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THE BEACON OF TRUTH
Issue No. 6559
FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026
PRICE $100 VAT INCLUDED
“All good things happening” at Mainstay/Whyaka – President Ali
WHAT'S INSIDE:
Berbice man pleads guilty P to killing US- 16 based Guyanese P7 Mandatory online passport application appointment system begins in October
Page 3
…as LCDS investments fuel tourism, agri-transformation
PNCR loses court battle to take over state-owned Lethem building Page 8
…as mobile passport services reach Region 1
Botanical Gardens redevelopment poised to unlock new tourism opportunities P14 – THAG
New baggage handling system at CJIA to be operational next month P13 Ahead of schools reopening on August 31 the Education Ministry said that students are continuing to outfit schools with reminders for every student and teacher to be kind, practice patience and reject bullying and violence (Education Ministry photos)
Guyana looking to create opportunities for locals; attracting new investments
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…launches intl mining investment platform
Cuban man crushed by container at Houston
US extradition request
US-sanctioned & indicted Mohameds fail to halt proceedings at Magistrates’ Courts
…CoA defers final ruling pending Constitutional appeal Page 16
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MoE urges religious groups to pray for 10P students, teachers as schools reopen Vehicle, container owners given 24hour ultimatum to remove items from P15 roadway
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RESPONSE TO RECENT STATEMENTS
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CONCERNING CHINESE LANDING AND TASSAWINI
ecent statements concerning mining at Tassawini and Chinese Landing present an incomplete account of a dispute which existed since 2010. This matter should not be portrayed simply as a conflict between an Indigenous community and an outside miner. The central issue is whether lawfully acquired mining rights, substantial private investment, contractual arrangements and decisions of the Courts of Guyana and the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) will be respected and whether Guyana’s mining and other laws will be applied equally to everyone. The rights of the Indigenous residents of Chinese Landing must be respected. Equally, the lawful rights of every other Guyanese citizen must be respected. No individual, group or Village Council is above the law. My Mining Rights and Investment In 1995, I acquired the mining rights at Tassawini for US$100,000 at public auction. The acquisition was public and residents of Chinese Landing were aware of it. In 1997 to 1998, I undertook drilling and exploration at my own expense. August 1998 - Agreement with Chinese Landing Pursuant to that drilling, in July 1998, I entered into a written agreement with representatives of Chinese Landing, including the Captain and Councillors, in the presence of residents and with the approval of GGMC and the then Minister responsible for Amerindian Affairs. Under that agreement from 1999 to 2003, I undertook obligations for the benefit of the community, including employment, assistance with a school and medical services, and payment of an agreed 1% royalty or tribute. In return, I was granted sole and exclusive possession for mining purposes for the life of the mine and full authority and licence to enter and have exclusive possession of the mine and to take in mining equipment. From 2004 to 2010, foreign investors became involved in extensive exploration and development. Approximately US$24 million was invested and an estimated gold resource exceeding 500,000 ounces was established. That mineral resource was therefore established through substantial private investment and exploration. It was not discovered or developed through investment by the Village Council. The Courts Have Already Ruled On 26 November 2010, GGMC issued a Cease Work Order preventing me from mining on the basis that I did not have a new agreement with the Village Council under section 48 of the new Amerindian Act 2006 which deals with the amount of tribute to be paid to the Village. I challenged that decision in the Courts. The litigation ultimately reached the CCJ. In 2017, the CCJ allowed my appeal and restored the decision and order of the High Court which had quashed the Cease Work Order. That history is important. The High Court ruled that since my mining rights pre-dated the Amerindian Act 2006 which came into effect in 2010, section 48 did not apply to my mining permits. The position remains that the subsequent legislation cannot simply be applied retrospectively to extinguish those pre-existing vested rights or to replace the 1998 agreement. Accordingly, any present demand that I pay a 7% royalty must be considered against the 1998 agreement, the legislation applicable to my pre-existing permits and, importantly, the decisions of the High Court and CCJ and the terms stated on the mining permits. Court decisions cannot be disregarded merely because one party is dissatisfied with their effect. What Happened While I Was Prevented From Mining? Perhaps the most important unanswered question concerns what occurred while I was prevented from exercising effective control over my mineral properties. During the period 2010 to 2020, substantial mining nevertheless took place. Persons associated with Chinese Landing Village Council acquired and operated excavators and other heavy mining equipment, while other persons were permitted to conduct mining activities on areas covered by my permits without my authority. I estimate that approximately 100,000 ounces of the identified 500,000-ounce resource may have been removed during the period when I was excluded. This raises legitimate questions which should be answered from official records rather than through accusations on social media. The apparent availability of substantial mining equipment and, more recently, trackers, drones and supplies from outside the Village also raises a legitimate question as to whether persons outside Chinese Landing have financed, supported or benefited from gold production conducted on these properties. I ask instead that the appropriate authorities investigate and disclose the facts as these matters are objectively verifiable, including the mining and environmental damage that took place during the period that I was kept out of mining. GGMC and the Guyana Gold Board should be able to establish from their records: 1. who was permitted to mine on the properties while I was excluded; 2. how much gold was declared from those operations; 3. if any declared, in whose names that gold was declared;
4. to whom the gold was sold or attributed; and 5. what royalties, taxes and other statutory payments were made. If mining occurred without the necessary permits or without proper declaration of gold, the relevant laws should be enforced in exactly the same manner as they would be against any other miner in Guyana. Those records will provide a more reliable account than allegations made through social media. Indigenous Title and Subsurface Mineral Rights The Indigenous land rights of Chinese Landing must be respected. However, Indigenous title to land should not automatically be equated with ownership of the subsurface mineral resource. 18 October 1991, the then President issued s State Grant to the Chinese Landing Village Council and it expressly stated the Grant does NOT confer the right to any gold or other minerals in or under the land, which remains vested in the State. This reservation is important. The existence of Indigenous title cannot, by itself, confer an unrestricted right to mine gold contrary to the applicable mining laws or extinguish mining rights lawfully acquired before the Amerindian Act 2006 or even permit the indigenous community to breach laws of Guyana. I Have Not Sought to Exclude the Residents The suggestion that I am attempting simply to remove the residents of Chinese Landing from economic participation is also inconsistent with recent events. From 2023 until 2026, I was again prevented by GGMC from unrestricted gold mining. There was a UNCHR intervention in which I was never given a hearing to present my side of the facts. In 2026, arrangements were proposed whereby 20 residents could participate directly in lawful mining operations under conditions acceptable to GGMC. Ten residents accepted. I went further and purchased dredging equipment for their use so that they could earn directly from lawful mining conducted under my permits and subject to the regulatory requirements, including the proper declaration of gold. The question arises as to who is the Toshao and Councillors representing? The Captain and certain Councillors have declined to participate in that arrangement. That is their choice. It should not, however, give anyone the right to prevent other residents of the Chinese Landing Village who wish to participate from earning a lawful livelihood. The Present Obstruction 4 excavators and a bulldozer registered with GGMC were brought into the area in connection with mining operations and necessary rehabilitation works, including work to roads and the Tassawini airstrip. The equipment has nevertheless been obstructed from proceeding into Tassawini. This raises a straightforward question: How can lawfully registered mining equipment operating in connection with legally issued permits be physically prevented from entering the area, while mining by others on those same mineral properties occurred during the years when I was prevented from exercising my rights? That inconsistency requires an answer. There have also been threats concerning my personal safety should I enter the area. Whatever disagreements exist concerning mining rights, threats and physical obstruction cannot determine legal rights. This dispute should not be reduced to a contest between Indigenous rights and mining rights. The real questions are much simpler: Can a Guyanese person acquire mining rights lawfully, invest millions of dollars in developing a mineral resource, successfully defend those rights through the Courts all the way to the CCJ, and nevertheless continue to be prevented from exercising them? And can other persons simultaneously mine the same mineral resource without being required to comply with the laws imposed upon the lawful permit holder? The same standard must apply to everyone. I acquired these mining rights through a public process in 1995. I invested substantially. I entered into an agreement with Chinese Landing in 1998. Residents received employment and other benefits. Foreign investors subsequently invested approximately US$24 million and established a substantial gold resource. When GGMC stopped me from mining. I did not resort to threats or physical confrontation. I pursued my legal remedies through the High Court, Court of Appeal and ultimately the Caribbean Court of Justice. The CCJ ruled in my favour and restored the High Court order quashing the Cease Work Order. Yet, while I was prevented from exercising effective control over my mineral properties, extensive mining continued. Those facts deserve the same public scrutiny as the allegations presently being made against me. This matter has been determined by the law, several Court decisions, the mining permits. The official records of GGMC and the Guyana Gold Board can clarify the declarations of gold during 2012 to 2020 - not by threats, physical obstruction or competing narratives on social media. Evidence, equal application of the law - not obstruction—should determine the way forward.
NEWS
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FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
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COMMODITIES Indicators Crude Oil
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“All good things happening” at Mainstay/Whyaka – Pres Ali …as LCDS investments fuel tourism, agri-transformation
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resident Dr Irfaan Ali has posited that resources from the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) are helping to transform Mainstay/ Whyaka, with tourism and agriculture at the heart of the development, creating new opportunities, generating income and building a stronger, more sustainable community. The President made the remarks while visiting the Mainstay-Whyaka area, where he attended the community’s Lake Mainstay Regatta. According to Ali, while the Regatta was the reason for his visit, he wanted to highlight developments in the community that extend beyond the annual event. “I want to talk to you a bit about the transformation, and the Toshao will tell you. From this little village, our first project would have been the chicken project, pineapple project. But today they have expanded pineapple, they have expanded chicken. Then we put on the airstrip. And they have now gone into tourism, into engagement,” the President said. He also pointed to improvements in other areas, including aquaculture, which he said has contributed to the community’s growing economic activity. “You know that the Lake Mainstay Resort is normally filled all the time. And the village now has expanded. We went into the fish project. They’re continuing to expand that.
President Dr Irfaan Ali along with Toshao of Mainstay/Whyaka Marsha Williams and other residents
There are all good things happening here…I want you to see these beautiful cabins. Modern cabins, with all of the facilities that they have built out,” Ali said. Meanwhile, the village’s Toshao Marsha Williams, highlighted the investments being made in Mainstay/Whyaka, particularly in tourism and accommodation. She pointed to the village’s cabins as one of the first developments visitors encounter upon arriving, noting that the facilities were established as part of the Government’s investments in Indigenous communities through the LCDS. According to Williams, the first two cabins were developed through LCDS funding, which she said represents the Government’s
commitment to Indigenous peoples and is being used by the community to create opportunities and boost tourism. She said the village is seeking to put Mainstay/Whyaka “more on the map” beyond its association with Lake Mainstay Resort. The Toshao also pointed to the construction of an office at the entrance to the village, which she said was also funded through LCDS 2025, as well as a cage-farming project that has already produced successful harvests. She noted that previous harvests from the cage-farming project yielded fish weighing between seven and 10 pounds, describing the results as encouraging for the community. According to the
Toshao, the growth in tourism has also contributed to an increase in sporting activities around the lake, as more visitors come to Guyana and utilise facilities in Mainstay, including Lake Mainstay Resort. She said the increased activity is helping to boost tourism not only in the village but also throughout the region and Guyana as a whole. The Toshao said the village council and residents recognise the potential for further development and are therefore continuing to invest in the community with the support and commitment of the Government, with the aim of promoting Mainstay/ Whyaka and showcasing what the village has to offer.
