Guyana Times - Saturday, August 1, 2026

GPF, GCCI explore collaboration to strengthen Police training, development Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin ends 7-year tenure as UG’s Vice Chancellor

30 Sophia youths complete leadership development programme

Labour Ministry intensifies countrywide campaign to foster stronger safety culture

“Ensure fair, efficient & sensitive handling of human trafficking cases” – Justice George urges judiciary

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, August 1 –5:50h–7:20h and Sunday, August 2 – 6:30h–8:00h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

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

Winds: East-North-Easterly to East-SouthEasterly between 2.68 metres and 4.91 metres.

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

Low Tide: 13:21h reaching a minimum height of 0.62 metre.

As the country observes Emancipation Day 2026, President Dr Irfaan Ali says that the contributions made by African Guyanese over the decades are the very pillars upon which modern Guyana now stands. The head of state made these remarks in his Emancipation Day message. He said this day calls for homage to be paid to the resistance, resolve, resourcefulness and resilience of African ancestors in the face of the most abominable system ever known to mankind – the transatlantic trade in captive Africans and the brutal machinery of slavery.

According to Ali, though subjected to the horrors of enslavement, those African ancestors never relinquished their dignity, their humanity, or their quest for liberation. Noting that those long nights of bondage gave way to the dawn of freedom, the President pointed out that instead of greeting that morning with bitterness in their hearts, the forebears instead fixed their gaze steadily upon the future. They sought to create, from their freedom, a better world for themselves and for the generations yet unborn.

“That very first Emancipation Day marked the dawn of a new journey, one driven by an unquenchable yearning for economic empowerment and self-determination. In the decades that followed, African Guyanese rose with extraordinary purpose. They transformed their circumstances in remarkable ways,” the Guyanese leader stated. Key among those transformations is the Village Movement, which saw the freed men and women pooling their resources to purchase lands and establish villages. According to Ali, these villages became the bedrock of resilience, the crucibles of culture, the seedbeds of nationhood.

Through education, he added, they sharpened minds while building enterprises through entrepreneurship. Through their farms, they also provided food for homes and markets; through mining, they brought forth gold, bauxite, and diamonds that would

fuel the nation’s progress; through sport, arts, politics and the professions, they enriched every facet of national life.

“Their contributions are the very pillars upon which modern Guyana stands. Our African ancestors erected these pillars for every generation that would follow so that we might stand taller, reach further, and dream broader,” the Head of State emphasised. To this end, he urged that Guyanese continue to learn from their example, including in the face of adversity. “They did not allow tragedy to harden their hearts into hatred. Instead, they transformed their sorrow into solidarity and their pain into purpose. They wept together, prayed together and rebuilt together. In celebrating the achievements of our African ancestors, let us reaffirm our faith in one another. Let us refuse the seduction of suspicion and the poison of enmity. The greatest honour we can pay to them is in the work we do to create a society rooted in mutual respect, genuine equality and shared prosperity. It is in the bridges we build across every divide,” President Ali posited.

He went on to implore Guyanese to work together to build a nation that is truly free, truly prosperous, and just for every man, woman, and child. The Guyanese leader added, “May the spirit of our African ancestors guide us. May their resilience inspire us. And may their dream of a united, dignified, and sovereign people live on in our hearts and hands today and always. My best wishes to all on this Emancipation Day 2026.”

Significance of Emancipation

Meanwhile, Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, in his Emancipation Day message, said the spirit and significance of Emancipation highlight the continued legacy that African ancestors left behind in every aspect of Guyanese life and culture today.

“Cultural experience allows history to be felt and understood. As we participate in these cultural practices, whether it be through drumming or fashion or

food, we show appreciation for their memory, and it helps us to understand the people behind the history and the choices that allowed their heritage to survive,” he stated.

According to Phillips, Guyanese do not have to share the same ancestry to appreciate another community’s music, learn its history, or participate respectfully in its celebrations. He noted that the coexistence of Guyana’s many traditions remains important in the country where differences have sometimes been used to create distance between us. This unity among the diverse, he added, is especially critical during a period in which many Guyanese are carrying grief and confronting difficult emotions.

“While we acknowledge that cultural gatherings cannot erase sorrow, they can offer comfort and remind us that no community should have to face hardship alone.

The African-Guyanese experience teaches us much about endurance, communal responsibility, and rebuilding after profound loss. Those lessons belong within our wider Guyanese understanding,” the PM stated. He further added that today’s Emancipation Day celebration calls for reflection on the country’s development, where the enduring value of the lessons passed down by African ancestors can be seen in the prosperous and inclusive Guyana

being built.

“The history of AfricanGuyanese people is inseparable from the history of our nation. Across generations, African-Guyanese have made essential contributions to agriculture, education, public service, law, business, politics, the creative industries, sport, national security, and the skilled trades. They have served as teachers, nurses, public servants, farmers, entrepreneurs, artisans, members of the disciplined services, and leaders within their communities. Their work has helped to develop our villages, strengthen our institutions and expand Guyana’s cultural and economic life.

African culture has also profoundly shaped our national identity. The values of collective responsibility, resilience, self-reliance, and community upliftment that sustained AfricanGuyanese communities after Emancipation remain relevant to Guyana’s development today. They remind us that national progress is strongest when it is built through shared effort, equal opportunity, and respect for the dignity and contribution of every citizen. So, on the occasion of Emancipation 2026, let us honour the African-Guyanese community for its immense contribution to Guyana’s progress and character,” PM Phillips stated.

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Freedom & national unity

The observance of the anniversary of emancipation stands as one of the most significant moments in Guyana’s national calendar. It commemorates the abolition of slavery in the British colonies on August 1, 1838, when thousands of enslaved Africans, after centuries of brutal exploitation and four years of forced apprenticeship, were finally granted their legal freedom. That historic achievement represented far more than the end of an oppressive labour system.

The institution of slavery has existed in different forms throughout history, but the transatlantic slave trade introduced one of the most systematic and inhumane manifestations of human exploitation ever recorded. Millions of Africans were forcibly removed from their homeland, transported across the Atlantic under horrific conditions, and reduced to chattel – treated as property rather than as human beings. Families were separated, cultures were disrupted, identities were stripped away, and generations endured unimaginable suffering in pursuit of economic gain for colonial empires.

The transatlantic slave trade also reshaped global perceptions of humanity in ways that continue to influence societies, centuries later. To justify the enslavement of Africans, colonial powers developed and promoted racial ideologies that assigned human value according to physical characteristics. These false doctrines were reinforced by sections of the political, religious, and intellectual establishments of the time, creating a framework that portrayed Africans as inherently inferior and legitimised their oppression.

Such ideas extended beyond slavery, and they evolved into elaborate racial hierarchies that influenced laws, education, religion, and public policy across the colonial world. Concepts of racial superiority and inferiority became deeply embedded in many societies, leaving legacies that persisted long after slavery was abolished. These beliefs fuelled discrimination, segregation and unequal treatment, while also encouraging many colonised peoples to internalise distorted perceptions of themselves and others.

Guyana’s own history bears the unmistakable imprint of these colonial policies. The plantation economy depended upon division as much as it depended upon labour. Following emancipation, many formerly enslaved Africans sought economic independence through village development, land ownership and entrepreneurship rather than continued plantation employment. In response, colonial authorities expanded the importation of indentured labourers from India, Portugal, China, and other regions to sustain plantation production. While each of these groups made invaluable contributions to Guyana’s development, the colonial administration often fostered separation rather than solidarity, ensuring that competition and mistrust served the interests of the ruling class.

The consequences of those policies did not disappear with independence. Historical divisions based upon ethnicity, economic opportunity, and political competition had continued to influence national life. Although Guyana has made considerable progress in building democratic institutions and promoting equal rights, remnants of colonial thinking can sometimes still surface in public discourse and social interactions.

Emancipation Day therefore carries significance far beyond the remembrance of slavery. It is a national occasion that calls for reflection on the enduring values of justice, equality, and human dignity. The courage displayed by enslaved Africans in resisting oppression and preserving their humanity laid an important foundation for the freedoms enjoyed today. Their struggles also serve as a reminder that liberty is never guaranteed by legislation alone. It must be protected through institutions that uphold fairness, equal opportunity, and respect for every citizen.

The observance also provides an opportunity to recognise the rich cultural heritage that Africans and their descendants have contributed to Guyana. Their influence is evident in language, religion, music, cuisine, literature, education, public service, and countless other aspects of national life. These contributions form an inseparable part of Guyana’s identity and deserve continued recognition and celebration.

The 188th anniversary of emancipation should therefore inspire both remembrance and resolve. Remembrance honours the sacrifices of those who endured one of history’s greatest injustices. Resolve commits the nation to rejecting the divisive ideologies inherited from colonialism and embracing a future founded on mutual respect, equality, and national unity.

Emancipation: a reminder to uphold equality, justice, and unity – PPP

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) extends warm greetings to all Guyanese, particularly our Afro-Guyanese brothers and sisters, as we commemorate the 188th anniversary of the abolition of slavery. This historic occasion

reminds us of the immense sacrifices, resilience, and unwavering determination of the thousands of enslaved Africans who endured unimaginable suffering while never surrendering their hope for freedom, dignity,

and justice. Their courage and resistance laid an enduring foundation for the values of equality and human rights that continue to shape our nation.

