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President orders immediate remedy to regional service delivery bottlenecks No.1081922

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President Irfaan Ali, on Monday, met with Regional Executive Officers, Regional Education Officers, and Regional Health Officers from all 10 Administrative Regions to address critical issues related to service delivery, efficiency, and the systemic changes being implemented to ensure citizens across our country have reliable access to quality education and healthcare services (Office of the President)

Giddings confirms no interference with server, denies he tampered with SOPs or permitted anyone to do so 10 PAGE

Still no answers on Justice Gino Persaud’s US visa ‘review’ –– calls, messages unanswered

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Agriculture Ministry says Abary Creek project will benefit, not harm, rice and cattle farmers –– rejects Opposition Leader’s claims 11 PAGE

US visa restrictions for foreign nationals undermining democratically-elected Western Hemisphere govts 02 PAGE

US visa restrictions for foreign nationals undermining democratically-elected Western Hemisphere govts

THE United States Department of State has cancelled the visas of several officials and imposed visa restrictions on others and their immediate family members, citing corruption, narcotrafficking and actions that undermine democratically elected governments. The measures, announced Monday, were taken under a new visa restriction policy pursuant to Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). According to the Department, the policy restricts visas for foreign

GUYANA CHRONICLE TuesdAy, septembeR 29, 2026

nationals “who undermine a democratically-elected government through corruption or narcotrafficking activities” in the Americas. “Under the Trump Administration, corrupt foreign officials can no longer freely enter the United States. Today the Department of State is taking actions to fulfill the commitments to defend democratic governance across our hemisphere against corruption and narco-trafficking made at the Doral Summit and reaffirmed in the Shield of the Americas leaders’ statement of September 22,” the State

Department said. The latest actions target

nationals from Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and

Peru, all participants in the Shield of the Americas initiative. “This is a durable mechanism that allows the United States to act quickly, in coordination with our partners, as evidence develops. The Department of State is taking steps immediately to impose visa restrictions under this policy in support of fellow Shield of the Americas participants Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru,” the department added. The State Department said the actions were consistent with commitments

made at the Doral Summit and reaffirmed in the Shield of the Americas leaders’ statement of September 22, which called for coordination of sanctions, designations and financial actions against terrorists and criminals who undermine security, rule of law and democracy. The visa restrictions were imposed under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the INA, which bars entry to individuals whose entry or proposed activities could have potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, September 29, 2026

President orders immediate remedy to regional service delivery bottlenecks PRESIDENT Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, on Monday, issued a series of on-the-spot instructions to Regional Executive Officers (REOs), Regional Education Officers and Regional Health Officers from all 10 administrative regions, as he moved to clear bottlenecks holding up services in the education and health sectors. The Head of State met with the regional officials at the Baridi Benab, State House, where each region raised its concerns and challenges directly with him. The meeting focused on the level of service delivery, efficiency, and the systemic changes the government is introducing to ensure citizens across the country can access quality education and healthcare. Officials also reviewed improvements already made in both sectors. Among them are digital solutions now in use in the health sector, which have sped up the delivery of drugs and medical supplies to patients at hospitals and health centres countrywide. Senior Minister within the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh; Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation, Zulfikar Ally and Minister of Education, Sonia Parag, were also part of the engagement.

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, on Monday, issued a series of on-the-spot instructions to Regional Executive Officers (REOs), Regional Education Officers and Regional Health Officers from all 10 Administrative Regions

President Ali mourns passing of ‘King of Calypso’ PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali has paid tribute to legendary calypsonian Slinger Francisco, the Mighty Sparrow, describing his passing as a moment when “a prayerful quietude has fallen over Caribbean calypso.” Francisco died on Sunday, September 27, at the age of 91. His family said the Grenadian-born, Trinidad-raised performer died peacefully in New York following a brief illness, surrounded by loved ones. In his tribute, President Ali said, “The King of Calypso is no more,” and recalled the singer who gave the region “Jean and Dinah,” “Congo Man,” “Mr. Walker,” “Ten to One Is Murder,” and “a treasury of unforgettable hits.”

The late legendary calypsonian Slinger Francisco, the Mighty Sparrow

The Head of State said that although Sparrow “no longer rises in song,” his music would endure as it has for decades. “His compositions – in-

sightful, witty and at times mischievous – became the soundtrack of generations, their lyrics etched with wit, rhythm, and fearless social commentary—mirrors held

up to the Caribbean’s character, its contradictions, its unbroken spirit,” the President said. President Ali credited the calypsonian with bringing recognition to “our Caribbean civilisation,” noting that his melodies and lyrics “sailed far beyond the region’s shores.” “Sparrow lifted calypso from mere entertainment into an art form. He was the peerless virtuoso of the double entendre and picong, turning sly innuendo and biting mockery into unforgettable craft,” he said. “And though now the Mighty Sparrow has taken his final bow, the curtain never truly falls. His music, his wit, and his legacy live on in the pulse of the people of our region.”

On behalf of the government and people of Guyana, President Ali extended heartfelt condolences to Sparrow’s family, the people of Trinidad and Tobago, and “the legions of his fans in the Caribbean and around the world.” A CAREER SPANNING SEVEN DECADES Born on July 9, 1935, in the fishing village of Grand Roy, Grenada, Francisco moved to Trinidad as a young child and grew up in Laventille, near Port of Spain. His breakthrough came with the 1956 hit “Jean and Dinah.” He went on to become one of calypso’s most decorated performers, winning Trinidad and Tobago’s Calypso King or Monarch title eight times and the Carnival Road March competition on

eight occasions. Affectionately known as “Birdie,” he recorded hundreds of songs and performed around the world, including at New York City’s Madison Square Garden. His honours included Trinidad and Tobago’s Chaconia Gold Medal and an honorary Doctor of Letters from The University of the West Indies. In announcing his death, his family described him as an institution in the entertainment industry, admired for his skill as a singer, songwriter and mentor. The Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation remembered him as a defining voice of the country’s culture whose music carried calypso from Trinidad and Tobago to the world.

GUYANA CHRONICLE TuesdAy, septembeR 29, 2026

Guyana to host global aviation safety forum today as sector expands

GUYANA will, today, become the centre of high-level global discussions on aviation safety and regional co-operation, as representatives from almost 60 countries converge here for the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Third Global Regional Safety Oversight Organisations and Regional Accident and Incident Investigation Organisations Forum for Aviation Safety. President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali is expected to deliver the keynote address when the forum opens on Tuesday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre. It will run from September 29 to 30 under the theme, “Optimizing Resources through Coordination and Co-operation.” The gathering, jointly organised by ICAO and EASA and hosted by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), will bring together civil aviation regulators, accident investigators, representatives of member states and regional oversight organisations, technical ex-

perts, international organisations and major aviation industry players. Discussions will examine how countries can pool expertise and resources to strengthen safety oversight and accident and incident investigations, particularly in jurisdictions where financial, technical and human-resource constraints can make it difficult for individual states to maintain all of the specialised capabilities required. Among the areas on the agenda are the benefits of regional co-operation, sustainable legal and funding models for oversight organisations, the delegation of safety and investigative functions, aviation workforce development, industry partnerships and the harmonisation of regulatory frameworks and tools. The forum is also expected to provide Guyana with an opportunity to deepen its engagement with international regulators and aviation organisations at a time when its own aviation market is undergoing rapid change. Minister of Public Util-

ities and Aviation, Deodat Indar, recently pointed to the scale of that growth during the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Latin America and Caribbean. According to Indar, Guyana was served by four airlines in 2020 — Copa Airlines, American Airlines, Suriname Airways and Caribbean Airlines — compared with 16 airlines today. “That is a phenomenal growth,” the minister told the international aviation gathering. He also said passenger traffic had grown by approximately 400 per cent using 2020 as the baseline, although 2020 was also the year global aviation was heavily disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. More recent figures nevertheless show continued growth in demand. Guyana recorded 226,465 visitor arrivals during the first six months of 2026, the highest half-year total recorded, representing a 12 per cent increase over the corresponding period in 2025, according to the Government’s 2026 Mid-Year Report. Airlift capacity also expanded during that period, including the introduction of daily flights between Guyana and Toronto, while two new cargo carriers entered the market. The country’s expanding aviation network has also been accompanied by growing pressure on existing airport infrastructure.

