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

Issue No. 6553

THE BEACON OF TRUTH SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2026

5th FPSO arrives in Guyana, ushering in new era of million-barrel oil production Pages 3 & 16

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Guyana eyes P13 Zimbabwe market for rice exports

Businessman P8 shot dead at Mowasie Landing Man shot P8 after allegedly pointing air gun at cop

…continued O&G expansion to drive jobs, investment, business opportunities – GOGEC

GuySuCo P14 CEO sues USsanctioned LOO over defamatory highway claims

The Errea Wittu FPSO arrived in Guyana’s waters and is expected to push oil production over one million barrels per day later this year

Guyana’s Ambassador leads 2nd round of UN Security Council straw poll

6 Cubans fined, deported for illegal entry P8

See story on page 5

Gunmen rob Page 10 Tuschen man remanded for businesswoman allegedly falsely claiming carrying $9M in See story his 2 children died on page 12 suitcase to bank MV Barima tragedy

No authority to resolve impasse over LOO’s commissioner nominees – GECOM …tells WIN CEO cannot act beyond legal mandate

See story on page 7

Brazilians, P12 Chinese nationals nabbed in illegal mining crackdown

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2026| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENING

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, August 22 – 12:15h–13:45h and Sunday, August 23 – 13:35h–15:05h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny skies with instances of thundery showers in the early-morning and afternoon hours are expected. Clear to partly cloudy skies with instances of thundery showers are expected at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius. Winds: East-North-Easterly to Easterly between 2.68 metres and 4.92 metres. High Tide: 11:49h reaching a maximum height of 1.97 metres. Low Tide: 17:40h reaching a minimum height of 1.26 metres.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2026

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COMMODITIES Indicators Crude Oil

US$ $94.39/barrel

Change % +0.65

Rough Rice

$264.654/ton

+3.98

London Sugar

$551.60/ton

-0.11

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Low/High

$4602.40 $4508.30

$4604.40 $4632.90

Change

+84.30

+1.87%

Bid/Ask

5th FPSO arrives in Guyana, ushering in new era of million-barrel oil production

…“an important chapter in Guyana’s development story” – Min Bharrat

uyana’s fifth offshore project, the Uaru Development, is on track for start-up this year with the arrival of the Errea Wittu Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel in local waters. Using the Errea Wittu FPSO, which was constructed by Japanese-owned MODEC and had set sail from Singapore early August, the US$12.7 billion Uaru project targets more than 800 million barrels of recoverable oil in the Stabroek Block. The FPSO is designed to produce approximately 250,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) – the largest vessel to operate offshore, taking the country’s output to more than one million barrels per day. The Errea Wittu vessel now joins the four FPSOs currently operating in the Stabroek Block: Liza Destiny (Liza Phase One Project), Liza Unity (Liza Phase Two), Prosperity (Payara Project), and One Guyana (Yellowtail Project), which together are producing approximately 900,000 of oil per day. The prolific Stabroek Block is operated by United States (US)-based oil major ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, which holds a 45 per cent interest along with co-venturers Chevron with a 30 per cent stake and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited with the remaining 25 per cent. In a Facebook post on Friday, Exxon said the arrival of this new FPSO in local waters represents an important milestone for the continued development of its offshore operations. According to the USoil giant, the named Errea Wittu means “Abundance” in the Warrau language. It noted that the vessel celebrates Guyana’s rich Indigenous heritage and the promise of opportunity and growth. “We are proud to see Guyanese companies and professionals contributing to milestones like this as the industry continues to grow. As we celebrate the vessel’s safe arrival, our teams are now focused on the next phase of work to prepare the Errea Wittu for start-up,” Exxon stated.

Important chapter

Meanwhile in a statement on Friday, the Natural Resources Ministry indicated that the FPSO is expected to commence production in the fourth quarter of this year – something that subject Minister

The Errea Wittu FPSO arrived in Guyana’s waters and is expected to push oil production over one million barrels per day later this year

Vickram Bharrat describes as an important chapter in Guyana’s oil and gas development story. “With first oil expected in the fourth quarter of 2026, production is poised to cross the one-million-barrel-per-day mark. This is a major development for our country and one that brings with it greater responsibility to ensure Guyanese continue to benefit from the sector,” he noted. In fact, the Natural Resources Minister reiterated the Guyana Government’s commitment to ensuring that more Guyanese take advantage of the opportunities created by the burgeoning petroleum industry. “We will also continue to push for greater local content opportunities so that more Guyanese workers and

businesses can participate in and benefit from the growth of this industry,” Bharrat stated. Under the 2021 Local Content Act, 40 different service areas were identified that oil and gas companies and their subcontractors must procure from Guyanese and Guyanese-owned businesses. Additionally, more than 2,000 local companies are currently supporting the sector, while approximately 7,000 Guyanese citizens are directly employed in the industry. Moreover, as production increases with the start-up of the Errea Wittu FPSO, the Guyana Government further reaffirmed its commitment to transparency in the management of the country’s petroleum revenues. “The Government will continue

to disclose petroleum revenue receipts through the National Assembly, ensuring the people of Guyana are kept informed about the revenues earned from their resources,” the Natural Resources Minister stated. Money earned from the oil and gas industry is being held in the Natural Resources Fund (NRF), a bank account at the New York Federal Reserve Bank in the US. At the end of July 2026, the balance in Guyana’s NRF was some US$4.35 billion. The NRF revenues are earned primarily through royalties, signature bonus and the sale of the Government’s share of profit oil from the offshore production. TURN TO PAGE 5

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2026

guyanatimesgy.com

Views Students and teachers are demonstrating that agriculture extends beyond planting and harvesting, showcasing creativity and innovation through agro-processing, product development and entrepreneurship. The National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), in partnership with the Guyana Marketing Corporation and the TVET Unit of the Education Ministry, is supporting these emerging ideas and helping young people turn their agricultural skills into opportunities in the marketplace (National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute photos)

Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Industrial Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Embrace

ental health support must be accessible, confidential and responsive to the realities facing communities across Guyana. The launch of the Human Services and Social Security Ministry’s Embrace online counselling platform represents a positive and timely step towards strengthening the national mental health support system. The free and confidential platform will provide access to professional counselling for a range of mental health and emotional support needs. The initiative has particular value because barriers such as distance, limited access to specialised professionals, social stigma, and the difficulty of seeking assistance in person can prevent persons from receiving the support required. Embrace is designed to address long-term mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression, while also providing support for persons affected by domestic violence, family violence, and abuse. Such services are important within a broader national approach to social protection, particularly where emotional and psychological difficulties can affect families, workplaces, schools, and communities. The platform also carries significance in the aftermath of the MV Barima tragedy. Families affected by the disaster continue to face grief, trauma, and profound emotional challenges. The availability of an additional channel for professional support can strengthen the network of assistance already established for affected families. Importantly, Embrace is not being presented as a replacement for face-to-face counselling. The Human Services and Social Security Ministry has made clear that comprehensive in-person care remains central to the national response. That distinction is commendable, because effective mental health care cannot depend on a single method of delivery. The continued deployment of counsellors, social workers, and psychologists through the HEART Initiative demonstrates the importance of sustained, direct engagement with affected families. Dedicated social workers and mental health professionals, home visits, regional counselling hubs, and telephone outreach provide forms of assistance that online services cannot fully replicate. The combination of digital and face-to-face services, therefore, represents a stronger model of care. Embrace can expand the points of entry into the mental health system while existing community-based services maintain direct contact with persons requiring more intensive or specialised assistance. The collaboration supporting the ongoing response is equally significant as the involvement of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, Ministry of Health, University of Guyana and Guyana Association of Professional Social Workers, alongside continued support from the Pan American Health Organisation, demonstrates the value of coordinated expertise. The inclusion of local independent providers and members of the Guyanese Diaspora further broadens the capacity available through Embrace. Expertise in grief counselling, trauma therapy, and specialised psychological support can provide additional options for persons seeking assistance. The initiative also contributes to a necessary shift in the national conversation surrounding mental health. Access to counselling should not be viewed as an indication of weakness or failure. Emotional distress, grief, anxiety, and trauma can affect individuals and families in different circumstances, and professional support can play an important role in recovery and resilience. The success of Embrace, however, will depend on continued public awareness, confidentiality, professional standards, and adequate follow-up. Digital access must be accompanied by clear referral pathways for cases requiring urgent intervention, specialised treatment or sustained in-person care. Continued investment in trained professionals will also remain essential as demand for mental health services grows. The introduction of Embrace should be welcomed as an expansion of Guyana’s mental health support infrastructure. The platform does not diminish the importance of counsellors, social workers, psychologists, or community-based services. Instead, it adds another avenue through which professional assistance can reach persons who may otherwise struggle to access care. Greater investment in mental health is an investment in families, communities, and national development. The expansion of accessible counselling services deserves public support, responsible use, and continued strengthening.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2026

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News Guyana’s Ambassador leads 2nd round of UN Security Council straw poll A

fter finishing second in the first straw poll in July, Guyana’s candidate for United Nations Secretary General (UNSG), Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, ended in the lead in the second United Nations Security Council (UNSC) straw poll earlier this week, securing the highest number of “encourage” votes among the candidates. According to reports, Rodrigues-Birkett received eight encourage votes, three discourage votes and four no-opinion votes to come out in the lead of the second round of voting by the 15-member Security Council. The result placed her ahead of Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan, who received seven encourage votes, four discourage votes and four no-opinion votes. In the previous straw poll Rodrigues-Birkett had fin-

ished just behind Grynspan after she ended with 9 encouraged votes, two discouraged votes and four no opinion votes. In the first straw poll, Grynspan had led the field with 10 encourage votes, one discourage vote and four no opinions. In this round, while Rodrigues-Birkett’s encourage votes declined by one, Grynspan’s fell by three, allowing the Guyanese candidate to emerge with the highest number of encourage votes in the field. Rodrigues-Birkett and Grynspan are among a total of eight candidates currently vying to become the next UNSG. The next UNSG will assume office on January 1, 2027, succeeding António Guterres. The Security Council began its formal consideration of candidacies on July 30, 2026. The other candidates are Rafael Grossi of Argentina,

Guyana’s candidate for UN Secretary General, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett

Michelle Bachelet of Chile, María Fernanda Espinosa of Ecuador, Macky Sall of Senegal, Olara Otunnu of Uganda, and Ivonne A-Baki of Ecuador. A-Baki is the newest entrant being nominated earlier this month

August. Candidates have been participating in the General Assembly’s interactive dialogues before the Security Council began its selection process. Women currently make up five of the eight candidates, a no-

5th FPSO arrives in Guyana...

