WIN will not accept election results if polling agents not approved
...GECOMsayspartymisseddeadlinetosubmit; mattertobeconsideredbyCommission
GECOMsaysalliswellwithpresidingofficers… Womankills boatoperator at
Over 13,000 first time voters registered for E-day
Forward Guyana Movement party has vowed toimmediatelyfileanappeal to the decision of Chief Justice(Ag)NavindraSingh moments after he dismissed its case challenging the
G u y a n a E l e c t i o n s Commission (GECOM) for excluding the party from national ballots in three regions.
A F i x e d D a t e Application was filed on behalf of Krystal Hadassah Fisher, a national candidate of the Forward Guyana Movement (FMG), a party founded by politician and attorney, Amanza Walton Desir, which contends that GECOM's exclusion of her partyfromballotsinRegions Seven, Eight, and Nine
v i o l a t e s m u l t i p l e constitutionalrights.
In defence of the case, Dr Vivian Williams reiterated his view that the Representation of the People'sAct(RoPA)andthe applicationofsectionsofthe law by GECOM are in
c o n f l i c t w i t h t h e constitution.
“It creates tension with the principal object of the constitution; the court must
side with the constitution. Weaskthecourttointerpret those inconsistencies in favourofconstitutionality.”
InhisdecisiononFriday, Justice Singh underscored thefactthattheFGMdidnot submitalistofcandidatesfor the regions makes the party ineligible to contest in the constituencies.
The chief justice explained that to contest the geographical constituency, thepartymustsubmitalistof candidates for that constituency
“Section 11 of the RepresentationofthePeople Act (RoPA) stipulates that thepartycanonlyappearon a ballot of a geographic location if they submitted a list for the constituency,” JusticeSinghexplained. He pointed out that
Article 160 of the Constitution establishes that apartycanonlyorenforcea geographical constituency if that party contests that geographicalconstituency
The chief justice explained that the constitution sets up an electoral system which allocates specific seats to geographical constituencies
in order to guarantee regional representation, broaden inclusivity, strengthen the link between citizens and parliament and reflect the country's geographic and ethnic diversity
The judge noted therefore that GECOM's omission of the party from ballots in geographic constituencies it is not contesting in, is completely lawful.
He asserted that to place the party on those ballots would be a violation of the lawandconstitution.
The CJ held that the applicant's argument that GECOM is discriminating against voters from
p a r t i c u l a r regions is “ludicrous and fallacious,” since there is no evidence that has been produced to show that GECOM has in any way limited or restricted the participation of any party in theupcomingelections.
“The applicant has not shown in any way that GECOM has unlawfully determined which party appears or not appear on the
ballot paper of any geographical constituency
In fact, based on the undisputed evidence before the court, the parties on whose behalf the applicant purportstobeadvocating,to wit, the FGM and the ALP, madedeliberatedecisionsto not vie for a seat/s in those geographical constituencies which resulted in those parties not being placed on theballotpapersforthestate constituencies.”
The judge imposed cost inthesumof$1millioneach for the two respondents; Attorney General Anil Nandlall,S.CandGECOM.
Outside the courtroom, Nandlall told the media that he was happy that the court ruledinthemannerinwhich it did. He held that he had longheldthatthematterwas meritless.
“So, whatever uses this casemaybeinthefuture…I can't see this point ever coming up again. But in Guyana, you can't put anything beyond these political parties. They file anything that seemed to come to their head. So, we have now added enrichment to our jurisprudence as it relatestoarticle160thathas been the subject of multiple interpretations And you know that we have not lost one of these cases, not one. Have we lost all these challenges?”
Meanwhile,presidential candidate of FGM, Ms (Continuedonpage6)
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Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456
Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams
Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
Guyanese politics is once again approaching a decisive juncture,withtheelectiondaysaway
The ruling People's Progressive Party (PPP), despite appearing to be a well organised unit, faces an electoral landscapethatisrapidlychanging.
Itisclear,oneyearago,itdidnotcaterfortheemergence oftheWINparty,ledbybusinessman,AzruddinMohamed whoisunderU.S.sanctions.Mohamedwasaclosefriendof the PPP not so long ago, but things have soured and undeterredbytheweightofthesanctionhecontinuesinhis nationalambitions.
Onethingforcertain,hehasinjectedafreshdynamicinto our politics. WIN's public meetings are pulling thousands, across the country and its presence in the Amerindian communities, where the PPPfor years dominated has been solid.
Mohamed's rhetoric has captured disaffected voters acrossregions,andhismerepresenceisreshapingthedebate ongovernance,accountability,andpower
The possibility of a minority government as is being predicted by many and even an informal poll is now very real.
FormanyGuyanese,wearyofone-partydominanceand the stagnation that comes with it, this prospect holds some promise. Alliance for Change (AFC) leader Nigel Hughes recentlydescribedsuchaconfigurationastheonlywaythe citizensofthiscountrymighttrulyseepartiescompelledto worktogetherinthenationalinterest.Hisremarksringtrue.
Fortoolong,Guyana'soilwealth,ouronce-in-a-lifetime opportunitytotransformthisnationhasbeenmanagedwith opacity and alarming unaccountability Billions of U.S. dollarsinrevenueshaveenteredstatecoffers,yetthepeople are left questioning: Where is the money? Why are our hospitals still underfunded? Why are our roads still crumbling? Why is the cost-of-living spiraling while ordinary workers remain stuck with stagnant wages? The PPP'stenurehasbeenmarkedbycentralizationofpower,a lackofmeaningfulparliamentaryoversight,andarefusalto engage with citizens beyond carefully orchestrated media spectacles hosted every week at Freedom House by Vice PresidentBharratJagdeo.
ItisagainstthisbackdropthatWINhasgainedtraction. Thecrowdsatitsralliesarenotsimplyanendorsementofthe personalities involved; they are protesting the PPP and the PNCR'sfailuretogovernwithtransparency Theyareacry for an alternative. For many voters, WIN represents disruption, an untested vehicle that might fracture the strangleholdoftheoldguard.
Yet,wemustalsobeclear-eyed.Aminoritygovernment isnomagicwand.Itcarriesrisksofgridlock,instability,and endlessparliamentarywrangling,butthequestionbeforeus isnotwhetheraminoritygovernmentisperfect;itiswhether the current trajectory of majority rule is sustainable for a countryonthecuspofanoil-fueledtransformation.
The answer is increasingly evident: unchecked dominance by a single party has delivered opacity and squandered opportunities. A minority government, by contrast,wouldforcenegotiation.Itwouldobligetheruling party, whoever it is, to consult with other forces before passingbudgets,beforeapprovingcontracts,beforemaking policy decisions of national consequence. It would give smaller parties leverage to demand transparency clauses, strongeroversight,andcitizen-focusedspending.
This is not merely speculation. Around the world, minoritygovernmentsoftenproducesurprisingresults.They temper arrogance. They instill humility They encourage compromise. When no single party can ram through decisions, all parties are forced to justify their positions before both Parliament and the people. In our fragile democracy, such a system may in fact be healthier than the falsestabilityofmajoritydominance.
Still, much depends on the caliber of leadership. The WINpartymustshowmorethanitsabilitytodrawcrowds.It mustarticulateclearpolicypositionsongovernance,onoil
DearEditor, Reference was made in Kaieteur News to a poll that wasconductedbyagroupof studentsfromtheUniversity of Guyana. That poll concluded that respondents had three major concerns. One was inflation and the cost of living.Asecond was weakness in the police force and rising crime. Third was endemic corruption in the public service. That those three things were of greatest concern to respondents and themajoritywasstillwilling to leave the reins of government with the PPP/C wasmindboggling.
No one else but the PPP/C was responsible for the economic hardship and miseryofGuyaneseoverthe last five years. Yet, it is suggested that the majority are prepared to have the family, friends and favourites of the PPP/C continue to enjoy life while they remain suffering
Therefore, I am left to wonder how they expect their situation to improve if thePPP/Cremainsinpower. Are citizens trapped in a place where mentally they recognize and revolt against the Guyana reality while feeling pressured to 'soft soap'thePPP?
Editor,interestingly,they also saw the police force as weak and by inference unable to control crime. I wonder if these people realizethatitwasthePPP/C governmentthatdeliberately demoralized and weakened the police force? Do they recognizethatitwasthePPP that caused the existence of the crime infested environmentthatexists.You can, therefore, imagine my amazementthatthereexistsa publicpositionthatsuggests that most Guyanese want to continue with a government that deliberately put us in thatsituation.So,Imustask. Does crime really matter to
them? Perhaps, they have become so immune to the situation that they do not realize there will be no change in the frightening crime situation if the PPP/C was not removed from office.Justasalarmingisthe failure to recognize that corruption is a problem directly connected to the r u l i n g p a r t y T h e governmentisnotthepublic servantalone.Itisobviousto me that the respondents do not realize that the masterminds behind the corruption schemes are the political heads and not the humble public servant Alternatively, the publishers may have either avoided presenting the appropriate questions or may have coloured the published information. How else does one explain the recognition of corruption and its attendant negative effects, yet embrace its enablers and practitioners?
Editor, the most perplexingoftheconclusion of that poll is the fact that Guyanese are prepared to allow two parties that are linked to crime and corruption to control our country Arewethatfoolish? I am frightened by this prospect and the physical andeconomicharmthatwill befallthiscountrybecauseof voters granting nearly twothirdsofparliamentaryseats tothesetwopartiesknownto beassociatedwithcrimeand corruption. Could it be that those polled are all freedom houseresidents?
Editor, as I thought of this published outcome, the analogy that came to my mind was that of a battered spousewhopreferredtostay with the abuser instead of seekingaplaceofsafety MayGodHelpUsAll.
Sincerely, MervynWilliams, Former Member of Parliament.
