Kaieteur News

Mohamed’s offer to raise MV Barima, pushes Govt. to say victims’ relatives will decide

ByKhadidjaBa

Following a proposal by OppositionLeaderAzruddin Mohamed to independently fund and undertake the salvage of the sunken ferry MV Barima, government has announced that the final decision on whether to raise the vessel or declare wreckage area a memorial sitewillbeleftentirelytothe familiesofthevictims.

Mohamed has critisised the administration, deeming anymovetoleavethevessel at the Atlantic sea floor as “prematureandwicked”and an “act of cruelty” to grieving families. “Families have reached out to me saying they want the bodies of their loved ones, even if all that remain are bones. It will bring closure, ” Mohamedstated.

“Thegovernmentdidnot exhaust every possible option.Theyhavenotsought out international help with the expertise and equipment to recover that vessel. Yet, they are already talking about turning it into a memorial.”

Mohamed questioned t h e g o v e r n m e n t ’s transparency, alleging that authorities are attempting to cover up systemic negligence and safety breaches.Heallegedthatthe MV Barima had been transporting construction materialsandothercargofor big businessmen and those with major projects in Region 1, cargo that should otherwise have been transportedbyabarge.

Furthermore, he cited details coming from the captain who was arrested and charged with murder, asserting that the vessel had no functioning emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB), no search and rescue transponder (SART), an inoperable anchor,nooperationalradar, and life rafts that had been expiredsince2022.

Healsoclaimedthatone of the engines was down, emphasising that an overloaded vessel needs both engines, especially to navigateroughwaters.

Addressing the vessel’s capacity, Mohamed directly challenged Public Works Minister Juan Edghill’s statements He argued that Minister Edghill referred to gross tonnage, which is a measure of internal volume used for regulatory purposes rather than deadweight, which represents the maximum combined weight of passengers, cargo, fuel,

water,andotherloadsavessel can safely carry Mohamed noted that the MV Barima’s deadweightwas198tons,yet Minister Edghill stated there were268tonsonboard

“Therefore, based on Edghill’s explanation, the vesselwascarryingabout70 tons more than its dead weightcapacity ItisEdghill who should have been arrested and remanded to prison,”Mohamedasserted.

Expressing his readiness to intervene directly, Mohamed declared his full commitment to floating the vessel.

“Let me make my position clear I, Azruddin Mohammed, leader of the opposition, am prepared to undertake this salvage operation. I have already engaged international partners who have assured metheyhavetheequipment, expertise, and capability to bring the MV Burima to the surface,”hestated.“Giveme the permission to float this vessel. I will recover the vesselsothattheCOIcanbe properlyconducted.Iwilldo everything possible to recovertheremainsofthose still trapped, provide families with the closure theydeserve,andensurethat every piece of evidence is preserved.Ifthegovernment truly has nothing to hide, then there should be no objection to bringing up the MVBarima.”

GOVT.POSITION: FAMILIESWILLHAVE THEFINALSAY

A few hours after Mohamed’s salvage proposal, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips convened a press conference alongside key security and search-andrescue officials, including Captain Flores from the MaritimeSearchandRescue Coordinating Center, Colonel Roberts, Colonel General Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), and DeputyCommissionerErrol Watts of the Guyana Police Force.

Prime Minister Phillips explained that diving operations for search and recovery were suspended due to the extreme difficulties faced by the divers, leaving two clear paths forward: either the vessel remains in its current position, or the government entertains one of the incomingsalvageoffers.

“Well, there are several offers... been submitted to government several proposals for salvaging the

vessel.As I speak with you, inadditiontothoseoffersto salvage the vessels, it is the wishesofthefamilythatare important at this stage,” Prime Minister Phillips stated.

“Because if there is any indication from the family that they prefer to have the area be deemed a memorial site, then we go with that option The issue of salvaging the vessel, if the families feel that we should go ahead and salvage the

vessel, the government is likely to honour the wishes of the family So you have twooptionsthere,right?”

CRUCIALEVIDENCE

Addressing concerns regarding whether leaving the vessel submerged would compromise crucial evidence, such as the condition of the engine and navigationalaids,neededfor anupcomingCommissionof Inquiry (COI), Prime MinisterPhillipsreiterated Continuedonpage22

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EDITORIAL

Business

as usual while a nation mourns

There are moments in a nation’s history when politics must give way to humanity There are moments when governments must understand that leadership is not demonstrated by passing budgets, introducing bills or boasting about development projects, but by showing humility,accountabilityandrespectforthegriefofabroken people.

Mondayshouldhavebeenoneofthosemoments.

Instead,thePPP/Cgovernmentmarchedintoparliament with a $54.9 billion supplementary budget and a stack of legislationasthoughGuyanawasexperiencingjustanother ordinaryweek.Itwasanythingbutordinary Thecountryis still reeling from the worst maritime disaster in its modern history

More than 100 people are believed to have perished whentheMVBarimasankofftheEssequibocoastnearIron Punt while carrying passengers to Port Kaituma. Entire familieshavebeenshattered.Childrenhavebeenorphaned. Parentsareburyingtheirsonsanddaughters.Communities arestrugglingtocomprehendthescaleofthetragedy

Yet, inside the National Assembly, it was business as usual.

Thatimagealonespeaksvolumes.

The government has moved with astonishing speed against those at the bottom of the chain. The management teamofthevesselhasbeensenthome.Thecaptainandcrew havebeenarrestedandnowsitbehindbars.Ifnegligenceor recklessness contributed to this catastrophe, they must answerbeforethelaw Nooneshouldobjecttothat.

Butaccountabilitycannotstopattheengineroom.

Who is holding accountable those responsible for the policies, oversight and regulation of Guyana’s maritime sector? Where is the accountability for the head of MARAD?Whereistheministerialresponsibilityexpected undertheWestminstersystemthatGuyanaclaimstofollow?

PublicWorksMinisterJuanEdghillandPublicUtilities andAviation Minister Deodat Indar remain comfortably in office.Despitemountingpublicoutrage,despitecallsfrom the parliamentary opposition, civil society organisations, indigenous leaders and grieving relatives, the government has refused to remove either minister while investigations continue.

That refusal sends an unmistakable message. There appears to be one standard for workers and another for politicians.

The symbolism became even more disturbing on Monday Rather than recognising the nation’s grief by postponing the sitting or limiting it to matters directly relatedtothedisaster,thegovernmentpressedaheadwithits legislative agenda while the very ministers under public scrutinyoccupiedprominentseatsintheHouse.

It was a display many Guyanese found impossible to reconcilewiththepainstillgrippingthecountry

The opposition responded the only way it believed it could.Membersroseinprotest,beatbottlesontheirdesks, held photographs of victims and repeatedly chanted, “Edghill and Indar must go.” The Speaker was forced to suspendproceedingsastheprotestengulfedthechamber

Some may criticise the opposition’s tactics. Parliament is not meant to descend into chaos. But governments must also recognise that when ordinary channels of accountabilityappearblocked,protestbecomeslouder The chants inside Parliament merely echoed what has already been heard across riverine communities, indigenous villagesandsocialmediaplatformsthroughoutGuyana.

Thisisnolongersimplyabouttwoministers.

Itisaboutwhetherpoliticalofficecarriesresponsibility whentragedystrikes.

Throughout the Commonwealth, ministers have resigned not because they personally caused disasters but becausetheyacceptedthatultimateresponsibilityrestswith those entrusted to oversee their sectors. Such resignations do not constitute admissions of criminal guilt. They

Why not lift the sunken MV Barima immediately?

DEAREDITOR,

TheheadoftheFrenchNavydiving team at the wreck of the MV Barima stated that the wreck site was swept by strongcurrentandbeingcoveredinsilt. So,itwassimplytoodangeroustotryto enter the wreck when the divers could hardly see an arm’s length in front of t h e m

(https://guyanachronicle.com/2026/07/ 27/french-divers-say-zero-visibilitypowerful-currents-hampering-mvbarima-recovery/).

So, to retrieve the drowned passengers the wreck has to be moved,

and preferably raised. Fortunately, thereisaheavy-liftvesselnow(25July) atChaguaramas,Trinidad,onitswayto helptheinstallationofmooringanchors fortheFPSO‘OneGuyana’,oncontract to SBM Offshore. MARAD Notice to Mariners number 123 (2026) 17th July confirms that this vessel will be on station just 101 nautical miles off our coast.

Lifting the sunken MVBarima will allow retrieval of the bodies of loved ones.

I call on the government (President Ali, Prime Minister Phillips, MPW

Edghill)toimmediatelyrequisitionthis v e s s e l ( s e e

https://maritimeoptima.com/public/ves sels/pages/imo:9328819/mmsi:257583 000/NORMAND INSTALLER html forasightofitshugecranes)anddirect ittothewreckoftheMVBarimaferry

The Normand Installer has cranes with 250 and 350 tonnes lifting c

content/uploads/2021/11/NormandInstaller.pdf.

Yourstruly, JanetteBulkan

‘Autocratic tendencies’ grow as govt. shuts out opposition on national tragedy

DEAREDITOR,

If anyone ever had doubts that this government was becoming increasingly autocratic their actions will only reinforce those concerns.

Our country has experienced its worst national tragedy since Independence Many citizens believe this disaster was the result of i n c o m p e t e n c e a n d corruption. After repeatedly promising transparency, the

government has refused to follow the long-standing Westminster parliamentary tradition of allowing the opposition to make a statement, ask questions about the tragedy, and hold the responsible Ministers accountable. Instead, the ministers remain in office while an investigation is beingestablished.

ThePPPGovernmenthas once again resorted to its familiar strategy of delay by announcing a Commission

of Inquiry chaired by an individual widely perceived tobecloselyassociatedwith the government, having previously served on the Commission of Inquiry into the last general elections. It has also been reported that the chair was permitted to select the other members of this new commission

Whether or not that perception is accurate, the government should recognise that public confidence depends on both

independence and the appearanceofindependence. Ifthegovernmentistruly committedtotransparency,it should find a lawful way to involve respected Opposition representatives, such as Amanza WaltonDesirandDavidPatterson,in some capacity within the investigative process. Their participation would help strengthenpublicconfidence that the inquiry is impartial andnotpredetermined.

Continued on page 5

Sase Singh Salutes First Responders, Pays Special Tribute to MV Barima Dive Teams

DEAREDITOR,

I want join our people to offer some words to all the first responders, be they members of the joint services,thelocalfishermen, andallwhousedtheirprivate boats to go out on the high seas to search for survivors and,intheprocess,retrieved bodies out of the water Thankyou.Everysingleone of you stepped up when this countryneededyouthemost. Thankyou!

ButIhaveaspecialword of thanks for the divers, the

loneGuyanesediverandthe French dive team. I applaud you.

Inamomentofprofound national grief and desperate hope, you divers have done something remarkably brave,notjustbydivinginto those perfidious waters, but byspeakingyourdiscovered truth with clarity, honesty, andrestraint.

I watched the press conference and I listened carefully to your words dear divers. You didn’t sugarcoat anything. You didn’t make

demonstrate respect for democratic accountability and preservepublicconfidencewhileinvestigationsproceed.

Thatprincipleappearsabsentintoday’sGuyana.

Instead, there seems to be a determination to shield political officeholders while sacrificing everyone beneath them.Itisadangerousprecedent.Accountabilitycannotflow onlydownward.Ifthecaptainmustanswer,thensotoomust thoseresponsibleforensuringthatagingvesselsareproperly regulated,inspectedandfittocarrythecitizenswhoselives dependonthem.Thefamiliesmourningtodaydeservemore than promises of a commission of inquiry They deserve to know that every level of responsibility will be examined withoutfearorfavour

Monday’s parliamentary sitting should have reflected a nationinmourning.

Instead,itreflectedagovernmentdeterminedtomoveon beforethecountryisready

Guyanesearenotreadytomoveon.

Norshouldthey

promises you couldn’t keep. Youtoldthefamiliesandthis nation exactly what you faced and the unvarnished truth.

Let’s be honest, you arrived at that site on a mission of mercy In just days, you completed 15 dives in conditions that I cannot even begin to imagine: pitch-black darkness, crushing currents, blinding mud, and a tangled labyrinth of ropes that turn everymovementunderwater into a contest at surviving safely I listened to you divers describe your lived experience as you felt your way through that wreck like blind people, and it sent chills down my spine. No one above water can easily imageyoureffort,evenifwe try

And here is what struck me most, you did not exaggerate.Yourhumilityin service to humanity shined throughatalltimes.Youdid notmakefalsepromises.You told the families and this nation exactly what you faced, and in doing so, you honoured the bodies that are stillunderthewaterwiththe

one thing they deserve most at this time: the unvarnished truth and the dignity that goesalongwiththetruth. Because of your honest assessment(andIcouldhave see it in your body language too and, the way you chose your words carefully), this nation can now better weigh the reality of this tragedy Because of you, all who are evaluating this situation are in a better place to start making decisions. Difficult, painful, but necessary decisions about the next steps.

Sotoday,Franceandour lone Guyanese diver, we salute you Not just for lendingusyourskills,butfor your integrity You came to help, and you have helped, notbyrecoveringeverysoul, but by recovering reality fromthedepths.Thatisagift beyondmeasure.

Merci.Chapeaubas.

To the families and survivors, on behalf of our families, we wish you our deepest sympathies. May all the dearly departed souls, restinpeace.

