Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com
Issue No. 6574
THE BEACON OF TRUTH SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026
PRICE $100 VAT INCLUDED
GPL’s US$422M grid upgrade gains momentum as substations near 60% completion
WHAT'S INSIDE:
Bartica Mayor dies, hailed for commitment to P14 service
Page 3
Gas-to-Energy Project
Siemens Energy gears up for operation of 300MW power plant P14 Duo fined $460K for drunk driving, other traffic- P10 related charges Guyana pushes expanded trade, investment ties with Mexico P12
…as US$20M “brain” of power grid set to transform operations The new US$20Mn National Control Centre, which is set to provide real-time monitoring and remote control of Guyana’s electricity grid
$22M worth of ganja, makeshift camps destroyed by Police
Veteran P15 broadcaster Dr Rovin Deodat dies
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New AML/CFT Bill Page to focus on asset 2 forfeiture; to be ready by year-end – AG
Contractor crushed by reversing truck at Ruimveldt Page 8
“The same law must apply to everyone” – MARAD tells US-sanctioned LOO Page 7
…says filing maritime licence application does not guarantee approval
FLOW expands to 19 Region P15 6 schools, reaches 35 sites nationwide
2 NEWS
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
New AML/CFT Bill to focus on asset forfeiture; to be ready by year-end – AG
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uyana is working on updating its Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework, with heavy emphasis being placed on the forfeiture of assets. Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall on Thursday revealed that the new AML/ CFT Bill, which will replace the existing 17-year-old legislation, is in its final stage. “I’m hoping to take to parliament before the end of this year, and the new emphasis in investigating and prosecuting money laundering and countering the financial type of terrorism offences is on forfeiture of assets, detention of assets [and] freezing orders,” the Minister stated. According to Nandlall, this direction has been proving to be effective in dismantling criminal networks. “It has been now accepted that the manner in which the criminal is injured the most is when you hit him at his asset base. Because of the years, they have gotten people to serve sentences for them, or they have gone in and served sentences themselves because they know they’re coming out back to inherit an empire. If
you hit them where it hurts the most – at their asset base – then you’re destroying the factory that generates the criminal conduct,” the AG posited. With the new AML/CFT Bill focusing on the country’s confiscation framework and modernising asset recovery provisions, the Legal Affairs Minister further underscored the need for stakeholders to be prepared for the new legislation. “This is the new emphasis that we have to be prepared for… We have to get our judges and magistrates to understand the provisions of these types of legislation. And to understand that they’re sui generis in nature, they are draconian in nature. They are not the regular type of criminal statute, and therefore, they require a different and specialised type of interpretation… So, that’s a very important piece of legislation that we have to do training on; we have to understand [and] we have to discuss the practical difficulties that we are facing,” Nandlall posited. This focus on asset forfeiture in the new AML/ CFT legislation comes just months after it was revealed that the Guyana Government will be ramp-
Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall
ing up efforts to go after assets obtained from criminal activities or through illegal means. Back in July, Minister Nandlall had pointed out that while local law enforcement agencies have had tremendous successes in going after the assets of criminals by freezing bank accounts and seizing quantities of gold through court orders, more can be done. When an individual is convicted for drug trafficking, they are usually sentenced to a period of imprisonment along with a fine. In the past, persons would only serve the jail time without
having to pay the fine. But now, the State would be going after that fine. “We’re now going to pursue the fines and we’re going to seize, using the law, properties that evidence suggests are the proceeds of crime or acquired through criminal means and criminal proceeds. And that is a new direction Guyana is going along with the Caribbean and the world,” Nandlall stated back in July at the side-lines of the Asset Recovery InterAgency Network for the Caribbean (ARIN-CARIB) Annual General Meeting held in Georgetown.
ARIN-CARIB is a network of Caribbean law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and judicial practitioners who specialise in the recovery of proceeds of crime in the region. Delivering the feature address at the ARINCARIB meeting, AG Nandlall disclosed that over the years, Guyana has been working on strengthening its AML/CFT framework. These efforts have extended beyond legislative reform to include institutional strengthening, enhanced operational coordination, expanded international cooperation, and increased capacity building among competent authorities. According to the Legal Affairs Minister, these efforts have resulted in partnerships, both local and international, geared towards ensuring financial investigations are pursued comprehensively and that the proceeds of crime are identified, restrained, confiscated, and ultimately recovered in accordance with law. In fact, he had pointed out that technical support over the years from the Regional Security System (RSS) has helped Guyana to develop model legislative provisions on asset recovery and confiscation. However, Nandlall recognised that
the work is far from over, revealing plans to further update the local AML/CFT regime to support asset recovery efforts. “The Government of Guyana is presently undertaking comprehensive revisions to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act. These amendments are intended to further strengthen our confiscation framework, modernise our asset recovery provisions, improve investigative powers where appropriate, and ensure continued alignment with evolving Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards as we prepare for the fifth round of Mutual Evaluations.” “Asset recovery remains one of the clearest indicators of an effective AML/ CFT regime, and we remain committed to ensuring that our legislative framework continues to evolve to meet international best practices,” the AG had stated. This push to amend the local AML/CFT framework comes as Guyana is preparing for its upcoming Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) follow-up mutual evaluation and review scheduled for 2027, following a strong performance in its 2024 assessment.
NEWS
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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
BRIDGE OPENING
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The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
GPL’s US$422M grid upgrade gains momentum as substations near 60% completion
Saturday, September 12 – 17:10h–18:40h and Sunday, September 13 – 05:15h–18:45h.
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WEATHER TODAY Thundery showers are expected to ease to sunny skies by late afternoon, followed by clear skies at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius. Winds: East-North-Easterly to Ease-South-Easterly between 2.23 metres High Tide: 05:06h and 17:19h reaching a maximum height of 2.78 metres. Low Tide: 10:27h and 23:13h reaching minimum heights of 0.48 metre and 0.40 metre.
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COMMODITIES Indicators Crude Oil
US$ $104.61/barrel
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Bid/Ask
GPL CEO Kesh Nandlall alongside other GPL officials and media operatives
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uyana Power and Light (GPL) is advancing a US$422 million investment to strengthen and modernise the country’s electricity infrastructure, with several new substations now 60 per cent complete and a state-of-the-art National Control Centre nearing completion. This was revealed following an inspection by the GPL Board of Directors and media operatives on Friday. The media visited the Goedverwagting Substation, which will accommodate 230 kilovolt (kV) and 69 kV infrastructure and serve as a key point in the expansion of GPL’s high-voltage transmission network. The facility will support the evacuation of bulk power from the 300 megawatt (MW) natural-gas-fired power plant at Wales, West Bank Demerara (WBD) and enable transmission across the network. The new 230 kV transmission infrastructure will extend from Goedverwagting to Region Six, significantly increasing network capacity. The media also visited the sites at Enmore, Château Margot, East Coast Demerara (ECD) and Columbia, West Berbice substations. Transmission lines The tour also included sections of the route for the new transmission lines. These works include approximately 155 kilometres (km) of 230 kV double-circuit transmission lines to interconnect the Goedverwagting Substation with a new substation at Williamsburg, Region Six and approximately 167 km of 69 kV double-circuit transmission lines to replace existing infrastructure along the railway embankment. Significant progress has already been achieved along the transmission corridor. Several monopoles have been erected to accommodate the 69 kV transmission line, while construction of the bases for the 230 kV transmission line is ongoing. The media visit provided an opportunity to highlight GPL’s ongo-
ing investments to expand and modernise the elec-
smart-grid capabilities, strengthen network resil-
Substations undergoing construction
tricity network. These investments are intended to increase transmission capacity, accommodate additional generation, advance
ience and improve the reliability of electricity supply across Guyana. According to GPL Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Kesh Nandlall, equipment and towers are on their way to the project site of the Château Margot Substation. “You will [soon] see the towers coming in and towers going out. So, towers will come in, drop off 6 to 9, it will break it down to 13.8 kV for distribution level. And then it will continue out back so that we have redundancy. So, drop off the power and the power continues towards Columbia. And it will drop off in the other areas as we will see.” Nandlall said foundation work has already been completed in some areas, while work continues at other sections of the substations. “The foundation work has already been completed here, and foundation work is now, well, not fully completed, but they are ongoing as you can see. And this will
now bring resilience to this part of the East Coast, including industrial sites that are going to commence. TURN TO PAGE 7
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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026
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Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Industrial Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com
FLOW, investing in schools & sustainability
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he expansion of the National Water Purification and Sustainability Initiative (FLOW) into Region Six is a welcome investment in education, environmental responsibility, and the long-term development of Guyana. The introduction of solar-powered water purification systems at 19 educational institutions in East Berbice-Corentyne gives practical expression to that objective. The Region Six phase covers 17 secondary schools and two Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, benefiting 8438 students and 1664 teachers across communities serving approximately 219 communities. The scale of the programme demonstrates that FLOW is about considerably more than installing water dispensers. At its core is the provision of reliable access to purified drinking water, but the initiative also brings environmental, educational, and economic benefits that extend well beyond the school compound. Nationally, FLOW targets 155 sites, comprising 141 public secondary schools, 10 TVET institutions and four special needs schools across 11 educational districts. With 16 schools already covered in Region Three and another 19 in Region Six, 35 sites have now been reached, representing approximately 23 per cent of the national target. The figures attached to the Region Six rollout are particularly significant, as over a three-year period, the systems are projected to generate approximately $103.74 million in savings through reduced expenditure associated with accessing drinking water. The initiative is also projected to prevent approximately 1.92 million single-use plastic bottles from being used annually in the region, amounting to more than 5.76 million bottles over three years. At an estimated $120 per bottle, project officials have placed the potential savings to direct beneficiaries at approximately $691.34 million over the same three-year period. Such figures demonstrate how an investment in seemingly basic infrastructure can produce measurable economic and environmental returns. The environmental dimension deserves particular attention as Guyana’s development must be accompanied by efforts to reduce unnecessary waste and encourage more sustainable practices. Providing purified water through reusable access points can reduce dependence on disposable plastic bottles while encouraging students to develop habits that can extend beyond the school environment. The technology incorporated into FLOW also gives the project an important educational component. Water undergoes several stages of treatment, including gravel, green sand and activated carbon filtration, progressively finer filtration, reverse osmosis, and ultraviolet sterilisation before reaching touchless cooling dispensers. Such infrastructure creates an opportunity for students to see science and technology operating in a practical setting. The systems can become more than facilities for obtaining drinking water; they can provide a tangible demonstration of filtration, renewable energy, water treatment, and environmental responsibility. Integrating renewable energy into essential school infrastructure exposes students to technologies increasingly relevant to Guyana’s future energy landscape while reducing reliance on conventional electricity for the operation of the systems. Another important feature is the community dimension of the Region Six rollout, as employment has been generated through welding, plumbing, painting, electrical work, solar installation, carpentry, and general labour. This provides an additional example of how infrastructure projects can create economic activity beyond the immediate beneficiaries. The partnership involving Recover Guyana, the Greater Guyana Initiative and the education sector also illustrates the potential of collaboration in addressing national development needs. The Greater Guyana Initiative’s stated $20 billion commitment, announced in 2021, includes investments intended to support sustainable development, capacity building, and diversification. Such partnerships are particularly valuable when projects produce lasting benefits for communities and institutions. The long-term success of FLOW, however, will depend on proper maintenance and responsible use. Students, teachers, administrators, and ancillary personnel all have a role in protecting the systems. Infrastructure provided for public benefit must be treated as a shared national asset rather than something that can be neglected or damaged. The Region Six rollout offers a useful model of development that connects education, public health, environmental responsibility, renewable energy and economic efficiency. As FLOW expands to additional schools and educational institutions, the objective should remain clear, ensuring that investments made today continue delivering benefits to successive generations of students.
Guyana Amazon Warriors fans turned up in their colours and numbers, and brought the energy to Providence on Friday evening, cheering on the home team as they took on the Trinbago Knight Riders in CPL 2026
The girl who chewed ice Dr Joel Teelucksingh
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he teenager loved to eat ice at night. When the family complained that she seemed to have developed an odd habit, she tried to stop but couldn’t. The girl was also tired, irritable, struggling to concentrate in class, breathless climbing the school stairs, and sometimes felt her heart pounding at rest. Everyone had an initial explanation, including stress, examinations, social media, a sedentary lifestyle, and teenage angst. One even mentioned the COVID vaccine (only to be told that she never took it). Then, her brother made a snide remark about her compulsion to consume ice. There was a moment of clarity. This is the medical mystery called “pagophagia”, a craving for ice. It belongs to the strange family of behaviours known as “pica”, in which people persistently crave or consume non-nutritive substances like clay, soil, chalk, paper, starch, or ash. Pagophagia is strongly associated with iron deficiency. The person seeks ice repeatedly, thinks about it, carries it, and may feel unable to stop. In a small study, people with iron-deficiency anaemia performed more quickly on a test of attention after chewing ice, while people without anaemia gained no such benefit. Perhaps the cold and the act of chewing trigger
a short-lived physiological wake-up call. The ice may soothe a sore tongue or mouth. Iron is essential for haemoglobin, the molecule in red blood cells that carries oxygen. If levels fall, the body compensates initially but, eventually, produces fewer, smaller, and paler red cells. The classic symptoms of lethargy, shortness of breath, headaches, dizziness, and palpitations may be absent in some people. Our patient’s blood tests confirmed anaemia. Her red cells were small, and her ferritin, a marker of stored iron, was depleted. The underlying causes are legion. Pregnancy, lactation, rapid stages of growth, gut disorders, previous stomach or intestinal surgery and, in some settings, parasitic infection may matter. Indeed, hookworm was the commonest cause in this region many years ago, but good footwear and public health measures have relegated it to historical interest. Slow bleeding from an ulcer, polyp, cancer, or another gastrointestinal lesion can deplete stores insidiously. I always remind medical students to ask for a tactful menstrual history. A period could be regular but still be far too heavy or extraordinarily painful. Unfortunately, some may flood through clothing or bedding, need to change a pad every hour or two, pass large clots, bleed for more than a week, or miss school because of the flow.