FROM PAGE 3

Profit oil increased

Only earlier this week, President Dr Irfaan Ali disclosed that Guyana’s share of Stabroek Block profit oil has increased from 12.5 per cent to 39.8 per cent, largely because the cost bank was recovered earlier than initially anticipated. He explained that whereas as much as 75 barrels out of every 100 previously went toward cost recovery, today only about 20 barrels are allocated to costs. “The production sharing formula has never changed. It remains exactly what was written in the 2016 agreement: royalty first, then up to 75 per cent of production can go to cost recovery; whatever is left is split evenly between Guyana and Stabroek coventurers,” the Head of State explained during a press conference on Tuesday. According to the Guyanese Leader, while the US$55 billion expenditure was already paid off, the cost bank is not saturated or entirely depleted. “The 20 barrels today account for operating and other costs, which

still form part of the cost bank. That which is left is called the ‘profit oil’, and is split evenly between Guyana and the companies. Guyana’s half is about 39.8 barrels out of every hundred. The companies’ matching 39.8 barrels is split three ways between the co-venturers,” Ali explained. ExxonMobil and its co-venturers had committed an investment of US$60 billion in the Stabroek Block operations. Back in March, President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge, had told reporters that the surge in oil prices on the global market due to the Middle East conflict saw Guyana getting an increase in revenues from the sale of its crude. This, he had noted, would allow for the company to recover the cost bank this year rather than in 2027, as was initially anticipated. Last month, senior executives of ExxonMobil confirmed the money as fully recovered. “We’ve fully recovered the $55 billion of investment along with all the op-

erating costs,” Senior Vice President (VP) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of ExxonMobil, Neil Hansen, said during the company’s 2026 second quarter earnings call on July 31. Hansen attributed this acceleration of the investment recovery to the company’s ex-

ecution of its projects at industry-leading pace, lower development costs, operational performance and high oil prices on the global market – a view which Exxon’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Darren Woods, also shared.

table feature of a race in which the UN has never had a woman SG in its 80year history. Among the men, Argentina’s Grossi is the highest leading male candidate. In the first straw poll Grossi ended with seven encourage, two discourage and six no opinion votes. In the second straw poll he ended with seven encourage, six discourage and two no opinions. However, winning a straw poll does not mean that a candidate has been selected as SG. The Security Council must ultimately agree on a candidate to recommend to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The straw poll is an informal, non-binding vote used by the 15 members of the UNSC to gauge the level of support for candidates seeking to become UNSG. Rather than immediately holding a formal vote, Council members indicate whether they “encourage,” “discourage,” or express “no opinion” on each candidate. The poll is done behind closed doors and by secret ballot. However, a candidate ultimately needs at least nine votes from the 15-member Council and, critically, must avoid a veto from any of the five permanent members: the

United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), France, Russia and China. President Dr Irfaan Ali in June nominated Ambassador RodriguesBirkett to succeed the UN’s current SG, António Guterres, whose tenure ends on December 31, 2026. Ali stated that Rodrigues-Birkett brings the depth of experience the office demands. She has served as Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the UN since 2020 and led the country’s participation during its historic Security Council tenure. In the 80 years since the founding of the UN, there have been nine SGs, but a woman has never held the post. If successful, RodriguesBirkett would make history as the first woman ever elected to serve as SG of the UN since the organisation was established in 1945. She would also be the first Caribbean national to hold the position. Prior to her current post, RodriguesBirkett served as Director of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Liaison Office in Geneva from 2017 to 2020. She previously served as Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2008 to 2015 and as Minister of Amerindian Affairs from 2001 to 2008.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2026 00:00 Sign Off 06:00 TVG Devotional Hour 07:00 Evening News (RB) 08:00 Cartoons 08:30 Stop Suffering 09:30 KTLT 10:00 Movie - Toy Story (1995) 11:20 Movie - Toy Story 2 (1999) 12:50 Movie - Toy Story 3 (2010) 14:30 Movie - Toy Story 4 (2019) 16:10 Movie - Toy Story 5 (2026) 18:00 Evangelistic Hour 18:30 Hephzibah Ministries 19:00 Movie - Wonder Woman (2017) 21:30 Movie - Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2026

Foundation ◄

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Plane Geometry Triangles A triangle has three sides and three angles The three angles always add up to 180°

How to remember? Alphabetically they go 3, 2, none: • Equilateral: "equal"-lateral (lateral means side) so they have all equal sides • Isosceles: means "equal legs", and we have two legs, right? Also iSOSceles has two equal "Sides" joined by an "Odd" side. • Scalene: means "uneven" or "odd", so no equal sides.

Equilateral, Isosceles and Scalene

There are three special names given to triangles that tell how many sides (or angles) are equal. There can be 3, 2 or no equal sides/angles:

reate anything from household goldfish to exotic rainbow fish using this super fun squeegee painting technique. Simply squeegee the paint away to reveal your colourful fish and hang it proudly on the wall. What you'll need Watercolour paper Needle-tip squeeze bottles Rainbow colours multi-purpose deco acrylic paint Black outline deco paint pens Jumbo self-adhesive goggly-eyes Pencil Squeegee Mat/Tray How to make Top Tip Make sure to use a deco pen, a felt tip pen may smudge. Step 1: To start, sketch out your fish and seaweed design using a pencil and then draw over the lines in a black deco pen. Step 2: Next, fill your needle-tip squeeze bottles with acrylic paint.

Step 3: Fill the fish and seaweed drawings with yellow, orange, red and green paint. Step 4: Put different shades of blue dots over the rest of the paper. Step 5: Scrape the paint off with a squeegee to reveal your fish design. Step 6: Once dry, stick a jumbo goggly eye onto the fish. (bakerross.co.uk)

By David Roderick When I was a child in the backwoods of a provincial place there were so many forests trees bounding all around us you could climb carve sleep under boughs and limbs when my sister and I looked up we were sheltered as in Grimm’s tales all the floral gestures guessing and the foliage as evergreen as childhood generally is a fabric that calmed me just as well as our mother’s forehead strokes when she carried us to bed after a cup of tea on a blanket under her limbs nooks combs and branchlets made of something once called a canopy only this century nearly obsolete a blanket or rather layers of verdant sheets under which we lit or wrote our notes hands playing with angles of light I mean actually eating that light which is in some ways this world’s first miracle our Canopy app will provide users with miraculous screens of breezy aboves structures and not-structures of impressionistic birdsongs lush and aromatherapeutic what better way to quell our human grief after realizing all the best canopies have withered like our mothers’ fingers this will be the only app in the world that will return us to arrays of spindling forms where we’ll sleep like tiny feathered animals in touch with textures of green and with dreaming again. (Source: Poetry [June 2026])

Your protagonist inherits something. What happens next?

WORD SEARCH

Fish

NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

No authority to resolve impasse over LOO’s commissioner nominees – GECOM …tells WIN CEO cannot act beyond legal mandate

ollowing concerns raised by United States (US)-sanctioned and indicted Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has indicated that it lacks the authority to resolve the ongoing impasse over the appointment of his nominees as commissioners. On Wednesday, Guyana’s Leader of the Opposition (LOO) raised concerns over the non-action to appoint its nominees to GECOM. The concerns were outlined in a note circulated to members of the international community. The note was addressed to United Nations Secretary General (UNSG) António Guterres, Caribbean Community (Caricom) SG Dr Carla Barnett, US Ambassador Nicole Theriot, British High Commissioner Joseph Fisher, the Canadian High Commissioner and the Carter Centre. The note stated that notwithstanding the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) losing its position as the main parliamentary opposition in the 2025 elections, the party has shut down any considerations of removing any of the current APNU–appointed commissioners to make way for new Commissioners to be appointed by the new main parliamentary opposition, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), headed by US-sanctioned, Azruddin Mohamed. The note further detailed that upon the receipt of legal advice, US-indicted Mohamed wrote President Dr Irfaan Ali on June 30, seeking the appointment of his three nominees as GECOM

US-sanctioned and indicted Azruddin Mohamed

Commissioners. Mohamed nominated lawyers Roysdale Forde, Siand Dhurjon and Damien Da Silva to replace APNU-backed GECOM commissioners Desmond Trotman, Vincent Alexander and Charles Corbin.

No locus standi

In a statement in response on Friday, GECOM explained that “it has no locus standi in relation to the nomination by the Leader of the Opposition of persons for appointment as Members of the Guyana Elections Commission.” GECOM explained that the nomination and appointment of commissioners are matters governed by Article 161(3)(b) of the Constitution. “GECOM is not the authority vested with responsibility for determining the validity of such nominations or appointments. Accordingly, the Commission cannot properly intervene in, adjudicate upon, or resolve any impasse concerning persons

nominated by the Leader of the Opposition for appointment as Commissioners,” GECOM’’s statement further reads. GECOM’s seven-member commission comprises the Chairman, three Government appointed Commissioners and three opposition Commissioners. The appointments are governed by the Constitution (Amendment) Act No. 2 of 2000. A new set of commissioners can be appointed when the Government changes. However, many times the same Commissioners simply switch sides from being Opposition nominated to becoming a Government nominated. With no fixed terms being stipulated in the Constitution for their appointment, Commissioners usually serve until they resign or otherwise become unable to serve. Alexander has been on the Commissioner since the early 2000s, outlasting Government changes across the 2011, 2015, and 2020 elections. Corbin was also appointed in the early 2000s. Trotman was appointed in 2017 to replace a commissioner who passed away that year. This impasse is expected to be addressed by the ongoing constitutional reform process launched by the Government. The Constitution Reform Commission (CRC) has already formally invited public written proposals for constitutional changes, with submissions open until December 31, 2026. Among other things, the Commission said it will consider proposals relating to electoral reform, including the composition of GECOM, the method of appointing its

Commission on behalf of the combined opposition political parties, following meaningful consultation with the other opposition parties represented in the National Assembly.

APNU objecting to WIN

Chair of GECOM, (Retired) Justice Claudette Singh

chairman and members, and its jurisdiction over national registration and the electoral process.

Could not unilaterally act

The US-sanctioned LOO also raised concerns over the absence of representatives from WIN or the other opposition party, the Forward Guyana Movement (FGM), among the 69 opposition scrutineers being paid by GECOM. In response, GECOM confirmed that the 69 scrutineers represent the APNU and its former coalition partner, the Alliance For Change (AFC), under an existing arrangement. “The existence of this arrangement should not, however, be interpreted as a determination by GECOM that the WIN Party or any other opposition political party is not entitled to representation,” the Commission emphasised. It highlighted that the issue concerning the appointment of scrutineers arose following correspondence between the Leader of the Opposition and the Chief Election Officer regarding the submission of a proposed list of scrutineers pursuant to Section 33D of the Representation of the People

Act, Cap. 1:03. GECOM noted that upon receipt of the proposed list, the Chief Election Officer (CEO) expressly communicated that he could not unilaterally act upon or implement the submission. GECOM emphasised that this position is grounded in Section 7A of the Representation of the People Act, as amended by Act No. 25 of 2022, which provides: “The Chief Election Officer shall, notwithstanding anything in any written law, be subject to the direction and control of the Commission.” Accordingly, GECOM contended that the CEO does not possess independent authority to alter an existing arrangement or implement a new list where the matter falls within the jurisdiction of the Commission and requires its direction or determination. Moreover, GECOM clarified that it has not determined that the consultation process undertaken by the Opposition Leader as invalid, inadequate or otherwise deficient. Section 33D(2) of the Representation of the People Act provides for the submission by the Leader of the Opposition of the list of scrutineers to be paid by the

According to GECOM, while the Leader of the Opposition submitted correspondence dated June 3, together with supporting documentation relating to the consultation undertaken and the proposed appointments, the CEO subsequently received correspondence from APNU formally objecting to the proposal. “The existence of these competing positions did not result in a determination by the Chief Election Officer that the consultation was inadequate. Indeed, by letter dated June 5, 2026, the Chief Election Officer expressly advised the Leader of the Opposition that he was not vested with authority to determine whether meaningful consultation, as contemplated by Section 33D (2), had occurred. He further explained that competing positions advanced by parliamentary opposition parties regarding the consultation process were matters for the parties concerned to address and resolve,” GECOM explained. It added that the relevant correspondence and supporting documentation submitted by the LOO, together with the correspondence received from APNU, were accordingly placed on the official record relating to the appointment of scrutineers until such time as the matter is dealt with conclusively by the Commission. TURN TO PAGE 11

8 NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

6 Cubans fined, deported for illegal entry

Changing… S Danne Gonzalez Ramirez

Cesar Lazaro Suarez Echarte

Yoandro Castillo Rojas

ix Cuban nationals were on Thursday each fined and their deportation was ordered for entering Guyana without presenting themselves to an Immigration Officer before departing. Charged are Danne Gonzalez Ramirez, 23; Cesar Lazaro Suarez Echarte, 40; Yoandro Castillo Rojas, 49; Leidi Rosa Rodriguez Hernandez, 26; Hachet Pimienta Simon, 23; and Masiel Montoya Simon, 26. They were charged under Section 10(3) of the Immigration Act, Chapter 14:02. The six accused appeared before Magistrate Nikkisha Logan at the Lethem Magistrate’s Court, where the charge was read to them. They all

pleaded guilty and were each fined $20,000, and a

Only on Friday last, five Brazilian nationals

Hachet Pimienta Simon

Masiel Montoya Simon

deportation order was also issued.

were fined 30,000 each and their deportation was

Leidi Rosa Rodriguez Hernandez

ordered after they pleaded guilty to the offence of illegal entry. Fabricio Braga Tomza, 24; Daniel Dos Santos Reis, 23; Cleocione Ferreira de Souza, 44; Edimar Dos Santos Chaves, 40; and Geovanny Nogueira Ferreira, 23, all from Boa Vista, Brazil, were arrested and charged with the offence. They were charged with entering Guyana by crossing a land frontier and failing to promptly present themselves to the nearest Immigration Officer. Back in April, two Brazilian nationals of Boa Vista, Roraima, Brazil, who were arrested and charged with the offence of Illegal Entry, were also fined and deported.

Businessman shot dead at Mowasie Landing

33-year-old businessman was on Thursday evening shot dead at Mowasie Landing, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) thus prompting a police probe.