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Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Industrial Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com
Step towards faster, more convenient public services
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he decision to make online appointments mandatory for passport applications from October 1 is another important step in the modernisation of public services in Guyana. The move indicates a continued shift away from time-consuming administrative processes and towards a more efficient, technology-driven system designed around convenience, accessibility and better use of public resources. Effective October 1, passport applicants will no longer be able to walk into passport offices nationwide to submit applications. Instead, appointments must be secured online. The transition follows the June 15 introduction of the online passport application system, which had initially operated alongside the traditional walk-in arrangement. The full transition to an appointment-based system is a logical next stage. Maintaining parallel systems indefinitely would risk duplicating administrative work, placing unnecessary demands on staff and limiting the efficiency gains that digitalisation is intended to deliver. A single, structured process provides greater predictability for applicants and allows immigration personnel to manage workloads more effectively. One of the most important benefits is convenience, as under the appointment system, applicants can select the passport office, date and time that best suits their schedules. This reduces the uncertainty associated with visiting an office without knowing how long the process may take or whether large numbers of applicants are already waiting. For working people, parents, students, elderly citizens and others with competing responsibilities, the ability to plan a visit in advance can make a considerable difference. Time that would otherwise be spent travelling to an office, waiting in line and navigating an uncertain process can instead be allocated to work, family, education or other productive activities. Digital appointments can help reduce unnecessary transportation costs, repeated visits and the consumption of paper and other administrative resources. Government offices also stand to benefit from better scheduling, improved workflow management and more efficient deployment of personnel. Such savings may appear modest when considered on an individual basis, but the cumulative effect across thousands of passport applicants can be substantial. Public-sector efficiency is also about ensuring that financial, human and physical resources are used where they produce the greatest benefit. The reported reduction in passport processing times further demonstrates the potential of the reforms. Authorities have indicated that standard applications can now be processed within three working days, while expedited applications can be completed within 24 hours and, in exceptional circumstances, even sooner. Such turnaround times are a considerable improvement for citizens who require passports for travel, employment, education and other legitimate purposes. The expansion of digital immigration services also places the passport initiative within a broader programme of public-sector transformation. The introduction of the electronic embarkation and disembarkation form and automated e-gates at ports of entry demonstrates that digital technology is being applied across different stages of the immigration process. The electronic form allows travellers to complete immigration requirements up to 30 days before travel. Automated e-gates, meanwhile, have reduced processing times for eligible passengers to as little as 15 seconds. These measures illustrate how technology can remove bottlenecks, reduce paperwork and allow immigration officers to concentrate on functions requiring greater human oversight. As Guyana’s population becomes increasingly accustomed to digital transactions in banking, commerce and other areas, government services must evolve accordingly. Public institutions cannot remain dependent on systems that require citizens to spend hours physically accessing services that can be scheduled or initiated electronically. At the same time, the success of mandatory online appointments will depend on effective implementation. Clear public information, accessible digital platforms and adequate assistance for persons who may have difficulty navigating online systems will remain important. Digital transformation must expand convenience without creating a new barrier for citizens who are less familiar with technology. The passport reform deserves recognition as part of that wider transformation, as expanding government services beyond traditional counter-based transactions reduces hassle for citizens, saves valuable time and resources, improves administrative efficiency and strengthens the overall quality of public service delivery. The October 1 deadline should consequently be viewed as another milestone in Guyana’s transition towards a more convenient, efficient and modern public service.
Hands-on learning: 18 persons with disabilities recently completed an eight-day joinery skill training programme at the Mahaica Learning Lab, gaining practical experience in using power tools, measuring and cutting wood, building furniture, painting, and varnishing as they develop skills for greater independence and new opportunities (Human Services & Social Security Ministry photos)
Children, get your culture! By Jean Lowrie-Chin
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he sun rose on a beautiful day in the gardens of the Alpha complex on South Camp Road in Kingston last Tuesday. The modern buildings and roadways were inconceivable on that May morning in 1880 when a Jamaican lady, Jessie Ripoll, led the first orphan onto that property. It was 42 years after Emancipation, and the suffering of the formerly enslaved Africans had resulted in a growing number of orphans. Ripoll decided that she had to take care of these young ones – investing her funds in their future – with the assistance of two other parishioners at the then Holy Trinity Church on Duke Street. As the number of orphans grew, the Sisters of Mercy arrived 10 years later to assist Ripoll, who joined the religious order, becoming Mother Claver. The history of Alpha and the sacrifices and triumphs are captured by the late Sister Bernadette Little in her book, You Did It Unto Me. We learn how Alpha became the cradle of Jamaican music, the truce between gangs negotiated by Sister Benedict Chung,
the expansion of the Alpha Boys’ School by Sister Mary Ignatius Davis, the achievements of the Convent of Mercy Academy “Alpha” high school, and the rise of St Catherine High School under the guidance of Sister Mary Paschal. The book was published before the spectacular evolution of St John Bosco Boys’ Home into an extensive vocational training centre under the hand of the visionary Sister Susan Frazer. Sister Mary Benedict Chung continues to lead the Laws Street Trade Training Centre in downtown Kingston at the ripe old age of 95 years, assisted by Sister Maria Teresa Muhuhu. Along with special guests Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness and his wife, Juliet, both graduates of St Catherine High School; Minister Olivia “Babsy” Grange; Sister Paula Diann Marlin of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas; Dr Carey Wallace of sponsors Tourism Enhancement Fund; and Ambassador Sandra Grant Griffiths, we witnessed the opening of the Alpha Mercy Historical Centre. Dr Holness referred to Archbishop Kenneth Richards, who gave the blessing, as “my brother”,
both being graduates of St Catherine High School. Jamaica Sisters of Mercy CEO, attorney-at-law Marcia Tai Chun, noted that this was the brainchild of the late Sister Theresa Lowe-Ching and was carried forward by Sister Susan, who sadly passed away a month before the official opening. Our leader of the Mercy Associates, Marcia Thwaites, and her husband Deacon Ronnie Thwaites have been lifelong supporters of this and other Mercy endeavours. In applauding the Alpha Mercy Historical Centre, Dr Holness noted, “Young Jamaicans need to know the stories of the people who helped to build our country. I believe we must tell the stories of Jamaicans who saw a problem, took action, and used their talents to make a difference. The work of Sister Susan, the Sisters of Mercy, and Alpha is one of those stories. They helped to educate, nurture talent, and shape Jamaica’s culture. These are the stories our young people need to know so they can understand where we came from, be inspired, and see what they too can do for Jamaica.” Dr Holness was pleasantly surprised that a photo-
graph of him greeting Sister Paschal was a part of the museum’s exhibits. It was her insistence that St Catherine High School be converted to a co-ed school which resulted in the admission of students like young Holness and Richards. Dr Holness said Jamaica’s sun, sea, and sand have attracted our visitors, but “we must now address the sites and symbols, and this is what we’re doing here”, referring to the Tourism Enhancement Fund’s contribution of $100 million to the development of the museum. He further stated that, “This is how you create the revenue streams that deal with the welfare issues, because these investments will be part of that overall strategy that will generate the revenue.” He announced that a National Museum is being planned for Morant Bay – the site of the Paul Bogle-led Morant Bay Rebellion – in celebration of our post-emancipation history. Alpha Mercy Historical Centre will open to the public in October. (Jamaica Observer) (Jean Lowrie-Chin is an author and executive chair of PROComm, PRODEV, and CCRP)
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You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, Queens Atlantic Investment Estate, Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com
Guyana says goodbye to Camp Street passport queues Dear Editor, Standing in line for hours before sunrise has long been a rite of passage for Guyanese citizens seeking to obtain their passport. Families would wake up in the early hours of the morning, coming from all over the country to queue up along Camp Street outside of the Central Immigration and Passport Office. This week, the Guyanese Government announced that in a move to streamline its services, all passport applicants will be required to fill out applications online. The Guyanese Government is taking a page out of its own history books by saying goodbye to paper applications and, in turn,
long queues of Guyanese citizens. Reducing paperwork at Government agencies has been a common complaint among many Guyanese citizens for years. Not only does it put unnecessary demand on the state to process paperwork, but it also forces citizens to spend entire days travelling to and from the capital in order to submit documents. Now, with the new online portal, Guyanese citizens living anywhere from Region One to Region 10 will be able to begin the process of obtaining state documents without leaving their homes. Guyana is at an inflection point in its history.
With a once-in-a-lifetime oil boom surging through the economy, Guyanese citizens have come to expect greater and more efficient service from the state. While physical infrastructure continues to be important, efficient digital infrastructure is the backbone of any growing economy. Hours spent waiting in line take away from Guyanese citizens’ ability to be productive, and streamlining this process allows the state to better keep up with a growing economy. Online applications not only reduce the hassle factor of Guyanese bureaucracy; they also help to limit corruption and human error. Names mis-
spelt, incorrect personal information and unnecessarily prolonged processing times are just some of the problems associated with Government paperwork. By requiring applicants to apply online, information is double-checked by machine before it ever reaches an immigration officer. Additionally, an online process allows for a paper trail that follows an application from start to finish. This paper trail will limit unofficial officers from speeding up the application process for a price. However, it is important to note that while the online system seems like a no-brainer, there are some
logistical issues that must be considered. Internet connectivity in hinterland regions of the country is not as strong as it is in urbanised areas like Georgetown, Berbice, or Linden. As such, it will be necessary for the state to provide adequate access to online portals for those who may live far away from the nearest city. Another population that may be affected by the transition to online platforms is senior citizens. Moving forward, the Guyanese Government must ensure that seniors, those who live far from city centres, and those who cannot navigate the new system easily have access to Government offi-
cials who can assist them with the application process. By doing away with the Camp Street queue, the Guyanese state is taking a step in the right direction. Long queues to access state documents are a relic of less advanced countries, and Guyana is looking to join the ranks of more forward-thinking nations by allowing citizens to begin their application process from the comfort of their own homes. Only time will tell how this system will work, but if it’s done correctly, Guyanese citizens are in for a welcome change. Kind regards, Philip Inshanally
Illustration of Hamilton Green’s idea of “good governance” Dear Editor, I am glad that Hamilton Greene admits that he is “running the risk of repeating himself” when he writes about “good governance”. To this acknowledgement, I add that it is an exercise in utter otiosity. If I want to debunk evolution, I expose the limitations and lack in Darwin, the man behind it all. This is my analogy regarding “Hammy”. My conclusion is foregone: he is not qualified to speak on any issue in Guyana, and this is where I take off, as I find it repugnant that he is being ignored. First, I notice recently that this man is being given lots of leverage in the press (certain quarters). This is the man who was championing the former regime, A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC), to resort to rigging to regain power. This sinister tool was his trademark for his beloved People’s National Congress (PNC). That menacing weapon was taken away after the prolongation of the Burnham and Hoyte eras ended in the 1992 elections. Remember back in 2024, he expressly stated that “If, as I told one of the groups that I met this morning, they say he rigged elections, I say we should keep rigging to save us from these devils, these bastards, these demons that we have.” He tried to backtrack and exculpate himself, but even if he had managed that successfully, his record betrays his attempts. He cannot and must not be allowed to lecture this PPP/C Government about good governance uncontested. His last letter stinks. For example, in the 1980 Lord Avebury Report, the conclusion was emphatic. Green, as Prime Minister
and headman during the era up to 1985, was helmsman of the PNC that virtually formalised and legalised rigging. That damning report detailed that opposition observers were expelled from counting centres at gunpoint and presented PNC turnout figures that were mathematically ludicrous. Good governance for Green meant that there was “no counting of votes at individual polling stations”, and ballot boxes must be transported to a few select, military-controlled locations. This produced the bizarre result of more votes than people. Another illustration of Green’s idea of “good governance” is the infamous 1973 Ballot Box seizures that led to the shooting to death of Jagan Ramessar and Bholanauth Parmanand on the ground by GDF soldiers and armed police units. Green is still defensive, reiterating that this, the said 1973 election, was not rigged. He is trying to foist the idea that “allegations were contrived, deriving from mischief and figment of the imagination”. Crap and balderdash!!! How come votes keep outnumbering constituents’ numbers? The clear-cut conclusion is that Green has no voice in today’s Guyana about how to govern a country, and his sarcasm comes over as quite puerile. Editor, let me add that Forbes Burnham kept Hamilton Green close because Green was the ultimate enforcer of his regime’s authoritarian leadership, yet masterfully kept him close to control him, as he did not trust his evil ambitions. This was perceived by Desmond Hoyte, who acceded to power in 1985, and when Green became obstreperous, Desmond Hoyte simply fired him. He was a
dangerous threat within his own party. Secondly, my word for Greene is about awaiting the COI and retaining the two Ministers, Juan Edghill and Deodat Indar (until) he has grouse regarding the charging of Kevin Price, Captain of the vessel; Dwayne Roberts, old chief mate; and Delon Granderson, goods superintendent, who were all directly culpable. Green needs to know that this is standard procedure globally. What is unfolding is not an anomaly or some kind of Governmental immunity for favoured Ministers. Far from that! I repeat that it is common and lawful for Captains and crew to face criminal charges after a water disaster, while Government Ministers stay in office. I ask, “Who is in direct control?” Is it not the Captain and, by extension, his crew? These are the ones legally responsible for the safety, navigation, and operation of the ship. What is the natural course of action? It is that maritime laws hold workers directly accountable for
negligence, errors, or breaking safety rules. And, by the way, these all had a right to refuse. If they operated a substandard and non-worthy vessel, claiming duress, then woe be to them. That is not an excuse. The flip side is that Ministers manage broad Government rules and funding, and not daily ship operations. This is also standard policy. We do not expect the President and Ministers to be scattered all over the country, checking on all vessels and buildings, etc on safety measures. Check the annals, as politicians rarely resign unless there is proof of direct corruption. I think of the MV Princess of the Stars when it sank in 2008 in the Philippines. This catastrophe resulted in 814 deaths out of more than 850 persons on board. Ensuing details show that “… the Secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) faced heavy parliamentary heat for the state-run Marina (Maritime Industry Authority), failing to cancel the vessel’s clearance to sail
during an active typhoon alert.” This Minister still refused to step down. He was very particular in declaring that “the final authority to sail rested strictly on the ship’s Captain and the company operators, and not with the Government Cabinet.” In this tragedy, the Captain died, but Executives of Sulpicio Lines (the shipping company) faced aggressive multi-year criminal indictments for reckless imprudence while their commercial licence to transport passengers was permanent-
ly revoked. Why? Like I said before, the final say to sail resides solely and strictly with the ship’s Captain and the company operators – not the Government Cabinet. Good governance is about being willing to be tried independently and allowing the due legal process to run its course independently. It’s a waste of time for this erring trio to cry “duress” or clamour for sympathy. Yours truly, Hargesh B Singh
FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026 0:00 Sign Off 6:00 Islam for Guyana 6:30 TVG Devotional Hour 7:00 Evening News (RB) 8:00 HGTV 9:00 Stop Suffering 10:00 Food Network 12:00 Movie - Mystery Island (2023) 13:30 Movie - Curious Caterer: Fatal Vows (2023) 15:00 Cartoons 16:00 Indian Soaps 17:00 The Young & The Restless 18:00 Documentary: Nat Geo Animals 19:00 The Evening News 20:00 Stop Suffering 20:30 TVG Music Break 21:00 Heartland S4 E9 22:00 Movie - All the Lost Ones (2024)
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By JAMES LAUGHLIN
Triangles cont’d
An equilateral triangle is the simplest of regular polygons because it has the fewest number of sides. Equilateral triangles can also be called equiangular triangles. An equilateral triangle has the following properties, • The lengths of the sides are all equal. • The angles are equal measure (60o).
