Kaieteur News

. unveilsplanstoboostfinancialliteracyandinclusioninnextterm

Guyanese

Arif Bulkan

. selected as

. polling places

CCJ judge …GECOM says ready for disciplined forces voting on Friday

62 private residences to be used as

757,690

GECOM says ready for disciplined forces elections on Friday

Th e G u y a

E l e c t i o

Commission

(GECOM)hasconfirmedits readinessfortheDisciplined Forces elections scheduled forFriday,August22,2025. Thisassurancewasgiven by Deputy Chief Election Officer (CEO), Aneal

Commission’s first press conferenceheldonMonday Asked by the media if GECOM was certain about its preparedness, Giddings respondedconfidently,“Yes. We are well poised for the conductoftheseelectionson Friday All of the logistical arrangements have been made. At this point, there is

nothing, aside from force majeure, that would prevent suchconduct.”

Giddings further explained that all essential election materials, including printed ballot papers, Statements of Poll (SOP) forms,andtallysheets,have arrived from Canada. Upon arrival, the Commission began extracting ballots for dispatch to 20 diplomatic missionsabroad.

The following day,

disciplined forces balloting.

“Since then, we have enveloped all 10,481 ballots for the disciplined forces, preparedtheballotboxesfor the conduct of that election. We have also packed the non-sensitive supplies that are required for each of the ballot stations,” Giddings stated.

These ballots are intended for members of the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force, and the Guyana Prison Service, who will vote ahead of the general public because they will be on duty on Election

Day,September1,2025.

Thebreakdownofballots extracted for the disciplined forcesisasfollows:6,909for the Guyana Police Force, 3,106 for the Guyana Defence Force, and 466 for theGuyanaPrisonService.

To be eligible to vote, members must be over the age of 18, be registered, and appear on the disciplined forceslist.

Those who are unable to vote on August 22 will still have the opportunity to cast their ballots on September 1 intheirregisteredareas.

‘Whatever we say, we will do’

With Guyanese still feeling the sting from his party reneging on its 2020 promise to renegotiate the lopsided ExxonMobil contract, Vice President and General Secretary of the PPP/C, Bharrat Jagdeo on Monday declared that whatever they promise, they will do if returned to government after the September1polls.

He was at the time addressingagatheringatthe Pegasus Corporate Suites where the PPP/C launched its2025electionsmanifesto. Themed ‘Forward Together

For A Better Guyana’, the documentsetsouttheparty’s roadmaptopositionGuyana asagloballeaderinclimate, energyandfoodsecurity

While serving as Opposition Leader, Jagdeo during the APNU+AFC’s terminofficesaidGuyanese should be sad each time ExxonMobilmakesanewoil discovery since the then administration accepted a bad deal. He even went on t h e n t o c o m m i t t o “renegotiate those contracts”. However, when this newspaper reminded him of the promise back in 2024 at one of his news conferences Jagdeo, said he never meant that the deal

with Exxon would be renegotiated. “Yes, so I said that and I held to the view and not only did I say that, I said that these contracts,

someofthe,orthecontracts will be renegotiated –contracts. So, we had at that time six contracts, that is with Kaieteur, Canje block, several blocks. So, when we said we are not gonna renegotiate the Stabroek contract,andbecauseweare alreadyinproductionandwe willkillthemomentum.”

Back in 2019, Jagdeo while being interviewed on 94.1FMsaid,“Theysoldus out to the foreigners – the oil companies. Every time there is a find there, our people should be sad becausenothingcomesour way We are going to renegotiatethosecontracts becausethat’snotwhatwe had in mind When we were in the early days, we were coaxing the people ( E x x o n M o b i l a n d partners)togoalong.They (APNU+AFC) came into office (and met) 3 billion barrels of proven reserves and then gave up zero royalty, no taxes, no ringfencing, no local content for these people to spend anymoneyhere.”

He continued: “Paying our people GY$72,000 a month when the foreigner is getting US$10,000 Bringing water from California to drink here. We are paying for all that. Landscaping–theywanna contract it to a company coming from abroad and the Trinidadians and

PPP General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo

others are just walking in notonlyintheoilsectorbut they are getting all the primelandstoo…Sothatis whyIgotbackintopolitics. I’mnotpreparedtoseethis happen;Ihavenodesireto be President again ”

Although Jagdeo’s commentsatthetimewere focused on the lopsided nature of the Exxon contract, he later claimed that the statements were meant for the other oil blocks.

Wewillwin

On Monday at the PPP/C’s manifesto Jagdeo also assured the gathering thatallthepromisesoutlined in the manifesto will be fulfilled “As you know,

757,690 people on the

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has announced that there are 757,690personslistedonthevoters’list.

However,officersofGECOMpresentat apressconferenceonMondaycouldnotgive a breakdown of the categories on voters on thelist.Whenaskedtoprovideabreakdown on the number of voters who are Commonwealthcitizensorcitizensbybirth, naturalizationordescent,theChiefElections Officer, Vishnu Persaud said GECOM has had no reason to do so. “First of all, we registerpersonswhometthecriteriaofbeing 18 years and over by June 30th, who are Guyanese citizens or citizens of a Commonwealth country living in Guyana foroneyearormore.

Now, I started out by saying we register electors, we have no charge, no reason to categoriseelectorsbynationality Thatisnot something that the secretariat has been

charged to do, we have not done so, and unless we are asked specifically to do so, thenwehavenogroundsonwhichtodoit,” theCEOsaid.

Further with regard to safeguarding against fraudulent vote via the use of the Certificate of Employment, Civic and Voter Education Manager Nardeo Persaud explainedthatitwouldbedifficultforanyone to vote twice due to the requirement that mandates voters to dip their index finger in indelibleink “Therightindexfingerisstained with indelible ink, so if that person with the CertificateofEmploymentvotesatthepolling stationwhereheisworking,hisfingerwillbe stained there…” For the Chief Election Officer, it would be virtually impossible for anyonetovotetwiceintheseelectionsunless there is collusion. “It would be virtually impossibleforthatinktoberemovedaseasily andquickly,”CEOexplained

collectivethatweoperate,” he added. Highlighting the party’s unifying approach, the party’s general secretary added that the PPP/C is the only party actively working to bring Guyanese together across racial, religious, and gender lines. According to Dr. Jagdeo, this record of trust and unity is why the PPP/C is confident of securing another mandate fromthepeopleofGuyanain theupcomingelections.

party has spoken about only howtheywilluseoilmoney, all of the promises they’re banking on, oil money remaining high, and oil pricescancollapsenomore. What will that leave us as a country? We’re the only party that speaks now of w e a l t h c r e a t i o n , diversification and creating thatbroadbasedeconomy.”

we’re a trustworthy party Whatever we say, we will do and that’s why we believe that we will win these elections,” Dr Jagdeo stated.Thegeneralsecretary pointed to the 2020 election

campaign, reminding Guyanesethateverypromise listed in that plan has been implemented. This,hesaid, was done equitably and f a i r l y, w h i c h h a s strengthened public confidence in the PPP/C’s leadership over the past five years.

“Moreandmorepeople are attracted not only to our vision, but to the collective that the

combined, unified

Jagdeo also warned that Guyana’s rapid oil and gas development must be carefully managed to avoid the Dutch Disease, stressing thatthePeople’sProgressive Party Civic (PPP/C) is the only political party with a credible plan for economic diversification.

“Weruntherisk…ofthe Dutch disease, this could destroyyoureconomy,ifnot managed carefully We’ve seenaroundtheworld,those countries that have bad windfall revenue from a singlesectordestroytherest of the economy…You see a huge decline in economic prosperity Infact,economic disaster We’ve seen it aroundtheworld,Venezuela and many other oilproducingcountries.”

He contrasted the PPP/C’s long-term vision with what he described as short-sighted promises from theopposition:“Everyother

O u t l i n i n g t h e government’s approach, the Vice President emphasised that President Mohamed Irfaan Ali has led from the front in ensuring that broadbased economy “You’ve heard President Ali speak a lotaboutdiversification.The things he mentioned here today, the new sectors, the new proposals that will create the wealth of the future, from the hospitality sector to agriculture to biotechnology to the connectionwithBrazil,allof these are areas that would receivevitalpolicyattention to ensure that we have a diversified economy ” Jagdeo said the PPP/C is determined to ensure that prosperity reaches every sector, not just oil and gas: The Vice President concluded that only the PPP/C has the track record, experience, and foresight to protect Guyana’s economy from the pitfalls that have devastated other oil-rich nations.

KaieteurNews

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EDITORIAL

The politics of illusion

Everyday,mediahouseshavetobracethemselvesfora pressinvitebythegovernmenttoacommissioningofahalfcompleteprojectorafacilityalreadyinuse,sometimesfor overayearnow.

Then there is the everyday turning of the sod for some school project or the launch of some programme, never heardofbefore,butbeingrolledoutatthistimeaspartofthe politicsoftheatreandillusionbythePPP/Cadministration. Wehavewrittenadnauseamabouthowthegovernmenthas been abusing State resources to campaign and as Guyana nears the September 1, 2025 elections, the line between genuine development and electioneering performance has blurred.

We have witnessed in the past few weeks, government engaging in a flurry of high-profile sod-turning exercises, ribbon-cuttings, and “commissioning” ceremonies for projects, many of which either barely exist beyond the drawingboardorhavealreadybeeninoperationforoneto twoyears.Thesespectaclesarenotinnocentactsofnationbuilding, but rather carefully orchestrated performances, designed as part of the administration’s election campaign toswaypublicopinion.

Andtheevidenceisthereforalltosee-schoolprojects thatwereneverpreviouslymentionedinthenationalbudget ordebatedinParliamentsuddenlyappearasifconjuredout ofthinair Hospitals,clinicsandotherfacilitiesareopening with pomp and ceremony, but remain understaffed and poorly equipped. The president and his ministers pose for the cameras in helmets and shovels, turning the sod for schools and roads with little transparency about actual timelines, funding, or feasibility In some cases, facilities alreadyquietlyservingthepublicliketheNorthRuimveldt Multilateral School, police stations on the East Coast Demerara and Essequibo are suddenly “commissioned” anew,simplytomanufacturetheillusionofachievement.

The question Guyanese must ask is this: if the government is so proud of its record as they boast about, why the desperate scramble now? Why the rush to slap plaques on unfinished or half-prepared structures, or to presentexistinginstitutionsasiftheywerenewlybuilt?The answerliesinthemanipulationandabuseofStateresources for political gain. It is well known that elections are supposed to be a contest of ideas, where a government defends its records while presenting its visions for the future. Yet, the PPP/C instead of relying on genuine accomplishments, seems intent on staging a political carnival. State resources both human and financial are all beingmobilisedtocreateaparallelreality,onewhereribbon cuttings replace real service delivery, and photo opportunitiessubstituteforgenuinedevelopment.

Thedangerofthisstrategyisnotonlyitsdishonestybut its wastefulness. Every sod-turning event consumes taxpayer dollars: security, transportation for staff, massive cateringexpendituresandthelogisticsoforganisinggrand ceremonies. Funds that could be used to equip the very resource-starved hospitals, paying nurses more or upgrading rural schools are instead funneled into political theater

The government’s defenders may argue that development is ongoing, and that every administration highlightsitssuccesses.Yet,itisalsotruethatrealprogress is seen in consistent investment, transparency and measurable outcomes, not hurried commissioning ceremonies and sod-turning events. The schools being commissioned, most of them are understaffed with few qualifiedteachers,hospitalsarealsonotadequatelystaffed withtheneededequipment,someoftheroadsthatarebeing builtareshoddyandpoorlymaintained.

If the government with all its boasts had genuine confidenceinitsfive-yearrecord,itwouldnotneedtoresort

Dear

Jagdeo, where is the

given by

DEAREDITOR

We, the cane cutters of Adelphi village, East Canje willnotbefooledbythePPP hackswhoarecomingtothe sugar workers in East Canje to tell us that the PNC destroyed GUYSUCO and they the PPP are somehow our saviours and that we mustvoteforthemin2025.

ThelateCheddiJaganin contempt, referred to us the sugarworkersasa“captured people” (captured by the PPP). Sorry, we are not capturednorarewestupidas Jagdeo asserts us to be. Recently, one PPP bigwig from the Region 6 RDC made a nasty and condescending comment that even if we, the canecutters and in general, the sugar workers at Rose Hall Estate have to eat plain rice and salt, we will still slavishly vote for them. Not soanymore.

The PPP and GAWU destroyed GUYSUCO Instigated by GAWU, thousands of acres of young sugar canes were destroyed by fires from 1964 to 5 October 1992 every time a strike was called. As a matteroffact,itwasthePPP whichannouncedtheclosure of Rose Hall Estate in September1997,inlessthan 5yearswhenwevotedthem into office on 5th October 1992(andvotedforourown destruction) and again announced closure in 2013

Euro166.67M

European Union to GUYSUCO ?

after they closed the LBI factory From January 1998, Rose Hall and Albion becameEastBerbiceEstates with the closure of the accounts office at the Rose Hall. Mr Tony Viera has written on all the PPP corruption that crippled GUYSUCO from 19922015sowewillnotrevisit.