Dead is Godfrey Gill also called “Chucky”, of Mowasie Backdam. Police stated that Gill was in the vicinity of a shop at Mowasie Landing when

a loud explosion was reportedly heard. He was subsequently discovered lying motionless on the ground, after which an alarm was raised and the matter was reported

to the Police. Police ranks were deployed to the location to conduct further investigations. At the time, no arrests were made.

Man shot after allegedly pointing air gun at cop

27-year-old is now nursing a gunshot injury after he was shot during a confrontation with the policeman on Wednesday along the Schoonard Highway, West Bank Demerara (WBD). Based on reports received, ranks from the La Parfaite Harmonie Police Station responded to a report of a male walking along the highway with what appeared to be a firearm in his waist. Upon arrival, a policeman reportedly approached the man, who allegedly drew an object from his

The air gun that was retrieved by the Police

waist and pointed it in the direction of the rank. In retaliation, the policeman discharged a round at the man who reportedly dropped the object and fled into a nearby trench and rice field. He was subsequently apprehended and a gunshot wound was observed under his left armpit. As such, he was taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH), where he was admitted under guards. The object recovered at the scene was later identified as a black Glock air gun. Investigations are ongoing.

… times

eems there’s a new challenge that comes with being a citizen of the fastest-growing economy in the world – having moved from the days when some tried to live a Cadillac lifestyle in a donkey-cart economy!! President Ali just identified one of the less glamorous consequences of our economic transformation – more folks are eating out and shopping at malls and supermarkets – where markups and prices are waaay higher than at the old village saltgoods shop or market stalls!! In other words, prosperity itself may be helping to push up the cost of living!! That’s the sort of problem economists rarely put in the textbooks. Ever since slavery and indentureship we aspired to better lives by imitating the lifestyle of Massa – but now some of us have actually gotten there, we’re being reminded that it comes with a surcharge!! The corner shop – with its dusty shelves and “trust” ‘cause the owner knew your Nani – still remains the economical option!! But in the meantime, the (mostly Chinese!) supermarkets offer air-conditioning, infinite imported brands – and the dangerous psychological illusion that because something’s on a shelf under fluorescent lighting, you probably need it!! And then there’s the eating out!! Why cook dhal, rice and bhagee at home when – albeit by paying considerably more but which you can now afford! – you can have someone ELSE cook rice pilaf for you and have them even do the washing up!!!! That’s the price of moving from a donkey cart to a Cadillac, baby – the feed for the larger horsepower has become more expensive!! But while we’re complaining, because it’s all new to us, we’re undergoing precisely the kinda consumption transition that accompanies rapid economic growth everywhere!! Folks got more money, more choices and more willingness to spend on convenience – whether it’s restaurants, supermarkets, air-conditioning, imported foods, SUVs, and all the other accessories of modern prosperity!! Sadly, however, inflation remains rather less impressed by GDP growth since it just looks at the increased demand and asks how much more it can charge!! While Pressie said he’s unfolding a national economic strategy – we also have a role under the motto “Prosperity with Restraint”!! While enjoying our new wealth, let’s occasionally remember that the Aunty at Lusignan Market still sells Black Pudding cheaper!! Now your Eyewitness ain’t saying we gotta return to the donkey-cart economy!! But we can’t simultaneously demand first-world consumption patterns and expect third-world prices!! We gotta learn how to live with the consequences of our new economy – including higher demand, changing consumption habits and the compulsion to mistake every increase in income for an invitation to upgrade everything from the refrigerator to the restaurant!! We now got the Cadillac – let’s make sure we can afford the gas!!

…(hotter) weather On the same theme, your Eyewitness couldn’t miss the irony that the Government had to issue a bulletin asking not only the folks in Government offices – but we the people – that even though the temperature’s rising alarmingly, we gotta turn off our air conditioners!! From one angle we oughta pat ourselves on the back – the irony being that that’s the identical bulletin the rich folks over in Europe and the States have received!! Don’t you, Dear Reader, now have a warm glow suffusing your body as you bask in the knowledge that we and our former masters are now equal?? Wasn’t this what we fought for?? Well to be fair, not exactly – since we never quite adopted one of the major ways in which Massa kept cool – quaffing gallons of Rum Swizzles all day long!! In addition to oodles of crushed ice just add rum, one or more fruit juices and a sweetener like grenadine. The secret’s the swizzle stick – broken off from a blacksage bush!! …dust up Rather than the “rumble in the jungle” your Eyewitness expected between LOO Sanction Man and PNC’s Bruiser Norton, they’ve announced a “meeting at a neutral venue”. Crumpets and tea at the Georgetown Club?? O tempora, o mores!! The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Guyana Times’ editorial policy and stance

Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

10 NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Development Bank must support struggling businesses while enforcing borrower accountability – GAICO CEO

he Guyana Development Bank (GDB) should have systems in place to support businesses that fail or struggle to perform optimally, while ensuring borrowers remain accountable for managing their finances responsibly, said Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of one of the largest private sector organisations in Guyana, Komal Singh. Singh founded GAICO, which has grown from a small local civil works contractor into a major provider supporting Guyana's infrastructure, marine construction, waste management and oil and gas sectors. During The Guyana Dialogue programme on Thursday, he noted that while the GDB is expected to address access to capital for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), business owners must also develop sound financial management practices. “Many businesses fail because of poor financial management. Especially, if you get a job and you get an advanced payment. If you don’t understand that that advanced payment does not belongs to you, but it belongs to the project and you start, you know, spending it here and there without proper management, you’re definitely going to run into problems,” Singh, a former chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) highlighted. Nonetheless, he expressed confidence that the bank will have systems in place to support borrowers and help them achieve their business objectives. But the GAICO CEO emphasised the importance of timely interventions. “I’m very, very confident that the Government will have a very robust system in place, first of all, to evaluate those proposals, to have proper follow-up and

Chief Executive Officer of GAICO, Komal Singh

monitoring systems in place and also to have a feedback session if the business fail for some reason, or they’re not performing as per plan, there must be a mechanism in place that you can review those proposals… to understand where is it you went wrong…,” he said, noting that these sessions must be conducted regularly. With the necessary legislative framework now in place to govern the establishment of the GDB, the Government has begun setting up regional offices and recruiting the technical personnel required to support the operations of the State-backed financial institution. The Government has made it clear that the goal is to ensure the bank is staffed with technical professionals who can support prospective borrowers at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey, from developing a business idea into a viable propos-

al to providing guidance that helps ensure the business operates successfully. Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation, Zulfikar Ally, has already assured that systems are in place to ensure principles of accountability and transparency are embedded in the operations of the bank. He noted that the bank’s management information system will be the authoritative system of record for disbursements, repayment schedules, arrears, recoveries, and development impact indicators. Ally further highlighted that the bank will be guided by a clear governance framework, led by a board and CEO, and supported by credit, risk, compliance, finance, treasury, Information Communication Technology (ICT), monitoring, recoveries and regional representatives. It also provides for regional peer review groups in each of Guyana’s

10 Administrative Regions, supported by technical and credit officers. Additionally, he said there will be robust systems for risk management, financial oversight, compliance and monitoring will ensure that every loan is assessed fairly, responsibly and transparently. Moreover, he explained that borrowers will be able to make repayments through authorised channels while the credit record remains centrally controlled. Through the GDB, eligible applicants will be able to access zero-interest, zero-collateral loans of up to $3 million to start or expand their businesses. Additionally, the Government has secured agreements with commercial banks to leverage those funds, allowing small business owners an additional $7 million in financing, at

subsidised interest rates as low as 3.5 per cent. Some US$100 million has already been budgeted to kickstart the initiative.

Consortiums

SMEs are already being encouraged to form consortiums to maximise the amount of capital they can access through the bank. The GAICO CEO echoed this call, noting that while $3 million may appear modest, pooling resources can enable businesses to undertake larger and more ambitious projects. In fact, he noted that the agriculture subcommittee of the PSC, is already working with SMEs in helping them form consortiums. “Under the agriculture subcommittee, it’s open for every single person to join who wants to be part of that, you don’t

have to be a member of the private sector to participate in that subcommittee. Under that subcommittee, that subcommittee works very closely with SMEs and small businesses, even individual in guiding them in how they can get inline with businesses…currently the agriculture subcommittee is working with a lot of small businesses to bring them together to form consortiums, they’re creating an environment where they can have meetings with Government, with some of the regulatory agencies also. So, these persons are getting more and more exposed in what they need to do in order to get into business, in order to access loan, in order to access technical expertise to help manage their business that they want to get into,” Singh pointed out.

Gunmen rob businesswoman carrying $9M in suitcase to bank

31-year-old businesswoman of No. 50 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, was on Thursday relieved of over $9 million in cash and other items within the compound of a financial institution at Springlands, Corriverton, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). Based on reports received, the businesswoman arrived at the bank with

a small suitcase containing $9 million and a shoulder bag containing another sum of cash and a cellular phone. However, as she made her way towards that bank, she was allegedly confronted by a male who tugged at her shoulder bag and pressed an object against her waist while threatening to shoot her. Fearful for her life, the

woman released the suitcase while the suspect also took away the shoulder bag containing $15,040 and an iPhone 17 Pro Max. The suspect subsequently jumped onto a waiting motorcycle, which sped off the scene. Police have since secured the CCTV footage, which is being reviewed as investigations continue.

NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2 women among 3 busted with ganja

The ganja found during the Police operation

wo women and a miner were taken into custody following the discovery of a quantity of cannabis during police operations at several locations within Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) on Wednesday. Police stated that during a search at a residence in the Tuschen North Squatting Area, ranks discovered two transparent Ziplock bags con-

taining 2.8 grams of canna-

bis, leading to the arrests of a 36-year-old housewife and a 32-year-old miner. In addition, a similar operation at Parika Koker, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), led to the arrest of a 38-year-old woman from Campbellville, Georgetown, following the discovery of 728.2 grams of ganja inside a haversack she was carrying. They were all taken to the Leonora Police Station as investigations continue.

Security guard held at knifepoint as bandits rob religious organisation

63-year-old security guard attached to a religious organisation located on Woolford Avenue; Georgetown was on Tuesday evening attacked and robbed by armed men who invaded the property. Based on reports received, the security guard was conducting checks around the compound when he was confronted by four

masked males, one of whom was armed with a knife, while another was armed with a crowbar. During the incident, the security guard was restrained and relieved of his cellular phone. However, one of the bandits remained with him while the others proceeded towards the building. Further investigations revealed that they gained entry

into the lower flat of the building through a window. While in the building, the men reportedly ransacked various sections and found an undisclosed amount of cash after which they escaped. The matter was reported, and police have reviewed CCTV footage obtained as investigations continue.

No authority to resolve...

FROM PAGE 7

GECOM further explained that the CEO subsequently reiterated this position in his letter dated June 10, 2026, emphasising that, pursuant to Section 7A, he is subject to the direction and control of the Commission and therefore cannot independently act on matters falling within the Commission’s jurisdiction,” “It is therefore factually incorrect to suggest that GECOM determined that the WIN Party’s interests or nominations were rejected based on an adverse finding concerning the consultation process. No such finding was made by the Chief Election Officer,” the Commission contended.

The Law

In its missive on Friday, GECOM also emphasised the importance of understanding the distinction between the administrative role of the Secretariat and the statutory authority of the Commission. It noted that the CEO is required to operate within the authority conferred by law and, pursuant to Section 7A of the Representation of the People Act, he is expressly subject to the direction and control of the Commission. “Consequently, where a matter requires consideration or determination by the Commission, the Chief Election Officer cannot substitute his own decision for that of the Commission. This is not a refusal to act. It is

compliance with the law governing the office of the Chief Election Officer. The Chief Election Officer has consistently maintained this position in his correspondence with the relevant stakeholder and has done so in a manner that is factual, professional and institutionally neutral,” GECOM highlighted. GECOM emphasised that it remains committed to transparency, accountability, inclusivity, impartiality and strict adherence to the Constitution and electoral legislation. “The Commission further considers it in the public interest that all stakeholders have a complete understanding of the circumstances surrounding these matters and of the respective responsibilities of the political parties,

the Chief Election Officer, the Secretariat and the Commission,” it noted. GECOM said it will continue to discharge its responsibilities within the authority conferred upon it by law and will remain committed to ensuring the effective, transparent and credible administration of Guyana’s electoral processes. GECOM also made it clear that the CEO has, at all times, responded to correspondence received from the WIN party with alacrity, accuracy, specificity and professionalism. “Each matter has been addressed in accordance with the statutory authority vested in the Chief Election Officer and the limitations imposed upon that office by law,” GECOM maintained.

