Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 28-05-2026

'The roads we are building connect not just communities but destinies'

–– President Ali says, reaffirms gov’t commitment to economic transformation that delivers lasting benefits to all Guyanese

FRAMING Guyana’s oil wealth as a collective patrimony that must be converted into tangible improvements in people’s lives, President Dr. Irfaan Ali reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that the

country’s rapid economic transformation delivers lasting benefits to all Guyanese.

“The oil beneath our waters is not the property of a government, it is the property of our people. It belongs to every Guyanese

who came before us and to every Guyanese yet to be born. It is ours, all of ours, and we will guard it together. We hold it in trust, we spend it with purpose, we save it with discipline. We must build a national development platform rooted

in unity, democracy, the rule of law, and respect for each other,” the President said during his address on the eve of Guyana’s 60th Independence Anniversary.

Dr. Ali pointed to largescale investments in housing, bridges, roads, schools

and hospitals among the efforts being made to turn oil revenues into broadbased development.

“The roads we are building connect not just communities but destinies,” he said.

“The schools we’re opening do not merely teach children to read and write – they teach children to dream. The hospitals we are building do not merely heal bodies; they affirm that every Guyanese life has worth.”

Framing these projects as the concrete expression of governing “for all”, President Ali argued that the true meaning of independence at 60 is that a child in any region should have the same chance at development and opportunity.

“One Guyana does not mean we are all the same. It means we are all equal,” he said, adding that “every child in every region has the same right for development, for advancement, for prosperity.”

The President highlighted flagship initiatives such as the US$100 million STEM programme in partnership with ExxonMobil, designed to build a knowledge economy of tomorrow, beginning at the University of Guyana.

At the same time, Dr. Ali warned that the trans-

formational potential of oil and infrastructure must not be undermined by division or short-termism. He urged Guyanese to spend with an understanding of what is required in the future and to recognise that a nation is transformed by what it builds for its people.

He linked responsible use of oil revenues to the broader “One Guyana” vision, insisting that the benefits of growth must reach farmers, fisherfolk, teachers, nurses, miners and entrepreneurs across the country, from the coastline to the hinterland .

The test of independence, he suggested, will be whether new roads, bridges, schools and hospitals genuinely close historical gaps between regions and communities.

“The task before us is clear; we must build a nation in which all our people can live a life of fulfillment, life of honour, and life of dignity. There is no ceiling on what this nation can become. No threat will define our future,” the President said adding:

“So let us march forward. March not with arrogance, but with confidence. March not with division, but with unity. March not with the burdens of the past, but with the promise of the future.”

‘Live to establish peace’

–– President Ali urges citizens to build better homes, communities

PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali has called on citizens to deepen their faith, embrace daily sacrifice and take personal responsibility for peace in their homes, communities and the wider world.

Speaking during Eidul-Adha prayers at the Leonora Masjid, President Ali underscored the centrality of faith and patience in Islam, noting that belief is anchored in prayer and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad.

“When we look in our world today, and we look in our communities, we realize how important it is, and how easy it is for one to lose faith, the circumstances, the challenges, but in the greatest challenge, and when the most is expected of us, and the circumstances are dire, that is when we need to showcase the extent of our faith,” President Ali said.

He reminded worshippers that faith is most severely tested in

difficult circumstances.

He warned that many of today’s problems arise from a lack of patience and understanding of Allah’s will.

“Many things go wrong because we lack the patience, we lack the

understanding… to accept that everything [is] the will of Allah.”

Linking religious duty to national development, President Ali stressed that sacrifice is not a one-off ritual but a continuous obligation to

family, community and country.

“Sacrifice also reminds us of our personal life, and what is expected of us in our communities, in our country, and as leaders in our families, that we are expected to

make sacrifices, sacrifices to ensure that we leave behind a better community, a better country, a better family, that we work hard to ensure we provide for our families, that we work hard to ensure we support

the development of our country,” he said.

He urged citizens to work hard to provide for their families and to support the development of Guyana, framing this as part of a broader ethic of service and responsibility.

The President also delivered a wide-ranging prayer for peace and unity, asking God to bless the nation and the wider world.

He emphasised that every individual has a role in promoting harmony and encouraged citizens working towards peace through daily efforts rather than conflict or war.

“All of us have a duty and responsibility to ensure that there is peace in our homes, peace in our communities… and peace for all of humanity.”

He added: “The sacrifice today is not only a one-off act; it is a reminder to us of what is expected to us every single day of our life.”

AG Nandlall calls for stronger CFATF ties with Judiciary to tackle low conviction rates

–– Guyana to host major regional asset recovery and CFATF training initiatives later this year

GUYANA has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism measures as a high-level delegation participates in the 62nd Plenary and Working Group Meetings of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) in Trinidad and Tobago.

The meetings, being held in Port of Spain from May 24 to 28, 2026, bring together regional stakeholders to address emerging challenges and compliance obligations related to anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/ CFT) frameworks.

Guyana’s delegation is being led by Mohabir Anil Nandlall, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, and includes representatives from several key agencies responsible for the

country’s AML/CFT architecture. Among those attending are Governor of the Bank of Guyana Dr. Gobind Ganga, Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit Matthew Langevine, Deputy Commissioner of Police and Head of the Special Organised Crime Unit, Fazil Karimbaksh, and officials from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Guyana Revenue Authority, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, the Gaming Authority, and other regulatory bodies.

The plenary discussions are focused on regional and international AML/CFT developments as Caribbean states prepare for the FifthRound assessment process under the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) methodology. Key areas under review include strengthening institutional coordination, improving beneficial ownership transparency, increasing

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall SC flanked by representatives from several key agencies responsible for the country’s AML/CFT architecture

the use of financial intelligence, and enhancing asset recovery and confiscation mechanisms.

Guyana is also preparing for its own upcoming compliance obligations under the CFATF follow-up process. The country is scheduled to undergo a Follow-Up Report assessment in November 2026 and is expected to seek re-ratings in November 2027 as part of ongoing efforts to demonstrate technical compliance and effectiveness under international FATF standards.

During plenary discussions, Attorney General Nandlall highlighted concerns over the low rate of convictions and forfeiture of proceeds of crime across the Caribbean. He stressed the importance of greater

judicial sensitisation regarding the interpretation and application of AML/CFT legislation.

According to the Attorney General, there is an urgent need for CFATF to establish a stronger institutional relationship with the judiciary throughout the region to facilitate specialised training and continuous education on the complexities of AML/CFT laws.

He argued that judicial interpretation in asset recovery and confiscation proceedings should reflect FATF methodology, international standards, and the broader objective of combating money laundering, terrorist financing, corruption, and organised crime.

Nandlall further suggested that judicial nominees

should be invited to attend future CFATF plenary meetings to gain first-hand exposure to the region’s international obligations and the policy rationale underpinning AML/CFT legislation.

Earlier this week, the Guyanese delegation participated in several technical working groups examining mutual evaluations, compliance monitoring, operational cooperation, typologies, and technical assistance initiatives designed to strengthen the region’s capacity to detect, investigate, prosecute, and deter financial crimes.

As part of its expanding regional role in AML/CFT matters, Guyana is also expected to host several major initiatives in 2026. These include the ARIN-CARIB Annual Conference in July,

which will bring together regional and international experts in asset recovery and transnational crime investigations.

Additionally, Guyana will host a CFATF Assessors’ Training Programme during September and October 2026.

The programme is expected to provide specialised training in conducting mutual evaluations and assessing countries’ compliance with FATF standards, while also building local technical expertise in relevant sectors.

Guyana received favourable results following its 2024 CFATF mutual evaluation exercise and is aiming to improve its standing further during the upcoming follow-up assessment process in 2027.

GPF officer participates in U.S. International Leadership Exchange Programme

THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) has strengthened its international policing partnerships and reform agenda following participation in the United States Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), a high-level professional exchange initiative aimed at enhancing leadership capacity and institutional development.

Senior Superintendent Dr. Nicola Kendall, Head of the Strategic Planning and Implementation Unit for Police Reform within the GPF, represented Guyana at the programme, which brings together law enforcement and civic leaders from around the world to exam-

ine governance systems and professional best practices.

The IVLP, administered by the Meridian International Centre and supported by partner agencies across multiple U.S. cities, forms part of the United States’ broader citizen diplomacy framework. It is designed to foster mutual understanding by connecting international participants with American institutions, public agencies, and professional counterparts.

The law enforcement-focused segment of the programme provided participants with an indepth examination of policing within a democratic society. Discussions and field engagements explored

Senior Superintendent

Dr. Nicola Kendall, Head of the Strategic Planning and Implementation Unit for Police Reform within the GPF

the relationships between police services, communities, oversight bodies, and justice-sector institutions.

Participants also gained comparative insights into how various U.S. jurisdictions address contemporary policing challenges, including public safety management, crime prevention strategies, operational accountability, and community-oriented policing models.

Dr. Kendall’s participation aligns with Guyana’s ongoing police modernisation efforts and the Guyana Police Force Strategic Plan 2022–2026, particularly in priority areas such as professionalism, accountability, human resource development, technological integration, innovation, and institutional reform.

GPF officials have previously emphasised that

- focused on Police Reform and Democratic Policing

international exposure and technical exchange programmes are critical components of the Force’s broader transformation agenda.

The programme also featured participants from a wide range of countries, creating a diverse learning environment for comparative analysis of policing systems across different legal, cultural, and operational contexts.

Represented nations included Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Finland, Guatemala, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Lebanon, Morocco, Nepal, Nigeria, Slovakia, Spain, Thailand, Ukraine,

and the United Kingdom.

Officials noted that the diversity of participation allowed for a richer exchange of ideas on evolving global security challenges and law enforcement innovation.

The IVLP experience is expected to support ongoing efforts within the GPF to enhance institutional effectiveness, strengthen community trust, and align local policing practices with international standards of accountability and service delivery.

The Guyana Police Force continues to engage in regional and international partnerships as part of its wider reform and capacity-building strategy.

