Kaieteur News

gang in Cuyuni River

GECOMCEO: Everything in place for crucial elections today

After months of preparation,deliberationand addressing various issues, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on Sunday reaffirmed its full readinessfortheGeneraland Regional Elections scheduledfortoday.

Speaking at a press conference, Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Vishnu Persaud stated that all sensitive materials have beensuccessfullydistributed topollingstationsacrossthe country He confirmed that all polling agents have been approved and polling staff have been employed and trained, including presiding officers, in preparation for theday'sevents.

“Weatthistimearefully prepared to conduct the General and Regional Elections. This position is supported by feedback we askforandreceivedfromour returning officers, and even today (Sunday), confirming thateverythingisinplacefor the conduct of these elections,”Persaudsaid.

T h e C E O a l s o announced that all political polling agents have been officially approved by GECOM to be present at pollingstations.

“A special statutory meeting was convened, and requests were unanimously approved in the interest of fairness,transparency,andto ensure the integrity of the process,”hesaid.

Persaud further noted that all political parties concerned, including the AllianceForChange(AFC), We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), Forward Guyana Movement (FGM), and the Assembly of Liberty and Prosperity (ALP), were informed via email regarding the approval of their polling agents, despite having submitted their lists after GECOM's official deadline.

Heurgedthosepartiesto proceed swiftly with the accreditation process for both agents and candidates through their respective returning officers, given the limitedtimeframe.

Regarding the readiness of polling stations, Persaud confirmed that ballot boxes were packed in the presence of accredited party agents fromallcontestingparties.

“The process was conducted according to statuteandprocedures,inan orderly and amicable atmosphere, involving political stakeholders, again involving the political stakeholders reflecting the spirit of corporation among G E C O M a n d i t s stakeholders,”henoted.

He added that materials, including ballot boxes and ballots, have been prepositioned and distributed acrossthecountryinatimely manner

“Trucks have left the GECOMcompoundoverthe

Chief

Election Officer of GECOM Vishnu Persaud

past few days, ballot boxes, ballots and others supplies have been prepositioned across the country to be distributed within adequate timefortheopeningofpolls at 6:00 a.m. poll,” Persaud stated.

Healsoconfirmedthatin hinterlandandriverineareas, election materials were transported by air and river under strict security arrangementsinvolvingboth theGuyanaPoliceForceand partyrepresentatives.

On staffing, Persaud announced that a total of 13,925pollingdaystaffhave been trained, with 11,118 employed and properly assigned to their respective pollingstations.“Thesestaff members have been trained to uphold consistency, transparency, and

Polling station relocated from

Hibiscus Drive, Peters Hall to CARICOM General Insurance

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on Sunday evening announced the relocation of a polling stationfromHibiscusDrive, Peters Hall, East Bank

situated a short distance

a w a y

Electorsoriginallylisted tovoteatHibiscusDriveare nowaskedtotakenoteofthe n e w v e n u e

are blatantly false and does not in any way reflect the accurate account of the reasonsforthemovementof the polling station. In this regard, GECOM finds it necessary to debunk the delibera

m

schief emanating from Credible Sources, especially on the eve of the General and R

professionalisminexecuting their duties,” he affirmed. Additionally, addressing concerns about the availability of presiding officers at polling stations,

Persaud firmly stated that GECOM is fully staffed and facesnoshortages.

“We have no void of presiding officers or any otherofficers.Especially,we have not been, and will not be, in communication with the Guyana Defence Force pertaining to providing any assistance,”heaffirmed.

To maintain peace and order during the electoral process, Persaud disclosed that approximately 8,700 police officers have been deployed across the country for election day and the period follow ing

Additionally, Persaud noted that the process will be observed by 500 local and 200 international observers, furth

nforc

As the country heads to the polls, Persaud encouraged all citizens to participate actively.

“Recognisingthateveryvote counts and every voter's participationstrengthensour democracy, we strongly encourage all citizens to go early, cast their vote peacefully, and respect the electoral process throughout theday,”hesaid.

The CEO also is urging all political parties and civil society organization to appeal to their supporters, constituents to desist from attempting in any way “to thwart the successful conductofthiselection.”He said, “We affirm our commitmenttodeliver,free, fair,andcredibleelections.”

ng transparencyandcredibility Accredited party agents, candidates, and observers will also be actively involved throughout the process.

ERC hails people of African descent

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has joined the international communityinobservingthe InternationalDayforPeople ofAfricanDescent.

This year's observance comesastheUnitedNations launches the Second International Decade for People of African Descent (2025–2034), under the theme “Recognition, Justice, and Development.” In a press release the ERC

noted that adopted by the UN General Assembly in December2024,theDecade underscores the importance ofacknowledgingtherights a n d i n v a l u a b l e contributions of people of Africandescentworldwide.

“In Guyana, the ERC recognisestheenduringrole of our African brothers and sisters in shaping our nation's history, identity, andprogress.

The renewal of the

Decade resonates deeply with our society, reminding us of the need to address historical injustices while advancing equality, justice, and respect for all On this occasion, the ERC calls on all Guyanese to honour the legacy and contributions of people of African descent while promoting unity, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence among our diversecommunities.”

Notably, GECOM's statementcomesinresponse to a Facebook post by Credible Source, which alleged that GECOM staff assigned to the Hibiscus Drive polling station was chasedoutbytheproprietor GECOM rejected the claim, stating, “These speculations

According to GECOM, the change followed a request from the owner of theprivateresidencewhoon Sunday informed the Commission that he no longer wished to have his property used as a polling station. GECOM's logistics team then moved to secure and finalise the alternative location at CARICOM G

Further,theCommission also called on stakeholders to be responsible in their reporting and to verify

publishing. It stressed that thespreadofmisinformation and disinformation is disruptive and can cause unnecessary panic and confusion in an already

KaieteurNews

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Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456

Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams

Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

It can be a historic time

Today can take its place in the history of Guyana in a specialway ItalldependsonhowGuyanesevotersusethe willofthepeoplethatrestsintheirhands. Itdepends,also, onhowmuchtheirgreatnationalwealthmeanstothem. The world talks more about Guyana's wealth than Guyanese themselves talk about it. Further, Guyanese votershaveanothersituationtoweigh,whichweputinthe formofaquestion. AsuccessionofVenezuelanleadershas cast covetous eyes on Guyana, and they should ask themselveswhy Itisabigportionofnationallandsthatmen likeNicolasMadurowant,butitismorethanthat,andmore than the abundance of mineral resources that is tilled into the remote interiors of Guyana. The oil stands out as the biggest prize that drives Western neighbours out of their minds. TheunremittingfocusofGuyanesemustbeonthat oil and what has or has not been done for them with its billions.

Inonesense,todayisareferendumonoil.Whotookitin theirhands,andwhattheydidwithit? Whocommittedto givingheartandsoultodomoresothatGuyanesecanget more coming to them? We took careful note that, in the mountainofpromisesmadebythoseseekingthatmarkof confidencefromvoterstoday,howlittleoilfeaturedonthe talkingpointsofpoliticians.Theirmanifestoesmadefancy promises left, right, and center But getting more from ExxonMobil for the national coffers and delivering much more into the pockets of struggling and disappointed Guyanese,itwasmerelyapassingreferencehereandthere. It has been five years of collecting US billions for the nation's oil, five years of withdrawing much of those US billions,whileinformingthevotersnowbeingcourtedthat theycannotaccountforthoseUSbillions,astheyaremixed up with some other money Five years of withdrawing billions of US dollars, borrowing more US billions, then throwing a breadcrumb or two at Guyanese. Now, the wholebreadandbreadbasketarebeingputbeforecitizens, andsayingthenextfiveyearswillbedifferent,thenextfive the corner will be turned. This can be a historic day for Guyanese voters, one in which politicians are made to appreciatethattheyworkforthepeople,areanswerableto thepeople. Nottheshamsthatvotershavehadtolivewith. For those who like secrets surrounding how their businessishandled,that'stheircall. Forthosewhowantto standidlyforthenextfiveyears,withhandsoutstretchedin anticipationofthenexthandout,that'stheirright.Forthose to whom the call of their leaders (who misinform and mislead them) is all that they live for, and have no issue livinglikethatforthenextfiveyears,thatistheirprivilege, too.Citizenshavebeenabusedandinsultedbypoliticians, citizens have been made into fools by politicians, citizens havebeenpushedaroundandcalledanassortmentofnames by politicians. Today's election can be history making, because Guyanese voters get to show the world that they aspire,andhavethewilltoliveabetterlife. Aquickstudyofthepastweeksofpoliticalcampaigning confirms that the politicians are up to their regular tricks. They came calling in communities across Guyana with a fishing boat full of promises. They now know what the priorities for the various communities, different segments ofthedemographic,are. So,theywalkwiththeirgreeting cards:thereissomethingforeverybody,lotsofrichpieces of the national pie. The pie wasn't that big, and the pie couldn't be sliced so many ways all at once. Now the economic pie is so huge that even visitors and neighbors wouldhaveapieceofit,withmuchstillremaining. They couldn't find time nor money in the last five years (other thanfortheirown). Nowtheyclicktheirfingersandwag theirlipsandoutdropsamillionfrombothsources.Today can be a historic day Voters must be sensible and sober Votersmustcalmlyregistertheirdiscontent.

GECOM must post SOPs as soon as submitted from polling places

DearEditor, Congratulations to GECOM for accepting late submissionoftheWIN's list of polling agents. It is important that GECOM is seen as flexible and considering the greater interest of the nation that all competing parties have pollingagentstowitnessthe voting. This helps with the overall credibility of the elections.

The Opposition parties are looking for any little thing to attack GECOM and spread false narratives that GECOM is not fair and independent The PNC which has always rigged election whenever it is in power, knows it will do badly given the hemorrhage

DearEditor,

of its MPs and many of its supporters crossing over to the PPP. Instead of the party admitting that there is poor leadership, they will look to blameGECOMasfavouring therulingparty

Twopartiessaytheywill not accept the results Especially if they are badly beaten by the PPP, they will notwanttoaccepttheresults and will want to incite trouble.

The truth is elections cannot be rigged anymore now that the counting of votes is done at the voting stations and the SOPs (StatementsofPoll)showing how people voted at each voting station are posted outside of the voting station attheendofvotingandafter

the votes are counted in the presence of all party agents at each voting station. In 2020, the PNC's attempted rigging failed because the SOPs showed their announced numbers did not match the SOPs. So, there wasanattempttorigthrough the false counting After many court cases file to delay the PNC's demitting office.

Wehavetotrustthatthe PNC Commissioners on GECOM will not disappear soastodelaythedeclaration ofresults.

In an election, there will be some clerical errors, electionpapersnotbeingput properly in the right envelopes,avoteisplacedor misfiled. But these piddly

errorsdonotrisetothelevel of rigging or malfeasance, but these are the things Opposition parties will invoke to cast aspersions on GECOM.Ourelectionshave always been fraught with conflicts and tension until the results are verified and declared officially However, to reduce the people'sanxietyandtension, GECOM must post every SOPas soon as that count is completed.

The voters cannot wait for the recount and long, drawn out verification process. So GECOM, go aheadandposttheresultsas soon as you receive them. Thepeoplewouldlikethat.

Sincerely,

M.Singh

A Change is Gonna Come

Aswemovetowardsthe countdown to historic elections, we need to reflect on the happenings in our country over the last five years of governance by the incumbent.Wefindasociety torn apart mainly by ethnic, economic and political issues. How we come out of the impasse will be mainly dependent on the results of theelections.Theincumbent has been basing their campaigning on what they term achievements, namely, infrastructure development andacashgranthandoutthat was fraught with great difficultiesfortherecipients. Toachievetheinfrastructure development use was made ofcontractorsbothlocaland foreign. The problem is that the way things have been donethereisnoscopeforthe development of local skills.