Sincerely, SasenarineSingh

THD workers were victims too, not villains

DEAREDITOR,

The nation rightly mourns the many souls lost aboard the MV Barima. We grievewiththefamilieswho will forever live with an emptiness that can never be filled.

Butamidthesorrow,one group must not become the forgotten victims of this national tragedy the workersoftheTransportand HarboursDepartment.

Everydaythesemenand women reported for duty knowing they were working under hazardous conditions. Every voyage of the MV Barima was a gamble with life.

Every departure from portwas,intruth,adeathtrip waiting to happen That realitydidnotbeginon18th

July It existed long before thatfatalnight.Theworkers were operating a death trap. Like the passengers, their lives were placed at risk every time the vessel sailed. They had no special protection No privileged escape The only reason some survived is because they possessed one skill that many passengers did not—theycouldswim. Some have recounted harrowingaccountsofbeing thrownoverboardrepeatedly by the force of the sea, only to be dragged back beneath the vessel before fighting their way to the surface again. Their survival was not becausethesystemprotected them.They survived despite thesystem.

victimseverybitasmuchas the passengers. They were compelled to earn a living under conditions that no responsibleemployershould everhavetolerated.

They worked within a system that exposed them dailytounacceptabledanger while asking them to carry out duties that increasingly compromisedboththeirown safety and that of the travellingpublic.

The workers and passengers alike became victims of an uncaring, carelessandselfishregime.

Whatmakesthistragedy even more painful is that safeguards once intended to protect lives were dismantled Under the A Partnership for National

Murder is not limited to intentional killing

DEAREDITOR,

The proposition that a charge of murder can only arise where it is proven that an accusedpersonintendedtokillorintendedto inflict grievous bodily harm, knowing that death was the likely consequence is, at best, incompleteand,atworst,misleading.

Thecriminallawhaslongrecognisedthat there are circumstances in which a person’s conductissooutrageouslydangerousandso utterly indifferent to the value of human life that it is treated as the legal equivalent of an intentiontokill.However,inthisinstancethe evidence must satisfy an exceptionally high threshold.

Where it can be established beyond a reasonable doubt that an individual acted with extreme recklessness or what is often described as a “depraved indifference” or “wanton disregard” for human life, the requisite mental element for murder may be satisfied.

Thelawisconcernednotonlywithwhata personhopeswillhappenbutalsowithwhat that person knowingly risks. A conscious decisiontoproceedinthefaceofanobvious probability of death may demonstrate such contempt for human life that the distinction between recklessness and intent becomes legallyinsignificant.

To insist that only a proven intention to kill can justify a murder charge ignores the factthatinthemostegregiouscases,extreme recklessnessmayitselfsupplythemalicethat thelawrequires.

And as an aside, did one local commentator not characterise, in a cavalier fashion, the sinking of the M.V Barima as a masskilling.Ifso,whoisthefirstinthechain ofculpability?

Yoursfaithfully, RoopnauthHardyal

‘Autocratic tendencies’ grow...

Frompage4

Autocratic governments rarely embrace meaningful consultation. I had hoped that, after witnessing the unprecedented and nonpartisanoutpouringofgriefandconcernfrom Guyana’s Indigenous peoples, civil society, and even many PPP supporters, the Government would recognise the need for a moreinclusiveapproach.Attheveryleast,it should have invited the Opposition and representatives chosen by our Indigenous communities to participate in discussions aboutthewayforward.

I hesitate to raise the political

implicationsofthistragedyoutofrespectfor the victims and their families. However, judging by the sentiments being expressed across the country, this may be a defining moment.TheGovernmentshouldeitheropen the door to genuine consultation and more inclusive governance or risk further deepeningthepoliticaldivisionsthatalready exist. National tragedies require national unity, and that unity can only be achieved through transparency, accountability, and meaningfulparticipationbyallstakeholders.

Regards, RawleBlackman

Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) administration, inspectors were assigned to ensure vessels complied with loading specifications and safety requirements before leaving port We were

recently advised by

APNU+AFCMinisterDavid Patterson, that when the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) returned to office, those safeguards were removed.

Workers have since spoken of receiving instructions from higher authorities directing them to continue loading vessels regardless of capacity In today’s Guyana, where fear stalks the workplace and thousandsstrugglesimplyto provide for their families, refusing such instructions is easiersaidthandone.

Many complied, not becausetheybelieveditwas safe,butbecausetheyfeared losing the jobs that fed their families They complied under duress. In doing so, theyplacedtheirownlivesat risk.

Now, in the aftermath of this national catastrophe, some seek to heap further

blame upon these already traumatisedworkersthrough allegations that marijuana use contributed to the tragedy. That narrative is nothing more than a red herring.

The MV Barima did not capsize because workers were under the influence of marijuana.

The vessel capsized under the crushing burden placed upon it. It collapsed beneath excessive weight, forced upon it by decisions made from above It succumbed under the final instruction from higher authorities to continue loading cargo onto a vessel that should never have been operating under those conditions.

Indeed, Prime Minister Mark Phillips himself has publicly acknowledged that Government cargo was aboardthevesselandthatthe inspectionsystemfailed.

Thoseadmissionsshould focus the national conversation where it b e l o n g s n o t o n scapegoating desperate workers, but on examining the decisions, policies and failures that created the

conditionsforthisdisaster.

Thedeaddeservejustice. The survivors deserve answers. The workers deserve protection not persecution. They were not thearchitectsofthistragedy They were among its victims.

IfGuyanatrulyintendsto honour those who lost their livesaboardtheMVBarima, thenwemustrejectattempts to criminalise or vilify workers who themselves were forced to labour inside what had become a floating deathtrap.

History must record this tragedy honestly The MV Barima did not fail because ordinary workers failed. It failed because a system entrusted with protecting bothworkersandpassengers a

y: safeguarding human life

Onlybyacknowledgingthat uncomfortable truth can Guyana ensure that no worker is ever again forced to earn a living aboard a vessel that has already become a coffin waiting to close.

Regards, LincolnLewis

The PPP needs new leadership

DEAREDITOR,

The founder of the PPP and the Founding Father of our nation once said, “The working people must have a say,andthestatemusthelpto protectthepoor

Therichcanalwaystake careofthemselves.Thepoor is the one who need protection and that is what the PPPwas created for”. In today’s Guyana key members of the PPP have turnedintotherichandhave abandonedthepurposeofthe PPP AsevidencedintheMV Barima tragedy, the poor were not protected and the rich elite within the party have little to no regard for theirplight. A key official over the sector said that it was ok to havetheboatloadlinebelow water level in fresh water because it will be above waterinsaltwater Thisisnot only irresponsible but also supports the claim that the vessel was overloaded for additional income Accusations of bribery have alsosurfacedandissaidtobe common practice on the vessel.

isalsoallegedthatacallfrom an official can require the workers to add cargo as a favour to a rich person. Furtherraisingconcernsthat family, friends, and favourites can bypass official policy by corrupting thesystem.

The allegation is that additional passengers who are not on the original manifest pay a bribe to officials to get their goods and themselves on board. It

It is unfortunate that key members of the PPP are no longer rooted in the noble cause that their founder formed the party to accomplish. It is time for newleadership,anditistime forthosewhousethepartyto accumulate questionable wealthtoleave.

Withutmostconcern, Mr JamilChanglee

Four remanded for robbing Corentyne family of millions

Four males were all charged for their alleged i n v o l v e m e n t i n a multimillion-dollar robbery carried out on a No.1 Road, Corentynefamilynearlytwo weeksago.

The incident took place on the evening of 15th July, 2026, at the home of Narinedutt Ramnarain, called‘Passy’.

Amongthosechargedare 21-year-old Steve Tsoi, called ‘Timmy’ , a constructionworker0f Lot9 Alness Village, Corentyne, Berbice;21-year-oldMohan Panchoo, called ‘Leon’, a labourer of Lot 33 Alness Village,Corentyne,Berbice; 24-year-oldDerwinHawker,

of Nurney Village, Corentyne, Berbice; and 23year-old Kristopher Mendonca,called‘Khris’,of Lot 69 Alness Village, Corentyne,Berbice.

They were apprehended bypoliceinRegionSix(East Berbice-Corentyne) between24th-26thJuly.

The quartet appeared at the Albion Magistrate’s

CourtonTuesday,wherethe chargeswerereadtothemby MagistrateTuanaHardy They were subsequently chargedwiththreecountsof robbery with violence, contrarytoSection222(a)of theCriminalLaw(Offences) Act,Chapter8:01. Ramnarain was robbed of$3,500,000incash,while his 30-year-old daughter Jayadevi Ramnarine, a government part-time worker of the same address,

was robbed of one gold ring carryingavalueof$112,000.

Monica Balgobind, 31, another daughter, was robbed of a quantity of gold

$362,500.

The four men appeared via Zoom at the Albion Magistrate’s Court, where the indictable charges were read to them. Subsequently, bail was denied, and they wereremandedtoprison. The matter was

adjourned to 18th August, 2026. Ramnarain had told this publication that he had just finished having dinner that evening and had retired inside while his daughters and grandchildren were outside. Their frantic voices alarmed him, and upon

investigating, he noted that he observed the masked men, who were armed with gunsandcutlasses.

He disclosed that he was dealt several lashes to his backandheadwithcutlasses by the men who demanded cashandvaluables.

After assaulting his daughters,themenmanaged to locate the money he had concealed in plastic bags in hisclothesbaskets. They then reportedly fired several shots in the air before making good their escape.

Govt. ruling with arrogance

DEAREDITOR,

Today 27th July,2026, I had confirmed, that there was no discussion or any form of consultationwiththeleaderoftheopposition, and even more distressing was parliament, therepresentativeofallofourpeople,wasnot summoned to be briefed on what took place with the MV Barima, the worst maritime disasterinGuyana’shistory

ItisnosecretthatwhenPresidentAliwas appointedpresident,Iwasamongthosewho asked to, as we say in Guyana, “give him a chance” This unilateral declaration of naming five persons as commissioners to look into the Barima tragedy is an abomination, unacceptable in a country where the government administration boasts itsdemocraticcredentials.Parliamentshould condemntheseappointmentsanddemandits withdrawal.

Our parliament should express horrors

thatthepresidenthasnamedpersonswithno intimateknowledgeofGuyana.

Today there are credible Guyanese with experienceandintegrity,athomeandabroad, whocouldhavebeenidentified.

As mentioned before, a vital element is thetermsofreference.Wemustavoidtheold trick of a commission whose terms of referenceavoiddealingwithresponsibilityor culpabilityofthetopbrass.

Ifthegovernmentpersists,orisconsumed with arrogance and political myopia, it will then be left up to the people and their organisations to express their dissatisfaction within the confines of the law, a universal practiceobservedthroughoutmodernhistory, for example, Russia 1905, Mexico 1910, Vietnam 1946, Hungary 1956 and South Africa1948-1994.

Sincerely,

HamiltonGreen

Legal firestorm erupts over charges against MV Barima captain, crew members ...lawyers say charges threaten COI

The 72 murder charges institutedagainstthecaptain and two crew members of the ill-fated MV Barima have drawn sharp criticisms from members of the local legal fraternity, who are contendingthatchargingthe trio with murder raises serious legal concerns and could possibly undermine the Commission of Inquiry

(COI) established to investigate Guyana’s deadliestmaritimedisaster

After appearing in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for Captain Kevin Price,knownas“KP”,Chief Mate Rondell Dwayne

Roberts and Goods Superintendent Delon Granderson, defence attorney Dexter Todd told reportersthathebelievesthe charges stemming from the 18th July MV Barima tragedy,whichleftmorethan 70 people confirmed dead and at least 30 others still missing at sea, should have been preceded by the findings of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) recently established by President IrfaanAli.

“The police have done what the commission of inquiryissupposedtodoand they have already come to a definitiveconclusiononthis matter,”Toddsaid.

He labelled the charges “unfair” and “injustice”, contending that given the complexity of the matter, a proper investigation could not have been completed in such a short period. To this end,hedisclosedthathehas requestedearlydisclosureof theprosecution’sevidencein thecase.

The lawyer noted that several experts are still needed to assist in the investigation, adding that this underscores the importanceoftheCOI.“The primary person who will havetotalkattheCOI,isthe captain of the vessel he will havetoappearbeforeaCOI. Now this man is in prison and then you’re going to haveasecondissue.There’s somethingwecallsubjudice, meaning that if a matter is before one court, then not evenacommissioncanlook intotheaffairsofthatmatter So, there are going to be barrierstotheextentthatthe commission can dive into things,”headded.However, this concern was addressed in a statement issued by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, which said that although the impendingCOImayoverlap with the criminal

proceedings, both processes canproceedsimultaneously

Further, Todd also questioned comments by authorities suggesting that the sunken MV Barima could remain on the seabed.

“There is a clear pronouncement yesterday, and the fears of the Guyanese people, we may notevenseetheboatbackon water So, my thing is, how dotheyhopetoestablishthe weightofthatboat?”

Meanwhile, attorney

intentionhereisthat,having been charged with murder, theaccusedwouldbeunable to testify before the Commission of Inquiry, since any testimony they give can be used against them at a criminal trial?” he asked.

According to Hughes, the prosecution risks undermining the search for answers by effectively removing key witnesses fromtheinquiryprocess.