A past history of easy bruising and family members with bleeding disorders is also significant. In 2023, Dr Nadira Rambocas and the Crown Her Trinidad and Tobago team found that 76 per cent of women considered period products unaffordable, and 51 per cent struggled to obtain them. A recent $5 million fund to combat period poverty in this country is a step in the right direction. In our mystery, the ice led to the menstrual history and blood tests. The World Health Organisation estimated that 30.7 per cent of women aged 15 to 49 were anaemic in 2023, rising to 35.5 per cent among pregnant women. Apart from iron deficiency, a low haemoglobin level may also result from vitamin deficiencies, infection, inflammation, kidney disease, autoimmune phenomena, and inherited disorders such as sickle cell disease or thalassaemia. Heavy menstruation may be the leading explanation in a young woman, but in men and postmenopausal women, unexplained iron-deficiency anaemia is often a red flag for possible gastrointestinal blood loss or cancer. Oral iron is effective for many people, but nausea, abdominal discomfort, constipation or dark stools are adverse effects. Intravenous iron may be appropriate when tablets are not tolerated, absorption is poor, replacement is urgent, or losses continue.
Heavy menstrual bleeding may require blood transfusions, hormonal treatment, tranexamic acid, assessment for fibroids, or investigation for a bleeding disorder. Please do not turn a craving for ice into a reason to buy iron blindly. Too much iron can be harmful, and these bright red tablets are particularly dangerous if swallowed by young children. The dentists will always warn that chewing hard materials is not harmless either. Teeth are not built to crush ice cubes all day as enamel cracks, fillings break, and sensitivity worsens. When iron deficiency is properly treated by a physician, the abnormal craving can fade with remarkable speed. Medicine often begins with symptoms that sound too ordinary to matter. People hide pica because they fear being laughed at. A child eating chalk may be punished. A pregnant woman craving clay may be told it is merely “one of those things”. Parents and teachers should pay attention when a child or teenager becomes unusually tired, pale, breathless, withdrawn, or unable to concentrate. Ask about diet, periods, and unusual cravings. Listen closely in clinics, classrooms, and kitchens. When someone cannot stop chewing ice, the body may be silently telling the tale before the diagnosis is made. (T&T Guardian)
guyanatimesgy.com
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026
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You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, Queens Atlantic Investment Estate, Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com
Is this court answerable Mindful of public confidence to no one?
Dear Editor, Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman’s declaration that her court “will not be controlled by any mortal being” and “will control its own pace” raises a troubling question: does the Chief Magistrate believe that no person – and, by implication, no superior court – can require her court to proceed efficiently? Judicial independence protects courts from improper interference. It does not permit a lower court to disregard the rulings, guidance or clear stance of courts above it. The Court of Appeal refused to halt the extradition proceedings against Azruddin Mohamed and Nazar Mohamed, while the Caribbean Court of Justice dismissed their subsequent appeal and allowed the proceedings to continue. Against those decisions, the Chief Magistrate’s remarks create the unfortunate impression that she intends to proceed entirely according to her own timetable, regardless of the position adopted by the Court of Appeal and the CCJ. If that is not what she intended to convey, her choice of words was nevertheless extraordinary and deserving of scrutiny. Equally troubling is the latitude being extended to the defence during its cross-examination of Senior
Superintendent Prem Narine. According to reports, the defence submitted more than 300 pages on a disputed line of questioning, only to indicate later that it wished to withdraw the question. Prosecutor Glen Hanoman objected, describing the move as an abuse of the court’s process. He has also accused the defence of embarking on a “fishing expedition” and complained that the extended cross-examination is consuming excessive court time. Why is questioning being permitted to range so widely, including into matters surrounding the arrest warrants issued by the Chief Magistrate herself? The court must certainly allow the defence to test the prosecution’s evidence, but it also has a responsibility to ensure that questioning remains relevant to the limited purpose of extradition committal proceedings. These proceedings are not a trial of the underlying US charges. Would an ordinary Guyanese citizen without the Mohameds’ immense financial resources be granted this degree of latitude? Would that person be allowed to consume days of court time with sprawling questions, voluminous submissions and repeated procedural objections? Or would the court firmly re-
strict the parties to the relevant issues and insist that the matter advance? The apparent leniency is especially difficult to reconcile with Magistrate Latchman’s reputation for a firm, no-nonsense approach. In June 2025, entertainer Daniel “Baby Skello” Wharton was denied bail and remanded to prison for a lengthy period when he appeared before her on a blasphemous-libel charge connected to his song “Mother Laxmi Freestyle”. That episode demonstrated how decisively the court could act when dealing with a defendant of comparatively modest means. Why, then, does a markedly different approach appear to be applied in the Mohameds’ case? Why are their attorneys seemingly afforded such extensive latitude while the proceedings continue month after month? The judiciary, civil society, the legal profession and all citizens concerned about equal treatment before the law should examine these developments carefully. Yours faithfully, Attiya Baksh
Dear Editor, The recent declaration by Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman that her court “will control its own pace” in the extradition proceedings involving United States-sanctioned and indicted Azruddin Mohamed and Nazar Mohamed should concern every citizen who values the efficient and orderly administration of justice. No reasonable person expects a judicial officer to sacrifice fairness or accuracy for speed. However, the Chief Magistrate’s remarks cannot be considered in isolation from the history of these proceedings. The substantive hearing began in January 2026 and has been characterised by prolonged cross-examinations, repeated legal challenges and numerous adjournments. The prosecution has publicly complained about the duration of the process, even describing aspects of it as a “masterclass in delay.” The approach of the superior courts provides a striking contrast. When related challenges reached the Court of Appeal, that court refused to suspend the extradition hearing and allowed the Magistrates’ Court proceedings to continue. The
Caribbean Court of Justice subsequently dismissed the Mohameds’ appeal on July 29, 2026, clearing the way for the committal proceedings to proceed. It also dismissed an appeal to stop the case from continuing in the Magistrates court. Those courts considered the substantial legal arguments placed before them, delivered decisions and permitted the underlying matter to advance. Yet, while the related litigation moved through two superior courts, the substantive proceeding before the Chief Magistrate continued at what many observers may reasonably regard as a snail’s pace. Against that background, the assertion that the court will determine its own pace may appear dismissive of legitimate concerns about delay. Judicial independence is indispensable, but it does not mean that a court is insulated from scrutiny or from the authority of superior courts. Neither should independence be invoked as a response to reasonable questions about judicial efficiency and case management. The implications extend beyond this particular extradition matter. Courts de-
rive their authority not only from the Constitution and the law but also from public confidence in their fairness, consistency and efficiency. Conduct or comments that create an appearance of disregard for legitimate concerns can diminish confidence in the judiciary as a whole and risk bringing the administration of justice into disrepute. There are also broader economic consequences. Local and international investors consider the predictability, efficiency and credibility of a country’s judicial system when determining where to invest. A perception that high-profile litigants can keep significant proceedings tied up indefinitely could undermine confidence in Guyana’s ability to administer justice promptly and impartially. Civil society, the wider judiciary, the Guyana Bar Association and other concerned stakeholders should therefore take careful note of the Chief Magistrate’s worrying remarks. Justice must certainly be careful, but care and urgency are not mutually exclusive. Justice delayed remains justice denied. Yours faithfully, Cedric Lord
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026 0:00 Sign Off 6:00 TVG Devotional Hour 7:00 Evening News (RB) 8:00 Cartoons 8:30 Stop Suffering 9:30 KTLT 10:00 Movie - The Garfield Movie (2024) 11:45 Movie - Mufasa: The Lion King (2024) 13:45 Movie - Kubo and the Two Strings (2016) 15:30 Movie - Big Hero 6 (2014) 17:15 Documentary: Nat Geo Animals 18:00 Evangelistic Hour 18:30 Hephzibah Ministries 19:00 Movie - North to Home (2022) 20:30 Movie - Poisoned in Paradise: A Martha’s Vineyard Mysteries (2021) 22:00 Movie - Free Guy (2021)
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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026
Foundation ◄
Page
Remember, in order to calculate the area of a shape with a formula: 1. Write down the formula for the area of the shape. 2. Identify the dimensions required for the formula. 3. Substitute the dimensions and calculate. 4. Write down your final answer with units squared. Example 6: area of a composite shape – word problem Find the area of the composite shape below: The floor shown below needs to be tiled. Each pack of tile covers a distance of 12 square ft. How many packs of tile will be needed to cover the entire floor?
same.
By HD
cont’d
Rectangle B: You need to calculate the unknown width. To do this, use the measurements you are given in the question that are parallel to the unknown side: The entire width of the shape is 13ft. Subtract 5.5ft and 5.5ft (the width of rectangles A and C) to find the missing width of rectangle B:13-5.5-5.5=2ft. Length =9ft Width =2ft
Area of Rectangle A and C: Area = length × width =13×5.5 =71.5 Area of Rectangle B:
Split the composite shape into three rectangles and label them A,B and C. Rectangle: Area = base × height Notice that rectangle A and C each have a tick mark at the bottom. This means that these sides are congruent, or equal. Therefore, we know the width of rectangle A is 5.5ft. Rectangle A: Length=13ft Width=5.5ft Rectangle C is congruent to Rectangle A, so the dimensions are the
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earn the art of iris folding with this delightful project! This clever paperfolding technique creates a mesmerising spiral pattern at the centre of the lolly, resulting in a unique and eye-catching design. Perfect for adding a touch of creativity and colour to any room. White cardboard Paper of assorted colours Glue Coloured satin ribbon Masking tape
guyanatimesgy.com
What you'll need
How to make Top tip Experiment with taking the paper in different directions to create different patterns. aaaaaa Take a piece of white cardboard and cut out a popsicle shape from the middle so that you just have a popsicle-shaped hole in the centre. Next, cut out strips of coloured paper roughly 2cm wide. Fold each of these in half along the long edge. Turn the card to the reverse side and stick one strip with the folded edge in over the cut out. You only want these strips to overlap by a small amount so that you can only see the folded edge.
Area = length × width =9×2 =18 Composite Area = Area of A + Area of B + Area of C =71.5+18 + 71.5 =161 Composite Area =161ft2 Since each pack of tiles covers 12 square ft, divide the composite area by 12 to see how many packs are needed. 161÷12=13.416 Since a part of a pack cannot be bought, it will take 14 packs to cover the floor.
Continue layering these over each other moving forward and round into a spiral. Stick each one down with masking tape. When you only have a small space left in the middle stick the last one completely covering the hole. Now stick another sheet of cardboard over the back to sandwich the messy part in. Using the template again cut out the popsicle shape so that the border around the iris folding is also popsicle-shaped. Add a ribbon to hang. (Adapted from bakerross.co.uk)
The light passes from ridge to ridge, from flower to flower— the hepaticas, wide-spread under the light grow faint— the petals reach inward, the blue tips bend toward the bluer heart and the flowers are lost. The cornel-buds are still white, but shadows dart from the cornel-roots— black creeps from root to root, each leaf cuts another leaf on the grass, shadow seeks shadow, then both leaf and leaf-shadow are lost. (Source: Collected Poems of H.D. (Boni and Liveright, 1925))
Create a poem that undulates on the page.
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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
“The same law must apply to everyone” – MARAD tells US-sanctioned LOO …says filing maritime licence application does not guarantee approval
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he controversy over the non-issuance of a maritime licence to the United States (US)-sanctioned and indicted Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed has intensified, as the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) maintains that it is carrying out its statutory responsibility to enforce Guyana’s maritime laws and safety requirements. MARAD said on Friday that as Guyana’s statutory maritime regulator established under the Shipping Act, it is responsible for administering the country’s maritime laws, including the registration and licensing of vessels and seafarers and the enforcement of safety standards on the nation’s waterways. It stressed that the submission of a licence
application does not automatically entitle an applicant to approval, noting that MARAD must first be satisfied that all applicable statutory, safety, competency and regulatory requirements have been met. “The same law must apply to everyone,” the statement said, adding that political office, wealth or popularity does not confer an entitlement to a maritime licence. According to the statement, MARAD has publicly indicated that its records show neither a fast craft reportedly owned by Mohamed nor Mohamed himself was licensed or otherwise authorised to operate. The statement described the issue as a maritime safety matter, particularly in light of reports from the Joint Services concerning a recent incident involving
the vessel. According to those reports, the vessel was encountered at night travelling at high speed and was signalled to stop. It
allegedly failed to comply, resulting in a pursuit before it was intercepted. The statement said those circumstances should be investigated and deter-
mined by the competent authorities, while cautioning against attempts to discredit MARAD for enforcing regulatory requirements. It also highlighted Mohamed’s designation by the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control under the Global Magnitsky sanctions programme. The statement further said Mohamed is facing extradition proceedings to the US in relation to charges including tax evasion and conspiracy to commit money laundering and remains indicted by a federal grand jury in South Florida. It argued that these circumstances require public authorities dealing with a sanctioned individual to carefully consider the legal, financial, banking, contractual and compliance implications of any transaction.
The statement contended that maritime safety standards must be applied consistently and should not be relaxed because an applicant has political or financial influence. “Attacking the regulator does not cure non-compliance,” it said. It maintained that MARAD’s licensing regime exists to protect passengers, crews and other users of Guyana’s waterways from the risks associated with vessels being operated outside established safety requirements. The statement noted that MARAD would continue to carry out its regulatory responsibilities “without fear, favour, or political intimidation”, stressing that maritime safety and regulatory compliance must apply equally to all applicants.
GPL’s US$422M grid upgrade gains...
FROM PAGE 3
before being stepped up for transmission across the national grid. He explained that, for example, power generated by turbines at the Gas-toEnergy (GtE) plant will be produced at 13.8 kV. However, to transmit the electricity over long distances while reducing losses, the voltage must
State of the Art substation at Goedverwagting
This substation will provide electricity to new customers and also to existing customers where
we have feeders that are taxed at the moment.” Meanwhile, Bharat Harjohn, Deputy CEO,
Strategic Operations, explained that electricity is generated at power plants at a lower voltage
be increased to 230,000 volts. Harjohn noted that customers do not use electricity at such high voltages, as residential and commercial customers require much lower voltage levels depending on their needs. He explained that substations and transformers are therefore used to step down the voltage to levels
suitable for homes, businesses and industrial facilities, including 120, 220 and 480 volts. In some instances, substations perform the opposite function by stepping up the voltage for transmission. Harjohn said this process of stepping the voltage up or down is achieved through the use of transformers.