Small Business Act 2004 speaks to the award of 20% of all government procurement to small businesses. There are scores of small businesses which would have been further developed had they been recipients of the stipulated percentage Entire communities would have been able to see greater improvements as a result. Supporters of other political entities would have been ablealsotoshareinwhatever projectswereundertaken.

Thiscountryhassuffered fromescalatingpricesinthe market place for common goodsandservices.Thecost of living has continued to increase.Wagesandsalaries have seen small increases which do not even relate to the current rate of inflation. Great hardships have been encounteredbysome50%of

thepopulation.International agencies have reported on thismetricandtheirfigureis notfarremoved.Weneedto employmeasurestomitigate thesituationimmediately

The manifestos of the contesting parties have been seen and examined by the public.Apart from the usual promises we find that only onepartyintheracehasdone a very comprehensive programme for the development of the country

As Guyanese we need to understandthatprogressand development mean different thingstodifferentpersons.

Aplethora of roads does

not really constitute

development A US

Secretary of State made some damaging remarks about one of our touted roads. The elections agency GECOM has faltered badly and we have significant

doubts of the elections administrationbeingjustand fair

The recent move to changepollingplacesonthe East Coast of Demerara at the 11th hour is more than a travesty It must not be allowed to occur The incumbents must ubdertand that there is great disfavour with their efforts to gain unfairadvantage.

This country needs urgent change and the fat cats in the administration cannotinstitutesuchchange. People must be assured of a better life all round. The current struggle to make ends meet must be eliminatedimmediately At6 pm on Monday evening when polls close and the fat lady sings the winds of change must blow lustily A changeisgonnacome.

Regards

CyrilWalker

President Ali is visionary, compassionate, well respected around the world – most successful President in our history

DearEditor,

As we wind down towardselectiondayforthat bigdecisiononSeptember1, I can imagine President Ali winning a second term handsomely

I do not agree with everythingthePPPdoes,but consideringthemountainsof evidence, I have to concede that the President Ali administration has been the m o s t s u c c e s s f u l administration in Guyana's history.Thoseof us who are older and lived through different regimes, do not wanttoseeprogressstopped. We do not want to see the

country going backwards or go into a standstill or gridlock.

Of all the parties, the incumbent PPP have the

most comprehensive manifesto, and combined

with its record of

m u l t i t u d i n o u s accomplishments, the experienceofitscabinet,and being obsessed to accomplish items in its manifesto,IconsiderthePPP to be the best of the alternatives.Itrustthatinthe second term, President Ali would reach across the aisle and create structures of collaborationwiththosewho

getintoparliament.

There has been a myth peddledthatthePPPfocused more on infrastructure and not human development That's a false statement. All infrastructure are for human development, and for the benefit of people. If you want to say we need to double the minimum wage and create systems to keep elevating the working poor and the vulnerable populations, then say that. But to say the Government did not focus on people, is suchafalsestatement.

Irememberastorywhen earlyinPresidentAli'sterm,

mysister-in-lawwastoldby the Georgetown Hospital that they do not have the expensive medicine for her cancer treatment. My wife contacted the President Next thing you know, my sister-in-law said she got a call from the President who told her “we would get the medicineforyou.”Thenshe got a call from the Minister of Health saying the same thing. Where in the world would you find a President caring so much about a sick citizen? In President's Ali's term, we have had the most hospitalsandclinicsbuilt(Continuedonpage21)

Two projects that the PPP scuttled

DearEditor,

I would take this opportunity to voice my disgust at the PPP administration which has disappointed me in many ways They shout Cde Cheddi but they have betrayed his legacy and his slogan and practice of lean and clean government. The PPPevenoutshonethePNC which is also corrupt. The factistheyhaveabiggerpie tostealfrom.

It is a shame that after promising, foaming at the mouth about Exxon and the bad contract and promising to renegotiate the contract they then became the meek oftheearthandnotonlydid theynotrenegotiate,Bharrat Jagdeo went out of his way to expedite all projects and EPApermits.

I do not think there is an international nor local organisation that did not condemnthecontract.Under these circumstances it was clearthatthecontracthadno sanctity It was hypocritical forthemtotalkofsanctityof Exxon contract and say this would have scared away foreign investors but at the same time go after BK for the purchase of the wharf at Kingstonatalowprice.

The international

community and businesses would have understood that Guyanawasrighttoquestion the contract Re BK purchaseIwouldlike,inthe interest of transparency for PresidentIrfaanAlitotellus how much he paid for the property at Leonora which Guysucovaluedat$17M.

Our President, the most powerfulmaninthecountry with the backing of the vast majority of Guyanese and theworld'scondemnationof the crappy PSAshould have called Exxon to sit at the table and say to them, we needtodiscussthiscontract. Thatwastheleasttheycould have done Instead, they argued the contract cannot berenegotiatedBlaBlaBla. Fact is that the contract was adjusted before when President, David Granger ensured that the royalty is not treated as an expense by Exxon. Two other projects did not come to fruition because of Bharat and the silenceofthePresident.One is a modern cargo facility at Cheddi JaganAirport which was to be built by a GuyaneseAmerican Owned company which had a modern facility at JFK Airport New York. It is not difficult to understand the benefit of such a facility to

thefarmersofGuyana

The other is an oil Refinery There was a press release that the developer of therefinery project,another Guyanese American from Canje Berbice, finally obtainedfiveBillionUSDto finance the project. Four BillionUSDfortherefinery andoneBilliontoresuscitate the Skeldon Estate to produceethanoltosupplyto therefinery Thiswouldhave benefitted the people in the upper Corentyne. A lot of money had gone a into developing this project having obtained an MoU fromthePPPPrimeMinister and a provisional EPA Permit from the EPA with land allocated by Guyana L a n d a n d S u r v e y Commission.

After the press release theVPsaidthatisnonsense, someone introduced him to the Leader of the Opposition. End of Project. For these two projects alone Berbicians and Guyanese should not vote for those who prevented these two projects from becoming a reality.

WIN Leadership would definitely Place these projectsontheagenda.

Regards

RonPersaud

Ministries of Public Works and Education are in urgent need of restructuring

DearEditor,

The Minister's refusal to accept advice and the inability of the engineers to speak up to ensure that load testingwasdoneonthemost significant infrastructure project over the last five years speaks volumes about the internal workings of the MinistryofPublicWorks.

It is also concerning to see that the average curing timeforcementof28daysat minimum is being overlooked to achieve a faster opening of the Demerara Harbour Bridge. Given that it is a high load structure more time than the averageforthecuringofthe cement should be allowed. These fundamental issues are indicative of a larger problem. We have already heard of the Heroes' Highway issues and other numerous unsatisfactory publicworksprojects.

In addition, the large

number of schools that have been erected are lacking adequate fire suppression systems; and this is occurringevenafteramajor nationaltragedy!

It is extremely disappointing that the Ministers and Ministries involved are still taking unnecessary safety risks in theirdecisionmaking.These issues continue to place at risk the lives of our nation's children and our citizens.

Expediency should never takeprecedenceoversafety CRG calls upon the government to make the necessary changes to ensure thatapositionofauthorityis not allowed to overshadow or circumvent sound

A stronger democracy starts with Your Vote

DearEditor,

Intherun-uptoelections, we often hear statements like, "No matter who's elected,Istillhavetowork," "Idon'treallylikeanyofthe parties,sowhat'sthepoint?" and"What'sthe point of voting?" I think thesearehonestremarks,but ones that also pinpoint preciselywhy we need to reconsider just what "the point" of votingreallyis.

I would like to debunk thattrainofthoughtandshed light on the reasons why voting is so important. As much as one may be frustrated with politics, voting remains the most effective way of influencing decisions that affect us on a daily basis. These decisions span taxation, wages, education, healthcare, jobs, and infrastructure. With moreindividualsvoting, d e m o c r a c y i s strengthened and leaders cannot help but reflect the diversity of the population. This helps to ensure that policies represent the priorities and needs of the community

engineering and safety practices in the design and implementation of future infrastructure and education projects.Wemustasanation do better, and we can do betterifwetrulycareforour fellowGuyanese.

Sincerely, Mr JamilChanglee

The opposite occurs when there is low voter turnout, where a loud minority is able to impose decisions that are unwanted bythesilentmajority Voting movesustowarda more just and equal society, as politicians listen to voters who turn out, and whereturnoutis

more extensive, responsivenessincreases.

Sohowdovotersdecide?

The secret is to cut through the noise Read party manifestos rather than shiny flyers or social media hashtags.Selectthreeorfour thingsthatmattermost to you, such as jobs, education,roads,healthcare, or fighting corruption, and compare parties based on yourpriorities.

Otherssay,"Myonevote won't make any difference."

Historyhasshownthatevery votedoesmatter

Some claim, "All politiciansarealike."Thatis not true. Platforms differ on taxes, wages, security, housing,andsocialservices. Voting is the way we give creditforgoodperformance, send clear messages of expectation,andholdleaders accountable For those feeling uninformed, the solution is simple: take note of issues important to you andresearch

which choice best reflectsthosepriorities.

What about those who are not excited about any of the options? That's a reasonable feeling, but not votingisnotaprotestagainst thesystem.

It merely gives greater weight to the votes of those who do turn out. Politicians have been proven to serve the groups that most consistently vote. Policies will be crafted to please them, not the silent majority/minority,iftheyare onlydesignedwiththeinput of a segment of the public. Even if no party appears to be"yourparty,"therearestill practical ways to make your votecount.Oneistovotefor

transparency by casting a ballot for candidates or parties that commit to specific measures of the same.

Another is to vote on issues, not personalities Read manifestos carefully on matters that affect your family, such as taxation, transport, education, electricity, health, and apprenticeships,orwhatever you consider important, and vote for the party with the most realistic proposal Tactical voting is also an option if choices seem mediocre, allowing you to help prevent outcomes you find most objectionable. By casting votes in this way, citizens can make valid, informeddecisionseven when no party fully reflects their ideals. Some say,"Iwillneedtogotowork tomorrow regardless, so votingwillnotmakeany difference to my life." But it does. Elections affect the taxes we pay, the subsidies we receive, the apprenticeships and jobs available, and how our oil wealthisinvested.Decisions by leaders have a direct effect on working people's pay and prospects. Finally, notvotingisnotaneutralact. By abstaining, you are effectively leaving your influence to others By voting, even tactically or with reservations, you safeguardyourowninterests and contribute to a better democracyforeveryone.

Regards, SarfrazYacoob

Identifying abuses should be election monitoring priority

DearEditor,

Political systems remain progressively perfectible as long as they continue to emanatefromcorebeliefsin the equal rights of citizens andelectoraldemocracy Ina more perfect world this wouldbeabenefitofhosting electionobservers'missions.

If the recommendations ofelectionobservermissions were taken up, the benefits would include steady improvementsintheconduct of everyday political life, manifested in such things as vibrancy of an independent media, efficient access to information, improved delivery of health and education, the influence of tradeunions,andsoon.Such political systems also encourage greater civic involvement of ordinary people.

Where equality of citizens and electoral democracy are absent, politicallifedeterioratesinto control by elites, leading to thewooingofthevotesofthe poor by the political parties that are privileged and wellfinanced. Normal politics in Guyanahasdeterioratedinto suchacontest.

Tothisextent,itcomesas no surprise that Guyana's national elections are currentlybeingconductedin an atmosphere of cynicism and distrust This is the logical extension of our 'normal'politics.

During election times, therefore,ratherthanlookto State institutions, like

GECOM,theStatemedia,or the Guyana Police Force for guidance, the average Guyaneselistenstothesocial media voices and other influencers they are accustomed to trusting in everyday life. No matter the manycautionsintonedabout social media capacity to mislead and to manipulate, the quality of public life cannot be transformed overnight,regardlessofhow manyoverseasobserversare present.