DearEditor,
The PPP from the very inception has always embraced political and ideological pluralism Its working-class orientation has been largely responsible for its several victories dating back to the early 1950's when it scored a major political victory winning18ofthe24seatsin the 1953 elections, the first to be held under universal adult suffrage. The same
pattern of victory continued in the elections of 1957, 1961 and 1964 when the British Government imposed a new system of p r o p o r t i o n a l a l representation with the sole intention of removing the PPP from office and by so doing denying the PPP the opportunity to take the country to independence status.
Except for the period of rigged elections spanning
revenuemanagement,andonsocialdevelopment.Itsleader must address forthrightly the questions surrounding his international status and demonstrate commitment to building credible, transparent institutions. Popularity alone willnotsustainit.
At the same time, established parties like theAFC and others in the opposition spectrum must recognise that their roleinapossibleminorityconfigurationisnottoplayspoiler or opportunist, but to serve as vigilant guardians of the public purse and advocates for national unity Guyanese citizenswillhavelittlepatienceforendlessobstructionism. Whattheydemandiscooperation,oversight,andaboveall, deliveryofresults.
Based on all the informal poll results and analyses, the political class must prepare itself for this possibility Civil societytoomustreadyitselftoholdleadersaccountableina more fluid parliamentary environment. This is the second time first, the idea that the ruling party- PPPC could be reducedtoaminorityiswithinreach.
Ifweseizeitwisely,aminoritygovernmentcouldopen the door to the kind of politics Guyana has long deserved: one where no single party rules unchecked, where collaboration is not a choice but a necessity, and where the people's business finally takes precedence over partisan entrenchment.
The PPP may remain the dominant force in a two-way race,butitcannotignoretherisingtideofdiscontent.WIN's surgeisproofthatGuyanesearereadytodemandsomething different.Whetherthat“somethingdifferent”takestheform ofaminoritygovernmentwillbedecidedattheballotbox. Whatiscertainisthis:uncheckedpowerhasfailedus.Itis timetotryaccountability,evenifitcomesbywayofpolitical compromise.
nearly three decades from 1964-1992, the PPP in its seventy-five-year history hasneverlostafreeandfair elections.Andwhileitistrue that it lost power to the APNU-AFC coalition in 2015,thatelectionwas'won' under questionable circumstanceswhichledtoa court challenge by the PPP
The case was eventually overtaken by time after the PPP/C emerged victorious once again in the March 2020 General and Regional elections despite strenuous efforts by the APNU+AFC coalition to derail the elections.
Thepointintheaboveis that the PPP in its long and illustrious history has never lost a free and fair election and from all indications these coming elections will be no different This is because the support base of the PPP has expanded significantly to include Guyaneseofallwalksoflife.
Isubmitthatthisgrowing embraceofthePPP/Cbythe Guyanese electorate is the direct result of its universalistic approach to development which transcended the narrow boundaries of race and ethnicity. The impact of the PPP/Cs policies and programmesismanifestedin enhancedlivingstandardsof all Guyanese regardless of race, religion or political affiliation. There is today better access to quality education and health care. More Guyanese are the
proud owners of their own homes and consumer durables such as motor vehicles, the number of which is increasing exponentially All of this is indicativeofhigherlevelsof prosperityintheland.
Guyana is today a middle-incomecountryafter having graduated from its low-income highly indebted statusundertheformerPNC regime The stature of Guyana has grown where it is now a respected member of the international community Prior to 1992 G u y a n a w a s t h e laughingstock of the region duetohighlevelsofpoverty andundemocraticrule.
But not anymore, thanks tothevisionaryleadershipof the PPP/C and its strong advocacy of global security, world peace and a more equitable global order The profile of Guyana on the regional and international stagehasneverbeenhigher
This is governance at its best.PresidentDr Mohamed IrfaanAlihasplacedGuyana onthegloballimelightandis highly respected by leaders acrosstheglobe. This momentum of progressandprosperitymust continue for the good of Guyana and the entire region.IurgeallGuyaneseto vote for the PPP/C and for President Dr Mohamed IrfaanAlitocontinuetolead thisbeautifulcountryofours along the path of progress andprosperity HydarAlly
BrothersandSistersall, You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecratednation,apeople setaparttosingthepraisesof God who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.(1Pet2:9)
As our beloved nation approaches the National Elections on September 1, 2025, I write to you with a shepherd's heart, guided by faith, reason, and love for our shared homeland. Our country stands at a crucial crossroads—one where past wounds, if unhealed, could fuel division and unrest.Yet we are also at a moment of great possibility—a time to choose peace rooted in
justice and democracy groundedintruth.
Over the last month, a groupofconcernedcitizens, myselfincluded,bywayofa series of webinars, conversations titled “Just Electoral Peace,” brought together regional experts fromSurinameandTrinidad and Tobago—nations with ethnic and colonial histories not unlike our own. We learned that electoral peace is not merely the absence of violence,butthepresenceof reconciliation, fair systems, mutual respect and shared values. In both countries, respect for electoral rules, independentinstitutions,and civil society engagement
helped sustain peace amid et
differences Guyana, too, canwalkthispath. But peace must be cultivated It requires trust—inoursystems,inone anothe
st importantly, in the values of justice, equality, and truth. We must speak honestly about our history and commit to healing. Let us support institutions that are transparent and fair and let us encourage civil society including the Church to educ
e, advocate, and bridge our differences. Our youth are especially important. Many are disillusioned, yet they
carry the hope of a new political culture free from ethnicdivision.Letuslisten tothem,empowerthem,and walkbesidethem.
Therefore, I urge everyone, every citizen of goodwill, to engage peacefully and faithfully in these elections not as partisan followers, but as bearers of light and life that emanates from faith. Vote with conscience Reject division Support justice Andpraywithoutceasingfor our nation Let us be peacemakers and nation builders.
Witheveryblessing, +FrancisAlleyneOSB BishopofGeorgetown.
DearEditor,
The Ethnic Relations Commission(ERC)hasonce again exposed itself as an institutiondriftingfarfromits constitutional moorings and wasting taxpayers' scarce resources Therevelationthat theERCwillfieldthelargest contingent of election observers is not only laughable,butalsodownright scandalous This is not its mandate,andGuyanesemust not remain silent while another bloated state agency squanders millions to chase relevance where it has none
The ERC's function is unambiguous: to promote harmony, investigate ethnic discrimination, and prevent ethnicdivisions
Nowhere in the Constitution, nor in its enabling Act, is the ERC givenpowerstousurptherole of accredited local or international observer missions Election observation is a specialized task, undertaken by organizations with technical knowledge, neutrality, and a mandate to evaluate processes The ERC, by
contrast, was created to heal rifts in our society and build t r u s t a c r o s s communities not to parade aroundonElectionDayasifit were a substitute for GECOM, the Carter Center, t h e O A S , o r t h e Commonwealth
Thisisabrazenmisuseof power and a reckless drain on public funds At a time w h e n s c h o o l s a r e underfunded,communitiesare crying out for basic services, and poverty bites harder than ever,whyistheERCburning through taxpayers' money to
duplicate functions that others are already performing? Instead of dealing with real issues of ethnic tension, discrimination complaints, and community healing, the ERC is chasing headlines with grand spectacles that serve no purposeexcepttoinflateegos and justify its budget The Commission should answer the hard questions: Who authorized this misdirection of resources? How much money is being spent on transport, (Continuedonpage6)
DearEditor, 'Eternal vigilance is the price of freedom' – Thomas Jefferson For Guyana, that means that citizens should take photographs of the statement of poll at their pollingplaceandsharethose photographswidely
Here is the legal text on the Procedure on closing of poll,intheRepresentationof the People Act, cap. 1:03, 2006, of the Laws of Guyana:
“83 (9A). The statement of
accordance with subsection (9) shall be posted in a
conspicuous place outside the polling place as conclusive evidence of the resultoftheelectionforthat pollingplaceunlessthereisa recountofthevotes.”
The more widely the statementsofpollareshared, the fewer chances there will betotamperwiththevotes.
Yourstruly,
JanetteBulkan
General Secretary of the People's
Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, has warned that only the PPP can fulfill its development plans over the next five years if oil pricesfall.
SpeakingathisThursday pressconferenceatFreedom House, Jagdeo said that while Guyana's oil and gas sectorisexpectedtoperform “well” in the coming years, its volatile nature poses risks. He argued that rival parties, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), AllianceForChange(AFC), andWeInvestinNationhood (WIN), have failed to account for these risks and are instead banking almost entirely on oil revenues to fundtheirpromises.
Jagdeo had noted that opposition parties are not takingintoconsiderationthe volatility of oil prices “Everyone only speaks abouttheupside.We arethe only party that speaks about the balancing of risk that should oil prices move downwards, all of the promises made by the opposition, in fact none of themcouldbekept,”hesaid.
Frompage5 stipends,andallowancesfor these observers? What training have they received to qualify them as credible
m o n i t o r s ? M o s t importantly what credibility does the ERC
bring when its very compositionandfunctioning
are viewed by many Guyanese as compromised and politically entangled? The truth is, the ERC is failing in its core duty Ethnic tensions persist,
General Secretary of People's Progressive Party (PPP/C) Bharrat
Jagdeo
Jagdeo said that the PPP's commitments remain viable even under less favorable conditions. “Our promisescouldbekepteven with a moderation of international crisis because we have been at this before. We have the experience to navigate tough economic situations. We did so when the country was bankrupt and we brought it back to financial viability and we have already been speaking extensively about how we createadiversifiedeconomy that will generate thousands ofhigherpayingnewjobsin the non-oil sector as well as ensure greater long-term prosperity,”Jagdeosaid. He stressed that capable
leadership is critical to steering Guyana's economy amidpotentialrisks.
“It's not simple Our economyisgoingtodowell in the oil and gas sector, but there's a risk to it too,” he cautioned.