Basedonourresearch,as part of the Accompanying MeasuresforSugarProtocol (AMSP), the European Union (EU) doled out Euro166.67M (GY$40,554 B),inseveraltranchestothe Jagdeo government, as adjustment to the 2006 reform of the EU’s sugar regime, which saw the implementation of a phased 36 per cent price-cut for countries that sold sugar to theEU.InGuyana,however, themoneywasneverdirectly handed over to GUYSUCO andwasinsteadpaidintothe National Treasury Hence, thereisnotrailtrackingwhat amount was plugged into GUYSUCO over the years came from the AMSP project, or how exactly the money was utilised or what impact the money had in GUYSUCO.Itwasnotclear if any of those funds were used to prepare GUYSUCO for the inevitable end of preferentialprices,andthere are many unanswered questions about Jagdeo’s decision to plug GY$47B intothefailedSkeldonSugar

ModernisationProject.

In 2006, the Jagdeo government submitted a Guyana National Plan of Action (GNPA) listing three pillars of intervention under the AMSP The first pillar focused on the promotion, d e v e l o p m e n t a n d diversification of the industryandhadabudgetof $14.884B;$6.678Bofwhich was earmarked for the growth and development of specific non-traditional agriculture; while another $5.525B was to have gone towards infrastructural and h u m a n r e s o u r c e s development.

However,a2016followupassessmenthasconcluded that these goals were poorly met “There was little progress towards the goals contained in the National Adaption Strategy and AMSPsurrounding industry competitiveness and output,”a“StudyonCurrent and Forecast Market DevelopmentforACPSugar SupplierstotheEUMarket” is quoted as saying. The study, which was submitted in July 2016, has concluded thattheproblemwasthatnot alltheAMSPmoneywentto GUYSUCO “Investment [fell] far below the planned level across the entire period… due to disbursal occurring via budget support… Not all AMSP fundingreachedGuySuCo.” AGAIN,WHEREDID

THISMONEYGO?

Jagdeo and the People’s Progressive Party must be investigated for what actually became of the Euro166.67M (GY$40,554 B)thatwasgiventoGuyana between 2006 and 2015 and was expected to go to programmes that improved the human resources, field and factory performance at Rose Hall estates and other estates.

The PPP was given GY$40,554 billion by the European Union (EU) to protect sugar workers welfare and strengthen the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. Where did that money go? Inevitably those funds went missing; the money most likely ended up in the pocketsofthePPPcabaland never made it to the sugar workers or GUYSUCO Historyshowsclearlythatat no point was protecting sugar workers’ welfare a priority for the dishonest PPP. If the PPP was concerned for the welfare of sugar workers, then the $40,554B would have gone to sugar workers and to GUYSUCO. We, the cane cutters of Adelphi village call on all GUYSUCO workersandtheirfamiliesto bevigilantandnotbefooled by the ‘snake-oil salesmen’ of the dishonest PPP For 33 years, the PPP failed us, drivingtheimportant

(Continuedonpage06)

Corruption in Guyana is not merely a political problem—it’s a business model

DEAREDITOR

This is the real face of corruption in Guyana: not random theft, but a structured alliance, it is the PPP’s business model unfortunately Politicians steer the contracts; elites get rich and the nation’s future is buried underafloodofshadydeals and favours Access to opportunities is restricted,

andtheshowcontinues.

to such theatrics, such mad scramble with all these ceremonies,thepeoplewouldseetheimprovementsintheir daily lives: better healthcare, affordable housing, reliable infrastructure, and enhanced opportunities. By scrambling to commission incomplete facilities and relaunch existing ones reveals a quiet fear by the government that its record doesnotstandonitsownmerits.

It appears to thrive becauseahandfulofwealthy families, business elites and sketchy groups and persons of interest bankroll the PPP, staysilentoncorruptionand cashinoneverybigproject. They don’t speak out when taxpayers are robbed—they speakonlywhenlaunchinga new product, cutting a ribbon,orwhiningthatcrime might hurt their businesses. Meanwhile,theircompanies benefit from government favour, inside information on state investments, and monopoly privileges that ordinary Guyanese will never see; former PPP stalwarts, Ralph Ramkarran and Mosses Nagamootoo among others have publicly written about and discussed and spoke ad nauseam how this is done within the PPP andbywhom. Calloutthefamiliesand businesses that continue to feedoffcorruptionandprofit from PPPrule under Jagdeo and Ali. Shine the light. Namethem.

As the election draws near, citizens must look beyond theribbon-cuttingsandasktheharderquestions:whereare thestaffforthesehospitals?wherearethesupplies?whyare projectsbeingunveilednowinsteadofsteadilyoverthepast five years? why is the government spending so much time staging ceremonies instead of solving problems? The answers will determine not only the credibility of this administrationbuttheintegrityofGuyana’sdemocracy

Shame them Boycott them.

Follow the money—and you’ll uncover the real networkofenablerskeeping Guyana trapped in corruption and the consequences flowing from this.

Finally, I am surprised that the PPP campaign has made zero election campaign promises to unearth corruption and take legal action against those found involved, regardless of party affiliation or whom culprits are politically and otherwise connected to How does the PPPintend to dealwiththeissueofprivate sector and governmentenabled corruption? The silenceisdeafening. AndwhataboutthePNC crossovers who once railed against corruption from the opposition benches have they suddenly seen the light too? Or are they now, like Clinton Urling once infamously said, simply shrugging their shoulders and asking, “show me the evidence”?

Regards, C.A.Singh

No concern for safety, enjoyment of races at Guyana Cup event

DEAREDITOR

I am not shocked at the headline, “Jockey dies after fall at Guyana Cup” (SN, Aug 18, 2025) Another headline could have been poorly kept stand collapsed after too many people were allowedinthestands.

I took some relatives there to the Rising Sun event but we left after the second race because of concerns for safety and security It was a jumbo disappointment for us, as what was meant to be a good outing turned out to beabignightmare

There needs to be an inquiry into the death of the young jockey We just passed a Horseracing Bill but this is a good case of despite the laws in place, nobody seems to follow them.

The event was advertised as starting at 10:00 am We travelled from Georgetown and got there at 8:45 am Others

were already there Security would not let us inanddidnotexplainwhy when asked People were noisy and complaining aboutnotbeingletin

At 10:00 am when races were supposed to start, the crowd was clamouringtobeletinand attempted to storm the entrance

Then the security guy said they were cleaning the place Why was cleaning not done before? What kind of planning wasthat?

They were also putting up additional metal fences at the admissions area that morninginsteadofgetting that done before As we

waited at the entrance gates, a shower came down and made the place muddy

The water was coming up where the people were standingundertheshed.We wereletincloseto11:00am.

The first race did not start until 12:10 pm The announcer did a poor job as youcouldnothearwell.For thefirsttworaces,wedidnot see any live feed on the big screen.

At the main stand, there were no available seats People blocked the s t a i r w

nightmare

Atthebacktop,people were massed on the platform and stood in front of the people seated at the top row at the wall

Thepeoplebehindtherow before the back platform were pushed over by people leaning in to see the horses pass by the finishlinearea

From the stand, we could not see the horses except when they were comingclosertothefinish line People go to a horse race to see the horses overtaking each other as theyrun

We could not see much b e c a u s e o f t h e “millionaires’ row” they created in the middle of the ground They used up all that area that blocked the view of the horses running

Those of us in the stand felt like Lazarus looking on at the rich man. Whose idea was it to create the millionaires row? People paid lots of money to be hosted there and served by

serversinuniform,whilewe could not go to the shabby vendors at the back because you could not pass through thethrongsofpeoplemassed onthestand.

People were seen fetching in tables and food and drink items up to about 2:00 pm indicating the poor planning.

The fire codes must be observed You can’t have so many people on the stands They should not sell more tickets than they have seats Apart from the stands, there were hundreds of people on the ground standing behind the fence.

My car got stuck in the mud in the parking lot Except for attention to making the “millionaires’ row” comfortable, this event was a total disaster forus

We left afterthesecond race as it became meaningless if you cannot see the horses as they ran, blocked by the millionaires row

If Government is to subsidise such an event, they must ask questions about safety and security of fans An investigation is needed into the death of theyoungjockey

If they had started at 10:00amasbilled,theevent would not have extended into the darker hours where visibilitywasdiminishedfor the jockeys and horses. I givetheorganisers,ajumbo fat “F” grade for this unenjoyable event. I hope other clubs do not use this Club as a template for runningtheirevents.

Sincerely,

M.Singh

Ten years later

DEAREDITOR

In2015,attheresumption of local government elections, our group, Linden 2025, participated as an independent entity This decision was based on the assessmentthattheprevailing narrative and practices regarding local governance were constrained and that local government bodies were not adequately serving the interests of their respectivecommunities (Linden 2025 received a Council seat but was essentially prevented from influencing its operations). We took guidance from the principles that “All Politics are Local” and “Think Nationally, Act Locally,” believing that strengthening local governance is key to drivingchangeandsustained nationalprogress.

Additionally, our 2015 projectionsidentified2025as apivotalyearforthepolitical and social advancement of Linden and Guyana. By that time,Guyanawasexpectedto haveattained“FirstOil,”with thenecessaryrestructuringof governance and societal frameworksunderway

Our objective was to implement the Great Town Project,therebyestablishing a foundation for the development of the” Great Town of Linden by 2025". Our approach involved segmenting the population

education, early-career professionals/workers, and

those nearing retirement

Leveraging projections for Guyana in 2025, we evaluated how governance inLindencouldbeorganized to deliver tailored services and foster an environment that supports positive outc

for each demographicgroupin2025.

It was understood that the desired outcomes were not solely controlled by the Town Council but also dependedontheinteractions with, and decisions of, the Regional and National governments.Therefore, the council needed to develop strategies to enhance cooperative relationships withtheseentities,giventhe historical context and challenges related to local communityempowerment.

It is 2025, a decade after local governance “renewal” and three mayoral terms, what is Linden’s status regarding governance, community engagement and s a t i s f a c t i o n , intergovernmental relations, environmental stewardship, andtheprojectedoutcomes?

Linden has experienced considerable progress in housing and infrastructure, largelyindependentofdirect Town Council influence oversight Meanwhile, Central Mackenziemanaged directly by the Council—displays features

more characteristic of an “interiorlanding“thanthose expected in the central district of Guyana’s second largest town. According to most criteria and assessments, the Linden Town Council has not met the desired standards and community expectations following the reinstatement o

elections in 2015 This outcome is particularly noteworthy,astheCouncil’s s

occurred under national administrationsgovernedby the two major political parties. Would a council led by “Linden 2025” have achieved more positive outcomes?Itiscurrentlythe period of national elections; w

government elections that tookplaceadecadeago?

During this election period, the political parties participating in the national election should clarify how their programmes and strategies

o

local governance would address the specific issues faced by Linden, as well as outline their plans to foster a constructive relationship with the Linden community and the Linden Mayor & TownCouncil.

SamuelWright Linden

DEAREDITOR

It is alleged the fatal fall of the young jockey at the horse race meet may be as a result of poor track and lighting conditions (SN August18).This,itwouldbe posited, is a clear case of safety not being given due attention.

With the heavy rains recently, it had to be observed carefully the conditionsofthetrackinthe fadinglightandifconditions were not up to standard then the event should have

concluded Themanagement of the event failed terribly in thisaspect:safety.

Too often safety is not given the paramountcy it deserves until something dreadfulhappens.

Going forward, no horse racemeetingshouldbeheldat the venue until all round conditions are markedly improved and up to standard withsafetybeingcentral.

My condolences to the grievingfamilyandfriends.

Regards

ShamshunMohamed

Congratulations to Dr. Bulkan Management failed in safety aspect of horse race meet

DEAREDITOR, I wish to offer my sincere congratulations to Dr Arif Bulkan on his appointment as ajudgetotheCaribbeanCourt ofJustice.

This is the same Dr Bulkan who, I am told, couldn’t find a place among the recent appointees to our own Court of Appeal. We all knowwhatisplayingouthere, but as people say, you can’t keepagoodmandown.

Dr Arif Bulkan has been one of the brightest and most

capable lawyers this country has produced for the past 30 years or so but he was not allowed to serve his country, not as DPP nor as a Court of Appealjudge.

But he now sits atop the pile as a judge in the highest court in the region Congratulations again to Dr Bulkanandwelookforwardto some scholarly judgments whichIamsurewillbeatreat toread.

Sincerely, SaraSammy

The PPPand corruption

D

EAR

EDITOR

, When the PPP/C entered government in 1992, after 28 years in the political wilderness, one of the first acts of the Cheddi Jaganadministrationwasto publicise the details of the bank accounts held by leading members of the oustedPNCinanattemptto substantiatethenarrativeof endemic public corruption underthePNC.

