Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 26-07-2026

President Ali to announce members of international, independent CoI today

PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali has announced that he will, on Sunday, July 26, reveal the names of the five-member international and independent Commission of Inquiry (CoI) that will investigate every aspect of the MV Barima tragedy, including the circumstances leading to the disaster, the emergency response and any failures that may have contributed to the country's deadliest maritime incident in decades.

In an address to the nation on Saturday, the Head of State said the commission will comprise distinguished experts and professionals with extensive knowledge and experience in law, marine engineering, maritime safety and disaster investigation.

He explained that the

members have been carefully selected for their independence, technical expertise and proven ability, and that the commission will determine its own procedures and methods of work.

According to the President, the commission will conduct a thorough and impartial examination of the tragedy, including the circumstances leading to the capsizing and sinking of the vessel, the response efforts and all related matters.

Its work, he said, will identify shortcomings or failures, recommend accountability where warranted and propose reforms to strengthen the safety and reliability of Guyana's maritime transportation system.

Among the matters to be examined are the causes

and contributing factors behind the disaster, including the loading of the vessel; passenger-boarding procedures; conditions aboard the ferry, its seaworthiness, maintenance history, compliance with maritime laws and safety standards; the conduct and competence of the master and crew; vessel management; life-saving arrange-

ments, as well as weather, sea conditions and other operational factors.

The commission will also review the search, rescue and recovery operations, assessing the adequacy, coordination and effectiveness of the response mounted by all agencies and stakeholders involved.

President Ali said the commission will have the

authority to determine whether negligence, misconduct, dereliction of duty or institutional failures contributed to the tragedy and to recommend legislative, regulatory, institutional and operational reforms to prevent a similar disaster from occurring again.

"Importantly, the commission will be empowered to determine whether any acts of negligence, misconduct, dereliction of duty, or institutional failures contributed to or caused this tragedy and to recommend any legislative, regulatory, institutional, or operational reforms necessary to prevent a recurrence," the President said.

The announcement comes as search-and-recovery efforts continue one week after the MV Barima capsized while travelling

from Georgetown to Port Kaituma on the night of July 18.

Authorities have since confirmed that 179 passengers and 17 crew were aboard the vessel. As of Saturday, 73 bodies have been recovered, 69 of whom have been positively identified by relatives. Sixty-three bodies have been released to their families, while six others are being transported to their home communities for burial. Seventy-six persons were rescued, while search-and-recovery teams continue efforts to account for those still missing.

The operation remains one of the largest ever mounted in Guyana, involving the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard, the Guyana Police Force, the Civil Defence Commission, the French Armed Forces, the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard, the Brazilian Navy and other local and international partners. Divers continue to search inside the partially submerged vessel, while aircraft and maritime assets comb an expanded search area off Guyana's coast.

The government has repeatedly pledged that the investigation into the tragedy will be independent and transparent, with Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips previously indicating that the commission's findings will guide accountability and reforms within Guyana's maritime transport sector.

President Ali also called on Guyanese to remain united as the nation continues to grieve.

"As we continue to navigate this difficult period in our history, I ask for our continued prayers, our continued love, unconditional love, and support for the families and survivors. As a nation, as a people, let us rise on this occasion together in love, unity, prayers and faith," he said.

NTC 2026 ends with landmark investments for Guyana’s First Peoples

THE 2026 National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference concluded on Friday with a series of major policy announcements and investment commitments aimed at expanding economic opportunities, strengthening infrastructure and improving the quality of life in Amerindian communities across Guyana.

The week-long conference remained focused on advancing the priorities of Indigenous villages, as Toshaos from across the country engaged government ministers on issues affecting their communities, and helped shape measures that will deliver long-term benefits.

Among the measures unveiled were the allocation of the sum of $255 million to upgrade playgrounds in Amerindian villages, a $4 billion programme to rehabilitate more than 30 hinterland airstrips, increased access to affordable financing through the Guyana Development Bank for Amerindian entrepreneurs, and an increase in the community procurement

limit from $5 million to $30 million to allow villages to undertake larger government-funded projects.

The government also announced that more than 240 Amerindian villages will benefit from $2.5 billion in Low-Carbon Development Strategy 2030 funding to support community-driven development priorities, while $3 billion has been allocated for the Amerindian housing programme to assist families with constructing new homes and rehabilitating existing houses.

A major focus of the conference was creating stronger village economies capable of

generating sustainable employment and income.

During a presentation on financial inclusion and economic empowerment, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh said investments in infrastructure, education and skills training must be complemented by greater access to financial services if communities are to fully benefit from Guyana’s economic transformation.

“We want every single one of your villages to have a vibrant and competitive village economy,” Dr. Singh said as he encouraged lead-

ers to pursue opportunities in agriculture, tourism, agro-processing, manufacturing and other community enterprises.

He urged Toshaos to encourage more residents to enter the formal banking system. He explained that financial inclusion creates opportunities for entrepreneurs to access credit, expand their operations and build lasting businesses.

“You are establishing a relationship with the bank. The bank gets to know you. Eventually, the bank will be more comfortable giving you a loan to grow your business,” Minister Singh

explained.

Closing the conference, Minister of Amerindian Affairs Sarah BrowneShadeek acknowledged the profound grief experienced by families affected by the MV Barima tragedy, while commending village leaders for remaining committed to their responsibilities during one of the country’s most difficult periods.

She said the National Toshaos Council remains one of Guyana’s most important democratic forums, giving Indigenous leaders a direct voice in shaping policies and programmes that affect their villages.

“Together, let’s continue building our Guyana where every village matters, every voice is valued, every culture is celebrated, and every citizen has the opportunity to thrive,” Minister Browne-Shadeek told the gathering.

As Toshaos return to their villages, the focus now shifts to implementing the initiatives announced at the conference, ensuring that the investments made today translate into lasting improvements for Amerindian families and communities across Guyana.

Overseas Guyanese gather in candlelight vigil to honour victims of the MV Barima tragedy

IN a moving display of unity, compassion, and remembrance, Andrea Narine of You and Eye Vision, in Queens, New York, hosted a candlelight vigil on Friday evening to honour the lives lost in the tragic MV Barima disaster.

The solemn event brought together members of the Guyanese Diaspora, many of whom gathered with candles in hand to pay tribute to the victims, and stand in solidarity with the families whose lives have been forever changed by the tragedy.

As candles illuminated the evening, attendees observed moments of silence, offered heartfelt prayers, and reflected on the precious lives that were lost. The gathering was filled with emotion as participants remembered the victims, shared words of comfort, and expressed their unwavering support

The solemn event brought together members of the Guyanese Diaspora, many of whom gathered with candles in hand to pay tribute to the victims and stand in solidarity with the families whose lives have been forever changed by the tragedy

for the grieving families back in Guyana.

For many in attendance, the tragedy struck close to home. Though living thousands of miles away, they emphasised that distance has not lessened their pain or their connection to their home-

land. The vigil served as a reminder that the Guyanese community, wherever they may be, remains united during times of sorrow, and stands together in offering love, strength, and hope.

Andrea Narine said the vigil was organised

to ensure that the victims are never forgotten, and to let the bereaved families know that they are not alone in their grief. She encouraged those gathered to continue praying for the souls of those who perished, for the families mourning unimaginable losses, and for all those affected by the devastating incident.

The evening concluded with candles burning brightly in memory of the victims; a powerful symbol of love, remembrance, and the enduring bond shared by Guyanese around the world. The gathering reflected the resilience of the Guyanese spirit, and the collective hope that the families impacted by the MV Barima tragedy will find comfort, healing, and strength in the support of communities both at home and abroad.

PM Phillips urges Caribbean Baptist women to strengthen communities through faith

PRIME Minister Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips has called on Christian women across the Caribbean to continue using their faith, leadership and compassion to strengthen families and support vulnerable people within their communities.

During his address to the 42nd General Conference of the Caribbean Baptist Women’s Union, held under the theme, “Living the Good News in Communities”, at the Ramada Princess Hotel on Saturday, the Prime Minister reflected on the deeply emotional period in Guyana, as the nation continues to mourn the lives of those lost in the recent MV Barima tragedy.

“Our thoughts and prayers remain with every family whose life has been forever changed by this tragedy,” he said, adding that moments of profound loss often remind people of the importance of family, community and faith, causing them to turn to their religious bodies for comfort, reassurance and the strength to continue.

Against this backdrop, the Prime Minister described the conference’s theme as especially timely and meaningful. He pointed to the Apostle Paul’s message in Romans 12, which calls on believers to demonstrate genuine love, patience, humility, hospitality and compassion, while rejoicing with those who rejoice and weeping with those who weep.

“These words are instructions for how Christians should live among their neighbours every day, and they are especially meaningful at times such as these.”

Prime Minister Phillips also underscored the long-standing role of churches in caring for grieving families, noting that congregations often continue to provide support long after public attention has shifted. He said church members visit the bereaved, prepare meals, offer prayers, support children who have lost parents and remind

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips during his address to the 42nd General Conference of the Caribbean Baptist Women’s Union, held under the theme, “Living the Good News in Communities,” at the Ramada Princess Hotel, on Saturday

hurting families that they are not alone.

Much of this work, he added, has traditionally been led by women. “For generations, Christian women have helped to shape the moral life of our communities. They have nurtured families, taught children the values that sustain strong societies, cared for the elderly, encouraged young people and extended compassion to neighbours in need.”

The influence of these women, the Prime Minister added, is often reflected not in public recognition, but in the lives into which they have been quietly

transformed.

He acknowledged the pressures confronting families and young people in modern society, including the rapid spread of information and competing ideas about family, identity, responsibility and human relationships. In this environment, he said, Christians are called to remain faithful to the Word of God while responding to others with grace, humility and compassion.

“Christian witness has always been strongest when faith is demonstrated through character, integrity and service. The message of the Gospel becomes

even more powerful when it is reflected in our everyday actions,”he said.

Prime Minister Phillips highlighted the important role women play as mentors, caregivers and community leaders. He said women frequently recognise when a neighbour is struggling, encourage mothers facing difficult circumstances, guide younger women through adulthood and help to create the sense of belonging that keeps

communities together.

“Every woman who encourages another woman strengthens an individual, a family and, ultimately, the wider society.”

The Government’s commitment to ensuring that women have "every opportunity" to contribute fully to Guyana’s development was also emphasised.

He said this commitment is reflected in continued investments in education, healthcare, entre-

preneurship, skills training and programmes designed to expand opportunities for women throughout the country. Today, he noted, women serve with distinction in public office, the judiciary, education, healthcare, business, agriculture, the security services and several other sectors.

Prime Minister Phillips however cautioned that legislation and public policy alone cannot create compassionate and caring communities. “That work depends upon people, values and individuals who are prepared to care for others, especially when those persons are at their most vulnerable.”

He encouraged delegates to use the conference to develop fresh approaches to serve their communities, strengthen their churches, support families and inspire young women to pursue lives of purpose grounded in faith.

SEEKING THE TRUTH

THE decision to establish an independent Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the MV Barima tragedy is not merely about determining what happened on the night the vessel sank. It is about restoring public confidence, providing answers to grieving families and ensuring that whatever failures occurred are never repeated.

That distinction is important.

In the aftermath of any national tragedy, there is often a rush to assign blame. Public opinion quickly fills the void left by incomplete information. Social media becomes a courtroom, speculation becomes fact, and conclusions are drawn long before investigators have had the opportunity to examine the evidence.

The Government has chosen a different path.

By appointing an inde-

pendent five-member Commission comprising experts in law, marine engineering, maritime safety and disaster investigation, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has signalled that the country requires more than assumptions. It requires facts.

That is precisely what a Commission of Inquiry is designed to produce.

The families who lost loved ones deserve to know what happened. Survivors deserve to have their experiences heard. The wider public deserves confidence that every aspect of the tragedy, from the vessel's operation and safety procedures to emergency response and regulatory oversight, will be examined thoroughly and without prejudice.

Importantly, the government has indicated that this inquiry will be comprehensive. That commitment

should reassure the nation.

Guyana has recent experience with inquiries of this nature. Following the Mahdia Secondary School dormitory fire, the Commission of Inquiry produced an extensive examination of the circumstances leading to that tragedy, identifying systemic failures and making recommendations that have since informed changes to safety protocols, oversight and emergency preparedness. The value of that exercise was not found simply in assigning responsibility but in ensuring that painful lessons translated into meaningful reform.

The MV Barima inquiry must serve the same purpose. If there were failures in regulation, they must be identified. If operational procedures were ignored, they must be exposed. If safety standards require

strengthening, they must be improved. If accountability lies with individuals or institutions, the evidence must determine that conclusion, not public emotion or political commentary.

