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Guyana expands aviation ties with France, Panama Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

P13

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 6594

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2026

PRICE $100 VAT INCLUDED

“Strong decisions” needed for aviation safety across Caribbean – PM Phillips

WHAT'S INSIDE:

NY-based Guyanese woman stabbed P7 to death; boyfriend jumps from roof

See story on page 3

528 new cancer patients recorded so …breast cancer accounted for far this year – GPHC about 20.3% of new cases Page 2

P7 Guyana heightens bird flu surveillance as Suriname outbreak kills 5000 chickens

Guyana remains a market of P14 tremendous opportunity – ANSA McAL CEO …as Guyanese Troy Cadogan appointed new Country Head

Load testing underway on the new 220-metre Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge ahead of its opening, with five heavily-loaded trucks weighing 180 tonnes each being used to assess the structure’s safety, integrity and durability. The US$35 million, four-lane bridge will replace the existing single-lane crossing and provide a toll-free connection across the Demerara River (President Dr Irfaan Ali/Facebook)

6-year-old boy’s death

76-year-old Chinese man confesses to killing child after dispute with parents over debt Page 10

Essequibo Coast housewife set on fire; husband arrested

5 homeless after early-morning P Corentyne fire 11 Man arrested P9 after garbage fire spreads to Lethem savannah

Page 9

Probe into missing Surinamese men

Brother of US-sanctioned man on $1M bail over alleged abduction

Page 8

Pres Ali urges young people to embrace P15 agriculture as high-tech industry

2 NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

528 new cancer patients recorded so far this year – GPHC …breast cancer accounted for about 20.3% of new cases

he Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has recorded 528 new cancer patients at its Oncology Clinic between January and August 2026. The stats were shared during the hospital’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with a pinning ceremony on Thursday, which brought together cancer patients and survivors, healthcare workers and supporters to highlight the importance of early detection, treatment and support. GPHC operates the country’s main cancer treatment centre through its Oncology Clinic, where cancer treatment is provided free of charge to Guyanese. The clinic also treats patients from other Caribbean countries who travel to Guyana for care. According to figures released by GPHC, the clinic recorded 4115 follow-up visits during the first eight months of 2026. During the same period, 321 patients commenced chemotherapy, while 214 completed their chemotherapy treatment. Cancer services are also being extended outside Georgetown through the hospital’s outreach clinic in Region Six (Berbice). Between January and August, the outreach clinic recorded 10 new patients and 360 follow-up visits for chemotherapy treatment. The Oncology Clinic is staffed by a 22-member team comprising doctors, nurses, clerks, Patient Care Assistants, a pharmacist

and a social worker. The team provides oncology services from Monday to Friday and supports patients through diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.

Breast cancer cases

Head of the Oncology Department, Dr Latoya Gooding said there has been progress in breast cancer care, including a decline in late-stage diagnoses. She said 107 new breast can-

cer cases have been recorded at the clinic so far this year, adding that increased awareness may be contributing to more people seeking medical care. “Breast cancer can be detected early, treatment is available, and people know where they can come to get treatment,” Gooding said. She also reaffirmed the department’s commitment to providing standardised first-line cancer care.

“Every patient, once you walk through this door, you will be treated with standardised firstline care that is available anywhere in the world. And that is our commitment to you,” she said.

Early detection remains important.

GPHC acting Chief Executive Officer, Dr Navindranauth Rambaran, said early detection remains important in improving cancer outcomes.

“We also want to diagnose it very early and prevent it. It’s heartening now to see that we are seeing these cases at the earliest stage, and that fosters well for better outcomes,” Rambaran said. The ceremony also featured personal accounts from people who have experienced cancer. GPHC staff member and breast cancer patient, Dr Gina Chin spoke about the fear and uncertainty she experienced after being diagnosed at age 31, while acknowledging the support she received during her treatment. Cancer survivor Goberdhan Ramautar also shared his experience, saying, “Life is not meant to be feared. It’s your perspective and how you want to accept it. And I choose to fight.” Nine-year cancer survivor and Giving Hope Cancer Ambassador Desiree Edghill said the pink awareness pin symbolised more than the campaign itself. “A pin may be small, but what it represents is powerful. It represents awareness, courage, hope, support, and the promise that no one has to walk this journey alone,” Edghill said. GPHC is urging members of the public to use Breast Cancer Awareness Month to learn about the disease, discuss early detection, seek appropriate screening and pay attention to changes in their health. The hospital is promoting the message: “This October, know. Check. Act.”

NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENING

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, October 2 – 08:10h–09:40h and Saturday, October 3 – 09:35h–11:05h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.

WEATHER TODAY Sunny skies are expected during the day, followed by clear skies at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East-North-Easterly to Easterly be-

tween 2.23 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide:08:11h and 20:25h reaching maximum heights of 2.33 metres and 2.40 metres.

“Strong decisions” needed for aviation safety across Caribbean – PM Phillips …as stakeholders gathered in Georgetown for high-level symposium

s regional stakeholders gathered in Guyana to discuss aviation safety, the importance of air connectivity to the Caribbean was heavily underscored, along with the need to collectively build out the necessary systems to ensure a safe and resilient aviation industry across the region. Hosted by Caricom in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the Caribbean High-Level Symposium on Aviation Safety was held on Thursday in Georgetown under the theme “Strengthening Caribbean Aviation

river. Phillips further cites figures that show growing international visits to the Caribbean and increased intra-regional travel, saying that these demonstrate the heightened demands being placed upon aviation institutions and their personnel.

The Caribbean must work together

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips

Against this backdrop, he noted that the Caribbean must work together, urging stakeholders at the symposium to address practical challenges, including shortages in specialist skills, the recruitment and retention of experienced inspectors, in-

Low Tide: 13:55h reaching a minimum height of 0.96 metre.

Regional stakeholders gathered in Georgetown on Thursday for the Caribbean High-Level Symposium on Aviation Safety

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2026

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COMMODITIES Indicators Crude Oil

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Rough Rice

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Safety through Regional Cooperation, Resilient Oversight and Sustainable Capacity Development”. The one-day aviation safety forum brought together regional aviation leaders, regulators, and international partners to advance practical action on aviation safety, oversight, and cooperation across the Caribbean. Delivering remarks at the opening ceremony, Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, noted that this forum comes at a time when aircraft routes and operating demands continue to change while the specialised skills required for effective oversight remain difficult for individual states to individually maintain. PM Phillips said such engagements among stakeholders are key to collectively strengthening aviation oversight in the region. “This symposium, therefore, gives us an opportunity to examine what progress has been made and to agree on the practical support our aviation authorities need now,” the PM stated, adding that this “…calls for strong decisions about infrastructure, efficient resource use, and protecting the environments in which airports operate. Safety and sustainability both require us to consider the consequences of today’s decisions.”

He went on to underscore the importance of safe and reliable air transport to the Caribbean, where aviation connects families, facilitates access to healthcare, and supports tourism and

economic activity. In fact, he pointed out that in Guyana domestic air travel provides critical access to hinterland communities that takes long period to get to, or are entirely inaccessible, by road or

formation-sharing among jurisdictions, and the resources required to maintain dependable regional oversight as traffic continues to grow. TURN TO PAGE 7

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2026

guyanatimesgy.com

Views A historic crowning took place as Region Four’s Alliah Simon was crowned the new Miss Amerindian Heritage Queen, 25 years after the region last captured the title. Delegate Two from Region Two, Mariella Courtman, was named first runner-up. The pageant, held as part of Amerindian Heritage Month activities at the National Cultural Centre, showcased Guyana’s Indigenous cultures and traditions through traditional wear and cultural performances (Amerindian Affairs Ministry photos)

Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Industrial Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Breast cancer awareness & early action

ctober’s observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month provides an important opportunity to move the national conversation on cancer beyond awareness and towards early detection, timely treatment and sustained support for patients and survivors. The latest figures from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) demonstrate the scale of the challenge facing Guyana’s health system. Between January and August 2026, the hospital’s Oncology Clinic recorded 528 new cancer patients and 4115 follow-up visits. During the same period, 321 patients commenced chemotherapy, while 214 completed treatment. The figures point to the continuing demand for cancer diagnosis, treatment and follow-up services and reinforce the importance of strengthening every stage of the cancer-care pathway. Globally, the latest estimates from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the cancer agency of the World Health Organization (WHO), show that an estimated 20.6 million people were diagnosed with cancer in 2024, while 9.8 million died from the disease. The estimates cover 34 cancer types across 186 countries. IARC projects that the annual number of new cancer cases could reach 34.4 million by 2050, representing a 67 per cent increase over 2024. In 2024, an estimated 2.4 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer, and 694,000 died from the disease. Breast cancer was the most common cancer among women in 164 of 186 countries. Against that international backdrop, the 107 new breast cancer cases recorded at GPHC during the first eight months of 2026 warrant sustained attention. At the same time, the reported decline in late-stage diagnoses is an encouraging indication that greater awareness and earlier engagement with healthcare services can make a difference. Early detection, however, cannot be separated from access to diagnosis and treatment. Awareness campaigns are most effective when members of the public can move quickly from recognising a potential warning sign to receiving appropriate clinical assessment, diagnosis and treatment. That makes the continued development of oncology services particularly important. GPHC provides the country’s main cancer treatment service through its Oncology Clinic, with treatment provided free of charge to Guyanese. The clinic also serves patients from other Caribbean countries. Prevention, public education, screening where appropriate, timely diagnosis and healthier lifestyles all have roles to play. WHO notes that many cancers can be prevented by reducing exposure to risk factors, while early diagnosis and effective treatment can improve outcomes. For breast cancer in particular, public education remains essential. WHO reports that approximately 80 per cent of breast cancers occur in women without specific risk factors other than sex and age. Breast cancer can occur in every country and at different ages after puberty. October should not be reduced to pink ribbons, pins and awareness messages. The campaign should encourage practical action, learning the signs and symptoms, seeking medical attention when changes are detected, following appropriate screening recommendations and completing prescribed treatment. The message promoted by GPHC, “This October, Know. “Check. Act” captures the necessary progression. Knowledge without action has limited value. Early recognition must lead to medical assessment, diagnosis and, where necessary, treatment. Guyana’s growing oncology workload also underscores the need for continued investment in specialised personnel, diagnostic capacity, medicines, treatment infrastructure, regional outreach and patient support. As the global cancer burden rises, health systems must be prepared to detect disease earlier and reduce preventable deaths. Breast Cancer Awareness Month offers a platform for that conversation. More importantly, it provides an opportunity to turn awareness into a year-round culture of prevention, early detection, treatment and support. Cancer care begins with public knowledge, continues through primary and specialised healthcare and depends on sustained support throughout treatment and recovery. October should serve as a reminder that early action remains one of the most important tools in confronting the cancer burden.

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2026

You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, Queens Atlantic Investment Estate, Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Protracted committal hearing Dear Editor, I am obviously perturbed by the protracted committal hearing as regards the Mohameds’ extradition case. It is most belabouring. On average, and barring exceptional circumstances, the average tenure of any judicial committal hearing is basically from a single day to a week. This is because the Magistrate or Judge is not under any onerous weight, and he/she is only “tasked with authenticating” the Fugitive Offenders Act (along the stipulated core criteria) and whether or not the foreign papers establish a prima facie case. He or she is “not conducting a trial to determine guilt or in-

nocence.” This does not call for a year (redundant to a few months of actual court time). So, look at this? On September 29, 2026, following the completion of the marathonic cross-examination of Special Branch Head Prem Narine, Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman adjourned the committal proceedings until October 21 and October 22, 2026. First, as I just intimated, Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman, in this Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed extradition case, is constricted to the narrow function of only ascertaining whether or not the legal requirements for extradition to the United

States have been satisfied. Put into even a simpler manner, the said Magistrate’s role in this committal proceedings is so minutely delineated that its singular role is to evaluate the sufficiency of the evidence pertaining to sending the father-and-son duo to face federal charges in the US I iterate, and I am even enouncing what she, Judy Latchman herself, said, that “…. the proceedings before her are not a trial of the allegations against the Mohameds, but an examining of the evidence to determine if it meets the statutory standard required for a committal under Guyana’s extradition laws.

