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Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 6580

THE BEACON OF TRUTH FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026

VP Jagdeo's statements on Anand Goolsarran grounded in facts – court rules

PRICE $100 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Police, immigration officers under P9 probe for TIP scheme in Reg 9

See story on page 7

14 & 11, …upholds truth defence; dismisses defamation claim; awards $250,000 in costs Brothers, arrested over viral minors’ video

Sod turned for new $1.3B Zeelugt Market P14

Car wash owner busted with gun, ammo P8 Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) Women celebrate after lifting the Limacol Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) trophy for the first time, following their thrilling two-wicket victory over the Trinbago Knight Riders at Kensington Oval, Barbados. The historic triumph marked the Warriors’ maiden WCPL title

“Strongest performance” as exports to $195M coconut push to turn China hike to US$501M – PM Phillips industry waste into value…Chinese companies invested some US$13B here – Ambassador See story on page 3

1 injured as Trans Guyana Airways aircraft overshoots Mabaruma airstrip

added products P15

See story on page 10

Security guard gunned down outside ECD Chinese supermarket See story on page 8

2020 election fraud trial

Fmr GECOM P13 Commissioner tells court of effort to “steal” elections

2 NEWS Guyana harvests over 7400 tonnes of corn, soybean in 1st half of 2026 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

uring the first six months of the year, Guyana produced over 3000 tonnes of soya beans and some 4008 tonnes of corn, a major boost to the livestock industry. This is according to the 2026 Midyear Report released by the Ministry of Finance on Monday. “Corn and soybean remain critical crops for the livestock industry. The Government will continue to facilitate the cultivation and production processes. In the first half of 2026, 7800 acres of soya bean, and 1316 acres of corn were cultivated, while 3450 tonnes

File photo: Corn and soya bean cultivation at Ebini, Upper Berbice River

of soya bean and 4008 tonnes of corn were produced,” the report outlined. It added that the harvesting of corn and soybeans sown will commence in the second half of the year. Reports indicate that

previously, Guyana imported close to US$30 million in feed products annually. The aim of the corn and soya bean project is to not just attain self-sufficiency but also establish the country as a net exporter. The key stakeholders

in the massive corn and soya bean project include the Government, farmers, and private companies. There is a consortium that includes Guyana Stockfeed Limited, Edun Farms and Bounty Farm Limited. Other investors are Royal Chicken, SBM Wood, Dubulay Ranch, and the Brazilian-owned NFAgriculture. The first cultivation trial was launched in 2021. The Government has played a crucial role in supporting the growth of the industry, with millions of dollars of infrastructural development in the Ebini and Tacama

area, Berbice River. Farming is also being conducted in Moco Moco, Region Nine. The Government has improved access to the area by constructing over 40 kilometres of road. Additionally, the Government invested in a drying and storage facility for corn and soybeans, the first such facility in the country. It features three silos, each with the capacity to store 3000 tonnes of grain, and an 80-tonne-per-hour drying tower. The investments in the corn and soya project are expected to reduce the country’s imports of live-

stock feed and contribute to lower meat prices on the local market.

Livestock

In the first half of the year, the Government has said progress was made on the construction of poultry production facilities, with six of 12 tunnel pens completed, and all pens will be operational by the end of 2026. This initiative is a public-private partnership primarily benefiting youths. Furthermore, improved breeds of livestock will be distributed to farmers in the third quarter of 2026 to boost meat production.

NEWS 3

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS BRIDGE OPENINGS The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, September 18 – 08:20h–09:50h and Saturday, September 19 – 09:40h–11:10h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

“Strongest performance” as exports to China hike to US$501M – PM Phillips …Chinese companies invested some US$13B here – Ambassador

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

fact, she noted that this is reflected in the Global Development Initiative mobilising more than US$23 billion in development funding over the last five years, with the implementation of over 1800 livelihood projects that benefited people in more than 120 countries, including Guyana.

WEATHER TODAY Sunny skies are expected to be interrupted by thundery midday showers until late afternoon, followed by clear skies at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius. Winds: East-North-Easterly to Easterly between 3.12 metres and 4.91 metres.

More and more BYD vehicles are appearing on the streets of Guyana, while XPENG showcased its smart electric vehicles at Guyana Energy Conference. China never seeks technological hegemony, nor do we believe in a winner-takes-all approach. We are always ready to share the ben-

High Tide: 08:41h and 20:56h reaching maximum heights of 2.14 metres and 2.17 metres. Low Tide: 14:26h reaching minimum heights of 1.12 metre.

President Dr Irfaan Ali with Chinese Ambassador Yang Yang and Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd at Thursday’s reception

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COMMODITIES Indicators

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hina is fast becoming one of Guyana’s strongest trade partners and an increasingly important export destination, with growing trade figures between the two countries. This is according to Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, during a reception held on Thursday evening in Georgetown to celebrate the 77th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China. Delivering the feature address, PM Phillips noted that Guyana’s growing economy has created greater opportunities for commerce with China, especially in the area of bilateral trade. “In 2025, two-way trade between Guyana and China reached approximately US$1.8 billion, and Guyana’s exports to China grew to US$501 million – our strongest performance in trade to date, which raised China to the 8th spot as our largest export destination,” he noted. Moreover, the PM stated that China also remains among Guyana’s leading sources of imports. In fact, as the local economy diversifies, he touted the increased scope to expand trading relations in the coming years between the two

nations. Similar sentiments were expressed by Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Yang Yang, who noted that the two countries have aligned their development priorities more closely, becoming good partners in each other’s success. Citing the high bilateral trade recorded last year, the Chinese diplomat said those figures are more than double the 2024 level. In fact, she went on to add that “…total investment by Chinese companies in Guyana stood at around US$13 billion.” Ambassador Yang cited projects such as the US$260 million Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge that has improved travel, the US$100 million Aurora Solar Farm that is expected to reduce diesel consumption by around 18 million litres annually, and Bosai Minerals Group’s recent donation of US$3 million worth of power-generation equipment to be among the tangible changes that Chinese investments have brought.

Innovation opportunities

The Chinese diplomat added that as China’s economy continued to expand, this development and modernisation was being shared with partners around the world. In

Prime Minister, Brigadier (retired) Mark Phillips delivering remarks at the reception hosted to celebrate the 77th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China

According to the Ambassador, innovation is one of the areas in which Guyana is benefiting from China’s development. Currently, China is producing more than 45,000 new energy vehicles every single day, which she says are changing everyday life globally, including in Guyana. “Our Guyanese friends can also see these changes for yourselves.

efits of innovation with the world. To partner with China is to partner with opportunity,” she declared. Similarly recognising the achievements that the strong cooperation has created locally, PM Phillips pointed to the enormous possibilities that lie ahead in the next chapter of the GuyanaChina relations. TURN TO PAGE 7

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 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

Smarter enforcement & safer roads

oad safety requires consistent enforcement, reliable infrastructure, accountability, and systems capable of identifying dangerous behaviour before it results in serious injury or loss of life. The growing use of technology to monitor Guyana’s roadways is a significant development in the country’s approach to road safety. The latest figures from the Finance Ministry’s Mid-Year Report provide a clear indication of the scale of the Safe Road Intelligence System (SRIS). During the first six months of 2026, the system generated 30,266 speeding tickets, bringing the total number of tickets issued since its launch in April 2025 to 62,450. These figures are significant because they reveal the capacity of an automated system to provide sustained enforcement across major roadways. The SRIS currently monitors 112 lanes in Regions Three and Four, with another 48 lanes expected to come under its coverage by the end of the year. The expansion will include additional locations in Region Four and, for the first time, Region 10. The introduction of automated enforcement has the potential to change driving behaviour in a way that periodic Police patrols alone cannot achieve. Cameras can operate continuously, record violations and generate tickets without relying exclusively on the physical presence of an officer at the location. Such an approach provides greater consistency in enforcement and reduces the possibility that dangerous driving goes undetected. The system also reflects an important shift towards evidence-based traffic management. The availability of an online ticket portal through which motorists can check outstanding fines using a ticket number, Taxpayer Identification Number, or vehicle registration further strengthens the system. Enforcement is most effective when the process is transparent, accessible and capable of being verified. The procurement of 8000 auto-controlled speed regulators for trucks is another significant intervention. With the installation programme scheduled to begin during the second half of 2026 and Police personnel already trained, the measure should provide an additional layer of control over heavy-duty vehicles. This is particularly relevant given the consequences that can arise when heavily loaded vehicles travel at excessive speeds or operate without adequate regard for road conditions and other road users. Prescribed speed limits for trucks, properly monitored and enforced, can contribute to safer interactions between heavy vehicles and smaller road users. The development of dedicated heavy-duty parking facilities is also an important component of the strategy. The deployment of 20 weigh-in-motion scales and 400 vehicle clamps further establishes an effort to address the regulation of heavy vehicles. The enforcement of the 15-tonne-per-axle limit is particularly important for protecting public infrastructure while also reducing risks associated with overloaded vehicles. The overall approach deserves recognition because it treats road safety as a system rather than as a single enforcement exercise. Speed monitoring, truck regulation, weight enforcement, and appropriate parking facilities address different aspects of the same problem. The 30,266 speeding tickets issued during the first half of the year should therefore not be viewed merely as a measure of penalties imposed. They are evidence of a functioning enforcement mechanism and an expanding effort to make motorists more accountable for their conduct. Technology, however, must remain part of the road-safety framework that includes effective signage, road engineering, public education, proper vehicle maintenance and fair enforcement. The objective must ultimately be fewer violations, fewer crashes and fewer lives placed at risk. Guyana’s rapidly expanding road network and increasing volume of traffic require modern solutions. The continued expansion of the SRIS, alongside measures targeting heavy-duty vehicles, provides a foundation for a more structured and accountable road-safety regime. Sustained implementation, enforcement, and continued investment will be essential to ensuring that the system delivers its full potential.

President Dr Irfaan Ali met with the delegates of the Amerindian Heritage Pageant 2026 to wish them well as they prepare for the celebration of culture, people, talent, art, and communities at the upcoming pageant on September 30 (President Dr Irfaan Ali photo)

When dialogue becomes the casualty Dear Editor, I write with considerable disappointment and bewilderment over the decision by members of APNU and WIN not to participate in the meeting convened by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali with members of the Parliamentary SubCommittee on Foreign Relations. This was not a political rally, campaign meeting or an attempt to replace Parliament. It was an opportunity for some elected WIN and APNU members to sit across the table from President Ali and engage directly on matters of clear national importance. The issues identified included Guyana’s proceedings before the International Court of Justice, the agreement concerning third-country nationals between Guyana and the United States, and broader economic developments. These are precisely the kinds of issues on which a responsible and objective Opposition should want information, explanations and answers. Instead, the country was presented with reasons for not attending. APNU’s position was that there should

first be a clear agenda and relevant supporting documentation, including proposed agreements, financing frameworks and assessments, sufficiently in advance to permit proper examination. WIN went further, arguing that the President’s approach to parliamentary committees amounted to a disregard for the constitutional role of the Leader of the Opposition and the independence of Parliament. These concerns can legitimately be raised at the meeting, of course, even though they can be easily answered by the Government and the President. In my opinion, they are a smokescreen and convenient reasons for not attending, but the obvious question is: why did they require a boycott? After all, if WIN and APNU believed that documentation was inadequate, they could have attended and said so directly. They could have placed their concerns formally on the record, asked the President for the documents, sought clarification on the matters under discussion and then reported their concerns publicly. That would have

been parliamentary engagement. Instead, the country got absent. The argument advanced by WIN is particularly worthy of scrutiny because the Speaker of the National Assembly subsequently rejected the suggestion that its questions had received no meaningful response. According to the Speaker’s office, Opposition Chief Whip Tabitha Sarabo-Halley wrote seeking clarification and requested an early response, and Parliament responded on Monday morning, stating that the questions raised had been addressed. That does not mean every question was necessarily answered to WIN’s satisfaction. Nor does it prevent the Opposition from disagreeing with the response. But there is an important distinction between not receiving the answer one wanted and not receiving an answer at all. That distinction matters. There is also an apparent contradiction in the Opposition’s position. APNU says it has questions on matters including the energy sector, foreign-exchange pressures, the cost of living and safety in schools. But if you have

questions, why decline an opportunity to put them directly to the President? If you believe the Government has failed to provide adequate information, why surrender an opportunity to demand that information face-to-face? And if you believe the President’s approach to Parliament is constitutionally problematic, why not attend and make that argument directly in the very meeting you contend should operate according to proper parliamentary principles? The decision therefore raises a broader question about the meaning of parliamentary Opposition. Opposition members were elected to scrutinise the Government, challenge its decisions, demand accountability and represent the concerns of their constituents. That responsibility does not disappear when an engagement is inconvenient or when the Opposition objects to the manner in which an invitation was extended. Indeed, difficult political relationships make direct engagement not less important. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026

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

Delayed grades jeopardise UG’s law students

Dear Editor, I write again on the matter of the University of Guyana’s continued failure to release outstanding Criminal Law I and Criminal Law II grades – courses completed during the 2024/2025 academic year – and a matter I first raised in a letter to the editor published on October 1, 2025, in the Stabroek News, which has since ceased operations. The class of some 100 students (it is likely much more, as there are students who had to resit exams) sat our first examination for this course on December 2, 2024. On October 1, 2025 – 10 months later – a letter was published in the Stabroek News highlighting the unaccept-

able delay in the release of our Criminal Law I and II grades. The very next day, the university responded publicly, acknowledging the delay as “regrettable” and assuring the student body that the outstanding grades would be released “within the next week”. That was over 11 months ago. Today, nearly 22 months after we sat that first exam, students still have no clear information on the status of those grades; no revised timeline, and no explanation beyond a promise that was never kept. This is no longer a minor administrative hiccup. It is a matter of real consequence for real students. Final-year LLB candidates are, in the coming months, expected

When dialogue becomes...