12 NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Brazilians, Chinese nationals nabbed in illegal mining crackdown A

s efforts continue to crackdown on illegal mining in Guyana, authorities have arrested six foreign nationals after they were found conducting unauthorised operations here. In a statement on Friday, the Natural Resources Ministry said that, through sustained efforts led by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), at least five Brazilians and one Chinese national were detained on Thursday over illegal mining activities in one of the local mining districts. These individuals were operating an underground mining operation through a shaft without the required approval. According to the Ministry, the illegal miners were detained through the joint efforts of the GGMC Corps of Wardens and the Guyana Police Force (GPF). The six

foreign nationals are currently in police custody as investigations continue. The Natural Resources Ministry used the opportunity to remind industry players that all mining districts across the country remain under surveillance as part of ongoing efforts to detect and curb illegal mining operations. It warned that any individual, Guyanese or foreign, found conducting mining activities in breach of Guyana’s laws and regulations will face the full force of the law. To this end, the Ministry further reminded all miners and operators that they must secure the required licences, permissions and regulatory approvals before commencing any mining activity. “Compliance with the country’s mining laws is mandatory and violations

will be dealt with accordingly,” Friday’s missive detailed. In recently years, the Guyana Government has been aggressively working to streamline the rapidly expanding mining sector with increased environmental regulations, enforcement actions against illegal operators and pushing for more sustainable practices in the sector.

No tolerance The Natural Resources Ministry had previous cautioned that illegal mining will not be tolerated under any circumstance. Only in June, authorities had shut down six illegal operations within the Mazaruni Mining District in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and arrested more than 30 persons as part of its continued crack-

down. The six illegal mining sites were operating within a quarry area. In addition to the arrest of 38 persons, several pieces of equipment and machinery used to support the unlawful activities were also seized. Meanwhile, back in March of this year, at least five Brazilian nationals were arrested and charged with illegal mining and illegal entry into Guyana. Antonio Isal Das Soura, 49; Michael De Souza Martin, 26; Clinton Martins Fernandes, 19 and Matheus Sere Martins, 20 – all Brazilian nationals of Boa Vista, Roraima, Brazil – appeared virtually in a local court on March 27 and pleaded guilty to the charges filed against. For the offence of Illegal Entry, each defendant was fined G$30,000

or six weeks’ imprisonment in default. Similarly, each defendant was also fined G$30,000 or six weeks’ imprisonment in default for the Illegal Mining offence. They were all ordered to depart Guyana within 24 hours. Additionally, Taiane Macedo Peixoto, a 33-year-old Brazilian national, a cook of Boa Vista, Roraima, Brazil, who was also charged for Illegal Mining. She too was slapped with a G$30,000 fine or six weeks’ imprisonment in default when she appeared in court to the answer to the charge. The Government of Guyana had maintained a zero-tolerance policy on illegal mining and warned that it will continue to take decisive action to detect, disrupt and prosecute all unlawful activities in the sector.

MV Barima tragedy

Tuschen man remanded for allegedly falsely claiming his 2 children died

man who falsely claimed that his two children died in the MV Barima tragedy has been remanded to prison. Jermaine English appeared before Magistrate Orinthia Schmidt at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court where the charge of making a false claim was read to him. It is alleged that between August 17 and 18, 2026, the 50-yearold man made a false claim to the Public Works Ministry that two of his children died in the MV Barima tragedy which occurred on July 18. The Tuschen New Housing Scheme resident was not required to plea to the indictable charge. The prosecution in objecting to bail pointed to the seriousness of the offence. Magistrate Schmidt upheld the prosecution’s submissions and remanded English to prison. The case will continue on September 16. On July 18, the MV Barima departed the Georgetown stelling at about 15:00h on its scheduled voyage to Port Kaituma, North West District, 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 late that night and capsized. A distress signal transmitted at approximately 23:01h was received by aviation authorities, triggering a large-scale multi-agency emergency response that continues. However, following the incident, the captain and a crew member tested positive for cannabis

use and were subsequently arrested. Later, the goods Superintendent was arrested. Subsequently, in its initial probe, it was uncovered that more people were aboard the vessel than had been recorded on the original passenger manifest. To date, while 73 bodies were pulled from the wreckage. Police have since instituted murder charges against 40-year-old Kevin Price, also called “KP”, the boat Captain of Melanie Damishana, East Coast Demerara (ECD); Rondell Dwayne Roberts, 42, Chief Mate of Grove Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD); and Delon Granderson, 33, Goods superintendent of Fellowship, West Coast Demerara (WBD). The charges were instituted following recommendations from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The trio appeared before Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, where the charges were read to them. Police stated that on July 18, 2026 at 9.3 nautical miles and a bearing of 040° off the Essequibo Coast, the three men murdered 72 persons. Meanwhile, President Dr Irfaan Ali on Sunday named a high-level five-member panel to lead a Commission of Inquiry (CoI). The appointment of this distinguished team of regional and international legal and maritime experts was made in keeping with an earlier commitment by the Guyanese Head of State for an independent probe into the horrific ferry accident.

NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana eyes Zimbabwe market for rice exports T

he Guyana Government is looking to tap into the Zimbabwe market for its rice exports, according to the Agriculture Ministry. This interest was conveyed by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha during a recent meeting with Non-Resident Ambassador of Zimbabwe to Guyana, Patrick Mutasa. “During the engagement, the officials discussed areas of mutual interest, including capacity building for the production of tropical wheat in Guyana and the supply of rice to Zimbabwe’s market,” a brief statement from the Ministry noted. Amid a surplus of production due to the increase in rice yields, the Government has been exploring new markets for the country’s rice. Already, it has engaged with countries in the Middle East and Europe. Rice production has climbed steadily from approximately 500,000 tonnes in 2020 to 810,000 tonnes in 2025, marking one of the strongest periods of expansion for the industry in Guyana’s history. The Government’s long-term goal is to push

ment, he noted that the duo discussed building on their countries’ strong historical ties and deepening cooperation in food and energy security, climate resilience, biodiversity, technology, education and health. “I also look forward to strengthening people-to-people ties and expanding private sector engagement between Guyana and Zimbabwe,” President

President Dr Irfaan Ali interacts with Non-Resident Ambassador of Zimbabwe to Guyana, Patrick Mutasa

national rice production to one million tonnes as part of broader efforts to strengthen food security and support CARICOM’s target of reducing the region’s food import bill by 25 per cent by 2030. In previously addressing the issue of oversupply of rice on the global market, President Dr Irfaan Ali announced plans to construct

a massive drying floor and storage facility along the Essequibo Coast. In fact, some $1 billion has been budgeted this year for the construction of these climate-controlled silos, which would have the capacity to store some three million bags of paddy.

Guyana-Zimbabwe

Meanwhile,

Minister

Mustapha has said he welcomes the continued partnership and expressed his commitment to further strengthening cooperation between Guyana and Zimbabwe, particularly in the areas of agriculture, trade and technical development. On Wednesday, President Ali accepted the Letter of Credence from Mutasa. In a brief state-

Ali said. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, also received a courtesy call from Ambassador Mutasa. Ambassador Mutasa is the successor of Ambassador Paul Chikawa who was accredited on August 27, 2024. Guyana and Zimbabwe established diplomatic relations on June 19, 1980.

14 NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GuySuCo’s CEO sues US-sanctioned LOO over defamatory highway claims G

uyana Sugar C o r p o r a t i o n (GuySuCo) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Paul Cheong has initiated a High Court lawsuit against United States (US) sanctioned and indicted, Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed over statements published on Mohamed’s Facebook page concerning the proposed four-lane Versaillesto-Parika highway. Cheong is seeking more than $10 million in damages, alleging that the statements were defamatory. The matter was filed in the High Court in Demerara by Attorney-at-Law Rajendra Jaigobin, who is representing Cheong. Mohamed, a USsanctioned and criminally indicted businessman, is being sued over a video published on the “Team Mohamed’s” Facebook page on August 11, 2026. Cheong is alleging that statements made in the video were false, malicious and defamatory of him. The Statement of Claim, filed on August 17, identified Cheong as the CEO of GuySuCo and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Guyana Oil Company (GuyOil) Limited. He is seeking damages exceeding $10 million for defamation, along with an injunction preventing the Opposition Leader from republishing the

US-sanctioned and indicted Azruddin Mohamed

statements or similar material. Cheong is also asking the court to order Mohamed to immediately remove the alleged defamatory publication from Facebook, as well as pay costs and any other relief the court considers appropriate. The lawsuit centres on Mohamed’s criticism of the proposed Versailles-to-Parika highway, which he described in the video as a $121 billion project. He claimed that the approximately 23-kilometre (km) highway had been divided into 17 lots, with bids totalling approximately $121 billion. Mohamed compared the proposed project with the Heroes Highway from

Eccles to Great Diamond, claiming that the VersaillesParika project was excessively expensive. Mohamed then turned his attention to several companies he said were among those bidding for portions of the project, including L’Heureuse Construction Services. He identified the company as having submitted a bid of more than $6.8 billion and linked it to Cheong, whom he identified as GuySuCo’s CEO. He further alleged that GuySuCo was struggling under Cheong’s management because his “primary focus is getting Government contracts.” Cheong’s lawsuit strongly disputes those assertions. The Statement of Claim stated that Cheong is not the owner of L’Heureuse Construction Services or L’Heureuse Construction Services Inc. It further stated that he “has neither made a bid for Government road contracts nor has he been awarded a contract.” The claimant contended that Mohamed’s publication portrayed him as corrupt, lacking morality and integrity and involved in a conflict of interest. It further said that the publication suggested Cheong was using his position as GuySuCo’s CEO to obtain financial benefits, putting his

GuySuCo’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Paul Cheong

personal financial interests ahead of the corporation and its employees while failing to properly discharge his responsibilities.

False and defamatory Cheong also takes issue with Mohamed’s reference to the Schoonord Road project. According to the claim, the publication alleged that Cheong’s company had previously been involved in the approximately $2 billion project and that the road was already falling apart. Cheong contended that the statements were false and defamatory. The claimant said the publication had a significant reach. Cheong alleged that the publication caused serious and irreparable damage to his reputation and standing among colleagues, professionals and members of the public. The claim stated that the publication subjected him to “ridicule and odium” and lowered his standing in the estimation of ordinary

and reasonable readers and listeners. It further alleged that Mohamed published the statements without conducting a full and proper investigation into their accuracy, describing the publication as a “flagrant act of irresponsible behaviour” and a “reckless and wanton disregard” for his office as Opposition Leader. Cheong also alleged that Mohamed either knew the statements were false or acted recklessly without caring whether they were true or false. Mohamed has 42 days after being served with the Statement of Claim to prepare, serve and file a defence. The court documents warn that if he fails to defend the proceedings, judgment may be entered against him in his absence and without further notice.

25 benefit from electrical installation, life skills training

The cohort of young men who recently completed the electrical installation and life skills training along with officials at Friday’s graduation ceremony

ver two dozen young men have graduated from an electrical installation and life skills training programme, taking them one step closer to becoming licensed electricians. The sixweeks programme, which was organised through a partnership between Youth Challenge Guyana (YCG) and ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, saw 25 males from across Regions Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) graduating on Friday with certificates. With industry experts estimating that some 40,000 electricians are needed to adequately serve Guyana’s expanding economy, Executive Director of YCG, Dimitri Nicholson, says this training programme is just the first step on the path to becoming licensed electricians. In fact, he noted that previous beneficiaries of this programme have not only elevated themselves into becoming licensed pro-

fessionals but also established their own businesses – something which the YCG Head touted to this new graduating cohort. “This training itself prepares these young men to be apprentices of electricians, and with this certificate they now need to get licensed to work as an electrician. So, it’s not the certificate as much as their perseverance after the training to go get their licence from the GEI (Government Electrical Inspectorate) to become an electrician,” Nicholson stated. According to the YCG Executive Director, these young men have an advantage in upskilling themselves into fully licensed electricians given the demand in the local market. “I’m very happy for these young men who will become electricians in this country. And as we all see, buildings are going up everywhere. Many things are happening all over and the GEI says 40,000 electricians in the country… So, you have an advantage and we’re very appreciative that

you’ve stuck with this training,” he told the graduates. Meanwhile, Community Relations Supervisor at ExxonMobil Guyana, Ryan Hoppie, emphasised the importance of investing in young people especially at a time when the country is bursting with opportunities. He recognised that the training programme aims at creating workforce readiness that is important for the continued growth and development happening in Guyana. “The opportunities that we see are growing all around us but they become more significant when people are prepared to take advantage of those opportunities. And this is what makes this programme so incredible and so important. It’s initiatives like these that really set you on course for the rest of your lives. And it’s more than just learning a trade, it’s about creating pathways to other things like employment and personal growth,” the ExxonMobil official noted. CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Over 7000 One Communications customers hit by vandalism, copper theft

Vandalism in Queenstown

ver 7,000 residential and business customers of One Communications have been affected by service disruptions linked to vandalism and copper theft over the past two months, as the telecommunications

Damaged fibre in Perseverance, EBD

provider calls for greater public involvement in protecting the country’s network infrastructure. One Communications said it recorded five incidents of vandalism and copper theft during the period, resulting in disruptions to fixed and

mobile services. Some of the incidents also affected critical public sector facilities. The company said damage to telecommunications infrastructure can take considerable time and resources to repair, with restoration sometimes requiring the re-

25 benefit from electrical...

