt and gave half to her. If you’ve stood before the Long March relics at Beijing’s Military Museum of the Chinese People’s Revolution - the woven grass sandals, the half-eaten belt consumed during starvation in Sichuan and the patched

blanket shared by Dong Zhentang, Zhu De and Zhou Enlai - you walk away with a visceral sense of the suffering the CPC endured, and how that suffering fused their fate with the very people they sought to free. Thus, the “Story of Half a Quilt” continues to resonate with the people, and tells how the CPC would even cut half of its only quilt to share with ordinary people.

Another famous story related to Zhang Side, a Red Army soldier who dedicated his life to serving the people, and died while saving a comrade when a charcoal kiln collapsed in Yan’an in 1944. His example inspired Mao deeply, and he attended the memorial service and delivered his famous “Serve the People” speech. Subsequently, “serving the people wholeheartedly” was formally written into the Party’s Constitution.

In 2013, China put forward the concept of “targeted poverty alleviation” in the once remote, impoverished Miao ethnic village, Shibadong. By 2022, the per capita income of local residents had surged from 1,688 yuan ($249) in 2013 to 23,505 yuan, and the village’s collective economy grew from zero to 3.8 million yuan, with industries including rural tourism, mineral water production and Miao embroidery thriving. This model has been studied by political parties from Laos, Spain, Namibia and other countries for their own poverty reduction work.

Finally, let’s recall the flood rescue operation in 2025. When extreme rainfall triggered severe floods in eastern, northern and northeastern China, more than 2,000 officers and soldiers were dispatched to assist with disaster relief operations, evacuating more than 4,100 residents and delivering over 3,000 boxes of relief supplies.

The Chinese leader gave instructions and called for all-out search and rescue of the missing and trapped, and immediate relocation of those in danger to help minimize casualties.

Cortex System to Auto-Trigger Medicine Reorders, Reduce Expired Stock

–– Health Ministry rolls out digital inventory system for medicines July 1

GUYANA’S healthcare system is set to take a major step toward full digitalisation on July 1st with the launch of Cortex, a new pharmaceutical supply chain management system designed to improve the availability of medicines, reduce wastage and strengthen inventory monitoring across the country’s health facilities.

The platform will replace many of the manual processes currently used to track and order pharmaceuticals, allowing healthcare facilities to monitor stock levels in real time and automatically trigger replenishment requests before supplies run critically low.

Coordinator for Indigenous People’s Communities within the Ministry of Health’s Regional Health Services Department, Micheal Gouveia, said the new system is expected to significantly improve the efficiency with which medicines are distributed throughout the country, particularly in remote and hinterland communities.

“With the new system, facilities will know exactly what they have in stock at any given time. Not only will it tell the facility what is available, but it will also trigger a reorder to the Materials Management Unit when supplies begin running low,” Gouveia explained.

Under the current paper-based system, healthcare workers are required to manually assess inventory levels, complete requisition forms and physically submit orders to the Ministry of Health’s

MMU before supplies can be processed and dispatched.

According to Gouveia, weather conditions and logistical challenges can sometimes delay the movement of supplies, particularly to remote communities, making inventory management a critical component of healthcare delivery.

The Cortex platform is expected to change that by utilising population data and consumption trends to determine stock requirements and automatically calculate reorder quantities for each facility.

“It can ensure that facilities receive enough supplies to adequately serve patients while maintaining appropriate stock levels,” he said.

Beyond improving supply availability, the software will also help reduce the number of medications expiring on shelves by identifying products approaching their expiration dates and allowing health officials to transfer them to facilities where they can be utilised before becoming unusable.

“So let’s say, Arakaka asks for Paracetamol and they realise that Matthew’s Ridge has that medication that can actually expire before they could utilise it and since its within distance, the MMU can then issue an instruction for that medication to be transferred from Matthew’s Ridge to Arakaka. We call this an inter-facilty transfer,” he said.

Gouveia noted that the technology represents another significant step in the Ministry of Health’s ongoing modernisation efforts.

GECOM resumes registration service at the Soesdyke Registration Sub-Office

THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has resumed operations at the Soesdyke Registration Sub-Office, Te Huist Te Coverden NDC Compound, effective Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

The office had been temporarily relocated to the Diamond Registration Office in December 2025 to facilitate repairs to the building.

“With those repairs now completed, eligible persons within the Garden of Eden to Timehri and Moblissa catchment area are encouraged to visit the Soesdyke

“The aim is to improve access to medicines, improve patient outcomes and ultimately help people live longer, healthier lives. Technology is allowing us to do that in ways that were not possible before,” he added.

Training is currently underway across the regions ahead of the July 1st rollout, with healthcare workers being prepared to utilise the system as part of the Ministry’s broader push to strengthen healthcare delivery and improve services nationwide.

The platform will replace many of the manual processes currently used to track and order pharmaceuticals, allowing healthcare facilities to monitor stock levels in real time and automatically trigger replenishment requests before supplies run critically low

Registration Office to conduct their registration transactions, especially during the upcoming registration exercise scheduled to begin on July 1, 2026,” GECOM said.

GECOM expressed its appreciation to the public, especially those affected by the temporary relocation of the office, for their patience, understanding, and co-operation.

The Commission said it looks forward to continuing to serve the public with professionalism and excellence.

ERC, Carter Center discuss 2025 Elections final report, social cohesion efforts

THE Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), on Wednesday, hosted a delegation from The Carter Center for discussions on the Center’s Final Report on Guyana’s 2025 General and Regional Elections and on opportunities for continued collaboration in promoting social cohesion and democratic governance.

