Issuu

27th September, 2026

See Inside No.1081920

Next six months critical for GPL as major maintenance looms — President Ali — Says US$800 million investment required to strengthen transmission, distribution network over the next five years

Minister Indar courts LATAM, Arajet as Guyana aviation market expands

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— Points to 16 airlines, record visitor arrivals, CJIA expansion and potential South America–Africa links

MONKEY MOUNTAIN AIRSTRIP TAKING SHAPE — Workers carrying out concrete works as upgrades advance at the Monkey Mountain Airstrip in Region Eight. The project, being executed through the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation’s Hinterland Airstrip Programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Works’ Special Projects Unit, follows a commitment made by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, and is aimed at providing safer, more reliable air access for hinterland communities

Berbice women turning skills into livelihoods

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— Humanitarian Mission expands training in entrepreneurship, technology, and practical skills

Gov’t exploring more solar incentives for households

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New four-lane Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge to open within weeks – President Ali

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19 guides accredited as Guyana strengthens birding tourism

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, September 27, 2026

GTA Director Kamrul Baksh delivering remarks at Friday’s accreditation ceremony at the Herdmanston Lodge

Nineteen new tourism professionals have been added to strengthen the country’s capacity to offer specialised, high-quality birding experiences to visitors

NINETEEN tourism professionals have been accredited through Guyana’s Bird Guide Accreditation Programme, strengthening the country’s capacity to offer specialised, high-quality birding experiences to visitors. The accreditation ceremony was held on Friday at the Herdmanston Lodge. Twelve guides completed the first phase of the Coastal Bird Guide Certification, while seven Rupununi-based guides completed the Bird Guide Accreditation Programme and received local bird guide accreditation. On November 2025, The Ministry of Tourism,

Industry and Commerce, in partnership with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the South Rupununi Conservation Society (SRCS), launched Guyana’s first official Bird Guide Accreditation Programme, establishing a national system to certify expertise in bird watching and guiding. Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Susan Rodrigues said the initiative is helping to professionalise an area of tourism that is closely linked to Guyana’s conservation efforts. “We are building professional capacity while ensuring that conservation remains at the heart of the experience we offer visi-

tors,” Minister Rodrigues said. She noted that Guyana is home to more than 800 identified bird species, creating significant opportunities to expand birding tourism, generate livelihoods, and increase the value of the country’s natural heritage. The minister stressed that Guyana’s tourism model will continue to focus on sustainable tourism rather than mass tourism, with conservation remaining central to the development of the sector. She charged the newly accredited guides to continue developing their expertise and sharing their knowledge, noting that their role extends beyond identifying species to helping visitors understand Guyana’s habitats and natural heritage. Guyana Tourism Authority Director Kamrul Baksh said the accreditation programme was developed with the South Rupununi Conservation Society following consultations and training workshops, creating a specialised standard for bird guides beyond the Authority’s general tour-guide licensing framework. (DPI)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, September 27, 2026

Next six months critical for GPL as major maintenance looms — President Ali

— Says US$800 million investment required to strengthen transmission, distribution network over the next five years PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali has identified the next six months as a critical period for Guyana’s electricity system, as generating units will have to be taken out of operation for mandatory maintenance and overhaul, even as the country confronts an estimated US$800 million investment requirement to strengthen its transmission and distribution network over the next five years. In a recent sit-down interview with News Room, President Ali acknowledged the challenges facing the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL), saying that while significant investments are being made to expand generation and upgrade the grid, the immediate months ahead will require careful management of available capacity. “So, the next six months is critical for the existing challenge,” the President said. He explained that the Government has been examining available generation capacity and the additional power that will be required through the end of the year, particularly as some generating units reach the point where they must be removed from service. “In the next three months, by compulsion, we will have to take generating capacity out of the system for overhaul and maintenance,” President Ali said. The Head of State explained that delaying

scheduled maintenance can create further difficulties, particularly when components with lengthy procurement or delivery periods subsequently have to be replaced. “Sometimes you may take a system out for maintenance, and then you have a longlead item that has to be replaced, and that is the problem when you miss scheduled maintenance period and overhaul period. The long-lead items become problematic,” he said. Ali said a technical assessment has also been completed for Essequibo, where approximately 25 to 27 megawatts of generation capacity requires investment in maintenance and overhaul. The Government is also examining approximately 4.5 megawatts of additional power that could be interconnected at critical areas. But the President made it clear that the challenges confronting the electricity system extend well beyond generation. He said GPL is simultaneously grappling with ageing transmission and distribution infrastructure, increasing electricity demand, inadequate reserve capacity, technical and management gaps and the need to modernise how the system is maintained and monitored. Ali said GPL estimates that close to US$800 million will be required over the next five years for transmission and distribution infrastructure alone.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali has identified the next six months as a critical period for Guyana’s electricity system

“To fix the existing type of infrastructure, GPL is estimating … a five-year plan investment of close to US$800 million. That is just transmission and distribution,” the President said. Importantly, Ali said that this sum does not represent the entirety of Guyana’s longer-term electricity investment requirements, noting that the figure relates to a five-year programme rather than the utility’s broader 15-year development needs. The Government, he said, has already been engaging international partners, including Qatar, to examine how the required investments can be accelerated. At the same time, major transmission and interconnection projects are under construction, including works to connect the Berbice and Demerara grids, which Ali said should be completed within the coming months and provide additional relief to the system.

The President said the challenges have been compounded by the rapid pace of development across Guyana, with expanding housing, industrial and manufacturing activity placing significantly greater pressure on an electricity network that itself requires substantial expansion and modernisation. He pointed to deficiencies across generation, transmission and distribution, while also acknowledging shortcomings in maintenance systems, predictive analysis, continuous monitoring, specialised technical capacity and other areas of GPL’s operations. Ali said addressing the immediate generation requirements must therefore be accompanied by efforts to strengthen GPL’s technical expertise and management capacity. “We are hoping to ensure that we stabilise and to have the gap in the technical expertise in GPL also fixed,” he

said. According to the President, recommendations from InterEnergy are being considered, while the Government is also looking beyond those recommendations and engaging development partners on ways to further strengthen GPL’s management and technical capacity. Ali also acknowledged the frustration being experienced by consumers as a result of electricity disruptions, saying he too is dissatisfied with the current situation. “I would say I am frustrated myself. But we are in a seat where

we have to find the solutions. It’s a complex issue, but we have to find a solution and we are finding the solution,” he said. He stressed that reliable electricity is not only a household issue, but is critical to businesses, manufacturing, telecommunications, hotels and virtually every aspect of national life. The President said the Government intends to make the investments necessary to address the weaknesses in the electricity system. “We are not satisfied. We definitely are not pleased with the performance now, but it’s a complex issue, and we will do all that is necessary to ensure that we fix this problem,” President Ali said. The wider investment programme is expected to complement additional generation and other major energy projects being pursued by the Government as it seeks to build an electricity system capable of keeping pace with Guyana’s rapidly expanding economy and growing demand for power.

Private sector key to Guyana’s next energy phase—Routledge

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, September 27, 2026

— says oil, gas resources must be maximised for benefit of Guyanese

GUYANA’S private sector will have a critical role to play in the country’s next phase of energy development, particularly as it builds out its natural gas industry, ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge has said. Speaking at the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI)’s Energy Luncheon on Thursday, Routledge stressed that Guyana’s finite oil and gas resources must ultimately be developed in a manner that maximises benefits for the Guyanese people. He noted that Guyana has emerged on

the global energy stage at a time when diversification and energy security have become increasingly important internationally, making collaboration critical as the country lays the foundation for further natural gas development. Routledge said planning for that next phase must begin with an assessment of the capacity Guyana has already developed. “You always have to figure out, from where are we today? What is the foundation on which we are standing? That allows us to move forward and capture those opportunities,”

he said. He pointed out that when oil was first discovered offshore Guyana in 2015, much of the infrastructure required to support a modern offshore petroleum industry did not exist. “When oil was first found, there was really no infrastructure to support a modern offshore oil and gas operation,” Routledge said. Eleven years later, he said, Guyana has two world-class shore bases and a growing network of companies and industrial operations capable of servicing the highly technical offshore industry. GUYANESE BUILDING CAPACITY Routledge identified the development of the local workforce as one of the major achievements over that period. More than 70 per cent of the workforce supporting oil-and-gas operations in Guyana is now Guyanese, he said. Routledge also highlighted the participation of women within ExxonMobil Guyana’s local workforce. “At ExxonMobil,

ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge during the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Energy Luncheon (GCCI photo)

we are proud to say that over 50 per cent of our local workforce are women. That, for me, in my industry is unheard of. But it is true in Guyana and something to celebrate,” he said. Local companies, he added, have also expanded their capabilities by forming partnerships, bringing specialised expertise into

Guyana and investing in facilities and equipment. “We have built capability. Companies, local companies, have found partners. They have been able to bring in expertise. They have invested in their own facilities and capability,” Routledge said. “That gives us a pretty strong foundation from which to start a next phase.” As Guyana moves towards greater utilisation of its natural gas resources, Routledge said private-sector organisations will have an important role in connecting investment and expertise with local businesses. He identified the GCCI, Private Sector Commission and business chambers in Berbice among the organisations that could help facilitate that process. “I think organisa-

tions like GCCI, the Private Sector Commission, the chambers in Berbice have a vital role to play. A vital role in helping those who have the capital, those who have the expertise to come into Guyana and to deploy it wisely. To help the local businesses to be a part of it,” he said. While acknowledging that developing a natural gas industry will bring challenges, Routledge pointed to the speed at which Guyana’s offshore oil industry has developed as evidence of what collaboration can achieve. “Where else in the world has our industry been able to go from first discovery to first oil in 4.5 years? From there to 900,000 barrels a day. And by the end of this year, I anticipate 1,000,000 barrels per day. That’s huge. There are not many countries get to that point,” he said. Routledge credited the Government, private sector, business organisations and educational institutions for contributing to that development. Looking ahead, he pledged ExxonMobil Guyana’s continued support and called on stakeholders to work together to address the challenges associated with the next stage of the country’s energy development. “It will not be the first time it has been done in the world, but every country is different. And Guyana’s map is going to be unique,” Routledge said.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, September 27, 2026

Guyana, Suriname to advance energy, infrastructure talks again soon

GUYANA and Suriname are expected to advance discussions on energy, natural resources and critical infrastructure when officials from the neighbouring countries meet again soon under their bilateral cooperation framework, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has said. During a recent sitdown interview with News Room, President Ali disclosed that the next meeting between the two countries is expected to be held in Guyana, as both sides seek to advance discussions across several areas of mutual interest. “We have a framework that is guiding our conversation with Suriname. The next meeting is supposed to be in Guyana, so we are hoping that the Suriname Government will be at the next meeting,” the President said. He noted that the date is still to be finalised, but said the engagement would provide an opportunity to move discussions forward in several key areas. “We can finalise the date for that meeting, and advance some of these discussions, not only on energy and natural resources, but on environmental services, biodiversity services, the bauxite, and of course critical infra-

structure for connectivity,” President Ali said, adding: “These are key elements of the Guyana-Suriname joint platform.” The anticipated engagement builds on ongoing efforts by the two South American neighbours to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly as both countries expand their respective energy sectors. Guyana and Suriname have already identified energy security as an important area for cooperation. During talks between President Ali and Surinamese President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons in Nieuw Nickerie in September 2025, the two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in oil and gas, renewable energy, and

electricity interconnection. They also committed to exploring joint ventures, investment opportunities, and knowledge-sharing arrangements aimed at advancing their respective energy agendas, and strengthening regional energy resilience. Those discussions have continued into 2026. In February, the two leaders advanced talks on energy and food security, as well as on cooperation to improve regional connectivity during a meeting on the sidelines of the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in St. Kitts and Nevis. President Ali has also been pushing for closer collaboration with Suriname, as Guyana develops plans for another major

gas project in Berbice. Earlier this year, he said Guyana was examining whether Suriname could eventually feed gas into infrastructure being contemplated for the Berbice project, which could significantly increase the scale of the development, and create additional

downstream opportunities. The Government has been positioning Berbice as another major industrial and energy zone, with plans for gas-based development and supporting infrastructure. During the News Room interview, President Ali also reaffirmed the Government's intention to move ahead with a deep-water port. “We are going ahead with the [deepwater] port. So, that's without a doubt,” the President said. The deep-water port forms part of the wider infrastructure being contemplated to support industrial expansion and Guyana's ambitions to become a larger regional energy and logistics hub. Connectivity between Guyana and Suriname also remains on the bilateral agenda. The two govern-

ments have been discussing the proposed Corentyne River Bridge, which is intended to strengthen trade, tourism and movement between the countries while supporting wider connectivity with South America. President Ali reiterated in July that Guyana continues to regard the bridge as a joint project between the two countries. The wider Guyana-Suriname cooperation framework, however, extends beyond physical infrastructure and energy. President Ali's latest comments point to environmental and biodiversity services, bauxite and natural resources as areas expected to feature in the next round of discussions as the two countries seek to deepen economic and strategic cooperation.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, September 27, 2026

Fixing The Grid TO be honest, we can cuss GPL, call it “GPHELL”, complain every time the lights go out and vent on social media until the current returns because when electricity becomes unreliable, the frustration is real — and extremely hot. But behind those outages is a much larger national challenge that cannot be reduced to a meme or a nickname. Guyana’s electricity system is being stretched from several directions at once. El Niño conditions and unusually high temperatures have driven electricity use sharply upward as homes and businesses rely more heavily on air-conditioning and cooling systems.