Further, Jagdeo noted that only the PPP has the experienceandcredibilityto craft and implement sustainable development plans “Our party stands ahead of all the other competitors in that regard. Andsothepeopleacrossthis country would have experiencedthis. They would have seen this and they recognise that they'renotgoingtoputtheir future at risk by taking chancesonpeoplewhoeven
complaints remain unanswered,andthebodyis largely invisible until election season rolls around—when it suddenly finds new ways to justify its existence. The decision to mobilize the largest contingent of observers is nothing more than political grandstanding and a desperate attempt to look relevant Guyanese must demand accountability The ERC cannot continue to masquerade as an election
watchdog while ignoring its constitutional responsibility It must be called out for wasting money, duplicating roles, and undermining trust intheveryinstitutionsitwas createdtostrengthen.
If the Commission truly wants to serve the people, it shouldreturntoitsmandate:
building harmony, addressing discrimination, and fostering genuine unity—not playing at being anelectionobserver
A.Rampersaud
Frompage3
Walton-Desir expressed her disappointment with the ruling and affirmed the party's commitment to pursue the appeal. She said the fight for fair representation in the electoral process must continue. In a subsequent statement,thepartyasserted thatitrespectsthejudgment, but profoundly disagrees with it. “In our view, this ruling has implications far beyond Forward Guyana Movement or Ms. Fisher It
touches the very core of our democracy, where sovereignty belongs to the people under Article 9, and where inclusionary democracy is mandated by Article 13. It is not the purpose of legal cases to seek a particular outcome from a particular judge. To approach them in that way would be to resign the society to cynicism and hopelessness.”Furthermore, FGMsaiditisimportantthat such cases are brought, for citizenshavebotharightand
don'thaveaclearagendafor the future, who've been making just promises that, you know, will never be implemented,”hestated. Currently, oil is only being produced from the Stabroek block, which is operated by American oil giant ExxonMobil. There are four developments Liza Phase 1, Liza Phase 2,
Payara and Yellowtail, currently in production with a combined installed capacity to 900,000 barrels per day (bpd). In addition, Exxon has two other sanctionedprojectsunderits belt: Uaru and Whiptail. It has also submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for its s e v e n t h p r o j e c t ,
production targeted for 2029 Additionally, the company has filed an application for an eighth development, Longtail. By 2030, ExxonMobil Guyana expects to have total production capacity of 1.7 millionoilequivalentbarrels per day from eight developments.
a duty to clarify the law They must be brought
because democracy demandsit.
“We commend Ms. Fisher for her courage in raising this matter on behalf of all voters. And we will appeal because this fight is bigger than one case. It is about whether Guyana will entrench exclusion or whether it will embrace the inclusionary democracy
p r o m i s e d b y o u r Constitution,” the party said inthestatement.
AFC accuses PPP of using state data for political purposes …says move gives
TheAlliance for Change (AFC) has accused the governing People's Progressive Party (PPP) of exploiting state-gathered data to contact citizens for politicalsupportaheadofthe upcomingelections.
At the party's press conferenceonFriday,leader Nigel Hughes said the AFC is aware of PPP agents reaching out to electors to solicitvotes.
This publication had reported that citizens have also disclosed b
g co n tacted b y P P P representatives in recent weeks and questioned how the party accessed their phone numbers and other personalinformation.
“Iknowfromfourpeople in my office that the only way they could have gotten that information is when they went to get the cash grant money, and that information was given to them,” Hughes stated. He stressed that this matter warrants the intervention of the Guyana Elections Commission(GECOM).
On Thursday at the Freedom House, General Secretary of the People's Progressive Party (PPP/C) Bharrat Jagdeo disclosed,
“Weacquiredthosenumbers from various sources, that's all I'm gonna say.” When pressed further and asked to address concerns of government data privacy, Jagdeo said those data are always protected. He added, “Wehaveanewlawthatwe passed and the data is protected.”
While acknowledging Jagdeo's remarks, Hughes said the issue is one of fairness – whatever information the ruling party has to access a voter, every party must have the same ability Hughes said, “So if you usetheinformationfromthe cash grant, whether you use the information from the Ministry of Housing, you cannot use your position as
the party in government to take the government's information, which is the private property of the peoplewhoprovidedittothe government,touseit.”
Hughes contended that suchactionscouldinfluence the outcome of the vote and put the other parties at a disadvantage He added, “That is not only unfair, it canaffecttheoutcomeofthe vote. So, if the people's Progressive Party can call 100,000 voters and say to them, vote for the PPP and the Alliance for Change, Forward Guyana,ALPdon't have the same ability to reach those same 100,000 persons, that is an interference in free and fair elections, because what you have done is that you have putthosepartiesinaposition ofdisadvantage.”
The AFC leader described the PPP's actions asaviolationoftheprinciple of “equality of arms” and underscored that the six political parties contesting the2025electionsshouldbe competing under the same rules. He also announced that the AFC will raise the matter with international observers,whilealsocalling onGECOMtointervene.
T
he We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party on Friday accused the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) of not approving its polling agents for 10 districts and noted that if its agentsarenotapproved,then the party will not accept the resultsofMonday'selection.
GECOM has since denied the accusation stating that WIN failed to submit its applicationsontime.
Inastatement,WINsaid that the elections commission'sdecisionnotto approve its polling agents “willnotgounanswered.”
Party candidate Duarte Hetsberger said, “We stand here today not for ourselves but for every voter in Guyana who deserves the free, fair and transparent election on September 1. GECOM's decision not to approve our polling agents will not go unanswered. Let us be clear that the deadline noticewasdeficientasitdid notincludetheemailcontact information to which the polling agents' information
shouldbesent.”
Hetsberger explained thatonAugust26,adayafter the deadline, the party receivedanemailcontaining the contact information for theReturningOfficersofthe 10 districts. He said they began submission on the same day and concluded all submissions the following day
“Butwhatisatstakehere is much bigger than a deadline,GECOMitselfhas been late and not by one or two days. They were late in the opening of proxy applications; they were late inthegazettingofthepolling stations which by law was due20daysbeforeelections.
Insomecases,theywerelate inthenoticeofpoll.Sohow can GECOM demand perfection from political parties while they themselves repeatedly missed their own statutory and constitutional deadlines,”heexplained.
Another WIN candidate, Natasha Singh-Lewis stated that without polling agents
L- R : WIN's party candidates Tabitha Sarabo-Haley, Natasha Singh-Lewis, Duarte Hetsberger and General Secretary Odessa Primus on Friday night.
thereisnotransparency “No agents mean no eyes, no witnesses,noaccountability, attheveryplacewherevotes are cast and counted. If GECOM bars out polling agents they are creating a dangerous gap, one wide enough for dishonesty and fraud to creep in,” she expressed.
Singh-Lewisnotedthatif that happens, “WIN cannot
and will not accept the resultsofanelectionprocess thatishiddenfromscrutiny.”
The politician said that thesituationnotonlyaffects WIN but all Guyanese noting that it is every Guyanese's right to an election process that is credible, reliable, transparentandaccountable.
Without agents at the polling stations, the WIN candidate said citizens' rightsarebeingviolated,and democracy is threatened Singh-Lewis called on the Caribbean Community ( C A R I C O M ) , Commonwealth, the United States, United Kingdom, European Union and all otherinternationalobservers to pay attention to what is transpiring at the elections commission.
“Elections are not free and fair when the electoral body is sloppy, inconsistent and unfair, the world must know that the credibility of Guyana's elections is now under serious question,” she stated.
Similarly, another WIN candidate Tabitha SaraboHaley said the non-approval of the polling agents is to denydemocracy.
“We call on GECOM to notbecomecomplicitinvote rigging, do not undermine theveryprinciplesyouwere sworntoupholdandwecall oneveryGuyanesecitizento stand with WIN, stand with democracy and stand for your right with a clean, fair andtransparentvotebecause at the end of the day this is not about deadline this is about defending democracy and we will defend it today, tomorrowandonSeptember 1,”shedisclosed.
Notwithstanding the claims made by WIN, GECOM in a subsequent statement said that WIN's
assertions are untrue. The commission said the Chief Elections Officer sent an emaildatedAugust11,2025, to the election agents of all contesting political parties reminding them that “Party Agents shall "give notice in w r i t i n g o f e v e r y appointment of an assistant agent, counting agent, polling agent, and alternate polling agents, stating the name and address of the person appointed", NO LATER THAN THE 7TH DAYBEFORE ELECTION DAY, to the Returning Officer.”
GECOM noted that it is not the responsibility of the Commissiontosodo.
GECOM said WIN did not comply with the requirement within the prescribedtime.
“Their suggestion that GECOM has failed in its duty is therefore inaccurate and misleading While GECOM is strictly upholding the electoral laws as written, the Commission was prepared to consider flexibility regarding the issue of late submission, at the Commission's Meeting
on Thursday, August 28, 2025, to ensure that all contesting parties, including the WIN Party, have polling agents in place. However, the discussions did not take place because of a loss of quorum,”theagencynoted.
GECOM said that the matter is likely to be considered at a meeting today that has been scheduled by Chair of the Commission Justice (Ret'd) ClaudetteSingh.
Further, GECOM urged allpoliticalpartiestocomply with the law and act responsibly in their public communications and noted that spreading misleading claims risks undermining public confidence in the electoral process, which is unacceptable at this crucial time “The Commission reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that the General and Regional Elections on September 1, 2025 are free, fair, transparent, and credible.Thisistoguarantee transparency and to ensure thatnodoubtsarecastonthe credibility of the elections before polling day,” GECOMstated.
There was a man I knew, a domino player, who possessed the most extraordinary talent He always lost. He did not lose nobly No, he lost noisily, extravagantly, like a man putting on a show for an ungratefulaudience.
Each defeat produced a newconspiracy Theothers were peeping at his cards They were rapping the table when they had plays They were whispering to one another. He could never be beaten fair and square, because in his imagination, he was destined to win Only cheating could account for hisdownfall
A n d t h e n o n e afternoon, like a miracle, he won But winning was a problem, you see Losing had become his identity, and accusation his only language So,whenvictory came,hecriedcheatagain He had been robbed even of his win Such was his genius that he could turn triumphintogrievance
That man was an allegory in shorts and slippers He was the PNC beforemyeyes
The party had rigged itself into power for so long that it forgot the grammar of honest elections In 1992, when it finally had to face the people and the Carter Center, it lost and cried rigging Imagine the irony A party fattened on ballotbox stuffing suddenly discovering virtue in clean elections and claiming to becheatedbyforeigners.
