Guyana Times - Friday, September 5, 2025

“Resist the forces that divide and weaken us”

…underscores need for peace & unity in Youman Nabi message

District 4 Subdistrict 4, election recount

See story on page 16

No significant changes in numbers already counted – GECOM Commissioner

…as WIN's bid to have entire Region 4 recounted fails …recount now also includes 77 ballot boxes from Region 5

PPP/C secures landslide victory with 46,513vote lead over combined Opposition – Jagdeo

…says WIN split APNU’s support base, party “should have seen it coming”

No evidence of fraud in 2025 elections – PSC 2 injured in gas bottle explosion in Sophia

Truck driver freed of 9.25kg ganja trafficking charge

Caribbean Airlines halts all T&T–Venezuela flights with immediate effect

GECOM

condemns disinformation campaign by Haddiyyah Mohamed

Fmr national cyclist dies in Mandela Avenue motorcycle crash

…slams WIN’s candidate’s sister for filming ballot boxes, dismisses tampering claims

...as Police warn against attempts to spread misinformation, incite panic, provoke unrest as recount progresses Page 7

Parliamentarians have no immunity – Jagdeo warns Azruddin Mohamed

…says US-sanctioned man will not be allowed to disrupt lives of Guyanese

18

Teen slapped with murder charge for Mocha fatal shooting

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, September 5 –02:45h–04:15h and Saturday, September 6 – 03:30h–05:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, September 5 –14:50h–16:20h and Saturday, September 6 – 15:35h–17:05h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery showers followed by sunny skies are expected during the day, and clear skies are expected at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 22 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to East South-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 15:14h reaching a maximum height of 2.41 metres.

Low Tide: 08:45h and 21:03h reaching minimum heights of 0.77 metre and 0.78 metre.

“Resist

the forces that divide and weaken us” – Pres Ali

…underscores need for peace & unity in Youman Nabi message

President Dr Irfaan Ali is urging Guyanese to reject division and embrace unity, using his Youman Nabi message to underscore the importance of peace and solidarity in building a stronger, more cohesive nation.

Drawing on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the President called for renewed commitment to values that bring people together rather than tear them apart.

“Youman Nabi is a time of reflection, reverence, and renewal. This sacred day invites us to look within ourselves,” President Ali expressed, adding that it is also an occasion to draw guidance from the life of the Prophet (PBUH).

“The Prophet’s life remains a perpetual light to the world. His teachings instruct us that true greatness lies not in wealth or power, but in mercy, unity, and service to others,” President Ali explained.

In quoting the Prophet (PBUH), who said, “Do not envy one another, do not inflate prices one to another, do not hate one another, do not turn away from one another, and do not undercut one another, but be servants of Allah as brothers,” President Ali emphasised that these words reinforce that “we must live in peace and unity, one in which societies are bound together regardless of differences in faith, ethnicity or culture.”

According to the President, these words also echo across centuries to the present moment, calling on all to resist the temptations of division and hate.

“Instead, we are urged to live as brothers and sisters,” he noted.

“In our multi-religious and multi-ethnic Guyana, this guidance carries profound meaning. If we are to build a just, harmonious, and prosperous society, we must resist the forces that divide and weaken us. We must strive to put things into perspective to

avoid any act that seeks to undercut the unity of our people,” the President added.

The President’s message comes just days after Guyanese went to the polls to vote in the country’s General and Regional Elections. Though the polls closed at 18:00h on Monday and declarations of results were already made across all ten voting districts by Wednesday, there is no official declaration of the winner –though the tabulation of the results shows that the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) has won and that President Ali has been re-elected to serve a second term.

A recount of some of the ballots cast is ongoing, at the request of a political party which is struggling to accept the results. That recount exercise could last until Sunday – delaying the swearing-in of the President and the installation of a new Government.

President Ali, meanwhile, reminded that

President Dr Irfaan Ali

one of the central messages of the Prophet (PBUH) was the need for unity.

“This call to unity remains as relevant today as it was more than 1400 years ago. For us in Guyana, it is a timely reminder that division weakens us, but unity that spans faiths, ethnicities, and communities strengthens the bonds that bind our people together,” President Ali said.

He further reminded that the Prophet (PBUH) also taught that peace among people is of greater

value than ritual worship alone.

“In so doing, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) reminds us that the rituals of religion, while vital, are incomplete if they are not accompanied by the work of forgiveness, mending relationships, and providing a framework for the peaceful existence of all people. At a time when our societies can be shaken by envy, division, and mistrust, the words of the Prophet offer timeless guidance,” President Ali said.

In this regard, he urged that as Guyanese – particularly the Muslim community – commemorate Youman Nabi, “let us remember that we honour the Holy Prophet not only with our words, but with our deeds.”

“The true test of our devotion is seen in the way we treat each other, including the most vulnerable and the forgotten. It is about how we show empathy and love. These are the things the world needs today,” the President noted.

Editor: Tusika Martin

News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761

Marketing: 231-8064Accounts: 225-6707

Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Industrial Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown

Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Youman

Nabi & unity

The commemoration of Youman Nabi once again presents an opportunity for reflection on values that transcend time, faith, and culture. The teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) have long underscored the principles of mercy, unity, and service to others, values that speak directly to the challenges and aspirations of modern societies. In his Youman Nabi message, President Dr Irfaan Ali invoked these lessons as a call for Guyanese to reject division and strengthen the bonds of solidarity that underpin national progress.

The President’s remarks carry particular resonance at this juncture. Guyana’s multi-ethnic, multi-religious identity is both its greatest strength and its most delicate responsibility. The country’s history has repeatedly shown that when fractures along ethnic or political lines are allowed to deepen, the consequences can undermine development and corrode social harmony. Against this backdrop, a national appeal for unity is essential.

Central to the President’s address was a quotation from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): “Do not envy one another, do not inflate prices one to another, do not hate one another, do not turn away from one another, and do not undercut one another, but be servants of Allah as brothers.”

These words, though spoken centuries ago, capture the essence of peaceful coexistence. They serve as both moral instruction and practical guidance for societies confronting the temptations of envy, mistrust, and division.

The timing of this message is equally significant. Just days after Guyanese participated in general and regional elections, the nation stands at a crucial moment. Though the tabulation of results points to a clear outcome, a recount has been requested, delaying the official declaration and the swearing-in of a new Government. The political uncertainty has amplified the need for patience, civility, and unity. It is in such moments of tension that the call to reject division becomes more than a moral appeal; it becomes a democratic necessity.

Elections are the heartbeat of democracy, but their aftermath often tests the resilience of institutions and the maturity of political culture. The Prophet’s teachings, as highlighted by President Ali, remind us that peace among people holds greater value than ritual observance alone. In practical terms, this is a lesson in prioritising national stability over partisan triumphalism, dialogue over discord, and reconciliation over resentment.

Guyana’s journey toward becoming a just and prosperous society hinges on its ability to cultivate trust across divides. The President’s emphasis on unity is not new, but its reiteration in this season of both religious reflection and political transition is urgent. A society bound together by mutual respect is one that can confront its developmental challenges with greater resolve. Conversely, a society fragmented by suspicion and hostility is one that risks squandering its opportunities.

This is particularly true given the transformational moment in which Guyana finds itself. The rapid expansion of its oil and gas sector, alongside broader economic growth, has elevated the stakes for governance, equity, and inclusivity. With newfound wealth comes the potential for both progress and polarisation. Ensuring that all citizens benefit equitably from national development requires a collective commitment to fairness, transparency, and cohesion. Unity, therefore, is not a lofty abstraction; it is a prerequisite for sustainable progress.

The President’s reminder that devotion is measured not merely in words but in deeds is especially pertinent. A society’s strength is reflected in how it treats its most vulnerable members. Acts of empathy, forgiveness, and generosity are not only spiritual virtues but also social imperatives. They provide the moral scaffolding upon which inclusive development can be built.

At a time when global societies grapple with division, whether driven by politics, culture, or ideology, the Guyanese example can stand as one of resilience and cohesion. But this is possible only if all sectors, political leaders, civic organisations, faith communities, and ordinary citizens choose unity over division. The responsibility cannot rest with one office or one community alone; it must be a collective undertaking.

The observance of Youman Nabi is therefore an occasion to reaffirm values that are indispensable to Guyana’s future. The Prophet’s enduring message of peace, unity, and service is not confined to any one faith but speaks to the universal human need for harmony and justice.

As Guyana awaits the conclusion of the electoral process and the installation of a new Government, the call to unity must guide both leaders and citizens. The durability of democracy depends not only on free and fair elections but also on the collective will to safeguard peace and respect differences.

In the spirit of Youman Nabi, Guyana has the opportunity to demonstrate that unity is not a rhetorical aspiration but a lived commitment.

Understanding business etiquette in today’s globalised world

In an era when global markets intertwine and workplaces are more diverse than ever, the rules of business etiquette are under constant scrutiny.

“Business etiquette” refers to the accepted rules, behaviour, and professional conduct in a workplace, guiding interactions with colleagues, clients, and managers to foster a positive, respectful, and productive environment. While good manners can foster trust and collaboration, certain practices may spark controversy, misunderstandings, or even legal challenges in a globalised world. As companies navigate this complex landscape, understanding the nuances has become more critical and more contentious than ever. In an increasingly interconnected world, the boundaries of traditional business etiquette are constantly tested. As companies expand across borders and workplaces become more diverse, although controversial, understanding these delicate nuances is essential, as what is considered polite and respectful in one culture or industry can be misunderstood or even offensive in another.

Failing to adapt to certain cultural norms in the global space can lead to missed opportunities, damaged reputations, or even legal consequences. As the world becomes more interconnected, mastering nuanced business etiquette is not optional; it’s essential for sustainable success. In Japanese business etiquette, the depth of an ojigi (bow) signifies respect or apology, with a 45-degree angle, known as saikeirei, used for expressing deep remorse or the highest respect after a significant scandal. The bow must be 45 degrees, as a 35-degree bow stands for greeting. Since bowing is a sign of respect in Japan, failure to do so may be perceived as dismissive and could most likely damage business relationships.

Conversely, in Western settings direct eye contact and firm handshakes are standard, but in some Middle Eastern cultures prolonged eye contact can be seen as aggressive, and physical contact between genders may be inappropriate, creating confusion for multinational teams.

Misjudging these norms can cause diplomatic faux pas or offend local partners. For today’s professionals, the key is cultural intelligence and ethical awareness. In the complex area of international business, understanding and respecting differences isn’t just polite, it’s strategic. Take the case of Japanese business culture, in which exchanging business cards (meishi) with both hands and meticulous attention to presentation is a sign of respect. Offering a card with the left hand or hurriedly stuffing it into a pocket can offend Japanese colleagues.

One of the most debated areas in business etiquette involves cultural norms around greetings and gift-giving. The acceptability of gift-giving varies widely, as what is consid-

ered a respectful gesture in one country/region might be misconstrued as bribery in another country/region. In West Asia, disciplinary proceedings were launched against a senior official from the European Union accused of accepting luxury gifts from Qatar while his department negotiated a major deal with the Gulf State.

While gift-giving is customary in many Asian countries, the company’s lavish presents were viewed as attempts at bribery, which could lead to reputational damage.

The controversy underscores the importance of understanding local customs, as what is considered respectful in one culture can be interpreted as corrupt in another. In China, giving a small gift is a customary gesture to show appreciation, but in the United States or Europe, such gifts might be viewed suspiciously, especially if they are expensive. In some cases, companies have faced legal scrutiny over “kickbacks” disguised as gifts. For example, in recent years, several international firms have encountered backlash after offering lavish gifts to win contracts, sparking debates about ethics and influence.

While gift-giving can build relationships, it can also be perceived as bribery or favouritism, especially in certain cultures or industries. The appropriate timing, value, and type of gifts are often debated. While gift-giving can be a sign of respect and relationship-building, it can also be perceived as an attempt to influence decisions. Many companies have strict policies prohibiting gifts above a certain value, yet the cultural expectation of generosity can make compliance difficult.

Expectations around professional attire can vary widely across industries and cultures. What is considered respectful or appropriate in one setting might be viewed as unprofessional in another. In industries like finance or law, a suit is still expected, whereas tech companies may embrace casual attire. However, casual attire may backfire in traditional sectors like finance or law. For example, a foreign executive attending a high-stakes meeting in New York’s financial district dressed casually was perceived as unprepared, leading to questions about competence. Meanwhile, in creative industries like advertising, casual wear is often embraced, emphasising the importance of industry-specific norms. A foreign executive attending a meeting in a casual outfit might be perceived as unprofessional or disrespectful in certain contexts, leading to misunderstandings about competence. Additionally, professional attire varies widely depending on region, industry, and culture. Northern regions in Europe favour minimalist designs, while Southern Europe embraces bold colours and flair. Asia emphasises modesty and cultural symbolism, with countries like Japan opting for sleek, neutral styles and India blending traditional garments with modern business wear.

Meanwhile, in the Middle East and Africa, professional attire often reflects a mix of traditional elements and modern business standards. Misjudging dress standards can lead to perceptions of disrespect or lack of seriousness, highlighting the importance of understanding industry-specific norms.

As workplaces become more diverse, issues surrounding gender sensitivity and inclusivity have gained prominence. Comments, gestures, or behaviour that may seem harmless to some can be offensive to others. Ensuring respectful interactions requires ongoing awareness, training, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. Despite increased awareness, gender sensitivity remains a contentious issue. There have been recent debates about the “aggressive” negotiation style of female executives, which can be perceived as sexist. Companies are investing heavily in diversity training, yet controversy persists when behaviour or policies fall short of expectations. Recent debates on gender and diversity continue to include issues surrounding unconscious bias and inappropriate behaviour. For instance, comments about a female colleague’s appearance or assumptions based on gender can lead to lawsuits, reputational damage, and a toxic work environment. Respecting diversity and avoiding behaviour or language that could be perceived as discriminatory or insensitive remains a sensitive area in business etiquette.

In the digital age, communication has moved online, raising questions about professionalism in e-mails, on social media, and on messaging apps. Is it acceptable to send a casual message to a senior executive? How should one handle negative feedback or disagreement in public forums? Such missteps may tarnish reputations and damage relationships, making digital etiquette a hotly debated topic.

In 2024, an American CEO faced backlash after posting a comment on LinkedIn about the firing of his employee. The post was perceived as unprofessional, insensitive, and damaging to the company’s reputation. This incident highlights the delicate balance of professionalism and authenticity online and how misjudged digital interactions can escalate into public relations crises.

Similarly, e-mails and social media have revolutionised business interactions, yet they introduce new controversies. Sending a casual “Hey” to a senior executive or replying to a complaint with a curt tone can damage reputations. Another notable incident involved a CEO who posted an insensitive comment on Twitter, leading to public outrage and costly backlash. (Excerpt from the Jamaican Guardian)

(Diana Shakes is a business etiquette lecturer in the College of Business and Management at the University of Technology, Jamaica)

Guyanese have spoken, and their voices will not be denied

Dear Editor,

The Dalai Lama reminds us, “Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.” September 1st came and left. The country was consumed with the General and Regional Elections. Not selfishly, but perhaps too concerned and occupied with the conduct of the electorate and the act of ensuring that each person eligible to vote did vote, Guyanese may have been oblivious of the events of the rest of the world as they affect other people’s lives.