Peak demand on the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System reached 242.64 megawatts in August, while thousands of new homes, hotels, commercial centres, factories and industrial operations continue to connect to a network that was never built for this scale of activity. That is why President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s warning that the next six months will be critical should be understood in context. Generating units must be taken offline for mandatory maintenance and overhaul at a time when demand remains exceptionally high, and delaying those works can create even larger failures later. The President has also openly acknowl-

edged that the present level of reliability is unacceptable, and that major investment is needed to correct weaknesses across generation, transmission and distribution. What is equally important is what the Government is doing in response. Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar has been consistently on the frontline of that work, visiting projects, meeting technical teams and publicly explaining where additional capacity is coming from, and how the grid is being strengthened. The Government is building approximately 425 kilometres of new transmission lines, while work is also advancing on new 69kV infrastructure and

a stronger Kingston-Georgetown connection capable of moving substantially more power across the network. At Wales, the Gas-to-Energy project is moving towards first generation, with the first 57-megawatt turbine expected to come online before the end of 2026, and the wider first phase designed to provide 300 megawatts. Minister Indar has repeatedly linked that project to the extraordinary growth in electricity demand, especially during the current heat and El Niño conditions. The Government is also looking beyond generation. President Ali has said that close to US$800 million will be required over five years for transmission and

distribution alone, while discussions are being pursued with international partners to accelerate that investment. At the same time, attention is being placed on GPL’s technical expertise, management systems, maintenance planning, and the ability to predict failures before they happen. That is the part of the conversation that should not be lost when the lights go out. None of this excuses poor performance. GPL must still communicate better, maintain equipment properly, and improve reliability, because households and businesses have every right to expect dependable electricity. But it is also fair to recognise that

the system is being rebuilt while it is still being used, under record demand and difficult weather conditions. Minister Indar and the wider Government, therefore, have a difficult job in front of them, but the scale of the work now underway shows that the problem is being treated with the urgency it requires. So, yes, Guyanese will continue to cuss when the lights go out. But the fuller picture is that the Government is adding generation, modernising transmission, investing in new infrastructure, and trying to build a power system capable of keeping pace with the Guyana that is emerging.

I commend President Ali for his exceptional address to the UN Dear Editor, I WRITE to commend His Excellency President Irfaan Ali for delivering an exceptional address at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. It was a speech that reflected Guyana at its best and underscored our nation's steadfast commitment to principled multilateralism. President Ali struck a careful balance between

realism and hope. He candidly acknowledged the grave challenges of our time (climate change, conflict, food insecurity, inequality, and the erosion of multilateralism), yet reminded us that humanity has always found the means to rise above its difficulties. His call for a "new and invigorated multilateralism" was both timely and necessary. I was proud to see Guyana's consistent ad-

vocacy for the peaceful resolution of disputes, respect for international law, and the legitimate rights of all peoples. Our reaffirmation of commitment to the International Court of Justice in the border controversy with Venezuela demonstrated a continuity of policy across all Guyanese governments. Guyana will remain principled, patient, and peace-loving on this matter, even amid repeated provoca-

tions. The President's emphasis on sustainable development, biodiversity leadership through the Global Biodiversity Alliance, and our Low Carbon Development Strategy further showcased Guyana as a responsible global citizen. These are commitments backed by action, including our stewardship of our parts of the Amazonia Basin; one of the world's last remaining lungs.

Most significantly, I fully support President Ali's nomination of Her Excellency Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett for Secretary-General of the United Nations. Her remarkable journey embodies the very best of Guyana and the Caribbean, and CARICOM's endorsement of her candidature speaks volumes. I commend President Ali for a speech well done, and I respectfully urge the international

community to give serious consideration to Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett's candidacy. Ambassador Sasenarine Singh Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium and Netherlands and Permanent Representative to the European Union and Permanent Representative to the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, September 27, 2026

Only trees loaded with fruit get stones thrown at them

Dear Editor,

THE Auditor-General and the staff of the Audit Office deserve congratulations for presenting the Report of the Auditor-General for the fiscal year 2025 before the statutory deadline. This marks the sixth consecutive year in which the Auditor-General, Mr. Deodat Sharma, has presented his report to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) ahead of the September 30 deadline. What makes this record especially significant is the extraordinary conditions under which it was achieved. From the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic to the present, the Auditor-General has not failed once to submit his report on time.

During the pandemic, when most were compelled to retreat indoors and public services were disrupted, the Audit Office remained engaged in the demanding work of examining how public funds were spent. While others would have found convenient excuses for delay and non-performance, the Audit Office continued to review government spending to determine whether public funds were utilised in a transparent and accountable manner. For the Audit Office, it appears as though accountability did not catch COVID. The scale of the challenge did not end with the pandemic but increased in line with the rapid expansion in government spending since 2020. The four-

fold increase in government spending from $329.5 billion in 2020 to $1.382 trillion in 2025 virtually created more projects, transactions and documents for the Auditor-General and his staff to scrutinise. Instead of retreating from his responsibility and hiding behind excuses, the Auditor-General shepherded his team to ensure compliance with the constitutional obligation of his office by submitting annual reports within nine months of the close of each fiscal year. This contrasts with the years 1982 to 1989, which is difficult to ignore because no audited financial statements were presented when the economy was virtually at a standstill and government spend-

ing was flatlining. For almost an entire decade, no Audit Report was presented. During this period, the country’s public accounts appear to have taken an extended hiatus, without any approval from taxpayers. In other words, transparency and accountability were Absent Without Leave (AWOL) and probably disappeared into an administrative Bermuda Triangle. It is therefore a little remarkable that a former Auditor-General associated with that era of prolonged darkness now appears deeply concerned about the current Auditor-General’s performance. The former officeholder has found considerable energy to criticise Mr Sharma and to advocate for his removal. This is

certainly a refreshing display of concern for accountability, albeit one that seems to have arrived several decades after it was most urgently needed. One must therefore ask: Where was this passion for transparency when audited financial statements were not produced? Where was the outrage when taxpayers were literally left in the dark? Why only now the Audit Office is being attacked when it is complying with its constitutional mandate? I suspect the answer may be found in a famous African Proverb, ‘It is only the tree loaded with fruit that people throw stones at,’ which means that successful and productive people often face criticism, envy, and attacks from

those who are not successful. In other words, only fruit-bearing trees are targeted because they have value worth trying to knock down. Editor, I want to end by once again congratulating the Auditor-General and his staff for their hard work, and to encourage them to continue along this path so we can know whether our tax dollars are being spent in a transparent and accountable manner. I wish to also remind them that the best way to silence your critics is not by arguing with them but by achieving more success. Macte virtute et succcessu, which means to go forward in courage and success! Regards, Kevin Persaud

The Court must not be the vehicle for Mohameds’ five-year delay plan for extradition Dear Editor, WHEN Azruddin Mohamed declared in November 2025 that his extradition proceedings would take another five years and pass through four m o re m a g i s t r a t e s , many Guyanese were alarmed by the confidence with which he appeared to predict the course of a case that had barely begun. His reported words were chilling: “It will take another five years

and four other Magistrates.” Many questioned how Mohamed could speak with such certainty about a matter controlled by the courts, asking why he appeared to believe he was “in charge of the court.” Such a definitive prediction suggested confidence in a system capable of delivering the delay the Mohameds anticipated. Months later, the country must confront an uncomfortable question: Has Azruddin Mo-

hamed found a willing participant in his publicly declared plan to frustrate the extradition proceedings for five years? The United States is seeking the extradition of Azruddin and his father, Nazar, to face an 11-count federal indictment in the Southern District of Florida. The charges include allegations of conspiracy, mail and wire fraud, money laundering and customs-related offences arising from an alleged international

gold-export scheme. These are grave allegations involving Guyana’s gold resources, public revenue, State institutions and international reputation. The seriousness of the case demands an efficient and disciplined judicial process. Through its continued accommodation of these delays, the court risks being viewed as a willing participant in the very strategy Mohamed openly announced. That perception is damaging, cor-

rosive and dangerous to public confidence in the administration of justice. This matter has already travelled through the Magistrates’ Court, the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Caribbean Court of Justice. On July 29, 2026, the CCJ dismissed the Mohameds’ challenge to the Authority to Proceed and cleared the way for the extradition hearing to continue. The CCJ confirmed that ruling in its official release.

The entire judiciary is now under the microscope. Every adjournment strengthens the perception that wealth, influence and an aggressive legal strategy can exhaust the system and keep accountability beyond reach. Azruddin Mohamed promised five years, but the court must ensure that its proceedings do not become the vehicle through which that promise is fulfilled. Yours truly, Ayinde Sampson

A Caribbean Moment

THE contest for the next Secretary-General of the United Nations is no ordinary diplomatic contest. It is a moment in which the world must decide not merely who should occupy an office, but what kind of United Nations it wants to build. And in that contest, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett's candidacy deserves to be taken with the utmost seriousness. Her election would be historic: she would become the first woman and the first Caribbean national to serve as UN Secretary-General, but this cannot be reduced to symbolism. The more compelling argument is that her experience speaks directly to the problems confronting the organisation—war, distrust, climate insecurity, development, institutional paralysis and the widening divide between powerful states and the developing world. Rodrigues-Birkett brings more than 25 years of public-sector and international experience. She has served as Guyana's Foreign Minister and Minister

of Amerindian Affairs, as an international civil servant, and since 2020 as Guyana's Permanent Representative to the UN. She led Guyana's delegation during its 2024– 2025 Security Council term and has chaired major multilateral processes. That is precisely the combination of experience the UN requires in an age when diplomacy is becoming harder, not easier. Her positions have also been unmistakably firm. On climate change, she has advocated treating climate insecurity as an issue relevant to global peace and security. On UN reform, she has called for a more agile, effective organisation, reform of its systems and practices, and renewed commitment to all three pillars of the UN—peace and security, development and human rights. Lets not forget that she took a principled position on Israel. On Gaza, she has been equally forthright and that position appears to be at the centre of reported American perceived opposition to her candidacy. Reports

have said Washington is concerned about her description of Israel's conduct in Gaza as genocide, but to reduce Rodrigues-Birkett's position to hostility towards Israel would be a serious misreading. She is not hostile and will be fair if given the chance to end the conflict. Her record shows a diplomat arguing from the framework of international law and civilian protection. Guyana has condemned Hamas's October 7 attack and called for the unconditional release of hostages. At the same time, Rodrigues-Birkett has insisted that Israel, like every other state, is bound by international humanitarian law. Whether one accepts that legal characterisation or not, it is difficult to portray it as an argument against Israel's existence. It is an argument that international law must apply universally. Indeed, in March 2024, Guyana's explanation of its abstention on a US-sponsored Security Council resolution explicitly welcomed Washington's initiative and acknowledged American

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, September 27, 2026

diplomatic efforts, while arguing that the text did not go far enough in demanding an immediate ceasefire. Guyana simultaneously called for the unconditional release of hostages. That is diplomacy, not ideological absolutism. Washington stands to benefit more from the ambassador's tenure if she is successful, as do the majority of other countries in the UN. The reported prospect of an American veto therefore raises a larger question. For the record, President Irfaan Ali has said Guyana has received no communication confirming that Washington intends to veto Rodrigues-Birkett. But if such opposition ultimately materialises, it would be worth asking whether Washington would be sacrificing a potentially constructive relationship with the next Secretary-General over disagreements with positions that are rooted in the UN Charter and international law. The United States itself has a profound interest in an effective United Nations. A Secretary-General capable of speaking to developing countries, small states, major powers and competing political blocs is potentially more useful to Washington than an institution viewed increasingly as remote, bureaucratic or politically paralysed. Rodrigues-Birkett's candidacy could offer Washington an important diplomatic bridge to the Global South at a time when America's relationships with developing countries are increasingly consequential. A Secretary-General from the Caribbean would also bring an understanding of how international decisions affect states that possess neither military power nor economic weight comparable to the major powers. That perspective should

not be viewed as a weakness. It may be one of the office's greatest potential strengths. A d d i t i o n a l l y, R o drigues-Birkett's competitors bring formidable qualifications. Costa Rica's Rebeca Grynspan brings extensive economic and multilateral experience. Rafael Grossi brings deep expertise in nuclear diplomacy and international security. María Fernanda Espinosa brings experience in diplomacy, sustainable development and the UN system. But Rodrigues-Birkett brings something distinctive: the lived diplomatic perspective of a small developing state, combined with senior governmental experience, international civil-service experience and direct Security Council leadership. That matters for the Caribbean. For decades, small island and developing states have lived with consequences they had little role in creating—from climate vulnerability and debt pressures to the effects of distant conflicts and decisions made by powerful countries. A Caribbean Secretary-General would place those realities much closer to the centre of global diplomacy. Let’s not forget President Ali's argument; President Ali understood this when he addressed the General Assembly. His argument was strongest when he connected Rodrigues-Birkett's candidacy to UN reform itself. He argued that the organisation needs greater transparency, accountability and responsiveness; a stronger General Assembly; less bureaucratic fragmentation and leadership capable of defending the charter "without fear or favour." That is more than a campaign pitch. It is a diagnosis

of the institutional crisis confronting the UN. Ali also made a powerful point about the candidate's personal journey: an Indigenous woman from a small Guyanese community who entered public life through circumstances far removed from the corridors of global power and eventually arrived at the centre of international diplomacy. The significance is not that she is Guyanese, nor should she be selected merely because she is Caribbean or a woman. The significance is that, after decades in which the UN's highest office has been occupied by men, the organisation now has an opportunity to demonstrate that universality means something in practice. It’s a moment for the Caribbean because the world does not need a Secretary-General who simply manages the UN's decline. It needs leadership prepared to defend its principles, reform its machinery, bridge North and South, and restore confidence in multilateralism. Rodrigues-Birkett has put forward precisely that proposition. The final decision belongs to the UN's constitutional process and ultimately to its member states. But her candidacy has earned something that no veto, rumour or geopolitical calculation should deny her a fair hearing on the merits. And perhaps, at this extraordinary moment in world affairs, a Caribbean woman should finally be given the opportunity to help the world rebuild an institution created to serve all of humanity. 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.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, September 27, 2026

Empowering Guyana’s Youth Through Clean-Water School Infrastructure: Project FLOW’s Impact in Region Six

THINK about an ordinary school day in Guyana. A student arrives for classes in the morning and, over the next several hours, moves between lessons, perhaps participates in physical education, spends time outdoors during lunch and eventually returns to the classroom. In our tropical climate, access to drinking water throughout that day is not a luxury. It is one of the simple things that can help a student remain comfortable, hydrated and ready to learn. It is easy to take something as basic as clean water for granted. Yet, like electricity, sanitation and safe classrooms, reliable access to drinking water forms part of the everyday infrastructure that allows schools to function well. This is what makes the recent expansion

of Project FLOW into Region Six particularly noteworthy. Through the project, solar-powered water-purification systems were commissioned at 19 secondary schools and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions across the region. The initiative brings together the Greater Guyana Initiative, Recover Guyana and the Ministry of Education to provide over 9,600 students and teachers with reliable access to safe drinking water. At first glance, the benefit is straightforward: students have water to drink, but look a little closer and there is much more happening. The systems use solar energy to support water purification, bringing two important areas of technology into an environment where young people

can see them in action. Students learning about renewable energy, environmental science or water treatment do not have to think of these subjects only as diagrams in a textbook. They can see a practical application of those ideas at their own school. That matters as Guyana prepares a new generation for an economy in which technical knowledge will become increasingly important. Not every student who encounters the system will become an engineer, environmental scientist or technician. That is not the point. Exposure helps young people understand how science and technology can be applied to solve everyday problems, and sometimes seeing that connection is enough to spark curiosity. Project FLOW also tackles another everyday problem: plastic waste.