This narrative persisted in spite of the fact that the former president had used his modest, private residence as his official residence, that he did not possess multiple properties or businesses, or fleet of vehicles, or even a million dollars in his bank account, and that he was, by today’s standards, a veritable pauper Again, when the PPP/C returned to office in 2020, after being out of office for 5 years on this occasion,amongtheearliest actions of the Irfaan Ali government were the institution of criminal charges, alleging election fraud, against political

adversaries and GECOM

m a n a g e r s ; t h e commissioning of a PresidentialCommissionof Inquiry (COI) report on election fraud; and the pursuitofpubliccorruption charges against former ministers of government. Five years on, not only has the PPP/C administration failed to secure any convictions, they have failed to produce an iota of evidence in press conferences, COI report or criminal proceedings after claiming to possess troves of evidence of election fraud, specifically numerousstatementsofpoll (SOP) that contradicted official productions and invalidated the tabulation process even though their unverified claims led to the vitiation of all SOPs and election results and the resort to contingent elections and a different result.

For years and decades, before and after elections, the mainstay of PPP/C campaigns has been based on vilification and

vindictiveness and unproven allegations of corruption, cronyism, electoral fraud and racism. In all of these instances the PPP/C failed spectacularly toprovideevidenceofhighlevel public corruption and electionfraudinspiteofthe massive and incessant propagandaandhighcostof professional services Today, the target of the PPP/C’s smear campaign is not the PNC, which the PPP/C does not view as a significant threat, but AzruddinMohamedandhis WIN party and the allega

Mohamed are hardly more substantive.

Moreover, the usual effectiveness of this strategy has been diluted and the PPP/C has been forced to play defence as lurid allegations and revelations of its own systematic and widespread corruption and vote-buying schemesswirlaround.

It cannot escape even the visually and auditory impaired that this election, due in two weeks, will be

Dear Jagdeo, where is the

Frompage04

GUYSUCO into the ground, putting people’s livelihoods at risk and costing tens of thousands directly and indirectly to losetheirjobs.

Wedonotwantourchildren to become cane cutters like usbuttherehasbeennojob creation in East Berbice under the PPP from 19922015 and most recently 2020-2025.

Whatisthepointofworking likeslavesinthecanefields to send our sons and daughters to the University ofGuyana,Berbicecampus and when they are finished, theonlyoptiontheyhaveis to leave for the US or Canada Our children cannot stay in East Berbice because the Jagdeo and the PPP never made any effort tocreatejobs. Asfathers,wewantoursons and daughters to have a better life than us but we have to watch in frustration as the PPP friends and families with their PPP membership cards get the few good jobs available in Region6bycorruptmeans.

Our research did not yield any information that Sasenarine Singh, (now an ambassador to Belgium), the last failed GUYSUCO CEO ever held any senior position in any company

public or private in Guyana or abroad. He remarked in 2022 that cane cutting “is dignity”. No sir, we do not want such dignity for our sons and daughters, they deservebetter

Another failed political appointee as the current GUYSUCO CEO, Paul Chung is no better than Sasenarine Singh He worked at the Beharry’s chowmein factory as an accountant.

But somehow, his experience of working at Beharry’s chowmein factoryplushispositionasa member of the PPP central committee qualified him to manageGUYSUCO.Itisno wonder GUYSUCO continues to decline while our families continue to suffer

Recently, clueless Paul Chung claimed that GUYSUCO continued production decline under his watch is due to bad weather

This claim is totally false. We work in the cane fields and we will debunk this lie. Under his watch, drainage, irrigation and field infrastructure has suffered. The cane fields were replanted but the drainage and irrigation pumpsandthesluicestothe s e a w e r e n o t

largely determined, not by rally sizes, manifesto quality, grandiose promises or by infrastructure, but by public perceptions of corruption, election manipulation, abuse of power and regard for integrityinpublicoffice;in other words, which party can be best trusted with the public patrimony and welfare.

The incumbent PPP/C has been in office for most ofthelastthreedecadesand itsstewardshipofthepublic trust, in spite of growing abundance, has led to increased inequality, want, m i s m a n a g e m e n t , corruption, abuse and loss of rights which it cannot attributeto its opponents or pretend is development This election offers the opportunity to, at last, identify real (not pretend) corruption and to repudiate it,anditisunthinkablethata majority of Guyanese would vote to perpetuate thisobscenityandclearand presentdanger

Sincerely OscarDolphin

correspondingly improved.

Even when land was subsequently abandoned (flood fallowing), the drainage loads continued to be received by the unimproved drainage systems. Compounding the problem, maintenance of the drains, usually done by machineatthesametimeas fieldswerereplanted,failed tobecarriedout.

Thisincreasedthewater table during normal rainfall and also contributed to a reduction in productivity

Other good cultivation practicesalsowerenotdone with the effect of delaying regrowth of cane and increasing the fibre and trash content, hence reducing the cane quality delivered to Rose Hall factory

The overall effect of all these factors was a deterioration of the sugar c o n t e n t o f c a n e (polarization) from 11.2% in2017to8.7%in2025and ofthecane/sugarratiofrom 10.9 in 2017 to 15.37 in 2025.

Ofthelatter,80%ofthe reduction was attributable to the poorer quality of the cane delivered to the Rose Hall factory and only 20% to a fall in factory performance (overall recovery).

NowtheJagdeoandthe rest of his cabal sit in their multi-million-dollar ocean frontmansionsinPradoville 1 and 2 pretending to care, while sugar workers struggle to survive We don’t want to hear the usual dogma about the PNC and 28 years, it was thePPP,notthePNC,who forced the closure of Diamond sugar estate in 2010 putting hundreds of cane cutters on the East Bank of Demerara out of work, closed LBI factory in 2013 again placing hundreds of cane cutters on the East Coast of Demerara out of work It was the PPP, not the PNC, that silenced sugar workerswithteargaswhen they protested during the failed Jagdeo/Ramotar governmentof2011-2015 It was the PPP that squandered billions of dollars that should have gone to the sugar workers Jagdeo should explain to sugar workers what became of the billions of dollarsthatweresupposed tobeusedtohelpbuildthe sugarindustry We look forward to this investigation after the elections.

Regards RoseHallCanje Canecutters

BLUNT BLUNT

Boringrallies

The election campaign rallies in Guyana have become exercises in endurance rather than inspiration.

Speech after speech, night after night, regardless where these fellas go, the public is treated to the same tired script—recycled slogans, fingerpointing and endless mudslinging.

The sad truth is that neither side of the political divide - APNU nor the PPP can boast of producing a single great orator Instead of fiery vision, intelligent humour, we get monotony Instead of fresh ideas, we get repetition. Audiences gather in the hope of hearing something that stirs the soul, only to be bombarded with the same promises, the same insults, the same hollow applause lines. These rallies resemble tedious lectures rather than electrifying calls to action. Even the President attempting to dance has become boring.

At a time when Guyanese face real questions about healthcare, housing, jobs, and national development, politicians seem content to shout at each other across platforms, each one claiming moral superiority while offering little substance. The people want vision, leadership, and authenticity.What they get instead is noise. If this is the best our political class can muster, then the campaign season will not be remembered for inspiration but for boredom.

APNU takes rally to Belladrum, WCB, vows to end political discrimination and victimisation

The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) on Sunday night outlined their commitment to ending political discrimination and victimization in Guyana, when that party took its election campaign rally to Belladrum, West Coast Berbice Addressing the gathering, APNU’s presidential candidate Aubrey Norton focused heavilyonissuesofpolitical victimisation, particularly targeting independent organisations.Nortonstated, “Weareengagedinaprocess to regain our freedom. This government has removed manyofourrights.”

He criticised the current administration’s alleged influence over the Guyana Police Force (GPF), noting that officers are expected to show support for President IrfaanAli in order to secure promotions. “The Force has tofightforitsrighttoensure peoplearepromotedwithout having to go online and praise Irfaan Ali The Guyana Police Force is a constitutional entity in this country that is supposed to operate independent of the government But this government has forced the Guyana Police Force to be endorsing a president that would have failed them,”

Nortonargued. Norton also expressed concernoverthetreatmentof public servants, claiming that employees are being suspended or dismissed based on social media

government “Our public servantshavegottogetback

government is searching the socialmediaandiftheyseea postthattheydon’tlikethey are either suspending or firingpublicservants.Public servants have a right to expresstheirviews,”Norton alleged.

Former Chief Executive Officer(CEO)oftheCentral Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Lelon Saul,alsoaddressedtherally alleging that several state institutions are being weaponised to intimidate opposition supporters “Whatdotheydowhenthey are challenged? They turn State institutions into weaponsofpoliticalwarfare. The Police Force is used to harass and intimidate opposition supporters. The Guyana Revenue Authority is weaponised to target businesses critical of the government, and the public service is stifled by fear and politicalvictimisation,”Saul

claimed. He added, “Our institutions, meant to serve all Guyanese, have been politicised and turned into toolsofoppression.”

Saul also highlighted, that citizens in communities like Belladrum, which are seen as APNU strongholds, are being punished for their political beliefs. “If you don’t wear red…if you live in a community like Belladrum that supports the APNU, you are punished. We are job-denied because of political belief, contracts withheld from communities and individuals that vote a g a i n s t t h e m a n d government services are delayed or denied,” he alleged.

To address these issues, Saul outlined APNU’s proposed solutions The party plans to strengthenthe

independence of the Public Procurement Commission (PPC), ensuring it is staffed by individuals of unquestionable integrity He emphasised the importance of strict enforcement of procurementlaws,withzero tolerance for corruption,

including mandatory jail time for public officials i

practices.

Furthermore, APNU

community oversight of

regularly reporting to the

broadcasting key Cabinet decisions. The party also committed to conducting independent audits of oil revenue spending, ensuring that “every dollar is accounted for and spent for the benefit of all Guyanese. Therewillbenosecret.“

Saul added that APNU

would work to depoliticise and str

ngthen State institutions, including the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), and ensure public offices serve the law, not p o l i

p a r t i e s “Appointmentswillbebased o n m e r i t a n d professionalism. The police, GRA, CANU, SOCU — all will return to serving the law,” he said He also affirmed that the APNU’s committed to protect whistleblowers and promotingnationalunityand development across all regions and communities, regardless of political affiliation “Whether you vote for us or not, we will serve all Guyanese,” Saul stated.

Guyanese Arif Bulkan selected as CCJ judge

JusticeArifBulkan,a national of Guyana, hasbeenselectedby the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission (RJLSC), the independent body responsible for recruiting staff and judges for the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), to join the regionalcourtasaJudge.

Justice Bulkan is the thirdGuyanesenationaltobe appointed to the CCJ bench. He will fill the vacancy created by the elevation of JusticeWinstonAndersonto the presidency of the Court onJuly4,2025.

Justice Bulkan holds a Bachelor of Law from The University of the West Indies; a Legal Education Certificate from the Hugh Wooding Law School; a Master of Law from University College London; and a Doctor of Philosophy in Law from Osgoode Hall Law School, York University,Canada.

He has worked both r e g i o n a l l y a n d internationally and in the course of his career has functioned in various capacities, including as litigator, academic, author, activist, judge, and internationallawexpert.

Justice Bulkan was admitted to the bar in Guyana in 1990 and thereafter practised law at thechambersoftheDirector of Public Prosecutions (DPP) from 1990 to 1996, risingtotherankofassistant DPP

He was in private practice from 1997 to 2004.

Justice Bulkan sat on the Court of Appeal of Guyana in2018,andsinceMay2022, has served a Judge of the Court of Appeal of Belize. Between 2008 and 2022, Justice Bulkan taught in the Faculty of Law at The University of the West Indies.

He was also an expert member of the United Nations Human Rights Committee,servingasoneof the committee’s vice chairpersons from 2019 to 2022.HewaselectedinJune 2023 to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights for a four-year term and is currently serving as the commission’s second vice-president.

Justice Bulkan has published widely on Indigenous rights, human rights, and constitutional law,includingassoleauthor of ‘The Survival of Indigenous Rights in Guyana’ (2012) and a coauthor of ‘Fundamentals of Caribbean Constitutional Law’(first edition 2015 and secondedition2021).Forhis work in human rights, Justice Bulkan was conferred with the Anthony Sabga Caribbean Award for P u b l i c a n d C i v i c Contributions in 2017 and w a s n a m e d a PANCAP/CARICOM Champion for Change in 2017.

I n m a k i n g t h e announcement,thechairman of the RJLSC and president of the CCJ, Justice Winston Anderson, took the opportunity to reiterate that

Guyanese Justice, Arif Bulkan

‘The RJLSC has the legal responsibility of making appointmentstotheofficeof JudgeoftheCaribbeanCourt of Justice and makes these appointments based solely on the merits of the applicants including their expertise, integrity, and dedicationtojustice. During the recruitment process, the commission received approximately 26 applications from Australia, Barbados, Canada, Cameroon, Fiji, Guyana, Jamaica, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saint Lucia, Sri Lanka, The United States of America, and Trinidad and Tobago. Of the applications received, five candidates, threemalesandtwofemales, were shortlisted for further consideration and subsequently interviewed and the successful applicant appointed. Thecommissionremains committed to maintaining a process that is fair, transparent, and impartial. JusticeBulkanisexpectedto besworn-ininOctober2025. (CCJmediarelease)

Making the private sector the scapegoat

If you want to know w h y t h e

A P N U + A F C coalition government of 2015-2020 collapsed in on itself, don’t look to the private sector The private sectorwastoobusytryingto survive to have the time to sabotagetheeconomy

Now desperate to find a scapegoat for poor fiscal policies during the APNU+AFC period, the APNU now insists it was sabotage by the private sector that forced them to raise taxes and fees

Sabotage! As if the private sectorwasrunningaroundin trench coats, loosening screws on filing cabinets at theMinistryofFinance.