“Perhaps we have the

Nigel Hughes sharply criticised the decision to charge the captain and two crew members of the illfated MV Barima with murder,describingthemove as “a most perverse attempt atdistraction”inthewakeof themaritimedisaster

In a strongly worded statement, posted on his Facebook page, Hughes arguedthatthechargesraise serious legal questions and c o u l d h a v e t h e u n i n t e n d e d o r in

nd

d

ct of preventingtheaccusedfrom giving evidence before the Commission of Inquiry (COI)intothetragedy

“A charge of murder requiresthattheaccusedhad the intention to kill the victim,”Hughessaid.“Inthe circumstancesofthischarge, it would mean that when they set sail, the accused intended to kill or cause grievous bodily harm to every person on board, or that they developed that intention at some stage after thevoyagebegan.”

Hughes questioned whether the murder charges were instead designed to ensure that the captain and crewremainsilentduringthe inquiry

“Coulditbethatthereal

requirement of malice aforethought, Wade said serious questions arise as to whether those charges can withstand judicial scrutiny

“The requirement of malice aforethought is what distinguishes murder from other forms of unlawful homicide,”henoted.

Addressing concerns raised by members of the public over why the men were not charged with manslaughter instead of the capitaloffence,Wadesaidhe

Wadealsoquestionedthe timingofthemurdercharges instead of allowing investigators to determine whether manslaughter or other offences were more appropriate “Is the institutionofmurdercharges havingtheeffectofshielding senior officials from closer scrutiny by focusing public attention almost exclusively on the Captain and crew?

That is a question the Guyanesepeopleareentitled toask,”hesaid.

unique ability to compound what is already a tragedy of epic proportions into an additionalmanifestinjustice by instituting murder

charges and thereby silencing key witnesses before the Commission of Inquiry,”Hughessaid.

Further, attorney Darren Wade also questioned the decision,sayingthathesees “mischief” in the laying of the murder charges. In a Facebook post, Wade contended that charging the captain and the other crew members with murder is legallyunsustainable.

Examining the essential elements of the offence of murder, particularly the

agrees that manslaughter maybethemoreappropriate consideration, depending upontheevidence.“Idonot yethaveallofthefacts,andI cannot speak to matters that remainunderinvestigation,” Wadecautioned.

However, he said that if the evidence ultimately supports manslaughter or criminalnegligence,liability would not necessarily have been limited to the captain and crew He noted that it could also have extended to senior government officials, public officers, regulators, executivesandotherswhose acts or omissions may have materiallycontributedtothe tragedy

Meanwhile, amid widespread criticism over the decision to institute murder charges, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) issued a statementoutliningthebasis for its advice. “In the exerciseofthosepowers,the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions reviewedafileinrelationto the MV Barima tragedy of the investigations done by the Guyana Police Force in relation thereto, and duly advisedtheinstitutionofthe charges of murder,” the statementsaid.Accordingto the DPP’s Chambers, the advice was based on careful consideration of the evidence presented and the applicablelegalprinciples.

Further, Parliamentary Leader of A Partnership for NationalUnity(APNU),Dr Terrence Campbell, labelled the charges against the trio “scapegoating” and said the charges amount to an unfair prosecution intended to divert attention away from the Government and the subjectministers.

Dr. Campbell outlined that murder is the unlawful killing of a human being with malice aforethought.

He further questioned what happens if the murder charges ultimately fail becausethelegalingredients of the offence cannot be proved.According to Wade, the public discourse would thenhavecentredoncharges that were never capable of being sustained, while the broader issues of systemic negligence, regulatory failures and the potential criminalandcivilliabilityof those responsible for the management, maintenance, inspection and continued operation of the ferry may receive less attention than theydeserve.

“We must not lose sight of the real issue The questionisnotonlywhowas operating the vessel on the day of the tragedy The question is who made the decisions, who ignored the warnings,whopermittedthe vesseltocontinueoperating, and whether those persons should also be held accountable under the civil and criminal law Make no mistake: these murder charges are legally nonsensical. They are an insulttothecriminallaw,an affront to justice, and a disservice to the families who deserve genuine accountability,”headded.

“The captain and crew charged had malice aforethought? Really? Even against themselves? They alsohadareasonablechance of dying in this tragedy We know that other crew members died. So, I guess t h e r e w a s m a l i c e aforethought against self!” hesaid.

APNU MP Ganesh Mahipaul also took to Facebook to express his frustration over the decision tochargethecrewmembers.

“If that captain had refused to take that boat to Port Kaituma, he would have either been dismissed or transferred. He could have lost his salary or been inconvenienced in other ways. Because that is how theF**PPPoperates.Either youdoasyou’retold,oryou suffer the consequences.All of you know that and yet talking S** as far as I am concerned…”headded.

Further,interimleaderof the Alliance For Change (AFC), David Patterson, argued that if the goods superintendent has been charged with murder, it suggests that investigators knowsomethingthathasnot yetbeenmadepublic.

The former Minister of Public Infrastructure said, “FortheDirectorofPublic Continuedonpage21

39 of 84 complaints resolved against public officers in 2025 - Ombudsman Office

The Office of the Ombudsman in 2025 received 84 complaints againstpublicofficers,39of which were resolved or justified according to its annualreport.

According to the document laid in the National Assembly on Monday,39complaintswere resolved, 10 unjustified, three are pending, 15 were declined or fell out of the office’s jurisdiction, five were referred and 12 receivedassistance.

Complaints declined by the Office was done in accordancewithArticles192 (3) and 193 of the Constitutionwhichindicates that the ombudsman is

r e c l u d e d

o m i n v e s t i g a t i n g t h e commencement or conduct ofcivilcriminalproceedings in any court; where a complaint has a remedy throughthecourtorowingto “stale and frivolous” complaints.

A complaint is made directly to the ombudsman by the aggrieved person or by someone authorised by him. The aim of the ombudsman’s office is to assist public officers in the performance of their duties to prevent recurrence of mistakes and to further enhance the performance of thedepartments.

Justice (Ret’d) Winston Patterson is the current

Ombudsman, appointed sinceMay2017.

The report states that complaintsthatfellunderthe office’s jurisdiction are notably lower than those outsideofitsjurisdiction.

The ombudsman is appointed by the president after consultation with the oppositionleader.

In a summary of complaints received by the office, it was stated that a complainant reported issues at the Central Housing and PlanningAuthority

Thecomplainantapplied for and was awarded a turnkeyhomeinBerbice.He completed all required payments to the Ministry of Housing and awaited

delivery of the letter of assurancetohisloanagency

Afteraprolongedperiod, the loan agency repeatedly contacted him regarding the letterofassurance.Whenhe reachedouttotheministry’s office in Berbice, he was consistently referred to central housing in Georgetown. He stated, “As IbegantocheckwithCentral Housing and Planning, they keptputtingmeoff,andvery often the response was next weekitwillbedone.Iamata point where I am frustrated and have lost confidence in the words of the officials at theministry.IfeelasifIam being pushed around and something sinister beyond my understanding is occurring,” he said in the report.

The office of the

ombudsman said the complainant pleaded for his help and within two weeks, the matter was resolved to hissatisfaction.

In another instance, a former employee of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) complainedthatherhusband worked at the commission and died while on duty, leavingherwithsixchildren.

“She complained of being denied the right to have Christmas food vouchers annually when other retirees are being

given,andfouryearsshehas been enquiring about her entitlement, only to be told the commission indicated that her name is not listed,” thereportstated.

Upon investigation, the officesaiditwasdiscovered that she is a pensioner well known and fondly considered. As such, it was noted that there is no conditionofherpensionable arrangements that entitles hertoa“Christmasvoucher” which has been annually considered and approved by theBoardofDirectorsofthe GGMC as a staff welfare discretion. Additionally, the complainant is not a staff member “The commission considered the complainant

Ombudsman, Justice (Ret’d), Winston Patterson

with fondness and respect, noting her longstanding association with the orga

understanding was that the complainant resided in another country and was therefore not included among the beneficiaries of the voucher,” the report stated.

It added that Christmas vouchers are granted at the discretion of the board with no intention to single out or d i s a d v a n t a g e t h e complainant. The commission reiterated regard for the complainant and wished her wellinherretirement,while confirming that no retroactivepaymentswillbe made.

Corentyne man to stand trial for2022 murderof farmer

A 12-member jury was empanelled on Tuesday at the Berbice High Court in New Amsterdam to begin proceedings against a manaccusedformurder,contrarytocommon law The jury was set up before Justice Gino Persaud,whowillpresideoverthemurdertrial ofBholaJaipersaud,46

Jaipersaud, also called ‘Joey’, of Bush Lot,Village, Corentyne, was charged for the 2022 murder of Rameshwar Sydney, called ‘WhiteEye’ofthesamecommunity Sydney waskilledon8thJuly,2022.

Based on reports, Jaipersaud had invited the now deceased man for a conversation on the day of the incident, at approximately 1:00pm Sydney,afarmer,hadreturnfromhis duties moments prior to the request, and was havinglunch

A short while after, reports stated that Sydney was seen stumbling out of the yard whileaknifewaslodgedinhisneck.Theman collapsedandwastakentothePortMourant Hospital, Corentyne where he succumbed to hisinjurywhilereceivingmedicalattention.

Bholawaslaterarrestedandchargedwith the murder. His first court appearance was at the Whim Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Renita Singh, where he was not required to plead. He was then remanded to prison

On Tuesday, the accused pleaded not

MURDERACCUSED: Bhola Jaipersaud, 46

guilty,settinginmotionthetrialtodetermine his innocence. He will be represented by attorneyLatchmieRahamat.

Appearing on behalf of the State, prosecutorMarisaEdwardsinformedthecourt thattheprosecutionwillpresent15witnesses, includingpoliceranksandapathologist With thejuryassembled,thematterwillcommence on3rdAugust,2026

The case is the first for the June Berbice Assizes,duringwhichover40casesofmurder willbeheardattheBerbiceHighCourt

Parliament is not a playground

There is a profound

difference between opposition and obstruction. Onestrengthensdemocracy; theotherseekstoparalyseit. One tests governments through argument; the other attempts to silence them throughnoise.

OnMonday,theNational Assembly witnessed far more than an unruly protest. It witnessed a calculated assault on parliamentary orderitself.

Let us dispense with one

convenient fiction immediately Nooneneedsa commission of inquiry to

determine who was responsible The culprits were not masked. They did not act under cover of

darkness They were captured on live television before the entire nation

Every chant, every shout, every advance into the Well of the Assembly, every refusaltoobeytheSpeaker’s repeated instructions is permanently preserved in countlessvideorecordings.

There are no mysteries here There are only consequences waiting to be imposed.

Those involved did not merelyraiseobjectionstothe Government’s business

They deliberately created a din intended to drown out

proceedings. They occupied the Well of the Assembly, transforming the floor of Parliament into a stage for political theatre rather than constitutional deliberation

Most troubling of all, they ignored repeated pleas from the Speaker to restore order That last fact alone elevates the incident from spirited protest to outright defiance ofparliamentaryauthority

The Speaker is not a ceremonial ornament whose appeals may be ignored whenever Members become sufficiently agitated In every legislature fashioned aftertheWestminstermodel, the authority of the Chair is the cornerstone upon which parliamentary government rests. Remove respect for thatauthorityandParliament degenerates into little more than a public shouting match.

The British Parliament learned this lesson centuries ago.Theinstitutionsurvived civil war, constitutional crisesandpoliticalupheaval because it developed one indispensable principle: someone must maintain order, and Members must obey that authority even when they profoundly disagree with its rulings. Without that principle,

Dem Boys Seh...

function as a legislature and becomes merely another arenaformobrule. T

Erskine May: Parliamentary

Commonwealth as the bible of parliamentary procedure, defines contempt broadly to include acts which obstruct orimpedeeitherHouseinthe performanceofitsfunctions.

W

traditionally relied upon

Members, suspension and removal to deal with disorderinsidetheChamber

But the underlying constitutional principle is unmistakable Members have no right to impede Parliamentitself.

What occurred on Monday falls squarely within that principle. The objective was obvious. The intention was not to persuade It was not to debate. It was not even to protest.Theintentionwasto prevent the Assembly from conducting its business. In ordinary language, that is o b s t r u c t i o n I n parliamentary language, it amounts to conduct that impedes the House in performingitsconstitutional functions.

Noise, ruckus and the silent sweep

Dem boys seh Parliament Monday had everything except aseriousdebate.Ithadshouting, chanting, waving, and plenty noise. Some people come to parliament with arguments; otherscomewithasoundtrack.

Fromthemomentthesittingstarted,the opposition side apparently decided that the speaker’smicrophonewasnotloudenough, so they would provide their own amplification.Demboyssehtheplacesound likeacricketmatchwherethecrowdforget thegamedoneandstillcheeringforawicket. The intention was clear: create so much confusion that nobody could hear anything comingfromtheGovernmentbenches.The planwastodrownouttheproceedings.

But dem boys seh somebody forgot to telltheGovernmentsidethattheysupposed to panic. Because while one side was busy making noise, the other side was busy makinglaw

Dem boys seh the Government walked intoParliamentwithaPlanBtuckedawayin its pocket While the Opposition was performing “The Greatest Show in the Assembly,” the Government quietly moved ahead with the business of the House. Bills were brought forward, debated, and passed whiletheOppositionwasbusyconductinga choirpracticewithoutaconductor

Imaginethat!Onesidecamearmedwith chants; the other side came armed with the Bills.