The dashes on the sides and the angles of the triangle mean they are equal in measure or congruent. An isosceles triangle is a unique type of triangle because it has two congruent sides and two congruent angles. Properties of an isosceles triangle: • Two sides of equal length. • Two equal angles.
The congruent angles of an isosceles triangle are called the base angles. The unequal (third) side of an isosceles triangle is often called the base of the triangle. The unequal (third) angle of an isosceles triangle is called the vertex angle.
There are three different types of isosceles triangles.
A scalene triangle is a triangle with all three sides of different lengths. In a scalene triangle, there are no equal side lengths and no equal angle measurements, which means the sides and angles are not congruent. Properties of a scalene triangle: • No equal sides.
•
For Wide Hall
No equal angles.
There are three types of scalene triangles:
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hen two or more kinds of matter are put together, it is called a mixture. Mixtures can be made with solids, liquids, or gases. Any combination will result in a mixture. Once made, mixtures can be separated using mechanical, screening, or filtering processes. The components of a mixture are not changed when mixed with other materials. There are two main types of mixtures: homogeneous mixtures and heterogeneous mixtures. Heterogeneous mixtures have parts you can clearly see or separate, like salt and pepper mixed together, or ice cubes floating in a soda. Homogeneous mixtures look uniform throughout, like sugar mixed with water, or the alloy brass, which is made of mainly copper and zinc.
(Adapted from TeachEngineering and kiddle. co)
is to become a footnote in a learned work of the 22nd century, not just a “cf” or a “see” but a solid note such as Raby gives Wilfrid Strabo in Christian Latin Poetry or Ernst Robert Curtius (the most erudite German who ever lived) devotes to Albertino Mussato in his Europäische Literatur und Lateinisches Mittelalter. I hope the scholar of the 22nd will lick his scholarly lips when he finds me in some forgotten source (perhaps the Obliquies of Dreadful Edward Dahlberg) and think here is an oddball I would have liked, immortalizing me in six rigid lines of a footnote. (Source: Poetry [October/November 1987])
Your protagonist inherits something unexpected. A homogenous mixture of salt and water
WORD SEARCH
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FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Mandatory online passport application appointment system begins in October …as mobile passport services reach Region 1
The Central Immigration and Passport Office set up in Region One (Barima-Waini), with immigration officers using mobile biometric kits to process passport applications
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he Central Immigration and Passport Office has taken its services to Region One (Barima-Waini), with immigration officers using mobile biometric kits to process passport applications in hinterland communities. President Dr Irfaan Ali posted online on Thursday that immigration officers are currently in Region One providing passport services through the mobile biometric system. The President had also posted on Wednesday that immigration ranks were in Kato Village, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), where they provided passport services to residents using the mobile biometrics kit. A total of 39 passport applications were processed during the exercise. The outreach comes as the Government prepares to implement a mandatory online appointment system for passport applications nationwide. Effective October 1, all passport applications must be submitted online, with passport offices no longer accepting walk-in applications. “We will no longer accept persons at any of the passport offices with persons walking in with their application. So, you will now only be dealt with by an appointment,” Deputy Chief Immigration Officer Stephen Telford said in a video uploaded on Thursday to the Facebook page of the Ministry of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation.
The mandatory online appointment system comes several months after online passport applications were introduced, initially operating alongside the traditional walk-in process. According to Telford, the transition to a fully online appointment system will help streamline the passport application process and improve efficiency nationwide. “That in itself allows you, the applicant, in the application process, to choose
you,” he said. Guyana’s online passport application system went live on June 15, in a move aimed at reducing waiting times and providing citizens with greater convenience when applying for passports. Authorities have reported that passport processing times have been reduced to three working days, while expedited applications can be completed within 24 hours and, in exceptional circumstances, even sooner. The expansion of mobile
Persons can access the passport application and appointment system at pp.gpf.gov.gy
which one of the passport offices you want to do your application, at a date and a time that is convenient to
biometric services to hinterland communities forms part of wider efforts to improve access to immigra-
tion services, particularly for residents who may otherwise have to travel to access passport services. These interventions build on a series of reforms within Guyana’s immigration services. In addition to online passport applications, immigration services have embraced digital travel processing through the introduction of the electronic embarkation and disembarkation form and automated e-gates at ports of entry. The electronic form allows travellers to complete immigration requirements up to 30 days before travel, while e-gates have reduced processing times for eligible passengers to as little as 15 seconds. The measures form part of President Ali’s broader push to expand digital government services and improve access to public services. With the October 1 deadline approaching, applicants will be required to use the online system to select
Immigration ranks in Kato Village, Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni), where they provided passport services to residents using the mobile biometrics kit
a passport office, date and time for their appointments,
replacing the previous walkin arrangement.
Cuban man crushed to death by container at Houston
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Cuban national was crushed to death by a container at the Muneshwers shipping terminal at Houston, Greater Georgetown. The dead man has been identified as 23-year-old construction worker Alex Jesús González Beria of Canal No. 1, West Bank Demerara (WBD). While details surrounding the incident remain unclear, reports reaching this newspaper indicate that the young man was reportedly lying at the container terminal unbeknownst to others. It is believed that operators unknowingly stacked containers onto him. The man’s crushed body was subsequently discovered and the Police were summoned to the premises. Up to press time, neither the company nor the Police had released any information surrounding the incident. Only last month, another young Cuban national died after he was struck by a high-pressure hose while carrying out construction work on July 10 at Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD).
According to Police reports, 24-year-old Yuviosmar Galindo Cardona was operating a high-pressure hose attached to a cement machine during construction works when he reportedly lost control of the equipment. The hose then swung and struck him to the head. The injured worker was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where he was pronounced dead on arrival. These incidents occur amid a growing push to enhance workplace safety in Guyana’s blooming economy especially within the construction sector. In fact, the Labour and Manpower Planning Ministry has been urging employers and
workers to place greater emphasis on occupational safety and health measures. The Ministry’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department has also been conducting construction seminars and inspections across the regions, providing guidance to workers and employers on workplace safety requirements. Back in April of this year, Labour and Manpower Planning Minister Keoma Griffith raised concerns over workplace safety statistics, reporting that 13 lives had been lost due to workplace incidents between January and April 2026, while another 64 non-fatal incidents were recorded during the same period.
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FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
PNCR loses court battle to take over state-owned Lethem building
The state-owned building at Lethem, Region Nine, which the PNCR was occupying (File Photo)
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he High Court has dismissed a lawsuit brought by the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) against the Attorney General (AG) and the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), over the removal of the party from a building in Lethem that had served as its regional headquarters for decades. Based on court documents, the defendants contended that the property is State property and the PNCR was occupying the building without permission from the State. After being served with notices to vacate by the Regional Executive Officer (REO), the party filed the case. In a judgement delivered on August 24, however, the Court ruled in favour of the defendants, finding that the PNCR had no legal right to remain on the property and that its removal did not amount to trespass or a violation of its constitutional rights. The case arose after the PNCR was removed from the Government building, located opposite Boston Street in Lethem, Central Rupununi, in March of 2023. The politi-
cal party alleged that REO Karl Singh and a contractor Dale Kennedy, accompanied by members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) had entered the building without permission, demolished parts of the structure, removed goods belonging to the party, and blocked its return. In its application to the court, the PNCR sought declarations that its constitutional rights had been violated, along with damages for trespass and conversion of its property, and an injunction preventing the defendants from re-entering the premises. But the defendants argued that the building was State property under the control of the RDC, and that the PNCR had only ever occupied it as a licensee, rather than an owner or tenant. They further contended that the party had been repeatedly asked to leave before officials moved to reclaim the building. After hearing evidence from witnesses on both sides, the Court found that the land and building belonged to the State and were vested in the RDC. In fact, the court noted that PNCR could not produce any lease, title document,
or other proof of ownership. The Court found that the party’s decades-long occupation began in the 1970s and that its presence there was best understood as permission granted by the State rather than a legal right to the property. Moreover, the Court further determined that the RDC had given the PNCR ample notice to vacate, starting in November 2021 and repeated several times before a final deadline in January 2023, before officials acted in March 2023.
No trespass
Because the PNCR’s right to occupy the building had already been lawfully withdrawn, the Court held that the entry and recovery of the premises did not constitute trespass. Meanwhile, the judge similarly rejected the PNCR’s claims that its goods had been unlawfully converted, finding that the property removed from the building was inventoried and stored by the RDC and remained available for collection. The Court likewise found no violation of the PNCR’s constitutional rights or of international human rights protections, concluding that
the Government’s actions amounted to lawful enforcement of its property rights rather than discrimination or an unconstitutional taking. As a result, the High Court dismissed the PNCR’s claim in its entirety and ordered the party to pay costs of $300,000 to the AG, the third-named defendant in the case. The PNCR was represented by Darren Wade, while AG Anil Nandlall, S.C., and State Counsel Pierre Squires represented the State. For decades, the PNCR had been occupying the building in question as its Lethem Office – for political purposes – despite the property, both building and land, being owned by the State under the purview of the RDC. In fact, since 2022, the Government had repeatedly notified the Aubrey Norton-led party to vacate the premises since it had planned to use the site to construct a health facility to serve the people of Region Nine. However, the PNCR have refused to comply, which eventually led to the confrontation in March 2023. At the time, the GPF had said in a statement that REO Singh made a Police complaint about PNC’s representative Carl Parker and associates obstructing the region’s work on the building. Parker was accused of attempting to chase away a contractor who was working on the building under a contract from the regional administration. According to the police, ranks in Regional Division #9, acting on information, went to the Government Building where they met REO Singh and six men around at about 23:50h on March 1, 2023. The REO indicated to the ranks that he had given the six men permission to enter the building and take off the roof, since the building belongs to the Region and it was tendered for infrastructure work to be done. “The contractor completed the task of taking off the roof at about 01:25h on March 2. At about 02:30h that morning, a motor pickup bearing licence plate GRR 1100, driven by Carl Parker, and minibus bearing licence plate BYY 755, driven by George Nicholson, arrived at the area where they started to ‘video’ the building. The contractor Dale Kennedy and two of his workers were inside the building at the time,” the Police explained in the statement. It was further alleged that members of the PNCR subsequently came and broke off the locks for the property. Meanwhile, the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry at the time had noted that the illegal occupancy of the building by the PNCR was flagged on numerous occasions by the Auditor General.