We pay tribute to our ancestors whose struggles and sacrifices paved the way for

future generations and honour the invaluable contributions of Afro-Guyanese to Guyana’s political, economic, social, cultural, educational, and sporting development. Their achievements have enriched our national identity and

Freedom is not a favour, it is a right – GTUC

On August 1, 1838, the chains of chattel slavery in the British colonies were finally broken. That victory did not come through the goodwill of the slave masters or the colonial establishment. It was won through generations of resistance, sacrifice, rebellion, and the unwavering determination of enslaved Africans who refused to surrender their humanity.

Emancipation remains one of history’s greatest declarations that no government, institution, or individual has the right to dominate, exploit, or deny another person their dignity

and freedom.

The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) reminds the nation that emancipation is more than a cultural observance. It is a call to defend freedom against every attempt to diminish it.

The enslaved fought against a system that stole their labour, separated families, denied them education, stripped them of their identity, and reduced them to property. They resisted so future generations would never have to plead for equality or fear those entrusted with governing them.

The GTUC believes that equality before the law cannot

depend on race, political affiliation, or social standing. National development cannot be measured solely by economic growth and oil wealth while many citizens believe they are denied equal treatment, opportunity, and representation.

The GTUC reminds us that governments are elected to serve the nation – not to reward supporters, punish critics, or treat constitutional rights as privileges to be granted or withheld. Human rights, justice, and equality are not political concessions; they are fundamental obligations of democratic governance.

As we honour our ancestors this Emancipation Day, let us remember that they fought not only to break chains but also to establish justice. Their sacrifice calls on every generation to resist oppression in all its forms and to defend the freedoms they secured with courage and blood.

The GTUC remains steadfast in that mission. We will continue to stand with workers, defend the rights of every citizen, and demand a Guyana where freedom is not simply celebrated on August 1 but protected every day of the year.

Happy Emancipation Day.

Reflect on Emancipation’s legacy; celebrate national unity – ERC

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) joins Guyanese across the nation and throughout the diaspora in observing the 188th anniversary of the Emancipation of Africans from slavery, a defining milestone in our history that is both solemn in remembrance and inspiring in its enduring legacy. For generations, Africans were forcibly taken from their homeland, subjected to brutal and inhumane conditions, and deprived of their fundamental human rights. Yet their spirit endured. In the years that followed freedom, the formerly enslaved pooled their resources to purchase the very

plantations on which they had laboured, founding the Village Movement and establishing communities that stand to this day. Their courage and endurance continue to inspire generations of Guyanese.

This day, August 1, is not only a celebration of freedom but also a call to reflect on the sacrifices, strength and resilience of our African ancestors. This year’s observance carries particular significance, as our nation marks sixty years of independence. The freedom won in 1838 laid the foundation for the sovereignty we celebrate in 2026, and the contributions of Guyanese of African descent

remain woven into every part of our national life.

As part of its constitutional responsibility to foster harmony and good relations among Guyana’s ethnic groups, the Commission regards Emancipation Day as an important occasion for reflection, education and national unity. It reminds us that building a stronger nation requires a continued commitment to mutual respect, inclusion and appreciation of our diverse cultural heritage.

The Commission encourages all citizens to take part in Emancipation activities across the country and to embrace the occasion

remain an integral part of our country’s progress. The observance of Emancipation is not only a celebration of freedom but also a reminder of our collective responsibility to reject division, discrimination, and hatred in all their forms.

Together, we must continue to build a society founded on mutual respect, equality, and shared prosperity. On

this 188th anniversary of the abolition of slavery, the People’s Progressive Party honours the legacy of our fore parents and calls on all Guyanese to draw inspiration from their courage as we work together to secure a brighter, more united, and prosperous future for generations to come.

Happy Emancipation Day!

as a national opportunity for reflection, learning and togetherness. It is in the sharing of each other’s history and heritage that tolerance is nurtured and the bonds of our nationhood are strengthened. Ethnic Relations Commission

Page Foundation

Laws of Indices cont’d

Dividing Indices

There are two methods we can use to divide terms involving indices.

1. When the bases are the same: These questions usually ask you to "simplify" the calculation.

2. When the bases are different: These questions usually ask you to "evaluate" (work out) the calculation.

Dividing indices with the same base

When dividing indices with the same base, subtract the powers.

Dividing indices with different bases

In order to divide indices when the bases are different we need to write out each term and calculate the answer.

The Sun

The Sun is the star at the centre of the solar system. It is a hot ball of gases that gives off great amounts of energy. Life on Earth depends on light and heat from the Sun.

The solar system also contains planets, comets, and asteroids. They all orbit, or travel around, the Sun. Earth orbits the Sun at a distance of about 150 million kilometres (km). The next-closest star to Earth is about 250,000 times farther away. That is why the Sun is by far the brightest object in the sky.

The Sun is the largest object by far in the solar system. Its diameter, or distance through its centre, is about 1,392,000km. This is about 109 times bigger than Earth’s diameter.

The Sun consists mostly of the gases hydrogen and helium. Its core is very hot, probably reaching about 15,600,000°C. The hydrogen is packed in tightly at the core. Great pressure squeezes the hydrogen, causing it to change into helium. This process releases huge amounts of energy. Every second the Sun changes, or "burns", more than 600 million tonnes of hydrogen fuel into helium.

The Sun has been shining for at least four billion years. It is now mostly hydrogen with some helium. Billions of years in the future, the Sun will use up all its hydrogen fuel. Eventually it will stop shining.

Like the core, the surface of the Sun is made of gases. The surface temperature is about 6000°C. Sometimes cooler, darker patches called sunspots appear on the surface.

Sunspots appear and disappear in 11-year cycles.

The Sun’s hot corona shoots out tiny bits of matter, or particles, that carry an electric charge. The stream of particles is called the solar wind. The wind moves out through the solar system at about 400km per second. High solar winds disrupt radio signals on Earth. They also cause colourful bands of light called auroras to appear in the sky in Earth’s far northern and southern regions.

(Britannica Kids)

By AliciA Ostriker

Happening now! it is happening now! even while, after these grey March weeks— when every Saturday you drive out of town into the country to take your daughter to her riding lesson and along the thin curving road you peer into the brown stuff— still tangled, bare, nothing beginning.

Nothing beginning, the mud, the vines, the corpse-like trees and their floor of sodden leaves unaltered, it makes you want to pull the steering wheel from its socket, or tear your own heart out, exasperated that it should freeze and thaw, then freeze again, and that no buds have burst, sticky, deep red, from their twigs— You want to say it to your daughter. You want to tell her also how the grey beeches, ashes and oaks on Cherry Hill Road on the way to her riding school feel the same, although they cannot rip themselves up by the roots, or run about raving, or take any action whatever, and are almost dead with their wish to be alive, to suck water, to send force through their fibers and to change! to change! Your daughter, surly, unconversational, a house locking its doors against you, pulls away when you touch her shoulder, looks out the window, You are too old. You remind her of frozen mud. Nevertheless it is happening, the planer swings in its orbit forward, she cannot help it. And what has melted trickles under the ground, to ends of roots.

(Source: Poetry [August 1980])

Imagine you are an inventor who creates a machine that can bring fictional book characters into the real world. Which characters would you invite, and how do they adjust when they arrive?

WORD SEARCH

Expert audit team set up to review safety, compliance standards for marine vessels – Pres Ali

…as scaled-down MV Barima recovery operation continues

Two weeks after the MV Barima tragedy, President Dr Irfaan Ali has established an audit team to undertake a comprehensive review of the safety and compliance standards governing marine vessels operating in Guyana.

In a statement on Friday, the head of state explained that this move is part of the Government’s continuing response measures to strengthen maritime safety and prevent future tragedies.

The audit team will comprise former DirectorGeneral of the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), Dr Ivor English; Colonel Julius Skeete of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF); and Marine Officer and Surveyor of Ships Captain Joseph Lewis.

According to Ali, they all bring a wealth of technical expertise, practical experience and knowledge in marine administration, maritime operations and the inspection and surveying of ships.

“The team will examine compliance with applicable maritime safety requirements and make recommendations to strengthen oversight, improve enforcement and ensure that our vessels, operators and reg-

ulatory systems meet the highest practicable standards of safety and accountability,” the President noted.

The MV Barima departed the Georgetown stelling at about 15:00h on Saturday, July 18, on its scheduled voyage to Port Kaituma, Region One (Barima-Waini), carrying 179 persons, including 18 crew members and cargo.

According to officials, the vessel encountered rough sea conditions off the Essequibo Coast near the mouth of the Pomeroon River, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), late that night. Survivors have recalled that the ferry began tilting to one side before capsizing, throwing passengers into the water in less than a minute. A distress signal transmitted at approximately 23:01h was received by aviation authorities, triggering a large-scale multi-agency emergency response that still continues and has since evolved.

While at least 76 persons survived the horrific boat accident, 73 have been confirmed dead, and another 30 are still missing. Of the bodies recovered, five remain unidentified.