The Opposition thought they had discovered the parliamentary version of a blackout: if you turn off the lights, nobody canseewhatishappening.Butdemboysseh theGovernmenthadaflashlight.

Whilethenoisemakerswerebusytrying tostopthetrain,theyneverrealisedthetrain hadalreadyleftthestation.Bythetimethey finished shouting, the legislative luggage was already loaded and the engine was moving.

Dem boys seh politics does be like a gameofcricket.Oneteamcouldbemaking plenty noise at the boundary, waving flags and shouting at the batsman, but if they forget to watch the scoreboard, they might discover that while they were entertaining themselves,therunswerepilingup.

And that is the joke of Monday’s performance. The Opposition wanted to show that it could bring Parliament to a standstill.Instead,itmayhaveshownthatit couldbringonlyitselftoastandstill.

Dem boys seh sometimes the loudest personintheroomisnottheonewinningthe argument. Sometimes the person quietly doingtheworkwhileeverybodyelsemaking noise is the one walking away with the victory

So, the big question after Monday is simple:whoreallygotthelastlaugh? Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

T h i s i s h a r d l y unprecedented within the Commonwealth.TheBritish House of Commons has repeatedly suspended Members who refused to obeytheSpeakerorpersisted in disorderly conduct after repeatedwarnings.Canadian Speakers have named Members who deliberately disrupted proceedings or defied the Chair Australia’s House of Representatives has likewise suspended Members for gross disorder, while New Zealand has repeatedly enforced lengthy suspensionswhereMembers deliberately frustrated parliamentary business Caribbean legislatures, drawing from the same Westminstertraditions,have not hesitated to suspend Members who ignored the authority of the Chair or physically obstructed proceedings. The lesson is remarkablyconsistentacross the Commonwealth: Parliament cannot be permitted to surrender to organiseddisorder

Some will insist that parliamentary privilege protects such conduct. That argument misunderstands the very purpose of privilege Parliamentary privilege exists to protect free speech, not free-for-all behaviour It shields Members from external interference so that debate may flourish. It was never intended to provide immunity for conduct

designed to destroy debate altogether

Others will say this is politics. Indeed it is. But thereisadifferencebetween h a r d p o l i t i c s a n d constitutional vandalism

Democracy requires governments to tolerate criticism, ridicule and fierce opposition It does not require legislatures to tolerate calculated attempts toshutthemselvesdown.

If such conduct escapes

meaningful sanction, Monday’s events will become tomorrow’s parliamentary playbook

Every future disagreement will carry the temptation to occupy the Well, drown out debateandholdproceedings hostage until political demands are met Parliamentary democracy cannot survive if whichever side shouts the loudest acquires an effective veto overthelegislativeagenda.

NorshouldtheAssembly shrink from describing the conductforwhatitwas.This was not simply disorder It was a deliberate attempt to impede the work of Parliament. The distinction matters because Parliament exists not for the convenience of politicians but for the service of the people. Every minute lost to orchestrate chaos is time stolen from legislation, o v e r s i g h t , p u b l i c accountability and the consideration of matters affectingthenation.

The National Assembly therefore has both the authorityandthedutytoact. Members who participated in this orchestrated disruptionshouldbefoundto have committed a contempt of the Assembly by deliberately obstructing its proceedings and by openly defying the authority of the Speaker At the very least, they should face substantial suspension from the service of the House Such suspensions should be sufficiently lengthy to reinforce the gravity of their misconduct and to deter similar behaviour in the future.

Failure to act decisively would send precisely the wrong message that organised disruption carries little cost and that parliamentary authority is negotiable.

A firm response, on the otherhand,wouldreaffirma timeless Westminster principle: vigorous oppositionisthelifebloodof democracy, but deliberate obstruction of Parliament is an offence against democracyitself.

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

“MylifeisinGod’shands”

...embattledEdghillsaysindefyingcallsforhimtoresign

“My life is in God’s hands and that’s not today.” These were the words of Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill moments after exiting the dome of the Arthur Chung Conference Center (ACCC) with a smirk on his face, where the National Assembly convened in the midst of a heated protest by opposition members of parliament(MPs). Opposition parties, We

Invest in Nationhood (WIN ), the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Forward Guyana Movement (FGM), Vigilant Political Action Committee (V-PAC) andtheAllianceForChange (AFC) joined in demanding that the Bishop as well as Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar tender their resignations overtheMVBarimatragedy where 73 persons drowned on the 87-year-old vessel.

Some 75 persons were rescued while dozens more are still missing as the sunken vessel remains grounded on the floor of the Atlantic Ocean, about nine miles off the Essequibo Coast.

The smiling minister uponhisexitfromtheACCC was greeted by party supporters as he walked towards his Prado. When asked his views on the protest action by the

opposition members, Edghill insisted, “I have repeatedly said I will speak about this matter at the appropriatetime.”

Stakeholders began calling for Edghill to resign hours after the tragedy as reportssurfacedofthevessel beingoverloadedwithcargo andpassengers.

In an interview with Kaieteur News, following Monday’s sitting, MP Ganesh Mahipaul said government clearly displayed its “iron fist” method of governance by pushing its agenda despite the protest, with no regard for the victims and family membersofthetragedy

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill

“Theyhavenointerestin payingtributeproperlytothe 100pluspeoplethataredead They have no interest in payingtributetothefactthat thosefamiliesaresuffering I don’t dispute the fact that at some point our nation will have to heal and move forward but it was inappropriate for this to be a dayintheNationalAssembly ordinarily just to move and pass bills and the request for monies,”heargued

The MP said he

anticipated a frank discussion on the capsizing of the vessel as stories from survivors indicate overloading and no respect for systems As such, Mahipaul said Edghill should not have shown his facetothehouse.

According to him, “We strongly believe he must be held responsible for this...becausetheincomplete stelling at Port Kaituma which was awarded in a contract in 2022 among several other issues surrounding transportation here in Guyana. Edghill has displayedthatheisnotfitfor thatministry.”

Mahipaulbelievesthatit would have been “unfair”

and “inhumane” to allow a normal sitting to be held without any remorse or respect for the grieving families and victims of the incidents.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister, Mark Phillips describedthe opposition-led protest as “irresponsible, a reckless behaviour by the opposition, childish, immature.”

When asked for his views on the calls by opposition MPs for the ministers to step down, pending the outcome of the investigation so as to avoid anyprejudices,thePMsaid, “No, no, no, that’s not what they were calling for They disrupted the house today Regardless of their chants theydisruptedthehouse.”

Whenaskedifhebelieves the ministers remaining in office can influence the investigation in any way, he responded,“Notheywillnot influence the investigation because this is an independent, internationally selected people who will be on this commission of inquiry Everybodyisoutside of Guyana this is not a departmental investigation that was ordered by the minister Thisisthepresident using the Commission of Inquiry Act and order an independent investigation that is staffed by internationally recognised andrespectedexperts”

Captain, crew members charged with 72 counts of murder

…DPPand lawyers at odds over institution of murder charges

The captain of the ill-fated MV Barima and two other crew members were on Tuesday jointly charged with 72 counts of murder in connection with the deadly ferry disaster

Captain Kevin Price, called ‘KP’, 40, of Melanie Damishana, East Coast Demerara; ChiefMateRondellDwayneRoberts,42,of Meadow Grove Public Road, East Bank Demerara;andGoodsSuperintendentDelon Granderson, 33, of Fellowship, West Coast Demerara, appeared at the Georgetown

Magistrates’ Court, where they were remandedtoprison.

TheMVBarimacapsizedontheevening of 18th July,2026, while en route to Port Kaituma,RegionOne,leavingmorethan70 peopleconfirmeddeadandatleast30others stillmissingatsea.

Theindictablechargeallegesthaton18th July,2026, at a point 9.3 nautical miles on a bearing of 040° off the Essequibo Coast at DevonshireCastle,thetriomurdered:Kevin Wilson,ClaymontKing,OxwellJohn,Roma

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC

Mendonca, Nathaniel Matabheek, Nathalia Matabheek, Rachel Wells Matabheek, Ezekiel Matabheek, Cheriannys Valenzuela, Orin Clarke, Edith Gordon, Omar Harris, PaulSeapersaud,AndrielBautista,Youlanda Marks, Gwenette Marks, Shenira Smith, Cleiveliz Fraser, Vivianna Saddurddin, Argelys Kelly Williams, Devon Mars, RobinaHernandez,TendhiStandford,Adans Williams, Ranaldo Poon, Aarave Daniels, Marcia Beharry, Leonard Persaud, Mariam Bernard, Ravindra Singh, Shivana LaCruz Ramsindo, Christiani Rodrigues, Annalisa Murray, Owen Arthur, Loveisa Bovell, Joshua Arthur, Ranaldo Pickering, Bibi Mohamed, Sylvester Peters, Shawn John, Akelah Rodrigues, Vishawn Ramjattan, Nelly Duesberry, Samara Manoharlall, Sherlon Joseph, Timar Manoharlall, Dellon Gaskin, Percy France, Alicia Atkinson, DwyaneForbes,OrinEurope,OrwinEurope, Justin Mury, Odessa Mury, Reshana David, Kishana Sam, Tiona Sam, Elizebeth Bowin, Argany Williams, Omarions Europe, Jacob Jerome, Mark Abrams, Ashleena Bovell, Kyle Thomas, Carlton Bennett, Navessa Bovell,MartinIshmealandJasonHeadley

The statement of offence further states that the accused also murdered “other persons unknown.” The charge was read to thetriobyChiefMagistrateJudyLatchman, whoremandedthemtoprison.

ThematterwastransferredtotheCharity Magistrates’ Court and adjourned to 3rd August,2026.

ThechargescomeasPresidentIrfaanAli recentlyestablishedaCommissionofInquiry (COI) to investigate the circumstances surroundingthecapsizingandsinkingofthe MVBarimaandrelatedmatters.

Amongotherthings,thecommissionhas been tasked with examining the vessel’s management, including embarkation procedures, preparation of the passenger manifest, possible overcrowding, the stowage of cargo, the availability and use of life-saving equipment, and compliance with safetyrequirements.

In a statement announcing the charges, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) said that, following legal advice from Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar AliHack, SC, the three employees of the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD)werechargedwithmurder,contrary to common law, in relation to the deaths of passengersandfellowcrewmembersaboard theMVBarima.

DPPDEFENDSDECISION

Amid widespread criticism over the decision to institute murder charges, the

OfficeoftheDirectorofPublicProsecutions (DPP) issued a statement outlining the basis foritsadvice.

The DPP’s Chambers first noted that, under Article 187 of the Constitution of Guyana,theOfficeoftheDPPisnotsubject tothedirectionorcontrolofanyotherperson orauthority

It further stated that the DPP is empowered to institute and undertake criminal proceedings against any person for offencesunderthelawsofGuyanawhenever it considers it desirable to do so, and to exercisecontroloversuchproceedings.

“In the exercise of those powers, the OfficeoftheDirectorofPublicProsecutions reviewedafileinrelationtotheMVBarima tragedy of the investigations done by the Guyana Police Force in relationthereto,and dulyadvisedtheinstitutionofthechargesof murder,”thestatementsaid.

According to the DPP’s Chambers, the advicewasbasedoncarefulconsiderationof the evidence presented, the applicable legal principles, case law from the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth jurisdictions, decisions of the European Court of Human Rights, and broader public policyconsiderations.

The statement also addressed concerns that the impending Commission of Inquiry couldaffectthecriminalproceedings,stating that both processes can proceed simultaneously

“They can proceed simultaneously as was done in the cases of the piracy charges intheBerbicematterin2018,andthefraud charges in the 2020 Regional and General Elections Given the unprecedented magnitude of this matter, coupled with public interest factors, the prosecution will be conducted with due consideration of the work of the Commission of Inquiry,” the DPP’sChamberssaid

These are some of the passengers and crew members who were confirmed dead or remain unaccounted following the MV Barima tragedy on July 18

GPL signs non-binding MoU to explore grid upgrade projects

The Guyana Power and LightIncorporated(GPL)on Tuesday signed a nonbinding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PacificandAuroPowerInc., a joint venture between a local and a multi-national

company, to explore potential upgrades to the national power distribution network.

In a statement, GPLsaid that the MoU establishes a non-exclusive framework for the two entities to identify, evaluate, and develop power sector infrastructure projects in Guyana.

“It does not commit either party to finance or undertake any specific projectbutoutlinesaprocess for jointly identifying and assessing priority projects

for possible future development,”GPLsaid.

Kesh Nandlall, Head of G P L’ s E x e c u t i v e Management Committee, signed on the company’s behalf, in the presence of Divisional Director Ryan Ross and Deputy CEO BharratHarjohn. Under the agreement, GPL and Pacific and Auro Power Inc will explore

distribution infrastructure,

generation, renewable energy, battery storage

GPL Team Leader Kesh Nandlall signs the MoU in the presence of Divisional Director Ryan Ross and Deputy Chief Executive Officer Bharrat Harjohn and other officials.

proposed project will undergo separate technical, financial, commercial, regulatory, and corporate evaluationsbeforeanymove toimplementation.