Indar has previously disclosed that the air traffic control tower at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) is to be relocated to allow for further expansion of the aircraft apron. He explained that growth in aircraft movements has resulted in occasions where incoming aircraft have had to wait for parking positions to become available. During his recent CAPA appearance, the minister also referenced the planned expansion of CJIA, including a new terminal, as part of Guyana’s efforts to increase capacity and support further airline and passenger growth. That growth has also prompted the government to actively pursue additional air services. At the CAPA summit, Indar publicly encouraged airlines, including LATAM Airlines and Arajet, to examine opportunities in

the Guyana market as the government seeks greater connectivity with Latin America, the Caribbean and other international destinations. He also raised the longer-term possibility of improving connectivity between South America and Africa, arguing that changing travel patterns and Guyana’s geographical position could create opportunities for new connections instead of passengers relying almost exclusively on traditional routings through North America and Europe. No direct Guyana-Africa service has been announced. Against that wider expansion, Tuesday’s forum will turn the attention specifically to ensuring that growth in traffic and connectivity is accompanied by stronger safety systems, regulatory oversight and accident-investigation capacity. At the launch of the event earlier this year, Indar said the issues being addressed extend beyond regulators and technical specialists and have implications for ordinary passengers, including safety, efficiency

and the affordability of air travel. Day One will begin with registration from 08:00 hours, followed by the opening ceremony and keynote address. Subsequent sessions will examine the benefits of regional co-operation, developments within Regional Safety Oversight Organisations and Regional Accident and Incident Investigation Organisations, and mechanisms through which states can delegate specialised functions while maintaining their international obligations. The second day will focus on attracting and retaining an aviation workforce, sustainable financing, partnerships between regulators and the aviation industry and developing common or harmonised regulatory frameworks. Representatives from ICAO, EASA, civil aviation authorities and regional organisations from Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, the Pacific, the Middle East and the Americas are listed among the speakers, along with industry representatives from Airbus, American Airlines and LIAT Air.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Energy plans must count off-grid power from mining, forestry — President Ali

PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali has said Guyana’s energy plans must take account of the electricity generated independently by mining, forestry and bauxite operations, as well as demand supplied through the national grid. Speaking about two large gold-mining projects expected to come on stream soon, Dr. Ali said each could require about 80 megawatts of power. The mines could produce their own power using diesel or heavy fuel oil, he said, or potentially connect to new generation, including the proposed Amaila Falls hydropower project. He said the projects illustrated the scale of rising demand across the economy. Dr Ali noted that planners should calculate how much electricity is already being generated outside the grid by mining, forestry and bauxite operations, and consider it alongside national grid demand. Doing so, he said, would give a clearer picture of both the country’s overall power use and its growth. “So, it tells you that even in the mining sector, the need for power is growing enormously, so whether it’s self-generating, whether it is from the grid, whether it’s

President Ali also said the Amaila Falls hydropower project had attracted bids from several companies and was currently at the evaluation stage. He said he had instructed officials to begin negotiations with the highest-ranked bidders once the assessment was complete. The Head of State said the project would be delivered through a design-build-finance arrangement and a

President Dr Irfaan Ali

from standalone system, or from new development that will bring on stream, it talks about the national demand for power,” the Head of State said. The President said Guyana’s demand for electricity would continue to grow as the country develops and new industries come on stream. He said planning for the future must take account of both the pace of development and the energy needs it will create. Dr Ali also said the country needs an energy authority that is more agile, flexible and proactive. He emphasised that it

must have the technical and managerial expertise to respond effectively to a period of rapid transformation while helping to ensure stability. “I believe that understanding the pace of development and what lies ahead of us is only going to get greater. But I believe that we need to have an authority that is more agile, more flexible, more proactive, dynamic, and has the technical managerial skillset that is required in this period of rapid transformation and period of stability,” he said. AMAILA FALLS

power purchase agreement. He said the terms would need to make economic sense for Guyana and support the government’s goal of providing energy at the cost it wants to deliver to the public. “We have received some bids, a lot of submissions, very good companies, and it’s at evaluation stage now. So as soon as that evaluation is completed, I have instructed that we move to negotiate

with the best ranked bidders and give us the best possibility. As you know, this is a design-build finance. “This is a power purchase agreement. They have to agree to the terms, the terms that make economic sense for us and will meet the energy costs that we want to deliver to the people of this country, so we’re going through that process now.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE TuesdAy, septembeR 29, 2026

Building Beyond the Bricks

SIX years ago, President Dr. Irfaan Ali asked Guyanese to trust a vision. On Sunday, sitting down with journalist Fareeza Haniff, he gave an account of it. His verdict was plain: The 2020 and 2025 Manifestos have been fulfilled in full. The record supports him. Consider the most visible proof. Last October, thousands gathered for the commissioning of the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge. The President described the four-lane, 2.6-kilometre structure as more than a crossing, calling it a catalyst for national growth that gives thousands of commuters free, uninterrupted travel, and ends the bottlenecks of the old Demerara Harbour Bridge. He predicted it would spur economic activity on both banks. and open the way for new factories, logistics centres, and

corridors of development. Commuters who once spent hours waiting on a floating bridge now know the difference. Yet the President’s most important message on Sunday was that concrete alone is not the destination. The next four years, he said, must bring citizens, families and communities closer together, while pursuing investments that last for generations: Guyana as a food hub, an energy hub, and a leader in biodiversity and climate services. The Model Village Initiative shows what that philosophy looks like on the ground. The President drew on his own rural childhood, recalling that he first saw badminton and squash only after leaving his village for school in Georgetown. That experience of unequal opportunity, sharpened by his work as a planner on the Secondary Towns Improvement

Project, lies behind a simple aim: A model village should be what every village in Guyana can become. This is no slogan. The initiative is targeting 23 communities across Regions Two to Six, with assessments done and remedial works already underway in some areas. It is a structured, budget-financed policy, not a one-off project, and funds were earmarked in the 2026 National Budget for the first phase, with further allocations planned as it expands over five years. In Port Mourant alone, about 609 acres will be modernised, including 102 roads and 21 kilometres of road upgrades. Importantly, the Guyana Development Bank will help residents turn business ideas into viable enterprises, so these communities become places to earn, not merely to live. Finally, the President placed people at the heart of the next phase, pointing to

a specialised STEM school to be developed with ExxonMobil. That builds on momentum already visible: The Guyana STELLAR programme is giving specialised science and mathematics training to 60 pre-service secondary teachers under a US$100 million, 10-year Guyana STEM Initiative. A nation rich in oil must become richer still in skill. The President did not pretend the journey was easy; he spoke candidly of workload, challenges and setbacks. But he also reminded us that transformation must rest on values: Peace, understanding, dignity and honour. That is the right compass. Guyana has laid its foundation. Now comes the harder, nobler task of building a caring, connected nation on top of it. The President has set out the plan. Every Guyanese has a stake in seeing it through.

Gov’t advancing housing plans for Soesdyke-Linden Highway communities – Minister McCoy THE government is advancing plans to expand housing opportunities for communities along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, with Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy, indicating that the initiative is aimed at ensuring families have greater security through home ownership. McCoy made the disclosure while addressing Amerindian Heritage Month celebrations at Silver Hill, where he outlined several housing initiatives being pursued along the highway corridor. He said the government’s housing programme is intended to ensure that families, including those in Amerindian communities, have access to secure housing and the opportunity to own their own homes. “Having your own

home is one of the best securities that any family could have,” McCoy told residents. Against this backdrop, he said the government is working to streamline housing opportunities along the corridor, pointing to several projects already planned or under development. Among these is a new housing scheme at St Cuthbert’s Mission, where McCoy said works had recently been advertised. “That is going into the mission where we would have a brand-new housing scheme with houses so that our people that need a house on the highway would be able to access those,” he said. The minister also highlighted housing initiatives targeting specific groups, including young professionals and single-parent women.

Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy He said young profes- the Yarrowkabra houses sional houses were being will also include shade developed at Puruni, while houses which beneficiaries houses at Yarrowkabra can use for agricultural would cater to single-par- production. ent women. The produce, he said, According to McCoy, would be sold to the gov-

ernment, providing an additional source of income that could assist beneficiaries with their mortgage payments. “And those houses also carry a shade house that can be used and will be used for them to harvest crops, to plant and harvest crops that will be resold to the government and monies that they could use for their mortgages,” McCoy said. He went on to add that the government was also examining additional lands along the highway to facilitate larger-scale housing development, with the broader objective of improving the economic and social security of families in the area. “We are looking for other lands on the highway to do large-scale housing so that our people can be secure,” he said. The minister further linked the housing initia-

tives to the wider development of Amerindian communities, arguing that heritage celebrations should also recognise the progress being made in improving living conditions and economic opportunities. “We cannot celebrate heritage without celebrating development,” he said. The minister also pointed to planned interventions in transportation, agriculture and small-business development as part of efforts to strengthen livelihoods along the corridor. He affirmed that the government would continue working with Amerindian communities to expand infrastructure and create opportunities that allow residents to build sustainable livelihoods. “We will continue to be your partner in development,” McCoy said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Class analysis: WPA, AFC and MCC, part 1