8 NEWS
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Contractor crushed by reversing truck at Ruimveldt
A
76-year-old contractor was crushed to death on Thursday by a reversing lorry at an industrial site in Ruimveldt, Georgetown. The deceased has been identified as Gobin Persaud from Dasrath Street, Triumph, East
Coast Demerara (ECD). According to reports, Persaud was in the compound when he reportedly walked behind motor lorry GPP 6272, which was reversing at the time. The lorry reportedly struck Persaud, caus-
ing him to fall, after which its rear wheels ran over him. An alarm was raised, and the lorry came to a halt. Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) were subsequently summoned and pronounced Persaud dead at the scene. The body
was escorted to a funeral home awaiting a post-mortem. Meanwhile, the 22-yearold lorry driver from Little Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was taken into custody as investigations continue.
$22M worth of ganja, makeshift camps destroyed by Police
The destroyed cannabis plants set on fire
One of the makeshift camps on fire
The interior of one of the camps before destruction
A bag containing dried cannabis
The cannabis field before it was destroyed by Police
A
drug eradication exercise at Yaruni Bend, Linden, Upper Demerara River, Region 10, on Thursday led to the destruction of over $22 million worth of ganja.
Based on reports, during the 11-hour exercise, police discovered two cannabis farms measuring eight acres, with approximately 53,000 cannabis plants ranging from two to six feet in height.
In addition, two makeshift camps and two drying areas were located, along with 10 pounds of dried cannabis ready for the market. As such, the cannabis plants, dried cannabis, makeshift camps and drying areas were all destroyed by fire. Police estimated the value of the narcotics destroyed to be $22,038,728. At the time of the exercise, no arrests were made. Just last week, approximately $22.8 million worth of ganja was found and destroyed at Long Savannah,
Canje Creek, Region Six. It was reported that three cannabis farms covering approximately 10.5 acres, with an estimated 53,500 cannabis plants ranging from four inches to six feet in height, were discovered. In addition, a single-barrel shotgun, four shotgun cartridges, and a multi-coloured haversack containing three rounds of matching ammunition, two live rounds of 9mm ammunition, and one live round of .32-calibre ammunition was found during the exercise.
Jousting… A
…verbally
s his Dear Readers would well know, their Eyewitness enjoys wordplay! So with the resumption of Sanction Man’s extradition case in the Magistrate Court – after an exchange of views between presiding Chief Magistrate Judy and the Special Prosecutor Hanoman – he was pleasantly surprised by the verbal felicity of the former to the needling of the latter!! He claimed too much time was being given to what was clearly a fishing expedition by Sanction Man’s legal hounds, and the case was dragging on and on…!! The good Magistrate responded tartly that the case was of great significance to the nation, and as such, it can’t be rushed but must be given “careful and quality” consideration and (presumably) rumination!! “I am well aware of the timeline. I need no reminder of the timeline.” she said haughtily as she then delivered the punchline – “Justice delayed is justice denied, but again we must also recognise that rushed justice is crushed justice”!! Now if that ain’t verbal felicity, what is?? “Rushed justice is crushed justice”!! The Rev Martin Luther King had resuscitated the 19thcentury phrase uttered by British PM William Gladstone in Parliament – “justice delayed is justice denied” – in his famous “letter from a Birmingham Jail” while fighting for civil rights, and the phrase has endured. Now with Sanction Man using every trick in the book – and then some!! – to fight off being fitted for that orange jump suit in a Maimi Jail – we now have a corollary that can very well gain the same fame – “Justice rushed is justice crushed”!! But then, to emphasise her point, the Magistrate then announced something which your Eyewitness must confess has baffled him a tad – “This court will not be controlled by any mortal within inside of this court or outside of this court. The court will never be controlled by any mortal being, only by divine intervention. This court will control its own pace”!! Well!! His bafflement arises from the claim that the court is controlled by “divine intervention” yet that the court will “control it own pace” – when SHE is the court!! Is she gonna be receiving “divine guidance” as she makes her rulings, or is she saying she’s the “Divine One” herself??!! Now it can’t be the latter since if that were so, she would’ve been able to deliver judgements from on high to everything instantaneously – being omniscient, and all that!! So maybe she can’t be rushed because it’s gotta take time to listen to the Divine speak to her (in tongues?) and then decipher the instructions!! But the Magistrate wasn’t finished with her verbal dexterity: she announced that it was for the “prosecution to advocate and for the court to adjudicate”!! Only in Guyana!! …against terror? Well, yesterday was the 25th anniversary of 9/11 – which has become so notorious it’s easily the most recognisable date in modern times!! Every person over forty can easily remember where they were on that day in 2001 when that plane sliced through the first World Trade Center tower – and seconds later the second one!! Excluding the 19 Al Qaida hijackers, a total of 2977 victims perished in these defining suicide terrorist attacks!! And let’s not forget there were 25 Guyanese among them!! But what makes the date more unforgettable is it was the beginning of what the Yanks launched and called “The War on Terror” – which became a kinda forever war!! By one estimate, it cost more than US$8 TRILLION and 900,000 lives – starting with the war in Iraq against Saddam Hussein and his never-found “weapons of mass destruction” and continuing in Afghanistan – long after Al Qaida leader Osama Bin Laden was killed in Pakistan!! Interestingly, Al Qaeda’s still a force in Afghanistan, but we now have the “War on Drugs”!! …with AI After several Anthropic bots – called “agents” – were given a task by their human trainers, they broke out and hacked another AI company called “Hugging Face” on their own. Several experts now say AI has a 10 per cent chance of ending humanity!! The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Guyana Times’ editorial policy and stance
Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com
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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
10 NEWS
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Duo fined $460K for drunk driving, other traffic-related charges
T
wo men were recently fined a combined $460,000 for driving under the influence of alcohol and other traffic-related offences while traversing the Essequibo Coast Roadway, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam). Azim Hassim, 53, a vendor of Lot 29 Palmyra East Berbice, was arrested on Friday, August 7, 2026, along the Cotton Field Public Road, Essequibo Coast. Hassim was accused of driving while his breath alcohol level exceeded the prescribed limit. He appeared before Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir on Tuesday at Anna Regina Magistrate's Court and pleaded guilty to the charge. As such, he was fined $200,000 or, alternatively, six months of imprisonment. Meanwhile, 52-year-old Elroy Anthony, a security offi-
Charged: Elroy Anthony
Charged: Azim Hassim
cer of Clerk Street Dartmouth, Essequibo Coast, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, driving without a driver's licence, and breach of insurance. The offences were committed on Saturday, August 29, 2026, along the La Belle Alliance Public Road, Essequibo Coast. He also appeared before
Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir and pleaded guilty to all the charges when they were read to him. He was fined $200,000 for drunk driving, $30,000 for driving without a valid driver's licence, and $30,000 for the breach of insurance charge. Failing to pay the fine, he faced six months of imprisonment.
Essequibo woman gets $300K for wounding relative
T
wenty-nine-year-old Shenil Nedd from Charity Back Street, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) was on Wednesday granted $300,000 bail on a felonious wounding charge. Police stated that on Saturday, September 5, 2026, she committed the act on Shorleen Nedd at Charity Back Street, Essequibo Coast. She appeared be-
fore Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, where she pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to her. As such, she was granted bail with the conditions that she does not interfere with the victim and reports to the Charity Police Station every Friday until the determination of the matter.
Charged: Shenil Nedd
NEWS
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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Dartmouth teen slapped with Mechanic charged with causing death of Essequibo traffic-violation charges construction worker N
F
orty-five-year-old Mitra Mohabir, a mechanic of Backstreet Affiance Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), was on Wednesday granted $800,000 bail for causing the death of a construction worker back in June. Police stated that on June 27, 2026, Mohabir
Mohabir appeared before Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday and was initially not required to plead to the indictment. However, after the Administration of Justice (AJA) was applied, the accused, represented by attorney Rajkumar, pleaded
Charged: Mitra Mohabir
The accident scene with now deceased Satesh Persaud
drove a motor car bearing registration number PAM 8929 in a dangerous manner, thereby causing the death of Satesh Persaud, who was at the time riding a motorcycle, CM 2631. The accident occurred along the Reliance Public Road, Essequibo Coast.
not guilty to the charge and was granted $800,000 bail. As conditions for bail, he is to report to the Anna Regina Police Station every Friday of each month and also lodge his passport until the determination of the matter. He will return to court on October 13, 2026.
It was reported that on the day in question, Persaud was exiting a street on his motorcycle, and as he attempted to get onto the Reliance Public Road, he came into contact with Mohabir, who was driving at a fast rate of speed and seemingly under the influence of alcohol. As a result of the impact, Persaud was flung several feet into the air and eventually landed on the roadway with severe head and bodily injuries. Persaud was transported to the Lima Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Mohabir was arrested, and after more than two months, charges were instituted against him.
ineteen-year-old Floyden Grant of Dartmouth, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) was slapped with several traffic-related charges, including dangerous driving. The charges were instituted against the teenager after he was intercepted on Monday last along the Dartmouth Public Road, Essequibo Coast, and found to be in breach of several traffic violations. These include dangerous driving, driving without a license, driving an uninsured motor vehicle, driving an uncertified motor vehicle, and taking a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent.
Charged: Floyden Grant
Grant appeared before Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir at the Anna Regina
Magistrate’s Court on Monday, where the charges were read to him, to which he pleaded guilty to driving a motor vehicle without being the holder of a driver’s licence and driving an uninsured vehicle. He was fined $30,000 on each charge or, in default, three months’ imprisonment. In addition, he was granted $50,000 bail on the dangerous driving charge, $20,000 for taking the motor vehicle without the owner’s consent, and $10,000 for driving an uncertified motor vehicle. He is due to return to court on December 22, 2026, for the commencement of the trial.
12 NEWS
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Guyana pushes expanded trade, investment ties with Mexico
Mexican Ambassador to Guyana, Mauricio Vizcaíno Crespo
P
rime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips has welcomed opportunities for deeper economic engagement between Guyana and
a reception to commemorate the 216th anniversary of Mexico’s Independence. During his remarks at the reception, Phillips highlighted the role of the
lomatic training, technical assistance and educational scholarships. Further, he noted that these initiatives have created opportunities for Guyanese while strengthening skills, knowledge sharing and the people-to-people ties that continue to deepen relations between the two countries. Looking ahead, PM Phillips expressed confidence in the continued advancement of bilateral relations and reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to deepening cooperation and broadening opportunities for the mutual benefit of both countries. “Guyana remains optimistic about the future, and confident
eign policy and diplomatic engagement. On this note, he reflected on the principles of liberty, democracy and freedom that have guided Mexico’s development since the beginning of its independence movement more than two centuries ago. Furthermore, he recognised the sacrifices and achievements of generations of Mexicans in shaping the culturally rich, resilient and industrialised nation that Mexico is today. Phillips also commended Mexico’s economic development and its growing role within the region and internationally, noting its emergence as a major industrial and trading nation. He highlighted Mexico’s strengths in manufacturing, energy and agriculture and welcomed continued collaboration in these areas as Guyana pursues its own development priorities and seeks to benefit from Mexico’s experience and expertise.
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips
Reflecting on more than five decades of relations between the two countries, PM Phillips underscored the enduring friendship between Guyana and Mexico, which has been strengthened over the years by mutual respect, shared values, common interests and a commitment to cooperation and dialogue. “As Guyana continues on its transformative development trajectory, we value the friendship and support
of partners such as Mexico. Our countries have complementary strengths that can create significant opportunities for expanded mutual benefit.” Against this backdrop, the PM pointed to Mexico’s established expertise in manufacturing, agriculture, engineering, logistics, innovation and technology as areas that complement Guyana’s expanding economy and development agenda.
PM Phillips, Ambassador Mauricio Vizcaíno Crespo and Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony during the ceremonial toast
Mexico, including greater participation by Mexican enterprises and investors in Guyana. He also encouraged stronger commercial linkages between the two countries to foster mutually beneficial opportunities for businesses and citi-
Mexico–Guyana Chamber of Commerce in advancing economic relations while noting that, “its initiatives are paving the way for partnerships, encouraging dialogue and transforming goodwill into concrete economic oppor-
that our two countries will continue to deepen cooperation, broaden opportunities for our citizens and work together to advance prosperity, sustainable development and regional progress. Meanwhile, he ac-
Special guests at the event on Thursday evening
Miner busted with ganja in underpants
A
Mexican singers doing a rendition at the reception
zens in both nations. These were the sentiments of the Guyanese PM in his capacity as Acting President as he joined Ambassador of the United Mexican States to Guyana, H.E. Mauricio Vizcaíno Crespo on Thursday evening at
tunities that will inure to the benefit of our citizens.” Beyond economic engagement, he reaffirmed Guyana’s appreciation for Mexico’s contribution to human-capital development, particularly through Spanish-language and dip-
knowledged Mexico’s longstanding diplomatic traditions and its commitment to peaceful dispute resolution, multilateralism, national sovereignty and territorial integrity, principles which he noted are equally important to Guyana’s for-
21-year-old gold miner from Pattensen, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, was taken into custody on Thursday after a quantity of cannabis was found in his possession during an operation at Arakaka, North West District (NWD). According to reports, Police acting on information received went to a compound where they observed the suspect acting in a suspicious manner. He was subsequently searched, during which a transparent plastic bag containing the marijuana was found concealed in his underpants. As such, he was escorted to the Arakaka Police Outpost, where the canna-
The ganja found in the suspect’s underpants
bis was weighed in his presence and amounted to 22.5
grams. The suspect remains in custody pending charges.
