Kaieteur News

(See story and photos on pages 12, 16,17 &18)

Police detain, then apologise to, peaceful protesters at national vigil for MV Barima victims

TheGuyanaPoliceForce (GPF) is facing mounting criticism after officers arrestedandbrieflydetained three female civil society

a c t i v i s t s d u r i n g a government-organised nationalprayerserviceatthe Kingston Seawall on Wednesday evening, in an incident critics say raises

serious constitutional breaches.

Sherlina Nageer, Salima Bacchus-Hinds,andRomola Lucas were taken into custody on July 22 after s t a g i n g a q u i e t demonstrationcallingforthe resignation and prosecution of Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill. The vigil had beenorganisedtohonourthe victims of the MV Barima,

officers forcibly dragged Nageerbeforetakingherinto custody Bacchus-Hinds and Lucas were arrested shortly after, having followed Nageer to the Brickdam Police Station, which is currentlyoperatingoutofthe EveLearycompound.Police initially justified the arrests byciting"unlawfulprotest," the absence of a permit, and possessionof"illegalsigns."

All three women were released on their own recognisance after roughly an hour in custody In their statement, the activists said policesubsequentlydropped all charges and offered an apology during a follow-up meeting with the Police Commander on Thursday morning.

the Georgetown-to-Port Kaituma ferry that capsised and sank on Saturday, July 18.

According to a media statement issued Thursday by the demonstrators, a group of five women stood on the periphery of the Bandstand holding signs

demanding political accountability for what they described as a "completely preventable" maritime tragedy Witnesses said the women engaged peacefully with passersby throughout the prayers and songs that markedtheservice.

Tensionsroseroughlyan hourintotheevent,however, when the group relocated near the "One Guyana" sign along the seawall Police officersconfrontedthemand instructed them to clear the area When the activists questionedthelegalbasisfor the order and attempted to return to their original position, officers moved to detainthem.

The activists allege that

comprehensive overhaul of hinterlandandcoastalpublic transport infrastructure, and theimmediateresignationof MinisterEdghill.

As of Thursday, neither government officials nor police representatives had issued a formal public statement addressing the officers' conduct at the seawall.

holding a poster on Wednesday which says “We demand accountability! #Edghill must go to jail”

Police

Despitethatapology,the women condemned the episode as an act of state overreach and physical abuse, invoking Article 147 of the Constitution of Guyana, which guarantees freedom of assembly and peacefuldemonstration.

"The verbal harassment, physicalabuse,andarbitrary detention of three peaceful protestors amounts to State overreach, abuse of power, a n d

constitutional rights of all citizens,"theactivistssaidin theirstatement.

The group confirmed it will file a formal complaint with the Police Force's Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) over theofficers'conduct.

The incident has added fresh scrutiny to the fallout

sinking, which has left dozens dead or unaccounted for Theactivistsarepressing

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EDITORIAL

MV Barima disaster demands accountability

The MV Barima disaster has exposed more than a maritimecatastrophe.Ithaslaidbareashockingcollapseof oversight, regulation and ministerial responsibility Long after the waters settled, the nation is still asking the most basic question of all: How many people were actually on thatvessel?Thefactthatnooneinauthoritycananswerthat questionwithcertaintyisitselfanindictmentofthesystem.

Over 50 people are confirmed dead. Sixty-nine have been rescued. Yet no official can state definitively how many remain missing because the passenger manifest, the very document meant to account for every life aboard has been proven to be grossly inaccurate. Thirty-two rescued passengerswereneverlisted.

And yet, before any serious investigation had even begun, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill confidently declaredonSundaythatthevesselhadnotbeenoverloaded andthatthenumberofpersonsaboarddidnotexceedwhat themanifestlisted.Thoseassuranceswerenotbasedonan independentinquiry Theywerebasedoninformationfedto him by the very system now shown to have failed spectacularly.

Hoursaftertheministerwasforcedintoanembarrassing reversal,admittingthatdozensofrescuedpassengerswere not on the manifest. It was a humbling climbdown. But humility after the fact cannot erase the damage done by premature conclusions that sought to reassure the public insteadofuncoveringthetruth.

That is precisely what ministerial responsibility demands. A minister’s first obligation after a national tragedyisnottodefendthesystemunderhiswatch.Itisto question it relentlessly Instead of acting as the chief investigator, Mr Edghill became the chief defender of a regulatory framework that has since collapsed under the weightofitsowncontradictions.

Now the government has sent home the management teamoftheMVBarimapendinganinvestigation.Thatmay well be justified. If negligence occurred at the operational level,thoseresponsiblemustanswerforit.

Butaccountabilitycannotstopatthewater’sedge.

The management of one vessel did not create the regulatory environment. They did not oversee maritime inspections. They did not enforce passenger manifest requirementsacrosstheindustry Theydidnotsupervisethe agencies responsible for ensuring vessels were seaworthy andcompliant.Thoseresponsibilitiesrestsquarelywiththe MinistryofPublicWorksandtheMaritimeAdministration Department.

In any jurisdiction where ministerial accountability means something, the minister responsible would not be positioning himself as the one dispensing discipline while remaininginsulatedfromscrutinyhimself.Theheadofthe Maritime Administration would also have difficult questions to answer about systemic failures that allowed suchglaringdiscrepanciestoexist.

TheMVBarimatragedyisnotmerelyaboutavesselthat capsized.Itisaboutinstitutionsthatfailedbeforethevessel everleftport.

Survivors have recounted harrowing scenes of chaos, including allegations that crew members had been consuming alcohol as was reportedly customary Those claims require thorough investigation Questions surrounding the vessel’s age, maintenance history and seaworthiness also demand answers. None should be brushed aside with convenient references to a “big wave.” Rough seas may trigger disaster, but disasters of this magnitude usually reveal deeper failures that existed long beforethefirstwavestruck.

Meanwhile, families continue to endure an agony few canimagine.Somestilldonotknowwhetherlovedonesare alive or dead because the official records cannot even establishwhoboardedthevessel.

Mothers, fathers, children and spouses are trapped in a cruel limbo created not by nature, but by administrative

Don’t turn MV Barima Inquiry into a political sham

DEAREDITOR,

On behalf of my wife, family and friends I hereby offer my heartfelt sympathy and condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones and in other way been traumatized as a result of the MV Barima disaster A lot has beensaidandalotwillbesaid.

Asanationweawaitanindependent and credible investigation and report into the Barima Tragedy However, knowing Guyana and its proclivity for propaganda, posturing and pettiness,

Yhip

key and vital for the next stage is the identification of members and a chairperson of whatever committee or commission, or whatever it may be called, to inquire and investigate all of thecircumstances.

If those persons identified are known or perceived to be sympathetic of the administration, the whole exercise will be a sham and a waste of timeandmoney

PresidentAliwillbewell-advisedto use this sad and sorry situation to

consult all non-PPP sectors of parliament, people with experience in the Transport and Harbours Sector (maritime),andcitizenswhoutilisethe service The consultation must be transparent.

Thepresidentmustneitherfalternor fail,hemustbelieve,asIdo,thatevery burdencanbecomeabeaconlightfora bright future, and use the opportunity forredemptiontime.

Sincerely, Hamilton

Green

Rebuts Peeping Tom, says institutions hold key to escaping resource curse

DEAREDITOR,

Thereisnotmuchserious disagreement between my letter of July 15, 2026, and Peeping Tom’s reply of July 22,2026,onthefundamental argument that strong institutionsarenotsufficient but necessary conditions for Guyana’s economic development. Peeping Tom might even embrace my suggestion that the stronger phrase “absolutely necessary” may be more appropriate in the case of Guyanaatthisearlystageof her transformation, when there is ample time and I hope also ample human capital to do the right things now rather than 30 years later when the oil is exhausted.

Before I get to my response, let me correct a small oversight in Peeping Tom’s sentence: “Ironically, Mr Yhip ends his letter by warning against pretending that economic policies can succeed in an institutional vacuum.Yettheonlyperson

invoking a vacuum is Mr Yhip himself.” There is no irony at all, Mr Tom: the caption of my letter reads, “Economic policies cannot succeed in an institutional vacuum,” and the closing sentencereads,“IfGuyanais to escape the paradox of plenty, the resource curse, wemuststoppretendingthat economic policies can succeed in an institutional vacuum.”

While Peeping Tom correctly observes that economic modernisation often occurs outside the boundsofliberaldemocracy, the commentary “seems”, emphasis on seems, to rely on a precarious correlation e r r o r b y m e r g i n g authoritarian control with developmental competence. It is analytically dangerous to support a general proposition by invoking a few isolated examples, as a detractorcanalwaysunearth an equ

examples to prove the exact

opposite. Yet, since Peeping Tom specifically mentions the East Asian Tigers and Chile to illustrate that prosperityreignsalongsidea “strong state,” it is worth briefly examining these widely studied historical casestudies.PeepingTomis correct that these examples show that economic development is a complex process No serious economist would question that. But we must proceed with caution to avoid the dual traps of survivorship bias, which isolates only successful outcomes and omitted variable bias (the first cousin of correlation bias).InthecaseoftheAsian Tigers, this bias leads to mistaking the autocratic backdrop for the actual engine of their economic growth.Japan,SouthKorea, Taiwan, Singapore, and, for goodmeasure,China,sharea common Confucian ethos, which fosters a highly disciplined workforce, an institutional reverence for

education,andameritocratic bureaucracy Pretty close to “institutions,” isn’t it? So whether one wants to call it institutions wrapped up in culture, clearly that is a significant part of the explanation of the “Asian Miracle”puzzle. Now to Chile. The data does not support Peeping Tom’s statement: “Chile’s r a p i d e c o n o m i c modernisation under Augusto Pinochet remains one of the most debated examplesinmodernpolitical economy.” Under Augusto Pinochet’s repressive and bloody rule (1973–1990), the economy grew at a mediocre 1 5% average annual rate in GDP per person; income inequality worsened, and the economy sufferedtwofinancialcrises. Almost two-thirds of Chileans rejected Pinochet’s October 1988 referendum to extend his rule. The true “Chilean Miracle”, if we are honestenoughtoadmitit, Continued on page 6

Have we forgotten how to grieve as a nation?

DEAREDITOR,

I was living in America when September 11 happened, and I remember seeing the entire nation devastatedbythelossofsomanylives. Americans mourned together There wasasharedsenseofgrief,compassion, andunity

I remember being in shock and feelingnumb.

Today, I am living in Guyana and witnessingwhatmanyconsiderourown nationaltragedyontheAtlanticOcean.

incompetence.

Yet I see only a few people openly mourning the lives lost at sea. Many seemtobegoingabouttheirdailylives asthoughnothinghashappened.

Havewe,asapeople,forgottenhow togrieve?

Have we become numb to pain, suffering,anddeathasanation?

I include myself in that question. I find that I no longer feel the same emotional pain when tragedy strikes in Guyana.Thatrealizationtroublesme.

Havewebecomesotraumatizedby

The Government has spoken often about development, transformation and prosperity Those achievements, whatever they may be, ring hollow when a country cannot account for the passengers on one of its own ferries.

Economic growth means little if the institutions responsible for protecting lives remain weak, complacent and poorly supervised.

Thistragedyhasbecomeamonumenttorecklessness,lax management and failed ministerial oversight. It demands

repeatedhardshipsthatanothertragedy no longer traumatizes us? Have we grown emotionally exhausted from so manypainfulexperiences?

Whatsaddensmeevenmoreisthat, eveninthemidstofanationaldisaster, we remain divided. Tragedy should remindusofourcommonhumanity,not deepenourdifferences.

Isthereanythingthatcantrulyunite ourpeople?

Regards, AnthonyPantlitz

accountability that reaches every level where responsibility lies.