Scaled down

On Friday, the Guyana Government said that the

coordinated search and recovery operations remain ongoing, with no new developments.

Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, who is leading the national response operation, subsequently told the Guyana Times on Friday that the 18 assets, both sea and air, previously deployed have been reduced. However, he noted that the surveillance activities still continue.

“We still have boats out there patrolling the area, and we have aircraft flying over from time to time. But the assets have been scaled down,” PM Phillips stated.

At a press conference earlier this week, the PM had indicated that the diving operations were suspended.

According to Phillips during a telephone interview with this newspaper, the team of divers from the French Guiana Army, along with those from the Brazilian Navy and the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard, which had deployed maritime assets and personnel to support the local operations, have since departed Guyana.

“They already concluded their work [here] and went home… So, no diving

is taking place now. We already identified the wreck, and that location is marked. So, anytime we get to go in the area, we don’t have to search. We know the location,” the PM indicated to this publication.

Since arriving in Guyana on Monday, July 20, the team of French divers has executed approximately 15 diving operations to the sunken ferry, which is lying on the seabed some nine miles off the Essequibo

is contemplating whether to salvage the sunken vessel or preserve the site as a memorial – a decision it says that will have to be guided by the wishes of the families of those missing persons.

The PM said on Friday that those engagements with the grieving families are ongoing.

In fact, only this week President Dr Irfaan Ali travelled to Mabaruma on Tuesday to meet one-on-one with survivors and families

Coast. They have reported that the weather and the environmental conditions are making it dangerous for them to get into the ferry.

Initially, there were efforts to right the vessel into a floating position and get it closer to shore in order to gain better access inside, but those attempts to reposition the ship were futile.

PM Phillips had previously explained that as the days go by, the vessel is “sinking deeper and deeper into the mud”, making recovery efforts more difficult.

Engagements ongoing

However, with at least 30 people still unaccounted for, the Guyanese Government

of the victims from this tragedy. A similar engagement was held in Georgetown the following day.

The Head of State assured that the Government will remain closely engaged with every family impacted by this tragedy, ensuring they receive the care, support, and assistance they need – not only in the immediate aftermath but throughout their journey toward healing and recovery.

Already, a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) has been established to probe the deadly boat accident, and the members – Chairman Justice Godfrey Phillip Smith of Belize and four Commissioners: Captain

Hamada Fouda, Attorneyat-Law Nyree Dawn Alfonso, Dr Andrzej Jasionowski of Poland, and Rear Admiral (Retired) Hayden Pritchard – were sworn in on Thursday.

The Commission is preparing to conduct its independent investigation into the circumstances of the incident and present its findings, observations and recommendations upon completion of its work.

The Guyana Government has formally launched the HEART Initiative – Hope, Empathy, Aid, Resilience and Trust – a national framework to provide sustained support to the survivors and bereaved families of the MV Barima tragedy through humanitarian assistance, psychosocial and trauma counselling, social services, spiritual guidance and other forms of support for those affected. This assistance is not intended as compensation but as an expression of the nation’s enduring commitment to stand beside survivors and bereaved families for as long as necessary.

Where’s the… …oil cavalry?

For years, your Eyewitness and John Public were informed that the US’s great strategic objective was Venezuela’s oil!! Forget democracy, forget geopolitics, forget all the lofty speeches. President Trump himself candidly admitted that removing Mad Maduro was about ensuring American control over the world’s largest proven petroleum reserves. Fair enough – at least his honesty is refreshing compared to dithering Joe Biden – and he must be complimented for this!!

But there’s just one tiny problem – where the heck are the oil companies that we’re told are pulling the strings of American foreign policy and prompted Mad Maduro’s extraction?? Six months have passed, and not a single convoy of hard-hatted petroleum engineers out of Texas has thundered triumphantly across the Orinoco!! No flotillas of drilling rigs appearing on the horizon across the Caribbean Sea!! Exxon, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, and the rest of America’s oil aristocracy descended from the old Seven Sisters seem to’ve misplaced the memo announcing their imperial appointment!!

Your Eyewitness can just see the executives around a table in Houston staring nervously at spreadsheets in front of them: “Yes, Venezuela has enormous reserves...But can we actually get the oil out and make money to please our shareholders?” Numbing silence!! Turns out that conquering an oil field in political speeches is considerably easier than extracting heavy crude from ageing infrastructure after decades of underinvestment!! Oil – especially the tar-like Venezuelan kind – inconveniently refuses to respond to campaign rhetoric or agendas!!

Perhaps the oil honchos have discovered that reserves ain’t the same thing as production!! Those 300 billion barrels buried underground remain stubbornly unimpressed by press conferences!! Pipelines still need repairs; drilling rigs gotta be derusted, and wells still demand expensive infusions of mud!! Not to mention reimbursement for previous nationalised assets!! Geology, unlike politics, can’t be bullied into submission!!

The whole affair is beginning to resemble Texas Barons of yore buying the world’s largest cattle ranch only to discover that cows require feeding!! For years, Venezuela’s oil was portrayed as the glittering prize that would sustain American energy dominance into the next century! Instead, the promised petroleum bonanza has become a waiting game worthy of Godot – waiting for Big Oil!!

Perhaps the majors are simply waiting for another committee, another feasibility study, another investment guarantee, another liability waiver, another election, another Government, another excuse?? Or perhaps they know what experienced petroleum engineers have always known: owning oil on paper and producing it profitably are two entirely different propositions or enterprises! In the meantime, the world’s largest oil reserves continue to sit patiently beneath Venezuelan soil, apparently unaware that they’ve already been conquered in Washington!!

Unlike Devious Delcy, who’s busy kissing bambsies, the oil, it seems, hasn’t yet received the liberation memo!

…Emancipation?

One of the remarkable achievements of our ancestors after Emancipation in 1838 was their spontaneous foundation of villages where they could live out what they felt was the meaning of freedom!! It’s important to note that they started out with building their own homes – away from the N****r Yards as Martin Carter reminded us:

“Leaping from the Oppressors’ hate and the scorn of myself; from the agony of the dark hut in the shadow and the hurt of things; from the long days of cruelty and the long nights of pain down to the wide streets of tomorrow, of the next day, leaping, I come; who cannot see will hear.”

Sadly, that great movement soon petered out under the onslaught of the colonial state, who were determined to make freedom an illusion, and they were pushed into the city. Carter continued, “So was I born again stubborn and fierce, screaming in a slum. It was a city and coffin space for home, a river running, prisons, hospitals, men drunk and dying, Judges full of scorn, and priests and parsons fooling Gods with words.”

…new hope?

But at long last we have the opportunity for a real emancipation – once again starting with villages made possible by the Government funding a hundred thousand homes!!

“We’re not done yet in Guyana” – ExxonMobil CEO sees “bright future” in offshore developments – as local operations drive strong Q2 performance

Operations in the prolific Stabroek Block offshore Guyana continue to play a major role in ExxonMobil’s global performance as the United States oil major eyes a brighter future here with new developments to come online.

“I think our view is we’re not done yet in Guyana, and we continue to see a really bright future there,” Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ExxonMobil Darren Woods declared during the compa-

ny’s second-quarter 2026 Earnings Call on Friday.

In its 2026 second-quarter report, the US-based oil giant described Guyana as a long-term growth engine with strong production gains recorded. Exxon on Friday reported earnings of US$14.5 billion as per the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), while adjusted earnings were recorded at US$14.7 billion.

The company said its upstream business, which in-

cludes crude oil and natural gas production, generated approximately US$7.9 billion, or adjusted earnings of US$9.19 billion, in the second quarter.

65-year-old man perishes in Lamaha Street fire

Afire at Lamaha Street, Newtown, Kitty, Georgetown, on Thursday evening has claimed the life of a 65-year-old man who was

reportedly recovering from a stroke. The deceased man has been identified as

Vernal Duncan. The fire reportedly started just after 21:00h in one of the three buildings that was later completely gutted. The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) stated that firefighters from the Campbellville and Eccles Fire Stations responded to the report of a fire, and upon arriving at the scene, they observed three buildings engulfed in flames.

Through their coordinated efforts, firefighters successfully contained the blaze, preventing it from spreading further. However, two of the homes were completely destroyed, while a third sustained partial damage. During the emergency response, it was reported that one occupant was unaccounted for. Following the successful suppression of the fire, firefighters conducted a thorough search of the premises and discovered the charred remains of the missing occupant.

Senior Fire Officer Rovin Thomas related on Friday, “Two other buildings were affected as a result of the fire and radiated heat. The firefighters did an excellent job, though in some instances it can be challenging based on control and so forth, but the firefighters did an excellent job.” At the scene, a resident, Sylvia Grey, who lives next door to the house that was destroyed by the fire, recounted that she was asleep when her son alerted her that he smelled smoke.

