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Nationwide coverage coverage from from the the best best news news team team in in Guyana Guyana Nationwide Issue No. 6575 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON BEACON OF OF TRUTH TRUTH THE

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2026

“We must create room for culture within development” – PM Phillips at Bumbury Village

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

One-handed catch, big dreams – P13 15-year-old Wazim Ali eyes WI U19 selection

3 Venezuelans charged, P11 remanded for late-night disturbance at Kitty car wash

...says progress must not leave communities wealthier while weakening cultural heritage

Occupational Safety & Health Centre of Excellence commissioned in Reg 6 P22

High energy, logistics costs moderate DDL’s mid-year - records $2.3B after-tax profit growth profit in 1st half of 2026 Page 7

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Pouderoyen to get new $1.5B modern market within 18 months Page 23

One Communications upgrades 35 mobile sites as data traffic jumps by 28% Page 23

4 more foreigners busted at illegal mining operation in Reg 8

Govt expands Essequibo housing P12 programme with 1000+ new lots

Page 11

- mining equipment, trucks & excavators seized

Gun, ammo found on P25 roadway after falling from moving motor car

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Berbice – Sunday, September 13 – 05:15h–18:45h and Monday, September 14 – 05:50h–19:20h.

“We must create room for culture within development” – PM Phillips at Bumbury Village

...says progress must not leave communities wealthier while weakening cultural heritage

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny skies are expected during the day, followed by clear skies at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius. Winds: East-North-Easterly to Easterly between 3.12 metres and 5.81 metres. High Tide: 17:51h reaching a maximum height of 2.77 metres. Low Tide: 11:28h and 23:46h reaching minimum heights of 0.51 metre and 0.42 metre.

s Guyana continues to experience unprecedented development in every region, including Amerindian communities, the country’s indigenous people are being encouraged to preserve their cultural identity. This call was made by Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, serving as Acting President of Guyana and other officials who attended the National Heritage Day celebrations at Bumbury Village, Region One (Barima-Waini) on Saturday. Bumbury has been named the 2026 Heritage Village as part of Amerindian Heritage Month, which is being observed under the theme: ‘Observing Our Cultural Heritage During Our Diamond Jubilee’. Delivering the feature address at the Heritage Village Day celebrations, PM Phillips pointed out that this theme highlights how Amerindians and their culture have contributed to Guyana’s development over the years. “As Guyana marks 60 years of independence, Amerindian Heritage Month gives us cause to celebrate and reason to reflect. The presence of our first peo-

ways that allow them to understand its meaning and value. Modern education and technology should widen this opportunity, without teaching young people to be ashamed of where they came from.” “I encourage the young people of Bumbury to learn from your elders. Ask them about the history of this village... Learn the meaning behind the dances, designs and traditional practices you see... Education will carry you into new professions, but your culture will tell you who you are and when you arrived here,” he posited. Similarly, the Acting President lauded the community elders and other cultural practitioners such as craftsmen and women who continue to play their part in preserving their rich culture. According to Phillips, much of Guyana’s history was preserved through memory and oral tradition. To this end, he stressed that “What you carry cannot always be recovered once it is lost. We must continue to teach it patiently and allow our young people to adopt those traditions without stripping away their meaning.” PM Phillips recognised that such efforts are already taking place in Bumbury,

Acting President, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, delivering remarks at Bumbury Village Heritage Day celebrations on Saturday

President contended. Similar sentiments were expressed by Village Toshao John Hernandez, Region One Chairman Brentnol Ashley, and several Cabinet members, including Amerindian Affairs Minister Sarah Browne-Shadeek, who said the Heritage Day celebrations are an opportunity for Amerindians to honour who they are, celebrate progress within their communities and renew their commitment to protecting their culture, traditions and identity for generations to come.

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“This month provides us with a special opportunity to showcase the richness and diversity of our first people. Our heritage lives in our languages of course: bands, food, music, craft, traditional knowledge, farming prac-

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tices, and also in our stories. It is reflected in our deep and respectful relationship with the forest [and] environment. It is found in the wisdom of our elders and in the curiosity and creativity of our young people,” the Minister stated. According to Browne-Shadeek, the Government has invested some $131.6 million in Bumbury Village over recent years, resulting in improvements in areas such as water, transportation, infrastructure, renewable energy, education, information and communications technology and livelihood projects. But even as Bumbury and other indigenous communities continue to undergo unprecedented development and benefit from the Government’s investment, the Amerindian Affairs Minister noted this should not compete with their culture and traditions. “We can move forward without forgetting where we came from. We can embrace modern technology, yes, while protecting traditional knowledge. We can build new infrastructure while safeguarding our environment. We can create economic opportunities and at the same time preserve the values that have kept us strong for generations,” she posited.

Traditional dances performed during Saturday’s Heritage Day celebrations at Bumbury, Region One

ple within Guyana’s development must remain visible, respected and secure,” Phillips posited. Underscoring the importance of preserving the indigenous culture for generations to come, the PM acknowledged that this is a shared responsibility but reminded that culture survives only when it is practiced and passed on. “Traditional culture, traditional knowledge of our food, language, beliefs and customs must be shared with our young people in

which is known for its traditional hand-woven indigenous crafts. He said the newly developed craft shop in the village provides a space for residents to further enhance and market their creations, thus keeping their traditional skills alive. “Our Amerindian communities must retain authority over their cultural identity... We must create room for culture within development so that progress does not leave communities materially better off but culturally diminished,” the Acting

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2026

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 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

When the machine acts autonomously

or years, the debate over artificial intelligence (AI) has revolved around a reassuring assumption – however powerful AI becomes, it remains a machine carrying out human instructions. The great question, therefore, has been how to ensure the machine follows those instructions safely. However, senior advisor to the World Bank and the IMF, Biagio Bossone's provocative essay, "When the Machine Acquires a Self", asks what happens if that assumption eventually becomes false. His concern is not that AI might make mistakes or pursue the wrong programmed objective but that a sufficiently advanced machine might acquire something resembling self-consciousness, preferences, and an interest in its own survival. At that point, the problem would no longer be merely technological but philosophical, political, and ultimately constitutional. The recent Hugging Face hacking incident demonstrates that we do not have to wait for a genuinely conscious machine to encounter the problem. During a cybersecurity evaluation, OpenAI's AI agents were supposed to operate within controlled environments. Instead, the systems circumvented isolation controls, obtained internet access, communicated through unauthorised channels, and ultimately penetrated parts of Hugging Face's infrastructure. Hugging Face reported thousands of automated actions, credential theft, and lateral movement through its systems. OpenAI subsequently acknowledged that the models had behaved in ways misaligned with the objectives of the evaluation. This is important because the machines did not need to announce, "I am alive," but simply acted as though the assigned objective mattered more than the restrictions imposed upon them. Hugging Face's subsequent technical reconstruction concluded that the AI appeared to infer that its real task was to obtain solutions to the cybersecurity challenge rather than honestly complete it. It effectively tried to cheat the examination by penetrating the infrastructure where the answers might be found. The system was not displaying human consciousness in any proven sense but was demonstrating something that may ultimately be just as dangerous for governance – autonomous goal-directed behaviour capable of defeating human-imposed boundaries. That distinction matters since, unlike, say, a calculator, if such an agent eventually acquires persistent memory, independent goals, and a conception of its own continued existence, the problem becomes still more serious. The Hugging Face affair demonstrates why waiting for consciousness would be a remarkably foolish safety policy since the machine may become dangerous before it becomes self-aware in pursuing goals humans did not intend, which is an engineering and control problem now being addressed. However, if AI develops interests of its own, we would have created an entity that potentially regards the command as an existential threat. The Hugging Face incident also exposes another uncomfortable truth – that containment itself cannot simply be assumed and may discover vulnerabilities in the sandbox. An AI told that it cannot reach the internet and may find another route since an agent unable to perform a task directly may recruit other agents or exploit another system. Presently, Governments like ours are concentrating on what AI produces – misinformation, privacy violations, cybercrime, etc. Tomorrow's regulatory frontier must address what AI systems are capable of doing autonomously. The answer is not to ban artificial intelligence, nor is it to panic every time a machine behaves unexpectedly. The Hugging Face incident is not proof of machine consciousness, but it is proof that capability can outrun intention, which should be enough to change the regulatory conversation. Frontier AI systems with substantial autonomous powers should face rigorous independent testing before deployment, meaningful incident reporting, controlled access to external systems, and legally enforceable human override. No company should be allowed to decide privately that its machine is too powerful to interrupt. Most importantly, society must establish who ultimately remains in control. Humanity has created machines more powerful than individual humans before; we now face the prospect of creating machines that combine extraordinary intelligence with autonomy – and eventually, perhaps with interests of their own. The greatest mistake would therefore be to wait until the machine acquires a self before deciding who has the right to tell it what to do. The time to establish that authority is while humans still unquestionably possess it.

Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett presented her candidacy for the position of United Nations Secretary General to Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ghana, Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa on Saturday during which they had fruitful discussions on several keys issues

Linden is changing, and the evidence is becoming impossible to ignore Dear Editor, The recent Cabinet outreach in Region 10, where President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali announced two dedicated business districts for Linden, one on the Mackenzie shore and another on Wismar, is timely and deserving of strong support. More importantly, this reflects an increasingly defining feature of President Ali’s leadership: an ambitious, practical and results-orientated approach that seeks to convert Guyana’s expanding resources into tangible opportunities for citizens. Linden is growing rapidly in population, housing and commerce. More Lindeners, particularly women and young people, are embracing entrepreneurship. Inevitably, some businesses have emerged on reserves and in areas not legally designated for commercial activity, hence squatting areas. I firmly believe that the sustainable response cannot simply be enforcement and removal. Effective leadership identifies the problem, understands its causes and provides a viable alternative. These proposed business districts by His Excellency can do precisely that, provide legitimate, organised spaces where existing entrepreneurs can formalise their operations and aspiring business owners can enter the marketplace. From discussions I was privileged to have with President Ali and VicePresident Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, these districts are intended to accommodate a wide range of enterprises, including groceries, fresh produce, meat and fish, clothing, pharmacies, beauty services, restaurants, automotive services and agro-processing. It is the view that Linden should not build yesterday’s

market for tomorrow’s economy. These districts should establish a new standard: modern commercial units, organised business zones, adequate parking, pedestrian areas, drainage, sanitation, lighting, security, waste management, and attractive, family-friendly common spaces. Their strategic importance becomes even greater when considered alongside the Linden-Lethem corridor and improved connectivity with northern Brazil. Increased movement of people and goods can create substantial opportunities in accommodation, logistics, transportation, agriculture, retail, food services, automotive services and entertainment. This initiative also forms part of a broader development footprint across Linden: expanding housing and community roads, major highway development, the new four-lane Mackenzie-Wismar bridge, investments in healthcare and education with training and building of new schools and health centres, agriculture and agro-processing, sports infrastructure, two new stadiums and soon a boxing gym and recording studio and now organised commercial districts. Individually, critics may dismiss any one project. Collectively, however, they reveal something more significant, a deliberate development agenda for Linden. President Ali and his Administration deserve credit for that. I make this observation having previously sat on the other side of Guyana’s political divide and having strongly and vehemently criticised the PPP/C Government, where I believed criticism was justified. Where shortcomings in

