Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com
Issue No. 6539
THE BEACON OF TRUTH SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2026
PPP/C on “solid grounds” for 2031 General & Regional Elections – VP – says Party fully committed to Jagdeo “people-centred” governance-style See story on page 3
2 Corentyne men stabbed to death during Water Street brawl Page 17
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WHAT'S INSIDE:
Suriname named alleged transit point in cocaine route to Europe – Venezuelan authorities P11
P8 Former detective gets 24 months for impersonating SOCU Officers
DDL breaks ground on Remaining Cummings Park new facility expansion squatters ordered in St Kitts & Nevis Min Ramraj to relocate within calls out T&HD over lack of 10 days consultation Page 7
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P15
on ferry truck weight limits
Model Village Initiative
$1.8B housing development P9 at St Cuthbert’s Mission to deliver 2000 house lots
Bush Lot, Bath Settlement & Hopetown to undergo infrastructure & economic transformation – initiative is more than roads & infrastructure – Pres Ali
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Fujian Association of Guyana donates $3.2M to support MV Barima relief efforts P14
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PPP/C on “solid grounds” for 2031 General & Regional Elections – VP Jagdeo – says Party fully committed to “people-centred” governance-style
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COMMODITIES Indicators Crude Oil
US$ $78.18/barrel
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Bid/Ask
PPP General Secretary and Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo during Tuesday’s public day event at Linden
G
eneral Secretary (GS) of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Dr Bharrat Jagdeo says the governing party is well-positioned ahead of the 2031 General and Regional Elections, citing its people-centred approach. Jagdeo, who currently serves as Vice President (VP) in the present Administration, made these remarks following a successful public day event in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) earlier this week. According to Jagdeo, that engagement, which saw scores of residents in attendance, demonstrates the ruling party’s commitment to remaining open, accessible, and responsive to the needs of Guyanese. “What you [saw there] is just typical of the PPP management style. We have always been accessible to the people on the ground, and we continue to do so – from the President [Dr Irfaan Ali] to almost all the Ministers. We kept that essential feature of the party open,” the GS posited. This approach, he emphasised, is different from the aloofness displayed under the previous People’s National Congress (PNC)-led A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition regime during the 2015 to 2020 period. After losing the 2020 General and Regional Elections to the PPP/C, the Coalition partners had a major fallout and contested the 2025 polls separately, churning out an even more dismal performance, with the APNU being demoted as the main parliamentary opposition and the AFC booted from the National Assembly. On the other hand, the PPP/C strengthened its parliamentary presence with a seven-seat majority after securing a landslide victory at last year’s elections. Though still several years ahead, Jagdeo is confident that the party is well-positioned for another win at the next polls. “I see people talking about [2031]. We’re on solid grounds for [2031]. They’ll be shocked to see what will happen in [2031] ... We have a full nearly five years ahead of us. Elections are going to be held in 2031, so we have nearly five years ahead of us to continue working on solv-
ing people’s problems. And we intend to put all of our efforts into that work,” Jagdeo declared. During Tuesday’s public day in Linden – a traditional stronghold of the opposition – scores of residents turned out to participate in the event held at the Watooka Guest House. Jagdeo had said that this demonstrates that residents were more concerned about addressing issues affecting their daily lives than being influenced by politics. “It shows that people don’t care too much for the politics when it concerns their lives,” he stated. The VP had noted that the outreach allowed Government officials to address a range of concerns raised by residents, particularly issues relating to housing, land leases and public assistance. “So, as is typical of many of these public days, the issues surrounding housing and leases for land, some public assistance, and a lot of issues are similar issues. Not a surprise because we have encountered similar issues across the country,” Jagdeo said. The VP added that the Government remains com-
mitted to resolving these matters across the country, including in Region 10. “The Government is committed to working to resolve all of these issues for people everywhere in our country, regardless of where they live. And the people of Region 10 are no exception,” he said. Moreover, VP Jagdeo noted that the Government would continue focusing on long-term development rather than being distracted by criticism or short-term measures. “We will just continue doing what we are doing, which is keeping a focus on what matters most to our country and our people. We’re not going to be distracted by extraneous noise and by those who try to knock us off this course that we have defined,” he said. He further stated that while some Government initiatives may take time to produce results, they are aimed at creating sustainable progress and economic opportunities. “Sometimes the things that we work on yield results in the long term. So, they’re not as attractive as what
some may propagate – the short-term fixes. But it’s the long-term issues that matter most to the country because they create sustainable progress and wealth for our people and lead to a prosperous life,” Jagdeo said. The VP also highlighted Government spending on public sector wages and salaries, noting that public servants are now earning significantly more compared to when the Administration returned to office. “Whilst we’re addressing short-term help, and a lot of people have received shortterm help, you just look at the wages and salaries built in the public sector. It has gone up phenomenally. It means more public servants are earning literally over $100 billion more per year since today and since we returned to office,” he said. Throughout the day, Linden residents continued to turn out in large numbers for the Public Day, where they engaged officials on matters involving housing, education, agriculture, the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), and other sectors.
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Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Industrial Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com
Future Builders
G
uyana’s greatest resource is its people. The country’s long-term progress depends on sustained investment in its human capital and a deliberate commitment to improving the standard of living for all citizens. This requires increased socio-economic investments in projects that enhance livelihoods, expand opportunities, and enable individuals and families to create and accumulate wealth over the next decade and beyond. To achieve these objectives, the Government must develop and implement a comprehensive national strategy to address the social challenges that undermine life expectancy, public health, productivity, happiness, and public safety. Such a strategy should prioritise education, healthcare, employment, social protection, and community development while fostering collaboration across the public and private sectors. Equally important is meaningful engagement with key stakeholders at the local, regional, and international levels to cultivate a new culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and creativity among young people. By encouraging the development of creative industries, emerging technologies, and other knowledge-based sectors, Guyana can empower its youth to become active contributors to the country’s economic transformation. Young people must also be inspired to recognise their role in shaping the future. They should be encouraged to establish clear goals, uphold high standards, and pursue innovative ideas that respond to an evolving global landscape. By investing in their talents and equipping them with the skills and opportunities to succeed, Guyana can build a more prosperous, resilient, and inclusive society for generations to come. In short, young people must also be indoctrinated in the art of philosophy and the science of ethics and acceptable conduct so that they can easily appreciate the notions of equity, social justice, and fairness. They must be properly schooled by their superiors – who are leaders in our society today, including their parents, teachers, and community elders – to stand against all forms of non-discrimination, racism, and gender victimisation. As of late, there has been a stark increase in the levels of youth crime in our society, and from all indications, this is likely to continue until our society unites to solve the problem. Too often, teenage offenders are written off at a young age, regardless of hard circumstances or minor offences. In spite of progress in developing opportunities for young people over the past 51 years, we hope more focus will be placed on preventing youth crime, as it has the potential to affect our country’s trajectory. Even in the Guyana of old, when it was acknowledged that a stronger support system fostered respect for self and others at school, in the home, and at church, there were a few who strayed into deviant behaviours. Exposure to violence and sexual deviance poses a huge threat to young people’s lives and moral make-up. It is widely acknowledged that the tree should be bent while young. If poor training is not arrested in its tracks at a tender age, it can spiral out of control and result in serious crimes that affect the whole country. And we, as a society, can no longer afford to turn a blind eye, harping on the fact that “something must be done”, but not being willing to do the work, help mentor a young person, or press the political class to enact crucial policies to change the tide. Over the years, studies have shown that when mentors are actively engaged in a child’s life, one can see a reduction, but not complete elimination, of delinquent behaviours, less drug and alcohol usage, and improved academic performances by children. With more mentoring and positive, wholesome interactions in Guyana between young peers and adults, we are certain that the tide can be turned in favour of having fewer violent, deviant, at-risk youths. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The more we can instil positive behaviours and thinking into our youths, the greater results we will have in producing not only functional, law-abiding citizens but also tapping into the skills and talents they have to further our country’s growth.
Saraswati Vidya Niketan Guyana observed Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign 2026 fervour with the High Commission of India, Georgetown, at their Ashram, engaging revered Swami Aksharananda and his Ashram students in the noble initiative of the Government of India in spreading the message of freedom, oneness and global peace
A New Dawn for Our Villages: The Model Village Initiative Brings Hope to Every Community
Guyana is developing at an impressive rate. The economy is growing rapidly, and significant investments are being made in critical sectors such as education, infrastructure, health, and sanitation. One area that stands to benefit from this trend is the improvement of communities across Guyana, particularly under the Government’s Model Village Initiative. This is a positive development because it comes at a time when Guyana has the chance to reimagine what modern communities should look like going forward. Too often in the past, development was equated with building roads, drains, and structures. The Model Village concept takes a more expansive approach that gives attention to making communities safer, cleaner, better organised, more economically active, and more sustainable. The outreach carried so far shows that the Government is not building from a distance; it is building alongside the grandmothers, the farmers, the small business owners, and the young parents who know their communities best. This is what true partnership between a Government and its people looks like. so far is instructive in this regard, citizens are learning about plans
to upgrade their communities, and have the opportunity to provide input on projects before the completion date. This is a good approach, and something that should continue as the plan rolls out to additional villages. For one, every community has its own unique circumstances. The needs of an urban village on the East Coast will differ from those on the West Coast, or even villages in rural, riverine, or hinterland areas. The beauty of this concept is that it should raise the bar for services while taking into account the history, culture, and identity of each community. How does this happen? Officials can work with residents to identify areas for improvement. Simple things like drainage, upgraded recreation areas for children and families, planting more trees, painting facilities, and installing better security and fire-safety measures can significantly enhance the daily lives of community members. None of these things are glamorous on their own. But when bundled together, they can have a transformational effect. Plans to increase economic activity are welcome. Many of Guyana’s villages are home to
vendors, bricklayers, carpenters, painters, farmers, transportation services, and other small business owners who provide much-needed services to their communities. Designating areas for vending, providing commercial spaces for businesses, allocating space for industrial activities such as parking trucks, and creating spaces for entertainment can allow vendors to thrive while avoiding unnecessary conflict between vendors and residents. Citizen buy-in is another benefit of this project. Too often, Governments can build schools, hospitals, roads, and facilities, only for them to be vandalised or neglected by the very citizens who stand to benefit from them. Community clean-up campaigns, respect for public property, and taking pride in one’s home are all ways that residents can help their Government’s efforts. The model village concept should seek to empower residents to take greater ownership of their spaces. Of course, no two Guyanese villages should look the same. Maintaining the unique character of each community is important and should be celebrated. However, baseline standards can and should be
set when it comes to essential services. Residents of a small village far away from Georgetown should expect their environment to be as clean as someone living in a more developed urban area. They should be able to enjoy recreational spaces, use playgrounds without worrying about medication, and benefit from strong drainage and road networks. They should feel safe walking along the streets at night just as much as anyone else in Guyana. The Model Village Initiative has the opportunity to bring this type of equilibrium to communities across Guyana. Commendation is due to the Government for taking this holistic approach to community development. Now it is time to ensure that the proper consultations are held with residents, plans are rolled out transparently and quickly, and maintained properly once completed. Most of all, every community should have an equal opportunity to benefit from this noble endeavour. Guyana is developing for tomorrow. Let’s not forget to build stronger villages today. Yours respectfully, Philip Inshanally
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We have an Opposition of hurt souls Dear Editor, We live in a time when information is the driving force behind shaping perceptions and perspectives; whether what is disseminated is true or not entirely depends on how the population can comprehend, and, rather, if they are able to comparatively understand political statements from fact, logic, truth, and reality. It is without question that we have a large portion of this country that is less academically inclined to understand the narratives they support; that lack of understanding is being exploited by politicians, not for building a nation, but rather to score cheap political points. Arguments from Opposition politicians follow a trend whereby simply whining and pointing a finger at the Government is the only medium by which they show their existence – no solution, no alternative, nothing constructive to outshine the existing Government – just an obsession with exploiting anything to cast blame for political relevance in the interest of seek-
ing power. Today, the political atmosphere has shifted from acting in the interest of Guyanese to now telling them what to think, where facts are replaced with conspiracies, where information overload makes it difficult to understand the truth, and where political opponents try to erase history from exposing their hypocrisy. Editor, in the eyes of the sensible, it is clear that the playbook of modern politics is for power and influence. The cost? Expanding the current division within our country for generations to come. Is this what politics has come to? What a shame! Gone are the days of politics with integrity, morality, and a large degree of conscience, where personal differences and attacks were considered irrelevant when it came to national development, where political debates were structured around discussion – not inciting conspiracies. Where there was order, not a barrage of empty barrels desecrating Parliament with their “clown cart politics”.
