Guyana Times - Monday, August 3, 2026

Chevron excited about exploration potential in Guyana – CEO

Evaluation team being set up to review bids for Amaila Falls Hydro Project

Months after several international companies submitted their proposals to develop the 165-megawatts (MW) Amaila Falls Hydropower Project (AFHP), the Guyana Government is now in the process of putting together the technical team to review the bids received.

“Amaila Falls Project is

awaiting evaluation right now. We’re putting together the evaluation team,” a senior Government official recently told the Guyana Times. Some five foreign companies are in the race for the AFHP after responding to the Government’s call for proposals, which closed in May. A joint venture (JV) between United

States (US)-based OEC USA, GE Vernova, and Australia’s Worley sub-

mitted the highest bid of US$800,060,842, according to tender documents

seen by this newspaper.

The OEC, GE Vernova, and Worley grouping had previously tendered to be pre-qualified for this project in 2023 before the Government eventually decided to reissue the Request for Proposal (RFP) last year. Coming in second with

the RFP invite for the Amaila Falls Hydro project under a Build-OwnOperate-Transfer (BOOT) model. According to the RFP document, the project is expected to deliver a minimum installed capacity of 165-MW including the hydro dam, powerhouse, substation, and a

a US$668,000,000 proposal was a consortium of CAMCE-CMEC from China. China CAMC Engineering Co. Ltd. (CAMCE) and China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) have individually undertaken construction projects in Guyana’s public sector and have also bid for major gas-related projects here.

Another Chinese company, China Gezhouba Group Company LimitedHYI, submitted a bid to the tune of US$432,338,377the third highest proposal. In addition, Chinese state-owned, Sinohydro Corporation Limited, came in fourth with a US$416,866,949.21 proposal. The fifth company that bid for the project was a JV comprising Indiabased Afcon Infrastructure Limited and Scandian Infrastructure AB from Sweden. However, no figure was listed for this JV in the tender document seen this newspaper. Back in October 2025, the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), which has responsibility for the energy sector, published

23-square-kilometre (km²) storage reservoir, consistent with environmental studies and permits. However, it was noted that the size of the hydro may be re-engineered to take into account of changes in turbine technology thus allowing more than 165-MW to be generated and transmitted. Under the revised RFP, developers are required to assume all geotechnical risks associated with the project and must demonstrate proven capability and financial capacity to deliver largescale hydro projects. Only firms or consortia that have successfully built at least three hydro projects of 100-MW or more in the last 10 years will be considered.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has been keen on reviving the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project, which has been on the cards since 2011 but was blocked by the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition both in and out of office.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily. Monday, August 3 –07:10h–08:40h and Tuesday, August 4 – 07:45h–09:15h.

WEATHER TODAY

Sunny skies are expected during the day, followed by clear skies at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East-North-Easterly to East-SouthEasterly between 3.13 metres and 4.92 metres.

High Tide: 07:27h and 19:46h reaching maximum heights of 2.64 metres and 2.60 metres.

Low Tide: 13:21h reaching a

of 0.62 metre.

Hybridised-type of energy supply Region 9 diesel usage cut by thousands of drums with clean energy shift

The Guyana Government is already seeing the benefits of investing in renewable energy projects such as the two mini-hydropower plants in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), which has reduced the use of fossil fuel by more than 20,000 drums for electricity generation. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Dr Mahendar Sharma, made this an-

20,000 drums of diesel have already been avoided based on what is being produced from the hydropower and because you don’t have to generate that energy from diesel,” Sharma stated. In December 2024, the 0.7 MW Moco Moco Hydropower Plant was commissioned with the capacity to generate approximately 4,565 megawatt-hour (MW/h) electricity annually. Months

later in July 2025, the 1.5 MW Kumu Hydropower Station was operation-

nouncement during the latest edition of the Energy Perspectives Podcast, titled “Powering Guyana’s Low-Carbon Future”. “Lethem, for example, now benefits from two hydropower plants, totalling 2.2 megawatts (MW)… and while mini-hydro is still expensive, the savings are significant. You are offsetting and displacing diesel use… More than

alised to bring approximately 9,700 MW/h of clean energy annually. These two mini-hydropower facilities were rehabilitated by Sri Lankan firm – Vidullanka PLC, under a US$12.85 million programme funded by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB). In addition to hydropower, the $472 million 1.0 MW Lethem Solar Farm, which was commissioned in August

2022, is also supporting the generation of clean energy across Region Nine. According to the GEA Head, “It is the only site in Guyana that benefits from this hybridised-type of energy supply – hydro, solar and diesel – powering the people of Lethem… The solar is there to provide support. In fact, the two hydros have been supplying most of the ener-

gy in Lethem. More than 60 per cent of the energy comes from renewable sources for the town of Lethem.”

Only back in February, Sharma had disclosed that the two mini-hydro plants in Region Nine were already reducing the country’s carbon footprint and saved 17,000 plus drums of diesel at the time.

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Guyana’s progress impossible to deny – IMF

As we know to our cost in the feeding frenzy by the Opposition right now, politics thrives on opinion. Economics, however, has an inconvenient habit of insisting on evidence and that is why the latest IMF Article IV assessment of Guyana deserves careful attention. The International Monetary Fund is not a partisan institution. It does not vote in Guyana’s elections, attend political rallies or draft campaign manifestos. Its responsibility is to examine economic performance through the unforgiving lens of fiscal management, macroeconomic stability and long-term sustainability. Its conclusions, therefore, carry a credibility that transcends domestic political debate.

The IMF’s verdict is unmistakably positive. It describes Guyana’s economic transformation as “advancing strongly and broadening in scale”, noting not only the spectacular expansion of oil production but also, most critically, robust growth across the non-oil economy. Agriculture, construction, services and manufacturing continue to expand while unprecedented public investment is reshaping the country’s infrastructure. The Fund projects continued strong growth over the medium term while observing that inflation remains relatively contained, external balances remain strong, and the Natural Resource Fund continues to accumulate substantial savings.

These findings matter, because they directly rebut the narrative that Guyana’s economy is little more than an oil boom waiting to collapse. The IMF recognises that while petroleum is the engine of current growth, Government investment in roads, bridges, hospitals, schools, energy, sea defences and climate resilience is helping to generate broad-based expansion beyond the oil sector. It also notes that continued infrastructure investment and productivity improvements are expected to lift non-oil growth well above its pre-oil trajectory.

This is precisely the challenge confronting every resource-rich developing nation: whether to consume today’s wealth or invest it in tomorrow’s prosperity. The Government has clearly chosen the latter. The expansion of highways, new hospitals, schools, housing developments, power generation, port facilities and hinterland infrastructure represents more than an ambitious construction programme. It is an attempt to convert finite petroleum wealth into permanent national assets that will continue generating social and economic returns long after the last barrel of oil has been extracted.

Naturally, no Government is beyond criticism. The IMF itself cautions against the risks of overheating, inflationary pressures and the need to preserve macroeconomic stability as spending accelerates. These are not signs of failure, but reminders that managing extraordinary success can be every bit as difficult as managing economic decline. Indeed, the challenge facing our nation today bears little resemblance to the challenges of previous decades. The country is no longer grappling with stagnant growth, chronic foreign exchange shortages or debilitating fiscal crises inherited from the post-Independence PNC Government. Instead, policymakers must manage rapid expansion while ensuring that prosperity reaches every region and every community.

That requires competent governance, prudent fiscal management and constant vigilance against waste and corruption for which it commends the Government. Economic success cannot become an excuse for complacency. If anything, it demands even greater accountability. Yet fairness also demands acknowledgement of achievement where it exists.

For years, critics insisted that the Government’s development strategy was reckless, unsustainable, and destined to unravel. The IMF’s independent assessment suggests otherwise. It finds an economy with strong fundamentals, favourable prospects, growing reserves, expanding non-oil production and a Government investing heavily in infrastructure while simultaneously building financial buffers through the Natural Resource Fund.

Political disagreement will always remain healthy in a democracy. But there comes a point when facts deserve recognition irrespective of partisan preference. The IMF has now provided that recognition. Its report does not suggest that Guyana has reached the end of its development journey. Rather, it confirms that the country is travelling in the right direction.

The task now is to ensure that this remarkable economic transformation translates into lasting improvements in living standards, stronger institutions, greater opportunities for all Guyanese and a diversified economy capable of thriving for generations to come. That is the true measure of success. And, judging by the IMF’s latest assessment, Guyana is considerably closer to achieving it than even many of our most optimistic citizens imagined possible.

The “Kölner Lichter” fireworks display lights up the sky over the Rhine Cologne, Germany (Photograph: Christian Knieps/dpa/AP)

African history – much more than slavery

By LeeLa Ramdeen

AfricanEmancipation Day, we observe 188 years since full emancipation and the abolition of slavery in Trinidad and Tobago (and across the British Empire) on August 1, 1838, and 160 years since the 13th Amendment abolished it in the US in December 1865. To people of African origin, emancipation means liberation, cultural reclamation, and an ongoing journey towards dignity/human rights. It commemorates the end of chattel slavery, honours relentless resistance, and serves as a call for justice and equity.

Starting African history at the abolition of slavery – or even at the transatlantic slave trade – erroneously reduces Africa to a narrative of trauma, external victimisation and “Western rescue”. Africa’s story spans the cradle of human evolution, vibrant pre-colonial empires, and sophisticated systems of governance that thrived long before European contact.