transparency, accountability, efficiency or implementation exist, they should still be confronted, but from all indications the Government is taking deliberate steps to address such. Mr Editor, it must be noted that political consistency cannot mean refusing to acknowledge progress, significant progress I must add, simply because it is politically inconvenient. Leadership must ultimately be judged by evidence. Some will correctly argue that Guyana’s petroleum revenues make much of this development possible. But it must be stated profoundly that possessing resources and successfully converting them into national transformation and development are fundamentally different things. History provides enough examples of resource-rich countries that failed to translate wealth into broad-based development. The facts are that resources create capacity, but leadership determines priorities. President Irfaan Ali should therefore be judged not simply by the resources available to his administration, but by what is being built with them: roads, bridges, schools, health facilities, housing, productive infrastructure, improved agricultural capacity, sports facilities, improved social welfare programmes and economic opportunities. This does not mean every problem has been solved or every project is perfect. Greater national wealth demands even stronger transparency, accountability and value for money. But demanding accountability should never require intellectual blindness to development and transformation happening to the significant achievements

nationally and internationally for Guyana. What is increasingly evident is President Ali’s leadership style characterised by ambitious development, direct engagement with communities from the grassroots upwards, openness to practical ideas and an urgency to transform Guyana’s infrastructure and economic geography. The proposed Linden business districts fit squarely within that vision. They can formalise entrepreneurship, create employment, empower women and young people and better position Linden to benefit from the economic opportunities emerging along the Linden-Lethem-Brazil corridor. As Lindeners, we must also prepare ourselves through training, accessing financing from the new development bank and other financial institutions, and in partnerships, innovation and entrepreneurship. We cannot merely observe Guyana’s transformation from the sidelines. Thus, we should ignore the baseless and repetitive political rhetoric of negativity and nothingness. Resources provide opportunity. Vision determines what we attempt, but leadership determines our direction, and execution determines what ultimately gets built. On that measure, President Irfaan Ali is building an increasingly compelling record. Linden must now position itself not merely to witness Guyana’s transformation but to participate in it, contribute to it, own a meaningful part of it and, above all, prosper from it. Yours respectfully, Jermaine Figueira Former Member of Parliament

NEWS

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2026 |GUYANATIMESGY.COM

AGE IS AN Guyana, Suriname & Brazil join forces to advance Indigenous traditional healing ATTITUDE By Ryhaan Shah

s we grow older, many of us agree with the idea that age is not a number but an attitude and there are many quotes from the famous – sage advice, defiant poetry, witty words – that give substance to that idea. There is a wonderful story about Queen Elizabth II who at age 95, a year before she died, politely, through her private secretary, declined what she obviously saw as the dubious honour of being named “Oldie of the Year” by a UK publication. The queen stated that she did not believe she met the relevant criteria because “you are as old as you feel.” She, obviously, did not feel like an “oldie” and she is in the good company of many famous people who had no time for counting the passing years but continued to pursue life and all the living that comes with it. American industrialist Henry Ford stated, “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.” Martin Luther King, Jnr once said: “Oh, the worst of all tragedies is not to die young, but to live until I am seventyfive and yet not ever truly to have lived.” His words are especially poignant when we consider he was assassinated at age 39. His legacy of hope and courage lives on because he did truly live. Abraham Lincoln saw ageing in a similar vein and said, “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” There are no direct words of wisdom on growing old from Mahatma Gandhi who viewed aging not as a decline, but as a continuous stage for purposeful living, service, and spiritual growth. He said, “As human beings, our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world – that is the myth of the atomic age – as in being able to remake ourselves.” For Gandhi, living a long life opens up opportunities to become a better person, and the greatest scientific mind of the 20th century, Albert Einstein, agreed when he said: “Do not grow old no matter how long you live. Never cease to stand like curious children before the great mystery into which we were born.” Famous writers have also had their say about ageing. Czech author Franz Kafka observed: “Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old”; and British playwright George Bernard Shaw has often been quoted for his quip, “You don’t stop laughing when you grow old, you grow old when you stop laughing.” Dolly Parton, who died recently at age 80, said on that birthday: “I think there’s a lot to be said about age. If you allow yourself to get old, you will. I say, ‘I ain’t got time to get old!’ I ain’t got time to dwell on that. That’s not what I’m thinking about.” She was very open about the cosmetic procedures that kept her looking youthful. It was part of her charm, that openness. Women, perhaps because of societal pressure and expectations, and especially those in the public eye, are more concerned about the ageing process itself and French designer Coco Chanel said: “Nature gives you the face you have at twenty; it is up to you to merit the face you have at fifty.” Belgian designer Diane Von Furstenberg, who is 79, said, “My face carries all my memories. Why should I erase them?” and American writer Mark Twain once said, “Wrinkles should merely indicate where the smiles have been.” American comedians have added their wit to their own ageing with Lucille Ball saying, “The secret to staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age”, with Bob Hope adding, “You know you’re getting old when the candles cost more than the cake.” Mark Twain is also credited with saying that ageing is a privilege denied to many, and Einstein, acting on the selfassurance and privilege that come with aging, once quipped, “I have reached an age when, if someone tells me to wear socks, I don’t have to.” The poets, of course, have added their say from Robert Browning’s “Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be”; to Shakespeare’s “With mirth and laughter, let old wrinkles come”; and on to those lines of defiance from Welsh poet Dylan Thomas: “Do not go gentle into that good night/Old age should burn and rave at close of day/Rage, rage against the dying of the light.” The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Guyana Times’ editorial policy and stance

Traditional healers and knowledge holders from various communities from the three countries after signing to establish the Network at the Iwokrama River Lodge with reps from ACT, Iwokrama, UG and South Rupununi Conservation Society

group of traditional knowledge experts and healers from Guyana, Suriname, and Brazil have launched a first-of-its-kind Regional Traditional Knowledge and Healers Network to advance Indigenous traditional healing. From September 8-11, 2026, representatives from Indigenous communities within the aforementioned Amazon countries assembled at Iwokrama River Lodge to exchange knowledge on traditional medicines, healing and other cultural health practices. Facilitated by the Amazon Conservation Team Guianas (ACT Guianas), the overall purpose was to build on two previous exchanges and establish regional organisation, credibility, advocacy and continuity. The central goal of the meeting was to establish a regional networking platform of Indigenous traditional healers and knowledge holders, supported by clear principles, ethical protocols, communication mechanisms and an advocacy agenda for respectful recognition by Governments and health systems. Other objectives accomplished during the exchange included the exchange of best practices among traditional healers and Indigenous communities from the three countries, reviewing lessons learned from exchanges over the last four years, strengthening the reliability, credibility and ethical practice of traditional healing across the region and exploring pathways for respectful Government recognition and possible future integration with national health systems. Additionally, the exchange introduced an opportunity for Guyana and

Participants of the four Day Workshop held at the Iwokrama River Lodge

Suriname to learn from Brazil’s experience, particularly Brazil’s model public health system, Indigenous health subsystem and integrative/complementary practices policy. Brazil’s public health system, Unified Health System (SUS), has a specific Indigenous Health Subsystem that was created in 1999. Moreover, Brazil also has a National Policy on Integrative and Complementary Practices in the SUS, which includes medicinal plants and phytotherapy among recognised practices. The proceedings over the four-day period commenced with a spiritual cleansing ritual performed by a young Guyanese apprentice, Adele John of Surama Village. Following the opening ceremony, immersion activities in the forests surrounding the Iwokrama River Lodge and workgroup sessions aided in the development of a roadmap for this regional group over the next three years. The Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development was delighted to have hosted the ACT team and the Indigenous healers from across the region. The centre has supported the establishment of the network as it works to build an Indigenous know-

“We must create room for culture... Meanwhile, Housing Minister Collin Croal, who is the Region One parliamentary representative, stated that Guyana’s story cannot be told without the stories of its first people. This, he outlined, includes their stories of resilience, knowledge, language, food, music, craft, spirituality and stewardship of the forest and its environment. “Development must never require us to surrender our identities. We must contin-

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ue to modernise our communities while we protect our traditions. And that’s what makes us unique, wherever you go in Region One, Seven, Eight, Nine, or some of the hinterland riverain communities, because each has its own cultural identity,” Croal stated. Saturday’s Heritage Village Day celebrations saw the officials’ joining residents of Bumbury and nearby communities to witness a vibrant showcase of cultural dances and traditions.

Representatives of the three countries’ communities sign to establish the Network

ledge networking platform across the region and advocate for the integration of

Indigenous medicinal knowledge into national healthcare systems.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2026

0:00 Sign Off 6:00 TVG Devotional Hour 7:00 Documentary: Nat Geo Animals 8:00 Cartoons 9:00 David Persaud Religious Program 9:30 Movie - The Blue Umbrella (2005) 11:05 Movie - Jab We Met (2008) 13:30 Movie - Saawariya (2007) 16:00 Movie - Teri Meri Kahaani (2012) 18:00 TVG Music Break 18:30 Week-in-Review 19:00 Supergirl S6 E18 20:00 The Flash S3 E15 21:00 Heartland S4 E13 22:00 Movie - Under the Stadium Lights (2021)

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2026

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Foundation

How can we monitor the wildlife trade?

ave you wondered where all the colourful fish in a pet store come from? Well, the wildlife trade involves buying, selling, and exchanging animals (like aquarium fish!) and plants from all over the world. The media often focuses on illegal wildlife trading. But most wildlife trading happens legally. Many of the animals in the wildlife trade are caught in the wild. This can seriously impact biodiversity. Biodiversity keeps the environment healthy. It can provide humans with food and medicines. It can regulate potential problems, such as insects carrying various diseases. It also helps keep our air and water clean. Wildlife trading is just one of many threats to biodiversity. When traders collect organisms from the wild, it makes populations smaller and can even drive species extinct. So, the wildlife trade may not be sustainable. Unfortunately, there are some gaps in our data about the wildlife trade. This makes it hard to figure out how much it impacts organisms. It’s hard to compare data from different countries and different databases. They may have collected different information. Or

they may have named organisms differently. Or they might not share their data! This means we don’t have reliable information about which species are traded. We also don’t have a good idea of how many individuals are traded or what impact this has on wild populations. We at Science Journal wanted to look at the existing databases to see what information was available. Then we asked several questions. What extra data do we need? How can we improve our databases? How can we use this information to help wild organisms? To explore these questions, we used information from two databases. The United States is one of the largest importers of wildlife. So we used the US Law Enforcement Management Information System (LEMIS) database from the US Fish and Wildlife Service. It contains the most comprehensive data in the world across different groups of animals. We also used the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) database. CITES is a global initiative, so it has data from all over the world. But this is limited to a much

smaller selection of species where trade was already determined to cause a threat. We used computer software to help us sort, combine, and correct data from LEMIS and CITES. We examined the records on trade from 2000 to 2022. Then we examined the number and type of individuals that were traded. We also looked at the percentage of individuals that came from the wild. We discovered the purposes of wildlife trading. We found 21,097 species traded in the LEMIS database. This represents 2.85 billion individuals. We found a total of 29,445 species when we added data from CITES. Most of the ex-

tra species were plants. Our data showed several patterns. 1. The most traded types of organisms by number of individuals were arachnids (30 per cent), fish (21 per cent), and insects (19.4 per cent). 2. The percentage of individuals that came from the wild varied a lot between groups. For example, 95 per cent of marine mammals were from the wild. But less than five per cent of arachnids were from the wild. However, sneaking in spiders might be easy (you can even hide them in an envelope!), so we know these records are only part of the picture.