The meeting, held at the ERC’s boardroom, brought together senior representatives of both organisations to review the findings and recommendations contained in the

Carter Center’s election observation report and to explore ways to support their implementation.

The Carter Center delegation comprised Mr. Jason Calder, Country Director of the Center’s International Election Observation Mission, and Ms. Brett Lacy, Associate Director of the Center’s Democracy Programme.

The ERC team was led by Chairman Shaikh Moeenul Hack and included Deputy Chairman Charles Ogle, Commissioners Ras Khafra, Chandrowtie Sarran, Neaz Subhan and Norris

Witter, as well as acting Chief Executive Officer, Oma Sukhu.

In welcoming the delegation, Chairman Hack thanked The Carter Center for what he described as its longstanding contribution to strengthening democracy in Guyana since 1992 and highlighted the importance of its continued engagement with the country.

He also briefed the visitors on the ERC’s role during the 2025 electoral process, noting that the Commission engaged communities before, during

discussions on the Center’s Final Report on Guyana’s 2025 General and Regional Elections and after the elections and deployed what he said was the largest contingent of local election-day observers. The chairman further outlined the ERC’s broader peacebuilding and education initiatives, including Harmony Clubs in schools and diversity, equity and inclusion training programmes across public and private sector institutions.

According to the ERC, the Carter Center delegation explained that it has been meeting with national stakeholders to discuss the findings and recommendations of its final report and to examine how the recommendations might be advanced.

The delegation reportedly commended the peaceful conduct of the 2025 elections and acknowledged the ERC’s support during its observation mission. The Carter Center also presented the Commission with a copy of its election observation handbook.

Both organisations noted what they described as a close alignment in their mandates to promote inclusivity, peaceful conduct and democratic participation.

While acknowledging that challenges and concerns remain, the ERC and The Carter Center reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, fostering national unity and maintaining co-operation in the years ahead.

GCCI condemns continued disrespect of Guyana’s sovereignty by Suriname

THE Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has strongly condemned the continued disrespect of Guyana’s sovereignty by event organisers in Suriname.

“The most recent incident at the Suriname Energy, Oil and Gas Summit

in Suriname last year, and depicts a trend of incivility by event organisers in our neighbouring state.

“These incidents cannot be allowed to continue unchecked, and the Chamber urges both the Government of Guyana and businesses operating in Guyana to

(SEOGS) is in blatant contempt of Guyana’s sovereign territory—particularly in the presence of Guyanese officials and companies,” GCCI said.

This occurrence mirrors the actions at the International Business Conference

reject these actions by impenitent individuals,” GCCI said.

Furthermore, the chamber encouraged Guyanese and the business community to not support events that depict such disrespect of the country.

Caribbean Airlines introduces digital gift cards

CARIBBEAN Airlines has introduced a new Digital Gift Card programme, providing customers with an additional payment and gifting option for travel across the airline’s network.

Available from June 24, 2026, the digital gift cards may be purchased through Caribbean Airlines’ website giftcards.caribbean-airlines.com and redeemed towards the purchase of eligible Caribbean Airlines tickets and other services such as extra baggage, pre-order meals and preferred seating, the airline said in a press release on Wednesday.

The introduction of digital gift cards forms part of the airline’s ongoing efforts to enhance customer convenience and provide greater flexibility in how customers plan, manage and pay for travel.

Caribbean Airlines Chief Executive Officer (Ag.), Varma Khillawan, stated: “We

are continuously looking for ways to enhance customer experience and make travel more convenient. The introduction of digital gift cards provides customers with a practical and flexible way to support travel for themselves or others, whether for special occasions, family visits, business travel or future travel planning.”

The digital gift cards are delivered electronically via email and can be redeemed online, through the airline’s Reservations Call Centre and Airport & City Ticket Offices.

Customers will also have the ability to store and manage multiple gift cards and travel vouchers through a digital wallet functionality.

The gift cards will be available year-round and can support a range of travel needs, including personal gifting, corporate incentives and special occasions.

Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge collision protection system completed

THE Ministry of Public Works has announced that the installation of the collision protection system at the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge was completed on June 18, 2026, by the contractor CRCCI-CRCCCL-CRBG Joint Venture.

Installed around the main tower pile caps within the Demerara River, the protection system is designed to shield the bridge’s critical substructure from accidental vessel impact by absorbing and reducing collision forces before they reach the main tower pile caps and other supporting elements.

The ministry said the completed installation is part of the bridge’s permanent safety and protection works, strengthening the crossing’s resilience, supporting safer navigation near the main span, and contributing to the long-term operation of this major national

infrastructural asset.

Since the bridge opened, 4,323 vessels have passed safely beneath the crossing, a figure the ministry cited to underscore the Demerara River’s continued role as an active navigation corridor. The collision protection system therefore plays a key role in safeguarding the bridge while facilitating safe and orderly marine traffic, the ministry added.

Regional security, climate resilience top agenda at CARICOM‑Canada meeting

MINISTER of Foreign Af fairs and International Co operation, Hugh Todd, on Tuesday, took part in the Fourth CARICOM‑Canada Foreign Ministers Group Meeting held on the mar gins of the 56th Regular Session of the General As sembly of the Organisation of American States in Pan ama City, Panama.