Over three years, the initiative is expected to eliminate the use of approximately 5.7 million single-use plastic bottles. That figure deserves some thought. Imagine 5.7 million bottles being purchased, used and eventually discarded. Preventing that waste in the first place shows how one solution can address a practical need while reducing pressure on the environment and the project has already done this by saving over 173,000 bottles so far. I m p o r t a n t l y, t h e project is built around collaboration. The Greater Guyana Initiative brings private-sector support, Recover Guyana contributes its experience in environmental action and implementation, while the Ministry of Education provides the connection to the schools and wider education system. That combination matters because installing

equipment is only one part of the job. For an initiative to have lasting value, the systems must continue serving schools long after the commissioning ceremonies have ended. There is also a broader lesson here for Guyana's development. As the country benefits from the growth of the oil and gas sector, development will not always appear as a highway, bridge or another large piece of infrastructure. Sometimes it will be a water system at a secondary school in Region Six. Sometimes its impact will be measured in fewer plastic bottles entering the environment. And sometimes it will be as simple as a student being able to refill a bottle before returning to class. Preparing Guyana's future workforce begins long before someone applies for their first job. It begins in schools

that are safe, healthy and properly equipped. It begins with young people who have opportunities to encounter technology, understand environmental responsibility and learn in surroundings that support their well-being. For the students benefiting from Project FLOW today, clean water is the immediate result. But if the initiative delivers on its wider promise, its impact will also be found in healthier schools, greater environmental awareness and millions fewer plastic bottles. Sometimes, progress really can begin with something as simple as a glass of water. DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this c o l u m n a re s o l e l y those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, September 27, 2026

Jaskaran’s Report Shows How Region Four Declarations Flipped the 2020 Elections Result

FORENSIC accountant Terrence Jaskaran’s 2021 report landed in Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty’s courtroom a week ago with the force of a thunderclap. I have followed the 2020 elections fraud trial since before the case was reassigned to Magistrate McGusty in 2024, and never before have I seen the attorneys defending the nine senior GECOM and APNU+AFC officials so ruffled. Throughout the week, the courtroom carried a palpable air of desperation as five experienced attorneys performed legal backflips in search of a way around numbers that refused to disappear. They made their intention clear: they wanted Jaskaran’s report struck from the record. With that goal in mind, they went beyond the routine testing of a witness, an essential feature of any criminal trial. Theirs was a coordinated performance where counsel after counsel mounted a sustained, theatrical effort to dislodge Jaskaran from the evidence. At one point, he was called a liar. The stoic accountant, wearing a faint smile of bemusement, replied: “Respectfully, you are wrong, counsel.”

Ronald Daniels sharply asked whether Jaskaran believed his report was “fair.” Jaskaran shot back: “Respectfully, counsel, I deal with numbers, and my numbers are accurate.” Over five days, the defence searched for an opening like Knight Riders bowlers trying to dislodge Shimron Hetmyer on his way to another century. They examined Jaskaran’s qualifications and came up with nothing that stuck. His accounting firm had conducted audits of state agencies under APNU+AFC's 2015 tenure in office. And get this, Jaskaran had even audited the accounts of the law firm of at least one of the attorneys questioning his integrity. Jaskaran, it appears, is professionally acceptable when entrusted with institutions and private financial affairs of APNU+AFC figures, but politically compromised when his analysis produces uncomfortable truths. The attorneys trawled his Facebook account for political opinions, only to establish that, like the majority of Guyanese who voted in the most recent elections, he is pro-PPP/C. Anyone observing the line of

questioning could be forgiven for believing that Jaskaran, not the nine accused, was on trial. Attorney-at-law Eusi Anderson performed one lengthy Jaskaran Facebook post with such oratorical flourish that it deserved to have been recorded. By week’s end, however, the defence had produced no “gotcha” moment, only a great deal of sound and fury that left the central arithmetic of Jaskaran’s report untouched. From Facebook, they turned to five unavailable Statements of Poll out of 879 in Region Four. “Your report is incomplete,” Dr Dexter Todd insisted. Jaskaran calmly cited the page numbers where the numbers assigned to the missing SOPs were explicitly recorded, and maintained that his report was complete. Then came a painful hour in which Dr Todd appeared convinced he had finally landed on something that would expose a flaw in the report. He insisted the accountant had missed an SoP and that his count was wrong. Jaskaran was unmoved: “You are wrong, counsel, respectfully.” Here was a lawyer telling an accountant he had miscounted. Dr

Todd pressed for a recount and, after trying and admitting his own difficulty with the exercise, insisted Jaskaran count all 879 SoPs. When the accountant’s numbers held, Dr Todd’s booming courtroom voice was reduced to a whimper. The defence pressed Jaskaran on the password on the police-issued laptop used for the analysis. After work each day, between June 3 and July 28, 2021, the computer was returned to the police for safekeeping. Jaskaran alone had the password; there was never any evidence of a security breach, and he said he frequently reviewed his calculations to ensure they reflected his work. Almost all the attorneys raised the issue of document authentication. Jaskaran repeatedly explained that his mandate was numerical: tabulate the certified SoPs supplied through the court pro-

cess, compare them with the figures used for the March 5 and March 13, 2020 Region Four declarations, and report the variances. His central findings were the same. The certified Region Four SoPs recorded 116,215 votes for APNU+AFC. The March 5 declaration recorded 20,243 extra votes for the coalition, while the March 13 declaration added 19,842 votes above the certified SoPs total. He recorded an opposite trend for the PPP/C. While the party received 80,288 votes according to the certified SoPs, the two declarations recorded 2,959 and 3,057 fewer votes, respectively. Jaskaran’s report is the clearest evidence yet that GECOM’s Region Four declarations were an attempt to flip an approximate 15,000vote PPP/C lead into a nearly 7,000-vote APNU+AFC lead. It was enough to give the los-

ing party a one-seat majority in the National Assembly. The defence team of attorneys can perform all the courtroom acrobatics they wish, but the numbers in Jaskaran’s report will still point to one conclusion unless you believe in UFOs – someone or perhaps a group of individuals attempted to steal Guyana’s democracy in 2020. If you would rather forget the five months of ordeal and sheer panic our nation experienced, reflect for a moment on the words of former US President Barack Obama: “Our democracy is threatened whenever we take it for granted.” DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this c o l u m n a re s o l e l y those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, September 27, 2026

The political interest of the Guyana diaspora

I KNEW from living in Guyana and writing about Guyana that Alissa Trotz, who edited the column “In The Diaspora” (ITD) for the Stabroek News (SN), was a terribly biased person and that the SN’s editor, Anand Persaud, was equally biased and hopelessly incompetent. Ms Trotz never carried columns critical of the opposition and anti-government civil society groups and never published articles sympathetic to the Ali presidency. But I got different vibes from the Guyana diaspora when their members approached me during their visits to Guyana and from their emails. Ms Trotz’ s masthead boldly stated that ITD was about stories that interest the Guyana and Caribbean Diaspora. But something was wrong and that wrongness lay with Trotz and Persaud. How come ITD missed carrying sto-

ries that I find the diaspora was interested in? It is not only encounters on the seawall. I would get emails and phone calls about enquiries of a curious political nature. It is based on those contacts I concluded that ITD, Trotz and Persaud were misleading people. The diaspora people I met on the seawall over the years that ITD and SN were in existence had curiosities, among other things, about Guyana that ITD had a moral obligation to publish. I get emails all the time from the diaspora that make enquiries of me and that bring things to my attention. It happens quite regularly. An email correspondent from St. Lucia told me that he is disputing David Patterson’s announcement that he is from Lodge. He stated some “facts.” I am going to leave it at that. When it comes to the WPA and the AFC in gov-

ernment, I could not keep those questions. They were simply unlimited. I always wonder why Trotz and Persaud never carried an ITD commentary or commentaries on the WPA and AFC in power. I swear on my parents’ grave that was a topic the Guyana diaspora was obsessed with. I could reel off my head the billions of questions I got about the WPA and the AFC in the government and why they did this and why they did not do this and that. Yet every week, I read ITD; it was always criticisms of the PPP government and not even one analysis on the things the diaspora wanted to know about. This was simple journalistic and newspaper dishonesty. You cannot run a diaspora column for one million Guyanese in North America, Europe and the Caribbean and not get academics and political observers to probe controversies

swirling around the WPA and AFC and some very large names in Guyana like Eusi Kwayana, Clive Thomas, Rupert Roopnaraine, Christopher Ram, the Guyana Human Rights Association, etc. The ITD never touched these subjects, but I was bombarded with those areas of interest; thus I concluded that Trotz and Persaud were wrong people operating in the media. The people who operated the SN have now switched over to an online entity named Kiskadee Watch and you have the identical diaspora column as when ITD was alive in the SN. It is the same old story. Nothing on Azruddin Mohamed, nothing on Aubrey Norton, nothing on ragged civil society groups etc. But my experience as a long-standing media operative tells me that the diaspora wants to see critical commentary on Mohamed. They want to see an analysis of the present PNC.

I am typing this piece here on Friday afternoon and my inbox for the day has questions from the diaspora about David Patterson and the 165 signatures that sent a letter to the president on the ferry disaster. This was on Friday. On Thursday, my mailbox had stuff from the diaspora. I wish I could open my mailbox to the public. It would prove that ITD, Trotz, Persaud and SN were doing massive injustices to the Guyana diaspora. I did an entire column on a communication I received from a first-rate American scholar after he read my series on Rupert Roopnaraine. I got an email from a former American intelligence officer after he read my piece on Roopnaraine’s questionable politics. Were Trotz and Persaud telling the readers of SN that the diaspora was only interested in anti-government criti-

cism? I did two reviews of the autobiography of Moses Bhagwan and got emails from people, some positive, some negative. Someone close to Bhagwan asked me to openly address Bhagwan on his views on the 2020 general and regional elections. I chose not to do it because I concluded five years ago that Bhagwan had become politically corrupt like all WPA bigwigs from the 1970s, so he will go to his grave and not denounce the 2020 rigging. He wrote his autobiography at age 92 and did not mention it. Trotz and Persaud were simply wrong people. They still are. 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.

‘Look beyond the barrel’

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, September 27, 2026

— Minister Indar urges Guyanese businesses to tap opportunities in logistics, training, technical services, natural gas

GUYANESE businesses should look beyond direct participation in oil production and position themselves to capture opportunities emerging in logistics, specialised training, certification, transportation, warehousing, technical services and natural gas, Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar has said. Speaking at the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI)’s Ener-

gy Luncheon on Thursday, Indar said the expansion of Guyana’s petroleum sector has created a much wider ecosystem of economic activity that local businesses can leverage. The luncheon, held under the theme, “Beyond the Barrel – Oil, Gas, Growth and the Guyanese Contractor”, brought together business leaders, contractors, decision-makers and other industry stakeholders to examine what Guyanese companies

must do to compete and scale within the rapidly evolving sector. Indar urged businesses to examine the movement of people, equipment and services generated by petroleum activities, and identify opportunities along that value chain. These include training and certification, accommodation, catering, waste disposal, transportation, logistics, warehousing, equipment maintenance and other

specialised services. The Minister said oil and gas has served as a catalyst for wider economic expansion, pointing to the double-digit growth recorded in recent years, and the 33 per cent expansion of the economy during the first half of 2026. “In no part of Guyana’s history, since data capture started, has Guyana recorded sustained growth ever before,” Indar said. He said the economic impact of petroleum extends well beyond the sector itself. “It is the greatest prosperity that any country can witness. And you need to be happy about that. It’s not every day you have good news like that,” he said, adding: “As I started by saying, 2016 into 2019 was around four per cent. And it is because of that catalyst. And I call it the catalyst, because oil and gas is the catalytical thing that spawns the tentacles of economic development throughout.” TRAINING IS BUSINESS Indar pointed to the Local Content framework and expanded oil-and-gas training and education as measures taken by the Government to increase Guyanese participation in the sector. However, he said opportunities remain for private businesses to provide specialised training required by offshore workers. “A lot of the people, before they go on water, they have to have T-BOSIET training. They have OPITO training. They have to have STCW training. Before they even go on a helicopter or a boat or anything working out, they must have these training,” he said. “So, the first opportunity is such a training opportunity for businesses to train people,” he added. Accommodation and relocation services are another area for expansion, given the number of workers moving through Guyana to offshore operations. “Everybody that passes through Guyana, the back-toback, they have to come here; they have to be housed, and

then they have to be placed offshore,” Indar said. LOGISTICS, TRANSPORT AND WAREHOUSING Transportation and logistics also offer significant room for Guyanese businesses, the Minister said. “Transportation on land is big opportunity. Transportation by sea is another big opportunity where you have folks that are getting involved in PSV operations, tugboat operations,” he said. Indar also identified visa-processing and brokerage services associated with the movement of foreign workers as areas where businesses could find opportunities. “Brokerage, processing visas, all the people that come and work in there, they had to get visas to work. They have to move them around, carry them back. This opportunity is there,” he said. Warehousing is another growing requirement, including facilities capable of providing temperature-controlled storage. “You have certain kinds of warehousing. You have the one that is, you have to have cooling. You have the ones that are just normal temperature. But warehousing is a big thing,” Indar said. TECHNICAL SERVICES The Minister also encouraged businesses to explore more specialised technical services, including inspection, testing and certification. He explained that equipment and components used in offshore operations must undergo rigorous inspection and certification before they can be placed into service. “Every sling has to be certified and tested periodically. You have to certify those,” Indar said. “Every part, component part, changed on those vessels that are operating and equipment on shore… need to be tested and certified, or it cannot be put into operation.” Cleaning and maintenance of tanks and other heavy-duty equipment also represent potential business opportunities. “The cleaning of the tanks for all of the vessels.

