Guyana takes chair of UN General Assembly’s legal committee P 16
Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 6601
guyanatimesgy.com
THE BEACON OF TRUTH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2026
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Guyana’s Judiciary cited by US State Dept for sloth in trafficking, other major criminal trials
WHAT'S INSIDE:
SOCU Chief sent on leave pending probe into rape, threat allegations
P7
Shots fired at ECD businessman’s P9 vehicle
…country retains Tier 1 status in TIP report despite fewer victims referred for care Page 3
IMF upbeat on Guyana’s projected 22.3% …says oil revenues, investment, prudent growth outlook policies support growth, economic stability Page 13
Renewable P15 energy capacity surges 623%, set to nearly double by 2031 – PM Phillips
Sophia man found dead with gunshot wound P9 to head
Families proudly marked their spots on Thursday as more than 40 allottees identified their new house lots at Success AB South Phase Two, East Coast Demerara, bringing them a step closer to building their new homes (Housing Ministry photos)
MV Barima CoI
Commissioners get hands-on with site inspection at Kingston wharf Page 7
Miner stabbed to death; reputed wife chopped during domestic dispute
Teen motorcyclist dies after crashing into lamp pole P11
Page 8
Security guard shot dead at Chinese supermarket
Page 10
16-year-old among 6 Venezuelan women found at Corentyne in TIP P9 probe
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
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Guyana’s Judiciary cited by US State Dept for sloth in trafficking, other major criminal trials …country retains Tier 1 status in TIP report despite fewer victims referred for care
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he United States Department of State has lamented the sloth within Guyana’s judicial system, highlighting that major criminal trials, such as for Trafficking in Persons (TIP), take as long as four years to be completed. This comment was made in the State Department’s 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report, which was released on Thursday. The report assesses Government efforts around the world to combat human trafficking. Guyana once again secured a Tier One ranking in this latest TIP report. This, according to the State Department, was as a result of the Government’s continued demonstration of serious and sustained efforts to combat human trafficking, including prosecuting alleged traffickers, detaining one trafficker convicted in absentia during the previous reporting period, conducting training for officials on victim identification and trauma-informed approaches, and opening a transition home for victims. It was noted that in 2025, the Guyana Government reported 16 investigations were initiated: eight for sex trafficking, seven for forced labour, and one for an unspecified form of trafficking. They also prosecuted four suspects – two for sex trafficking and two for forced labour – and convicted one trafficker for sex trafficking, who was sentenced to at least 48 months’ imprisonment. This is compared with investigating 31 cases, prosecuting three suspects, and convicting one trafficker in 2024. The reported highlighted one case where a suspected trafficker was charged with labour trafficking, but the Government settled the case rather than pursuing a criminal conviction. The defendant was ordered to pay the victim for unpaid wages, as well as their transportation to their home country. But even as the State Department commended the Government on the updated Combating Trafficking of Persons Act of 2023, criminalised sex trafficking and labour trafficking with stringent penalties such as five years to life imprisonment, it similarly bemoaned the prolonged length of time the local judiciary takes to finish a case. “The judicial process remained slow, with trafficking and other major criminal trials taking an average of two years and up to four years to complete because of shortages of trained court personnel, postponements at the request of the defence or prosecution, and delays in preparing cases for trial,” the
report stated.
Identify victims
Nevertheless, the State Department went on to laud the Guyana Government for the continued conduct of anti-trafficking training for law enforcement officials, including Police, Judges, immigration officers, and other key officials on identifying trafficking indicators, victim-centred and trauma-informed approaches to investigations and prosecutions, victim protection, interviewing techniques, and evidence handling. Additionally, it was reported that Guyana iden-
tified 390 victims in 2025, including 296 women and eight girls who were exploited in sex trafficking, 85 adult males in forced labour, and one boy who was exploited in an unspecified form of trafficking, compared to 416 victims in 2024. The victims included 15 Guyanese nationals and 375 foreign nationals from Venezuela, Brazil, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, India, and Colombia. Of these, 25 victims were referred for care. According to the State Department, Guyanese officials did not always screen sufficiently for trafficking in-
dicators among certain atrisk populations, including Chinese workers. “Observers noted the Government did not vet for trafficking risks in its agreements with the Chinese Government for projects through the Belt and Road Initiative… For example, despite reporting it screened Chinese national workers upon their arrival and inspected worksites of Chinese workers, the Government did not report identifying any trafficking victims among this at-risk population… Chinese nationals working on Chinese state-affiliated projects through the Belt and Road Initiative as well as mining sites owned by China-based companies, face conditions indicative of forced labour,” the report noted. Another at-risk population highlighted was the Cuban workers in Guyana. The State Department noted the bilateral health cooperation agreement between Guyana and the Cuban Government ended earlier this year. In 2025, there were 370 Cuban regime-affiliated workers in Guyana, and 110 of them took up the Guyanese Government offer to stay and work here after the arrangement ended. However, the State Department says that the Guyana Government did not consistently ensure workers who remained in the country received their wages from the Cuban regime. TURN TO PAGE 5
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Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Industrial Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com
Global approach to women’s leadership
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he call by Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud for a fundamental shift in the global approach to women’s leadership deserves serious consideration, particularly at a time when decisions on peace, security, economic policy, and the allocation of resources continue to shape the lives of millions. Addressing the Forum of Women Parliamentarians at the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Arusha, Tanzania, Persaud made an important distinction between having women present in decision-making institutions and ensuring that women exercise meaningful influence within those institutions. Representation, while important, cannot be regarded as the final measure of progress. The more consequential question is whether women have the authority, resources, and opportunity to influence the decisions being made. Women have long demonstrated their capacity to contribute to peacebuilding, diplomacy, governance, and economic development. Yet participation in these areas has not always translated into proportional influence over the policies and resources that determine national and international priorities. Persaud’s argument that leadership must become a “natural progression” based on merit, equality, and equity, therefore, speaks to a broader issue of institutional fairness. The objective cannot simply be to increase the number of women occupying seats at the table while leaving the structures governing access to power and resources largely unchanged. Women must be positioned to help determine what is placed on the table in the first place. This is particularly relevant in relation to global finance and resource allocation. Economic decisions affect access to education, healthcare, employment, childcare, housing and social protection. Women, who frequently bear a disproportionate share of unpaid care responsibilities, are directly affected by these policies. Greater participation in economic decision-making is therefore not merely a question of representation; it is central to ensuring that policies reflect the realities of entire societies. Guyana has a credible basis for making this argument internationally as the programmes highlighted by Persaud, including initiatives promoting equal opportunity in employment, women’s entrepreneurship, the Care Economy Co-Invest Programme and the expansion of free day and night care and early childhood development centres, demonstrate an approach that recognises that barriers to women’s advancement are not always located in formal institutions. Economic independence, access to childcare, education, finance and opportunities for entrepreneurship can determine whether women are able to participate fully in the workforce and assume leadership responsibilities. Addressing the care economy is particularly significant as unpaid care work has traditionally fallen disproportionately on women, limiting opportunities for education, employment and advancement. Policies that expand access to childcare can therefore have implications far beyond the immediate provision of a social service. They can help remove a structural barrier to women’s economic participation. Guyana’s position is also strengthened by its contribution to international diplomacy and peace and security through Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett. Her role during Guyana’s presidency of the United Nations Security Council and her advocacy for children affected by war, poverty and underdevelopment demonstrate the value of women’s participation in international decision-making. The example is important because it moves the discussion beyond the principle of women being represented to the practical question of what women can contribute when entrusted with meaningful responsibility. As technology becomes increasingly embedded in political, professional and social life, new forms of harassment and abuse can undermine women’s participation in public affairs. Governments and legislatures therefore have a responsibility to ensure that laws and institutions keep pace with emerging threats while protecting fundamental rights. The minister’s challenge to parliamentarians to examine whether women are regarded as “natural choices” for leadership is equally significant. Structural barriers cannot be removed solely through legislation. Political parties, institutions, businesses and communities must also confront attitudes that influence who is considered suitable for positions of authority. Education, access to finance and mentorship are essential, but so is genuine decision-making authority. The global objective should be to make women’s leadership ordinary rather than exceptional. A woman entering a position of influence should not be treated as evidence that a system has solved the problem of inequality. The measure of progress should be whether women have sustained and meaningful access to the institutions where consequential decisions are made. Guyana’s advocacy at the IPU reflects a position that should receive regional and international support. The country’s argument is for greater influence, greater access to resources and greater authority to shape decisions. That is the more substantive definition of equality. If women are expected to contribute to solving the world’s most pressing challenges, women must also have a meaningful role in determining the priorities, policies and resources used to address those challenges. Representation opened the door, and the next step is ensuring that women have the authority to help determine where the door leads.
Mika Moritoki from Japan competes in the women’s senior classic freestyle slalom event at the 2026 World Skating Games, Asuncion, Paraguay (Photograph: Juan Pablo Pino/EPA)
Logged on and lost: Protecting our youth’s mental health By Dr Christopher Tufton
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he recent publication of the Global School-Based Student Health Survey has renewed concern about the mental health of Jamaica’s children and adolescents. The findings are troubling and demand attention from families, schools, communities, and the state. According to the survey, conducted by the National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA), suicidal thoughts were highest among Grade 11 students, reported by 36.6 per cent of girls and 23.1 per cent of boys. Depression was also highest among Grade 11 students, at 47.8 per cent among girls and 23.8 per cent among boys. Anxiety was highest among Grade 10 students, with 46.2 per cent of girls and 16.8 per cent of boys reporting symptoms. Suicide attempts were most serious among Grade Nine girls at 32.4 per cent, Grade Eight boys at 21.8 per cent, and Grade 10 boys at 21.5 per cent. Our first responsibility is to ensure that children experiencing mental distress can get the care they need. But these numbers also require us to ask: why are so many of our young people struggling? There is no single answer. Anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicidal behaviour can be influenced by a range of individual, family, social, and environmental factors. We should therefore be careful not to attribute what we are seeing to any one cause. However, some things happening around our children deserve closer attention. Consumer culture has become increasingly influential in how we define success and social standing. Social media gives young people a constant view of what other people own, where they go, how they look, and what they appear to be achieving. Much of what is presented online is carefully selected and edited, but the comparison it creates is real. The newest phone, the right shoes, the family vacation, the car a child arrives at school in, and the ability to participate in certain activities can all become markers of status. For children whose families cannot afford these things, those differences can become a source of embarrassment, exclusion, or feelings of inadequacy. Ambition and wanting to improve one’s circumstances are not wrong, and social media itself is not the problem. The concern is when children begin to measure their value against lifestyles and images that may bear little resemblance to ordinary life. We also need to look at the pressure surrounding academic achievement. Education remains one of the most powerful ways to improve the circumstances of an individual, a family, and a country. We
should encourage and celebrate academic excellence. But academic performance cannot be the only measure of a child’s ability or potential. Every child has a gift, though our systems do not always provide enough opportunity to discover and develop it. A child may have an aptitude for agriculture, technology, design, construction, entrepreneurship, or the culinary arts. Some are natural leaders. Others excel in sport, music, or the performing arts, or have an exceptional ability to work with and care for people. These abilities have value too. Yet, from primary school, many children find themselves in an increasingly competitive environment of examinations, homework, extra lessons, and the pursuit of entry into a “good” high school and later a “good” university. For some, the pressure can become overwhelming, particularly when poor performance is followed by criticism, embarrassment, or constant comparison with other children. A disappointing grade should mean that a child did not perform well on a particular assessment. It should never become, in that child’s mind, evidence that they are a failure. Academic pressure, social media, and materialism do not, by themselves, explain suicide or mental illness. Suicidal behaviour is complex and may involve mental illness, trauma, family circumstances, violence, bereavement, relationships, and several other factors. But prevention cannot start only when a child reaches a hospital in crisis. We have to pay attention to what is happening in that child’s life long before then. The Ministry of Health and Wellness has been strengthening services for children and adolescents through our Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). We currently provide specialised psychiatric, psychological, and social work care through 23 child guidance clinics across the island. We are also working with the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information to strengthen schools’ ability to identify and respond to mental distress. Teachers and guidance counsellors are being trained in psychological first aid, while the School Mental Health Literacy Programme is helping educators recognise warning signs and refer children for appropriate care.