Remembering…
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… auld lang syne
ell, well, well!! After 60 years of independence, quite a lot of Guyanese are all a-titter about the upcoming visit of King Charles III and Queen Camilla!! Looks like we face one of the great constitutional and cultural challenges of our time: how to behave when the King and Queen grace our presence!! While the authorities have been stressing the “King’s Foundation” input into our Georgetown Urban Framework Plan, Buckingham Palace, meanwhile, announced the visit is part of “Their Majesties’ Autumn Tour”!! Yep… Now you know why our modern royalty in show biz have their “tours”!! The excitement is understandable. We’ve spent six decades as a proud independent republic, but clearly that hasn’t quite cured us of the colonial reflex of wanting to dust off the silverware when the British royal family is coming!! Hey… They ruled us for over 200 years, okay?? So some Guyanese are wondering: Do we bow? Do we curtsey? Do we shake hands? And, most importantly, who goes first? Remember Granger bowing so low when he met Charles’s mother, Queen Elizabeth, his head almost touched the floor?? So the younger generation clearly needs a crash course in royal etiquette. Older Guyanese like your Eyewitness are discovering that all those childhood lessons about “good manners” have finally found their moment!! There may even be frantic consultations about whether “Good morning, Your Majesty” is sufficient or whether one should add a carefully calibrated inclination of the head to demonstrate that one hasn’t been corrupted the last 60 years by living in a republic!! Protocol officers will presumably be working overtime to coach our officials!!. Like explaining that the King is addressed as “Your Majesty” on first meeting and “Sir” thereafter!! Someone else will be warning Ministers not to turn their backs too abruptly. And there will certainly be somebody whispering, “Don’t touch the Queen unless she offers her hand. “ Your Eyewitness can imagine some of them practising in front of mirrors: “Your Majesty... Your Majesty... Your Majesty”!! But perhaps we should put all this pomp and ceremony into perspective. Britain may’ve given us parliamentary traditions, cricket, afternoon tea, and an impressive vocabulary for saying “no” without actually saying no!! But today, they need us in the former colonies more than we need British imperial nostalgia!! The delicious irony is Charles actually is pushing the Commonwealth – which they head – with visits to the Bahamas and Antigua, where there’s gonna be a Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting!! So let’s welcome Their Majesties warmly and display our famous Guyanese hospitality – and perchance practise our royal waves!! But let’s remember this is 2026, not 1926. The King’s coming to an independent Guyana—not a British colony awaiting instructions from London! Don’t bow so low that you forget that!! …GT’s founding Even as King Charles III’s visit hopefully gives a fillip to his Kings Foundation efforts to return GT to its old place in the empire as the “Garden City”, the Mayor and City Council had already launched their celebrations on the founding of Georgetown!! Under the theme “Georgetown 184: Rooted In Heritage, Growing Green, Shaping Tomorrow”, they’re stressing that while the Brits actually founded the original settlement in 1781, it wasn’t actually given “city” status till 1842. Between the founding and the city status, the French had seized control in 1782 and named the town La Nouvelle Ville. The Dutch regained control in 1784 and renamed the town Stabroek. Finally, in 1812 the British returned and dubbed the area “Georgetown” in honour of King Charles’ ancestor (mad) George III and finally gave it city status on Aug 24ust, 1842!! Now with all the M&CC hoopla and parade – and you can be sure they’ll be demanding to meet King Charles and Camilla to curtsy!! – Shouldn’t they focus on cleaning THEIR city?? …meeting protocols Like true British subjects, the Opposition – Sanction Man’s WIN and Norton’s APNU – insist on placing form over substance!! After two days, they still don’t have no agreement on HOW to conduct their meetings!! Who curtsies first?? The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Guyana Times’ editorial policy and stance
Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com
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FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
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FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
MoE urges religious groups to pray for students, teachers as schools reopen
Schools being prepared for reopening on August 31 (Education Ministry photos)
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he Ministry of Education (MoE) has called on religious organisations across the country to unite in seeking God’s guidance, protection and blessings for students, teachers, and school communities ahead of the August 31 reopening. “Greetings, in the name of our shared commitment to the spiritual and educational well-being of the children and youth of our nation. Education is not only a national priority
questing that, during worship services and other gatherings in the coming days and weeks, special prayers be offered for children, teachers and schools. The Ministry is asking that prayers be made for children to be protected, inspired and empowered to learn with purpose, diligence and joy, while teachers are prayed for to be blessed with wisdom, patience, strength and renewed commitment as they nurture and shape the lead-
but also a sacred trust. As our children return to the classroom and our teachers prepare to guide and inspire them, we firmly believe that spiritual support strengthens the foundation upon which learning, character and national development are built.” The Ministry is also re-
ers of tomorrow. Prayers are also being sought for schools to remain safe, welcoming and nurturing environments where every student is given the opportunity to thrive and achieve their fullest potential. “Your leadership, guidance and spiritual influence within our commu-
nities are deeply valued. We are confident that your prayers and support will contribute meaningfully to the success and well-being of the students, educators and families whom we collectively serve,” the Ministry expressed.
In fact, the MoE expressed its sincere appreciation for the continued partnership of religious or-
ganisations in building a brighter future for Guyana through faith, education and service. The Ministry
said it looks forward to their support in this important national endeavour.
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FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Guyana looking to create opportunities for locals; attracting new investments …launches intl mining investment platform
Some of the awards handed out during the GGMC’s annual Awards Ceremony and Business Mixer
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ith the launch of the Guyana Mining and Exploration Conference and Exhibition (G-MEX) on Wednesday, the Government is looking to create more opportunities for local stakeholders, adopt mining technology and innovation and attract new investments and exploration activities. According to the Natural Resources Ministry, Guyana has embarked on a new journey with the launch of G-MEX – a significant milestone for the country. Dubbed as Guyana’s premier mining conference, G-MEX has been created as an annual
international mining investment platform, designed to connect Guyana’s mineral potential with the people, partnerships, technology and investment needed to responsibly develop it. The Ministry noted that the map at the heart of the G-MEX logo, the gold, the green landscape and leaves and the circular movement surrounding these elements represent the connections, continuity and progress in the local mining sector – bringing together Government, industry, communities, investors and international partners around one shared vision. G-MEX
aims to bring this vision to life through five interconnected pillars: the G-MEX Conference, the G-MEX Exhibition, the G-MEX Investor Forum, the G-MEX Geological Showcase and the G-MEX Awards. The Natural Resources Ministry says that the true importance of G-MEX will ultimately be measured by what it creates for Guyana. It means greater international visibility for our mineral sector, attracting responsible investment and new exploration, creating opportunities for local miners, suppliers, contractors and entrepreneurs, introducing
Head of GGMC Newell Dennison (left) and other officials unveiling the Guyana Mining and Exploration Conference and Exhibition on Wednesday evening
Guyana to new technologies, expertise and international best practices, strengthening relationships between Government, industry, communities and investors, creating opportunities for employment, knowledge transfer and skills development for Guyanese. “G-MEX means positioning Guyana not simply as a country rich in minerals, but as a country capable of managing, developing and showcasing those resources responsibly on the international stage. G-MEX therefore represents something much larger than
an annual event. It is about connecting global opportunities with Guyanese potential,” the Ministry stated. This premier mining conference was launched during the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission’s (GGMC) annual Awards Ceremony and Business Mixer held on Wednesday evening at the Guyana Marriott Hotel in Georgetown. The event was hosted as part of the Mining Week 2026 activities. Awardees receiving recognition during the ceremony were top producers
for sand, diamond, bauxite, quarry and gold. The top gold dealer and trader were also recognised, in addition to the top diamond trader. Moreover, the GGMC also recognised notable industry performers and several goldsmiths, while special awards were issued to persons who contributed significantly to the mining school and Guyana’s Jewellery Sector. The GGMC continues to play an integral role in the Natural Resources Sector and its success is achieved with the significant contribution of its stakeholders.
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NEWS
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FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
New baggage handling system at CJIA to be operational next month CJIA, to reduce processing times for Guyanese travellers. Public Utilities and Aviation Minister Deodat Indar had said that the initiative forms part of a broader strategy to position Guyana as a regional aviation hub. The national e-ID card infrastructure will support the new system and will use biometric technology to identify Guyanese upon arrival. Guyanese travellers will
Installation of the baggage handling system at the CJIA
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he new state-of-theart baggage handling system at Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) is expected to become fully operational by the end of September. This was disclosed by Vashana Lall, engineering and maintenance manager at CJIA, in a video uploaded to President Dr Irfaan Ali’s Facebook page on Thursday. “This will be completed soon and you won’t be having this congested area here anymore in the check-in. Just the way it happens internationally, in London, JFK, or any international airport, the passengers will come to the check-in counter, they will weigh the bags, the bags will be taken onto the conveyor belt to be screened and then onto the aircraft,” Lall explained. Once fully operational, this system will vastly improve the traveler experience by allowing passengers to drop off their checked bags directly at the airline counters, where screening will then be conducted remotely. To support this initiative, new and modern baggage scanner are also being installed to ensure seamless backend operations. Furthermore, this upgrade is expected to significantly boost airline operational efficiency and inject a high level of integrity into the entire check-in system. To ensure maximum safety and accountability, sev-
eral new cameras are being installed to provide full, uninterrupted CCTV coverage from the moment a bag is checked until it is safely placed onto the aircraft. Law enforcement officers and baggage screeners will also be required to wear body cameras. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the CJIA, Ramesh Ghir, previously remarked that “this upgrade represents a major shift in how we process departures.” He added that, “passengers will no longer be required to manually take their checked luggage to a separate scanner after checking in, making the journey through our airport significantly smoother and more stressfree.” Moreover, commenting on these stringent security measures, Ghir had emphasised, “we are introducing multiple layers of accountability. The integration of advanced CCTV coverage alongside body-worn cameras for our screeners and law enforcement personnel ensures total transparency, reinforces safety and secures the integrity of our entire baggage handling operation.” CJIA previously noted that the project is part of ongoing efforts to modernise operations and enhance the travel experience at Guyana’s main international gateway. Earlier this year, the Government said it is advancing plans to introduce an automated passenger identification system at the
be able to move seamlessly through the airport, with facial recognition triggering automated gates. “We want when you come off the plane, you walk straight through. The system must recognise that you are a citizen. Your face will appear on a screen, the system will signal the gate to open, and you will walk through. You don’t have to see anybody as a Guyanese,” Minister Indar had explained.
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FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Botanical Gardens redevelopment poised to unlock new tourism opportunities – THAG
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he ongoing redevelopment of the Botanical Gardens and Zoological Park in Georgetown is expected to unlock tremendous opportunities across the tourism value chain, says President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), Mitra Ramkumar. THAG recently met with the Protected Areas Commission (PAC) management team for a presentation and discussion on the ongoing works. During the engagement, stakeholders were given an overview of the vision, proposed design and visitor experience for the upgraded facility, while also having the opportunity to share feedback from a tourism perspective.
World-class destination
In a subsequent interview with this publication, the THAG President highlighted the significant benefits the project is expected to bring to Guyana’s tourism industry. “The redevelopment is designed to turn the Gardens into a single, cohesive, world-class destination rather than a collection of disconnected attractions, and that shift is what stakeholders expect to drive tourism growth. The new Discovery Centre, the
immersive aquarium-style “Land of Many Waters” experience, the Guyana Shield “earth story,” the five-tower Sky Trail through the forest canopy, the Story Grove amphitheatre, the new wildlife sanctuary, and features such as “Giants of the Rivers” and Roraima Falls are all intended to give the site the scale and quality of a flagship national attraction,” Ramkumar expressed. He explained that during the discussion with PAC, tourism operators pressed for greater clarity on the timeline of the project, so that stakeholders can plan ahead. They also suggested offering limited and controlled visits to partially-developed areas while construction continues on other sites. The need to make the location friendly to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) was also discussed. Concerns were also raised about crowd management and addressing congestion, especially at entryways. “Two pieces of earlier stakeholder feedback were noted as having already shaped the design: concerns about congestion at the existing entrance, which led to the new entrance location east of the Seven Ponds and an earlier call for an aquarium, which is being ad-
dressed through the aquarium-style experience built into the Discovery Centre,” Ramkumar noted, underscoring the importance of consultation.
Interactive experiences
The THAG President emphasised the need for interactive experiences to be included in the project, noting that it will appeal to visitors. “The immersive, walk-through approach used for the “Land of Many Waters” aquarium experience, where visitors move through rather than simply view an exhibit, could be applied to animal habitats to create closer, more sensory encounters. The multimedia rooms planned for children at the Discovery Centre suggest an interactive, activity-based model that could be built into the zoo experience as well,” he noted. Other possibilities include keeper and animal-care experiences where appropriate, allowing visitors to learn how animals are cared for and rehabilitated; interactive biodiversity exhibits explaining Guyana’s forests, wetlands, savannahs, rivers and coastal ecosystems; digital interpretation, including QR codes, multilingual in-
formation, augmented-reality features and interactive displays; and birdwatching experiences, building on the Gardens’ existing birdlife and the bird-trail work previously supported by THAG. Additionally, he said the project could incorporate behind-the-scenes conservation experiences, particularly around wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and environmental protection; children’s and family programmes, including an expanded Nature School and hands-on conservation ac-
there would be opportunities for specialised nature, birding, wildlife and environmental tours. Guides could also package the Zoo and Gardens as the highlight with other Georgetown attractions. For tour operators, he noted that the upgraded facility could become a reliable component of city tours, cruise excursions, family packages, school tourism, corporate programmes and pre- or post-hinterland-tour experiences. Ramkumar pointed out that the Guyana
attraction into Georgetown city tours. Airlines can play a role through destination marketing, inflight content, social media campaigns and travel packages that showcase Georgetown’s attractions alongside Guyana’s hinterland experiences. There is also an opportunity to work with travel agencies and online travel platforms to package the attraction for international visitors before they arrive,” he outlined. According to Ramkumar, because tour operators are already securing bookings
THAG recently met with the Protected Areas Commission (PAC) management team for a presentation and discussion on the redevelopment of the Botanical Gardens and Zoological Park
tivities; night or early-morning experiences, such as guided birding or wildlife-focused programmes, where operationally and environmentally appropriate; and indigenous and cultural interpretation, connecting Guyana’s wildlife and landscapes to the knowledge, traditions and relationship with nature of Indigenous peoples. Ramkumar also suggested the inclusion of a “miniature journey through Guyana”, allowing a visitor who may only spend a few days in Georgetown to get an introduction to the country’s different ecosystems before travelling into the interior. “The important thing is that these experiences should be authentically Guyanese. International visitors can see conventional zoos in many countries; what they cannot see elsewhere is Guyana’s particular biodiversity and conservation story,” he expressed.