GPLdescribed the MoU aspartofitsbroaderpushfor strategic partnerships to expand and modernise the country’s electricity infrastructure, with future investments aligned to

Guyana’s long-term energy priorities.Thecompanysaid it remains committed to strengthening the resilience and sustainability of the national grid in support of continuedeconomicgrowth.

Kevin Price, captain of MV Barima in handcuffs at the Georgetown Magistrates’Court on Tuesday.

‘WE DON’T DESERVE THIS’ WEEPING CAPTAIN:

...says vessel was unfit to sail ...lacked radar, anchor, search and rescue transponder

An emotionalKevinPrice,captainof the MV Barima, which sank on 18th July, cried outwhilebeingescortedintotheGeorgetown Magistrates’CourtonTuesdaythatthevessel wasunfittosailand“hadalotofissues.”

“Iain’tdeservethisfatherGod,Iwantyou toanswermyprayersherethismorningfather God, I ain’t deserve this father God,” Price cried out while being taken into court in handcuffs.

OnMonday,40-year-oldPriceofMelanie Damishana, East Coast Demerara, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court alongside crew members Rondell Dwayne, 42, of Grove Public Road, East Bank Demerara, and Delon Granderson, 33, of Fellowship,WestCoastDemerara.Thethree were jointly charged with murder over the ferrydisaster

Speaking out publicly for the first time since the tragedy, Price told reporters as he was escorted into the court building that the vessel, he had been assigned was old — 87 years old, he said. “Everybody knows is an oldvesselthegovernmentgivemetowuk,87 yearsoldisthatvessel.”

A tearful Price said the vessel had numerous issues and lacked key safety and emergency equipment required for maritime operations.

“Thevesselhadalotofissues,thevessel anchor ain’t wuking, the vessel radar, we don’t have a radar, the vessel don’t have a search and rescue transponder, the vessel

don’thaveanEPIRB,”Pricesaid,referringto the Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon—asatellitedistressdevicedesigned toalertsearchandrescueauthoritiesduringa marineemergency

Price also said the vessel’s life rafts — inflatable boats used in emergencies — had expired since 2022. “Those life rafts expired since 2022, and Maritime did an inspection anddidnotwriteoffthatvessel,”hesaid.

The MVBarima capsized on the night of 18th July, while en route to Port Kaituma, Region One, from Georgetown, leaving 73 people, including children, confirmed dead andatleast30peoplemissingatsea.

Since the tragedy, questions have been raised about the vessel’s maintenance, seaworthiness, regulatory oversight, and passengermanifest,aswellaswhetheritwas overloaded with passengers and cargo Survivors and relatives of victims have alleged the vessel was overloaded; government authorities have denied those claims.

ChineseEnterprisesAssociation donatesreliefsuppliestoCDCfor familiesaffectedbyMVBarimatragedy

The first batch of relief supplies donated to the CDC from the Chinese companies operating in Guyana for families affected by the recent MV Barima tragedy.

The Chinese Embassy in Guyana, the Association of Chinese Enterprises, and the Chinese community in Guyana on Tuesday donated relief supplies to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) for survivors and familiesaffectedbytheMVBarimatragedy

The donated items, which included food supplies and toiletries, were handed over at CDC’sheadquartersatThomasLands,inthe presenceofChineseAmbassadorYangYang, representativesoftheAssociationofChinese Enterprises in Guyana, Deputy Director General of CDC Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Mark Thomas,andCDCstaff.

In brief remarks, Thomas said the CDC wasgratefultoreceivetheitemsonbehalfof the persons and families affected by the tragedy “Iwouldliketotakethisopportunity toassureyouthattheitemswereceivedhere today, we would be making arrangements to gettheseitemsouttoRegionOnesothatthe affectedfamiliescanreceivetheseitems,”he said. “Once again, on behalf of the staff and DirectorGeneraloftheCDC,thanksforthis gesture.”

AmbassadorYang,speakingonbehalfof the Embassy, the Association of Chinese Enterprises, and the Chinese community, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and extended condolences to the families who lost loved ones. She said the friendship

between China and Guyana has grown over many years through mutual understanding, respect, and support, and that in difficult times, it is important to stand together and offerwhateverhelppossible.

“These supplies were collected by our Chinese enterprises and the Chinese communityhere,andwewouldliketoextend them to the CDC, and hope these supplies would be of some practical help to the families,”shesaid.

Theitemsarethefirst batchcollectedby Chinese companies operating in Guyana, withmoreassistanceexpectedinthecoming days This publication understands that Chinese companies have also dispatched three vessels currently taking part in the searchandrescueoperationatthescene.

The Ambassador added: “The people of Guyana are not facing this difficult time alone. Please remember, whatever happens, yourChinesefriends—wearehereforyou.”

TheMVBarimacapsizedonthenightof 18th July while travelling from Georgetown toPortKaituma,RegionOne,withsome179 people on board. The incident has since claimed 73 lives, with the bodies of the deceased — including men, women, and children — recovered. Seventy-six persons havebeenrescued,andauthoritiessayatleast 30remainmissing.

Legal firestorm erupts over charges against MV Barima...

From page 7

Prosecutions to recommend a murder charge, she must have received information that strongly suggests the goods superintendent deliberately overloaded the vessel and knew his actions could lead to the deaths of the passengers What evidence do the police have that proves the vessel was

overloaded, especially when Edghillpubliclystatedthatit wasnot?”

Patterson further noted that there must be very strong evidence for the DPP to recommend a murder charge instead of lesser c h a r g e s s u c h a s manslaughter or criminal negligence.

“ T h e g o o d s

superintendent was not on the boat when it sank, so the police have somehow made the linkage that a) the vessel was overloaded before departure and b) that the captain and mate, agreed to proceed on a suicidal trip, since if the trio planned to murder the passengers, there was no guarantee that the captain and mate would

survive. Finally, to prove murder, there must be motive, what was the trio’s motive?”headded.

Former Assistant

Commissioner of Police

Paul Slowe also questioned the decision in a social

media post “I thought that persons were identified to form a Commission of Inquiry to inquire into the MV Barima tragedy But now I am reading that three men were this morning (July 28) charged with murder and remanded to prison, in relation to the sameMVBarimatragedy It begs the question: what is the position with the ministers with oversight responsibilities?” Slowe asked

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Guyana’s predictable fiscal regime will work for you’

SeniorMinisterintheOffice of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, on Monday encouraged investors to come to Guyana, assuring them of apredictablefiscalregimethat isfair,efficient,andequitable. Deliveringthefeatureaddress at the Caribbean OrganisationofTaxAdministrators’(COTA)27thGeneral AssemblyandTechnicalConference in Georgetown, Dr Singh said there has been remarkable progress in the modernisationoftaxadministration across the region. He noted that advances in big

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– Dr. Singh tells investors at COTA

data, machine learning, and data analytics have opened newopportunitiesfortaxauthorities, allowing declarations, prices, volumes, and declared values to be processed with a speed that presents almost limitless possibilities — a transformative impact he said few other areas of public administration can match.

“The subject matters that you’ve chosen to address, I believe, are very timely,”Dr Singh said. “I want to urge thatwetakeadvantageofthe opportunity to get ourselves acquaintedwithcutting-edge thought on how information technology, and artificial intelligenceinparticular,canbe used to transform tax administrations — not only in Guyana, but across the region.”

Dr. Singh reminded delegates that tax offices, revenueagencies,andtaxadministration departments — regardless of their structure —

playavitalroleintheirrespectiveeconomies,withrevenue protection and collection as their foremost responsibility He said tax authorities are also duty-bound to administertaxlawsinamannerthatis efficient, fair, and equitable, calling this an indispensable elementofahealthybusiness environment.

“Peopledoingbusinessin Guyana and in the Caribbean need to know that they have a predictable regime of fiscal lawsthatwillbeappliedfairly, equitably,andefficiently,”he said. “Investors coming to our countries expect a predictable fiscal framework in the host countries in which they are operating — especially in a rapidly growing economy like Guyana’s, where we have unprecedented levels of foreign direct investment and domestic private investment.”

Dr. Singh urged the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA)andotherregionaltax

administrationstostaymindful of their dual responsibility, stressing that facilitating investmentandensuringrevenue collection should complement,notconflictwith, each other

“Facilitating investment and trade in an efficient way doesnotconflictwithrevenue protectionandcollection,”he said. “If we maintain a revenue administration that enjoys a high degree of confidence and demonstrates world-class efficiency in the serviceitprovidestoourcitizens, that will redound to stronger economic growth, moreinvestment,andsignificant revenue expansion.”

He added that Guyana’s objective is to build a more citizen-friendly tax administrationwithoutcompromising revenue collection, noting that both domestic and foreigninvestorsultimatelywant thesamething:afiscalframework applied consistently, fairly,andefficiently

Mohamed’s offer to raise MV Barima...

From page 3 that the administration is committed to the truth while balancing emotional considerations.

“We want to get to the truth, but we want to also honour the wishes of the family A commission of inquiry, if we are unable to salvage the vessel, a commission of inquiry willstillbedone.Thatisthereality,”Phillips stated. “Government has nothing to hide. Government has nothing to hide. I can tell you up front. We have nothing to hide.”

Phillips confirmed that President Irfaan Aliwasactivelyengagingfamiliesdirectlyin Mabaruma to discuss these developments andgathertheirinputthroughaformaldocument.

SWAYDECISIONS

Responding to media questions about whether the government was attempting to sway decisions, Phillips firmly denied the notion, stating, “No, no, Government is not trying to convince anybody to say anything here.” He added that the idea of a memorial siteoriginateddirectlyfromcommunitydiscussions, explaining, “That came out from somediscussionwiththefamiliesofthesurvivors who were still missing... As we seek to bring closure, we want to respect the wishes of the families of those who have passed during this terrible incident.”

Duringthepressbriefing,PrimeMinister Phillips provided an operational status report on the search and recovery efforts. He detailed that a total of 18 assets remain ac-

tivelydeployed,comprisingthreeaircraftand 15 maritime vessels maintaining continuous coverageacrossasearchgridextendingwest to Waini Point and east to Adventure.

DEATH TOLL

Regarding the human toll, Phillips reportedthat77personswereinitiallyrescued, though one survivor subsequently died, bringing the count of survivors to 76. The number of recovered bodies stands at 73, while an estimated 30 persons remain unaccounted for or deemed missing. Of the 73 recovered bodies, five have not yet been positivelyidentified,promptingappealsfrom the Ministry of Health for public assistance so the remains can be released to relatives forinterment.Allpositivelyidentifiedbodies have been handed over to their respective familiesforburial.

When questioned about the legal proceedingsandwhythecaptainandcrewmembers were charged with murder instead of manslaughter, Phillips declined to comment directly, directing reporters to the press release issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions(DPP).

Furthermore,whenaskedaboutreputable globalsalvagecompaniesofferingassistance, he noted that proposals have come in from international firms, though he did not disclose specific company names. Addressing long-termmaritimeinfrastructure,PrimeMinisterPhillipsrevealedthatcorrectiveworkat Port Kaituma is projected to be completed earliestbyJanuary2027.

Iran and Oman exchange proposals to manage Strait of Hormuz

A photo illustration shows vessel movements in the Strait of Hormuz on a ship-tracking website [File: AFP]

(AL-JAZEERA) Iran and Oman have exchanged proposals regarding the future management oftheStraitofHormuz,aspointsof contention continue to exist between the two nations whose territorial waters border the strategicwaterway Oman presented a proposal to Iran ‘for ‘a joint regional mechanismtomanagetheStraitof Hormuz with “voluntary fees”, Reuters reported on Tuesday Under the Omani proposal, which reportedly has regional backing,

Iranwouldnotexercisesolecontrol ‘of the strait, an unnamed Gulf source and Western diplomat ‘told thenewsagency.

Oman’s proposal is reportedly based on the Strait of Malacca, which connects the Indian and Pacific Oceans. There, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore ask ships that use the strait to voluntarily contribute to fund navigation, environmental protection, and rescueoperations.

This proposal aims to contribute to ending the global

disruption to trade caused by the strait’s closure in the U.S-Israeli waronIran.Tehran,however,says thestrait‘cannotgobacktoitsprewar status where shipping flowed freely,

In comments to Iranian state media on Tuesday, Kazem Gharibabadi, the country’s deputy foreign minister for legal and international affairs, said Tehran rejects an Omani proposal for an equal division of transit routes between the two countries, as such a plan does not address Tehran’s securityconcerns.

Gharibabadi said that Tehran proposedtoOmanthatIranwould manage shipping through its side of strait and Muscat would manage part but not all of the oppositelane

He added that Tehran has “no plans to negotiate with the U.S.”, but affirmed talks are proceeding “stepbystep”withOman,warning that Tehran will consider “any action”tomaintaincontroloverthe strait, including the resumption of

war “The Omanis are now suggesting three lines for the maritime traffic: one that runs throughIran’sterritorialwaters,an international one, and one through Omani territorial waters,” said Al Jazeera’s Resul Serdar, reporting fromTehran.

“Despitepublicstatements,our sourcestellusIranisdemonstrating someflexibility.”

Al Jazeera’s Tohid Asadi, also reporting from Tehran, said there remain many “points of contention” between Oman and IranonHormuz.Theseincludethe trajectoryoftheships,thefees,the question of who will define the arrangements,andmineclearances – which will reportedly be Iran’s responsibility

Paul Musgrave, a professor at Georgetown University in Qatar, saidOman’sproposaltoIrantoget theStraitofHormuzrunningagain ispositive,butitremainstobeseen ifhardlinersinIranwillgoforit.