Peer support
Psychosocial support is also being provided for children who have experienced community violence, domestic trauma, and acute loss. We are also developing peer support, recognising that young people often confide in friends before approaching a parent, teacher, or other adult. The aim is to help young people recognise when a
friend may be struggling and know when an adult or professional needs to become involved. But the health system cannot carry this responsibility alone. Parents and guardians must create an environment in which children can speak about fear, disappointment, anxiety, and failure without being dismissed, ridiculed, or constantly compared with someone else. Children should be expected to work hard, behave responsibly, and strive to do their best, but they should never feel that love, approval, or respect depends on how well they perform. Schools, churches, and community organisations also have a role. Children need places where they feel they belong, adults they can trust, and opportunities to discover what they are good at. Dr Donovan Thomas of Choose Life International has, through the Art of Happiness, emphasised the importance of happiness, purpose, and emotional fulfilment in suicide prevention. That approach has value, particularly when we consider how easily children can define themselves by academic performance, possessions, or the approval of others. Adults also have to be careful not to minimise what young people are experiencing because their problems may seem less serious from an adult perspective. Something that appears temporary to an adult can feel permanent to an adolescent. Dismissing distress as foolishness, weakness or attention-seeking may make a young person less likely to ask for help again. There is also a point at which a child needs more than reassurance or a listening ear. Any child or adolescent who expresses suicidal thoughts has developed a suicide plan or indicates an intention to cause selfharm requires immediate attention. Do not leave the child alone and never dismiss such statements. Take them immediately to the nearest hospital emergency room or accident and emergency department for assessment and appropriate care. The digital environment also requires greater attention. Social media gives young people access to information, creativity, communication and communities that previous generations never had. It also exposes them to cyberbullying, harmful content, unrealistic comparisons and pressure to present an idealised version of their lives. World Suicide Prevention Day, observed on September 10, focused this year on keeping the conversation about suicide prevention alive in a digital world. The Ministry has also begun increasing public awareness of responsible social media use and the steps parents, schools, and young people can take to reduce risk. (Jamaica Observer) (Dr Christopher Tufton is Jamaica’s Minister of Health and Wellness)
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2026
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News
Venezuelan nabbed with Guyana’s Judiciary cited... ganja at Matthews Ridge
The ganja that was found by Police at Hima Top Main Road, Matthews Ridge, North West District, Region One
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2 4 - y e a r - o l d Venezuelan national was arrested on Thursday after Police allegedly found 11.2 grams
(g) of cannabis in his possession during a mobile patrol at Hima Top Main Road, Matthews Ridge, North West District, Region One
(Barima-Waini). According to Police, the discovery was made at about 11:30h on October 8, 2026, when ranks intercepted an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) occupied by two men. The occupants were identified as the 24-year-old driver of Fitzburg, Port Kaituma, and the Venezuelan national, also 24, of Port Kaituma. A search was conducted on both occupants, during which Police found 10 small transparent Ziploc bags containing leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis in the possession of the Venezuelan national. He was arrested and escorted to the Matthews Ridge Police Station, along with the suspected narcotics. The substance was weighed in his presence and amounted to 11.2g.
In the same vein, the report pointed to the lack of effort to effectively regulate labour recruiters and hold them civilly as well as criminally liable for fraudulent recruitment. It outlined that while the Government had undertaken a review of the legislation for four years, it did not finalise any updates to the laws. “The Recruitment of Workers Act and the Employment Exchanges Act provided the legislative framework for labour recruitment, but the Government did not have any laws prohibiting employers, recruiters, or labour agents from charging workers recruitment fees, switching contracts without the workers’ consent, or withholding wages as a means of keeping workers in a state of compelled service, despite an influx
Grieving families deserve to be heard without the political noise Dear Editor, I am shocked and appalled by what I witnessed yesterday during the engagement convened by the Commissioners appointed to conduct the Commission of Inquiry into the MV Barima tragedy. I initially welcomed the news that the Commissioners would meet with relatives of those who lost their lives. These families deserve every opportunity to share their experiences, raise their concerns and seek answers about a tragedy that has brought them unimaginable pain.
However, when I tuned in, I saw political operatives from WIN and APNU advancing what I considered to be political narratives, during an engagement intended to hear directly from the families. I found this deeply troubling. The families’ voices should have been at the centre of those proceedings, with sufficient time and space for each person to speak freely. One would recall that the Opposition was offered an opportunity to place its positions on record in the National Assembly.
Instead, they chose noisy grandstanding that disrupted the sitting and reduced the atmosphere to what we would describe, in Guyanese parlance, as a fish market. Having witnessed that conduct, I am concerned about similar political posturing finding its way into the Commission’s engagement with grieving relatives. An inquiry of this gravity requires dignity, discipline and a resolute commitment to establishing the facts. The Commissioners have a solemn responsibil-
ity to ensure that the families are heard and that the proceedings going forward remain focused on the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Every contribution should assist that process. These families have suffered a devastating loss. Their grief deserves respect, their questions deserve careful attention, and their search for answers deserves a credible and thorough inquiry. Yours faithfully, Quincy Anderson
Families’ suffering is not campaigning material Dear Editor, The families affected by the MV Barima tragedy deserve answers, dignity, and the opportunity to speak for themselves. Any attempt to turn their engagement with the Commission of Inquiry into a platform for party politics deserves firm condemnation. There is already a disturbing parliamentary record. Reporting on the July 27 sitting documented op-
position MPs banging tables, chanting and closing in around speakers addressing the disaster. The sitting was briefly suspended twice, and parliamentary security personnel were called to provide a buffer near the Prime Minister. This was an appalling way to conduct public business concerning a national tragedy. APNU and WIN cannot reasonably expect their declarations of concern to
go unquestioned after such conduct. Demanding accountability carries a responsibility to listen, examine information and use opportunities to challenge it. The families’ meeting with commissioners must centre on the people who suffered. Relatives may choose their own support and representation, but no politician should assume ownership of their grief or speak over them.
In my view, the parliamentary spectacle displayed a desperate preference for confrontation over serious engagement. That behaviour must not follow the families into the inquiry process. Their suffering is not campaigning material, and their search for answers must never become another party performance. Yours faithfully, Ayinde Sampson
of in-country recruitment agencies targeting workers for the country’s burgeoning oil sector,” it stated.
Decrease protection efforts
Meanwhile, the State Department also noted that while Guyana has met the minimum standards when it comes to its TIP standards, there was decreased funding for protection and prevention efforts. In 2025, the Government allocated $116.9 million for victim services directly and to NGO shelters, a decrease compared with $132.6 million earmarked in 2024. Previously, the Government operated and fully funded four shelters for adults and one shelter for children, and in July 2025, it completed construction of a 30-person transition home. However, NGOs have reported the Government closed some shelters in 2025, possibly resulting in the re-victimisation of some victims. Similarly, the report highlighted that while the Government increased overall efforts to prevent trafficking, allocations to these efforts were significantly reduced from $169.5 million in 2024 to $83,250,204 last year. Nevertheless, the State Department says that the Government conducted
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public awareness activities targeting vulnerable populations in regions with particular risks, including hotel operators, miners, leaders of indigenous communities, policing groups, private security firms, and schools. Additionally, three anti-trafficking hotlines are operated to assist potential trafficking victims, including two for English speakers and one for Spanish speakers, which recorded 15 reports of alleged human trafficking during the reporting period. While noting that cell phone coverage in many mining areas was poor, thus limiting the efficacy of the hotline among communities vulnerable to trafficking, the introduction of a QR code system in July 2025 made reporting human trafficking easier for the public. According to the State Department, human trafficking occurs primarily in interior and remote regions, with some cases in urban locations across Guyana. Traffickers exploit victims in forced labour in mining, agriculture, forestry, construction, domestic service, and in shops with migrants, women, and young people from rural and minority communities, as well as children, among the most at risk for human trafficking.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 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 - All Dogs Go to Heaven (1989) 13:30 Movie - All Dogs Go to Heaven 2 (1996) 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 S5 E2 22:00 Movie - The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 (2008)
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Foundation ◄
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Probability Tree Diagrams CONT'D
Example: Dependent events There are 9 sweets in a bag. 3 of the sweets are mints and the remaining sweets are chews. A sweet is taken out at random and is eaten. A second sweet is taken at random and is also eaten. Complete the tree diagram. Work out the probability that two mints are eaten.
If the first sweet is a mint, there will be 8 sweets left, 2 mints and 6 chews. If the first sweet is a chew, there will be 8 sweets left, 3 mints and 5 chews.
By John A Holmes Suddenly someone twenty stories up Flung out a fabric, scarlet, gold, and green, Downward past seven sills, or maybe ten — I marvelled at what the flying cloth might mean. Birds frightened from every cornice rose, Cloudy and strangely troubled in the air. Opposite on the walls such color flowed, Others beside myself could only stare.
The question asks about both sweets being mints. So we need to look at this part of the tree diagram.
Sunlight, if any lit that narrow street, Flashed like a waterfall in wind, but red Flecked so with gold, so laced with gold and green, It was that glimmering windy cloth instead.
We have been given the probability of the first sweet being a mint. We can work out the probability of the first sweet being a chew. It is better to keep the fractions as they are and not cancel.
The probability of picking two mints is: P(mint and mint)=P(mint)×P(mint) = 39 × 28
Vivid the air above me swayed and shone —
We can fill in the missing probability for the first pick of sweets.
6 = 72
Till with the great banner booming as it rolled,
Since the sweet which is picked is eaten it is NOT replaced we need different probabilities for the second set of branches. These probabilities change depending on whether the first sweet was a mint or a chew.
1 = 12 1 The probability that both sweets will be mints is 12.
P(chew)=1-P(mint)=1- 39 = 69
Which solids dissolve in water? • Substances to try to dissolve (sugar, coffee, pepper, sand, flour, salt)
Instructions
Materials
• Transparent containers (jars, test tubes, or beakers) • Water (warm and cold)
1. Add a teaspoon of whichever solid you are testing to a glass of cold water and a glass of warm water. Stir and observe the difference. 2. Watch to see if the solid dissolves in warm and cold water and if one is better than the other. 3. Remember to use the same amount of each solid and the same
amount of cold and warm water to make the investigation a fair test. Can you design a chart for recording your observations?
Birds were fronds of an underwater tree — I walked as if I swam beneath the sea. Breathless I saw it in a gust go up, And the birds rush, and the light leap, and then I almost rose through water toward the air. I never found that narrow street again. (Source: Poetry [November 1935])
What’s happening?
Things like salt, sugar and coffee dissolve in water. They are soluble. They usually dissolve faster and better in warm or hot water. Pepper and sand are insoluble; they will not dissolve even in hot water. (science-sparks.com)
Write a story with two (or more) characters who meet for the first time — and one of them has a secret.
WORD SEARCH
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
MV Barima CoI
Commissioners get hands-on with site inspection at Kingston wharf
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Members of the Commission of Inquiry into the MV Barima tragedy during a site visit to the Transport and Harbours Department wharf at Kingston, Georgetown, on Thursday
he Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the MV Barima tragedy, chaired by Justice Godfrey Phillip Smith, conducted a site visit on Thursday at the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) wharf in Kingston, Georgetown. All the other members of the Commission, including Captain Hamada Fouda, Nyree Dawn Alfonso, Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Hayden Pritchard, and Dr Andrzej Jasionowski, were also at the site visit. Speaking at the wharf following the visit, Secretary to the Commission and Attorneyat-Law Javid Shadick said the Commissioners visited the Transport and Harbours Department wharf in Kingston, Georgetown, where they inspected the bond area, passenger facilities, and the MV Militia, which was docked at the port. The Commissioners also visited the Transport and Harbours Department’s building in Kingston. Meanwhile, in explaining the importance of the investigation, Shadick noted that the Commissioners each specialise in different areas.
“As you would know, the terms of reference are very broad, and what we are doing is that the Commissioners, each one of them, have their own speciality; they’re all persons who are in the maritime area, so they are the ones who would have wanted to do the inspection. The terms of reference also cater for a lot of recommendations, etc. And that is what they have been doing.” The CoI into the MV Barima tragedy commenced its work on Wednesday, with the Commissioners meeting with witnesses. During that meeting, families were informed that the contract to salvage the sunken vessel had been awarded to Guyanese-owned company BK International for $1.3 billion. The relatives were also told that the process of raising the MV Barima could begin before the end of October, nearly three months after the vessel capsized, killing 73 persons, with another 30 remaining unaccounted for. In addition, the Commissioners assured the families that the inquiry would be conducted over a six-month period without interference.
Secretary to the Commission, Javid Shadick
They also disclosed that, since their appointment, they had collected documents and statements that must be verified before they could be admitted as evidence. Government Ministers responsible for the maritime sector could be called to testify before the CoI into the July 18 capsizing and sinking of the MV Barima if their evidence is considered necessary. Commission Chairman Justice Godfrey Smith made the position clear during the inquiry’s preliminary public hearing on Wednesday, while stressing that Commissioners would
first have to assess the evidence before determining who should be called. Asked whether Ministers would be required to testify, Smith said, “And if it becomes clear that we require the evidence of a Minister, they will be asked to come before the Commission.” Smith said the Commission would not make assumptions about responsibility before examining the available evidence. The inquiry is expected to examine the roles of the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) and the Transport and Harbours Department, including vessel inspection, certification,
maintenance, supervision and regulatory enforcement. It will also consider whether the country’s maritime safety framework was adequate and whether existing requirements were properly implemented. The inquiry will examine six broad areas: the vessel’s seaworthiness and safety; passenger and cargo operations; crew qualifications and conduct; search, rescue, and recovery efforts; regulatory and institutional oversight; and human factors and emergency decision-making. The response following the sinking will also come under scrutiny, including the actions of public authorities, emergency services and maritime agencies. The Commission will examine available resources, communications received and transmitted, and decisions taken during rescue and recovery operations. Smith said more than 100 potential witnesses had been referred to during the proceedings, although the Commission has not confirmed a final number. The MV Barima capsized and sank on July 18, 2026, approximately 9.3 nautical miles off Devonshire Castle on the Essequibo Coast.
The passenger and cargo ferry had departed the Kingston Goods Wharf in Georgetown at about 15:15h on its scheduled journey to Port Kaituma in the North West District. However, at about 23:01h, the vessel transmitted a distress signal after encountering difficulties off the Essequibo Coast near the mouth of the Pomeroon River. A total of 179 persons, including 18 crew members, were onboard. The disaster claimed 73 lives, while 76 persons survived, and approximately 30 remain unaccounted for. Three Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) employees have since been charged with murder over the tragedy. The accused were all members of the MV Barima’s crew on July 18, the day of the fatal incident. They are Captain Kevin Price, called “KP”, 40, of Melanie Damishana, East Coast Demerara (ECD); chief mate Rondell Dwayne Roberts, 42, of Grove Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD); and goods superintendent Delon Granderson, 33, of Fellowship, West Coast Demerara (WCB).
