Police engage P students on road safety, bullying, discipline
12 & 13
Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com
Issue No. 6604
THE BEACON OF TRUTH MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2026
Only about 20 submissions received from public for Constitution reform – AG …despite years of calls for reform of political parties, See story on page 3
civil society groups yet to submit proposals
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WHAT'S INSIDE:
Top Cop moves to send SOCU P Head on pre- 15 retirement leave …Karimbaksh threatens legal action
Linden man P14 killed during confrontation at Amelia’s Ward
“I just gave it up” – businessman on $10.2M robbery Page 14
…suspected to be inside job; 3 arrested; some stolen cash, gun recovered
MoM, Private Sector rebuild “Save R Kids” access bridge in 24 hours See story on page 7
Expectant firstgeneration lawyer joins DPP as State P15 Counsel
Eusi Kwayana, founding WPA member, dies at P10 101
President Dr Irfaan Ali works alongside members of Men on Mission, Private Sector representatives and other workers during the overnight reconstruction of the access bridge at the Save R Kids Children’s Home in Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara
Police warn motorists “Rank is responsibility” against dangerous – Lt Colonel tells overtaking, officers completing GDF reckless driving command, staff course See story on page 8
See story on page 11
Police road P10 campaign nets 20 traffic cases on EBE, WCD
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
NEWS
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
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Bid/Ask
Only about 20 submissions received from public for Constitution reform – AG …despite years of calls for reform of political parties, civil society groups yet to submit proposals
S
ome three months after the Constitution Reform Commission (CRC) invited the public to make written recommendations on areas they want to see changes made, just around 20 submissions have been received to date. This was revealed by Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, who is one of the 21 members on the Commission. Back in July, the Commission had issued an ad, inviting the public to make written submissions on areas to be reviewed in the Constitution of Guyana during the reform process. The CRC had set a deadline of December 31, 2026, for these proposals to be made. “Unfortunately, the response has not been what we anticipated it to be,” Nandlall stated during an appearance on the Starting Point podcast. “I’m told that we have some just over 20 statements from the public. We have had a publication inviting statements running for several months now and only 20 [were received].” Just last month, the Legal Affairs Minister had told reporters on the sidelines of an event that many of the submissions received up to that time “hardly relate” to the constitutional and the reform process. At the time, Nandlall had opined that the Commission may need to look at new ways to generate public interest and attract more public participation in the process – something which he reiterated during his appearance on the podcast. The CRC had explained in a public notice that it will adopt a two-tiered consultation process consisting of written submissions from the public and public engagements throughout Guyana’s 10 administrative regions, as well as consultations with members of the Guyanese diaspora. According to Nandlall during the podcast, the CRC had planned to commence the public consultations once they started receiving the submissions. “Our intention [was] that as we get the statements, once we get a sufficient number of statements, we begin the public engagements so we don’t have to wait until December. But we anticipated much more than 20 over the period for which
the advertisement or the public invitation has been out. So, we may have to go out there and even begin to encourage people that you know this initiative is important and they must come on board or else the process will fail, because as I said the process was designed to be driven by the public,” he noted.
Shocking absence
In fact, the AG pointed out that over the years, there have been mounting calls from civil society stakeholders and even political parties for reforms in specific areas but that the opportunity is here for their participation, those organisations and individuals have been mum. “There is a shocking absence of their input,” Nandlall declared. “Even the political parties have not made submissions. I would have thought that, you know, there are so many pressure groups out there, so many interest groups, so many groups advocating for different causes that they would have jumped upon this opportunity to prosecute their particular mandate and this is the forum to do so. But unfortunately, I have not seen that enthusiasm expressed in the form of statements. So, we may have to begin [public consultations] with what we have and try other methods and other forms
Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC (Starting Point photo)
of encouragement to bring awareness to this issue.” In the July 2026 notice, the Commission had stated that the reform process will examine a broad range of issues identified in the CRC Act 2022, while remaining open to additional proposals from the public. Among the areas identified for review are the protection of the fundamental rights and freedoms of all Guyanese; the rights of Indigenous peoples and children; the elimination of discrimination; improving race relations and promoting ethnic security and equal opportunity; and ensuring that minority views are adequately considered in decision-making and governance. The Commission will also consider proposals relating to electoral reform, including the composition of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), the method of appointing
its chairman and members, and its jurisdiction over national registration and the electoral process. Other areas of focus include measures to strengthen economic, social and cultural rights; preserve the independence of the Judiciary; safeguard public funds and promote integrity in public life; improve the effectiveness of the National Assembly; and enhance the capacity and functioning of the local Government system. Following the consultation process, the Commission will compile the submissions and prepare recommendations to be submitted to the Parliamentary Standing Committee for Constitutional Reform, which will then transmit the report to the National Assembly. TURN TO PAGE 7
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2026
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Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Industrial Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com
IMF on our inflation
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he IMF has delivered an inconvenient message for those who insist that nothing the Government does benefits ordinary Guyanese since it clearly concludes that the latter’s interventions have helped contain price pressures. But the Government has resisted converting that finding into a declaration that the cost-of-living problem has been solved with President Dr Irfaan Ali declaring a raft of other measures to rope in inflation. The IMF Executive Board assessment recognises that fiscal and supply measures have cushioned price pressures. Average inflation was 3.3 per cent in 2025, with 4.1 per cent projected for 2026. It also finds no clear evidence of economy-wide overheating, while recommending continued vigilance. These are encouraging findings in an economy undergoing extraordinary expansion. Government deserves credit for using public resources to soften the impact of international shocks. Electricity subsidies and tax exemptions, for instance, provide protection that consumers would otherwise have to finance themselves and alongside social transfers are important elements of the response. President Ali has raised concerns over heavy markups by intermediaries between farmers and retailers and proposed localised farmers’ markets, starting with one in Sophia, to give producers direct access to buyers and lower food costs. The Government is pushing domestic alternatives in the shopping basket such as expanding local water bottling capacities rather than relying on expensive imports, alongside large-scale investments in national agriculture and value-creation. Those who dismiss every subsidy as waste should explain how readily they would volunteer households to absorb the entire adjustment. But this does not mean the IMF’s assessment cannot benefit from further scrutiny since success in containing measured inflation is an important achievement, but it cannot establish how adequately poorer families are protected. Towards this end, the Board itself calls for updated price statistics and a new household budget survey. Until that evidence improves, sweeping declarations about universal prosperity run ahead of what can be demonstrated. The Fund’s recommendation to replace broad relief gradually with targeted support also deserves a practical examination. Better targeting can direct more assistance towards households that need it. But an unreliable register, inaccessible application process, or rigid income threshold can exclude precisely the people it is supposed to help. Government should build and test the replacement before withdrawing existing protection. A useful next measure might be a regularly paid cost-of-living supplement for low-income households, with adjustments tied to an independently measured basket of essentials. It should include accessible registration, provision for informal workers, and a straightforward appeals process. Predictable assistance would help families plan between the larger grants. While working to reduce long-term exposure to imported inflation and global supply disruptions, the Administration is investing in the Gas-to-Energy project, local oil refineries, expanded fuel storage capacity, and renewable energy (solar and hydro). But perhaps electricity assistance could likewise evolve towards a subsidised basic consumption allowance, preserving affordable essential use while reducing support for heavier consumption. Government could also establish a public price-monitoring programme covering essential goods across coastal and hinterland communities. Where taxes or import costs fall – such as Government’s zeroing out the excise tax on refined fuel consumers or targeted investment in food production – we should be able to see whether retail prices follow. Persistent discrepancies should prompt competition investigations where evidence warrants them. A tax concession that merely enlarges a commercial margin is an expensive way to congratulate a businessman. The more durable response lies in reducing the cost of supplying necessities and the Government has already increased agricultural support that prioritises drainage, dependable irrigation, storage, refrigerated transport and stronger links between farmers and markets. The credit provided that comes with technical assistance must have measurable production outcomes since while producing more is useful, getting that production affordably onto the consumer’s plate is the decisive step. Finally, Government spending must expand the economy’s ability to deliver since funding can grow faster than engineering, contractor and administrative capacity. That is a warning about execution, rather than proof of general overheating and demands creating more skilled personnel. Guyana has earned recognition for cushioning its citizens. The next achievement should be making essential living costs sustainably affordable. Oil wealth gives us the means. Competent delivery must provide the result.
Boats sail past the Vittoria lighthouse at the start of the 58th Barcolana regatta, Trieste, Italy (Photograph: Alberto Pizzoli/AFP)
Sparrow’s anti-colonial education, ideologically aligned with USA By Tony Rakhal-Fraser
S
linger Francisco’s addition of quality to Trinidad and Tobago’s development was ahead not only of other calypsonians, but also beyond the articulation of groups of social scientists, politicians, and governments. He picked up the theme expressed by PM Dr Eric Williams at Independence: “The future of the nation is in the school bags of our children.” “Education, education-this is the foundation … to be recognised anywhere you go, to have your certificates to show ... to enjoy any kind of happiness, knowledge is the key to success. Children go to school and learn well; otherwise, later on in life yuh go ketch real hell. Without an education in your head, your whole life is pure misery, yuh better off dead ...” The totality of the lyrics, and the underlying objectives of that calypso are even more relevant today than when Sparrow sang them 50-plus years ago. The bard, however, did not accept for himself what he considered the colonial education as presented in the primary school textbooks produced by the British education official in T&T at the time, J O Cutteridge. For Sparrow, it was anti-education, devoid of reality and incapable of engaging his own thinking capacity: “How I happen to get some education, me ent know, all they teach me was about Brer Rabbit and Rumpelstilskino. They wanted to keep me down indeed, they try their best but did not succeed, yuh see, meh head was duncy and up to now ah can’t read,” Sparrow in the genre of calypso mimicry and ridicule. Historian Michael Anthony wrote that Sparrow was too harsh and unfair to Cutteridge. Sparrow’s own career represents a man highly educated in the ways of the world, and in his own ability to propel himself over the many hurdles
he faced in life. The bard engaged for himself a path forward beyond what was previously achieved by the generations of calypsonians who, before him, settled for accommodation within the status quo, ie, calypsonians singing for a drink of rum and two shillings: “No dogs and calypsonians in here,” a sign at the door of a hotel. Travelling to the USA with his colleague, Lord Melody, who went there to find Harry Belafonte, the interpreter to the world of Melody’s compositions: “Mama Look ah Boo Boo,” and “Sweetheart from Venezuela”. “I wanted Belafonte to introduce me to the right people in entertainment,” said Birdie about his mission. Sparrow was surely not the first calypsonian to take the calypso as a form to the US, Canada, England, and throughout the Caribbean. But in performing in his signature engaging manner, he opened opportunities not only for himself but also for generations of calypsonians who followed. He took the calypso back to Africa in an expanded form, and was hailed as Chief Omo Wale of Ikoyi by the Government and people of Nigeria. King David Rudder (if Sparrow deems him so, is so) marks the spot of Sparrow following the likes of Lion, Executor, Kitchener, Beginner and Terror in Britain, along with “Fitzroy Coleman fingers dancing on the fret; Carnegie Hall graced by the presence of Sparrow, oh ho, ho, and when Slinger done with dey tail, they shouting don’t go, Sparrow don’t go ... Calypso!” Logically, and pragmatically, given his contact with the United States early in his career and life, travelling to America, regularly singing to the Trini and Caribbean Diaspora, and having experienced the appetite of Americans for entertainment, Birdie expressed in a couple of significant calypsos his ideological support for the USA and, by extension, Western political ideol-
ogy in competition against the Soviet Union bloc. “Ah say to tun them ships in the opposition direction, Kennedy is the man for them,” was Sparrow’s response to the Cuban Missile Crisis (1962) when the Soviet Union under President Nikita Khrushchev attempted to land missiles in Cuba, the US backyard, into which non-hemispheric countries could not intervene in any hostile manner – President James Monroe, 1823. “Stop them, search them, or sink them to the bottom of the ocean ... any retaliation will be met with explosion ... (maybe he was foretelling Trump) meh mother said she rather dead than live in a world of communism ... together with Canada, England and France, Nikita Khrushchev ent stand ah chance.” But even before the Missile Crisis, Sparrow adopted in a pragmatic, ideological manner, the American position in the propaganda war between the two superpowers in their individual attempts to capture outer space: “They trying they best but they making a mess with the Russian satellite, they should be all sent to prison for the dog that they poison in the Russian satellite ... two sputniks in the sky have everybody hypnotised; I am very sorry for the poor little puppy in the Russian satellite.” He compared, negatively, the Russian attempts at space exploration to the Italian sailor: “Columbus was a man very hard and grim; he never sent ah dog to look out for him.” To be continued (T&T Guardian) (Tony Rakhal-Fraser is a freelance journalist, former reporter/current affairs programme host and news director at TTT; programme producer/current affairs director at Radio Trinidad; correspondent for the BBC Caribbean Service and the Associated Press; and graduate of UWI, CARIMAC, Mona, and St Augustine- Institute of International Relations)
guyanatimesgy.com
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2026
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You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, Queens Atlantic Investment Estate, Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com
Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett: The Courage of a Small Nation, the Voice of a Larger World
Dear Editor, The worth of a leader cannot be measured solely by the office she ultimately occupies. It must also be measured by the courage with which she pursues service, the principles she carries into difficult encounters, and the possibilities she opens for those who follow. By that measure, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett has already given Guyana and the Caribbean ample reason for pride. Her pursuit of the office of United Nations Secretary-General represents an extraordinary undertaking: an Indigenous woman from a small developing country offering her experience, judgment and leadership to the world. Whatever the eventual outcome, that effort deserves recognition across political loyalties, ethnic identities and national boundaries. The reported prospect of an American veto makes