THERE were two powerful class formations from the 1940s in this country. The Portuguese petite bourgeoisie (PPB) and the educated, status-saturated Mulatto/ Creole class (MCC). In terms of economic status, there were two differing class formations. The PPB had money but it did not conform to the traditional Marxist typology of classes because of the lack of capital accumulation. Using Walter Rodney’s special modification and application of Marxian class analysis to Guyana, the Portuguese mercantile class was a petite bourgeois entity. The MCC did not have money, therefore Marxian class analysis would not assign petite bourgeois status to them. The West Indian middle-class stratum applied to the Guyanese MCC. Which of the two social classes were more powerful in British Guiana – the one with money or the one with penetrating societal reach? I would contest that the MCC had more permeating influence in British Guiana. Three reasons explain this: the MCC, descendants of the house slaves, were in fact the colonial administration of the colony with huge influence on the local governor. Secondly, state administration was controlled by the MCC, therefore, there were things money couldn’t buy in Guyana but status could. It was not as easy for the money of the PPB to get their kids into Queen’s College as the status MCC could. Thirdly, the PPB conceded to the MCC that the MCC had special power and therefore, the PPB would not confront the political hegemony of the MCC. The PPB tested the water by forming its own political party, the United Force (UF) and it sought not to anger the MCC by bringing on board many MCC personalities. There were tensions between the PBB and the MCC when the UF was born, because the MCC saw the PPB as moving into its (the MCC, that is) traditional territory -state administration – should it win power in 1964. That is what happened in 1964 and from there on, the nascent suspicion of the MCC never evaporated. The colour issue was never a problem between the PPB and MCC because the PPB saw the MCC as being close to white complexion and the MCC with its inferiority complex accepted the PPB as a cultural partner in British Guiana. They both felt their roles coincided – keep the “C-people” out of mainstream life in the colony. From 1964 to 1968, the PPB and the MCC ran the colony and sought to diminish the rising role of Cheddi Jagan and what they

consider, his people, who were unfit to get the franchise. After 1968, when the PNC rigged the election and the PPB was finished as a political force then migrated in large numbers, the MCC took hold of Guyana. This was a class of people who were very elitist and powerful. They were the custodians of Anglo-Saxon culture in Guyana. They succeeded the white colonists in the local Masonic lodges. They controlled who got jobs in both private sector and state-sector employment. This social and bureaucratic hegemony existed alongside the rule of the PNC. One of the reasons why the MCC still had power even though the PNC was solely in government was because from the 1950s, the MCC had an alliance with the PNC and never sought to alienate the PNC. This took the form of the MCC parties -- the National Democratic Party, the People’s National Party, the United Guianese Party and the elitist civil society group, the League of Coloured People, forging an alliance with the PNC. The graphic reality is that the role of the MCC held steadily after the fall of the UF in 1968 because the MCC always had a substantial presence in the PNC. From 1968 onwards, the MCC continued its cultural, bureaucratic, educational and political ubiquity in Guyana. From 1973, fissures began to develop between the MCC and Prime Minister Forbes Burnham. The 1973 time span had absolutely nothing to do with the rigged election of that year. That was unrelated to the emergence of the schism. This remains an esoteric factor in Guyanese history. There are two competent books on Burnham and none of them offer analytical elaboration on what exactly happened between the MCC and Burnham after 1973. They are Tyron Ferguson, “To survive sensibly or to court heroic death: Management of Guyana’s political economy, 1965 -1985,” and Linden Lewis, “Forbes Burnham: The life and times of the Comrade Leader.” Over the decades, I have tried to explain what caused the spilt, but I don’t think a dozen newspaper columns will suffice. You need a book-length manuscript. This column will perhaps have three parts; the second on the MCC content of the WPA, another on the MCC content in the AFC, so there is no scope for analysing the fight between the MCC and Burnham from 1973 onwards. 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.

GUYANA CHRONICLE TuesdAy, septembeR 29, 2026

MV Barima accused file application to halt murder proceedings

DEFENCE attorneys for two of the three Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) employees charged with multiple counts of murder in connection with the MV Barima disaster have filed submissions seeking a stay of the criminal proceedings. The accused are captain Kevin Price, 40, known as “KP”, of Melanie Damishana, East Coast Demerara (ECD); chief mate Rondell Dwayne Roberts, 42, of Grove Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD); and goods superintendent Delon Granderson, 33, of Fellowship, West Coast Demerara (WCD). Attorney Dexter Todd, who represents Price and Granderson in association with other counsel, confirmed on Monday that the submissions had been completed and

would be served on the court, the prosecution and attorney Everton Singh-Lammy, who represents Roberts. The matter was adjourned to October 12, when the prosecution, led by Senior Police Legal Advisor Mandel Moore, is expected to respond to the defence submissions. The three accused, who appeared virtually via Zoom, were further remanded to prison until that date. The stay application is being pursued while the murder case remains at the preliminary stage. Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir, sitting at the Charity Magistrate’s Court, is scheduled to rule on the stay application on October 19, 2026. Magistrate Mohabir had previously indicated that paper committal proceedings

Kevin Price

Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir are expected to begin on November 16 and are to be completed by the end of that month.

The three men were members of the MV Barima’s crew when the vessel sank on July 18, resulting in the deaths of dozens of passengers. They were jointly charged with over 60 counts of murder following legal advice from Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar

the Pomeroon River, before eventually capsizing. Approximately 179 passengers and crew were believed to have been on board. The disaster resulted in 73 deaths, while 76 people survived. Authorities have said approximately 30 people remain unaccounted for. The

Rondell Dwayne Roberts surrounding the sinking, the seaworthiness of the vessel, regulatory oversight and the emergency response. It is also expected to make recommendations aimed at strengthening maritime safety and preventing similar tragedies. The criminal proceedings against the three T&HD

incident triggered a largescale search, rescue and recovery operation involving several state agencies and other responders. The Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard, Guyana Police Force, Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), Guyana Fire and Rescue Service and Civil Defence Commission were among those involved. Local fishermen, private vessels and international partners also assisted with the response and recovery effort. Divers were deployed as part of underwater searches around the wreck, while search teams covered extensive areas in an effort to locate missing persons and recover victims. The government is also reviewing bids submitted by three companies for the salvage operation to recover the sunken MV Barima. The disaster also led to the establishment of a five-member Commission of Inquiry (CoI) by the Government. The inquiry is tasked with examining, among other things, the circumstances

employees are continuing independently of the CoI. The DPP has previously indicated that the establishment of the inquiry does not prevent the criminal case from proceeding and that both processes can continue simultaneously. A further issue arising from the aftermath of the disaster was the condition of members of the vessel’s crew. A day after the sinking, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips disclosed that two crew members, including the captain, had tested positive for marijuana. The Prime Minister subsequently said the accused continue to receive psychosocial support while the criminal proceedings remain ongoing. The November 16 paper committal proceedings will be significant, as the process is a preliminary step in determining whether serious criminal matters should proceed to the High Court, without witnesses giving oral evidence or being cross-examined at the committal stage.

Delon Granderson

Faces of some of the victims of the MV Barima disaster Ali-Hack, SC. The accused first appeared before Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on July 28. They were not required to plead to the indictable murder charge and were remanded to prison. The proceedings were subsequently transferred to the Charity Magistrates’ Court. According to the charge, police alleged that the three men murdered 68 named persons and other persons unknown on July 18, at a location approximately 9.3 nautical miles off the Essequibo Coast near Devonshire Castle. The allegations arise from the sinking of the MV Barima that was travelling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma in Region One (Barima-Waini). The vessel departed the Kingston Goods Wharf in Georgetown at approximately 15:15hrs on July 18. Later that night, the vessel encountered difficulties while travelling off the Essequibo Coast, near the mouth of

Still no answers on Justice Gino Persaud’s US visa ‘review’

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 29, 2026

–– calls, messages unanswered

MORE than a week after High Court Judge Gino Persaud faced travel restrictions because his United States visa had been placed under review, key questions remain unanswered, especially concerning what information triggered the review. Justice Persaud was among a delegation of Guyanese judicial officers scheduled to travel to Kingston, Jamaica, for the Commonwealth Magistrates’ and Judges’ Association (CMJA) Annual Conference 2026, which ran from September 20 to 24. The itinerary required transit through Miami, and he was advised during the airline check-in process that he could not proceed because of the status of his US visa. Efforts to contact Justice Persaud for comment were unsuccessful, as calls and messages to the judge have gone unanswered since. While the judge has remained silent, Justice Courtney Abel, a former Belize High Court judge and Head of the University of Guyana’s Department of Law, addressed the CMJA conference in Jamaica and, without offering any evidence, suggested that the action taken against Justice Persaud might have resulted from US displeasure with his ruling in the Azruddin Mohamed Lamborghini taxfraud case and that it raised

questions about judicial independence. “A sanction need not announce its name,” Justice Abel told the gathering. He questioned at what point an unexplained exercise of foreign executive power affecting a judge, following politically sensitive decisions, becomes a public issue of judicial independence. Yet, Justice Abel conceded that he had nothing to substantiate the link he suggested. He acknowledged that there is not yet proof and that suspicion is not evidence, but relied instead on what he called chronology, context and concern, pointing to the Mohamed family’s US sanctions and extradition proceedings. It is not known how Justice Abel arrived at this conclusion, since neither Justice Persaud nor the US authorities have stated any reason for what amounts to a form of sanction. The Guyana Chronicle’s attempts to obtain clarification from Justice Abel were futile, as he, too, has not answered calls and messages to his mobile number. Attorney General Anil Nandlall dismissed claims that the Government might have been responsible, saying it has no influence over whom the US permits to enter its territory. US Ambassador to Guyana Nicole Theriot has since shed light on how such reviews work. She said the US