In such a political environment International Observers perhaps should focus on an accumulation of storiesrelatedtoinstitutional failings of Government ministries or abuses of Government equipment, facilities and personnel would effectively illustrate thedegreetowhichelections arefreeandfair

Similarly, describing the ways in which individual parties have been victims of bureaucratic harassment from the ruling party is sufficient to expose the autocratic tendencies of the Government.

The GHRA advises International Observers not to treat the ruling party with any more deference than other contesting parties, in terms of how they relate to themedia.

The potential for local observers exposing unacceptable aspects of electoral practice is very limited,especiallyinlightof suchgroupshavingmadeno

public efforts to improve electoral laws and practices during 'normal politics' Why,forexample,havelocal bodieswhointendtomonitor on elections day not commented on premonitoring activities? They arewell-placedtoexposethe abuse and harassment, for example, of the WIN c a m p a i g n b y t h e Government.

Strategically, the most useful role International Observers can play in this election is to harmonize and expand their coverage of interiorlocationsandareasin which harassment has been prevalent. now allows more direct contact with many interiorlocations. Strategically, the most useful role International Observers can play in this election is to harmonize and expand their coverage of interior locations, facilitated in this election by extended availabili

i, concentrating on those areas inwhichharassmentofWIN activists has been prevalent. International Observers should also pay close attention to the polling stations set up in private houses, a late decision by GECOM that falls outside the Procedures set out for 'Preparation for the Poll' in PartVof the Representation of the PeopleAct, cap. 1:03, 2006,oftheLawsofGuyana.

Sincerely

ExecutiveCommittee

Guyana Human Rights Association(GHRA)

Petrobras completes key test needed for exploration license in Amazon region

RIODEJANEIRO,Aug 27 (Reuters) - Brazilian state-run oil firm Petrobras onWednesdayconcludedan emergency drill in the country's Foz do Amazonas basin, the company and Brazil's environmental agency said, marking one of the final steps needed to secure a controversial exploration license at the mouthoftheAmazonRiver

Petrobras considers the drill, a pre-operational assessment which began on Sunday,thefinalstageofan environmental licensing processithopeswillensureit obtains a permit to drill an exploratory oil and gas well intheregion.

Petrobras said it is now

awaiting a "position" from Brazil's environmental agency Ibama, the body whichmustapproveordeny the license, regarding the next steps. Ibama said it expectstostartanalyzingthe documentsoverthenextfew days.

Once the analyses are complete,Ibamasaid,itwill prepareatechnicalreporton whetherPetrobras'proposed emergency plan is feasible. There is no deadline for this nextstep,itadded.

Petrobras said the emergency drill involved more than 400 people, as well as logistical resources suchasadozenvessels,three aircrafts and a drilling rig, which was positioned at the

site where the well is to be drilled,inthedeepwatersof Amapastate,nearthemouth oftheAmazonRiver

Theoilindustrybelieves there is significant potential for discovering large oil and gas reserves in the Foz do RioAmazonasregion,based on major discoveries in geologically similar regions such as Suriname and Guyana.

However, critics both within government and in civil society have argued against the plan citing environmentalrisks,notably the impact of potential oil spills on biodiversity in the Amazon rainforest, home to an estimated 10% of all the planet'sknownspecies.

Statement by IDPADA-G on International Day for People of African Descent

Today,acrosstheAfrican continentandthroughoutthe globaldiaspora,wepauseto honour the immeasurable contributions of people of African descent to human civilization.

From the cradle of humanity in Africa to the struggles and triumphs that shaped the modern world, Africanshavebeencentralto every stage of human progress No attempt at erasure can diminish this truth.

AsAfricanGuyanese,we join in this global commemoration with both pride and pain Pride, because we are heirs to a legacy of resilience, creativity, and leadership that has transformed societies. Pain, because in ourownlandofGuyana,the rights and dignity of people of African descent continue tobeundermined.Whilethe

United Nations has called upon all member states to ensure Recognition, Justice, andDevelopmentforpeople of African descent, our government has chosen to turn its back on these commitments.

The defunding of IDPADA-G – the very institution established to advancetheobjectivesofthe International Decade for People ofAfrican Descent –isnotanaccident.Itreflectsa pattern of policies and practices that marginalize andsilenceus.Wehaveseen the denial of our rightful ownershipofancestrallands, the bulldozing of homes, farms, and livelihoods in communities like Mocha Arcadia, and the attempt to distort and diminish our proudhistorybyreferringto our national hero, Kofi (Cuffy) – leader of the 1763

Berbice Revolution,

Governor of the Berbice Republic–asa“proudhouse slave.” These are not mere words or isolated incidents; they are deliberate acts of erasureanddisrespect.

OnthisInternationalDay of People of African Descent, we declare that we will not be erased. We will not allow our history to be rewritten nor our dignity denied. We will stand tall, shoulder to shoulder, in the spirit of Kofi and the countless ancestors who fought for freedom, justice, anddignity Wecallonevery AfricanGuyanese,allallies, and every institution of goodwill to join us by choosing a leader who will fight for: Recognition of the historical and ongoing contributions of African Guyanese to the building of this nation Justice in dismantling (Continuedonpage17)

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27,879 first-time voters on roll

…as GECOM now projects final results by September 4

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on Sunday disclosed that of the 757,690registeredvoterson the Official List of Electors (OLE), 27,879 are first-time voters who expected to cast their ballots in today's General and Regional Elections.

At a press conference on Sunday afternoon, GECOM's Public Relations Officer(PRO)YolandaWard explained that the figure captures both persons who recently turned 18 and older individuals who registered for the first time. “I did provide some initial statistics, which essentially only captured those eligible first-timevoters18yearsand older, or equal to 18 years andolderatthiselection.But we'vehadregistrationcycles where we'd have persons older than 18 years old that have registered and are now eligible electors,” Ward stated.

Below is the breakdown of eligible voters and firsttimevotersbydistrict:

Notably, Ward was also asked about the increase in the OLE, which has moved from 661,000 in 2020 to 757,690in2025.Inresponse to this, GECOM's Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO) Anneal Giddings explained,“Since2020there have been several cycles of continuous registration

phases one and two and in between claims and objectionsallofthosewillbe responsibleforwhatIshould sayahistorictrendbecauseif you look at OLE dating backwards it hovers around 100,000 odd every cycle of elections.”

Notably, GECOM's Chief Elections Officer

GECOM's Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Vishnu Persaud

(CEO) Vishnu Persaud who was also present at the press conference said that the Secretariat can provide a breakdown of the figure through the PRO at a later time.

Declarationofresults Moreover, GECOM's CEO was also asked if he stillconfidenttheresultswill be announced by September 2,adatehehadearlierstated. Firstly, Persaud noted that the timeline of the results declaration will be based on practicality He explained thatatthetimehemadethat pronouncement of

nd September 2 , he did not consider the predecessor taskoftheactoftabulations, whichinvolvesthescanning and uploading of the statements of polls.As such he stated, “I do not see that we can complete that exercise in less than eight hours especially for the higher populated regions maybe in districts one, and sevenandeightwemightbe abletodothat.”

He added that for the otherdistrictsthedeclaration would have to wait until September 3. Persaud noted also, “The issue of request for recount was not factored intothat…allbeingequalwe now should be able to have declarations in the districts by the evening of the third (September 3rd) again

provided that there are no request for recount, there is alwaysthatpossibility.”

“But once we have the district declarations in place for all the districts by the eveningofthethirdandallof those declarations get to me bythemorningofthefourth (September4th),thenational declaration,theCommission shouldbeabletomakethat,” theCEOsaid.Intermsofthe mechanisms GECOM have in place, Persaud noted that the equipment that will be usedforscanningandupload and tabulation of the results arefunctionalandhavebeen testedatallofthetabulation centres.

He also stressed that GECOM has contingencies inplaceforpossiblenetwork orelectricitydisruptions.

President urges peace as Guyanese head to polls

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Sunday called on citizens to uphold peace, unity, and democratic values during the electoralprocess.

“The right to freely and fairly elect a government of one's choice is the very lifeblood of democracy,” the President declared in a live broadcast, urging every eligible voter to honour the sacred responsibilityofcastingtheirballot.

PresidentAliremindedthenationthatthe righttovotewasnotgrantedlightly,butwas earned through the struggles of those who came before. “To neglect this right is to dishonour their sacrifice. To surrender it carelessly is to imperil our sovereignty, confidence,dignity,andpride,”hecautioned, emphasising that “your choice is yours alone,” and that respect for the decision of othersisfundamentaltoahealthydemocracy

“Elections should not be a contest to divideus,”hesaid,“butamechanismtounify us under the banner of democratic sovereignty.”

In a direct appeal to political leaders and activists,thePresidentcalledforresponsible behaviourandmaturediscourse.

“Letusavoidinflammatoryrhetoric…let us temper our passion and allow good sense and decency to guide our actions,” he advised.

Acknowledging the vital role of law

enforcement,PresidentAliassuredthepublic that the security services are prepared to uphold peace and order Still, he placed the greater responsibility on the shoulders of citizens.“Peacewillprevailnotbecauseitis enforced but because it is embraced.”He underscored that once the results are declared, Guyanese must be ready to move forwardasonenation.“Wemustbeprepared to set aside narrow partisan differences and join hands in the service of the common good.” President Ali also called upon the nation to lead by example for future generations:

“Letusgivethemtheexampleofapeople who can disagree without discord, who can contest without contempt, and who can choosewithoutchaos.”

Where is my receipt?

Believe it or leave it! There are some Guyanese who leave their homes with onlytheexactmoneyneeded for the day bus fare calculated to the last dollar, lunchaccountedfor,andnot a single extra coin for emergencies. In a society where every cent matters, such budgeting is not unusual. But it also leads to some of the most unforgettable encounters on ourminibuses.

Years ago, duringone of those dreaded hikes in fuel prices, a certain minibus owner—who was also his own conductor—decided to “adjust” the fare without permission. Overnight, the cost of travelling in his bus went up by $20. No notice, no consultation, no government approval—just hisword.

One morning, a commuter boarded the bus and, as usual, handed the conductor the regular fare. Hewaspromptlytoldthathe neededtopay$20more.The commuter was shocked. He insistedthatthefarehepaid was the same one he had always been charged. The conductor, however, was unmoved “The price of gasolinegoneup,sothebus fare gone up too,” the conductordeclared.

The passenger, clearly annoyed, retorted, “The governmentdidn'tannounce anyincrease!”

That statement lit a fire. The conductor snapped back: “This bus register in my name, not in the government name. So, they can't tell me how much to charge!”

And so began a heated exchange The commuter

argued about legality and fairness; the conductor insisted on his authority

Neither man gave way The argumentstretchedonasthe bus rolled through the streets, other passengers caughtbetweenlaughterand irritation.

Finally, one sympathetic passenger,tiredofthebackand-forth, dug into his pocket and offered the commuter the missing $20. It was meant to end the quarrel The commuter accepted the note but insteadofhandingitoverto the conductor, he calmly announced that he wanted a receipt.

Now,thatwasafirst.No passenger in the history of minibuses in Guyana had ever demanded a receipt.

The conductor was thrown off-balance Passengers stared in disbelief. But the conductor, thinking himself a clever fellow, ripped a piece of paper from an old notebook, scribbled a makeshift receipt, and stretched out his hand expectantly

The commuter studied the slip of paper, turned it over, and asked: “Where is therevenuestamp?”

The bus erupted in laughter The conductor, for all his bravado, had finally methismatch.

Humor aside, that story says a lot about public t r a n s p o r t a t i o n i n Guyana how it often functions like a law unto itself. Minibus operators set rules on a whim, and passengers, desperate to get wheretheyaregoing,quietly accept it. Courtesy, safety, and accountability are usuallyafterthoughts.