The grieving families deserve the truth. The survivors deserve justice. And the nation deserves far more than scapegoats.

If only the management of the MV Barima is sacrificed while those charged with regulating the sector escape responsibility,thenthisinvestigationwillnotberemembered as a search for truth. It will be remembered as a search for someoneelsetoblame.

After the MV Barima: Guyana Needs a Consulted, Indigenous-Led Coastal Volunteer Programme

DEAREDITOR,

After the MV Barima capsized off Iron Punt this July, overloaded and undercrewed bystateoversight,itwasfisherfolkandboat owners, Mr Haresh Singh and the LOTO among them (some of Guyana’s Heroes), who reached survivors first, tracking debris andbowlinestoco-ordinatestheyradioedin beforetheCoastGuardarrived.

That sequence exposes a sociological fact: coastal and Indigenous communities aren’t bystanders in maritime emergencies but an existing, informal first-response system, sustained by local knowledge of currents, vessels, and who owns a boat, knowledge Georgetown cannot replicate. The state’s role is to equip that system, not supplantit.

The Amerindian People’s Association, through Kako’s Mario Hastings and Mr Lemmel Thomas, has already offered to organize coastal surveillance, if funding reaches communities directly That offer shouldanchoranynewprogram.

Canada’s Indigenous Community Boat Volunteer Program shows one workable structure:communitiesownandoperatetheir boats; Ottawa funds, trains, and reimburses,

folding vessels into the Coast Guard Auxiliary for up to a decade. Crucially, that model itself emerged from sustained consultation,nottop-downdesign.

Canada’s Supreme Court, in Rio Tinto Alcan Inc. v Carrier Sekani Tribal Council (2010 SCC 43), held that governments must consult Indigenous groups before decisions affecting claimed lands or resources, even unsettled claims. Guyana has no equivalent clause, but the same logic holds: communities along the Essequibo, Pomeroon, and Barima-Waini hold longstandingclaimstothesewaters,andarescue program operating in them is a decision that touchesthosecommunitiesdirectly

Real consultation, not a funding announcement, is what ensures equipment matchesthecoastlineandradiosmatchGDF frequencies.

It also treats this as an ongoing relationship, not a transaction. The tragedy has supplied urgency; it must not supply an excuse to sideline the people who already proved, that night, that they know these watersbest.

Regards,

M.ShabeerZafar,barrister

Jagdeo shame on you

DEAREDITOR,

It brings immense anger and sadness to see what is unfolding before us. The dead bodies add up while Jagdeo speaks of developmenttoapeopleinmourning.Where is the compassion? Where is the care and concern? The Toshao meeting should have been postponed and everyone allowed to grieve in peace. No one wants to hear the usual crap they spew They have crossed the line,andmanyaresuffering.

The loss is tremendous! Try to understand, what has happened was preventable and thanks to those who could care less we have lost many innocent lives.

This charade cannot continue. It mustn’t. Safetyofourpeoplemustcomefirst.Itmust bethefirstconsiderationineverythingwedo. We can no longer go back to business as usual.

We can no longer return to the rush that has caused many to die. Slow down and see the life around you. We all matter Life is important! We must promise ourselves and those around us that this will never happen again. It must not happen again. Not on our waterways, not on our roads. It must not happenagain.

Withsincerecondolences Mr.JamilChanglee

HIGHLIGHT THE HUMAN FACTOR OF THE DISASTER AT IRON POINT

DEAREDITOR,

Following the MV BarimadisasteratIronPoint atthetreacherousconfluence of the Pomeroon River and the Atlantic Ocean, many moving and touching videos have been shared on social media platforms. Let me state from the outset, that I view this tragedy from a human-interest perspective, all things being equal, it is the human factor that is primordial.

Amongst the many videos posted on social media, there was one

attractedmyattention.Itwas an emotional and very touching video showing a m

h

w e e p i n g uncontrollably for her child. Inbetweentears,thewoman managed to say that she had just bought some new clothes for her daughter but now because of the tragedy she will not be able wear them.

The woman was emotionally upset and justifiable so. In the video, someone appeared to be

consolingherinthemidstof her grief and the motherly anger she was expressing because she had lost her child. It is a loss she is struggling to cope with and whichshecannotreversenor change. But it was not just this one mother, there are others.Inoneparticularcase, there is a mother who lost seven children in that tragedy

In this tragedy, people screamedforhelpwhiledeep inthetreacherouswaterupto their necks, many probably woke up in a state of shock and panic; others must have died by asphyxiation, some by drowning in their sleep while the ill-fated vessel carryingthedeadsunktothe bottomoftheocean.

Themournfulvoices,the incessant weeping of affectedfamiliesandfriends inthecurrentsituationwhere parents,wives,husbandsand children weep for the dead, hopeforthemissingand

The MV Barima tragedy was a tragedy of a different kind. It was not one that left persons lying dead on the road where blood poured fromtheirheadandtorso,or where their skin was shredded and charred, with splinters of bones covered withdirt.

Continued on page 6

Venezuela quakes caused $19.6 billion in damage, World Bank report shows

( R e u t e r s ) - Two earthquakes that rocked VenezuelaonJune24caused $19 6 billion in direct physical damage, but the cost of rebuilding could be twice that much more, the World Bank said in an early assessment released on Thursday

The 7 2 and 7 5 magnitude quakes killed

about 5,000 people, a c c o r d i n g t o t h e government, destroying residential buildings, infrastructure and nonresidential buildings in the northernareasofthecountry, including the capital Caracas. The government estimates that nearly 17,000 people were injured and nearly 18,000 remain homeless.

The disaster, the country’s deadliest earthquakesince1812,came a t a t i m e w h e n socioeconomic conditions were already precarious, with a poverty rate of over 76%, the World Bank said. Some 7.9 million people have fled the country since 2015.

Without timely additional investment, the negative impact on productive capacity and livingstandardswillslowthe pathtorecovery,”shesaid.

The bank completed its Global Rapid Damage EstimationorGRADEusing remote-based earthquake

“The earthquake caused anestimated$19.6billionin direct physical damage, a staggering figure for any economy and one that demands a coordinated response,” said Susana Cordeiro Guerra, the World Bank vice president who oversees Latin America and theCaribbean.

modeling,localseismicdata, satellite imagery and d

government, humanitarian agencies and others on the ground.

The estimate does includethecostof“building back better” t

structural improvements or upgrading the construction type. Those costs, including

Yhip Rebuts Peeping Tom, says...

Frompage4

only materialised after 1990 under a stable democracy,economicreforms,and,notleast, social reforms that introduced the social safety nets that the Pinochet regime lacked. Under subsequent democratic rule, income inequality has steadily declined. Until the copper boom ended in 2014, growth in income per person more than doubled between1991and2014,averaging4percent. For credible reasons, Chile was seen as an example to the rest of Latin America. Institutions significantlyaccountfor the real miracle,butIwouldjoinhandswithPeeping Tom in saying that “institutions” alone were insufficientasadriver

Finally,insayingthattheResourceCurse “originates” as an economic challenge, PeepingTomoverstateshiscase.Thestateof a nation, at any given point in time, is the cumulativesumofitshistorical,cultural,and

institutional past, rendering it impossible to isolate a pristine “economic origin” or entry point. For a country like Guyana, entering a resource boom with historically fragile governanceandweakinstitutionalguardrails, can anyone dispute that? Ensures that the Resource Curse is, from day one, a serious governancechallengethatentirelysubsumes the economy. One cannot separate the economic shock of “oil money” from the institutionalsievethroughwhichitpours;the twoarefundamentallyintertwined.

Let me close with something all GuyaneseinGuyanaandinthediasporacan agree: Economic policies cannot succeed in an institutional vacuum. On this central proposition, Peeping Tom and I are in full agreement, and all other disagreements are merelynitpicking.

Sincerely,

TerenceM.Yhip

debris clearance, could be two to two-and-a-half times thereplacementcosts,which could drive the total bill to closeto$50billion.

The estimate also does not include direct economic losses, with labor supply expected to be reduced by 1%thisyear

The assessment showed that 47% of the damage occurred in residential buildings, 27% in infrastructure and 26% in non-residentialbuildings.

Thebanksaidthepaceof reconstruction would be a decisivefactorinshapingthe

The bank said it was workingwiththeVenezuelan government, the InterAmerican Development Bank, and the Development Bank of Latin America ( C A F ) o n a m o r e comprehensive assessment of Venezuela’s recovery and reconstruction costs. Such studies usually take months, while GRADE assessments aredoneinweeks.

outcomes. Without higher public and private investment, productive capacity and GDP would likely remain below prequake levels until at least 2036,thebanksaid. Additional borrowing would add to Venezuela’s already large debt stock, but couldstokestrongergrowth, which would gradually strengthen the country’s fiscalposition,itsaid.

HIGHLIGHT THE HUMAN FACTOR OF...

Frompage5 consolesurvivorsisthepainagrievingnation must face and lower its head with a sense of duty,empathyandthoughtfulness.

The question that will prove hard to sink in is how to process one’s loss and by what means can the transition be made from bereavement or from survival; how to be strong in the wake of this tragedy to make liveslostliveandtomaketheirdeathscount. The answers to these questions should be viewedthroughtheprismofserviceandacts of kindness aimed at empowering the survivorandthebereavedtosurmountrather than to be heavily burdened; to find ways to frame their misfortune in a more personally understandable way, that serves to protect them from being overwhelmed by trauma, isolation and indifference because of their frighteningandpainfulexperience

There may be survivors who, perhaps, may have nightmares about the horrific experience, while there may be others who, when they wake up every morning, they know that they are here and not there where thedeathboatlay Thencomesthepainwere theytoevertravelthatill-fatedrouteagainto pass by that painfully dark and ugly place where the boat went down drowning many

andconjuringupmemoriesofthoselostatsea thuscompoundingtheirdailysuffering.

At another level, lies the challenge of fulfilling public commitments made at an individual, community, sectoral and societal levels;overcominginstitutionallethargy,the searchforscapegoatsandtolash-outatthem ortoinventescapistsolutions.

Sections of the media should allow parentsmothersandentirefamiliestogrieve andweepprivately Theirgriefandsorrow,as wellasindividualstoriesbysurvivorsshould notbetransformedintopublicspectacle.Nor should publicizing their stories compound their trauma. And they should never get wearyofsectionsofthemediawhoturntheir pain into breaking news and headline embellishments.

The greatest fear of the bereaved is that theirlovedoneswillbeforgotten.Toprevent the slow erasure and closure of their unfinished goals that their premature deaths prohibited, the nation is duty bound to pay homage, respect and to fulfill whatever may havebeentheirgoalsandaspirationsaswell astheirwishesforimprovementinthelivesof everyGuyaneseman,womanandchild.

Yoursfaithfully, ClementJ.Rohee

BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT

So too must Edghill

The Government's argument that Public Works Minister Juan Edghill cannot resign because he is needed to oversee the MV Barima recovery simply does not stand up to scrutiny. No minister is indispensable.

If the entire management team responsible for the ferry's operation could be sent home pending investigations, why should the minister with political responsibility for the sector remain untouchable? Accountability cannot stop at junior officials while those at the top are shielded.

Edghill's stewardship of the Public Works and transport sector has been far from exemplary, with recurring concerns over infrastructure, safety and oversight.

The Barima tragedy demands more than expressions of sympathy and promises of investigations. It requires visible political accountability. Sending the minister home pending the outcome of an independent probe would not prejudice the investigation; it would strengthen public confidence that no one is above scrutiny or responsibility.

Former employee of Mohamed's reportedly coerced into confession 'Paper Shorts' murder...

A former employee of the Mohamed's family has reportedly provided statements to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) linking the Opposition Leader, Azruddin Mohamed to the murder of Ricardo Fagundes, known as 'Paper Shorts'.

