The living quarters of employees attached to Home Zone Furniture Store at Little Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD), were destroyed by a fire of unknown origin on Thursday.
According to the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), following the report of the fire, firefighters from the Diamond and Eccles Fire Stations responded and immediately commenced fire-
fighting operations.
Through their swift and coordinated efforts, the blaze was contained to a single building, preventing it from spreading to nearby structures. While the fire has been extinguished, the cause is yet to be determined.
However, the GFS reminds the public to remain vigilant and to report fires and other emergencies immediately by calling 912.
Meanwhile, Home Zone boasts of its emergency preparedness measures that were in place, including strategically positioned fire extinguishers throughout the facility and a team of trained staff who responded immediately, which contained the fire in its early stages.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to the Guyana Fire Service and the firefighters who respond-
ed with exceptional speed and professionalism. Their prompt action, together with the efforts of our staff, ensured that the situation was brought under control quickly and safely,” the establishment stated in a social media post.
The company further stated that all its staff members are safe and fully accounted for, and no injuries were sustained during the inferno.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, July 3 – 06:10h–07:40h and Saturday, July 4 –06:50h–08:20h
Parika
Thundery
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces in Guyana, President Dr Irfaan Ali, says that the heightened cooperation in the area of security between Guyana and the United States is not a show of aggression or domination but part of efforts to strengthen peace and stability within the hemisphere.
The Guyanese leader was speaking at a reception hosted on Thursday evening by the US Embassy in Georgetown to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States.
“Guyana looks forward to deepening our security cooperation with the United States. The cooperation is not sought for aggressive purposes. We harbour no ambitions beyond our borders, and we seek no domination over others. Rather, we seek to ensure peace, stability, and development. They are the birthright of our people.
“We seek to ensure that our sovereignty and territorial integrity are respected by all and that our abundant resources – the blessings of our national inheritance –are developed for the benefit of Guyanese, free from external coercion or intimidation.
We seek to be a good neighbour, an excellent global citizen, and a reliable partner in times of need. To all those who share our geographic space and beyond, you can trust Guyana to stand by you in your hour of need, and you can trust our friendship once international rule of law, democracy, and the right principles are aligned,” President Ali stated.
His comments come as Guyana is currently mobilising relief supplies for neighbouring Venezuela, which has been devastated by the 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes last week. Guyana’s support and solidarity have been lauded as “good neighbourliness” by the Spanishspeaking nation, which has been claiming more than twothirds of Guyana’s landmass and a portion of the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), where some 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent have been discovered, with production and exploration activities ongoing.
Guyana has approached the International Court of
Justice (ICJ) for affirmation on the final and binding settlement of the border, which the World Court is likely to rule on sometime later this year or early 2024.
Despite this strained relationship, however, US Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, commended Guyana for its show of solidarity toward Venezuela.
“Both of our Governments are also committed to doing the right thing, and I am proud that Guyana and the United States, our Governments and our Private Sectors, mobilised immediately following the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela last week to send aid, relief supplies, equipment, transportation, and humanitarian aid workers to help in any way possible. Our hearts go out to the people of Venezuela, and please know that both the United States and Guyana will always show up for you,” she stated during Thursday’s reception.
In the same breath, however, the US diplomat recognised the real threat Guyana faces from those who
challenge its sovereignty, reassuring it that the country is not alone. She further reminded everyone of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s declaration that any attack on Guyana would be a very bad idea during his March 2025 visit to Georgetown, where a landmark Memorandum of Understanding for Security Cooperation was signed between the two nations.
This, Ambassador Theriot noted, coupled with the fact that Guyana is a founding member of both the Shield of the Americas and the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition, has not only solidified the US commitment to protecting Guyana but also Guyana’s own commitment to protecting the region.
In fact, President Ali welcomed the commitment of the US for a hemisphere where the people enjoy dignity and honour peacefully. He pointed out that the region faces threats to democracies and from criminal gangs and narco-traffickers of unbelievable scale; hence, the relationship with the US is critical to en-
suring peace and safety.
“We, in Guyana, have long understood that true friendship between nations does not mean subservience but mutual respect. Our vision for the future is one in which the United States acts as a reliable partner that respects the distinct path each sovereign nation must walk. And we have found that reliability; we have found that trust, and we have found that partnership.”
“The relationship between our two nations is not one of convenience but of conviction. It is predicated on cooperation from mutual interests and, more importantly, on shared values. These values must continue to be the compass guiding our nations. These values include respect for democracy, respect for the rule of law, respect for international law, respect for the protection of human rights, and, of singular importance to us, the absolute necessity of upholding Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the President emphasised.
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Venezuela is grappling with two earthquakes (7.2- and 7.5-magnitude) which have claimed at least 2295 lives, with another 11,267 injured and 50,000 others still missing. In addition, there have been reported cases of extensive damage in parts of the country, including the capital, to its infrastructure.
This devastation has led to countries around the world, including India, the United States, Jordan, Mexico, and now Guyana, mobilising and sending aid to the earthquake-hit nation.
Following the announcement by President Dr Irfaan Ali to organise a large-scale donation drive to mobilise humanitarian assistance for Venezuela, the vast majority of the Guyanese populace was caught by surprise despite that country’s recent aggression and its claims over the Essequibo Region.
For some, this showed the maturity of the Guyanese leader and his consideration to put differences aside and his commitment to assisting our western neighbours to see them through this difficult period. In fact, interim President Delcy Rodríguez expressed gratitude to President Dr Irfaan Ali and the people of Guyana after he extended solidarity and support following the disaster.
His message was seen and welcomed by President Rodríguez, who commended Guyana’s commitment to good neighbourliness in a social media post. However, since the launch of its humanitarian efforts to support Venezuela last Friday, our small nation has managed to mobilise almost 100 containers of relief supplies, which will be shipped off this weekend.
Guyana has made available an 8000-tonne vessel to transport the aid to the neighbouring country. At the time, five containers of critically needed pharmaceutical items had already been procured, as well as several containers of food items through the Private Sector.
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, who is leading the humanitarian response, visited the John Fernandes Limited Container Terminal to observe the packing of the containers. He stated that some of the containers are being packed with rice in a way that, upon arrival, it will be easy to distribute.
Among the other relief items that are being packed are drinking water and non-perishable foods such as canned vegetables, beans, fruit, soup, tuna, chicken, dry pasta, rice, oats, cereal, peanut butter, shelf-stable or powdered milk, pasta sauce, canned tomatoes, crackers, granola bars, trail mix, instant noodles, boxed meals, baby food or formula, cooking oil, flour, sugar, salt, spices, tea, coffee, and hot chocolate mix.
Personal hygiene items, including soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, deodorant, toilet paper, sanitary napkins, nappies, and other essential hygiene supplies, are also being loaded onto the vessel. Additionally, sleeping items such as sleeping mats and/or mattresses, blankets, and sheets, as well as flashlights, batteries, solar chargers, and cutting equipment, will be on their way to the most affected communities in Venezuela.
Apart from these, a contingent from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) will be deployed in the recovery efforts in Caracas. Similarly, over 40 ranks from the GDF were deployed to Jamaica to support reconstruction efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa earlier this year.
As demonstrated, the deployment underscores Guyana’s strong sense of regional responsibility and solidarity as regional neighbours continue to recover from natural disasters.
Guyana has, without a doubt, stepped up to the task to assist whenever it is necessary. Whether in Venezuela, Jamaica, St Vincent, Barbados, or any other Caribbean nation, Guyana has always been the first to lend support when destruction strikes.
One wonders if Guyana were to experience a devastating natural disaster, would the same courtesy be extended?
Furthermore, as Guyanese rally for Venezuela, the two South American neighbours are embroiled in a decades-long border controversy, with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) expected to deliver its ruling sometime later this year or early next year.
Venezuela’s interim President has already stated that she would not accept the ICJ ruling and will continue to push to annex Essequibo as part of that country.
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Guyana Water Inc (GWI) takes note of an article published in the June 28, 2026 edition of the Kaieteur Newspapers, under the headline: “Unsafe drinking water flagged in Regions Four, Seven, and 10, PUC report finds”.
The headline and presentation of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) findings are misleading and create unnecessary public concerns by suggesting that consumers are being supplied with water that is unsafe for consumption, which is not the case. The PUC report references water treatment facilities at Amelia’s Ward, Wisroc, McKenzie, Linden Power Company (LPC), Grove, Friendship, Better Hope, Sparendaam and Bartica, citing instances where parameters such as pH, turbidity and iron concentrations fell outside recommended operational ranges, as per the World Health Organisation (WHO) standards. However, it is important to distinguish between operational and aesthetic water quality parameters and those which may present a direct public health risk.
The issues highlighted in the report relating to iron, pH (acidity or al-
kalinity) and turbidity (haziness) do not represent evidence that the water supplied to customers is unsafe to drink. Rather, these parameters primarily affect the appearance, taste, colour or operational efficiency of treatment systems and distribution networks. Importantly, the water quality parameters that are directly linked to public health were not identified by the PUC as being non-compliant. It is therefore misleading to characterise these findings as proof of “unsafe drinking water”.
GWI, however, recognises the areas requiring improvement. In fact, many of the treatment plants referenced in the report were already undergoing upgrades during the reporting period in 2025, through the Coastal Water Treatment Infrastructure Programme. These interventions included the installation of new filtration systems, process optimisation, and other infrastructure improvements specifically designed to enhance water quality and ensure compliance with applicable standards.
These investments form part of GWI’s ongoing modernisation programme
aimed at continuously improving service delivery across the country.
With reference to the metering target outlined in Order No. 2 of 2018, it is important to emphasise that from 2022 to 2024, the total domestic water meters installed were 68,449, which averaged 22,816 metres per year, or 14 per cent above the cumulative target of 60,000 metres as stipulated in the order, which is a clear indication that the metering programme has consistently performed beyond its original target. The report also highlights a reduction in meter installations during 2025. While GWI acknowledges that the annual target was not achieved, it is important that the circumstances surrounding this temporary slowdown are accurately presented.
The temporary decline experienced in 2025 resulted primarily from circumstances beyond GWI’s control. The utility’s contracted supplier, SMC Energy Brazil Ltd, ceased its Brazil operations and relocated its manufacturing to China, significantly delaying shipments of water meters destined for Guyana. Additional extenuating operational circum-
stances also contributed to a brief pause in the implementation programme. These challenges have since been addressed. Measures have already been implemented and continue to be monitored to ensure that annual installation targets are achieved and that the objectives of PUC Order No. 2 of 2018 remain on track.
GWI also notes with disappointment that Kaieteur News did not afford the company a meaningful opportunity to provide technical clarification. Had this been done, the public would have benefited from a more balanced and accurate presentation of the PUC’s findings and the significant work already underway to address operational improvements.
GWI remains fully committed to transparency, regulatory compliance and the continuous improvement of its water supply systems. The company will continue investing in infrastructure, treatment processes and distribution networks to ensure that customers receive water that meets applicable health and safety standards.
One teacher will bear the brunt of disciplinary action after being dismissed, while a second teacher has been sent into early retirement over the mistreatment of an autistic child at the David Rose Special Needs School.
This was according to reports in other sections of the media, and attempts to get a comment from Education Minister Sonia Parag and Chief Education Officer Saddam Hussain proved futile.
the teachers in question had multiple infractions against their names, but those issues were never forwarded to the Education Ministry.
Responding to questions on the matter on Wednesday, Education Minister Sonia Parag said the Teaching Service Commission had wrapped up its investigation and reached its decision but maintained that the commission should publicly release the findings of its probe.
dation has since been made for improved training to better equip educators who work with children with special needs.
About four weeks ago, teachers at the David Rose Special Needs School were caught on camera abusing students, thus sparking widespread public outrage.
formation required to facilitate the timely completion of the proceedings.
The Minister also made it clear that the wider public must understand the important role played by the Teaching Service Commission when it comes to exercising disciplinary control over teachers.
“It is important for the public to understand that while the Ministry of Education is responsible for the management and oversight of the education system, the authority to appoint, exercise disciplinary control over, and remove teachers employed in non-board schools rests with the Teaching Service Commission.”
The Minister also reaffirmed that her office is working closely with the family to ensure that the affected student receives the support necessary for his well-being, recovery, and continued learning in a safe environment.
In that report, it was reported that the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) has concluded its investigation and ordered the removal of both teachers from the education system.
It was reported that both teachers admitted to the allegations of mistreatment during the disci-
plinary hearing but sought to justify their actions before the commission handed down its decision.
During the hearing, it was also uncovered that
Sources also told this publication that the investigation highlighted gaps in the training received by teachers assigned to special needs schools. It is understood that a recommen-
Dear Editor, Venezuela is ranked 46th globally in military strength and possesses the fourth largest military in Latin America; however, widespread equipment cannibalisation and severe underfunding mean that its actual operational readiness often falls short of its numbers on paper, with approximately 123,000 personnel spread across the Army, Navy, Air Force, and National Guard, backed by 8000 official reservists and a vast civilian Bolivarian Militia whose true active size is estimated to be between 200,000 and 300,000.