SAC reaffirms regional sugar modernisation agenda at 177th Board Meeting in Barbados

THE Sugar Association of the Caribbean (SAC) has reaffirmed its commitment to modernising the regional sugar industry, advancing climate resilience, and strengthening intra-regional trade integration following its 177th Board of Directors Meeting held last week in Barbados.

A key outcome of the meeting was the re-election of Chairman Mac McLachlan, a move the Board said ensures leadership continuity as the Caribbean sugar sector navigates a period of structural transformation and heightened global competition.

The meeting brought together directors from across CARICOM, who reviewed strategic initiatives spanning industrial upgrading, agricultural innovation, and regional policy coordination.

Directors received an update on the Caribbean Sugar Refinery (CSR) initiative, a US$12.5 million joint venture between Sucro and Santander aimed at strengthening the region’s capacity to produce direct-consumption refined white sugar.

The project remains on schedule for completion by the third quarter of 2026 and is expected to reduce reliance on extra-regional imports while improving supply stability within CARICOM markets.

CLIMATE RESILIENCE AND RESEARCH EXPANSION

The Board also heard a detailed presentation from Andrew Stoute, Research Director at the West Indies Central Sugar Cane Breeding Station, outlining ongoing

efforts to develop climate-resilient sugarcane varieties.

Research priorities include improving resistance to prolonged drought, soil salinity changes, and increasingly unpredictable rainfall patterns linked to climate change.

In a further development, the station will host an International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists (ISSCT) workshop later this year under the theme “Developing Climate Resilient Sugarcane,” expected to bring together approximately 80 international scientists to the region.

SAC directors also finalised production data for the 2025–2026 regional sugar crop, which surpassed 241,500 tonnes. The Board noted that the output demonstrates the region’s growing capacity to meet CARICOM’s domestic brown sugar demand while gradually replacing imports from outside the region.

Chairman McLachlan said the figures underscored the value of sustained private and public investment in agriculture across CARICOM, while cautioning that full regional integration remains constrained by implementation gaps in the CARICOM Council for Trade and Eco-

nomic Development (COTED) Monitoring Mechanism for Sugar (MMS).

He stressed the need for stronger compliance with the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas to realise a fully integrated regional sugar market.

HIGH-LEVEL TALKS WITH BARBADOS GOVERNMENT

During the Barbados visit, Chairman McLachlan also joined a Belize-led delegation, headed by Minister of State for Foreign Trade Hon. Marconi Leal Jr., in high-level discussions with Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and senior government officials.

Talks focused on sustainable economic growth, food security, intra-regional trade expansion, and the role of the CARICOM Monitoring Mechanism for Sugar in strengthening agricultural value chains. Participants also discussed the potential contribution of regional refining capacity to long-term economic resilience.

The SAC also paid tribute to outgoing leadership, hosting a reception honouring R. Karl James for his 25-year tenure as SAC Chairman from 1998 to 2023.

Representing the Sugar Manufacturing Corporation of Jamaica Ltd., SAC Director Delroy Armstrong expressed appreciation for James’ leadership during a period marked by global market restructuring, including the decline of European preferential sugar trade arrangements.

Reflecting on the outcomes of the meeting, Chairman McLachlan said the Caribbean sugar industry is undergoing a fundamental

shift in purpose and structure.

“The regional sugar industry is no longer just about harvesting raw crop for export to Europe; it is about regional food security, advanced biotechnology, and sustainable manufacturing,” he said.

“With the support of regional heads like Prime Minister Mottley, the scientific backbone of the WICSCBS, and

projects like the CSR, we are building a modern, competitive Caribbean powerhouse.”

The Sugar Association of the Caribbean represents sugar producers across CARICOM member states, coordinating advocacy, technical collaboration, and efforts to strengthen intra-regional trade and long-term sector sustainability.

The Board Representation includes; Mac McLachlan — Belize Sugar Industries Limited; Paul Cheong — Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc.; Delroy Armstrong — Sugar Manufacturing Corporation of Jamaica Ltd.; and Marlon Munroe — Barbados Energy and Sugar Company Inc.

A Borderless Caribbean Future

AS Guyana and Barbados celebrate 60 years of Independence, the two nations have given more than symbolic gestures and diplomatic speeches to the Caribbean.

They have presented a bold and practical vision for regional integration that seeks to modernise the Caribbean through technology, investment and freer movement of people.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s announcement that citizens of both countries will soon be able to travel on digital IDs alone is a historic breakthrough for CARICOM integration.

Caribbean leaders have spoken passionately for decades about the dream of greater unity in the region. But many of these hopes were trapped in declarations and communiques. But this initiative turns the rhetoric into reality.

From July 1, Guyanese and Barbadians will be able to travel between the two countries without passports, but with secure digital identification systems. It is hard to overestimate the importance of this step. For citizens in a region where bureaucratic barriers, costly travel procedures and inconsistent systems have long frustrated them, this initiative is a real improvement in everyday life.

Importantly, the move isn’t just for elites, diplomats or business travellers.

Prime Minister Mottley stressed that even those without passports will benefit once they have digital ID cards. That inclusive-

ness is important. True regional integration should not benefit only governments and corporations, it should improve accessibility and opportunity for ordinary Caribbean people.

Prime Minister Mottley’s arrival in Guyana with only her electronic ID card was a potent symbol. It was not just a ceremonial act but a display of trust, confidence and mutual commitment between two sister nations.

While many parts of the world are retreating into nationalism and tighter borders, Guyana and Barbados are moving in the opposite direction – opening up, embracing mobility, and regional cooperation. But the announcements go far beyond travel.

The proposed “Trident Arrow Investment Fund” could be one of the most transformative regional economic initiatives in recent Caribbean history.

It also democratizes investment opportunities that are often only available to large corporations or rich individuals, by enabling everyday Guyanese and Barbadians to pool their investments in major infrastructure and development projects.

This idea is a manifestation of a deeper understanding of economic empowerment. Citizens are no longer expected to be passive spectators of national development. Instead, they are invited to take a direct role in the ownership and financing of regional growth. The fund can play a role in strengthening economic resilience

while creating a sense of shared regional prosperity through investments in utilities, technology, agro-processing or other strategic sectors.

Equally important is the wider digital integration agenda of both governments.

The announcement by President Ali that discussions are moving forward to digitally connect financial systems is a signal of a future where cross-border commerce, payments and investments will be a lot more seamless within the Caribbean space.

Such integration could go a long way in removing inefficiencies that have in the past impeded regional trade and entrepreneurship.

The opportunities are endless. Digital financial connectivity can help small business growth, facilitate remittances, expand access to services, and spur innovation.

It also lays the groundwork for modern governance and regional cooperation in domains such as healthcare, education and public administration, together with digital identification systems.

The belief that systems could be integrated so that medical personnel in one country could securely access records of patients in the other is a perfect example of how technology can improve not only economies but public good and quality of life.

Of course, ambitious regional projects come with their own set of challenges. Everyone will have to carefully manage cybersecurity, data protection, regulatory harmonization and public trust. Govern -

ments must make sure digital systems are safe, inclusive and accessible, especially for vulnerable groups that may face barriers to technology. Citizens will also need to trust the transparency and accountability of initiatives such as the investment fund.

Still, one should commend the direction being plotted.

For too long Caribbean integration has been a process that has often moved at a snail’s pace, stymied by political indecision, fragmented systems and narrow national interests. Guyana and Barbados demonstrate that tangible progress is achievable when leadership is combined with political will and the capacity to think creatively.

This partnership comes at a time when Guyana is celebrating its Diamond Jubilee and Barbados is reflecting on its own six decades of nationhood, to remind us that the future prosperity of the Caribbean will depend not only on national development, but on regional collaboration.

The Caribbean’s next chapter cannot be built on speeches of unity alone. It must be built on systems that allow Caribbean people to move more freely, to invest more easily, to trade more efficiently and to share opportunities more equitably.

In this regard, Guyana and Barbados may very well be setting the stage for a new Caribbean century.

One where integration is no longer an aspiration but is a lived reality for ordinary citizens.

Police probe armed robbery in Lethem, one suspect in custody

–– another found dead

POLICE in Regional Division #9 are investigating an alleged armed robbery at a business establishment in Lethem that has left one suspect dead, another in custody, and a third still at large, following a reported exchange of gunfire with law enforcement on Tuesday afternoon.

The incident occurred around 14:00hrs on May 26, 2026, at a shop in Lethem, Central Rupununi, and involved a 27-year-old businessman of Tabatinga, Lethem, who was reportedly robbed of approximately $650,000 in Guyana currency along with an undisclosed sum in Brazilian reais.

According to preliminary police investigations, the victim was inside his business place when two males entered the premises,

one allegedly armed with a handgun.

The suspects reportedly approached the cashier area, pointed the firearm at the businessman, and demanded cash.

Fearing for his life, the victim complied, handing over the money. The suspects then fled the scene on a motorcycle driven by a third male who had been waiting outside.

Police ranks responded swiftly and pursued the suspects in the direction of their escape.

During the operation, the suspects allegedly discharged rounds at pursuing officers, who returned fire. The suspects subsequently escaped into a flooded and densely bushy area.

During follow-up operations, police arrested a

35-year-old male of Culvert City, Central Rupununi, who remains in custody assisting with investigations.

The motorcycle used in the alleged robbery, which bore no registration number, along with two helmets believed to have been used during the crime, were recovered and lodged as evidence.

Further searches led offi-

cers to an area behind Plastic City, Bon Success, Tabatinga, Lethem, where Edward Arjune, also known as “Black Spanish,” an 18-year-old unemployed resident of Lethem, was found unresponsive with suspected gunshot injuries.

He was transported to the Lethem Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced

dead on arrival by a doctor on duty.

The body remains at the Lethem Hospital Mortuary pending a post-mortem examination.

Police also recovered a haversack from the area containing a quantity of Guyana currency and Brazilian reais, which has since been lodged as evidence.

footage from the business establishment has been retrieved and is currently being reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities say efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining suspect involved in the incident. Investigations are continuing.