The six-week programme included training in electrical safety and workplace practices, electrical tools and equipment, wiring and cable installations, and installation of switches, sockets and light fixtures, among others. Head of the Product Compliance Department at the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), Quincy Troyer, noted that these skills carry great responsibilities. Electrical fittings and equipment are among the products monitored by the GNBS. In fact, Troyer informed the young men that there 30 ISO Standards in the electrical field that they should become familiar with as they move onto utilise their newly-acquired skills. “This par-

ticularly is important because the use of substandard and unsafe electrical products can result in electrical shocks, fires, damage to properties, and in some cases, loss of lives. As you progress in this field, it is there important that you understand what to look for when purchasing or when using electrical products,” the GNBS official stated. In addition to the technical aspect, the participants also benefitted from critical life skills training such as in communication, public speaking and financial management – something that the participants hailed. One beneficiary said, “We learn about electrical works, and the importance of safety, safety tools, proper procedures and

FROM PAGE 14

doing the job correctly. These are skills that I can carry with me throughout my career. But the training taught us more than technical skills. We learn about team work, communication, discipline, responsibility, punctuality and professionalism. Those qualities are extremely important… Programmes like this by Youth Challenge Guyana bring young people together and give us an environment where we can learn, grow and realise that we are capable of achieving more than we sometimes believe.” According to the YCG Executives, the training programme targets young men specifically to not only produce electrical specialists but also male role models in the community.

placement of cables and network equipment, exca-

vation, cable splicing, testing and the deployment of specialised technical teams. Communications and Community Relations Manager at One Communications, Jasmin Harris, said each incident has consequences for customers who depend on telecommunications services for their daily activities. “Every time a cable is stolen, deliberately damaged or severed during other works, there are people on the other end who suddenly lose a service they depend on,” Harris said. She noted that while technical teams work to restore services as quickly as possible, repeated damage to the network makes it increasingly difficult to maintain service reliability. Telecommunications infrastructure supports businesses, schools, healthcare providers, Government agencies, emergency services and households, making disruptions capable of affecting a wide range of activities. One Communications said the responsibility for protecting this infrastructure cannot rest solely with telecommunications providers.

The company said it continues to engage relevant authorities, law enforcement agencies, contractors and other stakeholders to strengthen preventative measures, improve coordination during works that could affect telecommunications infrastructure, and deter the theft and destruction of network assets. It is also appealing to communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity involving telecommunications cables, poles, cabinets, underground infrastructure and other network equipment. She urged contractors, motorists, communities, public agencies and law enforcement to work with the company to safeguard the infrastructure on which thousands of Guyanese rely. Members of the public who witness suspicious activity or have information about the theft, vandalism or deliberate damage of telecommunications infrastructure can report the matter to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) or through One Communications’ designated vandalism reporting channel.

16 NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GOGEC hails Errea Wittu arrival

…says continued O&G expansion to drive jobs, investment, business opportunities

President of GOGEC, Manniram Prashad

The Errea Wittu FPSO in Guyana’s waters

he Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC) has welcomed the arrival of the Errea Wittu, Guyana’s fifth Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, describing it as another milestone in the

expansion of the country’s offshore oil and gas industry. The vessel, whose name means “Abundance” in the Warrau language, was constructed by MODEC for the Uaru development in the Stabroek Block. GOGEC said the name also recog-

nises Guyana’s Indigenous heritage. The Errea Wittu follows the deployment of the Liza Destiny, Liza Unity, Prosperity and ONE GUYANA FPSOs as offshore production continues to expand. According

Firefighters contain East La Penitence blaze

The aftermath of the West Front Road, East La Penitence, Georgetown fire on Friday

irefighters on Friday responded to a report of a grass fire at Lot 247 West Front Road, East La Penitence, Georgetown, only to find the upper floor of a building at the location engulfed in flames.

According to the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), firefighters arrived at the scene and quickly moved to extinguish the blaze, preventing further spread of the fire. The upper floor of the building sustained severe

damage as a result of the fire, while the lower floor suffered minor water damage during firefighting operations. The Fire Service has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.

to GOGEC, the Errea Wittu is expected to begin production in September 2026 and has been designed to produce approximately 250,000 barrels of oil per day at peak capacity. The US$12.7 billion Uaru development is targeting more than 800 million barrels of recoverable

oil, which GOGEC said would add significantly to Guyana’s production base and contribute to economic development. Current production from the Stabroek Block is approximately 900,000 barrels per day. With the commissioning of the Errea Wittu, Guyana’s overall production is ex-

pected to surpass the onemillion-barrel-per-day mark. GOGEC said the continued expansion of the sector presents opportunities for employment, local businesses, investment, skills development, technology transfer and increased economic activity. The Chamber also congratulated ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, operator of the Stabroek Block and a member of GOGEC, for its role in advancing offshore developments. It also recognised MODEC, another GOGEC member, for delivering its first FPSO for Guyana and bringing its expertise to the Uaru project. GOGEC said it remains committed to supporting an industry in which Guyanese businesses and professionals can increasingly participate and benefit from the growth of the oil and gas sector.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2026

guyanatimesgy.com

Regional

Mexican Governor accused by Trump told Lula that officials should meet soon US of cartel ties returns to office to discuss tariffs – reports T

razilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and US President Donald Trump spoke by phone on Friday and discussed tariffs Washington recently imposed ‌on Brazilian goods, according to a statement from Brazil’s Government. During the call, Lula reiterated that negotiations are the best way to resolve the dispute, while Trump suggested that officials from both countries meet as soon as possible, the statement said. The US Government announced 25 per cent tariffs last month on some Brazilian goods, alleging ⁠unfair trade practices, as well as 12.5 per cent tariffs on goods from dozens of nations, including Brazil, linked to allegations of lax enforcement of forced labour bans. Lula said in the statement that the tariffs would harm both economies and that the allegations cited by Washington to justify the measures, including concerns over deforestation, intellec-

US President Donald Trump and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva meet on the sidelines of the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, October 26, 2025 (Reuters/Evelyn Hockstein photo)

tual property, corruption, Brazil’s Pix instant payment system, ethanol and imports allegedly tied to forced labour, were unfounded. According to a Brazilian official present during the call, the relationship between both Presidents ‌ remains “very friendly,” but the Brazilian Government does not expect any changes in the tariffs before October, when Brazil holds elections.

“The goal was to restart the negotiations,” said the official, who asked to remain anonymous. After the Presidents spoke, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer called the Brazilian Minister of Development, Industry, Trade and Services, Marcio Elias Rosa, to set up a date to talk, which Rosa said will be decided on Monday. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Bolivia’s President fires Economy Minister amid unrest

olivian President Rodrigo Paz has removed Economic Minister Jose Gabriel Espinoza from his post after the Minister was censured by the country’s Congress. The cabinet shake-up is likely to be perceived as a concession by Paz, who has faced public anger about the country’s ongoing cost-of-living crisis. The announcement came in a decree published on Friday in the Government’s official gazette. It names Oscar Mario Justiniano Pinto as interim Economy Minister and explains he will serve in the role until a permanent candidate is appointed. The decree does

not, however, offer a prospective timeline for the eventual replacement. The decision to fire Espinoza, however, marks a reversal for the Paz Government. On Tuesday, the Bolivian Congress voted to censure Espinoza, after he failed to appear before the legislature to answer questions about the economy. Under the country’s Constitution, a censure tees up a subsequent dismissal. The right-wing Paz Administration initially said it would fight that decision as a tribunal reviewed the dispute. But Friday’s decree suggests the President changed course. Bolivia has been roiled by economic and political turmoil

for years. Paz, a Senator at the time, was elected last October after pledging to bring stability back to the South American nation. His inauguration the following month marked an end to nearly two decades of governance by the Movement Toward Socialism (MAS). Paz, by contrast, ran on a campaign of “capitalism for all”. His victory was fuelled by concerns about Bolivia’s economic conditions. Once a major exporter of fuel, the country had seen a decline in its natural gas production, with mismanagement, depleted reserves and a lack of new exploration cited among the reasons. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

said on Thursday. The infrastructure will be used primarily to develop large language models for general and sector-specific applications, it said. Separately, about one billion reais (US$193.1 million) will be allocated through a tender for a supercomputer that Brazil expects to rank among the world’s 10 most powerful AI processing machines. The machine will be installed in the northeastern state of Rio Grande do Norte, chosen for its energy potential. Lula attended an announcement ceremony in the

state on Thursday. The Reuters news agency quoted unnamed Government officials as saying they expect US chipmaker Nvidia to win the tender. Science and Technology Minister Luciana Santos told the Folha de S Paulo newspaper last week that she anticipated the company would be the supplier. “The strategy is not to depend on a single company, technology or country,” Lula’s Administration said in a statement, adding that the investments are aimed at strengthening national sovereignty over data. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

he Governor of Mexico’s Sinaloa state, Ruben Rocha Moya, returned to office on Friday after taking leave for more t‌ han three months following US drug trafficking charges, a move likely to deepen strains between Mexico and the United States. Rocha, 77, a member of Mexico’s ruling Morena party, said in a statement posted on X that he was resuming his duties with a “clear conscience” and his “head held high”. The development marks a remarkable turnaround for Rocha, who has not only avoided, for now, extradition to the United States but has also reclaimed the Governor’s office.

His return adds a new twist to a saga that has tested US-Mexico security cooperation and underscored the complexities in the bilateral relationship: despite years of joint efforts against cartels, Mexico remains deeply ⁠resistant to US actions it sees as encroaching on its sovereignty. The Mexican Government is “more than happy to extradite drug lords if the US wishes, but they’re not so eager to extradite members of the political party of their president,” said Martin Castillo, a public policy expert at the University of Chicago. But there were signs that Rocha’s triumphant return to power was received

coolly by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and the Morena party that she leads. Rocha said Mexican authorities had found no evidence to support the accusations against him and described the US case as a politically-motivated attack on Sheinbaum’s leftist movement. Morena, however, issued a statement saying it had no prior knowledge of Rocha’s decision and distanced itself from the move. Mexico’s interior ministry likewise said the decision was Rocha’s alone, noting that the Attorney General’s office investigation into him and others accused by the US is ongoing. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Trinidad: Ministers, MPs named for failing to file integrity declarations

ozens of current and former parliamentarians, including Cabinet Ministers, Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) and Independent Senators, have been named by the Integrity Commission for failing to file declarations of their income, assets, liabilities and registrable interests. Among those listed are Defence Minister Wayne Sturge, Housing Minister David Lee, Rural Development and Local Government Minister Khadijah Ameen and Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Sean Sobers. The list also includes Opposition Chief Whip Marvin Gonzales and PNM MPs Keith Scotland, Symon de Nobriga, Brian Manning, Senators Dr Amery Browne and Foster Cummings and former MP Shamfa CudjoeLewis, along with several Independent Senators. The publication of their names is not discretion-