Tourism value chain
According to Ramkumar, the redevelopment is expected to create opportunities across several parts of the tourism value chain. “New attractions will need guides able to deliver the interpretive stories built into each zone, pointing to demand for specialised guiding roles once the site reopens. The plan also leaves room for future concession-operated activities, such as boating or a designated fishing area along the waterways. The Story Grove Amphitheatre, intended to host live storytelling, cultural performances and community events, creates an ongoing venue for local artists and cultural groups,” he noted. For tour guides, he said
Tourism Authority (GTA) has already recognised the Gardens’ potential for expanding the catalogue of excursions offered by licensed operators. Meanwhile, for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), Ramkumar noted that there could be opportunities in areas such as: food and beverage; local handicrafts and souvenirs; transportation; photography; bicycle and recreational rentals; specialised guiding; events and educational programmes; cultural performances; children’s activities; and locally produced interpretation and merchandise. He added that the recent development of bicycle experiences at the Botanical Gardens is a good illustration of how the site can support new tourism businesses and experiences beyond the traditional hotel-and-tour model. “There is also an important employment and skills-development opportunity. THAG’s Tourism Development Fund, for example, specifically supports product development, marketing and training for young people entering tourism,” he further explained.
Partnerships
The THAG President said this attraction should be promoted as part of a collective tourism product rather than a standalone Government facility. “Hotels could include the Zoo and Botanical Gardens in their concierge recommendations, digital visitor guides, welcome packages and optional excursions. Tour operators could develop dedicated zoo-and-gardens tours or incorporate the
two to three years in advance, establishing a formal partnership to bundle the Gardens and Zoo with interior lodge stays and guided tours could position the attraction as an integral part of a broader Guyana itinerary. “This would allow tour operators to promote the Gardens and Zoo to visitors well before their arrival, potentially increasing advance bookings and visitor numbers,” he noted. He added that there is already a foundation for this kind of public-private collaboration through THAG, PAC and the Guyana Marine Conservation Society which entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) specifically aimed at sustainable development, conservation, tourism and community development, while THAG’s Tourism Development Fund has previously supported bird-trail signage at the Botanical Gardens. “Ultimately, the opportunity is bigger than renovating a zoo. If properly executed, the project can become a gateway through which visitors experience Guyana’s biodiversity, conservation efforts, landscapes and culture while also creating business opportunities for Guyanese. The redevelopment should therefore be designed not only as infrastructure, but as a marketable tourism experience that connects Government, communities and the private sector,” Ramkumar expressed. Last month, the PAC announced that the Guyana Zoological Park will be temporarily closed to the public as preparatory works begin to support planned improvements at the facility.
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FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Vehicle, container owners given 24-hour ultimatum to remove items from roadway
Some of the vehicle owners that were warned by the Ministry
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ehicle owners who continue to park along the shoulders of Aubrey Barker Road have been given 24 hours
remove the vehicles will result in the Ministry taking steps to have them removed. “Please note, the proper-
will be seized,” the Ministry noted. The Ministry further clarified that neither it nor the government is interested in permanently withholding the property. However, it advised that all costs associated with the removal, once carried out by the Ministry, will be the sole responsibility of the defaulting owner. To reclaim any seized property, owners will be required to visit the Ministry and settle the outstanding removal costs before the items can be uplifted. Meanwhile, the Ministry also warned several hauler trucks and containers at Eccles New Scheme, stating
to remove their vehicles or face seizure by the Public Works Ministry. The urgency was expressed by the Public Works Ministry on Thursday, which stated that the owners of the vehicles photographed along the road shoulders of Aubrey Barker Road are required to remove them within the next 24 hours. The Ministry in its warning reminded the public that road shoulders are not designated parking spaces
Containers identified by the Ministry and Georgetown Mayor and City Council
and must remain clear for the safety of all road users. According to the Ministry, as part of its standard procedure, failure to
ty of all owners who continue to relocate their vehicles from one location to another, and/or continue to disregard the removal notices,
that they are required to remove them within the next 24 hours. “As standard procedure, failure to do so will see the
Ministry stepping in to have them removed. Please note, all owners who continue to relocate their property from one location to another and/ or continue to disregard the removal notices will be seized,” the warning states. M&CC warning Meanwhile, the Mayor and councillors of the City of Georgetown have issued
a notice to the owners and persons responsible for containers identified by the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (GMCC), requiring them to remove the containers within seven days of the date of the notice. The GMCC stated recently that failure to comply within the stipulated seven-day period may result in
the Georgetown Mayor and City Council taking the necessary enforcement action in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations. All owners and responsible persons are therefore urged to take immediate action to avoid further enforcement measures.
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FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
US extradition request
US-sanctioned & indicted Mohameds fail to halt proceedings at Magistrate’s Court …CoA defers final ruling pending Constitutional appeal
Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Roxane George, SC
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fter failing to secure a full stay of their extradition proceedings, United States (US)sanctioned Opposition leader Azruddin Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed, who is also sanctioned and indicted, will see the case against them continue before the Georgetown Magistrate’s Courts on September 3, 2026. The Court of Appeal, however, has stopped short of allowing the proceedings to reach a final determination, directing that Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman must await the outcome of their constitutional appeal before delivering a final decision. The unanimous ruling was delivered on Thursday
by Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary Justice Roxane George, SC, and Justices of Appeal Rishi Persaud and Nareshwar Harnanan. The Mohameds had returned to the appellate court seeking a stay while challenging aspects of a February ruling by Acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh on the constitutionality of provisions of the Fugitive Offenders (Amendment) Act. Justice Singh had found Section 8(3)(B) of the Act inconsistent with the Constitution of Guyana while upholding the constitutionality of the other provisions challenged by the Mohameds. The Court of Appeal said it considered the arguability of the constitutional appeal, the
risks of injustice, the balance of convenience, possible prejudice and the public interest in ensuring that extradition proceedings are conducted in an orderly and expeditious manner. Having weighed those considerations, the court concluded that the proceedings should not be stopped entirely. It held, “The Court is not satisfied that those proceedings should be halted entirely.” Instead, it ordered that the Magistrate’s Court proceedings continue while staying the final disposition of the case by the presiding Magistrate until the appeal is heard and determined. “The extradition proceedings in the Magistrate’s Court involving the Appellants [the Mohameds] are to proceed; howsoever, that the final disposition of the said proceedings by the presiding Magistrate is stayed until the hearing and determination of this Appeal,” the appellate court ruled. This means Chief Magistrate Latchman can continue hearing evidence and dealing with the extradition matter but cannot bring it to a final conclusion before the constitutional appeal is resolved.
Berbice man pleads guilty to killing US-based Guyanese factors, while the defence will present arguments in mitigation. Gonsalves is scheduled to return to court on October 5 for sentencing. Lakhan, also known as “Rickash”, had arrived in Guyana to attend his brother’s wedding when he was killed at Crabwood Creek on March 9, 2022. Reports at the time indicated that an altercation developed after three men who had entered a family gathering
were asked to leave and subsequently began damaging vehicles parked outside. Lakhan and other relatives went onto the street, where a confrontation followed and the 21-year-old was stabbed. He was taken to the Skeldon Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Gonsalves was subsequently charged with murder and remanded to prison in May 2022.
Dead: Chatterpaul Lakhan
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eon Gonsalves of Crabwood Creek, Corentyne on Thursday pleaded guilty to a manslaughter charge for the 2022 killing of 21-yearold United States-based Guyanese Chatterpaul Lakhan when he appeared before Justice Gino Persaud at the Berbice High Court. The court ordered the preparation of a probation report, an impact report and a psychiatric evaluation ahead of sentencing. The prosecution is also expected to file submissions on aggravating
Plead guilty: Leon Gonsalves being escorted out of court
Justice of Appeal Nareshwar Harnanan
The Mohameds were represented by Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde and attorneys Siand Dhurjon and Damien DaSilva. Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall, SC, appeared in person, assisted by Solicitor General Nigel Hawke, Deputy Solicitor General Shoshanna Lall, and attorneys Joshua Cullen and Dishon Persaud. Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde had argued for interim protection, maintaining that his clients’ appeal should be preserved before the extradition proceedings advance to a point that could affect their liberty. Forde is challenging aspects of Sections 8(3)(A) and 8(3)(B) of the act, arguing that they give the executive an inappropriate role in an otherwise judicial process. He maintained that the provisions allow the Minister of Home Affairs to order the extradition of an individual without the matter first being fully dealt with by the Magistrate’s Court. He argued that this conflicts with Article 122(A) of the Constitution of Guyana and the principle of separation of powers. The defence also expressed concern that the Magistrate’s Court could rely on what Forde described as erroneous findings in the Chief Justice’s ruling while the appeal remains pending. Continue without interruption The state opposed the application, with Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, the lone respondent, arguing that the extra-
dition proceedings should continue without interruption. The state argued that allowing the Magistrate’s Court to continue would not undermine their constitutional appeal or result in their immediate surrender to the US. The state maintained that another stay would cause further delays to an already interrupted proceeding, while the Mohameds would retain access to legal safeguards and remedies, including bail and appellate review. However, it supported an expedited hearing of their constitutional appeal. The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) had previously granted an interim stay on March 25, 2026, bringing the extradition proceedings before the Chief Magistrate to a temporary halt while it considered the Mohameds’ appeal. The stay remained in force for about four months before being discharged on July 29,
Justice of Appeal Rishi Persaud
dition. The US is seeking the extradition of the father and son following their indictment in connection with an alleged US$50 million gold export and tax-evasion scheme. They face allegations including wire and mail fraud, money laundering, conspiracy
US-sanctioned and indicted, Azruddin and Nazar Mohamed
when the regional court dismissed their appeal. The Court of Appeal has now gone further by directing that the constitutional appeal be case-managed and heard on an expedited basis. The case management directions require the appellants to file their Record of Appeal by September 4, followed by their written submissions on September 9. The AG is required to file submissions by September 23, with the Mohameds permitted to respond by September 30. The appeal has been fixed for hearing on October 13, 2026, at 09:30h. The latest development follows a series of legal challenges by the Mohameds in connection with their extra-
and customs violations. US prosecutors allege that the scheme involved more than 10,000 kilograms of gold, with taxes and royalties allegedly avoided through falsified customs declarations and reused export seals. The Mohameds have maintained their innocence and have challenged the legal and constitutional basis of the extradition process. They were each granted $150,000 bail, with conditions requiring them to surrender their passports and report to the Ruimveldt Police Station while the extradition proceedings continue. The extradition hearing, which commenced in January, is slated to resume before Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman next Thursday.