TheCarterCenterstayed awayin1997.
ThePNClostagain.And once more the rigging chorus filled the air, as
predictable as rain in May Tires burned, windows smashed, Georgetown stank ofteargasandbadfaith. By2001thetalebecame darker
They whispered of tampering, and out of their whisper came gunmen. For years the country was held hostagetogangsbornofthe party’s refusal to accept arithmetic The criminal insurgencyfedonfictionsof electoralfraud.
In 2006, the beast slept. They licked their wounds in silence. But by 2011 the habit returned, and with it came farce. The PPP/C lost its majority but not the presidency It should have been a moral victory for the opposition, but they preferred the old refrain: rigged, rigged, rigged I remember one supporter in particular
Along Lamaha Street, outside the hospital, he threw himself prostrate before the march, shouting, “Hegattogo!”Themanwas aflame with passion but dressed only in vest and underpants. He had rushed from his home so eager to topple a government that he forgothistrousers.
There, on the asphalt, half-naked and ridiculous, he was the perfect emblem of the movement: exposed, loud,andabsurd.
Andthencame2020,the great comedy of errors stretched across five months.
The APNU+AFC tried every trick in the rigging handbook. Spreadsheets altered like schoolboy homework; tallies pulled from thin air. And when caught, they produced another fiction. First, they claimed victory Then, dead men had voted. Migrants
too.Thecontradictionspiled higherthantheballotboxes. CARICOM called it a “fishing expedition.” But it was less fishing than floundering, a desperate thrash in shallow waters. When it was over, the coalition stood disgraced, humiliatedbeforetheregion andtheworld.
Andyet,likemydomino companion, they could not simplylose.Theyrequireda new narrative. Policy, they had none. Their years in governmentwerearecordof promisesunfulfilled.
They pledged inquiries into extra-judicial killings: nothing They swore to p r o s e c u t e P P P / C corruption: not a single conviction Police reform, thousands of jobs, shared governance, investigations into the sugar scandals—all vanishedlikedewinthesun. Their government was a monumenttoinertia.
So, what weapon r e m a
credibility Only the most
convenient refuge: race If you cannot win votes, you can at least inflame hatreds On theWest Coast Berbicetheytried. They whispered of persecution, of one group againstanother Buttheold poison has lost its sting; people saw it for what it was, a trick of desperate men
Now in 2025 the excuses continue. GECOM, the elections body, is the new villain. They say it cannot be trusted. They cast suspicion like fishermen castingnets,hopingtohaul indoubtwherenoneexists
With the PNC, there are always more accusations
Georgetown was always a fascinating city In de old days, it used to shock a lot ‘country’folks when dem come to de big city and see how many destitute people demgatlivingpundestreets.Nowadays, de junkies adding to de number of people wahlivingandsleepingpundepavement.
ButGeorgetownalsousedtohavealot of mad people around. Dem used to have morecrazypeoplearoundondestreetsdan demusedtohaveindeMentalWardofde Georgetown Hospital and in de Mental Hospital in Berbice. Dat too used to surprisealotaruralfolkswhendemcome todecity
Onetimeajournalistaskadoctoratde MentalWard,howhedoesdeterminewho
than arguments, more conspiracies than solutions. It is a party condemned to invent its own reality, like my domino player, cheated eveninvictory,robbedeven ofwhatitneverhad.
fuh send to Canje and who fuh keep in de ward.
DeDoctortelldejournalistdathegata simpletesthedoesapply Hesaid,“Ifilla bathtub with water and then give de patient: a) a teaspoon, b) a glass and c) a bucket and tell the patient to empty the bathtub.”
The journalist said, “Oh, obviously a normal person would use the bucket becauseitisbigger.”
The doctor replied, “No, a normal personwouldpullthedrainplug!Pleasego totheadmissiondeskandadmityourselfto theMentalWard.Wewillhavetodosome moreinvestigationsonyou.”
Talkhalf.Leffhalf.
You can bet another excuse is coming Who knows it may even have alreadylanded.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
Interesting and repelling the lengths to which men, who think that they are Solomonicinsubstance,goto concealtheirtrueobjectives. Frightening and fascinating how words are smoothed over to represent what is new, inviting. Yet, deep down, what is refined and regurgitated represent nothing but the cheap and sordid. I make fleeting references to both local and overseas environments, to emphasize the points made. Orhelpthemcollapseunder the weight of their weaknesses.
Aself-congratulatingnew construction has to be “don't split the vote” When the Indian man says that I insist that those four fateful words “(don't split the vote)” stand asthepoliticallycorrectand utterlylovablereincarnation of “apaan jaat” or vote fuh yuh mateee. The more the world spins on its axis, the more it is fastened in place. When the African man makesuseofthesame“don't split the vote”, then what is he about if not the supremacy of Black Power, orstackupforwhatisblack? After three quarters of a
century at the national wicket, this country hasn't scoredasinglerun. Perhaps, it is more sensible to assert thatithasn'tofferedasingle stroke. All it does (its peoples) is pad away, and padaway Duckandappeal for a wide. For, of course, there are international referees, and they know the rulesofthegamebetterthan Guyaneseeverwill. Suchas who belongs at the wicket, who should be allowed to come out of the pavilion. Notevenbethere. Umpires have that final say, veto power When that is
AChange (AFC) leader, Nigel Hughes said Friday that the absence of the results of Guyana's 2022 National Population and Housing
Census could prove problematic as the country goestothepolls.
Hughessaidthesituation will be an issue for the country after the conclusion of the elections “because if the census contradicts the numbers that GECOM says areeligibletovote,andif,as wesaythesedays,the'maths isnotmathsing,'thenthere's going to be a real problem, because you may have a resultthatisthenchallenged by the publication of the censusfigures.”
Hughes stressed that although the hour is late, he still believes that the census resultsshouldbereleasedas it is of great importance. He reminded the media that the foreign secretary had reported that the country's Venezuelan population is 100,000. “We know that the laws allow people who are m e m b e r s o f t h e Commonwealth to vote. We knowthatthere'soneaddress somewhere on the East Coast near Ogle, that had 120 persons registered at a singleaddress,”headded.
T h e p o l i t i c i a n highlighted that these are issues that are still to be addressed by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM),yetthecountryis about to enter another elections knowing a long way in advance what the issuesare.
Back in late 2024, the Bureau of Statistics had promised that the preliminary results of the 2022censusreportwouldbe
Leader of the Alliance for Change (AFC)
Nigel Hughes
releasedsoon.Theagencyin a statement said that “the soon-to-be-released preliminary report of the census will provide an evidence-based exposition ofGuyana'spopulation.”
Further, the bureau had dismissed claims that the census showed that Guyana's population declinedfrom746,955inthe 2012 census due to migration.
The agency also dismissed social media claims suggesting that political interference was responsible for the delay in releasingtheresults.
The agency stated that any delay in publishing the censusresultsissolelydueto its commitment to maintaining professional standards while addressing significant challenges encountered during this census cycle “Moreover, censuses across the Caribbean region have been significantly delayed, with countries such as Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, Dominica, St. Lucia and others experiencing protracted census activities extending up to and beyond two (2) years,” a statement
surrendered to them, they seizewithbothhands.
fromtheBureauofStatistics said.
Severalfactorsincluding respondent suspicion, apathy and fatigue in a post Coronavirus diseased environment were partly responsible for the delay in thereleaseofthefindings.
Further, the bureau reminded that it is a semiautonomous agency, legally mandated by the Statistics Act(1965)Chapter19:09to “collect, compile, analyse, abstract and publish statistical information relating to the social, agricultural, mining, commercial, industrial and general activities and conditionsoftheinhabitants ofGuyana.”
In the execution of its responsibilities, the bureau is also guided by the fundamental principles of official statistics that were adopted by the United Nations General Assembly 10 years ago in 2014. The legalframeworkandofficial principles promote and ensure the independence of theBureau.
“Our work is guided by scientific principles and sound statistical practices that adhere to the highest international standards and conventions,” the Bureau saidinitsstatement.
Accordingly, the census i s c o o r d i n a t e d internationally and regionally, following agreed-upon principles and practices that withstand scrutiny and promote confidenceintheresults.
Inthatregard,thebureau urged Guyanese to avoid baseless speculations and to rely on the official census data and statistics produced and sanctioned by the BureauofStatistics.
In this town, a dominant politicalgrouplikestoremind everyone that it cannot be beaten in a fair fight The other contestants, their opponents, have to join to swelltheirnumberstobridge their deficits, but still have the temerity to call that a straight fight and a clean victory Ithinkthereissome merit to that argument Though some may stretch the facts, the ground is still unchanged. But what about today, as in right now? There is an opponent in the field of jousting, who is of paltry standing, with not much to recommend him, butexaminewhoandwhatis brought to bear against him. Idon'tknow,howafairfight, with neither fixing nor manipulating, could be said to be. Not when a big, bad, unchallengeable power, an inseparable ally, is recruited tointerveneandinhibitwhat haslongbeenrailedagainst. It is what Guyanese call double-banking,whatIterm ambushing and cutting the ground from under the feet. Thus, after all the noble weeping, all the wails about unfairness and what is unsavory, there is maneuvering for advantage. Cutthroughallthespeeches, anditisfromWashingtonto
Georgetownwithafolded fist. Whatwasoncestood againstisnowwalkedback. Times change People change faster, more craftily IlookpastGuyana.