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips was therefore correct in urging anyone with information to come forward and assist the Commission.

A successful inquiry depends not only on technical expertise but also on the willingness of witnesses, survivors, crew members and others with relevant knowledge to provide honest and complete testimony.

Silence serves no one.

The purpose of a Commission of Inquiry is not to validate existing opinions but to establish an accurate historical record. Every witness, every document and every piece of evidence contributes to that objec-

tive.

This is especially important because the MV Barima tragedy affected communities that depend almost entirely on river transport. For many residents of Region One, boats are not optional. They are the lifeline connecting families to schools, healthcare, employment and commerce. Public confidence in that transportation system must therefore be restored through transparency and accountability.

Ultimately, the success of this Commission will not be measured by the length of its report but by the quality of its findings and the willingness to implement its recommendations.

Every national tragedy leaves behind grief. The responsibility of government is to ensure that it also leaves behind lessons.

The families of the victims deserve answers. The people of Guyana deserve confidence, and future generations deserve the assurance that every possible step has been taken to prevent such a tragedy from occurring again.

That is the true purpose of this Commission of Inquiry, and the country should give it the time, independence and public cooperation it needs to do its work.

The Government has already demonstrated that it is prepared to confront difficult questions. The immediate suspension of relevant officials, the involvement of multiple investigative agencies, the establishment of an international Commission and the commitment to make the inquiry comprehensive all suggest an understanding that credibility depends on openness.

Diaspora stands with Guyana

ON behalf of the People's Progressive Party (PPP) UK Branch and the wider Guyanese Diaspora community in the United Kingdom, we extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the families, loved ones and friends who have suffered the devastating loss of relatives in the tragic sinking of the MV Barima off the coast of Guyana.

This heart-breaking incident stands as one of the most tragic maritime disasters in our nation's history. As we mourn the loss of over seventy-nine precious lives— men, women and children—we stand in solidarity with every family whose lives have been forever changed by this unimaginable tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are also with those who

survived this ordeal, and with the emergency responders who worked tirelessly in the aftermath.

While this is a time for mourning, it must also be a time for reflection. We owe it to those who perished to examine the circumstances that led to this disaster, to identify the lessons that must be learned, and to ensure that meaningful

action is taken to prevent such a tragedy from ever occurring again.

We cannot control the forces of nature or the unpredictable waters of the Atlantic Ocean. However, we can and must ensure that every possible measure is taken to safeguard the lives of passengers and crew. This includes maintaining the highest standards for the seaworthiness of

vessels, enforcing strict safety regulations, conducting comprehensive safety inspections before every voyage, and ensuring that emergency equipment and procedures are always in place and fully operational. We commend the quick action taken by the Guyanese Government in its initial response to this tragedy. As Guyanese, both

at home and abroad, we share in this profound grief. May the memories of those who lost their lives remain forever in our hearts, and may their passing strengthen our collective resolve to build a safer future for all who travel our waterways.

Mr. Harry K. Beharry

(Peoples Progressive Party UK)

Edghill’s resignation and Guyana’s non-existent moral foundation

AFTER spending

“donkey years” in Guyana’s politics, I am still to digest the sudden acclimation of moral values in Guyana. I am still to fully understand the demand for Bishop Edghill’s resignation as minister because of the MV Barima ferry tragedy. All the advocates have rationalised their resignation demand because it is the morally right thing to do.

Well, pardon me, but after those “donkey years” in Guyanese politics, I am still to see the manifestation of moral values in the citizenship of this country. Within that context, I don’t think the advocates of the Bishop’s resignation have a moral basis for their request.

You cannot argue for the minister’s resignation without context. In life, context is everything. If our politics had a moral foundation and that moral compass existed in the bosom of Guyana’s politicians, then the demand for the minister’s resignation would have formed part of the natural make up of the society.

If anything society is devoid of in this coun-

try, it is a moral rampart. And the absence of this ethical fulcrum is ubiquitous. I have lived in Guyana for seven decades, and when it comes to the politics of moral obligation, I do not see it. I go so far as to say elephants can be seen more in Guyana than people who understand what moral values are.

A ferry goes down in the Atlantic for reasons that the country does not know as yet and there are quarters in Guyana that think the minister should do the right thing and resign. My problem with this “right thing” is to understand what it is. What is the right moral thing to do in Guyana?

I have counted several persons who want the Bishop to resign and all of them either agreed with attempts to rig the 2020 national elections or participated in the rigging, some of whom now sit in the National Assembly. The calls for the Bishop to resign have turned Guyana into a circus where the clowns are so hilarious that you can hurt yourself from excessive laughter.

One of the first persons to request the exit of the minister is

the former Mayor of Georgetown, Hindu pandit Ubraj Naraine. Three times this man looked me in my eyes on the Freddie Kissoon Show and said to me, “I don’t know about any election rigging in 2020.” Such a person is so overflowing with an understanding of moral righteousness that, using that righteousness, he wants Edghill to do the morally right thing and resign.

It was unheard of in the history of the CARICOM region that prisoners burned down to the ground, the entire edifice of the central jail and no minister resigned because of that. It happened in Guyana. The very people who want Edghill to resign, I repeat, the very people support Vincent Alexander and his two APNU commissioners

in GECOM to stay in office because there is no law that allows for their removal. Under which law there is a basis for Edghill’s removal when no evidence has been produced to implicate him in the ferry disaster.

An opposition leader, Aubrey Norton, saw his parliamentary seats reduced from 32 to 12, but the man says he sees no moral reason to resign. None of the advocates for the minister to leave have told Mr. Norton that the morally right thing to do is to resign.

There is Mr Lincoln Lewis, who requested the then sitting President of Guyana to cancel the results of the 2020 general and regional elections, which the incumbent lost. It was a horrible insult to the constitution of

Guyana. I didn’t see the anti-Edghill school bus request his resignation as General Secretary of the TUC. Mr Lewis was charged with assaulting a woman half his size. I didn’t see the anti-Edghill bandwagon demand he leave his TUC post.

A recording was released of Mr Christopher Ram saying things in his UG classroom that were definitely not appropriate. UG retained Mr Ram, and Mr Ram continued teaching the same class, which was the recipient of his words. And finally, Mr Azruddin Mohamed.

I have heard or read that anyone on the anti-Edghill bandwagon has asked for a commission of inquiry into the deportment, action, and morally questionable life of the opposition leader in Guyana. The

man's name is linked to a homicide. This is my sixth column on the ferry tragedy, and I want to leave it at six, because I want to run from witnessing the desecration of the souls of the victims of the ferry disaster. Their loved ones do not deserve to see their bodies being sacrificed on the altar of moral turpitude.

I hope I can meet with Mr Edghill in his office tomorrow to get him to do something on the UG road where motorists can easily drive into the trench. It is bound to happen.

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.

Leadership in the darkest hour

THERE are moments in the life of a nation when politics must become silent. This is one of them.

Today, Guyana is not divided by party colours, we are united by grief. We are united by the tears of mothers waiting for children who may never come home; by fathers staring into empty waters hoping for a miracle; by brothers and sisters refusing to accept what their hearts already fear, and by communities across Region One whose pain has become the pain of an entire country.

The capsizing of the MV Barima is more than a maritime disaster, it is a wound upon our national soul.

With a casualty count now standing at 73 and the search continuing for those still missing, Guyana finds itself confronting one of the darkest chapters in its modern history. Every number represents a name, every name represents a family, every family carries a lifetime of memories that can never be replaced.

There are no words that can fully comfort a parent who has lost a child. There is no speech capable of healing the silence left behind by a husband, wife, friend, or neighbour who never returned home. There is only mourning.

And since Saturday, Guyana has been in mourning. Across every region, in every village and town, our people have paused. Churches have prayed. Mosques and mandirs have offered peti-

tions for the departed and the missing. Flags have been flying at half-mast, but every Guyanese heart feels lowered by the weight of this unimaginable loss.

This is not simply Region One's tragedy. It belongs to every Guyanese. As I watched the unfolding events, one image stayed with me more than any other: the expression on President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali's face as the magnitude of the disaster became apparent. It was not the face of a politician celebrating headlines. It was the face of a leader confronting every government's greatest fear that, despite every effort, lives have been lost under its watch. Leadership is tested most severely not during ribbon-cutting ceremonies or moments of celebration, but during catastrophe.

The President knows that history will judge not only what happened on the waters of Region One, but also how his administration responded in the hours, days, and weeks that followed. Trust he and the PPP know this.

That is an enormous responsibility. From the earliest reports, the government mobilised an extensive search, rescue, and recovery effort involving the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Police Force, emergency responders, local volunteers, health personnel, and citizens who risked their own safety in the hope of saving others. Families have been supported

while authorities continue to search for survivors, recover victims, and provide assistance to those affected.

One life lost is one too many. That principle appears to have guided the response, and it should continue to guide every decision that follows.

The work, however, is far from over. For many families, there is not even the painful comfort of certainty. Some continue to wait for news. Others continue to hope against hope. Until every possible effort has been exhausted, Guyana owes them unwavering commitment.

The tragedy has also drawn messages of sympathy and support from across the Caribbean and beyond. Governments, regional organisations, members of the Guyanese diaspora, and ordinary people throughout the world have extended condolences, offered prayers, and expressed solidarity with our nation.

In moments such as these, humanity speaks a language that transcends politics. That compassion matters. But compassion alone is not enough. I would be the first to state this tragedy demands answers.

The president has indicated that there will be a full investigation into the disaster. That investigation must be comprehensive, transparent, and independent. He delivered on Saturday and Sunday with that promise! It should examine every relevant as-

pect of the incident—from vessel operations and safety procedures to emergency preparedness, regulatory oversight, communications, and the response after the vessel capsized.

No legitimate question should be excluded. No relevant fact should remain hidden. Not because we seek someone to blame at any cost, but because we owe the victims and their families the truth. Accountability is not the enemy of compassion. It is compassion expressed through action. If mistakes were made, they must be identified. If systems failed, they must be corrected. If laws require strengthening, Parliament should strengthen them.

If recommendations emerge from an inquiry, they should not gather dust on a shelf. The greatest tribute we can offer those who died is to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.

At the same time, we should recognise that investigations exist precisely because the facts are often complex. It is therefore important that public officials, opposition parties, civil society, and the media exercise restraint while evidence is gathered.

Democratic scrutiny is essential. Premature conclusions are not. Calls for resignations or declarations of responsibility are matters that should ultimately be informed by the findings of a credible investigation, rather than speculation or political pressure alone. If failures are identified, they should carry

consequences. If officials are cleared, that too should be accepted.

That is how accountable democracies function. This is how Guyana functions. This is also a moment for every political leader to remember that families in mourning are not audiences for campaign speeches. Amanza Walton-Desir and Janelle Sweatnam should hang their heads in shame.

There are citizens experiencing unimaginable pain. The opposition has every constitutional right and indeed a democratic responsibility to ask difficult questions, demand transparency, and hold the government to account. That responsibility remains essential in any democracy.

But there is a profound difference between oversight and political point-scoring during the earliest days of a national tragedy.

The same principle applies to the government. Transparency, empathy, and openness will be essential to maintaining public confidence throughout the investigation.

Our democracy is strongest when both government and opposition rise above partisan instinct in moments of national sorrow. History remembers those moments. It remembers who chose unity over division. It remembers who comforted before they condemned. It remembers who sought truth instead of advantage.

Above all else, however, history will remember the people whose lives ended

aboard the MV Barima. They were not statistics. They had birthdays yet to celebrate. Dreams yet to fulfil. Their memory deserves more than headlines.

It deserves a nation determined to learn, to improve, and to ensure that future generations travel our rivers and waterways in greater safety than those who came before. As I think about this tragedy, I return again to the same simple conviction.

There will be time for inquiries. There will be time for parliamentary debates. There will be time for difficult questions, uncomfortable answers, and necessary reforms.

Today, however, our first duty is to stand beside those whose lives have been forever changed. We will remember that before we are members of political parties, before we are commentators, ministers, parliamentarians, or critics, we are Guyanese.

Seventy-three lives remind us that the strongest nations are not those that never suffer tragedy. They are the nations that refuse to let tragedy destroy their humanity. May those we have lost rest in eternal peace.

May Guyana emerge from these dark waters with both compassion and the determination to ensure that such a catastrophe is never repeated.

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.

In Times of Tragedy We Discover Who We Are

THERE are moments that bring a nation to a standstill.

The sinking of the MV Barima, which is believed to have had 179 passengers aboard, has become one of those moments. Families have endured unimaginable loss, communities have been left grieving, and Guyanese everywhere have followed the developments with heavy hearts. The three days of national mourning gave formal expression to what many Guyanese already feel: this is a national sorrow, and it will remain so for a long time.