NEWS
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FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Reg 1 on track to getting 97% potable water by year-end – Public Utilities Ministry
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he Public Utilities and Aviation Ministry has announced that Region One (Barima-Waini) is on track to achieve 97 per cent potable water coverage by the end of the year. The announcement followed a visit to several communities in the region on Wednesday by the subject Minister Deodat Indar, and a technical team from the Ministry.
cil–community partnership. Additionally, the Ministerial team assessed water-distribution systems, engaged residents and identified practical solutions to improve their water supply, following commitments made by President Dr Irfaan Ali during his recent cabinet outreach. “The water here does not have any iron inside; it’s direct from the aquifer. Folks
One of the villages visited was Black Water, located just a few kilometres from the Guyana–Venezuela border, where the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) supplies residents through three community wells. Whilst there, the Minister commissioned a new solar-powered water system. The new six-inch well is approximately 40 metres deep and was drilled in-house by GWI. Residents were employed to help construct the distribution network through a village coun-
can use it. I see everybody has a pipe in their yard and their house. So, GWI managed to reach as far as the border of Guyana-Venezuela in this community,” Indar remarked in a video uploaded to his Facebook page following the visit. Indar and his team also visited Thomas Hill, where residents complained to President Ali, during the recent outreach, of inconsistent water supply. “We’ve come out here to check on it, how we can able to fix this issue,” he ex-
pressed. He explained that the area has three wells which can supply Thomas Hill as well as other communities. “They are running a transmission line out of this area to central Mabaruma area, and that additional amount of volume of water can now be sent towards the Kumaka area, where I understand there’s in excess of 125 households there. In Kumaka area, there are no supply of water because multikey wells were dug there before, and they found salted water, and we don’t have the treatment for salted water, so this area now, from Thomas Hill, will now supply Mabaruma as well as the Kumaka area,” Minister Indar explained. Mayor of Mabaruma, Trevi Leung, welcomed the intervention, noting that it will bring tremendous relief to residents, especially amid the El Niño season. “Access to clean and reliable service is important. It will help our residents to improve their daily lives, their health and hygiene... As we prepare also for the El Niño season, this is very important that we get all of these wells up and running,” Mayor Leung expressed. According to the Ministry in its statement following the visit, Region One has 90 per cent potable water access, supported by 118 water sources, with 97 per cent
targeted by the end of 2026. Accompanying the Minister during the visits were Director General Alfonso De Armas; Parliamentarian James Bond; Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley; Regional Vice Chairman Paul Pierre; and GWI Executive Director of Hinterland Services Ramchand Jailall. In addition to Black Water and Thomas Hill, the team also visited Mabaruma, Wauna, White Water, and Hosororo.
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guyanatimesgy.com
Regional
US nears deal to secure long-term Cuba readies to kick off school access to Venezuela’s oil reserves year despite scant supplies
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rump Administration officials are working on a deal to secure the United States, which is overseeing Venezuela’s oil exports, long-term access to a portion of the South American country’s crude reserves, sources with knowledge of the negotiations said on Thursday. The agreement, which could be signed and made public soon, is expected to operate in a way that would let the US Government lock
in a group of Venezuelan oilfields to be developed by American companies, the sources said, adding that the resulting supply would be guaranteed for the US “This is real and being discussed at the highest levels of the US and Venezuelan Governments,” one of the sources said. A separate source said a “lease” was in consideration as the legal model to make the deal work, with a further auction or ten-
der to allocate each one of the fields among US producers. The White House referred questions to the US Department of Energy. Venezuela’s Oil Ministry, state oil company PDVSA and the Energy Department did not immediately reply to requests for comment. Venezuelan oil Minister Paula Henao could not be reached for comment. (Reuters)
Colombia’s new President approves extradition of rebel leaders to US
De la Espriella campaigned on promises to crush Colombia’s drug traffickers
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olombia’s new rightwing President, Abelardo de la Espriella, has approved the extradition of five rebel armed group members who are wanted in the US on drug-related charges. The move is a step towards ending a plan by his left-wing predecessor Gustavo Petro, who tried to end the violence that has plagued Colombia for decades by bringing rebel and criminal groups to the negotiating table. “Since the first day it was clear: peace cannot be
a refuge for criminals nor a mechanism of impunity,” de la Espriella wrote on X. Speaking later, he said Petro’s peace plan had opened doors to criminals without securing their cooperation. Critics of Petro’s plan say his attempts to negotiate with a number of armed groups failed as members of the illegal organisations repeatedly broke ceasefires and walked away from the talks. The five men facing extradition are members of dissident factions of
the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a left-wing rebel group that signed a peace deal with the Government in 2016, and the Gulf Clan, thought to be Colombia’s main drug trafficking cartel. They are all wanted in the US on charges including drug trafficking, narco-terrorism and illegal weapons possession, among others. Only two of them are being held by Colombian authorities; three others remain at large. The extraditions were approved by Petro in 2025, but they remained suspended because the men took part in the former President’s peace efforts. De la Espriella, who was sworn in earlier this month, has promised US President Donald Trump to escalate a war against drug trafficking in Latin America. Trump’s Administration has made targeting traffickers in the region a priority. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Haiti hospital seeks former TPS holders to fill medical jobs
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s Haitians in the United States grapple with the end of Temporary Protected Status (TPS), a rural medical centre in Haiti is seeking to recruit speciality doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals who may be considering returning to Haiti. Administrators of the 125-bed Higgins Brothers Surgicenter for Hope in FondsParisien, an 80-minute drive east of Port-au-Prince, say they need anaesthesiologists, internal medicine specialists, paediatricians, infectious disease doctors, nurses and other health professionals to keep pace with growing demand. Operated by the US-based nonprofit Higgins Brothers Foundation, the community hospital serves about 1600 patients per month. Dr Edward “Ted” Higgins, founder and chairman of Higgins Brothers Surgicenter, said working there is one
C
uba will kick off the school year next week as planned, despite a severe ongoing crisis that has affected transportation and electricity and led to falling teacher numbers and a lack of supplies such a s uniforms. Nearly 1.4 million children and adolescents will head back to school at the start of September, said the island’s Education Minister on Thursday. “Cuba’s educators are aware of the extraordinary impacts of the collective asphyxiation we are suffering ... so this will be a school year whose greatest victory will be that we are able to carry it out at all,” said Education Minister Naima Trujillo. The crisis has wors-
pathway for Haitians reconsidering their futures in the United States. The hospital recruitment is the latest example of efforts encouraging Haitians facing immigration status difficulties in the US to consider returning to Haiti as a viable alternative that can have long-term impact on the coun-
try. Overall, the facility’s administrators say they are ready to welcome qualified Haitian medical workers who have built careers in the US and apply their training while filling critical gaps in the country’s healthcare system. (Excerpt from The Haitian Times)
compensation, to keep schools afloat. Havana province, among the most critical in terms of staffing shortages, will receive about 3000 teachers from provinces in eastern Cuba where schools are better staffed. Shortages have also hit the distribution of school uniforms, with official garments available to meet only 12 per cent of the demand for primary school children due to ongoing blackouts at the factories where the uniforms are produced. The Minister urged schools to be flexible and welcome students in “comfortable clothes” and their traditional red neckerchiefs. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Saint Lucia secures US$20M loan from Taiwan Eximbank for housing
The St Lucia Government has guaranteed an agreement between the Saint Lucia Development Bank (SLDB) and Taiwan Eximbank
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he Government of Saint Lucia has signed an EC$54 million agreement to expand affordable housing. The Government-guaranteed deal is between the Saint Lucia Development Bank (SLDB) and Taiwan Eximbank. The funding will help create housing for middleand low-income families. On Monday, Prime Minister
(PM) Philip J Pierre said that public servants will also benefit from the initiative. The agreement also focuses on making infrastructure more climate-resilient by improving drainage, adding water storage solutions and installing solar photovoltaic systems. During the official announcement on Tuesday, August 25, PM Pierre explained who the financing is
meant to help: “We must try to get the underserved to be served. We must try to ensure that people who did not have the opportunity ever to be funded get the opportunity to be funded. We have to ensure that our staff are treated properly. We have to ensure that we have a situation where everyone, everyone, wins and our country benefits.” (St Lucia Times)
J’ca: Western communities repurpose Hurricane Melissa debris
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A view of the Fonds-Parisien medical centre’s campus
ened since June, when students were released early from school for the summer break as transportation and electricity faltered amid stiffened sanctions by the Administration of US President Donald Trump. Washington has since imposed more sanctions on a wide range of Cuban officials, accusing them of anti-American activities, as it seeks to intensify pressure on Cuba’s communist leaders. Havana says the US is trying to damage its economy and prevent it from providing basic services. Trujillo said the sector would hire university students and professionals from other sectors and call back retirees, plus offer additional
urricane Melissa’s trash has become valuable resources for homes and schools in two western communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa last October. Residents of Petersfield, Westmoreland, have converted damaged chairs, fallen trees and discarded zinc into garbage bins for the community and picnic tables for Petersfield High School, partnering with 360 Recycling Manufacturing. In Sawyers, Trelawny, residents created picnic tables from fallen trees for a new community spot and recreational space, while lumber and zinc are being repurposed for home reconstruction in both communities. The recycling activities
form part of a major debris clean-up programme, with nearly 200 residents across four communities participating under a cash-for-work emergency employment modality. Nearly 2000 tonnes of combined debris have been cleared in Petersfield and Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland; Sawyers in Trelawny; and Salt Spring in St James, benefitting more than 19,000 residents across the four communities. Ennevor said the communities’ achievements stand as evidence of what can be accomplished when local organisations, donors, and development partners work together on a shared vision. Commissioned by UNDP for the Petersfield clean-up,
360 Recycling Manufacturing touted the benefits of recycling and called on residents to be innovative and creative. Petersfield meat shop owner Steve Terrelonge said, “We have learnt so much from this programme about recycling. A lot of stuff that we would have burnt – because we wouldn’t know what to do with it – we learnt we can recycle, reuse and repurpose.” The UNDP launched JARRI in November 2025 with an initial investment of US$2.4 million in grants from the European Union, Australia Aid, Caricom Development Fund, and UNDP’s core resources. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)
FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026
guyanatimesgy.com
19
Around the World
Hundreds killed, over 1000 OILNEWS OIL NEWS missing after Nepal flood Oil settles up 2% after Trump rejects a return to Iran’s ceasefire deal terms
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rent crude prices settled up by 2.1 per cent on Thursday, snapping a three-session losing streak, after a Wall Street Journal report, opens new tab, said US President Donald Trump is not interested in returning to terms of a memorandum of understanding reached with Iran in June. Citing people familiar with the matter, the report said the Trump administration has repeatedly told mediators it has no interest in reviving the June agreement, complicating a flurry of diplomatic efforts this week to restart talks. Brent crude futures finished up US$1.86, or 2.1 per cent at US$89.70 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate crude futures settled up US$1.30, or 1.6 per cent at US$83.53. Both benchmarks rebounded as investors scaled back expectations of a diplomatic breakthrough that could boost oil flows from the Middle East. A lack of progress in talks, combined with continually restricted flows, could have prompted an adjustment of market views, UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo said. Earlier on Thursday, Washington confirmed it was not in talks with Iran despite diplomatic efforts by other countries to re-engage the two sides. (Excerpt from Reuters)
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escuers searched Himalayan valleys and hillsides on Thursday after a flash flood that killed at least 359 persons and left nearly 1000 missing, as Nepal and China warned of a risk of fresh flooding from water pooling in two lakes. Both countries said a glacier collapse on Wednesday morning sent a huge torrent of rock, ice, mud and debris cascading through Himalayan mountain river systems, sweeping through villages and key infrastructure down a route thronged by trekkers and pilgrims that links Kathmandu with Lhasa in Tibet. Of those m issing, at least 540 are foreigners. Authorities in Nepal used helicopters to search for survivors and drop emergency supplies to thousands cut off in towns and valleys, while emergency services recovered dozens of bodies swept down into the plains. The sheer amount of wa-
A drone view shows mud covering properties following a flash flood in Trishuli, Nuwakot District, Nepal
ter and debris stirred up now risks triggering a further disaster. Nepal’s disaster management authority warned that a lake formed by debris blocking the Bhotekoshi River at the flood site was rising and at risk of bursting, while on the other side of the
border, China said that some 3 million cubic metres of water – the equivalent of about 1200 Olympic-sized swimming pools – were expected to flow into an already dammed lake over the next three days. There is a high risk the lake could breach, with peak flow expected around
September 1, Chinese state media said, citing the water resources ministry. ”The volume of water is continuing to increase, and so is the risk,” Zhu Jinfeng, a researcher at the ministry’s hydrology department, told state broadcaster CCTV.
Trump signs Optimus Prime and Eeyore executive order to rename Lake Ontario voice actor Peter Cullen dies A as Lake America
Donald Trump signs the executive order in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on Thursday
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onald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday directing the federal Government to rename Lake Ontario, making it Lake America, amid his escalating trade war with Canada. The order directs federal agencies to adopt the name change on US maps, documents and databases. But Trump has no authority to rename Canada’s portion of the lake nor to compel Canada, international legal bodies, international mapmakers, or the rest of the world to adopt a new name. The move follows a similar action the President took on the first day of his second term in office, when he signed an order renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America”. “We have a gulf and we have a lake – now all we
need is an ocean. Maybe we’ll have to change the name of the Atlantic and/or the Pacific,” he told reporters, sitting at the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office. “Maybe we’ll change them both.” Propped behind him was a large map of the Great Lakes region, with “Lake America” printed in red lettering above Lake Ontario. Over the weekend, trade talks between Washington and Ottawa collapsed, and the US imposed a 50 per cent tariff on several Canadian imports, with Trump threatening another round of 50 per cent duties on Canadian steel, trucks, cars and auto parts to take effect in the new year. Mark Carney, Canada’s Prime Minister, hit back with 25-50 per cent tariffs on hundreds of US goods. (Excerpt from The Guardian)
ctor Peter Cullen, who voiced popular characters including Optimus Prime in Transformers and Eeyore in Disney’s Winnie the Pooh franchise, has died at the age of 85. The Canadian actor began his most famous role – as the heroic, deep-voiced Optimus Prime – for the Transformers TV series in 1984, then returned for seven Hollywood films from 2007 to 2023 and other spinoffs. He voiced depressive donkey Eeyore in TV animation The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh from the late 1980s as well as numerous related shows, films and games. His other memorable voice parts are the clicking vocalisations of The Predator in Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 1987 film and the roars of King Kong in 1976.