Musgrave noted that under the

StraitofMalaccamodel,voluntary contributions raise about $70m annually,farfromthe$1mpership that’s reportedly been proposed by Tehran as a “service fee” in the StraitofHormuz.

Meanwhile, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) foreign ministers met via video call on Tuesday to discuss the latest developments in the conflict, including ways to improve cooperation on issues sur

navigationthroughthewaterway,a statement from the Qatari Foreign Ministrysaid.

The United States suspended a nearlytwo-week-longcampaignof air strikes against Iran over the weekend after pressure from regional mediators to find a diplomaticsolutionandtoreturnto thememorandumofunderstanding signed in June, which would allow shipping to resume in the Strait of Hormuz.Thestraitcarriedone-fifth of global energy supplies before ‘the February 28 start of the U.SIsraelwaronIran.

Oil prices fall 5% to two-week low after several days without U.S-Iran

(Reuters) - Oil prices dropped about 5% on Tuesday to a two-week low, on cautious hopes that the pause in fighting the United States and Iran will lead to talks to end the war, even though previous halts have provedonlytemporary Brent futures fell $4.27, or4.8%,tosettleat$84.09a barrel, while U S West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell $3.35, or 4.1%, to settleat$79.26.

Even though the two sideshavestoppedattacking eachother,theyarefarfrom resolving their differences that led to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which prior to the warwasusedtotransitabout afifthofglobaloilsupplies. Iran has denied seeking toresumetalkswiththeU.S., ‘contradicting statements from U.S. President Donald Trump, who reported that there are “good talks” underway Trump has made such statements on numerous occasions — coupled with threats to renew strikes — but the Iranians have held firm. Oman presented Iran

with a plan backed by Gulf statestomanagetheStraitof Hormuz, including collecting voluntary fees for using it, a Gulf source and a Western diplomat told Reuters.

Itwasmeanttoserveasa basistoendthedisruptionto trade through the strait causedbythewar Iran, however, rejected theOmaniplanandproposed to Oman a temporary arrangement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz under whichonedirectionoftraffic would pass through Iranian waters and part of the oppositeroutewouldalsobe in Iranian waters, Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi told state televisiononTuesday

“Themarketunderstands thesituationisamessandis trading lower because the two belligerent parties (the U.S. and Iran) have not attacked each other in the pastfewdays,”BobYawger, director of energy futures at Mizuho, said in a report. He noted the ongoing lack of ship traffic through the of `Hormuzandshootinginthe Red Sea by the Iran-backed HouthimilitiainYemen.

SAUDI

ARABIAAND UKRAINE

SaudiAramcoshutdown its 400,000-barrel-per-day Jizan oil refinery in Saudi A

following an attack by the Houthis on Saturday, a note from consultancy IIR seen byReutersshowed.

disrupted shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, creating a second chokepoint for oil flows. Saudi Aramco has considered a new pricing mechanism for crude loading from Egypt’s Sidi Kerir port forAsia to reflect higher shipping costs after

A drone view of a pump jack and drilling rig south of Midland, Texas, U.S. 11th June, 2025. REUTERS/Eli Hartman

strikes

Tuesday that they had fired ballistic missiles at a Saudi oil tanker China, meanwhile, has held direct talks with the Houthis to enable its tankers to sail through the southern Red Seawithoutbeingattacked. BeyondtheMiddleEast, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy ‘said he andTrump had discussed reinvigorating peace talks with Russia.Asettlement in theUkrainewarcouldresult in the lifting of some sanctions on Russia, which could allow Moscow to export more oil. Russia was the world’s third-biggest crudeoilproducerbehindthe U.S. and Saudi Arabia in 2025, according to U S energydata.

re-routing exports through the Suez ‘Mediterranean pipeline.

On Monday, 28 vessels passed through the Bab elMandeb, a four-day high, while traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remained low, according to Kpler shippingdata.

The Houthis said on

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its ‘allies like Russia, known collectively as OPEC+, will likely pause oil output increases for three months from October, sources said, after it completes the scheduled return to the market of barrels from voluntarycutsandasitfaces potentially difficult talks overnewproductionquotas.

UefaandPMcriticiseInfantinoWorldCupplan

BBC Sport - European football’s governing body

Uefa and Prime Minister

Andy Burnham have criticised proposals from

s competitions, including the WorldCup. Fifa - the sport’s global governing body - said it intends to expand “football development funding” to more than $10bn (£7.5bn) and invite third-party investmentinanewventure.

The story was first reported in the Financial Times and the Times, with the latter claiming the plans could potentially earn Fifa president Gianni Infantino tensofmillionsofpounds. In a lengthy statement

outlining the proposals, Fifa says it will “invite third parties to make minority, n o n - c o n t r o l l i n g investments” in a new subsidiary - Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) - to “ c o n s o l i d a t e ” i t s commercial and event operations.

Theplanstillneedstobe passedbyavoteofFifa’s211 member nations But if approvalisgranted,Fifasays ThriveEternalisexpectedto lead the proposed investor groupforFFE.

Thrive is an American venturecapitalfirmfounded by Joshua Kushner, the brother of US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared.

Fifa sources have told BBCSporttherehasbeenno discussionoverInfantino,or anyoneelse,becomingchief executiveofFFE.

In its statement, Fifa did say Infantino and the rest of theorganisation“hasaduty” to control the development of the project. Fifa has not said precisely what that means, or what the specific nature of Infantino’s involvementwillbe.

As part of its pitch Fifa saysallmemberassociations will be able to access up to $20m (£15m) in “one-off c a p i t a l ” t o f u n d development.

Infantino said every nation should benefit from therichesfootballcreates.

“Parts of the game have turned that popularity into remarkable commercial value-andwecelebratethat success and want it to continue, because it lifts the wholegame,”hesaid.

“Our job is to make sure the rest of football grows withit:Fifaexiststosupport

sustainable, inclusive developmentineverycorner oftheworld.”

However, Uefa has issuedastatementcriticising the proposals, which it claimed“crossesaline”.

Burnham said going ahead with the idea would meanFifahad“soldout”.

He wrote on X: “Let me say this very directly Football does not belong to investors. It belongs to the people who fill the stands and who stand on the touchlineweekin,weekout, rainorshine.

“The World Cup is not a product. It is the greatest competition in world sport, anditwasneveranyone’sto sell Dress the deal up however you like. Once you have sold a piece of it, you havesoldout.

“Football belongs to the fans. It always has, and it alwayswill.”

TheFootballAssociation saysitwasunawareofFifa’s plans when they were released.

‘NONE OF US ARE THE OWNERS OF FOOTBALL’

Fifaarguesitsplan,with a dedicated commercial subsidiary, is similar to that used by governing bodies in othersports.

In 2018, Premiership

Rugby announced a partnership with private equity and investment advisory firm CVC Capital Partners.

However, Uefa sees Tuesday’s announcement as asteptoofar-andraisesthe potential for further expansion of Fifa competitionsinordertoraise revenue,bothintermsofsize and frequency, which could threaten its own lucrative competitions.

“This crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross,”Uefasaid.

“Uefa takes it extremely seriously So should every National Football Association.Soshouldevery stakeholderwhocaresabout thefutureofthegame.

“ T h e s o u l a n d governance of football are not assets to tradeespecially with zero transparencyastowhogains financially None of us are the owners of football. It is notFifa’stosell.”

Fifa says it would retain control of FFE “and exclusive authority over football governance, c o m p e t i t i o n s , t h e internationalmatchcalendar and all regulatory and sportingdecisions”.

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire told BBC Sport the proposals are “an opportunity for Fifa to generate even more money” andtherearean“awfullotof interestedpartiesinthegame who want a slice of the action”.

He added there was likely going to be pressure fora64-teamWorldCupand forittotakeplaceeverytwo yearsiftheFFEorganisation is set up because it has “got to make money in order to satisfytheshareholders”.

Thematterislikelytobe atopicofconversationatthe nextFifaCouncilmeetingin the autumn and then around the Fifa Intercontinental Cup, featuring Champions League winners Paris StGermain,inDecember

The proposal could be votedonbyall211members at the Fifa Congress in MoroccoinMarch.

Frompage26

Uitvlugt community Trophies and medals will be presented to the top finishers, while specialawardswillalsobehandedouttothe oldestandyoungestparticipantstocomplete thecourse.

Popularly known as Corn Man, Stephenson has been one of Guyana’s most recognisable long-distance runners in recent decades.

In a quest to promote event, Carlton Stephensonisencouragingthepublictolace up their running shoes and support the initiative, noting that the event continues to promotehealthylivingacrossallgenerations.

“Last year’s event attracted a solid turnout, and this year we are hoping for an evenlargerparticipation.Personally,Iwould liketoseemoreyoungpeoplecomingoutto support this initiative. In saying that, on Saturday,wewillallbewinnersbecausethe run is about positivity and healthier living,” Stephensonshared.

Organisers are optimistic that another strong field, including several of Guyana’s leading distance athletes, will be on the starting line as the annual Emancipation Road Marathon once again combines sport, cultureandcommunityincelebrationofone ofthenation’smostsignificantholidays.

SuperLeague,SuperWe:GSLconfirms2026initiatives

The Global Super League (GSL) hasannounceditscompleteroster of commercial partners for the 2026 season, headlined by ExxonMobil GuyanaasTitleSponsor

The tournament will continue to be known as the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League for the upcoming season, reflecting the strong, ongoing partnership betweentheleagueandoneofGuyana’smost prominentenergycompanies.

The 2026 season also welcomes an expanded roster of Premier and Official Partners, underscoring the league’s growing commercial appeal and its position as a marqueesportingpropertyinGuyanaandthe widerCaribbean.

2026CommercialPartners

Title Sponsor: ExxonMobil Guyana takes on the title sponsorship for the 2026 season,lendingitsnametothetournamentas the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League The partnership reflects ExxonMobilGuyana’scontinuedinvestment inlocalsportandcommunityengagement.

PremierPartners

The league has confirmed four Premier Partners for the 2026 season:

·DemeraraBank

·ENet

·XMRum

·NagicoInsurance

OfficialPartners

Rounding out the 2026 sponsorship

portfolio,thefollowingorganisationsjoinas Partners:

·ChampionFoods

·QueenswaySecurity

·Limacol

·GACLogisticsandShipping

“WearethrilledtowelcomeExxonMobil Guyana as our Title Sponsor for the 2026 season Their commitment reflects the growing strength of this league and the confidence our partners place in what we’re building. Together with our Premier and Official Partners, we’re set to deliver our biggestandmostexcitingseasonyet.”—Sir CliveLloyd,Chairman,GlobalSuperLeague

The‘SUPERWE’CommunityInitiatives

Beyond the boundary, the GSLis deeply committed to community building, youth empowerment, and capacity development throughitsSUPERWEinitiatives:

Wednesday July 29, 2026

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

Much has happened recently, Aries Have you allowed enoughtimetoprocessit?It's likely that big changes are brewingathomeorwork.Stay focusedonthejobathand.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

You've made progress these past few weeks, especially where your temper is concerned It has taken some effort,butitdoesseemthatyou can overcome your tendency tospeakbeforethinking.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

This is likely to be an intense day, Gemini Family and friends may seem testy, so you're advised to stay out of theirway.Don'tworry-itisn't anything you've done. It's the planetaryenergy

CANCER(June21–July22)

This isn't the most cheerful time, Cancer, because important issues are rearing their heads again and forcing you to address them. You'd rather not, but you can't wish themaway

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Don't try to force anything or anyone right now You'll find that today's elements are just asstubbornasyouare.Today's planetary configurations will force you to finally start to turn your dreams into reality, whetheryouwanttoornot.

VIRGO(Aug 23–Sept 22)

You're incredibly productive, with good business sense However,latelyyoumayhave feltdissatisfiedwithwhereyou areinlife Asyoulookaround, you might wish you had more possessionstoshowforallyour hardwork

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

You have a keen analytical mind that has served you well in business. Alas, Libra, this characteristic doesn't always serveyouwellinyourpersonal life. It's likely that someone close has bristled from your lackofempathy

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)

This is the beginning of an exciting period in your love life. Your relationship with a significant other may have been in a rut lately, but that's about to change. Both of you arereadyforsomethingbig.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

You have a passionate nature, Sagittarius Sometimes it's difficult for you when other people don't share your exuberance.Thisisagoodtime totonethingsdownanotch.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

This is going to be a rather intense day, Capricorn. On the positive side, you'll accomplish a lot. On the less positive side, you may be exhaustedbytheendoftheday

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Today it's important that you make your own decisions and stick with them, Aquarius Much as you prefer to depend onothers,yourjudgmentreally is best. You'll be paralyzed if you think only of how others willreacttoyourdecisions.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

You're a dreamer, Pisces Everyone loves you for it, but today the planetary aspects urge practicality There are personal issues to resolve, and it does no good to have your head in the clouds. This is a timetofocusonlovedones.