In times such as these, it is difficult to find the right

words. No statement can erase the pain of those who have lost loved ones, or ease the uncertainty experienced by families still awaiting answers. We extend our deepest sympathies to every family affected by this tragedy. Their loss has touched us all. Yet amid the sorrow, the response has shown something important about who we are as a people. From the earliest hours, members of the disciplined services and emergency teams worked alongside fisherfolk, private vessel operators and volunteers. Ordinary citizens contributed donations, transportation

and prayer. In communities and homes, people offered comfort in whatever form they could.

Private companies also provided resources, logistical support and other forms of assistance. Their response formed part of a broader national effort that brought together government agencies, emergency personnel, community groups, businesses and ordinary citizens. In such moments, help matters most when it is practical, compassionate and centred on the needs of those affected.

These acts may not make headlines for long, but they

A Requiem for What Was Written at Sea

THERE are moments when a nation must fall silent.

In the wake of the MV Barima tragedy, as the waters off Guyana’s coast yielded body after body, the instinct has been to ask why. Why this vessel, why that night, why these lives? The chorus has been intense this past weekfiring away at questions of infrastructure, of decisions made and not made, of responsibility and redress.

But there is another language available to us, one that does not begin with blame, but with submission.

In the Islamic tradition of West Africa, the word maktub is invoked at times like this - that which is divinely written.

Maktub is not a dismissal of accountability, nor an excuse for negligence. It is, rather, a recognition of a deeper order to existence, one that humbles even the most urgent human arguments. For those who believe,

tragedy is folded into layers of meaning.

The Holy Qur’an speaks directly to moments such as these:

“We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to the patient, those who, when disaster strikes them, say: ‘Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him we will return.’”

“Allah does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear.”

These are not easy words. They do not erase grief, nor do they soften the anguish of families waiting on shorelines, or the finality of a name added to the list of the dead, now more than seventy, and still rising.

But they offer a framework within which grief can breathe.

The Qur’an reminds us:

“Indeed, with hardship comes ease. Indeed, with hardship comes ease.”

“Do not lose hope or

grieve.”

“Nothing will happen to us except what Allah has written for us.”

“Every soul shall taste death.”

These are not abstract verses; they serve as an anchor for our troubled hearts.

The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, was described as the most tranquil of God’s servants. He was always calm, assured and unshaken in the face of calamities. That same quality is attributed to Prophet Abraham, the Patriarch of Monotheism, and his son Ishmael. It is not the absence of sorrow, but the presence of certainty.

For the Qur’an also tells us:

“Indeed, Mankind was created anxious: When evil touches him, he is fretful; and when good touches him, he withholds, except those who are constant in prayer.”

The Quran is reminding us that while calamities

leave a lasting impression. They cannot remove grief, but they can remind families that they are not alone. Compassion often reveals itself quietly: in neighbours helping neighbours, strangers offering comfort, and communities standing together when words are not enough.

Guyana has changed rapidly in recent years. We often speak about economic growth, new infrastructure, investment and expanding opportunities. These achievements matter, but progress must also be measured by how well we protect people, strengthen the systems on which they depend

and respond when something goes terribly wrong.

As the immediate shock gives way to difficult questions, there must be serious discussions about maritime safety, emergency readiness, accountability and the lessons that must be learned. Those conversations are necessary, and affected families deserve answers grounded in facts and a thorough investigation. Even as those processes unfold, we must not lose sight of the people whose lives have been forever changed. The official mourning period may have ended, but grief does not follow

a calendar. Families will continue to need answers, support and compassion. As a country, we must continue to stand with them, honour those whose lives were lost and carry forward the spirit of solidarity that emerged during one of our most difficult moments.

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.

reveal our fragility and impatience, we could never have full control of the world we inhabit.

The great Islamic scholar Al-Izz ibn Abdus Salam wrote that within adversity are hidden gifts, difficult, often painful, but transformative. Among them: the recognition of God’s absolute power over us; the realisation of our own brokenness and dependence; sincerity in faith; return to worship; humility; patience; and, eventually, a state of gratitude and thankfulness.

These are not immediate outcomes. They do not arrive in the first hours of loss. Grief must take its course. Tears must fall. Names of the dead must be called and remembered.

And yet, even now, something else has been happening.

President Irfaan Ali declared three days of mourning. We will have many more vigils and Nights of Reflection and Prayer across our nation, at mosques, temples, and churches. We are a country formed from every major faith tradition on earth, choosing, when it matters most, not to grieve identically, but to grieve together for the same lives, the same loss, the same names.

In time, there must be accounting. The dead of the Barima deserve more than mourning; they deserve truth, responsibility, and a seriousness of care that does not fade with the news cycle. That reckoning should come, and it must be unsparing.

But not yet.

For now, there is this: A nation in prayer, a people holding their dead in the

quiet language of faith, long after the news cycle has moved on.

The bodies that have been recovered belong to the difficult space between memory and eternity. They were our fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, friends and neighbours. They boarded a vessel expecting arrival. Instead, they met their divine decree.

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. The Qur’an reveals: To Allah we belong, and to Him is our return.

For now, perhaps that is enough.

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.

Marijuana - the story

IN writing about drugs and the users, I did not mention marijuana, which I feel requires separate attention. No discussion on the subject can be complete without a look at what is the most used illicit drug on the planet.

With upwards of 147 million users worldwide, it is the drug with the greatest variety of names, including ganja, Mary Jane, weed, herb, kaya, pot and cannabis. It has also been the subject of endless debates about its positive and negative effects and is being increasingly decriminalised by countries around the world.

An entire subculture - Rastafarianism - revolves around marijuana, with Jamaica and Jamaicans playing a central role in not only cultivating the plant, but in promulgating its use.

In an interview decades ago, then Prime Minister of Jamaica, Michael Manley, admitted that marijuana cultivation and the revenue it generated contributed significantly to the Jamaican economy.

Iconic Jamaican reggae star Bob Marley, as a Rastafarian, smoked ganja and sang about his need for it in songs like, 'Kaya'. So did many other Jamaican artistes, who both defended and lauded the medicinal properties of the drug.

On his 1976 debut album, after leaving Bob Marley and the Wailers to pursue a solo career, Peter Tosh proclaimed, 'Legalise it'.

This title song denounced the drug's illegal status and became the rallying cry in support of making marijuana legal worldwide.

Far from being 'a voice in the wilderness ', Tosh simply put into song what so many around the world felt, joining a growing tide of people from all walks of life and professions who lauded the benefits of marijuana.

However, in this same decade, American President Richard Nixon placed marijuana on a list of the most dangerous drugs (Schedule I), where it still remains.

The US government also launched its "War on Drugs", aimed at stopping the trade, distribution and consumption of illegal drugs, of which ganja was firmly a part.

Then in 1973 the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) was formed and by the 1980s the "War" had spread to several other countries. Authorities were burning ganja fields in Jamaica, shipments were intercepted and seized worldwide, while in the US mass incarcerations became the 'order of the day'.

The subsequent public outcry eventually led to reforms in the early part of this century and the legalisation of recreational marijuana in several states in the US.

Americans and Canadians are the highest consumers of the drug and now recreational marijuana is legal in 23 states and 32 states have legalised it for medicinal use.

The Cleveland Clinic in the US describes the drug as "a mind-altering substance", but acknowledges that, while it has several longand short-term effects, "there are many unknowns" and scientists are still studying it.

Public Health expert and Harvard Law Professor, Carmel Shachar, said in an interview three years ago, "A lot of states have legalised marijuana. There's a robust adult recreational use industry. And it's very

normalised and accepted that marijuana is a substance that has medicinal and social value".

She was at the time lending support to efforts to have the drug rescheduled to a lower tier, known as Schedule III, which regulates less deadly substances. And as of April of this year, the US Department of Justice has reclassified medical marijuana to the lower tier, while recreational marijuana is still federally classified as Schedule I.

The difference in categorising ganja is a reflection of the varying opinions on the nature of the drug, not only in the US but worldwide.

In some countries like Canada and Uruguay, commercial sales are legal nationwide. In Portugal, Mexico and several US states personal possession of small amounts is treated as a "non- criminal offense". But strict prohibition still remains in most countries in the Middle East, Asia and parts of Africa.

Marijuana is illegal in Guyana under the Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Act. However, a subsequent amendment to the Act in 2022 allows for individuals found in possession of 30 grams or less to be exempt from mandatory jail time.

And two years ago, Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall, rebuked police ranks for continuing to detain and lock up persons found with such small amounts of marijuana.

The Attorney-General clarified that possession of up to 15 grams of the drug mandates counselling and possession of between 15 and 30 grams may result in community service.

He declared, "If the court cannot impose a prison sentence, then the police cannot lock up someone for that offence...If an offence does not carry imprisonment upon conviction, the police cannot detain individuals prior to trial. Bail must be granted in such cases".

Given the increasingly liberal attitudes towards marijuana, it is entirely possible that laws will continue to be amended both here and abroad to further decriminalise a drug whose use has also been steadily increasing over the years.

Now, marijuana is used by almost five per cent of the global adult population, amounting to somewhere between 249 and 256 million people.

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.

A Nation Says Goodbye

AS Guyana continues to mourn the victims of the MV Barima tragedy, families, friends, communities and government officials gathered across the country over the weekend to bid farewell to loved ones whose lives were cut short in one of the nation’s deadliest maritime disasters.

Dellon Gaskin, 34, who lost his life when the MV Barima sank while travelling to Arakaka, Region One, was laid to rest at Best Village, West Coast Demerara. Remembered as a devoted husband and father, he leaves behind his wife and three young children—a six-week-old baby girl, a nineyear-old daughter, and a four-year-old son.

Omar Harris, 55, a vendor and father of four, was laid to rest at Best Village, West Coast Demerara. Described by loved ones as a caring and devoted father, his son remembered him as “the best father anyone could ever ask for.” Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation

Tiona Sam, her daughter, Kishanna Sam, and Elizabeth Bowrin were remembered during a funeral service attended by grieving relatives, friends and community members. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hugh Todd and Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley joined mourners in paying their final respects.

Argeny Williams was laid to rest in his hometown of White Water, Region One, where Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat and Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley joined relatives and residents in mourning his loss. Days earlier, his wife, Cleriannys Valenzuela, and their two-year-old daughter, Argelys “Kelly” Williams, were buried at De Hoop, Mahaica. The family had been travelling from Mahaica to White Water to visit relatives when the MV Barima sank.

Maryann Bernard, 68, was laid to rest in Port Kaituma, Region One. She had travelled to Georgetown to visit her daughter, who was in Guyana from the Cayman Islands, and was returning home aboard the MV Barima when the vessel sank. Minister of Amerindian Affairs Sarah Brown-Shader attended the funeral.

Gov’t boosts Barabina Hill agroprocessing with new equipment

THE Barabina Hill Agro-Processing Facility in Region One has received a major boost with the delivery of a commercial blender, fulfilling a commitment made by Minister of Agricul -

ture Zulfikar Mustapha during this year's National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference.

The equipment was handed over on Saturday to Chairperson of Barabina Hill, Andre Prince, just days after he requested the item during an interactive engagement between Minister Mustapha, Toshaos and other village leaders at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

The agro-processing facility, which was constructed by residents of Barabina Hill, was previously equipped through the Ministry of Agriculture's Hinterland Environmentally Sustainable Agricultural Development (HESAD) Programme, with the machinery needed to begin agro-processing activities.

The facility is expected to play a significant role in adding value to agricultural produce from the community, with pepper sauce earmarked as its first product.

During the handing-over ceremony, Minister Mustapha said

the commercial blender forms part of the government's ongoing efforts to ensure the facility is fully equipped and operational.

He also announced that additional works and equipment will be provided to strengthen the facility, including the construction of washroom facilities and the provision of other inputs needed to improve its functionality.

Chairperson Prince welcomed the swift fulfilment of the commitment, expressing gratitude to the minister and the government for their continued investment in agriculture and hinterland development.

"I am very thankful for this blender for our processing plant.

I thank Minister Mustapha for the fruitful engagement during the NTC Conference, and for all the commitments made for agricultural production," Prince said.

He also thanked President Dr, Irfaan Ali for what he described as the administration's sustained focus on agriculture and national development.

"I also want to thank our President, His Excellency Dr. Irfaan Ali, for all the work he continues to put in towards developing this country, and for his passion for agriculture, which we see on display every day across the length and breadth of this country," Prince added. According to Prince, the community is now preparing to begin producing pepper sauce as its first commercial product.

Minister Mustapha said officers from the Ministry of Agriculture will soon visit the community to provide training on the proper use and operation of the equipment, ensuring residents are equipped with the necessary skills before production begins.