In contrast, Guyana is ranked 148th globally, with approximately 3400 active-duty members and 670 in reserve; our annual defence budget is roughly 0.9 per cent of GDP. Simply put, we do not have any military power when compared to Venezuela, despite their economic collapse, but we
do have terrain, and we can learn from the war in Ukraine. Exploited niches and strategic planning significantly turned the tide against Russia in favour of Ukraine-led innovation.
The key word here is “innovation”, something we, as a country, need to possess in order to shape a defence strategy that is strong and capable. It is possible that we can deter a conventional Venezuelan invasion by adopting Ukraine’s asymmetric defence doctrines, specifically by prioritising indigenous, low-cost drone programmes; mobile anti-air and anti-ship missile units; and fortified “defence-in-depth” to exploit the dense, logistics-draining jungle terrain of the Essequibo.
Ukraine has demonstrated how an outmanned, outgunned nation can neutralise superior conventional forces using agile technology. The Government should prioritise the development
and procurement of autonomous maritime and aerial drones. In a theatre defined by vast, difficult-to-patrol coastlines and riverways, unmanned systems offer a highly cost-effective method to disrupt Venezuelan naval movements, protect offshore oil rigs, and strike strategic targets.
Instead of relying solely on large, centralised bases, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) should train for decentralised, smallunit guerrilla tactics. The Essequibo region is dense with rivers and deep jungle. By fortifying key choke points and relying on mobile, localised resistance, Guyana can stretch and choke Venezuelan supply lines, making any prolonged occupation prohibitively expensive and logistically impossible for Caracas.
There should also be investments in EW (Electronic Warfare) capabilities to jam enemy communications and protect its
own command structures from being compromised, integrating trained civilian reserves and local militias to support the GDF in local defence and logistical support. Equipping border communities with encrypted communications and secure reporting networks enables an invaluable localised early-warning and intelligence-gathering system.
So far, what I am seeing is only our security being bolstered by US Southern Command and regional partners like Brazil. Ukraine’s experience emphasises that combining independent sovereign defence capabilities with robust international alliances is the most effective deterrent against invasion; so, too, should be the same goal for defending our territory! Essequibo belongs to Guyana!
Kind regards, Dev Hary
Parag stated in her update on the matter that information provided by the Commission indicated that the issue would be addressed in a timely manner. She, however, added that the Ministry will continue to cooperate fully with the commission and provide any additional in-
Providing further updates, the Minister noted that during her first visit to the school on May 29, she personally met with the affected parents, guardians, and the head teacher.
Pressure, Force, Area
Pressure, force and area are physical properties.
Area is a measure of the size of space a flat shape takes up. The derived SI unit for area is the square metre (m²), although we can use other units including square centimetres (cm2), square millimetres (mm2) or square inches (in2) etc.
Force is the energy attributed to a movement or physical action. Force is measured in the standard unit Newtons (N).
Pressure is a compound measure, defined as the force per unit area. The standard unit of pressure is Pascals (Pa) where 1 Pa = 1 N/m². We can also measure pressure using a Bar, where 1 Bar = 100,000 Pa = 100,000 N/m².
To calculate either the pressure, force or area of an object, we use the pressure formula:
Pressure=
This can be written as a formula triangle (sometimes called the pressure triangle).
We can circle what we are trying to find and the formula triangle tells how to calculate the unknown property.
and
consumers)
Let’s look at an example of calculating pressure
A force of 800N acts on an area of 200m2. Calculate the pressure in Pascals.
To calculate the pressure we follow the formula
Pressure=
Substituting F = 800N and A = 200m2, we have
Pressure=
Pressure=4N/m2
The pressure is 4Pa.
Let’s look at an example of calculating area
A force of 200N exerts a pressure of 40N/m2. Calculate the area of the surface that the force is being applied to in square metres.
We can calculate the area using the formula
Area=
Substituting F = 200N and P=40 N/m2, we have
Area=
Area=5m2
N/m2
The area of the surface the force is being applied to is 5m2
Let’s look at an example of calculating force
A box has a cross sectional area of 1.2m2 and exerts a pressure of 60N/m2 on the ground. Calculate the force that the box exerts on the ground, in Newtons.
To find the force exerted, we can use the formula Force=Pressure×Area
As P = 60N/m2 and A = 1.2 m2, substituting these into the formula we get
Force=60N/m2×1.2m2
Force=72N
The force the box exerts on the ground is 72N.
with
for
(secondary consumers) and
rabbits (primary consumers). Animals at the top level of a food web are sometimes called top predators. They are the dominant predators in their ecosystem and do not have natural enemies. Brown bears are the top predators in some northern forests of North America. Killer whales are top predators in the Antarctic marine ecosystem. (Britannica Kids) A food web
By Katha Pollitt
They feed no flocks. Bread failed from their meagre kernels would starve out even an anchorite if any tried to force these idle flats to a spiritual purpose. At Stonington, at Seabright, they stand, not waiting, only swaying a little in the wind, as though to be a fact among other facts— to reflect their one particular shade of pale yellowish green, along with clouds and whatever occasional bird happens to fly over, into a transient pool that the tide will shortly come back for— in some sense, if not ours, should be enough.
(Source: Poetry [October 1980])
You invent a new sport that combines elements from your favourite games. Describe the rules, how it’s played, and why it would be exciting to watch.
The recommendations for the substantive appointments of Justice Roxane George as Chancellor of the Judiciary and Justice Navindra Singh as Chief Justice remain unchanged, President Dr Irfaan Ali has confirmed on Wednesday.
“I had already expressed, through a letter to the then opposition leader [Aubrey Norton], my intentions of proposing the appointment of the Chancellor and the Chief Justice. That letter reaffirmed the position of the Government,” the President declared while responding to questions from the media on Wednesday.
Currently, Justice George is performing duties as acting Chancellor, and Justice Singh as acting chief Justice. They were appointed to these positions in August 2025.
Last October, President Ali had written to then Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton, seeking his agreement for the substantive appointments of Justice
George and Justice Singh in their respective posts, but this was never received.
Guyana has been without a substantive Chancellor and chief Justice for more than two decades, and there have been repeated calls from the legal fraternity for these key judicial positions to be permanently filled, with suggestions to change the requirements for these appointments.
Article 127 (1) of the Constitution of Guyana states: “The Chancellor and the Chief Justice shall each be appointed by the President, acting after obtaining the agreement of the Leader of the Opposition.”
This ‘agreement’ stipulation, however, has consistently resulted in political deadlock spanning over two decades and affecting five successive Presidential administrations.
“This is a grey area that we have to navigate carefully. The Government continued after winning the [September 2025] elections. In the continuity of Government, we have expressed or suggested, based on the Constitution, a recommendation in terms of the Chancellor and the chief Justice. That recommendation has not changed,” President Ali stated on
Attorney General (AG)
Anil Nandlall has announced that the Government is undertaking a comprehensive overhaul of its health and safety regulations to ensure they keep pace with the rapid transformation of workplaces across all sectors nationwide.
“We are currently reviewing the health and safety regulations of Guyana. The health and safety regulations or regulatory framework of Guyana are wholly antiquated and old and require an overhaul and modernisation,” he said during his programme Issues in the News on Tuesday.
According to Nandlall, this undertaking is much needed in light of the rapidly changing work environments countrywide.
“Over the last five to six years, there has even been a greater transformation, and the regulatory framework that existed before this unprecedented construction boom and economic boom that we are enjoying cannot regulate effectively and efficiently what is taking place now,” he explained.
“And if you think about it, you will see what I’m speaking about. We never had the size or the magnitude of construction that is taking place”, he added.
Referring to major
projects such as the new Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge, Nandlall highlighted the modern types of equipment and practices being employed now in construction.
“Look at the equipment that is being used now in construction. We never had an oil and gas sector before. We now have a large oil and gas sector. So, the regulatory framework that existed dating back to the 50s and 60s can’t effectively regulate in the best interest of the welfare of everyone. Contractors, employers, employees, and other persons in close proximity are all going to be affected or are all exposed to the perils of an inadequate system,” Nandlall noted.
This initiative is being undertaken by the Labour and Manpower Planning
Ministry with support from the AG’s Chambers.
A few years ago, the then Labour Minister, Joseph Hamilton, had cited the need for more stringent penalties for persons who breach the occupational health and safety laws.
“Our legislation is not relevant to the times...our OSH legislation never envisioned oil and gas, so that also is a work in progress...we are engaged with the Attorney General’s Chambers to revamp and review this legislation...” Hamilton had noted in February 2024.
Thirteen workplace fatalities and 64 non-fatal incidents were recorded between January and April 2026, current Minister Keoma Griffith disclosed during the Occupational Safety and Health Symposium 2026 in April.
Wednesday.
Guyana’s last substantive Chancellor was Justice Desiree Bernard, who served until 2005 when she left to join the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). Since then, Justice Carl Singh was appointed acting Chancellor –a position he held until his retirement in 2017 without being confirmed.
Justice CummingsEdwards was then appointed acting Chancellor in 2017 by former President David Granger. He had also appointed Justice Roxane George as acting Chief Justice in 2017.
Prior to this, the late Justice Ian Chang was appointed acting chief Justice in 2005 and served in that position until his retirement in 2015.
Last year, Justice Cummings-Edwards proceeded on pre-retirement
leave, resulting in President Ali naming then-acting Chief Justice George as acting Chancellor of the Judiciary and Justice Singh to perform the duties of the office of Chief Justice.
In addition to local stakeholders, regional officials, including successive CCJ Presidents, have also lamented Guyana’s failure to have substantive appointments in its two top judicial posts.
Only last October, the then newly-appointed CCJ President Justice Winston Anderson sounded calls for the swift appointment of these substantive offices during a visit to Georgetown.
“It is a concern. The judiciary, of course, would like to see the Chancellor and the Chief Justice confirmed in their positions.
I’m not speaking of any particular person, but the Office of Chancellor and the Office of Chief Justice ought to be occupied by persons who are confirmed,” Justice Anderson told reporters.
The CCJ President had engaged the Government as well as the Parliamentary opposition parties during his visit to Guyana and contended that there is political will on all sides towards a resolution of this decades-long stalemate.
Guyana will soon be embarking on the public consultation phase of a national constitutional reform process, and this is likely to be one of the issues that could be addressed during this exercise.
Nevertheless, President Ali told reporters on Wednesday that he is committed to upholding the requirements of the Constitution when it comes to these important appointments. In fact, he noted that with the recent passing of two prominent members of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Chairman Patrick Findlay in January and Commissioner Clinton Conway in May, efforts should commence soon to fill these vacancies.
“The Appointments Committee of the Parliament has just been established. So definitely, wherever my role as President requires the constitutional functions to be executed, as President I strongly believe in democracy and the rule of law and governing in keeping with the Constitution; you can expect that I will uphold the requirements of the Constitution,” the head of state assured.
High Court Judge Gino Persaud on Thursday ruled that the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) acted unlawfully, unreasonably, and beyond the powers granted to it under the Customs Act in the case regarding alleged taxes owed by the Mohameds pertaining to the importation of a Ferrari and a Rolls-Royce.
As such, he restrained the agency from taking enforcement action over the two luxury vehicles at the centre of the dispute.
The cases stemmed from judicial review proceedings filed by Hana Mohamed and Bibi Mohamed, following the revocation of previously granted tax exemptions and the imposition of substantial additional tax liabilities, along with demands that the vehicles be surrendered.
In the case of Hana Mohamed, the dispute centred on a 2023 Rolls-Royce
Cullinan. The Court found that the GRA had acted outside its legal authority by attaching restrictive conditions to the vehicle’s tax exemption.
These conditions required that the vehicle be used solely as her primary means of transportation and that she reports to GRA every six months with documentation, including registration, insurance, and a certificate of fitness.
Justice Persaud ruled that such requirements were not authorised under the Customs Act and were arbitrary, unfair, unreasonable, irrational, and ultra vires.
As a result, the Court quashed the GRA’s decision to impose approximately $320,064,242 in additional taxes, set aside the requirement for the vehicle to be surrendered to the Revenue Authority’s Law Enforcement and Investigative Division, and
overturned the revocation of the tax exemption letter.
The court further granted a permanent injunction preventing the GRA from seizing or detaining the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, initiating forfeiture proceedings, or taking any steps to recover the disputed taxes arising from its March 26, 2025, decision.
A separate ruling addressed the case of a 2020 Ferrari 488 owned by Bibi Mohamed. In that matter, the Court similarly quashed the GRA’s decision to impose $479,743,489 in additional taxes and nullified its demand that the vehicle be surrendered.
The Court also set aside the revocation of tax exemption letters issued in July 2022 and January 2023.
However, unlike the Rolls-Royce case, the Court remitted one issue for further consideration by the Commissioner General of
the GRA.
This concerned whether Bibi Mohamed’s temporary absences from Guyana had been properly assessed.