In the US, Republicans cameupwithavotegetter,a surefirewinner Statesrights, theinviolablenatureofthose Courts stood up; courts upheld. ThenalongcameAl Goretwentyyearsago,only to catch some jurists on America's highest tribunal suddenly, conveniently forgetting personal principles, and the sacred stature of States rights. As theylonginterpretedit,long ruled on it. Conservatives hadtheirwarsagainstbudget deficits,untiltheydidn't. By themselves, the jurists trampled upon precedent, their own judgments, and revealed their secrets -their secret human selves Poisoned, disfigured, mildewed. Thus,wassetthe stage at the turn of this millennium for the ravages and wreckages of today
Manystillinsistthatsuchare the auspices of justice, such is democracy in its traumas and throes towards higher ideals.ItislikelythatIndia's Narendra Modi comforts himself similarly about being the leader of the biggest democracy Somebody should politely,
quietly, ask him: sir, what aboutKashmir? Whatabout the quality of Muslim citizenship, all 200 million ofthem? AndsinceIamon this journey that covers a great deal of territory, I stopover in Jerusalem. Ah, the birthplace of holy men; and also, the killer of prophets. There is another Prime Minister there, BenjaminNetanyahu. There istheRadicalRightinIsrael. Then, there is the raging catastrophe of Gaza. If I remember well, the Torah and the Talmud have teachingsremanagingsuch. Whether Guyana, the USA,Africa,orMotherIndia, men talk, then act Oftentimes, the preference is that they don't, so as to save them from soiling themselves, exhibiting the kind of fools that they are. Wealwayshearaboutsacred constitutions Of men profanefrommouthtomind, nothingiseverheardorseen. Just smelled and sensed, so putridtheirpresences.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
Aboat operator identified as 40year-old Ryan Fredericks of Mongrippa Hill, Bartica, died on Thursday after he was allegedly robbed and chopped by a woman at a hotel on the East Bank of Demerara.
Details from the police states that the incident occurredaround23:30hrson Thursday, August 28, 2025, at the Safari Inn Hotel located at Friendship, East BankDemerara.
“ F o r t y - y e a r- o l d Fredericks was allegedly murdered by a female
suspect (particulars unknown at this time), with whomhereportedlytookand rented a room at the said hotelwith,”thepolicesaidin areleaseFriday.
Police investigation revealed that the deceased had hired Navindra Kanhai, also a boat operator, of 2nd Ave, Bartica, to transport
him to Parika, and they arrivedatthesaiddestination at around 17:45hrs Fredericks and Kanhai met upwiththesuspectwhowas waitinginablackmotorcar
“Both Fredericks and Kanhai then joined the motorcarandsometimelater visited the Safari Inn Hotel, where they booked two rooms. The deceased and the suspect went into a room together while Kanhai went intoaroomalone,”thepolice said. Kanhai relayed that at sometimebetween23:00hrs and 23:30hrs, he was awakened by a knocking on his door and when he checked, the now dead man told him that he had been robbedandchopped.
“Fredericks at that time was bleeding from a wound to his left arm. The incident was reported to the police and the ambulance service was summoned Checks were made for the female
suspectandthemotorcar,but they were not seen,” police said.
Emergency Medical Technicians responded and Fredericks was pronounced dead at the scene at about 00:55hrs.
His body was examined by crime scene ranks and a deepwoundwasobservedon theinnersideofhisupperleft arm.
Frederick's remains was escorted to Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, awaiting a post-mortem examination Navindra Kanhai was placed into custody,andisassistingwith theinvestigation.
Chief Observer Biedroń speaks with short-term observers ahead of their deployment
The European Union
Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to Guyana's 2025 General and Regional elections on Friday deployed 20 short-term observers (STOs) to all ten regionsofthecountry
They will observe election day proceedings, including the opening of polling stations, voting, counting of ballots, and tabulationofresults.
“The short-term observers will observe elections in towns and villages across all regions of Guyana. Their observations willbevitalforthemission's comprehensive assessment ofthisimportantelectionday Withatotalof50observersin the country, including coverage of all regional tallying centres, we contribute to transparency in the electoral process,” said Robert Biedroń, Chief Observer of the EU EOM Guyana2025.
According to a statement issued by the EU EOM, the short-term observers operate in multinational teams of two. Prior to deployment, they completed extensive briefings covering election day procedures, voting and counting protocols, and
relevant national and international standards. This deployment builds upon the earlier work of 14 long-term observers, who have been observing the pre-election p e r i o d , i n c l u d i n g preparations by the election administration, campaign activities, and engagement with political stakeholders and civil society across the country “With a long-term presence in the field and the deployment of a substantial number of short-term observers,weaimtoprovide a well-informed, fact-based assessment of the process against Guyana's national law, as well as regional and international standards to which Guyana is a party,” addedMr Biedroń.
This mission was deployed at the invitation of the Government of Guyana.
The Chief Observer will present the EOM's preliminary findings in a public statement two days after the elections, followed by a final report, including recommendations for improving the electoral process, which will be published after the completion of the entire process.
Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand on Friday joined residents of Massara Village, Region Nine to officially commission the first secondaryschoolbuilding.
This publication reported in January that the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office awarded the school project to Osbert and Sons Construction for $182
Massara
Sections of the Massara Secondary School which was commissioned by Minister Priya Manickchand on Saturday.
The Massara Secondary School in North Rupununi, Region Nine.
million NPTAB also awarded a $78,383,760 contractfortheconstruction of a seven-apartment teachers' quarters in the village, which was set to be e x e c u t e d b y 3 D Construction.
According to Minister Manickchand,thefirstsetof occupants of the brand-new
school will be 180 children and10teachers.
When plans were initially announced to build a secondary school there, Kaieteur News had reached out to the Toshao of Massara, Mr Arnold Bartholomew who related the request for the school (Continuedonpage15)
Aimed at strengthening law enforcement capacity, enhancing community safety, and supporting modern policing operations, the Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday commissioned approximately $371 million in infrastructure projects for the Guyana Police Force's (GPF) RegionalDivision4A.
The projects which were commissioned by Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn and histeam,includethereconstructed North Ruimveldt Police Station
and Special Constabulary Headquarters, the Guyana Police Force Marine Wing at Ruimveldt, Georgetown,andthereconstructed RuimveldtPoliceStation.
Detailing these projects, the ministry stated that work on the North Ruimveldt Police Station wasdoneatacostof$123,800,000. The facility now has enhanced resources to strengthen policing serviceswithinthecommunityand surroundinghousingschemes.
The reconstruction of the SpecialConstabularyHeadquarters was executed at a cost of $119,953,850, and provides modern office spaces, improved infrastructure, and enhanced training facilities to support specialisedoperations.
The police force's marine wing at Ruimveldt was constructed at a cost $71,641,489. According to
information provided, the new wing will play a critical role in maritime policing and riverine security The ministry revealed that the facility currently operates seven police boats that conduct patrolsforfourhourseverydayand fourhourseverynight,coveringthe area from the Demerara River mouthtoasfarasTimehri.
The new $119,953,850 Special Constabulary Headquarters
The $71 million Guyana Police Force's Marine Wing at Ruimveldt.
The marine wing also has 23 ranks stationed at the facility The ministry added that it will strengthen the Guyana Police Force'sabilitytorespondswiftlyto riverine incidents, protect coastal communities, and safeguard the country'smaritimeborders.
The minister also officially commissioned the new Ruimveldt Police Station which was reconstructed at a cost of
$55,632,913 The new and improved facility now features modern amenities, enhanced workspaces, and integrated technology systems to improve policing services and strengthen
The
communityengagement.
Minister Benn in his remarks reaffirmed the government's dedication to continuous security improvements.
“We are building a safer, more
prosperous Guyana These investments, combined with modern technology and stronger community partnerships, will ensureourpoliceforceisequipped (Continuedonpage16)
Pe n d i n g t h e Guyana Elections
Commission's (GECOM) decision on the People Progressive Party Civic's (PPP/C) request to change polling stations ahead of the September 1 general and regional elections, the Alliance For Change (AFC) has voiced serious concerns over the timing and potential implicationsofsuchamove.
Speaking at the party's press conference on Friday, AFC leader Nigel Hughes, addressed the PPP's request to move several polling
stations from public buildings to private residences. With just two days left before the
elections, Hughes questioned the transparency
a n d f a i r n e s s o f implementing such changes atthelastminute.“Weknow thatthePeople'sProgressive Partyhadaskedtochange66 locations, most of them being moved from official
buildings to private residences,” Hughes said. “The difficulty with this is that if it is accepted by GECOM as a commission now, none of the other parties contesting in the elections will have an opportunity to object to any of those new locations that arebeingproposedandthat's aproblem.”
He further emphasised the risk of bias, stating “If one of the proposed addresses is that of Mr Sharma, the candidate for
the AFC, when are the parties going to have an opportunity to object? So again, we are creating the basis for concerns about the results ” Hughes stressed that such last-minute decisionsbyGECOMcould u n d e r m i n e p u b
e transparencyoftheelectoral process.
The issue surfaced during GECOM's statutory meeting on Thursday, when P P P / C - n o m i n a t e d commissioners submitted the request to move 14 polling stations from public
commissioners immediately rejected the proposal and walkedoutofthemeetingin protest, resulting in the loss of quorum and halting any furtherdeliberations.
Opposition-nominated commissioner Vincent Alexander described the request as untimely and procedurally improper “This was occurring at a time when GECOM had already publicly advertised the location of the polling stations and weeks after the deadlineforobjectiontothe location of polling stations had elapsed,” Alexander said.
“The oppositionappointed commissioners refused to participate in that travesty, hence they withdrew from the meeting, whichthenlostitsquorum.”
Incontrast,government-
AFC leader Nigel Hughes
nominated commissioner
Manoj Narayan defended the proposal, citing legal grounds. “Their reason for that is stated by law,” he explained.“Section66ofthe RepresentationofthePeople Act, together with Sections 34 and especially 35, makes it clear that polling places are to be fixed within the villageinwhichelectorsare to vote. The polling places must also be within a reasonabledistanceofwhere the electors live. That is the law It is mandatory GECOM has an obligation to ensure that is done” Narayan noted that the request stemmed from legitimate concerns, especiallyontheEastCoast, where some voters were reportedly required to travel to neighboring villages to cast their ballots. “In many cases, voters have to go to a different village to vote, which we felt was a contraventionofthelaw,and thatwaswhatweweretrying torectify,”hesaid.