· ENet Talent Search: Via a publicly run competition, Guyanese were given the opportunity to enter the ‘Face of GSL’ and ‘VoiceofGSL’activations.Thisaffordedtwo locals the chance to work alongside the television and radio broadcast teams during thetournament.MelissaKingemergedasthe ‘Face of GSL’ and Delwin Neblett won the ‘VoiceofGSL’,eachcoppingG$500,000.

·ExxonMobilGuyanaSuperHost:Under its‘BringDaVibe’tagline,ExxonMobilwent in search of two ‘Super Hosts’, affording them the opportunity to work on the instadiumPAsystemalongsideCricketAnchor Lakanand Singh on Match Days. Rhonda Maxius and Shemar Grey emerged victorious.

Laparkan/Canon Photography Scholarship: Laparkan, as the Authorised Distributor of Canon in Guyana, presented a brandnew camera for an emerging Guyanesephotographertouse

Race heats...

Frompage31

Haynes (3-13) and Hemraj Bhowan (2-11) continued to grab wickets for Christ Church, but failed to stop them from crashing to 82-5 aftertheiroversexpired.

L o w e r - o r d e r contributions from Saurav Persaud (21) and Trevor Burnett (16) headlined a tough batting expo by their team.

Zone 8 East Berbice: Berbice Educational Institute beat Lower Corentyneby50runs.

Runs continued from the form man Luke Amsterdam who spanked 60* off 55 at Albion, as Ryan McPherson (25) and Lemeul Dejonge (23)playedtheirrolestohelp BEIpost148-4off20overs.

Another amazing spell from Youth players Gilbert Griffith (4-24) and Brandon Grimmond(2-20)gaveBEIa clean win after keeping Lower Corentyne to 98-10, despite a fighting 37 from NicholasMadramootoo.

duringthetournament,workingalongsidethe league’s official photographer Ash Allen on Match Days From several impressive submissions, Afsaana Azimullah was selected as the winner Elite Junior Cricketers Clinic: Several youth cricketers attached to clubs falling under the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) weregiventheincredibleopportunitytolearn directly from the players and coaches of the international teams competing in the league during a specialised camp at the National Stadium.

· Deakin University Sports Management Workshop:Aspartoflocalcapacitybuilding, DeakinUniversityofAustraliawillconducta two-day Sports Management workshop on July 30-31, targeting local athletes, coaches, administrators, and students The GovernmentofGuyanaiscollaboratingwith Deakin University and the GSLto stage this importanteducationalforum.

·Schools&OrphanageInitiative:Linked directly through our Title Sponsor, ExxonMobil,thisinitiativetiesintothe‘Future Warriors’tournament,whichunearthsthenext generationofcricketingtalent Aspartofthis programme, numerous match tickets are distributed to competing schools Furthermore, the GSL has invited children from various public and private homes and orphanagestoexperiencethelivematches.

·Women’sSportCelebration:Inapushto celebratefemaleathletes,theGSLisproudly inviting women from all sports disciplines operating under the National Sports Commission (NSC) to attend the matches as special guests, honouring their dedication to Guyanesesports.

Joseph Szeplaki Triumphs as National Top Flight Golf

League Tour #2 Intensifies

The National Top Flight Golf League (NTFGL) continueditsexcitingsecond tour with Round Four on Sunday, July 26, at the Lusignan Golf Club, where 20 golfers competed in another closely contested outing under warm, sunny skies As the league progresses, players continue to battle for valuable points inpursuitoftheTour#2title.

Although the rainy

season has brought persistent rainfall in recent weeks, the Lusignan Golf Clubcoursewaspresentedin exceptionalconditionthanks to the tireless efforts of Grounds Superintendent Brian Hackett and the dedicatedmaintenancestaff. Their commitment ensured thefairwaysandgreenswere restored to pristine playing condition, allowing competitorstoenjoyahighly competitive and exciting roundofgolf.

Round Four of the

National Top Flight Golf League was contested through the Lusignan Golf

Club’s weekly club competition, with players’ performances in the club tournament determining the allocation of league points. Asaresult,competitorswere not only vying for the day’s club honours but also for valuable points toward the overallTour#2standings.

The day’s ac

on produce

e performancesthroughoutthe field Maxim “Danny” Mangra set the pace on the front nine with an outstanding net 34 to earn two league points, while Brian Hackett delivered the best back-nine performance with a superb net 32, also collecting two valuable points.

finished a close second with anet73,whiletheremainder of the field continued to accumulate valuable points in the race for the overall standings.

Special prize winners also showcased their individual talents, with Maxim “Danny” Mangra claiming the Nearest-to-thePin award and Anand Persaud capturing the LongestDriveprize.

The latest standings reflect just how competitive Tour #2 has become.Anand Persaud leads the league with 18 points, closely followed by Maxim “Danny” Mangra on 17 points Joseph Szeplaki’s victory has propelled him into third place with 11 points,tighteningtheraceas the competition enters its nextphase.

With momentum

Following an intense contest, Joseph Szeplaki emerged as the overall winnerwithanetscoreof72. He secured first place on a tiebreak to earn the maximum eight league p

continuing to build, the National Top Flight Golf League now turns its attention to Round 5

Linden Summer Super Cup Football continues with double header tonight at Bayrock National Stadium

The Summer Super Cup football championship got underwaylastweekendwith Capital FC gaining a walkover, while Eagles United, PDey Stars and Botafago recorded on field victoriesatthenewBayrock NationalStadiuminthetown ofKinden.

Saturday’s opening fixture was not played since Capital FC’s opponents Coomacka FC did not take the field, but the second gamewasonethatenergized the fans, with Eagles United providing a fine display through goals by Antwoine Gil and Omar Brewley, as theydownedMilerock2-0.

On Sunday PDey Stars were winners by the slimmest of margins when they won 1-0 over Hi Stars, but the second game was a shootout with Botafago out gunningBlueberryHill5-3.

T h i s e v e n i n g (Wednesday) the action continues with another group stage double header which features from 6.30pm game one as Topp XX FC face Coomacka FC, and the

other from 9.00pm brings together Silver Shattas and EaglesUnited.

According to Divine E n t e r t a i n m e n t ’ s Coordinator, Devin Sears, theyhavepartneredwiththe Capital Football Club to stage this inaugural football tournament, and its: “More than just a football tournament, the Summer Super Cup is designed to unite communities, promote youth development,

encourage sports tourism, and provide clubs and players with a professional platform to showcase their abilities The competition also aims to strengthen football within Region #10 while creating opportunities for players to advance to higherlevelsofthesport.”

Sears noted the support of the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA), stating fourteen clubs affiliated to the

governingbodyintheregion have been listed to contest the tournament, where $4M inprizemoneyisatstake.

TheseclubsareAmelia’s WardPanthersFC,Botofago FC, Capital FC, Eagles UnitedFC,AroaimaFC,Net Rockers FC, Kwakwani FC, WinnersConnectionFC,HiStarsFC,BlueberryHillFC, Coomaka FC, Silver Shattas FC, Topp XX FC and MilerockFC.

Fans attending the SummerSuperCup2026can expect an electrifying atmosphere throughout the tournament, with every match night featuring halftime entertainment designed to keep spectators engaged both on and off the field. The excitement will culminate in a spectacular Championship Celebration Show, where football fans andpatronswillbetreatedto p e r f o r m a n c e s b y international recording artistes, creating a fitting finaleforwhatisexpectedto become one of Guyana’s premier football festivals, accordingtoDevinSears.

Another exciting day of competitive golf is anticipated, and supporters of the sport are encouraged

to

AnnualEmancipation DayRoadMarathon setforAugust1

Veteran marathon runner Carlton “Corn Man” Stephenson has once again joined forces

Development Committee tostagethe21steditionof the annual Emancipation Day Road Marathon, which is scheduled for Saturday,August1.

The popular road race,afixtureonthelocal athletics calendar, is expected to attract runners of all ages and abilities as participants celebrate Emancipation Day through fitness, e n

communityspirit.

Thisyear’seventwill be contested over a

Traditionally starting fromRedRoad,Sophia,the

shortened and will now beginattheVreed-en-Hoop Stellingbeforeheadingwest alongthepublicroadwayto its finish at Estate Road (FourCorners)inUitvlugt.

Veteran Carlton Stephenson is set to lace up at the starting line this Saturday, aiming to finish strong in the 12-mile Emancipation Day marathon.

The race is set to get underwayat5:30a.m.andis open to all competitors eager to test their stamina andendurance. While the distance has beenreduced,organisersare confident the event will retain the excitement and competitive atmosphere thathavemadeitoneofthe country’s longstanding Emancipationtraditions.

Following the race, the festivitieswillcontinuewith afulldayofactivitiesatthe Continued on page 24

Team West conquers East to win DC Metro Secondary Schools Tapeball trophy

In an important partnership between the Uprising Promotions Group and the DC Metro Cricket Organization(DCMCO),the 2026 Secondary School TapeballCrickettournament culminated in a thrilling finaleonSunday,withTeam Westproducinganall-round display to defeat Team Warriors by 25 runs and capture the Secondary School Boys’ Tapeball Cricket championship at the NationalParktarmac.

A l t h o u g h Te a m Warriors’ top-order batter Vivick Narine crafted a magnificenthalf-centuryina determined chase, Team West’s disciplined bowling attack kept its composure under pressure to successfully defend 115, ensuring the coveted DCMCO trophy headed west.

After winning the toss and electing to field, Team Warriors skipper Jadon Birch would have been pleased with the early inroads, but Team West recovered impressively through a commanding innings from Joshua Ho-ouse.Thestylishright-hander dominated the scoring, timing the ball sweetly around the park as he anchored the innings with a fluent 49, narrowly missing

what would have been a deservedhalf-century Ho-o-use’s knock laid the platform for Team West to post a competitive 115-4 from their allotted overs. While several teammates chippedinwithusefulstarts, none managed to convert them into big score, leaving the responsibility squarely on Ho-o-use’s shoulders

Birch was the pick of the bowlers for Team Warriors, returningarespectable2-31.

Needing 116 for victory, Team Warriors required a brisk start but found scoring increasingly difficult during the middle stages against a disciplineTeamWestattack.

Narine,however,refused to surrender Displaying

calculated aggression, the top-order batsman kept the

outstanding 54, finding the boundary regularly and rotating the strike with maturity

Despitehisvalianteffort, wickets continued to tumble around him as Team West tightened the screws during the closing overs Team Warriors eventually reached only 90-5, handing Team West a convincing 25-run

h e championshiphonours.

Meanwhile, Narine’s fighting innings did not go

Here’s a look at the two teams ahead of the final, both teams sporting the DC Metro

West captain

final, coordinator

unnoticed, as he was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), becoming part of few

the DC

introduced cash incentive despite finishing on the

losingside.

Both finalists were rewarded for their impressive campaigns,

receiving cash incentives from the

nt sponsors, while each team was also presented with commemorative jerseys leading

p to the championshipencounter

The final attracted a sizeable and vocal crowd, whose enthusiastic support created an electric atmosphere throughout the contest Representing the DC Metro Cricket Organization, Mr Winston presented the prizes and praised the standard of cricket displayed, while pledgingthatthetournament would return “bigger and better”in2027.

The tournament is coordinated by Uprising PromotionsGroupunderthe guidance of James “Father James” Lewis, with sponsorship provided by the United States-based DC MetroCricketOrganization.

Fmr.nationalplayerSydneyMatthewshaspassedawayintheUSA

StatisticianCharwayneWalkerhas informed Kaieteur Sport that former national cricketer Sydney Matthews haspassedawayintheUSAyesterday Matthewsmadeisfirstclassdebutfor Guyana in 1970 vs Jamaica at Sabina Park and as fast bowler he was one of three Guyanese that toured with the first West Indies Under19 team to the UK in 1970. The others were Gopie Beasmonie and Kennedy Venkasammy SydneyMatthewsfirst came to prominence playing for the Faoud Bacchus led East Bank Upper Demerara team in the school boys all agefinalsin1967againstEastCoast.

Walker notes, that, He represented the West Indies President Eleven againstNewZealandin1972atSabina Park.

Although Matthews started as a fast bowler, he took his career First Classbestasalegspinner,6for76vs Trinidad and Tobago at the Queen’s Park Oval in 1987 when the Roger Harper led Guyana team won the last ShellShieldtournament.

Walker further pointed out, that

Matthews started his first division career with East Bank, but his most productiveyearsatthatlevelwasatthe Demerara Cricket Club and the GuyanaDefenceForce

He played three years for Guyana at the Regional under19 level, 1969 Trinidad, 1970 Guyana and 1971 in

Jamaicawhenhewasthecaptain. His 7 for 41 vs Barbados was the first 7wicket haul for Guyana at the youth level. Matthews won three regional first class championships for Guyana. 1971underRohanKanhai,1977under SirCliveLloydand1987underRoger Harper

HissonRonMatthewsfollowedin hisfootsteps.RonrepresentedtheWest Indies Under19 and Guyana like his father Sydney Matthews was also a highly sought-after professional in Englishleaguecricket.

The Demerara Cricket Club mourns the passing of Sydney Matthews and extends heartfelt condolences to his family and the cricketfraternity

Being born January 22, 1952 at Prospect, West Bank, Demerara, British Guiana Sydney Jackson Matthews was 74 years, 187 days old and he played 41first class matches from1970to1988.

He was a Right-handed Batsman who also bowled Right arm Fast mediumandtheLegbreakGoogly.