PPP/C Region 10 condemns disruptive protest
Dear Editor, The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Region 10, strongly condemns the disruptive protest staged by the Opposition parties during Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo’s Government Outreach in Linden on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. The outreach was organised to provide residents of Region 10 with direct access to Government Ministers, agencies, and public officials to address concerns relating to housing, agriculture, employment, land ownership, health care, education, social services, business development, and other matters affecting their daily lives. Hundreds of residents took advantage of the opportunity to engage directly with cabinet Ministers, members of Parliament, senior Government officials, and regional officers to seek solutions to issues that may have been affecting them. It must be noted that the outreach proceeded successfully despite the demonstration. Rather than allowing our citizens to benefit from this important engagement, Opposition political leaders organised a protest at the Watooka Guest House Complex, where the outreach was held, with an apparent effort to distract the Government’s efforts to deliver services and engage directly with the people, but they failed miserably. While every citizen has a constitutional right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression, those rights must be exercised peacefully and without intimidating members of the public or disrupting the legitimate activities of others. The PPP/C believes that Linden residents deserve constructive leadership focused on development, job creation, improved infrastructure, better housing opportunities, and expanded public services, not political confrontation and unnecessary disruption.
The Vice President Dr Jagdeo reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to Region 10 by outlining measures to address the housing backlog, regularise eligible lands, and continue investments in community development, massive expansion in agriculture, and expanded business opportunities. These initiatives demonstrate the Government’s determination to ensure that Region 10 receives its fair share of national development. The PPP/C Region 10 welcomes the overwhelming participation of residents who chose dialogue over division. Their presence demonstrated that the people of Linden are prepared to engage constructively with the Government to improve their communities. We call on all political stakeholders to respect democratic principles by allowing Government outreach programmes to proceed without interference while respecting the right of citizens to express their views peacefully and within the bounds of the law. The People’s Progressive Party/Civic remains committed to working with every community across Region 10 and Guyana as a whole, regardless of political affiliation. Our focus remains on delivering better roads, expanded housing opportunities, improved health care, quality education, employment creation, and sustainable economic growth for every resident. Together, we will continue building a stronger, more prosperous, and united Region 10. We commend the residents who participated respectfully in the outreach, and thanks to the public servants, Government agencies, and all my colleagues who ensured that the programme proceeded safely and effectively. Thank you, Andrew Forsythe
Evidently, we have an Opposition of hurt souls, where one set seeks protection from prison, and the other set is vexatious because they believe they have been robbed of their “divine right” to rule. These are individuals devoid of reality who instead lock themselves in a bubble, pretending to forget their actions in the past, seemingly blind when it comes to the development happening in front of them, and somehow speak as if they have solutions to every problem, but their performances stop when the camera cuts off. These are the politicians that prefer their support bases to remain uneducated and arrogant, so they can avoid being critical thinkers and instead parrot (not question) whatever narratives they’re told. The cheap political intentions are so shallow that their support base is essentially being told to avoid Government assistance just so that their political idols can use that as justification to claim persecution. The APNU/AFC, when in Government, was probably the most hypocritical political establishment in the history of this country, because despite their outward presence of virtuous intent, behind the scenes, they are the primary “schemers” of the division that exists today. In 2014, they killed the hydro project for reasons they themselves cannot logically prove; in 2026, they are critical of the Government for hiring power ships to support the current electrical demand. Think for a minute – had the project been approved in Parliament 10 years ago, then the country would not be in need of hiring
power ships. Twelve-year-old Marlon Jupiter died in March 2026 because he was unable to secure the funds necessary to fight his cancer. The APNU was critical of the Government for not being able to secure the infrastructure to provide these services, but in June 2015, it was the same APNU/AFC that killed the speciality hospital project. Had this not been the case, then that innocent child would have gotten access to treatment right in his own country. In fact, the same APNU/AFC Administration that promised “a good life for all” couldn’t even build one hospital! Yet somehow managed to spend $2 billion a year on dietaries (food to eat). The APNU/AFC signed the oil deal and kept it secret for two years until public pressure mounted on them to release the details of the contract. We saw what they agreed to; even the global witness report showed how much more Guyana could have gotten had they negotiated better. Yet they exist in Parliament today like «brain-fogged barnacles», critical of the Government over the oil industry, when they were the ones who signed the deal leading to this same outcome, down to the NRF they passed while squatting in Government, essentially giving the bank card of that fund to the then-finance Minister with zero accountability in Parliament on deposits and withdrawals. When that was changed, they turned it into a political embarrassment in Parliament, trying to physically bully their way to stop the vote, presenting an image of fighting for the right thing when in reality they
wanted to avoid having to abide by the law governing the act and its several redundancies geared towards transparency, should they return to power. The CoI they launched to conduct investigations into GuySuCo recommended not closing these estates, yet the APNU/AFC did close them, displacing 7000 Guyanese with no alternative for them to survive economically, all this despite their political campaigns prior to assuming office that “we will protect sugar.” Today, they pretend to forget about it. The WIN political party is no different; their mere existence today serves one purpose: to protect Azruddin’s bank account. He knows that if the US extradition is successful, all that he earned through alleged illegal means will be flushed down the drain. Don’t believe me? Take Roger Khan as a prime example. Azruddin was unknown before the investigation into his business dealings. They lived lavishly while many complained about the cost of living. Did they care then? What changed? The sanctions did. As ludicrous as it might sound, I am almost certain that none of his supporters ever asked themselves that question! His entrance into politics is a game he knows he is losing. His primary objective for immunity was miserably dystopian; his political aspirations for bringing fresh, radical shifts in the existing spectrum are evidently hollow, as he engages in the same playbook as the hypocrites seeking power over the purse on the same side of the house. WIN knows their support base will do and say anything for money, so they are exploit-
ing this to advance and curate his image as a modern-day Robin Hood. But the reality is he is fearful of the committal proceedings ahead. Why? Because everything he spent the last year denying will be made public: wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, and gold smuggling, all of which he has denied, will be revealed through these proceedings for the whole world to see. Guyanese assume his case that went to the CCJ was to fight off the extradition, but it was a delaying tactic to further curate his image. That’s why you saw him videoing dogs and cows all over the place these past few months. They knew they would lose, but time was more important. Now that he has a whole month before the proceedings continue – courtesy of our legal system – it is no doubt that we can expect more bizarre and seemingly desperate attempts to portray himself as a “messiah” for the people, possibly even finding another issue to use in the courts to derail and delay. While the Government pushes ahead, they are not perfect; they have a lot of internal cracks that need to be fixed. But the facts remain: we can see and feel the visible changes nationally, all of this operating outside the typical noise of opposing politicians who are segregated from reality. Therefore, the question must be asked: what is more important, national development for the benefit of all or fighting behind certain politicians who seek only for themselves? Kind regards, Dev Harry
A national tragedy as a political football Dear Editor, There is a new low in Guyana’s politics, and this is where the leader of the Opposition and leaders in the APNU felt that they could thrive opportunistically to secure partisan points, and assign blame to the ruling party rather than focus on healing the wounds of this nation and determine accountability by awaiting the findings of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) and recommend systemic reforms. These Opposition elements are of the opinion that when they feign this high level of outrage, this will not only boost their public image, but also weaken the Government, thus paving a way for eventual removal from office. When the Government and its Ministers are vehemently attacked by the Opposition, the focus is shifted away from the officials who are directly responsible for the day-to-day operations of the MV Barima, the Transport and Harbour Department, and the Maritime Administration Department. In a CoI these are the people, including the Captain, engineers, and the crew members, who must be intensely examined and cross-examined to provide answers in order to determine and assign culpability. Moreover, survivors will have their say. Unfortunately, the Opposition is of the opinion that Ministers
Edghill and Indar are already found guilty for this national tragedy and must pay the ultimate price of removal from office. This is quite ludicrous and without any merit, legal or otherwise. These Ministers are not culpable in any way, so the question is why the incessant wailing for their removal from office? The protests, which were engineered by the Opposition, especially the fugitive offender who has nothing to lose, have once again sought to open old wounds of division which President Irfaan Ali and his loyal team have spent great time and effort to heal. It is a shame to witness extremely complex issues, both social and infrastructural, being reduced to the vociferous chanting of misdirected emotional slogans which were meant only to create hate and mistrust. Is this what a responsible Opposition must do? We have travelled too far as a nation to revert to this Neanderthal mentality where we view our fellowmen as adversaries, rather than as our friends and allies, working together to build this nation. I must compliment the Vice President, Dr Jagdeo, for the dignified calm and statesmanship he displayed at Linden; the Opposition leader can learn a lot from him. When lives lost are treated as mere propaganda tools, the message which gets transmit-
ted to the public is that human lives are not worth anything. We have seen from the first day of the tragedy the leader of the Opposition was busy sharing videos on his Facebook page. It is outrageous to view the dead bodies of loved ones being treated with such cheapness, but publicity is the name of the game. I would hate to see the bodies of my parents or children be displayed floating in the Atlantic. Such callousness is inexcusable. This is
gross disrespect to the victims and their families, but now it is about scoring cheap political points. Then to add insult to injury, the private grief of the families is being dragged into the public domain under the pretext of demonstrating grief and compassion. The political agenda is clear as daylight, and the crocodile tears fool no one. Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf
SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2026
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Geometry Angles
Angles are formed where two lines meet at a common point. The common point is called the vertex of the angle and the lines are called the arms of the angle. They are measured in degrees (°).
This angle is named ABC with the vertex letter in the middle.
Types of angles
There are 5 main types of angles:
Angles can be named by the points that exist on the arms and vertex. For example,
A
galaxy is a group of stars, clouds of gas, and dust particles that move together through the universe. There are billions of galaxies in the universe. They probably formed billions of years ago, soon after the universe began. The Sun, Earth, and the other planets of the solar system are part of the Milky Way galaxy. Most galaxies move through the universe as part of clusters, or groups, of galaxies. The Milky Way is at one end of a cluster called the Local Group. It includes about 40 galaxies. The largest galaxy in the Local Group is the Andromeda Galaxy. Even the smaller galaxies are made up of millions of stars. These galaxies may be 5000 light-years across. (A light-year is the distance light travels in a year – about 9.5 trillion kilometres.) The Milky Way is roughly 20 times larger than that. It includes hundreds of billions of stars. The largest galaxies are even bigger and contain trillions of stars. Galaxies are divided into three main categories based on their shapes: spiral,
elliptical, and irregular. Spiral galaxies look like pinwheels. They have a central disc and two or more curved arms winding outward. The disc consists mainly of older stars, while the arms have younger stars. The arms contain much dust and gas, from which new stars can form. The Milky Way is a spiral galaxy. An elliptical galaxy may be shaped like a round ball or may be more stretched out, like
its centre and fewer stars in its outer regions. Elliptical galaxies vary widely in size. Small elliptical galaxies are the most common kind of galaxy in the universe. Unusually shaped galaxies are called irregular galaxies. They are not very common. Many of them have no obvious centre point. Some of them appear to be the result of a crash between several galaxies.
By James Laughlin
I sat on the edge of the bed and held his hand it was dry and cold I squeezed the hand but of course there was no ressponse they had dressed him in one of his Scottish tweed suits with the deer's-horn buttons on the side pockets and put on the Princeton (orange and black) tie I had come to say goodbye I was crying but suddenly my sadness changed to resentment even to anger almost to hatred why are you deserting me how dare you leave me in my rage I pulled up his shoulders and shook him as hard as I could I raised him further and banged his head against the pillow I wanted to make him open his eyes how can you abandon me you the one who loved me most. (Source: Poetry [June 1990])
Write a story about a secret society of animals living in your backyard and planning to take over the town. What is their plan? an American football. It has more stars near
(Britannica Kids)
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SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
“We are not producing water to compete with you,” Indar tells stakeholders – GWI Head says bottled water facility to reduce costs, create jobs
Public Utilities and Aviation Minister Deodat Indar
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ublic Utilities and Aviation Minister Deodat Indar on Friday engaged representatives from local Private Sector bodies and key stakeholders in Guyana’s bottled water industry over the Government’s plans to establish a $496.3 million stateowned water bottling plant. There have been mounting concerns, especially from industry stakeholders, that this project would directly impact Private Sector operators. Addressing these and other concerns raised by stakeholders, Minister Indar assured the Private Sector that the Government’s proposed initiative is not intended to compete with existing businesses. “We are not producing water to compete with you,” Indar reaffirmed to the stakeholders during Friday’s engagement. The meeting, held alongside Parliamentary Secretary Thandi McAllister, brought together Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) Captain Gerald Gouveia Jr; PSC
Vice Chairwoman Kathy Smith, who also serves as President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI); representatives of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry Guyana (WCCIG); the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA); local manufacturers, suppliers, and representatives of companies including Banks DIH, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), Aquafina, and other bottled water producers. According to the Public Utilities and Aviation Ministry, this engagement reflects the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Government’s commitment to consulting with stakeholders and fostering partnerships that support investment, economic growth, and improved services for the people of Guyana.