The initiative forms part of the government's wider programme to strengthen agriculture in hinterland communities by supporting agro-processing, creating value-added products and expanding economic opportunities for Indigenous villages.

Emancipation Bazaar draws vendors to Main Street

By Faith Greene

EMANCIPATION

Day 2026 is less than a week away and vendors have already transformed Main Street, Georgetown,

tival.

“We started very, very modestly, very small. But over the years, it has grown. This year, we have never seen anything like it. Even before this launch, we are almost filled

into a vibrant marketplace offering African-print clothing for men, women and children, jewellery, leather slippers and other cultural items as part of the annual Emancipation Bazaar organised by the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA).

ACDA recently hosted a brief formal launch of its annual Emancipation Festival at the National Park, where the bazaar was highlighted as one of several activities planned ahead of Emancipation Day.

Sister Penda Guyan, a member of ACDA, said the celebrations honour the hard work, sacrifices and resilience demonstrated by African ancestors.

“We are celebrating all of the hard work, sacrifices and resilience that our foreparents exhibited for us. Without them, we would not be here. I want you to understand that,” she stated.

According to Sister Penda, the Main Street Bazaar, also referred to as the marketplace, forms an important part of ACDA’s annual fes-

ing clothing of various designs, jewellery, oils, creams, sandals, handbags and other items.

“There’s nothing that you would need to prepare yourself for August 1 that you would not find in the

Monday, July 13, and will continue until July 31, 2026.

Emancipation Day activities on August 1 will begin with a sunrise service on the National Park tarmac at 05:30hrs, followed by

out on Main Street. I think this is because people are becoming more conscious,” Sister Penda said.

She noted that Guyanese can find almost everything they need to prepare for the August 1 celebrations at the National Park, includ-

Main Street Bazaar. We have herbs, herbal teas, everything natural. So, what I want you to do for us is take a walk down Main Street and see what you need. Please come out, every one of you,” she encouraged.

The bazaar began on

the Ansa McAL-sponsored cook-up competition at 11:00hrs, and the Ansa McAL-sponsored metemgee competition from noon.

The programme will also feature the Bishop Irving Drumming Competition on the tarmac, a poetry

competition and bestdressed competition on the centre stage, followed by performances from local, regional and international artistes.

As ACDA celebrates 34 years of community service, Emancipa-

cade for People of African Descent. This year marks the 400th anniversary of the arrival of Africans in Guyana, a major historical milestone dating from 1626 and recognising their foundation-

tion Festival 2026 will be observed under the theme, “400 Years of Resilience, Heritage and Nation-Building Contributions to Guyana.”

This will also be ACDA’s 12th Emancipation activity during the International De -

al contributions to the country’s development. Gates will open at 10:00hrs. Admission costs $1,000 for adults before 15:00hrs and $2,000 after 15:00hrs. Children under the age of 12 will be admitted free.

Newly-formed South Rupununi development company gets contract for remedial road works

COMMUNITIES in the South Rupununi have taken control of their development by forming a company to do projects in their own neighbourhoods.

Chief Executive Officer of South Rupununi Development Inc., Nicholas Fredericks spoke with the Department of Information (DPI) on the sidelines of the recently concluded National Toshaos Conference.

He said, “We notice that

contracts were being done in our communities by persons who might not be so familiar with the community itself in terms of resources. So, we are thinking, how can we actually control some of these contracts, provide jobs for our people, and have income coming into our communities.”

He noted that the formulation of the company also received support from the President, Dr. Mohamed

Irfaan Ali and other government representatives.

The company, he said, will be responsible for rolling out projects in the South Rupununi, including construction and roads.

He said it is still a work in progress, and that the benefits will go to all 21 communities in that district, equally.

“I think it could also be a model for other areas. We are talking about Region 7, Region 8, Region One; how

they can organise themselves to form themselves into such a construction company where they can have some income coming in, build their capacity in terms of construction, and also have jobs provided for our indigenous brothers and sisters back home,” Fredericks said.

The company has received some equipment from the government, like a backhoe, a dump truck and a grader.

“A few days ago, right here at this conference, we managed to get a first contract to do some remedial work on the road. So, it is something new. As I said, it’s still a work in progress, but I know with the commitment of our government and Toshaos in the South Rupununi, we will make this company work. We would want to encourage other areas as well to go into this sort of model,” he said.

Road

The company is managed by a core executive from some villages.

“We will also have to acquire staff, which we haven’t done as yet, but this conference was a big stepping stone for us. Now it’s time for us to go back, put a little bit more structure in place for the company, and start rolling out projects,” Fredericks stated. [DPI]

Safety Council members

receive defensive driving training

The participants were exposed to a range of road-safety issues, including the principles of defensive driving, the dangers and consequences of careless, dangerous and speeding offences, and the importance of wearing seat belts

FOUR members of the Regional Division 4 ‘B’ Road Safety Council have received training on defensive driving and other critical road-safety practices as part of efforts to raise awareness and strengthen institutional capacity in reducing traffic violations and road collisions.

The training session was conducted by the Traffic Education Section of Regional Division 4 ‘B’ on Friday, July 24, 2026, from 11:00hrs to 12:00hrs.

The participants were exposed to a range of road-safety issues, including the principles of defensive driving, the dangers and consequences of careless, dangerous and speeding offences, and the importance of wearing seat belts.

The session also addressed the need for motorists to maintain a safe following distance, practise safe overtaking, and avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Particular attention was also drawn to driver distractions,

including the use of mobile phones while operating a motor vehicle.

Participants were further reminded of the importance of conducting routine safety checks before operating vehicles and of demonstrating courtesy and consideration towards other road users.

As part of the initiative, the participants were encouraged to serve as road-safety ambassadors by sharing the knowledge gained with their families, friends, co-workers and members of their respective communities.

The outreach is intended to broaden public awareness of responsible road use, while helping to develop institutional capacity to promote safer driving practices and reduce the risk of traffic violations and collisions.

The session concluded with a question-and-answer segment, during which participants engaged with the facilitators and expressed their appreciation for the informative and interactive presentation.

Guyana records 31% growth in mangrove coverage but pollution remains major threat — Mustapha

GUYANA has expanded its mangrove coverage by more than 6,000 hectares over the past five years through nearly G$1 billion in restoration and coastal protection investments, but Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has warned that pollution, particularly plastic waste, continues to pose a serious threat to the country's fragile coastal ecosystem.

Delivering his message for the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, observed on July 26, the minister said mangroves remain one of Guyana's most important natural defences, protecting vulnerable coastal communities from erosion and storm surges while supporting biodiversity, fisheries and climate resilience.

“As Guyana joins the international community in observing the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, I wish to begin by recognizing the quiet, essential service our mangroves provide,” Mustapha said.

“They stand between our communities and the Atlantic, holding mud, softening waves and offering young fish, birds and crabs places to feed and shelter. We pass them often without notice, yet they continue their work all the same, for us.”

He noted that for a low-lying coastal nation such as Guyana, mangroves are indispensable, describing them as "part green shield, part nursery and part storehouse for carbon."

“They support fisheries and coastal livelihoods, shelter wildlife and steady vulnerable shorelines. Without them our coast would be more exposed and far less able to cope with a changing climate. This is why mangrove protection sits naturally within Guyana's Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030.”

The minister said the government has backed that commitment with significant investment, allocating almost GY$1 billion in recent years towards mangrove management and restoration.

He disclosed that 11 greengrey infrastructural projects have been completed across Regions Two, Four and Five, benefitting more than 11,000 people by helping to protect homes, farms, roads and livelihoods from coastal erosion and flooding.

"Those aren't abstract figures. They speak to more secure shorelines near homes, farms, roads and the places where people earn a living," Mustapha said.

According to the latest national mangrove mapping, Guyana's mangrove coverage increased from 19,616 hectares in 2020 to 25,644 hectares in 2025, representing a net gain of 6,028 hectares, or approximately 31 per cent.

The gains were recorded across Regions One, Three, Four, Five and Six.

However, the minister pointed out that the data also revealed ongoing challenges.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha

Region Two experienced a decline in mangrove coverage from 4,966 hectares in 2020 to 3,567 hectares in 2025, a loss of 1,399 hectares.

He further noted that national mangrove coverage had fallen from 24,517 hectares in 2023 to 22,799 hectares in 2024 before rebounding in 2025.

"Good news overall? Yes. A reason to become comfortable? No. The coast changes, and our vigilance has to change with it," he said.

Mustapha credited the ongoing work of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) and the Mangrove Management Action Network, saying collaboration between science, engineering, policy and communities remains critical to successful restoration.

He added that the Guyana Mangrove Information System (GuyMIS) is enabling authorities to monitor changes more effectively and guide restoration efforts.

"Not every loss is obvious from the roadside. Sometimes the map tells the story first," he said.

Despite the encouraging increase in mangrove coverage, the minister identified poor waste disposal as one of the greatest threats facing the country's coastline.

"A plastic bottle caught between mangrove roots may seem like a small thing. Yet it reminds us of a larger truth — about what we discard, how far it travels, and what our coastline is being asked to bear," he said.

He warned that investments in restoration alone cannot solve the problem if garbage continues to be dumped into drains, canals, kokers and waterways.

"We can invest in groynes, breakwaters, planting and monitoring, but if garbage is being pushed into drains, canals, kokers and waterways, we are working against ourselves. Waste discarded inland doesn't simply disappear. It travels. It reaches the coast. It settles among the roots.

"We can't plant our way out of a dumping problem," Mustapha stressed.

The minister revealed that the 2026 coastal assessment recorded visible waste at 53 of the 60 locations surveyed across Regions Two to Six, while plastic packaging was found at 51 of the 53 affected sites.

According to the latest national mangrove mapping, Guyana’s mangrove coverage increased from 19,616 hectares in 2020 to 25,644 hectares in 2025, representing a net gain of 6,028 hectares, or approximately 31 per cent.

He said discarded waste can smother young mangroves, block water flow, injure wildlife, degrade fish and bird habitats and contribute to flooding caused by clogged drainage systems.

"Quite simply, no community should have to accept a coastline treated as a dump," he said.

Calling for collective action, Mustapha urged households to use approved waste-disposal services, secure bins and garbage bags, keep waste out of drains and waterways and reduce their reliance on single-use plastics.

"What can one household do? Plenty," he said, noting that

simple, daily habits can significantly reduce the amount of waste reaching the ocean.

He also called on businesses to strengthen waste-management practices, while encouraging communities, schools and local authorities to organise clean-up campaigns, improve environmental education and report illegal dumping.

"The tide carries waste from one place to another. But tides don't create our disposal habits. That part belongs to us," he said. Mustapha reaffirmed the government's commitment to continuing investments in mangrove restoration, coastal monitoring, environmental education and community partnerships.

"This work belongs to all of us, and that isn't an excuse to spread responsibility so thin that no one feels it. Each person, each business and each agency has a part," he said.

As such, the minister urged Guyanese to view environmental stewardship as a shared responsibility.

“The next time we pass a bottle in a drain or a bag caught on a mangrove root, we should not see somebody else's problem. We should see a choice still waiting to be made. Our mangroves protect our coast. Our choices must protect our mangroves,” Minister Mustapha said.

Shipping Association backs independent COI into MV Barima tragedy

THE Shipping Association of Guyana (SAG) has welcomed President Dr. Irfaan Ali's decision to establish an independent Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the MV Barima tragedy, describing it as an important step towards uncovering the truth behind what is widely regarded as the worst maritime disaster in Guyana's history.

In a statement, the association said the inquiry would help establish the facts surrounding the devastating incident, provide answers to grieving families and strengthen maritime safety to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

“We believe this investigation is an important step toward establishing the facts surrounding this devastating tragedy, providing answers to the

affected families, and strengthening maritime safety for the future,” the association said.

The President announced on Saturday that he will today reveal the members of a five-person international and independent Commission of Inquiry, which will examine the circumstances leading to the capsizing and sinking of the MV Barima, as well as the

rescue, recovery efforts and all related matters.

The commission is expected to determine whether negligence, misconduct or institutional failures contributed to the tragedy and recommend legislative, regulatory and operational reforms to improve Guyana's maritime transportation system.

The MV Barima

sank on the night of July 18 while en route from Georgetown to Port Kaituma with 116 passengers, 17 crew members and cargo on board. The vessel encountered difficulties off the Essequibo Coast before capsizing, triggering what has become the largest maritime search and recovery operation in Guyana's history.

A multi-agency response involving the Guyana Defence Force, Guyana Police Force, Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), Civil Defence Commission (CDC), international partners, private vessels and volunteers has been underway since the disaster. As of Sunday, 73 bodies had been recovered, 69 of which had been positively identified by relatives, while search and recovery operations continue for those still

unaccounted for.