The President’s office has said that all members of the relevant committee were invited through the speaker. The subsequent meeting proceeded with members who attended, and President Ali said the Government intends to strengthen its engagement with parliamentary committees in an open, transparent and accountable manner. Whatever one’s political affiliation, that stated objective deserves to be tested through participation rather than absence. A letter carried in the press correctly identifies one of the central weaknesses in the boycott argument: procedural objections and substantive engagement are not mutually exclusive. A parliamentarian can object to the process while still entering the room, asking questions and demanding better documentation. There is nothing inherently contradictory about saying, “I have concerns about this meeting, but I will attend because my constituents deserve answers.” That is particularly relevant when the subject includes Guyana’s territorial case before

the ICJ and matters connected to the country’s foreign policy. Those issues extend beyond the immediate interests of any political party. They concern the state and the national interest. The Opposition is, of course, entitled to scrutinise the Government vigorously. It is entitled to disagree. It is entitled to demand information. It is entitled to challenge the President and his ministers. But scrutiny requires proximity to the decision-making process. One cannot simultaneously demand greater consultation and then decline an invitation to consult. One cannot complain about insufficient answers while declining a forum in which questions can be put directly. And one cannot complain about being excluded from national conversations while voluntarily remaining outside the room when those conversations take place. There is another worrying dimension to this episode. Guyana’s political conversation is increasingly being conducted through press statements, Facebook

to submit applications to regional law schools such as the Hugh Wooding Law School. Incomplete or unverifiable transcripts at this stage put our applications, and by extension their entire professional trajectories, at risk. And the problem is not confined to my graduating class; second-year students, too, remain in limbo over these same grades, with no indication of when – or whether – that will change. I suspect this issue affects a similar number of year-two students, bringing the total affected students to well over 200. Compounding the issue is the university’s own resit policy. Students who are found to have failed a course may resit,

but are capped at a maximum grade of C regardless of their actual performance on the resit. For students who are managing this alongside a full course load and, in many cases, full- or part-time employment, that policy raises serious questions of fairness – particularly when the delay is entirely of the university’s own making. It is one thing to ask students to accept a capped grade after a fair and timely process; it is another to ask them to accept it after years of institutional silence. There was a moment, at the start of this semester, when it seemed the university might finally engage with the problem. The new Head of the Department of Law, Professor Courtney Abel,

met with students and was directly asked about the status of the missing grades. Professor Abel admitted he was not aware of the outstanding grades and promised to look into the matter and report back to the class. That was the last time the students heard of it. No update has followed. I do not doubt that individual staff members within the department are acting in good faith. But good faith from individuals cannot substitute for institutional accountability. Students affected by this delay – across two cohorts now – deserve more than vague assurances. They deserve a specific date for the release of these grades, a clear explanation of what has caused a

year-long delay on top of already-broken promises, and a commitment to communicate proactively rather than waiting to be asked, yet again, in the pages of a media entity. The university has, in the past, pointed to the achievements of its law graduates as reassurance of its standards. Those achievements are not in question. What is in question is whether current students – many of whom are now preparing to apply to law school themselves – can trust the institution to meet its own basic administrative obligations. On the evidence of the past year, that trust has not been earned.

nomic concerns. It could have demanded supporting documents. It could have expressed dissatisfaction with the Government’s answers. Instead, its members were absent. The President’s meeting subsequently took place with members who attended, while the parliamentary Opposition’s concerns were communicated principally through statements to the media. This is a missed opportunity. Guyana does not need politicians to agree on everything. It needs politicians who are prepared to disagree in the room, where questions can be answered and positions can be tested. Political maturity is not measured by how loudly one can condemn an opponent after the fact. It is measured by the willingness to sit across the table from that opponent and make the argument directly. There will always be another press conference. There will always be another Facebook post. There will always be another statement, but opportunities for direct dialogue on matters of national importance

should not be squandered. Perhaps the Opposition does not like those engagements because they do not possess an audience so they could not have a viral audience

to conduct their “ghetto and gutter behaviour” and market vendor-like politics. Sad!

Yours respectfully, A concerned law student

FROM PAGE 4

posts, livestreams and social media exchanges. Social media has an important role in democracy, but it cannot become a substitute for Parliament, committee work and direct institutional dialogue. A political disagreement conducted entirely through social media allows each side to speak to its own audience. A face-to-face parliamentary engagement requires something different: questions, evidence, explanations, rebuttals and, where possible, solutions. That is the kind of political maturity Guyanese citizens should expect. I believe the Opposition are increasingly interested in political grandstanding, politics of convenience, politics of bureaucracy and lacks the political maturity. The meeting represented an opportunity not necessarily to agree but to engage. The Opposition could have challenged President Ali. It could have pressed him on the ICJ. It could have questioned the Third Country National Agreement. It could have raised eco-

Yours sincerely, Michael Younge

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 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 - Nelly Knows Mysteries: A Fatal Engagement (2024) 13:30 Movie - Taking the Reins (2021) 15:00 Cartoons 16:00 Indian Soaps 17:00 The Young & The Restless 18:00 Documentary: Nat Geo Animals 19:00 The Evening News 20:00 Stop Suffering 20:30 TVG Music Break 21:00 Heartland S4 E14 22:00 Movie - Infinite (2021)

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026

Set Notation

Foundation ◄

Page

Venn Diagrams cont’d

By RICHARD WILBUR

If you've washed your clothes, and they're still wringing wet, Don't put them on! You mustn't wear them yet! No, hang them on the line, and you'll learn why It's best when laundry ends by being dry. Someone in every family photograph Has moved his head, or blinked, or had to laugh. Sister may be a blur, Great-Aunt a smear, And Uncle, too, is frequently unclear. Funambulists are acrobats who dare To walk on tightropes high up in the air, While we look up at them, enthralled and thrilled, And hope that they won't tumble and be killed. In what they do, I'm sure there's lots of fun, So long as they remember how it's done.

Elements common to A and B All of the elements of A plus all the elements of B

Candy container popper science experiment Materials:

Plastic M&M’s Minis candy container Scissors Alka-Seltzer tablets Water

Instructions:

n this fun and easy science experiment, we’re going to use a chemical reaction to make a candy container popper that goes off with a real “bang”!

Use the scissors to cut the plastic hinge on the candy container lid. The lid should be separate from the container. Break any Alka-Seltzer tablet into fragments and put at least half of the fragments into the container. Fill the container three quarters of the way full with water and quickly snap on the lid. Set the container on the ground

upside down on its lid and step back. Wait and watch your rocket launch.

How it works:

Alka-Seltzer contains citric acid and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). The water allows the citric acid and sodium bicarbonate to mix and an endothermic chemical reaction occurs. This reaction releases carbon dioxide gas. The carbon dioxide gas builds up pressure in the candy container until it pops!

Make this a science project:

Try different amounts of AlkaSeltzer. Try different amounts of water. Try different temperatures of water. (sciencefun.org)

In a flower bed, the ranks of bright-faced plants Look like a choir that's singing hymns and chants And psalms and Christmas carols. That's how come We find an anthem in chrysanthemum. When faced with anything I loathe and fear, I try to grit my teeth and persevere, But there's one gritty thing I just can't stand A sandwich that is halfway full of sand. (Source: Poetry [(July 2005])

Write a story about a fear that turns out to be justified.

WORD SEARCH

NEWS 7

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

VP Jagdeo's statements on Anand Goolsarran grounded in facts – court rules …upholds truth defence; dismisses defamation claim; awards $250,000 in costs

ice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has successfully defended a defamation lawsuit brought by former Auditor General Anand Goolsarran, after the High Court found that the defence of justification had been established in relation to the statements at the centre of the case. Justice Peter Hugh dismissed Goolsarran’s claim and ordered him to pay $250,000 in costs to VP Jagdeo. The ruling brings to an end the defamation proceedings arising from comments made by Jagdeo at a press conference at Freedom House on March 23, 2023, and at a public meeting in Port Mourant, Berbice, on March 26, 2023. Goolsarran had taken issue with statements concerning his tenure in the Audit Office and his public commentary, contending that the remarks were defamatory and had damaged his reputation. Jagdeo, through his legal team, defended the statements and maintained that they were grounded in facts concerning Goolsarran’s record and public conduct. The central issue be-

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

came whether Jagdeo could establish the truth, or substantial truth, of the matters conveyed in the publications. The court found that he had.

Truth defence

A key aspect of the judgement was the defence of justification. In a defamation claim, justification turns on whether the substance of the allegedly defamatory publication can be shown to be true. In this case, Justice Hugh found that the evidence supported the substance of the statements made by Jagdeo. The finding meant that the defamation claim could not succeed,

despite the claimant’s challenge to the statements. The court examined Goolsarran’s role in the Audit Office during the period under discussion, including his tenure as Deputy Auditor General and subsequently as Auditor General. The evidence considered by the court included the absence of audits of the public accounts during a period when Goolsarran served in a senior position within the Audit Office. Jagdeo’s legal team had previously relied on this history in responding to Goolsarran’s complaint, arguing that the former Auditor General had been part of the se-

“Strongest performance” as exports... “Guyana brings to this partnership abundant natural resources, exceptional biodiversity, significant agricultural and energy potential, a strategic location, and, most importantly, the talent and determination of its people. China, for its part, brings extensive experience and expertise in technology, infrastructure, manufacturing, science, innovation, and global connectivity. The convergence of these strengths creates significant opportunities for a partnership that creates lasting value, supports sustainable development, and delivers

meaningful benefits for both our peoples,” the Guyanese official emphasised. In fact, he further highlighted China’s experience in renewable energy, smart infrastructure, modern transportation, and urban planning as areas that can complement Guyana’s ambitions to build cleaner, more efficient, connected, and climate-resilient communities. “These possibilities remind us that the future of Guyana-China relations cannot be defined solely by what we have already achieved. Our history and friendship have given us a strong

FROM PAGE 3

foundation. Our cooperation has given us valuable experience. And the opportunities before us provide compelling reasons to be ambitious about the future.” “We have travelled a remarkable journey together. Today, we enjoy a multifaceted partnership, one that has demonstrated both resilience and relevance and a capacity to evolve with changing times and circumstances. We can take justifiable pride in the progress we have achieved together, while recognising that our greatest opportunities may still lie ahead,” PM Phillips declared.

nior management of the Audit Office during years when the public accounts were not audited. The legal response also pointed to the constitutional responsibility of the Auditor General to audit the public accounts and prepare reports for presentation to the National Assembly. Those issues became significant to the court’s consideration of whether Jagdeo’s statements had a factual basis. The court ultimately found that the explanations advanced by Goolsarran did not negate the substantial truth of the matters relied upon by Jagdeo. As a result, the defence of justification succeeded.