Embassy in Guyana had no role to play in this particular case and was not aware that Justice Persaud’s visa was under review when he was stopped from boarding. She explained that such actions are processed and decided directly in Washington, DC, and consular sections on the ground are frequently not alerted until a final determination has been reached. When asked why a person’s visa may be placed under review, she stated that it happens when US authorities receive information concerning the holder that would cause them to reconsider whether that person remains eligible. This is not the first time there has been a controversy surrounding Justice Persaud. His decision to reject critical evidence provided by US authorities under the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act during the Lamborghini tax-fraud court matter between Azruddin Mohamed and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) raised eyebrows. The evidence was crucial to the GRA’s case, as it showed the falsification of documentation by Mohamed in an effort to defraud the State of millions of dollars in taxes. Justice Persaud also rejected evidence from the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry and later ruled against the GRA on November 14, 2025.

Minister Walrond makes unannounced visits to key GPF units HOME Affairs Minister, Oneidge Walrond, on Monday, conducted a series of unannounced visits to key units of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), examining daily operations, administrative processes and service delivery. Walrond visited the Guyana Police Force Academy, the Criminal Record Office and the Police Credit Union as part of efforts to maintain direct engagement with police ranks and assess the functioning of key departments. She was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner ‘Operations’ Errol Watts; Di-

rector of the GPF Academy, Senior Superintendent Sonia Herbert; Commandant of the GPF Academy, Georgetown, Superintendent Halley Smith, and other officials. During the visits, the minister toured the facilities and interacted with police officers and administrative personnel while observing staff carrying out their duties. The exercise also provided an opportunity for Walrond to examine existing workflows and gain a firsthand understanding of the working environment and day-to-day operations within the respective units.

Discussions with personnel focused on their duties, operational challenges and areas where improvements could be made to enhance efficiency and service delivery. The Ministry of Home Affairs said the visits form part of ongoing efforts to maintain direct engagement with GPF ranks and strengthen oversight of key police departments. The ministry said emphasis remains on efficiency, accountability and improved service delivery as the force continues to carry out its responsibilities to the public.

Justice Courtney Abel and Justice Gino Persaud

Messages and calls to both Justices Abel and Persaud went unanswered

GUYANA CHRONICLE TuesdAy, septembeR 29, 2026

Giddings confirms no interference with server, denies he tampered with SOPs or permitted anyone to do so ––– GECOM’s IT manager explains that his tabulation of the CEO’s SOPs had nothing to do with results declared by RO

FORMER Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Information Technology Manager Aneal Giddings concluded his testimony on Monday with an unequivocal account of the election server he placed in his locked vehicle during the bomb scare at the Ashmin’s Building in March 2020: he did not access, alter or tamper with it, and he did not allow anyone else to do so. Giddings testified that the

server was password-protected, with the password known only to him and two senior members of his technical team. He said the vehicle’s keys remained with him and that, when he returned home, its spare key was where he had left it. Defence attorneys had pressed Giddings on how the server and Statements of Poll, or SOPs, were secured when tabulation was interrupted.

Under re-examination by Special Prosecutor Latchmie Rahamat, Giddings maintained that there was no evidence the server had been breached. Asked whether he had accessed, altered or tampered with it while it was in his vehicle, he replied: “No, I didn’t.” Asked whether he had permitted anyone else to do so, he gave the same answer. The trial is being heard by Principal Magistrate Faith

McGusty in Georgetown. Speaking about the testimony, Rahamat said: “Mr Giddings has maintained that the server was secured in his car, no one else was in the car, and he proceeded to the muster point.” Giddings had earlier rejected a defence suggestion that he left the server for two unknown men to access. He said he locked the vehicle, kept the key and went to the muster point after the order to evacuate the building. He told the court that he removed the server to protect GECOM’s information. His account of the server forms part of a fuller explanation he gave of his team’s work in 2020. SOPs arriving at the Ashmin’s Building were logged, scanned and copied, he testified, while originals were forwarded to the office of then Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield. Figures were entered by two separate officers, and discrepancies were reviewed before information was committed to GECOM’s database. Giddings said the March 5 bomb threat, which turned out to be a hoax, stopped that work. On the instruction of then Deputy Chief Elections Officer Roxanne Myers, a database administrator prepared a backup of the election data on a flash drive, which Giddings said he handed to Myers. He separately placed the server in his vehicle and later returned it to the tabulation centre after being instructed to do so. Monday’s questions also returned to Giddings’s custody of SOPs after tabulation

stopped. He said he considered himself duty-bound to secure, categorise and deliver the materials because members of his technical team had signed for them. He acknowledged that he had no written authorisation to remain with the SOPs for approximately four hours, but testified that Lowenfield had authorised him verbally. The distinction between his team’s work and the process for determining the result was central to Rahamat’s account of the evidence. “At all times, Mr Giddings in his evidence has maintained that he was directed by a decision of the Commission to do a tabulation of the CEO’s copies of the SOPs,” she said. She said, “And he maintained that the tabulation that he was conducting did not lead to the results of the elections.” Rahamat said other prosecution witnesses had described a separate process downstairs at the Ashmin’s Building: the tabulation and verification of SOPs by the District Four Returning Officer (RO) and his agents, in the presence of party and international observers. “And so those were the tabulations from which the RO’s declaration ought to have been generated,” she said. Giddings’s earlier evidence also dealt with the District Four declarations. He testified that he uploaded documents supplied by GECOM’s Public Relations Officer Yolanda Ward to the Commission’s website without changing them. When replacement declarations were sent for pub-

GECOM’s Information Technology Manager, Aneal Giddings lication, he said he noticed changes in the figures, including approximately 400 fewer votes for APNU+AFC and 100 fewer for the PPP/C, as well as fewer spoilt ballots. After the national recount, Giddings said he compared the recount figures with the earlier declared results and observed approximately 19,000 fewer votes for APNU+AFC. He testified that he supervised the packing of Statements of Recount after tabulation, handed them over to Lowenfield and had no further access to them. Across his testimony, Giddings has drawn a clear line between the technical work he performed and the declaration of an election result: his team processed the CEO’s copies of SOPs; he published declarations supplied to him; and, when work was interrupted, he says he secured the server in his care. On Monday, he answered the prosecution’s direct questions about access and tampering with a categorical no. (DPI)

ACDA to host annual Holocaust/MAAFA Ancestral Memorial at Kingston Seawall Bandstand

THE African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) has announced its annual Holocaust/MAAFA Memorial, scheduled to take place on October 12 at the historic Kingston Seawall Bandstand in Georgetown. The MAAFA, also known as the African Holocaust, refers to the centuries of historic atrocities, enslavement, and systemic disruption inflicted upon African people, according to a press release from ACDA. This annual commemorative event serves as a solemn space for reflection, healing, and reclaiming ancestral connections. The memorial programme will commence

with a public gathering at 4:00 PM at the Bandstand. The proceedings will culminate in a powerful, symbolic libation and flower-laying ritual timed precisely with the rising ocean water at 5:15 PM (High Tide). “This memorial is an essential act of remembrance and cultural continuity,” said an ACDA representative. “By standing at the edge of the Atlantic, we bridge the gap between the past and the present, ensuring that the sacrifices of our ancestors are never forgotten, and that their resilience continues to inspire future generations.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Works advance at Providence–Glasgow Housing --multi-billion-dollar infrastructure push to prepare Development, Berbice nearly 6,000 house lots in Region Six

Significant progress is being made at the Providence–Glasgow Housing Development on the East Bank of Berbice, Region Six, as the Government moves ahead with its plan to open up thousands of new house lots for families in the region

SIGNIFICANT progress is being made at the Providence–Glasgow Housing Development on the East Bank of Berbice, Region Six, as the government moves ahead with its plan to open up thousands of new house lots for families in the region. The development is part of a multi-bil-

lion-dollar government investment in infrastructure at Providence–Glasgow and Overwinning, being carried out through the Ministry of Housing and the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA). Together, the two areas are expected to deliver nearly 6,000 house lots.