Six parties vied for the crown. GECOM has provided the results from all the SoPs, and they clearly confirm from all indications that the PPP/C will form the incumbent Government. The PPP/C has gained control of Region Four for the first time in the geopolitical

history of this nation. The old sore has soiled the silly season and soured the seasoning. Aubrey Norton and APNU find it difficult to believe that they have been beaten in their own backyard. He called for a recount of the votes, and GECOM has complied. So far, this election has provided no event to allow the element of fear to emerge. In the dark days of a violent PNC, the Elder was a ringleader. Man always has two reasons to do something: a good reason and the real reason. Has Norton vindicated his position as a leader of APNU, saying, “May I say this to you? We are prepared to behave badly if illegalities occur.” Green with greed, the envious eyes of those accustomed to stirring the pot of trouble have run out of fire sticks. Their pot has gone

cold with peace prevailing from their supporters.

Nigel Hughes and his AFC are licking their wounds. They have been badly wounded and unable to recover from this major setback. Moving from seven seats to zero seats is a calamity. This catastrophic dilemma was formulated by them when they decided to go solo and not align with the APNU as they had done in the two previous elections. The Pied Piper committed a huge mistake by using his cohorts in attempting to foster his personal ambition!

But payback's a bitch. The AFC is suffering from “nara”, but they have to pull the curtains down while singing “Sayonara”. Janjat and Naga once felt huge and cajoled many simpletons on behalf of the AFC. They went to preach the gospel truth to the cane cutters in Berbice

in 2015. They “dulara” and “poojay” those hard-working workers, promising them the moon and stars and that they will not close the sugar estates. But of course, those cutthroats stabbed the sugar industry in its back and put 7000 workers on the breadline and, by extension, affected over 40,000 people and made them impoverished!

Not again. Will anyone trust the AFC? That party is definitely “dead meat” and buried six feet down. There will be no Easter Monday for them to celebrate. At the said time, the sound of silence will be heard loud and clear in Parliament from the voices of Hughes, Patto and Janjat. They got what they deserved. It’s karma playing out.

More by a default mechanism, the Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) escaped

Acceptance is the highest form of patriotism, love for people, country

Dear Editor, In democracies, elections serve as both closure and renewal. They close the chapter of campaign season – months of debates, promises, and mobilisation – and open the door to a new mandate. That mandate, expressed through the ballot box, must be respected by all who participate in the democratic process.

Our 2025 elections sent a clear and resounding message. President Irfaan Ali and his party won decisively, capturing eight of the ten regions, including territories once deemed untouchable by the opposition. This was not a fluke. It was the product of promises kept, development delivered, and a vision of unity that resonated across the country.

For the opposition, disbelief has been swift. To lose not only nationally but also in historic strongholds such as Regions Four and Ten was unexpected and unprecedented. The calls for recounts, while understandable within procedure, cannot mask reality: the outcome, quite frankly, is settled. The people of Guyana have spoken.

Change, which was captured best by Greek philosopher Heraclitus, who famously posited, "Change is the only constant." This truth applies not only to life but also to politics. Guyana’s 2025 elections drastically underscore this reality.

Political history is full of shifting allegiances and evolving landscapes. Today’s governing party may one day sit in opposition, just as today’s defeated parties may rise again. But for that cycle to remain intact, every player must respect the sovereignty of the electorate.

By all accounts, Guyana’s 2025 elections were free, fair, transparent, and peaceful. Our people voted without fear. Observers, international and local, confirmed the credibility of the process. To challenge such an outcome without evidence is not only reckless but dangerous; it undermines faith in democracy itself.

Acceptance, therefore, is not a choice. It is an obligation. Political authority flows from the ballot box, and to deny it is to deny the very people one aspires to serve.

Another truth that should be accepted: defeat, though bitter, is not the end. Around the world, political parties have used moments of loss as opportunities for renewal. They have restructured, reconnected with the people, and returned to power stronger than before.

The opposition’s setbacks in Regions Four and Ten should be treated as catalysts for reform, not excuses for denial. By regrouping and respecting the results, opposition parties can prepare themselves to be more effective in the future, both

as a loyal opposition and as potential leaders down the road.

President Ali’s victory is more than partisan. It is national. The electorate endorsed his vision of growth, equity, and inclusivity. To obstruct this mandate with denial is to obstruct the progress of Guyana itself.

Acceptance, on the other hand, opens the path to reconciliation, stability, and peace, conditions that attract investment, strengthen democracy, and create opportunities for all. The opposition, Government, and people alike share responsibility for ensuring this progress is not derailed.

The message of the 2025 elections is simple but profound: sovereignty belongs

to the people. Their will has been expressed. It must be respected.

Now is the time for unity. The Government must govern. The opposition must regroup. The people must be allowed to move forward in peace. In doing so, all parties demonstrate loyalty not merely to their bases but to Guyana as a nation.

Democracy demands nothing less.

Congratulations, President Irfaan Ali.

Let us not hinder progress. Instead, let us work together for a brighter, stronger, and more united Guyana.

Yours sincerely, Jermaine Figueira

What is the

game plan?

Dear Editor,

A nation is again in waiting, waiting on what is known but just not accepted.

Over in Jamaica, which had elections on Wednesday, results indicate a close call with the JLP returning for a third term, paving the way for Dr Holmes to be sworn in as Prime Minister.

When will our politicians mature to realise holding

and frustrating a nation is not how democracy works?

In 2020 it was a blatant attempt to deny the people their right; in 2025 there is a veiled attempt to frustrate a process that was lauded by all stakeholders. So just what is the game plan of those in denial?

Yours sincerely, Shamshun Mohamed

with a single seat and, in the nick of time, lives to fight another day. Led by Amanza Walton-Desir, she survived by the skin of her teeth, and her name will still be pronounced in Parliament. The charade will continue with her broad smile.

With a sober sense of reasoning, the leader of the Assembly for Liberty and Prosperity (ALP), Simona Broomes, pleaded with all the parties to “accept the outcome of the September 1 elections,” while pinpointing that electoral success requires years of groundwork. ALP failed to win any seat but was brave enough to swim with the sharks.

We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), the three-month-old party which “cruised control” on a monetary trip to monopolise the other PPP/C challengers for the coveted prize, splashed the colour of gold to paint a blue sky. WIN lost the race for first prize but won the race as leader of the pack for the Opposition with 16 seats at the time of writing. It lacked genuine patriotic loyalty from inception and even succumbed to alleged fakeness at the conclusion.

WIN’s leader, the United States (US)-sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed, is a bundle of trouble for the Guyana

Parliament and a pain in the American front, butt and neck. US Ambassador to Guyana Nicole Theriot cautioned, “We wouldn’t be able to work directly with Mr Mohamed in any sort of transaction or financial situation.” Guyanese have put Guyana in deep trouble with the election of a man who is OFAC sanctioned. He, along with his father, is accused of defrauding the Guyanese Government of over US$50 million in taxes through gold smuggling and bribery of public officials. The incumbent PPP/C is momentarily awaiting GECOM’s blessings to form the Government for the next five years. Sooner rather than later, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali will be sworn in for a second term. Despite APNU and WIN’s flimsy call for a recount on the votes from some Region 4 polling stations, it is only a matter of time before the anti-climax subsides.

The people got what they wanted. They have spoken, and their voices will not be denied. Guyana fervently wants Dr Irfaan Ali and the PPP/C to continue swinging the pendulum of peace, progress and prosperity for One Guyana.

Yours respectfully, Jai Lall

Page Foundation

Going back to school

It’s school time again! You’re probably feeling excited and maybe a little sad that summer is over. Some kids feel nervous or a little scared on the first day of school because of all the new things: new teachers, new friends, and maybe even a new school. Luckily, these “new” worries only stick around for a little while. Let’s find out more about going back to school.

The first day

Most teachers kick off the school year by introducing themselves and talking about all the stuff you’ll be doing that year. Some teachers give students a chance to tell something about themselves to the rest of the class.

When teachers do the talking on the first day, they often go over classroom rules so you’ll know what’s OK and what’s not. Pay close attention so you’ll know if you need to raise your hand to ask a question and what the rules are about going to the restroom.

You might already know a lot of kids in your classes on the first day. But it’s a great day to make a new friend, so try to say hello to kids you know and new ones that you don’t. Make the first move and you’ll be glad you did and so will your new friend!

Feeling good on day one

Seeing friends you haven’t seen in a while can make the first day a good one.

Some schools distribute supply lists before the year begins, so you can come stocked up on pencils, folders, and whatever else you’ll be needing. Once you’ve covered the basics, you might tuck an extra few dollars in your backpack for an emergency (like forgetting your lunch money). Or maybe you’d like to bring along a book or magazine to read while you’re on the bus.

Whatever you put in your backpack, make sure you pack it the night before. This prevents the morning

Tpanic when you can’t find your homework or lunch box. Speaking of lunch, that’s something else that can help you feel good at school – whether it’s the first day or the 100th day. Help your parents pack it if you don’t like what’s available at the school. Try to include a variety of foods in your packed lunch, especially fruits and vegetables.

Get oriented

The first day of school is your first chance to find your way around a new school, or learn the pathways to new classes in your old school. It’s a lot to learn in one day, so don’t be surprised if you need a reminder or two.

It might help to write a few notes to yourself, so you’ll remember the important stuff, like your locker combination and that lunch starts at 11:30, not 12:00. Before you know it, your fingers will fly as you open your locker and you won’t have to check your notes to know what time lunch starts!

A bad start?

What if you hate school by the end of day one? Teachers recommend giving things some time to sort themselves out — once you know your way around the building and get adjusted to the new routine, you’ll probably feel better. If those feelings don’t fade, talk to your mom, dad, teacher, or school counsellor.

Here are a few final tips for a fantastic school year: Get enough sleep.

Eat a healthy breakfast.

Try your best.

Use good work habits, like writing down your assignments and turning in your homework on time.

Take your time with school work. If you don’t understand something, ask the teacher.

Keep a sense of humour. (Adapted from kidshealth. org)

By Elly NilaNd

The sap sucking ended Leaves without trees set out Drifted about seeking shape. In no rush, seeking branches Possessed nothing, not even weight. Wrapped only in sable skins of identity Unfocused, spinning like dry tamarinds Through the disintegrating kingdom. They blew across seas, as before To be grounded in webs of triangles Or circles that spread

PPP/C secures landslide victory with 46,513vote lead over combined Opposition — Jagdeo

…says WIN split APNU’s

support

base;

the party “should have seen it coming”

General Secretary (GS) of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has highlighted that the party has won the elections in a landslide victory, earning 46,513 more votes than the combined opposition – which includes five political parties.

Speaking during his press conference on Thursday, Jagdeo pointed out that the count was observed by stakeholders, including polling day staff, local and international observers, and party agents, and that the Statements of Poll (SoPs) were signed off and uploaded to GECOM’s website and available to all Guyanese.

He further highlighted that the results for each district were declared by the respective returning officers and signed onto by the various parties’ agents. The results for all 10 regions are now in the public domain for all Guyanese to see, he noted.

“The tabulation of those results shows that the PPP/ Civic won a landslide in the 2025 elections,” Jagdeo emphasised.

In the 2020 elections, he reminded us that the PPP/C got 50.7 per cent of the votes, whereas the combined opposition got 49.4 per cent – a difference of 0.3 per cent.

In these elections, he said the PPP/C got 55.32 per cent of the votes while the combined opposition got 44.68 per cent – a 10.6 per cent difference.

When examined from another perspective, he explained that in 2020, the PPP/C got 6390 votes more than the combined opposition. In 2025, he said the PPP/C got 46,513 votes more than the combined opposition.

“This is a landslide by any standard,” he contended.

Based on the declared results, the PPP/C earned 242,498 votes. This represents an impressive lead of over 1,300,000 votes over its nearest political rival, the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, which secured 109,066 votes.

In the last national elections in 2020, the PPP/C won the presidency with 233,336 votes, a lead of 15,416 over its nearest political opponent at the time, A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC).

The APNU, which contested independently at this year’s polls, only managed to gain 77,998 votes, while the AFC earned 3610 votes.

The Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) earned 4,197 votes, while the Assembly of Liberty and

Justice (ALP) got 969. Not implausible

The General Secretary also rejected claims by APNU’s presidential candidate Aubrey Norton that it is “implausible” for his party to drop from some 116,941 votes in the 2020 elections to 46,956 at Monday’s polls for Region Four – the country’s largest voting district. He further contended that these results are not surprising, pointing out that he previously cautioned that it was APNU that had to be worried about WIN impacting its support base.

“In these elections, it’s

true that APNU dropped to 46,956 votes. But WIN got 41,607, and APNU dropped to 46,956 votes. It’s true. But combined, they had 88,563 votes. The PPP, on the other hand, increased its vote to 87,536 votes. We increased our votes by 6,000, which is not implausible in an election in Region Four. And they didn’t drop from 116,000 to 40-something thousand. They dropped to just over 88,000 combined because WIN took a significant part of APNU’s votes,” he went on to state.

“…the signs were there; they refused to accept what was clear, what was evident

to every other Guyanese… But they stuck their heads in the sand and refused to deal with this situation,” he contended.

“We saw it coming; they should have seen it coming… [but] they persisted with this fallacy that somehow he [WIN’s presidential candidate Azruddin Mohamed] would have gotten the PPP/C support and caused us to be a minority Government,” he noted.

Support

Meanwhile, the PPP GS also expressed gratitude to all of the party’s supporters, from leaders to grassroots, who contributed to the party’s victory.

He also lauded GECOM for its efficiency in the conduct of Monday’s polls.

“I want to also thank those responsible for logistics before the elections, during the elections and after the elections because too often in a country those people go unnoticed. So outside of the activists who are visibly seen on the streets carrying out the messages, coming to the rallies, and the people who came to the rallies. There was an army of people who were working behind the scenes to bring people out to vote on election day and to cook the food to take to the polling agents. Many of them volun-

teered their vehicles to pick up people all day long. They were there as polling agents of the party. They stayed throughout the whole day. They stayed through the count. They followed the boxes. They ensured that the boxes were escorted safely to different places in the country where they should be. And today I want to also thank them for the work that they did to ensure this massive victory,” he said.

Moreover, Jagdeo lauded the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for executing what he described as a peaceful, well-administered, and free demonstration of democracy.

“There were lots of rumours before the elections about GECOM’s capability. Every international observer group spoke of the manner in which the elections were conducted, the quality of the staff, the helpfulness of the staff, the professionalism of the GECOM staff, and their adherence to procedures to ensure the transparency of the vote. And we saw it, we witnessed it, and we should give appreciation to the leadership of GECOM, to the staff of GECOM, and to the thousands of people that they hired and trained to conduct these elections.” Jagdeo said.

GECOM condemns disinformation campaign by Haddiyyah Mohamed …slams WIN’s candidate’s sister for filming ballot boxes, dismisses tampering claims ...as Police warn against attempts to spread misinformation, incite panic, provoke unrest as recount progresses

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has strongly condemned the unauthorised filming and dissemination of what it described as misleading information.

Haddiyyah Mohamed is the sister of the We Invest in Nationhood party’s leader, the United States (US)-sanctioned Azruddin Mohamed.

According to a statement issued by the Commission, Mohamed filmed ballot boxes awaiting recount at GECOM’s compound during the ongoing ballot recount in Sub-District

Four of District Four. The footage was later uploaded to her Facebook page with claims of tampering, which GECOM said were “unsubstantiated”.

The Commission stressed that all individuals present within its facilities during the recount are bound by strict rules of conduct to ensure transparency, security, and credibility. It noted that unauthorised filming of ballot boxes and other sensitive electoral materials is prohibited.

“This act represents a serious breach of established protocols and a delib-

erate attempt to undermine the integrity of the electoral process,” GECOM stated.

The Commission underscored that the recount process is being conducted under established legal frameworks with representatives of all political parties and accredited observers present to monitor proceedings.

It called on Mohamed, and all stakeholders, to desist from engaging in actions or spreading information that could incite unrest or cast doubt on the electoral process.

“The recount exercise is progressing smoothly with minimal interruption and with the involvement of accredited election agents from all political parties,” the statement read.