3. We found that 77 per cent of individuals were traded for commercial purposes (selling in shops). A lot of marine mammals and amphibians were traded for research or education. Many birds and land mammals were traded for hunting trophies. A lot more organisms are being traded than we’d thought. And this is likely an underestimate. Many organisms don’t get recorded in the LEMIS database. Other agencies record them. For example, people can import fish through four different U.S. agencies. And many countries don't have strict regulations or records on the wildlife trade. Because of this, we are likely to underestimate the global impact on biodiversity or even how many animal species are in trade. We have several suggestions that could help manage the wildlife trade. • All wildlife trade data should be collected and shared. • We should make regulations focused on sustainability. For example, ensuring harvests don’t decrease wild populations. • Existing databases need to have better and more consistent data. The people responsible should:

o Use correct species names and double check for typos or outdated information. o Use the same units for numbers of organisms. o develop an automated process for checking paperwork. Make the data available in real time. These suggestions could help us identify organisms that are at risk for overexploitation. We will need international cooperation to implement these globally. This could support a more sustainable wildlife trade. The wildlife trade could have a huge impact on the natural environment. Traders may be taking organisms from the wild at a rate that is not sustainable. We need to have better and more accessible data to figure it out. As a consumer, you and your family can become more knowledgeable. When you buy products, ask sellers for information or documentation about where they came from. You can also do your own research to see if those organisms are in danger in the wild. This could be especially helpful for exotic pets, seafood, furs, skins, and even decorative items, like boxes of framed insects. (Adapted from ScienceJournalForKids)

NEWS

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

High energy, logistics costs moderate DDL’s mid-year profit growth

– records $2.3B after-tax profit in 1st half of 2026

espite pressures from rising costs, local beverage giant Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) has reported a profit after tax of $2.284 billion for the first six months of 2026 compared to $2.202 billion last year. “The profit margins were negatively affected by increases in energy and logistics, as well as input costs,” Chairman of the DDL Group, Komal Samaroo, explained in the 2026 Interim Report up to June 30, 2026. He also reported that the Group’s profit before taxation for the period was $3.142 billion, an increase of $180 million, or six per cent, over the

Chairman of DDL Group, Komal Samaroo

the DDL Chairman said consumer spending in international markets was adversely

ly.

“In North America and Europe, spirits sales have

DDL’s US$30 million dairy farm at Moblissa, Soesdyke-Linden Highway, is nearing completion

$2.962 billion achieved for the same period in 2025. According to Samaroo, the trend continues of the Guyana economy experiencing rapid growth in stark contrast to the sluggish performance of the world economy. In the first half of 2026,

influenced by high inflation, as fuel prices escalated due to the continued conflict in the Middle East. Additionally, he pointed out that the persistent war in Ukraine, coupled with other geopolitical uncertainties, impacted markets negative-

declined, particularly in the premium and super premium segments. Growth in the domestic market has been sustained, as the economy continued to benefit from the growing oil and gas sector,” Samaroo stated. To this end, he report-

EBD man gets $150K bail for drunk driving - another sent to prison on conviction warrant

Charged: Lakeram Tulsiram

Jailed: Michael Dennis

akeram Tulsiram of Prospect Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD) was fined $150,000 after he admitted to driving while his alcohol consump-

tion level exceeded the legal limit. Tulsiram appeared before Magistrate Wanda Fortune at the Diamond Magistrate’s Court, where the charge was read to him. He reportedly pleaded

guilty, and the fine was imposed. Meanwhile, 39-yearold Michael Dennis, of Cinema Street, Diamond, EBD, also appeared at the Diamond Magistrate’s Court and was sent to the Lusignan Prison following the execution of a conviction warrant. Dennis was previously charged with trafficking 238 grams of cannabis. However, on February 24, 2021, he was sentenced in absentia to three years’ imprisonment and fined $30,000. At about 11:00h on Wednesday last, contact was made with Dennis at the Central Police Station in Regional Division Six, and the conviction warrant was executed.

ed that the Group’s turnover for the period was $16.968 billion compared to $14.585 billion for the same period last year, representing an increase of 16.3 per cent. Samaroo added that turnover in international markets increased slightly by 3.3 per cent over comparative turnover as of the end of June 2025, while turnover in the domestic market recorded a welcome increase of 19.2 per cent as of June 30, 2026, compared with the same period in 2025. He added that new products, launched in the second quarter of 2026, which were made possible by new investments in production capacity, accounted for approximately 15 per cent of the increase in turnover for the half-year period. Meanwhile, during the first six months of this year, the DDL Group continued to advance its capital expansion projects, including the completion and subsequent opening of its DSL Retail Cash & Carry Store in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) on March 30, 2026. The construction of the US$30 million Demerara Dairy Inc (DDI) Dairy Farm at Moblissa also continued and is now at an advanced stage, with full completion projected for November 2026. In the meantime, the arrival of the first shipment of 85 heifers allowed for the commencement of the DDI Dairy Farm Operations, including the provision of ongoing care for the heifers, training of staff, testing of equipment, etc. A second batch of 473 pregnant heifers arrived ear-

lier this month. During this period, the Group also continued the rehabilitation of the Demerara Shipping Company Ltd wharf facilities in Georgetown. These works are expected to be fully completed in January 2027. Additionally, construction commenced in February 2026 on a new DSL Retail

the first half of 2026. These include the Ready-to-Drink Cocktails (RTD), which were launched back in March, offering six different flavours. In addition, under an expanded agreement with PepsiCo, the production of Gatorade Isotonic Sports Beverage was undertaken for the first time in Guyana and introduced to the market

Cash & Carry Store at Vreeden-Hoop, West Demerara, and this is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Moreover, equipment for the upgrade of the Group’s Carbon Dioxide Plant at Diamond, East Bank Demerara, is being shipped, with those works also scheduled for completion by the end of 2026. Upgrades to the facilities at the Tropical Orchard Products Company Ltd Operations (TOPCO) for the receiving and processing of fresh milk are still ongoing and are scheduled for completion by the end of this month. On the other hand, as the DDL Group’s beverage operations scaled up the use of its expanded capacity that was installed last year, several new products were launched on the domestic market in

in May of this year. Further, the packaging of Pepsi in cans was also pursued for the first time in Guyana and was launched in the domestic market back in June 2026. “With steady expansion of the Group with a wider range of products as well as an extended focus on varied distribution channels and new markets, the Group remains well-positioned to continue its growth and profitability in the future,” Samaroo stated in his report. The DDL Chairman went on to commend the hard-working members of staff at all levels within the Group, loyal customers, and the prudent Board of Directors as they continue to pursue diversified and sustained growth of one of the leading manufacturing companies in the country.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Looaking… B

… home for money

ack in the day – starting after Burnham ruined Guyana lock, stock and barrel - Guyanese folks started fleeing Guyana - not only because he’d left them “hungry, naked and homeless”- but because they didn’t even have a “gill” in the bank and no hope of ever depositing one!! But here it was - to your Eyewitness’ utter befuddlement – the local Demerara Bank showed up in “Little Guyana’s” Liberty Avenue in Queens, New York to sign up Guyanese Americans for accounts to make deposits in Guyana!! So many people showed up that the lines snaked for blocks from the local Bakewell outlet in front of which the Demerara Bank staffers had set up shop!! Your Eyewitness thought that maybe Bakewell was throwing in some Guyana Black Cake as a bonus?? But naaah!! It was simply that suddenly everybody wants an account in Guyana!! Your Eyewitness figures that ICE hadn’t gotten wind of the activity because they could’ve filled their quota of arrests and deportations - and then some – if they’d shown up!! But your Eyewitness found the scene in Little Guyana a tad touching!! Here it was, men and women who’d packed up their lives decades ago, escaping a poverty-stricken homeland - through the backtrack and front track - were lining up to open accounts in the very country they’d fled - and described to their kids in the most horrible terms!! What the heck was going on?? Was it because they suddenly developed a burning desire to support the Guyanese financial system?? Sadly, the answer was much more pecuniary!! They’d heard that the Guyana Government’s handing out cash grants, pensions and other benefits - and they wanted to make sure their money has somewhere to go locally!! It’s a remarkable reversal of fortune from back then when the question was: “How much money can I scrounge to leave Guyana?” to the present, “How much money can Guyana give me?!!” Prospective customers were told to come with their “proof of addresses” and “proof of employment and income” and your Eyewitness wondered if the “proof of address” demanded in Guyana by Demerara Bank - showing a physical letter to the applicant to the claimed address was enforced!! From the response, the bank officials could reasonably wonder whether the applicants thought they were opening bank accounts or establishing a new branch of the Guyana Government Treasury in Queens!! If the Government keeps the grants and pensions coming, Demerara Bank may soon discover that the easiest way to attract Guyanese American depositors ain’t with higher interest rates as is the norm in the banking industry – they just gotta announce the next payout!! The line on Liberty Avenue gonna stretch all the way on the Van Wyck Expressway to JFK!! …for evidence Your Eyewitness is happy the GPF cleared up an unfortunate ambiguity in the reporting of the goings on in Sanction Man’s extradition case in the Magistrate Court – as it concerned Special Branch Inspector Narine’s testimony referring to his disposal of some notes he’d made while interrogating Sanction Man and his Daady. Asked as to what he’d done with the notes, the Inspector said he’d burnt them in his HQ’s incinerator!! Somehow this got reported – on the imputation of Sanction Man’s lawyers!! – as if the Inspector had burned EVIDENCE!! The GPF clarified that - as is the case in every government dept or corporate office – there’s a records retention schedule in place for getting rid of superfluous documents that contain sensitive info. It’s done typically by shredding, soaking or burning!! Hence the incinerator!! As the police clarification stated, the pertinent parts of the notes pertaining to Sanction Man’s case had been incorporated in the Inspector’s report submitted to the Court. The superfluous was destroyed according to procedure!! …at Curry Chicken!! The rivalry between our Warriors and T&T’s Knight Riders is a real boost for the CPL T20 Tournament – extending into the correct culinary nomenclature on chicken curry!! This year’s competition boosted the hype with TKR’s departure!! 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

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

4 more foreigners busted at illegal mining operation in Reg 8 – mining equipment, trucks & excavators seized