TheAPNUisreportedto have claimed that it was the privatesectorthatshutdown the economic activities in this country during the APNU+AFC government

This is typical PNCR excuse-making The problem with every PNCaffiliated government is not sabotage. It’s not a hostile private sector It’s not even foreignagents.Theproblem is their undying love affair with the non-productive publicsector Alovesodeep, sotorrid,sopassionatethatit would make Satan cry EverytimethePNCtouches power, the government payroll balloons like a party gone wrong. And as we all know, balloons eventually pop—or,inthiscase,taxthe nation until everybody feels faint.

Which brings me to one

of the most tragicomic stories in Guyana’s bureaucratic history In the 1980s, the economy was in ruins, IMF officials were circling like hawks, and it wastheIMFandWorldBank that forced the government to retrench thousands of workers.

The story is told of one poor secretary who was dutifully typing up her ministry’s retrenchment list. She typed name after name after name. Until suddenly, she fainted. Why? Her own name was on the list. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, she was literally typing herself outofajob.

That was Burnham’s Guyana.TheIMFandWorld Bank said, “Retrench thousands ” And like obedient pupils, the government did just that, sending thousands to the breadline, proving that efficiency was not their strong suit. It is estimated thatbetween1980and1983, some 24,000 public sector workerswereretrenched.

You would think APNU+AFC would learn from this historical fiasco. Butno.Fastforwardto2015, and instead started hiring.

Not a few here and there—no, no. They hired like Noah loading animals intotheArk.Bythetimethe storm was over, the central government workforce had swelled to 26,354, an increaseof76.8percent.

Meanwhile, GuySuCo workers, the poor sugar workers, were retrenched in

thousands Non-central government employment shrank by more than 40 percent while central government employment was bloated. This was not nation-building. This was payroll-building. Professor Tarron Khemraj analyzed the government’s overdraft at the Bank of Guyana. He foundthatwhenthePPPleft office in 2014, the overdraft was G$9.3 billion. Painful, yes, but survivable By

August 2020, when

APNU+AFC handed over the keys, the overdraft was G$92.8billion.That’snotan overdraft.That’samortgage on your grandchildren’s lunchmoney

Now, when confronted with the pain that they increased taxes, instead of admittingthattheyhiredtoo many people, instead of conceding that their payroll was bloated, they instead look for a scapegoat. And who better to make the scapegoat than the private sector. They claim the private sector sabotaged them,forcingthemtowiden andraisetaxesandfees.The private sector! The same sectorthatkepttheeconomy growing during that period. The same sector that somehow manages to generate employment without hiring a cousin, an uncle, and three school friendsforeverydeskjob. Let’s be clear. It was not sabotage that led to the tax increases. It was the sheer gravitational pull of a g

DEM BOYS SEH

Boat like am gone ah falls again

De Pee Pee Pee boys always like fuh boast how dem got de crowd.Any lil rally, and dem quick fuh holler, “Look, look! De placefull!”Butdemboysseh,crowddon’t mean votes. If crowd did mean votes, then Sparrow woulda been President long time, ‘cause nobody never pull more people at a showthanhe.

In 2011, dem Pee Pee Pee do dem polling and find out late-late that de sugar belt in West Coast Berbice slipping away like sand through dem fingers. Dem send BigBoydownfuhpatchitup.Butdesugar workers tell he straight: “Boss, boat done gone over de falls.” Meaning dem done jumpship.

Now dem boys hearing de same tune playingagain.DePeePeePeedopollingin Region 6, and despite Albion and New Amsterdam rallies having jam-packed crowds, de polls showing ground shaking under dem foot. Rallies full, but support

expanding at the speed of gossip. When you go from 14,905 central government employeesin2014to26,354 by 2018, somebody has to pay And guess who that somebodywas?You,me,the mansellingplantainchipson theroadside.

APNU+AFC blaming the private sector is like blaming the mirror because your pants don’t fit. The truth is simple: the coalition governmenttaxedbecauseit spent,anditspentbecauseit hired, and it hired because e v e r y P N C - l e d administration seems to

believe that nation-building is best achieved by distributing pay slips like confetti.

So, the next timeAPNU whines about private-sector sabotage, remember the secretary in the 1980s who faintedwhiletypingherown name on the retrenchment list.Ifironywereedible,she wouldn’t have needed the breadline The lesson is eternal. Economies don’t collapse because the private sectorsabotagesthem.They c o l l a p s e b e c a u s e governments sabotage themselves with bloated bureaucracies, overdrafts masquerading as budgets, and the desperate illusion that more employees equal moreproductivity (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)

empty Likeajugofbeerwidonlyfrothon top—plentyshow,butnosubstance.

SowahdePeePeePeedo?Demlineup somewhistle-stopmeetings.Butdemboys seh is de same set ah faithful faces turning up. Same auntie who clap last week, same uncle who wave flag last month. Like dem hirecrowdonapermanentcontract.

De writing might be on de wall, but de Pee Pee Pee too busy painting over de cracks Dem believe in illusion politics—big stage, loud music. But de people belly still empty, and de same promises from last election now sounding like recycled campaign jingles. Dem boys seh,isonethingwhenyoufoolpeopleonce, butwhendepollsstartwhisperingdetruth, yuh can’t hush dem up wid sound system and entertainment. Question now is—will Pee Pee Pee learn, or will de falls swallow demboatagain? Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

VicePresidentJagdeosaysthatAzruddinMohamedbenefits frombiasedpresscoverage.Whatdothefactssay?

FactOne:Mr Mohamed has not held one elected officetodate. Dr.Jagdeohas been president. finance minister, oil minister, and minister with a universal portfolio. Mohamed is a citizen and candidate in elections. His record is of US sanctions. The VP’s record is of the sanctions, many damning, that he has attractedfromGuyanese.

Fact Two: The oil minister presides over the US$2 billion Wales gas-toshore project, has been treated more than

favourably But he complains about Mohamed strugglingtokeephisfeeton Guyana’sshores. Sinceheis so contorted by biased press

coverage favouring Mohamed,heshouldconsult with the Americans to eliminatetheproblem.

Fact Three: One Guyanese had over a dozen charges calling for over a dozen lifetimes in the slammer, for betrayal of trust, as alleged. Thanks to

the most favourable consideration ever, that Guyanese is now busy making dozens of speeches around Guyana. There is bias untold; then there is bias,perBJ.

Fact Four: There were those pre-2015 and post2020intervals,whenthePPP could not have been more biased in favour of Mohamed. IfIrecallwell,it was Guyana’s all-portfolio minister, and fount of national intelligence, who insisted that there was ‘no gold smuggling.’ When a regal ride in a Lamborghini was preferred over a comparativelyshabbyStateowned vehicle, that was unprecedented bias never seen before. When Jagdeo and ‘de addah banna’, held theMohamedsinthetightest embrace, it was hell for any Guyanese to speak ill of the man or his PPP godfathers. Who was biased then, and who bulldozed Guyanese questioning how the impropri

dealings? Poor Godfrey Statiagetstobethebadguy, cracksthewhip.

Fact Five: Mohamed wasn’t a problem, no matter the problem. Allegations, suspicions, baskets of speculation didn’t matter Who could have been more on his side (biased) than Jagdeo and the PPP governmentbackthen? But when falling out occurred, Guyana’s chief policymaker manufacturedanewone:the independentpressthathehas lashed and smashed is incitedtodothe‘duttywuk’ that the PPP and its leaders routinely rejected out-ofhand.

Fact Six:According to a Mohamed media post, a senior PPP Government official was authorized to offertosettlethedifferences betweenhimself[Mohamed] and the government. All he hadtodowas‘notrun’inthe elections. Bygones would bebygones,allowedtodiea natural death in some newly madePPPgraveyardtobury

matters. Thiswasthetypeof wheeling and dealing that a national government was engaged in to make a damagingsituationgoaway.

Unless Mr. Jagdeo himself publicly dismisses that as a total fabrication by Mohamed, then it stands as uncontested fact. A sleazy quid pro quo - the g o v e r n

e s something; Mohamed gives up something. Interpreted simply, the settlement offer from the PPP hierarchy to Mohamed was ‘leggo’ the elections, and he himself gets let go. Free as a bat, with day made into night, making matters simple for Mohamed. No sanctions. No charges. No pressure. No bad blood, no hard feelings. Nonothing. When those ran into roadblocks, collapsed, Big Kahuna Bharrat now calls on Guyanese, like ‘de li’bhai’

(apologies to popular professional journalist, Travis Chase) and New York-based flamethrower, RichfordBurketorectifythe situation. Thesamecitizens that Mr PPP damns and damns endlessly, he’s now seeking them to go after Mohamed with the same forceashasbeensupposedly directed at him. If Dr Jagdeo really had pressure applied at him, he would have already sought asylum inoneofthosehavenswhere no questions are asked, with businessasusual. Whatever the business. For up comes thelastfact.

Fact Seven: If there is one Guyanese political figure, who has enjoyed an incomparable abundance of favourable press coverage, it’s Vice President Jagdeo. He assembled the parts, arranged the press playing field, to suit himself. Yet,

there he was moaning, groaning, and bellyaching aboutbiasedpresscoverage. Foreveryonepressitemthat speaksofMohamedinsome manner, there are a dozen from the PPP side of the media aisle that bashes and trashes him to pieces The taxpayer press has not been content just to make him into a dirty dog; it makes him into a rabies-infected dog Apoliticalpresenceso foul as to be feared of the worst I have a simple question: who has fouled the air and prospects of Guyanese more than Biggie Barry, given the most leeway?

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

62 private residences to be used as polling places for elections

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has announced that 62 private residences will be used as polling places for the upcoming General and Regional Elections scheduled for September 1, 2025.

Thiswasrevealedduring GECOM’s first press conference held at its RegionFourdistrictofficeat Fort and Barrack Street, Kingston,Georgetown.

Respondingtoquestions from the media, GECOM’s Public Relations Officer, Yolanda Ward, explained that of the 1,151 polling placesdesignatedacrossthe country, 62 are private residences.“Outofatotalof 2,709 polling stations, we have 1,151 polling places, and of that, there are 62 private residences polling places,”Wardclarified.

Additionally, GECOM confirmed that 92 nonresident electors will be voting from 20 diplomatic missions abroad These missions include the consulate in Barbados, embassies in Brussels (Belgium), Brazil, and Beijing (China); consulates in Toronto and Ottawa (Canada); embassies in

Havana (Cuba), New Delhi (India), Kuwait, and Doha (Qatar); the High Commission in Pretoria (SouthAfrica);consulatesin Nickerie and Paramaribo (Suriname); the Permanent Missions to the United Nations in Geneva (Switzerland) and New York; the consulate in Port of Spain (Trinidad); the High Commission in London; and embassies in Washington, D.C., and Caracas(Venezuela).

“So, 92 persons across these 20 missions will be voting in these elections,” Deputy Chief Elections Officer of GECOM Aneal Giddings said “Ballot envelopes have been dispatched to all diplomatic missions, and as of now, GECOM has received ballots returned from two missions These are currently in the custody of the Chief Election Officer, inaccordancewiththelaw.”

The use of private residences as polling places hasbeenamatterofongoing public debate. The number ofprivateresidencesusedin elections declined from 166 in 2015 to 92 in the 2020 elections This reduction followed recommendations

from the European Union (EU)initsfinalreportonthe 2020 elections, which included objections to the use of private homes as pollingplaces.

Duringthe2020General and Regional Elections, GECOM had committed to reducing the use of private residences as polling stations after the thenopposition PPP expressed concern that their use could disenfranchise voters. Chair of GECOM, Justice Claudette Singh, said the reduction came in response to concerns raised by the Carter Center Singh explained that the private polling stations have been reduced because they’ve been substituted by public buildings “It’s not that the polling stations are being removed from the area. It’s just the private residences; they’re moving away from those,”theChairsaid.

Why would you use privateresidenceswhenyou have a public place?” she asked.

The private polling stations being used dropped from 166 in the 2015 elections to 92 for the 2020 elections.Further, Continued on page 15

President Irfaan Ali on Monday announced that Georgetown will get its first ever Synthetic Track and Football Stadium, which willbebuiltnextdoortothe North Ruimveldt Secondary School. The Head-of-State made the announcement while delivering the feature a d d r e s s a t t h e commissioning ceremony for the new $566.9 million teaching block at the North Ruimveldt Secondary School.

“ W h e n P r i y a

[Manickchand] was planning this ceremony today, she made it known to me that there are some important opportunities that exist for the community and for the schools surrounding here. When you look at this

…as President announces synthetic track,football stadium for Georgetown

development mode, you have North Ruimveldt, East Ruimveldt, you have South Ruimveldt, you have

Tucville Secondary and LodgeSecondary,”hesaid.