GECOM further assured that it remains committed to a fair, transparent, and credible recount and warned that any attempts to disrupt or discredit the process would be met with appropriate action under Guyana’s laws.

The public was advised to rely on official GECOM

statements and accredited news sources for accurate updates on the recount exercise.

Police warn

Meanwhile, the Guyana Police Force on Thursday evening said that it is aware of recent social media content and public statements being circulated by political actors and influencers alleging ballot box tampering during the ongoing recount process.

“We wish to remind the public that the recount is being conducted under tight security and in full

accordance with the laws of Guyana. The process has been peaceful, orderly, and transparent, with representatives from all political parties and accredited observers present,” the GPF said.

The GPF noted that it strongly condemns the spread of misinformation and irresponsible commentary which seeks to inflame public sentiment or disrupt the integrity of the electoral process. “This is especially reckless during a time when stability, lawfulness, and trust in our institutions are critical. We urge

all stakeholders to refrain from publishing or amplifying unverified claims, particularly on social media. Any attempt to incite panic, undermine public order, or provoke unrest will be met with swift and appropriate action under the laws of Guyana.”

The GPF said that it remains fully committed to maintaining peace and security and will continue working closely with the Guyana Elections Commission and all relevant authorities throughout the completion of the electoral process.

Aubrey Norton took Burnham’s PNC from political powerhouse to 3rd ranked – Jagdeo

…“a very sad day for the party”

With the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) – which comprises largely of the Peoples National Congress (PNC) –falling to the third-ranked political force in the country under the leadership of Aubrey Norton, the party will now have a lot of introspection to do.

This is according to General Secretary of the

People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, who has long maintained that his party is the only multi-ethnic and national party in the country.

The PNC was formed in 1957 by Forbes Burnham, who was later elected leader – a position he would retain until his death in 1985. It later rebranded itself as PNC/Reform and then again as the APNU after coalesc-

ing with other smaller political parties.

Since its inception, the party (under the umbrella of APNU) has been a strong political force – forming the government as recently as the 2015-2020 period, in a coalition with the Alliance For Change (AFC).

In the last Parliament, the APNU and AFC occupied 31 seats in the National Assembly, forming the main Parliamentary opposition. Of these, the AFC itself occupied 9 of those seats, while the remaining 22 were held by APNU politicians.

But based on the results of Monday’s General and Regional Elections, the APNU’s influence in the next Parliament would weaken.

The main Parliamentary opposition will now comprise the We Invest Nationhood (WIN) party headed by USsanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed.

In this regard, Jagdeo contended that Norton will have “many sleepless

nights” knowing that he took “Burnham’s party and reduced it to what it is today”.

“You’ll need long, long hours and days of introspection” to rebuild, Jagdeo further noted.

“It’s a very sad day for the PNC,” he added.

Meanwhile, the AFC –once the country’s third political force – has not secured enough votes to earn a seat in the next Parliament.

Truck driver freed of 9.25kg ganja trafficking charge

A41-year-old truck driver who had been facing a trafficking charge over 9.25 kilograms (kg) of cannabis was on Thursday freed after Senior Magistrate Dylon Bess ruled that the prosecution failed to prove its case.

Reaaz Bacchus of New Amsterdam, Berbice, was charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking after police ranks stopped motor lorry GAG 2438 on the Bagotstown Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD), on July 5, 2024. According to the prosecution’s case, 18 parcels, containing leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis, were found stashed inside two bulky multi-coloured shopping bags hidden in a toolbox compartment under the lorry. The parcels, tightly wrapped in transparent plastic, were later weighed and given as 9.25kg.

Bacchus was taken before the Providence Magistrate’s Court and granted bail in the sum of $2.7 million. He was further ordered to report to the Providence Police Station

every Friday pending the hearing and determination of his trial. At one stage, the matter was adjourned until July 29, 2024, for the disclosure of statements.

But defence attorney Bernard Da Silva argued that the state’s case could not withstand scrutiny. In submissions dated May 14, 2025, and again on July 30, 2025, Da Silva told the court that “the prosecution’s best efforts, with the limited but challenging quality of investigations, have failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.”

The defence attacked the evidence on several grounds. Firstly, the drugs were not found in the cabin of the lorry, described as the immediate reach of the driver, but instead in an “empty toolbox” positioned outside the defendant’s control. The toolbox was not secured by a lock, and police were able to access it without Bacchus’s assistance. Da Silva told the court this meant the compartment was “accessible by the public”, making it impossible to pin sole responsibility on his client.

Why…

O…the recount calls?

n Wednesday, when your Eyewitness heard the calls from Aubrey and Sanction Man for recounts in Reg Four and 10 and Reg Four and Eight respectively, he involuntarily moaned, “Here we go again!!” Which caused quite a lotta heads to swivel his way in the restaurant where he was taking in some daily bread!! He did so because by then all of the SoPs had been posted by GECOM on their site – as promised as part of their reform after the innovations of Comrade Mingo!! And some diligent media houses, along with a host of amateur election watchers, had collated them and compiled the votes for the six parties who’d contested the elections!

It showed that the numbers were PPP 242,498 votes, handing them 36 seats; WIN 109,066 votes and 18 seats; APNU/PNC 77,998 votes and 12 seats; Amanza’s FGM 4326 votes and one seat; AFC 3610 and zero seats; and finally, Broomes ALP 969 votes and zero seats. Now while Aubrey has to be devastated at the almost complete annihilation of the PNC, he should know that no recount’s gonna overcome the PPP’s 164,500 lead over his party!! And as for Sanction Man, the same question holds – what’s a recount going to change??

So there gotta be another reason. If Aubrey’s trying to save face by showing the PPP might’ve pushed the envelope on some Commonwealth citizens voting – which is no more than a couple of thousand at max and wouldn’t matter to the bottom line – what’s Sanction Man’s motive?? With his clobbering the PNC that’s been around for more than six decades compared to his six months – you’d think he’d be smirking behind his shades all the way to Parliament!! Of course, for reasons we all know, he can’t smirk all the way to the bank!!

Secondly, Bacchus testified that he was “only one of many drivers who drive the subject lorry.” He was neither the registered owner of the vehicle nor the only person with access to it, and the registered owner was never called as a witness. When confronted at the time of the search, the accused reportedly told ranks, “Officer, I don’t know about that; it’s not me alone driving the truck.” The defence stressed that the prosecution failed to refute this sworn account.

The submissions also highlighted that the ranks admitted that no fingerprints were lifted from the bags or toolbox, no gloves were used during the seizure, no video or photographic evidence was produced despite one rank claiming a video was recorded, and the scale used to weigh the narcotics was not a prescribed, calibrated instrument. Da Silva argued that such lapses “proved fatal in this instance.”

After hearing the evidence, Magistrate Bess ruled and dismissed the charge against the Bacchus.

Did this fella really think he could defeat the PPP and the PNC to become President – with immunity from prosecution on local crimes?? If he did, then he’s certainly not the shrewd operator his old man made him out to be!! But then we all know about doting fathers – not to mention pushy sisters who missed out on the ill-gotten gains inheritance because of old-fashioned patriarchal values!! While the PNC was already on the ropes because of internal bloodletting and following its coalition partner WPA’s Black Pudding Man advice to discount crossover votes, the PPP had a young Presidential candidate backing up HIS charismatic appeal to one and all with a solid five-year record!!

Whatever Sanction Man could do, Irfaan Ali can do it so much better!! And then again, he doesn’t need no teleprompter to deliver any speech – much less just two sentences!!

Even the Scrapes gonna be saying, “Nuff respect!!”

… the exodus?

Now here it is: your Eyewitness had bemoaned the exit of all those executives – past and present – from the PNC to the PPP in the leadup to the elections as an “exodus”. But when he looks at the number of voters who’ve deserted Aubrey in these elections – 139,922 from the 217,920 they snagged in 2020 to a now pitiful 77,998 in 2025 – the only viable analogy is that other Biblical event of folks moving out dubbed the “Rapture”, which is gonna happen at the end of time!!

Well, for Aubrey, while it may not be the end of time, it certainly looks like it’s the end of the line. In 2006 Corbin had lost six seats to the AFC – and he soon stepped aside –and here Aubrey’s lost 20 to WIN!! And not just any votes – but from traditional PNC fortresses – Linden, Buxton, Albuoystown and Sophia – including 60 per cent from Norton’s home village, Plaisance!!

Can the PNC be rebuilt – even WITHOUT Norton?? It’s possible, but not probable!!

…Nigerians or gold?

One of Sanction Man’s ambitious sisters claims the PPP smuggled Nigerians from Suriname to Region Eight – and wants this investigated in their demand for a recount!! Is this similar to the gold smuggled to Reg Eight from Venezuela??

Former national cyclist dies in Mandela Avenue motorcycle crash

Former national cy-

clist Alanzo Nicholas Greaves was on Wednesday evening killed after losing control of a motorcycle he was driving in the vicinity of the Botanical Gardens, Mandela Avenue, Georgetown.

Thirty-six-year-old Greaves of Gordon Street, Kitty, Georgetown, was at the time driving a red, white and black Ducati motorcycle, CH 5222.

Police stated that the motorcyclist was proceeding along Mandela Avenue at a fast rate, without wearing his safety helmet, and while in the vicinity of the Botanical Gardens, he lost control of his motorcycle, causing it to come into contact with a heap of mud that was on the extreme edge of the road beyond the continuous white line.

Greaves sustained injuries to his head and other parts of his body.

Emergency medical technicians were summoned to the accident scene and subsequently pronounced him dead. Further investigation is ongoing.

Greaves, a father of

three, was the youngest of five siblings.

He attended the JE Burnham Primary, then the Queenstown Secondary, but after a year took a transfer to the Business School, where he completed his Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC).

He began his cycling at age 15 after excelling in athletics during primary school. He initially joined the Roraima Bikers Club, briefly switched to the Carlton Wheelers in 2007, then returned to Roraima. His major local achievements include winning the National Five Stage and National Championship in 2007 and the National Three Stage in 2009.

In 2013, he placed in several national races and competed internationally, including in the US, Suriname, and the Caribbean Championships in Curaçao.

He had ambitions to represent Guyana at the 2016 Olympics but was suspended for one year in 2016 after failing a doping test. This ban was extended by three

more years in 2017.

In 2019, Greaves suffered a serious knee injury in a car accident, leading to multiple surgeries. Six years later, cognisant that he might never ride again, he established his taxi service and a car wash.

Prior to his demise on Wednesday evening, he was reportedly hanging out with friends at a popular bar along Sheriff Street, Georgetown.

As news spread about the fatal crash, scores of cyclists, friends and sporting organisations took to social media to mourn his passing.

The Guyana Olympic Association has also extended its deepest sympathies to the family, relatives, teammates, and friends of the former national cyclist, who tragically lost his life.

The Association expressed, “The cycling fraternity and the wider sporting community have lost an athlete and a true son of the soil who proudly represented Guyana.

“To his family, friends,

colleagues, and loved ones, we pray that God grants you strength, comfort, and

courage during this difficult time. Alanzo will be fondly remembered and greatly missed,” the Association said.

District 4, Sub-District 4 election recount

No significant changes in numbers already counted – GECOM Commissioner

…as WIN's bid to have the entire Region 4 recounted fails …recount now also includes 77 ballot boxes from Region 5

By Andrew CArmiChAel

There have been no significant changes in the ballots counted as those that appeared on the Statement of Polls during the current recounting of ballots for District 4 Sub-District 4 (Demerara-Mahaica).

This is according to Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Commissioner Sase Gunraj

on Thursday evening.

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) had agreed to a request by the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) for a recount of district four, sub-district four.

The recount of the 391 commenced at 08:00h on Thursday, and by 18:00h, 101 boxes were recounted.

Speaking with the media outside of GECOM’s headquarters in Kingston,

“There is absolutely no way, unless something cataclysmic occurs, and I don’t see that happening, that the results can be changed in any significant way” – GECOM Commissioner Sase Gunraj

Georgetown, Gunraj said, “Of great importance is that there is no significant change in the numbers that are already contained on statements of poll that, of course, have led to declarations. There is no significant change. There is perhaps one here that might have been queried; the questions are being asked about. There may be one there that

a question is asked about, but by and large, there has been no significant change in the results.”

The commissioner added that while there are agents at each of the 25 work stations set up by GECOM for the recount, he has seen no real interest from the party leaders in the recount.

“You are seeing no real in-

terest from senior members of their party, senior candidates, nothing like that. And it therefore begs the question whether this is indeed a delaying tactic to frustrate the electorate and to frustrate this nation as a whole… There is absolutely no way, unless something cataclysmic occurs, and I don’t see that happening, that the results can be changed in any significant way.”

77 Region 5 ballot boxes

Meanwhile, GECOM on Thursday approved the partial recount of ballots coming out of District Five (MahaicaBerbice) at the request of APNU.

According to Gunraj, the request was granted because it satisfied all the criteria necessary for the granting of a recount.

“The two basic criteria, and there may be more, but

President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo said the results are already known to every person.

Speaking at his weekly press conference on Thursday, he pointed out that all ten Returning Officers (ROs) have individually made a declaration of their regions.

“I think by now, Guyanese are aware that you just have to allow the process to be completed. When people request a recount, they have to do it by a certain time,” Jagdeo said.

“If they do it by a certain time and the right person does it, it’s automatic. You have to give the recount. That’s part of our electoral process. You can’t hurry this up. You can’t stop people from getting a recount once they comply with the law. And the law says by noon of the following day after the declaration, you have a right to request a recount, and you have

I believe these are the rudimentary ones. It is received in time, and the request is made by the right person. In this sense, it complied with those two criteria. I am also aware that yesterday [Wednesday] the window for recounts started when the declaration was made and closed at 12 noon the following day.”

However, another request coming out of Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) did not meet that criteria and was not granted by GECOM.

“I understand that prior to the close of that window, a request for a recount in Region 8 was submitted. However, it was not signed by the person who is duly appointed by law to make that request. And as a consequence, it was rejected on that basis. I am also aware that a similar request came today for the entirety of Region Four from WIN, and it suffered the same defect and, as a consequence, was rejected,” the Commissioner revealed.

“After the count of Region Four is done, the partial count of Region Five will begin,” he added. The recount exercise will continue today.

Results already known Meanwhile, Vice

to do it.”

Jagdeo, who is the General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), said the party will not pressure GECOM to conclude the recount, explaining that the party is not in a rush.

“We are not going to attempt to rush anything through there. They should do it diligently, the recount, because we don’t believe it will change the results one bit. And after that, the declaration would be made, and President Ali would be sworn in.”

Jagdeo added that he does not see the matter being taken to the courts, as in the case in 2020, when the courts were used to stop Clairmont Mingo, the RO for Region Four, from declaring the results.

“It is not like 2020 when we had the injunction to stop Mingo from declaring the results, because the process is being followed now. We got that injunction because Mingo was not following the law. The law said that you had to use the SOPs as the basis on which to do the tabulation. He was using a spreadsheet. In these elections, the SOPs are known to every Guyanese,” Jagdeo explained.

Caribbean Airlines halts all T&T–Venezuela flights with immediate effect

Caribbean Airlines has announced the termination of all flights between Trinidad and Caracas, Venezuela, for the month of September 2025.

In a statement on Thursday, the airline said

Additionally, passengers who prefer not to rebook may apply for a full refund through the airline’s call centre, ticket offices, or their travel agents.

Caribbean Airlines noted that any further updates on its Caracas operations

the decision takes immediate effect and applies to all scheduled services along the route.

Passengers already booked on the affected flights are being contacted directly by the airline. They will be allowed to rebook their travel without any change fees, provided the new booking is in the same cabin. Customers also have the option of rescheduling their flights on any future Caribbean Airlines service, with no penalty.