All of those things are services that people need in the sector,” he said. Instrumentation and calibration are other specialised areas in which Indar said greater local capacity could be developed. “Instrumentation, everything has to be calibrated, tested. And it has to be done by competent authority,” he said. “We do not have people in Guyana that are doing this. Those are opportunities. If you are looking for where the opportunities are lying outside of the barrel, these are things.” OPPORTUNITIES IN NATURAL GAS Indar said the same approach should be taken as Guyana develops its natural-gas industry. Beyond supplying the Wales Gas-to-Energy project, he said natural gas presents opportunities for further monetisation through products and services that could support other industries. He identified cooking gas, fertiliser, isobutane and refrigerant gases among potential products, while compressed natural gas (CNG) could be utilised in transportation. Storage, dredging, pipeline maintenance and other supporting services could also provide opportunities as the natural-gas industry expands. “When you have more gas coming in, you have more monetisation and by-products of the molecules,” Indar said. “You have to extract those molecules and monetise them. And those are where the opportunities lie.” His message to the business community was that Guyana’s petroleum industry should not be viewed solely through oil production, but as a platform from which numerous supporting industries and services can develop. For Guyanese businesses, he said, identifying those needs and building the expertise and capacity to meet them will be key to capturing more of the opportunities created by the country’s continuing economic transformation.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, September 27, 2026

Guyanese media expert among 36 selected for India leadership programme A GUYANESE media and communications expert, Mr. Jainarine Deonauth, is among 36 young professionals from developing countries around the world who are currently participating in the International Management Development Programme on Effective Decision-making and Leadership in New Delhi, India. The course is being hosted by the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), and sponsored by the Indian Government through its flagship Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme. It will run from September 22 to October 5, 2026. The management development programme is designed specifically for mid to senior level managers seeking to strengthen their leadership effectiveness in increasingly complex and dynamic organisational environments. The programme aims to enhance participants’ analytical capabilities, strategic thinking and problem solving acumen by equipping them with structured frameworks, evidence-based tools, and practical methodologies for informed decision-making. Through a blend of expert sessions, case studies, simulations, and interactive discussions, the programme enables participants to critically evaluate information, manage uncertainty, balance competing priorities and make timely and sound decisions. By fostering both cognitive and behavioural competencies, the programme prepares managers to navigate organisational challenges, lead teams more effectively, and contribute to improved governance, performance, and long term institutional resilience. Mr. Deonauth, who currently serves as Communications Director at the University of Guyana, expressed his appreciation to the Government of India for providing the opportunity to participants to pursue the course, noting that it will help to upgrade their professional skills and build institutional capacity.

Mr. Jainarine Deonauth, Communications Director at the University of Guyana (first left, in kneeling position) with other participants of the course at the Lotus Temple in New Delhi M r. E r i c O p p o n g Amankwah, a participant from Ghana, said that India has proven to be a leader amongst developing countries in various areas of development and expressed that the Government of India should be commended for their generosity and willingness to share their expertise to the benefit of other countries. The ITEC programme is a premier bilateral capacity-building platform run by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. Instituted in September 1964, ITEC is a demand-driven, response-oriented programme that shares India's developmental expertise and technological achievements with partner nations across Asia, Africa, Latin America, Central and Eastern Europe, and the Pacific. Over the years, thousands of young professionals from around the world, including hundreds of Guyanese, have benefitted from the ITEC programme. ITEC resources have also been used for cooperation programmes conceived in regional and inter-regional context such as Economic Commission for Africa, Commonwealth Secretariat, UNIDO, Group of 77 and G-15. In more recent years, its activities have also been associated with regional and multilateral organisations and cooperation

groupings like Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC), African Union (AU), Afro-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO), Pan African Parliament, Caribbean Community (CARICOM), World Trade Organization (WTO) and Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC) and India-Africa Forum Summit. The ITEC programme has evolved and grown tremendously over the years. Under ITEC and its sister programme SCAAP (Special Commonwealth African Assistance Programme), 161 countries in Asia, Africa, East Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean as well as Pacific and Small Island countries are invited to share in the Indian developmental experience acquired over six decades of India's existence as a free nation. As a result of different activities under this programme, there is now a visible and growing awareness among other countries about the competence of India as a provider of technical knowhow and expertise as well as training opportunities, consultancy services and feasibility studies.

Mr. Jainarine Deonauth during a visit to the PM Gati Shakti National Master, a digital platform and national planning framework launched by the Government of India in October 2021 to bring together multiple infrastructure ministries and state governments for integrated project planning and coordinated execution

Minister Indar courts LATAM, Arajet as Guyana’s aviation market expands — points to 16 airlines, record visitor arrivals, CJIA expansion and potential South America–Africa links

The E-gates in CJIA’s immigration hall

MINISTER of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar has used a major regional aviation forum to pitch Guyana as an under-tapped market for international carriers, including LATAM and Arajet, as the country moves to expand its airport infrastructure, and develop new air links across Latin America, North America, and potentially Africa. Speaking during the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Latin America & Caribbean, held in Panama City, Panama, earlier this month, Indar told airline executives that Guyana’s rapid economic expansion has translated into significantly greater passenger movement, commercial activity and demand for airlift. He argued that those fundamentals have created room for additional carriers and new routes. His pitch came during a discussion on the next era of connectivity in Latin America and the Caribbean, alongside senior representatives of LATAM Airlines, Arajet, Iberia and aircraft manufacturer, Embraer. Indar specifically encouraged LATAM and Arajet to examine the Guyana market, telling the airline’s representatives: “I welcome Arajet and LATAM. You guys

can come and see.” The minister said airline planners should be looking beyond traditional markets and established routes to identify countries where economic activity and passenger traffic are expanding rapidly. Guyana, he argued, is one such market. According to Indar, only four major airlines, American Airlines, Caribbean Airlines, Copa Airlines, and Surinam Airways, were serving Guyana in 2020. He said that that figure has since climbed to 16 airlines, while passenger traffic has increased by approximately 400 per cent, using 2020 as the baseline. CAPA subsequently highlighted those figures in a separate report on his presentation. Guyana’s 2026 MidYear Report recorded 226,465 visitor arrivals during the first six months of this year, the highest half-year figure recorded to date, and 12 per cent above the corresponding period in 2025. The report said the increase was supported by a packed events calendar, including Guyana’s 60th Independence Anniversary activities. Airlift also increased during the first half of 2026, with daily service between Guyana and Toronto introduced by the end of the period, while

two additional cargo carriers entered the market. The report also showed the broader transport and storage subsector growing by 14.2 per cent during the first half of the year. Those developments are taking place against the backdrop of an economy that expanded by an estimated 33.3 per cent during the first half of 2026, while the non-oil economy grew by 10.1 per cent, driven principally by construction, services and mining. Full-year real Gross Domestic Product growth is projected at 20.8 per cent. Indar used that economic expansion to make the case that additional airlines would not simply be competing for an unchanged pool of passengers, but could tap into increasing demand generated by business, tourism, investment, events, and Guyana’s wider economic transformation. He also highlighted the pressure that limited capacity can place on travellers during periods of high demand, telling the CAPA panel that passengers travelling from Canada or the United States can struggle to secure seats at certain times, and may face economy fares reaching around US$2,200. He linked those spikes to seasonal demand and

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, September 27, 2026

Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar

One of the boarding bridges in service at the CJIA

limited available aircraft, arguing that increasing capacity and adding routes could help improve options for travellers. BEYOND TRADITIONAL ROUTES But Indar’s pitch went beyond simply adding another North American or Caribbean service. The minister urged aviation executives to reconsider the traditional structure of air travel between the Americas and Africa, where passengers frequently travel north through European hubs before continuing to their destination. He specifically pointed to potential traffic from countries including Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire, arguing that South America could increasingly serve as a gateway for passengers moving between Africa and the wider Americas. Guyana’s Atlantic location, he said, makes the wider discussion around new east-west connections particularly relevant. Indar did not announce a Guyana–Africa route, but made the case for airlines to explore whether changing passenger flows, transit restrictions and aircraft capabilities could make previously overlooked routes commercially viable. His comments came

as LATAM itself expands its links between South America and Africa. During the same CAPA discussion, LATAM Senior Vice-President for Network and Strategy Kamal Hadad outlined the airline’s strategy through its São Paulo-Guarulhos hub, which connects traffic from Brazil and several neighbouring South American markets with Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. H a d a d s a i d L ATAM's Cape Town service had performed strongly enough for the carrier to increase frequencies, providing an existing example of growing air connectivity between South America and Africa. For Guyana, Indar’s argument is that similar changes in route planning could eventually create opportunities for the country to feed into a larger South America–Africa network rather than remaining dependent primarily on established northbound connections. AIRPORT EXPANSION TO MATCH DEMAND The push for additional airlines is being accompanied by a significant expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). Indar told the CAPA forum that Guyana is

building a second terminal at CJIA as the country prepares for greater passenger and aircraft traffic. During the panel, he referred to the terminal as being about 160,000 square feet. Current government project documents describe the planned facility as approximately 150,000 square feet, with completion targeted for 2028. The 2026 Mid-Year Report shows that a €61.43 million financing agreement was signed with Banco Santander in June for the design and construction of the new arrivals terminal at CJIA. However, this expansion is not limited to the terminal. The airport’s main runway and Taxiway Charlie are also earmarked for reconstruction, while plans include a new inline baggage system, additional scanners and cameras, expanded aircraft parking and the relocation of the existing air traffic control tower. The tower relocation has become necessary because the present layout restricts expansion of the apron. Indar said earlier this year that aircraft movements have grown to the point where arriving planes can sometimes be forced to wait for parking space to become available. Reports indicate airTURN TO PAGE 15

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, September 27, 2026

New four-lane Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge to open within weeks – President Ali

President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali LINDENERS will be crossing the Demerara River on a new, toll-free four-lane bridge within weeks, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali announced during an address to the Guyanese Diaspora in Queens Village, New York, on Thursday evening. The president listed the project among major infrastructure works in the government’s second phase of development. “The reality is that in a couple of weeks, we will open the new four-lane Wismar Bridge,” the president said.

The US$35 million bridge replaces a crossing built by the Demerara Bauxite Company in 1966-1967 with a single-lane railway track, originally to move bauxite from the West Bank mines to the processing plant on the East Bank. Over the decades, the ageing structure became a bottleneck. The new 220-metre precast bridge is being built by China Railway Construction (Caribbean) Co Ltd. It mirrors the design of the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge, and will have four vehicular lanes and two pedestrian walkways, with

clear passage for hopper barges beneath. Roundabouts on both sides will link it to the Linden-Mabura Road and the wider highway network, and the connecting roads are being expanded to four lanes. The contract was signed in January 2024, and works started in April that year. The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Administration has also made the bridge toll-free, a policy decision aimed at cutting travel costs and improving regional connectivity. The bridge forms part of the road corridor to Brazil.

Minister Indar courts... FROM PAGE 14

craft movements increased from about 64,000 in 2020 to close to 100,000 by the end of 2025. Beyond CJIA, Guyana is also pursuing new airport developments at Rose Hall/Canje in Region Six and Lethem in Region Nine. The Region Six facility is intended to support the broader industrial and economic development planned for Berbice, while Lethem is being positioned to strengthen trade, tourism and connectivity

between northern Brazil, Guyana and the Caribbean. Taken together, the projects form part of a wider attempt to ensure that airport capacity does not become a constraint on the country's ability to attract airlines and develop new routes. For Indar, however, infrastructure is only one side of the equation. Airlines must also see sufficient and sustainable passenger demand before committing aircraft to new markets.

That was the central message behind his pitch to the aviation executives: Guyana believes that demand is increasingly there. With visitor arrivals at a record half-year level, the number of airlines serving the market up sharply from 2020, new cargo services entering the country and billions being committed to airport expansion, the government is now seeking to convert that growth into a broader network of destinations.

Roundabouts on both sides will link it to the Linden-Mabura Road and the wider highway network President Ali noted that more than 120 kilometres of the Linden-to-Brazil road have already been completed, with a second phase having been

awarded, and all the bridges along the route already done. The Kurupukari Bridge across the Essequibo River is next in line.

“These are not dreams; these are active projects that we must deliver,” the president said. [DPI]

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, September 27, 2026

Vandalised water networks in Stewartville, MMZ to be repaired

SECTIONS of the vandalised water distribution network at Stewartville and Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara, are to be repaired after damage to pipelines resulted in significant water wastage, low water pressure, and, in some cases, left residents without water. The intervention follows a visit by Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar to Stewartville East

and West, and Meten-MeerZorg Phase Two, where concerns surrounding the water supply were examined. Following the visit, contractors from the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) mobilised to the affected communities in preparation for repair works. The damaged sections of the distribution network have been identified as contribut-

ing to water wastage and reduced pressure experienced by residents. Repair works are expected to commence shortly to rectify the damaged network, and improve water pressure across the affected areas. Beyond the immediate intervention, plans are also moving ahead to strengthen the communities’ water supply through the drilling of two new wells.