Peter Cullen voiced Optimus Prime and Eeyore
He died on Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles, a statement said. ”Peter Cullen passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family – and held in the hearts of his many friends and countless fans worldwide. ”His family asks that you
honour his remarkable legacy by serving your communities and leading others with compassion, integrity, and loyalty and always remember ’be strong enough to be gentle.’” Cullen’s other roles included Monterey Jack in Chip ’n Dale Rescue Rangers,
and he voiced characters in 1980s and 90s animated series including Spider-Man, Donkey Kong, Alvin & the Chipmunks, Dungeons & Dragons, My Little Pony, Duck Tales and Gummi Bears. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Norwegians lay flowers at palace as King Harald’s condition worsens
N
orwegians have laid flowers in front of the palace in Oslo after the royal household said King Harald V’s condition in hospital had become ”extremely serious”. His wife, Queen Sonja, and his son, Crown Prince Haakon, cancelled royal engagements to be at his bedside at Oslo University Hospital with other members of the family. The 89-year-old has been in hospital for 10 days re-
ceiving treatment for a rare blood condition, haemolytic anaemia. Late on Thursday afternoon the palace issued an update to say his condition was unchanged. Having been on the throne since 1991, King Harald is Europe’s oldest head of state. Crown Prince Haakon, 53, the successor to the Norwegian throne, has been serving as regent while his father is on leave. King Harald has been
treated in recent weeks with cortisone for haemolytic anaemia, a condition that causes the number of red blood cells in the body to be reduced and leads to fatigue and shortness of breath. Among those visiting the hospital was Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who arrived with Haakon as well as her son Marius Borg Høiby. King Harald’s sister, Princess Astrid, also visited the hospital, along with Haakon’s and Mette-
Marit’s children, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre cancelled a planned trip to Germany, where he was expected to meet Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday. The King has had multiple health problems in recent years which have forced him to scale back his royal duties. (Excerpt from BBC News)
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FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026
guyanatimesgy.com
ARCHIE
DAILY HOROSCOPES
(March 21-April 19)
PICKLES
(April 20-May 20)
(May 21-June 20)
(June 21-July 22)
Engage in activities that make you think, and you’ll gain insight into people and places that offer healthy outlets. It’s time to follow the path that leads to personal joy instead of always doing for others and putting their happiness before your own. Traveling, learning and socializing are encouraged. Let go of what’s holding you back.
(July 23-Aug. 22)
CALVIN AND HOBBES
(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)
SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE
Refuse to let stubbornness hold you back. Talks will lead to new possibilities that help you let go of what’s no longer working for you while you pursue something that you find rejuvenating. Say no to temptation, overspending and poor behavior, and focus on self-improvement, discipline and making your dreams come true. Refuse to let your emotions take you down a slippery slope. Be observant, and keep your thoughts to yourself. Do your best to save your money. Be true to yourself and the pastimes that make you happy. Personal growth, self-help and exploring your options are favored. A work-fromhome opportunity looks promising.
PEANUTS
SUDOKU
Look for opportunities to expand your interests, meet new people or take a relationship or a personal goal to a higher level. A lifestyle change will lift your spirits and encourage you to use your creative imagination and skills in a unique and entertaining manner. An energetic approach to helping others will pay high dividends.
Explore what’s available to you, and push yourself to participate in events and activities that give you something to look forward to. It’s time to expand your circle of friends as well as your interests and to take a position of leadership where applicable. If you embrace a positive attitude, gratitude will follow. Negotiations will require compromise. Pay attention to detail, and ask for professional help if it will help you avoid regret and long-term consequences. Change can be good, but first you must keep your emotions in check and your goal in sight. Doing what’s best for everyone will help you gain the confidence, respect and desired results. You can make personal progress if you choose the right path. Refuse to let indecisiveness hold you back. Mistakes are lessons that help you gain insight into new possibilities. Don’t limit what you can do by standing in your own way. Put your energy into pursuing your happiness. Selfimprovement and romance are favored.
(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)
Build your own networking group. Be a host, make suggestions and become the go-to person. You’ll gain confidence and a chance to call the shots. Being candid will change how others perceive you and help you weed out those who are to your detriment. Keep your life simple, be direct and watch your plans manifest into something worthwhile.
(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)
Stick close to home and decide what’s required of you to up your game and to get ahead. Stop wasting time and energy on people and projects that don’t fulfill your needs. Look for what excites you, and refuse to let anyone use emotional blackmail to intervene and push you in a direction that helps them more than you.
(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Consider your plans, and rethink what’s important to you. It’s time to sever your ties with those who are heading in a different direction. Invest in yourself and the prospects that excite you, and let go of the past. Stop worrying about what you cannot change, and focus on what will serve you financially, contractually, emotionally and physically.
(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)
(Feb. 20-March 20)
It’s all about what you want to pursue. Think big, but don’t lose sight of what makes you tick and brings you joy. Mixing business with pleasure will encourage new beginnings. Don’t hold back. Display what you do best, and you’ll gain ground. A financial gain will stabilize your life and give you the confidence to pursue your dream. Feel it, pursue it and find your way forward. Refuse to let the changes others make lead you down the wrong path. Put your energy into what brings you the highest return. Speak up and say no to those trying to take advantage of you. It’s time to put yourself first and to pursue what satisfies your soul.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026
21
Guyana set for beach volleyball spectacle G
uyana is set to become the centre of Caribbean beach volleyball this September when the End Game Beach Volleyball Tournament returns with an expanded and more ambitious edition. The tournament, organised by the Guyana Beach Volleyball Association (GBVA) in collaboration with the Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF), will be elevated into a multi-national showcase and is expected to feature some of the region’s leading beach volleyball players. The event is being billed as the first Caribbean Championship of its kind to be hosted in Guyana, marking a significant milestone for the local sport and providing Guyanese players
The tournament is set to take place on the Marriott Beachfront
with the opportunity to test their skills against international opposition on home soil.
Players from Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, Barbados, and the Cayman Islands are expected to
travel to Guyana for the competition, with approximately 16 pairs slated to participate.
The September tournament will also mark a major change from last year’s inaugural edition, which featured a male-only pool-play format. This year, the competition will feature both male and female divisions, creating a broader platform for athletes and further strengthening the development of beach volleyball locally. Organisers have also promised significantly increased prize purses for competitors, while spectators will have opportunities to win interactive giveaways and other prizes throughout the event. The action will return to the Marriott Beach Front in Georgetown, which is expected to provide the backdrop for what organisers
describe as a premium sports-entertainment experience. Beyond the competition itself, patrons can look forward to barbeque and beverages, interactive fan games, and other entertainment as organisers seek to combine high-level volleyball with a vibrant social atmosphere. With international competitors, increased prize incentives and the introduction of a female division, the 2026 End Game Beach Volleyball Tournament is shaping up to be a landmark event for Guyana’s growing beach volleyball community. The message from the organisers is simple: “Come for the game, stay for the vibe.”
Corporate Guyana throws support behind LGC Greensome Tournament T
he Lusignan Golf Club’s (LGC) highly anticipated Greensome Golf Tournament has received strong backing from Corporate Guyana, with several leading companies coming on board to support what is shaping up to be an exciting day of golf, entertainment, and family fun. The tournament, set for Sunday, August 30, 2026, at the Lusignan Golf Course, has attracted the support of Bounty Farm Ltd, Edward B Beharry & Company Ltd, ANSA McAL Distribution Inc, Banks DIH Ltd, OMG Steak House, Froggy’s Grill, AMICI, and Crown Mining. With Corporate Guyana lending its support, the lush greens and sweeping fairways of the Lusignan Golf Course will come alive with competition, camaraderie, and plenty of excitement as golfers take to the course for a true test of teamwork, strategy, and skill. The action gets underway at 09:00h, with a shotgun start as pairs of golfers compete over nine holes in a Better Ball Medal Play format. Every player must register with a partner, setting the stage for an exciting battle where communication and smart decision-making could make all the difference. The Greensome format adds an extra dimension to the competition. Both play-
of the lower handicap and 15 per cent of the higher handicap, adding the two figures together and dividing the total by two to determine the final handicap for each pair. Golfers are required to pay a registration fee of $3000, while following the action on the course, players and patrons can enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch for $2500. Registration closes
at 17:00h on Saturday, August 29, 2026. According to the LGC, the event is also open to the general public, with several side attractions planned to add to the day’s entertainment, including a bouncy castle, face painting, and more. With the support of Corporate Guyana, the sunshine, lush surroundings, and beautifully maintained fairways pro-
viding the perfect backdrop, the LGC Greensome Tournament is shaping up to be a fantastic Sunday of golf and entertainment. Golfers are encouraged to find their perfect partner, bring their best game, and get ready for a memorable day at the Lusignan Golf Course, while families and other members of the public are invited to come out and enjoy the exciting atmosphere.
Linden’s Summer Super Cup…
Grand finale beckons as Capital FC meets Milerock
C The Greensome Tournament is expected to bring lots of excitement to the LGC this Sunday
ers will tee off on each hole before deciding which ball gives their team the best opportunity to continue. From that selected position, the players will take turns playing the ball until it finds the bottom of the cup. The total number of shots used to complete the hole will be recorded as the team’s score. However, it will not simply be a case of relying on one strong player. A minimum of three tee shots from each member of the
team must be used during the round, ensuring that both golfers play an important role in their pair’s journey around the course. There will be plenty at stake, with the top five pairs recording the best net scores set to receive prizes. Additional opportunities to win will also be available through novelty prizes, including Longest Drive on Hole No. 5 and Nearest to the Flag on Hole No. 4. Handicaps will be calculated by taking 35 per cent
apital Football Club (FC) and Milerock FC will battle for championship honours when the 2026 Summer Super Cup reaches its grand finale on Saturday, August 29, at the Bayroc National Stadium. The eagerly anticipated final will headline a packed day of football in Linden, with Capital FC looking to cap a strong campaign by lifting the coveted Summer Super Cup trophy, while Milerock FC will be determined to complete its run with a championship victory. Milerock booked its place in the final with a narrow victory over Pdey Stars FC, courtesy of an early strike from Tyrese Lewis. Capital FC, meanwhile, ad-
vanced following a dramatic semi-final against Botofago FC, which ended 0-0 in regulation time before Capital was eventually awarded the victory after a late incident brought the match to an abrupt halt. The final promises an intriguing clash between two sides that have negotiated their way through a competitive tournament and will now have everything to play for. The day’s programme will also feature the thirdplace playoff between Botofago FC and Pdey Stars FC. Both teams will be hoping to end their respective campaigns on a positive note after missing out on a place in the championship match.
Adding further attraction to the grand finale will be an exhibition encounter between Beacon Masters and Linden Masters. Organised in collaboration with Divine Entertainment and Capital FC, the event is expected to provide a full day of football entertainment. The organisers have advertised easy admission and secured parking, along with a wellstocked bar and food for patrons. Football fans in Linden and surrounding communities are therefore expected to turn out in numbers for Saturday’s decisive fixtures, as Capital FC and Milerock FC vie for Summer Super Cup glory.