Think of the daily routine: you step into a bus, and before you can sit, the driver speeds off, sending you lurching backward.The music blasts so loudly you cannot hear yourself think. Conductors pack people shoulder-to-shoulder, as thoughthefareiscalculated byvolume,notcomfort.You payfullprice,buttheservice ishalf-baked.

And why does this continue? Because passengers allow it. In the absenceofrealcompetition, commuters have become price-takers. If there were more choice, or stricter enforcement of service standards, operators would be forced to improve. But toooften,passengersremain silent, even when mistreated.

The truth is that passengershavemorepower than they realize If commutersbegantodemand the fare upfront, insist on proper seating, and flatly refuse to board overloaded buses, things would change quickly Aconductor cannot arguewithanemptybus.Yet at the parks, what we see instead is a mad scramble. People shove and push, desperate just to get on board, even if it means standing on one foot in an overcrowdedvehicle.

This desperation is sometimes comical, sometimes sad At the StabroekMarketSquare,for example, there was once an epic scramble to board a minibus. A crowd shoved and pushed, everyone anxious for a seat. In the middleofthechaos,oneman triedagainandagaintoforce his way on but was

DEM BOYS SEH

People gan be scrolling social media all day today!

TodayyuhgonseeGuyanesewith demnecksbenddownwholeday, like de phone screen got gold hiding inside. Every lil second, swipe, scroll, refresh, scroll again. Is like dem expecting de Elections Commission gon leak results on Facebook before de polls evenclose.Some peopledone peepin dem phone so much, dem thumb gon need therapytomorrow

But leh me tell yuh plain. Yuh nah gon seenoresultstoday Notevenontelevision. Yet people gan still searching like de votes hiding in somebody WhatsApp status. By midnighttonight,don'tfoolyuhself.Debig politicalpartiesgonknowwhowinandwho lose.Demdoescountdemself.

But dem does smile nice, keep straight face,andwaitfuhdeofficialcallbecausedat isdegame.Andsincedemboundtosilence, yuhboundtospeculation.

Derealtricktoknow?Simple.

Watchpeopleface.Ifonesetsmilingand hugging,deothersetgonlooklikedembite pepper But you nah gon spot dat till tomorrowmiddaywhendemcan'thideitno more.

So stop wasting time burning up yuh data.Stopringingpeoplewholedayasking “Yuhhearanything?”

Nobody hear nuttin till de right time. Instead of scrolling Facebook like a madman,gomekacook-up,cleanyuhyard, ortakealilnap.

Demboyssehdevotesnahgonflyaway Deresultsnahgonrunandhide.Patienceis de only app yuh need to download today Andremembernomatterwhowin,mostof wegattogotowukthenextday! Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

repeatedly shoved back Finally, someone shouted, “It'sfull!Noroom!”

“But you must let me on!”themancried.

“Why?What'ssospecial about you?” the crowd asked.

The man straightened himself, adjusted his shirt, andshoutedback:

“I'mthedriver!”

That punchline, while hilarious, captures a real truth: the system is overcrowded, disorderly, and badly managed. Until passengers start asserting themselves—not just with

witty demands for receipts and revenue stamps, but by collectively insisting on fair treatment—thesituationwill notchange.

For too long, passengers have been silent victims of an informal system that prioritizes profits over service.Thestoryoftheman who demanded a receipt may have started as a joke, but it carries a powerful message: commuters must stop accepting shabby treatment as normal. After all, if a passenger can demand a receipt on a

passengers can also demand safety,respect,andfairfares. Andmaybe,justmaybe,one day the conductor will be forcedtohandovernotonly a receipt, but also a service worthpayingfor

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

H@RD TRUTHS

Could be the day of the have nots

The verbal pyrotechnics should be over by now On thisdayofhope,andthedays to follow, may that be the only kind; and not foreshadowanythingelse.

There has been no other electionseasontomatchthis

one. Where I stand, as evaluated from afar There was enough to cause squirming, some screaming, too,iftheself-controlwasn't there. Now it is Monday, st September 1 The day of decision has come for every

citizen above 18. Toddlers haven'tcasttheirballotsyet, havethey? Itcouldbeaday of reckoning also for all Guyana. To what and to where? Towhoorwithwho intheleadisoflessconcern to me. There is a bundle of

hopes, with all coming back tooneplace.

After all the great talk about economics and civics and politics, after all the hysterics and antics, what is the issue that stands before? Whatisinitforme? Ihave had my share of courtships, but have never heard so many sweet promises made so solemnly in so short a time. What is in it for me? HowamIgoingtobe,isthe concern on the minds of all Guyanese? The definition of Guyanese is fitting here: thehavenots. Thedayofthe havenotswillhavedawned. Oritcouldbelikethatother ugly national humiliation called domestic violence that stalks Guyanese, but of which there is so little care. Actually, doing something, any little something, that changes such dynamics, introduces new beginnings t h a t a l t e r t h o s e circumstances.

Amid that bundle of hopes mentioned earlier, therearedoubts.

Am I going to make it this time? Amidst all the boastsaboutwhocaresmore thanwhom,thereisthatstill unsolved mystery -who reallycaresforme?

It was said sixty years ago,thensixonesago,andI amstillwhereIhavealways been, near the garbage pile. The arrival of oil had the potential to make so much difference. Like so many o t h e r i s s u e s a n d developments that are about potential in Guyana, the potential of oil to contribute to significant change in the lives of ordinary Guyanese has been unrealized Whenever politicians and

potentials are mentioned in the same breath in Guyana, that most disappointing of verbs takes up permanent residence Unrealized Unfulfilled.

Somethingiswrongwith this picture being shared. There is that sense. Amid the anticipations, there are doubts, there have been disillusions. How can that bepossible,consideringthis country's abundant gifts?

Given how much was in hand, the postman only paused at the gate to say, sorrynomailtoday

Just like last week and lastmonthandlastyearhave been. Butthosenowrankas ancient times, forgotten in thelavishswirlsofglittering promises. Today is about today, and what comes beyond. Thereshouldnotbe a sliver of disillusion or doubt, not when there is anticipation of daily oil production approaching almost a million barrels soon. For in this time of anticipation, there's the specterofstarvation;andthe actualgnawingpangsofthat conditiononadailybasis.

F o r a l l t h e aforementionedreasons,itis why today represents more than the exercise of the franchise, the blandness of elections.

TodayiswhenGuyanese get to choose the kind of destinythattheywantaspart of their visions The inheritance of rich assets is present, so it should be a cakewalk, that part about visions coming to life. The powers that be have failed repeatedly the world over to

deliveraperfectsociety,and oneimmediately Andthat's from time immemorial, and Guyana is not in that category Put men around certain gifts and they transform to bats racing to get out of hell. The grim man-in-the-street and the woman looking at an empty gas bottle that cannot be refilled, with an unfinished meal and a hungry brood, thisistheirday Thechoice issimple. Theycancontinue to participate in an upsidedown existence (like bats); or they can take charge of their future (like champs). Either way a certain fate is sealed by their own hand. Takeastand.

I depart with an analogy Guyanese at the bottom of the economic ladder should beabletoidentifywith:poor menandwomenofallcolors have packed up and left, often without so much as a goodbye. Theyleavehouse, land, family, job (if they have)andstartoverfromthe bottom of the bottom in strangelands,andtheymake it. There is the courage and stateofmindtoventureout. E-Monday 2025 is such a day: stay as is; or do something about it. It's the day of the have nots. They can come into their own, finally.

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

Western diplomats expect calm election

…reaffirm respect for Guyana's sovereignty

AsGuyaneseheadtothepollstoday,the United Government has reaffirmed its respectforthiscountry'ssovereigntyevenas itanticipatesapeacefulelection.

“The United States welcomes Guyana's nationalandregionalelectionsonSeptember 1.Ambassador Theriot and a team from the U.S. Embassy have been accredited by GECOM to observe elections across Guyana. We expect election day to be calm and peaceful, with registered voters casting theirvotesfreely,”theUSEmbassyheresaid in a statement on Facebook. “The United States reaffirms our respect for Guyana's sovereignty and values Guyana as a strong, stable democratic partner,” the statement concluded.

Meanwhile, the Delegation of the European Union in Guyana said it is an exciting day for Guyana, “as the people of this beautiful country exercise their right to vote.” According to the EU it is looking forwardtothiscelebrationofdemocracy–a day when Guyanese freely and peacefully cast their vote. Jane Miller, British High Commissioner to Guyana said she will be observingtheelectionwithherBritishHigh Commissionteam.

“September 1st is an exciting day for Guyana, as the people of this beautiful countryhavetheopportunitytovote.Weare looking forward to a peaceful day - one wherepeoplefreelycasttheirvote,”herbrief statementread.

Venezuelan gang attacks ballot escort in Cuyuni River

…Joint services returned fire, escort escaped danger

Inanotherbrazenattack on this country, armed men from Venezuela on Sunday opened fire on a joint services-led escort transportingballotboxesand G u y a n a E l e c t i o n s Commission officials for polling day duties in the UpperCuyuniRivernearthe twocountries'border

In a statement the Joint ServicessaidthatonSunday at approximately 14:30 hours, while escorting GECOMofficialsandballot boxes along the Upper Cuyuni River in the vicinity of Bamboo, near the Guyana-Venezuela border, a Joint Services patrol came under fire from the Venezuelanshore.

“The escort team, which comprised ranks from the Guyana Defence Force and the Guyana Police Force, was conducting official

duties in support of G E C O M ' s b a l l o t distribution to remote polling stations in Region 7. A total of nine GECOM officials were aboard the vessels at the time,” the statementread.

According to the Joint Services, the patrol immediately returned fire a n d s u c c e s s f u l l y manoeuvred the escort team

out of danger “No injuries were sustained by any personnel, and no election materials were damaged or compromised.” The joint services said despite the incident, the team safely continueditsjourney,andall remainingballotboxeswere successfully delivered to their assigned polling stationsatCumangLanding, Kurutuku, and Dukquarie Landing. The earlier dropoff at Tumbung was also completed without incident.

“The Joint Services remain alert and continue to coordinate closely with GECOM to ensure the security of all electionrelated operations An investigation into the

incident is underway,” the statementconcluded.

Safedelivery

Meanwhile, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM)confirmedthatall ballot boxes scheduled for delivery to remote polling stations in District 7 on August 31, 2025, were successfully delivered without damage or delay “Whereas the Joint Services have confirmed an isolated security incident during the escortoperationintheUpper Cuyuni River, we wish to assure the public that no GECOM staff was harmed, and that all election materials remain fully intact and accounted for,” the electoralbodysaid.Itadded:

“TheCommissionthanksthe Joint Services for their continued operational support and reaffirms that this incident will have no impactontheconductofthe elections on September 1, 2025 GECOM remains focused on fulfilling its constitutional mandate and isfullypreparedforElection Dayacrossalltenregions.”

Armed Venezuelan gangshaveroutinelyentered Guyana and attacked citizens.Inrecenttimesthey have stepped up attacks on soldiers patrolling the border Back in February several soldiers of the GuyanaDefenceForcewere shot and injured when members of Venezuelan

notorious Sindicato gang opened fire on them in the Eteringbang, Cuyuni, Region Seven area The Sindicato has been allowed to roam freely in Guyana's hinterland and from time to time its members have harrassed, robbed and killed Guyanese. Their attack on the soldiers back then had comeamidcontinuedthreats from Venezuela over its spurious claim to this country's Essequibo region. Thatshootingalsohappened on the day when Guyana celebrated the 59th Anniversary of the Geneva Agreement of 1966, which provides the framework for the resolution of the controversythataroseoutof Venezuela's unilateral attempttonullifythelegality of the Arbitral Award of 1899, which definitively established the land boundary between Guyana and Venezuela.In a press statement back then the Guyana Police Force had listed the injured as: Second Lieutenant Ansel Murray, who suffered a gunshot wound to the right of his head;Sergeant,KevonDavis whowasshotintherightfoot andankle;Corporal,Andrew Fraser, who sustained gunshotwoundsintheleftof

his abdomen and shoulder; Corporal, KevinHenry,who was shot in the left arm and shoulder; Lance Corporal, Travis Yorrick, who was injuredintherightthigh;and Private Ezron Samuel, who was shot in the right his abdomen Despite their injuries, all of the soldiers were reported to be conscious and stable, police said in a statement. Medical treatment was administered by GDF medic L/Cpl MelvilleattheMakapaGDF ObservationPost.