Today, we reflect on the brutal violation of human rights, due to the forced enslavement and movement of millions of people from Africa to European colonies and plantations. Economic growth at the expense of human misery is scandalous. “For over 400 years, more than 15 million men, women and children were the victims of the tragic transatlantic slave trade, one of the darkest chapters in human history” (UN). Our ancestors suffered unimaginable brutality, unthinkable cruelty and gross injustice because of the slave trade.

History records that from the first moment of attack and capture in their homeland, Africans sought to escape from bondage. As we remember the work of abolitionists such as William Wilberforce, never forget the struggles of enslaved people for their freedom. Read

about the relentless resistance of enslaved Africans – from the time they were enslaved; maritime mutinies; through sabotage on plantations, armed insurrections; and as runaways. See Jacqueline L Scott’s blog: 14 Slave Rebellions in the Caribbean – in Black Outdoors. There were hundreds of rebellions by enslaved people in the Americas. Runaways forged formidable communities known as Maroons. Utilising clever guerrilla warfare, these freedom fighters built secure settlements in rugged mountains, deep swamps and dense rainforests. In Jamaica, the Maroon communities fought the British Empire to a standstill, forcing colonial authorities to sign historic peace treaties in 1739 that formally recognised their autonomy and territorial rights. Frederick Douglass rightly stated: “Without a struggle, there can be no progress.” A UN vote in March recognised transatlantic slavery as the “gravest crime against humanity.” In favour (123 nations): Against (3 nations): Abstentions (52 nations).

Although the Slavery Abolition Act was passed in Britain in 1833, “When Britain abolished the practice of enslavement, plantation owners across the British Empire received a share of £20 million, around £17 billion in today’s money, in compensation. In contrast, the newly-emancipated people received no compensation and were forced into a new apprenticeship scheme, which tied them to their plantations for up to six further years. In reality, little had changed for enslaved people. They were still expected to work 10-hour days, and punishments such as flogging were still allowed. These apprenticeships were ended in 1838, when emancipation was finally achieved” (BBC).

Emancipation is for everyone.

Today, many national leaders and governments are asking for reparations for slavery. Over 80 nations and global panels have united under a joint 19-point framework demanding financial redress, debt cancellation, and the return of looted artefacts.

Caricom demands reparatory justice from former European colonial nations for the trans-Atlantic slave trade and chattel slavery through its Caricom Reparations Commission and a structured TenPoint Plan for Reparations.

Sir Ronald Sanders calls it vulgar and a reversal of history for a former British Government Minister to suggest that former colonies should pay reparations to Britain. In his commentary “The Vulgarity of Asking the Enslaved to Pay”, Sanders criticised the claim as an insult to the memory of enslaved people.

In 1985, Pope St John Paul II apologised to Africans for the involvement of Christians in the slave trade: “… we ask pardon from our African brothers and sisters who suffered so much because of the slave trade …” On July 10, 2015, during a speech in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, Pope Francis apologised and asked for forgiveness for the “‘grave sins’ committed by the Church during the colonial era.” On February 9, 2006, at the Anglican Church’s general synod in London, the Archbishop of Canterbury issued an apology “for the Church’s complicity in sustaining – and profiting hugely – from the trade.”

As we pay tribute to the resilience of our ancestors, remember, Emancipation is an unfinished mission that requires dismantling modern social, economic, and educational inequalities. Let’s address the multifaceted complexity of emancipation. (Excerpted from T&T Guardian)

Police take road safety, driver services to South Rupununi communities

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) Traffic Department in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) has expanded its community engagement efforts through road safety sensitisation activities and the delivery of driver services to residents in the South

was administered to new applicants and candidates who had been rescheduled after being unable to travel to Lethem. The initiative allowed residents to access the examination within their community, reducing the need for travel to the regional centre.

Toshao Michael

Rupununi. On Saturday, August 1, 2026, ranks attached to the Lethem Police Station Traffic Department conducted a community outreach in Rupunau Village, where a Learner Driver’s Theoretical Examination

Wilson expressed appreciation to the Police Force for bringing the service directly to Rupunau, noting that the initiative benefited residents. He also thanked the ranks for their commitment and said the communi-

ty looks forward to similar outreach activities in the future. Meanwhile, on Friday, the Lethem Police Station Traffic Department, led by Sergeant Bourne and supported by Lance Corporal Isaacs, conducted a road safety sensitisation exercise for motorists in Lethem Township.

nals, keep to the correct side of the roadway, use designated parking areas, and practise patience and courtesy while sharing the road. The ranks urged road users to remain alert and responsible, highlighting the role of safe driving practices in reducing road traffic collisions. Also on July

During the exercise, drivers were reminded of the importance of observing traffic regulations, including the requirement not to stop within 30 feet of any corner. Motorists were also encouraged to obey road signs and sig-

31, ranks from the Annai Police Station participated in a Community Outreach and General Public Meeting hosted by the Annai Central Village Council at the Annai Village Benab in the North Rupununi.

Evaluation team being set up...

The 165-MW project was the flagship initiative of the Bharrat Jagdeocrafted Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). However, the project failed to take off despite having a developer in US-based Sithe Global, which was backed by investment major –The Blackstone Inc.

In August 2013, Sithe Global announced that it was pulling out of the project, which it said was too large to continue without national con-

sensus, citing the lack of consensus in Guyana’s Parliament. At the time, the then-A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Alliance For Change (AFC) opposition parties, holding a majority of seats in the National Assembly, had both voted down key pieces of legislation, which consequently halted the project. Then during its term in office from 2015 to 2020, the APNU+AFC Coalition regime, again, shelved the project. The

revival of the 165-MW hydropower project was one of the promises made by the ruling PPP/C in its 2020 Elections Manifesto, and again in the 2025 Manifesto. In November 2021, the AFHP was awarded to China Railway First Group (CRFG) but negotiations fell through after the company wanted to change the BOOT model which Government rejected. A revised RFP was then issued in 2023 and four companies – Rialma

The meeting brought together representatives from the GPF, Health, Education, Agriculture and other Government agencies to engage residents and address community concerns.

During the Police presentation, Inspector T. Rodrigues, Officer-inCharge of Sub-Division two, Police Regional Division Nine, provided information on domestic violence, the difference between discipline

and child abuse, underage driving, traffic offences and penalties, driver’s licence requirements, and the prohibition of alcohol sales to minors. Residents were encouraged to support the Police Force’s community outreach programmes and school lectures aimed at promoting crime prevention, road safety, responsible citizenship and stronger relationships between the Police and communities.

FROM PAGE 2

S.A. (Grupo Rialma) from Brazil; China International Water & Elec. Corp; Lindsayca CH4 Guyana Inc., and a group made up of OEC, GE Vernova and Worley – had submitted tenders to be pre-qualified for the Amaila Falls Hydropower project. Those bids were under evaluation for several months before the Government decided to eventually retender the project with new technical requirements last year.

00:00 Sign Off 06:00 Islam for Guyana 06:30 TVG Devotional Hour 07:00 Week-in-Review (RB) 07:30 Cartoons 08:00 Stop Suffering 08:30 HGTV 10:00 Food Network 12:00 Movie - Reba McEntire's the Hammer (2023) 13:30 Movie - Scooby-Doo (2002) 15:00 Cartoons 16:00 KTLT (RB) 16:30 Indian Soaps 17:00 The Young & The Restless

Documentary: Nat Geo Animals

The Evening News

Indigenous Herbal Life Clinic with Sister Lynn

BBC

House of Cards

Page Foundation

Laws of Indices cont’d

Exercises

Brackets with indices

Here we will learn about brackets with indices

What are brackets with indices?

Brackets with indices are where we have a term inside a bracket with an index (or power) outside of the bracket. To do this we can raise everything inside the bracket to the power.

E.g.

(a4 )2 = a4 × a4 = a × a × a × a × a × a × a × a = a

We could also have used the multiplication law of indices.

(a4)2= a4 × a4 = a(4+4) = a8

However, a quicker method would be to multiply the indices:

(a4)2 = a(4×2) = a8

In general when there is a term inside a bracket with an index (or power) outside of the bracket multiply the powers.

(am)n = a(m×n) = amn

Brackets with indices is one of the laws of indices. How to work out brackets with indices

In order to work out brackets with indices:

Raise the term inside the brackets by the power outside the brackets

Make sure you have considered the coefficient Write the final answer

Using indicies with alegbra

Lord, when you send the rain think about it, please, a little?

Do not get carried away by the sound of falling water, the marvelous light on the falling water. I am beneath that water. It falls with great force and the light Blinds me to the light.

(James Baldwin, "Untitled" from Jimmy’s Blues and Other Poems)

Write a story with the aim of making your reader think.

Chevron excited about exploration potential in Guyana – CEO

After acquiring Hess Corporation’s 30 per cent stake in the oil-rich Stabroek Block, Chevron says Guyana has strengthened its portfolio and has recognised the significant exploration potential that the basin holds. “We’ve got a strong presence in Guyana…but there’s still exploration potential there,” Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Chevron Corporation, Mike Wirth, said during the company’s second quarter earnings call on Friday. Just over a year ago on July 18, 2025, Chevron finalised its $53 billion acquisition of Hess Corporation and according to Wirth, the Hess assets are already generating strong free cash flow – something he attributed to the combined portfolio including the prolific Guyana Basin.