The airline stressed that all changes must be processed through its Reservations Call Centre or at a Caribbean Airlines Ticket Office.

will be shared via its official website, www.caribbean-airlines.com, and across its social media platforms.

“We thank our customers for their understanding and regret any inconvenience caused,” the statement said.

The cancellations come at a time when the US military carried out a strike on Tuesday against a vessel originating from Venezuela, killing 11 persons allegedly involved in narcotics trafficking.

According to a Reuters report, President Donald Trump confirmed the operation, describing it as the first known offensive action since his Administration

deployed warships to the southern Caribbean earlier this year.

Trump later posted a video on his Truth Social platform that appeared to show drone footage of a speedboat exploding at sea

before catching fire. “The strike resulted in 11 terrorists killed in action. No US forces were harmed in this strike,” he said, claiming the crew belonged to the Venezuelan criminal syndicate Tren de Aragua, which

the US designated as a terrorist organisation in February. Trump further alleged that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro controls the gang, accusations Caracas has repeatedly denied.

The strike comes amid a significant US military build-up in the southern Caribbean. Seven warships – including the USS San Antonio, USS Iwo Jima, and USS Fort Lauderdale –along with a nuclear-powered fast attack submarine and more than 4500 sailors and Marines, have been deployed to the region. US officials say surveillance aircraft, including P-8 spy planes, are also operating in international waters to monitor trafficking routes.

Secretary of State

Marco Rubio suggested the destroyed vessel may have been bound for Caribbean nations, including Trinidad. “Suffice it to say that the president is going to be on offence against drug cartels and drug trafficking in the United States,” Rubio is quoted as saying in the article.

Last month, Reuters reported that Washington doubled its reward to US$50 million for information leading to Maduro’s arrest, accusing him of ties to drug trafficking and organised crime. Venezuelan officials maintain that Tren de Aragua was dismantled during a 2023 prison raid and no longer operates inside the country.

Parliamentarians have no immunity – Jagdeo warns Azruddin Mohamed

…says US-sanctioned man will not be allowed to disrupt lives of Guyanese

General Secretary (GS) of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, has issued a firm warning that Azruddin Mohamed will not be allowed to destabilise the country following his party’s rise to Parliament.

With the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) collapsing to third place under Aubrey Norton’s leadership, the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, headed by US-sanctioned Mohamed, is now poised to become the main parliamentary Opposition.

Jagdeo, however, stressed that the PPP/Civic Government will not tolerate any attempts to derail peace and stability.

“Everybody wants free and fair elections; they want the rules of the game to be clear; people had a fair chance to contest; the results are known, whether they supported the PPP or APNU or wherever else they want to continue their lives. The people have spoken; the electorate have spoken…. Azruddin Mohamed will not be allowed to disrupt the lives of our people if he has such an intention,” Jagdeo said on Thursday during a press conference.

“We have tens of thousands of people who have to go out every day to earn a living; they need a peace-

PNC was formed in 1957 by Forbes Burnham, who was later elected leader – a position he would retain until his death in 1985. It later rebranded itself as the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and then again as the APNU after coalescing with other smaller political parties.

Since its inception, the party has been a strong political force – forming the Government as recently as the 2015-2020 period, in a coalition with the Alliance For Change (AFC).

ful Guyana to have that happen. They need to take their children to school; they want a peaceful Guyana. They want to make sure that they can go out and enjoy leisure activity peacefully and safely, and we’re taking that responsibility as a Government seriously,” Jagdeo said.

Based on the results of Monday’s General and Regional Elections, the influence of APNU – of which the People’s National Congress (PNC) is the main party – in the next Parliament would be weakened.

The main parliamentary Opposition will now comprise the WIN party headed by the US-sanctioned businessman.

In the last Parliament, the APNU and AFC occupied 31 seats in the National Assembly, forming the main parliamentary Opposition. Of these, the AFC itself occupied nine of those seats, while the remaining 22 were held by APNU politicians.

No immunity

During his weekly press conference on Thursday, Jagdeo also explained that while WIN has garnered a decent amount of support during this year’s election, primarily securing support from the electorate in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) – an APNU stronghold – he reminded that entry into the National Assembly could not shield him from legal challenges or prosecution for criminal offences.

With this in mind, the GS

made it unequivocally clear that Guyana’s Constitution offers no immunity to parliamentarians from criminal prosecution.

“But a point that I made before still stands. That if any individual feels that a parliamentary position will cause them to avoid accountability for criminal acts, then that parliamentarian is suffering from a severe case of delusion. First of all, our Parliament doesn’t offer, as I said before, immunity to parliamentarians from criminal acts. And two, that a lot of what had to be put on hold because of the campaign, evidence of criminality because of the campaign and the feeling that if you pursue individuals for their criminal acts who are run-

ning for office, it would be seen as victimisation by the State or the ruling party, that no longer applies once the elections are over,” he said.

The GS reminded that during his own tenure as Opposition Leader, he was not immune from scrutiny, citing the arrests of senior party figures and his own questioning by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU).

“The evidence of criminal behaviour will now have to be presented to the right fora, which are our courts and everything else, and our tax authorities, so that they can continue to do their work professionally and diligently and without fear of any criticism that they are treating people preferentially. So, I’m sure as Azruddin Mohamed wouldn’t want preferential treatment from the Police because as opposition leader you have to have, if he decides he wants to go for that, you have to have equality before the law. I remember as opposition leader, I’m not saying he will be, but if he decides that, that’s their decision to make. SOCU came to my office; you remember they arrested Roger Luncheon,” he explained.

OFAC sanction

In 2024, the US Department of the

Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced sanctions against Nazar Mohamed, his son Azruddin Mohamed, several of their companies, and Guyanese Government official Mae Thomas for their alleged involvement in public corruption in Guyana. According to a statement from OFAC, this is related to the evasion of taxes on gold exports, noting that between 2019 and 2023, Mohamed’s Enterprise omitted more than 10 thousand kilograms (kg) of gold from import and export declarations and avoided paying more than US$50 million in duty taxes to the Government of Guyana.

Maduro puppet On June 30, United States (US) Congressman Carlos Giménez had also raised concerns over what he describes as Venezuela’s attempt to influence internal affairs in Guyana, specifically through a controversial figure. Giménez stated, “In the US Congress we are alarmed by the regime in Venezuela’s attempt to undermine Guyana through its pro-Maduro puppet candidate Azruddin Mohamed, who is sanctioned by OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control).”

No evidence of fraud in 2025 elections – PSC

…hails 2025 elections as free and fair

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) has firmly rejected all claims of fraud in Guyana’s 2025 General and Regional Elections, even as the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) carries out recounts in Regions Four and Five.

At a press conference on Thursday, Executive Committee Member Kit Nascimento declared, “If anybody in or outside of this country makes any accusations that this election is fraudulent, they are absolutely wrong, and there will be absolutely no evidence to substantiate such a claim.”

Meanwhile, PSC Chairman Captain Gerald Gouveia Jr stressed that from the PSC’s observations, “the declaration of results from GECOM is beyond challenge”, adding that the commission was “fully confident in GECOM’s execution of both the electoral process and the recount, and we commend them for conducting it in a free, fair, transparent, and efficient manner.”

The comments came as GECOM approved and began recounting ballots in two key electoral districts following requests from the opposition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

In Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), the country’s largest district, 391 ballot boxes are being recounted for Subdistrict Four.

By Thursday evening, more than 100 had already been processed, with GECOM officials indicating that the exercise will likely continue into the weekend.

In Region Five (MahaicaBerbice), a similar request was granted, with 77 boxes included in the recount. GECOM has reported no significant changes to vote totals.

Captain Gouveia Jr said the PSC was satisfied that the recounts were being handled with professionalism. “We commend the readiness and professionalism of GECOM and the police in facilitating it, keeping the process flowing and safe,” he noted.

While some political actors may be uneasy with the idea of recounts, he stressed that they remain “part of our democratic process. We may not like it or agree with it, but that is democracy, and we are all in support of the democratic process.”

The PSC emphasised that its observer mission was one of the largest and most inclusive in the country’s history.

“The Private Sector Commission’s observer mission is comprised of all of our memberships, which include all of the regional chambers from across all 10 regions, including the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It includes all of the sectoral business support organisations, as well as a lot of the large enterprises in Guyana,” Gouveia Jr explained. He said this provided “a very wide range and widespread network of people that can participate in our election observer mission.”

Observers were deployed across the country, including in Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica),

Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), where they monitored the voting process, the counting, and the preparation of the statements of poll.

“Across the 2790 polling stations, there were observable dedication, professionalism, patience, and understanding from the GECOM staff, and we commend the competence and dedication demonstrated by all of them,” Gouveia Jr said.

He also pointed out that while some party agents raised claims during the recount, “it is our observation that these have been addressed efficiently and properly by GECOM.”

Reflecting on the progress made since Guyana’s controversial 2020 elections, Nascimento reminded reporters that, “It was five years ago when I sat in exactly the same chair I’m sitting in now, alongside Captain Gouveia’s father, but we reported a very different situation. It was the first press conference that the Private Sector ever had at those elections. And we came here to report that we were seeing an election that was being rigged. That was five years ago. On this occasion … we have seen an election which had been professionally held. We’ve seen the planning of this election and the administration of it, and we have seen no evidence whatsoever of anything but a professional election being conducted.”

While commending the process, the PSC acknowledged that there were still

Parliamentarians have no...

Subsequently, US Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar cautioned that “We remain deeply concerned about efforts to undermine democracy in Guyana. As a strategic ally of the United States, Guyana deserves leaders who respect democratic values. Individuals sanctioned for illicit activities must not be allowed to jeopardise this vital relationship.” Venezuela currently does not have an active extradition treaty with the US. Historically, the country has considered extradition requests on a case-by-case basis, weighing factors such as reciprocity and the interests of justice. However, this approach is not governed by a formal, treaty-based framework.

President Dr Irfaan Ali had previously explained that the US-sanctioned businessman is a risk and a threat to Guyana’s financial stability, sovereignty and diplomacy.

Local tax evasion

Further, Mohamed is currently before the local court charged with allegedly fraudulently under-declaring the value of a Lamborghini Aventador, which is currently at the centre of the dispute between him and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

The US Department of Justice (DOJ), under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT), provided an original invoice for the Lamborghini Aventador, which was billed to Azruddin Mohamed himself, to the tune of US$695,000. However, in his previous declarations to the court, Mohamed claimed to have spent US$76,000 on the luxury car – a difference of some US$619,000.

In April, GRA officials, backed by police, attempted to seize several luxury vehicles – in-

areas in need of attention.

“One of the things that we are asking GECOM to significantly improve is ensuring better access and accommodations for differently abled people,” Nascimento said. He also called for better signage leading voters from the street to the polling booth, especially in large facilities where confusion was observed, and for improved conditions inside polling stations, including better furniture, ventilation, and climate control for

staff and voters who spend long hours in those environments.

Despite those recommendations, the PSC concluded that the 2025 elections represented one of the smoothest processes in the nation’s history.

“The Private Sector Commission commends all Guyanese for what has been one of the most, if not the most, efficient and peaceful elections our nation has ever experienced,” Gouveia said.

He thanked party agents for their professionalism, observers for their long hours, and the electorate for its patience, maturity, and respect for the democratic process.

“Together, we have shown the world that democracy in Guyana is strong and secure,” he said, adding, “We have full confidence in GECOM to continue the recount and take the electoral process all the way to the declaration of the new President.”

FROM PAGE 18

cluding the Lamborghini roadster, Ferrari, Rolls Royce, and Land Cruisers – from the Mohameds' residence in Houston, Greater Georgetown. The operation was aborted after a hostile crowd, reportedly paid by Mohamed, blocked access to the premises. GRA has said that the vehicles were imported under the re-migrant scheme but failed to meet key requirements, including residency status and proper declaration of value. The total tax liability in the matter is estimated at nearly $900 million. Among the outstanding amounts are $479.7 million for a 2020 Ferrari registered to Hana Mohamed, $371.7 million for the Lamborghini tied to Azruddin Mohamed, $320 million for a 2023 Rolls Royce registered to Bibi Mohamed, and additional millions linked to a Range Rover and Toyota Land Cruisers under various family members' names.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 21

FROM PAGE 20

PPP extends Youman Nabi greetings; urges unity, peace, mutual respect

On this sacred occasion of Youman Nabi, the People’s Progressive Party extends heartfelt greetings to our Muslim brothers and sisters here in Guyana and across the world.

Youman Nabi stands as a profound reminder of the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, whose enduring message of peace, compassion, justice, and unity continues to guide and inspire humanity. His noble example urges us to embrace understanding, empathy, and respect for one

another, regardless of our differences.

As we commemorate this blessed day, the PPP calls on all citizens to reflect on the universal values of love, kindness, and mutual respect, values that strengthen the bonds of friendship, tolerance, and inclusivity within our diverse nation.

May this Youman Nabi bring peace, blessings, and spiritual renewal to all, and may we continue, together, to advance the prosperity and well-being of our beloved Guyana.

GAWU urges unity, shared commitment for a stronger

Guyana

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) extends warm greetings to all Guyanese, particularly our Muslim brothers and sisters, on the sacred occasion of Youman Nabi 2025. This day, which commemorates the birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), offers us all an opportunity to reflect on the enduring lessons of his life and teachings.

The Prophet Muhammad’s message of peace, unity, piousness, and charity continues to inspire billions around the world and serves as a guiding light for people of all faiths. His example reminds us of the importance of compassion for one another, the value of selflessness, and the power of building communities on the foundation of justice and equality. These teachings are deeply relevant

to our society today, as we strive to strengthen our bonds as one people with a common purpose.

On this sacred day, GAWU emphasises the need for unity and shared commitment among all Guyanese as we continue building and advancing our beloved country. Youman Nabi's message aligns with Guyana's common destiny, where harmony, mutual respect, and collective effort are essential to achieving prosperity and a better quality of life for all.

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union, therefore, extends best wishes for a happy and peaceful Youman Nabi to all Guyanese. May this occasion inspire us to embrace the noble values of the Prophet’s teachings and to work together, hand in hand, towards a brighter and more united Guyana.

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) extends warm and sincere greetings to our Muslim brothers and sisters, and to all Guyanese, on the sacred occasion of Youman Nabi, the birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, Peace Be Upon Him (PBUH). Youman Nabi holds profound significance for the Muslim community in Guyana and across the globe. It is a time for deep reflection on the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who brought a message of peace and universal brotherhood to the world. The Holy Prophet’s example of compassion, humility, integrity, and forgiveness continues to inspire millions to lead lives of faith and service. For all Guyanese, regardless of religious beliefs, the observance of Youman Nabi offers a valuable opportunity to appreciate the universal principles that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) championed. His teachings on social justice,

equality, care for the poor and vulnerable, and the importance of unity transcend cultural and religious boundaries.

In Guyana, those values are the very bedrock upon which our national motto is built. The Holy Prophet’s life is a testament to building bridges of understanding and fostering harmony. In his own words, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Be kind, for whenever kindness becomes part of something, it beautifies it. Whenever it is taken from something, it leaves it tarnished.”

This timeless message is particularly relevant to our nation as we continue our journey of promoting harmony and good relations amongst all the ethnic groups residing in Guyana. As we join with our Muslim brothers and sisters in observing this holy day, let us all be inspired to embody the principles of tolerance, respect, and kindness in our daily interactions.

CIOG President’s Youman

Nabi

Message: A call to emulate the noble teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)

In the name of Allah (swt), the infinitely merciful, the infinitely compassionate.