this moment especially sobering. However, we must distinguish reported opposition from a formally exercised veto, and neither should be treated as proof that she lacks the qualifications to serve. The selection of a SecretaryGeneral takes place within a political structure in which the preferences of powerful states can outweigh the aspirations of many others. That reality reveals a central tension within the United Nations. Its Charter affirms the sovereign equality of its members, yet its institutional arrangements grant exceptional authority to five permanent members of the Security Council. Small states participate in a universal organisation while confronting a system in which their influence remains profoundly unequal. Rodrigues-Birkett’s candidacy gives human expression to that tension. She comes from a coun-
try whose international influence must be earned through diplomacy, credibility and persuasion. Her journey through ministerial responsibility and international representation reflects years of public service and engagement with the practical challenges of development. Her Indigenous identity adds a profound dimension to that experience. Communities historically excluded from centres of authority deserve to see their knowledge, leadership and ambitions recognised at the highest levels. Her presence in this contest challenges the inherited assumption that global leadership must emerge from countries with the greatest wealth or military strength. For Guyana, that is an achievement worth celebrating. For the Caribbean, it is an affirmation that our region can offer leaders capable of contributing far beyond our shores. For small states everywhere,
it demonstrates that limited territorial size need not impose limits on intellectual ambition or public service. There is also a question of principle. If opposition to her candidacy is indeed connected to her position on Gaza, as reports suggest, that deserves serious scrutiny. Governments may disagree with a diplomat’s assessment. Yet the United Nations must preserve space for independent judgment, especially when civilian suffering and the application of international law are at issue. A credible SecretaryGeneral must listen carefully, build relationships and seek agreement. The office also requires the moral courage to raise uncomfortable questions. Diplomacy loses its purpose when access to leadership depends upon silence in the presence of suffering. Our admiration for Rodrigues-Birkett should
therefore rest on more than national affection. It should recognise the seriousness of her effort to serve within an institution whose responsibilities extend to the powerful and the vulnerable alike. The image of David confronting Goliath captures something of the unequal terrain she faces. But we should not prematurely declare the contest over. Whatever happens, the metaphor reminds us that courage consists in stepping forward despite the disparity in power. Our David has entered the arena, carried the hopes of a small nation, and demonstrated that those hopes deserve a hearing. An appointment would be historic. Its absence would not erase the significance of her endeavour. To a young Indigenous girl in Guyana’s hinterland, her example says that leadership is within reach. To a young Caribbean woman, it says that our islands and main-
land communities can produce voices of international consequence. To citizens of small developing states, it says that they have every right to help shape the institutions governing their future. All Guyanese, and the peoples of CARICOM, can honour that example without surrendering their political differences. National maturity includes the ability to recognise distinguished service wherever it appears. Ambassador RodriguesBirkett, we salute your courage, commend your perseverance and honour your willingness to offer yourself in service to the world. Whatever this process delivers, you have enlarged the horizon of possibility for those who will come after you. For many small states, that is already a victory. Yours respectfully, Jermaine Figueira Former Member of Parliament
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2026 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 - Love on a Limb (2016) 13:30 Movie - The More Love Grows (2023) 15:00 Cartoons 16:00 KTLT (RB) 16:30 Indian Soaps 17:00 The Young & The Restless 18:00 Documentary: Nat Geo Animals 19:00 The Evening News 20:00 BBC 22:00 Movie - Mayday (2026)
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2026
Foundation ◄
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guyanatimesgy.com
Measuring angles An angle is formed by the rays of two intersecting lines when the rays have the same vertex. An angle is named by both of its lines, with the vertex in the middle of its name.
By Adrienne Su Of all the ways to escape the body politic,
Exercises: Identify the following angles as either acute, obtuse or right angles.
its codes of royal behavior, absurdly strict, she had chosen the least original and most public. All through history, women had been doing this, whether commoners, princesses, or demigoddesses. It was obvious, embarrassing, and nonfeminist
Rays OA and OB intersect at Point O, a shared vertex to form angle AOB. Angles are measured in degrees. A straight line is 180o , so an angle will always be less than that. Angles that are less than 90o degrees are called acute angles. Angles that are more than 90o degrees are called obtuse angles. Angles that are exactly 90o degrees are called right angles, and are often indicated with a very small square at the point where the two lines meet.
to run away with a guy based on appearances. She’d read the castle library, had grievances with philosophers, and could repair appliances, but in the end she was the same old same old, a girl for whom a boy was a ticket to the world. That she’d go it alone later was immaterial. Keenly aware she was being predictable,
Easy DIY Electromagnet In this fun and easy electricity and magnetism science experiment, we are going to show you how to build an electromagnet. Materials: Large nail 6-volt lantern battery 2 alligator clips Wire strippers Insulated piece of copper wire (about 18 gauge) Small metal items like screws, washers, paper clips, etc
Instructions: Strip a small section of the insulation from the ends of the copper wire. Wrap the copper wire around the nail. Attached the stripped end of the copper wire to the alligator clips. Connect the alligator clips to the 6-volt lantern battery. Test the nail to see if it is magnetic by holding it near the small metal items.
How it works: The electric field in the coiled wire creates a magnetic field around the nail. The magnetised nail will be able to attract metal items. Make this a science project: Try different sized nails. Try to turn other metal items like bolts or metal tubing into electromagnets. Test different gauges of copper wire. Test different sizes of batteries. (sciencefun.org)
she admitted to finding Theseus irresistible and killed off her theories, the desire to be equal. To be continued (Source: Poetry [October 2026})
Include the line “Did you see that?” in your story. WORD SEARCH
NEWS
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
MoM, Private Sector rebuild Save R Kids access bridge in 24 hours
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resident Dr Irfaan Ali, members of Men on Mission (MoM) and Private Sector representatives from Regions Three and Four worked into the early hours of Sunday to complete the reconstruction of the access bridge at the Save R Kids Children’s Home at Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara (WCD). Ali announced the project in a post on his social media page, explaining that the initiative brought together members of the business community to restore infrastructure serving the children’s home. The project was undertaken under the MoM initiative, with the President seeking to demonstrate how communities and pri-
vate businesses can collaborate to improve access to essential facilities. During a visit to the home on Saturday night, Ali said the First Lady, Arya Ali, had been working closely with the institu-
tion through her “Sponsor a Home” initiative, under which her office covers utilities and other expenses. He said the bridge reconstruction represented a larger capital project being undertaken with the support of businessmen,
Only about 20...
FROM PAGE 3
According to the Commission, the legislation requires it to consult with the widest possible cross-section of Guyanese, including communities across all regions, religious and cultural organisations, political parties, youth groups, students, women’s organisations, the private sector, professional bodies and the media. Persons interested in making recommendations to the CRC are advised to clearly label their submissions with: “Written Proposal on Constitution Reform.” Submissions must include the contributor’s full name, address, email address and other contact information, along with a scanned copy of a valid photo identification. Proposals may be delivered by hand or mailed to the Office of the Secretariat on the fifth floor of the
Constitution Reform Commission building at 211 Camp and Lamaha Streets, Georgetown, or submitted via email. The Commission noted that individuals whose submissions require further discussion may be invited to participate in face-to-face consultations. The 21-member Constitution Reform Commission, chaired by former Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary Justice Carl Singh (Ret’d), was sworn in by President Dr Irfaan Ali in April 2024 after the highly-anticipated Constitution Reform Commission Act was passed in the National Assembly in 2022, paving the way for the review of the country’s supreme laws – a manifesto commitment made by the governing People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).
The access bridge to the Save R Kids Children’s Home at Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara
including Brian Tiwari and Umrao, along with National Coordinator of MoM, Lieutenant Colonel Bhageshwar Murli.
men and business representatives to work together to repair infrastructure leading to children’s homes and other important facili-
and institutions providing services to the public. At about 21:10h on Saturday, the President reported that workers were
“We are going to try to restore this bridge, to do it in 24 hours, by tomorrow it will be completed,” Ali said. He explained that the initiative was intended to serve as a model for other communities, encouraging
ties. While acknowledging the Government’s ongoing road and public infrastructure development programme, Ali said stronger partnerships were needed between the private sector
preparing to install the bridge beams and decking. He said the scope of work had also been expanded to include the construction of both approaches to the bridge, with the team aiming to complete the ad-
ditional work within the same 24-hour period. A representative of the children’s home welcomed the intervention, explaining that the reconstruction had not been planned because of the high cost involved. “We really need this bridge to rebuild. It was very costly because we did an estimate. So it wasn’t planned, but thank God for the President and the assistance that is being offered to having our bridge repaired because this is the one that’s on the entrance and the exit,” the representative said. The representative also thanked the Government and the businessmen who contributed to the project. The bridge provides access to the children’s home and serves as its entrance and exit.
8 NEWS “Rank is responsibility” – Lt Colonel tells officers completing GDF command, staff course Another one… MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
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Senior ranks and trainers along with the officers, including three from regional defence forces, who have completed the Guyana Defence Force’s 12-week Junior Command and Staff Course Number 34 (JCSC #34)
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ifteen officers, including three from regional defence forces, have completed the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) 12week Junior Command and Staff Course Number 34 (JCSC #34), which focused on strengthening their leadership, planning and decision-making skills. The course brought together officers from the GDF, the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) and the St Kitts and Nevis Defence Force (SKNDF). Training covered operational planning, battle procedure, military law, leadership, administration, intelligence and resource management. Practical exercises and scenario-based assessments tested the officers’ ability to apply military doctrine, exercise sound judgement and make decisions in operational settings. The participation of officers from the three forces also provided opportunities for professional exchange. Addressing the closing ceremony, Commanding Officer of the Training Corps, Lieutenant Colonel Dale De Mendonca, described officer development as a strategic imperative for the GDF. He urged the graduates to regard the completion of the course as a milestone in their careers and to remain committed to professional development. Colonel General Staff Colonel Kenlloyd Roberts, MSM, meanwhile, highlighted the responsibilities that accompany advancement in rank, stressing that character, competence and accountability must guide officers’ conduct and performance as they assume greater authority and leadership responsibilities. TURN TO PAGE 15
…bites the dust
hile it may seem irreverent to use Queen’s lyrics, “Another one bites the dust”, for your Eyewitness to reflect on the passing of veteran politician Eusi Kwayana, he just couldn’t resist it after another veteran politician, Robert Corbin, had passed only a few days ago. No disrespect intended but just a hope that all those present politicians who’re strutting around like Little Caesars – and dissing little folks – should be reminded that sooner or later they’re also gonna “bite the dust”, and all that’ll be left will be their reputation. Shouldn’t they then work on burnishing that reputation by doing what they’re supposed to be doing – REPRESENTING the interests of the people who put them there?? So what can we say about Eusi Kwayana who lived to the grand old age of one hundred and one!! Imagine that!! Born in 1925 he’s been a veritable living representative of Guyana’s political history starting with village politics and ending on the national stage integrally involved in the formation of the PPP, PNC and WPA!! Imagine that!! The only person from that era is Hamilton Green who’s no spring chicken at 91 – but still a full decade younger than Kwayana!! So what can be said about Kwayana that hasn’t already been said?? Your Eyewitness today won’t just talk about his specific political role – but start with his role in transforming how African culture was portrayed and then lived in Guyana in 1925! It would be rather tedious to regurgitate how the Whites who’d ruled Guyana had derided African culture in their efforts to justify enslaving Africans. Suffice to say that when Kwayana was born, even Africans were ashamed to be called “Africans” and did whatever it took to appear white in behaviour - and even appearance!! Kwayana was the pioneer in changing all of that – starting with getting rid of his “slave name” – Sydney King – and choosing the Swahili expression for “Black man of Guyana”!! Then there was the clothes – the dashiki and simple clothing rather than the woollen suit and tie that his predecessors had insisted on wearing – even in our boiling tropical heat!! He adopted the natural matted hair that the Rastafarians had pioneered in rejecting the abominations of “Babylon” – to top off his assertion of African humanity as equal to others!! But more important was his formation of the African Society for Racial Equality (ASCRE) and then the African Society for Cultural Relations with Independent Africa (ASCRIA) for spreading his vision of how the African people in Guyana should live!! Today, sadly, there’s been a retreat from his positions on culture and your Eyewitness hopes that his passing will spark a reappraisal of them in the young generation. RIP!! …from politics The then youthful Sydney King was one of the early responders to Cheddi Jagan’s frontal attack on the comfy colonial accommodations that made the early middle-class local politicians claim they were “fighting” for improving the people’s lot. Inspired by the teachings of Marx on the need for the “working class” to move to the centre of the struggle that was supposed to benefit them, Jagan was supported by Kwayana in his successful bid for a legislative seat in the Legislature from the East Coast Constituency that included King’s Buxton. The 25-year-old King was there when the PPP was launched in 1950 and became Minister of Communication and Works when they won a majority in 1953. He initially stuck with Jagan when Burnham broke away, but soon joined the latter to became general secretary of the PNC. He opposed Independence under Jagan and during the 1964 riots to remove Jagan, played a prominent role to be feared as much as Green and Corbin were, later!! He broke with Burnham’s PNC in early 1970s!! …finale Kwayana co-launched the WPA in 1974 and offered Rodney a platform which collapsed after Burnham assassinated him in 1980. In 1992, they were ignominiously defeated and petered out into obscurantism with Kwayana pushed out of Buxton. The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Guyana Times’ editorial policy and stance
Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
10 NEWS
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Police road campaign nets 20 traffic cases on EBE, WCD
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anks of Regional Division Three recorded 20 traffic cases during a White Light Campaign conducted at several locations along the East Bank Essequibo (EBE) and West Coast Demerara
(WCD) on Friday. During the exercises, police stopped and examined several motor vehicles, resulting in cases being recorded for various traffic offences. Of the 20 cases, 16 were
for breaches of prescribed conditions as to fitness, while one involved an obscured identification mark and another an unlicensed motor vehicle. Two cases were also recorded for dangerous driving.