Hess had held a 30 per cent interest in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, which is operated by ExxonMobil with a majority interest of 45 per cent while CNOOC holds the remaining 25 per cent stake. With the acquisition, Chevron now holds that 30 per cent nonoperating interest in the Stabroek Block, which contains more than 11 billion barrels of discovered recoverable

oil-equivalent resources, adding a long-cycle growth opportunity that is expected to support Chevron’s portfolio into the 2030s. “Guyana is a world-class asset with significant resource depth that is expected to extend high-margin oil growth into the 2030s,” the Chevron Chairman stated. Currently in the Stabroek Block, ExxonMobil is operating four Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels – Liza Destiny, Liza Unity, Prosperity and One Guyana – and is now gearing up for its fifth development project, Urau. This project will utilise the Errea Wittu FPSO, which set sail for Guyana in June, and remains on track for startup by the end of this year, increasing capacity by 250,000 barrels per day. Approval has already been received for the sixth development, the Whiptail Project, to come on stream in 2027, while the Longtail Project, which is eighth development here, is on the path toward final investment decision. Exxon is already evaluating the potential for a ninth FPSO offshore Guyana.

continues to grow, the Stabroek Block partners are equally confident about future explorations offshore Guyana. In fact, Chairman and CEO of ExxonMobil Darren Woods, during the company’s second quarter 2026 Earnings Call also on Friday, stated that they are awaiting the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) ruling on the border controversy case between Guyana and neighbouring Venezuela to resume exploration in the Stabroek Block. “We obviously have a large chunk of acreage, which is in force majeure, waiting for the ultimate ruling from the International Court of Justice… we feel there’s an opportunity then to start shooting seismic and understand what that acreage potentially holds. We’ve got more work to do in the acreage,” Woods had noted. On Friday, both ExxonMobil and Chevron reported profits for the second quarter of 2026 that surged on the rising oil prices due to the Middle East conflict. Exxon’s second-quarter profits stood at US$14.5 billion, more than doubling from about US$7.1 billion during the same period in 2025. On the

other hand, Chevron’s net income soared to US$12 billion – a nearly 400 per cent increase compared to the US$2.5 billion recorded in the corresponding period last year, and the company’s highest quarterly profit in at least six years.

In fact, the Chevron’s Wirth said on Friday that the company achieved deal synergies of US$1.5 billion from last year’s acquisition of Hess, which came earlier than anticipated and above the initial $1 billion synergy target set when the deal was closed. “[July] also marks the one-year an-

niversary of the Hess acquisition. We pulled value forward, capturing 50 per cent more synergies than initially targeted with $1.5 billion [USD] realised six months ahead of schedule. The Hess assets are generating strong free cash flow, which has been roughly double the incremental dividends and accretive to shareholders on a pershare basis,” Wirth stated.

Fantastic year

Meanwhile, in a separate interview on CNBC recently, Chevron’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Eimear Bonner spoke about the Chevron and Hess merger one year after its finalisation. “It’s just been a fantastic year,” Bonner said, adding that “We’re fully integrated.” According to the CFO, Chevron is already benefiting from the quality of the combined portfolio and the talented Hess employees who bring deep expertise, the acquisition is expected to extend growth into the 2030s. She too added that acquisition has expanded Chevron’s position, especially with the Guyana basin.

CAL loses legal bid against pilots’ union over sick-out

The Industrial Court has dismissed legal action taken by Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL) against the T&T Airline Pilots Association (TTALPA) for allegedly facilitating a sick-out protest by pilots in 2023. On Thursday, Industrial Court Judges Michelle Austin and Andrew Stroude found that they did not have the jurisdiction to hear CAL’s complaint.

Austin, who delivered the decision, ruled that CAL’s action under Section 67(2) of the Industrial Relations Act (IRA) should have been pursued as a summary offence before a magistrate instead of as an industrial relations offence before the Industrial Court.

The legislation makes it an offence for an employer, worker or trade union engaged in an essential service to engage in industrial action.

The maximum penalty upon summary conviction for an employer is a $40,000 fine and three years’ imprisonment, while workers

face a $1,000 fine and six months in prison.

Trade unions face a $20,000 fine and cancellation of their certificate of recognition permitting it to continue to represent the workers.

“The Court is of the firm view that the invocation of Section 67 ushers this matter outside its purview and the correct procedure is that this complaint should have been referred to the Magistrate’s Court by advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP),” Austin said.

Noting that CAL solely sought to rely on the segment of the legislation, Austin stated that

she and her colleague would have only been permitted to continue to hear it if CAL had cited other segments dealing with industrial relations offences for similar conduct.

She also pointed out that an amendment to its complaint cannot cure the defect in it.

“The issue is not whether the association was misled or prejudiced, but whether the court was ever properly seized of the matter in the first place,” she said.

Guardian Media understands that CAL cannot now pursue the complaint before a magistrate as the six-month limitation period for doing so

after the prohibited conduct allegedly occurred has long expired.

The case related to an incident which occurred between August 20 and 21, 2023 while CAL and TTALPA were locked in wage negotiations.

CAL reportedly received calls from 75 pilots indicating that they were unwell and unable to report for duty. The calls came around three hours before they were scheduled to fly. he Stateowned airline was forced to cancel almost three dozen domestic, regional and international flights due to “cockpit crew constraints”.

Although TTALPA denied that its members were engaging in illegal protest action, CAL successfully obtained an injunction from the Industrial Court barring its members from engaging in industrial action including “calling in sick en masse”.

In December 2024, CAL and TTALPA signed a collective bargaining agreement for the period between 2015 and 2020, inclusive of a four per cent wage hike.

Guardian Media attempted to contact the company to see if it planned to appeal the decision or discontinue its legal dispute over the issue. However, CAL did not respond up to press time.

Former Industrial Court Judge Lawrence Achong was a member of the panel but demitted office before the ruling could be delivered. In such circumstances, the IRA permits the remaining members of the panel to preside and complete the case.

CAL was represented by Derek Ali, Vanessa Gopaul and Marcelle Ferdinand. TTALPA was represented by Douglas Mendes, SC and Clay Hackett and the Office of the AG by Seenath Jairam. (T&T Guardian)

Raising…

…Barima or Cain??

Ever since the sinking of the MV Barima, there hasn’t been a single connection to the tragedy that hasn’t precipitated an orgy of political drama!! Now no one gotta tell your Eyewitness this is a tragedy of Biblical proportions in our history – marine or otherwise. But why does the Opposition have to create a circus around everything?? Why can’t they look at the bigger, GUYANESE picture and put their shoulders to the wheel – along with the Government and the Guyanese nation – to help us navigate out of this difficult period??

Clearly, we need to know the facts on how the Barima went down. Now, President Ali moved with alacrity to appoint a Commission of Inquiry to ascertain those facts. But instead of supporting this initiative and at least commending the President for appointing only foreign experts – thus excluding Guyanese who may have some bias – what does the Opposition do?? Launch a seek-and-destroy mission to impugn the credibility of the Commissioners – even before they were sworn in!!

Then they embarked on countrywide protests demanding the resignation of Ministers Edghill and Indar – and as such pronounce them guilty of some kinda malfeasance or dereliction of duty in the sinking of the ship!! But simultaneously they trenchantly criticise the DPP – with the Govt thrown in for good measure – as jumping the gun when the former decide to advise that the Captain and a number of his crew be charged with murder!! They’re still raising Cain over getting Edghill and Indar fired!!

Finally, the straw that broke your Eyewitness’s patience was the Opposition’s demand that the Barima – which could contain up to some 30 bodies – be raised!! When the Government –which they constantly accuse of acting highhandedly – said they’d consult with relatives to find out if they wanted to leave the ship undisturbed as a monument to all those affected by the tragedy, the Opposition immediately screamed this was a ploy to literally bury the evidence!! Evidence of what?? They don’t say – but knowing looks are exchanged to suggest smoking guns that’d tie Govt officials to the sinking!!

Sanction Man – who just happens to be the LOO – then dramatically announced he could raise the Barima – at his expense!! Confirming, of course, that he still hasn’t used up all his tax evasions to buy credibility!! But having conducted their survey of the victims’ relatives, the Govt – through MARAD –just announced a tender for bids to raise the Barima!! Let’s see if Sanction Man gonna now put his money where his mouth is and put in a bid – since he assured us he’d already made all the necessary arrangements!!

But then he wouldn’t be able to accuse the Govt of “tampering” with the evidence!!

…political nexus

In the wake of the Sanctimonious Gangster’s PNC/APNU trying a Burnham “thing” to hijack the 2020 elections and ultimately had the whole sordid mess pass through our Courts – all the way to the CCJ to decide whether 33 was greater than 32!! – a new phrase entered our local political vocabulary via some UWI academics: the “judicialization of politics”!! That is the political types just couldn’t settle their differences by themselves!!

But it seems that the nexus between politics and the Judiciary extends even into the international political realm – in relations between nations!! Here the members of our supposedly natural, organic “Community” – Caricom!! Since last year, T&T’s Kamla had taken issue with what she saw as backroom deals that saw Dr Carla Barnett reappointed as Caricom’s Secty General – without T&T being consulted!!