The incident took place near Black Water Mouth in the Cuyuni River, while a GDFboatwasenroutefrom the Eteringbang GDF main base to the Makapa GDF Observation Post to deliver supplies.TheGDFteamwas using a thirty-foot canoe powered by a 185horsepowerYamaha engine. Duringthejourney,theGDF boat was intercepted by two wooden boats carrying heavilyarmed,maskedmen. The assailants circled the GDF boat and opened fire, promptingtheGDFranksto returnfire.

Theexchangeresultedin the attackers retreating, but not before multiple GDF members sustained gunshot wounds.

$1.5B water treatment plant in operation at Parfaite Harmonie

Residents of Region Three came together on Saturday to celebratetheopeningofthenewLa Parfaite Harmonie Water Treatment Plant, a $1.5 billion project that will provide safe and reliable water to over 36,000 people.

Delivering the keynote address at the ceremony, Minister within theMinistryofHousingandWater, Susan Rodrigues, hailed the event as a historic milestone and a testament to the People's Progressive Party Civic (PPPC)

government's unwavering

commitment to equitable development across the country This is the fifth water treatment plantbuiltacrossGuyana.

The newly commissioned facility is poised to benefit residents from Canal No. 1, La Parfaite Harmonie, Schoonord, Westminster, Lust-en-Rust, Onderneeming, La Grange, Bagotville and other surrounding communities.Theplantwillensure aconsistentsupplyofpotablewater

that meets World Health Organisation(WHO)standards.

“Today is a significant day for

the people of Region 3,” Minister Rodriguesstated.“TheLaParfaite Harmonie area stands as a testament of the commitment which the PPPC administration made to the people of this area.

Time has proven the sceptics wrong.”

Minister Rodrigues recounted how the area, once dismissed as unsuitable swampland, has now evolvedintoathrivingcommunity,

thanks to strategic housing and

implemented under the leadership of President Irfaan Ali, who once served as Minister of Housing and Waterhimself.

In La Parfaite Harmonie itself, over the past two years, GWI has installed over 4,000 service connections, bringing first-time access to clean water for residents in Clarke Dam, Belle West, and Parikabackdam.

“Thesethingsarenotpromises, thisisresults,”MinisterRodrigues declared. “From 2020 to now, we have been working for you and deliveringonourcommitments.”

Minister Rodrigues noted that the water sector in Region Three alone has seen over $8.8 billion in investments since the government took office, positively impacting the lives of more than 89,000 people.Nationally,thegovernment has invested $65 billion in the watersector

Additionally, two new water treatment plants are under construction in Leguan and Wakenaam, representing an investment of $1.53 billion. The minister expressed gratitude to the GuyanaWaterIncorporated(GWI) management and staff for their tireless work and commitment to improvingwateraccessandquality forallGuyanese.(DPI)

Six women, others charged with unlawful wounding at Bartica

Six women and two men were slapped with unlawful wounding charges on Wednesday following a brawlatByderabo,Bartica.

According to the police those charged are: Albert James, age 54; Evelyn Dalgetty, age 47; Pauline Smith, age 54; Alicia Ault, age 26; Atalya Dalgetty, age 22; Serina Williams, age 22; Alec Ault, age 24; andGraceJames,age18.

Information from a release to the media by the Guyana Police Force (GPF)statedthat

Albert James is a gold miner of Four Miles Squatting Area, Bartica, andhewasarrestedonWednesdaybya rank from Bartica Police Station and subsequently charged on Thursday with the offence of ‘Unlawful Wounding’ committed on Alec Ault, when he appeared at the Bartica Magistrate’sCourtbeforeHisWorship TeriqMohamed.

He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three months in prison

witha$100,000fine.

Evelyn Dalgetty, Smith, Ault, AtalyaDalgettyandWilliamswere all arrestedon2025-08-27byaDetective Corporal from Bartica Police Station and charged by the said rank on 202508-29 with the offence of ‘Assault CausingActual Bodily Harm’,” police said.

Appearing before the same magistrate they all pleaded guilty to Assault Causing Actual Bodily Harm committed on 18-year-old Grace James. The matter was adjourned to October3.

Additionally,AlecAult, a 24-yearold excavator operator of Byderabo Road,Bartica,wasarrestedonTuesday by a detective from the Bartica Police Station and charged by the same rank on 2025 Thursday with the offence of AssaultCausingActualBodilyHarm.

He appeared at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court on 2025-08-29 MagistrateMohammed.

He pleaded not guilty and was placedon$10,000bail.Thematterhas been adjourned to October 3. Grace James was also charged with the offence of Unlawful Wounding committed on Alec Ault. The young woman pleaded not guilty and was placedon$20,000bail.Thematterwas adjourned to October 03 for continuation.

Five arrested for gun and ammo found in house

Police ranks on anticrimemobilepatroldutyon Sunday arrested five persons after they were found in a house with an illegal gun and ammunition i n G u y h o c P a r k , Georgetown.

Prison Service seeking ex officers to patrol outside prisons during election period

Inordertokeepthepeaceandassistwithsecurityon electiondayandbeyond,theGuyanaPrisonService(GPS) hasissuedanoticeseekingtoemployexprisonofficersand thosewhowouldhaveresignedingoodstandingtowork outsidetheperimeteroftheprisonlocationstoconduct securitychecks.Thenoticefurtherstatedthat,“Personswill berequiredtoworkashiftsystem6to2,2to10.Persons willbepaidastipendof$100,000fortheperiodof14to21 days,commencingimmediately.Ifyouknowofany interestedperson,pleaseletthemcontactimmediately.”

Additionally,theGPShasalsoreintroduceditsK-9 serviceasofFriday,August29,2025.Inastatementviaits FacebookpageonSaturday,itsaidthatthiswasdone“to enhanceoperationalefficiencywithinprisonfacilitiesin keepingwiththeorganisation'sstrategicplan.This investmentisinkeepingwiththeGovernmentofGuyana commitmenttoimprovetheoperationsoftheprisonsystem, alsoprovidingasafeenvironmentforall.”

Theapproachisexpectedtofurtherboostsecurityand surveillance,whileactingasadeterrence.Itwillalso improvethegatheringofintelligence,detectcontraband,and supportstaffintheexecutionoftheirduties,theprison servicesaid.

DirectorofPrisons,NicklonElliot,notedthatdetection dogsaretrainedtolocatethepresenceofnarcoticsandother prohibiteditems.“Thekeensenseofsmellthesetrained dogspossess,guidedbyskilledhandlers,makethemvital assetsincombatingcontrabandtraffickinginprisons”,Elliot said.Healsoemphasisedthatdetectiondogscontributetoa saferenvironmentforstaffandinmates,astheywillidentify andremoveprohibiteditemswillsignificantlyreduce incidentsanddisturbances,improvingtheoverall atmosphereintheprisonfacilities.

The illegal gun and ammunition

In a press release police said ranks had received certaininformationatabout 15:50 hrs Sunday and proceededtoLot84Guyhoc Park, where they found threemalesandtwofemales in the house, along with an unlicensed9mmpistol. The ranks conducted a search of the house and found in the living room, under a chair cushion, a Glock19Tauruspistolwith the serial number filed off, along with a magazine containing16liveroundsof 9mmammunition. The five individuals (ages52,26,25,22,and18) were all arrested and cautioned. They all denied having knowledge of the firearm and ammunition, police said.

They were escorted to theEastLaPenitencePolice Station,wheretheywereall placedintocustodypending Investigation.

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PAHO calls for stepped up surveillance to combat chikungunya

ThePanAmericanHealth Organization (PAHO) has calledforreinforcingsurveillance, clinical management, and vector control to address localised chikungunya outbreaksandtheongoingcirculationoftheOropouchevirus (OROV) in countries across theAmericas.

The simultaneous presence of these and other arboviruses increases the risk of outbreaks, severe complications, and fatalities among vulnerable populations.

According to a new epidemiological alert from PAHO, the largest chikungunya outbreaks in 2025 have been concentrated in South America—particularly in Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay—andinpartsofthe Caribbean. These are associated with theAsian and East/ Central/SouthAfrican(ECSA) genotypes, marking a shift in the pattern observed since 2014. Cases reported in the IndianOceanregion,Europe,

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andAsiaalsoraisetheriskof reintroduction and further spread into new areas with conditions conducive to transmission.

As of August 9, 2025, 14 countries in the region reportedatotalof212,029suspected chikungunya cases and 110 deaths, with more than 97% occurring in South America.Incomparison,2024 saw 431,417 reported cases and245deaths—indicatinga decline this year, though localized outbreaks remain active.

Meanwhile, in the first seven months of 2025, over 12,700confirmedOropouche cases have been reported in 11 countries, including autochthonous cases in Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela. Globally,chikungunyahascirculated for decades in Africa, Asia, and the Indian subcontinent.

It was first detected in Europe(Italy)in2007andarrivedintheAmericasin2013. Untilmid-August2025,more than 270,000 cases had been recorded across Africa, Europe,SoutheastAsia,andthe Western Pacific, with outbreaksinSenegal,France,India, and China. On Réunion Island,the2024outbreakhas resulted in over 47,500 confirmedcases.

Regionally, the Asian genotype predominated between 2014 and 2017. However, the presence of the ECSA genotype in at least four countries is concerning, as its cocirculation with the Asian type could enhance

viral adaptation. “Understanding chikungunya’s genetic lineages is essential to predict transmission dynamics and tailor public health responses,” PAHO noted.

Chikungunya follows a seasonal pattern: cases in the Southern Hemisphere typically rise in the first half of the year during the rainy season,whileinCentralAmerica, Mexico, and the Caribbean, they usually increase in the secondhalf.In2025,however, those regions have contributedminimallysofar

Traditionally, Oropouche transmission was mostly confinedtopartsoftheAmazon;yetin2024and2025,its spreadhasextendedtopreviously unaffected areas, highlighting the need to bolster surveillance, particularly through the integration of spatial and temporal analysis and leveraging geospatial tools to detect shifts in vector and case distribution.

Chikungunya is a viral diseaseprimarilytransmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Symptoms include high fever, rash, and intense muscle and joint pain, which can persist for months or evenyears,causinglong-term disability. Severe cases may progress to shock, meningoencephalitis, or Guillain–Barré syndrome.Young children, older adults, pregnant individuals,andpersonswith underlying health conditions are most at risk. There is no specifictreatment,sopreventionfocusesonavoidingmosquito bites. Oropouche virus is mainly transmitted by the

midge Culicoides paraensis, though the mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus may also play a role. It causes fever, headache, muscle aches, and sometimes neurological symptoms. There is no vaccineorspecificantiviraltreatment for this virus; care is symptomatic.