Nazar 'Shell' Mohamed, father of Azruddin Mohamed in a video statement on Thursday morning explained that efforts have recently

intensified by the GPF to implicate his son in the murder of Fagundes with severalemployeestakeninto custodyoverthepastweeks.

Morerecently,Shellsaid an ex-worker, Travis Audain, who is allegedly a deportee from the United StatesofAmerica,wastaken into custody by the police.

TheelderMohamedsaidthat unknown to his family Audainallegedlycommitted “majorcrimes”intheUnited States.

Like the other persons arrested, Mohamed claims that Audain was offered a deal including money and protection to comply with the investigators and lie.

“Theygethimtolieonthese innocent men that he saw they came in with car and who went and do tint and who filed numbers off. This is a blatant lie. Travis did workwithusduring2021at the time when these things happened, we have all our employment records,” he

said.

The businessman added that he was working in Georgetown and was not stationed at the Friendship facility, as can be corroborated with company records As such, he questioned the blatant move to fabricate lies to implicate innocentpersons.

Mohamed argued, “This is not right. This is a very disturbingsituationgoingon in our country and I'm calling on all the authorities

Nazar 'Shell' Mohamed, businessman and father of Opposition Leader, Azruddin Mohamed

to pay keen attention becausehowisityougonna tell lies on innocent people justtofabricateachargeand putthembehindbars?”

Thebusinessmanmadeit explicit that based on his knowledge, his son has absolutelynoinvolvementin the 'Paper Shorts' murder Mohamed pointed out that Fagundes has a criminal background and was linked toRogerKhan.

Shell highlighted that four persons were arrested by the police including, Satrohan'Depo'Rajkumar,a mechanic; Mark Richmond, asecurityguard;TroySingh, a tint shop owner and Udoh

Kanu, a manager at Mohamed'sSecurity

He reasoned, “They arrested them, placed them inlockups,theyofferedthem deals and tried to coerce them, offered them money, they gave them two 72hours. What is really going on? How can the Police F o r c e c o n d u c t a n investigation like that actually telling people that theymustlie?”

TheelderMohamedsaid his son has shared efforts made to reach prisoners to frame the Opposition Leader, but these persons haveallrefused.

Meanwhile, in a subsequent interview with Kaieteur News, the elder Mohamed said Satrohan Rajkumar, who was taken intocustodyonJuly14,2026

Ricardo Fagundes called ‘Paper Shorts’

andwasreleasedafterbeing heldfortwoconsecutive72hours at the Ruimveldt Police Station, Georgetown onTuesday

He told this publication that 'Narine' and another officer from the Special branch took the mechanic, called 'Depo' out of the lockups and coerced him, “offered him money, protection,andanAmerican visa and safe house just to cooperatewiththemandtell lies on these boys and Azruddin.”

The mechanic however stoodhisgroundandinsisted that he would not tell lies. After failed efforts, the officersreportedlytoldDepo that he could not wear his jeansinthelockups,leaving him in his bare underwear He was returned to the lockups in a cell near to the toilet area which allegedly had worms and no running water

The following morning, major crimes escorted the mechanic to the CID headquarters where he was finally placed on $1 million bailonTuesday

Earlier this week, the GPFconductedasearchata property located at FriendshipontheEastBank of Demerara (EBD) as part oftheMarch2021murderof Fugundes.

Mohamedinthepastwas implicated in the murder, a claim he has repeatedly denied.

Age does not sink a ship

In the aftermath of the heartbreaking MV Barima tragedy, one argument has gained remarkable traction. Thatargumentisrepeatedon s o c i a l m e d i a , i n conversations, and even by some who should know better The argument is that the vessel was old and therefore it was not seaworthy That it should havelongbeenretired.

That argument may sound persuasive, but it is neithertechnicallysoundnor supportedbytheevidence.If the age of vessels was the basis for retiring them, then most of our freebies would have been grounded and there would have been no suchservice.

The age of a vessel, by itself, does not determine whether it is safe to operate.

W h a t d e t e r m i n e s seaworthiness is its structural condition, the quality of maintenance,

compliance with maritime safety standards, regular inspections, and timely repairs.

Awell-maintainedvessel can remain in service for manydecades.Conversely,a relatively new vessel that is poorly maintained can become unsafe in a short period.

The MV Barima itself illustrates this point. Since 2015, the vessel underwent severalsignificantperiodsof rehabilitation and repair In 2017, it completed a major rehabilitation costing approximately G$150 million. After those repairs, the government boasted that the time for journeys to the N o r t h We s t w e r e substantiallyreduced.

This was under the APNU+AFC government

So,arethosepersonswhoare contending that the vessel was not structurally sound saying that theAPNU+AFC

Dem Boys Seh...

only undertook these major renovations to last a few years? Is this what they are saying?

The works included upgraded passenger accommodation, increased capacity and the installation ofanewcargocrane.Before returning to service, the Maritime Administration Department conducted inspections to certify the vesselasseaworthy

In 2021, the Barima was again taken out of service to undergo extensive engine repairs after years without major maintenance Replacement engine parts were imported before the vesselresumedoperations.

In2022,anotherroundof emergency repairs costing approximatelyG$90million was completed following technicalassessmentsbythe Transport and Harbours Department. In 2024, the vessel underwent further

When speeding becomes a public service

Dem boys seh one man get pull over by thepoliceforspeedingsofastthatthetraffic lighthadtoaskhimtoslowdownbecauseit was still trying to turn green. The officer walkuptothecarandseh,“Boss,youknow youweredoing120kilometresperhourina 60zone?”

The man calmly wind down he window andseh,“Officer,Ihaveaverygoodreason. IamadoctorandIamrushingtothehospital. Iamrespondingtoanemergency.”

The policeman look at him, salute and seh, “Doctor, that is a serious matter We appreciatepeoplelikeyousavinglives.”

Then the officer walk back to his patrol car,writetheticket,andcomeback.

Thedoctorlookshocked.“Butofficer,I toldyouIwasgoingtosavealife!”

The policeman smile and seh, “And I believe you. That is why I only give you a speeding ticket and not a ticket for driving like you were trying to save the entire population.”

Dem boys seh Guyana does got plenty people who driving through life with the same excuse: “I was doing it for a good cause.”Somepeoplebreakingrulesbecause they rushing to help. Some breaking rules becausetheyrushingtogetahead.Andsome

breaking rules because they believe the trafficlawswerewrittenforeverybodyelse. Every time somebody get caught doing something wrong, suddenly a noble explanation appear. The man who park in front of a fire hydrant say he was only “stopping for two minutes.” The contractor who block the road say he was “creating development.”Thefellawhocutthelineof traffic say he was “late for an important appointment.”

Demboyssehifexcusescouldgenerate electricity, Guyana would never need dem powerships.

But the funniest thing is that everybody wantsunderstandingwhentheyaretheones breaking the rules, but they want the full weightofthelawwhensomebodyelsedoes it.Thespeedingdoctorstorydoesteachone thing though. A good intention does not always cancel a bad action. Saving lives is important,butsoismakingsureyoudonot become the emergency case on the way to theemergency

Dem boys seh the road to hell might be paved with good intentions, but in Guyana somepeopletryingtogetthereaheadofthe speedlimit.

Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

docking and underwater repairs,includinghullwork, sandblasting and painting before returning to service. Earlier this year, Government budgeted an additional G$124.5 million for further rehabilitation worksonthevessel.

These are hardly the actions of authorities operating a vessel that needed to be abandoned becauseofitsage.Noristhe Barimaunique.

overhaulsandmodernisation programmes Canada’s famous MV Princess of Acadia served for almost fiftyyearsbeforeretirement. Norway,ScotlandandJapan allcontinuetooperateferries that are forty, fifty and even sixtyyearsold.

None of these vessels remained in service simply becausetheywereold.They remained in service because

seaworthiness. The issue of the vessel’s seaworthiness must come from qualified investigators, not from assumptionsbasedsolelyon the year stamped on the vessel’sbuilder’splate.

TheMVLadyNorthcote, builtin1937,remainsoneof Guyana’s oldest operating vessels. Nearly ninety years after entering service, it continues to transport passengers and cargo to the North West D

s

ct

ollow

ng extensive rehabilitation. Likewise, the MV Torani, commissioned in1960,faithfullyservedthe Berbice crossing for decades.

In 2019, there were reports of extensive rehabilitation costing $488M rehabilitation of another vessel the M. V Kimbia. This is also an old boat,thoughnotasoldasthe Mv Barima.

Around the world there are even more striking examples. Washington State Ferries in the United States still operates vessels built in the 1950s after repeated

qualified engineers repeatedly determined that theycontinuedtomeetsafety standards after repairs and inspections.

Ships are not like motor cars that are discarded after reaching a certain birthday A

operation for fifty years or more.Somecargoships,tugs and passenger ferries have served for seventy years or longer because they have b

y maintained, surveyed and upgraded. This is why we should resist the temptation to embrace simplistic explanations.

The investigation into the MV Barima tragedy is expected to examine issues of maintenance and the physical condition of the vessel among other things. This would be relevant to a determination of a vessel’s

Repeating the claim that “the vessel was old, t h e r e f o r e i t w a s unseaworthy” may satisfy our desire to blame the government. But it is not evidence. It is speculation masqueradingasfact.

Ourcountryhassuffered an immense tragedy The victims and their families deservesomethingfarbetter than recycled myths and discredited narratives. They deserve a careful, professional and evidencebased investigation that follows the facts wherever theylead.

Until then, we should stop confusing age with unseaworthiness In maritime engineering, they are simply not the same thing.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)

Resign – to go upstairs

Calls fly with increasing speed for heads to roll. Officials must fall for the MV Barima tragedy More for the misinformation disseminated. Less for the losses. Whetherresignation or removal, what difference does it make? Where's the positive for the Guyanese people? Theyneedtruthand justice. Not roping in the MV Barima fallout and continuing with obscuring.

Thepastisthebestteacher. A senior public servant wassentintotheshadowsby the PPP Govt. Who won, who lost? Certainly, it wasn't the senior public servant, who may have had wingsclippedpublicly,butis now a bigger bird. Another public official, also of considerable rank, was allowed to resign, only for a greater accumulation of power to occur This is a

true-and-triedPPPtacticthat cleverly retreats in the face of advancing public anger, only for the maneuvers at which the party is so skilled totakeover Whenamanor a woman in the PPP Govt. that has erred egregiously is reluctantly withdrawn from the public space, they don't disappear from the scene. There's always a Congress waitingtowelcomethem,to garland them with more

honors. Hence, what purpose resignation or removal? A charade in the past for temporary public appeasement,thenarebound later Oftenintheopen,and with a finger wagged in the face. See! This is the PPP Way Howit'sdone!

As much as Guyanese call for heads to roll, and as much as I endorse, environmental and political reality intrudes into the

picture. Forceone to resign and the majority in the PPP Govt family wo have to be sent packing. Fire one, and many more havetobefired. Thisishow one State agency after another has deteriorated and disintegrated. One resigns or is terminated, and the whole damn governance structure could collapse under it accumulated weights Incompetence pronounced. Inefficiency extensive. Corruption – the national political culture One aspect is of executives converted to envoys. The MVBarimacannotbethetip of iceberg. It's underwater

The MV Barima is an indicationofthewidespread nature of a killer virus, the crippled condition in which Guyanaisleft.

What's the remedy?

Guyanese need leaders, ministers, and senior public officials to possess some minimum honesty Some decency helps, with class seenandnoted.

If there could only be a little self-respect in the corridors of power, it may inspire some authentic respect for the people. Not s o m e s u p e r f i c i a l , hypocritical statement cobbledtogetherinthemidst of a tragedy (and a mystery absentee) for the sake of putting any something before the nation. Callout one minister, or push out another,andbereadyforthe replacementwhoislikelyto becutfromthesameclothas the ousted, maybe even worse. If that could be contemplated.