Tenders are currently out for the drilling of one well at Stewartville and another at Meten-Meer-Zorg. The tender period is scheduled to close on October 6, 2026. The new wells are expected to provide additional water-production capacity and form part of efforts to improve the reliability of water supply to residents along the West Coast Demerara.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, September 27, 2026

Berbice women turning skills into livelihoods — Humanitarian Mission expands training in entrepreneurship, technology and practical skills

HUNDREDS of women across Berbice are being given opportunities to transform their lives through practical skills, entrepreneurship and education, as Humanitarian Mission Guyana Inc. continues to expand its training programmes. Operating from Port Mourant, Berbice, the non-profit organisation has positioned itself as an important avenue for women seeking to acquire marketable skills, become fi-

with education and practical opportunities, they are better positioned to change their circumstances and contribute meaningfully to their families and communities. The organisation’s guiding principle, “Every moment is a new beginning,” captures that philosophy and its emphasis on providing opportunities for people to learn, grow and start again. SKILLS FOR INDEPENDENCE The Mission currently offers a wide range of certi-

Executive Officer of Humanitarian Mission Guyana Inc. Suresh Sugrim told the Guyana Chronicle that the organisation would welcome collaboration with government agencies to further expand its training programmes. He stressed that the Mission’s approach is not centred on “handouts”, but on equipping women with the skills necessary to earn and build better lives for themselves. Several graduates, ac-

The next batch of students to graduate from the Mission nancially independent and create better opportunities for themselves and their families. In 2025 alone, 282 women graduated from programmes offered by the Mission, while another 120 graduated in July 2026. More than 100 women are expected to receive certification at another upcoming graduation ceremony. From cooking and cake decorating to sewing, hairstyling, information technology and even drone training, the Mission is helping women turn practical skills into potential livelihoods while building confidence and independence. Its programmes have attracted participants from across Regions Five and Six, including persons travelling from as far as Siparuta to access training. For Humanitarian Mission Guyana Inc., however, the work extends beyond simply teaching a skill. Its programmes are grounded in the belief that when people are provided

fied life-skills courses delivered by trained instructors. These include cooking, pastry making, cake decorating, basic and advanced nail technology, basic and advanced sewing, basic and advanced hairstyling, and basic and advanced information technology. Drone and cocktail-making classes have also been introduced, further widening the range of training available. Importantly, classes are conducted throughout the week, including Saturdays and Sundays. This flexibility caters particularly to women who must balance training with employment, childcare, household responsibilities and other commitments. For the Mission, every graduate represents more than another certificate issued. Each woman leaves with a skill that can potentially be transformed into employment, a small business or an additional source of income for her household. Secretary and Chief

cording to the organisation, have gone on to establish small businesses and contribute more substantially to their households. Sugrim believes the benefits of educating and empowering women extend far beyond the individual. “When we educate, we invest. And when we educate women, we are not only shaping individual success, we are building families, strengthening communities, and laying the foundation for nations,” he said. That philosophy, he explained, remains at the heart of the Mission’s work. MODERN TRAINING FACILITIES Supporting the growing programme are facilities and resources designed to give participants practical experience. The Mission is equipped with a Smart Sustainable Classroom, allowing technology to be incorporated into the learning environment. It also has a commercial kitchen provided through

the Greater Guyana Initiative, strengthening its capacity to deliver hands-on training in cooking, pastry making and other food-related disciplines. Photovoltaic solar panels have also been installed with support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). These investments have allowed the organisation to combine traditional skills training with modern technology and facilities, providing participants with practical experience that can better prepare them for

employment and entrepreneurship. As demand for training continues to grow, Humanitarian Mission Guyana Inc. is looking towards greater collaboration with government agencies, private-sector organisations and other partners. The organisation believes its existing training centre can be further utilised through partnerships to provide more Guyanese with access to skills development. Such collaboration, it believes, could expand

opportunities for women, young people and other vulnerable groups while complementing wider efforts to strengthen Guyana’s human-resource capacity. For the Mission, development is not measured solely by physical infrastructure, but also by investment in people. Providing someone with a practical skill, it maintains, can create a lifelong opportunity to earn, provide for a family and contribute to the development of the wider community.

Gov’t exploring more solar incentives for households

THE Government is exploring additional incentives, including possible solar rebates and other fiscal measures, to encourage more Guyanese households to generate renewable energy and further reduce their electricity costs, Pres-

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, September 27, 2026

ident Dr. Irfaan Ali has disclosed. The move could build on the National Grid-Connected Solar Programme, which is already targeting 5,000 households in its initial phase, and allows homeowners to generate electricity

for their own use and feed excess power into the national grid. During a recent sit-down interview with News Room, President Ali said the Government is examining different models as it looks for ways to incentivise house-

The move could build on the National Grid-Connected Solar Programme, which is already targeting 5,000 households in its initial phase and allows homeowners to generate electricity for their own use and feed excess power into the national grid hold-level renewable energy generation. “We are also now looking at different ideas and models,” the President said, pointing to approaches used internationally. “You know, some countries have the rebate programme on solar; the grid tie-in programme. So, there are a number of other initiatives that we are looking at to incentivise the household at the household level that will bring them even further savings and create other fiscal incentives for them to be self-generating, but in a renewable way,” Ali said. The President did not provide details on the value of any potential rebate or additional fiscal incentives, eligibility requirements, or when those measures could be introduced. However, Guyana has already started laying the groundwork for greater household participation in renewable-energy generation through the National Grid-Connected Solar Programme. The Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) announced earlier this year that the initial phase of the programme is targeting 5,000 homes, with the initiative designed to allow households to generate their own electricity, while reducing their dependence on the national grid,

and lowering monthly electricity bills. Under the programme, solar panels generate electricity during daylight hours for use within the home, while additional electricity required by the household can still be supplied by the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL). Where a household generates more electricity than it requires, that excess power can be fed into the national grid. Homeowners can then receive credits through the billing mechanism, and, depending on the amount of electricity generated and consumed, could receive payments for excess generation. The system utilises bi-directional meters, which allow electricity to flow both to and from the grid. According to information previously released by the Department of Public Information, GPL has established a fast-tracked approval process for participants, with the bi-directional meters being provided at no additional cost to customers. Financing arrangements have also been developed to improve household access to the programme. The GEA has partnered with local financial institutions, including commercial banks and the New Building Society, with estimated monthly financing payments

ranging from $7,000 to $26,000, depending on the arrangement. GEA Chief Executive Officer, DrMahender Sharma had previously explained that a five-kilowatt solar system, estimated to cost approximately $1.2 million, could generate electricity valued at roughly $28,000 per month, helping households offset their electricity costs. President Ali's latest comments now signal that the Government is considering going further by examining additional incentives that could make household investment in renewable energy more attractive. He linked the approach to the administration's wider commitment to reduce household electricity costs while ensuring that Guyana continues to advance its renewable-energy targets. The proposed incentives, once developed, could therefore complement the existing grid-connected programme by addressing one of the major considerations for households seeking to install solar systems — the upfront cost of making the investment. Ali, however, made clear that the additional measures remain under consideration, with the Government still examining the models that could be adopted.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, September 27, 2026

16 young Guyanese awarded in ChinaGuyana youth-leadership competition — students turn ideas into sustainability, education projects

SIXTEEN young Guyanese have been recognised for their achievements in the China-Guyana Friendship Youth Leadership Development (YLD) Competition, with participants using the initiative to develop practical projects addressing issues within their schools and communities. The students received their awards during the fifth awards ceremony for the initiative, which challenges participants in four areas: a physical challenge, a community-based project, a critique of a work of art and an oral presentation. Among this year ’s awardees was President’s College student Romario Wolfe, who used his community project to transform an underutilised section of his school through sustainable landscaping. “My project aims to improve an underused area of my school by planting ornamental flowers in this garden. I wanted to make this space more attractive, but also show how creative reuse can support sustainability, learning and student responsibility,” Wolfe explained. The project incorporated discarded tyres and plants to transform the space while demonstrating how materials commonly regarded as waste can be reused. Wolfe said one of the

Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Yang Yang presents a trophy to President’s College student Romario Wolfe during the fifth China-Guyana Friendship Youth Leadership Development Competition awards ceremony

lessons from the project was that improving the environment does not always require expensive resources. Instead, he said, meaningful changes can begin with materials already available. “It shows students that sustainability can involve using materials we already have in creative reuse. Instead of only learning about reuse and recycling, students can also see an example of reuse in their own environment,” Wolfe said. He explained that the project also demonstrates that sustainability is not simply something students have to discuss in the classroom, but can be practised in their everyday surroundings.

LEARNING OUTSIDE CLASSROOM Wolfe said the addition of plants and repurposed tyres brought colour and structure to the previously overlooked area while leaving room for further development. “Students spend most of their days at school, so the appearance of the surroundings matters. A well-kept space can also encourage students to feel proud of their school and dedicated work,” he said. According to Wolfe, improving the environment is therefore not simply about making the school more attractive, but creating spaces to which students feel connected. He also highlighted the educational value of the project, explaining that

Guyana’s 2026 top CSEC performer and former Youth Leadership Development Competition participant Nitya Narine (Elton John photos)

planting, watering and observing plants can provide practical lessons across several subject areas. Students can learn about plant growth and maintenance through agriculture, explore colour and creativity through art and design, use measurements and calculations through mathematics, and discuss environmental responsibility through social studies. Wolfe also stressed that students have a responsibility to maintain the spaces by watering plants, removing weeds and keeping the surroundings clean. “When students are given an opportunity to create and care for their environment, they can move from simply being

users of the school to becoming caretakers of it,” he said. “To conclude, this project shows that a small change can have several benefits.” MAKING MATHS ENGAGING Former YLD participant and Guyana’s 2026 top Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) performer Nitya Narine was also present at the ceremony and reflected on how the competition influenced her own development. As part of her community project at Tagore Memorial Secondary School, Narine conducted a study to better understand students’ attitudes towards mathematics. Her research found

that 70 per cent of the students surveyed had failed their previous mathematics tests, 22 per cent did not participate in their mathematics classes and 66 per cent believed the subject was not important. At the same time, Narine discovered that some students enjoyed solving puzzles and participating in hands-on activities. Those findings led her to develop mathematics kits for classes at her school. The kits included puzzles created by Narine, mathematical sets, Rubik’s cubes, jigsaw puzzles, mathematical problems and markers. “My goal was to encourage students to develop a greater appreciation for mathematics by making learning more interactive, enjoyable and engaging,” Narine said. “This project taught me that even a small initiative, guided by a genuine desire to help others, can create opportunities for positive change.” The China-Guyana Friendship YLD Competition targets students in Grades Eight, Nine and 10 and is supported by the Ministry of Education’s Unit of Allied Arts. Through its combination of academic, physical, community and presentation challenges, the initiative is designed to strengthen participants’ leadership, civic, academic and interpersonal skills.

Gold miner arrested with suspected cannabis at Bartica

A 52-year-old gold miner is in police custody following the discovery of 110.6 grammes of suspected cannabis at Five Miles Junction, Bartica, on Friday. According to the police, ranks were conducting a

mobile patrol in the Five Miles area at approximately 16:30hrs on September 25, 2026, when they intercepted a motor vehicle at the junction. The vehicle was occupied by a 32-year-old taxi driver and the 52-year-old gold

miner. Police said a search was conducted, during which the older passenger was allegedly found in possession of a bulky black parcel. The parcel reportedly contained three transparent

packages with leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis. The gold miner was subsequently arrested and taken to the Bartica Police Station along with the suspected narcotics. Police said the substance was weighed in the suspect’s presence and amounted to 110.6 grammes. The man remains in police custody as investigations continue.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, September 27, 2026

The parcel reportedly contained three transparent packages with leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, September 27, 2026

Rotaract adopts sensory room at David Rose Special School — initiative to support sensory learning, literacy development for 214 children

THE Rotaract Club of Georgetown Central (RCGC) has adopted a sensory room at the David Rose Special School as it expands its long-standing literacy initiative to better support children with special education needs. The initiative forms part of the 12th edition of the club’s Project R.E.A.D.— Read Everyday And Discover—which this year is focusing on sensory learning under the theme “READ-Regulate”. RCGC President for the 2026-2027 Rotary year, Tevianne Griffith, told the Guyana Chronicle that the initiative reflects the club’s belief that every child deserves a space where they can learn, explore, express themselves and thrive. She said READ-Regulate combines literacy activities, sensory-friendly spaces and community collaboration to support children with special education needs. “This year we’re also going to be undertaking an initiative where we’re adopting the sensory room or the SEN unit at the David Rose Special School,” Griffith said. “We would have [sic] done a needs assessment, reached out to the Ministry of Education as well, and we were advised that this is something that we can definitely embark on to impact the 214 children that are enrolled at the David Rose Special School.” Following the needs assessment, Griffith said the club identified a range of items, including tools, toys and other equipment that could support the development of the sensory space. Some of those items have already been purchased and work has begun to equip the room. The club intends to continue upgrading the space throughout the current Rotary year, which began on July 1, 2026 and runs until the end of June 2027. Griffith said there is also potential for the ini-

tiative, once successful, to provide useful lessons for the development of similar sensory-friendly spaces elsewhere. “We are more than happy to collaborate with the Ministry of Education, the David Rose Special School, our major donors, CNOOC, which is [the] China National Offshore Oil Company, Bowen’s Experience Cooperation; those are our major donors for this leg of the project, this 12th edition, and we are extremely excited to be able to impact the lives of the children at the school,” she said. THREE-PHASE PROJECT READ-Regulate is being implemented in three phases. The first involves the adoption and initial outfitting of the sensory room, while the second was a Literacy Games Day. Both activities were completed on Saturday. The third phase is expected to be held virtually on Monday and will focus on empowering teachers and parents of children with special education needs (SEN). Griffith said educational and literacy specialists will be invited to provide practical guidance to parents and teachers. “We’re going to bring in some of the educational experts or literacy experts, whether it be lecturers that [sic] have been trained in this space, to give teachers and parents tips and tricks on how to better help the children learn at school, as well as at home, and develop strategies with them as well,” she explained. Asked whether RCGC could eventually work with the Ministry of Education to support the development of other sensory-friendly spaces, Griffith said the possibility could be explored. “It’s something we can look into, and Mr Cheong, who’s the Chief Education Officer, he did express the

need for it to be a sustainable project,” she said. “So what we’re focusing on right now is the year that we have to create an impact right now throughout this Rotary year.” Griffith noted that Project R.E.A.D. has been sustained by the club for 12 years and said future RCGC leadership could continue supporting the initiative where opportunities exist. Through this year’s programme, the club hopes to combine its traditional focus on literacy with an environment designed to better respond to the different learning needs of children at the David Rose Special School.

Part of the sensory room at the David Rose Special School adopted by the Rotaract Club of Georgetown Central through the 12th edition of its Project R.E.A.D. initiative

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, September 27, 2026

Mechanic jailed Gunman robs security officer for felonious of firearm, ammunition wounding

POLICE are investigating an armed robbery in which a security officer was allegedly held at gunpoint and robbed of his firearm and ammunition while on duty at a bar on North Road, Georgetown. The incident occurred

at approximately 20:30hrs on Friday, September 25, 2026. According to the police, the 40-year-old security officer, who resides at East La Penitence, was on duty at the bar when he was approached by a man known

to him. The suspect allegedly pointed a handgun at the security officer and demanded that he hand over his firearm. The security officer complied and surrendered a 9mm pistol, along with

10 matching rounds of ammunition. Police said the suspect then fled the scene on foot, heading south along Wellington Street. No arrests have been made as investigations continue.

Cuban nationals robbed at gunpoint after boarding car

TWO Cuban nationals were robbed at gunpoint after boarding a motorcar to travel to Wales on Friday evening, police have reported. The victims, ages 41 and 29, both factory workers, were robbed between 19:30hrs and 20:00hrs in the

vicinity of Stanleytown, West Bank Demerara. According to a police release, the men boarded a silver-grey motorcar that was reportedly heading to Wales. At the time, one of the suspects was seated in the front passenger seat. Police said that while the

vehicle was in the Stanleytown area, the suspect allegedly pulled out a handgun and demanded the victims’ belongings. The men were relieved of two cellular phones, a wristwatch, a wallet, and a total of G$8,000 in cash. The victims were then in-

structed to exit the vehicle, after which the suspects drove away. Police have identified CCTV cameras in the area and said footage will be reviewed as part of the investigation. No arrests have been made and investigations are ongoing.