PAHO recommends enhancing early case detection and eliminating mosquito breeding sites in high-risk locations such as schools and health facilities. It also advisesimprovingdiagnosis usingmolecularmethodslike PCR—especially within the firstfivedaysofsymptoms— andtraininghealthcareworkers in managing both acute and chronic cases. For Oropouche,cliniciansshould include it in the differential diagnosis of dengue during the first week of symptoms and be alert to possible neurological complications like meningitisandencephalitisin later stages. Up to 60% of patients may experience relapses. Thus, ongoing monitoring and investigation of fatal cases are urged. Community engagement isessentialforreducingmosquito populations. Promoting the use of repellents and window screens, alongside multisectoral approaches, is crucial. Controlling Culicoides paraensis also calls for specific measures, such as draining temporary waterbodies,removingstagnantpools,andclearingvegetation around homes to reduce breeding and resting grounds for the vector

Influenzavaccineforseniorstobe rolledoutsoon - Minister Anthony

Influenza(flu)vaccineswillsoonbemade availabletoallseniorcitizensacrossthecountry, further strengthening Guyanas prevention-focused approach to healthcare.

Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony made the announcement at the commissioningofthestate-of-the-artNumber75Regional Hospital last Thursday The vaccine is important because studies have shown that people65yearsandolderareathigherriskof developing serious flu complications when compared with younger and healthier adults. The increased risk is due in part to a decline in ones immune deficiency as a result of age.

Whilefluseasonsvaryinseverity,people 65 years and older bear the greatest burden of severe flu complications. In recent years, the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC)estimatedthatbetween70per cent and 85 per cent of seasonal flu-related deaths have occurred among people 65 years andolder,andbetween50percentand70per cent of seasonal flu-related hospitalisations have occurred among people in this age group.The introduction of this vaccine in Guyana would help prevent flu-related illnesses and deaths. “Very soon, we will also introduce the influenza vaccine for all our seniors,” the minister declared, underscoring that prevention is a cornerstone of the PeoplesProgressiveParty/Civic(PPP/C)Governments health strategy

MinisterAnthonystressedthattheexpansion of vaccination programmes goes hand

in hand with the governments broader vision of strengthening primary healthcare and ensuring early intervention. In addition to childrens vaccines, the government has already introduced the nine-valent HPV vaccine, one of the most advanced of its kind in theregion,aimedateliminatingcervicalcancer in Guyana. “We want to practice good, preventativemedicine…becausetofightdisease,youhavetostartwithhealthypeople,” he said.The health sector has also seen major advancements in technology, with the rollout ofelectronichealthrecordsattheGeorgetown PublicHospitalCorporation,telemedicineplatforms in hinterland communities, and pilot programmes for online appointments.Artificial intelligence is also being introduced to assist with diagnostic imaging.

Highlightingthebroaderimpactofreforms, Dr Anthonysaid,“Wearealsoensuringthat hearingaids,prosthetics,wheelchairs,spectacles,anddialysisservicesarefreeforthe peopleofGuyana.Thisiswhatitmeanstobe acaringgovernment.”

He further noted that Guyana is leading theCaribbeaninprogrammessuchasHepatitisCtreatmentandisonthevergeofeliminating diseases like filaria, leprosy, and Chagas by 2030.Minister Anthony acknowledged President Alis vision and leadership as the driving force behind the remarkable investments and reforms that are transforming Guyanas healthcare system into a modern, resilient,andpeople-centredmodel.(DPI)

Israel reducing Gaza City to ‘fields of rubble’ as attacks kill 78

An Israeli army Merkava battle tank takes position as displaced Palestinians cross the so-called Netzarim Corridor from the southern Gaza Strip into Gaza City on January 27, 2025 [Eyad Baba/AFP]

(ALJAZEERA) At least 78 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza on Sunday, including 32 aid seekers, medicalsourceshavetoldAl Jazeera. In one of the latest reported attacks, two people including a child was killed and others injured after an Israeli drone bombed a residence in the Maghazi refugee camp in central Gaza. The armed wing of Hamas says its fighters successfully attacked two invading Israeli military vehicles in Gaza City on Saturday The Qassam Brigades said a Merkava tank of the Israeli army was hit with a Yassin-105 shell, while a D9 military bulldozer was targeted with an explosive device on a street southwest of the Zeitoun neighbourhood of thebesiegedarea.TheIsraeli army has raided several areasintheRamallahandelBireh governorate in the occupied West Bank, days after launching a prolonged raid on the area, the Wafa news agency reports. The military raided the towns of Kafr Malek, Nilin and Deir Qadis without conducting arrests. Last week Israeli forces stormed a currency exchange shop in an area between the cities of Ramallah and el-Bireh, detaining at least three Palestinians Israeli army assaults and settler violence have been on the rise in the West Bank since October 2, 2023, as Israel continues to relentlesslypoundGaza. Meanwhile, speaking

conference in Detroit, an organiserwiththeUS-based

importantforPalestiniansto take the reins for their struggleforfreedomandtell theirownstories."Forthose of us who were born into exile in the US or other countriesintheWest,wefeel

a particular obligation to confront and expose the complicity of countries like the US that are bankrolling andco-creatingthegenocide inGaza,"LeaKayalitoldAl Jazeera. She said the socalled aid sites run by the GHF are "killing fields

enacted directly by the agents of the US", adding that the youth movement also works to confront "complicit journalism" that

credence to Israeli lies "Being here in the US and

organisingasaPalestinian,I haveseenmorepeoplestand up with Palestine now than ever before in my life, and they simply do not believe the lies and the headlines, instead following voices on the ground in Gaza," she said.

XiandModitalkfriendshipina'chaotic'worldasTrump'stariffsbite

(CNN)—Chineseleader Xi Jinping told India's Narendra Modi the "right choice"isfortheircountries to be friends as the two met in China for first time in seven years – a new milestone in a nascent rapprochement between the world's most populous nations accelerated by shared frictions with the UnitedStates.

Xi and Modi's highlyanticipated meeting Sunday, onthesidelinesofaregional summit in the eastern port cityofTianjin,comesasboth nations face stiff US tariffs under President Donald Trump global trade war, as well as Western scrutiny over their relationships with RussiaasthewarinUkraine grindson.

"The world today is swept by once-in-a-century transformations," Xi told Modiinopeningremarks,as both leaders sat face-to-face flanked by their officials. "The international situation isbothfluidandchaotic,"he added. "Itistherightchoice for both sides to be friends who have good neighbourly and amicable ties, partners who enable each other's success, and to have the dragon and the elephant dance together," Xi said, referring to traditional symbols of the two nations. "As long as they adhere to theoveralldirectionofbeing partnersratherthanrivals China-India relations can maintain stability and move forwardoverthelongrun."

DoordarshanviaReuters

Modi said India was "committed" to taking their countries' relations forward "on the basis of mutual trust andrespect,"andreferenced the warming of relations, including an easing of tensionsalongtheirdisputed Himalayan border – where the two fought a deadly skirmish in 2020. "The interestsof2.8billionpeople inbothourcountriesaretied to our cooperation," he added. The positive signals are sure to be closely watched in Washington, where tensions with New Delhithreatentoderailwhat had been years of efforts from US diplomats to deepen ties with the country as a key counterweight to a rising and increasingly assertive China – a set of circumstances that makes the latest meeting all the moreimportantandtimelyto Xi. Trumpearlierthismonth levied significant economic penalties on India, initially placing its imports into the US under 25% tariffs and then slapping an additional 25%dutiesonthecountryas punishment for importing Russian oil and gas, which Washington sees as helping to fund Putin's war in Ukraine. Both China and Indiaaremajorpurchasersof Russian oil, though China has yet to be targeted with suchmeasures.

Modi said he spoke with UkrainianleaderVolodymyr Zelensky Saturday and "exchanged views on the ongoing conflict." India has previously said it does not

takesidesinthewar

India's oil purchases could be a point of discussiononMonday,when Modi is expected to hold bilateral talks with Putin, part of his wider diplomacy ashejoinsatwo-daysummit of the Beijing-and Moscowbacked regional security grouping known as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization(SCO).

In addition to China, Russia, and India, the group includes Iran, Pakistan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as partner and observer countries. Chinese officials ahead of the event said leaders from more than 20 countries from across Asia and Middle East would join thesummit.

Xi hosted attending leaders for a welcome banquetonSundayevening, whereheappearedtoputhis warm and relaxed rapport withPutinonshow Footage released by Russia state news agency RIA showed the two leaders gesturing animatedly and smiling as they chatted at the event, showing a different side of the typically restrained Chineseleader

The pair then walked shoulder to shoulder together after posing for a photo alongside other gathered leaders, with Xi gesturing for Putin to walk with him, footage released bytheKremlinshowed.The SCO is the two leaders' first opportunity to meet in

person since Putin's summit withTrumpinAlaskaearlier this month – part of the US president's push to end the warinUkraine.XiandPutin "discussed the latest contacts" between the US andRussiaduringa"detailed conversation," Russian state media reported Sunday, citing Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov Putin'swarlooms over the SCO gathering and the flurry of diplomacy around it, with the Russian president, who landed in Tianjin earlier Sunday, joining the gathering as Western leaders ramp up pressure on him– and his partners – to end the now more than three-and-halfyearinvasion.

Awarmingrelationship?

Beijingiswidelyseenas eager for the newfound tensionsbetweenTrumpand Modi to reduce what have been burgeoning security ties between the US and India.Chineseofficialshave watched with unease the elevation of the Quad security dialogue between India, the US and its allies Australia and Japan, widely seen as a bid to counter China.

InhisremarkstoModion Sunday, Xi sought to stress commonalities–framingthe two countries as at "critical stages of development and rejuvenation," and calling for them to "focus on development as their g r e a t e s t c o m m o n denominator,supportingand advancing each other," according to a readout from

China'sForeignMinistry

He also referenced their shared stated aim to make the international order more "multipolar"–atermusedby countries, including those within the SCO, to call for international power to be more broadly shared – as opposedtodominatedbythe USanditsallies,astheysee it. There has been a gradual normalization of ties between India and China afterModiandXimetonthe sidelines of the BRICS summit in Russia last October, which came as the two sides reached an agreement on military disengagement along their disputedborder

In recent months, the countries agreed to restart directflightscancelledsince the Covid-19 pandemic, Beijing also recently agreed to reopen two pilgrimage sites in western Tibet to Indians for the first time in five years, and both started re-issuing tourist visas for eachother'scitizens.

Earlier this month, following a visit from China's top diplomat Wang Yi to New Delhi, the two announced "ten points of consensus" on the issue to further reduce tensions. Xi and Modi on Sunday also discussedwhat's"happening ontheinternationalplainand the challenges it creates," India Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri told reporters on the SCO sidelines, when asked about whether Trump'stariffswereraised.

"Theytriedto,inasense,

see how to leverage that for b u i l d i n g g r e a t e r understanding between themselves, and how to take forward the economic andcommercialrelationship between India and China in the midst of these evolving challenges," Misri said Observerssay,however,that evenasthetwoleadersseek stabilityintheirrelationship, both in terms of trade and security,itwillbehardforXi and Modi to overcome a longstanding lack of personaltrust.

Underlying tensions between India and China spiked in 2020 following a deadly conflict along their disputed Himalayan border, in which 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers were killed inhand-to-handcombat.The twonationsmaintainaheavy militarypresencealongtheir 2,100-mile (3,379kilometer) de facto border, knownastheLineofActual Control(LAC)–aboundary that remains undefined and has been a persistent source offrictionsincetheirbloody 1962war

But both leaders on Sunday appeared keen to signal the welcomed a warmer chapter An Indian readout released following the meeting said they reaffirmed that "their differences should not turn into disputes" and their "stable relationship and cooperation" was necessary for the growth and development of the two countries, as well as for a multipolarworld."

GECOM Chair assures: All systems ready for free, fair elections

Amidcocnernsby some political parties and citizens that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is unprepared to conduct today's polls, chairman of the electoral body, Justice Retired Claudette Singh has assured that all systems are in place for an efficient and transparentelections.

Justice Singh made the comments in a statement issuedlatelastevening.