“Well, I was sleeping. Normally, I sleep upstairs in the second room, but yesterday, after my son went [out], I said I was going to sleep in the room and watch TV. So, I ended up watching an African movie, and I went into a doze. But then I heard my son screaming, ‘Mommy, I’m smelling smoke!’ So I got up and started looking to see where the smoke was coming from. When I came by the door, I saw a big blaze, so right away I ran upstairs and turned on the pipe. I went to the bathroom and sink and started pulling water. I was looking for a small bucket but couldn’t find one. So I turned and started throwing water over the wall.”

She added that the fire quickly intensified, forcing her and her young daughter to flee.

“But after I started throwing water, the blaze started coming over towards me. The smoke started suffocating my nose, so I couldn’t take it.

I had my little seven-yearold daughter with me, so I ended up running down the steps with my daugh-

ter. When I reached downstairs, I couldn’t come out because the heat was preventing me from passing. Then the firefighters came and realised that I couldn’t get through, so they started breaking through the area with water. That’s how my daughter and my son got out, and I came out too,” she stated, recounting the last frantic moments during the catastrophe.

The resident explained that after leaving her home for a short while, she returned to find the fire rapidly spreading to the neighbouring houses. Residents said the occupant had previously complained about electrical issues at the house, leading some to believe the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault. However, the exact cause of the blaze remains under investigation.

“The fire started in the middle house and then scorched the left and right. I saw the other house catching after this one started. The fire blazed up the middle house mostly, and then it started taking over this one here. His wife told me that something with the wiring of the house was catching or something like that. She said they called GPL and they came and fixed it.” Residents explained that the victim had poor eyesight and had previously suffered a stroke and injuries from an accident, which left him physically impaired.

Meanwhile, a pensioner, Desiree Mahon, was also left homeless after her house was completely destroyed in the blaze.

35 of 200 new fire hydrants installed across Guyana – as 150 hydrants across 4 regions non-operational

Some 35 of the 200 new fire hydrants acquired by the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) have been installed across the country as authorities move ahead with efforts to strengthen the country’s firefighting capabilities and improve emergency response. The GFS plans to install 200 new hydrants by the end of 2026 as part of an ongoing restoration programme aimed at repairing existing inoperable units.

Already, new hydrants are being installed in Georgetown as well as along the East Bank of Demerara (EBD), East Coast of Demerara (ECD) and along the West Bank and West Coast of Demerara (WCD). In addition, existing hydrants are continuously being serviced to ensure they remain operational. This was revealed by Senior Fire Officer Rovin Thomas during a recent interview with this publication at the side-lines of the demonstrative showcasing of the operational response of firefighters during active fire incidents.

“Currently, there is an installation process ongoing. We have over 35 hy -

that they are in operable and good working condition.” He explained that priority is being given to vulnerable and high-risk areas, including locations with major installations.

“We have vulnerable areas, and we have those key points – fixed installations; major installations like bulk fuel storage, large supermarkets, Government buildings, schools, gas stations, areas that would normally house large amounts of persons like malls and so forth. But there is a specific emphasis on Government buildings, high-rise buildings, and high-risk areas.”

drants being planted. We are having specific focus not only on Georgetown but also on the East Bank, East Coast, West Bank, and West Coast. Of recent, we’ve had 32 hydrants installed in the Mahaica area. So, these hydrants are indeed installed. They have been procured, and the team is out there working to have more hydrants installed.”

Thomas added that the GFS is not only focused on installing new hydrants but is also ensuring that existing hydrants are properly serviced. “The hydrants that are already planted – those hydrants are constantly serviced to ensure

Meanwhile, Thomas noted that there are approximately 1000 fire hydrants across Georgetown.

Despite the high number of hydrants in Region Four, the GFS has identified 150 hydrants across Regions Three, Four, Five, and Six that are currently non-functional. Thomas attributed these failures to a combination of accidental damage caused by vehicles and ageing infrastructure inherited from the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) system.

“We have over 1000 hydrants in Georgetown alone, and we can access water from canals and so forth. So, water is not a big

or the long tanker. Those bowsers carry 14,000 litres of water.” Thomas also explained the water capacity of the regular fire appliances used by the GFS.

“Our regular fire appliance carries 450 gallons. This is similar to your black tank, and in some instances, we have some with 500 gallons of water. Added to

that, we have a foam capacity of 250 gallons. The foam is used specifically to deal with vehicle fires, fires involving oils, grease, and other similar incidents.”

issue for the fire service.

Even if there is a clogged drain and there is no hydrant in a particular area, we have our bowsers that normally respond to these calls. We have two appliances, and in some instances, two bowsers to support those appliances. Now, the bowsers, for those who don’t know, are the fire trucks that have the long carriage

GPF, GCCI explore collaboration to strengthen Police training, development

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) are currently exploring opportunities for collaboration in personnel development, road safety, security awareness and employee well-being. At a recent meeting between the two organisations, head of the GCCI, Cathy Smith, provided an overview of the GCCI’s structure and acknowledged the longstanding support provided by the GPF, particularly through its Traffic Department.

Discussions focused on how the Private Sector could contribute expertise, training, sponsorship and other resources to strength-

en key GPF programmes and initiatives. Among the areas of collaboration explored were structured symposiums for both male and female ranks, specialised professional development programmes, road safety and traffic management initiatives, CCTV awareness, reproductive health education, National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and social security awareness, professional etiquette and presentation, physical fitness, leadership and management development, and transition-to-civilian-life preparation for serving ranks. The meeting also highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration between private-sec-

tor security personnel and the GPF, while enhancing the business community’s understanding of evolving policing policies, security priorities and operational strategies.

Meanwhile, discussions also centred on the development of a formal symposium programme, the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organisations, and recurring professional development sessions tailored specifically for female Police personnel. It was agreed that further discussions would be held to finalise priority training areas, programme content, and implementation timelines.

Professor Paloma MohamedMartin ends 7-year tenure as UG’s Vice Chancellor – Transitional

management team established to oversee operation

The University of Guyana (UG) on Friday announced that the contractual agreement between Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin as Vice Chancellor (VC) and the tertiary institution ended on July 31, 2026, bringing an end to seven years of service. The Chancellor and Chair of Council, Sir Ronald Sanders, expressed appreciation to Professor MohamedMartin for her service and commitment to the university during her tenure.

“The University Council thanks Professor MohamedMartin for her seven years

“We’re not done yet in Guyana”...

This represented the highest upstream production recorded in more than two decades, despite disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict – something which Exxon attributed to the operations in Guyana and the Permian Basin in the US.

According to CEO Woods, Guyana remains one of the clearest examples of the company’s advantaged growth.

“In the quarter, Guyana delivered gross production volumes of approximately 900,000 barrels per day... Delivering on tight schedules at industry-leading costs with strong reliability and optimised production has resulted in recovering our capital and costs nearly two years earlier than anticipated,” he stated during Friday’s earnings call.

ExxonMobil has already received the Guyana government’s approval to develop six projects –Liza Phase One and Two, Payara, Yellowtail, Uaru (2026), and Whiptail (2027) – in the oil-rich Stabroek Block.

Currently, the US oil giant is operating four Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels – Liza Destiny, Liza Unity, Prosperity, and

One Guyana – and is now gearing up for its fifth development project, Uaru. This project will utilise the Errea Wittu FPSO, which set sail for Guyana in June and remains on track for start-up by the end of this year, increasing capacity by 250,000 barrels per day.

According to Woods, the Longtail Project, which is the company’s eighth development here, is on the path toward a final investment decision, and Exxon is already evaluating the potential for a ninth FPSO.

“The success of this development has set a new standard for the industry and frankly has exceeded our own expectations,” the CEO emphasised. “It’s a real success story in what we’ve achieved in Guyana, delivering, frankly, the production units faster than we had originally anticipated at a lower cost, running those assets above the investment basis.”

Earlier this year, President of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), Alistair Routledge, disclosed that the Haimara gas field in the south eastern section of the Stabroek Block will be the anchor for Exxon’s ninth offshore project and that the company plans to approach the gov-

ernment for approval in early 2027.

But even as production continues to grow, the US oil major is equally confident about future explorations offshore Guyana. In fact, the Exxon CEO says the company is awaiting the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) ruling on the border controversy case between Guyana and neighbouring Venezuela to resume exploration in the Stabroek Block.

“We obviously have a large chunk of acreage, which is in force majeure, waiting for the ultimate ruling from the International Court of Justice... We feel there’s an opportunity then to start shooting seismic and understand what that acreage potentially holds. We’ve got more work to do in the acreage,” he asserted.

Already, ExxonMobil is using artificial intelligence (AI) technology to analyse oil fields in Guyana at a much faster rate. In fact, the company said an AI model built using Guyana’s offshore seismic data was able to identify about 90 percent of the oil fields that have already been discovered here.

“We’ve really put a lot of effort into artificial intelligence and training models

of stewardship of the University of Guyana and wishes her every success in her future endeavours,” Sir Ronald said.

To ensure continuity of leadership and the uninterrupted conduct of the university’s academic, administrative and financial affairs, the university council has established a transitional management team to oversee the day-to-day operations of the university until a new VC is appointed. The Transitional Management Team will be chaired by Professor Stafford Griffith, a professor at UG and professor emeritus of the University of the West Indies (UWI).