Belatedly creeping forward from under the ashes of the MV Barima's descent to the depth is ExcellencyAli.

A full, thorough, and independent investigation has been committed to publicly IfonlyIcouldlean on that, run with it Guyanese have heard that before To remind: helicopter crash that killed five soldiers; Mahdia Dorm conflagration that incinerated20youths. What the people of Guyana were handed was a PPP Govt. style and an Ali standard of 'full, thorough, and independentinvestigation'in both instances. One cannot be allowed in the daylight (crash report); the other was such a farce that it insulted thelivingandthedead. There was a method at work before. Government wheels are already in motion. Saytherightthings. Wait for time to pass. Give room for memory, interest, passionstofade.

PPP Govt. arranges an investigation that is a con game. Then, return to PPP Govt. paradise, smug in the satisfaction of another snow job pulled (dumped) on lost oruncaringGuyanese.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper

Simple people don't know much about these matters related to resignations and removals. Humblefamiliesareataloss onhowtocopeintheterrors and torments of their newly a r r i v e d g r i e v o u s circumstances. The badly buffeted need to be comforted. The hollowed out (multiple family members lost) shrink from the thought of how they themselves are going to survive.

Transparency Int'l Guyana demands IMO probe of MV Barima tragedy

...says Edghill, Indar, MARAD leadership should step down

Transparency International Guyana Inc. (TIGI) is demanding an independent probe by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) into the MV Barimatragedy

The 87-year-old ferry capsized onSaturdaynightduringitsvoyage to Port Kaituma, Region One with close to 200 passengers and crew members.

InastatementonThursday,the watchdog institution first flagged the discrepancy in reports surrounding the number of passengers on board the vessel. Initial reports placed 116 passengers and 17 crew aboard; thatfigurewaslaterrevisedupward to 179 after officials reviewed boardingfootage.

Consequently, Executive MemberofTIGI,FrederickCollins has made it clear that Guyanese have no appetite for another domesticinquirywhichhebelieves is likely to collapse into a “circus maximus.”

According to TIGI, “The reference is not abstract. In May 2023, 20 children, most of them

Indigenousgirls,burnedtodeathin the Mahdia Secondary School dormitory fire A Presidential Commission of Inquiry followed.

Three years later, families remain intheHighCourt,allegingtheState pressured them into grossly inadequate settlements without independent legal advice, then fought to have their claims struck outentirely.”

Collins is adamant that this domestic process did not end in justice but in the state litigating againstgrievingfamiliesforyears. He argued, “No one is prepared to watchthatrepeat.”

Tothisend,TIGIhascalledfor an independent, impartial and objective international investigation led by the IMO and staffed by global maritime experts with no institutional stake in the outcome, instead of a domestic Commission of Inquiry under governmentcontrol.

TIGI said international civil society organisations with an established presence in Guyana shouldbeappointedasmembersof the Commission rather than just

observers.

Importantly, the watchdog body called for the immediate recusal of Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar, and the senior management team of the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) The institute demanded, “If President Ali is sincere about the transparency and accountability, he has personally promised the families of the

deceased, this is the minimum test ofthatsincerity,notadiscretionary courtesy to ministers he appointed.”

Thebodyurgedthattherebeno repeatoftheMadhiamodel-typeof inquiry, insisting that the public willnotacceptanotherprocessthat produces a report while the state simultaneously fights its own citizens in court for years afterward.

Furthermore, TIGI demanded full public accounting of the “manifest fraud” where dozens of soulsarestillunaccountedfor The body said the responsible parties must be identified with clear guidelines as to what enforcement actionswillfollow

ArrestofDuncan

Notably, TIGI raised concerns over the arrest of Opposition Member of Parliament, Sherod Duncan on Tuesday at Charity, Essequibo,whileoperatingadrone near the area where families are gathered awaiting news of loved ones.

The Institute explained, “Duncanhasreportedlysaidhewas

filming recovery vessels offshore, ashehaddoneonpriordays,when a police officer instructed him to stop; two senior officers then told him they were acting on instructions.The592Guardianhas not independently verified this account and will update as it is confirmed. If accurate, it raises a legitimatequestionthegovernment owesthepublicananswerto:why res

documentation at a site the state says it is handling with full transparency?”

TIGI argued that Guyana's institutions have exhausted the public's trust. It noted that the matterisnolongeramerequestion ofdomesticaccountabilitybutalso requires the attention and assistance of the international communitysothatfamiliescanget truth and justice without suing the state.

Contradictions

The transparency institute pointed out that Minister Indar who,untilSeptember2025,served as Minister within the Ministry of (Continuedonpage12)

Nine victims of MV Barima tragedy laid to rest

Nine persons who lost their lives in the tragic MV BarimaincidentonSaturday night were laid to rest on Thursday

The ill-fated vessel departed the Transport and Harbours Department wharf at Kingston, Georgetown, at approximately 3:15 p.m. on Saturday July 18. It was expected to arrive at Port Kaituma on Sunday afternoon after travelling along Guyana's Atlantic Coastline.

Instead, the 87-year-old vessel went down about seven miles offshore near

Iron Punt, in the vicinity of the Pomeroon River, while on its scheduled voyage from Georgetown to Port Kaituma,RegionOne. Figures disclosed by government suggest that the vessel was carrying at least 179 persons including crew members, passengers includingchildren.

To date, the incident has sinceclaimedthelivesof72 persons, 65 of which were positively identified by families A total of 76 personswererescued.

OnThursday,familiesof nineofthedeceasedbidtheir

final farewell at their respective communities

Amongthosegatheredatthe funeral services were members of the cabinet and regional administrative officials.

Those who were laid to rest were seven-year-old Aarave Daniels and his aunt 13-yearold Shamera Smith of White Water Village, RegionOne.

Victims, Gwenette Nunes and her daughter UlandaMarqueswerelaidto rest.Afuneralserviceforthe motherandherdaughterwas held on the lawns of the

Region One Regional DemocraticCouncil.

Family, friends and residents of Wakenaam IslandonThursdaybidtheir final farewell to 11-year-old RonaldoPoon.

Also laid to rest was Ravindra Singh and Bibi Mohamed, who were on board the vessel heading to Port Kaituma for work Family,friendsandresidents gathered in Zeelugt, Region Three where a funeral servicewasheldforthem.

Anothervictim,28-yearold Kevin Wilson, a crew member of the MV Barima

waslaidtorestatEdinburgh, EastBankBerbice. OnThursdayalso,family and friends gathered at the Memorial Gardens to pay their final respects to Clairmonte King, a beloved father and husband who lost his life in the MV Barima tragedy

This publication understands that funeral servicesformorevictimsare expected to continue today (Friday).

The tragic incident left dozens of families devastated and the wider nationinmourning.

Authorities, having received reports of the incident launched search, rescue, and recovery operationswhichintensified with the arrival of maritime assets and personnel from the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard and the Brazilian Navy It was

reported that in rescuing survivors and recovering bodies, 19 vessels and three aircraft are now actively engaged at the crash site, supported by specialised diving teams. Meanwhile, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard and the Maritime Administration Department(MARAD)have deployed smaller vessels further inland to search shoreline areas and vegetation Opposition LeaderAzruddin Mohamed, along with local fishermen and private boat owners, havebeenassisting. Following the incident, President Irfaan Ali on Tuesday had declared three days, Wednesday to Friday of national mourning in honourofthevictims,during which all national flags will flyathalf-mast.

(See photos on pages 16,17 and 18)

Frompage11

Public Works with shared responsibility for the Transport andHarboursDepartment,firststatedcategoricallythatthe MVBarimawasnotoverloaded,thenreversedhimselfdays later,allegingcriminalconduct.

As such, the institute said, “A sitting minister cannot publicly prejudge the very facts an independent investigationexiststodetermineandthenoverseethatsame investigation.ThesameconflictappliestoMinisterEdghill and to MARAD's own leadership, who cannot credibly investigatetheirownregulatoryfailures.”

Moreover, it added, “Prime Minister Mark Phillips's response, when asked directly whether Edghill should go, was that he “hears the noise,” while pointing to President Ali,whowasoutofthecountryinCanadawhenthedisaster struck. That is not leadership. It is the delegation of accountabilitytoanabsentprincipal.”

The body was clear that safe transportation is not a privilege but a fundamental right that every person in Guyanadeserves,regardlessofwhethertheytravelbyroad, airorriver

...saystoomanytroublingquestionsremainunanswered Parliament must determine COI's composition for MV Barima probe – Dr. Campbell

A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament, Dr Terrence Campbell, has stressed that there are many unanswered questions

“This is the biggest disaster in Guyana's history…” he added, noting that while the Jonestown tragedyclaimedhundredsof lives, very few were

Persons being rescued after the th MV Barima capsized on July 18

surroundingtheMVBarima tragedyandbelievesthenext sitting of the National

Assembly should be dedicated to addressing them.

Appearing on New Day on Gomesley Radio on Thursday morning, Dr Campbell underscored the need for an open and transparent discussion when the National Assembly meetsonMonday

With dozens still unaccounted for and 72 bodies recovered as of Thursday evening, according to Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips, Dr Campbell

acknowledged the government's commitment

t o e s t a b l i s h i n g a Commission of Inquiry (COI). However, he argued that parliament should first determine the way forward, including the composition and scope of such a commission.

“I would like to see a suspension of the standing orders for us to discuss this incident.Thereareanumber of matters slated for discussion. There are bills for discussion. There is a supplementary financial bill that's there but none of that, noneofthatrisestothelevel of importance as a discussion on this tragedy,” hesaid.

everything within its power to ensure all concerns surrounding the tragedy are addressed. He said an event of such magnitude demands accountability without scapegoating.

“Accountability must go fromtoptobottom,”hesaid.

H

transparent with the public, stressingthatnothingcanbe learnedthroughobfuscation.

D

C

Guyanese need more than

commission of inquiry will be established; they need confidence that it will be

independentandtransparent.

“So, we need to have proper terms of reference and so on I think the decisions, the parliament needs to have a say in the decisiongoingforwardasto commission of inquiry and all other steps that must be taken and questions must be asked, hard questions must beasked,”hesaid.

T h e A P N U

Guyanese.

“So, the biggest tragedy from a single event in Guyana's history, this needs tobeaddressedatthelevelof the national assembly This typeofincidentandthepath forward to avoid any recurrence must be addressed at the level of national assembly,” Dr. Campbellstated.

He maintained that the MV Barima tragedy should be placed at the top of parliament'sagenda,arguing thatthecountry'sfocusmust be on ensuring such a disaster never happens again.

“I'm a little emotional about this Gordon because I'vebeenoutthere.I'veseen those, I've seen babies, a baby I've seen teenagers. I've seen adults out there floating on the back, face downwards,”hesaid.

D r C a m p

APartnershipfor NationalUnity(APNU) MemberofParliament, Dr. Terrence Campbell

questioned why newly acquired vessels, purchased at a cost of millions of dollars, remain unused, and whyhelicoptersacquiredfor the Guyana Defence Force (GDF)

effectively deployed during the response, forcing the government to rely on

(Continuedonpage20)

and

MVBarima Disaster.... 72 confirmed dead

A policeman transporting the bodies to Parika

...assearchcrewsraceto securewreckfromunderwater ...65victimsformallyidentified

By Khadidja Ba

Searchandrecoveryteams have now retrieved a total of 72 bodies following the tragic capsizing of the MV Barima, as multi-agency operations, Leader of the Opposition Azruddin Mohamed, local fishermen, and private boat owners press forward off the coastofGuyana.