Additionally, four persons were arrested and two summonses were issued during one of the exercises. The campaign is part of the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) ongoing efforts to promote road safety, en-
force traffic laws and reduce road accidents. The Police Force is urging motorists to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, observe speed limits and comply with traffic laws.
Motorists are also being encouraged to exercise patience and caution while using the nation’s roadways, with police warning that reckless and dangerous driving can result in serious consequences.
Eusi Kwayana, founding WPA member, dies at 101 E
usi Kwayana, a founding member of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) and a prominent figure in Guyana’s political history, has died at the age of 101. The WPA announced Kwayana’s death in a statement on Saturday, saying
he had remained a committed member of the party since its co-founding in 1974. During his 52 years with the WPA, Kwayana served as an executive member and Member of Parliament (MP). He also served as de facto editor of the party’s
publications, Open Word and Dayclean. Before becoming a founding member of the WPA, Kwayana was active in both the original People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and the People’s National Congress (PNC). He served as an MP and
Cabinet member in the 1953 PPP Government. He later served as Assistant General Secretary and General Secretary of the PNC, as well as editor of the party’s newspaper, New Nation. Between 1964 and 1971, Kwayana served as head of the National Land Settlement Committee and held several other public positions. These included chairman of the Guyana Marketing Corporation, chairman of the Cooperative Insurance Committee and chairman of a committee tasked with converting the Guyana Cooperative Credit
Eusi Kwayana
Society into a Cooperative Bank. Kwayana was also involved in organisations focused on African cultural identity and racial equality. In 1961, he co-founded the African Society for Racial Equality (ASRE), which focused on raising cultural consciousness among African Guyanese. In 1964, he co-founded the African Society for Cultural Relations with Independent Africa (ASCRIA), which promoted African pride, dignity and culture among African Guyanese. He served as ASCRIA’s Coordinating Elder. Kwayana was born Sydney King and later changed his name to Eusi Kwayana, which the WPA said means “Black Man of Guyana” in Swahili. In announcing his death, the WPA said Kwayana’s political and public life spanned more than eight decades and described him as one of the country’s independence-era figures.
NEWS
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Police warn motorists against dangerous overtaking, reckless driving T
he Guyana Police Force (GPF) is warning motorists against dangerous overtaking and reckless driving, particularly manoeuvres involving multiple vehicles, excessive speed and passing on the left where it is not legally permitted. In a statement posted on its social media page on Sunday, the Force reminded drivers that dangerous driving is an offence under Section 36(1) of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 51:02, and can result in accidents, injuries and loss of life. The GPF said it had observed instances of motorists attempting dangerous overtaking manoeuvres, including passing several vehicles at once, weaving through traffic and overtaking in areas where visibility is restricted. According to the Force, motorists overtaking vehicles travelling in the same direction are generally required to do so on the righthand side, provided the road
is clear, visibility is adequate and the manoeuvre can be completed safely. Drivers were cautioned against overtaking on bends, at corners or in areas with restricted visibility. The Force also advised against attempting to overtake when there is oncoming traffic or when the manoeuvre could place other road users at risk.
Motorists were further urged to avoid overtaking multiple vehicles at once, passing on the left unless legally permitted, weaving through traffic and cutting in sharply in ways that force other drivers to brake suddenly or swerve. Before overtaking, drivers should check their mirrors and blind spots, assess approaching traffic, signal
their intentions and ensure there is sufficient space to complete the manoeuvre safely. They must also obey road signs, markings and speed limits. The GPF noted that operating a motor vehicle recklessly, or at a speed or in a manner dangerous to the public, constitutes an offence. In determining
whether driving is dangerous, consideration is given to the nature, condition and use of the road, as well as the traffic present or reasonably expected. Motorists convicted of dangerous driving may face penalties, including fines, imprisonment and disqualification from holding or obtaining a driver’s licence.
Their driving privileges, the GPF said, may also be suspended or cancelled in accordance with the law. The Force urged motorists to exercise patience, sound judgement and responsibility on the roadways, reminding them that no journey is so urgent that it justifies endangering the lives of others.
12 NEWS
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 202
Police engage students on roa Ranks from Regional Division 4A conducted an interactive educational lecture at Sophia Primary School
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he Guyana Police Force (GPF) has continued its school outreach programme, with ranks from Regions One (Barima-Waini), Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Four (Demerara-Mahaica) engaging students on safety, discipline, responsible decision-making and other issues affecting young people. On Friday, ranks from Regional Division 4A conducted an interactive educational lecture at Sophia Primary School for students from Grades Four to Six. The students were sensitised on the importance of education, substance abuse, road safety, bullying and cyberbullying, personal safety, sexual offences, simple larceny, environmental cleanliness and the responsible use of the internet and social media. Particular emphasis was placed on remaining focused on education, avoid-
ing harmful substances, exercising caution when approached by strangers and reporting bullying or inappropriate behaviour to trusted adults. The students were also encouraged to use technology as a positive tool for learning. The engagement formed part of the Police Force’s efforts to promote safety, discipline, education and positive youth development. A day earlier, on Thursday, ranks from Regional Police Division Three conducted an educational outreach with Grade Six students of Parfaite Harmonie Primary School on the West Bank Demerara. The session addressed road safety, curb drills, the Five Cs, restrictions on children using electric bikes, domestic abuse, bullying, discipline and respect for parents and teachers. The ranks also encouraged the students to view police officers as trusted
Educational outreach with Grade Six students of the Pa
Ranks from Regional Police Division Three conducted road safety sessions at Littl
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ad safety, bullying, discipline persons who are available to guide, assist and protect them. Approximately 170 students and nine teachers participated in the session, which was well received. Students and teachers expressed appreciation for the engagement and welcomed similar initiatives in the future. On Wednesday, ranks from Regional Police Division Three also conducted road safety sessions at Little Angels Academy and Kwall Primary School at Canal No. 2, West Bank Demerara. Students were taught about using pedestrian crossings, obeying traffic lights and signs, looking both ways before crossing roads, avoiding playing on roadways, staying clear of vehicles and wearing seat belts. The importance of using appropriate safety equipment when riding bicycles was also emphasised. The interactive sessions formed part of the Police Force’s ongoing ef-
forts to promote road safety awareness among young people. Meanwhile, ranks from the Mabaruma Police Station visited the Wauna Nursery School on Tuesday, as part of Regional Division One’s efforts to promote youth development and strengthen Police-Community relations. The ranks interacted with the children in an age-appropriate manner, focusing on personal safety, road safety and making responsible choices. The children were encouraged to listen to their parents and teachers, follow safety instructions and seek assistance from a trusted adult whenever they feel unsafe. The visit also provided an opportunity for the children to become familiar with police officers and understand their role in protecting and assisting members of the community.
arfaite Harmonie Primary School, West Bank Demerara
le Angels Academy and Kwall Primary School at Canal No 2, West Bank Demerara
Ranks from the Mabaruma Police Station visited the Wauna Nursery School
14 NEWS
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
“I just gave it up” – businessman on $10.2M robbery …suspected to be inside job; 3 arrested; some stolen cash, gun recovered
Businessman Jagnaven Prasad called “Balram”
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hree suspects have been arrested and a portion of the stolen money and at least one firearm recovered, following an armed robbery at a beverage depot at Number 2 Village, East Canje, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne). The investigation has also taken a significant turn, with information reportedly provided by the suspects suggesting that the robbery may have been an inside job. The incident occurred at approximately 19:35h on Saturday, at the business premises of 57-yearold Jagnaven Prasad, called “Balram,” along the Number 2 Village Public Road. Prasad, who operates the beverage depot on the lower flat of his premises, was in
the cashier area when three masked men entered the establishment. According to police, one was armed with a handgun, while the other two carried a baseball bat and a cutlass. Recounting the ordeal, the businessman said he had been preparing to leave with his wife and son when the bandits struck. His son was sitting outside the establishment, while his wife had just come downstairs from the upper flat in preparation for their outing. A customer had also been at the business purchasing beer. Prasad recalled that a vehicle reversed towards the premises, although he did not initially notice it. Moments later, his son shouted, prompting him to rush towards the office, but
Although the bandits were armed and had threatened to kill the businessman, police confirmed that no shots were fired and no injuries were reported. Prasad said his wife and son were also present during the confrontation, adding to his fear that someone could have been killed. While he personally recalled being threatened with a firearm, he said his
didn’t know what to do. I just gave it up. But thank God that I gave them the money,” he said. Prasad disclosed that Saturday’s incident was not his first encounter with armed criminals. He recalled that approximately five to six years ago, while operating another business at Double Heart, armed men had attempted to rob him on two separate
The beverage depot at Number 2 Village, East Canje, Region Six that was robbed on Saturday
the masked men had already entered. The intruders immediately demanded money and began searching the drawers, insisting that the businessman hand over his cash. “And they say they come for everything. And I say I have nothing. They say you have it. They check all the drawers,” Prasad recalled. Despite their demands,
don his resistance and surrender the keys to a locked drawer. According to the businessman, the bandits first took approximately $200,000 from one drawer before gaining access to another containing approximately $10 million in Guyana and United States (US) currency. In total, the men escaped with approximately $10.2
Linden man killed during confrontation at Amelia’s Ward Screened grabs of the footage of robbery in progress
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28-year-old man was killed during an altercation at Amelia’s Ward, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) on Saturday night. Dead is Romel Toney of Kiruni, Soesdyke-Linden Highway. According to the police, the incident occurred at
about 21:00h on Saturday. Police said that preliminary investigations revealed that Toney was involved in an altercation with another man, during which he sustained an injury to his neck. He subsequently died. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Prasad repeatedly insisted that he had no money, even as the intruders continued searching the office. However, the confrontation escalated when one of the men pointed a firearm at him and threatened to kill him. Prasad said he initially resisted their demands but eventually realised that continuing to do so could cost him his life. “They put the gun right up to me,” Prasad recalled. He said the gunman threatened to kill him, prompting him to aban-
million, based on Prasad’s estimates. The businessman said the ordeal lasted between 15 and 20 minutes, during which the bandits concentrated on obtaining cash. They did not take cellular phones or merchandise from the establishment. After collecting the money, the men fled in a waiting vehicle, which police identified as a dark-grey motor car. Prasad said the vehicle travelled in the direction of New Amsterdam without its lights switched on.
wife subsequently told him that she had observed two guns, a stick and a cutlass during the robbery. The businessman has since said that the experience had left him deeply shaken, particularly because of the threat against his life. He recalled remaining inside the establishment for a lengthy period after the bandits escaped, struggling to recover from what had happened. “Oh, my God. I didn’t come out from there for half an hour. My whole body, I
occasions. Meanwhile, police have obtained CCTV footage from the establishment as part of their investigation. Prasad confirmed that surveillance cameras captured the incident but said he had not watched the recording because he did not want to relive the ordeal. Information provided by the three suspects now in custody has suggested that the robbery may have been planned with inside assistance. Investigations are continuing.