Justice Persaud found that the Commissioner General had failed to properly exercise discretion in evaluating her explanations and directed that any fresh determination must be made lawfully and fairly.
However, the Court issued a permanent injunction preventing the GRA from seizing or detaining the Ferrari or pursuing forfeiture proceedings based on the disputed assessment while the matter is reconsidered.
In both cases, the Court ordered the GRA to pay $750,000 in costs to each applicant, to be settled by August 13, 2026. The Mohameds were represented by Attorneys Siand Dhurjon and Damien DaSilva.
Acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh on Monday quashed a ruling handed down by Magistrate Dylon Bess to dismiss four counts of money laundering charges for “want of prosecution”, thus signalling another successful judicial review by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU).
In July 2024, SOCU instituted four counts of criminal charges against Ian Jacobis, Ashiana Salamalay, Shameena Ahmad, and Shafee Ahmad for the offence of money laundering.
In February 2026, the SOCU matters were reassigned to Magistrate Dylon Bess and were adjourned to April 14, 2026, for ruling on a preliminary point. On April 14, 2026, SOCU prosecutors were informed by the clerk of the Diamond Magistrate’s Court that Magistrate Bess had proceeded on special leave following his father’s death and that the SOCU matters would be given a new date. Further, on April 20, 2026, SOCU prosecutors were in-
Magistrate Dylon Bess
formed by the court-assigned clerk that the SOCU matters were adjourned to June 4, 2026. Nevertheless, on May 6, 2026, Magistrate Dylon Bess dismissed the SOCU matters for “want of prosecution”, even though the case jackets recorded that the SOCU matters were adjourned to June 4, 2026, and after the fact that the court-appointed clerk had communicated and/ or informed the prosecution that SOCU matters were adjourned to June 4, 2026. As such, SOCU filed judi-
cial review proceedings in the High Court seeking several declarations and an order of certiorari, quashing the decision of Magistrate Dylon Bess to dismiss the four SOCU matters for want of prosecution.
In that review, SOCU contended that the learned Magistrate’s decision was improper, arbitrary and unfair, unreasonable and irrational, and capricious and irregular, as it was made in the absence of, and without the knowledge of, and was done without first hearing from the prosecution.
In those proceedings, Magistrate Bess recounted that he asked the defence counsel, Latchmie Rahamat, to inform the prosecution that the SOCU matters were set for hearing on May 6, 2026.
Rahamat then applied for the SOCU matters to be dismissed for want of prosecution after informing the court that despite repeated calls to SOCU prosecutors, SOCU seemed uninterested or had abandoned the SOCU matters. Consequently, Magistrate Bess dismissed
the SOCU matters for want of prosecution.
Interestingly, SOCU prosecutors were never contacted, informed, or notified by defence counsel Rahamat that the SOCU matters were fixed, set, adjourned, or being heard on May 6, 2026.
Chief Justice Singh highlighted that the adjournment in April 2026 was not for the purpose of taking evidence or active prosecution since the SOCU matters were adjourned for the Magistrate to review prior pre-trial rulings, which was not caused by prosecutorial default.
One thing that never fails to amaze your Eyewitness – and he’s a jaded old sod who’s been around the block and some!! – is the new Opposition’s penchant for bemoaning the level of poverty in Guyana while decked out in finery befitting GQ or a Balenciaga fashion show!! On a more practical level, can Sanction Man actually SEE the poor slobs he seeks out – from behind those ultra-dark glasses?? Or his Sissie and that one-woman party leader swishing circumspectly around the muddy huts in their Prada shoes!
Now don’t get your Eyewitness wrong. Just because someone’s in politics doesn’t mean they gotta dress in sackcloth and ashes!! But still, they should have a sense of proportion so that the messenger can’t be so dissonant from the message. It debunks the premises of that message, no?? And signals that a whole lotta hypocrisy is in play!! We see the same types running NGOs for the poor.
The US taught us about “poverty pimps” who were exposed by Thomas Sowell, the black Harvard Sociologist writing about “whole classes of people living off the poor. The latter are a commodity to these people, who include not only local politicians, community activists and smalltime hustlers, but also people with impressive titles and academic credentials, who likewise milk the larger society in the name of the poor.” In Guyana, where the Government money spigot’s only recently been opened up, haven’t these Opposition MPs been collecting their mega salaries – and their duty-free vehicle and other perks? But strike that for Sanction Man – he’d already cheated on the duties of the Rolls and Lambos for him and his Sissie!!
But now that the Govt’s money spigot’s been opened, we should learn to recognise local practitioners of poverty pimping. Sowell’s satirical poem, “Poverty Pimps”, describes them well: “Let us celebrate the poor, let us hawk them door to door. There’s a market for their pain, votes and glory and money to gain. Let us celebrate the poor. Their ills, their sins, their faulty diction. Flavour our songs and spice our fiction. Their hopes and struggles and agonies, get us grants and consulting fees. Celebrate thugs and clowns, give their ignorance all renown. Celebrate what holds them down, in our academic gowns. Let us celebrate the poor”!!
Here in ole Mudland, the targeted poor are called “Scrapeheads” – as in having their brains scraped out!! So rather than preparing them to take advantage of the programmes – educational, entrepreneurship, loans, housing, etc – to pull themselves out of poverty, these Poverty Pimps gonna keep up a constant litany of accusations of “corruption” or “favouritism!! But then they couldn’t exist if the Government wiped out their constituency!!
They gotta ensure the biblical prophecy – “The poor shall always be with us”! – is fulfilled!!
…the confused
Your Eyewitness sees the Opposition rather confused about their role – in fighting for a constituency they claim is excluded!! He recommends MLK’s successful strategy in a few simple steps. Step one begins by instructing that the activist becomes thoroughly informed about the injustice, and then educates others about it. Teaching is through ACTION rather than words, and in this way, one transforms oneself. Trouble is the PNC demagogues on social media are so convinced about violent confrontation that to them everything else is “showing weakness”!!
In step two, negotiations are opened up with opponents, using win-win scenarios and committing to non-violent approaches!! And then – only if unsuccessful – in step three, direct action such as sit-ins, marches, petitions, etc, are launched. Finally – as Mandela demonstrated magnanimously in South Africa – you gotta attempt to reconcile with your opponents.
After all, if you care about our country, ultimately, we gotta have to live together and build our nation together!!
Restorative rather than retributive justice can heal many wounds!!
…negativity
Some believe “we are what we eat”. Maybe that’s true for the physical body! But for success in the world, your Eyewitness believes “we are what we think”.
So, could Opposition leaders please dump their continuous negativity?
– as $5.9B invested in housing
With an investment of $5.924 billion in housing development across Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) between 2020 and 2026, the Government is working to clear the housing backlog by 90 per cent by 2027.
The investment, made through the Housing Ministry's Central Housing and Planning Authority
(CHPA), has supported the development of new housing schemes and critical infrastructure, significantly increasing access to house lots while enhancing roads, utilities, and other essential services for thousands of families.
This reinforces the Government’s commitment to expanding homeownership opportunities and
improving communities throughout the region.
According to a report by the Department of Public Information (DPI), areas such as Charity, Onderneeming, and Hoff Van Aurich have already seen major investments. These include roads, drainage networks, and essential infrastructure developed to support existing and future
homeowners.
The largest investment thus far was in 2025, when more than $3.45 billion was allocated for infrastructure works at Onderneeming Phase Four, Hoff Van Aurich, and road upgrades, benefiting an estimated 4600 residents.
However, a further $440 million has been earmarked for 2026 to continue infrastructure development and road upgrades in the region.
The Government has also allocated 1693 house lots in the region between 2021 and May 2026, benefiting approximately 6000 persons. As of December 2025, the region had a backlog of 2523 applications.
Meanwhile, the Housing Ministry is moving to address the remaining backlog. Currently, more than 4300 new lots are be-
ing developed in areas including Hoff Van Aurich, Onderneeming, Richmond, Charity, and the rear of Cullen and Perseverance.
The Government has also processed more than 200 certificates of title and transports and allocated 117 informal lots, giving hundreds of families greater security of tenure and a better chance at homeownership.
Back in May, Vice President (VP) Dr Bharrat Jagdeo had residents that the Government is aggressively moving to address housing challenges and announced that all eligible applicants are expected to receive house lots within the 18 months.
He had also explained that one of the major challenges currently facing the housing sector is the limited availability of land.
However, he noted that the Government has already taken steps to address this constraint by actively purchasing additional lands to facilitate expansion.
According to the VP, these newly acquired lands will be used to develop the necessary infrastructure, including roads and utilities, to support the establishment of new housing schemes. This, he said, will ensure that more Guyanese can benefit from house lot allocations in a timely manner.
He also assured residents that by the end of 2027, the housing situation will see marked improvement, as the Government continues to respond to the growing demand and work towards ensuring that every eligible applicant has access to land for housing.
In a move that signals regional leadership amid the country’s deepening resource governance reforms, Guyana has been selected to sit on the International Board of the Extractive Industries
circular, follows a rigorous four-month regional nomination and consensus-building process that ran from February 11 to June 24, 2026.
According to the missive from the Government,
transparency policy, even as the Ministry of Natural Resources actively drives domestic structural and legal updates to align with the evolving EITI Standard,” the missive detailed.
Commenting on the
Transparency Initiative (EITI) for the next three years.
In a statement on Thursday, the Guyanese Government revealed that Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat was officially nominated as a Principal Member of the Implementing Country Constituency on the EITI Board.
In this high-level international capacity, Bharrat will represent the entire Latin American and Caribbean region for the 2026-2029 term.
This appointment, which was announced on Tuesday by the EITI International Secretariat via an official
as Guyana’s national EITI Champion, Bharrat’s elevation to the international governing body arrives at a definitive moment for the country’s own resource management.
“Guyana is currently undergoing its comprehensive 2026 EITI Validation process, which formally commenced on May 15, 2026. This intensive global evaluation assesses the country’s progress in resource transparency, data disclosure, and tri-sector collaboration among Government, industry, and civil society.”
“By securing a seat on the international board, Guyana positions itself at the forefront of regional
appointment, Minister Bharrat emphasised that his role on the international board will not only amplify the voice of Latin America and the Caribbean in global extractive governance but will also reinforce Guyana’s unwavering domestic commitment to open data, beneficial ownership disclosure, and accountable revenue tracking across its rapidly expanding oil, gas, and mining sectors.
EITI is a Norwegianbased organisation that seeks to establish a global standard for the governance of oil, gas, and mineral resources. It aims to address key governance issues in the extractive sec-
tors, promoting an open and accountable management of oil, gas, and mineral resources.
Guyana signed up for the EITI in 2017 at a time when the country was producing mainly gold, bauxite, and diamonds. Two years later, the country started produc-
ing oil and gas in December 2019.
Guyana has been using the EITI platform to report on its mining, oil and gas, forestry, and fisheries sectors.
According to the EITI website, the country has published five reports
since becoming an EITI implementing country. The Guyana EITI (GYEITI) has been working on the systematic disclosure of extractives data, strengthening the disclosures of extractive contracts and beneficial ownership, and informing policies and debate on the regulatory framework of the oil and gas sector and the management of the country’s sovereign wealth fund.
In April 2022, Guyana’s comprehensive validation against the 2019 standard found that the country had achieved a ‘fairly low’ overall score in implementing the EITI standard.
However, following an extension of the commencement of validation, the EITI Board agreed to proceed with a full comprehensive 2026 EITI validation process that got underway in May and is still ongoing. This evaluation assesses data disclosure, revenue tracking, and stakeholder engagement.
said, “We are close to the completion of the tendering of the documents. Hopefully, next Wednesday we can complete...”
The paper committal proceedings, which commenced earlier this month, were adjourned to Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 13:30h.
Among the exhibits presented on Thursday were several videos showing the Mobil Service Station at Regent and King Streets,
Boodram, as well as Guyanese-Venezuelan Krystal LaCruz. They are facing terrorism-related charges stemming from the bombing that claimed the life of six-year-old Soraya Bourne.
Poedemo is charged under Section 3(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act with allegedly placing and detonating an explosive device with the intent to threaten Guyana’s security and sovereignty or to
The paper committal proceedings in the deadly October 2025 Mobil Service Station bombing case are nearing completion, with acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty expressing hope that the tendering of evidence will conclude at the next hearing.
Georgetown, in the aftermath of the explosion, as well as footage of surrounding areas.
At Thursday’s continuation of the proceedings before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, the prosecution tendered several additional video exhibits as the court continued reviewing documentary evidence to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to commit the four accused to stand trial in the High Court in Demerara.
At the conclusion of the hearing, which commenced at 13:30h and ended at approximately 15:15h, Acting Chief Magistrate McGusty
The court also viewed a video-recorded Police interview with accused Jennifer Rodriguez conducted at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters, interviews with other individuals connected to the investigation, a recorded Police interview with former accused Ramesh Pramdeo, video interviews with Police ranks, and footage captured inside a house and what appeared to be a bar.