The gathering brought together CARICOM ministers and Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anita Anand, for focused discussions on regional security and stability, as well as economic growth and climate resilience across

the Caribbean.

During the meeting, CARICOM ministers welcomed Minister Anand and exchanged perspectives on strengthening co-operation to address shared challenges.

Minister Todd delivered an intervention on regional security and stability with a particular focus on the situation in Haiti, underscoring CARICOM’s continuing attention to the political, humanitarian, and security dimensions affecting the island nation.

The discussions also highlighted the importance of economic measures and

Woman sentenced to 11 years for fatal burning of partner

A 26 year old Georgetown woman has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for the fatal burning of her former partner, following a domestic dispute that ended in his death weeks after he suffered extensive burn injuries.

Melissa David, formerly of New Market Street, North Cummingsburg, was sentenced on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, by Justice Joy Persaud-Singh at the Demerara High Court after pleading guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter in the death of 31-year-old Edmond Moses, the father of her child.

In delivering the sentence, the judge applied a structured approach beginning with a base sentence of 25 years’ imprisonment. One-third was deducted to reflect David’s guilty plea, reducing the sentence to 16 years and eight months. A further deduction of two years was made to account for time already spent on remand, bringing the sentence to approximately 14 years.

Justice Persaud-Singh then applied additional mitigating factors, including David’s expression of remorse, her status as a first-time offender, and her responsibility as a mother of a minor child. The court also noted the absence of aggravating factors, ultimately reducing the sentence by a further three years to arrive at the final term of 11 years’ imprisonment.

The court heard that the incident occurred on May 22, 2024, during a domestic confrontation at the shared residence on New Market Street. According to agreed facts presented in court, tensions between the couple escalated throughout the day over personal and household disputes before turning violent in the evening.

At approximately 18:05 hours, the confrontation intensified, during which a flammable liquid was allegedly thrown on Moses, who was

climate - resilient strategies to bolster Caribbean development and protect vulnerable communities from the escalating impacts of climate change.

The session formed part of ongoing dialogue between CARICOM and Canada aimed at deepen ing partnerships on secu rity, development and cli mate action, and reinforced the region’s commitment to collaborative approaches in confronting immedi ate crises and long‑term threats.

then set alight inside the apartment building. The fire quickly spread to the verandah area, causing panic among other residents.

Neighbours intervened after noticing the blaze, using buckets of water to contain the fire before it could spread further. Moses was later seen exiting the building with severe burn injuries covering a significant portion of his body, including his upper torso, arms, and legs.

He was transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where he remained in critical condition for several weeks before succumbing to complications.

A post-mortem examination conducted on July 15, 2024, attributed his death to pneumonia arising from septic burns, with medical findings indicating burns covering approximately 50 to 55 per cent of his body.

Police investigations began the day after the incident, during which officers documented burn damage at the scene and recovered several items of evidential value.

Investigators also reported detecting traces of a substance consistent with kerosene or another flammable accelerant.

David was arrested on the day of the incident and later provided a caution statement in which she admitted involvement, citing an escalating domestic dispute and alleging she acted out of fear during the confrontation.

The case, which initially commenced as an attempted murder charge, was upgraded to murder following Moses’ death. However, after the completion of the investigation and the presentation of agreed facts, the prosecution accepted a plea to the lesser charge of manslaughter.

The prosecution was led by State Counsels Padma Dubraj, Nelissa Peterkin, and Aliya Heywood, while David was represented by attorney at law Ronald Bostwick.

Scott targeting long jump world record

KINGSTON, Jamaica, (CMC) – Jamaican long jumper Jordan Scott has set his eyes on the 31-year-old long jump record held by Great Britain’s Jonathan Edwards.

The Englishman has held the record of 18.29-metres, which he set in Gothenburg, Sweden since 1995.

Scott has been in tremendous form in the last few months. He recently produced a lifetime best of 17.69m to finish second be

hind Portugal’s Pedro Pichardo’s world lead of 17.71m at the Doha Diamond League.

“Definitely, I want to break the world record set by Edwards, but at the same time, winning is at the forefront,” said Scott.

The 28-year-old, who is currently the Diamond League leader on 22 points, said he was focused on continuing his winning streak.

“Competing against the best of the best in the event on the Diamond League cir-

Ronaldo makes history and...

World Cup in South Africa. Fresh off its impressive opening win against Croatia,

England failed to break down a well-organised Ghana in a 0-0 tie. Also in Group L, Croatia dispatched Panama 1-0, and in Group K, Colombia beat the Democratic Republic of the Congo 1-0. In classic Cristiano Ronaldo fashion, he saw Lionel Messi make World Cup history Monday, so he needed to follow suit with not one, not two, but three different tournament records — including becoming the only man to score in six World Cups, as Portugal battered Uzbekistan 5-0.

Meanwhile, England got a harsh reality check in a scoreless draw with Ghana. Nobody is getting back the two hours spent watching that match, and football, well, it's unclear if it's coming home after all. For the first time in any game this tournament, there were zero shots on goal in the first half, and in the second, Black Stars' forward Prince Adu (incredible name) was inexplicably denied a penalty after a wild Ezri Konsa challenge. (NBC Sports)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

cuit is a blessing as these are people I looked up to. Competing with them and being competitive as well feels good.

“I have already qualified for the Diamond League Finals, but I want to continue that winning form at the Lausanne Diamond League in August, the Diamond League Finals, and also the Commonwealth Games as I think I can win this one for my first global title,” Scott said.

Storm damages roof...