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based on what we’ve found already, all the drilling that we’ve done, and the characterisation of that subsurface and have unleashed that in the rest of the block and have four new discovery opportunities above and beyond what we thought were opportunities. We’re optimistic there. Obviously, a lot more work to do to confirm those.”

“I think longer-term, we’ve got more work to do... With some of the AI tools that we’ve trained with, what we’ve already found in the drilling we’ve done, we’ve seen some new opportunities to explore that we hadn’t previously identified. I would tell you the tape hasn’t run out on this play yet, and we’re going to continue to evaluate that and see what we can get from it. You can rest assured the organisation is very focused on maximising the value of that acreage,” CEO Woods stated.

Professor Griffith has had a distinguished career in higher education across the Caribbean, having served in a number of senior leadership positions at UWI, including interim proVC and principal of the Five Islands Campus, regional director of the Office for Online Learning, director of the School of Education, and deputy dean of the Mona Campus. He has also held senior regional appointments with the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) and has served on numerous national and regional commissions, committees and boards.

Joining him on the Transitional Management Team is Deputy VC (Finance and Administration) of UG, Dr Diana Devika Gobin. Dr Gobin has more than 18 years of experience in higher education and has served in a range of academic and administrative leadership positions, including assistant dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences. She has played a significant role in the university’s financial ad-

ministration, academic development, and institutional governance and holds a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation, an International Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and a Bachelor of Social Science in Management.

The third member of the transitional management team will be the incoming chair of the Committee of Deans, who is expected to be elected next week. The transitional management team will manage the university’s day-to-day affairs under the oversight of the Chancellor and the University Council until the appointment of a new VC.

The search for the university’s next VC is continuing. Following a comprehensive and rigorous international search process, four candidates have been shortlisted and are proceeding through the final stages of consideration by the University Council.

“The Council is committed to ensuring a smooth and orderly transition in the leadership of the university while maintaining continuity in its academic mission, governance and administration. I have every confidence that Professor Griffith, Dr Gobin and the incoming Chair of the Committee of Deans will provide the steady and experienced leadership necessary during this interim period. At the same time, the Council remains fully engaged in completing the search for the University’s next VC through a rigorous and transparent process,” Sir Ronald Sanders had stated.

“Ensure fair, efficient & sensitive handling of human trafficking cases” – Justice George urges judiciary

As Guyana joins the international community in observing World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (TIP) on Thursday, acting Chancellor of the judiciary, Justice Roxane George, has underscored the importance of human trafficking cases being handled properly.

“The judiciary has an important role in ensuring that trafficking cases are dealt with fairly, efficiently, and sensitively. A trauma-informed response by all duty bearers, including Judicial Officers, judiciary staff, and stakeholders, requires that survivors are treated with dignity, compassion, confidentiality, and respect while receiving access to appropriate medical care, counselling, legal assistance, and other protective services,” she stated in a message to commemorate the observance.

To this end, the acting Chancellor pointed out that all Judicial Officers and staff must be aware of the many facets of this form of modern-day slavery, including new and emerging forms of trafficking in persons.

She said Judicial Officers, in particular, must be cognisant of the provisions of the Palermo Protocol to Prevent, Suppress, and Punish Trafficking in Persons Especially Women and Children, supplementing the United Nations Convention Against Transnational

Organized Crime. She also added that survivors of trafficking must not be blamed for their circumstances since many have endured prolonged psychological manipulation, violence, intimidation, and exploitation.

“On this World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the Judiciary of Guyana reaffirms its commitment to dealing with cases addressing trafficking in persons through a justice system that is impartial, efficient, and effective, while safeguarding the rights and welfare of victims and ensuring a fair hearing for offenders,” she emphasised.

According to Justice George, this annual observance provides an opportunity

to raise awareness about one of the most serious violations of human rights and to reaffirm a collective commitment to preventing trafficking, protecting victims, and holding offenders accountable.

In fact, as part of this year’s observance, the Judiciary has collaborated with the Guyana Association of Women Judges (GAWJ) to raise awareness. Through this partnership, informational posters, awareness hearts, and bumper stickers bearing anti-trafficking messages were produced and distributed to courts nationwide to educate staff and members of the public.

“Combating trafficking in persons requires the participation of the entire community, including stakeholders such as the GAWJ. Awareness is the first line of defence. Everyone has a role to play in learning the signs of trafficking, sharing information, reporting suspected cases, and supporting initiatives aimed at protecting vulnerable persons,” the Chancellor posited.

Human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights that often begins with deception, false promises of employment, education, love, or financial opportunities that can lead vulnerable individuals into exploitation and abuse. This crime, Justice George outlined, spares no one.

“Human trafficking is often described as an invisible

Labour Ministry intensifies countrywide campaign to foster stronger safety culture

The Labour and Manpower Planning Ministry on Thursday continued its nationwide “Putting Safety First in the Construction Sector” campaign with a construction safety seminar for employers, contractors, supervisors and workers in Region Four. Held at the Police Officers’ Mess annexe in Georgetown, the seminar forms part of the ministry’s ongoing effort to strengthen occupational safety standards and promote a culture of workplace safety across Guyana.

Labour and Manpower Planning Minister Keoma Griffith told the gathering that the initiative was developed to address the country’s approach to workplace safety through education and awareness. The campaign is being rolled out region-by-region to educate stakeholders on the importance of prioritising safety before moving into enforcement through workplace inspections.

“You may ask yourselves, ‘why are we doing this now?’ It has led me to understand that there are some issues in Guyana that we have to confront frontally, and one of them is our culture of safety and

how we approach safety. Safety is everybody’s business,” the Minister stated.

“Not only do we intend to bring awareness, but we want to analyse what the safety culture is in every region so that we can make direct interventions,” Griffith added. He urged participants to become ambassadors for workplace safety by encouraging workers and fellow contractors to comply with occupational safety standards. He also reminded those gathered of the importance of remaining free from alcohol and drugs while on the job, noting that the issue is addressed in the safety manual distributed during the seminar. Following the

crime because it frequently occurs in plain sight... Trafficking affects women, men, and children of all nationalities and backgrounds and is driven by factors such as poverty, inequality, displacement, vulnerability, and the demand for cheap labour and commercial sexual exploitation,” she stated.

The acting Chancellor went on to outline that the advancement of technology has also created new opportunities for traffickers to recruit and exploit victims through social media platforms, online advertisements, and messaging applications. This, she stressed, makes public awareness and vigilance more important than ever.

“We encourage everyone to remain vigilant, recognise the warning signs of trafficking, and help raise awareness within our communities. Together, we can expose the scams, protect the vulnerable, and work towards ending human trafficking,” she posited.

According to Justice George, a common misconception is that human trafficking always involves kidnapping or physical restraint. However, she explained that many vic-

tims initially agree to travel or accept employment because they were deceived by false promises and later find themselves subjected to exploitation through threats, intimidation, withheld wages, confiscation of documents, or restrictions on their freedom of movement.

While acknowledging that identifying victims of trafficking is not always straightforward, the Chancellor noted that there are warning signs which may indicate that a person is being exploited. These include situations where a person appears fearful, anxious, intimidated, or unable to communicate freely; is under the control or influence of another person who restricts their movement, communication, or contact with others; works excessively long hours in poor conditions with little or no compensation; does not have possession of personal identification or travel documents; lives at or near their place of work under restrictive or unusual circumstances; or has limited interaction with family, friends, or the wider community.

Justice George says that the presence of one indica-

tor alone may not necessarily mean that trafficking has occurred, but a combination of these signs may warrant concern, encourage further inquiry, and, where appropriate, reporting to the relevant authorities for further investigation.

The Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, Chapter 10:06, Guyana, provides a comprehensive legal framework for preventing trafficking, protecting survivors, and prosecuting offenders. The legislation recognises the seriousness of trafficking offences by imposing severe penalties on persons convicted of trafficking in persons.

On summary conviction, a person is liable to five years’ imprisonment and, on indictment, to imprisonment for life. The Act also empowers the courts to make forfeiture orders, depriving offenders of property or proceeds obtained through trafficking activities, and restitution orders, requiring convicted traffickers to compensate victims for the physical, psychological, emotional, and financial harm suffered because of their exploitation.

30 Sophia youths complete leadership development programme

Thirty young people from Sophia have completed an intensive leadership development programme at the Sophia Community Centre.

The programme is designed to equip them with the skills, confidence and values needed to become the next generation of leaders.

The week-long initiative, organised by SANKOFA, brought together participants between the ages of eight and eighteen for practical training in leadership, public speaking, financial literacy, character education, digital etiquette and other essential life skills.

level, young people have unprecedented opportunities to build successful careers and assume leadership roles in every sector.

tive was inspired by a commitment to nurture confident young citizens while preserving the values of heritage and community.

education campaign, the Ministry will begin inspections at construction sites to assess compliance with occupational safety and health (OSH) regulations.

Similar safety campaigns will be expanded to other high-risk sectors, including mining and agriculture, as the ministry works to build a national culture where safety is a shared responsibility.

“We are hoping that by the end of this entire exercise, we have a new culture of Guyanese who are serious about their safety and serious about the people who work for them. Together, we can all benefit from a country where safety is everyone’s priority,” he said.