O Allah, bless our beloved Muhammad (saw), the light of lights, the secret of secrets, the antidote for depression and the key to the door of ease... O Allah, bless our master Muhammad (saw) in every drop of rain that has fallen from Your heavens to Your earth from the day You created the world to the Day of Resurrection and every day a thousand times. and upon his family, the pure ones, grant as much as the bounties of Allah (swt) and His blessings.

Assalaamu-Alaikum WaRahmatullahi WaBarakatuh. May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah (swt) be with you all.

My dear brothers and sisters in Islam and humanity, on this joyful occasion of observing the birth and life of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (saw), I extend greetings to you on behalf of the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana. May Allah (swt) bless us and accept all our devotion and service. Aameen.

Our perpetual love for Prophet Muhammad (saw) is the framework by which every Muslim lives his life, and what a beautiful life we will have if we are guided by the Prophet’s (saw) exemplary conduct. He (SAWS) taught and reminded us to be obedient to Allah SWT, encouraged us to engage with the Holy Quran, to always keep learning, to remain humble, to treat our neighbours well, and to never hold a grudge; instead, withhold your anger and respond with forgiveness. These are amongst the many traits that will ensure our felicity in this life and the next.

We are reminded in many narrations that when the Prophet (saw) was born, the thrones of kings shook, palaces crumbled, idols in the Kaaba fell, and fires of worship were extinguished. These signs were evidence of the power and favour that Allah (swt) would bestow on his Final Messenger.

Prophet Mohammed (saw) suffered many hardships as an orphan and an adult. He (saws) endured years of persecution

before He (saws) marched triumphantly into the city of his birth at the head of the largest army ever assembled in Arabian history. Through it all, the Prophet (saw) remained faithful and set the example of how to live in a manner that is pleasing to Allah (swt). The Prophet (saw) was humble, loyal, honest, patient, considerate, compassionate, and merciful. The Prophet’s (saw) character was of such high moral excellence that even his enemies testified to it, and he was known among his people as al-Amîn – the Trustworthy. Allah (swt) confirmed:

And verily, you (O Muhammad) are of the highest standard of character (Quran 68:4).

Stories abound about Prophet Muhammad’s (saw) patience, loyalty, and compassion to all around him. He (saw) was consistently kind and considerate to his family, his followers, his detractors, and to every living creature, including animals and trees. The Prophet (saw) reminded us:

“...verily, Allah is kind (gentle), and He loves kindness (gentleness) and confers upon kindness which He does not confer upon severity….” Sahih Muslim 2593

The occasion of celebrating the birth and life of our Master and Guide, our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (saw), should be used to strengthen our will to follow his example. Let us reflect on his message:

“Wealth, social position and racial superiority do not give special status to anyone; all of you are equal in the eyes of God. It is only the path of righteousness which makes you a distinguished human being."

His dying words were filled with care, concern and a recipe for success:

“Treat your women well, and do not oppress your servants. The prayer, the prayer – don’t be neglectful of the prayer. O God, my highest companion, my highest companion.”

Prophet Muhammad (saw) displayed a true and abiding love for his followers and offered ceaseless prayers on our behalf for protection, guidance, mercy, and forgiveness. In return, we offer prayers of gratitude and respect and love, and we strive to follow his example so that we can be worthy to obtain his intercession to help us enter paradise.

Let the noble birth of our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (saws) be a new beginning for us to evaluate where we are in emulating the beautiful Prophetic character of the best of creation. Let us sincerely ask ourselves, how far have we progressed in our obedience to Allah swt? How much of the Holy Quran do we read and reflect on in our daily lives? Are our experiences in life uplifting us? Are we good and truthful to our family, neighbours and friends? Do we withhold being angry and respond with forgiveness? Unless we can all refine our character, only then can we find true felicity in this life and the next, and then and only then can we claim to truly love Prophet Muhammad (saws). Despite how other paths may be tempting, I implore each of us, let us walk together and embody the noble character of Prophet Muhammad (saws). I ask Allah (swt) to bless all of you as we join in praising our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (saw):

O Allah, bless our Master Muhammad, who opened what was closed and sealed what was before. He makes the truth victorious, and he is the guide to your straight path. And bless his household as it befits his immense stature and splendour.

Oh Allah! Bestow Your Mercy and Blessings upon Muhammad whenever he is remembered, and bestow Your Mercy and Blessings upon Muhammad whenever he is not remembered.

May the peace and blessing of the Most Merciful be upon each and everyone.

Wa-AlaikumusSalaam WaRahmatullahiWaBarakaatuh.

Al-Hajj Shahabudeen Ahmad President, CIOG

2 injured in gas bottle explosion in Sophia …

Massy says regulator was faulty

Two individuals were injured in a flash explosion at a residence in C Field, Sophia, early Thursday morning. Massy Gas Products Guyana Ltd has confirmed that the incident was caused by a faulty, non-recommended regulator. According to the company, a technical response team visited the property at Lot 121 C Field Sophia at 14:20h to conduct an on-site assessment in the presence of the customer, King Jarod, who is the brother of one of the injured parties. The injured individuals were not present during the inspection.

Preliminary findings by Massy Gas revealed that the LPG cylinder involved showed no evidence of leaks and that its rubber seal was intact. The cylinder, purchased approximately two days prior from a nearby dealer, was nearly full. However, a non-recommended regulator had been installed, Massy said, and the regulator was found to be defective, releas-

ing gas even when in the OFF position, which directly caused the flash explosion.

The incident was reportedly not reported to the Guyana Fire Service. As part of its immediate response, Massy Gas replaced the unsafe regulator with a recommended Kosan regulator, along with a new hose and clips, ensuring the installation met safety standards. The company stressed the importance of using only approved regulators and fittings that meet established safety standards. Customers are urged to regularly inspect their equipment and to always use recommended Kosan regulators, hoses, and clips to minimise the risk of accidents.

The company also reminded the public to immediately report any suspected gas leaks, unusual odours, or faulty equipment to its emergency hotline at 592600-0839, and to notify the Guyana Fire Service if an incident occurs.

In January, Basmattie

Ganpat, 55, who suffered severe burns in a gas explosion at her Foulis, East Coast Demerara (ECD) home on January 4, passed away at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Ganpat, who sustained burns to 80 per cent of her body, had been fighting for her life for two weeks.

Her common-law partner, 58-year-old Manu Sukhu, who was also injured in the explosion and suffered burns to 68 per cent of his body, died days after her.

After that incident, several other non-lethal explosions occurred in a series of incidents.

In February, in light of several incidents involving cooking gas cylinders, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), Guyana Fire Service (GFS), Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC), and the Ministry of Labour’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department met several times to investigate the incidents involving cooking gas cylinders.

The group examined interim reports from the respective agencies and agreed to conduct further detailed investigations at the retailer and consumer levels, including matters related to transportation, storage, and use of the cylinders.

As part of the investigation, the agencies had recognised the importance of sensitising the public on the safe transportation, handling, storage, installation, and use of cooking gas cylinders.

Miner nabbed at Itabali Checkpoint with ganja

A32-year-old miner of Sophia, Greater Georgetown, was arrested at the Itabali Police Check Point, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), on Thursday morning after being found in possession of marijuana.

The man, who was travelling in motorcar HD 7727 en route to Puruni Landing, was stopped by Police ranks at about 11:00h. According to Police reports, officers conducted a search of the driver and three passengers, including the minor, who reportedly exhibited nervous behaviour during the stop.

During the search, Police discovered 68.6 grams of marijuana concealed inside a black plastic bag within a pack of oats that the man was carrying. Upon questioning, he admitted that the narcotics belonged to him, claiming that they were for personal use.

According to Police Headquarters, ranks carried out a cordon-and-search operation between 20:10h and 20:30h after receiving information that led them to the home of Hudley Khan, known as Allan.

Teen slapped with murder charge for Mocha fatal shooting

A19-year-old labourer has been remanded to prison in connection with the fatal shooting of Mocha businesswoman Desiree Hyman, who was gunned down during an apparent robbery at her boutique at the East Bank Demerara (EBD) last month. Joshua Roach, of North East La Penitence Squatting Area, Georgetown, was arrested on August 19 and charged on Thursday with murder, contrary to Section 100(1)(c)(i) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01. He appeared before Senior Magistrate Dylon Bess at the Diamond/Golden Grove Magistrate’s Court, where the charge was read.

Roach was not required to enter a plea and was remanded to prison. The case will continue on October 14.

Roach has been linked to the murder of 51-year-old Desiree Hyman, a mother of six and long-time clothes vendor, who was shot and killed at her shop at Lot 297, First Street, Mocha, on 19 July, at around 14:30h. Investigators said that Hyman was confronted by two masked men arriving on a motorcycle, one of whom was armed with a handgun. Police believe the suspects attempted to rob Hyman during the encounter.

During the attack, Hyman resisted, and one of

the assailants fired at her multiple times. She sustained six gunshot wounds – three to the left lower abdomen, two to the right side, and one lodged beneath her right breast. Emergency Medical Technicians from the Eccles Fire Station responded to the scene, and a doctor from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation pronounced her dead at about 16:40h on the day of the shooting.

Police later recovered two 9mm spent shells and one suspected projectile about three feet from her body. CCTV footage from cameras in the area was collected and reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.

Hyman had been operating her boutique for several years and was well-regarded in the community. Residents

described her as hard-working, generous, and dedicated to providing for her family. This incident followed a robbery on the same street just two weeks prior, which fortunately ended without casualties.

Following the murder, Police conducted an intelligence-led operation on July 20, which led to the arrest of a 42-year-old taxi driver from Paradise, East Coast Demerara. Acting on information, detectives made contact with the suspect on Dennis Street, Sophia, and informed him that he was wanted in connection with Hyman’s murder. While he denied involvement, he was taken into custody at Providence Police Station. However, the status of that aspect of the investigation was not revealed by Police.

He was subsequently informed of the offence and arrested.

This arrest comes less than a month after Police in Region Seven arrested a couple after marijuana and methamphetamine were uncovered during a search at their residence in Puruni Landing, Cuyuni-Mazaruni.

At the location, officers met Khan and his reputed wife, 32-year-old Venezuelan national Yolimar Del Valle Rivas. The couple was informed that the search would be conducted for illegal firearms, narcotics, and ammunition. Khan then admitted that drugs were in the house and directed officers to a multicoloured bag inside his room.

The bag contained 23 bulky parcels and a transparent plastic bag with what appeared to be cannabis leaves, seeds, and stems, along with another plastic bag holding a whitish rocklike substance suspected to be methamphetamine.

President Ali congratulates Jamaican PM Andrew Holness on re-election

The Guyanese Head of State emphasised the long-standing friendship between Guyana and Jamaica, noting that the relationship has been strengthened by their joint commitment to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). He expressed his intention to work closely with Prime Minister Holness and his Government to further build on these ties.

Ali also highlighted the opportunities that the next five years hold for the Caribbean, particularly in enhancing co-operation in

President Dr Irfaan Ali has extended congratulations to Prime Minister Andrew Holness on his re-election as leader of Jamaica, describing it as a reaffirmation of the Jamaican people’s confidence in his leadership and policies.

In a congratulatory message issued to the Jamaican Prime Minister, President Ali said Holness’ victory at the polls reflects the trust and clarity with which the people of Jamaica have chosen their leadership.

“As you embark on this new chapter of leadership, the confidence reposed in you at the polls also opens new possibilities for deepening regional ties and expanding bilateral co-operation,” Ali stated.

Construction worker, taxi driver jailed

…Lusignan resident charged with receiving stolen article

Two men, including a construction worker and a taxi driver, were sentenced to three months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to a simple larceny charge at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court.

Eric Orlando Arnold, 23, known as “Ajay,” a construction worker residing in Phase 2, Good Hope, ECD, and Joshua Chowkai, 25, also called “Jay,” a taxi driver from Mon Repos, ECD, were both arrested on Tuesday by a rank from the Beterverwagting Police

Station. They were charged with the offence of Simple Larceny under Section 164 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 08:01, involving a complainant named Balram Manickram.

On Wednesday, both accused appeared before Magistrate Abigail Gibbs. After the charge was read, they pleaded guilty. An agreement of settlement was presented in court, leading to a sentence of three months’ imprisonment for each.

In a related incident, Rahul Sewdial, a 27-year-

old resident of Lusignan, ECD, was arrested on Tuesday and charged with the offence of Receiving Stolen Articles, contrary to Section 237(1) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01. The alleged offence also involved the complainant Balram Manickram.

Sewdial appeared at Vigilance Magistrates’ Court, Magistrate Sunil Scarce. He pleaded not guilty, though he provided compensation to the victim of $450,000. The matter is still pending.

areas such as trade, agriculture, food and energy security, environmental sustainability, and human security.

“Your continued tenure represents a chance to fortify the foundations you have laid over the past years and to further pursue new horizons for Jamaica's prosperity,” the message read.

The President assured Holness of his best wishes and reaffirmed Guyana’s support in fostering stronger bilateral and regional partnerships.

McCoy blasts WIN’s “misinformation campaign”

KMinister has publicly criticised Hadiyyah Mohamed and the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party for spreading misinformation during the ongoing 2025 electoral recount. Hadiyyah Mohamed is the sister of the leader of WIN, United States (US)-sanctioned Azruddin Mohamed.

McCoy said on Thursday evening that Mohamed and WIN have engaged in what he described as a deliberate campaign aimed at creating fear, inciting public disorder, and undermining confidence in the electoral process. “At this stage of the 2025 electoral process, it is abundantly clear that Hadiyyah Mohamed and WIN have chosen a path of deliberate misinformation,” McCoy stated.

The Minister noted that the elections have been conducted in a peaceful, transparent, and credible manner, and he stressed that the ongoing recount

only reinforces the integrity of Guyana’s democracy.

According to McCoy, Mohamed and her supporters circulated claims on social media alleging that

ballot boxes were tampered with. He said these claims were baseless and accompanied by a video that violated Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) procedures for the recount.

McCoy further criticised the individuals involved, highlighting their prior sanctions by the United States for gold smuggling, tax evasion, and other serious offences. “Their actions are propelled by a hustler’s mentality that is shaped by mistrust as a result of their own long history of illegality and self-interest,” he said.

He added that such attempts to smear the electoral process are transparent and should not detract from the credibility and fairness of the ongoing vote count.

Legendary Italian designer Giorgio Armani dies

The Italian fashion designer and billionaire brand owner Giorgio Armani has died at the age of 91.

He was the archetype of Italian style and elegance, reimagining men's and women's suits for a modern audience.

His company Armani expanded from fashion into an empire spanning beauty, fragrance, music, sport and even luxury hotels, bringing in more than £2 billion a year.

Donatella Versace paid tribute to the late designer on her Instagram page, posting a picture of him, saying: "The world lost a giant today, he made history and will be remembered forever."

In a statement on the brand's Instagram page, it said Armani "worked until his final days, dedicating himself to the company, the collections and the many ongoing future projects".

It also said he was "indefatigable to the end" and "driven by relentless curiosity and a deep attention to the present and to people".

The designer was seen as a pioneer in many ways, ele-

vating red carpet fashion to what we see today.

He was also the first designer to ban underweight models from the runway, after the death of model Ana Carolina Reston in 2006 from anorexia nervosa.

Russell Crowe described Armani as a man who "made a mark acknowledged around the globe".

The actor said he "adored" Armani and was meant to be seeing him this month, adding that the designer was there for "so many significant moments in my life".

Julia Roberts shared a picture of herself in an Armani dress alongside the designer on Instagram with the words "A true friend. A legend" and a heartbreak emoji.

British designer Paul Smith also spoke about his "dear friend and fellow designer".

"His continuity, his down-to-earth nature and his staying power in remaining as an unlisted, independent company have always been a huge inspiration for me personally," Smith wrote on social media.