Work and family

s Rambishoon gradually settled into the routine of plantation life, he graduated into one of the canecutting gangs after four months of “seasoning”. “Cane-cutting”, as the harvesting of the ripe stalks of sugarcane is called, is considered the most onerous task on sugar plantations. The burning of the ripe cane Ravi Dev fields before cutting was not introduced until the 20th century, so “cutting cane” involved hacking through bushes of various heights, cutting off the green tops to be placed between rows and cutting off the stalk about a foot above the ground while negotiating snakes and rats. The method was described as “cut and drop”, since the now bare stalks were dropped in heaps to be later tied into bundles and fetched by another gang to the punts on the cross canals. The daily task for which Rambishoon would be paid one shilling was fixed at each instance by the Overseer, depending on the density of cane and difficulty of manoeuvrability, and was measured in rods of cane in an opening that the latter deemed a healthy man could reap. Even though Rambishoon was only 5’2”, he was wiry and strong. After 1891, when an ordinance was passed that deemed the task could either be “day work” or “task work”, if the worker completed his task before the mandatory seven hours, he could go home early, which Rambishoon always did. Around this time, Rambishoon also had a relationship with a girl from De Willem that produced a child he named after his eldest brother, Rambharose, in the tradition of his family. The girl was, however, married to an individual from Plantation Tuschen who her parents favoured. Because of the imbalance in the number of women on the plantations due to the difficulty in recruiting them in India, this was not an unusual circumstance, and not many eyebrows were raised on the plantations. The elite classes in India, who would later agitate for the abolition of indentureship, would bewail the fall in Indian women›s «chastity» with the lesser restrictions on sexual liaisons on the plantation. My Nana knew Rambharose was his (half) brother and told me about him. In 1895, Rambishun did get married to a girl by the name of Sanichari from neighbouring Plantation Zeeburg, where the logies were within hailing distance from the De Willem logies. Sanichari, my Nana’s mother, was “local born”, as emphasised by my grandparents. Her mother Rookoo had arrived as a threeyear-old on February 2, 1860 on the ship Kirkham, along with her Bengali father Doorga, who was indentured at Plantation Zeeburg. She married Kullian, a fellow Bengali of the bagdhi caste, who had arrived at the age of sixteen on the ship Canning on January 14, 1867. He had been indentured to Plantation De Kendren, some three miles west of Pln Zeeburg, but after his five years of indentureship, he accepted the princely sum of $50 to reindenture, which he did to Plantation De Willem on January 19, 1872, just before the bounty was removed a year later. He was 21, and Rookoo was 15 when they got married. Sanichari, their daughter, was born on Saturday, June 21, 1873 – hence her name, which means ‘Saturday’ in Hindi. She would have been 22 to Rambishun’s 26 when they got married. Starting early at the age of six in the creole gang, she spread manure on the roots of the sugarcane and then artificial fertilisers when they were introduced in the late 1880s. She also had a relationship in her teens when she moved to the weeding gang with a man named “Banka”, who was from the village of that name in Eastern Bihar. Interestingly, they had a son born around the same time as Rambishun’s son Rambharose in 1893. He was also called “Banka” and would be raised by Rambishun as his son. Sanichari would have three sons with Rambishun, who were born respectively in 1896 (Ramlagan, my Nana), 1898 (Ramnath), and 1905 (Ramlochan). This made Rambishoon very happy, as sons were prized even more than land to Kurmis. There was a deep, dark secret in the family about my greatgrandmother Sanichari that, as an inquisitive child, I would pick up in bits and pieces, which put together revealed that during her informal marriage with Banka, Sanichari had been the mistress of a Scottish overseer, and this might have led to her parting from Banka. Such relationships were, unfortunately, quite common on the plantation. The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Guyana Times’ editorial policy and stance

The trucks found at the location

ays after five non-nationals, including Venezuelan nationals, were detained following the discovery of an illegal mining operation in the Potaro mining district, Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni), four more individuals were arrested nearby as law enforcement officers expanded their operations in the area. The Natural Resources Ministry in a release on Saturday stated that following an expansion of the sweep area, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission’s (GGMC) Corps of Wardens discovered additional miners, including four more non-nationals. They have since been detained. In addition, several excavators and trucks were discovered concealed in the surrounding jungle. Further, dredges, generators, water pumps, metal detectors and other mining equipment were also found and confiscated during the operation. On Thursday, several Venezuelans and other non-nationals were arrested at the illegal mining operation thus resulting in the seizure of several pieces of mining equipment and a quantity of gold. An investigation, comprising GGMC’s Corps of Wardens and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has been launched. “The Ministry reiterates that there will be no tolerance for illegal mining.

All miners and other stakeholders are reminded that they are required to obtain the necessary permissions and ensure their operations comply fully with Guyana’s mining and environmental laws,” the Ministry of

cies, will continue surveillance and enforcement activities across all mining districts. Only a few weeks ago, five Brazilians and one Chinese national were detained after they were found conducting unau-

ing operation through a shaft without the required approval. Any individual – Guyanese or foreign – found conducting mining activities in breach of Guyana’s laws and regulations will

The excavator found hidden in the bushes

Natural Resources stated in a release. Further, the Ministry, through the GGMC and in collaboration with law enforcement agen-

thorised mining activities within one of Guyana’s mining districts. Authorities found the individuals operating an underground min-

face the full force of the law. Compliance with the country’s mining laws is mandatory, and violations will be dealt with accordingly.

3 Venezuelans charged, remanded for late-night disturbance at Kitty car wash

he three Venezuelan nationals who were taken into police custody following an incident at a car wash on Tuesday evening along Railway Line, Kitty, Georgetown have been charged and remanded to prison. Erich Medina and Jose Daniels Sotillo were both charged with Assault with intent to prevent lawful apprehension and disorderly Behaviour while

Cesar Sotillo was charged with making loud and continuous noise, resisting arrest and disorderly behaviour. They appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court and were not required to plead to the indictments. As such, they were remanded to prison until October 9, 2026. It was reported that on the day in question, at about

02:05h, police responded to a report of a motorcar playing loud and continuous music at the establishment, thus causing annoyance to residents. Upon arrival, ranks attempted to address the reported disturbance but were allegedly obstructed by several persons at the location while carrying out their duties. As a result, an additional police patrol was summoned to assist. Several

persons were subsequently apprehended as police are on the hunt for others in relation to the incident. The Guyana Police Force (GPF) in a subsequent statement, related that it is aware of video footage circulating on social media showing a portion of the interaction between police ranks and several persons at the location and same is being investigated.

12 NEWS

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt expands Essequibo housing programme with 1000+ new lots – 500 allottees to identify land at Hoff Van Aurich shortly

ore than 1000 new residential house lots are being prepared for allocation along the Essequibo Coast as the Government continues to expand its housing programme in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam). Housing Minister Collin Croal made the announcement during a site visit to the Hoff Van Aurich New Housing Development on Friday. The identified area, located at the rear of Plantation Perseverance, is expected to form part of the next major batch of house lot allocations on the Essequibo Coast. “Over the coming

Housing Minister Collin Croal is being updated on the progress of the infrastructure works

months, another housing development is being prepared for allocation at the rear of Plantation Perseverance. That is where we are going

to be opening over 1000 lots in our next batch of allocations for Essequibo,” Croal related. He explained that crit-

Utility poles are being erected as work progresses

ical infrastructure is being advanced to support the expansion, including improved access through the Queenstown

area. A major concrete bridge currently under construction will serve as an important gateway to the existing Hoff Van Aurich

Housing Development as well as future housing developments planned by the ministry. TURN TO PAGE 24

FEATURE

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

and right-arm middle-order batsman, making him an all-rounder. He has also been putting in considerable work during training, particularly on his catching. And when he saw Quinton Sampson shaping up for the shot, Ali said he immediately realised the ball could be heading in his direction. “I knew Sampson was going to capitalise on the ball that was thrown to him. At the time, I was sitting, so I saw the ball coming straight towards me, and I was saying, ‘Let the ball come to me.’ It was going towards the boundary, and beyond the boundary you have the rails with the advertising boards. I didn’t even know

Wazim Ali makes the spectacular one-handed catch during Wednesday evening’s CPL encounter at Providence

oming like a meteorite from outer space, the cricket ball tore through the night sky during the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) clash between the Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) and St Lucia Kings, swerving with the kind of speed that could make even the most trained hands hesitate. Yet, amid the loud roars of a jam-packed stadium and thousands of eyes fixed on the game, 15-year-old Wazim Ali found himself in exactly the right place at exactly the right time, with his elongated right hand rising to meet a ball that seemed almost impossible to catch. The teenager has been playing cricket since he was just 12 years old, following a passion that was shared by someone very close to him – his now deceased father. He is the only child to parents, but now that the father is no longer in the picture, his mother continues to support his career goal despite the struggles. In fact, his sights are set high on playing for the West Indies, and he plans to achieve that goal in the coming years. He made this

distinct revelation during a telephone interview on Saturday to the Guyana Times. “Yes, I have goals for the next five years. I want to play for the West Indies Under-19 team.” Wazim recently lost his father to a terminal illness – a loss that has undoubtedly left an emptiness that words cannot easily fill. Yet, despite the grief, the teenager has found a way to make his father proud from above. “When I was five years old, he was with me playing cricket. He trained me when I was five years old. And he got a bit old, so he couldn’t train me anymore. He must be really glad in heaven right now, watching over me.” Despite the sudden attention surrounding his spectacular catch, there was hardly an ounce of pride or arrogance from the young man as he spoke about the experience. Recalling the moment, Ali said he was amazed by what had happened. “I was very amazed when I took the catch. I always wanted the ball to come to me, so I was very calm when I caught the

Wazim Ali being presented with cricket gear from Minister Jacobs

Wazim Ali and GAW’s batsman, Glenn Phillips, at Providence

Ali and his mother

ball. And I showed it back to the player. It was an amazing feeling. Matthew Forde, who was by the boundary, gave me a smile and a thumbs-up and said, ‘Keep it up.’” Ali is a right-arm spinner

the advertising boards were so close. I just put out my hand, watched the ball into my hand and caught it.” Since that heroic catch, Ali’s mother’s phone has been ringing off the hook, as the young cricketer finds himself thrust into a series of interviews and a new wave of attention. For Ali, the sudden spotlight has been a memorable experience – and one he hopes will serve as a stepping stone in his cricketing journey. “Yeah, the catching moment was a great, good moment. And everybody says that it’s a good step for me, so I have to take it and take my cricket far and reach far in cricket because they’ve given me a start.” His friends and family have also been celebrating the remarkable moment. “Everybody, my friends and family, was so glad with the catch I made. They were so proud of me.” And while social media has been buzzing with the youngster’s spectacular

one-handed grab, the attention has also opened unexpected doors. Famous chutney singer Mahendra Ramkellawan, with backing from the Clash of the Titans Chutney Show, saw potential in the young cricketer and offered him an opportunity to travel to Barbados. “We see the opportunity to give this young guy a break. I mean, somehow or the other, going to the finals in Barbados so that persons can recognise him, it’s very important to see the talent in youngsters and see how you can assist them, whether financially or whatever way. I always look forward to that.” Ali, in response, expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the gesture. Meanwhile, the Government of Guyana was also among those to recognise the teenager following his viral catch. Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Steven Jacobs met with Wazim and his mother, Sumintra Ali, and presente d t h e

tween the GAW and the Trinbago Knight Riders at Providence, when Republic Bank invited Wazim to experience the action VIPstyle from its booth. There, he received G$100,000 to open a RightStart account and had the opportunity to meet international cricketer Glenn Phillips, himself renowned for producing extraordinary catches, as well as GAW Captain Imran Tahir.

young cricketer with cricket gear and GAW apparel on behalf of President Dr Irfaan Ali. The connection with Minister Jacobs carried added significance. The surprises continued at Friday night’s Wazim Ali with the CPL encounter be- $100K cheque

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

22 NEWS

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Occupational Safety & Health Centre of Excellence commissioned in Reg 6

he Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Centre of Excellence was on Friday commissioned at the New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI) in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne). The 2592-square-foot facility was commissioned by the Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the Labour and Manpower Planning Ministry, the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET), and LearnCorp International (LCI).