Guyana at 60: Part 3, Burnhamism

THE day of Guyana’s Independence will always be associated with Forbes Burnham.

He was the leader of the country when Guyana was granted legal sovereignty from the imperialist British Empire. But which part of the sixty-year-old journey is owed to Burnham?

This is a deeply controversial issue that will never go away. Burnham was the leader of the country at the time independence came, but what does Guyana owe Burnham? Maybe the jury will forever be out on that, but the facts will remain forever; some of those facts are from Burnham himself and they are indelible. Other facts converge to make Burnham someone who damaged the meaning of Independence.

Burnham’s first blot on the garment of Independence was the date itself – May 26. It was on that day that the British West Indies saw the deadliest racial conflict in the history of the region. In Mackenzie, the attacks on the Indian population were sadistic and remain in the politics of Guyana, its most tragic moment

The entire population of Indians in Mackenzie was violently uprooted. Just over 3000 Indians fled Mackenzie leaving every single item of asset they accumulated in their years of existence. The looting and arson were horrible and dozens of women and girls were raped.

It would appear that Burnham’s choice of May 26 was to insult the PPP and its leader Cheddi Jagan because it was a horrible act of insensitivity to choose May 26.

Why did he do it? There is no written explanation and I have seen no speculation whatsoever from any published document. I

believe Burnham chose May 26 as retaliation for the Sun Chapman boat explosion in which 43 Africans lost their lives.

There are two theories about the explosion. One is that it was deliberately done.

The other is that the ferry was carrying dynamites to Mackenzie for anti-government conspiracies and was stored in the wrong place where engine heat caused the dynamites to explode.

Independence did not start on a good footing. It was granted at a time when two years before, society was reeling from internecine racial violence.

Independence then meant hardly anything to those who saw Burnham as responsible for racial violence against Indians.

As Guyana settled down to develop the country after Independence, Burnham manifested an ocean of psychological incapacities to redeem himself. To a majority of the population, Burnham personified the meaninglessness of Independence because nothing was being done to make up for the inhuman mistakes Burnham made.

A mere two years after Independence, people’s right to choose a government of their choice was vitiated through rigged national elections. The mind of an Indian Guyanese had to be shaped against the meaning of Independence when they could not elect their handsome, charismatic, Gandhian leader, Dr Cheddi Jagan.

But Burnham was one of world politics’ complex humans. On the one hand, he made a majority of Guyanese feel that Independence brought misery, but on the other hand, he let it be known to Guyanese that they were not inferior to the White world, that Guyana had its own cultures, mores, and traditions and those

should be enshrined in the national psyche.

He gave Hindus, two holidays and Muslims two also. He encouraged Guyanese to wear the national shirt-jack, and he encouraged Guyanese to think local and buy local.

These were important symbols of sovereignty that, whether you like Burnham or not, the new nation after decades of imperial rule had to appreciate.

One of Burnham’s most glorious attempts to make Independence a sacred achievement for Guyanese was the creation of the multilateral school. I am not a fan of Burnham, will never be and my analysis leads me to assess him as a person obsessed with power and driven by the maximum leader syndrome.

But the multilateral school was an excellent and expressive manifestation of decolonisation.

Burnham no doubt knew what it was like to be educated in the elite ambience of Queen’s College and The Bishop’s High School. In creating the multilateral school, he wanted to bring Queen’s College to

the working class children of Guyanese. Burnham had deep visions about how to move Guyana away from the colonial culture it inherited and make Independence a living symbol in each Guyanese. But there was a gargantuan “but.”

But what happened in the first two decades after Independence was ironically bizarre. As Burnham gave Guyana the benefits of Independence, he took away those benefits by a show of intoxicating power that made people feel that Independence was simply changing the White colonial for a non-White colonial.

That was the message of Walter Rodney. In assassinating Rodney, Burnham killed the dream of Independence.

It was left to subsequent presidents to resuscitate the beauty of Independence.

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.

Guyanese community in Grenada celebrates Guyana’s 60th Independence Anniversary in grand style

–– historic Diamond Jubilee celebration strengthens cultural pride, unity, and bilateral ties between Guyana and Grenada

THE Office of the Honorary Consul of Guyana, in collaboration with the Guyanese Diaspora in Grenada, proudly hosted a vibrant and memorable celebration commemorating the 60th Anniversary of Guyana’s Independence, marking the nation’s historic Diamond Jubilee milestone.

The landmark event drew the largest gathering of Guyanese nationals and friends of Guyana seen in Grenada in over a decade, reflecting the strength, pride, and growing unity of the Guyanese community across the region.

A major highlight of the celebration was the attendance of Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada, who graciously accepted the invitation to attend the festivities. Prime Minister Mitchell reaffirmed Grenada’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Guyana and extended heart-

felt congratulations to the Government and people of Guyana on this remarkable national achievement.

The celebration also featured inspiring remarks from distinguished members of the community, including Mr. Darshan Ramdhani, K.C., Justice Paula Gilford, and Honorary Consul Mrs. Sabrita Khan-Ramdhani, who each spoke passionately about Guyana’s progress, the importance of diaspora unity, and the enduring bonds shared between the peoples of Guyana and Grenada.

Guests enjoyed an atmosphere filled with culture, fellowship, music, and authentic cuisine, creating an unforgettable experience for attendees of all ages. The event served not only as a celebration of Guyana’s independence, but also as a proud reflection of the resilience, achievements, and contributions of the Guyanese people both at home

and abroad.

“The overwhelming support and attendance demonstrated the deep love and pride the Guyanese Diaspora continues to hold for their homeland,” said Honorary Consul Mrs. Sabrita Khan-Ramdhani. “This Diamond Jubilee celebration was more than an event — it was a powerful reminder of our shared heritage, unity, and commitment to preserving Guyanese culture for future generations.”

The organisers expressed sincere gratitude to all supporters, attendees, community partners, and volunteers whose contributions made the celebration a tremendous success.

As Guyana commemorates 60 years of independence and national development, the Guyanese community in Grenada proudly joins in honouring the nation’s remarkable journey and bright future ahead.

CTU congratulates Barbados, Guyana on landmark digital ID travel initiative

THE Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) extends warm congratulations to the Governments of Barbados and Guyana on their landmark decision to permit citizens of both countries to travel using national identification cards beginning 1st July 2026. The initiative represents an important and practical step toward deeper regional integration and a more connected Caribbean community.

The arrangement will allow eligible citizens to travel between the two countries without the need for passports, utilising secure national identification systems instead.

The Secretary-General of the CTU, Rodney Taylor, welcomed the development as a significant advancement toward the realisation of the Caribbean’s vision of a seamless digital future.

Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley and Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation, Zulfikar Ally, display their e-ID cards

“This is an important milestone for re - gional integration and one that demonstrates how technology can tangibly improve the daily lives of Caribbean citizens. The CTU applauds Barbados and Guyana for taking a bold and innovative step that brings our region closer to the vision of the CARICOM Single ICT Space and ultimately one digital Caribbean community.”

being a domestic administrative tool to becoming a practical enabler of regional mobility and economic co-operation. It also illustrates how technology can strengthen people-to-people connections and reduce friction in regional movement.

“The Caribbean Single ICT Space is not solely about networks and infrastructure; it is fundamentally about enabling people to move, transact, communicate and participate more easily across borders,” Taylor added. “Digital identity is a foundational element of this vision. We encourage CTU Member States to continue advancing the implementation of trusted digital identity systems as part of their broader digital transformation agendas.”

The CTU noted that digital identity systems are increasingly becoming foundational building blocks for national digital transformation strategies. Secure and trusted digital identities create opportunities far beyond travel facilitation. They support more efficient delivery of government services, financial inclusion, e-commerce, secure online transactions, digital public services, and greater participation in the digital economy.

The Barbados-Guyana initiative demonstrates how digital identity can move from

The CTU further encouraged governments across the region to leverage digital technologies in ways that support Caribbean unity, social inclusion, and economic development, while ensuring that systems are designed with strong cybersecurity protections, privacy safeguards and interoperability standards.

“As our region continues its digital journey, we should embrace technologies that create safe and seamless experiences for Caribbean citizens. This initiative demonstrates what is possible when innova-

tion, co-operation and regional vision come together.”

Mr. Carlos Vargas, Lead Expert for the EU-LAC Digital Alliance at the e-Governance Academy, also commended the initiative by Barbados and Guyana, noting that it demonstrates the practical benefits of cross-border interoperability and trust frameworks for citizens.

He stated, “The decision by Barbados and Guyana to enable travel using national ID cards is a great example of how interoperability and trust frameworks can benefit citizens. Through the EULAC Digital Alliance, we have focused on cross-border interoperability and identification by providing practical tabletop exercises and creating a Common Reference Framework. We are even more motivated to see now concrete use cases emerging, which demonstrate the growing momentum toward interoperable, secure and trusted digital co-operation across the LAC region.”

The CTU reaffirmed its commitment to supporting its Member States in the development of policies, frameworks and initiatives that advance digital transformation and contribute to the realisation of a secure, inclusive and integrated Caribbean digital ecosystem.

Human Services Ministry expands support services for persons living with disabilities

THE Ministry of Human Services and Social Security is encouraging persons living with disabilities to take advantage of a range of free support services, training programmes, and financial assistance available through its Difficult Circumstances Unit (DCU).

The call was made by Vindhya Persaud, who recently highlighted the ministry’s ongoing efforts to improve access to social support and economic opportunities for vulnerable groups across Guyana.

The DCU provides one-off relief assistance to individuals facing difficult situations, including elderly citizens and persons living with disabilities. Services offered include partial funding for prescribed eyeglasses, free wheelchairs, crutches, white canes, and other assistive devices for persons

with mobility challenges, as well as support for shelter construction and home renovations in certain cases.

According to Minister Persaud, persons seeking assistance can contact the unit directly and access services free of charge.

She also outlined the process for accessing the

government’s Permanent Disability Assistance programme, which provides financial support to qualifying individuals.