"He has been an enor-

mous source of strength and creativity for many years."

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also paid tribute, saying: "With his elegance, sobriety, and creativity, he was able to bring lustre to Italian fashion and inspire the entire world.

"An icon, a tireless worker, a symbol of the best of Italy. Thank you for everything."

A friend of Hollywood, he understood the power of publicity and dressed some of its biggest stars for the red carpet including for the Oscars – including Zendaya, Cate Blanchett and Julia Roberts.

He also designed stage outfits for Lady Gaga and various costumes for films “American Gigolo” and “The Wolf of Wall Street”.

Even as he entered his 10th decade, Armani continued to present new collections on the French and Italian catwalks.

His March 2025 show was designed to make a statement on global politics, with him stating that he "wanted to imagine new harmony" as he believed "that is what we all need".

Concern over his health

was first expressed in June this year, when he missed Milan fashion week.

He directed a couture show in Paris in July 2025, but did so remotely from his home in Milan.

Armani was described as a "true gentleman" and "titan of the industry" by Vogue's Laura Ingham, who paid tribute to the late designer.

She added: "If you don't know anything about fashion, you'll still know Giorgio Armani. Mr Armani built a house synonymous with timeless Italian elegance and enduring style.”

Referencing his classic style, which included "refined silhouettes" and "im-

maculate tailoring", she concluded that "his legacy is woven not only into fashions past and present but will continue to shape its future for generations to come".

Starting his career in medicine, he moved to fashion in the 1960s and set up his own luxury label in 1975 alongside his late partner Sergio Galeotti.

He faced much criticism during his career, including in 2015 when he said a gay man "does not need to dress homosexual".

His company also reached a financial settlement with Italian tax authorities over offshore subsidiaries in 2014, though no wrongdoing was admitted.

Away from fashion, he was a keen sports fan and supported Serie A football team Inter Milan and owned the Olimpia Milano basketball team.

The fashion brand also had a partnership with the Scuderia Ferrari F1 team, with one of their drivers, Charles Leclerc writing on Instagram that it was "a great honour to have had the chance to meet and work with such an amazing person".

Armani was also presented with the French Legion of Honour and Italian Order of Merit for Labour for his work in fashion. (BBC News)

2 Venezuelan military aircraft flew near US Navy vessel in "highly provocative move", Pentagon says

The Pentagon said two Venezuelan military aircraft flew near a U.S. Navy vessel on Thursday in international waters in a "highly provocative move."

In a statement posted on the social media platform X on Thursday night, the Defense Department wrote the move "was designed to interfere with our counter narco-terror operations."

CBS News reported ear-

lier on Thursday that two armed Venezuelan F-16 fighters flew over the USS Jason Dunham in what U.S. officials believed was a show of force. The move came after President Donald Trump announced earlier this week he had ordered U.S. military forces to strike a vessel in the Caribbean Sea that he said was carrying suspected Tren de Aragua drug smugglers, killing 11 people.

The statement from the Pentagon on Thursday went on to say: "The cartel running Venezuela is strongly advised not to pursue any further effort to obstruct, deter or interfere with counter-narcotics and counter-terror operations carried out by the US military."

The Navy recently deployed eight ships to the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean.

(ABC News)

Jamaican PM Andrew Holness wins rare 3rd term in office

amaican Prime

JMinister Andrew Holness, 53, has won a rare third term in office after his Labour Party sailed to victory in Wednesday’s election.

The Caribbean nation’s electoral commission said the Labour Party had won 34 seats, beating the opposition People’s National Party (PNP), which secured 29 seats, according to preliminary figures.

The candidate for the PNP, Mark Golding, has conceded defeat.

Holness campaigned on a promise to lower the income

tax rate from 25 per cent to 15 per cent, while Golding had said he would raise the income tax threshold.

The incumbent was also credited by many voters for bringing down the number of homicides in the country after the murder rate fell to its lowest in 25 years in the first quarter of 2025, according to official figures.

While there was some criticism of the measures used to bring about the drop in crime - such as states of emergency being declared in some regions - the increased sense of safety seems to have helped propel Holness to an-

other term.

But the economy was at the centre of the election campaign with the Labour Party pointing to the low unemployment rate of 3.3 per cent as one of its achievements in office.

The main opposition party, the PNP, accused the Government of squandering money, citing the high cost of second-hand school buses it had purchased.

It also raised questions about the Holness’s integrity, citing a report which had questioned his income and assets declaration. (BBC News)

Argentinian lawmakers overturn Milei veto, raising stakes before elections

Argentina’s Congress on Thursday for the first time overturned a veto issued by President Javier Milei, raising the stakes for the libertarian leader as the country heads into consequential legislative elections.

The vote by the opposition-controlled Senate, which was 63 votes in favour and seven against, was the final push to overrule Milei’s veto of a bill that increases spending and protections for people with disabilities.

The lower house in August first voted to overturn the veto.

Milei, who has dramatically shrunk Government spending through a series of austerity measures, had said the bill would threaten

the country’s fiscal balance.

The congressional setback for Milei also comes after local media published audio recordings at the end of August allegedly of the thenchief of Argentina’s disability agency, Diego Spagnuolo, discussing bribery and suggesting Milei’s sister and

chief of staff, Karina Milei, was getting kickback payments.

Spagnuolo was swiftly fired by the Government, and the President called the comments a “lie”.

Congress’ overturn of the Presidential veto precedes legislative elections in the province of Buenos Aires this weekend and midterm elections in October. Milei, who currently has a small minority in Congress, needs to increase his seats to be able to keep his policies on track.

The last time Congress overturned a full Presidential veto was in 2003 under President Eduardo Duhalde, according to local media outlets. (Reuters)

T&T welcomes Palestinian Ambassador

Dr Linda Sobeh Ali, Ambassador Designate of the State of Palestine to Trinidad and Tobago, presented her credentials to President Christine Kangaloo today at The President’s House.

Following the ceremony, Dr Ali met with several Government Ministers: Minister of Legal Affairs and Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries Saddam Hosein; Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Sean Sobers; and Permanent Secretary and Head of the Foreign Service, Randall Karim.

Trinidad and Tobago formally recognised the State of Palestine on May 2, 2024, under the former PNM administration and established diplomatic relations in September 2024.

The move reinforced this country’s support for a two-state solution and its longstanding advocacy for Palestinian rights at the United Nations.

Officials said the establishment of diplomatic ties reflects Trinidad and Tobago’s ongoing commit-

ment to international peace, security, and humanitarian principles.

The Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs described the ambassador’s arrival as “a momentous occasion”, as they officially welcomed the new Ambassador of the State of Palestine to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

The Ministry said: “We look forward to a

fruitful and productive relationship with Her Excellency and the State of Palestine.”

The release noted that Ambassador Ali was “received by Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Sean Sobers and Permanent Secretary Randall Karim during an introductory courtesy call”, providing “an opportunity to deepen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between our nations.” (Trinidad Guardian)

Nassau Police open new US$30.95M

Second Precinct in Woodbury after fire destroyed previous headquarters

After almost three years of operating without a brick-and-mortar headquarters due to a fast-moving fire, the Nassau County Police Department’s Second Precinct officially opened its new US$30.95 million home in Woodbury.

County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Nassau District Attorney Anne Donnelly, Supervisor Joe Saldino, Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder and other elected officials joined dozens of police officers, including two mounted officers, at a ribbon-cutting

ceremony Thursday morning at the precinct on Jericho Turnpike.

“They say, ‘If you build it, they will come’,” Ryder said. “Well, we built it.”

The event began with the presenting of colours and a rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner performed by police service aide Elizabeth Ryan. A police helicopter flew over the crowded parking lot as Ryan sang the final note.

Nassau County police chaplain Gerard Gordon also blessed the new building.

The November 2022 blaze began in the kitchen after paper left near a mini oven caught fire and then spread to two adjoining offices, Newsday previously reported. Six Nassau police personnel inside the building at the time of the fire were treated at Nassau University Medical Centre for smoke inhalation and released, officials said. Blakeman praised the firefighters who responded to the scene that night as well as Nassau officials who worked to get construction approved. (Excerpt from Newsday)

“It’s a war”: Marco Rubio labels Ecuadorian cartels “foreign terrorists”

United States (US) Secretary of State Marco Rubio has designated two more Latin American cartels “foreign terrorist organisations” during a visit to Ecuador.

The announcement on Thursday came after Rubio, the top US diplomat, met Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa in Quito.

Speaking at a news conference afterwards with Ecuador’s foreign Minister, Rubio described the designations as part of a “war” US President Donald Trump has begun to wage against Latin American cartels.

“Frankly, it’s a war. It’s a

Antigua and Barbuda has recorded 24 new HIV cases for 2025 so far, according to figures released by Deputy AIDS Programme Manager Oswald Hannays, prompting renewed calls from health officials for residents to prioritise testing and safe sexual practices.

Delcora Williams, the HIV Programme Manager at the AIDS Secretariat, confirmed the figures during a recent interview while emphasising that the focus should shift from alarm over numbers to addressing the underlying factors that continue to make the population vulnerable to HIV in-

war on killers. It’s a war on terror,” Rubio said.

The targets of the new US “terrorism” designations were two Ecuadorbased gangs, Los Lobos and Los Choneros, both of which have been involved in the illicit drug trade.

But Rubio said the gangs were responsible for more than trafficking, highlighting their records of violence.

“These are not narco-traffickers. These are narco-terrorists who terrorise the countries they operate in.”

Rubio’s aggressive rhetoric underscores a pivot under President Trump towards framing organised crime in

Latin America as “terrorism”.

Experts, however, have pointed out that Trump used that logic to justify a military attack on Tuesday against a boat travelling from Venezuela. The bombing resulted in the extrajudicial killing of 11 people, allegedly members of the Tren de Aragua gang.

During his stop in Ecuador, Rubio did not respond to a question about whether the administration would seek congressional approval in the future for such strikes, which many experts believe to be illegal under international law. (Al Jazeera)

fection.

“Yes, the numbers are alarming,” Williams acknowledged. “But the reality is, if we do not look at what is making us vulnerable, why persons continue to test positive, we will never solve the numbers.”

The revelation of new cases comes on the heels of a successful after-hours testing initiative conducted over three consecutive days. The programme, which extended testing hours from 16:00h to after 20:00h, included Saturdays, tested 280 individuals, and has been deemed a “great success” by health officials.

Williams noted that par-

ticipants began arriving as early as 07:30h on Saturday, and testing continued beyond 15:00h. The initiative’s success has prompted discussions about making late-night testing a monthly feature of the national HIV programme, she added. She also outlined several critical factors contributing to continued HIV transmission in Antigua and Barbuda.

“We are still out there having unprotected sex with persons whose HIV status we do not know.” This practice, she added, significantly increases the risk of transmission. (Antigua Observer)

Around the World

OIL NEWS

Oil prices ease on surprise build in US crude stockpiles; OPEC+ to consider output hike

Israel dismisses “spin” after Hamas says ready for comprehensive Gaza deal

Israel has rejected a statement from Hamas saying the armed group is ready for a “comprehensive deal” to end the Gaza war and free all its hostages.

“This is more spin by Hamas that has nothing new,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said.

Oil prices eased about 1 per cent to a two-week low on Thursday on a surprise build in US crude inventories last week and expectations that OPEC+ producers will increase output targets at a meeting this weekend.

Brent crude futures fell 65 cents, or 1.0 per cent, to settle at $66.95 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude fell 49 cents, or 0.8 per cent, to settle at $63.48.

That was the lowest close for Brent since August 20.

The US Energy Information Administration said energy firms added 2.4 million barrels of crude into storage during the week ended August 29 as refineries headed into maintenance season.

That was a surprise build in crude stocks compared with the 2.0-million-barrel withdrawal analysts forecast in a Reuters poll and was higher than the 0.6-million-barrel increase that market sources said the American Petroleum Institute trade group cited in its figures on Wednesday.

“This is a little bit of a bearish report with that crude build,” said John Kilduff, a partner at Again Capital.

The EIA and API reported inventory data a day later than usual due to the US Labour Day holiday on Monday.

Eight members of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies like Russia in OPEC+ will consider further increases to production in October at a meeting on Sunday, two sources familiar with the discussions told Reuters. (Excerpt from Reuters)

European leaders press Trump over peacekeeper plan for Ukraine

European leaders have made fresh efforts to pin down Donald Trump on the level of support he is willing to give Ukraine to push back a Russian advance and asked him to detail the security guarantees he would provide to any European peacekeeping force inside Ukraine in the event of a lasting ceasefire.

European leaders spoke with Trump by video call on Thursday after first holding a meeting of the socalled “coalition of the willing” in Paris, co-chaired by Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer.

The precise commitments made by European states to the coalition of the willing are largely complete but in part depend on the extent to which the US will specify the aid it is willing to give in terms of intelligence, air support and funding.

Alarmed European leaders travelled to the White House in the wake of the August Alaska summit be-

tween Trump and Vladimir Putin, fearing that the US President may be about to force Volodymyr Zelenskyy into a humiliating surrender, including loss of territory.

Trump responded to the European lobbying by claiming he had won the Russian leader’s agreement to hold direct talks with the Ukrainian President, but Russia rejected any such commitment and largely maintained its demand for the surrender of Ukrainian territory and a commitment that Ukraine will never join NATO.

Trump had set a deadline of 1 September for a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy, but Trump is known to set deadlines that he then ignores. “We had a great relationship,” Trump said of Putin in an interview with the right-wing news website The Daily Caller. He said he was now very disappointed in the Russian President: “Thousands of people are dying; it’s a senseless war.” (Excerpt from The Guardian)

It insisted the war would end only once the 48 hostages – 20 of whom are believed to be alive – were released, Hamas was disarmed, Gaza was demilitarised, Israel had security control, and an “alternative civilian Administration” was established.

Israel’s Defence Minister said its military was “preparing in full force” for an offensive to conquer Gaza City

Hamas reiterated its call for a deal that would see hostages exchanged for Palestinian prisoners, Israeli forces withdraw, bor-

der crossings reopened, and the start of reconstruction.

The group also said it agreed to the formation of an administration run by independent technocrats to

govern post-war Gaza. It issued the statement on Tuesday evening, hours after US President Donald Trump wrote on social media: “Tell Hamas to IMMEDIATELY give back all 20 hostages (not 2 or 5 or 7!), and things will change rapidly. IT WILL END!” Last month, Hamas said it had accepted a plan from regional mediators Qatar and Egypt that would see 10 living hostages and the bodies of 18 dead hostages released during a 60-day truce in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees in Israeli jails. (Excerpt from BBC)

DR Congo announces new Ebola outbreak

Authorities suspect 28 cases of the deadly virus, with the latest recorded in the southern Kasai province.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is confronting a new Ebola outbreak after health officials confirmed a case in the southern Kasai province.

The latest infection, identified in a 34-year-old pregnant woman, raises the country’s suspected case count to 28, with 15 deaths, the Ministry of Health reported on Thursday.

“These figures remain provisional, as investigations are still ongoing,”

DRC Health Minister Roger Kamba

said Health Minister Roger Kamba at a press conference in the capital Kinshasa.

The United Nations’ World Health Organisation (WHO) reported that the

outbreak has affected the Bulape and Mweka areas of Kasai province, with patients exhibiting typical Ebola symptoms, including fever, vomiting, diarrhoea and haemorrhaging.

The UN agency said it has sent experts to join the DRC’s own response team to help “rapidly strengthen disease surveillance, treatment and infection prevention and control in health facilities”. It also said it would ship two tonnes of medical and lab supplies to the Central African country.