President Ali has said the commission will conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into every aspect of the tragedy, including the vessel's loading, boarding procedures, seaworthiness, maintenance history, compliance with maritime laws and safety standards, the conduct of the captain and crew, life-saving arrangements, weather conditions and the effectiveness of the search, rescue and recovery operations.

In its statement, the Shipping Association also expressed appreciation to the agencies and individuals who have worked tirelessly since the disaster struck.

“Their dedication, courage, and selfless service during this difficult time have been truly commendable,” the association said.

The organisation also extended heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, noting that it continues to keep them in its thoughts and prayers while standing in solidarity with everyone affected by the national tragedy.

The association further reaffirmed its commitment to supporting efforts aimed at enhancing maritime safety and helping to prevent similar incidents from occurring again.

It commended members of the Guyana Defence Force, Guyana Police Force, Maritime Administration Department, Civil Defence Commission, volunteers, private operators and all others involved in the ongoing search, rescue and recovery efforts.

Village projects in Santa Aratack creating employment

SANTA Aratack is diversifying its economy with several new projects aimed at creating employment and generating income for the community.

Toshao of Santa Aratack Mission, the only Amerindian community in Region Three, Christopher Cornelius, spoke with the Department of Public Information (DPI) on the sidelines of the recently concluded National Toshaos Conference.

He said the community has built a training centre “that is going to

be funded by forestry to do joinery for the youths and even the elders, and that will bring great support to our village because before we have to come out to the coast to purchase beds and cupboards. We will make it right in there, so that will be a big boost.”

The village also used funding from the Low-Carbon Development Strategy for a mechanic shop, while shade houses are being constructed, Cornelious said.

He said under his leadership, some $13 million

was invested in agriculture.

He said, “We are growing our own greens. Our own seasoning right in our

village, and I must say I want to thank the farmers from my community, because we are going big into pineapple farming;

right now it’s about 38 acres of pineapple that is supposed to be reaping anytime from August to September.”

The toshao also stated that young people of the village have been involved in farming, working alongside the elders to carry out the village mandate. They assist in the shade house and poultry rearing activities.

“Back in the days, we didn’t have employment, but as these initiatives come into our community, the villagers get the job. We ask the government

for most of the things that we could build there so the money will circulate right in the village and the people get work right in the village also,” Cornelius said.

Cornelius is confident that his village will continue on the progressive path and create more opportunities for its people.

“You need to open up to investors, to your village, do a proper agreement and employ your people right there,” he urged other village leaders. [DPI]

Gov’t investments creating jobs, transforming hinterland communities – village leaders

VILLAGE leaders from several hinterland communities say government-funded development projects are creating employment opportunities, improving infrastructure and boosting economic activities, with many residents directly benefitting from work generated within their own villages.

Speaking during the recently concluded National Toshaos Conference, the leaders highlighted projects financed through the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) funds, Presidential Grants and other government programmes, describing them as catalysts for community transformation.

Toshao Kevin Seegolam of Wikk-Calcuni in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice) said residents have been employed to construct roads, buildings and other infrastructures, ensuring that government investments remain within the community.

"There is a lot going on presently in the village," Seegolam said, noting that new buildings, internal roads, concrete walkways and foot-

paths are under construction, while logging activities are also generating economic opportunities.

He said LCDS funds have enabled the village to purchase equipment, including a log loader and an excavator for the satellite district, strengthening the community's forestry operations.

According to Seegolam, contracts funded through government programmes are intentionally distributed among village residents, instead of being awarded to outside contractors.

He said, "For instance, right now we are doing a village kitchen, two small wharfs, we are building a multi-purpose building. There is a lot going on.”

"All these are being done by the residents. We are not bringing people out of the community to do these jobs. We are hiring and giving people the opportunity from the communities."

In Hotoquai, Region One (Barima-Waini), Toshao Carson Thomas said government funding has allowed the community to acquire essential equipment while expanding

public facilities.

He explained that the village used its presidential grant to purchase a slasher, chainsaw, four-stroke outboard engine and cargo boat, while LCDS funding is supporting construction of a kitchen for the school's feeding programme.

Meanwhile, Toshao Archer Moses of Katoka in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), said years of government investment have significantly improved education, agriculture and employment prospects in his village.

Among the projects completed or under construction are a new secondary school, teachers' quarters, a sewing centre, a shed, a cassava-processing facility, a guest house and agro-processing facilities.

Moses said the agro-processing facilities are expected to create employment opportunities, particularly for young people, allowing them to earn incomes without leaving the community.

"Our life is better off than before - far, far better than before," he said.

He added that the construction of a secondary school in Katoka has eased a major burden on parents whose children previously had to travel to Lethem to attend school.

According to Moses, many children struggled because of the distance, but they are now able to attend school within their own community, where many of the teachers are also village residents.

In Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), Debra Levi, a councillor from Tassarene, said the community has recently completed a government-funded mechanic shop under the capital-projects programme and is now preparing to expand its economic activities.

She said the village plans to establish a bond, begin lumbering operations and launch a sawmill, with efforts already under way to acquire the equipment needed to outfit the new mechanic shop.

The village representatives said the projects are not only improving infrastructure, but are also generating jobs, strengthening local

businesses and creating new opportunities for residents to earn a living within their own communities.

Senior Councillor Ronald Ignatius of Quiko, Region Nine, said his village's development began before the introduction of carbon-credit funding, with presidential grants helping to expand cattle farming and other local projects.

He said that over the past th ree years, carbon-credit funds have enabled the community to diversify into a range of economic ventures, while placing residents at the centre of development.

"We have utilised the carbon-credit funds, venturing into different community projects and economic projects, where we would have sector youth organisations putting in economic projects for the youth, managing their own projects,” Ignatius said.

According to Ignatius, women are managing their own projects, enabling them to generate incomes while creating employment opportunities for other women.

He added that the vil -

lage has also invested in savannah farming and established an annual rodeo, which has become a major attraction. "A lot of people from around the country and even neighbouring Brazil would have come to participate at our local rodeo," he said.

According to Ignatius, carbon-credit funding has been transformative for Quiko.

"The carbon-credit funds are now the major source of funding that has transformed our community compared with 10 years ago," he said.

This year, he added, the village is using part of the funding to support individual household projects, giving residents the opportunity to develop income-generating businesses for their families.

He added: "Giving the villagers an opportunity to come up with their own, and prioritise, their projects that they can manage by themselves and generate an income, at the end of the day, for their individual families.”

Inquest into fatal stabbing of Bartica miner set for July 29

AN inquest into the death of 20-year-old miner Shemar Drakes is scheduled to commence before Magistrate Teriq Mohammed at the Bartica Magistrate's Court on July 29, 2026, with seven witnesses summoned to give evidence in the proceedings.

A notice issued by the Registrar of the Supreme

Court of Judicature, Collene Liverpool, lists the witnesses as Sylvan Jonas, Rawle Yearwood, Henry Nairiuska Leon Sonadria, Marcia Daniels, Marlyn Jones, Veronica Cook and Bevin Colleen Melville. Drakes, of Third Avenue, Bartica, Region Seven, was fatally stabbed during an alleged drunken altercation with a

co-worker at Suewanda Backdam, Upper Puruni River.

The police said the incident occurred at about 13:30hrs (1:30 p.m.) on Monday, June 7, 2021, when Drakes and a Brazilian were consuming alcohol at Suewanda Landing. Investigators said the pair reportedly became intoxicated and an argument

broke out.

During the confrontation, the suspect, who was allegedly armed with a sharp instrument, stabbed Drakes once in the lower abdomen, causing his intestines to protrude.

Despite his injuries, Drakes reportedly managed to run to a nearby cook shop where he informed the owner of what

had happened. He later collapsed about 100 feet south of the shop along the main access road and became motionless.

The police examined the body and observed a single stab wound to the lower abdomen. Drakes was subsequently taken to the Bartica Public Hospital.

The suspect fled the

scene, prompting the police to issue a wanted bulletin for his arrest.

The inquest is expected to hear testimony from police officers and civilian witnesses as it seeks to determine the circumstances surrounding Drakes' death and whether anyone should be held criminally liable.

Region Eight villages get direct $930M injection to maintain, enhance infrastructure

THIRTY-one village leaders from Regions Eight and Nine were awarded Community Participation Contracts (CPCs) worth approximately $30 million on Saturday at the Ministry of Public Works boardroom.

With a total of $930 million in contracts awarded, this will significantly expand the villages’ capacity to maintain and improve their internal roads and bridges.

This initiative follows Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo’s recent engagements with village leaders at the 2026 National Toshaos Council Conference.

The projects were identified and will be implemented by the commu -

nities, thus creating local employment, strengthening community capacity, and ensuring that public investments respond to residents’ needs.

Delivering remarks at the simple contract signing ceremony, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Works, Vladim Persaud said the investment will enable villages to undertake larger infrastructure projects while improving access between communities, particularly during emergencies.

In addition to the contracts, the government will invest a further $1 billion in equipment across seven clusters in Region Eight.

Another $50 million will be invested in training

to equip community members with technical skills to undertake larger road maintenance projects.

The ministry will also

fund a road safety initiative, including the installation of reflective road and bridge signs. It will also be intro -

- as 31 leaders receive $30M contracts

duced in other hinterland regions, including Regions One, Seven and Nine.

This initiative is being advanced through the

collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Public Works, and the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs. [DPI]

Global Shapers’ RISE programme equips youths with future-ready skills

THE Global Shapers Community's Georgetown Hub is set to conclude its second annual RISE (Resilience and Industry Skills Elevation) workshop today, wrapping up a multi-weekend youth development programme designed to equip young people with the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to succeed in today's rapidly changing world.

The Chronicle visited the programme on Saturday during one of its final sessions, which focused on future skills, industry insights, and career launchpads.

Participants explored alternative and specialised educational pathways beyond traditional university degrees, including technical and vocational certifications, skilled trades and continuing education opportunities.

An engaging panel discussion on diverse career pathways in sports, music and the arts featured Shemar Britton, Timeka Marshall, and Keisha Edwards who all shared their experiences of turning creative passions and athletic talent into sustainable careers.

Another panel, Breaking into the Energy Sector, featured Danae Shortt, Darren Budram and Sofeia Glen. The industry professionals

outlined entry-level qualifications, technical skills, contractor opportunities, and career pathways within Guyana's expanding energy sector.

Technology and career execution also formed a major part of the day's programme. Sessions focused on digital literacy, artificial intelligence, workflow automation, and the use of digital platforms to improve productivity and career competitiveness.

Participants also developed personalised career action plans, combining lessons learned throughout the programme into structured roadmaps with clear goals, milestones and timelines.

Another session focused on networking and building professional relationships, teaching participants how to establish professional connections, leverage LinkedIn, cultivate mentors, and maintain long-term professional networks.

Designed as an intensive, multi-weekend training and mentorship programme, RISE brought together young professionals, students and emerging leaders to develop essential life skills, career-readiness tools and personal-development strategies.

Throughout the programme, participants bene-

fited from interactive workshops, expert panel discussions and practical guidance covering workplace etiquette, emotional wellness, personal finance, CV and résumé writing, interview preparation and mock interviews, professional communication, digital skills, artificial intelligence, career planning and mentorship from industry leaders.

Open to ambitious young people aged 16 and older, the initiative provided participants with practical tools and direct engagement with professionals to better prepare them for the workforce

and future leadership roles.

The programme was delivered over three weekends—July 11-12, July 18-19 and July 25-26.

Weekend One focused on self-discovery, wellness and job readiness, including an interactive session that helped participants identify their core values, strengths and interests to better guide their career choices.

Sessions also addressed mindset, mental wellness and emotional resilience, equipping participants with strategies for managing stress, preventing burnout and building

resilience in both their personal and professional lives.

A vision board workshop encouraged participants to transform their long-term aspirations into practical action plans, while additional sessions focused on career-entry essentials, CV and résumé writing, workplace etiquette and professional communication.

The second weekend centred on financial literacy and wealth creation. Participants learned budgeting, money management, emergency fund planning, debt management and cash-flow

fundamentals before taking part in a practical budgeting exercise.

Additional sessions covered insurance, entrepreneurship and income generation, with local business leaders sharing insights on business growth, managing risk, avoiding financial pitfalls and building long-term wealth.

The RISE team also facilitated a financial action workshop, enabling participants to develop personalised 12-month financial plans.

RISE 2026 was sponsored by Prem's Electrical, Forrester Consulting Group, Rainforest Waters, Demerara Mutual Life and Nations Inc.