The proceedings form part of a paper committal, a process in which the court determines whether sufficient documentary evidence exists to establish a prima facie case and commit an accused to stand trial without hearing live testimony.
Senior Police Legal Advisor Mandel Moore has been tendering a substantial body of evidence gathered during the investigation, including dozens of witness statements, forensic and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) reports, documentary evidence and numerous video exhibits.
The four accused before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty are Venezuelan nationals Daniel Alexander Ramirez Poedemo, Alexander Bettancourt and Johnny
terrorise the public, resulting in the death of the sixyear-old child.
Bettancourt, Boodram and LaCruz are jointly charged with aiding and abetting Poedemo in the commission of the alleged terrorist act.
They are not required to enter pleas at this stage of
Dead: Soraya Bourne
the proceedings and remain on remand pending the outcome of the paper committal. Each of the accused has retained legal counsel.
The charges stem from the October 26, 2025, explosion at the Mobil Service Station at the corner of Regent and King Streets, Georgetown, where an explosive device detonated while Bourne was seated in a vehicle with family members.
As Guyana and India celebrate 60 years of formal diplomatic relations, Guyana's High Commissioner to India, Dharamkumar Seeraj, says the bilateral partnership is entering a new phase driven by energy cooperation, infrastructure development, health care, digital transformation, and investment.
Speaking in an interview with StratNews Global, Seeraj reflected on the historical foundations of the relationship while outlining new opportunities for Indian companies in Guyana's rapidly expanding economy.
He noted that while the countries established diplomatic relations in 1966, their shared history dates back to the arrival of Indian indentured labourers in Guyana following the abolition of slavery.
"2026 marks 60 years since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between Guyana and India, but our history goes way beyond that because the first person of Indian origin to arrive on the shores of Guyana did so 189 years ago, when they landed on the shores of the Berbice River on the 5th of May, 1838," Seeraj said.
"We have come a long way; from the time of bringing people from India to work on the sugar plantations in Guyana under the indentureship programme, we are now an independent nation, and we are still bringing some people from India to Guyana, and they have been working there in several sectors: infrastructure, energy, health, and
education, and we are quite happy about that."
Oil-producing nation
Seeraj said Guyana's emergence as one of the world's newest oil producers has opened a significant new chapter in relations with India. During the past year, India has imported around four million barrels of Guyanese crude, and Seeraj expressed hope that Indian participation in Guyana's upstream energy sector would expand.
"We would like Indian companies to get involved in the oil and gas sector of Guyana. "We are auctioning off oil blocks, and we hope that Indian companies will bid for these blocks because we want as diverse a range of players in the oil and gas sector as possible," he said.
"If Indian companies, and even if the Government of India, bid for these blocks, and it's a competitive process, we would very much welcome their participation in exploration, drilling, and ultimately the production of oil and gas."
He said Guyana's light sweet crude provides an attractive option for India's growing energy demand. "India needs a significant amount of energy, of oil and gas, and we will be very happy to be a part of the energy mix for India," he said.
Discussing the impact of instability in West Asia, Seeraj pointed out that the ongoing disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz reinforced the importance of diversifying energy supplies. He acknowledged that while high-
er oil prices benefited Guyana as a crude exporter, the country also faced increased costs because it imports refined petroleum products.
Seeraj also took the opportunity to highlight the growing presence of Indian companies across Guyana's infrastructure sector, noting that cooperation has evolved considerably since an Indian firm built Guyana's National Stadium for the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup. He said Indian firms are now involved in road construction, electricity transmission, renewable energy, and airport infrastructure.
"Currently, the number of companies and the volume of work being done in diversified infrastructure development projects has increased. We have moved from cricket stadiums and sports infrastructure to transportation infrastructure, to energy infrastructure, and health infrastructure," he noted.
Health care
He also pointed to increasing Indian participation in education and health care. "We also have the human resources factor, with Indian experts in the areas of medicine, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and renewable sectors, who have been assisting Guyana with our infrastructure development," he said.
Seeraj said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Guyana in December 2024 only served to accelerate bilateral cooperation. Among the most significant developments, he highlighted the
In addition, he noted that the Magistrate did not sit in April 2026, and the prosecution did not fail to attend or fail to proceed on that date while adding that the prosecution being told by the court office that the new date was June 4 may well have resulted from reliance on information communicated by the court itself rather than neglect or abandonment of the prosecution.
Chief Justice Singh, in ruling, reasoned that “a dismissal for want of prosecution in May 2026 was problematic since a dismissal for want of prosecution generally presupposes some culpable failure by the prosecution to diligently pursue the matter; and if the prosecution was genuinely informed by the court office that the matter was adjourned to June 4, then the absence on May 6 was arguably induced by the court administration itself.”
In granting relief, the High Court held that “a court should ordinarily be slow to penalise a party for relying on information provided by court staff, espe-
cially where the communication relates to an adjourned date, as the overriding consideration is fairness.”
The court further stated that “fairness would require a Magistrate to enquire into the reason for the prosecution’s absence; to ascertain whether notice of May 6 was properly given; to determine whether the prosecution was aware of the May 6 date; and to consider whether the absence reflected genuine neglect or merely administrative confusion.” Hence, the court found that an immediate dismissal without such inquiry was drastic.
Hence, Magistrate Dylon Bess’s dismissal was accordingly quashed, and he was ordered to pay costs in the sum of $50,000 to SOCU for wrongfully dismissing the cases.
The head of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), Deputy Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh, emphasised that it is unfortunate that SOCU had to resort to court action again against Magistrate Dylon Bess, since this is the second sub-
world-record long-distance robotic telesurgery performed between Guyana and India in May 2026.
"Guyana and India established a global record on the 26th of May, 2026, for the longest distance telesurgery ever," he said.
According to Seeraj, health care remains one of the strongest pillars of bilateral cooperation. He noted that Guyana sources the overwhelming majority of its pharmaceuticals from India. "Our pharmaceuticals, I would say about 75 to 80 per cent of all our pharmaceuticals that we import come from India. So, it's an area that is very competitive for us because of the price and also because of the quality," he said.
He noted that Guyana aims to become a regional health care hub, inspired in part by India's own success in medical tourism.
"One of President Irfaan Ali's visions is to establish Guyana as a health hub in the Caribbean. We want to provide health tourism for the Caribbean and Latin America and even North America, similar to what India is doing," he said.
He also highlighted a recently signed memorandum of understanding between Guyana's Ministry of Health and India's National Cancer Institute in Nagpur to support cancer treatment, medical training, and research col-
laboration.
Bauxite
Looking towards the future, Seeraj said Guyana sees substantial opportunities for Indian investment in bauxite mining and mineral processing.
"The one importer who is bringing bauxite to India needs 12,000 tonnes per month for his aluminium plant alone, and he's only able to import between 3000 and 4000 tonnes of bauxite per month. So, there is huge scope for Indian companies to get involved in the mining of bauxite in Guyana because we have a supply deficit," he said.
He also encouraged Indian investment in value-added industries such as diamond cutting, jewellery manufacturing, and gold processing.
Seeraj also praised India's digital payments ecosystem and said Guyana is working
towards implementing its own nationwide digital payment platform.
"I would like Guyana to be where India is currently, with a Unified Payment Interface. Guyana desperately needs a unified payment platform. We are in an advanced phase of rolling out a digital payment platform that all of our vendors and all of our consumers will be able to use to effect payments for all transactions," he said.
Seeraj also spoke about the two nations' defence cooperation, which he noted expanded through India's US$100 million line of credit, which Guyana is using to modernise its defence capabilities.
"We have drawn down about 40 or 45 per cent of it already. I expect that we will be utilising all of it in areas that our Guyana Defence Force will deem as priority areas,” he said.
FROM PAGE 8
sequent judicial review proceeding being brought against Magistrate Dylon Bess by SOCU in recent months and the High Court is ruling against his decisions, which clearly shows that he is not complying with the statutory requirements as a Magistrate.
The Deputy Commissioner further lamented that it’s disgusting and unfair that his agency, SOCU, has to be resorting to court action regularly against Magistrates and having their decisions overturned by a higher court because of a failure to comply with the laws they are appointed to adjudicate upon.
The Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) was represented by attorneys-at-law and prosecutors David Brathwaite and Darin Chan; Magistrate Dylon Bess was represented by state counsel from the Attorney General’s Chambers, while the respondents were represented by defence counsel Latchmie Rahamat and Naresh Poonai.
Guyana’s premier fashion event, ORIGINS, opens this evening at the Railway Courtyard, ushering in three nights of fashion, creativity, culture, and culinary experiences as some of the country’s leading designers showcase their latest collections.
The festival is one of several initiatives spearheaded by the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry to advance Guyana’s Orange Economy.
The event is being staged in collaboration with the Office of the Prime Minister and the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry with a focus on strengthening the country’s creative industries and promoting local talent.
Thirty designers will participate in this year’s festival, with 10 designers showcasing each night.
The line-up includes es-
tablished names in the local fashion industry alongside emerging designers who are being given a platform to present their work.
In addition to the runway shows, the final night will feature five awards recognising excellence within the industry.
Additionally, subject Minister Susan Rodrigues said during a recent interview related that this year’s festival places a stronger emphasis on capacity building and industry development.
She stated that designers have benefited from workshops to improve craftsmanship and production techniques, while models have undergone intensive professional training ahead of the event.
Rodrigues mentioned that the wider goal is to ensure talented Guyanese can
build sustainable careers in the creative industries.
“We want young people with talent to be able to rely on those talents for a living. We don’t want it to be a side job or a side gig. We want this to be your career,” she said.
The ORIGINS Guyana Fashion Festival forms part of the Government’s goal to expand the country’s tourism and orange economy sectors while showcasing Guyanese creativity to local and international audiences.
Visitors will also be able to browse a marketplace featuring local fashion pieces available for purchase, as well as a Taste of Guyana village highlighting Guyanese cuisine. Gates will open at 17:00h each evening, with the fashion presentations beginning at 18:30h.
As Venezuela continues to recover from the devastating earthquakes that struck the country on June 24, 2026, Banks DIH Limited has done its part in donating 2400 cases of Rainforest Water and 7560 cartons of Triscuit crackers and biscuits for distribution to families affected by the disaster.
est damage recorded in La Guaira and Caracas.
The twin earthquakes, with a magnitude 7.2 foreshock followed seconds later by a magnitude 7.5 mainshock, both centred in the Veroes municipality of Yaracuy, have caused widespread destruction across Venezuela, with the heavi-
The death toll has surpassed 2200, with thousands more injured and tens of thousands displaced from their homes. The scale of this tragedy is immense.
Thousands of families have lost homes, loved ones, and livelihoods virtually
overnight. The company, in a missive, stated that it is their hope that this contribution brings some measure of comfort to those working through unimaginable circumstances.
The donation was handed over to the Civil Defence Commission on July 1, 2026, for onwards distribution to communities in need. Communications executive for the company, Sonya Forrester, related, “The scale of this disaster is heart-breaking. Venezuela is our neighbour, and at Banks DIH Limited, we believe that when a neighbouring nation is suffering, we have a responsibility to respond. We hope this donation provides some comfort to families who have lost so much.”
In addition, the company extends its deepest condolences to all those who have lost loved ones in this tragedy.
As Guyana prepares for dry, intense weather conditions brought on by the El Niño period, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) has sounded a call for all citizens across our 10 administrative regions to practise extreme caution.
El Niño is a large-scale climate pattern that is typically associated with drier-than-normal conditions and increased heat across Guyana, particularly during the second half of the year.
In light of this, the GFS stated that with soaring temperatures and dried-out vegetation, a small spark can rapidly transform into an unmanageable grass or structural fire.
As such, the GFS is urging citizens to refrain from burning garbage, dried leaves, or yard waste since, under El Niño conditions, sudden wind gusts can carry embers into dry grass or nearby buildings instantly.
In addition, farmers are urged to avoid using agricultural burning to clear land and, as such, seek safer alternatives, such as composting or manual clearing, to
minimise wildfire risks.
Further, the GFS called on Guyanese to remove dried grass, heaps of wood, and dead bushes from around their yards, adding that creating a clean buffer zone around your home helps halt the progress of a grass fire.
“High temperatures put a strain on our electrical grid. Prevent electrical fires by unplugging appliances that are not in use and avoid overloading power strips,” the GFS added.
However, with school out or children spending more time at home, parents and guardians are warned about leaving matches and lighters in areas that can be easily accessible.
With respect to businesses and farms, they are urged to establish effective firebreaks (clear strips of land with no vegetation) to protect properties from approaching bushfires while adding that heavy machinery and vehicles must be well-maintained to prevent exhaust sparks from igniting parched grass.
Back in May, the
Hydrometeorological Service of the Ministry of Agriculture reported that Guyana could face hotter temperatures, prolonged dry spells, water shortages and an increased risk of wildfires later this year as El Niño conditions are expected to develop within the next two to four months.
Its effects are expected to become more noticeable from July and continue through the remainder of 2026, with the most intense heat likely between mid-August and October.