Delivering the feature address at the closing ceremony on Friday, Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning Keoma Griffith urged the participants to embrace every opportunity for growth, reminding them that leadership begins with service.

“I want all of you here today not to take this experience for granted because volunteering helps you to help others. But while it helps you to help others, it unlocks something within you. And that’s a passion for people,” the Minister noted.

Reflecting on Guyana’s rapid transformation, the Minister urged the participants to prepare themselves for the opportunities emerging in the country by making education their highest priority.

He said, “There is no better way to prepare yourself than pursuing your education and all of the things that are available to you.”

He noted that with free education now available at every

President of SANKOFA, Lourdeth Ferguson

He stressed that Guyana’s future depends on a generation that is educated, disciplined and committed to national service.

Speaking at the ceremony, founder and President of SANKOFA, Lourdeth Ferguson, said the initia-

“We must reclaim the wisdom of our past and use it to build a bright and strong future. Sankofa calls us to honour heritage, restore that which was lost, and empower the next generation with knowledge, values, and purpose.”

Ferguson explained that the pilot programme was launched to create lasting social impact through youth development.

She added that the participants demonstrated enthusiasm, discipline and a genuine desire to learn throughout the week.

She also outlined plans to expand the initiative to communities across Guyana while introducing a mentorship component that will continue supporting participants beyond the classroom. The programme was delivered by a team of volunteer facilitators and supported by donors who ensured each participant received meals throughout the week.

Pursue your dreams. A disciplined approach and a well-thought-out plan will pay off. Having high energy, coming up with innovative ideas and investing in yourself, your lifestyle and your home will be an experience that will open doors to new beginnings. Join groups that interest you, and participate in events that allow you to display your skills.

You need time to rejuvenate and to rethink how you want to move forward. Acting in haste will end in disappointment. Listen to your heart and pursue what’s meaningful to you. An emotional encounter with someone you love will bring you closer together and encourage you to make positive lifestyle changes that encourage financial growth and greater independence.

Manage your time and money carefully. Don’t let anyone take advantage of you. Stick to what and who you know and trust, and say no to anyone trying to sell you something you don’t need. Do your research, and protect your interests, health and emotional well-being. Conversations and prospects will be inflated and misleading.

By expressing your feelings and considering the response you receive, you’ll discover how you can bring about positive domestic changes that bring you closer to loved ones. Your memory won’t let you down when preparing for future endeavors and presenting and promoting what you want to do next. A lifestyle change and romance are in the stars.

Be open and reveal your feelings, intentions and long-term goals. Start a buzz that infiltrates your circle, and the feedback you receive will help you get your plans underway. You’re heading in a direction that can bring about more clout. Don’t hesitate to boost your credentials by acquiring additional certificates, knowledge and experience. An opportunity awaits you.

Focus on relationships, equality and making ends meet. Trust your instincts, and pay attention to detail, spending and how you look and feel. Trying to do too much all at once will not meet your standards. Slow down, follow the rules and don’t scrimp when it comes to matters that can affect your reputation, position or your cash flow.

Push your way forward with discipline and devotion. Keep your plans to yourself until you are confident that success will follow. Change is necessary, and good timing is essential if you want to come out on top. Look for environments that you find innovating and comfortable. Present and promote your plans, and someone of importance will take notice.

Check out what your adversaries are doing and learn from their mistakes. Keeping a tight budget and using your intelligence to attract positive attention will help you gain respect and the attention of those in a position to help. Make your surroundings more comfortable and inviting using your insight and creative imagination, not your cash. Romance is favored.

Review your contracts, medical records and investments. Keep your emotions under control and your personal information to yourself. Don’t trust anyone who asks too many questions or is trying too hard to impress you. Observation will reveal something suspicious about someone who is trying to interest you in a joint venture. Trust your instincts.

Put together a financial plan that will keep you safe from those trying to take advantage of you. A joint venture may intrigue you, but you are better off not committing to anything that entails trust and shared expenses. Pay attention to your health and emotional well-being. Make exercise and sleep your priorities. Romance looks promising.

Keep the momentum flowing, take responsibility for yourself and your happiness, and participate in social events that will reunite you with someone special. A lifestyle change will be uplifting and encourage you to let go of the past and focus on what’s meaningful to you. Put your energy into becoming the best version of yourself.

Sit tight and see what transpires before you implement changes that can affect your lifestyle. Refuse to let an emotional situation steal your joy. Anger solves nothing, but taking responsibility for your happiness offers hope for a bright future. Social events will boost your morale and encourage you to embrace life. Trust your instincts and put yourself first.

West Indies look to complete series sweep after impressive victory in honour of Sir Gary

On what would have been the 90th birthday of cricket’s arguably greatest player Sir Garfield Sobers, the West Indies produced a memorable performance as Jayden Seales and Justin Greaves combined for sensational fast-bowling spells, securing a crushing 90-run victory over Pakistan inside four days in the inaugural test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad.

The result handed the hosts a 1-0 lead in the twoTest series.

Captain Roston Chase dedicated the victory to the Barbadian National Hero and the Caribbean’s cricketing treasure, who was laid to rest on Wednesday, July 29.

“It is a great feeling to win this test, and we want to dedicate it to the late great Sir Garfield Sobers. We wanted to make him proud and had a chat about it before the match. I hope he is smiling down on us.”

Seales claimed his fourth career five-wicket haul and his first on home soil as the West Indies successfully defended a target of 211 to remain unbeaten in test cricket at home this year.

The 24-year-old, who now has 108 Test wickets,

underway on Sunday at the historic Queen’s Park Oval

sits second only to Wes Hall for the most Test wickets by a West Indies bowler before the age of 25.

Seales ripped through Pakistan’s batting line-up, reducing the visitors to 64 for seven to all but seal the result.

He fittingly finished off the contest by trapping Mohammad Abbas for 23 to dismiss the Pakistanis for 120, their seventh lowest score against the West

Indies and ensured that all 40 wickets were taken by fast bowlers in the Caribbean, the first time in the region and the sixth time in test history.

Seales ended with figures of five for 20 and joined Justin Greaves who was the first player to bag a five-wicket haul at the venue following a record-breaking spell which tilted the balance of the encounter.

The medium pacer

transformed the contest for the West Indies by triggering a collapse which saw the visitors slump from 244 for three to 282 all out in response to 311 made by the home team.

Greaves, who walked away with the player of the match award bowled five consecutive wicket maidens in the first innings, a feat achieved for the first time in the game’s longest format to end with marvellous

figures of five for 27.

The allrounder who captured consecutive player of the match awards, pointed out that his contributions were more meaningly from a team perspective than personal gains.

“This performance is right up there,” Greaves said. “Whatever it takes to get the team over the line, I always put my best foot forward. We won the first-ever Test at this stadium so it is really good for us.”

Greaves shared that the plans for the bowling group were made simple from observations throughout the test.

“It was just about being disciplined. We spoke in the dressing room about starting the innings better. We came in and tried to be as disciplined as possible. I mimicked Mohammad Abbas’ fuller lengths when he bowled against us in the first and second innings and it pretty much worked out for us.”

Chase echoed Greaves views that the performances meant more because they contributed to the team’s success.

“I love how this team is going. It is not dependent on one or two guys, but everyone is chipping in. We were

hoping to add at least 50 runs more to the total when we started the day today and Shamar Joseph and the bowlers applied themselves with the bat which gave us the confidence.”

The West Indies will look to extend their unbeaten home Test run this summer when the second Test gets underway on Sunday at the historic Queen’s Park Oval.

The venue has hosted six previous Test matches between the West Indies and Pakistan, with the hosts winning three, Pakistan claiming two victories, and the other ending in a draw in 1988.

The last Test between the two sides at Queen’s Park Oval came in 1993, when the West Indies secured a commanding 204run victory.

The historic ground has also been a fortress for the Caribbean side in recent years, with the West Indies unbeaten in their last six Tests at the venue.

Led by Roston Chase, the West Indies are chasing consecutive Test series victories for the first time since 2022. They are also seeking their first home Test series win over Pakistan since 2000. (CWI)

Sammy’s comments “controversial, without context”, says Alzarri Joseph

Alzarri Joseph has responded to Daren Sammy’s statement that he had “declined selection” for the West Indies’ ongoing Test series against Pakistan at home, saying the Head Coach’s words were “controversial, without context.”

“We had a chat, myself and the Head Coach. I’ve also had a chat with CWI [Cricket West Indies], and if you realise the statement CWI released said personal reasons. Mr Sammy, being around for a long time, he knows exactly what that statement would have done, so to be honest, I have nothing to say to Mr Sammy in terms of his statement,” Joseph said on the Antigua Observer’s Good Morning Jojo Sports Show.

“Like I said, he knows exactly what that statement would have done and the narrative it would have

pushed in the public.”

for an entire year. I haven’t played at international intensity for so long after having a second stress fracture,” Joseph said.

“We spoke about me playing the two

Would Sammy’s statement, and Joseph’s rebuttal, make it tough for the two of them to work together going forward?

“I’m a professional, so I’m going to go to work. I am representing the West Indies.