Agriculture Ministry says Abary Creek project will benefit, not harm, rice and cattle farmers - rejects Opposition Leader’s claims

THE Ministry of Agriculture has rejected claims by Opposition Leader Mohamed Azruddin that the Abary Creek Drainage and Irrigation (D&I) Project could threaten the livelihoods of rice and cattle farmers, saying the project is intended to expand agricultural production and strengthen water-management infrastructure. The ministry said the project is supported by a feasibility assessment which projects improved drainage and irrigation access for approximately 55,282 acres stretching from Mahaica to Abary, with an estimated 300 farmers in the Abary area expected to benefit directly. According to the ministry, the project forms part of the Government’s wider programme to modernise Guyana’s D&I infrastructure and bring additional areas into agricultural production. The works include the construction of high-level embankments, internal drainage and collector canals, a high-level canal, bridges, culverts, and high-level and regular sluices. The ministry said the infrastructure is designed to improve water management, strengthen resilience

to flooding and other climate-related challenges, and increase productive capacity for farmers. The feasibility assessment estimates that the project could generate a net annual economic benefit of more than $1.595 billion in Region Five and more than $3.85 billion across Regions Three and Six.

The ministry said the projected benefits include increased agricultural production, improved resilience and stronger economic opportunities for farming communities. It also rejected suggestions that the Government is proceeding without regard for affected landowners and occupiers. According to the ministry, consultations and negotiations with affected persons have been ongoing since April 2022, with the most

recent engagement held on September 21, 2026. The ministry said the works are being undertaken as public works in accordance with the applicable legal framework, adding that consultations will continue as the project advances. It maintained that the ongoing engagement demonstrates that affected stakeholders are being consulted while the Government pursues the longterm development of the agricultural sector. The ministry also pointed to investments in drainage and irrigation, agricultural infrastructure, production, climate resilience and farmer support since 2020, describing agriculture as a key component of Guyana’s development strategy. It said the sector remains important to employment, rural communities, food security and economic growth. The Ministry of Agriculture said it would continue implementing projects aimed at expanding agricultural opportunities and improving the conditions under which farmers operate, while maintaining that the Abary Creek project is intended to benefit, rather than undermine, farming communities.

Works currently underway include land clearing and the construction of road and drainage networks, which form the backbone of any new housing scheme. Access roads will allow allottees and contractors to reach their lots, while proper drainage is essential to protect homes and infrastructure in the low-lying coastal region. Once completed, the infrastructure will

pave the way for thousands of families to access their lands and begin building their homes. The Providence–Glasgow and Overwinning projects add to the Ministry of Housing’s ongoing efforts to expand access to land and home ownership across the country, with Region Six among the areas benefitting from new housing development.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Chief Magistrate rules questions on Narine’s connection to President Ali, promotions, mosque attendance irrelevant —Special Branch Unit head rejects claim President ordered surveillance of Azruddin Mohamed

CHIEF Magistrate Judy Latchman, on Monday, ruled that questions about Senior Superintendent of Police Prem Narine’s promotions and mosque attendance were irrelevant to the extradition proceedings against Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed. The ruling came as Narine, Head of the Special Branch Unit, was being further cross-examined by defence attorney Siand Dhurjon at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Prosecutor and Jamaican attorney Herbert McKenzie had repeatedly objected to Dhurjon’s questions concerning alleged political surveillance and Narine’s

relationship with President Dr Irfaan Ali. The prosecution argued that several issues raised by the defence, including Narine’s professional advancement, alleged interactions with the President Irfaan Ali, attendance at the mosque and methods used to conduct surveillance, had no relevance to the extradition proceedings. At one point, McKenzie objected when Dhurjon asked Narine whether he had received professional advancement under the Peoples Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government, describing the question as “irrelevant and offensive.” The Chief Magistrate ultimately ruled that questions concerning Narine’s promo-

tions and the ranks he had attained were irrelevant to the proceedings and would not be allowed. McKenzie also objected when Dhurjon questioned Narine about whether he attended Queenstown Masjid, where the defence said he encountered and conversed with President Ali. McKenzie maintained that the mosque attended by the witness was irrelevant. The court agreed that the issue had no bearing on the proceedings and the line of questioning was not allowed. Further, Narine outright rejected allegations that he had been instructed by President Ali to keep Mohamed under surveillance and that the monitoring had begun in 2024.

Senior Superintendent of Police Prem Narine

“That is not true,” he said when it was suggested that the President had instructed him to monitor Azruddin Mohamed. He subsequently denied that anyone had recommended or suggested that Mohamed be monitored. McKenzie also objected to a question suggesting that Narine had focused most of Special Branch Unit’s resources on monitoring Mohamed from early 2024. However, Narine said that Azruddin and his father were under surveillance on the day they were arrested. Asked whether the two men were under Special Branch surveillance on October 31, 2025, Narine answered, “yes.”

Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman

The formal U.S. extradition request was received by the Government of Guyana on October 30, 2025, and both Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed were arrested by the Guyana Police Force the following morning on October 31, 2025. Narine said he did not immediately know Azruddin’s location and had to make checks at several locations. When asked whether those checks involved physically visiting the locations, Narine explained that he picked up the telephone and made inquiries. He said, “I picked the phone up and I made inquiries.” Narine is expected to re-

Honorary Consul of The Bahamas in Guyana reappointed

AZZARUDEEN Haniff will continue to serve as Honorary Consul of The Bahamas in Guyana following his reappointment. The Office of the Honorary Consul of The Bahamas in Guyana announced the renewal, saying the decision “reflects the continued commitment to fostering meaningful engagement and co-operation between the two countries.” In his role, Mr Haniff helps individuals, businesses, and institutions in Guyana and The Bahamas communicate and work with each other. He also supports initiatives that promote closer bilateral relations. The office said it looks forward to continuing its work to “strengthen the

Azzarudeen Haniff

bonds between The Bahamas and Guyana and promote opportunities for greater co-operation and collaboration.”

Attorney Herbert McKenzie

turn to the witness stand on Tuesday for further cross-examination by the defence. The extradition case stems from an October 30, 2025, request by the United States for the surrender of the Mohameds to face an 11-count federal indictment. The indictment includes allegations of wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, conspiracy and customs offences. U.S. prosecutors alleged that the two businessmen participated in a multi-year scheme involving the export of Guyanese gold using falsified customs declarations and reused government export seals, allegedly resulting in the evasion of more than US$50 million in taxes and royalties. The indictment also concerns a Lamborghini vehicle, with prosecutors alleging that Azruddin caused the vehicle to be shipped from Miami to Guyana and used a false invoice that understated its purchase price, resulting in more than US$1 million in allegedly avoided Guyanese taxes. The two men were arrested on October 31, 2025, and each was granted $150,000 bail, with conditions requiring them to surrender their passports and report to the Ruimveldt Police Station. The committal proceedings commenced on January 6, 2026, but have been repeatedly interrupted by legal challenges filed by the defence, most of which have ultimately failed. The Mohameds were sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury in 2024 over allegations of corruption and a gold-smuggling scheme and were subsequently indicted by U.S. federal grand jury on related charges.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, September 29, 2026

New AutoCAD Laboratories expand technical training opportunities for Guyanese students

THE Ministry of Education is expanding access to Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) by commissioning two new AutoCAD laboratories at Hope Secondary School and North Ruimveldt Multilateral Secondary School. The labs allow students to develop practical design skills aligned with emerging career fields. The laboratories are part of the ministry’s continued expansion of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). The students are being introduced to computer-aided design skills that can support careers in engineering, architecture, construction, manufacturing and other technology-driven industries. Minister of Education Sonia Parag said the initiative recognises that students have different strengths and career interests. She made it clear that technical education must provide meaningful pathways beyond traditional academic disciplines. “There are children who will do very well with technical skills, meaning that they can build their capacity in some sort of skills training that will allow them to contribute constructively to their communities, earn a living, and also contribute nationally,” she said. The new facilities are part of an $85 million effort to establish specialised computer laboratories for Industrial Technology at six secondary schools. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Education Officer (TVET), Dr Ritesh Tularam, said the investment comes at a time when Guyana’s expanding economy is creating greater demand for digitally skilled and technically competent workers. “In Guyana’s emerging sectors of manufacturing, construction, ICT, and oil and gas, we will require persons with these digital skills to gain employment and, of course, contribute to the