Five-starSealesextendsPakistan’s overseaswoesinpace-dominatedTestmatch

C

r i c i n f o - A sensational all-round effort from West Indies’ battery of fast bowlers swept aside a sorry Pakistanbattingline-upin little over a session, securing a crushing 90runwininTaroubatotake a 1-0 lead in the twomatch series Jayden Seales’ five-wicket haul led the way as his fast bowling compatriots backed him up, skittling Pakistanoutfor120injust over40overs.

Chasing211,Pakistan

w e r e h o p e l e s s l y outgunned from the outset, losing three wicketsbeforelunch,with Babar Azam limply hanging on until he swiftly, and inevitably, ran out of partners at the other end. It inflicts a record extending eighth consecutive away TestdefeatforPakistan,and ensures West Indies cannot losetheseries.

Pakistan’s wellestablishedinabilitytochase in the final innings meant there was jeopardy right fromtheoutsetonthefourth day as Shamar Joseph and Kemar Roach looked to add more runs to a priceless eighth-wicket partnership Having come in at 93 for 7, theyhadextendedtheleadto 155overnight.

The day began with a wayward over from MohammadAli and equally lacklustre keeping from Mohammad Rizwan, with four byes and a dropped catch by the keeper gifting

the hosts a bonus eight runs tokickthingsoff.

The first half hour saw runscoring come to both batters easily, with Joseph continuing with his belligerence, a straight six off Khurram Shahzad perhaps the shot of the day By the time a slower ball from Ali pierced his defences,thepartnershiphad added 61 The last two wickets kept chipping away withaclusterofusefulruns, adding another 27 before Mohammad Abbas returned to clean up the tail, and pick up a richly deserved fivewickethaulintheprocess. But if West Indies felt they had won that first hour, things were about to get exponentially better Roach and Seales were accurate withtheirlinesrightfromthe outset,andwhenonejagged back into Imam-ul-Haq, it

took his gloves with it en route to the keeper Azan Awais did not last much longer with Seales lulling him into an expansive drive and producing enough sideways movement to draw an edge.

But he saved his best deliveryofthesessionfor SalmanAgha,nippingitin sharply from over the wicket and stealing past theinsideedgetoraminto the front pad on middle stump.

The injury Shan

Masoodpickedupbatting in the previous innings kept him away from his usual batting slot, but West Indies continued picking up wickets with minimal effort Justin Greaves continued his astonishingexploitsfromthe first innings into this one, seaming away from Rizwan’s outside edge to clean up his off stump with his first legitimate delivery He made it seven wickets in seven overs by trapping an especially unconvincing Aamer Jamal - promoted stratosphericallyhightoNo. 6 - in front of the stumps. Jamal had earlier required a concussiontestafterleaning intoaslightlyshortoflength ballthatheendedupwearing onthehelmet.

Masood finally walked out after Ali Usman’s forgettabledebutendedwith an edge to second slip, but thediscomforthewasinwas obvious.

The fractured finger on

therighthandcausedhimto effectively bat one handed, and it was only a matter of time before his limited mobilitycausedhimtoscoop tamelytobackwardpoint.

A s P a k i s t a n disintegrated rapidly,

Azam played a few delightful shots.

(AFP/Getty Images)

resistance came in the form of an entertaining, though ultimately meaningless, tenth-wicket partnership between Babar and Abbas.

While Babar initially shielded Abbas from the strike, getting to his 32nd

half-century, he soon began tohandthebulkofthestrike to the No 11 Neither survival nor caution was on his mind as he cleared the front leg and swung wildly, ridinghislucktotheinnings’ secondhighestscore.

Butitwaslikescreaming into the void, resistance without the heroism Pakistan dragged West Indiestotea,butSeales,who took five wickets on debut against this opposition, struck Abbas on the pads with his second delivery of the session, and Pakistan’s resistance, modest as it was, wasfinallybroken.

West Indies had the win they had deserved, and on whatwouldhavebeenGarry Sobers’ 90th birthday, a mourning region had been givenitspresent.

Scores:WestIndies311 (Hope 92, Hodge 84, Ali 450) and 181 (Joseph 38, Chanderpaul 35, Abbas 522) beat Pakistan 282 (Masood 109, Imam 63, Greaves 5-27) and 120 (Babar 58*, Seales 5-18) by 90runs.

All set for the Kennard Memorial Turf Club Emancipation Horse race meet This Sunday - OVER $10M AT STAKE

BySamuelWhyte

With sponsors on board and horses entered all is set for the Kennard Memorial Turf Club Grand Emancipation Horse Race meet.

ThemeetissetforSundayAugust2ndat theprestigiousKMTCvenue,BushLotFarm CorentyneBerbice.

Theday’sevent,whichhassevenraceson thecards,hasalavish$10Mincash,trophies and other incentives up for grabs in what is expected to be a grand and exciting day of racing.

Thefeatureeventisopentoall3yearold and over horses in Guyana over one mile where an interesting line up has taken entry Among them are FrontlineWarrior, Hot and Lucky and Gryphon among others. The winnerwillraceawaywith$1Mandatrophy

The likes of Stormy Victory, Converter, TurmalinaNegra,QurbaanKingdomandOy Veyareamongthetopentriesslatedtobattle in the Co-feature event. That race is for animals classified E class non winners and also open to F and G class horses. The first prizeisworth$500,000andatrophy

All the other races have interesting line ups. The H class and lower gallop for a

winnerstakeof$400,000andatrophy

TheeventforGuyanaBredthree-year-old maiden horses and three years old Guyana Bred maidens’ winner of one has a similar prize.

ThentherearethetworacesforGuyanaBred two-year-old maiden horses for a pole positiontakeof$350,000eachandtrophies.

The final event is for the L Class Open horseswherethetopanimalwillcarryhome $350,000andatrophy

As usual the Trophy Stall will be presenting the outstanding participants including the top jockeys, trainers, stables with trophies and other incentives etc. compliments of Managing Director Ramesh Sunich.

Among the sponsors on board so far are the Trophy Stall, Mike’s Pharmacy, Colin Elcock Delmur Company and Racing Stables, Big G Lumber Yard and Stables, Patsan’s Trading Company, Survival Supermarket, Rohan Auto Sales, Armco Construction, Davenant Sawh Mechanical WorkShop, Joe Jagmohan Company and overseesbasedKaramchandBalkarran.

The day’s event will be conducted using therulesoftheKennardMemorialTurfClub. Racetimeis12:30hrs.

Saints, Charlestown, Lower Corentyne among latest winners as action heats up 2026 Beharry U19 Secondary School's T20 Cricket tournament...

Action in the Beharry

Secondary School’s Under-19 T20 Cricket tournament saw a number of winners in Monday’s round as teams continued to build momentumheadingdeeperintothe crunchstages.

Zone 4 South Georgetown: Charlestown beat Brickdam by 24runsatQCGround.

Josiah Payne (30), Ronaldo Ramnauth (20*) and Nicholas Nieuleder (15*) took Charlestown SS to 104-5 before bowling Brickdamoutfor80inreply

Garrett Newton (15*) and Dilshan Ganesh (11) led Brickdam’s scoring but was no match for the pair of Dianard Sukhra(3-7)andAndriSammy(315).

Zone 4 South Georgetown: St Stanislaus College beat Cummings Lodge by 129 runs at QCGround.

Saints scored a winning 142-6 after Brandon Arjune (35*) and Aaron Persaud (30) led scoring with Cummings Lodge’ Krish Thomas grabbing 2-16; before his team was kept to 13-5 when the game ended with Jessie Craig grabbing3-5.

Zone 8 East Berbice: Lower Corentyne beat New Amsterdam by 42 runs at Albion Ground.

LC Secondary made 136-6 batting first thanks to efforts from thein-formNicholasMadramootoo (29*)andRandyWilliams(19*).

BowlingforNASecondarywas led by Saajad Bacchus (2-26) but

his team could only muster 94-7 with Corentyne’s Akeem Fraser pickingup2-11,despitealosing39 fromDonovanNewman.

Zone 6 East Coast Demerara:

Annandale Secondary beat HopeSecondaryby115runs.

ThepairofTafariSofleigh(36) and Sanjay Dindyal (25) pushed Annandale Secondary to 141-6 after20overs.

JeholadaHunterpickedup3-26 for the opposition; who never got goingandwerestuckon26-9after the consistent Dashawn Ramnauth bagged4-3.

Zone 8 East Berbice: Berbice Educational Institute beatJCChandisinghSecondaryby

27runs.

BEI made a winning 116-7 batting first off their 20 overs, led by Lemuel Dejonge (46) who missed a half-century, Luke Amsterdam(16)andArushHemraj (12). All-rounder Saiad Jumratty (3-18) had another good bowling outing for JC Chandisingh, who were destroyed by national youth player Gilbert Griffith (4-9) and another in-form player in Ray Ramnauth(3-19);whokeptthemto 89-9; despite Jumratty returning to scoreadefiant38.

Brendon Arjune

Berbice in focus as Lotto/Let’sBet One Guyana T10 Tapeball blast bowls off on August 8

High-octane Tapeball actionissettosweepthrough Guyana once again as the fourth season of the Lotto/Let’sBetOneGuyana T10TapeballBlastofficially gets underway onAugust 8, with the cricket-steeped region of Berbice taking centre stage for the opening weekend.

Opening-day matches will be staged across four premier venues in the Ancient County, bringing grassroots cricket to the No. 69 Ground, Port Mourant Community Centre Ground, theWelfareGroundinCanje, and the Albion Sports Complex.

The Berbice leg will

reachitsclimaxonAugust9, with the zonal finals hosted under the floodlights at Albion to crown the tournament’s first regional winner.

Admission to all venues isfree.

“Berbice has always been a powerhouse of passion and talent in Guyanese cricket, so beginning the tournament heresetstheperfecttonefor Season Fou

, ” said Tournament Director John Ramsingh.

“There is an incredible buzz on the ground, and we are eager to get play underway and see our very

Opening-day matches will be staged across four premier venues in the Ancient County, bringing grassroots cricket to the No. 69 Ground, Port Mourant Community Centre Ground, the Welfare Ground in Canje, and the Albion Sports Complex.

crowned under the lights at Albion Preparations are well advanced, and everythingisliningupforan explosive opening weekend.”

In a complete departure from traditional knockout formats where early exits yieldnofinancialreturn,the 2026editionguaranteescash rewards for teams making deep runs into the zonal stages.

Teamsknockedoutatthe zonalquarter-finalstagewill earnG$25,000,whilelosing zonal semi-finalists will pocketG$50,000.

The stakes escalate progressively, with losing zonal finalists receiving G$200,000,culminatingina handsome G$500,000 purse for the respective zonal champions before they even transition into the national bracket.

The crescendo of the tournament will see the stakes reach their peak duringthenationalplayoffs.

The crowned national champions will walk away withamassiveG$2,000,000 first-prize purse, while the runners-up will secure G$1,000,000.

The two losing national semi-finalists will also be rewarded for their efforts, with each earning G$500,000.

With the lucrative prize structure locked in,

organisers have issued an urgent directive to regional teams to secure their spots before the July 31 registrationdeadline.

Teams are cautioned against delaying registration to tinker with squad selection, as remaining slots areexpectedtofillrapidly Registration forms can be accessed via the tournament’s official social media handles or by contacting the organisers directly on WhatsApp at +592635-2235.

Following the Berbice curtain-raiser, the tournament caravan moves swiftly to the East Bank/West Demerara leg on August 15–16, followed by the Essequibo Zone on August22–23.

The competition will then take a brief hiatus to accommodate the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL), before resuming with the p o w e r h o u s e Georgetown/East Coast Demerara leg across two weekends on September 26–27andOctober3–4.

In a historic first for the competition, the national grand finale on October 11, 2026, will head to theAnna Regina National Stadium in Region Two, bringing the ultimate showdown of Guyanese Tapeball cricket directlytoEssequibo.

2026 Beharry U19 Secondary School’s T20 Cricket tournament... Race heats up as competition tightens following latest round of action

- Berbice crowned Zone 8 champs

Man of the Match Berbice Educational Institute Luke Amsterdam 60 runs from 55 balls.

Tuesday’sroundofactioninthe Beharry U19 Secondary School’s T20 tournament saw a number of top individual performances as teamslooktothefinalstretch.

Zone 6 East Coast Semi-Finals:

Golden Grove Secondary beat Lancasterby42runsatQCGround.

Best Bowler Berbice Educational Institute

Gilbert Griffith 4-24

In a low-scoring battle East Coast Zone 6 leg saw Lancaster sufferingalossafterfailingtomake the 76-10 which they restricted their opponents to after Gavin Adams (4-11) and Simon Dass (329)rippedaparttheattack.

AlvinRamotarstoodtallwitha

patient 40 for Golden Grove, who keptLancasterto34-8bytheendof theirovers,afterhereturnedtobag figures of 3-3 with help from Parmesh Roopnarine (2-4) and NathanSeebalak(2-14).

Zone 5 North Georgetown: Queen’s College beat Christ Churchby21runsatQCGround. Playingathome,QCeasedtoa comfortablewinaftermaking1037from20overs.

Sachin James hit 36 (2x4 3x6) while Nathan Gurrachan (20) and Nathaniel Sukhnandan (19) chippedin.

Thein-formpairofDarrius

Continued on page 25

Former national player Sydney Matthews has passed