“The Permanent Disability Assistance is available to you. You need to visit your doctor, let them do a medical report, and submit it with the ministry’s application form at

the nearest Ministry of Human Services office,” the minister explained, describing the process as straightforward.

Minister Persaud said eligibility is determined using a list of recognised disabilities developed with assistance from the National Commission on Disabilities. Persons who qualify for the programme receive disability assistance until they become eligible for old-age pension benefits.

Beyond financial aid, the ministry has also been expanding training and empowerment opportunities for persons living with disabilities over the past four and a half years.

The minister said free training programmes are being offered nationwide in areas such as garment construction, social media marketing, graphic design, and the use of JAWS soft-

ware, which assists visually impaired persons with computer accessibility.

She also pointed to the establishment of a specialised Learning Lab in Mahaica, which was created specifically to support persons living with disabilities.

“We provide transportation, meals and everything that you need so that you can learn in a safe and comfortable environment,” Minister Persaud said, noting that hundreds of persons have already benefitted from the facility since its establishment approximately three and a half years ago.

In addition to training opportunities, the ministry is also offering financial support to persons with disabilities interested in starting or expanding small businesses.

“This is open to all persons living with disabilities,” she stated.

The ministry said the programmes form part of broader efforts to promote inclusion, independence, and economic participation among persons with disabilities while ensuring that social services are accessible nationwide.

Minister Persaud urged eligible individuals and families to contact the Difficult Circumstances Unit and make use of the available services, emphasising the government’s commitment to serving persons living with disabilities with dignity and respect.

According to Minister Persaud, the revolving fund programme allows eligible persons to access financing without collateral or interest payments, with recipients only required to repay the original amount received.

Woman killed, two injured in Sarah Johanna Access Road collision

A 29-year-old woman is dead and two other persons are injured following a late-night collision on the Sarah Johanna Access Road, East Bank Demerara, which occurred on Sunday at approximately 22:40hrs. Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.

Dead is Lisa Blackman, 29, of Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara, who was pronounced dead on arrival at the New Diamond Regional Hospital after being rescued from the wreckage.

The accident involved motor car PNN 7493, driven by a 42-year-old male of Turkeyen, and motor lorry GAJ 4979, owned by a 25-year-old male of Sarah Johanna, East Bank Demerara.

Initial police enquiries indicate that the motor car was proceeding north along the western side of the Sarah Johanna Access Road at a reportedly fast rate of speed when the driver allegedly lost control. The vehicle sub-

sequently collided with the left rear portion of the parked motor lorry.

The lorry was reportedly stationary on the western side of the road at the time of the impact.

Following the collision, the driver and two passengers in the motor car sustained injuries.

Public-spirited citizens assisted in removing the frontseat passenger, Ms. Blackman, along with the driver, from the mangled vehicle. They were transported under

police escort to the New Diamond Regional Hospital.

Medical personnel on duty pronounced Ms. Blackman dead on arrival.

The driver was later referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation for further medical treatment due to the severity of his injuries.

A third occupant, a 36-year-old miner of Quamina Street, Alberttown, Georgetown, was reportedly trapped in the vehicle and later extricated by firefighters. He is currently receiving medical attention at the New Diamond Regional Hospital.

The body of the deceased remains at the hospital mortuary pending a post-mortem examination.

Police said CCTV footage from the surrounding area has been obtained and will be reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.

A breathalyser test was not conducted on the driver due to the extent of his injuries. Investigations are continuing.

Wheel clamps, axle checks among new measures to improve road safety

THE government has intensified its efforts to improve road safety across Guyana, with stronger enforcement measures targeting improperly parked trucks, overloaded vehicles and hazardous roadside obstructions.

Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill told the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Sunday that the next phase of enforcement will involve the use of wheel clamps on trucks.

“We have gone out to tender for the clamps,” he said. “Safety is key on our roadways, safety for pedestrians, safety for drivers, safety for everyone.”

The minister ex -

plained that while there have been delays in the arrival of the clamps, the government is prepared to increase enforcement once they are delivered.

Trucks found in violation will be immobilised and removed at the

owners’ expense.

The ministry has also intensified axle load monitoring, particularly at key transport corridors, including the East Bank Demerara and the Linden-Soesdyke Highway.

However, Minis -

maintaining the smooth flow of traffic.

Despite these difficulties, the government is developing additional strategies to address overloaded trucks operating from wharf areas.

Enforcement measures are also being ex-

Removal of derelict vehicles

ter Edghill noted that challenges remain with trucks transporting heavy materials from wharves in Georgetown and Kingston without proper axle-load testing.

“When people offload stone and other things at the wharf in Georgetown or at the Kingston area, and they are driving around the city without being tested for the axle load, it is causing problems in the city, breaking bridges and the rest of it,” he explained.

The minister said limited road space in the capital has complicated efforts to conduct roadside testing while

panded in Berbice and Region Three, where scales have been deployed to strengthen axle-load testing.

In addition, improperly placed billboards that obstruct motorists’ visibility and interfere with traffic signals are being removed.

“While we are enforcing, we are also asking people to be compliant,” the minister stated.

In addition, the Ministry of Housing is constructing commercial parks to accommodate trucks, a move intended to provide designated parking areas for operators. (DPI)

Guyana faces defining test amid rapid growth – President Ali

President Dr. Irfaan Ali has said that Guyana is facing a defining test as the country undergoes rapid economic expansion, warning that wealth alone cannot determine the success of national development.

The Head of State made these remarks during a recent service during which he noted that the country has entered a new phase in its history, one that requires maturity, responsibility and fairness.

“Today we stand in a new transitional phase shaped by extraordinary wealth and rapid economic growth.”

President Ali said Guyana’s progress must go beyond rising revenues and infrastructure development, stressing that economic advancement must improve the lives of all citizens.

The President said the country is now being tested as a society and must decide how it will manage its growing prosperity.

“Maybe, just maybe, this period is another test of ours to see how we take care of it, how we use it, how humble we are with it.”

Dr Ali said the central challenge facing Guyana is whether national wealth can be transformed into oppor-

tunities for all citizens across every region of the country.

“Can we transform wealth into opportunity for all?”

The Head of State said the answer must be yes, adding that development must be inclusive and grounded in justice and responsibility.

Against this backdrop, President Ali reflected on the stages through which nations evolve, comparing Guyana’s development journey to the stages of human life outlined in major religious teachings.

He said countries move through phases of struggle, growth and transformation, and noted that Guyana has already passed through colonialism, political independence and nation-building.

The President said the country is now entering a period focused on economic transformation and human development.

He went on to note that Guyana’s current period of rapid expansion presents opportunities but also responsibilities.

According to the President, development should not be measured solely by economic indicators, but also by

dignity, justice and the quality of life experienced by citizens.

“The true challenge before Guyana is therefore not merely economic expansion, but national maturity.”

He went on to add that Guyana’s future depends on the decisions made during this period of transformation and on the coun -

try’s ability to balance economic success with fairness and inclusion.

President Ali, as such, expressed confidence that Guyana can successfully navigate this phase of development if citizens work together with a shared national purpose and commitment to collective progress.

Faith, Sacrifice and Obedience: Muslims countrywide observe one of Islam’s holiest days

AS Muslims across Guyana joined millions around the world on Wednesday to celebrate Eid-ul-Adha, religious leaders used the occasion to promote messages of unity, compassion, charity and national harmony, while highlighting the continued importance of family and community during one of Islam’s holiest observances.

Eid-ul-Adha or the “Festival of Sacrifice”, is a reminder of the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah’s command, a powerful act of faith at the heart of Islamic teachings.

Every year, during the Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, millions of Muslims gather in prayer and reflection during the observance.

Muslims throughout Guyana celebrated the occasion with special congregational prayers, family gatherings, charitable giving and the traditional Qurbani sacrifice.

Many also took advantage of technology and social media platforms to connect with relatives and friends abroad, making the celebrations more global and inclusive.

President of the Central Islamic Organization of Guyana (CIOG), Shahabudeen Ahmad, has called on believers to embrace faith, sacrifice, unity and com-

passion while remembering those facing hardship both locally and internationally.

In his Eid-ul-Adha message for May 2026, Ahmad extended greetings to Muslim families nationwide and prayed for Allah’s acceptance of their prayers, sacrifices and acts of devotion during the sacred observance.

Eid-ul-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates the unwavering faith and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who was prepared to sacrifice his son, Ismail (Ishmael), in submission to Allah’s command.

Ahmad described Prophet Ibrahim as a timeless symbol of devotion and sacrifice whose ex -

ample continues to inspire Muslims worldwide.

“This sacred occasion reflects upon the profound trials endured by Prophet Ibrahim and his family, rooted in complete submission to the Divine Will,” Ahmad stated.

Quoting from the Holy Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah, he highlighted Prophet Ibrahim’s submission to God’s command: “When his Lord said to him, ‘Submit,’ he said, ‘I have submitted to the Lord of the worlds.’”

The CIOG President stressed that the essence of Qurbani, the ritual sacrifice associated with Eidul-Adha, goes beyond the physical act of offering an animal.

“The Qurbani is not merely about the animal we offer; it is about the sincerity, obedience, and taqwa that must fill the heart,” Ahmad said.

He urged Muslims to sacrifice pride, selfishness and harmful habits that distance individuals from faith and spirituality, while referencing another Quranic verse from Surah Al-Hajj: “It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is piety from you that reaches Him.”

Ahmad also reflected on the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah, where millions of Muslims gather dressed alike before Allah,

describing it as a powerful reminder of equality, humility and brotherhood.

“As millions gather in Makkah for Hajj, clothed alike before their Lord, this season calls us to let that same spirit shape our lives here in Guyana: strengthening family ties, honouring our elders, guiding our youth, and working together for peace,” he said.

He further emphasised the importance of national unity and mutual respect in Guyana’s multicultural society, quoting from Surah Al-Hujraat: “People, We created you all from a single man and a single woman and made you into races and tribes so that you should get to know one another.”