“We’re acting with determination to rapidly halt the spread of the vi-

rus and protect communities,” said Mohamed Janabi, the WHO’s regional director for Africa. “Banking on the country’s longstanding expertise in controlling viral disease outbreaks, we’re working closely with the health authorities to quickly scale up key response measures to end the outbreak as soon as possible.”

The Ebola outbreak is the 16th to hit the DRC, with the last coming in April 2022 in the north western Equateur province. Authorities announced that the outbreak had ended after about a month and a half. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

China’s Xi seeks closer coordination with North Korea in meeting with Kim

China’s President Xi Jinping called on

Thursday for closer co-ordination with North Korea in global and regional affairs, state media reported, as the leaders of the two nuclear-armed neighbours held their first meeting in six years.

Xi met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un a day after Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin attended a military parade in Beijing. Both were seen walking and talking with Xi during the massive event, which China used as a portrayal of force.

It was the first time the three leaders have appeared together and marked the reclusive North Korean leader’s first attendance at a major multilateral event.

Kim, in video clips released by CCTV, congratulated Xi on the “successful and grand” parade which “strongly demonstrated today’s great international status of China”.

“China’s celebration is our celebration,” he said.

Xi called the two countries “good neighbours, good friends and good comrades that share a common destiny,” CCTV said.

“China and North Korea

should strengthen strategic co-ordination in interna-

tional and regional affairs to safeguard their common in-

terests,” Xi was quoted as saying.

“China is willing to strengthen high-level exchanges and strategic communication with North Korea ... enhance mutual understanding and friendship, step up interactions at all levels, and carry out practical co-operation across fields.”

On the Korean Peninsula issue, Xi said that China was ready to continue strengthening co-ordination with North Korea to maintain peace and stability in the region. (Excerpt from Reuters)

3rd earthquake hits Afghanistan as death toll rises above 2200

Amagnitude 6.2 earthquake has shaken Afghanistan as the death toll from the devastating quake on Sunday rose to more than 2200.

It struck south-eastern regions on Thursday night, according to the Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences in Germany. It was not immediately clear how much damage there was.

A 5.5 magnitude aftershock struck on Tuesday, causing panic and interrupt-

ing rescue efforts as more roads were cut off by rockfall.

Hamdullah Fitrat, a Taliban spokesperson, confirmed on Thursday that the death toll from Sunday’s magnitude 6.0 earthquake had risen to 2205 – up from previous estimates of 1,400 and making it one of the deadliest natural disasters to hit the country in decades. It hit the mountainous and remote eastern part of the country around mid-

night on Sunday, levelling entire villages where people were trapped under rubble. Most of the casualties were in Kunar province, where many houses are built from wood and mud bricks, making them highly vulnerable to earth tremors.

Rescuers have managed to reach villages that had been completely cut off by the disaster, and bodies continued to be pulled from debris on Thursday. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

SUDOKU

Share your vision, and participate in events that can help you make a difference to a cause you believe in. Put more energy into exploring the possibilities of a lifestyle change or commitment.

Look over your options, but don’t feel pressured to decide. Discuss concerns, alternatives and new possibilities, and you’ll find the path that leads to positive change and inner peace.

Learn something new and add it to your qualifications. You stand to prosper if you are willing to adopt what’s new and trending into your line of work. Attend networking events.

Simplify your life. Refuse to let discord or anger take over and ruin your day. A physical outlet will help you avoid stewing over something you have no control over.

Engage in projects that add to your comfort and entertainment. Free yourself from living in the past and holding on to what is holding you back. Live, love and be happy.

Keep asking questions until you are satisfied with the answers. Trust will be broken if you are gullible or let someone do things for you. Set boundaries with those who try to cross the line.

Recap what’s happening and refrain from making a hasty decision. Trust your instincts and ask for what you want in writing. Avoid unnecessary expenses and those who ask for too much.

Keep your thoughts and plans to yourself. Emotions will fluctuate throughout the day. Consider what you want to achieve, and demonstrate discipline and ingenuity.

Look for the good in everyone and everything. How you approach others will make a difference in the outcome. Don’t expect everyone to agree with you.

Be honest with yourself when it comes to money, health and legal matters. Refuse to spend on unnecessary goods or on someone you want to impress. Use your sharp wit and charm to reach your goal.

A change to your surroundings, lifestyle or attitude will give you the boost you need to shine brightly when dealing with others. Put your energy where it counts, and the rewards will be forthcoming.

Use reason when dealing with your peers, and you’ll gain acceptance. Refuse to let the changes others make set you off or push you in the wrong direction.

England’s poor 50-over form continues as South Africa claim their first ODI series win in the country since 1998.

South Africa 330 for 8 (Breetzke 85, Stubbs 58, Archer 4-62) beat England 325 for 9 (Root 61, Buttler 61, Bethell 58, Burger 3-63) by five runs. Matthew Breetzke had not been born when South Africa last won a bilateral ODI series in England. However, by extending a remarkable start to his career in the format, he helped them clinch this one with a match to spare. On his return from a hamstring injury, Breetzke hit 85 to underpin South Africa’s total of 330 before their bowlers closed out a tense final-ball win under the floodlights.

Breetzke, 26, was born five-and-a-half months after South Africa’s 2-1 triumph in the 1998 Texaco

Trophy but will now lift the series trophy in Southampton on Sunday after his team took an unassailable 2-0 lead at Lord’s.

kicked on past 61.

The chase went down to the final ball, which Jofra Archer needed to hit for

Unlike in Leeds, England, at least they competed, but none of their three half-centurions – Joe Root, Jacob Bethell and Jos Buttler –

SCOREBOARD

England (T: 331 runs from 50 ovs)

Jamie Smith c †Rickelton b Burger 0 Ben Duckett b Maharaj 14 Joe Root st †Rickelton b Maharaj 61 Jacob Bethell c Brevis b Bosch 58 Harry Brook (c) c Bavuma b Muthusamy 33 Jos Buttler † b Ngidi 61 Will Jacks c Maharaj b Burger 39 Brydon Carse c Markram b Burger 7 Jofra Archer not out 27

Saqib Mahmood 10-1-53-0

Brydon Carse 10-0-68-0

Adil Rashid 10-1-33-2

Jacob Bethell 5-0-61-1

Will Jacks 5-0-51-0

Adil Rashid run out (Breetzke/Burger) 2 Saqib Mahmood not out 2 Extras (b 2, lb 3, w 16) 21 Total 50 Ov (RR: 6.50) 325/9 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Jamie Smith, 0.1 ov), 2-66 (Ben Duckett, 12.5 ov), 3-143 (Jacob Bethell, 23.3 ov), 4-147 (Joe Root, 24.5 ov), 5-216 (Harry Brook, 36.3 ov), 6-256 (Jos Buttler, 42.3 ov), 7-288 (Brydon Carse, 46.1 ov), 8-290 (Will Jacks, 46.5 ov), 9-313 (Adil Rashid, 48.3 ov) • DRS Bowling O-M-R-W Nandre Burger 10-0-63-3 Lungi Ngidi 10-0-72-1 Corbin Bosch 10-1-38-1 Keshav Maharaj 10-0-59-2 Aiden Markram 2-0-27-0 Senuran Muthusamy 8-0-61-1

picked this side: we’ve a long batting order. To get within one blow of that score is a really good effort.”

South Africa had been stuttering at 93 for 3 after 19 overs when Tristan Stubbs joined Breetzke, but a fourth-wicket partnership of 147 off 126 balls laid a strong foundation before Dewald Brevis’ cameo launched them towards 300. They fell four runs short of the record ODI total at Lord’s, which has stood since the 1975 World Cup, but this was clearly a fighting effort.

six to take the game into a Super Over. But his inside-edged hoick off Senuran Muthusamy brought only a

Breetzke’s innings was the highest by a South African in an ODI at Lord’s, and he achieved the unprecedented feat of passing 50 in each of his first five innings in the format. By the time he fell 15 runs short of a second hundred, he had taken his ODI aggregate to 463 and

single, and South Africa were deserving winners, backing up the thrashing they inflicted on Tuesday with a clinical, calculated performance.

This was an eighth defeat in 11 ODIs for England in 2025, and their captain Harry Brook refused to blame fatigue after an exhausting summer. “In my eyes that’s just an excuse,” he said. We’re good enough and fit enough to be able to keep playing for the time being... Chasing 6.5 an over from ball one is a tough task. But that’s exactly why we’ve

executed South Africa’s clear plan to put England’s part-

time spinners under severe pressure.

England got away with picking only four frontline bowlers in their 3-0 win against the West Indies in June, but South Africa were merciless in targeting Bethell and Will Jacks; with Root curiously unused, they returned combined figures of 1 for 112 from their 10 overs. Brevis was particularly severe on Bethell, hitting him for consecutive sixes, while Stubbs laid into Jacks.

The margin of victory obscured the fact that South Africa was ahead of the game from the moment Nandre Burger had Jamie Smith caught behind off the first ball of the chase. Root dominated the scoring in a second-wicket stand of 66, with Ben Duckett desperately out of form at the other end; his dismissal for 14 off 33, bowled reverse-sweeping Keshav Maharaj, was a mercy kill.

Where Duckett looked exhausted by his non-stop summer, Bethell had been short on time in the middle and was pushed up to No. 4 to take on South Africa’s two left-arm spinners. Temba Bavuma responded by bringing on Aiden Markram’s offspin, but Bethell slog-swept and pulled sixes as his two overs cost 27 runs.

He brought up a 28-ball half-century by launching Burger over mid-on, five balls after Root had cruised

to his own off 57. But they fell in quick succession, too: Bethell sliced the relentless Corbin Bosch to backward point, and Root was beaten in the flight by Maharaj to be stumped in an ODI for the first time in a decade. Brook and Buttler added 69 for the fifth wicket, launching sixes off Bosch and Muthusamy, respectively. But Muthusamy found extra bounce to have Brook chipping to cover, and despite Buttler’s outrageous reverse-slap for six on his way to 50 – a landmark he celebrated with a look to the skies after his father’s recent passing – the required rate climbed past nine an over.

The game looked as good as won when Lungi Ngidi flummoxed Buttler with a dipping slower ball, and Burger removed Jacks and Brydon Carse in the same over to leave 40 required off the last three. Despite Archer’s best efforts – with two lusty sixes and a pair of reverse-slaps for four – they always looked like falling short.

It looked like an important toss when Brook put South Africa into bat, with the start delayed by 15 minutes after a morning of heavy showers. Archer and Saqib Mahmood – recalled at Sonny Baker’s expense – both found extravagant seam movement early on, but Markram and Ryan Rickelton were equal to it, adding 73 for the first wicket.

Rickelton fell for 35, top-edging Archer behind to Buttler, before Adil Rashid struck twice in quick succession, with Bavuma done on the outside edge and Markram furious with himself after chipping back a return catch on 49. But that only brought Breetzke and Stubbs together, whose partnership took the game away from England – and they never quite recovered. (ESPNcricinfo)

HJ named official sound provider for RBL CPL 2025 in Guyana

The Republic Bank

Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is set to turn up the volume in Guyana with the announcement that Hits and Jams Entertainment has been named the official sound provider for the tournament matches hosted at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, from September 8 to 21, 2025.

Known for delivering electrifying entertainment experiences, Hits and Jams will be responsible for creating the energetic, carnival-like atmosphere that CPL fans have come to love.

From big sixes to crucial wickets, every moment on the field will be matched by unforgettable sounds, music, and vibes in the stands.

Waste Solutions (GWS) is the official cleaning ser vice provider for the tourna ment.

“Clash at D Big Yard” set to ignite Port Mourant Turf Club

As thousands of fans are expected to attend the 16 matches in Guyana, en suring a clean, safe, and environmentally respon sible venue is a top priori ty for the organisers. GSW, a trusted leader in waste management and environmental services, will oversee all aspects of stadium cleaning and waste disposal throughout the tournament.

Members and management of the Rose Hall Town

NAMILCO Thunderbolt

Flour First Division team have expressed congratulations to three of their teammates on being selected on the Guyana Cricket Board’s (GCB) list of contracted players for the next year. The players named after the draft were Kevlon Anderson, Junior Sinclair and Sylus Tyndall. Members of the team, under the leadership of former national player Clinton Pestano, expressed happiness at the selection of their mates.

Anderson, who recently became the third Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC) member to play test cricket, is a solid middle-order batsman who in 2025 was the leading run scorer for Guyana with 573

Meanwhile, Guyana

“CPL is as much about the energy and the fans as it is about the cricket, and Hits and Jams are set to transform the National Stadium into a true festival of cricket, where the action on the pitch meets the rhythm of our country,” communications point person for the GAW franchise, Romario Samaroo, stated. Fans can look forward to a fusion of Caribbean beats, live mixes, and signature stadium anthems that will keep the stands rocking throughout the tournament.

runs at an average of 71.63. He also bowls off-spin and brisk medium pace and is also a useful wicketkeeper.

Sinclair, who has represented Guyana at the regional fifty-over level and in the Caribbean Premier League 20/20 tournament, is an allrounder who opens the batting for his club, bowls off spin and is an outstanding fielder. He recently scored 207 not out for the Rose Hall

The French women’s team have been barred from the Boxing World Championships in Liverpool because they missed the deadline for sharing genetic sex test results.

World Boxing, the international governing body for amateur boxing, said last month that women wanting to compete in the event, which started on Thursday, would have to undergo mandatory genetic sex testing under its new policy.

Those tests are banned in France so the French boxing federation (FFBoxe) sent the five-member team to a lab in Leeds on Monday to take them.

However, the French federation said on Thursday that the lab would be unable to provide the results in time for its fighters to be eligible for the championships, which take place from

4-14 September in north west England.

“It is with stupefaction and indignation that the French team learned on Wednesday evening the French women’s boxing team would not be able to compete in the first World Championships organised by World Boxing,” it said.

“Despite guarantees given to us by World Boxing, the laboratory which they recommended to us was not up to the task of delivering the results on time.

“As a result, our athletes as well as those from other countries have been caught in this trap and excluded.”

BBC Sport has been told that France is not the only federation impacted and that 12 fighters in total have been barred - all five French fighters, plus others from Nigeria, Fiji, the Philippines and the Dominican Republic.

GSW will provide cleaning crews before, during and after matches, as well as manage waste disposal. This partnership is expected to enhance the overall fan experience while maintaining high environmental standards at the National Stadium. (CPLT20)

Town NAMILCO team versus Police in the Berbice Cricket Board two-day first division tournament. He was also among the wickets with two four-wicket hauls against Police and Port Mourant.

Tyndall is a fast bowler who has represented Guyana at the junior level with some success and was recently named in the Guyana senior squad. In the one match

The horse racing schedule is heating up, and before next month’s President’s Cup, fans will be treated to “Clash at D Big Yard.” The event is set for Sunday, September 28, and will serve as ideal preparation for the prestigious President’s Cup.

More than G$10 million in cash and prizes will be up for grabs, with eight races on the provisional programme.

he played against the Police first division team, he ended with four wickets for twenty-five runs in a fiery spell at the Area H Ground in the BCB Tournament.

The RHTYSC wishes the trio of players all the best and would like to urge them to uphold their high standards. The team is very proud of our record of producing a total of 127 players for our county, Guyana

The feature race will be contested by horses four years old and over, open class, at a distance of 1600 metres. The G$4 million purse will see the winner walking away with G$2,000,000.

The other races on the provisional card include the three-year-old imported open to F Class, G Class and Lower and Open to F Class WI. Bred a non-winner in Guyana, an H-class winner of two races

and the West Indies since 1994. A total of ten players have gone on to play at the international level, and the RHTYSC is confident of producing more in the near future.

The club also wished to congratulate Shemaine Campbelle and Shabika Gajnabi for being part of the Amazon Warriors team for the ongoing Caribbean Premier League (CPL) male and female tournaments.