Nevertheless, the Hydrometeorological Service noted that drier conditions are expected to intensify between August and December, particularly during the main dry season from August to mid-November.
Meanwhile, the Hydrometeorological Service stated that the seasonal outlook is updated monthly and encouraged the public to monitor daily weather forecasts and advisories issued by the National Weather Watch Centre as conditions continue to evolve.
Several members of her family were injured, while nearby buildings and vehicles also sustained significant damage.
The current proceedings involve four of the original seven accused.
In April, Guyanese nationals Ramesh Pramdeo and Wayne Correia were discharged after Magistrate Alisha George of the Leonora Magistrate’s Court upheld a no-case submission, finding insufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case against them.
However, their former co-accused, Venezuelan national Jennifer Rodriguez, was committed to stand trial in the High Court on a charge of aiding and abetting terrorism after the court found sufficient evidence against her.
Rodriguez remains on
remand and is expected to stand trial at the next practicable sitting of the Demerara Criminal Assizes.
During interrogation, Poedemo reportedly admitted that he and one of his accomplices arrived in Guyana illegally by boat hours before the terrorist attack.
In a confession statement, he allegedly indicated that he had brought the bomb from Venezuela
and activated it when he exited a vehicle at the gas station. It was also confirmed that he is a member of a Sindicato gang named “Organisation R” in his home country.
The Government has previously indicated that it will seek the death penalty against those convicted in the case under Guyana’s anti-terrorism legislation, which provides for capital punishment where a terrorist act results in death. FROM PAGE 12
Guyana’s black belly sheep herd has expanded by 500 per cent since 2020, growing from an initial 1000 animals imported from Barbados to more than 5000 to date, according to the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA).
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), Dwight Walrond, during a pre-recorded interview released by the government, described the Black Belly Sheep Project as a transformative programme.
He said that the growth reflects ongoing efforts to improve genetics, boost productivity, and strengthen the country’s livestock sector. The project, launched by the Government of Guyana
in collaboration with the Government of Barbados in 2022, forms part of a broader regional effort to reduce reliance on imported meat products and develop a sustainable sheep production industry within the Caribbean.
Aimed at reducing Caricom’s food import bill by 25 per cent by 2030, the multi-million-dollar programme partners with Barbados to build a sustainable regional sheep and mutton industry.
During his presentation, Dr Waldron posited that the undertaking in 2022 has been transformative for Guyana’s livestock sector by providing farmers with access to improved sheep genetics after years of limited genetic investment.
According to him, the ini-
tiative has enhanced farmers’ productivity and income potential while delivering positive returns for beneficiaries. He added that the project also supports the government’s policy of increasing women’s participation in agriculture, highlighting Region Five as an example where many women have benefited from the programme.
He added that for 2025, two of the most outstanding farmers in the country are female breeders, and they are currently reaping the benefits and making substantial income.
“There are two females who are now full-time farmers because of this project. When you look at the technical coefficients emanating from this programme –the birth weight, the weight gained per day, and so on – of the lambs from this project, it is actually amazing to see what the farmers are doing.”
“They are taking advantage of small spaces of land with improved forage; they are allowing the black-belly sheep to express its true genetic potential. It is an initiative that we partnered with Barbados on, and we brought in 1000 black belly sheep... As the CEO of the Guyana Livestock Development Authority, I want to assure Guyana that those genetic materials are in good hands. They are in a good place.
We received 1000, and we are now in excess of 5000 in terms of increase from what we would have received from Barbados. We could be approximately approaching 7000 by now.”
Meanwhile, Dr Walrond has revealed that more than 450 Guyanese farmers have benefited from the government’s ORIGINS Belly Sheep Project since its launch in 2022, describing the initiative as a transformative programme.
“In terms of those who have benefited directly, we had in excess of 450 beneficiaries. These are farmers, not ‘wannabe’ farmers. These
are farmers who are involved in the rearing of black-belly sheep. And what we found is that we are now at the third generation with some of these farms. We are now injecting fresh genetics into those farms to ensure that the Barbados Black Belly is good for its prolific nature. You will have a lot of twins, triplets, and so on.”
Although the Barbados Black Belly is known for producing twins and triplets, Walrond posited that the crossbreeding programme aims at creating a meatier animal to strengthen the country’s sheep industry and support the development of a
premium product.
“We are now injecting fresh genetics into those farms to ensure that because the Barbados Black Belly is good for its prolific nature, you will have a lot of twins, triplets, and so on. But in terms of meatiness, you would not have that like the other meat breeds, like the Dorper. We have introduced those genetics. So, we are now injecting some of those meat breeds into the Barbados Black Belly to give us a better product. And you will hear ministers speaking about that brand. Well, we are moving very rapidly towards that.”
emerara Bank
DLimited on Thursday stated that it approved more than $1 billion in loans and over $36 million in Visa credit during the recently-concluded International Building Expo 2026 held at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD).
The banking institution, in a statement, related that over the four-day event, its representatives engaged with hundreds of patrons who stopped by its booths –not just to ask about interest rates or loan amounts, but to talk about their dreams.
Among them were young professionals planning their first homes, newly-married couples preparing for the future, parents wanting more space for their children, and entrepreneurs looking to build a better life for their families.
However, during the exercise, the bank was impressed with the number of home loan applications received from people under the age of 30. This, the bank stated, tells them something important – a new genera-
tion of Guyanese is thinking differently.
“They are choosing to invest in their future earlier. They are choosing home ownership over years of renting. They are choosing to build wealth from the start of their careers, and Demerara Bank says it is proud to help make that possible,” the bank stated in a missive.
The Expo also showed what modern banking should look like, where customers no longer want complicated paperwork, long waiting times, or multiple trips to complete a single application.
In fact, over the past several years, Demerara Bank has quietly transformed the way it processes home loans. By investing in digital solutions and smarter internal workflows, the bank says it has simplified the journey from application to approval and, ultimately, to disbursement for qualified customers.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the banking institution, Dowlat Parbhu, said the bank’s purpose extends well beyond financing
homes.
“Every application represents a person who has placed their trust in us at one of the most important moments in their life. We never lose sight of that responsibility. Our role is not simply to approve loans; it is to help people move forward. When we make banking easier, we make life a little easier too, and that is what continues to drive our investment in innovation and
customer service.”
Supporting this, the bank stated that the Expo also highlighted the growing confidence customers have in digital banking. From home loan inquiries and new account openings to digital banking, Visa Credit Cards, FloPay merchant services, and Ria Money Transfer, customers embraced solutions that allow them to manage their finances more conveniently and with great-
er flexibility.
Banking, and banking-related activity are no longer something that should only happen during business hours or within the walls of a branch. Its vision is to place banking at customers’ fingertips: securely, conveniently, and wherever life takes them.
“Watching so many young Guyanese take the first step towards owning a home gives us tremendous
confidence in the future of our country. These are investments that strengthen families, communities, and our national economy. We are committed to making that journey as simple and accessible as possible for every customer,” the bank said.
While the approvals recorded at the expo were significant, Demerara Bank stated that the real success lies in every family that will soon move into a home of their own.
“It is in every young professional who chooses to build equity instead of paying rent. It is in every customer who discovers that banking can be simple, fast, and built around their lifestyle.”
Meanwhile, Demerara Bank believes that at the end of the day, its purpose is not simply to provide financial services, but rather to help people build better lives.
“If the bank can make the journey to home ownership easier, faster, and more accessible along the way, it says it will know it is doing exactly what a modern bank should do.”
A43-year-old securi-
ty guard who survived last week’s devastating earthquakes in Venezuela thanks to a pocket of air in his workstation cabin has been pulled from the collapsed basement of a shopping centre amid huge cheers from international rescue teams.
Hernán Alberto Gil Flores had been trapped for eight days under the rubble of the Galerías Playa Grande in the port city of La Guaira since the back-toback quakes struck.
Gil Flores, who worked as a nightshift security guard at the shopping centre, was inside his small security cabin when the first violent tremor struck. While the surrounding concrete structure collapsed around him, his cabin shielded him from crushing debris and created a vital pocket of air.
A specialised team from the Costa Rican Red Cross (CRRC) first detected signs
of life and established contact with him on Sunday.
“When we found him, he asked us not to tell his wife that he was alive, just in case he wouldn’t make it,”
Minyar Collado, a member of the CRRC team, said. But, four days later on Thursday, teams carrying flags from across the world cheered as rescuers carried Gil Flores on a stretcher covered in an orange tarp through throngs of people
into a Red Cross ambulance.
Gil Flores’s wife, Gusbimar González, said her despair had given way to hope when she heard he was still alive.
The operation was coordinated by an urban search and rescue team of Chilean firefighters, who worked around the clock with specialist teams from the US, Portugal and Mexico, among others. (Excerpt from The Guardian)
The US State Department has designated the Ecuadorean gang Chone Killers as a foreign “terrorist organisation”, imposing sanctions on a crime group that Washington has accused of carrying out attacks on civilians and public officials.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the gang has also been classified as a “Specially Designated Global Terrorist”.
“Chone Killers has committed numerous attacks targeting civilians, law enforcement officers and Government officials, including high-profile assassinations of public officials,” Rubio said in a statement announcing the designations.
The move against the Ecuadorean street gang is part of a broader campaign by US President Donald Trump’s Administration on organised crime and drug trafficking in Latin America.
The Trump Administration has designated several other Latin American gangs and drug cartels as “terrorist” organisations, including Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua and the Mexican Sinaloa cartel.
“The Trump Administration, in partnership with Ecuador and President Daniel Noboa, will continue to protect our hemisphere by keeping illicit drugs off our streets and disrupting the revenue streams funding violent narco-terrorists,” Rubio said. Rubio also alleged that
Alleged members of the Chone Killers gang are presented to the media during a Police operation in Duran, Ecuador
Ecuadorean gangs help Mexican cartels transport and export illegal drugs, which he said fund “terrorism” and other criminal activity.
Ecuador’s Ministry of
Foreign Affairs welcomed the US decision, saying it reflected Washington’s strong support for Noboa’s campaign against criminal organisations. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Dominica’s PM urges US to reconsider visa restriction “at the soonest opportunity”
Dominica’s Prime Minister (PM) Roosevelt Skerrit on Thursday said he hopes the US would “at the soonest opportunity” reconsider its visa restriction policy that has affected a number of Dominicans seeking medical treatment and educational opportunities in the North American country.
Skerrit recalled that in February this year, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had indicated that Washington would review by June of this year the visa arrangement.
In an executive order issued last December, President Donald Trump said that, apart from Dominica, nationals of Antigua and Barbuda and Haiti would also be affected by the immigration policy.
Trump had said that during his first Administration, he had restricted the entry of certain
foreign nationals into the United States to prevent national security and public safety threats from reaching US borders.
He said that some of these countries have offered citizenship-by-investment (CBI) without residency requirements, which pose challenges for screening and vetting.
Trump said both Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica have “historically had CBI
without residency” and that the entry into the United States of nationals of these two countries as immigrants and as non-immigrants on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas is suspended.
PM Skerrit told reporters that while Roseau has been holding discussions with Washington on the issue, “it’s not a decision for the Government of Dominica to make.” (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)
St Lucia: Fire Chief says all COPD emergencies involve men
Chief Fire Officer Ditney Downes is asking men across the country to stop smoking and take COPD seriously, revealing that every emergency related to this lung disease handled by the fire service so far has involved male patients.
Downes said that respiratory emergencies are putting a lot of pressure on ambulance services, and most of these calls are due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
He said that 95 per cent of the respiratory emergencies were related to COPD.
“I want to plead to our
T&T:
young men because the statistics show that 100 per cent are males. So, apparently, the females are doing something our males are not doing. I want to plead to our young men that COPD is not a joke. It’s a very serious disease,” he said.
This trend has continued in 2026. So far this year, the Saint Lucia Fire Service has responded to 6762 ambulance calls, including 572 related to COPD.
At the current rate, the fire service expects total ambulance calls in 2026 to be higher than last year.
Downes’ appeal comes as
health officials continue to warn about the dangers of smoking, one of the leading risk factors for COPD. The progressive lung disease can cause persistent breathing difficulties, chronic coughing and reduced lung function, often requiring emergency medical intervention in severe cases. The fire service is encouraging men, especially younger ones, to quit smoking, see a doctor if they have ongoing breathing problems, and make healthier choices to lower their risk of getting COPD.
(Excerpt from St Lucia Times)
Sewa TT readies $100K rescue equipment shipment to Venezuela
As rescue and recovery efforts continue in earthquake-rav-
Amedical student was shot during a protest Wednesday as students renewed demands for the relocation of Haiti’s largest public hospital, saying Government officials have failed to deliver on promises made after an earlier demonstration.
Milot Exantus, a student at the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of the State University of Haiti (UEH), was shot in the right arm during the July 1 march. Fellow students said his condition was stable.