Political conduct

The court also considered another aspect of Jagdeo’s statements concerning Goolsarran’s political associations and public conduct. Goolsarran denied formal membership of the Alliance For Change (AFC), but the court considered the evidence surrounding his political associations and public commentary. Justice Hugh found that Jagdeo had established a sufficient factual basis for the opinion expressed about Goolsarran’s political associations and conduct. The court also examined the suggestion that Goolsarran had been selective in his criticism of Governments and political actors. The judgement found that the factual foundation necessary to support the allegation had been established. That finding was important to the overall outcome because it meant that Jagdeo was not required to rely solely on the alternative defences raised during the proceedings.

Justification decisive

The court also consid-

ered the defences of fair comment and qualified privilege. Those defences did not succeed on procedural grounds because they had not been properly pleaded in accordance with the Civil Procedure Rules 2016. However, that did not alter the result. The successful defence of justification was sufficient to dispose of the proceedings. The court therefore dismissed Goolsarran’s claim against Jagdeo. The ruling also carries a costs consequence for the former Auditor General, with the court ordering him to pay $250,000 to Jagdeo. The outcome means that the court accepted the substance of the factual matters underpinning the statements challenged by Goolsarran.

Public accountability

The case arose against the backdrop of Goolsarran’s longstanding public commentary on issues of accountability, transparency and Government expenditure. Jagdeo’s lawyers had argued before the litigation that Goolsarran, as a former senior public official and regular public commentator, had placed his own conduct and the conduct of successive Governments in the public domain and should therefore expect scrutiny and criticism. In their pre-action response to Goolsarran’s complaint, Jagdeo’s law-

Former Auditor General Anand Goolsarran

yers maintained that his comments were made in the context of matters of public interest. They also argued that Goolsarran had himself engaged in sustained public criticism of Jagdeo, the Government and the PPP. The lawyers specifically relied on the history of the Audit Office between 1982 and 1989, when, according to their response, the public accounts were not audited and reports were not prepared for presentation to the National Assembly. They argued that Goolsarran had served as Deputy Auditor General during part of that period. The Court’s decision ultimately turned not on whether Jagdeo’s comments were politically contentious, but on whether the substance of the statements could be justified by the evidence. Justice Hugh found that they could. The Court accordingly dismissed the claim and awarded $250,000 in costs against Goolsarran.

8 NEWS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Security guard gunned down outside ECD Chinese supermarket

security officer was shot dead outside a Chinese supermarket at Nonpariel, East Coast Demerara (ECD), in a suspected execution-style killing on Wednesday evening. The dead man has been identified as 25-year-old Keion Wilman, of Ninth Street, Dazzell Housing Scheme, ECD. Based on reports received, the now deceased man was performing armed security duties

at the O-Guo Chinese Supermarket when two men on a motorcycle pulled up and opened fire in his direction. After committing the act, the men fled the scene while the injured security officer was rushed to the Enmore Regional Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical attention. He reportedly sustained several gunshot wounds to his chest and upper

Dead: Keion Wilman

body. Police

have

since

recovered Wilman’s 12-gauge shotgun with four live rounds of cartridges, along with a suspected warhead at the scene. A suspected live 9mm round and several spent shells were also recovered. The Police have since secured and are currently reviewing CCTV footage. The motive for the shooting remains unclear as investigators continue to look for clues.

Car wash owner busted with gun, ammo

25-year-old car wash owner was on Wednesday taken into custody following the discovery of a .32 pistol along with six live rounds of matching ammunition on Jackson Street, Tucville, Georgetown. According to reports, Police acting on information received travelled to the location where they contacted the self-employed man and request-

ed to conduct a search of the premises. A search of the structure unearthed the pistol along with a magazine containing the bullets in the drawer of a table. The man, who is not the holder of a firearm licence, was arrested and escorted to the East La Penitence Police Station, where he remains in custody pending further investigations and charges. The pistol and matching ammunition were found at the location

Brothers, 14 & 11, arrested over viral minors’ video

n response to a video circulating on social media of an incident involving minors in Region Five (DemeraraBerbice), the Police arrested and released two brothers aged 14 and 11 in connection with the matter. The incident was reportedly brought to the attention of the Police

last Thursday, and an investigation was launched. Police stated that based on a preliminary assessment of the situation, the two brothers were taken into Police custody on the same day the report was made and were subsequently released into the care of their father. Investigations in-

dicate that statements were obtained, and the relevant child welfare authorities are now playing an integral role in the matter. However, the Police are presently awaiting the requisite pre-charge report as the investigation progresses. The Police also confirmed that the parents

of the victims have been kept informed of the progress of the investigation. The Guyana Police Force (GPF) assures the public that the matter remains under active investigation and that appropriate action will be taken in accordance with the law and established procedures.

Changes…

…or reversal

our Eyewitness thinks the just-released Reuters report that ExxonMobil's negotiating a return to Venezuela should perk up quite a few ears over here – since that could fundamentally change the oil-and-border equation in which we’ve found ourselves since 2016!! That’s when Exxon started bringing up oil from our Stabroek Block – which is about to match Venezuelan production of 1.3M bpd – after it walked away acrimoniously from Chavez-controlled Venezuela in 2007!!!! And joining other American companies to return to its old oil fields – now partly Russian-owned!! The irony is palpable!! It’s become an article of faith that Venezuela’s territorial claim and Exxon’s presence in the Stabroek Block – where it’s the largest shareholder – are inseparable since Venezuela repeatedly rejected Exxon’s offshore activity connected to Essequibo it claims – and even sent a gunship to threaten their FPSO!! But your Eyewitness has repeatedly warned against being complacent after Mad Maduro was whisked away – and Delcy took over!! So, what does it mean for us that Exxon could have billions of dollars invested in Guyana – while simultaneously rebuilding billions of dollars of Venezuelan petroleum assets??! Suddenly, Caracas is gonna become not just a belligerent neighbour making us nervous – but a place where Exxon’s got shareholders, employees, equipment, production and money to protect!! The bottom line is a lesson we can’t ever forget: all companies, oil or otherwise, have a remarkably consistent nationality – profits, baby!! Nobody should imagine Exxon suddenly gonna become our diplomatic uncle, marching into Caracas declaring, “Look boys, leave Essequibo alone!!” But more realistically, a company with major investments on both sides of a geopolitical fault line is gonna have a rather obvious interest in that fault line not becoming an open wound!! And that’s particularly significant with the ICJ’s upcoming settlement of Venezuela’s Border Controversy, most likely for us!! As such, Exxon’s Venezuelan oil revival should be viewed neither with panic nor with naïveté – just that there’s another variable in the old equation we're gonna have to deal with – one that makes our hand a tad stronger because of another delicious Guyanese irony in the making!! We’ve spent years arguing about whether Exxon needs Guyana more than Guyana needs Exxon!! But Venezuela’s revival may eventually produce the reverse question – what happens when Exxon needs both Guyana and Venezuela to keep its South American oil interests profitable? When the ICJ judgement provides the legal clarity we expect, Exxon’s expanding interests on both sides of the border could add another economic incentive for stability!! In the hard-headed world of Big Oil, peace between Georgetown and Caracas can become good business. So those pushing for us to squeeze out the Yanks in general and Exxon in particular can take a hike!! …in investment The recent meeting of the US Ambassador and the principals of the new First Bauxite company that’s now involved in our bauxite production demonstrates an even more significant point – that after just decrying Chinese investment here as part of their strategic world tentacles – the Yanks are putting their money where their mouth is!! The company's gonna be calcining our RASC bauxite to produce an extremely hard version that’s used where extreme heat resistance is demanded – such as with rockets re-entering our atmosphere or missiles shrieking through the atmosphere!! This substance, then, is a strategic one that the US military complex wants to have control over – especially when the present largest suppliers are the Chinks!! The First Bauxite initiative therefore delivers a double whammy – consolidating military capabilities while shocking out their rivals!! So, for those trying to identify the beneficial owners of the new investment, they’ve just gotta read between the lines!! A hint is that, for the first time, the Pentagon is involved in oil negotiations over in Venezuela!! …housing solutions!! Your Eyewitness was bemused by the announcement that the Saudis were funding some 3800 houses over in Region Three. He wonders whether this means if they fall behind, they’ll provide some of those desert tents they use?? 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

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Police, immigration officers under probe for TIP scheme in Reg 9 The Government also operated three 24/7 hotlines to report human trafficking, which included two in English and one in Spanish. The hotlines received 87 calls, of which

n investigation has been initiated into a report accusing Police and immigration officers operating along the Lethem Trail and in Lethem, Region Nine, of receiving payments to facilitate the movement of foreign nationals. The Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Thursday stated that, given the serious nature of the allegations, the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) has been ordered to immediately launch an investigation to determine the circumstances and veracity of the claims made in the social media post. Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken has made it clear that corruption and misconduct have no place in the GPF, and that no rank will be shielded where evidence establishes wrongdoing. He stressed that any member of the force found to have acted unlawfully or in breach of established regulations will be dealt with condignly in accordance with the law and established disciplinary procedures. Back in April, a latenight anti-trafficking operation conducted at Diamond, East Bank Demerara, uncovered 17 Venezuelan nationals suspected to have been trafficked. The exercise was carried out following reports of suspected Trafficking in Persons (TIP) activity at a building in the area. Investigators had reported that the individuals were screened for indicators of human trafficking, but no evidence of trafficking in persons was

found. The women were subsequently allowed to leave, and officials confirmed that the investigation has concluded with no further action at this time. Guyana maintained a Tier One ranking for its response to human trafficking in the 2025 TIP Report by the United States Department of State. The US TIP Report is an annual assessment that ranks countries based on their efforts to combat human trafficking. The ranking is divided into four tiers: Tier One, Tier Two, Tier Two Watch List, and Tier Three. The Tier One placement marks the ninth consecutive year that Guyana has demonstrated serious and sustained efforts to combat TIP, the Home Affairs Ministry noted. Guyana was one of only two Caribbean countries listed in the Tier One status, the Bahamas being the other. According to the report, the Government in 2024 increased protection efforts. This included the Government identifying 416 victims and NGOs identifying two victims, an increase when compared with identifying 407 trafficking victims in 2023. Meanwhile, the Government screened 389 potential victims among individuals in commercial sex, an increase compared with 281 potential victims screened in 2023. In 2024, the Government operated and fully funded four shelters for adults with a total capacity of 80 and one shelter for children with a capacity for eight child victims of crime, including trafficking.

22 led to the identification of victims, their referral to care, and criminal investigations of traffickers; this compares with an unknown number of calls in 2023, of which 39 led to

further action. The report commended the passage of the 2023 Combating of Trafficking in Persons Bill before the National Assembly, which repealed the earli-

er Combating Trafficking in Persons Act of 2005, criminalised sex trafficking and labour trafficking and prescribed penalties of five years to life imprisonment.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

1 injured as Trans Guyana Airways aircraft overshoots Mabaruma airstrip

Trans Guyana Airways Cessna Caravan aircraft with registration 8R-GCC overshot the Mabaruma airstrip in Region One on Thursday morning, prompting an immediate investigation by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). Based on reports, the incident occurred at about 08:15h after the aircraft reportedly experienced a runway excursion. While the GCAA stated that there were no reported injuries, reports from the area confirmed that one person was admitted to the Mabaruma Hospital with injuries to her legs. The other passengers were reportedly traumatised and remained in shock. Following the incident, the GCAA ordered

An injured woman being taken off the aircraft

the closure of the airstrip, and a team was immediately dispatched to the location to commence their assessment and probe into the circumstances surrounding the incident. This incident comes less than a month after an Air Services aircraft skidded off the Baramita Airstrip in the North West District (NWD).