SOCU Chief sent on leave pending probe into rape, threat allegations H
ead of the Guyana Police Force’s Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), Deputy Commissioner of Police Fizal Karimbaksh, has been sent on leave pending the outcome of an investigation into allegations of rape and threatening behaviour levelled against him by a female rank. This was confirmed by the Police Force in a statement on Thursday. SOCU is the white-collar investi-
gative arm of the GPF. According to the missive, after the report was filed against Karimbaksh, Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken established a team to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations. In addition, the female Police Officer who made the complaint has since been transferred from the SOCU office to another division within the Force. “The Guyana Police
Force wishes to assure the public that the allegations are being treated with the seriousness they warrant and that the investigation will be conducted professionally, impartially and in accordance with established procedures,” the statement detailed. It went on to add that the Force remains committed to ensuring that due process is afforded to all parties involved as the investigations continue.
Over the past few weeks, there has been mounting pressure from the political Opposition and women’s rights groups for the SOCU Head to be sent on leave pending the probe. In fact, just last week, Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond said she too believes that the senior officer should not remain on active duty while the investigation is ongoing. Head of SOCU, Deputy Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh
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8 NEWS
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Heavy-duty truck operator acquitted of child rape
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65-year-old New Amsterdam, Berbice, man who was acquitted on Thursday of rape and sexual activity charges involving a minor has offered advice to other men following the conclusion of his trial at the Berbice High Court. Neil Fredericks, a heavy-duty truck and machine driver of Philadelphia Street, New Amsterdam, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), was found not guilty of both charges by a 12-member jury, which returned unanimous verdicts following a trial before Justice Peter Hugh. Fredericks became emotional following the verdicts and was seen in tears as he left the courtroom. Speaking to reporters
outside the courthouse, Fredericks expressed relief at the outcome, particularly because the allegations had been brought against him by people he had cared for and assisted. He said the seriousness of the accusations had taken a significant emotional toll on him, but he maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings. Fredericks had faced two charges, sexual activity with a child under 16 and rape of a child under 16. The charges alleged that between March 1, 2020, and October 31, 2021, in Berbice, Fredericks engaged in sexual activity with a girl who was between 10 and 11 years old and sexually penetrated her during the same period.
Here comes…
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Acquitted: Neil Fredericks
Fredericks denied both allegations during his trial before Justice Hugh. State Prosecutor Marisa Edwards presented the prosecution’s case, calling
14 witnesses, including five Police Officers and a doctor, to testify. Fredericks was represented by attorney-at-law Charlyn Artiga.
Miner stabbed to death; reputed wife chopped during domestic dispute
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domestic dispute between a couple has left 34-year-old Ziggy Webster, a gold miner of 111 Miles, Mahdia Airstrip, Region Eight (Potaro-
Siparuni), dead, and his reputed wife nursing chop wounds about her body. The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday at Noitgedacht Backdam,
Potaro, Region Eight. Based on reports received, Webster and his 27-year-old reputed wife, a cook, were involved in an argument at their camp during which he allegedly dealt several chops to her body with a cutlass, causing her to sustain injuries. In retaliation, the woman armed herself with a kitchen knife and stabbed the now-deceased man in the buttock. The injured couple were taken to the Mahdia District Hospital, where Webster succumbed to his injuries. His reputed wife remains
Dead: Ziggy Webster
hospitalised in a stable condition under Police guard as investigations continue.
…the grief thief
n Guyana, even grief must apparently make room for Sanction Man as he exploits the bully pulpit of the LOO to not only virtue signal but also milk the grief to further his political agenda, which is to prevent his extradition to a Miami court!! There’s a name for these kinda people – grief thief, tragedy vampire or, more clinically, performative mourner!! Your Eyewitness has seen this so many times before with Sanction Man – starting with Adrianna Younge’s tragic death that he helped inflame into the burning down of the hotel and arson and looting in Georgetown! So here it was – on public invitation – survivors and bereaved families had assembled at the Convention Center to meet the Commissioners of the Inquiry into the Barima sinking – and suddenly the occasion acquires another emotion – the raw political ambition of Sanction Man!! He and fellow WIN parliamentarians interjected themselves upon the meeting and commandeered attention intended for the bereaved families!! The man had the temerity to challenge the commission’s credibility – before its public hearings had begun. Apparently, the verdict can arrive ahead of the evidence – once Sanction Man decides so!! Now, the families have every right to ask hard questions – their concerns about salvaging the vessel, recovering loved ones, and examining its maintenance history are serious and deserve answers!! Several voiced those concerns and showed they clearly possess voices, without requiring an opportunistic politician to supply the soundtrack!! So, look how conveniently an encounter with grieving people becomes another opportunity to PERFORM indignation. While the Commissioners have gotta establish what happened, the clout-chaser can simply announce that he has no confidence and reap the publicity!! While one job requires patient investigation, the other just needs a microphone!! This is what made the intervention look so cynically like victim-chasing – and we can expect to see it repeated at Mabaruma and Port Kaituma!! The families’ anguish offers a ready-made audience, an emotionally charged backdrop, and the chance to pose as their indispensable champion!! But compassion becomes difficult to distinguish from campaigning when the champion keeps occupying centre stage!! If Sanction Man wanna help, there’s useful work available in abundance – assisting families in preparing questions, obtaining advice and presenting information, press for transparent proceedings, and scrutinising the eventual findings. But none of that requires turning a meeting for survivors into a political roadside show!! But patient assistance does have one terrible disadvantage, innit?? – somebody else might receive the attention!! The Barima families deserve the space to speak – they shouldn’t have to compete with a playing starboy!! Hear nah, man – when people come fu’ talk about dem dead, got the decency to let them finish, na!! …a plague?? From his Sunday school days, your Eyewitness developed a healthy fear of plagues – which God has inflicted on the Egyptians!! Matters weren’t improved when in school he learnt about the bubonic plague that caused the Black Death in Europe in the 1300s – which literally wiped out half of Europe’s population!! It had originated in Central Asia and spread along trade routes. So you can imagine your Eyewitness’s state of mind when he learned that an individual at a Russian lab has died from a bacteria that causes “pneumonic plague”. Now there are three main ways plagues can infect humans – bubonic plague occurs when the plague-causing bacteria multiplies in the lymph nodes, usually after a bite from infected fleas and rats. Septicaemic plague occurs when the infection spreads to the bloodstream, and the most virulent type is pneumonic plague, which causes a severe, rapid-onset lung infection and can be spread through a cough or a sneeze! We’re told not to worry – like with Covid from China!! …football’s new era While Pele may be the “player of the 20th century”, Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who just played his final game, with his modern longevity, elite tactical adaptation, and sheer volume of individual and team trophies, has gotta be the 21st century’s!! 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
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
16-year-old among 6 Sophia man found dead with Venezuelan women gunshot wound to head found at Corentyne T in TIP probe he lifeless body of 23-year-old Kurt Beckles was on Thursday found with a suspected gunshot wound to his head at C-Field Dam, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown. Based on reports, Beckles’ body was discovered lying inside a fenced yard along the
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1 6 - y e a r - o l d Venezuelan girl was among six Venezuelan women found occupying separate rooms at a business premises at Number 65 Village, Corentyne, Reguin Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), during a Police operation to investigate reports of possible Trafficking in Persons (TIP) on Wednesday evening. The operation was conducted after Police received reports alleging possible TIP activities at the premises. A search warrant was executed at the business, where Police found the six Venezuelan nationals ages 16, 18, 21, 25, 25, and 32. Police said the women were questioned through
an interpreter concerning their presence at the establishment and their employment circumstances. They reportedly told investigators that they were employed by the businessman who operates the premises as bartenders. The six women were taken to the Number 51 Police Station, where they were further interviewed and screened for possible TIP indicators. The businessman, a 33-year-old Guyanese of No. 65 Village, was present at the premises during the operation. Police said they will liaise with the Trafficking in Persons Unit, particularly regarding the circumstances surrounding the 16-year-old.
northern side of a dam. However, following the discovery, Police reportedly found a gunshot wound to the head. At the time, Beckles was clad in black short pants and grey underwear. The matter was reported, and emergency medical technicians attached to the
Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation were summoned to the scene and pronounced Beckles dead. Detectives have since turned to CCTV cameras in the area to aid in their investigation. As the probe continues, several persons were questioned, but no arrests were made.
Dead: Kurt Beckles
Cop charged, gets $90K bail Shots fired at ECD businessman’s vehicle on traffic-related offences
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olice in Regional Division Four C have launched an investigation into the discharge of a loaded firearm on Wednesday evening at Victoria Road, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara (ECD). Based on reports received, a 35-year-old businessman and contractor from Sparendaam, ECD, was driving along Victoria Road when he encountered another motor vehicle.
During the encounter, an individual allegedly discharged what appeared to be a firearm in his direction before leaving the area. The matter was reported to the Police, and an examination of the businessman’s vehicle revealed damage consistent with a suspected gunshot. A suspected firearm projectile was recovered and lodged. Police stated that no injuries were reported, as investigations are ongoing.
E
lroy Lawrie, 20, a Police Constable of Regional Police Division Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), was granted bail on Wednesday on several traffic-related offences. Lawrie was charged with driving an uninsured and uncertified motor vehicle while he was not the holder of a valid driver’s licence. The charges stemmed from an incident on Monday along the Reliance Public Road, Essequibo Coast.
However, Lawrie appeared before Magistrate Caressa Henry at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court, where the charges were read to him. He pleaded not guilty to all three charges and was granted bail in the sum of $40,000 for unlicensed driving, $25,000 for driving an uninsured motor vehicle and $25,000 for driving an uncertified motor vehicle. The matter was adjourned to November 3, 2026.
10 NEWS
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
5 homeless after fire guts Sophia home
A firefighter dowsing the area with water
by the time I try to go back in, the whole house was already engulfed,” the distraught woman explained. The family was unable
The remains of the one-flat home
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taxi driver, his wife, and three children were rendered homeless after a fire of unknown origin destroyed their home at Block E, Plum Park, Sophia, Greater Georgetown, on Thursday. According to the Guyana Fire Service, firefighters responded to reports of a house on fire at the location. A water tender and water carrier from Fire Service
Headquarters were dispatched to the scene, along with their respective crews. Upon arrival, firefighters found the flat wooden house fully engulfed in flames. Through the swift and coordinated efforts of the firefighting teams, the blaze was brought under control and extinguished. However, the building and all of its contents were completely destroyed in the
fire. At the scene, Yolanda Gilgeous told the media that she was sitting on the veranda when she was alerted by a neighbour that section of the one-flat home was on fire. “By the time I run inside to check, the whole one side was already on fire… I manage to take off one of the gas cylinders from the stove and carry it out of the house…
to salvage any household items from the inferno. Among the items destroyed were school materials and uniforms for the three mi-
nor children. The affected occupants have been left displaced as investigations continue into the cause of the blaze.
Security guard shot dead at Chinese supermarket
Dead: Esaun Rose
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37-year-old security guard was shot dead on Thursday afternoon during a suspected robbery at Lida
The Lida Chinese supermarket where the shooting occurred on Thursday
Charlestown, Georgetown. Dead is Esan Orlando Rose, of Laing Avenue, Georgetown, who was employed by a private security firm and assigned to the
the incident occurred at about 15:15h on Thursday, while Rose was performing security duties at the premises. Police said two males
Chinese-owned supermarket. According to preliminary Police investigations,
approached the security guard, one of whom was reportedly armed with a handgun. The armed suspect discharged a round in Rose’s direction, striking him in the chest and causing him to fall to the ground. Both suspects subsequently fled the scene. A firearm that Rose was carrying in connection with his duties as an armed security guard was recovered at the scene and lodged by Police. Investigations are ongoing. At the scene, Rose’s wife, visibly overcome with grief, recounted her final interaction with him earlier that day.
The scene of the shooting
Supermarket, located at the corner of Charles and Sussex Streets,
Relatives outside the supermarket where the shooting occurred
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NEWS
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Stakeholders map way forward for Guyana’s seabob industry …outline 10-year vision to boost sustainability, global exports
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he Food and A g r i c u l t u r e Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, in collaboration with the Agriculture Ministry and other partners, is moving towards the completion of the FISH4ACP programme in Guyana, which has focused on strengthening the Atlantic Seabob shrimp value chain. At a legacy event in Georgetown on Thursday, representatives of the Government, the Private Sector, fisherfolk organisations, development partners, and project beneficiaries reviewed the programme’s achievements and discussed measures to sustain the gains beyond its completion. FAO Representative for Guyana, Dr Gillian Smith, said the programme had advanced efforts to make the Atlantic Seabob value chain more sustainable, better managed and resilient. “FISH4ACP has significantly advanced the plan to upgrade the Atlantic Seabob value chain and make it more sustainable, well-managed, and resilient. It has improved data collection, stock management, food safety and quality, and safety at sea, with a focus on reinforcing fisheries cooperatives,” she said. Among the programme’s interventions was the introduction of CALIPSEO, a digital fisheries information system developed by FAO to improve the collection and use of fisheries data. The information is intended to support decision-making by the Fisheries Department, assist fishers and strengthen efforts to protect fish stocks. The programme also pro-
vided training in the safe handling of Seabob products and developed the Safety Guide for Artisanal Seabob Fishers in Guyana, which contains practical guidance to help reduce risks faced by fishers at sea. Another area of focus was strengthening cooperatives comprising artisanal fishers, while also engaging informal groups. This work was undertaken in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Cooperatives Department of the Ministry of Labour. The support included training in governance, member engagement, financial management, and organisational planning. Director of the ILO Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean, Joni Musabayana said collective organisation could help fishers and processors overcome challenges associated with operating individually. “One fisher or processor alone may struggle to secure finance, reach better markets, buy inputs at a reasonable cost, influence decisions or access services,” he said. “However, as organised groups, you can pool resources and knowledge, strengthen governance, negotiate from a stronger position and make your voices heard much louder.”