Secondly, and following from my first reason, it is that there is a huge disconnect between the specifics for the extradition and the surveillance work on the Mohameds by Senior Police Superintendent Prem Narine (Head of Special Branch). Editor, it is clearly spelt out in Guyana’s laws that this officer, the Senior Police Superintendent Prem Narine, has the legal authority to exercise surveillance over individuals, provided it is tied to the statutory mandate of his unit. This does. So, as the Head of the Guyana Police Force’s Special Branch, Narine has the legal right to deploy sur-

Impropriety of Justice Abel Dear Editor, It is time that “we all let it be.” We can chit-chat, but it’s up to High Court Judge Gino Persaud to comment on his US visa status. Also, if the US Embassy wants to make a “status” statement, then it’s up to the US Ambassador to do so. So, I cannot fathom the unnecessary time and space given to this now mundane matter. For one, we must be apprised that the United States exclusively has that “absolute, unilateral right” to issue or revoke visas at any time, without being legally required to provide a reason. “Amen, right here. But as an appendage, we need to know that “under international law and the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), a US visa is legally considered a ‘conditional privilege’ rather than a right. No one can fight for it, not fight to keep it. A second thing to note is that the United States Government frequently reviews or revokes the visas of prominent international political figures, Judges, and diplomats. Reasons proffered encompass things like citing corruption, drug trafficking, ideological disagreements, or national security concerns, etc. However, as per law, “the precise internal details of these decisions remain in strict statutory confidentiality, and the US Government is legally barred from releasing details about why a specific person’s visa was flagged, reviewed, or revoked.” I add that the US authorities are not required to give the visa holder a detailed explanation or a formal hearing before taking action. And by the way, Justice Persaud’s case is not unique at all, as many several high-profile political figures

globally have publicly confirmed or had it verified that their US visas were pulled or reviewed – Bolivia’s Attorney General, Judges in Peru and Brazil, and Costa Rican Constitutional Court Judge – and I can on interminably. Editor, I come now to the amateurish burst from Justice Courtney Abel, who warned that “the unexplained US visa review is a subtle pressure point that directly threatens judicial independence.” At the time he was speaking at the Commonwealth Magistrates’ and Judges’ Association (CMJA) Annual Conference, and he used the occasion to make a few unworthy connections that he needs to substantiate. The one I am most interested in is that the US Government officially classified the travel restriction as a routine administrative “review”, but for Abel, this is a mere veneer, as this “review” operates in practice as a form of sanction. Judge Abel, seemingly acting on an emotional whim, posited most fallaciously that “This US restriction was triggered by external displeasure over Justice Persaud’s high-profile decisions, specifically highlighting his ruling in the Azruddin Mohamed Lamborghini tax fraud case.” Well, I am glad the Judge himself admitted that his personal “suspicions are not evidence and that he had no evidence.” Tantamount to this, I can say that Judge Abel does not like the PPP Government, and I will have as much verity as he supposedly reposed in himself for making his connection. I challenge anyone to prove that the visa review was tied to Justice Persaud’s court rulings. Courts do not dwell on “guesswork”. So,

Guyana’s Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, was in the right when he vehemently defended his Government’s non-involvement in the US decision. May the few Abels out there be reminded that yes, it is not illegal, under Guyanese law, to accuse the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government of colluding with the US regarding Justice Gino Persaud’s visa review. But “in doing so

without evidence” can create problems, as it exposes the accuser or media outlet to civil defamation lawsuits, which can carry significant financial penalties if proven false in court. I repeat the words of Anil Nandlall, who dismissed claims of Government involvement or collusion as “utter foolishness”.

veillance resources, as the Special Branch is explicitly responsible for gathering and assessing intelligence concerning national security, public safety, and organised crime.” To say I am puzzled is an understatement, as this Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman herself has repeatedly pronounced, “… that a broad range of questions regarding the Special Branch surveillance of Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed are legally irrelevant…” I further elaborate, and I am also in consonance with the Attorney General Anil Nandlall here, who rightly made much of the defence’s strategy of continuously bringing applications before the Magistrate that higher superior courts have already resolved. I illustrate here with the fact that the basic legality

of the Authority to Proceed (ATP) and the validity of Guyana’s extradition laws have already been exhaustively upheld by the High Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). What I see unfolding, especially with Prem Narine, is quite silly and not just redundant. Then it is well-established that any committal hearing is legally architecture to be an expedited screening process. Guyana’s Fugitive Offenders Act is about checking the basic authenticity of the US dossier, establishing if a prima facie case exists, and allowing the final determination to be processed efficiently, rather than treating the lower court as a full-scale federal criminal trial. How long must we tarry? Yours truly, Hargesh B Singh

Yours truly, Raymond Anderson

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2026 00:00 Sign Off 06:00 Islam for Guyana 06:30 TVG Devotional Hour 07:00 Evening News (RB) 08:00 HGTV 09:00 Stop Suffering 10:00 Food Network 12:00 Movie - Hometown Remedy (2023) 13:30 Movie - Monster Family 2 (2021) 15:00 Cartoons 16:00 Indian Soaps 17:00 The Young & The Restless 18:00 Documentary: Nat Geo Animals 19:00 The Evening News 20:00 Stop Suffering 20:30 TVG Music Break 21:00 Heartland S4 E18 22:00 Movie - The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2026

Foundation ◄

Page

guyanatimesgy.com

Enumeration

CONT'D

Once we have listed the possible combinations, these outcomes can be used to calculate the probability of events occurring.

7, 8 (sum of 15) There are 6 possible combinations and two of them sum of 12.

For example, A 3-sided spinner labelled 2, 4, 7 is spun and a double-sided counter labelled 5 and 8 is flipped. List the possible combinations that could be obtained and find the probability that the sum of the combination is 12.

Therefore, the probability of obtaining a sum of 12 is 26 = 13

Using systematic listing, we can see that the possible combinations are, 2, 5 (sum of 7) 2, 8 (sum of 10) 4, 5 (sum of 9) 4, 8 (sum of 12) 7, 5 (sum of 12)

In order to use systematic listing strategies: 1. Use a single letter or number for each item to be selected. 2. Determine the number of items to be selected. 3. Fix a first choice item. Follow a pattern for selecting second, third choices etc, fixing those where appropriate to ensure no options missed or unnecessarily duplicated. Repeat with a new first choice item.

By Dorothy M Richardson Shadows that stand and grow beside each tree— This side at eve, the other side at morn— In any English vale, are dear to me; But dearest of them all the silent forms Of shadows set beside the Sussex elms Beneath whose shade one day I saw my soul That had been clear for all to see save me. Its darkness, its deep roots in the dark soil, Its small keen edge, like to a pine that points A shrouded being upwards to the sun;

• • • • •

Materials

Plastic wrap Bowl Rubber band Uncooked rice Baking tray/cookie sheet

Instructions

Step 1: Stretch a piece of plastic wrap tightly over the bowl. Secure with a rubber band around the bowl. Step 2: Place some grains of uncooked rice on top of the plastic wrap. Step 3: Make some noise! You will need a big noise to get the rice moving. Hold a baking tray or cookie sheet close to the bowl and bang on it with your hand. Watch the rice grains jump and move!

What’s happening?

In this model, the plastic wrap simulates the eardrum, a thin piece of skin in the middle ear, stretched tight like a drum. When sound waves enter the ear, the eardrum vibrates, which then moves the tiny bones inside the ear (the ossicles). The sound vibrations continue to the cochlea and then on to the brain through nerve signals. With such a simple setup, this eardrum model is fun to experiment with. Think about and try one of these ideas, or come up with a variation of your own!

• Do any other sounds make the rice move – yelling, clapping, stomping, loud music, or playing a drum? • Do low or high sounds work better? • Replace the rice with something else – maybe dry beans, sugar, or paper circles from a hole punch. Is your new item harder or easier to move with sound vibrations? Why do you think? (makeandtakes.com)

Its small dark self wrapped straitly, keeping out All sunlight from its heart and from the earth About it where its roots thrust down to dark. While even its shadow-shape drawn by the sun Upon the further earth, tells day by day How narrowly, yet surely, through the folds Of unlit darkness strives its being up To meet the everlasting light of heaven. (Source: Poetry [November 1925])

Your character wakes up from a dream with a long-awaited idea or answer.

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana heightens bird flu surveillance as Suriname outbreak kills 5000 chickens

he Guyana Government is on high alert following an outbreak of bird flu in neighbouring Suriname, with Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha saying that surveillance systems have been heightened locally to prevent any contamination here. Based on reports coming out of the Dutch-speaking nation, more than 5000 chickens have died due to the avian influenza outbreak at a farm in Paramaribo. During a recent interview, Mustapha told the Guyana Times that Suriname had reported the outbreak to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), which, in turn, alerted Member States, including Guyana. According to the Agriculture Minister, a series of precautionary measures have already been taken locally to guard against the poultry virus spreading here. “I already set up a multi-stakeholder body that is monitoring the situation in Guyana. We are strengthening surveillance systems,

we are strengthening quarantine at border entrances, and we have been working around the clock to ensure that our system is not contaminated,” he declared. Moreover, Mustapha noted that a hotline has been set up for poultry farmers to report any signs or suspicious signs of an infection. Additionally, extension services have been enhanced through the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA). “We have [heightened] extension services around the country in terms of in-

“Strong decisions” needed...

FROM PAGE 3

“Shared specialist expertise can help an authority meet a technical need that it cannot readily staff alone, and joint training can make better use of scarce resources. Greater consistency in standards can also help operators understand their obligations across the region. While each state retains responsibility for safety within its jurisdiction, regional cooperation gives it more means to discharge that responsibility.” “We welcome expertise that helps develop our inspectors, improve our systems and test our practices against international standards. A successful partnership should leave local and regional authorities better equipped to perform their duties year after year… A passenger may never see an inspection record or know the name of the controller guiding a flight. That passenger has every right to expect that the work has been done. Our responsibility is to make that confidence deserved,” the Guyanese Prime Minister asserted. Stronger regional cooperation Meanwhile, Public Utilities and Aviation Minister Deodat Indar also sounded calls for stronger regional cooperation, harmonised regulations, shared expertise and sustainable capacity across the Caribbean’s aviation sector. To achieve this, Indar contended that the region must move from discussion to implementation. “The decision before us is whether regional cooperation will remain an aspiration or become the operating principle of Caribbean aviation. Let us choose action. Let us build

a system in every state that has the support and the capability to meet the responsibilities before us,” the aviation minister noted. Similarly, CARICOM Secretary General (SG) Dr Carla Barnett pointed to the importance of air travel to regional integration and connectivity, as she too pushed for strengthened aviation safety. According to the SG, “Connectivity is not a convenience; it is a necessity. Air transport sustains tourism, trade, investment, emergency response, family connections, and the wider economic and social integration of our community… We gather here, therefore, not simply to exchange perspectives, but to fulfil a shared responsibility. We must do all we can to ensure that Caribbean aviation remains safe, resilient and efficient, and that our systems always meet all international standards.” Moreover, key partners, including the ICAO and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), have pledged to continue supporting regional efforts to strengthen aviation safety and resilience. During Thursday’s symposium, stakeholders focused on the role of the Caribbean Aviation Safety and Security Oversight System (CASSOS) – the region’s safety oversight body. In fact, a draft CASSOS Roadmap and Action Matrix to 2035 was presented to regional leaders to guide future cooperation. The one-day engagement concluded with regional stakeholders affirming commitment to safer regional skies through the adaptation of the Georgetown Declaration on Aviation Safety.

spection, and so, there will be more regular extension checks around the country,” the Agriculture Minister asserted. According to reports coming out of Paramaribo, the avian influenza, type H5, was laboratory-confirmed in broiler chickens at a poultry farm in Wanica District. Dutch authorities have since culled farms, disinfected contact locations and launched inspections as investigations continue to determine which virus variant is circulating in the neighbouring country.

Local news agency Key News Suriname reported that some 6000 broiler chickens were present at the affected farm. It said after an unusually high mortality was reported, sick animals were sampled on September 17 – by which time almost 5000 chickens had already died. Following the confirmation of the outbreak, the remaining 1000 animals at the farm were culled. Surinamese authorities say it is unclear how the virus entered the country. They are working with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to send samples to a foreign laboratory for furthering typing and genetic testing, according to the news agency.

Closely monitoring

Meanwhile, the Government of Suriname is closely monitoring the risks the virus is posing to human health, though samples from exposed personnel on the farm have come back negative for human infection. While avian influenza can be transmitted from in-

fected animals to humans under certain circumstances, such as direct or indirect contact with sick animals, carcasses, droppings or contaminated surfaces, PAHO reports that sustained human-to-human transmission of avian influenza has not been demonstrated so far. PAHO also states that there is no evidence that avian influenza is transmitted to humans through properly prepared and fully cooked poultry meat or eggs. Good kitchen hygiene remains important for consumers, the new article stated. Nevertheless, this bird flu outbreak in neighbouring Suriname comes on the heels of local poultry farmers complaining of an apparent chicken shortage, forcing the Agriculture Ministry to approve the temporary importation of some 330,000 pounds of chicken weekly to increase supply and stabilise prices. Back in July, the Guyana Poultry Producers Association (GPPA) representatives had noted during an engagement with the Agriculture Minister that the temporary importation

of chicken would assist in maintaining stable market prices during the period of reduced supply. They had assured that once local production returns to normal levels, there would be no need for continued imports. Meanwhile, in light of these developments regarding supply, the Government has recently taken an initiative to increase poultry production across the country with the launch of its Tunnel Ventilated Poultry Programme that is being led by groups of young Guyanese. Designed to international poultry production standards, each tunnel-ventilated pen accommodates between 20,000 and 45,000 birds, with broilers reaching market weight in just five to six weeks. The facilities utilise controlled-environment technology that enhances production efficiency while improving flock health and overall performance. On July 15, one of the state-of-the-art Tunnel Ventilated Poultry Pens projects was commissioned at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara.