The Georgetown Hub of the Global Shapers Community is a diverse network of young leaders committed to improving communities and enhancing the quality of life of Guyanese through projects rooted in diversity, integrity, humility, personal growth and collaboration.

The Global Shapers Community, an initiative of the World Economic Forum, has implemented more than 2,000 projects worldwide since 2011, reaching over two million beneficiaries while promoting youth leadership and intergenerational collaboration to help shape a better future.

More than 100 children receive free dental care

The project was funded by Food For The Poor Canada and implemented through a collaborative partnership with the Long Creek Health Centre, Regional Health Services, Region Four, and the Cheddi Jagan Dental School, whose medical professionals provided comprehensive on-site dental services

MORE than 100 children from Long Creek and neighbouring communities along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway now have healthier smiles and increased awareness of proper oral hygiene, following the successful implementation of Food For The Poor (Guyana) Inc.'s Bright Smile, Bright Future 2026 project.

Held on July 24, 2026, at the Long Creek Health Centre, the annual initiative forms part of Food For The Poor (Guyana) Inc.'s strategic transition from relief to resilience, focusing on strengthening human capital and empowering communities through preventive healthcare interventions that improve long-term health outcomes for children.

The project was generously funded by Food For the Poor Canada and

at

implemented through a collaborative partnership with the Long Creek Health Centre, Regional Health Services, Region Four, and the Cheddi Jagan Dental School, whose medical professionals provided comprehensive on-site dental services.

According to a press release from Food For The Poor (Guyana) Inc., the beneficiaries were between the ages of four and 12.

Throughout the day, participants received oral health education promoting life-long healthy dental practices; professional dental screenings; free dental treatment, including dental cleaning, fillings and extractions where required; oral hygiene packages containing two toothbrushes, two tubes of toothpaste, face cloths and an oral health education brochure; and nutritious refreshments consisting of milk and sug-

ar-free cookies.

The project recognises that good oral health is essential to a child's overall well-being, educational performance, confidence and quality of life.

According to the organisation, by providing preventive care and early intervention, the initiative seeks to reduce the longterm burden of oral disease, while encouraging healthy habits that children can carry throughout their lives.

As Food For The Poor (Guyana) Inc. continues its organisational transformation towards a sustainable community-development model, projects such as Bright Smile, Bright Future exemplify the organisation's commitment to investing in people rather than simply responding to immediate needs.

By combining health education, preventive services and strategic part -

nerships, the programme contributes to stronger, healthier and more resilient communities.

The initiative also supports Guyana's National Development Strategy, which emphasises improving access to quality healthcare, strengthening preventive health services and investing in the development of children and families.

Additionally, the project advances several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being; SDG 4 – Quality Education, by ensuring children are healthier and better prepared to learn; and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals, through collaboration between the public health sector, international donors and civil society organisations.

Project Associate at

Food For The Poor (Guyana) Inc and Coordinator of the Bright Smile, Bright Future 2026 project, Kaleda Crandon, stated: "Bright Smile, Bright Future is much more than a one-day dental outreach. It is an investment in children's health, confidence and future. Every child deserves the opportunity to grow up with healthy teeth and the knowledge to care for them."

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of Food For The Poor (Guyana) Inc., Andrea Benjamin, noted that oral health continues to be an important, yet often overlooked, component of child development, particularly in rural communities where access to dental care may be limited.

Benjamin remarked: "Healthy children are better positioned to learn, thrive and contribute to Guyana's future development. As

we continue our transition from relief to resilience, we remain committed to implementing programmes that create lasting, measurable impact for families across the country."

Food For The Poor (Guyana) Inc is a non-profit organisation committed to improving the lives of vulnerable individuals and communities across Guyana.

Through sustainable community-development initiatives focused on education, health, youth empowerment, women's empowerment, livelihood enhancement and capacity building, the organisation continues its strategic transition from relief-based assistance to resilience-focused development, creating lasting opportunities for individuals and communities to thrive.

CPL:

Tariq returns to TKR; Phillips signs with Amazon Warriors

Phillips, who had suffered a side injury during the Test series in England, is on track to return to action in the CPL

PAKISTAN mystery spinner

Usman Tariq has re-signed with Trinbago Knight Riders for CPL 2026 after playing a starring role in their run to the title in 2025. Last season's runners-up, Guyana Amazon Warriors, have re-signed 47-year-old South African legspinner Imran Tahir and also snapped up New Zealand allrounder Glenn Phillips.

Cricinfo understands that Phillips is on track to return to action in the CPL after a side injury had ruled him out of New Zealand's ODI series in the Caribbean and the Global Super League in Guyana, which precedes the CPL.

Phillips had sustained the injury during the second Test

against England at The Oval, where he scored his maiden Test century. He will return to the CPL after six years and will also have a job to do with the ball, especially on the spin-friendly surfaces in Guyana. Amazon Warriors will have another 40-plus player in their ranks: Afghanistan's Mohammad Nabi, who will further bolster their spin stocks.

Tariq is currently in action for Birmingham Phoenix, and with the CPL set to overlap with the Hundred, it remains to be seen if the spinner is available for all of TKR's games.

TKR also brought in Amshi de Silva, who was the breakout star of MLC 2026. The Sri Lanka-born USA bowling allrounder impressed with his slingy yorkers at speeds north of 140kph for Texas Super Kings and caught the attention of Dwayne Bravo, the TKR head coach who was also in charge of LAKR in MLC.

South Africa batter Matthew Breetzke is another new face in the TKR side for CPL 2026.

St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, meanwhile, selected Naseem Shah who could come up against his brother Hunain Shah, who was signed by Jamaica Kingsmen.

Sri Lanka wristspinner Wanindu Hasaranga, Afghanistan left-arm wristspinner Waqar Salamkhiel and Australia allrounder Nikhil Chaudhary were among Patriots' overseas players. They will work with local legspinner Navin Bidaisee, who recently trained in Chennai at former India bowling coach B Arun's academy in the lead-up to CPL 2026.

Tim Seifert and Noor Ahmad will return to St Lucia Kings after playing prominent roles in their past success. Noor will form a formidable

overseas spin combination with Maheesh Theekshana. USA seamer Shadley van Schalkwyk is set for his maiden CPL stint after helping LAKR secure the MLC title earlier this month.

Quinton de Kock and Mujeeb Ur Rahman will be back with the Barbados Tridents franchise for CPL 2026.

Antigua & Barbuda Falcons beefed up their spin attack by signing the Pakistan pair of Shadab Khan and Sufiyan Moqim. While Shadab has represented TKR and Amazon Warriors in the past, left-arm wristspinner Moqim is a bit of an unknown in the Caribbean. Both players will be available to Falcons for only seven CPL matches. Shadab has also signed with Edinburgh Castle Rockers for the inaugural season of the ETPL, which will clash with the CPL.

Moeen Ali and Kusal Perera, though, will be available to Falcons for the entire CPL season.

CPL 2026 will be played in a record-equalling eight nations this year, with fixtures in Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad

and Tobago. The seven-team CPL will run from August 7 until September 20 this year and will overlap with the Hundred, the ETPL and the knockouts of the Lanka Premier League (LPL).

CPL 2026 squads

Antigua & Barbuda Falcons

Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Fabian Allen (Right-to-Match Option), Jayden Seales (RMO), Amir Jangoo (RMO), Shamar Springer, Jahmar Hamilton, Rahkeem Cornwall, Anderson Phillip, Karima Gore (Breakout player), Anderson Mahase (Breakout player), Joshua James (Breakout player, retained), Moeen Ali, Kusal Perera, Milind Kumar, Tajinder Singh, Shadab Khan, Sufyan Moqim Barbados Tridents Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Brandon King (RMO), Zachary Carter, Kadeem Alleyne (RMO), Ramon Simmonds (retained), Shadrack Descarte, Zishan Motara, Jakeem Pollard (Breakout player), Johann Layne (Breakout player), Kofi James (Breakout player, RMO), Quinton de Kock, Chris Green, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, George Linde, Daniel

Hodge leads West Indies...

FROM BACK PAGE

into something of a grind, with Hodge and Hope showing they were up for the challenge. Pakistan never really let the wheels come off, continuing to probe, but the support the conditions had offered them earlier began to recede, as, consequently did the wicket-taking threat. Babar found himself continuing to need to turn to Abbas and Ali, who the batters had the discipline to treat with the requisite respect. Not a single boundary was scored in the final session before the light began to fade, but both sides appeared to understand the battle for control of the

game would invariably extend to the following day. A stalemate descended upon the dying passages of play,

with the hosts having edged Pakistan, who were aware the had not let the day slip decisively away.(Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Sams

Guyana Amazon Warriors Shimron Hetmyer (RMO), Romario Shepherd (RMO), Shai Hope (RMO), Khary Pierre, Shamar Joseph (RMO), Ronaldo Alimohamed, Veerasammy Permaul, Matthew Nandu, Jonathan van Lange, Mavendra Dindyal (Breakout player), Isai Thorne (Breakout player), Quentin Samspson (Breakout player), Imran Tahir, Mohammad Nabi, Glenn Phillips, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Dwaine Pretorius Jamaica Kingsmen Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Keemo Paul, Keacy Carty, Jediah Blades, Shaqkere Parris, Odean Smith, Vitel Lawes (RMO), Romaine Morris, Kirk McKenzie (Breakout player), Kelvin Pitman (Breakout player), Jeavor Royal (Breakout player), Maaz Sadaqat, Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Hassan Khan, Hunain Shah, Shayan Jahangir, Tayyab Arif

St Kitts & Nevis Patriots Johnson Charles, Jason Holder, Kyle Mayers (RMO), Andre Fletcher (RMO), Kevin Wickham, Obed McCoy, Ashmead Nedd, Jeremiah Louis, Alick Athanaze (RMO), Micah

McKenzie (Breakout player), Navin Bidaisee (Breakout player, retained), Mikyle Louis (Breakout player, RMO), Naseem Shah, Dasun Shanaka, Waqar Salamkheil, Wanindu Hasaranga, Nikhil Chaudhary St Lucia Kings Roston Chase (RMO), Jewel Andrew, Matthew Forde (RMO), Kamil Pooran, Darron Nedd, McKenny Clarke, Joshua Bishop, Damion Joachim, Keon Gaston (RMO), Amari Goodridge (Breakout player), Johann Jeremiah (Breakout player), Ackeem Auguste (Breakout player, retained), Tim Seifert, Noor Ahmad, Maheesh Theekshana, Charith Asalanka, Shadley van Schalkwyk Trinbago Knight Riders Sunil Narine (RMO), Nicholas Pooran (RMO), Kieron Pollard (RMO), Akeal Hosein (RMO), Justin Greaves, Dominic Drakes, Jyd Goolie, Dexter Sween, Terrance Hinds (RMO), Nathan Edward (Breakout player, retained), Joshua Da Silva (Breakout player), Abdul-Raheem Toppin, Usman Tariq, Alex Hales, Colin Munro, Matthew Breetzke, Amshi de Silva(Cricinfo)

Kishan, Varma flaunt batting muscle as India pocket series

LED by Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma’s blazing half-centuries, and yet another impressive all-round bowling display, India secured a thumping 90-run win over Zimbabwe in the 2nd T20I at the Harare Sports Club, on Saturday, to take a series-winning 2-0 lead. The duo stitched a 94run stand in only 7.1 overs to set the stage for India’s comfortable victory.

Zimbabwe, after electing to field, struck early, with Abhishek Sharma departing cheaply yet again. However, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi cut loose, smoking Richard Ngarava for three boundaries and a six off successive deliveries in the third over.

Nonetheless, Ngarava

had the last laugh as the southpaw miscued a hard length delivery and was caught by the fielder at mid on. Despite the two early breakthroughs, India didn’t concede the advantage to the

hosts, with Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer putting their experience to good use, measuring their attack in a 66-run stand for the third wicket. The duo remained on the offensive but on a sur-

Jamaican winger Dixon joins Novi Pazar on three-year contract

BELGRADE, Serbia, (CMC) – Jamaican winger Kaheim Dixon is set to join Serbian SuperLiga football out-

The move was announced by the Serbian club in a social media post on Friday, where it revealed that the 21-year-

Charlton Athletic.

Kaheim Dixon

“He arrives in Novi Pazar from the English club Charlton Athletic and has also played for Crawley Town FC. In his club career so far, Dixon has made 42 appearances, recording 13 goals and three assists. His efficiency in the Premier League Cup stands out in particular; he scored six goals in just five matches,” the club wrote.

“His trademarks are a lightning-fast first step, one-on-one ability, and the courage to constantly attack the opposing defence.”

FC Novi Pazar is currently fifth in the SuperLiga table.