Housing Minister David Lee is among those named

ary. Under the Integrity in Public Life Act, individuals who fail to submit the required declarations without providing a legitimate reason may have their names published in the Gazette and in at least one daily newspaper. Failure to file is also an offence punishable, upon summary conviction, by a fine of up to TT$250,000 and imprisonment for up to 10 years. Manning, who failed to file declarations for 2024 and 2025, told Guardian Media an audit had delayed

his submission. He said he expected to file by the end of August and described the annual declaration process as cumbersome. However, Integrity Commission Chairman Haydn Gittens said public officials are given ample time to comply with the requirement. He said declarants generally have until May 31 to submit returns covering their financial position as at December 31 of the previous year, while first-time declarants are given 90 days to file. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Brazil launches AI supercomputer push ABRCS strengthens hurricane while balancing US and Chinese tech preparedness through regional

razil will invest about 2.3 billion reais (US$444.2 million) to bolster its artificial intelligence ecosystem, splitting projects between United States and Chinese tech firms in a strategic move that underscores its efforts to balance ties with both superpowers. Just more than half the total, 1.3 billion reais (US$251 million), will fund a supercomputing infrastructure project in Rio de Janeiro developed in partnership with China’s Huawei Technologies and iFlytek, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva‘s Government

early action protocol initiative

s climate change continues to intensify the frequency and severity of hurricanes across the Caribbean, the Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross Society (ABRCS) is taking proactive steps to ensure that it is better equipped/prepared and that communities can realise greater resilience before disasters strike. This commitment to anticipatory action was reinforced when ABRCS President Dr Jose Humphreys and Ms Charlton joined regional di-

saster management partners at an Early Action Protocol (EAP) workshop hosted by the French Red Cross’ Regional Intervention Platform for the Americas and the Caribbean (PIRAC) in Guadeloupe on August 17th to 20th, 2026. The St Kitts and Nevis Red Cross Society and the Dominica Red Cross Society joined the ABRCS in this workshop, a joint EAP approach given their shared risk profiles/exposure to cyclones. The workshop brought together representatives

from these National Red Cross Societies; PIRAC; 510 Global (an initiative of the Netherlands Red Cross) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to finalise and validate a sub-regional initiative aiming to develop Early Action Protocols, which are pre-agreed plans that trigger specific, pre-funded humanitarian actions automatically when a forecast predicts disaster. (Excerpt from Antigua Observer)

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2026

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Iranian oil offers to Chinese buyers fall as US blockade bites, sources say

ffers of Iranian crude to Chinese buyers have declined and prices have jumped this week as the US blockade has cut Tehran’s shipments, according to trade sources, with the threat of more sanctions from Washington looming. The US re-imposed its blockade of Iran’s shipping and ports on July 13 as a deal to halt the war between ‌them broke down in an attempt to cut off oil sales – Tehran’s primary source of hard currency – compounding earlier losses from wartime strikes on its energy infrastructure. The number of offers for Iranian oil cargoes to China for September and October delivery has declined from July and August cargoes, four trade sources familiar with the matter said. The offers have declined as barrels already in ships on the water have been sold, they said. Iran’s oil exports have fallen since mid-July, with no visible crossings of the Strait of Hormuz by supertankers carrying Iranian crude since then, according to data from ship-tracking company Kpler, although many vessels turn off their location transponders, making them difficult to track. The squeeze threatens a key feedstock for independent ⁠refiners, known colloquially as teapots, located in China’s eastern province of Shandong, which account for about a fifth of China’s refining capacity and are the top buyers of sanctioned oil. Three of the trade sources said some Iranian crude, typically sold at discounts, was being offered at premiums to ICE Brent futures, with one source citing a premium of about US$2 a barrel. That was an abrupt shift as cargoes of Iranian Light were being offered earlier this week at a discount of around US$3 a barrel, the same as a month earlier. Iranian crude held in floating storage outside the US blockade zone has fallen to about 80 million barrels from about 105 million barrels before the blockade was reinstated, Kpler data showed. Two of the sources estimated that only about 30 million barrels of Iranian crude remained in Asian waters, half of the usual levels. Kpler Senior Crude Oil Analyst Muyu Xu estimated there are 40 million barrels of Iranian oil on ships in Malaysian waters east of Singapore, though most of that has been promised to buyers. “This suggests buyers could face virtually no new Iranian supplies available for late-September delivery onwards since no laden Iranian tankers have so far managed to ‌break through the US blockade,” she wrote in a Friday LinkedIn post. Uncertain supply With the uncertainty over Iranian supplies, one teapot bought Brazil’s Lapa crude this week, while others were looking at Iraq’s Basrah crude, two of the sources said. “Given the thin Iranian availability amid the US blockade, Chinese teapots are now looking beyond Russia and Iran,” said Sun Jianan, senior oil analyst at Energy Aspects. China’s Iranian oil imports have dropped from a year ago following the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran in February that has cut Middle Eastern oil exports. Shipments fell to 785,000 barrels per day in June, the lowest since February 2023, provisional Kpler data showed. Imports in July likely rose to 823,000 bpd but the intake so far in August has dropped to 534,000 bpd, the data showed. Last year, China’s Iran purchases averaged 1.4 million bpd, according to Kpler. Wary of sanctions On Thursday, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent threatened Iran with “the toughest sanctions in history,” with details to come on Monday, to pressure Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the war. That has China’s independent refiners on alert for further ⁠sanctions targeting specific buyers, a source at one of the plants said. However, the source said new sanctions were unlikely to significantly deter purchases, noting that refiners which have been previously sanctioned continued processing Iranian oil. China, the world’s biggest crude importer, buys more than 80 per cent of Iran’s shipped oil, according to 2025 data from Kpler. Beijing has said it rejects unilateral sanctions, and a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Thursday sanctions will not solve the conflict. Iranian oil exports plunged to only 100,000 bpd by July 2019 after the US further enforced sanctions and China temporarily suspended purchases. Later in September 2019, a devastating drone attack hit Saudi Arabia’s massive Abqaiq oil processing facility, a move analysts said showed the ability of Iran and its proxies to escalate the fight when Western financial pressure on Tehran increases. (Reuters)

US, Iran keep up hostile rhetoric ahead of new sanctions

he United States and Iran exchanged defiant messages ahead of Monday’s scheduled announcement of new US economic sanctions that could impact the Islamic Republic and Tehran’s most important trading partners, including China. As the war neared six months, the two s‌ ides were not exchanging fire but also not pursuing peace talks. All the while, oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have virtually halted as Tehran clings to its leverage by threatening to strike any unauthorised oil tankers that attempt to transit the narrow waterway. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will hold a press conference at 14:00h EDT (1800 GMT) on Monday amid promises to reveal “the toughest sanctions in history” on Iran while also urging China

An Iranian missile system is displayed in Azadi Square in Tehran, Iran, July 30, 2026 (Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters)

to cooperate with Washington. China buys more than 80 per cent of Iran’s shipped oil, according to 2025 data from analytics firm Kpler. Beijing urged diplomacy. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Saturday

that the imminent US announcement of new economic sanctions on Iran was an “assertion of extraterritorial sovereignty over every independent member state of the United Nations”. “Such secondary sanctions find no foundation in interna-

tional law,” he said in a post on X. US President Donald Trump, who has warned of economic consequences against any country that provides “any type of lifeline to Iran”, said on Friday that Washington was observing “what happens” in the conflict. “They would love to make a deal, but they’re not ready to make the right deal, in my opinion,” Trump said of Iran. While the US has effectively blockaded Iranian vessels in their ports, the Strait of Hormuz remained bottled up with thousands of seafarers stranded on hundreds of vessels. Only four commodity ships sailed along the strait on Thursday, none of them large crude carriers or liquefied natural gas tankers, ship-tracking data showed. (Excerpt from Reuters)

US plans US$725M payment towards its large UN debt

he Trump Administration has informed Congress of its intention to pay US$725 million to the United Nations, a congressional notification seen by Reuters showed, a move aid experts said was a welcome step towards paying billions in dues owed. The A ‌dministration has criticised the global body for not living up to its potential and slashed funding to many UN agencies. When asked

about the planned payment, a US official said any payments will be contingent on continued reforms of the organisation and added that the US has not transferred any funds as of Friday. The allocation of funds – mentioned in an August 4 State Department notification letter to Congress that has not been previously reported – comes ahead of an expected speech by US President Donald Trump to

the UN General Assembly in New York next month. UN Secretary General António Guterres said this year that the UN faced “imminent financial collapse” due to unpaid contributions from Member States, and the global body has brought in large budget cuts. “Over the past six months, the United States has achieved historic reforms across the UN – reforms long considered impossible – in-

cluding the first real budget cut in UN history, resulting in nearly one billion in cuts,” a State Department official, responding to Reuters questions about the payment, said in an email. In April, Devex, a development news agency, reported that the US had set specific conditions for the release of funds, such as more cost-cutting and moves to counter China’s influence. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Fauci’s lawyers set up legal defence fund as US probes multiply

awyers for Anthony Fauci have launched a legal defence fund, for the former top US infectious disease expert, saying that the need to respond to a growing number of state and federal investigations related to his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic will require ‌substantial resources. In January 2025, then-President Joe Biden issued a pre-emptive pardon to Fauci, amid accusations from Republican lawmakers that he played a role in research that contributed to the pandemic

Former top US infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci

and later sought to cover

up its origins, claims that have not been independently substantiated. Fauci, who led the US response to COVID-19, has denied the allegations. US Republican Senator Rand Paul has asked the Department of Justice to prosecute Fauci after he refused to answer questions about the pandemic at a congressional hearing last month. Three State Attorneys General have since launched their own probes against him. The defence fund underscores how Fauci, once the public face of the US

response to COVID-19, has become a central target of Republican efforts to revisit the origins of the pandemic and scrutinise Government decision-making during the health crisis. His lawyers say the mounting investigations could result in lengthy and costly legal proceedings despite Biden’s pardon. Fauci, 85, led the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) for nearly 40 years and advised seven US Presidents. He retired in 2022. (Excerpt from Reuters)

TikTok to pay US$400M to US in one of largest child privacy settlements

ikTok has agreed to pay US$400 million to the United States to end a lawsuit alleging its platform violated children‘s privacy, marking one of the largest-ever settlements over the issue. The deal stems from a 2024 suit by the Department of Justice under former President Joe Biden alleging TikTok and its parent company ByteDance collected “vast amounts of data” on millions

of users under the age of 13. Doing so was against the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), a federal law enacted in 2000. It is the same law that dozens of US states are now suing Meta over. “Children and parents are better protected today than they were when this case began,” Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate said. Other companies to have paid penalties to the US

Government for COPPA violations include Google’s YouTube, which in 2019 paid US$170 million, and Epic Games, which in 2022 paid US$275 million. Meta is also now facing penalties that could exceed hundreds of billions of dollars stemming from COPPA violations alleged by Attorneys General of 29 US states. A jury trial in the lawsuit started this week, with the Instagram and Facebook

owner accused of targeting child users and profiting off of them. While the TikTok lawsuit predates last year’s split of TikTok’s US business and operations from its original base of China, the settlement only involves TikTok’s operations in China. ByteDance, which is a privately held company, was most recently valued by investors at US$550 billion. (Excerpt from BBC News)

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2026

ARCHIE

DAILY HOROSCOPES Be specific. Leave nothing to chance or up to someone you aren’t sure you can trust. Be resourceful, research and source information carefully. Refuse to let anger surface.

(March 21-April 19) Learn from past mistakes. Don’t indulge or get involved in joint ventures. Be true to yourself, stick to your budget and choose pastimes that help you get ahead and put you on a path to self-improvement.

PICKLES

(April 20-May 20) A change will turn into a learning experience. Get into the nitty-gritty of whatever is being offered, and expand your plans to meet your demands. Life is about growth.

(May 21-June 20)

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

A steady pace is your best bet. Taking on too much will lead to frustration and regret. Don’t limit what you can do; instead, focus on what’s most important to you. Face facts when it comes to your current situation. You know how to play the game, so don’t sit on the sidelines. Look for every opportunity to display your skills and to reach your goal. A positive change will come from the connections you make.

(July 23-Aug. 22) You may crave change, but don’t jump too quickly. Ask questions, be resourceful and set up a time frame and budget that ensure you are doing what’s best for you.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

Take the back roads, be observant and when in doubt, stick close to home. How you deal with others will make a difference in what you get in return. Be specific, realistic and ready to honor your promises. Your options show promise and despair. Take the time to sort through the pros and cons and to eliminate anything that may pose a problem for you. Speak on your behalf.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Close in on what you want. You have plenty to gain if you trust and believe in yourself and you recognize how you can use your skills and experience to get ahead.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) If you express your honest opinion, you’ll spare yourself turmoil. Addressing issues instead of letting them fester and grow will help you remove yourself from unsavory situations.