NY-based Guyanese woman stabbed to death; boyfriend jumps from roof

31-year-old woman was viciously stabbed to death by her boyfriend inside their Queens apartment on Wednesday – before he climbed to the roof and dove off the seven-storey building, cops and sources said. Pheona Premraji was found slashed in the face, neck and across her body, allegedly at the hands of her 32-yearold beau, just before noon inside the second-floor unit on Neilson Street near Dinsmore Avenue in Far Rockaway, authorities said. The murder weapon was discarded next to her, according to the sources. Shortly after the murder, the alleged killer then climbed to the roof of the building, and he appeared ready to jump, witnesses said. Panicked neighbours feverishly pleaded with him to come down – some calling out in Spanish. “When the cops came, they came flooding in kind of hot,” witness Moise Guerrier, who lived on the sixth floor, told The Post. Then, he went from lying down only [on the edge of the roof] to actually, like, coming over it, and then he started dangling, and I guess they tried to bum rush inside to go to the roof. “He let go and [fell] pretty much headfirst, six stories.” Cops found his bloodied, crumpled body with slash wounds to his wrists, ankles, and torso. He was rushed by Police to Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital in critical condition, law enforcement sources said. The beau remained in the hospital and had not been charged by Thursday afternoon. It was not immediately clear how he sustained the slash wounds. The dramatic plunge ultimately led the NYPD to discover Premraji’s body when the building superintendent told cops the jumper lived on the second floor, according to the sources. Her 69-year-old uncle, who iden-

Dead: Pheona Premraji

tified himself as Harry, said his niece was dating her alleged killer for about six years — and said his niece claimed that her boyfriend had been abusive. “He’s not a nice guy. He never works,” Harry said. “She works all the time, and he takes her money and does what he wants. “He beat her a lot of times, man. She left and came to live by me, but she would come back [to him].” A second-floor neighbour said it appeared the boyfriend wanted Premraji to leave the apartment. “They fought, I knew because they would call the cops, and the cops would be here,” said the woman, who didn’t want to be identified. “I live all the way down the hall. All I heard was yelling.” “And from what I understand, he wanted her to leave, and she wouldn’t leave,” she added. “The apartment is his. It wasn’t working out. … From what I understood, I heard him say, ‘You need to go. Please leave.’ And she says, ‘I’m not going anywhere.’ It’s been

over a year, ‘cause the real bad fighting stories [were from] about a year ago,” the resident said. “But he asked her to leave almost three years ago.” A sixth-floor resident said the couple was “always fighting”, adding, “It’s disgusting what he did to his [girlfriend].” The alleged killer had four reported domestic disputes, including two involving Premraji, sources said. On April 5, he allegedly threw Premraji’s computer on the floor, and then she tossed his phone, according to the sources. Cops were also called on Christmas Eve in 2020 when the two got into a heated fight about their relationship, the sources said. Sources also said Police were called when the man apparently punched his female cousin in the mouth and knocked out one of her teeth. Despite her domestic troubles, Premraji always made time for her family, according to her cousin, Akbar Khan, 47. “This generation, they live with their family once, then they don’t care about family and stuff like that,” Khan said. “But she’d always be there for her family.” He said he last spoke to his cousin just “a few days ago”. “We spoke about ‘summer’s over’ and stuff like that – what we’re going to do next summer,” he explained. Premraji was particularly close with her father, who brought her from Guyana to the US as a child, according to Khan. “Every week she’d go visit her father, spend time with her father, then come back to her place where she lives,” he said. “He worked so hard…to bring her here, give her an education, and send her to college, and then somebody has to take her life,” Khan added. “But somebody who’d do this to her is really terrible.” (NY Post)

8 NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Probe into missing Surinamese men

Brother of US-sanctioned man on $1M bail over alleged abduction

The missing duo

hirty-three-year-old Jimol Murphy, brother of United Statessanctioned Mark “Demon” Cromwell, was granted $1 million bail on Thursday after being charged with the alleged abduction of two Surinamese nationals. Murphy appeared virtually before Magistrate Shareefah Parks at the Fort Wellington Magistrate’s Court, where the indictable charge was read to him. He was not required to enter a plea. Police alleged that Murphy abducted 28-yearold Van Dalen Lorenzo and 29-year-old Derryl Danillo on August 29 at Rosignol, West Bank Berbice. Murphy was represent-

ed by attorneys-at-law Siand Dhurjon, Mark Waldron, and Meshon Persaud. The prosecution reportedly objected to bail. However, Dhurjon argued that the evidence presented did not establish that an offense under the law had been committed. He reportedly told the court that there was no evidence to disprove Murphy’s alibi that he was in Georgetown and Houston at the time of the alleged incident. Counsel also submitted that there was no evidence at this stage indicating that anything untoward had happened to the two men. The court subsequently granted Murphy bail in the sum of $1 million. He is scheduled to return to court

on October 19. The charge comes as investigations continue into the disappearance of Lorenzo and Danillo, whose whereabouts remain unknown. Police had previously said the two men were reported missing after leaving their respective residences in Suriname on August 28 in a white Toyota Vitz. They were last seen on August 29 after reportedly exiting the vehicle at Clarasluis in Nickerie, before travelling towards Guyana. Murphy’s arrest also preceded two days of unrest in Vigilance, East Coast Demerara, where roads were blocked with burning tires, wood, and other debris. On Tuesday, Police said that ranks responding to an ongoing investigation encountered persons who had blocked access points in the area. The Guyana Fire Service was called to extinguish the fires, but Police said persons at the scene hurled debris at firefighters and continued adding combustible materials. Police also reported that a sand truck along the railway embankment at Buxton was set on fire and sustained extensive damage to its front cabin. Several loud explosions, suspected to be gun-

I Charged: Jimol Murphy

shots, were reportedly heard shortly before the truck was found burning. CCTV footage from the surrounding area is being reviewed as part of the investigation. No arrests had been made in relation to that incident at the time of the report. On Wednesday, the Guyana Police Force subsequently issued a traffic advisory as the blocked roadway caused delays along the East Coast corridor. Police urged motorists to avoid the affected area unless travel was necessary and warned persons against obstructing the roadway or Police operations. The investigation into the disappearance of the two Surinamese nationals remains ongoing.

Over 1.7kg of ganja found stashed near Lethem shop

Police operation at Lethem, Central Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), on Wednesday unearthed 1.742 kilograms (kg) of ganja. According to reports, during the operation, ranks, acting on information received, proceeded to a bushy area some 150 feet behind a shop, where they found a box and a haversack. A search of the items revealed several parcels and 147 small Ziploc bags containing the cannabis. The suspected cannabis was taken to the Lethem Police Station, where it was weighed and amounted to 1.742kg before being lodged. At the time of the discovery, no arrests were made. Investigations are The ganja that was found during the operation ongoing.

Teen nabbed with 9mm ammo, 12-gauge cartridge in haversack A

n 18-year-old was taken into custody on Wednesday following the discovery of one live 12-gauge cartridge and 18 live rounds of 9mm ammunition during an operation along the Hoff-Van-Aurich Public Road, Essequibo Coast. Police stated that ranks intercepted a motor car and searched the teenager from Lima Sands, Essequibo Coast, who was seated in the

The ammunition found in the haversack

Back…

front passenger seat with a haversack on his lap. The search unearthed an Ensure bottle in a side pocket of the haversack, which contained the ammunition. Further searches were conducted on the vehicle and its other occupants, but nothing illegal was found. The teen was taken to the Suddie Police Station along with the ammunition, pending further investigations and charges.

…to roots

n the midst of our oil boom that has pivoted the world’s eyes towards our offshore riches, your Eyewitness is chuffed that our just-launched “Agriculture Month” invites us to look inland again – to the fields, farms, and canals that sustained our country long before anybody spoke of the Stabroek Block!! Its theme, “Innovate, Nourish, Grow: Building a Strong and Sustainable Guyana”, offers a rather timely direction!! Oil delivers us an extraordinary opportunity to finance development – and agriculture can help turn that opportunity into lasting livelihoods, affordable food, and a more diversified economy!! Led by Pressie – who’s put his money where his mouth is with his own high-tech farm – our Government’s stated emphasis on technology, production, agro-processing, women, and young people places these objectives firmly on the agenda!! The thing is, our agricultural roots run deeper than the plantation, with our Indigenous Peoples cultivating food long before Dutch settlement. They, of course, subsequently established the plantation economy by developing the drainage and water-management systems through which coastal cultivation expanded!! Let’s not forget that enslaved Africans supplied the labour that made those plantations possible, followed by indentured labourers who sustained and transformed the agricultural landscape!! Going back to our roots therefore requires an honest appreciation of whose hands planted them!! Few remember that coffee and cotton once occupied a prominent place in the colonies that became British Guiana!! Their decline and the expansion of sugar demonstrate how profoundly international markets can reshape life here. Can you believe we were once the largest coffee producer in the world – and were right up there in cotton production!! Northbrook, that became Victoria, and Den Amstel were cotton producers!! Falling prices encouraged planters to switch to sugar!! That history carries a warning for seeing ourselves as a “petro-state”!! A commodity can bring prosperity while leaving a country exposed to prices, buyers, and decisions made elsewhere!! We’ve experienced that dependence before – even with sugar!! – so let’s use our oil revenues now to build a broader foundation!! We’ve gotta begin with water – since farming demands functioning drainage, dependable irrigation, and timely maintenance!! The Government’s investment in roads, storage, refrigeration, and processing must be seen as far-sighted!! Yes, we have gotta innovate, but innovation should be judged by what it does for the producer. Better planting material, soil testing, weather information, appropriate machinery and drones, along with sound extension advice matter when they reduce losses and improve earnings. The Government has taken our history to mind and focused on markets!! Domestically, the newly announced weekly farmers’ market at Sophia – along with the others across the country – offers one avenue for connecting producers directly with local consumers. Such initiatives help farmers – and households – obtain more affordable food!! …and beyond Beyond domestic sales, the Government’s been pushing to develop reliable supplies for the Caribbean market, beyond the 25-by-25 Initiative – with the necessary consistent quality, food-safety standards and delivery schedules. We’ve gotta appreciate that export ambition needs these disciplines as much as acreage!! But in your Eyewitness’s estimate, returning to our roots also means making farming attractive to another generation!! With youths seeing viable business opportunities as the Government provides access to land, finance, skills, and dependable customers, they’re gonna embrace careers in cultivation, processing, logistics, and agricultural technology!! As such, the measure of success is gonna be visible beyond October – profitable farms, fewer spoilt crops, affordable nutritious food, and rural communities with a future!! We once supplied overseas markets while those who worked its fields endured deprivation. But we now have got the opportunity to make our land serve our people more fully with the wealth beneath the seabed financing the productivity above it!! That would lend “Innovate, Nourish, Grow” substance – and give the oil boom roots!! …to nihilism As your Eyewitness feared, the garrison politics that festered in Buxton in the beginning of the millennium are returning with vengeance to Vigilance-Buxton. Those demanding the GDF be deployed should remember what happened in the first goaround!! The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Guyana Times’ editorial policy and stance

Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

NEWS

Man arrested after garbage fire spreads to Lethem savannah

Fire at Lethem Savannah

41-year-old man from Hotoquai Village, North West District, Region One (Barima-Waini), was arrested after he set fire to the Lethem Savannah, Region Nine, on Wednesday evening while burning a heap of garbage. Based on reports received, the fire was spotted at about 19:40h by an official living in the area after she was alerted by her children that there was a fire in her yard. As such, she immediately proceeded to the area, where she observed that the fire was rapidly spreading from the vicinity of her backyard onto the savannah of the Lethem Airstrip. She raised an alarm

while her sons attempted to extinguish the fire using buckets of water. However, the fire quickly spread onto the savannah of the Lethem Airstrip. The Lethem Fire Station was subsequently summoned and extinguished the blaze. Upon being questioned as to whether he knew the origin of the fire, the man responded in the affirmative and stated that he had attempted to burn a garbage heap in the backyard. The matter was reported to the Police, and the suspected arsonist was arrested. Police inspection revealed that the fire had extensively burnt the southern

Essequibo Coast housewife set on fire; husband arrested

59-year-old housewife is hospitalised after she was allegedly set on fire during an incident involving her 68-yearold husband at Hampton Court, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) on Thursday. Police said the incident occurred at about 12:30h on Thursday, and is being investigated as an attempt to commit murder. Preliminary investigations revealed that the woman was at home when she was allegedly set on fire during an incident involving her husband, who

is employed as a security guard. A nearby resident, upon hearing the woman screaming, went to her assistance and managed to extinguish the fire. The injured woman was subsequently taken to the Lima Regional Hospital, where she was admitted for injuries to her body. Her condition was listed as stable. The 68-year-old suspect was arrested following the incident and remains in police custody. Investigations are continuing.