Finally, acceding to a request by T&T’s Kamla, the Heads of Government (HoGs) of Caricom have agreed to have the issue of the reappointment referred to the CCJ for judicial review!!

…Guyana’s flag

In our moment of national mourning, the Guyana Amazon Warriors lifted the national spirit by spectacularly defending a score of 85 to defeat the San Francisco Unicorns in the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL) T20 final!! Go Warriors!!

Public consultations on "Model Village" initiative gets underway today

President Dr Irfaan Ali will be leading public consultations in several regions across Guyana on the Government’s "Model Village" – an initiative that seeks to create better communities with enhanced roads, drainage, irrigation systems and green spaces. These public engagements will commence today in several communities throughout Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara). According to a notice from the Government, the consultations will start from 09:00h at the Leonora Secondary School, West Coast Demerara (WCD). Meetings will also be held today at Zeelugt, Tuschen, Goed Fortuin, Parfaite Harmonie and Pouderoyen, culminating with a presentation on the proposed new Pouderoyen Market at 18:30h. Citizens are encouraged to participate in these engagements during which they will

be able to share their ideas, raise community concerns and most importantly, help shape the future development of their communities.

On Tuesday, the consultations will move to Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) with engagements scheduled for Kaneville (13:00h), Grove (15:00h) and Diamond (17:00h) on East Bank of Demerara (EBD). The Region Four public meetings will continue on

Thursday at Melanie, Mon Repos, Good Hope, and Enmore on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD). In Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), consultations are scheduled for Friday at Bush Lot, Bath and Hopetown. These engagements will continue over the weekend at Port Mourant, Rose Hall, Skeldon and New Amsterdam in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) on Saturday, and then conclude on

Monday with meetings scheduled at Supenaam, Suddie, Charity and Anna Regina in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

This "Model Village" initiative is being spearheaded by the Local Government and Regional Development

Ministry alongside the Ministry of Housing, the Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Agriculture. During an appearance on the ‘The Guyana Dialogue’ programme back in June, Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Priya Manickchand, had disclosed that the Government plans to develop 21 model communities across the country that will feature better roads, drainage and irrigation systems and green spaces. “The model community will have… concrete drains, properly marked roads, streetlights, green areas or play parks, public buildings that are accessible and that work, just what a model community would look like…,” she outlined.

Develop neighbourhoods

According to the Local Government Minister, the Government’s goal is not to just distribute house lots but to develop neighbourhoods where families can thrive. “Where we develop communities or housing schemes, it’s an entire scheme developed, it’s planned out or drawn by urban planners, people with the appropriate qualifications where green spaces are identified, house lots are surveyed and mapped off, streets and drainage are planned into that housing area, schools areas left for primary as well as nursery schools and if necessary, secondary schools, places left for worship…,” she noted.

Development Bank to help small businesses grow, export, compete

Access to affordable financing through the newly established Guyana Development Bank (GDB) will give small businesses the opportunity to expand production, invest in modern equipment and compete in regional and international markets.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of 592 Wines, Juices

and Shakes, Antoine Austin, said the institution will address one of the biggest obstacles facing local entrepreneurs limited access to capital. “It’s a good initiative for small businesses, especially like mine, so that we can get access to finance, because that’s the most important and the most scarce commodity. With the bank on board, we will be able to purchase the machine so we could have our packaging at a cheaper cost, which means that we could compete on the market and even export,” he is quoted as saying in a Department of Public Information (DPI) report. Austin explained that financing would enable his company to purchase equipment to manufacture its own bottles and labels, significantly reducing production costs and improving competitiveness. He noted that additional capital would also allow the business to purchase larger quantities of seasonal fruits used in its wines and juices.

It will ensuring a more consistent supply throughout the year. He said, “With a loan from this bank, we will be able to amp our supply, which means now we could talk about exporting, because we will have enough to export and also to meet the local demand.” The entrepreneur, who has been operating since 2015, credited Government support and the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) for helping his

products reach supermarket shelves and expand into new markets. He said the establishment of the GDB marks another significant step in strengthening small businesses, adding that he intends to apply for financing once the institution begins accepting applications. For beekeeper Akeeme, (only name given), the Development Bank represents an opportunity to strengthen existing businesses while contributing to the country’s economic development. “I think it’s a good initiative because it helps my business to grow and it also gives the country a little boost.”

He noted, according to DPI, that easier access to financing would allow entrepreneurs to invest in their operations without the burden of traditional lending requirements. Meanwhile, owner of Exotic Bites, Alita Crandon, said the new institution would provide small business owners with the support needed to expand their operations and take calculated risks.

“The bank is a good initiative that will help small business owners like me to grow and boost our business.”

Crandon, whose business produces natural, organic and vegan products, encouraged fellow entrepreneurs to seize the opportunity once financing becomes available. “Take advantage of the opportunity because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so why not take advantage of it?”

Guyanese man deported after serving rape sentence in Antigua

A54-year-old Guyanese was released from His Majesty’s Prison on Antigua after being convicted and sentenced to 18 years’ imprisonment for rape. Following his release, he was handed over to immigration authorities and subsequently deported to his home country of Guyana. According to Antigua NewsRoom Eustace Barry’s release marks the completion of that custodial sentence in Antigua. As a non-na-

Eustace Barry

tional, he was not permitted to remain in the country after his release and was deported in accordance with immigration procedures. Barry has now been added to our Predator Awareness list as part of our ongoing effort to raise public awareness about individuals who have been convicted of sexual offences. There are many more convicted predators whose cases we will continue to highlight in the interest of education and awareness.

Public consultations on...

“It’s not just the handing out house lots, it’s a very layered approach to making sure people can live in communities, not just houses…it’s building neighbourhoods and communities, understanding that stronger families and stronger communities will give us a stronger country…its very conscious building,” the Minister added. Manickchand explained that there are challenges in implementing these features with existing communi-

ties. For instance, she said in Newtown Kitty, Georgetown, “we can fix the drainage, we can clean the alleyways and make them concrete so that the water is flowing but you can’t do much with how its already planned”.

The President Dr Irfaan Ali-led administration is, in this term, focusing much energy of building out better communities, where families can thrive. The Government has been working to improve the functioning of Neighbourhood

FROM PAGE 9

Democratic Councils (NDC) and other local authority areas by increasing their subventions so they can deliver better services to residents.

Additionally, heavy investments are being made to improve road networks, drainage and irrigation systems and install streetlights and safety features to make communities more welcoming. Millions are also being invested in creating recreational spaces to promote better lifestyles among citizens.

celebrations 2026

PAC rangers engage youths in nature camp to promote conservation

Rangers from the Protected Areas Commission (PAC) recently participated in a nature camp organised by youths in Moco Moco Village, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), in an effort to strengthen environmental awareness and conservation.

According to a post on the commission’s social media page, rangers attached to the Kanuku Mountains Protected Area (KMPA) joined the camp, where they engaged participants through knowledge-sharing and discussions on the importance of protecting the area’s biodiversity. The PAC

said the initiative provided an opportunity for its rangers to build relationships with young people who will play an important role in safeguarding the environment in the future.

The commission noted that, apart from routine monitoring activities, participating in community-led initiatives allows

rangers to exchange experiences with youths while also learning from their perspectives on environmental stewardship. It added that such engagements help foster a shared sense of responsibility and pride in protecting the rich biodiversity of the Kanuku Mountains Protected Area. The PAC also

thanked the residents of Moco Moco Village for organising the nature camp and including the commission in the activity. The commission expressed its commitment to continuing similar collaborations with communities to support the long-term conservation of Guyana’s protected areas.

New $900M motor grader begins rehabilitation of Mahdia-Campbelltown Road

Residents and commuters travelling between Mahdia and Campbelltown, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) are expected to benefit from improved road access as Region Eight’s newly acquired motor grader has commenced rehabilitation works on the key roadway. According to the Local Government Ministry, the motor grader has begun its maiden operation to restore the road, which has deteriorated over time, particularly during the rainy season. Regional Executive Officer (REO) Marti De Souza said the rehabilitation fulfils a commitment he made to residents two months ago after concerns were raised about the condition of the roadway.

The works include grading the road surface and reshaping the roadway to eliminate potholes and improve accessibility for motorists and other road users. De Souza said the project marks the beginning of a

broader programme to improve access roads across Region Eight, with additional communities expected to benefit through increased Government funding for the maintenance of community roads and bridges. The expanded investment follows the recently concluded National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference, where the Government announced that each of Region Eight’s 31 Amerindian villages, through their Community Development Councils (CDCs), will receive $30 million for road and bridge maintenance. The allocation represents a significant increase from the previous $5 million provided to each community. In a video shared last Friday on the Regional Democratic Council’s (RDC) Region Eight Facebook page, De Souza said the initiative will inject more than $900 million directly into communities across the region while strengthening their ability to

Road works ongoing between Mahdia and Campbelltown, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni)

manage and maintain local infrastructure. “The communities are now given the capacity to do repairs to their own roads and bridges. That’s $30 million to 31 communities. That works out to more than $900 million circulating right within our very own region,” the REO said. He noted that the programme comes at an important time following the recent rainy season, when several communities required emergency repairs to damaged roads and bridges. By placing resources directly into the hands of village leaders, communities will be able to respond more quickly to infrastructure needs and oversee projects at the local level.