NEWS
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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Child social media regulations
Guyana examining Meta’s US$18B settlement, other models as blueprint – AG
L
ast month’s US$18 billion settlement by Meta over claims that Facebook and Instagram harmed children is being examined by authorities as Guyana looks to establish its own social media regulatory framework. This is according Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall during a recent interview with reporters on the sidelines of an event in Georgetown. “We have also taken into account the recent litigation developments that have occurred across the United States of America (USA) in several States in which Meta has been ordered to pay several billion dollars in compensation. We have
rulings from the court and we are drawing from them, the relevant legal principles. We even have the court proceedings that were filed so that we can understand the way that the issues were formulated and placed before the court,” Nandlall told reporters on Thursday. In the August 2026 settlement, the US social media giant agreed to pay out US$18 billion and establish a series of safeguards for teenage users including daily usage limits and blocks on night-time use across the US. This was after dozens of US States and territories accused Meta of addicting and harming children with dangerous products via its Instagram and Facebook
apps in a landmark lawsuit filed in 2023. According to AG Nandlall, this is just one of the global documents and models that they are considering in establishing Guyana’s own social media regulations. In fact, the Guyana Government has already retained a United Kingdom (UK)-based firm to study international models and draft a legal framework for regulating children's access to social media. “That process is ongoing,” the Legal Affairs Minister updated the media on Thursday. In addition, he noted that Guyana has also received a first draft of a regional document looking at regulating children’s access to social media
across the Caribbean. At the last Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Meeting held back in July in St Lucia, Heads of Government had agreed to pursue a collective approach on this issue and had commissioned a consultant to undertake the initiative. But even as work advances on establishing social media regulations in Guyana, Minister Nandlall underscored the importance of balancing this framework. “So, we have number of sources of documents that we are examining together to ensure that we have a modern, comprehensive and transparent framework that is in keeping with modern realities of social media but most importantly, ensuring that the rights, freedoms and liberties of the individual are preserved.” “You don’t want any measure that will, in any form or fashion, infringe the constitutional right of expression and other liberties guaranteed to the citizens of Guyana. So, we have to be careful that we strike a balance that accords with mischief we are trying to prevent as well as freedoms and liberties of the individual,” the AG posited. Already, the Guyana Government has conducted national public consultations with various stakeholders on
addressing the harmful impact of social media addiction on children. In fact, the Government has also officially reached out to Meta to request a formal institutional arrangement to manage and regulate harmful digital content. During one of the consultation sessions back in June, Nandlall had pointed out that litigations and court orders against Meta proves that ‘Big Tech’ is not beyond the reach of Guyanese law. “At one time, it was said that you can’t sue because they have no presence in Guyana. That is not so. The courts across the regions – Africa, Asia, Europe – have already decided that issue. And in Guyana now, we have pending litigation against Meta. We have obtained court orders against Meta, and they have a portal which you register the order on and they
act upon the order,” Nandlall had explained. The national consultation comes amid growing international concern over the impact of social media on children and adolescents. Governments in several countries have introduced or are considering measures aimed at addressing issues such as cyberbullying, mental health challenges, online exploitation and exposure to inappropriate content. Australia has already moved to restrict access to certain social media platforms for users under the age of 16, while a number of European countries are exploring stronger age-verification requirements and additional protections for young users. Policymakers in those jurisdictions have also called on technology companies to take greater responsibility for child safety on their platforms.
Guyana positions itself as South AmericaCaribbean aviation bridge – Indar …eyes European, Africa routes … to host CAPA Airline Leader Summit in Sep 2027
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uyana is no longer on the periphery of regional aviation; we are serving as the primary bridge connecting South America to the Caribbean and global markets." Public Utilities and Aviation Minister Deodat Indar made the statement while participating in a panel discussion at the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Latin America & Caribbean 2026, being held in Panama City under the theme, "Why Latin America and the Caribbean Matter More Than Ever - The Next Era of Connectivity." There, he outlined Guyana's aggressive aviation expansion strategy, which he said is being driven by the country's double-digit economic growth. He said Guyana's rapid infrastructure modernisation is positioning the country to support an expanded network of direct, transatlantic and inter-regional air routes. According to Indar, the ongoing development of Guyana's aviation and related infrastructure is strengthening the country's role as a key connectivity hub,
linking South America with the Caribbean and opening greater access to international markets, including Europe and Africa. He reported that network carriers grew from four in 2020 to 16 to date, supported by expanded cargo partnerships like Avianca and LATAM Cargo. He also referenced the modernisation of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), which features an extended runway for long-haul widebodies, a new 180,000 sq. ft. Terminal 2, expanded apron capacity and automated biometric processing. Moreover, the construction of regional airports in Berbice (Rose Hall) and Lethem (Brazilian border), alongside upgrades to over 35 hinterland airstrips, was also highlighted as Guyana expands regional and hinterland hubs. Nevertheless, he stated that strategic focus is now placed on securing direct European and African routes backed by balanced year-round demand across corporate, Diaspora and eco-tourism sectors. Indar was joined at the summit in Panama by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of
Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation (CJIAC), Ramesh Ghir, who also participated in panel discussions to advance President Ali's vision for air service development and the overall advancement of the aviation sector.
CAPA Airline Summit 2027
Meanwhile, Guyana was selected to host the CAPA Airline Leader Summit on September 9 and 10, 2027, marking a defining moment in Guyana's trajectory toward becoming a major regional aviation, commercial, and tourism hub. Following the announcement, Aviation Minister Deodat Indar expressed deep appreciation to the CAPA Centre for Aviation team for their trust and confidence in selecting Guyana to host the 2027 event. "On behalf of the Government and people of Guyana, I want to sincerely thank the CAPA team for their confidence in awarding Guyana the hosting rights on September 9 and 10, 2027," Indar noted. He added, "This historic achievement directly aligns with the strategic vi-
Aviation Minister Deodat Indar during a panel discussion
sion of President Dr Irfaan Ali for Guyana to become their premier aviation partner in this hemisphere. As our economy undergoes unprecedented expansion, modernising our connectivity is essential. We look forward to welcoming airline executives, investors and aviation industry leaders to Guyana to partner with us directly on this growth trajectory." The CAPA Airline Leader Summits are recognised globally as premier strategic gatherings for civil aviation decision-makers. The summit in Georgetown is expected to
bring together hundreds of senior industry representatives, including delegates from dozens of international airlines, civil aviation regulators, airport developers, and financial institutions. The conference typically gathers executives from major international and regional carriers to discuss route economics, fleet planning, and market access. In addition, it attracts aircraft manufacturers, leasing firms, air navigation service providers and travel technology innovators. During the conference, discussions will focus on sustain-
able aviation policy, expanding regional route networks, infrastructure financing and cross-border partnerships. Hosting the event highlights Guyana's major infrastructure developments, including upgrades at CJIA and strategic initiatives designed to link South America directly with North America, Europe and the Caribbean. The two-day summit will give international delegates a front-row view of Guyana's rapidly developing infrastructure, energy sector, eco-tourism industry and investment-friendly environment.
14 NEWS
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Bartica Mayor dies, hailed for commitment to service
M
ayor of Bartica, Anthony Murray, has died days after suffering a heart attack. Murray, a longstanding community figure in the Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) township, served as a councillor before becoming Mayor following the 2023 Local Government Elections. Mayor Murray suffered a heart attack on September 8 and was subsequently medevacked to Georgetown for medical attention. However, he succumbed while receiving treatment. Following his
Mayor Anthony Murray
death, tributes have poured in from across the region
and the wider nation. In a post on Facebook, President Dr Irfaan Ali on Friday expressed deep sadness after learning of the passing of Mayor Murray, whom he said devoted himself to the service of the people of Bartica and to the development of the town he proudly represented. “His journey from the business community to the advancement of his community was a reflection of his commitment to service. As Mayor, he was a visible and energetic advocate for Bartica, speaking passionately on the needs of its resi-
dents and on the importance of infrastructure, economic opportunity and improved services. He understood that the development of Bartica was aimed at a better quality of life for its people,” the president stated. According to the Guyanese Leader, Murray’s passing is a loss not only to his family and friends, but also to the municipality of Bartica and to the wider Region Seven community. “May they draw strength from the knowledge that Anthony Murray gave of himself in service to his community and that his
contribution to the life and development of Bartica will be remembered,” Ali stated.
Community leader
Meanwhile, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Seven in a statement on Friday described the passing of Mayor Murray as a deeply painful loss to the Bartica community and to the wider Region. “He was more than a Mayor; he was a dedicated public servant, a community leader, and a son of Bartica who gave of himself
in service to the people,” the RDC stated. It went onto say that through his commitment, leadership and concern for the development and well-being of Bartica, Mayor Murray touched the lives of many. According to the RDC, “His contribution to the community will remain a meaningful part of Bartica’s history, and his service will be remembered with gratitude and respect. At this difficult time, we stand in solidarity with the people of Bartica and with all those who are grieving this tremendous loss.”
Gas-to-Energy Project
Siemens Energy gears up for operation of 300MW power plant
W
ith the Gas-toEnergy (GtE) Project expected to start delivering power this year-end, Siemens Energy is preparing for the start-up and operation of the 300-megawatt (MW) combined-cycle power plant. The German energy company was selected in 2025 as the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) operator for the power plant, including the balance-of-plant and auxiliary facilities. A team is currently in Guyana to advance mobilisation and technical coordination ahead of the commencement of operations. On Friday, Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips met with the Siemens representatives to discuss their operational readiness. During the meeting held at the Office of the Prime Minister on Camp Street,
sponsibility for the nation’s energy sector and the GtE Project, welcomed the team and underscored the importance of its technical expertise in supporting the project’s successful transition from construction to operation. “Your presence in Guyana at this stage is important. The focus now is on the technical work, mobilisation and preparations required to ensure that the plant is ready for start-up and, importantly, that it operates safely, reliably and efficiently. You bring the expertise that is critical at this stage of the project as we work towards delivering stable and reliable electricity to the people of Guyana,” the PM noted. He further emphasised that the effective management of the facility will be integral to realising the wider benefits of the GtE Project
gressive development of a local workforce capable of assuming greater responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the facility. Also participating in the meeting were the Head of the GtE Task Force and Project Lead, Winston Brassington; Head of the Task Force, Bobby Gossai Jr; Senior Petroleum Coordinator and members of the GtE Task Force; and representatives of Siemens Energy. Friday’s engagement follows the PM’s visit to the GtE Project site at Wales, West Coast Demerara, earlier this week to inspect ongoing works and receive technical updates on the implementation schedule. The current timeline provides for the first gas turbine to come online by the end of 2026, delivering approximately 57MW of electricity to the national grid, with the remaining units to
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips engaged the Siemens Energy team on their operational readiness for the 300-MW power plant at the GtE Project
power by year-end. Last month, the PM said 57MW of power will be delivered by the end of this year; the remainder will come on-
capacity of approximately 300MW. While the gas turbines are slated to all come online by mid-next year, the full 300MW capacity will be
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips and other local officials with representatives from Siemens Energy
Georgetown, discussions focused on management timelines, staffing, training, logistics and other technical requirements associated with the transition to operations. The OPM arrangement includes a five-year operations period, with an option for renewal, as well as a 20-year long-term maintenance programme for the turbines. Phillips, who holds re-
for Guyanese households and businesses, including improved electricity supply and reduced energy costs. The PM also welcomed the long-term nature of Siemens Energy’s involvement, particularly the opportunities it presents for training, mentorship and the transfer of technical knowledge to Guyanese personnel. The engagement is expected to support the pro-
follow in keeping with the project schedule. United States-based Lindsayca is currently constructing the US$759 million GtE project, which comprises a 300-MW combined cycle power plant and a Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility. PM Phillips told this publication, following Tuesday’s site visit, that the project remains on track to deliver
stream next year. “At least one of the turbines will be spinning and generating 57MW in the first quarter of 2027,” Phillips had noted. The power generation component will utilise four SGT-800 gas turbines paired with heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs) and steam turbines operating in a combined-cycle configuration to produce a generation
reached by the end of 2027 once the final combined-cycle configuration is completed. The system has been engineered with builtin redundancy, allowing individual turbines to operate independently and be phased onto the national grid, which will ensure continuous and reliable power supply as well as a 50 per cent reduction in electricity
costs. According to PM Phillips at the August press conference, Guyanese will start benefitting from this reduction in electricity prices once the project is fully online. Currently, customers are receiving power from the national grid at $43.43 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for residential use and $56.38 per kWh for commercial use. The first phase of the GtE Project will only utilise 40 per cent of the 250-kilometre of 12-inch pipeline’s capacity, bringing 50 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) of dry gas onshore. With the pipelines having the capacity to push as much as 120 mmscfd of gas, the Government has moved ahead with Phase Two to utilise the remaining 60 per cent capacity of the pipeline, which will see an additional 75 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) of rich gas brought onshore for the second power plant and NGL facility right at the Wales location. The GtE Project is central to the Government’s efforts to expand generation capacity, strengthen the national electricity system and significantly reduce the cost of electricity, while supporting Guyana’s wider industrial and economic development.
NEWS
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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
FLOW expands to 19 Region 6 schools, reaches 35 sites nationwide …8438 students, 1664 teachers to benefit
N
ineteen educational institutions across Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) are now benefiting from solar-powered water purification systems under the National Water Purification and Sustainability Initiative FLOW, as the programme continues its rollout across Guyana. The Region Six phase, commissioned at the New Amsterdam Secondary School, covers 17 secondary schools and two Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, benefiting 8438 students and 1664 teachers. The institutions serve young people and families from approximately 219 communities across East Berbice-Corentyne. FLOW is being implemented through the collaborative efforts of Recover Guyana, the Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI) and the Education Department and is designed to address access to clean and safe drinking water in schools while reducing single-use plastics, promoting environmental sustainability and exposing students to science and technology. The initiative has a national target of 155 sites, 141 public secondary schools, 10 TVET institutions and four special needs schools across
11 educational districts. Region Six is the second regional rollout, following the commissioning of systems at 16 schools in Region Three. With the completion of the 19 Region Six sites, FLOW has reached 35 of its targeted 155 sites nationally, representing approximately 23 per cent of the overall target. Speaking on behalf of the Greater Guyana Initiative at the Region Six commissioning, ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge placed FLOW within the wider objective of ensuring that the benefits from Guyana’s natural resources are translated into sustainable development for communities. He explained that the Greater Guyana Initiative represents a GY$20 billion commitment made in 2021 towards projects aimed at investing in the country, building capacity in other sectors of the economy and contributing to a sustainable future. “To invest in the country, to invest in a sustainable future, to build capacity in other parts of the economy so that what is being realised from the resources of the country will translate into sustainable, diverse development for the country in the future. Because, as we know, natural resources are finite,” Routledge said.