Building on achievements
Discussions at the event centred on how Government institutions, fishing communities and industry partners could continue the work undertaken through FISH4ACP.
folk to ensure that their cooperatives operated with integrity and transparency, involved members in decision-making and promoted continuous learning.
Strengthening shrimp value chain
Adviser to Caricom and the Agriculture Ministry, Dr Richard Blair highlighted the Government’s continued investment in the fisheries sector, pointing to almost $4 billion invested during 2025 and 2026, including the refurbishment of landing sites and direct assistance to nearly 6000 fishers. He also identified the establishment of the Seabob Working Group as a key achievement of the programme. The group brings together Government representatives, fishers, processors, exporters and researchers to address challenges affecting the industry. “This collaborative approach will be crucial going forward,” Blair said. Future efforts are expected to be guided by a vision extending to 2032, with the objective of strengthening Guyana’s position as a leading global exporter of seabob shrimp.
Teen motorcyclist dies after crashing into lamp pole
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16-year-old motorcyclist died on Wednesday afternoon after losing control of his motorcycle and crashing into a lamp pole along Eccles Access Road, also known as Dumpsite Road, East Bank, Demerara. Dead is Victor Leca-De Alencar of Green Acres, East Bank, Demerara. According to Police, the accident occurred at about 16:00h and involved motorcycle 5461, which was being driven by Alencar. Initial investigations revealed that the motorcycle was proceeding west along the southern carriageway of Eccles Access Road at a reportedly fast rate of speed when the rider lost control while negotiating a right
bend. The motorcycle subsequently collided with a lamp pole situated on the median separating the two carriageways. Alencar fell onto the roadway and sustained injuries to his head and other parts of his body.
Emergency medical technicians were summoned to the scene, where a doctor examined the teenager and pronounced him dead. His body was later taken to Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, where it is awaiting a post-mortem examination.
The vision calls for a sustainable and resilient industrial and artisanal value chain supported by effective regulation and reliable data. It also identifies improved infrastructure for artisanal fishers, the expansion of fisheries cooperatives and continued efforts to empower women and young people as priorities. Aslin Singh, adviser to the Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, said cooperatives could create economic opportunities for their members when properly managed.
“Cooperatives are not social organisations; they are businesses that create opportunities for their members,” Singh said. He said the Department of Cooperatives would continue to assist cooperatives with registration, management and proper record-keeping. “We will also continue to work hand-in-hand with the Ministry of Agriculture, the Seabob Working Group, the ILO and FAO to protect and build on the achievements of FISH4ACP,” he said. Singh also urged fisher-
European Union Ambassador to Guyana, Suriname and Caricom, Luca Pierantoni, commended the programme’s contribution to strengthening the shrimp value chain, particularly through improvements in digital infrastructure. He said better digital systems were important for ensuring accurate information and informed decision-making, adding that Guyana could eventually share its expanded technical capacity with other countries in the region. FISH4ACP is an initiative of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States aimed at improving the sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture value chains across Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific. The programme is implemented by FAO with funding from the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
12 NEWS
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Guyana embracing technology, strengthening partnerships to improve passenger experience – Ghir …as passenger traffic surges 400%
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ith passenger traffic to Guyana increasing by more than 400 per cent in recent years, continuous efforts are being made to enhance the passenger experience at the country’s main port of entry through the adoption of technology and bolstering stakeholder partnership. This is according to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Ramesh Ghir, during a panel discussion on Wednesday at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s State of the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2026 that is being held in Georgetown this week. The panel discussed ways to improve air connectivity across the Caribbean through greater access, expanded airlift and more seamless travel. Ghir said Guyana’s expansion in regional and international air services has been driven by a willingness to pursue new opportunities, strengthen partnerships and make deliberate decisions aimed at improving connectivity. At the core of this “We embrace the technology, and we have [introduced] our electronic gates,” the CJIA Head noted, adding that this has significantly enhanced the passenger experience in Guyana. “We took a conscious decision at the airport, for example, that we want to own the passenger experience.” However, he pointed out a key element to achieving
this was working with key stakeholders such as the airlines. Ghir said a lot can be lost in the lack of communication. In fact, he added that such engagements can even highlight some of the bottlenecks in the system. “When we met with some of the senior leadership at the carriers, and we say, ‘Can you explain to us why is it that you have these 10 checkpoints?’, they themselves don’t realise that they have so many at the airport. And when they look at another carrier that is flying the same route, they have three less checkpoints. And so, [the airlines now] are making adjustments. They benefit because they’re able to get the passenger checked in efficiently. Of course, the passenger benefit too,” he posited.
Increases
According to Ghir, the CJIA has been continuously engaging the commercial carriers, cargo operations and other stakeholders to maintain and further improve operational efficiency. Moreover, he added that the airport has worked alongside regional airports, tourism stakeholders and other partners to identify potential opportunities and encourage airlines to increase their presence in Guyana. These efforts, he pointed out, has been working for the CJIA, which continues to see massive growth. “We have seen over 400 per cent increase in passenger in the last five years. This year, we are experienc-
ing a 12 per cent increase in arrivals. Cargo, same thing; we are growing at 22 per cent this year [and] we have grown by 100 per cent in the past five years… Another remarkable feat we have had is to attract four new international carriers, both in 2024 and 2025,” the CJIA boss noted.
Terminal Two
Meanwhile, to accommodate the expected rise in traffic, plans are advancing for the construction of a new terminal at CJIA. Ghir identified the project as a key part of Guyana’s efforts to increase capacity and further develop the country as an aviation hub. The modern 150,000-square-foot, three-storey facility is expected to incorporate elements of Guyana’s culture and way of life while offering travellers greater capacity and upgraded amenities such as duty-free zones, retail opportunities, rental offices and lounges. As part of the wider airport development, the existing international terminal is also expected to undergo reconfiguration. The project is being financed in part by the United Kingdom Export Finance (UKEF) and is being constructed by British company BHM Construction Inc. In Budget 2026, the Guyanese Government had set aside some $3.2 billion to advance the construction of Terminal Two, which is slated to be completed before the end of 2028.
CJIA CEO Ramesh Ghir during the panel discussion at the SOTIC 2026 in Georgetown
The modern 150,000-square-foot building will showcase Guyana’s natural and cultural beauty as well as feature duty-free zones, retail opportunities, rental offices and lounges. With this new building, the CJIA will be able to dedicate separate buildings for arrivals and departures.
Capacity building
In addition to enhancing local aviation infrastructure, Ghir says equally important is capacity build-
ing, especially in positioning Guyana as a key hub for regional and international connectivity. To this end, he disclosed that Guyana is eyeing the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) market. MRO is a complete system of technical services, inspections, and regulations required to keep aircraft safe, legal, and airworthy throughout their operational life. “There are very few around the world, but we believe having an MRO and
having our training school [is the next step],” Ghir stated. “This vision is already outlined. A lot of work is being done in this area, and we’re still looking for partners to come and work with us. We want to be able to train from the ramp staff, ground handlers, to the level of pilots… There’re not enough aviation employees. The traffic is going to double by 2045, next 20 years… So, we want to be positioned as a hub [and] we’re going to invest.”
Security guard shot...
FROM PAGE 10
2 jobs to support family
“He only brought food today [Thursday] around one-something, and then he said he was going to go and pick up [something]. Then, when I come back here at the Chinese, this is what I see,” she said. The grieving woman said she had repeatedly encouraged her husband to obtain a bulletproof vest, expressing concern about his safety while on duty. She also recalled that he had experienced disagreements with the supermarket’s management. “He is a Muslim; he goes and prays every time. When Ramadan comes, I can’t believe that he is gone. He is my best; now my breadwinner is gone,” she said.
Rose’s wife explained that she had been working two jobs to support the family and that her husband had joined the security firm to help ease the financial burden. “Now I have to come back out on the road and look after all of this. I am feeling bad because he is my husband. Now I can’t imagine a day without my breadwinner. I need to go to the masjid and tell the imam what is going on,” she added. She broke down in tears as she reflected on the loss of her husband and the responsibility of caring for their family.
Family man
Rose’s son also spoke about his father’s role in
the household, describing him as a devoted family man who ensured that the family’s daily needs were met. “He’s the sole breadwinner. Every morning, he gets up at 6:00h and makes sure he helps Mommy in whatever way he can around the house. Then he would drop his son off at school and head to work, as my mother would do the same with my other little brother,” he said. He explained that he and his younger sister were the two eldest children and would have to gradually take on more responsibilities following their father’s death. Police have said investigations into the fatal shooting are continuing.
SOCU Chief sent on leave...
FROM PAGE 7
“The fact is that Mr Karimbaksh is at the helm of the Police Force. He’s a deputy commissioner. So, there is a particular procedure that has to be followed… It is my view, and I hold this strong view, that he should be sent on administrative leave pending the investigation,” Walrond had stated during the Starting Point podcast. Based on established protocols, the Police Service Commission (PSC) is responsible for disciplinary actions against senior officers, including placing them
on administrative leave. However, the Commission has not been reconstituted since it expired in July this year. In the absence of a functioning PSC, however, Minister Walrond had indicated that she would be engaging Commissioner Hicken to determine the way forward on the matter. Meanwhile, Walrond had gone on to further assure in a subsequent Facebook post last Friday that these serious allegations will be properly investigated.
“The allegations are serious and will be treated as such. The law will not be ignored, nor will due process be bypassed,” the minister stated, adding that the matter will not be investigated or tried in the court of public opinion. “I have confidence in the competence and professionalism of the investigative team. They must be allowed to do their work independently and thoroughly, without public interference or prejudgment. Let the evidence guide the process. Let the law take its course.”
NEWS
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
IMF upbeat on Guyana’s projected 22.3% growth outlook …says oil revenues, investment, prudent policies support growth, economic stability
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GDP growth of 22.3 per cent in 2026, with oil GDP expected to expand by 26.1 per cent and non-oil GDP by 10.2 per cent. Oil production is expected to continue increasing as new fields come onstream, while non-oil economic activity is projected to remain strong over the medium term. The IMF estimates that non-oil growth will average approximately seven per cent over that period. The report said the outlook remained favourable, although risks included fluctuations in international oil prices, possible overheating pressures and climate-related shocks. Further oil discoveries, stronger construction activity and higher oil prices were identified as potential sources of additional growth.
uyana’s economy is projected to grow by 22.3 per cent in 2026, supported by expanding oil production and continued growth in non-oil sectors, as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has called for stronger fiscal planning, improved Public Sector oversight and policies to ensure the country’s oil wealth supports longterm, inclusive development. The projections are contained in the IMF’s October 8, 2026, report following the conclusion of its Article IV Consultation with Guyana. The report assessed the country’s recent economic performance, medium-term outlook and policy priorities for maintaining macroeconomic and financial stability. The IMF said Guyana continued to expand at one of the highest rates in the world, with real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growing by 19.3 per cent in 2025, following an average
The IMF said rising oil revenues had helped strengthen Guyana’s fiscal and external positions while allowing the Government to
growth of nearly 40 per cent during 2023 and 2024. The expansion was driven by strong oil production and broad-based activity in the non-oil economy. Oil GDP grew by 21.1 per cent in 2025, while non-oil GDP increased by 14 per cent, supported by construction, agriculture, mining and manufacturing. Oil production exceeded 900,000 barrels per day during the year, while stronger labour market conditions and private sector credit also supported economic activity. According to the IMF, these trends broadly continued during the first half of 2026. The Fund projects real
continue investing in physical and human capital. The overall fiscal deficit narrowed to 5.5 per cent of GDP in 2025, compared with 7.3 per cent in 2024. The reduction occurred as oil revenues increased, despite continued large-scale public investment. The non-oil primary deficit as a share of non-oil GDP also declined slightly during 2025. The Fund noted that the accumulation of oil revenues in the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) had helped build fiscal and external buffers. By the end of 2025, the fund had accumulated approximately US$3.3 billion, equivalent to more
Oil savings
than 12 per cent of GDP. Gross international reserves reached approximately US$1.4 billion in 2025, while the current account surplus widened as oil production increased and oil-related service imports declined. The IMF assessed Guyana’s external position in 2025 as broadly consistent with the level implied by the country’s economic fundamentals and desirable policies. The report also noted that Guyana maintained one of the lowest debt-toGDP ratios in the Western Hemisphere, while investments in infrastructure and human capital continued to support non-oil growth and social outcomes. However, the IMF projected that the overall fiscal deficit would widen to 6.4 per cent of GDP in 2026, partly reflecting transfers and electricity subsidies, before improving in 2027. Against this background, the Fund recommended that Guyana continue strengthening its fiscal framework to ensure that oil revenues are managed in a manner that preserves economic stability and supports development over the long term. It said that if oil prices remained persistently high, a larger share of additional oil revenue should be saved, taking into account the economy’s capacity to absorb increased spending. The IMF also recommended that public expenditure continue to prioritise productivity-enhancing projects and assistance for vulnerable groups, while improving spending oversight and the performance of key public enterprises. It called for consideration to be given to improving the targeting of subsidies and gradually replacing broad price-mitigation measures with more targeted support.