side of the Lethem airstrip, covering an estimated area of approximately 400 metres.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

6-year-old boy’s death

76-year-old Chinese man confesses to killing child after dispute with parents over debt

ours after sixyear-old Zi Feng Cao of Johnson Street, Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), was chopped to death, the 76-year-old Chinese national has confessed to the crime. It was reported that the child was chopped to the neck and was pronounced dead at the De Kinderen Regional Hospital on Wednesday after he was rushed to the institution by his parents. The suspect, upon his arrest, did not only confess but also led investigators to the area where he had disposed of the murder weapon – a 12” stainless steel blade. During interrogation, the elderly man reportedly stated that he had visited the Kenny’s Ocean

Dead: Zi Feng Cao

Restaurant owned by the now dead lad’s parents to collect money he claimed was owed to him. He stated that he had invested money in the business and wanted it returned. However, while at the premises, an argument broke out between him and the child’s parents after they allegedly told him they would not give him any money. He further claimed that he felt cornered and repeatedly asked for his money so that he could return home. In his confession, the suspect told detectives via a translator that during the confrontation, the child had returned from school, and upon seeing him, he whipped out a knife from a bag and fired one chop towards him. He confessed to chopping the child in the area between the shoulder

and head. After committing the act, he left the premises, and as he walked onto the roadway, he discarded the weapon in a drain before proceeding to the Police Station. He later accompanied Police to the location and assisted them in recovering the weapon. Meanwhile, a Spanish woman, who is employed as a cook at the restaurant owned by the lad’s parents, recalled sitting outside the establishment and saw the suspect entering with a bag on his shoulder. The man then approached the deceased’s father, a 45-year-old Chinese national, and a conversation began, then an argument. She added that as the child walked through the gate, he walked up to the suspect, wrapped his hands around him as a greeting, and within that moment she saw the lad falling to the ground. The suspect, the woman, added quickly, left the yard carrying a bloodied sliver blade chopper in his hands. At that time, the cook recalled that the child’s mother as well as other staff members rushed outside in his aid. He was subsequently picked up and taken to the hospital, where devastating news was conveyed to parents. Police later confirmed a six-inch wound at the back of his neck. The suspect remains in custody pending charges.

Prison Officers rescue miner in Mazaruni boat mishap

The miner who was rescued by Mazaruni Prison Officers

rison Officers from Mazaruni Prison rescued a miner after his boat encountered difficulties on the Mazaruni River in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) on Thursday. According to the Guyana Prison Service (GPS), the incident occurred at about 10:55h on Thursday, while the miner was transporting fuel to a mining camp at Itabali. The boat encountered difficult waters and began partially submerging, leav-

ing the miner in distress. Prison Trade Instructor Jason Acher was travelling towards Bartica when he spotted the miner and moved to assist him. Acher and his team extended a lifeline to the miner and pulled him from the water before taking him to Bartica. Following the rescue, Director of Prisons Nicklon Elliot commended the officers for their actions and described them as demonstrating courage and commitment in saving a life.

NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

5 homeless after early-morning Corentyne fire

family of five is now homeless after an early-morning fire destroyed their two-storey home at Number 67 Village, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) on Thursday. The blaze, which was reported at about 02:00h, destroyed the four-bedroom building occupied by 41-year-old Gitanjali Sukrah, her 37-year-old husband Sunil, and their three children, ages 12, 11, and nine. Sukrah said her husband had returned home around midnight and later rested on the veranda because of the hot weather.

The damaged vehicles

The aftermath of the fire at Number 67 Village, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) on Thursday

She said that her husband had been smoking and put out the cigarette. “And when he smoke, he throw the cigarette end out. And when the cigarette breeze blow, it catch on the seine that was at the side of the house. Yesterday [Wednesday] he bought gas to load in the boat to go fishing,” she explained. Sukrah said gasoline being stored at the property subsequently ignited, resulting in a series of explosions. According to her, there were more than 15

five-gallon containers of gasoline. Meanwhile, next door, her father, Deonarine Subramani, was asleep when the explosions began. “Like, 10 minutes after that, we hear something explode, like a gas. So, I tell my wife, ‘I don’t know if you heard that, but I am going to see’. And then every five minutes, something explode. So, now we start to smell the smoke in the house. So, when we open the door and come out, there is fire; the house is on fire,” Subramani said. With the neighbouring property also threatened, Subramani and others used

water, including a pressure washer, in an effort to prevent the flames from spreading. Meanwhile, Sukrah said calls were made for the fire service, but by the time they arrived, the fire had already engulfed the house. She said that everything the family owned was lost. “I don’t know what is next gonna happen… I don’t know. I am penniless right now. No money, nothing,” she sobbed. Three vehicles that were removed from the yard were damaged during the haste to get them to safety. Investigations are continuing.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana expands aviation ties with France, Panama

Public Utilities and Aviation Minister Deodat Indar signs the renewed Air Services Agreement between Guyana and France, alongside French Ambassador to Guyana, Olivier Plancon, at the ACCC on Wednesday

uyana renewed its Air Services Agreement with France and signed a separate agreement with Panama on Wednesday, further expanding the country’s framework for international air transport. The agreements were signed at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) on the side-lines of the joint International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Third Global Regional Safety Oversight Organisations (RSOO) and Regional Accidents and Incidents Investigation Organisations (RAIO) Forum for Aviation Safety. Public Utilities and Aviation Minister Deodat Indar signed the renewed agreement with France alongside French Ambassador to Guyana Olivier Plancon. The agreement between Guyana and France was first

signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Olivier Boulnois, Director for Air Services France. The MoU accompanies the renewed Air Services Agreement and allows airlines to benefit from its provisions immediately. There are currently no direct flights between Guyana and France. According to the GCAA, the renewed agreement provides a framework for airlines to access new markets and develop air transport services between the two countries, with potential implications for trade and economic activity. The signing was witnessed by senior French aviation officials, including JeanYves Pieri, Deputy Director of the Directorate General for Civil Aviation; Louis Montassier, Expert – Bilateral Air Services Agreements; and Loic Lespagnol, Traffic Rights Manager, Air France-KLM. Guyana’s delegation in-

traffic rights, airline designations and authorisations, application of laws, recognition of certificates, code sharing, tariffs, safety, aviation security and user charges. Under the agreement, airlines will have access to up to sixth freedom of traffic rights for passenger movement and up to seventh freedom of rights for cargo operations. The expanded traffic rights provide airlines with greater flexibility in serving markets and moving passengers and cargo. Panama-based COPA Airlines has operated daily flights between Guyana and Panama since 2014. The new agreement replaces the previous reciprocity-based system with a formal legal framework governing air services between the two countries. The agreement is expected to provide a regulatory basis for the continuation and expansion of air transport services while supporting trade,

Minister Indar signs the Air Services Agreement between Guyana and Panama with Panama’s Civil Aviation Authority Director General Cap Rafael Bárcenas Chiari at the ACCC on Wednesday

established in 1976 and was renegotiated to reflect current international standards and developments in air transport. The renegotiation process began at the technical level during the ICAO International Civil Aviation Negotiation (ICAN) conference in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, in 2025, and was finalised in July 2026. The updated agreement establishes provisions covering operational rights, airline designations and authorisations, the application of laws and regulations, commercial opportunities, cooperative marketing, tariffs, aviation safety and security, user charges, and environmental considerations. Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Lt Col (ret’d) Egbert Field, also

cluded Parliamentary Secretary Thandi McAllister, GCAA Deputy Director General Dr Saheed Sulaman, and Director General of the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation Alfonso De Armas. Panama agreement Separately, Guyana and Panama signed an Air Services Agreement aimed at establishing a formal framework for air transport between the two countries. Minister Indar signed on behalf of Guyana, while Director General of Panama’s Civil Aviation Authority, Cap Rafael Bárcenas Chiari, signed on behalf of Panama. The agreement was initially negotiated and signed at the technical level during the 2025 ICAO ICAN event in Punta Cana. It covers areas including

tourism and other commercial links. The Panama agreement was witnessed by Air Transport Director at Panama’s Civil Aviation Authority, Alejandro Salas; Parliamentary Secretary Thandi McAllister; GCAA Deputy Director General, Dr Saheed Sulaman; and Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation Director, General Alfonso De Armas. Guyana established diplomatic relations with France on June 22, 1967, while diplomatic relations with Panama were established on March 16, 1973. The two agreements come one day after the signing of an Air Services Agreement with Greece and an MoU with the Dominican Republic on aviation sustainability and decarbonisation.

14 NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana remains market of tremendous opportunity – ANSA McAL CEO …as Guyanese Troy Cadogan appointed new Country Head

uyana remains a market of tremendous opportunity and strategic importance for ANSA McAL, Group Chief Executive Officer Anthony N Sabga III said on Thursday. Sabga III comments came as the group announced that Guyanese Troy Cadogan has been appointed as new country head for ANSA McAL Guyana-Suriname, effective Thursday. “As our investments and footprint continue to expand, it is important that we have dedicated leadership on the ground to strengthen collaboration

across our businesses, deepen stakeholder relationships, and help identify new opportunities for sustainable growth. Troy’s appointment reflects both the significance of Guyana within our regional portfolio and our confidence in his ability to lead this important mandate,” Sabga III said. The appointment comes as ANSA McAL continues to expand its presence and investment in Guyana through several operating companies and initiatives under its “Growing with Guyana” platform, which highlights the group’s commitment to supporting economic progress, community

Group Chief Executive Officer, Anthony N Sabga III

development, and long-term value creation. Meanwhile, Cadogan will serve as ANSA McAL senior representative in both territories to provide strategic leadership, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and support the continued growth, coordination, and development of the Group operations across Guyana and Suriname, the company said on Thursday.

He will report to the Group Chief Operating Officer. According to the company, as Country Manager, Cadogan will work closely with Government agencies, regulators, business leaders, community partners, and other key stakeholders to support ANSA McAL strategic priorities, foster partnerships, and advance initiatives that contribute to national development. He will also oversee stakeholder engagement, corporate reputation, Government relations, and business development activities for the Group in Guyana. Cadogan joined the Group in June 2000 and was appointed to the Board of ANSA McAL Trading Limited in January 2009. He has been with the company for over 25 years, starting as a brand manager and progressing through various roles, including divisional manager, marketing director, and deputy managing director. He holds an MBA from the University of the West Indies and completed the “High Potential

New country head for Ansa Mcal, Guyana-Suriname, Troy Cadogan

Leadership Program” at Harvard Business School in 2014. ANSA McAL said that Cadogan’s leadership has been instrumental in the growth of the company in the Guyana market, and his new role is expected to further enhance the company’s presence and impact in the region. He most recently served as Head of External Affairs for Guyana while also leading ANSA McAL Distribution Inc (AMDI) as Managing Director.

“I am honoured”

Commenting on his appointment, Cadogan said, “I am honoured by the opportunity to serve in this new

role and to continue contributing to ANSA McAl’s growth journey in Guyana. This is an exciting period for the country and for the group. I look forward to working closely with our businesses, employees, partners, customers, and stakeholders to strengthen relationships, create new opportunities, and ensure ANSA McAL continues to make a meaningful contribution to Guyana’s development.” ANSA McAL has operated in Guyana for almost 40 decades across multiple sectors, including distribution, beverages, automotive, building solutions, real estate, and media.

NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Pres Ali urges young people to embrace agriculture as high-tech industry P

resident Dr Irfaan Ali has urged young people to view agriculture as a modern, technology-driven industry with opportunities for entrepreneurship, innovation, and investment. In his Agriculture Month 2026 message, Ali said Guyana’s transformation of the agriculture sector would require greater participation from a new generation, particularly as technology and innovation become in-

creasingly important to food production. He said that young people should view agriculture beyond traditional farming, with artificial intelligence, precision agriculture, improved genetics, data-driven production systems, and other technologies expected to play a growing role in the sector. Ali said the Government is encouraging partnerships and consortiums involving the private sector, young

people and women to take advantage of emerging opportunities across agriculture. According to the President, technology, science, data and enterprise will increasingly determine how efficiently and profitably food is produced. He said the Government is also investing in modern agricultural systems, including precision farming, digital extension services, hydroponics, protected agri-

Berbice Expo opens today T he 20th Berbice Expo and Trade Fair opens today at the Welfare Community Centre in East Canje, with over 150 exhibitors set to occupy over 180 booths for the four-day event. President of the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce (CCCC), Adrian Anamayah, said on Wednesday that the exhibition ground is completely sold out, with a number of businesses still on a waiting list for space. He said the number of exhibitors has increased compared with last year, with several businesses making their first appearance at the Expo. New participants will include a company showcasing prefabricated houses. Anamayah added that organisers have retained last year’s layout, which they found to be the most effective, but made adjustments to improve the use of space and accommodate additional exhibitors. The Expo is being held under the theme “Harnessing AI to Transform the Future While Enhancing Our People” and marks the 20th anniversary of the event,

which has grown into a major annual business and entertainment showcase for Region Six. Anamayah said preparations have progressed without major setbacks, with organisers paying particular attention to security, traffic and possible power interruptions. He said the organisers held a final meeting with the Police on Wednesday as they continue preparations to ensure the safety of patrons and their property. Generators have also been placed on standby as a contingency measure in the event of a power outage. The Expo will also have a strong family-entertainment component, with activities for children and live entertainment planned for each of the four nights, from Friday through Monday. Meanwhile, Regional Police Commander Superintendent Guy Nurse said the Police have put measures in place to maintain security and manage traffic during the event. He said weapons will not be permitted onto the grounds, and patrons will be

screened at the entrance using a walk-through scanner. Police patrols, including plainclothes ranks, will operate throughout the venue. The nurse said traffic management will be strengthened along the roadways surrounding the Expo, including Palmyra Road and the Canje Road leading from the venue to the main access routes. Additional traffic support will come from Region Five and Traffic Headquarters. A Police command centre will also be established at a strategic location inside the Expo grounds to assist members of the public, including persons reporting lost property or other incidents. The nurse said last year’s traffic congestion was taken into consideration in planning this year’s arrangements, following an analysis of the movement of traffic in and around the venue. He said systems will be put in place to better manage traffic flow this year. The nurse is urging patrons to conduct themselves responsibly as Police work to ensure an incident-free Berbice Expo 2026.

One of the modern tunnel-ventilated poultry pens which accommodates between 20,000 and 45,000 birds, reaching market weight within just five to six weeks. The three state-of-the-art facilities, which have already been completed at Mon Repos, Cornelia Ida and Onverwagt, are being managed and operated by about 40 young Guyanese

culture, and modern poultry systems. Ali said these investments are intended to create opportunities for people involved in producing, innovating and investing in food systems. He also pointed to the planned Guyana Development Bank, which he said will provide additional access to capital for small-scale food producers

and agro-processors. The President said young people should be encouraged to see agriculture as an industry of the future and that the Government must continue creating opportunities for them to participate in the sector. He also linked greater youth participation in agriculture to the development of the wider agricultural value chain, including process-

ing, logistics, storage and marketing. Ali said the broader objective is to establish an agricultural sector that is more productive, sustainable and inclusive while creating opportunities for the next generation. Agriculture Month 2026 is being observed under the theme “Innovate, Nourish, Grow: Building a Strong and Sustainable Guyana”.

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Zeeburg Secondary students step into digital design with new AutoCAD lab

eeburg Secondary School has taken a major step towards strengthening digital and technical education with the commissioning of a new AutoCAD laboratory, giving students access to technology designed to enhance their skills in computer-aided design, engineering and other technical fields.

teacher and her staff, as well as officers from the region and the Central Ministry of Education’s TVET Unit, for working together to make the initiative possible. He explained that AutoCAD enables students to generate innovative designs using various tools, commands and functions within the software. These

else come in here and take priority of your facility.” He pointed out that the intention of the Ministry of Education and the Region is to ensure that, now that Zeeburg has a digital hub, students from other schools also have an opportunity to benefit from the facility. “Now that we have a digital hub at Zeeburg, how

Students utilising laptops at the brand new AutoCAD lab

The ribbon-cutting ceremony at the AutoCAD lab

The commissioning ceremony was held on Wednesday, marking the completion of the first phase of an initiative aimed at modernising and improving digital skills in the delivery of industrial technology education in secondary schools. This advancement serves

designs can subsequently be developed into actual production work. As an example, he pointed to the podium on which he was standing and explained that such an item could be designed using computer-aided design software.

do we ensure that we work around the timetabling and give other people an opportunity on a timetable basis? Of course, that’s an administrative internal arrangement with the head teacher and discussions with other head teachers,” he said. Tularam further empha-

Tularam also emphasised that the AutoCAD laboratory would provide students with vast opportunities to develop their creativity, technical skills and ability to transform ideas into practical designs. He noted that the facility would benefit both current students and those who attend the school in the future. “I want for us to see the possibilities that lie and await you, to go and maximise them fully. I want for you to see that you can become what you want to become, because the facility is right here in your school. It’s not out of your school, and you stand to benefit significantly, so don’t let anybody

sised the importance of preparing students with the skills and attitudes necessary for the world of work. “So it means, therefore, that we have to nurture and groom cohorts of students who are prepared with the requisite skill sets, with the competencies, with the right work attitudes, so that when they exit their secondary school, they will transition into the world of work with those skills, so that they can make that meaningful contribution to national development.”

make as they adapt to new forms of technology, particularly in relation to computer-aided design. “Moving away from a traditional methodology to now CAD, Computer-Aided Design, is where you will acquire those skills and competencies in the areas of your choice, be it technical drawing, be it engineering, be it designing, be it architecture, be it construction, or be it manufacturing, because all those areas today require persons with those skill sets in CAD, particularly. And so collaboratively, from the region’s end, the regional administration, the Department of Education, and the Ministry

of Education, this is what we are doing.” He added, “In today’s rapidly changing world, technical education is no longer simply about learning how to operate tools and equipment. It is about developing the knowledge, creativity, digital competencies and problem-solving abilities needed to design solutions for the challenges of tomorrow.” Dr Tularam noted that the laboratory enables students to “move from an idea in their imagination to a precise digital design that can be developed, tested, modified and eventually transformed into a physical product or structure.”

Additionally, the new facilities directly support students preparing for Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) Industrial Technology assessments. Candidates in subjects such as Building and Mechanical Engineering Drawing can now create digital drawings, 3D spatial models and structural blueprints on workstations rather than traditional drafting boards. Zeeburg Secondary joins North Ruimveldt Secondary, Abram Zuil Secondary, Bygeval Secondary, Hope Secondary and New Amsterdam Multilateral School as the six schools outfitted under the $85 million investment.

Students unvailing the plaque

a total cost of $85 million; six secondary schools nationwide were outfitted with air-conditioned spaces equipped with high-powered laptops, peripheral hardware and AutoCAD software. Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Chief Education Officer for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Dr Ritesh Tularam, emphasised that technical training must evolve beyond basic manual skills. Tularam highlighted the collaborative efforts that contributed to the establishment of the AutoCAD laboratory. He expressed appreciation to the head

Digital competencies & problem-solving abilities

He also shed light on the transition students must

A heavy-duty container truck appears to have developed an issue, resulting in the rear section becoming partially disabled on the roadway at the intersection of Saffon and Lombard Streets, Georgetown (Radio Eve Leary photos)

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2026

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Regional Deadly shooting Brazil AG says meddling hits Saint Vincent “cannot be tolerated” after Trump funding plans revealed and Grenadines

razil’s Attorney General (AG) Jorge Messias has said foreign meddling in his country’s institutions and democracy “cannot be tolerated” after a Guardian report revealed how the Trump Administration was pushing to direct funds to a campaign against the Brazilian supreme court. Writing on X, Messias called the report “an important alert for Brazilian sovereignty. The information is especially serious in light of Brazil’s electoral process and the recent episodes of external pressure on our institutions.” Brazil is three days away from its presidential election – the outcome of which Washington has been accused of trying to influence

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (left) is facing off in the presidential election against far-right Flávio Bolsonaro, an ally of Donald Trump (right)

– where the left-wing incumbent, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, will face off against his

far-right rival, the Trump ally Flávio Bolsonaro. The pair are neck and neck in

the polls. According to the Brazilian television network GloboNews, the AG’s office on Thursday filed a criminal complaint to investigate potential wrongdoing in response to the Guardian story. Last year, the Trump Administration used a campaign of sanctions and tariffs in a failed attempt to pressure Lula’s Government and the Supreme Court over the coup trial of Bolsonaro’s father, the ex-president Jair Bolsonaro. Trump called Bolsonaro’s prosecution a “witch-hunt”, but he was convicted and handed a 27-year sentence for trying to seize power after losing the 2022 election to Lula. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

Attack at Mexico secondary school kills Vice Principal, injures 3

n attack at a secondary school in Mexico’s northern Coahuila state left a Vice P rincipal dead and three persons injured on Thursday, local authorities said, ‌ in a rare case of school violence in the country. The attack was allegedly carried out by two 18-year-old brothers who have both been detained, State Prosecutor Federico Fernandez said, and took place at Secondary School Onlookers stand behind a Police cordon as security officers No. 13 in the La Union stand guard at Secondary School No. 13 after an attack that killed area of the city of Torreon. a Vice Principal and injured others The suspects were former students, ⁠according to a leged attackers entered alleged attackers were apthe school armed with ma- prehended by local neighstate Government official. According to reports in chetes and rudimentary bours who entered the local media, the two a l- explosive devices. The t wo school upon hearing deto-

nations and held the suspects until authorities arrived at the scene, a neighbourhood resident told local m edia. “Preliminary investigations indicate that two persons, who are the probable perpetrators, attacked administrative staff. A woman, the school’s Vice Principal, lost her life,” Fernandez told reporters. He described ‌the ⁠incident as a “brutal attack”. The Federal Security Cabinet said the three persons injured were receiving medical attention. Attacks on schools are unusual in Mexico, where most violence is tied to organised crime. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Tobago man chops wife, sets A&B prepares for increase house on fire with disabled in prison population son inside, takes his own life following tougher sentences

Signal Hill woman is recovering in hospital after allegedly being chopped in the neck by her husband, who later set their home on fire with her disabled son still inside. The incident occurred around 07:30h Wednesday at the family’s Mentor Drive home. Police said Nicoya Bernard-Paul, 43, a nurse from Scarborough, was attacked during an argument with her husband Steve Fraser, 55. After the attack, Fraser allegedly set the house ablaze while Bernard-Paul’s son, who has cerebral palsy, was inside. Bernard-Paul managed to escape and sought help from neighbours. She was rescued by relatives and taken to hospital, where she remains warded in stable condition. Fraser died in the fire, while the woman’s son was

rescued by firefighters. The shocking incident has stunned the close-knit Signal Hill community, where several relatives of both parties live. Bernard-Paul’s uncle, Bernard Marshall, who lives nearby, recalled seeing his niece fleeing from the burning house. Fearing Fraser would continue the attack, Marshall took her into his home and contacted family friend Leroy Fraser, who was nearby, to take her to hospital. He had already called the 211 emergency number to notify the ambulance and fire services. Marshall praised firefighters for their swift response, saying they arrived in time to save the disabled boy from the blaze. The tragedy has left residents struggling to come to terms with what happened. (Excerpt from T&T Guardian)

he Antigua and Barbuda (A&B) Government is preparing for a possible increase in the prison population following the passage of tougher sentencing measures for serious crimes. Prime Minister (PM) Gaston Browne told the Cabinet that the strengthened sentencing framework is expected to place additional demands on His Majesty’s Prison and said the Government must plan accordingly. The issue was discussed Wednesday as Cabinet reviewed the Government’s broader response to gun violence, serious criminal activity and offences against children. The House of Representatives on Monday passed amendments strengthening penalties for serious firearm offences and sexual

offences against minors. PM Browne told Cabinet that the anticipated impact of the tougher sentences would require changes not only at the prison but across the wider justice system. The Cabinet discussed the need for additional magistrates and judges where necessary to ensure criminal cases move through the courts efficiently and that increased enforcement does not lead to unnecessary delays. The PM also called for reform of the prison system, with greater emphasis on rehabilitation and skills development to prepare inmates for productive reintegration into society. He directed the attorney general and relevant prison authorities to develop a comprehensive prison reform programme within 30 days for Cabinet’s consideration. (Antigua Newsroom)

olice in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are searching for suspects after four persons were shot dead and four others wounded near the capital, Kingstown, in an apparent act of gang violence in the Caribbean nation. Police responded to reports of gunfire in the Green Hill community in Central Kingstown, Acting Commissioner of Police Trevor Bailey said at a news conference. “Two bodies were met lying on the public road,” Bailey said. “The body of a female was discovered in a vehicle that was parked on the public road, and on an adjacent piece of land another body was discovered.” A preliminary examination found all four victims had what appeared to be gunshot wounds. Four other persons were taken to Milton Cato Memorial Hospital with gunshot injuries. Two were treated and discharged,

while two remained in hospital. Police said no arrests had been made and have not publicly established a motive for the killings. The killings come as authorities confront gang violence and retaliatory attacks involving rival groups. Police have recorded 37 homicides in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines so far this year. The 32-island nation, known for its white sand beaches and clear waters, is a popular yachting destination for wealthy tourists. It has long relied on tourism as its main source of income. Authorities said they were stepping up their response following the violence, including increased patrols, searches and greater intelligence sharing among Police units. Bailey appealed particularly to young people to stay away from criminal groups and violence. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Bolivian AG blacklisted by US arrested for alleged money laundering, drug trafficking