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FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026
GCF unveils 2026 Chess Olympiad teams
Guyana’s Open Chess Olympiad team
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he Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) on Thursday proudly unveiled the National Open and Women’s teams set to represent Guyana at the upcoming 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from September 14 to September 28, 2026. Guyana will field two national teams of five, each to compete in both the Open and Women’s categories. Leading the Open team is 16-year-old Candidate Master (CM) Sachin Pitamber (ELO 1991), who holds the 2026 National Open Chess Championship title, the 2026 National U16 Open Championship ti-
tle, and the 2026 National Rapid Chess Championship title. Following his debut at the 2024 Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary, where he gained his Candidate Master title, this will be Pitamber’s second Olympiad appearance. The young aspiring chess player is set to compete once again on the international front, aiming to represent Guyana at the highest level possible. National Junior Chess Champion Kyle Couchman (ELO 1995) joins the Olympiad squad for the first time. The sixteen-year-old brings valuable international experience, recently competing at the XXXVI
Pan American Youth Chess Festival last August in Colombia and the FIDE World Youth U16 Olympiad last year, also in Colombia. Couchman aims to score crucial team points while pursuing his first FIDE title. CM Taffin Khan (ELO 2066), Guyana’s highest-rated player, first rose to national prominence by winning the 2008 National Junior Championship and has since captured numerous National Open Championship titles. Having made his debut at the 2016 Olympiad in Baku, Uzbekistan, this will be Khan’s fifth appearance at this prestigious event, where he will leverage his deep experience to maximize team wins. FIDE Master (FM) Anthony Drayton (ELO 2003) brings formidable experience to the squad, marking his fifth Olympiad appearance since debuting in Tromsø, Norway, in 2014. A decorated player and FIDEcertified school instructor, FM Drayton coaches youths from all walks of life, pairing his international experience with a dedication to growing the local game in Guyana. His responsibility and commitment have made the fide master a key figure in developing young minds. Former National Junior Champion Keron Sandiford (1874) further strengthens the team. Fresh off winning the 2026 National Open Championship Qualifier, Sandiford builds on his experience from the previous Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary, providing reliable tactical depth to his team. Leading the Women’s section is National Women’s Champion, Woman
Guyana’s Women’s Chess Olympiad team
Candidate Master (WCM) Aditi Joshi (ELO 1790). The 16-year-old standout has established herself as one of the country’s premier female players and will be playing in her second Chess Olympiad. She brings valuable international experience to the women’s team. A decorated player, she earned her WCM title while representing Guyana at the 2024 Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary, and most recently at the XXXVI Pan American Youth Chess Festival in Colombia. Joshi is looking to apply the skills she has developed to keep the Guyana flag flying high through wins for her team.
Joining her is former National Women’s Champion, WCM Jessica Callender (ELO 1552), who brings international experience to the line-up following previous chess Olympiads and regional appearances. Callender is determined to put forward her best efforts and achieve wins for her team. The team is further anchored by former National Women’s Champion, WCM Sasha Shariff (ELO 1538), whose international presence at the last three Chess Olympiads on the Guyana Women’s team aims to bring her utmost best efforts to secure wins for her team.
The roster is rounded out by talented rising stars Ciel Clement and Kataleya Sam. Seventeen-year-old Ciel Clement (ELO 1484) joins the squad after her second Olympiad showing at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary. Completing the team is its youngest member and firsttime Olympian, Kataleya Sam (ELO 1525), who holds the 2026 U14 and U16 Girls’ Chess Championship Titles. Kataleya is a regional medallist after having won bronze at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Youth Championship in 2024. The 13-year-old is looking to apply the skill and courage she has gained throughout her training to defeat her opponents. Both teams were trained extensively for six weeks by Serbian chess grandmaster (GM) Aleksa Striković. The GM will go on to Captain the Open Team during the Olympiad, while Slovenian GM Georg Mohr will Captain the Women’s Team. The GCF, in a statement, has extended its heartfelt gratitude to the team’s sponsors, whose support made Guyana’s participation possible. “Special thanks go to the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport for their fundamental backing, as well as ENet for their vital sponsorship.” The teams will travel in the coming weeks to Samarkand, Uzbekistan, where they will be joined by Shenera Sam, Archana Joshi, and Tanya WarrenClement. Mrs. WarrenClement will be the head of delegation.
“Look out for the name Ruel Dindyal”
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Ruel Dindyal ended as the Beharry T20 tournament’s MVP and highest wicket-taker
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recent MVP award will be the fuel in Ruel Dindyal’s engine as he hopes to become a mainstay on Guyana’s national cricket teams. Juggling the emotions after a loss, Dindyal was still confident in his future. All things went in favour of Annandale Secondary earlier this week, who played at their home ground and went on to win the toss as they took on Berbice Educational Institute (BEI) in the Beharry Group Under-19 Secondary Schools’ T20 fina-
le.
BEI would prove to be too strong for the East Coast side, subjecting the hosts to a 61-run loss and second place. Discussing the turn of events, youth cricketer Ruel Dindyal could not hide his disappointment. The teenager explained, following the final match, “To be honest, everybody went out with high energy; to be honest, we thought we would’ve won with the runs, but it didn’t go to plan.” “To be honest, we felt proud, and we felt that this
Ruel Dindyal in action
game was in grasp, in our hands, but as I said, it didn’t go to plan,” he added. However, in spite of his team’s loss, Dindyal had still done enough to cart off the tournament’s most valuable player prize. He was the highest wicket-taker with 18 scalps and accumulated 211 runs across the tournament. Reacting to the award, Dindyal divulged how he was
able to remain consistent. “It’s easy. When I went out, if I didn’t do well with the bat, I took the responsibility to do well with the ball. So, that’s the main focus on it,” Dindyal shared with this publication. While the young man is no stranger to national selection or reserves, Dindyal still hopes his recent performances have caught the eyes
of the selectors. “It feels good. How I picked up the ball after a while, so I hope the selectors see and see what I have to offer,” he said. Dindyal further assured, “Well, I won’t get your hopes up, but look out for me in the Inter-Association for East Coast and everything. So, just listen for the name Ruel Dindyal. I got y’all.”
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Massy Finance Remittances, MoneyGram Tahir urges Amazon Warriors to stay humble sign 3-year partnership with CPL as TKR clash looms
Captain Imran Tahir
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he highest agenda post this weekend for many cricket fans is the Herculean clash between Guyana Amazon Warriors and Trinbago Knight Riders. The two heavyweights will battle on Monday, August 31, at the Queen’s Park Oval. Captain of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, Imran Tahir, is confident, as his team is the only undefeated team this season, recording three wins from three games. While Tahir’s confidence is paramount, he is urging his team to stay humble and perform well on the day.
“It’s a big clash. Everyone knows that it’s a big game. They have some world-class players, as do we. So, I think it depends [on] who’s gonna perform well on the day. We’re ready for it. We’ve been playing good cricket. We want to stay humble. Once we get there, we want to show what we’ve got,” Tahir said. Reflecting on the Warriors’ latest victory, the Captain said it was a complete team performance, but there are areas to improve on. “I think there is still a few things we need to im-
prove on, to make sure if there is a couple of mistakes we make, then we won’t do it going forward in the next game,” Tahir explained. Warriors are enjoying away success and will play their first game at home on September 4. “Playing all the away games, I think it’s a big bonus if you’re winning on the road, and when you go home, then you always have a home advantage. Most importantly, there are certain people who stay behind the scene and they never get the credit, and I think Prasanna Agoram is one of the guys, who’s our analyst. He studied, I mean, [the] whole Caribbean. He’s been with us for the last three years, and the work; the amount of work he put in, gave us all the stats, all the plans, and stuff like that. It won’t come easy, and I think he put it up front of the team, and we all agreed as a bowling group, and we thought that obviously if we bowl first, that’s how we’re gonna go about our business.” “That helps a lot. Sometimes you don’t know some different plans, but I think we have to appreciate his work. He’s been doing a great job for our team,” Tahir said. The first ball of the TKR and Warriors clash is from 17:00h local time in Port of Spain, Trinidad.
Kamil Pooran of St Lucia Kings; CEO Neela Marquez of Massy Finance Remittances; Head of Partnerships for CPL Tara Wilkinson-McClean; and Khary Pierre of Guyana Amazon Warriors celebrate the partnership
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assy Finance Remittances has signed a three-year sponsorship agreement with the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL), bringing together two brands with a shared connection to Caribbean people, families, and communities across borders. The partnership will give MoneyGram customers opportunities to get closer to CPL cricket through promotions, match experiences, and other activities during the tournament while strengthening Massy Finance Remittances’ engagement with customers across its Caribbean markets. For thousands of Caribbean families, sending and receiving money represents a vital connection between loved ones across borders. It helps parents support children, relatives care for loved ones, and families separated by geography remain connected. Cricket has its own powerful ability to cross borders, generations and cultures, bringing Caribbean people together at home and throughout the diaspora. It is that shared power of connection that sits at the
heart of this new partnership. “Remittances and cricket may seem very different, but they have something important in common: both connect Caribbean people across borders,” said Neela Marquez, Chief Executive Officer of Massy Finance Remittances. “Every day, we see what receiving money from a loved one can mean to a family. It is a connection between people sometimes separated by thousands of miles who continue to support and care for each other.” “CPL creates that same sense of connection on an extraordinary scale. For a few weeks every year, Caribbean people at home and across the diaspora share the excitement, pride and passion of our cricket. This partnership gives us an opportunity to celebrate those connections and, importantly, to give our MoneyGram customers experiences that bring them even closer to the game they love.” Under the three-year agreement, Massy Finance Remittances and CPL will collaborate on customer promotions, opportunities to attend matches and other fan experiences throughout the tour-
nament. Details of individual promotions and participating markets will be announced during the CPL season. The partnership forms part of Massy Finance Remittances’ broader focus on deepening relationships with customers and creating greater value around its remittance services. “Our customers are at the centre of this partnership,” Marquez added. “We want this to be more than our name appearing at a cricket ground. We want customers to feel the benefit of the partnership, whether through the chance to attend a match, participate in a promotion or share a memorable CPL experience with family and friends.” Head of Partnerships for the Republic Bank CPL, Tara Wilkinson-McClean, said, “We are delighted to welcome Massy Finance Remittances and MoneyGram to the CPL family. CPL has always been about more than cricket. It celebrates Caribbean culture, community and the connections that unite our region and its people around the world.” “Those values make this a natural partnership, and we look forward to working with Massy Finance Remittances over the next three years to create exciting experiences for MoneyGram customers and CPL fans across the region.” The partnership begins with the 2026/2027 Republic Bank CPL season and will be activated across participating Caribbean markets over the three-year term. Further details on MoneyGram customer promotions, match experiences and other activities will be announced through Massy Finance Remittances’ channels during the tournament.
Minor works for NTFC as it prepares to host Guyana’s first CARIFTA Games G
uyana’s premier track and field venue, the National Track and Field Centre (NTFC) at Leonora, West Coast Demerara (WCD), will come in for minor upgrade works over the next few months as Guyana prepares to host the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) Games in 2027. The marquee athletics event for Caribbean youths is set for Easter weekend (March 27-29) next year, with the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) and North American, Central American, and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) signing the necessary paperwork for Guyana’s hosting on Wednesday last. It was at that event that Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr responded to several inquiries regarding Guyana’s hosting of the event, specifically regarding the venue. As such, Ramson Jr noted that the NTFC will only require minor upgrades to be up to CARIFTA standards. “Now, in relation to the infrastructure work; minor, very
Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr
minor infrastructure work.” Ramson Jr disclosed. “There will be some work that has to happen between now and March, so we’ll get that started very quickly. But in relation to our inspection findings coming out from the inspection, there’s minor work to be done, but we’re looking to have more accommodation.” “We did the procurement for the bucket seats even before the decision was made for hosting the CARIFTA Games, so that’s also going to be installed at the stands.” The Minister went on to enlighten that they will be
leaning on the expertise of a capable team. “We were able to have the experience and expertise coming from Mike, Jean-Paul, and luckily as well, Steve, Cristy, and Amanda; they would go to the CARIFTA Games annually. They have a lot of experience about where certain areas are best situated, facilities, etc. And right now, Mike and his team are going to be preparing the most suitable layout for those facilities and for the personnel to be situated,” Ramson Jr explained. When it comes to timeline, one can expect to see the
The National Track and Field Centre will come in for minor upgrades, says Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr
work at the NTFC commencing soon, as the Minister indicated that funds will be used from the current year’s sports budget. “So, we’ll look to do any of the infrastructure work now. If there are some projects that have to be done into the new year, they’ll roll over, but for any projects that are required, we’re looking to advance that this year. We’re not going to wait till the budget is tabled and passed because by then, the games are on us,” he
shared. Referencing the National Budget timelines, which can prolong from January into February, Ramson explained why they will not be relying on the 2027 budget. “It would be pointless for us to even consider anything in next year’s budget,” the Minister surmised. “Because it’s minor work to be done and we were thinking about the upgrades anyway that are coming out from this year’s budget, but in relation to the
actual hosting of it, we can’t assess what our budget would look like as yet because we have to engage with our counterparts shortly after this visit.” As indicated by the Sport Minister, Guyana will be covering the cost in areas such as logistics, catering, and a portion of accommodations. As such, he detailed why it might be difficult to share an exact sum attached to Guyana’s hosting of the CARIFTA Games so soon. “So, we don’t have an idea of the full cost in relation to the budget, but everybody knows me by now; I’m always frugal, I’m tight in relation to the budget,” Ramson explained jokingly. “I don’t like to overspend, but obviously we have to host a successful games, and we want to make sure that the experience that our athletes and persons we’re responsible for have when they come is a great experience here and they’re short for nothing.” The 2027 CARIFTA Games will be Guyana’s first time hosting the region’s biggest youth track and field event.
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FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026
Sport is no longer our game, it’s our business
Tahir urges Amazon Warriors to stay humble as TKR clash looms Pg 23
Minor works for NTFC as it prepares to host Guyana’s first CARIFTA Game
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