YESTERDAY’S WORD – PALMETTE

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Step up, make things happen and celebrate your success. It may seem impossible, but once you take the first step, you’ll discover how to sprint toward happiness.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Redefine what you want and what you’ve already got. It’s time to shake up your routine, rethink your future and consider what truly makes you happy. Engage in pastimes that encourage you to be physical.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2026

Edghill, Britton and Johnson book places at ITTF Americas Championship

Shemar Britton

uyana will have three representatives at the 2026 International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Americas Championship after Chelsea Edghill, Shemar Britton, and Elishaba Johnson secured qualification for the major regional table tennis event. The championship will

be staged from October 18 to October 25 in Lima, Peru, and will bring together leading players from across the Americas. Edghill earned her place through her position in the Pan American women’s rankings. She is ranked behind the United States’ Lily Zhang, Canada’s Mo Zhang, and Argentina’s Camila

Argüelles. The top 16 ranked singles players in the Pan American region receive automatic qualification for the championship, allowing Edghill to secure her spot based on her consistent performances at the international level. Britton and Johnson qualified through the Caribbean Championship, which was held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, in April. Both players advanced to the round of 16 to earn their places at the Americas Championship. Their qualification gives Guyana representation in both the men’s and women’s divisions at the October event.

Elishaba Johnson

International exposure boosts 4-car Guyanese contingent set for GT Hickerson’s development in France Challenge in Barbados G

our Guyanese teams will compete against some of the Caribbean’s leading racers when round four of the GT Challenge series is staged in Barbados on August 29 and August 30. The Guyanese challenge will be led by Will Redford in the recently-acquired Mercedes-AMG, sponsored by Peter Lewis Construction. Redford and the Mercedes will enter the round with strong momentum after the car dominated round three at the South Dakota Circuit. Jamaican driver Tomi Gore will also represent a Guyanese team when he takes the wheel of the Lamborghini sponsored by Jumbo Jet Auto Sales, VAL’s Construction, and Rohit Lumber Yard. Veteran driver Mark Vieira has been registered to compete in the Mohamed’s Excavating Porsche, while Rameez Mohamed will pilot the KTM X-Bow sponsored by BM Soat and Prem’s Electrical. The four entries will face competitors from across the region during the two-day meeting. A spokesperson for the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) extended best wishes to

Four Guyanese teams will compete against some of the Caribbean’s leading racers when round four of the GT Challenge series is staged in Barbados on August 29 and August 30

the teams as they prepare to carry Guyana’s flag in Barbados. “We wish all four of the teams well on their bid to represent the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club and Guyana,” the spokesperson said. The GT Challenge series has strengthened regional competition by bringing together some of the

Caribbean’s leading drivers and high-performance cars. The GMR&SC said it was proud to be among the organisations leading the development of the series in the Caribbean. The club also wants to attract more international racing competitions to Guyana while positioning the country as a leading regional motorsport and sport tourism destination.

uyanese junior athlete Zion Hickerson continued his development on the international stage with eight matches at the TEN-PRO Global Junior Tour in Nice, France, winning half of his encounters across two age-group categories. Hickerson competed in the Under-11 and Under-12 divisions at the clay-court tournament, which was held at the Tsonga Academy and attracted promising players from around the world. His best finish came in the 2015 category, where he placed 10th in a field of 30 players. His campaign in that division ended in the round of 16 with a 6-0, 6-0 defeat to Colombia’s Samuel Radhakrishnan. The result marked the second meeting between the youngsters in eight months. Radhakrishnan previously defeated Hickerson 6-4, 6-1 when they contested a final in Miami. Hickerson also advanced to the round of 16 in the 2014 category, where he pushed Lithuania’s Juozapas Grebliauskas before going down 6-3, 6-4. Despite the defeats, competing against highly-rated international players provided the young Guyanese with valuable experience and showed the level of preparation required to progress fur-

ther. His father believes additional time must now be dedicated to improving his training and physical conditioning. “We have to invest more time in training and fitness. Many top athletes attend online or home schooling in order to invest more time in their discipline,” he said. Following his tennis campaign, Hickerson turned his attention to football. He was scheduled to attend a one-week Paris SaintGermain football camp before participating in another camp at La Camillienne in Paris. His continued participation in overseas competitions and development programmes has been made possible through substantial corporate support. Hickerson is endorsed by ENet, ACADO, Beacon Café, Plus Marketing Agencies, Corum Restaurant Group, Mike’s Pharmacy, Modern Optical, Jai Signs, GuyOil, Guywill Shipping, C&L Construction, Demerara Mutual, BBS Coatings, Ramchand Auto Spares, Ruff Ltd, Caribbean Container Inc, TriStone Auto Sales, Hamson, GT Eats, 4R, BK, Shi-Oil, FireSide, Smalta, and Toucan Industries.

Guyanese junior athlete Zion Hickerson continued his development on the international stage with eight matches at the TENPRO Global Junior Tour in Nice, France

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2026

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

High stakes in Essequibo as Lotto/ Let’s Bet T10 battles begin today

he battle lines are drawn and the stakes could not be higher as the Essequibo Zone of the Lotto/Let’s Bet One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast officially ignites today. A powerhouse field of 16 teams is set to clash for zonal glory, all fighting for a prized ticket to the national grand finale. With rosters featuring an explosive blend of current and former national stars alongside the region’s sharpest junior tapeball specialists, edge-of-theseat drama is guaranteed

from the opening ball. Co-organiser John Ramsingh highlighted the surging level of play as the tournament expands its footprint across Guyana. “The standard of cricket we have witnessed throughout this tournament has been extraordinary, and the Essequibo squads are as stacked as any we’ve seen,” Ramsingh noted. He added that combining seasoned national caps with hungry young talent under the floodlights at Anna Regina will create an electric atmosphere for the

fans. This leg follows two pulsating regional qualifiers that set a sky-high benchmark. Grillmaster Sip N Play All-Stars dominated the Berbice Zone to become the first team to lock down a spot in the national draw. Over in the East Bank/West Demerara leg, Mahdia (Movements Family) pulled off a dramatic, high-scoring heist at Meten-Meer-Zorg, dethroning 2025 champions Eccles All-Stars. Attention now shifts west for a bumper weekend of action starting to-

day, Saturday, August 22. Opening-round action bursts into life at 10:30h across four grounds – Pomona, Affiance, Hampton Court, and the Anna Regina National Stadium. Blockbuster early fixtures feature Aurora Knight Riders taking on GT Warriors at Pomona, while Riverstown collide with Fibreglass Gladiators at Affiance, leading directly into high-octane knockout quarter-finals in the afternoon. On Sunday, August 23, the entire spectacle moves

exclusively under lights at Anna Regina. Back-to-back semi-finals bowl off at 14:30h and 16:30h, followed by a marquee exhibition match between Trophy Stall Jaguars and Trophy Stall Eagles at 18:30h. The grand zonal final takes centre stage at 20:00h to determine who wears the Essequibo crown. Substantial rewards are up for grabs. Shawn’s Mini Mart is backing the leg with a $500,000 winners’ purse, Jaigobin Hotel has provided the $200,000 run-

ners-up cheque, and Scoop Ride Inc will ensure all losing quarter-finalists pocket $25,000. Once the Essequibo champions join Grillmaster and Mahdia in the grand finale, the tournament will briefly pause for the closing stretch of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Action resumes on September 26 with the Georgetown/East Coast Demerara Zone before all roads lead back to Anna Regina for the national grand finale on October 11.

GDF hosts US, Brazil Capital FC stun Eagles United forces in Jaguar Special as Botofago advance

Action in the friendly competition

he Guyana Defence Force (GDF) hosted military personnel from the United States and Brazil for a goodwill Jaguar Special match, providing an opportunity for partner forces to strengthen relations through friendly competition. The sporting engagement brought together service members in a relaxed setting, allowing them to interact beyond the formal environment while promoting camaraderie, mutual respect, and esprit de corps. The match formed part of efforts to strengthen the relationships among the participating forces, with sports providing a platform for personnel to connect, exchange experiences, and develop greater understanding of their counterparts.

Beyond the competition, participants engaged in informal interactions that provided insight into each other’s cultures, traditions and military backgrounds. Such exchanges are viewed as valuable complements to formal military engagements, helping to build trust and facilitate closer cooperation. Through the shared experience, the GDF, and United States and Brazilian personnel demonstrated how sporting activities can contribute to broader defence and security cooperation. The engagement underscored the value of goodwill activities in bringing partner forces together, while reinforcing the bonds of friendship and cooperation that support continued collaboration among the participating militaries.

apital FC produced one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 Summer Super Cup, defeating tournament favourites Eagles United 2-1, while Botofago FC advanced to the semi-finals with a convincing 2-0 victory over Aroaima United as the first two quarter-finals were decided at the Bayroc National Stadium. Capital FC entered their quarter-final against a highly-regarded Eagles United side, and produced a memorable performance. The underdogs delivered a disciplined and determined performance to secure a statement 2-1 victory and book their place in the final four. Capital FC held a 2-0 advantage at halftime thanks to Denzil Fordyce before completing the upset after the interval. Eagles United managed to get on the scoresheet as Nicholas Gentle scored in the 47th minute , but Capital FC maintained their composure to protect their advantage and send the tournament favourites crashing out. The result represents a significant achievement for Capital FC, who demonstrated that pedi-

Capital FC caused a major upset as they advanced to the semis

gree and experience alone would not be enough to guarantee progress in the knockout stages. In the other quarter-final, Botofago FC produced a commanding firsthalf performance to defeat Aroaima United 2-0. Botofago wasted little time asserting themselves, with Mark Malique Denniston breaking the deadlock in the third minute. The advantage was doubled 33 minutes later when Samuel Haynes found the back of the net

in the 36th minute, giving Botofago a comfortable 2-0 lead at the interval. Aroaima United attempted to mount a comeback after the restart, but Botofago remained organised and defended their advantage to secure a cleansheet victory. The two results have set the tone for an exciting knockout phase, with Capital FC and Botofago FC securing their places in the Summer Super Cup semi-finals as the battle for the tournament’s lucrative prize purse continues.

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2026

Royston’s penalty heroics send Guyana’s U14s into CFU Tier II final

Guyana will now face Suriname in the Tier II final on Sunday, August 23, from 09:30h in Punta Cana

oalkeeper Royston Winter produced three saves in a dramatic penalty shootout to send Guyana into the final of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Under-14 Challenge Series Tier II competition in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Guyana defeated 10man Saint Martin 3-2 on penalties after the teams battled to a 2-2 draw in Friday’s semi-final. The Guyanese youngsters twice

came from behind during regulation time before Winter took centre stage in the shootout. Saint Martin opened the scoring in the 17th minute and carried a 1-0 advantage into the halftime break. Guyana responded in the second half, with Dane Vancooten finding the equaliser in the 45th minute. Saint Martin regained the lead in the 56th minute following an unfortu-

nate moment for Winter. The goalkeeper fumbled the ball, and the rebound was adjudged by the assistant referee to have crossed the line. Guyana refused to surrender and were level again six minutes later when Cavon Peters struck in the 62nd minute. Neither team could find another goal before the final whistle, sending the match directly to penalties. Guyana’s number

10 converted the opening penalty, while Saint Martin also scored their first attempt. Substitute Wayshawn Forde then put away Guyana’s second kick before Winter saved Saint Martin’s second attempt. Adiel Hamilton converted Guyana’s third penalty, after which Winter remained composed to stop Saint Martin’s third kick, which was struck straight down the middle. Guyana had an opportunity to seal the victory with their fourth attempt, but Gilbert Frank’s effort was saved. Saint Martin then converted their fourth penalty, placing the ball just beyond the diving Winter to remain alive in the contest. Fabio Kowlessar also had Guyana’s fifth attempt saved, giving Saint Martin an opportunity to level the shootout. However, Winter stood tall and stopped the final kick to secure a 3-2 victory and Guyana’s place in the final. Guyana’s starting XI comprised Winter, Vancooten, Hamilton, Frank, Peters, Kowlessar, Dylan Kendall, Daniel Chesney, Lujon Dos Santos, Aaron Vasconcellos, and Malik Sobers. The substitutes were

Goalkeeper Royston Winter produced three saves in a dramatic penalty shootout to send Guyana into the final of the CFU Under-14 Challenge Series Tier II

Teon Francis, Andrew Brown, Isaac Taylor, Forde, Dontay Kowlessar, Nash Moe, Asher McIntyre, Wayatt Fernandes and Isaiah Pellew. Guyana will now face Suriname in the Tier II fi-

nal on Sunday, August 23, from 09:30h. in Punta Cana. Suriname booked their place in the championship match with a 3-1 victory over Antigua and Barbuda in the other semi-final.