Emergency repair teams have already been mobilised and are expected to begin restoration works immediately. Project engineers are also onsite, conducting a full assessment to determine whether additional reinforcement will be required before the venue is officially commissioned.

The adverse weather conditions caused widespread disruption across the Essequibo Coast and other parts of Guyana, with reports of fallen branches and temporary power outages.

The Anna Regina stadium is a major project for the area,

designed to serve as a key sporting hub. Its inauguration is highly anticipated as part of a broader government push to expand sports infrastructure in Region Two.

Meteorological officials are continuing to monitor weather patterns, with intermittent rainfall and wind gusts forecast to persist over the coming days. Local residents have been urged to remain alert and take necessary precautions. Authorities say further updates will be provided as repair work progresses and structural assessments continue at the stadium.

McCullum dismisses talk of rift with...

(From page 28)

to red-ball cricket.

He added that ⁠recent setbacks would not derail the team's progress.

"It's been a real privilege for me over the past four years to work in intimate detail and as a partnership alongside Ben," he said.

"I look back ⁠on that fondly about how tight we were

as a group and how tight we were as a pair. Anything outside of that, it's not really up to us. ⁠Ben and I are tight." England will look to clinch the series in the third Test at Trent Bridge, with their last test series victory coming 18 months ago against New Zealand in 2024 (Reuters).

College players rule 1st round of 2026 NBA Draft

SURPRISES were minimal as the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft unfolded Tuesday at Barclays Center.

BYU’s AJ Dybantsa went No. 1 to the Washington Wizards, followed by Kansas’ Darryn Peterson at No. 2 to the Utah Jazz, Duke’s Cameron Boozer at No. 3 to the Memphis Grizzlies, North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson at No. 4 to the Chicago Bulls and Illinois’ Keaton Wagler at No. 5 to the LA Clippers.

Nine of the first 10 picks in the 2026 NBA Draft were college freshmen, tying the record for the most freshmen in the top 10, set in 2017 and 2025. The first 20 selections

all played college basketball, marking the first time since 1994 that the first 20 picks came from college. Here are takeaways from the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft: Counting Milwaukee, which reportedly acquired the No. 13 overall pick from Miami in the reported Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, seven teams had two picks in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft Tuesday: the Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies, Milwaukee Bucks and Oklahoma City Thunder. Here’s what those teams did with their picks: Hawks: The Hawks made

the playoffs last season (remember, they had a 2-1 firstround series lead against the eventual-champion New York Knicks) and added guard Kingston Flemings from Houston at No. 8 and St. John’s forward Zuby Ejiofor at No. 23.

Hornets: The Hornets went from 19 victories in 2024-25 to 44 victories in 2025-26 and want to take another jump next season. With the final lottery pick, they took Washington big man Hannes Steinbach at No. 14, and with the 18th pick, the Hornets drafted Texas Tech guard Christian Anderson. Bulls: Another team with a new coach (Tiago Splitter) and a new front-office leader (executive vice president of basketball operations Bryson Graham), the Bulls wanted North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson and took him No. 4. They also selected Texas guard-forward Dailyn Swain at No. 15.

Mavericks: Amid a rebuild with a new president (Masai Ujiri), new general manager (Mike Schmitz) and new coach (Dusty May), the Mavericks added Michigan big man Morez Johnson Jr., who played for May, at No. 9, and in a trade with New York, Dallas reportedly acquired Spain’s Sergio De Larrea to go alongside reigning Kia Rookie of the

Year Cooper Flagg.

Grizzlies: Memphis is trying to rediscover winning ways and moved in the right direction by taking Duke forward Cameron Boozer at No. 3. In a reported trade, Memphis sent the No. 17 pick it got from Oklahoma City to Detroit and acquired Mexico’s Karim Lopez at No. 21.

Bucks: Moving on from the Antetokounmpo era, the Bucks added Miami’s pick to their first-round haul, taking Arizona guard Brayden Burries 10th, and with the pick from Miami, the Bucks will acquire Tennessee forward Nate Ament 13th.

Thunder: A front office with an eye for talent and fit on and off the court, the Thunder selected Michigan’s 7-foot-3 center Aday Mara 12th, and in a reported trade with Memphis, they acquired No. 16 pick Bennett Stirtz, a guard from Iowa.

It also means seven teams did not have a first-round pick: the Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, New Orleans Pelicans, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers.

Michigan, which won the 2026 NCAA championship, had three players selected in the top 12: Morez Johnson Jr. at No. 9, Yaxel Lendeborg at No. 11 and Aday Mara at No. 12. It marks the first time since Florida in 2007 that three non-freshmen from the same school were lottery picks.

Johnson, going to the Mavs at No. 9, also reunites him with his coach at Michigan, Dusty May, who was just named Dallas’ coach.

“I was insanely shocked when I saw Dusty was going to be coach of the Mavs,” Johnson said. “I did not see it coming at all. And now for him to be my coach again, I’m excited. I’m excited. I can’t wait to get there and go to work with him again and ultimately win again.” (NBA)

McCullum dismisses talk of rift with Stokes ahead of third New Zealand test

ENGLAND coach Brendon McCullum has dismissed speculation of a rift with test captain Ben Stokes, saying he was amused by suggestions their relationship had soured.

Stokes is set to return for the third test against New Zealand, which begins on Thursday, alongside fast bowler Gus Atkinson following the conclusion of a disciplinary hearing.