I’m not representing Daren Sammy, so for me, I’m neither here nor there in terms of a relationship,” Joseph said.

“I don’t go there to make friends. I go there to work and do a job, and represent the people of the West Indies.”

On July 23, the squad for the series was announced, and Joseph, a CWI statement said, had been unavailable owing to “personal reasons”. The very next day, Sammy, speaking at a press conference, had said, “Mr Joseph has declined selection. That’s the reality of the situation. He was selected. I mean, he’s now coming from injury. And for reasons since, he has declined the selection.”

Joseph clarified that the stress fracture in his lower

back, which had forced him to miss tours of India and New Zealand before allowing him to come back for the Tests against Sri Lanka in June this year, had made him cautious. He was out of action for almost a year.

“Obviously, I’ve been out

Test matches here, playing five back-to-back ODIs [against New Zealand earlier this month] and how my body was feeling and I knew to myself, my body was not ready to go into another Test series. So, the statement in itself is controversial, without context.”

West Indies are 1-0 up in the two-match Test series against Pakistan, with the second Test starting on Sunday. Their next assignment is a limited-overs series in India in SeptemberOctober. (ESPNcricinfo)

Corporate backing builds for Over-40s Cricket World Cup

Corporate support for the International Masters Cricket (IMC) Over-40s Cricket World Cup (CWC) Guyana 2026 continues to grow, with Toolsie Persaud Limited and its Group of Companies joining the tournament as a Silver Sponsor.

The company’s sponsorship will assist organisers with staging the 16-team competition, which is scheduled to feature 72 matches across Guyana from October 15 to November 2.

The Cricket West Indies Masters Association (CWIMA) welcomed the partnership as an important boost to preparations for the international event, which will bring for -

Albion to “come alive”

for Lotto/Let’sBet T10 Tapeball finals on August 9

The passion and energy of Guyanese Tapeball cricket will take centre stage as the ancient county of Berbice prepares to bowl off the fourth season of the Lotto/Let’sBet One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast.

Organisers are predicting non-stop, rollicking action when the top 16 teams from Berbice battle for zonal supremacy from August 8 to 9, 2026, culminating in a massive finals night at the Albion Sports Complex on August 9 starting from 14:00h.

Opening day matches, from 10:00h on Saturday, August 8, will be spread across four key locations in the county: the Albion Sports Complex, No. 69 Ground, Port Mourant Ground, and the Welfare Ground in Canje.

Action then shifts exclusively to the Albion Sports Complex on Sunday, August 9, where the ultimate Berbice Zonal Champions will be crowned under the lights. Admission is completely free to the public for all matches across every venue.

Tournament Director John Ramsingh confirmed that registration officially closed on July 31 for the Berbice zone, and officials are currently working behind the scenes to verify player eligibility and finalise the publishing of squad rosters and the random draw of fixtures.

“Registration officially closed on July 31 for the Berbice zone, and our team is currently hard at work behind the scenes reviewing and verifying squad players to ensure full compliance and a level playing field. There is an incredible buzz on the ground, and we are eager to get play underway and see

top 16 teams from Berbice battle for zonal supremacy on August 8 and 9, 2026

our very first zonal champion crowned under the lights at Albion. Preparations are well advanced, and everything is lining up for an explosive opening weekend. Fans can expect thrilling action as teams go all-out for the GY$500,000 zonal first prize, which gives them a chance to compete for an even bigger GY$2,000,000 national purse at Anna Regina on October 11.” He said.

In a significant departure from traditional knockout formats where early exits yield no financial return, the 2026 edition guarantees cash rewards for sides making deep runs into the zonal stages.

Losing quarter-finalists in each zone will pocket GY$25,000, while losing semi-finalists take home GY$50,000.

The stakes rise sharply from there, as defeated zonal finalists earn GY$200,000, and the regional champions bank a cool GY$500,000 purse before even stepping into the national bracket.

The ultimate jackpot awaits in the national playoffs, where the crowned champions will walk away with a massive GY$2,000,000 first-prize purse.

The national runners-up

will secure GY$1,000,000, while both losing semi-finalists will be rewarded with GY$500,000 each.

Following the Berbice curtain-raiser, the tournament caravan heads to East Bank/West Demerara on August 15–16 before moving to the Essequibo Zone on August 22–23.

The competition will then take a brief hiatus to accommodate the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League, before resuming with the powerhouse Georgetown/ East Coast Demerara leg across two weekends on September 26–27 and October 3–4.

In a landmark move for the tournament, the national grand finale on October 11, 2026, will head to the Anna Regina National Stadium in Region Two, bringing the ultimate showdown of Guyanese Tapeball cricket directly to Essequibo for the very first time.

With remaining slots filling rapidly, organisers have issued an urgent directive to teams in the remaining three zones to finalise their squads and register via official social media channels or direct WhatsApp (+592 6352235) ahead of their respective deadlines.

mer international players, first-class cricketers and leading masters competitors from several countries to Guyana.

CWIMA Chairman Rajendra Singh said support from the private sector will be essential to delivering a successful tournament for players, spectators and host communities.

“We are grateful to Toolsie Persaud Limited and its Group of Companies for supporting this historic international tournament,” Singh said.

He added that the company’s involvement demonstrates a commitment to cricket, national development and the promotion of Guyana on the world stage.

Matches will be played at venues across the country, with local and international television and digital coverage expected to showcase the tournament and its sponsors throughout the Caribbean and beyond.

Toolsie Persaud Limited is one of Guyana’s leading privately owned manufacturing and construction-materials groups. Its operations include quarrying, forestry, sawmilling, concrete production, manufacturing, hardware distribution and marine transportation.

The company is the latest addition to the tournament’s expanding group of corporate partners as preparations intensify for the October start.

Deputy Commissioner Budhram rewards

Top Level Cricket Club’s rising stars

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Administration), Ravindradat Budhram, has recognised and rewarded several members of the Top Level Cricket Club following the team’s impressive runner-up finish in the prestigious Garfield Sobers Under-19 Club Cricket Tournament in Barbados.

The presentation was held on Thursday at the Police Sports Club Ground, where Budhram commended the young cricketers for their dedication, discipline and outstanding performances throughout the regional tournament.

Leading the individual accolades was Richard Ramdeholl, who emerged as the team’s leading wicket-taker with an outstanding 19 wickets during the competition. Team Captain Mickel Sharma was also honoured after finishing as the club’s highest run-scorer with 219 runs.

Batsmen Shahid Ramzan, Kishawn Silas and Amar Persaud were recognised for their contributions after each registered half-centu-

ries during the tournament, while bowlers Shane Prince and Kaylon Callender received special commendation for their impressive displays in the semi-finals and final, performances that also drew praise from tournament commentators.

Sharma Captained the side throughout the tournament, with Kishawn Silas serving as Vice Captain and wicketkeeper.

The Garfield Sobers Under-19 Club Cricket Tournament was held from July 11 to 25, and featured some of the Caribbean’s most promising young cricketers representing leading club

teams from across the region. The Top Level Cricket Club finished as runners-up after an outstanding campaign that showcased the depth of youth cricket talent in Guyana. The Guyana Police Force, through the Office of the Deputy Commissioner (Administration), joined several corporate and Government entities in supporting the club’s participation, reinforcing its commitment to youth development through sport. Other sponsors backing the team’s campaign included the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport; ENet; L&L Construction; CopyFix; and E Timbers.

Tahir eyes back-to-back GSL titles for Warriors

TAmazon Warriors (GAW) are leaving nothing to chance as they prepare for Saturday’s ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL) final, with veteran Captain Imran Tahir insisting his side must correct the shortcom ings that surfaced during the group stage if they are to lift the title.

spot in the standings with three consecutive victo ries, to book their place in the championship match where they will face the winner of Friday night’s qualifier between the San Francisco Unicorns and Desert Vipers.

performances, Tahir ad mitted the batting unit has repeatedly encountered difficulties in the middle overs on the challenging Providence surface, but be lieves those experiences should serve as valuable lessons heading into the fi nal.

been tough for batting here in Providence, but we are professionals and we have

the final because that’s the Tahir also underlineding the GSL crown, sayinger than first would not satisfy the team’s

“You come here to win. You don’t come here to finish second or third,ple remember champions,” he

Although the South African leg-spinner

ment with the ball, dismissed concerns

GCB mourns passing of former Guyana cricketer Sydney Matthews

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has expressed sadness at the passing of former national cricketer Sydney Jackson Matthews, who represented Guyana in a first-class career spanning 18 years.

Matthews played for Guyana from 1970 to 1988, and was part of regional championship-winning teams in 1971, 1977, and 1987.

He was also among the first Guyanese cricketers selected for the inaugural West Indies Under-19 tour of the United Kingdom in 1970. Two years later, he represented the West Indies President’s XI against New Zealand.

Matthews began his career as a fast bowler before successfully making the transition to leg-spinner. His best firstclass bowling performance was six wickets for 76 runs.

GCB President Bissoondyal Singh described Matthews as a gifted and versatile cricketer who represented Guyana with pride and distinction.