It was reported that the single-engine Cessna Caravan with registration number 8R-GZR overran the runway and ended up being stuck in the mud. The Pilot and passengers were evacuated from the aircraft with no recorded injuries. Back in April, a single-engine Cessna aircraft, bearing registration

number 8R-YAC, crashed shortly after taking off from Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), leading to the death of the Pilot, Nicaraguan national Captain Ryder Castello. It was reported that the aircraft departed Mahdia at approximately 08:10h on a cargo shuttle flight bound for Imbaimadai, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), with an expected arrival time of 08:40h. However, it failed to report its arrival, prompting a flight progress check at 08:44h. At the time, weather conditions in the area were reportedly poor, with heavy rainfall and reduced visibility. The GCAA swiftly responded to the incident,

Two passengers disembarking the aircraft

initiating protocols for a missing aircraft involving a Cessna 208 operating along the MahdiaImbaimadai route. Search efforts led to the visual identification of the suspected crash site by two Trans Guyana Airways Cessna Caravans and a BrittenNorman Islander. Subsequently, a Guyana Defence Force rescue team, comprising special

forces and medical personnel, was deployed to the location. After a day of rescue and recovery missions, Captain Ryder Castello was found and transported to Georgetown. Three months after the incident, investigators were wrapping up their final phase of the probe. To date, the findings of the crash are yet to be released.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Bartica dispatcher, taxi driver charged with drug trafficking

38-year-old dispatcher and a 36-year-old taxi driver from Bartica, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), have been charged separately for possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking. Omaywattie Persaud, 38, of Fifth Avenue, Bartica, Essequibo River, was arrested on Sunday and charged on Wednesday under Section 5(1)(a)(i) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, Chapter 10:10. Persaud appeared at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday before Magistrate Caressa Henry, where the charge was read to her. She pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted $900,000 bail. The matter was adjourned to October 30. Also charged was Leon Alert, 36, a taxi driver of Fifth Avenue, Bartica.

Charged: Omaywattie Persaud

The alert was also arrested on Sunday and also charged on Wednesday under the same section of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act. He appeared before Magistrate Henry, pleaded not guilty and was granted $75,000 bail. The case was adjourned to October 26. The charges stem from a Police investigation that began on Sunday following the discovery of more than 5.6 kilograms of suspected narcotics during sepa-

Charged: Leon Alert

rate searches in Bartica. According to Police, at about 16:08h that day, ranks acting on information went to a property in Bartica, where they contacted Persaud and conducted a search. A cardboard box wrapped in a plastic bag was found in the front portion of the yard. The box contained seven bulky parcels. Six contained leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis, while the seventh contained a whitish, rock-like substance suspected to be cocaine. The suspected canna-

The cocaine and cannabis that were found by Police in Bartica

bis reportedly weighed 4506 grams (g), while the suspected cocaine weighed 1107g. As the investigation continued, Police arrested a 43-year-old businessman of Vigilance, East Coast Demerara,

The cocaine that was allegedly found in the taxi driver’s possession

who was reportedly in the company of Alert at the time of his apprehension. A search of the motor car in their presence allegedly resulted in the discovery of a plastic bag containing a whitish,

rock-like substance suspected to be cocaine in the driver’s-side pocket. The substance reportedly weighed 2.7g. The businessman was also taken into custody as part of the investigation.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“Feel free to move banks” – Finance Minister tells customers unhappy about services …cites the competitive banking sector

ollowing complaints about new and high fees being imposed by some local commercial banks, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh said that customers who are unhappy with the services being provided should switch banks. “I want to say to the citizens of Guyana that we now have several banks licensed in Guyana. And if you feel that one bank is being particularly difficult, they’re not facilitating your signing up of a bank account…[or] if you feel that one particular bank is charging you fees that you would not be charged elsewhere, feel free to move,” Dr Singh said during a recent interview with Guyana Times. Just a few months

the environment to advance its vision, and this is demonstrated in the competitiveness of the local banking sector. “We are seeing a new trend developing in Guyana now that the banks are actively compet-

ing, that if you move your business, they will charge you no fee. Previously, this was something that you only saw in the United States of America… I was frankly very happy when I saw the banks in Guyana starting to com-

pete aggressively for the business of the Guyanese population by saying, ‘If you move your mortgage, we’re going to give you a lower interest rate, and we will charge you no fees.’ TURN TO PAGE 14

Sheriff General Hospital lab in Region 3 secures GNBS certification

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh

ago, at least one local commercial bank had increased fees for a wide range of services – something that was seen as counterproductive to the Government’s push for financial inclusion and having more citizens using the banking sector for financial transactions. According to the fi-

nance minister, while these fees are being charged within the confines of the regulatory environment, the Government would be willing to look into specific cases that are particularly oppressive. Nevertheless, he went on to point out that the Government has created

he Sheriff General Hospital Laboratory in Region Three (Essequibo Islands–West Demerara) has secure national certification from the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), completing the assessment process in under five months. The laboratory was formally presented with its certification on Thursday after meeting the requirements of the GYS 170:2021 standard across four disciplines – biochemistry, immunology, serology, and haematology. During a brief ceremony held at Sheriff General Hospital’s Inc laboratory in Leonora, West Coast Demerara, that marked this achievement, a plaque was presented by GNBS Executive Director Trevor Bassoo to Shemeeza AllySonoram, Laboratory Quality Manager, and the certificate was presented by GNBS Head (Ag) of Certification Services Keon Rankin to Laboratory Quality Manager Azam Latiff, among others. Speaking at the ceremony, GNBS Executive Director Trevor Bassoo described the achievement as significant, particularly given the speed at which the laboratory completed the certification process. Bassoo highlighted the growing number of laboratories receiving certification across the country, noting that the Sheriff General Hospital Laboratory is the second medical laboratory in Region Three to achieve certification within the past month.

GNBS officials alongside Sheriff Hospital representatives holding certificates

“To date, 45 laboratories have been certified across Guyana. Thirtytwo of those are medical labs alone, and this development is happening exponentially in recent times. In just the past six years, to give you an idea of how fast we’re moving, of that 45 certified labs, 38 have been certified in the past six years alone, and we’re talking about over a 20-year period there.” He said the GNBS was pleased with the positive reception to quality, accuracy, and credibility demonstrated through the certification programme. “We at GNBS are also pleased with the demonstration of positive reception for quality, accuracy, and credibility. And with that said, we must understand what the GYS 170 certification programme is all about. To appreciate the hard work and effort that the personnel within the lab have put in to gain certification and to guarantee reliable test results.” Continued adherence Bassoo, however, reminded the laboratory that maintaining the certification would require continued adherence to

the required standards. “But the work is not complete. Now that you have attained certification, you must continue to work to maintain that certification. And I assure you that the GNBS will be conducting surveillances and audits to ensure that you maintain the certification and to ensure that there’s continuous improvement in your systems.” M e a n w h i l e , Laboratory Quality Manager Latiff said the certification was not an easy undertaking as the hospital continues to build momentum towards ensuring top-tier performance in its laboratory services. “This is a profound confirmation that the laboratory’s systems, technical competencies, and diagnostic procedures align with nationally accepted requirements for accuracy, impartiality, and excellence. Earning this certification from the GNBS was no small feat. It required rigorous evaluations of operating systems and policies, meticulous documentation, and generally, an unyielding commitment to quality assurance activities.”

NEWS 13

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2020 election fraud trial

Former GECOM Commissioner tells court of effort to “steal” elections

Former GECOM Commissioner Robeson Benn

ormer Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn testified that he believed an effort was underway to manipulate the outcome of Guyana’s March 2020 General and Regional Elections (GRE), as he faced cross-examination during the ongoing election fraud trial on Thursday. Benn, who was also a Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Commissioner at the time, was questioned extensively about events at GECOM’s Command Centre at Ashmins Building, which also housed the office of the Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) Returning Officer. The questioning focused on the disputed tabulation of votes, including a bomb scare, the Commission’s procedures and alleged discrepancies between figures displayed during the tabulation and figures contained in Statements of Poll (SoPs). Asked by defence attorney Nigel Hughes about his decision to remain at GECOM despite Police instruction to evacuate the building during the bomb scare, Benn said he was acting in his capacity as a commissioner. He said he was “plainly and clearly” aware that there was an effort underway to “steal the elections and to alter the results.” Benn, who is currently a senior advisor to the Home Affairs Ministry and Natural Resources Ministry, was pressed on what authority allowed him to disregard the Police instruction.

He responded that he acted under the authority of being a sitting GECOM Commissioner and said he accepted “full moral and ethical responsibility” for his actions in the circumstances that were unfolding. Asked whether he believed that being a Commissioner entitled him to disobey a Police Officer’s instruction, Benn answered, “Yes.” He was then asked by Hughes to identify the law, statute, regulation, or constitutional provision that gave him such authority. “The Constitution of Guyana,” Benn replied, adding that he was acting as a member of the Commission.

“Get out of the place”

The questioning then turned to the circumstances surrounding the Police presence at the GECOM building. Benn said he believed the actions of the Police could have been used to facilitate an effort to rig the elections. However, he clarified that he was not saying the officers themselves knowingly participated in a criminal conspiracy. He explained that several Police Officers had come to the building and told those present to “get out of the place” and “clear out of the place” but did not formally explain the reason for the evacuation. Benn said the officers “could have been used in certain ways” to allow an ongoing effort to rig the elections to continue. He said, “They may have been totally unaware of why they were sent and what they were supposed to do.” When it was suggested that he believed the Police Officers were innocently involved in a plan to rig the election, Benn agreed. The former Commissioner was also questioned about the secret watermarks placed on election materials. Benn recalled that GECOM had decided on the watermarks to be used and said the parties knew which watermarks were to be placed on the election materials. He explained that during verification, statements of proof were scanned to deter-

The nine defendants in the 2020 election fraud trial

mine whether the relevant watermarks were present. “There was no instance of any problem of there being an absence of any watermark,” Benn said. He also gave evidence about discussions among GECOM Commissioners concerning Order No. 60 of 2020, the legal instrument that provided for the national recount of ballots cast in all ten electoral districts and established the process for determining a “final credible count” of the March 2, 2020 elections. Benn was also questioned about the implementation of rulings issued by then Chief Justice Roxane George, SC. The witness said there had been meetings and discussions concerning how the relevant requirements were to be followed, although he could not recall whether minutes of those deliberations were subsequently recorded and adopted by the Commission. The cross-examination also focused on Benn’s observations during disruptions at the tabulation centre. He recalled an incident in which figures were being displayed on a screen, and party agents protested that the numbers did not correspond with figures contained in their SoPs. Benn confirmed that he was present during the inci-

dent and that he examined figures from a Statement of Poll and compared them with figures displayed on the screen.

Discrepancies already in public record

However, he acknowledged that he did not make a written record of what he observed. He also did not take photographs or otherwise document the alleged discrepancies. Asked by Hughes whether anything had prevented him from recording the information, Benn initially said nothing had prevented him from doing so. He later explained that he did not want to become involved in the “ruckus” taking place at the time. He further confirmed that he never subsequently sat down and documented the discrepancies during the months of counting, recounting and examination of election results. Benn maintained that the discrepancies were already matters of public record. When asked directly whether he had ever documented a single discrepancy that he personally observed, Benn answered, “I did not.” He maintained that he did not have to document the information because what had occurred was already publicly known. The testimony forms part of the prosecution’s case concerning allegations that sever-

al former GECOM officials and political figures conspired to manipulate the results of the March 2020 elections. The trial continues on Friday before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Courts. Those on trial include former Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield, former Deputy CEO Myers, former Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, former A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) Minister Volda Lawrence, and former APNU/AFC Chief Scrutineer Carol Smith-Joseph. The other accused are former GECOM employees Enrique Livan, Sheffern February, Michelle Miller and Denise Bobb-Cummings. All defendants have pleaded not guilty and posted cash bail. The prosecution, led by King’s Counsel Darshan Ramdhani, alleged that the nine accused conspired to manipulate the tabulation of votes in Region Four and ultimately declare a false result in favour of the APNU/AFC. It further alleged that the accused inflated the coalition’s votes, reduced those of the Peoples Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) and departed from the prescribed process for ascertaining the results.