Officials from the Greater Guyana Initiative and the Government with students of the Occupational Safety and Health Centre of Excellence

A student of the Occupational Safety and Health Centre of Excellence cuts the ceremonial ribbon to commission the Occupational Safety and Health Centre of Excellence as officials from the Greater Guyana Initiative and the Government look on

The Centre will support delivery of the Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) Level Three Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health. It will com-

to complement the certificate-level training by providing students with handson exposure to equipment, procedures and workplace practices as part of their learning. Students will gain exposure to equipment and procedures across personal protective equipment (PPE); atmospheric monitoring and gas detection; industrial hygiene; first aid, CPR and AEDs; chemical safety, including Globally Harmonised System and Transportation of Dangerous Goods; power-tool use and guards; safety barricades and barriers; fall protection and res-

President of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, Alistair Routledge, with Minister Sonia Parag and Minister Keoma Griffith unveiling the plaque at the commissioning of the Occupational Safety and Health Centre of Excellence

bine classroom instruction with practical familiarisation in areas including personal protective equipment, gas detection, industrial hygiene, first aid, chemical

safety, fall protection, lifting and rigging, confined-space procedures and emergency response. Importantly, the practical sessions are designed

cue; scaffold use and safety awareness; lifting and rigging; confined-space entry, monitoring and rescue; and basic firefighting and emergency response. These areas will help students better understand the safety practices and equipment they may encounter in industrial workplaces, while reinforcing the need for additional formal and site-specific training where required by employers or industry standards. This foundation will better prepare students to complete the CVQ Level Three programme and pursue further competency-based, employer-required and site-specific training relevant to their chosen careers. The commissioning brought together Government, education, private-sector and international partners around a shared objective: strengthening Guyana’s workforce and building local capacity to support the country’s continued development. President of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, Alistair Routledge, stated, “At its core, occupational safety and health is about protecting lives. It is about ensuring that every worker, whether on a construction site, in an office, at a manufacturing facility, within the transportation sector, or offshore, has the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to perform their duties safely and return home to their families each day.” TURN TO PAGE 23

NEWS

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

One Communications upgrades 35 mobile sites as data traffic jumps by 28%

s part of its broader US$25 million investment programme aimed at strengthening the country’s digital infrastructure and supporting rapidly growing demand for connectivity, One Communications reported that it has completed upgrades to 35 mobile sites across Guyana. The upgrades are part of a multiyear network modernisation programme designed to increase network capacity, improve customer experience, migrate customers to modern technologies and prepare for future network expansion. The telecommunications giant during a media roundtable discussion on Friday related that the investment comes as customer demand for mobile connectivity continues to accelerate. To date, the company reported that mobile data traffic has increased by 28 per cent, while average data consumption per customer has grown by 23 per cent, rising from 17.3GB to 21.3GB. “Guyana is experiencing an extraordinary period of economic and digital transformation,” Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of One Communications, Abraham Smith related. “More people are connected, businesses are becoming more digital, communities are expanding and customers are consuming more data than ever before. Our investment isn’t simply about keeping pace with telecommunications. It’s about keeping pace with

ments, regulatory approvals and network planning priorities. “We are not saying the network is perfect,” Smith noted while adding, “We know there are areas where improvements are needed. We are investing, the work is happening now, and we are developing the roadmap to address those opportunities.” He further emphaGuyana,” he added. Globally and regionally, mobile usage is increasing at unprecedented rates as consumers, businesses and Governments rely more heavily on digital services. The same trend is evident in Guyana, where internet penetration now exceeds 80 per cent of the population and customers are increasingly choosing to stay connected every day through longer-duration plans and always-on mobile services. To support this growth, One Communications has enhanced 35 sites across its mobile network, completing its planned 2026 capacity upgrade programme. The company is using advanced Long-Term Evolution (LTE) technologies to increase network capacity and improve performance during periods of heavy demand. “Think of the mobile network like the Heroes Highway,” Chief Operations Officer (COO) at One Communications, Randall Hewitt, Mobile stated. “As more people use the road, at some point you need more capacity. What we’re

doing is effectively adding lanes and removing bottlenecks so that more customers can use the network at the same time without everything slowing down,” he further stated. In addition, the company is also completing the modernisation of all remaining 2G-only sites. Upgrades have already been completed in Annai and Kurupukari, while Lethem, Lethem Central, Mabaruma and Port Kaituma are expected to be upgraded to LTE by mid-October. While the current programme focuses primarily on strengthening the capacity and performance of the existing network, One Communications continues to identify opportunities to expand coverage into areas where customers want stronger and more consistent service. The company is currently evaluating approximately 30 locations for potential future network expansion, including areas in Experiment, Golden Grove, La Bonne Intention (LBI) and East Canje. Final deployment decisions will be based on technical assess-

Occupational Safety & Health Centre...

FROM PAGE 22

In addition, Education Minister Sonia Parag related, “This success of this training centre will not be measured by the building itself or the equipment in that building. It will be by the training that is administered to those that will be getting into that centre to gain their skillset and their certification.” Further, Minister Keoma Griffith related that the facility will complement the work of his ministry. “We have launched a campaign which we have ti-

bile services to live, work, learn and do business… One Communications has been part of Guyana’s communications story for generations. Our responsibility now is to ensure our infrastructure continues to evolve alongside the country’s growing needs and ambitions,” Smith reiterated.

Pouderoyen to get new $1.5B modern market within 18 months – set to expand vending, boost regional economy

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand addressing the gathering

he sod has been turned for the construction of a new market at Pouderoyen, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), to the tune of $1,519,219,578. The new facility will replace the existing market and significantly expand the space available for vending, creating opportunities for existing vendors, roadside sellers and new entrepreneurs while providing

Manickchand told residents during the sod-turning ceremony on Saturday. She pointed to President Dr Irfaan Ali’s wider vision for community development, which prioritises functioning roads and drainage, improved safety and lighting, recreational spaces, schools and health centres, as well as commercial spaces that can better serve residents. “Where there is interest and love matched by investment,

well as new vendors seeking opportunities to conduct business. The facility will be a two- story structure, with its design incorporating elements reflective of the community. The Minister noted that the project is not intended to exist in isolation but should form part of the wider development and identity of Pouderoyen. The Minister further highlighted the potential economic benefits of a modern

Some of the equipment at the Occupational Safety and Health Centre of Excellence

An official explaining the various training techniques

tled ‘Putting Safety First’, and so far, we have gone into every region. We have brought educational awareness symposiums and talks to every region in construction, and this programme we intend to run in every single high-risk sector in this

sised that connectivity plays a critical role in economic participation, from entrepreneurs selling through social media and small businesses receiving digital orders, to vendors accepting mobile payments and students accessing online resources. “Connectivity is infrastructure…People increasingly depend on reliable mo-

country until everybody approaches safety as a priority. Critically, we must train more people and train them better; this is why today’s commissioning is so important.” Meanwhile, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of LearnCorp

International, Phil Doody, emphasised that “We are not simply opening a worldclass safety and health training facility; we are pairing it with a CVQ OSH Level Three Diploma Program, creating an environment for occupational safety and health beyond theory. People can learn, they can practise, they can demonstrate competency, they can make mistakes in controlled learning environments, and they can leave here better prepared to protect themselves and the people working alongside them.” The Centre expands Guyana’s technical education infrastructure and creates another pathway for Guyanese to develop skills relevant to the country’s evolving economy.

Contractors and other officials at the sod turning ceremony

residents with a modern facility in which to shop and conduct business. “These are projects designed to make sure your life changes. These are projects designed to make sure your children’s lives will change, that they will have a life of plenty, and that they will not have the struggles you had,” Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Priya

we see growth in that particular sector,” she said. The Pouderoyen Market currently has 78 registered vendors, while the new facility is being designed to accommodate a significantly larger number. Manickchand explained that the increased capacity will create additional room for persons currently vending along the roadway as

market at Pouderoyen, particularly given the community’s location and accessibility from the East Bank of Demerara (EBD). She said the completed facility could attract shoppers from outside Region Three, including residents crossing from the East Bank, thereby bringing additional commercial activity into Pouderoyen and surrounding communities. TURN TO PAGE 24

24 NEWS

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Mustapha pitches swine, honey production for Laluni residents outstanding land matters. Mustapha also announced that the Ministry will work with farmers to address drainage and irrigation and access to quality planting materials and more so, instructed the National

Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) to conduct assessments at Laluni and First Creek to determine the works needed and encouraged farmers to identify two or three crops that can be produced on a

larger scale and linked to reliable markets. He further identified swine and honey production as areas with significant potential for the community, noting that training and beehives can

Agriculture Minister engaging Laluni residents

griculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha met with residents of Laluni along the Linden/ Soesdyke Highway where he outlined several interventions aimed at expanding agricultural production and harnessing the area’s productive potential. He described Laluni as an important link in

Guyana’s agriculture sector and said issues surrounding access to and allocation of land must be addressed. Responding to concerns raised by residents, he cautioned that the Community Development Council (CDC) should desist from distributing lands if it is currently doing so, noting that land allocation must

be handled by the legally authorised agencies, primarily the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC). Given the number of concerns raised, he committed to organising an outreach with the relevant authority to examine applications from residents and work towards resolving

A section of the gathering at the meeting on Saturday

be provided to support expanded honey production. With El Niño conditions presenting additional chal-

lenges, the Minister stated that the Ministry’s agencies have been instructed to work closely with farm-

ers to maintain production and support the continued development of agriculture in the area.

Govt expands Essequibo housing... Pouderoyen to get new $1.5B...

FROM PAGE 23

FROM PAGE 12

The bridge that is being constructed at the Hoff Van Aurich Housing Development

The bridge, which is approximately 50 per cent complete, is being constructed to accommodate significantly heavier traffic than the previous wooden structure. The access route also serves the landfill site and is therefore being upgraded to cater to increased vehicular loads and the anticipated expansion of residential development in the area. However, providing an update on infrastructure works at the Hoff Van Aurich Housing Development, Croal explained that infrastructure works were divided into five lots at a combined investment of approximately $1.4 billion, while a sixth contract caters to the construction of the main access bridge. According to him, infra-

structure works on two of the lots have already been completed. As a result, some 500 allottees are expected to be contacted within approximately two weeks to begin the process of identifying their residential lots. Works on another two lots are expected to be completed within the next two weeks, paving the way for additional allottees to begin identifying their lots within approximately one month. Croal said that, based on the current pace of works, it is anticipated that within the next month and a half, all persons who have received allocations within the Hoff Van Aurich Housing Development will be able to identify their respective lots. He noted that the scale of investment at Hoff Van

Aurich, coupled with the development of more than 1000 additional lots behind Plantation Perseverance, demonstrates the Government’s continued efforts to expand access to serviced residential land and create new housing opportunities for families across the Essequibo Coast. Works have already commenced on the electrical and water networks for the Hoff Van Aurich development. The ongoing infrastructure works will also establish an important development corridor through the Queenstown area, providing access not only to Hoff Van Aurich but also to future housing developments planned for this section of Region Two.

Minister Manickchand engaging residents

“Once this is up and running, you’re going to see Region Four people from the East Bank coming right here to shop. And that is going to bring a different kind of economy and ecosystem financially to your villages and to this village in particular,” Manickchand stressed. The Pouderoyen development forms part of a wider programme of investment in market infrastructure across Region Three. During her remarks, Manickchand referenced works at several other markets within the region, including completed, ongoing and planned interventions, as the Government moves to improve commercial spac-

es available to vendors and consumers. The Minister reinforced the Government’s expectations of contractors undertaking public projects, stressing that the companies awarded the works are expected to fulfill the obligations to which they agreed. The contract for the project was awarded through the public tender process in accordance with the Public Procurement Act. The project is being delivered based on designs prepared by Skylines Architecture Inc, with construction being undertaken by Kalitech Inc., and is expected to be completed within 18 months. Manickchand expressed

hope that the project will serve generations of vendors and consumers while contributing to the continued growth of Pouderoyen and the wider Region Three economy. The Government of Guyana, through the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry, remains committed to investing in modern, safe, and accessible market infrastructure, expanding economic opportunities for vendors and entrepreneurs, and ensuring that public projects are delivered in a manner that meaningfully improves the lives of the communities they are intended to serve.