The shooting occurred
during the students’ second demonstration in less than two weeks calling for the relocation and reopening of the State University Hospital of Haiti, commonly known as the General Hospital. The facility, Haiti’s largest public teaching hospital, has remained largely inoperable after repeated gang attacks left the surrounding downtown Port-au-Prince area under the control of armed groups.
The protests underscore the deepening impact of Haiti’s security crisis on the country’s already frag-
ile health care system. With the General Hospital effectively closed, hundreds of medical and nursing students have been unable to complete required clinical training while thousands of patients have lost access to one of Haiti’s principal public health facilities.
Students say Government promises to temporarily relocate the hospital have yet to materialise despite repeated commitments from the Ministry of Public Health and Population. (Excerpt from The Haitian Times)
aged Venezuela, Sewa International TT President Revan Teelucksingh is urging the public to continue supporting the organisation’s relief drive as it prepares to ship TT$100,000 (GY$3,084,480) worth of much-needed tools this weekend to assist emergency responders.
The shipment comprises more than 180 pieces of specialised equipment, carefully selected to support debris clearance, emergency access, pumping operations, temporary shelter, lighting, site safety and responder protection.
From gas generators and floor cutters to shovels, jackhammers and cordless tools, Teelucksingh said every donation is being carefully converted into the items most urgently needed by affected
families and rescuers in disaster-hit communities.
Speaking during a press conference at Persad’s D’ Food King supermarket in Barrackpore yesterday, he said the equipment list was compiled after careful consultation with those directly involved in the relief effort.
Teelucksingh said Sewa TT and its longstanding partner, Persad’s D’ Food King, funded the purchase of the tools, while Total Tools provided them “at a ridiculously low price, far below retail costs”.
He said the organisation is also aiming to send TT$1 million worth of food supplies, packaged in 2000 relief buckets, each containing enough food to feed a family of four for one week.
(Excerpt from Trinidad and Tobago Guardian)
Oil prices made small gains on Thursday as buyers sought to assure supply over the long US Independence Day weekend.
“We’re seeing a little short-covering here,” said John Kilduff, partner with Again Capital. “The focus has shifted to how much supply we are going to see in the markets from how much supply we are going to lose.”
Brent futures settled at US$71.80 a barrel, up 23 cents or 0.32 per cent. US West Texas Intermediate crude finished at US$68.69 a barrel, up 11 cents, or 0.16 per cent.
During the session, both benchmarks hit their lowest levels since before the US-Israeli war on Iran began in late February. For the week, Brent finished down 0.60 per cent, while WTI was down 0.78 per cent.
Mediator Qatar said the US and Iran made progress in talks towards a permanent peace agreement ending the fourmonth war that shut the key oil shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz.
The talks made “positive progress” on matters related to the memorandum that halted the war in June, a Qatar Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in a post on X. There was no sign yet that the sides made headway towards a lasting peace. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Côte d’Ivoire floods kill 59 as West Africa endures torrential rains
Floods in Côte d’Ivoire have killed 59 persons since May, the Communication Minister told a Cabinet meeting in Abidjan.
There are fears the toll could further rise as rescue teams continue to search for victims during the rainy season, which runs from May until July, the Minister, Amadou Coulibaly, added.
The deaths are the latest in coastal West Africa, which is enduring relentless, deadly rains that authorities predict could intensify in the coming days. Footage emerged on social media of neighbourhoods submerged in water as residents waded through in search of drier areas.
In neighbouring Ghana, at least 13 persons have died even as more than 400 others were rescued on Tuesday, the Ghana Fire Service said. The President, John Mahama, posted on X that the downpour had been approximately 140mm of rain”, significantly higher than the “highest single-day rainfall recorded last year [of] about 56mm”.
Authorities say the floods have become deadlier as climate breakdown exacerbates the frequency and impact of extreme weather. Despite Africa contributing only minimally to greenhouse gas emissions, the World Meteorological Organisation has said the continent is especially vulnerable to extreme weather events.
However, the impact of poor waste management and urban population growth on existing infrastructure has also been acknowledged as a factor.
Floods also hit parts of Benin, Togo and Nigeria, with no confirmed casualties. In Lagos, Nigeria, where several islands are connected to a large mainland area, flooding halted operations at a transmission substation, disrupting electricity supply to several neighbourhoods.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted “above normal” rainfall in Abuja and nine states this year. (Excerpt from The Guardian)
Atrial of potential treatments for the strain of virus behind the current deadly Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has begun, the World Health Organization (WHO) has announced.
The first patient has been enrolled in the DRC, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Thursday.
More than 1400 cases and 438 deaths have been confirmed in the DRC alone, according to the WHO.
There are currently no approved vaccines or treatments for the Bundibugyo virus strain of the disease, which is highly infectious.
The current trial is sponsored by the WHO and is being co-ordinated by scientists at the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale in the DRC, the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Belgium, and the University of Oxford in the UK.
Speaking to reporters from the WHO headquarters in Geneva on Thursday, Tedros said, “The clinical trial of two therapeutics began with the enrolment of the first patient.
“Even without approved therapeutics, people are re-
covering from this disease, but of course, we could save many more lives with safe and effective therapeutics in our toolkit,” the WHO head said.
The current outbreak of Ebola in the DRC and Uganda began in May and has been declared a public health emergency by the WHO. According to WHO data, there have been 1406 confirmed cases in DRC, with 301 suspected cases and 438 deaths, as of 30 June. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Taxes on Trump’s US$1.4B crypto income could total hundreds of millions
President Donald Trump’s recent financial disclosure finally put a dollar amount on the web of crypto ventures he’s continued to pursue since returning to office. But the revelation he made US$1.4 billion off the fledgling industry has rekindled questions about his taxes.
The President’s crypto windfall appears to be taxable. One accountant who specialises in cryptocurrency income said it was rea-
sonable to believe Trump would have to pay at least $250 million on this income.
Still, multiple tax experts told CBS News that Trump’s actual bill may be far lower, but it would be hard to know because of the lack of transparency around the corporate entities holding the income. Unlike several past Presidents, Trump does not make his tax returns public.
The White House declined to respond to ques-
tions about any taxes Trump paid on the crypto income, whether it was taxed on an individual or business basis and whether any operating losses were applied to his crypto-related tax bill.
If the entire $1.4 billion were to be taxed at a federal individual income rate, the President would owe the IRS $518 million, based on the maximum statutory rate of 37 per cent, without accounting for potential deductions.
According to a controversial settlement
Tagreement the Justice Department signed in May, however, the IRS and the Treasury Department are “FOREVER BARRED and PRECLUDED” from pursuing claims against Trump or his company, based on prior tax returns. The agreement settled a lawsuit by the President that accused the IRS of failing to protect his tax returns by allowing a government contractor to leak the documents to news outlets, including the New York Times, in 2020. (Excerpt from CBS News)
WHO declares cruiselinked hantavirus outbreak officially over Russia bombards Kyiv in deadliest strike this year, killing at least 27
he World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the hantavirus outbreak over after the last identified contact of an exposed person linked to a cruise ship completed quarantine and tested negative for the virus.
The outbreak, which infected 13 and killed three, involved the rare Andes hantavirus strain that typically circulates in Argentina and Chile. The cruise ship Hondius sailed from Argentina on April 1.
“Today, the final contact of a person exposed to hantavirus on the cruise ship MV Hondius completed their quarantine period, tested negative and returned home,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Thursday. “No further cases have been reported since the 25th of May. Therefore, WHO considers the hantavirus outbreak over,” he add-
ed.
In April, the Dutchflagged cruise ship set off from Ushuaia, Argentina, taking in remote islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, including Tristan da Cunha, before heading north to Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands, where remaining passengers were flown home.
The polar exploration ship finally docked in Rotterdam in the Netherlands on May 18.
After cleaning and disinfection, the ship was cleared to put to sea again on May 30.
Tedros said more than 650 contacts were identified and followed up by health authorities in 33 countries and territories.
He said the WHO would continue working to understand the outbreak and the virus itself. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Russia launched hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles at Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, in the early hours of Thursday, killing at least 27, wounding scores more, and damaging around 130 buildings in the deadliest attack on the capital this year.
Multiple explosions shook central Kyiv and reverberated across the capital throughout the night as thousands of residents rushed to bomb shelters and underground metro stations.
The death toll climbed to 27 after an injured person died in hospital, and 91 were injured, the head of the capital’s Military Administration,
Tymur Tkachenko, said on Telegram.
He said teams at one site in an eastern suburb on the capital’s left bank of the Dnipro River had recovered five bodies while eight residents were unaccounted for.
“Rescue crews will work without interruption until all the debris is cleared,” he wrote. “Unfortunately, more victims may still be found.” Zelenskyy has proposed peace talks with Putin, which the Kremlin leader has rejected. Zelenskyy said that Ukrainian and US negotiators held talks in the past two days and that he hoped to meet US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the NATO summit. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Take pride in what you do. Discipline coupled with innovation and enthusiasm will help you make your way forward in whatever manner you apply yourself. Refuse to let criticism and the opinions of others stifle your dreams or ruin your plans. Choose the path that makes you feel resilient and fulfilled. Take responsibility for your decisions and happiness.
Trust your instincts. Follow the rules, and vouch for what’s tried and true. Know your limits and strengths, and parlay what you do best into getting what you want and letting go of what’s holding you back. Let your curiosity surface, and ask for answers that offer clarity and the confidence to do what’s best for you.
Let your inquiring mind lead you on a research mission. Satisfy your soul by engaging in what interests you and exploring how you can reach your objective. Channel your energy, and implement changes that offer you hope for a brighter future. Participation will help you connect with interesting people. Romance is favored.
Be careful what you share and with whom; not everyone will be sincere. Let your imagination wander, and you’ll discover obscure options that help you navigate your way through any uncertainty you face. Keep your thoughts a secret until you are ready to launch your next move. Making intelligent decisions will throw off anyone trying to use emotional manipulation.
You may have to juggle a few things to reach your goal, but the time and effort it takes will be worthwhile. Set your sights on what’s important to you, and don’t deviate from your plans until you satisfy your soul. Opportunities are apparent, and unusual partnerships will develop. Positive change is waiting for you to make your move.
Take a moment to observe. Don’t let anyone talk you into something you do not want to do. Your best opportunities will be the ones you devise yourself. Take control of your destiny, and do what makes you happy. Focus on health and financial gains, and you’ll get the results you are searching for.
It’s time to have some fun, socialize, learn through experience and engage in events that push you to make new friends and explore what life has to offer. Traveling, learning and practicing clear communication will encourage you to participate. Love, romance and personal improvements are in the stars. Let your gestures reveal your true feelings.
Take your time. If you rush into something, you will have regrets. Emotions will be hard to disguise, and overreacting will cost you if you reveal too much. Take a moment, think matters through and keep your thoughts to yourself while listening and observing how others react. Silence is golden when uncertainty sets in.
Participate in events that motivate you to take better care of yourself. Paying attention to how you present yourself to others and what you share will make a difference in how others treat you. Don’t hesitate to use your charm and enthusiasm to win favors and acceptance. A physical challenge or competition requires preparation and discipline.
Share your concerns, and know when to walk away from people and situations that you find sketchy or unreliable. Concentrate on home improvements that will make your life easier and your relationships less tense. Avoid shared expenses or agreements that lead to a financial burden. Emotional spending and trying to buy favors will backfire.
Participate in something exhilarating. A change of pace, scenery or people will be uplifting. Physical activity will touch your soul and help you get up to speed where life, love and your personal happiness are concerned. A job interview will give you the opportunity to combine your unique skills and qualifications.
Refuse to let what others choose to do ruin your plans. Getting out and socializing will help you gain insight into what and who makes your day worthwhile. Emotions will be close to the surface, and spending too much time with someone you work with can have an adverse effect on your position or reputation.
England stormed into the final of their home T20 World Cup with a comprehensive victory over South Africa built on blistering half-centuries by Nat Sciver-Brunt, returning from injury, and Heather Knight.
The England captains present and past combined for a 133-run partnership for the fourth wicket off 90 balls to rescue their side from a perilous 23 for three and set up a 40-run win. It was the highest partnership for any wicket in a Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final and the second-highest at this edition of the tournament, earning them the right to face Australia in Sunday’s title decider at Lord’s.
Sciver-Brunt, back in the side after missing three games with a recurrence of a calf injury, smashed 75 off 47, and Knight, 58 off 47, before an all-round effort by England’s bowlers held South Africa to 129 for eight in reply to 169 for five, vanquishing the hosts’ poor record in global semi-finals between them in recent times.
An early onslaught from Shabnim Ismail and Marizanne Kapp had England in trouble at the end of the powerplay, the hosts’ equal worst for that phase of play in the tournament alongside their second game, against Ireland. Kapp conceded just one boundary on her way to one for 16 off her four overs, and Ismail ended with two for 31.
Among the early wickets was the in-form opener, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, who managed just 12, but England showed the envi-
able batting depth which has finally gelled this summer to emerge on top after losing to South Africa in the semi-final of last year’s 50-over World Cup and the 2023 T20 edition.