14 NEWS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Sod turned for new $1.3B Zeelugt Market

ocal Government and Regional Development Minister Priya Manickchand on Wednesday turned the sod for the construction of a new $1.3 billion Zeelugt Market, which is expected to accommodate more than 90 vendors and provide a safer, more organised environment for traders and shoppers in the East Bank Essequibo community. Key features of the facility will include a dedicated children’s play area; administrative offices and training facilities; parking facilities for vendors and customers, along with a designated taxi bay; vendor stalls organised into designated sections for meat and fish, fresh produce, prepared foods, beauty and personal care products, and other goods and services to facilitate efficient operations and ease of access for customers; and modern washroom facilities, an integrated waste management system, and comprehensive security measures to support a clean, safe, and well-maintained market environment. The new Zeelugt Market is being developed as a modern, well-

Local Government Minister Priya Manickchand alongside other officials during the sod turning

planned commercial facility designed to improve trading conditions, enhance accessibility, and provide a comfortable and secure environment for vendors and shoppers alike. Speaking at the sod-turning ceremony, Local Government Minister Priya Manickchand highlighted the state-of-the-art amenities set to come with the new market. “Right now, we have 54 vendors either in the market, which is here, or on their shoulders, and we have a car park over at the end. We’re going to build a market that is go-

ing to be able to cater to 90 vendors, almost double what you currently have. The market is going to be a dry market; that means goods, vegetables and fruits, clothes, jewellery and crafts, but also a wet market for fish and meat.” Meanwhile, the Minister highlighted the phases of the project and its completion date. “It’s a 14-month contract, and that you should see begin almost immediately. I’m very pleased to be able to do that with all of you here for you. And usually we come here and tell you we’re doing something for you. But I want

“Feel free to move banks”... That’s a good sign because it shows that the banks have internalised the fact that they have to compete for business. They have to be competitive in the fees that they charge for services. They have to offer good quality and convenient services and efficient services. And they have to treat their customers well,” Dr Singh stated. In alignment with the Government’s vision, local banks over the years have been incentivised to lower interest rates for mortgages and loans among a host of other inventions. Moreover, the banks have also moved to digitise several services, including the opening of bank accounts online and expanding online

banking transactions to facilitate instant transfers. “Right now, we have the technology that persons can transfer money from one person to another or from one person to what you call person to Government, person to business, person to person, business to business. It is possible now using your respective online banking facilities, to transform money from one bank account to another, and from one bank to another instantaneously. That facility exists. And if you have online banking, I encourage you to log into your online banking and explore them,” the minister noted. According to Singh, the convenience of using

FROM PAGE 12

bank accounts is demonstrated through this last rollout of the $100,000 cash grant for Guyanese 18 years and older. The first pay-out was made to nearly 49,000 Government employees who received the cash grant along with their salary via the bank, followed by almost 400,000 persons who had to register via the online portal before receiving the $100,000 directly in their bank account. The third phase catered to those persons without a bank account who got the cash grant via cheques. “If you use all of the different means through which we process cash grants, we’re very close to 600,000 already,” Minister Singh noted.

to remind you that you did this for yourself. How did you do it for yourself? Because you went last year and you chose this Government.” She said the Government has changed its approach to awarding contracts in an effort to prevent delays and ensure greater accountability throughout the construction process. She explained that under the previous model, different contrac-

tors were responsible for separate aspects of a project, meaning delays in one phase could hold up the entire development. According to Manickchand, the new model assigns contractors responsibility from the floor to the ceiling, making their performance more visible and allowing their ability to deliver to be more easily assessed. The Minister also called on the contractors involved in the Zeelugt Market project to employ skilled workers and labourers from the surrounding communities where possible. She acknowledged concerns raised by some contractors about challenges with retaining local workers, noting that some employees reportedly leave work after receiving their weekly wages and do not return until several days later. Regional Chairman Inshan Ayube expressed pride in the ongoing development taking place across Region Three, highlighting the Government’s invest-

ments in several sectors. Ayube said the region’s development extends beyond improvements to roads and markets, pointing to advancements in education, healthcare and other areas that directly impact the lives of residents. He noted that the scale of development across the region provides reason for the Government to “hold our heads high”, while emphasising the importance of investments that positively affect the well-being of the people. Ayube said the construction of housing schemes across Region Three is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy by stimulating activity in the housing and commercial sectors. He also explained that increased housing construction would lead to greater circulation of money within communities, while creating opportunities for businesses and residents to benefit from the resulting economic activity.

Essequibo Coast miner dies after motorcycle crashes into drain

20-year-old miner died on Wednesday evening after the motorcycle he was riding crashed into a drain along the Onderneeming Sandpit Access Road, Essequibo Coast. Dead is Tyron Boston, of Lot 286, Onderneeming Sandpit, Essequibo Coast. Police said the fatal incident occurred at about 18:30h on Wednesday, as Boston was riding an unregistered Bashan 150cc motorcycle east along the northern side of the roadway. According to investigators, another motorcycle, registration CS 6084, driven by another resident of Onderneeming Sandpit, was travelling in the same direction behind Boston. He told Police that he saw Boston lose control of his motorcycle while negotiating the right bend. The motorcycle then entered the drain before Boston fell onto the road and slid towards the northern parapet, sustaining injuries. Members of the public, including the other motorcyclist, picked up Boston in an unconscious state and transported him to the Suddie Public Hospital. He was, however, pronounced dead on arrival. Police investigators visited the

Dead: Tyron Boston

scene at about 18:40h on Wednesday. Both motorcycles were subsequently taken to Suddie Police Station, where they were lodged for examination. Police said Boston was not wearing a safety helmet at the time of the incident. A post-mortem examination conducted on Thursday found that Boston died from shock, haemorrhage and a fractured skull. The other motorcyclist remains in custody at the Suddie Police Station, assisting with the investigation. A breathalyser test conducted on him reportedly recorded four micrograms of alcohol.

NEWS 15

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

$195M coconut industry push to turn waste into value-added products …modern processing facility to be constructed in Reg 2

he Government is intensifying efforts to turn coconut waste into value-added products, with a state-ofthe-art processing facility set to be constructed in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam). According to the 2026 Mid-Year Report released by the Ministry of Finance on Monday, the Government made significant efforts during the first six months of the year to add value to coconut waste. “Efforts to address the disposal of coconut waste through value-added interventions resulted in 105 tonnes of cocopeat and 63 tonnes of fibre being produced in the review period. Further, designs commenced for a pilot project to address the coconut waste issue in the Pomeroon area and increase the production of cocopeat and fibre,” the report outlined. Cocopeat and coco fibre are both natural by-products made from the outer husks of coconuts. Cocopeat is used pri-

marily in gardening and greenhouses as an eco-friendly potting mix, while coco fibre can be used to make products such as doormats, brushes, baskets, etc. According to the MidYear Report, during the second half of the year, it is expected that construction will commence on the state-of-the-art cocopeat processing facility in Region Two. This is in keeping with a commitment outlined in Budget 2026. The budget has set aside $195 million to further expand the local coconut industry, with goals of expanding cultivation by 5000 acres and establishing the facility to process coconut waste. Based on the MidYear Report data, the Government has spent $156.7 million to support the expansion of the coconut industry in the first half of 2026. To this end, in keeping with the cultivation expansion plan, 15,838 coconut seedings were produced, 78,000 high-yielding seed

File photo: A coconut plantation in the Pomeroon, Region Two

nuts were imported, and 1066 hectares of new land were planted. In the second half of 2026, focus would be intensified to achieve the annual targets. It is expected that an additional 234,000 seedlings will be produced, 172,000 high-yielding seednuts will be imported, and over 3,900 additional acres will be cultivated by the end of the year.

2nd half of 2026

Further, it is expected that an additional 195 tonnes of cocopeat and 237 tonnes of coconut fibre will be produced in the second half of the year.

During his presentation of the budget earlier this year, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh had remarked that “the coconut industry is poised for rapid expansion as the Government continues to encourage and facilitate investments by the Private Sector.” In the next five years, we aim to promote the development of the industry through a series of interventions, including the distribution of more than one million high-yielding coconut seedlings and the promotion of more diversified value-added coconut-based products.” According to a 2025 re-

port from the Department of Public Information (DPI), coconut ranks as the third-highest income earner in Guyana’s agricultural sector. This is as a result of the Government’s aggressive National Coconut Decentralisation Programme (NCDP), which commenced in 2020 with the commissioning of a $1.1 million coconut nursery at Kairuni along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway in December of that year. In the first year of the Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration, Guyana exported $2.5 billion worth of coconuts and related products. To further increase productivity, 13,000 Brazilian dwarf coconut seed nuts were imported by the Ministry of Agriculture’s Hope Coconut Industries Limited (HCIL) in 2023, at a cost of $12 million. This investment promises faster maturity and higher yield per annum. Moreover, this new variety is less susceptible to

diseases. Some 3000 more Brazilian coconut seedlings were subsequently given to approximately 120 farmers in Pomeroon, enabling them to yield approximately 240 coconuts per tree. Coconut production in 2023 reached 40,000, supplemented by the importation of an additional 13,000. Nurseries were also commissioned in Regions Two, Three, Four, Six, and 10 in 2024. In Region One, a coconut nursery was constructed and stocked for $4.3 million in Hosororo Village. The Ministry also partnered with experts to provide training programmes for farmers, invested in coconut shredders, and improved facilities, which include compound fencing and the construction of shade houses. Last year, he disclosed that 63,000 high-yielding, pest-resistant seed nuts were imported, 58,370 seedlings were produced, and over 2000 acres of coconut were cultivated.

Guyana strengthening global partnerships to fight cancer – Dr Anthony

ealth Minister Dr Frank Anthony has said that the Government of Guyana is strengthening partnerships with leading global health institutions as part of its ongoing efforts to improve cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment in the country. He made the remarks on Wednesday, during the launch of Pinktober, an annual, month-long observance held every October to raise awareness about cancers across the country. “We have a very strong partnership with Mount Sinai; we’re benefitting from their experience. We have another partnership with Northwell, and these are two global institutions that have been first-class in how they manage patients with cancer, and more recently we also developed a partnership with MD Anderson, and they came down, and they were working with the team so that we can perfect what we’re doing in terms of cervical cancer.

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony during a meeting with Dr Élodie Gauroy, a gynaecological oncology surgeon from IUCT-Oncopole in Toulouse, France, at the Ministry of Health

They’ve helped us to reorganise and so forth. So, we’re working with some of the best institutions in the world to help us to beat cancer here in Guyana,” the health minister said. He highlighted that the Government also has a strong partnership with McMaster University. “They have been going back and forth with us; they come down, they bring teams, and

they work with us,” he noted. He added that the Government has developed a “good partnership” with the National Cancer Institute of India. “They sent down a team, and we’re going to expand a lot of the work that we’re doing with them. They’re willing to train local people; they’re gonna bring people from India to work with the local team,

expand training for persons, whether nurses, doctors, and they’re also gonna take people from here to India to train at their institutions. So, that partnership is ongoing. And there are patients who would have various complications; they’ve been taking some of our patients too and managing them in India,” he outlined. Most recently, Dr Anthony said the Government has partnered with France through the European Union. “We now have a partnership with Agency France, and they have a project with us called HealthNext, and with HealthNext we have been bringing a lot French expertise to Guyana, and our intention is to send some people out to France to be trained, and among the institutions that have been working with us is the Marie Curie Institute, as you know, that’s one of the top institutes dealing with cancer, and they’re now one of the partners we’ve been working

with. Just recently, about two weeks ago, we had a doctor from Toulouse that came in and was working with our team to look at cancers in gynaecology, and so they would be structuring a programme and coming back and doing a lot of training and teaching and so forth,” the health minister explained. For the year so far, 704 persons have been diagnosed with various forms of cancer. Prostate, breast, cervical and colorectal represent a combined 46 per cent of those diagnoses. Anthony emphasised that the Government is working to improve citizens’ access to screening, strengthen diagnostic services, and expand available treatment options. “We’re don’t just know that you have a problem and not do anything about it. We’ve been taking a lot of proactive measures, and we continue to expand what we are doing, and we’re working with different partners to create different options,” he noted.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026

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Regional

Aztec document goes on display Brazil’s Lula announces welfare in Mexico after 186 years abroad increases ahead of presidential election

Codex Azcatitlán tells the story of the Aztecs, including their battle to defend Tenochtitlán from the Spanish conquistadors

centuries-old document telling the story of the Aztec civilisation and its fall after the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in pictograms is going on display in Mexico for the first time in 186 years. The manuscript, known as Codex Azcatitlán, has been held in France's Bibliothèque Nationale since 1898 but had already spent decades outside of Mexico before that. It is thought to have

been drawn in the 16th century – a few years after the arrival of the conquistadors in what is now Mexico – and is widely considered one of the most valuable and insightful tellings of the history of the Aztecs. France has lent Codex Azcatitlán to Mexico to mark 200 years of FrancoMexican relations. In return, Mexico has agreed to lend another priceless document, the Codex Boturini, to France for display there.