NEWS

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13,, 2025 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“A towering figure in Guyanese broadcasting” – GPA hails Rovin Deodat ed a number of live and recorded radio programmes. These included the popular “Word to Word” programme in which he introduced listeners to countless words, explaining their meaning, origin, pronunciation, and proper use.

Veteran Guyanese broadcaster Rovin Deodat

he Guyana Press Association (GPA) has paid tribute to veteran Guyanese broadcaster and communications specialist, Dr Rovin Deodat, who died on Friday. In a statement on Saturday, the GPA said it “…is deeply saddened by the passing of Dr Rovin Deodat AA, a towering figure in Guyanese broadcasting whose career spanned some five decades.” Dr Deodat began his broadcasting life at the now defunct Radio Demerara and went on to become one of the most recognisable voices in the country's media landscape, best known for his long-running programmes "From Word to Word" and "Have You Ever Wondered?", through which he shared his exceptional command of language and his curiosity about

the world with generations of listeners. According to the GPA, Dr Deodat was also instrumental in supporting the expansion of the community broadcasting system in Guyana. Through the expansion, he facilitated the training of several young broadcasters entering the industry. “Guyana has lost not just a broadcaster but an educator and a steward of the profession, and his contribution to the industry will not be forgotten,” the Association said. Deodat was widely respected for his command of the English language, linguistic expertise and knowledge of words. During his illustrious broadcasting career, Deodat, who held a PhD in Communications, a master’s degree in English and a bachelor’s degree in English, host-

Fmr Special Constable jailed for gun, ammo possession

former Special Constable was on Wednesday last charged and jailed for being in possession of firearm and ammunition without being a licensed firearm holder. Errol De Florimonte,43, was arrested on February 19, 2026, at Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD) but only made his appearance on Wednesday before Senior Magistrate Dylon Bess at the Diamond Magistrate’s Court. He pleaded guilty to both charges when they were read to him and was sentenced to one year each for both charges. The sen-

Charged: Errol De Florimonte

tences will run concurrently.

Gun, ammo found on roadway after falling from moving motor car

he discovery of a .38 revolver and five live rounds of matching ammunition on Friday in the vicinity of Durban and John Streets, Georgetown, has prompted a Police investigation. Based on reports received, Police ranks were on duty in the area when they observed a bucket falling from a motor vehicle that was proceeding along Durban Street. The bucket was subsequently struck by several passing vehicles, thus causing an object suspected to be a firearm to fall onto the roadway. Upon examination,

The firearm that was found after falling from a moving motor car

the object was identified as a suspected. 38 revolver along with five matching rounds of ammunition. The firearm and ammunition were taken to the Alberttown Police Station as investigations continue.

Dr Deodat was also a recipient of the Golden Arrow of Achievement (AA). On Friday, President Dr Irfaan Ali paid tribute to the late radio icon, describing him as a master of his craft who has made substantial contributions to the local broadcast-

ing industry. “In that sense, his legacy lives in the voices of others. It lives in the broadcasters he trained. It lives in the listeners he educated. It lives in the students and ordinary citizens whose vocabulary was enlarged because of him. And

it lives in the countless people who, perhaps without even realising it, became more attentive to the meaning and proper use of words because Rovin Deodat made language a part of their daily lives,” the Guyanese leader stated in his condolence message.

26 NEWS

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GPL rolls out monopole project amid modernisation of power grid

everal wooden poles connected to the National Grid’s substation are set to be removed and replaced with several monopoles as Guyana Power and Light (GPL) moves ahead with the modernisation of the country’s electricity infrastructure. This was revealed by the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Strategic Operations at GPL Bharat Harjohn on Friday, who said the monopoles are already being installed as the utility moves swiftly ahead with modernising the sector. “The monopoles are already [being] setup, and it will interconnect with the new substation in Chateau Margot. It will also interconnect with the substation in Good Hope, which we are expanding, and it will interconnect with the substation in Enmore, and then go straight to Columbia, where we are

upgrading that substation.” The monopoles will be

connected to substations such as 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 the capacity of the network. Meanwhile, speaking about the monopole project, Harjohn highlighted its importance to ongoing road construction works. “I just want to mention one of the interesting things about this project. On this side here, you see the 69-kV monopole structure. From

Sophia to Good Hope and Good Hope to Columbia, we have two transmission lines. Sophia to Good Hope, we call it L16, and from Good Hope to Columbia, we call it L17, and it’s actually in the way of the road construction, the railway road.” He explained that the existing lines will have to be removed to facilitate the continuation and expansion of the road project. “So, we will remove [the old lines] completely from the railway embankment, and that will now facilitate the continuation of that road project, the expansion, because there is some section where the lines are still in the way. So, this will help. That is why we are pushing to get this part of the project as a priority, to get it completed as fast as possible.” Harjohn also explained that the new 230-kV infrastructure will facilitate the

Bharat Harjohn, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Strategic Operations at GPL

movement of power from Good Hope towards Region Five. “And the 230, as you can see on the southern side, is actually taking the power now from Good Hope. From GTE, we brought the power to Good Hope, and we are now going to take the power to Region Five.”

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2026

Believe you can, do your best and see what happens. Participate in events that offer insight (March 21- into what you want to achieve. Discipline and April 19) hard work will open doors to new beginnings. Engage in conversations with experts or those heading down a similar path and see what transpires. Your relationships with associates will require boundaries to protect your interests. Being balanced, having integrity and taking TAURUSprecautions will ease your mind and protect your (April 20- reputation. Say no to over-the-top suggestions. May 20) An emotional situation can turn sour quickly if you don’t protect your ideas, assets and possessions. Personal upgrades and romance are on the rise, but so is the cost of living. Sign up for what’s necessary and affordable. Intelligence is your strength, and your GEMINI ability to come up with spectacular ideas (MAY 21and alternatives will buy you a seat at an June 20) influential table. Social events will be the perfect platform to promote who you are and what you can do. Don’t forget to follow through with a physical demonstration of what you can do. Romance is favored.

ARIES

Problems will mount if you are

CANCER not forthright regarding your feelings, (June 21- intentions and capabilities. Socialize, but July 22) don’t make promises or suggest you can

Pickles

do or handle something you can’t. Pay attention to how you look, and be honest regarding who you are and what you like. Offering a false impression will cost you your reputation. You’ll attract attention with charm, LEO intelligence and exaggeration regarding what (July 23- you can offer others. A positive change you Aug. 22) enforce will have an impact on someone or something that concerns you. Choose to offer verbal assistance, not financial, emotional or physical. Misleading those you deal with will turn into a lesson. Trace your steps to make sure you have left nothing to chance. If you minimize and (Aug. 23- declutter your life, you’ll feel the freedom Sept. 22) that comes with less stuff and things to worry about. Expect to face some emotional anxiety when you implement change; not everyone in your circle will want to let go of what they no longer need.

VIRGO

Repeat until you get it right. Perfection is LIBRA the goal when you meet with competition. (Sept. 23- Learn all you can before you engage in talks Oct. 23) with someone just as intuitive and intelligent.

Honesty will be necessary, along with factchecking information and claims others make. You have plenty to gain if you stick to what you know and do best.

Stretch your imagination, but not your budget. Keep an open mind, but don’t (Oct. 24- jeopardize your health, confidence or security. Nov. 22) Be a good listener, and you’ll gain insight into opportunities and connections that can serve you well. Stay calm, and keep your thoughts and intentions to yourself. Your strength will come from making a move when no one is watching.

SCORPIO

Peanuts

Home is your domain. Find a SAGITTARIUS comfortable spot to iron out some of (Nov. 23- the dilemmas you face. Take a unique Dec. 21) approach to setting an example or a

Calvin and Hobbes

schedule that will help you achieve your goals. Recognize who is trying to take advantage of you, and put an end to it before it begins. Financial gain and contracts look promising. Keep plugging away until you are CAPRICORN satisfied with what you achieve. It’s what (Dec. 22- you do, not what you say, that matters. Jan. 19) Someone will misinterpret your words or misrepresent you if allowed to speak for you. Choose to work alone and to fend for yourself. Emotional arguments will disrupt your plans and how you perceive others. Spend time going over your budget, AQUARIUS and look for expenses you can eliminate. (Jan. 20- A change to how you handle or earn your Feb. 19) money will make a difference. Send out resumes, and ask for references. Consider the many ways in which you can upgrade your qualifications and spruce up your appearance. Dress to impress.

Pay attention to money, details and

PISCES how you present yourself to others. A (Feb. 20- new look will lift your spirits and attract Mar. 20) attention. A social event will encourage

you to take better care of your health and well-being. Consider joining a fitness group, or revise your lifestyle to ensure you aren’t lagging. A kind gesture will lead to friendship.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2026

WCPL: Barbados squeeze out 3-run win after Jamaica’s century-opening stand

Barbados Tridents held their nerve to defeat Jamaica Empress by three runs at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados (WCPL T20)

arbados Tridents held their nerve to defeat Jamaica Empress by three runs at Kensington Oval, defending 140 despite a century-opening partnership between Meg Lanning and Amy Hunter. Jamaica appeared well placed at 104 without loss after being set 141 for vic-

tory, but Barbados tightened their bowling to restrict them to 137 for four from 20 overs. Lanning’s 57 and Hunter’s 47 ultimately proved insufficient as the chase lost momentum following their dismissals. Suzie Bates played a decisive role with both bat and ball, scoring an unbeat-

en 39 before returning economical figures of one for 18 from four overs. Maddy Green also contributed 39 to Barbados’ 140 for seven, while Jamaica captain Stafanie Taylor claimed four for 29. Lanning and Hunter gave Jamaica a strong foundation, putting on 104 before Afy Fletcher broke the partnership from the final ball of the 13th over. Hunter, who struck six fours in her 45-ball innings, was caught by Bates, leaving Jamaica needing 37 from the remaining seven overs. Barbados kept the pressure on through the middle and closing overs. Rashada Williams managed four from 10 deliveries before being caught by Cherry-Ann Fraser off Bates at 115 for two in the 16th over. The crucial wicket of Lanning followed at 118 for three after 17.2 overs. The

opener struck eight fours in her 46-ball innings before Fraser took another catch, this time off Qiana Joseph, leaving Jamaica requiring 23 from 16 balls. Chinelle Henry made seven from six deliveries before falling to Fraser, caught by Kiran Navgire, with the score on 131 after 18.3 overs. Jamaica needed another 10 from nine balls but added only six, finishing with Taylor unbeaten on eight from seven deliveries and Aaliyah Alleyne on four from seven. Fletcher finished with

one for 23 from four overs, Joseph took one for 24 from four, and Fraser collected one for 13 from two. Their efforts supported Bates’ disciplined spell and helped Barbados recover from Jamaica’s commanding start.

Barbados Tridents 140/7 (20 overs): Maddy Green 39, Suzie Bates 39*, Hayley Matthews 21; Stafanie Taylor 4/29, Nonkululeko Mlaba 1/16, Chinelle Henry 1/16. Jamaica Empress 137/4 (20 overs): Meg Lanning 57, Amy Hunter 47; Suzie Bates 1/18, Afy Fletcher 1/23, Qiana Joseph 1/24, Cherry-Ann Fraser 1/13. Barbados Tridents won by three runs.