"First and foremost, I appeal to all stakeholders to embrace the urgent need for peace and calm throughout this electoral process Electionsareregardedasthe cornerstone of our democracy, a time for the

expression of the people's will, and this expression mustoccurinanatmosphere free from intimidation, misinformation,andunrest," theGECOMchairmansaid. She noted that every citizen,everypoliticalparty, every observer, and every media house has a crucial roletoplayincontributingto thepeacefulconductofthese elections The chairman asserted that collective commitment to peace is the bedrock upon which a credible and transparent electoral outcome will be built."Pleasebeassuredthat all systems are in place for the efficient and transparent conduct of the elections.

GECOM has meticulously planned and executed every

aspect of the electoral machinery, from the distribution of sensitive materials to the readiness of polling stations across the country."

She noted that the dedicated staff of the commussion have worked tirelessly to ensure that the logistical and administrative frameworks are robust and capable of handling the demands of Election Day

"We have conducted extensive simulations and drillstoidentifyandaddress potential challenges to ensureasmoothandorderly process for all voters Furthermore, I wish to emphasise that all staff workingonElectionDayare ordinary citizens who have

Chairman of GECOM, Justice Rtd., Claudette Singh

expressed their willingness to serve our nation. These individuals, drawn from various communities, have undergone rigorous and comprehensive training to equip themselves with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their

duties effectively and impartially."

Shesaidthecommitment of the elections day staff to uphold the integrity of the electoral process is commendable.

"I therefore urge all stakeholders to treat them with the respect and cooperation they deserve as they carry out their civic dutiesandresponsibilities."

Finally, the chairperson reiterated that GECOM is the only agency that is resp

ble for the tabulationanddeclarationof theresultsoftheseelections.

"This is a constitutional mandate, and GECOM is fully prepared to fulfill this res

transparency and accuracy

We urge all parties and individuals to respect this constitutional provision and to await the official declarations from GECOM. Any attempt to prematurely declare results or to disseminate unverified information can undermine public trust and create unnecessary tension," JusticeSinghsaid.

“We are committed to a transparent tabulation process, and the results will be declared in accordance with the law Let us all, therefore, work together to ensurethattheSeptember1, 2025, General and Regional Elections are a testament to Guy

maturity and a beacon of peaceandstability."

A division ranks get final briefing before E-day

De p u t y Commissioner Simon McBean and his administrative team forDivision4Aconducteda briefing for all ranks, ensuring every officer is fully prepared for their role today

The session, held at the Guyana Police Force Academy (Georgetown) on Saturday, was a crucial step in the security forces' meticulous plan to maintain peace and order throughout the electoral process, police saidinapressrelease.

Commander McBean emphasised the importance of a well-organised and professional approach to EDayoperations.

Each rank was assigned to a specific sector, a strategic measure designed to ensure clarity of function

StatementbyIDPADA-GonInternational...

From page 6 systemic discrimination, racism, and the policies

t h a t p e r p e t u a t e marginalization

and responsibility This sector-based deployment means that every officer knows their precise location and duties, from securing pollingstationstomanaging trafficandrespondingtoany potentialdisturbances.

During the briefing, the team reviewed standard operating procedures,

including protocols for voters' assistance, crowd control, and the secure transportofballotboxesand electionmaterials.

The focus was on

commitment to protecting thedemocraticprocess.

In his address to the

ranks, Commander McBean expressed his confidence in the team's professionalism anddedication.

He concluded the briefing by extending his best wishes to every officer, saying;"Goodlucktoallthe ranks!Wehaveavitalroleto play in ensuring a safe and fairelectionforallCitizens."

Development that e m p o w e r s o u r communities with resources, opportunities, and respect The struggle for true emancipation did not end in 1838 – it continuestoday Thefuture is ours to shape, but only if we stand united, vigilant, and unyielding in our demandforequity

Day for People of African Descent remind us of who we are, what we have endured, and what we must achievetogether

Let this International

Now is the time to rise, to act, and to claim the justiceandrecognitionthat arerightfullyours

President Ali is visionary, compassionate...

Frompage4

that's for people. We have had the most schools builtthat'sforpeople. Theyhave givenoutthemosthouselots fairly across the board for our people – many youths, young professionals, lowincome families, and women. If I had received a house lot, I would be so gratefulandwouldprobably vote for the PPP, because becoming a homeowner is such a big dream of everyone.That'sabigthing.

Similarly,ifIhadreceiveda GOALscholarship,freeUG, or forgiveness of hundreds of thousands of dollars in student loans, I would probably be so grateful and vote for the PPP too since that's a transformational thing that can end generational poverty, and help us to prosper in life. Freeeducationforallisabig thing. The list of the PPP's accomplishments is long Our President is well respected around the world,

and has a big vision for the second term Hopefully, voters will make their wise choice considering all the abundance of positive factorsofPresidentAli'sfirst term I envisage many reforms and changes in the next term – quality, transparency,accountability, and urgent additional antipoverty structures. Our best yearsareaheadofus!

Sincerely,

Dr JerryJailall CivilSocietyAdvocate

Pegula crushes Li to reach US

Open quarter-finals

NEWYORK,(Reuters)-

Lastyear'srunner-upJessica Pegula sprinted through her U S Open fourth-round

clash with American compatriotAnnLitowin6-1 6-2onSunday,movingwith ruthlessefficiencytocloseit outinunderanhour

Pegulahadapoorrun-up to the tournament, exiting

early from Washington, MontrealandCincinnati,but has yet to drop a set in New York and put up a dozen winners on Arthur Ashe Stadium as she found her power from the baseline. She next plays either Czech Barbora Krejcikova or AmericanTaylorTownsend. "Ifeltreallycomfortable

moving today," said Pegula. "IfeltliketodayIstartedoff reallywellandIjustwanted tokeepexecutingthat."The fourth seed beat Li in their round-two meeting at Roland Garros this year and usedthesameplaybookthis time to get a hot start at Arthur Ashe Stadium, winning the first three games.

Ligotontheboardwhen she broke Pegula from the baseline in the fourth game but the world number four wrestedthemomentumback immediately when she converted on another break pointinthefifth.

LihandedPegulatheset withabackhanderrorinthe seventh and sent another shot past the baseline on break point to give her opponent a head start in the fourth game of the second set.

Monday August 01, 2025

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

In a philosophical or political conversation,youdon'thesitate to offer your thoughts Your examplesmaybeextreme,but yourprinciplesaresound

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Youshouldbeinagoodmood, although you might have a hard time fully expressing yourself.Perhapsyoufeellike there is someone keeping an eyeonyoureverymove.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

You may get the feeling that despite all the hard work you've accomplished, something is still missing, Gemini. There's still a long road ahead, regardless of the goalsyou'veattainedsofar.

CANCER(June21–July22)

Freedom may be a theme for youtoday You'rebeginningto question what it is you're tryingtofreeyourselffrom.A person? Job? Commitment? These may be the very things youstarttosearchforassoon asyou'refreeofthem.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

You'retheliquidthattakesthe shape of its container, Leo. Even though this may seem like the most nonconfrontational way to do things, you may find that it's actually a cause of great frustrationforyouandothers

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

Youmayfeellikeapuppythat has been let outside for the first time, Virgo. The air is warm and you're full of energy You're ready to run over the fields and hills Unfortunately,you'retiedtoa stake and you can't move beyondaten-footradius.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Youmayfeelastrangetension. Itseemsthatnothingyousayor do is quite right, Libra. As much as you may try to do the correct thing, you can't make thingsclickthewayyou'dlike.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov 21)

It may be hard for you to maintain your self-discipline. Your childlike nature wants to go out and play Emotionally, you're anxious to let loose and followyourplayful,instinctual nature.

SAGITTARIUS(Nov22–Dec21)

Ifyou'reunclearaboutthetopic of discussion, say so Asking questionsisanimportantpartof learning You shouldn't be afraid to ask. Communication maytakeonaserioustone,and intellectual discussions are likelytogetheated.

CAPRICORN(Dec22–Jan19)

Youmaybeshywhenitcomes to expressing your emotions today,Capricorn.Thiscouldbe a rare thing for you. Other people may wonder if somethingiswrong.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Youmaynotknowwhichway to turn,Aquarius. You may be emotionally weighed down by sentimental feelings and memories that bind you to the past You may also feel restrictedbyauthorityfigures.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Your mind may be going in manydifferentdirections,with fantastic ideas about how things should be done, Pisces.

T h e d i f f i c u l t y i s communicatingtheseideasina way that makes sense. Others mayseeyouasathreattotheir authority

Brighton's Gruda grabs last-gasp winner

to sink Man City 2-1

BRIGHTON, England, (Reuters)-Brighton&Hove Albion's Brajan Gruda snatched the winning goal a minute from time as the hosts beat Manchester City 2-1inthePremierLeagueon Sunday,afteraJamesMilner penalty cancelled out Erling Haaland's opener, in a stunningturnaround.

HaalandputCityinfront with a well-worked goal after 34 minutes as he wriggled between two defenders to score from closerange,histhirdgoalin asmanygamesthisseason.

Brighton levelled after the ball struck Matheus Nunes' arm as he tried to

protecthisfacefromacross and Milner drilled the spot kick home in the 67th to becometheoldestscorerofa penalty in the Premier League at 39 years, 239 days.

The momentum had swung Brighton's way by thenanditwasthehomeside who claimed the points when German midfielder Gruda beat the offside trap and rounded JamesTrafford intheCitygoaltoscoreand condemn City to back-tobackleaguedefeats.

City are 12th with three points from their opening threematches,whileitwasa firstwinofthecampaignfor

Brighton, who climbed to 10thplacewithfourpoints.

"We are not at the level for a long, long time," City midfielder Rodri told Sky Sports. "The only way to come back is to look to ourselves. We started well but the second half we droppedalittlebit.

"Thenathometheyhave pressure and we make two mistakesandit's2-1.

"We are missing the level. It is a matter of the team and the changes, new playershavetoadapt,andof coursewhenyouchangethe teamthatmuchitisdifficult. Thisisourreality."

Brightonfanssang"Can

Brighton & Hove Albion's Brajan Gruda scores their second goal. (Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs

we play you every week?" after repeating last season's 2-1 win home over Pep Guardiola'sside.

"Unfortunately, we have theinternationalbreak.We'd havelikedtohavecarriedon the momentum," muchtravelled ex-City midfielder Milnersaid.

"Iwastryingtostaycalm (with the penalty). It's not the easiest thing but I hope my years of experience helped."

These 10-month-old foals are the world's first genetically edited horses –clonedcopiesofapoloprize winner named Polo Pureza, orPoloPurity

After scoring, Milner copiedthevideogamergoal celebration of his former Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota,whodiedinacarcrash inJuly

Milner is wearing PortugueseJota'snumber20 onhisjerseyatBrightonthis season.

No.3seed Alexander Zverevgoes downinthirdroundstunner

"Obviously Jots meant somuchtoeveryone.Itisan honour to wear his number this season. I have seen him doing(thecelebration)andit was probably a bad impressionbyme."

Milner became the second oldest Premier League scorer overall after Teddy Sheringham, who netted forWest Ham United against Portsmouth at 40 years,268daysin2006.

Yahoo Sports - It was a good night for Félix AugerAliassime, and a very bad oneforAlexanderZverev

TheNo.3seedoftheUS Openwasbouncedoutofthe tournament a little after 11 p.m. local time, falling 4-6, 7-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the third roundatFlushingMeadows. It was Auger-Aliassime's first career win over a top-5 playerinaGrandSlam.

He certainly earned it, erasing an early deficit with adominantperformancethat saw him notch 50 winners against35unforcederrors. Auger-Aliassime, who wasoncerankedashighlyas No. 6 in the world before

struggling over the past few years, saw the win as hard workpayingoff:

“This feels good. This feelsgood!I'vebeencoming here since 2018. I'm still young but it's been a few years. I'm working my way some of you might be the first time you're watching me tonight.This feels really good. The job's not done. Tournament is still going. Butthismeansalottome.A lotofhardwork.Manyyears ofit.”