AILED: Orlando Simpson

A 42-year-old mechanic has been sentenced to two years and six months in prison after pleading guilty to a felonious wounding charge. Orlando Simpson, also known as ‘Lepo’, of Foulis Village, East Coast Demerara, was arrested on Thursday, September 24, 2026, in connection with the alleged offence. He was subsequently charged on Friday, September 25,

with felonious wounding, contrary to Section 57(a) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01. Simpson appeared later that day before Magistrate Caressa Henry at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court, where the charge was read to him. He pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to two years and six months’ imprisonment.

Two arrested after businessman robbed at gunpoint in Nandy Park TWO men are in police custody following the alleged armed robbery of a 35-year-old businessman at Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara, on Friday night. The robbery occurred at approximately 20:20hrs while the Peters Hall businessman was walking along a street in Nandy Park with a friend. According to the police, the pair was approached by two men on a black motorcycle. The pillion rider reportedly dismounted and pointed what appeared to be a handgun at the businessman before relieving him of a dark

blue iPhone 14 Plus and G$10,000 in cash. The suspect then reportedly rejoined the motorcycle and the two men fled the area. Police ranks subsequently conducted checks in the area, which led to the arrest of two labourers, ages 24 and 22, both of Industrial Site, Ruimveldt. The men were taken to the Providence Police Station, where they remain in custody pending further investigations. Police said several persons were questioned, and CCTV footage from the area was reviewed as part of the investigation. Investigations are ongoing.

Guyana now has 102 trained EV, hybrid technicians SUNDAY CHRONICLE, September 27, 2026

— public charging stations to increase from nine to 24 by year’s end

GUYANA now has 102 locally trained technicians capable of maintaining and re p a i r i n g e l e c t r i c and hybrid vehicles, following the graduation of another 25 auto-electricians and mechanical technicians from the Guyana Energy Agency’s (GEA) specialised training programme. The GEA, which falls under the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), on Friday marked the completion of its fifth Electric Vehicle/Hybrid Maintenance and Repairs training programme. The latest training was conducted from September 14 to 18 and September 21 to 24, 2026, at the Mahaicony Technical and Vocational Training Centre (MTVTC). Permanent Secretary in the OPM Dr Alfred King, delivering the feature address, said the GEA had previously supported the training of 77 auto-electricians and mechanical technicians in the maintenance and repair of electric and hybrid vehicles. With the addition of the latest 25 graduates, that figure has increased to 102, further strengthening the pool of local technicians capable of providing specialised services as Guyana’s electric mobility sector expands. According to the GEA, the initiative supports the government’s broader thrust to expand opportunities in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), while equipping the local workforce with the skills required to respond to developments

Permanent Secretary Dr Alfred King, flanked by GEA officials and the 25 graduates at the closing ceremony on Friday

in electric mobility. The programme also aligns with the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 and Guyana’s wider transition towards more sustainable energy and transportation systems. GEA Chief Executive Officer Dr Mahender Sharma encouraged the graduates to maintain discipline as they move from the training environment into the workplace. He urged them to remain diligent and committed while applying the knowledge and practical skills acquired during their electromobility training. GEA Board Director Dr Vivian Lam said the new cohort represents another opportunity to support the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles in Guyana. He noted that the graduates now possess specialised skills in maintaining and repairing these vehicles and could become part of the country’s emerging e-mobility workforce. Lam also pointed to increasing government investment and financing opportunities, including through TURN TO PAGE 26

Guyana now has 102...

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institutions such as the Guyana Development Bank, and encouraged the graduates to consider entrepreneurship within the sector. MORE CHARGING STATIONS Meanwhile, King said the expansion of the skilled workforce is taking place alongside continued investment in the infrastructure needed to support electric vehicles.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, September 27, 2026

Guyana currently has nine publicly accessible electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in Regions Three, Four, Five, Six and 10. That network is expected to expand to 24 publicly accessible charging stations by the end of 2026. The existing stations are located at Amazonia Mall, Providence; Giftland Mall, East Coast Demerara; S&R Parking Lot, Parika;

Eugene F Correia International Airport, East Coast Demerara; the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri; Little Rock Suites, New Amsterdam; outside the GEA’s Head Office on Quamina Street, Georgetown; the Mahaicony Technical and Vocational Training Centre; and the Linden Electricity Company Inc. The Mahaicony facility combines a

60-kilowatt EV charger with a 15-kilowatt grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) system incorporated into a solar carport. The installation demonstrates how renewable energy can be integrated into transportation infrastructure, while expanding public charging facilities beyond Georgetown and the East Bank Demerara corridor. EV CHARGING

USE CLIMBS King also pointed to increased use of Guyana’s EV charging infrastructure as an indication of growing demand. Between January and July 2026, monthly charging sessions increased from 231 to 744. Over the same period, the amount of electricity dispensed monthly rose from 4,186.48 kilowatt-hours (kWh) to 20,999.36 kWh. By the end of July, 6,580 charging sessions had been recorded since the charging network was introduced, with 87,348.39 kWh of electricity dispensed. There were also 1,540 registered accounts on the Flash Charge EV application. “These numbers tell us something important: people are using the infrastructure and demand is increasing. They also tell us that the transition to electric mobility is not simply about purchasing vehicles,” King said. “It requires a complete supporting eco-

system, dependable charging stations, renewable energy integration, electrical and safety standards, digital systems, trained technicians, informed consumers and institutions that can continue developing the necessary skills.” The latest cohort underwent classroom-based and practical training covering the essential skills required to maintain and repair electric and hybrid vehicles. Training included safely opening EV battery packs, identifying and diagnosing faulty battery cells and learning the correct procedures for repair and re-assembly. Following successful completion of the programme, participants are to receive internationally recognised certification from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) at Levels Three and Four. The capacity-building programme forms part of efforts under the LCDS 2030 to develop the technical workforce required to support Guyana’s expanding electric mobility sector

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, September 27, 2026

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday, September 27, 2026) CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD., 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel:225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Eight centuries (2) Three five-wicket hauls Today’s Quiz: (1) Who struck the most sixes in CPL 2026? (2) Who struck the most sixes in a single innings? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

ENGLISH RACING TIPS EPSOM DOWNS 08:37 hrs Regal Tiger 09:12 hrs Quite Cheeky 09:47 hrs Blue Noon 10:22 hrs Seeking

Charles 10:57 hrs Matins 11:32 hrs Thanos 12:07 hrs Musical Angel FFOS LAS 08:19 hrs Sub Thirteen 08:49 hrs Rhodes Runner 09:24 hrs Call Time 09:59 hrs Campeona 10 :34 hrs Silent Force 11:09 hrs Homeland 11:44 hrs Kaleidoscope Eyes 12:19 hrs Wellwhatshappenin SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS TURFFONTEIN 08:00 hrs Up And Up 08:35 hrs Merryweather 09:10 hrs Be My Fate 09:45 hrs Perfect Sky 10:20 hrs Social Graces IRISH RACING TIPS CURRAGH 08:25 hrs Hmas Perth 09:00 hrs Breath Of Paradise 09:35 hrs Soul Love 10:10 hrs Valentino Eclipse 10:45 hrs Curracloe 11:20 hrs The Reverend 11:55 hrs Romance 12:30 hrs Justenzia

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, September 27, 2026

Bears beat Leicestershire to secure ninth County Championship title

WARWICKSHIRE completed their ninth County Championship title triumph as they took the final seven Leicestershire wickets they needed to claim victory by an innings and 79 runs. Top Bears wicket-taker Ethan Bamber appropriately claimed the final scalp at a sun-kissed Edgbaston to finish with 5-52 and match figures of 9-94, well backed by former England all-rounder Chris Woakes (3-38).

The three-day win was enough to earn the hosts their first county title since 2021 and their fourth in the 21st century. (Rothesay County Championship, Division O n e , Ed g b as to n ( d ay three) Leicestershire 125: Bamber 4-42, Woakes 3-20 & 168: Scriven 49, Budinger 47; Bamber 5-52, Woakes 3-38 Warwickshire 372: Hain 142, Barnard 88; A Patel 3-78

Warwickshire (22 pts) beat Leicestershire (3 pts) by an innings and 79 runs Tom Scriven hit 49 to at least help the relegation-bound Foxes into the afternoon session, but he could do nothing to halt the Bears' fantastic charge of five wins in six matches over the final run-in, three of them by an innings. Leicestershire, for all their off-field woes, proved stiffer opposition - to the extent of their last pair taking the game into

an eighth session. Resuming at 55-3, Leicestershire were dealt a huge early blow when Woakes removed main dangerman Sol Budinger for 47, with only four added to his overnight tally. Bowling round the wicket, Woakes brought an unplayable delivery back from outside off stump to hit the top of middle. In his next but one over, Woakes had Jonny Tattersall caught by Rob

Yates at second slip. Then, just three balls later, it was Bamber's turn as he had Leicestershire's first-innings top scorer Ben Cox caught by Sam Hain at first slip. Bamber struck again four overs later when Will Young hung onto an amazing one-hander high to his left at third slip to dismiss Ben Green. Captain Ian Holland added a further 35 with Scriven before being trapped in front by Bears

skipper Ed Barnard, and the ninth-wicket pair added 22 more to delay lunch by half an hour, but India Test spinner Manav Soutar removed Ajaz Patel's off stump with a vicious turner. The Foxes battled hard to at least take the game into the afternoon but, with Scriven cruelly one short of a deserved 50, Bamber quickly wrapped it up by clean bowling him to start another Edgbaston party.

casing our region as one of the great cricketing regions of world cricket. Hosting the 2026 tournament in the Caribbean before its return to Canada next year marks the beginning of a partnership that can facilitate the continued development of Canadian cricket while showcasing our region as one of the great cricketing regions of world cricket. 2026 tournament in the Caribbean before its return to Canada next year marks the beginning of a partnership that can facilitate the continued development of Canadian cricket while showcasing our region as one of the great cricketing regions of world cricket. “As the only full member of the ICC in the hemisphere, we believe it is important to forge mutually beneficial relationships with ICC Associate Members across the

region, for the health of the game and, indeed, for the continued development of West Indies cricket,” Dehring said. President of Cricket Canada, Arvinder Khosa also lauded the initiative. “NCL GT20 is fundamentally a Canadian tournament, and the Caribbean provides a special home for our 2026 edition. This is about much more than taking a tournament to another country for one season. It is about building a bridge between Canadian and West Indies cricket, connecting players, administrators, fans and commercial partners. “We thank Cricket West Indies for their support in delivering this tournament in the Caribbean. When NCL GT20 returns to Canada next year, we want to bring those relationships with us and create a lasting pathway be-

tween the Caribbean and Canada,” Khosa said. Meanwhile, Minister of Youth, Sports, Culture and Creative Industries for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Kaschaka Cupid said the island was set to benefit significantly from hosting the tournament. “We welcome the opportunity to host the NCL GT20 League in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. “Bringing world-class sporting events to our shores is a major part of my mandate, and I am delighted that we can respond favourably to the request to host this historic event in the Caribbean,” Cupid said. “We look forward to working with the NCL GT20 and all stakeholders to deliver an outstanding event and a memorable experience for players, fans and visitors alike.

delighted their home supporters with a decisive triumph over Team Dungeon. At 11:30hrs, VP XI came through a tight finish against Maverick All-Stars to keep their tournament hopes alive.

mark, comfortably outplaying GLC All Stars. Housing Warriors maintained the momentum at 11:30hrs, putting together a cohesive team performance to dispatch Royal Raptors. In the 13:30hrs fixture, Stripling Warriors executed well to eliminate Team RAP. Capping off Saturday's 16-match marathon at 15:30hrs, Avinash All-Stars produced a disciplined performance against Hope Estate CC, defending their total with precision to secure the final spot in Sunday's draw. With 16 teams eliminated and 16 survivors advancing, the stage is set for a thrilling Sunday, September 27, as the Round of 16 takes centre stage across two grounds. At the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) in Georgetown,

action bowls off at 09:30hrs when Pure Entertainment faces Intruders. At 11:30hrs, defending champions Titans Rams take on Phantom XI, and the 13:30hrs fixture features FC ER Gladiators taking on Diamond Gunners, before SVC/ AJM CC clash with TG Titans at 15:30hrs. C o n c u r re n t l y a t t h e Lusignan ground, hosts Better Hope CC tackle VP XI at 09:30hrs, followed by a blockbuster clash between Team Upsetterz and Team Corruption at 11:30hrs. At 13:30hrs, Dream 11 All-Stars take on Housing Warriors, before Stripling Warriors clash with Avinash All-Stars at 15:30hrs to determine who moves one step closer to national glory.

Canada to stage T20 tournament in Caribbean

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – Canadian T20 franchise NCL GT20 Canada is set to hold its 2026 edition in St. Vincent and the Grenadines beginning next month. The staging is designed to deepen cricketing, developmental and commercial ties between Canada and the West Indies, with Cricket Canada and Cricket West Indies (CWI) working together to bring Canadian, Caribbean and international talent on one platform. The tournament provides an opportunity to strengthen player pathways between Canada and the Caribbean, while building relationships that can continue when the tournament returns to Canada next year. Under the collaborative framework, CWI will play an important role in governance, compliance, and regulatory

CEO of CWI, Chris Dehring (centre) and President of Cricket Canada, Arvinder Khosa (second right) shake hands during a recent meeting coordination and will also hold a direct franchise investment. The structure reflects a broader objective of creating sustainable sporting and commercial connections across the Americas, while maintaining strong standards of administration and competition. Chief executive officer at CWI, Chris Dehring praised the collaborative effort, say-

ing it would benefit all parties involved. “NCL GT20 Canada, together with the deep cricketing tradition of the West Indies, creates an exciting opportunity for collaboration. Hosting the 2026 tournament in the Caribbean before its return to Canada next year marks the beginning of a partnership that can facilitate the continued development of Canadian cricket while show-

DCC and Lusignan set for Round of 16 blockbusters...