The pictograms in the Codex Boturini narrate the story of the migration of the Aztecs, also known as Mexica, from their ancestral homeland to the shores of Lake Texcoco, where they built Tenochtitlán. The temporary exchange of the two codices was agreed upon by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and her French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, during a visit by the latter to Mexico last year. Mexico has long lobbied for the return of historical artefacts taken from the country in past centuries. According to Mexico's Ministry of Foreign Relations, last year more than 2000 objects were successfully repatriated. The Codex Azcatitlán will be exhibited at the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City from Thursday. (BBC News)

T&T: 2 arrested as 271 rounds of ammunition seized in Couva

wo persons were arrested, and 271 rounds of ammunition and two rifle magazines were seized during an anti-crime exercise in Couva on Wednesday. According to a statement from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), officers of the Central Division Task Force Area South acted on intelligence around 06:50h concerning the storage of firearms and ammunition at a residence on June Street, Couva. A party of officers went to the residence, where they encountered two occupants.

The TTPS said a search was conducted pursuant to Regulation 12 of the Emergency Powers Regulations 2026. During the search, PC Quamina found a green and black bag in a bedroom occupied by the two persons. The bag contained two rifle magazines marked 7.62 x 39, along with 201 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition and 70 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition. The two occupants were arrested and taken to the Couva Police Station, where PC Quamina is continuing

enquiries. The arrests and seizure formed part of Operation RESOLUTE Shield, which was conducted in Area South of the Central Division between 04:30h and 12:30h on September 16. The exercise was coordinated by ACP Remy, Senior Superintendent Bhagwandeen, ASP Harripersad and Acting Inspector Rampersad. It was led and supervised by Sergeant Samuel, Cpls Duncan and Joseph, along with officers of the Central Division Task Force Area South. (Excerpt from T&T Guardian)

r a z i l i a n President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s Government has announced a 15 per cent increase in welfare benefits ahead of a closely watched presidential election in October. The leftist President was joined by Government Ministers in the capital Brasilia on Thursday, where they announced that the “Bolsa Familia” poverty alleviation programme would increase minimum monthly benefits from US$116 to US$134 next month.

Lula is currently facing a challenge from the political right by presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro, the son of former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro. Polls have shown them virtually tied ahead of the first round of voting on October 4. The leftist President has faced challenges from rising debt servicing costs. Finance Minister Dario Durigan said the current budget would cover the benefit increase without creating additional expenses. Planning Minister

Bruno Moretti added that higher cash benefits would allow people to maintain their purchasing power amid rising costs. The new financial aid increase is expected to cost the Government US$1.13 billion in 2026 and US$4.27 billion in 2027. Households with a monthly income of US$42 qualify for the programme, which offers assistance to millions of poor families across the country. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

New cat species identified in Bolivia for 1st time in over a century

diminutive wild cat that inhabits Bolivia’s cloud forest has been identified as a previously unknown species, marking the first time a new living cat species has been formally named and described in more than a century. The cat, called Tilcayo by local communities, is part of a group called tiger cats found across much of South America. It was found in Bolivia’s lush Yungas forest, a mountainous region where forests are often covered by clouds and surrounded by high humidity, according to researchers. It measures about 18 inches (46 centimetres) long and weighs about three pounds (1.4 kilograms), making it smaller than the average domestic cat. Researchers used genetic data to confirm that the cat is a new species and gave it the scientific name Leopardus tilcayo, retaining its local name.

The Leopardus tilcayo, or tiger cat, at an animal refuge in the Yungas region in Bolivia

Little is yet known about the cat’s biology and lifestyle. Remains of small rodents in scat samples suggest they may form part of its diet, while camera-trap evidence indicates it could be more active at night, Nogales-Ascarrunz said. Tiger cats are socalled cryptic species, meaning they cannot easily be distinguished

merely by appearance, said evolutionary biologist and study co-lead author Jonas Lescroart of the University of Antwerp in Belgium. Tiger cats previously had been considered a single species, but genetic studies decades ago suggested the existence of multiple species. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026

Around the World

North Korean Vice Foreign Minister to attend UNGA next week

im Son-Gyong, North Korea's Vice Foreign Minister, plans to attend a high-level segment of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) set to begin in New York next week, Yonhap news agency reported on Friday, citing a source at the international body. Kim is set to meet with UN Secretary General António Guterres and officials

from countries friendly to North Korea, such as Cuba and Venezuela, the Yonhap report said. Reuters could not immediately verify the report. The UN representative in North Korea did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Kim is set to attend the UNGA’s general debate, which is set to take place from September 22

North Korea's Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Kim Son Gyong

to September 26, and also on September 28, the report said, adding that the Vice Foreign Minister is planning to take the podium for a speech. He had attended last year's General Assembly, during which he said the country will never give up its nuclear programme, describing it as "tantamount to demanding it surrender sovereignty and right to existence". (Excerpt from Reuters)

Trump Administration approves sale of F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia

nited States President Donald Trump’s Administration has asked lawmakers to clear the sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia for an estimated US$24.3 billion. The Administration said the sale of the jets, the most advanced fighter aircraft the US has, would “not alter the military balance in the re-

gion” in keeping with longstanding US policy that Israel must have a military edge over potential regional adversaries. The announcement comes after the Houthis in Yemen claimed on Wednesday they shot down a Saudi F-15 fighter jet over Marib, a key city in their battle against Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces. The group re-

leased a video of fighters in the city standing before burning wreckage of what appeared to be a US-made F-15 fighter jet with Saudi Arabian markings. The Houthis claim the aircraft was shot down with a “locally made” surface-to-air missile, which would mark a dramatic change in the group’s ability to wage war in the area. Until

now, Saudi Arabia’s military has enjoyed relative air superiority in Yemen and has relied heavily on its ability to carry out air strikes in the neighbouring country. Intensifying fighting between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis reportedly killed at least five persons, including three children, this week. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

1700-year-old fragment of "Odyssey" discovered between pages of library book

A fragment of the "Odyssey" on parchment as photographed by Utrecht University

researcher in the Netherlands found an incredibly rare fragment of Homer's epic "Odyssey" that is over 1700 years old sandwiched between the pages of a library book.

The find was made by Dr Mark de Kreij of Radboud University in the Netherlands. He made the find about two years ago, local media reported, but the university only announced the discovery this week.

De Kreij identified the tiny slip of paper while looking at a collection of early Christian manuscripts purchased by the university in the mid-20th century, according to a news release from the institution. De Kreij, a Greek teacher, recognised some of the language on the paper and identified it as a part of Homer's "Odyssey". "Everyone who learns Greek learns Homer," De Kreij told Dutch media outlet RTV Utrecht. Researchers were

able to date the fragment back to about 300 AD, the university said, and only about 30 such fragments exist worldwide. The fragment is from the 12th book of the "Odyssey", where Odysseus tells the tale of his starving sailors devouring cattle that are sacred to the Sun God, Apollo. "There are so many boring parts in the "Odyssey"," De Kreij said. "This happens to be a really fun passage." (Excerpt from CBS News)

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil falls 1% as investors watch Middle East supply disruptions

il prices settled about one per cent lower on Thursday but stayed above US$100 a barrel, as investors weighed the disruption from strikes by Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis against reports that additional Saudi crude barrels could reach global markets and ease supply concerns. Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis exchanged fresh strikes across their border on Thursday, with the spread of the Middle East war to Yemen and Saudi Arabia threatening to worsen the global energy supply shortage caused since the United States and Israel attacked Iran in February. Brent crude futures closed down US$1.01, or 0.95 per cent, at US$104.82 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate futures fell 52 cents, or 0.5 per cent, to US$101.91 a barrel. Both benchmarks had fallen about three per cent on Wednesday. Brent had fallen over US$3 earlier in the session to its lowest since September 10, while WTI also fell over US$3 to its lowest since September 11 after reports that Saudi Arabia was offering more crude cargoes to Asian refiners through ship-to-ship transfers off Oman's Sohar port. This will offset some of the disruption caused by attacks on the East-West pipeline to the Red Sea. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Princess Diana's brother claims King Charles told him, "We'll forget her soon enough"

early 30 years after Princess Diana died in a car crash in Paris, her brother is making new claims about the way he says she was mistreated by Britain's royal family – even as they planned her funeral. In "Swan Song: Diana, My Sister", set to be published next week, Spencer writes that he told King Charles III, who was then Prince Charles, he objected to the plan for her young sons, Princes William and Harry, to walk in her funeral procession. Spencer says in his

book, excerpts of which are being published by the Daily Mail tabloid in Britain, that the then Prince Charles responded to his objection by questioning his family's sense of duty and telling him, "Rest assured, we'll forget her soon enough." Buckingham Palace responded with a terse statement Wednesday evening, which avoided calling Spencer a liar, but said the king "is mindful that the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgement and colour memory." (Excerpt from CBS News)

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026

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DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

Broaden your scope. Take on new challenges, and test your mind, body and soul. Participate in events and activities that make you feel alive. Refuse to let emotional issues hold you back. (March 21-April 19)

Monitor partnerships carefully, and look for anything that might cost you physically or emotionally. Discussions will help you gain insight into compensations you can make to get what you want in return.

PICKLES

(April 20-May 20)

A change will encourage you to look at alternative lifestyles, occupations and possibilities. Use your imagination, delve into discussions with people from different backgrounds and explore what's available. (May 21-June 20)

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

Don't bend for the wrong reason or pay for someone else's mistake. Look for alternative ways to increase your income or to make your home more functional. If you investigate possibilities, you'll discover something inviting. Stretch your legs, participate and learn from the experiences you encounter. Interesting talks will set you on a path that offers choices you didn't know existed. Sign up for an activity.

(July 23-Aug. 22)

Donating or participating in a campaign in your community will not just stimulate a better vibe but also encourage you to make new acquaintances. Don't deny yourself the chance to explore possibilities.

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

If you take a leap of faith and participate, the experience will turn out better than anticipated and offer lessons that will encourage you to be more involved in your community. (Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

Stick to what and who you know. Avoid situations that are risky or dangerous. Take a pass on protests, events and activities that challenge you physically. (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Take advantage of whatever opportunity comes your way. Learning something new, expanding your credentials or taking on a new role altogether will stir up your enthusiasm and excitement about life. (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Don't take on someone else's problems. Gather information and put a plan in place that helps you maintain your integrity and gain the respect and trust of those you deal with. SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Spend time getting your house in order. Make comfort and convenience your goals at a cost you can afford. Efficiency will end up saving you time, grief and money. (Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Change only what's necessary. Stick to the rules, and take care of paperwork with deadlines that result in penalties. Pay more attention to how you invest and take care of your physical and emotional well-being. (Feb. 20-March 20)

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026

Pee-Wee teams receive footballs ahead of tournament

Members of Petra and Education Ministry at the ball distribution ceremony

ith the 13th annual PeeWee Under-11 Schools Football Tournament set to commence shortly, participating teams received their footballs during a distribution ceremony held yesterday at the Ministry of Education

(MoE) Ground on Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown. The simple ceremony formed part of the preparations for the developmental competition, which will bring together 32 teams from across Guyana. Coordinator and

representative for the Unit of Allied Arts within the Ministry of Education Eon DeViera stressed that the tournament was about more than competition, pointing to its role in developing young players both on and off the field.

“Football is not mainly about the competition, but it is about participation and also developing the students,” DeViera said. He noted that football provides an important platform for children to learn teamwork, communication

and mutual support. “We know we have to support one another. We have to share, we have to communicate, and all these things help us develop as a child. So it is very important through these competitions that are held,” he added. Petra Organisation Co-Director Troy Mendonca outlined the format for this year’s tournament, explaining that the 32 teams would be divided into eight groups of four, with each team playing the others in their group once. The top two teams from each group will advance to the round of 16. However, Mendonca explained that reaching that stage would not mean elimination for the other teams, as all participants will continue playing for final positions. “At the stage of the

round of 16, no other team will be knocked out. They will be competing for places one to 16,” Mendonca said. He explained that the format was deliberately structured to ensure that the young players get as much playing time as possible, in keeping with the developmental objectives of the tournament. “Of course, the backdrop of that is because this is a developmental tournament, and so because we are doing that, we want players to play as many games as possible,” Mendonca said. The tournament is expected to officially get underway this weekend, with the participating schools now equipped with the necessary footballs as they prepare for the opening matches.