NEWS
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Top Cop moves to send SOCU Head on pre-retirement leave …Karimbaksh threatens legal action
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mbattled Deputy Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh, is challenging a decision taken by Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken to send him on pre-retirement leave and has threatened to take legal action against the Top Cop. Karimbaksh, who serves as Head of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) – the white-collar investigative arm of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), is currently facing allegations of rape and threatening behaviour by a female rank. Last Thursday, the Police Force said in a statement that the allegations are being treated seriously and that Karimbaksh was sent on leave pending the outcome of an investigation. Though the statement did not specify what form of leave the senior officer was sent on, Guyana Times has seen a letter dated October 7, 2026, sent by Commissioner Hicken to the SOCU Head informing him that he was eligible for 174 days annualised vacation leave prior to Retirement which should commence on November 8, 2026. However, Karimbaksh, through his lawyer, Attorney Rizwaun Mohamed, wrote the Police Commissioner to dispute the legal basis of any requirement compelling him
Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken
to proceed on the pre-retirement leave. “For the avoidance of doubt, my client does not consent to compulsory pre-retirement leave on the basis presently advanced. He remains ready and available to discharge his duties and comply with lawful directions. His position must not be construed as acquiescence in an enforced absence, acceptance of the disputed leave calculation, or waiver of any right,” the lawyer stated. According to the attorney, while the Police Act confers command and superintendence of the Force upon the Commissioner, those provisions must be ready consistently with the constitutional allocation of powers. The lawyer went on
to point out that the Constitution vests disciplinary control over officers holding the rank of Deputy Commissioner with the Police Service Commission (PSC), which is presently not constituted. The attorney argued, however, that such vacancy does not transfer its powers to the Police Commissioner or another authority. In the letter, the lawyer further explained that Karimbaksh is scheduled to retire in April 2027 and based on official records, has 118 days of entitled leave, not 174 as previously indicated by the Top Cop. As a result, the attorney says the calculation and consequent commencement date are being disputed. “The inclusion of the 8th
November 2026 in your letter does not constitute my client’s agreement to that date or establish authority to compel the proposed leave. I further dispute your authority to place my client on compulsory administrative leave. On the legal basis presently disclosed, you have no lawful authority to impose such leave upon my client. No applicable statutory power or operative written delegation authorising that course has been identified or furnished,” the lawyer stated. According to the attorney, any purported exercise of disciplinary control must conform to the Constitution, insisting that describing an enforced absence as administrative leave does not dispense with the requirement for lawful authority. To this end, the lawyer put Commissioner Hicken on notice. “You are hereby placed on unequivocal notice that, should you seek to compel my client to proceed on pre-retirement or administrative leave without lawful authority, I am instructed to institute legal proceedings without further notice, seeking urgent interim relief where necessary, together with all other appropriate relief and costs,” the lawyer indicated in his letter. Moreover, the attorney
Head of SOCU, Deputy Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh
said his client’s continued discharge of his duties shall not be construed as acceptance of the proposed leave or waiver of his objections, adding that all his rights and remedies are expressly reserved.
Police Service Commission
The Police Service Commission expired in July of this year and has not been reconstituted since. Based on established protocols, the PSC is responsible for disciplinary actions against senior officers, including placing them on administrative leave. However, in the absence of a functioning Commission, Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond had stated earlier this month that she would be engaged with Commissioner Hicken to determine the next step regarding Karimbaksh. Her comments had come
on the heels of mounting pressure from the political opposition and women rights’ groups for the SOCU Head to be sent on leave pending the probe into the allegations against him. Walrond had shared the view that Karimbaksh should not remain on active duty while the investigation is ongoing. “The allegations are serious and will be treated as such. The law will not be ignored, nor will due process be bypassed,” the Minister stated, adding that the matter will not be investigated or tried in the court of public opinion. “I have confidence in the competence and professionalism of the investigative team. They must be allowed to do their work independently and thoroughly, without public interference or prejudgment. Let the evidence guide the process. Let the law take its course.”
Expectant first-generation lawyer joins DPP as State Counsel
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rystal FarinhaBaboolall is preparing to enter motherhood while also embarking on a new chapter in her career, having recently been admitted to the Bar. A first-generation lawyer and former legal assistant at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Farinha-Baboolall is set to begin her career as a State Counsel at the DPP, an achievement she hopes will serve as an example to her child of what can be accomplished through education, determination and hard work. As she awaits the birth of her first child, FarinhaBaboolall is also looking ahead to a career in law that began with a decision to pursue a profession that was not previously represented in her family. Farinha-Baboolall, the eldest of four girls, told this publication in an interview that her journey towards the Bar began at Marian Academy in 2012, when a career-day presentation by retired Justice Sandra Kurtzious, introduced her to the possibilities and fulfilment of pursuing a career in law. Fourteen years later, Justice Kurtzious would once again become part of that journey by presenting
her petition for admission to the Bar. After graduating from Marian Academy, she continued her academic journey at The Bishops’ High School, drawn to its law programme and determined to nurture the interest that had been sparked years earlier. Having secured a place at the school through the National Grade Six Assessment, her eventual pursuit of law there added another layer of meaning to what would become a remarkable full-circle moment years later. Looking back, that early encounter with the legal profession proved to be more than a passing moment as it was the beginning of a dream that would continue to grow. Behind her achievement, she said, is a family whose humble beginnings shaped the values that would guide her journey. FarinhaBaboolall said her parents recognised her love for reading from an early age and made a conscious effort to nurture it by providing her with books and encouraging her curiosity. Farinha-Baboolall’s mother also walked to work while pregnant, making sacrifices to secure a better future for her children even before they were born. In many ways, the apple has not fallen
Attorney-at-Law Crystal Farinha-Baboolall
far from the tree, as FarinhaBaboolall now carries that same spirit of determination and sacrifice, preparing to welcome her own child while laying the foundation for a future shaped by opportunity, education and hard work. Her parents, she said, played an instrumental role in nurturing that passion, ensuring she had access to books from a young age. “My mom, my dad, my sisters, our extended family. Since I was younger, I was maybe what you would call a bookworm, but I was al-
ways interested in reading, always, always interested in reading,” she told this publication, her voice brightening as she recounted her early memories. “And I believe my parents had seen that from a young age, so they really nurtured my love for reading. They would buy me a lot of books, the entire Nancy Drew collections. I had those. I had all the Hardy Boys. I was also very into... My mom would tell me that from a young child, she would recite prayers because we’re also
very religious.” She added: “She would recite prayers to me before I could even read. And I was able to say the prayers back completely, so they saw that I had this knack for reading, this knack for a good memory. And, of course, these are all gifts that I was blessed with. And they nurtured that.” Farinha-Baboolall said she intends to pursue a career in criminal law, having accepted a position as State Counsel at the DPP. She explained that while
completing her Master of Laws (LLM), she worked as the DPP’s legal assistant, an experience that helped her develop a strong interest in criminal law, particularly prosecution. As a prosecutor, she will represent the State in cases involving persons accused of criminal offences. She said the field also provides an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable people, particularly children, who are often victims of criminal offences. TURN TO PAGE 16
16 NEWS Gafoors secures GNBS certification for 3 locally-made products A MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
s Guyana observes National Quality Week from October 11 to 17 and World Standards Day on October 14, Gafsons Industries Limited has highlighted the role of standards in strengthening local manufacturing and ensuring consistency in locally produced goods. The company, commonly known as Gafoors, has certified three locally manufactured products under the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) Product Certification Programme, with its latest achievement being the certification of its 1,700-litre rotationally moulded polyethylene water storage tank. According to Deputy Factory Manager Jitendra Mishrah, Gafsons Industries began operations in 1953 and was incorporated in 1971. Under the leadership of Executive Chairman Sattaur Gafoor, the company has expanded its manufacturing operations and now produces a range of products, including PVC pipes and fittings, polyethylene water storage tanks, shrink wrap, wallboard, silica board and construction buckets. Mishrah said the company is also pursuing new manufacturing projects, including ultraviolet (UV)
boards and Stone Plastic Composite products. He explained that the company’s expansion in manufacturing was driven by a desire to produce more goods locally instead of relying solely on imports, while creating employment opportunities. The company’s local manufacturing drive has been supported by its participation in the GNBS Product Certification Programme. Mishrah said standards are important in protecting consumers and ensuring that locally manufactured products meet established requirements. “You can’t have a counterfeit product coming to Guyana, and customers suffer for that. Like somebody is buying a pipe and a fitting, the fitting and pipe are not matching, so that is the reason why GNBS plays a very vital role in establishing production in this country, and that helps the customer; that helps the manufacturer,” he said. Gafsons’ 4-inch concrete hollow blocks were first certified in June 2019 and are certified to the GYS 215:2024 Standard. Meanwhile, PVC pipes manufactured by the company’s sister company, Plastic Products Limited, have been certified by the
From left: Deputy Factory Manager Jitendra Mishrah, Quality Control Officer Raymond Makau and Supervisor, Plastic Products Production, Rabindranauth Narine
GNBS since 2000 and currently conform to the GYS 107:2021 and GYS 99:2021 Standards. Last month, Gafsons Industries became the first Guyanese company to achieve certification for its 1,700-litre rotationally moulded polyethylene water storage tanks. The tanks were certified in accordance with the GYS 588:2023 Standard, allowing the company to use the National Standards Mark on the certified product. Mishrah said the certification process provides manufacturers with a framework for maintaining consistency and quality. “The Bureau creates a yardstick for the manufac-
“Rank is responsibility...
FROM PAGE 8
turer to follow. That makes us very stringent in following the standard. Once we follow the standard, that makes the product more qualitative to the customer, and they become very comfortable utilising the product,” he said. He explained that the certification requirements have also resulted in changes to the company’s manufacturing and product identification processes. For the certified water storage tank, manufacturing parameters such as weight and quality were standardised to meet the applicable requirements. The company also revised the product’s labelling to provide customers with information on installation, manufacturing requirements and other details.
Expectant first-generation...
FROM PAGE 15
Throughout her academic journey, she also received encouragement from teachers who recognised her strengths and helped her appreciate the talents she could bring to the profession. “And throughout school, as I progressed, my teachers told me that I had a good voice as well. I spoke very fluently. I spoke well, so I would say I really followed my talents. And I entered the field of law. That also doesn’t take away from the fact that it was very challenging for me because I am a first-generation attorney. And when you try to navigate this path for yourself at first, it can be very difficult.”
Next generation of lawyers
“Rank is responsibility,” Colonel Roberts reminded the graduates, emphasising that promotion brings greater expectations of professional conduct and performance. Lieutenant Randolph Best of the ABDF was named Best Graduating Student, while Lieutenant Delon Abrams of the GDF was awarded Runner-Up Graduating Student. Sub-Lieutenant
Mohamed Khan of the GDF Coast Guard received the Best Service Paper award, while Captain Kenish Garnette of the SKNDF received the Physical Discipline award. The Adjutant General, Colonel Lloyd Souvenir; Commandant of the Guyana National Reserve, Lieutenant Colonel Drumson McCaulay; and other senior officers attended the closing ceremo-
ny.
The Junior Command and Staff Course is part of the GDF’s efforts to develop officers capable of effective staff work, operational planning and decisive leadership. These competencies, the GDF said are essential to the Force’s operational responsibilities, including safeguarding Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Similar traceability measures are used for the company’s certified PVC pipes. The pipes carry printed information identifying the applicable GNBS certification details, manufacturing date and time, and pipe size. According to Mishrah, these measures improve product identification and traceability while providing customers with information about the products they purchase. He said certification has also helped to strengthen customer confidence in locally manufactured products, as products bearing the GNBS certification mark have undergone an assessment against the relevant standard. Maintaining certification requires continued at-
tention to production standards. “There is a constant effort being made to maintain the standard quality for the customer to get the benefit we always try to improve,” Mishrah said. Gafsons is also working towards certification for additional products, including other sizes of polyethylene water storage tanks and additional categories and sizes of PVC pipes. Mishrah said some products may require modifications to their design and manufacturing parameters before they can be submitted to the GNBS for certification. The company intends to continue improving its manufacturing processes and increasing the number of products that meet certification requirements. Mishrah also encouraged other local manufacturers to participate in the GNBS Product Certification Programme, saying greater use of standards could contribute to greater consistency in the marketplace for manufacturers and consumers. Businesses interested in product certification can contact the GNBS Certification Services Department for information on applicable requirements and the certification process. The GNBS can be contacted on 219-0064-66 or WhatsApp 692-4627, or through the GNBS website.
Looking ahead, Farinha-Baboolall hopes to encourage young women in Guyana to pursue their ambitions without being deterred by the challenges associated with the legal profession or being drawn solely to its perceived glamour. “For any young woman, I would let them know that you have to believe in yourself. There’s a quote that always, for some reason, would stand out to me.
And it’s a very short quote. It says that the person who believes they can and can’t are both usually correct. So the journey is not an easy one; it’s really not easy. And you can’t do this for the glamour or anything other than the fact that this is going to boil down to service to another person and to your community or your State.” She emphasised that aspiring lawyers must be prepared to work hard, remain disciplined and recognise that there are no shortcuts to success. Having a supportive network, even if it consists of only one or two people, can also make a significant difference, she said. Farinha-Baboolall also wants women to understand that pursuing professional goals does not have to come at the expense of personal aspirations. “And, as of right now, I am expecting my first child. So I always like to encourage women that once you put your mind to it, there is no limit to what you can really do.”
Parents sacrifice
Her determination, she said, was shaped in large part by the sacrifices her
parents made to give her and her siblings opportunities they did not have growing up. “My parents made a lot of sacrifices to give their children a life that they didn’t have. And in the sense of education, especially, they would always, always, always drill into us that education is the way out of poverty and the only way that you can make a life for yourself. “My dad would talk about riding his bicycle to work. My mom would talk about walking to work. Both of them started working when they were 16 years old, both of them. And they dedicated themselves, and they have very exemplary drive.” Their experiences reinforced the importance of education, perseverance and self-discipline, values that she carried with her throughout her academic and professional journey. As she prepares to begin her career as State Counsel, Farinha-Baboolall has ambitions that extend beyond her immediate professional responsibilities. She hopes to build a distinguished career and, one day, contribute to the development of Guyana’s jurisprudence.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2026
guyanatimesgy.com
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Feature HEALTH TIPS
When Sleep Will Not Come: Understanding and Managing Insomnia
By Dr Tariq Jagnarine Fam Med, Endocrinology
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he house is quiet, the lights are off, and everyone else appears to be asleep. Yet you remain awake, watching the clock and worrying about how you will manage tomorrow. For some people, the difficulty is falling asleep. For others, sleep comes easily but is interrupted repeatedly, or ends too early. Persistent sleeplessness can affect mood, concentration, relationships and the ability to function safely. Understanding the pattern and identifying what keeps it going are essential to effective treatment.