The Ministry of Education is expanding access to Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) by commissioning two new AutoCAD laboratories at Hope Secondary School and North Ruimveldt Multilateral Secondary School

national agenda,” he noted. Dr Tularam said the AutoCAD laboratories are intended to bridge the gap between education and industry by giving students practical exposure to digital design from an early stage. He explained that the new facilities will also serve as a digital skills hub, providing opportunities for students from neighbouring schools to access the laboratory and develop AutoCAD proficiency. Minister Parag said the government intends to replicate the model in other parts of Guyana, allowing more students to benefit from modern technical training. The new laboratories will allow students in Grades 10 and 11 to create digital designs with greater accuracy,

explore three-dimensional modelling and translate their ideas into practical projects, while providing a foundation for further education, technical certification and employment. The initiative also comes alongside broader efforts by the ministry to strengthen TVET through upgraded facilities and equipment, revised curricula, competency-based training and teaching materials aligned with developments in the labour market. The minister encouraged students to maximise the opportunities provided by the new facilities and to take responsibility for maintaining the laboratories so that future cohorts can benefit from the investment. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, September 29, 2026

International Import and Supplies upgrades to... (From page 21) MA are collaborating to run off the second edition of the 45-over showpiece. Singh stated that they are excited to have matches on the Coast at this historic event. He emphasized the importance of sponsorship and was elated with the support from International Import and Supplies. West Indies, the hosts, have several players with

international experience including Guyanese Ramnaresh Sarwan, Devendra Bishoo and Sewnarine Chattergoon. Trinidadian and former West Indies skipper Denesh Ramdin is the captain. Royston Crandon, who featured for Guyana at both the junior and senior level and West Indies as well, will be representing Canada.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Tuesday September 29, 2026) CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel:225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 6 (4 catches/2 stumpings) (2) 138 for the first wicket (Kirk Mc Kenzie/Maaz Sadaqat - JAK vs BT-Eliminator) Today’s Quiz: (1) How many players were used by ABF in CPL, 2026? (2) How many were used by JAK? Answers in tomorrow’s issue 11:45 hrs Red Shea ENGLISH RACING TIPS AYR 09:08 hrs Leopards Rock 09:38 hrs What A Girl Wants 10:08 hrs Keep An Eye On It 10:38 hrs Quest For Fun 11:08 hrs Lope Y Linda 11:40 hrs Belsito 12:13 hrs Aighear SEDGEFIELD 09:15 hrs Spartan 09:45 hrs Watcha Snoop 10:15 hrs Passengerontheship 10:45 hrs Whitewinewednesday 11:15 hrs Mary

WOLVERHAMPTON 11:30 hrs Manton Road 12:00 hrs Arundel 12:30 hrs Gold Star Gazing 13:00 hrs Dark Mandate 13:30 hrs Nightbloom 14:00 hrs Methgal 14:30 hrs Notable Charm 15:00 hrs Equion 15:30 hrs Dumfries IRISH RACING TIPS CORK 08:55 hrs Sonny Hayes 09:25 hrs Best Love 09:55 hrs By The Lake 10:25 hrs El Fontenaro 10:55 hrs Summer Is Tomorrow 11:25 hrs Golden Ring 11:55 hrs Playin Cool 12:25 hrs Cause I Like You AMERICAN RACING TIPS FINGER LAKES Race 1 Bustin Away Race 2 Chardonnay Race 3 Alma's Law Race 4 Marilyn's NY Prize Race 5 Fiscal Drag Race 6 Book Of Wisdom Race 7 Beach Invasion

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Smalta Junior Tennis Championship delivers drama and a thrilling display of talent THE action on the court was electric, the rallies were blistering, and the crowd was on the edge of their seats. The recently concluded Smalta Junior Tennis Championship wrapped up, leaving fans, parents, and tennis enthusiasts buzzing over one of the most action-packed tennis events of the year. From the first serve to the final championship point, the tournament delivered an incredible exhibition of grit, passion, and tactical brilliance. Players from various clubs across the country descended on the courts, bringing unique playing styles and fierce rivalries that made every match an absolute nail-biter. The tournament showcased the entire pipeline of tennis talent, featuring an expansive range of age divisions designed to test grassroots beginners all the way up to seasoned junior elite players. The Red Ball under-10 and under-8 categories saw the tiny titans stealing the crowd’s hearts with their rapid-fire agility.

Participants proudly show off their trophies

The Green Ball under-10 and under-12 categories featured high-energy showdowns filled with clever point construction, drop shots, and baseline rallies. Meanwhile, the under-14, under-18 and under-25 divisions turned up the intensity as the senior junior divisions delivered explosive power and emotional comeback victories. In the Novice category, was a thrilling stage where emerging talent got their first taste of real tournament pressure, showing rapid improvement.

The Medley Doubles produced pure and chaotic entertainment with dynamic pairings clashing in fastpaced, razor-sharp volleys, and strategic teamwork that had the spectators roaring. While the young athletes provided the fireworks on court, the seamless flow of the tournament was a masterclass in event management. The entire competition ran like clockwork, thanks to the tireless efforts of the Junior Development Team, dedicated coordinators, coaches, and executives. From strict match scheduling and smooth court

rotations to keeping young athletes energised, the administrative team ensured that every match was officiated fairly and efficiently. With the generous backing of key sponsor Smalta, the tournament provided a professional platform complete with branded gear, refreshments, and trophies for the champions. As the final trophies were presented, one thing was abundantly clear, the future of tennis in Guyana is brighter and more explosive than ever. If this year’s Smalta Ju-

nior Tennis Championship was any indicator of what is to come, fans better buckle up for the next edition. Results: U-8 Boys Red Ball Winner Malak Bacchus U-8 Girls Red Ball Winner Alexandra Singh, U-10 Boys Red Ball Winner Kaden Outridge, U-10 Girls Red Ball Winner,Janiah Grannum U-10 Boys Green Ball Winner Yarib Trejo, U-10 Girls Green Ball Winner Liza Singh, U-12 Boys Winner Yoshua Mangru, U-12 Girls Winner Mia Bullen , U-14 Boys Winner Rafeeq Prince, U-14 Girls Winner Samara Siland, U-18 Boys Winner Nathan DeNobrega, U-18 Girls Winner Kimora Erskine Novice Medley Winner Annalisa Persaud, U-25 Men’s Winner Gerald Scotla U-25 Women’s Winner Afruica Gentle. U-12 Medley Doubles Winner Y. Trejo / Narayan, U-16 Medley Doubles Winner Erskine / Erskine, U-25 Medley Doubles

Winner A. Gentle / N. DeNobrega, U-8 Boys Red Ball Runner-up Aryan Narayan, U-8 Girls Red Ball Runner-up Zemora Cuffy U-10 Boys Red Ball Runner-up Riordan Bess, U-10 Girls Red Ball Runner-up Alexandra Singh, U-10 Boys Green Ball Runner-up Rahul Narayan, U-10 Girls Green Ball Runner-up Khloe Andrews, U-12 Boys Runner-up Michael Fordyce, U-12 Girls Runner-up Breyanna Younge, U-14 Boys Runner-up Joshua Culpeper, U-14 Girls Runner-up Breyanna Younge U-18 Boys Runner-up Christian Younge, U-18 Girls Runner-up Niomi Erskine Novice Medley Runner-up Xareb Ponton, U-25 Men’s Runner-up Denzel Luthers, U-25 Women’s Runner-up Erin Tucker U-12 Medley Doubles Runner-up Shivnauth / M. Bullen,U16 Medley Doubles Runner-up Reprice / Fordyce, 5 Medley Doubles Runner-up D. Luthers / G. Scotland

Caribbean sides keep rolling in Concacaf Nations International Import and Supplies upgrades to League Group A Diamond sponsor for IMC Over-40s World Cup MIAMI, Florida, (CMC) — It was a perfect Sunday for the Caribbean in Group A of the 2026/2027 Concacaf Nations League, as Haiti, Curaçao and the Dominican Republic each continued their winning ways in League A. At Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica, Haiti opened the day with a 2-0 victory over Costa Rica. Jean-Ricner Bellegarde put Haiti ahead in the 9th minute, firing a right-footed shot past the Costa Rica defence. Francisco Calvo’s own goal in the 39th minute doubled the lead and secured the win for Haiti. Curaçao followed with a dominant 6-1 rout of Nicaragua at Stadion Ergilio Hato in Willemstad. Livano Comenencia opened the scoring in the 6th minute with a right-footed strike from outside the box. Kenji Gorré made it 2-0 in the 11th, Leandro Bacuna headed in a corner in the 19th, and Juninho Bacuna added a fourth in the 27th. Gorré then completed his

Curaçao had a dominant 6-1 rout of Nicaragua at Stadion Ergilio Hato in Willemstad. (Photo: Concacaf)

brace with a right-footed shot from inside the area to make it 5-0. Nicaragua pulled one back in the 62nd minute when Jaime Moreno volleyed home with his left foot from outside the box. Jürgen Locadia closed the scoring in the 88th, sealing Curaçao’s second Group A win. In Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, the Dominican Republic completed a 2-1 comeback against Trinidad & Tobago at Hasely Crawford

Stadium. Daniel Phillips gave the Soca Warriors the lead in the 37th minute with a right-footed strike from the edge of the box. Heinz Mörschel levelled for the Dominican Republic in the 42nd with a long-range right-footed shot, and Mariano Díaz completed the turnaround in the 50th with a right-footed finish. With the wins, Haiti, Curaçao and the Dominican Republic all maintained their strong starts in Group A.