With these schools having a combined student populationofapproximately 4,000, the President said they are looking at ways to ensure transformational and life changing opportunities for those children and the community

“Because, as I said, the student is a reflection of the community, and we have to bring the community along with the development, it has tobeintegrated.So,whatam I talking about? Right in the vicinity of this school, there is a piece of land and we want to optimally deploy

that land for all of these schools I spoke about, and also the community, and deploy it not by a simple investment, but by a

meaningful investment of international quality and standard,”heexplained.

According to the President with that plot of land, they have made the decision to invest “in a 300metre athletic track” which willbethefirstofitskindin Georgetown.

“And the center of that track will have a full FIFA certifiedfootballpitch,asthe one at Leonora and we will have investment for basketball, volleyball and tennis at the back of the facility,”heannounced.

Now committing to making these investments, thePresidentnotedheneeds all the schools in the area to commit to forming an integrated alliance among the head teachers and the physicaleducationteachers.

“I’m going to further commit that we are going to place coaches within that alliancetohelpyourchildren andhelpthecommunityand throughtheMenonMission programme, I want us, also the men here to commit that we will give a total of 60 voluntaryhourscombinedto thisfacility,everymonth,for mentoringouryoungpeople, formotivatingthem.So,this alliance, starting with the schools, must then involve the community, find those menwhowillcomeonboard on the men Initiative programme to doing the initial phase, at least 60 hours of mentoring every

singlemonthforourchildren and our community,” he declared.

During his remarks, the President also committed to buildingaschoolsystemthat leaves no child behind and that they have balanced academic excellence with practical skills, which prepares them to contribute meaningfully to society “A greatfutureliesaheadforour children, a future filled with opportunities, prosperity, and dignity It is a future where every young person regardless of where they comefromcandreamboldly

and achieve fully But for that future to be real, we must ensure that our education system equips them with the knowledge, skillsandvaluestheyneedto thrive, every classroom, every school and every teacher plays a vital role in shaping that future. Giving our children the tools to innovate, to solve problems andtoseizetheopportunities that await them,” he said in hisremarks.

Meanwhile, speaking abouttheschool,Ministerof E d u c a t i o n , P r i y a Manickchandrecalleditwas adevastatingtimewhenfire destroyed the main part of the school, noting the country was still in the COVID-19 pandemic period.

“That was a horrible, horrible day for us, because right before our eyes with maskswhenwehaven’teven yet gone back into schools fully because of COVID, here is a school being destroyedandIwasaskedon the spot by the press, what we would do and I said we willrebuildtheschoolthat’s theonlythingthatwewould doandsoweareherewitha Continued on page 14

3 new police stations, computer centre commissioned in Reg. 9

The new $99M Annai Police Station which has been commissioned in Region Nine.

The Ministry of HomeAffairs, over the weekend, commissioned over $405 million in police infrastructuresinRegionNine.

The facilities were commissioned by Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, Deputy Commissioner ‘Operations’ Mr Errol Watts, Regional Division #9 Commander Superintendent Mohamed Ally, Regional Chairman Bryan Allicock,andotherofficials.

The newly commissioned facilities are the Annai Police Station, North Rupununi which was constructed at a cost of $99,949,058; the Karasabai Police Station, South Pakaraimas which was reconstructed at a cost of $35,476,160; the Lethem Police Station, Central Rupununi which was constructed at a cost of $171,411,810; and the Zara ComputerCentrelocatedatLethem Centralwhichwasbuiltatacostof $98,645,668.

Delivering brief remarks, Minister Benn emphasised the importance of modern police facilities in strengthening public safety, building community trust, and reducing crime. He further highlightedtherecruitmentofmore

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn alongside, regional officials, ranks and senior police officers commissioning the new Lethem Police Station and Zara Computer Centre.

police officers in Region 9 as a key step toward inclusive and representative securityservices.

Addressing the gathering also wasMr Wattswhounderscoredthe ongoing infrastructure improvements across the Guyana Police Force and stressed the importance of delivering highqualityservice.

Upon request of a new vehicle and an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) for the Annai Police Station to improve community response, Watts assured that this request would be granted. Speaking also was the regional commander, Mohamed Ally, who provided updatesoncrimeandtrafficmatters intheregion,assuringresidentsthat the police is working closely with communitiestomaintainsafety

“He also noted that the Zara Computer Centre will provide free computer training for youths and adults, enhancing digital literacy and supporting educational development in Region 9,” the ministrystated.

This publication understands thatattheceremonies,theminister andhisteamhandedoveranumber of safety helmets to the traffic department and sports gear to the LethemPoliceStation.

$566.9MwingatNorth

Frompage12 rebuiltschool,andit’sgoing to be even better than it was before,”theministerrelated.

North Ruimveldt Secondary which is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary in September, the minister informed that this was the first school in Guyanabackin2015tohave asmartclassroomandthatin 2024; the school was listed asanA-listschool. She also mentioned that at this year’s CXC results, the school has recorded an 85 96% pass rate Commending the head teacher and teachers of the school, the Education Minister noted that the improved performance not only at this school but at otherschoolsisasaresultof the “conscious investment”

Ruimveldt...

o f P r e s i d e n t A l i administration.Accordingto the minister, not only are schools on coastland getting the resources and trained teachersbutthoseinthefarflung hinterland villages as well.

has some 53 teachers along with two guidance and counselling officers. There are currently 415 students

accommodate a further 156 inSeptember

Farmers remanded for attempted murder

In her brief remarks, headteacher of North Ruimveldt Secondary, Rasulan Khan extended gratitude to the government forcommittingtorebuilding the new teaching block. She noted, “This school is a representation of the Ministry of Education’s unwavering commitment to ensuringthateverychildhas asafe,comfortableandwellequipped teaching learning environment, and the Ministry of Education’s commitment to fostering equitable education for all ourchildren.” Sheaddedthattheschool

Kaieteur News had reported that in August 2022, the ministry had turned the sod alongside c o n t r a c t o r K a r e s Engineering Inc to rebuild the new block which was burntinJune2021

The project was supervised by Marcel GaskinAssociates.

The new modernised structure is a three-storey building fitted with science labs, IT Labs, new and

Two farmers were remanded on Friday for attempted murder The defendants, 20year-old Shamsundar Khamo called ‘Nest’ and23-year-oldVijayKhamocalled‘Guru’, both of Grassfield, Enmore, East Coast Demerara (ECD), were hauled before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Vigilance Magistrates’Courttoanswerthecharge.

Theduowaschargedjointlyandwasnot required to plead since the charge was indictable. It is alleged that they, onAugust 11, 2025, at Enmore, ECD, attempted to murderNareshBisnauth. Magistrate Scarce denied Shamsundar and Vijay bail and the matter has been adjournedtoAugust27,2025.

GECOM tight-lipped on lawyer retained to handle legal matters

Th e G u y a n a

E l e c t i o n s

Commission (GECOM) revealed on Monday, that in the absence ofalegalofficer,anexternal lawyer has been retained to handle its legal matters during the elections period. Officials however declined todisclosetheidentityofthat individual.

Instead, Chief Elections Officer, (CEO) Vishnu Persaud sought to assure members of the media, that all systems are in place for the smooth conduct of the

general and regional elections scheduled to be heldinlessthan14days.

The CEO was joined by Deputy Chief Election Officer (DCEO) Aneal

Giddings, Logistics Manager, Dellon Clarke, Civic and Voter Education Manager, Nardeo Persaud, andPublicRelationsOfficer (PRO) Yolanda Ward GECOM Chairman, Justice (Ret’d)ClaudetteSinghwas absentfromthebriefing.

During the briefing, the CEOsaid,“Wehavelawyers who are members of the c o m m i s s i o n ; t h e [chairperson] herself is an officer of the law and only recently, the commission approved the retention of an external lawyer to provide legal services to the commission.”

Persaud clarified that he

sees no conflict of interest

with the chairperson reviewing decisions of the commission given her legal background He told the media too that the Attorney General and Minister of LegalAffairs,Anil Nandlall SC is no longer providing legaladvicetoGECOM.

Pressed further on secrecy surrounding the identity of the lawyer, the GECOM officials agreed thatthedisclosureshouldbe suitably approved by the commission.

“I would call it a secret, wehavetoseektheguidance of the commission on whetherwewouldbeputting thisoutside.Wewouldprefer toconsultwiththechairman and the commission on this matter before we provide that information ” DCEO asserted.

ThemovebyGECOMto retain an external lawyer

Policeseekhelp

comes days after the commission revealed that it is yet to hire a legal officer

The commission has advertised for suitable candidate but none of applicants satisfied the requirements.

The commission has been without a legal officer since March 3, 2025, when attorney Kurt Da Silva’s contract expired. Da Silva, who had served as GECOM’s legal officer for three years, stated that his contractwasdueforrenewal and that he had received an exemplary performance appraisal from the chairperson, along with a recommendation for renewal.

H o w e v e r , t h e government-nominated commissionersvotedagainst the renewal, a position supported by GECOM Chairperson Justice (Ret’d)

identifyingman killedinMontroseaccident

Amanwhoseidentitywasstillunknown up to press time, died on Monday in an accident along the Montrose Public Road, EastCoastDemerara(ECD).

According to the police, the incident, whichoccurredaround04:00hrs,involveda motorcar bearing registration number PAC 8964, owned and driven by a 24-year-old welderofMartyrsville,MonRepos,ECD.

According to the driver, the car was proceeding east along the Montrose Public Roadwhenthepedestrianranfromnorthto south across the road into his path. Upon seeing this, the welder applied brakes, but thecollisionoccurred.

Thepedestrianreportedlyflungeastward and fell onto the road surface, where he received injuries to his body The driver droveawayfromthescenebutsubsequently returned,policereported.

“An ambulance was summoned to the scene,wherethepedestrianwaspronounced dead.Thepedestrianwasplacedintoapolice vehicle and conveyed to the Georgetown Public Hospital’s mortuary The body is presently awaiting a post-mortem examinationandidentification,”policesaid.

The scene was visited by ranks where a noticeofintendedprosecutionwasservedon the driver. The vehicle was examined by a

The Guyana Police Force is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying or contacting the family/relatives of the victim.

licensing and certifying officer, and a breathalyser test was conducted on the driver, which showed no trace of alcohol in hissystem.

ThePoliceForceisthereforeseekingthe public’s assistance in identifying the victim orcontactinghisfamilymembers.

The driver remains in police custody assistingwiththeinvestigation.

Claudette Singh Their rationale centered on Da Silva’s written submissions intheCarolSmith-Josephv Attorney General, C o m m i s s i o n e r o f Registration & GECOM case, which they claimed contradicted instructions fromthecommission.

Da Silva has since publicly disputed this claim, asserting that his submissions were circulated in advance to the

chairperson, CEO and all commissioners.

In a detailed letter to Justice Singh, he described the commission’s press release on the matter as “replete with false and misleading statements” regardinghislegalworkand professionalconduct.

As a result, Da Silva has filed a defamation lawsuit against GECOM, seeking damages, including aggravated or exemplary

damages, over statements made in the press release titled “Non-Renewal of the Employment Contract of GECOM’sLegalOfficer.”

Meanwhile, GECOM hasfacedadditionalscrutiny over the reported involvement of the attorney general in providing legal advice to the commission.

Several political party leaders,includingthosefrom the Alliance For Change (AFC),haveraisedconcerns aboutwhattheydescribeasa conflictofinterest.

In a letter to the chairperson, AFC’s leader Nigel Hughes expressed unease over Nandlall’s dual roleasbothattorneygeneral and legal advisor to GECOM, questioning the c o m m i s s i o n ’ s independence.Asubsequent AFC press release echoed this sentiment, alleging that Nandlall’s involvement undermines public trust in theelectoralbody

62privateresidencestobe...

Frompage10

GECOM’s then-Chief Election Officer, Keith Lowenfield, had also noted that in somecases,theuseofprivatepollingstations was unavoidable due to the absence of any suitable public or alternative buildings in certaincommunities.“Thereisabsolutelyno publicorotherbuildingthatcouldhavebeen usedintheseinstancesandtherefore,wehad no choice. The residents of those particular divisions, sub-divisions have to vote,” Lowenfieldtoldreporters.

Former President and then-leader of the governing Coalition, David Granger, told reporters that there have been numerous abuses in the past when private, sometimes obscureresidenceswereusedbecausesome of them were owned by “political advocates”.

The President agreed with the Commission’s decision to reduce the use of privatepollingstations,“initswisdom”,but noted that the Commission’s decision was justthat–adecisionoftheCommission.

WANTED VACANCY

Canter driver with at least 2 years experience & Hauler driver with atleast 3 years experience. Tele: 644-7088 / 624-7248.

One live in Maid to work at Mon Repos, E.C.D. Tele : 6447088 / 624-7248.

Job openings: Truck drivers, AC Technician, Excavator and Skid Steer Operator. To apply send applications via Whatsapp: 689-1111 / 6082114.

Security Officers for the Interior wanted urgently. Call: 691-6081/ 611-8370,6001196.

Able bodied security to work. Apply 21 Seaforth street, Campbellville. Tele: 621-5140.

General Domestic with cooking experience. East Bank Area, preferably. Call: 6761148.