Frompage11 was made some time ago, given the challenges faced bychildreninhisvillageand neighbouringcommunities.
Toshao Bartholomew had disclosed in January, that there is a secondary school in Annai which is some distance away, where students from his village attend “One challenge w o u l d h a v e b e e n transportation. Both rainy season and dry season transportation wise and children do not have transportation to travel up there(toAnnai)andsomeof the children do not want to stay in the dorms in Annai,
and most of them go to school from home,” he related.Withapopulationof 584 residents, the Toshao statedthatabout50students from his village attend the Annai Secondary School Theywouldmostlytravelby motorcycle or bus to attend school which he said takes approximately45minutes. Meanwhile, he said that the new secondary school when completed, will not onlyeliminatethischallenge forMassarastudents,butfor those students from nearby communities and satellite villages Kaieteur News understands that with the construction of the new
secondary school in Massara, students from Yakarinta, Kwaimatta, Toka and Taushida Villages will nolongerhavetotravellong distancestogettoschool.
Massara is one of the nine new secondary schools that will be established in Region Nine. Some of the othervillageswhereschools have been built or are being built, include Shulinab, K
, Nappi, Tabatinga, Karasabai, and Karaudarnauvillages.
The education ministry has embarked on an aggressive programme to ensure that the nation's children have access to secondary education by constructing several secondaryschoolsacrossthe country With 42 new secondary school buildings across the country, the Governmenthadset2026as the target to achieve Universal Secondary Education(USE).
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NOTICE
AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE
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2024/351-FD-PET-DEM IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIM ONIAL JURISDICTION
FAMILY DIVISION Petition No. FD-351 Between:KOMAL NAUTH NARINE
Petitioner/Applicant -vsNIRMALA ANAST ASIA NARINE nee BHIMAL Respond ent TO: NIRMALA ANASTASIA NARINE nee BHIMAL Formerly of Lot 6 Supply Mahaica East Coast Demerara TAKE NOTICE that on the 20th day of December, 2024 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by KOMALNAUTH NARINE, the Petitioner/ Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 4th day of March, 2025 the Petitioner/Applicant was directed to effect service of his Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News, a newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana.
2025/26-FD-APN-DEM IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE
FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION
FAMILY DIVISION
Application No: FD-26
GPF commissions $371M in
From page 12 to meet today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities,” he disclosed.
NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), an Answer and/or Cross Petition via the online portal, https:// ejudiciary.supremecourt.gy within 35 (thirty-five) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. Your access code is 69ygrf TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Wednesday the 24th day of September, 2025 at 9:00 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Jacqueline JosiahGraham in person IN DEFAULT of you filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, an Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce.
The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara). The office is open to the public between SDICATUR 8:00 am and 3:30 pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00 am to 2:30 pm on SUPREME COLIE O Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.
Dated the 19th day of August, 2025
BETWEEN: SHELONIEKA ALI also known as SHELONIEKA MOHAN-RAM -VApplicant
OUDIT N. PRITTIPAL Respondent TO: OUDIT N. PRITTIPAL
Last Known Address Lot 73 Versailes, West Bank Demerara TAKE NOTICE that on the 10th day of February, 2025 an Application Relating to Children filed against you by SHELONIEKA ALI also known as SHELONIEKA MOHAN-RAM, the Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE
NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 11th day of June, 2025 the Applicant was directed to effect service of her Application on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News, a newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana AND FURTHER TAKE
NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-atLaw at the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara whereas you will be issued with a certified copy of the Application together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE
NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Application, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Application, you must file an Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), an Answer via the online portal, https:// ejudiciary.supremecourt.gy within 35 (thirty-five) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. Your access code ACXWWY
Permanent Secretary, Andre Ally urged officers to match the new facilities with performance. He told ranks, “We are providing you with modern infrastructure and the tools you need to succeed. Now, it is up to you to match these resources with professionalism and dedication to deliver better policing for the people of Guyana.”
Deputy Commissioner, Errol Watts said facilities for the police have improved significantly compared to recent times. “15 years ago, we have worked out of deteriorating structures with limited resources. Today, we are commissioning modern, state-ofthe-art facilities designed to empower officers and better serve the public,” he mentioned.
“These projects are part of the government’s initiatives, which integrates modern infrastructure, advanced surveillance systems, and digital policing tools to enhance national security and improve public safety,” the ministry noted about the projects.
TAKE NOTICE that the Application is fixed for Directions Hearing on Wednesday the 24th day of September 2025 at 9:30 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Jacqueline JosiahGraham hybrid
IN DEFAULT of you filing a Notice of Intention to Defend, and/ or Answer the Court may proceeding your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Application Relating to Children. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara). The office is open to the public between 8:00 am and 3:30 pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00 am to 2:30 pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.
Dated the 25 day of August, 2025
(Reuters) - A large buildup of U.S. naval forces in and around the Southern Caribbean has officials in Caracas and experts in the United States asking: is the move aimed at combating drug cartels, as the Trump administration has suggested, or is it for somethingelseentirely?
Seven U S warships, along with one nuclearpowered fast attack submarine, are either in the region or are expected to be there soon, bringing along more than 4,500 sailors and marines.
U.S. President Donald Trump has said combating drug cartels is a central goal for his administration and U S officials have told Reuters that the military effortsaimtoaddressthreats fromthosecartels.
Stephen Miller, deputy White House chief of staff, said on Friday the military buildup was aimed to "combat and dismantle drug trafficking organizations, criminal cartels and these
f o r e i g n t e r r o r i s t organizations in our hemisphere."
But it is unclear exactly how the U.S. military presence would disrupt the drugtrade.
Among other things, most of the seaborne drug trade travels to the United States via the Pacific, not the Atlantic, where the U S forces are, and much of what arrives via the Caribbean comes on clandestineflights.
Venezuelan officials
believe their government mightbetherealtarget
In early August, the United States doubled its reward for information leading to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to $50 million over allegations of drugtraffickingandlinksto criminalgroups.
Maduro, Interior
MinisterDiosdadoCabello
and the country's ambassador to the United Nations Samuel Moncada have said the U S is threatening the country w i t h t h e n a v a l deployments,inviolationof internationaltreaties.
They have also scoffed at U S assertions that the country and its leadership
a r e k e y t o m a j o r international drug trafficking "Venezuelans know who is behind these military threats by the United States against our country," Venezuela's Defense Minister General Vladimir Padrino said at a civil defense event on Friday, without offering further details. "We are not drug traffickers, we are noble and hard-working people."
While U.S. Coast Guard and Navy ships regularly operate in the Southern Caribbean, the current buildup exceeds the usual deployments in theregion
In the naval force are warships, including USS San Antonio, USS Iwo
Jima, and USS Fort
Frompage7 process will not take us to a decision before then, so let's leave it and get on with the work,'” he explained. “We are now wasting time trying to identify legal assistance we havegottenpassthethingsthatwerequired,” hesaid.
Lauderdale Some can carry aerial assets like helicopters while others can also deployTomahawk cruisemissiles.
The U.S. military has also been flying P-8 spy planesintheregiontogather intelligence, U.S. officials have said. They have been flying over international waters.
T h e T r u m p
administrationhassaiditcan use the military to go after drug cartels and criminal groups and has directed the Pentagontoprepareoptions.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio travelled to Doral, Florida, on Friday to visit the headquarters of the U S military's Southern Command, which oversees operationsintheregion.
In 1989, the United States deployed nearly 28,000U.S.troopstoinvade Panamaandcapturedictator ManuelNoriega.
Christopher HernandezRoy, with the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, said it was possible the buildup could be used for some sort of strike in Venezuela, but could be simply a show of force.
"It's too big to be just aboutdrugs.It'stoosmallto beaboutaninvasion.Butit's significant enough that it's there to do something," Hernandez-Roysaid.
Reporting by IdreesAli, Patricia Zengerle and Andrea Shalal; Additional reporting by Steve Holland; Editing by Don Durfee and DianeCraft.
Adding his voice to the fiasco, Alliance forChangeleader,NigelHughes,duringhis party's Friday press conference, expressed concern over the possibility of military officersbeingusedtofillthevacantposts.He questioned the level of preparedness among suchindividuals,whomaylackthenecessary training and experience to manage polling stationseffectively
Th e P e o p l e s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) is promisingtomakepart-time workers and Community Service Officers (CSOs) permanent staff if elected to serveanotherterm.
This was revealed by Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday at his weekly press conference held at Freedom House, RobbStreet,Georgetown.
Jagdeo disclosed that part-timeworkershavebeen enquiring whether they will benefit from increases that public servants have been promised, should the PPP/C return to office after Monday'spolls.Hesaidthey are considered part of the public service and will cash inonthesaidbenefits.
“So, all public sector workerswillseeincreasesin benefits and remuneration. I just want to clarify for them because the workers have been calling people, the CSOs, the part-time workers, they've been calling to find out whether they will get increases too and the answer is yes,” he said.
Jagdeonotedthatforthe part-time workers as well as the CSOs who have been asking to go full-time, “the answer is again yes that we arelookingtoconvertalotof thepart-timeworkerstofull-
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo
time employees of the government.
There are so many opportunities in the education sector or in the administration of local governmentorinhealthcare.
Thehospitalswe'rebuilding, we need 6,000 new workers inthesehospitals.
That would allow us to convert a lot of the people who are working now on a part-timebasisintofull-time jobs with the benefits there, too,”heexplained.
On August 24, Kaieteur NewsreportedthatPresident Irfaan Ali reminded parttime workers that it was his administration that created the 10-day worker initiative which has now employed thousands.
The National Pathway Workers Programme, launched in 2022 by the PPP/C, allows citizens to
earn$40,000monthlyfor10 days of work. Government currentlyinvests about $611 million monthly in the programme, which has created employment for some15,283persons.
Speaking at a public meetingatBushLot,Region Five, President Ali accused the opposition of hypocrisy for first attacking the initiativebutnowpromising on its campaign trail to increase the salary “Who givey'allthejob…nowthey promise to increase the salary,”hetoldsupporters.