Understanding insomnia
Insomnia involves difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or returning to sleep after waking too early, despite having a reasonable opportunity to sleep. It becomes clinically significant when it causes distress or affects daytime functioning. Someone who sleeps too little because of long working hours or late-night activities may have insufficient sleep without having insomnia. The distinction matters because treatment must address either the lack of opportunity to sleep or the difficulty sleeping when that opportunity exists. Short-term insomnia may follow stress, illness or a major life change. Chronic insomnia persists for at least three months and requires a more structured assessment.
Risk factors, causes and triggers
Stress is a common starting point. Financial difficulties, work pressures, grief, relationship problems, and caregiving responsibilities can keep the mind alert at bedtime. Eventually, worrying about sleep itself may
become part of the problem. Risk increases with older age, and insomnia is more common in women. Pregnancy and menopause may contribute through physical discomfort or hormonal changes. Shift work, irregular schedules, noise, excessive heat, and light can also disrupt sleep. Lifestyle triggers include late caffeine use, nicotine, alcohol, long daytime naps and inconsistent bedtimes. Alcohol may initially cause drowsiness but can produce lighter, more interrupted sleep later in the night. The assessment must also consider pain, mental health difficulties, medical illness and medicines that interfere with sleep. Depression and anxiety may coexist with insomnia and require treatment alongside it. Patients should tell their clinician about prescription medicines, supplements, stimulants and cold remedies, rather than stopping prescribed treatment themselves.
Signs and symptoms
Typical symptoms include taking a long time to fall asleep, waking repeatedly, remaining awake for prolonged periods during
Patients should discuss adverse effects promptly and avoid combining sleep medicines with alcohol. Melatonin is widely marketed, but it has not been established as an effective general treatment for chronic insomnia. Supplements should be discussed with a clinician rather than assumed to be harmless.
Practical steps and prevention
time can become increasingly prominent. Other symptoms may point to a different or additional sleep disorder. Loud snoring, witnessed pauses in breathing, and waking while gasping suggest obstructive sleep apnoea. These symptoms warrant assessment, especially when accompanied by significant daytime sleepiness.
Diagnosis and diagnostic criteria
Insomnia is primarily diagnosed through a careful clinical history. For chronic
sleep. • Symptoms occurring at least three nights each week. • Symptoms lasting at least three months. • The sleep difficulty not being better explained by another sleep disorder. Patients do not need to wait three months before seeking help. Earlier assessment is appropriate when symptoms affect daily life. A sleep diary kept for one to two weeks can be useful. Record bedtime estimated time taken to fall asleep, awakenings, waking time, naps, caffeine and alcohol use, and daytime symptoms. The consultation also reviews medical conditions, medicines, mood and work schedules. Investigations are guided by the history and examination. Blood tests may help identify an underlying medical problem, while a sleep study may be needed when sleep apnoea or another sleep disorder is suspected.
Treatment: rebuilding reliable sleep
the night, or waking earlier than intended. During the day, patients may experience fatigue, irritability, poor concentration, reduced motivation, and difficulty remembering information. Some feel exhausted but still struggle to fall asleep when they have the chance. Concern about bed-
insomnia disorder, the central criteria include: • Difficulty initiating sleep, maintaining sleep, or returning to sleep after waking too early. • Associated daytime impairment or significant distress. • Adequate opportunity and circumstances for
The recommended first treatment for chronic insomnia is cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia, or CBT-I. This structured approach addresses the habits, thoughts and learned patterns that maintain sleeplessness. General sleep advice alone is often insufficient once insomnia becomes chronic. CBT-I may include establishing a consistent waking time, going to bed when sleepy, and leaving the bed temporarily when unable to
sleep. A quiet activity in dim light can help until sleepiness returns. It also addresses clock-watching, anxiety about the consequences of a poor night, and spending excessive time awake in bed. Another component adjusts time in bed to strengthen the relationship between bedtime and sleep. This should be individually planned with a trained clinician, particularly when there is substantial daytime sleepiness or another significant health condition. Treatment often takes several weeks.
The role of medication
Medication may be appropriate for selected patients, with review and a clear plan for its duration. Evidence-supported options include zolpidem, eszopiclone, low-dose doxepin, and medicines such as suvorexant. Selection depends on the sleep pattern, other illnesses, interactions and local availability. In Guyana, the prescriber and pharmacist should confirm the available medicine and formulation. Current guidance advises against routine treatment of chronic insomnia with benzodiazepines, diphenhydramine, trazodone or antipsychotic medicines. These drugs may have other clinical uses, but sedation alone does not establish an effective insomnia treatment. Some sleeping medicines can cause next-day impairment or unusual activities during sleep, including walking, eating or driving without full awareness.
A regular waking time provides an anchor for the sleep schedule, including after a poor night. Allow enough time for sleep, but avoid repeatedly extending time in bed to compensate. Limit caffeine later in the day, including coffee, strong tea and energy drinks. Avoid nicotine and alcohol near bedtime. Reduce long or late naps, keep the bedroom dark, quiet and comfortably cool, and establish a relaxing evening routine. Put work and stimulating screen activities aside before bed. Reading, gentle relaxation or calming music may help the transition to sleep. Addressing persistent stress and maintaining these habits after improvement can reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
When prompt assessment is needed
Seek prompt medical assessment if very little sleep is accompanied by unusually high energy, racing thoughts, excessive talking or impulsive behaviour. A reduced need for sleep can be a feature of mania. Thoughts of self-harm require immediate help. Anyone struggling to remain awake should avoid driving or operating machinery until it is safe to do so. In a clinical assessment, “I cannot sleep” is the beginning of the conversation. The next questions concern the sleep pattern, daytime functioning, emotional wellbeing, medicines, breathing during sleep and the demands of everyday life. A sleeping tablet may offer temporary relief for some patients, but lasting improvement depends on understanding the problem and treating the factors that sustain it. The goal is reliable sleep, improved daytime function, and greater confidence that bedtime can once again be restful.
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Regional
Panama suffers over 200 Rallying in São Paulo, presidential aftershocks after Friday’s candidates seek votes and political support 7.7-magnitude earthquake
A drone view shows El Sitio Hotel, with sections collapsed following an earthquake that struck near Panama’s southern coast in Playa Venao, Provincia de Los Santos, Panama, October 11, 2026 (Reuters/Enea Lebrun photo)
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anama has recorded more than 200 aftershocks following Friday’s 7.7-magnitude earthquake that damaged hundreds of homes and infrastructure across the country’s central provinces, prompting the Government to declare a national state of emergency over the weekend. No deaths have been reported, but at least 27 per-
sons were injured and nearly 900 homes have been damaged, according to emergency authorities, though the figure could rise as assessments continue in remote communities. The emergency declaration will allow the Government to allocate up to US$100 million in relief funds without exceeding its 2026 fiscal deficit target of 3.5 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the
Economy Ministry said. “We have already recorded more than 200 aftershocks, and they are continuing, but their magnitude is decreasing and the intervals between them are getting longer,” Nestor Luke, director of the University of Panama’s Institute of Geosciences, told Reuters. The US has pledged US$5 million in assistance and is sending a 20-member team to help with rescue operations and infrastructure assessments, US Ambassador Kevin Marino Cabrera said. President Jose Raul Mulino visited affected areas to deliver aid and called for urgent repairs to roads and bridges to facilitate relief efforts. At least 14 bridges were damaged in the provinces of Veraguas and Los Santos. Classes were suspended nationwide today, while the Panama Canal said shipping operations remained unaffected by the earthquake. ((Excerpt from Reuters)
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during a protest in defence of democracy and in support of him, ahead of the second round of Brazil’s presidential election, in São Paulo, Brazil, October 11, 2026 (Reuters/Amanda Perobelli photo)
W
ith Brazil’s polarised presidential election entering its final stretch, candidates rallied supporters and politicians on Sunday in São Paulo, the nation’s largest state capital, ahead of the October 25 runoff. Conservative Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, who led the first round on October 4
T&T PM backs Hunters team amid video backlash; warns teens about acting like adults
Mexican President urges residents to shelter as Hurricane Simon approaches
M
exican President C l a u d i a Sheinbaum has urged residents along the Pacific Ocean to stay indoors as Hurricane Simon’s powerful winds and heavy rains pound coastal communities. As of Sunday, the hurricane’s eye was moving offshore of Mexico’s Jalisco state, with winds of at least 240 kilometres per hour (150mph). Torrential rain has already battered residents living between the Sierra Madre mountain range and the ocean. Communities in hilly and mountainous areas have been warned to brace for mudslides. Simon reached Category 4 strength, on a scale of
five, on Saturday, as part of an unusually active Pacific hurricane season. “With the approaching impact of Category 4 Hurricane Simon, we urge residents of coastal municipalities in Jalisco, Colima, Nayarit and Michoacan to remain sheltered until authorities officially declare that the danger has passed,” Sheinbaum wrote in a post on the social media platform X on Sunday. In a midday advisory, the United States’ National Hurricane Center (NHC) warned that Simon could produce “additional rainfall totals of 20 to 41 centimetres (8 to 16 inches) over portions of southwestern Mexico”.
Precipitation totals as high as 76 cm (30 inches) were possible in areas of Michoacan, Colima, and Jalisco until today. It’s not clear whether the storm will make landfall. But the greatest risk of a direct hit lies at the moment with Cabo Corrientes, a town that sits on a cape in Jalisco, jutting into the Pacific Ocean. Mexico’s National Civil Protection Coordination (CNPC) placed 28 municipalities in Jalisco and Colima under its highest cyclone alert level, while another 93 municipalities were under a high alert level, according to civil protection bulletins. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Chile’s El Teniente mine partially suspends operations after fatal landslide
C
hilean State miner Codelco partially suspended operations at its El Teniente mine on Sunday after a landslide left two workers dead while one survived, according to SERNAGEOMIN, the South American country’s mining regulator. The agency said in a post on X that shortly before 14:00h local time (1700 GMT), a landslide struck three workers from contractor Aura Ingeniería SA while they were inspecting the south pit sector. One worker was rescued, while the other two,
who had been trapped, were later found dead. “Operations in the south pit sector of the mining operation will be suspended,” SERNAGEOMIN said. Codelco, one of the world’s largest copper producers, later issued a statement expressing its condolences for the deaths and said Chile’s investigative Police and the Public Prosecutor’s Office were at the site carrying out the necessary procedures to help determine the circumstances of the accident. The company said heavy rainfall in central
Chile had triggered the landslide at the mine’s open-pit operation. “Actions aimed at safeguarding the well-being of the three workers who were in the area at the time of the incident were immediately activated,” it said in a statement. El Teniente, which has been operating for more than a century, contains more than 4500 km (2800 miles) of tunnels and underground galleries in the Andes Mountains, about 75 km southeast of Santiago, the capital. (Excerpt from Reuters)
with 47 per cent of the vote, met with reelected São Paulo Governor Tarcisio de Freitas. Building on his early post-election momentum, Bolsonaro focused his Sunday campaign efforts on securing political backing by meeting with Mayors and City Councillors. “I want to be very close to each one of you, Mayors. This is how we are going to
build a truly better Brazil, because federal resources will reach the ground level,” the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro said, promising that municipalities would receive more funding to combat crime if he is elected. Meanwhile, incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who trailed by two percentage points in the initial vote, headlined a major rally on Avenida Paulista. Speaking to reporters before taking the stage, the leftist leader promised to redouble efforts on public safety, a top worry for voters. “For the working people, for the community, for the territory, protection; for criminals, prison,” Lula said, adding that if re-elected, he wants to overhaul the national approach to crime with direct federal Government involvement. (Excerpt from Reuters)
T&T Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar
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Kamla
rime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has come out in defence of the Hunters’ Search and Rescue Team, led by Shamsudeen Ayube and is warning teenagers who choose to behave like adults that they cannot expect to fall back on their status as children when the law intervenes. The Prime Minister Saturday weighed in on the controversy surrounding a viral video of a 13-year-old girl who was reported missing and subsequently found by Ayube’s team. However, she acknowledging that lessons must be learnt following concerns
raised by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) and members of the public about the publication of a video identifying the minor. Speaking with Guardian Media, Persad-Bissessar questioned why the public debate appeared to be centred on the video rather than the circumstances surrounding the child’s disappearance. “So the problem is that the search group posted a video? I thought the problem would have been that a minor who was missing for 26 days, whose mother was looking for her, was actually found living in the forest with a 49-year-old man,” she said. The TTPS called for the video to be taken down, expressing concern that identifying the child could expose her to stigma, trauma and further harm. It added that publication was a criminal offence. In a statement, the Police Service acknowledged the contribution of community organisations, including the Hunters’ Search and Rescue Team, in locating missing persons. However, it stressed that images of missing children are circulated for the
sole purpose of finding them and that their identities must be protected when they are the subject of a police investigation. The controversy comes for Ayube’s team less than three weeks after receiving a national award for service to the country. Ayube and Vallence Rambharat, both leaders of their own Hunters Search and Rescue teams, were conferred with the Hummingbird Medal (Gold) at the 2026 National Awards for devoted service through volunteer search-and-rescue operations, disaster response and support to law enforcement. After the call made by the TTPS, both videos of the child have since been removed from Facebook. Contacted for comment, Ayube would not say whether he had read the release or been contacted by police. He said he spoke to his lawyer and would be in court with senior counsel come today after threatening to drag the media to court, insisting he did nothing wrong by posting videos of a recovered 13-yearold. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)
ports, Kanghin was inside the building, where he also lived, at about 13:40h when employees reportedly heard an explosion and noticed flames coming from a section of the premises. The Police and the Port Maria Fire Brigade were called to the scene, where firefighters battled the blaze for several hours. Kanghin’s body was discovered inside the gutted building during cool-
ing-down operations after the fire was brought under control. Meanwhile, Police have dismissed social media rumours that a firefighter was trapped inside the building during the blaze, saying they received no such report. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and investigations are ongoing, according to the St Mary Police. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)
Body of Chinese businessman found after fire destroys Jamaican supermarket
T
he body of a 24-yearold Chinese businessman was discovered inside his supermarket after a massive fire destroyed the establishment in Port Maria, St Mary, Jamaica on Saturday. The deceased has been identified as Li Kanghin, one of the operators of Ling Fei Supermarket and Wholesale, located along Stennett Street in Port Maria. According to Police re-
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19
Around the World
OILNEWS OIL NEWS
Children among 139 dead after boat capsizes off Djibouti, UN says
International Organisation for Migration Rescue workers receive migrants near Guhere, north of the port town of Obock, Djibouti on October 10 [International Organization for Migration]
A
t least 139 migrants, including 15 children, have died and dozens more are still missing after a boat sank off the coast of Djibouti, the United
Nations’ migration office has said. The boat had been travelling from Djibouti to Yemen with 305 persons aboard when it capsized near the port town of Obock
on Thursday night. Around 82 persons were rescued, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) said. IOM’s Djibouti mission chief Alexandre Coissac called the tragedy a ”stark reminder” of the dangers migrants face when seeking a new life elsewhere. Tens of thousands of migrants from the Horn of Africa make the perilous journey each year hoping to reach Gulf countries for safety and work, the agency says. The organisation revised its toll from 109 on Sunday after 30 more bodies were recovered. ”This is a devastating loss of life,” Coissac said.