Congratulations were also extended to Shenetta Grimmond, who will be suiting up for the Barbados Royals. The club wished their players and their respective teams all the best.

“We share the success of our players with the NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour brand, as they are the root of our success,” the RHTYSC wrote.

French women out of Worlds over late sex tests

World Boxing said that the fault lies with the boxing federations.

“Since World Boxing first announced its intention to introduce mandatory sex testing to determine the chromosomal sex of a male or female at birth, the organisation has made it clear that testing will be the responsibility of national federations as they have the closest links and most access to their boxers and are best placed to manage the testing process,” World Boxing said.

“They also oversee the entry process for boxers so know which boxers need to be tested and when.

“It is very disappointing for the boxers that some national federations have not been able to complete this process in time, which means that some athletes have not made it through the sports entry process for the World

Boxing Championships.”

Under World Boxing’s rules “all athletes over the age of 18” that wish to participate in competitions it owns or sanctions “need to undergo a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) genetic test to determine their sex at birth and their eligibility to compete”.

The body has declined to say if any fighters taking the tests have failed them.

Last week, Algerian boxer Imane Khelif filed an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport to challenge World Boxing’s introduction of the genetic sex test.

Khelif, along with Taiwanese fighter Lin Yuting, was disqualified from the 2023 World Championships by previous world governing body the International Boxing Association (IBA) for allegedly failing gender eligibility tests.

Both Khelif and Lin have

not entered this year’s event, said World Boxing president Boris van der Vorst.

The pair made headlines at the 2024 Paris Olympics where they won gold medals after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) permitted them to compete.

The IOC said competitors were eligible for the women’s division in Paris if their passports said they were female and made it clear last year this is “not a transgender case”.

Boxing has undergone a major restructure in recent years after the IBA was stripped of its powers for failing to implement reforms.

The IOC oversaw governance of boxing at the Paris Olympics before World Boxing was granted provisional recognition as the sport’s international governing federation by the IOC in February 2025. (BBC Sport)

& lower and open to threeyear-old WI Bred horses in Guyana, Guyana Bred twoyear-old maiden, J3 & Lower Open to Guyana-bred threeyear-old horses, L Class Open, and the J/K/L maidens Guyana-bred first-time starters.

Races will run under the Guyana horse racing rules, and entries will close on September 23 at 16:00h.

Horses for the “Clash at D Big Yard” can be entered via Fazal Habibulla on 611-1141, Dennis Deroop on 640-6396, Jagdeo’s office at Number One Road on 322-0369, Ginjo on 618-7278, and Simon Prince on +1 305-509-9821.

Traditionally, the Port Mourant Turf Club is home to Jagdeo Racing Stables, a stable that has been quiet in recent times. The Corentynebased owner, who recently imported new horses for the Guyana Cup, will be hoping that familiar conditions favour his team.

But the competition will be fierce, with JS Racing Stables, Jumbo Jet Racing Stables, Simply Royal Racing Stables, and Slingerz Racing Stables all set to renew their rivalries in what promises to be an exciting day of racing.

The Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL)

Guyanese players excited to play WCPL at home

move, especially to bring out the young girls to the game and encourage them to get

2025 is set to bowl off on Saturday, September 6, at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, with the first of seven exciting Providence.

Veteran Guyanese player Shemaine Campbelle, who has featured in every WCPL season to date, believes the stage is set for her side. “WCPL playing in Guyana for the first time is a big

“This year will be a good year for GAW; the squad is balanced, and we just want to go out there and showcase our talent with the brand of cricket we play. Playing at Providence, a venue we know pretty well, gives us the advantage, and it will be great to give the fans something to cheer about.”

Rising star Ashmini Munisar, who debuted in 2024, is also relishing the home advantage. “It’s really exciting to know that for the first time the WCPL is being played in Guyana. As

a Guyanese player, it’s really something special to be playing at home and in conditions I’m familiar with; I’m definitely looking forward to making use of that. Playing in front of my home crowd with family and friends looking on would be an unforgettable experience, and hopefully the support from the fans brings out even more

energy and excitement.”

“It is good to start at home in such a big tournament where we are familiar with the conditions. I am looking forward to support from family and friends and to playing against good opposition players too. “I am excited,” says 20-year-old newcomer Realeanna Grimmond.

The Guyana Amazon

Warriors will be in action on the opening day against the Trinbago Knight Riders from 14:00h. Two-time defending champions, the Barbados Royals, will begin their title defence the following day, facing the Warriors from 15:00h. All matches will be played at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

Cycling fraternity mourns death of Alanzo Greaves

The local cycling fraternity was plunged into mourning early Thursday morning following the tragic death of former national champion Alanzo Greaves.

Greaves, one of Guyana’s most accomplished cyclists with achievements on the local, regional, and international circuits, lost his life in a motorcycle accident late Wednesday evening along Mandela Avenue.

in eternal peace. Gone too soon, but never forgotten.”

SYouth ODI Series…

Sri Lanka crush West Indies by eight wickets

West Indies

ri Lanka tightened their grip on the Youth ODI series with a dominant eight-wicket win over the West Indies Under19s at the Coolidge Cricket Ground, taking a 2–1 lead after another commanding display with both ball and bat. Sri Lanka’s tour of the West Indies rolled on at the Coolidge Cricket Ground, where the hosts won the

toss and chose to bat first in the third Youth ODI. However, the decision quickly backfired as both openers were dismissed within the first three overs. Skipper Joshua Dorne and Earsinho Fontaine briefly steadied the innings with a 63-run partnership before Chamika Heenatigala struck to remove Dorne for 29 off 45 balls. Fontaine battled on for a well-constructed 51 off 66 deliveries, striking seven boundaries, but his dismissal triggered a dramatic collapse.

From that point, the West Indies had no answers to the spin duo of Heenatigala and the in-form Vigneshwaran Akash. The pair ripped through the middle and lower order, sharing eight wickets between them, as the hosts crumbled to 138 all out in 39.2 overs.

In reply, Sri Lanka coasted to victory thanks to a com-

manding 90-run partnership between Viran Chamuditha and Kavija Gamage. Chamuditha was the star of the chase, crafting an unbeaten 64 from 70 balls, decorated with 10 boundaries. Gamage provided steady support with 28, as the visitors cruised to 139 for 2 in 22 overs, sealing a comfortable eight-wicket win and a 2–1 lead in the series.

The series is set to continue at the Coolidge Cricket Ground on Sunday, September 7th, at 09:30h.

Among the first to express sympathy was President Dr Irfaan Ali, who described Greaves as an outstanding sportsman. “I am saddened to learn of the passing of former national cyclist Alanzo Greaves, who tragically died in a motorcycle accident last evening. The cycling fraternity has lost an outstanding sportsman who represented Guyana well. To his family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones, we pray that God grant you the strength and courage during this difficult time. You will remain in our prayers.”

The Cycling Fraternity of Guyana remembered Greaves as both a champion and a role model, “The cycling fraternity mourns the heart-breaking loss of an icon and true legend, Alanzo Nicholas Greaves. Alanzo was not only a former National Cycling Champion but also an inspiration to many, both on and off the saddle. His dedication, resilience, and remarkable achievements have left a lasting mark on the sport and in the hearts of all who knew him. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, and friends during this difficult time. May his soul rest

The Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) shared in a missive, “The Guyana Olympic Association extends its deepest sympathies to the family, relatives, teammates, and friends of former national cyclist Alanzo Greaves, who tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident last evening. The cycling fraternity and the wider sporting community have lost an athlete and a true son of the soil who proudly represented Guyana. To his family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones, we pray that God grants you strength, comfort, and courage during this difficult time. Alanzo will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.”

Meanwhile, Director of Sport (DoS) Steve Ninvalle also reflected on Greaves’ illustrious career in a message of condolences from the National Sports Commission (NSC). “The National Sports Commission (NSC) has expressed deep sorrow at the sudden passing of former National Cyclist, Alonzo Greaves, who tragically lost his life on Wednesday evening in a motorcycle accident along Mandela Avenue.

Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Commission, the Government of Guyana, and the wider sporting fraternity. “I recently saw and spoke to Alanzo, and he was his usual self; always happy, always smiling,” Ninvalle pointed out.

“Alonzo spent many years as a distinguished national cyclist. He proudly represented Guyana at numerous regional, international, and continental championships and games, and in doing so,

etched his name among the finest athletes this country has ever produced,” the Director of Sport stated. Greaves dominated the local cycling scene for many years, admired for his stamina and tactical brilliance. His career was altered after a devastating motorcycle accident in 2019, which left him with a career-ending leg injury. Despite this setback, he remained deeply connected to the sport – attending meets, supporting younger cyclists, and encouraging the next generation.

The NSC noted that it cherished every moment Greaves donned Guyana’s colours, from his early years as a promising youth rider to his era as one of the most formidable cyclists in the Caribbean.

His presence at cycling meets, even after stepping back from competition, spoke to his lifelong love for the sport and his unwavering connection to the cycling fraternity.

“On behalf of the National Sports Commission, I extend our deepest sympathy to his family, especially his three children, and to everyone whose lives he touched. The cycling community, and indeed all of sport in Guyana, will feel his absence profoundly,” Ninvalle said.

According to Ninvalle, Greaves will be remembered for his remarkable contributions to cycling, his resilience in the face of challenges, and his enduring support for the sport he loved.

His legacy, Ninvalle noted, will live on in the memories of fans, fellow athletes, and the many young cyclists who looked up to him.

“May his soul rest in peace,” Ninvalle concluded.

Pretorius, Hope, Motie get Amazon Warriors back to winning ways CPL 2025...

The Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) pulled off a heist of epic proportions at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, to get back to winning ways in the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025.

Set a target of 166, the Amazon Warriors surely made the task ahead appear difficult. As they began their chase, within the blink of an eye, the Guyanese had lost 4 early wickets, all within the powerplay.

Attempting the cover drive, Ben McDermott was caught inside the circle by Sherfane Rutherford. Moeen Ali caught a faint edge back to the keeper to depart for a duck.

Already in trouble, Shimron Hetmyer miscued a big shot while Hassan Khan suffered a similar fate to Moeen Ali, leaving the visitors at the Kensington

aaa

Barbados Royals (20 ovs maximum)

Brandon King c †Hope

b Imran Tahir 39

Quinton de Kock † c Ali

b Pretorius 2

Kadeem Alleyne c Shepherd

b Motie 4

Rassie van der Dussen c Sampson

b Blades 45

Eathan Bosch st † Hope

b Motie 6

Sherfane Rutherford b Shepherd 0

Rovman Powell (c) not out 50

Chris Green not out 6

Extras (b 4, lb 1, w 8) 13

Total 20 Ov (RR: 8.25) 165/6

Did not bat: Daniel Sams, Ramon Simmonds, Jomel Warrican Fall of wickets: 1-26 (Quinton de Kock, 3.3 ov), 2-43 (Kadeem Alleyne, 6.2 ov), 3-51 (Brandon King, 7.5 ov), 4-68 (Eathan Bosch, 10.6 ov), 5-69 (Sherfane Rutherford, 11.3 ov), 6-151 (Rassie van der Dussen, 19.3 ov) •

DRS Bowling O-M-R-W

Jediah Blades 4-0-55-1

Dwaine Pretorius 4-0-25-1

Romario Shepherd 3-0-20-1

4-0-16-2

Gudakesh Motie

Imran Tahir 4-0-40-1

Hassan Khan 1-0-4-0

Oval languishing at 30-4 in 4.3 overs.

Scattered showers in Bridgetown gave the Amazon Warriors some time to regroup but also sent the fear of missing out on two

Guyana Amazon Warriors (T: 166 runs from 20 ovs)

Ben McDermott c Rutherford b Bosch 9

Shai Hope † not out 62 Moeen Ali c †de Kock

b Bosch 0 Shimron Hetmyer c Green b Simmonds 2

Hassan Khan c †de Kock b Simmonds 2

Dwaine Pretorius c Sams b Green 53

Romario Shepherd c sub (SD Parris) b Bosch 1 Quentin Sampson not out 33

Extras (lb 1, nb 4, w 3) 8

Total 19.4 Ov (RR: 8.64) 170/6

Did not bat: Gudakesh Motie, Jediah Blades, Imran Tahir (c) Fall of wickets: 1-11 (Ben McDermott, 1.2 ov), 2-11 (Moeen Ali, 1.4 ov), 3-14 (Shimron Hetmyer, 2.6 ov), 4-30 (Hassan Khan, 4.3 ov), 5-119 (Dwaine Pretorius, 13.6 ov), 6-128 (Romario Shepherd, 15.1 ov) • DRS Bowling O-M-R-W

Ramon Simmonds 4-0-27-2

Eathan Bosch 4-0-35-3

Jomel Warrican 4-0-34-0

Daniel Sams 4-0-27-0 Chris Green 3.4-0-46-1

points through the visitors’ dressing room, owing to the Duckworth/Lewis/Stern method.

However, sensible cricket and an, at first, cautious partnership between Shai Hope and Dwaine Pretorius

interruption, but drama did not escape the nail-biting contest, even as the Amazon Warriors needed 7 from 7 balls.

Chris Green may have later regretted dropping Sampson on the last ball

got the Amazon Warriors back on track.

That partnership spanned 89 runs in nine overs and saw Pretorius taking advantage of his second life after being dropped on 12, as he raced to his first CPL half-century, 53 from 34, in no time.

Just when Quentin Sampson began to light up the Oval, the showers, again, reared their ugly head, but this time, the Amazon Warriors were 11 runs ahead of the curve.

Hope and Sampson took it ball by ball following the

of the 19th over, as the Essequibo native went on to smash the winning runs in the following over, ironically off Green’s bowling.

The Amazon Warriors had finally breathed a sigh of relief after a topsy-turvy contest, getting to their target with 2 balls to spare and 4 wickets in hand. Hope ended with an unbeaten 62 off 49, while Sampson struck 33 from 20, not out.

Earlier, Gudakesh Motie was the star of the Amazon Warriors’ bowling attack, stifling the Royals’ firepower through the middle.

The Royals had a steady start to their innings after being sent in to bat first by their visitors, who patiently waited for their first breakthrough in the fourth over.

The danger man, Quinton de Kock, edged Dwaine Pretorius’ bowling to slip, where Moeen Ali got his hands on a blinder to dismiss the Royals’ opener for just two runs. Two overs later, Motie sent back the other opener, Kadeem Alleyne, for 4, and the Amazon Warriors looked to be well on their way.

team, spearheading an 82run partnership alongside South African international Rassie van der Dussen.

A simple catch came the way of Hope in the following over, as Imran Tahir orchestrated Brandon King’s departure for 39 off 27 balls, comprising 6 fours and 1 six.

Motie and Captain Tahir kept the pressure on the Royals’ batting line-up, so much so that the hosts could only manage 65-3 in their first ten overs. The situation was made even better for the Amazon Warriors when Motie struck in the very next over after the strategic break.

Plunged into a bout of silence was the Kensington Oval, upon seeing Rutherford’s stumps being rocked back by Romario Shepherd, further reducing the hosts to 69-5.

It was then that the Barbadian captain stepped in and stepped up for his

Powell and van der Dussen virtually skyrocketed Tahir and Blades’ figures, finding the boundary at regular intervals to get their side to a respectable score.

Van der Dussen eventually fell in the 20th over for 45, while Powell saw them through to the end, bringing up his half century in 28 balls, laced with 6 sixes. As such, the Royals posted a competitive 165-6 in their 20 overs.

Motie ended the innings with 2-16 from his four, while Tahir, Blades, Shepherd and Pretorius claimed one wicket each.

The Republic Bank CPL action continues this evening as the Royals make a quick turnaround to take on the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons from 19:00h at the same venue.