Historic Lift! GAPLF duo attending IPF Trainer Course Level 2 W

ith the aim of ensuring that it is compliant with the rules of the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) and to ensure that the sport in Guyana is on a firm footing from a technical perspective, the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) is on a path to investing in the technical capacity of officials. In this regard, the GAPLF, with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS), National

Sports Commission (NSC) and the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) in the main will see two new coaches being trained to lead the development of powerlifters in Guyana. Bjorn Williams and Ashley Abraham are attending an IPF Trainer Course Level 2 taking place in Chile from September 17-19; This is the first time that locally-based coaches are being trained with Abraham being the first female. Guyana has one IPF

Bjorn Williams and Ashley Abraham are attending an IPF Trainer Course Level 2

trained coach – Kerma Singh, who is based in the USA and has been the technical glue for the nation for many years at the international level. The IPF has now made it mandatory that a female coach must be attached to teams competing in their championships once female members are selected. Other nations participating in this trainer course are Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and the host nation.

This course will precede the 2026 South American Powerlifting Championships which will lift off also in Chile from September 2028 at the Gimnasio Polideportivo Estadio Nacional, Santiago, Chile. Guyana will be represented by 17 athletes, 10 of whom would be repping the Golden Arrowhead for the first time. Two will be contesting the equipped segment of the competition and 16, the classic category.

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026

GFF, CONCACAF join forces for Bigger Game Academy T

he Guyana F o o t b a l l Federation (GFF), in collaboration with the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), hosted a workshop yesterday to launch the CONCACAF Bigger Game Academy Pilot Programme, aimed at strengthening grassroots football development in Guyana. The training workshop was held at Olympic House and was facilitated by CONCACAF Coach Educators Joe Supe, Roberto Lopez, and Tashana Vincent, along with former Jamaica Reggae Girlz star and GFF Technical Director Bryan Joseph and Coach Educator Lyndon France. The Bigger Game Academy was CONCACAF’s flagship grassroots “football for development” programme, designed to equip teachers, Coaches

Members of GFF, CONCACAF and Coaches at the training workshop

and community leaders with the knowledge and skills to deliver football

clinics alongside a structured 10-week curriculum.

The programme combined football sessions with lessons in team-

work, respect, resilience, child protection, equality and social inclusion.

Coaches from five selected regional associations – East Demerara, Georgetown, East Bank, West Demerara and Upper Demerara – participated in the workshop. Following the training, participants were expected to select a community where, with the support of volunteers, they would deliver the 10-week programme to children between the ages of six and 12. The initiative was scheduled to culminate in a festival at the end of 2026, providing participating children with an opportunity to showcase the skills and values developed throughout the programme. The workshop formed part of the GFF and CONCACAF’s efforts to use football as a tool for the development of children and communities while strengthening the capacity of Coaches and community leaders.

EDFA mourns passing of Buxton United Coach Hubert McPherson T

he East Demerara F o o t b a l l Association (EDFA) has expressed profound sadness following the passing of Buxton United Football Club head Coach Hubert McPherson, affectionately known as “Coach Dan". In a statement posted on its social media page, the EDFA extended condolences to McPherson’s wife, family and the wider Buxton United family, describing his passing as a deep loss to the football fraternity. According to the association, a team led by EDFA President Rickford Profitt and

comprising Grantley Abrams, Jacqueline DeFreitas and Aaron Blackman, visited McPherson at his home on Sunday, September 13. The EDFA said McPherson appeared to be in good spirits during the visit, during which meaningful discussions were held with him, his wife and other family members. The association also made arrangements to assist with transportation for his regular therapy sessions and provided financial and other forms of support, with hopes that he would make a speedy recovery.

The association said it was, therefore, with a deep sense of shock and sadness that it learned of McPherson’s passing on Wednesday morning. McPherson was described as a valued member of the football fraternity who demonstrated a genuine commitment to the development and advancement of the sport. The EDFA also highlighted his recent graduation from the Guyana Football Federation’s C Licence Coaching Programme as evidence of his dedication to improving his knowledge and Coaching skills. His passing, the asso-

ciation noted, represents a significant loss to his family, friends, colleagues, players and the wider football community, particularly Buxton United, where he served as head Coach. The EDFA extended its deepest sympathy to McPherson’s wife, children, relatives, friends, colleagues, teammates, players and the entire Buxton United family, while offering prayers for strength, comfort and courage during their period of bereavement. “May the soul of Hubert ‘Coach Dan’ McPherson rest in eternal peace,” the association stated.

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026

Jamaica Kingsmen riding momentum of Tridents' defeat into Qualifier 2 T

he Jamaica Kingsmen are into today’s Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Qualifier Two following a commanding victory over the Barbados Tridents two nights ago at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown. While Andre Russell and Hunain Shah got the visitors off to a magnificent start with the ball, Maaz Sadaqat followed up with a commanding century in the chase to knock off 145 in 14.1 overs. While the Tridents had gotten the better of the Kingsmen twice before this season, teenaged Jamaican china-man Vitel Lawes admitted that they just couldn’t let it happen a third time. “I mean, I thought whoever won the toss won the game, to be honest. Barbados beat we two times; I think it was pretty tight games. I don’t see any world where they could have beat us three times

can go either way. So, we did a good job of getting the The Jamaica Kingsmen are heading into today’s Qualifier dangerous Two on the back of a commanding victory batters early and in a row. So, today we just outplay us, per se. So, it’s restrict them,” he tried to make a statement, just us to tighten up on opined. and I think we did a really those areas that we’ve been T h e good job at doing that,” slacking off in, and I think youngster Lawes told Guyana Times we did a pretty good job of added, “I think Sport exclusively. that tonight, winning with it was a perfect The teenage spin just losing one wicket. innings. He didn’t go out sensation added about their Lawes went on to praise there looking to push it performance on Wednesday his team’s bowling effort around because it was a night, “I think both times and Sadaqat’s belligerent small total; he looked to they beat us; it’s we beating knock. take the game from them ourselves. They didn’t really “I mean, we’re always from early on. I think that talking about taking the was a good mindset from With kind sponsorship from: first blow, and I think we did him to try to win the game a really good job of doing from in the powerplay.” that tonight even though Shifting focus to Friday’s Quinton and Green stuck Qualifier Lawes doesn’t have in for a good partnership. I a preference in opponent think it’s a game of cricket; it

but hopes the Kingsmen can show up good once again. “I don’t have any preference, to be honest, but anybody comes, we have to play them at the end of the day. So, it’s just for us to go and look at any little, small areas. I think we dropped a couple of chances in the field today. I think it’s just for us to tighten up on that. Look for repeated performance with the bat again, and I think it’s going to be a pretty interesting game, come Friday." Lawes told this publication. Meanwhile, on the losing side, Tridents’ Captain Chris Green rued his team’s fortunes on Wednesday night. Green told this publication exclusively, “I think we were blown away in the powerplay when we batted. Jamaica had the better of the conditions tonight; they were able to bowl with a dry ball, dryer surface, and their spinners were able to extract a lot more spin.” “On the flip side, Maaz Sadaqat really blew us away. When we started, straight away that ball was

wet. I thought we fought hard to get to 144, had 4 for how many in the powerplay and then five down soon after. So, really proud of our efforts, really proud of our fight. It was amazing to get the support of the island, the people of Barbados, to win four out of five to secure qualification.” “We came here full of confidence, and you know, disappointing to go out the way that we did, but still so much to be proud of,” he went on to share. Quizzed about their recovery from 30-5 to 144-6, Green responded, “Definitely, I think we were probably still 10-15 runs short, below par, but from that position, to get to that total, yeah. Quinton and I scraped up to get to that total, and we did our absolute best, and same with the ball.” “I can’t really fault us; we gave it our absolute all. A guy scored a hundred; sometimes you just have to tip the cap and accept defeat, and you know, it was an incredible knock,” he concluded. Qualifier Two is set for 19:00h local time on Friday evening.

Official documents signed as boxing, judo added to IGG 2026 line-up

oxing and Judo will make their debut at the Inter Guiana Games (IGG) when Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana converge in Paramaribo from October 22 to 26 for the latest staging of the regional U18 multi-sport competition. The introduction of the two combat sports represents another significant step in the continued expansion of the Games, which first began in 1967 as a means of fostering bilateral relations through sport. Guyana’s Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, joined his counterparts, Enrique Ralim from Suriname, and Tatiana Tisserand from French Guiana, in Paramaribo, where they signed the official protocol agreement for this year’s Games. According to Ninvalle, the

addition of boxing and Judo demonstrates the willingness of the three territories to continually develop the IGG and provide young athletes with broader opportunities to compete at the regional level. The three countries will compete in Athletics, Basketball, Volleyball, Swimming, Chess, and Futsal, while Boxing and Judo have been added as introductory disciplines by the host country. “Every year, the host country can add two disciplines as an introductory sport, so what Suriname has added this year is boxing and Judo,” Ninvalle said. Boxing, however, will see only Guyana and Suriname go head-to-head, while Judo will feature competitors from Suriname and French Guiana.

The introduction of boxing is particularly significant for Guyana, which has a long and decorated history in the sport and continues to invest in developing its next generation of fighters. According to Ninvalle, "The IGG platform will provide young boxers with an opportunity to gain valuable international competition experience while representing their country.” Ninvalle praised the collective efforts of the three territories in elevating the Games, pointing to improvements in the event’s organisation and execution in recent years. “I would want to applaud each country for making it better every year. From 2020 to now, we’ve seen improvement in the

Guyana’s Steve Ninvalle, Suriname’s Enrique Ralim, and French Guiana’s Tatiana Tisserand recently signed the protocols for the hosting of this year’s Inter Guiana Games

execution of the Inter Guiana Games, and this could’ve only been possible because we put our heads together for the IGG,” Ninvalle said. Speaking after the signing of the protocol agreement, Ninvalle also stressed the broader significance of the Games beyond competition.

He added, "We speak different languages, but on the field of play, we all speak the same language, which is togetherness, and we have to applaud ourselves for coming this far and for doing that for our individual counties, which makes us one country.” Suriname enters the

2026 Games as the defending overall champions, having topped last year’s edition in Georgetown. Guyana finished second, with French Guiana third. The IGG was first held in 1967 after former national footballer “QT” Donald was sent to Suriname by former President Forbes Burnham to work with the Surinamese on outlining the Games. Football was the first sport contested between Guyana and Suriname, with basketball introduced in 1972. The two countries initially competed for the Forbes Burnham/Johan Pengel Trophy, named after Guyana’s then-President Forbes Burnham and Johan Adolf Pengel, who served as Prime Minister of Suriname in 1967.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026

Falcons to make 1st final appearance after ripping through GAW

The Antigua and Barbuda Falcons are into their first-ever CPL final By Jemima Holmes in Barbados

he Antigua and Barbuda Falcons put on their best performance of the season yet, routing the Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) cheaply and going on to chase 77 in just 5.2 overs to punch a ticket to their first-ever Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) final. As seen in the last two matches at the Kensington Oval in Barbados, the winner of the toss controlled the fate of the game, and this time around, it was the Falcons’ Moeen Ali who called correct, opting to bowl first.