During his address, Ali revisited broken promises made by the former APNU+AFC administration and reminded his supporters ofwhatisatstakeinthe2025 elections He cautioned voters against being swayed by campaign pledges of otherparties
(AL-JAZEERA) -
Israel’s war on Gaza has killed some 63,025 Palestinians and injured 159,490 since October 7, 2023.
The total number of aid seekerskilledsinceMay27, when Israel introduced a new aid distribution mechanism through the USbased GHF, has reached 2,203, with more than 16,228injured.
On Friday, at least 67 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza, including 33 in Gaza City and five in the so-called “safe zone”, al-Mawasi, in Gaza’s south. Among the dead are 19 aid seekers, killed by Israeli gunfire in variouspartsofthestrip.
Gaza’s Health Ministry recorded five deaths “due to famine and malnutrition” in the past 24 hours, including two children, bringing the total number of hungerrelated deaths to 322, including121children.
M e a n w h i l e , t h e declaration of famine in parts of Gaza by a global hunger monitor one week
ago has not resulted in any noticeable increase of aid intotheterritory,saysAmjad Shawa,theheadoftheNGO Network.
“ T h e r e ’ s n o improvement of the Gaza famine case, no real effort that we could see on the ground to deal with this faminesituation,”hetoldAl Jazeera.“Wewereexpecting that there would be real interventions, pressure from theinternationalcommunity tolifttheblockade.”
He said that since last Friday’s declaration of famine in the Gaza Governorate, more people had starved to death, while many others had begun to sufferfrommalnutrition.
The amount of aid flowing into Gaza was still “verylimited”,sufficientfor only about 10 percent of the population’sneeds,hesaid.
Further, the Israeli militarysaysithasbegunthe “initial stages” of its offensiveonGazaCity,asit declared the largest urban centre in the besieged territory a “combat zone” and announced the
suspensionofdailypausesin fighting there that allowed theentryofhumanitarianaid tothefamine-hitcity
“We are not waiting.We have begun preliminary operations and the initial stages of the attack on Gaza City,” Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee wrote in a post on X on Friday
“We are currently operatingwithgreatforceon the outskirts of the city,” he said.
Israel also announced
that it had recovered the bodyofIlanWeiss,anIsraeli killed during the October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel,whosebodyhadbeen takentoGaza.
The announcements came as the Israeli military confirmed it suspended socalled“tacticalpauses”inits attacks on the city in northern Gaza that had previously allowed limited humanitarian operations there.
“Starting today at 10:00am (07:00 GMT), the
tactical-local ceasefire of military activity will not apply to the Gaza City area, which constitutes a dangerouscombatzone,”the militarysaidonX.
Lastweek,theIntegrated Food Secu
C) initiative said famine was occurring in the Gaza governorate, a region where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians live, which includesGaza
The UN’s children’s agency warned on Friday thatstaffatanutritioncentre in Gaza City are struggling to cope with a surge in malnourishedchildren.
“It’s clear on the ground that famine is absolutely ravaging Gaza City,”
UNICEF spokesperson Tess Ingram told Al Jazeera during a visit to the facility, where desperate parents bring their children to be screened and treated. She said she had met “so many” parents who were “in complete despair because they have run out of options”.
Health workers at the
centreassessmalnutritionby measuring children’s upper arms,withthoseatriskgiven fortified, high-energy biscuits as a preventive
malnourished children
concentrated paste designed to help them recover over severalweeks.
“
administered to children like a paste,” Ingram explained “But we just don’t have enough; the demand is really high, and suppliesarelow”
The IPC also warned that famine could soon spread to other areas of Gaza, as Israel continues to impose severe restrictions onsuppliesofhumanitarian aid amid a deepening hunger crisis across the territory
The P
lestinian Ministry of Health reported on Friday that at least five people, including two children, died of starvation and malnutrition in Gaza overthepast24hours
(Reuters) - Oil prices fell on Friday as traders looked toward weaker demand in the U.S., the world’s largest oil market, and a boost in supply this autumn from OPEC and its allies.
Brent crude futures for October delivery , which expired on Friday, settled at $68.12 a barrel, down 50 cents, or 0.73%. The more active contract for Novemberfinisheddown53 cents,or0.78%,at$67.45.
West Texas Intermediate crude futures settled at $64.01, down 59 cents, or 0.91%.
The market was in part shiftingitsfocustowardnext week’s OPEC+ meeting, saidTamasVarga, analyst at PVMOilAssociates.
Countries and its allies, known as OPEC+, as the grouphasacceleratedoutput hikestoregainmarketshare, raising the supply outlook and weighing on global oil prices.
“Overall,thebottomline is we’re going to see a jump in supply feeding into a lackluster demand market,”
said Andrew Lipow, president of Lipow Oil Associates.
TheU.S.summerdriving season ends on Monday’s Labor Day holiday, signalling the end of the highestdemandperiodinthe United States, which is the largestfuelmarket.
“Themarketisbeginning to wonder what effect the tariffs might have on the economic outlook next year,” Lipow said, referring to tariffs imposed by the administration of President Donald Trump on U S
imports from many trading partners.
Crude supply increases havenotmadetheirwayinto the U.S. market yet, raising the possibility supply and demand will be in a tighter balance, said Phil Flynn, senior analyst with Price FuturesGroup.
“The pessimism about demand, I’m just not seeing it,”Flynnsaid.“Supplyfrom OPEC is supposed to increase, but we’re not seeing it in the U.S. I think things are going to stay tight.”
Prices rose earlier in the week due to Ukrainian attacksonRussianoilexport terminals,butreportsoftalks betweenUkraine’sEuropean allies about a possible ceasefire helped tamp down prices,Flynnsaid.
U.S. crude inventories for the week ending August 22 showed higher-than-
expected draws, implying late-summer demand was still firm, particularly in industrialandfreight-related sectors,analystOleHvalbye atSEBbanksaidinanote.
response to pressure from
United States to stop buying Russian oil, after Trump doubled tariffs on imports from India to as muchas50%onWednesday
India has defied the U
and Russian oil exports to India are set to rise in September, traders said
“The prevalent view is that Russian sanctions are not forthcoming, and India will ignore U S sanction threats and continue buying Russiancrudeoilatheavily discounted prices,” PVM’s Vargasaid
The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on Friday clarified that all polling day staff has been appointed ahead of the September 1 general and regionalelections
The clarification came in response to remarks
made by oppositionnominated commissioner VincentAlexander,who,in an interview with journalist Abeena Rockliff from Guyana Standard, claimed that GECOM was
scrambling to find presiding officers after manyhaddeclinedtherole
Alexander further
suggested that the commission may be forced
to rely on officers from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) to fill the critical positions
H o w e v e r , t h e commission in a statement on Friday rejected the claim stating, “This claim is entirely false and has no basis in law, policy, or practice Any suggestion that military personnel would be deployed in electoral roles is not only in
o m i s l e a d
n g a n d irresponsible, especially at a time when public confidence and calm are critical ” I t c o n t i n u e d , “Presiding officers are
civilian functionaries appointed through a public recruitmentprocess
Each officer undergoes mandatory training in line with the Representation of the People Act and established GECOM protocols
Thereisnoprovisionin the electoral framework, either legislatively or operationally, that allows for military personnel, including members of the GDF, to serve as presiding officers or to carry out pollingdayresponsibilities on behalf of GECOM,” GECOMstated
The commission acknowledged that while a
Bishop of the Roman Catholic Church of Guyana Francis Alleyne OSB on Friday called for peace and nation building ahead of Monday's general and regionalelections.
In a letter, Bishop
Alleyne called on stakeholders to vote with conscience, support justice and reject division. He said Guyana stands at a crucial crossroads – one where past wounds, if unhealed, could fueldivisionandunrest.
“Yet we are also at a m o m e n t o f g r e a t possibility a time to choose peace rooted in justice and democracy groundedintruth.”
B i s h o p A l l e y n e reminded that over the last month, concerned citizens, by way of a series of webinars and conversations titled “Just Electoral Peace” brought together regional experts from Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago –nations with ethnic and colonialhistories.
“We learned that electoralpeaceisnotmerely the absence of violence, but t h e p r e s e n c e o f reconciliation, fair systems, mutual respect and shared values.
Inbothcountries,respect for electoral rules, independentinstitutions,and civil society engagement helped sustain peace amid ethnic and political differences Guyana, too, canwalkthispath.
few individuals have declined offers to serve specifically as presiding officers,thisdoesnotmean they have opted out of the electoral process entirely Instead, those individuals have been reassigned to lower-tier roles within the polling day staff structure where they feel more comfortableserving
GECOM also stated t
gramme h
een actively managed and remains on track All required positions, the commission assured, “are filled by trained and vetted civilians ”
During the interview, Commissioner Alexander suggested that GECOM may be forced to rely on officers from the GDF to fill the role of presiding officers Since the interview aired, his claim has been widely circulated across social media platformsandpickedupby variousmediaoutlets
He stated that despite ongoing efforts, little progress has been made in appointing presiding officers Alexander said the positions were offered to a number of individuals, manyofwhomdeclined
Guyana Elections Commission
charge of the entire operation of the polling station, from the opening of the poll until the declaration of results and thepostingofthestatements ofpoll.”
Alexander had said the reluctance may have stemmed from the strict legal liabilities attached to the position He explained that recent changes to electoral law impose harsh penalties on GECOM officials, even for unintentionalerrors
Further, Bishop Alleyne said too that youth are “especially important” noting that “many are disillusioned, yet they carry the hope of a new political culture free from ethnic division. Let us listen to them, empower them, and walkbesidethem.”
“Therefore, I urge everyone, every citizen of goodwill, to engage peacefully and faithfully in these elections not as partisan followers, but as bearers of light and life that emanates from faith. Vote with conscience Reject division Support justice
But peace must be cultivated It requires trust—inoursystems,inone another, and most importantly, in the values of justice, equality, and truth. We must speak honestly about our history and commit to healing. Let us support institutions that are transparentandfairandletus e n c o u r a g e c i v i l society including the Church to educate, advocate, and bridge our differences,”hesaid.