”Our thoughts are with the survivors and the families who have lost loved ones or remain without news of their relatives.” Local authorities are also arranging burials for those who have died, while the survivors – all Ethiopian nationals – have medical care readily available to them. Yemen remains engulfed in a devastating civil war that has lasted more than a decade. Despite this conflict – and growing instability across the wider region – migrants still cross the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to Yemen driven by poverty, insecurity and the growing impacts of climate change. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Pope Leo to have surgery after lump found on lung
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ope Leo XIV has announced he will be operated on ”in the coming days” after a nodule was found on his lung during a medical checkup. ”The doctors found an early, well-localised nodule on my lung,” he told the public during his weekly Sunday prayers in St Peter’s Square in Rome.
The 71-year-old said his medical team ”believe it would be right to intervene” and he had agreed to the operation, while reassuring pilgrims that the mass was ”well-contained” and caught ”at an early stage”. The pontiff’s admission that he would need surgery comes nearly a year-and-a-half after he
1 killed, 11 injured in 2nd Houthi strike on Riyadh airport in 2 days
succeeded the late Pope Francis, who also experienced issues with his lungs that required hospital treatment. Leo concluded his Angelus prayer by thanking everyone for their ”spiritual closeness” and said he entrusted himself to their prayers. Holy See Press Office spokesman Matteo Bruni told the media that ”the operation is scheduled for the first days of next week”. He added that the Pope is expected to take about a week to recover. Vatican News, the Holy See’s news portal, said the
Pope Leo announces he will undergo surgery for early-stage lung nodule
operation will take place at Gemelli Hospital in Rome. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Oil falls on hopes RussiaUkraine energy ceasefire will boost supplies
O
il prices slipped today on expectations of more Russian supplies after US President Donald Trump said Ukraine and Russia had agreed to halt attacks on each other’s energy facilities following a US diesel-supply deal with Moscow. Brent crude futures fell US$1.37, or 1.31 per cent, to US$103.35 a barrel by 0037 GMT while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was at US$90.55 a barrel, down US$1.30, or 1.42 per cent. President Trump unexpectedly announced on Sunday that Ukraine and Russia had agreed to an energy ceasefire following an announcement on Friday of a diesel-supply deal with Russia. Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he was still waiting to see details of the deal while Russia did not comment. The announcements eased some of the immediate supply pressure, Tim Waterer, KCM Trade chief analyst, said. ”Questions remain over the validity and longevity of any such ceasefire, and without clearer evidence that it will actually hold, the extent of the pullback is likely to stay limited,” he added. However, the Middle East conflict continued to support Brent crude at above US$100 a barrel. The Houthis claimed responsibility for a Saturday strike on Riyadh’s international airport that killed 13 persons and wounded more than 300, while Saudi authorities reported that people were injured in a new attack on the airport on Sunday. US President Donald Trump said on Saturday the United States was considering joining Saudi strikes on the Houthis in the conflict, a spillover from the wider war with Iran that the US and Israel launched in February. In addition, more attacks on tankers sailing through the Strait of Hormuz have been reported so far this month, threatening to dampen a recovery in Middle East crude exports seen in September. A tanker was struck by a drone in the vicinity of Sohar anchorage, Oman, while another was damaged by an unknown projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported over the weekend. Goldman Sachs raised its Brent crude price forecast for December to US$90 a barrel, up from US$85 previously, its analysts led by Daan Struyven said in a note. ”We maintain our base case that continued adaptation of Mideast supply will eventually reduce crude oil prices, while potential renewed escalation still poses significant net upside risk,” the analysts said, estimating a risk premium of just over US$20 a barrel. ”We forecast WTI prices, which are unusually low vs Brent because of high US-Europe shipping costs, to average US$81 in December 2026 and US$73 in 2027,” they added. In the Gulf of Mexico, energy majors Shell, Chevron, and BP were seeking to redeploy personnel and restore production at their platforms after Hurricane Isaias made landfall early on Saturday. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Trump’s ‘energy ceasefire’ claim welcomed by Zelensky, but Russia silent UK PM says it is “clear”
U
Smoke and flames seen at King Khalid airport in Riyadh on October 8
O
ne person has been killed and 11 injured in a second strike on the international airport in the Saudi capital Riyadh, officials have said. A Saudi military spokesman said a projectile had hit King Khalid International Airport on Sunday, causing a fire in one of its passenger halls. Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority said in a statement on X that one person, a Pakistani resident, had been killed in the attack. It comes a day after a strike on the same airport killed 13 persons and injured 308 others, following similar strikes earlier this week. The Houthis in Yemen said they were behind the attacks and warned airlines and passengers against using Saudi Arabian airports and
airspace. The group said they had targeted the airport with a mix of ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as drones in the past 24 hours. They also attacked oil facilities and Dammam airport in eastern Saudi Arabia, their military spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree said. He vowed to continue the ”escalating operations deep inside Saudi Arabia”, warning that all Saudi airports were potential targets apart from those in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. The Houthis have said they are targeting Saudi Arabia over its support for Government forces in Yemen’s civil war, as well as an air strike on the airport in Sanaa. (Excerpt from BBC News)
nited States President Donald Trump has claimed that Russia and Ukraine have agreed to an ”energy ceasefire”, with Kyiv saying it would support such a move but Moscow yet to comment. The US President insisted that it was ”effective immediately”, but provided no details. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy initially expressed surprise at the announcement, before saying Kyiv would support it if Moscow did. He also accused Russia of striking Ukrainian energy facilities after Trump’s post. Trump has been urging Ukraine to stop strikes on Russian oil infrastructure – which Kyiv says are vital to curtailing revenue for Moscow’s war machine – so Russia can fulfil a recently-struck deal to release diesel to the US and the global market. The diesel deal, temporarily undoing sanctions on Russian imports, is attracting
growing criticism. Zelenskyy called it a gift to Russian President Vladimir Putin. European officials and some US politicians, including from Trump’s Republican party, have said they do not support it. The deal is Trump’s latest effort to lower domestic fuel prices ahead of the midterm elections, having spent months grappling with the political consequences of the war with Iran which has pushed up global fuel prices, particularly those for diesel. That has soured Trump’s standing with the American public, who have been stung by the higher pump prices and knock-on effects that led to across-the-board inflation. Zelenskyy said it was ”news” to him that an energy truce was in effect in comments to news site Axios, before writing on social media that his officials ”look forward to clear details of America’s dialogue with Russia”. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Russia interfered with Brexit vote
U
nited Kingdom Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said Russia did interfere with the Brexit referendum and warned that similar activities were taking place in France and Germany. The Prime Minister told The Rest is Politics podcast that upon arriving in No 10, he had asked about possible Russian interference in the 2016 vote, adding: ”I’ve had the clear answer that, yes, there was.” ”I think we’ve been too much on the back foot on that actually and we haven’t informed people sufficiently about the extent to which people are seeking to disrupt the political process from overseas,” he added. Burnham did not provide further details about the type or extent of Moscow’s activity
during the Brexit referendum. Britain Unbound, a pro-Brexit campaign group, said Burnham’s comments were ”another crude attempt to undermine the legitimacy of the decision that the British people made in 2016”. It said that foreign interference in UK elections was ”obviously unacceptable” but added: ”There is no good reason to believe that Russian intervention influenced the outcome of the referendum in 2016. ”It is also insulting to suggest that voters were so easily duped.” In his interview, due to be released today, Burnham said he had discussed the problem of Russian interference with Chancellor Friedrich Merz during his visit to Germany earlier this week. (Excerpt from BBC News)
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ARCHIE
DAILY HOROSCOPES A reality check is in order. Being honest with yourself will help you make decisions and moves that honor who you are and what you want. Happiness begins with you.
(March 21-April 19) Lean in and tell it like it is. Share your feelings and intentions with someone who will offer alternatives and help you finetune your dreams to align them with reality.
PICKLES
(April 20-May 20) Be bold, but don’t share too much information with others. It’s best to blunder your way through thick and thin until you reach a point that satisfies your soul. Put your energy into researching.
(May 21-June 20)
PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)
Explore your creative ideas. Stop thinking about what you can do; start turning your thoughts into something tangible. The confidence you gain by engaging in something that makes you happy will be good for the soul. Take a step back and contemplate what you want. A change is overdue; push forward with positivity to avoid backlash from those who don’t like change. Be kind and charming.
(July 23-Aug. 22) Speak up, share your thoughts and see who’s on board. Take the initiative to find out the proper protocol before you begin to make moves. Trust your instincts and enrich offers with incentives.
CALVIN AND HOBBES
(Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Put on your power suit and do what needs doing. Procrastinating and chattering about what you want to do won’t help you get where you want to go. Buck up and do the dirty work.
(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)
SUDOKU
Be cautious when designating what you can do or volunteering for something you don’t have time for. Time management is necessary today if you want to keep the peace and ease stress.
(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)
(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)
Providing a space that is conducive to what you need goes part and parcel with how well you do. Clearing a space for what’s most important to you and to keep your life running smoothly will determine your success. Pay attention, listen carefully and question everything. Someone will lead you astray if given the opportunity. Assisting others is honorable, but don’t let anyone take advantage of you.
SATURDAY’S WORD – ONETIME
SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE
(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Embrace what comes your way, and deal with it quickly. The longer you linger over what to do, the more difficult it will be. Actions speak louder than words, and situations mount.
(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) You may not relish change, but once you start the process and get your life in order financially, medically and legally, you’ll realize how much stress you’ve been handling.