Ismail and Kapp win opening gambit
Ismail became the first woman with 50 wickets at T20 Women’s World Cups when she struck the first ball to remove England opener Amy Jones. Ismail started in the second over of the match with a short ball which reared from outside off stump as Jones leaned back to cut and sent a leading edge straight to Annerie Dercksen at cover
ball that was sliding down leg, she pinned Alice Capsey on the pad plumb in front. While Capsey didn’t call for the DRS, replays showed she had got a faint inside onto the ball. Those dis missals bookended the most spectacular moment of an enthralling passage of play, when Kapp beat the inside edge of Wyatt-Hodge’s ten tative prod and tore out the off stump. That left the tour nament’s leading run-scor er back in the dugout and South Africa well on top.
Nat’s back With Kapp bowled out by
point. Since her half-century against Sri Lanka on the opening night of the tournament, Jones has had a wretched run with the bat, scoring 36 runs across her five subsequent innings, with a highest score of 17.
Ismail had her second wicket in as many overs when, after Sciver-Brunt survived a hopeful South Africa review for lbw on a
the end of the seventh over, Sciver-Brunt began picking off boundaries with ease. She was particularly deft at finding the rope through fine legs. Her scoop off Nadine de Klerk was followed immediately by a powerful punch wide of deep midwicket to bring up her half-century. Replacing Sophia Dunkley, who had scored 57, 14 and 49 not out at No. 3 in her
absence, Sciver-Brunt made good on a harsh but expected selection call to play a pivotal innings. While she dealt largely in fours – 11 in all, along with a monster six into the stands beyond deep midwicket – Sciver-Brunt showed no obvious sign of her injury while running between the wickets.
Knight joined in on the act, advancing to a fuller ball from Nonkululeko Mlaba and clearing cover before driving Ismail down the ground to close in on her 50, which she brought up with a powerful slog-sweep for six off Ayabonga Khaka. Knight and Sciver-Brunt departed in the space of three balls as Mlaba made the double breakthrough, but they had done enough in asking South Africa to post what would have been the second-highest successful run chase in T20 Women’s World Cups.
Wolvaardt struggles when it matters most After a frustrating tour-
nament, Laura Wolvaardt was once again starved of the strike in the first three overs. She faced four balls and scored just two runs but worked her way to a run-a-ball 13 by the last over of the powerplay. If she thought that was the opportunity to find her touch, Sophie Ecclestone, who had not yet begun to work her magic with the ball, quickly showed her that it wasn’t.
Wolvaardt advanced down the track to try and hit Linsey Smith over midon, but Ecclestone leapt, reached and bent her back to take a sharp overhead catch and end South Africa’s opening stand on 43. They finished the powerplay with the required run-rate already up at nine an over, and it would only grow from there.
Fielders of dreams
England has been much improved in the field since
England Women (20 ovs maximum)
Amy Jones † c Dercksen
b Ismail 2
Danni Wyatt-Hodge b Kapp 12
Nat Sciver-Brunt (c) c Brits
b Mlaba 75
Alice Capsey lbw b Ismail 1
Heather Knight c Wolvaardt
b Mlaba 58
Freya Kemp not out 1
Dani Gibson not out 6
Extras (b 5, lb 2, w 7) 14
Total 20 Ov (RR: 8.45, 94 Mins) 169/5
Did not bat: Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell
Fall of wickets: 1-3 (Amy Jones, 1.1 ov), 2-20 (Danni Wyatt-Hodge, 2.2 ov), 3-23 (Alice Capsey, 3.2 ov), 4-156 (Nat Sciver-Brunt, 18.2 ov), 5-157 (Heather Knight, 18.4 ov)
Bowling O-M-R-W
Marizanne Kapp 4-0-16-1
Shabnim Ismail 4-0-31-2
Ayabonga Khaka 4-0-40-0
Nonkululeko Mlaba 4-0-25-2
Nadine de Klerk 3-0-39-0
Chloe Tryon 1-0-11-0
South Africa Women (T: 170 runs from 20 ovs)
Laura Wolvaardt (c) c Ecclestone
their fateful 2024 campaign, and tonight holding catches proved to be a hallmark of their victory. Ecclestone used all of her considerable height and agility to remove Wolvaardt in a crucial breakthrough, then took another difficult chance over her shoulder, running back from short fine leg, to take a top edge from Sune Luus. Knight and Sciver-Brunt held straightforward chances, including the wicket of Tazmin Brits for a fighting 51, and while Charlie Dean missed a chance off Dercksen running back from mid-off and jumping with her left arm outstretched, it would have been a spectacular effort if it came off. Wyatt-Hodge’s direct hit from backward point to run out Sinalo Jafta in the penultimate over epitomised England’s gains in confidence and execution in the field at this tournament. (ESPNcricinfo)
b Smith 17
Tazmin Brits c Nat Sciver-Brunt b Dean 51
Annerie Dercksen c
The Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) has announced the arrival of Serbian Grandmaster (GM) Aleksa Striković, a distinguished trainer attached to the International
Chess Federation (FIDE), who has begun an intensive six-week training programme with Guyana’s national chess team.
GM Striković’s mission is clear: to prepare Guyana’s
finest players for the upcoming Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan, Central Asia, scheduled for September 2026.
GM Striković, renowned for his aggressive and dy-
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has thrown its full support behind Guyana’s team of athletes set to compete in the 21st Caricom 10K Road Race, scheduled for Sunday, July 5, in Saint Lucia, as the country looks to continue its proud tradition at one of the Caribbean’s most prestigious road races.
Guyana will field its largest contingent ever for the event, with 2023 women’s champion Attoya Harvey leading the charge alongside Jelesa Wright, Odida Parkinson and Cleveland Thomas, who finished thirdplace in last year’s men’s race in Jamaica. The team will be managed by experienced athletics official Tyrone Smith.
Ahead of the team’s departure, Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle officially presented the athletes with the Commission’s support during a simple ceremony.
Harvey and Parkinson were present to receive the presentation, while Wright and Thomas were unavoid-
ably absent.
In addressing the athletes, Ninvalle underscored the significance of the Caricom 10K, describing it as more than just another road race.
“This event carries tremendous regional importance because it is held in conjunction with the Caricom Heads of Government Meeting. It showcases not only athletic excellence but also the unity and shared identity of the Caribbean community,” Ninvalle said.
He reminded the athletes that Guyana has enjoyed considerable success throughout the history of the event, producing champions in both the men’s and women’s divisions, and encouraged the current team to continue that proud legacy.
“Guyana has always performed admirably at the Caricom 10K, and we have every confidence that this team will represent our country with distinction. Wear the Golden Arrowhead
namic training methods, brings decades of international experience to Guyana. His arrival marks a historic step in elevating the competitive standards of Guyanese chess on the global stage.
The national squad under his guidance includes:
Women’s Team: WCM Jessica Callender (former National Women’s Champion), Ciel Clement, Kataleya Sam, WCM Sasha Shariff (former National Women’s Champion), and WCM Aditi Joshi (reigning National Women’s Champion).
Men’s Team: CM Taffin Khan (former National Champion), FM Anthony Drayton, CM Sachin Pitamber (reigning National Champion), Kyle Couchman, and Keron Sandiford.
The Chess Olympiad,
one of the most prestigious events in the sport, will see Guyana competing against powerhouse nations in a test of skill, strategy, and endurance. GM Striković’s mentorship is expected to sharpen the team’s tactical edge and boost their confidence as they prepare to represent Guyana on the world stage.
In an invited comment, the Grandmaster expressed his enthusiasm for working with the Guyanese team. He stated his goal to help all participants elevate their game by sharing his extensive experiences as both a coach and a player. He emphasised that thorough preparation is vital for the upcoming Olympiad and expressed high confidence that the intensive training will produce many exceptionally strong players.
GCF President Anand
Raghunauth is confident that the chess grandmaster’s guidance will greatly prepare the local team. “The arrival of GM Striković is a tremendous opportunity for our players and for Guyana as a whole. His expertise and commitment will help our team rise to new heights as we prepare for Uzbekistan. This is a defining moment for Guyanese chess,” he said. The Confederation of Chess for the Americas (CCA) has provided some support for the chess trainer’s stint in Guyana. GM Striković will also provide training to interested members of the federation.
The Federation has invited the public to follow the team’s progress and support the players as they embark on this exciting journey toward the 2026 Chess Olympiad.
Mwith pride, compete with determination and remember that you are ambassadors for your country,” Ninvalle added.
The Director of Sport also noted that Guyana’s participation carries added significance, given the country’s role as one of the founding members of the Caribbean Community.
“The Caricom 10K celebrates regional integration, friendship and excellence.
As a founding member of Caricom, Guyana has an important place in this history, and strong performances on this stage reinforce our nation’s commitment to regional cooperation and sporting excellence,” Ninvalle noted.
Held annually alongside the Caricom Heads of Government Meeting, the race brings together elite distance runners from across the region, offering athletes the opportunity to compete against some of the Caribbean’s best while promoting healthy lifestyles and regional solidarity.
ikel Oyarzabal scored twice as Spain cruised into the World Cup round of 16 with a 3-0 win over Austria at SoFi Stadium on Thursday to extend their unbeaten streak to 34 games.
After an underwhelming group stage, which included a surprise draw with Cape Verde, Spain now head with fresh momentum toward a last-16 meeting with either Portugal or Croatia on Monday in Arlington, Texas.
“The great teams step up when it’s needed,” Spain Coach Luis de la Fuente said. “We played a great match. We came close to perfection, but we must keep improving. There is always room for improvement, because every upcoming match will be very difficult.”
It also marked a significant hurdle overcome for one of the pre-tournament favourites, with Thursday’s result their first knockout win at the World Cup since they beat the Netherlands in the 2010 final.
After Spain’s group stage exit in 2014 and failures at the first knockout hurdle in the past two tournaments,
Oyarzabal became the first Spanish player to score a World Cup knockout goal since Andres Iniesta’s extra-time winner in the final in South Africa.
The Real Sociedad striker first found the net with a first-time finish in the 34th minute after fine build-up play involving Pedri and Marc Cucurella. And he put the cap on Spain’s dominant win after another cross from Cucurella and another cool finish past the Austria goalkeeper.
It took Oyarzabal’s tally to four goals at this World Cup and 17 goals in his last 16 starts for Spain. His 29 total goals put him in a tie with Fernando Hierro in sixth place on Spain’s alltime scorers list.
“I’m happy to have helped the team for us to go through another round,” Oyarzabal said. “Now just rest and get ready for the next one. It was a complicated match. We knew that it was going to be difficult against a very physical team, but we had a very good day and played a good match.”
In between, defender Pedro Porro headed in his
first goal for his country midway through the second half, this time from an assist from Álex Baena.
Lamine Yamal is headlining a new generation of Spanish talent looking to deliver the country a second men’s World Cup title, and the now-fit-again Barcelona prodigy was at the heart of several of Spain’s best moments, particularly in the first half, to get the pro-Spanish crowd of more than 70,000 on their feet. The only thing missing was a goal, which he so nearly got with a snap shot in the dying minutes that was turned away on the line by Austria defender David Alaba.
Yamal and Barcelona teammate Pau Cubarsí became the first pair of teenagers to start a World Cup knockout match for a team since Pelé and José Altafini in 1958 for Brazil against Wales in the quarterfinal.
Cubarsí has been part of a Spain defence that has yet to allow a goal at this year’s World Cup, with Unai Simón keeping his fourth consecutive clean sheet. (ESPN)
Gformation as the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) gets ready to host the GT Challenge de las Americas, labelled the Guyana Grand Prix.
The event will see a string of high-end GT cars competing at the South Dakota Circuit, Timehri, next weekend, in the third leg of the re gional event.
Competitor
Kristian Jeffrey re cently discussed the positives Guyana can get out of hosting the event.
When asked, Jeffrey said the Guyana Grand Prix can have an impact on the future of the country’s motor racing landscape “in a big way.”
“First off, we’re now getting a first-class facility, and then that should bring a better standard of racing. Having been to this level now, I guess the locals will be able to see how to run an event a little bit more efficiently, and hopefully, we can adapt and make it happen for even our local races,” the Caribbean Champion went on to explain.
Continuing a strong family legacy of racing, Jeffrey
is especially excited about the upgrades to the South Dakota Track.
Jeffrey told this publication, “It’s amazing. I’ve been racing in Guyana for close to 15 years, and from my dad, my uncle Andrew King and other guys like that, and seeing the track, where it was and where it is today, kudos to the Government, and kudos to everyone who helped out at GMR&SC to make this event even possible.”
“The track is now, I would say, on par with most of South America, and with more time, I guess, we’ll get on a North American level to bring more people into the country,” the racer opined.
TSharing a bit of what to expect on race day, Jeffrey is cautioning rivals and spectators to brace for war.
“Well, you know I come out to war. So, we’re going to have a good time; expect good wheel-to-wheel racing, and may the best man win,” he stated.