Dixon, a regular for the Jamaica national team, has made 24 appearances and scored three goals for the senior squad, including playing in the Copa América.

face where the ball wasn’t coming on easily, they had to calculate their risks, especially after Kishan survived a scare early in his innings. Iyer took some time to get going, but in the 10th over, he cracked Brian Bennett for three boundaries. Just when it seemed his innings had picked up momentum, he fell off the last ball of the over.

Nonetheless, Kishan and Tilak Varma ensured the momentum wasn’t lost. The duo were controlled with their attack early on, but broke free in the 14th over, with Tilak cracking three boundaries off Blessing Muzarabani. Kishan piled on the pressure from the other end, and even slogged Sikandar Raza for a six.

He eventually departed in the 18th over, on 81, caught at deep point, while attempting to chase a delivery wide outside the stumps. However, Rinku Singh, Tilak and Shivam Dube hit some lusty blows towards the end to help India to a massive 219/5.

With a massive target to chase, Bennett didn’t allow the Indian pacers to settle in, going after both Mayank Yadav and Yash Thakur from the start. He had put the scoops to good use, but eventually fell while attempting a reverse scoop. He was crammed for room and ended up lobbing the ball to the ‘keeper. That dismissal triggered a brief collapse as Prince

Yadav and Ravi Bishnoi left them reeling at 49 for 4 soon after the powerplay. Prince, who had made an impressive striking twice in eight balls, limped off the field after dismissing Raza, seemingly struggling with his left hamstring.

Even as Ryan Burl looked to be on the offensive, it did little to transfer the pressure back on the visitors as they kept chipping away with regular wickets.

There was some fight put up by Tadiwanashe Marumani, but Abhishek Sharma’s triple strike hastened their collapse as they were eventually bundled out for 129 in the 18th over.

(Cricbuzz)

GR Builders strengthens

support for Guyana Police Force cricket

CHIEF Executive Officer of GR Builders GY, Mr Rovin Hariram, officially handed over a quantity of cricket uniforms and gear, including hats, jerseys and trousers, to the Guyana Police Force Cricket Club at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary on Friday.

The items were received by Inspector Ameer Mohamed, captain of the Guyana Police Force Headquarters and second-division cricket teams, and Manager of the force’s first-division team, on behalf of Deputy Commissioner ‘Administration’ Ravindrauth Budhram, Chairman of the Guyana Police Force Cricket Club.

In brief remarks, Inspector Mohamed expressed sincere appreciation to Hariram and GR Builders GY for their continued support for the development of GPF cricket. He noted that the sponsorship would benefit all three police cricket teams and further boost the confidence, unity and pride of the players as they continue to represent the Guyana Police Force.

Inspector Mohamed also conveyed appreciation on behalf of Deputy Commissioner Budhram, noting that under his leadership, police cricket has grown stronger, more competitive and continues to achieve greater success. He

added that the uniforms will be worn with pride, discipline and professionalism, in keeping with the standards of the Guyana Police Force.

Hariram, in his remarks, said GR Builders GY is pleased to continue supporting positive initiatives that promote discipline, unity, teamwork and excellence. He noted that he has followed the progress of police cricket over the years and has been impressed by the work being done under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Budhram, particularly through initiatives such as the Com-

missioner of Police T20 Cup. He further stated that GR Builders GY, which also has operations in the United States of America, remains committed to supporting cricket within the Guyana Police Force and the wider development of the sport across Guyana.

The Guyana Police Force Cricket Club expressed gratitude to Hariram and GR Builders GY for their continued partnership and meaningful contribution to the growth and success of Police cricket. (GPF release)

NBA superstar LeBron James to join Philadelphia 76ers

LeBron James has announced he will be joining the Philadelphia 76ers next season for what he says will be his final contract in the NBA.

The 41-year-old, the highest points scorer in the history of the league, left the Los Angeles Lakers after eight years last month.

The Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves and Miami Heat were also rumoured to be in the running for the four-time NBA champion.

"I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to energise a new fanbase and start this incredible journey one last

time," James said on X., external James has won an NBA

title with all three teams he previously played for. He won two with Miami, who

earlier this week mistakenly posted a link to an 'introductory press conference' for James.

A Heat spokesperson told Reuters, external the video was posted in error by staff who were preparing for the possibility of James rejoining the team he played for between 2010 and 2014.

Either side of that Miami stint, James had two spells with Cleveland, who drafted James in 2003 and are based near his hometown of Akron, Ohio.

"Miami I'll forever love and Northeast Ohio will always [be] home," James added.

James helped the Cavs become NBA champions in 2016 and joined the Lakers

in 2018, claiming another NBA title two years later.

He has been named the NBA's Most Valuable Player four times, all between 2009 and 2013, and has been an NBA All-Star the last 22 seasons running.

Why does James want to keep playing?

James said after last season that he was "pretty sure I [had] played my last game" but realised "I still truly love this game and I have more to give".

ESPN has reported that James has signed a two-year contract, with a player option for the second year, worth $8m (£6m). His average salary with the Lakers last season was $50.7m (£38m).

James added: "I'm not

going for money. I'm not going for family. What am I really playing for at this point?

"I still want to sacrifice. I still want to work. I still want to grind. I still want to compete, to win and to have a chance at the feeling of winning another championship."

The 76ers reached the Conference semi-finals in last season's play-offs, where they lost to the eventual champions, the New York Knicks.

They have since acquired Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics, in exchange for Paul George and some future draft picks.(BBC Sport)

Marsh stars as Sunrisers beat Brave

MITCHELL Marsh starred with the bat as Sunrisers Leeds secured their first win of The Hundred, defeating Southern Brave by five runs at Headingley.

Sunrisers began the 2026 campaign with a seven-wicket defeat by MI London, but they bounced back with a hard-fought victory, while Brave remain winless after two matches.

Asked to bat first, Marsh and Ryan Rickelton gave Sunrisers a flying start, with the former reaching a blistering half-century in only 26 balls.

(Scores: Sunrisers Leeds 187-5 (100 balls): Marsh 69 (34); Rashid 3-21 Southern Brave 182-5 (100 balls):

McKinney 44 (23), Stubbs 42* (20); Abrar 2-33)

The Australian looked dangerous from the outset and capitalised fully on a wayward set from Luke Wood, which went for 28 runs and included four free hits, as Sunrisers raced to 102 without loss at the halfway stage of the innings.

Adil Rashid slowed down the scoring by claiming three wickets in the following set, including Marsh for 69 from 34 balls.

Dan Lawrence, however, ensured the home side finished strongly with a 24-ball half-century, while Tom Alsop added a rapid 21 as they posted 187-5.

Brave's reply began strongly through

Ben McKinney, who led the charge with 44 from 23 balls.

Fellow opener Jamie Smith hit 30 from 18 balls to put the visitors on a healthy 80-2 after 46 balls, before Marcus Stoinis injected further momentum into the chase.

The Australian smashed 31 from 16 balls, including four fours and a six, before falling to Sunrisers spinner Abrar Ahmed, who registered 2-33.

Tristan Stubbs kept Brave in contention with an unbeaten 43 from 20 balls, but disciplined bowling from Nathan Ellis and Brydon Carse in the closing stages secured a narrow win for Sunrisers.

Reggae Boyz, T&T given tough Nations League draws

MIAMI, United States,

(CMC) – Both Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago will have to navigate their way through challenging Concacaf Nations League groups when the competition kicks off in September.

Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz have been drawn in a tough Group ‘B’ of League A with fellow Concacaf powerhouses Honduras and Guatemala, as well as Suriname, Martinique, and El Salvador.

Meanwhile, T&T will battle in Group A with Haiti and Curacao, who took part in the recently concluded FIFA World

Cup, along with Costa Rica, Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic.

Following group-stage play in the September to October FIFA match window, the top two finishers from each group will advance to the quarterfinals, joining the four highest-ranked League A teams — Mexico (1), United States (2), Canada (3), and Panama (4) — who receive direct entry.

The quarterfinals will be played in a home-and-away se -

ries in November, with aggregate winners advancing to the Concacaf Nations League Finals, to be played at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium.

Pogacar set to equal Tour record as Carapaz wins stage

TADEJ Pogacar is set to secure a record-equalling fifth Tour de France after a dramatic stage 20 saw Ecuador's Richard Carapaz clinch victory on Alpe d'Huez as Sepp Kuss crashed twice while leading in the last few kilometres.

If Pogacar avoids a race-ending crash on Sunday's final stage to Paris, in which the overall standings are traditionally not contested, he will become the joint-most successful rider in the Tour's history alongside Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain. Pogacar, 27, of UAE Team Emirates-XRG, finished the three-week Grand Tour's 'queen' stage in fourth place after helping his 22-year-old Mex-

ican team-mate Isaac del Toro provisionally seal third place on the overall podium and the young rider classification's white jersey.

The pair crossed the

line together with their arms around each other's shoulders after Pogacar paced a suffering Del Toro up the final climb.

Pogacar will claim his fifth overall yellow jersey in Paris by six minutes and 26 seconds over Belgium's Remco Evenepoel of Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, after Evenepoel finished the stage in second, 26 seconds behind Carapaz, after a late charge.

"I did my best to help Isaac," said Pogacar afterwards. "Massive respect for what all the guys have been doing in the

past three weeks. I finally experienced [being a domestique] myself and I already before appreciate [the] work of team-mates, but now it's like another level.

"It was goosebumps [as we crossed the line together]. [It] was fantastic and one for the memories."

On his future, he added: "I definitely will not be doing this for too much [of a] long time, I think. Isaac showed great potential, but we don't put any pressure yet on Isaac."

Race organisers ASO

announced during the stage that Sunday's finale will have its distance reduced from 133km to 89km after the redirection of emergency services to help tackle devastating wildfires in the southwest of the country.

Traditionally, the final stage sees the sport's sprinters battle for the line on the famous Champs Elysees cobbles, but a new section over Montmartre allows riders with more sustained power the potential to steal a breakaway win.(BBC Sport)

JFF confident of co-hosting 2031 Women’s World Cup

KINGSTON, Jamaica,(CMC) – President of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), Michael Ricketts strongly believes the country will be awarded the rights to co-host the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Last October, Jamaica along with the USA, Mexico, and Costa Rica launched a joint bid to host the 2031 tournament.

While an official announcement from FIFA is expected in November, Ricketts said he was confident Jamaica’s bid would be successful.

Last month, Sports Minister Olivia Grange told Parlia-

ment the island had been selected as one of the hosts, although FIFA has yet to officially confirm the successful bid.

Hosts were initially expected to be confirmed at the FIFA Congress in Canada in April, but the world governing body postponed the announcement until November 23.

In an interview with the Jamaica Observer, Ricketts said he was optimistic Jamaica would create history by being chosen.

“When the FIFA team came here, we had intense discussions with the contractors who would be doing the renovation and the refurbishing of the

National Stadium, and they would have done a presentation which, based on the body language from the FIFA reps, we’re pretty satisfied and pretty confident that we will be in a position to host the Women’s World Cup in 2031.

“Minister Grange did make an announcement in Parliament. She was pretty confident and so am I, and I want to believe that we will be one of the four countries that will be hosting the 2031 Women’s World Cup,” Ricketts said.

A FIFA delegation visited the island in February, inspecting facilities including the National Stadium and meeting

with JFF representatives and the Government.

The redevelopment of the National Stadium, which is intended to meet FIFA standards, is expected to begin in July or August 2027, with United Kingdom-based Ryder Architecture and global consulting firm CAA Icon currently completing the detailed design phase, after the feasibility study and concept design.

Jamaica has never hosted a FIFA tournament, but it has staged several Concacaf competitions, most notably the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup, becoming the first Caribbean nation to do so.

Golden Jaguars’ League ‘B’ campaign kicks off September 24

GUYANA’S Golden Jaguars have learned their pathway for the 2026/27 Concaca f Nations League following the official tournament draw and schedule release by the regional governing body in Miami, Florida.

The national senior men’s football team has been drawn into Group ‘A’ of League ‘B’, where they will battle Puerto Rico, Dominica, and the Cayman Islands for a shot at promotion and qualification for the 2027 Concacaf Gold Cup.

Guyana’s campaign

The national senior men’s football team has been drawn into Group ‘A’ of League ‘B’, where they will battle Puerto Rico, Dominica, and the Cayman Islands for a shot at promotion and qualification for the 2027 Concacaf Gold Cup

begins in the late September FIFA match window with an opening fixture against Puerto Rico on Thursday, September 24.

Three days later, on Sunday, September 27, the Golden Jaguars return to the pitch for their second match of the window when they encounter the Cayman Islands.