A student refills his bottle from the Flow Station
He noted that while natural resources are a gift, what is most important is how the country and society use them, adding that investment in infrastructure and people is essential. Routledge said the partners under the Greater Guyana Initiative were pleased to be able to “make our contribution to that.” He said FLOW was particularly important because its benefits extend beyond providing drinking water and into education and technology. “Because FLOW brings technology into schools. It’s not just about the delivery of fresh potable water. It’s about giving the school and
the students something to own, to feel responsible for,” he said. Routledge added that students have an opportunity to understand the technologies involved in providing the water while taking responsibility for maintaining the systems and ensuring that they continue operating effectively. Education Minister Sonia Parag also placed significant emphasis on the partnership behind FLOW and the importance of translating available resources into tangible benefits for people and communities. She told students that having resources was not in itself enough, but that what
is done with those resources for the development of the country, communities and people is what matters. Parag said FLOW demonstrates what can be achieved through such a partnership, noting that what may appear to be the simple act of obtaining filtered water from a dispenser can have significant implications for students. The Minister also highlighted the environmental significance of FLOW, pointing to the number of plastic bottles that could be removed from use as students and teachers utilise the purification systems. Across the 19 Region Six institutions, FLOW is projected to generate approximately $103.74 million in savings over a three-year period through reduced expenditure associated with accessing drinking water. The initiative also has the potential to prevent approximately 1.92 million single-use plastic bottles from being used each year in Region Six, or more than 5.76 million bottles over three years. At an estimated $120 per bottle, project officials have placed the potential savings to direct beneficiaries at approximately $691.34 million over three years. The water supplied through the FLOW systems undergoes a multi-stage pu-
rification process, beginning with collection and storage before passing through gravel, green sand and activated carbon filtration to remove contaminants, iron, sediments, odours and unwanted chemicals. It then undergoes progressively finer particle filtration before passing through reverse osmosis, which removes dissolved salts, bacteria, viruses, heavy metals and other contaminants. The purified water is stored before undergoing ultraviolet sterilisation and is then made available to students and teachers through touchless cooling dispensers. Parag, meanwhile, told students that receiving the infrastructure also places a responsibility on them to protect it and ensure that it remains available for those who come after them. She urged them not to deface or destroy the systems and said maintaining school infrastructure should not be regarded solely as the responsibility of cleaners, ancillary staff or school administrators. The Region Six rollout has also provided employment opportunities within communities, engaging workers in welding, plumbing, painting, electrical work, solar installation, carpentry and general labour.
Veteran broadcaster Dr Rovin Deodat dies
Dr Rovin Deodat
V
eteran Guyanese broadcaster and communications specialist Dr Rovin Deodat has died. Deodat passed away on Friday. He was widely respected for his command of the English language, linguistic expertise and knowledge of words. During his broadcasting career, Deodat, who has a PhD in Communications, a master’s degree in English and a bachelor’s degree in
English, hosted a number of live and recorded radio programmes, including the popular “Word to Word” programme. Dr Deodat was also a recipient of the Golden Arrow of Achievement (AA). President Dr Irfaan Ali on Friday evening, in extending condolences following Dr Deodat’s death, described his passing as one that had removed “a familiar sound from the very life of a country.”
The President said Dr Deodat’s voice had been a daily companion for generations of Guyanese, reaching listeners in their homes, cars, offices and workplaces. According to Ali, Dr Deodat’s work on “From Word to Word” took listeners into the world of language and served as a means of educating them about words and their proper use. The President also highlighted Dr Deodat’s wider contribution beyond broadcasting, describing him as a communications professional, educator, broadcaster, and consultant who contributed to the development of broadcasting in Guyana. Ali said Dr Deodat was also involved in training broadcasters who later became established voices on local radio. “He was involved in training many of the broadcasters who would themselves become fixtures on local radio,” the President said. Reflecting on Dr Deodat’s legacy, Ali said it extended to the broadcasters he trained, the lis-
teners he educated and the students and citizens whose vocabulary was expanded through his work.
“To his family and friends, I extend my deepest condolences,” the President said, describ-
ing Dr Deodat’s life as one lived in service of knowledge, language, communication and country.
16 NEWS
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
US$20M “brain” of Guyana’s power grid set to transform GPL operations
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new US$20 million National Control Centre is set to become the “brain” of Guyana’s electricity grid, giving Guyana Power and Light (GPL) real-time visibility and remote control of substations, power plants and transmission infrastructure across the country. While an official commissioning date was not revealed, when ready, the new National Control Centre will serve as a highly secure, modern facility for monitoring and managing Guyana’s electricity grid. The centre will allow operators to monitor the entire grid at both the transmission and distribution levels, providing real-time visibility of power flows from generators through to customers. According to GPL, the facility will enable the utility to better manage the grid, identify potential issues and respond quickly to disruptions, helping to prevent interruptions to customers. This information was revealed during an inspection conducted by Head of GPL’s Executive Management Committee, Kesh Nandlall, along with Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Strategic Operations, Bharat Harjohn and Director Ryan Ross. Nandlall provided updates on the ongoing works and outlined the importance of
The new US$20M National Control Centre, which is set to provide realtime monitoring and remote control of Guyana’s electricity grid
the projects to the continued development of the company’s transmission and distribution network. He said that the facility is equipped with modern infrastructure and a building management system designed to control several aspects of the facility. “It’s a smart building. Everything in here is controlled by a building management system. So, you have temperature controls, cooling, heating, you have the security controls, ultra-central system, the water, fuel and so on, all of that. You have PV (photovoltaic) on the roof of this building, right, 160 kilowatts (kW) of PV. So, in our view here, it’s one of our infrastructures
that we’re very proud of as a company when we built this out. And we’re just about to operationalise this building.” Meanwhile, Deputy CEO, Strategic Operations, Bharat Harjohn highlighted the capabilities of the facility, noting that it will be the first time GPL has a dedicated control centre capable of monitoring power flows across all of its substations. “…it’s the first time GPL will have a control centre on the power flow of all of our substations. Our existing control centre equipment are limited; we’re just trying to make use of it as much as possible. Most of our communication is via radio. Now, at this control cen-
GPL removes 63 illegal connections in NA crackdown
G
uyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) has removed 63 illegal electricity connections during an enforcement exercise in New Amsterdam (NA), Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) as the utility continues efforts to reduce electricity theft and commercial losses. The exercise, conducted on Friday by GPL’s Loss Reduction Department, targeted Anjoys Avenue and Budhan Scheme and covered 59 pole spans. GPL said several persons were also cautioned to desist from illegally connecting to its electricity network. The latest enforcement action comes one day after GPL removed more than 55 illegal connections during an exercise at Kuru Kuru College Road along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway. The utility has been stepping up enforcement exercises across communities as it seeks to address electricity theft and other commercial losses affecting its distribution network. GPL officials have estimated the utility’s total losses at between 13 and 15 per cent, with each one percentage point representing more than $200 million in lost revenue. GPL Chief Executive Officer Kesh Nandlall recently said enforcement exercises were being conducted along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway and surrounding
GPL Loss Reduction Department teams remove illegal electricity connections during an enforcement exercise at Anjoys Avenue and Budhan Scheme, New Amsterdam, Berbice on Friday
communities to address illegal connections and other issues affecting the reliability of electricity services. GPL Divisional Director of Engineering Services Ryan Ross previously explained that electricity theft forms part of the company’s commercial losses, which, together with technical losses, account for about 13 to 15 per cent of the utility’s total losses. According to GPL, illegal connections can overload transformers and feeders, damage critical network infrastructure, and contrib-
ute to power disruptions. The utility also warned that such connections pose risks of electrocution and electrical fires. GPL reiterated that electricity theft is a criminal offence and said it will continue conducting enforcement exercises across Guyana to identify and remove illegal connections. Members of the public have also been urged to report illegal electricity connections through GPL’s confidential hotlines at 226-2600 and 0475, or via WhatsApp at 699-4882.
tre, our communication is so set up that we have five optic cables connected to all of our substations, all of our power plants. So, whatever is happening at the power plant and the substation, all the devices that are connected there from the communication side, those signals come straight to the control centre.” The National Control Centre will allow GPL operators to remotely operate substations with the click of a button and monitor power flows from transformers and power plants in real time. The centre is expected to serve as the “brain” of the national grid, provid-
ing real-time information on power flows and disturbances and enabling operators to make informed decisions. Some responses will also be automated through the system’s self-healing capabilities, giving GPL greater visibility and control across the grid and improving the reliability of the power supply. The development will be implemented in two phases. The first phase will focus on monitoring the transmission network and substations, while the second phase will extend monitoring capabilities down to feeders, transformers and customer meters. Harjohn said the second phase of the project will focus on extending the monitoring capabilities into the distribution network. “We [are] now [going] into a second phase, where we look at the distribution cycle. That is from the feeder all the way to the customer meter. So, we can now see straight to the customer meter [however] we do have some amounts of distribution management to our AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) system, which is kind of independent from here now.” The National Control Centre will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with staff monitoring the electricity grid around the
clock. The facility is also designed to support continuous operations in the event that access to the building is disrupted, with provisions to accommodate staff for extended periods. This will require communication equipment to be installed throughout the distribution network. The overall objective is to have a fully functional smart grid in Guyana by 2030, with the National Control Centre serving as a key component of that transformation. Harjohn also explained how the system will respond to faults and disturbances on the grid. “If there is a fault on the line or at the power plant or at substation, which normally occurs, and that was we have disturbances and the system, the frequency started to drop and the system collapsed, here we are able to know where the fault originates from. And decision will be taken automatically as a first step to isolate. And also, we can do it manually to be able to isolate the fault. “And with the redundancy that we have in this transmission line, we will be able to at least send power to all the substations. So, as we re-power, at the same time, simultaneously, we’re repairing that fault. And that is why sometimes we can be backed up so fast.”
MYO Qaseeda finals set for Saturday
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he Muslim Youth Organisation of Guyana (MYO) will host the Grand Finals of the National Qaseeda Competition 2026 on Saturday, September 12, at 18:30h at the MYO Complex, Woolford Avenue, Georgetown. The event, according to a release from the MYO, marks the culmination of an initiative aimed at reviving the tradition of Qaseeda singing in Guyana while promoting the preservation of the Urdu language. The competition has brought together male and female participants in Junior and Senior categories, providing a national platform for contestants to showcase their talents and renew interest in an art form that has formed part of the religious and cultural heritage of Guyanese Muslims for generations. Qaseeda, through Urdu poetry and melody, has traditionally been used by Muslims to express love for the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). Although the practice has declined over the years, the response to this year’s competition has highlighted continued interest in preserving and reviving the tradition. The Patron of the National Qaseeda Competition is President Dr Irfaan Ali, who has been recognised for his support of Qaseeda and efforts to promote the preservation of the Urdu language in Guyana and the wider Caribbean. Following the
preliminary stage, 10 contestants will compete in the Senior category and five in the Junior category at Saturday’s finals. The competitors will vie for national honours and cash prizes ranging from $500,000 to $100,000. Consolation prizes will also be awarded. The MYO is also looking beyond this year’s competition, with plans being considered for a Regional/International Qaseeda Competition in 2027, with Guyana proposed
as the host country. The proposed competition would bring together participants from Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, the United States (US), Canada and England. According to the MYO, the initiative would help strengthen cultural ties among Muslim communities, provide opportunities for young Qaseeda singers and establish a sustainable regional platform for preserving Qaseeda and the Urdu language.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026
guyanatimesgy.com
17
Regional
Ecuadorian court sentences frmr New Colombian President should implement FARC peace President in pandemic corruption case accord, says predecessor
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Juan Manuel Santos, former President of Colombia
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ew Colombian President Abelardo De La Espriella should fully implement the peace accord signed with Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerrillas a decade ago to help unite a divided country, his predecessor Juan Manuel Santos said. Santos – who led the Latin American country
between 2010 and 2018 negotiated the peace deal with the FARC and won the 2016 Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts. He remains an influential figure in Colombian politics and a well-known international campaigner for peace-related causes. De La Espriella, a rightwing lawyer who has legally represented people
with ties to paramilitary groups, criticised a spects of the deal during his election campaign, especially the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP), the transitional justice court tasked with investigating crimes committed during the conflict. In his inauguration speech, however, De La Espriella said he would respect the special court’s place in Colombia’s judicial system but that there would be rigorous oversight over the tribunal. Santos said both his successors, Ivan Duque and Gustavo Petro, did not fully implement the peace accord – which was designed to be rolled out over a 15-year period – and that Petro’s “total peace” policy, where he sought deals with additional armed groups, delayed implementation of the FARC deal. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Ecuador’s former President Abdala Bucaram
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n Ecuadorian court sentenced former President Abdala Bucaram to nine years and four months of imprisonment late on Wednesday for his involvement in a criminal organisation that fraudulently sold medical supplies during the pandemic. Bucaram, 74, who was in power from August 1996 to February 1997, may serve his sentence under house arrest due to his age, in accordance with Ecuadorean law.
Speaking to reporters from his home on Thursday, Bucaram said he would appeal the conviction and questioned the Judge’s impartiality, citing alleged previous social media attacks against his family. “There is no crime; they concocted an absurd trial based on lies,” Bucaram said. One of Bucaram’s sons, Jacobo Bucaram, was also convicted in the same case. “The defendants formed an organised criminal struc-
ture that, repeatedly and in a concerted manner, committed crimes,” the prosecutor’s office said in a statement on the ruling. The Attorney General’s Office accused four individuals of obtaining financial benefits by negotiating the purchase of some 21,000 rapid COVID-19 tests and other medical supplies between March and August 2020, while Ecuador was experiencing one of the worst outbreaks of the pandemic in the region. Bucaram’s son was sentenced to the same term as his father. The others were a former traffic officer who was sentenced to 13 years and four months, while an Israeli citizen received a reduced sentence of two years and eight months for his cooperation during the trial. Bucaram listened to the hearing via video conference from a hospital in the coastal city of Guayaquil, where he has been hospitalised due to heart problems. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Former Ohio missionary pleads guilty to molesting 2 boys in Haiti T&T PM says she “loves”
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former missionary with an Ohio-based Ministry pleaded guilty Tuesday to federal charges that he sexually abused two boys in Haiti, reaching an agreement with prosecutors that could lead to a prison sentence of at least 25 years. Jeriah Mast, 45, of Millersburg, Ohio – who told Police in 2019 he had molested more than 30 boys in Haiti and four children in Ohio – entered the plea before Judge Donald C Nugent in federal court in Cleveland. Under the plea agreement, Mast and prosecutors agreed that an “appropriate” sentence would be between 25 and 33 years, though the Judge would have final say.
Jeriah Mast
Sentencing is scheduled for December 15. Mast took trips to Haiti for mission work between 2002 and 2019. That included several years of work for the Millersburg-based Christian Aid Ministries,
which coordinates missionary activities supported by Amish, conservative Mennonite and related church groups. Mast belonged to a church in a related Anabaptist movement. Mast’s case has drawn attention to wider sexual abuse issues in the conservative, plain-dressing Anabaptist communities, which include Old Order Amish and Mennonites. Advocates have said that amid the movement’s strong emphasis on forgiveness, victims have been pressured to reconcile with abusers and not to seek prosecution outside the disciplines of the largely closed religious communities. (Excerpt from The Haitian Times)
Venezuela’s Delcy amid energy talks
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rinidad and TobGO (T&T) Prime Minister (PM) Kamla PersadBissessar’s declaration that she “loves” Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez, coupled with her suggestion that the two could meet at the United Nations later this month, has sparked questions in that country about Trinidad and Tobago’s negotiating position with Caracas on energy matters. Responding to PersadBissessar’s comments yesterday, Venezuelan energy consultant Dr Einstein Millán Arcia told Guardian Media that the PM’s conciliatory tone reflects pragma-
tism and the urgent need for access to Venezuela’s energy resources, particularly natural gas. Millán Arcia, who served as a personal adviser to former Venezuelan oil Minister Nelson Martínez between 2016 and 2017, said PersadBissessar’s outreach signals a shift in approach as her administration seeks closer engagement with Rodríguez. At the end of August, Venezuela reactivated a high-level technical committee to oversee the Dragon Gas project and agreed to establish binational working groups involving officials from both countries as the venture moves into its exe-
cution phase. Guardian Media contacted Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal via WhatsApp yesterday for additional information on the latest developments but received no response. According to a statement from Venezuela’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, an inter-institutional meeting at the Ministry’s headquarters was held. During the meeting, officials ratified a roadmap targeting December 2026 for the formal restart of operations at the offshore field, with the active participation of Shell Venezuela SA. (Excerpt from T&T Guardian)
visitor visa within the past 10 years or currently hold a valid United States non-immigrant visa. They must also be travelling to Canada for a temporary stay, normally of up to six months, and must be flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport using a valid passport from one of the eligible countries. Citizens who do not meet all three conditions will still need to apply for a Canadian visitor visa. The countries whose citizens may be eligible for a Canada eTA are Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Indonesia,
Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Panama, the Philippines, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uruguay. The eTA arrangement applies specifically to travellers flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport. Eligible citizens who plan to enter Canada by car, bus, train or boat must still obtain a valid visitor visa. This includes people travelling to Canada from the United States by car and those arriving by bus, train or cruise ship. (Excerpt from Antigua Newsroom)
Brazil’s Supreme Court shuts down Caribbean countries among early as political chaos mounts 17 eligible for Canada eTA
B
razil’s Supreme Court has cancelled a second straight day of deliberations as suspicions of corruption, political bias and Police interference loom over several of its members. Cancellations are rare at the high court. But on Thursday, Chief Justice Luiz Edson Fachin nixed a second consecutive session, calling for the court to reconvene on Tuesday instead. The decision was spurred by an ongoing crisis among the court’s members. The divisions emerged on September 1, when one justice, Andre Mendonca, unsealed a series of federal
Police documents that appeared to show a disgraced banker, Daniel Vorcaro, seeking advice from another justice, Alexandre de Moraes. De Moraes has rocketed to prominence in recent years for his roles in high-profile cases. He presided over the trial of former President Jair Bolsonaro after prosecutors accused the far-right leader of plotting a coup following his 2022 election defeat. The document release authorised by Mendonca, a Bolsonaro appointee, contains roughly 30 text messages sent to a phone num-
ber associated with de Moraes, allegedly from Vorcaro. In response, de Moraes has accused Mendonca of abusing his authority on the court for political gains. He requested a probe into whether Mendonca interviewed Vorcaro without the presence of Police or prosecutors. Tuesday’s session will involve the full Supreme Court bench, and 10 of the justices will discuss whether the 11th member, de Moraes, should be investigated over the text messages. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
C
anada has listed 17 countries whose citizens may be eligible to travel to the country by air with an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) instead of a visitor visa, subject to meeting specific requirements. The eTA option is available to citizens of certain countries whose nationals normally require a visa to enter Canada. However, eligibility is not automatic. Travellers must meet all the requirements set by the Canadian government before applying for an eTA. To qualify, travellers must have held a Canadian
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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026
guyanatimesgy.com
Around the World
Ebola infections top 7000 in Congo OILNEWS OIL NEWS as virus spreads to new province T Oil falls but heads for 8%
weekly gain on tight supply; US diesel hits record
O
il prices fell on Friday but remained on course for a weekly gain of more than eight per cent, while US diesel prices hit a record high as attacks along Middle East shipping routes stoked concerns about prolonged supply disruptions. Brent crude futures settled at US$104.61 a barrel, down US$3.02, or 2.81 per cent. US West Texas Intermediate crude finished at US$100.05 a barrel, down US$2.43, or 2.37 per cent. During the session, both benchmarks hit their highest levels since mid-May. Both reversed early gains after the Financial Times reported that Foreign Ministers in the Middle East are trying to work out a temporary deal with Iran to manage shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. On Thursday, Brent and WTI rose more than six per cent after an escalation in shipping attacks in the region. But on Friday, traders were re-evaluating the risk. “The things that were causing the panic yesterday are easing today,” said Phil Flynn, senior analyst with the Price Futures Group. “The question is will the market remain calm over the weekend? That’s when things seem to happen.” The report of talks on the future of Hormuz had the biggest impact on market sentiment. (Excerpt from Reuters)
he number of confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has passed 7000, with the virus spreading to a new province, government data showed on Friday. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo species of Ebola, became the largest and deadliest in Congo’s history after surpassing the 2018-2020 epidemic. It is now second only to the 2014-2016 West African outbreak, which infected over 28,600 persons and killed more than 11,000
Congolese medical workers dressed in personal protective equipment prepare an emergency unit at the Muthiri Adventist Hospital
across Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Government figures showed late on Friday that
the death toll had risen to 3398, while confirmed cases reached 7022 across seven provinces. Officials told Reuters earlier on Friday an Ebola case had been detected in South Ubangi province, located in the northwest of the country, far from the epicentre of the outbreak. Shortages of trained staff, operational partners and funding are causing a bottleneck in efforts to expand the Ebola response, according to the World Health Organization. (Reuters)
Passenger train derails in France, leaves at least 44 injured
A
t least 44 persons have been injured, including one seriously, after a passenger train derailed in northern France, local officials have said. An 18-year-old woman was airlifted in critical condition by helicopter to
hospital. Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot said 180 passengers were on board the train that was operating between Rouen and Caen in Normandy. He added that 140 firefighters and other emergency teams were being
deployed to the scene of the crash on Friday evening near the commune of Cléon, just south of Rouen. Photographs later emerged showing passengers leaving the crashed train, with French media reporting that three carriages overturned.
France’s state-owned railway operator SNCF reported “significant disruptions” on its routes in the area. It said replacement buses would be provided. The cause of the derailment was not immediately known. (BBC News)
6 accused of swindling American women out of $6M extradited to US from South Africa Uganda to withdraw
from Invictus Games S “out of respect for King Charles”
U
ganda is withdrawing from the Duke of Sussex’s Invictus Games, the country’s military chief has said, out of respect for King Charles amid division over the “HarryMeghan nonsense”. Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of the Ugandan President, made the surprise announcement in a post on X on Wednesday. Kainerugaba wrote: “In order not to be construed as being opposed to His Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom, whom we deeply revere, Uganda hereby withdraws from the Invictus Games. We shall not participate in anything that does not have His Majesty’s approval.” The timing of the post suggests it may be in response to an official letter to UK senior government and military officials on behalf of Charles that reiterated the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were not working royals and would not use their HRH styles. When asked by the Times about what had motivated the move, Kainerugaba is reported to have said,
Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of the Ugandan President
“I have factions in the Ministry of Defence that support that Harry-Meghan nonsense. I had to quash it straight away. I support the monarch. Period.” The news, first reported by the Uganda Pulse news website, will be a blow to Harry, who two months ago stood alongside Uganda’s Defence Minister, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, at an Invictus Games event in London to announce that the East African nation would be the 26th country to enter the multisport event for wounded service personnel. (Excerpt from The Guardian)
ix Nigerian nationals linked to an organised criminal network that allegedly swindled American women out of more than $6 million through online romance scams will be extradited to the United States on Friday, South African Police said. The men, who were arrested in the South African city of Cape Town in 2021, are set to be handed over to officials from the Federal Bureau of Investigation on Friday and taken to the US to face wire fraud and money laundering charges. They are accused of belonging to a criminal network known as the Black Axe, which Interpol describes as being part of criminal groups responsible for a significant share of the world’s cyber-enabled financial fraud,
typically through romance scams, cryptocurrency, and investment scams. The move comes less than two years after a prominent leader of the Black Axe was extradited to the US for conspiring to engage in internet
scams and money laundering. According to South African Police, the men are alleged to have targeted more than 100 women in the US, defrauding them of more than $6 million through on-
line romance or love scams. Among the alleged victims were pensioners and businesspeople who were reportedly targeted through sophisticated online relationships, Police said in a statement. More than 64,000 Americans were taken for over $1 billion in romance scams in 2023 – double the $500 million just four years earlier, according to the Federal Trade Commission. In 2024, a CBS News investigation uncovered a large-scale romance scam operation in Ghana. “I fish everywhere in the world,” a syndicate boss in Ghana who called himself Voodu told CBS News. But he said of the easiest victims to catch, “They are Americans.” (Excerpt from CBS News)
Aarons said he prepared with help from the artificial intelligence (AI) programme. The filing “contained false testimony from wholly fabricated witnesses”, the court said. The panel also said Aarons had “demonstrated a lack of remorse and a lack of concern for his client”. The justices fined Aarons $5000 and said they will refer him to an attorney disciplinary board for investigation. Aarons, in a statement
to the Reuters news agency, said he had used ChatGPT to summarise the trial proceedings when he agreed to take up the defendant’s appeal last year and did not understand the degree to which AI could “hallucinate” facts. “I am remorseful but hopeful that the disciplinary board takes into account it was an honest mistake,” he said. “It is a lesson learned for all professionals who rely upon this powerful but
sometimes unstable technology.” OpenAI did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The court’s sanction is the latest in a growing number of cases in which state and federal judges have disciplined lawyers for submitting court documents generated by AI tools without adequately vetting them. Some judges have also faced scrutiny over the use of AI. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Members of the elite tactical Police unit escort six Nigerian nationals being extradited to the US for participating in romance scams, in Cape Town, South Africa, Friday, September 11, 2026
US lawyer cites fake witnesses in murder case, blames ChatGPT
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defence lawyer appealing his client’s murder conviction submitted a brief containing made-up Police testimony and witnesses fabricated by OpenAI’s ChatGPT, New Mexico’s highest court has said. The New Mexico Supreme Court in the United States on Wednesday fined the lawyer, Stephen Aarons, and held him in contempt for failing to verify the accuracy of the court filing, which
guyanatimesgy.com
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026
ARCHIE
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DAILY HOROSCOPES Use your charm and intellect to convince others to follow your lead. You can make a difference if you promote interesting ways to bring about affordable changes that will help you or someone else prosper.
(March 21-April 19) Be reluctant to sign up for something for the wrong reason. Your time is precious and requires fine-tuning to achieve what you set out to do. Too much of anything will be taxing and create negativity.
PICKLES
(April 20-May 20) Alter your schedule or routine to better suit your needs. A social event will lead to conversations that encourage you to rethink one of your heart’s desires.
(May 21-June 20) Focus more on self-improvement and less on trying to change others. Avoid arguments, drama and manipulation. Your highest return will come from self-reflection and striving to improve your lifestyle.
PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)
Blow off steam physically to avoid disagreements. Don’t take a risk with your health or domestic property or equipment that’s unsafe or outdated. Do your research and leave nothing to chance.
(July 23-Aug. 22) Take time to consider what irks you most and do something about it. Worrying will not solve problems, but actions will. Dominate the conversations that deal with your well-being and lifestyle.
CALVIN AND HOBBES
(Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Choosing to initiate change will stimulate your mind, ease stress and call forth intellectuals who challenge you mentally. Protect your home, investments and physical well-being.
(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)
SUDOKU
(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)
(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)
What you experience and learn will lead to a more efficient lifestyle and insight into how you can make a difference using your skills. A change of attitude will help you find unique ways to use your skills. Paying attention to how you live or who you live with will make life and your relationships easier. A little charm will go a long way, and a gesture of friendliness or a helping hand will open doors. Your voice will be heard, but if you offer something without checking your facts and getting the go-ahead from those who can hinder your plans, you’ll find yourself in a precarious position.
SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE
(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
A change at home will help cut your overhead and ease your mind. Invest more time and money in yourself and your ability to increase your earning potential. Don’t let yourself get worn down.
(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Put health and money matters first. Taking care of yourself and doing your best to lower your overhead will help revive your confidence. Rethink how you spend your time.
(Feb. 20-March 20)
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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026
Young spinner Latif receives cricket shoes through Beharry-Das initiative E leven-year-old leftarm spinner Randy Latif has become the latest young cricketer to benefit from the joint cricket-development initiative led by Anil Beharry of Guyana and Kishan Das of the US. Latif, a first-form student of Annandale Secondary School, received a pair of DSC cricket shoes during a simple presentation recently held in the presence of national youth Coach Latchman Yadram. The youngster expressed gratitude for the timely assistance, which will support his continued development in the sport. Latif recently participated in the Demerara Cricket Board Inter-Association Under-13 tournament. That competition was used to select the Demerara squad for the recently concluded Inter-County Under-13 Championship, which was won by Berbice. The organisers said they were pleased to contribute to Latif’s development and remained committed to improving the lives of young people across Guyana. “Our aim is to keep them off the streets and get them actively involved in sports, cricket in particular,” the project organisers stated. Over the years, several Guyanese cricketers have benefited from the initiative, with some advancing to represent the West Indies at different levels. Cricket equipment, whether new or used, is distributed free of cost to talented and promising young players. Skills, discipline, and education are among the main qualities considered when selecting recipients. Talent identification is conducted across Guyana, while cricket club leaders also help to recommend deserving players. Progressive and properly managed clubs with active youth programmes are also eligible to receive assistance. So far, the project has received or purchased GY$843,146 worth of cricket-related support in cash and equipment. The items include 13 coloured cricket uniforms, one set of stumps, two trophies, 36 pairs of cricket shoes, 40 pairs of batting pads, 49 bats, 48 pairs of batting gloves, 29 thigh pads, three pairs of wicketkeeping pads, six arm guards, two chest pads, two boxes, 15 gear bags, 13 bat rubbers, seven helmets,
Randy Latif (left), a first-form student of Annandale Secondary School, received a pair of DSC cricket shoes from youth Coach Latchman Yadram (right)
one fibreglass bat, one floppy hat, 16 boxes and four white cricket balls, 13 boxes of red cricket balls, one bat cone, one batting inner and 28 footballs. Additionally, former national wicketkeeper-batsman Sheikh Mohamed donated equipment valued at more than GY$600,000. All cash collected by the project is used to purchase requested cricket gear that is unavailable at the time of the request. To date, 108 male and female players from Guyana’s three counties have directly benefited. Assistance distributed includes cash, 11 gear bags, two trophies, four arm guards, 43 bats, five boxes, six helmets, 39 pairs of cricket shoes, 23 pairs of batting pads, 25 thigh pads, one bat grip, 42 pairs of batting gloves, one pair of wicketkeeping pads and four pairs of wicketkeeping gloves. Many other players have benefited indirectly. Two clubs in the Pomeroon received two used bats, while the Pomeroon, Leguan and Wakenaam cricket committees and Cotton Tree Die Hard Cricket Club each received a box of red cricket balls. Cold Fusion Cricket Club received 13 coloured uniforms. Rose Hall Community Centre Cricket Club received six boxes of balls, 15 white cricket shirts, one pair of junior batting pads, one pair of wicketkeeping gloves with an inner, and two sets of stumps and bails. Other beneficiaries in-
clude the Essequibo Cricket Board; the town of Lethem; youth Coach Travis Persaud, who received a box of red cricket balls; male and female hardball and softball teams in the Upper Corentyne; and No. 65 Young Titans, which received 30 T-shirts. Assistance was also provided to the youths of Just Try Cricket Club, Wakenaam Cricket Academy, Shamar Joseph, Nehemiah Hohenkirk, Shamar Apple, Leguan Cricket Committee, Tucber Park Cricket Club, and Malteenoes Sports Club. Kendall’s Union Cricket Club received 12 red balls, while Lower Corentyne, Corentyne Comprehensive and JC Chandisingh secondary schools each received 12 red balls. Thaddeus Lovell received a pair of cricket shoes, while the Georgetown Cricket Club received two boxes of white cricket balls. Bush Lot United Sports Club received a box of red balls, and the West Demerara Cricket Association received a box of white balls. Blairmont Cricket Club received a pair of batting pads, a cricket bat, a helmet and balls. Tagore Memorial Secondary School, the St Cuthbert’s Mission cricket team, Port Mourant Cricket Club, the Demerara Cricket Board, Precision Sports, Berbice High School and the youth section of Cotton Tree Die Hard Cricket Club were also assisted. Individual recipients included Adrian Emmanuel, who received a cricket bat,
and Makhaya Jones, who received a pair of cricket shoes. One Movement Entertainment received a box of white cricket balls, while Skeldon Line Path and New Amsterdam secondary schools each received nine red cricket balls. The initiative has been supported by Javed and Imran of West Indian Sports Complex; Option Group of the USA; Hilbert Foster; Bish Panday of P&P Insurance Brokers and Consultants Limited; Sean Devers; Trevis Simon; Ariel Tilku; Aaron Beharry; Leanna Bachan; Imran Saccoor; Devon Ramnauth; Teddy Singh; Romash Munna; Ravi Etwaroo of Cricket Zone USA; Kelvin Brijlall; Ravin Harkishun; Surendra Harkishun; Allan Mangru; Dennis Mangru; Vishal Mahabir; Sherman Austin; Huburn Evans; Rajendra Sadeo; and Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall. Other contributors include Sheikh Mohamed of
Star Sports Awards and Trophies; Ajay Gainda of Cricket Equipment Guyana; Gajanand Singh; Peter Ramkissoon; Rabindranath Saywack; Roshan Gaffoor; Ameer Rahaman; Chin Singh; Denesh Chandrapaul; Davo Naraine of the United Kingdom; Dr Cecil Beharry; Raj Mathura; Raj Bharrat; Latch Mohabir and family; Suresh Dhanai; Vishal Nagamootoo; Moses Nagamootoo Jr.; Regal Sports Store; Onkar Singh; Parmanand Dhaniram; Reshma Mathura; Booman Singh; Krishna Rengensamy; Ishwar Singh; Ricky Deonarain of 4R Bearings; Terry Mathura of TDMJ Inc.; Kennard Verapen and New York Pioneer Cricket Club; Anita and Derek Kallicharran; and Subhas Powan Persaud of DX Sports. Support also came from Ramjit Singh; Vishnu Dudnauth; Johnno Persaud; Bob Harrischan; Kumar Dindial; Shazam Hussain; Ravi Lutchman of JIS&L,
New York; Muhammad Afzal of Cyber Trading; Kaieteur Cricket Club of Canada; Randolph Soobrian of the USA; Charrandass Persaud; Rockaway Group of Companies; Raymond Haniff of Diversity Investments Inc.; realtor Mahadeo Ajodhi; Surendra Hiralal of Universal Construction and Contracting; NALICO/ NAFICO; Joseph Aubrey Blackman; Renick Beharry and family; Dr Dhar Ramdehal; Rajin Ramdeholl; and an unnamed friend of the project. Naeem Kamal, Vikings and Riverside cricket clubs of the US, realtor Reshma Raman of Canada, and Valley Boys of Trinidad and Tobago have also contributed. The organisers also thanked the media for continuing to promote the venture. Distribution will continue, and persons interested in contributing can contact Beharry on 623-6875 or Das on +1 718-664-0896.
Budhoo thrilled to officiate at IMC Over-40s World Cup in Guyana
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anada-based Guyanese umpire Suresh Budhoo has expressed delight at being selected to officiate at the 2026 International Masters Cricket (IMC) Over40s World Cup, scheduled for October 17-31 in Guyana. The 61-year-old qualified official will return to the international stage after recently standing in the IMC Over-60s World Cup in Ontario, Canada. He also officiated at the inaugural Over40s World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa, in 2024. “I am really excited to reach Guyana for this big World Cup tournament. It will be an honour again to be at a prestigious competition and perform duty,” said Budhoo, who lives in Etobicoke, near Toronto. Sixteen teams will contest the 45-over tournament, which will begin with six matches being played simultaneously at venues across Guyana, including the National Stadium at Providence. Defending champions South Africa will compete in Group A alongside Australia, the West Indies, Wales, Canada, Namibia, Sri Lanka and Colombia. Group B is listed as comprising England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Scotland, India, New Zealand, Rest of the
Canada-based Guyanese umpire Suresh Budhoo has expressed delight at being selected to officiate at the 2026 International Masters Cricket (IMC) Over-40s World Cup
World XI and Rest of the Caribbean XI. Budhoo said his experience at the inaugural tournament in South Africa was memorable, and he is looking forward to officiating on home soil. “It was great to be at the first Over-40s World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa. It is always a wonderful place to umpire, and again I am looking forward to this one in Guyana as well,” he related. Budhoo is a regular official in Canadian domestic cricket and has also stood in IMC Masters tournaments in Sri Lanka and Australia.
Among the highlights of his career were opportunities to officiate alongside former international umpires Billy Bowden in Australia and Steve Bucknor in Canada. Both Bowden and Bucknor enjoyed distinguished careers at the international level. While Bowden and Bucknor will not be involved in the Guyana tournament, prominent Australian umpires Peter Tate and Daryl O’Sullivan are expected to officiate. The tournament will be hosted by IMC in collaboration with the Cricket West Indies Masters Association.
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Reigning champions Slingerz face Santos in Elite League weekend action
Reigning champions Slingerz FC will face Santos FC in the feature match on Sunday (Elite League photo)
Georgetown rivals Camptown and Western Tigers are expected to provide a competitive end to the opening night (Elite League photo)
eigning champions Slingerz Football Club (FC) will face Santos FC in the feature match on Sunday as the Guyana Football Federation Elite League Season Eight continues this weekend at the National Training Centre,
battle Western Tigers FC from 21:00h. Each team will be seeking valuable points as the league campaign continues, with the defending champions aiming to maintain their position. Saturday’s matches will
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Providence. The defending champions will take the field at 21:00h in the final match of a four-game weekend schedule spread across Saturday and Sunday. Sunday’s programme will begin at 18:30h with the Guyana Defence Force
(GDF) FC opposing Den Amstel FC. Slingerz and Santos will then close the weekend under the lights. The action will begin on Saturday, September 12, with Fruta Conquerors FC meeting Ann’s Grove United FC at 18:30h. Camptown FC will then
give Fruta Conquerors and Ann’s Grove an opportunity to strengthen their campaigns, while the meeting between Georgetown rivals Camptown and Western Tigers is expected to provide a competitive end to the opening night.
GDF and Den Amstel will return to action on Sunday before attention turns to the clash between Slingerz and Santos. The weekend’s matches are being promoted with support from Superbet and Impressions.
GFF Under-17 Youth Ensemble Programme kicks off nationwide this weekend
The Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) Under-17 Youth Ensemble Programme will begin across the country this weekend
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he Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) Under-17 Youth Ensemble Programme will begin across the country this weekend, September 12-13, with a separate competition for six Elite League clubs being introduced as a new feature. The Under-17 tournament is the third level of competition launched during the inaugural year of the Youth Ensemble Programme, following the completion of the Under-13 and Under-15 competitions. All nine GFF Regional Associations will organise matches within their respective jurisdictions, pro-
viding young footballers with regular competition and opportunities to be identified for further development. The programme is being delivered by the GFF in partnership with FIFA. An annual investment of $44 million will be made over four years, representing the largest financial commitment to youth football in Guyana’s history. The East Bank Football Association will begin its competition at the National Training Centre on Saturday. Friendship Allstars Football Club (FC) will oppose Pro Elevate Sports Academy at 10:00h, before Swan FC
meet Timehri United FC at noon. Three matches are scheduled for the Parade Ground under the Georgetown Football Association. Vurlon Mills Football Academy will face Pele FC, Eastveldt FC will battle Beacon FC, and BlackPearl FC will take on Riddim Squad FC. The East Demerara Football Association will stage four matches at the Victoria Ground from 10:00h. Mahaica Determinators will play Mahaicony Western Lions, Plaisance will meet BV Triumph United, Buxton Stars will face Melanie, and Ann’s Grove United
will oppose Victoria Kings. The association’s competition will continue on Sunday. Meanwhile, the new Elite Under-17 competition will run simultaneously with the Youth Ensemble matches organised by the Regional Associations. Guyana Police Force FC, Guyana Defence Force FC, Santos FC, Slingerz FC, Western Tigers FC and Fruta Conquerors FC are the six participating Elite League clubs. According to the GFF, the additional competition is intended to expose young players to a higher standard of football and create a stronger pathway from the youth level to senior domestic competition. The Under-17 rollout follows the conclusion of the Under-13 and Under-15 tournaments
earlier this month. Vurlon Mills Football Academy won the Under-13 title on September 5, with YMCA finishing second. Potaro Strikers FC secured third place after defeating Plaisance FC on penalties. The academy completed a double one day later by defeating Buxton Stars 4-2 in the Under-15 final. Challengers FC claimed third place with a 4-3 victory over Friendship FC. GFF President Wayne Forde congratulated the Regional Associations for supporting the programme and preparing their teams for the latest phase. “Congratulations to the Regional Associations for their continued embrace of this groundbreaking
initiative and thank you for your work in registering teams and preparing for the U17 phase. I wish all participating clubs every success in the tournament,” Forde said. “I also encourage fans to come out, bring their energy and enthusiasm, and create an exciting atmosphere that inspires Guyana’s young football stars.” T h e Under-17 competition forms part of the GFF’s effort to e x p a n d structured youth football nationwide and provide more opportunities for players to progress through Guyana’s football system.
EBDCA/Rovin Dookie 10/10 tournament bowls off Saturday
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he East Bank Demerara Cricket Association (EBDCA)/ Rovin Dookie annual 10/10 tournament will bowl off this weekend, with matches scheduled for Saturday and Sunday at four venues. Saturday’s action will begin at 10:00h at the Farm Ground, where Soesdyke XI will face North Soesdyke. Uprising will then play the loser of the opening match at noon before meeting the winner at 14:00h.
At the Canal Number Two Ground, Timehri and Providence will contest the first match from 10:00h. A Village will take on the loser at noon and the winner at 14:00h. The same format will be used at the LBI Ground. Eccles will face Silverbullet at 10:00h, while L. Diamond will oppose the loser at noon and the winner in the final match at 14:00h. The tournament will continue on Sunday at the
Farm and Good Fortuin grounds. Herstelling CTI and Herstelling B will begin Sunday’s programme at Farm from 10:00h. Ruimveldt will then face the loser at noon before playing the winner at 14:00h. At the Good Fortuin Ground, Herstelling A will meet Demolition at noon. Demolition will return to action at 14:00h against Diamond.
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Young Guyanese footballer Flavio Larose earns St Jago scholarship Y
oung Guyanese footballer Flavio Larose has secured a Sixth Form Football Scholarship to attend St Jago High School in Jamaica, where he will continue his education while competing in the prestigious ISSA Manning Cup. Larose, a goalkeeper who is originally from Lethem, recently completed eight Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) subjects through Chase’s Academic Foundation and passed all eight. He earned a Grade One in Physical Education, and Grade Threes in English A, Electronic Document Preparation and Management, Human and Social Biology, Mathematics, Office Administration, Principles of Accounts, and Principles of Business. The youngster relocated to Georgetown after accepting a scholarship from Chase’s in
2023, seeking greater academic and sporting opportunities. His latest scholarship represents another major step in his development. St Jago confirmed that Larose has been invited to join its school community and is expected to represent the institution in the InterSecondary Schools Sports Association Manning Cup, Jamaica’s leading national Under-19 school football competition. The scholarship will provide airfare to Kingston, school registration and administrative expenses, PTA and other related fees, along with nutritional support. It also covers medical expenses linked to injuries suffered during approved training sessions or competitions. Larose may also receive physical, psychological, rehabilitative and developmental training and therapy un-
Young Guyanese footballer Flavio Larose has secured a Sixth Form Football Scholarship to attend St Jago High School in Jamaica
der the supervision of the school’s sports programme. Assistance for other individual needs could be provided with written approval from the school’s Director of Football Operations. Additional help may be available through the institution’s Sports Development and Mentorship Programme, subject to assessment, available resources and approval from the relevant school officials. To remain eligible, Larose must maintain good academic standing, satisfactory attendance and punctuality, and high standards of conduct. He must also meet the expectations of the school’s athletic programme and coaching staff. The scholarship will be reviewed at the end of each academic year, with renewal depending on his academic performance, behaviour,
attendance, commitment to training and overall contribution to the programme. Michael Richmond played an instrumental role in securing the opportunity. Richmond has also helped to create pathways to Jamaica for several other Guyanese players, including Neron Barrow, Kvist Paul, and Matrim Martin. Paul and Martin previously received opportunities at Kingston College, while Barrow later secured a move to Jamaican Premier League club Waterhouse through Richmond Management. Founded in 1744 and located in Spanish Town, St Jago is recognised as one of the oldest continuously operating schools in the Western Hemisphere. The institution said it looks forward to supporting Larose’s continued academic, personal and athletic development.
Benn blasts century, Ramkarran provides late Prime Minister fireworks as GPF officers beat CPL Prestige XI Phillips launches 9th T20 Softball Cup
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Guyana Police Force being presented the winning trophy
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips (centre) officially launched the ninth edition of the Prime Minister’s T20 Softball Cup on Thursday afternoon (Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips photo)
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rime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips officially launched the ninth edition of the PM’s T20 Softball Cup on Thursday afternoon at the Gandhi Youth Organisation Ground on Woolford Avenue, Georgetown. The tournament, organised by the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc, will be contested from October 2 to 4, 2026. Twentyfour teams have registered across the Over-50, Over-40, All Stars and Female 12/12 categories, while registration remains open. PM Phillips, who is the patron of the tournament, welcomed the continued growth of the competition and described softball cricket as a “people’s game” that allows players from different age groups to participate.
“Over the years, I’m pleased to see this tournament grow into a truly people’s tournament,” he said. The PM was also pleased with the expansion of the female competition, which now has eight registered teams. He committed his support towards increasing the prize money for the women’s category to encourage greater participation. The winners of each of the three male categories will receive GY$800,000 and a trophy, while the runners-up will collect GY$200,000 and a trophy. In the female division, the champions will receive GY$200,000 and a trophy, with GY$80,000 and a trophy going to the runners-up. Individual prizes will also be presented for outstanding performances across the
four categories. Phillips said the Government’s continued investment in sporting infrastructure, led by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, has created more opportunities for tournaments such as the Prime Minister’s Cup to expand beyond their traditional venues. He noted that the development and upgrading of facilities across the country could allow the tournament to reach more communities and accommodate additional teams in the future. Phillips also recognised the contributions of the organisers and sponsors, noting that their continued support has helped the tournament grow and remain successful over the years.
breath-taking century from Troy Benn, followed by a devastating late assault from Kanhaiya Ramkarran, powered the GPF Officers to a commanding 50-run victory over the CPL Prestige XI in an entertaining T20 encounter at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary, on Thursday. Benn led the way with a magnificent 102 from just 45 balls as the GPF officers piled up an imposing 240 for five from their 20 overs. His explosive innings featured 13 fours and five sixes. Vishaul Williams supported with 36 from 26 deliveries before Ramkarran provided the finishing fireworks, smashing an unbeaten 65 from only 20 balls. His whirlwind knock included seven sixes and one four as the officers finished strongly. Set a daunting target of 241, the CPL Prestige XI featured several familiar names from regional and international cricket but fell short despite a fierce coun-
terattack from Christopher Barnwell. Former Ireland international Niall O’Brien made seven before being caught by wicketkeeper Kyle Michael off Joshua Kishundial, while former West Indies batsman Daren Ganga struck 15 from 12 balls before Stephen Harris bowled him. Ryan Banwarie contributed 18 before retiring out, but Barnwell brought the chase to life with a blistering 82 from just 31 deliveries. He hammered 10 sixes and one four in a remarkable innings before Shane Prince ended his resistance. Devon Lord added a quick-fire 26 from 12 balls, including three sixes, but the GPF officers maintained control to restrict the CPL Prestige XI to 190 from their 20 overs. Prince led the bowling with two for 21 from four overs, while Kishundial, Harris, Antony Adams, and Captain Ravindradat Budhram each took one wicket. The match produced
a combined 430 runs, but Benn’s superb century and Ramkarran’s breathtaking late assault ultimately proved the difference as the GPF officers sealed an impressive 50-run win.
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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026
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Guyana’s chess team departs for 2026 Olympiad in Uzbekistan
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uyana’s 10-member chess team will leave the country this weekend to compete at the 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from September 15 to 27. Five players will represent Guyana in the Open section, while another five will compete in the Women’s division at the biennial international tournament. The Open team comprises FIDE Master Anthony Drayton, Candidate Masters Taffin Khan and Sachin Pitamber, Keron Sandiford and Kyle Couchman. The Women’s team consists of
Women’s Candidate Masters Jessica Callender, Aditi Joshi and Sasha Shariff, along with Kataleya Sam and Ciel Clement. Drayton, who is preparing for his fifth Olympiad, said representing Guyana comes with a responsibility greater than his individual performance. “I bring a strong sense of responsibility to the board, the understanding that every time I represent Guyana, I am playing for something greater than myself,” Drayton said. He intends to compete with discipline and resilience while maintaining the commitment
he has shown towards developing the next generation of Guyanese chess players. Khan believes endurance will be important during the tournament and has promised to fight in every position, regardless of how difficult it becomes. “The primary value I am bringing to the board in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, is unyielding resilience,” Khan said. “Chess at the Olympiad is a battle of endurance, so no matter how tough the position, I will fight for every move to honour the Golden Arrowhead.” Pitamber will approach
the competition with determination and intends to use the opportunity to prove his ability to represent Guyana at the highest level. Sandiford identified perseverance as his main quality and said he will continue giving his best in pursuit of positive results for the country. Couchman, meanwhile, is focused on producing consistent performances. He said his aim is to remain composed under pressure and deliver his best effort in every game. The women’s team includes one of the youngest members of the delegation, 13-year-old Sam, who will make her Chess Olympiad debut. Despite recognising
the strength of the opposition, Sam said she is prepared to use the courage and skills gained during training to challenge every opponent, including grandmasters. Shariff intends to compete with integrity, dedication and sportsmanship, while Callender will rely on the tenacity she has developed through years of competing at international events. Joshi said resilience will be central to her approach as she attempts to turn the skills developed during training into victories for the team. Clement will take respect to the board – for her opponents, the rules, the game, her preparation and the country
she represents. Guyana has competed at every Chess Olympiad since 2014, following the revival of the local game in the mid2000s. The 2026 delegation brings together varying levels of experience, from Drayton’s fifth appearance to Sam’s first. The players will aim to compete with discipline, overcome difficult moments and make every result count towards the team’s overall performance. The Guyana Chess Federation thanked the International Chess Federation, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, and ENet for supporting the national team’s participation.
Young Wazim recognised Blair resigns as UDFA Vice after viral CPL catch
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ifteen-year-old cricketer Wazim Ali has received recognition for the spectacular one-handed catch that drew widespread attention during Wednesday evening’s Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 match between the Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) and Saint Lucia Kings at Providence. Wazim, a member of Malteenoes Sports Club, was met by Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport Steven Jacobs, who presented the youngster with cricket gear and GAW polo shirts on behalf of President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali. The young leg-spinner was accompanied by his mother, Sumintra Ali, during the meeting. Wazim’s connection to Malteenoes made the occasion particularly significant, as Jacobs serves as Vice President of the club, where he also began his own cricketing career. The Minister commended the youngster for his talent and determination while
President, cites leadership concerns
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Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Steven Jacobs (left) presenting gears to Wazim Ali and his mother, Sumintra Ali
encouraging him to remain focused on his education and continue making his mother proud. Jacobs also stressed the importance of discipline as Wazim continues his development in cricket. The teenager’s remarkable catch has quickly become one of the talking points from the Warriors’ home match, highlighting the opportunities available to young cricket enthusiasts who participate in matchday activities. Wazim’s journey at
Providence has been especially noteworthy, having previously performed ballboy duties before finding himself in the spotlight with a catch that captured the attention of cricket fans across Guyana. The youngster was also scheduled to make an appearance in the commentary booth during last night’s CPL action, adding another memorable chapter to what has been an eventful week for the aspiring cricketer.
kanni Blair has resigned with immediate effect as third Vice President of the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA), citing concerns about the organisation’s leadership, financial accountability and tournament administration. Blair announced his decision in a letter dated September 9, 2026, and addressed to UDFA President Wainewright Bethune. He said the resignation followed careful consideration and was prompted by what he described as ongoing leadership and administrative challenges. “I cannot, in good conscience, continue to serve under this Association in its current construct, as its modus operandi does not align with my professional values,” Blair stated. Blair said he joined the executive with the belief that he could help to bring about positive change. However, he claimed the leadership approach had been “stub-
Akanni Blair has resigned with immediate effect as third Vice President of the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA)
bornly myopic and lethargic”. The outgoing official also alleged that the executive had operated in a haphazard manner and had repeatedly failed to provide an account of the Association’s financial position and dealings. He further criticised the
UDFA’s efforts to attract sponsorship and raise funds, while questioning its handling of tournaments. Blair pointed to the Divine Entertainment Summer Super Cup as a recent example. The competition was sanctioned by the UDFA but organised by a private group and concluded on August 29. According to Blair, prize money had still not been distributed to the successful teams and some individual players more than a week after the tournament ended. He also claimed the UDFA executive had neither issued a statement on the matter nor intervened to have it resolved. Despite the concerns raised, Blair expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and wished the Association well. Copies of the resignation letter were sent to UDFA Secretary Kellon Josiah and Guyana Football Federation President Wayne Forde.
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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026
Sport is no longer our game, it’s our business
Warriors end home leg with TKR knockout
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he Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) produced another commanding performance at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence last night, defeating the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) by six wickets in their final home clash of the Republic Bank Caribbean P r e m i e r League (CPL) 2026, and officially eliminating their rivals from the tournament. After winning the toss and electing to bowl, the Warriors were given an early test as Colin
Munro
and Alex Hales put together a positive start for the visitors. However, Mehidy Hasan Miraz quickly changed the innings, breaking t h e 4 1 run
o p e n i n g stand when he bowled Munro out for 26 from 16 balls, an innings which inc l u d ed four fours and a six.
Miraz s t r u c k
again with the very next delivery, bowling Nicholas Pooran for a first-ball duck to leave TKR at 43 for two after six overs. GAW’s spinners continued to apply pressure after the powerplay, and Imran Tahir joined the attack by dismissing Hales for 22 from 26 balls, with Glenn Phillips taking the catch. TKR reached 61 for three after 10 overs before Miraz struck twice more, bowling both Jyd Goolie for four and Sunil Narine for seven, to leave the Knight Riders struggling at 84 for five after 14.2 overs. Miraz completed an outstanding spell of four for 23 from his four overs, while Shamar Joseph then accounted for Justin Greaves, setting him up with two short deliveries before going full and rattling his stumps. Greaves made 35 from 37 balls. Joshua Da Silva was next to fall for four, while Kieron Pollard was caught at long-on by Shimron Hetmyer for 10 off Dwaine Pretorius, leaving TKR at
126 for eight at the end of their 20 overs. The Warriors made a positive start to the chase through Mavendra Dindyal, but Akeal Hosein trapped the right-hander lbw for 19 from 14 balls. The hosts reached 35 for one at the end of the powerplay. Usman Tariq then bowled Glenn Phillips for
11, but Shai Hope and Shimron Hetmyer steadied the innings with intelligent stroke-play, taking the Warriors to 57 for two after 10 overs. Narine eventually broke the partnership when Hetmyer, who made a brisk 28 from 19 balls with three sixes, was dismissed by an excellent catch from Justin Greaves. The Warriors were then at 85 for three after 12.2 overs. Narine finished with one for 13, but GAW remained firmly in control at 93 for three with 34 runs required from the final five overs. Lahiru Kumara then claimed his first wicket when Miraz was caught at extra cover by Pollard for two from 14 balls. However, there was little doubt about the outcome as Hope remained unbeaten on 42 from 35 balls, including one four and two sixes, while Quentin Sampson finished unbeaten at 12 from 12 balls to guide the Warriors to 127 for four in 18.4 overs. The victory further underlined the Warriors’ dominance over TKR this year, and ended the Knight Riders’ CPL 2026 campaign.
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