One Porter to work on Sheriff St. Georgetown. Must have knowledge of Hardware and how to operate a forklift. Call: 689-4041

Wanted: Armed and unarmed Security Personnel, signing bonus attached. Contact: 603-5140.

Wanted: Experienced Security Supervisor and Office Assistant. Drivers license will be an asset. Contact: 603-5140.

LAND FOR SALE

Prime land @ Agricola Public road. 275 x 25, fence, sand filled, steel gate, etc. For more information Call: 629-7426.

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Vacancy at Dyna's Embroidery & Screenprints: We are hiring Factory Workers. Tel# 226-2621.

Room Attendant & Desk Staff needed. 25-45 years old at 233 South Road, Lacytown. Call: 225-0198.

Wash Bay worker needed, Nandy park East Bank Demerara. Tele : 682-1616 / 233-5227.

Vacancy exists for 2 experienced electrician and an apprentice. Call: 644-9084 / 6449635.

One (1) qualify physiotherapist for home services in East Bank area. Call: 615-9132.

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Fully furnished 2 & 3 bedroom Luxury apartments to rent $2,000 USD (Monthly). Tel No: 682-2585 / 712-8641.

PPP unveils plans to strengthen judiciary

…no mention of appointing substantive, Chancellor, Chief Justice

The 2025 manifesto of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) makes no mention of appointing a substantive Chancellor of the Judiciary and a Chief Justice even though there is mention of its plan to strengthen the justice system.

Guyana has been without a substantive chief justice and chancellor for over two decades, subsequent to the constitutional amendment in 2001.

Justice of Appeal, Carl Singh was the acting Chancellor of the Judiciary for 12 years up until 2017, and Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards has been holding the reins since then. Similarly, Justice Ian Chang, who served as acting Chief Justice from 2010 to 2016, was never confirmed. Given the delay in the appointments, the then President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Adrian Saunders, had publicly called for the confirmation of a substantive Chancellor and Chief Justice, signalling the broader regional concern over the matter.

In Guyana, several independent voices and political figures have called for the substantive appointments. Earlier this year, president of the Guyana Bar Association, Kamal Ramkarran, made the call for the immediate appointment of Yonette CummingsEdwards and Roxane GeorgeWiltshire as the substantive Chancellor and Chief Justice of the judiciary, respectively.

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Ramkarran, a prominent advocate for judicial reform, further asserted that both Cummings-Edwards and George-Wiltshire have served with distinction and are well-qualified to be confirmed in the permanent positions they currently occupy. “I certainly believe that the people who are performing the role of the chancellor and CJ are the people who should be confirmed for the positions, and it should happen as soon as possible,” he added. Opposition leader, Aubrey Norton, has already expressed formal support for the substantive appointments of Cummings-Edwards and George-Wiltshire, which is a necessary step in the constitutional process.

Public trust

Meanwhile, in its manifesto under the heading “Strengthening the Justice

System,” the party is promising that in order to foster greater public trust in the justice system, it will “ensure that justice is delivered in a transparent and timely manner, and support the enhancement of judicial accountability. We will also ensure greater efficiency in the operations of key institutions in the legal affairs sector.”

In addition, the PPP/C is promising to strengthen and modernise the legislative and administrative frameworks of the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority and the Land Registry with intentions to provide and efficient and modern menu of service.

Furthermore, there will be the transition from manual to e-transaction, which will cater for the digitization of records for the above-mentioned institutions. This will aid in not only preserving and

storing important historical records but to also make accessing records easy, the party outlined in the manifesto.

The party is also promising that it will continue to ensure all services are accessible by citizens in all Regions of the country and continue to update and strengthen the Laws of Guyana to be able to provide greater legal protection and social and economic empowerment of citizens.

Additionally, it will “continue to build a modern, efficient, and impartial justice system to which all citizens have equal and easy access and that guarantees an independent and competent judiciary where citizens can resort to enforce their constitutional rights, resolve legal disputes and one that will prosecute criminal offences in a timely manner.”

Senior citizen dies in Dochfour, ECD accident

A 72-year-old woman died in an accident on Monday, along the Dochfour, Public Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD). Dead is Grace Lyte of Corentyne, Berbice.

The accident involved a motorcar bearing registration number PAH 8915 and a motor lorry bearing registration number GAG 8567.

The woman was an occupant of the motorcar, owned and driven by 46-year-old Thaddeus Lyte of Corentyne, Berbice. The motor lorry was driven by a 22-year-old resi-

dent of Soesdyke.

Investigations revealed that the lorry was proceeding east on the northern driving lane at a rate of 40 kmph, while the motorcar was proceeding west in the southern driving lane at a fast rate.

“The car overtook a line of traffic and collided headon with the lorry in the southern carriageway. Both vehicles ended up in a trench on the southern side of the road,” police said.

As a result of the collision, Thaddeus and Grace sus-

tained injuries and were picked up in a conscious state and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital by Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT).

Grace was pronounced dead at approximately 09:30hrs, while Thaddeus was treated and sent away. The woman’s body was placed in the hospital’s mortuary, awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Thaddeus is currently in police custody assisting with the investigation.

PPPplanstoboostfinancialliteracy,andinclusioninnextterm

Part of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) plan for its next term, if reelected following the September 1 election, is to target financial literacy andfinancialinclusion.

Theparty’svisionisfora Guyana where every citizen has the knowledge, tools, and access to participate fully in the economy and in theformalfinancialsystem.

On Monday, the PPP unveiled its 2025 manifesto whichoutlinestheitplansto implement a comprehensive National Financial Literacy and Financial Inclusion Strategyaimedatdeepening understanding of basic financial and investment concepts, and banking and financial services, and wideningparticipationinthe formalfinancialsystem.

The manifesto states, “Despite the solid gains already made over the past five years in growing the financial sector, such as rapid expansion in private sector credit, and improvement in the quality of the financial sector’s lendingportfolio,thePPP/C believesthatmuchmorecan be done to make financing more easily and affordably available to Guyanese businesses.”

Theplanentailsworking

with commercial banks to expand banking services to those who are currently unbanked by improving the easewithwhichpersonscan open a bank account, apply for a loan, and process transactions, all online. It includes promoting the use ofagentbankingnetworksto facilitate easy access to banking services in smaller, more remote, and hard-toreach communities –particularlyinthehinterland whicharecurrentlyunserved or underserved by the bankingsystem. Promoting the use of digitalpaymentsystemsand financial technology (fintech) solutions is also in the manifesto It was explained that this includes digital banking and mobile

wallets, to improve the ease of access to financial services nationwide, thus bringing more people into the formal financial system, and reducing cash dependency across the economy

Additionally, part of the PPP/C’s plan for access to financing and innovative investment opportunities is to ensure Guyanese businesses and households have easier and more affordable access to financing, as well as to a widerrangeofopportunities toinvestandearn.

The document states, “Overthenextfiveyears,the PPP/C government will: establishanSME[Smalland Medium-sized Enterprise] Development Bank which

A section of the gathering at the launch of the PPP 2025 manifesto

will provide micro-credit loans to SMEs at zero

interest, along with mentorship and support where appropriate to help SMEsgrowtheirbusiness.”

Moreover, PPP plans to providetrainingandsupport to build capacity amongst the private sector, particularly SMEs. It was explained that this will help businesses prepare credible plans and successful loan applications and help them graduate to the formal financialsystem.

There is also a plan to review the legal and regulatory framework governing the banking and quasi-banking sector and enact any amendments needed to remove impediments to a more

borrower-friendly lending environment and more

safeguardingstability

The party also plans to review the legal and regulatory framework governing the capital

amendmentsneededtomake iteasierforcompaniestolist equity and debt instruments publicly

Further, PPP plans to s

PPP said that they are committed to fostering a more inclusive financial system, empowering all Guyanese to access the system and to participate in saving and investment opportunities The party notedthatitsplanswouldbe achieved through public education, legislative and regulatory reforms where needed, and targeted interventions aimed at promoting more innovative and accessible investment instruments.

The document states, “Ouraimistomaximisethe ease and affordability with which Guyanese businesses and Guyanese nationals are able to access financing and therefore be better able to participate in, contribute to, andbenefitfromGuyana’ss economicgrowth.”

The party contends that this strategy will promote financial literacy and financial inclusion by empowering citizens to make informed financial decisions, build financial independenceandeconomic resilience, and create boundless opportunities for upward mobility for themselves and their families.

vehicles through domestic private investors. Notably, small investors can also participatethroughequityor fixed-income instruments such as bonds, in major projects and assets, such as theindustrialenterprisesthat will emerge from the harnessing of our gas resources.

DemonstratorsprotestTrump-backedredistricting plansatover200eventsacrossthecountry

(CNN) At parks, coffee

shops, churches and government buildings

around the country, hundreds of groups are gathering today with a simple message: “Stop the Trumptakeover.”

The rallies are a bid to combat Republican-led

p l a n s t o r e d r a w congressional maps The maineventwilltakeplacein Texas, where a new congressional map backed by President Donald Trump that could net Republicans five additional seats in the 2026 midterm elections

inspired the state’s Democratic lawmakers to fleethestate–preventingthe quorumneededtovote.

“Trumpisterrifiedofthe American people,” said the Texas for All Coalition, which is helping organize theevents,inanewsrelease.

“He knows he can’t win on his ideas, so he’s trying to takeCongressbyhookorby crook – and he’s doing it by silencing the voices of communitiesofcolor We’re notgoingtoletthathappen.”

Organizers emphasiSed “a commitment to nonviolence”atalleventsin eventpagedescriptions.

Over 200 events are planned in 34 states, according to the event’s official website The Democratic National Committee is helping

organize events, it announcedinanewsrelease.

“From coast to coast, peoplewillbeshowingupat their statehouses, city halls, and community spaces to make it clear – we see what Trump is doing, and we won’t stand for it,” said the DNC.

A swath of nonprofits and other organizations are also supporting the effort, including Planned Parenthood, the Working Families Party and Human RightsCampaign.

Trump described the p r o p o s e d T e x a s congressionalmapasa“very simple redrawing” at the WhiteHouse.

“We pick up five seats,” headded. But it doesn’t end with

Texas.Republicanleadersin other states, too, have proposed changing their congressionalmapsaheadof nextyear’smidterms.

The White House is pushingMissourilegislators to consider a special session toredrawmaps.FloridaGov RonDeSantishasfloatedthe idea of changing his state’s maps,andhassaidhethinks the Trump administration shouldgivethestateanother seat. In Ohio, maps must be redrawn due to a quirk of statelaw–whichmaymake the state’s delegation even more Republican and carve up two Democratic seats, accordingtoareportinJune from CNN’s Fredreka Schouten.

Democratic lawmakers have announced their own planstofightback,including California Gov Gavin Newsom,whokickedoffhis own redistricting push on Thursday

Austin,Texas,rally Today’s largest protest took place at the state’s Capitol in Austin, Texas. Over 1,000 people RSVPed

fortheevent.

“Texasisbeingusedasa testing ground for extremist policies and partisan games thatdon’treflectourvalues,” reads the event page

“Thousands of Texans have shownupagainsttheracially g e r r

lawmakers are trying to force through in order to weaken the voting power of communitiesofcolor.”

Demonstrators filled the area outside the Capitol, waving signs with messages including “Abbott’s letting Trump take over Texas,” “Put Texans first,” and “Compassion over cruelty.”

Organizers led chants of “Show me what democracy looks like, this is what democracy looks like” and “Sísepuede”–themottoof the United Farm Workers, whichtranslatesto“Yes,you can.”

The demonstration, which began Saturday morning, included a performance from drag queen Brigitte Bandit and speeches from formerTexas Congressman Beto O’Rourke, United Farm Workers cofounder Dolores Huerta,DemocraticUSRep. Greg Casar and Rep. Lloyd Doggett ofTexas, as well as localactivists.

Hamas accepts Arab ceasefire proposal on Gaza as death toll passes 62,000

(AP) Hamas said Monday it has accepted a new proposal from Arab mediators for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip as Israel indicated its positions haven’t changed, while Gaza’s Health Ministry said the Palestinian death toll from 22 months of war has passed62,000.

U.S. President Donald Trump appeared to cast doubt on the long-running n e g o t i a t i o n s t h a t Washingtonhas mediatedas well. “We will only see the return of the remaining hostages when Hamas is confronted and destroyed!!! The sooner this takes place, the better the chances of success will be,” he posted onsocialmedia.

Israelannouncedplansto reoccupy Gaza City and other heavily populated areas after ceasefire talks appeared to break down last month,raisingthepossibility ofaworseninghumanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, which experts say is sliding into famine. Plans to expand the offensive, in part aimed at pressuring Hamas, have sparked international outrage and infuriated many Israelis who fear for the remaining hostages taken in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that started the war Hundreds of thousands took part in mass protests on Sunday calling for their return. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelattysaidmediatorsare “exerting extensive efforts”

toreviveaU.S.proposalfor a 60-day ceasefire, during whichsomeoftheremaining 50 hostages would be releasedandthesideswould negotiate a lasting ceasefire andthereturnoftherest.