Bolivian Attorney General Roger Mariaca

S-sanctioned Bolivian Attorney General (AG) Roger Mariaca has been arrested on suspicion of money laundering and drug trafficking, with Police finding bundles of cash smuggled out of his house, the Government said Thursday. Mariaca was arrested on Wednesday night in the eastern city of Santa Cruz, two days after the United States revoked his visa due to his alleged links to drug trafficking. “A criminal organisation entrenched in the justice system has been dismantled,” Interior Minister Marco Antonio Oviedo told a press conference. Oviedo said that in the early hours of Thursday, four persons were caught trying to remove bundles of cash from Mariaca’s house

aboard an ambulance. A video released by the Interior Ministry showed Police removing wads of cash from the ambulance’s panels. Oviedo said that the AG’s Office, “headed by Roger Mariaca, became a criminal organisation dedicated to protecting, encouraging, and safeguarding narco-terrorism.” According to the Reuters news agency, a prosecutor’s office official reported the “abduction” of Mariaca during a live broadcast. Local media said Mariaca had been detained at Viru Viru International Airport. In total, four prosecutors, six employees of the public prosecutor’s office and the four persons found aboard the ambulance were arrested. (Excerpt from CBS News)

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2026

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Around the World

Netanyahu says Flydubai attacker had “Islamist radical indoctrination”

sraeli Prime Minister (PM) Benjamin Netanyahu says investigations suggest the man who stabbed his fellow pilot and tried to take over a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv had undergone “Islamist radical indoctrination”. The Flydubai plane plunged more than 5200 metres, two hours into its journey on Wednesday, before passengers and crew overpowered the attacker and retook control to land safely. Netanyahu told Fox News that it was looking “very likely” that the attacker, who he said was an Omani national, “was going to down the plane”.

Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) state news agency reports investigations have begun there to determine “whether the incident was linked to any terrorist activity or purpose”. The Interior Ministry of Saudi Arabia – where the plane made an emergency landing - said that both the pilot and co-pilot had been sent back to the UAE on Thursday morning after medical teams had cleared them. Netanyahu told Fox that once the attacker had been subdued and tied up by passengers and crew, he was “calling out to the aircrew ‘kill me, kill me’, so it’s clear

Oil jumps 4% on reports China halts fuel exports, US troops head to Middle East

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

he was suicidal - that’s not a question”. However, he stressed that he did not want to draw any firm conclusions as to motive yet.

The PM was also asked earlier on the same network whether there was an indication if Iran was involved; he replied, “It’s too early to say.” (Excerpt from BBC News)

Israeli drone kills Palestinian in Gaza; settlers kill another in West Bank

n Israeli drone strike has killed a Palestinian man and wounded several others in southern Gaza, while settlers shot dead another Palestinian man near Ramallah in the occupied West Bank. The body of Tamer al-Hamayda, 42, and three wounded people were brought to Nasser Medical Complex on Thursday after the strike hit a tent sheltering displaced Palestinians in the al-

Mawasi area, west of Khan Younis on the southern coast of the Gaza Strip. Another Palestinian succumbed to wounds sustained in an earlier Israeli drone strike on Tuesday that targeted a gathering of Palestinians in Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza, according to medical personnel in Nasser Medical Complex. The Gaza Health Ministry reported eight new

OILNEWS OIL NEWS

deaths and 26 wounded over the past 24 hours, putting the toll since the “ceasefire” took effect in October 2025 at 1439 killed and 5052 wounded, with 834 bodies recovered from the rubble. In the occupied West Bank, Israeli settlers shot dead a Palestinian man and wounded another during a raid on the village of Yasuf, north of Ramallah, on Thursday. 51-year-old Mashhour

Yassin was shot dead by settler gunfire, the Palestinian Health Ministry said. More than 500,000 Israelis live in West Bank settlements considered illegal under international law. According to the UN, at least 1112 Palestinians in the occupied West Bank have been killed by Israeli forces or settlers in the territory since October 2023, including at least 37 killed by settlers. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

il prices jumped on Thursday and settled up more than US$4 a barrel, after a report said the US was sending more troops and carriers to the Middle East and China suspended oil product exports, stoking fears that global fuel shortages could worsen. The new front-month December Brent crude futures contract settled at US$102.31 a barrel, up 4.37 per cent or US$4.28. US West Texas Intermediate crude futures finished at US$92.87 a barrel, up 2.71 per cent, or US$2.45. A Wall Street Journal report said the US was sending a third aircraft carrier and up to 10,000 more troops to the Middle East as President Donald Trump weighed resuming strikes on Iran after the US midterm elections. Trump told reporters at the White House before departing on a campaign trip that he was weighing his options on Iran. “Now I have to make a decision. They’ll either sign a very fair deal, or they won’t exist any longer,” he said. The comments, coupled with China’s suspension of fuel exports, contributed to a volatile trading session. Oil prices fell one per cent early but reversed course after Reuters reported that Chinese refiners had suspended exports of oil products beyond Hong Kong and Macau until further notice, citing four people familiar with the matter. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Syrian Government officials, Hezbollah Pakistani held secret talks in Turkey, sources say airstrikes kill

epresentatives of the Syrian Government and Lebanese militant group Hezbollah have held face-to-face talks in Turkey to try to calm tensions between them, according to six sources briefed on the first known meeting between the longtime foes. The Syrian officials and the Iran-aligned group met secretly at least once last month, the sources – who include two Syrian officials, a US official, and a senior Lebanese security source close to Hezbollah - told Reuters. After publication, the Turkish Presidency’s communications directorate denied Reuters’ report, saying that it was “entirely unfounded” that Syrian Government officials and Hezbollah officials met in Turkey. “The claims in these posts

regarding the date, venue, content and contacts do not reflect any reality and are entirely fabricated and speculative,” it said in a statement on X. The Syrian Government’s English-language account on X also denied such a meeting had taken place, saying,

“These claims are false.” Hezbollah for years dispatched fighters to Syria to support former President Bashar al-Assad’s Government during the country’s civil war. After Assad was ousted in late 2024 in a lightning rebel offensive, tensions

rose between Syria’s new Government and Hezbollah – with Damascus accusing the group of transferring arms through Syria and the United States encouraging Syria’s military to send forces into Lebanon to fight Hezbollah. The six sources said Hezbollah representatives and Syrian intelligence and foreign Ministry officials had taken part in the meeting last month at the invitation of Turkish security and intelligence agencies in an effort to de-escalate. All the sources spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the meeting. Syria’s Foreign Ministry, Turkey’s Foreign and Defence Ministries, and the US State Department did not respond to Reuters’ questions about the meeting. Hezbollah’s media office declined to comment. (Excerpt from Reuters)

blast, which occurred on 21 September during a search operation south of the border. He also called for an immediate halt to North Korea’s mine-laying and border fortification, which he said violated the armistice and the spirit of inter-Korean agreements. North Korea would bear “all responsibility” for any future developments, he said. The explosions occurred

about 10 metres south of the Military Demarcation Line on the western front, as troops searched an area where North Korea was suspected of laying mines. Two blasts went off about a minute apart, seriously injuring a battalion commander, whose foot was reportedly severed at the ankle, and an engineer. A third officer was present and has minor injuries from the explosion.

On Monday, South Korea’s military said interim findings showed the blasts were “highly likely” to have been caused by North Korean mines. North Korea has denied involvement. In a statement carried by state media on Wednesday, Kim Yo-jong, the sister of leader Kim Jongun, called the incident “an obvious self-staged farce”. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

Hezbollah flags flutter as protesters, mainly Houthi supporters, rally to show support to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon’s Hezbollah

South Korea demands apology from North Korea after mine injures 3 soldiers

outh Korea has demanded an apology from North Korea over a landmine blast that injured three soldiers, saying they were hurt by North Korean mines on the southern side of the border. Kang Hyun-woo, the Director of Operations at South Korea’s joint chiefs of staff, demanded an apology and “responsible measures” from Pyongyang over the

10 civilians in Afghanistan

Afghan men sift through the rubble of houses destroyed by a Pakistani airstrike

akistan launched new airstrikes in Afghanistan overnight, killing at least 10 persons, most of them children, the United Nations mission in the country said Thursday. Islamabad claimed the attacks targeted militants with Pakistani insurgent groups who have mounted attacks on the country, but Afghanistan’s Taliban Government accused the neighbouring nation of aggression, saying the strikes hit civilian homes, killing women and children. The strikes targeted areas in Afghanistan’s Kunar

and Helmand provinces, and chief spokesperson for the Afghan regime, Zabihullah Mujahid, said three civilian homes were destroyed. He condemned the Pakistani bombing as an act of aggression. Repeated cross-border clashes between the neighbours have escalated this year, with Pakistan carrying out airstrikes inside Afghanistan on multiple occasions. According to UNAMA, the clashes have caused more than 1100 civilian deaths and injuries in Afghanistan this year alone. (Excerpt from CBS News)

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2026

ARCHIE

DAILY HOROSCOPES Refuse to let your emotions infiltrate domestic matters that can disrupt meaningful relationships. Think twice before you criticize or complain about something without sufficient information.

(March 21-April 19) Zigzag through ups and downs. Drama, anger and overreactions will cost you if you don’t think before you act. Don’t allow stubbornness to take over, causing you to look bad or end up in a weak position.

PICKLES

(April 20-May 20) Point your energy in a direction that leads to personal growth and greater awareness of what you want to achieve. Socializing with people who have something to offer will be rewarding.

(May 21-June 20)

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

Let your intuition guide you. Taking your time, listening and understanding what’s important to those you deal with personally and professionally will help you offer what’s necessary to get what you want. Distance yourself from situations that can cause problems at home. Change your routine, and avoid senseless arguments that can lead to poor decisions. A little discipline will go a long way.

(July 23-Aug. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Gather information so you can understand the dynamics of a situation before you get involved. Express only what’s necessary, and try to find common ground to avoid disputes that might cost you personally or financially. Take in information. Having an open mind, a good imagination and a creative mindset will help you outmaneuver anyone who wants to challenge you. Live life your way. Avoid overspending.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

Get involved in conversations that will help you grow, understand the dynamics a choice and what’s possible. Choose to take the road less traveled and to learn as you go.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Stick close to home and make adjustments that are conducive to reaching your goals. Opportunity is within reach if you explore what the requirements are to pursue something you’d love to do for a living.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Put your expertise to the test. Listen to those who oppose you, but don’t shift your trust to someone else. It’s time to rely on yourself and to build confidence by taking control.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Proceed with caution. Choose your words and actions carefully. Stick to the truth, and don’t let mixed emotions lead to misinterpretation of what’s possible and what isn’t.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Pay attention to what’s going on at home and with your finances. Coming up with a budget and living within your means will put your mind at ease and position you for better opportunities.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2026

GFF breaks silence on Barrow’s Puerto Rico detention

he Guyana Football Federation (GFF), in a statement on Wednesday night, sought to clarify the chain of events which occurred after Golden Jaguars forward Neron Barrow was denied entry into Puerto Rico owing to a visa issue. Earlier this week, reports on social media surfaced, revealing that Barrow had been detained by Puerto Rican immigration for hours over the visa issue. It was alleged that after being detained, Barrow was left alone with authorities as the rest of the team proceeded into Puerto Rico ahead of Thursday’s Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Nations League clash with Dominica. As questions rose amongst the football fraternity regarding the GFF’s handling of the situation, the Federation issued a response on Wednesday evening. The GFF wrote, “The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) wishes to provide clarification regarding the circumstances surrounding the return of Golden Jaguars forward,

Golden Jaguars forward Neron Barrow

Mr Neron Barrow, from Puerto Rico on September 29, 2026. Mr Barrow was denied entry into Puerto Rico due to a visarelated matter upon his arrival with the Guyana National Senior Men’s Team. He was subsequently detained and processed by Puerto Rico’s immigration authorities for more than five hours before being released into the supervision of Inter-Caribbean Airlines. During the period of his detention, Mr Barrow was not permitted to make telephone calls or have direct communication with the team’s management. Despite efforts by the GFF and team management to establish contact and provide assistance, access to Mr Barrow was restricted by the applicable immigration protocols. The team management was able to make contact with Mr Barrow only after he had been released into the supervision of Inter-Caribbean Airlines. The team manager thereafter maintained communication with him and worked to ensure that appropriate arrangements were made for his return to Guyana.