To support the initiative, the Ministry of Public Works will deploy five pieces of heavy-duty equipment to each cluster of villages. The equipment will include bulldozers, graders, dump trucks, rollers and backhoes to strengthen the region’s capacity to maintain and rehabilitate community infrastructure. The programme also includes a training component aimed at building local capacity. Ten young people from each cluster will receive specialised training to operate the equipment, creating employment opportunities while ensuring the machinery is managed and maintained within the communities. “We will now be empowering our very own young

Chinese enterprises make 2nd donation to support MV

The Association of Chinese Enterprises in Guyana (ACEG) has made an additional donation to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) to support the ongoing response and relief efforts following the MV Barima maritime tragedy. The donation was handed over on Friday by ACEG General Secretary (GS) Jason Wang and received by CDC Director General Colonel Nazrul Hussain during a brief ceremony. Chinese Embassy Counsellor Li also attended the event. According to ACEG, the contribu-

tion was made through the collective support of its member companies and reflects the organisation’s continued commitment to assisting Guyana during the national response to the tragedy.

The association acknowledged the contributions of Hong Da Lian Shao Guyana Construction Inc, PowerChina International Group Ltd, Xinhai International (South America) Inc, Ping An Inc, CNQC Guyana, LongReach Investments & Construction Inc., China Auto Sales, One Tree International Inc, Guyana Green Farm Inc and Bosai Minerals Guyana. In a statement,

ACEG extended condolences to the families and

people right within the communities, and the monies will be circulating within the communities also. Communities will now take ownership of the machinery and take ownership of the work that they are doing to improve access on the roadways and the bridges,” De Souza said. Meanwhile, the REO urged motorists to exercise caution while travelling along the rehabilitated Mahdia-Campbelltown Road, particularly as the dry season approaches. He appealed to drivers to reduce their speed and be mindful of residents and businesses along the route, noting that the improved road surface may generate dust.

Barima relief efforts

loved ones of those who lost their lives in the disaster and expressed appreciation to emergeancy responders, recovery teams, Government agencies and others involved in the ongoing operations. Friday’s donation follows an initial contribution made earlier this week by the Chinese Government, Chinese enterprises and members of the Chinese community in Guyana. During a handover ceremony on Tuesday, China’s Ambassador to Guyana, Yang Yang, said the donation represented the first batch of relief supplies collected to

assist Guyana’s response efforts. The Ambassador expressed condolences to the families of the victims and said China stands in solidarity with Guyana during the difficult period. She also indicated that additional relief supplies were expected to be delivered. Representatives of the CDC had welcomed the initial donation, noting that the supplies would assist ongoing relief efforts and describing the contribution as another demonstration of the longstanding friendship between Guyana and China.

By Dr Tariq Jagnarine

Global health perspectives

We have all experienced it at some point. Perhaps it was after a long day at work, after eating garlic, or first thing in the morning. Bad breath and body odour are common, but when they become persistent, they can affect confidence, relationships, work, and overall

quality of life.

HEALTH TIPS

Bad breath and body odour: what your body may be trying to tell you

As a family physician, I have met many patients who delay seeking help because they feel embarrassed. Others spend large amounts of money on perfumes, deodorants, mouthwash, or chewing gum without addressing the real cause. The truth is that persistent bad breath or body odour is often a symptom rather than the problem itself.

What causes bad breath?

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, affects millions of people worldwide. In about 80–90 per cent of cases, the source is inside the mouth.

Common causes include:

• Poor brushing and flossing

• Gum disease

• Tooth decay

• A coated tongue where bacteria accumulate

• Dry mouth from

dehydration or certain medications

• Smoking and tobacco use

• Dentures that are not cleaned properly

• Stress and anxiety

Medical conditions that can contribute include:

• Diabetes

Certain foods such as onions, garlic, alcohol, and coffee can also temporarily affect breath. However, persistent bad breath may point to medical conditions such as:

• Sinus infections

• Tonsil stones

• Diabetes (which may produce a fruity smell)

• Kidney disease (ammonia-like breath)

• Liver disease

• Acid reflux (GERD)

• Lung infections If bad breath continues despite good oral hygiene, it deserves medical evaluation.

What causes body odour?

Sweat itself has very little smell. The odour develops when bacteria on the skin break down sweat, particularly in areas such as the armpits, groin, and feet.

Factors that increase body odour include:

• Poor hygiene

• Hot weather

• Heavy sweating

• Obesity

• Hormonal changes during puberty or menopause

• Certain foods and spices

• Alcohol

• Smoking

• Visit your dentist every six months.

• Drink plenty of water.

• Avoid tobacco products.

• Limit sugary foods and drinks.

• Manage chronic illnesses such as diabetes.

Tips to reduce body odour

• Bathe daily using soap and water.

• Dry skin thoroughly after bathing.

• Wear clean, breathable clothing.

• Change socks and underwear daily.

• Use an antiperspirant or deodorant.

• Stay well hydrated.

• Maintain a healthy weight.

• Wash exercise clothing after every use.

• Overactive thyroid

• Kidney disease

• Liver disease

• Certain skin infections

• Rare inherited metabolic disorders

Some medications may also alter body odour.

When should you be concerned?

Seek medical advice if you notice:

• Bad breath that persists for several weeks despite good oral care.

• Bleeding gums or loose teeth.

• Sudden changes in body odour.

• Excessive sweating accompanied by weight loss or palpitations.

• Fruity, fishy, or ammonia-like odours.

• Fever, skin infections, or unexplained illness.

These may signal an underlying condition requiring treatment.

Tips to keep breath fresh

• Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.

• Floss every day.

• Clean your tongue using a tongue scraper or toothbrush.

One of the most rewarding moments in medicine is seeing a patient regain confidence after identifying and treating a hidden cause of bad breath or body odour. What many people think is "just a smell" may actually be an early sign of gum disease, uncontrolled diabetes, or another medical condition.

I encourage my patients to remember that these issues are common, treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of. Looking after your oral health, maintaining good hygiene, and seeking medical advice when symptoms persist can make a remarkable difference – not only in how you smell, but also in your overall health and well-being.

Your body often gives subtle clues before more serious problems develop. Listening to those signals is one of the simplest ways to protect your health.

Take-home Message: If bad breath or body odour persists despite good hygiene, don't just cover it up; find the cause. Early assessment can improve your health, confidence, and quality of life.

Antigua and Barbuda seeks US review of visa restrictions, bond programme

The Antigua and Barbuda government has launched a fresh diplomatic effort to persuade the United States (US) to remove the twin-island nation from recently imposed visa restrictions and the newly established US Visa Bond Programme.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has written to US President Donald Trump requesting a review of the measures affecting Antiguan and Barbudan nationals under Presidential Proclamation 10998, related visa restrictions and the permanent Visa Bond Programme.

At the same time, Antigua and Barbuda’s embassy in Washington has submitted a diplomatic note to US

Secretary of State Marco Rubio seeking an early review of the country’s continued inclusion in the measures.

According to the government, its appeal is based on the US State Department’s own explanation that the Visa Bond Programme is intended to encourage countries to strengthen information sharing, identity verification, document security, immigration compliance and other security measures.

The government said Antigua and Barbuda has already implemented significant reforms that address those objectives.

Among the measures highlighted are tougher residency requirements under the Citizenship by Investment Programme,

biometric cooperation with the US Department of Homeland Security to improve identity verification and screening, continued cooperation with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement in accepting nationals removed from the United States, and a willingness to assist with third-country nationals within the country’s capacity.

The government also

pointed to Antigua and Barbuda’s low visa overstay rate of just over one per cent, noting that no citizen has sought refugee status in the United States. It also highlighted the country’s status as a stable parliamentary democracy and an upper-middle-income economy recognised by the World Bank.

In his letter, Browne also empha-

sised Antigua and Barbuda’s long-standing partnership with the United States, citing cooperation in regional security, intelligence sharing, immigration enforcement, and efforts to combat narcotics trafficking and transnational organised crime.

The prime minister said Antigua and Barbuda has consistently responded to concerns raised by successive US administrations and believes the objectives outlined by the State Department have now been substantially met.

As a result, the government is asking Washington to reconsider Antigua and Barbuda’s inclusion in the visa restrictions and Visa Bond Programme.

Region 9 diesel usage cut by thousands...

He said the cost of that the fuel saved then had amounted to some 27 per cent of the capital investment on the two mini-hydro projects. Sharma had outlined the importance of hydropower to Guyana’s energy mix, noting that it brings a greater level of predictability and availability when compared to other renewable sources. “So, hydropower is going to be an important part of our energy matrix and we have to scale these up,” he had stated.

In fact, the GEA Head revealed that efforts were underway to explore the setting up of more mini-hydro projects across the country especially in hinterland areas where the demand is growing. During recent podcast, Sharma pointed out that the much more work has been done across Guyana to advance renewable energy sources, especially solar. In fact, he noted by the end of this year, approximately 56 solar minigrids will be established in hinterland communities across the country. Dr Sharma said the mini-grids will provide

electricity to public and community buildings in hinterland areas, utilising solar photovoltaic (PV) technology supported by battery storage and small distribution networks. “This year, we’ll have about 56 solar minigrids spread across the hinterland communities.

These mini-grids are usually drum-mounted solar PV panels with a small room for batteries and a small distribution network. We’re taking power to public and community buildings,” he explained.