Andpraywithoutceasingfor our nation,” the Roman Catholic Bishop said urging that all stakeholders be peacemakers and nation builders.
The staffing concern was raised earlier by Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Vishnu Persaud during a GECOM press conference Persaud noted that while polling day staff had already been assigned across the country, some presidingofficerswithdrew from the role, forcing the commission to search for last-minutereplacements
“Inthatregard,wehave encountered some issues where some persons who have been identified based on having met the criteria for appointment in the different areas, we have found that some persons are declining the appointment as presiding officers,” Persaud stated “Thishasnowresultedinus h a v i n g t o s e e k replacements The replacement, one might feel, should have been automatic in that the assistant presiding officer would have assumed that rolenotnecessarilyso.”
Whenaskedthereasons for persons declining the pos ition, P ers aud responded, “they are saying, look, I do not want to take the responsibility for the polling station, therefore I prefer to step down ' As a presiding officer, it is your responsibility you are in
He also addressed GECOM's struggle to fill other key positions He said the roles of Legal Officer and Assistant Public Relations Officer remain vacant; despite beingre-advertised
“We brought the matter forward for shortlisting yesterday, and some of us said, 'Look, we have electionsonMonday This (Continuedonpage17)
( B B C S p o r t ) -
Tottenham have signed the Netherlands attacking midfielder Xavi Simons fromRBLeipzigfor£51.8m (60meuros).
The 22-year-old, who has been chased by several Europeanclubsthissummer, said he has “been dreaming of this for a long time” after completing his medical and joining Thomas Frank’s side.
Simons scored 22 goals
and assisted 24 others in 78 appearances for Leipzig, who he joined on loan from Paris St-Germain in 2023 before signing permanently inJanuaryofthisyear
He has also scored five goals in 28 appearances for the Netherlands, having made his debut at theWorld CupinQatarin2022.
Simons added: “I’m really happy and can’t wait togetgoing.
“It’s a great club and
whenImettheheadcoachI knew straight away that this wastherightplaceforme.”
Spurs manager Frank said Simons, who has signed a “long-term deal”, is a “great addition” who “already has good experience” despite his age
The midfielder follows Joao Palhinha and Mohammed Kudus as summerarrivalsatSpurs. Chelseaheldtalkswith
Leipzig over a move for Simons this summer but aresettocompletea£40m move for Manchester U
Garnacho Spurs failed in their bid to sign Nottingham F o r e s t a t
g midfielder Morgan GibbsWhiteearlierthissummer, while one of their main targets Eberechi Eze c
Arsenal from Crystal Palace.
ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)
You'll find that things are slipping nicely into place for you today, Aries Your persuasivemannerandgentle nudges are just enough to get peoplewhereyouwantthem.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)
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.
GEMINI(May21–June20)
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(June21–July22)
If people hassle you or give you a hard time about your appearance today, pay them nomind,Cancer Youhavethe righttoliveyourlifeanyway youwantto.
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
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(Aug.23–Sept.22)
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.
LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)
Expand your mind to its furthest reaches today, Libra.
opportunity opening up for you in which you can make great strides in a creative realm.Followthemusic.
SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)
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.
SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)
Today is an excellent day for you,oneinwhichyou'llfinda great deal of strength in your emotions, Sagittarius Trust that your instincts are serving youwell.
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)
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 (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)Mixyourrealitywithabit of fantasy today, Aquarius. Allowyourfeettocomeoffthe ground for a little while. Give yourselfarest.Takesometime to meditate and clear your mindofyourdailyworries.
PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)
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.
RB Leipzig attacking midfielderXavi Simons has five goals in 28 appearances for the Netherlands (Getty Images)
Frompage27 “opposite” of racist, and filed a lawsuit against the clubseekingdamagesworth 1,907,000 Turkish Lira (£41,000).
Mourinho was a frequent critic of the standard of officiating in Turkey, and was handed a four-match ban - later reduced to two matches - for his c o m m e n t s a b o u t referees after the match againstGalatasaray Fol
wing a 1-1 Eu
pa L
agu
aw with United in October where Mourinho was sent off, he said he wanted to manage a team “at the bottom of the table in England” after
leaving Fenerbahce so he does not have to play in Uefacompetitions
Mourinho joined Fenerbahce following a three-year spell at Roma, where he won the Conference League in
2022 - the club’s only European trophy Hepreviouslyhad two spells at Chelsea, where he won three Premier League titles, and was a Champions League winner at Inter Milan and Porto In 2017, he guided Manchester United to Europa League successthe first time they had won the competition and their most recent Europeantrophy
(BBC Sport) - Carlos Alcaraz showed no signs of being affected by a morning start despite being “not an early person” as he sailed into the US Open fourth round with a comfortable straight-set victory over LucianoDarderi.
The 22-year-old Spaniard had won his first two matches of the tournament during the evening sessions on Arthur
Ashe Stadium, but opened play on that court at 11:30 localtimeonFriday
Italian 32nd seed Darderi, appearing in the thirdroundofaGrandSlam foronlythesecondtime,was
swept aside 6-2 6-4 6-0 in onehourand44minutes.
“I’m not an early person,” said Alcaraz. “For me, it’s difficult to wake up inthemornings.
“That’s one of the good things about today - I woke up early, did the warm-up andplayedgood.”
He continued: “I just triedtostartawake Starting at 11:30 is something I’m notusedto,somyfirstgoal was to start well, focused, with energy and a good rhythm.
“I started pretty well, pushinghimtothelimitand trying to play long rallies I played great tennis and I’m reallyproudaboutit.”
Alcaraz received treatment to his right knee andquadricepmusclewhile leading 5-4 in the second set, but he said afterwards that the discomfort soon disappearedandhewas“not worriedaboutit”.
He said: “I’m feeling good Iaskedforthephysio because when he broke my serve,onthelastpointIjust felt something that was not workinggoodintheknee.
“Afterfiveorsixpoints, itwasgone ”
After the medical timeout, Alcaraz broke serve in
theverynextgametomove two sets up, before rattling quicklythroughthethirdset tocompletevictory
Alcaraz won his first Grand Slam title at the US Open as a teenager in 2022 and is aiming to win his second major of the year after retaining his French OpencrowninJune.
Hewillreturntothetop of the world rankings if he matches or betters Jannik Sinner’s performance in NewYork
His fourth-round opponent will be the u n s e e d e d A r t h u r Rinderknech, who is into thelast16ofaGrandSlam for the first time in his career
The world number 82 recovered from losing the first set to beat fellow Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi4-66-36-36-2.
Pegula holds off Azarenkafightbacktowin
American Jessica Pegula had to dig deep to beat Victoria Azarenka in the US Open third round and keep alive her hopes of winning a career-first GrandSlamonhomesoil
Ina6-17-5victory,2024 finalist Pegula cruised through the first set before
former world number one Azarenka fought back valiantly despite struggling withaleginjury
Meanwhile, Italian seventhseedJasminePaolini suffered a surprise 7-6 (7-4) 6-1 defeat by world number 60MarketaVondrousova. Paolini was beaten in the finals of the French Open and Wimbledon last year, but has failed to progress beyond the fourth roundatanySlamthisyear
Pegula,whosuffereda heartbreaking defeat by Aryna Sabalenka in last year’s New York final, will face either her compatriot Ann Li or Australia’s world number 126 Priscilla Hon in the fourthround.
“I just tried to focus on going back to my strategy, things that went well in the first set,” said the 31-year-old when asked howshearrestedhersecondsetslide.
“I thought I moved and scrambled really well, I wanted to make thematchphysical
“My results haven’t been too amazing the last coupleofmonths,sotobe able to turn it around was awesome.”
Guyana Amazon Warriors will be facing their old rivals Trinbago Knight Riders tonight as action in this year’s CPLTournament continues across Trinidad andTobago.
TKR should fancy themselves with their dangerous batting order, led by centurion to date, Colin Munro,EnglandopenerAlex Hales, while local boys KeacyCarty,KieronPollard, Andre Russell and Nick Pooran should make for a hugetotaloraneasychase.
The likes of Mohammed Amir will lead up the pace department along with Ali
Khan and Russell Spin twins Akeal Hosein and Sunil Narine should hold their ends down against a strongWarriorsbattingline.
The Warriors have been posting big scores but their loss in the last game after scoring 200 plus should put TKR at a psychological advantage.
Batting should revolve around the usual suspects in BenMcDermott,ShaiHope, Romario Shepherd and Iftikhar Ahmed who had a brilliantinningslastmatchin alosingeffort.
The likes of Mooen Ali, Kevlon Anderson and Shimron Hetmyer will want
Jose Mourinho has won league titles in four different countries (Getty Images)
(BBC Sport) - Jose Mourinho has been sacked by Fenerbahce after just overayearincharge.
The Portuguese’s departure comes two days after the Turkish club were eliminated from the Champions League playoffsbyBenfica.
In a statement, Fenerbahce said Mourinho had “parted ways” with the club,beforethankingthe62year-old for his efforts and wishing him well. A club official later confirmed to the BBC that he had been sacked. Mourinho, who has
managed10clubsincluding Chelsea,ManchesterUnited and Tottenham, guided Fenerbahce to second in the league during his sole season in charge, but his tenure was punctuated by controversy
Champions Galatasaray said they would “initiate criminal proceedings” against Mourinho, after accusing him of making “racist statements” following a 0-0 draw in February
Mourinho denied the allegations,sayingheisthe (Continuedonpage25)
to turn their batting fortunes aroundthismatch.
With Dwaine Pretorius showing his class with bat and ball, Shepherd and Jediah Blades will add good support to the pace department.
Gudakesh Motie and ImranTahirhavebeentheX-
Factors for the Warriors and against a star-studded TKR team, much will be required fromtheex-champs.
Brian Lara Cricket Academy (CliftonRoss)
dropped to 4th placefollowing their most recent defeat.
‘not