The pair were suspended from the second test after a curfew breach at a London nightclub and were reportedly present when a member of England's security staff was involved in an incident with a Saracens rugby player following England's first-test win.

In Stokes' absence, ⁠England suffered a 253-run defeat at The Oval on Sunday as New Zealand levelled the series.

McCullum, who had also faced questions about his relationship with Stokes after a 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia, said on Tuesday there was no substance to the reports.

"I said, 'Do you know where this has come from, the conversations around our relationship over the last six months?' He said, 'No, I have no idea'. I said to him, 'As far as I'm concerned, I consider you a good friend'," McCul-

lum told reporters. "Obviously we've been through a lot together as a ⁠pair in leadership positions here in English cricket. In the end, we both want what's right and what is the best for English cricket."

McCullum has worked closely with Stokes since taking over the test side in 2022, forming a partnership that reshaped England's approach

(Turn to page 27)

Stokes reveals 'highest pressure' of England captaincy

CAPTAIN Ben Stokes admits England are under the "highest amount of pressure" since he and coach Brendon McCullum took charge four years ago.

England face a series decider against New Zealand at Trent Bridge from Thursday in the aftermath of the controversy that led to Stokes being absent from the defeat in the second Test.

The all-rounder, 35, and pace bowler Gus Atkinson were made unavailable for the match at The Oval pend-

ing an investigation into an incident at a London nightclub. But the pair have since been cleared to return to the England team, with Stokes once again captain.

Stokes, McCullum and Director of Cricket Rob Key were all backed to stay in their jobs following the dismal 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia.

And defeat by the Kiwis this week would be England's seventh in nine Tests and leave them with a first home loss in a series of

at least three matches since 2012.

"Has the pressure on this team ramped up? Well, this is definitely the highest amount of pressure we've been under since me and Baz became coach and captain," Stokes told BBC Sport.

"That's fine. How you deal with it is what proves if you're a good leader or not. What me and Baz have done has been able to accept that this is pretty high pressure, but we know what we need to do is go out there and win

games of cricket."

Stokes was speaking publicly for the first time since he and Atkinson broke England's curfew and were present when a member of the team's security staff was struck by a Saracens rugby player.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) found the pair breached "contractual obligations” yet were blameless for "violent conduct".

Stokes and Atkinson were given a written warning,

but no further action was taken after they missed the second Test, and the

Cricket Regulator cleared them of wrongdoing. (BBC Sport)

Players to expand prize money protest at Wimbledon

LEADING tennis players

will expand their prize money protest at Wimbledon - despite a 20% increase in this year's pot.

Some players limited pre-tournament media to 15 minutes at the recent French Open, but will go a step further at Wimbledon.

They will not only limit the time they offer at the forthcoming media weekend, but are also planning to restrict post-match appearances to 15 minutes throughout the first week of the Championships, which start on Monday.

The 15-minute limit is meant to symbolise the 15% of revenue which - broadly speaking - the Grand Slams allocate to prize money.

Representatives of the players say the decision was taken "following detailed consultation with players across both tours".

In Paris, women's world number one Aryna Sabalenka cut short her pre-tournament press conference, while players like Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek also followed the 'work to rule' directive.

But Novak Djokovic, who has regularly spoken out on behalf of players' rights, did not take part in the action.

Earlier this month the players welcomed Wimbledon's 20% increase as a "genuine and significant step forward".

The players issued a statement describing the

announcement as a "meaningful statement of intent" - while also pointing out it still does not equate to the 16% of tournament revenue they are requesting from all Grand Slams this year.

The total prize fund at this year's championships will be £64.2m, following the largest annual increase in the event's history.

The singles' champions will each take home £3.6m with first-round losers paid £80,000.

But the overall fund is still about £7m short of what the players had been hoping for.

"We don't look at percentages, we don't actually believe that is the right metric," Deborah Jevans, the chair of the All England Club (AELTC), told BBC Sport earlier this month.

"It is one metric that is based purely on revenue and doesn't take into account any costs and we cannot run

a business in that way.

"We have expenses - we have spoken about infrastructure and investment in grass court tennis.

"You cannot run a sustainable business, and we have nearly been around for 150 years, just by looking at revenue. That is just plainly wrong."

As well as campaigning for the Slams to link prize money to tournament revenue, players are also asking for contributions to their benefit pool and a greater say in how the events are run.

The players say they have not had a "substantive response" from Wimbledon on these two issues.

The AELTC disputes that, and says it contacted players at the start of the year to propose talks on establishing a player council, which could then discuss the issue of benefits.

The offer was rejected

by the players.

Sources at the AELTC have expressed huge surprise at the players’ latest move, but they are not the only organisation involved in the dispute.

The increase in prize

money at the French Open was 9.5%, and player representatives say they expect the French Tennis Federation to present proposals on how to narrow the gap between the two sides during the Wimbledon fortnight.

There will also be discussions with executives from the US Tennis Association as they finalise their prize money offer for the US Open, which begins on 30 August. (BBC Sport)

Guyana Grand Prix tickets now available at physical locations –

THE Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) has officially launched physical ticket sales for the highly anticipated GT Challenge de las Americas Guyana Grand Prix, set for July 11 and 12, 2026, at the South Dakota Circuit, Timehri.

The event will mark the historic debut of the GT Series in Guyana and will be the first FIA-sanctioned international racing series to compete in the country since the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC).

Motorsport fans can look forward to an international grid featuring some of the world’s leading performance

marques, including Lamborghini, Porsche, Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi.