(Feb. 20-March 20)
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2026
21
Australia in command after bowlers hunt as a pack to eke out 106-run lead
Matt Renshaw got out for 190 after tea (AFP/Getty Images)
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at Cummins and Steven Smith produced outstanding performances to overwhelm a lacklustre South Africa batting line-up on day three in Durban before new opener Nic Maddinson enjoyed a confidence boost as Australia gained a stranglehold on the opening Test. After claiming a first-innings lead of 106 runs, Australia were 33 for no loss in their second innings with Maddinson unbeaten on 17 and Travis Head on 10. Only 5.4 overs were bowled in the innings before bad light stopped play for the third straight day. When the innings started, all eyes were on Maddinson, who had a disastrous return to Test cricket with a 33-ball duck in the first innings. But he swaggered to the crease and cracked a pull shot to the boundary off Marco Jansen off the first ball of the innings – his first Test runs since December 29, 2016. Maddinson, whose three previous Tests were all in late 2016, smashed another boundary later in the over before flicking Wiaan Mulder for six over
deep square-leg. Australia are in the box seat – which seemed unlikely when they struggled with the bat on the opening day – but will be wary of bad light potentially restricting days four and five too. Brilliant bowling and fielding on day three suffocated South Africa, who appeared set to be bowled out before tea until a rearguard from Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer halted Australia’s push. They enjoyed a 52-run stand before Maharaj added to South Africa’s list of tame dismissals when he gifted Mitchell Starc a second wicket, hitting straight to cover. Harmer and Anrich Nortje added a valuable 35 more for the 10th wicket to eat into the deficit, but it was not enough to mask a rough batting effort from South Africa, who lacked application and discipline in their first Test match in almost a year. Cummins spearheaded Australia’s attack, consistently challenging the batters as he regularly hit speeds of 140 kilometres per hour (kph) and above. He finished with 3 for 54 from 15 overs, with all four
frontline Australia bowlers taking at least two wickets. Smith backed up the bowlers by claiming four catches, which lifted him past Joe Root for the most Test catches by a nonwicketkeeper. His first three were sublime. With great anticipation, Smith moved into position to snare skipper Temba Bavuma, who had unfurled a reverse-sweep off Nathan Lyon. Smith then pulled off a stunning catch to dismiss David Bedingham, diving across first slip – it was the record number 221 of his Test career. He saved his best for the third, again moving quickly as he plucked an outrageous one-handed catch off Kyle Verreynne’s attempted reverse-sweep off Lyon. It was a disappointing batting display by South Africa, who started both sessions strongly before losing wickets in clumps. There was little resistance other than Bedingham and Aiden Markram’s 84-run second-wicket partnership, while Mulder and Tristan Stubbs put on 56 runs for the fifth wicket. Bedingham seemed at ease after being elevated to number three, a position he had never previously batted at in Test cricket, but was left frustrated after falling for 49 – the top score in the innings. After a wretched day two, where their attack was helpless against an impregnable Matt Renshaw before the late wicket of opener Ryan Rickelton for a duck, South Africa had looked to bat for the long haul in perfect conditions. The Kingsmead surface had flattened, with little of the extra bounce and movement that proved quite difficult for
leg.
Pat Cummins bounced out Tristan Stubbs (AFP/Getty Images)
Australia’s batters on the opening day still in play. With a day of toil in the field looming, Australia aimed to strike with what was still a new ball after only 8.4 overs were bowled when bad light cut short day two. Resuming at 27 for 1, South Africa started well with the runs flowing off the bats of Markram and Bedingham under sunny skies. But they were never confident against Cummins, who was only four deliveries into his first spell before day two ended. On the day, he had a big lbw shout against Markram turned down, and he wisely did not call for the review with replays showing the ball was heading over the stumps. He then conjured steep bounce when he had Bedingham in a tangle, but the leading edge flew over the slips for a boundary. Markram loomed as a key having saved some of his best performances for against Australia, averaging over 60 from five previous Tests compared to his career mark of 35.5. He moved to 37 until a loose stroke saw him edge a 144kph length delivery to
first slip, with Starc’s decision to bowl around the wicket proving a masterstroke. Having entered the attack 40 minutes into the day’s play, Lyon found his groove right away, which was a far cry from his South Africa counterparts Maharaj and Harmer, who were counterattacked in Australia’s first innings. South Africa’s scoring stalled and the pressure took its toll on Bavuma, who made just 3 from 27 balls before falling to Lyon. Just before lunch, Lyon thought he had taken a second wicket when Mulder edged to Marnus Labuschagne at first slip, but third umpire Richard Illingworth deemed the ball had touched the turf. Mulder was out to capitalise after the interval and combined well with Stubbs to steady South Africa. Lyon was unable to rediscover his accuracy, while the introduction of Head’s part-time spin did not pay dividends with Mulder smashing his first ball into the grass banks over square
Right when Australia needed a spark, Cummins stepped up like he has done on so many occasions. He bent his back and conjured extra bounce to deliver a 143kph bouncer that bamboozled Mulder, who tried in vain to get out of a pull shot, only to hit straight to midwicket. Cummins then completely outwitted Stubbs with a shortball tactic that had the impatient batter holing out to deep fineleg. His stranglehold over South Africa’s batters finally eased when he tired late in the spell as Jansen counter-attacked with a trio of boundaries in the space of five balls.
Don’t reverse sweep when Steven Smith is at slip (Associated Press)
B u t Jansen’s flurry was all too brief as he tamely hit Josh Hazlewood to midoff in a poor dismissal. Although perhaps he was still in a daze, having moments earlier watched from close range Smith’s unbelievable catch to dismiss Verreynne. (ESPNcricinfo) Summarised scores: Stumps Australia 390 and 33 for 0 (Maddinson 17*, Head 10*) lead South Africa 284 (Bedingham 49, Cummins 3-54, Hazlewood 2-54) by 139 runs.
Max Verstappen takes back-to-back wins with dominant drive at Singapore GP
Max Verstappen won the Singapore Grand Prix. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
M
ax Verstappen sealed a perfect weekend with victory at the Singapore Grand Prix as Kimi Antonelli moved to the brink of clinching the world championship. The Dutchman won Saturday’s sprint from pole and again triumphed from the front of the grid during Sunday’s main event under lights, on his 250th
Formula 1 Grand Prix start. The four-time world champion’s first victory in Singapore came in dominant fashion, crossing the line 7.3 seconds ahead of Charles Leclerc to claim back-to-back wins after his first success of the season in Malaysia last weekend. It confirmed Red Bull’s recent step forward, albeit too late for the 29-year-old to have any hope
of halting Antonelli’s march to his maiden title. The 20-year-old claimed the final step on the podium at the Marina Bay Circuit, while nearest challenger George Russell recovered to ninth from the back of the grid. Lewis Hamilton was undone by Ferrari strategy, first angered by being stuck behind teammate Leclerc before failure to pit under the Virtual Safety Car dropped him to sixth. Lando Norris finished fourth ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri. Antonelli now leads nearest challenger Russell by 102 points with, as things stand, six rounds of the championship remaining. The Italian is now able to secure his place as Formula 1’s youngest-ever world champion at the Circuit of the Americas in a fortnight -- he needs to be 126 points clear following that race. It also remains a possibility that the penultimate round in
Qatar could be cancelled and the season finale in Abu Dhabi replaced by Imola if F1 bosses decide they cannot race in the Middle East due to the ongoing conflict. If that happened, 25 available points would be off the table, moving the Italian ever closer to the championship. Russell’s title challenge to his Mercedes teammate has firmly hit the buffers over the last week, with a late powerunit failure in Malaysia followed by him crashing into the barriers during Saturday’s sprint in Singapore. The 28-year-old also had to start this race from the back of the grid owing to an engine change. Polesitter Verstappen fended off a strong start by Leclerc on the run down to Turn 1, with Hamilton from third also having to watch his mirrors for Antonelli.
But the top six remained as they were. Russell moved up to 13th by lap 10. Hamilton was the only frontrunner to start on medium tyres, but was the first to pit, on lap 19, to switch to softs. He remained ahead of Antonelli when the Italian had pitted and Leclerc emerged just ahead of his teammate when he too had stopped for mediums. Hamilton was immediately unhappy behind his fellow Ferrari, saying: “We lost two seconds that last lap.” His race engineer responded with: “We saw.” The radio tussle continued, Hamilton adding “I need to use this speed, mate,” only to be told to manage his tyres. Lance Stroll broke down to trigger a Virtual Safety Car, under which Leclerc and Antonelli pitted for a cheap stop while Hamilton and Norris did not. That lifted Hamilton to
second and Norris to fourth. Russell, meanwhile, may feel if he did not have bad luck he would have none at all, as the Virtual Safety Car ended as soon as he entered the pit lane. He rejoined 10th. The decision for Hamilton not to pit appeared strange and proved to be a major misstep from Ferrari. Leclerc soon blasted past and Norris on fresher and more durable medium tyres also reeled him in. As Norris tried to make the move into Turn 1, Hamilton cut the corner and the McLaren man had his pocket picked by the ever-opportunistic Antonelli. Suddenly the Italian had Hamilton in range and charged through to claim third and with it move to the brink of history, with Norris soon through for fourth with seven laps remaining and Piastri doing the same on the final lap. (ESPN)
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GUYANATIMESGY.COM
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2026
GDF, Police secure victories as GFF Elite League resumes
Colwyn Adams, Steffon Ramsay, and Abumchi Opara scored for GDF
T
he Guyana Defence Force (GDF) FC and Guyana Police Force (GPF) FC registered convincing victories on Saturday night when the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League resumed following a three-week break for the FIFA international window. Playing at the National Training Centre (NTC), GDF
defeated Ann’s Grove United 3-0 in the opening match of the double-header, while Police overcame Camptown FC 3-1 in the night’s second encounter. GDF made an early breakthrough against Ann’s Grove, with Steffon Ramsay finding the back of the net in the 10th minute to hand his side the advantage.
Abumchi Opara doubled the lead in the 25th minute, putting the soldiers firmly in control of proceedings before the halftime break. Ann’s Grove were unable to find a response in the second half, and Colwyn Adams completed the scoring three minutes into stoppage time (90+3’) to seal the 3-0 victory. Meanwhile, Police produced an impressive first-half attacking display to secure all three points against Camptown. Nicholas McArthur opened the scoring in the 35th minute before Ryan Hackett doubled the advantage four minutes later, giving Police a 2-0 lead. Camptown briefly reduced the deficit through Shane Jones in the 45th minute, but Police restored their two-goal cushion shortly afterwards when Marcus Wilson struck in first-half stoppage time (45+3’). The 3-1 scoreline remained unchanged throughout the second half as Police completed a winning return to league action. The two results marked the resumption of the Elite League following the international break, with both GDF and Police collecting maximum points from their respective fixtures.
Police FC’s Ryan Hackett drives forward with the ball (Elite League photos)
Rambiriche, Tan, Felix, and Godette claim 4 titles each
President’s College girls net 10 as ExxonMobil U18 Schools Football continues
The outstanding winners: Mishka Beharry, Ruel Rambiriche, Gabrielle Felix, Anjaneysa Godette, and Caleb Tan
Ten matches were contested across Georgetown, Region Three, and the East Coast of Demerara
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resident’s College produced the biggest victory in Saturday’s round of the ExxonMobil Under-18 Schools Football Competition, thrashing Hope Secondary 10-0 in the girls’ division as 10 matches were contested across Georgetown, Region Three, and the East Coast of Demerara. The competition, organised by the Vurlon Mills Football Academy (VMFA), also saw convincing victories for Leonora Secondary, Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary and Cummings Lodge Secondary, while two matches were decided on penalties. Playing in the East Coast Demerara division, President’s College dominated Hope Secondary, with four players scoring doubles. Kimora Edwards, Dilma Edwards, Shermel Blake, and Ronlyn Dublin each found the back of the net twice, while Selena Williams and Ryana Gounga added one goal apiece. However, Hope Secondary turned the tables in the boys’ encounter, recording a 3-1 victory over President’s College. Quashaun Campbell,
Joseph Waite, and Lebron Semple scored for Hope, while Davis Samuels registered PC’s consolation goal. In Georgetown North, Cummings Lodge Secondary secured an impressive 4-1 win over Christ Church Secondary in the girls’ division. Ashanti Bissessar led the scoring with two goals, while Deshauna Bovell and Carla Amara added one each. Haley Jack scored the lone goal for Christ Church. St George’s Science School also enjoyed success in Georgetown North, defeating Queenstown Secondary 3-0 in the boys’ competition. Adiel Hamilton scored twice, while Corlan James contributed the other goal. The other Georgetown North fixture saw St John’s College overcome St Joseph High 2-1 on penalties after the teams were tied 2-2 at the end of regulation time. Dexter John and Josiah Nedd scored for St John’s College, while Samech Starke accounted for both goals for St Joseph High. Meanwhile, in Georgetown South, The New Central High
defeated Freeburg Secondary 3-1, with Joshua Paul, Isiah Ramsaroop, and Donte Thornhill scoring one goal each. Tahir Cox netted Freeburg’s only goal. Dolphin Secondary also registered a victory in Georgetown South, defeating West Ruimveldt Secondary 3-1 on penalties in the girls’ division following a goalless draw in regulation time. Over in Region Three, Leonora Secondary secured a comfortable 4-1 victory over Stewartville Secondary, thanks to two goals each from Shamer Persaud and Yuan Culley. Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary also collected a win, beating Patentia Secondary 4-2. David Williams scored twice, while Jamal Johnson and Treyon McLean each contributed one goal. DeWillem Secondary completed the Region Three results with a narrow 1-0 victory over Westminster Secondary. Brandeis Rollox scored the decisive goal. The competition is scheduled to continue through November.
R
uel Rambiriche, Caleb Tan, Gabrielle Felix, and Anjaneysa Godette each captured four titles as the Guyana Badminton Association’s National Junior Tournament concluded on Saturday, October 10, at the National Gymnasium. The three-day competition attracted 79 players across 22 events in the Under-11, Under-13, Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19 categories, with sponsorship from the National Sports Commission. Rambiriche secured the Under-17 boys’ singles crown by beating Hasani Robinson 21-10, 21-19, then defeating Christopher Jordan 21-15, 2119 for the Under-19 title. He also partnered Jordan to win the Under-19 doubles and Felix to take the Under-17 mixed doubles. Tan dominated the younger boys’ divisions, defeating Joel Rambiriche 21-1, 21-11 in the Under-13 singles final and Ethan Bulkan 21-11, 21-16 in the Under-15 decider. His other titles came in doubles alongside Joel Rambiriche and Bulkan. Felix swept the Under-17 girls’ singles, girls’ doubles and mixed doubles, before adding the Under-19 girls’ doubles title with Mishka Beharry.