INTERNATIONAL Import and Supplies is now Diamond sponsor for the upcoming International Masters Cricket (IMC) Over-40s World Cup which is set for October 17-31 in Guyana. International Import and Supplies was initially a Silver sponsor but Managing Director Joe Jagmohan of the business continued his support for the 16-team tournament. Matches will be played at various venues across Guyana including the Joe Jagmohan ground on the Essequibo Coast, Region 2 (Pomeroon-Supenaam). The participating teams are: Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA, West Indies, Sri Lanka, India, Wales, South Africa, Pakistan, England, Namibia, Colombia, Scotland, Rest of the World X1 and Rest of the Caribbean Team. Two matches are sched-

Tournament’s Director Raj Singh, left, receives the sponsorship cheque from Managing Director of International Import and Supplies Joe Jagmohan

uled for Joe Jagmohan venue which is located in Hampton Court village. On October 24th at 9:30 am, West Indies will take on Canada at Joe Jagmohan and across at Anna Regina also from 9:30 am, Namibia and Wales will do battle. The next day from 9:30 am at Joe Jagmohan ground, Canada will clash with Namibia while at Anna Regina

from 2 pm, West Indies facing off with Wales in a day/ night fixture. During a presentation ceremony, Raj Singh, the tournament’s Director expressed his profound gratitude to Jagmohan for his contribution. Singh is also the Chairman of Cricket West Indies Masters Association (CWIMA). Both IMC and CWI(Turn to page 20)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, September 29, 2026

England win ODI series as Buttler out of tri-series while England prepare central contracts Banton delivers on potential TOM Banton delivered on all of his potential by crashing a brilliant first international century as England wrapped up their summer with an ODI series win over Sri Lanka. The 27-year-old righthander was once the rising star of English cricket when handed a debut in 2019 but afterwards fell out of love with the game after losing his way. Third Metro Bank oneday international, Kia Oval England 355-7 (50 overs): Banton 126, Brook 77, Cox 76 Sri Lanka 132 (29.1 overs): Kusal 35; Dawson 3-26 England won by 223 runs After reaching his hundred in 95 balls in the third one-day international at The Oval, he stood with arms wide and looked to the sky - all of that disappointment seemingly behind him. “My fiance, Lilly, was here and all of her family,” Banton said. “Unfortunately, my mum, dad and brother weren’t here because whenever my mum seems to come I don’t do that well. “Bless her, she is not banned from coming, but she avoids coming now.” The opener went on to make 126 from 105 deliveries, perfectly countering

England batter Tim Banton cracked 126

tricky early conditions conditions in which Joe Root struggled uncharacteristically for 18 from 37 balls - and going on to share an increasingly aggressive stand of 150 in 117 balls with captain Harry Brook. “To score a hundred for England is just the best feeling on earth,” Banton said. “I don’t think anything is going to beat it.” Brook made 77 and Jordan Cox, picked in the place of the injured Jos Buttler, added a 52-ball 76 to lift England to 355-7. That always appeared a

match-winning total on a surface offering bounce for the pace bowlers and turn for the spinners. Sri Lanka crumbled to 132 all out in 29.1 overs, giving England a 223-run win and their biggest ODI victory against the tourists. It meant England signed off their summer, one that included off-field issues, the end of Bazball, Ben Stokes’ retirement and Root’s surprise return as Test skipper, with a fifth successive series win amid the madness across formats. (BBC Sport)

Leics get partial points reprieve but stay in limbo LEICESTERSHIRE have had eight points of their 27-point County Championship deduction reinstated but their Division One status remains in limbo. The original penalty for breaching pitch regulations, relating to their win against Glamorgan in August, was announced on 16 September. The amendment to the punishment comes after the Cricket Regulator raised with the Cricket Discipline Panel (CDP) whether the 19-point penalty imposed under the County Championship’s playing conditions had been taken into account when making its original decision. The Cricket Regulator said it had “raised this issue

with the CDP and Leicestershire CCC in the interests of fairness and transparency”. A section of the County Championship’s playing conditions state that teams charged with producing a pitch rated as poor or below average, and the CDP upholding the charge, would receive zero points from the fixture in question. Leicestershire took 19 points from the match against Glamorgan - 16 for winning and three bonus points - which were removed but remain the subject of appeal. The CDP had applied an additional eight-point deduction, a further eightpoint penalty suspended for a year, plus a £5,000 fine. The latter two sanctions

remain part of the amended decision but the eight-point deduction for this season has been waived. Without the 27 points being docked, Leicestershire would have finished two points above the relegation zone. After the eight-point reinstatement but with the 19-point penalty still in place, the Foxes are 17 points behind Essex and will be relegated if their appeal is unsuccessful. Leicestershire had already stated their intention to appeal against the panel’s decision and a statement by chief executive Emma White said the club’s position is “unchanged” by the amendment. (BBC Sport)

WICKETKEEPER Jos Buttler will miss England’s 50-over tri-series in Pakistan next month, with Jordan Cox set to be given another chance to impress in his place. Buttler, 36, has been ruled out with the hamstring injury suffered while batting in Thursday’s second oneday international against Sri Lanka at Headingley. Coach Brendon McCullum said it is “hard to judge” how long Buttler will be out for and confirmed Cox will take his place for the series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, which begins on 20 October. “We know Jos is an incredible athlete, we know he is supremely fit and is an ultra-professional,” McCullum said. “He will do everything he can to be back as soon as possible.” England also tour Australia for white-ball matches in November - where they are considering playing warm-up matches - as they

Jos Buttler raced to 67 not out before injuring his hamstring against Sri Lanka at Headingley. He returned after retiring hurt but was dismissed for 69 from 49 balls

look to add to their six series wins in limited-overs cricket this year and build towards next year’s 50-over World Cup. They will finalise their squads on Monday with the latest batch of central contracts also set to be announced in the coming days. Durham opener Emilio Gay is in line for a first deal after his debut Test summer, putting him in line to tour South Africa this winter, while Cox, Tom Banton, who scored his first international century on Sunday, and all-rounder Dan Law-

rence could also feature. Contracts held by former captain Ben Stokes and Mark Wood are set to end after their international retirements. Ollie Pope, Zak Crawley, Matthew Potts and Luke Wood are all out of favour and their one-year deals are due to run out. Spinner Shoaib Bashir is another intriguing name in that category. He played two Tests against New Zealand and was picked in the Test squad to play Pakistan but did not make an XI as England preferred a four-man pace attack.

Golden Jaguars maintain perfect Nations League start with victory over Cayman Islands GUYANA preserved their flawless start to the Concacaf Nations League campaign with a commanding 2-0 victory over the Cayman Islands at Windsor Park in Roseau, Dominica. First-half strikes from defender Liam Gordon and in-form forward Osaze De Rosario secured a second consecutive win and clean sheet for the Golden Jaguars, keeping them firmly in control at the top of League B Group A with six points from two matches. Guyana seized control early in Dominica and broke the deadlock after 16 minutes when Gordon ventured forward from the left, cutting inside before driving a crisp finish into the net following a well-weighted setup from Omari Glasgow. The Golden Jaguars

maintained their relentless tempo and doubled their advantage in the 36th minute. A precise cross carved open the Cayman Islands defence, allowing De Rosario to react quickest inside the box and turn the ball home for his second goal in as many games following his match-winner against Puerto Rico on Thursday. Guyana comfortably managed their two-goal cushion after the break with a disciplined defensive display, limiting their opponents to minimal chances to see out the win under head coach Marco Bonofiglio. “We’re achieving our objectives, and the lads have been playing phenomenal,” Bonofiglio said after the match. “They’ve shown tremendous spirit, fight and, importantly, growing confi-

dence. Having two consecutive clean sheets is a huge positive for us, particularly because keeping clean sheets was one of our priorities coming into these matches.” “There are still a few things we need to tweak, but the group is happy, the confidence is high, and now our full focus turns to the next two matches in Puerto Rico.” The victory keeps Guyana on course for their primary objective, as winning Group A yields automatic promotion to League A alongside direct qualification for the 2027 Concacaf Gold Cup. The Golden Jaguars now turn their attention to the October international window in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, where they will face host nation Dominica in back-to-back encounters on October 1 and October 4.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Gwanzura leads Zimbabwe Women to historic win over lacklustre Windies HARARE, Zimbabwe, (CMC) – NYASHA Gwanzura’s all-around brilliance in the second One-Day International carried Zimbabwe Women to a historic, series-levelling four-wicket victory over West Indies Women here on Sunday. The offspinner produced her best-ever ODI bowling performance, capturing 4-33 in 10 overs to help bowl out the visitors for a paltry 139 in 39.3 overs after they elected to bat first at the Harare Sports Club. Gwanzura then returned with the bat to help bail her side out from a tricky position of 105 for five, as the home side reached 140 for six with 55 balls remaining to register their first-ever win over their opponents in an ODI.