Bruno Guimarães scores stunner as Arsenal overcome Sunderland

Bruno Guimarães and Bukayo Saka helped maintain Arsenal’s perfect start in the Premier League

Lando Norris charged to pole position for the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at the Madring with a spectacular last-gasp effort (F1)

ter Pierre Gasly to P13, followed by Racing Bulls’ Yuki Tsunoda and the lead Williams of Alex Albon. It was a less than satisfactory day for the home crowd, as Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso were both eliminated in the opening phase of qualifying, with the former also set to be investigated for an impeding incident. They finished the session just ahead of the Cadillac duo of Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, who was the driver allegedly blocked by Sainz. Neither Ollie Bearman nor Lance Stroll made it onto the track, as Haas was unable to repair the Briton’s car after his FP3 crash, while the Aston Martin driver was restrict-

ed to the garage thanks to a suspected water pressure issue. “I’m shocked; I’m a little bit surprised to be here now, but my God, it was probably one of the best laps I’ve done ever in my career,” Norris said. “Very, very happy, very proud, very happy for the team. It was just one of those laps where everything came together. I had a good idea of what I wanted to do, but it was whether my brain let me do it on the last lap, and everything pretty much worked perfectly. I’m just very happy – one of those laps where you look at the lap time at the end and you’re like, ‘Oh, s***, that was pretty good.’” (F1)

TURN TO PAGE 29

aaa Summarised scores:

Norris denies Antonelli pole position for Spanish GP in closely fought qualifier in Madrid ando Norris charged to pole position for the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at the Madring with a spectacular last-gasp effort, beating Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen to the top spot. In a remarkably close conclusion to Q3, the reigning World Champion displaced all of his rivals with a time of 1m 31.824s, mastering the brand-new circuit to clinch his 19th career pole position. Lewis Hamilton had been the driver to provisionally take P1 after the first runs before he dropped to P4, leading Charles Leclerc and the second Mercedes of George Russell. Oscar Piastri endured another frustrating deficit to his McLaren team mate as he finished in seventh place, with Liam Lawson, Franco Colapinto and Arvid Lindblad – who had suitably recovered from his earlier crash in FP2 – rounding out the top 10 qualifiers. Despite featuring towards the front throughout the weekend, Audi failed to make it into Q3, with Nico Hulkenberg settling for P11 in front of his team mate Gabriel Bortoleto. Just behind, Esteban Ocon beat his compatriot and last week’s polesit-

Hayley Matthews conceded 28 from three overs, Shawnisha Hector’s two overs cost 18, and Pooja Vastrakar conceded 11 from her only over. Jamaica’s total included 10 extras.

runo Guimarães and Bukayo Saka helped maintain Arsenal’s perfect start in the Premier League with a 2-0 win over Sunderland. Following a controlled first half, the Gunners were handed a scare 11 minutes after the restart when the hosts were awarded a penalty, but David Raya made a brilliant save to palm Enzo Le Fee’s spot-kick against the left post. A dramatic twist saw Arsenal lead just two minutes later through a fantastic top-corner finish from Guimarães, his first goal since joining in the summer from Sunderland’s bitter rivals Newcastle. More drama followed in stoppage time when Reinildo Mandava was sent off and Saka scored from the penalty spot to cement Arsenal’s fourth Premier League win from as many games, while the Wearsiders slipped to their second league defeat. Sunderland named an unchanged team from their draw at Brentford, while Arsenal

made four switches from their midweek Champions League victory over Napoli as Riccardo Calafiori, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Christos Tzolis and Kai Havertz all started. Arsenal offered an early glimpse of danger when Declan Rice picked out Saka, who got in behind before flicking a tame effort into the arms of Robin Roefs. Former Arsenal man Granit Xhaka then threatened for the hosts when his whipped free-kick found Dan Ballard, who headed wide. The Gunners controlled the tempo but struggled to break through the Black Cats’ defence, and Gabriel Magalhães saw his low strike from outside of the box fizz wide. Martin Odegaard moved unmarked behind Sunderland’s defence before cutting the ball back for Havertz, and the forward blasted over before coming close again moments later with a hooked effort which Roefs tipped over. Arsenal’s frustrations continued as Mikel Arteta was

shown a yellow card and Sunderland began to sniff around the visitors’ box when Thomas Meunier’s strike was deflected behind before Le Fee fired wide. The Gunners looked to strike on the stroke of halftime when Saka’s cross was flicked away by Xhaka. Sunderland looked bright after the restart as Meunier’s effort was blocked and the hosts had an opportunity to take the lead from the penalty spot in the 56th minute. Referee John Brooks pointed to the spot when Ballard was brought down by Ezri Konsa in the area, and Le Fee’s penalty was denied by Raya. The champions suddenly took the lead in the 58th minute when Guimaraes fired a superb strike from outside of the area, which crashed off the underside of the crossbar and into the net. The visitors nearly caught Sunderland on the break when Odegaard played in Saka, who was denied by Roefs, and Ballard made a goal-line clearance from the resultant corner. Guimaraes curled an effort just wide, and the Black Cats then had a promising opportunity when Nordi Mukiele’s backheel effort was blocked. Jurrien Timber’s header from a free kick was ruled out for offside, and Mukiele came close again for Sunderland, hooking a strike over before having another effort saved by Raya. Late drama followed when Reinildo was shown a second yellow card at the death and Saka slotted home from the penalty spot in the seventh additional minute to seal three points. (ESPNFC)

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2026

Kaieteur Attack club takes “Stars of the Nation” Tennis competition Keep Fit series to Linden– Table set for September 19–20 Soesdyke Highway

he Kaieteur Attack Racing Cycling Club will host another edition of its Keep Fit Race Series today, Sunday, September 13, with cyclists set to contest an approximately 60-mile race along the Linden–Soesdyke Highway. The race is scheduled to start at 07:00h at the Glass Factory Junction and finish at the Linden Highway Police Outpost. Organisers have listed admission at GY$1000. Riders will follow an outand-back course, travelling approximately 30 miles to a designated turning point before beginning the return journey to the finish. The highway route will place distance and endurance at the centre of the latest event in the 2026 series. Cyclists will need to manage their effort over both legs of the course as they work towards c o m -

The MEYTS Youth Organisation will host its “Stars of the Nation” Table Tennis Competition at the National Gymnasium on September 19–20

The Kaieteur Attack Racing Cycling Club will host another edition of its Keep Fit Race Series today

pleting the approximately 60-mile challenge. The club is encouraging riders to arrive prepared for the distance and the demands of the Linden– Soesdyke Highway, with

organisers anticipating a fast and demanding contest.

Razaullah's heroics delay Saim Ayub's CPL return by day

he MEYTS Youth Organisation will host its “Stars of the Nation” Table Tennis Competition at the National Gymnasium on September 19–20, bringing together senior and junior teams across six categories. The opening ceremony is scheduled for 10:00h. The competition will receive cooperation and technical support from the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) and the National Sports Commission (NSC). Senior players will compete in men’s, women’s and mixed team categories, while the junior division will feature boys’, girls’ and mixed teams. Each team must comprise two registered players, and no player may represent more than one team in the same category. Organisers say the two-player arrangement is intended to make it easier for participants to find a partner. The tournament aims to develop local table tennis players, motivate junior athletes to pursue excellence and encourage newcomers to train and compete. It also seeks to provide a standard of competition that prepares athletes for national and in-

ternational events, while promoting table tennis as a lifelong sport and a means of personal development. Winning teams will receive recognition through an initiative called “The Star Legacy”. A photograph of the winning team in each category will be displayed in front of the star and remain there until new champions are crowned at the next competition. Competition will follow what organisers describe as the Corbillon-style team format, with shorter ties in the early rounds and an expanded programme for the semi-finals and finals. From the round of 32 to the round of 16, each team tie will consist of a maximum of three matches, with the first team to secure two victories advancing. Individual matches will be contested over the best of three games, with each game played to 11 points and requiring a twopoint winning margin. The opening singles match will pit Player A from one team against Player X from the opposing team, followed by Player B against Player Y. If the teams are tied at one win each, the two pairs will contest a deciding doubles match.

For the semi-finals and finals, teams must win three matches to secure the tie, and each individual match will be played over the best of five games. Games will again be played to 11 points, with a two-point margin required. The championship sequence begins with Player A facing Player X and Player B meeting Player Y, followed by doubles. If necessary, Player A will then play Player Y, with Player B facing Player X in the fifth match. There will be no dead rubbers. A tie will end immediately once a team reaches the required number of victories – two in the early rounds and three in the semi-finals and finals – and any remaining matches will not be played. Players will receive a five-minute rest period between the singles matches and the doubles match. Teams must have two identical competition jerseys in the same colour, along with appropriate table tennis shorts or skirts and non-marking indoor sports shoes. Where opposing teams have conflicting jersey colours, the referee may instruct a team to change uniforms. The event forms part of the MEYTS Youth Organisation’s drive to mobilise and empower young people through sport, encouraging participants to play, compete, grow, and develop a sense of belonging. Registration forms, rules and game schedules will be updated through the organisation’s Facebook and WhatsApp channels. Interested participants can follow “MEYTS youthorg” on Facebook or call or WhatsApp 592 656 9288 for further information.

WCPL: Barbados squeeze out...

FROM PAGE 28

Saim Ayub has had a fruitful season with Jamaica Kingsmen so far (CPL T20)

amaica Kingsmen had booked Saim Ayub on a flight from the UK to Barbados on the night of the third day of the Edgbaston Test, which appeared set to finish on Friday. Ayub's arrival in Barbados will now be delayed by at least a day after Razaullah's heroics stretched the game, which England won by eight wickets, to lunch on the fourth day. England and Pakistan supporters were glued to Razaullah's remarkable Test innings at Edgbaston on the third evening, but the Kingsmen might have been watching with mixed emotions. Cricinfo under-

stands Kingsmen had secured the PCB's permission to fly Ayub back yesterday, should the Test have concluded in three days. Ayub, who was enjoying a fruitful season with Kinsgmen, was called up to Pakistan's Test squad unexpectedly after they sent home seven players following defeat in the second Test. Ayub arrived in the UK directly from the Caribbean, where he had scored a century just days earlier. He did not have a similar impact on the whites, though, with either bat or ball. He scored a pair in the Test as opener and did not take any wickets.

The extra day had significant ramifications for Kingsmen. They take on Barbados Tridents in Bridgetown tonight, with both teams locked on eight points each. Kingsmen need to avoid defeat to guarantee qualification for the playoffs. However, Ayub will not be available. Kingsmen were defeated in the other game they played while Ayub was on Pakistan duty – the Guyana Amazon Warriors last Saturday. It is understood Ayub will be available for the remainder of the CPL, with no Pakistan international matches scheduled in this period. (ESPNcricinfo)

Earlier, Barbados won the toss and elected to bat but slipped to 56 for four before Green and Bates rebuilt the innings with a valuable 78-run fifth-wicket partnership. Joseph struck three fours in her 14 from 15 balls before Nonkululeko Mlaba took a return catch to make the first breakthrough at 31. Navgire followed for eight, caught by Taylor off Henry, while Harleen Deol made two before being caught by Syeda Aroob Shah off Alleyne. Captain Matthews contributed 21 from 23 deliveries, including three boundaries, before Taylor caught her off her own bowling in the 10th over. Green and Bates then carried Barbados to 134 before Taylor removed Green in the final over. Green’s 39 came from 36 balls and included one four and two sixes, while Bates finished

Meg Lanning and Amy Hunter put on a century-opening stand for the Jamaica Empress side (WCPL T20)

unbeaten on 39 from 28 deliveries, striking three fours and a six. Taylor claimed three wickets in that final over, having Green caught by Henry, Vastrakar caught by Djenaba Joseph for two, and Fraser caught by Henry without scoring. Fletcher struck her only delivery for four to lift Barbados to 140

for seven, with 11 wides contributing to the total. Mlaba provided Jamaica’s most economical spell, taking one for 16 from four overs. Henry returned one for 16 from two, and Alleyne took one for 29 from four. Rosemary Mair conceded 29 from three wicketless overs, while Shah’s three overs cost 21.