Mittelholzer ready to test himself John powers to 2nd in Stage 7 of Tour de Guyane at Buenos Aires Half Marathon

uyana’s national road race champion Briton John continued his impressive showing at the 2026 Tour de Guyane by finishing second on Stage Seven in Sinnamary on Friday. John, representing Vélo Club de Sinnamary, crossed the line in the same time as stage winner Meving Gène of Guadeloupe following the 142.9-kilometre journey from Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni. Both riders recorded three hours, 19 minutes, and 22 seconds. Belgium’s Jonas De Schampheleire finished third, two seconds behind the leading pair, while Carl Jolly of Schils-Great Britain placed fourth 33 seconds later. John’s runner-up finish came two days after his historic Stage Five victory. Racing in front of his club’s home crowd, the Guyanese battled through back pain and narrowly missed another stage win in an exciting finish. John De Schutter, Sten Verzijl, Jean-Nicolas De Broeck and Sooi Wuyts were also part of the group that completed the stage 33 seconds behind the winner. Jakob Langmann finished ninth 40 seconds behind, while Luca Harter rounded out the top 10 at one minute and 59 seconds behind the pair. The result lifted John three places in the individual general classification. He moved from 30th after Stage Six to 27th after Stage Seven, while

Guyana’s Briton John (left) finished second in Stage Seven of the Tour de Guyane in French Guiana on Friday (Ville de Sinnamary photo)

reducing his deficit to the overall leader from 10 minutes and 10 seconds to eight minutes and five seconds. Tim Arts of the Global Cycling Team retained the yellow jersey with an overall time of 21 hours and 43 seconds. Guadeloupe’s Damien Urcel remained second, eight seconds behind, while Nicolas Gauthier of Quebec Vélo occupied third at 44 seconds. Charlie Lacaille was fourth at one minute and eight seconds, followed by De Broeck at one minute and 21 seconds. Oscar Hutchings, Jolly, Killian Boscher, Verzijl and Bram Munsterman completed the overall top 10. Stage Seven followed Thursday’s demanding double-header. The day began with a 100.8-kilometre road race from Saint-Laurentdu-Maroni to Mana, won by Belgian rider Rutger Wouters,

before the cyclists contested an afternoon individual time trial between Awala and Yalimapo. The time trial significantly reshaped the overall standings and left John in 30th place heading into Friday’s stage. After seven stages, Wouters led the points and combativity classifications, while Bouke Gerritsma held the red jersey for the hot spots competition. Jolly led the combined classification, Gauthier was the leading Under-23 rider and Guadeloupe headed the team standings. Antoine Grand was selected to carry the blue combativity jersey during the next stage. Of the 93 riders who started Stage Seven, Benjamin Bousquet abandoned the race while Tayes Lompeja finished outside the permitted time limit.

uyanese distance runner Hicks Mittelholzer will compete in the Buenos Aires Half Marathon on Sunday, viewing the prestigious 21.1-kilometre race as another important step in his development. Mittelholzer registered for the event approximately two months ago, shortly after entries opened. He was drawn to the race because of its reputation, strong international field, and the opportunity to compete in conditions vastly different from those in Guyana. Buenos Aires is emerging from its winter period, and Mittelholzer is eager to discover how he will perform over the half-marathon distance in a cooler climate. “I’m excited, grateful and curious to see what I can produce,” he said. “I’m not putting unnecessary pressure on myself, but I definitely want to compete well and see the result of the work I’ve been putting in.” Sunday’s race is one of the region’s largest road-running events and will attract thousands of participants from around the world. The field is also expected to include several leading distance runners, among them Ethiopian star Yomif Kejelcha. Mittelholzer said competing at the same event as athletes of that standard will be a special experience. He hopes to meet some of the

elite runners, observe their preparation, and learn from the way they approach the race. The Guyanese remains self-trained and has maintained a simple and consistent programme ahead of the event. Much of his development has come through studying distance running, evaluating his own sessions and observing some of Guyana’s leading 5K and 10K athletes. “I believe there is always something to learn from the people around you,” he said. Mittelholzer also credited the “4AM Crew” for helping him through the demanding preparation period. The group has provided encouragement during early-morning sessions and long Saturday runs when motivation was sometimes difficult to find. He has personally covered most of the cost of participating, but received contributions from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and Gafoors. Mittelholzer said their assistance helped make the international opportunity possible. He considers the expenses associated with overseas competition an investment in his development and longterm goals as a distance runner. Mittelholzer hopes the Buenos Aires experience will help him improve, gain valuable international expo-

sure, and measure his ability in a new environment. He also wants his journey to encourage other Guyanese runners to pursue larger stages through consistency, patience, and determination.

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Guyana’s “Father of Cycling” Hassan Mohamed dies at 80 G

uyana’s cycling fraternity has lost one of its most influential figures following the death of former national cycling coach Hassan Mohamed. Mohamed, widely regarded as the “Father of Cycling” in Guyana, passed away peacefully in his sleep during the early hours of Friday, August 21, a source close to his family confirmed. He was 80 and would have celebrated his 81st birthday on October 28. His death brings an end to a remarkable association with cycling that spanned more than six decades as a competitor, coach, administrator, and race organiser. Born on October 28, 1945, Mohamed grew up in Alexander Village and attended Broad Street Government School and Trinity Methodist School. He entered competitive cycling at age 13 in July 1958 as a member of Carlton Wheelers Cycle Club. Mohamed competed in the juvenile, junior and senior divisions before serving as cap-

tain of Carlton Wheelers from 1968 to 1972. He retired from competitive riding in 1972 because of family commitments, but remained closely connected to the sport. In 1975, he received a Guyana Olympic Association scholarship to study in Rome, Italy. During the threemonth programme, he earned qualifications from the Union Cycliste Internationale and the International Olympic Committee, along with certification in physical education. Upon returning to Guyana, Mohamed was appointed national cycling coach on August 1, 1975. He subsequently worked through the National Sports Commission and several Government Ministries while extending cycling programmes into communities across the country. One of his greatest contributions was his stewardship of the annual “Teach Them Young” programme at the National Park. Introduced as part of a government youth initiative in 1976, the programme provided genera-

tions of children with training in riding, bicycle safety, and competitive cycling. Among the prominent cyclists associated with the programme were Hector Edwards, Raymond Newton, Godfrey Pollydore, Linden Dowridge, Geron Williams, Raynauth Jeffrey, Jamal John, Hamza Eastman, and Scott Savory. Mohamed was also credited with introducing regular circuit racing on the National Park’s inner circuit and founding the National Sports Commission Independence Three-Stage Cycle Road Race in 1983. Away from coaching, he served in several administrative positions, including treasurer and racing secretary of the Guyana Cycling Federation and President of Carlton Wheelers Cycle Club. His ability to attract corporate sponsorship also helped to maintain a packed calendar of road races and National Park events. Mohamed represented Guyana as a coach and man-

ager at several international competitions, including the 1975 Pan American Games in Mexico, the 1977 World Cycling Championships in Venezuela, and the 1978 Commonwealth Games in Edmonton, Canada. His service was recognised nationally in 1990 when he received the Medal of Service for his contribution to cycling development and Guyana. He was also named runner-up for the National Sports Commission’s Coach of the Year award in 1991 and 1996, and received additional recognition from the Guyana Olympic Association. Mohamed retired after approximately five decades in cycling administration, but remained interested in the sport’s development. One of his longstanding wishes was for Guyana to establish a dedicated cycling stadium or velodrome. His legacy will live on through the many cyclists he coached and the programmes and competitions he helped establish.

Hassan Mohamed, widely regarded as the “Father of Cycling” in Guyana, passed away peacefully in his sleep during the early hours of Friday, August 21

President Ali leads tributes to cycling stalwart Hassan Mohamed

President Dr Irfaan Ali led tributes to former national cycling coach and stalwart Hassan Mohamed, who died on Friday morning

resident Dr Irfaan Ali has led tributes to former national cycling coach and stalwart Hassan Mohamed, who died on Friday morning, describing him as one of the country’s most recognisable and dedicated sporting figures. President Ali said Mohamed devoted decades of his life to developing cycling as a national coach, organiser and mentor, while nurturing successive generations of riders. “His name is indelibly etched into the histo-

ry of the local sport,” the President said. Mohamed organised countless cycling meets, particularly around the inner circuit of the National Park, and helped many young riders develop into serious competitors. According to President Ali, he transformed the circuit into a classroom, testing ground, and launch pad for emerging talent. As national coach, Mohamed identified promising riders, sharpened their abilities, and gave them the confidence to

compete. Many cyclists who later represented Guyana or established themselves locally first developed under his guidance. The President said Mohamed nurtured a strong culture of competition and provided the continuity that carried cycling through changing times. “His final ride is over, but the sport will continue to be propelled by generations of cyclists, coaches and administrators inspired by his example,” President Ali said. The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission (NSC) also joined the country in mourning Mohamed’s passing. Minister Charles Ramson Jr; Minister within the Ministry, Steven Jacobs and Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle described him as a central pillar of cycling development in Guyana for more than four decades. Mohamed began riding competitively in the late 1950s and ended his career as a cyclist in the early 1970s. He was later credited with introducing circuit racing in Guyana through the use of the National Park’s inner circuit. That venue became a breeding ground for young

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports commission also joined the country in mourning the former national coach

riders through the NSC’s annual “Teach Them Young” programme, which introduced hundreds of cyclists to the sport. Mohamed also continued organising races there to provide riders with regular opportunities to develop. His contributions extended beyond Guyana, as he managed cyclists at regional and international competitions. He also played a major role in the Inter-Guiana Games,

where riders developed under his guidance frequently excelled against competitors from Suriname and French Guiana. The Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) said Mohamed was the driving force behind the “Teach Them Young” programme and was instrumental in nurturing several champions, including Marlon “Fishy” Williams, Robin Persaud, and Linden Dowridge. The Federation re-

vealed that it had been preparing to revive the programme in 2027 and hoped Mohamed would have been present to open the proceedings. It is now seeking to work with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport to organise a simple but meaningful tribute before his burial. President Ali, the Ministry, the NSC and the GCF extended condolences to Mohamed’s family, relatives, friends, and the wider cycling fraternity.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2026

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

Pooran powers Kings to 6-wicket win over Kingsmen

St Lucia Kings won the toss and elected to bowl

amil Pooran struck an unbeaten 81 to guide the Saint

Lucia Kings to a six-wicket victory over the Jamaica Kingsmen in their Republic

Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) encounter at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium on Friday night. Chasing 170, the Kings reached 171 for four in 18.2 overs after Matthew Forde’s five-wicket haul had helped restrict the Kingsmen to 169 for nine from their allotted 20 overs. Pooran anchored the successful chase with six fours and five sixes during his 49ball innings. He received late support from Obus Pienaar, who smashed an unbeaten 34 from 14 deliveries, including four fours and two sixes. The Kings lost Tim Seifert for 12 with the score on 25, but Pooran and John Campbell steadied the innings with a 66-run second-wicket partnership. Campbell contributed 23

from 19 balls before he was removed by Vitel Lawes. Lawes struck again when he dismissed Johann Jeremiah for one, while Hunain Shah bowled Captain Roston Chase for 11 to leave the Kings on 114 for four in the 14th over. However, Pooran and Pienaar took control with an unbroken 57-run partnership from 27 balls. Their aggressive stand carried the home side across the finish line with 10 deliveries remaining. Earlier, Saint Lucia won the toss and elected to bowl before Forde ripped through Jamaica’s top order. The Kingsmen stumbled to 54 for five inside six overs, with Forde accounting for Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Rovman Powell, and Hassan Khan during the collapse.

Keacy Carty held the innings together with a measured 50 from 45 balls, while Andre Russell made 25 from 15 deliveries. Odean Smith provided a late boost with an unbeaten 27 from 17 balls as Jamaica recovered to post a competitive total. Keacy Carty made 50 for the Kingsmen Forde fini s h e d with impressive figures of five for 23 from four overs. Joshua Bishop, Maheesh Theekshana, and Shadley van Schalkwyk collected one wicket each. Lawes took two for 22 for the Kingsmen, while Shah claimed two for 34 in the losing effort.

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