Nightmare innings

SCOREBOARD Guyana Amazon Warriors (20 ovs maximum) Glenn Phillips c Lewis b Sufyan Moqim 16 Mavendra Dindyal c Allen b James 11 Shai Hope † lbw b Sufyan Moqim 16 Mohammad Haris c †Jangoo b Sufyan Moqim 1 Shimron Hetmyer c Hasan Nawaz b Shadab Khan 2 Mehidy Hasan Miraz lbw b Shadab Khan 0 Quentin Sampson b Shadab Khan 0 Khary Pierre b Sufyan Moqim 1 Imran Tahir (c) b Shadab Khan 1 Romario Shepherd not out 14 Shamar Joseph c Lewis b Springer 7 Extras (b 5, w 2) 7 Total 15 Ov (RR: 5.06) 76 Fall of wickets: DRS 1-26 (Mavendra Dindyal, 4.2 ov), 2-40 (Glenn Phillips, 7.1 ov), 3-42 (Mohammad Haris, 7.5 ov), 4-45 (Shimron Hetmyer, 8.4 ov), 5-45 (Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 8.5 ov), 6-45 (Quentin Sampson, 8.6 ov), 7-48 (Khary Pierre, 9.4 ov), 8-49 (Shai Hope, 9.6 ov), 9-49 (Imran

Tahir, 10.2 ov), 10-76 (Shamar Joseph, 14.6 ov) Bowling Fabian Allen Alzarri Joseph Joshua James Shadab Khan Sufyan Moqim Shamar Springer

O-M-R-W 2-0-14-0 3-0-19-0 1-0-1-1 4-0-16-4 4-0-13-4 1-0-8-1

Antigua and Barbuda Falcons (T: 77 runs from 20 ovs) Rahkeem Cornwall c Hetmyer b Imran Tahir 49 Evin Lewis not out 23 Amir Jangoo † not out 4 Extras (nb 1) 1 Total 5.2 Ov (RR: 14.43) 77/1 Yet to bat: Hasan Nawaz, Moeen Ali (c), Shadab Khan, Fabian Allen, Joshua James, Sufyan Moqim, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Springer Fall of wickets: DRS 1-71 (Rahkeem Cornwall, 4.2 ov) Bowling O-M-R-W Imran Tahir 2-0-20-1 Mehidy Hasan Miraz 1.2-0-10-0 Khary Pierre 1-0-26-0 Shamar Joseph 1-0-21-0

There’s something about the Kensington Oval surface that the Guyana Amazon Warriors just can’t figure out. On Sunday night, it was Barbados Tridents’ AM Ghazanfar and Johann Layne that had the Guyanese franchise reeling and later bowled out for 100. On Thursday night, it was as if the same script came into play but in a nightmare-ish way. This time around, it was Shadab Khan and Sufyan Moqim doing the damage. It wasn’t the fastest start, but all things considered, it was pretty decent, as Mavendra Dindyal and Glenn Phillips got in 26 runs for the first wicket. Dindyal, trying to take on Joshua James, mis-hit the delivery, which ballooned into the sky. Fabian Allen, running back from mid- to long-on, pulled off a spectacular catch to dismiss the Guyanese for 11 from 18. Though the pacer accounted for Dindyal, it was the reintroduction of spin that wreaked havoc on GAW. Shadab’s first over was quiet, but he conceded just six runs, which may have With kind sponsorship from:

put some pressure on the Amazon Warriors to score. So, when Moqim came in from the media centre end, Phillips freed his arms but didn’t have enough power on the shot, as it was taken at deep midwicket. Moqim struck again in that over as Mohammad Haris for the cut shot but instead edged it back to wicketkeeper Amir Jangoo. Shimron Hetmyer came and went in the blink of an eye, misjudging the length of the straight boundary. Hasan Nawaz, on the ropes at long range, took the simplest of catches, and the Berbician was gone for two. Then, the floodgates opened. Shadab knocked over Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Quentin Sampson in consecutive balls after Hetmyer to register the first hattrick of the 2026 CPL season. Hasan was rapped on the bat by the googly and decided to opt for the second look. The ball was projected, brushing the leg stump, the umpire's call, and Miraz had to go. Smapson’s dismissal was the type of stuff to hold heads and lament for as Shadab uprooted two stumps, sending the zinger lights into a frenzy. Eight runs – six wickets in the last 16 balls; those were the figures. The nightmare rolled on in the tenth over. Khary Pierre castled, and Shai Hope trapped LBW – the Amazon Warriors were 49-8. The 10th-wicket partnership proved to be the most successful for the Amazon Warriors, as Romario Shepherd and Shamar Jospeh combined for 27 off 28. Shepherd was the key figure, remaining unbeaten on 14 from 13 balls, including one six and one four. Joseph, pitching in seven from 15, made the mistake of trying to whip the ball over deep square but met Evin Lewis on the boundary, eagerly awaiting the catch. Shadab finished with 4-16 from four, while Moqim was even better with 4-13 from four. All out for 76 in 15 overs was the verdict for the Amazon Warriors, and the vibrance that moved through Kensington suddenly came to a deafening hush of silence.

Rahk attack

The chase was over in the blink of an eye – quite literally. Rahkeem Cornwall made his intentions clear in the very first over, bowled by Imran Tahir, sending the GAW Captain for a four and two maximums. Cornwall never looked back, going on to smash Miraz and then Khary Pierre for a mammoth 26 runs in the third over as he raced to 49. Evin Lewis came to the party in the fourth, smashing Shamar VACANCY Joseph for 21 runs as the Amazon warriors chopped and changed Superior Woods Inc. is inviting their bowlers in hopes of stopping applications for the following positions: Moulder Operator the onslaught. (3), Heavy-Duty Equipment With a chance to bring up a reMechanic (4), Mill/Resaw cord 50, Cornwall instead holed Operator (3), Forklift Operators — (5), Labourers — (10). Location: out to long-off where Shimron Yarrowkabra, Linden-Soesdyke Hetmyer took the simple catch Highway. Contact: 642-3828/ 626for a consolation wicket for the 2138. Email: superiorwoods.gy@ gmail.com. Amazon Warriors. It was all over Superior Blocks and Pavers by the sixth over as Lewis and is inviting applications for the Amir Jangoo ran between the wickfollowing positions: Blocks Machine Operator (3), Forklift/Front-end ets to seek out the remaining runs. Loader Operator (3), Labourers — As the Falcons head to Sunday’s (6). Location: Yarrowkabra, LindenSoesdyke Highway. Contact: 642final, they will await the 3828/ 626-2138. Email: vickash@ winner of tonight’s clash superiorblocksandpavers.com between the Jamaica PEN PAL Kingsmen and GAW. That 51 Year old man of African descent battle is set to get underlooking for a future partner between 40-50 years old. Call tel. No. 603-6400 way at 19:00h local time.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026

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"Warrior Nation" rally behind GAW Women in Limacol WCPL triumph Even in a foreign country, "Warrior Nation" showed up in their hundreds on Thursday afternoon at the Kensington Oval to cheer on the Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) Women as they went on to lift the 2026 Limacol WCPL title. With them mostly clad in national colours, there was not a shortage of the Golden Arrowhead at Kensington that billowed in the breeze from ball one to the lifting of the trophy.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026

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

Limacol WCPL…

Guyanese players and staff rushed out onto the middle, hundreds of Guyanese fans celebrated alongside them in their inaugural triumph.

here were twists and thrills to last 100 T20 matches at the Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados, on Thursday afternoon after, at long last, the Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) Women rallied in a gritty chase to lift their first-ever Limacol Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) crown. Boisterous cheers echoed around the stadium as Chedean Nation hit Karishma Ramharack for a maximum in the third ball of the 20th over to write off a chase of 145. As the

Getting to the gold The chase was by no means an easy one for the Guyanese franchise as it ebbed and flowed either way throughout the 20 overs. The Trinbago Knight Riders were on top first as Shikha Pandey rocked back Eboni Brathwaite’s stumps for four in the first over. Erin Burns then joined Tazmin Brits at the crease but she too didn’t last long, contributing a run-a-ball 12 to the chase. At the other end, it was business as usual for Tazmin Brits who carried on in the same manner that she did in GAW’s last two victories. By the time Burns left, the surface began to hold up on the Amazon warriors’ batters, making finding the boundary a bit more difficult than before. The pressure to score got to Brits eventually, who tried to chip down the track but had her stumps clipped by Ramharack. Burns

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hit 22 from 29, featuring two fours and one six. Shemaine Campbelle was unable to stick around, hitting only nine from 15, and Realeanna Grimmond pitched in two, while Nadine de Klerk had to walk back for a first ball duck, trying to fetch a wide-ish delivery from Ramharack that only went as far as Deandra Dottin in the circle. The Amazon Warriors’ women were not in trouble at 55-5. Captain Chloe Tryon did the hard yards first, getting a feel of the trick surface before Marizanne Kapp for a four that would reveal her intentions for the innings. Tryon went on to slam three more fours and a six in her brisk 32 off 18 that brought the equation down considerably for GAW. She enjoyed 40 off 23- balls partnership with Nation that brought the Guyanese back into the contest. But when Laura Harris’ third delivery of the day in the 17th over brushed Tryon’s shoes and went on to disturb the stumps, the Knight Riders Women celebrated as though the war was won. What they had not accounted for was Chedean Nation coming big in her first innings with the bat of the 2026 tournament. Early on, Nation struggled with

running the ones and twos but eventually decided to deal in maximums, hitting four in her 39 off 21 that led the Amazon Warriors women over the line toward the championship. Dottin was the pick of the Amazon Wa r r i o rs b o w l e r s , claiming 2-19 in 4 overs, while Pandey and Ramharack also had two scalps. Containing TKRW Earlier, GAW women started well with the ball, containing the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) women to 60-3 in 12 overs. However, a slew of partnerships in the back end propelled TKR to 145-6. Sushma Verma hit a team-high 39 off 34 balls, while Pandey’s back-end innings of 27 from 17 did well to get the Knight Riders Women up to a defendable score. Meanwhile, Kapp enjoyed a lightning-fast 25 off 10. Shabnim Ismail had tidy figures of 2-18 from four overs, while Shamilia Connell accounted for the other nonrun-out wicket. Shemaine Campbelle, who was the engine of the Amazon Warriors’ middleorder was named the

G tournament’s Player of the Series, accumulating 154 runs across the series.

SCOREBOARD Trinbago Knight Riders Women (20 ovs maximum) Laura Harris b Ismail 0 Sushma Verma † run out (Ismail/Burns) 39 Deandra Dottin (c) c †Campbelle b Connell 10 Jannillea Glasgow retired out 16 Marizanne Kapp run out (Nation/†Campbelle) 25 Madeline Penna not out 12 Shikha Pandey c RMAU Grimmond b Ismail 27 Jahzara Claxton not out 2 Extras(lb 9, w 5) 14 Total 20 Ov (RR: 7.25, 88 Mins) 145/6 Did not bat: Samara Ramnath, Karishma Ramharack, Brianna Harricharan Fall of wickets DRS 1-0 (Laura Harris, 0.2 ov), 2-25 (Deandra Dottin, 5.2 ov), 3-60 (Jannillea Glasgow, 11.6 ov), 4-86 (Sushma Verma, 13.6 ov), 5-103 (Marizanne Kapp, 14.5 ov), 6-142 (Shikha Pandey, 19.4 ov) Bowling Shabnim Ismail Shamilia Connell Sheneta Grimmond Nadine de Klerk Erin Burns

O-M-R-W 4-0-18-2 4-0-18-1 4-0-38-0 4-0-26-0 4-0-36-0

Guyana Amazon Warriors Women (T: 146 runs from 20 ovs) Eboni Brathwaite b Pandey 5 Tazmin Brits b Harricharan 22 Erin Burns c †Verma b Dottin 12 Shemaine Campbelle † c Ramharack b Dottin 9 Realeanna Grimmond c & b Ramharack 2 Nadine de Klerk t c Dottin b Ramharack 0 Chloe Tryon (c) b Harris 32 Chedean Nation not out 39 Sheneta Grimmond c †Verma b Pandey 10 Shabnim Ismail not out 1 Extras (b 1, w 16) 17 Total 19.3 Ov (RR: 7.64, 98 Mins) 149/8 Did not bat: Shamilia Connell Fall of wickets DRS 1-7 (Eboni Brathwaite, 0.6 ov), 2-44 (Erin Burns, 6.4 ov), 3-52 (Tazmin Brits, 8.2 ov), 4-55 (Realeanna Grimmond, 9.3 ov), 5-55 (Nadine de Klerk, 9.4 ov), 6-71 (Shemaine Campbelle, 12.3 ov), 7-111 (Chloe Tryon, 16.2 ov), 8-129 (Sheneta Grimmond, 18.3 ov) Bowling O-M-R-W Shikha Pandey 4-0-33-2 Marizanne Kapp 4-0-29-0 Deandra Dottin 4-0-19-2 Karishma Ramharack 3.3-0-27-2 Brianna Harricharan 3-0-25-1 Laura Harris 1-0-15-1

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