The loss leaves Zverev still in search of his first career Grand Slam title, despite titles in 24 other

Alexander Zverev got outplayed in the third round of the US Open. (AP

Photo/Pamela Smith) US

tournaments and the fifth spot on the ATP's all-time career earnings list He showed decent form with semifinal finishes in the Cincinnati Open and Canadian Open leading into the tournament, but wound upfacingacapableopponent who showed a level few expected.

Auger-Aliassime particularlydominatedatthe net,winning24-of-27points there against the counterpunching Zverev His reward will be a date with No. 15 seedAndrey Rublev onMonday,withachanceat his first major quarterfinal since2022.

Superb Seifert wins it for Kings

CPL - Game 18 of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) saw Tim Seifert equal Andre Russell's record for the fastest hundred in CPL historyasSaintLuciaKings pulled off a remarkable run chase to beat Antigua & Barbuda Falcons by six wickets with 13 balls remaining.

With the tournament entering its second half, the fixturebetweenthetwowell placed sides at the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground turned into a modern classic with some barely believable hittingfromSeifert.

Kings elected to field first, a decision which looked to have backfired as Falcons racked up 204/4 largelythanksto56from43 balls from Amir Jangoo at the top of the order and middleorderhittingfromthe vastly experienced Shakib Al Hasan (61 off 26) and

Tabraiz Shamsi celebrates a wicket. (CPL)

FabianAllen(38off17). In response, Seifert set aboutraidingtheboundaries and peppering the stands in one of the most remarkable CPL innings in the tournamen

istory Finishingunbeatenwith125 off 53 balls and striking at over 235 with 94 runs comingsolelyinboundaries.

Despite Seifert's heroics the run chase was still a demandingoneandawicket maiden from Jayden Seales in the 16th over kept the Falcons alive as the destructiveTimDavidholed outtodeepmidwicketfor23 off 16 balls and Delano Potgieter couldn't get the single needed to get the scintillating Seifert back on strike.

Kings then needed 15 from the final 18 balls with Sealesreturningforhisthird over but this time it was a different story with Seifert drilling a short ball through

square leg for four and Potgieter lofting over midoff for the second boundary of the over as drizzle began to fall and umbrellas began tobeunfurledinthestands.

Theweatherdidn'tcome to the Falcons rescue as Seifert then finished the match in sublime style by slamming his ninth sixth high over midwicket to see hissideoverthefinishline.

The result sees Saint Lucia Kings head to second in the CPL table with ten

points alongside the TrinbagoKnightRiderswho have a game in hand. A match that will live long in thememory, TimSeifertwas duly rewarded the player of the match award on an unforgettableday

Scores: St Lucia Kings 206 for 4 (Seifert 125*, David 23) beat Antigua and Barbuda Falcons 204 for 4 (Shakib 61, Jangoo 56, Shamsi3-30)bysixwickets.

TTCB&JCAcricketdidnotgetinvolvedin....

Frompage22 the Sabina Park cricket groundaheadoflastmonth's historic day and night Caribbean test match versus Australia.

This did not lead to JCA saying Andrew Holness must be re-elected on September3rd.

These Caribbean examples clearly highlight the absurdity of Guyana Cricket Boards (GCB) president unilaterally endorsing the incumbent administration.

Such a ridiculously short-sighted move has

d r a g g e d t h e G C B unnecessarily into this

election season, which was rightfullycalledaboutbythe APNU and WIN party

l e a d e r s h i p a n d representatives. In case the GCB

President did not realize there are people and innocent cricketers and administrators in Guyana cricket'secosystemthathave no interest in the upcoming electionsanddon'tevencare to vote. He does not speak for them. If he wants to individually endorse

PresidentAliandthePeoples Progressive Party (PPP) in his own personal capacity, that is his and his business entity'sprerogative.

Any government that wins this election will have to support Guyana and by extension West Indies cricket Therefore, as Guyana votes today, Monday the sports public can see quite clearly the GCB President acted like a true rookie administrator in the Cricket West Indies board room compared to experienced counterparts fromtheTTCB&JCA.

The TTCB & JCA can't nowbetaintedasanarmyof a political party in Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica, why must the GCB in Guyana because of one man'sill-advisedfauxpas?

BCB/Singh Brothers Construction 2025 under 13 cricket tournament

Brilliant Bharrat leads Rose Hall Town Poonai

Pharmacy to championship -Fourthtitleinsixyears

Ab r i l l i a n t

a l l r o u n d performance by vice-captain Khemraj Bharrat spear headed defending champions Rose HallTownPoonaiPharmacy Under13teamtotheirfourth titleinsixyearsonSaturday They defeated arch rivals Albion Community Centre bytenrunsinanexciting30 overs final at the Area H GroundinRoseHallTown. The home team won the toss and batted first in blistering heat in front of a sizeable crowd. Royston Crandon and Dishawn LaCruzadded11forthefirst wicket before Crandon was bowled by left arm spinner AaryanAli for 2 in the fifth over AkeanFrazerwasthen trappedLBWbyAlifor2to leave RHTPP struggling at 18 for 2 but responsible batting by opener Dishawn LaCruz 20, Justin Hick 12, skipper Janpat Ganpat 13, Khemraj Bharrat 15, Vinesh Singh14andanunbeaten14 from Randy Williams led Rose Hall Town Poonai

Pharmacy to a defendable 130 for eight from their allotted 30 overs. Nichel Khempaddoo took four wickets for 32 runs and Aryan Ali 2 for 29 for Albion.DanielJohnson1for 16 and Sahid Gajnabi 1 for 13 also bowled well for the visitors.

Needing to score 131 from30overs,toclaimtheir first under13 title, Albion were set back early when o p e n e r T i m o t h y Ramsaywackwasrunoutfor naught in the first over in a terrible mix up with his p a r t n e r N i

dangerous Sahid Gajnabi and Madramootoo lived a charmed life to add 49 in thirteen overs when the Albion skipper was trapped LBW by Khemraj Bharrat for 27 which included three delightedboundaries. Bharrat then removed Madramootoo for a painful 10whichcameoff30ballsas the home team bowlers bowledwelltothedelightof their fans Albion were eventually restricted to 120 for eight wickets from their 30overs,tolosebytenruns. Nars Lachigadu 11, Yuraj Goberdhan14andAryanAli 10 not out tried hard but failed to getAlbion over the finishline.Bharrattookfour wicketsfor17runsfromhis six overs, while Akeam Fraser and Dishawn LaCruz

took a wicket apiece for 13 and 8 respectively Skipper Ganpat bowled his left arm spin for ten runs from six tight overs as the Albion batters struggled to score freely Bharrat was named Man of the Final by the umpires and received a financial prize for his allround performance The winner and runner up received a cash prize and trophy each during the presentation ceremony.

SponsoroftheRoseHall Town Poonai Pharmacy, Poonai Bhigroog hailed the outstanding performance of his team and announced the renewal of the cricket sponsorshipforanotheryear. The team over the last six year has won the title four years and was runner up twice.

The team has produced several national players as well, including Raffel Mckenzie, Trisha Hardat, Tameshwar Deochand and

BCB Competition Chairman Leslie Soloman congratulated the Rose Hall TownYouthandSportsClub for winning the Berbice Cricket Board under13 title, for the fourth time in six years. Solomon hailed the club investment in its youth development programme and urged other clubs to emulate the example. The formerBerbiceyouthplayer expressed gratitude to the managementandstaffofthe SinghBrothersConstruction Companyfortheirsupportof BerbiceCricket.

TTCB & JCA cricket did not get involved in the Trinidad & Jamaica election

In cricket playing territories that constitute the West Indies cricket, Guyana is not the only Caribbean country having elections in September and so far in 2025 Two days after Guyanese go to the polls, JamaicavotesonSeptember 3rd.EarlierthisyearonApril 28th, Trinidad & Tobago helditselection. St.Vincent & Grenadines elections are alsoscheduledforayettobe announced date in November

Ahead of theTrinidad & Tobago election,Trinidad & Tobago Cricket Board

-whyhastheGCBinGuyana?

(TTCB) president Azim Bassarath did not, on behalf his entire membership, endorse Stuart Young from then incumbent People's National Movement (PNM) - which resulted in the opposition United National Congress (UNC) of Kamala Persaud-Bissessar questioningtheirneutrality Similarly, Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA)

President Dr Donovan Bennett has not endorsed either incumbent Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness from the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), nor

Mark Golding from the People's National Party (PNP). Also as things stand right now, the St. Vincent & Grenadines Cricket Board has not endorsed incumbent Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalvesortheopposition. Bassarath had more to loseinTrinidad&Tobagoas a PNM ombudsman, but yet did not endorse the PNM on behalf of the TTCB. Dr Bennett,whilenotpolitically engaged, received tremendous assistance from the incumbent Jamaica governmentinrefurbishing (Continuedonpage21)

Cambridge Jaguars anxious to keep CPSCL Grand Championship trophy

Skipper and former Guyana youth player Hemnarine Chattergoon is brimming

with confidence that

defending champion

Cambridge Jaguars will retain the 2025 Canadian Premier Softball Cricket League (CPSCL) Platinum T20 Grand Championship trophy

Cambridge Jaguars will contestthefinalwithApollo on Saturday, September 6 at the Andrew McCandless ParkinBrampton,Ontario.

Chattergoon stated that team is doing well this year anditwillbefittingtofinish offwithwinningways.

Jaguars already took possession of the 10-10 and 100-ball trophies but lost to the same opposition in the Rapid-100 finale Pugnacious batter Riaz Kadir captained them to the twopreviousvictories.

“Wehaveonemorefinal for the season and we [are] looking to close off with another trophy; the boys confident of doing the job and everyone is backing themselves,” Chattergoon commented.

Jaguars have been dominant since the start of the 2025 edition in every

Cambridge Jaguars team.

aspectoftheirgameandthat has given the former Canadian International player Chattergoon confidence that they can come out on top against a formidableApollolineup.

“Obviously, both teams showinguptheretowin,but we have got to play good cricket;itisafinalandthere no doubt about the tension but I am really positive that Jaguars roaring to the top,” the48-year-oldright-handed batsman Chattergoon mentioned.

In the semi-final fixture, Cambridge Jaguars sealed off a thrilling, four-wicket winagainstTricityRavensat the Robert Lee Public

School ground also in Bramptonwitheightballsto spare.

Chattergoon, whose younger brother Sewnarine Chattergoon represented West Indies at the highest level, informed the team playedsmartandcommitted cricket.

TricityRavenstalliedup achallenging170alloutoff 19.4 overs while Jaguars responded nicely with Chattergoon revealing that boththebowlingandbatting wereoutstanding.

“Again, everyone came out and played the kind of cricket required in this format; we bowled well and batted well; each player

knowns their role and they e x e c u t e d w e l l , ” Chattergoon, who also bowlsright-arm,disclosed. High-profile softball playerRichardLatifgrabbed fourwicketstoleadtheway with the ball for Cambridge Jaguars while the consistent Anil Ramoutar scored a responsible 38 to steer them home.

Other players made useful contributions were: MuniramKarranandSafraz Abjal with two wickets apiece while Rawl Scott struck an unbeaten 36, 26 not out from Karran, 25 fromKristopherKarranand 20offthebatofLatif.

Meanwhile,Apollo beat Berbice Vipers by six wickets with 20 deliveries unused in their semi-final confrontation Apollo team is made up with a number of established of softball players as well including: Farouk Hussain, Damodar Daesrath, Linden Persaud, Jeetendra Beharry, Kandasammy Surujnarine, DarylNarineandRajkumar Budhram

Superb Seifert wins it for Kings