Bottled water importation
Friday’s meeting came one day after President Dr Irfaan Ali declared that the proposed water bottling facility, which will be executed by
Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), is merely seeking to provide affordable water to citizens. “GWI has a responsibility to provide safe drinking water to the population and water that is affordable,” Ali stated. “GWI is not in competition with anyone... The local manufacturers should ask themselves why foreign water is here displacing them. Why do we have foreign water coming to Guyana and displacing local producers?” “There are some products that are social in nature. And when you look at the price of water in the region and internationally and water here, we have a duty and responsibility to the people. So it’s just arriving at that situation where there is balance-balance in need and balance in profitability,” the Guyanese leader told reporters on Thursday. In fact, similar sentiments were expressed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GWI, Shaik Baksh, who on Friday defended the Government’s decision to establish the state-owned bottled water plant, saying it will provide more affordable bottled water, create jobs and reduce the country’s foreign currency outflow. “ [The private operators] have allowed this drain of foreign exchange... We are importing bottled water in this country from as far afield, apart from Trinidad and Jamaica, from Canada and from the USA. Could you imagine that? A country with such abundant water resources importing bottled water here? Something is wrong with the system,” Baksh stated as he dismissed concerns raised by
Private Sector representatives and industry stakeholders during Friday’s engagement with Public Utilities Minister Deodat Indar
the GMSA earlier this week.
Arrival of bottled water plant
The Association, in a statement on Tuesday, called for a review of the project, arguing that the country’s goal of achieving 100 per cent locally produced bottled water can be realised through partnerships with existing local producers rather than direct state participation in the market. But according to the GWI Head, the plant has already been ordered and should arrive in Guyana within two months. A site has already been earmarked at Parfaite Harmonie, Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), for the establishment of the water bottling facility. “They have not been responding, I would say... to the water bottling business, trying to use the abundant resources here... So, we’re going to get involved here and bring down the price of bottled water... We will move in that direction and we will create more employment here in Guyana,” he asserted. Meanwhile, Baksh also
rejected concerns, mainly from the opposition, that this initiative will distract GWI from achieving its core objectives. In fact, at a press conference on Friday, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) argued that this initiative would divert state resources from fixing the national water supply system and infrastructure. Only Monday last, the National Assembly approved $496.3 million for the GWIoperated water bottling facility. The investment aims to reduce Guyana’s dependence on imported bottled water while strengthening national self-sufficiency and water security. However, the GMSA said on Tuesday that while it supports the Government’s objective of producing all bottled water locally, there are concerns about the impact this proposed state venture would have on private Guyanese businesses that already produce and distribute bottled water in the country. “Several GMSA members have invested capital, built distribution networks, and created jobs in this space over many years. Any initia-
tive by the state should be structured to strengthen, not to compete with or undermine that existing private investment,” it contended. Moreover, the Association further referenced President Ali’s announcement back in February, during which he spoke of achieving 100 per cent locally produced bottled water through close collaboration between the Government and the Private Sector, including shared production infrastructure such as bottle manufacturing to reduce costs across the industry. The GMSA said it supports that approach and urged GWI and the Public Utilities and Aviation Ministry to structure the project as a partnership that expands industry capacity and lowers production costs, rather than establishing what it described as a taxpayer-funded competitor to existing manufacturers – something it warned could discourage local producers from making future investments and create uncertainty for businesses and wider Private Sector growth.
Remaining Cummings Park squatters ordered to relocate within 10 days
Some of the squatting settlements
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ithin the next 10 days, the 14 remaining squatters occupying the Cummings Park area, which falls within the flight zone of the Eugene F Correia International Airport, are expected to be relocated. After years of concerns over squatting within the flight path of the airport at Ogle, the remaining occupants of the Cummings Park settlement are set to be relocated as the Government continues efforts to remove illegal settlements from the area. The relocation exercise forms part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to remove illegal settlements
In 2025, the Government intensified efforts to clear the area, encouraging occupants to apply for house lots through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA). At the time, some 40 individuals applied for house lots and began the process of relocating to allocated lands, while several other families were assisted by the Ministry of Housing and Water in securing allocations and relo-
Officials present at the event
from the airport’s flight zone due to the significant safety risks posed to both aviation operations and residents.
cating. Formal removal notices were also issued, with au-
thorities warning that persons who continued to occupy the area illegally or refused to cooperate would face enforcement action. The Housing
Ministry maintained that the area falls within a strict zero-tolerance squatting zone and stressed that its actions were aimed at safeguarding
public safety and ensuring the land is used in keeping with national development objectives. TURN TO PAGE 8
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Former detective gets 24 months for impersonating SOCU Officers office as a Police officer. The court, however, dismissed the charge against Sergeant Wilson since the evidence was not enough to convict him. Simon was unrepresented. SOCU was represented by Prosecutor Aaron Daniels, Attorneysat-Law David Braithwaite and Attorney-at-Law Darren Chan. Head of SOCU Deputy Commissioner Fazil
A
Akeimo Simon
keimo Simon, a former Police detective who was attached to Division 4 A, was on Thursday found guilty of demanding money with menace with intent to steal and was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment. The charge arose from an incident on March 9, 2024, during which Simon and Police Sergeant Wilson demanded $1 million from an engineer attached to the Public Works Ministry and his wife, claiming to be officers from the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), who were investigating a money laundering case brought against them. They claimed that the money requested was to forgo the investigation being conducted against them. As such, a report was made at SOCU, and based on investigations, they were arrested and charged. During the trial, the court heard that Simon,
who was then a serving Police officer, used his position and apparent Police authority to cause the complainant to believe that he was the subject of an official SOCU investigation. The court also accepted evidence that Simon produced a firearm during the encounter and indicated that the matter could be settled by the payment of money. Simon denied the allegations and maintained that his involvement related to a private financial dispute concerning a friend. However, the court rejected his account and found that the prosecution had proved the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. In sentencing Simon, the court considered his age, clean antecedents, family responsibilities and prospects for rehabilitation. The court also took into account the seriousness of the offence and his misuse of the authority associated with his
Karimbaksh warns that this conviction reinforces the importance of holding persons accountable where public office or institutional authority is used for unlawful purposes. The Unit remains committed to investigating and prosecuting financial crimes, corruption and related offences, and will continue to pursue matters where the evidence supports criminal charges.
Remaining Cummings...
FROM PAGE 7
Providing an update on Friday, Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority, Dr Martin Pertab, reiterated the need to relocate the remaining informal settlers because of the dangers associated with living within the airport’s flight path. Community Development Officer attached to the CEO, Rawle Aaron, said only 14 settlers remain from an original 89 occupants, with several families already relocated to De Endragt and other communities along the East Coast of Demerara. Aaron explained that house lots have already been allocated and homes constructed at the relocation sites to facilitate the move. He added that the remaining settlers have been given 10 days to vacate the area, while the CH&PA continues to work closely with residents to complete the relocation exercise. Earlier this year, a pub-
lic communications consultant for the Eugene F Correia International Airport, Kit Nascimento, alleged that opposition political parties had approached the squatters and encouraged them to remain in the area despite repeated warnings from airport authorities. He said the squatters had established accommodation in a zone where housing is strictly prohibited because of its proximity to the airport’s flight path. According to Nascimento, airport authorities had first informed the occupants approximately two years ago that they could not remain there and would have to relocate. However, instead of leaving, he said, the settlement continued to expand. As of February 2026, Housing Minister Collin Croal, during an episode of the Guyana Dialogue, said officials had engaged and started relocating persons from the dam between the Ogle Airstrip and the Cummings Lodge Housing Scheme. He emphasised that the Government would not recognise new squatting and had made it clear that illegal occupation in sensitive zones would not be allowed to continue. Croal said a small group of squatters, initially estimated at about eight to nine persons, had been identified occupying land within the Ogle flight zone, specifically along a dam reserve near existing housing developments. He explained that the location is not suitable for alternative road routing or settlement because the dam serves as an important access reserve and falls within a protected aviation area. He noted that the land lies between the airstrip and the Cummings Lodge Housing Scheme, where development is already restricted. According to the Minister, aviation authorities have advised that no additional houses can be constructed in that corridor due to flight-path safety requirements associated with operations at the Ogle Airstrip. Croal said the affected persons had been informed that they would have to relocate and that contravention notices had been served. He explained that the area is important as a reserve for access and is also located within a flight zone. The Minister further noted that the Government could not construct additional houses on a portion of land between the Ogle Airstrip and Cummings Lodge because the Civil Aviation Authority had advised that further development in the area could affect the flight path.
Claiming… A
…Burnham as GOAT
part from his pugilistic skills, Muhammed Ali had a way with words that made his mouth more than match his fists!! But it was his wife in the nineties who introduced a word that’s now entered the English language – GOAT or G.O.A.T. – when she used it to describe her husband as the “Greatest Of All Time”!!! It has caught on and transcended its early sports affiliations. The irony is the lower-case version – goat – has always been the complete opposite!! Well, down here in Ole Mudland, as we continue grappling with our MV Barima tragedy and the greatly diminished PNC leader Aubrey Norton struggling to retain some relevance – he just announced that among Guyanese leaders, Burnham was the GOAT!! But let’s be honest – based on his history, wasn’t he more like the lower-case version – a goat?? Let’s count the ways to justify our evaluation! We can do worse than start with the notable tragedy of mass deaths in Burnham’s days – compared to the Barima. Quick now – didn’t NINE HINDRED AND EIGHTEEN people die up in the Northwest where the Barima was headed?? It has tagged our country ever since as a living hell!! Now THAT tragedy is normally dismissed as being an American one since the dead were all from Stateside. But weren’t they human beings trying to carve out a piece of our Mudland to make it habitable and productive?? And more to the point, weren’t they supportive of Burnham and the PNC – not only at the national level, but even providing sexual succour to some big ones in the PNC?? And after their mass death, had their gold and jewellery scooped up by a PNC big one who’s still around?? But what was really incredible was Norton describing Burnham as a man of “integrity”!! So a man who went on the CIA payroll – at US$5000 monthly according to the Committee 303 Declassified files – to trigger racial hostilities that linger with us today – has integrity??!! Or ordering the assassination of one of our nation’s best and brightest – Walter Rodney – as proved by a Commission of Inquiry attesting to his integrity??!! Then, to add insult to injury, Norton boasted that Burnham ensured our nation was housed, clothed and fed during his regime?? Is this why the 1989 McIntyre Report pegged us as the second poorest country in the hemisphere – just above Haiti – from being on par with TT in 1964?? Then SURE education was free – free to wallow at the bottom as our educational system collapsed – while teachers survive by selling “sweetie” to students!! You can fool some of the people some of the time – but never all of the people all of the time!! Burnham the goat!! …the western hemisphere Last year, the Trump Administration launched its “National Security Strategy” – quickly dubbed the “Donroe Doctrine”!! It sought to secure hemispheric dominance by asserting a hard-line US sphere of influence across the region. More explicitly, it also aims to shut out strategic competitors – primarily China, but also Russia and Iran – from controlling vital infrastructure, resources, or military positioning in the region!! As an operational subcomponent, it then launched Joint Task Force-Southern Spear with 18 countries – including Guyana – to counter narco-trafficking and its train of criminal activities that’s destabilising our countries. Well, on Tuesday, Southern Spear was transitioned to Joint Task Force-Western Hemisphere, which is gonna build “on a legacy of excellence to secure the region and defeat all threats”!!! It will be “a purpose-built force synchronising US military operations with allies and partners to counter threats, strengthen regional security, and respond rapidly to crises across the Western Hemisphere”!! Yep… we have gotta move from snuffing out those boatloads of drugs heading north to cutting them off in their local lairs!!
…warped heritage A boat without proper licences and safety certifications was hired by Sanction Man to take him to Moruca – and was turned back!! What do they expect from a fella who cut his teeth on illegal smuggling? Paperwork?? 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
NEWS
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Model Village Initiative
Bush Lot, Bath Settlement & Hopetown to undergo infrastructure & economic transformation – initiative is more than roads & infrastructure – Pres Ali
President Dr Irfaan Ali addressing Region Five residents By Andrew Carmichael
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ush Lot, Bath Settlement, and Hopetown along the West Coast of Berbice (WCB) in Region Five (MahaicaBerbice), are being positioned for sweeping physical and economic transformation under the Government’s Model Village Initiative. These plans encompass improved roads and drainage, safer pedestrian spaces, upgraded bridges and utilities, recreational facilities, landscaping and other infrastructure intended to change both the appearance of the communities and the quality of life of residents. But President Dr Irfaan Ali says the ambition goes considerably further than rebuilding physical infrastructure. Addressing residents during consultations on the initiative, Ali said the Government wants commu-
nities across the country to experience the level of transformation increasingly visible in the capital and other major development areas. He described the initiative as part of a broader journey towards building “stronger communities, more resilient and sustainable communities”, while giving citizens, regardless of where they live, an opportunity to benefit from the country’s transformation. The plans being developed for Bush Lot, Bath Settlement and Hopetown form part of the Government’s wider Model Village Initiative, under which communities are being examined not merely in terms of their immediate infrastructure deficiencies but as places where people should be able to live, work, raise families and pursue new economic opportunities.
More than roads and drains
The president said creating a modern village requires consideration of its economy and how that community can be integrated into emerging economic opportunities. “We have to look at not only the creation of the modern village but also how the modern village is integrated into modern economies and modern opportunities,” he said. Pointing to agricultural production in Region Five, the President raised the possibility of moving beyond the sale of primary produce into processing and other value-added activities. He spoke, for example, about shallot and pepper production and the potential to dehydrate seasonings, package them for export and extend their shelf life – creating greater value from what farmers already produce. Shallot production is particularly associated with the
Bath Settlement area. Ali also pointed to opportunities that could become available through the proposed Guyana Development Bank, saying officials would return to communities to discuss how financing could be leveraged for community-orientated projects and enterprises. “Those are the things that a modern village speaks to indirectly,” he said. “Because a modern village and what we want to achieve are villages that are sustainable, resilient, villages that are empowering, villages that you want to live in, villages in which there is peace, harmony and dignity.” That economic integration, the President suggested, must be accompanied by better planning within communities.
A different look and feel
The physical plans presented to residents provide
a glimpse of what that transformation could mean on the ground. Across the initiative, attention is being placed on road rehabilitation, concrete drainage, bridges, pedestrian access, street lighting, utility infrastructure, road safety, landscaping, recreational and green spaces and beautification. Conceptual designs presented during the consultations depict an environment markedly different from the traditional village streetscape, landscaped parapets, covered concrete drains, defined pedestrian areas, improved road shoulders, organised parking where space permits, trees and flowering plants, modern lighting and upgraded bridges. The plans also take account of utility infrastructure, with Guyana Power and Light and the Guyana Water Incorporated expected to coordinate necessary
works before major construction begins, avoiding situations in which newly completed infrastructure has to be broken to facilitate utility works. Ali said changing communities and changing lifestyles also demand different public infrastructure. People are building larger homes and consuming more electricity, and communities themselves are expanding, he observed, making facilities such as properly positioned utility poles and fire hydrants increasingly important.
Bath Settlement
At Bath Settlement, the proposed transformation covers a substantial community footprint, with plans addressing the road and drainage networks alongside public safety, recreational and other community infrastructure. TURN TO PAGE 15
$1.8B housing development at St Cuthbert’s Mission to deliver 2000 house lots – Blocks 1, 5 at Diamond set for August, September completion middle-income earners, including informal settlers and residents from communities along the SoesdykeLinden Highway. He added that the project will also support the Government’s housing programme focused on providing affordable one- and two-bedroom homes for very low-income earners once the necessary infrastructure is completed. Meanwhile, Dr Pertab, along with a team of engineers and technical staff, conducted a site visit to assess ongoing electrical dis-
Land clearing at St Cuthbert’s Mission
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new housing development at St Cuthbert’s Mission along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway is set to provide approximately 2000 house lots upon completion as part of ongoing efforts to expand affordable housing opportunities along the corridor. The first phase of the project spans approximately 144 acres and will deliver about 500 house lots, with infrastructure works already underway. The de-
velopment represents an estimated investment of $1.8 billion and will include key infrastructure such as roads and water networks. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Dr Martin Pertab, and team on Friday visited the area to assess the progress of the project. Dr Pertab explained that the overall development is expected to cover approxi-
The ongoing electrification works at Great Diamond
mately 450 acres and will primarily target low- and
tribution works at Blocks 1
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Dr Martin Pertab, and team in discussion with engineers and contractors
and 5, Great Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD). Works at Block 1 are approximately 60 per cent complete, with completion targeted for September 20, 2026. Current activities include pole planting, installation of guy wires, earth and switches, and the stringing and tensioning of primary and secondary conductors. At Block 5, works are 70 per cent complete, with an expected completion date of August 30, 2026. The contractor is undertaking pole planting, installation of guy wires, transformers and
switches, and the stringing of primary and secondary conductors. The electrification works form part of CH&PA’s ongoing infrastructure programme, with approximately $220 million being invested to benefit some 3200 lots across the housing schemes. Dr Pertab noted that the provision of electricity and other essential utilities, including water, is critical to boosting occupancy, while the completion of road networks will continue as occupancy increases.
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60th Independence Anniversary reception
Guyana’s economic growth, strategic partnership with India take centre stage
The gathering in the evening
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he Guyana High Commission in New Delhi recently hosted a Diplomatic Reception to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of Guyana’s Independence and 60 years of diplomatic relations between Guyana and India. The event brought together members of the Diplomatic Corps, senior officials of the Government of India, business leaders, representatives of partner institutions, and members of the Guyanese diaspora. High Commissioner Dharamkumar Seeraj, during his address, reflected on Guyana’s six-decade journey as an independent nation. He reaffirmed Guyana’s unwavering commitment to international law, sovereignty, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. He also highlighted
Guyana’s emergence as the world’s fastest-growing economy and its global lead-
ership on food security, energy security, and climate security through initiatives
Guyana’s High Commissioner to India, Dharamkumar Seeraj, along with the Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles of India, Shri Pabitra Margherita, and other officials
Guyana’s High Commissioner to India, Dharamkumar Seeraj explains one of the exhibits at the event to Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles of India, Shri Pabitra Margherita
such as the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS 2030), the Global Biodiversity Alliance (GBA), and the CARICOM AgriFood Systems Agenda. On bilateral ties, the High Commissioner celebrated six decades of friendship between Guyana and India, highlighting expanding cooperation in healthcare, energy, agriculture, technology and education, alongside a shared commitment to sustainable development and South-South cooperation. Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles of India, Shri Pabitra Margherita, reaffirmed the enduring friendship between Guyana and India and expressed India’s commitment to further
strengthening bilateral cooperation for the mutual benefit of both countries. The evening also celebrated the richness of Guyanese culture through captivating steel-pan performances of Guyanese and Caribbean music, a vibrant performance by the Indian Air Force Band, and displays highlighting distinguished Guyanese who have excelled in the fields of arts, sports, diplomacy, and literature. Locally produced Guyanese products were also showcased, while guests enjoyed a tasting of Guyana’s world-renowned rums and authentic Guyanese cuisine, offering a true taste of Guyana’s culture, heritage and warm hospitality.
11 Suriname named alleged transit point in cocaine route to Europe – Venezuelan authorities NEWS
SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
...say cocaine being transited from Venezuela via Guyana
The Guyanese team during a recent two-day intense and constructive discussion at the Guiana Shield Strategic Dialogue in French Guiana
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enezuelan authorities have reportedly identified Suriname as one of several countries allegedly used by an international drug trafficking network to move cocaine to Europe following the dismantling of a criminal organisation in the state of Anzoátegui. According to the Watertank News Agency, the operation conducted by the Venezuelan Scientific, Penal, and Criminal Investigative Corps (CICPC) led to the arrest of eight suspected members of the organisation. During the operation, several vehicles, firearms, communication equipment, and other materials believed to have supported the group’s activities were con-
fiscated. Further, authorities reported that they have also destroyed an illegal airstrip suspected of having been used to facilitate the movement of narcotics. During the investigation, the Watertank reported that the organisation allegedly transported cocaine from Venezuela through Guyana and Suriname before the shipments continued onwards to European markets, where the price for the narcotics is higher. In addition, investigators believe that the network relied on a cross-border trafficking corridor spanning several countries to evade detection and move illicit cargo. This revelation under-
scores the growing attention regional law enforcement agencies are paying to trafficking routes through northern South America, including Guyana’s Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU). It has always been known that criminal organisations have been exploiting porous borders, remote airstrips, river networks, and coastal access points to transport cocaine from production and storage areas toward transhipment hubs serving Europe and other international markets. Nevertheless, despite Suriname being identified as part of the alleged trafficking route, Venezuelan authorities have not accused the Surinamese Government or its security agencies of in-
volvement. Instead, the country was cited as an alleged transit point used by the criminal network. Venezuelan officials described the operation as a significant blow to international drug trafficking. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities seek to identify additional suspects, dismantle associated criminal cells, and determine whether the organisation maintained further links with partners operating elsewhere in the region and Europe. Contacted for a comment on this recent development, Director of the CANU, James Singh, noted that while the report painted a damp picture of Suriname, authorities there have been working in collaboration with Guyana to dismantle the drug trade, especially at the borders. In fact, he added that the CANU and the Surinamese authorities have had several successful operations, thus resulting in the confiscation and seizure of large amounts of narcotics. Meanwhile, Singh reiterated his position that drug traffickers are intensifying efforts to use Guyana as a gateway for cocaine ship-
Director of CANU, James Singh, engaging the media
ments to Europe and beyond but insisted that robust enforcement, international partnerships, and public vigilance are preventing Guyana from sliding into narco-state status. He has stated that because of the country’s geographical location, it is caught between suppliers of drugs in the region and consumers on other continents, while adding that the threat from transnational cartels is constantly evolving. While Guyana is not a producer of cocaine, he explained that its location makes it highly vulnerable. CANU has recorded some of the region’s most significant drug busts in recent years. These include the seizure of a semi-submersible vessel constructed locally in 2014, another captured in 2024 off the coast, and a dramatic
raid that netted 4.4 tonnes of cocaine at an illegal airstrip. He has also praised international cooperation, referencing the seizure of 4.7 tonnes of cocaine on board a vessel that had departed from Guyana and was en route to West Africa. These busts underscore traffickers’ growing sophistication. CANU has documented smuggling attempts via low-flying aircraft, contaminated shipping containers, and even semi-submersible submarines. Nevertheless, he emphasised that Guyana’s fight is not waged alone, as the Unit continues to work closely with US, British, Canadian, Brazilian, Colombian, French Guiana and Caribbean counterparts in what he described as an unprecedented level of collaboration.
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DDL breaks ground on new facility expansion in St Kitts & Nevis
DDL Chairman Komal Samaroo with Prime Minister Terrance Drew and other officials
(L-R) DDL Deputy Chief Executive Officer/Group Finance Director Vasudeo Singh; DDL President/Chairman Komal Samaroo; Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis Dr Terrance Drew; and Operations Manager Parvash Shiprasad
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emerara Distillers Limited (DDL) officially held a ground-breaking ceremony for a major new facility expansion in St Kitts and Nevis on Thursday. The ceremony followed an official high-level meeting at Government Headquarters between St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister (PM) Dr Terrance M Drew, senior leadership from DDL and representatives from Guyana’s BK Group of Companies. “The investment is especially significant because it speaks to a larger Caribbean ambition. DDL is a distinguished CARICOM enterprise, headquartered in Guyana, investing and expanding within another CARICOM member state. This is the regional integration impact. For decades we have spoken about a Caribbean single market economy, about the movement of capital, the expansion
of regional trade and the need to build stronger Caribbean enterprises. Projects such as this demonstrate vision and demonstrate what that vision looks like when translated from policy into productive economic activity. We must increasingly create the Caribbean in which the Caribbean capital can move confidently across the Caribbean, all for our benefit. We therefore, in St Kitts and Nevis, welcome this investment.” The PM explained that the expansion forms part of the overarching goal of economic diversification and sustainability. “For us, sustainability is not limited to renewable energy or environmental protection. It is a comprehensive development philosophy. It requires us to build an economy that is diversified, productive, resilient and capable of creating meaningful opportunities for all people. Small Island Developing States
like ours cannot build resilient economies by remaining overwhelmingly dependent upon a narrow range of economic activities. We must manufacture more; we must add greater value locally; we must expand our export capacity, as was mentioned by the Chairman. We must earn more foreign exchange, as he also mentioned, and we must create products and services capable of competing successfully within CARICOM and across the international market space. The investment by DDL advances precisely that objective.” On the side-lines, speaking with WINN FM, the PM emphasised the importance of the expansion. “I feel very positive about this investment. This is a significant investment. We’re going to make St Kitts and Nevis the northern Caribbean hub for DDL, and this speaks to the collaboration between us and Guyana. It also speaks to
the confidence that investors have in St Kitts and Nevis to make us the hub for significant CARICOM companies. It says a lot about what we have to offer in St Kitts and Nevis. This will create jobs at different levels, directly and indirectly, so we know that this will have a tremendous impact. We heard one thing tonight, that it will triple the number of persons already who work here, and that is, of course, good for us. It will increase exports and bring in more foreign exchange, things that will impact our economy in many different ways. So I’m very, very happy.” The new facility will significantly expand Demerara Distillers’ manufacturing presence in the Federation. It incorporates a new packaging line designed to scale up production of value-added regional products, with a focus on juices and milk.
Group Chairman Komal Samaroo noted that this expansion aligns with the wider Caribbean “25 by 25” food security initiative spearheaded by Guyanese President Irfaan Ali. Samaroo also suggested that the facility will be used to export products to neighbouring islands. “So we hope that with this facility, we could ship products from Guyana into St Kitts and supply them to other islands that are nearby. So this becomes our export hub. I think that’s a very important integration of our operation that helps both Guyana and St Kitts.” The project targets the development of value-added food security, primary agricultural processing, and specialised local expertise. Alongside manufacturing, the parent company, DDL, plans to invest in enhanced localised staff amenities, including a dedicated medical
centre and expanded professional training tracks. “Its significance, however, cannot be measured only in buildings, machinery and production, because the ultimate measure of development must always be its impact, its impact on people. We therefore look forward to the employment that was mentioned, that we need to be created, the skills that will be developed, the careers that will be built, and the opportunities that will emerge for our contractors, suppliers, entrepreneurs and all other enterprises.” Demerara Distillers (St Kitts and Nevis) Limited has been operating within the Federation since 1996. Over the last three decades, it has evolved into one of the country’s primary manufacturers and regional distributors of premium beverages and spirits. (St Kitts and NevisWINN)
$2.6B Hosororo Secondary School takes shape as Guyana pushes universal secondary education
and Training (TVET), Information Technology (IT), Home Economics, and Industrial Technology, creating an environment that supports academic excellence and practical skills development. To support students travelling from remote communities, the school will also include dormitories capable of accommodating approximately 350 students. In addition, modern living quarters designed to house up to 30 teachers will strengthen the
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uyana is making significant strides toward achieving universal secondary education, with the $2.6 billion Hosororo Secondary School in Region One (Barima-Waini) advancing rapidly toward completion. President Dr Irfaan Ali on Friday shared updated images showcasing the impressive progress of the stateof-the-art facility, which is expected to rank among the most advanced educational institutions in Guyana and the wider Caribbean. The school is designed to accommodate more than 500 students, including those currently attending the Hosororo Primary Top and the Wauna Primary Top, providing them with expanded access to quality secondary education closer to their communities. The
institution officially began a phased intake on January 20, 2026, welcoming its first cohort of students following the completion of the main teaching block. When completed, the school will feature modern science laboratories, a dining hall, and specialised facilities for Science, Technical and Vocational Education
school’s capacity to attract and retain qualified educators in the hinterland. The Hosororo Secondary School represents another major investment and reaffirms the Government’s commitment to ensuring every child, regardless of geographic location, has access to quality education.
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Fujian Association of Guyana donates $3.2M to support MV Barima relief efforts
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he Fujian Association of Guyana on Wednesday handed over $3.2 million to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) to support those affected by the MV Barima tragedy. The donation was made possible through the contribution of Fujian entrepreneurs in Guyana, in both their personal and corporate capacities. The donation, the CDC stated, reflects the strong spirit of unity and social responsibility within the Chinese community, and demonstrates the care and commitment of the Chinese people in Guyana. It also serves as a testament to the enduring friendship between the peoples of China and Guyana. The official handover ceremony was done at the CDC Headquarters, Thomas Lands, and was attended by Counsellor Li Hanqing and Director Wang Kaojie of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in
Officials from the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and the Fujian Association of Guyana at the handing-over ceremony
Guyana, as well as Deputy Director General of the CDD, Lieutenant Colonel Mark Thomas. During the ceremony, representatives discussed the allocation of the donated funds and opportunities for continued cooperation in humanitarian assistance. On behalf of the Director General of the Commission, Lieutenant Colonel Thomas expressed sincere appreciation to the Fujian Association of Guyana and the wider Chinese community for their generous contribution, noting that the donation reflects a meaningful
display of solidarity with the people of Guyana during a time of national grief. Meanwhile, the Fujian Association of Guyana extended its deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragedy and expressed heartfelt sympathy to all those affected. The Association reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the values of unity, mutual support, and social responsibility, and pledged to continue standing alongside the people of Guyana during times of need.
15 Enmore to become industrial, manufacturing hub NEWS
SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
President Dr Irfaan Ali addressing the gathering
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nmore, on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), is being positioned as a key industrial and manufacturing hub under the Government’s Model Village Initiative, with several Private Sector investments expected to commence in the community. Speaking during Thursday’s community consultation, President Dr Irfaan Ali said Enmore’s development strategy differs from that of the other pilot communities because of its significant growth potential. As part of the initiative, a team of Government Ministers is expected to return to Enmore within the
next two weeks to encourage young people to register with the Guyana Development Bank and access financing opportunities. The Government also plans to establish an Agro-Development Area in the community to stimulate business growth, support agro-processing, and attract new industries. “We are now fine-tuning a number of Private Sector investments that will commence here at Enmore that will create jobs and enable opportunities,” he said in remarks. Ali explained that the initiative is also intended to bring together skilled machinists from the near-
by Guyana Sugar Corporation estate, to form a consortium and build a machine shop, and to strengthen transport links connecting Enmore to development along the East Coast corridor, including Ogle and Georgetown. “We can also have something that is diversification, but it’s called devolution. Devolution is where services, Government services, Government opportunities, and national opportunities can devolve into the village setting,” he added. As with other communities under consideration for the pilot initiative, the President stated the plan includes relocating small businesses such as spray-painting and mechanic shops away from residential streets, citing noise and environmental concerns raised by residents. A technical presentation delivered by Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony outlined the scale of the undertaking. Enmore spans roughly 408 acres and is home to about 8000 households, two primary schools, several nursery schools, two churches, a Police outpost, a post office, and a hospital, among other facilities. The community has an estimated 21,259 metres of roadway and 42,518 metres of drainage. Flooding, inadequate street lighting, insufficient fire hydrants and security camera coverage, and derelict vehicles were identi-
Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony during his address
fied as key infrastructure challenges among the community, following months of resident consultation and field assessment. Using Station Road, one of the community’s longest roads, as a model, Minister Anthony showed residents an image outlining a proposed upgrade that would pair the recently asphalted roadway with paved walkways, tree-lined shoulders, and a continuous concrete drainage system connected by bridges. Similar upgrades are proposed for villages, along with broader plans for solar street lighting, re-
placement of an estimated 250 utility poles, and expanded CCTV coverage. The plan also proposes designated areas for an industrial and manufacturing estate to support small operations and agro-tech businesses, an upgraded market and food court area, and space for a crematorium. Implementation is expected to proceed in phases, beginning with the desilting of trenches and canals, followed by installation of concrete drains, LED lighting and garbage receptacles, and concluding with paving and landscaping work.
Min Ramraj calls out T&HD over lack of consultation on ferry truck weight limits with the people who will be directly impacted. The drawbridge at the Supenaam Stelling has since been replaced, and the T&HD is currently working on a solution to address the issue at the Parika Stelling. The aim is to have the necessary works completed so that the normal allowable
tonnage can be restored at both ports as soon as it is safe to do so. Minister Ramraj also spoke with the truck drivers and owners on possible measures to help mitigate the impact of the reduction. He noted that the Ministry is currently working with its engineers and consultants
to develop a suitable solution and determine the fastest, most sustainable, and safest way forward. Last month, the T&HD announced that only vehicles with a maximum gross weight of 20 tonnes would be allowed on the Parika/ Supenaam service. This was later revised to 18 tonnes.
Bush Lot, Bath Settlement...
Truck drivers meeting with Minister Ramraj and other officials
Minister Ramraj and officials at the meeting
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inister within the Ministry of Public Works, Madanlall Ramraj, has criticised the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) for implementing new weight restrictions at the Parika and Supenaam stations without first engaging truck drivers. On Friday, Ramraj met with truck drivers and transport operators in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) to discuss concerns over the recent reduction in the maximum allowable weight for trucks using the ferry service between the Supenaam
and Parika ports. The revised weight limits were introduced due to structural issues at both facilities. At the Supenaam Stelling, the drawbridge has sustained damage, while construction works at the Parika Stelling have resulted in piles being driven for the new facility and several beams shifted from the concrete-encased piles. The allowable weight was reduced to 15 tonnes two Thursdays ago, as the Ministry continues to work through these issues and determine the safest way for-
ward. This comes even as the Government continues to improve and modernise the safety and security measures associated with the ferry service, ensuring that persons can continue to safely ply their trade. During the engagement, Ramraj strongly reprimanded the action of the T&HD for failing to consult truck drivers and owners before implementing the decision to reduce the allowable weight to 15 tonnes. He described the manner in which the implementation was handled as “totally unacceptable”. The Minister reminded the residents of the Government’s commitment to full transparency, adding that persons whose businesses and daily operations depend on the ferry service must be informed in a timely manner of any decision that would affect them. He stressed that implementing decisions of this nature cannot be made without proper consultation
The project area is approximately 446 acres and encompasses 54 streets, with some 21.425 kilometres (km) of roads and approximately 42.85km of drains identified within the area. Plans presented for the community include 55 fire hydrants, bridge and drainage interventions, public and recreational spaces, beautification and other supporting infrastructure. The designs envision not only rehabilitated streets but also an integrated community environment in which drainage, pedestrian movement, public spaces and landscaping are developed together. The proposed works are also expected to be sequenced, with utility coordination and preparatory works preceding drainage and access works, pedestrian infrastructure, road improvements and greening. For an agricultural community such as Bath Settlement, the physical transformation is intended to sit alongside the economic opportunities Ali outlined, including moving local agricultural production further along the value chain.
Bush Lot mapped for extensive works
At Bush Lot, Education Minister Sonia Parag
walked residents through detailed plans showing how individual streets and public spaces could change. The community covers approximately 391 acres and has 49 roads, with a combined length of 16,205 metres (m). More than 300 households are located there. The proposed interventions include six roads requiring work and approximately 14,854m of concrete drain construction. Plans also provide for some 1960m of walkways and 3407m of hard shoulders, along with five culverts, assessment and intervention involving 100 utility poles, the planting of 590 trees, 12 fire hydrants and upgrades involving 11 bridges. Also proposed are community signs, garbage bins and hundreds of streetlights. Parag said the infrastructure is intended to address practical, everyday concerns for residents. The concept designs show how different types of streets could be treated according to the space available.
Hopetown part of transformation
Hopetown, too, forms an integral part of the Region Five Model Village pro-
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gramme, with its development being approached within the same broader framework of improved infrastructure, safer and more functional public spaces and stronger community development. The community is not being treated as an appendage to the works at Bath Settlement or Bush Lot but as one of the three Region Five villages around which the initiative’s broader objectives are being pursued. The final shape of the interventions will also be influenced by the consultation process, through which residents are being asked to identify the needs and priorities particular to their own communities. Ali stressed that the plans should not simply be handed down to residents. “That is why we want the community, this consultation; we want the community to be involved in the decision-making,” he said. Residents may identify different priorities, he noted, including land that could potentially be developed for agro-processing or other community economic ventures. Those ideas, he said, can be integrated into individual community development plans.
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SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
17 MV Barima tragedy: “Let the CoI work” – President Ali NEWS
SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
President Dr Irfaan Ali speaking with reporters on the sidelines of a public meeting at Melanie, East Coast Demerara
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resident Dr Irfaan Ali says that the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) established to probe the MV Barima tragedy will determine what actions the Government will take. His remarks come as calls mount for Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, whose office oversees the maritime sector, to be removed from office following the deadly ferry accident. Asked to respond to calls for the minister to be sent on leave, the president told reporters on Thursday, “There is a CoI that I’ve established that is independent. And let the CoI work.” On July 18, the MV Barima capsized and sank off the Essequibo Coast while en route to Port Kaituma, Region One (Barima-Waini), with 179 people onboard. While 76 persons survived the horrific boat accident, 73 have been confirmed dead, and another 30 are still missing. While three Transport and Harbours Department (THD) employees have been charged over the dead-
ly MV Barima tragedy, the Government has established a Commission of Inquiry. Last Friday, the five-member Commission was sworn in to probe the circumstances surrounding the ferry accident, which is considered to be the worst maritime disaster in the Caribbean region. Justice Godfrey Phillip Smith of Belize, a CARICOM High-Level Representative for Law and Criminal Justice and an ad hoc justice of the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal, will lead the inquiry as its chairman. The other four Commissioners are Captain Hamada Fouda, a senior maritime surveyor and compliance auditor with the Maritime Authority of Jamaica; Nyree Dawn Alfonso, an attorney-at-law with expertise in admiralty and maritime law in Trinidad and Tobago; Dr Andrzej Jasionowski of Poland, a naval architect and marine engineer who has advised on investigations into several major maritime disasters; and Rear Admiral (Retired) Hayden
Pritchard, a maritime professional with decades of experience in maritime operations and maritime security from Trinidad and Tobago. At the swearing-in ceremony, President Ali explained that the Commission has been given a broad mandate to examine every relevant aspect of the disaster. It will also determine the facts surrounding the sinking and identify its causes and contributing factors. The COI will also assess compliance with maritime laws and operational standards and review the effectiveness of the search, among other areas. “The families who have suffered unimaginable loss await these answers. Future generations deserve the assurance that every lesson that can be learned from this tragedy will indeed be learned,” the Head of State noted. Emphasising the commission’s independence, President Ali said its composition reflects the highest standards of professionalism and impartiality. He further stated that the commissioners collectively possess internationally recognized expertise in law, marine engineering, maritime operations, maritime regulation, and disaster investigations, adding that their experience will enhance the credibility and thoroughness of the inquiry. The Guyanese Leader also assured the Commissioners that the Government will provide all administrative, technical, financial, and logistical support required to enable
The five Commissioners that will lead the CoI into the MV Barima tragedy
a comprehensive and independent investigation. In addition to the CoI, President Ali has also set up a technical team to conduct a comprehensive audit of the local maritime sector. He has rolled out a series of other welfare initiatives to support the survivors and families of the victims of this tragedy, including the HEART Initiative, which he says will be a long-term support programme. Nevertheless, President Ali’s request on Thursday for the CoI to be conducted came as he was leaving a public consultation on the Model Village initiative at the Melanie Damishana Nursery School on the East Coast of Demerara. However, outside the venue, a small crowd pro-
tested, calling for Minister Edghill to be removed from office over the MV Barima tragedy. They were also protesting against the charges laid against one of the crew members, Captain Kevin Price, who also hails from Melanie. Captain Price, along with Chief Mate Rondell Dwayne Roberts, who were operating the vessel when it sank, subsequently tested positive for marijuana after they were rescued. The duo, along with THD’s Goods Superintendent Delon Granderson, were slapped with murder charges on July 28 and remanded to prison. Several members of the Parliamentary Opposition also joined the protest and even got into a standoff with Government officials.
Moreover, some protesters clashed with the police after attempting to cross a barricaded area outside the school where the presidential engagement was being held. In fact, over the past week, the Opposition has been leading protests outside a series of Government meetings across the country. On Wednesday, President Ali was in several communities in Region One, where he invited a handful of supporters to participate in the meetings and have their concerns addressed. One protester at Mathew’s Ridge accepted the Head of State’s invitation and subsequently expressed satisfaction that his concerns were being addressed by the Government.
2 Corentyne men stabbed to death during Water Street brawl
100 complete transportation, emergency response training
Officials and the graduates
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ome 100 persons are now trained in transportation and emergency response after their successful completion of the Professional Transportation, First Aid CPR, and Defensive Driving courses. The graduates received their certificates on Thursday at the Officers’ Training Centre at Eve Leary, Georgetown. The event marked a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership between the Guyana Police Force and Clarke’s Production Inc. In his brief remarks, Chairman of the Board and Managing Director of
Clarke’s Production Inc, Adrian Clarke, highlighted the vast opportunities within the transportation and logistics industry, urging them to maintain clear goals and strive for personal and professional success. In addition, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Carlye Clarke provided a detailed course overview and reinforced the importance of the skills acquired. Sergeant Fields, a serving Police Officer among the graduates, shared his personal experience and extended best wishes to his classmates, praising the programme’s practical and life-saving value.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of certificates and tokens of appreciation to the graduates, symbolising their readiness to apply defensive driving techniques, first aid, and CPR in real-world scenarios. Inspector Ross expressed gratitude to the Clarke family, the training instructors, and the Police administration for their unwavering support. The training not only equipped participants with critical skills but also reinforced a shared commitment to safety, professionalism, and excellence on Guyana’s roads.
The scene on Friday morning
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brawl among a group of men along Water Street, Georgetown, on Friday has left two men dead and another being taken into custody. The deceased have been identified as 23-yearold Junior Browne, a vendor of Corentyne, Berbice, and 36-year-old Tyrone Captain of Eversham Village, Corentyne, Berbice. Based on reports received, the incident occurred at about 09:30h in the vicinity of Bounty Supermarket on Water Street. Police have confirmed that Browne sustained one stab wound to
Dead: Tyrone Captain
his neck. In an attempt to escape his attacker, he ran a short distance but collapsed and died. On the other hand, Captain, who was stabbed to his neck and chest, died while receiving treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. Following the incident, a 29-year-old salesman of Industry, East Coast Demerara, was taken into custody. A knife suspected to be the murder weapon was reportedly recovered at the scene. Investigations into the fatal incident are underway.
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SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
guyanatimesgy.com
SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2026
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DAILY HOROSCOPES
(March 21-April 19)
PICKLES
(April 20-May 20)
(May 21-June 20)
(June 21-July 22)
Recap before you move on. It’s important to understand what went wrong and what went right before you launch something new. Learning is half the battle when you’re trying to make your way forward. Choose to put yourself first and to nurture the things about yourself you cherish the most. Self-love helps formulate good relationships with others.
(July 23-Aug. 22)
CALVIN AND HOBBES
(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)
SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE
Judging others will lead to regret. Weigh the pros and cons before you make a commitment. Address your financial situation and how you earn and handle your cash. Now is not the time to upset your stability or take a risk that can jeopardize your position. A behind-the-scenes activity where you can fine-tune your plans in secret will pay off. Positive change is heading your way. Be ready to take advantage of an opportunity to expand your mind and your wisdom and to beef up your credentials. Everything you do that’s geared toward life improvements will lead to greater comfort and joy. Share what you experience, and learn with the ones you love. Your effort will surpass your expectations.
PEANUTS
SUDOKU
Your timing is in jeopardy. When in doubt, take a pass and wait for solid evidence that you can complete what you start. Impatience is your downfall, and letting others talk you into premature action will leave you in an unstable position. You’re better off evaluating, looking inward and taking care of your physical and emotional wellness. Pamper yourself.
Think big, but live within your means. Having integrity and following your passion will lead to something meaningful. Choose to address what concerns you and to make a difference. How you conduct your actions and address situations will set you on a journey that fulfills you mentally, physically and emotionally. Romance is in the stars. Revisit stats, facts and how people react. Don’t take anything or anyone for granted. Be willing to meet in the middle when you want to get things done — or be prepared to go it alone. Distance yourself from situations that require you to take on a shared expense or workload. Your work ethic will not align well with others. It’s what you do that counts. Get the lowdown and look for an alternative that fits your capabilities and encourages you to move forward with confidence. Trying to push through an agenda that doesn’t sit right with you will not live up to your expectations. Alter your surroundings to make your life manageable and your promises doable.
(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)
Trust your instincts, research and be observant. Your highest returns will come from obtaining as much information as possible and moving forward in a direction that serves you best. Distance yourself from people who press you to do something that doesn’t fit your agenda or standards. Selfpreservation is in your best interest. Strive for personal growth and perfection.
(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)
You have more going for you than you realize. Take advantage of whatever comes your way. Don’t let laziness set in when accomplishment is what you should be striving to achieve. Set your sights on what you want, and don’t let up until you are victorious. Positive change, romance and a healthy lifestyle are yours to discover.
(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Measure your achievements by how they make you feel, not by how others respond. Taking care of your needs will help build confidence and encourage you to trust your instincts. Don’t buy into someone else’s dream; lead the way. Use your intelligence, set high standards and refuse to put up with those trying to take advantage of you.
(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)
(Feb. 20-March 20)
Take a deep breath, release it and begin again. It’s up to you how you take care of yourself. You have plenty to offer and to gain if you are true to yourself and to what concerns you. Refuse to let emotions and anger consume you when a creative outlet and self-improvement are the paths to happiness and personal growth. Easy does it. You’ll be tempted to join in a change someone suggests for the wrong reason. Refuse to let your heart dictate what you do next. Partnerships may not be as even as you think. Gather the facts and size up what your gains or losses might be before you agree to something you may regret.
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SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2026
Government outlines Guyana gears up to host Caribbean Youth Boxing Championships Olympic support for T swimming star Noel T
he Government of Guyana has strengthened its support for record-breaking swimmer Raekwon Noel, as preparations begin for his campaign toward the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr and Minister within the Ministry Steven Jacobs recently met with the 20-year-old swimmer to discuss the requirements for his continued development. The discussions covered high-performance training camps, elite development programmes, key international competitions, and nutritional support. Financial assistance was also presented to Noel to address his immediate training needs. The meeting followed Noel’s historic performance at the 2026 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, where he won three Gold medals and established three Games records. Noel opened his campaign by winning the men’s 200-metre individual medley in one minute, 59.35 seconds. The performance established national and CAC Games records, and made him the first swimmer in the event’s Games history to finish below two minutes. He secured another Gold medal in the men’s 200-metre butterfly, clocking 1:56.82
CAC Games triple Gold medallist Raekwon Noel (second from right) received financial support from the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport. Minister Charles Ramson Jr handed over the cheque in the presence of Noel’s mother, Ushaka Noel (left); Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle (second from left); and Minister within the Ministry Steven Jacobs (right)
to beat the previous Games record of 1:57.03. The time was just outside his Guyana record of 1:56.62, which he established earlier in 2026. Noel also competed in the men’s 100-metre butterfly, winning his preliminary heat in 53.28 seconds, before placing fifth in the final with 53.58 seconds. He later withdrew from the 100-metre backstroke to conserve energy, following consecutive late nights associated with post-race anti-doping procedures. That decision paid off when he won the men’s 200-metre freestyle in a national and Games record of
1:47.08. The previous CAC Games record of 1:47.19 was established by Mexico’s Jorge Iga in 2018. Noel ended the swimming competition with Gold medals in the 200-metre individual medley, 200-metre butterfly, and 200-metre freestyle. His three-Gold campaign represented Guyana’s most successful swimming performance at the CAC Games. The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the Government of Guyana have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Noel and his team on the journey to Los Angeles 2028.
he countdown to the 2026 Caribbean S c h o o l b o y s and Juniors Boxing Championships has gathered momentum, with the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) confirming that several regional nations have already signalled their intention to compete in the prestigious tournament later this month. According to the GBA, Trinidad and Tobago, St Lucia, Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, Curaçao, the Bahamas, and Suriname have all indicated their plans to send teams for the championship, which will be staged from August 20 to 22 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. The tournament, conceptualised and first hosted in Guyana in 2016, is named in honour of Guyana’s 1978 Commonwealth Games gold medallist, Winfield Braithwaite, whose historic achievement remains one of the country’s greatest sporting accomplishments. GBA President Steve Ninvalle welcomed the positive response from the region, noting that the cham-pionship has become an integral part of amateur boxing’s development across the Caribbean. “The response from the participating countries once again demonstrates the importance of this champi-onship to amateur boxing in the Caribbean,” Ninvalle said. He added, “Over the years, it has provided our young boxers with invaluable international exposure and has become one of the
Steve Ninvalle – GBA President
region’s premier developmental competitions.” Ninvalle pointed out that the association is finalising preparations to ensure another successful staging of the event and is optimistic that additional countries will confirm their participation before the open-ing bell. Ninvalle also disclosed that further details regarding the championship, including participating teams, competition schedule, and other organisational matters, will be announced during a press conference scheduled for tomorrow (Saturday) at the Tower Hotel on Main Street. Since its inception, the Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors Boxing Championships has established itself as one of the premier youth boxing competitions in the region and remains a cornerstone of Guyana’s annual boxing calendar.
Beyond regional bragging rights, the championship has earned a reputation as a launching pad for fu-ture international stars. Numerous young boxers who first showcased their talents in the tournament have since progressed to represent their respective countries at the Olympic Games and the World Championships, reinforcing the event’s significance within the international amateur boxing pathway. With regional interest already strong and more delegations expected to confirm in the coming days, or-ganisers are anticipating another highly competitive edition of the Winfield Braithwaite Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors Boxing Championships, further cementing Guyana’s reputation as a leading host of amateur boxing in the Caribbean.
CPL SchoolYard launches with back-to-school initiatives across region
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he Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) will deliver two CPL SchoolYard community initi-atives over the coming weeks, bringing players together with children across the region as they pre-pare to return to the classroom. CPL School Yard – Back to School takes place simultaneously at two venues, the Daren Sammy Na-tional Cricket Stadium in Saint Lucia, and Sabina Park in Jamaica, on August 17. More than 50 children will take part in fun activities and an interactive session with CPL franchise players at the two venues and will each receive a book bag packed with back-to-school essentials to support their
CPL SchoolYard community initiatives will begin shortly
return to school. The initiative continues in September with CPL SchoolYard – Take a Player to School, taking place simultaneously in Guyana and Barbados on September 10. CPL players will visit schools in both terri-tories to engage directly with students, sharing their personal journeys and speaking to their own path from schoolchild to professional cricketer. In addition, CPL will be finding ways to improve digital literacy for young people across the Caribbean, both in stadiums at matches and using the tournament’s social media channels. Christine Charles, CPL’s Chief Marketing Officer, said, “CPL SchoolYard is
about more than cricket. It’s about showing young people across the Caribbean that the players they cheer for started out exactly where they are now, in a classroom, with a dream. We’re proud to help send children back to school with everything they need, and even prouder to watch our players give their time to inspire the next generation.” As the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League continues to grow its footprint across the Caribbean, CPL SchoolYard reflects the league’s ongoing commitment to the communities that make up the CPL family, giving young fans the chance to connect directly with the players they look up to.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2026
GUYANATIMESGY.COM
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CWI 2026 Rising Stars Women’s Under-19 Championship Bowls off in Antigua C
ricket West Indies (CWI) announces the start of the 2026 Rising Stars Women’s Under-19 Champi-onship, which will take place at venues across Antigua from August 8 to 5. The region’s young emerging female talents from Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, the Wind-ward Islands, the Leeward Islands, and Guyana will battle over the week-long tournament, with 2025 champions Barbados entering this year’s edition looking to complete the regional Under-19 double after capturing the Rising Stars Men’s Under-19 50Over Championship in July. The tournament is pivotal to CWI’s overarching strategy to grow the women’s game across the region, while also serving as a key talent identification period ahead of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup scheduled for January and February 2027 in Bangladesh. In keep-
ing with CWI’s longstanding approach of aligning regional youth competitions with the format of the next ICC age-group World Cup, this year’s championship returns to the T20 format following last year’s 30-over edition. CWI’s High-Performance Manager, Dwain Gill, emphasised the importance of the championship with the 2027 World Cup on the horizon, in addition to contributing to the future of the women’s game in the region. “With the 2027 Under-19 Women’s World Cup quickly approaching, the Championship provides a per-fect opportunity for us to identify the region’s top talent with the goal of building a competitive squad for the global tournament,” said Gill. “Immediately following the tournament will be a two-week high-performance camp, with the best players from this tournament being selected to participate in an inten-sive programme of technical, tactical, physical and mental development
aimed at accelerating their preparation for the global tournament.” Twenty players will be selected to stay on in Antigua for the camp which runs from August 16 to 30 at the CWI Headquarters, Coolidge Cricket Ground. Selection will be based on on-field performance and technical assessment; age eligibility for the 2027 World Cup; tactical awareness, temperament and com-petitiveness; fitness; and squad balance. “Women’s cricket around the world is advancing rapidly; therefore, we must continue our investment in the next generation of players to ensure we remain competitive on the international stage,” Gill stated. “The Rising Stars Under-19 Women’s Championship is a critical part of that journey. It provides our most talented young cricketers with the opportunity to compete, learn and grow in an environment that reflects the standards required to advance to the next level.”
In addition to the on-field competition, CWI will once again use the opportunity to positively impact the young athletes in areas of personal and professional development, with training sessions covering a number of areas, including nutrition, mental and women’s health, digital and online presence, anti-doping, and anti-corruption, among others. Much like last month’s Men’s Championship, the preliminary stage of the tournament will see the six teams play each other once over five rounds, after which the top two will face off in the Championship Final, with the remaining teams competing in placement matches to determine the final standings. Each round will see matches commencing at 09:00h, 10:00h, and 10:00h, with all matches streamed live on the Windies Cricket YouTube channel, in addition to live scoring, match reports and daily updates available on www.windiescricket.com.
ROUND 1 – SATURDAY, AUGUST 8
Leeward Islands v Windward Islands – Liberta Sports Club at 09:00h Trinidad and Tobago v Jamaica – Bethesda Playing Field at 10:00h Barbados v Guyana – Liberta Sports Club at 14:00h
ROUND 2 – SUNDAY, AUGUST 9
Leeward Islands v Jamaica – Liberta Sports Club at 09:00h Barbados v Windward Islands – Bethesda Playing Field at 10:00h Trinidad and Tobago v Guyana – Liberta Sports Club at 14:00h
ROUND 3 – TUESDAY, AUGUST 11
Barbados v Leeward Islands – Coolidge Cricket Ground at 09:00h Trinidad and Tobago v Windward Islands – Liberta Sports Club at 10:00h Jamaica v Guyana – Coolidge Cricket Ground at 14:00h
ROUND 4 – WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12
Leeward Islands v Trinidad and Tobago – Coolidge Cricket Ground at 09:00h Jamaica v Barbados – Liberta Sports Club at 10:00h Guyana v Windward Islands – Coolidge Cricket Ground at 14:00h
ROUND 5 – FRIDAY, AUGUST 14
Windward Islands v Jamaica – Coolidge Cricket Ground at 09:00h Leeward Islands v Guyana – Liberta Sports Club at 10:00h Barbados v Trinidad and Tobago – Coolidge Cricket Ground at 14:00h
FINAL & PLACEMENT ROUND – SATURDAY, AUGUST 15 3 v 4 – Coolidge Cricket Ground at 09:00h 5 v 6 – Liberta Sports Club at 10:00h 1 v 2 – Coolidge Cricket Ground at 14:00h
Noel encourages powerlifters to always aim high B
e disciplined, be focused, and always believe in yourself” are some of the encouraging words that Guyana’s Triple Central American and
Caribbean Games (CAC) Swimming Gold Medallist and Record Holder, Raekwon Noel, shared with the Powerlifting team that will fly the Golden Arrowhead
at the 2026 FESUPO (South American Championships) set for Santiago, Chile, September 20-27. Noel, who is home to spend time with his fami-
Guyana Cup road show continues to ignite country
The Guyana Cup fever continues to spread across the country as the road show continues on the West Side today, Saturday, August 8
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he Guyana Cup fever continues to spread across the country as the road show continues on the West Side today, Saturday, August 8. After a brilliant Friday evening on Regent Street and the Kingston seawall, fans continue to get their first taste of the Guyana Cup, which is set for August 23 at Rising Sun Turf Club. Fans will be able to engage in the raffle exercise and secure their chance to win the brand new fourdoor SinoTruk 4x4 pick-up. The Guyana Cup road show was recently at the Global Super League, the Hopetown Soirée, the number 63 Beach, and other venues across the country.
On Sunday, August 9, the road show will hit Albion, return to the Seawall, and then Parkia. Fans from all parts of the country will have their well-deserved chance to win the SinoTruk pick-up. A total of 14 races will be running at this year’s Guyana Cup, and more than GY$66 million in cash and prizes will be paid out. The feature race which will be the Banks Guyana Cup will fetch a purse of GY$22 million.
The races for the Guyana Cup 2026 are:
Banks Guyana Cup (One Mile) – Total purse: GY$22,500,000 Peter Lewis Guyana Cup Sprint (5 ½ furlongs) – Total purse: GY$7,500,000 Forrester’s Imported Derby (One Mile) – Total purse: GY$7,500,000 Mohamed’s Excavating Sir Balaji Derby (One Mile)—Total purse: GY$5,625,000 J’s Imported Juvenile Fillies Sprint (5 ½ furlongs) – Total purse: GY$3,750,000 BM. Soat Locally Bred Dash (5 ½ furlongs) – Total purse: GY$2,812,500 P.Jagdeo E-Class (One Mile) – Total purse: GY$2,812,500 Jagmohan F-Class (One Mile) – Total purse: GY$1,875,000 ARONCO H-Class (One Mile) – Total purse: GY$1,875,000 CI H3 NW3 (One Mile) – Total purse: GY$1,875,000 Avinash Local Maidens (One Mile)—Total purse: GY$2,812,500 Big G’s J-Class (One Mile) – Total purse: GY$1,875,000 Garen Pro K-Class (One Mile) – Total purse: GY$1,875,000 Sawh L Class Sprint (One Mile) – Total purse: GY$1,875,000
ly following his exploits in the Dominican Repub-lic at the CAC Games, has undertaken to share his knowledge with not only his fellow swimmers but also readily acquiesced to an invitation from the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) to interface with the team selected for the South American Championships. With Noel’s focus being ultimately on LA 2028, it underscored the importance of athletes being committed and dedicated to training consistently, and once this is done, the job on competition day will be much easier. He also noted that he has been following the sport of powerlifting over the past few years and is aware of some of the leading athletes, both male and female, who have been making Guyana proud. GAPLF President Franklin Wilson complimented Noel on his achievements for Guyana to date and wished him every success going forward as he continues to work towards the big goal of the Olympics in 2028. “Just like you have been following the progress of our athletes, I want to assure you that we in the powerlifting fraternity would be splashing with you all the way to LA 2028; we know you’ll make us proud.” Meanwhile, the executive of the Federation met with the 23 athletes selected to represent this nation at the 2026 FESUPO (South American Championships), which will see the Guyanese com-peting against the host
nations Chile, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Suriname, Columbia, Argentina, Uruguay, and Bolivia.
Classic and Equipped segments of the competition in the Open, Junior, Masters 1, 11, and 111 categories.
Raekwon Noel (seated second right) interacts with the national powerlifting team and executive members
Four females are amongst the selected athletes who will compete in the
Following is the full list of athletes selected and the various categories.
Men’s Equipped Open - Gumendra Shewdas (59kg), Suraj Shewdas (66kg), Navindra Tamasar (66kg), Franklyn BrisportLuke (66kg Masters 11). Classic Open – Romario Gonsalves (74kg), Demetri Chan (83kg), Meshach Alexander (83kg Junior), Omar Satar (83kg Junior), Joshua John (93kg), Olsen Batson (93kg Junior), Omali Vancooten (93kg), Sereste King (105kg). Females Classic Open – Janice Savory (57kg), Keisha Abrigo (76kg), Kezia Joseph (76kg). Masters 11 – Nadina Taharally (76kg). Masters 1 – Duarte Hetsberger (83kg), Matthew Maycock (83kg), Wazim Mohamed (93kg), Tremel King (93kg), Bjorn Williams (105kg). Masters 11 – Franklin Brisport-Luke (66kg), Roger Rogers (120kg). Masters 111 – Joseph Stoll (93kg). Referees – Edwin Gordon Spencer, Andrew Austin, Franklin Brisport-Luke, and Roger Rogers. Team Coach – Kerma Singh Team Manager – Franklin Wilson
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GUYANATIMESGY.COM
SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2026
Manns vows to lead Guyana with pride N
ewly appointed Guyana Women’s Under-19 Captain Danellie Manns has described her appointment as a “great honour” as the team prepares to compete in the 2026 Cricket West Indies (CWI) Rising Stars Women’s Under-19 Championship in Antigua. The Guyana squad departed for the regional tournament following a meeting with Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) President Bissoondyal Singh, who presented the players with cricket gear and encour-aged them to represent the country with pride, discipline and determination. Speaking ahead of the
team’s departure, Manns expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in her and pledged to lead by example throughout the tournament. “It’s a great honour to be named Captain. I’m grateful for the trust placed in me, and I want to lead by example, support my teammates, and help the team succeed in the best way I can,” she said. The young Captain noted that the squad has undergone extensive preparations in anticipation of the regional competition. “We’ve prepared through hard training, fitness, match scenarios, and improving our skills,” Manns ex-plained.
She also highlighted the work she has put into improving her own game ahead of the championship. “I’ve been working on improving my bowling consistency, batting, fielding, and overall fitness so I can contribute in every area of the game. Mostly my bowling!!” she added. Manns said the team’s objective is clear as they take on the best young female cricketers from across the Caribbean. “Our goal is to represent Guyana with pride and play our best cricket to win the championship,” she de-clared. The Guyana squad features players from across
the country, including the hinterland, riverine and rural communities of Moruca, Pomeroon, Agatash in the Essequibo River, Waramuri Mission and Leguan, reflecting the continued growth and reach of women’s cricket throughout Guyana. The team is captained by Danellie Manns, with Akeela Stephens serving as Vice Captain. The squad also includes Rickesha Kisten (wicketkeeper), Jada Fraser, Sarah Bheir, Jaraya Rodrigues, Shenesa Thomas, Briana Samaroo, Allia Henry, Sowanna Booker, Kainana Leitch, Rosanna Patterson, Athalia Simmons, and Christina Jackson.
Captain Danellie Manns
Clive Grimmond will serve as manager, while former West Indies women’s all-rounder Tremayne
Smartt has been entrusted with coaching duties as Guyana seeks regional success in Antigua.
SOCA Heart campaign Lusignan Golf Club prepares for ENet launched ahead of September road races tournament on Sunday
tions. The company said its support for the tournament reflects its commitment to sport, community development and enriching the lives of Guyanese.
CLASSIFIED ADS VACANCY
STRIDE592 officially launched its SOCA Heart 2026 campaign on Thursday at Starbucks, MovieTowne Guyana
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TRIDE592 officially launched its SOCA Heart 2026 campaign on Thursday at Starbucks, MovieTowne Guyana, setting the stage for several weeks of fitness activities and heart health awareness. The annual campaign, which stands for Strengthening Our Cardiovascular Advocacy (SOCA), will conclude on Sunday, September 27, with the SOCA Heart 5K, 10K, Kids Fun Run and Wellness Festival. The event will begin at 05:30h at the Guyana Cricket Club ground, Bourda, and will bring together runners, walkers, children, and other fitness enthusiasts. As part of the buildup, STRIDE592 will host weekly 5K and 10K group training sessions. Interested persons can register in person or virtually to participate in the
training programme. A Heart Health Education and Awareness Campaign will also be conducted throughout August to encourage healthier lifestyles and improve public understanding of cardiovascular health. “Many heart diseases can be prevented through simple lifestyle choices, eating healthier, managing stress, and regular health checkups,” Woodlands Hospital representative Thomasine Aaron said. Funds generated from the 2026 campaign will support the Heart Health Research Initiative for medical and pharmacy students at the University of Guyana. Meanwhile, the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) will partner with the SOCA Heart Project to introduce the Restaurants for Heart Health Initiative.
During September, participating restaurants will offer a designated SOCA Heart Meal, either created specifically for the campaign or selected from an existing menu as a healthy, heart-conscious option. Fusion Hospitality, Fresh Café, Le Chef Dustin and Herdmanston Lodge are among the participating restaurants. The meals and establishments will be promoted through the SOCA Heart, THAG and Guyana Restaurant Week platforms, along with restaurant spotlights and other campaign content. Other restaurants interested in joining can contact THAG on 715-2883. Registration for the SOCA Heart races and activities is open at STRIDE592.com. Persons can also contact the SOCA Heart Committee at move@ stride592.com or 592-6402444 for more information.
Enet’s Senior Team Lead Alecia Haynes hands over the sponsorship cheque to LGC’S PRO Dr Joaan Deo
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he Lusignan Golf Club will welcome golfers from across Guyana on Sunday, August 9, for the ENet Golf Tournament, featuring 18 holes of medal play and several competitive prizes. Players will assemble at 07:45h for registration and the collection of scorecards before teeing off at 08:00h. Organisers have urged participants to arrive promptly to ensure the tournament begins smoothly. Competitors will battle for first, second and thirdplace honours, while prizes will also be presented for Best Gross, Nearest to the Pin and Longest Drive. The prize-giving ceremony is scheduled for approximately 13:00h, bring-
ing the day’s competition to a close with recognition for the leading performers. The tournament is expected to attract players and spectators for a day of competition, fellowship and celebration of the sport. The event will also give golfers an opportunity to showcase their skills on the challenging Lusignan course. The Lusignan Golf Club remains one of the leading venues for golf in Guyana and continues to provide a platform for players to display their talent and passion for the sport. ENet, the title sponsor, is Guyana’s fastest-growing telecommunications provider and offers fibre internet, mobile services and entertainment solu-
Superior Woods Inc. is inviting applications for the following positions: Moulder Operator (3), Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanic (4), Mill/Resaw Operator (3), Forklift Operators — (5), Labourers — (10). Location: Yarrowkabra, Linden-Soesdyke Highway. Contact: 642-3828/ 6262138. Email: superiorwoods.gy@ gmail.com. Superior Blocks and Pavers is inviting applications for the following positions: Blocks Machine Operator (3), Forklift/Front-end Loader Operator (3), Labourers — (6). Location: Yarrowkabra, LindenSoesdyke Highway. Contact: 6423828/ 626-2138. Email: vickash@ superiorblocksandpavers.com
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Easton sets national U20 record at World Championships
Tishawn Easton produced a national Under-20 record in the men’s 200 metres as Guyana’s athletes continued their campaign at the World U20 Championships in Oregon, US (File/Newsroom photo)
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ishawn Easton produced a national Under-20 record in the men’s 200 metres as Guyana’s athletes continued their campaign at the World U20 Championships in Oregon, US, on Friday. Easton clocked 20.66
seconds in the fourth preliminary heat to finish third and secure automatic qualification for the semi-finals. His performance came with a legal following wind of 0.5 metres per second. Switzerland’s Emile Mumenthaler won the heat
in 20.62 seconds, also setting a national Under-20 record, while Bahamian Eagan Neely placed second with a personal best of 20.63 seconds. Easton returned later in the day for the first semi-final, where he finished sev-
enth in 21.19 seconds and did not advance to the final.
American Blake Hamilton won the race in 20.38 seconds, ahead of Barbados’ Jayden Green, who clocked 20.46, and Jamaica’s Gary Card, who secured the final automatic qualifying position in 20.64. Skylar Charles also represented Guyana in the men’s 200m but was unable to progress beyond the opening round. Charles placed seventh in heat five with a time of 21.51 seconds. Tate Taylor of the United States won that heat in 21.02 seconds, while Great Britain’s Mayo Al-Abi finished second in 21.15 and Poland’s Bartosz Pytlik placed third in 21.17. The first three athletes in each heat, along with the
six fastest non-automatic qualifiers, advanced to the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Olivia Solomon delivered another encouraging performance in the women’s 800m, placing fifth in semi-final heat three with a time of two minutes, 6.15 seconds. Great Britain’s Shaikira King won the race in 2:02.93, narrowly ahead of Ethiopia’s Habtam Gebeyehu, who recorded 2:02.99. Canada’s Chloe Symon claimed the third and final automatic qualifying spot in 2:03.22. Although Solomon did not reach the final, she completed her World U20 campaign with another solid showing on the international stage.
Mendonca outlines football development agenda in GFF presidency bid
Ramsewack powers T Toyota Verossa to record 8.958-second pass
Guyanese drag racer Sahadeo Ramsewack produced a record-breaking performance at TracFest 2026 in Trinidad and Tobago last weekend, completing the quarter-mile in 8.958 seconds at 144.4 miles per hour (Zeus Edwards photo)
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uyanese drag racer Sahadeo Ramsewack produced a record-breaking performance at TracFest 2026 in Trinidad and Tobago last weekend, completing the quarter-mile in 8.958 seconds at 144.4 miles per hour. According to the Trans Racing Team, the run was the fastest quarter-mile time ever recorded by a Toyota Verossa chassis. It was also the quickest pass achieved by Ramsewack’s car and represented another significant moment for Guyanese drag racing on
the regional circuit. Ramsewack owns and drives the Toyota Verossa under the Trans Racing Team banner. The car was prepared with assistance from Balram Auto Mechanic and Trinidad-based Team Allout, while Techpoint handled the tuning. TracFest 2026 was staged over two days and attracted competitors to Trinidad and Tobago for the regional motor sport event. The Trans Racing Team have three Toyota race cars. Ramsewack competes in the Verossa, while Rohan drives a Toyota Altezza that also
runs in the eight-second bracket. Prankraj Ramdeo campaigns a Toyota RunX in the 11-second class. The team has competed at several drag racing events across the Caribbean over the past six months and is scheduled to return to action in Grenada in September. Away from the track, Ramsewack is the Chief Executive Officer of Trans Pacific Motor Spares and Auto Sale Inc., Ramsewack Investment, Trans Security Solutions Inc and SHS Realty.
roy Mendonca has placed football development at the centre of his campaign for the presidency of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), with the former national player and experienced administrator confirming that he will contest the organisation’s next election in 2027. Mendonca said his vision includes stronger investment in players, clubs, regional associations, coaches, referees and infrastructure, while also improving preparation for Guyana’s national teams. “I firmly believe that Guyanese football deserves our very best,” Mendonca said. “My campaign will therefore be grounded in moving football forward through strategic planning, accountability, inclusion, and attainable, sustainable decisions.” Among his main priorities are player development from the grassroots to senior level, expanded education programmes for coaches, referees and administrators, improved football facilities, and greater support for clubs and regional associations. He also wants stronger partnerships with the Government and Private Sector to attract more investment into the sport. Mendonca said the decision to seek the GFF presidency was not taken lightly and followed consultations with his family, the Petra Organisation, Camptown Football Club and several football stake-
Troy Mendonca has placed football development at the centre of his campaign for the presidency of the GFF
holders. “I stand before you humbled, grateful, and with a deep sense of responsibility to officially announce my candidacy for the Presidency of the Guyana Football Federation at the next election in 2027,” he said. Mendonca has served Guyanese football both as a player and administrator and is well known for his work with Marlan Cole through the Petra Organisation, particularly in youth football development. His candidacy has received the backing of Sterling Products Limited Chief Executive Officer Ramsay Ali, who said Mendonca has the experience and character required for the position. “Troy knows football. Simple,” Ali said. Ali noted that Mendonca’s work over the years has helped create opportunities and structure
for young players and expressed confidence that he could build a capable team around him if elected. “He has the knowledge, experience, character, and commitment required to serve football at the highest administrative level in Guyana,” Ali stated. Ali added that the challenge of leading Guyanese football would not be easy but believed Mendonca was equipped to handle the responsibility. “I hereby place my full support behind Mr Troy Mendonca as he seeks to ascend to the presidency of the Guyana Football Federation,” he said. Mendonca, meanwhile, called for unity and partnership across the football fraternity as he begins his campaign. “This is our opportunity to write a new chapter – one built on unity, strategic planning, inclusion, transparency, and excellence,” he said.
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SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2026
Sport is no longer our game, it’s our business
Republic Bank CPL 2026
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h e Antigua a n d B a r b u d a Falcons secured a d r a m a t ic two-wicket victory over the Jamaica Kingsmen in the openmatch of the Caribbean P r e m i e r League (CPL) at the Arnos S t a d i u m Kingstown Friday night.
Keemo Paul was the leading wicket-taker for the Kingsmen with three for 29 (CPL T20)
ing 2026
Vale i n o n
Chasing 168 for victory, the Falcons reached 168 for eight from their 20 overs after Shamar Springer and Alzarri Joseph completed a tense double from the final
delivery. The match was historic, as it marked the first time CPL cricket was played in St Vincent and the
Grenadines. It was also the first appearance for the Kingsmen, the league’s newest franchise. The Falcons entered the final over needing six runs with four wickets in hand, but the contest took another turn when the Kingsmen claimed wickets from consecutive deliveries. With two needed from the last ball, Springer dug out the
Falcons spoil Kingsmen debut in last-ball thriller Tajinder Singh led the Falcons’ chase with 62 from 37 balls, striking seven fours and one six. Tim Robinson supported with 40 from 30 deliveries, while Rahkeem Cornwall made 24 from 21 balls. Springer finished unbeaten on seven, and Joseph made one not out. Andre Russell took two for 34 for the Kingsmen, while Hunain Shah claimed two Tajinder Singh led the for 38. Keemo Falcons’ chase with 62 from 37 balls, striking seven Paul was fours and one six (CPL T20) the leading wick-
delivery towards wide longon. Kingsmen C a p t a i n Rovman Powell
rushed forward but fumbled the pickup, allowing Springer and Joseph to complete the winning second run.
et-taker with three for 29. Earlier, the Kingsmen posted 167 for seven after being
sent in. They reached 55 for one at the end of the powerplay, with Reeza Hendricks providing the early momentum. Hendricks struck 28 runs from an over bowled by Karima Gore after he had earlier been dropped by Usama Mir. The leg-spinner later responded by bowling Hendricks for 42 from 25 balls. The Kingsmen lost wickets regularly after the strong start, with several of the in-
coming batters struggling to settle. Powell held the innings together with 47 from 37 balls before he was caught at long-on off Joseph in the 19th over. Paul then struck 16 from six deliveries to help push the total beyond 160. The innings also included 22 extras. Joseph finished with three for 34 for the Falcons, while Jayden Seales claimed one for 19 and Mir returned an economical one for 17 from four overs.
aaa Summarised Scores Jamaica Kingsmen 167-7 (20 overs): Rovman Powell 47, Reeza Hendricks 42, Keemo Paul 16; Alzarri Joseph 3-34, Usama Mir 1-17, Jayden Seales 1-19. Antigua and Barbuda Falcons 168-8 (20 overs): Tajinder Singh 62, Tim Robinson 40, Rahkeem Cornwall 24; Keemo Paul 3-29, Andre Russell 2-34, Hunain Shah 2-38.
CPL fever grips Guyana as fans camp out for tickets
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undreds of cricket fans camped outside the Caribbean Premier League Box Office on Camp Street, Georgetown, from Thursday evening into Friday morning to secure tickets for the Guyana Amazon Warriors’ five home matches. The Warriors will open their home cam-
paign against new franchise Jamaica Kingsmen on September 4 at 19:00h. They will then face the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots on September 6 at 10:00h, followed by the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons on September 8 at 19:00h. The final two matches of the Guyana leg
will see the Warriors battle the St Lucia Kings on September 9 and the Trinbago Knight Riders on September 11. Both games will begin at 19:00h. Tickets cost GY$7000 for the Green Stand, GY$6500 for the Red Stand, GY$4000 for the Orange Stand and GY$2500 for the Grass
Mound. Matches will be played across eight Caribbean nations, while the top four teams after the league phase will advance to the playoffs at Kensington Oval in Barbados. The playoffs are scheduled for September 17 and 18, with the final set for September 20.
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