Long-term planning
The Fund said a comprehensive medium- and longterm fiscal strategy would help preserve fiscal sustainability and intergenerational equity as Guyana continues to benefit from oil production.
It noted that existing budget frameworks provided a strong foundation for developing clearer fiscal benchmarks to guide the management of oil revenues and public expenditure. The IMF suggested that the non-oil primary balance could serve as the main operational fiscal tar-
get, strengthening gradually over the next decade to a level consistent with a selected long-term objective. One possible objective identified in the report was preserving the real per capita value of assets held in the Natural Resource Fund. The Fund said public spending during this transition should remain aligned with Guyana’s development needs and capacity to absorb investment efficiently. It also noted that the high cost of delivering public services in a country with a low population density should be taken into account.
Well capitalised
The report assessed Guyana’s banking system as well capitalised and liquid, with asset quality improving. Nevertheless, the IMF called for continued vigilance in safeguarding financial stability, particularly in relation to concentration risks. It recommended developing a comprehensive macroprudential framework to strengthen the identification and management of risks within the financial system and improve policy formulation and implementation. The Fund also identified rapid growth in the housing
market as an area requiring close monitoring and recommended developing a real estate price index to improve the assessment of market trends. As financial services become increasingly digital, the IMF said cybersecurity standards should also be enhanced.
Accountability
The IMF welcomed ongoing efforts to improve Public Sector transparency, service delivery and governance but identified several areas requiring further attention as public spending expands. These include resolving outstanding cost-oil audits, improving the timely publication of accounts by public enterprises and Government agencies, and strengthening audit capacity, particularly in the oil and gas sector. The Fund also stressed the importance of consistent compliance with the public procurement framework. It recommended continued efforts to strengthen anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing arrangements, alongside improvements to the country’s anti-corruption framework. Strengthening the Integrity Commission and the asset declaration regime were identified as additional priorities.
Diversification
Apart from the oil sector, the IMF said Guyana’s development strategy should continue to focus on diversification, resilience and sustainability.
The Fund noted that the country was advancing towards a cleaner and more cost-effective energy mix while maintaining its position in market-based forest conservation. The Gas-to-Energy project is expected to reduce reliance on fuel-based power generation, lower energy
costs and support the competitiveness of the economy. The IMF also identified strengthening human capital, expanding employment opportunities, addressing labour shortages and improving food security as important components of the country’s diversification efforts. Climate resilience was another priority highlighted in the report, with investments in sea defences, drainage systems and climate-resilient agriculture identified as important to reducing exposure to climate-related risks.
Economic data
The IMF also welcomed efforts to strengthen Guyana’s official statistics, noting that reliable and timely data were important for effective policymaking and assessing the impact of Government policies. Priorities include updating national accounts and price statistics, further improving external sector statistics, maintaining regular labour force surveys and publishing more complete census results. The rollout of a new household budget survey was also identified as an important step in strengthening the evidence available to policymakers.
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Gov’s Marine Cage Farming Project yields bountiful Tambaqui harvest at Rockstone, Region 10
NEWS
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Renewable energy capacity surges 623%, set to nearly double by 2031 – PM Phillips
G
uyana’s installed renewable energy capacity has increased by 623 per cent since 2019, with further expansion expected by 2031, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips has disclosed, as he called for greater regional collaboration on longterm energy planning. Phillips made the remarks during a Ministerial Dialogue at the 11th Latin American and Caribbean Energy Organization (OLACDE) Energy Week in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on Thursday. He said countries across Latin America and the Caribbean must develop energy systems capable of meeting rising electricity demand while addressing climate-related risks and
silient, more efficient, more digital and increasingly low carbon,” he said, adding that planning must account for the economic and social needs of the next 20 to 50 years. Highlighting Guyana’s approach, Phillips reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, which guides the development of a diversified energy supply that includes natural gas, hydropower, solar, wind and other technologies. He said Guyana’s status as an emerging oil and gas producer, alongside its approximately 85 per cent forest cover and commitment to low-carbon development, requires the strategic and sustainable management of its
and 2026 represent investments of G$37.717 billion. Over that period, installed renewable energy capacity increased from 5.35 mega-
Prime Minister Mark Phillips at the Ministerial Dialogue at the 11th Latin American and Caribbean Energy Organisation (OLACDE) Energy Week in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on Thursday
rapid technological advancements. The Prime Minister noted that economic growth, industrialisation, urbanisation and digitalisation will increase the region’s energy requirements in the coming years, requiring governments to plan beyond immediate generation needs. “The energy system of the next decade must be more diversified, more re-
natural resources. “We do not regard these realities as contradictory. Rather, our responsibility is to manage our natural resources strategically and sustainably, and to use them to accelerate national development and the transformation of our energy system,” Phillips said. According to the Prime Minister, renewable energy projects implemented or committed between 2020
watts (MW) in 2019 to 38.72 MW in 2026. The initiatives include 13 utility-scale solar photovoltaic farms, 57 solar mini-grids, three hydropower plants, 37,730 solar home energy systems and 239 rooftop solar photovoltaic systems installed on public and community buildings. Based on projects committed through 2031, Guyana’s installed renewable energy capacity is ex-
pected to reach 77.14 MW, almost double the 2026 level. Phillips also underscored the role of natural gas in replacing more carbon-intensive imported fuels used for electricity generation, improving energy security and supporting lower electricity
costs. Renewable energy development and battery storage are also expected to expand. On technological advancements, he highlighted the importance of modernising electricity grids and using digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve energy planning, demand forecasting and predictive maintenance. However, he cautioned that the expansion of AI and data centres would increase electricity demand, requiring additional investment in cybersecurity, data governance and technical expertise. The Prime Minister also stressed that the energy
reliable and affordable energy, alongside opportunities for employment, enterprise development and skills training. Phillips added that decentralised renewable energy systems were already supporting improvements in education, healthcare, communications, entrepreneurship and local economic activity. On regional cooperation, he called for continued collaboration through OLACDE, particularly in developing innovative financing solutions, building climate-resilient infrastructure and expanding energy interconnection where feasible.
transition must deliver tangible benefits to communities, particularly those in hinterland and riverine areas. He said Indigenous communities, vulnerable households, workers and businesses must have access to
He reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to working with regional partners to advance an energy agenda that balances economic transformation, environmental sustainability and improved livelihoods.
16 NEWS
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Human Services Minister calls for greater role for women in global power, resource decisions
H
uman Services and Social Security Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud has called for a shift in the global approach to women’s leadership, arguing that women must move beyond representation in decision-making bodies to exercising greater influence over decisions affecting peace, security, economies, and resource allocation. Persaud made the call on October 5 while addressing the Forum of Women Parliamentarians at the 153rd Assembly of the InterParliamentary Union (IPU) in Arusha, Tanzania. She said women have demonstrated their capacity in peacebuilding and diplomacy, increasingly taking on leadership roles and drawing attention to issues such as justice, inclusion, economic exclusion and other matters that have historically been overlooked. “The time has come for leadership to be less about inclusion and representation and more about natural progression, without skewed meritocracy, equality and equity in the truest sense,” Persaud said. She argued that women
must have a greater role in decisions concerning global finance and the allocation of resources. She also called on Governments and Parliaments to address digital violence against women and strengthen legislation dealing with issues affecting women as matters of governance and human rights. Persaud pointed to Guyana’s policies and programmes as examples of how women’s leadership can translate into practical action. Among the measures she highlighted were initiatives addressing equal opportunity in employment, women’s entrepreneurship and unpaid care, including the Care Economy Co-Invest Programme. She also cited the development of free day and night care and early childhood development centres as part of efforts to address care needs. The Minister highlighted Guyana’s Ambassador and candidate for United Nations Secretary General, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, as an example of women’s leadership in international diplomacy and peace and security.
Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud
Persaud referenced Rodrigues-Birkett’s role as President of the United Nations Security Council during Guyana’s presidency and her advocacy for placing the protection of children affected by war, poverty and underdevelopment at the centre of discussions on peace.
“Her leadership demonstrated that a Guyanese woman can help shape global discussions about peace, and about the conditions people need to live with dignity,” Persaud said. She challenged parliamentarians to examine the barriers that continue to limit women’s participa-
tion in leadership, including their access to global financial resources and key decision-making positions. Persaud also questioned whether women were increasingly seeing themselves and other women as natural choices for leadership roles. “Our responsibility, Parliament and bodies like IPU, is to ensure that more women can lead by providing access to education, finance and mentorship, empowering real decision-making authority and working to shift mindsets and remove entrenched barriers,” she said. She added that the objective must be to open doors that have historically been closed to women and make women’s leadership a norm, rather than treating representation as the ultimate goal. Persaud is part of a Guyanese parliamentary delegation led by Speaker of the National Assembly and IPU Governing Council Member Manzoor Nadir, which is attending the 153rd IPU Assembly and related meetings in Arusha from October 5 to 9. The delegation also includes Minister within the
Office of the Prime Minister Warren Kwame McCoy and Parliamentary Executive Officer Dr Carlleta Charles, who is serving as secretary to the delegation. Persaud is a member of the Bureau of Women Parliamentarians of the IPU, while McCoy serves as a member of the Bureau of Democracy and Human Rights. The Assembly is being held under the theme, “Enhancing good governance and empowering communities through inclusivity, trust and opportunities for all.” The programme includes meetings of the IPU’s parliamentary bodies, workshops and side events, as well as discussions on the empowerment of persons with disabilities. The Assembly is also expected to adopt a resolution on parliamentary strategies to promote the rights and empowerment of persons with disabilities. The IPU comprises 184 national parliaments and 15 regional parliamentary bodies and provides a platform for legislators to promote parliamentary democracy, peace and cooperation.
Guyana takes chair of UN General Assembly’s legal committee
Ambassador Trishala Persaud
G
uyana has assumed the chairmanship of the Sixth Committee (Legal) of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), with Ambassador Trishala Persaud formally taking up the role on Monday. Persaud, Deputy Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, outlined the importance of international law and the committee’s role in advancing the principles and purposes of the UN in her opening statement. “The role of the Sixth Committee and its authority among Main Committees is unique, as is the central importance of international law for the achievement of the principles and purposes
of the United Nations,” she said. Persaud referenced the preamble of the UN Charter, which reaffirms the organisation’s commitment to fundamental human rights and the establishment of conditions under which justice and respect for international law can be maintained. Acknowledging the challenges facing multilateralism and international law, she called on delegations to preserve the committee’s longstanding practice of reaching decisions through consensus while addressing existing and emerging global issues. She also expressed confidence that substantive progress could be achieved during the session through
cooperation among member states. The Permanent Mission of Guyana to the United Nations announced Persaud’s assumption of the chairmanship in a social media post. Guyana’s leadership of the Sixth Committee reflects its commitment to promoting the rule of law and supporting the UN’s mandate to codify and progressively develop international law under the UN Charter. The Sixth Committee is the UNGA’s principal forum for considering legal questions, including issues relating to the development of international law and the work of the International Law Commission.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2026
guyanatimesgy.com
17
Regional
Brazil’s tight election raises questions Venezuela’s ex-leader Maduro charged over fate of its climate-finance push
B
razil’s tight presidential election has some investors, executives and climate-focused businesses worried that a Government led by conservative Senator Flavio Bolsonaro may not maintain the policies underpinning the country’s emerging green economy. Bolsonaro topped the first-round vote on the weekend with a stronger-than-expected performance, after a campaign in which he promised to strengthen the regulated carbon market, but did not criticise the climate track record of his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, under whom deforestation soared. In the October 25 runoff, he will face left-leaning President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who has sought to
position Brazil as a hub for climate finance, launching programmes to attract private capital into green projects and laying the groundwork for a regulated carbon market. Industry has pressed Bolsonaro not to abandon that programme, given the potential costs to the US$2.6-trillion economy that has grown under Lula as a leading player in global climate finance. While Bolsonaro’s campaign also promised to expand the bioeconomy by focusing on pharmaceutical and cosmetics products, concerns remain among investors and executives over his past remarks on climate change. In an August interview with Brazil’s Globo, he described extreme weather events as cyclical and said
Colombian Embassy to open in Jerusalem, Israeli FM says
I
srael has announced that Colombia will open an embassy in Jerusalem, becoming the latest country to establish a diplomatic mission in the disputed city claimed as a capital by Israelis and Palestinians. Most countries have their embassies in Israel in Tel Aviv. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Thursday the Latin American country’s embassy would open next week as he touted expanding relations with the region. “Next Wednesday, we are going to inaugurate … the Colombian Embassy,” Saar told attendees at a conference in Jerusalem. An official at the Colombian Foreign Ministry in Bogota told AFP news agency the country’s Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar would travel to Jerusalem on Sunday ahead of the open-
ing. Colombian President Abelardo De la Espriella, who was sworn in as president in August, promised close relations with Israel during his election campaign. When he came into office, he restored diplomatic ties between Colombia and Israel. Colombia had previously severed ties with the country over Israel’s war in Gaza. The announcement comes as a small but growing list of countries has opted to route their diplomatic ties with Israel through Jerusalem. Since 2018, the United States, Guatemala, Paraguay, Kosovo, Honduras, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Nauru and Somaliland, which has been recognised as an independent entity only by Israel, have opened embassies in the city. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
with conspiracy to commit torture
P Brazilian presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro of the Liberal Party (PL) as he arrives for a meeting with members of Brazil’s Republicans party to announce the party’s support for his campaign, ahead of the runoff election, in Brasilia, Brazil, October 7, 2026 (Reuters/Diego Herculano photo)
he did not believe they were directly linked only to human influence. He recently said the best way to address climate concerns was through investments in basic sanitation.