While the official death toll stood at 65 during a press

fellow Guyanese, while s

e

y operations remain ongoing, technical teams continue to workonrepositioningtheMV Barima as part of the broader recovery effort," PM Phillips stated.

"Two additional bodies were r

Bodies being transported from Charity

The Guyana Police Force utilizing drone support to assist in locating potential survivors, persons still unaccounted for and the recovery of bodies.( Guyana Police Force)

briefing at 17:00 hrs on

Wednesday, July 22, overnight rescue efforts yielded five additional recoveries, bringing the total to 70 by Wednesday evening.

Operations on Thursday, July 23, resulted in the retrieval of twomorebodies.

Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips confirmed during an address to the nation on Thursday evening that 65 of the recovered victims have been positively identified by theirfamilies.

"Members of the media,

vered today, bringing the total number of bodies recovered thus far to 72. 65 of the recovered bodies have been identified by their families."

Technical crews remain deployed on-site, focusing on securingandrepositioningthe submerged vessel to facilitate safer, deeper search and retrieval efforts in the coming days.

According to the PM's pressstatement,thefleetof22 assets, including 19 maritime vessels and three aircraft, remains actively engaged in the operation. Aerial units are conducting sweeps across a designated 2,100-squarek

(Continued on page 23)

AOAGre-electsBarclayaspresident,

callsforcontinuedvoiceinaviationpolicy

Captain Learie Barclay was on Monday re-elected President of the Aviation Operators' Association of Guyana (AOAG), alongside Captain Andre Farinha as 1st Vice President and Lt. Col. Miguel Benjamin as 2nd Vice President. Captain Ronald Reece and Lt. Col. (Ret'd) Anthony Mekdeci, AA, were elected as Directors The election of the Board of Directors was done at the association's AnnualGeneralMeeting. In his official report to the Association, Barclay reflected on the growing standing of the AOAG, d e s c r i b i n g i t a s a "professional and respectful channel" through which operators' concerns reach aviation policymakers. While acknowledging that not every recommendation has been accepted or every concern resolved, he stressed that the industry is

Captain Learie Barclay was on Monday re-elected President of the Aviation Operators' Association of Guyana

"no longer absent from the conversation."

Barclay was careful to note that this relationship belongs not to the executive alone, but to every operator the Association represents. He welcomed ongoing improvements in the c

cautioning that some aerodromes still require

operational challenges continuetoaffectefficiency, safety and reliability He credited government with showing a willingness to invest in the sector.The reelected president also pointed to aviation's

expanding footprint within Guyana's private sector, highlighting its role in transporting workers to mining areas, supporting tourism, delivering supplies to remote communities, facilitating healthcare a c c e s s , e n a b l i n g investment, supporting national security, and connecting families across the country Without aviation, he warned, large parts of Guyana would be unable to fully participate in the nation's economic development — a message he said is increasingly resonating with decisionmakers.

Barclay closed his address with a pledge that decisions affecting the industrymustneveragainbe made without operators' voices being heard, calling t h i s a n e n d u r i n g responsibility of the Association.

Parliamentmust...

From page 13 aircraft operated by private entities.

“There are serious questions to be asked here, and it must be done with the national assembly, because the national assembly, we don't always get the truth, but we have sometimes, I think we come closer to the truth from government officials than the media can get or anyoneelsecangetandsothe discussion of this tragedy is, lays proper properly in the National Assembly,” he lamented.

Pointing to Guyana's Westminster system of governance, Dr Campbell argued that in other democracies,ministersresign following tragedies of this magnitude to allow for an independentinvestigation.

“It cannot be that we are so dependent on the great bishopthatnooneelsecando what he's doing right now,” Dr Campbell said, adding, “There should be ministerial responsibility here. You take responsibility when a major catastrophe like this takes place under your watch and we need to move back to those standards. You resign and you allow someone else to come in, take over and move the process forward. It cannot be that this country is so dependent on Minister Edghill.”

Reflecting on his visit to the recovery operations, Dr Campbell reiterated concerns he had previously raised aboutwhathewitnessed.

“I expected to see many more vessels involved in the search and recovery effort. I

wasn't able to get to ground zero, so to speak, where the Barima went down, simply because M P Sherrod Duncan had been arrested. Butonthewaythere,wewere not far away, just about 30 minutes away I was dissatisfied with what I saw All I saw were private operators,privatepeople,and theleaderoftheoppositionas well. Some of those private people had been contracted by him. Some were operating independently who were moving around and looking for, at that point, as much as we tried to keep hope alive andsayrescue,itwasmoreof a recovery effort at that point,”hesaid.

He also expressed concern over the condition of someofthebodiesrecovered. The MP noted that one body they encountered at sea had already begun decomposing, adding, “my worry remains that we will never recover all of the bodies from this tragedy and that several of those bodies that will eventually be recovered, it will be only DNA testing perhaps will allow us to identify who those persons were.”

He also criticised the government's handling of the tragedy, saying that, as with previous crises under the PPP administration, there had been no briefing or engagement with the parliamentary opposition According to the APNU MP, the Irfaan Ali administration has made no effort to meet with or brief the opposition on the ongoing response and recoveryefforts.

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Dismantled safeguards left MV Barima vulnerable – Patterson

…as death toll rises to 72

FormerMinisterofPublic InfrastructureandAlliancefor Change (AFC) Leader David Patterson has accused the Peoples Progressive Party Civic(PPP/C)governmentof removing critical oversight mechanismsthatoncehelped curb illegal ferry practices, leavingtheMVBarimawithout adequate safeguards ahead of the tragedy that has nowclaimedatleast72lives.

Speaking at a joint opposition press conference on Wednesday, Patterson said the government dismantled inspection systems that had

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been in place under the previous APNU+AFC administration,withoutintroducinga replacement capable of providing equivalent oversight. As of Thursday, 72 bodies had been recovered and approximately 76 people rescued, with dozens still unaccounted for

Patterson said the issue ofpassengerstravellingwithout official tickets, whether through collusion with crew or otherwise is not new. Between2015and2020,hesaid, independent inspectors were hireddirectlybytheMinistry of Public Infrastructure to verifythatpassengers,cargo, fuel and related operational matters were properly documented.

Thatinspectionteamwas later disbanded, Patterson said, and to his knowledge was never replaced with a mechanism offering similar oversight. “Had such a systemremainedinplace,itmay have helped prevent unsafe loading practices and other operationalfailures,”hesaid, addingthatticketing,passenger control, cargo management and vessel loading all require urgent attention to ensure safe public transportation.

TheMVBarimahasapassenger capacity of 150 and a cargocapacityofroughly290 metric tons. Given its age, Patterson said, the vessel’s upkeephadlongsinceceased tobearoutineadministrative matter and become one of public safety

Fromthe1990suntil2020, hesaid,repairswerehandled by established contractors, including the Guyana National Industrial Company (GNIC) and Courtney Benn Contracting Services, arrangementsthatgavetheageing vessel access to specialistfabrication,partsandtechnical expertise, since several

structural components had to be custom-built overseas.

Patterson said those arrangementsbrokedownafter thechangeinadministration: Courtney Benn’s contracts were withdrawn, forcing the company into liquidation, whileGNICceasedoperations after its dockyard was repossessed. Servicing of the MV Barima was subsequently handed to a company whose primarybusinesswasfishing.

“Letmebeclear:thisisnot a personal attack on any contractor,”Pattersonsaid.“The realissueiswhetherthecritical link to specialist fabrication, replacement parts, and proven maintenance systems for a vessel of this age was broken. That question must be examined carefully by independentmaritimeexperts.”

According to Patterson, the MV Barima underwent a comprehensiverehabilitation after docking in November 2015,includingnewengines, new shafts, hull repairs, and upgrades to cargo and passengerareas,returningtoservice in March 2017. Records showthevesselcompletedits required maintenance cycles between 2017 and 2020 and was certified seaworthy throughout that period.

Pattersonsaid,officialsat the time recognised the vessel’s remaining lifespan was limited, prompting the previous administration to advance designs, through a grant and loan arrangement withtheGovernmentofIndia, for a new vessel to serve the North West route.

Patterson is calling for a full,independentexamination of the MV Barima’s maintenance, inspection, dry-docking and certification records under Guyana’s maritime laws.

He also urged that every passenger vessel in the national fleet be inspected for seaworthinessandroutesuitability, alongside the modernisationofdockingfacilities, a secure ticketing system, and a credible programmetoreplaceageing vessels with a modern fleet and upgraded terminals.

“This is not only about one vessel, it’s about public safety, accountability, and therightofcitizensinriverain and hinterland communities to travel with confidence,” Patterson said, adding that they deserve both answers and a transportation system that is safe, reliable, modern and properly managed.

72 confirmed dead

Frompage19

extendinguptoWainiPoint.

The Guyana Police Force utilizing drone support to assist in locating potential survivors, persons still unaccounted for and the recovery of bodies. (Guyana Police Force) assist

Authorities issued a strict warning to the public regarding aerial safety, unauthorised operation of private drones within the search zone is strictly prohibited, as rogue drones pose a severe hazard to low-flying search aircraft. The PM emphasised the government's commitment to maintaining full operational deployment until every victim is accounted for, noting that the administrationcontinuestostandin solidarity with the bereaved

families to ensure a safe and dignifiedconclusiontothetragedy

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) continues to provide joint tacticalsupportalongsidenational, regional,andinternationalsecurity forces. Specialised ranks from the Marine Section, Tactical Services Unit, Criminal Investigation Department, and Regional Police Divisions One and Two have been deployed several miles offshore to conduct intensive water-surface and shoreline patrols near the wrecksite.

GPF drone units and marine

Local fishermen assisting with the rescue efforts

vessels are operating in direct coordination with the Guyana DefenceForceCoastGuardandAir Corps.

They are further supported by international specialised teams fromtheFrenchArmedForces,the Brazilian Navy, and the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard. On the ground, police officers were observed by Kaieteur News (KN) coordinatingthetransferofwooden boxes containing the bodies recovered along coastal transit corridorsfromSupenaamtoParika, whereKNthenobservedtheywere

subsequently collected by vehicles from Jerrick's Funeral Home to assistwithongoinglogistics.

As funerals began across

Mabaruma, Port Kaituma, and Regions 3, 4, and 6, political

government's handling of victim transport and logistical assistance flared. Leader of the Opposition, Azruddin Mohamed voiced criticisms online, highlighting the strain placed on grieving relatives in remote regions. “Shame on this wickedandcruelPPPGovernment,

these4bodieswillhavetoendurea longjourneyof6hoursforburialat Port Kaituma Get the damn governmentplanesandhelicopters tocarrythebodiesforthebereaved familymembers.Whytreatcitizens like this?” he said via the Team Mohamed'sFacebookpage. Government ministers joined family members and community leaderstopaytheirfinalrespectsat severalservices.Anationalnightof reflection and prayer was held in PortKaitumaonThursdayevening. AvigilwillbeheldinMabarumaon Friday,July24,2026.

Trump warns of unprecedented ‘massive attack’ on Iran, Tehran hits Gulf

(AL-JAZEERA)

United

States President Donald Trump says he may launch thelargeststrikesonIranyet after Tehran carried out another wave of retaliatory attacks on US allies in the Gulf, including hitting a telecommunications tower inKuwait.

In remarks to US news website Axios on Thursday, Trump said he was “considering a massive attack”thatwouldbe“bigger thaneverbefore.”

“I am close to making a decision. We are all set for it,”Trumpsaid.

The threat raises the stakes yet again in a weekslong military confrontation inwhichtheUShasattacked Iran for 12 straight nights, includinghittingbridgesand tunnels,accordingtoIranian media reports Iran’s retaliatory attacks have rippled throughout much of the Gulf, sparking fears of a worseningenergycrisis.

The spiralling conflict has all but destroyed an interimpeacedealsignedby theUSandIranlastmonth.