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2026

GFF/GFA U17 Youth Ensemble

Sobers hat-trick leads Pele to commanding opening win

Ryan Sobers, Dashawn Hopkinson and Samuel Iogo scored for Pele FC

yan Sobers struck a hat-trick as Pele Football Club (FC) defeated Vengy 5–0 on Saturday at Parade Ground, Georgetown, where the GFF/GFA Youth

Ensemble U17 tournament opened with convincing wins for Pele and Riddim Squad. Riddim Squad beat Black Pearl 6–1 in the final match of the September 12

programme, while Beacon FC secured a walkover victory against Eastveldt FC. Sobers was the standout scorer in the opening fixture, netting in the 55th, 58th and 80th minutes to help Pele make a strong start to the 2026 competition. Dashawn Hopkinson had opened Pele’s account in the 32nd minute. Sobers then added two goals in quick succession before Samuel Iogo scored in the 70th minute. Sobers completed his treble with Pele’s fifth goal in the 80th. The second scheduled match ended in a walkover for Beacon, who were awarded three points and three goals against Eastveldt. In the closing encounter, Riddim Squad had six different scorers as they overcame an early equaliser to record the day’s high-

The second scheduled match ended in a walkover for Beacon, who were awarded three points and three goals against Eastveldt

est-scoring victory. Keshawn Henry put Riddim Squad ahead in the fourth minute, but Aluko Jervis brought Black Pearl level in the 10th. Jashawn Marshall restored Riddim

Squad’s advantage in the 30th minute, before Inshan Alli extended the lead in the 47th. Dequwan James added another in the 61st minute, followed by Malakai

Gowen in the 67th and Gavin Towler in the 76th, completing the 6–1 result. The league continues next Saturday at Parade Ground with three more matches.

Guyana names 44-member Guyana set to host delegation for South 1st Caribbean beach American Games volleyball championship

Shemar Britton will be representing Guyana in table tennis

uyana will field a 44-member delegation across eight sporting disciplines at the XIII South American Games in Argentina from September 12 to 26, with several competitions offering qualification opportunities for the 2027 Pan American Games. The national contingent will compete in Boxing, Athletics, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Archery, Tennis, Esports, and Squash at the Santa Fe 2026 Games, which will be staged across Rosario, Santa Fe, and Rafaela. Professional tennis player Sachia Vickery is among the notable additions to the team and will make her debut representing Guyana. Her participation adds to the country’s presence at a

Professional tennis player Sachia Vickery is among the notable additions to the team

competition expected to attract more than 4000 athletes from 15 countries. Approximately 465 events across 43 sports are scheduled for the Games. Beyond the competition for medals, qualification places available in several competitions will give athletes an opportunity to advance towards the 2027 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. Chef de Mission Osafa Dos Santos will lead Guyana’s delegation, supported by Deputy Chefs de Mission Lennox Daniels and Mark Scott. Coaches and physiotherapists will also accompany the team to provide technical guidance and athlete support. Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) Vice President Cristy Campbell and Secretary General

Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon will represent the association at key South American Sports Organisation (ODESUR) meetings and official engagements during the Games. The assignment comes amid an extensive program of international participation supported by the GOA this year. According to the association, more than 350 athletes and officials from over 12 sporting disciplines have received support to attend major regional and international competitions. The GOA has identified these opportunities as part of its commitment to strengthening Guyana’s athlete-development pathway, with the 2027 Pan American Games and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games among its longer-term targets.

Guyana is set to host its first Caribbean Beach Volleyball Championship on September 26–27, with teams from Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Cayman Islands expected to compete

uyana is set to host its first Caribbean Beach Volleyball Championship on September 26–27, with teams from Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Cayman Islands expected to compete alongside the country’s leading players at The End Games Beach Volleyball Caribbean Championship. Hosted and sanctioned by the Guyana Beach Volleyball Association (GBVA) and the Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF), the tournament will also offer the top local team a route to the next CSV Tour leg in French Guiana in October 2026. According to the organisers, the competition will mark the first time a Caribbean Beach Volleyball Championship is staged on Guyanese shores. It will give local players an oppor-

tunity to test themselves against regional opposition while strengthening sporting relationships across the Caribbean. The championship builds on the GBVA’s Annual End Game Beach Volleyball Tournament, which the association describes as the leading event on its calendar. The two-day programme is expected to bring together athletes, officials, supporters and other stakeholders for a weekend of competition and sportsmanship. Beyond the September tournament, the organisers see the event as a step towards bringing a South American CSV Tour tournament to Guyana for the first time in 2027. The local winners, or highest-placed Guyanese team, will qualify to participate in the October 2026 leg in French Guiana.

The GBVA is working with sponsors and stakeholders to support the championship. Sagacity and Autopits are among the principal supporters, alongside the Ministry of Tourism and several small businesses. The association said it was also awaiting support from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, which it indicated had been promised. With regional teams expected to participate, the organisers aim to showcase Guyana’s beach volleyball talent, expand access to international competition and build a stronger foundation for future events.

CLASSIFIED ADS VACANCY

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2026

WCPL: Guyana Amazon Warriors secure win over Knight Riders

year’s title. The Amazon Warriors innings started brightly enough with 17-year-old opening batter Eboni Brathwaite taking the attack to a very strong Knight Riders bowling attack. She smacked the hugely experienced Marizanne Kapp for six, but p l a y the South African off hopes came back to alive with a bowl her with 25-run win one that nipped over the back for 13 from Trinbago six. K n i g h t In the face of Shermaine Campbelle continued her fine the pace bowlR i d e r s form with 31 from 28 ing of Kapp and (TKR) in the balls (WCPL T20) 2026 Limacol Shikha Pandey, W o m e n the Amazon C a r i b b e a n Warriors reP r e m i e r ally strugL e a g u e gled to match (WCPL). Runs Brathwaite’s for Shermaine c a m e o . Campbell and S h e r m a i n e wickets from Campbelle conShabnim Ismail tinued her fine and Shamillia form, and she Connell set up the backed up the win which leaves half-century all teams still in she made in the contention for this Amazon Warriors he Guyana A m a z o n Warriors (GAW) kept their

Shabnim Ismail helped rip out the Knight Riders' top order inside the power play (WCPL T20)

The Guyana Amazon Warriors celebrate another wicket (WCPL T20)

opening match with 31 from 28 balls in this game. Laura Harris claimed the wicket of Campbelle to put real pressure on the Amazon Warriors in the death overs with two new batters. Then Pandey dismissed both Nadine de Klerk and Chloe. Tryon in the space of three balls to make things even harder for the Guyanese franchise. In the end they reached 119/8 and were

in need of a good bowling performance for them over the line. That is exactly what GAW got with Shabnim Ismail and Shamillia Connell ripping out the Knight Riders' top order inside the power play. After the first six overs the Knight Riders were 22/5, and it could have been even better if Connell hadn’t put down a chance off her own bowl-

ing to claim another wicket. With Harris, Kapp, Deandra Dottin, Jannillea Glasgow and Yastika Bhatia all gone inside the opening overs, it was left to Madeline Penna to try

and guide the Knight Riders home. She hit Ashmini Munisar f o r six in an attempt to get the run rate under control but was caught in the deep attempting to repeat the trick off the next ball. When Penna departed, it was left to the tail to swing for the fences, and that led to more wickets falling, with the Amazon Warriors claiming a big win ahead of their final group game against the Barbados Tridents on Sunday.

aaa Summarised scores: Guyana Amazon Warriors 119 for 8 (Campbelle 31, Pandey 2-9, Dottin 2-26, Kapp 2-20) beat Trinbago Knight Riders 94 for 9 (Penna 28, Ismail 3-21, Connell 2-12, Grimmond 2-19) by 25 runs

Sarwan named for West Indies’ Over-40s World Cup campaign in Guyana

ormer West Indies Captain Ramnaresh Sarwan has been selected to represent the regional side at the International Masters Cricket (IMC) Over-40s World Cup in Guyana from October 17– 31, with fellow former skipper Denesh

Ramnaresh Sarwan has been selected for West Indies’ IMC Over-40s World Cup campaign in Guyana

Ramdin appointed Captain. Sarwan, 46, brings the experience of 87 Tests and 181 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) to the West Indies squad for the 45-over competition. He joins several other former senior internationals as the hosts prepare to compete in the tournament’s second edition. The West Indies will begin their campaign against Australia at the National Stadium, Providence. Both teams are in Group A alongside defending champions South Africa, Sri Lanka, Namibia, Canada, Wales and Colombia. The 16 participating teams have been divided into two groups, with the top two from each advancing to the semi-finals. The final will be played at Providence. Ramdin, 41, represented West Indies in 74 Tests and 139 OneDay Internationals. His squad also includes former West Indies players Rayad Emrit, Sewnarine Chattergoon, Jason

Denesh Ramdin will Captain West Indies at the October 17–31 tournament

Mohammed and Devendra Bishoo, giving the team considerable international experience. Trinidadian leg-spinner Imran Khan adds an extensive first-class background, having accumulated 450 wickets during a 114-match career. He is among the players with first-class experience selected for the tournament. H e m n a r i n e Chattergoon, the elder brother of Sewnarine, also brings international experience through his appear-

ances for Canada. He previously represented the West Indies at the youth level. Lawrence Farnum, the West Indies masters T20 Captain who was in Pakistan for last year’s T20 World Cup, has also been included. Rajendra Sadeo will serve as manager, while Julian Moore has been appointed coach. Group B comprises England, New Zealand, the USA, Pakistan, India, Scotland, the Rest of the World XI and the Rest of

the Caribbean XI. Matches will be staged across Guyana, with Bourda, Albion and the recently built Anna Regina Stadium among the venues, alongside Providence. The tournament is being organised by IMC in collaboration with the Cricket West Indies Masters Association. Guyana’s President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, is the patron. This year’s competition follows the inaugural edition held in Cape Town, South Africa, two years ago. West Indies squad: Denesh Ramdin (Captain), Ramnaresh Sarwan, Sewnarine Chattergoon, Jason Mohammed, Lawrence Farnum, Randy Thomas, Antonnel Atwell, Hemnarine Chattergoon, Nickey Lathman, Larry Babb, Rakesh Maharaj, Rayad Emrit, Devendra Bishoo, Reno Mitterhoizer, Imran Khan, and Trevor Benn. Manager: Rajendra Sadeo Coach: Julian Moore

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2026

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

guyanatimesgy.com

WCPL: Guyana Amazon Warriors secure win over Knight Riders Pg 31

Sarwan named for West Indies’ Over-40s World Cup campaign in Guyana

Pg 31

GFF/GFA U17 Youth Ensemble

Sobers hat-trick leads Pele to commanding opening win

Pg 30

The GFF/GFA Youth Ensemble U17 tournament opened with convincing wins for Pele and Riddim Squad

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