Abdelatty told The Associated Press they are inviting U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff to join the ceasefire talks. Abdelatty spoke to journalists during a visit to Egypt’s Rafah crossing with Gaza, which has not functioned since Israel seizedthePalestiniansidein May 2024 He was a c c o m p a n i e d b y Mohammad Mustafa, the prime minister of the PalestinianAuthority,which has been largely sidelined sincethewarbegan.

Abdelatty said Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh M o h a m m e d b i n Abdulrahman Al Thani had joined the talks, which includeseniorHamasleader Khalil al-Hayya, who arrived in Cairo last week. Abdelattysaidtheyareopen tootherideas,includingfora comprehensive deal that would release all the hostagesatonce.

Bassem Naim, a senior Hamas official, told the AP that the militant group had accepted the proposal introducedbythemediators, withoutelaborating.

An Egyptian official, speakingtotheAPoncondition of anonymity to discuss the talks,saidtheproposalincludes changestoIsrael’spullbackof

its forces and guarantees for negotiations on a lasting ceasefireduringtheinitialtruce.

The official said it is almost identical to an earlier proposal accepted by Israel, which has not yet joined the latesttalks.

Diaa Rashwan, head of the Egypt State Information Service, told the AP that Egypt and Qatar have sent the Hamas-accepted proposaltoIsrael.

An Israeli official said Israel’spositions,includingon thereleaseofallhostages,had

not changed from previous rounds of talks The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were notauthorizedtospeakwiththe media

P r i m e M i n i s t e r Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue the war until all the hostages are returned and Hamas has been disarmed, and to maintain lasting security control over Gaza. Hamas has said it will only release the remaining hostages in exchange for a lasting ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal.

Netanyahu said in a video addressing the Israeli publicthatreportsofHamas’ acceptance of the proposal showed that it is “under massive pressure. ” Palestinian death toll surpasses62,000Hamas-led

militants abducted 251 people and killed around 1,200, mostly civilians, in the attack that ignited the war Around 20 of the hostages still in Gaza are believedbyIsraeltobealive, after most of the rest were released in ceasefires or otherdeals.

Gaza’s Health Ministry saidthePalestiniandeathtoll fromthewarhadclimbedto 62,004, with another 156,230peoplewounded. It doesnotsayhowmanywere civilians or combatants, but says women and children make up around half the dead.

Theministryispartofthe Hamas-run government and staffed by medical professionals.

The U.N. and many independent experts consider its figures to be the

most reliable estimate of wartime casualties Israel disputes its toll but has not provideditsown.

The ministry said 1,965 people have been killed while seeking humanitarian aid since May, either in the chaos around U.N. convoys or while heading to sites operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, an Israeli-backed American contractor

Witnesses, health officialsandtheU.N.human rights office say Israeli forces have repeatedly fired toward crowds seeking aid. Israel says it has only fired warningshotsatpeoplewho approacheditsforces.

GHF says its armed contractors have only used peppersprayorfiredintothe air on rare occasions to preventdeadlycrowding.

Nigel Deodath slams 207 not out in Canada

Former Guyana youth player Nigel Deodath

unbeaten207tohelpFusion SportClubbeatAcesCricket Club by 143 runs in a semifinal match of the 2025

Softball CricketAssociation

competition on Sunday at Albert McBride Park, Mississauga.

Deodathhitanincredible30 sixes and a four as Fusion Sport Club rattled up a mammoth 264-6 from the allotted20-overswhileAces Cricket Club, in reply, was

dismissedfor121inthe17th over Deodath, known more for the left-arm orthodox spininhard-ballcricket,also represented Berbice at the SeniorInter-Countylevel.

Recently in the same competition, Deodath, who plays for Blairmont Cricket Club in Berbice, cracked a blistering174.

Syed Hamid added 22 runs for Fusion Sport Club who was asked to take first strike as Naresh Prashad grabbed 3-29 from his maximumfourovers.|

Tuesday August 19, 2025

ARIES

You'll find that things are slipping nicely into place for you today, Aries. Your persuasivemannerandgentle nudges are just enough to get peoplewhereyouwantthem.

TAURUS

When faced with ten entrees onthemenu,itmightbehard for you to choose just one. Feelfreetoordertwoormore, Ta u r u s D o n ' t l e t indecisiveness slow you down.Atthesametime.

GEMINIS

Your dreams won't come true unless you believe in and act onthem,Gemini.Nooneelse is going to do it for you. Unless you have a fairy godmother, you need to take mattersintoyourownhands.

CANCER

If people hassle you or give you a hard time about your appearance today, pay them nomind,Cancer Youhavethe righttoliveyourlifeanyway youwantto.

LEO

Reachforthepotofgoldatthe end of the rainbow, Leo. It's closerthanyouthink.Indeed, your dreams are completely within your reach, and there are huge forces at work helping you achieve your goals.

VIRGO

Today is your day to dream and dream big, Virgo. Think aboutwhatitisthatyouwant most out of life. Aim your arrow to the stars and pull back your bow as far as possible. There's no limit to howfaryoucango.

Expand your mind to its furthest reaches today, Libra.

here's an incredible opportunity opening up for you in which you can make great strides in a creative realm.Followthemusic.

SCORPIO

Your mind may seem rather cloudy today, Scorpio, but don't let this hinder you. In fact, you'll find that you can use this feeling of fantasy to your advantage. Try to bring moremagicintoyourlife.

SAGITTARIUS

Today is an excellent day for you,oneinwhichyou'llfinda great deal of strength in your emotions, Sagittarius Trust that your instincts are serving youwell.

CAPRICORN

Things might get a bit confusing for you today, Capricorn. Don't feel like you needtomakesenseofitall.In fact, this task may be impossible. Just be yourself. Let your creative nature shine through.

AQUARIUS

Mix your reality with a bit of fantasytoday,Aquarius.Allow your feet to come off the ground for a little while. Give yourselfarest.Takesometime to meditate and clear your mindofyourdailyworries.

PISCES

Let yourself go into high creative mode and drift into a whole other world, Pisces. Escape your present reality and explore your fantasies through any sort of artistic endeavor Dreamasbigasyour mindallows.

2025CWIRisingStarsMen’sU172-Day ChampionshipsDay2…Guyvs.T&T

Guyana managed to ward off another unwanted outcome as they drew their bat

le against the Trinidadians when action in the second round wrapped up Sunday evening at the Queen’sParkOval.

Trinidad resumed on 141-6 on the final day, replying to Guyana’s 1st innings109allout.

They were eventually restricted to 184 all out thanks to knocks from captain Saleem Khan (35), Adan Ramsaran (30), Roberto Badree (23) and ChristianRamanan(18).

WhenAcesCricketClub batted, Shawn Persaud scored 30 and 26 from Bernard DeSantos. Vekesh Beharry took 4-24 from his four-over spell to be Fusion Sport Club’s most outstandingbowler

He got good support as well from Sanjeev Ramnarine, Seon Glasgow andSateshHarilall.

Meanwhile, the final is s

Sunday, September 7 at Dixe/407 in Brampton Fusion Sport Club will clash with Masters, who defeated Sunshine by 96 runs in the othersemi-finalfixture.

Masters raced to 266-6 off 20-overs while Sunshine responded with 170 all out off 17.4 overs. Ex-Guyana Under-15 batsman Farouk Hussainstruckascintillating 171 to lead Masters to victory

and Parmeshwar Ram collected 3 wickets apiece for Guyana, who ended on 137-8battingasecondtime. Ram (20), Ramdheol (24) and Hetmyer (25), MicahAmsterdam(17*)and Feaz Baskh (21*) helped stretch the lead to 62 before proceeding ended in a stalemate.

In other games played, LeewardIslands(238allout and 143-5 declared), beat Windwards (74 all out and 63allout);by244runs.

Spinners Dave Mohabir

Barbados (211-7 dec.) beat Jamaica (68 all out and 141 all out), by an innings and2runs.

Guyana hold Anguilla to 1-0 defeat

The Junior Lady JaguarsU-14side delivered a statement performance on Monday, edgingAnguilla 10 in a tense Caribbean FootballUnion(CFU)Girls’ U-14 Challenge Series Tier II,GroupCshowdown. Withbothsidesunbeaten heading into the clash, Guyana struck early and never looked back Just

seven minutes in, striker Lehiana Bengamin stepped upfromthespotandburieda composed left-footed penalty to hand the Jaguars theadvantage.

From there, it was all about discipline and resilience. Captain Leandra Henrito, commanding from center-back, marshalled her teammates with maturity beyond her years, ensuring

Anguilla’s forwards were kept at arm’s length. DefendersKalieghToddand Skylar DeNobrega were equallyimmense,cuttingout attacks and frustrating Anguilla’s attempts to claw backintothecontest.

The second half saw Anguilla press hard for an equalizer, but Guyana’s backline held firm. Even with four minutes of

stoppage time added, the Jaguars refused to crack, sealing a professional 1-0 victory

The result lifts Guyana

level on nine points with Anguilla at the top of the group, setting up a decisive final group-stage encounter today against a dangerous

CaymanIslandsoutfit.Awin there could cement the Golden Jaguars’ status as serious contenders in the ChallengeSeries.

Berbice20/20Rapid Chesstournamentsetfor Sunday,August24th

Competitive chess, hostedbytheGuyanaChess Federation (GCF), is returning to Berbice on Sunday, August 24th, 2025.

The GCF has organized a One-Day20/20RapidChess Tournamenttobeheldinthe Conference Hall of Little RockSuites,locatedatMain and Church Streets, New Amsterdam, starting at 9:30 AMsharp.

Participation is free with trophiesandcashprizestobe won in the seven-round SwissSystemcompetition.

Theshorterversionofthe tournament mirrors 20/20 cricket with its faster play, but instead of 20 overs, participating chess players have 20 minutes each to score a win over their opponents in the seven matchestobecontested.Ifa player’s time runs out, the match is lost The exhilarating event is set to showcase the strategic brilliance of Berbice’s top chessplayers.

Mr Steve Leung, New Amsterdam chess player, in aninvitedcommentgavehis insight to the GCF on the challenges he expects in the fast-paced competition “The greatest challenge for me while only playing with

20 minutes, is playing the endgame There’s usually little time on the clock, whereeverysecondmatters. Undertimepressure,thereis an increased chance for mistakes to arise, which couldcostyouthegame,”he said.

Digital chess clocks provided by the Federation will regulate the rapid format. The time control forces experienced players toexecutewinningmovesas theclockcountsdown,while pairs of opponents face off each other in a battle of minds. Mr Colin Bowry, an avid chess player and MathematicsteacheratNew Amsterdam Multilateral School, is comfortable with the time control of 20 minutes per player for each match.“Idon’treallyhavea difficultyplayingwithinthat time limit because when I learntthegame,Iwastaught to use my opponent’s thinkingtimeasmythinking time,”hecleverlydeclared.

The event is open to all Berbice chess players, and cash prizes will be awarded for the First, Second, and ThirdPlaces.Aspecialprize will also be awarded to the BestFemale.

Registration is online

encouraged to sign up early on the GCF’s website guyanachess gy to secure their spot by Thursday, August 21st. The link can also be found on GCF’s Facebook page Berbice Players can contact Mr Nandalall on WhatsApp 623-7723 for more informationonregistration. Tournament Arbiters, Jessica Callendar and Shiv Nandalall, will be present to ensurethesmoothrunningof thecompetition.

The Guyana Chess Federation is proud to sponsor this competition. It is specifically designed to revive and expand the game in the county of Berbice, where chess was once very popular This tournament aligns with the federation’s plan for nationwide expansion and its long-term goal of having chess in schools.

Thefederationhopesthis eventwilldrawplayersofall ages who will help build a vibrantlocalcommunityand go on to compete in future chess events. Chess players within Berbice wishing to become a member of the GCF can also do so on guyanachess.gy

1972 Shell Shield team to Jamaica was to captained by Lance Gibbs

- Statistician Charwayne Walker corrects Colin Croft’s debut account

Renowned cricket

statistician

C h a r w a y n e

Walker has issued a respectful correction to a recentarticlebyformerWest Indies fast bowler Colin Croft published in this newspaper

In the piece, Croft recalled that legendary batsman Rohan Kanhai was Guyana’s captain when he madehisseniordebutinthe ShellShieldagainstJamaica in 1972. However, Walker has pointed out that historical records show otherwise.

According to Walker, it was Lance Gibbs, the celebrated Demerara Cricket Club off-spinner,

who captained Guyana during that 1972 clash at Sabina Park He further emphasized that Rohan Kanhaiwasnotevenpartof the Guyana playing XI for thatfixture.

Walker provided the full Guyana lineup to reinforce his correction: Roy Fredericks, Milton

P y d a n a , A l v i n Kallicharran, Leonard M

R

B

, S y d n e y Matthews, Oitlal Munilall, Sew Shivnarine, captain Lance Gibbs, and debutant CollinCroft.

He also noted that, in o f f i c i a l t e a m announcements before the

tour to Jamaica, Lance Gibbs had been named captain, with Stephen Camacho serving as team manager

While acknowledging Croft’s distinguished contributions to Guyana and West Indies cricket, Walker stressed the importance of accuracy when documenting such historic milestones “Facts matter, especially when preserving the legacy of our cricket,” Walker stated. This correction not only preserves the integrity of Guyana’s cricketing history but also ensures that the record of Croft’s memorable debut remains truetothearchives.