‘Eyeforaneye’ Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Abbas

Araghchi warned on Wednesday that Tehran wouldretaliate“aneyeforan eye” against any future

attacks, including those on Iran’sinfrastructure.

AfteranothernightofUS attacks on Wednesday, Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait on Thursday

I r a n ’ s I s l a m i c Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the attacks in Jordan and Kuwait targeted andhitUSmilitaryassets.

T h e I R G C a l s o acknowledged attacking a telecommunications tower in Kuwait, saying it was in retaliation for US attacks on telecommunications towers inIran.

Inastatementaddressing the Kuwaiti people directly, the IRGC insisted that the US, not Iran, had breached the Gulf state’s “territorial integrityandsovereignty.”

Later on Thursday, Kuwait said that its Abdali bordercrossingwithIraqhad also come under attack by “hostiledrones”.

“The armed forces’ retaliatory attacks will continue as long as the US attacks on the country’s infrastructure and coastal areas continue,” said the I r a n i a n a r m y ’ s spokesperson, Mohammad Akraminia.

Houthisattack Sauditankers

Meanwhile, Yemen’s Houthi rebels further expanded the confrontation onThursdaybyfiringattwo SauditankersintheRedSea, l e a d i n g t o b r o a d international condemnation and a spike in global oil prices.

“The situation is getting out of control. It is teetering on the edge of the unimaginable,” United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told a

meeting of the Security Council. “One crisis feeds another. One escalation triggersthenext.”

The Houthis have declaredablockadeofSaudi Arabian ports, destabilising asecondkeyglobalshipping route: the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

TheStraitofHormuzhas been effectively shut since the US and Israel launched the war on Iran in late February

A man rides on his motorbike as boys ride on their bicycles in downtown Tehran, July 22.

[File: Vahid Salemi/AP Photo]

Reporting from Sanaa, Yemen, Al Jazeera’s Yousef MawrycitedHouthisources assayingthatthefacilitiesof Saudi Arabia’s national oil company Aramco “could become a future target” of the Houthis if Riyadh does not lift its own blockade on Houthi-controlledports.

The international oil benchmark Brent crude surged past $100 a barrel on Thursdayforthefirsttimein May, in what analysts said

could have an even greater impact on the global economy.

“Much of the world’s spare production capacity hasalreadybeenused,while strategicandcommercialoil inventories are lower than whenthewarbegan,leaving the market with fewer buffers against a prolonged supply disruption,” said JanivShah,vicepresidentof the Rystad Energy consultancy

Trump administration to impose new global tariffs

(Reuters) - The Trump administration on Friday will impose new tariffs of 10% and 12 5% on 60 trading partners, including the European Union, over allegations of lax enforcement of forced labor bans, just as a temporary 10% global tariff expires, senior administration officialssaidonThursday

The move is the White House’s latest effort to restore President Donald Trump’s campaign vision of a near-global tariff after the U S Supreme Court in February struck down his “reciprocal”dutiesof10%to 50%imposedlastyearunder a national emergencies law totrytoshrinktheU.S.trade deficit.

Shipping containers from China sit at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, California, U.S., November 5, 2025. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo

Trump responded to that ruling by imposing a temporary10%tarifffor150 days that expires at 12:01 a.m. EDT on Friday (0401 GMT),invokingSection122 of the Trade Act of 1974, a lawmeanttoquellbalanceof payments crises. The new dutieswilltakeeffectatthat exact same moment, with

disputedsuggestionsthatthe forced labor tariffs invoked under the 1974 law’s Section 301 — were simply a direct replacement

for the expiring levies despite the timing, similar duty rates and vast coverage ofnearlyallU.S.imports.

TheofficialsaidtheU.S. has stronger import bans on goods made with labor and enforces them more rigidly than any other country, giving rivals an unfair trading advantage over the U.S.

Both Democrats and Republicans in Congress have been calling for the eradication of forced labor from global supply chains, “so we’re really responding to that call.” The official added that Trump would “always use the tools at his disposal to achieve his trade policy objectives, and that includestariffs.”

The administration officialsaidthatmanygoods will be exempted from the duties,includingoilandgas, fertilizer, certain foodstuffs and goods that are already

subject to Section 232 nationalsecuritytariffs,such asautos,steel,aluminumand copper

Othergoodsthatcomply with the U S -MexicoCanada Agreement on trade will also be exempted because of the highly integrated North American supplychainandhighlevels ofU.S.contentinthegoods.

The final Section 301 unfair trade practices tariffs largelytracktheforcedlabor duties proposed on June 1. Goods from countries that have passed adequate antiforced labor laws will be leviedatthelower10%rate, and imports from those with inadequate bans will be subject to the higher 12.5% rate.

Recent actions and legislation by some countries, including India, movedthemtothe10%tariff rate since the duties were firstproposed.

Tour returns to Alpe d’Huez with back-to-back summit stages

O R C I E R E SMERLETTE, France,

(Reuters) - Alped’Huezwill host consecutive summit finishes on Friday and Saturday, as the Tour de France’s intense Alpine trilogy concludes, with the general classification at stake.

Minister Ramson Jr. envision...

Frompage30

The horse racing industry will be a key driver for sport tourism and economic activities in region five and region six,”theSportMinisterexplained.

The Tour returns toAlpe d’Huez for the first time in four years, when Britain’s Tom Pidcock claimed victory in 2022. Organisers haveincreasedthechallenge by scheduling back-to-back stages finishing at the summit, each with unique approaches.

organisers’ sports director GillesMaignan.

“The race finishes twice at Alpe d’Huez, from different approaches. Some `riders thrive on this kind of challenge.Ithinkwe’llseea battle between the top contenders for the general classification,” said the race

The19thstageonFriday willberelativelyshortwitha 127.9-kmridefromGap.The finish will see riders tackle the traditional climb with its 21hairpins.

“Tomorrowwecouldsee a direct showdown between t h e m a i n g e n e r a l classification favourites on oneoftheTour’smosticonic climbs,” said Decathlon

CMA CGM sports director Julien Jurdie, whose rider Paul Seixas currently holds fourthplaceoverall.

INCREASED DIFFICULTY

Saturday’s 170 9-km route from Bourg-d’Oisans ramps up the difficulty, featuring 5,450 meters of climbing ‘four categorised ascents. The stage includes the Col de la Croix de Fer, Col du Telegraphe, Col du G a l i b i e r a n d a n unprecedented approach to Alpe d’Huez via the Col de Sarenne.

Friday July 24, 2026

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

n unexpected opportunity to take a short trip could present itselftoday,Aries.Hoponthat boat or train and see where it goes. If you have no real reasontotravel,makeoneup. Youdon'tneedoneanyway

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

If you aren't paying close attention today, Taurus, you might miss what's said Important information is beingrelayedquickly,sodon't missoutontheaction.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Actively express your thoughtstoday,Gemini.You'll find that a great deal of information needs to be exchanged. You have the power to deliver a strong, thoughtfulmessagetoothers,.

CANCER(June21–July22)

You may be feeling a little bit lostinthedusttoday Somehow what you're thinking and feeling isn't exactly coordinating with the current conversation Don't think you need to agree with the group justtofeellikeyoufitin

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Your thinking is clear and sharp, Leo, and your mental awareness keen. You should use it to head toward new, forward-thinking projects Don'twasteyourtimebeating aroundthebush.

VIRGO(Aug 23–Sept 22)

You're apt to come up with some new, radical thoughts today, which you should feel free to share with others. There are opportunities around that you should grab hold of. Be aggressive about pushingahead.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Today is a terrific day to express your thoughts. You'll findyourmindespeciallyclear andreadytotackleanymental issue that comes your way Your tendency is toward free and unconventional ways of problemsolving.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)

Someone may challenge your mentalcapabilitiestoday Your natural tendency might be to take the information, mull it over for a while, and come back with your decision or opinionatsomelaterdate.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

Unexpected information may be coming at you today from out of the blue, Sagittarius. You'llfindthatthisinformation is extremely important, so make sure to keep all lines of communicationopen.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Don't be so nosy about others' affairstoday,Capricorn.Ifyou were meant to be included in the conversation, you'd have been invited Suspicion of other people's actions and motiveswillonlycausethemto losetheirtrustinyou.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Other people could have some seriously opposing opinions about how things should be done. Be prepared for battle, Aquarius, because others are likelytohavesharptongues.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Information is apt to come in erratic bursts today, Pisces. You'll find that a great deal of nonverbal communication is revealed and you should listen notonlywithyourearsbutalso withyoureyesandheart.

The consistency and longevity of the Jumbo Jet family hasbeensymbolic,forhostingsuchanevent,andimproving yearly

MinisterRamsonnotedthattheeconomicactivitydriven fromGuyanaCupisbeyondsignificant.

“Horseracing is a fixture of our calendar events. If you are to remove this event from Region five you will remove hundreds of millions of economic activity that will be generated from Guyana Cup period alone,” the Minister added.

“We have had to drive a lot sports. For horse racing it wasn’tso.”

The horseracing legislation took some 26 meetings leadingintoformalpassageinparliamentforthelegislation. Since the legislation passed last year, cabinet approved the committee for the horseracing authority led by Stephen Cheefoon.

Tour director Christian Prudhomme described it as possibly the toughest mountain stage in Tour history

All eyes will be on Slovenia’s Tadej Pogacar, a four-timesTourwinner,who has ‘yet to addAlpe d’Huez to his collection of conquests.

Speaking ahead of Thursday’s 18th stage, UAE Team Emirates-XRG sports directorMauroGianettisaid: “We’rehopefulTadejcango forthewinhere,becauseit’s important for the general classification, because it’s `Alpe d’Huez and it’s the Tour.”

Frenchman Paul Seixas isgearingupforhisfirstAlpe d’Huez experience. The 19year-old sits fourth overall, 20 seconds behind Mexico’s IsaacdelTorointhirdplace. “It’s incredible. Hopefully I `don’tcrashwiththecrowds, but it will all come down to thelegs,”Seixassaid.

Spectators are expected topacktheclimb,somuchso that local authorities have restricted vehicle access to Alpe d’Huez fromThursday toSundaynight.

Thisyear’sGuyanaCupwilladdmoreoftheGuyanese touch, involving more local artists and displaying the rich heritageofGuyana.Additionally,theGuyanaCupwillhave a more family-oriented atmosphere with play parks and giveawaysfortheentirefamily

“Ourversionofthehorseracingindustrymustbefitfor Guyana’s purpose. There must be social utility in the facility,”MinisterRamsonhighlighted.

Atotalof14raceswillberunningatthisyear’sGuyana CupandmorethanG$66millionincashandprizeswillbe paid out.Alucky fan will also be a winner of a brand-new SinoTrukpick-up.

The feature race which will be the Banks Guyana Cup willfetchapurseofG$22million.

Russell confident Mercedes have resolved car issue

BUDAPEST,(Reuters)George Russell believes Mercedes have fixed the issuethatwasslowinghiscar and he has come out of the situationmentallystronger

TheBritonragedoverthe radio after losing straightline speed during the openinglapoflastSunday’s BelgianGrandPrixandthen retiring in the gravel following a collision with Ferrari’sLewisHamilton.

tounderstandthatwiththese new regs and some different regulation changes and less sensorsincertainplaces.”

“Three days later I’m feeling good and glad there are some positive answers thathavecomebackfromthe factoryandit’seyesforward now.”

Pre-season favourite Russell is now third overall and 50 points adrift of championship-leading teammate Kimi Antonelli after10rounds,withthe19year-old Italian soaring high after six victories. Speaking to British reporters ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, Russell said the situation remindedhimofhisF2titlewinningcampaign“whereit felt `like one thing after anotherandyoubounceback and then you get knocked downagain.

SOMETHING IN THE CALIBRATION OF THE CODE

Asked what the problem was, Russell said the new p o w e r u n i t s w e r e exceptionally complex and stilltobefullyunderstood.

“There was just something deeply embedded in the calibration of the code that I mean, it was almost impossible to see unless you knewexactlywhattolookfor

So yeah, I’m glad we have found it “Of course it’s a bit frustrating to have what happenedonSundaybutI’m justlookingforwardnowand that’showthegamegoes” Pressed further whether ‘he was 100% confident the problemhadgoneandwould not come back, he replied: “It’snumbersonacomputer screen,really “And it has been infinitelyharderfortheteam

Russell pointed out that despitehisBelgianblank,he was still closer to Antonelli than he had been after Monaco in June ‘when the gap between them had balloonedto68points.

With 10 rounds done, therewasalsostillmorethan halfaseasontogo.

The 28-year-old said the car problems had been a distraction,spendingalotof time trying to change his driving style rather than just ‘focusing on going fast and

buildingmomentum.

“I definitely feel this is the most resilient I’ve ever been in my whole life,” he said. “So I take pride in that as my mentality outside of the car.” He also recognised his expletive-laden radio rant ‘could have been better phrased but it reflected the heatofthemoment.

“The whole team is standing by me and vice versa,”headded.“Ifeltquite vocal about this issue preSpa and during Spa and ultimatelywehaveachieved what we wanted to in the senseoffindingtherewasan issue.”

Sooryavanshismashesmaidenhalf-century asIndiathumpZimbabwe

(Reuters) - Teenager Vaibhav

Sooryavanshi scored his maiden half-centuryininternationalcricket whenhesmashed50from19balls to steer India to a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in first Twenty20 International in Harare on Thursday After Zimbabwe were sent in to bat, the home side managed 125 for seven in their 20 overs, a total that was never likely totroublethetourists,whochasedit downwith40ballsremaining.

The 15-year-old Sooryavanshi wasathis‘destructivebestashehit four fours and four sixes on the large Harare Sports Club ground before being caught at deep third man off a top edge from the bowling of Richard Ngarava (1-

30).

Sooryavanshi improved his previous best score of 15 after he debuted in England earlier this monthbutfoundthegoingtough.

“I think the boys were tremendous,”IndiacaptainShreyas Iyer said. “Couldn’t have been happier with my first win (as captain). There was bounce from good length and `it was also variable.“Wearegoingtoplaytwo more matches here, so today’s performance gives everyone some confidence. I think Vaibhav has played here, he got 175 in the under-19 World Cup final, so he knowstheconditions.”

Iyer chipped in with ‘an unbeaten 28 from 24 balls and Ishan Kishan managed 35 from 24

deliveriesasIndiacoastedhome.

Wessly Madhevere (39 runs from 34 balls) was the only Zimbabwebatterto‘postascoreof substance. Batter Ben Curran (10) and medium pacer Newman Nyamhuri (0-30) made their T20

debuts for the home side, with

also ‘appearing for the first time in internationalcricketforIndia. The second match is scheduled for Saturday and the three-game series will conclude a day later

JJGabriel,15,getsseniorManUtdcall-up

BBC Sport - Fifteenyear-old forward JJ Gabriel has been named in

Manchester United’s senior squad for the first time for Friday’s friendly against Rosenborg.

The youngster, who won boththePremierLeagueand United’s Under-18 awards last season despite only being14whenthecampaign began, is part of Michael Carrick’s 25-man travelling party for the pre-season friendlyinTrondheim.

Gabriel, who doesn’t turn 16 until October, is the onlychangetothesquadthat wasbeaten1-0byWrexham in Finland last week with striker Ethan Wheatley droppingout.

Itmeansthereisnoplace for 18-year-old Tynan Thompson, who has joined from Tottenham in an £8m deal Striker Benjamin Sesko, goalkeeper Karl Darlow and defender MatthijsdeLigtareallruled outduetoinjury

It had been expected Gabriel would play some part in United’s pre-season this summer given the progress the Londoner has made through the club’s youthsystem.

But should the winger feature in Norway to make his first senior appearance for the club, it will be the latest milestone in the teenager’scareer

Manchester United travelling squad: Tom Heaton, Radek Vitek, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, Ayden Heaven, Mason Mount, Joshua Z i r k z e e , P a t r i c k Chinazaekpere Dorgu, , Andrey Santos, Bryan Mbeumo, Chido Obi, Jack Fletcher, Tyler Fletcher, HarryAmass, Toby Collyer, Dan Gore, Dermot Mee, SheaLacey,EthanWilliams, Jaydan Kamason, Jacob Devaney,JimThwaites,Dan Armer,JJGabriel. WhoisJJGabriel?

One of the most talked about young players in England’s academy system, director of football Jason Wilcox was personally involved in persuading Gabriel to remain at United

lastsummer

JJ Gabriel scored 26 goals in all competitions for Manchester United’s U-18 side last season. (Getty Images)

It is part of a concerted effort to bring promising young talents to the Old Trafford club, which Thompson’s arrival from Tottenhamispartof.

Gabriel first came to noticeoutsideUnitedcircles inApril 2025. StrikerVictor Musa scored six times as United beat Leeds 13-1 in a lopsided Premier Under 18 Leagueencounter

Butneitherthescore,nor Musa’s double hat-trick was the main talking point that day – it was a 25-minute cameo from Gabriel on his debut,thenagedjust14anda half.

Pace,balanceandcontrol were already evident. He alsoscoredtwicetoshowhe hasaneyeforgoal.

He built on that early promise last season For most of the campaign he seemed destined to finish as the league’s top scorer, only forManchesterCity’sTeddie Lamb to pip him in the final coupleofgames.

Gabriel was a stand-out performer last term, scoring 29 times in 32 appearances for the Red Devils, helping the them to reach the FA Youth Cup and Premier LeagueUnder-18cupfinals.

Hewasinitiallycalledup for first-team training by RubenAmorimandhasbeen aregularsince,withCarrick keeping a close eye on United’sacademyteams.

Gabrielwasnotinvolved in last week’s defeat by Wrexham in Helsinki as he had returned to training less

than a week earlier, but United are carefully handlingaprecocioustalent.

Theteenagerwasinvited into the directors’ box on a number of occasions last seasonandmetwithSirAlex Ferguson following a draw against West Ham at Old TraffordinDecember

Such access is not commonplace, which underlines how much promise United see in the youngster

For context, Gabriel is justabouttoenterhisGCSE year Heplayed–andscored - in last season’s FA Youth Cup at a younger age than legendary Manchester United figures such as Duncan Edwards and Eddie Colman from the Busby BabesandalsoRyanGiggs.

Of course, there have been plenty of talented young players – Arsenal’s Max Dowman is a current example. Not all fulfil their potential What offers additional hope around Gabrielishissize.

He has made such a significant impact despite his slight frame. United’s coaching staff moved him inside from his preferred position cutting in from the left last season to keep him away from full backs who werebiggerandstrongerand couldtryandmusclehimout oftheway

There was a belief

Gabriel would grow this summer and judging by his social media feed, he has beenworkingonthat.

Having decided to target theyouthmarkettoofferthe best chance of future success, it would be counterproductive to hold back someone already in theirranks,soGabriel’scallupforNorwaymakesperfect sense.

If Gabriel features in Norwayhewillbeoneofthe youngestplayersevertoplay aseniorgame.Theyoungest player to feature in a competitive match for United is David Gaskell, a goalkeeper who made his debut when he was 16 years and19days.Gabrielwillnot be16until6October

Not everyone in

Carrick’s squad is guaranteedtoplay United took 25 men to Helsinki for the defeat by Wrexham Even though Carrick picked completely differentteamsforeachhalf, goalkeeper Dermot Mee, midfielderJimThwaitesand striker Chido Obi were not used.

Butifhegetsachance,it will be instructive for United’s coaches to see how he copes with senior opp

determine Gabriel’s future

United’s World Cup players begintoreturn.

Norway consider complaint over Balogun ban decision

Federation is considering filing a formal complaint to Fifa’s ethics committee aboutthedecisiontosuspend FolarinBalogun’sautomatic one-match ban during the WorldCup.

United States forward Balogun was expected to miss his side’s last-16 tie against Belgium after being shown a straight red card during their 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina.

But,afteranintervention from US President Donald Trump, the one-match ban was suspended for 12 months.

No reason was given, beyond citing a rule that allows punishments to be suspended.

Balogun started the match, which Belgium won 4-1.

In a statement provided to the BBC, NFF president

Lise Klaveness said the federation had reacted with “strong concern” and a decisiononwhetherornotto make a complaint would be made at its next board meeting.

The federation has already filed a complaint aboutFifa’sfirstPeacePrize being awarded to President Trump.

“It is appropriate to include the Balogun case in the inquiry to Fifa’s ethics committee that we made before the World Cup regarding Fifa’s so-called peaceprizeawardduringthe draw in Washington before Christmas last year,” Klavenesssaid.

The statement followed reports the International Olympic Committee (IOC) could also investigate Fifa presidentGianniInfantino. Infantino has been an IOCmembersince2020.

Section two of the

Olympic charter states: “Members of the IOC will n o t a c c e p t f r o m governments, organisations, orotherparties,anymandate or instructions liable to interferewiththefreedomof theiractionandvote.”

In response to a BBC request, the IOC issued a statement saying:

“Complaints to the IOC ethics commission are confidential. The IOC will therefore not make any public announcement about whether a complaint has been submitted or not by an external party The IOC will onlycommunicatesanctions s h o u l d t h e e t h i c s commission decide to imposesome.”

WhywasBalogun allowedtoplay?

Despite being shown a straight red card against

Bosnia-Herzegovina, Balogun remained available for the United States’match

Folarin Balogun was sent off during the United States’match against Bosnia & Herzegovina. (AFP via Getty Images)

againstBelgium.

His reinstatement followed a phone call between Trump and Infantino, with the US president later saying Fifa hadmadea“greatdecision”. Infantinohasmaintained Fifa’sjudicialbodiesoperate

independently At a news conference in the Oval Office on 6 July, President Trump said: “I spoketoGianni.SoIsawthe play, and I’m a person that lovessportsandIunderstand sports really well, and that wasn’tafoul.

“Yes,Iaskedforareview byFifa.Ispoketoamanwho is highly respected. I asked forareviewbecauseIdidn’t think it was a foul. I didn’t tell him what to do, I can’t tellhimwhattodo.”

The Royal Belgian Football Federation said it was “deeply concerned by the course of events” and it would “fight... in defence of the fundamental principles of ethics, fair competition, and the interests of football asawhole”.

Fifa ruled Belgium’s requestforanexplanationof Balogun’s suspended red card “inadmissible, ” meaningithadnogroundsto appeal.

U e f a , E u r o p e a n football’s governing body, said Fifa’s actions had “crossed a red line” and described it as an “ u n p r e c e d e n t e d , incomprehensible and unjustifiabledecision.”

Australia open to playing Test against England in India

Australia currently hold the Ashes after a 4-1 win over England during the 2025-26 series. (Getty Images)

BBC Sport - England and Australia should be open to the idea of playing a Test matchinIndiatohelpgenerateinterestinthe format, says the chief executive of Cricket Australia.

The two sides traditionally only meet in TestcricketaspartofanAshesseries,which is played on a home-and-away basis, with each country hosting it roughly every four years.

AustraliaandEnglandare,though,poised to play a one-off Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in March 2027 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first meeting between the sides. And Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg told BBC Sport the prospect of taking international cricket’smoststoried-andmarketable-Test rivalrytoIndiashouldbeonthetable.

Such a fixture would need buy-in from both the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)andtheBoardofControlforCricketin India(BCCI).

“It’snotsomethingthatweareplanning, butit’sopenforconsideration.We’dhaveto be open to considering all options,”

Greenbergsaid.

“Our relationship with the ECB and the BCCI is very strong and clearly there are opportunities in India to put more content in certainareas.”

Cricket Australia is already looking to expanditsfootprintinIndiabytakingtheBig BashLeagueoverseasforthefirsttime,with Melbourne Renegades due to face Perth ScorchersinChennaiinDecember

The governing body says the move is designed to grow the competition’s global appeal by tapping into cricket’s biggest market.

The popularity of Test matches in India havedeclinedinthemoderneraamidadietof T20andthedominanceoftheIndianPremier League.

Greenberg said there was “no doubt” an EnglandvAustraliaTestplayedonIndiansoil wouldcapturetheimagination.

“IthinkTestcricketbetweenus,Indiaand Englandisverystrongandprobablybucking thetrendinsomeotherpartsoftheworld.We want to make sure we grow and strengthen it,”hesaid.

Lahore Qalandars start GSL with win over Scorchers XI

Lahore Qalandars launched their ExxonMobil Global Super League (GSL) T20 campaign on a winning note, defeating Perth Scorchers XI by 16 runs in the tournament opener at the Guyana National Stadium on Thursday Asked to bat first, Lahore Qalandars recovered from an early collapsetopostacompetitivetotalof171for 7 in 20 overs, driven by half-centuries from ShayanJahangirandFarhanYousaf.

In reply, the Scorchers were restricted to 155for7intheir20oversdespitefightbacks fromAndreFletcherandUsmanKhan.

Qalandars endured a difficult start after losing Shamyl Hussain (4) to a sharp midwicket catch by Ashton Turner, while leftarm spinner Ashton Agar bowled Abdullah Shafique (12). Parvez Hossain Emon fell shortly after for 3, placing Qalandars under earlypressure.

USA opening batter Shayan Jahangir stabilised the innings with an aggressive 65 off 45 balls, striking eight fours and three sixes. Following Jahangir’s departure in the 14th over, Farhan Yousaf provided the late acceleration with a blistering 23-ball 50, hitting five sixes and three boundaries to lift thetotalpast170.

JhyeRichardsonwasthestandoutbowler forScorchers,finishingwithfiguresof3for 27 in four overs, while fellow pacer Brody

Couchtook2for29.

In pursuit of 172, West Indian opener AndreFletchergaveScorchersearlyimpetus with a 22-ball 35, hitting seven boundaries before falling to Ali Shabbir, caught by captainMichaelBracewellatshortthirdman. Scorchers drifted to 47 for 2 inside the powerplay following the early dismissals of D’ArcyShort(8)andJoelCurtis(14).

Usman Khan spearheaded the middleorder fightback with a top score of 41, supportedbyDianForrester’s23,buttheloss of captain Ashton Turner for 2 derailed the chase Qalandars maintained pressure through disciplined bowling across the innings. Fast bowler Mohammad Imran delivered a match-winning spell of 2 for 18 from four overs, while leg-spinner Usama Mir claimed 2 for 35 to seal the 16-run victory Yousaf was named Player of the Match for his quickfire half-century – the fastest in GSLhistory.The five-team roundrobin tournament, featuring a total prize purse of US$1 million, continues Thursday evening at Providence as defending championsGuyanaAmazonWarriorstakeon USA-basedSanFranciscoUnicorns.

Lahore Qalandars return to action today, Friday against Desert Vipers, while Perth Scorchers next face San Francisco Unicorns onSundayevening.

Guyana launches Commonwealth Games campaign with 3x3 basketball and swimming as athletes honour Essequibo tragedy

ByRawleToneyin Glasgow,Scotland

Guyana’s campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth

Games officially got

underway following

Thursday evening’s opening ceremony in Glasgow, Scotland, with the country’s 3x3 basketball team and swimmers set to begin competition today in pursuit

o f G u y a n a ’s f i r s t Commonwealth Games medal since Troy Doris captured historic long jump goldin2018.

Competing under the

Golden Arrowhead, Guyana’s delegation has been fully sponsored by the

G u y a n a O l y m p i c Association (GOA) in partnership with German sportswear giant Adidas, ensuringthenation’sathletes and officials are equipped with world-class support as theyrepresentthecountryon oneofsport’sbiggeststages.

Leading Guyana into the opening ceremony was flag bearerTravisBelgrave,who, alongside Anish Ramlall, Christian Hinckson and Kevin Mickle, will spearhead the country’s historic debut in 3x3

b a s k e t b a l l a t t h e CommonwealthGames.

The quartet represents a discipline that has enjoyed significantgrowthinGuyana in recent years, with the nation steadily establishing itself as a competitive force intheshortenedformatofthe game.

Theirparticipationmarks a significant milestone for Guyanese basketball, as the country makes its first-ever appearanceintheevent.

G u y a n a f a c e s a demanding opening day schedule, beginning against hosts Scotland before taking on New Zealand and the Cayman Islands later in the day

Attentionwillalsoturnto the pool, where Aleka Persaud will contest the women’s 50m butterfly, whileChaseThompsonlines upinthe100mbreaststroke.

Fellow debutant Delroy Tyrrell will also make his Commonwealth Games bow in the 50m backstroke. The swimmers are under the guidance of coach Ewin Enmore.

Although Guyana had initially qualified athletes in boxing, the country’s campaign in the sport came to an unfortunate end before itbeganafteritsboxerswere ruled ineligible to compete because mandatory testing results were not received in time.

As a result, Guyana’s representation at these Games will now come throughathletics,swimming and3x3basketball.

The athletics team comprises Keliza Smith, Stefan Roach, Jackson Clarke, Aaliyah Moore, Noelex Holder, Akeem Stewart, Revon Williams, Simeon Adams and Shamar Horatio, with officials Mark Scott, Thelson Williams and Lindon Phillips overseeing thesquad.

Meanwhile, Guyana’s presence at the opening ceremony carried added emotionalsignificance.

In the aftermath of the recenttragedyinGuyana,the contingent abandoned its traditional vibrant attire and insteadworeblackasamark of mourning and solidarity with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the Essequibo River tragedy

The Golden Arrowhead was also flown at half-mast during the ceremony, reflecting the nation’s collective grief while proudly representing Guyana on the international stage.

Guyana’s GFF Elite League champions, Slingerz FC,bookedtheirplaceinthe Roundof16oftheCaribbean Football Union (CFU) Club Shieldafteraconvincing4-0 victory over SWASharks of theTurksandCaicosIslands on Wednesday at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Trinidad andTobago.

The Jamaal Shabazzcoached side produced a dominant performance from start to finish, with Kemar Beckford leading the charge

by scoring twice to put the Guyanese club firmly in control.

Beckford opened the scoring in the 10th minute before doubling Slingerz’s advantage just before halftimewithhissecondgoal inthe44thminute,givingthe reigning GFF Elite League championsacomfortable2-0 leadatthebreak.

Slingerz continued to dictate play in the second half and added to their tally in the 75th minute when

Neron Barrow found the backofthenet.

Derrel Garcia completed theroutinthe84thminuteto seal an emphatic 4-0 victory and confirm the team’s progression to the next round.

With the win, Slingerz advance to the Round of 16, wheretheywillfaceTrinidad andTobago’s PrisonService FConSaturdayattheHasely Crawford Stadium as they continuetheirquestforCFU ClubShieldglory.

Minister Ramson Jr. envision Guyana’s horseracing to be greatest in region

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr.

The18thrunningoftheGuyanaCuppromisestobean iconiceventonAugust23,atRisingSunTurfClub.

While all eyes will be on this year’s race and the top horses that will be out to battle the defending champion, DatamanMinisterofCulture,youthandsportisanticipating this event to be the greatest in the Caribbean in the near future.

“I have total confidence that Guyana will be able to be thegreatesthorseracingindustryintheregion,”theMinister saidatthelaunchingoftheGuyanaCup.

“Thishasbeenrunningfor18yearsanditisfittingthat theracesisrunningunderaregulatoryframework.”

“Thiseventhasthesupportoftheentiregovernment.

Continued on page 25

CWI Announces 15-Member Squad for Test Series Against Pakistan

-GuyanesetrioPaul,Joseph,Chanderpaulincluded

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has

announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan, scheduled to be playedinTrinidadfromJuly25toAugust6.

The series will mark a significant occasion for Caribbean cricket with the opening match at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy from July 25-29 being the first men’s Test match ever staged at the venue, makingitthe13thgroundintheregiontohost Testcricket.

The second encounter will take place at the historic Queen’s Park Oval fromAugust 2-6.

The Men in Maroon have retained the coreofthesquadthatsecureda1-0Testseries victory over Sri Lanka earlier this month, while rewarding strong domestic performances with the inclusion of left-arm orthodox spinner Joshua Bishop, who receiveshismaidenTestcall-up.

Bishop, has been among the most consistent bowlers in regional cricket, claiming 91 wickets for the Barbados Pride andtheWestIndiesAcademyacrossthepast three West Indies Championship seasons, the highest tally by any bowler during that period.

Returning to the squad is West Indies Academy graduate and Jamaica Scorpions batsman Kirk McKenzie, who earns his first Test recall since 2024 after opener John

Campbellwasruledoutwithalefthamstring strainsustainedduringtherecentlyconcluded One-Day International series against New Zealand.

McKenzieperformedwelloverthecourse of this season’s West Indies Championship, scoring323runsinsixinningsatanaverage of64.60.

Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph was unavailable for selection due to personal reasons.

WestIndiesTestSquadvsPakistan

RostonChase(Captain)

JomelWarrican(Vice-Captain)

JoshuaBishop

TagenarineChanderpaul

JoshuaDaSilva

JustinGreaves

KavemHodge

ShaiHope

AmirJangoo

ShamarJoseph

BrandonKing

KirkMcKenzie

KeemoPaul

KemarRoach

JaydenSeales

West Indies vs Pakistan Test Series Schedule:

First Test (July 25-29) @ Brian Lara CricketAcademy,Tarouba,Trinidad.

SecondTest(August2-6)@Queen’sPark Oval,PortofSpain,Trinidad

2026 Exxonmobil GSL T20…GAW vs. SFU

Warriors pull off 3 wicket win over Unicorns

Rovman Powell saw the Warriors home last night with a tempered knock. (Photo by Ashley Allen/GSL T20)

GuyanaAmazonWarriorsnotchedupa3 wicket win last night as action in the 2026 Guyana Super League T20 tournament underway at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

Playing under lights, middle-order HammadAzamledtheUnicornsbattingwith a dashing knock of 61 not out off 45 with 2 fours and four sixes, which essentially propelledhisteamto156-6battingfirstbythe endof20overs.

Opener, Kiwi Tim Robinson looked dangerous as he nailed a brisk 38 (4x6 2x3) while Oliver Peak scored the Unicorn’s next bestscorewith30(1x41x6).

A mixed bowling approach turned out good for the Warriors, with pacers Dwaine Pretorius (2-36) and homeboy () Romario Shepherd(1-16)thesituationdown.

Veteran Afghan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi (2-33) and left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie (1-22) did well in the slower bowling department.

Priortoreachingtheirrevisedfinalscore of131-7,theWarriorshadafewhiccupsafter losing the dangerous Quentin Sampson (0) before Mohammad Haris (30) fell after adding 63 for the 2nd wicket alongside the otheropenerinRahmanullahGurbaz(31).

Warriorswouldtaketheirscoreto66-2in the eight over when rain stopped play and needed 65 from 53 upon resumption of play before eventually finishing on a high note with Rovman Powell seeing his team home with an unbeaten 29; as they avoided any threats from the Unicorn pair of Ghulam Mudassar (2-27) and Hassan Khan (2-25). (CliftonRoss)

CWI Announces 15-Member Squad for Test Series Against Pakistan