“His successful transition from fast bowling to leg-spin demonstrated his exceptional ability and determination,” Singh said.

“His contribution to three regional championship-winning teams and his pioneering representation at the West Indies Under-19 level will forever remain part of Guyana’s rich cricketing history.”

Singh added that Matthews’ passing was a significant loss to the cricket fraternity in Guyana and the wider Caribbean.

During his career, Matthews played alongside several of Guyana’s and the West Indies’ most celebrated cricketers and earned respect for his discipline, com-

mitment, and professionalism.

He also contributed to domestic cricket while representing the East Bank, Demerara Cricket Club, and the Guyana Defence Force.

His cricketing legacy continued through his son, Ron Matthews, who also represented Guyana and the West Indies at the Under-19 level.

The GCB extended condolences to Matthews’ family, relatives, friends, former teammates, and members of the cricket fraternity.

tournaments go sometimes. There are times you bowl well without getting rewards. I feel I’ve been bowling well and I’ve had great support from the other bowlers.”

Tahir reserved special praise for fellow spinners Gudakesh Motie and Mohammad Nabi, both of whom have played pivotal roles throughout the campaign.

“Motie has been brilliant this season, and Nabi has been unbelievable. If I can chip in with one or two crucial wickets, that’s my role. I’m not worried about who performs as long as we win the competition.”

With one match separating the Warriors from consecutive GSL titles, Tahir believes executing their plans through the crucial middle overs and maintaining their collective approach will be key to successfully defending their crown.

Trophy Stall golf challenge

set for

Saturday at Westside Golf Course

The Westside Golf Course will host the Trophy Stall Golf Challenge on Saturday, August 1, with dozens of new and experienced golfers expected to compete in an exciting afternoon of skills-based competition.

Organised by the Guyana Golf Association (GGA) and Nexgen Golf, the event forms part of the continued effort to make golf accessible to people of all ages while promoting greater participation in the sport across Guyana.

Competitors in the Men’s, Women’s, and Junior categories will test their abilities in the Longest Drive, Straightest Drive, and Nearest to the Pin challenges, with players competing for trophies and bragging rights.

Trophy Stall has been a longstanding supporter of golf and numerous other sporting disciplines in Guyana. Managing Director

Ramesh Sunich praised the rapid growth of the sport, stating, “We have been supporting Mr Hussain and the development of golf for more than 10 years. Based on the rapid growth of the sport under his guidance, Trophy Stall believes golf will become a major sport in Guyana.”

The company offers a wide selection of trophies, plaques, medals, and banners from its new South Road location and its Bourda Market outlet.

The competition is open to the public, with tee-off scheduled for 16:00h. Spectators are encouraged to attend and enjoy the action from the restaurant overlooking the course.

Located just off the Crane Roundabout on the Schoonord Highway, the Westside Golf Course is Guyana’s only public golf facility featuring a full-service restaurant open to the general public, with no membership or reservation required.

Superior Woods Inc. is inviting applications for the following positions: Moulder Operator (3), Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanic (4), Mill/Resaw Operator (3), Forklift Operators — (5), Labourers — (10). Location: Yarrowkabra, Linden-Soesdyke Highway. Contact: 642-3828/ 6262138. Email: superiorwoods.gy@ gmail.com.

Superior Blocks and Pavers is inviting applications for the following positions: Blocks Machine Operator (3), Forklift/Front-end Loader Operator (3), Labourers — (6). Location: Yarrowkabra, LindenSoesdyke Highway. Contact: 6423828/ 626-2138. Email: vickash@ superiorblocksandpavers.com

Beharry Schools U19 T20

New Campbellville, St Stanislaus clinch zonal titles

New Campbellville Secondary and St Stanislaus College captured their respective Zonal Titles in the 2026 Beharry Secondary Schools Under-19 T20 Cricket Tournament, following victories at the Queen’s College (QC) Ground on Thursday.

New Campbellville defeated QC by 62 runs in the Zone Five North Georgetown final, with Mickel Johnson producing an impressive all-round performance.

Johnson struck a brisk 64 from 42 balls to lead New Campbellville to 105 for eight from their allotted 20 overs. Tyrell King supported with 25, while Jaren Boucher claimed two wickets for seven runs, and Nathaniel Sukhnandan took two for 12 for QC.

QC struggled from the beginning of their run chase and were dismissed for just 43.

Johnson followed his half-century with four wick-

ets for nine runs to complete a match-winning display. Jamal Samuels collected three for 12, while Jermaine Grosvenor finished with two for seven.

Meanwhile, St Stanislaus College successfully defended a modest total to defeat Charlestown Secondary by 13 runs in the Zone Four South Georgetown final.

St Stanislaus managed 90 for seven from their 20 overs, after experiencing

several setbacks with the bat. Brendon Arjune continued his good form in the tournament with an unbeaten 23, which helped his team reach a defendable total.

Andri Sammy was Charlestown’s leading bowler with two wickets for 16 runs.

Charlestown appeared to have a manageable chase but were bowled out for 77 in 16.3 overs. Dequan Hetsberger top-scored with 23, but received little support as wickets fell regularly. Aden Coonjah led the

St Stanislaus bowling attack with three wickets for nine runs, while Antonio Forde claimed two for six. Their timely breakthroughs prevented Charlestown from building any significant partnerships and secured the zonal title for St Stanislaus.

Unicorns demolish Vipers to set up finale with GAW tonight

By Gerald Montfort

At the Guyana National Stadium in Providence, with a place in the final on the line, the Desert Vipers locked horns with the San Francisco Unicorns (SFU) in the qualifier of the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL). After winning the toss, the Unicorns elected to field first and were rewarded with a disciplined bowling performance that restricted the Vipers to 122 for seven from their allotted 20 overs.

The Vipers suffered an early setback after just 2.4 overs when wicketkeeper-batter Andries Gous was dismissed for eight, giving Fabian Allen his first wicket of the evening. The pressure continued to mount as the in-form Rilee Rossouw, who had been one of the tournament’s standout performers, failed to make an impact. Rossouw was caught at cover for a brisk 11 from seven deliveries off the bowling of Anirudh Immanuel, leaving the Vipers struggling at 30 for two at the end of the powerplay.

With runs proving difficult to come by, young batter Zachary Carter attempted to accelerate the scoring, but couldn’t find his rhythm. He eventually holed out to

Tim Robinson after scoring 15 from 23 balls, an innings that included just one boundary. At the halfway stage of the innings, the Vipers were in trouble at 46 for three.

Experienced all-rounder Kyle Mayers looked to provide some impetus but man-

Allen continued his outstanding spell by removing Shadab Khan, who struggled to 14 from 24 balls before being caught at longoff. He then added another wicket when Bevon Jacobs, after making 15 from 12 deliveries, also found a field-

from Vriitya Aravind provided the Vipers with some respectability. The wicketkeeper-batter struck five boundaries in an unbeaten 29 from 20 balls, including 13 runs off the final over, as the Vipers closed on 122 for

aged only 15 from 17 deliveries before being caught at deep cover, handing SFU Captain Hassan Khan his only wicket of the match. Khan was outstanding with the ball, returning economical figures of one for 14 from his four overs, at an impressive rate of 3.50.

er in the deep, reducing the Vipers to 81 for six.

The Vipers eventually brought up the 100-run mark in the 17th over, but another setback followed when Khary Pierre was run out for eight, leaving the score at 102 for seven.

A late counterattack

seven, setting SFU a modest target in their pursuit of a place in the tournament final.

Chasing 123, the Unicorns made a steady start before Khary Pierre injected life into the contest with two quick wickets. Connor Esterhuizen was bowled for 17 from 10 deliv-

eries, while SFU Captain Hassan Khan departed for a second-ball duck after edging behind, reducing his side to 41 for two at the end of the powerplay.

Despite the double breakthrough, the Vipers were unable to build sustained pressure as Tim Robinson and Oliver Peake combined in a match-defining partnership.

The pair settled quickly, rotating the strike effectively while punishing any loose deliveries, frustrating the Vipers’ bowling attack.

By the halfway stage of the innings, the Unicorns had advanced to 78 for two, with Robinson and Peake firmly in control. Their excellent understanding between the wickets, coupled with clean ball-striking, steadily took the game away from the Vipers, whose bowlers struggled to find a breakthrough.

Current tournament leading run-scorer Robinson continued his outstanding form, bringing up a

well-crafted half-century in style with a powerful slog sweep for six during the 15th over. He anchored the chase superbly, finishing unbeaten on 68 from 54 balls, an innings featuring eight fours and one six at a strike rate of 125.92.

Peake provided the ideal support at the other end, contributing an unbeaten 33 from 31 deliveries as the pair shared an unbroken 97run stand for the third wicket. The partnership was the highest for any wicket in the 2026 edition of the Global Super League and effectively sealed the result.

The Unicorns reached 126 for two in just 16.1 overs to complete an emphatic eight-wicket victory and book their place in the championship match.

The ExxonMobil Guyana GSL reaches its climax today when defending champions Guyana Amazon Warriors take on SFU in the final, bowling off at 19:00h at the Guyana National Stadium.

aaa Summarised scores: