Guyana Times - Saturday, June 27, 2026

BRIDGE OPENING

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, June 27 –14:55h–16:25h and Sunday, June 28 – 15:35h–17:05h

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Early morning thundery showers are expected to gradually ease to clear skies by evening before returning again at night. Temperatures are

Winds: East-North-Easterly to South-SouthEasterly between 1.78 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 14:52h reaching a maximum height of 2.26 metres.

Low Tide: 08:24h and 08:36h reaching minimum heights of 0.84 metre and 0.95 metres.

Guyana to tap Jamaica’s expertise as Junior Stock Exchange takes shape

…ink 4 MoUs to collaborate in financial services, other areas

Guyanese leader, the Jamaican financial system has a lot of maturity that Guyana and the wider Caribbean region can learn and benefit from. “That is why we are particularly very pleased that we are able to sign this MoU on financial services. Given the fact that we are now proceeding on a junior stock exchange, the expertise of Jamaica, having our insurance company more integrated, our financial systems more integrated, our banking system more integrated, our means of settlement more integrated – this is what that opens up the opportunity for. And there is a lot of work in the financial architecture and system that will emerge out of these engagements,” he posited.

As Guyana moves to set up a junior stock exchange, the country will be turning to its Caribbean partner, Jamaica, to learn from their experience and integrate resources to support both countries. This was revealed by President Dr Irfaan Ali on Friday following the signing of four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) that will further strengthen bilateral cooperation between Guyana and Jamaica. He witnessed the inking of the agreements alongside Jamaican Prime Minister (PM) Dr Andrew Holness, who was on a two-day state visit in Georgetown. These MoUs were signed by Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd and his Jamaican counterpart, Senator Kamina JohnsonSmith, focusing on four main areas of cooperation: the protocol amending the agreement on economic, technical and cultural cooperation; agricultural cooperation; defence and security cooperation; and the development of financial services between the two Governments.

According to the

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

The numbers leave no room for complacency

The latest road fatality statistics should dispel any notion that Guyana is winning the battle against traffic deaths. While the country recorded a welcome decline in annual fatalities during the past two years, the first 170 days of 2026 have already reversed that trend. Fatal accidents have risen from 54 to 56 compared with the corresponding period in 2025, while the number of lives lost has increased from 58 to 62.

The increase may appear modest in numerical terms, but it is a troubling reality. Each statistic shows a preventable loss and signals that existing measures have not yet produced the sustained behavioural change required on Guyana’s roadways. The figure is also a reminder that improvements in one year cannot be interpreted as lasting success when the underlying causes of road crashes remain largely unchanged.

Historical data further illustrates the challenge. Road fatalities climbed to a peak of 175 deaths in 2023 before falling to 132 in both 2024 and 2025. Those declines were encouraging, but they should have been viewed as an opportunity to intensify road safety interventions rather than as evidence that the problem had been solved. The early figures for 2026 suggest that complacency carries a heavy price.

The statistics become even more alarming when examined alongside the primary causes of fatal crashes. Speeding accounted for an astonishing 94 per cent of fatal accidents in 2024. During the first half of 2026, despite some reduction, speeding still contributed to 75 per cent of fatal accidents. Such figures leave little room for debate. Excessive speed remains the dominant threat to public safety on Guyana’s roads.

Speed is simply not another traffic offence, as it reduces reaction time, lengthens stopping distances and significantly increases the force of impact when collisions occur. The difference between travelling within the speed limit and travelling well above it often determines whether a crash results in minor injuries or multiple fatalities. Yet despite repeated public awareness campaigns and increased enforcement efforts, dangerous speeding continues to be normalised by many motorists.

This points to a deeper issue of indiscipline on the nation’s roadways.

Far too many drivers continue to disregard traffic laws as though they are optional rather than mandatory. Speed limits are ignored, overtaking manoeuvres are attempted in unsafe locations, pedestrians are not consistently given the right of way, seatbelt usage remains inconsistent, and aggressive driving has become an increasingly common feature of daily commuting. The culture of impatience behind the wheel has fostered an environment where risk-taking is often mistaken for confidence or driving skill.

The growing number of vehicles on Guyana’s expanding road network has made this behaviour even more dangerous. Rapid economic growth has resulted in increased traffic volumes, more commercial transportation and larger numbers of heavy-duty trucks using public roads. Without corresponding improvements in driver discipline and enforcement, the likelihood of serious collisions inevitably rises.

Because of their size, weight and longer braking distances, trucks involved in crashes frequently produce catastrophic consequences. Measures such as mandatory speed limiters, stricter fleet management standards and rigorous compliance inspections are practical interventions that deserve prompt implementation. Preventing excessive speed before it occurs is often more effective than attempting to punish violations after lives have already been lost.

Road safety ultimately depends upon human behaviour. Infrastructure can reduce risk, legislation can establish standards and enforcement can deter violations, but none of these measures can compensate for drivers who choose to ignore the rules governing responsible road use.

Guyana’s road safety challenge also mirrors a much larger global concern that the World Health Organization estimates that approximately 1.19 million people die annually in road traffic crashes worldwide.

Every fatal collision produces consequences extending far beyond the immediate victims. Families lose loved ones, children lose parents, employers lose experienced workers, healthcare systems absorb substantial costs and communities are left coping with avoidable tragedy. The cumulative social and economic impact cannot be measured solely by annual fatality statistics.

The United Nations has established a goal of reducing global road deaths and injuries by at least 50 per cent by 2030 under the Second Decade of Action for Road Safety. Achieving meaningful progress locally will require Guyana to move beyond periodic consultations and isolated enforcement campaigns. A sustained national strategy is needed, one that combines effective policing, consistent prosecution of dangerous driving offences, safer road engineering, stronger public education and, above all, greater respect for traffic laws.

Prime Minister of Jamaica Dr Andrew Holness and his delegation during their two-day state visit to Guyana

“Putting Safety First” campaign

Labour Ministry urges construction sector to step up safety compliance

The Labour and Manpower Planning Ministry is urging employers across Guyana’s construction sector to work more closely with occupational safety officials as it intensifies efforts to reduce workplace accidents, particularly on construction sites.

During an interview with Guyana Times, Senior Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Officer Darwin Borne, who has served at the Labour and Manpower Planning Ministry for

Borne said the Ministry is doing its part through inspections, training and public awareness initiatives but stressed that employers and workers also have a responsibility to comply with established safety regulations.

“This initiative addresses our current infrastructure boom and the hazards associated with it by putting controls in place so that persons can return home with all their limbs intact, come back alive to their families, reduce accidents and

nearly a decade, said the Ministry’s core mandate is to create a safer future for Guyana, a mission being advanced through its ongoing “Putting Safety First” workplace safety campaign.

The campaign is aimed at increasing awareness and sensitising employers and workers in the construction sector about their responsibilities under the OSH Act.

create a safer culture in Guyana that promotes accident prevention.” He added, “We have surpassed our construction targets for this period. However, I would not say that is sufficient. The campaign is aimed at achieving total compliance. We will achieve total compliance by conducting several approaches and strategies, such as inspec-

tions and awareness programmes. We are also inviting organisations to come to us. If you have construction in mind, are going into construction or are already in the construction industry, come to us and we will provide guidance. The information is completely free.”

Borne said the Ministry’s safety awareness campaign comprises a range of initiatives aimed at improving workplace safety across the country.

“This campaign has already started, but we are shifting into a new gear by using several methods. We began by conducting inspections. Building on those inspections, we will conduct extensive training throughout the length and breadth of Guyana. Tomorrow, in Region Three, we will be conducting another Occupational Safety and Health Construction Seminar at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) boardroom. Next, we will move to Region Five. Throughout all 10 administrative regions, we will be conducting training programmes as well as inspections to meet the demand.”

On April 16, a construction worker was killed and several others were injured after a three-storey building under construction collapsed

at Atlantic Gardens, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Referring to incidents such as these, Borne stressed the importance of strict adherence to occupational safety and health protocols, saying greater compliance is critical to preventing workplace accidents and protecting the lives of workers.

“If individuals wish to participate, even if they are not part of an organisation, and they see a workplace carrying out construction where someone is working at a dangerous height without proper safety equipment, they can send us a video or make a report. We have staff moni-

toring those activities. We respond to reports like that and to emerging trends. We are mandated to respond to any complaint relating to

construction where persons are engaged in employment. Once persons are employed, we are mandated to visit the workplace.”

SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2026

Page Foundation

Inverse proportion formula

In order to use the inverse proportion formula:

1. Write down the inverse proportion formula.

2. Determine the value of k.

3. Substitute k into the inverse proportion formula.

Example 1

Let y be inversely proportional to x when y=5 and x=6. By calculating the constant of proportionality, determine a formula for y in terms of x.

As y is inversely proportional to x, we can write y , and so we have the formula y= where k is the constant of proportionality.

We can find the constant of proportionality by substituting in the values we are given.

y= 5=

k=5×6=30

As k=30, we have the equation y=

Example 2

y is inversely proportional to x3

When y=4, x=2, find a formula for y in terms of x.

Since y is inversely proportional to x3, we can say: y , and so y=

As y=4 when x=2,

4 = 4 = 4×8=k

32=k

As y= and k=32, y=

Metamorphosis

Some species undergo dramatic changes in their bodies as they grow. Many species, including many insects and amphibians, undergo metamorphosis. Metamorphosis is a series of dramatic changes in an organism’s body shape and structure as it develops after hatching or being born. In each metamorphic phase, the organism may have a different appearance, diet, habitat, and behaviour. One of the bestknown examples is the butterfly.

Butterflies go through four stages of metamorphosis. They hatch from eggs as larvae, develop into pupae, and finally become adults. A butterfly egg hatches, grows into an increasingly large caterpillar, and then transforms into a butterfly, which lays (or fertilises) an egg.

Like all vertebrates,

Example 3: Using a table

Use the information in the table below to determine the formula, given that b is inversely proportional to the square root of a.

As stated in the question, b and so b= .

According to the table, when a=4,b=1.

So, 1= 1= 1×2=k 2=k

Now that k=2, we have the inverse proportion formula b= .

Note that we could have used any pair of values for a and b from the table.

For example, a=25,b=0.4.

Keeping in mind that b= , we can use these values.

0.4= 0.4= 0.4×5=k 2=k

With k=2, we can come to the same conclusion of b= .

or animals with backbones, they begin as eggs. The eggs hatch into tadpoles, and the tadpoles turn into frogs. For a detailed explanation of the process, keep reading.

A female frog may lay from a few hundred to several thousand eggs, depending on the species. They float off in clusters, strings, or sheets and may become attached to the stems of water plants. The eggs of some species sink. Some frogs lay their eggs out of the water but near enough that the tadpoles, which hatch from the eggs, can reach it and continue their development.

The tadpole hatches in a few days to a week or more and transforms into a frog within two months to three years.

By Henry Carlile

Over brine reaches the flat rounds fall Cannons to raise the dead, Mark Twain? It makes no sense to say they rise to reports they lived by, corrupt finally in the ocean’s peacock eyes, their own eyes kissed out by fish. But these have not risen. They race along grave sunken avenues tides make, gassing up for the long ascent through green panes of light, through diatomaceous snows and the slow pulsing blooms of blue jellies, lost parachutists of the deeps.

Astern, our dragged lines bend in rips that toll low warnings from the entrance bell. We hope no more than fish, no bent back and downward streaming hair like seaweed when the sea drains from rocks, no death that wakes us to ourselves.

(Source: Poetry [May 1986])

Imagine a world where everyone has a superpower related to kindness. What are some of those superpowers? What superpower would you have, and how would you use it to make the world a better place?

WORD SEARCH

62 die on Guyana’s roads in 1st 170 days of 2026

…speeding accounts for 75% of fatal crashes – Home Affairs PS

Atory. One preventable death is one too many. For the first 170 days of this year, 2026, when compared to the same period in 2025, fatal accidents increased from 54 to 56 and the number of deaths increased from 58 to 62.” He cautioned that Guyana’s road safety challenge must also be understood within a global context.

Citing statistics to support his statements, he noted that the United Nations (UN) has recognised road safety as a major development priority. Through the Second Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021–2030), the UN has set a target of reducing road deaths and injuries by at least 50 per cent by 2030.

higher number of road deaths has been recorded in Guyana during the first 170 days of 2026 when compared to the same period last year. Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Home Affairs Ministry Andre Ally disclosed this during the Guyana National Road Safety Stakeholders Consultation on Friday.

“Between 2020 and 2025, Guyana experienced significant fluctuations in road fatalities. Deaths reached a peak of 175 in 2023. While fatalities declined to 132 in 2024 and 2025, we must not mistake that decline for vic-

“The WHO’s Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023 estimates that approximately 1.19 million people die annually in road traffic crashes. It also reminds us that road traffic injuries remain the leading cause of death among children and young people aged five to 29 years.”

Guyana to tap Jamaica’s...

PAGE 3

Security sector

Similarly, President Ali noted that the two Caribbean nations will also be working closely in the security sector, an area in which he also praised the Jamaican leader for the work done back home in tackling crime. “There are important opportunities that we have discussed. We are building a world-class academy; training is important. Cyber security is important. Data sovereignty is important. So, when we speak about security, we are not speaking about it in a narrow traditional sense. We are exploring security in its entire ecosystem. And we look forward to working closely with Jamaica, especially given the financial services that you provide, on how we can build out this security architecture that is comprehensive and also how we can maybe work towards common infrastructure to support each other,” Ali stated. This collaboration, the Guyanese Head of State pointed out, extends to Guyana Defence Force (GDF), which is already collaborating with its Jamaican

counterpart in a number of areas. “We are looking to increase that,” the President noted. He went onto add that Guyana’s National Defence Institute, which is linked to work being done by the United States (US) and other regional countries, is also available for Jamaican security forces to tap into.

Eye-opener

The Guyanese made similar offers for a number of other areas that the two countries have pledged to collaborate in, including education, housing, energy, tourism, culture and technology-sharing. “The last…48 hours was really an eye-opener for both of us on the similarity of our challenges, the similarity of our priorities, the similarity of our aspirations. And I want to say that it has really laid the basis through which greater trust, greater confidence, greater partnership will emerge,” President Ali declared. The signing of the MoUs was just one of the outcomes of the intense working visit by the Jamaican PM and his team.

According to PM Holness, “Today, we signed various MoUs, but that should not be interpreted as the entirety of the engagement. Those are just what we could formalise within the time. The breadth of our exchanges and the potential of our collaboration and cooperation is extensive. All kinds of things we have discussed, including regional and diplomatic issues. And it is clear that Jamaica and Guyana are very much aligned. And we have a similar outlook on the world; similar understanding of the changing dynamics and the new nature of global politics. But we also share a very positive outlook on our economic prospects. We are both very prospecting in terms of our leadership, always looking for opportunities and seeing where we can make the most out of the resources that we have… and there are some ideas that I will take away from my visit to stimulate in Jamaica as well.” The Jamaican leader wrapped up this two-day state visit to Guyana on Friday.

According to him, these figures should serve as a warning to every country, including Guyana. Road safety is connected to sustainable development, health, education, safe communities, decent work, poverty reduction and social protection. He explained that when people die or are seriously injured on the roads, families suffer, workers are removed from the labour force, businesses lose productivity and the economy absorbs costs that could have been avoided. As such, he stated that road safety is not only about preventing crashes, but also about protecting development. Road safety matters because life matters. It matters because children must be able to travel to school safely.

“Road safety matters because workers must return home to their families. It matters because pedestrians, cyclists, drivers, passengers, elderly persons and persons with disabilities all have an equal right to safety. A modern Guyana must be a safe Guyana. Our roads are not simply corridors for vehicles. They are shared public spaces that connect people to opportunity, trade, tourism, investment, public services and community life. If those spaces are unsafe, the benefits of development are undermined. That is why road safety must be treated as a national priority and why today’s consultation must produce more than discussion. It must produce direction. The data identifies clear areas of concern.”

In his view, the meeting is both timely and nec-

essary. It brings together the people and institutions whose cooperation is essential to making Guyana’s roads safer.

“We are here to confront a national public safety issue. Road safety is about lives, families, children, communities, mobility and national development. Road safety is not only a matter of policing. It is a matter of national policy, public health, economic development, social responsibility and human dignity. Across Guyana, our country is changing rapidly. Our economy is expanding, our road networks are growing, new communities are being connected and more vehicles are using our roads every day.”

According to him, road crashes are often described in numbers – fatalities, accidents, violations, percentages and trends. However, he stressed that behind every statistic is a human being and a human life. Behind every fatal crash is a grieving family. He further emphasised that behind every serious injury is a life changed, a household disrupted, a breadwinner unable to work and a community forced to carry the weight of a preventable loss.

Speeding

Meanwhile, he shared statistics on speeding, noting that speeding remains the leading contributor to fatal accidents. “In 2024, speeding accounted for 94 per cent of fatal accidents. In the first half of 2026, it already accounts for 75 per cent of fatal accidents. This is a policy signal we cannot

ignore. Speed determines whether a crash occurs, how severe the injury is, whether pedestrians survive, and whether a family receives a phone call about an injury or a death. Therefore, speed management must remain at the centre of our national priority,” Ally said.

Looking closely at this year’s statistics, he noted that, due to the size, weight and braking distance of trucks, these vehicles can have devastating consequences when involved in collisions. He stressed that this is why truck safety, driver discipline, fleet compliance and speed control must form part of Guyana’s national road safety policy. He added that prevention must also include practical measures that reduce the ability of high-risk vehicles to travel at unsafe speeds.

“This is why the installation of speed limiters on trucks is an important intervention. Speed limiters will help regulate the maximum speed at which trucks can operate, reducing the risk of high-impact collisions and strengthening compliance before a violation even occurs.” He added.

“We cannot only act after speeding happens. We must also reduce the conditions that allow dangerous speeding to occur in the first place. The UN and global road safety partners have encouraged countries to adopt the Safe System Approach, which recognises a simple truth. Speeding must not be treated as a skill. Reckless driving must not be treated as confidence. Driving under the influence must not be excused.”

Body in Uitvlugt trench

“I

just jook she two times” – man confesses to killing reputed wife

Police have obtained a confession from the reputed husband of 46-year-old Shavannie Hanoman, whose body was discovered floating in a trench at De Groot-EnKline, Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara (WCD), one day after she was reported missing. Crime Chief and Deputy Commissioner of Police Wendell Blanhum confirmed to Guyana Times on Friday that the suspect admitted to killing Hanoman during a Police interview.

Hanoman, also called “Bo”, a housewife of De Groot-EnKline, was reported missing after she failed to return home on Wednesday. On Thursday at about 08:30h residents discovered her body floating in a trench in the community and alerted Police. According to Police, an examination revealed injuries to her neck and other parts of her body. She was taken to the Leonora Cottage

Hospital, where a doctor pronounced her dead-on arrival. Her body has since been transferred to the Ezekiel Funeral Home, where it is awaiting a post-mortem examination. As investigations progressed, Police arrested Hanoman’s reputed husband, 44-year-old Hemat Kumar Mohamed of De Groot-EnKline.

Police said that at about 16:00h on Thursday, Mohamed was interviewed under audio and video recording by detectives at the station. According to Police, Mohamed stated that after Hanoman told him she would be returning home late and did not want him accompanying her, he followed her on his motorcycle. He told investigators that he confronted her at a bridge, where an argument developed.

“I just jook she two times” he reportedly told investigators during his confession.

Police said Mohamed

admitted that after being shoved during the confrontation, he took out a knife and stabbed Hanoman twice, once to the chest and once to the chin, before pushing her into the trench. He also told investigators that the knife fell at the scene. Following the interview, Mohamed agreed to accompany investigators back to

the scene and he escorted investigators to a wooden bridge at De Groot-EnKline, where he indicated the location where he allegedly stabbed Hanoman and pushed her into the trench. Mohamed was subsequently returned to the Leonora Police Station, where he remains in custody pending further investigations.

Brazilian nationals charged with trespassing at Lethem airstrip

Three Brazilian nationals have been charged in connection with the offence of trespassing on aerodrome property at the

Lethem Airstrip in Central Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu – Upper Essequibo). Those charged were Jose Carlos Casto Bibeiro, Clebson Raoni and Lucis Silva Marth. They were charged with trespassing on the aerodrome, contrary to Section 83(1) of the Civil Aviation Act 2018. The offence was allegedly committed on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at the Lethem Airstrip in Central Rupununi. The trio appeared on Friday before Magistrate Omadatt Chandan at the Lethem Magistrate’s Court. The charge was read and translated to them by a court-appointed translator. The matter has been adjourned for continuation of proceedings.

Neighbourly…

…relations?

Back in the day when your callow Eyewitness was supposed to be soaking up learning (wisdom?) to equip him to become a working stiff, along with quadratic equations, he learnt about the “first law of geography”. He still hasn’t found a use for quadratic equations, but over the years as Venezuela and Suriname tried to carve out chunks of our country for themselves, he appreciated the import of that second nugget of knowledge. This announced that “Everything is related to everything else, but near things are more related than distant things.”

Now at the time, the “law” hadn’t seemed to be of no great insight to your bemused Eyewitness!! And in fact, he’d wondered why it even had to be in a book since even he’d figured out that factoid on his own lonesome!! But he later appreciated that the fella might’ve also been referring to neighbours – and how we may have to give priority to our dealings with them!! In this globalised world, while all countries might now be related – look at how the Iran war affected us!! – our neighbours who’re smack next to us are in a position to become permanent headaches!! Especially when they can cast covetous glances at our land!!

Now, while in principle everyone talks about striving to be “good neighbours” – personally and internationally – your Eyewitness does feel we Guyanese overdo matters on this front!! Look at Suriname… most of their kicking us in the nuts is when we attend their functions that have to do with cooperating to jointly develop our economies!! Fact of the matter is that while we now have experience with pumping oil from ultra-deep-water wells, they’re only now about to begin. We don’t need them in that area – but they can benefit from our experience!! Let’s make it clear before attending any future gathering: we’re not gonna show up if they have those confounded maps. And if we do, we’ll walk out!!

Then, of course, there’s the Corentyne Bridge that we’ve jointly sponsored, and both the actual model of the physical bridge and the financial and ownership models have been decided. The bridge’s gonna span the river from our side at a point one and a half miles south of the Moleson Creek Ferry Port to the Suriname-owned Long Island and then to the eastern bank in Suriname. And financially, it’s gonna use a specific type of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement called the “Design-Build-Finance-OperateMaintain model” (DBFOM), where the Governments don’t put up anything.

But we can withdraw our cooperation for the bridge landing on our shore if the Surinamese don’t quit with this stonewalling on the fishing licences and exorbitant ransoms for our cargo boats using the Corentyne!!

Do fuh do na obeah!!

…devastation

But with the above being said about adopting Teddy Roosvelt’s “Good Neighbour Policy” – talk softly and carry a big stick! – your Eyewitness still supports Pressie’s message of condolences to Venezuela, including our offer of material aid – along with Trinidad and Barbados. By Friday night, Venezuelan authorities had reported over 935 people dead and over 4300 injured – and possibly thousands more trapped under the rubble of at least 250 collapsed buildings – caused by those two massive 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes.

The Yanks are providing $150 million in humanitarian aid – to be channelled through “assistance” partners including Catholic Relief Services and multiple UN agencies. While the US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) announced the deployment of the amphibious transport ship USS Fort Lauderdale, the littoral combat ship USS Billings and a Hercules transport aircraft.

In this way we are making a distinction between the Government and the people of Venezuela – which we must never forget!! Your Eyewitness only wishes that more neighbours of the Palestinians and Lebanese would follow suit!!

…unification?

China passed a controversial law – titled “Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress” – in March to create a “shared national identity” among the country’s 55 recognised ethnic minority groups. They are supposed to merge with the 91 per cent Han majority!!

Jamaica now newest member of Global Biodiversity Alliance

The membership of the Global Biodiversity Alliance (GBA) continues to grow, with Jamaica being the latest country to join the international coalition that is aimed at protecting the world’s biodiversity resources. “I am also very pleased to welcome our newest member of the Global Biodiversity Alliance, Jamaica,” President Dr Irfaan Ali revealed on Friday at State House, standing alongside Jamaican Prime Minister (PM) Dr Andrew Holness.

President Ali presented PM Holness with the official Certificate of Membership at State House on Friday. The Jamaican leader and his team were on a twoday state visit to Guyana, which concluded on Friday with the signing of a number of agreements to further strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two Caribbean nations. The GBA – an initiative crafted by President Ali that seeks to accelerate international financing and technical

expertise to conserve the world’s diminishing biodiversity resources – was launched in July 2025 in Guyana with 17 signatories ranging from countries, civil society bodies, the private sector, indigenous peoples and other local and regional organisations.

Membership skyrockets

Jamaica’s accession brings the Alliance’s total membership to 129, less than one year after its launch. Earlier this month, Senior Director of Climate and Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) in the Office of the President, Pradeepa Bholanath, disclosed that membership of the GBA continues to grow rapidly.

“To date…that membership has expanded to 125 members from 17 members back in July, and that has been really a game changer, because it allows for us to now benefit from growing interests,” Bholanath indicated during an appear-

ance on the Starting Point podcast. She explained that this increased interest is sparking within the private sector. In fact, all the major development banks within the Latin American and the Caribbean (LAC) region – the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the World Bank, and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) – have joined this initiative. According to the Climate Director, this is particularly significant, especially since the focus at the second GBA summit to be held in Georgetown later this year will be on mobilising financing.

This year’s summit is scheduled to take place sometime in the last quarter, with President Ali slated to announce the dates in the near future. Stemming from the inaugural GBA Summit in Georgetown last July, the GBA Secretariat will be set up in Guyana and will work with key stakeholders to advance its priorities, which include the designation of new pro-

tected areas and securing the necessary funding and resources for managing them effectively. President Ali had previously indicated that he intends to significantly increase the

Alliance’s membership by the 2026 summit. In fact, the Guyanese leader has been engaging key global officials and organisations to advance the country’s work on biodiversity protec-

tion and conservation. Only back in January, President Ali had engagements with King Charles III and the Commonwealth Secretary-General (SG), Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey – both of whom commended Guyana’s efforts and pledged to the Global Biodiversity Alliance. As a matter of fact, the Commonwealth has agreed to collaborate on strategic initiatives to support the Alliance. A Joint Working Team will advance efforts to establish an International Biodiversity Centre of Excellence based in Guyana. The country is already working with United States (US)based Yale University to establish this centre and to build a global mechanism through which the facility would be the hub for research, development, policymaking, education, marketing, and developing financing models. Currently, more than 70 per cent of the world’s biodiversity has already been lost over the last 50 years. According to the 2024 World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Living Climate Report – a biennial publication – freshwater populations have declined by 85 per cent, followed by terrestrial, 69 per cent; and marine populations, 56 per cent. In the LAC region, 95 per cent of biodiversity loss has been recorded.

Fatal Police pursuit

“We want justice” – mother calls for answers after teen dies in crash

The mother of 16-yearold Aftaz King is calling for justice as the Guyana Police Force (GPF) investigates the circumstances surrounding the teenager’s fatal crash during a Police pursuit on Thursday.

“We want justice for my son. I only want justice,” Padmini Meghnauth said through tears as she recalled seeing her son’s lifeless body at the Number 75 Village Hospital.

Meghnauth said she first learned something had happened when she received a telephone call from a relative, informing her that her son was in an accident.

She and her husband immediately made their way to the Number 75 Village Hospital, where she said she was escorted into a room by a doctor.

“When I go in, I see my son lying motionless on the bed, not moving…There was blood on his head, everywhere. There was injury on his ears and the back…”

The motorcycle had crashed into a utility pole as the teen rode away from Police on Thursday evening.

Meanwhile, King’s father, Rakesh Sahadew, also ques-

tioned the manner in which the pursuit was allegedly conducted, but admitted, however, that the teen was not a licensed rider.

“The bike doesn’t have a licence, but there are different ways you can stop the bike. Imagine the whole motorbike broke up into pieces,” he lamented.

The family described Aftaz as a caring teenager whose future had only just begun.

“He was a cool child; loving, caring. Never had no problem with him, no complaint,” his mother said.

Although he left school before completing his CSEC examinations, Meghnauth said her son had planned to join the GPF. According to her, his uncle, who serves in the force, had already begun helping him with the application process.

“His uncle is in the Force... we already send the documents,” she said.

Despite her grief, Meghnauth said she has to remain strong for her two other children.

“It is very hard on me. It’s really hard. I still have to live

because I have two children to live with. I have to be strong for them.”

Sped away Meanwhile, the GPF in a statement on the matter, said that ranks attempted to stop a motorcycle being ridden by the teenager, but he allegedly failed to comply and sped away, resulting in a pursuit. Police said the motorcycle later crashed into a utility pole, splitting it during the impact. King sustained severe injuries and was transported to the Number 75 Village Hospital, where he later died.

The GPF also stated that its Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) has launched an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding King’s death.

Police said investigators are expected to examine all aspects of the incident, including the actions of the officers involved, as the probe continues.

Commander’s visit

Meanwhile, Regional Police Commander Assistant Commissioner Shivpersaud Bacchus on Friday led a team

that visited King’s mother and grandmother to offer condolences on behalf of Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken.

The delegation, which also included members of the GPF’s Cops and Faith initiative, assured the family that a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation was underway.

Bacchus told the relatives that the OPR, headed by Superintendent Elton Baird, was actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death and urged the family and anyone with information to cooperate with investigators.

“We don’t want to speculate; we don’t want to put blame on someone. If the

Police are wrong, they will feel the brunt of the law like any other who would have done wrong against a member of the community,” the commander told the family. He added, “We are looking forward to your support, your loved one’s support, and every other person who may witness or know what went wrong,” Bacchus implored.

“Fire prevention is everyone’s responsibility” – GFS …distributes fire-extinguishing balls, smoke detectors

The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) has intensified its nationwide fire prevention campaign with the continued distribution of fire-extinguishing balls and smoke detectors to households and businesses across several regions. In a social media update on Friday, the Fire Service stated that firefighters attached to the Onverwagt Fire Station distributed 15 fire-extinguishing balls to businesses in Belladrum, Ross and Tempe villages, Berbice, on Thursday.

According to the GFS, 20 individuals were selected to participate in the initiative and received training on basic fire safety mea-

during which residents received fire-extinguishing balls and smoke detectors.

sures and the proper use of fire-extinguishing balls during the early stages of a fire. The exercise is part of a broader programme being implemented by the GFS in collaboration with the Government of Guyana to distribute fire-extinguishing balls across the country as part of ongoing fire prevention efforts.

The initiative is also being expanded in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), where firefighters have combined the distribution of fire-extinguishing balls with the installation of smoke detectors in homes. On Thursday, ranks from the Parika, Leonora and La Grange fire stations carried out a community outreach exercise

Firefighters also assisted householders with installing the smoke detectors and provided guidance on their operation and maintenance.

The Fire Service said the programme is aimed at reducing the incidence and impact of fires through public education, community engagement and improved household preparedness. According to the GFS, fire-extinguishing balls provide an additional means of suppressing small fires in their early stages, while smoke detectors serve as an early warning system by alerting occupants to the presence of smoke or fire, allowing for quicker evacuation and reducing potential property damage.

The Fire Service noted that fire prevention remains one of the most effective ways to protect lives and

property. It said the combination of fire-extinguishing balls and smoke detectors is intended to strengthen community resilience and improve safety across households.

The outreach programme will continue throughout Region Three and other administrative regions as part of the GFS’ ongoing community risk reduction strategy.

The GFS is encouraging citizens to remain vigilant by practising safe fire prevention habits, ensuring electrical systems are properly maintained, and developing household emergency plans.

The GFS said it remains committed to protecting lives, property and the environment through prevention, preparedness, emergency response and public education, while reminding citizens that “fire prevention is everyone’s responsibility.”

“Accountants need to evolve” – Pres Ali urges use of technology, exploring new opportunities

…as ICAC's 43rd Annual Conference gets underway in Georgetown

Recognising the important role that accountants play, President Dr Irfaan Ali has underscored the need for these professionals to evolve from the traditional way of doing business by adopting new technology while also exploring new areas of business. The Guyanese leader made these remarks on Friday at the opening of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Caribbean's (ICAC's) 43rd Annual Conference, which is being held in Georgetown. “I believe that given what AI (artificial intelligence) will do and given what organisation needs will be, accountants now need to evolve into what will be the expanded role of an accountant today,” President Ali stated. He went onto emphasise the importance of also expanding beyond traditional roles of

Street trader, policy analyser. Because the accountant now must move into a system where they understand policy. This is the new role. You understand markets in its totality, the functioning of markets. These are the things that I think you need at this moment to discuss. There is no way you'll be irrelevant, let me say that… but you can be relevant but not functional. You can be relevant, but not adaptive.”

New global systems and speed

The Guyanese leader further pointed out that this year’s ICAC conference is being held at a time when professions around the world are changing with new global systems and speed of doing things is the talk of the day. This reality, he asserted, requires attention on how the region re-

day and where the accountancy profession is going with the aim of designing products to facilitate that growth. This, he contended, is something that all the universities across the region should also do. In this regard, UG has already been partnering with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) – the global professional accounting body that offers the Chartered Certified Accountant qualification. “If your students cannot be absorbed in the economy, then they will go to a certification that will allow them to be absorbed in the economy. So, I hope that this initial step by the University of Guyana and the ACCA body would lead to a revolutionising of the accounting profession in the region and the universities within the region all working togeth-

accountancy. To this end, the President challenged the more than 300 participants from across the region at the conference to explore what new or additional skill sets would be needed for professionals to be adaptive in this new emerging environment.

“Those are the questions that you have to answer. How do we ensure that an accountant is not only an accountant now, but how they are incorporated in qualitative analysis, in strategic planning, using the data, not generating the data anymore, but using the data to enhance decision making, using the data to influence policy. That is where the new role is going to emerge,” the Head of State posited. According to Ali, “… for accountants to be relevant in this environment, you have to now also be like a Wall

sponds. “The role of AI and how AI would either enhance or displace what we do in the profession must be examined. If you're not able to examine in totality the role of AI in medium-sized and small markets like ours in the region, then we will be faced with difficult decisions in the future. AI is a tool to help us. But if we allow AI to be the tool that directs us, then we will have challenges. So, we have to decide in the region how we shape AI to meet our own model and to meet our own needs,” he stated.

Relevancy

Turning his attention to relevancy, President Ali said that the University of Guyana (UG) has already begun examining whether the programmes being offered are relevant to the needs of to-

er with the organisation to have an integration with our degree programme, master's programme, and the ACCA programme,” the President stated. Despite this, however, the Guyanese leader went on to voice his concern about the capability within Guyana, especially at a time when the country is experiencing massive growth in business activities. Can we produce sufficient, qualified and competent accounting personnel? Not qualified alone; qualified and competent accounting personnel to meet the growing demand for such services across varied sectors. This is not merely one of numbers. It is also one of quality and expertise,” he emphasised. Noting that this is a challenge that other nations might also be facing, President Ali urges the conference to address whether

the region has enough young people to enter the profession, whether it can provide the education and training required to excel, whether it can equip them with the skills necessary for a rapidly changing world and a more complex business environment and, more importantly, whether the region can retain them after they become qualified.

Facilitator and/or an advisor

Nevertheless, the Guyanese leader said this situation presents an opportunity for countries to look at a mentorship system whereby an accountant is attached to a cluster of 10 small business owners, acting as a facilitator and/or an advisor. This, he noted, will help to build that cluster while also equip-

ping professionals with field experience – something he says is critical for the new environment they will operate in. “The role of an accountant cannot be looked at as one in the office. An accountant must understand the environment they're working in... and coun-

tries can move the role of accountants to a national scale by creating the opportunities among these clusters… you have to present that model.”

“The reality is, the challenge before us is not simply one of producing more accountants. It is one of producing the right accountants for a profession that is undergoing profound transformation. If you're concerned about whether we can attract, retain sufficient talent, you must also be concerned about whether the talent is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and technological competencies that a modern profession demands,” the President asserted.

“Reject mediocrity” GDF colonel urges

…as 3rd Special Forces Battalion claims GDF fitness crown

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has concluded its second quarterly fitness competition for 2026, with the Third Special Forces Battalion emerging as champions in the male category.

In a statement posted on its social media page on Friday, the GDF said the unit dethroned first-quarter winners, the First Infantry Battalion, following a se-

ries of physically demanding events that tested endurance, strength, and teamwork.

The competition featured units from across the GDF and included a three-mile run, memory test, obstacle course, falling plate shoot, and grenade throw.

The First Infantry Battalion finished second in the male category, while the Third Infantry Battalion

placed third.

In the female category, the Guyana National Reserve Female A Team retained its title, continuing its strong performance in the competition. Base Camp Ayanganna Female A Team placed second, followed by the coast guard in third.

Commandant of the Guyana National Reserve, Colonel Lorraine Foster, MSM, congratulated the

participating teams and highlighted the importance of the competition in strengthening core military competencies and operational readiness.

She urged ranks to maintain high training standards, stressing that the GDF, as a light infantry force, depends on strong soldiering skills. Colonel Foster also encouraged commanders to ensure consistent training throughout the year, noting that discipline

and continuous practice are essential to excellence.

Colonel Foster further pointed to the growing role of women in leadership within the Force, referencing Lieutenant Shonetta Emmanuel, captain of the winning female team, who is expected to become the GDF’s first female location commander.

The competition ended with the presentation of trophies and medals to top-performing teams.

Massy turns sod for US$75M business hub at Houston

…company sees Guyana as “long-term partner” – CEO

Massy Guyana officially turned the sod for its new US$75 million Houston, East Bank Demerara (EBD) business hub, with Government and company officials describing the investment as a major vote of confidence in Guyana’s rapidly expanding economy and a key step towards strengthening the country’s logistics, distribution and automotive sectors. The development, which will house a modern distribution warehouse, a new Massy Motors dealership and service centre, is expected to become one of the company’s largest investments in the country. Delivering the feature address at the sod-turning ceremony on Thursday, Public Utilities and Aviation Minister Deodat Indar said the scale of the investment sends a message to investors both locally and internationally. “I want to congratulate you on this US$75 million investment. Let me just repeat that – a US$75 million investment. We see US$75 million, but what this does is send a straight, direct signal that the confidence in

the Guyanese economy is strong. What it says to the Massy Group and the rest of our onlookers is that if the Massy Group, a company that is smart in its thinking and deliberation, can invest this money in the Guyanese economy, it means they see something that others should be looking for if they have not seen it as yet,” the minister said. Indar noted that Guyana is experiencing a period of unprecedented economic expansion and urged businesses to seize the opportunities being created. “It is not every day that you can say that you’re part of the world’s fastest-growing economy, and that is our six years and counting. We are part of a development that others before us did not have, and those in the future will not have. This is the time when you need hands to build, not hands to break. This country needs everybody to help build it.” He said the Government’s investments in energy, infrastructure, ports, manufacturing and industrial development are laying the foundation for sustained private sector growth. “The

next stage of our development is not just continuous infrastructure build-out, but the industrialisation of the country, to manufacture things that we never did before, things we always imported.”

Indar pointed to the Gas-to-Energy (GtE) Project, future deep-water port development, expanded manufacturing and agro-processing opportunities and plans to position Guyana as both a maritime and aviation hub. “The President has mandated me to ensure Guyana becomes a maritime hub and an aviation hub. We are not going to sit back and watch the development happen and be spectators.”

Long-term partner

Massy Group President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) James McLetchie said the company views Guyana as a long-term partner rather than simply another market. “For Massy, Guyana is not just a market we are entering. We’ve been here. It is a country we are growing with. Many compa-

nies talk about opportunity. We talk about commitment. If you haven’t felt the common thread in this team, it is about commitment to this country, to our people and to our region.” He said the investment demonstrates the company’s confidence that Guyana’s growth will continue well beyond the country’s oil production. “This investment reflects our belief that Guyana’s future extends far beyond oil. It reflects our confidence that the next chapter of Guyana’s story will be driven by infrastructure, logistics, food security, energy, technology and, most importantly, talent, entrepreneurship and leadership.” Mc Letchie also outlined Massy’s vision of making Guyana a regional logistics and food security hub. “We do want to start moving products south to north. Guyana has to be, with all the ports that will be built, the centre of the future of supply chains in this region.” Using the example of purchasing a Guyanese mango overseas at a premium price, the Massy executive argued that the country has tremendous untapped agro-processing potential.

“What we would like to visualise is a world where we are producing all of the food that we need in this region in a healthy form. We are exporting globally at scale and therefore subsidising healthier foods in the region, with Guyana at the centre of a regional agricultural hub.”

He revealed that the company’s board has already approved additional investment beyond the announced project. “We approved another US$25 million because we want to make the best automotive centre here. The best investments are not investments in buildings. They are investments in our people, our partnerships and the possibilities.”

Deepen the role Chief Investment Officer (CIO) and Head of the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), Peter Ramsaroop, challenged the company to deepen its role in Guyana’s manufacturing and agro-processing sectors.

“The President said we’re not just here to sell or distribute. We’re here to make, build and deliver to the citizens of Guyana and to de-

liver to the region.” He noted that Massy has already partnered with Guyanese producers by promoting locally manufactured products in its supermarkets and urged the company to help local businesses expand into regional markets. “I’m challenging Massy to start looking at that next step. This distribution channel is going to be important.” Earlier, Chairman and Country Manager of Massy Guyana, Troy Beharry, described the sod-turning as another milestone in the company’s decades-long relationship with Guyana. “Today, as we turn the sod, we are not simply beginning construction of a facility. We are deepening a relationship that began in 1968. We are reaffirming Massy’s belief in Guyana, and we are committing ourselves once again to being a trusted partner in the country’s continued development.” The Houston development will house Massy’s newest distribution warehouse together with a modern automotive dealership and service centre, significantly expanding the company’s logistics and customer service capacity in Guyana.

Fire contained at Robb St building

Firefighters of the Guyana Fire Service responded to a building fire at Lots 38–39 Robb Street, Robb Street, Georgetown, at about 19:00h on Friday evening. According to a report posted on the Fire Service’s social media page, firefighters arrived on the scene and observed smoke emanating from the first floor of the building. The responding team according to the GFS quickly gained access through the ground floor and worked to contain the blaze. The fire was brought under control following the intervention of the firefighters.

Taxi driver on $700,000 bail after gun, ammo bust

A37-year-old taxi driver, who was allegedly found with drugs along with an unlicensed firearm and ammunition during a Police search at his New Amsterdam home, was on Friday placed on a total of $700,000 bail. Ryan Lewis of Shoe Lane, New Amsterdam, appeared before Magistrate Michelle Matthias at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court on Friday, where he was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm without a licence and unlawful possession of ammunition without a licence. Lewis pleaded not guilty to both charges. The court granted him $400,000 bail on the firearm charge and a further $300,000 bail on the ammunition charge.

The matter was adjourned to July 6. No charge relating to the suspected narcotics was filed on Friday.

The charges stem from a Police operation carried out on Tuesday at Lewis’ residence after ranks reportedly acted on information received. According to Police, officers conducted a search of the premises during which several parcels wrapped in transparent plastic and containing leaves, seeds and stems

suspected to be cannabis were discovered inside two blue plastic barrels.

Police said Lewis was informed of the suspected narcotics offence, cautioned and allegedly admitted ownership of the substance. Investigators said a further search of a wooden chest of drawers led to the discovery of a silver-coloured object. 38 Special revolver bearing serial number UA852487, along with six matching rounds of ammunition. Police alleged that Lewis was unable to produce a licence for either the firearm or the ammunition. He was cautioned and arrested. The suspected cannabis was subsequently weighed in his presence and amounted to 14.650 kilograms. Samples were taken and sent for forensic analysis, while the firearm and ammunition were lodged for ballistic examination.

Over 25 Region 2 educators trained to support adolescent mental health

Over 25 teachers and guidance counsellors from Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) have completed specialised training aimed at strengthening their ability to support the mental health and wellbeing of adolescents.

The three-day Help Adolescents Thrive (HAT) training programme, held from June 17 to 19, was implemented by UNICEF Guyana and funded by Republic Bank Guyana Limited in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Adolescent Health Unit.

The programme equipped participants with practical tools and evidence-based approaches to help students build social and emotional skills, identify signs of emotional distress, and connect adolescents with appropriate support services.

According to UNICEF Guyana, the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen support systems for adolescents and create safe school environments where young people can learn and develop.

The Health Officer at UNICEF Guyana, Joann Simpson, said mental health is a key component of adolescent wellbeing and development.

“I am especially pleased that this training focuses on building the capacity of teach-

ers and guidance counsellors to support adolescents in developing social and emotional skills. This is essential for promoting mental wellbeing and preventing mental health conditions. Prevention deserves our focused attention, now more than ever,” Simpson said.

UNICEF noted that ado-

Ramsamooj, said the bank is committed to supporting initiatives that promote adolescent wellbeing.

“Republic Bank Guyana is proud to support this important initiative alongside UNICEF and our government partners. Region Two’s young people deserve environments where they feel supported, understood, and empowered to reach their full potential. By investing in the capacity of teachers and guidance counsellors, we are helping to build stronger support systems that can positively impact the lives of adolescents for years to come,” Ramsamooj said.

The HAT training is part of a broader partnership launched by UNICEF

lescence is a critical stage of development and that supportive relationships within schools can play a major role in building resilience and improving outcomes for young people. Through the HAT programme, educators are equipped with strategies to foster positive interactions and create environments where students feel safe seeking help.

Branch Sales Manager of Republic Bank Guyana’s Anna Regina Branch, Guitree

Guyana and Republic Bank Guyana Limited in April 2026 to strengthen adolescent mental health and psychosocial support across Guyana.

The partnership focuses on increasing awareness, building the capacity of frontline professionals and expanding access to mental health support services through schools and communities, with the aim of ensuring adolescents have the resources and support needed to thrive.

Intl aid arrives as Venezuela earthquake death toll reaches 920

Venezuela’s interim President, Delcy Rodríguez, has said that almost 3000 persons have been injured, as the official death toll from the country’s worst earthquake in more than a century has almost doubled.

Rodríguez’s brother, Jorge, who is the President of the National Assembly, said on Friday that the official number of dead had risen to 920.

Speaking during a tour of La Guaira, the most devastated region, Rodríguez said foreign search and rescue groups were starting to arrive.

On Thursday, the US Defence Secretary, Pete Hegseth, said that on Donald Trump’s orders he had mobilised troops to “support the Venezuelan people” in their hour of need. “Our mission is clear: save lives and rapidly deliver critical aid where it is most needed,” Hegseth tweet-

ed.

US Southern Command said Marine Corps Major General Kevin J Jarrard had landed in Caracas to oversee the use of “the US military’s unparalleled logistical and operational capabilities” to help with the search.

Other countries, including Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, Mexico, Spain, France, Turkey and Switzerland, have offered

to send humanitarian aid and rescue teams.

Thirty-six hours after the back-to-back earthquakes devastated Venezuela’s northern coast, there was scant sign of Government help reaching many areas, exposing how years of economic misrule and corruption have left authorities woefully unprepared for a disaster on this scale. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

T&T Law Association challenges no-protest zone, SoE extension

One week after protester Alyssa Phillip and her mother Camille Caresquero were arrested during the Labour Day celebrations in Fyzabad, the Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LATT) is questioning the reasoning behind restricting public access to certain areas and the further extension of the State of Emergency.

Under the no-protest zone order, people participating in public protests or demonstrations are prohibited from being at, or within 500 metres of, several key state institutions and sensitive facilities across Trinidad and Tobago, including the Red House, Woodford Square, the

Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Office of the Prime Minister, President’s House and the Police Administration Building.

In a media release yesterday, however, LATT questioned the rationale behind the 500-metre distance mandated for the 15 areas.

LATT added that its concerns are not with the regulation of protest per se “but the scope, necessity and proportionality of the restrictions imposed by the Emergency Powers Order” and whether those restrictions are reasonably justifiable in accordance with the Constitution.

“LATT calls upon the relevant authorities to review the

order to ensure that any restrictions on the freedoms of assembly and expression as exercised through public protest are narrowly tailored, operationally necessary, clearly defined, and consistent with the constitutional requirement of reasonable justifiability,” it said.

The association also called on the Government to provide the public with a “measurable, evidence-based justification for the continued extension of the state of emergency, which may be placed in the public domain, with proper regard to national security considerations. (Excerpt from Trinidad and Tobago Guardian)

J’ca: Retired US soldier sentenced for murder of Portland mason

A48-year-old retired United States soldier has been sentenced to 22 years in prison after pleading guilty to the 2022 murder of Portland mason Craig Senior.

The convicted man, Emille Tracey of Pine Terrace, Florida, admitted to fatally shooting the 43-year-old on October 9, 2022, in Hart Hill District, Portland.

Reports are that Senior was at his home when a motor vehicle pulled up and someone called him outside. He went outside and was shot before the vehicle drove off westward towards St Mary. Senior succumbed to his injuries.

Investigators later arrested and charged Tracey, who was reportedly involved in an intimate relationship with

Senior’s wife.

Appearing before Justice Wiltshire in the Portland Circuit Court on Thursday, June 25, 2026, Tracey pleaded guilty to murder and illegal possession of a firearm.

He was sentenced to 22 years’ imprisonment for murder and eight years for illegal possession of a firearm. The sentences are to run concurrently. (Jamaica Observer)

Magnitude 4.2 earthquake recorded east of Antigua and Barbuda

Apreliminary magnitude 4.2 earthquake struck east of Antigua and Barbuda early Friday morning, according to the University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre (UWI SRC).

The automatic report indicates the earthquake occurred at 07:19h. local time on June 26 at a depth of 10 kilometres (km). The epicentre was located at 16.65°N, 59.30°W, approximately 287km east-southeast of St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda. It was also located 252km east-northeast of Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe, and 276km northeast of Roseau, Dominica. The UWI SRC noted that the location is preliminary and was automatically calculated by computer algorithms. The information remains subject to revision pending evaluation by the Centre’s analysts. (Antigua Newsroom)

Barbados PM meets UK PM during London Climate Action Week

Prime Minister (PM) Mia Amor Mottley met with United Kingdom PM Sir Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street on Thursday, where the two leaders discussed strengthening cooperation between Barbados and the United Kingdom.

The meeting, held during London Climate Action Week, focused on security, climate and clean air, tourism, investment, research and trade.

According to a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister, Mottley and Starmer also discussed closer collaboration between Barbados, the United Kingdom, and the Regional Security System to combat organised crime and strengthen regional security. Climate action also featured prominently, with the leaders discussing the need to accelerate international efforts to reduce methane emissions and other super pollutants. They also reaffirmed the importance of the Commonwealth in advancing cooperation on trade,

business, security and development.

The meeting comes days after Starmer announced he would step down as Labour leader and PM following mounting political pressure after Labour’s poor performance in local elections and growing opposition within his party. (Nation News)

Dr Didacus Jules to be OECS Director General for 4th term

Dr Didacus Jules will continue at the helm of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) after securing a fourth term as Director General, with regional leaders reaffirming their confidence in his leadership and vision for deeper integration across the Eastern Caribbean.

The decision was made during the 78th meeting of the OECS Authority, where Heads of Government also commended Dr Jules for his contributions to regional development, cooperation and institutional strengthening during his tenure.

Since taking office in

2014, Dr Jules has led initiatives aimed at advancing food sovereignty, digital transformation, healthier communities and educa-

tion reform while strengthening the OECS’s ability to respond to emerging challenges and opportunities facing member states.

The OECS Authority said experienced leadership remains critical as the organisation navigates an increasingly complex geopolitical environment and works towards its vision of a more integrated, resilient and prosperous region.

The OECS Commission also congratulated Dr Jules on his reappointment, saying it looks forward to continuing to work with him to deliver meaningful benefits for citizens across OECS member states. (Excerpt from St Lucia Times)

Marine expedition near Brazil uncovers 31 new species in 2 weeks

Amarine biology expedition in international waters off the coast of Brazil has discovered 31 new species in just two weeks.

The researchers believe the speed at which the species were found and identified may be a record, in part because of the cutting-edge technology designed and built by the science and engineering team. For the first time on board a ship, the researchers were able to observe the living, 3D cellular structure of microbial life thanks to a technological breakthrough nicknamed the Squid.

Two dozen international experts, from the United States, Australia, Brazil, and Japan, carried out the survey onboard the Falkor, a research vessel operated by the Schmidt Ocean Institute with support from the University of Western Australia and several other institutions.

Setting out from Salvador, Bahia, their focus was on the ocean’s midwater – the area between the seafloor and the sunlit layer closer to the surface. The researchers said this was the largest habitat on Earth, encompassing 90 per cent of the living space on our planet, and also one of the least explored.

Among the discoveries were an amphipod, a type of crustacean related to crabs and lobsters; a fast-moving

gossamer worm; nine jellyfish; seven siphonophores, colonial organisms related to jellyfish and corals; seven comb jellies or ctenophores, famous for the glittering cilia they use to swim; four larvaceans, tadpole-like creatures that live in mucus houses and are more closely related to humans than invertebrates; and two giant rhizarians, single-celled organisms visible to the naked eye. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

Around the World

OIL NEWS

Oil prices dive as more tankers move through Strait of Hormuz

Crude prices fell by more than three per cent on Friday, on course for steep weekly losses, as oil tankers kept exiting the Strait of Hormuz, easing supply concerns the day after a cargo vessel was hit near Oman.

Brent crude futures settled at US$71.99 a barrel, down US$3.27, or 4.34 per cent. US West Texas Intermediate finished at US$69.23 a barrel, down US$2.69 or 3.74 per cent.

Since the market closed last Thursday, the Brent benchmark fell 10.86 per cent, while WTI fell 9.62 per cent for the week. The market closed for a public holiday last Friday.

“There is a growing sense that oil is going to keep moving through the Strait of Hormuz,” said Phil Flynn, senior analyst with Price Futures Group.

Prior to the agreement on a 60-day ceasefire, markets worried supplies would fall short of demand, but those fears seem to be passing.

“The predominant view, it appears, remains one of imminent oversupply,” said PVM analyst Tamas Varga.

“We’re going to get a flood of oil,” Flynn said. “I think we’re going to see a huge flood of products.”

Oil giant Saudi Aramco resumed oil loading on Friday at its Ras Tanura terminal in the Gulf after a nearly four-month halt, shipping data from LSEG showed. (Reuters)

Ukraine launches huge drone attack on Russia

Ukraine has launched one of its heaviest drone assaults on Russia since the war began, targeting 12 regions in the neighbouring nation as well as its own Crimean Peninsula, which has been occupied by Russia since 2014.

Russia’s Tass state news agency said Ukraine fired more drones in the attack than it had during any previous assault in the last year. The Russian defence ministry said 660 drones were intercepted. The previous largest Ukrainian attack this year involved 556 drones on May 17.

Ukrainian authorities said air defence units had repelled a Russian missile attack, meanwhile, with residents telling CBS News they saw interceptions above the capital,

US conducts strikes on Iran after attack on cargo ship

The US military has conducted strikes on Iranian targets after President Donald Trump accused Iran of a “foolish violation” of its truce following an attack on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz.

No casualties were reported when the ship was struck by a one-way attack drone on Thursday, an incident which prompted a

planned evacuation of more than 11,000 sailors stuck in the region.

In response, US Central Command said on Friday it had struck missile and drone storage facilities and coastal radar positions. There has been no comment yet from Iran.

Just moments before the strikes were announced, President Trump

said “you’ll see” when asked if the US would respond to the Iranian attack.

US Central Command described the strikes as “a powerful response” to the drone attack in a statement.

“The unwarranted aggression against commercial shipping by Iranian forces clearly violated the ceasefire,” it also said.

“Furthermore, Iran’s

dangerous behaviour undermined freedom of navigation as commerce increasingly flows through the vital international trade corridor.”

Centcom said the US military would “continue to provide safe passage coordination and support to commercial vessels transiting the strait”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Israel, Lebanon sign initial agreement after US-mediated talks

Israel and Lebanon signed a framework agreement in Washington on Friday following several days of talks to secure an end to fighting between Israel and Iranbacked Hezbollah militants, though both sides framed the deal as an initial step.

Lebanese Ambassador Nada Moawad and her Israeli counterpart Yechiel Leiter signed the trilateral document with the US at the State Department in Washington, providing few details.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the agreement allows

first step in what will be a difficult journey, without a doubt, but an important and an essential and a necessary one,” US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said before the agreement was inked.

Kyiv, that sent debris falling to the ground.

Ukraine’s national security service said that Ukrainian drones struck two military vessels and several air defence systems in the Kerch region of Crimea. Russian and Ukrainian channels on the Telegram social media platform reported a strike on the Azot chemical plant in Russia’s Tula region, which would be the second time the facility was targeted in two weeks.

CBS News could not confirm the strikes on the plant, which is one of Russia’s largest producers of ammonia and nitrogen fertilisers. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said the facility is crucial to Russia’s production of explosives.

(Excerpt from CBS News)

The whereabouts of almost 300 persons who have tested positive for Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are unknown, according to Africa’s top public health official.

The humanitarian crisis amid the conflict in the affected areas means more than one million persons are living in camps to which health workers have no access, Dr Jean Kaseya, director general of the Africa Centers for Disease Control

Israeli forces to continue to occupy southern Lebanon if Hezbollah does not disarm.

“Today we’ve taken the

In a later statement he said that the US would facilitate the implementation of the deal through a trilateral “Military Coordination Group for Lebanon” and that Washington would commit significant resources, including an immediate US$100 million in humanitarian assistance in coordination with the UN (Excerpt from Reuters).

Whereabouts of nearly 300 with Ebola unknown in DRC

and Prevention (CDC), said on Thursday.

His comments came as projections from the World Health Organization’s Africa regional office, published in the Lancet Infectious Diseases journal, predicted there will be about 8210 cases and 1420 deaths by mid-September.

The modelling suggested the outbreak had a 70 per cent chance of spreading to neighbouring South Sudan in the coming weeks.

There have been 1118

confirmed cases and 291 deaths to date in the DRC, as well as 20 cases and two deaths in neighbouring Uganda.

On Wednesday, France announced that a doctor who had been working in the DRC had tested positive on his return. His employer, medical NGO Alima, said they were “working to understand how the contamination may have occurred”.

Figures on the number of patients who have recovered and those being treated, as

well as deaths, indicate 297 persons who tested positive are unaccounted for. “This is a concern that we have. Where are these people?” asked Kaseya. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, is the largest on record for five weeks after declaration. At the same stage, the West Africa outbreak of 2014 to 2016, which infected more than 28,000 people and killed more than 11,000, had 239 cases and 160 deaths.

(Excerpt from The Guardian)

South Korean court sentences former First Lady to 7 years for bribery

South Korea’s former First Lady, Kim Keon Hee, has been handed a seven-year sentence for taking bribes during and after her husband President Yoon Suk Yeol’s time in office.

Kim was found guilty of accepting jewellery, an expensive designer handbag and other luxury items in exchange for political favours by the Seoul Central District Court on Friday.

“She exercised her power as First Lady to offer jobs and business favours,” lead judge Cho Sun-pyo said, adding that she received the bribes “without hesitation”.

Kim was fined KRW64.8 million (US$42,000), and the court ordered the confiscation of the items she received.

She denied the charges, saying the gifts weren’t bribes, and her lawyers said

she will appeal.

The court found that she received jewellery worth over KRW100 million (US$64,750) from the owner of a construction company in exchange for giving his son-in-law a Government job. A pastor also gave her a Dior bag and other gifts for favours relating to public officials’ duties,

the Korea JoongAng Daily newspaper reported.

To support her bid for office, a former prosecutor gave her a painting by renowned artist Lee Ufan, and the former head of the National Education Commission gave her a golden turtle ornament in exchange for being appointed to the position, the

court found.

The former First Lady is already serving a four year sentence for stock manipulation and taking bribes from South Korea’s Unification Church.

As President, her husband vetoed three opposition-backed bills to investigate allegations against his wife after a video emerged appearing to show her accepting a luxury handbag in 2023.

He is also in prison, serving a life sentence for sending military drones into North Korea, which prosecutors said was aimed at creating a pretext for his declaration of martial law in December 2024 and leading an insurrection. He was ousted from office in 2025 after being impeached. (Al Jazeera)

Doubling down, pushing yourself to the limit and taking care of unfinished business will help you enjoy your downtime and think more about commitment and what you want to pursue next. Social activities will encourage you to take better care of yourself and to allow more time for the finer things in life. Romance is highlighted.

Put your energy where it counts. Focusing on personal growth, making investments and taking better care of your emotional well-being will come with rewards. It’s time to venture into new genres and to discover what’s available and connect to those who can assist you in turning your pursuits into something tangible. Discipline is the key to longevity in all aspects of life.

Change begins with you. Put your heart into what moves you, then see what happens. Learning from experience and discussions you get into will help you find greater stability and personal and financial security. Self-improvements will elate you and encourage you to rely on your uniqueness to outmaneuver any challenge that comes your way.

Size up your situation, consider the possibilities and put a schedule in place that is sufficient to meet your demands. Don’t let negativity drain the energy from you; a positive attitude directed toward your goal will make your life much easier. Trust your intelligence and insight instead of relying on someone who talks big but offers little.

Silence is golden. Wait, watch and start to plan what’s in your best interest. Work quietly behind the scenes until you feel excited about what you develop. Your power comes from thoroughness and completion. Trust your instincts and use the platform that promotes the best version of you. Social events and romance are favored.

Opportunity is within reach. Recognize what’s available and go for it. Detail is important, but so are deadlines. Do your best in the allotted amount of time. You may not please yourself, but you will fulfill others’ expectations. Your ability to be in the right place at the right time is uncanny. Venture out, network and enjoy the moment.

What you do will have a bigger impact than what you say. Focus on physical progress and sticking to the facts. If you color a situation, it will come back to haunt you. Discipline, uniqueness and progress will lead to positive feedback, interesting suggestions and opportunities. Romance is in the stars.

Creativity is on the rise, and how you express your intentions, desires and expectations will make a difference when trying to generate interest. Listen carefully and be sure to get any offers you receive in writing. Your power comes from reading the room and avoiding those promising the impossible. Look at every conversation and situation individually.

Taking on projects that improve your health, lifestyle or home will have a positive impact on your life, relationships and confidence if you don’t surpass your budget. Using practical application, having patience, calling in favors and reaching out to those who will benefit from your efforts to pitch in will make your life easier. Romance is favored.

Take note of what everyone around you is doing to avoid getting caught in someone else’s drama. Truth matters, and knowing when to back away or say nothing will help you avoid any setback that comes with unsavory situations. Put your energy into challenges that encourage strength and physical benefits. Choose a healthy lifestyle.

A change at home will be rejuvenating. Personal gain and enjoying the company of someone who brings out the best in you will have a positive impact on how you look and feel. A disciplined approach to relationships, shared expenses and lifestyle will pay off. A creative venture will bring in extra cash.

Being brave, bold and boisterous will grab attention and help you get things done. Venture out, socialize and connect with people who have similar interests and something to offer in return. The vibe you give others will put them at ease, allowing you to tap into your imagination and discover unique ideas. Trust your instincts.

ITucker, Delany, Hollard, Moondra shine in Ireland’s historic win over India

picked up three for 24, but more than that, he highlighted why India likes him on their team. He makes things happen.

Tucker steps up

reland picked up their first ever win in international cricket over India. The T20 world champions were humbled in Belfast, a place far removed from the comforts they’ve enjoyed recently. The boundaries were bigger. The pitch had help for fast bowlers. There were

powerplay was still on. Eventually he unfurled his special skill. A slower ball that Tucker absolutely nailed, but it didn’t matter because it had settled in the hands of a fielder. Rana was making his return to the competitive game after four months on the sidelines with a knee injury. He

With Ireland at 36 for three at the end of the powerplay, their captain set his stall out to bat the full 20 overs. Tucker was five off 11 and never once showed the pressure that comes with playing an innings like that, an innings where he wasn’t even looking for shots. It was more important that he stayed out there

Afor as long as possible. And when Gareth Delany (49 off 32) gave him the confidence that the other end can hold its own, he started to open up. Tucker brought up his 50 from 35 balls. He is the first player in men’s T20Is to score a half-century in each of his first three games as skipper.

Front-loading problems

Nine hundred and 36 days since he last played a game in the shortest format, Shreyas Iyer pulled on the India blues, and this time it came with the armband. He

had the toss go his way and recognised the seam, swing and bounce on offer for the fast bowlers in Belfast. He also had Rana and Arshdeep Singh bowl right through the powerplay. But that bit of frontloading had an adverse effect later. At death, India had to turn to a spinner – Washington Sundar gave away 19 runs bowling the 16th over – and a man having a bad day – Prasidh Krishna gave away 27 runs in the 17th over and finished with figures of 0 for 57 to follow 0 for 68 from his last T20I three years ago. Axar Patel and Arshdeep bailed Iyer out as India conceded only 18 off the last 18 balls.

Abhishek on song

Once again, Abhishek Sharma showcased just how hard he is to bowl at partly because of how good he is at finding boundaries on the off side. He gets power into those shots, power like the way others get it into slogs on the leg side. Six of his nine boundaries came on the offside, with Ireland guilty of feeding his strength. When they redressed it, though –shifting their line straighter – they had him caught at deep midwicket for 49 off 20.

Ireland’s debutants too good Moondra had family and friends in the crowd. They had signs up that said “Moondra hai toh mumkin hai”, which translates to “When Moondra’s there, there’s always a chance”. And so it was as the left-arm quick began his career by dismissing the player from the last T20 World Cup. Sanju Samson was bowled for five. The other debutant, Hollard, had an even better time, brandishing three different celebrations when he took down Ishan Kishan with his second ball in T20Is and then going on to dismiss Iyer for three. Ireland bossed the period immediately after the powerplay, giving up just two boundaries in 27 balls. That pressure produced wickets. Tilak Varma, trying to break the boundary drought, fell to the reverse sweep, which left India 90 for five after 10.2 overs and Ireland 70 per cent favourites to win the game, according to Cricinfo’s forecaster. When Hollard dismissed Washington for nine off 12, the result started to look like a foregone conclusion, and the merits of playing him over Sooryavanshi started to look unclear. (ESPNcricinfo)

Parris’s magnificent 177 powers West Indies Academy to series triumph

who played a composed unbeaten knock of 86 from 78 balls. Anderson struck seven fours and two sixes to ensure the West Indies maintained their momentum through the latter stages of the innings. Captain Rivaldo Clarke also made a valuable contribution with 38 runs.

For the home side, Chamika Heenatigala was the standout bowler, returning economical figures of 1 for 30 from his full quota of 10 overs despite the heavy scor-

ing.

Set a daunting target of 350, Sri Lanka. Emerging never gained complete control of the chase and were eventually dismissed for 273 in 42.4 overs. Ranesh Silva top-scored with an entertaining 69 from 64 balls, including five fours and two sixes, while Dinura Kalupahana added a fighting 54. However, regular wickets prevented the hosts from mounting a serious challenge.

West Indies Academy’s bowlers

shared the workload impressively, with Amari Goodridge leading the attack by claiming four for 56. Zishan Motara and Giovonte Depeiza provided excellent support, each taking two wickets to help wrap up the innings and secure the convincing victory.

The triumph capped an impressive tour for the West Indies Academy, whose all-round performance in the series decider underlined the depth of emerging talent in Caribbean cricket.

sensational century from Shaqkere Parris propelled the West Indies Academy to a commanding 76-run victory over Sri Lanka. Emerging in the third and decisive one-day match at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground in Colombo, sealing the three-match series 2-1.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, the visitors produced a dominant batting dis-

play, amassing an imposing 349 for four from their allotted 50 overs. Leading the charge was Parris, whose breathtaking 177 came from just 129 deliveries and featured 13 fours and 11 towering sixes. His innings laid the foundation for the Academy’s highest total of the series.

Parris received excellent support from Guyanese middle-order batsman Kelvon Anderson,

Dembélé’s quick-fire treble powers France to 4-1 win over second-string Norway

Omade sure of top spot in World Cup Group I with a ruthless 4-1 win on Friday over a second-string Norway, who, like the French, had already qual ified for the next round of the tournament.

times in the space of 25 minutes in the first peri od to world

West Indies Women hold semifinal fate in their own hands

he West Indies

TWomen have their destiny firmly in their own hands as they prepare to face Ireland in a crucial International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s T20 World Cup clash in Bristol from 09:30h. Victory will guarantee the Caribbean side a coveted place in the semi-finals, while defeat would leave their hopes dependent on England overcoming New Zealand.

Despite Ireland yet to register a win at the tournament, the Caribbean outfit are taking nothing for granted. The Irish will be buoyed by their historic first-ever T20 International victory over the West Indies during the recent tri-series, proving they are capable of springing an upset.

West Indies Captain Hayley Matthews believes her side is in an enviable position heading into the decisive encounter.

“I mean, it’s all in our hands, and I think the fact that it’s all in our hands puts us in a wonderful position,” Matthews said.

She noted that had her team been offered this scenario before the tournament began, they would have accepted it without hesitation.

“I think coming into this World Cup, if you’d said to us we just have to beat Ireland in the last match and we’d have a semi-final spot, we’d have grabbed that opportunity with both hands. So, we’re in a really good place as a group.”

While pleased with her team’s position, Matthews admitted there is still room for improvement, particularly with the bat.

“I think we’re still not quite firing with the bat. I still haven’t got runs; Deandra still hasn’t got runs. Chinelle looked really good today, which is a positive, but I certainly feel like we’re in a very, very strong place right now.”

Matthews’ message to her teammates is simple: believe in themselves and continue playing fearless cricket.

“I guess the message to the team is just going to be to keep believing, keep playing some really good cricket. I think against a team like Ireland, if we are at our best or near to our best, we should be coming out on the right side of the result.”

The West Indies skipper was quick to acknowledge Ireland’s threat, highlighting the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket.

“We obviously know that they’ve got some dangerous players. In T20 cricket, it takes one or two players to take a game away from you. But at the same time, we’re just going to back our best brand of cricket and go into that match fearless, knowing that it’s all in our hands.”

With a place in the final four at stake, the West Indies will be eager to produce their most complete performance of the tournament and ensure they do not leave their World Cup ambitions to the fortunes of other teams.

to rest all but one of the players who started against Senegal earlier this week, including goal-scoring machine Erling Haaland and captain Martin Odegaard.

France attack from the start

France went on the attack from the kickoff. Kylian Mbappe, who is likely to be challenging Haaland for the World Cup’s Golden Boot top scorer award, slammed an angled shot off the bar with barely 20 seconds on the clock.

Six minutes later, Mbappé swept a glorious cross-field pass to Dembélé, who cut inside and then outside a defender before blasting an angled shot past goalkeeper Egil Selvik.

Mbappé fed Dembélé again in the 20th minute, and the Paris St Germain forward gained a yard of space against his marker to score with a dipping shot.

Norway pulled a goal back almost immediately through Thelo Aasgaard before Dembele became the third France player to score a World Cup treble – after Just Fontaine in the 1950s and Mbappe – by curling a low shot into the bottom corner in the 32nd.

It was the second-earliest hat-trick ever scored at

a World Cup, behind Erich Probst, who got three goals for Austria in 1954 against Czechoslovakia after 24 minutes.

Jorgen Strand Larsen blew a chance to get Norway back into the game early in the second half when his soft penalty was saved by Mike Maignan.

Winger Oscar Bobb forced Maignan into another save as the Scandinavians exposed some vulnerability in their opponents’ back line before Desire Doue got France’s fourth with a header from a cross by substitute Bradley Barcola in the dying moments.

Norway coach Solbakken said it had been a “no-brainer” to rest so many of his usual starters against France, including Haaland and Odegaard.

“The only argument for not doing what we did is that the fans in Norway and here could have seen Erling and Martin. But then it wouldn’t be a long World Cup, and that’s what we’re here for,” he said. “We’re here to go as far as possible.” (Reuters)

5-star Senegal keep World Cup hopes alive, send Iraq home

Senegal kept their World Cup knockout hopes alive in dominant fashion on Friday with a 5-0 victory over 10-man Iraq, who were eliminated from the tournament.

Survival was on the line as both sides entered the match needing to win, preferably by a large margin, to stay in the hunt for one of the last eight spots in the round of 32.

Senegal struck in the fourth minute after Lamine Camara hooked a corner into the box, and Abdoulaye Seck’s downward header grazed off the boot of teammate Habib Diarra to send the ball up and over Iraq keeper Ahmed Basil.

More trouble followed for Iraq when defender

Rebin Sulaka pulled a goalward-bound Sadio Mane down on the edge of the box.

After a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) check for a possible red card, Sulaka was given his marching orders by English referee Anthony Taylor.

Despite being down a man, Iraq were brave in attack in the first half, and Senegal failed to capitalise on the advantage, with longrange efforts from Ismail Jakobs and Mane sailing wide.

It rained goals in the second half, however, as Senegal came out with more urgency and conviction.

Ismaila Sarr bagged his fourth career World Cup goal from close range to become his country’s all-time

leading scorer in the tournament, and substitute Pape Gueye unleashed two rockets from distance to send Senegal’s army of fans into raptures.

Iliman Ndiaye added another long-range strike to cap off Senegal’s fivestar performance, and their green-clad supporters began to chant “Senegal! Senegal!” as the clock wound down.

Senegal finished third in Group I with three points, behind France and Norway. Iraq finished fourth with zero points.

The African side must wait until the group stage ends on Saturday to see if they are one of the eight best third-placed teams who will advance to the round of 32. (Reuters)

Cutting heads to Anguilla for the John T Memorial Race Weekend

–Leung, Noel, set for 2-week UCI training stint

Guyana’s under-23 road race champion

Ajani Cutting has departed for Anguilla, where he is scheduled to compete in the 25th Annual John T Memorial Race Weekend from July 3 to 5.

The event, organised by the Anguilla Cycling Association, will be held in The Valley and is regarded as one of the biggest cycling events on the island. It honours the late John Thomas, known as John T, whose passion and contribution helped build the foundation for cycling in Anguilla.

Cutting, one of Guyana’s leading young cyclists, will join riders from across the region for the endurance-based race weekend,

which has grown in participation and competitiveness over the past 25 years.

The 2026 edition will feature a 2.4-kilometre (km) criterium loop along with three major road race routes. Route one will cov-

Ming takes early control of Need for Speed Karting Championship

Calvin Ming has made a strong start in the Need for Speed Karting Championship, taking the early lead in both the Briggs Senior Heavy and Briggs Senior Light categories after an impressive double performance in the latest round of competition.

Competing at the 555 Speedway in Georgetown last weekend, Ming showed pace and composure in both divisions, collecting key victories and valuable championship points to move ahead of the field.

In the Briggs Senior Heavy category, Ming, driving kart number four, finished the round with 55 points to lead the standings. His performance included pole position in qualifying, victory in the heat, second place in the pre-final, and a commanding win in the final, where he collected the maximum 25 points.

Mikhail Persaud, in kart number 34, sits second in the Briggs Senior Heavy standings with 41 points. Persaud was consistent throughout the day, finishing second in the heat and final and third in the pre-final, but he remains 14 points behind Ming.

Jeremy Tenpow is also within reach after earning 38 points. Tenpow’s round

was highlighted by a win in the pre-final and a thirdplace finish in the final.

Ming said he was pleased with the result, especially given the level of competition he faced from Persaud, Tenpow and the rest of the field. He noted that the racing was close, clean and competitive, adding that the improvement in the Briggs Senior Heavy class was encouraging for the future of karting in Guyana.

Steven Nobrega and Salim Azeez are tied on 24 points, with Nobrega holding fourth position in the standings. Nobrega finished fourth in the final, while Azeez continued to show improvement as the championship develops. John Mohamed is sixth with 13 points, followed by Leonardo Jienarine on 12 and Alfred Madray on four.

Ming also leads the Briggs Senior Light category, where he sits on 58 points after another strong race day. He completed a clean sweep in the division, taking pole position and winning the heat, pre-final and final to strengthen his place at the top of the standings.

Reflecting on the Briggs Senior Light final, Ming said the race was just as difficult as the Heavy category, explaining that an ear-

ly gap proved important as the chasing drivers applied pressure throughout the race. He said he had to remain focused and avoid mistakes, as the competition was close and the result could have gone either way.

Ming also credited his team at Ming Performance Group for the successful weekend, while acknowledging the continued progress of other MPG drivers, including Khalil Rickford, who has been battling near the front of the field.

He also thanked Lawson Motors and CS55 for providing his Tony Kart, along with his sponsors MPS, FMC, M Depot, Babecave, Interstate Batteries and Terracrete for their continued support.

Behind Ming in the Briggs Senior Light standings, Steven Nobrega is second with 40 points, while Justin Tenpow holds third place with 35 points. Zachary Persaud follows in fourth with 31 points after collecting valuable points during the round, while Rickford completes the top five with 24 points. Matthew Phang is sixth with 18 points.

The next round of the Need for Speed Karting Championship is scheduled for September 13 at the Leonora Stadium.

er 142.8 km with an elevation gain of 1112 metres (m), while Route two will cover 100 km with 794 m of climb-

ing. Route Three will cover 60.5 km with an elevation gain of 485 m.

The John T Memorial Race Weekend has become a signature event for Anguilla and continues to attract cyclists from several countries, including Guyana, the British Virgin Islands, Bermuda, Belize, the United States, and other Caribbean nations.

Organisers have said the race continues to show increased interest, stronger competition, and greater intensity each year. Efforts are also being made to have the event recognised as a

UCI-sanctioned race.

Meanwhile, several other Guyanese cyclists also left the country on Friday, June 26, for a twoweek UCI training stint in Trinidad and Tobago. The group includes female junior cyclist Tandeia Noel of Kaieteur Attack Racing Cycle Club, Sidwell Sandy of KARCC, Alexander Leung of Continental, and KARCC coach Brentnol Carmichael. Their participation forms part of continued efforts to expose Guyana’s cyclists to higher levels of competition and training across the region.

The opening phase of the 19th National School Basketball Festival will now be held at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, due to ongoing works at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Youth Basketball Guyana confirmed the venue adjustment in correspondence from Co-Director Chris Bowman. The change affects the opening ceremony and the initial rounds of competition, while all dates, schedules and planned activities remain unchanged.

The tournament is scheduled to run from June 28 to July 5 under the theme “One Game, One Dream, One Festival”. The opening ceremony is set for Sunday, June 28, at 13:00h, with the daily start time for the festival also listed at 13:00h.

Organisers are anticipating that the finals and closing ceremony on Sunday, July 5, will be staged at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, subject to the completion of the ongoing works.

This year’s festival will feature competition in four divisions: Girls, Under-14, Under-16 and Under-18, bringing together several school teams from across Guyana for a full week of youth basketball.

The Girls Division will

and JC Chandisingh Secondary, while Group B features Queen’s College, Tutorial Academy and Hururu Secondary.

Opening day action on June 28 will feature Girls and Under-16 matches. President’s College will face JC Chandisingh in the Girls Division from 13:30h, followed by Queen’s College against Hururu at 14:10h.

The Under-16 fixtures will include Skeldon Line Path against School of the Nations, Queen’s College against JC Chandisingh, Berbice High against The Bishops’ High, Mackenzie High against Hururu, St Stanislaus against Plaisance Secondary, President’s College against Marian Academy, and St Rose’s High against Tutorial High.

The competition will continue with Girls and Under-16 quarter-finals on June 29, while Under-18 and Under-14 preliminary matches will begin on June 30 and continue on July 1.

Quarter-finals are scheduled for July 2, followed by the High School All-Star segment on July 3. That day will feature the Junior AllStar game for Under-14 and Under-16 players at 18:00h, the Girls All-Star game at 19:15h and the Senior AllStar game for Under-18 players at 20:30h.

The semi-finals will be played on July 4, with matches set in the Girls, Under-14, Under-16 and Under-18 divisions.

The finals are scheduled for July 5, beginning with the Under-14 final at 16:00h. The Girls final will follow at 17:15h, before the Under-16 final at 18:30h and the Under-18 final at 20:00h. The festival is title-sponsored by Edward B Beharry and Company Limited. Sponsors and partners include G-Boats Guyana, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.

Amir Jangoo may not have even featured in the opening Test for West Indies had Shai Hope not suffered an injury during training. But with a chance handed out, he made full use of it to rescue the hosts from a precarious position to leave them only 37 behind Sri Lanka’s first-innings 308.

Jangoo, playing his second Test, walked in at 97 for two in the afternoon and showed off an obdurate batting style, taking 174 balls for his unbeaten 78. His maiden Test half-century took West Indies to 271 for five at stumps.

At the other end, a man with something else to prove batted on from No. 7 – Roston Chase, the West Indies captain who has averaged 15.50 in the 15 innings he has batted since July 2025. Watchful in dead-batting and playing the long game, he joined Jangoo in the middle at 168 for five, took 105 balls to score 42, and contributed to an unbeaten sixth-wicket partnership of 103 to leave

Jangoo, Chase’s defiant stand takes WI close to parity

the hosts the happier side after day two.

Their stand was crucial because it came after a middle session where West Indies lost four for 79, losing the gains they had achieved in the morning session, with the openers helping them reach 89 for one at lunch.

John Campbell (39) and Brandon King (31) saw off the new ball and enjoyed a half-century stand in the morning. The runs came the West Indies’ way right from the start of the day when Lahiru Kumara sprayed the ball wide in his only over of the session, conceding two four-byes, before leaving the field for the rest of the day with a hamstring niggle. Asitha Fernando and Kasun Rajitha operated close to the corridor of uncertainty, but the openers saw them out successfully against the new ball.

Boundaries from Campbell and King came the classical way – ondrives past the non-striker or crisp shots square on either side – but the occasion-

ond session, Sri Lanka’s bowlers were right on top with their consistency, and chipped away at West Indies’ batting lineup. Campbell was out right after lunch when left-arm spinner Sonal Dinusha tempted him with a full ball outside off. Thinking of lofting Dinusha over his head, all he did was hole out to Nishan Madushka.

Next over, Rathnayaka added a second wicket to his name – after King’s dismissal in the morning – by being rewarded for some tidy bowling in the corridor of uncertainty. After zeroing in on a steady line and length through the 26th over, he got a good-length ball to generate some extra bounce, leaving Hodge (16) inside-edging a defensive shot onto his stumps.

Joshua Da Silva (20) and Jangoo began a repair job with the West Indies at 102 for three and were comfortable absorbing the pressure with run-scoring drying up. Jangoo shuffled around his crease, moving to the leg side often to access punches and drives

through the off side while Da Silva was more watchful.

But after 18 overs of rebuilding with a 52-run partnership for the fourth wicket, Da Silva struck Asitha to cover, reminiscent of the King dismissal earlier in the day. Asitha once again delivered by getting a nagging delivery to nip in the bud. Greaves was in two minds whether to play or leave, and the eventual edge was pounced on by a diving Kusal Mendis with a one-handed special. It was under these circumstances that Chase and Jangoo got together and batted 33.5 overs till stumps without any further damage. Sri Lanka’s lack of incision late in the back third of the day was not for lack of trying, but they were a bowler short with Lahiru’s absence. The batting pair were unhurried against the setting sun in the background and ground out Sri Lanka till stumps.

Sri Lanka 1st Innings Pathum Nissanka c Jangoo b Roach 2 Nishan Madushka lbw

b AS Joseph 23

Dinesh Chandimal b S Joseph 54 Kamindu Mendis c Campbell

b AS Joseph 0

Dhananjaya de Silva (c) c King b Greaves 120 Kusal Mendis † c Greaves

b S Joseph 0 Sonal Dinusha lbw b Roach 43 Milan Rathnayaka b Greaves 27 Kasun Rajitha c Roach b Greaves 8 Lahiru Kumara not out 12 Asitha Fernando c AS Joseph b Seales 0 Extras (b 4, lb 5, nb 4, w 6) 19

Total 71.5 Ov (RR: 4.28) 308 Fall of wickets 1-2 (Pathum Nissanka, 0.6 ov), 2-42 (Nishan Madushka, 9.3 ov), 3-42 (Kamindu Mendis, 9.4 ov), 4-110 (Dinesh Chandimal, 25.1 ov), 5-110 (Kusal Mendis, 25.5 ov), 6-209 (Sonal Dinusha, 50.4 ov), 7-273 (Dhananjaya de Silva, 64.4 ov), 8-287 (Milan Rathnayaka, 68.1 ov), 9-303 (Kasun Rajitha, 70.5 ov), 10-308 (Asitha Fernando, 71.5 ov) Bowling O-M-R-W Kemar Roach 12-2-32-2

Guyana Karatekas impress at ISKF Master Camp in USA

Guyana’s karate delegation earned podium success and valuable international experience at the International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF) 57th Master Camp and International Goodwill Tournament, held from June 12 to 19 at Camp Green Lane in Philadelphia, US.

The team was led by Chief Instructor and Country Director of ISKF-Guyana, Christopher Chaves, Sensei, Rokudan, along with Instructor Kristian Chaves, Sensei, Sandan. Students Talitha Kissoon, Jaden Dalgetty, Jasmin Dalgetty, Amia Walcott, Tina Monic and Kareena Singh also represented Guyana at the week-long event.

Guyana’s strongest showing came in the Adult Goodwill Tournament, where Talitha Kissoon and Kristian Chaves both competed and advanced to the finals.

Kristian Chaves also enjoyed success in the team events, joining Elijah Elliot of the United States and Joaquin Rotela of Argentina in the Male Team Kata and Team Kumite divisions. Their team captured gold in Team Kata and silver in Team Kumite, adding an international medal-winning performance to Guyana’s participation.

The country’s under-18 students also took part in the Youth Shiai on June 14, where they competed against international opponents and received participatory medals for their efforts.

Beyond the tournament, the camp provided the Guyanese delegation with a full week of training, learning and technical development under senior ISKF instructors.

The Guyana team also extended special thanks to Hiroyoshi Okazaki Shihan and his team of instructors for what was described as an excellent week of instruction and growth.

Christopher Chaves also represented Guyana at the International Board of Directors meeting during the camp. At that meeting, it was announced that the World Shotokan Cup 2029 will be held in Argentina.