“It would be economic stupidity to roll back this agenda,” said Tereza Campello, socio-environmental director at state development bank BNDES. (Excerpted from Reuters)
P
ublic Utilities Minister Barry Padarath says the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) is continuing efforts to resolve the discoloured water affecting consumers in parts of north, central, and south Trinidad, assuring the issue is temporary. Padarath provided the update in Parliament while responding to a question from Opposition Whip Marvin Gonzales on whether urgent measures were being taken to address complaints from customers in areas including Diego Martin, Portof-Spain, central and south Trinidad. Consumers across several communities have raised concerns in recent days about discoloured water coming from their taps.
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The Mapocho River in central Chile burst its banks after heavy rains [Javier Torres/EPA/Shutterstock]
ue to bring unusually wet weather, powerful winds and storms to the region during the southern hemisphere’s spring. Officials said one person had been found dead in
Flores was added to the earlier narco-terrorism charge. The trial for both Maduro and Flores is set to begin in June 2027. Both are being held in a detention centre in Brooklyn and are expected to remain there after Flores’s request to be moved to house arrest was denied by a Judge on Thursday. The new accusations relate to the alleged torture of US citizens who were being held in Venezuela while Maduro was in power. The superseding indictment unsealed on Thursday accuses the former presidential couple of “entrenching themselves in power” by presiding “over a system of repression that relied on violence against political opposition, arbitrary detention, and the torture of detainees, including United States citizens”. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Water issues affecting consumers CCJ opens new law in north, central and south Trinidad term with itinerant sitting in St Lucia Responding to Gonzales, Padarath said he was surprised by the question coming from a former Minister of Public Utilities. “Mr Speaker, I’m a little bit surprised at this question coming from a former Minister of Public Utilities. However, earlier this week WASA advised that the temporary water discolouration followed the scheduled maintenance shutdown at Desalcott, which is an annual event,” he said. Padarath explained that adjustments to the transmission system, followed by the restoration of normal water pressure, disturbed sediment within sections of the network, resulting in temporary discolouration. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)
Residents airlifted to safety after flooding in central Chile olice in central Chile have airlifted several residents to safety after rising floodwaters left them trapped in their homes. Recent torrential rains caused the Mapocho River to burst its banks, flooding large parts of the city of Talagante, 35 kilometres (22 miles) south-west of the capital, Santiago. Santiago has seen 74mm of rainfall in the first seven days of this month, making it the rainiest October for the area in 76 years, meteorologists have said. They have warned that this year’s unusually strong El Niño climate phenomenon will likely contin-
rosecutors in the United States have accused Venezuela’s former leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, of conspiracy to commit torture. The fresh charges against the couple were made public on Thursday and are in addition to the drug-trafficking and weapons charges already brought against them, which they have denied. Maduro, 63, and Flores, 69, have been in custody since January in a detention centre in Brooklyn, where they were taken after US forces seized them in a predawn raid on their compound in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas. Barry J Pollack, Maduro’s attorney, said his client denies the new charges and looks forward to his day in court. Federal Prosecutors also announced on Thursday that
a flooded underpass in the city of San Bernardo, south of Santiago, although they have yet to confirm the cause of death. In Talagante, Police used helicopters to rescue
people and pets living on the banks of the Mapocho who had been surprised by the fast-rising waters overnight. Dirt roads turned into rivers in the riverside community which, unlike in July’s storms, had not been evacuated ahead of the heavy downpours. Climate experts have warned that the 2026-2027 El Niño is likely to cause major shifts in weather patterns around the world, intensifying droughts in some areas and floods in others. In central Chile, it is expected to trigger above-average rainfall. (Excerpt from BBC News)
President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) addressing the formal opening of the Court’s new law term in St Lucia (CMC photo)
T
he Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) opened its new law term in St Lucia on Wednesday with its President, Justice Winston Anderson noting that over the past two decades the Court has built a strong foundation of institutional excellence guided by principles and values which underpin, support, and drive its work. “Judicial independence and impartiality, enhanced accessibility, technological innovation, and adaptability, and a strong service ethos have remained central to the Court’s operations,” Justice Anderson said, adding that “adherence to these principles has enabled the Court to deliver justice at the highest level while developing a distinct and robust body of indigenous jurisprudence that stands as a source of pride for the region”.
Justice Anderson, the fourth President of the CCJ, since it was established in 2001 and inaugurated four years later to replace the London-based Privy Council as the region’s highest and final court, said that the two decades had been spent building the Court. “Now we must deepen its reach and strengthen its impact. As we move into this new judicial year, we do so with a clear sense of purpose, an unwavering commitment to service, and renewed resolve to fulfil our mandate,” Justice Anderson said. The CCJ is holding its first-ever itinerant sitting which ended on Thursday, coinciding with the opening of the 2026-2027 judicial year and Justice Anderson said that while much has been achieved and the Court has much to be proud of, “it has not been an easy road”. (Excerpt from CMC)
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2026
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Around the World
Fort Hood attacker’s execution by firing squad will be livestreamed, Pentagon says
T
he public will be able to watch the execution of a former US Army Major by firing squad, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has said. An official from the Defence Department told the BBC the execution of Nidal Hasan, who fatally shot 13 unarmed US soldiers at Fort Hood in 2009, would be livestreamed. The Pentagon had announced earlier this week that it would execute Hasan in the first military execution in more than 60 years. “We’ll make sure that people are able to watch it, that it’s public,” Hegseth said on Thursday. “Because people need to understand that there’s serious consequences for these types of
An undated handout image of Nidal Hasan that was released by authorities in 2012 (Bell County Sheriff’s Office/Reuters photo)
things.” Hegseth said in an interview with conservative TV outlet Real America’s Voice that Hasan is “gonna get a firing squad of soldiers. As it should be”. The BBC contacted
the White House for comment on whether President Donald Trump supports a livestreamed public execution. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell had said on Monday that the Defence
Secretary had made the recommendation and Trump approved it. The execution is scheduled to take place at Fort Hood in Texas on December 3, the secretary of the US Army said on Tuesday. It will be the first military execution by firing squad since the end of World War Two. The appellate process for Hasan is not over, said John Mills, a lawyer who works with inmates sentenced to death, and he is likely to seek review of his conviction and sentence in federal court, which would likely stay the execution. As such, Mills said that he would be surprised if the execution happened. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Russian strike on buses kills at least 30, say officials, as deadly attacks on Ukraine surge
A
t least 30 persons have been killed in a Russian glide bomb attack on two civilian buses in the eastern frontline city of Kramatorsk, rescue officials say. Authorities said three persons were also killed in the village of Bilenke, part of the Kramatorsk community. Another 18 persons were wounded, said Donetsk regional head Vadym Filashkin, accusing Russia of targeting buses carrying passengers to kill as many civilians as possible. Kramatorsk and neigh-
The burning metal shell of a bus in Kramatorsk (Prosecutor General’s Office photo)
bouring Slovyansk are part of a so-called fortress belt that Moscow is trying to seize as part of
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s claim to the entire Ukrainian industrial region of Donbas.
Warrants used to search Andrew’s homes were unlawful, court says
T
hames Valley Police has accepted warrants it used to search Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s homes at the time of his arrest in February were unlawful, the High Court has been told. Following Thursday’s hearing, items seized in the raid continue to be held by the Police, with a further hearing to take place in 2027 to decide whether the material can be
used as evidence. Meanwhile, the criminal investigation into Mountbatten-Windsor is ongoing. The former Prince, who denies any wrongdoing, was arrested by Police on February 19 on suspicion of misconduct in public office, after which he launched a legal challenge over the legality of the search warrants.
On Thursday at the High Court, it was said Mountbatten-Windsor and the Police had agreed that the search warrants had been unlawful. However, he added: “The fact that the search warrants were quashed does not bring the investigation to an end or mean that the whole of the investigation is unlawful.” (Excerpt from BBC News)
Protesters blame ‘vulture funds’ for Spain’s housing crisis
P
ierina Nicuray, a 21-year-old university graduate, has spent a week camped out in Madrid’s Puerta del Sol square. Like many of the hundreds of others who have pitched their tents there to protest at Spain’s housing crisis, she has no doubts when it comes to diagnosing the cause. “It’s the same problem as always,” she says. “A lack of homes.” She adds: “Landlords are
taking advantage of the situation to raise rentals, and then there’s also Airbnb.” Jorge Moreno, a 19-yearold film-dubbing student who has also been living in a tent in central Madrid for the last few days, agrees. “There are so many homes standing empty because they have been bought by vulture funds and investment funds which hike up the rent of people living in properties until they get rid of them,” says
Jorge, who lives with his mother and fears it will be a long time before he can afford a home of his own.“They’ve been making a business of housing for a long time,” he adds. “But it’s an abusive business which stops Spaniards from being able to live in a decent home.” His and Pierina’s diagnoses are frequently voiced by fellow protesters, ordinary Spaniards and even the Spanish Government. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said: “This strike will not go without our response.” In a post on Telegram, he said: “Russia is trying to destroy all life in Donbas, and the world needs to react to this. React harshly – exactly as the Russians deserve for all the deaths they have caused.” Images posted by local prosecutors showed the burning metal shell of the bus along with debris and some of the victims on the road. Moscow is yet to comment on the latest attack. It follows a dramatic surge in Russian attacks across Ukraine and a heavy increase in civilian casualties. According to the UN, Ukraine saw more civilians killed by August this year than were killed in all of 2025. (Excerpt from BBC News)
OILNEWS OIL NEWS US stocks slide as oil prices fluctuate over renewed Iran war fears
U
S financial markets have been whipsawed as bond market fears grow, pushing Treasury yields to their highest levels in more than 20 years, and oil prices continue to fluctuate, despite the Nasdaq and S&P 500 hitting record peaks. Wall Street closed lower on Wednesday as oil prices rose then fell owing to renewed concerns about disruption to Middle East supplies. Stocks fell after closing at record highs in the previous session on Tuesday, with yields on US government bonds climbing to 24-year highs as investors worried about the impact of high oil prices on inflation and interest rates. Oil prices increased on Thursday on persistent worries about supply from the Middle East amid an increase in attacks on shipping in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude futures rose to US$101.53 a barrel as of 01:16 GMT. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures climbed to US$89.39 a barrel. International Energy Agency (IEA) member countries said they stand ready to release additional oil from their reserves if necessary and will prioritise diesel owing to tight supplies of the fuel, the head of the organisation said on Wednesday. G7 countries, in coordination with the IEA, agreed last Friday to immediately release 100 million barrels of diesel and crude oil to ease global energy supply concerns caused by fallout from the United States-Iran war. The latest announcement from the IEA calmed oil markets after prices had climbed on Wednesday following a report from UK Maritime Trade Operations. The maritime agency said on Tuesday that there had been nine attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz this month, representing half of the September total in the waterway and the Gulf combined. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, however, repeated Washington’s claims that it was in control of the strait and that oil flows were at close to normal levels. Gulf oil flows recover Oil exports from the Gulf have recovered significantly in recent days, despite a surge in attacks on ships around the Strait of Hormuz, maritime experts and trackers say. Gulf oil flows, excluding Iran, recovered to more than 81 per cent of pre-war levels in September, while crude exports from the wider Middle East exceeded pre-war levels on 14 days during the month, maritime intelligence firm Kpler reported. However, the recovery has come as attacks on tankers increase and shipping companies face higher freight, insurance, and security costs. On Tuesday, 12 crew members on a Panama-flagged tanker were injured in an attack by an unknown projectile while crossing the Strait of Hormuz, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. (Al Jazeera)
French students keep up protest pressure with some demonstrations hit by violence
F
rench teenagers blockaded some high schools and marched through cities on Thursday in the latest wave of nationwide protests about conditions in the country’s schools, and some of the demonstrations were marred by violent unrest. The Interior Ministry said 71,500 persons participated in the day’s demonstrations, of which 24,500 took part in the main Paris protest centred around the Bastille square. The Paris protest was mostly peaceful, although there were occasional clashes between small groups of demonstrators and the Police during the evening.
Elsewhere, arsonists attacked a Bordeaux Police Station, a school in SaintEtienne was ransacked, and a teacher in Toulouse was hit by a demonstrator, said the Interior Ministry. In Marseille, Police said a teacher at Victor Hugo High School was attacked during the latest protests and has filed a criminal complaint over the incident. The protest movement, now into its third week, has exposed deep tensions in France between popular demands for investments in deteriorating public services and a cash-strapped government under pressure from bond markets to reduce its debt and deficit.
Protesters say they are demonstrating to demand more teachers and better facilities, arguing school buildings are often dilapidated, with overcrowded classrooms that are often freezing in winter and boiling in summer. Critics say the movement has been infiltrated by violent far-left and anarchist elements. High-school teacher Diane Di Sciullo joined students in Marseille, saying all they were asking for was a decent education in decent conditions. She denounced overcrowding, saying this year she had 37 students in her class. (Excerpt from Reuters)
guyanatimesgy.com
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2026
ARCHIE
19
DAILY HOROSCOPES
(March 21-April 19)
Put differences aside and look for the good in others. Arguing will get you nowhere, but living in harmony will help you rise to the top. If you volunteer your services, you’ll find people who share your values. A change of heart will take you in a different direction. Make adjustments for the right reason; if anger is the driving force, take a moment and rethink your logic.