Ahmad encouraged Muslims to use the Eid period to strengthen family relationships, reconcile differences and ensure vulnerable individuals are not forgotten during the celebrations.

“May Allah accept our sacrifices and worship, forgive our shortcomings, protect our families, and let this Eid be a time of joy, generosity, and remembrance,” he said.

Meanwhile, Imam of the Meten-meer-Zorg East Masjid, Halim Khan, said Eid ul-Adha is a strong reminder of the values that bring Guyanese together despite differences in race, religion and culture.

Traditionally, in the days leading up to the celebration, Muslims prepare for Eid through prayer, reflection, charity and acts of kindness, and families clean and decorate homes and prepare meals for relatives and guests, Khan explained.

“The sermons are about faith, sacrifice, obedience and compassion,” Khan said, referring to the special Eid morning prayers at mosques and open grounds across the country.

The observance revolves around the Qurbani sacrifice, in which meat is distributed to family members, neighbours, friends, and people in need, reinforcing Islamic values of

Imam of Meten-Meer-Zorg East

charity and social support.

“In Guyana, Eid ul-Adha is also celebrated with large family reunions, visits to relatives and friends, sharing of meals and extending good wishes to all walks of life,” Khan said.

He said the observance is a reflection of Guyana’s multi-cultural identity where persons of different faiths often come together in the recognition and respect of each other’s religious traditions.

Khan said the meaning of sacrifice goes beyond ritual observance to speak to larger values of selflessness, service and responsibility to others.

“The sacrifice is more than a physical thing. “It is the willingness of the believer to put faith, morality and service to humanity above personal desires and material interests,” he said.

Eid celebrations’ face in Guyana has changed, says Khan.

He also noted that social media and digital communication have strengthened ties between local families and members of the Guyanese diaspora during the holiday season.

Muslim organisations and mosques across the

country have increased their charitable outreach efforts over the years, including food distribution programmes and support initiatives for vulnerable families, he said.

Khan emphasised that those changes have not altered the core values of prayer, sacrifice, charity and gratitude at the heart of the observance.

He said Eid continues to be a strong expression of faith, family values, cultural heritage and national unity in Guyana’s multi-cultural society.

Khan called for peace and tolerance to prevail and urged Guyanese to reject division and work together for national development and social cohesion.

“Guyana’s greatest asset is the diversity of its rich culture and religion, with people from different backgrounds still living, working and celebrating together in harmony,” he said.

“As our country continues to grow and develop, we must continue to strengthen the bonds of unity and national solidarity that make us one people and one nation.”

Guyana being positioned as regional hub for robotic surgery training

- Health Minister says fellowship programme and advanced systems will strengthen national healthcare capacity

Guyana is being positioned as a regional training hub for robotic surgery as the government continues efforts to expand advanced healthcare services and build local medical capacity.

This is according to Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, who stated that the country is already putting systems in place to facilitate specialised training in robotic surgery for local and regional medical professionals.

Dr. Anthony made this known during a press conference on Tuesday evening, stating that the government is working to establish an accredited fellowship-style programme through collaboration among the Ministry of Health, the University of Guyana and the Postgradu-

ate Medical Institute.

“We are going to accredit that programme between the Post Grad Institute, University of Guyana, and the Ministry of Health, so that when you go through that training, you will have fellowship training.”

He added that Guyana would be uniquely positioned to offer such specialised instruction because of the systems already installed in the country.

“We would be the only ones that would be able to offer that, because we have the systems here.”

The Health Minister said the initiative forms part of a wider push to develop Guyana into a centre for advanced medical services within the Caribbean. This comes on the heels of the successful comple-

tion of the historic longest distance telesurgery procedure ever conducted using advanced robotic technology.

According to Dr Anthony, discussions have been held with overseas cardiac surgery specialists to further expand Guyana’s robotic cardiac surgery programme and close existing gaps in expertise.

One of the key areas identified was the need for trained perfusionists to support complex heart procedures.

“They’re going to work with us to make sure that we send somebody for training, and they’re going to help us to find that placement, so that we can have our own perfusionist.”

The goal, he said, is to eventually eliminate the

need for external teams to support highly specialised procedures.

“We’ll have our own national capacity and be able to do it by ourselves.”

Against this backdrop, Dr Anthony pointed to the government’s broader healthcare transformation agenda, highlighting the expansion of telemedicine, digital health systems and artificial intelligence-assisted diagnostics.

He said an AI-powered X-ray interpretation system is now operating in more than 15 hospitals across Guyana and can rapidly determine abnormalities and provide preliminary diagnoses.

“It takes the current system that we are using 20 seconds to determine something that is normal or

abnormal, and then another minute to give you a preliminary diagnosis.”

These advancements, he said, demonstrate that the government’s vision of delivering world-class healthcare is already taking shape.

“When the President speaks about world-class healthcare, it’s not just rhetoric, it is actually delivering world-class healthcare to our patients,” he added. He also said the infrastructure being developed is intended to benefit not only Guyana but the wider Caribbean region.

Jubilee 2026: WeLead Conference to spotlight women driving Guyana’s global transformation

AS Guyana marks its 60th Independence Jubilee, the WeLead Association is preparing to host a major conference aimed at spotlighting the growing influence of Guyanese women locally and internationally.

The WeLead Women’s Conference 2026 is scheduled for June 27 at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre under the theme, “Guyana to the World: Women Building Global Bridges.”

According to a release from the organisation, the conference comes at a pivotal moment in Guyana’s development, as women increasingly assume leadership roles across business, government, entrepreneurship, culture and public life.

The release noted that Guyanese women are no longer “waiting to be invited into the rooms where decisions are made,” but are instead leading companies, shaping policy, entering international markets

ating opportunities and investing in one another.

The WeLead Association said Fiona’s address is expected to be one of the defining moments of the conference, tying together themes of heritage, identity, leadership and global impact at a time when international attention is focused on Guyana.

finance, energy, law, media, entrepreneurship and community development.

and creating opportunities for future generations. Against the backdrop of Guyana’s expanding global profile, the conference will focus on positioning women as central contributors to national development rather than passive participants. Organisers said the event is intended to foster dialogue, mentorship, networking and professional growth while addressing issues such as access to

opportunity, leadership, visibility, confidence and regional and international collaboration.

A major highlight of the conference will be the participation of Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Melanie Fiona, who is expected to deliver a keynote address.

Fiona described her involvement in the event as both “deeply personal and profoundly purposeful,” noting her Guyanese roots

through her mother.

“There’s something powerful about returning to the country where my mother was born and witnessing today’s women not just participating in growth but leading it, shaping it, and redefining influence on their own terms,” Fiona said.

She added that women globally are increasingly “reclaiming authorship over their narratives” by building platforms, cre -

Founder of the WeLead Association, Abbigale Loncke-Watson, said the conference was intentionally crafted to reflect the significance of Guyana’s 60th anniversary celebrations.

“Guyana’s 60th Jubilee is not only a celebration of independence; it is a reminder of resilience, ambition, and possibility,” Loncke-Watson said. “We are standing in a country that is changing rapidly, and women must continue to lead that transformation.”

The conference is expected to feature speakers and contributors from sectors including government,

Among those slated to participate are Charles Ramson Jr., Vindhya Persaud, Yolander Sammy, Nafeeza Gafoor, Melissa Noel, Deborah Edward, Michelle A. Nicholas, Shoshanna V. Lall, Keisha Edwards and Susan Ibrahim.

The event has also secured support from several corporate and community partners, including the BB Energy Foundation, GBTI and other sponsors.

Organisers expect the conference to attract professionals, entrepreneurs, executives, students, creatives and policymakers from across Guyana and the wider Caribbean region.

Tickets for the conference cost US$75 and are available through Eventbrite, PotSalt Events and at the WeLead office located at 168 New Market Street, Georgetown.

Government expands AutoCAD laboratories to strengthen technical education nationwide

THE Government of Guyana is continuing its push to modernise technical and vocational education across the country, with plans to establish AutoCAD laboratories in more secondary schools to equip students with digital engineering and architectural design skills.

The latest AutoCAD Laboratory was recently

tion of the 2026 national budget, Dr Ashni Singh said investments in education are focused on expanding physical access and improving the quality of delivery to achieve what the government describes as “world-class education.”

According to the government, the long-term objective is to ensure every Guyanese child has

commissioned at Bygeval Secondary School, following a similar opening at Abrams Zuil Secondary School, as part of a broader national initiative aimed at expanding access to advanced educational technology.

The laboratories are designed to move students away from traditional pen-and-paper drafting methods and introduce them to modern computer-aided design systems widely used in engineering, architecture, and construction industries.

Government officials said the initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to improve access to quality education and technical training nationwide while preparing students for evolving workforce demands.

This year, the government allocated $183.6 billion to the education sector, including $2.5 billion specifically earmarked to expand Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) opportunities across Guyana.

During the presenta -

a lot because it is easier to use and helps them gain knowledge and more skills,” she said.

The expansion of AutoCAD laboratories comes amid wider efforts to strengthen Guyana’s technical education infra-

structure as the country experiences rapid growth in construction, engineering, housing, and industrial development.

Officials believe greater exposure to digital design technology at the secondary level could bet-

ter prepare students for careers in technical fields and improve readiness for tertiary education and workforce opportunities.

In the coming weeks, additional AutoCAD laboratories are expected to be commissioned

at North Ruimveldt Secondary School, Hope Secondary School, Zeeburg Secondary School, and New Amsterdam Multilateral School as the programme continues to expand nationwide.

access to modern educational opportunities that prepare them for adulthood and employment, while also allowing adults to upskill or reskill through flexible and technology-driven learning systems.

Students at Bygeval Secondary School welcomed the introduction of the new facility, describing it as an important investment in their future development.

Christopher Singh, a student at the school, said the laboratory will help students build practical skills in design and blueprint creation while exposing them to technology increasingly used in modern industries.

“It will help me learn early how to design and create plans and create blueprints also,” Singh said.