The momentum carries straight into the October window, which will feature a double-header against Dominica. Guyana will play Dominica in their first matchup on Thursday, October 1, before meeting them again

in the return clash on Sunday, October 4.

To minimise travel demands and maintain high competitive standards across member associations, Concacaf will continue using centralised venues for League ‘B’ group stage matches during the September, October, and November windows.

Hosting rights for the September and October matches are assigned on the basis of group rankings, while the highest-ranked team in Group ‘A’ will earn host status for the final group stage

window in November.

The stakes remain high for the Golden Jaguars throughout the campaign.

Finishing top of Group ‘A’ guarantees direct promotion to League ‘A’ for the next edition of the tournament, secures a spot in the newly established League ‘B’ Championship final round in March 2027, and serves as the primary gateway to qualify for the 2027 Concacaf Gold Cup. Conversely, a bottom-place finish in the group would result i n relegation to League ‘C’.

Barbados grab lion’s share of Rising Stars Under-19 individual awards

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – All-rounder Justin Parris grabbed two awards, while Gadson Bowens captured another, as two-time champions Barbados took home the majority of individual awards in the recently concluded CWI Rising Stars Under-19 Men’s 50over Championship.

Parris, who scored a match-winning century and also grabbed five wickets in Barbados’ 116-run win over Jamaica in the final on Wednesday, was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP). He ended the campaign with 196 runs and claimed 17 wickets to also take home the

award for the Most Wickets. Bowens, who created history by scoring 209 in the second round – the highest individual score in the tournament’s history – walked away with the award for Most Runs, after finishing as the championship’s leading run scorer with 309 runs.

The remaining individ-

ual honours went to Earsinho Fontaine of the Windward Islands, who claimed the Most Catches award with six, while Trinidad and Tobago wicketkeeper Christiano Ramanan earned recognition as the tournament’s outstanding wicketkeeper after recording 11 dismissals.

Team Guyana ready for centennial CAC Games

TEAM Guyana is set to step onto the grand stage in the Dominican Republic tonight for the historic centennial edition of the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games, carrying both the soaring hopes and the heavy hearts of a nation.

A 55-member delegation will proudly represent the Golden Arrowhead at the Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium as the XXV CAC Games officially commence.

However, the milestone celebration of the world's oldest continuously held regional multi-sport event is profoundly tempered by grief back home.

In solemn solidarity with the victims, survivors, and families affected by the tragic M.V. Barima incident, the Games Organising Committee will fly the Guyana flag at half-staff during the opening ceremony.

The 90-minute production, featuring drone displays and hundreds of performers, will momentarily pause its jubilation to offer a poignant mark of respect to the Guyanese people.

The Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) has affirmed that while the country remains in mourning, the athletes are fiercely committed to honouring those affected. Through their athletic pursuits, the delegation aims to reflect the nation's enduring resilience, strength, and unity.

A formidable cross-discipline squad

Guyana's sporting ambassadors will hunt for regional glory across a diverse slate of disciplines, moving away from traditional lists to showcase a unified front of talent on the track, in the pool, and across the courts.

The athletics charge will be driven by Javonna Cornette, Alisha Gibbons, Deshanna Skeete, Charissa December, Lloyd McCurdy, and Tonya Rawlins.

In the boxing ring, the nation's medal aspirations rest on the swift hands of Desmond Amsterdam, Terron Wintz, and Colin Lewis.

On the basketball courts, Guyana is fielding formidable teams in both the men’s and women’s 3x3 formats.

In solemn solidarity with the victims, survivors, and families affected by the tragic M.V. Barima incident, the Games Organising Committee will fly the Guyana flag at half-staff during the opening ceremony

The men's squad features Christian Hinckson, Travis Burnett, Akil Hughes, and Nikkoli Smith, while Ruth Adams, Anaya Clemons, De Angelique Waithe, and Jamaicy Ogle will lead the women's campaign.

Aquatic excellence will be pursued by swimmers Rae-

kwon Noel, Paul Mahaica Jr., Patrice Mahaica, Ariel Rodrigues, and Shareefah Lewis.

At the table tennis venue, seasoned campaigners and rising stars unite, with Shemar Britton, Elishaba Johnson, Niran Bissu, Malachi Moore, Chelsea Edghill, and Jasmine Billingy wielding the paddles.

The squash courts will

see intense competition from a stellar women's lineup of Mary Fung-A-Fat, Ashley Khalil, and Kirsten Gomes, operating alongside the men's trio of Jason Ray Khalil, Samuel Ince-Carvalhal, and Daniel Ince.

Showcasing strength, precision, and tactical brilliance, the weightlifting roster boasts Shammah Noel, Samantha Williams, Delice Adonis, Anthonio Rodrigues, and Malachi Dummett.

Archery duties fall to Devin Permaul and Roshini Boodhoo; Ceili Peterson stands as the nation's lone taekwondo warrior; and Anthony Drayton and Taffin Khan will meticulously battle over the chessboard.

Ahead of the grand opening, members of the delegation took part in the traditional flag-raising ceremony. The solemn yet proud moment was attended by members of the archery, taekwondo, and chess teams, alongside coaches Ryan McKinnon and Carlos Amezcua Blanco.

The entire expedition is being expertly guided by Chef

de Mission Kenisha Headley and Assistant Chef de Mission Roger Callender, with crucial medical support provided by physiotherapists Rocala Williams and Elisabeth Kishundat.

During a pre-departure briefing, GOA President Godfrey Munroe, Secretary General Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, and Treasurer Garfield Wiltshire urged the athletes to embrace the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect.

"Representing Guyana at the Central American and Caribbean Games is a tremendous honour earned through dedication, sacrifice, and excellence," the GOA noted in its official statement.

"We are confident that our athletes will compete with courage, discipline, and pride while serving as outstanding ambassadors for our country."

As the spotlight turns to Santo Domingo, the GOA is calling on all Guyanese at home and across the diaspora to rally behind a team fighting for sporting excellence in the shadow of a national tragedy.

Elite League season kicks off on August 29

GUYANA’S premier domestic football competition, the Elite League, will kick off its eighth season on 29 August following a landmark previous campaign that has helped propel local talent onto the regional stage.

The 10-team top flight will be contested over an eight-month, two-phase calendar.

The opening rounds will run until November, before the championship race resumes for a final stretch spanning February to May 2027.

The 10-team top flight will be contested over an eight-month, two-phase calendar

Defending champions Slingerz FC headline a familiar cast of domestic heavyweights,

tic schedule coincides with Slingerz's current continental exploits, with the champions currently representing Guyana at the 2026 CFU Club Shield in Trinidad and Tobago.

They recently secured a dominant 4-0 first-round victory over the Turks and Caicos outfit SWA Sharks FC to advance to the last 16 of the regional tournament. Football authorities in Georgetown will be hoping to build on the commercial and popular success of Season 7, which drew more than 27,000 spectators and generated upwards of 50 million digital views—metrics that under-

line the sport's expanding footprint in the nation.

Guyana Football Federation (GFF) president Wayne Forde believes the league is fulfilling its mandate to strengthen local clubs and develop elite players for wider Caribbean competition.

"The Elite League represents the pinnacle of domestic club football in Guyana and remains central to our vision for the continued advancement of the game," Forde said.

He added that Slingerz's ongoing campaign on the regional stage is a direct result of providing Guyanese clubs with a consistent and

highly competitive national platform.

Alongside Slingerz and Camptown, the upcoming title race will feature the established elite of Guyanese club football, including Guyana Police Force FC, Guyana Defence Force FC, Western Tigers FC, Santos FC, Monedderlust FC, Ann’s Grove United, Den Amstel FC, and Fruta Conquerors FC. With continental qualification and national pride at stake, the new season promises another fiercely contested race to the summit of Guyanese football.

First West Indies Pakistan Test

Hodge leads West Indies progress on truncated first day

KAVEM Hodge's fourth half-century put West Indies in a position of command at the end of the first day at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad

On a truncated day owing to a two-hour rain delay either side of the lunch break, Hodge scored an unbeaten 83, stringing together partnerships with Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Shai Hope as West Indies assembled a gritty 194 for the loss of three wickets

That fourth-wicket stand remains unbroken at 88, with Hope playing an able second fiddle as play was called off after 67 overs owing to bad light.

The game began with Pakistan on top in the morn-

ing session, where only 14.1 overs were possible as West Indies found run-scoring exceptionally tricky, managing just 23. The hosts won the toss and elected to bat at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, which is hosting its first Test match.

Both teams observed a minute of silence before the start of the game to mark the passing of Sir Garfield Sobers last week, with the West Indies and match umpires wearing black armbands.

Right from the start, Mohammad Abbas was at his unerring best, settling into a fourth-stump line West Indies did little to sway him from. Five of his seven overs in the session were maidens, with the bowler finally making the pressure tell when

Kavem Hodge remained unbeaten on 83 • (AFP/Getty Images)

King attempted to break the shackles by cutting one that was too close to his body, and chopping on in the process.

But the skies overhead, which were sunny at the toss,

Guyana to host 2027

CARIFTA Games, Barbados to play host in 2028

NASSAU, Bahamas, (CMC) – Guyana has stepped forward to host the 2027 CARIFTA Games, just one week after St Kitts

Barbados had taken responsibility to host the games in 2028.

The news comes exactly one week after St Kitts

President of the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association, Mike Sands

withdrew its bid to host the Caribbean’s top athletic sporting event.

Guyana’s decision to host the games was revealed by the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) on Thursday, which also announced that

pulled out of hosting the 2027 games, with the St. Kitts-Nevis Athletics Association and the St. Kitts and Nevis Olympic Committee citing that it was “not the most ideal time” for the island.

NACAC Athletics said the commitments followed

the swift intervention and support of the CARICOM Heads of Government.

“On behalf of the NACAC Athletics Council, officials, and athletes of the NACAC Athletics family, I wish to thank the CARICOM Heads for their swift and positive response in support of the CARIFTA Games,” NACAC Athletics

President Mike Sands said during a media briefing.

“I especially thank President Ali of Guyana and Prime Minister Mottley of Barbados for agreeing to host CARIFTA 2027 and 2028. This secures the immediate future of what is arguably the world’s premier junior athletics event.”

NACAC is expected to engage the relevant authorities in Guyana and Barbados to support early planning for both editions while continuing discussions with CARICOM leaders on a more sustainable framework for athletics and major youth sporting events in the Caribbean.

began to darken ominously in the last half hour of play. After 14 overs, the rain began to fall, and only grew heavier once the players came off, forcing the sides into an early lunch.

Pakistan continued to cause problems through the middle session, aided by a pitch that appeared to have livened up with the extra moisture. Despite the extra sideways movement, though, West Indies were

positive from the outset of the resumption. Hodge hit 14 runs off Abbas's first two return overs, and continued to pick off boundaries as the partnership inched past 50. With more encouragement for seam than spin, Babar Azam took Ali Usman off after an over and threw Jamal the ball. It paid dividends in his first over as Chanderpaul poked at one outside off to give Salman Agha a straightforward second slip catch.

However, Jamal's accuracy tailed off thereafter, and it was the metronomic Abbas again that Pakistan turned to. Rizwan moved up the stumps to stop Jangoo venturing out, and the uncertainty that caused led him to play all around a straight one. The umpire initially turned down the appeal, but a late review produced three reds. It was a moment when the hosts appeared to wobble most at 106 for 3, but Hodge stood stubbornly between Pakistan and a position of true command.

He kept the scoreboard ticking over and found a way to shut out the more accurate Abbas and Mohammad Ali, while picking off Jamal and Pakistan's debutant spinner Ali Usman. It was a punch off Usman that penetrated the covers for a boundary that gave Hodge his half-century, his steely raise of the bat making clear he understood the job wasn't done.

The final session turned

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Caribbean teams find going tough in 3×3 action

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, (CMC) – Guyana, Jamaica and the Cayman Islands all struggled in the opening rounds of 3×3 basketball at the Commonwealth Games here on Friday.

In their first match of the men’s competition, Cayman Islands were edged 21-17 by Nigeria and also suffered a 22-13 loss to Scotland in their second match, before falling to Guyana 21-17.

t was Guyana’s lone win of the opening rounds as they lost to Scotland 21-14 and were crushed 21-3 by New Zealand.

Meanwhile, in the women’s division, Jamaica also ended the first day of competition with a 1-2 record.

They started off with a tough 18-17 defeat to Uganda before being beaten by Australia 21-13. However,

Anish Ramlall (right) drives to the basket against the Cayman Islands at the Commonwealth Games (Getty Images)

they bounced back to thump the Cayman Islands 21-5 in their final match of the day.

The Cayman Islands’

women also found the going tough, as they also lost to Fiji 16-6 and Uganda 21-7.