Representing the home crowd will be Guyanese racer Mark Vieira, who will compete as part of the international field.

Tickets are now available for purchase at the GMR&SC office in Thomas Lands, Georgetown and at all Lyft Gym locations nationwide. Fans can also purchase tickets online through the official event portal: https:// guyanago.org/…/90-gt-challenge-de-las-americas

Ticket categories include General Admission, VIP and Paddock Club access.

Ticket prices:

GMR&SC office and Lyft Gym outlets stocked

General Admission- Sunday: G$9,000 (G$10,000 on race day)

General Admission- Saturday: G$4,000 (G$5,000 on race day)

VIP- Sunday: G$50,000

Paddock Club- Sunday: G$100,000

VIP tickets are nearing capacity, with limited allocations remaining. Spectator access and parking information

To ensure efficient entry and a smooth experience for spectators on race weekend, the circuit will have two designated access points based on ticket category.

General admission pa -

trons are asked to use the Timehri Highway entrance, which provides the closest access to the general admission grandstand.

VIP patrons are asked to use the Cheddi Jagan International Airport access road, which provides convenient access to the VIP facilities.

Parking will be free for all spectators. However, VIP parking will be reserved, and a VIP parking pass will be required.

These passes will be issued to VIP ticket holders ahead of the event. Executive Member of the GMR&SC, Elan Rahaman, said the Club is pleased with the response to the upcoming event and

is encouraging fans to secure their tickets early.

“We’re excited to officially launch physical ticket sales and welcome fans from across Guyana and the region to what promises to be the biggest motor racing event yet. We’ve carefully planned spectator access to make arriving at the circuit as efficient as possible, and we encourage everyone to use the designated entrances for their ticket category,” Rahaman said. He added that interest in the VIP experience has been strong.

“The response to our VIP experience has exceeded expectations, and we’re now

Bernie’s Pharmacy and The Laundry Chute partner with One Guyana

BERNIE’S Pharmacy and The Laundry Chute have officially joined forces with the upcoming fourth season of the One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast.

The two entities have secured the exclusive title rights partnership for the tournament's 'Most Runs' award, adding further prestige to what is shaping up to be an unprecedented season of domestic tapeball cricket.

Located at the bustling intersection of Middle and East Street in Georgetown, Bernie’s Pharmacy has been a cornerstone of the local community for over a decade.

"We have been serving this busy hospital area for over 10 years," a spokesperson for Bernie's Pharmacy and The Laundry Chute stated.

"You can come to us for all your prescription filling and consultation, sugar and pressure testing.

We also have a wide range of health and wellness supplements, and as MMG agents, you can pay all your bills here and make deposits and withdrawals from your account.

We are huge fans of cricket and especially this T10 tournament, so we did

not hesitate to come on board to support the young talent."

This year, the batsman who tops the runs chart will take home a G$100,000 cash prize alongside a brand-new television set.

John Ramsingh, speaking on behalf of tournament organisers FL Sport, expressed immense gratitude for the corporate backing as the tournament prepares for its biggest iteration yet.

"To have established, community-minded brands recognise the value of the One Guyana T10 Blast is fantastic.

It is partnerships like this that allow us to elevate the tournament every single year and give our raw, local talent the platform and incentives they truly deserve."

The financial rewards for the 2026 edition are groundbreaking for domestic tapeball in Guyana, with payouts beginning early in the competition to benefit teams at every level.

Losing teams at the zonal quarter-finals are assured a payout of G$25,000, while a losing semi-finalist at the zone level pockets G$50,000.

The rewards scale progressively to G$200,000 for the losing finalist, culminat-

ing in a G$500,000 prize for the respective zonal champions before they even transition into the national bracket.

The stakes reach their peak in the national playoffs, where the eventual national champions will secure a massive G$2,000,000 purse, while the runners-up will pocket G$1,000,000.

The two losing national semi-finalists will each receive G$500,000.

Beyond the cash rewards, the top four national finalists will earn qualification berths to represent Guyana at a proposed Global T10 Tapeball Blast.

Individual excellence will also be heavily compensated, as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player will drive away with a new motorbike alongside a G$150,000 cash prize.

Matching the 'Most Runs'

prize, the top wicket-taker of the tournament will take home G$100,000 and a new television set.

There will be additional prizes as well for the highest strike rate and the most economical bowler.

With the tournament structure locked in, organisers have issued an urgent directive to regional teams to secure their spots imme-

down to our final allocation of VIP tickets. If you’ve been thinking about attending in VIP, I encourage you not to wait, as we’re very close to selling out,” Rahaman said.

“We look forward to delivering an unforgettable weekend of world-class racing, entertainment, and hospitality,” he added.

The GT Challenge de las Americas- Guyana Grand Prix will bring together regional and international competitors for a weekend of high-performance racing and motorsport entertainment at the South Dakota Circuit.

(Press Release from the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club)

T10 Tapeball

diately rather than delaying registration to tinker with squad selection.

Registration forms can be accessed through the tournament’s official social media handles or by contacting the organisers on WhatsApp at +592 635-2235.

The tournament caravan officially kicks off with the Berbice Zone on August 8–9, across four premier venues, including the Port Mourant Community Centre Ground, No. 69 Ground, and the Welfare Ground in Canje, before concluding with the zonal finals at the Albion Sports Complex on August 9.

The action then moves to the East Bank/West Demerara leg on August 15–16, followed quickly by the Essequibo Zone on August 22–23.