Another student, Darshini Tularam, noted that the use of computer-based systems makes learning easier and more efficient for students.

“I think the AutoCAD Lab helps students

Guyana training local specialists abroad ahead of Ogle Paediatric Hospital completion – Health Minister

DESPITE setbacks affecting construction of the Paediatric and Maternal Hospital, being constructed at Ogle on the East Coast of Demerara, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony says the facility remains a critical part of Guyana’s healthcare expansion and will significant-

ly improve specialised treatment for mothers and children once completed.

The Minister explained that delays

stemmed largely from ownership changes within the contracting company, VAMED Engineering, which impacted project continuity. However,

government continues to engage the contractor to ensure the project moves forward and is completed.

“The company has undergone a lot of changes, so originally it was owned jointly by the Austrian government and Fresenius. Fresenius became a 100% owner and then they sell their shares again. Now it’s owned by a German company. So because of these, we have had some hiccups, but we are working with them to get these projects on track and for them to complete,” Dr. Anthony said.

Once operational, the hospital is expected to become one of Guyana’s most advanced specialist healthcare institutions, strengthening maternal and paediatric services while expanding access to high-level care for children across the country.

The facility is projected to house approximately 252 beds, including about 100 internal medicine beds, while the remaining capacity will support paediatric specialty and subspecialty services.

Minister Anthony said the hospital will be especially important in treating complex childhood illnesses that is currently limited in local capacity and require overseas referrals.

“So while we are building, we have also identified a number of

people and we have been sending them aboard for training. Once that’s completed, we will have the relevant expertise to start some of the departments,” the Health Minister said.

He added that the hospital will create access to specialised services that are urgently needed for children facing serious medical conditions.

“Meaning that if your kid has cardiac problems, you will be able to get treatment there. If your kids have oncology problems, they will be able to get treatment there and so on,” Minister Anthony explained.

The Paediatric and Maternal Hospital is expected to play a major role in improving maternal and child health outcomes, easing pressure on existing referral hospitals, and reducing dependence on overseas treatment for complex cases. While construction delays have affected the timeline, Minister Anthony said the longterm benefits remain substantial, as the facility is expected to deepen Guyana’s capacity to provide specialised, high-quality healthcare within its public health system and is all part of President Irfaan Ali’s vision of providing world class health care to every citizen across Guyana.

Thoughtful gifting business grows through creativity and community connections

A BUSINESS born during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic is now carving out a niche in Guyana’s growing small business sector by helping people celebrate milestones, express gratitude, and maintain personal connections through customised gifts.

Founded in November 2020 by entrepreneur Saudia Nurmahamad, The Care Box has evolved from a simple online gifting service into a business catering to personal, corporate, and eventbased gifting across Guyana.

Operating primarily through social media and WhatsApp, the business offers customised gift packages, self-care boxes, seasonal hampers, and themed packages for occasions such as birthdays, Easter, Christmas, Halloween, corporate events, and appreciation gifts.

Nurmahamad said the idea behind the business was inspired by childhood experiences within her family, where gifts were carefully assembled using several meaningful items rather than a single present.

“That feeling of excitement, thoughtfulness, and care became the foundation

ground in banking and hospitality, Nurmahamad said her experience in customer service, sales, and client relations helped shape the direction of the business. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with Honours from the University of Bedfordshire. She described the early stages of entrepreneurship as challenging but rewarding, particularly in a rapidly changing business environment.

“To get started was the hardest part, but today I am learning and the business is striving even though there

is still a far way to go,” she said.

Nurmahamad believes Guyana’s expanding economy and increase in business activity, tourism, and events have also contributed to the company’s growth. As more conferences, celebrations, and corporate functions emerge across the country, demand for personalised and professional gifting services has increased.

She added that networking and maintaining an active social media presence have played an important role in helping the business reach new customers.

The entrepreneur also pointed to changing consumer trends, saying businesses must constantly adapt to customer preferences and evolving online shopping habits.

The Care Box now serves individuals, small businesses, and corporate clients, offering both ready-made and customised packages designed to suit different budgets and occasions.

Beyond business growth, the service also reflects a broader shift in Guyana’s small business landscape, where entrepreneurs are increasingly using digital plat-

forms to create flexible, customer-focused services that cater to modern lifestyles.

Nurmahamad said she remains passionate about the creative side of the business and the emotional value

of The Care Box,” she explained.

She noted that the business was launched at a time when many people were separated from loved ones due to pandemic restrictions and sought alternative ways to stay connected.

“Meaningful connection became more important than ever,” Nurmahamad said, adding that the business quickly grew around the idea of intentional gifting and creating memorable experiences. With a professional back-

attached to gifting.

“Gifting is more than just giving a product. It is creating an emotion, a memory, and an experience,” she said.

Persons interested in the service can connect with The Care Box at @thecareboxgy, or via WhatsApp at 592-6197825 to place orders or enquire about customised packages.

Health Ministry pushing greater accountability to patients through audits, standards overhaul - Minister Anthony

AS Guyana continues modernising its healthcare system, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony says the Ministry of Health is strengthening internal audits, accreditation systems and accountability measures to ensure patients receive better quality care across public health institutions.

be getting. He explained that under the internal audit process, teams will conduct random reviews of patient charts at health centres and other facilities to determine whether doctors and nurses are following established treatment guidelines.

“Let’s say someone is diabetic and they are going to the health centre,

ny explained.

He added that if patients are not being moved to appropriate levels of treatment or if established protocols are not being followed, auditors will identify those gaps and recommend corrective action.

According to the Minister, healthcare workers found to have deficien -

Speaking on ‘Starting Point’ recently, Minister Anthony said the Ministry is introducing a stronger culture of accountability throughout the health sector, where healthcare providers are expected to consistently follow established treatment protocols and deliver timely and appropriate care to patients. He explained that one of the major steps being implemented is a quality and clinical audit system within the Ministry of Health that will assess whether patients are receiving the standard of care they should

they are getting care but maybe their blood sugar is not controlled and they need to move from first level medication to maybe another level of medication, but for some reason, that has not happened for several months. We have developed guidelines on how to care for patients, let’s say, diabetic care, we have the protocols but maybe somebody at the health centre is not following the protocols, therefore there is a missmatch between how the patient is being treated and how they should be treated,” Minister Antho-

cies in care delivery may be given time to correct those issues, while additional training can also be recommended where necessary. The Ministry is also working to strengthen accountability through international quality standards.

He noted that Guyana’s six new hospitals have already been placed on a Joint Commission International (JCI) pathway programme, a system designed to help institutions meet global healthcare accreditation standards through regular monitoring, protocols and com-

pliance checks. The JCI pathway, he said, requires facilities to maintain standards consistently, with random checks ensuring hospitals are practising what is documented on paper.

Minister Anthony reiterated that the broader objective is to ensure patient

safety and reduce avoidable medical errors within the health system. He acknowledged that medical errors remain a challenge globally, but stressed that Guyana is trying to build a healthcare culture where institutions are accountable and every effort is made to provide proper

treatment.

The Ministry’s wider reforms are aimed at changing the culture of healthcare delivery so that accountability to patients becomes central to how doctors, nurses and health institutions operate.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

Liverpool's Frimpong left out of Dutch World Cup squad

RONALD Koeman's 26man group is dominated by Premier League players, with 15 coming from England's top flight, but there is no place for Frimpongwhose club teammates Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo are included.

Injured Arsenal full-back Jurrien Timber has been picked despite not having featured for the Gunners since March because of an ankle injury.

Six of the seven defenders selected play in England's top flight, including Tottenham centre-back Micky van de Ven and Chelsea's Jorrel Hato. Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries is the sole non-Premier League representative.

Brighton trio Bart Verbruggen, Jan Paul van Hecke and Mats Wieffer all earn call-ups while Manchester City duo Nathan Ake and Tijjani Reijnders also get the nod.

Sunderland keeper Robin Roefs, who is yet to play for his country, is one of three goalkeepers picked - joining Verbruggen and Bayer Leverkusen's Mark Flekken.

There is also a place for

Black Cats forward Brian Brobbey, while Bournemouth's Justin Kluivert and West Ham United forward Crysencio Summerville make up the Premier League contingent.

Netherlands World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Bart Verbruggen (Brighton), Mark Flekken (Bayer Leverkusen), Robin Roefs (Sunderland)

Defenders: Nathan Ake (Manchester City), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan), Jorrel Hato (Chelsea), Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton & Hove Albion), Jurrien Timber (Arsenal), Micky van de Ven

(Tottenham Hotspur)

Midfielders: Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona), Teun Koopmeiners (Juventus), Noah Lang (Galatasaray), Tijjani Reijnders (Manchester City), Marten de Roon (Atalanta), Guus Til (PSV), Quinten Timber (Marseille), Mats Wieffer (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Forwards: Brian Brobbey (Sunderland), Memphis Depay (Corinthians), Cody Gakpo (Liverpool), Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth), Donyell Malen (AS Roma), Crysencio Summerville (West Ham United), Wout Weghorst (Ajax)

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander pushes Thunder past Spurs for 3-2 edge

SHAI Gilgeous-Alexander might not have liked the way he started on Tuesday night.

But the Oklahoma City Thunder star came up big in the second and third quarters -- getting plenty of help from the cast around him -- as the Thunder beat the San Antonio Spurs 127-114 at home to take a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference finals.

"I thought we were first to the fight tonight on both ends and I thought we weren't the other night," Thunder Coach Mark Daigneault said. "I just loved the way we tonight on both ends of the floor."

Oklahoma City will have a chance to close out the series in Game Six Thursday in San Antonio.

It was a rough start for Gilgeous-Alexander, who missed his first four shots and had three first-quarter turnovers.

"If it was four or five me's out there, we would've been down 20 after the first quarter," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "Probably should never start like that again."

But even with the backto-back Most Valuable Player's struggles, the Thunder led after a quarter thanks in part to Gilgeous-Alexander's seven points in the final two minutes.