The GEA Head noted that the mini-grid programme complements another initiative launched in 2023, which saw the distribution of more than 37,000 small solar home systems to residents in hinterland communities.

“Previously, it was a solar panel with a charger that powered some lights and a fan and charged your mobile devices. But we’re going beyond that with the policies that GPL (Guyana Power and Light Inc.) has implemented, including the net billing policy. You and I can benefit from solar technology too,” he said. Dr Sharma said residents

now have the opportunity to invest in solar energy systems for their homes, adding that the GEA has launched an awareness campaign to educate people on how they can incorporate solar technology into their households. Moreover, he added that Guyana’s renewable energy capacity is set to receive a major boost by the end of the year, with solar PV installations expected to bring the country’s total solar capacity close to 50 MW as Government and Private Sector investments continue to diversify the national energy mix. Dr Sharma also highlighted other major energy projects being advanced, including the Gas-to-Energy (GtE) Project, which he said will allow Guyana to utilise its indigenous natural gas resources to generate electricity and reduce the need for fuel imports. “And that gas will displace the need for imports and will utilise an indigenous resource now, gas, an indigenous resource, to generate power,” he said. He noted that the GtE Project is not the only initiative being pursued, with

the Government already announcing additional phases of the project to further expand generation capacity. Beyond natural gas and solar development, Dr Sharma said Guyana is also advancing other renew-

able energy projects, including the Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project, which is expected to add 165 MW of hydropower capacity to the national grid. With investments across solar, hydropower, and natural gas, the

“The Government’s objective is not confrontation,” Browne said. “It is to ensure that decisions affecting the people of Antigua and Barbuda are based upon accurate information and upon the substantial steps our country has taken in close cooperation with the United States to address every legitimate concern that has been raised. We believe the time is now right for a review.”

The government said it remains committed to strengthening its long-standing relationship with the United States and looks forward to continued engagement with the Trump administration on issues of mutual interest and shared security. (CMC)

GEA CEO said Guyana is moving towards a more diversified and sustainable energy system aimed at improving reliability while supporting the country’s low-carbon development goals.

Around the World

Trump says Iran talks to take place today, sets no deadline for deal

US President Donald Trump said talks with Iran will happen today, but declined to set a deadline for an agreement after earlier saying he had called off an imminent attack in hopes of quickly reaching a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resolve the impasse over Tehran's nuclear capabilities.

Trump had said late on Saturday on his Truth Social platform that Iran and other Middle Eastern countries had asked for time to complete a deal

that would lead to "the Immediate, Complete and Total" reopening of the Strait and "an end to Iran's nuclear threat", but that Tehran must "rapidly make a DEAL."

As he returned to Washington from a weekend in New Jersey, Trump told reporters on Sunday that a negotiation would begin this afternoon, but did not provide details of where it would take place or who would be involved.

Asked if there was a deadline for Iran to come to an agreement, Trump declined to answer. "Would I

Lula launches 4th-term bid, focuses on national sovereignty

Brazilian President

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has formally launched his campaign for a fourth term.

On Sunday, Workers’ Party supporters filled a São Paulo convention centre with red flags and chants of “Lula” as the 80-year-old politician –who returned to power in 2023 after serving two previous terms from 2003 to 2010 – announced that he was running for the presidency for a seventh time.

He told supporters that, should he win the October election, it would be his final term.

Rather than focusing on his domestic record, Lula’s speech highlighted Brazil’s place in an increasingly unstable world. He called for more defence

rather make a deal? I'm not looking to kill people because people die, a lot of people die, and we don't want that," Trump said in response.

Trump has repeatedly issued threats that he would escalate the war on Iran he launched along with Israel in late February, only to allow more time for talks, which have so far not led to a comprehensive deal.

Trump's apparent de-escalation after days of threats of new attacks from each side was the latest twist in the war. Attacks have spread across the Gulf to the Red Sea and even a Mediterranean facility in Egypt.(Excerpt from Reuters)

Suicide bomber kills 14 outside Police Station in Pakistan

OPEC+ agrees September oil hike, completing rollback of voluntary cuts

The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies (OPEC+) approved an oil production quota increase on Sunday of around 188,000 barrels per day from September, the producer group said, in a move that completes the unwinding of a layer of voluntary output cuts.

Owing to export disruptions from the Gulf, Russia and Kazakhstan caused by the Iran and Ukraine wars, successive monthly OPEC+ hikes over most of this year have remained largely on paper with little impact on the market.

spending and promised to protect Brazil’s reserves of rare earths and other critical minerals from foreign control.

“I want to be prepared, so that no one invades this country,” Lula said.

He also warned that China, the United States, and France would not be allowed access to Brazil’s mineral wealth without respecting the country’s sovereignty.

Lula’s message reflects growing tensions between Brasilia and Washington.

The United States imposed two rounds of tariffs on Brazilian goods in July, citing unfair trade practices, an accusation rejected by the Brazilian Government. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

A Policeman stands guard on a road in Swat Valley, Pakistan [File: Reuters]

Asuicide bomber has killed at least 14 persons and wounded others outside a police station in Pakistan‘s Swat Valley, striking near a crowd that had gathered to protest a surge in violence.

The bombing happened on Sunday evening in Kabal, a town in the valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, near the border with Afghanistan.

According to Swat District Police Officer (DPO) Umar Khan, the suicide bomber detonated explosives after Police personnel attempted to

stop and search him at the entrance of the police station.

Swat Deputy Inspector General of Police Fida Hussain said at least 22 persons were wounded. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The blast occurred near hundreds of people who had gathered at a nearby intersection to demand Government action against the region’s escalating violence. It tore through the crowd as the final speaker was addressing the gathering, sending panicked residents fleeing the scene. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

The September increase agreed by core OPEC+ members — Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, Kuwait, Algeria, Kazakhstan and Oman — finishes the phased rollback of a 1.65 million barrels per day (bpd) supply cut originally agreed in 2023, when the group still included the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which left OPEC in May.

Although OPEC+ sources said before the meeting the group would likely pause output increases for the fourth quarter, its statement made no reference to what might be agreed for the last three months of 2026.

A pause was still a feasible option, said Jorge Leon, an analyst at Rystad.

"OPEC+ has finished unwinding its voluntary cuts. The next challenge is managing the surplus that could emerge as export flows normalise," he said.

"Having completed the restoration campaign, OPEC+ has little incentive to rush into further supply changes. Our base case is a fourth-quarter pause while the group prepares for the 2027 quota negotiations."

OPEC reviewing capacity before setting 2027 quotas

A separate OPEC+ meeting of a panel called the Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee also met, OPEC said on Sunday, and reiterated concern about attacks on energy assets during the US-Israeli war on Iran, saying they were expensive and time-consuming to repair and so have an impact on supply.

With September's output hike now agreed, OPEC+ still has in place one more layer of output cuts that apply to most of the group's members. Those roughly two million bpd in cuts date back to 2022 and are due to remain in place until the end of this year.

OPEC+ is carrying out a review of its members' oil production capacity that will be used for the 2027 output baselines from which quotas are set.

It faces potentially difficult talks over new production quotas, with some members, including Iraq, pushing for higher individual quotas to reflect their higher capacity.

OPEC+ includes 21 members, along with Russia and other allies.

In recent years only the seven core countries, and the UAE until its departure, have been involved in monthly production management.

The seven members will hold their next meeting on September 6. (Reuters)

DAILY HOROSCOPES

(March 21-April 19)

(May 21-June 20) (April 20-May 20)

(June 21-July 22)

(July 23-Aug. 22)

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Limit the information you share. Choose your words wisely, and don't make promises you can't honor. A direct approach will help you get what you want and when.

Choosing practicality over whimsy will save you from loss. Avoid hype about earning easy money. Someone will have a hidden agenda that can leave you in a vulnerable position.

Making a lifestyle change or renovation or participating in a pastime you feel passionate about will enhance your chances of fraternizing with someone who offers insight into something unique.

The more information you have, the easier it will be to avoid traps and trouble. Listen carefully, and don't let anyone push you into an argument. Using charm will help you get the support you need.

Gather information and consider the possibilities. Don't stop short, have low confidence or let confusion take over. If you do the legwork, you'll be surprised how much you can achieve.

Personal situations involving money, contracts and commitments will be strained if not handled openly and honestly. If you feel someone is giving you the runaround, they probably are.

Complete your missions before you get into discussions or take on new projects. It's important to stay on top of matters if you want to eliminate undue stress. Don't overthink.

Stay focused on your agenda and objective. A pleasant disposition will help you gain the respect and assistance you need. A change or move you want to pursue will have underlying stipulations.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Make domestic changes to ease your overhead. Consider who and what is costing you, and go through a process of elimination to ensure you aren't wasteful. Do what you can yourself instead of trying to buy favors.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Educational pursuits that enrich your mind or physical changes that make you more appealing can both help you build momentum in achieving personal and professional gains.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Imagination, intuition and an abundance of energy that needs an outlet will help you find a path loaded with all sorts of interesting opportunities. Reinvent yourself.

Pull in the reins and rethink your plans. Acting prematurely will leave you cleaning up a mess. Be methodical, resourceful and humble when it comes to how you proceed.