THE Georgetown and East Coast Demerara zonal leg of the Lotto/Let’sBet One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast exploded into action on Saturday, September 26, 2026, delivering high-stakes knockout cricket, ruthless boundary hitting, and clinical bowling performances across four premier venues. With a coveted berth in the national grand finale and the ultimate G$2 million top prize hanging in the balance, 32 teams produced non-stop drama across 16 elimination fixtures hosted at Malteenoes Sports Club, the Ogle Ground, Better Hope Community Centre, and the Lusignan Ground. At the Malteenoes Sports Club, the morning action opened with Pure Entertainment putting on a commanding all-round

performance against M.O.P.W – Marvels to secure the first Round of 16 ticket of the day. In the 11:30hrs encounter, Intruders flexed their big-match muscle, overcoming the Guyana Police Force Academy in a fast-paced chase driven by aggressive middle-order hitting. As the afternoon rolled in at 13:30hrs, Phantom XI showed cool composure under pressure to knock out GPL. The venue's marquee match at 15:30hrs saw defending champions Titans Rams state their firm intention to retain the crown, dominating Kuru Kururu Top Strikers with an authoritative performance with both bat and ball to book their place in Sunday's knockout bracket. Over at the Ogle ground, the boundary ropes were tested early

and often. At 09:30hrs, FC ER Gladiators set the early standard with a high-tempo victory over Strikers. Diamond Gunners followed at 11:30hrs, producing a ruthless power-hitting display to surge past Vipers All-Stars. At 13:30hrs, a revamped Tourism Guyana Titans (TG Titans) squad dominated Parliament Rangers with clinical execution. Closing out the action at Ogle at 15:30hrs, tournament heavyweights SVC/AJM CC held their nerve in a fiercely contested clash against Super Strikers, pulling away in the closing overs to complete the venue's qualification quota. The Better Hope Community Centre ground witnessed intense battles throughout the day, when hosts Better Hope CC

Team Upsetterz then displayed sharp tactical intelligence at 13:30hrs, using disciplined bowling to restrict Fusion AllStars and seal a crucial victory. The 15:30hrs finale at Better Hope featured star-studded Team Corruption going toe to toe with Young Rivals Sports Club, with Team Corruption unleashing an array of big hits to overpower their rivals and advance in style. At the Lusignan Community Centre ground, Dream 11 All Stars set an aggressive bench-

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, September 27, 2026

Indonesia’s Abhiram Singh Yadav elected to ICC Chief Executives Committee

INDONESIA’S Abhiram Singh Yadav has been elected to the International Cricket Council’s Chief Executives Committee (CEC), as an Associate member representative. Cricbuzz had reported on September 13 that Yadav was among the contenders for the position. He will occupy one of the three CEC positions reserved for Associate members of the world governing body. Yadav replaces Gurumurthy Palani, who was earlier elected to the ICC Board. He will hold the position until June 2027, when fresh elections will

be held for a two-year term. Yadav was one of four candidates in the fray in the online election, which was held over the last three days. He beat a field that included Sarah Gomersall, Chief Executive Officer of Jersey Cricket, and Vignesh Sankaran, vice-president of Germany’s Deutscher Cricket Bund. Yadav, who is spearheading the development of an ambitious cricket facility in Bali, polled 30 of the 43 total votes. Gomersall received nine, while Sankaran secured three. Meanwhile, the newly elected representative has

Abhiram SIngh Yadav replaces Gurumurthy Palani, who was elected to the ICC Board pledged to work in close collaboration with ICC Chairman Jay Shah. “I have tremendous respect for the leadership, ener-

gy and ambition Mr. Jay Shah has brought to world cricket. He has consistently encouraged the game to think beyond its traditional

boundaries - about new markets, new generations, women’s cricket, innovation and the enormous possibilities that lie ahead for our sport. “For Associates, that matters enormously. Mr. Shah has recognised the vital role Associate Members can play in cricket’s global expansion. We should respond to that confidence with ambition and action. “As a CEC member, I am ready to work constructively with Mr. Shah, the ICC Board, CEC, ICC management and Members to help advance those am-

bitions. Associate Members should not simply be beneficiaries of cricket’s global growth. We should be active partners in helping deliver it,” he said, reacting to his election. With his win, Yadav became the third Associate representative on the ICC board. Gurdeep Klair of Canada and Anuraag Bhatnagar of Hong Kong China are the other two members on the board, which also includes the 12 Full Members. The CEC is chaired by ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta. Shah is its ex officio member. (Cricbuzz)

Anna Regina Stadium, Joe Jagmohan venues in good shape for IMC Over-40s World Cup - Tournament’Director Raj Singh

AFTER an inspection on Tuesday last, the Anna Regina Stadium and the Joe Jagmohan Hampton Court venues are in good shape for the 2026 International Masters Cricket (IMC) O v e r- 4 0 s Wo r l d C u p championship, according to Tournament Director Raj Singh. Both facilities are located on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam). The 45-over, 16-nation tournament is set to commence October 17 and will conclude October 31. This second edition is being run by the IMC in collaboration with Cricket West Indies Masters Asso-

ciation (CWIMA). Matches are scheduled for the other two counties Demerara and Berbice as well at various venues. Singh, who is also the Chairman of CWIMA, stated that both venues were inspected thoroughly and just one and two minor works are required to finish off before the four preliminary-round games taking place there on October 24 & 25. West Indies and Canada will clash on Saturday, October 24 at the Stadium while on the same day at Joe Jagmohan ground, Namibia will do battle with Wales. And then on Sunday, October 25, the West Indies

Raj Singh, third from right, with the ground staff Group B teams are: New Zealand, England, Pakistan, Scotland, USA, India, Rest of the World X1 and the Rest of the Caribbean Team. Singh was accompanied by Deputy Police Commissioner of the Guyana Police

will face off with Wales at Anna Regina with the Canadians and Namibia meeting up at Joe Jagmohan. In addition to these four teams, Australia, Colombia, Sri Lanka and defending champions South Africa comprise Group A.

Force Simon McBean. “We had good visits of the two venues and both are looking in good shape; our main job was to conduct an onsite inspection of the general layout and flow of both facilities and to develop a security & escort services plan for all the players and match officials during their stay on the Essequibo Coast. Further, I can assure the fans that these two wonderful grounds [are] ready to host these four historic matches in Essequibo; I am also definitely pleased and satisfied with the work being done to put them in readiness,” Singh related. Last July the Anna Regina Stadium was officially

opened by President of Guyana Dr. Mohammed Irfaan Ali after it was upgraded from a community centre ground to a modernised facility, meeting international standards. Since its opening , few local matches were played both in the days and under floodlights. The Joe Jagmohan ground at Hampton Court village began functioning two years ago. Domestic matches are played there on a regular basis, while the Essequibo Cricket Board along with the Guyana Cricket Board has been utilising the facility to run off several inter-county matches.

"But you are playing 2.5 T20 games in one day. And to maintain that intensity for 10 games in a big tournament and World Cup is a big ⁠deal. Also now, it's in foreign conditions. It takes a lot out of you." Former captain Rohit Sharma, who also plays only ODIs for India, said he remained fully motivated by ⁠ orld the prospect of another W Cup campaign. "The thought will never

cross my mind that the business I had is finished," Rohit said. "As long as you're playing, there is always something to look forward to. ⁠And I'm looking forward to the World Cup." Kohli and Rohit were both named in India's squad for the three-match ODI series against West Indies. The opening match will be played in Thiruvananthapuram today (Reuters)

Kohli says 2027 World Cup will be his last for India

VIRAT Kohli said next year's 50-overs World Cup would be his last for India and he is ready to give his all to help lift the trophy. Kohli, the leading century-maker in ODIs with 54 hundreds, retired from T20 internationals and Test cricket earlier and now represents India only in the 50-over format. tionals, second only to Sachin Tendulkar's 18,426, won the World Cup on home

Virat Kohli says 2027 World Cup will be his last soil in 2011 before suffering defeat in the 2023 final

against Australia. The 2027 edition, to be jointly hosted by South ⁠Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in October to November, will be Kohli's fifth ODI World Cup. "For me, it's the last World Cup I'm going to play for India," Kohli told broadcaster JioStar on Saturday. "That is my motivation and like, you know, to leave everything out there. And of course, the goal is absolutely

to win the World Cup and whatever it takes, I'm absolutely ready." Kohli said the demands of a 50-over World Cup made it one of cricket's toughest challenges, particularly with the tournament set to be played away from home. "The intensity ⁠a 50-over World Cup is greater than anything. Because now, it's about 10 games at a Twenty20 level of intensity," he said.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, September 27, 2026

Haiti stun T&T to win CONCACAF Nations League opener

K I N G S TO N , J a m a i c a , (CMC) – Haiti scored two late goals to record a comefrom-behind, thrilling 3-2 victory over Trinidad and Tobago in their CONCACAF Nations League Group A opener here on Thursday night. T&T looked set to register their first win in seven matches in 2026 and their first over Haiti in five matches, before conceding two goals in the final seven minutes to suffer a heartbreaking loss. The Haitians, who com-

peted at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, took the lead in the 23rd minute when veteran Fafa Picault rose to head home a cross from Wilson Isidor past T&T goalkeeper Denzil Smith and in off the post. It didn’t take long for T&T to draw level, as two minutes later USA-based Wayne Frederick II connected on a volley from a Rio Cardines free kick that sailed past Haiti’s custodian Alexandre Pierre. The two sides went into the half tied at 1-1, but cap-

tain Levi Garcia gave T&T the lead in the 58th minute after running onto a pass over the top and slotting past Pierre. T&T seemed headed for victory, but in the 90th minute Haiti’s Garven-Michee Metusala got on the end of a header from Isidor to fire the ball into the back of the nets. Haiti then completed a thrilling comeback seven minutes into added time, when Isidor found himself in the perfect position at the far post to bundle the ball over

the line after a right-sided cross deflected off T&T defender Andrew De Gannes. T&T will now return home to host the Dominican Republic on September 27 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, while Haiti faces Costa Rica. Also in Group A, FC Porto’s Pablo Rosario snatched a dramatic late winner for the Dominican Republic in their 3-2 triumph over Nicaragua to the delight of their home fans at the Estadio Cibao FC.

Haiti’s Wilson Isidor celebrates after scoring the winner against Trinidad and Tobago in their Nations League encounter

Barbados, Guadeloupe, Cuba, St Kitts in League B winners’ row

GROS ISLET, Saint Lucia, (CMC) – Barbados and Cuba produced dominant displays to begin their CONCACAF Nations League campaigns on winning notes on Friday. Competing in League B, Barbados defeated Saint Lucia 2-0, while Cuba thrashed Grenada 3-0 in a lopsided affair. Meanwhile, Guadeloupe edged Bermuda 2-1, while St Kitts & Nevis triumphed over Bonaire by a similar margin. Playing at the Daren Sammy Cricket ground, Barbados opened the scoring in the eighth minute

Thierry Gale of Barbados (right) opened the scoring against Saint Lucia

when Thierry Gale converted from the penalty spot. No other goals were scored for the remainder of the first half, but Saint Lucia pressed forward looking for the equaliser in the second half. After soaking up the pressure, Barbados doubled their lead in the 73rd minute when Niall Reid-Stephen was played through with a beautiful ball, which he finished with a left-footed shot that flew past the advancing goalkeeper. In the earlier match at the venue, Guadeloupe secured an excited come-from-behind win

over Bermuda. Enrique Russell gave Bermuda the lead in the 18th minute when he scored from the penalty spot, but his side was reduced to 10 players in the 64th minute after Jorj Dublin was shown a red card. Six minutes from time, Guadeloupe leveled the score when Allan Vulgaire capitalized on a rebound to strike from inside the box. With the match seemed headed for a draw, Djamalee Boisné tucked the ball away from close range in the 89th minute to secure the win for Guadeloupe.

Meanwhile, Cuba scored two late goals to get past Grenada at the NBG Technical Center in St Kitts. They were fortunate to take the lead in the 19th minute through an own goal, before putting the contest to bed courtesy of stoppage time goals from Daniel Díaz and Didier Reinoso. In the other match, a brace by Tiquanny Williams allowed St Kitts & Nevis to overcome Bonaire, who initially took the lead thanks to a strike from Berry Sonnenschein in the opening minutes.

Alleyne stresses importance of sticking to plans ahead of second ODI HARARE, Zimbabwe, (CMC) – We s t I n d i e s Wo m e n ’s all-rounder Aaliyah Alleyne believes once they stick to their gameplans they will be successful in their current ODI series against Zimbabwe Women. West Indies Women took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series by winning Thursday’s opening ODI by 99 runs at the Harare Sports Club. The two sides will meet again on Sunday at the same

venue, with the visitors knowing that victory will help them clinch the series with a match to spare. Alleyne starred with the ball in the opener, grabbing 3-44 to help bowl out the home side for 200 in pursuit of the Windies’ total of 299 for six. Speaking ahead of their crucial encounter, Alleyne said the team knows what they have to do to be successful. “The conditions were good for batting, and we had discussed beforehand hitting

Aaliyah Alleyne took three wickets in the opening ODI against Zimbabwe Women

our areas, hitting the deck hard and attacking the stumps. “I just think that once we stick to that plan and be patient, we will be successful,” Alleyne said. She maintained that even though the Windies were ranked seventh in the rankings, seven spots ahead of the 14th ranked Zimbabweans, they would not allow complacency to creep in. Alleyne pointed to Modester Mupachikwa’s fighting knock of 86 in the first ODI, and said

she expected the home side to come out with guns blazing. “We’ve discussed not getting complacent. We know that partnerships are going to be built; the opening batter batted really well in batting right through the innings. “…So we have to try not to get too flustered. You’re going to get hit for a boundary or two, but we just have to stick to the team plan and enjoy it right through,” Alleyne said.