Action resumes post-CPL with the Georgetown/East Coast Demerara leg on September 26–27 and October 3–4, leading into the national grand finale on October 11, 2026.

In a historic first for the competition, the final will be hosted at the Anna Regina National Stadium in Region Two, bringing the pinnacle of Guyanese tapeball cricket directly to Essequibo.

Regal teams wing out for NYSCL Independence Cup

…Three-day tournament bowls off Friday

By Frederick Halley

AFTER suffering mixed fortunes at the 20th edition of the New York Softball Cricket League (NYSCL) Independence Cup in 2025, Regal teams will be aiming for an even better showing at this year’s tournament which bowls off on Friday at various venues in the tri-state area.

Both the Over-40 Masters and Legends Over-50 players departed Guyana last evening for the “Big Apple,” a confident bunch.

Last year, the Campbellville-based players carted off the Masters Over-40 title, whipping the NYSCL Dream team by an emphatic four wickets in the final while the Legends Over50s had to settle for the runners-up spot, losing to archrivals NYSCL by 29 runs.

Led by a blistering undefeated 61 from opener Lenox Mark, Regal Masters reached their required total of 153 in 17.4 overs, losing

six wickets in the process, after restricting NYSCL Dream team to 153 for nine in their allotted 20 overs.

The victory was also sweet revenge for the Guyanese outfit who were beaten by the same opponents the previous year.

The experienced Mark, whose 40-ball knock was spiced by one four and six sixes, shared in two important partnerships, adding 47 with flamboyant opener Patrick Rooplall, who struck three fours and two sixes in a quickfire 31 and 72 with skipper Khemchandra Dindial for the fifth wicket.

Playing unbeaten throughout the three days of stiff competition and led from the front by a masterful unbeaten 98 from skipper Errapali Sahadeo, the home team defeated Regal Legends by 29 runs in an entertaining Over-50 final.

Sahadeo, who once again proved to be a “thorn in the flesh” of the Guyana-based team, shared a face-saving fourth-wicket partnership of

England beat West

140 with the left-handed Imran Ali after NYSCL Legends were rocked back at 24 for three in the first three overs. Bobby Parasnauth, who did the early damage, ended with two for 34 from his four overs.

Apart from Troy Gobin, who was later named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Legends category, who hit a top score of 60, the usually reliable top-order failed to make an impres -

sion. Kumar Chickery finished with four for 33 and Narayan three for 20.

A major development in this year’s tournament is the return of the evergreen Mahendra “Anil” Hardyal to the helm of the Regal Legends team following a more than two years exit from the game occasioned by what seemed a career ending injury.

During a memorial match, played at the De -

Indies to secure T20 Worl Cup semi-final place

ENGLAND eased into the T20 World Cup semi-finals with a game to spare by comfortably beating West Indies by 38 runs at Lord's.

Amid sweltering conditions in London, England impressively built a score of 186-7 with Danni Wyatt-Hodge making 65 and Heather Knight 43.

That was the highest score in women's T20s at Lord's and England snuffed out any chance of the Windies pulling off the chase.

Windies captain Hayley Matthews was aggrieved to be given out caught behind on review in the fourth over and England's stand-in skipper Charlie Dean had Deandra Dottin well caught at long-on by Alice Capsey at the end of the sixth.

Thereafter, and with the game long decided, England dropped six chances, five of which were tough, in the back half of West Indies' innings to blot their copybook somewhat. It meant West Indies limped on to 148-5.

Still, England's progression to the last four is assured before Saturday's final group game against New Zealand. They are also on a six-match winning run. It is still to be confirmed who England will play, or whether they will play in Tuesday's first semi-final or the second on Thursday, but South Africa or India currently appears most likel

The dropped catches were a slight blemish. Otherwise England were impressive again.

They posted 219-1 against Sri Lanka and 2005 against Scotland. This score was worth as many given the step up in opposition – West Indies knocked England out of the last T20 World Cup, remember –and the state of the pitch.

One concern is the form of opener Amy Jones, who sliced a catch to short third to fall in the first over for the second match in succession.

Afterwards England

cleverly countered the slow surface with sweeps and reverse sweeps, scoring 49% of their runs behind square. They also ran 79 of their runs – impressive given the heat.

Wyatt-Hodge, who put on 66 with Alice Capsey (28), and Knight ensured captain Nat Sciver-Brunt was not missed at the top of the order and, with finishers Freya Kemp and Dani Gibson failing to repeat their Headingley fireworks, Dean and Sophie Ecclestone add-

ed three boundaries in the last over.

Sciver-Brunt, who had another scan on her troublesome calf on Wednesday, will now surely not be risked against the White Ferns.

England have reached the semi-final or final in five of the past six World Cups only to falter in the pressure matches. Here, though, momentum is building. This is starting to feel like a real opportunity. (BBC Sport)

merara Cricket Club (DCC) ground, in memory of the late softball stalwart, Lakhram “Mike” Singh, Hardyal suffered an achilles tendon rupture which threatened to end his stellar career, not only as a leader but also a useful all-rounder.

After much persuasion and determination, Hardyal, who also owns the Regal teams, has decided the time is ripe for his re-entry and also to once again take over

the captaincy role. Hardyal also has the distinction of being the last Regal Legends skipper to capture the NYSCL Legends title in 2023.

The Regal fraternity takes this opportunity to extend its gratitude to the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport, the Guyana Revenue Authority, the United States Embassy in Georgetown and Caribbean Airlines.