Qualifying for the GT Challenge de las Americas will begin on Saturday, July 11, with race day set for Sunday, July 12. General tickets are priced at $4000 for Saturday and $9000 for Sunday. Patrons can purchase tickets at the GMR&SC’s Albert Street and Thomas Lands office or Lyft Gym locations.
Juan Reynier Velazquez Calzado and Vance Harding finished at the top of the men’s standings when the Grab It All Beach Volleyball Tournament concluded on Sunday, June 28, at Kingston Beach.
The pair ended the twoday tournament unbeaten, winning all four of their matches and eight sets to finish with 168 total points. They edged Ian Bagot and Evgenii Titov, who also completed the tournament with a perfect 4-0 record and eight set wins, but finished second with 152 points.
Steffhawn Norah and Tyrone Farley placed third in the men’s division after playing three matches and ending with one win and two losses. They collected two set wins and 101 total points. Corwyn Richards and Alex Newton also ended with a 1-2 record and two set wins but finished
fourth with 86 points.
In the women’s division, Cherry-Ann Fraser and Mercedes Matheson topped the final standings after playing five matches and finishing with four wins,
he cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) have launched the seventh annual edition of their Basil Butcher Memorial Trust Fund in memory of the legendary West Indies middle-order batsman. The fund was established in 2020 after Butcher died in December 2019 in the United States of America after a long illness. Club secretary Hilbert
Foster noted that the main objective of the fund is to keep the memory of the late Butcher alive in Berbice while assisting in making a positive difference in the lives of others. The teams – Poonai’s Pharmacy Under-11 and 13; Farfan and Mendes Under-15; Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division; Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate; Metro Females; and NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Under-23
ending with three wins, two losses, six set wins and 224 points, just one point behind the winners.
The tournament was held under the Guyana Beach Volleyball Association ban-
one loss, eight set wins and 225 total points.
Kim Chan-Bagot and Semira Greene finished second in a close race, also playing five matches and
and First Division – are responsible for organising the programme each year during the period June to September.
This year’s programme was launched with the hosting of the Tribute to Medical Doctors Awards at the Port Mourant Hospital. Fourteen doctors were honoured, and they each received a trophy, medal of excellence, framed certificate and several special gifts. Numerous schools across the Corentyne area have also benefited from items for their upcoming graduation ceremonies. Among the schools to benefit are the Rose Hall Town Nursery School and Rose Hall Town Primary. They received trophies, medals, framed certificates, school bags and special gifts.
Hundreds of fathers received food hampers last month as part of the club’s Father’s Day celebration. Each food hamper was worth $5000. Several churches, including the St Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church, St Agnes Anglican, and the Maranatha Faith Ministries, also benefitted from the food hampers project. The cricket teams also co-sponsored the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) life seminar development programme that was
held last Saturday at the Port Mourant Community Centre for 90 youth cricketers. The teams donated three special prizes and educational materials (exercise books, pens, pencils, sharpeners, etc), while 12 youths at the seminar also received school bags with educational materials.
In addition, the Port Mourant Public Hospital benefitted from a donation of four digital clocks, which would be stationed across the extended building. The Trust Fund also donated a cycle to a pensioner who takes care of his ailing wife to assist him to move about.
The BCB received a contribution of sixteen trophies towards the hosting of cricket tournaments in 2026. Meanwhile, the RHTY&SC cricket teams also sponsored a cross-country race in memory of the late Beyonce Ross, a former athlete from Rose Hall Town.
The Basil Butcher Trust Fund over the next two months will be distributing hundreds of school bags to students along with educational materials. The Trust Fund is also expected to host the annual RHTY&SC Cricket Academy and Republic Bank Grade Six Summer Camp.
A combined two hun-
dred youths are expected to attend both programmes, and over two million dollars’ worth of prizes will be shared out to the outstanding performers. Among the prizes are bicycles, electric bikes, electronic tablets, tricycles, personal laptop computers, Comfort Sleep mattresses, designer watches and clothes, food hampers, kitchen utensils, household items, gold medallions and footwear. The top student from each programme is guaranteed to take home half a million dollars’ worth of prizes. The cricket teams would also be honouring the top student from Rose Hall Town at the Grade Six and CSEC level with a personal laptop computer, sponsored by contractor Raymond Haniff of Diversity Investments.
Basil Butcher played 44 test matches for the West Indies, scoring 3104 runs at an average of 43.11 with seven centuries. He is one of two Berbicians to score a double century in Tests –209 not out versus England.
ner and formed part of the Guyana Beach Volleyball Association’s continued push to keep beach volleyball active and competitive locally.
The RHTY&SC, since its formation in 1990, has produced 133 players for Berbice and 76 for Guyana, while 13 have gone on to play at the international level. Among the players are Assad Fudadin, Kevin Sinclair, Kelvon Anderson, Esuan Crandon, Royston Crandon, Shemaine Campbelle, Shabika Gajnabi, Erva Giddings, Sheneta Grimmond, Clinton Pestano, Jonathan Rampersaud and Domonice Rikhi and Askay Homraj. Over the years, the RHTY&SC has also won 133 cricket tournaments and won the Guyana Cricket Club of the Year award five times.
applications for the following positions: Moulder Operator (3), Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanic (4), Mill/Resaw Operator (3),
West Indies will come face to face with Sri Lanka once again at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium today for the second and final match in their two-match Test series.
With a massive victory in Game One under their belt, not only are the Men in Maroon oozing confidence, but they are now convinced of breaking a 23year jinx, which has seen the Caribbean side unable to overcome Sri Lanka in a Test series since 2003.
“Going into the second Test 1-0 up, the only thing we’re looking for here is the next win to seal the deal and get our first win and first Test series win in the championship. So, I think that’s what’s driving the guys right now; everyone’s looking forward to that first win,” Chase confidently ex-
“It would mean a lot,” Chase shared with CWI Media. “As I said before, it’s going to be the first test series win, so it’s going to feel good because last year we didn’t win any series; we didn’t win any games. So, I think last year was a year we want to put behind us, and to come and start this year, in the first series that we have, to get the win, I think that would be fantastic.”
The Skipper went on to divulge where their focus is at, noting that their only concern is playing to their
“So, I know the guys will be confident and excited to go out there and give their best performance for the team.’’
He turned his attention to the opposition, stating, “The Sri Lankans, I can’t tell you what they’re going to change. I’m not really worried about them; we’re going to focus on our strengths, what we did well and what we didn’t do so well that we can improve on. So, I’m just worried about what we’re going to do.”
Quizzed about the new addition to the Test squad, Chase shared some insight
The fourth day of competition at the 19th KFC National Schools Basketball Festival on Tuesday, July 1, featured commanding performances, standout individual displays, and exciting action across the Under-14 and Under-18 divisions as teams continued their quest for championship glory.
In the Under-14 category, Skeldon Line Path cruised to a convincing 45-4 victory over School of the Nations. Kellon Lyte led the charge with an impressive 16 points and five rebounds, while Eshmael Coodluck added 12 points and six rebounds. Araf Wazidally also delivered an outstanding all-round performance with 10 points and eight rebounds to help secure the dominant win.
Kwakwani Secondary produced another commanding display, defeating YBG Academy 41-6 behind an explosive offensive performance from Trayon Hopkinson, who poured in 22 points. Kwayson Bethune provided valuable support with 16 points as Kwakwani comfortably advanced.
The day’s closest
Under-14 contest saw Hururu Secondary overcome JC Chandisingh Secondary 32-25. Crandon Beckles spearheaded Hururu’s victory with 17 points and eight rebounds, while Marvelon Forde contributed eight points and three steals, and Josiah Archer chipped in seven points. For JC Chandisingh, Romario Munroe finished with 10 points and seven rebounds, while Luan Campbell added nine points in a spirited effort.
The Under-18 division also featured several one-sided encounters, beginning with another dominant performance from Kwakwani Secondary, which overwhelmed YBG Academy 68-10. Simeon Sinclair and Marlon Mendonca were virtually unstoppable, each scoring 26 points while grabbing five rebounds apiece. Despite the loss, YBG’s Joshua Reid battled hard to record six points and 10 rebounds.
St Rose’s High School secured a 31-23 victory over Covent Garden Secondary, led by Chazaiah Bernard’s outstanding performance of
on Keemo Paul’s selection as he praised the Guyanese player’s work ethic.
Chase revealed about the Guyanese’s inclusion, “He’s coming in as cover for Kemar Roach. He has a bit of a hamstring niggle, so we’re not sure what’s going to happen there as yet, but Keemo Paul, he had a
19 points and nine rebounds. Malachi Atwell added six points, while Covent Garden received seven points each from Aron Cooper, who also collected four rebounds, and Donnie Copp.
Queen’s College enjoyed a comfortable 41-11 triumph over West Demerara Secondary with balanced scoring throughout the lineup. Nathan Morris led the way with 10 points, Darren Dublin contributed nine points and four rebounds, while Jaren Boucher finished with seven points and four rebounds. West Demerara’s Yohan George scored six points in defeat.
The final game of the day saw St Ignatius Secondary defeat Region Two Schools 25-11. Anson Heyliger recorded an impressive double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, while Lorenzo George also scored 10 points and grabbed four rebounds to seal the victory.
The 19th KFC National Schools Basketball Festival is sponsored by KFC, Edward B Beharry Ltd, G-Boats Inc, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, and the Ministry of Education.
Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) has publicly congratulated two of Guyana’s brightest young cricket prospects, Lomar Seecharran and Nathan Bishop, following their acceptance into the prestigious ACE Cricket Academy programme in London.
In separate posts published on the club’s official social media pages, DCC celebrated the achievements of both players, describing their selections as a reward for years of dedication, discipline and outstanding performances on the field.
The club highlighted Seecharran’s impressive rise through the ranks, noting that he has established himself as one of Guyana’s standout young batters. Among his achievements are a historic youth century and leading the Guyana under-16 team as Captain. The DCC stated that his acceptance into the ACE Cricket Academy reflects “the rewards of dedication and perseverance”.
The club also extended its best wishes for his future, adding that everyone at the
“So, if he gets the chance, I have all confidence in him that he’ll do the job,” the test captain added.
The first ball will be bowled at 10:00h today, running until Tuesday, July 7.
good four-day championship this year, bowled some long marathon spells, and moved the ball at pace. So, if he gets a chance, I’ll be excited to see him go. He’s a guy that I played cricket with before, and he’s a strong soldier; he’s a fighter; he’s a guy that never gives up the battle. Even in the hardest of times, he’s a guy that will put up his hand and do it for the team.
DCC and International SOS looks forward to see ing him continue his de velopment, concluding the post with the mes sage, “The work contin ues. The best is yet to come.”
In a separate social media post, DCC rec ognised the accomplish ments of Nathan Bishop, another emerging talent who has earned a place in the ACE Cricket Academy programme based at the iconic Kia Oval in London.
The club praised Bishop’s performances at the youth level, highlight ing his multiple centuries in Under-15 cricket, including a commanding 140 in the Demerara Cricket Board Inter-Association competition. His consistent performances also earned him opportunities in representative cricket.
According to DCC, Bishop’s selection is “a testament to his dedication, hard work, and commitment to continuous improvement”.
The club expressed its pride in the young cricketer’s achievement, stating that everyone at
Demerara Cricket Club and International SOS is excited to watch him continue to develop both on and off the field. The post ended with the encouraging message, “The journey is just beginning. Keep raising the standard.”
The ACE Cricket Academy has become an important pathway for talented young cricketers, providing high-performance coaching and development opportunities in England. The selection of both Seecharran and Bishop further underscores the strength of Guyana’s youth cricket system and the quality of talent emerging through clubs such as the DCC. The congratulatory messages, shared on the DCC’s official Facebook page, were warmly received by members of the local cricket fraternity, with supporters praising both youngsters and wishing them success as they embark on the next chapter of their cricketing careers in London.
Goncalo Ramos headed in a pass from Rafael Leao in stoppage time as Cristiano Ronaldo, who had earlier converted a penalty kick, watched from the bench while Portugal defeated Croatia 2-1 on Thursday, ending Luka Modrić’s fifth bid for a World Cup.
Ronaldo initially tied things up in the 68th minute on a penalty kick to equalise and give the megastar his first knockout stage goal at the World Cup, but it was Ramos who gave Portugal the victory.
The game ended in controversy as Croatia thought it had tied things up 2-2 in the very last moments, but Mario Pasalic was called offside as the Video Assistant Referee ruled no goal. Croatia fans threw bottles on the field and whistled in protest.
Croatia opened the scoring in the 53rd minute when Ivan Perisic scored in the 53rd minute off a cross from Josip Sanisic.
Portugal moves on to face Spain on Monday in the round of 16. Modrić led Croatia to secondand third-place finishes in 2018 and 2022, but his Croatia side could not come back, and its run at this year’s World Cup ended in the round of 32. Thursday’s match marked the first time in World Cup history to feature two outfield players who are at least 40 years old in Modric and Ronaldo. (ESPN)