Inter-Caribbean Airlines coordinated Mr Barrow’s initial travel arrangements from Puerto Rico, while the GFF subsequently secured his onwards flight to Guyana. His accommodation during this period was also facilitated by Inter-Caribbean Airlines. Based on the communication maintained between Mr Barrow and the team manager following his release, the GFF understands that he was not subjected to mistreatment during his detention. The Federation nevertheless fully appreciates that being detained and denied entry into a foreign country, particularly under circumstances where communication with family and team officials is restricted, must have been an extremely difficult and distressing experience for Mr Barrow and his family. The GFF wishes to assure Mr Barrow and his family that, despite the limitations imposed by the circumstances, every reasonable effort was made to monitor his situation, provide assistance when access became possible, and

ensure his safe and timely return home. It is important to clarify that the GFF, as the governing body of football in Guyana, must respect and abide by the immigration laws and entry protocols of the foreign jurisdictions in which its national teams travel. While the Federation will always advocate for and support its players, it cannot override or direct the decisions of the immigration authorities of another sovereign state. The GFF is also grateful to Inter-Caribbean Airlines for its cooperation and support in assisting Mr Barrow during this difficult situation and in facilitating his return journey. Mr Barrow’s flight home has been secured by the GFF, and he is scheduled to arrive in Guyana later this evening. Finally, the GFF wishes to make clear that it cannot comment on the specific circumstances surrounding Mr Barrow’s visa matter without his express permission. The Federation will therefore respect his privacy in relation to that matter.”

Fixtures announced for ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027

Fixtures were released yesterday

Australia are the ODI World Cup defending champions

he International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the schedule for the Men’s Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2027. The tournament begins on October 2 with the commencement of the threeteam Super Series in Windhoek, which will decide the final group stage team. The 12 remaining teams at the tournament will be split into two groups of six. Group A comprises India, Australia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and Qualifier A, while Group B consists of New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, England, Bangladesh, and Qualifier B. Group stage action begins on October 7 in Cape Town, with a repeat of the 2023 final as defending champions Australia take on India. Co-hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe begin their campaigns on October 9 and 11,

respectively. South Africa take on New Zealand in Cape Town, with Zimbabwe meeting Afghanistan in Bulawayo. Of the 14 teams at the tournament, South Africa and Zimbabwe qualified directly as hosts, alongside the best eight teams on the ICC Men’s One-Day International Team Rankings at the September 30, 2026 cut-off. The remaining four spots will be decided at the CWC Qualifier. The top-placed finisher goes directly to the Group Stage, while the other three teams compete in the Super Series for a group stage spot. The top three teams of each group will move into the Super Seven phase, with the better fourth-place finisher across the two groups taking the seventh spot.

Key fixtures

There will be a lot of eyes looking to Namibia, with three high-stakes Super Series fixtures

on October 2, 4, and 6 played by the second, third, and fourthplaced finishers of CWC Qualifier 2027. Through a single round-robin format, the team finishing top of the Super Series will claim the final group stage spot. A rematch of the 2023 final is pencilled in to begin group stage action, with India and Australia set to meet in Cape Town. The city will also play host to South Africa’s opener on October 9, against historic sporting rivals New Zealand, while co-host Zimbabwe’s tournament opener comes on the same day, when they take on Qualifier B. The much-anticipated IndiaPakistan match will be played on October 10 in Johannesburg, while the Namibia Cricket Ground’s final fixture at the tournament is one of intrigue, when England play Sri Lanka on October 13. India take on Zimbabwe in

the first CWC match at the new ground at Victoria Falls, the last fixture of the group stage. The top three teams in each group and the fourth-placed team with more points than the fourth-place finisher in the other group stage go on to the Super Seven phase.

Super 7 phase

The remaining seven teams enter the Super Seven phase with no points carried over from the group stage, meaning that each team will play six more matches from October 25 to November 14. To provide clarity for fans, teams and stakeholders, a number of teams have been preseeded into designated Super Seven positions. This allows fans to better understand potential venue allocations and fixture pathways in advance, helping them plan travel, attendance and ticket purchases with greater confidence. The pre-seeded allocations are listed below: A1: India A2: Australia A3: Pakistan AB4: England B1: New Zealand B2: South Africa B3: Sri Lanka

So, for example, the Super Seven stage begins on Monday, October 25, 2027, with A2 taking B3 in Jo-hannesburg. This match will be between Australia and Sri Lanka if both Australia and Sri Lanka qualify for the Super Seven stage. Should a non-seeded team finish in a qualifying position and a pre-seeded team not, that team will assume the Super Seven position allocated to the pre-seeded team it has displaced. In the same example, if Bangladesh qualify for the Super Seven stage and Sri Lanka does not, Bangladesh would take the B3 spot and play Australia on October 25. This seeding is done to ensure the integrity of the qualification process is maintained while preserving fixture certainty for fans.

Semi-finals and final

The top four teams after the Super Seven phase progress to the semi-finals. The team finishing top of the Super Seven standings will face fourth, with the second and third-placed teams going head-to-head. The first semi-final will be held on November 17 in Cape Town and the second on

November 18 in Tshwane. Both semi-finals will have a reserve day. The final will take place on November 21 in Johannesburg, with a reserve day on November 22 if necessary. ICC Chairman Jay Shah is excited by the prospect of longlasting memories in next year’s competition. “The announcement of the schedule and opening of the ticket ballot are major milestones on the road to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027, bringing fans one step closer to a spectacular celebration of cricket across the three nations. “The ICC remains committed to making its World Cup events accessible to as many fans as possible, with affordable ticket prices and options that bring families, young people and local communities closer to the action. “South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia will provide an unforgettable stage for the world’s best teams, combining a deep passion for cricket, extraordinary destinations and a renowned warmth of wel-come. We look forward to welcoming fans from across the world and creating memories that will last long beyond the final.” (ICC)

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2026

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Clean sweeps witnessed at GMR&SC National Championships Round 1

everal classes saw clean sweeps in Sunday’s opening round of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) National Championships at the South Dakota Circuit. A premature end to the day denied a “three-peat” for many competitors after an oil spill rendered the South Dakota Circuit unfit for further racing, despite one of the largest clean-up efforts to date. Shan Seejatan swept both races in the Sports Tuner 1600cc class. Seejatan won Race One ahead of Mohamed Saifudeen Roshandin and the Street Tuner 1500cc entry of Amjad Rahaman. He returned to victory in Race Two with a time of 9:48.264. Roshandin finished third overall and second in the Sports Tuner class, while Azaad Hassan retired. The Street Tuner 1500cc class saw Amjad Rahaman take the Race One victory, with Jad Rahaman second and Ryan Ramoutar third. In Race Two, Ryan Rahaman took the Street

Tuner class victory, followed by Amjad Rahaman and Paul Jiwanram. Kevin Persaud dominated the Superbikes Open class, winning both races. Persaud won Race One in 7:47.037, with Adrian Mohar second in the class. Alain Hopkinson was classified second overall. Persaud again took Race Two in finishing ahead of Hopkinson and Mohar. Matthew Vieira swept the Superbikes 600cc class ahead of Elan Rahaman and Junior DaSilva in Race One, with a carbon copy of the result for Race Two. The Street Class Bikes saw Salim Azeez take both race victories. He won Race One in 8:08.698 and Race Two in 8:19.776. Elwin Chase finished second in Race One and third in Race Two, while Fitzpatrick Augustus was third in Race One and second in Race Two. Nicholas Sawh won both races in the Rookie B Class. Sawh won Race One in 9:14.523, finishing ahead of Rookie A Class driver Joshua Ramdehol and Female Class winner Malicia Lawrence.

Action from the GMR&SC National Championships Round 1

In Race Two, Sawh again led the field with a time of 9:19.004. Ramdehol was second overall, while Phillip Paruag was third. In the Rookie B Class, Race One saw Sawh followed by Devesh Singh and Paruag. Race Two finished with Sawh first, Paruag second and Singh third. Ramdehol won the Rookie A Class in both rac-

Ravens, Colts soar to convincing GABA Legacy wins

es.

Meanwhile, Lawrence continued her strong showing in the Female Class, tak-

ing victory in both races. Her Race One performance placed her third overall among the combined Rookie and Female field, while she finished fourth overall in Race Two. Tommi Gore swept the Local Group Four 2WD class, taking both victories. Gore won Race One in 7:43.217, ahead of Andrew King and Rameez Mohamed. He returned to the top in Race Two again ahead of King, who finished second in both races, while Rameez Mohamed completed the Race One podium. In Group Three, Anand Ramchand won Race One, finishing ahead of Danny Persaud. Ramchand also won Race Two, with Persaud retiring after five laps. In the group two class, Nasrudeen Mohamed snagged both the Local Group Two victories.

Hope pleased with Lawes’ composure on India debut

est Indies Captain Shai Hope believes his side’s batting continues to provide encouragement but admitted that tighter bowling could have given them a better chance of defending their record 405-run total against India in the second One-Day International (ODI). West Indies produced a formidable batting display, with John Campbell, Hope and Amir Jangoo all reaching centuries to post their highest ODI total of 405-7. However, India produced a remarkable response, reaching 406-2 in 43.3 overs to complete an eight-wicket victory and take an unassailable lead

West Indies Captain Shai Hope

and it’s going to be very difficult if you’re going to give them a start like that.” India’s opening pair of

Bounty Colts begin the tournament on a positive note (file photo)

nyx Ravens and Bounty Colts produced commanding performances on Wednesday night, as the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) Legacy Knockout Tournament continued at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH), Homestretch Avenue. In the Under-23 Division, Onyx Ravens overwhelmed Valhalla Knights 79-37 in the second game of the division, using their experience and efficiency at both ends of the court to establish control from the opening exchanges. Stephen Duke led the Ravens’ scoring with 18 points, while Kofi Hossanah added 13, and Captain

Alroy Nurse contributed 12. Ishmail Chapman scored six, with Amaan Yusuf adding three. For Valhalla, Darius Tyrell was the leading scorer with 15 points, while Hesleyman Jones finished with three. Orlando Monahan and Sylvon Washington added two points apiece, with Nathaniel Sanchara also scoring two. The Knights, a young and developing unit, battled throughout but struggled to contain the more exprienced Ravens, who maintained their advantage as the contest progressed. In the Senior Division, Bounty Colts also registered a convincing victory, defeating Black Caimans 71-33 in

the second senior game of the night. Kimmol Grimmond paced the Colts with a game-high 19 points, while Carmelo Manshing added 18 and Jammel Damon contributed 12. Richard Telford scored six, with Captain Shelroy Thomas adding five. Shaquane Favourite led Black Caimans with five points, while Sheran Greaves and Shemar Morris scored four each. Jonathan Hawke contributed three, with Miguel Vega adding two. The Colts controlled proceedings from the opening quarter, with their depth and experience allowing them to maintain a comfortable advantage throughout the contest.

Mohamed won Race One in 9:48.228, finishing ahead of Shan Seejatan and Damian Singh, with Mohamed returning for Race Two, again ahead of Seejatan in second, followed by Mohamed Shairaz Roshandin. Anand Ramchand also picked up a pair of wins in the Starlet Cup. Ramchand won Race One, with Da Silva second, with another repeat of the podium results in Race Two. Results of the Vitz A Class were under review following a discrepancy. In the B-Class, Navin Singh won Race One, followed by Ryan Ramoutar and Shivan Raganauth. Singh also took Race Two, finishing ahead of Ryan Ramoutar and Devesh Singh.

Vitel Lawes had a solid outing in tough conditions

in the three-match series. Hope pointed to the consistency of the West Indies batting unit but acknowledged the fine margins involved when facing India’s leading batsmen. Hope opined, “When you look at the batting side of things, we as a batting group have been putting up a lot of consistent competitive totals. So that’s one tick you can put.” “But obviously, when you come up against any of the greatest batters in the world, the margin for error is so slim,

Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma laid the foundation for the chase with a 255-run partnership, with Gill eventually finishing unbeaten on 223 and Sharma scoring 101. Hope felt the West Indies could have been more disciplined with the ball and created greater pressure despite having 400 runs on the board. “They played very well, but if we really wanted to be critical, we probably could have been a little tighter with the ball and maybe given ourselves a better chance with 400 runs on the board,” he

said. Hope also explained the decision to introduce 19-yearold leg-spinner Vitel Lawes later in the innings, saying the team wanted to ease the young player into his first international experience in India. “You don’t want to give him the hardest over to bowl, especially coming to India for the first time,” the West Indies ODI Captain shared. He stressed that the decision was not a reflection of a lack of confidence in Lawes but rather an effort to make the youngster as comfortable as possible. “It’s not saying that I don’t expect him to come in and do a great job. You just want to make him feel as comfortable as possible, especially when he is coming to play in these conditions because he is very young.” Lawes eventually took his opportunity, bowling a commendable spell after being introduced into the attack. “It’s great to see he came in, raised his hand and bowled a really good spell. Obviously, a lot to learn, but I’m sure he is going to keep going on strong,” Hope added. The West Indies will now look to finish the series on a positive note when they meet India in the third and final ODI on Saturday, October 3, from 04:30h.