Arteta coy on Vinícius Jr links, but expects more Arsenal moves

Arsenal Manager

Mikel Arteta refused to give anything away about his club's reported pursuit of Real Madrid winger Vinícius Júnior, but said he expected more moves before the end of the summer transfer window.

ESPN has reported that Arsenal are interested in the Brazilian star and have been studying the feasibility of a deal.

Asked by a reporter in a light-hearted exchange on Saturday when Vinícius would be joining the Premier League champions, Arteta simply laughed before walking off.

Vinícius' contract with the Spanish giants is due to expire next summer and ESPN reported on Friday that Real Madrid are open to the possibility of the 26-year-old leaving the club if there's no agreement on a new contract, with Madrid having no plans to increase their last renewal offer.

Arsenal believe they would be in a strong position if Vinícius were to opt for a move, a source told ESPN, although a source close to the player said that there had been no contact with the Premier League champions. Arteta did give more

details on the club's transfer dealings when he was asked in an earlier exchange about Vinícius and whether fans can expect more signings before the start of the new season.

"Well, we are really active, trying to improve and evolve the team. That's clear," he said following Arsenal's 4-1 win over Girona in a preseason friendly in Spain. "We expect to have movements in the next few weeks, obviously, because we want to get better like anybody else.

"And you can just see the transfer market and

ExxonMobil Guyana Schools’ Kayaking Championship…

President’s College pilot District 4 to 1st title

Coming off their winning of the first leg of the Inter Schools Championship, District Four, bolstered by the in-form President’s College posse, impressed once more to garner 60 points and walk away with their first-ever ExxonMobil Guyana National Kayaking crown when the second segment was staged recently on the waters of the Demerara River outside the Watooka Guest House in the mining town of Linden.

Unlike last year when they flattered to deceive, the President’s College-led District Four team proved too much for their closest rivals District 10, winners in 2022 and 2024; who were guided by students of the New Silvercity Secondary School to finish second with 52 points.

Occupying the third spot were the 2023 champions District Nine

Kwakwani Secondary 28; District Five (West Coast Berbice) 19; District One (Barima-Waini) 13; District 8 (Potaro-Siparuni) 12 and District 14 (East Bank Demerara-Mahaica) on the carpet with seven points for 11th place.

The annual kayaking championships once again were promoted by Dr Deon Anderson’s Elite Kayaking and Nature Tours with major sponsorship coming from ExxonMobil Guyana.

(Rupununi) with 46 points, as their challenge was spearheaded by students of St Ignatius Secondary on 46 points.

The defending champions District Seven (Upper Mazaruni) had to

settle for fourth place, two points behind District Nine as they tallied 44 points, ahead of District Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) with 39 points; District Two (PomeroonSupenaam) 30; District 10’s

This year’s winners at the fifth edition of the schools’ kayaking championships collected $500,000 and the championship trophy; the runners-up grabbed $350,000, the second-place trophy and silver medals; and third place $250,000, a trophy and bronze medals. Cash vouchers will be distributed where the students get support for their academic pursuits and a percentage goes to their district.

our opponents. What we are doing, we won't sit still and we are very ambitious in what we want to do."

Arsenal's major arrival so far this summer has been Christos Tzolis, who joined for a fee of £34 million ($45.8 million) from Club Brugge. The Greek winger scored his first goal in Arsenal colours on Saturday, netting the team's second goal in Girona.

As well as Vinícius, Arsenal have also been strongly linked with another Brazilian in Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimarães. (ESPN)

Glazer makes maiden visit to Guyana

Manchester United and Desert Vipers owner Avi Glazer was in Guyana on Tuesday night to watch his team take on the Perth Scorchers in the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL) T20.

Before the contest, he met Vipers Coach Azhar Mahmood. Additionally,

Glazer and Paul Voigt, the Managing Director of Lancer Capital, co-owner of the Vipers, also visited the majestic Kaieteur Falls. They also met with President Dr Irfaan Ali and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo to discuss opportunities for mutual cooperation, especially in business and sport.

Greaves’ half-century props up West Indies on rain-affected day

Pakistan's bowlers looked like they controlled play for much of a spin-dominant day at the Queen's Park Oval, but West Indies' grit means they go in with the upper hand. Handy contributions right through the line-up – no batter and no partnership ended

of the Test early on, its effect amplified by the brisk start West Indies made. They raced along to 49 in 9.5 overs before rain forced an early lunch. Mercifully for Pakistan, Tagenarine Chanderpaul had hooked Mohammad Ali to fine leg off the last ball before the weath-

without reaching double figures – let the hosts keep Pakistan's spinners at bay. When light called time on a rain-affected day, West Indies were at their most dominant, with an unbeaten half-century from Justin Greaves as part of an undefeated 66-run stand pushing them to 239 with five wickets still in hand.

The shock omission of Mohammad Abbas was the main talking point

er interruption to give Pakistan something to cling to ahead of the resumption.

Once the players took the field again, it was immediately clear this would be a different kind of session.

Soon, Ali Usman and Sajid Khan were operating in tandem on a pitch that gripped and turned, and it was not long before it claimed its first victim. A canny review from Pakistan for a ball

that landed on leg and ragged past Brandon King's outside edge showed three reds, giving Usman his first Test wicket.

West Indies, who had been generally good at absorbing pressure and fighting through phases where Pakistan's bowl-

With a left-hander and a right-hander at the crease, Usman and Sajid operated relent lessly and stifled West Indies. Kavem Hodge went deep into his shell, and occasionally at tempted to break the shackles with a release sweep. However, one of them off Sajid kissed his glove and ricocheted off his forearm towards Mohammad Rizwan, who took a sharp catch. It needed another re view from Pakistan, but they broke through once more.

Shai Hope and Amir Jangoo began to realise they would have to bal ance run-scoring and caution. A glorious six over cover from Hope set the tone as West Indies tried to shift momen tum, and the next few overs saw boundaries begin to flow relative ly regularly. It forced Babar Azam to turn back to pace, return ing to the expensive Ubaid Shah.

It was here that

ers ruled the roost briefly let themselves down. Ubaid sent his first one down leg, and Jangoo casually flicked at it, his though. Ubaid was dispatched for a few boundaries and taken off after three overs, and a return spell from Ali was both ineffective and uneco-

on to his off stump. It brought Roston Chase to the crease, with one wicket separating Pakistan from the lower order. But, as with those that came before, the West Indies Captain dug in, while Greaves kept the score ticking over. Pakistan's spinners continued to plug away but the conditions had eased and the threat receded. Pakistan turned to pace once more, but Ubaid's difficult induction to Test cricket continued. He overpitched to Greaves first ball, and, in a recurring theme, the West Indian all-rounder dispatched him through the covers. His pace had dropped, and his spell lasted just two overs that cost Pakistan another 15. Babar retreated to the comfort of spin, but by now, it was West Indies who were getting comfortable. By the time the light faded, it looked as if Pakistan could do with a reset more than a West Indies side who had survived a hard day of Test cricket, and started to cash in on their hard work. (ESPNcricinfo)

Hot & Lucky deny Jagdeo Racing Stables in Emancipation Cup

Veteran jockey Colin Ross was in the saddle on Hot & Lucky as he piloted the underdog horse from Nathan Racing Stables to a maiden victory in Guyana.

In the absence of J’s Racing Stables, Slingerz Racing Stables, Master Z and Jumbo Jet Racing Stables, Jagdeo Racing Stables was set to dominate the Emancipation Cup Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club, but it was Jockey Ross and trainer Deonarine Ramroop who pulled off a major upset.

Ross came with a ‘Statlooking’ ploy, and he took the early start with Hot and Lucky, setting the pace in the onemile race. Hot & Lucky stopped the clock in one minute and 40 seconds; the favourite Front Line Warrior got into fifth gear a bit late as Gryphon ran second. Front Line Warrior had

to settle for third while Stormy Victory finished fourth. This is Hot & Lucky’s second race in Guyana, after a third place in May. Hot & Lucky is owned by a special-needs teenager who was at centre stage of an emotional win on Sunday afternoon.

Under glorious sunshine, the opening race got off to a flyer with the L Class race. Lion Heart stormed to victory finishing ahead of Doctor J, who ran second, while Perfect Trip and Sakar were the other top four finishers in that order.

In the nursery stakes, two-year-old Guyana-bred maidens, JanoStar outshined the field with jockey Yovin Kissoonchand leading the charge. Chelsea ran close for second while Princess Alesha finished third and Just in Time ran fourth.

The third race was the

Emancipation Sophomore stakes two-year-old Guyanabred maidens. Boss Lady enjoyed a sweet victory, by 10 lengths while Ocean Star ran in second. High Beam claimed third and Lady Cash finished fourth.

In the Emancipation mile stakes three-year-old Guyana-

bred maidens race, Miracle Boy ran bravely to finish in pole position while Glory Queen was second. Risen Star and Black Beauty finished in third and fourth respectively.

Jockeys Arvin Dhanraj and Yovin Kissoonchand were unseated from their horses.

Jagdeo Racing Stables

took the top spots in race five. Theory of Colors took the lead from the inside to emerged as the victor in the H Class and Lower while stablemate Sydney ran comfortably for second. She WBO on Time ran third and Mufasa finished in fourth.