In Sunday's 103-82 loss,

Chet Holmgren, Alex Caruso and Jared McCain combined for just 14 points on 4-of-19 shooting.

In Game Five, the trio all came up big.

McCain was inserted into the starting lineup for ⁠his first playoff start, as Daigneault went with McCain over Cason Wallace with the Thunder playing without both Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell for the second consecutive game.

McCain didn't make much of an impact on the stat sheet early, with just two points on 1-of-5 shooting in the first half, but Diagneault said McCain still made a big impact on both ends of the floor from the start.

In Tuesday's game, the trio combined for 58 points, going 18 of 38 from the floor.

McCain scored 18 of his 20 points after the break and

didn't have a turnover in the second half.

Holmgren finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds.

Caruso, who averaged 21 points off the bench over the first three games of the series before being held scoreless on just one shot Sunday, got going early and finished with 22 points, six assists and three steals.

Gilgeous-Alexander eventually got going, scoring 12 points in Oklahoma City's 40-point second quarter and 11 more in the third, finishing with 32 points on 7-of-19 shooting and handing out nine assists. Oklahoma City was 48.2 per cent from the floor after shooting just 33 per cent in Game Four.

Spurs star Victor Wembanyama finished with 20 points on 4-of-15 shooting to go with six rebounds. (Reuters)

BCB to discuss with Government to make match-fixing a criminal offence

SAYEED Ibrahim Ahmed, Bangladesh Cricket Board's ad-hoc committee member, said that the board will discuss with the government and see whether match-fixing can be turned into a criminal offence, if required.

Ibrahim, son of the present government's home minister Salahuddin Ahmed, told Cricbuzz on Wednesday that they have zero tolerance on fixing issues and insisted recent banning of cricketers and organisers due to their involvement in the fixing-related activities in BPL is a move towards that direction and urges all to consider it as a warning and insisted they can go for stricter action.

Recently, BCB charged players and team owners

under ICC Anti-Corruption Code.

"If the cases (fixing) are changed from civil to criminal, then people will definitely think and consider it (that fixing is a criminal offence) before doing such a thing," said Ibrahim, who is contesting in the BCB election from category and looks certain to get a place in the next elected board following the BCB election, scheduled on June 7.

"You have already seen that our board members have already served notices to five individuals regarding a fixing scandal. We took that decision based on the report from our Anti-Corruption Unit," he said. "So, I hope this serves as a warning to everybody," he said. "Let’s keep sports

clean. If required we can talk to the various stakeholders and start the initiatives( of turning fixing into a criminal offence)," he added.

Mahin M Rahman, coun-

sel to the BCB's Integrity Unit and head of its legal team, told this website that they are looking to start the process following the EID vacation as there is parliament in place. "First the law

needs to be made from the Law Commission and later it needs to be approved by the law ministry after getting the approval," said Mahin.

"I think there is a law being drafted in this regard (fixing) as far as I know and after Eid I will do close follow-up with the government about it. Match-fixing has to be criminalised under the law of land. In several countries, including Sri Lanka, it has been criminalised. And it has been done very specifically in relation to cricket," he said.

"They have criminalised it in a way that directly targets cricket. There will be a specific law that clearly addresses these issues in cricket and other sports, including what happens if someone is involved in fix-

ing or corrupt practices," he said. "It will fall under criminal law, which is a subject of penal law. Not exactly inside the existing penal code, but there will be a separate law," he added.

Match-fixing is not a new phenomenon in the BPL, considering the league has often been entangled in controversies, with instances of spot-fixing and match-fixing coming to light since its inception in 2012.

Former Bangladesh skipper Mohammad Ashraful was subsequently banned for eight years (three years suspended) by the BPL anti-corruption tribunal for match and spot-fixing in the 2013 edition, while the BCB had to postpone the 2014 edition of the BPL. (Cricbuzz)

NZ pair lead fightback against Ireland at Stormont

NEW Zealand recovered from a poor start to reach 361-5 on the first day of the four-day Test match against Ireland at Stormont.

Mark Adair took three wickets as the Black Caps slipped to 88-4 before centuries from Rachid Ravindra and Tom Blundell put the tourists in control.

Ravindra hit 142 while Blundell is 142 not out - the pair put on a 217-run partnership for the fifth wicket.

In the first meeting between the two sides in Test cricket, Ireland won the toss and decided to field first in sunny Belfast.

Heinrich Malan's side, playing just their 13th Test match, enjoyed a superb morning session.

Adair bowled out Tom Latham in the first over as the New Zealand captain

opted to leave a fast delivery, only to see the ball hit the stumps.

The second wicket fell in the sixth over as Devon Conway's loose stroke from Adair was caught by Test debutant Liam McCarthy.

Two wickets from three balls then arrived later in the morning as Kane Williamson was trapped leg before for 39 by the impressive McCarthy.

Daryl Mitchell was next to go as he edged behind from Adair's delivery to wicketkeeper Lorcan Tucker, who caught it easily as New Zealand headed for lunch on 104-4.

The Black Caps responded in style in the afternoon session, led by Ravindra and Tom Blundell, who took the score to 214-4 by tea.

Ireland was left to rue a dropped catch from captain Andrew Balbirnie in that

afternoon session as he failed to hold on in the slips from a Ravindra drive.

The fruitful partnership for the Kiwis continued into the evening session, with

Ravindra registering a fifth Test match century with a fine six while Blundell then got his sixth Test century from 173 deliveries soon after.

Major upgrades for Sabina Park headline National Labour Day project

KINGSTON, Jamaica, (CMC) — SABINA Park, the hallowed home of Jamaican cricket, is undergoing a significant facelift as one of two national projects for Labour Day 2026, observed on Monday under the theme ‘One People, One Purpose: In All Things, Jamaica Wins.’

While work crews installed new waste collection facilities, replaced damaged guard rails, repaired rusted grills, and applied fresh paint to sections of the historic venue, the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT) carried out cleaning and preservation work on the statue of cricket legend George Headley.

Headley, the first black man to captain the West Indies, remains one of the greatest batsmen the game has ever produced.

In 22 Test matches, he scored 2,190 runs at a phenomenal average of 60.83 per innings, including 10 centuries.

His first-class record was even more remarkable, 9,921 runs in 164 innings, with 33 centuries and an unbelievable average of 70.

improve the facilities.”

The Ministry, through the National Labour Day Secretariat, is spearheading the renovations with a focus on restoring sports, early-childhood, and community facilities.

“These improvements will give the facility a beautiful facelift and ensure it is ready for upcoming international matches,” Minister Grange added.

As part of the day’s activities, the JNHT unveiled a new plaque and storyboard at Sabina Park. “The storyboard provides a summary of Sabina Park’s history, and through a QR code, visitors can access the full story,” the Minister noted. “This is an ongoing project, and we will continue to update the information as more work is done.”

After close to five hours without a wicket, Ireland finally cracked the partnership, with Ravindra caught by Tom Mayes from a Harry Tector delivery.

Blundell carried on with Dean Foxcroft (38) as New Zealand ended the first day in a healthy position.

"We got a really good start, the first hour was unbelievable. We set the tone with the second ball getting Tom Latham," said McCarthy.

"New Zealand dug deep and they had a really good partnership and that's the ebbs and flows of Test cricket.

"There's not many better wickets to get than Kane Williamson than your first one and that was a really really good moment for my first moment in my Test cricket career."

"The Test century was brilliant and it was special feeling batting with one of my best mates Tom Blundell," added Ravindra. (BBC Sport)

Ankle injury rules Mitchell Marsh out of Pakistan series

MITCHELL Marsh has been ruled out of Australia's three-match ODI tour of Pakistan beginning May 30 with an ankle injury. Wicket keeper Josh Inglis will lead Australia in Marsh's absence.

Marsh picked up the injury during his IPL stint with Lucknow Super Giants, for whom he finished as the leading run-scorer with 563 runs. He missed LSG's last league fixture against Punjab Kings on Saturday (May 23) and will now stay in Perth for further assessment and treatment, as per a Cricket Australia statement.

While no replacement has been named in the squad for the Pakistan tour, Marsh is racing against time to be fit for the white-ball tour of Bangladesh in June, where Australia are set to play three ODIs and as many T20Is.

the perfect time to bring everyone together to repair and

Minister Grange emphasised that the Government’s investment in Sabina Park forms part of a broader effort to modernise Jamaica’s sporting infrastructure, ensuring that Headley’s legacy, and the pride of Jamaican cricket, continue to inspire generations.

"Marsh will remain in Perth for further assessment and treatment until further notice. His availability for the white ball tour of Bangladesh will be determined in due course," a CA spokesperson said.

Marsh is now among many notable absentees for the Pakistan series. Regular

ODI skipper Pat Cummins and opener Travis Head are not part of the touring party, nor is Josh Hazlewood, with the troika set to feature for their respective teams in the IPL 2026 playoffs commencing Tuesday (May 26). While Cummins, Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc (who is also not touring Pakistan) have been rested from the Bangladesh tour too, Head will join the squad for that series. Inglis has led Australia in a lone ODI and three T20Is, each of which came against Pakistan at home in 2024. The first match of the ODI series will be held in Rawalpindi, with the remaining two games to be played in Lahore. (Cricbuzz)

Emmanuel: CARICOM has failed Caribbean sport on regional travel

CASTRIES, Saint Lucia, (CMC) – President of the St Lucia Olympic Committee (SLOC) Alfred Emmanuel has accused CARICOM of failing regional athletes and sporting organisations by its inability to make intra-regional travel affordable.

Speaking during Saturday’s edition of the TalkSports programme, Emmanuel expressed frustration over the longstanding transportation difficulties that continue to affect regional competitions, athlete movement, and sports development across the Caribbean.

Asked whether CARICOM and regional sporting federations could work together more effectively to improve travel throughout the region, Emmanuel did not hide his disappointment

“Well, CARICOM… I’ve had my battles with CARICOM, and I would be foolish not to make public what I would have told the CARICOM persons in private.