PICKLES
(April 20-May 20) Take the lead and venture into something that offers a creative or physical outlet. Put enthusiasm and imagination to work for you, and the outcome will help you bypass any negativity or interference you encounter.
(May 21-June 20) Pay attention to how you look and feel. Poor behavior will lead to stress and exhaustion. Back away from drama, and find a cozy spot where you can sort through your options.
PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)
Don’t let the little things agitate you when you have so much more to gain by helping others and making a difference that will shape what comes next for you and for what and who you hold dear.
(July 23-Aug. 22) Keep tabs on where your money goes. Don’t sign up for anything without knowing exactly what you are getting in return. Be aware of the latest scams and gimmicks so you can avoid loss.
CALVIN AND HOBBES
(Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Spend time learning, researching and becoming more aware of people and situations that affect your perception and the decisions you make. Emotions will escalate.
(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)
SUDOKU
Proceed with caution. Negotiate on your own behalf. Leave nothing to chance. Show interest and curiosity, and ask questions that will help you make better decisions.
(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)
(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)
Join the pack, do your part and shoot for the stars. Focus your energy on getting ahead, making a difference and putting your time and money where they will have the greatest impact. Pay attention to what brings you joy, and adjust your day to suit your emotional and mental well-being. Let go of what you cannot control, and take responsibility for achieving the lifestyle you desire.
SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE
(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Bet on yourself. Let go of what’s no longer working for you, and move on to what excites you most. A lifestyle change requires your input and following through with your plans.
(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)
(Feb. 20-March 20)
Pay attention to your spending habits, investments and how well you take care of yourself. It’s important to get your finances and lifestyle in order if you want to get ahead mentally and physically. Being honest with yourself will help you portray an accurate vision of your expectations to those interested in getting to know you better.
20
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2026
Guyana’s archers capture 7 medals at inaugural CPAL
Guyana’s Archers returned with seven medals from the inaugural Caribbean Premier archery League (File photo)
G
uyanese archers have made a strong impression in the inaugural Caribbean Premier Archery League (CPAL), with 17 Guyanese archers participating, whilst securing an impressive seven individual medals at the event.
Those medals included three gold, two silver, and two bronze. According to a missive from Archery Guyana, the results represent a significant achievement for Guyanese archery and demonstrate the growing depth of talent across the
country’s senior and youth divisions. The CPAL is a new permanent annual competition platform sanctioned by World Archery Americas (WAA). CPAL was specifically developed for the Caribbean, providing archers across the re-
gion with an opportunity to compete at a high, internationally recognised standard without the prohibitive cost associated with frequent cross-border travel. The league combines standardised World Archery competition formats, modern digital submission of results and certified national-level officiating, creating a verifiable and competitive league environment operating to the standards required for a WAAsanctioned event. For developing Caribbean archers, the league therefore provides an important pathway to gain meaningful competitive experience, measure their performances against athletes from across the region and prepare for larger regional and international competitions. Guyana’s medal-win-
ning performances came across both the Barebow and Recurve divisions.
Senior Women — Barebow Gold – Shianne Affonso-Simon Silver – Jo-Lee Zammet Bronze – Melesa Ramnaraine The three results produced a particularly impressive Guyanese clean sweep of the Senior Women’s Barebow podium, with all three medals going to Guyanese archers. In the youth Recurve divisions:
Under-21 Men — Recurve Gold – Lucas Chung Under-18 Men — Recurve Gold – Brandon Cummings Bronze – Saifullah Gani Under-18 Women — Recurve Silver – Fatima Gani
According to the President of the National Federation, Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, “The participation of 17 athletes across multiple clubs in our beautiful country reflects the breadth of Guyana’s developing competitive archery programme. The results also provide further encouragement as Guyana prepares to welcome athletes from across the Caribbean and Americas for the inaugural Caribbean Archery Championships and the Eighth Caribbean D e v e l o p m e n t a l Championships, to be hosted at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, from October 22–25, 2026.” The Board of Directors of Archery Guyana sought to congratulate all 17 participating Guyanese athletes, the seven medallists, their coaches, clubs, families, and supporters on their achievements and continues to encourage the development of archery at every level in Guyana.
GFF to commence CONCACAF “Bigger IMC O40s World Cup… Game” Academy across 4 regions “Nice to be back in the
CONCACAF “Bigger Game” Academy is set to commence this Saturday
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he Guyana Football Federation (GFF), in partnership with the Confederation of North, Central Ameri-ca and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), will kickstart the CONCACAF “Bigger Game” Academy across four pilot Regional Member Associations on Saturday, October 10, as part of its con-tinued efforts to strengthen grassroots football development in Guyana. The programme will provide structured, age-appropriate football sessions for boys and girls between the ages of six and 12, giving young players an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of the game, develop their skills and build a lasting connection with football. The 10-week programme
will be conducted across four Regional Member Associations – Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA), East Demerara Football Association (EDFA), East Bank Football Association (EBFA) and Georgetown Football Association (GFA). The opening sessions on Saturday will be held at the following venues: UDFA: Silvertown Community Ground – 09:00h EDFA: Buxton Community Centre – 09:00h EBFA: National Training Centre, Providence – 08:00h GFA: C-Field Community Centre, Sophia – 15:00h Each pilot association will host sessions for 10 consecutive weeks before the programme culminates in a grand festival bringing together par-
ticipants from all four regions to celebrate their development and participation. The “Bigger Game” Academy is designed to create a positive and inclusive environment where children can develop not only their football abilities but also important values such as teamwork, discipline, enjoyment and personal development. The initiative forms part of the GFF’s broader grassroots development strategy and its efforts to strengthen the national player development pathway by providing greater access to organised foot-ball at the community level. The Federation and participating regional member associations will work together to ensure that the activities are delivered in a structured and child-friendly manner, giving youngsters a strong founda-tion as they begin their football journeys. Parents and guardians are encouraged to attend the launch sessions, support the young participants and become part of the initiative within their respective communities. The CONCACAF “Bigger Game” Academy officially begins on October 10, marking the start of a 10-week programme aimed at introducing more children to football and helping to develop the next generation of Guyanese players.
maroon colours” – Sarwan
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amnaresh Sarwan says that it will be nice to be back in the iconic maroon colours for the 2026 International Masters Cricket (IMC) Over-40s World Cup, as he is set to represent the West Indies in the 16-team tournament which bowls off Saturday, October 17th. The former West Indies captain Sarwan featured in 87 tests, 181 ODIs and 18 T20s during his international career. West Indies’ team for this second edition of the Masters tournament will be led by another ex-West Indies skipper wicketkeeper-batsman Denesh Ramdin, with multiple players having international experience as well included. Sarwan also mentioned that he was excited to be selected and stated that it will be challenging in terms of fitness but he is ready for the task ahead. He was speaking on Sean Devers’ Sports Watch Show Tuesday evening in Georgetown, Guyana. “It will be nice to be back in the maroon colours again; I [am] really excited and looking forward to doing well,” the 46-year-old Sarwan commented. According to the
right-handed batter Sarwan, it will be great for Guyana’s tourism too since players around the globe will be here for two straight weeks, but fans can expect some competitive cricket throughout the tournament. “Good for the economy of Guyana; sports play a big part in tourism, so I am sure the players and their families will have a great time in Guyana,” Sarwan, who led Guyana to the first Sanford T20 title in 2006, declared. Sarwan also said that veteran cricket will be exciting, but players are not in their late 20s or early 30s. As such, he emphasised the importance of training and keeping a healthy lifestyle. In addition to Sarwan, Sewnarine Chattergoon and Devendra Bishoo are the other Guyanese with international exposure in the West Indies squad. West Indies will open their campaign against Australia at the National Stadium, Providence. Cricketing enthusiasts will have an opportunity to see the games since the West Indies have been scheduled to play at Albion in Berbice and at Joe Jagmohan Ground and Anna Regina Stadium in Essequibo.
Ramnaresh Sarwan
The top four teams at the end of the preliminary stage will progress to the semi-finals. West Indies in Group B alongside Australia, South Africa, Namibia, Colombia, Wales, Canada, and Sri Lanka. Group B teams are England, New Zealand, Pakistan, India, Scotland, the USA, the rest of the World X1, and the rest of the Caribbean team.
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Monty Lewis puts $500,000 on the line for K&S tournament’s top scorer
Monty Lewis presents $500,000 to Kashif Muhammad, in the presence of co-founder Aubrey “Shanghai” Major, as a prize for the K&S tournament’s leading goal-scorer
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$500,000 individual prize has been added to the attraction of this year’s Kashif
and Shanghai Football Tournament, with longtime supporter Monty Lewis stepping forward to
reward the player who finishes as the competition’s leading goal scorer. The gesture by Lewis adds another incentive for players to find the back of the net when the prestigious 16-team tournament kicks off on December 13 at the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground in Linden. At a simple ceremony attended by tournament co-founders Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major and Kashif Muhammad, Lewis, a consistent supporter of the tournament over the years, congratulated the organisers for their bold decision to return the competition to its roots in Linden and encouraged others to come on board and support the initiative. Both Muhammad and Major expressed their appreciation to Lewis for his
continued support, noting that the gesture would provide additional motivation for the participating players and teams to perform at their highest level. His contribution comes as organisers prepare for what is expected to be a highly competitive return of the tournament to the mining town, with some of Guyana’s leading First Division clubs set to battle for a share of the lucrative $8 million prize purse. The tournament will run from December 13, 2026, to January 1, 2027, and will be staged exclusively in Linden, with matches shared between
the redesigned Mackenzie Sports Club and the Bayroc National Stadium. The opening matchday on December 13 will be played at Mackenzie Sports Club, returning the tournament to the venue where it was first staged in 1992. The ground will also host matches on December 20, 25 and 29. Bayroc National Stadium will host matches on December 18, 22, and 26 before taking centre stage for the grand final on New Year’s Day. The return to Linden was officially announced at the tournament’s launch last weekend under
the theme “Destination Linden, Football Means Business”. Beyond the football, organisers and government officials have pointed to the potential economic impact of the tournament, with players, supporters, officials, and visitors expected to boost activity for hotels, Airbnb operators, restaurants, transportation providers, vendors, and other businesses. Meanwhile, the competing teams, fixtures, tournament draw and breakdown of the $8 million purse will be unveiled on Saturday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
Henry hails youngsters after T20I clean sweep
CBB extends winning run W in DVA Men’s League
est Indies Women Captain Chinelle Henry has praised the team’s emerging players after they com-pleted a 3-0 T20 International (T20I) series sweep over Zimbabwe, highlighting the impact of the youngsters who seized their opportunities throughout the tour. Henry, who led the side in the absence of regular Captain Hayley Matthews, said it was a proud moment to Captain the West Indies while pointing to the contribution of the younger members of the squad as one of the biggest positives from the series. “I think, personally, anytime you get to lead a team as Captain, it’s always proud to do that, especially doing it in my room,” Henry
Jahzara Claxton earned the Player-of-the-Series award
and it’s really good to see them actually putting their hands up and doing that in this competition,” Henry
Classic Ball Blasters earned back-to-back wins (file photo)
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he Classic Ball Blasters (CBB) continued their impressive run in the Demerara Volleyball Association (DVA) Men’s League, securing back-to-back victories at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) in Georgetown. CBB first overcame Vanguard Volleyball Club (VC) in a four-set battle on Wednesday, recovering from a 25–22 opening-set defeat to take the remaining three sets 25–18, 25–13
and 25–21. Vanguard made a better start, but CBB responded strongly and gradually took control of the contest. Their improved attacking play and consistency allowed them to level the match before dominating the third set and completing the comeback in the fourth. On Tuesday evening action in the DVA League, CBB produced an even more convincing performance, sweeping Castrol Strikers 3–0. The opening set proved
the closest of the contest, with CBB edging Castrol Strikers 25–23. They then pulled away in the second set, winning 25–15, before closing out the match 25–18 in the third. The two victories underline CBB’s growing momentum in the DVA Men’s League, with the team displaying both resilience and consistency across its recent fixtures. The league continues at the CASH, with teams vying for supremacy as the competition progresses.
Eboni Brathwaite was among the youngsters that impressed
said. “It was really good to see the youngsters stepping up this tourna-ment and winning all three games by eight wickets.” The Captain said the performances showed that the opportunities being afforded to the next genera-tion are beginning to pay dividends, with Jahzara Claxton being rewarded for her consistent perfor-mances with the Player of the Series award. “This is something we’ve been asking for a long time,
added. Claxton, who made an impression with both bat and ball during the series, said she was grateful for the opportunity to bat higher in the order and make a meaningful contribution to the team. “I’m really happy to be able to be given the opportunity to bat as high as I did, and going up there and always putting on the West Indies uniform is an honour,” Claxton shared. “For me to be able to get the op-
portunity, I’m really happy and happy that I was able to contribute.” Henry also believes the latest series can provide an important foundation as the West Indies continue preparations for upcoming assignments. The Captain acknowledged the team’s reputation in T20 cricket, noting that reaching the semi-finals of major tournaments on multiple occasions represents a solid achievement, although the side re-mains determined to go further. The stand-in skipper opined, “As a group that’s a really good achievement for us, and also in that time we had a lot of youngsters in the team.” With more international cricket ahead, Henry believes the exposure gained by the younger players in Zimbabwe will be valuable as the West Indies look to build greater depth and consistency in the for-mat. “This tournament was really great for them, and this is something I think that they can build on, espe-cially with more cricket that we have coming up towards the end of the year,” she further stated.