Hope relishing opportunity to play against... FROM BACK PAGE

at an average of 56.88. “I pride myself a lot on trying to be the best that I can be, and one of those things is that you have to be able to adapt. Adaptability in different conditions and playing against different opposition. “It’s not always going to work out. We know it’s a pro-

fessional sport. Every day is not going to be your day, but I really try to focus on the fine details to give myself the best chance to score runs. Here in India, you’ve got to play differently than when you go to Australia or England or even back in the Caribbean,” Hope explained. “It’s just about being very

critical of the way you go about your training and preparation. That’s something I always try to put out there in team rooms whenever we have our chats and discussions. Just try to pay close attention to detail and the way we go about preparing and analysing the opposition and the conditions that we play in.” Apart from being com-

petitive, Hope said he was expecting some of the younger, inexperienced players like Vitel Lawes, Amir Jangoo and Jewel Andrew to shine during the series. “It’s a very exciting time I would say for these players. Maybe I’m speaking out of turn, but I think I can speak on their behalf. Whenever you

come to India, it’s one tour you look forward to coming to play. When I was younger in my career as well, it was a tour I was expecting a lot from myself. I wanted to see where I was at. “Looking at the group that we have now, a few of the guys haven’t been in India, haven’t played in these

conditions before. I look at it as an exciting time. We want to win all the time, we want to make sure we get the best results from a team perspective, but for me personally as a leader, I want to see progression. I want to see how fast we can adapt against the best in the world and how we can compete,” Hope said.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, September 27, 2026

PM T20 Softball Cup draw set for today at GYO …24 teams vying for supremacy

THE ninth edition of the Prime Minister’s T20 Softball Cup swings into gear on Thursday with the women’s edition taking centre stage while the men will go into action on Friday at several venues across the city. The draw for all the categories will be held today at the Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO), Woolford Avenue, Georgetown, starting at 11:00 hrs, A total of 24 teams will be vying for supremacy in the four categories. The Open All Stars comprise Regal All Stars, Ariel/Speedboat All Stars, Name Brand Corriverton, Hyde Park All Stars, Bacchus All Stars, Success All Stars, Tourism Guyana Titans and Jai Hind All Stars. The four teams in the Over-40 Masters are Regal Masters, Ariel/Trophy Stall Masters, Avengers Masters and Essequibo Masters. Regal Legends, New York Softball Cricket League (NY-

SCL) Legends, Parika Defenders, Jai Hind Legends, Fisherman Legends and Corriverton Legends are the teams battling in the Over-50 category. The six women’s team are Name Brand/Corriverton, Bacchus X1, Supreme Stars, Invaders, 4R Lioness and Circuitville. As is the norm, Prime Minister Mark Phillips is scheduled to meet the teams and officials on Friday prior to the start of the three-day extravaganza before declaring the tournament open and delivering the ceremonial first ball. All participating teams are therefore required to be at the venue, which will be disclosed, properly attired for the occasion. The Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc.-organised tournament has received the blessings of the Prime Minister’s office. At the launching, held at the same venue earlier this month, Prime Minister Phillips hailed the continued growth of the

competition, describing softball cricket as a “people’s game” that allows players across different age groups to participate. “Over the years, I’m pleased to see this tournament grow into a truly people’s tournament.” He also welcomed the growth of the female competition and committed his support to increasing the prize money for the women’s category to further encourage participation. The prime minister also said the government’s continued investment in sporting infrastructure, spearheaded by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, provides greater scope for events such as the Prime Minister’s Cup to expand beyond their traditional venues. He noted that as more sporting facilities are developed and upgraded across the country, the tournament could broaden its national reach and accommodate more teams in the future. The prime minister was also very supportive of the idea of naming one of the winners’ trophies in honour of the original

brainchild of the tournament, Regal Stationery & Computer Centre’s Managing Director, Mahendra “Anil” Hardyal, a suggestion put forward by GSCL Vice-president John Ramsingh. Fierce competition is expected in all the categories as teams vie for supremacy, with the respective defending champions being Linden’s Supreme Stars in the Women, Ariel Masters in the Over-40 and Berbice’s Jai Hind in the Legends Over50. The 2024 Open champions Speedboat have since joined forces with Ariel, making them a very formidable combination. Apart from the Police Sports Club ground, the other venues set to be used are Queen’s College, YMCA, Transport Sports Club, Demerara Cricket Club, Malteenoes Sports Club and Gandhi Youth Organisation. Among the sponsors are: Trophy Stall, I&S Trading, Tourism Guyana, Guy Drones, Andy and Amrit Furniture Store, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, ARD Auto Sales/ARD YouTuber Dhanny

Inaugural Neville Sarjoo Memorial Masters

Over -50 T20 tourney starts October 10

By Sean Devers

THE inaugural Neville Sarjoo Memorial Masters Over-50 T20 ‘six-team’ tournament is set to commence on October 10 when two teams from Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice face off on a round-robin basis with the top four teams advancing to the semis. The top team will play the number three team and the second-placed side will take on the fourth-placed team with the winners going through to the final, which will be played on the Essequibo Coast, on November 14 at a venue to be announced. No entrance fee is required

Head table (from left) Surendra Hiralall, PRO Zaheer Mohammed, Rohan Sarjoo and Everest Masters captiain Rajesh Singh and balls will be provided by the sponsor- the competition will be played with white balls and coloured clothing. The late Sarjoo was born in the Essequibo Coast village of Hampton Court and was a

long-serving Guyana Cricket Board administrator and national selector. He was shot and killed in a 1998 robbery of his Cambio in Georgetown. Speaking at the launching

ceremony Chairman of the Organising committee, Surendra Hiralall, indicated that the winning team will take home a trophy and $300,000, the runner -up a trophy and $150,000, while the most valuable player in the tournament will receive a motor cycle. Hiralall, a national selector, added that members of the finalists will also receive medals. Additionally, it was announced that the best batsman and best bowler for each game will be presented with a trophy, while the MVP in the final will collect a trophy and $50,000. The tournament will be

Prime Minister Mark Phillips, second from right, poses with original brainchild of the tournament, Mahendra “Anil Hardyal, extreme left and his wife Bibi “Shureen” Hardyal at the launching held earlier this month Persaud, Chung’s Global Inc., Regal Super Centre, Freelancer Advertising Agency, Crown Mining Supplies, Cricket Zone USA, Rajiv Ghandhi University, Price Chopper Variety Store, Banks DIH Ltd- GT Beer and Banks Beer, Elegant

Jewellery and Pawn Shop, Unique Electrical and General Store, House of Gold and Gift Centre, New Doctor’s Clinic , Aagman Restaurant, Platinum Engineering and Reliance Services. (Frederick Halley)

held annually for the next five years and is expected to expand, while cricket gear will be handed out to aspiring cricketers in Essequibo after the final. Meanwhile, son of Neville, Rohan Sarjoo, a former Demerara and Guyana youth and senior List ‘A’ big-hitting batter, expressed optimism of a successful tournament. Rohan stated that he is still saddened by the passing of his dad, known by most in the young players as uncle Neville. Rajesh Singh from the Everest Cricket Club and Darshan Persaud of D. Lall and Sons disclosed that their teams are confident of doing well at the tournament. Rohan said he is delighted to start the competition and thanked all six teams for their participation.

Rohan stated that his father kept cricket alive in the community and he had always wanted to give back to the game. Neville Sarjoo served as the President of the East Bank Demerara Cricket Association and had staged a few Neville Sarjoo U-16 Inter-Association tournaments. Rohan said he intends to have discussions with the President of the Essequibo Cricket Board to get the (ECB) approval for his family to sponsor a U-15 or U-17 developmental tournament in Essequibo. Among the sponsors of the Neville Sarjoo Memorial Masters Over-50 T20 are: Home Zone Inc, Guystac, R and N Trucking service, Tripple R Auto Sales, Tripple R Inc, Aesthetic Living.

Trevor Benn excited to be part of WI Masters Over-40 World Cup squad IN 2010, Trevor Benn was selected to represent Guyana in the Regional fourday tournament, but as fate would have it, the gifted all-rounder wasn’t given a chance to show off his wares since he “sat on the bench’ throughout the competition. Benn pointed out that he claimed the most wickets in the trials leading up to the tournament but unfortunately failed to make the playing X1 during the tournament. Fast forward to 2026, some 16 years later, the Guyana Police Force officer is set to represent the West Indies Masters Over-40 side at the upcoming International Masters Cricket (IMC) Over-40 World Cup to be staged in

Guyana, starting on October 17. Undaunted by not getting the opportunity to represent his country, Benn continued playing club cricket in Georgetown, East Bank and Essequibo where for the most part he performed creditably. Benn joined the Guyana Police Force in 2008 and during that period, apart from representing the force, he also played for Essequibo at the Inter-County level. Prior to that, Benn, who is excited to be part of the WI Masters squad, also played club cricket in South Essequibo for Concrete Warriors and Rising Stars. Born at Bartica, Region Seven, Benn grew up in a

little village named Makouria, approximately seven miles from Bartica. He later went to the Essequibo Coast at a tender age where he attended Suddie Primary School and later, Abrams Zuil Secondary School where he starred mainly in athletics before transitioning to cricket. Benn, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, is currently representing the GPF Officers in the annual Commander-in-Chief T20 Cup 2026 tournament, His brilliant allround performance led the Officers to a commanding 35-run victory over the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) in the opening game, played at the Police Sports Club ground last Tuesday.

Trevor Benn excited to be part of WI Masters Over-40 squad

Winning the toss and electing to take first strike, GPF Officers reached a competitive 182 for five from their allotted 20 overs with Benn leading the charge with an impressive 61 from just 30 deliveries, spanking two fours and four sixes in the process as his team reached 182 for five in their allotted 20 overs. Benn then crowned a fine all-round performance, grabbing three for 15 from his four overs as GPS reached 147 for nine when their overs expired. In reply, GPS made 147 for nine when their 20 overs expired. The full WI Over-40 World Cup squad reads: Denesh Ramdin, Ramnaresh

Sarwan, Sewnarine Chattergoon, Jason Mohammed, Lawrence Farnum, Randy Thomas, Antonnel Atwell, Hemnarine Chattergoon, Nicky Latchman, Larry Bobb, Rakesh Maharaj, Rayad Emrit, Devendra Bishoo, Reno Mitterhoizer, Imran Khan and Trevor Benn. Manager: Rajendra Sadeo; Coach: Julian Moore. The participating countries are: defending champions South Africa, Namibia, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Australia, USA, Canada, West Indies, England, Scotland, Wales, Colombia, Rest of the World X1 and Rest of the Caribbean X1. (Frederick Halley)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, September 27, 2026

Gore; Da Silva and Mohamed snag poles at GMRSC National Championships round one

The name Gore returned to the front of the pack this weekend but this time, it was Tommi, son of Legendary Jamacian driver Doug who will start on pole for today’s group four race of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) National Championships round one. Gore, in the J’s Supermarket KTM XBOW yesterday clocked a time 1:15.609, followed by Rameez Mohamed in 1:18.989 and Andrew King in 1:21.071 across the 2.632-kilometre circuit. In the Street Class Bikes, Jerry DaSilva set the fastest time with a 1:20.239, followed by Salim Azeez at 1:20.356 and Denzel Hopkinson at 1:22.984. Christopher Bridgmohan was fourth in 1:25.895, while Nathan Patterson recorded 1:35.766. Matthew Vieira topped the

Superbikes 600cc class with a 1:17.616. Elan Rahaman was second in 1:20.560, with Junior DaSilva third in 1:23.000. In the Superbikes Open class, Kevin Persaud secured pole with a 1:16.345, ahead of Alain Hopkinson in 1:18.890 and Adrian Mohar in 1:20.514. Group 3 qualifying saw Anand Ramchand set the pace with a 1:24.747. Anthony Evelyn was second in 1:26.662, while Neil Persaud posted 1:29.118. Nasrudeen Mohamed topped Local Group 2 with a 1:25.250. Mohamed Shairaz Roshandin was second in 1:26.858, followed by Neil Persaud in 1:27.147, Damian Singh in 1:27.934 and Ryan Rahaman in 1:29.529. In the Rookie and Female classes, Malicia Lawrence

was the sole qualifier in the Female Class, recording 1:35.068. Joshua Ramdehol led Rookie A Class with a 1:29.600. In Rookie B, Nicholas Sawh was fastest in 1:30.102, ahead of Allan Roberts in 1:43.855, Kunal Persaud in 1:50.200 and Devesh Singh in 2:00.520. The Vitz Cup A Class was led by Ravin Ramoutar with a 1:32.723. Mikhail Persaud was second in 1:33.140, Zachary Persaud third in 1:34.123 and Mickelly Rahaman fourth in 1:36.639. Devesh Singh topped Vitz Cup B in 1:35.291, followed by Ryan Ramoutar in 1:36.521 and Shivan Ragnauth in 1:38.313. In Street Tuner 1500cc, Ryan Rahaman/Jad Rahaman recorded the fastest time of

Tommi Gore

The J’s Supermarket KTM XBOW

1:28.595. Amjad Rahaman was second in 1:29.776, followed by Jad Rahaman in 1:31.865, Ravin Ramoutar in 1:32.764, Shivan Ragnauth in 1:35.343, Zachary Persaud in 1:35.559 and Ryan Ramoutar in 1:36.966. Mohamed Saifudeen Roshandin was the leading qualifi-

er in Sports Tuner 1600cc, posting 1:31.225, while Shan Seejatan was second in 1:36.209. The Starlet Cup was headed by Steven Nobrega, who posted the fastest qualifying lap of 1:24.569. Anand Ramchand was second in 1:24.826, Anthony Evelyn third in 1:25.958, Afraz

Allie fourth in 1:26.180 and Allan Da Silva fifth in 1:28.734. Admission is $4,000 for adults and $2,000 for children. The 2026 championship is supported by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, One Guyana, GuyOil, Enet, KFC and Castrol.

DCC and Lusignan set for Round of 16 blockbusters as Lotto/Let’sBet T10 heats up SEE PAGE

Andrew Samaroo fell two runs short of a century for the TG titans

The Tourism Guyana Titans dismantled the Parliament Rangers in their opening fixture of the tournament (Sachin Persaud Photos)

Hope relishing opportunity to play against top-ranked India

HIRUVANANTHAPURAM, India, (CMC) – West Indies skipper Shai Hope is eagerly looking forward to playing against the best side in the world when their One Day International series gets underway here today. The 10th-ranked West Indies will be massive underdogs when they come up

against number one ranked India in their three-match ODI series, having not won a series on the subcontinent in over two decades. And even though the regional side will have to go through the Qualifiers to get into the 2027 ICC World Cup, Hope said the opportunity to play India at home was one he

hoped the Windies would grab with both hands. “Playing India in their backyard is always a challenge, and it’s one that we definitely need to grasp and embrace. “When you come here, you expect the best of the best. It’s a great indicator for us to see where we are as a team.

Playing anyone in their home conditions will always be challenging, but it’s something that we always look forward to,” Hope said in a pre-match press conference on Saturday. “When you’re playing international cricket, you want to play against the best. When they are playing in their home conditions, you get the real

test. So, we’re definitely looking forward to it and it’s going to be an exciting one for us.” Hope knows much will depend on him if the West Indies are to compete against the home side. He has a stellar ODI record in India, having played 11 ODIs and scored 512 runs

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West Indies ODI captain Shai Hope

| SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 , 2026