Godette won the Under-13 girls’ singles and doubles, and partnered Joel Rambiriche to capture the mixed doubles titles in both the Under-13 and Under-15 divisions. Beharry finished with three titles, including the Under-19 girls’ singles and mixed doubles, while Joel Rambiriche also collected three. Cathalina Wong and Lucy Leo each secured singles and doubles crowns in the Under-15 and Under-11 girls’ categories respectively. The GBA thanked its sponsors, players, coaches, parents, and officials, while reaffirming its commitment to developing young players for regional and international competition. Category winners Under-19: Boys’ singles — Ruel Rambiriche; boys’ doubles — Christopher Jordan and Ruel Rambiriche; girls’ singles — Mishka Beharry; girls’ doubles — Mishka Beharry and Gabrielle Felix; mixed doubles — Christopher Jordan and Mishka Beharry. Under-17: Boys’ singles — Ruel Rambiriche; boys’ doubles — Nathan Henry and Eon Williams; girls’ singles —
Gabrielle Felix; girls’ doubles — Gabrielle Felix and Harshini Muralidharan; mixed doubles — Ruel Rambiriche and Gabrielle Felix. Under-15: Boys’ singles — Caleb Tan; boys’ doubles — Ethan Bulkan and Caleb Tan; girls’ singles — Cathalina Wong; girls’ doubles — Neeharika Shetty and Cathalina Wong; mixed doubles — Joel Rambiriche and Anjaneysa Godette. Under-13: Boys’ singles — Caleb Tan; boys’ doubles — Joel Rambiriche and Caleb Tan; girls’ singles — Anjaneysa Godette; girls’ doubles — Anjaneysa Godette and Vaishnavi Natarajan; mixed doubles — Joel Rambiriche and Anjaneysa Godette.
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Briton John pedals to historic silver at Caribbean Cycling Championships
Guyana’s Briton John (left) secured silver in the Elite Men’s Road Race at the 2026 Caribbean Elite and Under-23 Cycling Championships in the Dominican Republic.
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uyana’s national road race champion Briton John delivered an outstanding performance on Sunday, October 11, securing
the silver medal in the Elite Men’s Road Race at the 2026 Caribbean Elite and Under-23 Cycling Championships in the Dominican Republic.
John finished second behind Puerto Rico’s Christopher Morales Fontán, who claimed gold after completing the 127.6-kilometre race in three hours, 11 minutes, and 19 seconds (3:11:19). The Guyanese cyclist crossed the finish line in 3:12:47, just one minute and 28 seconds behind the winner, while Bermuda’s Nicholas Narraway secured bronze. The result was a major achievement for John and Guyana, placing the national champion among the Caribbean’s leading road cyclists in a competitive field featuring riders from across the region. John maintained an average speed of 39.713 kilometres per hour over the 12-lap race, compared to Morales Fontán’s winning average of 40.017 kilometres per hour. French Guiana’s Benjamin Le Ny finished fourth in 3:14:22, followed by compatriot Julien Chane Foc in fifth position with a time of 3:15:51. Meanwhile, Guyana’s Andre Greene finished 29th in the Elite Men’s race, crossing the line in 3:36:58. The remaining Guyanese
Team Guyana L-R: Segun Hubbard, Aaron Newton, Briton John, Ajani Cutting and Andre Greene.
cyclists experienced a difficult outing, with Segun Hubbard, Aaron Newton and national Under-23 champion Ajani Cutting all exiting the race before the finish. Hubbard competed in the Elite category, while Cutting and Newton were among the younger riders representing Guyana at the
championships. Earlier in the championships, John had finished sixth in the Elite Individual Time Trial, while fellow Guyanese Aaron Newton placed fifth in the Under-23 category. The silver medal represents the standout result for Guyana’s contingent at this year’s
championships, following the team’s participation in both the individual time trial and road race events. The championships brought together several of the Caribbean’s leading cyclists, with Guyana represented by John, Greene, Hubbard, Cutting, and Newton.
Saints, SHC S’Team crowned U21 champions as National Junior Indoor Hockey Championships conclude
The U17 boys’ semi-finals were more competitive, with GCC Outlaws defeating Hikers Hatchets 4-2 and SHC Sigmas recording a 4-1 victory over OFHC Predators.
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U17 girls’ champions Saints
aints and SHC S’Team captured the Under-21 girls’ and boys’ titles, respectively, as the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) National Junior Indoor Hockey Championships concluded on Saturday night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH), with SHC Sensations
the U21 boys’ crown with a 5-3 victory. In the girls’ final, Clayza Bobb led the way for Saints with a double, finding the net in the fourth and 18th minutes. Makaylah Poole extended the advantage in the 20th minute before Hadassah Fraser
Girls’ U21 champions Saints
The U21 boys’ final provided an entertaining contest as SHC S’Team raced to a commanding 4-0 lead before GCC Cowboys mounted a late fightback.
3-0 at halftime, responded through a brace from Grant Fernandes in the 20th and 22nd minutes. Lucas Sargeant added
In the U21 girls’ semi-finals, Saints booked their place in the final with an emphatic 6-0 victory over Hikers, while GCC Spartans
Boys’ U17 champions Saints
U21 boys’ champions Saints S’Team
and SHC Sigmas also securing championship honours in the Under-17 divisions. Saints produced a commanding performance in the U21 girls’ final, defeating GCC Spartans 4-1, while SHC S’Team held off a determined comeback from GCC Cowboys to claim
completed the scoring in the 30th. GCC Spartans’ lone goal came from Hannah Percival in the 16th minute, which had briefly reduced the deficit to 1-1 before Saints regained control of the encounter. Saints held a 1-0 advantage at halftime.
Jabari Lovell was the standout performer for S’Team, scoring a hat-trick with goals in the ninth, 14th and 19th minutes. Clay Bobb contributed a double, opening the scoring in the fourth minute before adding another in the 27th. GCC Cowboys, who trailed
another in the 28th minute, but S’Team held on to secure the championship. Meanwhile, in the U17 girls’ final, SHC Sensations defeated OFHC Phantom Troupe 3-1 to claim the title, while SHC Sigmas edged GCC Outlaws 1-0 in the U17 boys’ championship match. The finals followed a series of semi-final encounters earlier on Saturday, which determined the teams advancing to the championship matches.
overcame OFHC Bomb Quad 3-2 in a closely-contested encounter. The U21 boys’ semi-finals saw GCC Cowboys dominate Hikers 7-0, while SHC S’Team secured their place in the championship match with a convincing 4-1 victory over OFHC Vipers. In the U17 girls’ division, OFHC Phantom Troupe registered the largest victory of the semi-final round, defeating Multi Stars 9-0, while SHC Sensations overcame GCC Her-ricanes 3-1.
Individual awards Several outstanding players were recognised for their performances throughout the championships, with awards presented in the four age-group divisions. In the U21 girls’ division, GCC Spartans’ Rebecca Ferreira was named Player of the Tournament, while Saints’ Sarah Harry received the Best Goalkeeper award. Hikers’ Alia Thomas was recognised as the Most Promising Player. For the U21 boys, SHC S’Team’s Jabari Lovell secured the Player-of-the Tournament award, while teammate Malik Chester was named Best Goalkeeper. GCC Cowboys’ Giovanni Grant received the Most-PromisingPlayer award. In the U17 girls’ category, SHC Sensations’ Makaylah Poole was adjudged Player of the Tournament. OFHC Phantom Troupe’s Jazlyn Smith claimed the Best Goalkeeper award, while Multi Stars’ Angelique Smith was named Most Promising Player. GCC Outlaws’ Grant Fernandes received the Playerof-the-Tournament award in the U17 boys’ division, while SHC Sigmas’ Clay Bobb earned the Best Goalkeeper honour. GCC Outlaws’ Luc Scott completed the individual award recipients after being named Most Promising Player. The Saturday night finals brought the curtain down on the national junior championships, which began on Wednesday, October 7, and featured competition across the U17 and U21 boys’ and girls’ divisions.
T
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2026
Sport is no longer our game, it’s our business
Arshdeep and Abhishek power India to 2-1 lead
Abhishek Sharma celebrates his fifty (AFP/Getty Images)
Roston Chase took two in an over (BCCI)
F
inally, at the sixth time of asking, a total has been defended successfully on West Indies’ tour of India. Considering some of what has gone down in the last fortnight, India’s 223 might not sound like a lot, but on an Indore pitch whose low bounce made big hitting difficult, Abhishek Sharma’s 30ball 69 ended up giving India an above-par total. Take out his 14-runs-perover innings, and the rest of the match, including extras, yielded around 10 an over for both the sides: India 154 in 15 overs, West Indies 209 in their 20. While India’s drop was more dramatic – from 115 for 1 in 8.1 overs to 135 for 5 and then a failure to finish big – West Indies kept losing wickets regularly to India, who welcomed the absence of dew. Arshdeep Singh went to death bowling with the new ball to finally get Shai Hope for a low score after which India were pinpoint with their tactics to constantly stay just out of reach of West Indies throughout the innings. Axar Patel came back from figures of 3.3-0-63-0 in Ranchi to stall West Indies in the middle overs, part-timers Naman Dhir and Nitish Kumar Reddy did their job too, and Arshdeep and Prince Yadav used yorkers with the dry ball to shut the game out well before the 20th over. Abhishek, Kishan promise another high-scorer West Indies banked on their hero with the ball in the last match, Roston Chase, but Abhishek gave himself a bit of a sighter before he started to
attack. Sanju Samson, on whom the onus fell to strike the first blow, was caught at midwicket in the second over, allowing Chase two left-handers to bowl at early in the innings. Abhishek, though, let him bowl to his plan only for one over. In Chase’s second, he gave
to 2000 T20 International (T20I) runs. Chase starts West Indies’ comeback After a brief breather, Chase had his own back when he had Kishan stumped for 37 off 18. This, unfortunately for West
Run-outs slow India down Tilak Varma again looked in silken touch, but freakish wickets kept denying India the finishing kick. Reddy nicked one down the leg side, Varma ran himself out assuming a boundary had been hit and walked back to the crease, Axar failed to say no to Arshdeep when a single was not on. Given the chasing trends and the small boundaries, West Indies went into the break confident.
Shreyas Iyer looks at Shamar Springer’s bat after he smashed an unbeaten 11-ball 35 (AFP/Getty Images)
himself room and hit two sixes and a four. Ishan Kishan joined the fun by going after Keemo Paul as India raced away to 87 for 1 in the power play. Abhishek scored 50 of his 69 runs on the off side, Only once has he scored more off-side runs in an international innings. Along the way he became the quickest man
Indies, would not be the last sixand-out of the night. In the immediate aftermath of Kishan’s dismissal, it became apparent for the first time on the night that this was not as much of a featherbed as Ranchi was. As the middle order tried to keep up with the start given by Abhishek and Kishan, they kept falling.
Arshdeep starts as he means to end With the new ball at the start of the second innings, the difficulties of hitting at will were more apparent. Mayank Yadav extracted a bit of seam movement in the first over, but Arshdeep did not take chances.
He went round the wicket to Hope, and nailed two yorkers before bowling him out with a length ball. Spinners bring India back Shimron Hetmyer, dropped on five off Mayank, shook off the inertia of the West Indies start with 19 off Arshdeep’s second over, but the Yadavs, Mayank and Prince, still closed out the power play well to keep West Indies to 54 for 1. With Kamil Pooran struggling to go quicker than a run a ball, Hetmyer had to take more risks, giving Dhir his fourth six-andout of the series in the seventh over. Axar and Dhir proceeded to shut West Indies down for two overs, resulting in the wicket of Rovman Powell to make it 82 for 3 in the 10th over. Pooran made a desperate attempt to swing at everything in Dhir’s third over, hitting three sixes and repairing his strike rate a little, but his fourth attempt ended up in a boundary catch. Dhir now had five international wickets, all of them off the immediate ball after being hit for a six. The quicks show discipline The ball was dry, the spinners had done well all night, but Shreyas Iyer went back to pace as soon as Quentin Sampson walked out. India had scouted well, as Sampson struggles to hit high pace as well as he does spin. Sherfane Rutherford and Sampson kept West Indies in the contest for the next fourand-a-half overs, but only just. India were willing to exhaust the overs of their best quicks right then and there
for a wicket, which eventually happened to go to Reddy, who did his job by bowling figures of 2-0-19-1. Needing 65 off the last four, West Indies now needed the best of Rutherford, but with Arshdeep and Prince maintaining a good execution rate with their yorkers, he was left with a little too much to do. Iyer kept bowling his best bowlers to make sure Axar had 36 to defend in the last over. (ESPNcricinfo) Summarised scores: India 223 (Abhishek 69, Kishan 37, Chase 2-38) beat West Indies 209 (Hetmyer 43, Arshdeep 3-44) by 14 runs.
Shimron Hetmyer gets hold of one (AFP/Getty Images)
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