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2026

7th KFC Goodwill International tournament set for December

KFC Guyana CEO Paul Subryan

ight secondary school football teams from around the Caribbean and South America will converge on two venues in Georgetown this December, as KFC Guyana and the Petra Organisation collaborate for the seventh annual KFC Goodwill International football tournament. Slated for December 13 to 20, 2026, this year’s edition will see a team from Barbados making their anticipated debut while the Trinidad and Tobago Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) champions, Naparima College, and Jamaica’s Olivier Shield champions Excelsior High, are already confirmed for the competition. Speaking during the tournament’s launch on Wednesday night at Cara Lodge, Petra Organisation CoDirector Troy Mendonca reiterated the objective behind the tournament. Mendonca shared, “This

tournament is far from just playing on the football field. It brings together several countries from the Caribbean and Brazil and gives our young people the opportunity to encounter different cultures and build friendships. On the field, players will have the freedom to express their talent, discipline, creativity, and teamwork while proudly representing their country through their schools.” “At the outset, I want to say a special thank you to KFC Guyana, our main sponsor, who continue to show confidence and investment to make this important programme possible. I also want to acknowledge the invaluable support of the Ministries of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport and Amerindian Affairs. Their support confirms a shared commitment to youth development, education, and sport,” the Petra CorDirector went on to express. KFC Guyana’s CEO Paul

Subryan shared remarks, highlighting why the entity continues to support the competition. “That is why KFC is so proud to support this tournament,” Subryan told the gathering, “Because we’re all about community development, we’re all about youth development through sport.” “As a business, we believe that businesses should contribute to the communities that support them, and for KFC, that means investing in young people and helping create opportunities for them to learn, to compete and to develop their talents.” Meanwhile, Head of Allied Arts Nicholas Fraser spoke to the unique opportunity that the tournament presents to players. “These competitions that we have here, locally, are very much anticipated by the schools and by the regional education departments. Also, it forms an important part of what we do in terms of the development of sport through schools. So, we’re very thankful and happy to partner with both you and the title sponsor,” Fraser noted. The Allied Arts Head added, “We’re also happy to note that the tournament will not only be able to help our footballers improve in the tactical areas and the technical areas of football. In that, it is always good to play opposition players who are not from your area. Since a lot of the time when we play, we learn to play a certain style, and it is until we face opponents with a different style that we’re able to

Petra Organisation’s Troy Mendonca and Nareeza Latif share a moment with members of the defending champion team, Chase’s Academic Foundation

learn and change, adapt and improve. We at the Ministry understand the need... where teams from different areas and backgrounds are able to play each other.” Further, the manager of the defending champions, Oronde Chase, gave an interesting welcome to his fellow competitors. Chase remarked, “As defending champions, we’d like

to compete, but before competing, we’d like to welcome all teams and hopefully be good hosts. So, we’re awaiting Suriname, Brazil, Barbados, Trinidad and Jamaica for us to have a memorable December.” Barbados, Suriname and Brazil are yet to confirm their representatives, while the Republic Bank Secondary Schools League winners or runners-up and a represen-

tative from Region 9 will complete this year’s KFC International roster. The eight teams will be sorted into two groups of four for round-robin play, after which the top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals. Defending champions Chase’s Academic Foundation will be looking to pull off the three-peat this year.

International Circuit Championships…

Jumbo Jet Events’ VVIP Paddock Club set to redefine luxury on November 1

Rampaul calls for better execution after record India chase

West Indies Bowling Coach Ravi Rampaul was left disappointed by his bowlers’ lack of execution

West Indies Bowling Coach Ravi Rampaul has called for greater consistency and execution from the team’s bowlers after India produced a record run chase in the second One-Day International (ODI) on Wednesday. West Indies posted a record 405-7, powered by centuries from John Campbell, Shai Hope and Amir Jangoo, but India comfortably chased the target, reaching 406-2 in 43.3 overs for an eight-wicket vic-tory. Rampaul acknowledged India’s strong batting performance on a favourable surface but felt West In-dies’ Bowling execution fell short. “Definitely, it was a good batting performance by the

Indian team on their home condition on a very good batting-friendly pitch. But definitely our bowlers weren’t consistent enough on a good pitch that was suited for batting. And our execution wasn’t on par today,” Rampaul said. The former West Indies pacer explained that the team had developed specific plans for India’s leading batsmen, but the hosts repeatedly found ways to counter them. “Definitely information was shared with the bowlers and the Captain about different field placements for different batsmen, trying different things. But it seems that every time we try something new, the Indian batsman has

a way to counteract that,” he shared. Rampaul stressed that confidence will be crucial as the bowlers seek to respond, particularly with West Indies preparing for the ODI qualifiers. He admitted that conceding more than 400 runs in 43 overs was unacceptable but urged the bowlers to trust their abilities. The Bowling Coach stressed, “400 runs chasing down and 43 overs is not right. But just to instill that confidence in them, back again.” Despite the defeat, Rampaul believes the experience gained from the series will benefit West Indies ahead of the qualifiers, particularly if they encounter similarly batting-friendly conditions. “Our batting has been doing a good job. And the experience the guys are going to get from this series will definitely help us when we go into the qualifiers,” he said. “If we encounter pitches like this, we will have more experience, and we will know how to execute different plans on surfaces like this.” The West Indies will look to finish the series on a positive note when they face India in the third and final ODI on Saturday, October 3, from 04:30h.

Jumbo Jet Events’ VVIP Paddock Club is set to redefine luxury

acing enthusiasts will have a historic opportunity to experience motorsport from an elevated level of luxury at Jumbo Jet Events’ VVIP Paddock Club, an ultra-exclusive hospitality experience for the November 1st International Circuit Championships at the South Dakota Racing Circuit. This ultra-premium section was designed to offer an exclusive combination of premium trackside viewing, privacy, comfort, security and personalised hospitality. There will be 24 booths going on sale on Friday, October 2, 2026, on a first-come, first-served basis due to the limited spaces available. Each booth will cost GY$500,000. Each booth will feature secured internal parking, premium furniture seating for 15 persons, elevated unobstructed aerial viewing of the racing circuit, complete separation and privacy between indi-

vidual booths, private boardwalk-style entrances and dedicated usher assistance. There will be limited optional premium catering and personalised waitress services, available at an additional cost. The VVIP Paddock Club will also feature a dedicated food court showcasing an array of local delicacies complemented by a well-stocked bar, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy local flavours and refreshments throughout the championship experience. For guests seeking an even more personalised experience, optional catering and dedicated waitress services will be available at an additional cost. The Paddock Club’s surround-sound system will be provided by Power Tech International, ensuring guests remain connected to the excitement and atmosphere of the championships while enjoying the comfort of their private hospitality space.

Professional ushers will be positioned throughout the VVIP area to welcome guests and ensure that all patrons are efficiently directed to their respective booths. With only a very limited number of VVIP booths available, the Paddock Club is designed for guests seeking an exceptional race-day experience combining exclusivity, privacy and premium hospitality. To reserve a VVIP Paddock Club booth or obtain further information, call 639-1235.

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GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ExxonMobil pumps $23M into inaugural U18 Tournament

Community Relations Supervisor at ExxonMobil Guyana, Ryan Hoppie

ixty-eight secondary school boys’ football teams and 50 girls’ teams from Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, and 10 will soon spring into action in the inaugural ExxonMobil U18 Boys and Girls Secondary Schools tournament. Coordinated by the Vurlon Mills Football Academy (VMFA) with support from the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), the oil giants have plunged some $23M into the countrywide showpiece. The competition was officially launched on Thursday morning at Cara Lodge in Georgetown, where organiser Vurlon Mills of the namesake Academy underscored the importance of the sport at the Under-18 level. Mills divulged, “We would understand that under-18 football is one of the most important stages of youth players’ development. It’s a stage where we’re moving beyond the fundamentals of the game to senior football, where we’re now learning to strategise,

learning to compete and preparing to play at a higher level. For many of you,

Speaking on behalf of the title sponsor, Community Relations Supervisor at ExxonMobil Guyana, Ryan Hoppie, expounded on why the tournament has received their support. “The challenge has never been about talent; it’s been about ensuring that the talent identified is nurtured and given the right platform to thrive. And that’s why we’re very, very proud to support this initiative. This tournament enables development by providing a structured platform for both boys and girls at the school level to compete, develop and challenge themselves. It creates more matches,

VMFA Director Vurlon Mills

this stage can be challenging.” “Without consistent competitive opportunities for you, we can lose confidence and motivation. This is what the ExxonMobil Guyana U18 is here to do, to bridge the gap from youth football to transition into club or senior football,” the VMFA Director added.

valuable exposure and more opportunities for young people to learn, grow and discover what they’re capable of,” Hoppie indicated. Also chiming in was GFF General Secretary Pushpargha Chattopadhyay, who made a point about the tournament’s development poten-

ExxonMobil Guyana has injected some $23M into the inaugural tournament. From left, Referee Council President Tyrone Tyrrell, GFF General Secretary Pushpargha Chattopadhyay, ExxonMobil Guyana Community Relations Supervisor Ryan Hoppie, VMFA Director Vurlon Mills, and Assistant Director of Sport Franklin Wilson

tial. Chattopadhyay said, “It is therefore with a strong sense of duty that we welcome initiatives such as this. We have said repeatedly that GFF cannot develop football alone. Football development is a collective responsibility, and every stakeholder has a role to play. It is in that spirit that I commend the VMFA for accepting this significant challenge of organising this tournament and creating another meaningful platform for our young footballers.” The tournament has also received the blessing of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, articulated by Assistant Director of Sport Franklin Wilson. “It’s important for you to take these opportunities that are being afforded you,” Wilson charged. “I can remember covering Vurlon Mills as a journalist back in the day and seeing the transformation he’s made.

I’m very proud of that. You can see that sport and education are a natural marriage for your holistic development, and from the level of the Government, we will continue to support that.” On the Education Ministry front, Head of Allied Arts Nicholas Fraser spoke to the plethora of football tournaments that students have benefitted from in recent times. “We’ve had some discussions prior to the beginning of this tournament, and we’re quite impressed with the vision that this tournament is trying to achieve. I think one of the things we mentioned and admitted was that this tournament was starting quite large, and so, we’re also interested in ensuring that we have a balance between football and academics,” Fraser expressed. He went on to opine, “I feel as if we’re in a golden age of football in schools. We have quite a bit of foot-

ball being played currently in the school system, and it’s not a bad thing. We have the Pee-Wee, U14, U16, and U18; we even have an international football tournament that is held at the end of the year. So, I feel as if, at the school level, we’re in very good hands. There are a number of organisations who we work closely with to ensure we have quality football played, and we’d like for this tournament to also be one of those tournaments.” The ExxonMobil U18 tournament will kick off today, Friday, October 2, in Region Seven with two schools doing battle in Bartica. For both boys and girls, following the regional phase, the top 16 teams will compete in the Round of 16, after which the top eight teams will head to the GFF’s National Training Center (NTC) at Providence for the grand culmination of the competition.

Golden Jaguars maul Dominica 5-1 G

The Golden Jaguars goalscorers on Thursday night

uyana’s senior men’s national football team, the Golden Jaguars, continued their dominant run in the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Nations League with a commanding 5-1 victory over Dominica on Thursday afternoon. Goalkeeper Quillan Roberts, Jalen Jones, Nathan Moriah- Welsh, Nathan Ferguson, Raushaun Ritch, Liam Gordon, Elliot Bonds, Deon Moore, Osaze De Rosario, Kelsey Benjamin, and Omaro Glasgow comprised the starting XI at the Estadio Centroamericano de Mayagüez in Puerto Rico. Guyana took some time to find their rhythm, but when the floodgates opened, Dominica could not stop the onslaught. De Rosario extended his personal tally in the 2026/27 Nations League to three, sinking a header in the 27th minute to break

Omari Glasgow pristine free kick

netted

the ice. Glasgow later doubled the lead with a free kick from just outside the 18yard box, sending a flat, right-footed shot into the left corner of the goal. With the two-goal cushion after the first half, the Golden Jaguars upped the ante in the second segment.

Deon Moore pushed the lead to 3-0 in the 50th minute before Dominica managed to pull one back. Troy Jules’ 75th-minute strike signalled the first goal conceded by the Golden Jaguars in this year’s Nations League after three games. Kelsey Benjamin restored order in the 80th, netting Guyana’s fourth goal. Enoch George then found the back of the net in the 90th minute to seal Guyana’s emphatic win. The Golden Jaguars are now just one victory away from cementing their current spot at the top of Group A in League B. With that win they will secure their spot at next year’s CONCACAF Gold Cup and in League A for the next Nations League cycle. The Golden Jaguars now have a perfect nine points from three games played. Their next outing will come on Sunday, October 4, against the same opposition at the same venue.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2026

Sport is no longer our game, it’s our business

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Golden ExxonMobil pumps $23M into Jaguars maul inaugural U18 Tournament Dominica 5-1 Page 23

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