USA,Tanzania,Japanamong 16teamstoqualifyfor2026 U-19men’sWorldCup

On top of the world: Australia are 2024 Under-19 World Cup champions. (ICC/Getty Images)

ESPNcricinfo - USA became the 16th and final team to qualify for the 2026 Under-19men’sWorldCup. The50-overtournamentwill be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia, with the former,beingaFullMember nation, gaining automatic qualification to the event alongside the top ten teams in the 2024 edition of the tournament.

Slingerz Racing

Stable extends

condolences on the passing of jockey Kishan Pereira

Slingerz Racing Stable joinstheentirehorseracing fraternity in mourning the tragic passing of jockey KishanPereira,wholosthis lifeonSundayattheRising Sun Turf Club during the staging of the prestigious GuyanaCup.

Pereira was competing intheH-ClassOpen,astride Blinding Lights, owned by Leonard Jetto, when the heartbreaking incident occurredinthepenultimate raceoftheday

Horseracing,byitsvery nature, is a sport of great risks, yet Kishan embraced it with unmatched passion, bravery,andcommitment.

regard,bothasacompetitor andasanindividual.

He embodied the very spirit of perseverance and courage that defines this sport, and his loss will be feltdeeplybyallwhoknew him and shared the track withhim.

Tohisfamily,weextend our heartfelt prayers, support,andstrengthduring this painful time. Please know that Kishan Pereira’s name will forever be remembered within the annals of Guyana’s racing history,andhiscontribution tothesportwillliveonasan enduringlegacy

Onbehalfoftheowners, trainers, jockeys, and the wider Slingerz Racing Stable family, we express our deepest condolences to his loved ones, friends, and colleagues.

India and Australia, the previous edition’s finalists, along with Bangladesh, England, Ireland, Pakistan, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, South Africa and West Indies, directly qualified for thetournament.

Theremainingfivespots wereawardedtothewinners of the regional qualifiers. In the Africa Qualifier, Tanzania beat Namibia beforebookingthespotafter adominantwinoverKenya. Namibiawillmissoutonthe tournament after their unsuccessful run in the qualifiers because only Full

Member host nations secure anautomaticspot. Afghanistan booked the spotwithabetterrun-ratein theAsiaQualifieraftertheir match with Nepal, on equal points, was washed out Japan clinched the East Asia-PacificQualifier,while Scotland booked their place after a tense last day of play against Netherlands in the EuropeQualifier

USA won the Americas Qualifier, winning against Canada, Bermuda, and

Argentinatofinishtopofthe table.

The 16 qualified teams will be divided into four groups,followingwhichthe top three teams from each group will progress to the Super Sixes stage. The top two from each Super Sixes group will then face each other in the semi-finals Indiaarethemostsuccessful teaminthecompetitionwith five titles, while defending champions Australia have four

Morethanjustatalented jockey,hewasadmiredand respectedacrossstablesand communities for his skill, professionalism, and the infectious energy he broughttoeveryrace.

His love for the sport was undeniable, and his presence elevated horse racinginGuyana.

Slingerz Racing Stable held Kishan in the highest

May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his memorycontinuetoinspire those who ride with the same courage and dedication that defined his life.

SlingerzFCannihilateMainstayas

GDFholdDenAmstelto4-2defeat

Slingerz Football

Club secured

another three points in their 2025 Elite League campaign with a dominant victory over MainstayGoldstarFC,while fourth-placed Guyana Defence Force (GDF) FC maintained their position with a hard-fought 4-2 win overDenAmstelFC.

The weekend’s doubleheader featured DenAmstel against a full-strength GDF at the Leonora Stadium, followed by Slingerz FC dismantling Mainstay Goldstar FC in a recordbreaking20-0rout.

On Sunday evening, GDF looked well-drilled, withmidfielderChrisMacey putting in a commanding performance Operating deep, Macey anchored the team defensively and sparked their attacks with vision and composure. His sharp distribution set up the

counterattack that led to StephenMcDonald’sopener inthe38thminute.

Den Amstel, however, showed resilience through their prolific strike duo of Delon Lanferman and Deon Alfred. Just before halftime, Lanfermanburiedastunning equalizer in the 41st minute to level the score at 1-1 headingintothebreak.

But GDF returned with renewedenergy Trayon Bobb rose to theoccasion,nettingtwice in quick succession in the 50th and 58th minutes to givehissideacomfortable cushion Despite Den Amstel’s late push, Macey’s tireless work in midfield ensured GDF remainedincontrol

Their dominance was sealedwhenAbumchiOpara extendedtheleadinthe69th minute,beforeAlfredpulled one back late for Den Amstel, leaving GDF 4-2 winners.

The night then belonged to Slingerz FC, who treated fanstoagoal-fest.

Job Caesar opened the scoring in the 10th minute, followed quickly by a brace fromDarronNiles(12’,18’).

Romaine Brackenridge added two more (21’, 38’), while Kemar Beckford capitalizedwithstrikesinthe 24th,25th,and43rdminutes.

Young Bryan Wharton delivered a hat-trick (29’, 36’, 51’), newly-signed

World No. 3 Swiatek powers past Rybakina into Cincinnati WTA final

AFP - Iga Swiatek reachedthefinaloftheATPWTA Cincinnati Open for the first time on Sunday, surgingpastElenaRybakina 7-5,6-3inamatchplayedin sweltering summer conditions.

Poland’s Swiatek, the reigning Wimbledon champion, recovered an earlybreakintheopeningset and powered away to beat 2022 All England winner Rybakina—whohadswept past world number one and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in the quarterfinals.

Swiatek, a former world number one now ranked third,hadtwicestalledatthe semi-final stage at the preUS Open event, but booked her title chance on her third opportunity She will vie for the title on Monday against either seventh-seeded Italian Jasmine Paolini or Veronika Kudermetova.

“It was a tough match,” Swiatek said “At the beginning it was crazy, so hot and we were playingsofast.”

savingapairofmatchpoints in the eighth before Swiatek closeditoutagamelater

“I was playing with intensity and quality,” Swiatek said. “I feel good about my game right now and would not change anything.”

Swiatek said she was preparedforatoughfinal,no matterwhoshefaces.

“Anyone who is there will have been playing well,” she said. “Each of them play completely different tennis. I’ll have to figure out my tactics. I’ve progressed well at this tournament and I want to continuethat.”

Derrel Garcia netted twice before Jean-heim McFree stoletheshow,hammeringin fivegoals(60’,66’,76’,83’, 90’).

Daniel Ross (74’) and Solomon Austin (77’) completed the 20-0 demolition. With the emphatic win, Slingerz remain firmly on top with 34 points, while GuyanaPoliceForceFCand Western Tigers FC trail in second and third, both with 27points.

Thompson out of sprint show down with Lyles in Lausanne

(REUTERS/Aleksandra Szmigiel/File Photo)

(Reuters) - Olympic silver medallist Kishane Thompsonwillnotruninthe 100 metres at the Lausanne

Diamond League on Wednesday, with media reports citing shin discomfort as the reason for theJamaican’sabsence.

Thesix-timeGrandSlam championrecoveredfrom35 down in the opening set, sweeping the last four games. Swiatek jumped to a 4-1 lad in the second, sandwiching a pair of love service games around a breakofRybakina’sserve.

Before her 6-0, 6-0 Wimbledon final win over Amanda Anisimova last month,Swiatekhadbeenina trophy drought with her last prior title coming in June 2024atRolandGarros.

But Kazakhstan’s Rybakinamadeherworkfor it, fending off three break points in the sixth game and

Another victory on Monday would be a strong springboard into the US Open,wherefirst-roundplay startsonAugust24.

ThompsonwonthemuchanticipatedrematchwithNoah Lyles at Saturday’s Diamond League meeting in Silesia, after the American beat

Thompson by five thousandthsofasecondatlast year’sOlympicfinal,butthere willbenorepeatshowdownin Switzerland

Saturday’s race was the pair’sfirstmeetingsincethe Paris final, with Lyles’ season delayed by an ankle injury Thompson came out on top in a time of 9.87 seconds, with the American

posting his best time of the season, coming second in 9.90. Thompson is unlikely torunagainbeforetheworld championships in Tokyo in September He is currently the man to beat after clocking 9 75 at the Jamaican championships in June.

Lyles will have another Jamaicanrivaltocontendwith in Lausanne, facing Oblique SevillewhobeattheAmerican when Lyles made his first 100m appearance of the seasonattheLondonDiamond League meet in July Another Jamaican, world champion Shericka Jackson, is also absentfromthewomen’s200 metres starting list in Lausanne Jackson posted a season’s best time of 2217 secondsinSilesiaonSaturday towinthe200m

Reflects CWI’s commitment to player development

West Indies Women Head to Chennai to Participate in Strategic Development Camp

ST JOHN’S, Antigua –Fifteen of the region’s most promising female cricketers

have embarked on a specialized training camp at the Chennai Super Kings AcademyinIndia,aspartof Cricket West Indies (CWI) expansion and continuation of its groundbreaking India developmentprogramme.

The female contingent, accompanied by head coach MerissaAguilleira, assistant coaches Ryan Hinds and Tremayne Smartt and team manager Yasmine St Ange, departed Barbados for India on August 12 ahead of the comprehensive two-week programme, which runs from13to30August.

The 15-member group features some players capped at senior level including Ashmini Munisar, Zaida James, Djenaba Joseph, Jahzara Claxton,

Jannillea Glasgow, Realeanna Grimmond, Trishan Holder, Mandy

Mangru and Nerissa Crafton, in addition to present and former West Indies Under 19 stars NaijanniCumberbatch,Niya

Latchman, Samara Ramnath, Shunelle Sawh, Steffie Soogrim and Selena Ross.

During this period, the players will participate in a series of practice matches and specialized training sessionsdesignedtoenhance their performance against spin bowling in challenging overseas conditions, with unique emphasis on technical development, mental conditioning and cultural adaptation, all essen

internationalcricketsuccess.

Working alongside the same world-class coaching staff that guided the male contingent, including Academy Director Sriram Krishnamurthy and his expert team, the female players will benefit from Chennai’s renowned facilities and coaching expertise.

Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, expressed enthusiasm about the programme’s expansion, stating: “Following the tremendous success of our male players’training camp inDecember,weareproudto now extend this opportunity to our most promising femalecricketers.

The Super Kings AcademyinChennaioffersa world

lass training environment that allows our playerstoexperiencecricket in a different part of the world.”

“This initiative will provide targeted technical development, especially in batting against spin, while also exposing the players to

the mental and physical demands of elite training in subcontinentalconditions.It forms a key part of our broader vision to build a deeper,moreresilientplayer pool and ensure gender parity in developmental opportunities.”

“We are confident that

the players selected will grow from this experience and help raise the standards across our entire women’s cricket pathway It’s another important step in strengtheningthefoundation ofWestIndiescricketforthe future.”

With plans to alternate

between male and female groups annually, this program represents CWI’s long-term vision for comprehensive player development and continues to position West Indies cricket at the forefront of innovative training methodologies.

BYD announces sponsorship of CPL

the past three decades,

integrated solutions for clean energy acquisition, storage,andapplication. The brand’s automotive

division leads the world in newenergyvehiclesalesand continues to expand its footprint globally. In the Caribbean, BYD is already represented in Antigua, Aruba, Bonaire, Barbados, Curaçao, Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad, with a new Saint Lucia

showroomsettoopenbefore theendoftheyear

Stephen Hector, Group Deputy Managing Director, BYD Caribbean, said: “The Caribbean Premier League is a vital part of the region’s culture, and cricket has a unique way of bringing communitiestogetheracross the Caribbean. For BYD, this partnership is a significant milestone, in particular, it marks the first time our brand will be introduced to such a wide audience in Guyana. We’re honouredtosupportanevent that holds deep cultural i m p o r t a n c e w h i l e demonstrating our commitment to innovation, sustainability,andthefuture ofmobilityintheCaribbean.

Partnering with CPL provides us with a valuable platform to engage with passionate fans and share BYD’s vision for a sustainablefuture.”

J a m i e S t e w a r t , Commercial Director,

Republic Bank CPL, said:

“We are delighted to welcome BYD to the CPL family This partnership aligns perfectly with our values of innovation, c o m m u n i t y , a n d sustainability As we bring theexcitementofCaribbean cricket to fans around the world, it’s fantastic to have the support of a brand that shares our commitment to making a positive impact bothonandoffthefield.We look forward to working together to deliver an unforgettable 2025 tournament.”

The2025RepublicBank CPLrunsfrom14Augustto 21 September, featuring top cricketingtalentfromacross the region and around the world.

BYD’s sponsorship will be visible at matches, fan zones, and community initiatives, underscoring its dedication to supporting Caribbean culture and sustainableprogress.

SlingerzFCannihilateMainstayas GDFholdDenAmstelto4-2defeat

Guyana hold Anguilla to 1-0 defeat

West Indies Women Head to Chennai to Participate in Strategic Development Camp

Berbice 20/20 Rapid Chess tournament set for Sunday, August 24th