“CARICOM has failed us, and failed us miserably, when it comes to sport and sport development,” Emmanuel declared.

Emmanuel suggested that

solving the issue required greater political commitment and a stronger appreciation for sport at the policy-making level.

“I think it has to do with the mindset of politicians,” he said.

Emmanuel expressed particular disappointment that former athletes who transition into political leadership positions often appear reluctant to publicly champion sports development issues once in government.

“At times you sit and wonder – wasn’t this guy a

national athlete in this sport or that sport? Wasn’t this young lady an athlete in this sport or that sport?

“Now that they’re in a position to really drive the process, they’re somewhat lost within the whole process,” Emmanuel contended.

“You’re not hearing the voices. You’re not seeing the public pronouncements as to what they believe should be done. To me, once you’ve entered the classroom of the politician, I think then sport is really not on the front burner.”

Guyana's Diamond Jubilee celebrates a legacy...

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tional spirit, the cricketing fraternity pauses to salute a remarkable 60-year journey. The legacy of Bourda and the modern vibrance of Providence stand as monuments to a country that has given the world some of its greatest art -

ists. For six decades, Guyana has marched to the beat of its own drum, and West Indies cricket remains forever in its debt.

FIFA ordered to explain World...

(From back page) mation.

Davenport made a joint announcement alongside New York Attorney General Letitia James and the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP).

Sir Clive Lloyd elected as Lancashire President

FORMER West Indies

Captain Sir Clive Lloyd has been elected as Lancashire's new president as part of a restructure of the club’s board.

Lloyd appeared in 110 Tests during his career but also spent 18 years playing for the Red Rose.

He is joined on the board by former England spinner and World Cup winner Alex Hartley, who has been appointed as vice-president after retiring from the game in 2023 to concentrate on a career in the media.

Ex-Lancashire captain Mike Watkinson, who scored more than 10,000 runs and almost 740 wickets in first-class cricket before moving into coaching, has succeeded the outgoing Chris Peacock as a representative on the board.

Meanwhile, Dame Sarah

Storey, Great Britain's most successful Paralympian, will become the chair of Lancashire Cricket, having previously served as president.

She said in a statement:

"I am delighted to officially welcome Sir Clive as president - what an honour for the club to have such an incredible individual on our board.

"It is an incredible privilege to be named chair of this great club. I am stead-

fast in my commitment to ensure that our Lancashire teams are as strong as they possibly can be on the field and growing the game of cricket across Lancashire and the North West.

"This is what everyone at the club is striving towards. The expertise of Sir Clive Lloyd and Mike Watkinson joining our board will only support that aim."

Windies Women hoping for dominant Tri-series performance

DUBLIN, Ireland, (CMC)

– WEST Indies Women’s captain, Hayley Matthews, has made it clear that the team’s goal is to win all four of their matches in their upcoming Tri-series against Pakistan and Ireland.

The Windies will face Ireland in their opening match at Castle Avenue on Thursday, with the series serving as final preparation for the Women’s ICC T20 World Cup, which bowls off in England and Wales on June 12.

West Indies Women are ranked sixth in the T20I rankings, ahead of both Pakistan, who are ranked eighth and the ninth-ranked Ireland.

In an interview ahead of their opener, Matthews said winning all of their games would serve as a confidence booster heading into the World Cup.

“We want to get some confidence under our belts, hopefully with a few wins.

Playing two teams like Ireland and Pakistan, we know those are teams that are improving every day and getting better, so it’s going to be a really good test for us before the World Cup…

Cup,” the skipper added. Matthews said the preceding 10-day preparatory camp in Wales had helped the team get familiar with the conditions for both the Tri-series and the World Cup.

In particular, FIFA has been asked to explain why tickets have "exceeded the prices for any previous World Cup tournament".

Fans have reported they were "misled" about the location of seats, including through the creation of more expensive 'front' category

DCWP Commissioner Samuel AA Levine said the body would be taking "allegations of blatantly deceptive conduct very seriously" and would look into allegations of "artificially inflating prices".

tickets released after the initial sales.

It is also alleged that variable pricing through various phases had allowed FIFA to raise prices for about 90 of the 104 fixtures by an average of 34 per cent.

The investigation will consider how the ticket release schedule and public statements may have impacted prices. (BBC Sport)

“The Tri-series is going to be very important, obviously with the World Cup coming up in just about a week or two now.

“This is obviously going to be a great tell for where we’re at as a team, but I think also to make sure that we’re getting the combinations right as a group and going into the World Cup knowing exactly what plans we want to have in place,” Matthews said.

“Success for us probably is very clear coming into a series like this. Playing against two teams that we’re ranked higher than in the T20 rankings we probably want to go out there and win all the matches and I think that’s going to be the real goal for us this series. It puts us in a position that if we do win those matches, we certainly feel that we’re in really good stead going into the World

“The prep was really good for the group. Being up in Wales, having similar conditions to what the World Cup is going to be like was really crucial to get accustomed and acclimatised to what it’s like over there and to get the girls in really good nick before coming down here to Ireland and getting ourselves in the best possible position to be able to come down here and perform and then over to the World Cup to perform too,” she said.

Sooryavanshi, 15, stuns again in IPL eliminator

TEENAGE sensation, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, produced his latest extraordinary innings by hitting 97 from just 29 balls to set up Rajasthan Royals' win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League eliminator.

The 15-year-old struck 12 sixes, including three in a row off Australia captain Pat Cummins, before he was dismissed in the eighth over.

After hitting boundaries off seven balls in succession, he had one delivery to break Chris Gayle's record for the fastest IPL century but was

Royals won by 47 runs)

caught at deep third attempting an upper cut.

Sooryavanshi, who had reached 50 in 16 balls, looked crestfallen in the middle but was congratulated by his opponents and given a standing ovation by the crowd.

At that point Royals were 125-1 after eight overs, with opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal, an India international across formats, on 25 from 20 balls at the other end.

"What an innings. What a player," said India’s legend, Sunil Gavaskar, commentating.

"That is an innings to remember. An innings to savour."

Sooryavanshi's knock also took him to the top of this year's run-scorers' list in the IPL.

His seventh six, hit in only the fourth over, broke the record for the most sixes in an IPL season- a record previously held by former West Indies international Gayle with 59.

"The margins are so small," Cummins said.

"You miss your yorker by a little bit and he doesn't tend to miss them. Fair play."

Guyana's Diamond Jubilee celebrates a legacy ‘fabricated in freedom and bound by maroon’

THE Co-operative Republic of Guyana is standing on the threshold of a historic milestone, marking 60 years since it shed the shackles of colonial rule and charted its own destiny.

As the South American nation celebrates its Diamond Jubilee of Independence, Cricket West Indies has stepped forward to lead the global salutations, honouring a nation whose story of self-determination is intrinsically woven into the very fabric of Caribbean cricket.

From the defining moments of 1966, Guyana’s liberation was never an isolated political event, but rather the beating heart of a wider West Indian awakening. It was an era that reconfigured the regional psyche, transforming a collection of territories from subjects of an empire into architects of their own identity.

In this grand theatre of cultural and political reclamation, no stage reflected this newfound dignity and purpose quite like the cricket pitch, where a unified West Indies team became the ultimate expression of post-colonial defiance and excellence.

To speak of West Indies cricket without Guyana is to rip the spine out of its

history. This is the land that birthed Sir Clive Lloyd, the towering visionary whose revolutionary captaincy forged an invincible, ruthless superpower that dominated the world for a generation.

It is the cradle of Rohan Kanhai's breathtaking, gravity-defying elegance, Alvin Kallicharran's diminutive genius, and Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s crab-like, unyielding resilience. Guyana has consistently replenished the maroon wellspring, sending forth generations of gladiators who carried the hopes of a region on their shoulders.

In an official statement released by Cricket West Indies, the board’s directors, management, players, and staff extended their profound congratulations to the Government and people of Guyana, both at home and across the global diaspora.

The board acknowledged Guyana not just as a geographical territory but as a foundational pillar of the regional game, a place where talent routinely transformed into a powerful collective voice.

Is 15-year-old IPL wonderkid ready to play for India?

After Sooryavanshi was dismissed, Sunrisers fought back admirably to restrict Royals to 243-8 but Rajasthan, who have not won the IPL since the inaugural season in 2008, still triumphed by 47 runs.

England’s bowler, Jofra Archer, bounced out Abhishek Sharma second ball and, despite being expensive, also dismissed Ishan Kishan for 33 and Travis Head for 17.

Sunrisers were bowled

out for 196 in 19.2 overs. Archer finished with 3-58.

Sooryavanshi first made headlines when he smashed his first ball in the IPL for six aged 14 in April 2025. He became the youngest man to hit a T20 century later that season.

He scored a remarkable 175 in the Under-19 World Cup final against England earlier this year and made his second IPL hundred earlier this season - a century reached in 36 deliveries, also against Sunrisers.

He has been named in an India A squad for a 50-over

tri-series in Sri Lanka next month but many have suggested he should be picked for the full national side's white-ball tour to England this summer.

"He is the best T20 opener in the world. India has to pick him," former England captain Michael Vaughan posted on X on Wednesday. His side will play Jos Buttler's Gujarat Titans in the second qualifier on Friday with the winner progressing to play defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Sunday's final. (BBC Sport)

FIFA ordered to explain World Cup ticket pricing

The Attorneys General of New York and New Jersey have been at loggerheads with FIFA over ticket pricing and transport costs

launched an investigation into FIFA's practices.

As Guyana looks toward the future, fuelled by economic transformation and an enduring na-

(Turn to page 23)

FIFA must answer questions after allegations of "artificially inflating prices" and "misleading fans" over the sale of tickets for the 2026 World Cup. It comes as the Attorneys General of New York and New Jersey officially

New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport called the process a "gauntlet of confusion, fake scarcity and impossibly high prices".

She added there would

be a "thorough investigation of FIFA's conduct" with world football's governing body subpoenaed to provide information.

A subpoena compels a party to release specified internal documents or infor-

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