Powerlifting Federation set to stage Intermediate/ Masters Championship on Sunday at Saints Stanislaus

POWERLIFTING

enthusiasts are in for an exciting display of strength, determination, and athletic excellence when the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) hosts its highly anticipated Annual Intermediate/ Masters Championship on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at Saint Stanislaus Secondary School.

The championship is expected to attract some of Guyana’s most talented Intermediate and Masters lifters, all eager to showcase months of rigorous training as they compete for top honours.

The event serves as a vital platform for athletes to test their abilities, improve national rankings, and demonstrate the continued growth of powerlifting across the

country.

Weigh in will commence promptly at 07:00 hours, allowing officials to verify competitors before the action begins. Spectators can expect the lifting competition to get underway at 09:00 hours, with athletes battling through the squat, bench press, and deadlift disciplines in pursuit of championship glory.

Officials from the federation have expressed confidence that the event will deliver a high standard of competition while fostering camaraderie amongst athletes and supporters alike.

Fans, families, and sports lovers are encouraged to attend and witness a showcase of raw power, discipline, and competitive spirit as Guyana’s strongest athletes take centre stage.

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – West Indies Test captain Roston Chase believes his side has what it takes to open their account in this cycle of the World Test Championship (WTC) in their upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka.

The two sides will clash in the opener at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium beginning today, , with the home side having lost six and drawn one of their previous seven Test matches in the WTC.

While the West Indies will be going after their first Test series win against Sri

Lanka in 23 years, Chase will be looking to secure his first Test victory since being appointed captain in May 2025.

Speaking in a pre-match interview on Wednesday, Chase said he was focused on claiming that first Test win.

“Firstly, I’d like to get the first win on the table for the West Indies team. We’ve played a number of matches but we haven’t gotten over that hurdle in winning a game as a team, so that’s the first goal I would like to see us achieve and then to win the series as well,” Chase said.

The 34-year-old Barbadian said playing at home and

having the services of the returning Shamar and Alzarri Joseph along with fellow pacers Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales, were a big boost for the team

Both Josephs missed the last Test series against New Zealand last December due to injuries, while the 37-year-old Roach – a veteran of 88 Test matches – is three wickets away from becoming the fifth West Indies fast bowler to claim 300 wickets.

Seales is also five wickets away from 100 Test wickets.

“I think mainly we know how to play in our own conditions, so that is the advantage

Ronaldo makes history and joins in World Cup scoring barrage

CRISTIANO Ronaldo made history on Tuesday, becoming the first player to score in six World Cup tournaments, after netting two goals in Portugal's 5-0 rout of beleaguered Uzbekistan.

The 41-year-old scored his first after he pounced on a cross from teammate João Cancelo, burying the ball past the goalkeeper with a right-footed shot. He scored again in the 39th minute after a pass from Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes to make the score 3-0.

Ronaldo is now the second-oldest player to score at a World Cup, behind Cameroon forward Roger Milla, who was 42 at the 1994 tournament in the United States.

Ronaldo and his great rival, Argentina captain Lionel Messi, this year became the only men in history to play

Portugal's forward Cristiano Ronaldo reacts as he scores his team's third goal during the match between Portugal and Uzbekistan in Houston on Tuesday (Yahoo Sports)

in six World Cups. Ronaldo's scoring streak started in his debut in 2006, and he also netted goals in 2010, 2014,

Chase targeting first Test win against Sri Lanka

for us, and we tend to utilise it very well,” Chase said.

“The last series we had against Australia the bowlers were on fire, and they really utilised the Caribbean wickets that we have to offer, so I think that’s where our strengths lie and we’ll be looking to utilise that as much as possible.

“Both Josephs are mainly the spearhead of the attack, especially Shamar who had an outstanding season against Australia, so to have him back is a plus and also to have Alzarri back in his home conditions, I think this is someplace where he enjoys bowling.

“I think when you speak about Jayden and Kemar it’s like a teacher and student kind of relationship that they have. Kemar is the kind of guy that always gives that knowledge to Jayden and Jayden is the guy who always wants to learn and improve because he’s young and Kemar’s been there and been doing it for a long time. He’s five away from 300 so that goes to show the type of class of player that he is,” the captain added.

Chase said he also expected to see a big improvement from his batters. He said spending longer

times at the crease and showing more consistency were crucial if they were to defeat Sri Lanka.

“I just want to see a bit more consistency. I think we have five centuries [in the Test Championship cycle] so it shows that guys have been putting up their hands, but I just think we need to do it a bit more as a collective unit so that we can get bigger scores.

“I think once we are able to consistently put 280 to 300 on the board, we will be a force to be reckoned with as a Test playing nation,” Chase said.

Storm damages roof of Anna Regina National Stadium

Despite the visible damage, authorities have confirmed that no injuries were reported at the site during or after the incident

2018 and 2022. Despite his storied career, Messi failed to score a goal at the 2010

(Turn to page 27)

SECTIONS of the roof at the Anna Regina National Stadium in Essequibo were ripped off after heavy winds and persistent rainfall battered parts of Guyana on Wednesday. The damage comes at the worst possible time for local officials, with the facility currently in its final stages of preparation ahead of a highly anticipated scheduled opening on July 3.

Preliminary reports confirmed that strong gusts associated with the severe weather system tore through the site, leaving visible structural damage. However, authorities have confirmed that no injuries were reported during or after the incident.

(Turn to page 27)