Newcomer Turmalina

Boxers shine, narrow loss for 3x3 women on packed day for Guyana at CAC

Wintz will move on to the quarter-finals

Guyana's boxers were a high point for the local contingent on Sunday as the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games continued in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

There were many other notable performances, especially from the women’s 3x3 basketball team, who left it all on the floor in a narrow one-point loss.

Boxing

Terron Wintz and Desmond Amsterdam both produced commanding performances on Sunday to advance in their respective weight divisions in the Games’ boxing competition. Competing in the Elite

Men's 70kg division in the Dominican Republic, Wintz delivered a flawless display to defeat Saint Lucia's Kyghan Mortley by a unanimous 5-0 decision, despite having a slow start.

All five judges awarded the contest to the Guyanese boxer, each scoring it 30-26 in Wintz's favour following an impressive three-round performance. Meanwhile, Amsterdam required even less time to book his place in the next round of the Elite Men's 80kg competition.

The Guyanese stopped Dominica's Daniel Ali Shillingford by Referee Stopped Contest (RSC) in the second round at the 1:10 mark after taking complete control of the bout.

All five judges had Amsterdam ahead 10-9 before the contest was halted, underlining his dominance inside the ring.

Both Wintz and Amsterdam progressed to the quarter-finals of their respective divisions.

Basketball

Guyana’s women started the day taking a dent to their quarter-final hopes in a 13-8 loss to the hosts Dominican Republic. Ruth Adams and De Angelique Waithe both put up three points for Guyana while Dominican Republic’s Esmery Martinez hit a game-high six points. However, when Jamaica lost to the same opponent (21-10), hope was restored for the Guyanese girls who moved on to Sunday afternoon’s quarter-finals by virtue of finishing second in Group D.

There, they met El Salvador, and fought hard, but eventually suffered a one-point loss, 15-14. This time Adams netted six points followed by Waithe with five and Anaya Clemons, three. Hillary Martinez led the charge for El Salvador with seven points, in addition to Guadalupe Vazquez’s six.

The 3x3 women’s team will now turn their attention to the placement games where they will compete for fifth place.

Squash

Daniel Ince was the lone squash player to progress in the singles’ division at the Games on Sunday, but it was short-lived.

Ince started with a 3-1 victory over Dominican Republic’s Eduardo Curiel 11-4, 9-11, 11-8, 11-4, in the men’s singles Round of 32.

However, in the Round of 16, Ince fell to Colombia’s Miguel Angel Rodriguez 0-3 (1-11, 3-11, 0-11).

Samuel Ince-Carvalhal had met a similar fate in the Round of 32, going down to Dominican Republic’s Chrisopher Fernandez 0-3 (5-11, 3-11, 6-11).

Negra out of Brazil had withdrawn from the Emancipation Classic Stakes W Class Non-winner Open to F&G Class horses. The day got even better for Jagdeo Racing Stables as Oy Vey displayed pure dominance to clinch victory. Converter ran in second while Qurbaan’s Kingdom came in third.

A host of the big horses were in rest mode ahead of the Guyana Cup, which is slated for August 23 at Rising Sun Turf Club.

More than $66 million in cash and prizes will up for the taking at the 18th running of the Guyana Cup. The top stables are expected to feature new horses for the most lucrative event in the history of Guyanese horse racing.

In the women’s Round of 16, Guatemala’s Winifer Bonilla got the better of Mary Fung-A-Fat 3-1 (119, 10-12, 2-11, 6-11). The Guatemalans also got the better of Ashley Khalil as she faced off with Darlyn Sandoval. Sandoval took the game 3-0 (11-3, 11-6, 11-3).

Table tennis

Over in the table tennis arena, Guyana’s men’s team took an early hit with a 0-3 loss to the Dominican Republic.

The pair of Isaac and Ramon Vila got the better of Malachi Moore and Elishaba Johnson 3-0 (1210, 11-6, 11-4).

Match Two saw Jiaji Wu sweeping Shemar Britton 3-0 (11-6, 11-7, 11-8) while Ramon Vila defeated Johnson 3-1 (11-4, 11-6, 4-11, 11-9).

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Joyful homecoming: Raekwon Noel returns with 3 CAC golds

An atmosphere of pride and celebration overtook the arrival lounge at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on Sunday afternoon as some members of Guyana’s Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games team, including triple gold medallist and record breaker Raekwon Noel, returned home.

Noel has been Guyana’s most outstanding performer at the ongoing CAC Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic thus far, grabbing three gold medals and 3 CAC Games records to accompany them.

Noel stopped the clock at 1 minute, 59.35s in the 200m Individual medley, 1 minute 56.82s in the 200m butterfly and 1 minute 47.08s in the 200m freestyle for his three medals, resetting the CAC Games record on each occasion.

On Sunday afternoon, Noel’s and his fellow swimmers’ efforts at the games were hailed as Minister within the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry, Steven Jacobs; Assistant Directors of Sport Melissa Dow-Richardson and Franklin Wilson and Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) President Yolema Phillips, alongside family, friends and other well-wishers, gathered at the airport to welcome the athletes and their coach home.

Delivering feature remarks, Minister Jacobs vowed increased support for Noel’s endeavours.

“Your achievement there meant so much for us; 1) it was three gold medals so, that meant on three occasions, the flag went up. Also, on three occasions we heard the anthem and that is significant. That is significant for us as a country. We know sport is the single most unifying tool, but it also puts countries on the map and you did that for us, and we appreciate that and we thank you for that,” Jacobs told Noel.

He went on to promise, “And I want to also say, we will

continue to support you. And I say continue because we have been supporting you, but when you’re going to break records and you’re going to show your discipline, your worth, your performance up there with the elites, we’re going to extend that support for you.”

Adding to the recognition that Noel will receive for his record-breaking feat, Jacobs announced, “What we have done from a policy level is that we’re going to recognise all of our top athletes and top teams who have performed. We now have a billboard in the avenue,

just across from the Ministry, you will be up there, you will be up there repping, because that is how we support our athletes.”

Continuing the message of support, a similar promise game from the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) through President Godfrey Munroe. Munroe shared, “This year and this new iteration, what we’ve mapped out is a tiered system of how we’ll support athletes and this is not only extended to Raekwon or swimming alone, we want to make sure that we encompass a wide section, as Minister alluded to.

“We’re working out a system to see where the gaps are, in terms of support that is required for each one of our elite athletes. We provide support at the Pan Am level, at the Olympic level which is Olympic Solidarity. I know you’ve got a contract but that contract will be improved Raekwon,” he went on to announce.

Meanwhile, Noel had an outpouring of gratitude for his many supporters present.

“I’m really happy to be a part of such a great country, especially at times like this and I’m really excited to see what Guyana has to offer in the sports industry. We have a lot of athletes with great potential and I’m excited to work with those athletes and to push forward sport in Guyana. Especially swimming because we know how much potential it has,” the CAC gold medallist opined.

Noel further expressed, “I know how much people look up to me and I just want to say thank you guys for trusting me to be your role model and I appreciate everything you guys have been doing. I really do.”

Guyana’s medal count at the CAC Games is now four, with Ceili Peterson’s bronze in Taekwondo adding to Noel’s triple gold strike.

Joyful homecoming: Raekwon Noel returns with 3 CAC golds

“Belief” fuels

Amazon Warriors victory

as focus now shifts to CPL

The Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) pulled off a heist on Saturday night to retain their ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL) title in a low-scoring thriller at the Guyana National Stadium. In the aftermath, “belief” was the common piece of the puzzle attributed to their victory.

Only managing 85 in a rocky batting innings, the Amazon Warriors turned it around, so much so that the story ended with the local franchise lifting their second consecutive GSL trophy.

Defending the total was no easy task and according to GAW’s left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie and Coach Ryan Hercules, it all came down to belief.

Motie opined, “I think belief. Everyone believes

in each other, because we know how good a team we are and everyone just believes in each other.”

“It’s amazing feeling to

win. We know how difficult the wicket is and we went out to bat, not the score we were looking for, but we had something on the board,

so we tell ourselves we just have to stick to the basic and go out and defend it,” the left-arm spinner added.

Hercules shared, “The Warriors chant, we go all the way to the end. So, we just had to go out there and make sure we out the balls in good areas and then you never know – cricket. You know how it happens in Guyana; we’ve been in this position so many times and I was saying to the guys ‘it’s the Warriors’ way’ and this is the kind of cricket we’re playing. But if that’s the way it is, once we come out victorious, that’s the main thing.”

The victory was ranked as one of his best by the Berbician spinner, as the Coach noted that it was important to pull it off for the fans.

“I think this is one of the top for me, because going out on this track, we all know it’s difficult to bat, so going out and defend 85, it’s a great one,” Motie expressed.

“I think it was important we do it for the crowd as well. You know, everyone here to support us and to get that victory for them, it means everything,” Hercules added.

In what will be a quick turnaround for the team, Hercules believes the players will be riding this momentum into the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

The Coach shared, “It was just like last year as well, when we won that title. We’re going to get some rest and we’re going to look to start training on Monday. It’s going to be big, with the guys’ confidence, guys away who’s not in the team and the guys here, I think their confidence level is going to be really good going in to the training and we look forward to that as well.”

The Republic Bank CPL will bowl off on Friday, August 7 at the Arnos Vale Stadium in St Vincent and the Grenadines. The Amazon Warriors will begin their campaign on Thursday, August 13 against debutants Jamaica Kingsmen at Sabina Park in Kingston.