The result left the threematch series tied at 1-1, with the decider scheduled to be held tomorrow. Zimbabwe’s victory was set up by Gwanzura’s impressive bowling, coupled with a shoddy batting performance by the West Indies. The visitors lost the early wicket of Realeanna Grimmond for four with just nine runs on the board, but through the efforts of captain Hayley Matthews and Stafanie Taylor, recovered to 56 for one in the 12th over. But once Gwanzura struck a crucial blow by having Matthews caught behind by wicketkeeper Modester Mupachikwa for 26, the Windies’ innings crumbled. Zaida James for three and Aaliyah Alleyne for four reduced the Windies to 88 for seven in the 24th over.

West Indies Women got up to their eventual total courtesy of Taylor’s fighting 47 off 68 balls, Ashmini Munisar’s patient, unbeaten 20 off 45 balls, while Afy Fletcher, playing in her 100th ODI, scored a run-aball 15. Munisar shared a partnership of 26 for the last wicket with Karishma Ramharack before the latter was bowled by Olinder Chare for five. Mavunga provided support with 3-36 and Chipare claimed 2-16. Zimbabwe was given a solid start by openers Mupachikwa and Kelis Ndhlovu, with the two putting on 67 runs for the first wicket. Alleyne got the much-needed breakthrough when she trapped the former lbw for 38, and one run later,

Munisar dismissed Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, also by the lbw route for a duck. West Indies Women would have had hopes of a possible victory when Alleyne had Ndhlovu caught for 30 to make the score 70 for three. However, captain Josephine Nkomo shared an invaluable 30-run partnership with Beloved Biza for the fourth wicket to carry Zimbabwe to the 100-mark. Fletcher set up a nervy ending by dismissing Biza for 14 and Chiedza Dhururu in quick succession, to see Zimbabwe slide to 105 for five. Gwanzura then put her side on course to victory during a 28-run stand with her captain that all but sealed the result. And even though Nko-

Nyasha Gwanzura poses with her Player-of-the-Match award after leading Zimbabwe Women to victory over West Indies Women in the second ODI

mo lost her wicket for 30 with seven runs required for victory, Gwanzura’s

unbeaten 18 off 37 balls carried them across the line.

Raheem wins overall title at One Guyana Greaves savours maiden ODI ton but admits West Indies total was not enough Essequibo Classic THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, India, (CMC) – West Indies batsman Justin Greaves described his maiden ODI century as a special moment, especially against India in a packed house, but admitted his side’s 295 for seven was not enough in the opening game of the three-match series. Greaves struck 101 from 108 balls, hitting 12 fours, and shared an opening stand of 135 in 19.2 overs with John Campbell. Despite that platform, India’s powerful batting line-up completed the chase as West Indies fell to defeat. “Happy to get the first one out of the way,” Greaves told CWI Media. “In terms of the innings, I think I started pretty well. Got off to a quick start and then just about kept that tempo throughout the innings.” Reflecting on the pitch, he said: “The pitch was pretty good, as you could see from the scores in the game. And it was just about keeping it low risk. Play proper cricket shots and just try to get through the power play and then just take it from there.” Greaves credited hard work and discipline for his recent form, particularly in his white-ball role at the top

Anna Regina played host to a vibrant showcase of strength and conditioning as Viji Raheem claimed overall honours at the One Guyana Essequibo Classic West Indies batsman Justin Greaves

of the order. “It’s come down to a lot of hard work and a lot of discipline in terms of going out there. Understanding my role as well in terms of opening the batting in whiteball cricket. To bat as long as possible, to bat as deep as possible and to help the team get those big scores.” On the team’s total, he was candid: “It obviously wasn’t enough because India’s batting lineup is very good. But in terms of us as a group, I think we did some things really well today. Again, talking about the start between John Campbell and myself. We slowed a

bit, but then I think Amir (Jangoo) played a very good innings, as well as Roston (Chase). But it’s just understanding where we need to be in terms of going into the qualifiers and trying to get that momentum.” Asked how he would rate his first Test century against his first ODI century, Greaves did not hesitate: “First ODI century.” The reason? “To be in India, packed house. Yeah. Always special to play against India.” West Indies travelled to Guwahati on Monday evening and will train on Tuesday afternoon ahead of the second ODI.

ANNA Regina played host to a vibrant showcase of strength and conditioning as Viji Raheem claimed overall honours at the One Guyana Essequibo Classic. Eighteen athletes took to the stage in front of a packed audience in Region Two, with Emmerson Bert crowned Mr. Essequibo and Qurian Spellen capturing the Miss Essequibo title. The high-calibre competition was further elevated by guest appearances from reigning Mr Guyana Colin Chesney, newly minted Pro Card holder Roley Chandler, and reigning Wellness

Champion Melitha Anderson. Beyond the main bodybuilding divisions, Romelton Siland impressed with a chiselled fitness and fit model showcase, while a series of novelty challenges drew loud support from the crowd. The side events featured remarkable displays of power and endurance, highlighted by a participant completing 103 push-ups in a single minute, a deadlift challenge topping out at 558lbs, and a gruelling female squat competition where the winner logged 59 repetitions in 60 seconds.

Organised with support from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Federation President Videsh Sookram steered the event as master of ceremonies, alongside a judging panel comprising Kevon Best, Christina Ramsammy and Mrs Sookram. Bikini champions Sabita Stevenson and Errol Teekaram joined executive member Intiaz Satar and stage manager Erik Satar to present the medals and trophies, bringing a successful evening to a close and reinforcing the growth of bodybuilding talent across the country.

Golden Jaguars maintain perfect Nations League start with victory over Cayman Islands PAGE

Guyana produced a commanding first-half display to defeat the Cayman Islands 2-0 at Windsor Park Stadium on Sunday and preserve their flawless start to the Concacaf Nations League C

Regions 1 and 7 dominate as the annual Heritage Games conclude THE sporting spectacle, known simply as the Heritage Games, again delivered a high-octane evening on the final day at the Everest Cricket Club ground on Sunday. The three-day spectacle concluded with Region Seven and Region One taking the lion’s share of spoils as the interior regions went head-to-head in four major disciplines, namely archery, cricket, volleyball, and football. In the football cate-

gory, Region 10 emerged as the top side, defeating Region Six 3-1 to clinch top honours. Region Seven Paruima had a commanding showing against Region One Matarkai, racking up three goals by half-time before going on to finish it off 5-2 to take the women’s title. In volleyball, Region One defeated Region Seven in the men’s category, and the women from Region One outlasted Region Nine

to take a clean sweep of the volleyball categories. Region Seven also showed their pedigree by defeating Region One by two wickets to clinch the men’s cricket title. Meanwhile on the ladies’ side, Region Seven defeated Region One by eight wickets. In Archery, Winston Baird scored 238 to capture the senior men’s category, beating out a strong challenge from Triston Hartman, who ended with 221

Region 10 football champions collecting their trophy from Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips

points for second place. Third place went to Lawrence Baird. In the junior men’s archery division, Robeno Kanhai registered 151 points to win ahead of Josiah Baird (146) and Stephon Pearson (119), who completed the podium spots. Zahrah Alli was the top female in the senior class, finishing with 124 to comfortably claim the title, beating off Samantha Defreitas and Yvonne Pearson, who

were 2nd and 3rd. In the junior ladies’ class, Tia Pearson won with 92 points for a strong showing against Marriam Campo (56) and Jayda Jaundoo (41), who took the other top spots. The awards were presented by Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, Minister of Amerindian Affairs Sarah Browne-Shadeek, Minister of Public Affairs Kwame McCoy, Minister of Hous-

ing Collin Croal, and Minister of Finance Ashni Singh. Also in attendance were Minister of Labour Keoma Griffith, Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Waldron, and Minister of Education Sonia Parag, showing their support for the event and the nation’s first people. The family event also saw the cultural heritage of Guyana’s First Peoples in the form of music, food, dance, and novelty games on display.

Region Seven female football champions after collecting the winning trophy from the Minister of Amerindian Affairs Hon. Sarah Browne-Shadeek

Caribbean sides keep rolling in Concacaf Nations League Group A 21

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026