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Organisers bracing for “highstakes” Lotto/Let’s Bet conclusion
Tournament Director John Ramsingh
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his Sunday in Anna Regina, four of the country’s best Tapeball teams, some bolstered by international talents, will lock horns in pursuit of a $2M grand prize in the. GrillMaster Sip N’ Play All-Stars, Mahdia (Movements Family), SVC/ AJM CC and Lusignan Bulls DTP II are the four teams left standing in the Lotto/ Let’sBet One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast, following enthralling Tapeball action in zones across the country. Months of competition will now come to a head at the Anna Regina National Stadium on Sunday, October 11, as the zonal champions battle for the title of National Champions. The throne has been vacated since the ousting of defending champions Titans in the Georgetown/ East Coast Demerara zone, and as such, it’s anybody’s game. With just a few days left
before the action unfolds, Tournament Director John Ramsingh described it as a golden opportunity for fans in the Cinderella County. “This is the opportunity for fans because over the past few weeks of the tournament, you’ve seen the cricket on field has been unmatched really; rivalries, expectations in terms of who will win, who will do the big batting, big bowling,” Ramsingh shared in a recent interview. “This is the opportunity for fans to really see fantastic cricket. They’re four of the best teams, four unbeaten teams against each other. I don’t think you can call matchups any closer than these; that’s why fans will be in for a treat from ball number one.” He added, “This is the first time that such a major Tapeball tournament will be at that venue.” As teams pad their rosters, the organisers have also boosted their personnel with the introduction of an
international umpire and reviews. “As organisers, we’ve gone through a checklist to confirm that everything is in perfect order, and that’s why we also call on the services of international umpire Zahid Bassarath, who’ll also be helping the local umpires,” Ramsingh shared. “It’s just a matter of giving them a little extra confidence and so on, because these high-stakes matches can be a bit gruelling, especially on some nervous umpires. So, with the addition of an international umpire, that’s going to help us a lot in terms of on-field action.” Turning his attention to video reviews, he explained, “Everyone knows Tournament for two main reasons: livestreaming and cricket. So, we’re bringing it together, using the technology to ensure that we have the best product in terms of cricketing fairness. Bowlers, batters, we’ll be doing boundary checks, line decisions, and there’s that option as well; it’s going to be a thin line, no-ball for height; it’s going to be there, and the technology is going to be there, so let’s use it.” “That’s something I’ve always been advocating for, wherever I go. So, now that we have this opportunity, it’s the perfect time to roll it out.” As the T10 Tapeball tournament grows, Ramsingh is elated to see the impact it has had on communities countrywide, espe-
cially with the demand in Essequibo this weekend. The Tournament Director related, “When we started back in 2023, one of the pillars is to establish grassroots cricket and then grow it from there. What we’ve done for this tournament is to ensure that the economies we go to, in terms of the different zones, benefits. So, now for the final, the ferry you’ve got to book way in advance; it goes to show there’s a high demand. And then in terms of hotel rooms, you can’t find anyone right now.” “It’s nice to see the chamber of commerce in Essequibo; they’re behind us because they’ve done things around the cricket as well to ensure that patrons going to Essequibo for the first time have a total package,” he further noted. Sharing expectations for the on-field action, Ramsingh opined that it will be one to remember. Ramsingh anticipated, “In terms of what you can expect, I know ding-dong battles for sure because all four teams that are standing still, they’re unbeaten and they’re making some changes from what we saw at the zine level. Those changes are making them stronger, and I don’t see how strong teams can get stronger.” “But it means now, competition is going to get higher. I understand the Pakistanis are on their way, and someone is saying a few Trinidad and Tobago play-
A glimpse of what to expect at the Anna Regina Stadium this Sunday
ers may be on their way as well. When you look at names, it’s high stakes, but that might be an advantage for some of the specialist Tapeball players, as opposed to hardball players.” “Whichever way it goes, I know it’s going to be a tournament to remember,” the organiser vowed. GrillMaster Sip N Play All-Stars will lock horns with Mahdia (Movements Family) at 14:30h in Semifinal One, while SVC/AJM CC battles Lusignan Bulls DTP II at 16:30h in the second semi. Then, a fast-paced sixover women’s exhibition match between Tapakuma (Elite Warriors) and Capoey United will punctuate the men’s action. That game is fixed for 18:30h. The Lotto/Let’sBet final is scheduled for 19:30h. Organisers have confirmed free admission for
all spectators, though they will enforce a strict no-cooler policy at the gates. The championship-winning team will cart off $2M, while the second-place finisher will have to settle for $1M. Both losing semi-finalists will pocket $500,000 each. In addition, the tournament’s Most Valuable Player will drive away on a brand-new motorbike in addition to a $150,000 cash prize. Substantial windfalls also await the leading run-scorer and top wicket-taker, who will each receive $100,000 and a television set. Match-winning impact will be similarly recognised: the Player of the Final will earn $75,000, while the players finishing with the Super Strike Rate and Best Economy Rate (minimum 12 balls bowled or faced) will each pocket $50,000.
Football set for return to historic Burnham Park as stadium nears opening …major works on playing field completed; football match planned for opening
An overhead view of the international standard football ground and surrounding athletics track at Burnham Park in New Amsterdam
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ootball is poised to return to the historic Burnham Park in New Amsterdam, Berbice, with a match planned for the official opening of the redeveloped sporting facility, with major works on the playing field already completed, according to Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr. The Minister said only fi-
nal preparations, including cutting the grass and ensuring the surface is properly levelled, remain before the football field can be brought into use. Questioned about the football component of the stadium project, particularly the provision of goalposts, Ramson disclosed that they had already been approved. He described the goal-
posts as a relatively minor aspect of the project compared with the work already undertaken on the facility. “But the football field – there’s nothing to be done in relation to work other than some field preparation, which is like cutting of the grass and making sure that it’s perfectly level,” Ramson explained. “But in terms of the big
project, it’s already completed. All the drainage pipes and underground drainage, all that’s been completed.” The Minister also expressed confidence in the drainage system, maintaining that the playing field would remain free of flooding except under extreme conditions affecting the surrounding area. “So, this is a field that will never flood, no matter what happens, no amount of rain that happens here, unless the entire zone is flooded and it’s flooded with 24 inches of water in height,” he declared. “That’s the only time this field would ever flood. This means that you have a field here for football that can be used any time of the day.” Burnham Park was once one of Berbice’s premier sporting venues, hosting football, athletics, cycling, motor racing and cultural events. The ground played an important role in football development, nurturing talented players who went on to represent Berbice and Guyana. However, years of neglect
saw the facility deteriorate, diminishing its prominence as a major sporting venue. The ongoing redevelopment represents an opportunity to restore Burnham Park’s sporting legacy. For New Amsterdam, the upgraded facility could revitalise competitive football, provide improved training and playing conditions for young athletes and local clubs, and create opportunities to host major sporting competitions, potentially restoring the town’s prominence on Guyana’s sporting landscape. Additionally, Ramson has outlined plans for a combination of athletics and football during the stadium’s official opening. He said the occasion would follow a format similar to that used at the Bayroc National Stadium, allowing athletes to demonstrate their abilities on the track before a football match is staged. The Minister expressed, “Yeah, the event will be exactly as we did in Bayroc, where you’ll have a track and field event here to test out
the track and to show everybody what some of our athletes will do.” “And then you’ll have a football match being played as well. So, you expect this to be a pretty packed event, just as it was with Bayroc.” While Ramson outlined plans for athletics and a football match during the stadium’s official opening, he did not announce a date for the event. His comments nevertheless indicate that preparations for the return of football to Burnham Park have reached an advanced stage, with only final work on the playing surface identified as outstanding. (G-4)
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7th Republic Bank Football League set for kick-off on October 18
Faces that will feature in this year’s seventh edition of the Republic Bank U18 Secondary Schools’ League are flanked by the stakeholders who made it possible
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ight secondary schools who were amongst the top finishers in the Massy
Foundation will meet fierce challenges from Region 1’s Santa Rosa Secondary, Region Seven’s Three Miles
Petra Organisation Co-Director Troy Mendonca
Under-18 Schools’ Football tournament earlier this year will now have the opportunity to test their skills at the more gruelling format of the sport in the Seventh Republic Bank U18 Football League. The single round league will run for seven weeks, with each team playing each other once before the team with the most points is crowned champion. Defending champions Chase’s Academic
Secondary, Region Six’s New Amsterdam Secondary, Georgetown’s Charlestown Secondary, West Ruimveldt Secondary and St Joseph’s High, in what is expected to be a series of tough battles. Republic Bank Managing Director Dr Toussant Boyce, during Thursday’s launch at the entity’s New Market Street Head office, was keen on the company’s involvement in transforming the lives of the young players. “So, when I say that this
tournament showcases some of the finest young football talent across Guyana, it’s because I’ve seen it last year, and I look forward to seeing it again this year. So, we are proud as Republic Bank to once again support this initiative and to play a role in creating opportunities for you, our nation’s youth, both on and off the field,” Boyce shared. He added, “Each of these teams, you’ve earned your place through hard work, commitment and determination, and over the coming weeks, you will not only compete for the championship, but you will also have the opportunity to represent Guyana on the international stage, and I can tell you that that should be a life-changing event for those of you who get the opportunity to make it.” The Republic Bank Guyana Managing Director also announced a special prize that will be awarded to one of the competition’s talented players. To this end he expressed, “[He] took a one-handed catch that changed his life. I have no doubt that my fel-
low footballers could do the same. You could do something spectacular. I’m not telling you to do it at the expense of your team and your win, but I’m looking for extraordinary talent.” Meanwhile, Petra Organisation Co-Director Troy Mendonca later highlighted the value of hosting a league. “Any administrator will tell you that competition is a key aspect in administrating football, much less a league,” Mendonca explained, “And to have a league, especially at youth level, is one of the best things to happen in any football arena.” “As a matter of fact, our defending champions for the past two years were able to win our international tournament with teams from Jamaica, Trinidad, and who knows, know that those countries are very big on school football. And so, to have a company in Republic Bank supporting us once again, we want to give a big thank you,” the Petra CoDirector further stated. Representing the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry, Director of Youth Suresh Singh spoke of the Government’s role in ensuring facilities are readily available. The Member of Parliament divulged, “We understand that we love our sports, and investment is taking place so that facilities at the community level can be readily available to you so that you can use it to develop your area, and the light are there for you to use it in the evenings whenever necessary. So, we have to look holistically at what is the plan and how we can contribute towards the plan.” The tournament also re-
Director of Youth, Suresh Singh
ceived the blessing of the Education Ministry, as voiced by Allied Arts Head Nicholas Fraser. “There’s a lot going on for football in schools, and
petitions and activities with children, especially as it relates to the sport, and if we are to do it correctly, we wholeheartedly endorse it.” The Republic Bank
Republic Bank Guyana Managing Director, Dr Toussant Boyce
so, at this time, you would want to ensure that we continue to stick close to those principles we had when we began,” Fraser noted. “The principles of fair play, discipline. These are very important elements that you can learn from sport that we as a Ministry of Education understand that is very difficult to teach in front of a chalkboard.” Fraser added, “So, we encourage these sorts of com-
U18 League will run from Sunday, October 18, to Sunday, November 29, being played strictly on Sundays at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground, Carifesta Avenue. The winning team will be awarded $400,000 for a school project of their choice, while second, third and fourth place will receive $250,000, $125,000 and $75,000, respectively, for the same purpose.
Rampaul calls for improved execution as West Indies seek series leveller
West Indies Bowling Coach Ravi Rampaul
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est Indies bowling Coach Ravi Rampaul has called for improved execution from the bowling group and greater batting consistency as the Caribbean side prepares for the second T20 International against
India today at 09:30hrs. West Indies trail 1-0 in the five-match series after India recorded an eight-wicket victory in the opening match, with the hosts successfully chasing 172 after the West Indies’ batting effort faltered
during the middle overs. Rampaul acknowledged that conditions could again favour batting in the second innings, particularly with dew expected to play a role, but stressed that the West Indies bowlers must remain focused on executing their plans. “Definitely we saw that in the last game that the second inning was a little better for batting with the dew that was presented. Again, for all bowlers, it’s just executing our plans as a bowling group,” Rampaul said. “When we do execute, we get opportunities to take wickets. So, it’s about just building that confidence as a bowling group.” With the ball, West Indies struggled to contain India’s chase after Shreyas Iyer produced a match-winning century. Rampaul believes the
bowlers must trust their plans against India’s dangerous batting line-up. On the batting side, he identified strike rotation and extended contributions from the team’s stronger players of spin as key areas for improvement. The Coach shared, “Our middle order have Hetty and Shai as well. They are very good players of spin. And we see that when they bat through the middle, we put up big challenges and scores.” The West Indies also suffered another familiar setback in the opening match when three wickets fell in quick succession during the middle overs. “It’s something that has plagued us in the past. Losing wickets in clusters, and it happened again,” Rampaul admitted. Although the pitch of-
West Indies will be looking to level the series today
fered some assistance to the spinners, Rampaul felt the cluster of wickets placed the innings under pressure before the lower order helped West Indies recover.
The Caribbean side will now look to level the series with a more disciplined batting effort and improved execution with the ball when the teams meet tomorrow.
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Sport is no longer our game, it’s our business
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7th Republic Bank Football League set for kick-off on October 18 Rampaul calls for Organisers bracing improved execution for “high-stakes” as West Indies Lotto/Let’s Bet seek series leveller
conclusion
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